University of Virginia Library

HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
A CHINESE HISTORY.

BOOK III.

CHAP I.[1]

KWO-khé-tzu perceiving that the
Grand Visitor would not assist him
further in promoting the desired marriage,
but on the contrary had set forth
a Declaration to prevent the young
lady from being molested any more
on that subject; perceiving also that

he was unwilling to admit him into
his presence; was no less perplexed
how to proceed, than at a loss to account
for such an alteration. In this
distress he went to the Che-hien to learn
what intelligence he could from him;
telling him, how much he was mortified
by the Grand Visitor's coldness, and
by the order he had published. That
Mandarine was surprized at what he
heard: "And yet, said he, this is all
the work of Shuey-ping-sin. She hath
found means to terrify the Grand Visitor
into what he hath done." The
other objected how impossible that was
for a young and simple girl, who had
neither father nor any one else to
direct her. "You must not consider
her, said the Che-hien, as a young woman
of the ordinary stamp. Although she
is very young, she hath uncommon abilities.
When I carried the first order
to her house, she made no objection
to it; but received it with very little
concern: and when at parting I told
her it was not a thing of trifling consequence,
and that it was too late for
her now to recede; she told me she
should not alter her own intentions,
although the Grand Visitor might possibly
depart from his. Her words are
so punctually accomplished, that it is
evident she hath occasioned this change.
But how she effected it you must inform
yourself at the tribunal, where
the matter was transacted." Kwo-khé-tzu
followed his advice, and applied
to the people of the audience for intelligence;
but without effect: for their
master, unwilling to become the talk
and reflection of the city thus upon
his first arrival, had given positive orders
that not a syllable should be mentioned
of the young lady's appearing
before him, nor that she had occasioned
this change in his measures.

Twenty days were now past in this
uncertainty, when an officer from the
Grand Visitor's tribunal came to tell
Kwo-khé-tzu that his master had sent
for him. He gladly obeyed the summons,
and presented himself at his audience.
The Mandarine received him
with much respect, and carried him into
an inner apartment: where he told
him, that when he first arrived he was

ignorant of the affair between him and
the young lady Shuey-ping-sin, but that
his too forward interposal in it had
like to have been attended with very
fatal consequences. Kwo-khé-tzu with
some surprize, asked in what respect
any consequences that were fatal could
result to one of his rank; or what
harm could arise from so trifling a
cause as the concerting a private wedding:
he even ventured to remonstrate
to his Excellence the inconsistency which
had appeared in his conduct, and which
seemed so unsuitable to one of his gravity
and office[2] . The Mandarine replied,
"I looked upon Shuey-ping-sin
as a girl of no consequence: and when
I sent my order requiring her to compleat
the marriage, I never imagined
that she would be able to set it aside,
much less that she was of so distinguished
a capacity as she appears to
be possessed of. She made no objections
to the order, but seemed disposed
to obey it; yet afterwards drew
up a petition to the Emperor, and
sent it to court by a trusty servant.
Judge from hence of the acuteness
of her wit." The surprize of Kwo-khé-tzu
was increased, "How, said
he, could she dare to send a petition
to the Emperor? Perhaps this
is only reported to strike you with
fear." "She not only sent it, pursued
the Grand Visitor, but came herself
to my audience, and shewed me a
copy of it." "Why did not your
Excellency tear the paper, said the
youth, and order her to be chastised?"
"Her petition, replied he, had been dispatched
three days. After that time
if I had offered to pass sentence upon
her; when the Emperor had seen the
petition and demanded her to be forthcoming,
what answer could I have returned?
For had I behaved to her with
the least harshness, she was prepared
to plunge a poinard in her bosom.
It behoved me therefore to treat her
with gentleness, and to issue forth a
Declaration in her favour. By this
means she was prevailed on to recall
her servant. But until he returned,
it was in no wise proper for
me to speak to you. The petition is at
length brought back. I have it in my
possession, and have sent for you to
shew it unto you. Here it is!" When
Kwo-khé-tzu had perused it, he was astonished
at her boldness. "What a daring
and dauntless petition is here, said he?
Shall she go clear with this? No! I will
not quit her yet. I must still intreat your
Excellency's assistance." The Grand
Visitor replied, "Could I serve you in
any thing else, you might command me.
But with regard to my being any further
concerned in this marriage, you must
never think of it. And if you still persist
in your views on this subject, you
will perhaps involve yourself in a great
deal of trouble: for this young lady is
immoveable in her resolutions."

Kwo-khé-tzu, not knowing what answer
to make, took his leave of the
Grand Visitor, seemingly persuaded of
the reasonableness of his advice, and
disposed to comply with it. But he
still retained in his bosom a desire to
practise farther on the young lady; and
the moment he was withdrawn resolved
to spare no means for its gratification.
With this view he sent for his friend
Chun-kéé, to whom he communicated
the young lady's petition, and all the
circumstances attending it. [When he
had perused it] "Certainly, said he, her
petition is very home and severe. And
yet she does not object to your person
or character: but pleads her father's
absence, and her having no permission
from him to marry. She only urges the

injustice of forcing her into a marriage
under these circumstances. And I think
she hath reason. Let us think no longer
then of compulsive methods: but proceed
to others more proper and effectual.
And for these you have now a
good opportunity. The Mandarine her
father is in banishment. Your father is
preferred, and hath great interest at
court. You have nothing to do then
but to send thither and relate all the
matter to him. Ask his consent, and
intreat him to procure the same from the
father of the young lady. Disgraced and
banished as he is, he will hardly refuse
it. This once obtained, there is no
room to fear that she will deny you
any more." Kwo-khé-tzu approved of
his advice. He smiled and said, "There
will then be no danger that she will
take flight again. And yet, said he,
when I write to my father, one cannot
descend to circumstances upon paper:
on the other hand, I have no servant
capable of discharging so important a
trust. I wish you would oblige me so
far as to undertake it. You will help
me greatly in this affair with my father."
"This, replied his friend, is
no more than to give you a good morrow.
I am contented to go, if it will
serve you. This is an undertaking
of little trouble. But if it were otherwise,
I should set about it with a
very good will." Kwo-khé-tzu immediately
prepared the letter, and
gave it to Chun-kéé, whom he liberally
furnished with necessaries for his
journey; ordering an old servant to
attend him. He accordingly set out
for the court, in compliance with the
request of Kwo-khé-tzu, in order to
bring his marriage with Shuey-ping-sin
to a safe and speedy conclusion. We
shall at present leave him in pursuit
of his journey.

CHAP. II.

[LET us now return to] Tieh-chung-u
[who] immediately upon
leaving Shan-tong had repaired to his
house in the city of Tah-ming. There
the lovely Shuey-ping-sin was the subject
of his thoughts, as also the affection
and kindness with which she had treated
him. In pursuance of her advice,

he was become a great student of books
of the law; and having mastered his
too hasty and inflexible temper, began
to think of qualifying himself for some
employment, and of rendering himself
famous for his learning. One day as
he happened to look into the Gazette[3] ,
he saw an account that his father had
petitioned the Emperor for leave to
throw up his office, pleading the decline
of his health, which rendered him
unable to support the fatigues of it.
He was a good deal alarmed at this
information, which was quite new to
him: and immediately ordered his servant
to get ready his horse and follow
him to court. He accordingly set forwards,
and having almost reached the
end of his journey, overtook a man
mounted on a mule. As he passed
by him, he looked in his face and
knew him to be Shuey-yeong, the old
and faithful servant of his fair hostess.
He immediately asked what business
brought him thither, and where he
was going. The old man knew him,
and leaping from his mule, said, "Sir,
I was going in search of you, with
whom I have very urgent business."
Tieh-chung-u with some surprize asked
him, "What business can you have
with me? Does it relate to your master
or your young lady." He told him
it was concerning the latter. The
young gentleman's wonder at this was
increased. "How, said he! Pray what
is the matter? Perhaps Kwo-khé-tzu
hath given her fresh disturbance?"
Shuey-yeong replied; "It is so, and he
hath driven her to such extremities that
she had no other remedy, but to send
this petition to the court. Believing
me incapable of conducting an affair
of this importance as I ought, she hath
ordered me to seek you out, and intreats
you to direct me how to get it
delivered." "That is not difficult, replied
the youth: but in what manner hath
Kwo-khé-tzu troubled your mistress, to
occasion her to take a step of this consequence?"
The old man told him in
brief, that upon the arrival of the Grand
Visitor of the province, who had been
a pupil of his father's, Kwo-khé-tzu had
applied to him; and that he had been
prevailed upon to be a chief instrument
in promoting his designs, having issued
out two orders to compel her to marry
him; "Which my lady added he,
finding it impossible to avoid, in her
extremity drew up this petition, and
dispatched me away to find you out;
which I have happily accomplished in
meeting with you: and if in the course
of this affair there should be occasion
for money, I come sufficiently provided."
Tieh-chung-u was deeply concerned
at his tale; and asked the name
of the Grand Visitor; wondering how
he durst to commit such injustice.
Shuey-yeong told him his name was
Fung ying. He replied, "I know him.
Hath he done this? Very well! And
your lady's petition is against this
gentleman? 'Tis no matter. Do not
you offer to strike on the drum: I
will carry the petition myself to the
proper officer[4] ; who will presently
give it to the Emperor. When his
majesty returns it to the secretary, I
will so explain the affair to that minister,
that when it comes to be examined
into, the whole truth shall be
made appear without any disguise or
partiality. In consequence of which
the Grand Visitor will soon be discharged
from his office." "Sir, replied
the other, if you can do us this
service, it will be very fortunate for
my lady." This said, Tieh-chung-u
mounted his horse[5]
, and the old servant
his mule. Then the youth told
him, that as his horse went faster than
he could follow, he would go before
to the audience of his father, the Superior
of the Viceroys, and would order
Siow-tan to stay without to receive
him. Thither Shuey-yeong promised
him to follow.

Tieh-chung-u put forward full speed,
and arrived at his father's audience:
where he found a large concourse of

people attending, whence he concluded
that the Emperor had not permitted
him to lay down his office[6] . Then
alighting from his horse he went in
to pay his duty to his parents, where
to his great joy he learnt that he was
right in his conjecture. When he dismounted
he ordered his servant to stay
without till Shuey-yeong arrived. He
waited till night, but the other never
came. The young gentleman imagined
that as the old man's mule was
slow, it might possibly be late before
he reached the city; and that he had
therefore perhaps put into some inn, as
intending to wait upon him on the
morrow. In the morning he sent Siow-tan
again to wait for him, which he
did till noon, but the old man never
appeared. Tieh-chung-u thought he
might have been detained by some
acquaintance of his old master's, and
that having divulged his business he
had been directed to pursue a different
method. However he called to him
one of his father's audience, a capable
person, and sent him to make inquiry
after him. He accordingly went to
the tribunal of petitions, and asked if
any one had been there from the daughter
of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-yé: but
he was answered that none such had
been at that audience. Tieh-chung-u
then supposed he might have gone
to the gate of the palace, where the
drum is stationed; but word was
brought him that he had not been
there. He now began to consider
whether the Grand Visitor might not
have got somebody to waylay him, or
whether he might not suddenly have
dropt down and expired; which on
account of his great age and the fatigue
of the journey he thought not
improbable. He had sent about all
day long 'till it was night, and had
learnt no news of him, yet he could
not be satisfied 'till he had ordered
Siow-tan to go out again the next
morning, and to make all possible
inquiry after him.

On the morrow Tieh-chung-u arose

early, not having been able to sleep
for thinking what could have become
of the servant with the petition. He
sent every where in search, but could
get no account of him, though he
continued his inquiries four or five
days: which rendered him very uneasy.
He thought if the petition could
be once delivered to the Emperor,
there would then be no danger from
the Grand Visitor. But he feared it
had not yet reached the hands of his
majesty. "This Mandarine, said he,
is very powerful, and what can a
poor weak girl, with all the wit and
ingenuity she is mistress of, do in
opposition to his authority? She hath
no father at home, nor any one else
to assist and protect her: all the inhabitants
of Tséé-nan must be in the
interest of her adversary. Therefore
if I do not go to her assistance there is
nobody will appear in her behalf. As I
am acquainted with the state of her
affairs, I cannot in honour but fly to her
relief. I should be more cowardly than
a woman, should I forbear to help her
in this exigency, which nothing but
my ignorance of her misfortunes could
excuse." In pursuance of these resolves,
he went to take leave of his father and
mother, intreating their permission to
return to his studies. Then leaving
his horse behind him, for the greater privacy
and dispatch, he hired a mule,
and together with his servant, took
the road for Shan-tong, hasting away
to the relief of the young lady: [about
whom he was rendered the more anxious
by the disappearing of her servant.]

[7] Now it had happened that when
Shuey-yeong was almost got to the gate
of the city, he was overtaken by the
express dispatched by the Grand Visitor;
who told him he must go back with his
petition, for that the affair was hushed
up with his mistress and all was in
peace; then producing her order for his
return, he instantly obeyed it.

[Ignorant of all this] Tieh-chung-u
continued his journey, and as he hasted
along, pleased himself with the thought

of what vengeance he would take on
the Grand Visitor: resolving to go directly
to his audience, to attack him
there before all the world, and bring
him to public shame for his injustice
and oppression. But then when he reflected
again upon the great office of
that Mandarine, and what a crime it
would be deemed to affront him publicly
although he had never so much
reason on his side, he became more considerate:
"Beside, said he, the noise that
it will make, will come to the ears of
Shuey-ping-sin: who will have a very
mean opinion of my management, and
despise me as a common headstrong
fellow: whereas she got the better of
Kwo-khé-tzu by her prudent conduct
without the least confusion or disturbance."
Upon these considerations he
thought it would be better to go to the
house of the young lady herself, and
ask for the two orders which had been
issued out to compel her to the marriage;
"These, said he to himself, I
will carry to court to my father, and
get him to draw up a full and proper
petition; we shall then see what the
Grand Visitor will be able to say to it."
Having formed these resolves in his
breast, he put forward with all speed for
the capital of Shan-tong, where in a few
days he arrived.

CHAP. III.

AS soon as Tieh-chung-u had arrived
at the city of Tséé-nan, he

alighted at an inn, and leaving every
thing to the care of his servant, went
directly to the house of Shuey-keu-yé.
He found all quiet at the outward gate,
and not a person to be seen: he advanced
farther within the great gates,
where he found the same stillness. He
went up close to the inner gates[8]
and met with nothing remarkable, till
casting his eyes upon the wall he saw
the declaration fixed upon it; he went
up to it, and found it issued out by
the Grand Visitor. Supposing it was
his order to compel her to marry,
he was going to take it down to
produce it as a proof against him hereafter:
but when he read it he found
it to be quite otherwise, and that it
forbade any one to molest her. He was
at a loss to reconcile this to the account
given him by her servant on the road:
and considered whether the young lady
might not have brought over the Grand
Visitor to her party by valuable presents:
or whether her father might
not possibly be restored again to his
office: "But surely, said he, I should
have had news of that." He was
strongly inclined to advance further
within: but then he thought if he should
be observed using so great freedom,
it might cause reflections to be cast on
them both. "No, said he softly, as I
am no relation I cannot take that liberty."
He therefore concluded to go
back again, and pick up what information
he could at some of the tribunals.
Just as he was going out Shuey guwin
passed by: who was strangely surprized
to see him there, as he had before left
the place with so much haste and disgust;
whence he concluded that he was
returned again for no good purpose.
After saluting each other, Shuey-guwin
asked him how long he had been come;
and whether he had seen his niece. The
youth answered, "I am but just arrived:
but had I been here longer how
could I presume to see the young lady?"
"If you did not come with that
intention, said the other, what brought
you here?" He told him, that he had
heard at court that the Grand Visitor
had given out orders to oblige
his niece to conclude, within the space
of a month, the marriage, that was so
contrary to her inclinations. "This
proceeding, said he, in her father's absence,
and without his consent, I looked
upon as very extraordinary and therefore
come to inquire into it. I thought
myself obliged to do her what service
I could; and therefore disregarded the
length of the journey. When I came
hither, I found the declaration in her
favour. Satisfied with the sight of that,
and concluding the report at Pe-king to
be false, I am very well pleased, and
shall forthwith return to court."

Shuey-guwin smiled at what he heard.

"What, said he, could you come
away directly upon hearing the report,
and yet be so well satisfied with the
bare sight of the order, as to return
immediately? After such a signal kindness,
you must not leave us so soon:
you must stay a little and rest yourself,
while I go and acquaint my niece with
the great favour you have done her.
You have given yourself a great deal of
trouble, and would you return back
without taking any refreshment[9] ?"
"I came not here, said Tieh-chung-u,
with a view of making a merit of
it with any one, but out of a disinterested
regard to justice. It was merely
to gratify my natural temper. And
therefore I neither deserve thanks, nor
will receive them. Ching-leao! farewell!
farewell!" said he, and departed.
Shuey-guwin would have conversed with
him longer, but saw him vanish, as
it were, from his sight, without so
much as turning his head. As he
thought this as a great discourtesy and
affront, he resolved to be revenged the
first opportunity. With this view he
sent a servant after him to find out his
lodgings, and to pick up what intelligence
he could about him. Then he
went to his son-in-law, and informed
him of the adventure. Kwo-khé-tzu,
who was greatly surprized, stamped
and said, "This animal is come to
carry off my bride. We must find
some way to prevent it, either by lodging
an accusation against him, or by
putting some public affront upon him.
Suppose we present a petition to the
Grand Visitor about his coming in this
clandestine manner, and make him
ashamed by exposing him publicly.
I warrant he will not venture to shew
his face here any more." Shuey-guwin
shook his head, and said, "That will
never do. He is son of the Tu-chayuen,
or Superior of the Vice-roys, and
what can the Grand Visitor do to him
whose father is so much his superior[10] ?
Leave the affair to me: I have thought
of a way, by which we shall reach him,
without making any public disturbance,
and yet stop his mouth so that he shall
not dare to make the least complaint.
Tieh-chung-u is very bold of speech[11] :
and cares not what he says. I listened
to his reasons for coming; which he
pretended was purely for the sake of
justice: but that is only a blind to
conceal his designs on my niece. You
must therefore send a servant to his
lodgings, as from Shuey-ping-sin: he
must say that his mistress heard he was
at her house in the morning, but having
a great many visitors could not
then wait on him; she had therefore
sent to acquaint him that she must
needs speak with him, and that at ten
o'clock at night he must come to the
garden door. This message he will
think to be real, and will doubtless
comply with it. Now you must plant
some stout lusty fellows at the place
appointed; who when he comes are
to fall upon and beat him severely[12] .
How after this will he dare to
complain? Or what could he say for
himself should any one ask him what
he did there in the dark so late?"
Kwo-khé-tzu was delighted with this
project, and upon being asked whether
he thought it feasible, answered "Ay!
ay! extremely so! It cannot but succeed;
and will let him know that there
are people in the city of Tséé-nan who
know how to deal with him." They
resolved to put their design in execution,
which the arrival of Shuey-guwin's
servant, who had brought directions
where to find him, enabled
them to set about immediately.

On the other hand Tieh-chung-u, unable
to account for this unexpected
change in the Grand Visitor's conduct,
went to the Che-hien's to see if he could
gain any information there. That
magistrate was from home, so that
he went back again to his lodgings.
As he was going in, he heard one

behind him say, "Sir, I have waited
here a great while, having a message
to deliver to you." He turned his
head aside, and found he was addressed
by a youth of about fourteen
or fifteen years. He asked what
business he had with him? The boy
did not immediately answer, but looking
round him with great appearance
of circumspection, and seeing nobody
near, stepped up close to him, and told
him softly, that he was sent by Shuey-ping-sin.
"How, replied he! and Shuey-yeong
at home[13] ! What is it she can
have sent you to tell me?" The youth
answered that she would have sent Shuey-yeong,
if she could have trusted a secret
with him: but that she had nobody she
could depend on so entirely as himself.
"Well, said he, what is your business?"
The boy told him, that his
lady heard in the morning that he was
at her house, and would have come
out to him, but for fear of scandal, and
lest it should be known that there was
a secret correspondence between them:
but especially as he had given no notice
that he was there; all which prevented
her from inviting him to come in.
"But now, proceeded he, she hath
sent me privately to desire you will
let her see you, to thank you for the
trouble you have been at in coming so
long a journey." "Tieh-chung-u replied,
"Go home and tell your lady
that I came here to redress an injury,
out of a mere regard to justice, and
therefore she must not think herself
obliged to me. And as to seeing her,
she is a woman and I am a man; which
is not like a friendship between two
of the same sex, who may freely
communicate and converse together."
"True, replied the other, my mistress
knows that a man and woman[14] may
not converse together freely: therefore
sent me to invite you to come to
the garden door at ten o'clock at night,
where she hath a word or two to whisper
in your ear, which nobody will
know of. You must not refuse her,
and thereby disappoint the good inclination
she bears towards you." Tieh-
chung-u could contain himself no longer:
"You young villain, said he in a rage,
who taught you these words? But perhaps,
said he softly with great concern,
perhaps your mistress's troubles have
affected her understanding." Then
immediately after recollecting himself,
"These words, said he, could never come
from that young lady. There is some
contrivance or villainy in this message."
Upon which, seizing the boy and menacing
to beat him, "How dare you,
said he, come with these lies to impose
upon me? Your mistress and I are
the only two persons in the world,
who dare keep the path of strict honour
and virtue: and therefore I will
never believe there could come from
her expressions so wanton and unhandsome.
Nor yet could such a young
monkey, as you, say all this of yourself.
Tell me then the truth; and inform
me who sent you, and you will
obtain my pardon. Otherwise I will
carry you to the Che-hien's audience,
and have you there severely punished."
At this the boy was so frighted
that his soul had almost quitted
his body: at last however he resumed
courage, and persisted in it that
he had said nothing but truth. Which
so far provoked Tieh-chung-u that he
gave him two or three boxes on the
ear, bidding him instantly confess, or
he would beat him without mercy.
The boy's courage forsook him, and
he acknowledged the falshood, confessing
he was sent by Kwo-khé-tzu, whose
servant he was, and begging he would
pardon what he had done in obedience
to his master. Tieh-chung-u let him
go, and though he was vexed, could
not help laughing. "Go, said he,
and carry this message back to them
that employed you. Tell them that
I Tieh-chung-u am an upright and true
man; and that Shuey-ping-sin is a woman
without any dross or mixture,
free from any thing foul as the most
transparent stream: let them not then
presume to hope they can ever succeed
in their shallow plots." All this [and
more] he charged the boy to tell his
master and Shuey-guwin: after which
he dismissed him.

Kwo-khé-tzu was impatiently expecting

to hear the success of his message,
and had waited a good while, when at
length he saw his servant come with
a confused and sorrowful countenance.
He asked him what was the matter.
On which the boy related all that had
happened. Shuey-guwin, who was present,
supposed the boy had mistaken
his message. You were ordered, said
he, to pass for the servant of my niece.
Had you done so, he would not have
hurt you. The boy assured him he
had punctually obeyed his orders: but
that Tieh-chung-u was no ordinary person.
"Before I spoke, said he, the
quickness of his looks made me afraid,
and when I came to deliver my message,
he would not have patience to
hear me out, but beat me severely,
and would have killed me if I had not
confessed the truth. He asked me
who sent me to pass these lies and play
these tricks upon him? And how I durst
come and asperse such a lady as Shuey-ping-sin:
one so modest and discreet.
At parting he laughed and said, the
persons that employed you are villains:
but let them take care how they offer
to pull up the tyger's whiskers."

At this relation they both were silent
for some time. At length Shuey-guwin
said to his son-in-law, "You
must not be cast down, notwithstanding
all this. I will yet contrive a way
to be even with him." "Alas, replied
the other, he will be too cunning
and hard for you, do what you will.

There is no remedy." "Fear not,
he replied: I will find out a remedy,
that shall not fail.

What he intended, will be seen at
large in the next chapter.

CHAP. IV.[15]

KWO-khé-tzu hearing Shuey-guwin
say he was not unprovided of an
occasion to plague Tieh-chung-u, was
desirous to know what it was. He
told him, that as his coming so long
a journey was all for the sake of his
niece, it was not to be doubted but
he would yet take an opportunity to
speak with her; and therefore he must
be watched. "Nay, said he, that he

may not do it without our privity,
I will go to my niece and make
her send for him." "That, said his
son-in-law, will be to do him a pleasure;
nay will afford him an opportunity
to bind the marriage contract
with her, and then all my hopes are
at an end, and I am utterly lost."
"Fear not, replied the other, what
I propose is the only means to prevent
his doing it[16] ." Then taking
his leave, he went to the young lady,
whom he thus accosted; "Niece, you
have certainly great penetration and
discernment with regard to mankind:
I shall henceforth pay great deference
to your opinion. For sometime since,
when there was a rumour that Tieh-chung-u
had been guilty of a great misdemeanour,
and was nothing less than
an hypocrite and a cheat, you would
not give the least credit to it, but believed
as well of him as before. Future
inquiries have confirmed your judgment,
and I am now satisfied he is a
man of great honour, sobriety, and
justice." "That, she replied, is an old
affair: why do you mention what is
past?" He said, "I saw this stranger
again to-day: and am therefore convinced
he hath the good qualities I
spoke of." "How can you know a
man's good qualities, said she, by barely
seeing him?" Shuey-guwin told her,
that he had met him that morning
coming out of her house; and had inquired
his business: "For I was apprehensive,
said he, that he had been
doing something, which might bring
a reflection upon you; and therefore
thought it behoved me to call him to
account: but he vindicated himself so
handsomely, and appeared to have
come hither with so good an intention,
that I find him to be a very well-disposed,
sincere, honest man." "Uncle,
said the young lady, how could you
know that he came hither with a good
intention?" "He told me, replied he,
that hearing at court that the Grand
Visitor had issued out two orders to
compel you to marry, and knowing
how much it must be against your
inclinations, he had come hither on
purpose to prevent it. That with this
view, and to make proper inquiries,
he came to-day to your house, but
finding upon the wall the Kao-shé or
declaration in your favour, he was
satisfied, and about to return to court.
From all this I cannot but conclude
favourably of his character." "He
acted just in this noble and upright
manner, replied his niece, from the
very first, when he saw me going to
the Che-hien's. He is a youth of that
justice and generous ardor, that I could
not but do what I did, in recompence
of so much merit." "Certainly, said
her uncle, the assistance he afforded
you at that time, and the kindness you
shewed him afterwards, were both
highly laudable. And now upon the
bare report that you were likely to
be injured, he hath come so far to your
relief. But would it be right to let
him return without any notice of, or
thanks for his trouble?" "Your question,
said she, is very proper: but what
can I do? I am a young woman and
single; and must avoid giving further
occasion for scandal. What though
he hath taken all this trouble, I know
he expects no return from me: thoroughly
convinceed of my grateful
temper, he requires no public proof
of it." "That is very true, said Shuey-guwin;
and yet it would be but right
to invite him to come, that you might
at least pay your compliments to
him."

Shuey-ping-sin had learnt from her old
servant, that he had met with Tieh-chung-u
near Pe-king, and there intreated
his assistance; and that he had afterwards
been fetched back again without
ever explaining the reason of it to him.
She therefore readily supposed, that the
young gentleman having missed him,
was come thither to know the truth of
the matter: and imagining there could
be no better occasion to inform him of
what he must desire to know, consented
to follow her uncle's advice. And yet
she was not without suspicion, that the
latter had some other design in view than
he would acknowledge. She told him
therefore she would be guided by him,
and would prepare a Tieh-tsé or paper of
invitation, but it must run in his name."

She accordingly dispatched Shuey-yeong
with it; whom her uncle directed to
the young gentleman's lodgings.

Tieh-chung-u was reflecting on the
oddness of the adventure, and on the
inconsistency of the Grand Visitor's
conduct, when he saw the old servant
enter, who had occasioned him
so much perplexity. He was very
glad to see him, and eagerly inquired
why he did not follow him to Peking.
The old man informed him
of all that happened from the time
they parted; and accounted for the
change in the Grand Visitor's conduct:
at the same time he explained the reason
of his abrupt return, and begged
his pardon, as he supposed it had occasioned

his journey thither. Then telling
him that his lady was glad to hear
of his arrival, he presented the billet
of invitation. Tieh-chung-u was highly
pleased with the account he gave him,
but would not receive the Tieh-tsé.
"When I went this morning to her
house, said he, I saw the declaration,
which satisfied me of her safety; you
have now cleared up all remaining
doubts; why then should I stay? I
will depart to-morrow." "Sir, replied
the servant, will not you accept
of the invitation, which I bring in
the name of my second master[17] ?"
"There are, said the youth, many
reasons why it would be improper.
And I must insist upon it that there
be no feast or other public acknowledgment
on account of my arrival.
[Your lady's excellent judgment knows
that it would be wrong in me to go,
although her complaisance may have
induced her to invite me[18] .] Return
therefore, and present to her my most
respectful services." Shuey-yeong did
not press him farther, but went and reported
to his lady and her uncle what
he had said. The latter was much disappointed;
but his niece remained very
well satisfied with his refusal, supposing
it proceeded from a forefight of
some mischief intended him.

Shuey guwin, greatly mortified with
the disappointment, went to his son-in-law,
and related to him what had happened,
telling him he looked upon the other's
shyness as only counterfeited in order
to cover a design of seeing his niece in
private. He therefore advised him
still to keep a good look out. "This
fellow, said Kwo-khé-tzu, is a demon.
And as I am a plain man void of all
art or cunning, how shall I be able to
look out after him. Am not I the
chief person of figure in this city? He
knows too, how much I desire to marry
your niece; yet he is always coming

here and soliciting her: in which he
opposes me, and declares himself my
enemy. He hath already discovered
our intentions to deceive him, and
therefore will henceforth be distrustful.
To what purpose then shall we
wait for an occasion to catch him? No:
to-morrow I will go myself and visit
him in form: he cannot but return
the compliment: when he comes I
will receive him with great courtesy,
and make a handsome entertainment;
to which I will invite several young
rakes of this city, sons of great Mandarines,
and my particular acquaintance:
at the same time we will plant
some strong lusty fellows near at hand.
When he comes we will ply him with
wine, and when he is in liquor, provoke
him to throw out some affronting
expression; which will afford us
a handle to fall upon him, and beat
him so severely that he shall breathe
his last. Then will we present a petition
to the Grand Visitor, wherein the
disturbance shall be made to appear the
effect of his own quarrelsome disposition.
Thus shall we get clear of this
difficulty, and prevent any body of figure
from ever venturing again to try
their strength with the principal youths
of this city: which we shall also render
famous for men of bravery and valour."
Shuey-guwin approved of this design,
yet could not help expressing some
apprehension about the consequence.
"What, said the other, have I to
fear? do you consider the exalted rank
of my father?" "Go then, replied
Shuey-guwin, set about it directly, he
intends to be gone early in the morning."
Upon which the other calling
his people together, and preparing a
billet of compliments, ordered his chair,
and set out immediately with great
attendance. When he arrived at the
lodgings, he sent in the paper, and
Siow-tan informed his master of the
visit; who thereupon bade him to
return for answer that he was not at
home[19] . Kwo-khé-tzu called to the
boy, and getting out of his chair talked
to him a good while: then got into
it again and returned home.

Tieh-chung-u learnt from his servant,
that Kwo-khé-tzu had inquired after
him with great courtesy, and had
given him a very kind invitation to
see him. "Wherefore is all this shew
of kindness, said he to himself? He is
certainly my enemy, and only means

to deceive me. Besides, what time have
I to spend in feasting and merriment?
No! I am satisfied that Shuey-ping-sin is
in safety, and will return to-morrow."
But then he suddenly recollected that
the other was the son of a Mandarine of
the first rank. "Besides, said he, he
came like a To-fang or Whirlwind[20] ; he
raised the whole city as he came along,
and every body is acquainted with the
honour he did me. After this, if I
do not go, I shall be universally condemned
for rudeness and ill-manners;
therefore I cannot avoid it. Upon
second thoughts I will go early in
the morning. He is a man of ease
and luxury, and lies in bed late; I will
therefore go before he is stirring. I will
only leave my compliments for him
and will return." Having formed this
resolution, he ordered his servant to
prepare his bed, and to call him up
early.

These precautions were however fruitless;
for Kwo-khé-tzu had appointed one
of his attendants to wait near the inn,
and to pick up what information he
could about the repayment of his visit.
From a servant of the inn this man
learnt the directions the young gentleman
had given when he retired to
rest; of which he did not fail to apprize
his master: so that when Tieh-chung-u
went in the morning, he found

he had long been waiting to receive
him. Kwo-khé-tzu gave him the most
courteous receation, having even gone
out into the street to meet him.
"Why! said he, smiling with great
appearance of joy, and saluting him in
the most respectful manner; Why do
you give yourself so much trouble in
doing me this favour?" Tieh-chung-u
seeing himself so highly caressed, imagined
it was to cover some evil design.
He would gladly have returned, but
could not now without great incivility:
he accordingly attended him into the
great hall, and would there have made
him the customary salute; but the other
told him it was too ordinary a place for
that honour, and therefore begged he
might show him farther within the house.
He then carried him into the second
hall, where the usual ceremonies past
between them. This done, they sat
down, and Kwo-khé-tzu called for tea.
He afterwards took occasion to tell his
guest, that he had long since heard of
his high reputation, and had wished to
have the honour of conversing with
him. "When I was first informed
of your coming here, said he, I sought
for an occasion to see you: and to-day
it is my good fortune to be favoured
with a visit. I should be glad if you
would extend it to eight or ten days."
Tieh-chung-u having drunk his tea, set
down his cup, and rising from his chair
said, "Sir, your regard and friendship
certainly demand that I should stay
here longer. But I must be gone immediately:
strong necessity requires it:
could I fly as swift as an arrow from
a bow it would not be amiss." This
said, he was going away: but Kwo-khé-tzu
embraced him saying, "You
must then stay three days with me."
"It is very certain, he replied, that I
must be gone; I beg therefore you will
not detain me." He then was going
to force himself from him: but the
other took hold of his hand, and said,
"Although I am unworthy of this
favour myself, you ought to shew some
respect to my family and rank: you
should not have visited me, if you esteemed
us all so insignificant. No!
now you are come, I must make you
owner (or master) of this country[21] by
giving you an entertainment." "I
would not willingly refuse the many
favours you confer on me, said Tieh-chung-u:
but I must be gone Every
thing is packed up ready for my departure:
and it is impossible for me
to stay here longer." "I cannot force
you to stay, said the other; but I
am ashamed that I am not able to
persuade you. However, as you are
come so early you must stay and breakfast
with me: it shall not detain you
long. You must not mortify me by
a refusal of this. When breakfast is
over you may prosecute your journey."
"Would you leave me to my
own inclinations, said Tieh-chung-u, I
could wish to be excused: but if you
will have it so, I must submit. Yet
according to order and propriety, upon
the first visit how can I stay and give
you this trouble?" "Between friends,
replied the other, you must not talk
of trouble."

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

favour you did her in coming so far
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
to pay my respects to him, and to
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,

Kwo-khé-tzu making him take the first
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] ,

or Mandarine of the third chair of the
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
and returned it full to him again:
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

hold of a chair, and told them, as
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,
said he, your appearance doth not owe
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:
and therefore must go." The young
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
young Mandarine Whang, then he may
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

pass for a valiant fellow in the city
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
it must be a monkey changed into that
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

with three cups, so will I drink three
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.
"I have drunk, said he, three cups
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

table. Which the other seeing, cried
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
at him, then rising from his
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

rushed out seven or eight lusty fellows:
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
him: "Take that; said he. For the
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
nothing more, said Tieh-chung-u, than
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

every thing for his departure: here he
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
mistress? I shall never be able to return
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

usual order of respect in offering his
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
parts. When did you arrive and what occasioned
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
of the greatest brutes and libertines in
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
making out a formal prosecution." "I
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
of it, I shall think you are angry with
me." To prevent that suspicion he
received it, and withdrew.

Where he went will be found in the
next chapter.

CHAP. VI.[37]

TIEH-chung-u taking his leave of
the Grand Visitor, went and told
Shuey-yeong who had attended him there,
all that had past at the tribunal: and
concluded with desiring him to recommend
him to his mistress, and to
present his thanks for the advice she
had given him. "It is not in my

power, said he, to send any present
as an acknowledgment of her goodness:
neither could I presume to do
it, a single man as I am, to a young
unmarried lady." Then delivering
his horse to the old servant, and hiring
a mule, he departed for his own
city; and Shuey-yeong returned to his
mistress.

Let us now return to Kwo-khé-tzu
and his companions, whom we have
seen disappointed in their designs on
Tieh-chung-u. When they found he
was got clear out of their hands, they
were ready to burst with rage and madness.
The first that broke silence was
Shuey-guwin, who said, "Who would
have suspected this young man to have

been possessed of so much strength and
courage?" "It was owing to neither
of these that he escaped, said his son-in-law,
but he had got Chang-congtzu
at such disadvantage, that he could
neither help himself, nor we conveniently
assist him. But he must not
go off so: let us muster up a proper
company, and go find him out: let
us still treat him as he deserves: and
afterwards give in a petition to the
Grand Visitor." This proposal was
approved by them all: the young
Mandarine Chang instantly promised to
bring thirty people; each of the others
likewise engaged to raise as many.
These to the number of a hundred
were soon assembled, and with their
masters at their head, Shuey-guwin leading
the way, drove along the streets
like a swarm of bees. But when they
came to the inn, where the young
stranger had lodged, they were told
that he went away almost as soon as
he came home. They were quite disconcerted
at this information. "However,
said Kwo-khé-tzu to the rest, this
shall not serve his turn; we will immediately
apply to the Grand Visitor
of the province, and he shall do us justice."
Shuey-guwin told him, that their
enemy was of the province of Pe-king,
and therefore was not under that Mandarine's
jurisdiction. "Well then,
said Kwo-khé-tzu and his companions,
we will all together draw up a petition,
wherein we will accuse him of endeavouring
to raise a rebellion[38] ; this
will authorise the Mandarines of any
province to lay hold of him. The
Grand Visitor must give an account
of this at court; where we will send
to our fathers and friends to acquaint
them of the affair; thus we shall quickly
humble him, notwithstanding all his
bravery and valour."

They were exceedlngly pleased with
this proposal, and accordingly got their
petition wrote, which Shuey-guwin signed
as a witness: they then repaired to

the city of Tong-chang; and finding
the audience open for receiving petitions,
presented themselves before the
tribunal. The Grand Visitor received
their petition, and ordered them all
out of the hall, except Shuey-guwin.
"This paper, said he, contains a
strange story of a rebellion attempted
in this country by Tieh-chung-u: if he
was so dangerous a person, how came
you to be so desirous of his company,
and to invite him so earnestly to drink
wine with you? Did he drop any hint
of his intention to raise a tumult or
rebellion in the city, in the midst of
his cups, or afterwards in the quarrel?"
Shuey-guwin finding the Grand Visitor
so inquisitive, knew not what to answer,
and therefore remained silent.
"You are a very sorry fellow, said
the Mandarine. I am well acquainted
with the whole story: nevertheless if
you do not relate it exactly from beginning
to end, I will bring your fingers
to the Kiah-coon or Tormenting-sticks."
Shuey-guwin's fear became excessive
when he saw the other so angry,
and found he should be forced to confess
the truth. "Sir, said he, it is true,
he was drinking with the others."
"Very well, said the Mandarine, if
you were drinking all together, I must
suppose you all equally guilty: nay it
is more likely that you five should form
seditious designs upon the city, than he
whom you accuse, who perhaps would
not join in such an attempt, and so
you have agreed to impeach him first."
"My Lord, replied he, Kwo-khé-tzu
invited this young man to his house
out of civility and good will, and when
he was in his cups all the secret came
out. Nothing would pacify him; he
overset the table and fell to fighting,
crying out to the young Mandarines,
that if there were a thousand of them,
he would not regard them: and that
if he should come to be Emperor he
would destroy the four houses to which
they belong. The young gentlemen
deeply concerned at these things, could
not refrain from lodging a complaint
with your Excellency: which they
would not have presumed to do, had
it been false." "A likely story, said
the Grand Visitor, that one person should
beat and abuse four or five of you. No!
no! you must not think to impose on
me at this rate." "Sir, said Shuey-
guwin, the broken pieces of furniture
are still to be seen: nothing is more
certain." The Mandarine took him
up short, "How should a stranger
of another city come and raise such a
disturbance, unless he had been provoked
by some injury or insult? However
if it be as you alledge, have you
secured or brought him with you?"
"No, he replied; he was like a tyger,
there was no taking hold of him: he
went away without any one's daring
to oppose him."

The Grand Visitor ordered all he had
reported to be taken down in writing by
the secretary of the tribunal: then said to
him, "Are not you ashamed, an old
fellow as you are, to come here with

these stories: and to keep company
with young rakes, drinking and embroiling
yourself in their quarrels?
This petition you have brought me
is false and scandalous. Go home and
tell the four Mandarines sons to be
quiet: I know the whole story, better
than they imagine. If it were not for
the connections of these young men,
I would throw you into prison, where
you should die with hunger: however
I must make you a present of twenty
or thirty bastinadoes[39] ." At these words
Shuey-guwin in great terror, cryed out
that he was old, and begged he would
pardon and not dishonour him so
much. "Honour! said the Grand
Visitor, what honour have you?" He
said, "I am brother to the second Mandarine
of the tribunal of arms." "Are
you his brother, said the magistrate?
why who keeps his house? "My brother,
he replied, hath no son: but
only one daughter, who heretofore hath
received great favour from your Excellency."
"If it be so, replied the
Grand Visitor, for her sake I will pardon
you: but then tell me truly, who
it is that bears such implacable enmity
against this young stranger." "I
am not his enemy, answered Shuey-guwin:
but it is Kwo-khé-tzu, who being
disappointed in his design of marrying
my niece, by the other's interposal,
hath ever since retained a
secret malice and desire of revenge; and
it was in order to gratify his revenge,
that he now invited him to his house:
but for my part I owe him no kind of ill
will." The Grand Visitor ordered his
secretary to make a memorandum of
this; then giving him back the petition,
bade him go tell those young men
to mind their studies, and let him hear
no more of them: "For this once,
said he, I pardon them on account of
their fathers: who would find a great
deal of trouble, should such complaints
be brought against them at court."

Shuey-guwin having thus obtained
leave to retire, was ready to leap out
of his skin for joy: but when he was
got without the audience where the

others were waiting for him, he shrugged
up his shoulders, and made signs to
them to hold their tongues: at the sight
of which, and of the petition which he
held in his hand, they were alarmed;
and being informed of all that had
happened, sent in a Sho-poun[40] or billet
of thanks, to the Grand Visitor for his
lenity, and afterwards returned home
not a little ashamed. However Kwo-khé-tzu
could not be prevailed on to
lay aside his resentment, or to drop
his pursuit. On the contrary, he was
the more obstinately resolved to persist
in both; and recollecting that Chun-kéé
had been gone some time, he dispatched
a messenger to enquire after him.

Now Chun-kéé in performance of his
promise had made the best of his way
to the court: where as soon as he arrived,
he delivered to the minister
Kwo-sho-su the letter from his son. As
soon as the Mandarine had read the
letter, he withdrew with him into his
library, and inviting him to sit down,
inquired about his son's proposal of
marriage with Shuey-ping-sin. "Her
father, said he, is now in disgrace:
this match cannot be for our credit,
as we are advanced to such a degree
in the state." "This young lady,
replied the other, is endowed with wonderful
perfections both of mind and
person, and is of unexampled modesty:
in short there is not her fellow
to be found in the world. Wherefore

your son hath sworn either by gentle or
violent means to marry her." Kwo-sho-su
laughed and said, "I am afraid my
son is very weak and simple. If he had
a mind to marry her, he needed not
have sent to court, when the Che-foo
and Che-hien, the fathers of the country,
might easily have compleated the marriage
for him. You have had a great
deal of trouble in coming so far: and
now he would give me still more, in requiring
me to send without the wall
into Tartary for her father's consent."
"He hath not been wanting in application
to the Che-foo and Che-hien, replied
the other; he hath left no means to
prevail with her unattempted; but she
hath always by very gentle but artful
methods found means to elude his
pursuit. Your Lordship must not talk
of the Che-foo and Che-hien, since the
Grand Visitor of the province, who
was your pupil, endeavoured to promote
the suit of your son, but she
so far baffled him, that he hath been
glad to put forth a declaration, forbidding
any one to molest her on
the subject of marriage. Now if a
Mandarine of his rank is afraid to
meddle with her, who besides dares
approach her gates? Kwo-khé-tzu
therefore had no other remedy, but
to apply to your Lordship." The
Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was surprized at
this account, and said, "Surely this
is a young lady of fine understanding,
and it is on that account my son so
much admires her. But this Shuey-
keu-yé, her father, is a very positive
man: if he does not heartily approve of
any measure, he is not to be moved to
engage in it: besides I am not very
intimate with him. He is a man of
one word: when he held an audience,
there was very little application made
to him, because he was known to favour
no body. He hath only this
daughter; and I remember I once applied
to him about her, but without
success. However, as he is now in
trouble, perhaps he will be more inclined
to comply: there seems at present
a good opportunity to ask his consent."
"But in what manner, said
Chun-kéé, will your Lordship apply to
him?" "It must be done, said the
other, with all the usual ceremonies.
A friend must first be employed to
break the matter: afterwards we must
send a present. But here lies the difficulty:
as he is distant from us no less
than two hundred leagues, I cannot ask
any Mandarine of great quality to go
so far. I believe I must write a letter
and beg the favour of you to carry it,
together with the present." Chun-kéé
replied, "Your Lordship may command
my best services. Let me also
carry letters to such of the great Mandarnes
there as are able to influence
him." "You are right," said the Minister;
and accordingly selecting a fortunate
day, he wrote the letters and dispatched
him with them.

CHAP. VII.

[[41] NOW the case of] the Mandarine
Shuey-keu-yé [was as
follows;] upon receiving notice that a
war had broke out with the Tartars,
and that there was not any valiant
man to head the troops; [he had]
made inquiry after such a person, and
[had] found among the people of his
audience[42] a man called Hu-hiau, one

of the north-west country, who had
offered himself for that service. Of this
Shuey-keu-yé informed the Emperor,
who consented to employ him, there
being none other that cared to go
against the enemy. He was accordingly
constituted General, with orders
to go and visit those parts that were
the seat of war, and to act as he should
think best for the public service. He
executed these orders with such dispatch,
that he would not stop to pay the usual
visits of ceremony to any of the other
Mandarines in command, but went immediately
in search of the enemy. This
gave so much disgust to those officers
that they would not go to his assistance,
nor unite their forces with his. Nevertheless
he attacked the enemy, and
had a sharp engagement for a whole
day with equal advantage on both sides.
Small as this success was, it was represented
still less to the Emperor by the
disaffected Mandarines, and both he
and Shuey-keu-yé were suspended from
their employments: the one being sent
to prison, and the other an exile into
Tartary.

The latter had now remained about
a year in banishment: where, although
he still retained his dignity of Mandarine,
there was taken little notice of him,
and he had small hopes of returning
home. One morning a servant belonging
to his tribunal (for notwithstanding
his disgrace he still had an hall of
audience assigned him) came to tell
him that there was a messenger arrived
from Pe-king, with letters from one of
the Ministers of state. Shuey-keu-yé,
who had looked upon himself as intirely
forgotten at court, was surprized at
this news. Nevertheless he ordered
the messenger to be admitted. Chun-kéé
was accordingly shewn in, attended
by two servants whom he had brought
with him. He performed his reverences,

and presented a Tieh-tsé or billet
of compliments. The Mandarine perused
it, and finding Chun-kéé to be no
servant, but a particular acquaintance
of the person who sent him, desired
him to sit down. "I am so unhappy,
said he, as to be out of favour: and
it is a long while since I have been
taken notice of by any one. How
happens it then, that you are come so
far to me? Upon what account?" "I
should not have taken this liberty, replied
the other, had I not been sent by
Kwo-sho-su, whose business abroad I
sometimes transact: and it is on his
account that I have now taken so long
a journey." "When I was at court,
said Shuey-keu-yé, I had very little acquaintace
with that Mandarine. I suppose
therefore my punishment is now
going to be increased." Chun-kéé replied,
"It will not be long before your
Lordship will return to Pe-king: I am
only come at present in behalf of this
nobleman's son, who desires your
daughter in marriage: but as she hath
not your permission or order, I am
sent to intreat you to grant it." Then
asking the servants for the letter, he
presented it to Shuey-keu-yé: who opening
it, and having read it, thought
that the whole affair was not rightly
conducted, according to the manner
among people of quality; nor suitably
to the dignity of his rank. At
the same time being not unacquainted
with the character of Kwo-khé-tzu, and
having no great opinion of the Mandarine
his father, he resolved not to
consent to their request. This resolution
he was the rather confirmed
in, as he supposed if his daughter had
approved of it, they would never have
sent so far to him. After some pause,
Chun-kéé took the liberty to ask him
if he had read the letter. He replied,
"I have, and thank you for the great
trouble you have been at in bringing
it: I am obliged to Kwo-sho-su for the
high honour he doth me: and should
esteem it great good fortune that he is
pleased to desire my daughter for his
son: but only that I am now under
his Majesty's displeasure, and removed
above two hundred leagues from home,
from whence I have been absent five
years at court, and one in banishment.
As I have no son, and only this daughter,
who is unto me as a son, and as
such hath the whole direction of my
house, I shall therefore permit her
to govern herself in this affair according
to her own inclinations. If Kwo-khé-tzu
had so great a desire to marry
her, why did not he apply to the Che-foo
and Che-hien, who are the public
guardians of the people[43] , and to my
brother Shuey-guwin? What need had
he to take so much trouble in sending
so far?" "Sir, replied Chun-kéé, you
speak very well; and Kwo-khé-tzu did
last year pursue the method you describe;
but after she had many times
put him off, she at length confessed,
it was because she had not your permission,
and therefore he hath got me
to come for it."

The Mandarine Shuey-keu yé judged
from his discourse, that his daughter
was not inclined to marry Kwo-khé-tzu;
and therefore he said, "As I am now
in disgrace, I look upon it that I have
nothing to do with my family, nor
can I pretend to dispose of my daughter.
I have been here a twelvemonth,
and have not so much as sent home
one letter: and it is because I am not
yet acquitted. Now under these circumstances,
should I pretend to give
out an order about my daughter, it
would aggravate my offence: I dare
not therefore offer to do it." Chun-kéé

said, "Let me have but your word,
and it will be sufficient." He was
very importunate, insomuch that Shuey-keu-yé
grew downright angry, and said,
that it was not a thing of a slight or
indifferent nature: and custom required
that there should be more than two to
concert so important an affair as marriage.
Without any further satisfaction
he dismissed him, but ordered him a lodging:
from whence Chun-kéé often paid
him visits, but to no purpose: he therefore
sent to all the neighbouring Mandarines,
and got them to speak to him
on the subject of the marriage. They
were accordingly very urgent and
pressing, which made Shuey-keu yé so
uneasy, that he sent for Chun-kéé and
said: "I never did any ill to the Mandarine
Kwo-sho-su: why then doth he
give me so much trouble, and is for
taking my daughter by force? Go
home, and tell him, I will never compel
her to act against her inclinations.
As for myself, I never expect to carry
my bones home again: my life is to
me of little value: [but I will not
make my daughter miserable.] Nay
should the Emperor himself order me
to compel her, I would still leave her
to her own choice: and should all the
Mandarines here my superiors do their
utmost to make me suffer, I regard it
not. Therefore take your letter and
your present back again."

Chun-kéé finding it would be in vain
to persist, packed up his baggage and

returned to the court. Where being
arrived with no little shame for his
ill success, he gave back to Kwo-sho-su
his letter and present. At which the
Minister was very much inraged, and
resolved to resent it the first opportunity.
It was not long before he found
one, for there being a demand for
more troops to go against the Tartars,
on account of the havoc and loss which
had been made of those who went before;
that Mandarine, when he advised the
Emperor of it, did not fail to lay the
blame on the former mismanagement
of Shuey-keu-yé, and on that of his general
Hu-hiau: representing to his Majesty,
that if they were taken off by
the punishment they deserved, warriors
enow would offer themselves, and
bring the war to a conclusion: but that
this could not be expected till all suspicion
was taken away of their ever returning
into employment; in the discharge
of which they had both rendered
themselves extremely odious.

The Emperor approved of this remonstrance,
and referred it to the consideration
of the San-fa-tseh, or tribunal
of three[44] : which was commanded to

assemble and examine into the conduct
of Hu-hiau in order to bring that general
to justice.

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

inquired for his father. His mother
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
lose his head three quarters of an hour
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

die but once: and it matters not in
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
should I be beaten by any one? What
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
if you had not been guilty of the charge
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
speak, now is your time." Hû-hiau
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
Lords! You are all great officers under
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

have you with the condemned
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
year in prison, and the Mandarine
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
to do any thing in prejudice of their
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

passed, and he must die." These
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] .
It hath been customary when such men
have committed a fault: not to put
them to death, but to let them take it
off [attone for it] by some service
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

the imputation of partiality, or of
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

would answer it himself the next. The
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]

absent. Wherefore if he
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

took out of prison. These two persons
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-
hiau return with the Emperor's sword.
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
refused to accept of any such distinction,
for he said unless he could arrive
at that honour by his learning, he was
unworthy of it.

CHAP. IX.

THE Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was
so mortified by this disappointment
that he was ashamed to appear
in public, and begged to lay down his
office under pretence of indisposition.
On the other hand, Shuey-keu-yé had
no sooner returned to court but he
was made Shang-shu, or President [of
the tribunal of arms.] The Mandarines
who had threatened him for refusing
to listen to their proposals in
favour of Kwo-sho-su and his son, were

afraid he would now remember them.
But he told them when they came to
visit him and ask his pardon, that they
could not be blamed for acting as
they did, and that the harm which
might have accrued was owing to himself.
As soon as he had waited on
the Emperor, he went immediately to
visit the Supreme Viceroy and his son.
That Mandarine received him in person,
but his son was absent: the other
inquired after him, but was told he
was gone into the country to study.
"I am come, said Shuey-keu-yé, to pay
my acknowledgments to the young
gentleman for the benefit I have received
from his wisdom and courage;
and nothing would rejoice me so much
as to see him." "To morrow, said
his father, I will send him to visit
you." Upon which the other departed
with great satisfaction.

The Mandarine Tieh did not approve
of his son's keeping a great deal
of company, but could not avoid complying
with the request of the Lord
President; he therefore sent to command
his son to visit him. Tieh-chung-u said,
to the servant who brought the message,
"As that Mandarine only came
to see us out of compliment, it will
be sufficient for my father to return it.
It would but interrupt my studies to
go to the city: where the public ceremonies
would take up more time than I
can spare; and so much company is
but irksome." He therefore humbly

intreated his father not to engage for
any return of visits to be made by him.
The servant reported his message to
his master, who was so well satisfied
with it, that he went and returned
the visit alone. Shuey-keu-yé asked for
his son: and the other apologized for
his absence under pretence that he was
indisposed. "Very well, replied he,
it is the custom of people of sense and
ingenuity not to be forward in making
themselves public: as your son is a
youth of great wisdom, and chuses to
live sequestered from public company,
I will go to his house, and see him
there." After a[55] little farther discourse
they parted.

The Mandarine Shuey-keu-yé thought
it a great proof of the young gentleman's
discretion and good sense,
that he chose to be retired. It increased
his desire to see him. He
had formed in his mind so favourable
an opinion of him, that he
thought he would be a very proper
match for his daughter, whom now
he began to think of marrying. He
accordingly sent a servant to the village,
where Tieh-chung-u at present resided,
to see if he were at home, and
being informed that he was, he went
to see him on the morrow[56] : of
which he gave him the customary
notice.

The name of the village was Séé-shan,
or West-mountain, where Tieh-chung-u
lived retired; he had just dined when
he received notice that the Mandarine
Shuey-keu-yé intended him a visit: the
name brought to his mind his beautiful
daughter Shuey-ping-sin, which caused
him to fetch a deep sigh, and led
him to reflect on the wonderful manner
in which things had happened.
"I little thought, said he, of contributing
to the restoration of that young
lady's father, when I became surety
for Hû-hiau. I was not only the
happy instrument of saving a brave
man from death, but of bringing
back to honour a Mandarine of so
much merit. I might now ask him
for his daughter in marriage; if I had

not become acquainted with her at
the Che-hien's tribunal; and if she had
not received me afterwards into her
house. But alas! after all this public
intercourse, our union is impossible,
unless I would bring all the calumny
in the world both upon her and myself;
and confirm the suspicion of a private
correspondence." He considered
with himself whether it was not possible
to find out some means of getting over
this difficulty: [but his delicacy raised
so many scruples, and painted the censure
of the world in so terrible a light,
as extending not only to himself, but
his posterity, that] at length he said,
"I shall be forced to refuse her, although
her father should make me the
offer." He was buried in these distracting
reflections, when there was
shewn into the room an old gentleman
dressed in the habit of a doctor of law:
who cried out, "Hiong, or brother,
why are you so difficult of access[57] , that
I could not see you before to-day?"
"Surely, Sir, said the youth, you do
not know me, or you would not say
this." Then he paid him the compliments
due to his appearance. When
these were over the old gentleman took
hold of his hand, and looking earnestly
in his face, said, "When I only heard
of you, I conceived a great esteem for
you; which after all might possibly
have been ill-grounded: but now I
must confess the sight of you increases
that esteem, and gives me great satisfaction.
Yesterday I went to pay you
a visit, but only saw your father: he
told me you did not care to be seen
in public: I therefore came hither privately
to visit you." Tieh-chung-u at
these words started, saying: "Ah!
Sir, you seem to be the Mandarine
Shuey-keu-yé[58] :" then getting ready a
Tieh-tsé, or billet of compliments, and
presenting it to him, he said, "I hope,
Sir, you will pardon me, that although
you are a person of so much honour,
I did not know you." "Why did
I come here, replied the other, but to
thank you for being the cause of my
return to court: as likewise to be acquainted
with a youth of such uncommon
endowments as fame reports you
to be possessed of?" "Pray, Sir, excuse
me, said Tieh-chung-u; it proceeded from
my not being sufficiently acquainted
with you, that I did not pay that respect
to you I ought in waiting upon you
yesterday. I am now very sensible of
my error." After these compliments,
he ordered an entertainment to be got
ready. At the sight of that, Shuey-keu-yé
was very well pleased, as it would
afford them an opportunity for discourse.
Accordingly their conversation turned
upon history, antiquity, poetry, law,
and other subjects proper for learned
and ingenious men. After these topics
were exhausted, the old Mandarine said,
he had one word to speak, which he
hoped the other would not take amiss.
"My Lord, said Tieh-chung-u, as I am
your son and disciple[59] , why do you
shew me so much condescension?" "I
have no son, replied the other, but one
only daughter, who hath just attained
her eighteenth year. If I am not partial
to her, I never saw a young woman
of such beautiful features, or of
so fine a person: and as to knowledge
in books, I believe there are none
able to converse with her, except yourself.
This I mention, as I have a great
value for you; but if you don't believe
me, examine first into the truth of it
yourself: if you find it to be true, you
shall have her for your wife." Tieh-chung-u
was so surprized, and confounded
at these words, that he could give
no answer, but remained as it were
thunderstruck, and sighed deeply with
a great appearance of concern in his
face. Shuey-keu-yé observing his looks,
said, "Perhaps you are already engaged."
The other shook his head,
and answered, "No!" "Perhaps then,
replied he, you do not think all is
true that I tell you." "Sir, said the
youth, it is impossible for a man or
woman to excell in understanding so
much as she doth, but a whole kingdom
must be acquainted with it. You
have spoke nothing but truth, and your
offer would be exceedingly acceptable
to any one, but myself: circumstanced
as I am, I should be very blameable to
accept of it." The Mandarine hearing
him speak so obscurely, said, "You
are a person of an open generous heart;
you must tell me what you mean."
"Sir, said he, when you get home you
will understand every thing." The
Lord President imagined there might
be something or other amiss, which had
not yet reached his ears: this he thought
the more probable, as he had been so
long from home, and had not heard
any news from thence: he therefore
dropt the subject, and after some little
discourse upon indifferent topics took
his leave, and went home.

As he went along he could not help
reflecting on the engaging aspect of
Tieh-chung-u, and what a proper husband
he would be for his daughter;
he therefore could not easily resolve
to part with him. Nay he thought

he could discern in his words and manner,
as through a mist, that he had a
secret inclination for her, although he
seemed to have some great objection:
what that was he could not possibly
divine, unless she had been guilty of
any misconduct: "But that, said he,
cannot be; I know her to be of the
most steady temper, and immoveable
virtue. Perhaps this Kwo-khé-tzu, out
of revenge for my refusing him my
daughter, hath played her some trick,
or reported ill of her, which hath occasioned
this disgust in Tieh-chung-u:
however all these objections will vanish,
if the offer prove but agreeable to the
Mandarine his father." He therefore
resolved to get an intimate acquaintance
to go and talk over the affair
with the latter; for from what he had
heard of his daughter's carriage and
ingenuity, he thought there was none
but Tieh-chung-u worthy to obtain
her.

CHAP. X.

SHUEY-keu-yé having learnt from
the friend he employed, that his
proposals were exceedingly acceptable
to the Supreme Viceroy, made a great
entertainment for that Mandarine, who
when he returned told his wife all
that had passed. Sheh-foo-jin, or my
lady Sheh, agreed that their son was
of a proper age to be married; and
that Shuey-ping-sin was a very desirable
person: for she had heard how she

had conducted herself while she was persecuted
by Kwo-khé-tzu, and that she
was a most ingenious and agreeable
young lady. She thought therefore that
such another could not be found for
their son, and that it would be a great
happiness to fix him so well. "And
yet, said she, if you ask his consent, you
will not obtain it; for he will be so
nice and curious that he must examine
every thing to the bottom, and will
be raising difficulties without occasion,
and without end. As the reputation
of Shuey-ping-sin is so established, and
her merits and accomplishments so
great, we may contract first, and acquaint
him with it afterwards." The
Mandarine Tieh approved of her opinion,
and told her it intirely agreed
with his own. Then choosing a fortunate
day, he made the customary
present to the parent of the young lady.
At the same time, he and his wife
sent to their son, and wished him joy,
informing him of the engagement they
had entered into in his behalf. He
was very much surprized, and immediately
went to his father and mother.
"Marriage, said he, is an affair of
consequence, and should not be too
precipitately managed. You have been
wholly guided by report: but who
can answer for the truth of reports?
You may have been deceived in the
accounts of this lady: and there may be
cause to repent it as long as one lives."
His father asked him whether he suspected
Shuey-ping-sin to be ugly? "No!
said he: I believe that her complection
is fair and clear as the most limpid
stream[60] ." "Perhaps, replied the
other, you are doubtful of her wit and
sense?" "Her understanding, he replied,
surpasses even that of our sex:
in whatever she does there appears such
discretion; all her actions are conducted
with such beautiful order, that it
exceeds imagination." "Perhaps then,
said his father, she hath been guilty
of something wrong." "No, he answered,
she hath never done any thing
the least amiss." With that the Supreme
Viceroy and the lady Sheh burst
into laughter, that he should make a
scruple of marrying a young lady with
so many perfections, and who had not
one quality but what deserved the
greatest praise. "Nay, proceeded the
youth, I should willingly marry this
young lady, even if it exposed me to so
great a misfortune as your displeasure;
for she is never absent from my
thoughts: but alas! there is a difficulty,
which I can never get over,
that shuts me out from all thoughts
of such an undertaking." This said, he
immediately told them all that happened
between him and the young lady: and
concluded with observing, that his
having so lately been the means of
restoring her father, would add strength
to the suspicion of their criminal correspondence.
As therefore the loss of
their good fame was to be the consequence
of their nuptials, he could not
think of purchasing even that happiness
at so dear a rate. His father commended
his nice concern for his reputation:
"But what hath happened, said he, may
be justified and cleared up. You are
but a young man, and not so well able
to judge as myself. However this union
may be rendered more free from censure
by your caution." Then his father
and mother both observed to him, that
they were advanced in years: and that
any delay was so much loss of their
happiness, as they could enjoy none
equal to that of seeing him married.
"You must not, said they, yield to
these scruples: retire to your studies,
and banish them from your thoughts.
At a proper time we shall send for you.
It is too late now for you to object to
this marriage, for our contract cannot
be set aside." Tieh-chung-u, perceiving
the anxious concern of his parents,
thought it would not become him to
contend with them farther: but imagined
that if he himself should consent,
the young lady could not easily be prevailed
on. He therefore said no more,
but taking his leave of them, returned
to his studies.

Shuey-keu-yé having concerted the
marriage between Tieh-chung-u and his
daughter, remained very well satisfied;
and as he had been so long absent,
had a great desire to see his family.
He accordingly petitioned his Majesty
for leave to retire, as being old and

infirm. The Emperor, who was desirous
to make up to him the time he
had lost in disgrace and banishment,
would not consent that he should so
soon lay down his office. He nevertheless
petitioned three times. The
Emperor at length seeing him so determined,
gave him leave to retire for
one year, ordering him after the expiration
of it to return to court: at
the same time he issued out a mandate,
requiring the Mandarines every where
to entertain him as he passed along,
and to supply him with whatever he
might want. Highly pleased with this,
he immediately prepared every thing
for his journey, and set out from Peking
with a very splendid retinue, attended
by a long train of great Mandarines,
who accompanied him quite out of the
city. But the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su
was not of their number, having been
ashamed to appear.

As soon as the news of what had
happened arrived at Tséé-nan soo, all
the Mandarines who resided in or near
that city, put up chops or red papers
with congratulatory inscriptions[61] : and
every great officer and person of fashion
went to the house of Shuey-keu-yé to
compliment his daughter on the news.
This ceremony they performed three
times. The first time, they congratulated
her on her father's return from banishment;
the second time on his promotion;

and lastly on the permission
he had obtained to retire from court.
Shuey-ping-sin at first gave no credit to
the news: for having been so oft deceived
by Kwo-khé-tzu she was afraid
to appear: but afterwards when she saw
the Mandarines of the city, she believed
it was all true: yet could not comprehend
how her father should have such
good fortune, as at once to be restored
and advanced to honour. Shuey-guwin
was not long before he went to her:
"Do you know, said he, by what
means it hath happened, that your father
is thus of a sudden returned home
with so much honour and promotion?"
She replied, "I do not: but was thinking
with some amazement how it could
happen." "You are then to know,
said he, that it is all through the means
of Tieh-chung-u." At which she laughed,
and said, "I cannot believe what you
say: it seems very fabulous." "Why
not believe it, said he?" She replied,
"Because Tieh-chung-u is not in any
office or power; but on the contrary is
but a simple student, and out of the
way of contributing to such an event."
"It proceeded originally, said he, from
Kwo-khé-tzu, who finding no other way
to obtain you for his wife, got his father
to send a messenger to my brother
to solicit his consent. Which he refusing,
that Mandarine renewed an accusation
against him, and also against Hû-hiau
a general chosen by him, charging
them with mismanagement in the wars:
upon which the Emperor appointed a
Tribunal of Three in order to bring that
general to his trial. He was therecon
demned, and ready to be executed, when
Tieh-chung-u interposed and became
his surety: in consequence of which,
the general was restored to his command,
and had such remarkable success
that he acquired great honour, not only
to himself, but also to that young gentleman
and your father." Shuey-ping-sin
inquired of her uncle what authority
he had for this report, and seemed to
doubt whether it were true. "Not
true, said he? why should you question
it? Wherefore else where the papers
put up? Did not the Mandarines themselves
come hither to compliment you
on the occasion?" She smiled at his
warmth, and said, "If this be true,
then doubtless Tieh-chung-u is a traitor,
that could be so impudent and bold before
the Tribunal of Three. Why
don't you petition against him, as one
that is going to raise a rebellion?"
Her uncle begged that nothing more
might be said on that subject, assuring
her that he was now reformed. "I go
no more, said he, among those rakes:
who abused me very much in forcing
me into what I did." As soon as he
was withdrawn, Shuey-ping-sin set herself
to reflect on the events that had
happened. She could not but admire,
that fortune should give that youth so
many occasions to assist her; and all
through their accidental meeting in the
streets. "The service he hath done me
is great, said she, but nothing to what
he hath done my father. His virtue
and generosity demand of me the most
grateful acknowledgments: miserable
I am, that I cannot yield him my love."

Shuey-ping-sin continued in daily expectation
of seeing her father: when at
length a servant came to inform her
of his approach. All the Mandarines
went out of the city to meet him:
and at noon he came home. She advanced
into the great hall to receive
him, where nothing could equal the joy
of them both.

What past farther between them, the
next book will inform us.

The End of Book the Third.

N. B. THE FOURTH BOOK, containing
the remainder of THE CHINESE HISTORY,
will be found in the next volume: the
Third and Fourth Books being shorter than
the rest, the Editor chose to insert here the following
independent PIECE, rather than a fragment
of BOOK THE FOURTH, which on
many accounts he chose to keep intire and unbroken.