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Chapter 12 — Percy/Wilkinson (1761) ↔ Modern Translation (2026)

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Percy/Wilkinson (1761)	Modern Translation (Woesler, 2026)
EN · DE · 中文 · 正體 · FR · ES · RU Previous◀ en-wilkinson Hao_Qiu_Zhuan Nexten-wilkinson ▶ Chapter 12: A Cold Face Can Turn: A Single Banquet Creates an Enemy From: 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. Page numbers preserved as [p. N]. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify. [Volume III, Book III, Chapters V-VIII] CHAP. V. ^[1] Kwo-khe-tzu hearing Shuey-guwin say he was not unprovided of an occasion to plague Tieh-chung-u, was desirous to know what it was. He told him, that as his coming so long a journey was all for the sake of his Niece, it was not to be doubted but he would yet take an opportunity to speak with her; and therefore he must be watched. "Nay, said he, that he may not do it without our privity, I will go to my niece and make her send for him." "That, said his son-in-law, will be to do him a pleasure; nay will afford him an opportunity to bind the marriage contract with her, and then all my hopes are at an end, and I am utterly lost." "Fear not, replied the other, what I propose is the only means to prevent his doing it^[2]." Then taking his leave, he went to the young lady, whom he thus accosted; "Niece, you have certainly great penetration and discernment with regard to mankind: I shall henceforth pay great deference to your opinion. For sometime since, when there was a rumour that Tieh-chung-u had been guilty of a great misdemeanour, and was nothing less than an hypocrite and a cheat, you would not give the least credit to it, but believed as well of him as before. Future inquiries have confirmed your judgment, and I am now satisfied he is a man of great honour, sobriety, and justice." "That, she replied, is an old affair: why do you mention what is past?" He said, "I saw this stranger again to-day: and am therefore convinced he hath the good qualities I spoke of." "How can you know a man's good qualities, said she, by barely seeing him?" Shuey-guwin told her, that he had met him that morning coming out of her house; and had inquired his business: "For I was apprehensive, said he, that he had been doing something, which might bring a reflection upon you; and therefore thought it behoved me to call him to account: but he vindicated himself so handsomely, and appeared to have come hither with so good an intention, that I find him to be a very well-disposed, sincere, honest man." "Uncle, said the young lady, how could you know that he came hither with a good intention?" "He told me, replied he, that hearing at court that the Grand Visitor had issued out two orders to compel you to marry, and knowing how much it must be against your inclinations, he had come hither on purpose to prevent it. That with this view, and to make proper inquiries, he came to-day to your house, but finding upon the wall the Kao-she or declaration in your favour, he was satisfied, and about to return to court. From all this I cannot but conclude favourably of his character." "He acted just in this noble and upright manner, replied his niece, from the very first, when he saw me going to the Che-bien's. He is a youth of that justice and generous ardor, that I could not but do what I did, in recompence of so much merit." "Certainly, said her uncle, the assistance he afforded you at that time, and the kindness you shewed him afterwards, were both highly laudable. And now upon the bare report that you were likely to be injured, he hath come so far to your relief. But would it be right to let him return without any notice of, or thanks for his trouble?" "Your question, said she, is very proper: but what can I do? I am a young woman and single; and must avoid giving further occasion for scandal. What though he hath taken all this trouble, I know he expects no return from me: thoroughly convinced of my grateful temper, he requires no public proof of it." "That is very true, said Shuey-guwin; and yet it would be but right to invite him to come, that you might at least pay your compliments to him." Shuey-ping-sin had learnt from her old servant, that he had met with Tieh-chung-u near Pe-king, and there intreated his assistance; and that he had afterwards been fetched back again without ever explaining the reason of it to him. She therefore readily supposed, that the young gentleman having missed him, was come thither to know the truth of the matter: and imagining there could be no better occasion to inform him of what he must desire to know, consented to follow her uncle's advice. And yet she was not without suspicion, that the latter had some other design in view than he would acknowledge. She told him therefore she would be guided by him, and would prepare a Tieh-tse or paper of invitation, but it must run in his name." She accordingly dispatched Shuey-yeong with it; whom her uncle directed to the young gentleman's lodgings. Tieh-chung-u was reflecting on the oddness of the adventure, and on the inconsistency of the Grand Visitor's conduct, when he saw the old servant enter, who had occasioned him so much perplexity. He was very glad to see him, and eagerly inquired why he did not follow him to Pe-king. The old man informed him of all that happened from the time they parted; and accounted for the change in the Grand Visitor's conduct: at the same time he explained the reason of his abrupt return, and begged his pardon, as he supposed it had occasioned his journey thither. Then telling him that his lady was glad to hear of his arrival, he presented the billet of invitation. Tieh-chung-u was highly pleased with the account he gave him, but would not receive the Tieh-tse. "When I went this morning to her house, said he, I saw the declaration, which satisfied me of her safety; you have now cleared up all remaining doubts; why then should I stay? I will depart to-morrow." "Sir, replied the servant, will not you accept of the invitation, which I bring in the name of my second master^[3]?" "There are, said the youth, many reasons why it would be improper. And I must insist upon it that there be no feast or other public acknowledgment on account of my arrival. [Your lady's excellent judgment knows that it would be wrong in me to go, although her complaisance may have induced her to invite me^[4].] Return therefore, and present to her my most respectful services." Shuey-yeong did not press him farther, but went and reported to his lady and her uncle what he had said. The latter was much disappointed; but his niece remained very well satisfied with his refusal, supposing it proceeded from a foresight of some mischief intended him. Shuey-guwin, greatly mortified with the disappointment, went to his son-in-law, and related to him what had happened, telling him he looked upon the other's shyness as only counterfeited in order to cover a design of seeing his niece in private. He therefore advised him still to keep a good look out. "This fellow, said Kwo-khe-tzu, is a demon. And as I am a plain man void of all art or cunning, how shall I be able to look out after him. Am not I the chief person of figure in this city? He knows too, how much I desire to marry your niece; yet he is always coming here and soliciting her: in which he opposes me, and declares himself my enemy. He hath already discovered our intentions to deceive him, and therefore will henceforth be distrustful. To what purpose then shall we wait for an occasion to catch him? No: to-morrow I will go myself and visit him in form: he cannot but return the compliment: when he comes I will receive him with great courtesy, and make a handsome entertainment; to which I will invite several young rakes of this city, sons of great Mandarines, and my particular acquaintance: at the same time we will plant some strong lusty fellows near at hand. When he comes we will ply him with wine, and when he is in liquor, provoke him to throw out some affronting expression; which will afford us a handle to fall upon him, and beat him so severely that he shall breathe his last. Then will we present a petition to the Grand Visitor, wherein the disturbance shall be made to appear the effect of his own quarrelsome disposition. Thus shall we get clear of this difficulty, and prevent any body of figure from ever venturing again to try their strength with the principal youths of this city: which we shall also render famous for men of bravery and valour." Shuey-guwin approved of this design, yet could not help expressing some apprehension about the consequence. "What, said the other, have I to fear? do you consider the exalted rank of my father?" "Go then, replied Shuey-guwin, set about it directly, he intends to be gone early in the morning." Upon which the other calling his people together, and preparing a billet of compliments, ordered his chair, and set out immediately with great attendance. When he arrived at the lodgings, he sent in the paper, and Siow-tan informed his master of the visit; who thereupon bade him to return for answer that he was not at home^[5]. Kwo-khe-tzu called to the boy, and getting out of his chair talked to him a good while: then got into it again and returned home. Tieh-chung-u learnt from his servant, that Kwo-khe-tzu had inquired after him with great courtesy, and had given him a very kind invitation to see him. "Wherefore is all this shew of kindness, said he to himself? He is certainly my enemy, and only means to deceive me. Besides, what time have I to spend in feasting and merriment? No! I am satisfied that Shuey-ping-sin is in safety, and will return to-morrow." But then he suddenly recollected that the other was the son of a Mandarine of the first rank. "Besides, said he, he came like a To-fang or Whirlwind^[6]; he raised the whole city as he came along, and every body is acquainted with the honour he did me. After this, if I do not go, I shall be universally condemned for rudeness and ill-manners; therefore I cannot avoid it. Upon second thoughts I will go early in the morning. He is a man of ease and luxury, and lies in bed late; I will therefore go before he is stirring. I will only leave my compliments for him and will return." Having formed this resolution, he ordered his servant to prepare his bed, and to call him up early. These precautions were however fruitless; for Kwo-khe-tzu had appointed one of his attendants to wait near the inn, and to pick up what information he could about the repayment of his visit. From a servant of the inn this man learnt the directions the young gentleman had given when he retired to rest; of which he did not fail to apprize his master: so that when Tieh-chung-u went in the morning, he found he had long been waiting to receive him. Kwo-khe-tzu gave him the most courteous reception, having even gone out into the street to meet him. "Why! said he, smiling with great appearance of joy, and saluting him in the most respectful manner; Why do you give yourself so much trouble in doing me this favour?" Tieh-chung-u seeing himself so highly caressed, imagined it was to cover some evil design. He would gladly have returned, but could not now without great incivility: he accordingly attended him into the great hall, and would there have made him the customary salute; but the other told him it was too ordinary a place for that honour, and therefore begged he might shew him farther within the house. He then carried him into the second hall, where the usual ceremonies past between them. This done, they sat down, and Kwo-khe-tzu called for tea. He afterwards took occasion to tell his guest, that he had long since heard of his high reputation, and had wished to have the honour of conversing with him. "When I was first informed of your coming here, said he, I sought for an occasion to see you: and to-day it is my good fortune to be favoured with a visit. I should be glad if you would extend it to eight or ten days." Tieh-chung-u having drunk his tea, set down his cup, and rising from his chair said, "Sir, your regard and friendship certainly demand that I should stay here longer. But I must be gone immediately: strong necessity requires it: could I fly as swift as an arrow from a bow it would not be amiss." This said, he was going away: but Kwo-khe-tzu embraced him saying, "You must then stay three days with me." "It is very certain, he replied, that I must be gone; I beg therefore you will not detain me." He then was going to force himself from him: but the other took hold of his hand, and said, "Although I am unworthy of this favour myself, you ought to shew some respect to my family and rank: you should not have visited me, if you esteemed us all so insignificant. No! now you are come, I must make you owner (or master) of this country^[7] by giving you an entertainment." "I would not willingly refuse the many favours you confer on me, said Tieh-chung-u: but I must be gone. Every thing is packed up ready for my departure: and it is impossible for me to stay here longer." "I cannot force you to stay, said the other; but I am ashamed that I am not able to persuade you. However, as you are come so early you must stay and breakfast with me: it shall not detain you long. You must not mortify me by a refusal of this. When breakfast is over you may prosecute your journey." "Would you leave me to my own inclinations, said Tieh-chung-u, I could wish to be excused: but if you will have it so, I must submit. Yet according to order and propriety, upon the first visit how can I stay and give you this trouble?" "Between friends, replied the other, you must not talk of trouble." CHAP. V. [cont.] These words were scarcely uttered when Shuey-guwin made his appearance. He saluted the young stranger, and smiling said, "Yesterday my niece hearing of the great favour you did her in coming so far on her account, sent to invite you to her house. I know not what we had done to disoblige you. But as I have now the good fortune to meet with you here, I hope you will let me wait on you to her." Tieh-chung-u replied, "I came hither in the greatest haste, and must return with equal dispatch. I brought nothing with me to present her with, and how can I presume to go to her house with empty hands^[8]. To-day I came to visit Kwo-khe-tzu only to pay my respects to him, and to know his door again: I intended to have returned immediately: but though I have been prevailed on to stay a moment, I cannot bear to receive so many favours, and should be glad of your directions how to return them." "Formerly, said Shuey-guwin, good friends would lay all ceremony aside: cannot you do the same by my son-in-law? I look upon you both as better than those of former ages; why then should you follow the corrupt practices of the present times?" Kwo-khe-tzu laughed and said, "My father, you say right: it ought to be so." By so many courteous and obliging speeches Tieh-chung-u was divested of all farther suspicion. He sat down, Kwo-khe-tzu making him take the first chair^[9]. Presently after wine was brought. "Because I came early, said the youth, you insisted on my staying to eat a little. Why then do you bring wine? it is not time to drink that yet." "Drink it by degrees, said Kwo-khe-tzu, and we shall not think time unsuitable." Then sitting all of them down, they were very chearful and drank about for a little while; after which Tieh-chung-u rose up to withdraw. At the same instant word was brought that the young Mandarine Whang was entering the doors. This young gentleman, who was son of the Ping-kho^[10], or Mandarine of the third chair of the tribunal of arms, was respectfully saluted by all the company, who afterwards sat down. "Sir, said Kwo-khe-tzu, you come in good time to meet with that gentleman, who is a person of worth and of great reputation for his courage and gallantry." "What! said the other; is that Tieh-chung-u? the young gentleman who forced his way into Tah-quay's palace?" Shuey-guwin assured him it was. "Is it possible! said he. Oh, Sir! have I then the happiness to meet with you here! a happiness which I was prevented from enjoying at court much against my inclinations. Give me here a great goblet." Then offering it with wine to Tieh-chung-u, the latter drank it off and returned it full to him again: thus they continued till each had drunk off three goblets. Tieh-chung-u was now about to go, when he was again prevented by the arrival of the young Mandarine Lee, second son to the Grand President of the royal college^[11]. They were rising up to receive him, but he catched hold of a chair, and told them, as friends they must not do so. "Another time, said Kwo-khe-tzu, we may dispense with this ceremony; but to-day we have a stranger with us." With that Tieh-chung-u rose up and made his compliments to him. The other would have prevented it: "Excuse me, Sir, said he, your appearance doth not owe me so much respect! Pray how am I to call you?" Tieh-chung-u told him his name and city. "What! said he, the eldest son of the Supreme Viceroy!" then making him the most profound reverence, he congratulated his good fortune in having met with a person whom he had so often wished to see. Kwo-khe-tzu made them all sit down. By this time Tieh-chung-u perceived the wine began to affect him, and therefore resolved to stay no longer. "With your leave, Sir, said he to the young master of the house, I must now be gone. I know custom forbids that I should go so soon after the arrival of this young gentleman, but I came here early and have drunk a great deal: and therefore must go." The young Mandarine Lee^[12] hearing this, changed countenance, and said, "You put a great slight upon me, Sir. Why did not you go at first? What! can't you stay a little while longer? You think me not good enough to drink with you." "Truly, said Shuey-guwin, he hath a great while desired to be gone: and it is not upon your account that he would go now; but if he will not first drink a cup of wine with you, you have reason to accuse him of ill manners. Let him pay the same compliment to you, as he did to the young Mandarine Whang, then he may use his pleasure, and we will no longer consider him as a guest." The other hearing that, was extremely well pleased, and agreed it was right: upon which they sat down, and each of them drank three cups of wine. This was no sooner over but a servant came to tell of the arrival of the young Mandarine Chang, eldest son to the President of the tribunal of rites^[13]: he entered the hall as soon as the servant had spoke: and came staggering along, his cap on one side, with staring eyes and a red bloated face, crying "Which is this Tieh? this Mandarine's son? if he hath a mind to pass for a valiant fellow in the city of Tsie-nan, why doth he not come and encounter me?" The youth, who had risen up to pay him the usual respects, hearing these words stood still: "I, said he, am called Tieh-chung-u: have you any thing to say to me?" The other made him no answer nor compliment, but stood staring at him in a very discourteous manner, and then burst out into laughter: "I thought, said he, this young Tieh was a terrible fellow. From people's reports, I concluded he had seven heads, and eight galls in his stomach. But his eye-brows are fine and small: he is smock-faced and delicate; and hath all over the air of a dainty young lady. People talk of his being valiant. I fancy it must be a monkey changed into that shape. Come, let us have some wine, we shall presently see whether he is valiant or not." "Certainly, cried the others present, that is the way to try people's strength^[14]." "Wine, said Tieh-chung-u, is drunk upon several accounts; but there are only three on which it is proper; and for each of these, three cups are allowable: these are friendship, mirth, and to satisfy nature^[15]. As Whang-cong-tzu began with three cups, so will I drink three more, which will be sufficient." "Very well, said the other, sit down then:" and taking him by the sleeve pulled him into the chair. Then calling for two large cups of wine, he put the one into the hand of Tieh-chung-u, and took the other himself. "Wine, said he, discovers the heart. This is the first I shall drink with you." Then taking it off, he turned it up, crying khaen or clean! Tieh-chung-u thought he could hardly manage his wine, but finding no other remedy at length he drank it: at which Chang cried out, "That's something like, and as a friend should." Then he ordered two more to be filled. On which Tieh-chung-u would have retired, saying he had drunk a great deal. "I have drunk, said he, three cups with each of these gentlemen, and now one with you. I have had enough, you must therefore excuse me." Chang replied, "What then, will you cut me off two cups? you make me little: I cannot let that pass upon me, who am as considerable as any of this city: come, you must make up my full number." Then taking a second cup, he drank to his health. Tieh-chung-u was now almost overcome with wine, for he had been drinking from early in the morning till ten o'clock, without having eaten a morsel: when therefore Chang had drunk off the second cup he would not pledge him, but put the wine down again upon the table. Which the other seeing, cried out, "Is this handsome! will not you do me the same courtesy that you have done the rest?" "It is not possible for me, said Tieh-chung-u, to drink any more: if it was, I would not refuse you." "This cup, replied the other, you must and shall drink." "If I don't, said he, what then?" Upon which Chang began to roar: saying, "Who are you, you animal? If you thus take upon you, why did not you stay in your own city? What, do you come here to brave us? If you will not comply I shall make you [repent it]." And with that he threw it in his face. Tieh-chung-u was so provoked with this abuse, that his anger and resentment got the better of his wine: he looked a while stedfastly at him, then rising from his chair seized him by the stomach and shook him severely, saying, "What! dare you get upon the tyger's head and pull out his hairs?" Chang cried out, "What! have you a mind to beat me?" "Yes, replied the other, what of that?" and gave him a box of the ear. Which the other young Mandarines seeing, cried out, "What do you mean by this? we have treated you with good-will, and now you are drunk you abuse us for it. Come, come, shut the door, we will drub you till you are sober, and to-morrow carry you to the Grand Visitor." Then Kwo-khe-tzu made a signal, and immediately from a side chamber rushed out seven or eight lusty fellows: while Shuey-guwin pretending to compose the difference, endeavoured to lay hold of his hands. Tieh-chung-u, who was now become sober, perceived their designs against him, and found he was betrayed: nevertheless he cried out, "What! are you a parcel of dogs, that you thus set upon and worry me?" then taking up Chang he threw him headlong to the ground, and gave him two or three hearty kicks. This done he endeavoured to wrest a foot from one of the tables for a weapon, but could not get it loose: Shuey-guwin came up to prevent him, but he received him with a kick or two, that sent him eighteen or twenty covids^[16] before him: "Take that; said he. For the sake of your niece, I will give you no more." The two young Mandarines contented themselves with making an outcry, but durst not come near him: instead of which Kwo-khe-tzu ordered the fellows to fall upon him. Then seizing Chang he swung him round: crying out, "I will brain this fellow against the first that offers to approach me." Upon which Chang crying out, begged them to forbear and let him alone. "I desire nothing more, said Tieh-chung-u, than to be suffered to go out: but you shall accompany me to the door." "Ay, ay! with all my heart, said the other, I will go out with you." Which done Tieh-chung-u dismissed him; "Go, said he, and tell your fellows, if I had been provided with any weapon for my defence, I should not have been afraid of a thousand such as they. What signify four or five drunkards and gluttons, with the porters you have hired? Had it not been for your fathers, I had made some of you halted: but I have been very favourable, and you ought to thank me." This said, he hastened to his lodgings, where Siow-tan had prepared every thing for his departure: here he found Shuey-yeong with a horse ready saddled and waiting for him. Tieh-chung-u inquired the meaning of this: the old man told him that his mistress hearing of the invitation, had suspected it was with an ill design: that her suspicions were afterwards confirmed by the event, which she was also informed of; and though she never doubted but he would get the better, yet foreseeing that it might be followed by a great deal of trouble, she had sent him that horse, which she intreated him to mount immediately, and to go and acquaint the Grand Visitor with the affair. Tieh-chung-u was charmed with her discretion and discernment: "How kind and obliging, said he, is your mistress? I shall never be able to return these favours." He was going to set out, but the master of the house asking him to dine, he accepted his offer; and immediately after, mounting the horse, departed for Tong-chang-foo: to which city the Grand Visitor had removed his tribunal^[17]. As soon as he alighted he drew up a petition, wherein he related all that had happened: then hastening to the doors of the audience, he found them shut: but being impatient he went and struck upon the drum. In consequence of which he was bound and carried before the tribunal: where the Grand Visitor had seated himself upon hearing the drum. The youth observed the usual order of respect in offering his petition^[18]. The Grand Visitor imagined it was Tieh-chung-u before he opened it, and when he found he was right in his conjecture, he addressed him with great complaisance: "I knew nothing, Sir, of your coming into these parts. When did you arrive and what occasioned your journey?" He told him, that he travelled for his pleasure: but that yesterday coming to Tsie-nan-foo, he had met with people, who had used him very ill; insomuch that he had narrowly escaped with his life: and therefore he applied to his Excellency for justice. "Who dares abuse you, said the Mandarine? I will make an example of them." "Sir, replied he, you will find their names in my petition." He looked into it, and shaking his head, expressed great dislike of the affair. The youth asked him what he was displeased at. The Mandarine shewed a great unwillingness to proceed, saying, "I did not think these young men had been concerned: although they are four of the greatest brutes and libertines in the world." "Why, said Tieh-chung-u, should you make any demur in the matter? Although they be people of the first quality, why should you make a difficulty of chastising them?" "It is not out of fear, replied the other, but their fathers being of my acquaintance at court, complaints of this kind will be very disagreeable to them. They are a parcel of young unthinking rakes, that value themselves only upon their fathers grandeur. But as this affair is not of so very high a nature, as absolutely to require them to be brought to public trial in all the forms of law and justice; therefore I could wish you would let me find some other way of giving you redress, without making out a formal prosecution." "I am far from desiring to give your Excellency trouble, replied Tieh-chung-u; I am fully satisfied in having acquainted you with it; which I did only that you might set a mark upon them for their actions." The Grand Visitor was very well pleased, and told him, he did him a favour in quitting all farther prosecution. "Come, said he, you must stay a few days with me." The youth thanked him, but urged his desire not to be detained. When the Mandarine found he could not prevail with him, he made up a paper of twelve taels of silver^[19], and gave it him, saying, "If you don't accept of it, I shall think you are angry with me." To prevent that suspicion he received it, and withdrew. Where he went will be found in the next chapter. CHAP. VI. ^[20] Tieh-chung-u taking his leave of the Grand Visitor, went and told Shuey-yeong who had attended him there, all that had past at the tribunal: and concluded with desiring him to recommend him to his mistress, and to present his thanks for the advice she had given him. "It is not in my power, said he, to send any present as an acknowledgment of her goodness: neither could I presume to do it, a single man as I am, to a young unmarried lady." Then delivering his horse to the old servant, and hiring a mule, he departed for his own city; and Shuey-yeong returned to his mistress. Let us now return to Kwo-khe-tzu and his companions, whom we have seen disappointed in their designs on Tieh-chung-u. When they found he was got clear out of their hands, they were ready to burst with rage and madness. The first that broke silence was Shuey-guwin, who said, "Who would have suspected this young man to have been possessed of so much strength and courage?" "It was owing to neither of these that he escaped, said his son-in-law, but he had got Chang-cong-tzu at such disadvantage, that he could neither help himself, nor we conveniently assist him. But he must not go off so: let us muster up a proper company, and go find him out: let us still treat him as he deserves: and afterwards give in a petition to the Grand Visitor." This proposal was approved by them all: the young Mandarine Chang instantly promised to bring thirty people; each of the others likewise engaged to raise as many. These to the number of a hundred were soon assembled, and with their masters at their head, Shuey-guwin leading the way, drove along the streets like a swarm of bees. But when they came to the inn, where the young stranger had lodged, they were told that he went away almost as soon as he came home. They were quite disconcerted at this information. "However, said Kwo-khe-tzu to the rest, this shall not serve his turn; we will immediately apply to the Grand Visitor of the province, and he shall do us justice." Shuey-guwin told him, that their enemy was of the province of Pe-king, and therefore was not under that Mandarine's jurisdiction. "Well then, said Kwo-khe-tzu and his companions, we will all together draw up a petition, wherein we will accuse him of endeavouring to raise a rebellion^[21]; this will authorise the Mandarines of any province to lay hold of him. The Grand Visitor must give an account of this at court; where we will send to our fathers and friends to acquaint them of the affair; thus we shall quickly humble him, notwithstanding all his bravery and valour." They were exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and accordingly got their petition wrote, which Shuey-guwin signed as a witness: they then repaired to the city of Tong-chang; and finding the audience open for receiving petitions, presented themselves before the tribunal. The Grand Visitor received their petition, and ordered them all out of the hall, except Shuey-guwin. "This paper, said he, contains a strange story of a rebellion attempted in this country by Tieh-chung-u: if he was so dangerous a person, how came you to be so desirous of his company, and to invite him so earnestly to drink wine with you? Did he drop any hint of his intention to raise a tumult or rebellion in the city, in the midst of his cups, or afterwards in the quarrel?" Shuey-guwin finding the Grand Visitor so inquisitive, knew not what to answer, and therefore remained silent. "You are a very sorry fellow, said the Mandarine. I am well acquainted with the whole story: nevertheless if you do not relate it exactly from beginning to end, I will bring your fingers to the Kia-quen or Tormenting-sticks." Shuey-guwin's fear became excessive when he saw the other so angry, and found he should be forced to confess the truth. "Sir, said he, it is true, he was drinking with the others." "Very well, said the Mandarine, if you were drinking all together, I must suppose you all equally guilty: nay it is more likely that you five should form seditious designs upon the city, than he whom you accuse, who perhaps would not join in such an attempt, and so you have agreed to impeach him first." "My Lord, replied he, Kwo-khe-tzu invited this young man to his house out of civility and good-will, and when he was in his cups all the secret came out. Nothing would pacify him; he overset the table and fell to fighting, crying out to the young Mandarines, that if there were a thousand of them, he would not regard them: and that if he should come to be Emperor he would destroy the four houses to which they belong. The young gentlemen deeply concerned at these things, could not refrain from lodging a complaint with your Excellency: which they would not have presumed to do, had it been false." "A likely story, said the Grand Visitor, that one person should beat and abuse four or five of you. No! no! you must not think to impose on me at this rate." "Sir, said Shuey-guwin, the broken pieces of furniture are still to be seen: nothing is more certain." The Mandarine took him up short, "How should a stranger of another city come and raise such a disturbance, unless he had been provoked by some injury or insult? However if it be as you alledge, have you secured or brought him with you?" "No, he replied; he was like a tyger, there was no taking hold of him: he went away without any one's daring to oppose him." The Grand Visitor ordered all he had reported to be taken down in writing by the secretary of the tribunal: then said to him, "Are not you ashamed, an old fellow as you are, to come here with these stories: and to keep company with young rakes, drinking and embroiling yourself in their quarrels? This petition you have brought me is false and scandalous. Go home and tell the four Mandarines sons to be quiet: I know the whole story, better than they imagine. If it were not for the connections of these young men, I would throw you into prison, where you should die with hunger: however I must make you a present of twenty or thirty bastinadoes^[22]." At these words Shuey-guwin in great terror, cryed out that he was old, and begged he would pardon and not dishonour him so much. "Honour! said the Grand Visitor, what honour have you?" He said, "I am brother to the second Mandarine of the tribunal of arms." "Are you his brother, said the magistrate? why who keeps his house?" "My brother, he replied, hath no son: but only one daughter, who heretofore hath received great favour from your Excellency." "If it be so, replied the Grand Visitor, for her sake I will pardon you: but then tell me truly, who it is that bears such implacable enmity against this young stranger." "I am not his enemy, answered Shuey-guwin: but it is Kwo-khe-tzu, who being disappointed in his design of marrying my niece, by the other's interposal, hath ever since retained a secret malice and desire of revenge; and it was in order to gratify his revenge, that he now invited him to his house: but for my part I owe him no kind of ill will." The Grand Visitor ordered his secretary to make a memorandum of this; then giving him back the petition, bade him go tell those young men to mind their studies, and let him hear no more of them: "For this once, said he, I pardon them on account of their fathers: who would find a great deal of trouble, should such complaints be brought against them at court." Shuey-guwin having thus obtained leave to retire, was ready to leap out of his skin for joy: but when he was got without the audience where the others were waiting for him, he shrugged up his shoulders, and made signs to them to hold their tongues: at the sight of which, and of the petition which he held in his hand, they were alarmed; and being informed of all that had happened, sent in a Sho-poun^[23] or billet of thanks, to the Grand Visitor for his lenity, and afterwards returned home not a little ashamed. However Kwo-khe-tzu could not be prevailed on to lay aside his resentment, or to drop his pursuit. On the contrary, he was the more obstinately resolved to persist in both; and recollecting that Chun-kee had been gone some time, he dispatched a messenger to enquire after him. Now Chun-kee in performance of his promise had made the best of his way to the court: where as soon as he arrived, he delivered to the minister Kwo-sho-su the letter from his son. As soon as the Mandarine had read the letter, he withdrew with him into his library, and inviting him to sit down, inquired about his son's proposal of marriage with Shuey-ping-sin. "Her father, said he, is now in disgrace: this match cannot be for our credit, as we are advanced to such a degree in the state." "This young lady, replied the other, is endowed with wonderful perfections both of mind and person, and is of unexampled modesty: in short there is not her fellow to be found in the world. Wherefore your son hath sworn either by gentle or violent means to marry her." Kwo-sho-su laughed and said, "I am afraid my son is very weak and simple. If he had a mind to marry her, he needed not have sent to court, when the Che-foo and Che-hien, the fathers of the country, might easily have compleated the marriage for him. You have had a great deal of trouble in coming so far: and now he would give me still more, in requiring me to send without the wall into Tartary for her father's consent." "He hath not been wanting in application to the Che-foo and Che-hien, replied the other; he hath left no means to prevail with her unattempted; but she hath always by very gentle but artful methods found means to elude his pursuit. Your Lordship must not talk of the Che-foo and Che-hien, since the Grand Visitor of the province, who was your pupil, endeavoured to promote the suit of your son, but she so far baffled him, that he hath been glad to put forth a declaration, forbidding any one to molest her on the subject of marriage. Now if a Mandarine of his rank is afraid to meddle with her, who besides dares approach her gates? Kwo-khe-tzu therefore had no other remedy, but to apply to your Lordship." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was surprized at this account, and said, "Surely this is a young lady of fine understanding, and it is on that account my son so much admires her. But this Shuey-keu-ye, her father, is a very positive man: if he does not heartily approve of any measure, he is not to be moved to engage in it: besides I am not very intimate with him. He is a man of one word: when he held an audience, there was very little application made to him, because he was known to favour no body. He hath only this daughter; and I remember I once applied to him about her, but without success. However, as he is now in trouble, perhaps he will be more inclined to comply: there seems at present a good opportunity to ask his consent." "But in what manner, said Chun-kee, will your Lordship apply to him?" "It must be done, said the other, with all the usual ceremonies. A friend must first be employed to break the matter: afterwards we must send a present. But here lies the difficulty: as he is distant from us no less than two hundred leagues, I cannot ask any Mandarine of great quality to go so far. I believe I must write a letter and beg the favour of you to carry it, together with the present." Chun-kee replied, "Your Lordship may command my best services. Let me also carry letters to such of the great Mandarines there as are able to influence him." "You are right, said the Minister; and accordingly selecting a fortunate day, he wrote the letters and dispatched him with them. CHAP. VII. Now the case of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye [was as follows;] upon receiving notice that a war had broke out with the Tartars, and that there was not any valiant man to head the troops; [he had] made inquiry after such a person, and [had] found among the people of his audience^[24] a man called Hu-biau, son of the north-west country, who had offered himself for that service. Of this Shuey-keu-ye informed the Emperor, who consented to employ him, there being none other that cared to go against the enemy. He was accordingly constituted General, with orders to go and visit those parts that were the seat of war, and to act as he should think best for the public service^[25]. He executed these orders with such dispatch, that he would not stop to pay the usual visits of ceremony to any of the other Mandarines in command, but went immediately in search of the enemy. This gave so much disgust to those officers that they would not go to his assistance, nor unite their forces with his. Nevertheless he attacked the enemy, and had a sharp engagement for a whole day with equal advantage on both sides. Small as this success was, it was represented still less to the Emperor by the disaffected Mandarines, and both he and Shuey-keu-ye were suspended from their employments: the one being sent to prison, and the other an exile into Tartary. The latter had now remained about a year in banishment: where, although he still retained his dignity of Mandarine, there was taken little notice of him, and he had small hopes of returning home. One morning a servant belonging to his tribunal (for notwithstanding his disgrace he still had an hall of audience assigned him) came to tell him that there was a messenger arrived from Pe-king, with letters from one of the Ministers of state. Shuey-keu-ye, who had looked upon himself as intirely forgotten at court, was surprized at this news. Nevertheless he ordered the messenger to be admitted. Chun-kee was accordingly shewn in, attended by two servants whom he had brought with him. He performed his reverences, and presented a Tieh-tse or billet of compliments. The Mandarine perused it, and finding Chun-kee to be no servant, but a particular acquaintance of the person who sent him, desired him to sit down. "I am so unhappy, said he, as to be out of favour: and it is a long while since I have been taken notice of by any one. How happens it then, that you are come so far to me? Upon what account?" "I should not have taken this liberty, replied the other, had I not been sent by Kwo-sho-su, whose business abroad I sometimes transact: and it is on his account that I have now taken so long a journey." "When I was at court, said Shuey-keu-ye, I had very little acquaintance with that Mandarine. I suppose therefore my punishment is now going to be increased." Chun-kee replied, "It will not be long before your Lordship will return to Pe-king: I am only come at present in behalf of this nobleman's son, who desires your daughter in marriage: but as she hath not your permission or order, I am sent to intreat you to grant it." Then asking the servants for the letter, he presented it to Shuey-keu-ye: who opening it, and having read it, thought that the whole affair was not rightly conducted, according to the manner among people of quality; nor suitably to the dignity of his rank. At the same time being not unacquainted with the character of Kwo-khe-tzu, and having no great opinion of the Mandarine his father, he resolved not to consent to their request. This resolution he was the rather confirmed in, as he supposed if his daughter had approved of it, they would never have sent so far to him. After some pause, Chun-kee took the liberty to ask him if he had read the letter. He replied, "I have, and thank you for the great trouble you have been at in bringing it: I am obliged to Kwo-sho-su for the high honour he doth me: and should esteem it great good fortune that he is pleased to desire my daughter for his son: but only that I am now under his Majesty's displeasure, and removed above two hundred leagues from home, from whence I have been absent five years at court, and one in banishment. As I have no son, and only this daughter, who is unto me as a son, and as such hath the whole direction of my house, I shall therefore permit her to govern herself in this affair according to her own inclinations. If Kwo-khe-tzu had so great a desire to marry her, why did not he apply to the Che-foo and Che-hien, who are the public guardians of the people^[26], and to my brother Shuey-guwin? What need had he to take so much trouble in sending so far?" "Sir, replied Chun-kee, you speak very well; and Kwo-khe-tzu did last year pursue the method you describe; but after she had many times put him off, she at length confessed, it was because she had not your permission, and therefore he hath got me to come for it." The Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye judged from his discourse, that his daughter was not inclined to marry Kwo-khe-tzu; and therefore he said, "As I am now in disgrace, I look upon it that I have nothing to do with my family, nor can I pretend to dispose of my daughter. I have been here a twelvemonth, and have not so much as sent home one letter: and it is because I am not yet acquitted. Now under these circumstances, should I pretend to give out an order about my daughter, it would aggravate my offence: I dare not therefore offer to do it." Chun-kee said, "Let me have but your word, and it will be sufficient." He was very importunate, insomuch that Shuey-keu-ye grew downright angry, and said, that it was not a thing of a slight or indifferent nature: and custom required that there should be more than two to concert so important an affair as marriage. Without any further satisfaction he dismissed him, but ordered him a lodging: from whence Chun-kee often paid him visits, but to no purpose: he therefore sent to all the neighbouring Mandarines, and got them to speak to him on the subject of the marriage. They were accordingly very urgent and pressing, which made Shuey-keu-ye so uneasy, that he sent for Chun-kee and said: "I never did any ill to the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su: why then doth he give me so much trouble, and is for taking my daughter by force? Go home, and tell him, I will never compel her to act against her inclinations. As for myself, I never expect to carry my bones home again: my life is to me of little value: [but I will not make my daughter miserable.] Nay should the Emperor himself order me to compel her, I would still leave her to her own choice: and should all the Mandarines here my superiors do their utmost to make me suffer, I regard it not. Therefore take your letter and your present back again." Chun-kee finding it would be in vain to persist, packed up his baggage and returned to the court. Where being arrived with no little shame for his ill success, he gave back to Kwo-sho-su his letter and present. At which the Minister was very much inraged, and resolved to resent it the first opportunity. It was not long before he found one; for there being a demand for more troops to go against the Tartars, on account of the havoc and loss which had been made of those who went before; that Mandarine, when he advised the Emperor of it, did not fail to lay the blame on the former mismanagement of Shuey-keu-ye, and on that of his general Hu-biau: representing to his Majesty, that if they were taken off by the punishment they deserved, warriors enow would offer themselves, and bring the war to a conclusion: but that this could not be expected till all suspicion was taken away of their ever returning into employment; in the discharge of which they had both rendered themselves extremely odious. The Emperor approved of this remonstrance, and referred it to the consideration of the San-fa-tseh, or tribunal of three^[27]: which was commanded to assemble and examine into the conduct of Hu-biau in order to bring that general to justice. CHAP. VIII. ^[28] The tribunal of three having received the Emperor's commission, appointed a day to hear and determine the cause of Hu-biau. When that day came, as soon as the Mandarines were seated, the Supreme Vice-roy Tieh-ying being one of them, that unfortunate general was brought out of prison, and entered upon his trial. It happened that the same day Tieh-chung-u arrived at Pe-king, where he had never been since his return from Shan-tong. As soon as he alighted he inquired for his father. His mother told him he was gone upon an affair of great importance: that there was a great officer or valiant man^[29] to be brought to justice. He replied, "As there is a war, and valiant men are necessary at this critical juncture, why do they seek to destroy them? I will go and hear the trial: perhaps my father may be drawn over to the opinion of his colleagues, and not follow the dictates of his natural candour and justice." Then going to the audience^[30], he was struck with the sight of Hu-biau already condemned, and bound, waiting for execution: having been sentenced to lose his head three quarters of an hour after noon. ↑ CHAP. XII. In the Translator's manuscript. ↑ The Chinese Author hath not made this appear, but he probably meant, that by involving them in the suspicion of an illicit correspondence, he should effectually hinder their union. Such is the delicacy of the Chinese on the subject of marriage. See the sequel of this History. ↑ i. e. His master's brother. Translator. ↑ The Editor hath softened a few passages in this and the preceding page, which to the eye of an European did not appear quite so respectful in the original. Instead of the passage which is included above in brackets, in the M.S. it is ["I am resolved not to go."] ↑ If the Chinese are not disposed to see company, it is sufficient to say, that they are not at home: in which case if the visitant leaves his paper of compliments [See note vol. I. p. 135.] with the porter or servant, the visit is the same as if received in person, and must be returned in form. Sometimes a Mandarine will receive the Billet by his porter, and will send to desire the visitant not to be at the trouble to alight from his chair. In either case the visit must be returned, either the same day, or on one of the three following, and if possible in the morning. If a person is desirous of being excused the trouble of receiving these civilities, he affixes over his gate a paper written with white letters, "That he is retired to his garden house." P. Semedo, p. 60. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 296. ↑ It is remarkable that the Chinese To-Fang, or Whirlwind, corruptly pronounced by our voyagers Tuffoon, is called in Greek by a similar name (Τυφὼν) Typhon. The kind of storm here mentioned is frequent on the coasts of China in the summer months, and is generally preceded (sometimes for hours) by a boding cloud in the N.E. which near the horizon is very black, but upwards is of a dark copper hue, and higher still is brighter, till it fades to a whitish glaring colour at the very edge of the cloud: nothing can be conceived more dreadful and ghastly than this appearance. When this cloud begins to move apace, the storm may soon be expected: which comes on fierce and blows very violent at N.E. for twelve hours or more, accompanied with terrible claps of thunder, frequent flashes of lightning, and excessive hard rain. When the wind begins to abate, it dies away suddenly, and falling into a flat calm continues so for about an hour: then the wind comes about to S.W. and it blows and rains as fierce from that quarter, as it did from the other, and as long. This storm is more terrible than can be conceived: one would think that heaven and earth were returning to their ancient Chaos, so that it is no wonder the ribs of the stoutest ships should be loosened. It rages not only at sea, but also on land; and overturns houses, pulls up trees by the roots, and carries great ships a quarter of a mile from the sea. See Dampier's voy. vol. 2. p. 36. Varenii Geograph. ↑ An European would have been contented to welcome him by desiring him to consider the house as his own, or to look upon himself as at home. But the above high-strained expression of civility prevails in other parts of the East besides China. When a party of English merchants first visited Palmyra in the year 1678, they were met by two Arabs, one of whom was an officer of the Emir, who told them, "in the bold metaphor of an eastern compliment (says the writer of the account) that all the country was theirs, and that his lord was their friend." See Memoirs Roy. Soc. N° 227. ↑ Not only in China, but all over the East, it is thought a breach of good manners to appear empty-handed before those whom they profess to respect. Among the Chinese the common presents are for the most part, stuffs, female ornaments, or the like; even shoes, stockings, handkerchiefs, porcelain, ink, pencils, &c. are thus bestowed; and sometimes things to eat. They are very careful to chase every thing the best of the kind for this purpose. P. Semedo, p. 64. ↑ See note, vol. 2. p. 76. ↑ See note, vol. 1. p. 69. and note, vol. 2. pag. 279. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `hanlin` ↑ The original is Lee-cong-tzu, which properly signifies Lee a Mandarine's son. See note, vol. 1. p. 114. This remark must be applied wherever the words Young Mandarine occur throughout this chapter. -- N.B. Title and rank are not hereditary in China: the sons of the greatest Mandarines are reduced to the level of the people in point of distinction and dignity. See vol. 1. additional note to p. 59. ↑ See note, vol. 2. p. 171. ↑ The literal translation is, "Those that are strong always shew it by their eating and drinking." -- It may be observed here that the Chinese are great topers: when they speak of a banquet they make mention only of wine. As we say in English, "to invite to a feast," "to give an entertainment," in Chinese the expression is, "to invite to drink," "to prepare wine," Ying-ksioo, Pai-tsioo, because wine is regarded as the most essential part of a repast. Let. ed. x. 326. P. Semedo tells us, that it is usual at their entertainments after the dishes are removed, for them to discourse for about an hour: and then various kinds of salt meats are served in, of the nature of our gammons of bacon, tongues, &c. which they call guides, i. e. provocatives to drink. [P. Semedo, p. 66.] As under the notion of wine, the Chinese include various kinds of spirituous liquors, to which they are much addicted, this will account for the readiness with which the Chinese Mandarines took off their glasses of Frontiniac and Citron-water at the entertainment given them on board the Centurion, as described by the writer of Lord Anson's voyage, page 482. Vid. P. Du Halde, P. Le Compte, &c. ↑ This is not a random expression. In the Chinese play translated in P. Du Halde's collection: the person, who hath the care of a young Mandarine's education, says, "I have taught him the eighteen different ways of fighting." [Je lui ai appris les dix-huit manieres de se battre.] P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 180. -- The Reader will remark that this allowance much exceeds that known regulation of Sir William Temple's, viz. The first glass for myself, the second for my friends, the third for good-humour, the fourth for mine enemies. Spectator, vol. 3. N° 195. ↑ Covid seems to be a contraction of the Portuguese word covado, i. e. a cubit. The Chinese Ell or Cubit, (called by the Natives Che) is of several kinds, but that most commonly used in traffic, is to the English Foot, as 676 is to 600; or something more than thirteen inches. See Bayer, pref. pag. 134. Harris's voyag. vol. 1. p. 854. Tavernier, Pt. 2. ch. 10. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 141. Lettres edif. x. 157. ↑ The Supreme Mandarines, whose jurisdiction is very extensive, (viz. the Visitors, Viceroys, &c.) although they have generally their palaces in the capital city of the province, are not always resident there, but make circuits from place to place for the more convenient dispatch of business. P. Magal. pag. 242. N.B. Tong-chang-foo is a large and opulent city: the third in the province of Shan-tong, and is situated on the Grand Imperial Canal. China is every where full of very fine Canals, which open a communication between every province and almost between every town and village; these run in straight lines, and have causeys on each side, faced with flat stones or marble: but the Grand Imperial Canal is one of the wonders of the world, being three hundred leagues in length, and forming a great road of water, on which more than nine thousand imperial barks transport the tribute which the Emperor annually receives from the southern provinces. This stupendous work, which was compleated about five hundred years ago, is so contrived by means of sluices, &c. to detain the water, and forms such a communication with other canals and rivers, that one may travel the length of the whole empire from Pe-king to Canton and Macao, above six hundred leagues by water. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 105, 17. 215. 286. 325. ↑ This may be explained from P. Magalhaens, who thus describes the manner of proceeding at the Chinese tribunals. "When a man hath any business to lay before them, he sets it down on paper: which done he goes to the palace of the tribunal and beats on a drum, which he finds at the second gate; and then falling on his knees, he raises his petition with both his hands as high as his head; at which time an officer appointed for that employment takes the paper from him, and lays it before the Mandarine who presides." Pag. 203. N.B. With regard to binding the petitioner, &c. as described above, there is in the Translator's M.S. a marginal note which tells us, that "It is the custom to do so to any that strike on the drum:" but this is mentioned in no other writer. ↑ Twelve Taels of silver are about 4l. sterling. ↑ CHAP. XIII. In the Translator's manuscript. ↑ In order to render this and some of the following pages intelligible, it must be remarked that there is in China, a horrid sect called Pe-lien-kiao, always disposed to rebellion, and who are therefore sure to be punished, whenever they are discovered. This sect consists of people, who enter into a confederacy to overturn the established government, for which purpose, with certain magical rites, they elect an Emperor out of their number, distribute among themselves the principal employments of the state, mark out certain families for destruction, and lie concealed till some insurrection of the people affords them an opportunity of putting themselves at their head. China, on account of its vast extent, prodigious populousness and frequency of famines, is very liable to seditions and insurrections, which thro' the pusillanimity and feebleness of its military government are always dangerous, and indeed have often produced intire revolutions in the state. Now as in these revolutions, it hath frequently happened that some of the very dregs of the people have been raised to the throne; this upon every insurrection encourages the ringleaders to aspire to the empire: who, if they are not nipped in the bud, are sure to draw together the dissolute, the discontented, and the needy; till they form a large body and become very formidable to the government. Upon all these accounts the Mandarines are obliged to be exceedingly jealous and watchful over the least tendency to revolt; and to be careful to extinguish the first and minutest sparks of rebellion, which would otherwise soon involve the whole empire in a flame. P. Semedo, p. 91. Lettres edif. xxvii. 344. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 243. ↑ In the orig. it is "of four or five Bamboos" (or Tallies, each five strokes.) See note, vol. 2. pag. 189. ↑ A folded paper with a black cover. Translator. ↑ From the Editor's additions included in brackets, the Reader will perceive how abrupt the transition is in the original. The same abruptness is observable throughout the whole history. ↑ All the officers of war throughout the Chinese empire, from the highest to the lowest, are under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal of Arms, which, although composed of none but literary Mandarines, hath the absolute and intire direction of all military affairs. In China the profession of arms is held vastly inferior and subordinate to that of letters. This, together with their natural effeminacy, and the constant peace they generally enjoy, will account for the unwarlike turn of the Chinese. P. Semedo tells us that it was usual [at least in his time] for the Chinese to send with their armies a man of the long robe, who had the supreme command, even over the General himself. This Mandarine was always in the middle of the main Battalia, and many times a day's journey from the field of action; so that although he would be too remote to give orders, he was always ready to run away the first in case of danger. P. Semedo, p. 100. ↑ The Chinese idiom is, "Who are the Grandfather and Father of the people." ↑ The Tribunal of Three is composed of the following tribunals; viz. of the Hing-pu, or Tribunal of crimes; of the Tah-le-fu, which may be called The Tribunal of revisors (See Lettres edif. xix. 162. n.); and of the Tieh-cha-yuen, or Superior Tribunal of visitors. The last of these hath been already described. [See vol. 2. pag. 185. note.] and ought every where to have been entitled, as here. See P. Mag. p. 229. The Hing-pu, or Tribunal of crimes, is one of the six sovereign courts at Pe-king, [See note vol. 2. p. 279.] and hath under it fourteen subordinate tribunals according to the number of provinces. It belongs to them to examine, try and punish all criminals throughout the empire. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 249, &c. The Tribunal of Tah-le-fu, i. e. of supreme reason or justice, is as it were the great Chancery of the empire. It examines in the last appeal the judgments and sentences passed in other tribunals: especially in criminal causes, or in matters of great moment. P. Mag. p. 228. P. Semedo, p. 125. When the Tribunal of Crimes hath passed sentence of death on a person, whose crime was not very clear, or when any person is to be condemned in a case that would admit of doubt, the Emperor, (says P. Magalhaens) refers it always to the San-fa-su [or tseh] which is as it were his council of conscience. Then the three tribunals abovementioned assemble together, either to re-examine the merits of the cause, or to pass the more solemn sentence. As it is not so easy to corrupt them thus united, as separate, great regard is had to their decision, which is generally confirmed by the Emperor. P. Mag. p. 229. Lettres edif. xix. 162. ↑ CHAP. XIV. In the Translator's manuscript. ↑ These seem to be synonymous in the Chinese language. ↑ Kong-tang. Translator's M.S.	EN · DE · 中文 · 正體 · FR · ES · RU Previous◀ en Hao_Qiu_Zhuan Nexten ▶ Chapter 12: A Cold Face Can Turn: A Single Banquet Creates an Enemy Modern English translation by Martin Woesler (2025) To the tune of "Rouged Lips": The puppy knows no better — He wants to pull the tiger's whiskers and call it friendship. He dangles fish and shrimp To bait the dragon's arm. But when feelings are wounded, There is no looking away. Consider at your leisure: It was not the other's ill will — It was my own mischief-making. It was told how Young Master Guo, hearing Shui Yun claim yet another scheme to deal with Tie Zhongyu, asked eagerly: "What new plan do you have, old sir?" Shui Yun said: "No great stratagem — only this. Since he came all this way for my niece's sake, we should work on his feelings for her. The page boy's trick failed because he saw through the deception and put on a show of outraged virtue. Now let me provoke my niece into sending a real invitation. When she truly invites him, let us see how he responds — and then we shall have him." Young Master Guo hesitated: "That may be fine in theory, but what if it backfires and we end up playing matchmaker for them?" Shui Yun said: "A matchmaker I may be — but not the kind that makes a match. The kind that breaks one. Rest assured and leave the arrangements to me." Shui Yun went home and called on Miss Bingxin: "Dear niece, I must admit you have remarkable judgment — I am truly in awe." Miss Bingxin said: "In awe of what?" Shui Yun said: "The other day, when everyone was saying the Iron young gentleman was a kidnapper, you alone insisted he was not. When I inquired further, it turned out he was indeed no kidnapper — he is a truly good and honorable man." Miss Bingxin said: "That is old news. Why bring it up again?" Shui Yun said: "Because today I ran into him, and his conduct moved me — he is so full of feeling and honor." Miss Bingxin said: "A chance encounter on the road — how does that tell you he is full of feeling and honor?" Shui Yun said: "As I was passing your gate today, I ran straight into the Iron young gentleman coming out. Remembering how my talk of marriage had sent him off in a fury, I thought he must have returned with dishonorable intentions. I confronted him, meaning to catch him out and give him a piece of my mind. But he turned out to be entirely in the right — his coming was purely well-intentioned." Miss Bingxin said: "How does my uncle know his intentions were good?" Shui Yun said: "I asked him what brought him here. He said he had heard in the capital that Inspector Feng had issued one order after another to compel you to marry Young Master Guo, and that he knew this was not your wish. His sense of justice was outraged, and he had traveled a thousand li to lend his support. But when he arrived at the gate and saw the Inspector's proclamation prohibiting forced marriages — quite contrary to what he had heard — he realized the reports were mistaken. And so, without even knocking, he was leaving in quiet satisfaction. When I saw how he acted — with such feeling and honor — how could I not call him a good man?" Miss Bingxin said: "Hearing what my uncle says today, and recalling how he rescued me in the magistrate's court — it is clear that this young man's warm heart is no passing impulse. My admiration and gratitude are not misplaced." Shui Yun said: "When he rescued you in court, and you took him in to convalesce — that was chivalry repaid, and neither of you owes the other. But today, when he has traveled such a distance to help you in your distress, and upon finding you safe has simply departed in quiet contentment, without the slightest desire for recognition or gratitude — his devotion surpasses yours, dear niece. You have received such extraordinary generosity, yet you sat knowing nothing; and now that you do know, you show not the slightest concern. Measured against his conduct, you fall short by a good margin, I should say." Miss Bingxin said: "My uncle's words are golden. But I am a woman alone — every move I make is fraught with impropriety. Though gratitude fills my heart, I can only come and go in silence, hoping that the one who knows me will understand. How can I lay my heart open to prove my devotion?" Shui Yun said: "True enough. But it seems a shame that he should have traveled hundreds of li for nothing, with nothing to show for it. Why not send someone to invite him to call, so that he may know his warm heart has found a grateful recipient? Would that not be more satisfying?" Now, as it happened, Miss Bingxin had been worried since Shui Yong's return from the capital, intercepted by the Inspector's officer before the memorial could be submitted. She had no way to inform Tie Zhongyu of how events had unfolded. When Shui Yun now proposed inviting Tie Zhongyu, it suited her purpose exactly. Though she saw through Shui Yun's scheming, she decided to turn his scheme to her own use. She agreed: "What my uncle says makes good sense. I shall do as he suggests. But the invitation card must be written in my uncle's name." Shui Yun said: "Naturally." Miss Bingxin wrote out an invitation for a modest luncheon the following day, and sent Shui Yong to deliver it. Shui Yong said: "I do not know where the Iron young gentleman is lodging." Shui Yun had his boy lead the way. When Shui Yong arrived at the lodgings, Tie Zhongyu happened to be there, deliberating whether to leave or stay. He could not discover the reason behind the Inspector's proclamation and was reluctant to depart without understanding. Shui Yong walked in, and Tie Zhongyu was delighted: "The other day when we met on the road — did you not say you wanted my help to submit the memorial?" Shui Yong said: "After I met you, sir, the Inspector's officer overtook me and turned me back by force. On the way back I questioned him and learned the full story: my young lady had gone directly to the Inspector's court, shown him the memorial in person, and so alarmed him with its severity that he agreed to issue a proclamation prohibiting forced marriages. She then revealed my name and description, and he sent the officer racing after me. I was turned back before I could reach the city gates, and so I failed to keep my appointment with you. I never imagined you would feel such concern that you would travel all this way. My young lady is deeply grateful, and she has sent me to invite you to call and receive her thanks." He presented the invitation. Tie Zhongyu, hearing the full account, was even more pleased: "So that is the explanation! I was wondering how that scoundrel Feng Ying could have had such a sudden change of heart — your young lady's stratagem was truly masterful. This morning I went to your gate, saw the proclamation, and was about to leave. But I could not rest without understanding the details — that is why I lingered. Now that you have explained everything, I shall depart first thing tomorrow. I ought to call and thank the young lady for her past kindness, but in this delicate situation — to avoid stirring up gossip — I have restrained myself. Please take back the invitation and convey my gratitude. I absolutely cannot come." Shui Yong said: "You, sir, act in the open; my young lady acts in the light. And besides, the only other person at the table would be the Second Master Shui. What impropriety could there be? A brief visit, a word of thanks — that is all." Tie Zhongyu said: "My dealings with your young lady have always been in the spirit of chivalry, beyond the realm of social niceties. Take the invitation back and give her my thanks — I absolutely shall not come." Shui Yong, seeing that Tie Zhongyu was immovable, had no choice but to return and report to Miss Bingxin and Shui Yun. Miss Bingxin, hearing the refusal, was actually pleased: "This young man distinguishes perfectly between feeling, duty, and chivalry — how clear-sighted! Truly admirable." Shui Yun, however, was thoroughly frustrated. He went back to Young Master Guo and reported: "That Tie fellow is a young man — plainly infatuated — yet through one trick after another I cannot lure him into a trap. He talks of leaving, but he does not leave. I suspect he is still plotting something in secret. You must be on your guard." Young Master Guo said: "The man is a phantom! I, a straightforward person, have no way to guard against such a creature. He comes into my county, knowing full well I intend to marry the girl, and hovers around her — he is deliberately making himself my rival! You try to lure him and he will not be lured; you try to trick him and he will not be tricked. I have no time for all this maneuvering. Better to call on him tomorrow in person, posing as an admirer of his heroic reputation. He can hardly refuse to return the call. When he comes to return the visit, I shall ply him with wine, invite a few of the local gentry — Young Master Zhang, Young Master Li, Young Master Wang — and once he is drunk, pick a quarrel. With a few strong fellows hidden in reserve, we shall beat him senseless. Then I shall report it to the Inspector. Even if old Feng knows the boy is the Censor-in-Chief's son, he cannot very well punish us for it either. In the end they will smooth it over, send him on his way — and he will never dare show his face in Licheng County again!" Shui Yun clapped his hands in glee: "Splendid! As long as you dare carry it through!" Young Master Guo said: "Of course I dare! His father is a Censor-in-Chief; my father is about to be Grand Secretary. How am I inferior?" Shui Yun said: "If you are decided, why not go today? By tomorrow he may be gone." Young Master Guo had a large vermilion visiting card prepared, inscribed with the words "Your devoted younger brother," and rode in a grand sedan chair with a retinue of servants straight to the lodgings to call upon Tie Zhongyu. Tie Zhongyu saw the card, recognized the name, and — despising the man's character — slipped away, telling Xiao Dan to say he was not in. Young Master Guo stepped down from his sedan, strode inside, delivered a stream of warm and flattering words to Xiao Dan, and then departed. Tie Zhongyu thought: "He is my adversary — why would he call on me? Perhaps, having failed to bring me down by scheming, he means to try another approach." He laughed to himself: "Even if he tries, I doubt he can outwit me. My business here is done — I should leave tomorrow. No time for games with the likes of him. I simply will not see him. But he is, after all, the son of a Grand Secretary. He came with all that pomp and ceremony — if I do not return the call, people will think me arrogant and uncivil. I know what I shall do: he is a dissolute young master, sure to sleep late. I shall go first thing in the morning and drop off a card at his gate, then leave at once. A return visit in name only — courteous and prudent at once." The next morning, before sunrise, he rose, had Xiao Dan pack the luggage, and prepared to depart. He sent a boy from the inn ahead with his visiting card. But Young Master Guo had already posted a spy at the lodgings. The instant Tie Zhongyu stirred, word was sent flying to Young Master Guo. By the time Tie Zhongyu reached the gate, Young Master Guo was already dressed to the nines, beaming, and striding out to greet him: "Yesterday I had the honor of calling upon you — I meant only to express my long-standing admiration. How can you trouble yourself to return the visit?" He bowed again and again, insisting Tie Zhongyu come inside. Tie Zhongyu had planned only to leave his card at the gate and ride off. But with Young Master Guo rushing out to receive him in person, all warmth and bonhomie, he could not very well put on a cold face. He handed over his card, and the two exchanged bows. In the main hall, Tie Zhongyu was about to perform the formal salutation when Young Master Guo stopped him: "Not here — let us go inside." He led Tie Zhongyu to the rear hall, where they exchanged bows, took their seats, and tea was served. Young Master Guo said: "I have long admired your heroic reputation and have been eager for a meeting. When you last graced our humble county, I had hoped to call upon you, but you departed too suddenly, and I have regretted it ever since. Now that you are here again and have honored me with a visit — this is a happy occasion indeed! I beg you to stay ten days, so we may drink together as friends." Tie Zhongyu, having finished his tea, rose at once: "I am deeply grateful for your kind attentions. But my heart is set on the road — I must leave at once today. The pleasure of your company must await another occasion." He turned to go. Young Master Guo blocked his way: "Meeting without drinking — even the wind and moon would laugh at us. No matter how urgent your journey, I must insist on three days." Tie Zhongyu said: "I truly must go. This is not mere politeness — I beg you to understand." Young Master Guo seized his arm: "I may be without talent, but I am still the son of an official family. Please do not dismiss me so lightly. If you truly thought so little of me, you should not have come at all. Since you have come, you are my guest. My only wish is to fulfill the duties of a host — I ask for nothing more. Why do you refuse so adamantly?" Tie Zhongyu said: "Your generous affection moves me, and I am reluctant to speak of leaving. But my bags are packed and my departure is pressing. I cannot delay." Young Master Guo said: "Very well — since you will not stay out of friendship, since you are determined to leave, I shall not insist. But you have come at dawn on an empty stomach, and to let you leave on an empty stomach — my conscience will not allow it. I ask only that you pause for a brief meal, and then I shall see you off. Surely you can grant me that much?" Tie Zhongyu had not intended to stay, but seeing Young Master Guo's apparently heartfelt entreaties, he sat down: "I have only just arrived — how can I impose upon your hospitality?" Young Master Guo said: "Between friends, there is no 'yours' and 'mine.' You are a man of spirit — why stand on ceremony?" No sooner had he spoken than Shui Yun walked in, spotted Tie Zhongyu, hurried over to bow, and said with a beaming smile: "Yesterday my niece, moved by your noble visit, asked me to write a card inviting you to a modest meal. But you refused so firmly! Now fortune has brought us together again — what a pleasure to sit with you." Tie Zhongyu said: "My coming was hasty, my going equally so. There was no occasion for social pleasantries, and so I declined through your messenger. Today I came only to leave a card — I had no intention of staying. But Young Master Guo has been so insistent that I find it hard to leave without seeming rude. I am quite at a loss." Shui Yun said: "In ancient times, the greatest friends became bosom companions after a single meeting under a canopy. Are you telling me that the Iron young gentleman and Young Master Guo cannot match the ancients?" Young Master Guo laughed: "The old gentleman speaks with spirit!" Tie Zhongyu, seeing the two men pressing him to stay, took them at face value and sat down. Before long the wine was brought out. Young Master Guo offered the seat of honor. Tie Zhongyu demurred: "I was invited to breakfast, not to a banquet. Why this elaborate feast?" Young Master Guo laughed: "Drink slowly — the right moment will come." All three laughed heartily and sat down to drink. As it happened, all three were good friends of the bottle. Once the cups were in their hands, the wine went down willingly — no need for urging. They had been drinking for some time when Tie Zhongyu was on the point of calling a halt. Suddenly a servant announced: "The Third Young Master Wang, son of the War Minister, has arrived." The three rose to greet him. Young Master Guo invited him to sit: "Young Master Wang, your timing is perfect." He pointed to Tie Zhongyu: "This is the Iron young gentleman — a true hero. You must not miss this meeting." Young Master Wang said: "Can this be the Tie Tingsheng who broke into the Marquis of Dagua's Hall of Leisured Ease?" Shui Yun hastened to confirm: "The very same!" Young Master Wang bowed again: "I have long admired your name! Forgive my neglect!" He filled a great goblet and presented it to Tie Zhongyu: "Borrowing Master Guo's wine, let me express my humble admiration." Tie Zhongyu accepted the cup, filled one in return, and proposed a toast: "My rough deeds are hardly worth mentioning. You, sir, are a man of refinement — a true exemplar of the literary arts." They exchanged compliments and drained three great goblets in succession. Tie Zhongyu was about to excuse himself when yet another arrival was announced: "The Second Young Master Li, son of the Hanlin Academician." The four were just rising when Young Master Li strode to the table: "No need to get up — we are all friends. Let me just sit down." Young Master Guo said: "There is a guest from afar you should meet." Tie Zhongyu, hearing this, rose to make his bow. But Young Master Li, before bowing, looked him up and down and said: "What a handsome fellow! Pray tell me your name and style." Tie Zhongyu said: "I am Tie Zhongyu, from Daming." Young Master Li said: "Then you are the eldest son of Censor-in-Chief Tie!" He bowed repeatedly: "I have long heard your name — what a pleasure to meet at last!" Young Master Guo seated him. By now Tie Zhongyu was well into his cups and thinking of departure. He said: "Young Master Li has just arrived — ordinarily I would not think of leaving so soon. But I came early and have drunk too much. I fear I must beg your pardon." Young Master Li put on a stern face: "That is an insult, Master Tie! If you meant to leave, you should have left before I arrived. For me to arrive and you to bolt without sharing a single cup — that is saying plainly that I am not worth drinking with!" Shui Yun intervened: "The Iron young gentleman has been meaning to leave for some time — it is not on your account, Master Li. But since you have just come, he ought at least to drink three goblets with you, as he did with Master Wang. After three goblets, stay or go, the host decides — and no one can blame the guest." Young Master Li, mollified, agreed. Tie Zhongyu had no choice but to sit down and drink three more goblets. Scarcely had the last drop been swallowed when yet another arrival was announced: "The Eldest Young Master Zhang, son of the Minister of Personnel!" Before anyone could rise, Young Master Zhang came swaggering in — his scholar's cap askew, his eyes unfocused, his pockmarked face blotched with drink. He was already well drunk and bellowed as he entered: "Which one is Master Tie? If he wants to play the hero in Licheng County, how is it he has not paid me a visit?" Tie Zhongyu was standing to greet him when he heard these insolent words. He stood his ground and replied coolly: "I am Tie Tingsheng. What instruction does the honorable sir wish to give?" Young Master Zhang did not even bow. He stared at Tie Zhongyu, looked him up and down, then burst out laughing: "I thought Master Tie would be a man with seven heads and eight livers — a fearsome bruiser! But what I see is a pair of delicate eyebrows and a white face — no different from a girl! But let us leave that for now. First let us test your capacity for wine — and see what you are made of!" The others all exclaimed: "Young Master Zhang speaks with the true spirit of a hero!" Tie Zhongyu said: "Drinking is about feeling, about mood, about temperament — each man drinks to his own heart. Zhang Xu's divine reputation rests on barely three cups; Chunyu Kun's unbound revelry lasted a full night — a hundred forms of splendor, none involving any contest over who drank more or less." Young Master Zhang said: "Since drinking takes a hundred forms, how do you know that a contest is not itself the finest form of all?" He pulled Tie Zhongyu down beside him and had two great goblets poured — one for Tie Zhongyu, one for himself. "Between friends," he declared, "drinking is drinking the heart. We meet today for the first time — I know your face but not your heart. Let us share a cup and see." He raised his goblet and drained it in one draught. Then, holding up the empty cup, he waited for Tie Zhongyu. Tie Zhongyu, seeing him drain it so cleanly, had no choice but to do the same. Young Master Zhang was pleased: "Now we are friends!" He called for two more goblets. Tie Zhongyu protested: "I have been here since early morning. I have had a great many cups already — three with Young Master Wang, three with Young Master Li, and now one with you. My capacity is limited — I truly cannot drink any more." Young Master Zhang said: "Both Wang and Li drank three goblets. Am I to stop at one? This is an insult! Let me be frank — in Licheng County, I consider myself a man of some standing. I have never been trifled with, and I do not intend to start now." He raised his goblet and drained it, then waited for Tie Zhongyu to follow. Tie Zhongyu, having arrived early and drunk on an empty stomach all morning, was truly at eight or nine parts drunk. He held the cup but could not drink. Young Master Zhang pressed him harder and harder. Tie Zhongyu set the cup down, leaned back in his chair, stared straight ahead, and slowly shook his head without a word. Young Master Zhang's face darkened with anger: "We agreed to drink together. I have drunk — why do you refuse? Are you trying to bully me?" Tie Zhongyu, though drunk in body, was clear enough in mind. Leaning against the chair, he shook his head: "If I can drink, I drink. If I cannot, I do not. What is there to bully? What is there to trifle with?" Young Master Zhang, past all patience, exploded: "You insolent puppy! You may lord it in Daming Prefecture, but do not presume to put on airs in my Shandong! If you will not drink my wine, I shall make you!" He snatched up the goblet and dashed the contents full in Tie Zhongyu's face. Tie Zhongyu was drunk, but his mind was still sharp. Hearing himself called "insolent puppy" and then drenched with wine from head to face, a blaze of fury sent sparks flying before his eyes. The wine-fog burned away in an instant. He leaped to his feet, seized Young Master Zhang by the collar, and shook him: "You insolent dog — daring to pull a tiger's whiskers! Are you looking to die?" Young Master Zhang, wrenched about, bellowed: "You dare hit me?" Tie Zhongyu slapped him across the mouth: "Hit you? What of it?" Young Masters Wang and Li, seeing Zhang struck, shouted in chorus: "Insolent wretch! Where do you think you are? How dare you strike a man here?" Young Master Guo chimed in: "I invited you in good faith, and you repay me with drunken violence! Lock the doors — do not let him escape! Give him a beating to sober him up, and then deliver him to the Inspector for punishment!" He gave a covert signal, and from both sides of the room seven or eight burly ruffians rushed forward. Shui Yun, pretending to mediate, said: "No violence!" and moved toward Tie Zhongyu as if to seize his arms. By now Tie Zhongyu's wine was entirely burned off. Taking in the scene at a glance, he saw the trap for what it was. He gave a cold, thin smile: "A pack of mad dogs, daring to insult a man!" With one hand he kept his grip on Young Master Zhang; with the other he upended the table. Plates, bowls, cups, and dishes crashed to the floor. Shui Yun, who had just sidled close, received a shove — "For Miss Shui's sake, I spare you a beating!" — and went sprawling a full zhang backward, hitting the ground hard and unable to get up. Young Masters Wang and Li, seeing the ferocity of his attack, dared not come near. They could only shout: "This is rebellion! Rebellion!" Young Master Guo waved the ruffians forward en masse. They were just closing in when Tie Zhongyu hoisted Young Master Zhang into the air — as he had once hoisted the Marquis of Dagua — and, holding him in one hand, swept the other arm through the crowd like a scythe, sending them tumbling east and west. Young Master Zhang was by nature all bluster and no substance — a man hollowed out by wine and women. He could not endure the treatment. Lifted, dropped, slammed, and shaken, his head spun, his vision blurred, and every cup he had drunk came surging back up. He cried out: "Stop! Stop! Everyone stop fighting! Let us talk this over!" Tie Zhongyu said: "There is nothing to talk over. Just see me safely to the gate, and all will be well. Try to keep me here, and every last one of you will die!" Young Master Zhang agreed frantically: "I shall see you out! I shall see you out!" Tie Zhongyu set him on his feet, but kept a firm grip on his collar. Holding him with one hand, he walked calmly out. The others stood rooted, white with impotent fury, not daring to approach. They could only call out hard words from the sidelines: "In the precincts of the city, how dare he carry on like this! Let him go for now — we shall settle accounts soon enough!" Tie Zhongyu acted as if he heard nothing. Gripping Young Master Zhang, he walked him all the way through the main gate and out into the street. Only then did he release him. "Kindly convey a message to the gentlemen, Young Master Zhang. I, Tie Zhongyu — had I held so much as an inch of steel, I could cut my way through an army of thousands, let alone three or four wine-soaked wastrels and a dozen manure-hauling oafs who thought they could pull a tiger's whiskers. How foolish! If I had not thought of your standing as gentlemen's sons, I would have stripped every one of you bare and broken every leg. I have spared your lives today — tell them they ought to burn incense morning and evening and offer thanks for my great amnesty. Let that be understood!" He cupped his hands: "Good day to you!" And he strode back to his lodgings. There he found Xiao Dan with the luggage all neatly packed, and Shui Yong standing by with a horse, waiting. Tie Zhongyu, puzzled, asked: "What are you doing here?" Shui Yong said: "My young lady learned that Young Master Guo had invited you to drink, and knew it was no friendly invitation — there would certainly be a fight. She also calculated that Young Master Guo could not possibly get the better of you, and that you would give him a beating. And she also calculated that, having beaten him, he would never let it rest — he would be sure to make a legal case of it. My young lady was afraid that you might not take it seriously and simply leave, giving them time to fabricate their complaint. She has learned that the Inspector is touring in Dongchang Prefecture, not far from here. She asks that you go at once to see Inspector Feng, present your account of Young Master Guo's villainy first, and put it on record. Then, no matter what they try afterward, it will be too late. She sent me here with a horse to attend you on the ride." Tie Zhongyu was overjoyed: "How does your young lady contrive to show me such extraordinary consideration? I am moved beyond words. And how does she foresee events with such speed, and think of everything with such meticulous care? I am lost in admiration. Since this is the young lady's counsel, it cannot be wrong." He went inside, ate a quick lunch, settled with his host, mounted the horse, and rode off with Shui Yong and Xiao Dan to Dongchang Prefecture to see Inspector Feng. As the verse says: The hero has courage to spare; The beauty has the keenest mind. Glad to be of use to a kindred spirit — And with each use, the bond grows deeper still. When Tie Zhongyu reached Dongchang Prefecture, he learned that Inspector Feng was in session. He quickly drafted a formal complaint, detailing how the four young masters and Shui Yun had conspired to entrap and assault him, and requesting that they be summoned and prosecuted. Without waiting for the regular petition hour, he strode up to the gate and struck the drum. The drum resounded. The bailiffs, not following proper procedure, seized Tie Zhongyu and hustled him inside. At the courtyard he knelt, as protocol before a Provincial Inspector demanded, and presented his complaint. Inspector Feng, looking down from his seat, seemed to recognize him. When he read the opening lines of the complaint and saw the name Tie Zhongyu, he did not even finish reading. He left his seat, ordered the gates closed, and had a page invite the young gentleman to rise and come forward. Tie Zhongyu, approaching the dais, was about to kneel again when Inspector Feng took his arm and greeted him with ordinary courtesy. He offered a seat and tea, then asked: "When did you arrive here, young sir? And on what business? I knew nothing of this." Tie Zhongyu said: "I came for study and travel — nothing in particular. I would not have troubled Your Excellency. But unexpectedly I fell victim to a conspiracy — a gang of villains plotted to entrap me and nearly took my life. Having escaped, I could not let it rest, and so I have come to beg Your Excellency's redress." Inspector Feng said: "Who dared to make an attempt on your life? I shall certainly enforce the law to the fullest." He took up the complaint and read it through, then furrowed his brow and said: "So it is them again!" Tie Zhongyu said: "Rooting out evil and punishing crime is the duty of Your Excellency's office. Your authority is clear and stern, without fear or favor. Why do you hesitate over these men?" Inspector Feng said: "I do not hesitate out of leniency. But their fathers all hold high positions at court. To prosecute them would cause considerable damage — an awkward situation. Besides, these men are merely the spoiled sons of wealthy families, behaving as hooligans. If I tried to discipline them, they would not reform; if I subjected them to the indignity of an impeachment, their offenses are frankly not serious enough to warrant it. That is why I have not yet acted. Now that they have offended you, allow me time to consider the best course." Tie Zhongyu said: "Since the matter is delicate, I would not dream of taxing Your Excellency's resources. But as a stranger here, I feared that if I left without reporting the incident, these men — crafty as goblins — might fabricate charges and slander me in my absence. Since Your Excellency's discerning mirror has already illuminated their villainy, I may depart with an easy mind. I ask only that this complaint be placed on file." Inspector Feng was greatly relieved: "I am deeply grateful for your understanding, young sir. Pray stay a few days and allow me to show you some courtesy." Tie Zhongyu wished to leave at once. Inspector Feng, knowing he could not be detained, presented him with twelve taels as a travel gift. Tie Zhongyu thanked him and departed. As the verse says: The censor's bench has laws — why insist on enforcing them? The cold eye's disdain finds far more use. To learn where Tie Zhongyu went next, read on in the following chapter.

[1] CHAP. XII. In the Translator's manuscript.

[2] The Chinese Author hath not made this appear, but he probably meant, that by involving them in the suspicion of an illicit correspondence, he should effectually hinder their union. Such is the delicacy of the Chinese on the subject of marriage. See the sequel of this History.

[3] . e. His master's brother. Translator.

[4] The Editor hath softened a few passages in this and the preceding page, which to the eye of an European did not appear quite so respectful in the original. Instead of the passage which is included above in brackets, in the M.S. it is ["I am resolved not to go."]

[5] If the Chinese are not disposed to see company, it is sufficient to say, that they are not at home: in which case if the visitant leaves his paper of compliments [See note vol. I. p. 135.] with the porter or servant, the visit is the same as if received in person, and must be returned in form. Sometimes a Mandarine will receive the Billet by his porter, and will send to desire the visitant not to be at the trouble to alight from his chair. In either case the visit must be returned, either the same day, or on one of the three following, and if possible in the morning. If a person is desirous of being excused the trouble of receiving these civilities, he affixes over his gate a paper written with white letters, "That he is retired to his garden house." P. Semedo, p. 60. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 296.

[6] It is remarkable that the Chinese To-Fang, or Whirlwind, corruptly pronounced by our voyagers Tuffoon, is called in Greek by a similar name (Τυφὼν) Typhon. The kind of storm here mentioned is frequent on the coasts of China in the summer months, and is generally preceded (sometimes for hours) by a boding cloud in the N.E. which near the horizon is very black, but upwards is of a dark copper hue, and higher still is brighter, till it fades to a whitish glaring colour at the very edge of the cloud: nothing can be conceived more dreadful and ghastly than this appearance. When this cloud begins to move apace, the storm may soon be expected: which comes on fierce and blows very violent at N.E. for twelve hours or more, accompanied with terrible claps of thunder, frequent flashes of lightning, and excessive hard rain. When the wind begins to abate, it dies away suddenly, and falling into a flat calm continues so for about an hour: then the wind comes about to S.W. and it blows and rains as fierce from that quarter, as it did from the other, and as long. This storm is more terrible than can be conceived: one would think that heaven and earth were returning to their ancient Chaos, so that it is no wonder the ribs of the stoutest ships should be loosened. It rages not only at sea, but also on land; and overturns houses, pulls up trees by the roots, and carries great ships a quarter of a mile from the sea. See Dampier's voy. vol. 2. p. 36. Varenii Geograph.

[7] An European would have been contented to welcome him by desiring him to consider the house as his own, or to look upon himself as at home. But the above high-strained expression of civility prevails in other parts of the East besides China. When a party of English merchants first visited Palmyra in the year 1678, they were met by two Arabs, one of whom was an officer of the Emir, who told them, "in the bold metaphor of an eastern compliment (says the writer of the account) that all the country was theirs, and that his lord was their friend." See Memoirs Roy. Soc. N° 227.

[8] Not only in China, but all over the East, it is thought a breach of good manners to appear empty-handed before those whom they profess to respect. Among the Chinese the common presents are for the most part, stuffs, female ornaments, or the like; even shoes, stockings, handkerchiefs, porcelain, ink, pencils, &c. are thus bestowed; and sometimes things to eat. They are very careful to chase every thing the best of the kind for this purpose. P. Semedo, p. 64.

[9] See note, vol. 2. p. 76.

[10] See note, vol. 1. p. 69. and note, vol. 2. pag. 279.

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[12] The original is Lee-cong-tzu, which properly signifies Lee a Mandarine's son. See note, vol. 1. p. 114. This remark must be applied wherever the words Young Mandarine occur throughout this chapter. -- N.B. Title and rank are not hereditary in China: the sons of the greatest Mandarines are reduced to the level of the people in point of distinction and dignity. See vol. 1. additional note to p. 59.

[13] See note, vol. 2. p. 171.

[14] The literal translation is, "Those that are strong always shew it by their eating and drinking." -- It may be observed here that the Chinese are great topers: when they speak of a banquet they make mention only of wine. As we say in English, "to invite to a feast," "to give an entertainment," in Chinese the expression is, "to invite to drink," "to prepare wine," Ying-ksioo, Pai-tsioo, because wine is regarded as the most essential part of a repast. Let. ed. x. 326. P. Semedo tells us, that it is usual at their entertainments after the dishes are removed, for them to discourse for about an hour: and then various kinds of salt meats are served in, of the nature of our gammons of bacon, tongues, &c. which they call guides, i. e. provocatives to drink. [P. Semedo, p. 66.] As under the notion of wine, the Chinese include various kinds of spirituous liquors, to which they are much addicted, this will account for the readiness with which the Chinese Mandarines took off their glasses of Frontiniac and Citron-water at the entertainment given them on board the Centurion, as described by the writer of Lord Anson's voyage, page 482. Vid. P. Du Halde, P. Le Compte, &c.

[15] This is not a random expression. In the Chinese play translated in P. Du Halde's collection: the person, who hath the care of a young Mandarine's education, says, "I have taught him the eighteen different ways of fighting." [Je lui ai appris les dix-huit manieres de se battre.] P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 180. -- The Reader will remark that this allowance much exceeds that known regulation of Sir William Temple's, viz. The first glass for myself, the second for my friends, the third for good-humour, the fourth for mine enemies. Spectator, vol. 3. N° 195.

[16] Covid seems to be a contraction of the Portuguese word covado, i. e. a cubit. The Chinese Ell or Cubit, (called by the Natives Che) is of several kinds, but that most commonly used in traffic, is to the English Foot, as 676 is to 600; or something more than thirteen inches. See Bayer, pref. pag. 134. Harris's voyag. vol. 1. p. 854. Tavernier, Pt. 2. ch. 10. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 141. Lettres edif. x. 157.

[17] The Supreme Mandarines, whose jurisdiction is very extensive, (viz. the Visitors, Viceroys, &c.) although they have generally their palaces in the capital city of the province, are not always resident there, but make circuits from place to place for the more convenient dispatch of business. P. Magal. pag. 242. N.B. Tong-chang-foo is a large and opulent city: the third in the province of Shan-tong, and is situated on the Grand Imperial Canal. China is every where full of very fine Canals, which open a communication between every province and almost between every town and village; these run in straight lines, and have causeys on each side, faced with flat stones or marble: but the Grand Imperial Canal is one of the wonders of the world, being three hundred leagues in length, and forming a great road of water, on which more than nine thousand imperial barks transport the tribute which the Emperor annually receives from the southern provinces. This stupendous work, which was compleated about five hundred years ago, is so contrived by means of sluices, &c. to detain the water, and forms such a communication with other canals and rivers, that one may travel the length of the whole empire from Pe-king to Canton and Macao, above six hundred leagues by water. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 105, 17. 215. 286. 325.

[18] This may be explained from P. Magalhaens, who thus describes the manner of proceeding at the Chinese tribunals. "When a man hath any business to lay before them, he sets it down on paper: which done he goes to the palace of the tribunal and beats on a drum, which he finds at the second gate; and then falling on his knees, he raises his petition with both his hands as high as his head; at which time an officer appointed for that employment takes the paper from him, and lays it before the Mandarine who presides." Pag. 203. N.B. With regard to binding the petitioner, &c. as described above, there is in the Translator's M.S. a marginal note which tells us, that "It is the custom to do so to any that strike on the drum:" but this is mentioned in no other writer.

[19] Twelve Taels of silver are about 4l. sterling.

[20] CHAP. XIII. In the Translator's manuscript.

[21] In order to render this and some of the following pages intelligible, it must be remarked that there is in China, a horrid sect called Pe-lien-kiao, always disposed to rebellion, and who are therefore sure to be punished, whenever they are discovered. This sect consists of people, who enter into a confederacy to overturn the established government, for which purpose, with certain magical rites, they elect an Emperor out of their number, distribute among themselves the principal employments of the state, mark out certain families for destruction, and lie concealed till some insurrection of the people affords them an opportunity of putting themselves at their head. China, on account of its vast extent, prodigious populousness and frequency of famines, is very liable to seditions and insurrections, which thro' the pusillanimity and feebleness of its military government are always dangerous, and indeed have often produced intire revolutions in the state. Now as in these revolutions, it hath frequently happened that some of the very dregs of the people have been raised to the throne; this upon every insurrection encourages the ringleaders to aspire to the empire: who, if they are not nipped in the bud, are sure to draw together the dissolute, the discontented, and the needy; till they form a large body and become very formidable to the government. Upon all these accounts the Mandarines are obliged to be exceedingly jealous and watchful over the least tendency to revolt; and to be careful to extinguish the first and minutest sparks of rebellion, which would otherwise soon involve the whole empire in a flame. P. Semedo, p. 91. Lettres edif. xxvii. 344. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 243.

[22] In the orig. it is "of four or five Bamboos" (or Tallies, each five strokes.) See note, vol. 2. pag. 189.

[23] A folded paper with a black cover. Translator.

[24] From the Editor's additions included in brackets, the Reader will perceive how abrupt the transition is in the original. The same abruptness is observable throughout the whole history.

[25] All the officers of war throughout the Chinese empire, from the highest to the lowest, are under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal of Arms, which, although composed of none but literary Mandarines, hath the absolute and intire direction of all military affairs. In China the profession of arms is held vastly inferior and subordinate to that of letters. This, together with their natural effeminacy, and the constant peace they generally enjoy, will account for the unwarlike turn of the Chinese. P. Semedo tells us that it was usual [at least in his time] for the Chinese to send with their armies a man of the long robe, who had the supreme command, even over the General himself. This Mandarine was always in the middle of the main Battalia, and many times a day's journey from the field of action; so that although he would be too remote to give orders, he was always ready to run away the first in case of danger. P. Semedo, p. 100.

[26] The Chinese idiom is, "Who are the Grandfather and Father of the people."

[27] The Tribunal of Three is composed of the following tribunals; viz. of the Hing-pu, or Tribunal of crimes; of the Tah-le-fu, which may be called The Tribunal of revisors (See Lettres edif. xix. 162. n.); and of the Tieh-cha-yuen, or Superior Tribunal of visitors. The last of these hath been already described. [See vol. 2. pag. 185. note.] and ought every where to have been entitled, as here. See P. Mag. p. 229. The Hing-pu, or Tribunal of crimes, is one of the six sovereign courts at Pe-king, [See note vol. 2. p. 279.] and hath under it fourteen subordinate tribunals according to the number of provinces. It belongs to them to examine, try and punish all criminals throughout the empire. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 249, &c. The Tribunal of Tah-le-fu, i. e. of supreme reason or justice, is as it were the great Chancery of the empire. It examines in the last appeal the judgments and sentences passed in other tribunals: especially in criminal causes, or in matters of great moment. P. Mag. p. 228. P. Semedo, p. 125. When the Tribunal of Crimes hath passed sentence of death on a person, whose crime was not very clear, or when any person is to be condemned in a case that would admit of doubt, the Emperor, (says P. Magalhaens) refers it always to the San-fa-su [or tseh] which is as it were his council of conscience. Then the three tribunals abovementioned assemble together, either to re-examine the merits of the cause, or to pass the more solemn sentence. As it is not so easy to corrupt them thus united, as separate, great regard is had to their decision, which is generally confirmed by the Emperor. P. Mag. p. 229. Lettres edif. xix. 162.

[28] CHAP. XIV. In the Translator's manuscript.

[29] These seem to be synonymous in the Chinese language.

[30] Kong-tang. Translator's M.S.

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Hao Qiu Zhuan/en1761-en2026/Chapter 12

Chapter 12 — Translation Comparison: 1761 ↔ 2026

Chapter 12: A Cold Face Can Turn: A Single Banquet Creates an Enemy

CHAP. V.

CHAP. V. [cont.]

CHAP. VI.

CHAP. VII.

CHAP. VIII.

Chapter 12: A Cold Face Can Turn: A Single Banquet Creates an Enemy

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