University of Virginia Library

HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
A CHINESE HISTORY.

BOOK II.

CHAP I.[1]

IN the preceding Book we saw Tieh-chung-u
conducted to a Pagoda or
convent by the servants of the Che-hien:
a piece of respect, which seemed
attended with so much good will, that
it took from him all suspicion of harm.
But indeed his thoughts were entirely

taken up with the lovely Shuey-ping-sin;
whom he the more admired when he
called to mind the account he had received
of her wit and judgment, and
the uncommon dexterity with which
she had set aside the tricks to ensnare
her. "Certainly, said he to himself,
this is a young Lady truly admirable!
If my father and mother, who would
have me marry, could procure me such a
wife, I should be the happiest man
in the world. Kwo-khé-tzu cannot be
blamed for endeavouring to gain so
fine a woman; but then had he no
other means but violence? That was
not only criminal but foolish. Little
did my heart suggest to me this morning,
that so uncommon an adventure
would fall in my way; that I should
come to the succour of so fair a lady,
and be the happy instrument of rescuing
her from danger!" Amidst these
pleasing reflections he yielded himself
up to sleep; which the fatigues of the
day rendered far from unnecessary;
and which received no unpleasing interruption
from the image of Shuey-ping-sin,
who was the subject of his dreams.

As soon as he awaked in the morning,
he commanded his servant to
pack up his bedding and furniture,
in order to depart. But the [2] Superior

of the Bonzees, came to him
and told him he must not go: but
must spend a few days longer with
them. "If you had come of yourself,
proceeded he, you might have used
your pleasure: but as you are recommended
to this place by the Che-hien, let me
intreat you to stay and hear what he
hath to say: perhaps he will make an
entertainment, and be glad to converse
with you before you go." "I have
no acquaintance or correspondence with
that magistrate, said the youth: all I
know of him is from the business of
yesterday, which was too scandalous
to be the foundation of an acquaintance:
he is no way obliged to invite
me, or I to go to him. Why then
may not I depart?" "True, Sir, said
the other, no obligation in this case
lies upon you; but there doth upon
me, and I shall incur his resentment if
I do not first advise him of it." He
had scarcely spoke, when a person came
from the Che-hien, with a red paper of
invitation, requesting Tieh-chung-u to
go and dine with him. "Do you see,
Sir, cryed the Superior of the Bonzees,
suppose you had gone: where could I
have found you? Am I now to blame?
Well, pray sit down, while I go and
order something for your breakfast."
This was hardly finished, when a servant
came into the room; who being
asked whence he came, answered that
he belonged to Shuey-ping-sin, and was
sent by her to inquire out the lodging
of the young gentleman[5] to whom
she was yesterday so much obliged;
that she might know where to send a
present to him, and to thank him for
the great trouble he had met with on
her account. "Go home, answered
Tieh-chung-u, and give my most respectful
service to your lady: tell her what
I did yesterday was only to make the
street even, that was rugged and uneven.
Whatever service I did her was
merely accidental: and should I suffer
her to send me any present, it cannot but
soon be known: which will cause some
ill reflection; perhaps give room to
suspect us of unlawful correspondence:
she must therefore by no means
do any such thing. Your mistress, who,
with all the delicacy of her own sex,
hath all the capacity of ours[6] , will be
sensible of the propriety of this refusal.
I am one that cannot see any body suffer
injustice without resenting it to the
utmost; and am therefore by no means
intitled to a present; nor will take so
much as a thread[7] . I now go to the
Che-hien's, and to-morrow from this
place. Give my respects to your lady,
and tell her to watch, as she would
against the spring of a tyger."

Her servant reported all this, without
omitting a syllable. "Is it possible,
said she, with a heart glowing
with gratitude and admiration; Is it
possible the world should contain a
youth of so much integrity and courage!
O that I was but a man, that I might
go along with him and make him my

friend! or could but thank him as I
ought for the services he hath done me!
But alas! I am a woman, and custom
forbids any such thing. Besides I
know but very little of him: neither is
my father at home, or any guardian
friend to make proper acknowledgements
for what he hath done. But
the breast of this youth glows with
a noble ardour, and is as pure as the
clearest crystal. Should I procure my
uncle to go and visit him, something
wrong might happen. He hath refused
the present, I offered him by my servant:
what if I send him a copy of
verses to express my thanks? This too
might be misconstrued by the world,
as too bold and forward." She revolved
a thousand ways in her mind,
but could think on none, which she
might venture to put in execution. At
last she concluded to get intelligence
of every thing that passed in relation to
him, hoping some occasion would
offer to manifest her gratitude. She
accordingly sent people every hour to
hear what happened. One returned
and brought her advice, that the young
gentleman was gone to dine with the
Che-hien. Another, that that Magistate
had kept him till night, and made him
so deeply in liquor as to know nobody.
The next morning she sent to see if he
was departed, and was told, that having
drank hard over-night, he was not
yet risen. She sent again; and was
informed he could not depart that day:
being detained by an invitation from
the Che-foo. "This is a young man of
rank, said she to herself, and he must
comply with these ceremonies and customs."
When two days had elapsed,
she again sent to inquire after him.
Her servants brought answer, that the
night before, the Superior of the Bonzees
had made an entertainment of
Lent[8] for the young stranger, and that
he not being used to such diet, was
very much indisposed: "He keeps
his bed, proceeded he, and can neither
drink tea, nor eat rice: every thing
offends his stomach, insomuch that he
is light-headed." At this Shuey-ping-sin
began to suspect some mischief:
"A little harmless diet, said she, could
never occasion so sudden and dangerous
an illness." She therefore sent
back her servant to gain more exact
intelligence, and to see if there were
any physician with him. She was
informed there had been, and that it
was his opinion, his illness proceeded
as well from his having catched cold
as his having been guilty of some little
excess; but that he had given him a
medicine,[9] that would restore him
on the morrow. When the morrow
came, she was informed that he had
been very ill all night, and was become
so weak he could not rise from his
bed. All her fears and suspicions were
now confirmed. "He is indeed, said
she, fallen into the snare." She revolved
in her mind how to act: her
heart inclined her to go and lend him
assistance; but her sex and her youth
rendered it impossible: and yet she reflected
that there were none beside herself
interested in his welfare; and that
all he suffered was for her sake. Strongly
moved with concern and compassion,
she at last resolved to exert herself in
his favour, be the consequence what it
would. She called therefore her servant,
and inquired of him what attendants
the young stranger had with him.
She was answered, only one, and he a
boy of fourteen or fifteen years. She
inquired about his understanding and
capacity: and was told he was a very
sensible and likely youth. "Well
then, said she to her servants, go two
of you: one remain with the master,
while the other brings the servant to
me." When he was come, the young
lady inquired of him, what was the
cause of his master's illness? "My
master, said he, hath hitherto enjoyed
exceeding good health, till he
went to the Che-hien's; where he drank
wine, and became very sick after it:
then going to the Bonzee's feast, he grew
still worse and worse." She then inquired
whether he yet retained his memory
and speech: and was answered,
he did. "Well then, hasten home,
added she, and with my service, tell
him in his ear from me; that these invitations
boded no good: that his
coming to my relief, and rescuing me
from violence, hath made Kwo-khé-tzu
very much his enemy: that he and
the Che-hien have juggled together to
do him mischief: and that they only
carried it so civilly towards him, lest he
should present the counterfeit order to
the Viceroy. Not daring to assault him
openly, they have put something in
his wine or his rice to kill him: and
if he is not careful of what he eats
or drinks farther, to-morrow he may
be a dead man." Siow-tan listened
with great attention. "Your ladyship,
said he, is certainly right; for
if there hath been no foul play, why
should he receive no benefit from the
physic he took last night, but on the
contrary hath been a great deal worse?
And yet the Bonzee would force him
to take it. Nay as I was coming away,
he was preparing more physic for him
to drink. But I will go and prevent
it, and set my master to scold at him,
and teach him not to bring any more of
his stuff." "By no means, replied
the lady; only tell your master, to
throw away unperceived whatever they
give him. The Bonzee's part in this
affair, is not of his own seeking: he
must have been hired to it with money.
Should your master quarrel with them
now, what will he be in their hands?
as a sheep in the claws of a tyger. He
must for the present have patience.
Hasten home therefore, and inform
him, that when it is night, I will order
a chair to be set down quietly at
the door of the convent: assist your
master to get into it, and come with
him to my house: a good apartment
shall be prepared for him; and when
he hath recovered his health, then he
may repay those people the injury they
have done him." Siow-tan bowed in
token of obedience. When he was
gone a little way, she called him back:
"There is one thing yet, said she;
your master, being a gentleman of good
reputation, and one of strict honour
and virtue, perhaps may not think
well of coming to the house of a young
woman, and may be afraid of giving
room for censure: but tell him to wave
his scruples on this pressing occasion;
and remind him, that it was formerly
the custom for women and men to
converse together without blame: and
even should there arise any on this occasion,
he is a man of so much resolution
and spirit, as to be immoveable
to any thing of that kind,
as a tree that hath taken root is to a
boisterous wind: he is one that can
hold fast the helm in the greatest storm.
Go now, said she, and remember all I
told you." He promised not to forget
a syllable.

When he returned, he found his
master asleep. He waited till he awoke,
and then looking round to see that
nobody was near, acquainted him where
he had been, and of all that had past.
Tieh-chung-u was surprized. "How,
said he, could I be so bereaved of

my understanding, as not to perceive
the situation I was in?" Then calling
for his cloaths, he would have gone to
the Che-hien. "By no means, said his
servant; the young lady advised the
contrary on account of your present
weakness: but stay a little longer, and
a chair will come and carry you to her
house, where you will be taken care of."
Tieh-chung-u was overjoyed at this offer.
"And yet, said he, I am a young
man, and she a young maid; how can
I go to her house, without occasioning
scandal? Rather than that, I would
even die here; then I should leave no
reflection behind me." On this Siow-tan
reported to his master what she had
said to him at parting; which made
such an impression on his mind, that
he cried out, he was willing to go.
"Surely, said he, this young lady
hath the fortitude and judgment of a
philosopher. Her capacity exceeds all
comprehension."

Scarce had he uttered these words,
when the Superior of the Bonzees
brought a cup of physic, and delivering
it to Siow-tan, said, "If your master
will drink this he will be well, and need
not take any more." "Heaven reward
you! replied the boy; when my
master gets up, I will give it him to
drink." "Do so, said the Bonzee,
and then I will bring him some cong-gee
or gruel." But no sooner was his back
turned, than he threw it away: for
which his master commended him.

Towards the close of the evening,
Siow-tan went out of the door of the
convent, to look for the chair, and
saw it waiting attended by two servants.
He went to inform his master,
but found him so faint, that he was not
able to raise himself up; however Siow-tan
got on his cloaths, and watching
an opportunity of doing it unperceived,
took him on his back, and put him into
the chair. As soon as he saw him
carried away, he returned to the convent,
and calling to the Bonzee, who
had charge of the gate[10] , told him,
that he had got his master carried to
the house of a friend, who would take
care of him, and recover his health:

and therefore he committed to his charge
the key of their apartment, that they
might find all their furniture safe, when
they should come for it.

In the mean while Tieh-chung-u, as
he was carried along, perceived with
no small emotion, that a great deal of
pains had been taken in the furniture of
the chair, and every other accommodation:
and he had scarcely got half
way, when he was met by two grand
lanthorns[11] very finely decorated with

the Chop or inscription of Shuey-ping-sin.
"Surely, said he to himself, she
hath a very great value for me, to do
me so much honour." With regard
to her, as soon as she was advised of
the arrival of the chair, she ordered it
to be brought into the hall, which was
lighted up so as to equal day. She
then placed herself on one side, and
ordered four of her women servants to
open the chair, and help Tieh-chung-u
into a bedchamber prepared for his
reception.

As soon as he was set down, he called
for his servant, and ordered him to
present his compliments to the young
lady, and intreat her to pardon his
not paying his respects to her at his
coming into her house: which nothing
but his weakness could have made him
omit. He then tried if he could walk
a little, but being presently tired, laid
himself on the bed.

Shuey-ping-sin ordered her people to

carry him tea, as also Gin-seng[12] , and
other cordial restoratives: but they
finding him asleep, did not offer to
disturb him. Then sending all the
men servants away to bed, except two
old men; she bade them, together
with their wives and her other female
attendants, to wait on her in the great
hall, where she spent the night in getting
ready things for him against he awoke.
It was midnight before he opened his
eyes, which he had no sooner done,
when he was struck with the beauty of
the room and the elegance of its furniture.
Siow-tan was sitting by the bed
side, who perceiving his master awake,
asked how he found himself. He told
him he was much better, and inquired
why he did not go to rest. "Sir, replied
his servant, I have not sat up
alone; for neither the Lady of this
house, nor any of her servants, have
taken repose, but are busy in the hall
preparing things for your recovery."
"Why do they do so, said Tieh-chung-u
with concern? how can I suffer them to
be at all this trouble, and to do so much
on my account?" These two words were
hardly spoke, when the servants returned
with the tea and the cordials,
which they brought to his bed side and
intreated him to drink. He found the
tea disagreed with him, but was much
pleased with the Ginseng, and the other
restoratives: and when he had drank
Con-gee or gruel, he desired the servants
to give his most humble respects to
their Lady, and tell her that she had
taken him out of the mouth of a tiger.
"Yes, proceeded he, my life is intirely
owing to her, and therefore I ought to
have her welfare in regard above all
things in the world: for this reason I am
so concerned at the trouble she gives herself,
that if she thus persists in putting her
own hands to every thing, it will increase
my illness." One of the girls named
Lung-siew, who had the office of housekeeper,
answered. "My Lady attributes
all you suffer to the assistance
you afforded her: and if you do not
recover your health, will not enjoy any
herself. It is now two days since she
heard of your illness; from that time
she hath had no pleasure or satisfaction
in any thing, and hath been even quite
indisposed: but since you are come here,
and there is hope of your recovery,
she is much better. And as to a little
tea or the like, so far from giving her
trouble, she thinks this the least she
can offer you." "If my illness hath
made your Lady indisposed, replied
Tieh-chung-u, the trouble she gives herself
on my account deprives me at once
of health and quiet." To satisfy him,
she promised to prevail on her misress
to take repose; and then retired.
While his servant was making up his
bed he opened the curtains; "How
delicate and perfumed is every thing
here! said he to himself. The care that
is taken of me exceeds even that of a
tender parent." He then composed himself
to rest with great complacency.

When the servants had related to Shuey-ping-sin
all that had past; she judged
that he now was out of danger. Then
appointing a physician to be fetched in
the morning to feel his pulse, and ordering
one or two old women servants
to lie in the hall, to be ready to hear
and get him what he might want, she
retired to her chamber.

CHAP. II.

ALthough the young Lady withdrew
to take repose, her thoughts
had scarce any cessation; and no sooner
did day begin to dawn, but she arose, and

set her servants to prepare things for
him; strictly charging them, not to acquaint
him of the part she took in it.
Some time afterwards he attempted to
get up; but found himself so weak he
was forced to lie down again; and
having washed his mouth, he drank
a little gruel. By this time the servant
arrived with the physician, who feeling
his pulse[14] pronounced him out of danger.
He farther told them, his illness
proceeded from eating something which
disagreed with him, but that he must
not take too much physick; for that one
or two doses would carry it off, provided
he was careful to observe three
things: the first, not to be passionate
or fretful: the second, not to be concerned
or troubled: the third, not to
talk too much: these carefully observed
he would in a few days be well.

While this past at the house of Shuey-ping-sin,
the Superior of the convent
had learnt from the porter Bonzee, that
the youth was gone. He at first was
amazed: "The escape of this stranger,
said he to himself, is of little consequence;
were it not for the anger of
Kwo-khé-tzu: who charged me not to
let him go, and made me give him
in his gruel and rhubarb[15] , something

to dispatch him. These two days past
he hath been very weak, and if he had
taken but one other dose, he could not
have survived it. Had he died, no
trouble would have come of it, and all
had been well. Should Kwo-khé-tzu inquire
for him now, what could I answer?
To-morrow I will go, and acquaint him
of it myself." "How is this? said
Kwo-khe-tzu, it was but yesterday you
informed me he was so weak, that
a dose or two more would do his business:
and now you tell me he is escaped.
I suppose you have received
money from him to let him go."
"No, answered the Bonzee, I could
not dare to do that." "Then it is
because of his father's rank and interest
at court. Do not you know that my
father is higher still than he." "You
do me great injustice, replied the other:
I am intirely ignorant how, or where
he is gone. It is the interest of our
order, to procure the favour and countenance
of the rich and powerful where
we are settled: what folly then would
it be in me to run after a stranger,
whom I know nothing of, rather than
serve you who are the chief in the city
where I live?" "It is not my business
to hear you prate, said the enraged
youth; you must answer for this neglect
to the Che-hien, who committed
him to your care."

When they were come before that
magistrate, the Bonzee urged in his defence,
how improbable it was he should
let him go, after having given him
poison to kill him. "'Tis true, said
the Che-hien, you are acquitted of neglect.
But where can he be gone?
Did any person that he knew find him
out?" "Truly none, answered the

other. Indeed the servants of Shuey-ping-sin
inquired about him once or
twice; but they never came into the
convent, or were near him." The
Mandarine laughed, and cried out,
"Now I know where he is. This
stranger hath not one acquaintance
in the city; only the other day he met
with that young lady, and did her a
piece of service. She is of an admirable
disposition, and doth not forget to acknowledge
it. 'Tis she, who hath by
some means heard of his illness, and
probably suspects the cause; 'tis she
that hath secured him. If you will
take my advice, addressing himself to
Kwo-khé-tzu, go to your father-in-law's,
and there you will hear of him."
"What you say, replied he, is very
likely; 'tis she hath contrived to carry
him off. How shall I hate her for it?
When I, that have courted her so long,
and with so much love and respect, could
not obtain the least return; to have
a stranger she never saw, gain at once so
far upon her fondness, as to be admitted
into her house!" The Che-hien checked
the hastiness of his conclusions, and
dismissing the Bonzee, told the other,
that if their enemy was in the house of
the young lady, they would consult
hereafter how to proceed with him.

Kwo-khé-tzu hasting home, sent for
Shuey-guwin. "Sir, and father-in-law,
said he, yesterday I heard that your
niece had got a young man concealed
in her house. I know not if you are

apprised of it; or whether it be true or
false." "Truly, said the other, I have
not been near her lately: for she complains
that I did not come to her
assistance when you carried her off:
so that I have been ashamed to see her
since. But I know nothing of what
you speak; yet can easily inquire."
He then asked, who it was he suspected:
whether it was the young man, who
rescued her at the Che-hien's. He was
answered it was the same: that he had
been lodged at the convent, and there
taken ill and likely to die: when of a
sudden he disappeared, and no one
knew what was become of him; unless
she had received him into her house.

Shuey-guwin promised to inquire:

accordingly he went, and calling for his
youngest son; bade him go into his
cousin's house, and see who was there.
She admitted him, as usual; and endeavoured
to conceal nothing from his
knowledge. He returned therefore and
told his father, that he saw a young
man in a chamber at the east end of
the house: who was sick in bed. Furnished
with this information, Shuey-guwin
opened the door and went himself.
"You can lay nothing of blame
to my charge now, said he to his
niece; nor am I obliged to concern myself
about you. There is a very ill report
abroad: but I am only your
uncle, and have discharged my duty in
telling you of it." She replied, "If
I have done any thing amiss, you are
my uncle, and should both inform me of
it and advise me for the best. I know
not that I have been guilty of any thing
wrong." "I have always understood, said
he, that it is never customary in this
world, for a young man and woman to
be together in the same house, unless
very nearly related. You are a
young maid: your father is not at
home; nor have you any brother elder
or younger[16] . Why then do you entertain
a stranger, a young man whom
none of us know; and thus bring him
home and nurse him in his illness.
You must not say people talk of this
without reason: for I myself that know
it, must speak of it; nor can I screen
you in so scandalous a thing." Shuey-ping-sin
replied, "I have read in the
books of holy men, that every one's
actions ought to correspond with his
thoughts. I have read also that a
benefit received ought to be returned
manifold: and on the other hand, that
an injury may be pardoned; except
when it is of a gross nature, and then
there ought to be full satisfaction. On
a day when I was in quiet and peace
at my own house discharging the
duties incumbent on me, who should
imagine that any deceit should lurk
under the name and order of the Emperor?
I went out to receive it, when
suddenly I was surprized and carried
away. Where then was the friendship,
where the affections of consanguinity?
The outrage was very notorious: yet
who then appeared in my behalf? My
nearest relations were then absent, although
I was at the last extremity, and
thought of nothing but death. As the
injury then offered me was too great
ever to be forgotten, though my enemies
were to be sacrificed and their
flesh offered to me to appease my resentment[17]
: so neither shall I forget to
my last hour, the benefit I received
from those who came to my assistance.
As to this young stranger, he is neither
my relation nor acquaintance: he is utterly
unknown to me; of another country:
yet hath he a heart like the sun,
a disposition pure as fire; and hath
shewn himself my relation, my countryman,
and friend, a hundred times
more than they that bear those names.
It is owing to him that I still preserve
myself a virgin. For this generous act
he hath been in danger of losing his
life by poison. Now after all this, if
through fear of censure I had refused
him that assistance, which he could expect
from no one else, I should have been
more cruel than a tygress, more insensible
than a savage beast. But I have a
proper sense of the obligations I received
from him; and therefore could do no
less than bring him hither, and endea-vour
to restore him to his former health.
That once recovered he may return if he
pleases into his own country. This is the
method in which my duty prompted me
to repay his services; and what I have
done, I dare own in the face of Heaven,
spirits, genii or demons: nor doth my
heart reproach me with the least crime
or misbehaviour."

Shuey-ping-sin said farther: "I should
be glad to know who they are, who
are so busy with my fame, that you
thus think it incumbent on you to
scrutinize into my conduct. If you
have really a zeal for my reputation, I
shall find you a more important occasion
to exert it. I must intreat you
to go and find out those villains that
counterfeited the Emperor's order, and
to bring them to justice before the Viceroy.
Their crime will certainly occasion
the loss of their heads. My father perhaps

will one day return, and when he
knows you have done me this service
will doubtless acknowledge it."

Shuey-guwin stood for some time in so
much confusion, that he had not one word
of excuse to offer. At last he recovered
himself so far as to tell her that he would
have come to her assistance at the time
she mentioned; but being only a private
inhabitant of the city, without any degree,
quite ignorant of letters and unable
to discourse, he could no ways have
helped her. "It was not for me, said
he, an unlettered ignorant man, to appear:
nor was it in my power, as I
am invested with no habit[18] . In these

degenerate days, there are few wise and
many ignorant: few just and many unjust.
But every body cries out how
wrong it is for a young man to be entertained
by a young woman in her own
house, and alone. It is even become
the talk of children." "Common reports,
answered the young lady, are
like the clouds which are every day to
be seen. They that would act uprightly
should not be moved by such
trifles. Uncle, I will not fail to clear
up every step of my conduct." "I
came here, replied he, out of a friendly
intention. There is a great deal of
reason in all you have said." Then he
hasted away, being afraid to stay any
longer, lest she should be too hard for
him, or sting him with reproaches for
which there was too much foundation.

CHAP. III.[19]

SHuey-guwin had so intirely persuaded
himself he should now catch his
niece tripping; and that he should not
need above two words to silence her;
that he was quite confounded to hear
her justify herself so handsomely. At
his return home he found a servant
from Kwo-khé-tzu, who told him his
master desired to speak with him. He
went to him, and the first thing he said
was, "The stranger Tieh is certainly at
my niece's house; and his coming there
was requested by herself, in order to
make him returns for the assistance he
afforded her." He replied in a rage,
"How can she who is a maiden, dare

to take a man into her house? Sir and
father-in-law, you are her uncle and
nearest in blood: you must chastise
and take her under your care. It is
your indispensable duty." "Alas! said
the other, I have talked to her, and
not spared to chide her. But she
hath a tongue, and knows how to
use it. She hath a mouth, whose words
are keener than the edge of a pen-knife
or razor. I had scarce uttered one
word, when she immediately answered
with arguments fetched from ancient
and modern authors, and backed with
a multitude of reasons; insomuch that
I could not open my mouth." Kwo-khé-tzu
was curious to know the particulars
of her defence. The other related
what he could remember. At
which he stamped and raved like a
madman. "This, said he, is all a pretence.
This comes only from her mouth
and not from her heart. Can you believe
what she says?" "I believe her
not, said her uncle: but what remedy can
we have? There is nothing blameable of
which we can accuse her; nothing wrong
or clandestine to lay to her charge."
"Yesterday, said Kwo-khé-tzu, I talked
over the affair with my friend Chun-kéé.
He tells me this young man is remarkable
for the beauty of his person; and
is of opinion, that he seeing your cousin,
who is likewise very handsome, made
that disturbance at the Che-hien's only
to be taken notice of by her. Do you
think all this which followed was merely
to thank him for his civility, or to
reward his virtue? This is only a pretence
to deceive the world. She hath a
more secret motive for her conduct.
For how is it possible! A young man
and woman, both very handsome, to be
alone together in the same house! If
they were saints they could not be innocent."
"To talk here, said Shuey-guwin,
will answer no purpose. Let
me go home: I will send a servant girl
to her house; who shall conceal herself,
and observe what conversation passes
between them. If we can but discover
any thing wrong in her conduct,
we shall then have reason to take her in
hand."

Kwo-khé-tzu approving of his design,
he hasted home to put it in execution.

He waited 'till it was night;
then opening the door that led to his
niece, and calling to him a girl of
quick apprehension, he bade her steal
away softly, and conceal herself in a
place where they laid wood: thence
to keep a sharp look-out, and if possible
to observe every thing said or done.
She obeyed, and placed herself as directed.
When it was past midnight, and
Shuey-ping-sin was retired to her chamber,
the girl returned home. Her master
inquired what news she had brought.
She told him the young gentleman was
somewhat better, but still kept his bed:
where every thing he eat or drank
was brought him. He asked how
his niece disposed of herself: and was
answered she remained in the hall without,
and was taken up in giving orders
to the servants; whom she employed
in boiling tea, in making broths, and
other offices of that nature. He inquired
if she went into the young man's
chamber. She answered; "No: I observed[20]
that all passed by means of a servant,
who came in and out of his apartment."
When she had related all this,
and more to the same purpose; Shuey-guwin
said, "Is she then so circumspect
and blameless[21] ? Is there no more
room for suspicion than this? I can never
believe it. You have certainly bee bribed,
and what you tell me is not the
truth." She assured him it was, and offered
to confirm it by her solemn oath.
He then dismissed her, but every night
sent people to procure intelligence;
who always brought him the same account.
At length he went to his son-in-law;
who eagerly inquired what news
he brought him. "Four nights together,
said Shuey-guwin, I have planted
people to hear and see all that passed:
but I can discover nothing in the least
amiss, nor catch up a syllable that will
bear an ill construction. My niece is
certainly very just and perfect." "Ah!
Sir, said Kwo-khé-tzu, this can only pass
upon weak and silly people. Neither
in ancient times nor modern could
I ever hear of but one person, Leeuhiau-whoey,
who was perfectly upright.
But if all be true that you say
of your cousin, then there will be two.
But I have not so much faith. On the
contrary, let me go to the Che-hien, and
get him to send for one of her maids.
By putting her fingers to the torture[22] ,
he will quickly make her confess the
truth; and then you will be convinced.
Nay, added he, wait but patiently at
home, observe her well, and you will
soon have an opportunity of being undeceived."

As soon as he was gone, Kwo-khé-tzu
went to the Che-hien, and told him all
that had passed in the house of the young
lady. "Yet I cannot, said he, believe
these fair appearances. I beg, Sir, you
will be pleased to order one of her
women to be brought before you. From

her you may extort a confession of the
truth." "Disposed as I am to serve
you, replied the magistrate, I cannot
do what is irregular and contrary to
justice. If you would have any one
brought before my tribunal, there must
first be lodged a petition, setting forth
upon what account an examination is
required. This business relates to a
young lady of quality, and therefore is
to be managed with decorum. What
you have hitherto related of the stranger
and her, affords no proof of misbehaviour;
and therefore what pretence
have I to apprehend them?" "What,
Sir! said the other, will you let this
affair sleep then? You that are the father
of this city, and superintend the
manners of the inhabitants! Will you
then permit a young man and woman
to live together under one roof in lewdness?
To overlook this, is to consent to
the violation of the law." "Certainly,
answered the Che-hien, whoever is guilty
of the crimes you mention, violates the
law. But if what you tell me of these
two young people be true, they have been
guilty of nothing immodest or blameable.
Far from breaking the law, they have
rather strengthened it. You cannot
forget how discreetly Shuey-ping-sin acted
before; and how far she exceeded
our opinions of her. Doubt not therefore
but she will keep clear of indecorum,
although she may have taken this
stranger into her house, to nurse him in
his illness." "Alas! said Kwo-khé-tzu,
have I then disturbed my rest, and been at
all this trouble and pains to obtain her;
and must lose her so easily? Pray, Sir,
let me prevail on you not to give her
up yet; but contrive some way to know
the bottom of this business." "Be
not so uneasy, said the Che-hien. I
have a servant of my audience, named
Shan-yeo; a fellow of such dexterity
and slight, that he can run up a wall,
open a lock, or creep through the most
impervious cranny. It is but now that
I have found it out. I have just apprehended
and sent him to prison, in
order to chastise him. This man will
I send for, and granting him a pardon,
will dispatch him privately to the house
of the young lady. He shall be a spy
upon them; and if he can discover any
thing that is wrong or criminal, you
may then lodge a petition, and he can
back it with his evidence. But if nothing
wrong can be discovered, whereof
to accuse them, you must be content to
drop all farther pursuit." Kwo-khé-tzu
was exceedingly pleased, and said, "Sir,
if you are in earnest I shall be vastly
obliged to you, and consider you at
once as my father and mother."

When he was gone, the Mandarine
sent his people to fetch Shan-yeo to him
out of prison. As soon as he was
brought, he bade him come near, and
whispered in his ear to the following
effect. "You have been guilty of
great misdemeanours: by which you
have forfeited your office in this court
of audience. Yet having an occasion

to employ you at present, if you are
faithful in it, I will grant you a pardon.
Go then to the house of the young lady
Shuey-ping-sin. Contrive to get in, and
conceal yourself somewhere, whence you
may see and hear all that passes. She
hath received a young man into her
house, and I would gladly know upon
what footing they are together. Go
therefore and bring me an exact account.
But take notice, if I find you
have in the least imposed on me, you
must not expect to live any longer."
"Sir, said Shan-yeo, I dare not offer
to deceive you. Expect a faithful account
of every thing I can either see
or hear." This said he withdrew.

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

and hid himself upon one of the beams[23] ,
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;
and two lighted tapers to be placed upon
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
were prepared and set in order, Siow-tan
was called, and bid to desire his
master to walk into the hall. Tieh-chung-u
by this time was greatly recovered
from the illness, into which the poisoned
draughts of rhubarb had thrown
him; which caused him to rejoice,
as well as to acknowledge the favours
he had received from Shuey-ping-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
the exact order in which every thing
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
accordingly made four salutes to each
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
I neglected to act as I have done, I
must have been worse than a savage animal.
It gives me extreme joy to see
your health in so great a measure 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
rather one of former ages risen again.
This goodness and virtue it is not in
my power to reward in the least as it
deserves. Be pleased therefore to sit
down, and let me bow before you
with the most humble acknowledgments."
The young lady desired him
not to talk in this manner: for that what
she had done was but a trifle, and merely
no more than her duty required.
"How wretched must I have been,
added she, if I had not met with you
in that critical moment? How much
then does it behove me to thank you,
as my generous protector? I ought to
bow down to you, as the only man in
the world, that had virtue and resolution
enough to rescue me." These
words she sent her servant to tell
him, and at the same time to inform him
she was making her compliments. He
got up and returned them in a proper
manner. This done they sat down,
and she ordered her servants to carry
him wine[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
of Shan-tong. He told her he came
there in the course of his travels, which
he had undertaken with the approbation
of his father. This excited her
curiosity so far, that she ventured to
inquire what might occasion him to
travel. Tieh-chung-u told her, that
when he was at court he had rescued
a young woman out of the hands of
a great Mandarine, named Tah-quay;
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
the world. I will afterwards carry
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
foreign countries. The father of Kwo-khé-tzu
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
about a man, who is rather the object
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.
Your words have now made an impression
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
him in the placable sentiments
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
stay, I will with great pleasure defer
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] .
The primitive doctor Chang-lee, who
understood every thing, lived recluse.
Your father is promoted to a high
office at court, where there can be
no want of learned men. To what end
then would you fatigue 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
presented to him by her order, he drank
to her, and proceeded, "How hath
it been possible for you, who are but a
young lady, to have laid in a stock of
history and letters sufficient for a man
of learning?" "Alas, Sir, said she, what
I say is but weak and childish. How
should I be acquainted with letters?"
All this, [and much more,] having
passed between them, the youth began
to think he had drunk enough, and
was fearful of staying longer, lest he
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
the servants to wait on him
till he was in bed: while others had
orders to remove the tables. After which
she withdrew to her own apartment.

Shan-yeo 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-

hien; that he would come and disgrace
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
of soul; that to take away your office,
which you had acquired with so much
study and labour, would render you
very miserable: and therefore urged
him to have compassion on you and
forgive your injustice." Having related
these and all the other Particulars
of their conversation, he said,
"This Sir, was the principal subject
of their discourse; which was carried
on with great respect and courtesy:
she thanking him for the benefit
she had received by his coming to
her assistance; and he acknowledging
her goodness to him during his illness.
And as for any thing more, any thing
secret, or clandestine, there was not
the least shadow of it."

When the Che-hien found what good
offices the young lady had done him,
and that he was thus 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

at last cryed out, "All this is surely
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
them? Be assured every syllable I have
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

attraction. "These two, said he, are
no ordinary persons. The parents of
them both are of exalted rank. How
could I be so mistaken, as to 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
wise actions. Why should Riches 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
better to take part with this accomplished
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

as related above, and finding
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.

CHAP. V.[37]

THE Che-hien, having reflected
on all that Shan-yeo had reported
to him concerning the conduct of the
two young persons, became very much
attached to them, and made them the
subject of his discourse to all his friends
and acquaintance: esteeming himself
happy in having two such characters
in a city under his jurisdiction.

As for Shuey-guwin, finding there was
no longer any room for suspicion, and
that the Che-hien was satisfied of their
innocence, he began to reason thus with
himself: "Although I have hitherto

been so desirous to marry my niece to
Kwo-khé-tzu, it was not so much from
a desire to serve him, as myself, by
getting possession of her house and
furniture. There is no probability
now that this match will ever take
place. On the other hand, notwithstanding
her prudent and irreproachable
conduct towards this young stranger,
it cannot but be thought she hath
a great regard for him. If it were not
for virgin modesty, I doubt not but
she would be glad to receive his offers
of marriage. I think therefore I cannot
do her a more acceptable service,
than to propose him to her for a
husband. If she accepts of him I
shall still come into possession of her
effects."

Full of these hopes he hasted to his
niece by the private door, and addressed
her as follows. "It is a common
saying, A drum if it be not beat
gives no noise; and A bell if it be
not struck upon returns no sound. It
is also said, Whoever hath sore eyes
will see clearly in ten days if he let
them alone to cure themselves[38] . The

day that you brought Tieh-chung-u into
your house to cure him of his illness, it
not only occasioned people to talk ill of
you abroad; but I must acknowledge
that I myself was much disturbed at it.
But now I am convinced you are both
like fine gold, which there is no fear
can receive damage by being put in the
fire." Shuey-ping-sin answered, "So long
as every thing is conducted according to
civility and good order, what great matter
is there in all this? Tieh-chung-u hath
done me an important piece of service,
and I have endeavoured to make him
all the return in my power." "It is
true, said her uncle; you say well;
and I have now an offer to make you,
in which I am very sincere, and which
I hope will expose me no longer to the
suspicion of seeking my own private
interest, or of having any thing else in
view but your real advantage." "All
things, said the young lady, must be
conducted with decency and order. If
it becomes me to do it, I am contented;
otherwise you had better let
it rest in silence." He replied, "The
old proverb says very well: When a
man is of age, he must contract a marriage,
and a woman must accept of a
marriage. You are now arrived at
the marriageable age. If your father
were at home, it would be his duty to
consider of this subject; there would
then be no obligation on me. But he
is sent to a distant country, from whence
no one can tell when he will return.
And for you to pass the prime of your
life unmarried, in hope of an event
so remote and uncertain, would be
very unreasonable. When Kwo khé-tzu,
would have married you, you must
not think that all the tricks he played
you, and the trouble he occasioned,
proceeded from any suggestion of
mine. If I seemed to favour his suit,
it was owing to his continual solicitation.
I am now become very sensible
that all you did was reasonable and
just. Kwo-khé-tzu may indeed value
himself upon his power and riches; but
hath no great pretensions to capacity
and understanding. I therefore begin
to think him an improper match for
such a woman as you. Nay where
is to be found one completely suitable?
It is true there is no scarcity of
ingenious and learned men, but I believe
there are none who may pair with
you for fine sense and ingenuity. Yet
now a favourable occasion offers: and
as Heaven, which hath blessed you
with so many perfections, makes all
things compleat and perfect; who
can doubt but that this Tieh-chung-u
was made for you alone, and sent immediately
by Heaven with all these endowments
in order to match those you
are possessed of. Now although you
have been for some time together under
one roof, observing all decency and good
order; yet I know modesty will not suffer
either of you to touch on so delicate
a subject. I am come therefore out of
friendship to break through this difficulty,
and to negotiate the matter between
you." "Uncle, replied the young
lady: Heaven made Con-fu-cee[39] ,
and endowed him with perfect wisdom
and understanding. Why was not he
an Emperor? he was only a private
philosopher, and teacher of the people.
Heaven likewise in former times made
a woman of the most exact beauty and
most refined understanding. Why was
not she espoused to the Emperor? On
the contrary she married a person of
low rank. All these things are under
the dominion of chance: and are governed
by fancy. Tieh-chung-u is indeed
a young gentleman of great understanding,
integrity and worth; insomuch
that he cannot be said to be
deficient in any one thing. But if you
mention the[40] word Marriage with
regard to this youth, you are very wide
of the matter." Shuey-guwin replied,
"As there have such great obligations
passed between you, and as you cannot
but know each other's inclinations, it is
very fitting you should be united."
"It is on account of these obligations
answered his niece, that I say you are
so wide of the matter. But indeed
there is nothing regular nor according
to decorum. No father or mother
acquainted with the affair. No order
procured. Such a marriage is impossible.
Besides our acquaintance commenced
in a time of trouble and disturbance[41]
, and was farther promoted
by the quarrel this stranger hath had
with the Che-hien: consider too, that in
consequence of this quarrel he was
brought home to my house in the most
sudden and abrupt manner by my own
self. But it was merely to take care of
him in his illness. There was not the
least intention of matrimony in the
case." "With regard to that, said her
uncle, you need be under no concern.
Every body is now sensible
of the purity of your intentions. And
as to bringing him home abruptly,
you need not mention it now: there
hath been nothing amiss in your
whole conduct, and the world is convinced
of it." "Well then, said she,
if hereafter there appears to be no particular
connection between this youth
and myself, my conduct will always
be deemed clear and upright, and I
shall be at ease. But should we once
marry, who would believe that my
former intentions were innocent and undesigning?
We shall always be suspected
of guilt, and by that means rendered
both of us miserable. I can by no means
therefore give my consent to any proposals
of this kind; and desire you
will think of the subject no more."

Shuey-guwin was very angry at this
declaration of his niece, and cried out:
"You talk in a very high and lofty
strain: you that are so young to pretend
to teach me and slight what I
have said to you! Go! I will talk with
you no more, but will apply to the
young gentleman himself and discuss
the matter with him. If he is but inclinable,
I shall not heed all you can say

against it." He then went to the
chamber of Tieh-chung-u. Siow-tan informed
his master, that the uncle of
the young lady was come to pay him a
visit. On which immediately he went
out to meet him: and having conducted
him in, desired him to sit down. Shuey-guwin
began the conversation by telling
him, that for some days past he
had been wholly taken up with urgent
business, which had prevented him from
waiting on him: and therefore begged
him to pardon the omission. He answered,
that he was hardly so well recovered,
as to be able to pay visits himself,
and therefore desired his excuse
that he had not waited on him. Shuey-guwin
told him, that he was come today
to communicate an affair of importance.
Upon the other's desiring to
know what it was; he answered. "It
is with regard to the marrying of my
cousin." "The marrying of your cousin!
said the youth, and instantly changed
colour. This you must not talk of
to me. Your words are lost in the
air[42] . I am a person from abroad. If
you have any other subject to propose,
I will lend you all possible attention.
But why do you mention your cousin's
marriage to me?" "Sir, replied Shuey-guwin,
I should not have ventured
to interpose in an affair of this delicate
nature: had it not been for
the service you afforded my cousin,
and had you not done and suffered so
much for her sake: on that account
I have taken this liberty." "The assistance
you mention, replied the youth,
was purely accidental. Seeing so great
an injury offered to a lady, I could do
no less than assist her. It is not in my
power to see any wronged or oppressed,
without interesting myself in their
favour. This is but the result of my
natural disposition. But from your
discourse now, I conclude you think I
had some sinister design in coming
hither. And since that is the case I
will instantly remove."

Shuey-guwin seeing him so disturbed
at his discourse, endeavoured to appease
him. "Pray Sir, said he, be
not offended. My coming here was
from a good intention: not to make
you uneasy. Give ear a little to what
I have to say, you may then judge
if it merits attention." "It is a
wise saying, replied the youth, What
is not proper to be done, is not proper
to be spoken of[43] . I beg therefore you

will say no more. You probably mean
well in this affair, but are not sensible
how prejudicial it may prove. I find
however it is time for me to be gone."
Then rising from his chair he called
to one of the servants of the house, and
desired him to give his thanks and
service to his mistress, and to tell
her how sensible he was of the favours
he had received: but that finding
from her uncle it was time to
depart, he was accordingly setting out;
and that he could not [presume to]
ask her to come forth that he might
take his leave of her. Then commanding
his own servant to follow, he departed
so suddenly, that Shuey-guwin
was not sufficiently apprized to prevent
him. Who having run after him
to desire him to return, but without effect,
remained behind very blank and
confounded: insomuch that he was
ashamed to return to his niece, but
went home muttering to himself, "This
young man hath very little of the gravity
of a student. He is rough and
headstrong, and and seems more like
one of the sword."

Shuey-ping-sin from the moment her
uncle left her, foresaw what would be the
result of his officiousness; and imagining
her guest might not be very well provided
for his journey, ordered twenty

taels of fine silver[44] to be brought,
together with some pickles and preserved
fruit. Then giving them to
an old servant named Shuey-yeong, she
ordered him to wait without the gate
of the city, and to wait for the young
stranger; and when he came by, to
present her service to him, and desire
him to accept of this small present for
his use on the road. The servant immediately
went as directed, without
making any one privy to his design.

Tieh-chung-u having left the house of
the young Lady returned to the Pagoda
or convent[45] , and sent his servant to inquire
for their bedding and furniture.
The Superior of the Bonzees hearing
he was there, ran to the door to see him
and pay him his compliments. "Sir,
said he, the day that you went from
hence in so abrupt a manner, and for

which I can assign no reason, you made
me incur the Che-hien's anger, who reprimanded
me very severely. To-day
I am very fortunate to meet with
you. And if I should let you go
again, that Mandarine would doubtless
blame me." "As to what hath
happened, replied the youth, I shall
take no notice of it: but still will you
prate? I tell you plainly I will not today
enter your convent; neither drink
of your Cha[46] . And as for the Che-
hien, I will never see him more. Go
instantly, and fetch hither my bedding
and furniture, for I will not
stay." "Your effects, said the other,
are already given to your servant. But
though you are never so angry, I cannot
let you go: you must stay a little."
At this Tieh-chung-u was out of all
patience, and said; "What business
would you have with me, that I should
stay any longer? What! In the open
face of day would you go about to
practice any villainy on travellers who
come to your convent? What! have
you a design to kill me? Have you
received this order from the Che-hien?
If it be so, stay a little, and to-morrow
I will go to the Viceroy's palace and
acquaint him of your proceedings. He
shall send for you, and give you such
chastisement as you will not be able to
bear." These words were scarce uttered
when there came two servants from
the audience of the Che-hien, who said,
"Sir, our master hath sent us to tell
you, that he must speak with you at
his house."

For that magistrate [as hath been
already mentioned] having become sensible
of the merit of Tieh-chung u, waited
for an opportunity to converse with him,
and to ask him pardon for all he had
done to his prejudice. Insomuch that he

could not be at ease till he had seen
him. He had therefore sent messengers
every day to inquire after him
at the house of Shuey-ping-sin, and to
learn the time of his departure; which
he was no sooner apprized of, than he
sent these two servants to invite him to
his audience.

CHAP. VI.

TIEH-chung-u having heard the
two servants, who were come to
invite him to the Che-hien's, smiled
and said, "I am no inhabitant of
his district or quarter[47] ; neither owe

money to any one in it. Why then
doth he always pursue me in this
manner? Is it because he did not kill
me before; and would now do it effectually?"
The servants could make
no answer to this; yet would not
let him go notwithstanding. Upon
which he became very angry, and was
going to beat them: but it happened
that at the same instant arrived the
Che-hien himself. For after he had
dispatched his servants, he imagined
they would not be able to succeed,
and therefore followed them in person,
mounted on horseback and having a
lead horse along with him[48] . When
he came to Tieh-chung-u he alighted,
and saluted him in the most respectful
manner, saying, "Sir, I am a very
mean and ordinary man. Though
I have eyes, I had no sight. And my
understanding hath been so obscured,
that I could not discern you to be a
person of merit. Now I am awakened
as it were out of a dream, and
perceive my error. For which reason
I am come to ask your pardon;
and hope you will do me the fa-vour
to go with me to my audience."
"These words, said the youth, are
very different from those you spoke
the other day. How is it that you,
who have shewn yourself so attached
to power and riches, should on a sudden
appear to be so devoted to truth
and sincerity? But perhaps this may
be only to deceive me: and you have
some new scheme to draw me into
mischief." "Sir, said the Che-hien,
talk not thus. I am now sincere. And
with regard to the former injury, I know
you have forgiven it, and so hath the
young lady; who interceded for me,
with a generosity which I shall always
remember." Tieh-chung-u at this was
astonished. At length he said: "This
is a most surprizing change and reformation!"
"Sir, said the other, to
convince you of it, I hope you will
go home with me: where I have something
to propose, which I flatter myself
will afford you pleasure."

Tieh-chung-u suffered himself to be
persuaded of his sincerity; and consented
to go home with him. Accordingly
mounting the lead horse, he rode by
his side 'till they came to the audience.
When they were seated, the Che-hien
said: "Let me ask you, Sir, what
was your reason for going away to-day
so suddenly?" "It was not my intention,
said he, to depart so soon;
but being disgusted at something that
was said to me, I could stay no longer."

"What could that be? said
the Che-hien; pray inform me." "The
uncle of Shuey-ping-sin, replied the
other, proposed a marriage with his
cousin!"—"Well, said he; and what
hath he hath done amiss in that? Had
he not a great deal of reason? Why
could not you approve of it?" "You
know very well, answered Tieh-chung-u,
that I have been for some time at the
house of this young lady; but with
no interested view: nor was there any
thing clandestine in it. Whatever was
done we can declare before heaven,
genii or spirits[49] . But it would be
difficult to persuade the world of our
innocence. And then for her uncle
to propose this subject to me, shewed
he had a very mean opinion both of
the young lady and myself. Which gave
me so much disgust, that I left him
before he had finished his discourse."
"I acknowledge, said the Che-hien,
that after conversing so long together,
if there had been any thing secret
in your correspondence, any thing the
world were unacquainted with, it would
be very wrong to conclude a marriage[50] .
But remember, in former times there
was a man of such exalted wisdom and
understanding, that there could no where
be found a match worthy of him. It
happened also in another age there
lived a woman of such fine sense and
knowledge, that she could no where
meet with a man equal to her worth,
to make up a pair. If it had fallen
out, that these two had been contemporaries,
they must not have fled from
each other, but have necessarily been
united. To-day it was with much
difficulty that I prevailed on you to
come hither. You are of so strict and
inflexible a temper, that were I to offer
you a present of gold, I know you would
refuse it. And should I prepare never
so fine a banquet for you, I imagine it
would not be accepted. [There is only
this one way in which I can testify
my regard.] I remember an old saying
to this purpose, A man and woman
that can be together in private and yet
preserve their chastity, can break no
law[51] . There is seen this day, what was
only to be found in former ages. And
although to you there appears nothing
extraordinary in all this, yet I look upon
it as very rare and unheard of. Upon the
whole then I should be sorry, and look
upon myself as very deficient, if I did
not accommodate to your satisfaction
this affair, which is so much for your
welfare. Since therefore I have prevailed
on you to come here, I beg you will
stay 'till the conclusion of this business,
and not lose so favourable an opportunity
by an abrupt departure.

At these words Tieh-chung-u fetched
a deep sigh and said, "Alas! Sir, you
must not speak of this marriage. Whoever
pretends to live in this world must

conform to its rules and customs.
He must proceed with regularity and
order[52] , not with intricacy and confusion.
If I acknowledge our sovereign
Lord to be Emperor, can I pretend
to claim an acquaintance or friendship
with him? With as much reason
might I go about to conclude in marriage,
an acquaintance which began amid
so much trouble and distress." The
Che-hien replied, "You are a young
man that have seen the world, and are
of a lively disposition: why do you
talk in this philosophic and romantic
manner? If you are so extremely rigid
and exact, why did you go to her
house, when you were ill? Now you
are well again, and the world is satisfied,
as well of the reason of your going,
as of your behaviour there; what
would there be wrong in your marrying?
Which should your nice scruples
prevent, you will have reason to
regret it as long as you live." "Pray
Sir, said Tieh-chung-u, what benefit
have I ever done you, that you should
interest yourself so much about me?"
The Che-hien replied, "Although my
office is but small, as are likewise its
profits[53] , there was but little wanting
to my being being deprived of it. But
it was my good fortune to-day to hear
that you had pardoned me, and this
through the persuasions of Shuey-ping-sin.
When I heard it I made an oath
to change my former course, and to
conduct myself hereafter by the laws
of equity and justice. When I observed
also how strictly you kept the
rules of virtue and honour, and that
Shuey-ping-sin was a young lady of such
unaffected modesty and striking merit;
when I considered how wonderful it
was that two such uncommon persons
should meet together in one city; I
could not but think the hand of heaven
was in it, and that you two were
destined for each other. Had not
so singular an affair come under my
own particular inspection, it were nothing.
But as with these eyes and
these ears I have seen and heard you
both, and observe you so remarkably
suited to each other; it would have an
ill appearance among the inhabitants
of this city, and reflect much upon
me, should I let such a pair within
my own jurisdiction part unnoticed,
and un-united. You must not therefore
deny me." "Then it is only
to procure credit to yourself, said the
youth smiling, that you are so earnest
in this matter?" "No: replied the
other; I would promote the common
welfare of all." "Well: said Tieh-chung-u;
if there were no other objection
to this marriage, how is it possible
to effect it? There is no order or licence
of father or mother. My own
parents are not here. And if I would
never so, where is the father of Shuey-ping-sin?
What! when I see a fine person
does it immediately follow that
we must be married? [Can a marriage
be either reputable or prosperous that
is driven forward with so much disorder
and irregularity?] You that talk
to me on this subject so earnestly, why
do not you urge it to Kwo-khé-tzu?
He would take a pleasure to hear you
propose what he so much wishes to obtain.
However I thank you for giving
yourself all this trouble on my account.
I must now bid you adieu." "Well:
said the Che-hien; I see you are regardless
of what I say: but remember a
time will come, when you will acknowledge
me to have been right. I wish
you would stay with me longer, but
I know you are not to be moved from
any resolution you have once taken up. It
would be equally vain to think of offering
you a present of money. That, I
am afraid, would but affront you. If
ever I have the good fortune to meet
with you again, I hope I shall convince
you of my present sincerity: and that
you will have a better opinion of me
than you have now." "Sir, said Tieh-chung-u,
I thank you. Whatever I
think of the former part of your discourse,
these last words I must acknowledge
are truly valuable." He then
saluted him in a proper manner and
left him.

When Tieh-chung-u was got without
the gate of the city, he ordered Siow-tan
to hire a mule to carry him and their
furniture. "Sir, said the boy, an ass
would be more proper." He inquired
the reason of this preference; and was
given to understand that their money
began to fall short. At this juncture
came up Shuey-yeong the servant of the
young lady, who saluting him, said, that
his mistress had sent him there early in
the morning to await his coming, which
he had done till now that it was past
mid-day. "Did she order you to wait
here for me? said the youth. Upon
what account?" "My lady, replied the
servant, seeing my second master Shuey-guwin
go in to and to talk with you, imagined
his discourse would prove disagreeable.
She afterwards found it had caused

you to depart; and therefore got this
small present together, and ordered me
to give it you, as you went by." Tieh-chung-u
was charmed with her generosity.
"Your mistress, said he, hath not only
in this favour, but in every other instance
treated me with such uncommon goodness,
that I cannot find words to express
my gratitude." Shuey-yeong said,
"Now, Sir, I must return home;
have you no message for me to deliver
to my mistress?" Tieh-chung-u replied,
"My meeting with your lady
was unforeseen and accidental. Were
I speak of the benefits I have received,
I should find no end of my
discourse. Other subjects it is not
proper to mention. But when you go
home you must present my best acknowledgments
to your lady, and tell her,
that I, Tieh-chung-u, now bid her farewell,
and intreat her to banish me henceforth
from her thoughts: but that I
shall always retain a grateful remembrance
of her kindness[54] ." The servant
then delivering the present to Siow-tan,
returned back to report this message
to his lady.

Having hired a mule, they set forward
on their journey; and observing that
the sun was gone down, they inquired
how far it was to Tong-chun, a village
in their way. The man who followed
the mule answered, Three leagues. Upon
which Tieh-chung-u whipped his beast
forward for about a league, till he
came to a turning in the road, where
was a great thicket of trees. Here
on a sudden started out a young man
with a linen bundle on his shoulder,
followed by a young woman, who seemed
to be in great fear and confusion.
When they saw Tieh-chung-u, they were

the more afraid, and endeavoured to
hide themselves again in the wood.
The youth seeing them, and that their
appearance was suspicious, called out
to them to stop; and asked the young
man, who he was, and where he was
going with that young woman. Upon
which in a fright she begged, he would
not kill her. The young man threw
down his bundle and was running
away: but Tieh-chung-u laid hold of
him and stopped him; saying, "Tell
me truly who you are. I will do you
no harm." The man replied, "This
young woman belongs to the village
there before you. Her name is Thao-chéé.
She is the concubine of Lee-thay-cong,
a rich man of that place. Seeing
that he was very old, she would not live
with him any longer, and therefore got
me to help her to make her escape."
"You are some seducing villain, said the
youth, that have enticed her away."
"Indeed I am not, replied the other, my
name is Suan-yin; I am cousin to the old
man, and not such a one as you speak of."
Tieh-chung-u believing what he said, let
him go. He then asked if it were true
that she was concubine to the person
abovementioned. She answered she was.
"Somebody, said he, hath drawn you
aside. Come, return home again. I
will accompany you thither." She told
him she was persuaded to run away.
"But Lee-thay-cong, said she, will
not believe it. He will think it all
my own contrivance; and I shall be
severely used if I return. I had rather
if you please, serve and follow you."
Tieh-chung-u smiled at her offer, and
replied. "Come then; go along before:
and I will consider what you shall
do." He then bade his servant take
up the bundle and put it on the mule.
The young woman finding it was in vain
to resist, did as she was directed. They
had scarcely proceeded half a league
before they saw a great many people
coming towards them. Who, as soon as
they were near enough to know the
young woman, cried out, "Here she is.
Here she is!" and instantly surrounded
her, together with Tieh-chung-u and
his servant. At the same time they
dispatched two of their number to
acquaint Lee-thay-cong of it. "Good
people, said the youth, you must not
make such an outcry and disturbance.
Had I been disposed to carry off this
woman, I could have taken a different
road. I but just now met with her,
and am carrying her back to Lee-thay-cong."
They replied, "We know not
what was your intention. You are a
young man and she a young woman.
We know not whether you speak truth
or not. You must go along with us
to the Mandarine."

When they were got a little farther,
there came running towards them a great
many more people with torches and lanthorns,
for it was now dark. Among
them was Lee-thay-cong himself; Who seeing
a handsome young man with his concubine,
was greatly enraged; and without

having patience to enquire into
the matter, laid hold of him and
said, "Who are you, that dare seduce
away my concubine?" Tieh-chung-u
pushed him aside, saying, "This old
fellow is no better than a brute, to
behave in this uncivil manner without
knowing whether he is right or
wrong. Your concubine was going
away with another, which I prevented;
and now when I would restore
her to you again, so far from thanking
me, you treat me rudely." The
old man said, "Who should take her
away? She is my woman, and is along
with you; and the bundle you have
there is my property." Tieh-chung-u
seeing him too passionate to hearken to
reason, said, "Very well! Be it so!
It is now night; we cannot at present
clear up this matter; when we come
to the Mandarine of the village, we
shall see who is wrong." They presently
arrived at the Mandarine's house. He
inquired what all that disturbance
meant; and was informed, that old Lee-thay-cong
had brought some people,
whom he had caught running away
with his concubine.

This Mandarine, whose name was
Swin-kien-tze, seldom had it in his
power to squeeze any one by reason
of the poverty of his place: he was
therefore very glad to hear he was
to have before him so rich a man as
Lee-thay-cong[56] . He accordingly ordered

the best robes he had to be brought
him: and getting all the people he
could muster to fill out his audience,
set himself up, as if he had been the
Viceroy of a province. The first, that
made his appearance, was the old man.
Who said to him, "Sir, my name is
Lee-thay-cong. I had a concubine named
Thao-chéé. To-day, while my doors
were open, and while I, unsuspecting
any thing, was busy with the people
of my house; she was seduced away by
a young man, whom I have taken
with her. But I neither know how he
got her away; nor whence he comes;
nor what is his name" The Man-darine
commanded the seducer to be
brought before him. Accordingly Tieh-chung-u
made his appearance: but when
he was ordered to fall upon his knees,
he only laughed at them. Upon which
the Mandarine was very much affronted,
and said, "Who are you? Do not
you know the respect due to the Emperor's
tribunal?" "This place, said
the youth, is not the grand audience
of the Lee-pu[57] ! If it be, I will tell you
my name." The Mandarine seeing
how little he regarded him, said, "What
though you are never so great: and notwithstanding
you affect to laugh in this
manner, you are guilty of a great offence."
"Are you sure then, replied
he, that I took his concubine? Where
are your witnesses? If it were so, could
not I have gone off with her another
way? Be your office great or small, you
hold it from the Emperor in order to
administer justice. But whoever sent
you here, had but little discernment[59] ."
The Mandarine was very much disturbed
at this, and said, "You are some
practised deceiver, who have learnt to
speak in this manner. I fancy you
are some great villain, and presume thus
because of the smallness of my office.
To-morrow I will have you before
the Tao-yéé[60] . Then I shall see whether
you will dare to talk in this manner."
[Tieh-chung-u did not think it
worth while to reply.]

The Mandarine then called to the
old man and said, "How came you
that are so advanced in years, to take
such a young creature for your concubine?
To this shameful inequality,
all the disturbance is owing. Let me
see this Thao-chéé." She was accordingly
brought before him: but when
he saw she was an ordinary poor-looking

girl, he could not forbear laughing.
"What, said he, did you contrive
this elopement yourself; or did any
one intice you to it?" She made him no
answer. "Well, said he, it is too late
to make any farther inquiry into this
affair to-night. To-morrow I will
have you carried before the Tao-yéé;
who will put your fingers into the
stocks[61] and make you confess the
truth." Then he called to Lee-thay-cong,
and said, "This young man and
young woman I deliver into your custody.
[Take particular care of them;
and] see that they be forthcoming tomorrow,
when I will go with you to
a superior tribunal."

For the Mandarine observing that
Tieh-chung-u was no ordinary person,
and hearing him speak so unconcernedly,
was not a little afraid of going too
far: and therefore chose to refer the
matter to a superior court. On the
other hand Lee-thay-cong perceiving
the stranger regarded the Mandarine
so little and spoke to him so smartly,
could not imagine who he was; and
when he was ordered to take him
home, was not a little perplexed how
to treat him. To keep him without
among his servants, he was afraid
would excite his resentment. Again,

to carry him into an inner chamber,
alarmed his jealousy. However remembering
that the Mandarine had
ordered him to take particular care
of him, he said, "It is but for a
night!" And therefore ordered him
to be shewn into an inner apartment:
where he provided him a handsome
supper. When it was over he would
have taken his concubine away; but
reflecting that she was the Mandarine's
prisoner; he said, "That I
cannot justify. It is but for one night.
Let them sleep together." At the
same time he prepared a place where
he could see all that past between them.
"Now, said he, we shall know all in
the morning"

CHAP. VII.[62]

ALTHOUGH Tieh-chung-u was
not a little offended at the impertinence
of the old man and the Man-darine
of the village, yet sometimes he
could not forbear laughing at the ridiculous
distress in which he was involved;
and when supper was brought,
made no scruple to eat and drink heartily:
then ordering Siow-tan to get ready
his bed, without any ceremony lay
down to sleep.

The moon[63] at this time was near

the full and shone very bright: now it
happened that he awoke about midnight,
and opening his eyes, saw very
clearly, Thao-chéé sitting on his bedside;
who perceiving him to stir, stretched
forth her hand to embrace him. Upon
which he started and said, "Forbear,
woman! How can you offer at an indecency
so ill becoming your sex?"
This said, he turned himself about
again to sleep. The girl was so confounded
at this rebuke that she answered
not a word; but went and laid herself
down near the feet of the bed. Lee-thay-cong,
who did not sleep a wink
all night, but sat watching without,
heard him reprimand the girl for her forwardness:
by which he clearly perceived
him to be a modest and virtuous youth;
and no way inclined to any thing bad[64] .
"I am now convinced, said he to
himself, that this woman's running
away was all her own contrivance. The
stranger is faultless, and I have certainly
wronged him." For which reason
he would gladly have set him at liberty;
but reflecting that he was the
Mandarine's prisoner and committed to
his custody, he contented himself with
saying, "To-morrow, when we go before
the audience, I will endeavour to
set the matter right."

At break of day the old man carried
with him a purse of money, and went
to the Mandarine to desire him to
drop the affair, and not bring it before
a superior tribunal. The Man-darine
[willing to shew his power] answered
him sternly, "Did you send me
hither, or invest me with this office,
that I am to be directed by you in
the execution of it? The order[65] was
written out last night, and you must
all go this morning before the Tao-yéé.
Come; come; let us set out." The
old man seeing there was no remedy,
brought the persons in his custody

and attended the Mandarine; who set
out with them followed by a great
crowd of people.

Now it happened to be the birth-day
of the Tao-yéé, and a great number of
Mandarines were come to visit him in
compliment to the occasion: but as
the trumpets had only sounded the first
time[66] , and the gates were not yet thrown

open, they were all waiting without.
When therefore they saw the concourse
of people coming, they sent to know what
was the matter: and were told that a
young man had run away with another
person's concubine. The people that
were present asked him, how he, who
seemed to be a gentleman, could be
capable of such an action. Tieh-chung-u
made them no answer. Then they
asked the girl if that was the person,
who had inticed her away. She replied,
"Yes; it was he who persuaded me
to do it." This answer she gave to
every one that asked her; which did
not a little please the Mandarine of
the village. It happened that at the
same time arrived the Pao Che-hien[67]
from whom Tieh-chung-u had so lately
parted. He likewise was come to
visit the Tao-yéé, and to compliment
him on the occasion of the day. As
he came out of his chair, he looked
round and saw the crowd that was gathered
about the youth. Upon which he
sent to the Mandarine of the village[68]
to inquire what was the matter, and
why they crowded so about that young
gentleman? He came up and told
him, that he had been taken along with a
young woman, whom he had seduced;
and that having been brought before
him, he was willing to carry him to a
higher tribunal. When the Che-hien
heard this, he was very angry and said,
"It is false. I do not believe it. Some
villainous trick is played him. Do
you know that his name is Tieh-chung-u,
son of the Tu-cha-yuen or Superior of
the viceroys[69] . He was at my city,
and was pressed to marry a young lady
of the first rank there, which for particular
reasons he declined: And is it
likely that he would come to a paultry
village and take up with such a dirty
thing as this? No: there is some villainy
at the bottom." "I know nothing
of that, said the other: but he
was brought before me by the old man,
who was injured: and the woman herself
accuses him of being the cause of her
elopement. However I have not pretended
to determine any thing about
it: and for that reason have brought
them hither."

The Pao Che-hien then ordered his
people to look out for a convenient
place, where he might sit down and
examine into the matter[70] . When he

was seated he said to the youth, "You
have but just now left my city: how
is it that you have caused this crime to
be laid to your charge?" Upon which
he told him all that had happened.
"Well, said the other; and did not
you inquire the name of the young
man, whom you met with this woman?"
"He replied, I did. He is
cousin to the old man, and his name
is Suan-yin." When the Che-hien heard
this, he called for Lee-thay-cong and
the girl; and reprimanded the former,
saying, "Are not you ashamed,
thus advanced in years, to take so
young a creature to be your concubine?
You were unable to manage
and govern her, so she struck up an
intimacy with your cousin and would
have run away with him. And now
when people have endeavoured to
restore her to you, you abuse them
for it. Is it thus you repay the
services which are done you? Your
age protects you or I would have
you bastinadoed[71] . Tieh-chung-u interceded
for him and the young woman,
and desired they might be released:
which was immediately granted.
After which the little Mandarine
of the village came up and made his
reverence, asking pardon for what he
had done.

Then the Che-hien said to the young
gentleman, "Yesterday I was desirous
you should stay with me longer, but
could not succeed. To-day I have
the good fortune to meet with you
again, and as you are detained by this

accident, I hope now you will spend a
day or two with me." The other told
him he was so complaisant he knew
not how to refuse him. The Man-darine
charmed with his compliance,
said, "With your leave then, I will
go and present my compliments to the
Tao-yéé, and instantly come back to you."

When he had given his present to
that magistrate and wished him joy on
his birth-day, he returned home with
Tieh-chung-u and made a splendid entertainment
for him. When they were
at table[72] he every now and then made

the fair Shuey-ping-sin the subject of his
discourse: which was ever in her praise.
"Sir, said the youth, all you say of
her is but just. I now look upon
you as my friend, and shall tell you
one thing very truly. When I saw her
the first time at your audience, her
beauty made the deepest impression
on my heart. But afterwards when
my ill fortune involved me in trouble,
and she was pleased to take me
into her house, where she treated me
with all the tenderness of a sister: then
was I forced to relinquish my hopes.
For my having been her guest so long
hath caused a suspicion, which, although
at present it seems forgotten,
would not fail to revive, should such
a marriage take place; and we should
both be involved in disgrace and unhappiness.
Do not urge me therefore
any more on this subject, left you
cause me to take an oath to you, that
I never will think of it. After what
hath passed, to prosecute this marriage
would be against all good order." The
Che-hien urged him no farther on the
subject. When therefore they both
had drank 'till midnight, they retired
to rest.

In the morning when Tieh-chung-u
was about to prosecute his journey,
the Pao Che-hien ordered his servants
to bring him twelve shoes, or pieces of
silver; which he presented to the young
gentleman in order to defray his expences
on the road. When he would
have returned him thanks, he prevented
him, saying, "This is not worth
mentioning: I only desire you to hear

me a word or two. You must not
go travelling about the world in this
manner. You had better return to
your house, and pass your time with
books in study. And when the day
of examination arrives, you may come
to be made a great doctor, and have
your name famous throughout the
world. But if you proceed in your
present method, you will never acquire
reputation and glory." "Sir, said
the youth, I thank you for your good
counsel; and shall not forget it."
Then bidding adieu to each other, they
parted.

When Tieh-chung-u was got upon
the road, he could not help reflecting
on the change so visible in the Che-hien's

behaviour: and especially on the earnestness
with which he had urged him
to prosecute the marriage. "Is it,
said he to himself, from any private
views of his own, or from a sincere
inclination to serve me? Whatever
were his intentions, I have said nothing
that can bear an ill construction."
Then he reflected on the lovely features
and fine person of Shuey-ping-sin; as
well as on her great ingenuity and
sense. "What a capacity must she
possess, would he say; to extricate herself
out of so much danger? Again,
what goodness must she have, when
I had left her house so abruptly upon
the discourse of her uncle without taking
leaving of her, that she did not
resent it: but on the contrary sent me
a present for my journey? Another
woman would have been highly affronted
at my going away in so unhandsome
a manner. Whoever can obtain
her will be very happy. I am the most
unlucky of all mankind. Had I been
fortunate, I should have come to the
city where she lives like myself, without
any disturbance. Then I might
have heard of her in such a manner,
as with a good grace to have proposed
a treaty of marriage, and might
perhaps have succeeded. But as my
acquaintance commenced with her
through trouble and misfortune, there
is no touching upon such a subject.
I am very unhappy. Her age is exceeding
suitable, and so is her condition
and temper to mine." As he
was going on in this pensive manner,
his servant intreated him to mind his
way, which they should be in danger
of losing, and begged of him not to
be so much cast down. "Siow-tan,
said he, I was thinking of Shuey-ping-sin,
what a lovely and what a sensible
lady she is: and how great is my misfortune
not to have known her but
through troubles and disturbance[73] .
Were I to search the world through,
I should never meet with one of so
many perfections, and such transcendent
goodness." "I believe, Sir, said he,
her equal is not be found under heaven[74]
." "Now, said his master, I will
go home and stay a year, and when
the examination is held, will offer myself
a candidate. If I come off with
credit and success, I shall have fulfilled
my duty to my father and mother.
Whether I am promoted to an office
or not, I shall be unconcerned, provided
I can but acquire a name. Then
will Shuey-ping-sin hear of it, and be
convinced how steadily I adhere to my
word, and how punctually I follow
the advice she gave me."

Having confirmed himself in these
resolutions, he put forward on the
road towards the city of Tah-ming, the
place of his birth.

CHAP. VIII.

SHUEY-ping-sin having sent her servant
with a present of money and
sweetmeats [as was before related] was
not a little impatient, when she found
he did not return. Her fears suggested
some mischief had happened, so that she
was plunged in great anxiety and concern,
till the afternoon, when her messenger
came back. She inquired the
reason of his stay, and was informed
that the young stranger was but
just departed from the city: that
her present had been delivered to him,
and that with it he had hired a mule
for his journey. She asked what he
had said at his departure. Then Shuey-

yeong faithfully related all that he was
ordered to report. She said nothing
to him farther at that time, but
bidding him refresh himself retired to
her apartment. When she was alone,
she reflected, that although Tieh-chung-u
had met with disturbance on her account,
she had made him all the returns
in her power: that he was now fully
recovered, and was no longer involved
in trouble for her sake. This gave
her a satisfaction, which was alone
interrupted by her fears of some new
attack from Kwo-khé-tzu and her uncle:
to prevent and obviate these would,
she thought, require her attention.

Shame for the ill success of his
schemes had kept Shuey-guwin for some

days from her house; when one morning
she saw him enter with a visible
satisfaction in his countenance. He
came up and asked if she had heard
the news. "How should I who am
a woman and live recluse, she answered,
know what passes abroad in the
world?" He replied, "I will tell you.
When you brought home to your house
the young stranger Tieh, I thought so
highly of him, as to propose him to you
for a husband. Your steady refusal
was a great proof of your judgment
and penetration. If you had consented,
you would have been very unhappy.
Whom could you believe this
stranger to be?" She replied, "I know
nothing of him or his family. But his
discourse and actions shewed him to
be a man of sense and honour." Her
uncle affected to laugh at this very
heartily: "Ay, ay! said he, a man of
great sense and honour to be sure! You
have always discovered great discernment
hitherto. Your eyes were like the sun.
How came they now to be so eclipsed?
Tieh-chung-u is an impostor; his
pretended sickness was all a cheat.
What ill intentions he had, I know
not: but you are very lucky, that he
did nothing here to involve you in disgrace.
The pitcher goes often up and
down the well, but is broken at last[75] .
He had no sooner left this city, but
coming to the village Tong-chin he was
guilty of a very scandalous action."
She eagerly inquired, "What he had
done?" "He went into the house, said
he, of a rich man there, who had a
beautiful concubine, of whom he was
very fond. What brought him there I
know not, but Tieh-chung-u carried this
woman away. The rich men in the
villages, have a greater authority over
the inhabitants, than those of the city;
So that a great many people were dispatched
after them, who overtook them
both together; when they came up with
them, blows ensued, in consequence of
which they beat him till he was almost
killed. Then they carried him before
the Mandarine of the village. There he
disputed with, and so provoked that
magistrate, that he gave out an order
to carry him before the Tao-yéé.
The result I have not heard: but
when he came before that audience, I
doubt not but he would let fall some
provoking word, and procure himself
to be beat so severely, as not to survive
it."

"Pray, Sir, said Shuey-ping-sin, how

came you to know all this?" He replied,
"The Che-hien having been to
pay his compliments[79] to that Man-darine,
all his people give this account."
His niece upon this, laughed
and said, "Why do you tell me,
that Tieh-chung-u is a bad man and
a cheat? If you should come and report
that Con-fu-cee[80] was guilty
of murder; what were that to me?"
"It is true, said her uncle, this is
nothing to you. I only tell you a
fact I have heard. I could not but
be sorry to see you receive a person into
your house, whom you neither knew,
nor whence he was. If you would
look out for men that are truly wise
and learned, you should go nearer
home; where their characters and families
are well known; where you
may easily be informed what studies
they follow, and what repute they are
in for their learning." "Uncle, said
she, although what you have been telling
me were true, I am no way concerned
in it; nor is it any business of
mine to enter upon its confutation. Yet
such is the opinion I have of that young
gentleman, and such proofs have I
seen of his integrity and worth, that
I am persuaded this is a malicious
and groundless calumny." "This
young man, he replied, is no enemy
of mine. Why then should I report
this, if it were not true? It was related
to me thus, by the Che-hien's
people. You are mistaken therefore
if you think him an honest man; you
might as well say, The yellow river is
clear[81] ." "Till I see it with my own
eyes, she replied, I shall still deem him
incapable of any thing base. This story
is incredible: It cannot be. Perhaps
it was some one, who resembled him
in person, that was taken for him.
Uncle, be so good as to make farther
inquiry into this affair: and if you find
it to be, as you have related, I will
venture to give up both my eyes. For
certain I am, that he cannot have been
guilty of so dishonourable a thing."
Shuey-guwin laughed and said, "I would
not have you lose your eyes, but keep
them in their places. However, to convince
you, I will go again and inquire;
and when you find it true, how
will you be able to look me in the
face?" "I rather believe, Sir, said she,
you will be ashamed to see me, when
you find you are mistaken."

Shuey-guwin was a little piqued at
her answer, and hasted to the Che-hien's
audience. He inquired of the officers.

Some said that Tieh-chung-u was guilty.
Others believed he was falsely accused.
At last he met with one who had been
present at the examination. From
him he learnt the whole truth of the
matter. Shuey-guwin was so ashamed
of his mistake, that he did not venture
at first to return to his niece. "This
girl, said he, is as cunning as a witch.
She is mistaken in nothing. What
shall I now do to get clear of this
affair? I will go and consult Kwo-khé-tzu."
To his house he repaired; where
he told him all that had passed, and how
ashamed he should be to contradict
his story. "Sir, and father-in-law, he
replied, you are surely a saint. Who
in these days, beside yourself, makes
any scruple of reporting a fact, as they
would have it? Who scruples to say the
thing that is not[83] ? Tieh-chung-u hath
given us a good handle, and shall not we
make a song or history of him? There
are those, who can convert the least
shadow into substance; and if they catch
hold of a word, will compose a volume."
"You say true, replied the
other: but whom shall we get to draw up
this ballad?" "Who should do it but
myself, said Kwo-khé-tzu? Am not I
a student? I can do that surely!" Shuey-guwin
said, "If you will do it, it will
be very sufficient." "But although I
should compose this song, said the other,
I do not chuse to write it." "That,
replied his father-in-law, may be performed
by another hand. To procure
it to be written shall be my care.
Come, let us see what you will make of
it." Kwo-khé-tzu stood a little to recollect
himself, and thus began.[84]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Kwo-khé-tzu having repeated the foregoing
lines, Shuey-guwin, who had listened
to them with great attention,
clapped his hands and cried out, "Excellent!
Excellently good! But I am
afraid, said he, from the particular

manner of the description, my niece
will scarcely believe they are of any body's
composing but our own." "Let
her think so, if she pleases, replied the
other; that signifies nothing." Shuey-guwin
procured a person to write them;
and then took them with him: but
before he went, the other said to him,
"If your niece will be influenced in
my favour by those lines, it will be well.
If not, I shall soon be able to plague
her; for in a short time there will
come a Ngan-yuen or Grand Visitor
into this province[85] , who was a pupil
of my father's. Him will I get to
oblige her to marry me. And as
your brother hath no son, instead of
bringing her home to my house, I will
go and solemnize the marriage at her
own[87] . Then what tricks will she
find to evade it?" Here Shuey-guwin
started, and said, "I thought, at first,
you only wanted my niece. Now I
find you would have all she is possessed
of. I cannot consent to this. You
must carry her home, otherwise her
house and effects will be yours; nor
will it be in my power to handle then
so much as a straw." "Sir, and father-in-law,
said Kwo-khé-tzu, can you
think I have any thing in view beside
your niece? You cannot but know
I want for nothing. I am son of a
prime minister; and have every thing
at command. As for your brother's
house, when I am once possessed of
his daughter, you may depend on that
and all that belongs to it," "I am
satisfied, said the other, I will go and
carry the verses to my niece. If she
acquiesces, it is well. If she scolds, or
is angry, I will give her a hint about
the Grand Visitor. And whatever she
says, I will come and impart to you."
"Well, go then, replied the youth;
I will wait here till you bring me an
answer."

What the young lady says to this,
we must look for in the next chapter.

CHAP. IX.[88]

SHUEY-guwin carried the paper of
verses to his niece. "Well, said he,
to oblige you I have made enquiry,
and find it to be true. It is a very
dirty business[89] . When I told you
before that this man was a cheat, and
every thing that was bad, you would
not believe me. Now I have brought a
convincing proof of it. You will both
find that he is so; and that he hath
caused reflections to be thrown upon us.
She asked him, "What he meant?"

He answered, "As I went to the Che-hien's,
I saw a croud of people reading
a paper; so many, that I was not able
to come near. I heard them say there
were more in other places. I went in
search, and accordingly found one. I
thought you would not believe me,
so I took it down and here have
brought it." The young lady having
opened and read the paper, fell a
laughing, and said to her uncle, "Konghoh,
or much joy!" "Why, said he, do
you give me joy? What do you mean
by it?" She answered, "Because you,
that a little while ago could neither
write nor read, are now able of a sudden
to compose and write verses."
"Whatever others, said he, might be
disposed to believe concerning me, you
know very well my insufficiency, and
how incapable I am of any such thing.
You are disposed to be merry." "It is
true, said she, it was not you that made
them, but Kwo-khé-tzu. They are the offspring
of his masterly pencil[90] ." "Alas!
answered Shuey-guwin, he is looked upon
as a man of letters: so am I. But he
knows as little as myself. Far from
being master of his pencil, he knows
not how to use it at all[91] ." "If he
knows not how to handle his pencil,
said the young lady, he knows how
to use his tongue. The composition
is altogether his own." "Why, said
Shuey-guwin, should you talk thus? He
is no enemy to Tieh-chung-u, what
reason then could he have to abuse
him?" "Think not, replied she, I am
unacquainted with what passes in the
breast of your son-in-law. He was alone
the author of these verses. Nobody
besides him knows any thing of the
stranger. But fine as their composition
may be, your niece, Sir, is a weak
silly girl, and so far from being able
to discover their beauties, she cannot
even comprehend their meaning. How
then can she be touched or affected
by them? You had better lay aside all
thoughts of this kind, and not spend
your time to so little purpose."

Shuey-guwin was so disconcerted, that
he had not a word to offer farther on
that head; but he said, "Niece, there
is one thing I have to tell you. Think
not that Kwo-khé-tzu will ever give
you up; or lay aside his thoughts of
you. He waits for the sanction of
higher authority, than that of the Man-darines

of this city. Yesterday the news
arrived, that a Ngan-yuen or a Grand
Visitor is coming hither, whose name is
Fung-ying; one that was a pupil of his
father's, and highly esteemed by him[92] .
When he arrives, Kwo-khé-tzu intends
to apply to him for his authority to
conclude the marriage: which he will
have compleated at your own house.
Now as your father is not at home,
and as I am a private person without
any habit, and you a young woman
of sixteen or seventeen years, how will
you be able to manage this matter?"
"Uncle, replied the young lady, this
Mandarine comes with the Emperor's
commission, and will doubtless act conformably
to it. He is sent to supervise
the province, and to rectify whatever
is amiss. But I imagine he will exceed
the bounds of his commission, if
he comes here to offer any violence.
Now marriage is an affair of private
concern, and no way relates to the business
of his office: nor is he any ways
required to interpose in it. Should
he therefore be wrought upon in the
manner you threaten, he may not perhaps
see himself in his post at the expiration
of the year. But he is a man
of understanding, and will not break
the Emperor's laws: or even if he
should, let us not be afraid."

"You affect to speak in a very lofty
strain, said her uncle; and talk of not
fearing. When you come before the
Grand Visitor, should he speak but two
words with authority and justice, will not
you be afraid? Certainly you will be very

much frighted." "True, she replied,
when it is with justice. Every body is afraid
that is guilty: but who is concerned
that is altogether innocent? You must
not talk of this Mandarine only: but
was it the Emperor himself, I should
not fear: nor will I be terrified so far
as to give myself up to the loss of
my happiness[93] ." "To me, said Shuey-guwin,
you may talk in this manner.
It would excite the laughter of any
one else. What I tell you proceeds
from friendship; regard it as you
please: but when the time comes, you
must not blame me: nor can you
deny I have given you warning." "It
is an old saying, replied his niece,
Every one hath an understanding, a
memory, and a will to direct him[94] .
If you do not comprehend this,
there is another common saying,
that Every one knows his own necessity,
whether it be hunger, cold, or
heat. Be pleased therefore, Sir, to
manage your own affairs. Your niece
knows how to observe that which is
lawful, just, and reasonable. Whatever
I do, whether it be well or ill, whether
it prove unfortunate or happy, let it
not affect you with any concern."

These words seemed to Shuey-guwin

like the keen edge of swords dividing
an iron bar. He looked very stern
and out of humour, and rising up from
his seat, said, "All I have told you
proceeds from good will. A village
mouth is good physic[95] . You may
hearken to my words or not, as you
please." He then went away, resolving
to urge Kwo-khé-tzu to prosecute the
affair with the utmost rigour[96] .

It was about two months after this,
that the Grand Visitor arrived. Kwo-khé-tzu
went two leagues out of the city
to meet him[97] : and made him a great
many presents and entertainments.
That Mandarine thought himself very
much obliged by these civilities, and
expressed a concern that he did not
know how to return them: telling him
that as he was but just arrived from

the court[98] , he had nothing to present
him worth his acceptance; he desired
him therefore to point out some way
in which he could do him service.
Kwo-khé-tzu answered, "Sir, you are
a person of high quality and office.
How can I presume to ask you any
favour?" "Do not consider me in that
distant light, replied the other, but
rather as your intimate friend, to whom
you may speak with intire freedom."
"You do me a great deal of honour,
replied the youth; there is indeed one
thing which intimately concerns my
welfare, and sits nearest to my heart.
Could I but obtain your assistance in
that —" The Mandarine desired
to be informed what it was. "My
father, he replied, is in a public employment;
which so intirely engrosses
his attention, that he hath none to
bestow on the affairs of his family.
For this reason, I am not yet married[99] ."
"What, said the other, have you yet
made no offer of marriage to any one's
daughter?" "Yes, he replied, I have;
but the lady whom I would wish to marry,
hath refused me; and therefore I
intreat you to interpose in my favour."

When the Grand Visitor heard these
words he laughed aloud, and said,
"There is something very singular and
strange in all this. Your father is a minister
of the first rate. You are a young
man of quality. Who can refuse to marry
with you? Pray whose daughter have
you applied to, that you have been
so unsuccessful?" He replied, "To
the daughter of Shuey-keu-yeh, assistant
to the tribunal of arms." "Her father,
said the Mandarine, hath long

been banished into Tartary[100] . Who
takes care of his house? Is it her mother?
She I suppose will not give
her consent." Kwo-khé-tzu answered,
"Her mother hath been dead many
years. There is no one left here beside
this young person. It is she herself who
refuses my offer." "How! said the
other, she, who is a young maiden! how
can she refuse you? I fancy when you
made your offer, or gave your present,
she might know nothing of it." "My
Lord, replied the youth, she knew it
very well: but hath always been endeavouring
to play me tricks." "If
it be so, said the Grand Visitor, why
did not you apply to the Che-foo and
Che-hien, and get them to manage this
business for you?" "I have applied to
them both, said he, but she esteeming
their offices but small, paid little regard
to them. I therefore now have recourse
to your lordship: and beg you
will compleat this affair in my behalf.
This will lay me under the greatest
obligation as long as I live." "To
promote marriage, said the Grand Visitor,
is a thing highly good and charitable.
I see nothing wrong in the
affair in question: and therefore will
undertake it for you. Who was your
mediator or bridesman[101] before? Perhaps
he did not make the offer clearly
understood." The other told him, it
was the Pao Che-hien, who carried the
present himself to her house; which
in her father's absence, was received
by her uncle: and that every body
knew this to be matter of fact. "If it
be so, replied the Mandarine, I will issue
out an order to-morrow, impowering
you to go and carry her home to
your house in order to marry her."
"Should I go for her, replied the
other, she would never be prevailed on
to enter the chair: but would doubtless
contrive some way to escape.
I only beg the favour of you to let me
go to her house and solemnize the
marriage there." The Grand Visitor
replied, "Very well: you may do so."
Having finished their discourse on this
and other subjects, and the entertainment
being ended; Kwo-khé-tzu retired.

Within two days the Grand Visitor
performed his promise, and sent a chop
or order to the Che-hien, as follows.

"I, the Ngan-yuen or Grand Visitor,
signify, that as marriage was the
first law or contract in the world,
the time for solemnizing it should

not be neglected: therefore as Kwo-khé-tzu
son of Kwo-sho-sú hath made
offers and presents to the daughter
of Shuey-keu-yé, which treaty of
marriage was under the direction
of you the Che-hien; the marriagepresent
being carried by yourself:
and it being requisite that they should
now proceed to the completion of
the same, I therefore command and
authorize the said Kwo-khe-tzu, now
in the absence of her father, to go
to the house of his bride and marry
her there: it being a thing good and
laudable. And you the Che-hien are
hereby required not to delay the
execution of this order beyond the
space of one month, under pain of
prosecution for default thereof."

The Pao Che-hien when he had received
this order and read it, saw plainly
it was the contrivance of Kwo-khé-tzu.
Yet to go and lay open the whole
affair, he thought would expose him to
that young man's resentment. On the
other hand, the Grand Visitor would
be apt to call him to account, whenever
the truth should be discovered. After
some deliberation therefore, he resolved
to send a private account to that Man-darine
of what he knew of the matter:
which was conceived in these terms.

"This is to acquaint your Excellency[102]
, in answer to your chop or
order: that I was indeed the person

who undertook the treaty of marriage
you mention. The other persons
concerned were Kwo-khé-tzu and
Shuey-guwin. The young lady opposed
it, as a thing she disliked: for
which reason it yet remains in dispute,
and unfinished. Yesterday I
received an order to see the marriage
concluded, which it behoves
me to obey. But I am sensible that
she is still very averse to it: and
therefore lest any difficulty or disgrace
should happen, which may
extend so far as to reflect upon
your Excellency, I have ventured
to give you this information; which
I hope you will not take amiss.
Nevertheless be it done according to
your pleasure."

When the Grand Visitor received
this letter, he was very angry with the
Che-hien. "What! said he, am I in this
great office, and have every thing at
my disposal, even life and death, and
yet am not able to prevail in so inconsiderable
an affair, as the marriage of a
silly girl, daughter of a banished criminal?
It would be an affront to
my dignity to pay any regard to her
weak reasoning and trifling arguments."
Accordingly he dispatched a second order
to the Che-hien, which was to this
purpose.

"If Shuey-ping-sin did not consent
to the marriage, why did you make
yourself the bridesman? You seem
determined to perplex and disturb

me. You are therefore hereby required
to go once more to her house,
and acquaint her that she must marry
Kwo-khé-tzu without farther delay.
If she refuses, bring her before
me."

The Che-hien when he had received
this second order, and observed it to
run in very positive terms, such as
would admit of no evasion; went in
the first place to the house of Kwo-khé-tzu,
and gave him notice that he
was required to marry within the space
of one month. He answered very
joyfully, "Ay, ay! with all my heart."
From thence he went to the house of
Shuey-ping-sin: and bade a servant inform
her, that he was come to speak

with her by the Grand Visitor's order.
The young lady, who knew well enough
what was in agitation, commanded two
of her servants to fix up the curtain
in the great hall; and, as soon as it
was let down, she entered. Then she
bade one of them go to the Che-hien,
and desire him to inform her in plain
terms what was the purport of the
order he had brought. He replied,
"It is concerning your marriage with
Kwo-khé-tzu. When I interposed at
first, you shewed such aversion to it,
that he hath for a long time desisted.
But this great Mandarine, who is newly
arrived, was a pupil of his father, and
therefore hath been prevailed on to
lend his countenance and assistance to
have the marriage at length compleated.
Yesterday I received an order requiring
me to give notice to you both, that
it must be concluded within the space
of one month. I am just come from
the house of Kwo-khé-tzu, whom I
have advised of it. And I now wait
upon you on the same account, that
you may be prepared accordingly."
The young lady replied, "Far am
I from objecting to so honourable
a thing as matrimony. Only my father
is not at home, and I have not
his licence. I am not mistress of myself,
therefore beg you will do me the
favour to go and acquaint his Excellency
of it." "This, said the Che-hien,
is the second order I have received
to this purpose. The first I set aside,
and gave my reasons for it. After
which I received a severe reprimand,
together with this new order, which
is very positive. I cannot presume
therefore to say any thing more to
him. But do as you please. I do not
pretend to force your inclinations. I
only give you notice, as I am in duty
bound." She begged the favour to see
the order itself, which was so absolute
and positive. He called his secretary,
and bade him deliver them both to
her servant. When she had perused
them, she said to the Mandarine: "The
reason why I refused to marry Kwo-khé-tzu,
was because my father was absent,
and I had not his consent. Should
I marry without it, I am afraid he will
be very angry with me when he comes
home. For my vindication therefore,
be pleased to intreat the Grand Visitor
to let the two orders remain in my
hands: which will declare plainly the
conduct of the whole affair; and that
it is done by his Excellency's appointment."
The Che-hien consented to leave
them with her, and promised to acquaint
the Grand Visitor with her request,
telling her he doubted not but that
Mandarine would either permit her to
keep them, or afford some other way
for her to shew the reasons of her
conduct.

"How is this, said the Che-hien
when he was withdrawn, that the
young lady so suddenly accepts of Kwo-khé-tzu!
Is it this superior authority,
which hath made her comply? or hath

she any other design which I cannot
discover? I imagined she had kept herself
all along for the handsome stranger."
He went immediately to the Grand Visitor
and told him what she said. That
Mandarine laughed, and was very well
satisfied. "How came you the other
day, said he, to send me word that
she was very cunning and subtle, and
altogether averse to this marriage? You
see now she is all compliance. If she
desires to keep the two orders by her,
as a justification of her conduct; let
it be granted." The Che-hien went
immediately, and informed her of it.
"You must not now, said he, change
your resolutions. This is no longer
the affair of Kwo-khé-tzu; but relates
to the Grand Visitor himself. Let
your house therefore be put in order,
and when the bridegroom can fix on
a fortunate day, I will wait upon you
with previous notice." The young lady
replied, "As this is his Excellency's
order, I shall not disobey it or go from
my word; though he himself possibly
may." "How! said he, can so great
a man vary in his resolutions? No,
no! that cannot be. You may depend
on his steadiness." Then withdrawing,
he went to Kwo-khé-tzu, and gave him
notice to chuse a fortunate day to compleat
his marriage. He believing that
the young lady had consented, was
very joyful, and hasted to provide and
prepare things for his wedding.

CHAP. X.

THE Grand Visitor seeing that
Shuey-ping-sin had accepted his
order, was very well pleased, and having
now been a few days in possession of his
post, opened his gates to administer
justice. The first day that he gave audience,
about fifty came to present their
petitions. He received them all, and appointed
them to attend a few days after,
when they should have them considered.
All the company retired except one
young woman, who remained upon her
knees. The servants of the audience
on both sides bade her depart. She did
not obey them: but rising up went still
nearer to the tribunal. And then cried
aloud, "I am the daughter of one under

condemnation. For this reason I did
not get up and depart: not daring to
hide myself or fly from justice. I came
here this day to end my life. By this
means I shall neither disobey your Excellency's
orders, nor yet offend my own
honour." With these words she drew
forth a knife or poinard, and was going
to plunge it in her bosom[103] . The sight
of this very much surprized the Man-darine,
who asked, Who she was, and
what was the matter? "If you are
injured, said he, I will redress you."
At the same time he ordered his people
to prevent her from doing herself any
mischief. She replied, that she was
daughter of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye,
who was at present under sentence of
banishment. "I am now, proceeded
she, in my seventeenth year. My mother
being dead and my father at a
distance, I remain alone in my house
a poor helpless maiden, observing the
laws of virtue and modesty, as it becomes
all young ladies to do. While I
thus past my time in innocence, suspecting
no harm, I have been treacherously
persecuted by a youth, named Kwo-
khé-tzu, who hath contrived a hundred
ways to ensnare me; all which I have
still endeavoured to avoid. For some
time past he hath foreborne to trouble
me: but there is lately arrived a Man-darine
of great power and rank, who
was his father's pupil. With this gentleman
hath Kwo-khé-tzu lodged a petition,
and obtained his favour: insomuch
that the first thing he did after
his coming, was to do violence to my inclinations
by commanding me to marry
this young man, contrary to all reason
and law: [for he hath obtained no
licence of father or mother: neither
hath any mediator or bridesman interposed.]
Two orders have been delivered
out for that purpose. These I
could not oppose, as being a young
woman lone and friendless. But when
I saw them, I was even bereaved of my
life with apprehension and fear. Finding
at length there was no other remedy,
I sent my servant with a petition
to Pe-king, with orders to strike on the
Emperor's drum[104] . He hath accordingly
been gone three days. This procedure
I imagine you can never pardon,
and am therefore come here with
a firm resolution to end my life in your
presence." As soon she had spoken
these words, she again attempted to
stab herself with her poinard.

The Grand Visitor did not much
regard what she said about Kwo-khé-

tzu, but when he heard she had dispatched
a servant to Pe-king, and saw
her so resolutely determined to kill herself,
he was seized with the greatest
apprehensions. He begged her to forbear;
saying, "How should I know
what you have been telling me? Till
now I never learned how the affair
stood. But you have great reason for
what you say. You must not offer
any violence to yourself. I will take
care you shall have justice done you.
Yet there is one thing I must observe:
you say you have licence of neither
father nor mother; so far you are right:
but that you had no mediator or
bridesman, is not true." "The Pao
Che-hien, replied the young lady, was indeeed
a bridesman, but not to me.
He was such to my sister, my uncle's
daughter[105] : and her hath Kwo-khé-tzu
accordingly married, and long since carried
home to his house." "If it be
so, said the Mandarine, you have great
reason on your side. But why did
not you deliver in a petition to me,
and inform me truly of the case. Had
this been done, the last order had never
been issued out. Why were you so
hasty to send away a petition to Peking?"
"I should not have taken these
measures, she replied, had I not seen
how absolute your last order was:
wherein too plainly appeared the interest
my adversary had gained in you.
Now if I had sent up no petition to
the court, but had died here in obscurity,
every thing had continued in
impenetrable darkness, and there had
remained nothing to clear up my fame
and conduct." He told her, the injury
she complained of was not of such
consequence, but that he could have
redressed it; so that she needed not have
applied to the Emperor, or have carried
matters so far. "As this, added
he, is a trifling affair, I can hardly
conceive how a petition could be drawn
up without enlargement or misrepresentation;
which must fall very heavy
upon you when it comes to be read[107] ."
She replied, "Why should I need to
put any thing in it but matter of
fact?" Then taking a paper out of
her bosom, she presented it to him,
as a true copy of what she had sent.
He cast his eye over it, and found it
contained a brief and succinct relation
of the injustice done her, and by whom:
informing his majesty, that before this
could have reached his hands, she should
have surrendered up her life, by killing
herself before his tribunal: and that she
sent her slave to fall down at his feet
in order to petition for redress: and
that though she should be laid in her
tomb, her shade would still retain a
grateful sense of the justice his majesty
would do to her memory[108] .

The very sight of the address of this
petition threw the Grand Visitor into
a cold sweat, and made him shudder.
At first he was disposed to chide her

severely for a precipitancy so fatal.
But fearing it should drive her to extremities,
he thought it better to sooth
her with gentle speeches. "When
I came here, said he, I was utterly
ignorant of this affair. Kwo-khé-tzu
drew me designedly into it. I thought
I was doing a good action in promoting
a marriage. It was out of
friendship and benevolence that I interposed.
I find I have been mistaken;
and was misinformed as well about the
consent of your father and mother, as
about the intervention of the bridesman.
Lady, proceeded he, return home to
your house. Rest easy and quiet.
Think no more of the tricks which have
been played you: for I will set forth
an order forbidding any one to molest
you, or to concern themselves in any
wise farther on the subject of your
marriage. In return for which I must
intreat you to dispatch a messenger
away to bring back your petition."
She replied, "To deliver out such
an order as you mention is all I can
expect or desire of your Excellency;
and will be such a mark of your
goodness as will deserve my best thanks.
But how shall I cause my servant to return,
when he hath been gone already
three days on his journey?" "I will
undertake to do that, answered he,
if you will but give me a description
of his person and dress." Then calling
some of the most capable men of
his audience, he dispatched them away,
with an account of the person they
were to pursue, commanding them to
travel night and day with all imaginable
speed, 'till they had overtook
him and brought him back with the
young lady's petition. She then took
her leave, and went home in a chair,
which the Grand Visitor had prepared
for her. There at present we shall
leave her and return to the Che-hien,
Shuey-guwin, and his son-in-law, none
of whom had the least notice of what
had happened.

On the contrary the latter of these
was very joyfully employed in preparing
things for his wedding, and in
chusing out a fortunate or good day.
Of which, as soon as it was concluded
on, he gave notice to her uncle; who
accordingly went to acquaint her with it,
and to give her joy. At this Shuey-ping-sin
laughed, and said, "What do
you mean by a good day, and by giving
me joy? Do you mean in this world
or the other[110] ?" Shuey-guwin replied,

"Oh niece! you may make a jest of it
to me: but you must not trifle with the
Grand Visitor. Do you consider that
he is a great Mandarine and whatever
he says is the same as if spoken by the
Emperor himself. He hath power over
life and death[111] ." "She replied, how
should I make a jest of any thing to
you, who are to me as a father. But
the Grand Visitor that is now, is not
the same that was the other day. He
it quite changed, and become another
person. To jest with the former is
a thing of no consequence." "If
you meant to make a jest of him, said
her uncle, why did you accept the
orders he issued out." "Uncle, said
she, I took them merely to make a
jest of them."

She had hardly spoke before a servant
entered to acquaint her that the
Grand Visitor had sent a paper of declaration.
She asked of what nature.
"Doubtless, said her uncle, it is to
hasten the completion of your marriage.
Let me go out and see what it contains."
The young lady assented. He
accordingly went into the great hall,
and seeing the officers, asked them what
they had to say to his niece. "I suppose
it is to require her to prepare
for her wedding." The officers told

him it was not so. "Our master
the Grand Visitor, said they, having
been but a short time arrived, knew
not how affairs stood with regard to the
marriage of this young lady. He never
suspected but she had licence from
her father and mother to marry, and
that the bridesman had been accepted.
It was but yesterday he was informed
of the truth. He now gives out this
order and declaration, forbidding any
one to concern himself or meddle with
her, whether by laying claim to her, or
otherwise forcing her to marry against
her inclinations."

Shuey-guwin seeing the declaration and
hearing what the officers said, was ready
to die with fear, and utterly unable

to answer one word: but taking the
paper he went in and gave it to his
niece. "Here, said he, is a declaration
from the Grand Visitor; I know not
what it contains." She accordingly
opened it and read as follows.

"Whereas the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye[112]
when banished into a distant

country, left at home one only
daughter, who hath not yet been
presented in marriage[114] ; and whereas
she, who is left thus a lone and
desolate, keepeth her house quietly
in his absence, and observeth
all the duties becoming a young
woman: I hereby require and command
the Che-foo and Che-hien to
take particular care that she be no
way molested; and that no one be
suffered either by force or other unfair
practice to endeavour to marry
her. Upon the first notice that any
presume to act contrary to this Order,
let me be advised, and I shall prosecute
them with the utmost rigour."

When she had read it, she smiled and
said: "What is this to the purpose?
This is not to frighten men but monkeys.
However, as it is a proof of
his good will, I shall esteem it a great
favour." Then she ordered her servant
to put two taels of silver in a red
paper for the officers that brought the
declaration, and five mace[115] for the officers'
servant. These she delivered to
her uncle to give them. Not knowing
how to refuse her, he quietly went
and presented it to them, with his
niece's thanks. Then he came back
to her and said, "You were not mistaken
when you said this Mandarine
would change his sentiments. It is
certain he hath now done it. But how

comes he, that was before so pressing
for the conclusion of your marriage,
to give out now so contrary an order?
This is what I cannot comprehend."
His niece replied, "Where
is the difficulty in this matter? He was
then but just arrived, and esteeming
me a poor silly girl, thought it was of
no consequence what became of me.
Then he only regarded Kwo-khé-tzu.
But being now better informed; and
finding that should he persist to offer
me injustice, it would endanger his
office; he hath altered his measures."
"Your father, said Shuey-guwin, is
not at home to protect you. What
can you do of yourself? Can he
be afraid of you?" She smiled and
said, "Uncle, you must ask no farther
questions. In a few days you will
be better informed."

Upon this he left her, his imagination
being wholly busied in unravelling
an affair which seemed to him
of inscrutable intricacy. Unable to
fathom so great a mystery, he went to
inform Kwo-khé-tzu of it. To the
latter it appeared so incredible, that
he openly professed he could not believe
it. "Do you think I would
deceive you, said Shuey-guwin? Was
not I there myself? And did not I
give her present to the servants? If you
have any doubt of it, I would have you
apply to the Grand Visitor himself.
This I would also advise you to do, in
order to learn the motives of his conduct."

This advice appeared so reasonable
to Kwo-khé-tzu, that he ordered
his chair and went immediately.

That Mandarine had hitherto received
him with the greatest kindness;
and notwithstanding the most urgent
business, always had him admitted. But
now he sent an excuse, and said he
had so many petitions and other affairs
to dispatch, that he could not see
him. Finding he could not gain admittance,
Kwo-khé-tzu bowed and withdrew.
The next morning he presented
himself again, but still was answered
that the Grand Visitor was prevented
from seeing him by unavoidable
business. He returned four or five
days successively, but constantly received

the same excuse. Surprized at
this change, and enraged at the repeated
mortifications he met with, "I
will send a letter, said he, to my father
at court, and acquaint him of the
abuse and contempt I receive."

He was very much provoked and
mortified: but what farther relates
to him will be seen at large in Book
the Third.