🧚 Winning Buddha’s Smile, part 10 · page 2

At the orders of San-Syeng, an elaborate and tasty feast had been prepared.91 The ladies of the Court had been instructed to see that nothing was lacking for the comfort of the blind men who had come from all corners of Korea.92 They watched over them and came to their assistance when--on account of their blindness--they were awkward and clumsy.93 The banquet was nearing an end when Sun-Yen arrived--tired and travel-stained.94 The servants led him to one of the ladies who could not conceal a grimace of disgust when she saw him.95 In fact, the old gentleman did present a very disagreeable appearance to the eye.96 The lady made a disparaging remark which Sun-Yen overheard and to which he replied:97

“I am well aware of what you are saying, but kindly listen to what I have to say.98 The actions and outer garb of men may differ much, but good hearts and good manners should be in the bosoms of us all.99 The wicked and crafty often conceal a cowardly and vile disposition beneath a beautiful exterior.100 People of wisdom pay no attention to form, but probe to the bottom where kindness and gentleness often abide.101 When you see an apple that looks attractive but contains a worm, you may contemplate its beauty but you keep your mouth away.102 Heaven alone is of lasting beauty and nothing beside it matters.103 I have been deceived by a so-called religious man who had no other intention but a selfish desire to supplant his Master.104

“I planted a beautiful fruit tree and it bore a single flower of exquisite beauty and charm.105 A gust of wind swept this flower toward the sea where it was peacefully rocked in the cradle of the waves.106 The flower often thought of the poor tree from which it had been stolen and the latter, shorn of its only child, was slowly dying of a broken heart.107

“The crescent of the moon seems to emerge from the waters.108 The fishes are frightened, believing they see a golden hook on a gigantic line which will lift them from their homes in the sea.109

“Every month the moon is hidden from our sight for a brief season.110 Then soon its light reappears in all its wondrous glory.111 But I, on the contrary, have never seen the light of day since I was stricken by blindness.112

“For three years my eyes have shed tears more abundant than the rain which comes from the Heavens.113 My sighs are sadder than the night wind that whistles through the forest tops.”114

Concluding, the blind man said, with a sigh: “If my lack of a comely appearance and a rich garb displeases you, put me in a corner by myself, please.”115

The lady was surprised to hear such profound and poetic speech from the mouth of this old man.116 She begged his pardon for having treated him with so little respect.117 At the request of Sun-Yen he was placed at a table by himself.118

While he was eating, the lady went to the Queen and repeated to her the strange speech of the blind visitor.119

Cheng-Si was very much struck by the recital.120 She told her impressions to her husband and then expressed a desire to have all the blind men in the Palace pass before her--one by one.121

“I wish to make a present to each one,” she said.122

Immediately, the long file began to form, Sun-Yen being the last of the line.123 When he stood before the Queen, the lady said:124

“Majesty, here is the blind man whose startling words I brought you.”125

Cheng-Si summoned the old man closer and said to him:126

“Why do you express such radical views against our government, our religion and the world?”127

“Because, my Queen, the world and religion and the government have caused me evils without number.128 I was powerful and I was exiled.129 I had the best of wives and I lost her.130 I became blind and my only consolation, a little daughter, was taken away.131 She furnished a beautiful example of filial love, sacrificing her life on the promise that I would regain my sight.132 The poor girl is dead and I am still deprived of the light of day.”133

These words moved Cheng-Si profoundly for in this sordid old man she recognized her father.134 She uttered a cry.135

“Don’t you know Cheng-Si?”136

“My daughter,” stammered Sun-Yen, and instantly his eyes opened and he saw before him the daughter that he had thought forever lost.137

The prediction of the disciple was at last fulfilled and under these happy circumstances, shaken by emotion and joy, father and daughter fell into each other’s arms.138

The King, a witness of this scene--to him incomprehensible--did not delay long in finding out the cause, and he cried:139

“Stop the banquet.140 This requires no witnesses.”141

When alone with her father and her husband, Cheng-Si told the King the story of her family.142

Sun-Yen was completely transformed with delight as he heard his daughter speaking.143 When she had finished her story he asked, “How did you escape death?144 How did you come to marry the King?”145

So Cheng-Si told her father of her adventures from the time of her embarkation on the merchant’s vessel up to her arrival at the Capital with the King.146

“Then,” cried Sun-Yen, “it was San-Syeng who saved you?”147

“Yes, father.”148

“What’s he doing?149 Where is he?”150

“The King has appointed him General.151 I shall have him brought to you.”152

When San-Syeng arrived, Sun-Yen asked him:153

“What was your father’s name?”154

“San-Houni.”155

On hearing this name, Sun-Yen embraced the young man, crying, “Oh, son of my dearest friend, tell me quickly where your father is.”156

“Alas, he is no longer in the world.157 He was exiled when you were, but he was murdered by Su-Rung, the thief, before reaching Ko-Kum-To.158 He sleeps with his ancestors.”159

“What, he is dead?” cried the old man, bursting into tears.160

San-Syeng’s eyes also moistened at the mention of the father whom he had never known.161

The King offered them a few words of condolence and said: “You shall be my Prime Minister,” indicating Sun-Yen.162 The old man accepted this responsible charge with a bow and a few well chosen words of gratitude.163

“Now, proceed with the banquet,” said the Queen.164

The other blind men had been informed of what had taken place and a few among them envied the good fortune of Sun-Yen.165

“Alas,” they cried, “We cannot even see the recipient of this good fortune.”166

Sun-Yen the benevolent, spoke to them in a gentle tone and in the name of the King invited them to stay several days at the Capital, and the blind men, you may believe, accepted with joy, for they knew they would be well taken care of.167

The new Prime Minister was not long in assuming his office.168 The King constantly summoned him to his councils.169 Now it came to pass one day that he sent for him and said, “I am intending to lead an army against Jin-Han.170 My father suffered a severe defeat while attacking that country and it is my duty to avenge him.171 What do you think of it?”172

“Sire,” replied Sun-Yen, “May I have permission to reflect upon this matter for a few days before giving you my opinion?”173

The same day, San-Syeng questioned the King’s father-in-law upon the subject of Ja-Jo-Mi and Su-Rung.174 The young General was thirsting for revenge.175 He expected to find Sun-Yen in a similar frame of mind but the Prime Minister spoke to him as he had done to the King.176