Hao Qiu Zhuan/en1761-en2026/Chapter 18
Chapter 18 — Translation Comparison: 1761 ↔ 2026
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Chapter 18: When Perfect Jade Is Verified, Propriety Finds Its Good Match at LastFrom: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761) [Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters VIII-X] CHAP. VIII. By it the five memorials were presented to the Emperor. His Majesty received them, and calling together all the Mandarines of his council into his palace, he required them to take the petitions, and examine them carefully. They obeyed his commands, and were agreed as to the truth of the facts, viz. That Kwo-khe-tzu had carried away the lady by force: and that Tieh-chung-u was in her house to be nursed in his illness: but whether their behaviour together afterwards was as pure and unblemished as was represented, they could not determine. To this end it was necessary to inquire of the Mandarine, who filled the post of Che-hien when the affair happened. Immediately an order was issued out to cite that Mandarine before them: who accordingly arrived. The Emperor himself examined him. "You that were then Che-hien of that district, are you acquainted with the affair between Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin? Take here these five memorials, consider thoroughly on which side lies the truth, and tell me truly as far as you know; otherwise you shall be punished in the same manner as the offenders themselves." The Pao Che-hien perused the papers, and assured his Majesty that as far as he had opportunity of knowing, the defendants had asserted nothing but the truth; that indeed with regard to the regularity of their marriage afterwards, he was not able to pronounce about it, as it had been celebrated at a distance from his jurisdiction. The Eunuch Chou told the Emperor, that with respect to every thing that past before, it might possibly be true; but after having been twice married, it was not credible that they had observed so strict a chastity, as they would insinuate. The Emperor agreed that his remark was just. Then he issued out an order for all the Mandarines of the court to meet together at the palace the next morning; and for Tieh-chung-u and the lady to attend them. CHAP. IX. The next morning when all the Mandarines were assembled in the palace, together with Tieh-chung-u and his bride, the Emperor himself came amongst them. [When they had performed the profound reverence[1] due to his presence,] his Majesty ordered Tieh-chung-u to stand forth before him. He obeyed; and the Emperor seeing him to be a very graceful and well made youth[2], was pleased with his appearance: "What, said he, are you the person that broke open the gates of Tah-quay, and rescued the old man named Han-juen, together with his wife and daughter?" He answered in the affirmative. "Was it you also that was protector of the general Hu-hiau?" He signified his assent. "These two exploits, said his Majesty, indicate a disposition highly to be applauded; you must certainly have great courage. When you went to the house of Shuey-ping-sin in order to be nursed in your illness, to remain under the same roof with her five nights and days pure and undefiled, is such conduct as was never heard of from the earliest ages until now: it is very extraordinary. Is this also true?" Tieh-chung-u said, "It is very true." "A sincere and faithful man, said his Majesty, may [sometimes] be met with, but one like you it is difficult to find. But you say in your petition you were twice married: how happened that?" Tieh-chung-u answered, "When I was carried to the house of the young lady to be nursed in my illness, there went abroad many evil reports concerning us: this occasioned us to be married twice. For when our parents agreed upon the marriage covenant, if we had come together at first, our integrity would always have remained in doubt: for the same reason we have hitherto resided in different apartments. And since your Majesty hath called our conduct in question, we two have been as the sun among clouds: now we are in your Majesty's presence, we beseech you to cause the sun to come from behind that obscurity." The Emperor listened to him with great attention, and said, "According to your account Shuey-ping-sin is yet a virgin." He then ordered that young lady to stand forth before him: and when she appeared he thought her beautiful as an angel. He asked if her name was Shuey-ping-sin. She answered, "Yes." "The Mandarine, said he, that was Che-hien of your city hath told me, that three times with great ingenuity you delivered yourself out of the hands of Kwo-khe-tzu. Was it so or not?" She replied, "I am a poor weak girl: Kwo-khe-tzu found my father was banished into Tartary, and therefore endeavoured to marry me by compulsion. Finding that I was unable to resist his power, I was obliged to practise some artifice to deliver myself out of his hands." The Emperor laughed and said, "You that were afraid of Kwo-khe-tzu, how durst you take a young stranger into your house to nurse him? Were not you afraid that people would raise evil reports of you?" She replied, "When I was called upon to return benefits so great as those I had received, I no longer regarded fame or report." The Emperor laughed again, and said, "In the beginning, when you hardly knew Tieh-chung-u, you took him in without regarding the murmurs and reproaches of the world: afterwards, when you were commanded by your father to marry him, why did you continue in separate apartments?" She replied, "The murmuring at first was but small, and I knew would easily cease together with my acquaintance with that gentleman. But now that a more serious connection was going to take place between us by means of a regular marriage, there was danger of our incurring a disgrace and infamy that would terminate only with our lives. But your Majesty hath summoned me into your presence; and with great shame and trembling I am come to appear before you." The Emperor was greatly pleased with the ingenious modesty and diffidence with which she opened her cause, and said, "Young lady, if you have all along kept yourself pure and undefiled to the present hour, you in particular ought to be celebrated through all parts of the world, as a saint. I now order four Eunuchs to attend this young lady to the Empress[3]: and let her appoint her ladies to examine into this matter." Four Eunuchs immediately came forth, and conducted the young lady to the Empress; who received her, and ordered two of her attendants to answer the Emperor's inquiry. They returned, and said, "We have performed your Majesty's command, and pronounce Shuey-ping-sin to be a spotless virgin." Then the Empress treated her with tea, and ordered their report to be carried to the Emperor. His Majesty with great pleasure communicated it to the Mandarines of the court: and said, "Although Shuey-ping-sin hath been twice married to Tieh-chung-u by express order of their parents; and though he was before, five days and nights with her in her house; she hath nevertheless kept herself pure and chaste. This hath been proved beyond all dispute. I am rich, proceeded he, in having so valuable a jewel in my empire. This is a rare incident that hath happened: and affords a light to my people; an example to all my subjects. Yet if I had not examined into the affair myself, so much rare merit had been buried in disgrace: like a precious stone that is irrecoverably lost[4]." He then asked the Mandarines, if this were true or not. They all answered with one mouth, "Your Majesty hath examined and judged; and the decision is very certain and compleat." The Emperor commanded the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to stand forth, and said to him, "You are a Minister of state, and one of the first councellors of the empire, why did not you chastise your son? He thrice endeavoured to force away a young lady of quality, and was guilty of other outrages: [in which he was not only countenanced by you: but you endeavoured yourself to defame the innocent.] These are crimes that cannot be pardoned." Kwo-sho-su hearing these words, was struck with great terror and confusion, and falling on his knees, prostrated himself on the ground: "Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin, said he, both of them young persons, had cohabited in the same house: finding they had been upon this footing, I could not help suspecting the worst. Your Majesty therefore I hope will pardon me." Then the Emperor commanded Yang-yo to be called forth, and said to him: "You are the Censor of the empire; why did not you make a more exact inquiry into this affair, before you presumed to represent it to me? It was great injustice to give a false representation of a case, wherein the fame and honour of so many persons were concerned. If I had not judged and examined it myself, but had rested satisfied with your report, the truth had been hid under reproach and infamy." That Mandarine hearing words at once so just and severe, was struck with confusion and dismay, and falling upon his knees, prostrated himself on the ground, crying out, "I deserve punishment, let your Majesty do with me what seemeth good." The Emperor then called forth the governor Mey-phey, who presented himself before him. His Majesty said, "As you, though lately made a doctor, and newly promoted to your post, had such regard to justice, and could resist the temptation of so large a bribe: and as you have been the instrument of delivering Shuey-ping-sin from her difficulties, and of restoring her to her good fame; for so much care and pains you deserve to be promoted higher." Then his Majesty pronounced sentence according to the following declaration. "I THE EMPEROR dispatch and publish this my order to all my officers throughout the empire. "There hath appeared an instance of such rare merit that it deserves to be magnified and applauded throughout my dominions; and affords an example of virtue and integrity to all persons of both sexes. Shuey-ping-sin is a young maid of great virtue, and fortitude. By her virtue she thrice resisted the most pressing attacks, in order to preserve herself chaste and pure. By her fortitude she returned the kindnesses of her benefactor, though at the hazard of her reputation: for she carried to her house a man, a stranger, to nurse him in his illness, notwithstanding she was a lonely orphan. All this virtue and excellence lay hid and contemned by the world, till I the Emperor discovered it: I have found that it is most pure and unblemished, and deserves to be extolled through all parts of my empire. "With regard to Tieh-chung-u, he is a most excellent young man, of great virtue, justice, and courage. He was not afraid to enter into the palace of a man of the first quality, breaking open his gates in order to rescue from oppression an old man, his wife, and daughter. He was likewise protector of the general Hu-hiau, answering for his conduct. He also delivered Shuey-ping-sin out of the hands of violence. He was married to her twice, and yet preserved her purity and chastity together with his own: at the same time that he suffered reproach for his conduct. All this was unknown, but I the Emperor have myself examined into it, and find it true. He is worthy to be praised throughout the empire, and ought to be advanced above all captains. He deserves to receive Shuey-ping-sin for his wife, and she is worthy of such a husband: they are both of transcendant virtue. I the Emperor am extremely satisfied with them both, and applaud them highly. I therefore advance the said Tieh-chung-u to the order of Ta-hio-tse, or Magistrates of approved capacity, and moreover constitute him first Co-lau or Minister of State. And as for Shuey-ping-sin, I make her a Fu-gen or dutchess[5][6]. I myself will be mediator or match-maker between them: on which account I make them a present of a hundred pieces of fine gold[7], and a hundred pieces of gold and silver. I also appoint to each of them ten royal vests out of my own wardrobe, and to each of them a crown. Let them be accompanied with my own music: let all the preparations for their marriage be furnished out from my own palace: and let the bride be carried to the house of her spouse with imperial splendor, accompanied by all the councellors, Mandarines and officers of the court. I the Emperor appoint this for the example and encouragement of the just and good. "With regard to the Mandarines Shuey-keu-ye and Tieh-ying, I exalt them three degrees[8] higher in their rank, as a reward for the good education they gave their son and daughter. "As to the governor Mey-phey; I remand him back to his post of Che-hien for three years, afterwards he shall be exalted to a higher office, for his great justice. "As to the former governor the Pao Che-hien, who gave so just an account of the affair, he is hereby exalted one degree. "As to the Minister Kwo-sho-su, who in so bad a manner bred up his son, and hath defamed the reputation of worthy persons, he hath deserved death; nevertheless as he hath served me a long time, let him be carried to the Tribunal of Crimes, let him there be divested of his office, and receive fifty strokes or bastinadoes[9]. "As to the Censor Yang-yo, who gave in a false accusation, let him be degraded of his rank three degrees, and amerced three years income of his salary. "As to the young man Kwo-khe-tzu, who thrice attempted to carry off Shuey-ping-sin, and gave poison to Tieh-chung-u; notwithstanding that it did not take effect, he is guilty of a heinous offence. Let him be delivered therefore to the governor of his city, in order to receive a hundred strokes or bastinadoes[10], and afterwards to be banished twenty leagues from the place for life. "I the Emperor pronounce this sentence upon every one according to his deserts. Those that do well shall be rewarded: those that do evil shall be punished. Let this sentence be published throughout the empire." CHAP. X. The Empress shewed great favour and kindness to Shuey-ping-sin, and dismissed her with very rich presents: commanding four Eunuchs to attend her to the Emperor. His Majesty received her in the most gracious manner, and said, "That you a little maid, should possess such fortitude, and be withal so pure and spotless, affords an instance not to be equalled in history. I have now restored you to that reputation, which you were in danger of losing: and have caused your virtue to be published through all the empire. To-day you may be married with credit and honour, and I wish you both good fortune, and long life: that you may beget a numerous family, who may be all virtuous like their parents, and inherit all the happiness I wish to yourselves." Immediately Tieh-chung-u, Shuey-ping-sin, and all the Mandarines, returned thanks to the Emperor for his goodness, and withdrew. Then the new-married couple set out for their house, accompanied by the Mandarines in great pomp and magnificence: and as they passed along in procession, the streets resounded with the applauses and acclamations of the people. Thus did Shuey-ping-sin after all her troubles at length attain to the highest glory: which gave occasion to the following verses.
When the young couple were arrived at their house in all this splendor, a table was placed in the middle of the hall, which was lighted up in the most brilliant manner: Then in the presence of all the company the bride and bridegroom bowed down their heads, and making their courtesies and reverence, expressed their gratitude to the Emperor and Empress for all their favours. They also bowed down their heads to their father and mother with great duty and reverence. Afterwards they performed their respects to all the Mandarines who accompanied them home, giving them many thanks. This ended, a magnificent banquet was served up with great splendor and elegance. When the feast was over Tieh-chung-u and his lovely bride performed the usual ceremonies: after which the Mandarines took their leaves, and went back to the palace to inform the Emperor that all things were compleated, and that the new married couple returned their most grateful acknowledgements for his Majesty's favours. Kwo-sho-su bore the submitting to his own punishment with resignation; but when he saw the sentence passed on his son, he was overwhelmed with an affliction not to be expressed. The Censor Yang-yo was also greatly affected with the reproof he met with. Thus all received the chastisement due to their faults. On which account Tieh-chung-u composed the following verses.
Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin after they were married, lived happily many years; having the greatest affection for each other. Tieh-chung-u extolled his charming wife, expatiating on her virtue and merit, and thanking her for the benefits he had received at her hands in times past, attributing to her the high rank to which he was at present exalted. On the other hand she was as full in her encomiums on her beloved husband: thanking him a thousand times for the many favours she had received from him, assuring him that she could never sufficiently repay them; that she was not worthy to be his handmaid; but though she was his wife, she would be always humble and obedient to him her husband, serving him all her life with the greatest affection. Accordingly they made the most excellent couple:
From this time Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin husband and wife, lived together in the greatest harmony, observing the most exemplary virtue; and serving the Emperor with all sincerity: He executing the office of Co-lau or first Minister and counsellor of the state; with great fidelity and skill, so that he was beloved and admired of all. Both Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin afford a striking example of virtue and integrity to be spread abroad for ever! Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History, is concluded. From these words one might be assured that the foregoing history is founded on real fact. N. B. The Editor hath endeavoured to exhibit the exact form in which the Author concludes his book. End of Chapter 18
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Chapter 18: When Perfect Jade Is Verified, Propriety Finds Its Good Match at LastModern English translation by Martin Woesler (2025) To the tune of "Remembering an Old Friend at Peach Blossom Spring": Ministers of works and war throng the court — Not that they fail to cite the Odes and speak of rites. But if one truly seeks to honor the bonds and clarify the Way, In the end it must come from the Son of Heaven. One clear-eyed judgment from the sage ruler, and all slander ceases; Only then do we know that such fidelity exists. Speak not dismissively of popular romances and unofficial histories — They contain, in miniature, the very meaning of the Spring and Autumn Annals.
The ministers replied: "From the five memorials, it appears that Guo Qizu's forced pursuit of Shui Bingxin, and the circumstances that led to Tie Zhongyu's convalescence, are substantiated beyond dispute. But the forced marriage did not succeed, and the attempted murder was not carried through — so some leniency may be shown. That Tie Zhongyu braved danger to rescue Shui Bingxin, taking the consequences upon himself, may be called chivalry. That Shui Bingxin, moved by gratitude, took Tie Zhongyu into her home to nurse him, braving suspicion without hesitation, may be called a righteous act. Yet since one was an unmarried man and the other an unmarried woman, sharing a roof at a time when fidelity and wantonness could not be told apart — if improper conduct occurred, then all the earlier chivalry and righteousness would count for nothing. But if, as the county magistrate reported, they truly did not transgress even in the darkest chamber, then this is an extraordinary achievement that shines through the ages — a glory to the moral order. We ministers, from our distant vantage, have no way to judge with certainty. The former investigation yielded these findings, and we see no basis for revision. But the present magistrate was appointed after the events and reported only hearsay, which may not satisfy all doubts. We humbly suggest that Your Majesty summon the former magistrate and have him testify to the original facts, so that praise and blame may be justly assigned." The Emperor nodded: "Well said." He decreed: "The former magistrate of Licheng County shall present a complete account of the circumstances of Tie Zhongyu's convalescence, truthfully and without concealment or falsehood. By Imperial Decree." The decree went out at once. Now the former magistrate, Bao Zi, had been promoted to Supervising Censor for Northern Zhili. When he received the order and learned the background, he was overjoyed and submitted a detailed memorial recounting every particular — as related in the preceding chapter. When the Emperor had read Bao Zi's memorial, his dragon countenance beamed with pleasure. He said: "So Shui Bingxin outwitted Guo Qizu three times — what an extraordinary young woman! And Tie Zhongyu was able to resist temptation even in the darkest chamber — they are truly a match made in heaven!" He was about to issue a commendation when the Chief Eunuch, suborned by Eunuch Qiu, interjected: "This is merely the word of a local official — it may not be entirely trustworthy. If one examines the memorials submitted by Tie Zhongyu and Shui Bingxin themselves, there are certain matters that arouse suspicion." "What suspicion?" "Tie Zhongyu's memorial states: 'Though the nuptial candles have burned twice, only the name was real; the union of the flesh has not yet been consummated.' Shui Bingxin's memorial states: 'Though the nuptial cup has been shared, our two hearts remain uneasy, and we dwell in separate chambers — to temper the gold and preserve the jade unblemished.' If their claims are to be believed, Shui Bingxin is still a virgin to this day. But such a thing seems scarcely credible. And if today's protestations are overstated, then the earlier testimonials cannot be fully trusted either. I humbly suggest that Your Majesty examine the matter more closely." The Emperor said: "Very well. Summon Tie Zhongyu and Shui Bingxin, together with all the parties concerned. Tomorrow at the noon audience, they shall attend at the Audience Hall, and I shall question them in person." The Chief Eunuch conveyed the order, and it passed through the Grand Secretariat to the outer court. No official dared disobey, and on the following day they assembled at the Audience Hall. As the verse has it: The white sun shines its light upon the world; Floating clouds may briefly veil its face. Yet know that when the clouds have all dispersed, The blue sky is there, as clear as ever. Before long, the Emperor took his seat in the Audience Hall. After the assembled officials had paid their respects, the Emperor first summoned Tie Zhongyu. Tie Zhongyu advanced with a bow and prostrated himself. The Emperor, seeing a young man of fine and handsome appearance, was inwardly pleased. He asked: "Was it you who entered the Marquis of Daxia's pleasure hall and rescued Magistrate Han's wife and daughter?" "It was, Your Majesty." "And was it you who staked your life to guarantee General Hou Xiao?" "It was, Your Majesty." "If both of these were your doing, then your courage and discernment are truly commendable. But courage and discernment are merely the gifts of natural talent. What the county magistrate described — that you convalesced at Shui Bingxin's home, and that as an unmarried man and an unmarried woman you passed five nights without transgression — that would be an extraordinary act of moral heroism, unprecedented in the annals of history. Did this truly occur?" "It truly did, Your Majesty. But it was no extraordinary act — it is simply what the proper conduct between man and woman requires." "Granted it occurred. But your memorial says: 'Though the nuptial candles have burned twice, only the name was real; the union of the flesh has not yet been consummated.' Why is this?" Tie Zhongyu replied: "Because your servant and Shui Bingxin are shadowed by the suspicion of the convalescence, in righteous principle we ought never to have married at all. It was only at our fathers' insistence that we reluctantly submitted — hence the two ceremonies. But if, upon the wedding night, we had consummated the union, then the suspicion of the convalescence could never be cleared for the rest of our lives. Therefore your servant and Shui Bingxin dwell to this day in separate chambers. This is not a bid for empty fame — it is our way of silencing the mouths of the world, and of awaiting Your Majesty's fresh mandate, so that the bonds of human morality may shine." The Emperor listened with evident satisfaction: "By your account, Shui Bingxin is still a maiden." He summoned Shui Bingxin. She advanced with a bow and prostrated herself. The Emperor gazed upon her: slender as a drooping willow, with a face as delicate as a flower too slight for its stem — a woman of beguiling beauty. He asked: "You are Shui Bingxin?" In a clear, ringing voice she answered: "Your Majesty's humble servant is indeed Shui Bingxin." "According to the memorial of former Magistrate Bao Zi, you outwitted Guo Qizu three times, displaying intelligence beyond the common measure. Did this truly occur?" Shui Bingxin replied: "Your servant is but a woman. How would I dare to toy with Guo Qizu? It was only because my father was serving his sentence on the frontier, and your servant, a lone and helpless girl, was besieged by Guo Qizu's overwhelming force and could not escape by other means — I borrowed what devices I could merely to save myself." "If you knew how to save yourself, why did you not avoid the appearance of scandal, but instead took Tie Zhongyu into your home to nurse him?" "To repay a man's kindness, the lesser scruple must give way." The Emperor smiled: "In those days, when you were strangers on the road, you did not scruple over appearances. Now, having married by your father's command, you dwell in separate chambers — why is the scruple suddenly so great?" "In those days, the suspicion was a suspicion of the moment. If any slander arose, the marriage itself would have cleared it. But the suspicion of today is a suspicion for life. If I do not preserve my person intact to prove myself, then today's husband is no different from yesterday's stranger — I might split open my heart and still not be believed, I might drain my blood and still fail to convince. Now that I am summoned before Your Majesty, what countenance could I show if I had nothing to prove?" The Emperor was greatly pleased: "If your person is truly intact, then you and Tie Zhongyu surpass even Liang Hong and Meng Guang! I shall see that the truth is demonstrated." He issued a decree: four eunuchs were to escort Shui Bingxin to the Empress's chambers. There, the Empress was to order experienced palace women to examine Shui Bingxin and verify whether she was indeed a virgin. The four eunuchs led Shui Bingxin away to the inner palace. As the verse has it: White jade, until it is opened, remains but a rough stone; Gold, until it is smelted, may still be mistaken for sand. Two ceremonies with nuptial candles, and now a third — Only then does her fair name ring through the ages. The four eunuchs escorted Shui Bingxin into the inner palace to present herself before the Empress. Before long, two eunuchs returned in advance to report: "By Your Majesty's command, Her Majesty the Empress ordered experienced palace women to examine Shui Bingxin three times. All confirmed that she is indeed a virgin. Her Majesty is greatly pleased and has kept her for tea, sending us ahead to report." The Emperor, hearing this, was filled with delight. He turned to the Grand Secretaries: "Tie Zhongyu and Shui Bingxin, having already received their parents' command and celebrated two wedding ceremonies, still refused to compromise their virtue, wishing to preserve their honor, to demonstrate the moral order, and to adorn the civilization of our age. Thus their earlier conduct during the convalescence — five nights without transgression — is now proven beyond doubt. They are a 'good match' of the most extraordinary kind. Had I not summoned them to question them personally, but instead listened to idle gossip, would I not have wronged such noble conduct?" He then summoned Academician Guo Longdong and rebuked him: "You are a high minister. It was your duty to discipline your son, yet you permitted him to attempt three violent abductions. Had Shui Bingxin not been a woman of exceptional talent and resourcefulness, she would long since have been defiled. The lawless brutality is already unpardonable — yet your son then added slander and calumny, nearly staining a white jade disc with the filth of blue flies. Furthermore, you bribed a local magistrate — a grave breach of law and propriety." The Academician, seeing the Emperor's anger, was thrown into panic. He prostrated himself, removed his cap, and stammered: "Your servant did not slander them. I truly did not know that Tie Zhongyu and Shui Bingxin possessed such virtue of integrity in the darkest chamber." The Emperor then summoned Censor Wan E and rebuked him: "As a censor, your duty is to uncover hidden truths and bring them to light, to help Us recognize and reward virtue. Yet you listened to street gossip and used it to besmirch the heroic and the virtuous! Had I been misled, would it not have done grave harm to the moral order?" Wan E, drenched in sweat, could only prostrate himself and knock his forehead upon the ground. The Emperor then summoned Magistrate Wei Pei and commended him: "You, a newly appointed magistrate, held firm to the truth and did not flinch from powerful men. Every word you reported was accurate; every fact you presented was genuine — truly admirable." He then ordered the Grand Secretaries to draft the imperial edict. They composed the following: "It is Our observation that among the moral bonds, steadfastness is the highest virtue, and that steadfastness in the hour of crisis is the highest of all. Among the qualities of fidelity and honor, constancy is the rarest virtue, and that constancy is preserved in the midst of ambiguity is rarer still. "Shui Bingxin, a lone young woman, was able to thrice repel a violent suitor without raising her voice or showing alarm — already no ordinary achievement. That she then rescued a stranger from mortal illness in order to repay a debt of gratitude, braving the shadow of scandal without hesitation — her discerning heart, her bold spirit, her penetrating judgment, her unwavering resolve: who could match them? And what places her beyond all comparison is this: though the zither and the bells had already sounded, though the bells and the drums had already played, she still maintained her adamantine chastity, still presented her purity to the spirits of heaven and earth — truly a woman who held herself to the standard of the sages. "Tie Zhongyu rescued Magistrate Han's family from the tiger's den, and recognized General Hou Xiao's merit at the very foot of the scaffold — his chivalrous righteousness is clearly heaven-bestowed. As for the matter of Shui Bingxin: he rescued a stranger on the road with the devotion of the closest kinsman; sharing a roof with her, he observed the proprieties as scrupulously as if she were a revered guest. In their intimate proximity, their warmth never overstepped the bounds of friendship; in their direct encounter, their composure never verged upon disorder. He followed the heart's desire, and the moral order emerged of itself; he acted from his nature, and propriety was never violated. And even after the red cord of betrothal was tied, he would not make a hasty union — truly a gentleman who would not falter even in the unseen darkness. "To pair such a gentleman as Tie Zhongyu with such a virtuous lady as Shui Bingxin — this may truly be called a chivalrous 'good match.' We are greatly pleased. "Let Tie Zhongyu be promoted to the rank of Academician. Let Shui Bingxin receive the title of Lady. We bestow upon them one hundred taels of gold, one hundred bolts of ceremonial silk, ten sets of court robes for each, one official cap of black gauze, and one phoenix coronet. The imperial golden lotus lanterns, the court musicians, and the ceremonial pennants shall be detached from Our presence to escort them home, where they shall hold a third and final wedding ceremony — as a mark of the glory that the moral order bestows. "Shui Juyi and Tie Ying have raised their children righteously and made a worthy match. Both are to be advanced one rank. Magistrate Wei Pei reported faithfully and without concealment, displaying the integrity of a man of iron backbone. Upon completion of his term, he is to be summoned to the capital for an important appointment. Former Magistrate Bao Zi's testimony was thorough and detailed, showing a long-standing eye for talent. We commend him. "Academician Guo Longdong, who indulged his son and slandered the virtuous, deserves severe punishment. In consideration of his former services as Imperial Lecturer, he is to be demoted three ranks. Censor Wan E, whose impeachment was unfounded, is to forfeit half a year's salary. Guo Qizu, who committed three acts of violent abduction and employed treacherous poison — though the plots did not succeed, the intent was abominable — is to be sentenced to one hundred strokes of the heavy bamboo by the local magistrate, as a modest deterrent against such lawlessness. "Alas! If virtue goes unrecognized, who will be moved to goodness? If wickedness goes unpunished, what purpose does the law serve? We shall not show partiality. Let all take heed! Specially decreed." No sooner had the Grand Secretaries finished drafting the edict than Shui Bingxin emerged from the inner palace. The Empress had bestowed upon her numerous jewels, pearls, and precious ornaments, and the four eunuchs escorted her out to the Audience Hall to express her gratitude to the Emperor. The Emperor, greatly pleased, said: "That an unmarried woman should preserve her virtue is not unheard of in history. But never has it been known that a gentleman and a virtuous lady, already drawn to one another in love and admiration, their betrothal sealed in silken bonds, should still refuse to consummate their union — all to guard against the remotest possibility of slander — with such purity, such crystalline resolve, as you have shown. Today, as you celebrate your third and final ceremony, the eyes of all the people are upon you. Truly you make the moral order shine. Go home, and may you strive ever more to embody the virtues of a wife, so that civilization may be glorified." Tie Zhongyu and Shui Bingxin, together with all the assembled ministers, rendered thanks with a chorus of joyful voices that shook the rafters. By then, the imperial golden lotus candles had been carried out — pair after pair, blazing with glorious light. The court musicians had tuned their instruments — note after note, playing in stately, lingering harmonies. The ceremonial pennants and banners were arrayed in rank upon rank, brilliant with color. Tie Zhongyu and Shui Bingxin, surrounded by this splendid escort, returned home in supreme honor and glory. As the verse has it: A rare flower will not open until its time, nor yield its fragrance; A fine jade will not shine until it has been polished. Were it not for a piercing cold that cuts to the bone, How should the plum blossom fill the nose with its perfume? When Tie Zhongyu and Shui Bingxin arrived home with their escort, they first paid reverence to heaven and earth, then set up an incense altar and gave thanks for the imperial grace, then bowed before their parents, and at last celebrated their third and final wedding ceremony. Because this ceremony was conducted by imperial decree, the entire city — officials and common folk alike — buzzed with the tale of the righteous husband and the chivalrous wife, and praise was on every tongue. Only the Academician, demoted and humiliated, seeing his son flogged as well, was consumed by remorse and rage in equal measure. He traced the mischief to its instigator and inflicted the full measure of punishment upon Cheng Qi. Censor Wan E, with half his salary docked, was thoroughly mortified. Shui Yun, though he had escaped the net, was so frightened that he fell gravely ill. Reflecting on his brother's and his niece's magnanimity in not pressing charges, he repented and never again harbored a dishonest thought. Eunuch Qiu, seeing how the Emperor had disposed of the matter, likewise dared not entertain any further designs. As the verse has it: The schemer schemes in vain; Where scheming runs deepest, misfortune runs deeper still. Why not turn one's heart to virtue, And earn the respect of men and the reverence of the gods? Now that Tie Zhongyu and Shui Bingxin's hearts had been laid bare — as pure as jade, as clear as ice, without a shadow of reproach — they celebrated their wedding night with unalloyed joy. That evening, in the bridal chamber, a feast was spread and they drank together, each expressing their gratitude to the other: Tie Zhongyu thanking Bingxin for her steadfast self-preservation, which had silenced every slanderous tongue; Bingxin thanking Tie Zhongyu for his unwavering self-mastery from first to last, which had won the Emperor's own conviction. When the cups were drained, the nuptial rite was at last consummated. The serving-maids ushered them into the bridal chamber, where the embroidered curtains glowed by candlelight, fragrant incense perfumed the silken hangings, the bridegroom gleamed like jade, and the bride bloomed like a flower. Together they savored the joys of conjugal harmony within the moral order — a union complete and perfect. A later poet praised them thus: Three ceremonies, three nuptial candles, before at last the homecoming — To set right the bonds of human life, its truth and its error. Through patient, steadfast faith, only self-trust sustained her; Behind the locked door of the heart, only truth was admitted. Righteousness strong enough to thread the red cord of a splendid match; Propriety grand enough to ride the golden carriage to meet the bride. Speak not merely of a single age's order restored — A thousand years of moral glory shine resplendent. After Tie Zhongyu and Shui Bingxin were united, beautiful and talented both, virtuous and chivalrous both, the elegant and refined pleasures of their life together were too numerous to recount, and too varied to set down here. They have been recorded in a second collection, and we shall not repeat them.
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