Hao Qiu Zhuan/en1761-en2026/Chapter 15
Chapter 15 — Translation Comparison: 1761 ↔ 2026
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Chapter 15: When Parents Command with Bitter Entreaties, How Can One Refuse?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. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify. [Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters I-IV] CHAP I.[1] Shuey-keu-ye when he came home, saw to his great satisfaction his daughter grown up to woman's estate, and highly improved in her beauty and accomplishments. He told her the troubles he had met with had not been able to render him unhappy, neither was he at all elevated by his promotion. "My greatest pleasure, said he, is to see you again, and to find you in health." He concluded with telling her, that at court he had met with a young gentleman, whom he had chosen for his son-in-law, one who was in every respect answerable to his utmost wishes. It struck the young lady that this might possibly be Tieh-chung-u; she therefore answered, "Sir, you are far advanced in years: it is a great while since the death of my mother: you have no child but me: it is therefore my duty to serve you as long as I live: and however undeserving I may be, I will never cease to attend you." The Mandarine her father smiled and said, "You must not persist in these resolutions, however commendable they may be. It would be very wrong to let slip the opportunity of being happily married upon any such considerations. If my adopted son-in-law were not a person of superior merit, I should hardly have made choice of him: nay if he had the least fault in the world, I should not have accepted him without having first consulted you. But he is a youth of fine understanding, and of spotless integrity: he is deficient in no one valuable accomplishment. I found him in all respects so unexceptionable, that I did not think it necessary to apply to you first for your consent." The young lady, who by this description was confirmed in her opinion, that it must be the son of the Mandarine Tieh-ying, made answer, "that indeed nothing could be objected to such a person as he had described: But who knows, added she, whether there may not be other objections to the marriage-contract? whether it may be lawful—?" These words made the Lord President recall to mind those of the young gentleman, insomuch that he could not help remarking their resemblance: he therefore said, "Do you know the person of whom I speak; it is the son of the Supreme Viceroy." "Sir, she replied, had it been any one else, I would never have consented: and as it is he, he never will agree to any such marriage." "Why not?" said her father. She answered, "Because it would be to break through all the regards due to that honourable engagement, and to violate its most solemn rites." Shuey-keu-ye was surprised at these words: "This youth, said he, is of no ill descent; but pure and untainted as yourself: Why then do you talk of any violation that would accrue to the rites of marriage?" With that Shuey-ping-sin related to him all that happened during his absence. "And now, added she, after all this, how can such an alliance take place without entailing everlasting shame and disgrace on us both?" When he had heard this relation, her father was charmed with her delicacy and nice sense of honour: "If this be true, said he to himself, my daughter hath not her equal among women, any more than Tieh-chung-u is to be matched among men." "Daughter, said he aloud, I am glad to see you keep so closely to the paths of virtue: there is none but you fit to be paired with so good and virtuous a youth as I have chosen. Heaven seems to have created you both for each other: this marriage was ordained to take place between you. I have engaged to see it performed: you must not therefore think it wrong or dishonourable in it." These were the resolutions of the father of Shuey-ping-sin, whom we shall leave at present, to inquire after Kwo-khe-tzu, her unsuccessful admirer. When Chun-kee returned as we have seen without success, nothing could equal that youth's disappointment: yet his friend exhorted him not to be cast down: "Your father, said he, hath petitioned the Emperor against Shuey-keu-ye, and against an officer espoused by him; who will both be sentenced to lose their heads." Kwo-khe-tzu listened to this account with pleasure, and they continued to indulge themselves in the hope of being revenged for the slight put upon them, when at length the[2] news arrived that Shuey-keu-ye was recalled from exile, and promoted to a higher office; and all by the interposal of Tieh-chung-u; in return for which he had engaged to give him his daughter in marriage. The report so affected Kwo-khe-tzu, that he raved and stamped like a madman, and at last swooned away. By the assistance of the people, who came to his relief, he at length recovered, and retiring with Chun-kee, said, "How indefatigable have I been? what steps have I taken? what expence have I been at? and what perplexity have I suffered? and at length Tieh-chung-u without any pains at all hath carried off the prize. But, if I die for it, I will prevent the ceremony from being compleated. Come, said he to his friend, you must set your wits at work for me." "Alas! replied the other, when she was lone and friendless all our attempts proved ineffectual: her father is now advanced in dignity, and will quickly be at home; what likelyhood then is there now of success?" "Well, said the youth, I can now have no hopes of succeeding myself: I shall be sufficiently satisfied, if I can but prevent and disappoint the other." "We know very well, replied his friend, the nice and scrupulous temper of her father, and his advancement will render him still more jealous of the reputation of his family; let us apply to some of his acquaintance, and get them to inform him of the secret correspondence between Tieh-chung-u and his daughter: if he hears of this he will certainly break off the marriage. But if he should disregard it, we then will get your father to apply to the Ko-tau or Public Censor[3]: whose complaint against him will cause the Emperor to take away his employment, and set aside their nuptials." Kwo-khe-tzu thought this a well-concerted scheme: and said, "To-morrow I will endeavour to make this matter as public as I can among all the Mandarines of the city." "By no means, said his friend, for the Che-foo and Che-bien[4] know the whole truth of the affair, and can contradict such a report: besides they will now be disposed to solicit the favour of Shuey-keu-ye, who will be upon the spot. Let us rather defer it till there come two new magistrates, for the present will soon go to court to solicit farther preferment." "Well, said the other, but although two new Mandarines should arrive, they will inquire into the truth of such a report, and the people of their audience will be able to set them right." "If we consider every objection, and are discouraged by it, replied Chun-kee, we had better desist and give up the affair. However I now recollect a more effectual means than any we have thought of: when I was at court, I observed a very great intimacy between your father, and Tah-quay, the great Mandarine who was so disgraced by your adversary Tieh-chung-u. The wife of this nobleman was newly dead, and he was looking out for a young and handsome woman to succeed her. Dispatch a letter to your father, and desire him to recommend Shuey-ping-sin to him; for although Tieh-chung-u hath made proposals of marriage, it is not concluded. Thus your father will at once oblige his friend, by helping him to a young and handsome wife, and you will be revenged on your adversary; whose reputation will also suffer by the disappointment: at the same time the whole affair will be conducted without disturbance or danger." "There is one difficulty attends this method, said the youth: Tah-quay's confinement is not yet expired, and no body is allowed to converse with him openly: so my father can only visit him in private, and therefore cannot assist him in his power." "This is very true, said Chun-kee, and will somewhat retard the attempt, but I have still another resource, which is not liable to the same objection. Your father hath also contracted a close intimacy with one of the great Eunuchs of the palace; one of whom the whole court stands in awe, as being about the Emperor's person, and having his ear. This gentleman, who is called Chou-thay-kien[5] or the Eunuch of danger, hath a niece who is very ugly, and not yet married. Get your father to recommend Tieh-chung-u as a fit husband for her; he will not dare to reject the offers of so powerful a courtier as her uncle. Now when he is once married to the Eunuch's niece, undoubtedly so great a Mandarine as the Lord President of Arms, will never give him his only daughter for a second wife or concubine." Kwo-khe-tzu was so pleased with this advice, that he resolved to write to his father immediately: "But this affair, said he, is of too much moment to be intrusted to a common servant; shall I once more intreat you to embark in it?" His friend readily assented: and being furnished with money and other necessaries once more set out for the court. While these plots were contriving, Tieh-chung-u lived retired in his country house: where he pursued his studies with such application and success, that at the time of the examination of students, he was admitted to the degree of Kiu-jin, or Licentiate[4]: this happened in autumn, when the examination is made through all the provinces. And soon after when the second examination was held at court he offered himself again, and appeared to such advantage that he was created Doctor of Law, and put foremost on the list. He was soon after made one of the first doctors of the empire, being chosen into the royal college or Han-lin[6],[7] and appointed by the Emperor to be one of the tutors to his son. He had now attained his twenty second year, and his father and mother only waited for Shuey-keu-ye's return to court, in order to compleat the marriage, which they resolved the nice scruples of their son should not set aside. CHAP. II. The year was now elapsed which Shuey-keu-ye had been allowed to spend in retirement: when the Emperor issued out an order for his return to court: upon the first notice of which the Mandarine Tieh-ying wrote a letter, to intreat him to bring the young lady along with him. Upon the receipt of this, he told his daughter, that as she was now grown up to woman's estate, he intended she should accompany him to the court. Shuey-ping-sin testified her compliance: "To what purpose, said she, am I your daughter? I might as well not have been born to you, if I must remain always at a distance. It is very fitting I should attend you: but then I must humbly intreat one favour." He asked what it was. She replied, "If at court any offers should be made about the completion of the marriage with Tieh-chung-u, that you will be pleased not to consent to it." The old Mandarine smiled at her request, and assured her that he would do nothing that should be prejudicial either to her happiness or fame. He then asked her, to whom he should devolve the care of his house and effects. She proposed her uncle as the properest person to have direction without doors, but recommended him to leave the government within to the care of Se-ue-geong. He followed her advice, and having made suitable preparations departed for Pe-king, where in little more than a month he arrived. As soon as he had performed his first duty in waiting on the Emperor, all the great officers came to visit him, and among the rest the Mandarine Tieh-ying: who afterwards sent his son to pay him the same compliment. Although the young Mandarine Tieh in his visiting billet which he had dispatched before him, called himself only cousin, and not son-in-law, as he should have done, Shuey-keu-ye attributed it to his modesty, and admitted his visit. The old gentleman was mightily pleased to see him become a great Mandarine, and grown a very personable man,[8] which made him think him the more suitable match for his daughter, esteeming them both only born for each other. "Let this young and virtuous pair, (said he to himself,) object never so much to the marriage, we old folks will over-rule them, and make them happy in spite of themselves." After some conversation Tieh-chung-u took his leave and retired. As soon as he was gone, the secretary belonging to Shuey-keu-ye's tribunal came in and said, "Sir, I have a relation, who is servant to the Mandarine Tah-quay; he hath been here to tell me that, as his master is confined, he could not visit your Lordship, neither could he send a billet of compliments in due form, but he notwithstanding presents his services and wishes of good health: he told me farther, that Tah-quay having lost his wife, is very desirous to marry again; and hearing that you have brought the young lady your daughter with you to court, he intends to get the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to come in his behalf, and conclude a marriage-contract for her." "Well! said Shuey-keu-ye, and what answer did you make to Tah-quay's servant?" "I told him, said the other, that she had been long engaged to the Mandarine Tieh-chung-u. Upon which he inquired when the marriage was to be concluded; but I was not able to inform him. Of this our discourse, I thought it my duty to inform your Lordship." The Mandarine ordered him, if any one should hereafter question him on that subject, to tell them that the nuptials would be celebrated within the space of two days. "This Mandarine, said Shuey-keu-ye to himself, is a person of very ill character, his proposals are only meant to give us disturbance. But should he apply to the Emperor himself, there will be nothing to fear, as my daughter is already disposed of: however it is better to have the marriage completed to prevent the worst that may happen." He then went to his daughter's apartment, and told her she must not think it unreasonable, that he renewed the subject of her union with Tieh-chung-u, for that it was necessary it should take place immediately. Then he related to her all that his secretary had told him: "Now, said he, if we do not hasten the completion of your marriage, this Tah-quay may perhaps involve us in a great deal of trouble." It instantly occurred to the young lady, that Kwo-khe-tzu or his father were at the bottom of this business. She communicated her conjectures to her father, "And yet, added she, if Tah-quay should persist in giving us disturbance, upon proper application to his Majesty it may perhaps involve him in fresh disgrace, and be a means of renewing his former punishment." "The wisest course, said Shuey-keu-ye, is not to oppose an enemy, but to avoid him. If we conclude this marriage out of hand, his design will be defeated." —Before his daughter could reply, there came in a servant, to tell him that the Supreme Viceroy had sent his service, and begged he would favour him with his company at his house, for that he had urgent business to communicate to him. "This is a good opportunity, said Shuey-keu-ye; I had thoughts myself of going thither. I will therefore lay all ceremony aside. Let my horse be got ready." He accordingly went as fast as he could. CHAP. III. As soon as he alighted, the Mandarine Tieh-ying took him by the hand, and led him into the hall: "This morning, said he, as I was coming from court, I met the Eunuch Chou-thay-kien; who making me a very low bow, said, he begged a favour which he hoped I would not refuse him: that he had a niece, whom he should be glad to have married to my son. I told him it could not be, for he was already engaged. He replied, 'What though he is engaged to Shuey-ping-sin, it signifies little, as the marriage is not yet completed.' These Eunuchs, added the Mandarine Tieh, are saucy impertinent rascals, and presume upon the great employments they fill: therefore to be plagued no more on this subject, I have sent to your Lordship that we may get the wedding concluded as soon as possible." "What, said Shuey-keu-ye, have you then met with this trouble? Such another application hath been this day made to myself." Upon which he related all that his secretary had told him. "Now, said he, this being the case, let us put an end to the affair. When the marriage ceremony is once over, even his Majesty's order will not be of force to set it aside. Nay let it be concluded this very day: and yet my daughter will hardly be prevailed with; she argues against breaking the laws of decency and custom." "My son, said the other, talks in the same strain." "After all, said Shuey-keu-ye, I believe they secretly love each other: we must not therefore regard their objections, but exert our paternal authority." "True, said the Mandarine Tieh — and yet if these impertinent applications had not been made to us, we might have indulged them with longer time: but as it is, there is not an hour to be lost: I believe they would hardly be brought to give up each other, and therefore will now comply with our desires." Here they parted. The Mandarine Tieh-ying instantly sent for his son, and related to him all that happened both to the President of Arms and to himself. "Now, said he, this being the case, if you don't consent to marry the young lady, you will cause a great deal of trouble both to her and yourself; which there are no other means to prevent or avoid." "Sir, replied his son, whatever you command, 'tis my duty to obey you. I am only concerned at the hastiness of the proceedings. As to the Eunuch's application, it is certainly the contrivance of Kwo-sho-su: but what signifies his proposing his niece to me? he will but lose his labour." "Well, said his father, although you can so easily resist this attack yourself, you must give the young lady some assistance in her difficulty." "Sir, said the youth, be pleased then to acquaint the Mandarine her father to give it out that we are married. This will stop the mouths of these people, and rescue us from their impertinence: at the same time, we may within doors remain single till a more favourable juncture." The Mandarine Tieh approved very well of his son's discourse: and did not insist upon his further compliance. "Provided, said he, you can but satisfy the world that you are married, you may act in private as you please." Then he commissioned proper people to chuse out a fortunate day for the celebration of their nuptials. CHAP. IV. Early on the morrow the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye sent a letter to the Supreme Viceroy, which he opened, and read to the following effect. "After I had talked with your Lordship yesterday, I went home and proposed to my daughter the completion of the marriage; which she could by no means be brought to consent to: however, after a great many arguments, at length she yielded that it should be reported abroad she was married to your son; on condition that at home she should still continue in her present state. I have therefore sent to consult your Lordship, whether you think this will be sufficient." The Mandarine Tieh-ying was highly pleased with the letter: but could not help thinking it very extraordinary that this young couple should both adopt the same opinions. "Certainly, said he, Heaven hath designed this pair for each other: there is a wonderful similitude in their fortunes, manners and sentiments. But yet, he added, if they do not live under the same roof, it will soon be discovered that they are not married: I will therefore send my son to reside in the house of Shuey-keu-ye; and then whether they are married or not, their true situation will not be known abroad." He accordingly sent to ask the other's opinion concerning this proposal: who intirely approved of it. They soon after visited each other, and chusing a fortunate day celebrated the marriage; at which a great number of Mandarines assisted with the highest splendour and magnificence. Tieh-chung-u went in state to the house of the bride, attended by all the Mandarines. When he arrived at the door, the Lord President came out in person to receive him: and after the usual ceremonies were over, there was a great entertainment prepared for the guests. The bridegroom however left them, and was led into the inner apartments. As it was now evening, the rooms were lighted up with greatest splendor: and as soon as he was come into the second hall, Shuey-ping-sin entered also, followed by a long train of female attendants. She received him with the same easy chearfulness, as she would have received a friend: she bewrayed no particular emotion or gesture, but accosted him with a decent and becoming freedom. "Sir, said she, I am ever sensible of the former benefits I received at your hands: and was my life to be laid down in your behalf, it would not discharge the debt I owe you. By my father's order I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day; which affords me an opportunity of returning you thanks for the services you have done me." Then making a deep court'sy she presented him with a seat. Tieh-chung-u seeing the graceful ease with which she accosted him, and the beauty of her person set off with the richness and exactness of her dress, thought her handsomer than she had even appeared to him at their first encounter: he was so ravished with the sight of her, that he thought she could be nothing less than an angel from heaven. When he had recovered his surprize, he replied, "Madam, the benefit I have received at your hands is so great that I want words to express it: A deep sense of it is however engraved in my heart, and is the subject of my daily thoughts and nightly dreams. By your father's permission, I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day, to pay you my acknowledgments." This said, he saluted her with great respect. Then a carpet was spread, and they both together performed the usual ceremony of bowing their heads down to the ground. After which retiring to two different tables they drank three glasses of wine to each other. Tieh-chung-u thus addressed the young lady, "Madam, I am so much obliged to you for all your favours, especially for the good instructions you gave me, that I shall ever retain them in my memory. It is owing to you that I am arrived to the great honours conferred upon me. If I had not had the happiness of meeting with you, I should very likely have been still a wanderer." "Your present advancement, said the young lady, was not owing to any thing I could say; which was but trifling. A mere child might by chance point out the way to those that had lost it. The source of your reputation was your redressing the injury of the young lady, who had been forced away; and your appearing in behalf of the General, Hu-hiau: these were actions so brave, that none beside yourself were equal to them. You also got my father restored to the Emperor's favour: a benefit that can be never repaid. How happy am I then, that I can now offer you my service! But, Sir, permit me to propose one word or two. When I invited you to my house in order to attend you in your illness, Heaven knows we were void of all bad intentions; but the malignity of the world led them to speak very ill of us abroad: and shall we now for the sake of a few days of mirth and pleasure, obscure the remaining part of our lives? In my opinion it would be much better to stay, and see this cloud pass over before we conclude the marriage farther. These are my sentiments, and I should be very glad if yours were the same." Tieh-chung-u hearing this, made her a very low bow, and told her, he highly approved of her opinion; which he had as much wished her to adopt, as a shower of rain is desired in a time of drought. "It is true, said he, the commands of our parents would be sufficient to warrant our completing the marriage: but as it would cause a deal of reflection, I am intirely of your opinion that it will be better to wait a little while longer." "Our parents' impatience, said the young lady, proceeds from the impertinence of Tah-quay and the Eunuch: but your regard for decency and good order merits my regard, and greatly heightens my opinion of you." "The people you mention, answered he, know nothing about us; and are unacquainted with our affairs: they are incited to trouble us by Kwo-sho-su; but when they see the step we have taken, their mouths will be stopped, and they can proceed no farther." "And yet, said Shuey-ping-sin, they may still shew their spite by raising ill and calumnious reports of us. Upon all these accounts it is best to forbear a while." "For my part, said Tieh-chung-u, when I came ill into your house, I thought none knew of it but four, namely, Heaven and Earth, you and myself."[9] "Well, said she, if Heaven hath seen every thing, it will justify our union in the eye of the world: but as there is this secret reason for our forbearance, we must only feign to be husband and wife: this may pass with the public, till the difficulty is removed that prevents us from being such in reality." The young Mandarine was charmed with her discretion, and said, "Your ingenious reasoning informs my mind, at the same time that it strengthens my resolutions in virtue."[10] Thus they held conversation on their present circumstances, and on the great regard that ought to be paid to honour and virtue: they also related the various passages that had happened, as well through the persecution of Kwo-khe-tzu, as through the plots of him and his father. They were very pleasant and chearful: and having drunk just enough to put them in mind to have the tables removed, they rose up, and retired into two separate chambers. So that their marriage was no otherwise completed than as to the outward appearance, and belief of it. What happened in consequence of these measures will be found in the following chapter. End of Chapter 15
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Chapter 15: When Parents Command with Bitter Entreaties, How Can One Refuse?Modern English translation by Martin Woesler (2025) To the tune of "A Young Man's Journey": The ospreys call, the gentleman; The peach-blossoms bloom, the virtuous lady — Are they not lovers true? Flowers that naturally adore themselves, Willows that tenderly dote on their own reflection, Would surely cling to silken quilts. Yet who would think that this gallant lady and this ardent lord Refuse the path to gentleness? They feed on reputation, drink of moral duty, Breathe in the wind and breathe out civilization — And build their own River Isle.
Miss Bingxin, hearing her father speak of finding her a worthy husband, felt a flicker of suspicion — the shadow of the guarantee affair — and half-guessed it might be Tie Zhongyu. She said: "Father, you are nearing sixty, and Mother passed away long ago. You have no sons, only me — and I am ashamed that I cannot carry on the family line. Can I bear to leave your side even for a day? How can you speak of finding me a husband? Unfilial though I am, I could never bring myself to abandon you." Minister Shui laughed: "That is an admirable sentiment, but no matter how devoted a daughter may be, there is no precedent for a woman staying with her parents and never marrying. If the match were merely ordinary, I would have come home to discuss it with you first. But this young man — his youthful brilliance goes without saying, his talent and beauty go without saying, his chivalrous spirit goes without saying — it is his unerring eye for recognizing heroes, his fearless courage, his iron backbone, his silver tongue: these truly make one love him to distraction. I therefore made the decision myself and betrothed you to him." Miss Bingxin, hearing these words, gradually understood. She parried: "What Father says about the man may be true, but I fear that when it comes to propriety, it is quite another matter." Now Minister Shui, though he had concluded the betrothal agreement with Censor Tie, had been troubled by Tie Zhongyu's cryptic words — "go home and inquire for yourself." Hearing his daughter likewise speak of impropriety, and finding her words eerily in accord, he decided to press the matter directly: "Do you know who this intended husband is, my child? It is none other than Tie Zhongyu, eldest son of Censor Tie." Miss Bingxin said: "Were it anyone else, I would still have to beg leave to decline. But since it is Tie Zhongyu — I need not even trouble to refuse, for it is self-evidently impossible. Even if I were willing, Tie Zhongyu would certainly find it unacceptable. Why? Because the proprieties of marriage have been compromised. Though my father's kind intentions have been spent in vain, at least I am spared the guilt of defying a parent's command." Minister Shui was startled: "If Tie Zhongyu has never courted you with amorous overtures, and you have never exposed yourself by unseemly conduct, how have the proprieties of marriage been compromised?" Miss Bingxin said: "Father does not know — there is a story behind it." She then recounted the whole affair in detail: how Young Master Guo had sought to force a marriage; how her uncle had conspired to push her into it; how a false notice of good news had been used to lure her out; how she had been abducted and dragged to the county court; how Tie Zhongyu had happened to rescue her; how he had been treacherously poisoned and left near death; and how she had secretly brought him home and nursed him back to health. "I have been taught," she concluded, "that a man and a woman should not so much as hand objects directly to one another. How much less should they have met in such informal circumstances, or come to each other's rescue time and again! Such conduct belongs to the realm of chivalry and gratitude — but to speak now of marriage would be unconscionably careless, and that is where the difficulty lies." Minister Shui, hearing all this, was even more delighted: "So that is what happened! No wonder Tie Zhongyu spoke in riddles that day! My child, the way you adapted to circumstances, avoided harm, and preserved yourself — truly few women in history can match you. And Tie Zhongyu, who acts boldly in the name of righteousness without the slightest hesitation — he deserves to be called an extraordinary man. It is clear that no one else could possibly be his match, and no one else could possibly be your match — you are a pair made in heaven! As for those trifling embarrassments of your time of trouble: far from being obstacles to marriage, they positively illumine it. You need not worry, my child. Leave this to me, and I assure you — you shall not be disappointed." As the verse has it: What the daughter shuns, The father craves. Though craving and shunning differ, Their love and admiration are the same. Let us set aside the Shui father and daughter and their discussion of the match, and speak of them no more. We turn instead to Young Master Guo, who, upon learning from Cheng Qi that Minister Shui had refused the proposal, was filled with a rage that cut to the bone. Then he heard that his father's memorial demanding execution had been thwarted, and that Tie Zhongyu's rescue of Hou Xiao had led to the Minister's reinstatement and promotion — this made him more furious still. And when the news reached him that Minister Shui had betrothed his daughter to the Tie family, he nearly went mad with rage. He and Cheng Qi put their heads together desperately: "I have expended more effort on Miss Shui than I can measure, yet that young beast from the Tie family ruined everything by rescuing her. The time I tried to trick him into coming so I could thrash him, he thrashed us instead. We filed a complaint against him, but he had already got his petition in first, and we were left looking foolish. All that we brought upon ourselves — I could live with it. But what I cannot endure is this: the match with Miss Shui that I could not achieve has simply been handed to him, without his lifting a finger! I would rather die than let this stand. Brother, you must devise some plan for me." Cheng Qi said: "When Miss Shui was alone, we could do nothing to her. Now that her father has been promoted to Minister and has returned, it is even more difficult." "He may be a Minister, but he has no authority over me!" "True, but opposing him will cost us dearly." "Am I to simply let this go?" "No, but we cannot act openly. We must work in secret to break the match." He laid out a scheme: "Their families hold reputation above all else. All we need do is take the matter of Tie Zhongyu convalescing at Miss Shui's house and spread it about in the foulest possible terms. If the gossip reaches Minister Shui's ears and he fears the disgrace, he may call the match off. And if he proves unmoved, then as a last resort we can bribe a willing censor to impeach them before the throne — and the match will certainly collapse." Young Master Guo brightened: "An excellent plan! I shall go tomorrow to see the prefect and the county magistrate and start the rumors." "That will not do," said Cheng Qi. "The prefect and the magistrate both know the true facts. Not only will they not believe your rumors — they will likely step forward to defend the couple. I have heard that the prefect is due to transfer soon, and the magistrate has been called to the capital — he will also be leaving shortly. Let us wait until the old officials have gone and new ones arrive who know nothing of the details. Then the young master can go and blacken Miss Shui's name, and the new officials will believe it. Once the local officials are convinced, if we arrange for someone to impeach them, we will have solid ground to stand on." Young Master Guo was pleased: "Brother, your reckoning is faultless — you are Zhuge Liang reborn!" Cheng Qi said: "I dare not deceive you, sir — if you will indulge me, I have stratagems more ingenious still." "Now I know you are teasing me. I cannot believe there is anything more ingenious." "But there is! When I was last in the capital, I noticed that your father is on intimate terms with the Marquis of Daxia. I also learned that the Marquis, whose pleasure-hall concubine was seized by Tie Zhongyu and who was placed under house arrest for three years because of it, bears Tie Zhongyu a bitter grudge. Furthermore, the Marquis has not yet produced an heir, and his wife has recently died. The young master need only inform his father and have him write a letter to the Marquis, praising Miss Shui's beauty and pointing out that she is betrothed to Tie Zhongyu. If the Marquis can be persuaded to use his influence to obtain her, he both gains a beautiful consort and wreaks vengeance upon Tie Zhongyu. He will gladly do it. If he succeeds, we need not lift a finger. Is this not a brilliant scheme?" Young Master Guo clapped his hands with glee. Cheng Qi continued: "But do not celebrate yet, sir — I have one more stratagem to crown the jest. While in the capital, I learned that Eunuch Qiu is a close associate of your father's, and that this eunuch has a niece — rather plain, I hear — who has not yet found a husband. Why not have your father write a second letter, arranging to foist this niece upon Tie Zhongyu? That way we repay our grudges with interest." Young Master Guo praised this scheme to the skies: "More brilliant still — and this one can be put into action at once! Getting Father to write the letters is simple enough — but I must trouble you once more with the journey to the capital." "For the young master's sake, how could I shrink from any labor?" As the verse has it: Good deeds the gentleman may not accomplish, But dark schemes forever multiply among the base. The world's ways are treacherous — there is no help for it; When human affairs are thus — what can one do? Let us set aside Young Master Guo and Cheng Qi and their plot to send letters to the capital, and speak of them no more. We turn instead to Tie Zhongyu, studying in the Western Hills, who when the autumn examinations came, found them as easy as picking up a mustard seed — he passed effortlessly and became a juren. At the spring metropolitan examinations he passed again with equal ease, placing in the second class at the palace examination and being selected for the Hanlin Academy as a bachelor. Because of his earlier merit in guaranteeing Hou Xiao, the proffered post of Academician in Waiting was enhanced by one grade, and he was appointed a Hanlin Compiler — a most glorious achievement. By this time Tie Zhongyu was twenty-two years old. Censor Tie pressed urgently for the wedding. But whenever Miss Shui was mentioned, Tie Zhongyu would only sigh and make excuses. Yet when they proposed to look elsewhere, no other woman suited him. Just then, Minister Shui's year of leave expired, and the court dispatched an envoy to summon him back. Censor Tie, hearing this, wrote to the Minister asking him to bring Miss Shui to the capital, so that the wedding might take place. Minister Shui had been thinking the very same thing. He consulted Miss Bingxin: "I have been summoned by imperial command, and I do not know when I may return. You, an unmarried girl, cannot be left alone at home — it would be most improper. Better to come with me to the capital, where you can keep me company in my solitary hours." Miss Bingxin said: "That is my own wish as well. What is the use of having a daughter if she is forever abandoned at home? I am willing to go with Father — but there is one thing I must say plainly. If we reach the capital and someone raises the matter of marriage with Tie Zhongyu, I absolutely cannot comply." Minister Shui laughed: "My child, you worry too much. When we get to the capital, we shall see how the wind blows. But who will look after the household here?" "Uncle can manage the overall affairs, and the details can be entrusted to Shui Yong and his wife." Minister Shui agreed to all of it. He left the household in the care of Shui Yun and the Shui Yong couple, and set out for the capital with Miss Bingxin. As the verse has it: The father's command lies hidden, not yet spoken; The daughter's heart already knows. Just as spring prepares to come, The plum blossom opens, facing south. In less than a month, Minister Shui reached the capital. He returned to his former residence, presented himself at court, and received visits from all the officials. Censor Tie called upon him, and then sent Tie Zhongyu to pay his respects. Tie Zhongyu, feeling genuine esteem for the Minister as a kindred spirit and drawn, too, by the invisible thread connecting him to Miss Shui, hurried to call upon him. He addressed the Minister as "your junior," however, and pointedly did not use the title of son-in-law. Minister Shui, seeing that Tie Zhongyu was now a Hanlin official and a young man of brilliant bearing, was thoroughly delighted and received him with special warmth. But privately he wondered: "This Hanlin Tie and my daughter are truly a match of talent and beauty — husband and wife in perfection. Yet his father concluded the betrothal long ago and sent the gifts. Can he not know? Why does his visiting card not bear the title of son-in-law? His attitude is exactly like my daughter's. When the day of the wedding comes, I fear there will be more maneuvering required." He thought further: "The betrothal between our two families has already been sealed by parental authority. He will have to comply. Let us not press the matter and give it time — everything will work out." Some time passed. Then one day, a trusted clerk from the Ministry came to him in secret: "I have a relative who is a client of the Marquis of Daxia. He tells me that the Marquis's wife has died, and he has no heir. Recently someone sent a letter praising Your Lordship's daughter's beauty and talent, and urging the Marquis to petition the Emperor for permission to marry her. The Marquis was not sure it was true, and sent his man to make inquiries. This man, knowing that I serve in Your Lordship's ministry, came to ask me quietly." Minister Shui asked: "What did you tell him?" "I told him that Your Lordship's daughter has long been betrothed to the newly appointed Hanlin Tie. He asked whether the wedding had taken place, and I told him it had not. Then he left. I thought Your Lordship should know." Minister Shui said: "I understand. If he comes asking again, tell him the wedding will be any day now." The clerk assented and left. The Minister reflected: "This Marquis of Daxia is a dissolute drunkard who was placed under house arrest for three years for abducting other men's women. He has learned nothing and means to continue his outrages. Even if he petitions the Emperor, I have already accepted another family's betrothal gifts, and I need not fear him. But it will mean another round of arguments and another enemy. Better to explain the situation to my in-law and conclude the wedding quickly — that will spare us the trouble of contending with him." Then he thought: "Explaining it to Censor Tie will be easy enough — the difficulty lies in explaining it to my daughter." He went to Miss Bingxin's chambers and said: "My child, this business of the match with Tie Zhongyu — I am not trying to force your hand. It is simply that every day we delay brings fresh trouble." He told her what the clerk had reported. "If you do not marry Tie Zhongyu soon, and the Marquis of Daxia finds out, he has many connections among the eunuchs at court. If machinations begin behind the palace walls, then to protest and argue will become far more difficult. You must not be so willful." Miss Bingxin said: "It is not willfulness — it is propriety. Tell me: the clerk said someone wrote to the Marquis urging him to petition for my hand. Who was it?" "How would I know?" "I can tell you: it was Academician Guo." "How do you know?" "The Marquis of Daxia is notorious for his debauchery — a scoundrel. Academician Guo, who aids his son's wicked schemes, is likewise a scoundrel. Like attracts like, and scoundrels flock together. Moreover, the Academician nursed three grievances: first, when his son sought to marry me and Father refused; second, when his memorial demanding Father's execution backfired and Father was reinstated with a promotion; third, when he learned that Father had betrothed me to the Tie family. With three such grievances, he has incited the Marquis against me. If it is not him, who else could it be?" Minister Shui said: "Your reasoning is flawless, but since the enemy has struck, we must take precautions." Miss Bingxin said: "If the Marquis does not come looking for me, it will be his great good fortune. If he truly listens to these slanders and petitions the Emperor, I have the means to submit a counter-memorial on Father's behalf, forcing him to answer for every outrage he has committed." "You may say so, my child, but it is better to resolve feuds than to create them. Marry quickly, and let them waste their scheming — that is preferable to public humiliation." While father and daughter were still deliberating, a message arrived: Censor Tie requested an urgent meeting with the Minister. Minister Shui, who had been about to seek out the Censor himself, rode over at once on a single horse, without his full retinue. Censor Tie met him at the door and led him into the inner hall. Dismissing all attendants, he clasped the Minister's hand and said in a low voice: "Today, as I was leaving the East Flower Gate after the morning audience, I was suddenly seized by Eunuch Qiu, who told me he has a niece he wishes to marry to my son. I immediately told him that my son was already betrothed, and when he asked to whom, I had no choice but to name Your Lordship's daughter. He said: 'If they have not yet married, a mere betrothal can still be broken. I shall send a matchmaker to press my suit.' This Eunuch Qiu knows nothing of propriety and relies solely on his influence within the palace — he is capable of anything. Since our families' betrothal is already sealed, let us speak plainly and conclude the wedding at once. That way, even if he stirs up a storm, he will be powerless — and even an imperial edict would be too late." Minister Shui said: "So Your Lordship is troubled too! I have my own tale to tell." He related in full what his clerk had reported about the Marquis of Daxia's designs. Censor Tie said: "Since we are both beset, all the more reason to act before they can move. Once the wedding is done, they cannot raise a ripple — even an imperial decree would be useless." Minister Shui said: "An early wedding would indeed be best, but my daughter is headstrong. Because of the suspicion arising from the earlier convalescence, her conscience is uneasy, and she keeps making excuses. I fear she may not consent on short notice." Censor Tie said: "So your daughter and my son share the same unbending integrity! My son, too, cites this same scruple and puts me off day after day. How are we to manage them?" Minister Shui said: "I believe the two of them genuinely love and admire each other, and desire nothing more than the union. What they resist is the shadow of suspicion cast by the convalescence — and the reason they resist it is their fear of offending the moral order. That they shun suspicion and guard the moral order is precisely what makes him a gentleman and her a virtuous lady — and precisely why their parents and the whole world hold them in esteem. Under normal circumstances, we might take our time and persuade them gently. But with the Marquis and the eunuch stirring up trouble, we can afford no delay. Our only course is for each of us to go home and explain the situation to our children, urging them to yield for the time being and conclude the match. Though they are stubborn, if we reason with them properly, they may not refuse." Censor Tie said: "Your reasoning is most sound. Let us proceed accordingly." The two settled their plan, and Minister Shui departed. As the verse has it: Flowers rarely bloom together; the moon is rarely full. Wild creepers and idle tendrils cling and pester without end. Only when two hearts hold no shame Can a good marriage worthy of the moral order come to be. After seeing Minister Shui off, Censor Tie summoned his son home and laid the matter before him: "On account of the eunuch's impertinence, I was already thinking of completing the wedding. Then Minister Shui came to tell me that the Marquis of Daxia, whose wife has died, is being urged to take Miss Shui as a second wife. The Minister is alarmed and came to find me. Both families feel the same urgency. The time has come — this must not be delayed any longer. My son, you must not persist in your former arguments and trouble my heart." Tie Zhongyu said: "How dare I disobey my father's command? But the ancient sages, at the point where righteousness was at stake, held firm in haste and held firm in adversity. Should I, your son, do otherwise? How can these wasp-stings and scorpion-bites of petty malice make me rush and scramble and betray my own convictions? As for Eunuch Qiu, this is nothing more than Academician Guo's mischief — what can it do to taint me?" Censor Tie said: "You may be able to ride out the storm, but you should think of Miss Shui and the trouble she faces." Tie Zhongyu said: "If Your Lordship insists on this course, then let it be clearly understood with Minister Shui: we may announce the wedding publicly, to cut off all covetous eyes — but in private, the marriage shall remain unconsummated. I shall not share the bridal bed." Censor Tie thought to himself: "Once the wedding is publicly announced, the formal bond is sealed. What happens behind closed doors — consummation or no consummation — I shall leave to him for now." Aloud he said: "Your proposal does serve both ends. Very well, I agree." He ordered preparations for choosing an auspicious date. The following day, a letter arrived from Minister Shui. Censor Tie opened it and read: "The matter we discussed: upon returning home, I spoke to my daughter, expecting her to comply. But her nature is unyielding in the extreme — she will hear of nothing but avoiding suspicion, with no regard for the danger. After much bitter pleading, she has at last agreed to a nominal marriage as an expedient, but insists that the nuptial cup shall remain symbolic — the union shall not be consummated. I think to myself: once the silken bond is formally named, the nuptial cup cannot be refused forever. Let us accept her terms for now and work upon her gradually. I wonder whether my esteemed in-law concurs? I write to seek your counsel. "Your humble brother, [name] presents his respects." Censor Tie smiled after reading: "Truly they are a pair made in heaven! To gain such a daughter-in-law is our family's great fortune — and a glory to the moral order as well. But if she comes to our house and refuses to consummate the marriage, it will set people talking. Better that my son go to her house to wed — then what happens within the bridal chamber, whether they consummate or not, will be no one's business." He wrote back proposing this arrangement. Minister Shui, delighted that his daughter would not have to leave home, agreed even more readily. The two families settled on a supremely auspicious day, and because they wished the union to be widely known, they invited a great many senior officials to the wedding banquet. On the appointed day, there were grand fanfares and splendid celebrations. At dusk, Censor Tie set out in state, preceded by the Censorate's full ceremonial escort, with Tie Zhongyu in his own procession under the Hanlin Academy's insignia. Both wore their wedding robes and rode in grand palanquins to Minister Shui's residence for the wedding. At the gate, Minister Shui welcomed them into the front hall, where they greeted the assembled guests and relatives. After the formalities, Censor Tie was invited to remain for the banquet in the front hall, while Tie Zhongyu was conducted to the rear hall for the wedding ceremony with Miss Bingxin. When Tie Zhongyu arrived at the rear hall, night had already fallen. Pearl curtains hung all around the courtyard, and lanterns and candles blazed as bright as daylight. On either side of the hall, musicians were concealed in the wing rooms, playing softly. Two banquet tables were set facing each other, one to the east and one to the west. Two red felt carpets were spread on the floor below. Many serving-maids had already gathered around Miss Bingxin and were waiting in the western part of the hall. When Tie Zhongyu reached the curtain, two maids hastily drew it aside to admit him. Miss Bingxin, seeing him enter, displayed not the slightest maidenly coyness. Instead, she stepped forward with a beaming smile to greet him: "I have long borne in my heart the great kindness you showed me, sir, and have wondered whether I could ever express my gratitude in this life. But it seems heaven in its mercy has decreed it, and my father's command has unwittingly fulfilled my wish. Now I may at last make known my feelings. Pray accept your humble servant's obeisance." When Tie Zhongyu had seen Miss Bingxin at the county court, she had been beautiful but plainly dressed. Today, adorned in gold and jade and dressed like a celestial maiden, the sight of her left him dazed. He replied: "I have received your lady's boundless generosity, and dare not praise it aloud lest I sully its fragrance. I have offered silent prayers in my dreams and inscribed my gratitude upon my heart. Now that I am honored with a glimpse of your immortal grace, I too wish to make my obeisance." Each took their place upon a red carpet, and they exchanged four ceremonial bows. The musicians in the wing rooms played softly, unseen. When the bowing was done and the music ceased, the two took their seats opposite each other, east and west. The maids served tea first, and then — for this was a wedding feast that dispensed with the formalities of host and guest — wine was brought and they drank facing one another. After three rounds of wine, Tie Zhongyu spoke: "I was saved from the pit by your lady's compassion — a debt I can never forget and dare not repay with mere words. But more than that: I was a wanderer adrift, and had it not been for your lady's clear counsel, I might still not know where I had ended up. Though my humble degree is of little worth, your lady's nurturing grace is ever present in my heart and cannot be removed." Miss Bingxin said: "When a crisis comes, who would not offer humble advice? When asked the way, even a child can point the road. The difficulty lies not in giving counsel, but in heeding it — and in following through. That you were able to follow the counsel, sir, is what makes it your achievement. What part did I play? If we speak of true generosity, what you bestowed upon me — at the county court, one might say that was but a passing incident with no great stakes. But in the case of Hou Xiao, the matter came before the highest judicial court, touching the Emperor himself. How could that be called a trifle? Yet you accomplished it as though it were nothing, with a jest and a laugh. Though your chivalrous spirit was heaven-born, it was your eloquence that moved men, your righteous words that won conviction, your ability to stir both sovereign and minister — and thus, through you, my father was restored from ruin. Even if I gave my life, it would repay not a fraction of that debt. How much less can I presume to decline the honor of serving you at hearth and broom? If I have declined, it is only because of the shadow of suspicion cast by your convalescence in my house. Though your heart and my heart are both clear, those who hear the tale at second hand are not so certain. Now that we find ourselves between dangers — enemies who envy, enemies who hate, enemies who slander — who can promise that there will be no insult? Who can promise that there will be no calumny? If we yield to our parents' command and think only of tonight's happiness, and if even a whisper arises, then you and I are both caught in the whisper — and how shall we clear our names? Better to wait until the idle talk has died away, and then seal our bond under the clear sky and bright sun. That way, my misfortune shall not become a blemish upon your honor. Do you not agree?" Tie Zhongyu bowed his head repeatedly: "My longing for you, my lady, could not be expressed even by the parched earth's yearning for the clouds and rain. To share your company for even an hour seems like heaven itself. When both our fathers commanded, did I not wish with all my heart for the ospreys on the river-isle, for the waterplants in the stream? Yet I held back in fear, dreading that my eagerness might leave you with an everlasting regret. But now your gentle words express perfectly what I dared not say. Since we are of one mind, there can be no dissent. All shall come right in the end — perhaps this is the meaning of today." Miss Bingxin said: "Even today's proceedings are forced upon us by necessity — our only aim is to silence the Marquis and the eunuch. There was no other way." Tie Zhongyu said: "I have always believed that the Marquis of Daxia and Eunuch Qiu are but straw men — wind-swept cattle and horses, as the saying goes — with no real connection to us. The puppeteer behind them is clearly the Guo father and son. Now that this scheme has failed, do you suppose their malice will simply subside? What will they attempt next?" Miss Bingxin said: "I have heard it said that what is not yet accomplished can be shattered, and what is nearly accomplished can be snatched away. But what is already accomplished can neither be shattered nor snatched — the only recourse left is to spread slander and try to drive a wedge between us. That is precisely why I dare not share your pillow tonight: so that the whole empire may know that this white jade remains as unblemished as ever, and the blue flies of calumny will have nowhere to land." Tie Zhongyu said: "Your argument, my lady, preserves the integrity of your person without yielding a single point to the slanderers — truly the union of virtue and wisdom. But consider: during the convalescence, we came and went by a direct path without any go-between, and we lived under the same roof, a man and a woman alone. At that time, that you and I were blameless was known only to ourselves — no one else could verify it. If malicious talk should arise, even a sympathetic listener would say at best 'perhaps there was nothing to it' — but who could prove it? And if it cannot be proven, then the matter will hang forever in doubt, and what shall we do then?" Miss Bingxin said: "On this point, you may rest easy. I have always believed that whom heaven has brought into being, heaven will also bring to fulfillment. The obstacles that human malice places in the way serve only to temper one's integrity and refine one's reputation. The gentleman achieves it; the base man forfeits it — they diverge at every turn. Consider yourself, sir: your righteous spirit is like a cloud, your heart is like iron, you cannot be swayed by rank or reward, you cannot be bent by threats or force. If this were not heaven-given, you could never have reached such heights. As for me, though I am but an insignificant girl, I have some knowledge of the great principles and some familiarity with the proper deportment of a wife — and I trust that these, too, were given me by heaven. Were it not for some unseen design, how could we, as distant as the sun rising in the east and the moon setting in the west, ever have met? Round peg and square hole, our paths should never have crossed. Yet we met as strangers on the road, and you showed me compassion without a second thought. Through adversity and mutual aid, I too cast caution aside. In all of this, heaven's intent is already dimly visible. At the time of the convalescence, though the heart's motive was public, the circumstances were private — and so I wished to stay but dared not, wished to draw near but dared not. Now, today, with our parents' command and the go-between's word, the occasion is public — yet the private heart has not yet been cleared. Therefore, though the bond is sealed, I dare not call it sealed; though we are united, I dare not consummate the union — for I wish to stand before you, a gentleman, with no stain upon my integrity. This is my own reckoning, but it is also the fulfillment of heaven's design. Since you and I are both fulfilling heaven's design, how could heaven fail to fulfill its part? For heaven to bring us forth and then fail to bring us together — that would make heaven's work a sham. Assuredly, it shall not be so. But heaven's ways are subtle and not easily fathomed. You have only to wait in patience. If heaven watches with clear eyes, our two hearts shall be vindicated. And even if they are never vindicated — even if things remain as they are, with 'husband and wife' as the name and 'friends' as the reality, growing old together among morning flowers and evening moonlight — that too might make a tale worthy of the ages." Tie Zhongyu's face lit up with joy: "My lady's sublime reasoning has opened my eyes as if a thatched roof had been lifted from my mind. From this day forward, I shall attend to human duty and await heaven's decree, without daring to harbor further doubts." The two talked on, utterly in sympathy. First they spoke of all Young Master Guo's malicious schemes — how each had been "luring the gentleman into the trap"; then of all the Academician's poisonous machinations — how each, perversely, had only hastened the very outcome he wished to prevent. As the verse has it: The nuptial cup — why not drink and rejoice? They drink but do not consummate — and find peace therein. If one could fathom the subtlety within, One would see how vast and generous is the sages' moral order. Tie Zhongyu and Miss Bingxin drank together until both were pleasantly flushed, and only then did they stop. The serving-maids escorted Tie Zhongyu to the eastern bridal chamber to sleep, while Miss Shui retired to the western pavilion. This union-that-was-not-a-union was to bring about: Creeping vines entangled anew; Silken threads knotted once again. If you wish to know what happened next, you must read the following chapter. |