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  • Pearl Shirt

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    THE ED COUPLE a son, HE Ell itf:DCOtJPLE ill U)lhH the fInest lik('( I a t'la:-,!cd Shirt fiLE. The phoenix hairpin was also an taini.ng a note h deliver riao a= a the it. Was also an it. A rnarning f note h hi

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    THE ED COUPLE a son, HE Ell itf:DCOtJPLE ill U)lhH the fInest lik('( I a t'la:-,!cd Shirt fiLE. The phoenix hairpin was also an taini.ng a note h deliver riao a= a the it. Was also an it. A rnarning f note h hi

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    84 visualizações30 páginas

    Pearl Shirt

    Enviado por

    seatpost
    THE ED COUPLE a son, HE Ell itf:DCOtJPLE ill U)lhH the fInest lik('( I a t'la:-,!cd Shirt fiLE. The phoenix hairpin was also an taini.ng a note h deliver riao a= a the it. Was also an it. A rnarning f note h hi

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    TRADITIONAL CHINESE STORIES Themes and Variations POPPED BY Y W. MA AND JOSEPH S. M. LAU NEW YORK COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESS 1178 “CHE PEARL SHIRT From Ku-chin hsiae-siuo Var eon) cones eat th Anlioh ty After deeth iva remembers aw enpry name? Like idle goes, in the end all is vin, Do nol fritter your youth away in wvanton excess, ‘Nor erave the quick satisfaction of women and wine. (Cas) aside worms ower right and wrong: Content yoneseif with yous lot end be satisfied. nes of ie ofr The é'x poems, set to the tune of “Phe Moon, aver thy Wear Riser oxbons. everyone te be com ag ithe Bis oe, Heng jos fi what fate brings. soy his vitality oy soon his exsnieancr a A, lus: riches, or anger. Lt happiness has to be ugh, itis not true happiness: where advantage is gained, there will be loss. Of the four words, none is so dreadful as lust. ‘The eyes are the go- beaveen of passion; the heart is the seed of desire. 3Jn the beginning, you will be in a state of anxiety Inthe end, vou will lose your heart and soul. 1f occisionally some wayside Hower should captitre cost! faney. ne barn with conse of it, EE you should we tts grin! so se hermanng. peng agains the salva nisment of pitasuie tor Yourself with no regard for the long. chet ished love berweer 2 husband and a wife short, if your own charming wife or favorite con- cubine were hured astray by the clever artifices of REENCOUNTERED TRANSLATED BY JEANNE RELIY another. haw would sou feel! The aid sieving puts it well Though men's hearts ey br in The way of Heaven does nt er Uf T do not defile the wines of other men, They will mot vialate mine Dear audience. tisten today while £ tell you 1 tale of “Phe Pear! Shirt.” You will see that revvibu- tion is inevitable, and this should be a goud lessor for all voung men, In this story Twill set forth only one person. it man by the name of Chiang Te, usw albo ats Hsing-ko. of Tsuo-vang in the prefecture of Hsiang-vang in the Hu-kuang Province! His f= ther, Chiang Shih-se. from youth had raveled throughout Kwangnung as a merebant, As he had Tost his wife. Lo-shib, he was left with bur one child, a son named Hsing-ko. who was jus: years of age. He coulel not hear tp part with the boy, yet neither cou livelihood in Kewungtang, He tothe matter but i the end could fand nochit for it bite to take his nine-year-old som akong as a companion on the journey, teaching lin 1 few he give up the source ot his » Consisting of the modern provincesof Hupeb ard Huse 264 The Perl Shirt Reencountered vicks of the trade. Despite his youth, the chile ter ‘he tera A digniped 63 PateBicence surpasving a sindent’ tnd! the ingenuity of @ full grown mart Pvergone called him “a tile cher,” “tnd all cdmared this priceless gem, Fearing the envy of others, Chiang Shih-tse would sever reveal that this was his own son, but wher ever they went, he would say only that this was iy wife's ey peru that the Le family aio phed ithe Rwangiung arex. But whereas ngs had been at wt for only one genera ori, cre Los had been in the trade for three, All the innkeepers and brokers of the segion had known the Los for generations and treated them as patt of their own families. When Chiang Shih- tse hogan traveling, it was in fact his father-in-law who tad first started him off. Because the Los had of late beens beset with a succession of unjust against shem, the faraily had fallen inte hil suns. Ube sight nil fox w seral vers the 1p Shiltse, there was not a one of the various innkeepers and brokers who isiled to ask for news of the Los, voicing the greatest concern. When Chiang Shih-tse appeared this time with a child whom they discovered to be a relative of the Los, and who was besides so handsome and alert, they recalled their friendship extending over chree and now four gene and there was ot a singe one but was filled with delight Brough of this idle charter, Let's tell instead of row thane Hsing ing several trips sowed to be go giniek 10 Tearer that Piaspust all ic tarious mnricacie’ of the Wishes, His father was of course delighted ho then could have anticipated that ater mi when he was seventeen, bis futher wauld dieof a The elder Chiang should he that he was at home at the time thus was spared hecoming a ghost of the cdl Hsing-ko wept for a spell bat eventually heel to dry his tears and arrange lor the funeral, Be sices the funeral rites. neeciless 10 say. he made offerings and had prayer services said to tusure the safe passage of his father’s spirit to the nest world. During the forty-nine days of mourning, the relatives from [both sides of the family all came to mourn and offer their condolences. There lived in the prefecture a Mr. Wa the father-in-law of Hsing-ko. He also calied! to otter sactifices, Naturally the Chiang family members engaged hint i conversation, daring which they remarked on how capable Hsing-ko had proved to be for his age. Allon his own he had managed to conduct the entire funeral. One thing led to another, and finally someone stg: gested, “Mr. Wang, now that your daughter has also come of age, why nit choose this sat occasion to complete the match? With a wife to keep him company, things will be exsier for hin.” Mr Wang, however, would not consent to this, avi on g. who was to be That same day he took hes leave After the burial rites hed heen compleved. nuniber of the relatives tried to, prevail on Hsing: ko. At first, Hsingcko, too, zefused. but vi their repeated urging, he began to reflect on how lonely he would be by himself, and reluctantly agreed He-asked Tie Griginal matchmaker to Ke speak for him in the Wang household. Mr. War flatly refused, saying, “Our family also has to pr pare a simple dowry. How can this be done at a moment's notice? Besides. xs the ¥ mourn ing is not yet completed. i would mean polating the rités. TF there is to-be a marriage. let s wait until the vear of mourning has passed belore dis cussing ic" When the maichmaker brought bac! fhe reply, Hsing-ko realized he spoke quite sensi- bly and did not force the issue. 265 THE REUNITED COUPLE Tite went by like an arrow and before he knew it, the anniversary had avrived, After Hsing-ko had observed the sacrifices before his father's norial tablet and had takeo off his coarse hemp ects of mourning, he again commissioned the mztcimaker to speuk.tG he Wangs, and fie neliv consent was giver. Afer no more than a few days, the six rites sv all completed and he brought his bride ome. The poem {to the tune of} “The Moon over the West River” testifies to this: White mourning curtains ave exchanged for anes of re: Colared garments replace the hempen «loth Becaraiea rooms are resplendent with candies blazing: Tee apt ding feast ave all prepared. beh tar ak opulent der, jv of swine and 1 Inde bed safes wlatwns wll be seid the new bside was the youngest daughter of fr, Wang, nicknamed “Third Eldest.” Since she wasborn on the festival date of the seventh day of the seventh pronth, she was.also called San-ch'iao, or “Blessed Third.”? The Wang's two previously married daughters were both of unusual beauty, ‘ounty they were admired by all irline ditty was even made up tn ‘Tsao ‘about them (Bud sch teonties as dae Wang grb you meter sae ‘Hetero have one as @ brele Tht 20 be amperl sonemn-lae common saying has it. “If business goes vad, i's for a short time. Ifa marriage goes bad, it's for a liferime.” Many families of wealth and in- fiuence seek only their equal in station, or pursue 2°Thvs festival sniginates fram) che romantic legend of the Med sR and Vega, respen soe aed “he Heats pennates seth ean Th sever Bestsat nn at dates we mig! Phe tine davedter ofthe Ba rus Sa reli, "Blessed hid an alliance with a family of great means, Wits never a regard for the rights and wrongs af she matter, they agree on a match. Laser they find the bride they have brought home is of uncommon ugliness, and when it comes time to to the various relatives and family inembers, the parents-in-law are only in for embarrassment Added to this, the hushand himsell, unhappy with his lot, will probably begin to roam about or bis own, Unfortunately it is the ugly woman who knows best how to control her hus! Tike most, he will then become quer the sake of appearances. he gives ita her few times, she will begin to put on ais. Ay none of these alternatives is particularly appealing, Chisng Shib-tse. when he heard that Mr, Wantg hac a knack for turning out fine daughters, over lavish gifts and concluded a mar: hetween his son and the voungest ditighter whith the children were still very young, Today a kest she was brought to her new home, and indeed she was of great charm and beauty, One could even say she was twice as beautiful as cither ot her older sisters. Truly Hisictan of Wu was not so lovely. Nan Wei of Ch'u could nut compare 1 placed bese the Avalokitesnvare watehins he ragcn in Cir She would share in the bux and the homage, Chiang Hsing-ko also had his share of looks and ability; and now that he had taken such a lovely bride, together they were like a pair of jude carvings turned out by a master crafisinan, mere happy and loving than ever a couple could be After the third day, Hsing-ko changed int Clothes of a lighter hue and, saving that he was i mourning, had no more to do with outside afkairs, He passed his time entirely in.the company of bis Wife in the chamber upstairs, waving himself mer to pleasure from dayn until dusk. tn & whether walking ov sitting, they never 7A beauutul gut J eh Spring anil Aerwre: fe 266 The Pearl Shirt Reeacountered | while they devamed. their sauls MBL Togethe. TE has always been the case that daye $F hardship are difficult to endure and happy times pass by quickly. The warmth of sum- mer passed anid cold weather came. The period of mourning had already been completed, and we aged sav no more about their removal of the snouraing gowns and the setting up of the memo- ral tab ke bean thinking ahout she Sung hit terher had engagertin, iad heen neglected now for ov La mutnber of credit slips re mained there wacollected. That night he talked it ith his wife, indicating bis clesire to make ip. At first she agreed that he “should go. Laver when they began talking about the distance he would have to travel, loving couple (HT TET__ how coud they bear t9 part? Unconscious” dan rolling down both her cheeks, and ho. 100, was luath to leave her. Both of sunk in gh hhen aban This happened more shan once. de siune slipped-awas. Without their neativing «another awe veits paysed by This = incl to go. Keeping +f trom big wife.he parked his bagson the oilisicie chose. propitious day. and finally in- ned her five days before. bis, departure. “soften said, “If left to sic idle, one can even whe a mottntain.” Now that there are two of 2s, must vet up a business to support the fa ‘There's no sense in towing away this means of aling a ving, The weat vont for a while during the second mieath is nttes hot or cold, EE don't get started now. wii hotter 1 me cau Fexpret? His wife couse see he was not to he dissuaded: % i asked only. “When will you be returning?” vane case the trip must be made. Whatever ha pens, UL return ina year Svemi¢wmeany— next ime FIL bave ta siay-away longer Poi iting ‘to 2 cedar wee in front of thelr house, , “Next vear when this tree puts forth , beter part ofa month without pause f buds, PH be expecting your rerurn.” With thes: words, her tears began lowing like rain. Hsing-ko wiped them away for ber with his sleeve, unaware that his own tears were falling. Their remorse at parting and deepened affection for each other cannot be conveyed in a few words, ‘On the fifth day, husband and wife, anid tenes and sobs, talked the whole night through, re- nouncing all though¢ of sleep. At the filth watch, Hsing-ko got up and packed his things. He plaved in his wife's care all the jewels and valuables tet hy his father, taking along only the business capi- tal, copies of the accounts, a change of clothings. bediling, and the like, as well asa few gifts he liad prepared. All was arranged and packed with cure. ‘They had in their house two male servants. He took with him the younger one. leaving the okler one at home to attend to his wife’s neers and van the daily errands. Two older women tended selely to the kitchen, In addition there were two mais, ‘one called Bright Cloud. the other Warin Snow, who were to serve only in the upper chamber ler orders not to go te far from their mis: tress's side. When all the orders had been give, he said to his wife, “Now you must pass your time ~The neighborhuod is full of idle trash, and you're so pretty, Don’t invite rouble hy standing at the front gare to gaze abou His wife replied. “You needn't worre. Go quickly now and come back soon.” The «wo hid their tears and bade farewell. How true it is that Of all the sad occas in the world, None matches that uf parting ur separation throagh dee As Hsing-ho set off, he was thinking only of his wife, and he remained oblivious to all else the whole day. After a number of days he arrwed in Kwangtung and pur up tan inn. All his old av. quaintances came over to see himn. Hsing-ko. handed out his gifts. anc one after ane save feasts to welcome hin Now Hsing-ko had quite depleted this he THE REUNITED COUPLE “at home, and ka «i since endured the drudgery of In adiition, he was subjected toa period of ieneydlar ex ing-and drinking. Finally, he con- aa ctge obenalanigaciel kept rap all stam cles intivety tn the sures, Hery dar he had the diese Teck tts pule and pisier mesticine to him, but it fingered on thy ough autumn, when at last he recovered his health, in the meantime, bis business had been neglected, and he could foresce that f woud be Impossible to return home within a Year. Truly Far only a tng fs’ head 0 He cisenloned te love nest and a happy marriage. "Chougli Hsing-ko mi edt his home, as time ave up aay ides o went forded! be wok! base % of atu aiag. cet's lave the sabject af Hsing he's travels and instead turn our attention to his wife, San-ch'iao, Eyer since the day her husband gave out his in- structions, she had not for several months cast glince out the window nor moved one step from the upper chamber. Time went as swiftly as an arrow, and before she knew it, the vear had drawn to a close, and every house was noisily engage don burning pine wend in bragiers, setting aif Hiroe: wekers, huvili plaving games, oe ct Save bio with pits She thought of her husbard. What a nal night ‘| was! It was exactly us described by the poet in the poem: scatnt Winter ends, but not the melancholy. Sporing as coms. fut not her husband: 5 the day dawns, she bewails her Dinan do ry on her new clathes. oneliness, next city was New Year's Day, the first da of the fi ye neon, The wo maids, Bright Cloud faret Wart: Snow, did ail thee could 1 persuade gute the fro vires jew the sonm to signe on Uw street The Chiang’s residence hat! wo interconnect wings. front and rear, The frst faced out on the street and in the second were the bedroorns San-ch'iao normally spent all her time in the sec- ond. Todas, unable t resist the urgings of the maids, she finally waked across the corridor “0 the front wing ai J had them open the windows » Phet them she watched from behind the curtain. Hos. crowded and noisy the street was that «lav! All these people coming and going.” San-ch'ie remarked, “yet there’s not a fortune-teller aong them, If there were. itd be nice to call him in to ask news of my husband. roday is New Year's Day.” said Bright Cloud “Everyone wants to relax and have fin. Who'd want to be out telling fortunes?” Depend on us.” dectared Wari Snow. “We promise within five days we'll have one in here t tell your fortune Afier breakfast on the fourth day, Warm Snow had just gone downstairs to relieve herself when she suddenly heard the sound of knocking i the street. The object producing the noise, calle! an “announcer.” was the blind fortune-ieller’s trade snark, Without waiting to finish her busines. Warm Snow hurriedly pulled up her pants and cashed outside calting the blind man: to stop. and let down the curt Then in the same breath she turned on ber hee's and yan up the stairs to infortn her aiistess. Sun. Uhian ordered het to call him in fo take a seat i the parlor. After his asking price had been agreed upon, San-ch'iao went down to hear his pre- nouncements. as the blind man picked « Jot, he asked what it was for, ALihat moment, the kitchen maids, having heard the commotion, came running in, and speaking for their mistress said, “This diagram is to ask about the uaveler “The wile is asking about her bushane. then? asked the blind man “That's right.” rephed the old women When the green dragon rules the world.” de Clared the fortune-teller, “the sign of wealti is set in motion. [f the wife is asking about her has: hand, the traveler is haltivas home, With him b 268 The Pearl Shirt Reencountered J ane! cilks billing a thousaad chests, aad Ika see arago sora at hin Lhe green ind wood helings to the wood element shyfves fn the spring. Around the tine of the beginning of spring he started off. By the end of aonth or the beginning of the next, he is sure to revarn home, laden with riches besides. ( Sen-ch'iao instructed the male servant 10 give Uhre pennies and send him off, Beside her- self with joy. she went up to her room, It was a rue care of “thirst allayed by the sight of plums’ har ge satistivd with a pitare of cakes Mises poole, 2s tong as they Geary fwevishe fiche hoges. wil een antrentled. Gnce thew get hab hopes strecdl. dhen all sors of toofish wishes mid lly icieas start coming to them, making the tine clvag. by. Merely because she-put stock ier the of the-fortune-teller, San-ch'iao now ght of nothing but her husband's return, and this time on often went to the front of the house, where she sat gazing up and down the sweet from behind the eur :ti0-7 ‘Tlas went on right up until Lhe beginning of fi, wwhess the reed crane bes began te sat fort! thst, anid SIL BIrC sa BO ng his promise at depan sisious. Several Lihen it happesied that she met her handsome young mai Tran?” ~ ~ nusbarel Remembe: If tare is 4 bond between therm, the tow will meet across sword Ii Whore a hond, they will nod weed though jace to face Andashis s sths handseine tong Asie by the gt Ch’en shang, § led “Big Hap) Bug hens which Was fater changed to Faclanig “Big Boy.” He had just turned twenty-four and was 5 Sinc-looking fellow. Though he would aot c Fourth othe Fifth day of the second month, n Aa in looks, nei have surpassed! Sung Vitor Pos ther would he have ranked! beneath then. This young man. who had lost both pzrents, 20% together a sum of two or threé thousan cash and began making tips to Hsiang-vang to buy rice, beans. and such, usually going ance a year. His quarters were outside the city, but on this particular day. he hac! happened to enter the city t0 check at Pawnbroker Wang's shop on thy Great Market Street for letters frons ho:ne. Uh pawnshop was right across from the Chiangs, ml sis he came to pass Bt, You ask hows he eats dyesed? On his head was: Soc hos stele pales leat hat, and he wore 8 tobe of Huss how sik nite aya fish’s bells. which: happened tbe Abt like'Re One Hsing-ko usustis wore, Catching sight of him froira distance. ian thought tha! he was her husband returning “ind she lifted the curtain and fixed her gaze on him. When Gh'en ‘Taclang raised his head to find a beautiSul you g womal i an upper sf Staring at hin: uablirke ingh he assumed that she had isken a faney.tc him. and he, too, threw 2 glance in her direction Whe-eould have known there would be this mise raderstinding on beth sides? Whew Sanh ine vealized that it was not her husband. be jarned bright red sith shane, and Ix The window shut, she Fan into the back oon where she sat down on the edge of the bed. How ever, her heart would not stop pounding wildiy. Meanwhile, Chen Ta-lang’s sou! hat heen snatched away by the wonssn’s gaze. When he reached his quarters, he still could pot get her fh checks civ pulling nff his mind. He said te himself, “Phouxd ny wifeat home is rather pretty in her ows way, bow vould she ever compare with this woman Car ast gett message to her somiedenw, but Pye ae wa te xet in. EC Lcauld just spend a night with, her even thongh it cost me me entire capital, thes lite would not have been lived in vin.” He bean 16 sigh then suddenly remembered that int the East Alley of the Great Market Street, there was « pearl seller named Granny Hsieh with whom he hed 268 done business before. This old woman had a dleve and besides she was «nt das after lay hrnugh the strects and alley units she did nor kiuaw? He would have vthe matter with her she would me suagestion to make Zossing aud turning, he finally got through a vewless uight. The next day he was up bright and early, and saying that he had business to atiend to, called for some cold water so he could wash aad comb his hair. Taking along one hundred tacis’ worth of silver and two ingots of gold, he tongue ‘0 Lave so | hnavied inte the city. As the saving I Af see fle enpgemnent a éip Pou prot tan alla | when Chien Taclang entered the city, he made sonight for the Fast AHley-and there knocked on ~2the gate O&Granny Hsiieh’s, She was in her yard selecting her pearls; Re? Bair in disarray, When she heard the knocking, she gathered up dhe bun- Cle of pearls, asking at the same time, “Who is it? When she heard the three words, “Ch’en of Hui- chou.” she hurried ta open the gate and invite him fn, soying. “C haven't washed yet. so [won't Fi tos What honen suet an early op ceremony with 6 Joss Drags vou bere a eae?” “LE made a sperial point of consing early. for L was ufraid Fe miss you it Y esine later Clven Taking, ‘You want io buy some pearls or trinkets from do want some pearls, but there's business that you'd be interested in “Ansthing oat of my line, Pim nor used to han- we Rh tse? Grane Hsuet shut che gate and anvited him in 6 tke. seat im her small rou: chen she asked ‘Now what's on your mind?’ ag that no one was around, Ta-lung fished in his sleeve for the silver ancl opened his cloth THE REUNITED COUPLE bundle, spreading its contents out on the table. he said, “Only after vou've accepted hundred taels will | presume to speak.” Not knowing what was afoot. the oid woman could not be induced t take them, Ta-lang said “Is it too little for you!” Hurried!y he sok our wo ingots of shining gold which he aiso placed! « the table, saying, “Please take these ten taels uf gold, If you refuse again, Til ake dear 16 mean you're intentionally turning down my reque Today I'm the one who has come secking your help and not the other way around. ‘Phis ter can't do without sour help: that’s why come to you especially. {1 you should irs bur fail the gold and silver will still be yours ie keep Tc tainly won't come back to ask for it, nor will L hold se one any grudges against you. {'m not such a petty sort” Tell me, dear audience, has there ever ben i procures without greed for money? How could the sight of those gold and white pieces fail 10 sti her desire? At this moment, her face sas all smiles and she said, “Now you mustn't get me wrong sir, Never in my life have asked for a cent of ans money which I don't deserve. Today P2 accep! whatever your assignment is and pur this aside fer the time being. Ifit terns out I can’t be of service Fil return the money to vou.” As she finished speaking, she put the guid ingots in with the bun die of silver pieces anc wrapped thers up together, saying. “I'm being much to bold.” Shr went to stash it away in her bedroom, then hur ried back and said, “I'll not presume, sir, 10 express my thanks yet. You must teli me what de you want me to do.” 5 “I'm searching desperately for it certain life-s. ing jewel.” said Ch’en. “It's to be found only ins the house of a certain family in the Grest Markt Street. Go and borrow it for me please The old woman broke into kuughier and ex- claimed, “You're just up to mischiet! V've Leen jiving in this alley for more than twenty years now. yet I've never heard of any life-saving jewel in the 270 The Pearl Shirt Reencountered Great Market Street, Please tell me, sit, who owns thi “Who lives in chat big house across from the pewnshop of Wang from my country?" The ald woman thought for a moment, then replisd, “That's the house of Chiang Hsing-ko of this region. Chiang has been away traveling for 8a scot, now. Only his wite is at home ‘ile is the very one Emmet borrow this lite- said this he pecloser to the oft woman and told fev just what was on his mind, When the old seman had heard him through, she hurriedly shook her hea’! and exclaimed, "Now, that's quite acifficult maver! The girl has been married to Chiang Hsing-ko for Jess chan four years, and the couple are Tike fish and water, They're never so much as aa inch apart, Now that he’s had to go 2y. the young tnistress has never left the upper is she, Hsing-ko has some peculiar Al angered! aaving je putled usc Tovey cities, se Pve bore gose near theft door Tye ne idea i> soung lady even looks like, show could E possibly agree to take on such a task? Your gift ss.proved tov high a blessing for me to enjoy.” “At these words Ghen Ta-lang fell to his knees. ‘When the old woman tried to pull him up, his gripping her sleeves held her dowa firmly + chair'so she could not budge. “My very life your hands,” he implored, “You just have to ‘UP with seme clever plan, so that Lean take her and swe this wretched life of mine. If t sii, there'll be imother husnare YH HE ec refose then Fmiay.as well ond my life ry chement = for The old woman was to startled to know what tesla, atid she said, “All right, all right! You're overwhelming sae with all this. Now, please get up. There is something I have 10 say.” ‘Ven at last rose and, holding his hands cher in a respectful salute, said, “Whatever clever plan you have, please tell me at ance." Chis will cake time.” Granny Hsiieh replied. “Hi you want it to work out, you can't figure in serms of months or years. Ifa time fimit is set then I won't be able to accept the assigntnert “If indeed it can work out, then whut diftersnee will a few days make? Only, how do vou plan to go about it “After breakfast tomorrow, be sure to meet ine at Wang's pasenshop. Dont he late. Bring a litle extra cash along with vou, saying only rat youre doing business with me. Now, chere’s a reasun tor all chis. If T-can get these feet of mine past th Chiang’s threshold, you're in fuck. You must ien hurry back to vour lodgings. Don't loiter srouad the front door, Should you he recognized. eve-v thing will be ruined. 1f1 make anv heaclwae. 11 come myself to report t vou. “Pil do everything you say,” Gh'en siiel, And with a deep bow, he happily opened the desir snd departed. Truly Before the defeat of Howang ¥ ing 9; Law Pane, ua hae abroad: Born set th bar sf the general sand before the eve Nothing else worth mentioning happened that day. The next day Chen put on a fine suit of clothes, took out a few hundred taels in cash, which he placed in a large leather bos, and or dered @ young servant t0 carry the box itlong be. hind him to the Wang's pawnshop in the Great Market Street. Noticing that the windows of the house opposite were tightlv closed, he yuessed that the mistress was not in, Then, grecting the Pawnshop keeper, he asked for a wooden stool andl sat down in from of the done. gazity off te ward the east, Presently Granny Hetieb cape 2 sight, clutching a wicker case is her arms, Ca'ea stopped her and asked, “What's in the e.tse “Pearls and jewelry “Would you be interested, sir? “Just what U'm after” The old woman entered the pawnshop andi, sce- ing the shopkeeper. apologized for her intrasion and then opened the case. Inside were ten ar she answered 271 THE REUN Ves ct pearly as well us some smaller jovel varieties of Hower Clas Hue, ingeniously designed she and ciuzaling, Chen selected a few sirings of thick white pearis along with various Kairpins and earrings, anel placing them all in one pile, said, “Y'Il take all of these.” “The old wonian gave him a look and said, ase take what you want: but I'm afraid the be more than you're willing to pay.” already gotten the message, a They tn began stacking » pieces fv He aidhink + sat't at time. quite a lew neighborhood loafers ad strolled over and stood watching in front of the pawnshop was merely joking.” the old woman sa “How could L presume to take you lightly, sir away. In: asking only to be paid a fair price.” 7 oF sein bickeved back and forth, the ou must be careful with your silver, Please pur it ITED COUPLE 1 more dpe ox the pre, Std the ialy npstains seas crue Hearing all the commotion going on opposite her door, San-chiao was drawn in spire of heelt w the front room, where she pushed open the window and pecked out, ll that caught her eve was the sparkling of pearisand the brilliance of gleaming gems—a lovely sight. When she not.ced the old woman and the stranger wrangling inter- ininably over the price she instructed her maid to go summon the old wom over so she cout look xt her things. Bright Cloud crossed the treet as instructed and gave Gravity Hyuich’s sleeve a tng, saving,” Me mistress would Sie 0 see Which family is that?” the old woman asked deliberately “The Chiangs across the street.” replied Bright Cloud, At this the old woman swept up the pearls and other items in one deft motion ancl hurriediy wrapped them up, saving. “I've no tine 16 carry ‘on this nonsense with you!” . All right then. Tl raise my offer a atte.” Chie eae Ginga high price. the ether counterang aid, ‘with a sealer at as bar apart Hen each other “Tin not selling, For shat kind of price, Leute ay hewen snc ctl, [he one setting he price have sold them long ayo” As she spoke. she wordd not waver from her original demand. {1 placed them into the cise andl locked it up again the meantime, Clven-Pwlang. holding on tw the Taking it in her arms, she started oft igs and refusing either to put them down or raise his offer, deliberately stepped nut of che 2 goud look at chemJremarking on which was genuine und which was fakeappraising their Valise ax shee sparkled in thé suntight. This even tually dress voseel over ivy he entire ieee rarket waich rrceaticn Buy them if you're going ro." the old wonian bu: “ifnot, then leave them, What's the point in just wasting someone's time like this! Who's not buying?” retorted Ch’en, and the ‘ent off on another round of haggling over the price, Truly: lore vontiniends Shouts ob ape p. He turned the pieces aver one by one to get “Pihearry it for you, old lady.” Bright Cloud of fered, “No need.” replied Graany Hsieh. and wi abackward glance, she strode straight across te the house opposite. Secretly rejoicing, Chen gath= ered up his silver pieces and, saying x the pawnshop keeper, returned tes his thdgings Indeed: his ees gazed after the vicrms Hag. Hits ears listened to the gid tadngs Bright Cloud led Granny Hatich up the stains where she met San-ch’iao, When the old woman caught sight of the young wife, she thought 10 herself, “Truly a heavenly creature! No wonder 272 ‘The Pearl Shirt Reencountered Neste tea nea dot ys st his head over her, LPL sere a nan, etes amy self” She then said. “Pye offe We virtue and intelligence and have only regrented never geting a chance to make your acquaintance. “What is your honorable name, old lady San--iviao. "My rwame is Hstieh. | live over in the East ev, so Tm a neighbor of yours. “Winy wouldn't vou sell chose thingy of yours asked shang. dhe old bach saidh, iF chev weren't tor fuse raken thom oat, But what a foul chat sangre turned wut to be. despite his '¢ appenvance! He can’t recognize a thing of AU this site proceeded to open her case 1a few hairpins and earrings which {0 the woman for inspection, exelaim- ing, “Macam, cant vou imagine what it cost ust to ike-suea pieces? Why, the prices he offered are ous! How could T ever accocn' for the loss nove peel she hand eh ice ofteved had beeu, and then sail, inurded whit the asking price ani That ves really putting you out some.” “Well, after af’, you're from a good famil the old woman, “and have a wide experience with such things. Your eye is ten times sharper than a tnan’s hao inscracted the maid to serve tea, but ‘fd woman put in, “Don't bother with tea. Tee em porte moter to aitent ws cver in the West sree eleatinng se that ical falis through. it boids up the work sev our care’ Pm going off for th icy ire arr stir. So to see her down the stairs, “She left the house and struck off toward. he wens along with the Simcch'iao had fallen wz dove with the pieces aad waited eagerly for the old woman's return so she could bargain with her. The woman did sor ap- pear for the next five dieys. On the uftersioon of the sixth day, there wast suclden hewv lawn pour, Before the sound of the rain had died ou" there was a knocking at the door. San-chiiae ot dered the maid to open it 10 see who was there. and in came Granny Hsiich, her clothes nal soaked and with a tattereci umbrella in her hane She recited, "Don't leave under cleitr skies, but wait instead for the rain to start.” She set the um hretta at the hotiom of the stirs znd wert up. Cf fering her blessings, she said, “Madam, the other day broke my promise to vou. San-ch’iao hastened to return her greeting and asked her, “Where have you been these past fex days?” “My daughter has just been blessed with so T went 10 Took and stayed a few davs, | just re turned this morning. On my way back the rain started, so T stopped int the house of a quaint ce to borrow att umbrele a tatiercd ane at iat Wart bw k How many sons and daughters do vou have. old iady ‘Only one son, who's already married. But 've four daughters. This is my fourth. She was made the concubine of Mr. Chu of Hui-chou. He runs a salt shop just outside the North Gute eve. ‘You have many daughters, so you don’t cor sider them worth bothering about. But this place has nolack of Suitable husbands; how could you bear to marry her off to an outsider as « concubine?” Now sou dont undersane This man, though he comes from other regions, isa verv kind per son. Though my daughter isa concubine, the frst remains at home and it's my daughter whe Stays at the shop, where she has servants and, ‘maids to serve her. Every time I go there. he treats me with the respect due an elder, and is never in the least negleettul. Now th him a son, it's even betes ” she's given 273 THE REUNITED COUPLE “Then ita real blessin we thar sou found ner such a good match,” said San-ch'iao, As she finis ted speaking, Warm Cloud brought in some tea. “Cn a rainy day like this I've nothing to attend said che old woman. “May I be so bold as to avk to lock at your jewelry? I might come across some interesting designs which would be good to keep ia ming fir he fc Von ust ia» took and one alter an- Chairpins, fli ali jot onddinay noni vo outs key, opensd up a ches other removed « large mumber gice, tassels, and the like. A sight of them, Granny Hstieh could not find wards enough ‘o praise their beauty. “When you have such rare treasures as these. vou must surely find those few things of mine unworthy of your rat's very Rind of vou to sav, How much do, vou zealty tor chose things of yours? Wee. goret judge af sale. madam, What peed is here Hee waste iy breath? Sun-chiiuo picked up her own pieces, then brought out Granny Hstieh’s wicker case, set it on the sable, and handed the old woman the key, say ing “Please open it, old lady, and check your own “there's really no need to. Hatich then opened the ease and re- be items one hy one for San-ch’iao’s in- The prices San-ch’iao of ark. The old ih her, bur will bse © reany J pection : fered pre wonmnt nade no cfty cried jot. This wav no aif t make a few tinge les wil bea plea mo nd pegesomen! ved er lac quite ai 1) There's jus: one thing, At present I've no way pet all she cash needed, The best I can do is + you half now, then sete with you in full my husband returns. He'll be back any day 4 few davs will make no difference.” the old woman replied. “But as I've giver in considerably on the price, the silver must be of the finest grade.” “That'll be no problem,” San-chr'iae stid, She picked up the few ornaments and pearls she liked. best, then ordered Bright Cloud te bring ou some wine and drank with the old woman “How can Tet you go 10 so much treuble?” said the old woman Tve plenty of tine on my hands. ail Sart ‘aud it’s so seldens that have chan e t cviao. enjoy your company. Li vou don't mind the -ittie | have to offer, L hope vou will often come 10 visit “Thank vou, madam, tor vour kindness te enc so undeserving. My house is so umbexrabiy noisy while here it is quiet.” ‘What business is vour son it asked ‘Oh, he handles the gem dealers Theyre in every day clamoring lor wine and sonp. The racket they make iK more than one cast MANN, Luckily for me, Pp out making the rounds of al the houses, so need spend litle of may fase at home. Otherwise. if | hid to stay comped feet of space, I'm afvaid I'¢ go out of my mind ~ “Our house is quite close to yours. Whenever it gets too much for you, then just come on oset lor achat sechvia Sar-chliae “I'm just afraid that I might outstiy my wel come ‘Not at all.” San-ch'ine assured her In the meantime the svn maids in tare hed been busily moving back and forth, and hee kid ‘out x9 sets of bowls and chopsticks, tho plates cach of smoked chicken, smoked pork, ated testy fish, along with bowls of fruit ar SOF eK lables, sixteen dishes altogether “What a feast!” exclaimed the nid woman: “These are the onl things we have on Please don't blame me for my lack of hospi-alaty So saying, San-ch'iao poured some wine anc passed it to Hstieh. who took the cun and toasted her health. Then they sat down cress the table pla 274 The Pearl Shirt Reencountered nul began drinking. Now it happexed that San- Was’ capecity for wine was consicier ble, while pe old wa.oian sens som Line jug her hing « das shes begat ty drsnk. 1 } niore congenial, regretting only that hey bad noc mer earlier. That day they continued guniil evening came and the rain finally let “he old woman expressed her thanks and prepared to return home. San-ch’iao brought out a large silver goblet and urged Hsieh to have -s few rounds, She then had! supper with “Siay a while longer, old lady. Til get ap. anotl: s qerrag trae. thee wr ssil. “Plowe Pasit genes alain it torrghe. Peon and got wemMecrow. d won't wake along this er case, either Jug t over the an “Then tomorrow I'll be expecting vou,” San chiiso said. “Fae old woman said good-bye and went down- oicked up ber tattered umbrella, and left Truly: ig te sais the h muse. Vorhing bie vbr eeoigure ape? fy ath hove ctemning ald hags ull this time Clven Ta 1 ins lodgings. not having heard a word ne old woman. At the sight of the rain that yy. he guessed that she would be at home and sie his way through the wet arid mad into the Gity to see if there was any news. only to find she was not at home. At a tavern he had three cups of ;h something to eat, ani then went 10 siieh’s place to inquire again: but still Nenieing b Hist y she had 1 ont Inte it was eg. tests on rhe paint a back when sight, of she old wonsaa, her face beat ing stazgering and evelng into the alley €h'en approached her, and bowing, he asked nw are things coming along: “The old lady said with a wave of her hand, “It's stil oo carly. The seeds are just now being sown. No sprouts are up yet. Hl be another five or six sears before the hlossoms open and the fruits veady for yeu to taste. So vou needn't come ms ing about bere. 'm not the type Sceing how drunk she was. Ch’en Tatang hac no choice but to turn around and go back The following day the old woman ber fresh fruit, as well as chicken, fish, pork. like, which she ordered the cook to prepare und pack into two boxes. She then ought a jug oi fiw wine and, asking her neighbor bov, Hsiuoerh. 16 carry it for her, arrived at the from gote of the Chiangs Seeing no sign of Granny Hsitet ver that dey gossip Samebriag had just ovdete out and look up and dow she chanced to see the old woman ay se ap- proached. The old woman bade Hsian-erh set down the boxes downstairs and then sent hin ft Bright Cloud meanwhile had already aitounced her artival to her mistress. who received her as ai honored guest. going out to the top of the stairs to meet her, The old woman was full of thanks and greeted her by saving. “L happened to some wine, so I brought it al eat ‘You really shouldn't have spent se much San-ch’iao said. “Why should I deserve Bright nid nao ee street for her: s money.” all this?” The old woman asked the two im: the things upstairs and lay them on the table “Old lady, you're much too extravagant, mak. ing such a display as this!” San-ch'iaa said. The old woman replied with a laugh, “Pin afraid our poor house cunnor prepare sa thing good, Please take it merely as ait after ef a. Cap 0 Bright Cloud then went to fetch bowls amd chopsticks and Warm Snow got the bravier going Ina moment the wine was warmed aad the ld woman said. “Today is my little treat Now you must take the guest's set.” “Though you've gone to much trouble on nit 275 THE REUNITED COUPLE atcoan!. yew ean You expect me so accept the seat of guest in ny own house?” prutested San-chviao. Exch continued to vield the seat politely to the ofer for some time until finally Granny Hstieh wos abliged to sit in the guest's position. As tbis was their third meeung. they felt on even closer terms than before. In the midst of diinSing, the ald woman said. * Your husband has isc for a long time new and still hasn't re gorse, Hes could he abandon von like that? {Jolbdee L suite right, He send he'd be buck in a fan iitagine what could be keeping him HL yan ask ane,” said the ole! woman, “when ane aside « rare ger like you, even if he self piles of gold and heaps of jade, would not be anywhere ner as precious. hie went on, “For most of those accustomed t be antl on the road. the inn is their home and cit home at) dun, Take iy fourth daughter's Mr. Chu. for example. Now thar he's olf'a concubine, he's sagvedt happ: git How's he ever piss ine mins Ya spar ol theee or fe seats, he'll ye Law once uy, he's off F thes betore ane or ovo months are again, His wife at home is left in charge of his neglected children and lives like a widow, How would she know what he's up to on ide? Gh, but my husband’s not like that.” This is all just idle chatter, of course. How could one possibly compare heaven and earth? tho « “he iva spent the diy gnessing riddles. rolling: ties, ate! geste shemiselves tly intoxicated be ore they sad their puod-tyes, Without a postmortem veport, how ae Lie sport this case to the higher authorities?” The two brothers merely persisted in their pleading. The magistrate became irritated with this and snapped. “As vou won't allow an exaani nation, I eannor very well proceed with the vse either. reatly alarmed by this, the twn brothers began rapidly kewtowing and said, "We awit Your Hlamor's verdict When aman is apprcaching sevenis.” began the magistrate, “death is to be expected, Now. supposing it tumed out that he did pot die fiom a blow and that an innocent man was wronge Then it would only increase the guilt of the de- ceased, How could vou. his sons. be at peace with yourselves, if after having seen your father seth such a venerable old age. you were to give bin gn ill name after his death? But if it is net tue ath, itis true tha that he was beaten t0 was pushed and fell. punished, thet sou sail he lett with to vent te sour anger. I theretore Tar Te ts not severe! sentence hie te do 296 ‘The Pearl Shirt Reencountered ewpen clothes of mourning and conduct the rites in the mainer expected of a son. He is 10 bea all expenses for the fimera, Do vou agree to thi “We don't dare to disobey Your Honor’s ver * the two brothers replied M ky saw the ne fad settled il for all without resorting to pun- ishpem, he was everjoye: FF al! kowto Aihint, the defendant and expressed their ane. plain gratinde, ‘The magistrate then declared, “I will not make -d of the trial, The defendant will be put sider escort and when the matter is concluded will report back to me, at which time I shall cancel the complaint.” Truly An, eee alten bist do wereng om erat Mew wl rn is bkesise ot ditfeul, Jas leak Meanwhile, from the time her husband we court, San-ch'izo had felt as though she were si ding on a blanket of needles, As sown as she hea he had left the session, she went to meet him to Jeam the outcome. “The magistrate told her just how he had settled ir sake.” he said, “Tdidn't subject him low of the stick.” o thanked hin over and over and then apart fora 10.0 single said Me long, fin mother atid Thave t ane Pav $e hin again-10 ask “OF out parents, Th you Gould in some way ar vasige for us te micet, i would be a great kind- ness.” 2“Rhutt.should be easy enough: Dear audience, San-chriao, after all, had been divorced by Hsing-ko, bringing ill feelings of love and obligation 10 an end. So, you will ask, how could there be so much emotional involvensent? net wvte. the Rael, i fact. been husband deeply in love, and it was because of her wrang- doing that Hsing-ko could do nothing ele but divorce her, unbearable as it had been: for hin even then, That was why on the eve of her rer riage, he had presented her with all sister trunks. Because of this, her heart hud nearly melted. Now that she was in a position of wealtty and honor, upon seeing him in trouble, how covid she not come to his aid? ‘This is what is known as. retnraing kindness for kindness. We now go of to tell"how Chiang Hsing-ke car ried out the magistrate’s orders, scrupulously ob» serving all the rites and not sparing himself any expense in the funeral. ‘The Sung brothers coulst make no complaints. When the funeral services were over, he was escorted back 10 the (ribunal to report. The magistrate called hit in to bis privore chambers and offered hie a chair. Then he sais Ifit hadi’ been for sour sister's repeated en- treaties, brother-in-daw, I would have come clase ta treating you wrongly in this case Heing-ko was bewildered by this and coule! mbke no reply, After a moment, when they hat had! their tea, the magistrate invited him inte his snudy and asked his wife 10 come out to meet lin. Woutdn’t you say this fortuitous encounter was just like a scene from a dream? Neither of then: bowed nor spoke. but they flew inte arms ina tight embracesamed sits Wailing over grhother-or tater was ever 3 heart-rending, Even the magistrate looking on found it more than he could bear and said. “Don't he so grieved, [ean see vou are not just brother ‘and sister. Come on and tell me the truth. Per= haps there's something T can do” They ceased their erving somewhat. fs would speak. Finally unabie to hold out agi the magistrate’s questioning, San-ch'ian knelt and told him, “I deserve ten thousand deaths tar iny sin, This man is my former husband. Realizing that he could hide the truth sw longer, Hsing-ko also knelt and tol hi avither 291 THE REUNITED COUPLE thing from their love for each other to their di- vorce and the subsequent remarriage of each When he had finished, they fell to weeping again and even Magistrate Wu feit the tears streaming sown his cheeks, He then said, “As sou love each to tear you weauch, how could Tbe, wuss enw nid born mission tube ely there has be cm per their heads to the floor many times to express their thanks to the magistrate, ‘The magistrate quickly called a sedan chair and escorted San-ch’iao out of the tribunal. He then sumunoned some men to carry away the original sieen chests that had accompanied her atid bace Hsing-ko accept them. Finally he ordered a membes of his siaft to escort the couple 10 the border .f his district. such was the goodness of Magien ote Mu, Peal The swovnds rev nited in Fengechlong are twier as swondrons ns before.'* prturnnd fo Ho-p'n shine brighily once The pearl incustry almost came to sn end because of the insatiable greed! of local mayistraies. When Meng Chiang of the Fascern Han Dynasty became magistrate, he putt an ene 10 svch exploitation and the pearls could be seen tn the region OSE Chane Hus (219-300 sn asked Les Hvan to interprete she photemaney nb a peapte aura the sky. Lei tank it The great virtue of Mv. Wie is something all acre Wold suck o man crave vivkes or bs drives by desi? This man, who had heretofore been without « son, was later niade minister of personnel. In Pe- king, he took a concubine who gave htm three sons in succession. each of whom passed the imper examinations, All agreed this was his reward for his good deeds. But all this came kner rete tel! how Chiang Hsing-ko brought San-ch'iao home, where she met Ping- shih, As the first in marriage, Wang-shih [San-ch’iao] took precedence. But wh had been divorced, Ping-shih had bec wife through formal arrangement and ceremony Besides, she was a year older. Thus, Ping-

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