🧚 A Story of Old China, part 2 · page 2

The theatre man came up and declared the boy was his; upon which Mr. Wang quarrelled with him, and in the fight that followed the man was killed.70 Mr. Wang was arrested, but managed first to get the boy out of the city and, giving him a little money, went back to stand his trial.71 After many long, weary days of travel, but without serious trouble, the hungry, footsore, and weary boy found his way to the city to which he had been directed.72

Let us turn and follow the footsteps of the father during the twelve sad years.73 Mr. Kao was greatly depressed by his many sorrows, and when he parted from his wife, he felt he should never see her again, neither did he even then comprehend what a true and remarkable wife was his.74 After reaching the city of Hsiang Yang, to which he had been banished, he was obliged to walk about with chain and ball attached to his feet, carrying a gun on his shoulder.75 For food he was given permission to take a handful of grain from each bag of tribute rice that he saw on carts passing through the city.76 This he could cook and so keep from starving.77 This kind of life was very trying to him and he endured it for some months, and then, being a proud, spirited man, he determined that he would either die or change for the better in some way.78 He begged a few bits of money, bought a pen, ink, and some paper, and as he was a very beautiful writer, he employed his time in writing Chinese characters and selling them on the street.79 This was a wise change, and as he sat writing day by day by the roadside, his fame spread all over the city.80

One day a very rich old gentleman, who had been observing him quietly for many days, drew near and entered into conversation.81 After passing the time of day, he remarked on the beauty of Mr. Kao’s writing and his evident familiarity with the Chinese Classics; “Neither do you look to me to be a man of the common people or one who should be in this prison dress.”82

As he talked his kindly manner warmed the heart of Mr. Kao, who had come to feel that all the world, even the gods, were against him, and little by little he told the story of his father’s life and their deadly enemy, the great Yen Sung.83 He did not tell of his wife and the great sorrow of his family life, but said his father’s enemy had been the cause of his banishment for life.84

The old gentleman said, “My name is Hu.85 I have been observing you for days though you did not know it, and I was certain that you could not be a guilty man.86 Have you any family in the north?”87

“No,” said the unhappy Kao.88 “All is lost to me.89 I am alone in the world.”90 On hearing this the gentleman said, “I have a proposition to make to you; I am a rich man and have large estates, but I have no son to inherit them or care for me when I am old.91 I have a beautiful daughter; will you marry her, come and live with us, take my cares upon you; when I am old care for me?92 If so, when I am gone all shall be yours.”93

The young man could hardly believe his ears, and looked in amazement, and at last said, “How can that be?94 I am a criminal, under sentence of the government, a man whose very name has been changed.”95

“That is easy for me,” said Mr. Hu.96 “Did I not tell you I was rich; is there anything money will not do?97 I can buy your freedom at the magistrate’s here and if you are ready and willing we will receive you into our family.98 I ask you again only this: have you a family in the north?”99

Again Mr. Kao replied, “No, I am alone.”100

“All is well then,” replied Mr. Hu.101 “I will see to the rest,” and in a few days what seemed as a dream to Mr. Kao, or Mr. Tu, as he took back his old name, became a reality.102

Mr. Tu was much overcome; the temptation to a life of luxury after his suffering had been too great, and after his marriage to the beautiful daughter of the “House of Hu” he did not dare to tell of the brave, true-hearted wife and mother in the city of Peking.103 He put it off from month to month, but it did not become any easier as time went by, and the riches, beautiful home, and family were driving all that dark past more and more from his mind.104 Their home was all the heart could desire, and later a little son came to share it with them, and then indeed were the bitter days of the past cast out of heart and mind as far as possible.105

Thus, in comfort and joy, the twelve years passed away; Mr. Hu thanking the gods for giving him such a son, content that old age should come to him and his old wife under these most auspicious circumstances.106 How different a life was this from that of the wife and mother in the far north.107

One day Mr. Tu went with some companions for a ride outside of the city.108 As they neared the gate they saw a lot of people gathered about a young lad of remarkably fine face and form, but in very poor clothing.109 He had in his hand a broken comb and, spread out before him, a part of a silk handkerchief and a broken mirror, and with tears in his eyes Mr. Tu waved the men aside and asked the boy who he was and where he came from.110

The boy said, “I am Ting Lang and am come in search of my father, Tu Ching Ling, known by the name of Kao.111 He was banished to this city and I am in search of him.112 He came here twelve years ago.113 If any of you know him or where I can find him, will you please tell me.”114

Not a word was spoken for a moment, then Mr. Tu said, pointing to the keepsakes, “What are those things?115 Do you call such stuff treasure?”116

“Yes,” said Ting Lang.117 “My mother gave them to me, the other half of each my father has and he was to know me by these.”118

A man standing near said, “This must be your son.119 You have not told us all the truth about yourself.”120

Mr. Tu was angry then and also afraid, and striking the boy with his riding-whip, he said, as he threw him some silver, “Get you gone, you are an impostor; you are not my son, but because you are a poor boy I will help you a little and not put you in prison.”121 Saying this, he rode on, followed by his friends.122

As the men rode away, the bystanders all said, “That is your father.123 He is Tu Ching Ling, also Kao Ching Chi.124 He was banished here twelve years ago.”125

When the boy heard this, he gathered his treasures together, and went into a temple near, where he sat down to think.126 What had he to live for?127 His father had disowned him; had struck him.128