中国经典 》 紅樓夢 A Dream of Red Mansions 》
第四回 薄命女偏逢薄命郎 葫蘆僧亂判葫蘆案 CHAPTER IV.
曹雪芹 Cao Xueqin
高鶚 Gao E
CHAPTER IV.
卻說黛玉同姊妹們至王夫人處，見王夫人與兄嫂處的來使計議傢務，又說姨母傢遭人命官司等語。因見王夫人事情冗雜，姊妹們遂出來，至寡嫂李氏房中來了。
原來這李氏即賈珠之妻。珠雖夭亡，幸存一子，取名賈蘭，今方五歲，已入學攻書。這李氏亦係金陵名宦之女，父名李守中，曾為國子監祭酒，族中男女無有不誦詩讀書者。至李守中繼承以來，便說"女子無纔便有德"，故生了李氏時，便不十分令其讀書，衹不過將些《女四書》，《列女傳》，《賢媛集》等三四種書，使他認得幾個字，記得前朝這幾個賢女便罷了，卻衹以紡績井臼為要，因取名為李紈，字宮裁。因此這李紈雖青春喪偶，居傢處膏粱錦綉之中，竟如槁木死灰一般，一概無見無聞，唯知侍親養子，外則陪侍小姑等針黹誦讀而已。今黛玉雖客寄於斯，日有這般姐妹相伴，除老父外，餘者也都無庸慮及了。
如今且說雨村，因補授了應天府，一下馬就有一件人命官司詳至案下，乃是兩傢爭買一婢，各不相讓，以至毆傷人命。彼時雨村即傳原告之人來審。那原告道：“被毆死者乃小人之主人。因那日買了一個丫頭，不想是拐子拐來賣的。這拐子先已得了我傢的銀子，我傢小爺原說第三日方是好日子，再接入門。這拐子便又悄悄的賣與薛傢，被我們知道了，去找拿賣主，奪取丫頭。無奈薛傢原係金陵一霸，倚財仗勢，衆豪奴將我小主人竟打死了。兇身主僕已皆逃走，無影無蹤，衹剩了幾個局外之人。小人告了一年的狀，竟無人作主。望大老爺拘拿兇犯，剪惡除兇，以救孤寡，死者感戴天恩不盡！”
雨村聽了大怒道：“豈有這樣放屁的事！打死人命就白白的走了，再拿不來的！"因發簽差公人立刻將兇犯族中人拿來拷問，令他們實供藏在何處，一面再動海捕文書。正要發簽時，衹見案邊立的一個門子使眼色兒，——不令他發簽之意。雨村心下甚為疑怪，衹得停了手，即時退堂，至密室，侍從皆退去，衹留門子服侍。這門子忙上來請安，笑問：“老爺一嚮加官進祿，八九年來就忘了我了？"雨村道：“卻十分面善得緊，衹是一時想不起來。”那門子笑道：“老爺真是貴人多忘事，把出身之地竟忘了，不記當年葫蘆廟裏之事？"雨村聽了，如雷震一驚，方想起往事。原來這門子本是葫蘆廟內一個小沙彌，因被火之後，無處安身，欲投別廟去修行，又耐不得清涼景況，因想這件生意倒還輕省熱鬧，遂趁年紀蓄了發，充了門子。雨村那裏料得是他，便忙攜手笑道：“原來是故人。”又讓坐了好談。這門子不敢坐。雨村笑道：“貧賤之交不可忘。你我故人也，二則此係私室，既欲長談，豈有不坐之理？"這門子聽說，方告了座，斜簽着坐了。
雨村因問方纔何故有不令發簽之意。這門子道：“老爺既榮任到這一省，難道就沒抄一張本省‘護官符’來不成？"雨村忙問：“何為‘護官符’？我竟不知。”門子道：“這還了得！連這個不知，怎能作得長遠！如今凡作地方官者，皆有一個私單，上面寫的是本省最有權有勢，極富極貴的大鄉紳名姓，各省皆然，倘若不知，一時觸犯了這樣的人傢，不但官爵，衹怕連性命還保不成呢！所以綽號叫作‘護官符’。方纔所說的這薛傢，老爺如何惹他！他這件官司並無難斷之處，皆因都礙着情分面上，所以如此。”一面說，一面從順袋中取出一張抄寫的‘護官符’來，遞與雨村，看時，上面皆是本地大族名宦之傢的諺俗口碑。其口碑排寫得明白，下面所註的皆是自始祖官爵並房次。石頭亦曾抄寫了一張，今據石上所抄雲：
賈不假，白玉為堂金作馬。(寧國榮國二公之後，共二十房分，寧榮親派八房在都外，現原籍住者十二房。)
阿房宮，三百裏，住不下金陵一個史。(保齡侯尚書令史公之後，房分共十八，都中現住者十房，原籍現居八房。)
東海缺少白玉床，竜王來請金陵王。(都太尉統製縣伯王公之後，共十二房，都中二房，餘在籍。)
豐年好大雪，珍珠如土金如鐵。(紫薇捨人薛公之後，現領內府帑銀行商，共八房分。)
雨村猶未看完，忽聽傳點，人報：“王老爺來拜。”雨村聽說，忙具衣冠出去迎接。有頓飯工夫，方回來細問。這門子道：“這四傢皆連絡有親，一損皆損，一榮皆榮，扶持遮飾，俱有照應的。今告打死人之薛，就係豐年大雪之‘雪’也。也不單靠這三傢，他的世交親友在都在外者，本亦不少。老爺如今拿誰去？"雨村聽如此說，便笑問門子道：“如你這樣說來，卻怎麽了結此案？你大約也深知這兇犯躲的方向了？”
門子笑道：“不瞞老爺說，不但這兇犯的方向我知道，一並這拐賣之人我也知道，死鬼買主也深知道。待我細說與老爺聽：這個被打之死鬼，乃是本地一個小鄉紳之子，名喚馮淵，自幼父母早亡，又無兄弟，衹他一個人守着些薄産過日子。長到十八九歲上，酷愛男風，最厭女子。這也是前生冤孽，可巧遇見這拐子賣丫頭，他便一眼看上了這丫頭，立意買來作妾，立誓再不交結男子，也不再娶第二個了，所以三日後方過門。誰曉這拐子又偷賣與薛傢，他意欲捲了兩傢的銀子，再逃往他省。誰知又不曾走脫，兩傢拿住，打了個臭死，都不肯收銀，衹要領人。那薛傢公子豈是讓人的，便喝着手下人一打，將馮公子打了個稀爛，擡回傢去三日死了。這薛公子原是早已擇定日子上京去的，頭起身兩日前，就偶然遇見這丫頭，意欲買了就進京的，誰知鬧出這事來。既打了馮公子，奪了丫頭，他便沒事人一般，衹管帶了傢眷走他的路。他這裏自有兄弟奴僕在此料理，也並非為此些些小事值得他一逃走的。這且別說，老爺你當被賣之丫頭是誰？"雨村笑道：“我如何得知。”門子冷笑道：“這人算來還是老爺的大恩人呢！他就是葫蘆廟旁住的甄老爺的小姐，名喚英蓮的。”雨村罕然道：“原來就是他！聞得養至五歲被人拐去，卻如今纔來賣呢？”
門子道：“這一種拐子單管偷拐五六歲的兒女，養在一個僻靜之處，到十一二歲，度其容貌，帶至他鄉轉賣。當日這英蓮，我們天天哄他頑耍，雖隔了七八年，如今十二三歲的光景，其模樣雖然出脫得齊整好些，然大概相貌，自是不改，熟人易認。況且他眉心中原有米粒大小的一點胭脂痣，從胎裏帶來的，所以我卻認得。偏生這拐子又租了我的房捨居住，那日拐子不在傢，我也曾問他。他是被拐子打怕了的，萬不敢說，衹說拐子係他親爹，因無錢償債，故賣他。我又哄之再四，他又哭了，衹說‘我不記得小時之事！’這可無疑了。那日馮公子相看了，兌了銀子，拐子醉了，他自嘆道：‘我今日罪孽可滿了！’後又聽見馮公子令三日之後過門，他又轉有憂愁之態。我又不忍其形景，等拐子出去，又命內人去解釋他：‘這馮公子必待好日期來接，可知必不以丫鬟相看。況他是個絶風流人品，傢裏頗過得，素習又最厭惡堂客，今竟破價買你，後事不言可知。衹耐得三兩日，何必憂悶！’他聽如此說，方纔略解憂悶，自為從此得所。誰料天下竟有這等不如意事，第二日，他偏又賣與薛傢。若賣與第二個人還好，這薛公子的混名人稱‘呆霸王’，最是天下第一個弄性尚氣的人，而且使錢如土，遂打了個落花流水，生拖死拽，把個英蓮拖去，如今也不知死活。這馮公子空喜一場，一念未遂，反花了錢，送了命，豈不可嘆！”
雨村聽了，亦嘆道：“這也是他們的孽障遭遇，亦非偶然。不然這馮淵如何偏衹看準了這英蓮？這英蓮受了拐子這幾年折磨，纔得了個頭路，且又是個多情的，若能聚合了，倒是件美事，偏又生出這段事來。這薛傢縱比馮傢富貴，想其為人，自然姬妾衆多，淫佚無度，未必及馮淵定情於一人者。這正是夢幻情緣，恰遇一對薄命兒女。且不要議論他，衹目今這官司，如何剖斷纔好？"門子笑道：“老爺當年何其明决，今日何反成了個沒主意的人了！小的聞得老爺補升此任，亦係賈府王府之力，此薛蟠即賈府之親，老爺何不順水行舟，作個整人情，將此案了結，日後也好去見賈府王府。”雨村道：“你說的何嘗不是。但事關人命，蒙皇上隆恩，起復委用，實是重生再造，正當殫心竭力圖報之時，豈可因私而廢法？是我實不能忍為者。”門子聽了，冷笑道：“老爺說的何嘗不是大道理，但衹是如今世上是行不去的。豈不聞古人有雲：‘大丈夫相時而動’，又曰‘趨吉避兇者為君子’。依老爺這一說，不但不能報效朝廷，亦且自身不保，還要三思為妥。”
雨村低了半日頭，方說道：“依你怎麽樣？"門子道：“小人已想了一個極好的主意在此：老爺明日坐堂，衹管虛張聲勢，動文書發簽拿人。原兇自然是拿不來的，原告固是定要將薛傢族中及奴僕人等拿幾個來拷問。小的在暗中調停，令他們報個暴病身亡，令族中及地方上共遞一張保呈，老爺衹說善能扶鸞請仙，堂上設下乩壇，令軍民人等衹管來看。老爺就說：‘乩仙批了，死者馮淵與薛蟠原因夙孽相逢，今狹路既遇，原應了結。薛蟠今已得了無名之病，被馮魂追索已死。其禍皆因拐子某人而起，拐之人原係某鄉某姓人氏，按法處治，餘不略及’等語。小人暗中囑托拐子，令其實招。衆人見乩仙批語與拐子相符，餘者自然也都不虛了。薛傢有的是錢，老爺斷一千也可，五百也可，與馮傢作燒埋之費。那馮傢也無甚要緊的人，不過為的是錢，見有了這個銀子，想來也就無話了。老爺細想此計如何？"雨村笑道：“不妥，不妥。等我再斟酌斟酌，或可壓服口聲。”二人計議，天色已晚，別無話說。
至次日坐堂，勾取一應有名人犯，雨村詳加審問，果見馮傢人口稀疏，不過賴此欲多得些燒埋之費，薛傢仗勢倚情，偏不相讓，故緻顛倒未决。雨村便徇情枉法，胡亂判斷了此案。馮傢得了許多燒埋銀子，也就無甚話說了。雨村斷了此案，急忙作書信二封，與賈政並京營節度使王子騰，不過說"令甥之事已完，不必過慮"等語。此事皆由葫蘆廟內之沙彌新門子所出，雨村又恐他對人說出當日貧賤時的事來，因此心中大不樂業，後來到底尋了個不是，遠遠的充發了他纔罷。
當下言不着雨村。且說那買了英蓮打死馮淵的薛公子，亦係金陵人氏，本是書香繼世之傢。衹是如今這薛公子幼年喪父，寡母又憐他是個獨根孤種，未免溺愛縱容，遂至老大無成，且傢中有百萬之富，現領着內帑錢糧，采辦雜料。這薛公子學名薛蟠，表字文起，五歲上就性情奢侈，言語傲慢。雖也上過學，不過略識幾字，終日惟有鬥雞走馬，遊山玩水而已。雖是皇商，一應經濟世事，全然不知，不過賴祖父之舊情分，戶部挂虛名，支領錢糧，其餘事體，自有夥計老傢人等措辦。寡母王氏乃現任京營節度使王子騰之妹，與榮國府賈政的夫人王氏，是一母所生的姊妹，今年方四十上下年紀，衹有薛蟠一子。還有一女，比薛蟠小兩歲，乳名寶釵，生得肌骨瑩潤，舉止嫻雅。當日有他父親在日，酷愛此女，令其讀書識字，較之乃兄竟高過十倍。自父親死後，見哥哥不能依貼母懷，他便不以書字為事，衹留心針黹傢計等事，好為母親分憂解勞。近因今上崇詩尚禮，徵采才能，降不世出之隆恩，除聘選妃嬪外，凡仕宦名傢之女，皆親名達部，以備選為公主郡主入學陪侍，充為才人贊善之職。二則自薛蟠父親死後，各省中所有的買賣承局，總管，夥計人等，見薛蟠年輕不諳世事，便趁時拐騙起來，京都中幾處生意，漸亦消耗。薛蟠素聞得都中乃第一繁華之地，正思一遊，便趁此機會，一為送妹待選，二為望親，三因親自入部銷算舊帳，再計新支，-其實則為遊覽上國風光之意。因此早已打點下行裝細軟，以及饋送親友各色土物人情等類，正擇日一定起身，不想偏遇見了拐子重賣英蓮。薛蟠見英蓮生得不俗，立意買他，又遇馮傢來奪人，因恃強喝令手下豪奴將馮淵打死。他便將傢中事務一一的囑托了族中人並幾個老傢人，他便帶了母妹竟自起身長行去了。人命官司一事，他竟視為兒戲，自為花上幾個臭錢，沒有不了的。
在路不記其日。那日已將入都時，卻又聞得母舅王子騰升了九省統製，奉旨出都查邊。薛蟠心中暗喜道：“我正愁進京去有個嫡親的母舅管轄着，不能任意揮霍揮霍，偏如今又升出去了，可知天從人願。”因和母親商議道：“咱們京中雖有幾處房捨，衹是這十來年沒人進京居住，那看守的人未免偷着租賃與人，須得先着幾個人去打掃收拾纔好。”他母親道：“何必如此招搖！咱們這一進京，原該先拜望親友，或是在你舅舅傢，或是你姨爹傢。他兩傢的房捨極是便宜的，咱們先能着住下，再慢慢的着人去收拾，豈不消停些。”薛蟠道：“如今舅舅正升了外省去，傢裏自然忙亂起身，咱們這工夫一窩一拖的奔了去，豈不沒眼色。”他母親道：“你舅舅傢雖升了去，還有你姨爹傢。況這幾年來，你舅舅姨娘兩處，每每帶信捎書，接咱們來。如今既來了，你舅舅雖忙着起身，你賈傢姨娘未必不苦留我們。咱們且忙忙收拾房屋，豈不使人見怪？你的意思我卻知道，守着舅舅姨爹住着，未免拘緊了你，不如你各自住着，好任意施為。你既如此，你自去挑所宅子去住，我和你姨娘，姊妹們別了這幾年，卻要廝守幾日，我帶了你妹子投你姨娘傢去，你道好不好？"薛蟠見母親如此說，情知扭不過的，衹得吩咐人夫一路奔榮國府來。
那時王夫人已知薛蟠官司一事，虧賈雨村維持了結，纔放了心。又見哥哥升了邊缺，正愁又少了娘傢的親戚來往，略加寂寞。過了幾日，忽傢人傳報：“姨太太帶了哥兒姐兒，閤家進京，正在門外下車。”喜的王夫人忙帶了女媳人等，接出大廳，將薛姨媽等接了進去。姊妹們暮年相會，自不必說悲喜交集，泣笑敘闊一番。忙又引了拜見賈母，將人情土物各種酬獻了。閤家俱廝見過，忙又治席接風。
薛蟠已拜見過賈政，賈璉又引着拜見了賈赦，賈珍等。賈政便使人上來對王夫人說：“姨太太已有了春秋，外甥年輕不知世路，在外住着恐有人生事。咱們東北角上梨香院一所十來間房，白空閑着，打掃了，請姨太太和姐兒哥兒住了甚好。”王夫人未及留，賈母也就遣人來說：“請姨太太就在這裏住下，大傢親密些"等語。薛姨媽正要同居一處，方可拘緊些兒子，若另住在外，又恐他縱性惹禍，遂忙道謝應允。又私與王夫人說明：“一應日費供給一概免卻，方是處常之法。”王夫人知他傢不難於此，遂亦從其願。從此後薛傢母子就在梨香院住了。
原來這梨香院即當日榮公暮年養靜之所，小小巧巧，約有十餘間房屋，前廳後捨俱全。另有一門通街，薛蟠傢人就走此門出入。西南有一角門，通一夾道，出夾道便是王夫人正房的東邊了。每日或飯後，或晚間，薛姨媽便過來，或與賈母閑談，或與王夫人相敘。寶釵日與黛玉迎春姊妹等一處，或看書下棋，或作針黹，倒也十分樂業。衹是薛蟠起初之心，原不欲在賈宅居住者，但恐姨父管約拘禁，料必不自在的，無奈母親執意在此，且宅中又十分殷勤苦留，衹得暫且住下，一面使人打掃出自己的房屋，再移居過去的。誰知自從在此住了不上一月的光景，賈宅族中凡有的子侄，俱已認熟了一半，凡是那些紈絝氣習者，莫不喜與他來往，今日會酒，明日觀花，甚至聚賭嫖娼，漸漸無所不至，引誘的薛蟠比當日更壞了十倍。雖然賈政訓子有方，治傢有法，一則族大人多，照管不到這些，二則現任族長乃是賈珍，彼乃寧府長孫，又現襲職，凡族中事，自有他掌管，三則公私冗雜，且素性瀟灑，不以俗務為要，每公暇之時，不過看書着棋而已，餘事多不介意。況且這梨香院相隔兩層房捨，又有街門另開，任意可以出入，所以這些子弟們竟可以放意暢懷的，因此遂將移居之念漸漸打滅了。
An ill-fated girl happens to meet an ill-fated young man. The Hu Lu Bonze adjudicates the Hu Lu case.
Tai-yue, for we shall now return to our story, having come, along with her cousin to madame Wang's apartments, found madame Wang discussing certain domestic occurrences with the messengers, who had arrived from her elder brother's wife's home, and conversing also about the case of homicide, in which the family of her mother's sister had become involved, and other such relevant topics. Perceiving how pressing and perplexing were the matters in which madame Wang was engaged, the young ladies promptly left her apartments, and came over to the rooms of their widow sister-in-law, Mrs. Li.
This Mrs. Li had originally been the spouse of Chia Chu. Although Chu had died at an early age, he had the good fortune of leaving behind him a son, to whom the name of Chia Lan was given. He was, at this period, just in his fifth year, and had already entered school, and applied himself to books.
This Mrs. Li was also the daughter of an official of note in Chin Ling. Her father's name was Li Shou-chung, who had, at one time, been Imperial Libationer. Among his kindred, men as well as women had all devoted themselves to poetry and letters; but ever since Li Shou-chung continued the line of succession, he readily asserted that the absence of literary attainments in his daughter was indeed a virtue, so that it soon came about that she did not apply herself in real earnest to learning; with the result that all she studied were some parts of the "Four Books for women," and the "Memoirs of excellent women," that all she read did not extend beyond a limited number of characters, and that all she committed to memory were the examples of these few worthy female characters of dynasties of yore; while she attached special importance to spinning and female handiwork. To this reason is to be assigned the name selected for her, of Li Wan (Li, the weaver), and the style of Kung Ts'ai (Palace Sempstress).
Hence it was that, though this Li Wan still continued, after the loss of her mate, while she was as yet in the spring of her life, to live amidst affluence and luxury, she nevertheless resembled in every respect a block of rotten wood or dead ashes. She had no inclination whatsoever to inquire after anything or to listen to anything; while her sole and exclusive thought was to wait upon her relatives and educate her son; and, in addition to this, to teach her young sisters-in-law to do needlework and to read aloud.
Tai-yue was, it is true, at this period living as a guest in the Chia mansion, where she certainly had the several young ladies to associate with her, but, outside her aged father, (she thought) there was really no need for her to extend affection to any of the rest.
But we will now speak of Chia Yue-ts'un. Having obtained the appointment of Prefect of Ying T'ien, he had no sooner arrived at his post than a charge of manslaughter was laid before his court. This had arisen from some rivalry between two parties in the purchase of a slave-girl, either of whom would not yield his right; with the result that a serious assault occurred, which ended in homicide.
Yue-ts'un had, with all promptitude, the servants of the plaintiffs brought before him, and subjected them to an examination.
"The victim of the assault," the plaintiffs deposed, "was your servants' master. Having on a certain day, purchased a servant-girl, she unexpectedly turned out to be a girl who had been carried away and sold by a kidnapper. This kidnapper had, first of all, got hold of our family's money, and our master had given out that he would on the third day, which was a propitious day, take her over into the house, but this kidnapper stealthily sold her over again to the Hsueeh family. When we came to know of this, we went in search of the seller to lay hold of him, and bring back the girl by force. But the Hsueeh party has been all along _the_ bully of Chin Ling, full of confidence in his wealth, full of presumption on account of his prestige; and his arrogant menials in a body seized our master and beat him to death. The murderous master and his crew have all long ago made good their escape, leaving no trace behind them, while there only remain several parties not concerned in the affair. Your servants have for a whole year lodged complaints, but there has been no one to do our cause justice, and we therefore implore your Lordship to have the bloodstained criminals arrested, and thus conduce to the maintenance of humanity and benevolence; and the living, as well as the dead, will feel boundless gratitude for this heavenly bounty."
When Yue-ts'un heard their appeal, he flew into a fiery rage. "What!" he exclaimed. "How could a case of such gravity have taken place as the murder of a man, and the culprits have been allowed to run away scot-free, without being arrested? Issue warrants, and despatch constables to at once lay hold of the relatives of the bloodstained criminals and bring them to be examined by means of torture."
Thereupon he espied a Retainer, who was standing by the judgment-table, wink at him, signifying that he should not issue the warrants. Yue-t'sun gave way to secret suspicion, and felt compelled to desist.
Withdrawing from the Court-room, he retired into a private chamber, from whence he dismissed his followers, only keeping this single Retainer to wait upon him.
The Retainer speedily advanced and paid his obeisance. "Your worship," he said smiling, "has persistently been rising in official honours, and increasing in wealth so that, in the course of about eight or nine years, you have forgotten me."
"Your face is, however, extremely familiar," observed Yue-ts'un, "but I cannot, for the moment, recall who you are."
"Honourable people forget many things," remarked the Retainer, as he smiled. "What! Have you even forgotten the place where you started in life? and do you not remember what occurred, in years gone by, in the Hu Lu Temple?"
Yue-ts'un was filled with extreme astonishment; and past events then began to dawn upon him.
The fact is that this Retainer had been at one time a young priest in the Hu Lu temple; but as, after its destruction by fire, he had no place to rest his frame, he remembered how light and easy was, after all, this kind of occupation, and being unable to reconcile himself to the solitude and quiet of a temple, he accordingly availed himself of his years, which were as yet few, to let his hair grow, and become a retainer.
Yue-ts'un had had no idea that it was he. Hastily taking his hand in his, he smilingly observed, "You are, indeed, an old acquaintance!" and then pressed him to take a seat, so as to have a chat with more ease, but the Retainer would not presume to sit down.
"Friendships," Yue-ts'un remarked, putting on a smiling expression, "contracted in poor circumstances should not be forgotten! This is a private room; so that if you sat down, what would it matter?"
The Retainer thereupon craved permission to take a seat, and sat down gingerly, all awry.
"Why did you, a short while back," Yue-ts'un inquired, "not allow me to issue the warrants?"
"Your illustrious office," replied the Retainer, "has brought your worship here, and is it likely you have not transcribed some philactery of your post in this province!"
"What is an office-philactery?" asked Yue-ts'un with alacrity.
"Now-a-days," explained the Retainer, "those who become local officers provide themselves invariably with a secret list, in which are entered the names and surnames of the most influential and affluent gentry of note in the province. This is in vogue in every province. Should inadvertently, at any moment, one give umbrage to persons of this status, why, not only office, but I fear even one's life, it would be difficult to preserve. That's why these lists are called office-philacteries. This Hsueeh family, just a while back spoken of, how could your worship presume to provoke? This case in question affords no difficulties whatever in the way of a settlement; but the prefects, who have held office before you, have all, by doing violence to the feelings and good name of these people, come to the end they did."
As he uttered these words, he produced, from inside a purse which he had handy, a transcribed office-philactery, which he handed over to Yue-ts'un; who upon perusal, found it full of trite and unpolished expressions of public opinion, with regard to the leading clans and notable official families in that particular district. They ran as follows:
The "Chia" family is not "chia," a myth; white jade form the Halls; gold compose their horses! The "A Fang" Palace is three hundred li in extent, but is no fit residence for a "Shih" of Chin Ling. The eastern seas lack white jade beds, and the "Lung Wang," king of the Dragons, has come to ask for one of the Chin Ling Wang, (Mr. Wang of Chin Ling.) In a plenteous year, snow, (Hsueeh,) is very plentiful; their pearls and gems are like sand, their gold like iron.
Scarcely had Yue-ts'un done reading, when suddenly was heard the announcement, communicated by the beating of a gong, that Mr. Wang had come to pay his respects.
Yue-ts'un hastily adjusted his official clothes and hat, and went out of the room to greet and receive the visitor. Returning after a short while he proceeded to question the Retainer (about what he had been perusing.)
"These four families," explained the Retainer, "are all interlaced by ties of relationship, so that if you offend one, you offend all; if you honour one, you honour all. For support and protection, they all have those to take care of their interests! Now this Hsueeh, who is charged with homicide, is indeed the Hsueeh implied by 'in a plenteous year, (Hsueeh,) snow, is very plentiful.' In fact, not only has he these three families to rely upon, but his (father's) old friends, and his own relatives and friends are both to be found in the capital, as well as abroad in the provinces; and they are, what is more, not few in number. Who is it then that your Worship purposes having arrested?"
When Yue-ts'un had heard these remarks, he forthwith put on a smile and inquired of the Retainer, "If what you say be true, how is then this lawsuit to be settled? Are you also perchance well aware of the place of retreat of this homicide?"
"I don't deceive your Worship," the Retainer ventured smiling, "when I say that not only do I know the hiding-place of this homicide, but that I also am acquainted with the man who kidnapped and sold the girl; I likewise knew full well the poor devil and buyer, now deceased. But wait, and I'll tell your worship all, with full details. This person, who succumbed to the assault, was the son of a minor gentry. His name was Feng Yuean. His father and mother are both deceased, and he has likewise no brothers. He looked after some scanty property in order to eke out a living. His age was eighteen or nineteen; and he had a strong penchant for men's, and not much for women's society. But this was too the retribution (for sins committed) in a previous existence! for coming, by a strange coincidence, in the way of this kidnapper, who was selling the maid, he straightway at a glance fell in love with this girl, and made up his mind to purchase her and make her his second wife; entering an oath not to associate with any male friends, nor even to marry another girl. And so much in earnest was he in this matter that he had to wait until after the third day before she could enter his household (so as to make the necessary preparations for the marriage). But who would have foreseen the issue? This kidnapper quietly disposed of her again by sale to the Hsueeh family; his intention being to pocket the price-money from both parties, and effect his escape. Contrary to his calculations, he couldn't after all run away in time, and the two buyers laid hold of him and beat him, till he was half dead; but neither of them would take his coin back, each insisting upon the possession of the girl. But do you think that young gentleman, Mr. Hsueeh, would yield his claim to her person? Why, he at once summoned his servants and bade them have recourse to force; and, taking this young man Feng, they assailed him till they made mincemeat of him. He was then carried back to his home, where he finally died after the expiry of three days. This young Mr. Hsueeh had previously chosen a day, on which he meant to set out for the capital, and though he had beaten the young man Feng to death, and carried off the girl, he nevertheless behaved in the manner of a man who had had no concern in the affair. And all he gave his mind to was to take his family and go along on his way; but not in any wise in order to evade (the consequences) of this (occurrence). This case of homicide, (he looked upon) as a most trivial and insignificant matter, which, (he thought), his brother and servants, who were on the spot, would be enough to settle. But, however, enough of this person. Now does your worship know who this girl is who was sold?"
"How could I possibly know?" answered Yue-ts'un.
"And yet," remarked the Retainer, as he laughed coldly, "this is a person to whom you are indebted for great obligations; for she is no one else than the daughter of Mr. Chen, who lived next door to the Hu Lu temple. Her infant name is 'Ying Lien.'"
"What! is it really she?" exclaimed Yue-ts'un full of surprise. "I heard that she had been kidnapped, ever since she was five years old; but has she only been sold recently?"
"Kidnappers of this kind," continued the Retainer, "only abduct infant girls, whom they bring up till they reach the age of twelve or thirteen, when they take them into strange districts and dispose of them through their agents. In days gone by, we used daily to coax this girl, Ying Lien, to romp with us, so that we got to be exceedingly friendly. Hence it is that though, with the lapse of seven or eight years, her mien has assumed a more surpassingly lovely appearance, her general features have, on the other hand, undergone no change; and this is why I can recognise her. Besides, in the centre of her two eyebrows, she had a spot, of the size of a grain of rice, of carnation colour, which she has had ever since she was born into the world. This kidnapper, it also happened, rented my house to live in; and on a certain day, on which the kidnapper was not at home, I even set her a few questions. She said, 'that the kidnapper had so beaten her, that she felt intimidated, and couldn't on any account, venture to speak out; simply averring that the kidnapper was her own father, and that, as he had no funds to repay his debts, he had consequently disposed of her by sale!' I tried time after time to induce her to answer me, but she again gave way to tears and added no more than: 'I don't really remember anything of my youth.' Of this, anyhow, there can be no doubt; on a certain day the young man Feng and the kidnapper met, said the money was paid down; but as the kidnapper happened to be intoxicated, Ying Lien exclaimed, as she sighed: 'My punishment has this day been consummated!' Later on again, when she heard that young Feng would, after three days, have her taken over to his house, she once more underwent a change and put on such a sorrowful look that, unable to brook the sight of it, I waited till the kidnapper went out, when I again told my wife to go and cheer her by representing to her that this Mr. Feng's fixed purpose to wait for a propitious day, on which to come and take her over, was ample proof that he would not look upon her as a servant-girl. 'Furthermore,' (explained my wife to her), 'he is a sort of person exceedingly given to fast habits, and has at home ample means to live upon, so that if, besides, with his extreme aversion to women, he actually purchases you now, at a fancy price, you should be able to guess the issue, without any explanation. You have to bear suspense only for two or three days, and what need is there to be sorrowful and dejected?' After these assurances, she became somewhat composed, flattering herself that she would from henceforth have a home of her own.
"But who would believe that the world is but full of disappointments! On the succeeding day, it came about that the kidnapper again sold her to the Hsueeh family! Had he disposed of her to any other party, no harm would anyhow have resulted; but this young gentleman Hsueeh, who is nicknamed by all, 'the Foolish and overbearing Prince,' is the most perverse and passionate being in the whole world. What is more, he throws money away as if it were dust. The day on which he gave the thrashing with blows like falling leaves and flowing water, he dragged (_lit_. pull alive, drag dead) Ying Lien away more dead than alive, by sheer force, and no one, even up to this date, is aware whether she be among the dead or the living. This young Feng had a spell of empty happiness; for (not only) was his wish not fulfilled, but on the contrary he spent money and lost his life; and was not this a lamentable case?"
When Yue-ts'un heard this account he also heaved a sigh. "This was indeed," he observed, "a retribution in store for them! Their encounter was likewise not accidental; for had it been, how was it that this Feng Yuean took a fancy to Ying Lien?
"This Ying Lien had, during all these years, to endure much harsh treatment from the hands of the kidnapper, and had, at length, obtained the means of escape; and being besides full of warm feeling, had he actually made her his wife, and had they come together, the event would certainly have been happy; but, as luck would have it, there occurred again this contretemps.
"This Hsueeh is, it is true, more laden with riches and honours than Feng was, but when we bear in mind what kind of man he is he certainly, with his large bevy of handmaids, and his licentious and inordinate habits, cannot ever be held equal to Feng Yuean, who had set his heart upon one person! This may appositely be termed a fantastic sentimental destiny, which, by a strange coincidence, befell a couple consisting of an ill-fated young fellow and girl! But why discuss third parties? The only thing now is how to decide this case, so as to put things right."
"Your worship," remarked the Retainer smiling, "displayed, in years gone by, such great intelligence and decision, and how is it that today you, on the contrary, become a person without any resources! Your servant has heard that the promotion of your worship to fill up this office is due to the exertions of the Chia and Wang families; and as this Hsueeh P'an is a relative of the Chia mansion, why doesn't your worship take your craft along with the stream, and bring, by the performance of a kindness, this case to an issue, so that you may again in days to come, be able to go and face the two Dukes Chia and Wang?"
"What you suggest," replied Yue-ts'un, "is, of course, right enough; but this case involves a human life, and honoured as I have been, by His Majesty the Emperor, by a restoration to office, and selection to an appointment, how can I at the very moment, when I may strain all my energies to show my gratitude, by reason of a private consideration, set the laws at nought? This is a thing which I really haven't the courage to do."
"What your worship says is naturally right and proper," remarked the Retainer at these words, smiling sarcastically, "but at the present stage of the world, such things cannot be done. Haven't you heard the saying of a man of old to the effect that great men take action suitable to the times. 'He who presses,' he adds, 'towards what is auspicious and avoids what is inauspicious is a perfect man.' From what your worship says, not only you couldn't, by any display of zeal, repay your obligation to His Majesty, but, what is more, your own life you will find it difficult to preserve. There are still three more considerations necessary to insure a safe settlement."
Yue-ts'un drooped his head for a considerable time.
"What is there in your idea to be done?" he at length inquired.
"Your servant," responded the Retainer, "has already devised a most excellent plan. It's this: To-morrow, when your Lordship sits in court, you should, merely for form's sake, make much ado, by despatching letters and issuing warrants for the arrest of the culprits. The murderer will naturally not be forthcoming; and as the plaintiffs will be strong in their displeasure, you will of course have some members of the clan of the Hsueeh family, together with a few servants and others, taken into custody, and examined under torture, when your servant will be behind the scenes to bring matters to a settlement, by bidding them report that the victim had succumbed to a sudden ailment, and by urging the whole number of the kindred, as well as the headmen of the place, to hand in a declaration to that effect. Your Worship can aver that you understand perfectly how to write charms in dust, and conjure the spirit; having had an altar, covered with dust, placed in the court, you should bid the military and people to come and look on to their heart's content. Your Worship can give out that the divining spirit has declared: 'that the deceased, Feng Yuean, and Hsueeh P'an had been enemies in a former life, that having now met in the narrow road, their destinies were consummated; that Hsueeh P'an has, by this time, contracted some indescribable disease and perished from the effects of the persecution of the spirit of Feng.' That as the calamity had originated entirely from the action of the kidnapper, exclusive of dealing with the kidnapper according to law, the rest need not be interfered with, and so on. Your servant will be in the background to speak to the kidnapper and urge him to make a full confession; and when people find that the response of the divining spirit harmonizes with the statements of the kidnapper, they will, as a matter of course, entertain no suspicion.
"The Hsueeh family have plenty of money, so that if your Worship adjudicates that they should pay five hundred, they can afford it, or one thousand will also be within their means; and this sum can be handed to the Feng family to meet the outlay of burning incense and burial expenses. The Feng family are, besides, people of not much consequence, and (the fuss made by them) being simply for money, they too will, when they have got the cash in hand, have nothing more to say. But may it please your worship to consider carefully this plan and see what you think of it?"
"It isn't a safe course! It isn't a safe course!" Yue-ts'un observed as he smiled. "Let me further think and deliberate; and possibly by succeeding in suppressing public criticism, the matter might also be settled."
These two closed their consultation by a fixed determination, and the next day, when he sat in judgment, he marked off a whole company of the plaintiffs as well as of the accused, as were mentioned by name, and had them brought before him. Yue-ts'un examined them with additional minuteness, and discovered in point of fact, that the inmates of the Feng family were extremely few, that they merely relied upon this charge with the idea of obtaining some compensation for joss-sticks and burials; and that the Hsueeh family, presuming on their prestige and confident of patronage, had been obstinate in the refusal to make any mutual concession, with the result that confusion had supervened, and that no decision had been arrived at.
Following readily the bent of his feelings, Yue-ts'un disregarded the laws, and adjudicated this suit in a random way; and as the Feng family came in for a considerable sum, with which to meet the expense for incense and the funeral, they had, after all, not very much to say (in the way of objections.)
With all despatch, Yue-ts'un wrote and forwarded two letters, one to Chia Cheng, and the other to Wang Tzu-t'eng, at that time commander-in-chief of a Metropolitan Division, simply informing them: that the case, in which their worthy nephew was concerned, had come to a close, and that there was no need for them to give way to any extreme solicitude.
This case had been settled through the exclusive action of the young priest of the Hu Lu temple, now an official Retainer; and Yue-ts'un, apprehending, on the other hand, lest he might in the presence of others, divulge the circumstances connected with the days gone by, when he was in a state of penury, naturally felt very unhappy in his mind. But at a later period, he succeeded, by ultimately finding in him some shortcoming, and deporting him to a far-away place, in setting his fears at rest.
But we will put Yue-ts'un on one side, and refer to the young man Hsueeh, who purchased Ying Lien, and assaulted Feng Yuan to death.
He too was a native of Chin Ling and belonged to a family literary during successive generations; but this young Hsueeh had recently, when of tender age, lost his father, and his widowed mother out of pity for his being the only male issue and a fatherless child, could not help doating on him and indulging him to such a degree, that when he, in course of time, grew up to years of manhood, he was good for nothing.
In their home, furthermore, was the wealth of a millionaire, and they were, at this time, in receipt of an income from His Majesty's privy purse, for the purvey of various articles.
This young Hsueeh went at school under the name of P'an. His style was Wen Ch'i. His natural habits were extravagant; his language haughty and supercilious. He had, of course, also been to school, but all he knew was a limited number of characters, and those not well. The whole day long, his sole delight was in cock-fighting and horse-racing, rambling over hills and doing the sights.
Though a Purveyor, by Imperial appointment, he had not the least idea of anything relating to matters of business or of the world. All he was good for was: to take advantage of the friendships enjoyed by his grandfather in days of old, to present himself at the Board of Revenue to perfunctorily sign his name and to draw the allowance and rations; while the rest of his affairs he, needless to say, left his partners and old servants of the family to manage for him.
His widowed mother, a Miss Wang, was the youngest sister of Wang Tzu-t'eng, whose present office was that of Commander-in-Chief of a Metropolitan Division; and was, with Madame Wang, the spouse of Chia Cheng, of the Jung Kuo Mansion, sisters born of one mother. She was, in this year, more or less forty years of age and had only one son: this Hsueeh P'an.
She also had a daughter, who was two years younger than Hsueeh P'an, and whose infant name was Pao Ch'ai. She was beautiful in appearance, and elegant and refined in deportment. In days gone by, when her father lived, he was extremely fond of this girl, and had her read books and study characters, so that, as compared with her brother, she was actually a hundred times his superior. Having become aware, ever since her father's death, that her brother could not appease the anguish of her mother's heart, she at once dispelled all thoughts of books, and gave her sole mind to needlework, to the menage and other such concerns, so as to be able to participate in her mother's sorrow, and to bear the fatigue in lieu of her.
As of late the Emperor on the Throne held learning and propriety in high esteem, His Majesty called together and singled out talent and ability, upon which he deigned to display exceptional grace and favour. Besides the number called forth from private life and chosen as Imperial secondary wives, the daughters of families of hereditary official status and renown were without exception, reported by name to the authorities, and communicated to the Board, in anticipation of the selection for maids in waiting to the Imperial Princesses and daughters of Imperial Princes in their studies, and for filling up the offices of persons of eminence, to urge them to become excellent.
Ever since the death of Hsueeh P'an's father, the various assistants, managers and partners, and other employes in the respective provinces, perceiving how youthful Hsueeh P'an was in years, and how much he lacked worldly experience, readily availed themselves of the time to begin swindling and defrauding. The business, carried on in various different places in the capital, gradually also began to fall off and to show a deficit.
Hsueeh P'an had all along heard that the capital was the _one_ place for gaieties, and was just entertaining the idea of going on a visit, when he eagerly jumped at the opportunity (that presented itself,) first of all to escort his sister, who was going to wait for the selection, in the second place to see his relatives, and in the third to enter personally the capital, (professedly) to settle up long-standing accounts, and to make arrangements for new outlays, but, in reality, with the sole purpose of seeing the life and splendour of the metropolis.
He therefore, had, at an early period, got ready his baggage and small luggage, as well as the presents for relatives and friends, things of every description of local production, presents in acknowledgment of favours received, and other such effects, and he was about to choose a day to start on his journey when unexpectedly he came in the way of the kidnapper who offered Ying Lien for sale. As soon as Hsueeh P'an saw how _distinguee_ Ying Lien was in her appearance, he formed the resolution of buying her; and when he encountered Feng Yuean, come with the object of depriving him of her, he in the assurance of superiority, called his sturdy menials together, who set upon Feng Yuean and beat him to death. Forthwith collecting all the affairs of the household, and entrusting them one by one to the charge of some members of the clan and several elderly servants of the family, he promptly took his mother, sister and others and after all started on his distant journey, while the charge of homicide he, however, treated as child's play, flattering himself that if he spent a few filthy pieces of money, there was no doubt as to its settlement.
He had been on his journey how many days, he had not reckoned, when, on a certain day, as they were about to enter the capital, he furthermore heard that his maternal uncle, Wang Tzu-t'eng, had been raised to the rank of Supreme Governor of nine provinces, and had been honoured with an Imperial command to leave the capital and inspect the frontiers.
Hsueeh P'an was at heart secretly elated. "I was just lamenting," he thought, "that on my visit to the capital, I would have my maternal uncle to exercise control over me, and that I wouldn't be able to gambol and frisk to my heart's content, but now that he is leaving the capital, on promotion, it's evident that Heaven accomplishes man's wishes."
As he consequently held consultation with his mother; "Though we have," he argued, "several houses of our own in the capital, yet for these last ten years or so, there has been no one to live in them, and the people charged with the looking after them must unavoidably have stealthily rented them to some one or other. It's therefore needful to let servants go ahead to sweep and get the place in proper order, before we can very well go ourselves."
"What need is there to go to such trouble?" retorted his mother; "the main object of our present visit to the capital is first of all to pay our respects to our relatives and friends; and it is, either at your elder uncle's, my brother's place, or at your other uncle's, my sister's husband's home, both of which families' houses are extremely spacious, that we can put up provisionally, and by and bye, at our ease, we can send servants to make our house tidy. Now won't this be a considerable saving of trouble?"
"My uncle, your brother," suggested Hsueeh P'an, "has just been raised to an appointment in an outside province, so that, of course, in his house, things must be topsy-turvey, on account of his departure; and should we betake ourselves, like a hive of bees and a long trail, to him for shelter; won't we appear very inconsiderate?"
"Your uncle," remarked his mother, "is, it is true, going on promotion, but there's besides the house of your aunt, my sister. What is more, during these last few years from both your uncle's and aunt's have, time after time, been sent messages, and letters forwarded, asking us to come over; and now that we've come, is it likely, though your uncle is busy with his preparations to start on his journey, that your aunt of the Chia family won't do all she can to press us to stay? Besides, were we to have our house got ready in a scramble, won't it make people think it strange? I however know your idea very well that were we kept to stay at your uncle's and aunt's, you won't escape being under strict restraint, unlike what would be the case were we to live in our own house, as you would be free then to act as you please! Such being the case, go, on your own account, and choose some place to take up your quarters in, while I myself, who have been separated from your aunt and cousins for these several years, would however like to stay with them for a few days; and I'll go along with your sister and look up your aunt at her home. What do you say; will this suit you or not?"
Hsueeh P'an, upon hearing his mother speak in this strain, knew well enough that he could not bring her round from her determination; and he had no help but to issue the necessary directions to the servants to make straight for the Jung Kuo mansion. Madame Wang had by this time already come to know that in the lawsuit, in which Hsueeh P'an was concerned, Chia Yue-ts'un had fortunately intervened and lent his good offices, and was at length more composed in her mind. But when she again saw that her eldest brother had been advanced to a post on the frontier, she was just deploring that, deprived of the intercourse of the relatives of her mother's family, how doubly lonely she would feel; when, after the lapse of a few days, some one of the household brought the unexpected announcement that "our lady, your sister, has, with the young gentleman, the young lady and her whole household, entered the capital and have dismounted from their vehicles outside the main entrance." This news so delighted madame Wang that she rushed out, with a few attendants, to greet them in the large Entrance Hall, and brought Mrs. Hsueeh and the others into her house.
The two sisters were now reunited, at an advanced period of their lives, so that mixed feelings of sorrow and joy thronged together, but on these it is, of course, needless to dilate.
After conversing for a time on what had occurred, subsequent to their separation, madame Wang took them to pay their obeisance to dowager lady Chia. They then handed over the various kinds of presents and indigenous articles, and after the whole family had been introduced, a banquet was also spread to greet the guests.
Hsueeh P'an, having paid his respects to Chia Cheng and Chia Lien, was likewise taken to see Chia She, Chia Chen and the other members.
Chia Cheng sent a messenger to tell madame Wang that "'aunt' Hsueeh had already seen many springs and autumns, while their nephew was of tender age, with no experience, so that there was every fear, were he to live outside, that something would again take place. In the South-east corner of our compound," (he sent word,) "there are in the Pear Fragrance Court, over ten apartments, all of which are vacant and lying idle; and were we to tell the servants to sweep them, and invite 'aunt' Hsueeh and the young gentleman and lady to take up their quarters there, it would be an extremely wise thing."
Madame Wang had in fact been entertaining the wish to keep them to live with them, when dowager lady Chia also sent some one to say that, "Mrs. Hsueeh should be asked to put up in the mansion in order that a greater friendliness should exist between them all."
Mrs. Hsueeh herself had all along been desirous to live in one place with her relatives, so as to be able to keep a certain check over her son, fearing that, if they lived in a separate house outside, the natural bent of his habits would run riot, and that some calamity would be brought on; and she therefore, there and then, expressed her sense of appreciation, and accepted the invitation. She further privately told madame Wang in clear terms, that every kind of daily expense and general contribution would have to be entirely avoided and withdrawn as that would be the only thing to justify her to make any protracted stay. And madame Wang aware that she had, in her home, no difficulty in this line, promptly in fact complied with her wishes.
From this date it was that "aunt" Hsueeh and her children took up their quarters in the Pear Fragrance Court.
This Court of Pear Fragrance had, we must explain, been at one time used as a place for the quiet retirement of the Duke Jung in his advanced years. It was on a small scale, but ingeniously laid out. There were, at least, over ten structures. The front halls and the back houses were all in perfect style. There was a separate door giving on to the street, and the people of the household of Hsueeh P'an used this door to go in and out. At the south-west quarter, there was also a side door, which communicated with a narrow roadway. Beyond this narrow road, was the eastern court of madame Wang's principal apartment; so that every day, either after her repast, or in the evening, Mrs. Hsueeh would readily come over and converse, on one thing and another, with dowager lady Chia, or have a chat with madame Wang; while Pao-ch'ai came together, day after day, with Tai yue, Ying-ch'un, her sisters and the other girls, either to read, to play chess, or to do needlework, and the pleasure which they derived was indeed perfect.
Hsueeh P'an however had all along from the first instance, been loth to live in the Chia mansion, as he dreaded that with the discipline enforced by his uncle, he would not be able to be his own master; but his mother had made up her mind so positively to remain there, and what was more, every one in the Chia mansion was most pressing in their efforts to keep them, that there was no alternative for him but to take up his quarters temporarily there, while he at the same time directed servants to go and sweep the apartments of their own house, with a view that they should move into them when they were ready.
But, contrary to expectation, after they had been in their quarters for not over a month, Hsueeh P'an came to be on intimate relations with all the young men among the kindred of the Chia mansion, the half of whom were extravagant in their habits, so that great was, of course, his delight to frequent them. To-day, they would come together to drink wine; the next day to look at flowers. They even assembled to gamble, to dissipate and to go everywhere and anywhere; leading, with all their enticements, Hsueeh P'an so far astray, that he became far worse, by a hundred times, than he was hitherto.
Although it must be conceded that Chia Cheng was in the education of his children quite correct, and in the control of his family quite systematic, yet in the first place, the clan was so large and the members so numerous, that he was unable to attend to the entire supervision; and, in the second place, the head of the family, at this period, was Chia Chen, who, as the eldest grandchild of the Ning mansion, had likewise now come into the inheritance of the official status, with the result that all matters connected with the clan devolved upon his sole and exclusive control. In the third place, public as well as private concerns were manifold and complex, and being a man of negligent disposition, he estimated ordinary affairs of so little consequence that any respite from his official duties he devoted to no more than the study of books and the playing of chess.
Furthermore, this Pear Fragrance Court was separated by two rows of buildings from his quarters and was also provided with a separate door opening into the street, so that, being able at their own heart's desire to go out and to come in, these several young fellows could well indulge their caprices, and gratify the bent of their minds.
Hence it was that Hsueeh P'an, in course of time gradually extinguished from his memory every idea of shifting their quarters.
But what transpired, on subsequent days, the following chapter will explain.
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