🧚 Winning Buddha’s Smile, part 3

The young girl, having calmed somewhat her father’s fears, went to the merchant’s to learn the date of her departure.1

The merchant told her that they were not going to set sail for three months.2 Meanwhile, Cheng-Si was thinking constantly of the solitude in which her father would be after she had gone.3 What would become of the poor blind man, alone and without resources?4 This thought haunted her day and night.5 She sought to accumulate a little money and some food which would be enough for him to live on decently for some little time.6

The three months soon came to an end and the merchant returned to remind her of her promise.7 She asked permission to speak to her father for the last time.8 She had not yet revealed to him the entire truth.9 The merchant, of course, consented and even went into the house with her.10

“Father,” she said, “I must leave you.”11

“My daughter, leave me?12 And where are you going?”13

“Father, I deceived you the other day.14 It was not my liberty but my life which I gave in exchange for the three hundred sacks of rice which you promised the disciple.15 Yes, I was purchased, body and soul.16 I have to plunge to the bottom of the Yellow Sea to pray for a favorable passage for our sailors.”17

Cheng-Si had tenderly placed her arms about her father to support him while she was making this fatal confession.18 Nevertheless, the blind man could not bear the shock and he fell into a swoon.19

When he regained consciousness, he said in a voice that was scarcely audible, “Unhappy child, is it indeed true that you are going to abandon me in this way?20 After having seen your mother die, must I see you, too, leave the world before me?21 Oh, tell me that it is a dream!22 Consider your poor blind father and think what will become of him when he no longer has you with him.23 No, it cannot be, you are not going to die.”24

Sun-Yen burst into tears.25 His daughter tried vainly to keep from weeping herself for she felt that her heart was broken.26 The merchant, a witness of the scene, was very much moved, too.27 He beckoned the girl to him and said:28

“I will give you another hundred bags of rice and we will not set sail for three days.29 Would you like that?”30

Cheng-Si thanked the man profusely and went with him to the door.31 The following day, after she had obtained the hundred sacks of rice, she sought an audience with the leading magistrate of the town.32 He consented to take charge of the maintenance of the old gentleman in consideration of the one hundred bags of rice which he took as a sort of deposit.33

The young girl did not leave her father until the merchant came for her.34 She endeavored to console the old gentleman as best she could.35 When the time for the separation came, it was heart-rending.36 Sun-Yen threw his arms about his daughter’s neck while his frame was shaken with sobs.37

“I want to die with you.38 I will not let you go alone.”39

The cries of the poor blind man attracted a number of the neighbors, who were also moved to tears at the pathetic sight.40 Finally the trader grasped the girl by the arm and said in a trembling, gentle voice, “We must go now.”41

Paralyzed by grief, Sun fainted and his arms slipped from about his daughter’s form.42

“Good-bye, father,” she called back as she walked away.43 “Don’t worry, we shall meet again in a better place where we shall be happy forever.”44

Cheng-Si renewed her requests to the magistrate, who, shortly after, visited the unfortunate father and tried to console him a bit, without succeeding to the slightest extent.45

For Cheng-Si had gone.46

_Here cometh to a close the second step of our legend.47

III48

III49

San-Houni, the scholar and intimate friend of Sun-Yen, was likewise condemned to exile on account of his friendship for the disgraced.50 He was obliged to leave the Korean Capital, a circumstance which he regretted exceedingly just at this time because his wife, Yeng-Si, who was soon to become a mother, would not have the comforts and advantages of the city.51 But of what avail are innocence and regret when a Prime Minister has rendered one undesirable in the eyes of the Monarch?52 It was decreed that San-Houni be banished and that he be forced to live on the island of Ko-Kum-To, a desolate, sparsely populated rock in the Yellow Sea.53

It was a long journey.54 The trip would consume several days.55 San-Houni’s few servants took care of the details of the packing but he himself went in quest of a boatman who would agree to take him and his wife across the waters to the island.56 His choice was not a happy one but he was unaware of it.57

The most violent contrast existed between the characters of Su-Rung and Su-Yeng, the two brothers, whom San-Houni engaged for the trip.58 From this difference in temperament great misfortunes were to come.59

As long as they were in sight of the coast, things went well, but when the party was on the open sea, Su-Rung the wicked, revealed his designs.60

“I am somewhat taken with the wife of our passenger,” he whispered to his brother, “I want her and I’m going to get her.61 Her husband grates on my nerves.62 I must get him out of the way.”63

“You are mad,” replied Su-Yeng.64 “Do you think for a minute that I will ever allow you to do anything like that?”65

“Bah!66 You are jealous of me,” cried Su-Rung, in a fury.67

“Not at all, but your intentions disgust me.”68

Su-Rung said nothing further but it could readily be seen that he had not given up his project.69

The terrible thing about all this was that San-Houni and his wife had overheard the brothers.70 Their anxiety grew and soon merged into real fear.71 They discussed in low tones the peril which threatened them and how it would be possible to escape.72

There was not much time left to them for reflection.73 Su-Rung called the oarsmen and whispered aside to them, “Men, I want you to grab that fellow and his servant.74 Take and keep what money they have on them and kill them.75 The woman alone must live.76 Make a good job of it.”77

Su-Yeng here interposed, “I think you should be content with taking their money, but at least spare their lives.”78

“Mind your own business,” shouted Su-Rung in a rage.79 “I am master here.80 Get out of my way and let me alone!”81

Su-Yeng was forced to obey his brother’s injunction.82 As soon as he had turned his back, San-Houni and his servant were put to death.83 The murder was committed under the very eyes of the scholar’s wife.84 She was dazed with anger and sorrow.85 Having no desire to survive her husband, she plunged into the sea, crying, “In spite of you, I shall die with my husband.”86

Su-Rung, however, ordered his sailors to turn about and rescue the unhappy woman.87 A few minutes more and Yeng-Si was pulled into the boat alive and safe.88

Then the assassin, judging it indiscreet to continue in the direction of Ko-Kum-To, changed the course of his vessel to a spot he was well acquainted with.89 The boat made a landing shortly after.90 Su-Rung jumped ashore and approached an old woman on the beach, to whom he said:91

“Go aboard my boat, you will find a woman there.92 I want you to take her home with you.93 Be very gentle and kind to her, encourage her, and console her, for she has been deeply afflicted.”94

The old lady at once set about doing what Su-Rung had requested.95

Meanwhile, Su-Rung had anchored his boat and as a sign of self-satisfaction he invited his men to a feast, where they made merry and drank freely.96 Shortly all the guests were drunk except Su-Yeng.97 He was broken up at the turn of events and his inability to avert Su-Rung’s crime.98 Therefore, he resolved to profit by the present situation by assisting, if it were possible, his brother’s unfortunate captive.99 He left the revelers without being noticed and, setting out at a rapid gait, soon reached the home of the old lady.100 He paused before entering at the sound of voices and in the midst of the lamentations of Yeng-Si, he could make out these words:101

“Where do you come from?”102

“The Capital.”103

“Is that so?104 I lived at Yeng-Yang.”105

“Then how is it that you are in these parts?”106

The old lady, for it was she who was talking with Yeng-Si, uttered a deep sigh.107

“Alas, I have lived here for ten years, much against my will.108 Like you, I am a victim of Su-Rung, who murdered my husband.109 I am awaiting the hour of vengeance, but it is slow in coming.110 Will this monster remain unpunished forever?”111

Touched by her story, Yeng-Si forgot for the time her own misfortunes to sympathize with her companion.112 It was just at this moment that Su-Yeng entered the room where the two women were and said in a troubled voice:113

“Do not take things too hard.114 Perhaps you will be rescued very soon.115 There is some one who is looking out for you.116 I have a profound horror of my brother’s evil deeds.117 Listen, if you wish to escape you will never have an easier time than now.”118

“How so, your brother....”119

“Don’t be afraid.120 For the time being, he is not capable of following you for he is asleep and dead drunk, but there is not a minute to be lost.121 You know the country for you have lived here a long while.122 You must show the way to this lady who is a stranger.123 Here, take this money, it will not do to wait any longer.”124

The two women, weeping and sobbing, threw themselves at the feet of their rescuer in gratitude.125

Su-Yeng helped them to their feet and urged them again to leave.126 It would be advisable, he insisted, to make haste for the rage of Su-Rung, if he captured them, would be terrible.127

Yielding to the entreaties of Su-Yeng, the two women set out.128 Their friend accompanied them for a short distance.129 When they were alone, they walked as rapidly as their strength would permit.130 At the end of two hours Yeng-Si, thoroughly fatigued, requested that they rest for a few moments.131 Her companion consented quite willingly.132 So the two fugitives sat down to rest their weary bodies.133 Suddenly the elder of the two said to the other:134

“I’m going to ask you something.”135

“What can I do for you?”136

“Well, I would consider it a great favor if you would let me have your sandals in exchange for mine.”137

This request puzzled Yeng-Si a great deal as she did not understand the purpose of the elder woman’s intentions.138 However, the old lady gave her little time for reflection.139

“You are,” she said, “like me, very tired, but you are still young, consequently you are capable of enduring greater hardships than I. I am very old.140 You go on.141 If Su-Rung catches up--and he will not wait long--I will tell him that I do not know in what direction you went.142 Now, hurry on, but leave your sandals here with me if you wish to be real kind.”143

Yeng-Si arose at once.144 She thanked her friend for her excellent advice and handed her sandals to her without understanding in the least what motive she had in this request.145 As she was leaving, the old lady continued:146

“Just a moment.147 I am going to show you the road which you should take to escape from Su-Rung.148 Keep straight ahead until you come to a grove of bamboo where you might rest a few moments if you like, then keep on walking in the same direction until you come upon the temple of Buddha.149 When you arrive at this spot, you will be out of danger but be careful to follow my directions explicitly.”150

“I will do so, thank you.”151

“Good, now, good-bye.”152

When Yeng-Si had gone a short way, the old woman arose, and taking the sandals, she turned toward a lake which was a short distance away.153 Placing them at the water’s edge, she uttered a brief prayer and jumped into the water.154

Yeng-Si, however, heard her cries.155 She immediately retraced her steps, hastening to the lake where she noticed the sandals beside the water and the body of the old lady floating on the surface.156 This sight almost overbore her.157

“Why did this poor woman drown herself?” she muttered.158 “Can it be--yes, I imagine--her persistency in asking for my sandals--oh, blessed one!159 She had the idea of dying before saying good-bye.160 She did not wish her death to be fruitless, so she placed my sandals on the shore, that it would appear as if I had committed suicide.161 Poor woman, how devoted she was!162 May she have her reward in the Hereafter.”163

If she had listened to the promptings of her heart, Yeng-Si would have remained there mourning for her unfortunate companion.164 Remembering the entreaties of the latter, however, she hurried her steps and shortly came to the forest of bamboo.165 Suddenly she experienced the most agonizing pains.166 She trembled, shivered, broke out into a cold perspiration and suffered terribly.167 She understood that she was about to become a mother.168 What a terrible situation she was in!169 Here alone, away from everybody, what was to become of her?170

Yes, it was a little boy.171 She seized the poor, little being and covered it with tears and kisses.172

“Poor child,” she said, “what can I do with you?173 You have no father and your mother does not know what is going to become of you.”174

Fortunately for Yeng-Si, some one had heard her shrieks and cries.175 It was a nun from the temple that the old lady had told her about.176 This nun ran to the spot whence the cries came and was somewhat surprised to find there the mother and child.177

After rendering what assistance she could, she asked her how it came about that she gave birth to the child in that place.178

Yeng-Si told briefly her sad story.179 The nun was deeply touched at the tale--so fraught with sorrow.180

“What do you count upon doing?” she asked her.181

“Alas, I do not know.182 Here I am alone and without resources.183 How can I bring up my little one?184 I shall have to abandon him, but I shall not live long anyway, I am sure of that, so perhaps I shall make way with myself.”185

“That would not be doing exactly right.186 Suppose you try to follow my advice.187 Give your child to some charitable person and come live with me.”188