Hao Qiu Zhuan/zh-en/Chapter 18
第18回 — Chapter 18
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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第十八回 验明完璧始成名教终好逑Chinese original text of Chapter 18 Compare with the modern English translation, Wilkinson/Percy 1761 translation, and other language versions. 第十八回 验明完璧始成名教终好逑 词曰： 工虞水火盈廷跻，非不陈诗说礼。若要敦伦明理，毕竟归天子。圣明一察谗言止，节义始知有此。漫道稗官野史，隐括《春秋》旨。 ——《桃源忆故人》 图书与文学 话说铁英父子、水居一父女并过学士五道本，一齐上了，天子看见，因御便殿诏阁臣问道：“这事各奏俱到，还当如何处分？”阁臣奏道：“今五奏看来，这过其祖强娶水冰心，以致铁中玉养病情由，似实实有之，不容辩矣。但强娶而实未娶，谋死而尚未死，似可从宽。如铁中玉犯难，救水冰心之祸而自受，祸人不免，应是侠肠。水冰心感恩，移铁中玉养病，冒嫌疑而不惜，似为义举。然一为孤男，一为寡女，同居共宅，正在贞淫莫辨之时，倘暧昧涉私，则前之义侠，皆付之流水。若果如县臣所称，窥探而无欺暗室，则又擅千古风化之美，而流一时名教有光者也。臣等远无灼见之明，故前下行查之命，行查若此，似无可议。但县臣后任，只系耳闻，未经身历，不足服观听之心，一时难以定罪。伏望陛下降旨，着旧任县臣，将前事一一奏闻，庶清浊分而彰瘅有所公矣。” 天子点首称善，因降旨：“着历城县知县将铁中玉养病情由，据实奏明，不许隐匿诬罔。钦此。”圣旨下了，顿时就传旨。原来前知县鲍梓行取到京，已钦选北直隶监察御史，此诗出巡真定府，见了报，知道铁中玉与水冰心已结了亲，因万谔疏参，故有此命，因满心欢喜道：“铁翰林这头亲事，我原许与他成就，只因受了此职，东西奔走，竟未践前言，时时在念。近闻他已遵父命，结成此亲，我心甚喜。不期今日又有圣旨，命我奏明，正好完我前日之愿。”因详详细细覆了一本，道： 直隶监察御史臣鲍梓谨奏，为遵旨回奏事： 窃以义莫义于救人于危，侠莫侠于临事不畏，贞莫贞于暗室不欺，烈莫烈于无媒不受。臣于某年月日，蒙恩选知历城县事。臣虽不才，在莅任之后，遂留心名教，以扬朝廷风化之美。 适值学士过隆栋由子过其祖，闻兵部侍郎今升尚 书水居一之女水冰心之美，授聘为妻，托府臣命臣为媒，时臣为属官，不敢逆府臣之命。时水居一被谪，因见水居一之弟水运，道达府臣与过其祖求其侄女水冰心之意。水运言之水冰心者再四，始邀其允。凡民间允亲，以庚帖为主，水运既允，因送庚帖于过宅。孰知水冰心正女也，无父命焉敢自嫁？为叔水运催迫甚急，水冰心又智女也，因将写水运亲女之生庚，以为庚帖，而水运愚不知也。及至于归，水冰心执庚帖非是，不往，而水运事急，因以亲女往焉。过其祖以误受帖不能有言，此水冰心一戏过其祖者。 既而过其祖情不能甘，暗改庚帖，以朝期为召，欲邀水冰心会亲而结者。焉孰知水冰心侠女之俏胆泼天，偏许其往，使其遍请贵戚，大设绮筵，又偏肩舆及门，又使其雀跃于庭以为得计，然后借鼓声之音，以发其奸状，突然而返，追之不及。此水冰心二戏过其祖者也。 过其祖心愈恨而谋愈急，因访知水冰心秋祭于南庄，便伏多人于野，以为抢劫之计。熟知水冰心奇女也，偏盛其驺舆，招摇而往，招摇而还，以为抢劫之标。及其抢劫而归，众睹亲为荣观焉，乃启轿而空无一人，唯大小石块、一黄袱而已，于是喧传以为笑。此水冰心三戏过其祖者也。 过其祖受其三戏，其情愈迫，因假写水居一复职之报条，遣多人口称圣旨往报也。水冰心闻有圣旨，不敢不出，因堕其术中，而群劫之往。孰知水冰心烈女也，暗携利刃，往而欲刺焉。适铁中玉游学至此，无心恰遇之，怪其唐突，而相哄于道，同结至县堂而告臣。臣问出其故，因叱散众人，而送水冰心归，欲彼此相安于无事也。 不意过其祖怏怏焉不得于水，欲甘心于铁焉，因授计寺僧，而铁中玉病危也。铁中玉病危，铁中玉不自知。幸水冰心仁女也，感其救己之死，而不忍坐视其死，因秘计而移其归，迎医而理其病，甘冒嫌疑而不惜犯物议而安焉。非青天为身，白日为心，不敢也。过其祖闻而愈怒也，因以暧昧污辱之，欲令臣正名教罪之，宣风化惩之。臣待罪一县，则一县之名教风化实为其职，臣何敢不问？但思同此男女之情态，淫从此出，贞亦从此出也，又何敢不见不闻，尽坐以小人哉？万不得已，因遣善窥探门役单祐，前往窥探之，始知铁中玉君子也，水冰心淑女也：隔帘以见，不以冥冥废义；异席分饮，又不以矫矫废情。谈者道义，论者经权。言事则若山，不至过于良友；诠理则迎机一点，不啻明师，并无半语及私，一言不慎，且彼此感激，而有喜心；内外交言，而无愧色。诚古今之名教之后而合正者也。 臣闻见之，不胜欣羡，因思白璧不易成双，明珠应难获对，天既生铁中玉之义男儿，天复生水冰心之侠女子，夫岂无意？臣因就大义思之，非铁中玉而水冰心无夫，非水冰心而铁中玉无妇矣。故以媒自任，而往见铁中玉，劝其结朱陈之好，以为名教光。熟知铁中玉正以持己，礼以洁身，闻臣言怒，以为污辱，已肆曲而行，竟不俟驾。其磨不磷，涅不淄，豪杰之士也。臣即欲上闻，因臣职卑，必欲转详转申，最为多事。而正不料天意果不虚生，后复因铁中玉力保侯孝之事，水居一由此赦还，因而缔结朱陈。此虽人事，实天意成全。臣闻之不胜欣快，以为良缘佳偶，大为名教吐色。 不意御史万谔不知始末详细，误加参劾，致蒙圣恩下询往事，正遂夙心。臣不胜雀跃，谨将前事据实一一奏闻。揆之于义，义莫义于此矣；按之于侠，侠莫侠于此矣；考之贞烈，贞烈莫过于此矣。 伏乞圣明鉴察，特加旌异，以为圣世名教风化之光。臣无任感激待命之至。 鲍梓本上了，天子览过，龙颜大悦，道：“原来水冰心有如许妙用，真奇女子也，铁中玉又能不欺暗室，真是天生佳偶！言官安得妄奏？”就要降旨褒美，当不得仇太监通了秉笔太监，要他党护。秉笔太监因乘间奏道：“铁中玉与水冰心同居一室，此贞淫大关头也。今止凭鲍梓遣下役单祐一窥，即加褒美，设有奸诡情由，岂不辱及朝廷？且奴婢看铁中玉与水冰心自上本内说的话，大有可疑。”天子道：“有何可疑？”秉笔太监道：“铁中玉本上说：‘两番花烛，止有虚名；二性之欢，尚未实结。’水冰心本上说：‘于今已谐花烛，而两心犹惶惶不安，必异室而居者，正以炼黄金之钢而保白璧之洁也。’据他二人自夸之言看来，则今日水冰心犹处子也，恐无此理。倘今日之自夸过甚，则前日之誉言，未免不失情也。伏乞皇爷再加详察。”天子道：“既如此，可将铁中玉、水冰心并诸臣，限明日午朝，俱召至便殿，待朕亲问。”秉笔承旨，便传与阁臣，阁臣因传出外廷。众臣闻了，谁敢不遵，因于次日午朝齐集于便殿，正是： 白日方垂照，浮云忽蔽焉。 岂知云散尽，依旧见青天。 不一时，天子驾坐便殿，百官朝贺毕，天子先召铁中玉上殿。铁中玉因鞠躬而入，拜伏于地。天子看见铁中玉少年秀美，心下欢喜，因问道：“向日打入养闲堂，救出韩愿妻女的是你么？”铁中玉应道：“正是臣。”天子又问道：“前日力保侯孝的是你么？”铁中玉又应道：“正是臣。”天子道：“既两件具是汝，则汝之胆识，诚可嘉矣。然胆识犹才气之能，如县臣所称，养病于水冰心家，而孤男寡女，五夜无欺，则古今之奇行矣，果有此事么？”铁中玉道：“此事实有之。然非奇行，男女之礼应如此也。”天子道：“此事虽有，然已往无可据矣。且问你：上本说‘两番花烛，止有虚名，二性之欢，尚未实结。’此又何故？”铁中玉奏道：“臣与水冰心因有养病之嫌，义无结亲之礼，但迫于父命，不敢以变而废常，故勉承之，而两番花烛也。若花烛而即结二性之欢，则养病之嫌，终身莫辩矣。故臣与水冰心至今犹分居而寝，非好为名高，盖欲钳众人之口，而待陛下之新命，以为人伦光耳。”天子听奏，欣然道：“据你所奏，明水冰心犹然处子也。”因召水冰心上殿。 水冰心闻命，即鞠躬而入，拜伏于地。天子展龙目而看，见水冰心貌疑花瘦，身似柳垂，一妩媚女子也。因问道：“你就是水冰心么？”水冰心朗朗答应道：“臣妾正是水冰心。”天子道：“由县臣鲍梓上本，称你三戏过其祖，才智过人，果有此事么？”水冰心因奏道：“臣妾一女子，焉敢戏弄过其祖？只因臣父待罪边戍，臣妾一弱女家居，过其祖威逼太甚，避之不得，聊借此以脱祸耳。”天子又道：“你既知脱祸，怎不避嫌，却移铁中玉于家养病。”水冰心道：“欲报人恩，故小嫌不敢避也。”天子又笑道：“当日陌路，且不避嫌，今日奉父母成婚，反异室而居，又何避嫌之甚？”水冰心道：“当日之嫌，一时之嫌也，设有谤言，从夫即白。今日之嫌，终身之嫌也，若不存原体以自明，则今日之良人，即前日之陌路，剖心莫辨，沥血难明。今日蒙恩召见，却将何颜以对陛下？”天子听了大喜道：“若果存原体，则汝二人，又比梁鸿、孟光加一等矣。朕当为汝明之。”因传旨命太监四人，引入朝见皇后，就命皇后召宫人验试水冰心果系处女否。四太监领旨，遂将水冰心引了入去。正是： 白玉不开终是璞，黄金未炼尚疑沙。 两番花烛三番结，始有芳名万古夸。 四太监引水冰心入后宫去朝见皇后，不多时，即有两人先来回旨道：“娘娘奉旨，即着老成宫人试验水冰心三遍，俱称实系处子，娘娘甚喜，留住赐茶，先着奴婢回奏。”天子听了，满心欢喜，因对阁臣说道：“铁中玉与水冰心已经奉父母之命，两番花烛，而犹不肯失身，欲以保全名节，以表名教，以美风化，则前之养病，五夜无欺，今表明矣，夫好逑中出类拔萃者也。若非朕召来亲问，而听信浮言，岂不亏此美节奇行！”因召过隆栋问道：“汝身为大臣，不能训子安分，乃任其三番抢劫，若非水冰心多才善御，必为其所辱久矣。强梁骄横，罪已不赦，乃腹肆为谤毁，几致白璧受青蝇之玷。又行贿买嘱县臣，大非法纪。”过隆栋见天子诘责，慌忙无措，只得免冠伏地，奏说道：“臣非毁谤，实不知铁中玉与水冰心有此暗室不欺之美行。” 天子又召万谔诘责道：“汝为御史，当采幽察隐，为朕表章风化，奈何听道路浮言，污蔑侠烈？朕若误听，岂不有伤名教？”万谔闻责，惊得汗流浃背，唯伏地叩头不已。天子又召韦佩嘉奖道：“汝一新进知县，能持正敢言，不避权贵，且言言得实，事事不诬，诚可嘉也。”因命阁拟旨，阁臣因拟旨道： 朕闻人伦以持正为贵，而持正于临变之际为尤贵；节义以不渝为奇，而不渝于暧昧之时为更奇。水冰心一弱女也，能不动声色而三御强暴，已不寻常矣，又能悄然解人于危病以报恩，且又能安然置身于嫌疑而无愧，其慧心俏胆，明识定力，又谁能及之？至其所最不可及者，琴瑟已谐，钟鼓已乐，而犹然励坚贞于自持，表清洁于神明，诚女子中之以圣贤自持者也。 铁中玉既能出韩愿于虎穴，又能识侯孝于临刑，义侠信乎天成者矣。若夫水冰心一案，陌路救援，如至亲骨肉；燕居密迩，如畏敬大宾；接谈交饮，疏不失情；正视端容，亲不及乱；从心所欲，而名教出焉；率性以往，而礼可不没。至若已系赤绳，犹不苟合，诚冥冥不堕行之君子也。以铁中玉之君子，而配水冰心之淑女，诚可谓义侠好逑矣，朕甚嘉焉。其超进铁中玉为学士，水冰心为夫人，赐黄金百两，彩缎百端，宫袍宫衣各十袭，乌纱、鸾冕各一领，撤御前金莲鼓乐旌彩迎归，重结花烛，以为名教之宠荣。 水居一、铁英义教子女，善结婚姻，俱褒进一阶。韦佩申详无隐，报命不欺，具见骨鲠之风，任满钦取重用。鲍梓覆奏详明，留意人材有素，朕甚嘉焉。过隆栋纵子毁贤，本当重处，姑念经筵旧绩，着降三级。万谔奏劾不当，罚俸半年。过其祖三行抢劫，放肆毒谋，谋虽未遂，情实可恶，着该县痛儆一百，少惩其横。 呜呼！有善弗彰，人情谁劝，有恶不瘅，王法何为？朕不敢私，众其共凛！特谕。 阁臣才拟完圣谕，水冰心蒙娘娘赐了许多珠翠宝物，着四太监领出见驾谢恩。天子大喜道：“女子守身非偶者，古今尚有之，从未闻君子淑女相为悦慕，已结丝萝，而犹不肯草草合卺，以防意外之谗，如汝之至清至白者也。今日重结花烛，万姓观瞻，殊令名教生辉也。汝归宜益懋后德，以彰风化。”铁中玉、水冰心并众臣一齐谢恩，欢声如雷，侍臣得旨，此时撤出的金莲宝烛，一对一对，已点得辉辉煌煌；合奏的御乐，一声一声，已打得悠悠扬扬；排列的旗帜，一行一行，已摆得花花绿绿。铁中玉与水冰心簇拥而归，十分荣幸。正是： 名花不放不生芳，美玉不磨不生光。 不是一番寒彻骨，怎得梅花扑鼻香。 铁中玉与水冰心迎回到家，先拜过天地，再排香案，谢过圣恩，然后再拜父母，重结花烛。只因这一番是奉圣旨之事，满城臣民，皆轰传二人是义夫侠妇，无不交口称扬。唯过不士被降，又见儿子被责，不胜悔，又不胜怒，追究耸使之人，将成奇尽情处治。万谔被罚，十分没趣。水运虽做个漏网之鱼，然惊出一场大病，因回心感哥哥、侄女容情，不敢再萌邪念。仇太监见圣上如此处分，也不敢再萌邪念。正是： 奸人空自用心机，到底机深祸亦深。 何不回心做君子，自然人敬鬼神钦。 铁中玉与水冰心这一番心迹表明，直如玉洁冰清，毫无愧作，方欢欢喜喜结花烛。这一日，在洞房中安排喜筵同饮，彼此交谢，铁中玉谢水冰心，亏他到底守身，掩尽谗人之口；水冰心谢铁中玉，亏他始终不乱，大服天子之心。饮毕合卺，众侍妾拥入洞房，只见翠帏停烛，锦帐熏香，良人似玉，淑女如花，共效名教于飞之乐，十分完满。后人有诗赞之曰： 三番花烛始于归，表正人伦是与非。 坐破贞怀唯自信，闭牢心户许推依。 义将足系红丝美，礼作车迎金钿肥。 漫道一时风化正，千秋名教有光辉。 铁中玉与水冰心自结亲之后，既美且才，美而又侠，闺中风雅之事，不一而足，种种俱堪传世，已谱入二集，兹不复赘。
The Translation by Wilkinson/Percy contains only 10 chapters. End of Chapter 18 |
Chapter 18: When Perfect Jade Is Verified, Propriety Finds Its Good Match at LastFrom: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761) [Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters VIII-X] CHAP. VIII. By it the five memorials were presented to the Emperor. His Majesty received them, and calling together all the Mandarines of his council into his palace, he required them to take the petitions, and examine them carefully. They obeyed his commands, and were agreed as to the truth of the facts, viz. That Kwo-khe-tzu had carried away the lady by force: and that Tieh-chung-u was in her house to be nursed in his illness: but whether their behaviour together afterwards was as pure and unblemished as was represented, they could not determine. To this end it was necessary to inquire of the Mandarine, who filled the post of Che-hien when the affair happened. Immediately an order was issued out to cite that Mandarine before them: who accordingly arrived. The Emperor himself examined him. "You that were then Che-hien of that district, are you acquainted with the affair between Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin? Take here these five memorials, consider thoroughly on which side lies the truth, and tell me truly as far as you know; otherwise you shall be punished in the same manner as the offenders themselves." The Pao Che-hien perused the papers, and assured his Majesty that as far as he had opportunity of knowing, the defendants had asserted nothing but the truth; that indeed with regard to the regularity of their marriage afterwards, he was not able to pronounce about it, as it had been celebrated at a distance from his jurisdiction. The Eunuch Chou told the Emperor, that with respect to every thing that past before, it might possibly be true; but after having been twice married, it was not credible that they had observed so strict a chastity, as they would insinuate. The Emperor agreed that his remark was just. Then he issued out an order for all the Mandarines of the court to meet together at the palace the next morning; and for Tieh-chung-u and the lady to attend them. CHAP. IX. The next morning when all the Mandarines were assembled in the palace, together with Tieh-chung-u and his bride, the Emperor himself came amongst them. [When they had performed the profound reverence[1] due to his presence,] his Majesty ordered Tieh-chung-u to stand forth before him. He obeyed; and the Emperor seeing him to be a very graceful and well made youth[2], was pleased with his appearance: "What, said he, are you the person that broke open the gates of Tah-quay, and rescued the old man named Han-juen, together with his wife and daughter?" He answered in the affirmative. "Was it you also that was protector of the general Hu-hiau?" He signified his assent. "These two exploits, said his Majesty, indicate a disposition highly to be applauded; you must certainly have great courage. When you went to the house of Shuey-ping-sin in order to be nursed in your illness, to remain under the same roof with her five nights and days pure and undefiled, is such conduct as was never heard of from the earliest ages until now: it is very extraordinary. Is this also true?" Tieh-chung-u said, "It is very true." "A sincere and faithful man, said his Majesty, may [sometimes] be met with, but one like you it is difficult to find. But you say in your petition you were twice married: how happened that?" Tieh-chung-u answered, "When I was carried to the house of the young lady to be nursed in my illness, there went abroad many evil reports concerning us: this occasioned us to be married twice. For when our parents agreed upon the marriage covenant, if we had come together at first, our integrity would always have remained in doubt: for the same reason we have hitherto resided in different apartments. And since your Majesty hath called our conduct in question, we two have been as the sun among clouds: now we are in your Majesty's presence, we beseech you to cause the sun to come from behind that obscurity." The Emperor listened to him with great attention, and said, "According to your account Shuey-ping-sin is yet a virgin." He then ordered that young lady to stand forth before him: and when she appeared he thought her beautiful as an angel. He asked if her name was Shuey-ping-sin. She answered, "Yes." "The Mandarine, said he, that was Che-hien of your city hath told me, that three times with great ingenuity you delivered yourself out of the hands of Kwo-khe-tzu. Was it so or not?" She replied, "I am a poor weak girl: Kwo-khe-tzu found my father was banished into Tartary, and therefore endeavoured to marry me by compulsion. Finding that I was unable to resist his power, I was obliged to practise some artifice to deliver myself out of his hands." The Emperor laughed and said, "You that were afraid of Kwo-khe-tzu, how durst you take a young stranger into your house to nurse him? Were not you afraid that people would raise evil reports of you?" She replied, "When I was called upon to return benefits so great as those I had received, I no longer regarded fame or report." The Emperor laughed again, and said, "In the beginning, when you hardly knew Tieh-chung-u, you took him in without regarding the murmurs and reproaches of the world: afterwards, when you were commanded by your father to marry him, why did you continue in separate apartments?" She replied, "The murmuring at first was but small, and I knew would easily cease together with my acquaintance with that gentleman. But now that a more serious connection was going to take place between us by means of a regular marriage, there was danger of our incurring a disgrace and infamy that would terminate only with our lives. But your Majesty hath summoned me into your presence; and with great shame and trembling I am come to appear before you." The Emperor was greatly pleased with the ingenious modesty and diffidence with which she opened her cause, and said, "Young lady, if you have all along kept yourself pure and undefiled to the present hour, you in particular ought to be celebrated through all parts of the world, as a saint. I now order four Eunuchs to attend this young lady to the Empress[3]: and let her appoint her ladies to examine into this matter." Four Eunuchs immediately came forth, and conducted the young lady to the Empress; who received her, and ordered two of her attendants to answer the Emperor's inquiry. They returned, and said, "We have performed your Majesty's command, and pronounce Shuey-ping-sin to be a spotless virgin." Then the Empress treated her with tea, and ordered their report to be carried to the Emperor. His Majesty with great pleasure communicated it to the Mandarines of the court: and said, "Although Shuey-ping-sin hath been twice married to Tieh-chung-u by express order of their parents; and though he was before, five days and nights with her in her house; she hath nevertheless kept herself pure and chaste. This hath been proved beyond all dispute. I am rich, proceeded he, in having so valuable a jewel in my empire. This is a rare incident that hath happened: and affords a light to my people; an example to all my subjects. Yet if I had not examined into the affair myself, so much rare merit had been buried in disgrace: like a precious stone that is irrecoverably lost[4]." He then asked the Mandarines, if this were true or not. They all answered with one mouth, "Your Majesty hath examined and judged; and the decision is very certain and compleat." The Emperor commanded the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to stand forth, and said to him, "You are a Minister of state, and one of the first councellors of the empire, why did not you chastise your son? He thrice endeavoured to force away a young lady of quality, and was guilty of other outrages: [in which he was not only countenanced by you: but you endeavoured yourself to defame the innocent.] These are crimes that cannot be pardoned." Kwo-sho-su hearing these words, was struck with great terror and confusion, and falling on his knees, prostrated himself on the ground: "Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin, said he, both of them young persons, had cohabited in the same house: finding they had been upon this footing, I could not help suspecting the worst. Your Majesty therefore I hope will pardon me." Then the Emperor commanded Yang-yo to be called forth, and said to him: "You are the Censor of the empire; why did not you make a more exact inquiry into this affair, before you presumed to represent it to me? It was great injustice to give a false representation of a case, wherein the fame and honour of so many persons were concerned. If I had not judged and examined it myself, but had rested satisfied with your report, the truth had been hid under reproach and infamy." That Mandarine hearing words at once so just and severe, was struck with confusion and dismay, and falling upon his knees, prostrated himself on the ground, crying out, "I deserve punishment, let your Majesty do with me what seemeth good." The Emperor then called forth the governor Mey-phey, who presented himself before him. His Majesty said, "As you, though lately made a doctor, and newly promoted to your post, had such regard to justice, and could resist the temptation of so large a bribe: and as you have been the instrument of delivering Shuey-ping-sin from her difficulties, and of restoring her to her good fame; for so much care and pains you deserve to be promoted higher." Then his Majesty pronounced sentence according to the following declaration. "I THE EMPEROR dispatch and publish this my order to all my officers throughout the empire. "There hath appeared an instance of such rare merit that it deserves to be magnified and applauded throughout my dominions; and affords an example of virtue and integrity to all persons of both sexes. Shuey-ping-sin is a young maid of great virtue, and fortitude. By her virtue she thrice resisted the most pressing attacks, in order to preserve herself chaste and pure. By her fortitude she returned the kindnesses of her benefactor, though at the hazard of her reputation: for she carried to her house a man, a stranger, to nurse him in his illness, notwithstanding she was a lonely orphan. All this virtue and excellence lay hid and contemned by the world, till I the Emperor discovered it: I have found that it is most pure and unblemished, and deserves to be extolled through all parts of my empire. "With regard to Tieh-chung-u, he is a most excellent young man, of great virtue, justice, and courage. He was not afraid to enter into the palace of a man of the first quality, breaking open his gates in order to rescue from oppression an old man, his wife, and daughter. He was likewise protector of the general Hu-hiau, answering for his conduct. He also delivered Shuey-ping-sin out of the hands of violence. He was married to her twice, and yet preserved her purity and chastity together with his own: at the same time that he suffered reproach for his conduct. All this was unknown, but I the Emperor have myself examined into it, and find it true. He is worthy to be praised throughout the empire, and ought to be advanced above all captains. He deserves to receive Shuey-ping-sin for his wife, and she is worthy of such a husband: they are both of transcendant virtue. I the Emperor am extremely satisfied with them both, and applaud them highly. I therefore advance the said Tieh-chung-u to the order of Ta-hio-tse, or Magistrates of approved capacity, and moreover constitute him first Co-lau or Minister of State. And as for Shuey-ping-sin, I make her a Fu-gen or dutchess[5][6]. I myself will be mediator or match-maker between them: on which account I make them a present of a hundred pieces of fine gold[7], and a hundred pieces of gold and silver. I also appoint to each of them ten royal vests out of my own wardrobe, and to each of them a crown. Let them be accompanied with my own music: let all the preparations for their marriage be furnished out from my own palace: and let the bride be carried to the house of her spouse with imperial splendor, accompanied by all the councellors, Mandarines and officers of the court. I the Emperor appoint this for the example and encouragement of the just and good. "With regard to the Mandarines Shuey-keu-ye and Tieh-ying, I exalt them three degrees[8] higher in their rank, as a reward for the good education they gave their son and daughter. "As to the governor Mey-phey; I remand him back to his post of Che-hien for three years, afterwards he shall be exalted to a higher office, for his great justice. "As to the former governor the Pao Che-hien, who gave so just an account of the affair, he is hereby exalted one degree. "As to the Minister Kwo-sho-su, who in so bad a manner bred up his son, and hath defamed the reputation of worthy persons, he hath deserved death; nevertheless as he hath served me a long time, let him be carried to the Tribunal of Crimes, let him there be divested of his office, and receive fifty strokes or bastinadoes[9]. "As to the Censor Yang-yo, who gave in a false accusation, let him be degraded of his rank three degrees, and amerced three years income of his salary. "As to the young man Kwo-khe-tzu, who thrice attempted to carry off Shuey-ping-sin, and gave poison to Tieh-chung-u; notwithstanding that it did not take effect, he is guilty of a heinous offence. Let him be delivered therefore to the governor of his city, in order to receive a hundred strokes or bastinadoes[10], and afterwards to be banished twenty leagues from the place for life. "I the Emperor pronounce this sentence upon every one according to his deserts. Those that do well shall be rewarded: those that do evil shall be punished. Let this sentence be published throughout the empire." CHAP. X. The Empress shewed great favour and kindness to Shuey-ping-sin, and dismissed her with very rich presents: commanding four Eunuchs to attend her to the Emperor. His Majesty received her in the most gracious manner, and said, "That you a little maid, should possess such fortitude, and be withal so pure and spotless, affords an instance not to be equalled in history. I have now restored you to that reputation, which you were in danger of losing: and have caused your virtue to be published through all the empire. To-day you may be married with credit and honour, and I wish you both good fortune, and long life: that you may beget a numerous family, who may be all virtuous like their parents, and inherit all the happiness I wish to yourselves." Immediately Tieh-chung-u, Shuey-ping-sin, and all the Mandarines, returned thanks to the Emperor for his goodness, and withdrew. Then the new-married couple set out for their house, accompanied by the Mandarines in great pomp and magnificence: and as they passed along in procession, the streets resounded with the applauses and acclamations of the people. Thus did Shuey-ping-sin after all her troubles at length attain to the highest glory: which gave occasion to the following verses.
When the young couple were arrived at their house in all this splendor, a table was placed in the middle of the hall, which was lighted up in the most brilliant manner: Then in the presence of all the company the bride and bridegroom bowed down their heads, and making their courtesies and reverence, expressed their gratitude to the Emperor and Empress for all their favours. They also bowed down their heads to their father and mother with great duty and reverence. Afterwards they performed their respects to all the Mandarines who accompanied them home, giving them many thanks. This ended, a magnificent banquet was served up with great splendor and elegance. When the feast was over Tieh-chung-u and his lovely bride performed the usual ceremonies: after which the Mandarines took their leaves, and went back to the palace to inform the Emperor that all things were compleated, and that the new married couple returned their most grateful acknowledgements for his Majesty's favours. Kwo-sho-su bore the submitting to his own punishment with resignation; but when he saw the sentence passed on his son, he was overwhelmed with an affliction not to be expressed. The Censor Yang-yo was also greatly affected with the reproof he met with. Thus all received the chastisement due to their faults. On which account Tieh-chung-u composed the following verses.
Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin after they were married, lived happily many years; having the greatest affection for each other. Tieh-chung-u extolled his charming wife, expatiating on her virtue and merit, and thanking her for the benefits he had received at her hands in times past, attributing to her the high rank to which he was at present exalted. On the other hand she was as full in her encomiums on her beloved husband: thanking him a thousand times for the many favours she had received from him, assuring him that she could never sufficiently repay them; that she was not worthy to be his handmaid; but though she was his wife, she would be always humble and obedient to him her husband, serving him all her life with the greatest affection. Accordingly they made the most excellent couple:
From this time Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin husband and wife, lived together in the greatest harmony, observing the most exemplary virtue; and serving the Emperor with all sincerity: He executing the office of Co-lau or first Minister and counsellor of the state; with great fidelity and skill, so that he was beloved and admired of all. Both Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin afford a striking example of virtue and integrity to be spread abroad for ever! Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History, is concluded. From these words one might be assured that the foregoing history is founded on real fact. N. B. The Editor hath endeavoured to exhibit the exact form in which the Author concludes his book. End of Chapter 18
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