Hao Qiu Zhuan/en1761-en2026/Chapter 7
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Chapter 7: Five Nights Without Transgression: Daring to Invite the Sage to DrinkFrom: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761) Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Page numbers preserved as [p. N]. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify. [Volume II, Book II, Chapters II-IV] CHAP. IL ALthough the young Lady with- drew to take repofe, her thoughts had fcarce any ceflation ; and no sooner. did day begin to dawn, but fhe arofe,[1] and fee her servants to prepare things for him; ilridtly charging them, not to ac- quaint him of the part flie took in it. Some time afterwards he attempted to get up ; but found himleif fo weak he was forced to lie down again; and having waflied his mouth, he drank a little gruel. By this time the servant arrived with the phyfician, who feeling his pulfe[2] pronounced him out of danger. He farther told them, his illness proceeded from eating something which disagreed with him, but that he must not take too much physick; for that one or two doses would carry it off, provided he was careful to observe three things: the first, not to be passionate or fretful: the second, not to be concerned or troubled: the third, not to talk too much: these carefully observed he would in a few days be well. While this paftatthe house oiSbuey- png-Jifij the Superior of the convent had learnt from the porter Bonzee^ that the youth was gone. He at firfl was amazed: "Thecfcapeofthisstranger, said he to himself, is of litde con- fequcncc ; were it not for the anger of KwO'kbe-tzu : who charged me not to let him go, and made me give him in his gruel and rhubarb,[3] something to dispatch him. These two days past he hath been very weak, and if he had taken but one other dose, he could not have survived it. Had he died, no trouble would have come of it, and all had been well. Should Kwo-khe-tzu inquire for him now, what could I answer? To-morrow I will go^ and acquaint him of it myself/' « How is this ? said Kwo^khe-tzu^ it was but ycfterday you informed me he was fo weak, that 3, dofe or two more would do his bu- linefs : and now you tell me he is ef- caped. I suppose you have received money from him to let him go."
not dare to do that/' " Then it is bccause of his father's rank and intercft at court. Do not you know that my father is higher still than he/' " You do me great injuftice, replied the other: I am intirely ignorant how, or where he is gpne. It is the intercft of our order, to procure the favour and coun- tenance of the rich and powerful where we we are settled : what folly then would it be in me to run after a stranger, whom I know nothing of, rather than fcrve you who are the chief in the city where I live ?" " It is not my bufinefs to hear you prate, said the enraged youth ; you muft anfwer for this ne- gleft to the Che-hien^ who committed him to your care." When they were come before that magiftrate, the Bonzee urged in his de- fence, how improbable it was he should let him go, after having given him poison to* kill him. " ' Hs true, said the Che-hien^ you are acquitted of ne- gleft. But where can he be gone? Did any person that he knew find him out ?" " Truly none, anfwered the other. Indeed the fcrvants of Sbu^- fing'/tn inquired about him once or twice-, but they never came into the convent, or were near him," The Mandarine laughed, and cried out,
flranger hath not one acquaintance in the city •, only the other day he met with that young lady, and did her a piece of service. She is of an admirable difpofition, and doth not forget to ac- knowledge it. 'Tis (he, who hath by some means heard of his illnefs, and probably fufpefts the cause •, 'tis fhe that hath fecured him. If you will take my advice, addrcfTing himself to Kwo-kbe-izu J go to your father-in-law's, and there you will hear of him.'*
likely j likely ; 'tis flie hath contrived to carry him off. How shall I hate her for it ? When I, that have courted her fo long, and with fo much love and refped, could not obtain the leaft return ; to have a stranger fhe never faw, gain at once fo far upon her sondnefs, as to be admitted into her house ! " The Che-kien checked the haftinefk of his conclufions, and difmiffing the Bonzee^ told the other, that if their enemy was in the house of the young lady, they would confult hereafter how to proceed with him, KwO'kbc-tzn hatting home, sent for Sbuey-guwin. ** Sir, and father-in-law, said he, yefterday 1 heard that your niece had got a young man concealed in her house* I know not; if you are ^prifed of it ; or whether it be true or faife." *« Truly, said the other, I have not been near her lately : for jfhe com- plains that I did not come to her afliftance when you carried her off: fo that I have been afliamed to fee her • frncc. But I know nothing of what you speak ; yet can cafily inquire/' He thenaiked, who it was he fuipefted: whether it was the young man, who refcued her at the Cbe-bieu^s. He was anfwered it was the fame : that he had been lodged at the convent, and there taken ill and likely to die : when of a fudden he difapjpeared, and jio one k^v*i what was become of him ; unlcfs ihe had received him into her house. Shuey-^uwin promifed to inquire: accord- accordingly he went, and calling for his youngcft son ; bade him go into hi$ cousin's house, and fee who was there. She admitted him, as ufual ; and en« deavoured to conceal nothing from his knowledge. He returned therefore and told his father, that he faw a young man in a chamber at the eaft end of the house : who was fick in bed. Fur- nifhed with this information, Sbuty^ guwin opened the door and went him- self. ^* You can lay nothing of blame to my charge now, said he to his biece; nor am I obliged to concern my* self about you. There is a very ill rc^ port abroad : but I am only your uncle, and have difcbarged my duty itt telling you of it," She replied, « If I have done any thing amifs, you art my uncle, and should both inform me of it and advifc me for the beft. I know not that I have been guilty of any thing wrong,"" I have always underftood, (aid he, that it is never cuftomary in this world, for a young man and woman to be together in the fame house, un- lefs very nearly related. You are a young maid : your father is not at home •, nor have you any brother elder or younger.[4] Why then do you entertain a stranger, a young man whom none of us know; and thus bring him home and nurse him in his illness. You must not say people talk of this without reason: for I myself that know it, must speak of it; nor can I screen you in so scandalous a thing." Shuey-ping-fin replied, "I have read in the books of holy men, that every one's actions ought to correspond with his thoughts. I have read also that a benefit received ought to be returned manifold : and on the other hand, that an injury may be pardoned; except whtn it is of a grofs nature, and thea there ought to be full fatisfadion. Oa » day when I was in quiet and peace at my own boufe difcharging the duties incumbent on mc, who (hould imaging that any deceit Ihould lurk under the name and order of the Em- peror ? I went out to receive it, when foddenly 1 was surprized and carried away. Where then was the friendlhip, where the affections of confanguinity ? The outrage was very notorious : yet whathen appeared in my behalf ? My ncareft relations were then absent, al- though I was at the laft extremity, and thought of nothing but death. As the injury then offered me was too great ever to be forgotten, though my enemies were to be sacrificed and their flesh offered to me to appease my resentment:[5][6] so neither shall I forget to my last hour, the benefit I received from those who came to my assistance. As to this young stranger, he is neither my relation nor acquaintance: he is utterly unknown to me; of another country: yet hath he a heart like the sun, a disposition pure as fire; and hath shown himself my relation, my coun- tryman, and friend, a hundred times more than they that bear thofe names. It is owing to him that I still preserve myself a virgin. For this generous adl he hjath been in danger of lofing his life by poison. Now after all this, if through fear of censure I had refufcd him that affiftance, which he could ex- pe6t from no one elfe, I fliould have been more cruel than a tygrefs, more infenfi- blc than a favage beaft. But I have a proper sense of the obHgations I receiv- ed from him \ and therefore could do no lefs than bring him hither, and endea- vour to reftore him to his former health. That once recovered he may return if he pleafes into his own country. This is the method in which my duty prompted me to repay his services ; and what I have done, I dare own in the face of Heaven, ipirics, genii or demons : nor doth my heart reproach me with the leaft crime or mifbehaviour." Sbutf 'ping 'Jin said farther : " I Ihould be glad to know who they are, who are fo bufy with my fame, that you thus think it incumbent on you to fcrutinize into my condud. If you have really a zeal for my reputation, I shall find you a more important occa- lion to exert it. I muft intreat you to go and find out thofe villains that counterfeited the Emperor's order, and to bring them to juftice before the Vice- roy. Their crime will certainly occasion the lo(s of their heads. My father per* baps Haps will one day return, and when he ' knows you have done me this fervicc will doubtlefs acknowledge it/* Sbuey-guwin ftood for ibpie time in fa much confufion, that he had not one word of excuse to offer. At laft he recovered himself fb far as to tell her that he would have come to her afSftance at the time ihe mentioned \ but being only a private inhabitant of the city, without any de- gree, quite ignorant of letters and un- able to difcourfc, he could no ways have helped her, " k was not for me, said he, an unlettered ignorant man, to ap- pear: nor was it in my power, as I am invested with no habit.[7] In these degenerate days, there are few wise and many ignorant: few just and many unjust. But every body cries out how wrong it is for a young man to be entertained by a young woman in her own house, and alone. It is even become the talk of children." "Common reports, answered the young lady, are like the clouds which are every day to be seen. They that would act uprightly should not be moved by such trifles. Uncle, I will not fail to clear up every step of my conduct." "I came here, replied he, out of a friendly intention. There is a great deal of reason in all you have said." Then he hasted away, being afraid to stay any longer, lest she should be too hard for him, or sting him with reproaches for which there was too much foundation. CHAP. III.[8] Shuey-guwin had so intirely persuaded himself he should now catch his niece tripping; and that he should not need above two words to silence her; that he was quite confounded to hear her justify herself so handsomely. At his return home he found a servant from Kwo-khe-tzu, who told him his master desired to speak with him. He went to him, and the first thing he said was, "The stranger Tieh is certainly at my niece's house; and his coming there was requested by herself, in order to make him returns for the assistance he afforded her." He replied in a rage, "How can she who is a maiden, dare to take a man into her house? Sir and father-in-law, you are her uncle and neareft in blood: you muft chaftife and take her under your care. It is your indiipcnfable duty.** "Alas! said the other, I have talked to her, and not fpared to chide her. But (he hath a tongue, and knows how to ufe it. She hath a mouth, whofc words are keener than the edge of a pen- knife or razor. I had fcarce uttered one word, when fhe immediately anfwered with arguments setched from ancient and modern authors, and backed with a multitude of reasons ; infomuch that I could not open my mouth." Kwo-khe-tzu was curious to know the particulars of her defence. The other related what he could remember. At which he stamped and raved like a madman. "This, said he, is all a pretence. This comes only from her mouth and not from her heart. Can you believe what she says?" "I believe her not, said her uncle: but what remedy can we have? There is nothing blameable of which we can accuse her; nothing wrong or clandestine to lay to her charge." "Yesterday, said Kwo-khe-tzu, I talked over the affair with my friend Chun-ku. He tells me this young man is remarkable for the beauty of his person, and is of opinion, that he seeing your cousin who is likewise very handsome, made that disturbance at the Che-hien's only to be taken notice of by her. Do you think all this which followed was merely to thank him for his civility, or to reward his virtue? This is only a pretence to deceive the world. She hath a more secret motive for her conduct. For how is it possible! A young man and woman, both very handsome, to be alone together in the same house! If they were saints they could not be innocent." "To talk here, said Shuey-guwin, will answer no purpose. Let me go home: I will send a servant girl to her house, who shall conceal herself, and observe what conversation passes between them. If we can but discover any thing wrong in her conduct, we shall then have reason to take her in hand." Kwo-khe-tzu approving of his design, he hasted home to put it in execution. He waited till it was night; then opening the door that led to his niece, and calling to him a girl of quick apprehension, he bade her steal away softly, and conceal herself in a place where they laid wood:[9] thence to keep a sharp look-out, and if possible to observe every thing said or done. She obeyed, and placed herself as directed. When it was past midnight, and Shuey-ping-fin was retired to her chamber, the girl returned home. Her master inquired what news she had brought. She told him the young gentleman was somewhat better, but still kept his bed: where every thing he eat or drank was brought him. He asked how his niece disposed of herself: and was answered she remained in the hall without, and was taken up in giving orders to the servants, whom she employed in boiling tea, in making broths, and other offices of that nature. He inquired if she went into the young man's chamber. She answered, "No: I observed that all passed by means of a servant, who came in and out of his apartment." When she had related all this, and more to the same purpose, Shuey-guwin said, "Is she then so circumspect and blameless?[10] Is there no more room for suspicion than this? I can never believe it. You have certainly been bribed, and what you tell me is not the truth." She assured him it was, and offered to confirm it by her solemn oath. He then dismissed her, but every night sent people to procure intelligence; who always brought him the same account. At length he went to his son-in-law; who eagerly inquired what news he brought him. "Four nights together, said Shuey-guwin, I have planted people to hear and see all that passed: but I can discover nothing in the least amiss, nor catch up a syllable that will bear an ill construction. My niece is certainly very juft and pcrfeft." "Ah! Sir, said Kwo-khe-tzUy this can only pafs upon weak and filly people. Neither in ancient times nor modern could I ever hear of but one person, Leeu- biaU'Wboey^ who was perfeAly up- right. But if all be true that you fay of your cousin, then there will be twa. But I have not fo much faith* On the contrary, let me go to the Cbe-bien^ and get him to fend for one of her maids. By putting her fingers to the torture,[11] he will quickly make her confess the truth; and then you will be convinced. Nay, added he, wait but patiently at home, observe her well, and you will soon have an opportunity of being undeceived." As soon as he was gone, Kwo-khe-tzu went to the Che-hien, and told him all that had passed in the house of the young lady. "Yet I cannot, said he, believe these fair appearances. I beg, Sir, you will be pleased to order one of her women to be brought before you. From her you may extort a confession of the truth.'* •* Dilpofed as I am to fervc you, replied the magiftrate, I cannot do what is irregular and contrary to juftice. If you would have any one brought before my tribunal, there mufl firft be lodged a petition, setting forth upon what account an examination is required. This bufinefs relates to a young lady of quality, and therefore is to be managed .with decorum. What you have hitherto related of the flran- gcr and her, affords no proof of mi(be- haviour; and therefore what pretence have I to apprehend them ?" " What, Sir ! said the other, will you let this affair sleep then ? You that are the fa- ther of this city, and fuperintend the manners of the inhabitants! Will you then permit a young man and woman to live together under one roof in lewd- nefs ? To overlook this, is to consent to the violation of the law." *' Ccruinly, anfwered the Che-bien^ whoever is guilty of the crimes you mention, violates the law. But if what you tell me of thcfc twoyoung people be true, they have been guiltyofnothingimmodeftorblameable. Far from breaking the law, they have rather ftrengthened it. You cannot forget how difcreetly Shutf-ping-Jin aft- cd before; and how far (he exceeded our opinions of her. Doubt not there- fore but (he will keep clear of indeco- rum, although (he may have taken this stranger into her house, to nurfe him in his illncfs.*' " Alas ! said Kwo-khe-tzu, have I then difturbed my reft, and been at all all this trouble and pains to obtain her ; and muft lofe her fo cafily ? Pray, Sir, let me prevail on you not to give her up yet » but contrive some way to know the bottom of this bufinefs/* **Be not fo uneafy, said the Cbc-hien. I have a lervant of my audience, named Sban-yeo'y a fellow of such deXtcrity and flight, that he can run up a wall, open a lock, or creep through the moft impervious cranny. It is but now that I have found it out. I have juft ap- prehended and sent him to prison, in order to chaftife him. This man will I fend for, and granting him a pardon, will difpatch him privately to the house of the young lady. He (hall be a fpy upon them ; and if he can difcover any thing that is wrong or criminal, you may then lodge a petition, and he can back it with his evidence. But if no- thing wrong can be difcovered, whereof to accufe them, you muft be content to drop all farther purfuit/* Kwo-kbe-tzu was exceedingly pleafed, and said, ^^ Sir, if you are in earned I shall be vaflly obliged to you, and consider you at once as my father and mother/* When he was gone, the Mandarine fcnt his people to setch Sbanyeo to him out of prison. As soon as he was brought, he bade him come near, and whilpered in his ear to the following cflfeft. ** You have been guilty of great mifdemeanours : by which you have forfeited your office in this court of audience. Yet having an occasion to employ you at present, if you are faithful in it, I will grant you a pardon. Go then to the house of the young lady Shuey-ping-fin. Contrive to get in, and conceal yourself somewhere, whence you may fee and hear all that pafies. She hath received a young man into her house, and I would gladly know upon what footing they are together. Go therefore and bring me an exadt ac- count. But take notice, if 1 find you have in the leaft impofed on me, ypu muft not expeft to live any longer."
to deceive you. Expeft a faithful ac* count of every thing I can either fee or hear." This said he withdrew. CHAP. IV. Kwo-khe-tzu hearing that the Che-hien had sent to get intelligence, kept at home, but was very impatient to know the result. With regard to Shan-yeo, having received his orders, he durst not delay; but went immediately to take a view of the house in order to find out a place to get in at; then returned and waited till night. When it was dark he climbed over a wall, and got within the doors: where he heard people in the kitchen, who were preparing an entertainment for Tieh-chung-u, and talk of his recovery. Thence he crept into the hall, which was not yet lighted up. There he got up and hid himself upon one of the beams,[12] whence he could see all that passed below. He had not been there long before he heard Shuey-ping-fin order her servants to hang up a curtain of mother of pearl[13] across the hall. She commanded the first table to be set for her guest without the curtain; and two lighted tapers to be placed upon it. Afterwards she ordered a second table,[14] but without any light, to be set for herself within the curtain, so that she could see every thing through it, unseen herself. There was also a fine carpet spread without on the floor. And two servants were ordered to stand between the tables to deliver every thing that was spoken. When all things were prepared and set in order, Stow-tan was called, and bid to desire his master to walk into the hall. Tieh-chung-u by this time was greatly recovered from the illness, into which the poisoned draughts of rhubarb had thrown him; which caused him to rejoice, as well as to acknowledge the favours he had received from Shuey-ping-fin. She herself was no less affected with joy that he was restored to health, and that she had been wanting in nothing to express her sense of the favours he had conferred upon her. When Stow-tan therefore came to his master with the young lady's compliments to invite him to the entertainment, he instantly obeyed. He came out of his chamber, and was greatly pleased to see the exact order in which every thing was disposed: insomuch that he commended it aloud. Shuey-ping-fin sent her servant to desire him to sit down in the most honourable place, telling him it was his proper due. Then ordering her carpet[15] to be spread withinside the curtain, she sent to tell him, that she was paying her respects to him. When Tieh-chung-u was told by the servants the honours she was doing him, he said he had most reason to pay his acknowledgments to her. They accordingly made four salutes to each other.[16] When these were ended, the young lady thus addrefled him from behind the curtain. " My father un- happily for me is abroad. You, Sir, are unmarried as well as myself. Your coming to my house hath occasioned people to talk very freely. But as I have received too great a favour for me ever to forget, I have been very desirous of making a small, though very unequal return for it; and as for people's talk, I pay no regard to it. Had I neglected to act as I have done, I must have been worse than a savage animal. It gives me extreme joy to see your health in so great a measure restored. I could not help testifying it by a small entertainment; which trifling as it is, I hope you will partake of; and at the same time pardon the meanness of it." Tieh-chung-u replied, "Lady, you stand alone in the world. There is none to be found like you for wisdom and perfection. I thought of nothing but death, when I lay in the convent. I was void of all help, as a horse or an ass that is fallen into a pit. I little thought you would come with so much piety and goodness to my assistance. I can hardly look upon you as one of these latter times. You are rather one of former ages risen again. This goodness and virtue it is not in my power to reward in the least as it deserves. Be pleased therefore to sit down, and let me bow before you with the most humble acknowledgments." The young lady desired him not to talk in this manner: for that what she had done was but a trifle, and merely no more than her duty required. "How wretched must I have been, added she, if I had not met with you in that critical moment? How much then does it behove me to thank you, as my generous protector? I ought to bow down to you, as the only man in the world, that had virtue and resolution enough to rescue me." These words she sent her servant to tell him, and at the same time to inform him she was making her compliments. He got up and returned them in a proper manner. This done they sat down, and she ordered her servants to carry him wine.[17] After he had drank three small cups, she began to inquire what brought him that way; and what business he might have in the province of Shan-tong. He told her he came there in the course of his travels, which he had undertaken with the approbation of his father. This excited her curiosity so far, that she ventured to inquire what might occasion him to travel. Tieh-chung-u told her, that when he was at court he had rescued a young woman out of the hands of a great Mandarine, named Tab-quay, and had caused him to be sentenccd to three years imprisonment : " My father, added he, fearing he might hereafter refcnt this diigrace, gave me leave to travel. In the courfc of which, I had like to have fallen into worfe mifchief. Who could imagine there were such evil pcrsons in the world, as this Che-hien and young Mandarine ? That they (hould attempt to kill me ! However, as I am happily recovered, with your leave I will go to-morrow and find out the Che-bien. The in- jury he endeavoured to do me shall not pafs unrciented. I will (hame him before all the inhabitants of the city. I will drag him from his audience, and beat hira found Iv in the face of ih- the world. I will afterwards carry him before the Viceroy of the pro- vince, who is a particular friend of my father's, and him will I get to take away his office in open court." The young lady replied, " To pro- cure the difgrace of the Che-bien will be an eafy matter ; which will appear to be in confequence of his own evil aftions: neither will it be wondered at, as your difpute with him that day was notorious to all the city. But consider, Sir, the degeneracy of the times. There are only two words in our days by which both the peo- ple and Mandarines regulate their conduft, and thofe are Riches and Power. The Cbe-hien faw my father was disgraced, and sent afar off into foreign countries. The father of Kwo- kbe-tzu was advanced to the higheil dignity. What wonder then if he was afraid to olBfend a youth of such con- nexions ? Had he refused him his aflift- ance^ he might fear he would get him removed from his office. Consider, Sir^ it is a poft, which it cod him a long courfe of itudy to obtain. He muft have fpent fifteen or twenty years in passing through his degrees[18] before he could be advanced to it. Judge then how dreadful the loss of it must appear: and wonder not if he was tempted to use even indirect means to secure it. Upon the whole, I think you had better pardon him; and give yourself no farther trouble about a man, who is rather the object of your pity.*' At thefe words, fo considerate, and yet proceeding from the mouth of fo young a lady, Tieh- chung'U ftood aftoniflied ; yet was per- fedly convinced of their propriety. At length he broke silence and said : " Hi- therto I have been too much the fport of passion : too little under the guidance of reason. Hitherto I have been ac- cuftomed to perfift inflexibly in any reiblution I had once taken up, whe^- ther right or wrong. I now perceive the raftinefs and folly of my condu6L When I undertook your refcue from Kwo-kbe-izUy 1 confefs with (hame, it proceeded rather from the natural heat of my temper, headstrong and paflion^ ate, than from motives more laudable. Your words have now made an im- preffion on me never to be effaced. I am flruck with conviflion; and to shew what a convert you have gained in me, I (hall quit the Cbe-bien and think of him no more : and of this I dare give you my folemn oath. Su- premely fortunate do I think myself in meeting with you, not only for the benefit I have received at your hands ; but that you have been to me a preceptor, and given me inftrudions which I ought never to forget.'* " Sir, said the young lady, you (hew your- self pofTcffed of great resolution and virtue; and indicate a very consider- ate and forgiving difpofition.** Every word that (he spoke was treasured up in the breaft of ^ieb-cbun^-u^ and con- firmed firmed him in the placable sentiments he had adopted. •'Madam, said he, 1 muft not be fparing in my thank? for the many favours I have received^ To-morrow I delign to go from hence.**
lady, on account of your illnefs; and having fo allowable a motive was re- gardlefs of common censure. Now you are recovered take your own plea- furc either to go or stay. I cannot pretend to lay any reftraint upon you. And yet methinks to-morrow is very fudden. Favour me with your com- pany a day or two longer. We shall then have time to talk over at large thofe good fubjefts on which we have dif- courfed." ** Lady, replied Jteb-cbung- Uj if it be agreeable to you that I fliould stay, I will with great pleasure defer my departure two days longer.** Ha- ving thus ended talking, (he ordered lier servants to fill out wine. When he had drank he said, ^'My coming from abroad was with my father's ap- probation, in order to avoid any trouble at court. As it hath been my good fortune to meet with one of fo much ingenuity and wifdom, as yourself; 1 should be glad of your advice which way I had bcft to go. Pray give me your opinion.** She replied, *' You may travel through the world in per- iuit of knowledge, but if you would be truly wise, you had best remain at home.[19] The primitive doctor Chang-lee, who understood every thing, lived recluse. Your father is promoted to a high office at court, where there can be no want of learned men. To what end then would you fatigue ycurself in going to other countries ? In my opi- nion you had better return back to your father, who can with great eafe procure you a place in the Emperor's fcrvice." Tieh-cbung-u was charmed with what fhe said, and made her his compliments upon it. ** Madam, said he, you speak with a great deal of judgment. What you have said to me to-day, hath awakened me from a lethargy, in which- 1 have been bu- ried from the hour of my birth/* Then a great cup[20] of wine being presented to him by her order, he drank to her, and proceeded, "How hath it been possible for you, who are but a young lady, to have laid in a stock of history and letters sufficient for a man of learning?" "Alas, Sir, said she, what I say is but weak and childish. How should I be acquainted with letters?" All this, [and much more,] having passed between them, the youth began to think he had drunk enough, and was fearful of staying longer, lest he fcouW be guilty of any ill manners. He rofe up therefore to take his leave. She told him, (he would not him detain longer, left it should prove injurious to his health : but he might do as he pleafed. Then (he 9rdered, her fcrvant to carry candles before him, and light hinr to his chamber. His servant Siow-tan met him, and laid, " *Ti& well. Sir ! You, that have been (ick fo very lately, to fit up and indulge yourfeif in this manner ! It is now ten o'clock."[21] Shuey-ping-fin commanded the servants to wait on him till he was in bed: while others had orders to remove the tables. After which she withdrew to her own apartment. Shan-yeo ^{tx^in^ all that had pafled, and finding nothing farther to detaia him, defcended, and leaping over the. wall retired home to his house to sleep. The next morning he presented him- self at the Che-bien^s audience. That magiftrate would not Ipeak with him in publick, but ordered him to wait in a private apartment. There Shan-' yeo related to him every thing he had feen and heard at the house of Shuey^- ping-Jin. When he came to defcribe at large the resentment which 3/>i&- cbung'U had exprefied for the ill ufage he had received, and the particular manner in which he threatened the Che-hien; that he would come and disgrace him in his own audience, and then carry him before the Viceroy of the province : that magiftratc, confcious of his guilt, was feized with the moil vifible terrors, and ftartihg up order- ed the doors of his audience to be- fliut, and notice to be given that he would hear and receive no petitions that day. ** Sir, iaid Shanyeo^ you need not tremble nor be concerned, for the ftrangcf will not come to-day, not- withstanding his threats. The young lady hath pcrfuaded him not to do it ; and hath fcrftened his refcntment. She told him, that you were a man of but few letters,[22] and knew not what it was to aspire to virtue and greatness of soul; that to take away your office, which you had acquired with so much study and labour, would render you very miserable: and therefore urged him to have compassion on you and forgive your injustice." Having related these and all the other particulars of their conversation, he said, "This Sir, was the principal subject of their discourse; which was carried on with great respect and courtesy: she thanking him for the benefit she had received by his coming to her assistance; and he acknowledging her goodness to him during his illness. And as for any thing more, any thing secret, or clandestine, there was not the least shadow of it." When the Che-hien found what good offices the young lady had done him, and that he was thus refcued from dan- ger, he rejoiced and said, *' Shuey ping- Jin is a woman of great goodncfs and understanding. She hath done this to make me amends for the civility I shewed her in fending her home from my audience in my own chair. But was there nothing toward the latter end of their difcoufe that would bear an ill conftruftion ?" *• Nothing at all, replied the other : their converfation turned altogether upon fine reasonings, and arguments setched from history and ancient times : and the whole was conduced with the niceft obfervance of decency and good manners." The Che-hien paused for some time, and at last cryed out, "All this is surely incredible! Is it poffibk for a young lady, beautiful and blooming as a rofe, and a youth (hining as cryftal, to be together in one house ; to converfe together, and drink wine ; both obliged to each other; both witty and inge- nious; and yet in all their converfa- tion not to let fall one word of love : but inftead thereof to prefer ve all the fandity of hermits and holy men ? this can never be believed. Certainly you have been hired to conceal the truth ; and somebody hath given you a bribe for that purpose." ** Sir, said Sbanyeo^ I have no manner of relation to the parties in queftion; neither do they know any thing of me. Which way then (hould I rece:ive a bribe from them? them ? Be afsured every fyllable I have told is neither more nor lefs tl^an the truth." The Cb^-hien could not help being flruck with admiration and delight at fo extraordinary a couple. ^* Both in former times, and till now, said he to himlelf, never were two such persons as thefe for integrity and good- Tiefs ! If this account be true, the virtue of Tieh'chung'U is very rare, and the learning of Shuey-ptng-fin no left un- common. If I were a Mandarine of Superior rank, I would prefcnt an ac- count of them both to the Emperor^ in order that they might be celebrated[23] as they deserve." Then calling to Shan-yeo, he said, "I hope all this you have told me is true. According to my promise I pardon what is past.[24] But if I find you have been guilty of any falsehood, expect the most severe punishment." He then dismissed him, bidding him take more care for the future. The Che-hien reflected on the conversation which had been reported to him, and their sensible remarks on the two words Riches and Power: how every body followed wherever they led, and how difficult it was to resist their attraction. "These two, said he, are no ordinary persons. The parents of them both are of exalted rank. How could I be so mistaken, as to endeavour to hurt them? If the young stranger had obeyed the dictates of his just resentment and carried me to the Viceroy, I should have been stripped of my office; and it would have been then too late to have implored the assistance of Kwo-khe-tzu's father. I myself am in no ordinary character; my rank of Chin-tzu,[25] or Doctor of Law, should require some dignity to be maintained; which can only be done by just and wise actions. Why should Riches and Power be the fole obje6b of (py regard ? which are things of no real value in themselves, and may be the occafioo pf the foreft evils. While I was r^gard- iefs of my own reputation and fafcty, this young lady hath continued me in the poflTcflion of both/' He pro- ceeded farther and said : ** Tieh-cbungu is a youth of great capacity, integrity and jufticc, and if this young lady doth not marry him, (he will never again meet with one fo worthy of her. Again, Shueyping'ftn^ to the greatefl: vivacity of wit and judgment hath added an uncommon knowledge of books and literature ; where then will be found a bride fo proper for this young gentle- 0ian? I imagine I should do much better better to take part with this accom^ plilhed pair, and to bring about a marriage between them." In the midft of refleftions of this kind he was interrupted by the arri^ vai of KwO'kbe-tzUj who was impatient to learn what news lie had for him. The Che-bien gave him a very impar- tial account of all that had paflTcd, and said: "Sir, you muft not look upon this young lady as an ordinary person. Her understanding and capa- city fecm equal to that of the wifcft, fage, and Ihe will hardly difpofe of her- self upon common terms. Be per- fuaded therefore to think no more of her, but look out for another.'* Kwo- khe-lzuy having heard all the particu- 5 ^"^^^ lars as related above, and finding nothing would bear an ill conftruc- tion, knew not what to anfwer. He even b^;an to think leriouny that all his endeavours would be to no purpoie. "Without however making any reply to the dilcouraging advice of the Cbc-bierij he took his leave of him and withdrew. His abfence was by no means difagreeable to that Man- darine, who immediately fcnt a fcr- vant to inquire after ^ieb-cbung-Uj with orders whenever he ftirrcd out of the young lady's houie, to bring him advice of it. Notes
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Chapter 7: Five Nights Without Transgression: Daring to Invite the Sage to DrinkModern English translation by Martin Woesler (2025) A poem says: Marvel not at her slender waist, her tapering hands so fine, Nor at those arching brows that knit in playful, pensive care. A warm heart yet unscorched keeps feelings cold as ice; Bitter counsel, once accepted, turns each word to honey-sweet. Since there is nothing to reproach, one ought to trust oneself; Not knowing any cause for shame, what grounds are there for blame? If one resolves to keep the three thousand rites intact, Then even a hidden dragon will find no place to hide.
When Young Master Guo heard this, he was seized with fury: "She is a young girl living in her boudoir — how dare she keep a young man in her house! You are her own uncle, sir — you should have sternly rebuked and instructed her!" Shui Yun said: "How could I not rebuke her? But that mouth of hers is like a sharp blade — how dreadfully she can talk! Before I could finish a single sentence, she was already citing the ancients and invoking modern precedents, pouring forth endless arguments until I had no room to get a word in." He then repeated Miss Bingxin's words in full. Young Master Guo, having heard them, stamped his foot: "All this is nothing but the self-serving talk of a woman hiding a paramour! How can one believe her?" Shui Yun said: "Believe her one cannot. But at present we have caught no fault in her, and there is nothing to be done." Young Master Guo said: "Yesterday Cheng Qi told me that the young man surnamed Tie is quite handsome. The other day in the magistrate's court, the moment he set eyes on your niece's beauty, he deliberately made trouble for the magistrate, hoping your niece would be grateful and thus open a path for himself. And your niece's bringing him home to convalesce — was that truly out of gratitude? I suspect those fine words about public duty are merely a cover for private desire. Here we have a lone man and an unattached woman sharing a single dwelling, and between them there is both obligation and affection. Even a sage, I fear, could not hold firm in such a situation." Shui Yun said: "Mere speculation proves nothing — she will never submit to that. Better let me return and tonight send a little maid to hide over there, to observe what they do and what they say. Should there be the slightest impropriety for us to seize upon, she will have no defense." Young Master Guo said: "That is well reasoned." Shui Yun took his leave and went home. He waited until after dusk, then quietly opened the side door and sent a young maid through to hide in the woodshed and eavesdrop on their conversation and conduct. The maid listened for half the night. Only after Miss Bingxin had retired within to sleep did the maid slip back to report to Shui Yun: "The Iron young gentleman — though his illness is said to be somewhat improved — is still unable to rise. He sat up in bed and even took his congee there." Shui Yun asked: "And where was the young lady?" The maid said: "The young lady was out in the main hall, watching the serving girls — some decocting medicine, others cooking congee." Shui Yun asked again: "Did the young lady enter his room?" The maid said: "The young lady did not enter the room." He asked further: "Did the Iron young gentleman speak with the young lady?" The maid said: "I did not hear them speak. I only saw the boy Xiao Dan come out to relay a message: 'Please ask the young lady to retire and rest, and not to exert herself too much, lest it prove unsettling.'" Shui Yun said: "And how did the young lady respond?" The maid said: "The young lady told the serving girls to say to the Iron young gentleman: 'The young lady has already retired within.' But in truth the young lady was still sitting in the hall. It was only after she had ascertained that the young gentleman was asleep that she went inside. When I saw she had retired, there was nothing more to overhear, and so I slipped back." Shui Yun listened and said, brooding: "Can this girl truly be pure as ice and flawless as jade, with not a flicker of desire? I do not believe it." He therefore sent the maid on the second night, the third, and the fourth — four nights in succession. Each time the maid's report was the same: not a single word that touched upon private feelings. Shui Yun's scheme had come to nothing. He could only go back to Young Master Guo and report: "I sent a young maid to hide there and listen for three or four nights. There was nothing but the most respectful propriety — a host and guest maintaining perfect decorum, without the slightest impropriety. My niece truly does speak with a clear conscience." Young Master Guo shook his head vigorously: "Old sir, these words might fool a simpleton. In all of history, how many men have been a Liu Xiahui?[1] Let me go to the magistrate and have him issue a summons to seize one of her personal maids. A single turn of the thumbscrews, and the truth will come pouring out. Then not only will your niece's mouth be silenced — I dare say even your own mouth, sir, will have nothing to say!" Shui Yun protested: "That is a terrible injustice! Would I lie to you? The maid reports what she reports. I myself have my suspicions — how can you suspect me as well?" Young Master Guo said: "If you are not concealing anything from me, then go back and make further discreet inquiries." Shui Yun had no choice but to comply. Young Master Guo then went to see the county magistrate and related the full matter — how the Iron young gentleman was indeed at the Shui house convalescing, and all the preceding events — urging him to issue warrants to seize a maid for interrogation. The magistrate said: "An official must conduct himself with official propriety. In all matters, great or small, there must be a complainant before one can issue a warrant. There is no precedent for an official to arbitrarily seize someone over an affair of the boudoir that remains entirely uncertain." Young Master Guo said: "If we do not act, are we to sit by under Your Honor's administration while a man and woman openly carry on in debauchery, bringing shame upon the moral order of the court?" The magistrate said: "Debauchery certainly harms the moral order. But if matters are not as you describe — if there is no debauchery — would that not in fact bring glory to the moral order? Moreover, Miss Shui's conduct on several occasions has been most extraordinary, and this young Iron is himself a man of striking character, courageous beyond the common run. One cannot judge them by ordinary standards." Young Master Guo said: "I have expended no end of scheming on this Miss Shui, as Your Honor well knows, yet she treats me as a stranger. This Iron, with nothing whatever to commend him, is received as an honored guest. How am I to contain my vexation?" The magistrate said: "Let the honorable sir not be hasty. I have in my employ a doorman called Shan You, who excels at scaling walls, climbing over rooftops, and creeping through the narrowest gaps. I have just discovered this talent of his and was on the point of dismissing and punishing him. Since you have this unclear matter on your hands, let me put his punishment to use: I shall order him to spy secretly, and the question of chastity or lewdness shall be settled at once." Young Master Guo said: "If you can do this and strip her of all concealment, I shall be deeply grateful for Your Honor's intervention." The magistrate accordingly had Shan You brought before him. He gave a nod and ordered him to kneel, then spoke: "Your offenses by rights should earn you dismissal and a beating. But there is one task I have for you. If you accomplish it satisfactorily, I shall pardon you and let the matter drop." Shan You knocked his head on the ground repeatedly: "Since Your Honor is merciful enough to grant reprieve, if there is an errand to run, how would your servant dare not give his utmost?" The magistrate said: "The house of the former Vice-Minister Shui, inside the South Gate — do you know it?" Shan You said: "Your servant knows it." The magistrate said: "His daughter, the young lady, has taken in a young gentleman surnamed Tie to convalesce. It is not clear whether this was for public or private reasons. Go and spy on them, find out the truth, and report back to me. I shall then pardon your previous offenses — I give you my word. But if your report is uncertain, or if you fabricate falsehoods and create trouble, do not expect to keep your head." Shan You kowtowed again and again: "How would your servant dare!" The magistrate had the bailiffs release Shan You. As the verse goes: The blue sky sees not what lies beneath an upturned bowl; Only the kitchen knows the heart within the roasting meat. Say not that spying through cracks is an ignoble thing — Without it, how would one distinguish chastity from sin? Young Master Guo, seeing that the magistrate had dispatched Shan You to investigate, took his leave and went home to await the report. Now Shan You, having received the magistrate's commission, dared not delay. He crept to the Shui mansion, examined the front and back with care, and waited until all was quiet. Then, exercising his skill, he chose a low and secluded spot, scaled the wall, and slipped inside. He stole to the outside of the kitchen and listened. He heard voices within the kitchen saying: "Prepare a feast in the main hall — a recovery dinner for the Iron young gentleman." He then crept to the main hall. He saw Miss Shui standing there giving orders for the arrangements. From behind the hall he climbed lightly up through a screened doorway to the main beam, where he curled himself into a ball, crouched down, and peered at the scene below. He saw Miss Shui direct the servants to hang a crimson curtain straight down from the center of the great hall, dividing it into two halves, east and west. On the eastern side, outside the curtain, a banquet was laid with a pair of bright candles burning high — this was for the Iron young gentleman. On the western side, within the curtain, another banquet was laid, but with no lamps or candles, all in darkness — this was where Miss Shui herself would sit as hostess. From the dark western side one could see through to the brightly lit eastern side; but from the bright eastern side one could not see into the dark west. Before each side of the curtain a red felt carpet was spread for the purpose of salutation. Two male servants waited on the eastern side; two matrons stood on either side of the curtain to relay messages. All pouring of wine and serving of dishes was done by maids. When everything was perfectly arranged, she sent Xiao Dan to invite the young gentleman to come out. Now Tie Zhongyu was by nature a man of iron constitution. It was only because he had been poisoned that his strength had failed him. After five or six days of quiet rest, with Miss Bingxin carefully attending to his medicines and adjusting his diet, his vigor gradually returned until he was nearly his old self again. Miss Bingxin, seeing that her plan had succeeded, was full of joy, and so she prepared this feast to celebrate his recovery. Tie Zhongyu, receiving the invitation, came out of his room. When he saw the hanging curtain and the well-ordered banquet that Miss Bingxin had prepared, he was not only deeply grateful but also profoundly impressed. He stood on the red carpet on the eastern side and asked a matron to convey a message, requesting the young lady to accept his bow of thanks. Before the matron could respond, Miss Bingxin's clear voice was already heard from behind the curtain: "Your humble servant, Shui Bingxin, owes the young gentleman an immeasurable debt for his chivalrous rescue from the tiger's jaws. Such vast kindness and great virtue are no less than those of heaven and earth, of father and mother. Moreover, on the public stage of the magistrate's court, the young gentleman himself graciously instructed me. In principle, these empty precautions against impropriety should not be necessary. Yet my father is far away, banished to the frontier garrison, and both the young gentleman and I are as yet unwed — a time of particular delicacy. Now that I have prevailed upon the young gentleman to lodge here, in a place so conspicuous to all eyes, there was no alternative but to adopt these worldly measures of propriety, to serve in place of Lord Guan's bright candle.[2] I beg the young gentleman not to laugh, and not to take offense." Tie Zhongyu said: "In the young lady's conduct in the world, she employs both the constant rules and the expedient with equal mastery. In her treatment of others, feeling and principle are perfectly wedded. I search through ancient and modern times for such excellence among women of the inner chambers, and I find none. Consider my own case: I, Tie Zhongyu, fell victim to a treacherous scheme and could only await death. Had the young lady lacked the candle's light of discernment, she would not have known to save me. Had she lacked the art of the hidden dragon, she could not have saved me. Had she lacked the confidence of self-trust, she would not have dared to save me. Only the young lady, with her genius, her gallantry, her lofty judgment — unique through all the ages — was able, without stirring a ripple, to pluck me from the flames. Neither gods nor demons could have fathomed it. Truly, she would put the great knight Ju Meng to shame and make the hero Zhu Jia fold his arms in defeat. It is to her alone that I owe my life, snatched from the very brink of death. Such grace and virtue are beyond all repayment. I beg the young lady to take her seat and receive my bow." Miss Bingxin said: "It was because of the kindness the young gentleman showed me that the young gentleman was harmed by the villains. Now that the young gentleman is safe, my guilt may be reduced by a fraction — how dare I speak of virtue? It is I who owe a bow of gratitude to the young gentleman." When she had finished speaking, the two of them, separated by the curtain, exchanged four bows each, and only then sat down. Miss Bingxin filled a cup to the brim and had a maid carry it to the young gentleman's table, inviting him to sit. Tie Zhongyu also filled a cup and had a maid take it behind the curtain to return the toast to Miss Bingxin. The two sat down. Before they had drunk three rounds, Miss Bingxin asked: "When the young gentleman came to this place, what was his original purpose?" Tie Zhongyu said: "I had no particular errand in coming here. It was only because in the capital, when my father was wrongfully imprisoned, I was so enraged that I broke into the Marquis of Dagua's Hall of Leisured Ease, rescued the women who had been abducted, and proved his crimes. The court sentenced the Marquis to three years' confinement, and so I made an enemy. My father, fearing further trouble, ordered me to travel under the guise of study to avoid the danger. Unexpectedly I arrived here and antagonized this villainous magistrate. He tried to have me killed, but thanks to the young lady I was saved. Since he failed to destroy me, I dare say it is he who will come to grief at my hands. Tomorrow I shall march straight into his court and demand to know how a magistrate — a father and mother of the people, drawing the court's generous salary — can fail to redress the people's wrongs and instead serve as a hawk and hound for the powerful, entrapping the innocent. First I shall humiliate him publicly, so that the scholars and commoners will hold him in contempt. Then I shall go to the Provincial Governor and have him impeached and arrested, to vent the fury in my breast. The Governor was a classmate of my father's — he is sure to comply." Miss Bingxin said: "If we speak of the magistrate's scheming to harm others, an impeachment would not be unjust. But the other day in court, when the young gentleman so thoroughly humiliated him, it was a considerable blow to his authority, and he naturally harbors resentment. Moreover, the two words 'power' and 'profit' are the constant preoccupation of petty officials. He saw that my father has been dismissed and that old Master Guo may enter the Grand Secretariat, and so he felt obliged to curry favor with his son. But consider — his years of study by lamplight, the hardships of passing the imperial examinations — if one impeaches and destroys him in a moment of anger, it is perhaps an act of excessive harshness. Besides, the young gentleman's initial confrontation with the magistrate verged on the rough and impetuous, and his protection of my person could be construed as rash. A man of the dusty world, with vulgar eyes — how would he recognize that a hero's actions lie outside ordinary conventions? I would counsel the young gentleman to let the matter rest and refrain from contention. In time, the magistrate will come to see for himself that neither the young gentleman nor I can be soiled or stained, and he will surely feel ashamed and repent his folly." Tie Zhongyu, hearing this, sat up straight and said with grave composure: "I, Tie Zhongyu, have always relied on my sense of right and wrong, acting boldly and never yielding to anyone, priding myself on the chivalry of a thousand ages. Now, hearing the young lady's noble discourse, I realize that all my former deeds were the courage of hot blood, not the courage of benevolence and righteousness. Because I have dealt with others through hot blood, others have repaid me with harm. Looking back, the magistrate's attempt on my life was something my own hot temper invited. Now, having received the young lady's gracious instruction, I swear I shall mend my ways and follow her counsel. Never again shall I give way to the wild arrogance of old. What good fortune is this!" As he warmed to the subject, he filled his cup and drank deeply. Miss Bingxin said: "The young gentleman's chivalry springs from his inborn nature. Whether he acts or restrains himself, there is no calculation in it — the capacity of heaven and earth is no greater. My humble words — what benefit could they bring? If I urge and exhort so earnestly, it is only out of a wish to intercede with the magistrate on his behalf." Tie Zhongyu said: "Since the young lady has shown me so clearly, I shall naturally put the magistrate from my mind. But I have one further concern. I fear the magistrate, in his anxiety and suspicion, will not be able to put me from his mind. Though he cannot harm me, he will inevitably resort to slandering the young lady in order to incriminate me. The young lady's jade may be without flaw — what need she fear from buzzing flies? Yet when flies gather day after day, they are a nuisance all the same. By staying here, am I, Tie Zhongyu, any different from those flies? Through your kind nursing my health is restored. Tomorrow I shall take my leave and depart for good, to silence the mouths of petty men." Miss Bingxin said: "Strictly speaking, the young gentleman and I should not have met at all. That I dared to break propriety and bring the young gentleman here was because his kindness was profound and his illness grave and critical. Now that you have recovered, whether to stay or go is entirely in the young gentleman's hands — I dare not urge you to stay. Though I dare not urge it, to fix tomorrow as the day of departure seems too abrupt. Allow me to propose three days' time, so that both gratitude and duty may be properly fulfilled. Would the young gentleman consent?" Tie Zhongyu said: "The young lady's judgment is perfectly measured. How dare I not comply?" With that, the maids brought wine. Tie Zhongyu drank several more cups. A warm flush of wine came over him, and his heart was full. He said: "I, Tie Zhongyu, am far from home. The hidden thoughts of my heart ought not to be crudely laid before the young lady. Yet when a clear mirror hangs on high, one dare not fail its light. Forgive me, then, for speaking of small things. I, Tie Zhongyu, am now twenty years of age. Thanks to my parents' protection, the upright teachers and worthy friends I have known are not few. Yet never has a single one produced a piercing argument or a subtle insight sufficient to win the conviction of my heart. Now, by some happy chance, without design, I have had the fortune to meet the young lady. Everything I have felt but could not express, the young lady has already put into words. Truly it is said: 'Those who gave me life are my father and mother; the one who knows me is Bao Zi.'[3] If I could remain at your side morning and evening, hearing what I have never heard — that would be my dearest wish. But as men and women must observe their proper distance, I dare not presume to ask. Tomorrow I depart, and in leaving this great highway I enter a path of confusion. Beset by endless doubts, I have one earnest request — dare I speak it?" Miss Bingxin said: "To seek counsel from the blind — even the young gentleman cannot escape mockery for that. Yet the sage does not disdain the gleanings of the woodcutter; and the young gentleman's question, I am sure, conceals some wonderful reasoning. Do not hesitate to ask, that my poor understanding may be broadened." Tie Zhongyu said: "I, Tie Zhongyu, came here originally for the purpose of study and travel. Yet I find that my wandering has no fixed destination, and my study no fixed master. I have heard it said that boats are best for the south and horses for the north — yet I, Tie Zhongyu, have been drifting recklessly through the world, with no clear purpose. In the end, I do not know where I should wander or what I should study. No one knows me as the young lady does. I humbly beg her instruction." Miss Bingxin said: "No wandering is broader than wandering through the world, yet the world does not extend beyond the family hearth. No study is loftier than the study of the sages, yet the sages are nothing more than the fulfillment of one's inborn nature. Han Yu wrote: 'Were there no Confucius in the world, then Han Yu would not be enrolled among his disciples.' This too relies on one's innate nature being fully realized. With a nature such as the young gentleman's, allied to selfless integrity — were there no Confucius in the world, who would dare enroll the young gentleman among his disciples? I would counsel the young gentleman not to abandon what is near in pursuit of what is far, nor to trust others while distrusting himself. Rather than racing about in search of instruction, it were better to return home and engage in reflection. Moreover, your honored father holds the rank of Censor-in-Chief, a model in his own right. The capital is the Son of Heaven's imperial city, a treasury of culture and civilization. If the young gentleman takes up his father's legacy and serves with dignity at court, that too would be no mean achievement. Why wander alone and forlorn to the ends of the earth, seeking fame among strangers? As for avoiding enemies — to my mind, if one is not careful in cultivating one's person, every road becomes hostile territory. From what, then, would one flee? What does the young gentleman think of this?" Tie Zhongyu, hearing this, could not conceal his delight. He rose hastily and made a deep bow: "The young lady's wonderful discourse has opened my beclouded mind. All the doubts that plagued me are now resolved. How great is this kindness!" The maids, seeing how animated the conversation had become, brought out a large goblet. Tie Zhongyu took it without demur and drank with evident pleasure. Setting the cup down, he said: "The young lady — a beauty of the inner chambers, in the flower of her youth — how does she come to possess such profound learning? Her analysis of sentiment and principle surpasses what the most venerable scholars and aged Confucians could express in a single phrase. Truly she is the one upon whom the genius of mountains and rivers has been uniquely bestowed. I am filled with admiration!" Miss Bingxin said: "A girl babbling nonsense in her boudoir — what does she know of learning? If I ventured to speak so presumptuously, it was only to express, in some small measure, the regard I feel. The young gentleman praises me beyond what the truth warrants, and I blush with shame." The two spoke with perfect sympathy. Tie Zhongyu drank several more cups and was beginning to feel the wine. Fearing he might commit some discourtesy, he rose and begged leave. Miss Bingxin did not press him to stay: "I ought to offer a few more cups, but I fear that taxing the young gentleman's newly recovered strength too greatly would do more harm than good." She called for a lantern and had him escorted to the study to rest. This one banquet lasted a full watch of the night. A thousand words were exchanged — the two becoming as intimate as the closest of friends. Yet even at the height of their warmth, not a single word touched upon private feelings. Truly: White jade without flaw — that is the rarest treasure; A blue lotus unstained — from it the strangest fragrance rises. Had they fallen into the snare of amorous hearts, Their fame for elegance would still have wounded the moral order. Miss Bingxin had the maids see Tie Zhongyu to bed, then directed the servants to clear away the feast. Only then did she retire to the upper chamber to rest. Now Shan You, perched on the main beam, had seen everything that Tie Zhongyu and Miss Bingxin did with perfect clarity, and had heard every word they spoke in full detail. He waited until everyone had dispersed, then climbed down. He made his way back to the low wall, scaled it again, and went home to sleep. The next morning at dawn, he went straight to the magistrate's office. The magistrate received him in his private chambers and interrogated him minutely. Shan You then related how he had crept in, how he had hidden on the beam; how Miss Bingxin had hung a curtain across the center of the hall — outside it a banquet was laid for the Iron young gentleman, lit by two pairs of bright candles; within the curtain another banquet was laid in darkness for Miss Shui herself; how red carpets were set on each side, and the two had bowed four times to each other before sitting down to drink; and how, in the midst of it all, the Iron young gentleman had spoken of his illness, saying it had all been caused by His Honor, and that since His Honor had failed to kill him, "perhaps it is His Honor who will be destroyed by him." The magistrate was greatly alarmed: "He said he would destroy me? How?" Shan You said: "He said the Provincial Governor is his father's classmate. He intended first to march into Your Honor's court, demand how a magistrate — a father and mother of the people — could fail to redress wrongs and serve only as a hawk and hound for the powerful, humiliate Your Honor publicly so the scholars and commoners would hold you in contempt, and then go to the Governor and have you impeached and arrested." The magistrate heard this and stamped his foot in agitation: "What is to be done?" He was about to order the bailiffs to take down the complaint board and put up a notice saying the magistrate was not holding court that day. Shan You said: "Your Honor need not panic — the Iron young gentleman will not come today." The magistrate asked: "Why not?" Shan You said: "Thanks to Miss Shui, who earnestly dissuaded him at length. She said the magistrate's attempt to harm the Iron young gentleman arose from the young gentleman's own provocation, and one could not lay all the blame on the magistrate. She said that heroes and great men act openly and above-board, and a routine official could not be expected to understand. She said the magistrate, seeing that Minister Shui had been dismissed and that old Master Guo might be elevated to the Grand Secretariat, could not resist currying favor — the act of a petty man, beneath contention. She said that since both the young gentleman's rescue of her and her rescue of him could easily arouse suspicion, who would believe it was done out of public duty rather than private feeling? She said that in time, when the magistrate discovered their conduct was pure as ice and flawless as jade, he would naturally feel ashamed. She also said that earning a jinshi degree was no easy thing, and to destroy one lightly was a pity. The Iron young gentleman, hearing all this, agreed and was quite pleased, and so abandoned his intention." The magistrate was overjoyed: "So Miss Shui is a good person after all! How fortunate that the other day I had the good sense to send her home in a sedan chair." He then asked: "What else was said? Were there any words of flirtation?" Shan You said: "First the two discussed scholarship for a while, then debated the sages — 'How well you put it!' 'How brilliantly you argue!' — with the greatest mutual enthusiasm. They drank wine and talked for a full watch of the night, exchanging a thousand words and more. Your servant cannot remember them all, but sentence by sentence, everything I heard was spoken with the utmost respect. There was not half an indecent word, not the slightest hint of flirtation. Truly, they are a Lu Nanzi and a Liu Xiahui reborn." The magistrate listened, still not entirely convinced: "A young woman as lovely as a flower, a young man as fine as jade, alone together in the quiet of the night, drinking face to face — and both of them sharp-witted, affectionate people — can it really be that they felt not the faintest stirring of desire, that they attained the perfection of sagehood? Perhaps you are covering for them?" Shan You said: "Your servant is neither kin nor friend to those two, and has received no bribe from them. Why would I cover for them and jeopardize Your Honor's business?" The magistrate, now satisfied the report was true, was genuinely pleased. He sighed and said: "Who says the men of today cannot match the ancients? If this is truly so, then the Iron young gentleman is a most extraordinary young man of blood and mettle, and Miss Shui is a most extraordinary young woman of moral learning. Had I the authority, I should publicly commend and honor them both." He pardoned Shan You's offenses and dismissed him. Then the magistrate reflected privately: "To speak of official conduct — the words 'power' and 'profit' are indeed unavoidable. But when one encounters such paragons of virtue and chivalry, one ought not to treat them like ordinary folk. Miss Shui is the daughter of a Vice-Minister, and Tie Zhongyu the son of a Censor-in-Chief. How could I have been so muddled as to try to harm them? If they are truly angered and the Governor is persuaded to submit a memorial, it will be too late to seek Master Guo's intercession." He thought further: "I am a jinshi who entered through the imperial examinations — my reputation is not insignificant. I ought to do some good, so that people will speak well of me. If I merely drift with the current, am I not ruining myself?" And again: "Miss Shui, behind my back, valued my jinshi degree and hoped I would reform. How is it that I do not value it myself? That I do not reform?" And again: "If I am to reform, I must begin with those two. The Iron young gentleman, with his heroic breadth and gallant spirit — who but Miss Shui could be a fitting match for him? And Miss Shui, with her brilliant mind and luminous character, like a phoenix among women — who but the Iron young gentleman could be her equal? Why not change my tune entirely and help bring the two together? Not only would this cover my past misdeeds, it would count as a true act of righteousness during my tenure as magistrate." Just as he had settled on this plan, Young Master Guo came to inquire. The magistrate related Shan You's report in full, then counseled him: "This Miss Shui — do not make the mistake of thinking her an ordinary girl of the boudoir. In my judgment, her mind and her actions mark her as a great hero possessed of wisdom. She would never stoop to a casual match. I advise you to abandon this notion and look elsewhere." Young Master Guo, hearing that Tie Zhongyu and Miss Shui had conducted themselves with perfect propriety, and seeing the magistrate's firm refusal, knew at last that his cause was utterly hopeless. He stood stunned for a long while, then took his leave. When the magistrate saw that Young Master Guo had gone, he quietly sent someone to ascertain whether the Iron young gentleman had left or was still there, and to determine the precise date of his departure. He had a plan of his own. And it was this plan that was to prove: The more you grind it, the harder it becomes; The more you dye it, the cleaner it shines. To learn what happened next, read on in the following chapter.
[1] Liu Xiahui: A paragon of male chastity from the Spring and Autumn period, famous for holding a freezing woman in his lap all night without the slightest improper thought. [2] Lord Guan's bright candle: An allusion to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. When Guan Yu was entrusted with the care of Liu Bei's two wives, he kept a candle burning all through the night outside their chamber to demonstrate his propriety. [3] "The one who knows me is Bao Zi": An allusion to the legendary friendship between Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya, where Bao Shuya understood Guan Zhong's true worth when no one else did. |