 | CHAP. VIII.*
*Chap. XIV. In the Translator's manuscript.
Hau Kiou choaan |  |
CHAP. VIII.[46]
THE tribunal of three having received
the Emperor's commission,
appointed a day to hear and determine
the cause of Hû-hiau. When
that day came, as soon as the Mandarines
were seated, the Supreme Vice-roy
Tieh-ying being one of them, that unfortunate
general was brought out of prison,
and entered upon his trial.
It happened that the same day Tieh-chung-u
arrived at Pe-king, where he
had never been since his return from
Shan-tong. As soon as he alighted he
told him he was gone upon an affair
of great importance: that there was a
great officer or valiant man[47] to be
brought to justice. He replied, "As
there is a war, and valiant men are necessary
at this critical juncture, why do
they seek to destroy them? I will go
and hear the trial: perhaps my father
may be drawn over to the opinion of his
colleagues, and not follow the dictates
of his natural candour and justice."
Then going to the audience[48] , he was
struck with the sight of Hû-hiau already
condemned, and bound, waiting for
his execution; having been sentenced to
after noon. There was a great crowd
of spectators, through the midst of
whom the youth forced his way to get
nearer to the condemned person. He
perceived him to be very young, but of
a bold and dauntless aspect: his look wild
and fierce as that of a tyger: his eyes
fiery: his throat large, yet long like a
crane's: his body strong and well set[49] .
Tieh-chung-u wondered what default
of duty that man could be guilty of
who had so promising an appearance.
He went up to him, "Sir, said he,
of what can they have accused you,
who seem to be so valiant a person?
How is it, that you have been beaten
in war?" At this the other flew into
a rage, and sternly said, "A man can
what manner he dies. But I that
have strength in my arms to carry the
weight of ten peculs[50] , and am master
of eighteen different weapons[51] , how
have I lost? 'Tis all falsely laid to
my charge. This I solemnly declare.
However I must die: be it so." "That
is certain, replied the youth; and yet
laid against you, why should justice
be exerted in so extraordinary a manner?
But if you have any thing to
alledge in your vindication, you must
fetched a deep sigh and only said, "The
present times are vile and corrupted."
"Well, said Tieh-chung-u, if you are
unwilling to break through your reserve,
I will only ask you one thing;
supposing you should be released, would
you undertake to go now against the
enemy." "Why not? replied he; is
it not my duty? To do it a thousand
times, I should look upon as nothing."
The youth said no more to
him, but asked the people what o'clock
it was, and was answered past ten.
Upon which he opened a way through
the crowd, and got into the hall of
audience, where were seated the three
presidents of the tribunal. He cried
out aloud, "Health to you all, my
his Majesty: it therefore behoves
you to do your best for the public
weal. At present there is great want
of men of valour; and none can be
got notwithstanding the proclamation
for such to appear. The manner of
your present proceedings tends not to
the advantage, but the detriment of the
empire. Pray is this man sacrificed
to public justice, or any private consideration?"
The three Mandarines, who
had not very willingly passed sentence
upon Hû-hiau, but had done it merely
to gratify their superiors, were not
displeased to see a person appear in his
vindication: although they were disgusted
at the little respect he shewed
them.
The President of Crimes after some
time, perceived he was the son of their
colleague, the Supreme Viceroy: who
also himself discovered who he was.
Upon which he struck his hand on the
table and said, "How dare you come
here in this impertinent and bold manner,
where it is death to do it? Take
hold of him and bind him. I acknowledge
no relation to him in this place."
Tieh-chung-u cried out, "No, no: that
is not justice: hear me before you order
me to be seized. I only ask your
Lordships, why doth the Emperor
place the drum at the gate of his palace,
but that the people may have redress
there, when they can obtain it no where
else?" The Supreme Viceroy said,
"Who are you? and what acquaintance
person?" He answered, "I know him
not, but perceiving him to be a valiant
man, and one that may do his country
and the Emperor service, [I came in his
behalf.]" His father replied, "What
business is it of your's what he is, or
what he can do?" Then he ordered the
officers attending the tribunal to take
and bind him. The two other Mandarines
desired his imprisonment might
be deferred for a moment, and calling
him to the table before the tribunal,
said, "You shew a good intention and
sound principle in what you say, but
you must consider that things must
be carried on according to [the forms
of] justice, and not with so much
precipitation. Hû-hiau hath been a
Shuey-keu-yé as long in banishment;
and hitherto none have appeared in their
behalf. The former of these hath today
been brought to his trial, and been
condemned: to acquit him now would
be ridiculous, and cause a deal of confusion
and anger from the Emperor.
The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su hath already
informed his Majesty of the sentence of
death past by us: how then is it possible
to recall it?" Tieh-chung-u hearing these
words, fetched a deep sigh, and said,
"What you have done is all out of regard
to your own interests, and not to
the good of your country. Your Lordships
cannot but know, that in former
days it was frequent for Mandarines to
oppose injustice; or at least to refuse
country, or against their conscience,
notwithstanding it might be strongly
pressed upon them by the Emperor
himself[52] . Wherefore do you study
law and justice, if thus you act subservient
to higher powers?"
The two other Mandarines to whom
he addressed himself had nothing to
reply: but his father cried out, "What!
are you mad? I tell you sentence is
words very much grieved Tieh-chung-u,
who said, "Will you then have no pity
on so brave and valiant a man as this?"
"Hû hiau, replied the Supreme Viceroy,
is condemned according to law,
and his death must be looked upon
with no more remorse than that of a
kid. Of what service would pity be,
where it is out of our power to relieve
him?" "This is no common person,
said his son, you do not know his
qualifications, he is not to be matched
among all the great men, that guard
the wall of ten thousand furlongs[53] .
have committed a fault: not to put
them to death, but to let them take it
or other of great importance to their
country. Why then should not this
man be suffered to take off his crime
in the same manner?" The two Mandarines
agreed it was reasonable: "But
who, said they, will be security for his
performing such actions, as shall merit
a pardon?" Tieh-chung-u said, "I will.
restore him but to his former office, and
if he does not answer your expectations,
then take off my head."
The two other Mandarines discoursed
the matter over with his father: "As
your son, said they, hath offered himself
security for Hû-hiau here before all
the world, we are thereby impowered to
draw up a petition in his behalf, without
taking illegal steps to save his life."
The Supreme Viceroy perceiving this
was no more than reasonable, ordered
the criminal to be sent back to prison,
and commanded Tieh-chung-u to draw
up a writing of security in his behalf.
Which being done and properly signed,
he ordered a chain to be fixed round
his neck, and sent him to prison after
the general.
The three Mandarines after this
drew up a petition, wherein they acquainted
his Majesty with their proceedings.
As it was a time of war, business
was not long before it was dispatched,
so that if a Mandarine gave
in a petition one day, his Majesty
Emperor answered their petition in the
following manner.
"Whereas there is a great want
of men of valour to serve in the
wars without the wall; and whereas
Tieh-chung-u, son of the Supreme
Viceroy, hath offered himself as security
for the good behaviour of
Hû-hiau; I therefore suspend his execution,
and invest him with the
same command he had heretofore.
I likewise give him a sword to put
to death any person that shall disobey
command, or neglect his duty:
and wherever the war may be,
he hath full power to command there,
as I expect he will be no where [improperly]
behaves well, and comes off with
success, my favour shall exalt him:
otherwise he shall feel his punishment
the heavier.
"Shuey-keu-yé first recommended
and assisted him, and now Tieh-chung-u
hath offered himself for his
security: after this if he doth not
behave well, I shall severely call to
account those two persons, as much
deserving to be punished as himself.
Wherefore let him well consider
this, and forthwith depart to his
charge."
This order was carried by a Mandarine
properly attended to Hû-hiau,
whom together with Tieh-chung-u they
went to return thanks to the three
Mandarines their judges: and afterwards
took up their abode in the house
of the Supreme Viceroy; where they
got every thing ready in order to repair
to the wars. Two days after they
departed for their charge properly[54]
equipped, with a gallant retinue of soldiers
and other attendants; and being
arrived at the wall, the officers there
shewed them great respect, seeing Hû-
They had not been gone six months,
before this general had such signal success,
that he put an end to the war,
and every where re-established peace
and tranquillity. Upon which the
Emperor advanced him to a higher
command, and restored Shuey-keu-yé to
his former office. His Majesty also
applauded the wisdom and integrity of
Tieh-chung-u, and would have created
him doctor of law: but the youth
for he said unless he could arrive
at that honour by his learning, he was
unworthy of it.
What attention the Chinese pay to the complexion
and features of their generals, we may
learn from Dionys. Kao, a native of China. This
honest writer describing the image of Quan-inchang
[who may be considered as the Mars of
the Chinese] tells us, that its face is painted of a
a very deep blood colour. "Which sort of
countenance, he adds, is highly esteemed by
the military men: nay, the whole Chinese
nation imagine him [rather it] very propitious
to them, and fancy that such a fiery flaming
face will inspire them with valour, and enable
them to acquit themselves well." Vid. pag.
126.
But it is not merely from the opinion of its
being propitious to themselves, but also with
the politic view of frighting their enemies, that
the Chinese affect a fierce dreadful look in their
generals. Martinius speaks of it as an established
custom, handed down from very early times, for
them to paint the general, (who gains the first
place in their triennial examinations) armed and
of a gigantic stature, and to send this picture
round to the neighbouring nations, in order to
strike them with terror. Vid. Hist. pag. 405.
That the Chinese still act upon the same views,
we learn from the elegant writer of Lord Anson's
voyage; for when the English were to pass by
one of the Chinese castles, among other artifices
to make them think more reverently of their
military power, they had set a soldier of unusual
size, to stalk about on the parapet with a battleax
in his hand, and dressed in very sightly armour,
which yet our people suspected was only
made of glittering paper. See pag. 540.
These ridiculous and childish expedients are
sufficient to convince us of the unwarlike turn
of the Chinese, and at how low an ebb is their
military prowess.
The Pecul (called by the Portuguese Pico,
and by the Chinese Tan,) consists of one hundred
Catti or Chinese pounds, and of about one hundred
and twenty-five pounds European weight.
P. Semedo, p. 72. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 576.
Kempfer, p. 367.——Sed vide Dampier supplem.
pag. 132.
To give a short description of the military
establishment and discipline of the Chinese, we
may observe that as the Chinese have different
degrees for their literary Mandarines, so they
have similar degrees for their Mandarine of war:
and have military Bachelors, Licentiates and
Doctors: in like manner as in France, they had
formerly knights belonging to the law, as well
as the army.
The manner of their military examinations
is not unlike those for the literary degrees. [See
note, vol. 1. p. 8.] The candidates have a theme
or subject given them relating to the art of war,
on which they are to compose differtations and
discourses in writing. This done, they are required
to shew their skill in shooting, riding and
managing their arms, and to give various proofs
of their dexterity and strength. It is seldom
that any are admitted into command without
having taken one or other of these degrees.
The Mandarines are required often to exercise
and review the soldiery. Which however consists
only in some disorderly marches, in making
mock fights, and in rallying to the sound of
horns and trumpets. Not but they are taught
to draw the bow and handle the sabre with
great address: and especially are required to
keep their arms and armour bright and clean.
As the military life in China is seldom attended
either with toil or danger, from the almost continual
peace and tranquillity of the empire, it is
bestowed as a favour on such as can make friends
with the Mandarines, their service being commonly
confined to the places of their abode, and
is only to suppress robbers, &c. so that they
may at proper times follow their own employments.—The
military Mandarines are computed
at 18,000, and the soldiery at above 700,000.
The pay of a foot soldier is about five pence
and a pint of rice per day: and of the horse in
proportion.
P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 260. &c. P. Semedo,
p. 96. &c. Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. 150.
Lettres edif. R. 5. p. 156.
Among a people so interested as the Chinese,
it will not be wondered at that reason and justice
are frequently given up on the slightest intimation
of the Emperor's pleasure: and yet the
history of China can produce some instances
of firmness and integrity in opposing oppressive
measures, that would do honour to the patriots
of Greece and Rome. There have been ministers,
who have gone to make remonstrances to the
Emperor with such firm expectation of death
for their boldness, that they have carried their
coffins with them to the gate of the palace. [See
P. Le Compte, tom. 2. p. 35. P. Du Halde, 1. p.
250.] And with what delicacy and address
they can sometimes restrain the passions of their
princes may be seen in the following instance.
"The king of Tsi, saith a Chinese author, had
a horse which he loved, and this horse died thro'
the neglect of his groom. The prince in a rage
snatched up a lance and was going to dispatch
him. The Mandarine Yen-tse who was present
turned aside the blow, and instantly addressing
himself to his master, said, "Sire, that man was
on the point of losing his life before he knew
the heinousness of his crime." "I consent, said
the king, that you make him sensible of it."
Then the minister taking up the lance and aiming
it at the criminal: "Wretch, said he, attend to
your crimes, which are as follows; in the first
place, you have caused the death of a horse,
which your prince committed to your especial
care, and thereby have deserved death. Secondly;
you have caused my prince to fall into such
a passion, that he would have killed you with
his own hands: behold another crime more
grievous than the first. Lastly; you would have
caused all the other princes and neighbouring
states to have seen that my prince will take
away a man's life for the death of a horse,
and thus his reputation would have been ruined:
and you, wretch, are the occasion of all this."—
"Let him go, said the prince; let him go: I
pardon his fault." P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 600.
Van-li Tchang Tching, i. e. "The wall of
ten thousand Lee, or 10,000 Lee in length." It
is thus the Chinese speak of that stupendous wall,
which separates their northern provinces from
Tartary.
This prodigious work was undertaken two hundred
and fifteen years before Christ, to secure three
great provinces from the irruptions of the Tartars.
In order to execute it, every third man
was draughted out of each of the provinces.
To lay the foundation on the sea coast, several
ships were sunk loaded with stones and iron.
The workmen were not to leave the least chink
between the stones on forfeiture of their lives:
hence the work is almost as intire at present, as
when it was first built. It is about fifteen hundred
miles in length, and broad enough for six
horsemen to ride a-breast upon it.
This wall is admirable on two accounts. First
that in its course from east to west, it runs in several
places with a gradual ascent over very high
mountains, and is fortified with very large towers
no more than two bow-shots asunder. The
second is, that this wall does not run in a straight
line, but turns and winds in several places, according
to the disposition of the mountains,
so that the north part of China may be said to be
encompassed with three walls instead of one.
This work was but five years in building.
P. Du Halde, vol. p. 20. 260. &c. Martin. Atlas.
p. 15. &c. P. Le Compte, tom. 1. p. 115.
As the literary Mandarines travel in great
pomp to their governments, carried in sedans, &c.
so the military Mandarines, who travel commonly
on horseback, no less affect an air of grandeur.
Indeed their horses are not very beautiful,
but their harness is extremely sumptuous,
the bits and stirrups being either silver or gilt.
The saddle is very rich: the reins of the bridle
are made of coarse pinked sattin two fingers
broad. From the upper part of the chest hang
two great locks of fine red hair (such as their
caps are covered with) suspended by iron rings
either gilt or silvered. Their retinue consists of
a great number of horsemen, part going before
and part behind them: without reckoning
their domestics, who are clad either in black
sattin or dyed calico, according to their master's
quality.
P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 285.
| CHAP. VIII.*
*Chap. XIV. In the Translator's manuscript.
Hau Kiou choaan | |