《第十卷滕大尹鬼斷家私 Volume 10: Teng Dayin's Ghostly Judgment of Family Property》[查看正文] [修改] [查看歷史]

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1	玉樹庭前諸謝，紫荊花下三田。塤篪和好弟兄賢，父母心中歡忭。多少爭財競產，同根何苦自相煎。相持鷸蚌枉垂涎，落得漁人取便。 Before the jade tree pavilion, all the Xie family members; Under the Ziying flower, three Tian brothers. The xun and chi flutes harmonize in good relations between elder and younger brothers; Father and mother feel joy and delight in their hearts. How many quarrels over wealth and property, why must those of the same root suffer from mutual harm? Mutual contention between heron and clam is in vain; it only allows the fisherman to gain advantage.
2	這首詞名為《西江月》，是勸人家弟兄和睦的。 This ci poem is titled "Xijiangyue," and its purpose is to advise people on maintaining harmony among brothers.
3	且說如今三教經典，都是教人為善的。儒教有十三經、六經、五經，釋教有諸品《大藏金經》，道教有《南華沖虛經》及諸品藏經，盈箱滿案，千言萬語，看來都是贅疣。依我說，要做好人，只消個兩字經，是「孝弟」兩個字。那兩字經中，又只消理會一個字，是個「孝」字。假如孝順父母的，見父母所愛者，亦愛之；父母所敬者，亦敬之。何況兄弟行中，同氣連枝，想到父母身上去，那有不和不睦之理？就是家私田產，總是父母掙來的，分什麼爾我？較什麼肥瘠？假如你生於窮漢之家，分文沒得承受，少不得自家挽起眉毛，掙扎過活。見成有田有地，兀自爭多嫌寡，動不動推說爹娘偏愛，分受不均。那爹娘在九泉之下，他心上必然不樂。此豈是孝子所為？所以古人說得好，道是： Moreover, the scriptures of the three teachings today are all meant to teach people to do good. Confucianism has the Thirteen Classics, the Six Classics, and the Five Classics; Buddhism has various editions of the "Great Treasury Golden Sutra"; Taoism has the "Nanhua Chongxu Jing" and various other scriptures. These fill boxes and cover desks, with thousands of words and myriad sayings—but upon closer look, they all appear superfluous. According to me, to be a good person, one only needs a two-character scripture: the characters "xiao" and "di." Of those two characters in this scripture, one only needs to understand a single character: the character "xiao." If one is filial and obedient to parents, then upon seeing what the parents love, one also loves it; upon seeing whom the parents respect, one also respects them. How much more so among brothers, who are of the same breath and connected like branches; thinking of their parents' well-being, how could there be any reason for disharmony or discord? Even when it comes to family property and farmland, they are all earned by the parents; what need is there for distinguishing "you" from "me"? Why compare which is more fertile or barren? Suppose you were born into a poor family, with not even a single coin to inherit; you would have no choice but to raise your eyebrows and struggle hard for a living on your own. Yet when there are already ready fields and land, people still quarrel over more or less, constantly accusing their parents of favoritism and unequal distribution. Those parents, now in the netherworld, would surely feel unhappy in their hearts. Is this the conduct of a filial son? Therefore, as the ancients said well:
4	難得者兄弟，易得者田地。 Rare to find are brothers; easy to obtain are fields and land.
5	怎麼是難得者兄弟？且說人生在世，至親的莫如爹娘；爹娘養下我來時節，極早已是壯年了，況且爹娘怎守得我同去？也只好半世相處。再說至愛的莫如夫婦，白頭相守，極是長久的了；未做親以前，你張我李，各門各戶，也空著幼年一段。只有兄弟們，生於一家，從幼相隨到老；有事共商，有難共救，真像手足一般，何等情誼！譬如良田美產，今日棄了，明日又可掙得來的；若失了個弟兄，分明割了一手，折了一足，乃終身缺陷。說到此地，豈不是難得者兄弟，易得者田地？若是為田地上，壞了手足親情，到不如窮漢，赤光光沒得承受，反為乾淨，省了許多是非口舌。 What does it mean that "brothers are hard to find"? Let me say that while living in this world, no one is closer than father and mother; when they gave birth to me, they were already at an advanced age. Moreover, how could parents possibly live as long as their children? They can only share half a lifetime together. Furthermore, the most beloved are husband and wife; to grow old together is already a long-lasting bond. Before marriage, you were Zhang and I was Li, each from separate families—there remains an empty span of youth as well. Only brothers, born into the same family, accompany each other from childhood to old age; they discuss matters together and help one another in times of hardship. They are truly like hands and feet—what deep affection and bond! For example, fertile land and fine property—if lost today, they can be earned again tomorrow. But if one loses a brother, it is as clear as cutting off a hand or breaking a foot; it becomes a lifelong flaw. Speaking of this point, isn't it precisely that brothers are hard to find while fields and land are easy to obtain? If one ruins the bond of brothers over land and property, it would be better to be a poor man with nothing at all to inherit. That way, there is less trouble and many arguments can be avoided.
6	如今在下說一節國朝的故事，乃是「滕縣尹鬼斷家私」。這節故事是勸人重義輕財，休忘了「孝弟」兩字經。看官們或是有弟兄沒兄弟，都不關在下之事，各人自去摸著心頭，學好做人便了。正是： Now I shall tell a story from the present dynasty: it is called "The County Magistrate of Teng Judges Family Property in Ghostly Fashion." This story aims to advise people to value righteousness over wealth, and not forget the two-character scripture of "xiao di." Whether or not you, dear audience, have brothers is none of my concern; each person should simply touch their own heart and learn to be a good human being. Indeed:
7	善人聽說心中刺，惡人聽說耳邊風。 Good people will feel the words pierce their hearts; wicked people will treat them as mere passing winds.
8	話說國朝永樂年間，北直順天府香河縣，有個倪太守，雙名守謙，字益之，家累千金，肥田美宅。夫人陳氏，單生一子，名曰善繼，長大婚娶之後，陳夫人身故。倪太守罷官鰥居，雖然年老，只落得精神健旺。凡收租、放債之事，件件關心，不肯安閒享用。其年七十九歲，倪善繼對老子說道：「人生七十古來稀。父親今年七十九，明年八十齊頭了，何不把家事交卸與孩兒掌管，吃些見成茶飯，豈不為美？」老頭子搖著頭，說出幾句道：「在一日，管一日。替你心，替你力，掙些利錢穿共吃。直待兩腳壁立直，那時不關我事得。」 It happened during the Yongle period of our dynasty. In Xianghe County, Zhending Fu, there was a magistrate named Ni Shouqian, courtesy name Yizhi. His family had accumulated thousands of gold pieces and possessed fertile fields and fine houses. His wife, Lady Chen, bore only one son, named Shanji. After the boy grew up and married, Lady Chen passed away. Magistrate Ni was dismissed from office and lived as a widower. Although he had grown old, his spirit remained vigorous. He took care of every matter—collecting rents, lending money—and was attentive to each detail; he would not allow himself to rest idly or enjoy life. That year, Ni Shanjie said to his old father: "Seventy years of age is rare in ancient times. Father, you are seventy-nine this year; next year will mark your eightieth birthday. Why not hand over the family affairs to me for management and enjoy some ready-made meals? Would that not be pleasant?" The old man shook his head and said, "As long as I am here for a day, I will manage it for that day. I will use my heart and strength to earn some interest money for you to wear and eat." Only when your two legs stand upright on their own, then it will no longer be my concern."
9	每年十月間，倪太守親往莊上收租，整月的住下。莊戶人家，肥雞美酒，儘他受用。那一年，又去住了幾日。偶然一日，午後無事，繞莊閒步，觀看野景。忽然見一女子同著一個白髮婆婆，向溪邊石上搗衣。那女子雖然村妝打扮，頗有幾分姿色： Every year in the tenth lunar month, Magistrate Ni personally went to his estate to collect rent and stayed there for an entire month. The tenants would offer plump chickens and fine wine, allowing him to enjoy himself as he pleased. That year too, he went and stayed for several days. By chance one day, with nothing to do in the afternoon, he took a leisurely walk around the estate, admiring the scenery of the wild. Suddenly, he saw a woman together with an old grandmother with white hair washing clothes on stones by the streamside. Although that woman was dressed in simple rural attire, she had quite a bit of charm:
10	髮同漆黑，眼若波明。纖纖十指似栽蔥，曲曲雙眉如抹黛。隨常布帛，俏身軀賽著綾羅；點景野花，美丰儀不須釵鈿。五短身材偏有趣，二八年紀正當時。 Her hair was as black as lacquer; her eyes were clear like rippling water. Her ten slender fingers resembled planted green onions, and her curved eyebrows looked like painted black ink. Though dressed in plain cloth, her graceful figure rivaled brocade and silk; adorned with wildflowers as decoration, her beauty needed no hairpins or jewels. Her short stature was oddly charming, and at the age of sixteen to eighteen, she was in her prime.
11	倪太守老興勃發，看得呆了。那女子搗衣已畢，隨著老婆婆而走。那老兒留心觀看，只見他走過數家，進一個小小白籬笆門內去了。倪太守連忙轉身，喚管莊的來，對他說如此如此，教他訪那女子跟腳，曾否許人：「若是沒有人家時，我要娶他為妾，未知他肯否？」管莊的巴不得奉承家主，領命便走。 Magistrate Ni's old passions stirred up again; he stared at her, completely captivated. After the woman had finished washing clothes, she followed the old grandmother and walked away. The old man watched carefully; he saw her pass by several houses before entering a small gate with white bamboo fencing. Magistrate Ni quickly turned around and called over the estate manager, telling him about what had happened. He ordered him to investigate the woman's background and whether she was already betrothed: "If there is no family for her, I want to take her as my concubine; but first, we must find out if she would be willing." The estate manager was more than eager to flatter his master and left immediately upon receiving the order.
12	原來那女子姓梅，父親也是個府學秀才。因幼年父母雙亡，在外婆身邊居住。年一十七歲，尚未許人。管莊的訪得的實了，就與那老婆婆說：「我家老爺見你女孫兒生得齊整，意欲聘為偏房。雖說是做小，老奶奶去世已久，上面並無人拘管。嫁得成時，豐衣足食，自不須說；連你老人家年常衣服、茶、米，都是我家照顧；臨終還得個好斷送，只怕你老人家沒福。」老婆婆聽得花錦似一片說話，即時依允。也是姻緣前定，一說便成。管莊的回覆了倪太守，太守大喜！講定財禮，討皇歷看個吉日，又恐兒子阻擋，就在莊上行聘，莊上做親。成親之夜，一老一少，端的好看！有《西江月》為證： It turned out that the woman's surname was Mei, and her father had also been a xiucai scholar at the Fu Xue (Prefectural School). Because both of her parents died when she was young, she lived with her maternal grandmother. She was seventeen years old and had not yet been betrothed to anyone. After confirming the facts, the estate manager spoke to the old grandmother: "My master has seen your granddaughter and found her well-proportioned and attractive; he wishes to take her as a concubine. Although it would be as a secondary wife, your old grandmother has been deceased for many years and there is no one above to restrict you." If the marriage is arranged, you will have clothes and food in abundance—needless to say. Even your old age's regular clothing, tea, and rice would be taken care of by our family; at the end of your life, there will also be a proper farewell. I only fear that you may not have the fortune for this." The old grandmother, hearing these words like a piece of brocade, immediately agreed. It was also fated by previous karmic connections; the moment it was proposed, it became settled. The estate manager reported back to Magistrate Ni, who was overjoyed! They set the dowry and consulted the imperial calendar to choose a propitious day. Fearing that his son might object, he arranged the betrothal ceremony at the estate and conducted the wedding there as well. On the night of the wedding, an old man with a young bride—what a sight to behold! There is a "Xijiangyue" ci poem as evidence:
13	一個烏紗白髮，一個綠鬢紅妝。枯藤纏樹嫩花香，好似奶公相傍。一個心中淒楚，一個暗地驚慌。只愁那話武郎當，雙手扶持不上。當夜倪太守抖擻精神，勾消了姻緣簿上。 One with black official cap and white hair, the other with green braid and red makeup. Withered vines entwining young fragrant flowers on trees—like a wet nurse leaning against her charge. One heart filled with sorrow, the other secretly panicking. Only worried about that old man Wu Langdang, who could not support himself even with both hands. That night, Magistrate Ni mustered his spirit and erased the match from the register of fated relationships.
14	真個是： Indeed:
15	恩愛莫忘今夜好，風光不減少年時。 Do not forget the love and affection of this night; its charm is no less than in youth.
16	過了三朝，喚個轎子擡那梅氏回宅，與兒子、媳婦相見。闔宅男婦，都來磕頭，稱為「小奶奶」。倪太守把些布帛賞與眾人，各各歡喜。只有那倪善繼心中不美，面前雖不言語，背後夫妻兩口兒議論道：「這老人忒沒正經！一把年紀，風燈之燭，做事也須料個前後。知道五年十年在世，卻去幹這樣不了不當的事！討這花枝般的女兒，自家也得精神對付他，終不然擔誤他在那里，有名無實。還有一件，多少人家老漢身邊有了少婦，支持不過；那少婦熬不得，走了野路，出乖露醜，為家門之玷。還有一件，那少婦跟隨老漢，分明似出外度荒年一般，等得年時成熟，他便去了。平時偷短偷長，做下私房，東三西四的寄開；又撒嬌撒癡，要漢子製辦衣飾與他。到得樹倒鳥飛時節，他便顛作嫁人，一包兒收拾去受用。這是木中之蠹，米中之蟲。人家有了這般人，最損元氣的。」又說道：「這女子嬌模嬌樣，好像個妓女，全沒有良家體段，看來是個做聲分的頭兒，擒老公的太歲。在咱爹身邊，只該半妾半婢，叫聲姨姐，後日還有個退步。可笑咱爹不明，就叫眾人喚他做『小奶奶』，難道要咱們叫他娘不成？咱們只不作准他，莫要奉承透了，討他做大起來，明日咱們顛倒受他嘔氣。」夫妻二人，唧唧噥噥，說個不了，早有多嘴的，傳話出來。 After three days, he called for a palanquin to carry Mei Shi back home and introduced her to his son and daughter-in-law. All the men and women in the household came forward to kowtow, addressing her as "Xiaonai nai." Magistrate Ni gave some cloth and silk as rewards to the people present; everyone was delighted. Only Ni Shanjie felt displeased in his heart; though he said nothing openly, behind closed doors, he and his wife discussed: "This old man is too undignified! At such an advanced age, like a flickering candle in the wind; he should at least consider things carefully before and after. He knows that he may only have five or ten more years to live, yet he goes ahead and does such an improper thing! To take in a daughter as delicate as blooming flowers, he himself must have the energy to manage her. Otherwise, keeping her there would be nothing but an empty title with no real substance. Moreover, in many families where an old man has a young wife by his side, he cannot support her. The young wife, unable to endure the situation, may take a reckless path and bring disgrace upon herself and the family's reputation. Furthermore, a young wife following an old man is clearly like going out to endure a famine year; once the time comes and things return to normal, she will leave. In the meantime, they steal bits and pieces to set aside as private savings, sending them here and there. She also acts coy and childish, demanding her husband buy clothes and ornaments for her. When the time comes that the tree falls and the birds fly away, she will quickly remarry, pack everything up in a bundle, and go off to enjoy herself elsewhere. This is like a worm in wood or an insect in rice—destructive from within. If a family has such a person, it drains the most vital energy." They also said: "This woman is too娇柔 and delicate, looking like a courtesan; she has no proper bearing of a good family girl. It seems she is the kind who makes a scene and captures her husband's attention like a maleficent spirit." "She should only be treated as half a concubine and half a servant, called 'Aijie,' so that there is still room for retreat in the future. It's laughable how our father doesn't understand; he has everyone call her 'Xiaonainai.' Does that mean we are supposed to call her mother?" We must not recognize her as legitimate, nor flatter her too much. Otherwise, she might grow arrogant and in the future we will be the ones suffering from her nagging." The couple kept whispering and arguing endlessly, and soon there were gossipy tongues spreading the news.
17	倪太守知道了，雖然不樂，卻也藏在肚裏。幸得那梅氏秉性溫良，事上接下，一團和氣，眾人也都相安。 Magistrate Ni learned of this; although displeased, he kept it hidden in his heart. Fortunately, Mei Shi had a gentle and kind nature; she treated those above her with respect and those below her kindly, maintaining harmony in all things. Everyone was at peace with one another.
18	過了兩個月，梅氏得了身孕，瞞著眾人，只有老公知道。一日三，三日九，捱到十月滿足，生下一個小孩兒出來，舉家大驚！這日正是九月九日，乳名取做重陽兒。到十一日，就是倪太守生日。這年恰好八十歲了，賀客盈門。倪太守開筵管待，一來為壽誕，二來小孩兒三朝，就當個湯餅之會。眾賓客道：「老先生高年，又新添個小令郎，足見血氣不衰，乃上壽之徵也。」倪太守大喜！倪善繼背後又說道：「男子六十而精絕，況是八十歲了，那見枯樹上生出花來？這孩子不知那里來的雜種，決不是咱爹嫡血，我斷然不認他做兄弟。」老子又曉得了，也藏在肚裡。 After two months, Mei Shi became pregnant; she kept it a secret from everyone else, known only to her husband. One day three times, three days nine times; she endured until the full ten months and gave birth to a baby boy. The whole family was greatly shocked! It happened on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month; he was given the milk name Chongyang Er. On the eleventh day, it was Magistrate Ni's birthday. This year happened to be his eightieth birthday; guests came in full numbers to celebrate. Magistrate Ni hosted a banquet, partly for his birthday and partly because the baby was three days old; it served as both a celebration. The guests said, "Master, your advanced age and the recent addition of a young son clearly show that your vitality remains strong. This is an omen of a long life." Magistrate Ni was overjoyed! Ni Shanji muttered behind the scenes, "A man's vitality ceases at sixty; how much more so at eighty? Who has ever seen a dead tree bloom?" "This child is obviously some kind of bastard from an unknown source; he can't possibly be our father's true blood. I will never recognize him as my brother," he said firmly. The old man also learned of this, but kept it to himself.
19	光陰似箭，不覺又是一年。重陽兒週歲，整備做晬盤故事。裏親外眷，又來作賀。倪善繼到走了出門，不來陪客。老子已知其意，也不去尋他回來，自己陪著諸親，吃了一日酒。雖然口中不語，心內未免有些不足之意。自古道「子孝父心寬」，那倪善繼平日做人，又貪又狠；一心只怕小孩子長大起來，分了他一股家私，所以不肯認做兄弟；預先把惡話謠言，日後好擺布他母子。那倪太守是讀書做官的人，這個關竅怎不明白？只恨自家老了，等不及重陽兒成人長大，日後少不得要在大兒子手裡討針線；今日與他結不得冤家，只索忍耐。看了這點小孩子，好生疼他；又看了梅氏小小年紀，好生憐他。常時想一會，悶一會，惱一會，又懊悔一會。 Time flies; before long, another year had passed. Chongyang Er turned one year old, and preparations were made for the traditional first birthday ceremony with a zui pan (a tray of symbolic items). Relatives from within and outside the family came again to celebrate. Ni Shanji even went out of his way to leave the house and did not come to entertain the guests. The old man already knew what he was thinking, so he didn't go looking for him and instead spent the day drinking with all his relatives. Although he said nothing aloud, inwardly he could not help but feel a bit discontented. As the old saying goes, "A filial son brings peace to a father's heart." Ni Shanji, however, was greedy and cruel in his daily conduct. He feared that once the child grew up, he would divide the family fortune with him, so he refused to acknowledge him as his brother. In advance, he spread malicious rumors and false accusations, intending to manipulate both mother and son later on. Magistrate Ni was a man who had studied Confucian classics and held office; how could he not understand this implication? He only regretted that he was too old and would not live to see Chongyang Er grow up. In the future, he would inevitably have to rely on his eldest son for support. Since he could not create a feud with him today, he had no choice but to endure it patiently. He looked at the little child and felt a deep affection for him; he also looked at Mei Shi, so young in age, and felt great sympathy for her. He often found himself thinking for a while, brooding for a while, being annoyed for a while, and then regretting things again.
20	再過四年，小孩子長成五歲。老子見他伶俐，又忒會頑耍，要送他館中上學。取個學名，哥哥叫善繼，他就叫善述。揀個好日，備了果酒，領他去拜師父。那師父就是倪太守請在家裡教孫兒的，小叔侄兩個同館上學，兩得其便。誰知倪善繼與做爹的不是一條心腸。他見那孩子取名善述，與己排行，先自不像意了。又與他兒子同學讀書，到要兒子叫他叔叔，從小叫慣了，後來就被他欺壓；不如喚了兒子出來，另從個師父罷。當日將兒子喚出，只推有病，連日不到館中。倪太守初時只道是真病。過了幾日，只聽得師父說：「大令郎另聘了個先生，分做兩個學堂，不知何意？」倪太守不聽猶可，聽了此言，不覺大怒，就要尋大兒子問其緣故。又想到：「天生恁般逆種，與他說也沒幹，由他罷了！」含了一口悶氣，回到房中，偶然腳慢，拌著門檻一跌。梅氏慌忙扶起，攙到醉翁牀上坐下，已自不省人事。急請醫生來看，醫生說是中風。忙取姜湯灌醒，扶他上牀。雖然心下清爽，卻滿身麻木，動彈不得。梅氏坐在牀頭，煎湯煎藥，殷勤伏侍。連進幾服，全無功效。醫生切脈道：「只好延捱日子，不能痊癒了。」 Four more years passed, and the child grew to be five years old. loyd Magistrate Ni saw that he was clever and very playful; he wanted to send him to school. He gave him a scholarly name: since his elder brother was named Shanji, he would be called Shanshu. A good day was chosen; fruits and wine were prepared, and he took the child to pay respects to his teacher. The teacher was the one Magistrate Ni had hired at home to teach his grandson; now, these two young cousins studied together in the same school, which was convenient for both. Little did they know that Ni Shanji and his father were not of one mind. He saw that the child had been given the name Shanshu, which shared the same generational character as his own name, and this already made him unhappy. Moreover, since the child studied with his son and would have to be called "uncle" by him, and once such a habit was formed from childhood, he feared that later on, his son would be oppressed. It was better to call his son out and have him study under a different teacher instead. On that day, he called his son out, pretending he was ill, and for several days did not go to school at all. At first, Magistrate Ni thought it was a real illness. After several days, he heard the teacher say, "Your eldest son has hired another tutor and now there are two separate classrooms. I wonder what this means?" Magistrate Ni would have been fine if he had not heard these words, but upon hearing them, he became greatly angered and immediately wanted to call for his eldest son to ask the reason. He also thought to himself, "Such a rebellious child was born by fate; there's no use talking to him. Let it be!" He swallowed his anger and returned to his room, but as he happened to slow down a step, he stumbled over the threshold and fell. Mei Shi hurriedly helped him up, supported him to sit on Zuiweng's bed, but he had already lost consciousness. They quickly called for a doctor, who diagnosed it as apoplexy (stroke). They hurriedly prepared ginger soup to revive him and helped him onto the bed. Although he was mentally alert, his whole body felt numb and immobile. Mei Shi sat by the bedside, carefully preparing soup and medicine, diligently tending to him with care. After taking several doses of medicine, there was no improvement at all. The doctor took his pulse and said, "There is nothing more to be done but to prolong the days; full recovery is no longer possible."
21	倪善繼聞知，也來看覷了幾遍。見老子病勢沉重，料是不起，便呼么喝六、打童罵僕，預先裝出家主公的架子來。老子聽得，愈加煩惱。梅氏只得啼哭，連小學生也不去上學，留在房中，相伴老子。 Ni Shanji heard of this and came to visit a few times. Seeing that his father's illness was serious and likely fatal, he began to shout orders at the servants, scolded the children and staff, and acted as if he were already the master of the household. Magistrate Ni heard this and became even more distressed. Mei Shi could only weep, and even kept the young student from going to school so he could stay in the room and keep his father company.
22	倪太守自知病篤，喚大兒子到面前，取出簿子一本，家中田地、屋宅及人頭帳目總數，都在上面，吩咐道：「善述年方五歲，衣服尚要人照管；梅氏又年少，也未必能管家。若分家私與他，也是枉然，如今盡數交付與你。倘或善述日後長大成人，你可看做爹的面上，替他娶房媳婦，分他小屋一所，良田五六十畝，勿令饑寒足矣。這段話，我都寫絕在家私簿上，就當分家，把與你做個執照。梅氏若願嫁人，聽從其便；倘肯守著兒子度日，也莫強他。我死之後，你一一依我言語，這便是孝子，我在九泉，亦得瞑目。」倪善繼把簿子揭開一看，果然開得細，寫得明，滿臉堆下笑來，連聲應道：「爹休憂慮，恁兒一一依爹吩咐便了。」抱了家私簿子，欣然而去。 Magistrate Ni, knowing his illness was terminal, called for his eldest son and brought out a ledger. All the records of family land, houses, and household accounts were listed in it. He instructed him, "Shanshu is only five years old; even his clothes still need someone to take care of. Mei Shi is also young, so she may not be able to manage the household affairs." "If I were to divide the family property among him, it would all be in vain. Therefore, I am now giving everything entirely into your hands." "If Shanshu grows up in the future, you should, for your father's sake, find him a wife, give him a small house and fifty or sixty acres of good farmland. Just make sure he is not left hungry or cold." "I have written all these words in the family property ledger, and I will treat it as a division of assets. This will serve as proof for you." "If Mei Shi wishes to remarry, let her do so freely; if she prefers to stay with the child and live out her days, you must not force her." "After I die, if you follow my words step by step, then you will be a filial son. Even in the netherworld, I shall rest in peace." Ni Shanji opened the ledger and took a look; indeed, everything was listed in detail and clearly written. A smile spread across his face as he replied repeatedly, "Father, do not worry. Your son will follow your instructions exactly." He took the family property ledger in his arms and left happily.
23	梅氏見他走得遠了，兩眼垂淚，指著那孩子道：「這個小冤家，難道不是你嫡血？你卻和盤托出，都把與大兒子了，教我母子兩口，異日把什麼過活？」倪太守道：「你有所不知，我看善繼不是個良善之人，若將家私平分了，連這小孩子的性命也難保；不如都把與他，像了他意，再無妒忌。」梅氏又哭道：「雖然如此，自古道『子無嫡庶』，忒殺厚簿不均，被人笑話。」倪太守道：「我也顧他不得了。你年紀正小，趁我未死，將兒子囑咐善繼。待我去世後，多則一年，少則半載，儘你心中揀擇個好頭腦，自去圖下半世受用，莫要在他們身邊討氣吃。」梅氏道：「說那裡話！奴家也是儒門之女，婦人從一而終；況又有了這小孩兒，怎割捨得拋他？好歹要守在這孩子身邊的。」倪太守道：「你果然肯守志終身麼？莫非日久生悔？」梅氏就發起大誓來。倪太守道：「你若立志果堅，莫愁母子沒得過活。」便向枕邊摸出一件東西來，交與梅氏。梅氏初時只道又是一個家私簿子，卻原來是一尺闊、三尺長的一個小軸子。梅氏道：「要這小軸兒何用？」倪太守道：「這是我的行樂圖，其中自有奧妙。你可悄地收藏，休露人目，直待孩子年長。善繼不肯看顧他，你也只含藏于心。等得個賢明有司官來，你卻將此軸去訴理，述我遺命，求他細細推詳，自然有個處分，儘勾你母子二人受用。」梅氏收了軸子。話休絮煩，倪太守又延了數日，一夜痰厥，叫喚不醒，嗚呼哀哉死了，享年八十四歲。正是： Mei Shi, seeing him go far away, shed tears and pointed at the child, saying, "This little troublemaker—could he not be your true blood?" "You have handed everything over to the eldest son without reservation. What will my child and I rely on for our future survival?" Magistrate Ni said, "You do not understand. I have observed that Shanji is no good person. If the family assets were divided equally, even this child's life could be in danger. It is better to give everything to him and satisfy his desires so there will be no more jealousy." Mei Shi wept again, saying, "Even so, as the old saying goes, 'A son is a son regardless of legitimacy or illegitimacy.' To treat them so unfairly will surely invite ridicule from others." Magistrate Ni said, "I can no longer care for that." "While you are still young, while I am not yet dead, entrust your son to Shanji." "After I pass away, at most within a year and at least half a year, you may choose for yourself a good-minded man in your heart and go find happiness for the rest of your life. Do not remain by their side to suffer their abuse." Mei Shi said, "What are you saying?" "I am also the daughter of a Confucian family. A woman should remain faithful to one husband until death. Moreover, I now have this child; how could I possibly abandon him and leave?" "I must stay by the side of this child no matter what." Magistrate Ni asked, "Are you truly willing to remain faithful and devoted for life?" "Or perhaps you will regret it after some time?" Mei Shi then took a solemn oath. Magistrate Ni said, "If your resolve is truly firm, do not worry about you and the child lacking for anything." He reached beside his pillow and took out an object, handing it to Mei Shi. At first, Mei Shi thought it was another family property ledger, but to her surprise, it turned out to be a small scroll one chi wide and three chi long. Mei Shi asked, "What use is this little scroll?" Magistrate Ni said, "This is my portrait of leisure and pleasure. There are secrets hidden within it." "You must keep this hidden carefully; do not let others see it, until the child grows older." "If Shanji refuses to take care of him, you will have to bear it in your heart alone." "Wait until a wise and upright official comes. Then you may take this scroll to him, explain my last wishes, and ask for his careful investigation. Naturally, there will be a proper resolution that fully provides for both you and your child." Mei Shi took the scroll. Leaving out further details, Magistrate Ni lingered for several more days. One night he suffered a sudden attack of phlegm suffocation and could not be revived—alas, he passed away at the age of eighty-four. It was indeed:
24	三寸氣在千般用，一日無常萬事休。 While a breath remains, one can do a thousand things; but once death comes, all worldly matters come to an end.
25	早知九泉將不去，作家辛苦著何由！ Had I known that nothing could be taken beyond this life, why would I have endured such hardships for the sake of family affairs!
26	且說倪善繼得了家私簿，又討了各倉各庫匙鑰，每日只去查點家財雜物，那有功夫走到父親房裡問安？直等嗚呼之後，梅氏差丫鬟去報知凶信，夫妻兩口方纔跑來，也哭了幾聲「老爹爹」。沒一個時辰，就轉身去了，到委著梅氏守屍。幸得衣衾棺槨諸事都是預辦下的，不要倪善繼費心。殯殮成服後，梅氏和小孩子，兩口守著孝堂，早暮啼哭，寸步不離。善繼只是點名應客，全無哀痛之意，七中便擇日安葬。回喪之夜，就把梅氏房中，傾箱倒篋，只怕父親存下些私房銀兩在內。梅氏乖巧，恐怕收去了他的行樂圖，把自己原嫁來的兩隻箱籠，到先開了，提出幾件穿舊的衣裳，教他夫妻兩口檢看。善繼見他大意，到不來看了。夫妻兩口兒亂了一回，自去了。梅氏思量苦切，放聲大哭。那小孩子見親娘如此，也哀哀哭個不住。恁般光景，任是泥人應墮淚，從教鐵漢也酸心。 Let us now return to Ni Shanji, who had obtained the family property ledger and also secured the keys to all the granaries and storerooms. Every day he only went about checking household assets and miscellaneous items; how could he find time to visit his father's room for a greeting? It was only after the death had occurred that Mei Shi sent a maid to inform them of the sad news. Only then did the couple rush over and cried out "dear father" for a few moments. Within no time at all, they turned around and left, leaving Mei Shi alone to watch over the body. Fortunately, everything—clothes, shroud, coffin, and funeral arrangements—had already been prepared in advance, so Ni Shanji did not need to trouble himself. After the funeral rites and mourning attire were completed, Mei Shi and her child remained by the ancestral hall, weeping morning and night, never leaving for a single step. Shanji merely went through the motions of receiving guests by name, showing no real sorrow at all; on the seventh day he chose a date and proceeded with the burial. On the night of returning from the funeral, he turned over every box and chest in Mei Shi's room, fearing that his father might have left some private silver hidden inside. Mei Shi was clever; fearing that her portrait scroll might be taken away, she opened the two trunks from her original dowry first and took out a few pieces of worn-out clothing for his couple to inspect. Shanji saw that he was careless, so did not bother to look at them. The couple rummaged around for a while and then left on their own. Mei Shi, overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, burst into loud weeping. The little child saw his dear mother in such a state and began to cry bitterly as well. Such a scene would bring tears even from a statue of clay, let alone stir the heart of any man of iron will.
27	次早，倪善繼又喚個做屋匠來看這房子，要行重新改造，與自家兒子做親。將梅氏母子，搬到後園三間雜屋內棲身。只與他四腳小牀一張和幾件粗檯粗凳，連好家火都沒一件。原在房中伏侍有兩個丫鬟，只揀大些的又喚去了，止留下十一二歲的小使女。每日是他廚下取飯。有菜沒菜，都不照管。梅氏見不方便，索性討些飯米，堆個土灶，自炊來吃。早晚做些針指，買些小菜，將就度日。小學生到附在鄰家上學，束修都是梅氏自出。善繼又屢次教妻子勸梅氏嫁人，又尋媒嫗與他說親，見梅氏誓死不從，只得罷了。因梅氏十分忍耐，凡事不言不語，所以善繼雖然兇狠，也不將他母子放在心上。 The next morning, Ni Shanji again called in a carpenter to inspect the house and planned to renovate it for his own son's marriage. He moved Mei Shi and her child into three small rooms in the back garden as their new residence. He gave them only a single four-legged small bed and several rough tables and stools, not even one decent piece of household furniture. There had originally been two maidservants in the room to attend her, but he sent away the older one and left only a young servant girl of about eleven or twelve years old. Every day they had to take their meals from the kitchen below. Whether there was vegetable or not, no one paid any attention to it. Seeing how inconvenient this was, Mei Shi decided to ask for some rice and build a makeshift earthen stove to cook her own meals. She did some sewing in the morning and evening, bought a little bit of vegetables, and managed to get by day by day. The young student was forced to attend school at the neighbor's home, with all tuition fees paid out of Mei Shi's own pocket. Shanji repeatedly instructed his wife to persuade Mei Shi to remarry, and even sought out matchmakers to arrange a marriage for her. Seeing that Mei Shi vowed never to comply, he had no choice but to give up. Because Mei Shi was extremely patient and never spoke out about anything, although Shanji was cruel, he did not pay much attention to the mother and child.
28	光陰似箭，善述不覺長成一十四歲。原來梅氏平生謹慎，從前之事，在兒子面前一字也不題。只怕娃子家口滑，引出是非，無益有損。守得一十四歲時，他胸中漸漸涇渭分明，瞞他不得了。一日，向母親討件新絹衣穿，梅氏回他：「沒錢買得。」善述道：「我爹做過太守，止生我弟兄兩人。見今哥哥恁般富貴，我要一件衣服，就不能勾了，是怎地？既娘沒錢時，我自與哥哥索討。」說罷就走。梅氏一把扯住道：「我兒，一件絹衣，直甚大事，也去開口求人。常言道『惜福積福』、『小來穿線，大來穿絹』。若小時穿了絹，到大來線也沒得穿了。再過兩年，等你讀書進步，做娘的情愿賣身來做衣服與你穿著。你那哥哥不是好惹的，纏他什麼！」善述道：「娘說得是。」口雖答應，心下不以為然，想著：「我父親萬貫家私，少不得兄弟兩個大家分受。我又不是隨娘晚嫁、拖來的油瓶，怎麼我哥哥全不看顧？娘又是恁般說，終不然一疋絹兒，沒有我分，直待娘賣身來做與我穿著。這話好生奇怪！哥哥又不是吃人的虎，怕他怎的？」 Time flies like an arrow; before long, Shan Shu had grown into a boy of fourteen years old. Originally, Mei Shi was always cautious in her life and never mentioned the past events to her son, not even a single word. She feared that the child's loose tongue might bring about trouble, causing more harm than good. When he reached fourteen years of age, his mind gradually became clear and discerning; it was no longer possible to keep things from him. One day, he asked his mother for a new silk robe to wear; Mei Shi replied, "We don't have the money to buy one." Shan Shu said, "My father was a governor and had only my brother and me as sons. Now that my elder brother is so wealthy, how can he not give me a piece of clothing? What's the reason for this?" "If Mother has no money, I will ask my elder brother myself." After saying this, he left at once. Mei Shi caught hold of him and said, "My son, a piece of silk robe is not such a big matter that you must go begging from others. As the saying goes, 'Cherish blessings to accumulate more,' and 'When small, wear thread; when grown, wear silk.' If you wear silk as a child, then when you grow up there will not even be thread to wear. If you wait two more years, and your studies improve, your mother would rather sell herself to buy clothes for you. "That elder brother of yours is not someone easy to deal with; don't bother him!" Shan Shu replied, "Mother is right." Though he verbally agreed, in his heart he did not really believe it. He thought to himself, "My father had a fortune worth ten thousand strings of cash; it is only natural that my brother and I should share it equally. I am not some adopted child or an illegitimate son like a clay jar dragged in by Mother; why does my elder brother pay me no attention at all?" And yet Mother keeps saying such things. It's not as if I can't get even a single bolt of silk; must I wait until she sells herself to make me clothes?" How strange these words are! "Besides, my elder brother is not a tiger who eats people—what's there to be afraid of?"
29	心生一計，瞞了母親，逕到大宅裡去。尋見了哥哥，叫聲：「作揖。」善繼倒吃了一驚，問他：「來做甚麼？」善述道：「我是個縉紳子弟，身上藍縷，被人恥笑。特來尋哥哥，討疋絹去做衣服穿。」善繼道：「你要衣服穿，自與娘討。」善述道：「老爹爹家私，是哥哥管，不是娘管。」善繼聽說「家私」二字，題目來得大了，便紅著臉問道：「這句話，是那個教你說的？你今日來討衣服穿，還是來爭家私？」善述道：「家私少不得有日分析，今日先要件衣服，裝裝體面。」善繼道：「你這般野種，要什麼體面！老爹爹縱有萬貫家私，自有嫡子嫡孫，干你野種屁事！你今日是聽了甚人攛掇，到此討野火吃？莫要惹著我性子，教你母子二人無安身之處！」善述道：「一般是老爹爹所生，怎麼我是野種？惹著你性子，便怎地？難道謀害了我娘兒兩個，你就獨占了家私不成？」善繼大怒，罵道：「小畜生，敢挺撞我！」牽住他衣袖兒，捻起拳頭，一連七八個栗暴，打得頭皮都青腫了。善述掙脫了，一道煙走出，哀哀的哭到母親面前來，一五一十，備細述與母親知道。梅氏抱怨道：「我教你莫去惹事，你不聽教訓，打得你好！」口裡雖如此說，扯著青布衫，替他摩那頭上腫處，不覺兩淚交流。有詩為證： He hatched a plan and, without telling his mother, went straight to the main house. He found his elder brother and called out, "A bow of respect." Shanji was startled and asked him, "What are you here for?" Shan Shu said, "I am the son of a scholar-official; to appear in tattered blue clothes is to be ridiculed by others. That's why I specially came to see you, Brother, to ask for a bolt of silk to make some clothes." Shanji said, "If you need clothes to wear, go and ask your mother yourself." Shan Shu replied, "Father's property is managed by you, my elder brother, not by Mother." Upon hearing the word "family property," which was a sensitive issue, Shanji turned red in the face and asked angrily, "Who taught you to say this?" "Are you here today to ask for clothes to wear—or are you trying to claim family property?" Shan Shu said, "The division of the family property will come in due time. Today I just want a piece of clothing to look presentable." Shanji said, "You wretched bastard—what do you need dignity for! Even if our father had ten thousand strings of wealth, it naturally belongs to the legitimate son and grandson. What business is it of a bastard like you!" Who has been inciting you today to come here for nothing but trouble?" "Don't provoke my temper, or I'll make sure the two of you have nowhere to live!" Shan Shu said, "We are both born from our father. Why am I a bastard?" What if you provoke your temper? What then?" Are you going to kill my mother and me just so you can monopolize the family property?" Shanji became furious and scolded, "You little brat, how dare you defy me!" He grabbed his sleeve and raised a fist, delivering seven or eight punches in succession, beating him until his scalp turned purple and swollen. Shan Shu struggled free, ran out like a wisp of smoke, and wept bitterly before his mother, recounting every detail in full to her. Mei Shi lamented, "I told you not to cause trouble, but you wouldn't listen. Now look at how badly you've been beaten!" Though she spoke these words, she pulled her blue cloth robe and gently rubbed the swollen spot on his head, tears streaming down her face. There is a poem to attest:
30	少年嫠婦擁遺孤，食薄衣單百事無。 A young widow with an orphaned child, Meager food and thin clothes, burdened by countless hardships.
31	只為家庭缺孝子，同枝一樹判榮枯。 Only because the family lacks a filial son, A single tree with shared roots now splits into prosperity and decay.
32	梅氏左思右量，恐怕善繼藏怒，到遣使女進去致意，說小學生不曉世事，沖撞長兄，招個不是。善繼兀自怒氣不息。次日侵早，邀幾個族人在家，取出父親親筆分關，請梅氏母子到來，公同看了，便道：「尊親長在上，不是善繼不肯養他母子，要捻他出去。只因善述昨日與我爭取家私，發許多話，誠恐日後長大，說話一發多了，今日分析他母子出外居住。東莊住房一所，田五十八畝，都是遵依老爹爹遺命，毫不敢自專，伏乞尊親長作證。」這夥親族，平昔曉得善繼做人利害，又且父親親筆遺囑，那個還肯多嘴，做閒冤家？都將好看的話兒來說。那奉承善繼的說道：「『千金難買亡人筆』。照依分關，再沒話了。」就是那可憐善述母子的，也只說道：「『男子不吃分時飯，女子不著嫁時衣』。多少白手成家的，如今有屋住，有田種，不算沒根基了，只要自去掙持。得粥莫嫌薄，各人自有個命在。」 Mei Shi thought it over carefully, fearing that Shanji might still be angry. So she sent the young servant girl in to convey her message, saying that the young student did not understand worldly matters and had unintentionally offended his elder brother, causing trouble. Shanji remained angry regardless. The next morning, before dawn, he invited several relatives to his home, took out the handwritten division document from their father, and called for Mei Shi and her son to come. After showing it publicly to them, he said, "Respectful elders above, it is not that Shanji refuses to support this mother and child or wants to drive them away. It is because yesterday, Shan Shu argued with me over family property and said many disrespectful things. I fear that as he grows older, his words will become even more numerous. Therefore, today we must separate this mother and child to live elsewhere." One house in the eastern estate, fifty-eight mu of farmland—these are all allocated according to our late father's last will. I have not dared to make any decisions on my own. I humbly request the respected elders here as witnesses." These relatives had long known how ruthless Shanji could be, and since it was the father's own handwritten will, none dared to speak out of turn or cause unnecessary trouble. They all said flattering words in his favor. Those who flattered Shanji said, "A thousand gold pieces cannot buy the writing of a deceased person." "Following the division document, there is no room for further argument." Even those who felt pity for Shan Shu and his mother could only say, "A man should not eat the meal of division; a woman should not wear clothes from her wedding." How many have built their own homes from scratch! Now they have a house to live in and land to farm; it's not as if they lack a foundation. They just need to work hard on their own." "Even if the porridge is thin, don't complain—each person has their own fate."
33	梅氏料道在園屋居住，不是了日，只得聽憑分析，同孩兒謝了眾親長，拜別了祠堂，辭了善繼夫婦，教人搬了幾件舊家火，和那原嫁來的兩隻箱籠，雇了牲口騎坐，來到東莊屋內。只見荒草滿地，屋瓦稀疏，是多年不修整的。上漏下濕，怎生住得？將就打掃一兩間，安頓牀鋪。喚莊戶來問時，連這五十八畝田，都是最下不堪的：大熟之年，一半收成還不能勾；若荒年，只好賠糧。梅氏只叫得苦。到是小學生有智，對母親道：「我弟兄兩個，都是老爹爹親生，為何分關上如此偏向？其中必有緣故。莫非不是老爹爹親筆？自古道：『家私不論尊卑。』母親何不告官申理？厚薄憑官府判斷，到無怨心。」梅氏被孩兒題起線索，便將十來年隱下衷情，都說出來道：「我兒休疑分關之語，這正是你父親之筆。他道你年小，恐怕被做哥的暗算，所以把家私都判與他，以安其心。臨終之日，只與我行樂圖一軸。再三囑咐：『其中含藏啞謎，直待賢明有司在任，送他詳審，包你母子兩口有得過活，不致貧苦。』」善述道：「既有此事，何不早說，行樂圖在那里？快取來與孩兒一看。」梅氏開了箱兒，取出一個布包來。解開包袱，裏面又有一重油紙封裹著。拆了封，展開那一尺闊、三尺長的小軸兒，掛在椅上，母子一齊下拜。梅氏通陳道：「村莊香燭不便，乞恕褻慢。」善述拜罷，起來仔細看時，乃是一個坐像，烏紗白髮，畫得丰采如生，懷中抱著嬰兒，一隻手指著地下。揣摩了半晌，全然不解。只得依舊收卷包藏，心下好生煩悶。 Mei Shi realized that living in the garden house would not be a lasting solution, so she had no choice but to accept the division. She and her child thanked all the elders present, bid farewell at the ancestral shrine, said goodbye to Shanji and his wife, and with people helping them move a few old pieces of furniture and their original dowry trunks, they hired animals for riding and arrived at the house in the eastern estate. They found the place covered with wild grass, its roof tiles sparse—clearly it had not been repaired for many years. Rain leaked from above and dampness seeped up from below; how could they possibly live there? They managed to clean up one or two rooms as best they could and set up their beds. When they asked the local farmers, they learned that even these fifty-eight mu of land were among the worst quality: in a good harvest year, it could barely yield half the expected crop; in a bad year, it would only result in losses. Mei Shi could only sigh and lament her misfortune. It was the young student, however, who showed wisdom. He said to his mother, "My brother and I are both our father's legitimate sons; why is this division so biased?" There must be a reason for it." "Perhaps it is not Father's own handwriting?" As the old saying goes, "Family property knows no rank or status." "Why doesn't Mother take this to court and seek justice?" Let the official decide who is right or wrong; then there will be no lingering resentment." Inspired by her son's words, Mei Shi finally revealed the heartfelt grievances she had kept hidden for over a decade. She said, "My son, don't doubt the division document—this is indeed your father's handwriting. He thought you were still young and feared that his elder son might take advantage of you, so he gave all the family property to him in order to pacify his mind. On his deathbed, he only left me one scroll of my portrait for enjoyment. He repeatedly instructed me, 'It contains a hidden riddle. Only when an upright and wise official is in office should you send it for detailed examination. This will ensure that your mother and I can live comfortably without falling into poverty.'" Shan Shu asked, "If this is true, why didn't you tell me earlier? Where is the portrait scroll?" Quickly bring it out for your son to see." Mei Shi opened the trunk and took out a cloth bundle. When she unwrapped it, there was another layer of oilpaper wrapped inside. After breaking the seal, they unfolded the small scroll, which was one chi wide and three chi long. They hung it on a chair, and mother and son knelt down together to pay their respects. Mei Shi explained, "The village lacks incense and candles for a proper ceremony; I beg your forgiveness for this rudeness." After bowing, Shan Shu stood up and examined it carefully. It was a portrait of an elderly man in black gauze cap with white hair; the painting captured his vitality as if he were alive. He held an infant in his arms, while one finger pointed toward the ground below. He pondered it for a long time but could not understand its meaning at all. With no choice, he rolled up the scroll and put it back in its wrapping, feeling deeply troubled inside.
34	過了數日，善述到前村要訪個師父講解，偶從關王廟前經過。只見一夥村人擡著豬羊大禮，祭賽關聖。善述立住腳頭看時，又見一個過路的老者，拄了一根竹杖，也來閒看，問著眾人道：「你們今日為甚賽神？」眾人道：「我們遭了屈官司，幸賴官府明白，斷明了這公事。向日許下神道願心，今日特來拜償。」老者道：「什麼屈官司？怎生斷的？」內中一人道：「本縣向奉上司明文，十家為甲。小人是甲首，叫做成大。同甲中，有個趙裁，是第一手針線。常在人家做夜作，整幾日不歸家的。忽一日出去了，月餘不歸。老婆劉氏央人四下尋覓，並無蹤跡。又過了數日，河內浮出一個尸首，頭都打破的，地方報與官府。有人認出衣服，正是那趙裁。趙裁出門前一日，曾與小人酒後爭句閒話。一時發怒，打到他家，毀了他幾件家私，這是有的。誰知他老婆把這樁人命告了小人。前任漆知縣，聽信一面之詞，將小人問成死罪。同甲不行舉首，連累他們都有了罪名。小人無處伸冤，在獄三載。」 A few days later, Shan Shu went to the village ahead to visit a master for an explanation. He happened to pass by the Guanwang Temple on his way. He saw a group of villagers carrying pigs and sheep as offerings, holding a grand ceremony to worship Lord Guan. Shan Shu stopped to watch and saw an elderly passerby with a bamboo cane also coming over to look. The old man asked the crowd, "What are you doing today by holding this ceremony?" The villagers replied, "We suffered an unjust lawsuit, but fortunately the authorities were clear-minded and ruled fairly on this matter. We made a vow to the gods back then, so we've come especially today to fulfill our promise." The old man asked, "What was this unjust lawsuit?" How did the authorities rule on it?" One of them said, "Originally, our county followed orders from higher authorities to group ten families into one jia. I am the head of this jia and my name is Cheng Da. In our group, there was a man named Zhao Cai who was the best at sewing. He often worked overtime for other families and would stay away from home for several days at a time. One day, he suddenly went out and did not return for over a month. His wife Liu Shi asked people to search everywhere but found no trace of him. A few more days passed, and a corpse floated out from the river with its head smashed in; local officials reported it to the authorities. Some people recognized his clothes and realized that it was indeed Zhao Cai. The day before Zhao Cai left, he had a minor quarrel with me after drinking alcohol. In a fit of anger, I went to his house and smashed several pieces of his property—this did happen. Little did I know that his wife filed a lawsuit against me for this murder case. The previous county magistrate, Qishi Xian, believed only one side of the story and sentenced me to death. My fellow jia members did not report it, so they were also implicated in the case with criminal charges. I had nowhere to appeal my injustice and spent three years in prison."
35	「幸遇新任滕爺，他雖鄉科出身，甚是明白。小人因他熱審時節哭訴其冤。他也疑惑道：『酒後爭嚷，不是大仇，怎的就謀他一命？』准了小人狀詞，出牌拘人覆審。滕爺一眼看著趙裁的老婆，千不說，萬不說，開口便問他曾否再醮？劉氏道：『家貧難守，已嫁人了。』又問：『嫁的甚人？』劉氏道：『是班輩的裁縫，叫沈八漢。』滕爺當時飛拿沈八漢來問道：『你幾時娶這婦人？』八漢道：『他丈夫死了一個多月，小人方纔娶回。』滕爺道：『何人為媒？用何聘禮？』八漢道：『趙裁存日曾借用過小人七八兩銀子，小人聞得趙裁死信，走到他家探問，就便催取這銀子。那劉氏沒得抵償，情願將身許嫁小人，准折這銀兩，其實不曾央媒。』滕爺又問道：『你做手藝的人，那裡來這七八兩銀子？』八漢道：『是陸續湊與他的。』滕爺把紙筆教他細開逐次借銀數目。八漢開了出來，或米或銀共十三次，湊成七兩八錢之數。」 "Fortunately, we met the newly appointed Magistrate Teng. Though he is from a local examination background, he is very wise and clear-minded. I cried out my injustice during his hot weather review session. He was also puzzled and said, "A quarrel after drinking is not a great grudge—how could it lead to killing him?" He approved my petition, issued an order for the arrest of those involved, and ordered a retrial. Magistrate Teng took one look at Zhao Cai's wife. Without saying anything else, he directly asked if she had ever remarried. Liu Shi replied, "My family was poor and hard to support; I have already remarried." He then asked, "Whom did you remarry?" Liu Shi said, "He was a tailor from the same generation as me, named Shen Bahan." Magistrate Teng immediately ordered Sebahan to be brought in and asked, "When did you marry this woman?" Bahan said, "After her husband had been dead for over a month, I married her back." Magistrate Teng asked, "Who was the matchmaker?" What dowry did you give?" Bahan replied, "Zhao Cai had borrowed about seven or eight taels of silver from me when he was still alive. After I heard the news of his death, I went to his home to inquire and also asked for repayment of this silver. Liu Shi had no means to repay it, so she voluntarily offered herself in marriage to me as compensation for the silver. In fact, there was no matchmaker involved." Magistrate Teng then asked, "As a craftsman, where did you get this seven or eight taels of silver?" Bahan said, "I gave it to him gradually over time." Magistrate Teng handed him paper and brush and ordered him to list in detail the amounts of silver he had lent each time. Bahan listed them out, and it turned out that over thirteen times—either in rice or silver—he had accumulated a total of seven taels and eight qian.
36	「滕爺看罷，大喝道：『趙裁是你打死的，如何妄陷乎人？』便用夾棍夾起，八漢還不肯認。滕爺道：『我說出情弊，教你心服：既然放本盤利，難道再沒第二個人托得，恰好都借與趙裁？必是平昔間與他妻子有奸，趙裁貪你東西，知情故縱。以後想做長久夫妻，便謀死了趙裁。卻又教導那婦人告狀，拈在成大身上。今日你開帳的字，與舊時狀紙筆跡相同，這人命不是你是誰？』再教把婦人拶指，要他承招。劉氏聽見滕爺言語，句句合拍，分明鬼谷先師一般，魂都驚散了，怎敢抵賴。拶子套上，便承認了。八漢只得也招了。原來八漢起初與劉氏密地相好，人都不知。後來往來勤了，趙裁怕人眼目，漸有隔絕之意。八漢私與劉氏商量，要謀死趙裁，與他做夫妻。劉氏不肯。八漢乘趙裁在人家做生活回來，哄他店上吃得爛醉；行到河邊，將他推倒；用石塊打破腦門，沉屍河底。只等事冷，便娶那婦人回去。後因屍骸浮起，被人認出，八漢聞得小人有爭嚷之隙，卻去唆那婦人告狀。那婦人直待嫁後，方知丈夫是八漢謀死的；既做了夫妻，便不言語。卻被滕爺審出真情，將他夫妻抵罪，釋放小人寧家。多承列位親鄰鬬出公分，替小人賽神。老翁，你道有這般冤事麼？」老者道：「恁般賢明官府，真個難遇！本縣百姓有幸了。」 "After reading it, Magistrate Teng shouted angrily, "Zhao Cai was killed by you—how dare you falsely accuse someone else?" He immediately had Bahan put in the leg clamps, but Bahan still refused to admit it. Magistrate Teng said, "I will explain the truth so you can be convinced: If you were lending money at interest, how could it be that no one else asked for a loan but only Zhao Cai?" It must have been the case that you had an affair with his wife. Zhao Cai coveted your belongings, and knowing this, he deliberately let it happen. Later, in order to become a permanent couple, you plotted the murder of Zhao Cai. Yet you also taught that woman to file a lawsuit and falsely implicated Cheng Da. The handwriting on the account records you just wrote is identical to that of the old lawsuit documents—this murder case must be yours, then whose else's could it be?" He then ordered the woman to be put in finger clamps and forced her to confess. Liu Shi, upon hearing Magistrate Teng's words—each one perfectly accurate and as if spoken by a sage from Ghost Valley—was so frightened that her soul seemed to scatter; she dared not deny it any longer. As soon as the finger clamps were applied, she admitted everything. Bahan had no choice but to confess as well. It turned out that Bahan and Liu Shi had secretly been in a relationship from the beginning, unknown to anyone else. Later, as their meetings became more frequent, Zhao Cai feared people's suspicion and gradually began to show signs of cutting them off. Bahan secretly discussed with Liu Shi the plan to kill Zhao Cai so they could be married. Liu Shi refused. Bahan took advantage of Zhao Cai returning home from working at a client's house, tricked him into drinking heavily at an inn until he was completely drunk; when they reached the riverbank, Bahan pushed him down and used stones to smash his head before sinking his body in the river. He only had to wait for the matter to cool down before taking that woman back as his wife. Later, when the corpse floated up and was recognized by someone, Bahan heard that I had a quarrel with Zhao Cai and went to incite the woman to file a lawsuit. The woman only found out after she had married Bahan that her husband was murdered by him; since they were now married, she said nothing. But Magistrate Teng uncovered the truth and punished both Bahan and his wife for their crimes, releasing me to return home in peace. I am greatly indebted to all of you neighbors who stood up for justice and helped me hold this ceremony to repay the gods. Old man, do you believe there was such an injustice?" The old man said, "Such a wise and upright official is truly hard to find! The people of this county are indeed fortunate."
37	倪善述聽在肚裡，便回家學與母親知道，如此如此，這般這般：「有恁地好官府，不將行樂圖去告訴，更待何時？」母子商議已定。打聽了放告日期，梅氏起個黑早，領著十四歲的兒子，帶了軸兒，來到縣中叫喊。大尹見沒有狀詞，只有一個小小軸兒，甚是奇怪，問其緣故。梅氏將倪善繼平昔所為，及老子臨終遺囑，備細說了。滕知縣收了軸子，教他：「且去，待我進衙細看。」正是： Ni Shan Shu, having heard this in his heart, returned home and told his mother about it, explaining the situation in detail: "There is such a good official. If we don't go to report with the portrait scroll now, when else will we do it?" The mother and son had already made their decision. After inquiring about the date for accepting petitions, Mei Shi rose very early and led her fourteen-year-old son with the scroll to the county office, shouting loudly. The magistrate saw that there was no written petition, only a small scroll, and found it very strange. He asked them for the reason. Mei Shi gave a detailed account of Ni Shanji's past actions and her late husband's final instructions before his death. Magistrate Teng received the scroll and told them, "Go ahead for now; I will examine it carefully in my office." Indeed:
38	一幅畫圖藏啞謎，千金家事仗搜尋。 A single painting hides a silent riddle, A thousand-gold family matter relies on thorough investigation.
39	只因嫠婦孤兒苦，費盡神明大尹心。 It is only because of the hardship endured by this widow and her orphaned child that it took all the wisdom and effort of a great magistrate to resolve.
40	不題梅氏母子回家。且說滕大尹放告已畢，退歸私衙，取那一尺闊、三尺長的小軸，看是倪太守行樂圖：一手抱個嬰孩，一手指著地下。推詳了半日，想道：「這個嬰孩就是倪善述，不消說了。那一手指地，莫非要有司官念他地下之情，替他出力麼？」又想道：「他既有親筆分關，官府也難做主了。他說軸中含藏啞謎，必然還有個道理。若我斷不出此事，枉自聰明一世。」每日退堂，便將畫圖展玩，千思萬想。如此數日，只是不解。 We will not dwell on Mei Shi and her son returning home. Let us instead speak of Magistrate Teng, who had finished accepting petitions and returned to his private office. He took out the small scroll one chi wide and three chi long, which was Ni Taishou's portrait for enjoyment: one hand holding an infant, the other pointing toward the ground. After pondering it all day, he thought to himself, "This infant must be Ni Shan Shu; there's no need to say more. Could it be that the finger pointing toward the ground means he wants an upright official to take pity on his buried feelings and help him?" He then thought, "Since there is a handwritten division document from the father himself, it would be hard for officials to intervene. He said that the scroll contains a hidden riddle—there must be some deeper meaning behind it. If I cannot solve this case, all my wisdom will have been in vain." Every day after court adjourned, he would take out the painting to examine and ponder it endlessly. After several days like this, he still could not figure it out.
41	也是這事合當明白，自然生出機會來。一日午飯後，又去看那軸子。丫鬟送茶來吃，將一手去接茶甌，偶然失挫，潑了些茶把軸子沾濕了。滕大尹放了茶甌，走向階前，雙手扯開軸子，就日色晒乾。忽然，日光中照見軸子裡面有些字影，滕知縣心疑，揭開看時，乃是一幅字紙，托在畫上，正是倪太守遺筆。上面寫道： It was also destined that the matter would be resolved clearly, and an opportunity naturally arose. One day after lunch, he went to look at the scroll again. A maid came in with tea and, as she handed him the cup, her hand accidentally slipped, spilling some tea onto the scroll. Magistrate Teng set down his teacup and walked to the steps, where he took the scroll in both hands and spread it out in the sunlight to dry. Suddenly, in the sunlight, he noticed some faint characters inside the scroll. Magistrate Teng was puzzled and opened it to find a piece of paper with writing, placed beneath the painting—it turned out to be the handwriting of Governor Ni. Written on it were these words:
42	老夫官居五馬，壽踰八旬。死在旦夕，亦無所恨。但孽子善述，方年週歲，急未成立。嫡善繼素缺孝友，日後恐為所戕。新置大宅二所及一切田產，悉以授繼。惟左偏舊小屋，可分與述。此屋雖小，室中左壁埋銀五千，作五罈；右壁埋銀五千，金一千，作六罈，可以準田園之額。後有賢明有司主斷者，述兒奉酬白金三百兩。八十一翁倪守謙親筆。年月日花押。 An old man who held the rank of Wu Ma, and lived beyond eighty years. Dying at any moment now, I have no regrets. But my wayward son Shanshu is still a child of only seven years old and has not yet grown up. The legitimate heir, Shanji, lacks filial piety and kindness; I fear he may be harmed by him in the future. Two newly built large houses and all other land and property have been given entirely to Shanji. Only the old small house on the left side may be divided for Shanshu. Though this house is small, five thousand taels of silver are buried in the left wall inside the room, divided into five jars; and on the right wall, another five thousand taels of silver and one thousand taels of gold are buried, divided into six jars. This can serve as compensation for the value of farmland and gardens. If in the future there is a wise and upright official who presides over this matter, Shanshu's son shall present three hundred taels of white silver as reward. Handwritten by Ni Shouqian, the eighty-one-year-old elder. With the date and a signature seal.
43	原來這行樂圖，是倪太守八十一歲上與小孩子做週歲時，預先做下的。古人云「知子莫若父」，信不虛也。滕大尹最有機變的人，看見開著許多金銀，未免垂涎之意。眉頭一皺，計上心來，差人：「密拿倪善繼來見我，自有話說。」 It turned out that this painting, "Xingle Tu," was created by Governor Ni when he was eighty-one years old, during a celebration for his young son's first birthday. He had prepared it in advance. As the ancients said, "No one knows one's children better than their father"—this proved to be true indeed. Magistrate Teng was a man of great cunning and resourcefulness; upon seeing so much gold and silver revealed, he could not help but feel tempted. He furrowed his brow for a moment, then an idea came to him. He sent word: "Secretly bring Ni Shanji before me; I have something to say."
44	卻說倪善繼獨罟家私，心滿意足，日日在家中快樂。忽見縣差奉著手批拘喚，時刻不容停留。善繼推阻不得，只得相隨到縣。正直大尹升堂理事，差人稟道：「倪善繼已拿到了。」大尹喚到案前問道：「你就是倪太守的長子麼？」善繼應道：「小人正是。」大尹道：「你庶母梅氏有狀告你，說你逐母逐弟，佔產占房，此事真麼？」倪善繼道：「庶弟善述，在小人身邊，從幼撫養大的。近日他母子自要分居，小人並不曾逐他。其家財一節，都是父親臨終，親筆分析定的，小人並不敢有違。」大尹道：「你父親親筆在那裡？」善繼道：「見在家中，容小人取來呈覽。」大尹道：「他狀詞內告有家財萬貫，非同小可；遺筆真偽，也未可知。念你是縉紳之後，且不難為你。明日可喚齊梅氏母子，我親到你家查閱家私。若厚薄果然不均，自有公道，難以私情而論。」喝教皂快押出善繼，就去拘集梅氏母子，明日一同聽審。公差得了善繼的東道，放他回家去訖，自往東莊拘人去了。 Meanwhile, Ni Shanji, who had exclusive control over the family's assets, was content and happy, spending his days at home in bliss. Suddenly, he saw a county officer arrive with an official order for his arrest, leaving no time to delay. Shanji could not resist and had no choice but to accompany the officer to the county office. Magistrate Teng, who was presiding in court, was informed by an official: "Ni Shanji has been brought here." Magistrate Teng called him forward and asked, "Are you the eldest son of Governor Ni?" Shanji replied, "I am indeed." Magistrate Teng said, "Your stepmother Mei Shi has filed a complaint against you, accusing you of driving away your mother and brother while seizing property and houses. Is this true?" Ni Shanji said, "My stepbrother Shanshu has been living with me since childhood and was raised by me from an early age. Recently, his mother and he themselves wanted to live separately; I never drove them out." As for the family property, it was all divided by my father before his death in a handwritten document; I have not dared to violate this at all." Magistrate Teng asked, "Where is your father's original handwritten document?" Shanji said, "It is at home; please allow me to retrieve it for Your Honor's inspection." Magistrate Teng said, "His complaint mentions tens of thousands in family wealth, a matter not to be taken lightly; the authenticity of this so-called handwritten document is also uncertain. Considering that you are the descendant of an official, I will not trouble you for now. Tomorrow, summon your stepmother and her son; I shall personally go to your home to inspect the family assets." "If there is indeed an unequal distribution, justice will prevail and cannot be decided by personal feelings alone." He ordered the bailiff to take Shanji out in custody, then went to arrest Mei Shi and her son, so they could all appear for trial the next day. The official, having received a bribe from Shanji, released him and returned home; he then went to the eastern estate to arrest others.
45	再說善繼聽見官府口氣利害，好生驚恐。論起家私，其實全未分析，單單持著父親分關執照，千鈞之力，須要親族見證方好。連夜將銀兩分送三黨親長，囑托他次早都到家來。若官府問及遺筆一事，求他同聲相助。這夥三黨之親，自從倪太守亡後，從不曾見善繼一盤一盒，歲時也不曾酒杯相及。今日大塊銀子送來，正是「閒時不燒香，急來抱佛腳」，各各暗笑，落得受了買東西吃。明日見官，旁觀動靜，再作區處。時人有詩云： Meanwhile, upon hearing how serious the officials were being, Shanji became very frightened. As for the family assets, they had actually not been divided at all. He only held his father's handwritten division document; to assert such a powerful claim would require witnesses from among the relatives. He sent silver at night to three influential elders on both sides of his family, asking them to come to his home early the next morning. If officials asked about the handwritten document, he requested their support in unison. These relatives from the three factions had not even once visited Shanji with a single tray of food or gift since Governor Ni's death, nor had they shared wine with him during festivals. Now that a large sum of silver had arrived, it was just as the saying went: "When times are good, you don't burn incense; when in trouble, you kneel before the Buddha." Each secretly laughed to themselves and accepted the bribe with pleasure. They decided that tomorrow they would appear before the official, observe what happened, and then decide their next move. At this time, there was a poem which said:
46	休嫌庶母妄興詞，自是為兄意太私。 Do not blame the stepmother for falsely filing a complaint; it is truly because the elder brother's intentions were too selfish.
47	今日將銀買三黨，何如疋絹贈孤兒？ Now he uses silver to buy support from three factions—how much better would it have been to give a bolt of silk as a gift to the orphan?
48	且說梅氏見縣差拘喚，已知縣主與他做主。過了一夜，次日侵早，母子二人，先到縣中去見滕大尹。大尹道：「憐你孤兒寡婦，自然該替你說法。但聞得善繼執得有亡父親筆分關，這怎麼處？」梅氏道：「分關雖寫得有，卻是保全孩子之計，非出亡夫本心。恩相只看家私簿上數目，自然明白。」大尹道：「常言道：『清官難斷家事。』我如今管你母子一生衣食充足，你也休做十分大望。」梅氏謝道：「若得免於饑寒足矣，豈望與善繼同作富家郎乎？」滕大尹吩咐梅氏母子：「先到善繼家伺候。」 Meanwhile, Mei Shi, upon seeing that county officials had come for her arrest, realized that the magistrate was taking her side. After a night of waiting, early the next morning, mother and son arrived at the county office to meet Magistrate Teng. Magistrate Teng said, "I feel sympathy for you as a widow and orphan; naturally, I should stand up for your rights. "But I have heard that Shanji holds his late father's handwritten division document—how can this be resolved?" Mei Shi said, "Although the division document was written, it was done to protect my child and not in accordance with my late husband's true intentions. Your Honor only needs to look at the records of family property; it will all become clear." Magistrate Teng said, "As the saying goes: 'Even a just official finds it hard to judge family matters.' "I can now ensure that you and your son have enough food and clothing for life, but do not expect too much." Mei Shi bowed in thanks and said, "If I can merely avoid hunger and cold, it will be enough. How could I dare to hope for equality with Shanji as a wealthy man?" Magistrate Teng instructed Mei Shi and her son: "First, go to Shanji's home and wait there."
49	倪善繼早已打掃廳堂，堂上設一把虎皮交椅，焚起一爐好香。一面催請親族：「早來守候。」梅氏和善述到來，見十親九眷都在眼前，一一相見了，也不免說幾句求情的話兒。善繼雖然一肚子惱怒，此時也不好發泄。各各暗自打點見官的說話。 Ni Shanji had already cleaned the hall, placing a tiger-skin armchair on the dais and burning a censer of fine incense. At the same time, he urged his relatives: "Come early to wait." When Mei Shi and Shanshu arrived, they saw that nearly all the relatives were present. After greeting each one, they could not help but say a few words of pleading. Although Ni Shanji was filled with anger inside, he dared not let it show at this moment. Everyone secretly prepared their words for the official hearing.
50	等不多時，只聽得遠遠喝道之聲，料是縣主來了。善繼整頓衣帽迎接；親族中，年長知事的，准備上前見官；其幼輩怕事的，都站在照壁背後張望，打探消耗。只見一對對執事兩班排立，後面青羅傘下，蓋著有才有智的滕大尹。到得倪家門首，執事跪下，吆喝一聲。梅氏和倪家兄弟，都一齊跪下來迎接。門子喝聲：「起去！」轎夫停了五山屏風轎子，滕大尹不慌不忙，踱下轎來。將欲進門，忽然對著空中，連連打恭；口里應對，恰像有主人相迎的一般。眾人都吃驚，看他做甚模樣。只見滕大尹一路揖讓，直到堂中。連作數揖，口中敘許多寒溫的言語。先向朝南的虎皮交椅上打個恭，恰像有人看坐的一般，連忙轉身，就拖一把交椅，朝北主位排下；又向空再三謙讓，方纔上坐。眾人看他見神見鬼的模樣，不敢上前，都兩旁站立呆看。只見滕大尹在上坐拱揖，開談道：「令夫人將家產事告到晚生手裡，此事端的如何？」說罷，便作傾聽之狀。良久，乃搖首吐舌道：「長公子太不良了。」靜聽一會，又自說道：「教次公子何以存活？」停一會，又說道：「右偏小屋，有何活計？」又連聲道：「領教，領教。」又停一時，說道：「這項也交付次公子？晚生都領命了。」少停又拱揖道：「晚生怎敢當此厚惠？」推遜了多時，又道：「既承尊命懇切，晚生勉領，便給批照與次公子收執。」乃起身，又連作數揖，口稱：「晚生便去。」眾人都看得呆了。 They did not have to wait long before they heard, from afar, the sound of an approaching procession—surely the magistrate had arrived. Shanji adjusted his clothes and hat to greet him; among the relatives, those who were older and more experienced prepared to step forward to meet the official. The younger ones, afraid of trouble, stood behind the screen wall peering out and eavesdropping on what was happening. They saw rows of attendants standing in formation, and behind them, under a green silk umbrella, sat Magistrate Teng, known for his wisdom and ability. When they arrived at the entrance of Ni's home, the attendants knelt down and shouted a command. Mei Shi and the brothers from the Ni family all knelt together to greet him. The gatekeeper shouted, "Rise!" The sedan bearers stopped the five-paned palanquin. Magistrate Teng stepped down from it calmly and unhurriedly. As he was about to enter the gate, he suddenly bowed repeatedly toward the air, responding as if greeting a host. Everyone was surprised and watched curiously at what he was doing. They saw Magistrate Teng bowing and yielding the way all the way to the hall. He bowed several times, speaking many courteous words of greeting. First, he bowed toward the tiger-skin armchair facing south as if someone were already seated there. Hurriedly turning around, he pulled over another chair and placed it in front of the main northern seat. He then repeatedly yielded to the empty space before finally sitting down. Everyone watched as he behaved as if seeing spirits and ghosts, too frightened to approach, so they just stood on either side in stunned silence. Magistrate Teng, seated above and bowing his hands in greeting, began the conversation by saying, "Your lady has brought a complaint about family property to me. How exactly did this matter arise?" After speaking, he assumed an attentive posture as if listening. After a long pause, he shook his head and stuck out his tongue, saying, "The eldest son is truly wicked." After listening in silence for a while, he continued speaking to himself: "How can the younger son survive?" He paused for a moment and then said, "What kind of livelihood is there in that small house on the right side?" Then he repeated several times: "I see, I see." After another pause, he said, "Should this also be handed over to the younger son?" "I have received your instructions." After a brief pause, he bowed again and said, "How could I dare accept such great kindness?" After much modesty, he added, "Since you have so kindly and earnestly given your command, I shall accept it with reluctance. I will issue an official document for the younger son to hold." He then rose and bowed several times, saying, "I shall take my leave now." Everyone was so stunned that they could hardly believe what they had seen.
51	只見滕大尹立起身來，東看西看，問道：「倪爺那里去了？」門子稟道：「沒見甚麼倪爺。」滕大尹道：「有此怪事？」喚善繼問道：「方纔令尊老先生，親在門外相迎；與我對坐了，講這半日說話，你們諒必都聽見的。」善繼道：「小人不曾聽見。」滕大尹道：「方纔長長的身兒，瘦瘦的臉兒，高顴骨，細眼睛，長眉大耳，朗朗的三牙鬚，銀也似白的，紗帽皂靴，紅袍金帶，可是倪老先生模樣麼？」唬得眾人一身冷汗，都跪下道：「正是他生前模樣。」大尹道：「如何忽然不見了？他說家中有兩處大廳堂，又東邊舊存下一所小屋，可是有的？」善繼也不敢隱瞞，只得承認道：「有的。」大尹道：「且到東邊小屋去一看，自有話說。」眾人見大尹半日自言自語，說得活龍活現，分明是倪太守模樣，都信道倪太守真個出現了。人人吐舌，個個驚心。誰知都是滕大尹的巧言，他是看了行樂圖，照依小像說來，何曾有半句是真話！有詩為證： They saw Magistrate Teng stand up, looking around to the east and west, and ask, "Where is Master Ni?" The gatekeeper replied, "I haven't seen any Master Ni." Magistrate Teng said in surprise, "How strange is this?" He called for Shanji and asked, "Just now your late father personally welcomed me at the gate. We sat together and spoke for a long time—surely you all heard it." Shanji replied, "I did not hear anything." Magistrate Teng asked, "Just now there was a tall figure with a thin face, high cheekbones, narrow eyes, long eyebrows and large ears, with neatly trimmed white beard as silver-like, wearing a gauze hat, black boots, red robe, and golden sash—was that not the appearance of Master Ni?" The people were so frightened they broke out in cold sweat and all knelt down, saying, "That was indeed his appearance when he was alive." Magistrate Teng said, "How could he suddenly disappear?" "He mentioned there were two large halls in the house, and on the east side an old small house remained—is that true?" Shanji dared not conceal it and had to admit, "Yes, there is." Magistrate Teng said, "Let us go take a look at the small house on the east side. I have something to say." The people saw Magistrate Teng speaking to himself for the whole day, describing everything vividly and clearly in the manner of Master Ni. They all believed that Master Ni had truly appeared. Everyone stuck out their tongues in amazement; each person was deeply shocked. Little did they know that all of this was Magistrate Teng's clever words. He had merely looked at the portrait and described it according to the small likeness—how could any of his words be true? There is a poem as evidence:
52	聖賢自是空題目，惟有鬼神不敢觸。 Sages and virtuous men are but empty subjects; only ghosts and gods dare not be approached.
53	若非大尹假裝詞，逆子如何肯心服？ If it were not for Magistrate Teng's pretended words, how could the rebellious son possibly submit willingly?
54	倪善繼引路，眾人隨著大尹，來到東偏舊屋內。這舊屋是倪太守未得第時所居，自從造了大廳大堂，把舊屋空著，只做個倉廳，堆積些零碎米麥在內，留下一房家人。看見大尹前後走了一遍，到正屋中坐下，向善繼道：「你父親果是有靈，家中事體，備細與我說了，教我主張，這所舊宅子與善述，你意下何如？」善繼叩頭道：「但憑恩臺明斷。」大尹討家私簿子細細看了，連聲道：「也好個大家事。」看到後面遺筆分關，大笑道：「你家老先生自家寫定的，方纔卻又在我面前，說善繼許多不是，這個老先兒也是沒主意的。」喚倪善繼過來，「既然分關寫定，這些田園帳目，一一給你，善述不許妄爭。」梅氏暗暗叫苦，方欲上前哀求，只見大尹又道：「這舊屋判與善述，此屋中之所有，善繼也不許妄爭。」善繼想道：「這屋內破家破火，不直甚事。便堆下些米麥，一月前都糶得七八了，存不多兒，我也勾便宜了。」便連連答應道：「恩臺所斷極明。」大尹道：「你兩人一言為定，各無反悔。眾人既是親族，都來做個證見。方纔倪老先生當面囑咐說：『此屋左壁下，埋金五千兩，做五罈，當與次兒。』」善繼不信，稟道：「若果然如此，即使萬金，亦是兄弟的，小人並不敢爭執。」大尹道：「你就爭執時，我也不准。」 Ni Shanji led the way, and with everyone following Magistrate Teng, they arrived at the old side house on the east. This old house was where Master Ni lived before he passed the imperial examination. Ever since they built the large hall and main chamber, this old house had been left empty, used only as a storage room for some scattered grains of rice and wheat, with one servant family remaining there. After seeing Magistrate Teng walk through the house front and back, he sat down in the main room and said to Shanji, "If your father is indeed a spirit with presence, he has told me in great detail about all matters of the household and instructed me to make decisions. I propose that this old residence be given to Shanxu—what do you think?" Shanji knelt and bowed, saying, "I leave it entirely to Your Honor's wise judgment." Magistrate Teng took the household register and examined it carefully, repeatedly saying, "What a fine large estate this is." When he saw the later handwritten division records, he laughed and said, "Your late master himself wrote these arrangements. Yet just now in front of me, he criticized Shanji for many faults—this old man was really indecisive." He called Ni Shanji over and said, "Since the division records are already written and settled, I will give you these fields and property accounts one by one. Shanxu must not make any false claims." Mei Shi secretly groaned in distress, just about to step forward and plead when she saw Magistrate Teng say again, "This old house shall be given to Shanxu. Whatever is inside this house, Shanji must not make any false claims." Shanji thought to himself, "This house is full of broken things and ashes; it's not worth much at all. There might be some rice and grain stored there, but most of it had been sold for seven or eight parts a month ago. Not much remains now; I have already gained enough at a bargain." He then repeatedly replied, "Your Honor's judgment is most just." Magistrate Teng said, "The two of you settle this with one word; neither shall regret it later. Since all of you are relatives, come forward and serve as witnesses." "Just now, Master Ni gave his instructions in person: 'Under the left wall of this house are buried five thousand taels of gold, divided into five jars, which should be given to my second son.'" Shanji did not believe it and replied, "If this is indeed true, even if there were ten thousand taels of gold in there, they would belong to my brother. I dare not quarrel over them." Magistrate Teng said, "Even if you were to argue about it, I will not allow it."
55	便教手下討鋤頭、鐵鍬等器，梅氏母子作眼，率領民壯，往東壁下掘開墻基，果然埋下五個大罈。發起來時，罈中滿滿的，都是光銀子。把一罈銀子上秤稱時，算來該是六十二斤半，剛剛一千兩足數。眾人看見，無不驚訝。善繼益發信真了：「若非父親陰靈出現，面訴縣主，這個藏銀，我們尚且不知，縣主那裡知道？」只見滕大尹教把五罈銀子一字兒擺在自家面前，又吩咐梅氏道：「右壁還有五罈，亦是五千之數。更有一罈金子，方纔倪老先生有命，送我作酬謝之意，我不敢當，他再三相強，我只得領了。」梅氏同善述叩頭說道：「左壁五千，已出望外；若右壁更有，敢不依先人之命。」大尹道：「我何似知之？據你家老先生是恁般說，想不是虛話。」再教人發掘西壁，果然六個大罈，五罈是銀，一罈是金。善繼看著許多黃白之物，眼裡都放出火來，恨不得搶他一錠；只是有言在前，一字也不敢開口。滕大尹寫個照帖，給與善述為照，就將這房家人，判與善述母子。梅氏同善述不勝之喜，一同叩頭拜謝。善繼滿肚不樂，也只得磕幾個頭，勉強說句：「多謝恩臺主張。」大尹判幾條封皮，將一罈金子封了，放在自己轎前，擡回衙內，落得受用。眾人都認道真個倪太守許下酬謝他的，反以為理之當然，那個敢道個「不」字？這正叫做「鷸蚌相持，漁人得利」。若是倪善繼存心忠厚，兄弟和睦，肯將家私平等分析，這千兩黃金，弟兄大家該五百兩，怎到得滕大尹之手？白白裡作成了別人，自己還討得氣悶，又加個不孝不弟之名，千算萬計，何曾算計得他人，只算計得自家而已！閒話休題。再說梅氏母子，次日又到縣拜謝滕大尹。大尹已將行樂圖取去遺筆，重新裱過，給還梅氏收領。梅氏母子方悟行樂圖上，一手指地，乃指地下所藏之金銀也。此時有了這十罈銀子，一般置買田園，遂成富室。後來善述娶妻，連生三子，讀書成名。倪氏門中，只有這一枝極盛。善繼兩個兒子，都好遊蕩，家業耗廢。善繼死後，兩所大宅子，都賣與叔叔善述管業。里中凡曉得倪家之事本末的，無不以為天報云。詩曰： He then ordered his subordinates to bring hoes, iron spades and other tools. With the mother and son Mei watching, he led a group of local men to dig at the base of the east wall. Indeed, they found five large jars buried there. When they dug them up, each jar was full of bright silver coins. When one jar of silver was placed on the scale, it weighed exactly 62.5 catties, precisely a thousand taels in total. Everyone who saw this could not help but be astonished. Shanji became even more convinced, saying, "If it were not for my father's spirit appearing and personally informing the county magistrate, we would still be unaware of this hidden silver. How could the magistrate have known?" Just then, Magistrate Teng ordered the five jars of silver to be placed in a row before himself. He also instructed Mei Shi, "There are another five jars on the right wall, which amount to another five thousand taels. "There is also one jar of gold. Just now, Master Ni ordered it to be given to me as a token of appreciation. I dared not accept at first, but he insisted repeatedly, so I had no choice but to take it." Mei Shi and Shanxu knelt down and said, "The five thousand taels from the left wall are already beyond our expectations; if there is more on the right side, we would not dare to disobey our ancestor's command." Magistrate Teng said, "How could I possibly know about it?" "It was your late master who told me so. It must not be a lie." He then ordered people to dig up the west wall again, and indeed they found six large jars—five of silver and one of gold. Shanji looked at all the yellow and white treasures, his eyes blazing with desire. He longed to snatch even a single ingot; yet because of his earlier promise, he dared not utter a word. Magistrate Teng wrote an official document and gave it to Shanxu as proof, then assigned the servant family in that house to Shanxu and his mother. Mei Shi and Shanxu were overjoyed and knelt together, bowing repeatedly in gratitude. Shanji was full of discontent but had no choice but to kneel and bow a few times, forcing himself to say, "Thank you, Your Honor, for your judgment." Magistrate Teng prepared several seals and had one jar of gold sealed, placing it in front of his palanquin. He was carried back to the yamen, enjoying the spoils for himself. Everyone believed that Master Ni's spirit had indeed promised him this reward, and they all thought it was only natural. Who would dare to say a single "No"? This is exactly what is called "When the clam and the sandpiper contend, the fisherman gains the benefit." If Ni Shanji had been sincere and kind-hearted, maintaining harmony with his brothers and willing to divide the family property fairly, this thousand taels of gold should have been shared equally between the brothers—each receiving five hundred taels. How could it have ended up in Magistrate Teng's hands? He unintentionally helped someone else, while he himself ended up feeling frustrated and even earned a reputation for being disrespectful to his parents and unfilial toward his brothers. No matter how much he schemed, he never managed to outwit others; in the end, he only deceived himself! Let us set aside these idle remarks. Now let us return to Mei Shi and her son, who the next day went again to the county office to thank Magistrate Teng. Magistrate Teng had already retrieved the portrait with the handwritten notes, had it remounted and restored, and returned it to Mei Shi for safekeeping. At this point, Mei Shi and her son finally realized that the finger pointing downward on the portrait was indicating the buried gold and silver underground. With these ten jars of silver, they were able to purchase fields and properties, thus becoming a wealthy household. Later, Shanxu married and had three sons in succession, all of whom became famous through their studies. Among the Ni family lineage, this was the only branch that flourished greatly. Shanji's two sons were both fond of idling and wandering about, leading to the gradual waste and decline of their family estate. After Shanji's death, both large houses were sold to his uncle Shanxu for management. Everyone in the neighborhood who knew the full story of the Ni family could not help but regard it as a just reward from heaven. A poem says:
56	從來天道有何私，堪笑倪郎心太癡。 From ancient times, the way of Heaven has been impartial; It is pitiful that Master Ni was so foolish in his heart.
57	忍以嫡兄欺庶母，卻教死父算生兒。 He dared to mistreat his stepmother by bullying his elder brother, Yet he expected the dead father to account for him as a living son.
58	軸中藏字非無意，壁下埋金屬有司。 The hidden words in the scroll were not without meaning; The buried gold beneath the wall was entrusted to those in charge.
59	何似存些公道好，不生爭競不興詞。 How much better it would have been to maintain some sense of fairness, Avoiding disputes and lawsuits altogether.