Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 8
Chapter 8: An Affronting Proposal Occasions the Sudden Departure of Teihchungyu
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 VIII.
“AN AFFRONTING PROPOSAL OCCASIONS THE SUDDEN DEPARTURE OF TEIHCHUNGYU.
Nor branch nor root connected them, nor aught But their fair virtues were their bond of union : The vulgar form a judgment from th’ outside— These by the emulous course of noble deeds Each other knew—Lo, as when rain and winds Are rife, fair summer flowers their petals close ; Or, as when misty clouds approach her orb, The delicate moon seems to contract her brows : —So did our hero meet the paltry knave, Whose notions with his own accorded well
As round with square !
THE magistrate, convinced as he was by his emissary of the rare virtues of Teihchungyu and Shueypingsin, became inspired with the utmost respect and regard for both, and lost no time in celebrating them to every one. Indifferent persons uttered some expressions of surprise, and then thought no more about it; but the uncle Shueyun was led to soliloquize thus: ‘‘ My late endeavours to bring about the marriage of my niece with Kwoketsu did not arise from any wish that she should espouse Aim in particular ; for were she but married at all, I should possess the ma- nagement of my brother’s property. That young man’s chance is now quite gone ; but she has luckily formed a great friendship for this other youth, and in spite of
what
what I hear concerning their mutual reserve, I am
pretty sure it is all assumed, in order to screen them-
selves from scandal—in their hearts they must secretly
wish for marriage; and if I only go and propose the
agreeable subject, it cannot but delight them. Should
my endeavours succeed, the family property will come
under my management of course.”
No sooner was his resolution formed than he un- locked the private door, and went over in search of his niece, whom he thus addressed : ‘‘ The proverb * says ‘the drum that is not beat will not sound; the bell that is not struck will not ring ;’? and moreover,
- The eyes that are ailing for ten days will in nine
more cure themselves.’ Your behaviour to Teih- chungyu excited other people’s doubts, as well as my own, and we little expected that you would both turn oat to be ‘ the pure metal which dreads no fire.’ The perfect propriety with which you evinced your mutual gratitude, and the total absence of clandestine mo- tives, have converted suspicion into admiration and respect.”
“© My conduct,” replied his niece, “ was different from the reserve usually maintained between the sexes ; but the misfortune of Teihchungyu being in-
n 2 curred
© These proverbs are trite and stupid enough, and seem put into the speaker’s mouth to make him appear ridiculous. The first probably refers to the proof that had been made of his niece’s virtue—the second, to the re-establishment of her reputation.
curred in my defence, I could not endure to act
otherwise: I overstepped empty forms for the sake
of rescuing him from real danger. Neither is what
I have done without a sanction in the example of the
wise and virtuous; and as he is now happily re-
covered, I have no more anxieties on the subject.
With respect to what you say concerning my be-
haviour, it was merely what decency required of me,
and therefore quite unentitled to the compliments
you pay it.”
Do yourself justice,” replied he—* Such people as Loonantsze and Lewheahoey * are of rare occur- rence ;—but let that rest. I have not forgotten that I am your uncle, and come here with a proposition of some consequence. Believe me that it is for your own good, and do not suspect my intentions.”
‘“* Every proposal,” said his niece, “ must be mea- sured by the rules of conscience and propriety: if allowable, let it be adopted; if not, it must be re- jected. You say your intention is good, and there- fore I will not entertain any suspicion to the con- trary; but let me ask what it is you mean ?”
“ The old maxim,” he began, “ well observes,
- When a youth is grown up, let him marry ; when a
maiden is grown up, let her become the mistress of a family.’ You are still very young, but not too young for the nuptial union. If my brother were here, he
would
- See note, p. 128.
would be your proper adviser ; but as he is unhappily
exiled to the frontier, and his return wholly uncertain,
the farther postponement of your marriage does not
seem expedient. I urged you before to espouse the
minister's son, because he was constantly pressing
me, and I could not get rid of him: but your late
admirable conduct bas shewn you to be far removed
above ordinary females: and this Kwoketsu, though
he belongs to a rich and powerful family, is a con-
temptible fellow, and no match whatever for you.
Plenty of young men might be found in the empire
with advantages equal to his; but to discover one
who joins the qualities of a hero to youth and great
accomplishments—one who could be considered as a
proper counterpart to yourself, is not so easy. Hea-~
ven, however, when it produced the prodigy Meng-
kwong, did not fail at the same time to create a
Leanghoey ; and when it gave birth to yourself, who
have displayed such rare excellencies, it provided for
you a Teihchungyu. He possesses not only youth, and
talents, and personal attractions, but in addition to
all these, every quality of a hero or worthy of old
times. Constrained by the peculiar circumstances in
which you found yourselves, good feeling urged you
to recompense each other’s services ; and now, there-
fore, you are unwilling to originate the subject of
marriage; but I, your uncle, can view the subject
dispassionately, and consider that the mutual requital of
of benefits is not likely to happen more than once,
while wedlock would secure your common welfare for
life; it should not, therefore, be neglected.”
- The intentions of heaven,” replied the young
lady, “ arc beyond our reach, and we must be governed by the course of human events. Heaven produced Confucius to be a sage, and not a prince; and gave birth to the beautiful Mingfei to espouse the Tartar Chenyu* instead of the Emperor. These were the destinies of their lives, and beyond the control of either. There is nothing personal about Tcihchungyu which could create an objection to what you pro- pose; but the circumstances in which we have chanced to be placed in relation to each other put marriage out of the question.”
- Your mutual good offices and friendship,” said
her uncle, “‘ are quite consistent with marriage ; why should they put it out of the question ?”
“ The rites of wedlock,” Shueypingsin replied, ‘© demand that it be first proposed to the parents by authorized persons ; when their consent is obtained, the parties may contract the union: but, unhappily, our first meeting occurred in an irregular and unex- pected rencontre at the magistrate’s ; and when Teih- chungyu subsequently fell sick, J was compelled to receive him at my own house. Our mutual gratitude
and
© Otherwise called Chaoukeun and Hanchenyu. Their history forms the subject of the Chinese tragedy appended to this romance.
and friendship were thereby complete ; but this is not
the mode of contracting marriage among scrupulous
and exalted characters.”
s Remember,” said her uncle, “ what you ob- served the other day, about the license afforded by particular exigencies.”
- Such exigencies,” answered she, ‘are of rare
occurrence, and when they are past, we must not in- vesit fictitious ones. Besides, a certain freedom of action may be allowed in all things except so im- pertant a concern as marriage, which, being the chief of human relations, should be scrupulously regulated from first to last—it does not allow of any such la- titude.”
“ There is no need to talk in that style,” cried the other; “‘ your acquaintance began in difficulty and distress, yet every body knows that neither of you had: any sinister intentions, and accordingly there can be no objection on that score.”
“ The proof of our motives being innocent,” re- plied the young lady, “depends on our not con- cluding this acquaintance by marriage ; we shall then be consistent to the end. Were we to finish with wedlock, who would believe that we began without any views towards it? It concerns our reputation through life, and must never be—I trust that. you will consider the subject in a proper light.”
Perceiving that she would not listen to him, Shueyun
began
pun began to be angry. ‘“‘ What has a girl of your
age to do,” exclaimed he, “‘ with a style of talking
which would better suit some decayed old pedant !
However, [ say nothing more to you at present; but
will go and consult Teihchungyu himself. He is the
person you respect above all others, and if he con-
sents, you will hardly venture to do otherwise.” So
saying, away he went to call upon the youth.
Our hero was sitting quietly in the library: when his page announced that the younger brother of Shueykeuyih from the adjoining house had arrived to see him. -He went out to receive his visitor, and invited him to take the guest’s seat. Shueyun began the discourse, by excusing himself for not calling be- fore, on account of particular engagements: while Teihchungyu, in like manner, pleaded the state of his health for not having anticipated him. The other then opened his business, by saying that he came on purpose to make a proposal, and being asked what this might be, replied, ‘ It is no other than the marriage of my niece.”
Teihchungyu’s indignation made him change co- lour. ‘ You mistake, sir,” exclaimed he; “Iam a stranger, and should expect you to propose any subject directly to myself * rather than your niece’s marriage |”
“ | know,”
- The intervention of negociators is an indispensable form in a regular
Marriage.
’ & I know,” said the other, “ that I ought not to
mention it directly to yourself; but when my niece
was carried off the other day by Kwoketsu, she was
indebted to your courage for her rescue, and that is
my reason for making the proposal.”
“ What I did then,” replied Teihchuagyu, “ was the effect of momentary indignation at a case of op- pression which fell in my way—there was no preme- ditation in it ; but what you say now you have prepared yourself for. Youno doubt think that because I ac- cepted a lodging here, I am so low and depraved a character as to allow you to propose any thing you please. I therefore take my departure at once, that you may waste no words upon me.”
Shueyun perceived that he was offended, and en- deavoured to pacify him. “ Pray, sir,” said he, “ do not take amiss what I have suggested : my intention is good, and if you will only sit down and hear me out, you will be sensible that it is for the benefit of all.”
“| have heard,” replied Teihchungyu, “ that a man of principle will neither speak of, nor listen to, what is improper in itself. You had better say no- thing more, for though you way imagine there is no harm in it, my way of thiaking is so different from your own, that what appears good to the one, may seem just the reverse to the other! J take my de- parture without asking any more questions.” With this he rose from his seat, and addressing himself to
one
one of the domestics of the family, said, “ Pray offer
my respects to your lady, and tell her, that my feel-
ings of gratitude for her kindness could never be
surpassed ; but that I am prevented from taking leave
of her by some insulting language which has just
been addressed to me.” This said, he called his page
and walked out at the door.
‘ Shueyun ran after to detain him; but the other
had already got out of his reach. Confounded
and abashed, he could not return to Shueypingsin.
“ What a silly, passionate fellow is this!” cried
he—“ I must give him up as my niece’s husband !”
So saying, he found his way home as fast as he
could.
He thought his flattering phrases needs must prove
Welcome—nor dream’d of foul repulse and shame!
And had not bounteous heaven his forehead arm’d
With impudence unmatch’d, this keen rebuff
Had stung him !
When Shueypingsin saw her uncle was determined to carry his proposal to our hero, she felt quite aware of the probable consequences. Fully prepared for his departure, and fearing lest he might not have time to provide for his journey, she put up a number of travelling requisites, together with ten taels in broken silver, which she intrusted to a faithful domestic, desiring him to be in waiting on the outside of the city- gate, and present them to the young gentleman as he went, without seeming to know what had passed.
For
For ever in the rearward of th’ occasion,
The blund’rer plods—t’ anticipate the future
Is Wisdom’s part! Where sense and spirit beam, They deck each sex alike— Where talent shines, In youth or age, what matter?
Teihchungyu, on his departure with his page, went straight to the monastery, and taking his station before the entrance, ordered the boy to go in and demand his travelling furniture from the priest. The latter, when he heard that he was at the door, came out in a great hurry, and with a low obeisance tried to persuade him to go in and take some tea. “‘ I am ignorant, sir,” said he, “‘ of the cause of your late resentment and sudden departure. His worship accused me of not being atten- tive enough, and persecuted me in a hundred ways. He desired me to find out where you were ; and since it is my good fortune to see you here again, you must not be allowed to leave us, or I shall answer for it with my life when the magistrate is informed.”
“ I chuse to say nothing about what has passed,” exclaimed Teihchungyu ; “ what is it you would have the impudence to propose now? Hear me plainly; I will neither go into your monastery, nor have any of your tea ; nor will I see the magistrate. Make haste and bring out my baggage, that I may proceed on my way.”
“ The servant has your baggage, sir,” replied the priest ; “‘ but pray do not depart so hastily, and kill me with your unjust anger. I really must not let you go; pray stop, if it were only for a moment.”
“ What !”
“ What!” cried the youth in a rage, “ are you such
a silly blockhead as to fancy I will be compelled to
enter your monastery in broad day for the sake of being
poisoned again? Let me advise you not to rely too
much on the magistrate’s power to protect your vil-
lainy: I have only to proceed to the proper authority
to-morrow, to overwhelm a miserable priest like your-
self.” .
While he said this, a couple of the magistrate’s
people came running up, with an invitation to Teih-
chungyu to visit their master; for the Chehéen, since
his repentance, being fully impressed with the merits
of the youth, was anxious to form a friendship with
him. He had stationed emissaries near Shueypingsin’s
house to watch his movements, and as soon as these
observed his hasty departure, they lost no time in mak-
ing their report: upon which the magistrate despatched
them at once with his message.
When Teihchungyu heard it, he burst into a loud laugh. “ Why,” exclaimed he, “I do not belong to this district ; I owe the government no dues; what does your master mean by sending you to me? I suppose he regrets my escaping his plots last time, and begs I will go and have the account settled now.”
The fellows said nothing, but at the same time seemed indisposed to let him pass; upon which he began to be in a passion, and would very soon have handled them
roughly ; when the people all cried out that “ his wor- ship
TRE FORTUNATE UNION, 189
ship was coming ;”—for the magistrate, guessing that Teihchungyu might not accept his invitation, had called for a horse, and ordering another to be brought after him, rode at a gallop to the spot, where he jumped off, and making the youth a low obeisance, “ Sir,” said he, “Tam duly sensible of my error and blindness in not discerning your merits, and take shame to myself on that account: but awakened to sorrow and repen- tance, I venture to beg that you will come to my residence, and afford me at once an opportunity of atoning for my past misconduct, and evincing my future gratitude.”
Hearing him speak out in this open way, Teihchungyu began to change his opinion. He returned the other’s salute, and replied: “ Sir,” to tell you the truth, I was proceeding a few days ago to require a great deal at your hands ; but being persuaded by a particular friend to abandon my design, I shall not think again of paying you a visit in your public hall. Your present style is such an improvement on the past, that I really cannot explain it:—do you adopt these manners with a view to practise some farther mischief against me ?”
“ Once was too often!” exclaimed the other; “ do not think it can be repeated. I have not only to ex- press my gratitude for your own indulgent forgiveness, but the kind eloquence of the young lady in my favour I can never forget.”
“ How ?” said the youth with surprise, “ what has
80
so suddenly wrought this favourable change in your
sentiments? I own it is most surprising.”
“You have been so good as to listen to me thus far,” replied the Chehéen; “ and I therefore venture to
‘request your company at my residence, where I have something very particular to mention.”
Observing the great change which had taken place in his manners and speech, Teihchungyu made no objec- tion to the proposal ; but mounting the other horse, rode with him briskly towards his residence. When they had arrived there, and seated themselves, Teihchungyu begged the magistrate to let him hear what he had to say without loss of time, since he had some distance to travel.
“ But why are you determined to go to-day,” in- quired the other ; “ why in such haste to depart ?”
“ I would willingly have deferred it a day or two,” replied Teihchungyu, “ and taken a little time to ex- press my gratitude to my benefactress: but a certain person insulted me with so impertinent a proposition, that I was compelled to depart.”
“ May I be allowed to ask what person and what proposition you allude to ?” asked the magistrate.
“ The person was Shueypingsin’s uncle,” said the youth, “and he proposed directly to myself that I should marry his niece.”
“ The man is bad enough,” observed the other ; “ but there was no harm in what he proposed: why did you refuse to listen to him ?”
Teihchungyu
Teihehungyu replied, “I will not deceive you; my
meeting with Shueypingsin was quite accidental ; but
our mutual obligations became afterwards so great, that
we cast off some part of the reserve which is customarily
maintained between the sexes, and behaved to each
other as friends. Although this has had its precedents
in the heroic ages, it is not conformable with modern
custom. The abrupt proposal of marriage by the uncle
implied, that like ordinary persons we would effect a
dishonourable union by clandestine and irregular means.
I certainly could not listen to such a scheme, and
therefore left him contemptuously* before he had done
speaking.”
“‘ There are two ways of viewing the matter,” ob served the magistrate, “‘ and I hope you will not remain so inflexible.”
“ How two ways?” inquired the youth.
“* Had there been any thing clandestine,” replied he, “ it would doubtless be an abuse of the institution of marriage, to borrow it as a pretext for continuing your acquaintance ; but if, on the contrary, you consider the difficulty of meeting with a worthy match, and endeavour to conclude so excellent an union, what possible objec- tion can there be, or why need you avoid her like an enemy? I asked you to accompany me hither, well knowing that a person of your stamp was not to be bribed by gifts, nor detained by feasts and entertainments ;
but
- Fith tsew, ‘ to flap one’s sleeve’ in a man’s face.
192 THE FORTUNATB UNION.
but a union of this kind, manifestly ordained by heaven, and to which there appears not the slightest impediment, —such a union calls for the exertion of every. worthy person towards its accomplishment. Did I stand idle by, it were an unpardonable omission! This was my object in inviting you hither ; and I earnestly hope you will abandon your resolution, nor allow so excellent an Opportunity to escape you.”
Teihchungyu sighed. “‘ Alas! sir,” replied he, “ why talk in this way? The human relations* are not to be confounded : the prince and subject cannot return to the relative condition of friends; and this young lady and myself, who have proved sych useful friends to each other in adversity, cannot contract the obligations of marriage. Were I to persuade myself to such a step, all that has passed between us would look like a concerted scheme : indeed it cannot be !”
“ I am surprised to find you so unnecessarily punc- tilious,” said the magistrate. “ Had you been inclined to act like some pedantic moralist, you would not have gone to the young lady’s house to be cured of your sickness—then why now, while every one is convinced of your rectitude, be so afraid of suspicion as to decline tying the silken knot? Your past and present conduct are at such variance, that I cannot understand you.”
Teihchungyu replied, “‘ When matters are desperate, and admit of no retreat, a virtuous man will yet retain the
desire
- Vide ante, page 5, note.
desire to vindicate the purity of his character whenever
oceasion offers: but if he continue without necessity
to act so as to excite slander, relying too much on
the imtegrity of his motives, there is danger lest he
degenerate into the vicious confidence of inferior
characters. I know not.for what reason, whether of
good-will or enmity, you take such an interest in this
business.”
“‘ My late disposition,” said the magistrate, “ in- clined me too much to flow with the stream of corrup- tion in matters of authority; but the danger which I incurred from your resolution to bring me to account, inspired me with fear and repentance, while the kind intercession of Shueypingsin in my favour excited my gratitude. I was led to reflect that an abuse of authority frequently leads to calamitous results, while 9 steady course of rectitude is attended with a peculiar satisfac- tion of the heart :—why, then, foolishly prejudice myself by deserting the virtuous, and taking part with the worthless side? This was the cause of my reformation. But the essence of true contrition consists in endeavour- ing to atone for former errors by after-acts of merit. When I perceived your superior qualities, and the more than feminine virtues of this young lady, I could not but suppose that heaven had brought you together on purpose. Had I been uninformed, then well—but as I had seen your. virtues displayed in public, and heard of them in private, any omission on my part to perfect a
VOL. 1. o match
match which has been equalled only in romance,
would have proved me unmindful of the duties of my
station. It constitutes the chief obligation of my public
office, and I am bound to exert all my energies to effect
it. Private feelings of gratitude are a minor motive.”
“ Ah!” said Teihchungyu, laughing, “ you make @ great mistake in confessing so much—you have no objection to obtain a little credit at the expense of my being betrayed into a wrong act.”
“ If you say 80,” replied the other, “ I must explain: myself farther. Your fear of being betrayed into what is wrong, proves you to be a good judge of whatis right. If Shueypingsin with such admirable intelligence and virtue has discomfited all the plots of her enemies, and if in recompensing your services, she has at the same time displayed the purity and excellence of her own mind, into what wrong act could you be betrayed by espousing her ?”
“ That is not the point,” said the youth. “ No regular marriage can take place without originating on the part of the parents: it is not for the parties themselves to decide. But where are mine in this case—where those of Shueypingsin? The union you propose is founded merely on what we know of each other by a casual meeting. A rightful marriage can never have such an origin as this: it might do very well for such people as Kwoketsu ; but the principles which I profess will not permit me to think of it.”
He
THE FORTUNATE UNION.” 195
He now rose from his seat, and prepared to depart, when the magistrate said, “ There is no time at present to. enter fully into the question, but I shall be satisfied, if you do not ultimately conclude the union, that it was wrong—if you do conclude it, I shall be convinced that it was right. I entreat you will keep what I have said in mind, and you may at some future day be convinced that my proposal arose from good intentions, the result of my late repentance—not from a mean desire of flattering your wishes. Being resolved to depart, I despair of being able to detain you. An offer of any entertainment from myself, you might suspect to be treachery, and a present you would probably reject: neither of these, then, can I venture to propose ; but if it be the will of heaven, I trust we may meet once more, that I may have an opportunity of proving my sincerity.”
“ I am much obliged to you,” replied Teihchungyu, “ for all you have taken the trouble to say, but your last words will be deeply treasured in my heart—many thanks, many thanks !” So saying, he took his leave, and accompanied by Seaoutan in charge of his things, sallied out at the eastern gate of the city.
No falsehood stain'd his nature ; nought could change His purpose—led by measur’d rule of right Fearless he walk’d. Alas! that worldly chance No course uncheck’d permits—without his fault A strange mishap awaited him ' In his haste to leave the place, Teihchungyu had
made no provision of any kind for the journey, and
o 2 when
‘
when his page reminded him of the necessity of pro-
curing a beast to ride, he was thrown into a perplexity.
Fortunately, however, the emissary of Shueypingsin
then appeared, and expressed his surprise at seeing our
hero so late in that place, where he had been waiting
since the morning by his lady’s order. Being asked
the purpose of his mission, the man replied, “ When
my lady saw her uncle going to visit you, sir, she was
aware that he might give offence by some rude speech,*
and occasion your sudden departure. She would not
attempt to detain you; but fearful lest you might want
time for preparation, she ordered me to he in waiting
here with some supplies for your journey.”
Charmed by this instance of her attention, Teih- chungyu replied, “I not only feel extremely grateful to your lady for her recollection, but her sagacious fore- sight and providence inspire me with the highest respect.”
The servant now said he must return, and asked if there were any commands for him. “ Your lady and myself,” replied the youth, “ met by mere chance on the highway; if I would speak of the obligations she has since conferred on me, they are too deep for expres- sion,—if I would mention other feelings, there are none which our present situation allows me to utter. Present, however, my most respectful regards to your lady, and say that I trust she will give herself no concern about me hereafter, though for my own part I never can forget
the © This seems contrary to the injunction he had received, page 186.
the gratitude which I owe.” The man then delivered
what he had in charge to the page, who was directed by
his master to provide a mule without loss of time, after —
which they proceeded on their journey towards Tongchin.
Having left their recent lodging somewhat late in the day, and lost much time at the magistrate’s, it began to get dark before they had proceeded above thtee leagues onward. They were still nearly a league from their halting-place, when the mule on which. Teih- chungyu was mounted refused to stir another step’ on any conzideration, so his rider was obliged to dis- mount and walk.. They had proceeded in this manner a very short distance, and were just turning thé’ angle of a wood, when they perceived running towards them, in apparent trepidation, a young man bearing a bundle on his shoulder, accompanied by a female in a blue dreas, with a cloth wrapped round her head. The instant these saw the youth, they were both seized with @ panic, and would have escaped into the wood; but Teihchungyu perceiving there was something extraordi- nary, cried out, “‘ Where are you running away with that woman ?”
The female was in such a fright that she could not stir a step, but stood stupified, screaming out to him to spare her life: while the other, not much less alarmed, abandoned his companion, and throwing away the bundle, began to run as if his existence depended on it. The youth, however, soon overtook
and
and seized him, demanding who he was, and promising
to spare him if he spoke the truth. The captive fell
down on his knees, and prostrating himself several
times, exclaimed, “‘ Spare my life, sir, and I will tell
you every thing. This woman is mistress to a person
named Letaekoong, at the village farther on; she is
called Taouche,* and being resolved to desert her
-home, prevailed on me to bring her away, and secrete
her for some time from pursuit.”
“ Then you make yourself out to be a rascally kid- napper!” said Teihchungyu.
“No, sir,” exclaimed the other, “ I am not indeed ; I am the sont of Letaekoong’s daughter.” Being asked his name, he said it was Seuenyin.
“ Are you sure you are speaking truth?” said Teih- chungyu. The other loudly disclaimed all wish to de- ceive him, and as there seemed no reason to disbe- lieve what he said, the youth loosed his hold of the prisoner, who no sooner felt himself at liberty than he jumped up and ran away. Turning to where the young woman stood, Teihchungyu asked her if she were not so and so ?—to which she replied in the affirmative. ‘Then
be ® © Peach blossom,’ or ‘ sprig of peach.’
+ The Chinese make a wide distinction between a son’s and a daughter’s children. The latter are called Waesun, “ alien grandchil- dren,” as belonging to another family, and having another surname :— the former, Nuysun, ‘“ domestic grandchildren,” as living at home, and
perpetuating the family. The children of sisters can intermarry, having different surnames ;—the children of brothers cannot, having the same.
be under no alarm,” said he ; “‘ I am going in the direc-
tion of your home, and will see you safely there ; will
that suit you ?”
“ If I return home,” replied she, “ they will aceuse
me of running away intentionally, and I shall have no means of clearing myself—but if you have any occasion for my services, sir, I am very ready to follow you.” - Teihchungyu could not help laughing at this proposi- tion. “ Very well,” said he, “‘ follow me, and we will talk the matter over on our way.” He desired his page to bring the bundle with them towards the village; and the girl, perceiving there was nothing else to be done, walked on in their eompany.
They had not proceeded above the tenth part of a league, before they were met by a crowd of persons running at full speed, who as soon as they came close up, and perceived the girl in company with a young man, began to cry out with one voice, “ We have found them—here they are!” The party then formed themselves into a circle round the three persons, while some of their number were sent off to acquaint Letae- koong.
“ Do not make such a clamour,” said Teihchungyu to the crowd ; “ I fell in with this woman just now, and brought her on with me.”
“We know nothing about that,” cried they alto- gether; “come and explain yourself to the officer of the village.”
When
When they had proceeded together a very little way,
they were met by another crowd, with a blaze of torches.
This proved to be no other than Letaekoong in person,
who had run thither on the first summons, and seeing
his mistress in company with a young and good-looking
youth like Teihchungyu, presently fell into an extacy of
rage. . Without stopping to ask any questions, he held
his fist to the stranger’s breast, and began to abuse him.
“ You profligate thief!” cried he, “ you have carried
off my favourite mistress; but I will be revenged. on
you, or it shall cost me my life !”
“ What a silly old fellow you are,” said Teihchungyu pushing him on one side, “ to fly into such a rage with me! Your mistress was carried off by somebody else, and.I rescued her for you—instead of assuil- ing. me so rudely, you should be very grateful for the favour.”
This only put the other into a greater fury. He be- gan to roar and stamp as he exclaimed, “ Who carried her off ?—bring him here and Jet me see him—where did you meet him ?—who saw it?” Then pointing first to the woman, and next to the bundle carried by the boy, “ Is not this my mistress ?” continued he ; “is not that my property?” He now proceeded to abuse the girl, and to ask her whither she intended to run ?
Seeing the humour he was in, Teihchungyu began to laugh at him. “ Don’t be in a passion,” said he, “ you see the girl is very safe !”
The
»
The crowd now interfered, and told the old man it was
too dark to make any thing of the matter where they
were—better proceed, then, to the officer of the village,
and get him to elicit the truth by threats of torture. He
assented to this, and they all went on in a body towards
the place.
It so happened that this village officer, being a mere clerk delegated by a higher authority, was glad enough of such an occasion as the presenf.. The moment he heard that somebody had enticed away one of the family of Letaekoong, whom he knew to be the richest man in the place, his covetousness was excited ; he affected to regard it as a most serious affair, put on his cap and garment of ceremony, and ranging his fellows in order, took his seat with as much grandeur as he could assume.
They all entered in a body, and the old man, kneel- ing down, made the customary report of his own name, and that of his mistress, stating how the lat- ter had been carried off while the doors were left open —how he had engaged people to pursue in different directions—and the manner in which she had been overtaken. Then pointing to Teihchungyu, “ There is the person,” said he, “ that carried her off, but I cannot tell his name—the stolen property is here too. { entreat, sir, that you will execute the law.”
The officer desired them to bring the culprit before him, and they led Teihchungyu to the front ; where, being ordered to fall on his knees, he only laughed at
them.
them. “ It is quite enough,” said he, “ if I do nat
insist on that man kneeling to me—what do you
mean by telling me to kneel to Aim ?”
This -infuriated the village officer, and he would have proceeded to extremities—but perceiving a dig- nity in the youth’s carriage, which argued that he was no ordinary person, ““ Who may you be,” exclaimed he, “ that give yourself such great airs ?”
- This,” replied Teihchungyu, “ is not the su-
preme eourt of civil jurisdiction, nor are you the pro- per authority to question me. Give yourself no trou- ble about my deportment, but try to be contented with your own humble lot.”
Such a reply served only to exasperate the other, who exclaimed, “ You appear before me as a criminal and a seducer—I suspect we shall alter your manners before you go.”
- Pray how happen you to know,” inquired Teih-
chungyu, “ that I am the person who ran away with the woman ?”
© This old man lost his mistress,” replied he, “ and you carried her off—if not yourself, who else should it be?”
- Good !” exclaimed the youth, “ she was seen in
my company, and therefore I carried her off! The chaste Lewheahoey himself, at this rate, was the greatest libertine that ever lived! But you are such a blockhead that | wonder who could be so blind and
stupid
stupid as to depute you to this place, to make yourself
ridiculous !”
Somewhat confounded, the other observed, “ I jadge, from the readiness and volubility of your specch, that you are some practised and hardened offender ; however, as you chuse to take these liber- ties on account of the smallness of my station, I shall refer you to-morrow to a higher authority; we will then see if you dare to repeat such insolence.”
“ No doubt,” cried Teihchungyu, “ your imme- diate superior must be the emperor himself!”
s* Emperor or not,” said the officer, “ you will find it out soon enough when you arrive there ;”—then turning to Letaekoong: “ It is entirely your own fault; what business has an old man like you with such a young mistress ?”
The girl herself was next desired to come forward. She was considerably past twenty, but decked out like a vulgar beauty, with a painted and bedizened face ; and when the officer asked her if she had run away of her own accord, or been forced to leave her home, she held down her head and said nothing. “I shall spare you for the present,” said he, ‘ but when we have you before a higher tribunal, and give your fingers a pinch, I dare say we shall make you speak.”
The old man himself was desired to take charge of both prisoners, and be answerable for their appear- ance on the following morning, when a petition
would
would be prepared. for him, and presented to the su-
perior tribunal, where he would no doubt obtain
redress for the outrage.
Letaekoong was obliged to submit, and conveyed the parties to his own house. He had seen Teih- chungyu browbeat the officer, and not knowing who he might prove to be, was afraid to treat him disrespectfully. One of his best rooms was accord- ingly prepared for the youth, who was invited to take some refreshment. The old man would wil- lingly have consigned the girl to the inner apartments, but, being fearful lest she might there contrive some method of confusing the evidence, he felt obliged to shut her up in the same room with Teihchungyu.
But to pursue our hero through these petty scrapes and difficulties, after he had surmounted such greater troubles, and to ascertain what happened at the next tribunal, the reader must peruse the following chapter.