CHAPTER X
The Incredible Obtuseness of Those who had Opposed the Virtuous Kai Lung
It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung andHwa-mei met about the shutter, for the Mandarin's importunity haddisturbed the harmonious balance of their fixed arrangement. As thestory-teller left the inner chamber a message of understanding, veiledfrom those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and socomplete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spokenword their plans were understood. Li-loe's acquiescence had beensecured by the bestowal of a flask of wine (provided already byHwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper hadindicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speakingopenly of any vaster store.
"Let the bitterness of this one's message be that which is firstspoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrancemay be devoid of sting. A star has shone across my mediocre path whichnow an envious cloud has conspired to obscure. This meeting willdoubtless be our last."
Then replied Kai Lung from the darkness of the space above, his voiceunhurried as its wont:
"If this is indeed the end, then to the spirits of the destinies Iprostrate myself in thanks for those golden hours that have gonebefore, and had there been no others to recall then would I equallyaccount myself repaid in life and death by this."
"My words ascend with yours in a pale spiral to the bosom of theuniversal mother," Hwa-mei made response. "I likewise am content,having tasted this felicity."
"There is yet one other thing, esteemed, if such a presumption is tobe endured," Kai Lung ventured to request. "Each day a stone has beendisplaced from off the wall and these now lie about your gentle feet.If you should inconvenience yourself to the extent of standing uponthe mound thus raised, and would stretch up your hand, I, leaningforth, could touch it with my finger-tips."
"This also will I dare to do and feel it no reproach," repliedHwa-mei; thus for the first time their fingers met.
"Let me now continue the ignoble message that my unworthy lips mustbear," resumed the maiden, with a gesture of refined despair."Ming-shu and Shan Tien, recognizing a mutual need in each, haveagreed to forego their wordy strife and have entered upon a commoncause. To mark this reconciliation the Mandarin to-morrow night willmake a feast of wine and song in honour of Ming-shu and into thisassembly you will be led, bound and wearing the wooden cang, tocontribute to their offensive mirth. To this end you will not bearraigned to-morrow, but on the following morning at a special courtswift sentence will be passed and carried out, neither will Shan Tiensuffer any interruption nor raise an arresting hand."
The darkness by this time encompassed them so that neither could seethe other's face, but across the scent-laden air Hwa-mei was consciousof a subtle change, as of a poise or the tightening of a responsivecord.
"This is the end?" she whispered up, unable to sustain. "Ah, is it notthe end?"
"In the high wall of destiny that bounds our lives there is ever ahidden gap to which the Pure Ones may guide our unconscious stepsperchance, if they see fit to intervene. . . . So that to-morrow,being the eleventh of the Moon of Gathering-in, is to be celebrated bythe noble Mandarin with song and wine? Truly the nimble-wittedMing-shu must have slumbered by the way!"
"Assuredly he has but now returned from a long journey."
"Haply he may start upon a longer. Have the musicians been commandedyet?"
"Even now one goes to inform the leader of their voices and to bid himhold his band in readiness."
"Let it be your continual aim that nothing bars their progress. Wheredoes that just official dwell of whom you lately spoke?"
"The Censor K'o-yih, he who rebuked Shan Tien's ambitions and made himmend his questionable life? His yamen is about the Three-eyed Gate ofTai, a half-day's journey to the south."
"The lines converge and the issues of Shan Tien, Ming-shu and we wholinger here will presently be brought to a very decisive point whereeach must play a clear-cut part. To that end is your purpose firm?"
"Lay your commands," replied Hwa-mei steadfastly, "and measure not theburden of their weight."
"It is well," agreed Kai Lung. "Let Shan Tien give the feast and thetime of acquiescence will have passed. . . . The foothold of to-morrowlooms insecure, yet a very pressing message must meanwhile reach yourhands."
"At the feast?"
"Thus: about the door of the inner hall are two great jars of shiningbrass, one on either side, and at their approach a step. Being led, atthat step I shall stumble. . . . the message you will thereafter findin the jar from which I seek support."
"It shall be to me as your spoken word. Alas! the moment of recall isalready here."
"Doubt not; we stand on the edge of an era that is immeasurable. Forthat emergency I now go to consult the spirits who have so far guidedus."
On the following day at an evening hour Kai Lung received an imperioussummons to accompany one who led him to the inner courts. Yet neitherthe cords about his arms nor the pillory around his neck could containthe gladness of his heart. From within came the sounds of instrumentsof wood and string with the measured beating of a drum; nothing hadfallen short, for on that forbidden day, incredibly blind to thedepths of his impiety, the ill-starred Mandarin Shan Tien was havingmusic!
"Gall of a misprocured she-mule!" exclaimed the unsympathetic voice ofthe one who had charge of him, and the rope was jerked to quicken hisloitering feet. In an effort to comply Kai Lung missed the step thatcrossed his path and stumbling blindly forward would have fallen hadhe not struck heavily against a massive jar of lacquered brass, one oftwo that flanked the door.
"Thy province is to tell a tale rather than to dance a grotesque, as Iunderstand the matter," said the attendant, mollified by theamusement. "In any case, restrain thy admitted ardour for a while;the call is not yet for us."
From a group that stood apart some distance from the door one movedforth and leisurely crossed the hall. Kai Lung's wounded head ceasedto pain him.
"What slave is this," she demanded of the other in a slow and leveltone, "and wherefore do the two of you intrude on this occasion?"
"The exalted lord commands that this one of the prisoners shouldattend here thus, to divert them with his fancies, he having a certainwit of the more foolish kind. Kai Lung, the dog's name is."
"Approach yet nearer to the inner door," enjoined the maiden,indicating the direction; "so that when the message comes there shallbe no inept delay." As they moved off to obey she stood in languidunconcern, leaning across the opening of a tall brass vase, one handswinging idly in its depths, until they reached their station. KaiLung did not need his eyes to know.
Presently the music ceased, and summoned to appear in turn, Kai Lungstood forth among the guests. On the right hand of the Mandarinreclined the base Ming-shu, his mind already vapoury with the fumes ofwine, the secret malice of his envious mind now boldly leaping fromhis eyes.
"The overrated person now about to try your refined patience to itslimit is one who calls himself Kai Lung," declared Ming-shuoffensively. "From an early age he has combined minstrelsy with otherand more lucrative forms of crime. It is the boast of thiscontumacious mendicant that he can recite a story to fit any set ofcircumstances, this, indeed, being the only merit claimed for hisfeeble entertainment. The test selected for your tolerant amusement onthis very second-rate occasion is that he relates the story of apresuming youth who fixes his covetous hopes upon one so far above hisdegraded state that she and all who behold his uncouth efforts areconsumed by helpless laughter. Ultimately he is to be delivered to asevere but well-earned death by a conscientious official whoseleisurely purpose is to possess the maiden for himself. Althoughoccasionally bordering on the funereal, the details of the narrativeare to be of a light and gravity-removing nature on the whole.Proceed."
The story-teller made obeisance towards the Mandarin, whose facemeanwhile revealed a complete absence of every v
ariety of emotion.
"Have I your genial permission to comply, nobility?" he asked.
"The word is spoken," replied Shan Tien unwillingly. "Let the vaunt bejustified."
"I obey, High Excellence. This involves the story of Hien and theChief Examiner."
The Story of Hien and the Chief Examiner
In the reign of the Emperor K'ong there lived at Ho Chow an officialnamed Thang-li, whose degree was that of Chief Examiner of LiteraryCompetitions for the district. He had an only daughter, Fa Fei, whosemind was so liberally stored with graceful accomplishments as to giverise to the saying that to be in her presence was more refreshing thanto sit in a garden of perfumes listening to the wisdom of sevenelderly philosophers, while her glossy floating hair, skin of crystallustre, crescent nails and feet smaller and more symmetrical than anopening lotus made her the most beautiful creature in all Ho Chow.Possessing no son, and maintaining an open contempt towards all hisnearer relations, it had become a habit for Thang-li to converse withhis daughter almost on terms of equality, so that she was notsurprised on one occasion, when, calling her into his presence, hegraciously commanded her to express herself freely on whatever subjectseemed most important in her mind.
"The Great Middle Kingdom in which we live is not only inhabited bythe most enlightened, humane and courteous-minded race, but is itselffittingly the central and most desirable point of the Universe,surrounded by other less favoured countries peopled by races ofpig-tailless men and large-footed women, all destitute of refinedintelligence," replied Fa Fei modestly. "The sublime Emperor is of allpersons the wisest, purest and--"
"Undoubtedly," interrupted Thang-li. "These truths are of gem-likebrilliance, and the ears of a patriotic subject can never be closed tothe beauty and music of their ceaseless repetition. Yet between fatherand daughter in the security of an inner chamber there not unnaturallyarise topics of more engrossing interest. For example, now that youare of a marriageable age, have your eyes turned in the direction ofany particular suitor?"
"Oh, thrice-venerated sire!" exclaimed Fa Fei, looking vainly roundfor some attainable object behind which to conceal her honourableconfusion, "should the thoughts of a maiden dwell definitely on amatter of such delicate consequence?"
"They should not," replied her father; "but as they invariably do, thespeculation is one outside our immediate concern. Nor, as it is yourwonted custom to ascend upon the outside roof at a certain hour of themorning, is it reasonable to assume that you are ignorant of themovements of the two young men who daily contrive to linger beforethis in no way attractive residence without any justifiable pretext."
"My father is all-seeing," replied Fa Fei in a commendable spirit ofdutiful acquiescence, and also because it seemed useless to deny thecircumstance.
"It is unnecessary," said Thang-li. "Surrounded, as he is, by aretinue of eleven female attendants, it is enough to be all-hearing.But which of the two has impressed you in the more favourable light?"
"How can the inclinations of an obedient daughter affect the matter?"said Fa Fei evasively. "Unless, O most indulgent, it is your amiableintention to permit me to follow the inspiration of my own unfetteredchoice?"
"Assuredly," replied the benevolent Thang-li. "Provided, of course,that the choice referred to should by no evil mischance run in acontrary direction to my own maturer judgment."
"Yet if such an eventuality did haply arise?" persisted Fa Fei.
"None but the irredeemably foolish spend their time in discussing theprobable sensation of being struck by a thunderbolt," said Thang-limore coldly. "From this day forth, also, be doubly guarded in theundeviating balance of your attitude. Restrain the swallow-likeflights of your admittedly brilliant eyes, and control the movementsof your expressive fan within the narrowest bounds of necessity. Thisperson's position between the two is one of exceptional delicacy andhe has by no means yet decided which to favour."
"In such a case," inquired Fa Fei, caressing his pig-tailpersuasively, "how does a wise man act, and by what manner of omens ishe influenced in his decision?"
"In such a case," replied Thang-li, "a very wise man does not act; butmaintaining an impassive countenance, he awaits the unrolling ofevents until he sees what must inevitably take place. It is thus thathis reputation for wisdom is built up."
"Furthermore," said Fa Fei hopefully, "the ultimate pronouncementrests with the guarding deities?"
"Unquestionably," agreed Thang-li. "Yet, by a venerable custom, theesteem of the maiden's parents is the detail to which the suitorsusually apply themselves with the greatest diligence." *
Of the two persons thus referred to by Thang-li, one, Tsin Lung, livedbeneath the sign of the Righteous Ink Brush. By hereditary right TsinLung followed the profession of copying out the more difficultClassics in minute characters upon parchments so small that an entirelibrary could be concealed among the folds of a garment, in thispainstaking way enabling many persons who might otherwise have failedat the public examination, and been driven to spend an idle andperhaps even dissolute life, to pass with honourable distinction tothemselves and widespread credit to his resourceful system. Onegratified candidate, indeed, had compared his triumphal passagethrough the many grades of the competition to the luxurious ease ofbeing carried in a sedan-chair, and from that time Tsin Lung wasjestingly referred to as a "sedan-chair."
It might reasonably be thought that a person enjoying this enviableposition would maintain a loyal pride in the venerable traditions ofhis house and suffer the requirements of his craft to become the fourwalls of his ambition. Alas! Tsin Lung must certainly have been bornunder the influence of a very evil planet, for the literary quality ofhis profession did not entice his imagination at all, and his sole andfrequently-expressed desire was to become a pirate. Nothing but thenecessity of obtaining a large sum of money with which to purchase aformidable junk and to procure the services of a band of capable andbloodthirsty outlaws bound him to Ho Chow, unless, perchance, it mightbe the presence there of Fa Fei after he had once cast his piraticaleye upon her overwhelming beauty.
The other of the two persons was Hien, a youth of studious desires andunassuming manner. His father had been the chief tax-collector of theChunling mountains, beyond the town, and although the exact nature ofthe tax and the reason for its extortion had become forgotten in theprocess of interminable ages, he himself never admitted any doubt ofhis duty to collect it from all who passed over the mountains, eventhough the disturbed state of the country made it impossible for himto transmit the proceeds to the capital. To those who uncharitablyextended the envenomed tongue of suspicion towards the very existenceof any Imperial tax, the father of Hien replied with unshaken loyaltythat in such a case the sublime Emperor had been very treacherouslyserved by his advisers, as the difficulty of the paths and theintricate nature of the passes rendered the spot peculiarly suitablefor the purpose, and as he was accompanied by a well-armed andsomewhat impetuous band of followers, his arguments were inevitablysuccessful. When he Passed Beyond, Hien accepted the leadership, butsolely out of a conscientious respect for his father's memory, for hisheart was never really in the occupation. His time was almost whollytaken up in reading the higher Classics, and even before he had seenFa Fei his determination had been taken that when once he hadsucceeded in passing the examination for the second degree and therebybecome entitled to an inferior mandarinship he would abandon hisformer life forever. From this resolution the entreaties of hisdevoted followers could not shake him, and presently they ceased toargue, being reassured by the fact that although Hien presentedhimself unfailingly for every examination his name appeared at thefoot of each successive list with unvarying frequency. It was at thisperiod that he first came under the ennobling spell of Fa Fei'sinfluence and from that time forth he redoubled his virtuous efforts.
After conversing with her father, as already related, Fa Fei spent theday in an unusually thoughtful spirit. As soon as it was dark shestepped out from the house and v
eiling her purpose under the pretextof gathering some herbs to complete a charm she presently entered agrove of overhanging cedars where Hien had long been awaiting herfootsteps.
"Rainbow of my prosaic existence!" he exclaimed, shaking hands withhimself courteously, "have you yet carried out your bold suggestion?"and so acute was his anxiety for her reply that he continued to holdhis hand unconsciously until Fa Fei turned away her face in verybecoming confusion.
"Alas, O my dragon-hearted one," she replied at length, "I have indeeddared to read the scroll, but how shall this person's inelegant lipsutter so detestable a truth?"
"It is already revealed," said Hien, striving to conceal from her hisbitterness. "When the list of competitors at the late examination ispublicly proclaimed to-morrow at the four gates of the city, the lastname to be announced will again, and for the eleventh time, be that ofthe degraded Hien."
"Beloved," exclaimed Fa Fei, resolved that as she could not honourablydeny that her Hien's name was again indeed the last one to appear shewould endeavour to lead his mind subtly away to the contemplation ofmore pleasurable thoughts, "it is as you have said, but although yourname is the last, it is by far the most dignified andromantic-sounding of all, nor is there another throughout the listwhich can be compared to it for the ornamental grace of its flowingcurves."
"Nevertheless," replied Hien, in a violent access of self-contempt,"it is a name of abandoned omen and is destined only to reach the earsof posterity to embellish the proverb of scorn, 'The lame duck shouldavoid the ploughed field.' Can there--can there by no chance have beensome hope-inspiring error?"
"Thus were the names inscribed on the parchment which after the publicannouncement will be affixed to the Hall of Ten Thousand Lustres,"replied Fa Fei. "With her own unworthy eyes this incapable personbeheld it."
"The name 'Hien' is in no way striking or profound," continued the onein question, endeavouring to speak as though the subject referred tosome person standing at a considerable distance away. "Furthermore, socommonplace and devoid of character are its written outlines that ithas very much the same appearance whichever way up it is lookedat. . . . The possibility that in your graceful confusion you held thelist in such a position that what appeared to be the end was inreality the beginning is remote in the extreme, yet--"
In spite of an absorbing affection Fa Fei could not disguise fromherself that her feelings would have been more pleasantly arranged ifher lover had been inspired to accept his position unquestioningly."There is a detail, hitherto unrevealed, which disposes of all suchamiable suggestions," she replied. "After the name referred to,someone in authority had inscribed the undeniable comment 'As usual.'"
"The omen is a most encouraging one," exclaimed Hien, throwing asideall his dejection. "Hitherto this person's untiring efforts had metwith no official recognition whatever. It is now obvious that far frombeing lost in the crowd he is becoming an object of honourableinterest to the examiners."
"One frequently hears it said, 'After being struck on the head with anaxe it is a positive pleasure to be beaten about the body with awooden club,'" said Fa Fei, "and the meaning of the formerly elusiveproverb is now explained. Would it not be prudent to avail yourself atlength of the admittedly outrageous Tsin Lung's services, so that thisperiod of unworthy trial may be brought to a distinguished close?"
"It is said, 'Do not eat the fruit of the stricken branch,'" repliedHien, "and this person will never owe his success to one who is sodetestable in his life and morals that with every facility for ascholarly and contemplative existence he freely announces hisbarbarous intention of becoming a pirate. Truly the Dragon of Justicedoes but sleep for a little time, and when he awakens all that will beleft of the mercenary Tsin Lung and those who associate with him willscarcely be enough to fill an orange skin."
"Doubtless it will be so," agreed Fa Fei, regretting, however, thatHien had not been content to prophesy a more limited act of vengeance,until, at least, her father had come to a definite decision regardingher own future. "Alas, though, the Book of Dynasties expressly says,'The one-legged never stumble,' and Tsin Lung is so morallyill-balanced that the proverb may even apply to him."
"Do not fear," said Hien. "It is elsewhere written, 'Love and leprosyfew escape,' and the spirit of Tsin Lung's destiny is perhaps even atthis moment lurking unsuspected behind some secret place."
"If," exclaimed a familiar voice, "the secret place alluded to shouldchance to be a hollow cedar-tree of inadequate girth, the unfortunatespirit in question will have my concentrated sympathy."
"Just and magnanimous father!" exclaimed Fa Fei, thinking it moreprudent not to recognize that he had learned of their meeting-placeand concealing himself there had awaited their coming, "when yourabsence was discovered a heaven-sent inspiration led me to this spot.Have I indeed been permitted here to find you?"
"Assuredly you have," replied Thang-li, who was equally desirous ofconcealing the real circumstances, although the difficulty of theposition into which he had hastily and incautiously thrust his body ontheir approach compelled him to reveal himself. "The same inspirationled me to lose myself in this secluded spot, as being the one whichyou would inevitably search."
"Yet by what incredible perversity does it arise, venerable Thang-li,that a leisurely and philosophical stroll should result in a person ofyour dignified proportions occupying so unattractive a position?" saidHien, who appeared to be too ingenuous to suspect Thang-li's craft, inspite of a warning glance from Fa Fei's expressive eyes.
"The remark is a natural one, O estimable youth," replied Thang-li,doubtless smiling benevolently, although nothing of his person couldbe actually seen by Hien or Fa Fei, "but the recital is not devoid ofhumiliation. While peacefully studying the position of the heavensthis person happened to glance into the upper branches of a tree andamong them he beheld a bird's nest of unusual size and richness--onethat would promise to yield a dish of the rarest flavour. Lured on bythe anticipation of so sumptuous a course, he rashly trusted his bodyto an unworthy branch, and the next moment, notwithstanding hisunceasing protests to the protecting Powers, he was impetuouslydeposited within this hollow trunk."
"Not unreasonably is it said, 'A bird in the soup is better than aneagle's nest in the desert,'" exclaimed Hien. "The pursuit of a fairand lofty object is set about with hidden pitfalls to others beyondyou, O noble Chief Examiner! By what nimble-witted act of adroitnessis it now your enlightened purpose to extricate yourself?"
At this admittedly polite but in no way inspiring question a silenceof a very acute intensity seemed to fall on that part of the forest.The mild and inscrutable expression of Hien's face did not vary, butinto Fa Fei's eyes there came an unexpected but not altogetherdisapproving radiance, while, without actually altering, theappearance of the tree encircling Thang-li's form undoubtedly conveyedthe impression that the benevolent smile which might hitherto havebeen reasonably assumed to exist within had been abruptly withdrawn.
"Your meaning is perhaps well-intentioned, gracious Hien," saidThang-li at length, "but as an offer of disinterested assistance yourwords lack the gong-like clash of spontaneous enthusiasm.Nevertheless, if you will inconvenience yourself to the extent ofclimbing this not really difficult tree for a short distance you willbe able to grasp some outlying portion of this one's body without anyexcessive fatigue."
"Mandarin," replied Hien, "to touch even the extremity of yourincomparable pig-tail would be an honour repaying all earthlyfatigue--"
"Do not hesitate to seize it, then," said Thang-li, as Hien paused."Yet, if this person may without ostentation continue the analogy, tograsp him firmly by the shoulders must confer a higher distinction andwould be even more agreeable to his own feelings."
"The proposal is a flattering one," continued Hien, "but my hands arebound down by the decree of the High Powers, for among the mostinviolable of the edicts is it not written: 'Do the lame offer tocarry the footsore; the blind to protect the one-eyed? Distrust thethreadbare person who from an upper back room invit
es you to join himin an infallible process of enrichment; turn aside from the one devoidof pig-tail who says, "Behold, a few drops daily at the hour of themorning sacrifice and your virtuous head shall be again like awell-sown rice-field at the time of harvest"; and towards the passingstranger who offers you that mark of confidence which your friendswithhold close and yet again open a different eye. So shall you growobese in wisdom'?"
"Alas!" exclaimed Thang-li, "the inconveniences of living in an Empirewhere a person has to regulate the affairs of his everyday life by thesacred but antiquated proverbial wisdom of his remote ancestors are byno means trivial. Cannot this possibly mythical obstacle beflattened-out by the amiable acceptance of a jar of sea snails or someother seasonable delicacy, honourable Hien?"
"Nothing but a really well-grounded encouragement as regards Fa Feican persuade this person to regard himself as anything but a solitaryoutcast," replied Hien, "and one paralysed in every useful impulse.Rather than abandon the opportunity of coming to such an arrangementhe would almost be prepared to give up all idea of ever passing theexamination for the second degree."
"By no means," exclaimed Thang-li hastily. "The sacrifice would be tooexcessive. Do not relinquish your sleuth-hound-like persistence, andsuccess will inevitably reward your ultimate end."
"Can it really be," said Hien incredulously, "that my contemptibleefforts are a matter of sympathetic interest to one so high up inevery way as the renowned Chief Examiner?"
"They are indeed," replied Thang-li, with that ingratiating candourthat marked his whole existence. "Doubtless so prosaic a detail as thesystem of remuneration has never occupied your refined thoughts, butwhen it is understood that those in the position of this person arerewarded according to the success of the candidates you will begin tograsp the attitude."
"In that case," remarked Hien, with conscious humiliation, "nothingbut a really sublime tolerance can have restrained you from upbraidingthis obscure competitor as a thoroughly corrupt egg."
"On the contrary," replied Thang-li reassuringly, "I have longregarded you as the auriferous fowl itself. It is necessary toexplain, perhaps, that the payment by result alluded to is not basedon the number of successful candidates, but--much more reasonably asall those have to be provided with lucrative appointments by theauthorities--on the economy effected to the State by those whom I canconscientiously reject. Owing to the malignant Tsin Lung's sinisterdexterity these form an ever-decreasing band, so that you may now befittingly deemed the chief prop of a virtuous but poverty-afflictedline. When you reflect that for the past eleven years you have thusreally had the honour of providing the engaging Fa Fei with all thenecessities of her very ornamental existence you will see that youalready possess practically all the advantages of matrimony.Nevertheless, if you will now bring our agreeable conversation to anend by releasing this inauspicious person he will consider the matterwith the most indulgent sympathies."
"Withhold!" exclaimed a harsh voice before Hien could reply, and frombehind a tree where he had heard Thang-li's impolite reference tohimself Tsin Lung stood forth. "How does it chance, O two-complexionedChief Examiner, that after weighing this one's definiteproposals--even to the extent of demanding a certain proportion inadvance--you are now engaged in holding out the same alluring hope toanother? Assuredly, if your existence is so critically imperilled thisperson and none other will release you and claim the reward."
"Turn your face backwards, imperious Tsin Lung," cried Hien. "Theseincapable hands alone shall have the overwhelming distinction ofdrawing forth the illustrious Thang-li."
"Do not get entangled among my advancing footsteps, immature one,"contemptuously replied Tsin Lung, shaking the massive armour in whichhe was encased from head to foot. "It is inept for pigmies to standbefore one who has every intention of becoming a rapacious pirateshortly."
"The sedan-chair is certainly in need of new shafts," retorted Hien,and drawing his sword with an expression of ferocity he caused it towhistle around his head so loudly that a flock of migratory dovesbegan to arrive, under the impression that others of their tribe werecalling them to assemble.
"Alas!" exclaimed Thang-li, in an accent of despair, "doubtless thewise Nung-yu was surrounded by disciples all eager that no othershould succour him when he remarked: 'A humble friend in the samevillage is better than sixteen influential brothers in the RoyalPalace.' In all this illimitable Empire is there not room for onewhose aspirations are bounded by the submerged walls of a predatoryjunk and another whose occupation is limited to the upper passes of theChunling mountains? Consider the poignant nature of this person's vainregrets if by a couple of evilly directed blows you succeeded at thisinopportune moment in exterminating one another!"
"Do not fear, exalted Thang-li," cried Hien, who, being necessarilysomewhat occupied in preparing himself against Tsin Lung's attack,failed to interpret these words as anything but a direct encouragementto his own cause. "Before the polluting hands of one who disdains theClassics shall be laid upon your sacred extremities this tenaciousperson will fix upon his antagonist with a serpent-like embrace and,if necessary, suffer the spirits of both to Pass Upward in onebreath." And to impress Tsin Lung with his resolution he threw awayhis scabbard and picked it up again several times.
"Grow large in hope, worthy Chief Examiner," cried Tsin Lung, who froma like cause was involved in a similar misapprehension. "Rather shallyour imperishable bones adorn the interior of a hollow cedar-treethroughout all futurity than you shall suffer the indignity of beingextricated by an earth-nurtured sleeve-snatcher." And to intimidateHien by the display he continued to clash his open hand against hisleg armour until the pain became intolerable.
"Honourable warriors!" implored Thang-li in so agonized a voice--andalso because they were weary of the exercise--that Hien and Tsin Lungpaused, "curb your bloodthirsty ambitions for a breathing-space andlisten to what will probably be a Last Expression. Believe thepassionate sincerity of this one's throat when he proclaims that therewould be nothing repugnant to his very keenest susceptibilities if anescaping parricide, who was also guilty of rebellion, temple-robbing,book-burning, murder and indiscriminate violence, and the pollution oftombs, took him familiarly by the hand at this moment. What,therefore, would be his gratified feelings if two such nobly-bornsubjects joined forces and drew him up dexterously by the body-cloth?Accept his definite assurance that without delay a specificpronouncement would be made respecting the bestowal of the one aroundwhose jade-like personality this encounter has arisen."
"The proposal casts a reasonable shadow, gracious Hien," remarkedTsin Lung, turning towards the other with courteous deference. "Shallwe bring a scene of irrational carnage to an end and agree to regardthe incomparable Thang-li's benevolent tongue as an outstretched olivebranch?"
"It is admittedly said, 'Every road leads in two directions,' and thealternative you suggest, O virtue-loving Tsin Lung, is both reputableand just," replied Hien pleasantly. In this amiable spirit theyextricated Thang-li and bore him to the ground. At an appointed hourhe received them with becoming ceremony and after a many-coursedrepast rose to fulfil the specific terms of his pledge.
"The Line of Thang," he remarked with inoffensive pride, "has forseven generations been identified with a high standard of literaryachievement. Undeniably it is a very creditable thing to control themovements of an ofttime erratic vessel and to emerge triumphantly froma combat with every junk you encounter, and it is no less worthy ofesteem to gather round about one, on the sterile slopes of theChunlings, a devoted band of followers. Despite these virtues,however, neither occupation is marked by any appreciable literaryflavour, and my word is, therefore, that both persons shall presentthemselves for the next examination, and when in due course the resultis declared the more successful shall be hailed as the chosen suitor.Lo, I have spoken into a sealed bottle, and my voice cannot vary."
Then replied Tsin Lung: "Truly, it is as it is said, astute Thang-li,though the encircling wall of a hollow cedar-tree, for example, mightimpart t
o the voice in question a less uncompromising ring of finalitythan it possesses when raised in a silk-lined chamber and surroundedby a band of armed retainers. Nevertheless the pronouncement is onewhich appeals to this person's sense of justice, and the onlyimprovement he can suggest is that the superfluous Hien should hastenthat ceremony at which he will be an honoured guest by now signifyinghis intention of retiring from so certain a defeat. For by whatexpedient," he continued, with arrogant persistence, "can you avertthat end, O ill-destined Hien? Have you not burned joss-sticks to thedeities, both good and bad, for eleven years unceasingly? Can you, asthis person admittedly can, inscribe the Classics with such inimitabledelicacy that an entire volume of the Book of Decorum, copied in hismost painstaking style, may be safely carried about within a hollowtooth, a lengthy ode, traced on a shred of silk, wrapped undetectablyaround a single eyelash?"
"It is true that the one before you cannot bend his brush to suchdeceptive ends," replied Hien modestly. "A detail, however, hasescaped your reckoning. Hitherto Hien has been opposed by a thousand,and against so many it is true that the spirits of his ancestors havebeen able to afford him very little help. On this occasion he needregard one adversary alone. Giving those Forces which he invokesclearly to understand that they need not concern themselves with anyother, he will plainly intimate that after so many sacrifices on hispart something of a really tangible affliction is required tooverwhelm Tsin Lung. Whether this shall take the form of mentalstagnation, bodily paralysis, demoniacal possession, derangement ofthe internal faculties, or being changed into one of the loweranimals, it might be presumptuous on this person's part to stipulate,but by invoking every accessible power and confining himself to thissole petition a very definite tragedy may be expected. Beware, Ocontumacious Lung, 'However high the tree the shortest axe can reachits trunk.'" *
As the time for the examination drew near the streets of Ho Chow beganto wear a fuller and more animated appearance both by day and night.Tsin Lung's outer hall was never clear of anxious suppliants allentreating him to supply them with minute and reliable copies of thepassages which they found most difficult in the selected works, butalthough his low and avaricious nature was incapable of rejecting thismeans of gain he devoted his closest energies and his most inspiredmoments to his own personal copies, a set of books so ethereal thatthey floated in the air without support and so cunningly devised inthe blending of their colour as to be, in fact, quite invisible to anybut his microscopic eyes. Hien, on the other hand, devoted himselfsolely to interesting the Powers against his rival's success by everyvariety of incentive, omen, sacrifice, imprecation, firework,inscribed curse, promise, threat or combination of inducements.Through the crowded streets and by-ways of Ho Chow moved theimperturbable Thang-li, smiling benevolently on those whom heencountered and encouraging each competitor, and especially Hien andTsin Lung, with a cheerful proverb suited to the moment.
An outside cause had further contributed to make this period one ofthe most animated in the annals of Ho Chow, for not only was the city,together with the rest of the imperishable Empire, celebrating a greatand popular victory, but, as a direct consequence of that event, thesublime Emperor himself was holding his court at no great distanceaway. An armed and turbulent rabble of illiterate barbarians hadsuddenly appeared in the north and, not giving a really sufficientindication of their purpose, had traitorously assaulted the capital.Had he followed the prompting of his own excessive magnanimity, thecharitable Monarch would have refused to take any notice whatever ofso puny and contemptible a foe, but so unmistakable became the wishesof the Ever-victorious Army that, yielding to their importunity, heplaced himself at their head and resolutely led them backward. Had theopposing army been more intelligent, this crafty move would certainlyhave enticed them on into the plains, where they would have fallen aneasy victim to the Imperial troops and all perished miserably. Owingto their low standard of reasoning, however, the mule-like invadersutterly failed to grasp the advantage which, as far as the appearancetended, they might reasonably be supposed to reap by an immediatepursuit. They remained incapably within the capital slavishlyincreasing its defences, while the Ever-victorious lurkedresourcefully in the neighbourhood of Ho Chow, satisfied that with sodull-witted an adversary they could, if the necessity arose, go stillfurther.
Upon a certain day of the period thus indicated there arrived at thegate of the royal pavilion one having the appearance of an aged seer,who craved to be led into the Imperial Presence.
"Lo, Mightiest," said a slave, bearing in this message, "there standsat the outer gate one resembling an ancient philosopher, desiring togladden his failing eyesight before he Passes Up with a brief visionof your illuminated countenance."
"The petition is natural but inopportune," replied the agreeableMonarch. "Let the worthy soothsayer be informed that after anexceptionally fatiguing day we are now snatching a few short hours ofnecessary repose, from which it would be unseemly to recall us."
"He received your gracious words with distended ears and then observedthat it was for your All-wisdom to decide whether an inspired messagewhich he had read among the stars was not of more consequence thaneven a refreshing sleep," reported the slave, returning.
"In that case," replied the Sublimest, "tell the persevering wizardthat we have changed our minds and are religiously engaged inworshipping our ancestors, so that it would be really sacrilegious tointerrupt us."
"He kowtowed profoundly at the mere mention of your charitableoccupation and proceeded to depart, remarking that it would indeed becorrupt to disturb so meritorious an exercise with a scheme simply foryour earthly enrichment," again reported the message-bearer.
"Restrain him!" hastily exclaimed the broadminded Sovereign. "Give thevenerable necromancer clearly to understand that we have worshippedthem enough for one day. Doubtless the accommodating soothsayer hasdiscovered some rare jewel which he is loyally bringing to embellishour crown."
"There are rarer jewels than those which can be pasted in a crown,Supreme Head," said the stranger, entering unperceived behind theattending slave. He bore the external signs of an infirm magician,while his face was hidden in a cloth to mark the imposition of asolemn vow. "With what apter simile," he continued, "can this persondescribe an imperishable set of verses which he heard this morningfalling from the lips of a wandering musician like a seven-roped cableof pearls pouring into a silver bucket? The striking and originaltitle was 'Concerning Spring,' and although the snow lay deep at thetime several bystanders agreed that an azalea bush within hearing cameinto blossom at the eighty-seventh verse."
"We have heard of the poem to which you refer with so just a sense ofbalance," said the impartial Monarch encouragingly. (Though not tocreate a two-sided impression it may be freely stated that he himselfwas the author of the inspired composition.) "Which part, in yourmature judgment, reflected the highest genius and maintained the mostperfectly-matched analogy?"
"It is aptly said: 'When it is dark the sun no longer shines, but whoshall forget the colours of the rainbow?'" replied the astrologerevasively. "How is it possible to suspend topaz in one cup of thebalance and weigh it against amethyst in the other; or who in a singlelanguage can compare the tranquillizing grace of a maiden with theinvigorating pleasure of witnessing a well-contested rat-fight?"
"Your insight is clear and unbiased," said the gracious Sovereign."But however entrancing it is to wander unchecked through a garden ofbright images, are we not enticing your mind from another subject ofalmost equal importance?"
"There is yet another detail, it is true," admitted the sage, "butregarding its comparative importance a thoroughly loyal subject may bepermitted to amend the remark of a certain wise Emperor of a formerdynasty: 'Any person in the City can discover a score of gold mines ifnecessary, but One only could possibly have written "ConcerningSpring."'"
"The arts may indeed be regarded as lost," acquiesced the magnanimousHead, "with the exception of a solitary meteor here and there. Yet in
the trivial matter of mere earthly enrichment--"
"Truly," agreed the other. "There is, then, a whisper in the provincethat the floor of the Imperial treasury is almost visible."
"The rumour, as usual, exaggerates the facts grossly," replied theGreatest. "The floor of the Imperial treasury is quite visible."
"Yet on the first day of the next moon the not inconsiderable revenuecontributed by those who present themselves for the examination willflow in."
"And by an effete and unworthy custom almost immediately flow outagain to reward the efforts of the successful," replied the Wearer ofthe Yellow in an accent of refined bitterness. "On other occasions itis possible to assist the overworked treasurer with a large andglutinous hand, but from time immemorial the claims of the competitorshave been inviolable."
"Yet if by a heaven-sent chance none, or very few, reached thenecessary standard of excellence--?"
"Such a chance, whether proceeding from the Upper Air or the OtherParts would be equally welcome to a very hard-lined Ruler," repliedthe one who thus described himself.
"Then listen, O K'ong-hi, of the imperishable dynasty of Chung," saidthe stranger. "Thus was it laid upon me in the form of a spontaneousdream. For seven centuries the Book of the Observances has been theunvarying Classic of the examinations because during that period ithas never been surpassed. Yet as the Empire has admittedly existedfrom all time, and as it would be impious not to agree that theimmortal System is equally antique, it is reasonable to suppose thatthe Book of the Observances displaced an earlier and inferior work,and is destined in the cycle of time to be itself laid aside for astill greater."
"The inference is self-evident," acknowledged the Emperor uneasily,"but the logical development is one which this diffident Monarchhesitates to commit to spoken words."
"It is not a matter for words but for a stroke of the VermilionPencil," replied the other in a tone of inspired authority. "Acrossthe faint and puny effusions of the past this person sees written invery large and obliterating strokes the words 'Concerning Spring.'Where else can be found so novel a conception combined with so uniquea way of carrying it out? What other poem contains so many thoughtsthat one instinctively remembers as having heard before, so manyinvolved allusions that baffle the imagination of the keenest, and somuch sound in so many words? With the possible exception of Meng-hu'smasterpiece, 'The Empty Coffin,' what other work so skilfully conveysthe impression of being taken down farther than one can ever againcome up and then suddenly upraised beyond the possible descent? Whereelse can be found so complete a defiance of all that has hitherto beendeemed essential, and, to insert a final wedge, what other poem ishalf so long?"
"Your criticism is severe but just," replied the Sovereign, "exceptthat part having reference to Meng-hu. Nevertheless, the atmosphere ofthe proposal, though reasonable, looms a degree stormily into atroubled future. Can it be permissible even for--"
"Omnipotence!" exclaimed the seer.
"The title is well recalled," confessed the Emperor. "Yet althoughunquestionably omnipotent there must surely be some limits to ourpowers in dealing with so old established a system as that of theexaminations."
"Who can doubt a universal admission that the composer of 'ConcerningSpring' is capable of doing anything?" was the profound reply. "Letthe mandate be sent out--but, to an obvious end, let it be withhelduntil the eve of the competitions."
"The moment of hesitancy has faded; go forth in the certainty,esteemed," said the Emperor reassuringly. "You have carried yourmessage with a discreet hand. Yet before you go, if there is anyparticular mark of Imperial favour that we can show--something of aspecial but necessarily honorary nature--do not set an iron screenbetween your ambition and the light of our favourable countenance."
"There is indeed such a signal reward," assented the aged person, withan air of prepossessing diffidence. "A priceless copy of the immortalwork--"
"By all means," exclaimed the liberal-minded Sovereign, with anexpression of great relief. "Take three or four in case any of yourfascinating relations have large literary appetites. Or, still moreconveniently arranged, here is an unopened package from the stall ofthose who send forth the printed leaves--'thirteen in the semblance oftwelve,' as the quaint and harmonious phrase of their craft has it.Walk slowly, revered, and a thousand rainbows guide your retiringfootsteps."
Concerning the episode of this discreetly-veiled personage thehistorians who have handed down the story of the imperishableaffection of Hien and Fa Fei have maintained an illogical silence. Yetit is related that about the same time, as Hien was walking by theside of a bamboo forest of stunted growth, he was astonished by themaiden suddenly appearing before him from the direction of the royalcamp. She was incomparably radiant and had the appearance of beingexceptionally well satisfied with herself. Commanding him that heshould stand motionless with closed eyes, in order to ascertain whatthe presiding deities would allot him, she bound a somewhat weightyobject to the end of his pig-tail, at the same time asking him in howshort a period he could commit about nineteen thousand lines ofatrociously ill-arranged verse to the tablets of his mind.
"Then do not suffer the rice to grow above your ankles," shecontinued, when Hien had modestly replied that six days with goodomens should be sufficient, "but retiring to your innermost chamberbar the door and digest this scroll as though it contained the lastexpression of an eccentric and vastly rich relation," and with a laughmore musical than the vibrating of a lute of the purest Yun-nan jadein the Grotto of Ten Thousand Echoes she vanished.
It has been sympathetically remarked that no matter how painstakinglya person may strive to lead Destiny along a carefully-prepared pathand towards a fit and thoroughly virtuous end there is never lackingsome inopportune creature to thrust his superfluous influence into anopposing balance. This naturally suggests the intolerable Tsin Lung,whose ghoulish tastes led him to seek the depths of that same glade onthe following day. Walking with downcast eyes, after his degradedcustom, he presently became aware of an object lying some distancefrom his way. To those who have already fathomed the real character ofthis repulsive person it will occasion no surprise to know that, urgedon by the insatiable curiosity that was deeply grafted on to hisavaricious nature, he turned aside to probe into a matter with whichhe had no possible concern, and at length succeeded in drawing apackage from the thick bush in which it had been hastily concealed.Finding that it contained twelve lengthy poems entitled "ConcerningSpring", he greedily thrust one in his sleeve, and upon his return,with no other object than the prompting of an ill-regulated mind, hespent all the time that remained before the contest in learning itfrom end to end.
There have been many remarkable scenes enacted in the greatExamination Halls and in the narrow cells around, but it can at oncebe definitely stated that nothing either before or since hasapproached the unanimous burst of frenzy that shook the dynasty ofChung when in the third year of his reign the well-meaning buttoo-easily-led-aside Emperor K'ong inopportunely sought to replace thesublime Classic then in use with a work that has since been recognizedto be not only shallow but inept. At Ho Chow nine hundred andninety-eight voices blended into one soul-benumbing cry of rage,having all the force and precision of a carefully drilled chorus, whenthe papers were opened, and had not the candidates been securelybarred within their solitary pens a popular rising must certainly havetaken place. There they remained for three days and nights, until theclamour had subsided into a low but continuous hum, and they were tooweak to carry out a combined effort.
Throughout this turmoil Hien and Tsin Lung each plied an unfalteringbrush. It may here be advantageously stated that the former person wasnot really slow or obtuse and his previous failures were occasionedsolely by the inequality he strove under in relying upon his memoryalone when every other competitor without exception had providedhimself with a concealed scrip. Tsin Lung also had a very retentivemind. The inevitable consequence was, therefore, that when the paperswere collected Hien and Tsin Lung had accomplished an identica
l numberof correct lines and no other person had made even an attempt.
In explaining Thang-li's subsequent behaviour it has been claimed bymany that the strain of being compelled, in the exercise of his duty,to remain for three days and three nights in the middle of the Hallsurrounded by that ferocious horde, all clamouring to reach him, andthe contemplation of the immense sum which he would gain by sounparalleled a batch of rejections, contorted his faculties ofdiscrimination and sapped the resources of his usually active mind.Whatever cause is accepted, it is agreed that as soon as he returnedto his house he summoned Hien and Tsin Lung together and leaving themfor a moment presently returned, leading Fa Fei by the hand. It isfurther agreed by all that these three persons noticed upon his face asomewhat preoccupied expression, and on the one side much has beenmade of the admitted fact that as he spoke he wandered round the roomcatching flies, an occupation eminently suited to his age andleisurely tastes but, it may be confessed, not altogether well chosenat so ceremonious a moment.
"It has been said," he began at length, withdrawing his eyesreluctantly from an unusually large insect upon the ceiling andaddressing himself to the maiden, "that there are few situations inlife that cannot be honourably settled, and without loss of time,either by suicide, a bag of gold, or by thrusting a despisedantagonist over the edge of a precipice upon a dark night. Thisinoffensive person, however, has striven to arrive at the conclusionof a slight domestic arrangement both by passively waiting for theevent to unroll itself and, at a later period, by the offer of adefinite omen. Both of the male persons concerned have appliedthemselves so tenaciously to the ordeal that the result, to thissimple one's antique mind, savours overmuch of the questionable arts.The genial and light-witted Emperor appears to have put his foot intothe embarrassment ineffectually; and Destiny herself has everyindication of being disinclined to settle so doubtful a point. As alast resort it now remains for you yourself to decide which of thesestrenuous and evenly-balanced suitors I may acclaim with ten thousandfelicitations."
"In that case, venerated and commanding sire," replied Fa Fei simply,yet concealing her real regard behind the retiring mask of a modestindifference, "it shall be Hien, because his complexion goes the moreprettily with my favourite heliotrope silk."
When the results of the examination were announced it was at onceassumed by those with whom he had trafficked that Tsin Lung had beenguilty of the most degraded treachery. Understanding the dangers ofhis position, that person decided upon an immediate flight. Disguisedas a wild-beast tamer, and leading several apparently ferociouscreatures by a cord, he succeeded in making his way undetected throughthe crowds of competitors watching his house, and hastily collectinghis wealth together he set out towards the coast. But the evil spiritswhich had hitherto protected him now withdrew their aid. In thewildest passes of the Chunlings Hien's band was celebrating hisunexpected success by a costly display of fireworks, varied with musicand dancing. . . . So heavily did they tax him that when he reachedhis destination he was only able to purchase a small and dilapidatedjunk and to enlist the services of three thoroughly incompetentmercenaries. The vessels which he endeavoured to pursue stealthily inthe hope of restoring his fortunes frequently sailed towards him underthe impression that he was sinking and trying to attract theirbenevolent assistance. When his real intention was at lengthunderstood both he and his crew were invariably beaten about the headwith clubs, so that although he persevered until the three hiredassassins rebelled, he never succeeded in committing a single act ofpiracy. Afterwards he gained a precarious livelihood by entering intoconversation with strangers, and still later he stood upon a board anddived for small coins which the charitable threw into the water. Inthis pursuit he was one day overtaken by a voracious sea-monster andperished miserably.
The large-meaning but never fully-accomplishing Emperor K'ong reignedfor yet another year, when he was deposed by the powerful League ofthe Three Brothers. To the end of his life he steadfastly persistedthat the rebellion was insidiously fanned, if not actually carriedout, by a secret confederacy of all the verse-makers of the Empire,who were distrustful of his superior powers. He spent the years of hisexile in composing a poetical epitaph to be carved upon his tomb, buthis successor, the practical-minded Liu-yen, declined to sanction theexpense of procuring so fabulous a supply of marble. *
When Kai Lung had repeated the story of the well-intentioned youthHien and of the Chief Examiner Thang-li and had ceased to speak, apause of questionable import filled the room, broken only by theundignified sleep-noises of the gross Ming-shu. Glances of impliedperplexity were freely passed among the guests, but it remained forShan Tien to voice their doubt.
"Yet wherein is the essence of the test maintained," he asked, "seeingthat the one whom you call Hien obtained all that which he desired andhe who chiefly opposed his aims was himself involved in ridicule anddelivered to a sudden end?"
"Beneficence," replied Kai Lung, with courteous ease, despite thepinions that restrained him, "herein it is one thing to demand andanother to comply, for among the Platitudes is the admission made: 'Noneedle has two sharp points.' The conditions which the subtlety ofMing-shu imposed ceased to bind, for their corollary was inexact. Inno romance composed by poet or sage are the unassuming hopes ofvirtuous love brought to a barren end or the one who holds themdelivered to an ignominious doom. That which was called for does nottherefore exist, but the story of Hien may be taken as indicating theactual course of events should the case arise in an ordinary state oflife."
This reply was not deemed inept by most of those who heard, and theyeven pressed upon the one who spoke slight gifts of snuff and wine.The Mandarin Shan Tien, however, held himself apart.
"It is doubtful if your lips will be able thus to frame so confident aboast when to-morrow fades," was his dark forecast.
"Doubtless their tenor will be changed, revered, in accordance withyour far-seeing word," replied Kai Lung submissively as he was ledaway.