🧚 A Story of Old China, part 1

In the reign of Chia Ching, Emperor of China from 1522 to 1537 A.D., there lived in Peking a powerful official by the name of Tu (“Du”).1 Unknown to him he had a great enemy whose daughter was one of the wives of the Emperor and who was himself the teacher of the Emperor.2 This man, Yen Sung, was the most powerful man in the Empire at that time, and also one of the most unscrupulous.3 He made and unmade officials and no appointment could be secured except through his influence.4 He was very rich, and lived in one of the largest and finest palaces.5 His entertainments were second only to the Emperor’s.6

Mr. Tu was appointed to superintend the distribution of famine relief in the province of Shan Tung.7 The silver was inclosed in logs, and loaded on long carts.8 The caravan had just reached the city gate when they were met by Yen Sung and his riders, just returning from a feast.9 He inquired of Mr. Tu when he was going, and on learning that the relief caravan was just starting, he said:10

“It is too late for you to go to-night; come to my palace, all of you, carts and all, and spend the night.11 We will have a big feast, and you can get an early start in the morning.”12

There seemed no harm in this, and as no one liked to refuse Yen Sung anything, they decided to accept his invitation.13

That night after the great feast was over and, much under the influence of wine, all were sleeping, Yen Sung, with his steward and henchmen, removed the relief money from the logs, placed broken bricks in the holes, and closed the logs as they were before.14

Early in the morning the caravan started, and when but a short distance from the city they were overtaken by Yen Sung and his servants, who inquired how much silver was being taken, also made the demand to see it.15 Mr. Tu said that he had in his charge forty thousand pieces of silver; and caused the logs to be opened as proof, only to find to his dismay the silver gone and brick in its place.16 Yen Sung immediately seized him, took him before the Emperor, accused him of using the funds, and punishment by death was pronounced.17 A few days later he was secretly beheaded and his body was placed in a temple near one of the city gates.18

Mr. Tu had a son, who was married to the daughter of a well-known official who, on the murder of the father-in-law of his daughter, came forward and saved the family from the murderous hands of Yen Sung.19 The Emperor punished the family by changing their name to Kao and this son was called Kao Ching Chi.20 He was a student by nature, and on the death of his father and the confiscation of his property, spent all of his time at the “Hall of Classics,” studying for promotion.21

His young wife, Yü Yüch Ying, was very beautiful, according to tradition in song and story one of the most beautiful in all the Empire; not only noted for her beauty of face and form, but even more beautiful character.22 (The story of her life, set in song and always sung in tears, praises her in words seldom given to any woman.)23

One day after the death of her father-in-law she took a serving-woman with her, and went in her chair to weep at his grave, and burn incense for his departed spirit.24 On the road her chair passed Nien Chi, the wicked steward of Yen Sung, who was out with some of his companions for a ride.25 He caught a glimpse of the beautiful woman inside, and said to his companions:26

“Come on; we will follow her and see who she is and where she is going.”27

When they reached the temple he saw her at the altar, prostrating herself and worshipping; kneeling beside her he said:28

“I too have come for worship.”29

Yü Yüch Ying immediately rose and went to the grave of her father-in-law, followed by the servant.30 Together they wept and knocked their heads, but only to be joined almost at once by Nien Chi.31 They moved to the other side of the grave, and again he followed, upon which she said to her woman:32

“This man means to annoy us; he is an evil man.”33

The serving-woman turned on him and said:34

“You are annoying my lady, you certainly lack all marks of the superior man,” and with that she threw a handful of incense ashes in his eyes, and taking her lady by the hand, they ran to the chair and told the chairmen to go home at once as fast as possible.35

Nien Chi was very angry, his eyes pained him furiously, and as soon as he could open them with any comfort he called to his friend:36

“Mount at once and give chase.”37

Some of his companions did not want to, but he insisted and, owing to this delay and the ashes in his eyes, they did not overtake the chair till just as it entered the gate of the ladies’ home.38

The gatekeeper closed the gate and did not notice the horsemen just entering their street.39 Nien Chi inquired of a “street keeper” who lived in the place, and great was his delight when he heard that it was the family hated by his master.40 He sought the latter on returning home, told of his morning’s experience, of the beauty of the lady, and his desire to secure her if possible.41

Yen Sung was greatly pleased, and soon a way was opened to degrade the official who had saved his enemy’s family.42 He said to his steward, “This is well; you shall have her for wife, and I will help you and thus reward your many efforts in my behalf.”43 Together these two black-hearted men plotted against the life and happiness of the one little woman, who did not tell her student-husband of the experiences of the day, as she did not like to trouble him when his heart was so sad.44

A few days later a servant of Nien Chi’s came with a letter and some very beautiful presents.45 The servant said “his master had heard much of the wisdom of young Mr. Kao; he was most desirous of calling on him, making his acquaintance, and would he please accept the small, insignificant gifts as an expression of friendship.”46 Mr. Kao inquired who his master was, and when he learned it was the steward of the great Yen Sung, who was almost as powerful as the Emperor, and at whose word a man was made an official or deposed, he was greatly troubled, but he did not dare refuse.47 A day was set when Nien Chi was to call, and he came in great pomp and glory, and was invited to the guest house, where Mr. Kao received him.48

Together they talked on the surface of many questions, Nien Chi, in a most subtle manner, praising the wisdom and great insight of his host.49 Much wine was consumed, especially by Mr. Kao.50

The latter part of the call Nien Chi said, “Shall we not seal our friendship by the rite of blood brother?51 You are older than I, so according to our custom it would be proper for you to introduce me to your wife, my sister, if indeed you will stoop to accept so stupid a man as a brother.”52