Hao Qiu Zhuan/en1761-en2026/Chapter 10
Chapter 10 — Translation Comparison: 1761 ↔ 2026
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Chapter 10: Feigned Earnestness Before the Provincial Inspector: Turning the TablesFrom: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761) Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify. [Volume II, Book II, Chapters IX-X] CHAP. IX.[1] Shuey-guwin carried the paper of verses to his niece. "Well, said he, to oblige you I have made enquiry, and find it to be true. It is a very dirty business[2]. When I told you before that this man was a cheat, and every thing that was bad, you would not believe me. Now I have brought a convincing proof of it. You will both find that he is so; and that he hath caused reflections to be thrown upon us." She asked him, "What he meant?" He answered, "As I went to the Che-hien's, I saw a croud of people reading a paper; so many, that I was not able to come near. I heard them say there were more in other places. I went in search, and accordingly found one. I thought you would not believe me, so I took it down and here have brought it." The young lady having opened and read the paper, fell a laughing, and said to her uncle, "Kong-bob, or much joy!" "Why, said he, do you give me joy? What do you mean by it?" She answered, "Because you, that a little while ago could neither write nor read, are now able of a sudden to compose and write verses." "Whatever others, said he, might be disposed to believe concerning me, you know very well my insufficiency, and how incapable I am of any such thing. You are disposed to be merry." "It is true, said she, it was not you that made them, but Kwo-khe-tzu. They are the offspring of his masterly pencil[3]." "Alas! answered Shuey-guwin, he is looked upon as a man of letters: so am I. But he knows as little as myself. Far from being master of his pencil, he knows not how to use it at all[4]." "If he knows not how to handle his pencil, said the young lady, he knows how to use his tongue. The composition is altogether his own." "Why, said Shuey-guwin, should you talk thus? He is no enemy to Tieh-chung-u, what reason then could he have to abuse him?" "Think not, replied she, I am unacquainted with what passes in the breast of your son-in-law. He was alone the author of these verses. Nobody besides him knows any thing of the stranger. But fine as their composition may be, your niece, Sir, is a weak filly girl, and so far from being able to discover their beauties, she cannot even comprehend their meaning. How then can she be touched or affected by them? You had better lay aside all thoughts of this kind, and not spend your time to so little purpose." Shuey-guwin was so disconcerted, that he had not a word to offer farther on that head; but he said, "Niece, there is one thing I have to tell you. Think not that Kwo-khe-tzu will ever give you up; or lay aside his thoughts of you. He waits for the sanction of higher authority, than that of the Mandarines of this city. Yesterday the news arrived, that a Ngan-yuen or a Grand Visitor is coming hither, whose name is Fung-ying; one that was a pupil of his father's, and highly esteemed by him[5]. When he arrives, Kwo-khe-tzu intends to apply to him for his authority to conclude the marriage: which he will have compleated at your own house. Now as your father is not at home, and as I am a private person without any habit, and you a young woman of sixteen or seventeen years, how will you be able to manage this matter?" "Uncle, replied the young lady, this Mandarine comes with the Emperor's commission, and will doubtless act conformably to it. He is sent to supervise the province, and to rectify whatever is amiss. But I imagine he will exceed the bounds of his commission, if he comes here to offer any violence. Now marriage is an affair of private concern, and no way relates to the business of his office: nor is he any ways required to interpose in it. Should he therefore be wrought upon in the manner you threaten, he may not perhaps see himself in his post at the expiration of the year. But he is a man of understanding, and will not break the Emperor's laws: or even if he should, let us not be afraid." "You affect to speak in a very lofty strain, said her uncle; and talk of not fearing. When you come before the Grand Visitor, should he speak but two words with authority and justice, will not you be afraid? Certainly you will be very much frighted." "True, she replied, when it is with justice. Every body is afraid that is guilty: but who is concerned that is altogether innocent? You must not talk of this Mandarine only: but was it the Emperor himself, I should not fear: nor will I be terrified so far as to give myself up to the loss of my happiness[6]." "To me, said Shuey-guwin, you may talk in this manner. It would excite the laughter of any one else. What I tell you proceeds from friendship; regard it as you please: but when the time comes, you must not blame me: nor can you deny I have given you warning." "It is an old saying, replied his niece, Every one hath an understanding, a memory, and a will to direct him[7]. If you do not comprehend this, there is another common saying, that Every one knows his own necessity, whether it be hunger, cold, or heat. Be pleased therefore, Sir, to manage your own affairs. Your niece knows how to observe that which is lawful, just, and reasonable. Whatever I do, whether it be well or ill, whether it prove unfortunate or happy, let it not affect you with any concern." These words seemed to Shuey-guwin like the keen edge of swords dividing an iron bar. He looked very stern and out of humour, and rising up from his seat, said, "All I have told you proceeds from good will. A village mouth is good physic[8]. You may hearken to my words or not, as you please." He then went away, resolving to urge Kwo-khe-tzu to prosecute the affair with the utmost rigour[9]. It was about two months after this, that the Grand Visitor arrived. Kwo-khe-tzu went two leagues out of the city to meet him[10]: and made him a great many presents and entertainments. That Mandarine thought himself very much obliged by these civilities, and expressed a concern that he did not know how to return them: telling him that as he was but just arrived from the court[11], he had nothing to present him worth his acceptance; he desired him therefore to point out some way in which he could do him service. Kwo-khe-tzu answered, "Sir, you are a person of high quality and office. How can I presume to ask you any favour?" "Do not consider me in that distant light, replied the other, but rather as your intimate friend, to whom you may speak with intire freedom." "You do me a great deal of honour, replied the youth; there is indeed one thing which intimately concerns my welfare, and sits nearest to my heart. Could I but obtain your assistance in that—" The Mandarine desired to be informed what it was. "My father, he replied, is in a public employment; which so intirely engrosses his attention, that he hath none to bestow on the affairs of his family. For this reason, I am not yet married[12]." "What, said the other, have you yet made no offer of marriage to any one's daughter?" "Yes, he replied, I have; but the lady whom I would wish to marry, hath refused me; and therefore I intreat you to interpose in my favour." When the Grand Visitor heard these words he laughed aloud, and said, "There is something very singular and strange in all this. Your father is a minister of the first rate. You are a young man of quality. Who can refuse to marry with you? Pray whose daughter have you applied to, that you have been so unsuccessful?" He replied, "To the daughter of Shuey-keu-yeh, assistant to the tribunal of arms." "Her father, said the Mandarine, hath long been banished into Tartary[13]. Who takes care of his house? Is it her mother? She I suppose will not give her consent." Kwo-khe-tzu answered, "Her mother hath been dead many years. There is no one left here beside this young person. It is she herself who refuses my offer." "How! said the other, she, who is a young maiden! how can she refuse you? I fancy when you made your offer, or gave your present, she might know nothing of it." "My Lord, replied the youth, she knew it very well: but hath always been endeavouring to play me tricks." "If it be so, said the Grand Visitor, why did not you apply to the Che-foo and Che-hien, and get them to manage this business for you?" "I have applied to them both, said he, but she esteeming their offices but small, paid little regard to them. I therefore now have recourse to your lordship: and beg you will compleat this affair in my behalf. This will lay me under the greatest obligation as long as I live." "To promote marriage, said the Grand Visitor, is a thing highly good and charitable. I see nothing wrong in the affair in question: and therefore will undertake it for you. Who was your mediator or bridesman[14] before? Perhaps he did not make the offer clearly understood." The other told him, it was the Pao Che-hien, who carried the present himself to her house; which in her father's absence, was received by her uncle: and that every body knew this to be matter of fact. "If it be so, replied the Mandarine, I will issue out an order to-morrow, impowering you to go and carry her home to your house in order to marry her." "Should I go for her, replied the other, she would never be prevailed on to enter the chair: but would doubtless contrive some way to escape. I only beg the favour of you to let me go to her house and solemnize the marriage there." The Grand Visitor replied, "Very well: you may do so." Having finished their discourse on this and other subjects, and the entertainment being ended; Kwo-khe-tzu retired. Within two days the Grand Visitor performed his promise, and sent a chop or order to the Che-hien, as follows.
The Pao Che-hien when he had received this order and read it, saw plainly it was the contrivance of Kwo-khe-tzu. Yet to go and lay open the whole affair, he thought would expose him to that young man's resentment. On the other hand, the Grand Visitor would be apt to call him to account, whenever the truth should be discovered. After some deliberation therefore, he resolved to send a private account to that Mandarine of what he knew of the matter: which was conceived in these terms.
When the Grand Visitor received this letter, he was very angry with the Che-hien. "What! said he, am I in this great office, and have every thing at my disposal, even life and death, and yet am not able to prevail in so inconsiderable an affair, as the marriage of a filly girl, daughter of a banished criminal? It would be an affront to my dignity to pay any regard to her weak reasoning and trifling arguments." Accordingly he dispatched a second order to the Che-hien, which was to this purpose.
The Che-hien when he had received this second order, and observed it to run in very positive terms, such as would admit of no evasion, went in the first place to the house of Kwo-khe-tzu, and gave him notice that he was required to marry within the space of one month. He answered very joyfully, "Ay, ay! with all my heart." From thence he went to the house of Shuey-ping-sin: and bade a servant inform her, that he was come to speak with her by the Grand Visitor's order. The young lady, who knew well enough what was in agitation, commanded two of her servants to fix up the curtain in the great hall; and, as soon as it was let down, she entered. Then she bade one of them go to the Che-hien, and desire him to inform her in plain terms what was the purport of the order he had brought. He replied, "It is concerning your marriage with Kwo-khe-tzu. When I interposed at first, you shewed such aversion to it, that he hath for a long time desisted. But this great Mandarine, who is newly arrived, was a pupil of his father, and therefore hath been prevailed on to lend his countenance and assistance to have the marriage at length compleated. Yesterday I received an order requiring me to give notice to you both, that it must be concluded within the space of one month. I am just come from the house of Kwo-khe-tzu, whom I have advised of it. And I now wait upon you on the same account, that you may be prepared accordingly." The young lady replied, "Far am I from objecting to so honourable a thing as matrimony. Only my father is not at home, and I have not his licence. I am not mistress of myself, therefore beg you will do me the favour to go and acquaint his Excellency of it." "This, said the Che-hien, is the second order I have received to this purpose. The first I set aside, and gave my reasons for it. After which I received a severe reprimand, together with this new order, which is very positive. I cannot presume therefore to say any thing more to him. But do as you please. I do not pretend to force your inclinations. I only give you notice, as I am in duty bound." She begged the favour to see the order itself, which was so absolute and positive. He called his secretary, and bade him deliver them both to her servant. When she had perused them, she said to the Mandarine: "The reason why I refused to marry Kwo-khe-tzu, was because my father was absent, and I had not his consent. Should I marry without it, I am afraid he will be very angry with me when he comes home. For my vindication therefore, be pleased to intreat the Grand Visitor to let the two orders remain in my hands: which will declare plainly the conduct of the whole affair; and that it is done by his Excellency's appointment." The Che-hien consented to leave them with her, and promised to acquaint the Grand Visitor with her request, telling her he doubted not but that Mandarine would either permit her to keep them, or afford some other way for her to shew the reasons of her conduct. "How is this, said the Che-hien when he was withdrawn, that the young lady so suddenly accepts of Kwo-khe-tzu! Is it this superior authority, which hath made her comply? or hath she any other design which I cannot discover? I imagined she had kept herself all along for the handsome stranger." He went immediately to the Grand Visitor and told him what she said. That Mandarine laughed, and was very well satisfied. "How came you the other day, said he, to send me word that she was very cunning and subtle, and altogether averse to this marriage? You see now she is all compliance. If she desires to keep the two orders by her, as a justification of her conduct, let it be granted." The Che-hien went immediately, and informed her of it. "You must not now, said he, change your resolutions. This is no longer the affair of Kwo-khe-tzu; but relates to the Grand Visitor himself. Let your house therefore be put in order, and when the bridegroom can fix on a fortunate day, I will wait upon you with previous notice." The young lady replied, "As this is his Excellency's order, I shall not disobey it or go from my word; though he himself possibly may." "How! said he, can so great a man vary in his resolutions? No, no! that cannot be. You may depend on his steadiness." Then withdrawing, he went to Kwo-khe-tzu, and gave him notice to choose a fortunate day to compleat his marriage. He believing that the young lady had consented, was very joyful, and hasted to provide and prepare things for his wedding. CHAP. X. The Grand Visitor seeing that Shuey-ping-sin had accepted his order, was very well pleased, and having now been a few days in possession of his post, opened his gates to administer justice. The first day that he gave audience, about fifty came to present their petitions. He received them all, and appointed them to attend a few days after, when they should have them considered. All the company retired except one young woman, who remained upon her knees. The servants of the audience on both sides bade her depart. She did not obey them: but rising up went still nearer to the tribunal. And then cried aloud, "I am the daughter of one under condemnation. For this reason I did not get up and depart: not daring to hide myself or fly from justice. I came here this day to end my life. By this means I shall neither disobey your Excellency's orders, nor yet offend my own honour." With these words she drew forth a knife or poinard, and was going to plunge it in her bosom[16]. The sight of this very much surprized the Mandarine, who asked, Who she was, and what was the matter? "If you are injured, said he, I will redress you." At the same time he ordered his people to prevent her from doing herself any mischief. She replied, that she was daughter of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye, who was at present under sentence of banishment. "I am now, proceeded she, in my seventeenth year. My mother being dead and my father at a distance, I remain alone in my house a poor helpless maiden, observing the laws of virtue and modesty, as it becomes all young ladies to do. While I thus past my time in innocence, suspecting no harm, I have been treacherously persecuted by a youth, named Kwo-khe-tzu, who hath contrived a hundred ways to ensnare me; all which I have still endeavoured to avoid. For some time past he hath foreborne to trouble me: but there is lately arrived a Mandarine of great power and rank, who was his father's pupil. With this gentleman hath Kwo-khe-tzu lodged a petition, and obtained his favour: insomuch that the first thing he did after his coming, was to do violence to my inclinations by commanding me to marry this young man, contrary to all reason and law: [for he hath obtained no licence of father or mother: neither hath any mediator or bridesman interposed.] Two orders have been delivered out for that purpose. These I could not oppose, as being a young woman lone and friendless. But when I saw them, I was even bereaved of my life with apprehension and fear. Finding at length there was no other remedy, I sent my servant with a petition to Pe-king, with orders to strike on the Emperor's drum[17]. He hath accordingly been gone three days. This procedure I imagine you can never pardon, and am therefore come here with a firm resolution to end my life in your presence." As soon she had spoken these words, she again attempted to stab herself with her poinard. The Grand Visitor did not much regard what she said about Kwo-khe-tzu, but when he heard she had dispatched a servant to Pe-king, and saw her so resolutely determined to kill herself, he was seized with the greatest apprehensions. He begged her to forbear; saying, "How should I know what you have been telling me? Till now I never learned how the affair stood. But you have great reason for what you say. You must not offer any violence to yourself. I will take care you shall have justice done you. Yet there is one thing I must observe: you say you have licence of neither father nor mother; so far you are right: but that you had no mediator or bridesman, is not true." "The Pao Che-hien, replied the young lady, was indeed a bridesman, but not to me. He was such to my sister, my uncle's daughter[18]: and her hath Kwo-khe-tzu accordingly married, and long since carried home to his house." "If it be so, said the Mandarine, you have great reason on your side. But why did not you deliver in a petition to me, and inform me truly of the case. Had this been done, the last order had never been issued out. Why were you so hasty to send away a petition to Pe-king?" "I should not have taken these measures, she replied, had I not seen how absolute your last order was: wherein too plainly appeared the interest my adversary had gained in you. Now if I had sent up no petition to the court, but had died here in obscurity, every thing had continued in impenetrable darkness, and there had remained nothing to clear up my fame and conduct." He told her, the injury she complained of was not of such consequence, but that he could have redressed it; so that she needed not have applied to the Emperor, or have carried matters so far. "As this, added he, is a trifling affair, I can hardly conceive how a petition could be drawn up without enlargement or misrepresentation; which must fall very heavy upon you when it comes to be read[19]." She replied, "Why should I need to put any thing in it but matter of fact?" Then taking a paper out of her bosom, she presented it to him, as a true copy of what she had sent. He cast his eye over it, and found it contained a brief and succinct relation of the injustice done her, and by whom: informing his majesty, that before this could have reached his hands, she should have surrendered up her life, by killing herself before his tribunal: and that she sent her slave to fall down at his feet in order to petition for redress: and that though she should be laid in her tomb, her shade would still retain a grateful sense of the justice his majesty would do to her memory[20]. The very sight of the address of this petition threw the Grand Visitor into a cold sweat, and made him shudder. At first he was disposed to chide her severely for a precipitancy so fatal. But fearing it should drive her to extremities, he thought it better to sooth her with gentle speeches. "When I came here, said he, I was utterly ignorant of this affair. Kwo-khe-tzu drew me designedly into it. I thought I was doing a good action in promoting a marriage. It was out of friendship and benevolence that I interposed. I find I have been mistaken; and was misinformed as well about the consent of your father and mother, as about the intervention of the bridesman. Lady, proceeded he, return home to your house. Rest easy and quiet. Think no more of the tricks which have been played you: for I will set forth an order forbidding any one to molest you, or to concern themselves in any wise farther on the subject of your marriage. In return for which I must intreat you to dispatch a messenger away to bring back your petition." She replied, "To deliver out such an order as you mention is all I can expect or desire of your Excellency; and will be such a mark of your goodness as will deserve my best thanks. But how shall I cause my servant to return, when he hath been gone already three days on his journey?" "I will undertake to do that, answered he, if you will but give me a description of his person and dress." Then calling some of the most capable men of his audience, he dispatched them away, with an account of the person they were to pursue, commanding them to travel night and day with all imaginable speed, 'till they had overtook him and brought him back with the young lady's petition. She then took her leave, and went home in a chair, which the Grand Visitor had prepared for her. There at present we shall leave her and return to the Che-hien, Shuey-guwin, and his son-in-law, none of whom had the least notice of what had happened. On the contrary the latter of these was very joyfully employed in preparing things for his wedding, and in choosing out a fortunate or good day. Of which, as soon as it was concluded on, he gave notice to her uncle; who accordingly went to acquaint her with it, and to give her joy. At this Shuey-ping-sin laughed, and said, "What do you mean by a good day, and by giving me joy? Do you mean in this world or the other[21]?" Shuey-guwin replied, "Oh niece! you may make a jest of it to me: but you must not trifle with the Grand Visitor. Do you consider that he is a great Mandarine and whatever he says is the same as if spoken by the Emperor himself. He hath power over life and death[22]." She replied, "how should I make a jest of any thing to you, who are to me as a father. But the Grand Visitor that is now, is not the same that was the other day. He is quite changed, and become another person. To jest with the former is a thing of no consequence." "If you meant to make a jest of him, said her uncle, why did you accept the orders he issued out." "Uncle, said she, I took them merely to make a jest of them." She had hardly spoke before a servant entered to acquaint her that the Grand Visitor had sent a paper of declaration. She asked of what nature. "Doubtless, said her uncle, it is to hasten the completion of your marriage. Let me go out and see what it contains." The young lady assented. He accordingly went into the great hall, and seeing the officers, asked them what they had to say to his niece. "I suppose it is to require her to prepare for her wedding." The officers told him it was not so. "Our master the Grand Visitor, said they, having been but a short time arrived, knew not how affairs stood with regard to the marriage of this young lady. He never suspected but she had licence from her father and mother to marry, and that the bridesman had been accepted. It was but yesterday he was informed of the truth. He now gives out this order and declaration, forbidding any one to concern himself or meddle with her, whether by laying claim to her, or otherwise forcing her to marry against her inclinations." Shuey-guwin seeing the declaration and hearing what the officers said, was ready to die with fear, and utterly unable to answer one word: but taking the paper he went in and gave it to his niece. "Here, said he, is a declaration from the Grand Visitor; I know not what it contains." She accordingly opened it and read as follows.
When she had read it, she smiled and said: "What is this to the purpose? This is not to frighten men but monkeys. However, as it is a proof of his good will, I shall esteem it a great favour." Then she ordered her servant to put two taels of silver in a red paper for the officers that brought the declaration, and five mace[25] for the officers' servant. These she delivered to her uncle to give them. Not knowing how to refuse her, he quietly went and presented it to them, with his niece's thanks. Then he came back to her and said, "You were not mistaken when you said this Mandarine would change his sentiments. It is certain he hath now done it. But how comes he, that was before so pressing for the conclusion of your marriage, to give out now so contrary an order? This is what I cannot comprehend." His niece replied, "Where is the difficulty in this matter? He was then but just arrived, and esteeming me a poor silly girl, thought it was of no consequence what became of me. Then he only regarded Kwo-khe-tzu. But being now better informed; and finding that should he persist to offer me injustice, it would endanger his office; he hath altered his measures." "Your father, said Shuey-guwin, is not at home to protect you. What can you do of yourself? Can he be afraid of you?" She smiled and said, "Uncle, you must ask no farther questions. In a few days you will be better informed." Upon this he left her, his imagination being wholly busied in unravelling an affair which seemed to him of inscrutable intricacy. Unable to fathom so great a mystery, he went to inform Kwo-khe-tzu of it. To the latter it appeared so incredible, that he openly professed he could not believe it. "Do you think I would deceive you, said Shuey-guwin? Was not I there myself? And did not I give her present to the servants? If you have any doubt of it, I would have you apply to the Grand Visitor himself. This I would also advise you to do, in order to learn the motives of his conduct." This advice appeared so reasonable to Kwo-khe-tzu, that he ordered his chair and went immediately. That Mandarine had hitherto received him with the greatest kindness; and notwithstanding the most urgent business, always had him admitted. But now he sent an excuse, and said he had so many petitions and other affairs to dispatch, that he could not see him. Finding he could not gain admittance, Kwo-khe-tzu bowed and withdrew. The next morning he presented himself again, but still was answered that the Grand Visitor was prevented from seeing him by unavoidable business. He returned four or five days successively, but constantly received the same excuse. Surprized at this change, and enraged at the repeated mortifications he met with, "I will send a letter, said he, to my father at court, and acquaint him of the abuse and contempt I receive." He was very much provoked and mortified: but what farther relates to him will be seen at large in Book the Third. The End of Book the Second.
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Chapter 10: Feigned Earnestness Before the Provincial Inspector: Turning the TablesModern English translation by Martin Woesler (2025) To the tune of "Green Willow Tips": Thunder rumbles loud, but only hollow-hearted men fear it. Looking up, nothing to be ashamed of; Looking down, nothing to regret — Why sit in alarm, why start in fright? Those who practice deceit on others Find the thunderbolt strikes their own heads. When that moment comes, They no longer pray for gain — They pray only to be let off.
Miss Bingxin said: "What is disagreeable?" Shui Yun said: "Before I went, the rumor that he was a kidnapper was still in the realm of the vague and uncertain. Now that I have inquired, there is hard evidence — his reputation is in shreds. Never mind his disgrace — our own association with him reflects badly on us too." Miss Bingxin said: "What hard evidence?" Shui Yun said: "When I reached the county gates, I saw that some busybody had taken the whole affair of the Iron young gentleman's kidnapping and composed it into a set of verses. They were plastered all over the walls. Fearing you would not believe me, I peeled off a copy to show you." He produced the paper and handed it to Miss Bingxin. Miss Bingxin took it, opened it, and read. Then she burst out laughing: "Congratulations, uncle! When did you take up your studies? And now you are producing poetry and prose?" Shui Yun said: "Your uncle may fool other people, but how could I fool you? When have I ever composed poetry?" Miss Bingxin said: "If my uncle did not compose this, then it must certainly be the great literary work of Young Master Guo." Shui Yun stamped his foot: "Dear niece, do not slander people! Young Master Guo may call himself a man of talent, but his scholarship is the same as your uncle's — he cannot so much as hold a brush, let alone wield one. How can you blame him?" Miss Bingxin said: "His brush may not move, but his mouth certainly does." Shui Yun said: "What grudge does Young Master Guo have against this Tie fellow, that he should go to such trouble to compose satirical verses?" Miss Bingxin said: "Young Master Guo may have no grudge against the Iron young gentleman and no particular reason to slander him. But he at least knows the Iron young gentleman exists. No one else would even recognize the Iron young gentleman — why would they compose verses to mock him? That makes even less sense. Though I am merely a girl of the inner chambers, such crude doggerel cannot possibly sway me. Tell him not to waste his efforts!" Shui Yun, seeing that Miss Bingxin had seen through everything, dared not press the matter further. He merely said: "Let us set this aside for now. But there is another matter I must tell you about — you must not take it lightly." Miss Bingxin said: "What is it?" Shui Yun said: "It is nothing else but this: Young Master Guo's ardor for you remains undiminished. Recently, since the local prefect and magistrate are too junior to compel the matter, he has let it rest for the time being. But the newly appointed Provincial Inspector is one Feng Ying — the most devoted protégé of old Master Guo. The moment he arrives and takes up his post, Young Master Guo intends to petition him to officiate as matchmaker by force and to marry into our household as a resident son-in-law. Your father is far away on the frontier, with no word of when he might return. I am only a commoner without rank. You are a girl of sixteen or seventeen — how can you stand against such power?" Miss Bingxin said: "The Provincial Inspector is appointed to tour on behalf of the Son of Heaven, to redress wrongs and administer justice. If instead he obeys his patron's commands and forces marriages by disrupting the moral order, then he is not touring on behalf of Heaven — he is doing evil on behalf of his patron. The three-foot law of the court stands stern and inviolate — who would dare to break it? I beg my uncle to rest easy. I shall absolutely not submit." Shui Yun laughed: "It is easy to talk bravely before your uncle. But when you are brought before the Inspector and his authority descends upon you, and the instruments of punishment are truly applied — then, I think, you will be afraid." Miss Bingxin said: "It is true that when punishments are abused, even a gentleman may feel fear. Yet he does not, on that account, cease to be a gentleman. And being a gentleman, he has his great principles of personal conduct and integrity. Never mind the Inspector — even before the Son of Heaven himself, I would not debase myself. Why must my uncle cringe before petty men and play such power games?" Shui Yun said: "Power and profit — even the greatest heroes and knights of history cannot escape those two words. Why apply them only to petty men? I may be a petty man of power and profit, but I daresay even petty men of that sort gain some advantage." Miss Bingxin laughed again: "If power and profit yield advantage, then pray tell me, uncle: where is the advantage you have gained?" Shui Yun said: "Do not laugh at me, niece. I have pursued power and profit for half a lifetime. Though I may not have gained any advantage, at least I have not suffered any loss. But I fear that you, dear niece, by refusing to pursue them, will come to grief. And when that day comes, do not say your uncle did not warn you." Miss Bingxin said: "The old proverb puts it well: 'One cannot speak of ice to a summer insect; the cicada knows nothing of spring and autumn.' Each person knows their own warmth and cold. Let my uncle look after himself. I know only duty and honor — I know nothing of fortune or misfortune. There is no need for my uncle to worry on my behalf." Shui Yun, seeing that Miss Bingxin's words were as firm as iron driven through wood, knew there was no persuading her. He said breezily: "I offered my bitter counsel out of good will. Since you will not listen, what should I care?" And he went out. Privately he thought: "My slandering the Iron young gentleman as a kidnapper — she refused to believe it. My threatening her with the Inspector — she was not afraid. There really is no way to move her. Her brother has been exiled to the frontier with no date of return. Am I to let this girl sit on the family property forever? Once the Inspector arrives, I must provoke Young Master Guo into taking real legal action, dragging her through the courts until she is battered and broken. When my predictions come true, I shall be in a position to act." He went back to Young Master Guo and reported, embellishing Miss Bingxin's words: "The moment my niece saw the verses, she knew they were composed by the young master, and flatly refused to believe they were genuine. Then I threatened her with the Inspector's matchmaking, and she responded: 'If the Inspector is an upright man, he will not serve as the Guo family's lackey. If he is a man without backbone, then since he is willing to be the young master's matchmaker, the moment he lays eyes on a Vice-Minister's daughter he will fall over himself to ingratiate — how would he dare make trouble? Tell your Master Guo to abandon this foolish hope!' Do you think you can outargue her?" Young Master Guo, hearing this, was furious: "If that is how she talks, there is nothing more to say for now. When old Feng arrives, I shall file a suit first. Then we shall see whether he supports me — the son of a future Grand Secretary — or her — the daughter of an exiled Vice-Minister!" Shui Yun said: "If you can let it go, there is no need to endure this humiliation. Let her have the last word in the family quarrel. But if you truly cannot let her go, you must wait for the Inspector and strike hard — seize her and bind her tight. Then, clever as she is, she will have to submit. Arguing back and forth gets you nowhere — she will never come quietly." Young Master Guo said: "Go home for now, uncle. When the new Inspector arrives, you shall see what I can do." The two settled their plan and parted. Sure enough, two months later, the new Provincial Inspector Feng Ying arrived. Young Master Guo went out to the county border to greet him from a great distance. After Feng had taken up his post and conducted the initial ceremonies, Young Master Guo presented generous gifts and invited him to a banquet. Inspector Feng, being obliged to show courtesy to his patron's son, accepted. When they were deep into the drinking, Inspector Feng said: "I have only just arrived and have not yet distributed my stipend, yet here I am enjoying your generous hospitality. If there is anything I can do for you, I shall certainly oblige." Young Master Guo said: "Your Excellency's authority is as awesome as frost, as terrible as thunder — the entire province stands in awe. How would I dare trouble you with private affairs? There is only one matter that touches me personally, and I beg your guidance." Inspector Feng asked: "What matter is this?" Young Master Guo said: "My father has been wholly devoted to the service of the state and has had no time for domestic affairs. As a result, I have yet to find a bride." Inspector Feng was startled: "Do you mean to say you have not even been betrothed?" Young Master Guo said: "The betrothal was made. But now the other party is reneging." Inspector Feng laughed: "This is even more extraordinary! Given your father's eminence and your own youth and talent, who would not wish to be allied with your family? Who is the bride, that she dares to renege?" Young Master Guo said: "The daughter of Vice-Minister Shui of the Board of War." Inspector Feng said: "That would be Shui Juyi. He has been banished to the frontier — who is left at home to make such decisions?" Young Master Guo said: "Her mother is dead. There is no one else — the young lady makes her own decisions." Inspector Feng said: "How can a girl renege? Perhaps the original betrothal was made without her knowledge." Young Master Guo said: "Even if the original betrothal was made without her knowledge, I subsequently sent a matchmaker in person, went through all six rites, and sent the betrothal gifts to her house — and she accepted them all. How could she not have known? Yet when the time came for the wedding, she put up every obstacle and reneged on every count." Inspector Feng said: "In that case, why did you not ask the prefectural and county authorities to intervene?" Young Master Guo said: "I did ask them. But she looks down on them and refused to comply." Inspector Feng said: "Since that is how it stands, I shall issue an official notice and approve the marriage. But I am concerned that the matchmaking may not have been properly conducted, or that the betrothal gifts may not have been clearly received, or that the agreement was spoken but never confirmed — and that she was pressed too suddenly. That would be awkward." Young Master Guo said: "The matchmaker was Magistrate Bao himself. The betrothal gifts were also delivered by Magistrate Bao. When the gifts arrived at her house, it was her own uncle Shui Yun who received them on her father's behalf — everyone knows it. How would I dare deceive Your Excellency?" Inspector Feng said: "If the county magistrate served as matchmaker and the betrothal rites were properly conducted, then there is nothing more to discuss. Tomorrow I shall issue an order approving the marriage." Young Master Guo said: "I fear that when the sedan chair comes, she will refuse to get in and make further trouble. I beg instead that the order approve me marrying into her household as a resident son-in-law — then she will have no room to refuse." Inspector Feng nodded his agreement. They drank a few more cups in high spirits and then parted. A day or two later, Inspector Feng issued an official order to the Licheng County magistrate. It read: Order of the Provincial Inspector: Marriage is the foundation of human relations and public morals, and must not be delayed. It has been reported that Young Master Guo, son of the Grand Secretary, and Miss Shui, daughter of Vice-Minister Shui, have long been betrothed, with the county magistrate serving as matchmaker and the full rites duly performed. The betrothal having been concluded, the marriage should proceed forthwith. As Minister Shui is absent on duty, it is fitting that the groom marry into the bride's household. The magistrate is hereby ordered to notify both families and set an auspicious date for the prompt completion of the nuptials, lest the season for marriage pass and the harmonious customs be impaired. The marriage must be completed within one month. Any delay will be punished. Magistrate Bao received the order and read it carefully. He recognized it as Young Master Guo's doing, trading on the Inspector's connection to his father. He wanted to submit a report setting the record straight, but feared Young Master Guo's anger. Yet if he did not report the truth, the Inspector might act on partial information and do harm to Miss Shui, and then blame the magistrate for not speaking up sooner. He had no choice but to submit a confidential memorandum: This county served as matchmaker and conducted the betrothal, which is true. However, these were all actions arranged by Young Master Guo and the young lady's uncle Shui Yun; Miss Shui herself appears never to have consented, and so the matter has remained unresolved. Having received Your Excellency's order, this county will carry it out. However, I fear that Miss Shui, being of firm character and sharp wit, and being the daughter of a high official, may prove arrogant and disrespectful to the county's overtures, thereby compromising Your Excellency's dignity. I submit this report for your consideration and instruction. Inspector Feng read this and was furious: "Am I not a Provincial Inspector? Is my authority so feeble that it cannot be enforced upon one girl?" He issued a second order: Second Order of the Provincial Inspector: If Miss Shui never consented, then for whom did the magistrate serve as matchmaker and conduct the betrothal? This is self-contradictory. Carry out the order immediately! Miss Shui is the daughter of a convicted official — how dare she be arrogant? If she proves insolent, she shall be arrested and brought to this office for judgment and sentencing. Do not delay! Magistrate Bao received this second order. Seeing the severity of the language, he set aside all considerations of right and wrong and prepared his retinue. He first visited Young Master Guo to convey the Inspector's instructions — Young Master Guo agreed eagerly and needed no urging. Then the magistrate proceeded to the Shui household. He alighted from his sedan at the gate, walked straight into the great hall, and sent a servant inside with a message: "Magistrate Bao of Licheng County, on official commission from Provincial Inspector Feng, requests an audience with the young lady." The servant went in and reported. Miss Bingxin, knowing at once that the matter she had foreseen was now unfolding, came to the back of the hall with two maids, stood behind the hanging curtain, and had the servant announce: "The young lady is now behind the curtain, ready to receive instructions. May I ask what matter Inspector Feng has to convey? Please, Your Honor, speak." Magistrate Bao addressed the curtain: "It is none other than the matter of Young Master Guo's suit for the young lady's hand. He has long entrusted me to serve as matchmaker and deliver the betrothal gifts, but since the young lady has refused, the matter has been set aside. Now the newly arrived Inspector Feng — who is a protégé of Grand Secretary Guo — has been petitioned by Young Master Guo to officiate, and, not being fully apprised of the details, has issued an order to this county directing both families to set an auspicious date and complete the marriage promptly, in the interest of public morals. The deadline is one month. I have already conveyed this to Young Master Guo, who is overjoyed. I now come to convey it to the young lady. I respectfully ask the young lady to comply with the Inspector's command and make preparations without delay." Miss Bingxin answered from behind the curtain: "A wedding is a joyful ceremony — how dare I obstinately refuse? But without my father's consent, I cannot act on my own authority. I humbly hope that Your Honor, in your parental kindness, will submit a request on my behalf." Magistrate Bao said: "When I first received the order, I already submitted a memorandum on the young lady's behalf. But unexpectedly the Inspector issued a second order, rebuking even me in the sharpest terms. I dare not disobey, and so I have come to inform the young lady. Whether you comply or resist, you must consider carefully. I shall not force you." Miss Bingxin said: "What severe language does the Inspector's order contain? May I be permitted to see it?" Magistrate Bao had the clerks produce both orders and pass them inside through the servants. Miss Bingxin read them carefully and then said: "This humble woman has steadfastly refused the Guo match — not because she is being selective, but only because her father is far away. Were she to act on her own, when her father returns he would reproach her for acting without authority, and she would have no answer. Now that the Inspector has issued these two stern orders, threatening punishment — even a violent man would not dare resist, let alone a frail woman. I shall therefore comply — my submission is no private act. But I fear that once the marriage is concluded and these orders are returned, or the Inspector's term expires and he departs — on what evidence shall I then rely? Would it not appear, after all, that I acted on my own? I humbly beg Your Honor to request the Inspector's permission for me to retain these two orders as proof, so that it may be clear that today's submission was forced upon me — that it was public duty, not private choice." Magistrate Bao said: "The young lady's foresight is admirable. Allow me to submit another memorandum and seek the Inspector's ruling. I shall leave both orders with the young lady for now." He rose and returned to his office. Privately he thought: "I had been planning all along to bring about the match with the Iron young gentleman as an act of righteousness. And all her previous refusals of Young Master Guo — so adamant, so unyielding — how is it that today, simply because she wants to keep the official orders, she agrees so easily? Most puzzling! In the end, it must be that the Inspector's authority is simply too great to resist." He drafted a memorandum and sent it up to the Inspector. Inspector Feng read it and laughed: "The other day Magistrate Bao said this girl was fierce. But one look at my orders and she loses all her fierceness!" He wrote his reply: According to the report, Miss Shui states that she has not received her father's consent and cannot act independently, and requests to retain the orders as proof of her circumstances. Her filial sense of duty is commendable. However, the auspicious season must not be missed — let the marriage proceed at once, in accordance with proper custom. Permission is granted to retain the two previous orders as evidence. Magistrate Bao, seeing the Inspector's approval, went again to inform Miss Shui. As he was leaving, he repeated his admonition: "Now that the Inspector has given his approval, this is no longer Young Master Guo's affair — it is the Inspector's affair. There can be no wavering or change of mind. The young lady must make preparations with all haste. When Young Master Guo has selected the auspicious date, I shall come again to inform you." Miss Bingxin said: "The matter is in the Inspector's hands — how would I dare change my mind? But I suspect it may be the Inspector who changes his." Magistrate Bao said: "The Inspector and the Grand Secretary are master and disciple. He will support Young Master Guo to the utmost — how could he change his mind?" Miss Bingxin said: "That remains to be seen. But since the Inspector will not change his mind, even if I wished to, I could not." Magistrate Bao, having made everything clear, took his leave and went to inform Young Master Guo, telling him to choose an auspicious date for the wedding. Young Master Guo was beside himself with joy and threw himself into preparations. As the verse says: Do not mistake a peach in bloom for a fair mate; Remember: harmony must sound before the ospreys sing. Among the many birds along the river's edge, None but the mandarin ducks lie side by side. Now some days after Inspector Feng had settled the marriage matter, congratulating himself on the use of his authority to do a favor for Young Master Guo — and while he was holding open court to receive complaints — a crowd of one or two hundred people suddenly surged in, each holding a written petition, and prostrated themselves in the courtyard. Inspector Feng ordered the petitions collected and the crowd dismissed to await the posting of responses. The crowd dispersed in a rush — all except one young woman, who remained kneeling and would not leave. When the attendants shouted at her to go, she rose to her feet, walked forward several steps, then prostrated herself again, crying out: "This criminal woman has committed a crime against her superiors. She does not dare flee from death. She begs to end her life here and now, to uphold the law of the land and vindicate the dignity of this court." From her sleeve she drew a gleaming dagger and gripped it, preparing to drive it into her own body. Inspector Feng, looking down from his seat, saw this and was startled. He quickly ordered her restrained and asked: "Whose daughter are you? What wrong have you suffered? Speak calmly, and I shall set things right. There is no need for desperate measures." The young woman spoke: "This criminal woman is the daughter of the former Vice-Minister of War, now a banished convict — Shui Juyi. Her name is Shui Bingxin, and she is seventeen years of age. Her mother died young, and her father has been exiled to a distant garrison. She is a lonely young woman, living quietly in her chambers — at a time when she should be enduring hardship and preserving her purity, not contemplating marriage. Yet the villain Guo Qizu has schemed by every means: first employing brute force that nearly overwhelmed a defenseless girl; now trading upon the bond of master and pupil to unleash his wolfish appetite, seeking to defile a spotless jade. Though my father is in disgrace, he was once a senior minister, and though I am insignificant, I am still a daughter of the inner chambers. With propriety at stake and the moral order in the balance, how could I submit to a forced marriage, lacking both a father's command and a matchmaker's words, merely out of fear of a tyrant's power, and thereby lose my virtue and destroy my honor? "In former times, the violence I faced was merely that of common ruffians — by cunning and courage I could still preserve myself. But now the authority of the imperial court and the power of a Provincial Inspector are openly wielded against me — orders demanding, warrants compelling, propriety and the moral order cast aside like worn-out caps. The force arrayed against me is so overwhelming that a girl of the inner chambers is beside herself with terror. If I try to hold to virtue and preserve my chastity, I face destruction of my person and my family. Yet a woman's death is a small matter; the disgrace of her person is the great crime. In desperation, on such and such a date, I wrote out my grief in blood, and I have dispatched a household servant to the capital to strike the Drum of Grievances and submit a memorial to the throne. "But I am a sheltered girl, unfamiliar with the rules of decorum. In the heat of my anguish, my language may have overstepped propriety. I know my crime is beyond pardon. Therefore I prostrate myself before this court, ready to die." She raised the dagger again as if to strike. Inspector Feng, at first merely discomfited by her account of Young Master Guo's villainy, paid little heed. But when he heard the words "dispatched a servant to the capital to strike the Drum of Grievances and submit a memorial," his alarm was genuine. And when he saw her raise the dagger again, he hastily ordered a page to run down and snatch it from her hand. Then he said: "There are many circumstances here of which I was unaware. Let me ask you: the other day, when Magistrate Bao reported that he served as matchmaker and conducted the betrothal, how can you now claim there was no matchmaker's word?" Miss Bingxin said: "Magistrate Bao's matchmaking and betrothal were done on behalf of my uncle Shui Yun's daughter, who was subsequently married to Young Master Guo as his principal wife and has been living with him for some time. Is there any precedent for one matchmaker and one betrothal to produce two brides?" Inspector Feng said: "So he has already married one girl? In that case, you should have submitted a petition explaining the situation. Why did you go so far as to submit a memorial to the throne?" Miss Bingxin said: "If a petition from this criminal woman could set matters straight, then Your Excellency's official orders should not have been issued so hastily, based solely on Young Master Guo's word. If I did not submit a memorial, how could my grievance ever see the light?" Inspector Feng said: "Matters of marriage and property are the business of the local magistrate — how dare you importune the court? Perhaps your memorial contains fabrications. When it comes back, the guilt must fall on someone." Miss Bingxin said: "How would I dare fabricate? I have a copy here — Your Excellency may examine it." She drew the document from her robe and presented it. Inspector Feng opened it and read: Memorial of Shui Bingxin, daughter of the former Vice-Minister of War, now banished convict Shui Juyi, respectfully submitted: Concerning a Provincial Inspector who fawns upon his patron and abuses his power, wielding tiger-warrants and wolf-officers to compel a minister's daughter into an illegitimate match, gravely injuring public morals — Your humble subject's father served the state with diligence and was banished to the frontier. His daughter, young and alone, has not yet been betrothed and keeps her chastity at home — a circumstance of the utmost vulnerability. Yet no sooner had this Inspector Feng Ying entered the province than, before attending to a single item of public business, he issued tiger-warrants compelling your subject to submit to an illegitimate match without a matchmaker's word, seeking to fawn upon his patron and repay a private debt of gratitude. Your subject is frail and defenseless. Her only recourse is to cut her throat before this court to preserve her honor. But fearing that her grievance may go unheard and that the vapor of her resentment may rise to become a portent harmful to the sagely order, she has dispatched her household servant Shui Yong to brave ten thousand deaths, strike the Drum of Grievances, and lay this matter before the throne. She humbly prays that the imperial compassion may take pity on the wretched suffering of one cruelly persecuted unto death; and that the Inspector be admonished — if he possesses even a shred of public conscience — so that, though your subject die, others in her situation may yet steal a few more breaths of life. In submitting this memorial, your subject is overwhelmed with anguish and indignation. Inspector Feng had barely read the opening phrase — "fawns upon his patron and abuses his power" — when a cold sweat broke out all over his body. As he read on, his hands began to tremble uncontrollably. When he finished, he was seized with fury. He wanted to lash out — but Miss Shui stood before him gripping a blade, her voice fierce and resolute. If she killed herself, the situation would be even more impossible to resolve. After long deliberation, he had no choice but to swallow his rage and speak to her in conciliatory tones: "I am newly arrived and did not understand the full circumstances. I was deceived by Young Master Guo. Please return home, young lady, and rest easy. I shall immediately issue a proclamation prohibiting any forced marriages. But the memorial you sent — please tell me the servant's name and description, so that I may send someone to overtake him. It would be best if this matter were not publicized." Miss Bingxin said: "Since Your Excellency is magnanimous, this criminal woman dares not ask for more. But I dispatched my servant three days ago — he has been traveling for three days already." Inspector Feng said: "Three days is not a problem." He immediately dispatched an able officer, obtained from Miss Shui the servant's name and description, issued an urgent travel warrant, and sent the man racing after him day and night. Miss Bingxin then bowed in thanks and withdrew, slipping quietly into a small sedan chair and going home. Not only Young Master Guo and Shui Yun, but even Magistrate Bao knew nothing of what had happened. Young Master Guo, still in high spirits, had selected an auspicious date and sent Shui Yun to convey the news. Shui Yun crossed over and said: "Congratulations, dear niece! Young Master Guo has chosen the date for the wedding." Miss Bingxin gave a slight smile: "Does my uncle know whether this 'auspicious date' falls in this life or the next?" Shui Yun said: "Dear niece, you may jest before your uncle — that is nothing. But the Provincial Inspector tours on behalf of Heaven, wielding power over life and death. I am afraid he is not to be jested with." Miss Bingxin said: "Uncle is like a father to me — how would I dare jest? But the Inspector of today is not the Inspector of yesterday. One may jest with him quite safely." Shui Yun said: "If it is safe to jest with him, then the other day, when his two stern orders arrived, you should have jested then. Why did you accept them?" Miss Bingxin said: "Who says accepting the orders was not itself the jest?" As they were speaking, a servant came in to announce: "An officer from the Inspector has arrived with a proclamation. He wishes to see the young lady." Miss Bingxin feigned surprise: "What proclamation could this be?" Shui Yun said: "It is probably nothing but a notice urging you to marry quickly. Let me go out and look first. If it is nothing important, you need not come out." Miss Bingxin said: "Very well." Shui Yun went out, greeted the officer, and asked: "What business does Inspector Feng have that brings you here? Is it to hasten the wedding?" The officer said: "It is not about hastening a wedding. His Excellency sends word that, having only just arrived and having many matters to attend to, he has not yet been able to look into things thoroughly. He has just learned that Minister Shui is away on duty and that Miss Shui, a young woman alone, has never been betrothed and is keeping her chastity at home — a situation of particular vulnerability. He therefore sends this proclamation for the protection of the household, prohibiting any person from attempting a forced marriage." The officer had an attendant hand the proclamation to Shui Yun. Shui Yun took it, and his heart gave a great lurch. He thought: "What in the world is going on?" Though his mind was racing, he could say nothing. He asked the officer to sit down, took the proclamation inside, and asked Miss Bingxin to read it aloud. She opened it and read: Proclamation of the Provincial Inspector: It has come to this office's attention that the former Vice-Minister of War, Shui, served the state with diligence and has been banished to the frontier. His young daughter, as yet unbetrothed, preserves her chastity alone at home — a circumstance of extreme vulnerability. The prefectural and county authorities are hereby commanded to provide regular assistance and protection. Should any violent person attempt interference in contravention of propriety, the local authorities and household members are to report immediately to this office, and the offender will be arrested and severely punished without mercy. Miss Bingxin finished reading and smiled: "This sort of ghost-frightening trifle — what use is it! But since he has sent it, it counts as a gesture of goodwill, and it would be rude to refuse." She took out a generous tip for the officer and a smaller one for his attendant, gave them to Shui Yun, and told him to go out and send them on their way. Shui Yun, having heard the proclamation read aloud, stood stupefied, unable to utter a word. He took the tips, went out, and saw the officer off. He came back in and said: "Dear niece, you have proven right after all. This Inspector is indeed quite different from before. A few days ago he sent those fierce orders demanding an immediate wedding — and now, out of nowhere, he issues a proclamation forbidding forced marriages! I cannot make sense of it." Miss Bingxin said: "What is so hard to understand? When he first arrived, he assumed I was weak and easily bullied, so he used his authority to force the marriage and ingratiate himself with Young Master Guo. Now he has learned something of my capabilities and fears I may ruin his career — so he has turned around and is ingratiating himself with me." Shui Yun said: "Your father is not at home. What power do you have to ruin him? Why would he be afraid of you?" Miss Bingxin smiled: "My uncle need not ask just now. In a day or two, all will become clear." Shui Yun, bursting with suspicion, went out and secretly informed Young Master Guo of the Inspector's proclamation. Young Master Guo refused to believe it: "Impossible!" Shui Yun said: "I am not deceiving you. Go at once and find out what is happening." Young Master Guo, realizing Shui Yun was speaking the truth, grew anxious and hurried in his sedan chair to the Inspector's office. On previous visits, no matter how busy the Inspector was, he had always been received. This time, though the Inspector was at leisure in his private chambers, word came back: "Not available." Young Master Guo had no recourse. The next day he tried again, and again, for three or four days running — each time turned away. He grew frantic: "How can old Feng change his tune like this! If he treats me so shabbily, I shall write to my father — and then let us see how long he keeps his Inspectorship!" But this outburst was to lead to something more. What happened next will be told in the following chapter. |