 | CHAP. V. Hau Kiou choaan |  |
CHAP. V.
THESE words were scarcely uttered
when Shuey guwin made his
appearance. He saluted the young
stranger, and smiling said, "Yesterday
my niece hearing of the great
on her account, sent to invite you to
her house. I know not what we had
done to disoblige you. But as I have
now the good fortune to meet with
you here, I hope you will let me wait
on you to her." Tieh-chung-u replied,
"I came hither in the greatest haste,
and must return with equal dispatch.
I brought nothing with me to present
her with, and how can I presume to go
to her house with empty hands[22] . Today
I came to visit Kwo-khé-tzu only
know his door again: I intended to
have returned immediately: but though
I have been prevailed on to stay a moment,
I cannot bear to receive so many
favours, and should be glad of
your directions how to return them."
"Formerly, said Shuey-guwin, good
friends would lay all ceremony aside:
cannot you do the same by my son-in-law?
I look upon you both as better
than those of former ages; why
then should you follow the corrupt
practices of the present times?" Kwo-khé-tzu
laughed and said, "My father,
you say right: it ought to be so."
By so many courteous and obliging
speeches Tieh-chung-u was divested of
all farther suspicion. He sat down,
chair[23] . Presently after wine was
brought. "Because I came early, said
the youth, you insisted on my staying
to eat a little. Why then do you bring
wine? it is not time to drink that yet."
"Drink it by degrees, said Kwo-khé-tzu,
and we shall not think time unsuitable."
Then sitting all of them down, they
were very chearful and drank about for
a little while; after which Tieh-chung-u
rose up to withdraw.
At the same instant word was brought
that the young Mandarine Whang was
entering the doors. This young gentleman,
who was son of the Ping-kho[24]
,
tribunal of arms, was respectfully saluted
by all the company, who afterwards
sat down. "Sir, said Kwo-khé-tzu,
you come in good time to meet
with that gentleman, who is a person
of worth and of great reputation for his
courage and gallantry." "What! said
the other; is that Tieh-chung-u? the
young gentleman who forced his way
into Tah-quay's palace?" Shuey-guwin
assured him it was. "Is it possible!
said he. Oh, Sir! have I then the happiness
to meet with you here! a happiness
which I was prevented from enjoying
at court much against my inclinations.
Give me here a great goblet."
Then offering it with wine to
Tieh-chung-u, the latter drank it off
thus they continued till each had drunk
off three goblets.
Tieh-chung-u was now about to go,
when he was again prevented by the
arrival of the young Mandarine Lee,
second son to the Grand President of
the royal college[25]
. They were rising
up to receive him, but he catched
friends they must not do so. "Another
time, said Kwo-khé-tzu, we may
dispense with this ceremony; but today
we have a stranger with us." With
that Tieh-chung-u rose up and made his
compliments to him. The other would
have prevented it: "Excuse me, Sir,
me so much respect! Pray how am I to
call you?" Tieh-chung-u told him his
name and city. "What! said he, the
eldest son of the Supreme Viceroy!"
then making him the most profound
reverence, he congratulated his good
fortune in having met with a person
whom he had so often wished to see.
Kwo-khé-tzu made them all sit down.
By this time Tieh-chung-u perceived the
wine began to affect him, and therefore
resolved to stay no longer. "With
your leave, Sir, said he to the young
master of the house, I must now be gone.
I know custom forbids that I should
go so soon after the arrival of this
young gentleman, but I came here
early and have drunk a great deal:
Mandarine Lee[29] hearing this, changed
countenance, and said, "You put a
great slight upon me, Sir. Why did
not you go at first? What! can't you
stay a little while longer? You think
me not good enough to drink with
you." "Truly, said Shuey-guwin, he
hath a great while desired to be gone:
and it is not upon your account that
he would go now; but if he will
not first drink a cup of wine with
you, you have reason to accuse him
of ill manners. Let him pay the same
compliment to you, as he did to the
use his pleasure, and we will no longer
consider him as a guest." The other
hearing that, was extremely well pleased,
and agreed it was right: upon
which they sat down, and each of them
drank three cups of wine.
This was no sooner over but a servant
came to tell of the arrival of
the young Mandarine Chang, eldest
son to the President of the tribunal
of rites[30]
: he entered the hall as soon
as the servant had spoke: and came
staggering along, his cap on one side,
with staring eyes and a red bloated face,
crying "Which is this Tieh? this Mandarine's
son? if he hath a mind to
of Tséé-nan, why doth he not come
and encounter me?" The youth, who
had risen up to pay him the usual
respects, hearing these words stood still:
"I, said he, am called Tieh-chung-u: have
you any thing to say to me?" The
other made him no answer nor compliment,
but stood staring at him in a very
discourteous manner, and then burst
out into laughter: "I thought, said
he, this young Tieh was a terrible fellow.
From people's reports, I concluded
he had seven heads, and eight
galls in his stomach. But his eyebrows
are fine and small: he is smockfaced
and delicate; and hath all over
the air of a dainty young lady. People
talk of his being valiant. I fancy
shape. Come, let us have some wine,
we shall presently see whether he is
valiant or not." "Certainly, cried the
others present, that is the way to try
people's strength[31] ."
"Wine, said Tieh-chung-u, is drunk
upon several accounts; but there are only
three on which it is proper; and for each
of these, three cups are allowable:
these are friendship, mirth, and to satisfy
nature[32]
. As Whang-cong-tzu began
more, which will be sufficient." "Very
well, said the other, sit down then:"
and taking him by the sleeve pulled
him into the chair. Then calling for
two large cups of wine, he put the
one into the hand of Tieh-chung-u, and
took the other himself. "Wine, said
he, discovers the heart. This is the first
I shall drink with you." Then taking
it off, he turned it up, crying khaan or
clean! Tieh-chung-u thought he could
hardly manage his wine, but finding no
other remedy at length he drank it: at
which Chang cried out, "That's something
like, and as a friend should."
Then he ordered two more to be filled.
On which Tieh-chung-u would have retired,
saying he had drunk a great deal.
with each of these gentlemen, and now
one with you. I have had enough,
you must therefore excuse me." Chang
replied, "What then, will you cut
me off two cups? you make me little:
I cannot let that pass upon me,
who am as considerable as any of this
city: come, you must make up my
full number." Then taking a second
cup, he drank to his health.
Tieh-chung-u was now almost overcome
with wine, for he had been drinking
from early in the morning till ten
o'clock, without having eaten a morsel:
when therefore Chang had drunk off the
second cup he would not pledge him,
but put the wine down again upon the
out, "Is this handsome! will not you
do me the same courtesy that you have
done the rest?" "It is not possible for
me, said Tieh-chung-u, to drink any
more: if it was, I would not refuse you."
"This cup, replied the other, you must
and shall drink." "If I don't, said he,
what then?" Upon which Chang began
to roar: saying, "Who are you, you
animal? If you thus take upon you,
why did not you stay in your own city?
What, do you come here to brave
us? If you will not comply I shall
make you [repent it]." And with that
he threw it in his face. Tieh-chung-u
was so provoked with this abuse, that
his anger and resentment got the better
of his wine: he looked a while stedfastly
chair seized him by the stomach and
shook him severely, saying, "What!
dare you get upon the tyger's head
and pull out his hairs?" Chang cried
out, "What! have you a mind to
beat me?" "Yes, replied the other,
what of that?" and gave him a box of
the ear. Which the other young Mandarines
seeing, cried out, "What do
you mean by this? we have treated you
with good will, and now you are drunk
you abuse us for it. Come, come,
snut the door, we will drub you till
you are sober, and to-morrow carry
you to the Grand Visitor."
Then Kwo-khé-tzu made a signal,
and immediately from a side chamber
while Shuey-guwin pretending to compose
the difference, endeavoured to lay hold
of his hands. Tieh-chung-u, who was
now become sober, perceived their designs
against him, and found he was
betrayed: nevertheless he cried out,
"What! are you a parcel of dogs, that
you thus set upon and worry me?"
then taking up Chang he threw him headlong
to the ground, and gave him two
or three hearty kicks. This done he
endeavoured to wrest a foot from one
of the tables for a weapon, but could
not get it loose: Shuey-guwin came
up to prevent him, but he received
him with a kick or two, that sent
him eighteen or twenty covids[33] before
sake of your niece, I will give you
no more." The two young Mandarines
contented themselves with making
an outcry, but durst not come
near him: instead of which Kwo-khé-tzu
ordered the fellows to fall upon
him. Then seizing Chang he swung
him round: crying out, "I will
brain this fellow against the first that
offers to approach me." Upon which
Chang crying out, begged them to forbear
and let him alone. "I desire
to be suffered to go out: but you shall
accompany me to the door." "Ay,
ay! with all my heart, said the other,
I will go out with you." Which done
Tieh-chung-u dismissed him; "Go, said
he, and tell your fellows, if I had been
provided with any weapon for my defence,
I should not have been afraid of
a thousand such as they. What signify
four or five drunkards and gluttons,
with the porters you have hired? Had
it not been for your fathers, I had made
some of you halted: but I have been
very favourable, and you ought to thank
me."
This said, he hastened to his lodgings,
where Siow-tan had prepared
found Shuey-yeong with a horse ready saddled
and waiting for him. Tieh-chung-u
inquired the meaning of this: the old
man told him that his mistress hearing
of the invitation, had suspected it was
with an ill design: that her suspicions
were afterwards confirmed by the event,
which she was also informed of; and
though she never doubted but he
would get the better, yet foreseeing
that it might be followed by a great
deal of trouble, she had sent him that
horse, which she intreated him to
mount immediately, and to go and acquaint
the Grand Visitor with the
affair. Tieh-chung-u was charmed with
her discretion and discernment: "How
kind and obliging, said he, is your
these favours." He was going
to set out, but the master of the house
asking him to dine, he accepted his
offer; and immediately after, mounting
the horse, departed for Tong-chang-foo:
to which city the Grand Visitor had removed
his tribunal[34] .
As soon as he alighted he drew up
a petition, wherein he related all that
had happened: then hastening to the
doors of the audience, he found them
shut: but being impatient he went and
struck upon the drum. In consequence
of which he was bound and carried
before the tribunal: where the Grand
Visitor had seated himself upon hearing
the drum. The youth observed the
petition[35] . The Grand Visitor imagined
it was Tieh-chung-u before he
opened it, and when he found he was
right in his conjecture, he addressed
him with great complaisance: "I knew
nothing, Sir, of your coming into these
your journey?" He told him,
that he travelled for his pleasure: but
that yesterday coming to Tséé-nan-foo,
he had met with people, who had used
him very ill; insomuch that he had narrowly
escaped with his life: and therefore
he applied to his Excellency for
justice. "Who dares abuse you, said
the Mandarine? I will make an example
of them." "Sir, replied he,
you will find their names in my petition."
He looked into it, and shaking his
head, expressed great dislike of the affair.
The youth asked him what he was
displeased at. The Mandarine shewed a
great unwillingness to proceed, saying,
"I did not think these young men had
been concerned: although they are four
the world." "Why, said Tieh-chung-u,
should you make any demur in the
matter? Although they be people of the
first quality, why should you make a difficulty
of chastising them?" "It is not
out of fear, replied the other, but their
fathers being of my acquaintance at
court, complaints of this kind will
be very disagreeable to them. They
are a parcel of young unthinking rakes,
that value themselves only upon their
fathers grandeur. But as this affair
is not of so very high a nature, as absolutely
to require them to be brought
to public trial in all the forms of law
and justice; therefore I could wish
you would let me find some other
way of giving you redress, without
am far from desiring to give your Excellency
trouble, replied Tieh-chung-u;
I am fully satisfied in having acquainted
you with it; which I did only that
you might set a mark upon them for
their actions." The Grand Visitor was
very well pleased, and told him, he
did him a favour in quitting all farther
prosecution. "Come, said he, you
must stay a few days with me." The
youth thanked him, but urged his
desire not to be detained. When the
Mandarine found he could not prevail
with him, he made up a paper
of twelve taels of silver[36] , and gave
it him, saying, "If you don't accept
me." To prevent that suspicion he
received it, and withdrew.
Where he went will be found in the
next chapter.
Not only in China, but all over the East, it
is thought a breach of good manners to appear
empty-handed before those whom they profess
to respect. Among the Chinese the common
presents are for the most part, stuffs, female ornaments,
or the like; even shoes, stockings, handkerchiefs,
porcelain, ink, pencils, &c. are thus
bestowed; and sometimes things to eat. They
are very careful to chuse every thing the best of
the kind for this purpose. P. Semedo, p. 64.
In the original it is Han-lin-yuen, which
literally signifies a Garden or Wood flourishing in
learning or knowledge. This name the Chinese
give to a tribunal or college composed of some
of the most learned of their doctors; who are
elected after the following manner.
Every three years all that are of the degree of
Kin-gin or Licentiate[26]
resort to Pe-king to obtain
their doctor's degree, where they are examined
for thirteen days together, so strictly that not
above three hundred can be admitted out of many
thousands. Among these new doctors, those that
have given superior proofs of their capacity and
learning are chosen to compose the college of
the Han-lin.
These doctors assemble in the imperial palace,
where they superintend the education of the
young prince; compose the history of the empire;
and are consulted by the Emperor on all
literary subjects. Out of their body are appointed
those who are sent into the several
provinces to examine the candidates for inferior
degrees: and the Co-laus[27]
and Presidents of
the supreme tribunals[28]
, are frequently chosen
from among them, so that they are at once
respected and dreaded.
See P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 251. P. Magalh.
p. 218. Lettres edif. xxi. p. 102. &c.
The original is Lee-cong-tzu, which properly
signifies Lee a Mandarine's son. See note,
vol. 1. p. 114. This remark must be applied
wherever the words Young Mandarine occur
throughout this chapter.
The literal translation is, "Those that are
strong always shew it by their eating and
drinking."
The Reader will remark that this allowance
much exceeds that known regulation of Sir
William Temple's, viz. The first glass for myself,
the second for my friends, the third for good-humour,
the fourth for mine enemies. Spectator,
vol. 3 N° 195.
Covid seems to be a contraction of the Portuguese
word covado, i. e. a cubit. The Chinese
Ell or Cubit, (called by the Natives Che) is of
several kinds, but that most commonly used in
traffic, is to the English Foot, as 676 is to 600;
or something more than thirteen inches.
See Bayer, pref. pag. 134. Harris's voyag.
vol. 1. p. 854. Tavernier, Pt. 2. ch. 10.
P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 141. Lettres edif.
x. 157.
The Supreme Mandarines, whose jurisdiction
is very extensive, (viz. the Visitors, Viceroys,
&c.) although they have generally their palaces
in the capital city of the province, are not always
resident there, but make circuits from place
to place for the more convenient dispatch of business.
P. Magal. pag. 242.
N. B. Tong-chang-foo is a large and opulent
city: the third in the province of Shan-tong, and
is situated on the Grand Imperial Canal.
China is every where full of very fine Canals,
which open a communication between every province
and almost between every town and village;
these run in straight lines, and have causeys
on each side, faced with flat stones or marble:
but the Grand Imperial Canal is one of the
wonders of the world, being three hundred
leagues in length, and forming a great road of
water, on which more than nine thousand imperial
barks transport the tribute which the
Emperor annually receives from the southern
provinces. This stupendous work, which was
compleated about five hundred years ago, is
so contrived by means of sluices, &c. to detain
the water, and forms such a communication with
other canals and rivers, that one may travel the
length of the whole empire from Pe-king to Canton
and Macao, above six hundred leagues by
water."
P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 105. 17. 215. 286.
325.
This may be explained from P. Magalhaëns,
who thus describes the manner of proceeding
at the Chinese tribunals.
"When a man hath any business to lay
before them, he sets it down on paper: which
done he goes to the palace of the tribunal and
beats on a drum, which he finds at the second
gate; and then falling on his knees, he raises
his petition with both his hands as high as his
head; at which time an officer appointed for
that employment takes the paper from him, and
lays it before the Mandarine who presides."
Pag. 203.
N. B. With regard to binding the petitioner,
&c, as described above, there is in the Translator's
M.S. a marginal note which tells us, that "It is
the custom to do so to any that strike on the
drum:" but this is mentioned in no other
writer.
| CHAP. V. Hau Kiou choaan | |