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《王观察穷途逢世好 娄公子故里遇贫交 - Wang Guancha Meets Kindness on a Desperate Journey Lou Gongzi Encounters a Poor Friend in His Hometown》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 王观察穷... : |
话说王员外才到京开假，早见长班领报录人进来叩喜。王员外问是何喜事。报录人叩过头，呈上报单。上写道： “江抚王一本。为要地须才事：南昌知府员缺，此乃沿江重地，须才能干济之员；特本请旨，于部属内拣选一员。奉旨：南昌府知府员缺，著工部员外王惠补授。钦此！” |
| Just as Master Wang had arrived in the capital and was about to take his leave, he saw a longban officer leading a group of reporters enter to announce good news. Master Wang asked what good news it was. After kowtowing, the reporter presented a report slip. It read: "Jiangfu Wang Yiwen. Concerning the need for a capable official in an important location: The post of Magistrate of Nanchang is vacant. This is a strategically significant area along the river, and thus requires an official with talent and competence to manage it; A special memorial was submitted requesting imperial instructions to select one suitable candidate from among the ministry's officials. An edict was issued: The vacancy of Magistrate of Nanchang Prefecture shall be filled by Wang Hui, an official from the Ministry of Works. By imperial decree!" | ||
| 2 | 王观察穷... : | 王员外赏了报喜人酒饭，谢恩过，整理行装，去江西到任。非止一日，到了江西省城。南昌府前任蘧太守，浙江嘉兴府人，由进士出身，年老告病，已经出了衙门，印务是通判署著。王太守到任，升了公座，各属都禀见过了，便是蘧太守来拜。王惠也回拜过了。为这交盘的事，彼此参差著，王太守不肯就接。 |
| Master Wang gave the messengers who brought the good news food and wine as a reward, expressed his gratitude, then packed up his belongings and set off for Jiangxi to assume his post. After more than one day's journey, he arrived at the provincial capital of Jiangxi. The former magistrate of Nanchang Prefecture, Qu Taishou, was a native of Jiaxing Fu, Zhejiang Province. A graduate of the imperial examination system, he had retired on grounds of old age and illness and had already left the yamen; in the interim, administrative affairs were being handled by the Tongpan (Deputy Magistrate). Upon assuming office, Magistrate Wang took his official seat. All subordinates had already paid their respects and reported for duty; then came the visit of former Magistrate Qu. Wang Hui also returned a visit in accordance with courtesy. Because of discrepancies in the handover of official duties, Magistrate Wang was unwilling to accept them immediately. | ||
| 3 | 王观察穷... : | 一日，蘧太守差人来禀说：“太爷年老多病，耳朵听话又不甚明白。交盘的事，本该自己来领王太爷的教；因是如此，明日打发少爷过来，当面相恳，一切事都要仗托王太爷担代。”王惠应诺了，衙里整治酒饭，候蘧公子。直到早饭过后，一乘小轿，一副红全帖，上写“眷晚生蘧景玉拜”。王太守开了宅门，叫请少爷进来。王太守看那蘧公子翩然俊雅，举动不群。彼此施了礼，让位坐下。王太守道：“前晤尊公大人，幸瞻丰采。今日却闻得略有些贵恙？”蘧公子道：“家君年老，常患肺病，不耐劳烦，兼之两耳重听。多承老先生记念。”王太守道：“不敢。老世台今年多少尊庚了？”蘧公子道：“晚生三十七岁。”王太守道：“一向总随尊大人任所的？”蘧公子道：“家君做县令时，晚生尚幼，相随敝门伯范老先生在山东督学幕中读书，也帮他看看卷子。直到升任南昌，署内无人办事，这数年总在这里的。”王太守道：“尊大人精神正旺，何以就这般急流勇退了？”蘧公子道：“家君常说：‘宦海风波，实难久恋。’况做秀才的时候，原有几亩薄产，可供饘粥；先人敝庐，可蔽风雨；就是琴、樽、垆、几，药栏、花榭，都也还有几处，可以消遣；所以在风尘劳攘的时候，每怀长林丰草之思。而今却可赋‘遂初’了。”王太守道：“自古道：‘休官莫问子。’看老世台这等襟怀高旷，尊大人所以得畅然挂冠。”笑著说道：“将来，不日高科鼎甲，老先生正好做封翁享福了。”蘧公子道：“老先生，人生贤不肖，倒也不在科名。晚生只愿家君早归田里，得以菽水承欢，这是人生至乐之事。”王太守道：“如此，更加可敬了。” |
| One day, former Magistrate Qu sent someone to report: "My lord is old and often ill, and his hearing has become poor. The handover of duties should have been conducted in person by me to receive instructions from Magistrate Wang; Because of this, tomorrow I will send my son over to meet with you in person and earnestly request your support. All matters must be entrusted to Magistrate Wang for handling." Wang Hui agreed, and the yamen prepared a banquet in anticipation of Qu's son. Not until after breakfast did a small palanquin arrive, accompanied by a red envelope with the inscription: "From your junior relative Qu Jingyu, respectfully paid homage." Magistrate Wang opened his residence gate and ordered that the young master be invited in. Magistrate Wang observed that Young Master Qu was graceful and refined, with elegant manners and a distinguished bearing. After exchanging bows of courtesy, they took their seats. Magistrate Wang said, "Previously meeting your esteemed father was a great honor to witness his distinguished presence. But today I hear that you are somewhat unwell?" Qu Jingyu replied, "My father is old and has long suffered from lung ailments. He finds it difficult to endure fatigue or bother, and in addition, he suffers from poor hearing in both ears. I am deeply grateful for your kind concern, respected elder." Magistrate Wang replied, "How could I dare to be so honored. What is your esteemed age this year, Young Master Qu?" Qu Jingyu replied, "I am thirty-seven years old." Magistrate Wang asked, "Have you always followed your esteemed father to his posts?" Qu Jingyu replied, "When my father was a county magistrate, I was still young. I accompanied my uncle, Master Fan, in his office as an educational supervisor in Shandong Province, where I studied and also helped him review examination papers. It was only when my father was promoted to Nanchang that there were no other family members available to handle affairs, so I have been here for the past several years." Magistrate Wang asked, "Your esteemed father is in his prime. Why then did he resign so suddenly?" Qu Jingyu replied, "My father often says: 'The officialdom is full of turbulence and uncertainty; it's truly hard to remain attached for long.' Moreover, when he was still a xiucai (a scholar in the lowest official examination rank), he already had several acres of modest land that could provide enough for daily meals; his ancestors' humble house is sufficient to shelter from wind and rain; and there are still a few places with zithers, wine vessels, stoves, and tables, medicinal flowerbeds, and pavilions for flowers—places where one can pass the time; Therefore, even during busy times in officialdom, he often longed for a life of leisure among tall trees and lush grasslands. Now at last, he can compose the verse "Suichu" (returning to one's original aspirations)." Magistrate Wang said, "As an old saying goes: 'When retiring from office, do not ask about your children.' Seeing how noble and open-minded you are, it is clear why your esteemed father could so easily resign from office." Smiling, he added, "In the future, you will soon achieve high rank and top honors in the imperial examinations. At that time, your respected father can become a fengweng (a title for an honored father of a successful official) and enjoy his well-earned happiness." Qu Jingyu said, "Respected elder, whether one is virtuous or not in life has nothing to do with passing the imperial examinations. All I wish for is that my father may return early to his native village, where I can serve him with humble food and water and bring him joy—this is the greatest happiness in life." Magistrate Wang said, "In that case, you are even more admirable." | ||
| 4 | 王观察穷... : | 说著，换了三遍茶，宽去大衣服，坐下。说到交代一事，王太守著实作难。蘧公子道：“老先生不必过费清心。家君在此数年，布衣蔬食，不过仍旧是儒生行径，历年所积俸馀，约有二千馀金。如此地仓谷、马匹、杂项之类，有甚么缺少不敷处，悉将此项送与老先生任意填补。家君知道老先生数任京官，官囊清苦，决不有累。”王太守见他说得大方、爽快，满心欢喜。 |
| As they spoke, they changed the tea three times. Qu Jingyu removed his outer robe and sat down. When it came to the matter of handing over official duties, Magistrate Wang found himself in a difficult position. Qu Jingyu said, "Respected elder, there is no need for you to trouble yourself unnecessarily. My father has been here for several years, living a simple life of plain clothes and vegetarian meals—still following the conduct of a Confucian scholar. The accumulated surplus from his official salary over the years amounts to about two thousand taels of silver. If there are any shortages or deficiencies in the granary, horse stock, or miscellaneous items, please feel free to use this amount to cover them as you see fit. My father knows that you have held several official posts in the capital, and your official income has been meager; he certainly does not wish to place any burden on you." Magistrate Wang was delighted by his generous and straightforward words. | ||
| 5 | 王观察穷... : | 须臾，摆上酒来，奉席坐下。王太守慢慢问道：“地方人情，可还有甚么出产？词讼里可也略有些甚么通融？”蘧公子道：“南昌人情，鄙野有馀，巧诈不足。若说地方出产及词讼之事，家君在此，准的词讼甚少；若非纲常伦纪大事，其馀户婚田土，都批到县里去，务在安辑，与民休息。至于处处利薮，也绝不耐烦去搜剔他；或者有，也不可知！但只问著晚生，便是‘问道于盲’了。”王太守笑道：“可见‘三年清知府，十万雪花银’的话，而今也不甚确了。”当下酒过数巡，蘧公子见他问的都是些鄙陋不过的话，因又说起：“家君在这里无他好处，只落得个讼简刑清；所以这些幕宾先生，在衙门里，都也吟啸自若。还记得前任臬司向家君说道：‘闻得贵府衙门里有三样声息。’”王太守道：“是那三样？”蘧公子道：“是吟诗声，下碁声，唱曲声。”王太守大笑道：“这三样声息却也有趣的紧。”蘧公子道：“将来老先生一番振作，只怕要换三样声息。”王太守道：“是那三样？”蘧公子道：“是戥子声，算盘声，板子声。”王太守并不知这话是讥诮他，正容答道：“而今你我替朝廷办事，只怕也不得不如此认真。”蘧公子十分大酒量，王太守也最好饮，彼此传杯换盏，直吃到日西时分；将交代的事当面言明，王太守许定出结，作别去了。过了几日，蘧太守果然送了一项银子，王太守替他出了结。蘧太守带著公子家眷，装著半船书画，回嘉兴去了。 |
| In no time, wine was served, and they took their seats at the table. Magistrate Wang slowly asked, "What local products or customs are there in this area? Are there also some minor matters that can be handled with a bit of flexibility in legal cases?" Qu Jingyu replied, "The people of Nanchang are somewhat rustic and crude, but not particularly cunning or deceitful. As for local products and litigation matters, while my father was in office here, he approved very few cases; Unless they involved major matters concerning moral principles and social order, all other cases related to household disputes, marriage, land, or property were sent down to the county level for resolution. The goal was always to maintain peace and allow the people to rest undisturbed. As for various sources of profit or corruption, he never had the patience to investigate them thoroughly; there may be some, but it is uncertain!" But if you ask me about such matters, it would be like "asking a blind man for directions." Magistrate Wang laughed and said, "It seems the saying 'A clean magistrate in three years amasses ten thousand taels of silver' is no longer entirely accurate these days." After several rounds of wine, Qu Jingyu noticed that Magistrate Wang's questions were rather crude and vulgar. Taking the opportunity to speak further, he said, "My father had no other notable achievements here except for achieving a reduction in lawsuits and a clear judicial record; as a result, the hired scholars and officials in the yamen could all remain calm and composed, reciting poetry or whistling as they pleased. I still remember the former provincial judicial commissioner once telling my father, "I heard that there are three kinds of sounds coming from your yamen." Magistrate Wang asked, "What were those three?" Qu Jingyu replied, "They are the sounds of reciting poetry, playing Go, and singing songs." Magistrate Wang burst into laughter and said, "These three kinds of sounds are indeed very interesting!" Qu Jingyu replied, "In the future, when you take charge and bring about a new era of vigor, I fear these three kinds of sounds will have to change." Magistrate Wang asked, "What would they be?" Qu Jingyu replied, "They will be the sounds of scales, abacuses, and paddles (used for punishment)." Magistrate Wang did not realize that these words were a subtle mockery of him. He responded with a serious expression, saying, "Now that you and I serve the imperial court, we may have no choice but to be this diligent." Qu Jingyu had a very large capacity for alcohol, and Magistrate Wang also loved to drink. They passed cups back and forth, drinking until the sun was setting in the west; they clearly discussed the handover matters face to face. Magistrate Wang agreed on a resolution, and Qu Jingyu took his leave. A few days later, as expected, former Magistrate Qu indeed sent a sum of silver, and Magistrate Wang settled the matter for him. Magistrate Qu, together with his son and family, boarded a boat filled with half a shipload of books and paintings, and returned to Jiaxing. | ||
| 6 | 王观察穷... : | 王太守送到城外回来，果然听了蘧公子的话，钉了一把头号的库戥，把六房书办都传进来，问明了各项内的馀利，不许欺隐，都派入官，三日五日一比。用的是头号板子。把两根板子拿到内衙上秤，较了一轻一重，都写了暗号在上面。出来坐堂之时，吩咐叫用大板，皂隶若取那轻的，就知他得了钱了，就取那重板子打皂隶。这些衙役百姓，一个个被他打得魂飞魄散。全城的人，无一个不知道太爷的利害，睡梦里也是怕的。因此，各上司访闻，都道是江西第一个能员。做到两年多些，各处荐了。适值江西宁王反乱，各路戒严，朝廷就把他推升了南赣道，催趱军需。王太守接了羽檄文书，星速赴南赣到任。到任未久，出门查看台站，大车驷马，在路晓行夜宿。那日到了一个地方，落在公馆。公馆是个旧人家一所大房子。走进去举头一看，正厅上悬著一块匾，匾上贴著红纸，上面四个大字是‘骅骝开道”。王道台看见，吃了一惊。到厅升座，属员衙役参见过了，掩门用饭。忽见一阵大风，把那片红纸吹在地下，里面现出绿底金字，四个大字是‘天府夔龙’。王道台心里不胜骇异，才晓得关圣帝君判断的话，直到今日才騇。那所判“两日黄堂”，便是南昌府的个“昌”字。可见万事分定。一宿无话，查毕公事回衙。 |
| After seeing them off to the outskirts of the city and returning, Magistrate Wang indeed followed Qu Jingyu's advice. He had a large-scale scale installed for the treasury, summoned all six departments' clerks, inquired into the surplus profits within each department, forbade any concealment or deception, and ordered that these be turned over to official coffers. He conducted comparisons every three to five days. He used the largest paddles for punishment. He took two paddles to the inner yamen and weighed them, making one lighter and one heavier, marking each with a secret symbol. When he sat in court, he gave orders to use the heavy paddle. If a 衙役 (court official) happened to bring the lighter one, it would be known that he had taken bribes; then the heavier paddle was used to punish him. These court officials and common people were each so terrified by his punishments that they lost their wits. Everyone in the city knew of Magistrate Wang's severity, and even in their dreams, people were afraid of him. As a result, superiors who learned of this all said he was the most capable official in Jiangxi. After serving for more than two years, he received recommendations from various quarters. At that time, the Prince of Ning in Jiangxi rebelled and caused chaos; all roads were placed under strict alert. The imperial court immediately promoted him to the position of Nan'gan Dao (an administrative post) and tasked him with expediting military supplies. Magistrate Wang received the urgent imperial orders, and immediately set out for his new post in Nan'gan at top speed. Not long after assuming office, he went out to inspect the relay stations for messengers and couriers. Traveling in a large carriage drawn by four horses, he journeyed along the road, traveling during the day and resting at night. On one of those days, they arrived at a certain location and stayed in an official residence. The official residence was a large house belonging to the descendants of a former noble family. As he walked in and looked up, he saw a plaque hanging above the main hall. The plaque was covered with red paper, on which were written four large characters: "Huailuo Kai Dao." Dadao Wang saw it and was greatly startled. After taking his seat in the hall, all subordinates and officials paid their respects. Then they closed the doors for a meal. Suddenly, a strong wind blew the red paper to the ground, revealing green background with golden characters. The four large characters read: "Tianfu Kuilong." Magistrate Wang was deeply startled and realized for the first time that the words of Lord Guan Sheng, the Deity of War, had come true only today. The judgment "two days Huangtang" was actually a reference to the character "Chang" in Nanchang Fu's name. This clearly shows that all things are predestined. That night passed without incident, and after completing his official business, he returned to the yamen. | ||
| 7 | 王观察穷... : | 次年，宁王统兵破了南赣官军，百姓开了城门，抱头鼠窜，四散乱走。王道台也抵当不住，叫了一只小船，黑夜逃走。走到大江中，遇著宁王百十只艨艟战船，明盔亮甲。船上有千万火把，照见小船，叫一声：“拿！”几十个兵卒跳上船来，走进中舱，把王道台反剪了手，捉上大船。那些从人、船家，杀的杀了，还有怕杀的，跳在水里死了。王道台吓得撒抖抖的颤，灯烛影里，望见宁王坐在上面；不敢抬头。宁王见了，慌走下来，亲手替他解了缚，叫取衣裳穿了，说道：“孤家是奉太后密旨，起兵诛君侧之奸。你既是江西的能员，降顺了孤家，少不得升授你的官爵。”王道台颤抖抖的叩头道：“情愿降顺。”宁王道：“既然愿降，待孤家亲赐一杯酒。”此时王道台被缚得心口十分疼痛，跪著接酒在手，一饮而尽，心便不疼了，又磕头谢了。王爷即赏与江西按察司之职，自此随在宁王军中。听见左右的人说，宁王在玉牒中是第八个王子，方才悟了关圣帝君所判“琴瑟琵琶”，头上是八个“王”字，到此无一句不验了。 |
| The following year, Prince Ning led his troops and defeated the government forces of Nan'gan. The common people opened the city gates in panic, fled with their heads held low like rats scattering in all directions. Magistrate Wang could not resist either; he called for a small boat and escaped under cover of darkness. While sailing in the middle of the great river, he encountered more than a hundred warships belonging to Prince Ning's fleet, all with bright helmets and shining armor. There were thousands of torches on the ships, illuminating his small boat. A voice shouted: "Seize him!" Dozens of soldiers jumped onto the boat, entered the middle cabin, and bound Magistrate Wang's hands behind his back, taking him aboard a large ship. Some of the attendants and boatmen were killed; others, fearing death, jumped into the water and drowned themselves. Magistrate Wang was so frightened that he trembled uncontrollably; in the flickering light of lamps and candles, he saw Prince Ning seated above him. He dared not lift his head. Prince Ning saw this and hurried down, personally untying his bonds. He ordered clothes to be brought for him to wear and said, "I have risen in arms according to the secret decree of the Empress Dowager, to eliminate the villains close to the emperor. Since you are a capable official in Jiangxi, if you submit to me, I will certainly promote and bestow an official title upon you." Magistrate Wang trembled as he kowtowed and said, "I am willing to submit." Prince Ning said, "Since you are willing to surrender, let me personally offer you a cup of wine." At this time, Magistrate Wang had been bound so tightly that his chest was extremely painful. He knelt and took the wine in hand, drank it all at once, and immediately felt no more pain in his heart; he then kowtowed again to express his thanks. Prince Ning immediately appointed him as the Inspector of Jiangxi, and from then on he served in Prince Ning's army. He heard people around him say that Prince Ning was the eighth son in the jade genealogy, and only then did he realize that the judgment "qin se pipa" by Lord Guan Sheng contained eight "wang" characters at the top. At this point, not a single word of it had failed to come true. | ||
| 8 | 王观察穷... : | 宁王闹了两年，不想被新建伯王守仁一阵杀败，束手就擒。那些伪官，杀的杀，逃的逃了。王道台在衙门并不曾收拾得一件东西，只取了一个枕箱，里面几本残书和几两银子，换了青衣小帽，黑夜逃走。真乃是慌不择路，赶了几日旱路，又搭船走。昏天黑地，一直走到了浙江乌镇地方。 |
| Prince Ning caused chaos for two years, but unexpectedly was defeated in one battle by General Wang Shouren of Xinjian and captured with no resistance. Those false officials were either killed or fled. Magistrate Wang did not take any belongings from the yamen; he only took a small pillow case containing several tattered books and a few taels of silver, changed into plain clothes and a simple cap, and fled under cover of darkness. Indeed, in panic he did not choose his path carefully; after hurrying for several days overland, he then boarded a boat to continue fleeing. In the dark and gloomy conditions, he kept running all the way until he reached Wuzhen in Zhejiang. | ||
| 9 | 王观察穷... : | 那日住了船，客人都上去吃点心。王惠也拿了几个钱上岸。那点心店里都坐满了，只有一个少年独自据了一桌。王惠见那少年彷佛有些认得，却想不起。开店的道：“客人，你来同这位客人一席坐罢。”王惠便去坐在对席。少年立起身来同他坐下。王惠忍不住问道：“请教客人贵处？”那少年道：“嘉兴。”王惠道：“尊姓？”那少年道：“姓蘧。”王惠道：“向日有位蘧老先生，曾做过南昌太守，可与足下一家？”那少年惊道：“便是家祖。老客何以见问？”王惠道：“原来是蘧老先生的令公孙，失敬了。”那少年道：“却是不曾拜问贵姓仙乡。”王惠道：“这里不是说话处，宝舟在那边？”蘧公孙道？“就在岸边。”当下会了帐，两人相携著下了船坐下。王惠道：“当日在南昌相会的少爷，台讳是景玉，想是令叔？”蘧公孙道：“这便是先君。”王惠惊道：“原来便是尊翁，怪道面貌相似。却如何这般称呼？难道已仙游了么？”蘧公孙道：“家祖那年南昌解组，次年即不幸先君见背。” |
| That day after mooring the boat, the guests went ashore for a snack. Wang Hui also took some money and went ashore. The snack shop was full, with only one young man sitting alone at a table. Wang Hui saw that the youth seemed somewhat familiar but could not recall where he had seen him before. The shop owner said, "Sir, please sit with this gentleman at the same table." Wang Hui then sat across from him. The youth stood up and sat down with him. Wang Hui could not help but ask, "May I inquire where you are from, honored guest?" The youth replied, "Jiaxing." Wang Hui asked, "And your surname?" The youth said, "Qú." Wang Hui asked, "There was once an old Master Qú who had served as governor of Nanchang. Are you perhaps related to him?" The youth was startled and said, "That was my grandfather." "Why does the elder gentleman ask about him?" Wang Hui said, "So you are Master Qú's great-grandson. My apologies for not recognizing you." The youth replied, "But I have yet to inquire about your surname and honorable hometown." Wang Hui said, "This is not a place for conversation. Where is your boat?" Qú Gongsun replied? "It's right by the shore." They settled their accounts and, holding each other's arms, went down to the boat and sat together. Wang Hui said, "The young master I met in Nanchang at that time was named Jingyu. He must be your uncle?" Qú Gongsun said, "That was my late father." Wang Hui exclaimed in surprise, "So he was your esteemed father. No wonder you look so alike." "But why do you call yourself this way?" "Has he already passed away?" Qú Gongsun said: "My grandfather retired from his post in Nanchang that year, and the following year my late father passed away." | ||
| 10 | 王观察穷... : | 王惠听罢，流下泪来，说道：“昔年在南昌，蒙尊公骨肉之谊，今不想已作故人。世兄今年贵庚多少了？”蘧公孙道：“虚度十七岁。到底不曾请教贵姓仙乡。”王惠道：“盛从同船家都不在此么？”蘧公孙道：“他们都上岸去了。”王惠附耳低言道：“便是后任的南昌知府王惠。”蘧公孙大惊道：“闻得老先生已荣升南赣道，如何改装独自到此？”王惠道：“只为宁王反叛，弟便挂印而逃；却为围城之中，不曾取出盘费。”蘧公孙道：“如今却将何往？”王惠道：“穷途流落，那有定所！”就不曾把降顺宁王的话说了出来。蘧公孙道：“老先生既边疆不守，今日却不便出来自呈。只是茫茫四海，盘费缺少，如何使得？晚学生此番却是奉家祖之命，在杭州舍亲处讨取一椿银子，现在舟中；今且赠与老先生以为路费，去寻一个僻静所在安身为妙。” |
| After hearing this, Wang Hui wept and said, "In those days in Nanchang, I was favored by your late father's kindness as family. Never did I expect that he has now become a departed friend. "How old are you this year, my dear cousin?" Qú Gongsun said: "I am seventeen years of age." "I still have not had the chance to inquire about your surname and honored hometown." Wang Hui asked, "Are none of your attendants or boatmen here?" Qú Gongsun said: "They have all gone ashore." Wang Hui leaned in and whispered, "I am the current Magistrate of Nanchang, Wang Hui." Qú Gongsun was greatly surprised and said, "I heard that the old gentleman had already been promoted to Nan'gan Dao. Why have you come here in disguise alone?" Wang Hui said: "It was because Prince Ning rebelled that I fled, leaving my official seal behind; but while trapped within the besieged city, I did not manage to take any travel expenses with me." Qú Gongsun asked, "Where are you going now?" Wang Hui replied, "In my destitute state, I have no fixed destination!" He did not mention the fact that he had surrendered to Prince Ning. Qú Gongsun said: "Since you, an elder gentleman, failed to defend the frontier, it would be inconvenient for you to reveal yourself today. But with such a vast world and no travel funds, how can one manage?" My humble student has this time come on a mission from my grandfather's command, to collect a sum of silver from relatives in Hangzhou; it is now aboard the boat. I will now give this to you, old gentleman, as travel expenses so that you may find a quiet and secluded place to settle." | ||
| 11 | 王观察穷... : | 说罢，即取出四封银子递与王惠，共二百两。王惠极其称谢，因说道：“两边船上都要赶路，不可久迟，只得告别。周济之情，不死当以厚报。”双膝跪了下去。蘧公孙慌忙跪下同拜了几拜。王惠又道：“我除了行李被褥之外，一无所有；只有一个枕箱，内有残书几本。此时潜踪在外，虽这一点物件，也恐被人识认，惹起是非。如今也拿将来交与世兄，我轻身更好逃窜了。”蘧公孙应诺。他即刻过船取来交代，彼此洒泪分手。王惠道：“敬问令祖老先生。今世不能再见，来生犬马相报便了。”分别去后，王惠另觅了船入到太湖，自此更姓改名，削发披缁去了。 |
| After saying this, he immediately took out four bundles of silver and handed them over to Wang Hui, totaling two hundred taels. Wang Hui expressed his utmost gratitude and said, "Both of our boats must continue on their journeys; we cannot delay for long. I shall have to bid you farewell." "Though I may not live forever, I will surely repay your kindness in the future with great gratitude." He knelt down on both knees. Qú Gongsun hurriedly knelt and bowed several times with him. Wang Hui added, "Besides my luggage and bedding, I have nothing else; I only have one pillow case with a few tattered books inside. At this moment, while hiding my tracks outside, even these few belongings might be recognized by others and cause trouble. Now I will hand them over to you as well; it would be better for me to travel light when fleeing." Qú Gongsun agreed. He immediately crossed over to the boat, retrieved them and handed them over; both sides shed tears as they parted ways. Wang Hui said: "Please convey my respects to your grandfather, the old gentleman. We may not meet again in this life, but I shall repay you like a dog or horse in the next." After parting ways, Wang Hui found another boat and entered Taihu Lake. From then on, he changed his surname and name, shaved his head, and became a monk in saffron robes. | ||
| 12 | 王观察穷... : | 蘧公孙回到嘉兴，见了祖父，说起路上遇见王太守的话。蘧太守大惊道：“他是降顺了宁王的。”公孙道：“这却不曾说明，只说是挂印逃走，并不曾带得一点盘缠。”蘧太守道：“他虽犯罪朝廷，却与我是个故交。何不就将你讨来的银子送他盘费？”公孙道：“已送他了。”蘧太守道：“共是多少？”公孙道：“只取得二百两银子，尽数送与他了。”蘧太守不胜欢喜道：“你真可谓汝父之肖子。”就将当日公子交代的事又告诉了一遍。公孙见过乃祖，进房去见母亲刘氏，母亲问了些路上的话，慰劳了一番，进房歇息。次日，在乃祖跟前又说道：“王太守枕箱内还有几本书。”取出来送与乃祖看。蘧太守看了，都是钞本；其他也还没要紧，只内有一本，是高青邱集诗话，有一百多纸，就是青邱亲笔缮写，甚是精工。蘧太守道：“这本书多年藏之大内，数十年来，多少才人求见一面不能，天下并没有第二本。你今无心得了此书，真乃天幸。须是收藏好了，不可轻易被人看见。”蘧公孙听了，心里想道：“此书既是天下没有第二本，何不竟将他缮写成帙，添了我的名字，刊刻起来，做这一番大名？”主意已定，竟去刻了起来，把高季迪名字写在上面，下面写“嘉兴蘧来旬駪夫氏补辑”刻毕，刷印了几百部，遍送亲戚朋友；人人见了，赏玩不忍释手。自此，浙西各郡都仰慕蘧太守公孙是个少年名士。蘧太守知道了，成事不说，也就此常教他做些诗词，写斗方，同诸名士赠答。 |
| Qú Gongsun returned to Jiaxing, saw his grandfather, and told him about meeting Magistrate Wang on the journey. Magistrate Qú was greatly surprised and said: "He surrendered to Prince Ning." Gongsun replied, "That detail was not mentioned; he only said that he had fled after resigning his post and did not carry a single coin for travel expenses." Magistrate Qú said, "Although he has committed crimes against the court, he was an old friend of mine. "Why not give him some travel expenses from the silver you retrieved for me?" Gongsun said, "I already gave it to him." Magistrate Qú asked, "How much was it in total?" Gongsun replied: "I only retrieved two hundred taels of silver and gave all of it to him." Magistrate Qú was overjoyed and said, "You are truly a worthy son in every way like your father." He then recounted once again the matters that had been entrusted to him by his late father. After paying respects to his grandfather, Gongsun went into the house to see his mother Liu Shi. His mother asked about some of the events on his journey and comforted him before he retired to rest in his room. The next day, Gongsun said again in front of his grandfather: "There are still a few books inside Magistrate Wang's pillow case. Let me take them out and give them to you for your inspection." Magistrate Qú looked at them, and they were all handwritten copies; although the rest was not particularly important, there was one book among them that contained Gao Qingqiu's Collection of Poetry Talks. It had over a hundred sheets and was personally transcribed by Qingqiu himself with great care and craftsmanship. Magistrate Qú said, "This book has been kept in the imperial palace for many years. For decades, countless talented scholars have sought to see it even once but failed; there is not a second copy of this anywhere in the world." You now obtained this book by mere chance, which is truly a stroke of good fortune. You must keep it well preserved and not let others see it easily." Upon hearing this, Gongsun Qu thought to himself: "Since this book is unique in the world with no second copy, why not have it transcribed into a volume, add my name to it, and publish it so as to gain great fame?" Once he had made up his mind, Gongsun immediately began to have it printed. He wrote the name of Gao Jidi on the cover and added beneath it "Jiaxing Qu Laixun, courtesy name Sunfu, compiled and supplemented." After the printing was completed, he produced several hundred copies and sent them out to relatives and friends; everyone who saw it admired it so much that they could not bear to put it down. From then on, all the prefectures in western Zhejiang revered Magistrate Qú's son Gongsun as a young man of great literary fame. Magistrate Qú, upon learning about this, did not say anything further. From then on, he often had him compose poetry and write calligraphy for scrolls, exchanging works with various literati. | ||
| 13 | 王观察穷... : | 一日，门上人进来禀道：“娄府两位少老爷到了。”蘧太守叫公孙：“你娄家表叔到了，快去迎请进来。”公孙领命，慌出去迎。这二位乃是娄中堂的公子。中堂在朝二十馀年，甍逝之后，赐了祭葬，谥为文恪，乃是湖州人氏。长子现任通政司大堂。这位三公子，讳琫，字玉亭，是个孝廉；四公子讳瓒，字瑟亭，在监读书。是蘧太守的亲内侄。公孙随著两位进来，蘧太守欢喜，亲自接出厅外檐下。两人进来，请姑丈转上，拜了下去。蘧太守亲手扶起，叫公孙过来拜见了表叔，请坐奉茶。二位娄公子道：“自拜别姑丈大人，屈指已十二载。小侄们在京，闻知姑丈挂冠归里，无人不拜服高见。今日得拜姑丈，早已须鬓皓然，可见有司官是劳苦的。”蘧太守道：“我本无宦情。南昌待罪数年，也不曾做得一些事业，虚糜朝廷爵禄，不如退休了好。不想到家一载，小儿亡化了，越觉得胸怀冰冷。细想来，只怕还是做官的报应。”娄三公子道：“表兄天才磊落英多，谁想享年不永。幸得表侄已长成人，侍奉姑丈膝下，还可借此自宽。”娄四公子道：“便是小侄们闻了表兄讣音，思量总角交好，不想中路分离，临终也不能一别，同三兄悲痛过深，几乎发了狂疾。大家兄念著，也终日流涕不止。”蘧太守道：“令兄宦况也还觉得高兴么？”二位道：“通政司是个清淡衙门，家兄在那里浮沈著，绝不曾有甚么建白，却是事也不多。所以小侄们在京师转觉无聊，商议不如返舍为是。” |
| One day, a gate attendant came in to report: "Two young masters from the Lou household have arrived." Magistrate Qú called out to Gongsun, "Your maternal uncle from the Lou family has arrived. Go quickly and invite him in." Gongsun accepted the order and hurriedly went out to greet them. These two were the sons of Master Lou Zhongtang. Master Lou had served in court for more than twenty years; after his death, he was granted a state funeral and posthumously honored with the title Wenke. He was originally from Huzhou. His eldest son currently serves as the head of the Tongzhengsi Office. This third son, whose given name was Bong and courtesy name Yuting, was a scholar who passed the xiaolian examination; the fourth son, named Zan and courtesy name Seting, was studying at the Imperial Academy. They were Magistrate Qú's nephews by marriage. Gongsun accompanied the two as they entered, and Magistrate Qú was delighted, personally stepping out to greet them under the eaves of the hall. The two men came in, respectfully addressed their uncle-in-law and bowed deeply. Magistrate Qú personally helped them up, called Gongsun over to pay respects to his maternal uncles, and invited them to sit while serving tea. The two Master Lou's sons said: "Since we last bid farewell to Uncle-in-law, it has been twelve years already." While our nephews were in the capital, they heard that Uncle-in-law had retired from office and returned to his hometown; no one failed to admire your lofty insight. Today, we are honored to pay our respects to Uncle-in-law; you have already grown a head of white hair. It is clear that government officials lead a hard and weary life." Magistrate Qú replied, "I was never fond of officialdom in the first place. "I served for several years in Nanchang under a clouded reputation, and did not accomplish any real achievements; I merely wasted the titles and emoluments bestowed by the court. It is better to retire." "I had no idea that after returning home for a year, my young son passed away; I have felt the coldness in my heart even more deeply since then." Upon careful reflection, I fear it might still be the karmic retribution for holding office." Master Lou's third son said: "My cousin was a man of extraordinary talent and noble character, yet who would have thought his life span was so short. Fortunately, your nephew has now grown into a man and can serve at Uncle-in-law's side; this may help to ease the sorrow somewhat." Master Lou's fourth son said: "Even we nephews, upon hearing the news of my cousin's death, recalled our childhood friendship. We never expected that we would be separated along the way and could not even bid him farewell at his passing. My elder brother and I were so grief-stricken that we nearly lost our minds." My eldest brother, thinking of this constantly, has been shedding tears all day without ceasing." Magistrate Qú asked: "Is your elder brother's official career still satisfactory?" The two replied: "The Tongzhengsi is a quiet and uneventful office. My elder brother has been drifting there without distinction, never making any notable contributions, yet the workload is not heavy." Therefore, we nephews felt increasingly bored in the capital and discussed that it would be better to return home." | ||
| 14 | 王观察穷... : | 坐了一会，换去衣服，二位又进去拜见了表嫂。公孙陪奉出来，请在书房里。面前一个小花圃，琴、樽、炉、几、竹、石、禽、鱼，萧然可爱。蘧太守也换了葛巾野服，挂著天台藤杖，出来陪坐。摆出饭来，用过饭，烹茗清谈，说起江西宁王反叛的话：“多亏新建伯神明独运，建了这件大功，除了这番大难。”娄三公子道：“新建伯此番有功不居，尤为难得。”四公子道：“据小侄看来，宁王此番举动，也与成祖差不多。只是成祖运气好，到而今称圣，称神；宁王运气低，就落得个为贼，为虏。也要算一件不平的事。”蘧太守道：“成败论人，固是庸人之见；但本朝大事，你我做臣子的，说话须要谨慎。”四公子不敢再说了。那知这两位公子，因科名蹭蹬，未能早年中鼎甲，入翰林，激成了一肚子牢骚不平，每常只说：“自从永乐篡位之后，明朝就不成个天下！”每到酒酣耳热，更要发这一种议论。娄通政也是听不过，恐怕惹出事来，所以劝他回浙江。 |
| After sitting for a while, they changed their clothes, and the two went in again to pay respects to their aunt. Gongsun accompanied them out and invited them into his study. Before it was a small flower garden, with zithers, wine vessels, incense burners, tables, bamboo, rocks, birds, and fish—everything exuded a quiet charm. Magistrate Qú also changed into a straw hat and plain rural attire, carrying a Tiantai vine walking stick, and came out to sit with them. They brought out the meal, ate it, then brewed tea and engaged in a quiet conversation. They spoke of the rebellion by Prince Ning of Jiangxi: "We were fortunate that Lord Xinjian displayed divine wisdom and single-handedly achieved this great feat, rescuing us from such a grave crisis." Master Lou's third son remarked: "What is especially admirable about Lord Xinjian is that he did not seek credit for this great achievement." The fourth son said: "In my nephew's view, Prince Ning's actions in this matter were not much different from those of the Yongle Emperor." Only the Yongle Emperor was fortunate enough to be regarded as a sage and a deity up until now; Prince Ning, however, had bad luck, and thus ended up being branded a bandit and a traitor." "It is indeed an injustice." Magistrate Qú said: "Judging people by their success or failure is certainly the view of ordinary minds; but as subjects of this dynasty, when it comes to major events in our time, we must speak with caution." The fourth son dared not say anything more. Little did they know that these two young masters, due to repeated failures in the imperial examinations and their inability to achieve early success as top scholars or enter the Hanlin Academy, had accumulated a deep sense of frustration and injustice. They often said: "Ever since the Yongle Emperor usurped the throne, the Ming dynasty has never been able to establish a proper order!" Whenever they became tipsy and their ears burned with heat from drinking, they would especially feel compelled to voice such opinions. Master Lou of the Tongzhengsi could no longer bear listening to this and was afraid it might lead to trouble, so he advised them to return to Zhejiang. | ||
| 15 | 王观察穷... : | 当下又谈了一会闲话，两位问道：“表侄学业，近来造就何如？却还不曾恭喜毕过姻事？”太守道：“不瞒二位贤侄说，我只得这一个孙子，自小娇养惯了。我每常见这些教书的先生也不见有甚么学问，一味妆模做样，动不动就是打骂。人家请先生的，开口就说要严；老夫姑息的紧，所以不曾著他去从时下先生。你表兄在日，自己教他读些经史；自你表兄去后，我心里更加怜惜他，已替他捐了个监生。举业也不曾十分讲究。近来我在林下，倒常教他做几首诗，吟咏性情，要他知道乐天知命的道理，在我膝下承欢便了。”二位公子道：“这个更是姑丈高见。俗语说得好：‘与其出一个斫削元气的进士，不如出一个培养阴骘的通儒。’这个是得紧。”蘧太守便叫公孙把平日做的诗取几首来与二位表叔看。二位看了，称赞不已。一连留住盘桓了四五日，二位辞别要行，蘧太守治酒饯别，席间说起公孙姻事：“这里大户人家，也有央著来说的；我是个穷官，怕他们争行财下礼，所以耽迟著。贤侄在湖州，若是老亲旧戚人家，为我留意。贫穷些也不妨。”二位应诺了，当日席终。 |
| At the moment they chatted for a while more, and the two asked: "What progress has your nephew made in his studies lately? And have you not yet celebrated the completion of his marriage?" Magistrate Qú said: "I will not hide this from you two esteemed nephews. I have only one grandson, and he has been spoiled since childhood. I often see these schoolteachers who do not seem to have any real learning, just pretending and putting on a show. They are always ready to scold or beat the students at the slightest provocation. When people invite teachers, they always say from the start that discipline must be strict; I have been too lenient and indulgent, so I never sent him to study under a conventional teacher. Your cousin, while he was alive, personally taught him some classics and history; since your cousin passed away, I have felt even more affection for the boy and have already sponsored him as a candidate of the Imperial Academy. I did not pay much attention to his preparation for the imperial examinations. Recently, since I have been living in retirement, I often teach him to compose a few poems, expressing his emotions and thoughts. I want him to understand the principle of finding joy in life and accepting one's fate; that is enough for him to bring me happiness at my side." The two young masters said: "This is even more a sign of Uncle-in-law's lofty insight. As the old saying goes: "It is better to produce a learned scholar who nurtures virtue and wisdom than an imperial graduate who drains vitality through ruthless ambition." This is indeed essential." Magistrate Qú then asked Gongsun to bring out a few of his poems composed on ordinary days for the two uncles to see. After reading them, the two praised him without ceasing. They stayed and lingered for four or five days, and when the two finally bid farewell to leave, Magistrate Qú prepared a banquet to see them off. At the feast, he mentioned Gongsun's marriage: "There are also wealthy families in this area who have sent people to propose; I am a poor official, and I fear that they will compete by offering lavish gifts and dowries, so I have delayed the matter. If you are in Huzhou, dear nephews, if there is a family of respected elders or close relatives, please keep an eye out for me. It doesn't matter if they are somewhat poor." The two nodded in agreement, and that day the banquet ended. | ||
| 16 | 王观察穷... : | 次早，叫了船只，先发上行李去。蘧太守叫公孙亲送上船，自己出来厅事上作别，说到：“老夫因至亲，在此数日，家常相待，休怪怠慢。二位贤侄回府，到令先太保公及尊公文恪公墓上，提著我的名字，说我蘧佑年迈龙钟，不能亲自再来拜谒墓道了。”两公子听了，悚然起敬，拜别了姑丈。蘧太守执手送出大门。公孙先在船上，候二位到时，拜别了表叔，看著开了船，方才回来。两公子坐著一只小船，萧然行李，仍是寒素。看见两岸桑阴稠密，禽鸟飞鸣。不到半里多路，便是小港，里边撑出船来，卖些菱、藕。两弟兄在船内道：“我们几年京华尘土中，那得见这样幽雅景致？宋人词说得好：‘算计只有归来是。’果然！果然！”看看天色晚了。到了一镇人家，桑阴里射出灯光来，直到河里。两公子道：“叫船家泊下船。此处有人家，上面沽些酒来消此良夜，就在这里宿了罢。”船家应诺，泊了船。两弟兄凭舷痛饮，谈说古今的事。次早，船家在船中做饭，两兄弟上岸闲步，只见屋角头走过一个人来，见了二位，纳头便拜下去，说道：“娄少老爷，认得小人么？”只因遇著这个人，有分教：公子好客，结多少硕彦名儒；相府开筵，常聚些布衣苇带。毕竟此人是谁，且听下回分解。 |
| The next morning, they arranged for a boat, sent their luggage ahead first, and then set off. Magistrate Qú had Gongsun personally see them off to the boat, and he himself came out onto the hall to bid farewell. He said: "Because I have close relatives here for several days, we treated you as family; please do not be offended by any lack of formality. When you two esteemed nephews return to your residence, please mention my name at the tombs of your late grandfather and your respected father, Master Wenke. Tell them that I, Qu You, am now old and frail, and can no longer personally come again to pay homage before their graves." The two young masters listened with solemn respect, bowed deeply in farewell to their uncle-in-law. Magistrate Qú clasped their hands and saw them out through the main gate. Gongsun had waited on board the boat until the two arrived, bid farewell to his uncles, watched as the boat set off, and only then returned home. The two young masters sat in a small boat with meager luggage; they still appeared poor and unassuming. They saw the dense shade of mulberry trees along both banks, with birds flying and calling in flight. No more than half a li down the road was a small harbor where boats came out from within, selling lotus roots and water chestnuts. The two brothers said in the boat: "After several years of being immersed in the dust and bustle of the capital, how could we have seen such a quiet and elegant scenery? As a Song dynasty poet put it well: "In the end, only returning home is truly satisfying." Indeed! Indeed!" They looked up and saw that the day was getting late. As they arrived at a small town, lights shone out from among the mulberry trees into the river below. The two young masters said: "Tell the boatman to moor the boat." There are people living here. Let us buy some wine from above and spend the night here to enjoy this fine evening." The boatman nodded in agreement and moored the boat. The two brothers leaned on the railing, drank heartily, and discussed events from ancient times to the present. The next morning, while the boatman was cooking in the boat, the two brothers strolled ashore. Just then, a man passed by from around the corner of a house; upon seeing them, he immediately knelt and bowed, saying, "Young Master Lou, do you recognize me?" It was because of meeting this man that the following events occurred: The young master, being hospitable, would form connections with many distinguished scholars and renowned literati; The prime minister's mansion held banquets, often gathering commoners in plain clothes. Who exactly was this person? We shall find out in the next chapter. |
URN: ctp:rulin-waishi/8