 | CHAP. IV. Hau Kiou choaan |  |
CHAP. IV.
KWO-khé-tzu hearing that the Che-hien
had sent to get intelligence,
kept at home, but was very impatient
to know the result. With regard
to Shan-yeo, having received his
orders, he durst not delay; but went
immediately to take a view of the house
in order to find out a place to get in
at; then returned and waited till night.
When it was dark he climbed over a
wall, and got within the doors: where
he heard people in the kitchen, who
were preparing an entertainment for Tieh-chung-u,
talk of his recovery. Thence
he crept into the hall, which was not
yet lighted up. There he got up and
whence he could see all that passed
below. He had not been there long
before he heard Shuey-ping-sin order
her servants to hang up a curtain of
mother of pearl[24] across the hall. She
commanded the first table to be set
for her guest without the curtain;
it. Afterwards she ordered a second
table[25] , but without any light, to be set
for herself within the curtain, so that
she could see every thing through it, unseen
herself. There was also a fine carpet
spread without on the floor. And
two servants were ordered to stand
between the tables to deliver every
thing that was spoken. When all things
was called, and bid to desire his
master to walk into the hall. Tieh-chung-u
by this time was greatly recovered
from the illness, into which the poisoned
draughts of rhubarb had thrown
him; which caused him to rejoice,
as well as to acknowledge the favours
he had received from Shuey-ping-sin.
She herself was no less affected with
joy that he was restored to health, and
that she had been wanting in nothing
to express her sense of the favours he
had conferred upon her. When Siow-tan
therefore came to his master with
the young lady's compliments to invite
him to the entertainment, he instantly
obeyed. He came out of his chamber,
and was greatly pleased to see
was disposed: insomuch that he commended
it aloud. Shuey-ping-sin sent
her servant to desire him to sit down
in the most honourable place, telling
him it was his proper due. Then ordering
her carpet[26] to be spread withinside
the curtain, she sent to tell him,
that she was paying her respects to him.
When Tieh-chung-u was told by the
servants the honours she was doing
him, he said he had most reason to pay
his acknowledgments to her. They
other[27] . When these were ended, the
young lady thus addressed him from
behind the curtain. "My father unhappily
for me is abroad. You, Sir, are
unmarried as well as myself. Your
coming to my house hath occasioned
people to talk very freely. But as I
have received too great a favour for
me ever to forget, I have been very desirous
of making a small, though very
unequal return for it; and as for people's
talk, I pay no regard to it. Had
must have been worse than a savage animal.
It gives me extreme joy to see
your health in so great a measure restoed.
I could not help testifying it by a
small entertainment; which trifling as
it is, I hope you will partake of; and
at the same time pardon the meanness
of it." Tieh-chung-u replied, "Lady,
you stand alone in the world. There
is none to be found like you for wisdom
and perfection. I thought of
nothing but death, when I lay in the
convent. I was void of all help, as a
horse or an ass that is fallen into a pit.
I little thought you would come with
so much piety and goodness to my assistance.
I can hardly look upon you
as one of these latter times. You are
This goodness and virtue it is not in
my power to reward in the least as it
deserves. Be pleased therefore to sit
down, and let me bow before you
with the most humble acknowledgments."
The young lady desired him
not to talk in this manner: for that what
she had done was but a trifle, and merely
no more than her duty required.
"How wretched must I have been,
added she, if I had not met with you
in that critical moment? How much
then does it behove me to thank you,
as my generous protector? I ought to
bow down to you, as the only man in
the world, that had virtue and resolution
enough to rescue me." These
words she sent her servant to tell
she was making her compliments. He
got up and returned them in a proper
manner. This done they sat down,
and she ordered her servants to carry
him wine[28] . After he had drank three
small cups, she began to inquire what
brought him that way; and what business
he might have in the province
there in the course of his travels, which
he had undertaken with the approbation
of his father. This excited her
curiosity so far, that she ventured to
inquire what might occasion him to
travel. Tieh-chung-u told her, that
when he was at court he had rescued
a young woman out of the hands of
and had caused him to be sentenced
to three years imprisonment: "My
father, added he, fearing he might
hereafter resent this disgrace, gave me
leave to travel. In the course of which,
I had like to have fallen into worse
mischief. Who could imagine there
were such evil persons in the world,
as this Che-hien and young Mandarine?
That they should attempt to kill me!
However, as I am happily recovered,
with your leave I will go to-morrow
and find out the Che-hien. The injury
he endeavoured to do me shall
not pass unresented. I will shame him
before all the inhabitants of the city.
I will drag him from his audience,
and beat him soundly in the face of
him before the Viceroy of the province,
who is a particular friend of
my father's, and him will I get to
take away his office in open court."
The young lady replied, "To procure
the disgrace of the Che-hien will
be an easy matter; which will appear
to be in consequence of his own evil
actions: neither will it be wondered
at, as your dispute with him that
day was notorious to all the city.
But consider, Sir, the degeneracy of
the times. There are only two words
in our days by which both the people
and Mandarines regulate their
conduct, and those are Riches and
Power. The Che-hien saw my father
was disgraced, and sent afar off into
was advanced to the highest
dignity. What wonder then if he was
afraid to offend a youth of such connections?
Had he refused him his assistance,
he might fear he would get him
removed from his office. Consider,
Sir, it is a post, which it cost him
a long course of study to obtain.
He must have spent fifteen or twenty
years in passing through his degrees[29]
before he could be advanced to it.
Judge then how dreadful the loss of
it must appear: and wonder not if
he was tempted to use even indirect
means to secure it. Upon the whole,
I think you had better pardon him;
and give yourself no farther trouble
of your pity." At these words, so
considerate, and yet proceeding from
the mouth of so young a lady, Tieh-chung-u
stood astonished; yet was perfectly
convinced of their propriety. At
length he broke silence and said: "Hitherto
I have been too much the sport of
passion: too little under the guidance
of reason. Hitherto I have been accustomed
to persist inflexibly in any
resolution I had once taken up, whether
right or wrong. I now perceive
the rashness and folly of my conduct.
When I undertook your rescue from
Kwo-khé-tzu, I confess with shame, it
proceeded rather from the natural heat
of my temper, headstrong and passionate,
than from motives more laudable.
on me never to be effaced.
I am struck with conviction; and to
shew what a convert you have gained
in me, I shall quit the Che-hien and
think of him no more: and of this I
dare give you my solemn oath. Supremely
fortunate do I think myself
in meeting with you, not only for
the benefit I have received at your
hands; but that you have been to me
a preceptor, and given me instructions
which I ought never to forget." "Sir,
said the young lady, you shew yourself
possessed of great resolution and
virtue; and indicate a very considerate
and forgiving disposition." Every
word that she spoke was treasured up
in the breast of Tieh-chung-u, and confirmed
he had adopted. "Madam, said he,
I must not be sparing in my thanks
for the many favours I have received.
To-morrow I design to go from hence."
"I brought you here, said the young
lady, on account of your illness; and
having so allowable a motive was regardless
of common censure. Now
you are recovered take your own pleasure
either to go or stay. I cannot
pretend to lay any restraint upon you.
And yet methinks to-morrow is very
sudden. Favour me with your company
a day or two longer. We shall
then have time to talk over at large those
good subjects on which we have discoursed."
"Lady, replied Tieh-chung-u,
if it be agreeable to you that I should
my departure two days longer." Having
thus ended talking, she ordered
her servants to fill out wine. When
he had drank he said, "My coming
from abroad was with my father's approbation,
in order to avoid any trouble
at court. As it hath been my good
fortune to meet with one of so much
ingenuity and wisdom, as yourself;
I should be glad of your advice which
way I had best to go. Pray give me
your opinion." She replied, "You
may travel through the world in persuit
of knowledge, but if you would be
truly wise, you had best remain at home[30] .
understood every thing, lived recluse.
office at court, where there can be
then would you fatigue yourself in
going to other countries? In my opinion
you had better return back to
your father, who can with great ease
procure you a place in the Emperor's
service." Tieh-chung-u was charmed
with what she said, and made her his
compliments upon it. "Madam, said
he, you speak with a great deal of
judgment. What you have said to
me to-day, hath awakened me from
a lethargy, in which I have been buried
from the hour of my birth."
Then a great cup[31] of wine being
to her, and proceeded, "How hath
it been possible for you, who are but a
young lady, to have laid in a stock of
history and letters sufficient for a man
of learning?" "Alas, Sir, said she, what
I say is but weak and childish. How
should I be acquainted with letters?"
All this, [and much more,] having
passed between them, the youth began
to think he had drunk enough, and
should be guilty of any ill manners.
He rose up therefore to take his leave.
She told him, she would not him
detain longer, lest it should prove
injurious to his health: but he might
do as he pleased. Then she ordered
her servant to carry candles before
him, and light him to his chamber.
His servant Siow-tan met him, and
said, "'Tis well, Sir! You, that have
been sick so very lately, to sit up and
indulge yourself in this manner! It is
now ten o'clock[32] ." Shuey-ping-sin commanded
till he was in bed: while others had
she withdrew to her own apartment.
Shan-yeo observing all that had passed,
and finding nothing farther to detain
him, descended, and leaping over the
wall retired home to his house to sleep.
The next morning he presented himself
at the Che-hien's audience. That
magistrate would not speak with him
in publick, but ordered him to wait
in a private apartment. There Shan-yeo
related to him every thing he had
seen and heard at the house of Shuey-ping-sin.
When he came to describe
at large the resentment which Tieh-chung-u
had expressed for the ill usage
he had received, and the particular
manner in which he threatened the Che-
him in his own audience, and then
carry him before the Viceroy of the
province: that magistrate, conscious
of his guilt, was seized with the most
visible terrors, and starting up ordered
the doors of his audience to be
shut, and notice to be given that he
would hear and receive no petitions
that day. "Sir, said Shan yeo, you
need not tremble nor be concerned, for
the stranger will not come to-day, notwithstanding
his threats. The young
lady hath persuaded him not to do it;
and hath softened his resentment. She
told him, that you were a man of but
few letters[33] , and knew not what it
was to aspire to virtue and greatness
which you had acquired with so much
study and labour, would render you
very miserable: and therefore urged
him to have compassion on you and
forgive your injustice." Having related
these and all the other Particulars
of their conversation, he said,
"This Sir, was the principal subject
on with great respect and courtesy:
she thanking him for the benefit
she had received by his coming to
her assistance; and he acknowledging
her goodness to him during his illness.
And as for any thing more, any thing
secret, or clandestine, there was not
the least shadow of it."
When the Che-hien found what good
offices the young lady had done him,
and that he was thus rescued from danger,
he rejoiced and said, "Shuey ping-sin
is a woman of great goodness and
understanding. She hath done this to
make me amends for the civility I
shewed her in sending her home from
my audience in my own chair. But
was there nothing toward the latter
end of their discouse that would bear
an ill construction?" "Nothing at all,
replied the other: their conversation
turned altogether upon fine reasonings,
and arguments fetched from history
and ancient times: and the whole was
conducted with the nicest observance
of decency and good manners." The
Che-hien paused for some time, and
incredible! Is it possible for a young
lady, beautiful and blooming as a rose,
and a youth shining as crystal, to be
together in one house; to converse
together, and drink wine; both obliged
to each other; both witty and ingenious;
and yet in all their conversation
not to let fall one word of love:
but instead thereof to preserve all the
sanctity of hermits and holy men? this
can never be believed. Certainly you
have been hired to conceal the truth;
and somebody hath given you a bribe
for that purpose." "Sir, said Shan-yeo,
I have no manner of relation to the
parties in question; neither do they
know any thing of me. Which way
then should I receive a bribe from
told is neither more nor less than
the truth." The Che-hien could not
help being struck with admiration and
delight at so extraordinary a couple.
"Both in former times, and till now,
said he to himself, never were two such
persons as these for integrity and goodness!
If this account be true, the virtue
of Tieh-chung-u is very rare, and the
learning of Shuey-ping-sin no less uncommon.
If I were a Mandarine of
superior rank, I would present an account
of them both to the Emperor,
in order that they might be celebrated[34]
as they deserve."
Then calling to Shan-yeo, he said,
I hope all this you have told me is true.
According to my promise I pardon
what is past[35]
. But if I find you
have been guilty of any falseshood,
expect the most severe punishment."
He then dismissed him, bidding him
take more care for the future.
The Che-hien reflected on the conversation
which had been reported to
him, and their sensible remarks on the
two words Riches and Power: how
every body followed wherever they led,
and how difficult it was to resist their
no ordinary persons. The parents of
them both are of exalted rank. How
could I be so mistaken, as to endea-vour
to hurt them? If the young stranger
had obeyed the dictates of his just
resentment and carried me to the Viceroy,
I should have been stripped of
my office; and it would have been then
too late to have implored the assistance
of Kwo-khé-tzu's father. I myself am
in no ordinary character; my rank of
Chin-tzu[36] , or Doctor of Law, should
require some dignity to be maintained;
which can only be done by just and
Power be the sole objects of my regard?
which are things of no real value in
themselves, and may be the occasion
of the forest evils. While I was regardless
of my own reputation and safety,
this young lady hath continued me
in the possession of both." He proceeded
farther and said: "Tieh-chung-u
is a youth of great capacity, integrity
and justice, and if this young lady doth
not marry him, she will never again
meet with one so worthy of her. Again,
Shuey-ping-sin, to the greatest vivacity
of wit and judgment hath added an
uncommon knowledge of books and
literature; where then will be found a
bride so proper for this young gentleman?
I imagine I should do much
pair, and to bring about a
marriage between them."
In the midst of reflections of this
kind he was interrupted by the arrival
of Kwo-khé-tzu, who was impatient
to learn what news he had for him.
The Che-hien gave him a very impartial
account of all that had passed,
and said: "Sir, you must not look
upon this young lady as an ordinary
person. Her understanding and capacity
seem equal to that of the wisest
sage, and she will hardly dispose of herself
upon common terms. Be persuaded
therefore to think no more
of her, but look out for another." Kwo-khé-tzu,
having heard all the particulars
nothing would bear an ill construction,
knew not what to answer. He
even began to think seriously that
all his endeavours would be to no
purpose. Without however making
any reply to the discouraging advice
of the Che-hien, he took his leave of
him and withdrew. His absence was
by no means disagreeable to that Man-darine,
who immediately sent a fervant
to inquire after Tieh-chung-u,
with orders whenever he stirred out
of the young lady's house, to bring
him advice of it.
In order to conceive this, we ought to remember
that the Chinese Houses are but one
story high, and that the Halls in which they receive
visits are quite plain, having no other ornament
than a simple range of wooden pillars,
which are either painted or varnished. These
serve to support the main beams and timberwork,
which they often leave quite naked under
the tiles, without any ceiling.
P. Le Compte, tom. 1. p. 226. P. Du Halde,
&c.
Probably some kind of lattice-work, ornamented
with Mother of pearl. Oyster shells
made very thin serve the Chinese instead of glass,
not only in the windows of their Houses, but
also in some of their imperial Barks.
P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 286, &c.
The Chinese observe great ceremony in placing
their Tables. Trans.
At great entertainments the Tables are ranged
on each side the hall, in such a manner that the
guests may face each other, as they sit in their
arm-chairs. The Chinese are also particularly
exact to place the Tables either more forward
or backward; higher or lower; according to the
rank of their guests: the preference being given
(cæteris paribus) to the greatest strangers, and
to those who come farthest, &c. This may
serve to explain the compliment in the next
page but one.
P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 299. 301. &c.
At a first Visit, the visitant as well as he that
is visited, if they are of equal rank, for a greater
mark of respect and affection, have a Carpet
brought and spread before them, and after they
have performed the first Salute, (See note vol.
1. p. 201.) they kneel down and hit the ground
with their foreheads four times, and this they
do both together.
P. Semedo, p. 59. Ogilby, vol. 2. p. 442.
It hath been mentioned in a former note,
that the Salute of the Chinese Women is confined
to a silent Court'sy. (See vol. 1. p. 103.)
Though this is their general custom, it ought to
be observed, that on some particular occasions,
they also kneel, as well as the Men, and in that
posture make an obeysance with their head to the
ground three or four times, as civility shall require.
P. Semedo, p. 58. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 293.
This is the greatest mark of Courtesy before
discourse. Trans. See also P. Du Halde, v. 1.
p. 600.
The Chinese Wine is not made of the juice of
the grape, for these they only preserve and use
as raisins: but of a particular kind of Rice, different
from that which is eaten. From this they
have liquors both brewed and distilled; as also
from wheat and other grain. They have likewise
wines expressed from several kinds of fruits,
as well as made of the liquor which distills from
the palm and other such trees, when tapped at
the proper season: but that made from Rice is
most generally drunk.
Beside these the Chinese have a strong sort of
spirit, which is distilled from the flesh of Mutton,
Lamb, &c. but this is chiefly in request among
the Tartars.
Although Tea is the ordinary drink of the
Chinese, they are said to be excessively addicted
to spirituous Liquors.
N. B. It is the common rule of the Chinese to
eat cold and drink hot. Not only their tea,
but their wines are heated before they drink
them. At their feasts there are servants always
ready to pour hot wine into their cups out of a
vessel for that purpose, and to put back that
which is cold into others of China. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 300. 303. Mod. Un.
Hist. vol. 8. p. 279.
As the only Knowledge in request in China
is that of Morality, and of the Government,
History, Rites and Literature of their own Empire,
so this can neither be promoted by Travel, and
is only to be attained by a severe application to
their own private studies. [See note below p. 99.]
Hence the character of a hard student is greatly
respected among them. One of their Doctors
from his recluse life was called by way of honour
Pi-hu, or The Doctor of the shut door. See P. Du
Halde, vol. 1. p. 386.
But further, as all the nations bordering upon
China are barbarous and uncivilized compared
to themselves, they have no inducement to travel
abroad. And hence they have learnt to hold
all other countries in most sovereign contempt,
supposing their own Empire to comprize not
only the best, but the greatest part of the habitable
world; on which account they call it Tienhia,
or all under heaven. [See note vol. 1. p. 66.]
They likewise give it the name of Chong-que, or
the kingdom of the middle, from its supposed situation
in the midst of the earth, which they believe
to be four-square. This opinion one of the
Missionaries humoured so far, as to place China
in the center of a Map of the World which he
drew up for their use. In their own Maps they
were wont to allow a vast extent to China, but
to place all other Kingdoms, (supposed to be seventy-two)
at random round it like very little
islands, disgracing them with ridiculous names
and descriptions: such as, Siao-gin-que, or the
Kingdom whose inhabitants are all dwarfs, and
so little that they are constrained to tie themselves
together several in a bunch for fear of being carried
away by the eagles and kites: Chuen-sinque
or the Kingdom whose inhabitants have all a
hole in their breasts, into which they stick a piece
of wood and so carry one another from place to
place, &c. &c. See P. Magal. Of latter times
since they have understood something of Europe,
they have added it to their maps, as if it were
one of the Canary islands, or some little barren
spot. And hence it was that the Viceroy of Cantong
in the year 1668, after he had spoken of the
embassy of the Portuguese in a memorial which
he sent to the Emperor, added these words, "We
find very plainly, that Europe is only two little
islands in the middle of the sea." We are told
however, that since the Europeans have been conversant
among them, the Chinese have in a great
measure forsaken these errors.
Before we quit this subject, it may be worth
while to give one pleasant instance of their national
Pride: which is, that as they never send
Ambassadors to foreign Princes; so whatever
comes from them, whether letters, presents or
envoys, all pass for tribute and a mark of submission.
And henceforth such Kingdoms are
set down in their history among those, which are
tributary to China.
P. Magal, p. 61, 2. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 45.
237. 394. 668. Confucius, p. 3. &c.
The Cups which the Chinese use for their
wine are either of silver, porcelain, or some precious
wood: and are presented on silver or japanned
Salvers. At the beginning of an entertainment
the Cups they drink out of are very small,
not holding much more than a spoonful: about
the middle of the feast these are changed for larger.
The Chinese drink in great form. At
their solemn entertainmeats, the maitre d'hotel
on one knee says with a loud voice, "You are
invited gentlemen, to take the cup." On this
every one takes his cup in both hands, and having
first moved it up to his head, and then down below
the table, they all put it to their mouths at
once, and drink slowly three or four times. After
the same manner upon like notice the whole
company flourishing their ivory sticks take up
their meat all together.
P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 299. 300.
In the original, Ou-hiah-chung i. e. five
struck bell. Trans.
The Chinese, as well as some other Nations of
the East, divide the natural day into twelve Hours,
which they begin to reckon from about midnight.
So that one Hour of their reckoning is
equivalent to two of ours. These Hours [at
least among the vulgar] are called by the names
of twelve signs or animals: and their fortune-tellers,
&c. ascribe to each a predominant power
or quality according to the nature of the animal
from which it is denominated.
See a very learned dissertation on this subject
annexed to P. Martinii Atlas Sinensis, written by
the celebrated Golius.
In this dissertation is given a curious Table
of the Chinese characters by which their Hours
are distinguished: from which we shall extract a
List of their names, together with the correspondent
Hours of our reckoning.
| I. çu. | II. Cheu. | III. Yin. | IV. Mao. |
| 12. 1. Midn. | 2. 3. | 4. 5. | 6. 7. |
| V. Shin. | VI. Su. | VII. U. | VIII. Vi. |
| 8. 9. | 10. 11. | 12. 1. Noon. | 2. 3. |
| IX. Shīn. | X. Yeu. | XI. Sio. | XII. Hai. |
| 4. 5. | 6. 7. | 8. 9. | 10. 11. |
From this Table it should seem that the Translator
hath fallen into a mistake above. Perhaps
the word, which he hath written Hiah, is the same
with XII. Hai here: which will answer his interpretation
in the text.
N. B. The Chinese measure their Hours by a
kind of Water-glasses, in like manner as the
Ancients by their Clepsydræ.
Thus the Chinese significantly express "a Man
"of moderate Learning." The Reader it is presumed
is not to be informed that the Chinese do
not, like all other Nations, write with an Alphabet
of a certain number of Letters, which
by their various combinations form syllables and
words; but with Characters each of which singly
stands for a whole word, or rather for the idea
signified by that word. Now, as the number
of our Ideas is almost infinite, we are not to be
astonished, if that of their Characters amount to
near 80,000, although the words of the Chinese
language do not exceed 330. For the Chinese
Eloquence is addressed to the eye and not to
the ear, and consists not in speaking, but writing;
hence all their public addresses are transacted
by petition and memorial. As therefore all
their books, &c. are in these Characters, he who
knows the greatest number is the most learned
and most capable man. And as these Characters
are not only numerous, but complicated,
(every complex idea being expressed by a character
composed of many simple ones) it must
be a work of time and vast application to acquire
at once a competent knowledge of them, and a
skill in using and compounding them with facility.
It is said however, that provided a person
knows 10,000 Characters, he may express himself
upon most common occasions, and be able to
read a great many books. The generality of
the Learned understand but 15 or 20,000, and
few Doctors above 40,000.
See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 363. 364. &c.
It is customary with the Chinese to celebrate
Persons remarkable for their virtue with particular
honours, erecting triumphal arches to their
memory, and inserting their story into the topographical
history of the place where they lived.
See many extracts from such histories in P. Du
Halde's collection.
| CHAP. IV. Hau Kiou choaan | |