Hao Qiu Zhuan/zh-en/Chapter 2
第2回 — Chapter 2
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) |
|---|---|
第二回 探虎穴巧取蚌珠还Chinese original text of Chapter 2 Compare with the modern English translation, Wilkinson/Percy 1761 translation, and other language versions. 第二回 探虎穴巧取蚌珠还 诗曰： 治世咸夸礼法先，谁知礼法有时愆。 李膺破柱方称智，张俭投门不算贤。 图书与文学 木附草依须着鬼，鹰拿雀捉岂非仙？ 始知为国经常外，御变观通别有权。 话说铁御史依了铁公子，上疏请旨自捕，在狱中候不得两日，早颁下一道密旨到狱中来。铁御史接着，暗暗开看，见是准了他的本，命他自捕，满心欢喜；因排起香案来，谢过了圣旨，仍旧将圣旨封好，不许人看见。因自想道：“圣旨虽准，只愁捉不出人来，却将奈何？”就与铁公子商量，要出狱往捕。铁公子道：“且慢！大人一出狱，招摇耳目，惊动了大夬侯，使他提防。莫若大人再少坐片时，待孩儿悄悄出去，打开了养闲堂，捉出了韩愿妻女，报知大人，然后大人飞马来宣旨拿人，方是万全之计。”铁御史点头道是。因将密旨藏好，又嘱狱官勿言，暗暗吩咐铁公子道：“此行务要小心！” 铁公子领命，因悄悄走回私衙，与母亲说知，又叫母亲取出少时用的铜锤来。原来铁公子十一二岁时，即有膂力，好使器械，曾将熟铜打就一柄铜锤，重二十余斤，时时舞弄，铁御史进京做官，恐他在家耍锤，惹出事来，故此石夫人收了他的，带到京中。铁公子不改有违亲命，只得罢了。今日石夫人忽听见讨取，因惊问道：“前日你父亲一向不许你用，今日为何又要？”铁公子道：“此去探入虎穴，带去防身。”石夫人见说得有理，便不拗他，因叫人取了出来付与他，因嘱咐道：“只可防防身，不可惹事！”铁公子应诺，又叫人暗暗传乎了一二十个能事的衙役，远远跟随，以备使唤。又呼人取酒来饮，饮到半酣，却换了一身武服，暗带铜锤，装束得天神相似，外面仍罩儒衣，骑了一匹马，只叫一人跟随，竟暗暗出齐化门来，并不使一人知觉。 出了城门，放开辔头，霎时间就望见了一所在宅院，横于道左，高瓦飞甍，十分富丽。铁公子心知是了，却远远下了马，叫小丹牵着，自却慢慢踱到面前。细细一看，只见两旁是两座牌坊，那牌坊上皆有四字，一边乃是“功高北阙”，一边是“威镇南天”。牌坊中间，却是三个虎座门楼，上面中间直立着一扁，扁上写的是“钦赐养闲”四个大金字。门楼下三座门，俱紧紧闭着。 铁公子看了一回，见没有人出入，心下想道：“此正门不开，侧首定有旁门出入。”因沿着一带高墙，转过一条横路，半腰中果有一座小小门楼，两扇朱门，却也闭着，门上地却锁了一把大锁，又十字交贴着两张封皮，细细一看，封皮虽在上面，却是时常开的。门虽闭着，却露条亮缝，内里不曾上柱。门旁粉壁上，又贴着一张告示，字有碗大，上写： 大夬侯示：此系朝廷钦赐禁地，官民人等俱不得至此窥探取罪！特示。 门楼两旁，有两间门房，许多人在内看守。 铁公子看在眼里，知道有些诧异，便不轻易去惊动他，及回身走到小丹牵马的所在，将儒衣脱去，露出一身武装，手提铜锤，翻身上马，因吩咐小丹道：“你可招呼众捕役即便赶来，紧紧伺侯，倘捉了人，即可飞马报知老爷，请他快来！”小丹应了。然后一辔头跑到门楼前，跳下马来，手执铜锤，大声叫道：“奉圣旨要见大夬侯，快去通报！”门房一时摸不着头脑，慌慌张张答应道：“老爷在府中，不在此处。”铁公子大喝一声道：“胡说！府中人明明供称在此，你这班该死的奴才，怎敢隐瞒，违背圣旨！都要拿去砍头！”吓得众家人面面相觑，仓促中答应下来。铁公子又大声叫道：“还不快快开门，只管挨死！”内中一个老家人，见嚷得慌，只得大着胆说道：“公侯人家，老爷不在此，谁敢开门？就是开了门，此系朝廷钦赐的禁地，爷也不敢进去！”铁公子听了大怒道：“奉圣旨拿人，怎么不敢进去！你不开，等我自开！”因走近前，举起铜锤，照着大锁上只一锤，“豁喇”一声响，早已将大锁打在地下，那两扇门便“豁喇喇”自开了。铁公子见门开，大踏步竟往内走，众家人看见铁公子势头勇猛，谁敢拦阻！只乱嚷道：“不好了！”飞一般跑进去报信。 原来大夬侯因一时高兴，将韩愿女儿抢了来家，也只道穷秀才没处伸冤，不期撞见铁御史作对头，上疏参论，又不料圣旨准了，着刑部审问，一时急了没摆布，只得将韩愿夫妻一并抢来，藏在养闲堂内，以绝其迹，却上疏胡赖，初时还只怕有人知觉，要移巢穴，后见刑部用情，不出力追，反将铁英下了狱，便十分安心，不复他虑。只恐怕这韩氏女子寻死觅活，性烈难犯，又恐韩愿夫妻论长论短，不肯顺从，每日备酒醴相求，韩愿一味执拗。这日急了，正尘在养闲堂，教人将韩愿洗剥了，捆起来用刑拷打，要他依允。因说道：“你虽是个秀才，今既被捉了来，要你死，只当死一鸡一狗，哪里去伸冤？”韩愿道：“士虽可杀，只怕天理难欺，王法不漏，那时悔之晚矣！老大人还须三思！”大夬侯道：“你既要我三思，你何不自忖？你一个穷秀才的女儿，与我公侯为妾，也不为玷辱于你。你若顺从了，明日锦衣玉食，受用不尽，岂不胜似吃淡饭黄齑？”韩愿道：“生员虽贫士，语云：‘宁为鸡口，勿为牛后。’岂有圣门弟子，贪纨袴之膏梁，而乱朝廷之名教者乎？” 大夬侯听了，勃然大怒，正吩咐家人着实加刑，忽管门的四五个一齐乱跑进来，乱嚷道：“老爷，不好了！外面一个少年武将，手执一柄铜锤，口称奉圣旨拿人，小的们不肯放他进来，他竟一锤将门锁打落，闯了进来。不知是什么人？如今将到堂了，老爷急须准备！”大夬侯听见，惊得呆了，正东西顾盼，打算走入后堂，铁公子早已大踏步赶到堂前，看见大夬侯立在上面，即拱手道：“贤侯请了！奉旨有事商量，为何抗旨不容相见？”大夬侯见躲不及，只得下堂迎着说：“既有圣旨，何不先使人通知，以便排香案迎接？怎来得这等鲁莽？”铁公子道：“圣旨秘密紧急，岂容漏泄迟缓？”因迎上一步，右手持锤，左手将大夬侯一把紧紧提住道：“请问贤侯，此乃朝廷钦赐养闲禁地，又不是有司衙门，这阶下洗剥受刑的，却是甚人？”大夬侯欲藏匿韩愿不得，心先着急，及听见人来，口称圣旨，愈惊得呆了，要脱身走，又被来人捉住，只得硬着胆答应道：“此乃自治家人，何关朝廷礼法？既有旨议事……”因叫家人带过。 铁公子拦住，正要再问，韩愿早在阶下喊叫道：“生员韩愿，不是家人，被陷在此，求将军救命！”铁公子听说是韩愿，心先安了，惊问道：“你既是生员韩愿，朝廷着刑部四处拿你，为何却躲在这里？背旨藏匿，罪不容于死矣！”此时小丹已赶到，铁公子将嘴一努，小丹会意，忙跑出门外，一面招集众衙役拥入，一面即飞马去报铁御史。 铁公子见众衙役已到，因用铜锤指着韩愿道：“此是朝廷钦犯，可好带起！”因问韩愿道：“你既称含冤负屈，就该挺身到刑部去对理，为何却躲在此，私自认亲？”韩愿听了大哭道：“生员自小女被恶侯抢劫，叩天无路，逢人哭诉，尚恐不听，既刑部拘审，安肯躲避？无奈贫儒柔弱，孤立无援，忽被豪奴数十人，如虎驱羊，竟将生员夫妻捉到此处，沉埋海底，日遭棰楚，勒逼成亲，已死在旦夕。何幸得遇将军，从天而下，救援残生，重见天日？此系身遭坑陷，谁与他结亲？”铁公子道：“据你说来，你的妻女亦俱在此了？”韩愿道：“正是，亦在此处。老妻屈氏，现拘禁在后厅厢房中。小女湘弦闻知秘藏在内阁楼上，朝夕寻死，如今不知是人是鬼？”铁公子听了大怒，因指挥众捕役，押韩愿入内拿人。 大夬侯见事已败露，又自辨不能脱身，又见众捕役往内要走，万分着急，只得拼着性命，指着铁公子道：“这里乃是朝廷钦赐的宅院，我又忝为公侯，就有甚不公不法的事，也要请旨定夺。你是什么人，怎敢手执铜锤，擅自打落门锁，闯入禁堂，凌辱公侯？你自己的罪名还当不起，怎还要管别人的闲事？”欲反过手来，也要将铁公子扭住，却又不能，因叫家人：“快快与我拿下！” 此时，众家人闻知主人被捉，都纷纷赶来救护，挤了一堂，因见铁公子执铜锤，捉住主人，十分勇猛，不敢上前。今见主人吩咐拿人，有几个大胆的，就要上前来拿。铁公子急骂道：“该死的奴才，你拿哪个！”因换一换手，将大夬侯拦腰一把，提将起来，照众家人只一扫，手势来得重，众家人只扫着的，都跌倒了。大夬侯年已四十之人，身手又被酒色淘虚，况从来娇养，哪里禁得这一提一扫！及至放下，已头晕眼花，喘做一团，只叫“莫动手！莫动手！” 原来大夬侯有一班相厚的侯伯，有人报知此信，都赶了来探问。及见铁公子扯的大夬侯狼狈不堪，因上前解劝道：“老先生请息怒，有事还求商量，莫要动粗，伤了勋爵的体面。”铁公子道：“他乃欺君的贼子，名教的罪人，死有余辜，甚么勋爵！甚么体面！”众侯伯道：“沙老先生就有甚簠簋不饬处，也须明正其罪，朝廷从无此拳足相加之法受。”铁公子道：“诸公论经亦当达权，虎穴除凶，又当别论，孤身犯难，不可常言！”众侯伯道：“老先生英雄作用，固不可测。且请问今日之举，还是大侠报仇，还是代削不平？必有所为，请见教了，也可商量。”铁公子道：“俱非也。但奉圣上密旨拿人耳！”众侯伯道：“既奉密旨，何不请出来宣读，免人疑惑？”铁公子道：“要宣读也不难，可快排下香案。”众侯伯就吩咐打点。 大夬侯喘定了，又见众侯伯人多胆壮，因又说道：“列位老先生，莫要听他胡讲？他又不是有司捕役，又不是朝廷校尉，如何得奉圣旨？他不过是韩愿私党，假称圣旨，虚装虎势，要骗出人去。但他来便来了，若无圣旨，擅闯禁地，殴打勋位，其罪不小，实是放他不得，全仗诸公助我一臂！”又吩咐家人：“快报府县，说强人白昼劫杀，若不护救，明日罪有所归！”众侯伯见大夬侯如此说，也就信了。因对着铁公子道：“大凡豪强劫夺，多在乡僻之地，昏黑之时，加于村富之家，便可侥幸。他乃公侯之家，又在辇毂之下，况当白昼之时，如何侥幸得来！兄此来也觉太强横了些。若果有圣旨，不妨开读；倘系谎词，定获重罪。莫若说出真情，报出真名，快快低首阶前，待我等了你消释，或者还可苟全性命。若恃强力，全凭唬吓，希图逃走，只怕你身入重地，插翅难飞去！”铁公子说道：“我要去，亦有何难，但此时尚早，且待宣读了圣旨，拿了人犯，再去也不迟！”众侯伯道：“既有圣旨，何不早宣！”铁公子道：“但我只身，他党羽如此之众，倘宣了旨意，他恃强作变，岂不费力！他既报府县，且待府县来时宣读，便无意外之虞矣！”众侯伯道：“这倒说得有理。”一面又着家人去催府县。 不一时，大兴县知县早来了，看见这般光景，也决断不出。又不多时，顺天府推官也来了。众侯伯迎着，诉说其事。推官道：“真假一时也难辨，只看有圣旨没有圣旨，便可立决矣。”因吩咐排香案。不一时，堂中间焚起一炉好香，点起一对明烛，推官因对铁公子说道：“尊兄既奉圣旨拿人，宜对众宣读，以便就缚，若只这般扭结，殊非法纪！”铁公子正要对答，忽左右来报：“铁御史老爷门前下马了！”大夬侯突然听见，吃了一惊道：“他系在狱中，几时出来的？”说还未完，只见铁御史两手捧着一个黄包袱，昂昂然走上堂来，恰好香案端上，就在香案上将黄包袱展开，取出圣旨，执在手中。铁公子看见，忙将大夬侯捉到香案前跪下，又叫众捕役将韩愿带在阶下俯伏，对众说道：“犯侯沙利，抗旨不出。请宣过圣旨，入内搜捉！”铁御史看见众伯侯并推官、知县，都在这里，因看着推官说道：“贤节推来得正好，请上堂来，圣上有一道严旨，烦为一宣。”推官不敢推辞，忙走到堂上接了。铁御史遂走到香安，与大夬侯一同跪下。推官因朗诵圣旨道： 据御史铁英所奉，大夬侯沙利抢劫被害韩愿并韩愿妻女，既系实有其人，刑臣何缉获不到？既着铁英自捉，不论禁地，听其搜缉。如若捉获，着刑部严审回奏。限三日无获，即系欺君，从重论罪。钦此！ 推官读完了圣旨，铁御史谢过恩，忙立起身，欲与众侯伯相见。不欺众侯伯听见宣读圣旨，知大夬侯事已败露，竟走一个干净，许多家人都渐渐躲了，唯推官、知县过来参见。大夬侯到此田地，无可奈何，只得站起身，向铁御史深深作揖道：“学生有罪，烦望老先生周旋！”铁御史道：“我学生原不深求，只要辨明不是欺君便了。如今韩愿既已在此，又供出他妻女在内，料难再匿，莫若叫出来，免得人搜。”大夬侯道：“韩愿系其自来，妻女实不在此。”铁御史道：“老先生既说不在此，我学生怎敢执言在此，只得遵旨一搜，便见明白。”就吩咐铁公子带众捕役，押韩愿入内去搜，大夬侯要拦阻，哪里拦阻得住。 原来此厅虽是宅房，并无家眷在内。众人走到内厅，早闻得隐隐哭声，韩愿因大声叫道：“我儿不消哭了，如今有圣旨拿人，得见明白了，快快出来！”只见厅旁厢房内，韩愿的妻子屈氏听见了，早接应道：“我在此，快先来救我！”众人赶到门前，门都是锁的。铁公子又是一锤，将门打开，屈氏方蓬着头走出来，竟往里走，口里哭道：“只怕我儿威逼死了！”韩愿道：“不曾死，方才还哭哩！”屈氏即奔到楼阁上，只见女儿听到父亲在外吆喝，急要下楼出来，却被三四个丫环、仆妇拦住不放，屈氏忙叫道：“奉圣旨拿人，谁敢拦阻！”丫环、仆妇方才放松。屈氏看见房中锦绣珠玉堆满，都推开一边，单拿了一个素包头，替女儿包在头上，遮了散发，扶了下来，恰好韩愿接着，同铁公子并众捕役，一同领了下来。到堂前，韩愿就带妻女跪在铁御史面前，拜谢不已道：“生员并妻女三条性命，皆赖大宗师保全，真是万代阴功！”铁御史道：“你不必谢我，这是朝廷的圣恩，凡事在刑部勋臣，本院尚不知如何。”因对着大兴知县说道：“他三人系特旨钦犯，今虽有捕役解送，但恐又有疏虞，烦贤大尹押到刑部，交付明白，庶无他变。”知县领命，随令众捕役将韩愿并妻女三人带去。铁御史然后指着大夬侯向推官说道：“沙老先生乃勋爵贵臣，不敢轻亵，敢烦贤节推相陪，送至法司。本院原系缧臣，自当还狱待罪。”说罢，即起身，带着铁公子出门上马而去。正是： 敢探虎穴英雄勇，巧识孤踪智士谋。 迎得蚌珠还合浦，千秋又一许虞侯。 铁御史去后，大夬侯待推官，急托权贵亲友，私行贿赂，到刑部与内阁去打点，希图脱罪不提。 却说铁御史归到狱中，即将在大夬侯养闲堂搜出韩愿妻女三人，押送法司审究之事，细细写了一本，登时奏上。到次早，批下旨来，道： 铁英既于养闲禁地搜出韩愿并其妻女，则不独心迹无欺，县参劾有实。着出狱暂供旧积，候刑部审究定案，再加升赏。钦此。 铁御史得旨，方谢恩出狱。回到私衙，铁公子迎着，夫妻父子欢然不提。 却说刑部虽受了大夬侯的嘱托，却因本院捉人不出，涉于用情，不敢再行庇护，又被韩愿妻女三人口口咬定，抢劫情真，无处出脱，只得据实罪上疏奏闻，但于疏末回护数语道： 但念沙利年登不惑，麟趾念切，故淑女情深；且劫归之后，但以义求，并无苟犯。倘念功臣之后，或有一线可原，然恩威出于上裁，非臣下所敢专主。谨具疏奏请定夺，不胜待命之至。” 过两日，圣旨下了，批说道： 大夬侯沙利，身享高爵重位，不思修身御下，乃逞豪横，劫夺生员韩愿已受生员韦佩聘定之女为妾，已非礼法；及为御史铁英弹劾，又不悔过首罪，反捉韩愿夫妻藏匿钦赐禁堂，转抵铁英的妄奏，其欺诳奸狡，罪莫大焉。据刑臣断拟，本当夺爵赐死，姑念先臣勋烈，不忍加刑，着幽闭养闲堂三年，以代流戍；其俸米拨一年给韩愿，以偿抢劫散亡。韩女湘弦，既守贞未经苟合，当着韦佩择吉成亲。韩愿敦守名教，至死不屈，为儒无愧，着准贡教授，庶不负所学。铁英据实奏劾，不避权贵，骨鲠可嘉，又能穷探虎穴，大有气力，着升都察院掌堂。刑臣缉捕徇情，罚俸三月。钦此。 自圣旨下后，满城皆相传铁公子打入养闲堂，取出韩湘弦之事，以为奇人，以为大侠，争欲识其面，拜访请交者，朝夕不绝。韩愿蒙恩选职，韦佩奉旨成婚，皆铁公子之力，感之不啻父母，敬之不啻神明。 唯铁御史反以为忧，对铁公子道：“天道最忌满盈，祸福每相倚伏。我前日遭诬下狱，祸已不测，后邀圣恩，反加选转，可谓侥幸矣。然奸侯由此幽闭，岂能忘情？况你捉臂把胸，凌辱已甚，未免虎视眈眈，思为报复。我为臣子，此身已付朝廷，生死祸福，无可辞矣，你东西南北，得以自由，何必履此危地？况声名渐高，交结渐广，皆招惹是非之端。莫若借游学之名，远远避去，如神龙之见其首，不见其尾，使人莫测，此知机所以为神也。” 铁公子道：“孩儿懒于酬应，正有此意。但虑大人居官言路，动与人仇，孤立于此，不能放心。”铁御史道：“我清廉自饬，直道而行，今幸又为圣天子所嘉，擢此高位，即有小谗，料无大祸，汝不须在念。汝此去，还须勤修儒业，以圣贤为宗，切不可恃肝胆气血，流入游侠。”铁公子再拜于地道：“谨受大人家教。”自此又过了两三日，见来访者愈多，因收拾行李，拜辞父母，带了小丹，竟回家中而去。正是： 来若为思亲，去疑因避祸。 倘问来去缘，老天未说破。 铁公子到了家中，不期大名府皆知铁公子打入养闲堂，救出韩湘弦之事，又见铁御史升了都察院，不独亲友殷勤，连府县也十分尊仰。铁公子因想道：“若终日如此，又不若在京中，得居父母膝下。还是遵父命，借游学之名，可以远避。”遂将家务交付家人，收拾行李资斧，只带小丹一人只游学。只因这一去，有分教： 风流义气冤难解，名教相思害煞人。 铁公子出门游学，不知如何，且听下回分解。 |
Chapter 2: Into the Tiger's Den to Retrieve the Pearl from the ClamFrom: 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. Too much honour and respect conferred on a youth, said the Mandarine pensively to himself, may produce fatal consequences: it may expose him to envy: it may be productive of pride: it may be misrepresented to his prejudice: it may be followed by neglect. "Son, said he, one day calling him to him, the bow will break that is too violently bent: no man should exceed what is fit and becoming. Tab-quay is now a prisoner, but he will one day be at liberty; when you apprehended the people at his house, you disgraced him too much for him ever to forget: he perhaps will hereafter study to requite it, and will pay back the injury, he thinks you have done him. I have now, proceeded he, a great office conferred on me by the Emperor, which I am obliged to attend: whatever be my success, I cannot abandon it: here I must remain: but you are at liberty to go where you please. You have now gained to yourself a great deal of honour; you are admired as a youth of uncommon courage and prudence; nothing at present can add to your reputation; it may be forfeited or tarnished." "Sir, said Tieh-chung-u, I have been so happy, as to entertain the same sentiments myself: far am I from desiring so large a share of the public attention: I had much rather go out of the way of it, did not the duty I owe you, require me to stay, lest you should have occasion for my service." "As to that, replied his father, 'tis no matter; I will excuse you: before I was but a small Mandarine; now I am raised to a superior rank, and fixed above the malice of my enemies: retire therefore from the court, and apply yourself to your studies: nay rather go travel, than continue here. I leave you now to your own direction; but keep a strict guard over your passions: learn to curb your resentment, and to suppress that extravagance of warmth, to which your temper is addicted." Tieh-chung-u bowed in token of obedience, and went in to take leave of his mother. She was concerned to part with him so suddenly, and intreated him to stay a few days longer. He submitted: but before three days were expired, so many people came to visit him that he was quite wearied out. He bad adieu therefore to his father and mother, and set out, attended only by Siow-tan. He arrived at the city where he had usually lived: but the news of his behaviour had got there before him; the people were alarmed, and the streets crowded as he passed along. The Mandarines had all notice of his arrival, and visited him in their turns, to congratulate him on his success, and the advancement of his father. "Have I left the court, said Tieh-chung-u, because of the fatiguing frequency of visitants, and am come hither purposely to avoid them? better were it to have staid with my father: there I should have had the advantage of being with him, and of acquiring valuable friends. Here is the same interruption, without the enjoyment of their company. I will, agreeable to my father's permission, go visit the four parts of the world[1]. When this month is expired, I will resign the house, and all that belongs to it, to the care of my steward, and then I will depart." When that time was elapsed, he ordered his travelling furniture to be packed up, and accompanied with only one servant, began his travels. CHAP. III[2]. Tieh-chung-u was already upon the road, and had gone forward for some time, before he could resolve on the course of his journey: at last he determined in favour of Shan-tong[3], a province no less noted for the beauty and fertility of its lands, than for the courtesy and integrity of its inhabitants. He called therefore to Siow-tan, and bade him hire the first ass he could meet with on the road[4], and follow him to Shan-tong: whither we shall at present leave him, pursuing his journey. In the city of Te-nan, the capital of that province, lived at that time a great Mandarine, aged about sixty, who belonged to the Ping-pu, or tribunal of arms[5]; his name was Shuey-kew-yeh: he had lost his wife, and had no other children, but only one daughter, who was so exquisitely beautiful, that it would exceed the power of the most masterly pencil, to express the exactness of her proportion: nor could the whitest lilly, or richest carnation among the flowery tribes, exhibit tints so lovely, as were blended in her cheeks. She was no less distinguished for the rare endowments of her mind, and greatness of her capacity, in which she equalled the most eminent of the opposite sex. Shuey-ping-sin[6], for that was her name, was the darling of her father, who loved her with an affection, equal to that he would have had for a son of the same accomplishments[7], and gave her the entire management of his house: where she governed his family with such admirable skill, that Shuey-kew-yeh, who was continually at court, gave himself no longer any care on that head. She was now a young maid of about seventeen years, and yet the great business of his office so intirely ingrossed her father's attention, as to make him neglect to dispose of her in marriage. This young lady had an uncle, named Shuey-guwin, who affected the appearance of a man of letters, and had great respect shewn him on account of his brother. But he was very illiterate, and the whole aim of his studies was by any indirect means to extort money to spend on his pleasures. He had three sons, as ignorant and illiberal as himself; and also one daughter, in manners and disposition still more unamiable than her brothers, and in person as disagreeable as her manners. She was called Ghiang-koo[8], and was born in the same year with Shuey-ping-sin; than whom she was about two months older. "My brother, said Shuey-guwin, is a very rich and honourable man, but he has never a son: if he dies, all his riches must fall to me: the only obstacle is this girl of his, who remains unmarried, and has the sole possession of my brother's house. Could I once get her disposed of, the whole then would be mine[9]." Upon this, he contrives among his acquaintance to get her married, and prevailed on several of their relations, to come and propose to her a great many matches with men, distinguished for their persons, their possessions, or accomplishments: to all offers of this kind, she gave neither encouragement nor answer[10]; burying her thoughts in profound and invincible silence. This conduct of hers very much perplexed her uncle, who found she was not to be managed in that manner. At last he bethought himself of a young man of quality belonging to the same place, for whom his friends were looking out a wife. The father of this youth, who was of the second order of Mandarines which compose the Emperor's privy council[11], was called Kwo-sho-su: Kwo-khe-tzu was the name of the son. Shuey-guwin went to pay a visit to the young gentleman, and taking an opportunity to tell him of his niece, asked him how he should like her for his wife: "I know nothing of her, said the youth, whether she be handsome or ugly." "She is very handsome, said her uncle, and has a fine understanding." Kwo-khe-tzu expressed some doubt of this. "To convince you of the truth of what I have said, answered he, you shall go home with me: I live next door to her, and she often comes through the garden to visit my daughter, where you will have a good opportunity of seeing her." "If it be so, replied the other, I will attend you." When they were arrived at his house, Shuey-guwin desired him to wait a little in the outward apartment, while he went to see if Shuey-ping-sin was with his daughter: he returned immediately, crying out, "This is a very favourable opportunity, my fair niece is now with her sister[12]: come, let us go see them together." "How can that be? said the other[13]." "I'll carry you, replied he, to a door that has a crevice in it, through which you may see them perfectly well." When Kwo-khe-tzu had seen her; "She is indeed, said he, as you told me; exquisitely charming and beautiful, I will hasten home, and immediately order a person proper for this occasion to come and discourse about the marriage." All the way home, he did nothing but revolve in his mind the charms of the young lady he had seen, which had made the deepest impression on his heart: eager to obtain her, he rested not a moment to send proposals of marriage. She refused them, and slighted his fairest offers. Kwo-khe-tzu was plunged in the greatest concern, but found no other remedy, than to visit and make his court to the Che-foo, by friends and presents; desiring him to use his interest to make him acceptable to the young lady, he being equally acquainted with both their fathers and families. The Che-foo, unwilling to disoblige him, with some difficulty complied, and made her two visits: but for all he could say he was not able to prevail with her[14]. He acquainted Kwo-khe-tzu with his success: "Very well: we cannot help it: 'tis sufficient:" said the youth with an indifference but ill dissembled; while his heart felt the deepest uneasiness. In a short time after, arrived news from court, that the father of Shuey-ping-sin was fallen into disgrace, and sent an exile into Tartary: and that the father of Kwo-khe-tzu was advanced to the dignity of Co-lau, or Minister of state[15]. Transported with this news, his son was encouraged once more to sollicit the Che-foo, and to intreat him to try again some way to accomplish a marriage between him and the young lady. The Che-foo sent for her uncle: "Your niece, said he, is of age to be married: you are a man of sense, and must know the world: you cannot be ignorant that time is not to be neglected: and that when young persons are arrived at the marriageable age, it ought not to be deferred. While her father was at liberty to direct her, she did right in waiting for his pleasure therein: not knowing perhaps, but he was looking out a proper match for her at court. But she has now no longer that pretence: his office is taken away, he is disgraced and sent into Tartary: no one knows whether he's dead or alive. Besides, as she is grown up, and has a great many servants and young men in her house, 'tis to be feared that people will give a liberty to their tongues that will hurt her reputation: you are her uncle, and nearest in blood, cannot you lay your commands upon her, now in the absence of your brother? Kwo-khe-tzu is a youth of great spirit, capacity and worth; and his father's advancement renders him still more respectable: if she persists in refusing him, she will not easily meet with so valuable an offer: go home therefore, and persuade your niece to accept of him." "Sir, replied Shuey-guwin, you speak with great judgment; I shall obey." Taking leave of the Che-foo, he went to her house with such visible marks of displeasure in his countenance, that she enquired the reason: he told her it was because she had slighted the offers of marriage that had been made to her in favour of Kwo-khe-tzu; especially as the Che-foo had come in person to propose them to her with the greatest marks of courtesy and respect. "Now your father is in disgrace, proceeded he, you must not expect that Magistrate will give himself the trouble of waiting on you any more: he will not shew you so much complaisance. He sent for me to-day to upbraid me with your contemptuous treatment of the young gentleman; and even exhorted me to use the authority I have a right to exert in my brother's absence." He ceased speaking, and Shuey-ping-sin stood fixed in profound silence: he urged her to answer: "Well, replied she sighing after some time, as my father is banished, and the Che-foo commands me to respect you as my father, whatever you are pleased to order I must obey: 'tis in vain to resist: you must do in this matter whatever you please." "This ready compliance, answered her uncle overjoyed at her submission, shews your good sense and judgment: you don't perhaps know how wealthy and considerable the house of Kwo-khe-tzu is: he is a youth of great merit and understanding: his father is lately promoted to a very high office; and should you marry his son, he may be able to restore my brother." "'Tis indeed possible, said the young lady." "Well then, replied Shuey-guwin eagerly, I'll go and acquaint the Che-foo that you consent to the proposals: give me here the Nean-kung[16], or writing of eight letters." "If it must be so, said Shuey-ping-sin, please to let me have the paper[17], and I will write it." It was presently brought, and she wrote upon it according to form. Shuey-guwin took the paper, and folded it up with great content: then bidding her adieu, he hasted home to his house, and acquainted his sons and daughter that his niece had at last given her consent. They were too well acquainted with her aversion to the match to be over-ready in believing him: "Surely, said they, it must be a work of more difficulty than this to procure her compliance: you may be deceived in her, for she is very artful: she will seem to consent to-day, but put you off to-morrow." He told them, that she had submitted to obey him as her father: "Beside, said he, here is the Nean-kung, as an acknowledgment of the marriage." They saw it and had no farther scruples: "'Tis very well, said they, and yet there is one thing wanting; as it is the marriage of persons of quality, and in a Mandarine's family, the eight letters ought to be in gold upon scarlet taffaty, and not upon paper." He agreed it was proper, and ordered them to be fixed on accordingly. He then carried it to the Che-foo, who when he saw it was very well pleased, but told him he could not order the marriage [farther]; he must take the writing to the Che-bien. The latter of these Mandarines received the writing, as sent by the other; and carried it the day after to the youth whom it concerned. Kwo-khe-tzu was no less transported, than if he had found the most valuable jewel in the world. He instantly ordered a Nean-kung to be drawn up on his part, and looking in the calendar for a fortunate day[18], made a great entertainment, wherein the Che-foo and Che-bien were the principal guests. When the feast was over the latter of those magistrates went with the writing to the house of Shuey-guwin. He immediately acquainted his niece of it: and told her, "The day after to-morrow, is a fortunate or good day, when Kwo-khe-tzu designs to send you the nuptial present: command your house to be put in order, and fit out your hall to receive it." "Sir, replied she, if the present should come, order it to your own house. As my father is not at home it will be more proper: and whether it is brought hither or there the difference will be little." "Very well, said her uncle, and what name shall be prefixed to the letter of thanks to be returned for the present?" "Yours, Sir, said she; let your name be to it: you are my father here; my own father being disgraced and banished the prefixing of his name may occasion some discourtesy. And whatever relates to the paying of compliments, or the like, on this occasion it will be proper for you to take upon you." "It is true, said Shuey-guwin, it ought to be so." He then sent to buy a great number of Tieh-tse, or red and gilded papers, to write invitations upon[19], and desired Shuey-ping-sin to write them. She said, "I will do it as you cannot write yourself, but you must not let any one know but that you wrote them." "Very well, said he; there must also be the letter of compliments[20]." "I will write that likewise, said the young lady." When she had finished, she desired her uncle to read it. He obeyed and began thus; "My daughter"— "How, says he, my daughter! what do you mean by that? am not I your uncle?" "Yes, said she, but is not my own father banished, and don't you tell me I must obey you as my father?" Shuey-guwin was satisfied: then he took the papers, and went home rejoicing. "These writings, said he to his children, are in my name, and your cousin is in them stiled my daughter: by which not only her house, but whatever she is now presented with, will be ours." After two days Kwo-khe-tzu sent the customary present[21]: at which Shuey-guwin rejoiced, and put on his habit of ceremony, ordering music to be provided, his house to be adorned, and the great gates thrown open to receive it. The Che-bien accompanied it in person: Shuey-guwin sent for his friends and acquaintance in order to receive him with the greater respect. He made a grand feast on the occasion; and to the servants that brought the present he gave gifts of money[22]; expressing throughout the whole day the supreme content and satisfaction of a man who is near the accomplishment of a favourite project. Shuey-ping-sin heard all these rejoicings without any emotion. When the feast was over and the guests retired, her uncle invited her to go see the present: she complied with his request. He asked her, who now must take it? "Certainly, said she, it belongs to you, you are my uncle and father; you have been at great expence and trouble; this is but a small return; a trifle hardly worth mentioning, since my house, my people, and my land, and whatever else belongs to me is yours." "Why, said he, should you think they are mine?" "My father, she replied, has no son, and is now in banishment: I only am left, and under your direction as your daughter, therefore all I have is yours: but as I only govern in my father's absence, and cannot learn whether he is dead or alive, I dare not yet deliver up my charge." "Niece, said Shuey-guwin, you have great generosity and penetration, and shew an uncommon knowledge of the world." He then called his three sons and daughter, and bade them take the present and lay it up; and upon her offering to go, entreated her to sit down and drink something with them. This she waved on pretence of some late indisposition, and begged to retire. Shuey-guwin attributed her refusal to that shyness and modesty, which commonly prevails among young ladies upon so delicate an occasion as the receiving of the nuptial present; and permitted her to withdraw. It was now a month that Kwo-khe-tzu had sent his present; when having fitted up his house and prepared every thing for his marriage, he chose a fortunate day, and sent to acquaint Shuey-guwin that he should come on the morrow to fetch home his bride. A piece of news, which the latter received with much satisfaction. He went immediately to inform his niece of it, and desired her to make all suitable preparations. "I have no need, said she, to prepare any thing about me, otherwise than it is." "Ah! ah! said he, you are merry; I know better: you do but jest with me." When he came home, he told his family, that he believed his niece had lost her senses: "She talks of making no preparation for her wedding. 'Tis very whimsical; but perhaps it is only talk: she will doubtless to-night comply with custom and get things in order. Early to-morrow I will go again and see what she has done." The next day Kwo-khe-tzu, according to his promise, sent his gilded chair, his trumpets and music, with a long train of attendants, all in great magnificence and order, to the house of Shuey-guwin. He immediately run to his niece to tell her to get ready, for that the chair was come for her. "What is it you would have me get ready, replied she hastily? Am I not well enough as I am?" "Are you so ignorant, said he, as not to know what you ought to do? Has not the bridegroom sent his chair for you? He is also coming to conduct you himself[23]. Does not he shew you great honour and respect? Why then do you talk at this ridiculous rate?" "What is all that to me, replied the young Lady? I have nothing to say to it, it only relates to my sister[24] your daughter." Shuey-guwin in the greatest consternation at these words, was not able to speak for some time: at last he said; "Is it not for your sake that this young gentleman hath taken so much pains, and put himself to all this trouble and expence? Whom then does he come for? My daughter, do you say, that is as ugly as an evil genius or demon[25] in comparison of you? no such thing." "My father, answered the young lady, is in disgrace; he is banished afar off, and has committed all he has here to my care: in this situation, how can I marry?" "Nay, said he in deep concern, if you are not disposed to marry, who will go about to force you? But why then did you give me your eight letters of Nean-kung?" "Uncle, said she, you was then asleep, and are not yet awake, I should be a fool indeed to give you any such writing while I was averse to marriage. What, said he, did not I procure you the coloured paper? and did not you yourself write upon it?" "If it was so, she replied, let me see it." Shuey-guwin hasted home: "My niece, said he to his sons and daughter, refuses to marry Kwo-khe-tzu; and denies that the Nean-kung was of her writing." Then he took the paper and went to her house. "Here! said he holding it out, will you deny this to be your own hand-writing?" "I acknowledge the writing, replied she: I deny it not: but if the eight letters are found to be mine, I'll be content to marry. Pray uncle, do you know when I was born[26]?" "Doubtless, said he, I do: you were born on the fifteenth day of the eighth moon, at ten o'clock: I remember it perfectly well; it was a feast day, and I was making merry with your father." "Very well, Sir, said she; and when was my cousin Ghiang-koo born, your daughter?" "I must certainly, said he, be well acquainted with my daughter's birth: it was on the sixth day of the sixth moon, in the middle of the day." "Pray, Sir, she proceeded, when you took the paper with you, did not you observe the eight letters written upon it: they are as follows"— here she repeated them— "The writing, you see, relates to your daughter; I am no way concerned in it: why then do you give me so much trouble and perplexity?" Shuey-guwin at this was greatly disturbed. "However, it is sufficient, he cried out in a rage; I saw you write it, and it matters not in what manner it was done." Seeing him begin to make a disturbance, she said to him calmly; "Sir, you must not be so warm: pray go and consult one that can divine[27], and let him see whether those eight letters belong to me or your daughter." She argued in vain, he became still more angry and began to rave and stamp with his feet; saying that she only sought to do him prejudice. "However, said he, it is no matter; you cannot hurt me; truth is truth. Both the Che-foo and Che-bien solicited your consent: the whole city knows of the young gentleman's present. How then can you say it is no concern of yours? you are extremely blameable." "If it was me, whom Kwo-khe-tzu designed to marry, she replied, why did not he order his present to be brought to me here at my own house? The Tieh-tse and letter of compliments, run in your name: and therein you only speak of your daughter; there is not the least mention of me." "How can you thus embroil the matter, said her uncle? the letter relates alone to you, and the form of it was agreed on between us." "If you had no daughter, resumed she, then you might have bestowed that title upon me without reserve: it is not unusual, it is true, to reckon the nieces for daughters, but they are always distinguished by elder and younger: but since in your paper 'tis written simply, my daughter, it can be only understood of Ghiang-koo my cousin. If you will force this marriage upon me, how will it appear reasonable to any Mandarine with whom a petition may chance to be lodged?" "To so much talk and prate, replied Shuey-guwin, it is in vain to give answer. Very well! very well! said he in a violent passion, your design I see is to plague and kill me. If we had proceeded thus far with a man of the lowest rank, how should we avoid trouble and disgrace? much more with such a person as this, who is a youth of great resentment, and whose father is preferred to such power at court. Your abrupt refusal! what disturbance, trouble and confusion will it cause? I shall certainly be ashamed to shew my head: you will force me to lay aside all respect of kindred. I must go lodge a complaint against you before a Mandarine; then how will you be able to unravel and clear up so long a story before him[13]? or how will you avoid exposing yourself to a great deal of shame?" All this he spoke with tears in his eyes. "Uncle, answered Shuey-ping-sin, I shall not make so long a story of it, as you may imagine: I shall only say that you, who are my uncle, taking advantage of my father's absence, would force me, who am left a young and helplefs maid, to marry, in order to take possession of my substance. This will make you appear in so criminal a light, that you will not be able to hold up your head." Shuey-guwin was a good deal alarmed at these words, and began to be more calm. "I would not willingly, said he, bring a petition before a Mandarine: but if I do not, how shall I extricate myself out of these difficulties?" "Uncle, said the young lady, if you will lay aside your ungenerous intentions against me, I'll undertake to bring you off clear." Shuey-guwin wiping his eyes replied, "Alas! that I fear is impossible; it is not in the power of a Saint[28] to deliver me." "Pursue my directions, proceeded she, and this sorrow shall be turned into joy." "Alas! said he, at a time when life and death are indifferent to me, what hope can I have of so favourable a change? However, I would know how you propose to assist me in this affair, so that this young man's resentment may not fall on my head." "Attend then, said she, and do exactly as I would have you: if I mistake not, my cousin Ghiang-koo is just seventeen, of a fit age to be married, you have now a fine opportunity of doing it: send her in my stead, and all the difficulty is over." At these words he hung down his head and paused: at length looking up with a mixture of joy and terror, he said, "Well, but your cousin is very ordinary and disagreeable in her person; and if she should marry Kwo-khe-tzu, he will not like her, and so I shall still be involved in trouble[29]." "Uncle, she replied, leave that to me: in other respects there's nothing irregular; the eight letters are rightly and truly your daughter's: 'tis as true that the present came to your house: all this is notorious. The Tieh-tse run in your name: and in the letter of compliments you say, my daughter: in consequence of all this the chair is now come to your house: then what should hinder you from sending my cousin? on the other hand consider the credit it will be to have him for your son-in-law: does not all this afford you pleasure?" At this the countenance of Shuey-guwin began to clear up: he smiled and said, "Daughter and cousin, how came you, that are a little helpless and lonely maid, to be possessed of so much ingenuity, as at once thus to kill me and restore me to life?" "Sir, replied his niece, it was never my desire to deceive you: this affair was all your own seeking to give me disturbance." "Enough, said he, let that be forgotten: one thing yet remains; your cousin is very aukward, and neither knows how to dress herself out, nor to behave as she ought, on such an occasion: you must go to assist, and instruct her." "I will go, said she, and if any thing be wanting, let me have the blame." She took accordingly two of her maids, and went to dress up her cousin; in order to which she caused her to bathe and wash herself clean from head to foot, to whiten her teeth, to form her eye-brows, and put on cloaths perfumed with the sweetest wood[30] and gums: this took them up a good part of the day: she then instructed her, when she was brought to the house of the bridegroom to behave herself with reserve and modesty; and on coming into his own apartment when he should advance to take off her veil, to run and hide herself in the curtains. She also instructed the two waiting women, when they were to offer him wine[31], to be as liberal of it as possible, and when he should have a mind to retire, to be sure to put out the lights. Then ordering the maids to withdraw and get themselves ready, she took the opportunity of their absence to proceed as follows: "The next morning when the bridegroom sees you, he will perhaps be angry to find you not so handsome as he expected: in that case you must throw yourself into violent fits of crying, and offer to lay violent hands on yourself; this will doubtless make him afraid, and prevent his offering you any ill treatment." Ghiang-koo promised to observe all her directions: and then they took their leaves of each other. Kwo-khe-tzu was now arrived to fetch home his bride. Shuey-guwin went in to see her. "You are very fine, said he, there wants nothing now but a veil for your face: when that is covered you will be perfectly handsome." Then taking her in his arms he carried and seated her in the chair. That ceremony over, the bridegroom mounting his horse with great content, went before the chair towards his house: there he ordered the gates to be thrown open, and desired his female relations to be ready to receive her. He beheld her with great delight as she got out of the chair, and her face being covered she appeared to him like a Saint or Angel[32]. Then walking by her side into the great hall, their friends and relations made them their compliments. After this they retired into his apartment, where he went to take off her veil: upon which, according to her cousin's advice, she ran and hid herself in the bed[33]. The bridegroom then ordered the table to be covered, but Ghiang-koo would not come to sit down. The waiting women desired him to seat himself and drink first. He said, "No: your mistress is ashamed now, and out of modesty will not shew herself, yet perhaps would be glad to take some refreshment: therefore to save her blushes, I'll retire a little while she comes out, and will go and eat with my friends and acquaintance." His relations asked him why he left the lady, and if it were not usual for the bride and bridegroom to eat together? "Shuey-ping-sin, replied he, is a woman of great fashion and delicacy: she ought to be treated with suitable respect, and hath certainly now a just claim to indulgence." Her relations acknowledged it was very kind and respectful: then inviting him to sit down and partake of their entertainment, they quickly fell to drinking, plying one another so fast, that Kwo-khe-tzu became very much fuddled. When all the guests were retired, he went into the bride's chamber; and seeing it full of lights, he approached the bed, and asked her why she did not take her repose? why she stayed for him, and hindered herself from sleeping with so many tapers? Ghiang-koo, as he opened the curtains, turned aside her face, and ordered her women to put out the lights. They hesitated, observing that he was not undressed: but he said, "Whatever your new lady orders, obey her: defer it not upon my account." They obeyed him and retired[34]. The next morning an hour or two after it was day, as he was going to rise and put on his cloaths, he saw the ugly face of his wife. He could not for some time believe his senses: "Surely, said he aloud rubbing his eyes; the Shuey-ping-sin which I saw, was exquisitely beautiful: but who are you? you are not the bride for whom I contracted." "Why not, answered Ghiang-koo? but I expected a lady compleatly handsome, said he, and here is an ill-favoured monster indeed." Then starting up in a rage, he vented his fury in exclamations against Shuey-guwin, pouring on his head a thousand curses. Ghiang-koo hearing him thus abuse her father, calling him dog and villain so to deceive him, was highly troubled: "What, said she, am not I your wife, and is not my father your father-in-law: and do you treat him with no more respect, than thus to abuse him in my hearing?" Kwo-khe-tzu at this was the more perplexed: "'Tis enough, said he, I am soundly cheated! and is Shuey-guwin really your father?" "Is he, said she? most certainly: you must know nothing: you must be very dull of apprehension to doubt it. Why, Shuey-ping-sin is my younger sister; the daughter of my uncle. If you would have married her, why did not you go to her own house, and ask for her there? The Nean-kung you received is really mine: the Tieh-tse run in the name of my father. In his letter he writes, my daughter. 'Twas to his house your present was brought: and thither you came yourself to fetch me away. All the city knows I was carried out of his house, and no other. I am of a family very much honoured and respected; and for you, to whom I am newly married, to treat me and my friends with all this scorn and abuse, is it possible I should bear it? No: I will never live under so much indignity. I will sooner die a thousand deaths." Then working herself up into the greatest transport of rage and grief, she fell to stamp and beat herself furiously: and snatching up a sash that lay in the room, was going to strangle herself with it. Kwo-khe-tzu alarmed at this violence; and fearing the trouble and disgrace in which it would involve him and his family[35] should such an accident happen within his own apartment, and to his new-married bride; flew to her instantly and held her arm: then in a soothing manner begged her to attribute his words to the wine he had drank over-night; it being usually his misfortune to be passionate after it: that she should not be so moved by a few inconsiderate expressions: but that now they were married, they should endeavour to live in peace and amity.
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