Hao Qiu Zhuan/zh-en/Chapter 14
第14回 — Chapter 14
中文原文（繁体） — Percy/Wilkinson (1761)
Other parallel views: 中文 ↔ Percy 1761 | 1761 ↔ 2026 | Modern EN only | Percy 1761 only | 中文 only
| 中文原文（繁体） | Percy/Wilkinson (1761) |
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第十四回 舍死命救人为识英雄Chinese original text of Chapter 14 Compare with the modern English translation, Wilkinson/Percy 1761 translation, and other language versions. 第十四回 舍死命救人为识英雄 词曰： 肉眼无知肉食鄙，肮脏英雄，认作弩骀比。不是虚拘缚其体，定是苛文致其死。 自分奇才今已矣，岂料临刑，突尔逢知己。拔志边庭成大功，始知国事能如此。 ——《蝶恋花》 话说刑部、大理寺、都察院三法司接了圣旨，随即会同定了审期，在公衙门提出侯孝来同审。这日适值铁公子又因有事，到京中来省亲，问道：“父亲因为甚公务出门？”母亲石夫人道：“为审一员失机该杀的大将。这件事已审过一番，今奉旨典型，不敢耽延，大清晨就去了。”铁公子道：“孩儿听得边关连日有警，正在用人之际，为何转杀大将，父亲莫要没主意，待孩儿去看看。”石夫人道：“看看也好，只是此乃朝廷大事，不可多嘴。” 铁公子应诺，因叫长班领到三法司衙门去看。只见那大将侯孝，已奉旨失机该斩，绑了出来，只待午时三刻，便要行刑。铁公子因分开众人，将那在大将一看，只见那人年纪只好三十上下，生得豹头环眼，燕颔虎须，十分精悍。心下暗惊道：“此将才也，为何遭此！”因上前问道：“我看将军堂堂凛凛，自是英雄中人，为何杀人不过，失了事机？”那大将听见说他杀人不过，不禁暴声如雷，道：“大丈夫视死如归，该死便杀，也不为大事。只是我侯孝两臂有千斤膂力，一身有十八股本事，怎的杀人不过，失了甚么事？”铁公子道：“既未失事，为何获此大罪？请道其详。”那大将“罢了，事到如今，说也无益！”铁公子道：“不说也罢。只是目今边庭正需用人，将军还能力战否？”那人道：“斩将搴旗，本分内事，有甚不能？” 铁公子听了，便不再问，竟气忿忿直冲进三法司堂上来，大声说道：“三位老大人乃朝廷卿贰大臣，宜真心为国。为何当此边庭紧急之秋，国家无人之日，乃循案牍具文而杀大将？误国不浅！请问还是为公乎？为私乎？窃为三大人不取也！”刑部侍郎王洪与理寺卿陈善、都察院铁英三人，因过学士本上有先正典刑之言，圣旨准了，便不敢十分辩驳。虽同拟了一个“斩”，请下旨来，心下终有几分不安。忽见有人嚷上堂来，不觉又惊又喜，又愧又怒。再细看时，却认得是铁公子，刑部与大理不好作威，到是铁都院先拍案怒骂：“好大胆的小畜生！这是朝廷的三法司，乃王章国宪森严之地，三大臣奉旨在此审狱决囚。你一介 书生，怎敢到此狂言，法不私亲，左右拿下！” 铁公子大叫道：“大人差矣，朝廷击登闻鼓，尚许诸人直言无隐；怎出生入死之地，不容人伸冤？”铁都宪道：“你是侯孝甚人，为他伸冤？”铁公子道：“孩儿素不识侯孝，怎为他伸冤？但念人材难得，乃为朝廷的大将伸冤。”铁都院道：“朝廷大将，生杀自任朝廷，关你何事，却如此胡为？快与我拿下！”衙役见都院吩咐，只得上前来拿。刑部与大理都摇头道：“且慢！”因将铁公子唤到公座前，好言抚慰道：“贤契热肠性，虽未为不是，但国有国法，官有官体，狱有狱例，自难一味鲁莽而行。就是这侯孝失机一案，已系狱经年，水居一兵部又为他谪戍，则当时论其非而议其过者，不一人矣。岂至今日，过犯尚存，罪章犹在，而问官突然辩其无罪？此国法、官体、狱例之所必无也。设有议轻之奏，尚不敢擅减重条，况过学士弹章请斩，而圣明已依拟，则问官谁为立异，为之请命哉！势不可也。”铁公子听了，慨然长叹道：“二大人之言，皆庸碌之臣贪位慕禄、保身家之言也，岂乃真心王室，以国事为家事者所忍出哉？倘国法、官体、狱情必应如此，则一下吏为之有余，何必老大人为股肱腹心耶？且请问古称尧曰宥之三，皋陶曰赦之三，此何意也？若果如此言，则都俞吁{禾皆}，大非盛世君臣也。” 王洪与陈善听了，俱默默无言，铁都院因说道：“痴儿子，无多言，这侯孝一死不能免矣！”铁公子愤然曰：“英雄豪杰，天生实难，大人奈何不惜？若必斩侯孝，请先斩我铁中玉！”铁都院道：“侯孝前之失机，已有明据，斩之不过一弩骀耳，何足为怪？”铁公子道：“人不易知，知人不易。侯孝气骨岩岩，以之守边，乃万里长城也，一时将帅，恐无其比。”铁都院道：“纵使有才，其如有罪何？”铁公子道：“自古之英雄，往往有罪，朝廷所以有戴罪立功之条，正此意也。”王洪道：“使过必须人保，你敢力保么？”铁公子道：“倘赦侯孝，使之复将，不能成功，先斩我铁中玉之头，以谢轻言之罪。” 王洪、陈善因对铁都院道：“此乃众人属目之地，既是令公子肯挺身力保，则此番举动，料不能隐瞒也。若定然不听。我三人只合据实奏闻，请旨定夺。”铁都院到此田地，也无可奈何，也只得听从。王洪因唤转侯孝，依旧下狱，就叫铁公子面写一张保状，差人带起，然后三人写了一本，登时达上，此时，边庭正拜本上去，只隔一日，就批下来道： 边庭需人正急，铁英子铁中玉既盛称侯孝有才，可御边患，朕岂不惜？今暂赦前罪，假借原衔，外赐剑一口，凡边庭有警之处，俱着即日领兵救援破敌。倘能成功，另行升赏。如再失机，即着枭示九边，以儆无能。水居一前荐，铁中玉后保，俱照侯孝功罪，一体定其功罪。呜呼，使其过正，以勖其功，朕所望也；死于法，何如死于敌，尔其懋哉！钦此。 圣旨下了，报到狱中，侯孝谢过圣恩。出了狱，且不去料理军务，先骑着一匹马，一径来拜谢铁公子。二人相见，英雄识英雄，彼此爱慕至极。铁公子留饭，侯孝也不推辞，说一回剑术，谈一回兵机，二人痛饮了一日方别去。到第二日，兵部因边庭乏人，又见期限紧急，一面料理兵马，一面就催促起身。侯孝这番到边，虽说戴罪，却是御批，更加赐剑，一时边帅无人与他作梗，故得任意施展，不半年报了五捷，边境一时肃清，天子大悦，即升总兵。水居一复了侍郎之职，后因屡捷，加升尚 书。铁中玉力保有功，特授翰林待诏，铁中玉上疏辞免，愿就制科。过学士自觉无颜，只得告病不出。正是： 图书与文学 冤家初结时，只道占便宜。 不料多翻复，临头悔是迟。 却说水居一升了尚书，钦诏还京，何等荣耀，那些所卫管辖之官并上司武弁，前为过学士出力作恶者，尽皆慌了，无不俯首请罪。谁知水尚书肚皮宽大，并不较量。 到了京中，见过圣上，谢了恩。闻知铁公子在三法司堂上以死力保侯孝，侯孝方能成功，又访知前日打入大夬侯养闲堂，救出韩愿妻女，既感其恩，又慕其豪杰。既到过尚书的任，即用两个名帖，来拜铁都院父子。铁都院接见，略叙寒温，水尚书即要请铁公子来相见。铁都院道：“今秋大比，在西山藏修，故有失迎候。”水尚书道：“我学生此来，虽欲拜谢贤乔梓提拔之恩，然实慕令公子少年许多英雄作用，欲求一见，以慰平生。奈何无缘，却又不遇。”铁都院道：“狂妄小子，浪得虚名，我学生正以为忧，屡屡戒饬，怎老先生过为垂誉，何敢当也？”水尚书道：“令公子侠烈非狂，真诚无妄，学生非慕其名，正慕其实，故殷殷愿见也。”铁都院道：“下学小子，既蒙援引，诚厚幸也，自当遣其上谒。”水尚书道：“倘蒙赐顾，乞先示知，以便扫门恭候。”再三恳约，方才别去。正是： 秣马明所好，溯洄愿言亲。 殷勤胡若此，总是为伊人。 铁都院本意，原不欲儿子交接，因水尚书投帖来拜，又再三要见，不可十分过辞，只得差人到西山报与铁公子知道，就叫他进城来回拜，铁公子闻知，因想道：“他来拜我，只不过为我保了侯总兵，连他都带升了，感谢之意，何必面见。”因吩咐来役道：“你可禀上太爷，说我说，既要山中读书，长安城中，乃冠盖往来之地，那里应酬得许多来，只求老爷一概谢绝为妙。” 来役领命回复，铁都院点头道：“这也说得是。”因自来答拜，见了水尚书，因回说道：“小儿闻老先生赐顾，即要趋瞻山斗，不期卧病山中，不能如愿，获罪殊深，故我学生特先代为请荆，稍可步履，即当走叩。”水尚 书道：“古之高人，只许人闻其名，不许人识其面，正今日令公子之谓也，愈令我学生景仰不尽。”说罢，铁都院辞了出来。 水尚书因暗想道：“我女儿冰心才貌出众，聪慧绝伦，我常虑寻不出一个佳婿来配他。今日看起这铁公子来，举动行事，大是可观。况闻他尚未婚娶，又与我有恩，若舍此人不求，真可谓错过矣。但不知人物生得如何？必须见面，方可决疑。”主意定了，即差人去细细访问铁公子正在西山读书否，差人回报果在西山读书。水尚书因瞒着人，到第二日起个绝早，竟是便服，止骑了一匹马，带了三四个贴身伏侍的长班，悄悄到西山来拜铁公子。 此时铁公子朝饭初罢，就差役报知水尚书来拜他，打动了水小姐之念，正在那里痴想道：“天下事奇奇怪怪，最料不定，再不料无心中救侯孝，倒像是有心去救水尚书的一般。设使当日不在县堂之上遇见水小姐，今日与水尚书有此机缘，若求他女儿为婚，未必不允。但既有了这番嫌疑，莫说我不便去求他，就是他来求我，我也不便应承，有伤名教。想将起来，有情转是无情，有恩转是无恩，有缘转是无缘，老天何颠倒若此！”正沉吟间，忽见一个长髯老者，方巾野服，走进方丈中来。到了面前，叫了一声：“铁兄，何会面之难也！不怕令人想杀！”铁公子仓卒中不知是谁，因信口答道：“我铁中玉面皮最冷，老先生想我，定是不曾会面；今既会了，只怕又不必想了。”因迎下来施礼。 那老者还礼毕，因执着铁公子的手，细细端详道：“未见铁兄，还是虚想，今既见铁兄，实实要想了。我学生一还京，即登堂拜谢，不期止渴见尊翁，而未得亲睹台颜，怅然而返。后蒙尊翁许我一会，又慎重白驹，不肯赐顾。我学生万不得已，故悄地而来，幸勿罪其唐突也，”铁公子听了惊讶道：“这等说，却就是水老先生了？”水尚书道：“正是学生水居一。”因叫长班送上名帖。铁公子道：“晚生后学，偶尔怜才，实不曾为青天而扫浮云，何敢当老先生如此郑重？”水尚 书道：“我学生此来，实不为一身一官而谢提拔，乃慕长兄青年有此明眼定识，热肠壮气，诚当今不易得之英雄，故愿一识荆州耳。”铁公子因连连打恭道：“原来老先生天空海阔，别具千秋，晚生失言矣。”因请坐，一面叫人备酒留饭，草草与水尚书对饮。 水尚书原有意选才，故谆谆探问。铁公子见水尚书远道而来，破格相待，以为遇了知己，便倾心而谈，谈一会经史文章，又谈一会孙吴韬略，论伦常则名教真传，论治化则经纶实际，莫不津津有味，凿凿可行。谈了许久，喜得水尚书头如水点，笑如花开，不住口的赞羡道：“铁兄高才，殆天授也！” 又谈了半晌，水尚书忍不住，因对铁公子道：“我学生有一心事，本不当与兄面言，因我与兄相遇，在牝牡、骊黄之外，故不复忌讳耳。”铁公子道：“晚生忝居子侄，老先生有言，从而明教之，甚盛心也。”水尚书道：“我学生仅止生一女，今年一十八岁，若论姿容，不敢夸天下无二；论他聪慧多才，只怕四海之内，除了长兄，也无人堪与作对。此乃学生自夸之言，长兄也未必深信，幸兄因我学生之言而留心一访，或果此言不谬，许结丝萝，应使百两、三星无愧色，而钟鼓、琴瑟得正音也。婚姻大事，草草言之，幸长兄勿哂。” 铁公子听了，竟呆了半晌，方叹一口气道：“老天，老天！既生此美对，何又作此恶缘？奈何，奈何！”水尚书见铁公子沉吟嗟叹，因问道：“长兄嗟叹，莫非已偕佳偶？”铁公子连连摇首道：“四海求凰，常鄙文君非淑女，何处觅相如之配？”水尚书道：“既未结缡，莫非疑小女亦然？”铁公子道：“令爱在举国皆知为孟光，但恨曲径相逢，非河洲大道，鸠巢鹊夺，恐伤名教者耳。坐失好逑，已抱终身大恨。今夏蒙老先生议及婚姻，更使人遗恨于千秋矣！”水尚书听见铁公子说话隐隐约约，不明不白，因说道：“长兄快士，有何隐情，不妨直述，何故作此微词？”铁公子道：“非微词也，实至情也，老先生归而询之，自得其详矣。” 图书与文学 水尚 书因离家日久，全未通音信，不知女儿近作何状，又见铁公子说话鹘鹘突突，恐有暧昧，不可明言，遂不复问，又说些闲话，吃了饭，方别了回去。正是： 来因看卫玠，去为问罗敷。 欲遂室家愿，多劳父母图。 水尚书因别了回来，一路上暗想道：“这铁公子果是个风流英俊，我女儿的婚姻，断乎放他不得。但他说话模糊，似推又似就，似喜又似怨，不知何故？莫非疑我女儿有甚不端？但我知女儿的端方静止出于性成，非矫强为之，料没有非礼之事，只怕还是过学士因求亲不遂，布散流言。这都不要管他，我回去，但与他父亲定了婚姻之约，任是风波，亦不能摇动矣。”主意定了，到私衙择个好日，即央个相好的同僚，与铁都院道达其意。铁都院因过学士前参水尚书，知是为过公子求亲不遂起的衅端，由此得知水小姐是出类拔萃的多才小姐，正想着为铁公子择配，忍见水尚书央人来议亲，正合其意，不胜欢喜，遂满口应承。水尚书见铁都院应承，恐怕有变，遂忙交拜请酒，又央同僚，催促铁都院下定。 铁都院与石夫人商量道：“中玉年也不小，若听他自择，择到几时？况我闻得这水小姐不独人物端庄，又兼聪慧绝伦。过学士儿子百般用计求他，他有本事百般拒绝，又是个女中豪杰，正好与中玉作配。今水尚书又来催定，乃是一段良缘，万万不可惜过。”石夫人道：“这水小姐既有如此贤慧，老爷便拿定主意，自为他定了，也竟不必去问儿子。若去问他，他定然又有许多推辞的话。”铁都院道：“我也是这等想。”夫妻商量停当，遂不通知铁公子，竟自打点礼物，择了一个吉日，央同僚为媒定了，定过后方着人去与铁公子贺喜。 铁公子闻知，吃了一惊，连忙入城，来见父母道：“婚姻大事，名教攸关，欲后正其终，必先正其始。若不慎其初，草草贪图才貌，留嫌隙与人谈论，便是终身之玷。”铁都院道：“我且问你，这水小姐想是容貌不美么？”铁公子道：“若论水小姐容貌，真是秋水为神玉为骨，谁说他不美？”铁都院道：“容貌既美，想是才智不能？”铁公子道：“若论水小姐的才智，真不动声色而有鬼神不测之机，谁说他不能？”铁都院道：“既有才智，想是为人不端？”铁公子道：“若论水小姐的为人，真可谓不愧鬼神，不欺暗室，谁说他不端？”铁都院与石夫人听了俱笑起来道：“这水小姐既为人如此，今又是父母明媒正娶，有甚衅隙怕人谈论？”铁公子道：“二大人跟前，孩儿不敢隐瞒。若论水小姐的分明窈窕，孩儿虽寤寐求之，犹恐不得，今天从人愿，何敢矫情？但恨孩儿与水小姐无缘，遇之于患难之中，而相见不以礼；接之于嫌疑之际，而贞烈每自许。今若到底能成全，则前之义侠，皆属有心，故宁失闺阁之佳偶，不敢作名教之罪人。”遂将前日游学山东，怎生遇见过公子抢劫水小姐，怎生县堂上救回水小姐，自己怎生害病，水小姐又怎生接去养病之事，细细说了一遍。 铁都院夫妻听了，愈加欢喜道：“据这等说起来，则你与水小姐正是有恩有义之侠烈好逑矣，事既大昭于耳目，心又无愧于梦魂，始患难则患难为之，终以正则以正为之，有何嫌疑之可避？若今必避嫌疑，则昔之嫌疑终洗不清矣。此事经权常变，按之悉合，吾儿无多虑也。快去安心读 书，以俟大小登科，娱我父母之晚景。”铁公子见父母主意已定，料一时不能挽回，又暗想道：“此事我也不消苦辞，就是我从了，想来水小姐亦必不从，且到临时再作区处。”因辞了父母，依旧往西山去读书。正是： 君子喜从名教乐，淑人远避禽兽声。 守正月老难为主，持正风流是罪人。 按下铁公子为婚事踌躇不提。 却说水尚书为女儿受了铁公子之定，以为择婿得人，甚是欢喜。因念离家日久，又见宦途危险，遂上本告病，辞了回去。朝廷因怜他被谪，受了苦难，再三不允。水尚书一连上了三疏，圣旨方准他暂假一年，驰驿还乡，假满复任。水尚书得了旨，满心欢喜，即忙收拾回去。这番是奉旨驰驿，甚是荣耀。早有报到历城县，报人写了大红条子到水府来，初报复侍郎之任，次报升尚书，今又报钦假驰驿还乡。水小姐初闻，恐又是奸人之计，还不深信，后见府、县俱差人来报，信虽是真，但不知是甚么缘故能得复任，终有几分疑惑。 过了两日，忽水运走来献功道：“贤侄女，你道哥哥的官是怎生样复任的？”冰心小姐道：“正为不知，在此疑虑。”水运道：“原来就是铁公子保奏的。”冰心小姐笑道：“此事一发荒唐！铁公子又不是朝廷大臣，一个书生，怎生保奏？”水运道：“也不是他特保奏哥哥，只因哥哥贬官，为圣主荐一员大将，那大将失了机，故带累哥哥贬谪。前日过公子要娶你，因你苦以无父命推辞，他急了，只求他的父亲过学士写书，差人到边上去求哥哥。不料哥哥又是个不允，他就记了恨，又见边关有警，他遂上一本，说边关失事，皆因举荐非人之罪轻了，因乃请旨要斩哥哥与这员大将，圣旨准了。这日三法司正绑那员大将去斩，恰好铁公子撞见，看定那员大将是个英雄，因嚷到三法司堂上，以死保他。三法司不得已，只得具疏请命。朝廷准了，就遣那大将到边，戴罪征伐。不期那员大将果是英雄，一到边上，便将敌兵杀退，成了大功。朝廷大喜，道你父亲举荐得人，故召还复任，又加升尚 书。推起根由，岂不是铁公子保救的？”冰心小姐听了，道：“怎么不真？现有邸报。”冰心小姐因笑说道：“若果是真，他一个做拐子的，敢大胆嚷到三法司堂上去，叔叔就该告他谋反了！”水运听了，知道是侄女讥诮他，然亦不敢认真，只得忍着没趣，笑说道：“再莫讲起，都是这班呆公子连累我，我如今再不理他们了。”说罢，不胜抱惭而去。 冰心小姐因暗想道：“这铁公子与我缘法甚奇：我在陌路中亏他救了，事亦奇了，还说是事有凑巧。怎么爹爹贬谪边庭，与他风马牛不相及，又无意中为他救了，不更奇了？”又想道：“奇则奇矣，只可惜奇得无味，空有感激之心，断无和合之理。天心有在，虽不可知，而人事舛错已如此矣！”寸心中日夕思慕。正是： 烈烈者真性，殷殷者柔情。 调乎情与性，名与教方成。 水小姐在家伫望，又过了些时，忽报水尚书到了。因是钦赐驰驿，府、县官俱出郭郊迎，水运也驰马出城迎接。热热闹闹，只到日午，方才到家。冰心小姐迎接进去，父女相见，先叙别离愁，后言重见面，不胜之悲，又不胜之喜。只因这一见，有分教： 图书与文学 喜非常喜，情不近情。 不知水尚书与冰心小姐说了些甚么，且听下回分解。 End of Chapter 14 |
Chapter 14: Risking One's Life to Save Another: Recognizing a True HeroFrom: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761) Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify. [Volume III, Book III, Chapters VIII-X] CHAP. VIII.[1] The tribunal of three having received the Emperor's commission, appointed a day to hear and determine the cause of Hu-hiau. When that day came, as soon as the Mandarines were seated, the Supreme Vice-roy Tieh-ying being one of them, that unfortunate general was brought out of prison, and entered upon his trial. It happened that the same day Tieh-chung-u arrived at Pe-king, where he had never been since his return from Shan-tong. As soon as he alighted he inquired for his father. His mother told him he was gone upon an affair of great importance: that there was a great officer or valiant man[2] to be brought to justice. He replied, "As there is a war, and valiant men are necessary at this critical juncture, why do they seek to destroy them? I will go and hear the trial: perhaps my father may be drawn over to the opinion of his colleagues, and not follow the dictates of his natural candour and justice." Then going to the audience[3], he was struck with the sight of Hu-hiau already condemned, and bound, waiting for his execution; having been sentenced to lose his head three quarters of an hour after noon. There was a great crowd of spectators, through the midst of whom the youth forced his way to get nearer to the condemned person. He perceived him to be very young, but of a bold and dauntless aspect: his look wild and fierce as that of a tyger: his eyes fiery: his throat large, yet long like a crane's: his body strong and well set.[4] Tieh-chung-u wondered what default of duty that man could be guilty of who had so promising an appearance. He went up to him, "Sir, said he, of what can they have accused you, who seem to be so valiant a person? How is it, that you have been beaten in war?" At this the other flew into a rage, and sternly said, "A man can die but once: and it matters not in what manner he dies. But I that have strength in my arms to carry the weight of ten peculs[5], and am master of eighteen different weapons[6], how should I be beaten by any one? What have I lost? 'Tis all falsely laid to my charge. This I solemnly declare. However I must die: be it so." "That is certain, replied the youth; and yet if you had not been guilty of the charge laid against you, why should justice be exerted in so extraordinary a manner? But if you have any thing to alledge in your vindication, you must speak, now is your time." Hu-hiau fetched a deep sigh and only said, "The present times are vile and corrupted." "Well, said Tieh-chung-u, if you are unwilling to break through your reserve, I will only ask you one thing; supposing you should be released, would you undertake to go now against the enemy." "Why not? replied he; is it not my duty? To do it a thousand times, I should look upon as nothing." The youth said no more to him, but asked the people what o'clock it was, and was answered past ten. Upon which he opened a way through the crowd, and got into the hall of audience, where were seated the three presidents of the tribunal. He cried out aloud, "Health to you all, my Lords! You are all great officers under his Majesty: it therefore behoves you to do your best for the public weal. At present there is great want of men of valour; and none can be got notwithstanding the proclamation for such to appear. The manner of your present proceedings tends not to the advantage, but the detriment of the empire. Pray is this man sacrificed to public justice, or any private consideration?" The three Mandarines, who had not very willingly passed sentence upon Hu-hiau, but had done it merely to gratify their superiors, were not displeased to see a person appear in his vindication: although they were disgusted at the little respect he shewed them. The President of Crimes after some time, perceived he was the son of their colleague, the Supreme Viceroy: who also himself discovered who he was. Upon which he struck his hand on the table and said, "How dare you come here in this impertinent and bold manner, where it is death to do it? Take hold of him and bind him. I acknowledge no relation to him in this place." Tieh-chung-u cried out, "No, no: that is not justice: hear me before you order me to be seized. I only ask your Lordships, why doth the Emperor place the drum at the gate of his palace, but that the people may have redress there, when they can obtain it no where else?" The Supreme Viceroy said, "Who are you? and what acquaintance have you with the condemned person?" He answered, "I know him not, but perceiving him to be a valiant man, and one that may do his country and the Emperor service, [I came in his behalf.]" His father replied, "What business is it of your's what he is, or what he can do?" Then he ordered the officers attending the tribunal to take and bind him. The two other Mandarines desired his imprisonment might be deferred for a moment, and calling him to the table before the tribunal, said, "You shew a good intention and sound principle in what you say, but you must consider that things must be carried on according to [the forms of] justice, and not with so much precipitation. Hu-hiau hath been a year in prison, and the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye as long in banishment; and hitherto none have appeared in their behalf. The former of these hath to-day been brought to his trial, and been condemned: to acquit him now would be ridiculous, and cause a deal of confusion and anger from the Emperor. The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su hath already informed his Majesty of the sentence of death past by us: how then is it possible to recall it?" Tieh-chung-u hearing these words, fetched a deep sigh, and said, "What you have done is all out of regard to your own interests, and not to the good of your country. Your Lordships cannot but know, that in former days it was frequent for Mandarines to oppose injustice; or at least to refuse to do any thing in prejudice of their country, or against their conscience, notwithstanding it might be strongly pressed upon them by the Emperor himself.[7] Wherefore do you study law and justice, if thus you act subservient to higher powers?" The two other Mandarines to whom he addressed himself had nothing to reply: but his father cried out, "What! are you mad? I tell you sentence is passed, and he must die." These words very much grieved Tieh-chung-u, who said, "Will you then have no pity on so brave and valiant a man as this?" "Hu-hiau, replied the Supreme Viceroy, is condemned according to law, and his death must be looked upon with no more remorse than that of a kid. Of what service would pity be, where it is out of our power to relieve him?" "This is no common person, said his son, you do not know his qualifications, he is not to be matched among all the great men, that guard the wall of ten thousand furlongs.[8] It hath been customary when such men have committed a fault: not to put them to death, but to let them take it off [attone for it] by some service or other of great importance to their country. Why then should not this man be suffered to take off his crime in the same manner?" The two Mandarines agreed it was reasonable: "But who, said they, will be security for his performing such actions, as shall merit a pardon?" Tieh-chung-u said, "I will. Restore him but to his former office, and if he does not answer your expectations, then take off my head." The two other Mandarines discoursed the matter over with his father: "As your son, said they, hath offered himself security for Hu-hiau here before all the world, we are thereby impowered to draw up a petition in his behalf, without the imputation of partiality, or of taking illegal steps to save his life." The Supreme Viceroy perceiving this was no more than reasonable, ordered the criminal to be sent back to prison, and commanded Tieh-chung-u to draw up a writing of security in his behalf. Which being done and properly signed, he ordered a chain to be fixed round his neck, and sent him to prison after the general. The three Mandarines after this drew up a petition, wherein they acquainted his Majesty with their proceedings. As it was a time of war, business was not long before it was dispatched, so that if a Mandarine gave in a petition one day, his Majesty would answer it himself the next. The Emperor answered their petition in the following manner.
This order was carried by a Mandarine properly attended to Hu-hiau, whom together with Tieh-chung-u they took out of prison. These two persons went to return thanks to the three Mandarines their judges: and afterwards took up their abode in the house of the Supreme Viceroy; where they got every thing ready in order to repair to the wars. Two days after they departed for their charge properly equipped[9], with a gallant retinue of soldiers and other attendants; and being arrived at the wall, the officers there shewed them great respect, seeing Hu-hiau return with the Emperor's sword. They had not been gone six months, before this general had such signal success, that he put an end to the war, and every where re-established peace and tranquillity. Upon which the Emperor advanced him to a higher command, and restored Shuey-keu-ye to his former office. His Majesty also applauded the wisdom and integrity of Tieh-chung-u, and would have created him doctor of law: but the youth refused to accept of any such distinction, for he said unless he could arrive at that honour by his learning, he was unworthy of it. CHAP. IX. The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was so mortified by this disappointment that he was ashamed to appear in public, and begged to lay down his office under pretence of indisposition. On the other hand, Shuey-keu-ye had no sooner returned to court but he was made Shang-shu, or President [of the tribunal of arms.] The Mandarines who had threatened him for refusing to listen to their proposals in favour of Kwo-sho-su and his son, were afraid he would now remember them. But he told them when they came to visit him and ask his pardon, that they could not be blamed for acting as they did, and that the harm which might have accrued was owing to himself. As soon as he had waited on the Emperor, he went immediately to visit the Supreme Viceroy and his son. That Mandarine received him in person, but his son was absent: the other inquired after him, but was told he was gone into the country to study. "I am come, said Shuey-keu-ye, to pay my acknowledgments to the young gentleman for the benefit I have received from his wisdom and courage; and nothing would rejoice me so much as to see him." "To morrow, said his father, I will send him to visit you." Upon which the other departed with great satisfaction. The Mandarine Tieh did not approve of his son's keeping a great deal of company, but could not avoid complying with the request of the Lord President; he therefore sent to command his son to visit him. Tieh-chung-u said, to the servant who brought the message, "As that Mandarine only came to see us out of compliment, it will be sufficient for my father to return it. It would but interrupt my studies to go to the city: where the public ceremonies would take up more time than I can spare; and so much company is but irksome." He therefore humbly intreated his father not to engage for any return of visits to be made by him. The servant reported his message to his master, who was so well satisfied with it, that he went and returned the visit alone. Shuey-keu-ye asked for his son: and the other apologized for his absence under pretence that he was indisposed. "Very well, replied he, it is the custom of people of sense and ingenuity not to be forward in making themselves public: as your son is a youth of great wisdom, and chuses to live sequestered from public company, I will go to his house, and see him there." After a little farther discourse[10] they parted. The Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye thought it a great proof of the young gentleman's discretion and good sense, that he chose to be retired. It increased his desire to see him. He had formed in his mind so favourable an opinion of him, that he thought he would be a very proper match for his daughter, whom now he began to think of marrying. He accordingly sent a servant to the village, where Tieh-chung-u at present resided, to see if he were at home, and being informed that he was, he went to see him on the morrow[11]: of which he gave him the customary notice. The name of the village was See-shan, or West-mountain, where Tieh-chung-u lived retired; he had just dined when he received notice that the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye intended him a visit: the name brought to his mind his beautiful daughter Shuey-ping-sin, which caused him to fetch a deep sigh, and led him to reflect on the wonderful manner in which things had happened. "I little thought, said he, of contributing to the restoration of that young lady's father, when I became surety for Hu-hiau. I was not only the happy instrument of saving a brave man from death, but of bringing back to honour a Mandarine of so much merit. I might now ask him for his daughter in marriage; if I had not become acquainted with her at the Che-hien's tribunal; and if she had not received me afterwards into her house. But alas! after all this public intercourse, our union is impossible, unless I would bring all the calumny in the world both upon her and myself; and confirm the suspicion of a private correspondence." He considered with himself whether it was not possible to find out some means of getting over this difficulty: [but his delicacy raised so many scruples, and painted the censure of the world in so terrible a light, as extending not only to himself, but his posterity, that] at length he said, "I shall be forced to refuse her, although her father should make me the offer." He was buried in these distracting reflections, when there was shewn into the room an old gentleman dressed in the habit of a doctor of law: who cried out, "Hiong, or brother, why are you so difficult of access[12], that I could not see you before to-day?" "Surely, Sir, said the youth, you do not know me, or you would not say this." Then he paid him the compliments due to his appearance. When these were over the old gentleman took hold of his hand, and looking earnestly in his face, said, "When I only heard of you, I conceived a great esteem for you; which after all might possibly have been ill-grounded: but now I must confess the sight of you increases that esteem, and gives me great satisfaction. Yesterday I went to pay you a visit, but only saw your father: he told me you did not care to be seen in public: I therefore came hither privately to visit you." Tieh-chung-u at these words started, saying: "Ah! Sir, you seem to be the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye[13]:" then getting ready a Tieh-tse, or billet of compliments, and presenting it to him, he said, "I hope, Sir, you will pardon me, that although you are a person of so much honour, I did not know you." "Why did I come here, replied the other, but to thank you for being the cause of my return to court: as likewise to be acquainted with a youth of such uncommon endowments as fame reports you to be possessed of?" "Pray, Sir, excuse me, said Tieh-chung-u; it proceeded from my not being sufficiently acquainted with you, that I did not pay that respect to you I ought in waiting upon you yesterday. I am now very sensible of my error." After these compliments, he ordered an entertainment to be got ready. At the sight of that, Shuey-keu-ye was very well pleased, as it would afford them an opportunity for discourse. Accordingly their conversation turned upon history, antiquity, poetry, law, and other subjects proper for learned and ingenious men. After these topics were exhausted, the old Mandarine said, he had one word to speak, which he hoped the other would not take amiss. "My Lord, said Tieh-chung-u, as I am your son and disciple[14], why do you shew me so much condescension?" "I have no son, replied the other, but one only daughter, who hath just attained her eighteenth year. If I am not partial to her, I never saw a young woman of such beautiful features, or of so fine a person: and as to knowledge in books, I believe there are none able to converse with her, except yourself. This I mention, as I have a great value for you; but if you don't believe me, examine first into the truth of it yourself: if you find it to be true, you shall have her for your wife." Tieh-chung-u was so surprized, and confounded at these words, that he could give no answer, but remained as it were thunderstruck, and sighed deeply with a great appearance of concern in his face. Shuey-keu-ye observing his looks, said, "Perhaps you are already engaged." The other shook his head, and answered, "No!" "Perhaps then, replied he, you do not think all is true that I tell you." "Sir, said the youth, it is impossible for a man or woman to excell in understanding so much as she doth, but a whole kingdom must be acquainted with it. You have spoke nothing but truth, and your offer would be exceedingly acceptable to any one, but myself: circumstanced as I am, I should be very blameable to accept of it." The Mandarine hearing him speak so obscurely, said, "You are a person of an open generous heart; you must tell me what you mean." "Sir, said he, when you get home you will understand every thing." The Lord President imagined there might be something or other amiss, which had not yet reached his ears: this he thought the more probable, as he had been so long from home, and had not heard any news from thence: he therefore dropt the subject, and after some little discourse upon indifferent topics took his leave, and went home. As he went along he could not help reflecting on the engaging aspect of Tieh-chung-u, and what a proper husband he would be for his daughter; he therefore could not easily resolve to part with him. Nay he thought he could discern in his words and manner, as through a mist, that he had a secret inclination for her, although he seemed to have some great objection: what that was he could not possibly divine, unless she had been guilty of any misconduct: "But that, said he, cannot be; I know her to be of the most steady temper, and immoveable virtue. Perhaps this Kwo-khe-tzu, out of revenge for my refusing him my daughter, hath played her some trick, or reported ill of her, which hath occasioned this disgust in Tieh-chung-u: however all these objections will vanish, if the offer prove but agreeable to the Mandarine his father." He therefore resolved to get an intimate acquaintance to go and talk over the affair with the latter; for from what he had heard of his daughter's carriage and ingenuity, he thought there was none but Tieh-chung-u worthy to obtain her. CHAP. X. Shuey-keu-ye having learnt from the friend he employed, that his proposals were exceedingly acceptable to the Supreme Viceroy, made a great entertainment for that Mandarine, who when he returned told his wife all that had passed. Sheh-foo-jin, or my lady Sheh, agreed that their son was of a proper age to be married; and that Shuey-ping-sin was a very desirable person: for she had heard how she had conducted herself while she was persecuted by Kwo-khe-tzu, and that she was a most ingenious and agreeable young lady. She thought therefore that such another could not be found for their son, and that it would be a great happiness to fix him so well. "And yet, said she, if you ask his consent, you will not obtain it; for he will be so nice and curious that he must examine every thing to the bottom, and will be raising difficulties without occasion, and without end. As the reputation of Shuey-ping-sin is so established, and her merits and accomplishments so great, we may contract first, and acquaint him with it afterwards." The Mandarine Tieh approved of her opinion, and told her it intirely agreed with his own. Then choosing a fortunate day, he made the customary present to the parent of the young lady. At the same time, he and his wife sent to their son, and wished him joy, informing him of the engagement they had entered into in his behalf. He was very much surprized, and immediately went to his father and mother. "Marriage, said he, is an affair of consequence, and should not be too precipitately managed. You have been wholly guided by report: but who can answer for the truth of reports? You may have been deceived in the accounts of this lady: and there may be cause to repent it as long as one lives." His father asked him whether he suspected Shuey-ping-sin to be ugly? "No! said he: I believe that her complection is fair and clear as the most limpid stream.[15]" "Perhaps, replied the other, you are doubtful of her wit and sense?" "Her understanding, he replied, surpasses even that of our sex: in whatever she does there appears such discretion; all her actions are conducted with such beautiful order, that it exceeds imagination." "Perhaps then, said his father, she hath been guilty of something wrong." "No, he answered, she hath never done any thing the least amiss." With that the Supreme Viceroy and the lady Sheh burst into laughter, that he should make a scruple of marrying a young lady with so many perfections, and who had not one quality but what deserved the greatest praise. "Nay, proceeded the youth, I should willingly marry this young lady, even if it exposed me to so great a misfortune as your displeasure; for she is never absent from my thoughts: but alas! there is a difficulty, which I can never get over, that shuts me out from all thoughts of such an undertaking." This said, he immediately told them all that happened between him and the young lady: and concluded with observing, that his having so lately been the means of restoring her father, would add strength to the suspicion of their criminal correspondence. As therefore the loss of their good fame was to be the consequence of their nuptials, he could not think of purchasing even that happiness at so dear a rate. His father commended his nice concern for his reputation: "But what hath happened, said he, may be justified and cleared up. You are but a young man, and not so well able to judge as myself. However this union may be rendered more free from censure by your caution." Then his father and mother both observed to him, that they were advanced in years: and that any delay was so much loss of their happiness, as they could enjoy none equal to that of seeing him married. "You must not, said they, yield to these scruples: retire to your studies, and banish them from your thoughts. At a proper time we shall send for you. It is too late now for you to object to this marriage, for our contract cannot be set aside." Tieh-chung-u, perceiving the anxious concern of his parents, thought it would not become him to contend with them farther: but imagined that if he himself should consent, the young lady could not easily be prevailed on. He therefore said no more, but taking his leave of them, returned to his studies. Shuey-keu-ye having concerted the marriage between Tieh-chung-u and his daughter, remained very well satisfied; and as he had been so long absent, had a great desire to see his family. He accordingly petitioned his Majesty for leave to retire, as being old and infirm. The Emperor, who was desirous to make up to him the time he had lost in disgrace and banishment, would not consent that he should so soon lay down his office. He nevertheless petitioned three times. The Emperor at length seeing him so determined, gave him leave to retire for one year, ordering him after the expiration of it to return to court: at the same time he issued out a mandate, requiring the Mandarines every where to entertain him as he passed along, and to supply him with whatever he might want. Highly pleased with this, he immediately prepared every thing for his journey, and set out from Pe-king[16] with a very splendid retinue, attended by a long train of great Mandarines, who accompanied him quite out of the city. But the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was not of their number, having been ashamed to appear. As soon as the news of what had happened arrived at Tsee-nan-foo, all the Mandarines who resided in or near that city, put up chops or red papers with congratulatory inscriptions[17]: and every great officer and person of fashion went to the house of Shuey-keu-ye to compliment his daughter on the news. This ceremony they performed three times. The first time, they congratulated her on her father's return from banishment; the second time on his promotion; and lastly on the permission he had obtained to retire from court. Shuey-ping-sin at first gave no credit to the news: for having been so oft deceived by Kwo-khe-tzu she was afraid to appear: but afterwards when she saw the Mandarines of the city, she believed it was all true: yet could not comprehend how her father should have such good fortune, as at once to be restored and advanced to honour. Shuey-gu-win was not long before he went to her: "Do you know, said he, by what means it hath happened, that your father is thus of a sudden returned home with so much honour and promotion?" She replied, "I do not: but was thinking with some amazement how it could happen." "You are then to know, said he, that it is all through the means of Tieh-chung-u." At which she laughed, and said, "I cannot believe what you say: it seems very fabulous." "Why not believe it, said he?" She replied, "Because Tieh-chung-u is not in any office or power; but on the contrary is but a simple student, and out of the way of contributing to such an event." "It proceeded originally, said he, from Kwo-khe-tzu, who finding no other way to obtain you for his wife, got his father to send a messenger to my brother to solicit his consent. Which he refusing, that Mandarine renewed an accusation against him, and also against Hu-hiau a general chosen by him, charging them with mismanagement in the wars: upon which the Emperor appointed a Tribunal of Three in order to bring that general to his trial. He was thereupon condemned, and ready to be executed, when Tieh-chung-u interposed and became his surety: in consequence of which, the general was restored to his command, and had such remarkable success that he acquired great honour, not only to himself, but also to that young gentleman and your father." Shuey-ping-sin inquired of her uncle what authority he had for this report, and seemed to doubt whether it were true. "Not true, said he? why should you question it? Wherefore else were the papers put up? Did not the Mandarines themselves come hither to compliment you on the occasion?" She smiled at his warmth, and said, "If this be true, then doubtless Tieh-chung-u is a traitor, that could be so impudent and bold before the Tribunal of Three. Why don't you petition against him, as one that is going to raise a rebellion?" Her uncle begged that nothing more might be said on that subject, assuring her that he was now reformed. "I go no more, said he, among those rakes: who abused me very much in forcing me into what I did." As soon as he was withdrawn, Shuey-ping-sin set herself to reflect on the events that had happened. She could not but admire, that fortune should give that youth so many occasions to assist her; and all through their accidental meeting in the streets. "The service he hath done me is great, said she, but nothing to what he hath done my father. His virtue and generosity demand of me the most grateful acknowledgments: miserable I am, that I cannot yield him my love." Shuey-ping-sin continued in daily expectation of seeing her father: when at length a servant came to inform her of his approach. All the Mandarines went out of the city to meet him: and at noon he came home. She advanced into the great hall to receive him, where nothing could equal the joy of them both. What past farther between them, the next book will inform us. The End of Book the Third. End of Chapter 14
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