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TheDreamoftheRedChamber 10724594
TheDreamoftheRedChamber 10724594
t he ma i d en o f h is h ea rt .
rela t i ves .
”
Ra i n . In t he N i n g kuo pa la c e he beco m es a c q ua i n t ed w i t h h i s
n ep hew C h i n C hu n g .
g i rl co us i n i s s ho w n Pa o Y u s s t o n e
’
.
k uo pa la c e T he si g ht of Ph o en ix a wa kens ca rna l d es i r es i n t he
.
hea rt of C hia Ju i .
W i n d a n d M oon M i rror .
ma n a g em en t i n t h e N i n g k u o pa la ce .
p rem a t u r ely o n h i s j o u r n ey t o t he Ye ll o w S pr i ng s .
s t i p u la t es her con d i t i o n s B la c k Ja d e m a ke s f un of C ou si n L i tt le
.
C lo u d .
of t h e m a g i c st on e b r i n g s a b o ut t he i r r eco v ery .
“ ”
h e r feeli ng s i n com m o n p la c e w ords The C o u rt esa n Y a n g st a rt les
.
do es she d em a n d .
1
A T ER 2 6 : P a o Yu Set s o ut t o bu rn dust of t h e hi gh
c
i n ense i n t he
w a y i n m em ory of a dea r dep a rt e d On t he D a y of t he Th ousa n d
.
e
CH AP TE R 2 7: Th w i ndy an d ra i n y m ood of a gloom y aut um n ev e
Io d e w it h a n elegy o n t he w i n d a n d t he rai n .
t rou b le .
“
CH APTE R 30 : A q ua ck doct or t rea ts B r i g ht C lo u d w it h ger a nd ti
a nd u p set s his m
‘
a u nt
pa ci fi es a lo velorn ma id en w i t h g ent le w ords .
t he Ga t ewa y of t he G r ea t V o i d .
i n t o a t ra p .
CH AP TE R 3 5 : Phoen ix w it h cu nn i n g a nd m a li c
, e pla ys , t he you n g
ri va l ofi a ga ins t the old er o n e D ri ven t o d esp erat i on .
, t he s eco n d
Yu k i lls he rse lf by sw a ll o w i n g g o ld .
CH AP TE R 3 8 : T he
cha rm in g m a id ca n n ot get ov er t he w ron g don e
he r a nd die s i n th e fl o w er of he r yo ut h Th e u n ha pp y s c i on o f
, .
rod .
i n t h e B a m b oo H erm ita g e B eg i n n i n g o f S pr i n g is v i s it ed b y he r
.
rela t i v es o n he r sick b ed i n t he Im pe ri a l Pa la c e . 44 1
C H AP TE R 41 : The b ea ut i fu l ca ug ht up i n th e fir e of si n a s she
sa i n t is
s i t s o n h er p ra y er c us h i o n a nd i s c a rr i e d a w ay i n t o ec st a sy by
,
r esolu t i on .
a nxi o u s dou b t s i n t h e j oy o u s u m u lt of a b a n u et P a o Y u lo s es t he
t q .
sp i r i t st o n e a n d f orf ei t s h i s r ea s o n a s a co n s eq u en c e .
t h e g r ea t c er em on y of h er l i fe .
dea r m em or i es .
C H AP TE R 45 : Ta st e of S pr i n g m a rr i es fa r f rom h om e a n d P a o Yu ,
t h e d eser te d pa r k .
.
,
D ia m o n d b ecom es t h e p i k e i n t he ca rp po n d
, .
CH AP TE R 47 ; Th e un ha ppy lo ver Pa o Y u st i rs up pa st f ee li n gs Th e
, , .
p a la ce .
on to him .
a w a k e n ed .
on c e m ore a n d c o n lu de t he s t o ry o f t h e s t on e
c .
INTRO DUCTI ON
ex h a u st i v e r esea rc h m a d e i t po s s i bl e t o a s cr i b e t h e fir s t ei g h t y c h a p
t e rs o f t h e or i g i n a l w h i c h h a s o n e h u n dr e d t w en t y c h a p t e r s t o T sa o
, ,
tw o e d i t or s of th e firs t pr i n t e d e d i t i o n publ i sh e d i n 1 79 1 Th i s du a l .
r el a t e d th e r em a i n i n g i o rty c h a p te rs .
“
a n d H un g L o u s t an d s fo r R e d T w o S t ory Bu i ld i n g Accord i n g t o
Budd h i st u sa g e i t i s a l s o a m eta p h or for such con c e p ts a s worl dly
glo ry luxury w ea l t h a n d h on ors—s i m i l a r t o t he Budd hi st i n te rpreta
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t 1 o n of r ed du s t a s worldly st r i v i n g s
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t h e m a t er i a l world
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a re i mpl i c i t i n d i c a t i o n s t h a t t h e a c ti o n ta k es pl a c e dur i n g t h e C h i n
g
Dyn a st y ( 1 644 O ffic i a l t i t l es an d r an ks corr espo n d t o th o se 0
th e l a s t dyn a s t y a n d M a n c h ur i a could b e r e ferr e d t o a s a p ro v i n c
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a n d h i s o w n exp e r i en c e s I n t ern a l ev i d en c e i n d i c a t es t h a t th e m a i i
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n a rr a t i v e cov e rs t h e pe r i od b e t w een 1 7 2 9 a n d 1 7 3 7 .
P la c e : Th e t ex t pe aks a l te rn a t ely o f t he c a p i ta l a n d C h i n l i n g T h e
s .
c a p i t a l un d er th e C h in g D yn a st y w as P e k i n g C hin li n g wh i c h m ea n s
.
,
“ ”
gold en t omb s i s prob a bly a n a ll u si o n t o th e w ell kn own i mp er i a l
,
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bur i al pl a c es i n th e v i c i n i ty o f P e k i n g T h e mou n t a i n s ou t s i d e th e c i t y
.
xi ii
European b efore my self B an cro ft J oly an Engli sh con , sul i n C h in a
.
, ,
e v en r ea c h th e h a lfw a y po i n t o f th e or i g i n a l H i s t w o volum e t ra n s la .
-
Ho n g Ko n g i n 1 892 9 3 -
.
Wa n g s t r an sl a t i o n a n d a d a p t a t i on D r ea m of th e R ed C ha m b er
’
,
l at er p a rt i s more i n the n a t ur e of a n a b st r a c t th a n a tr an sl a t i on He
, .
t ow a rd t h e en d o f th e book ( C h a p t er 49 i n th e pr esen t v e r si o n ) w hi c h
'
i s o n e o f th e l i t e r a ryp ea k s of t h e n ov el a n d qu i t e i n d i s p ensa bl e t o i t .
My t ra n sl a t i o n i n t o th e G e rm an o n wh i ch the pr esen t En gl i sh tr an s
,
m a d e a cc essi bl e t he mo n um en t a l st ruc t ur e of th e H u n g L o u M en g My .
a cco r di n
g t o t hei r i mpor t a n c e a lw a y s w i t h a v i ew t o a vo i d i n g g a p s
'
,
t h i s n ov e l i s o f the gr ea t es t i n te r e st B u t i t ca n cl a i m o ur a tt en t i o n
.
equ a ll
y o n pur e ly l i t e r a ry grou n d s : t he n a rr a t i ve i s compe ll i n g t h e ,
r e ss i vel
p y a n d r e a l i st i c a lly dr a wn .
XI V
Emper or Chi en Li n g ( r 1 7 3 6 o f w h om i t i s sa i d th a t li ke P a o
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Y u h e h a d th e h a b i t f li ck i n g th e rouge o ff t h e l i ps o f th e youn g
, v
.
,
.
, ,
sa i n t ly c h as t i t y ; th e Pr i n c e ss An c es t r ess e a rt h y a n d mo th e rly ; Pr e c i ou s
,
a n d th e r ea d e r r ea l i z es t h a t th e o l d w a rri or fun c ti o n s a s th e un w a n t e d
d un he e d e d prophe t .
i s un d en i a bly T a o i s t Th e ac ti o n b e g i n s wi th a prologu e i n t h e
.
a n o th e r n a m e f o r th e s a m e sp h e re Four t i m es w e see c . h a r a c t e rs p a ss
th roug h th e g a t e s o f t h e G re a t Vo i d wh i c h i n T a o i s t l a n u a g e m ea n s
g, , ,
XV
h ou se i s r eh a b i l i t a te d in th e en d th rough t h e i n t ell e ct u a l a n d mor a l
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a hi e ev m en t o f a so n h i t h e rt o co n s i d e r e d d e g en e r a t e —
si n c e P a o Y u
st r i v i n g s
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p sych op a th an d a w ea kl i n g a soc i a l efi em i n a t e pl a gu e d by i n fe r i or i t y
, , ,
s l i n ks cr a v en ly a w a y from h um a n s oc i e t y .
T h e l a st st a g e o f P a o Y u s d ev e lopm en t h i s c h an g e i n t o a sp i ri t
’
, ,
t h e i n n a t e d i s po si t i o n th e s p i r i t u a l n a t ur e o f a m a n w h i c h h e m ay
, , ,
n o t b et r a y w i th ou t r i s k i n g th e lo ss o f h i s es sen t i a l se lf .
p i ll a r s o f h ea v en w i th wh i c h t h e n ov e l st a r ts a re my th ologi c al m eta
, ,
h i m w i sh t o b e a n ord i n a ry st o n e a mo n g s t o n es b ut a h i gh e r d est i n y ,
Fo r th i s r e as o n o ur n ov el h a s a se co n d t i t l e i n C h i n a S h i t o u ch i , ,
“ ”
Th e S t ory o f th e S t o n e .
FR AN Z K UHN
THE CHIA FAMILY
H EADS O F T H E FAM I LY
i
T H E SENIORS
f f '
N i ngkuo pa la ce
C h ia S h i eh ( Pri n c e S h i eh ) elder so n of th e Pr in cess ,
A n c es tres s; mast er
of th e Y u n gk uo p a l ac e
- C h ia C h en g ,1193 2 8 223 22 of t he Pr i nc ess A n c es t ress
Pr i n c ess C he n n é e Y u w i fe of Pr i n c e C h en
,
P r in c ess Shi eh n é e Hs m w i fe of Pr i n c e S h i eh
, ,
fi Ma da m e C hen g ee Wan g w i fe of C h i a C h en g
p
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THE J U NIORS
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C h iaY un g , s on of Pr i nc e Chen
C hi aL i e n so n of Pr i n c e S h i eh
,
H ua n s o n of Ch i a C h en g by h i s sec o n dT a fl v i fe C h a o ; h a lf bro th e r
C h ia , S
of Pa o Y u
C h ia La n s o n of Ch i a C h u t he dec ea se d s o n of Ch i a Ch en g
, ,
Chin g
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M a da m e Ph o en i x, w i fe of Ch i a Li en
W i do w C h u , mot her of C h i a L i n
B egi n n in g o f S pr i n g d a ugh t er of Ch i a Ch en g an d h i s wi fe, n é
, e Wa n g ;
e r a l s eco n d a ry w i fe
p i — F ‘
Ta ste o f S pr i n g da u gh te r B f Chi a C hm
F
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g by h i s se co n d a ry w i fe Ch a o ;
h a lf s i ster of P8 0 Y u
G ri e/ o f S pr i n g , d a ugh t e r of C h i a C h i n g t h e Pr i n c e H erm i t ,
R E LAT I O N S O F T HE C H I A FA M I LY
li v i n g w it hi n t he co n fi n es o f t he N i n g k uo a n d Y u n k u o es t a t es
g
t
fi
l a de ( M i ssLi n g ) d a ugh ter of Li n g Jn , Ha i , gra n dd a ught er of th e
r n c ess An cest ress
xvii
A
A un t Hs uch , n ee Wa n g, s i st er of M a d am e C h en g
J r eci ou s C la sp ( Pa o C h a i ) d a ugh t er of Aun t H s u eh
Hs u ch P a n , so n of Au n t H su eh
M ot her Yu , st eps i st er of Pr i n c ess Ch en
S econ d S is t er Yu , elder d augh ter of Moth er Y u ;
o n da r w i fe
y
Th i rd S i ster Y u, youn ger d aughter of Moth er Y u
P RI N C I P A L W A I T I N G M A I D S
A n cs s r a e s s P a s c ro u s C LAS P
O ri ole
A pri co t
B L A C K J A DE
MAD A M E C H EN c C uc k oo
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S n o wgo ose
G ns s r m c or S p am s
C a re r or p w e
5 m Hung Pa i n t i n g M a i d
xi
T RA NSLA TOR S NO T E
’
a ll f e m a l e n a m es h a v e b een fr ee ly r en d e r e d i n a n a pprox i m a t i o n o f th ei r
l i ter a l m ea n i n g .
’
O ld Ta i ta i for the m a ster s mo the r
,
.
’
Na i na i f or th e w i fe o f th e m a st er s s o n
, .
“
M ei m ei ( l i te r a lly you n g er s i ster youn g er s i st er
,
f or yo un g er
si st ers a n d you n g fe m a l e cou s in s .
”
The t e rm se co n d a ry w i fe i s u se d i n pr efer en c e t o co n cub i n e , si n c e
th e W est e rn co nn o t a t i o n o f co n cub i n e do es n ot a pply t o th e mor a l a n d
l eg a l sta tu s o f co n cub in es i n C h i n a , w h o a re form a lly t a ken i nt o th e
TH E D R EA M O F T H E R E D C H A M B E R
wh i ch she ha d set asi d e fo r h er purpo se By con t a c t wi th h er d i vi n e .
t i o n w h en ev er i t pl e as e d a n d m a ke i ts e lf l a rg e r o r sm a ll e r It f e l t p a i n
,
.
'
In th e cour se of i ts w a n d e r i n g s i t c a m e o n e da y t o th e p a l a c e o f th e
F a i ry of F e a rful Awa keni n g The fa i ry w h o kn ew i ts h i g he r d esti n y
.
, ,
R a d i an ce of t he S t on e of th e G o ds i n th e P a l a c e o f th e R ed Cloud s"
.
“
It u se d t o st e a l a w a y fr equ en t ly from i t s du t i es i n th e p a l a c e a n d go
o ff t o t h e sh or es of t h e R i v er o f t h e Sp i ri t s T h er e o n e da y i t di s co v .
, ,
e r e d t he
p l an t Purple P ea rl It b e c a m e v ery fon d of Purpl e P ea rl a n d
, .
t o sh ow i ts a ff e c t i o n u s e d t o s pr i n kl e i t d a i ly w i th fr a gr a n t dew T h u s i t .
s a v e d t h e d e l i c a t e pl a n t from f : d i n g a w a y t oo s oon T h a n ks t o t h e b e
“
T h e d el i c a t e pl an t t urn e d i n t o a youn g g i rl .
“
A n i n v i n c i bl e lo n g i n g oft en drov e t hi s yo un g g i rl b e yo n d t h e c a lm
'
‘ ’
Sph er e of B an i sh e d Su ffe ri n g Wh en sh e w as h un gr y sh e lov e d t o e a t
.
’
‘
t o s i p from th e Sourc e of Dr en ch i n g Gr i e f Ag a i n an d a g a i n sh e re ’
.
d ee d n ev e r l ef t h er I c a nn o t r ep a y h i m by do i n g t h e sa m e for h i m she
.
,
t h an k h i m w i t h a s m a n y t ea r s a s I ca n sh e d i n a w h ol e lo n g l i fe .
“
Th a t t h en i s th e preh i st ory o f t he lov e dr a m a wh i ch by t he w i ll o f
, ,
a mo n g t h em t h e pl an t Purpl e P e a rl a re a lr e a dy pr ep a r i n g t o st e p
,
st o n e t o i ts m i st r e ss , t h e F a i ry o f F ea rful Aw a k en i n g so t h a t sh e ca n ,
en t er i t i n t h e l i s t of t h o se t a k i n g p a rt i n t h a t dr a m a a n d s en d i t t o ,
j o i n t he o t h er pl a y e r s .
“
V ery st r a n g e i n d ee d rem a rke d th e T a o i st To r ep a y a d eb t of
, .
”
work .
“
Th a t i s cert a i nly m y opi n i o n t o o I t herefor e pro po se t hat We fi rst
'
.
4
o f all d eli v er o ur foun dl i n g th e st on e t o th e F ai ry of F ea rful Awa k en
, ,
”
o n ly h a lf o f th em a re g a th ere d th e re .
“
Goo d Let us b e off t hen t o t he P a l a c e o f th e R ed Cloud s
.
, , .
.
j , ,
“
sa lu t e d th em wi t h a b o w a n d a ddr ess e d t h em a s follow s :
, R e veren d
M ast e rs t h i s si mpl e fellow w a s a n a cc i d en t a l li sten er t o y our st r an ge
,
“
It i s n o t pe rm i tte d t o u s t o s p e a k i n a dv an c e o f m a tt e rs co n ce r n i n g
” “
d es t i n y w as th e r e ply Whe n t h e t i m e com es thi n k o f u s I f yo u do
, .
,
.
”
so yo u wi ll es c a pe t h e fi e ry
p i t o f p e rd i t i o n .
“ ”
M a y I n o t a t l ea s t se e t he obj ec t o f your co n ve rs a t i o n ?
”
T ha t i s p e rmi tte d t o you by t h e wi ll o f Prov i d en c e sa i d th e bonz e
, , ,
,
“ ”
S t o n e of pen e tr a t i n g sp i r i t u a l power Th e bo tt om surfa c e t o o sh ow e d
.
a se r i es o f sm a ll wri tt en c h a r a c t e rs S h i h Y i n g w as a b ou t t o d e c i p h e r
.
“
th e m wh en th e bo n z e t oo k th e st o n e o u t o f h i s h a n d a g a i n s a y i n g : W e ,
”
h a v e a rri ve d a t th e R ea lm o f I llu si on a n d str ode o n ah ea d wi t h th e
,
.
r
,
“
ov e r whi ch st o od th e word s i n b i g l ett e rs : P h an t om R e a lm o f th e
Gr ea t O n th e tw o pi ll a rs o f t he a rc h h e re a d th e coupl et
When seemin g i s t aken for be in g be i n g b ecomes seem in g , ,
th u n d er r es o un d e d i n h i s e a rs It se em ed a s i f th e e ar t h w e r e a bou t t o
.
,
,
. .
wi th hi m ou ts i de th e h a ll do or a n d st ood th e re look i n g a t th e n o is y
,
st a r i n g a t h i m a n d th e c h i ld T h e n t h e bo n z e s udd en ly b e g a n t o s i g h
-
.
“
loudly a n d h e sa i d t o S h i h Yi n g : Si r wh a t i ll fa t e d cr ea t ur e i s t h a t
, ,
”
u h old m your rm ? I t w i ll br i n g n o t h i n g b ut s orr ow t o i t s p a r e n t s !
y o a s
S hi h Y i n g t h ough t t h e m a n w a s m a d so h e t ook n o n ot i c e o f h i s
‘
,
t a lk B ut t h e bo n z e co n t i n u e d t o a ddr es s h i m w i t h gr ea t e mp h a si s
. .
“ ”
G i ve i t to m e ! G i v e i t t o m e ! h e urge d po i n t i n g t o th e chi ld i n h i s ,
a rm s .
t o hi s br e a st a n d w a s a lr ea dy t urn i n g t o go a w a y w h e
,
n t h e bo n z e ,
broke in t o a sh r i ll p e a l of l a ugh t e r a n d c a ll e d o ut a ft er hi m :
.
A fool dotes ;
Ten der blossoms
A re cut by th e fr ost .
T ak e c a r e
a t New Yea r ,
F i r e a n d fl a me .
S h i h Yi n g h un g b a ck He would h av e v e ry much l i ke d t o h a v e th e
.
my st er i ou s rh ym e expl a i n e d t o h i m B ut h e h ea rd t he Ta oi st pr i est s ay .
“
t o t h e bo n z e : From n o w o n o ur p a th s d i v i d e W e sh a ll work a p a rt . .
Aft er th r ee a e on s I sh a ll a w a i t yo u i n t h e w e ll kn own c em e te ry o n th e
P e i M an g H i ll n ea r Lo y a n g W e sha ll t h en g o b a ck t og e th er t o th e
.
P h an t om R e a lm of t he Gr ea t Vo i d an d h a v e t h e a ff a i r o f th e st o n e o h
”
l i t er a t e d from th e re g i s t er
Good S h ih Yi n g h ea rd t h e bo n z e r eply w
.
“ ”
, h e r e upo n th e t w o s u d ,
d ea l y d i s a pp ea r e d S h ih Yi n g w a s st i ll m a d az e d a n d st up efi e d st at e
.
.
,
t hi n ki n g ov e r t h e s t r a n g e i n c i d e n t w h en h e s a w h i s go od fr i en d a n d ,
t h e s o n of a n offic i a l i n H uc h ow w h o h a d d i e d ea rly l e a v i n g h i s fa m i ly
, ,
i n poor c i rcum st a n c es A y ea r a g o h e h a d se t o u t t o m a ke h i s w a y t o th e
.
,
c a p i t a l i n t en d i n g t o en te r for t he gr e a t publ i c ex a m i n a t i on s a n d w i n
,
i n du st r i o u sly a t th e s a m e t i m e e a rn i n g h i s b e a rd a n d kee p by wr i t i n g
,
for t h e u n l et t er e d In t h i s w a y h e h a d m a d e t h e a cqu a i n t an c e of S h i h
.
6
a gre at reg a rd fo r the a rt o f l ett ers a n d h e t ook a ke en d e li gh t i n ,
? ”
a re look i n g o ut for a n y n ov e l h a p pe n i n g s i n t h e t own
“
“
Th a t i s n o t i t r e pli e d S h i h Y i n g b ut th e c hi ld w a s res tl e ss a n d
”
, , ,
I t ri e d t o d i st ra c t h e r f a b i t by t a k i n g h er t o th e d oor wi t h m e My .
”
t h e en dl e s s da y w i t h pl e a s a n t co n v e rs a t i o n .
H e g a ve th e c h i ld t o t he nur se a n d sh ow e d h i s vi si t or i n t o th e l i br a ry .
a f e w m i nu t e s S o Y u T s u n st a y e d a n d p a ss e d t h e ti m e o f w a i t i n g rum
.
t e n t en t h s b e a ut if ul n e v e rt h el e s s sh e w a s qu i t e u n co mmo n ly ch a rm i n g
-
,
.
sh e t h oug h t t o he rs e lf as s h e t urn e d a w a y h a s t i ly Wh a t h an d so m e .
, .
s c h ol a r Y u T s un t h e fr i en d o f wh om my m a s t e r s p e a ks so muc h
, an d ,
wh om h e i s so a n x i ous t o h e lp w h en e ve r h e h a s a c h a n c e Y es i t mu st .
,
m as t e r a lw a y s b e li e v es t h a t h e wi ll n o t h a v e t o go a bou t much lo n ge r i n
s uc h o ld a n d t orn clo th es S h e eo ul d n o t r e s i s t l oo ki n g b a ck o n ce mor e
°
a t t h e wi n dow Th en sh e d i sa pp ea r e d f a r t h e r i n t o th e g a rd en
. .
Y u Ts un w as i mm en se y pl ea se d a t h a v i ng obv i ou s ly m a d e an 1 m
’
pressi o n o n h er d es p i t e h i s sh a bby a pp e a r a n c e Th a t gi rl i s b o th wi se .
a n d ob s e rv a n t h e s a i d t o h i m s elf a n d s h e ca n p e rc e i v e t h e hi g h er
, ,
a n d o ut in t o a s t re e t by a s i d e door For t h e gu e s t w a s r e m a i n i n g t o di n.
n e r a s a se rv a n t h a d i n form e d h i m
, a n d so i t would b e t o o lo n g f o r ,
hi m t o w a i t He could n o t forg e t th e li tt l e i n c i d en t of th e pr e tt y g i rl i n
.
~
O n th e e ve n i n g of th e M i d Au t umn F es t i v a l a ft e r th e us u a l f a mi ly
-
,
m ea l w a s ov e r h i s p a t ro n w ent roun d t o i n vi te h i m t o dr i n k a fri en dly
,
gl a ss of w i ne a lo n e w i th h i m i n h i s l i br a ry Y u Ts u n w a s si tt i n g by hi m
.
t i o n a l l i n es
“
It m s t o m e th a t my wort h y bro the r m a kes h i gh d em an ds o f li fe
s ee
”
a n d co n si d e rs h i m s e lf muc h a bov e t h e commo n h e rd h e r e m a rk e d ,
w i th a sm i l e .
“
O h I w a s n o t r e fe rri n g t o my se lf
, r epl i ed Y u Ts u n e mb a rr asse d
, ,
.
Th a t s a n o ld po em It j u st occurr e d t o m e by ch a n c e Y o u fl a tt er m e
’
. .
”
1 1 th i n k i n g i t m i n e
1 .
S h i h Y i n g g a v e h i s i n vi t a t i on an d t ook Y u T sun b a ck w i th h i m t o hi s
l i br a ry H e dr an k h i s h ea l th g a i ly a n d en cour a g e d h i m t o h e lp h i m se lf
.
T h e pl e a s a n t s ou n d o f st r i n gs a n d flu t e s a n d m e rry s on gs dri ft e d i n
from t h e st ree t a n d from t h e n ei g h bori n g h ou ses Up i n th e h e a ven s .
h un g t h e sh i n i n g w h i t e o rb o f t h e full moo n In a tr i c e Y u Ts un h a d
.
“ ”
M a gn i fic en t ! D i vi n e ! cr i e d h i s h o st en th u si a st i c a lly O n c e more
, .
”
m e t he h o n or t o d ri n k !
A n d h e re a c h e d h i m a n o t h e r b e a ke r o f wi n e fill e d wi th h i s o w n h a n d .
Pr a y do n o t t h i n k t h at i t i s th e w i n e wh i ch h a s i n sp i re d your h umb l e
youn g er bro th e r w i th d a ri n g word s I am co n fid en t th a t I sh a ll b e a bl e
.
t o p as s t h e e x a m i n a ti o n an d h a v e my n a m e wri tt en i n th e li s t o f th e
ch o sen B ut o f wh a t a v a i l i s a ll my ab i li t y i f my t r a ve lli n g t run k i s
.
e mp ty ? Th e ro a d t o P e ki n g i s a lo n
g o n e I f s om e good souls do n o t
.
8
h e lp m e, I fea r I sh a ll n o t m a ke i t w i fh th e li tt l e I ea rn as a sc ri ven er .
“ ”
Wh y h as my worth y bro th e r n ot s poken o f th i s s oo n er ? hi s h o st
“
i n t e rrup t e d qu i ckly . I h a ve b een thi n ki n g o f thi s m a tter f er som e ti m e
p a st b ut I di d n o t t ru st my self to bro a ch i t No w h ow ev er I can m a ke
,
.
, ,
o f th ree y ea rs a S ta t e ex a m i n a t i o n is t o b e he ld a g a i n
,
My worth y .
a b i l i ti es I sh a ll b e a r th e co st o f t h e j ourn e y a n d o f e v e ry thi n g e ls e
.
”
h i s fri en d sh i p i n v a i n upo n an un wor th y p e rs on .
He wh i s p e r e d a n ord e r t o o n e o f hi s se rv an ts T he m an d i sa ppea re d.
i n g th rough th e c al en d a r .
T h e n i n ete en th i s a fa vor a bl e da y f or se tt i n g o u t o n a j ou rn e y h e ,
“
con ti n u ed M y worth y bro th er sh ould ta ke t i me ly ste ps t o se cur e a
.
h i re d bo a t f o r th a t da y A n d pe rh a p s w h en th e y ea r i s ov er I sh a ll
.
, ,
o n c e mo re h a ve th e h o n or o f b as ki n g i n th e r a di an c e o f your presen c e ,
a ft e r t h e w i n gs o f your t a l en ts h a v e c a rri e d
yo u up t o g i ddy h e i g h t s .
th e t i m e o f th e th i rd dr um ro ll di d th e fri en ds t a ke l ea v e o f e a ch o th er
,
.
The n ex t morn i n g S hi h Y in g r e m e mb er e d t h a t h e h a d a ls o i n t en d e d
t o g i v e hi s pro t égé l e tt e rs o f i n troduc t i o n t o tw o c i vi l se rv an ts w h om
h e kn ew i n th e c a p i t a l He th e r e fore sen t a serv an t ov e r t o t h e T empl e
.
th e t e mpl e bo n z es a fa r e w e ll gr ee t i n g f or h i s p a tr o n a n d a furt h e r m es
s a g e t o th e eff e c t th a t pe opl e o f e duc a t i o n l i k e h i ms e lf w e r ei n th e h a b i t
o f co n si d e r i n g o n ly th e m a t t e r in h a n d a n d w e r e n o t i n flu en c e d by
s up e r st i t i ou s d i r e c t i o n s i n t h e c a l en d a r A n d th a t w as th at wh e th er
.
,
S hi h Y in g l i ke d i t or n o t .
ce i ve d In th e e v en i n g S h ih Y i n g h a d sen t a se rv an t t o t a ke h i s li t t l e
.
9
gay l an t ern s a n d th e m erry fi rew o rk s— th e sp i ri t fir es The se rv a n t .
h a d go n e r i g h t i n t o th e th ro n g of th e T en M i l e S t r ee t He foun d so .
p a r a p et i n fro n t of a st r an ge h ou se w h i l e h e d i sa p pe a r e d roun d th e
n ea r es t cor n e r W h en h e c a m e b a ck t h e l i t t l e g i rl w a s go n e H e se a rc h e d
. .
t h e s t r e e t s a n d l a n es for h e r a ll n i g h t b ut i n v a i n T h e n ex t morn i n g
“
.
, ,
b ei n g t o o muc h af ra i d o f p un i sh m en t t o r et urn t o hi s m a st er s h ou s e ’
,
h e fl e d from t h e t own a n d r an b a ck t o h i s n at i v e vi ll a g e .
s i g h s a n d l a m en t a t i o n s di d n o t c ea s e e i t h e r by da y o r by n i g h t and
“
-
, ,
s oo n p h y si c i a n s a n d s oo t h sa y e r s b e c a m e d a i ly gu est s i n t h e h ou s e B ut .
t h e lo s s of t h ei r c h i ld w as n o t t o b e t h e i r o n ly m i s fort u n e .
fi re t o sh oo t o ut ov e r t h e p a n a n d set a l i gh t th e p a rch m en t p a n es a n d
wood en fr a m e of th e ki t ch en w i n dow A ll t h e bu i ld i n gs roun d a bou t
.
t h e t e mpl e w e r e o n e s i n gl e m a s s o f fl a m e s a g a i n st wh i c h t h e i n h a b i t
,
n i g h t b efor e b urn i n g i t s e lf o u t S h i h Y i n g s h ou s e t o o h a d go n e do w n
’
.
i n ru i n s a n d a sh es T h e i n m a t es h a d b a r e ly b e en a bl e t o esc a p e w i th
.
t h e i r l i v e s S o w h a t could poor S h i h Y i n g do b u t h o w h i s kn ee s a n d
.
u tt e r sh or t si gh s a n d lo n g o n es ?
A t fir st h e a n d h i s w i f e w en t t o l i v e o n th e i r cou n t ry est a t e B ut t h ey .
c i d e d t o s e ll h i s l a n d H e t h en w en t w i th h i s w i fe a n d t w o m a i d s t o l i v e
.
w i t h h i s fa t he r i a la w old F en g in t he s a fe t own of T a yu ch ow O ld
- -
, , .
0
m en t Th ere upo n i n w ell ch o sen an d s ki llfully d i spo se d word s S h i h
.
-
e a r th ly t h i n g s .
“
Spl en d i d ! Y o u h a v e put i t a ll i n d eeply 1 m pres s1 v e word s s a i d ,
t h e mo n k a dm i r i n gly w h en S h i h Y i n g s ou t pouri n g h a d e n d e d
’
.
,
“ ”
I sh ould l i k e t o go a lo n g wi th you sa i d S h i h Y i n g si mply He t ook ,
.
o w n T h en wi th ou t e v en go i n g b a ck t o h i s h ou se h e j o i n e d th e st r a n g e
.
, ,
h oly m a n i n h i s c a s u a l w a n d e ri n g .
w as s a i d Wh en a ll i n qu i r
. i es for h i s w h e r ea bou t s prov e d i n v ai n an d
t h e m i ssi n g m an f a i l e d t o r et urn sh e w en t b a ck t o th e h ou s e of h er
,
a n d h er a g e d f a t h e r .
in g y a rn from a h a wk e r S udd en ly sh e h e a rd th e y a m en ou t ri d e rs a s
.
“
t h e y c a m e n ea r e r a n d n ea r e r down t h e s t r ee t sh ou t i n g : M a ke w a y !
”
M a ke w a y ! The ne w d i st ri c t M an d a r i n w a s t a ki n g up h i s offic e t od a y ,
offi c i a l se d a n ch a i r w i th t he M a n d a r i n i n h i s s c a rl et S t a t e rob e s ea t e d i n
i t B eh i n d w a lke d more flu n k i es T h e m a i d g a v e a st a rt It seem e d t o h er
. . .
L a t e i n th e ev en i n g o f t h a t s a m e da y j u st as ev e ryo n e w as go i n g t o
,
,
th e Fe n g s h ou se A t r 0 0
’
p o f y a m en se rv a n t s w er e ou t si de d e m a n d i n g
.
to b e l et i n .
”
lo a d t o d el i ve r .
O ld F en g w a s a s fri gh t en e d a s i f a t i ge r st ood i n h i s p a th Wh a t .
n ew t roubl e w a s t h i s i n t h e n a m e o f h e a v en ? If
,
you w a n t t o kn ow yo u
mus t read wh a t th e n ex t c h a p t er h as t o re port .
12
CHA PTER 2
A S SO ON F EN G H A D R EC O VE R ED S O ME W HA T F R O M H IS S H O C K
A S O LD ,
“
M y n a me i s F en g b ut my son i n l a w s n am e i s S h i h Yin g He n o
,
- -
’
.
“
Th en you mu st come wi t h us in st e a d o f h i m t h ey sa i d A n d t he y , .
t oo k o l d F en g a lo n g wi th t h em a n d brough t h i m t o th e y a m en o f t h e
n ew M a n d a r i n .
It w as l a t e a t n i g ht wh en o l d F en g ret urn e d h om e t o h i s f a mi ly w h o ,
“
T he n ew M an d a r i n s n a m e i s C h i a wi th th e s urn a me o f Y u T s un
’
.
,
,
” “
Yi n g recoun t e d o ld F en g A s he w as p a ss i n g by o ur h ouse y es te r
“
.
,
'
ised m e th a t he would h a v e an o fi ci al sea rc h m a de f or he r wh e re abou ts .
Wh en I w as t a ki n g l ea ve he g a ve m e a presen t moreove r o f t wo , , ,
”
oun ces o f sil ver .
“ ”
O ur n ew M an d a ri n i s a fri en dl y aff able g en t l em an ! w as the ,
f or the ki n dn ess he h a d en j o y ed i n h e r h us b an d s h ou s e T he m e s
’
.
s i d e c h a mb e r O ld F en g w h o w as v e ry h a ppy a t b e i n g t h u s h o n or e d
-
.
, ,
n a t ur l ly g a v e h i s co n se n t t o t hi s In gr a t i t ud e th e M a n d a r i n se n t h i m
a .
an d h e sa m e e v e n i n g h e h a d th e m a i d Apr i co t fet ch ed i n a a y l i tt le
t g
red se d a n c h a i r .
13
Lucky Apr i co t ! W h o would h av e th ough t t h a t th e tw o h urr i e d gl a n ces
w hi c h she h a d o n c e b es t owe d upon t h e poor st ud en t Y u T s un whi le
plucki n g flow er s i n t he ga rd en sh o uld o n e da y d e c i d e h er f at e ? B ut
'
m e r ely b ei n g a ccep t ed i n t o t h e si d e c h a mb e r o f t h e hi gh ly r es p e ct e d
'
pri n c i p a l c h a mb er fe ll i ll an d d i e d s oo n a ft e rw a rd s Apr i co t w a s r a i se d ,
t o t h e r a n k of pr i n c i p a l wi fe It could Well b e sa i d o f h er :
.
i n t h e c a l en d a r T h e re h e p a sse d h i s ex
.
am i n a t i o n br i ll i a n t ly a n d g a i n e d
t h e t h i rd h i g h es t doc t or at e ch i n s h i h whi c h procur e d h i m a cc e p t a n c e
, ,
t o s h ow a l a m en t a bl e l a ck o f r e s p e c t t ow a r ds h i s coll ea gu e s a n d su
,
.
o f c en s ur e w h i c h h i s Prov i n c i a l Go v e rn or s ubm i tt e d a t C o ur t .
"
h a n d wro t e o n th e m a rg i n o f t h e l ette r o f compl a i n t a n a ngry d e cr ee
r e li ev i ng t h e a ccu sed offi c i a l o f h i s po st t o th e j oy o f hi s j ea lou s col
,
l ea gu es .
vi de d w i th mo n ey b a ck t o t h e i r f a m i li es for t h e t i m e b ei n g a n d s et
, ,
“
a n d c a r e w i t h n o o t h e r h i n dr a n c e t h a n
, th e wi n d o n h i s s h ould e rs th e ,
a bou t for a t i m e j u st w h e r ev e r h e w a n t e d t o le a rn i n g t o kn ow th e
,
co un t ry a n d th e pe ople .
In th e cour se o f hi s t r a vel s h e c a m eo n e da y t o t h e c a pi t a l o f th e i m
po rtan t sa lt m in i n g d i st r i c t o f Ya n gch ow He l ea rn e d th at a c ert a i n
-
.
a nc i en t t i m es a n d h a d b een r a i se d fi v e g en er a t i o n s a go t o t h e s e co n d
i n g i t down t o t he fif th g en e r a t i o n B esi d e s th ei r ex t e ri or n ob i l i t y th e
.
n o t o n ly t h e so n o f hi s f a th e rs b ut by h i s ow n a t t a in m en ts a n d a br i l
,
l i tt l e so n o f t h ree w ho h a d d i e d r ec en t ly fa t e h a d n o t gr an ted hi m
,
’
a n y m a l e d es c e n d a n t d es p i te t h e m a n y co n cub i n e s w h o fille d h i s s i d e
Bl a ck J a d e h a d b ee n pre sen t ed t o h i m by h i s pr i n c i p a l wi fe n ee C hi a
, , .
l a cki n g .
Prec i s e ly a t t he t i m e w h en Y u T sun c a m e t o Y a n gc h ow Mr L in g .
st ud en t s wh om h e m e t by c h a n c e i n hi s lodg i n g s a n d w h o w e r e w el l
a cqu a i n t e d w i th t h e t r e a s u re r of t h e s a l t m i n es a n d t h an k s t o t h e i r
,
He h a d t h us p a s se d t w o y e a rs i n h i s qu i e t a n d pl e a sa n t po st w h en
t h e mo th e r o f h i s pup i l fe ll i ll a n d d i e d T h e good c h i ld h a d d e d i c a te d
.
pe ri od Y u T s un w a s l e ft t o h i m se lf a grea t d ea l a n d wh en th e w e a t he r
,
w as fi n e h e a v a i l ed of h i s l e i s ur e t o m a ke fr e qu en t excur si o n s i n t o t h e
15
cop se ou t si d e th e t own a n d th en h a d f o un d a vi ll a g e in n n ea r by wh ere
'
a , _
h e w en t t o r e fre sh h i m self w i th a gl a ss o f w i n e In t h e t a v e rn h e un .
h a d st a y e d i n C h i n li n g f o r th e S t a t e e x a m i n a t i o n He e st eem e d Len g a s .
a pr a c t i c a l bu s i n ess m a n a n d Le n g e st ee m e d h i m a s a m an o f kn owl
“
,
’
e dg e a n d c u l t ur e L en g w a s o n h i s w a y b a ck from h i s n a t i v e pl a c e
.
,
a t Y an gc h ow w h e r e h e w a s st a y i n g w i th a bu si n es s fri en d fo r a f ew
,
d a y s J u st by ch an c e h e t o o h a d m a d e a t ri p i n t o the co un t ry th a t da y
. .
mut u a l exch a n ge of n ew s st ar t e d .
“ ”
A n y n e ws from th e c a p i ta l ? a s k e d Y u T s un .
“
Noth i n g o f i mpor t an ce t o yo u exc ept p e rh a p s th at th e c i rcum
”
s t a n c es o f your n obl e r el a t i o n s a re b e g i n n i n g t o c h an ge .
“ ”
I do n ot kn ow wh at n obl e rel a t i on s you m ea n .
“ ”
A h yo u mu st m e an th e tw o h ou ses o f N i n gk uo a n d Y un gk uo ?
,
”
Y es ex a c t ly
, .
“
Y o u a re r i gh t W e a re i n th e sa m e g en ea log i c a l t a bl e B ut sin c e th e
“
. .
a r ea t s oc i a l d i ff r e n c e e p a r a t e t h e i llu t r i ou h ou e s o f N in gkuo a n d
g e s s s s s
“
I am n o t so s ur e of th a t R ec en t ly th e t w o fa m i l i e s o f N in gkuo a n d
.
“
I ca n s c a rc e ly cr e d i t th a t La st y ea r wh en I w as t r a ve lli n g th rough
.
,
p i e d t o t he e a st by th e N i n gkuo p a l a c e a n d t o th e west by th e Y un gk u o
p a l a c e I go t a n i mpr essi o n of th e ut mo st s plen dor a n d gr e a t n ess C er
. , .
t h o se gr e a t h a lls an d si n gl e st ory p a v i l i o n s e v e ry t h i n g w a s st i ll i n p er
-
n i fi cen t p a rk w i th i ts cl i ff s a n d cr a g s an d fi sh o n ds a n d exo t i c pl a n ts
, p
— n o th a t di d n o t look i n th e l ea st li ke d e ca y a n d d e cli n e ”
, .
“
Now Doc t or Kn ow All h o w ca n o n e j udg e j us t by th e outs i d e ?
,
-
s p i t e of ev e ry th i n g t h e t w o h ou se s a re s t i ll mor e s pl en d i d an d i mpo s i n g
,
16
so m an y mou th s a n d o f m a i n t a in i n g suc h a l a rg e an d expe n si ve h ous e
h old i n a m a n n e r b e comi n g i ts r a n k i s co n ti n u a lly i n cr ea si n g Suc h a n .
e sta bl i sh m en t n ee ds t o b e wi s e ly fi n a n c e d a n d t h a t i s w h a t h a s go n e
,
”
a b i l i t y of t h e f a m i ly i s d i m i n i sh i n g i n t he you n g e r g en e r a t i o n .
“
Wh a t ? Is t h e e duc a t i o n o f t h e youn g er g en e ra t i o n provi n g a t fa ul t
in th a t h ou s e o f an c i en t h e re d i t a ry cul t ure ? I ca n h a rdly b el i ev e i t B ut .
? ”
P erh a ps yo u wi ll h a v e th e ki n d n ess t o en l i gh t en m e
“
W i t h pl ea sur e It i s n o w fi v e g en e r a t i o n s si n ce th e f a m i ly o f C hi a
.
t h e pr i n c e ly t i t l e a s a re w a rd for t h e i r s pl en d i d s e rvi c es t o th e Th ro n e ,
you n ge r a s Y un gk uo Ku n g Pr i n c e o f t h e P e a c e o f th e Th ro n e Th e
,
.
d e cl i n e o f th e fa m i ly h a d a lr ea dy b e gun wi th th e gr a n ds o n o f th e
form er H e fell a vi ct i m t o the folly o f th e T a o i st he res y d evo t e d h i m
.
,
se lf t o a lc h e my a n d t h oug h t of n o th i n g e l s e b ut br ew i n g el ix i r s o f l i fe
,
a n d b a k i n g v e rm i l i o n p i ll s He l i v es a s a h e rm i t i n t h e mou n ta i n s i n
.
fr o nt o f t he c a p i t a l a n d a llow s h i s so n C h en t o h old t h e t it l e i n h i s
pl a c e Th i s Pri n c e C h en w h o h as go t a si x t een y e a r o ld so n i s t he r e
.
,
- -
,
.
h a pp i ly t h e re i s n o o n e w h o d a r es t o t ell h i m th e t ru t h In sh ort e ve ry .
,
t h i n g i s go i n g t o r a ck a n d ru i n i n t h e p a l a c e o f N i n gkuo .
“
In t he p a l a c e o f Y un gk u o m a tt er s a re s om ewh a t b et t e r Th er e th e .
Pr i n c e ss An c es t re ss wi dow o f th e se co n d Pri n c e o f Y un gk uo i s t h e
, ,
m a n a g em en t o f th e est a t e .
T h e youn g e r so n C h en g o n th e o th er h an d po ssesse s ou ts ta n di n g 1
“
, , ,
gen i t or an d h a d a lw a y s b ee n h i s fa vori te A t th e wi sh o f h i s gr a n d .
“
The r e are tw o st r a n ge i n c i d en ts wort h y o f m en t i on r e g a rd i n g t h e
fa m i ly o f t h i s C h i a C h en g T he fi rs t of h i s four d a ught e rs n a m ely a
.
,
c hi ld of h i s pr i n c i pa l w i fe o n e o f t he W a n g fam i ly w a s st r a n g e t o sa y
, , , ,
17
curi ou s : A y ea r l a t er M a d a m e C hen g g a ve b i rth t o a son w h o c a m e i nt o ,
A n d th i s st o n e mor e ov e r sh ow e d d i st i n ct t r a c es o f a n in scri p t i o n ! Th e
, ,
s o n w a s t h e r e fore n a m e d P a o Y u o r
‘ ’
Prec i ous S t o n e H a ve yo u e ver .
h e a rd o f a n y th i n g more e x t r a ord i n ar y .
“
I mu st co n fess I n ever h a v e Presum a bly th i s ph en om en on po i n ts
.
”
t o a r em a rk a bl e fu t ur e .
“
Th a t i s t h e g en er a l op i n i on an d th e b o y i s in fa c t th e a vowe d
,
c i en t cu st om th e y pl a c e d a wh ol e l o t of t oy s n ea r th e ch i ld o n h i s first
b i r th d a y i n ord e r t o a sc ert a i n h i s gi fts a n d h i s fut ur e a p t i t ud e s from
,
t h e c h o i c e wh i c h h e would m a ke A n d wh a t do y o u th i n k th e c h i ld
.
w a s n o t ex a c t ly pl e a se d w i th th i s c h o i c e an d expr esse d t h e op i n i o n th a t
'
Now a t t w e lve y e a rs o f a ge h e i s a v e ry w a yw a rd b ut i n t e ll i g en t a n d
, ,
h i s c h i ld i sh mou th H e s a i d on c e fo r i n s t an c e th a t i t s eem e d t o h i m
.
, ,
t h a t f e m a l es w er e m a d e o f w a t e r wh i l e m a l es w e r e m a d e o f cl a y ; f o r i n
s oc i et y h e f e l t dull an d d e pr e ss e d No w w h a t do you t h in k o f t h i s ex
.
,
? ”
d e mon o f lu st ful n es s
“
I do n o t kn ow ; p erh a p s h e i s m i sj udg e d s a i d Y u Ts un th ough t ,
“
ful ly It m a y b e a n i n he ri t e d d i spo si t i on a n d i f so h o w ca n t h e b o y
.
, ,
y ea rs w a n d er i n g a roun d I h a pp en e d t o b e t u t or for s om e t i m e t o t h e
’
so n o f a N a n ki n g f a m i ly W h en h e h a d h i s l ess o n s a lo n e h e w as a di fli
.
l ut ely n o th in g H e a lw a y s d e cl a r e d th a t i n ord e r t o b e a bl e t o l ea rn
.
°
a n d t o co n c e n t r a t e h e n ee d e d g i rls n e a r h i m ; a n d i n f a c t i n t he pr es
, , ,
e n c e of h i s you n g cous i n s w h o l i v ed i n th e s a m e h ou s e h e w a s qu i t e a
, ,
, ,
‘ ’
w ell b eh a ve d boy o n e could i m a gi n e Th e m e re word g i rl see m e d t o
-
“ ”
g i rl w i th your fil t h y mou th k i n dly r i n se i t o ut wi th pur e w a t er a n d
,
C h i eh c h i e h ” a n d M e i m e i ”
‘
t hr a sh e d h i m h e u se d t o cry o u t :
‘
. .
‘
S i st e r ! Li t t l e si st e r ! Wh en h i s cous i n s la ugh e d a t hi m be c a u se he w a s
’
18
ga t es sh u t On th e w ay a m a n c a m e runn i n g a f ter th em b ecko n i n g an d
.
,
“
s h ou t i n g from qu i t e a d i st a n c e : Co n gr a t ul at i o n s bro t h er Y u Ts un ! ,
If yo u w a n t t o kn ow w h o thi s p e r s o n w as an d w ha t good n ew s he
h a d t o br i n g you mus t li st en t o t h e n e x t c h a p t e r
, .
CHAPTER 3
M r L i n g gi v es h i s g ue st fro m th e W es t a n i n t ro du c t i o n t o th e Y un g k u o
"
a n d s i n c e t h en h a d b ee n l i v i n g i n h i s n a ti v e t own Y a n gc h ow ,
.
”
T h er e s g o bd n e w s for you a n d f o r m e ! h e s a i d t o Y u T s un b e a m
’
,
“
i n g w i th jo y A n Imp e ri a l e d i c t h a s j u s t b een i ss u e d gr a c i ou s ly p er
-
.
”
a n d loo k i n g a roun d for p a t ro n a g e .
Af t er mu t u a l con gr a t ul a t i o n s t h e t w o fr i en d s p a r t e d e a ch m a ki n g
"
for h i s o wn dwe ll i n g .
“
He i s r i g h t ; yo u mu st l ook a rou n d for p at ro n a g e s a i d L en g t o Y u ,
“
T s un Wh at a bou t a sk i n g Mr Li n g t o u se h i s i n flu en c e f o r yo u a t t h e
. .
? ”
Y un gk uo p a l a c e
Y u T s un a c t e d o n h i s a dvi c e B u t fir st of a ll h e procure d t h e l a t est
’
.
e d i t i o n of t h e S t a t e n e w s p a p e r a n d m f a c t h e f o un d i n i t t h e e d i c t a n
,
no un ci n g hi s r eh a b i l i ta t i on .
T h e 1l et da y h e pr esen t e d hi m se lf b e fo re Mr L i n g a n d p u t h i s t e
qu e“st t oh i m .
” “
Wh a t a st r a n ge a n d fa vo ra bl e co i n c i d en c e ! cr i e d Mr Lin g Ju st .
'
.
by c h a n ce a n d b e for e yo u m a d e t h i s r e qu es t o f m e I h a d a lre a dy
, ,
t h e Y u n gk u o p a l a c e It h a pp en s t h a t my mo t h e r i n la w t h e Pri nc e ss
.
-
a lr ea dy s en t t w o bo a ts w i th a tt en d a n t s t o f et c h th e gi rl b ut t h e de ,
, f
e v e r s h e i s s u fi c i en t ly r e cov e r e d t o m a k e t h e j ourn e y I w as a v a i li n g .
of th i s oppor t un i t y t o g i v e h e r a l e t t e r of i n t roduc ti on f o r y ou t o my
bro t h e r i n la w C h en g as I w i she d i n thi s w a y t o rep a y yo u i n so m e
- -
, v
20
Would it doubly a dv an ta ge ou s sin ce yo u are go i n g t o th e c a p i
n ot be ,
? ”
s elf pe rs o n a lly t o my bro th e r i n la w - -
. .
“ ” “
M a y I a sk wh a t i s th e r an k o f yo ur bro th er i n la w ? h e a dd e d I - -
.
“
i ng. Afte r all yo u b e lo n g t o the sa me cl a n Ac t u a lly I h a v e tw o
,
.
,
‘ ’
a n d g en e ro si t y a n d po ss e sses a gr ea t d e a l o f th e br ea t h a n d s ta t ur e
,
a rr an g e d f o r th es e t o o i n t h e l e tt e r Mor e ov er I h a v e fi x e d t he da t e of
.
,
”
de p a rt ur e a s th e se co n d da y o f n e x t mo n th .
Accord i n gly o n th a t da y Bl a ck J a d e e m b ar ke d o n o n e bo a t w i th th e
,
fema l e se rv a n ts wh i le Y u T s un fo llow e d h er i n th e o th er wi t h th e m a le
s t a ff T h e r e h a d b ee n s om e t ea rs a n d so m e f a th e rly a dmo n i t i o n s b e fore
.
th e l i tt l e o n e would co n sen t t o go i n g .
“
I a m a lr e a dy p a st fift y an d do n o t i n ten d t o m a rry a g a i n th e Co un t ,
“
h a d sa i d t o h i s yo un g d a ug h te r H e r e a t h om e yo u a re d e pri v ed o f th e
.
. .
’
Afte r se ve ra l d a y s tr a ve ll in g th e y a rr i ve d i n th e c a p i t a l Y u Ts un ,
p ut o n h i s b es t co a t m a d e h i s w a y t o th e Y un gk uo p a l a c e an d h an d e d
, ,
in h i s vi s i t i n g ca rd C hi a Ch en g w as a lrea dy e xpe c t i n g hi s vi s i t b e
.
,
an d pr e po sse ss in g a p ea r a n ce a n d e x t re m e ly w e ll s pok en — us t th e t
p j y pe
o f m a n of cul t ur e an d kn owl e dg e as w ell a s r efi n e d b e a r i n g w hom h e
, , ,
st e
p pé d o n t o th e ri v e r b an k sh e fo un d a w a i ti n g h er a s ed an c ha ir a n d
- -
-
.
,
a w h ol
e cro wd of se rv an ts and l ugg a g e t rucks A t h om e sh e had often .
21
h ea rd her mo t h e r s pea k f the
wea l th a n d gr a n de ur i n wh i ch the rel a
o s
t i v es i n t h e c a p i t a l l i v e d
Thi s d i s pl a y o f a tt en d a n c e o n th e j o urn e y an d
.
e u i pp e d t h ey w e r e a n d h o w w ell f e d a n d w e ll c a r e d f o r th e y look e d !
q ,
t h a t i n Ya n gch ow .
, ,
t ri pl e a rc h e d ga t e w a y fl a n ke d by t w o m as si v e cowe ri n g m a rbl e l i o n s
-
, .
i n fi v e l a rg e c h a r a c te rs : N i n gkuo p a l a c e bu i l t a t th e Imp e r i a l co m ,
”
m an d .
th e e n t r a n c e t o t h e Y un gk u o p a l a c e A t firs t th e y w ent s t r a i gh t ah ea d .
th e pl a c es o f th e form e r b ea r e rs A t t he sa m e t i m e t h e fem a l e a t t en d a n ts
.
g o t o u t o f t h e i r se d a n c h a i r s an d from t h i s po i n t follow e d Bl a ck J a d e s
.
,
22
ocks ex t en d e d a lo n g th e si d es o f th e bu i ld in g wh i ch ov erlooke d th e
‘
r ,
st e p s o f th e st a i rw a y wh i c h l ed t o t h e c en t r a l a p a rt m en t o f t h e bu i ld i n g .
A s Bl a ck J a d e a ppro a c h e d th ey ro se a n d c a m e t ow a rd s h er sm i l i n g a n d
c urts y i n g le d her up th e st ep s an d c a lli n g o ut M i ss Lin g i s he r e
,
“
, , ,
h er le ft .
a n d w a s a bou t t o kn e el do wn t o m a k e h er kowt ow r i gh t a w a y B ut th e .
“ ”
My hea rt ! My l i ve r ! Fl esh a n d blood o f my ch i ld ! sh e cr i e d i n a
vo i c e so st i fl e d w i th emo t i on th a t th e room b e c a m e fi ll e d w i th th e
s oun ds o f s obb i n g a n d s n i fli i n g a n d Bl a ck J a d e t o o could n o t k e e p b a ck
,
“
gan Th i s i s your eld est a un t ; t h i s i s your youn g e r a u n t ; t hi s i s your
.
”
s i s t e r i n l a w Ch u t h e wi dow of your l a t e cou si n
- -
,
C hi a C h u T h i s w e n t ,
.
o n for qu i t e a w h i l e Bl a ck J a d e t a k i n g a st e p t ow a rd s e a c h p e rs o n a n d
,
bow i n g i n sa lu t a t i o n .
“
T h e th r ee you n g l a d i e s m a y com e ! sa i d th e Pr i n c ess A n c est r e
”
ss ,
“
t u rn i n g t ow a rd s t h e comp a n y In h o n or o f o ur gu es t s a rr i v a l th e y ar e
’
.
”
b ei n g excu s e d from t h ei r l esso n s t od a y .
f a t— a c h a rm in g s i g h t T h e s eco n d w a s s l en d e r ,s li m w a i s te d w i th s om e
.
-
a n a rr es t i n
g si ght T h e t h i rd as ye t t o o ch i ld i sh i n fa c e a n d form t o
.
,
a n d wor e s i m i l a r a r a fl es a n d b a n gl es
g .
qu est i o n s Wh a t h a d h er mo th e r s m a la dy b een ? Wh a t m e d i c i n e s h a d
.
’
24
T he A n c e st ress co uld n ot ge t ove r th e fa c t th a t her fa vor i te d a ugh ter
sh ould h a v e go n e t o h er r es t b e fore h er T h en th e a tt en ti o n o f a ll w as .
s t r i k i n gly gr a ve a n d m a t ur e f o r h er t w e lv e y ea rs o f a ge H e r fo rm w a s .
so d e l i c a te t h a t sh e see m e d s ca rc e ly s t ro n g en oug h t o b ea r t h e t ri fl i n g
t h oug ht to t h em s e lv es .
“ ? ”
Y o u look a i li n g D o yo u do n o t h i n g f o r your m a l a dy
. sh e w as
as ke d .
“
I h a v e b ee n si ckly fr om my ea rl i est ch i ldh ood an d e v er sin c e I ,
ugly w an d er i n g mo n k w a n te d t o t a ke m e a wa y from h om e an d p ut m e
i n t o a co n v en t My p a ren ts would n o t h ea r o f i t Th en h e t old th e m th a t
. .
”
h ea l th g i v i n g g i n sen g roo t an d blood st ren g t h en in g p i ll s
- -
.
“ “
Tha t i s sens i bl e sa i d th e gr a n dmo the r T h o se are a ls o o ur tr us te d
, .
t i o n o f th em h e r e t oo .
Sh e h a d n ot fi n i sh e d s pe a k in g wh en t h e s oun d o f l a ug h te r a n d c h a t
t er s ou n d e d from th e p a rk a n d Bl a ck J a d e hear d a wom a n s cl ear vo i ce
’
,
“
O h I m t erri bly la t e i n co mi n g t o gr ee t o ur di s ti n gu i sh e d
’
sa y i n g : ,
gue st .
W hi le Bl a ck J a d e w a s st i ll wo n d e r i n g w h o this m i gh t b e w ho v en
t ur ed to burs t so g a i ly an d bo i st e rou s ly i n t o th e solem n a n d form a l a t
m o sph ere s urroun d i n g t he r e ve r e d F i rs t La dy o f th e f a m i ly sh e s a w a ,
i n w a i t i n g a n d m a i ds Sh e w as gli t t e ri n g wi th j ew e ls a n d b ea u ti ful as a
-
.
f ai ry an d her v e rm i l i o n l i p s w e re p a rt e d i n a s p a rkli n g sm i le Bl a ck
, .
“ ”
Y o u do n o t kn ow h e r yet s a i d th e Pr i n c ess A n ce s t r es s t o Bl a ck
,
“
J a d e w i th a sm i le Thi s i s o ur fa mo us m e rry h ou se h old f a i ry w i th ou t
.
,
”
wh om w e sh ould all b e d ull a n d bo re d J us t c a ll h er P h oe n i x ! .
“ ”
B ut I do n o t even kn ow h er r e a l n a m e yet s ai d Bl a ck J a d e e mb ar ,
ra sse d.
“
Sh e i s
your si s t e r i n - -
la w , L i en . Her m a i d e n n a m e i s P h o en i x , sev ~
era l vo i c es e xp l ai n ed t o h er No w sh e
. co uld p la ce h er Her mo th er
. ha d
25
often t old h er a bou t th i s si st er i n law She w a s th e b eau t i ful an d cl e ver
- -
.
n i ec e o f U n cl e C h en g s wi f e n é e W a n g an d wi fe o f C h i a L i en P ri n c e
’
, , ,
“
T o th i n k th at a n y h um a n fo rm i n t he world could b e so t en d e r a n d
d el i c a t e ! she e xcl a i m e d ,t urn i n g t o th e ol d l a dy I would n o t ha ve
” “
.
Th e po or li tt l e m e i me i ! H o w s a d th a t sh e sh ould lo se h er mo th e r so
”
you n g !
Sh e d a bb e d h er e y es wi th h er h an dke rc h i ef t o rub a wa y s om e t ea rs .
D o yo u w a n t t o re duc e us t o t e a rs a g a i n ? O ur e y es a re o n ly j u st
” “
dri e d s ai d t he Pri n c ess A n c est r ess j oco se ly O ur gu est i s t i re d from
, .
t he lo n g j ourn e y a n d b es i d es sh e h a s d e l i c a t e n e rv es Be tt e r n o t open
, .
t h e o ld wou n d b u t l et t h e p a st r est
, .
p i n g sh e s a i d h old i n g o ut h er l i t t le l i ly wh i te h a n d s wi t h a com i c
, ,
-
t ook Bl a ck J a d e by t h e h a n d a n d pl i e d h er w i th e v e ry po s si bl e qu es
t i o n a bou t h er a ge h ea l th e duc a t i o n f a vori t e d i sh es a n d f a vor i te
, , , ,
i n la w P h oe n i x
-
, .
“ ”
H a s M iss L in g s lugg a g e b e en brough t up ? sh e as ke d t urn i n g t o
’
,
“
h er a tt en d a n ts A n d a re th e room s pre p a re d f o r th e se rv an ts wh om
.
? ”
sh e h a s broug h t wi th h e r from Y a n gc h ow
Sh e a t t en t i vely h a n d e d h e r gu est t ea an d c a ke a n d th en b e g an t o di s ,
cuss wi th A unt C hen g p ra cti c a l m a tters s uch a s h ouseh old expe n ses a n d
clo th i n g Bl a ck J a de go t th e i m m edi a t e i m pres si o n th a t t h i s si st e r i n
.
l
-
m ules w h i ch h a d b ee n s pe c i a lly tr a i n e d t o go a t a v e ry g en t le p a c e Fo r
'
i t w a s a lo n g d i st a n ce t o t he res i d en c es o f th e t w o un cl es a n d th ere ,
26
A un t C hen g w as a lr ea dy recli n i n g a t th e ri gh t si de Wi th a fr i en dly . .
w a ve o f th e h an d she i n vi te d h er n i ec e a s she en t e re d to r e cl i n e co m
, ,
f o rt ably o n th e l e ft B ut Bl a ck J a d e sa i d t o h e rs e lf t h a t n o doub t th e
.
un t i l sh e h a d b een as ke d thr ee t i m es t o do so di d sh e c h an ge ov er to
h er a u n t s s i d e
’
.
“
Yo ur un cle i s i n th e t empl e t od a y fa st in g an d a tt en d i n g se rvi c es
, ,
“
sa i d th e a u n t , b ut h e wi ll s oo n com e h om e an d gr eet you M ean ti m e .
t h i n k you w i ll a ls o ge t on w e ll t og et h e r B ut t h e r e i s on e t h i n g w hi c h
.
s om e wh a t s t r an g e fr ea ki sh boy w h o i n st ea d o f k ee p i n g t o hi s books
, , ,
gr an dm o th e r wi th t h e resul t th at n o on e d a r e d t o b e se ve re wi t h hi m
,
.
“
A h Au n t m ea n s n o do ub t th e co us i n w h o w as born w i th th e j a d e
,
” “
s t o n e i n h i s mou t h ? sh e a sk e d sm i l i n g Mo th e r oft en s poke o f hi m
,
. .
H e i s Pa o Y u a n d i s a y e a r old e r th a n I i s h e n o t ? Mo th e r th ough t h e ,
roomy .
“ ”
Oh do n o t s ay t h a t ! re pl i e d Aun t C h en g l a ugh in g
, T h e con , .
”
c h arm e d by hi s h on e y swee t words or fri g h ten e d b yh i s fooli sh r a ges
-
.
A se rv a n t en t e r e d an d sa i d th a t t h e o ld Ta i ta i b a d e the m com e t o
s upp e r Aun t C h en g t ook h er n i e c e by th e h a n d a n d le d h e r o u t thr oug h
’
28
a b ack e xi t a n d a cro ss by m an y z i gz a g p a th s O n the w a y she st oppe d .
“
Y our si ste r i n law Ph o en i x li v es he re she sa i d sm i li n g No doub t
- -
, ,
.
”
you h a ve j u st t o go t o her .
, .
1
se rv e d th e o th e r d i s h es t o h er L a te r A un t C h en g h a d t o s i t a t h er ri g h t
.
“ ”
h an d si d e The th r ee Spri n g g i rls a te a t a se p a r a te t a ble T h e m ea l
. .
o u t wh i l e o th e rs st ood r ea dy i n th e a n t er o om wi th w ash b as i n s cl us te rs , ,
a n d h an d t ow e ls n o t th e sl i g h t es t coug h o r cl e a r i n g o f th e th ro a t w as
,
o f th e o th ers s oo n m a d e i t cl e a r t o h er t h a t thi s t ea w as o n ly m ea n t f or
“
ri n sin g o ut the mou th W i th th e words Y o u o th e r s m a y go ; I wis h t o
.
”
ta lk t o o ur gu es t for a li tt l e w h i l e al o n e t h e An ce st r e ss ro se from t h e
,
ta bl e .
”
How f ar ha ve yo u g o n e i n your rea di n g ? sh e in qui re d o f h er
gr an dchi ld .
“
I h av e j us t fin i sh e d st udy in g th e S ix Cl ass i c a l Books repl i e d ,
“ ”
Bla ck J a d e A n d wh a t a re my cous in s rea di n g
.
?
“
A h th ey can b a rely un d e rs t an d a few word s
, .
29
bro i d e r ed wi t h gold en bu tterfl i es an d bri ght flowe rs w as fa stene d wi th ,
v el o e d i n blu e sa t i n sh o e s H i s f a c e w a s a s b r i g h t a s t h e mi d a u t umn
p .
-
t h e w et sh i n e o f a u t umn w a v es h i s mou th s ee m e d t o sm i l e ev en i n i ll
,
h umor a n d h i s gl a n c e r a d i a t e d w a rm t h a n d feel i n g ev en i n a n g e r A
, .
st r a n g e h o w f a m i li a r h i s f ea t ur es see m t o m e j u st a s i f I h a d m et hi m
,
an d sa
y good da y t o h i s mo t h e r w h e re upo n h e i mm e d i a tely di s a p
,
p ea red Wh en h e r et urn e d a ft er a l i tt l e w h i l e h e w a s n o lo n g e r w ea ri n g
.
t a i l s i n t e rwov en w i th re d br a i d wh i c h w er e dr a w n up a n d j o i ne d o n th e
,
ov e r th e a rt i fic i a l e ff e c t o f powd e r an d p a i n t hi s gl an c e w a s s oulful h i s
, ,
“ ”
Wi ll yo u n o t greet your cou si n a t l a st ? t h e Pri n c e ss A n c e st r ess
s m i l i n gly a sk e d h e r f a vor i t e w h o h a d s a t down pol i t e ly a t h er s i d e
, ,
h i s h a n d s r a i s e d t o h i s br ea st m a d e a sl i gh t b o w t o h er T h en h e r e
”
30
row ev en when sh e w a s qui te m erry Her s oulful e y es looke d se ri ous
, .
a s i f full o f t ea rs A n d h o w f a n t a n d s of t w a s h er b r e a t hi n g In r e po se
i . .
sh e w a s l i k e th e d ewy r e fl e c t i o n o f a flow e r i n w a t er In mo t i o n sh e w as .
li ke a w i llow br an c h t r emb li n g i n th e wi n d .
“ ”
I mu st h a ve m et h er b efor e murmure d Pa o Y u t o h i mself l ost i n , ,
th ough t .
“
Wh a t r i d i culou s n on sen se yo u a re t alki n g a g a i n ! How cou ld yo u
”
? Hi s gr an dmo th er s vo i ce rec a ll e d hi m t o r e
’
h av e m et h er a lr ea dy
ali t y .
B ut h er fa c e —i t see m s so f am i li ar t o m e just as i f w e h a d m et
“ '
”
a g a i n a ft e r a lo n g lo n g se p a r a t i on h e mur mur e d
, , .
“
All th e b etter for then yo u w i ll get on well wi th h er r emar ke d th e
, ,
h er o n c e more wi th att en t i on .
“
H a v e yo u gon e f a r in your r ea d in g o f l i t er at ur e M ei me i ? he ”
,
a s k e d h er .
“
No t v ery f a r I h a v e h a d b a re ly tw o y ears e duc a ti on an d a m sti ll a t
’
.
”
th e b eg i n n i n g repl i e d Bl a ck J a d e
, .
“ ”
We r e yo u a l so born w i th a j ewel i n your mou th ?
“
No Such a si lly th i n g as th a t s c a rc ely h a pp en s t wi c e
. .
th e groun d .
“ ”
N a st y t h i n g ! Wh at do I ca re ab out yo u h e cri e d ab us i vely t o t he
?
“
st o n e A re you a b i t of m e a b ei n g en dowe d wi th r ea so n t h a t peo pl e
.
, ,
”
m a ke so much fu ss a bou t yo u Awa y w i th yo u ! I a m si ck o f yo u !
?
,
.
th em p i ck e d up t h e cord w i t h th e st o ne a n d h a n d e d i t t o th e o ld Prin
“
Con t rol your se lf chi ld ! sh e sa i d r e pro a ch ful ly B e a n gry wi th
”
,
“ ‘
? ”
your self don e t o yo u t ha t yo u t reat i t so rough ly
, ,
“
Non e of my bro t he rs an d si st e rs h as a h orr i bl e st on e li ke thi s at
” “
t a ch e d t o t h em n o t e v en t h i s n ew an g el i c cou si n
, h e sobb ed So i t ,
.
’
”
mu st b e a usel ess b a d t h i n g I dou t li ke i t !, .
’
“
Your n ew cou si n a ls o c a me in t o t h e world wi th a st on e l i ke t hat ,
“
l i ed t he gr an dmo th er t o qu i et h i m O ut o f fili a l d evot i o n sh e buri e d .
32
n ess th a t sh e h as n o t s po ken o f i t t o yo u A n d n ow b e sens i bl e W h at . .
W e sha ll c h an ge Pa o Y u ov e r t o my a p a rt m en ts an d M i ss Li n g can
“
,
“ ” “
A h , d ear , good Gr andmo th e r , b egge d P ao Y u , let m e sta y in th e
r e p vi li o ! I ca l ee p qu i t e w ell i n a si de c ha m ber I am so n o i sy ,
g e n a n n s -
.
“
V e ry w ell, yo u m ay, th e gran dm o th e r d ec i d ed, a ft er a mom ent s
” ’
co n si d erat i o n .
o wn se rvi n g m a t ron M ot h e r W an g a n d a li tt l e t en y ea r o ld w a i t i n g
, ,
- -
i n g m a tr o n M o th e r Li a n d a s ma rt youn g t ru st worth y w ai ti n g m a i d
, ,
.
tr ess w a s c a ll e d P ea rl Th a t n i g h t a lo n g t i m e a ft e r i t h a d b e com e
, .
,
W h y i s th e youn g l a dy s ti ll up ? ”sh e a sk e d a st o n i sh e d
“
.
,
“ ”
Si t down , si st e r Bla ck J a d e i n v i te d her a m i a bly P ea rl a l s o sa t
, .
sa i d. Her e y es h a d fill e d w i th t ea r s a g a i n a n d a g a i n a s s oo n as sh e
wi p e d th em dry She w as di s co n sol a te ov e r h a v i n g provoke d t he son o f
.
th e h ous e t o a fi t of r a g e a t th ei r v e ry fir st m ee t i n g a n d sh e f el t sh e w as ,
a br i n g e r o f mi s fort un e .
“
D e ar youn g l a dy yo u sh ould n o t t a ke a th i n g l i ke tha t so tra gi
,
yo u ta k e e ve ry th i n g t o h ea rt li k e t h a t I fea r yo u wi ll b ecome qu i te i ll ,
33
Th an k yo u si st e r ! I wi ll thi n k o f wh a t yo u sa y sa i d Bl a ck J a d e
, , ,
s om ewh a t c a lm e d a n d s oo n a f t e rw a rd s sh e w a sa bl e t o
, get t o sl ee p at
l a st.
P a n a so n of A un t j C h en g s s i st e r pr es um i n g o n th e pow er o f th e
’
, ,
f a m i ly t o pro t ec t h i m h a d ki lle d a r i v a l i n a qu a rr el a n d w as n o w t o
, ,
n e x t c h a p t er t h e r a m i fic a t i o n s o f th i s p a i n ful a ff a i r an d h ow i t i s co n ,
n ect ed wi t h o ur st o ry .
CHAPTER 4
T em ple of th e G o urd a c t s as ju dg e .
ce i v ed t h r ough t h e i n flu en c e o f L i n J u Ha i a n d hi s bro th er i n l a w - -
h a d h a d h i s r i v a l b ea t en t o d e at h T he pl a i n t i ff w as t h e se rv an t o f th e
.
“
Th e murde r e d m a n w a s my m a st er My ma st er h a d bough t th e sla v e .
pri c e b u t i t w as a rr a n ge d t h at h e wa s on ly t o bri n g th e s l av e t o hi s
,
h ou se t hr ee d a y s l a t e r b ec a u se th a t da y w as st a t e d i n th e c al en d a r t o
,
se cr et ly s e ll t h e s l a v e a s e co n d t i m e ri ii m el
y t o a m a n n am e d H s u eh
, ,
P a n My m a st er h e a rd i n t i m e o f t h i s d ea l an d se t o fi t o f et ch th e gi rl
.
th e m si n ce It i s a lr ea dy a mo n th si n ce I m a d e a ch a rg e b ut your pr e de
.
,
34
“
It i s cus t om a ry n ow a d a y s f o r gov ernm en t omci als i n the pro vi n ces
to k ee p a secre t li st o f t h e n a m es o f a ll t he s pe c i a ll y r mi n en t w ell off
pp , ,
ers o f t h e B e l t
’
o r form e r h i g h offi c i a ls w h o ha v e i mport a n t co n n e c t i o n s
,
ev en hi s li fe Th a t i s w h .
y i t i s c a ll e d t h e Pro te c t i on L i st No w , t h a t m an .
t o n gu e w e r e m a rg i n a l n o t es o f w h a t pe opl e sa i d a b ou t t h e f a m i l i es i n
,
H s u eh .
“
Th ese four powe rful fa m i li es th e secret a ry e xpl a i n e d t o h im ar e
, ,
f or good o r i ll Th e pu ni sh m en t yo u m et e o u t t o on e fa m i ly hi t s a ll four ;
.
t h e h o n or yo u sh ow t o o n e f a m i ly i s sh a r e d b y t h e o th e r s B esi d es t h i s .
i n fl u en t i a l co nn e c t i o n a t th e Co u rt a n d i n t he provi n c es If you n o w .
? ”
yo u a c t u a lly h a v e t o lock up
“
Hm I h a d n o t th ought o f th at B ut wh a t li n e am I t o t a ke i n th i s
. .
? ”
y ou
“
If I m a y sp ea k fr a n kly o ld Gov e rn or I m a y sa y t h at I kn ow n ot
, ,
, , ,
sla v e gi r l If yo u w i ll b e s o ki n d a s t o li s t en t o m e p a ti en t ly I wi l l t e ll
.
,
“
Th e murd er e d m an w as n am e d F en g He ca m e from a mod est .
si s t e r s t o sh a re th e h e ri t a g e he w a s a bl e t o li v e mod es t ly on wh a t h i s
,
t en d e d to m a k e hi m a t o n e f or s om e cri m e commi tt e d i n a pr e v i o u s ex
i st en ee w h en t o h i s m i sfort u n e i t le d h i m t o th a t c h i ld th i ef w h o h a d
t h e s l a v e g i rl A t all ev en ts qu i t e co n tr ary t o hi s us u a l h ab i ts h e b e
.
, ,
ca me i n f at u at ed wi th th e sl a v e gi rl a t fi rst si gh t d e c i d ed t o m a ke her
,
a ft er h e h a d m a d e t he b a rg a in a n d p a i d th e purc h a se pr i c e .
“
Th e cun n i n g s l a ve d ea l er n o w t ook i t i n t o hi s he a d t o a v a i l o f th e
in te rv a l t o s ell the gi rl a g a in fo r c a sh t hi s t i m e t o H su eh Pan But b e
,
.
o f th e t wo r i v a ls n e i th e r o f wh om w a n t e d hi s mo n e y b a ck b ut bo t h of
, ,
t he tw o o f th e m T he n t he t w o r i v a l s fell upo n ea c h o t h e r Th a n ks t o h i s
. .
l a rg e su i t e o f se rva n ts H s u eh Pa n h a d t he a dv an t a ge T h o se fe llows
,
.
c a p i ta l w i th h i s boo t y a n d h i s s u i te of se rv a n ts n o t a s a fug i t i ve b ut
, ,
qu i te coo lly op en ly a n d a t hi s e a se l i ke a ny i nn oc en t t r a v e ll e r j u st a s
, , , ,
i f n o t h i n g a t a ll h a d h a pp en e d B ut n ow com e s th e mo st r em a rka bl e
'
? ”
p a rt o f th e st ory W h o do you th i n k th a t sl a ve g i rl w a s
.
“ ”
Ho w sh ould I kn ow th a t ?
“
Wh a t o n e a rt h a re yo u sa y i n g ? But she w as h a rdly t h ree y ea rs old
wh en she w a s s t ol en t h a t t i m e o n t he ev en in g of th e La n t e rn F est i v a l .
? ”
A n d yo u sa y t h e t h i e f w a s o n ly sell i n g h e r n o w ei g h t y e a rs l a ter
,
“
It i s t h e cu s t om of c h i ld t hi ev e s t o kee p th e l i tt l e gi rl s t h ey st ea l
-
w h o s t ol e o u r l i t t l e Lo t u s k e p t h er h i dd en i n h i s l a i r n ea r S uc h ow for
e i g h t y e a r s a n d th e n h e broug h t h e r h e r e t o Y i n g t i en f u t o sell h er I
, .
l i tt le gi rl
.
“
W e mo n ks of t h e T empl e o f t he Gourd w e re o n t h e mo st fr i en dly
a n d n e i g h borly t e rm s w i th l i tt l e Lo t us T h e t ru s t ful c h i ld u se d t o com e
.
ov e r to t he templ e ev e ry da y a n d w e u se d t o pl a y w i t h her a n d h a v e a ll
s orts of f un T h a t i s w h y h er fa c e rem a i n e d i mpr e ss e d upo n my m em
.
“
O n c e wh en th e sl a ve d e a l e r w a s o ut a n d she w a s a lo n e i n t h e h ou se ,
37
c r d
s a e , d sh e i n si st e d th a t th e th i ef w as h er fa th er , wh o h ad t o sell her
an
t o p a y h i s d eb ts W h en I co n t i n u e d t o pr ess h er w i t h qu est i on s sh e b e
‘
l a t e r o n s h e b et r a y e d h e rse lf T he da y t ha t yo un g F en g bought h er I
.
s l a v e d ea l e r h a d c el e br a te d t h e d ea l w i th you n g F en g a n d h a d
go t th or
ough ly ti ps y B el i e v i n g h e rse lf un ob se rve d , L o t us let a dee p si gh o f
.
“
I w a t c he d o u t for t he n ex t t i m e th a t she w a s a lo n e an d sen t my w i fe ,
looke d o n h er a s a w i fe an d n o t a s a sl a ve ; si n c e th i s m a n w h o ha d ,
a lw a y s b ee n kn o w n a s a wom a n h a te r h a d p a i d a h ea p o f mo n e y f o r
-
t r a n qu i l .
“
W h o would h a v e t h ou gh t i t would a ll t urn o u t qu i te d i ff er en t ly ? The
follow i n g da y th e rogue o f a sl a v e d eal e r s old the poo r t h i n g a g a i n t hi s ,
n o t h a v e b e en so b a d B u t t h a t th i s bru ta l l i b er t i n e a n d s pe n d th r i f t w h o
.
,
h er m a st er—th at w as t h e l a st s t r a w ! S h ow e ri n g blow s o n h er as t h i ck a s
a u t um n l ea v es h e dr a gg e d t h e poor t h i n g a w a y w i th h i m mor e d ea d
, ,
Y u T s un si gh e d d ee ply .
“
T h e poor thi n g s ! W h o kn ow s wh at cri m es th e y m a y h a ve eo m ~
t h e gi rl i s a ls o t o b e p i t i e d Tru e h er first s u i t or co ul d n o t o ff e r h er an y
.
,
t hi n g li ke t h e comfor t a n d t h e lux u ry w h i ch sh e n o w en j oy s in t h e
h ou se of th e s e co n d b ut o n t h e o th e r h an d sh e mu st sh a re w i th m an y
,
w h e r ea s i n th e h ou se of the o th e r sh e would h a ve b e en th e o n ly wi fe
a n d m i st r ss B u t w h a t s t h e
g
’
ood of p h i lo op h i z i g f t rw rd ? Fo r
e . s n a e a s
”
m e th e i mport an t th i n g j u st n o w i s to m a k e a w i s e d e c i s i o n
, .
“
E st eem e d si r lo n g a go i n t h e Templ e o f th e G ourd you u se d t o b e
,
a v ery sh r e
’
wd cl ea rh ea d e d m an Th e re for e ,a ft e r so m a n y y e ar s pro
, .
38
a d e cisi o n Afte r all yo u o we your present po si ti on to the pa tro na ge o f
.
,
the s e sa m e fa mi li es C h i a an d W an g w h o b e lo n g t o th e se t o f t h a t H s u eh
,
the e n ds o f j u s ti ce th e t rus t w hi ch th e So n o f H ea v e n h a s pl a c e d i n
,
”
me !
“
Y o u m a y b e ri gh t i n th e ory B ut i n pr a c t i c e, un fort u n a te ly , o n e ca n
.
The wi se m an
‘
n o t a lw a y s h ee d suc h mor a l co n si d er a t i o n s n ow a d a y s .
T he wi se m a n
‘
a d a p ts hi m s e lf t o c i rcums t a n ce s , sa y s t h e o l d m a x i m
’
.
’
s tri v es for a fri en dly se t t l em en t a n d a vo i d s wi ck e d e o n fl i ct ru n s a n ,
“ ? ”
Go od Wh a t th en i n your Op i n i o n sh oul d b e do ne
.
, , ,
I h a v e a sple n d i d pl an Wh en yo u co n t in u e w i th th e c a se a g a i n t o
.
sh o uld s a y a t th ei r e x a m i n a t i o n th a t th e i r m as t e r t he murd e r e r H s u e h ,
th a t a d e a th ce rt i fi ca t e m a d e o u t by th e c h i e f m e mb e r s o f th e H s u eh
clan an d th e offi c i a ls of th e W ard co n c e rn e d is produc ed
, , .
“
In t h e furth e r course o f th e h ea rin g i n ord e r t o st i fl e an y po ss i bl e ,
s p i ri ts a n d st a g e a ub l i c pe rform an ce wi th an a l ta r o f s a cr i fic e a n d
p
m a gi c w an ds a n d c a use t he s p i ri ts of th e d ea d t o a n n oun c e t h a t th e y
,
w a y h a d ki ll e d o n e an o th e r ; t ha t th e mur d e re r H s u e h P a n h a d b een
,
g
de re d Fen g an d h a d a ls o d i ed The refore th e murd e r w a s a lrea dy
, .
,
“
If you w i sh t o do som eth i n g mor e yo u ca n se n t en c e th e H s u eh
fami ly t o compens a te th e r el a t i ves o f th e m
,
urd e r e d m an f o r th e co sts o f
39
hi s buri a l Th e H s ueh fami ly a re ri ch Th e y wi ll n o t m in d p a y i n g fi ve
. .
h un dr e d o r a t h ou sa n d oun c es Th e d ead m an s r e la ti v es a re i n si gn ifi
’
.
t h e i r h a n d s an d t o sh u t th eir mou t h s Wh a t do yo u t hi n k o f th i s li tt l e
.
? ”
pl an
“ ”
Impo ssi bl e ! s a i d Y u Ts un w i th an e v a si v e l a ugh B ut I ll th i nk .
’
”
t h e m a t te r ov e r a g a i n .
He di d n o t n ee d t o co n si de r f o r lo n g b e fore d e c i d i n g o n t h e pl an .
A n d th en h e c a rr i e d i t o u t po i n t for po i n t j u st a s h i s a dvi se r h a d w h i s
, ,
C h i a C hen g a n d M a r sh a l W a n g Tz u Ten g t h e i n flu en ti a l un cl es o f th e ,
n e ph e w h a d b een s a t i s f a c t ori ly s e t t l e d a n d t h a t t h ey n ee d n o t b e t h e
a v a i l a bl e opport u n i t y t o p a ck h i m o ff t o a d i st a n t po s i t i o n i n h i s di s
a bou t H s u eh P a n .
, ,
a n d d e pri v e d o f a n y ser i ou s d i s c i pl i n e o r gu i d a n c e a n d h a d o n ly h a d a ,
h e ow e d t o h i s fore f a th e r s a n d t o h a v i n g i nh e r i t e d a for t u n e o f s om e
,
a n d p a s se d h i s t i m e i n co ck fi h t i n
g g h ors e r a c i n g a n d r i o t ou s li v i n g
, , .
a n t s p ee c h .
M a rsh a l W a n g Tz u Ten g o f th e c a p i t a l a n d o f
th e wi f e ofC hi a C hen g o f th e Y un gk uo p a l a c e w as n ow fort y y ea rs ,
B ut h er p e rfe c t pol i sh w a s n o t o n ly ph y si c a l T h a n ks t o he r gr ea t z ea l .
h er bro t her H s u eh P an w h o w a s h er s en i or B ut wh en sh e r ea l iz e d t h at
, , .
e ld e r c hi ld sh e h a d l a i d a s i d e h er books f o r th e p a st f e w y
,
ea r s i n ord e r
ti ou s d a ug ht e r .
On a ccou n t o f her ou t s t a n d i n g vi rt u es a n d qu a li t i e s sh e h a d r e c en t ly ,
e x a l t e d t ea c h i n g s an d p h i lo s op h i c a l wr i t i n g s o f M a s t e r C o n f u ci us a n d
‘
No w w h en H s u eh P a n d e c i d e d t o e scor t h i s s i s te r to t h e Court h e di d
, ,
so f o r th r ee re a s o n s F i rs t o f a ll h e wi sh e d t o t a k e t h e opport un i ty o f
.
,
se lf t o hi s employ e rs th e M i n i s t r , yo f Fi n a n c e a n d t o se tt l e s om e offi c i a l
,
b us i n ess m a t te rs ; b u t t he t h i rd a n d mo st po t en t r ea s o n of all w a s t h at
he w an t e d t o en j oy h i ms elf For i t h a d a lw a y s b een h i s d esi r e t o kn ow
.
th e c a p i t a l w i th i ts s pl en dor a n d g a y li fe of w h i c h h e h a d h e a rd so
,
much pr a i se .
o us t run ks as w e ll as th e pr ese n t s i n t e n d e d f o r t h e fr i en d s a n d r e l a t i v es
,
.
cal en d a r wh e n th e pr ev i o us ly m e n t i o n e d i n c i d en t wi t h t h e s l a v e d ea l e r
,
h a pp en e d i n th e course o f w hi c h th e un fort un a te F e n g lo st h i s l i fe a n d
li t tl e Lo t us fe ll i nt o th e h an ds of H s u eh P a n Lea vi n g th e h ouseh old in .
th e c are o f s om e o f t h e old e r t ru s t e d s e rv a n t s H s u eh P a n h a d se t o ut ,
f o r t h e c a p i t a l w i th hi s mo th e r s i s t e r co n c ub i n es b a gg a g e a n d s e rv
, , , ,
an ts o n th e pr ea rr a n g e d da
, y T h e a ff a i r of t h e murd e r di d n o t t roubl e
.
,
hi m i n th e l e a s t ; t o h i m i t w a s j u s t a t r i fl e w hi c h could b e d i s po se d o f
wi th a h an dful o f d i rt y co i n s .
41
'
fr o nt i er s Thi s n ew s w a s a se cr e t r el i e f t o H s u eh Pa n No w h e sa i d to
. .
,
h ea v en f o r ha v i n g di s po se d m a t te rs a ccord i n g t o hi s wi s hes Th e a l te r e d .
“
W e sh ould sen d s om e o f o ur serv an ts o n in a dv a n ce t o fix up o n e
o f o ur o wn h ou ses w h i ch h a s b e n un u se d f or y ea
”
th e so n s uggest e d
e rs , .
T h e mo th er w as a g a i n st th i s .
’
o ur o wn h ou s es l a t e r o n .
“ i
U n cl e W a n g i s in th e m i ds t of pr ep a r at i on s f or h s j ourn e y t o th e
fro n t i e r ; h i s h ou se I S i n co n fu si o n It would r ea lly be s om ewh a t t a c t
.
”
l ess o f u s t o i n v a d e h i m li ke a sw ar m o f h orn ets sa i d th e son doub t , ,
fully .
“
You a re ri gh t W e ll th en we sh a ll go t o th e Ya n gkuo pa lac e My
.
,
.
s i s t e r h a s i n vi t e d m e a g a in a n d a g a i n t o v i si t h er so sh e w i ll b e h a ppy
,
.
t o h a v e u s a s h er gu e st s B ut I qu i t e un d e rst a n d t h a t yo u w an t t o b e
.
”
wi th Pr e c i o us Cl as p .
s en t o ff m es sen g e r s to a n n oun c e t h ei r a rr i v a l a t th e Y un gk u o p a l a c e .
t he Pr i n c e ss A n c e st r e ss an d Au n t C h e n g urg e d t h e m t o st a y o n U n cl e .
Th e P ea r G a rd en w a s a d el i g h t ful pl e as ur e h ou se set in en ch an t i n g
s urroun d in g s i n t h e p a r k t h e f a vor i t e dw e ll i n g o f t h e fir st Pri n c e o f
,
Y un gk u o i n h i s o ld a ge W i t h i t s grou n d s i t form e d a se p a r a t e w a ll e d
.
,
o ff a r e a w i t h i n t h e es t a t e To t h e i n si d e i t w a s co n n e c t e d w i t h t h e dw e ll
.
i n g of A un t C h en g by a l i tt l e g a t e an d a n a rrow p a t h a n d t o t h e ou ts i d e ,
i t h a d i ts o w n e x i t t o th e stre et T hi s l a tt e r f a c t w a s s p e c i a lly pl e a s i n g
.
t o H s u eh P a n for i t e n a bl e d h i m t o go i n a n d o u t un i mp ed e d a n d
,
w i t h ou t t h e a n n oy a n c e o f h i s mo v em en ts b ei n g ch e cke d a t th e g a t e
’
'
42
he sa i d fri en dly word t o o much t o Pr e c i ous C la s p ,an d t hi s led to
'
a
I
a b ou t w h i c h th ere i s n o th i n g s p e c i a l t o s ay .
-
.
,
sh e t h ough t se e m e d su i t a bl e f o r a m i dd a y n a p It w as a s m a ll b ea u t i
“
.
,
wh en h e r e a d :
For kn owledge of n ature a n d th e world
D O n o t n egl ec t th e sc i en c es .
”
would b e con t r a ry t o a ll good form obj e c te d a ch ambe rwom an w h o
, ,
w a s i n a t ten d an c e .
“
A h w h y h e s o prud i sh ? Th e u n cl e i s a f ter a ll st i ll a b o y re pli e d
, ,
th e youn g wom a n l a ug hi n g a n d l e a d i n g P a o Y u w h o i n ki n sh i p w as i n
, , ,
“ ”
O h i t s m ells n i c e h er e ! h e re m a rk e d wi th pl e as ur e an d hi s pl eas
‘
, ,
u re i n cre a s e d w h en h e s a w a p a i n t i n g by M as t er T an g P ei H u rep re
’
p
s en t i n g s om e o n e s l e e i n g b en e a th b e go n i a br a n c h es i n e ar ly s p rin g ,
In s i l en t a dm i r a ti o n P a o Y u le
t hi s e y es w a n d e r roun d t he s pl en d i d
t h e c e l ebr a t e d d a n c e r
“
Fl y in g Sw a llow m i gh t o n ce h a ve d a n c e d b e
fore her Impe ri a l lord Th a t spl en d i d j e wel st udd e d couch o n a r a i sed
.
-
Pri nc ess Tu n g C h an g .
“ ”
Wh a t a b ea u t i ful room ! cr i e d P a o Y u en r a p t ur e d ,
.
Y es i s n ,
t i t ? Ev en sp i r i ts an d g en i i could fee l h a ppy here
’
,
marked hi s n i e c e sm i li n g ,
.
“ ”
whi ch t he R e d M a i d en m i gh t o n c e h a ve cl a s pe d t o h er bo s om a s she
y ea rne d f or h er lov e r T he sw a rm o f w a i t i n g m a i d s a n d ch am b erw o m e n
.
t o kee p w a t c h ou ts i d e th e b e dr oo m d oo r .
“
T a ke goo d c are th a t the c a ts do n o t st a rt figh t in g un d er the wi n dow
”
an d d i s t ur b your m as te r s re st ! M i st ress Yun g i mpres se d upo n th em
’
th ough t fully .
him an d l ea d h i m t o a fa i ry p a l a c e wi th w alls o f j a s p e r an d pi ll a rs a n d
b a lustr a d es o f rub y s urroun d e d by the rus tli n g o f t ree t op s a n d th e mur
‘
mur o f si lv e r brooks .
“
It s good t o b e h e re h e s i gh e d h a pp i ly i n h i s dr e a m
’
,
I much p re .
h a d di sa ppe a r e d i n th e m ea n ti m e He li s t en e d From s om ew he re o r
. .
“
han ds t o hi s breas t i n greet i n g an d sa i d t o her bow i n g : S i ste r f a i ry I , ,
.
,
”
w h o yo u are ?
The fai ry r epli e d : I am th e F a i ry o f Fea rful Aw a k en in g I l i ve n ot .
shall l ea d
yo u to my ki n gdom an d en tert ai n yo u in my p al a ce wi th a
45
bowl o f ce l es ti a l t e a plucke d b y my se lf an d a gobl et of m a gi c wi ne
wh i ch I h a v e brewe d My m a i d s s h all ent ert a i n yo u wi th th ei r m a g i c
.
d an c es a n d si n g t o y o u t he t we lv e n ew sp i ri t s on gs fr om Th e D ream o f ‘
”
t h e R ed Ch am b e r W i ll you f o llow m e
’
.
?
“ ”
I w i ll a gr ee d Pa o Y u j oyf ully an d follow e d the f a i ry It w a s n o t
, .
r ea d th e i n s cr i pt i on : Ph a n t om R ea lm of th e Gr ea t Vo i d On th e p i ll a rs
‘
t o th e r i g h t an d l e ft w a s wr i tt en
“ ” “
k n ew w h a t i s m ean t by p a ssi o n s o l d a n d n ew an d by t o at o n e fo r th e
”
gu i lt o f w i n d an d moo n pla y I mu st c e rt a i n ly fi n d Out t hr ough per
-
.
s o n a l exp e ri en c e .
“ ” “
gl a n ce i n t o the fu t ur e Follo w m e she sa i d I ha ve s o me thin g f ar
.
, .
t i l t h e y c a m e t o a gli tt e ri n g h a ll H i s e y es w er e qui t e d a zz le d by th e
.
46
p e rfum es Wh i l e P a o Y u w a s st i ll s un k i n a m a z e d con templ a ti on h e
.
,
“
h e a rd t h e f a i ry c a ll i n t o t h e h a ll : Com e o ut an d gr eet your wo rth y
”
gu est ! Imm e d i a t ely four elv es a pp ea re d a t th e e n t r a n c e Th ey wor e .
th ei r s t r i d e w as a d a n c e t h e i r w a lk w a s a gl i d e a g en t l e r a di a n c e l i ke
, ,
? ”
t h i s dw e ll i n g of pur e m a i d en s
Pa o Y u h ea rd t h i s w i th sh a m e a n d h e would h a v e l i ke d t o r un a w a y
,
a t o n c e H e w a s w ell a w a r e of th e f a c t t h a t th e y w e re r i gh t
. an d th a t ,
“
t h e e lv es w i th a sm i l e : You do n o t kn ow th e w hy a n d t h e wh e r efor e
of my a c t i o n I re all y w an t e d t o go t o th e Y un gk uo p a l a c e t od a y a s I
.
,
i n g by t h e N i n gkuo p a l a c e o n my w a y th er e I m e t t h e gh o st s o f th e ,
m e t o t a ke ch a rg e of t h ei r d es c en d a n t P a o Y u Aft e r a h u n dr e d y ea rs .
a mo n g t h e i r m a n y gr ea t gr a n dc h i ldr en P a o Y u i s t h e o n ly o n e w h o
-
i s c a p a bl e of p e rp et u a t i n g t h e r a c e i n h o n or It i s t ru e t h a t h e i s o f a
.
t a l en t s j u st i fy t h e gr ea t est h op es All h e l a ck s i s t h e r i g h t gu i d a n c e
. .
gu a rd h i m a g a i n st p i t fa ll s a n d a llurem en t s an d d i re c t h i m o n the r i gh t
p a th Th ey would b e gr a t e ful t o m e for ev e r i f I do t hi s
. .
“
Mov e d w i th p i t y I h a v e brough t h i m h e r e i n ord er t o h a v e h i m
,
b e po s si bl e t o a w a k en h i m so th a t h ew i ll t a k e my w a rn i n g s t o h ea rt
,
”
for h i s f ut ure l i fe a n d so b ecom e proof a g a i n st d a n ge rs
‘
, .
Wh en sh e h a d fi n i sh e d spe a ki n g sh e le d P a o Y u i nt o th e h a ll In .
“
c a m e from the fa i r yi n form e d h i m sm i l i n g : In your world of du st t h i s
, ,
”
mou n t a i n s It i s c a lle d t h e M a rrow of G ath e re d P e rfum es
. .
P a o Y u h a d n e v er b efore t a s t e d .
48
? ”
Wh a t i s th e n am e o f thi s kin d o f h e a ske d
t ea .
”
A th ou sa n d re d drop s i n o n e mou t h ful r e pl i e d th e fa i ry Th e ,
.
of Li b er a t e d S pr in g a n d i t s l ea v e s a re bo i l e d i n t h e morn i n g dew of
,
m a g i c flow e rs an d pl an ts .
“
It i s a wo n d erful t ea ! sa i d P a o Y u a pprov i n gly n odd i n g h i s h ea d ,
.
room w a s l a cki n g T he r e w e re ev en ve lv e t du st er s h a n g i n g un d e r th e
.
’
Bod hi s a tt v a of Aven g e d L ov e rs R a n cor .
M e a n t i m e you n g m a i d se rv a n ts h a d l ai d th e t a bl e T he y n o w c a rr i ed .
“ ”
?
Wh a t i s t h i s wo n d e rful wi n e as ke d P a o Y u .
t h ou s a n d pl a n t s t h e m a rrow of u n i cor n s a n d t h e m i lk of t h e p h o e n i x
, , ,
”
a n d i t i s c a ll e d A Th ou sa n d D e l i g h t s i n O n e Gobl e t .
Pa o Y u di d n o t w e a ry of dr i n k i n g t he w i n e f r ee ly a n d pr a i si n g i t
fe rv en t ly M e a n t i me t welve d a n c i n g m a i d en s h a d a pp ea re d a n d t a ken
.
up po si t i on s i n fro n t Of th e t a bl e .
“ ”
T o wh a t t ex t s h a ll w e d an c e
' ? t h ey a sk e d t h e f a i ry .
To t he t we lv e n e w s p i ri t so n g s from Th e Dr ea m of t h e R e d ‘
C h a mb e r t h e fa i ry ord e re d
’
.
T h e d a n c e rs bow e d ob e d i en t ly a n d b eg a n t o s i n g a n d d a n c e to t h e
ge n t l e mu s i c o f t h e i r t we lv e s t r i n ge d s i lve r lu t es a n d th e m e a s ur e of
-
t er t h e fa i ry ord e r e d a s e rv a n t t o h a n d h e r gu e s t t h e wr i tt e n t e x t of t h e
,
t we lv e s o n g s a n d n o w h e s a t a n d t r i e d t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e m ea n i n g of
,
t h e p e rform a n c e li st e n i n g t o t h e mu s i c wh i l e h i s e y es follow e d t h e t e x t
, .
mus i c b ut w h a t th e t ex t w i th i ts m a n y cryp t i c s a y i n g s a n d h i dd en
, ,
a llu s i o n s ,m i gh t m e an r e m a i n e d a compl e t e my s t e ry t o h i m B ut th e .
som e qu e st i o n s in t h e i n t e rv a l s b u t o n ly l i s t en e d t o t h e mu s i c w h i l e
,
j ust r ea d i n g th e t e x t m e c h a n i c a lly .
49
'
“
It w a s al l in va in he si gh e d Th e fool h as r em a i n e d
‘
, s . un
”
a w a k en e d .
P a o Y u w a s gl a d th a t t h e f a i ry st opp e d th e p e rform an c e , an d h e h i m
se lf h urri e dly c a ll e d O u t t o t h e g i rl s n o t t o s in g a n mo e He f e l t ex
y r .
h a n st e d a n d sl ee py from th e m ea l a n d th e a b un d a n c e o f wi n e , an d as k e d
i f h e m i gh t l i e down for a w h i l e .
Th e fa i ry g a ve ord e r s t o cl e a r a w a y , a n d h a d P a o Y u le d i n t o o n e
’
“
d a z e d h e hea rd t h e fa i ry s a y : A h h o w m a n y gr een w i n dow e d i n n e r
, ,
-
P a o Y u s t a mm e r e d a b a sh e d : S i s t e r fa i ry you a re m i st a k en It m a y
, ,
.
Aft e r a ll I a m st i ll t oo youn g a n d I do n o t kn ow wh a t i t i s t o b e
,
”
p r o fl i ga t e i n lov e .
“
The r e a re tw o k i n d s of a morous p ro fl i gat e s th e c a rn a l and t h e ,
i n t e ll ec t u a l o n es Th e fir st st ri v e s o n ly for ph y s i c a l po sse ss i o n ; h e i s i n
.
s a t i a bl e i n h i s s en s u a l d esi r e s a n d r e gr e t s h e c a n n o t h a v e a ll t h e b ea u
,
o f your tw o a n c e st or s I h a v e l e d yo u i n t o my k i n gdom w e lc o m e d yo u
, .
,
w i th m a g i c t ea an d f a i ry w i n e a n d t r i e d t o a w a k en you w i th s pi ri t
,
.
, ,
50
C H A P T ER 6
P a o Yu r i es fo r th e fi rs t t i m e t h e P la y 0 / C lo u d a n d R a i n In t he
t .
N i n g k u o p a la c e h e b e co m es a c q ua i n t e d w i t h h is n ep h ew Ch i n Ch u n g .
PA O Y U L A Y ON T HE B E D F OR A W HILE L O N GE R Q U I T E E X H A U STED A N D ,
t h i n g H a v i n g s t r en g t h en e d h i m s elf w i th a f e w s i p s Of c i n n a mo n s oup
.
,
h e go t up a n d th e m a i d P e a rl h e lp e d h i m t o dr ess A s sh e w as a bou t t o .
f a st en h i s g a r te r h er fi n g e r ch a n c e d t o t ouch h i s b a r e t h i g h a n d sh e
fe l t s om eth i n g l i ke cold st i cky sw ea t Sh e dr e w h er h a n d b a ck i n a l a rm
, . .
”
Wh a t h a s h a pp en e d t o you sh e wh i sp e re d H i s blu sh a n d a l i gh t
? .
g en t g i rl a n d b e si d es sh e w a s tw o y e a r s Old er th a n h e a n d a lr ea dy kn e w
t h e f a c t s o f l i fe S he u n d e rs t ood a t o n c e blu sh e d h e r s e lf a n d di d n o t
.
, ,
a sk a n y th i n g mor e .
whi le .
“ ? ”
Look h e r e d ea r si s t e r yo u w i ll kee p i t t o your se lf wo n t yo u h e
, , ,
’
b e gge d h er blu sh i n g a g a i n
, .
“ ? ”
W h a t di d you a c t u a lly drea m t h a t t h i s h a pp en e d t o yo u
,
sh e re
pl i ed w i t h a n u n d e r st an d i n g sm i l e
, .
“
I c a n n o t t ell i t a ll t o you i n o n e word A n d h e b e g a n t o d es cri b e .
h i s dr ea m a dv en t ur e i n d et a i l W h en h e c a m e t o th e p a r t o f h i s s t ory
.
“
w h er e t h e f a i ry i n st ruc t e d h i m i n t h e pra c t i c e o f t h e Pl a y o f Cloud a n d
R a i n P e arl coyly cov ere d h er f a c e w i t h h er h a n d s a n d doubl e d up
,
”
w i t h l a ugh t er P a o Yu h a d a lw a y s b e en v e ry fa m i l i a r w i t h P ea rl H e
. .
l i ke d t h e fr i en dly pr et t y l i tt l e t h i n g b et t e r t h a n a ll t h e o t h e r m a i ds a n d
,
s e rv a n t s .P e a rl o n h er p a r t w a s a w a re o f t h e s pe c i a l po si t i on of co n
fi den ce w i th w h i c h t h e Pr i n c ess A n c e st r e ss ha d h o n or e d h er B e c a u se .
o f t h i s sh e p e rm i t t e d h e r s e lf s om e l i b e rt i e s i n h e r a s s oc i a t i o n w i t h h er
c h a rge .
In sh ort sh e di d n o t h e si t a t e t o t ry o ut a t o n c e w i t h h i m th e Pl a y
'
,
”
o f Cloud a n d R a i n wh e r eby t h e y f a i th full y follow e d t h e i n st ruct i on s
,
i n t i m a t e fr i en d a n d sh e r ewa rd e d hi s co n fi d en c e w i t h s ti ll m a s a rd ent
,
il ,
d evo t i on .
O n e da y M a d a m e P h o e n i x w a s ov er i n t h e N i n gkuo p a l a c e v i si t i n g
Pr i n c e ss C hen a n d h e r d a ugh t e r i n law M i st r ess Yun g A t h i s o wn re
- -
.
52
him . M i st re ss Yun g , w ho n o t i c e d t h a t he w as restl ess ly fi dge t i n g a bou t
t h i s w a y a n d t ha t w a y on d to h im :
hi s se a t , s a i
“
My youn g er bro t her for w h om you r e c en t ly aske d h a pp e n s t o b e
, ,
“
W h y do you n o t h a ve h i m com e h e r e ? I sh ould a ls o li ke t o m a ke
” “
h i s a cqu a i n t a n c e s ugg es t e d M a d a m e P h o en i x
,
O r p e rh a ps I sh ould .
? ”
n o t a sk to
l a ug h a t h i m B ut M a d a m e P h o en i x st uck t o he r re qu es t a n d s o t o
.
,
Pa o Y u w h o w a s t h e sa m e a ge H e w a s s om ew h a t sl i mm e r th a n t h e
, .
exc e p t th a t h e w a s a l i t t l e sh
y a n d a wkw a rd a lmo s t l i ke a g i rl M a d a m e
,
.
que s t i s o n s a n d ev e ry ,
thi n g se rv an t s O f h e r
w i sh t ha t t h e ow n e r would w i n fir st pl a ce a t ex am i n a t i o n s M a d a m e .
t he oppor t u n i t y of l ea v i n g t h e t a bl e w i th h i s n e p h ew a n d go i n g t o c h a t
a b a sh e d : Comp a r e d t o s uc h a p e r s o n I a m n o b et t e r t h a n a d i r t y
pig
or a m a n gy dog ! W h o kn ow s i f I l i ke h i m ,h a d grow n up i n t he cold
, ,
s i mple h o n or a bl e m i ddl e cl a ss f a m i ly I m i g h t h a v e m a d e
, ,
-
a cqu a i n t a n c e lo n g a go a n d n o t d a wdl e d a w a y my t i m e
I h a v e do n e up t o n o w W h a t i s the good O f r i c h es a n d
.
ch I w e a r o n ly h i d e s t h e h ollow ro t t en cor e o f ,
luxur i ous m ea l s o n wh i ch I fe ed e ve ry da y
, ,
53
o n ly co n c e a l th e d i r t y r efu se pi t of a corrup t ch ar a ct er Th e tw o con
-
.
cep t i o n s r i c h es a n d r a n k m e a n n o t h i n g b u t d i r t a n d po i s o n !
,
t h oug h h o n or a bl e c i v i l se rv i c e fa m i ly ! Th a t i s i n d e e d th e cur se of
,
a go h a v e en j oy e d t h e a dv a n t a g e of h i s comp a n y .
t h e y b e c a m e fr i en dly P a o Y u w a s so ea g e r t o get t o kn ow t h e i n n er
.
a s h i s pr ev i ou s t u t or h a d h a d l ea v e o f a b sen c e for mo n t h s p a s t Hi s .
“ ”
Th a t i s wh a t I th i n k t o o ! i n t errup t e d P a o Y u ea g e rly Y o u kn ow .
w e h a v e a fr ee f am i ly s ch ool h e r e for t h o se m e mb e r s o f t h e cl a n w h o
c a nn o t h a ve t h ei r o wn t u t or or do n o t w a n t t o kee p o n e A t my fa t h er s .
’
w an t t o h a v e m e si tt in g a roun d i dl e m ea n t i m e forge tt i n g w h a t I h a v e
,
b e en i ll B esi d es Gr a n dmo t h er w as a g a i n st i t up t o n o w b e c a u se sh e
.
, ,
th i n ks th a t i n a cl a ss w i th a l o t of pup i ls t h e r e would b e n o th i n g b u t
d i st urb an c e and m a d pr a n ks B ut my f a th e r n o w i n si st s th a t t h e r e mu st
.
? ”
Your f a t he r ab ou t i t
“
Wi th pl ea sur e ! O n ly r e c en t ly my fa th er gr ea t ly pr a i se d th e i n st i
t u t i o n o f your f a m i ly s ch ool In f a c t h e h a s b ee n i n t en d i n g t o a pply
.
,
t o my s i s t e r s fa t h er i n l a w Pr i n c e C h en t o a cc e p t m e B u t h e h as p ut
’
- -
.
, ,
0 3 do i n g so a g a i n a n d a g a i n b e c a us e h e di d n o t li k e t o bo t h e r h i s i l
lu st r i o n s r el a t i v es a bou t s uch a t r i fl e a n d di d n o t w i sh t o s ee m o b
,
t ru s i v e B ut i f my un cl e thi n ks t h a t h i s n e ph ew would b e of a n y u s e t o
.
54
t og ethe r ! B es i d es w e could b e com e r ea l fri en d s an d gi v e o ur p a r en ts
,
”
l ess t o worry a bou t Th e r e would b e m a n y a dv an t a ge s i n i t
. .
“
D o n o t worry ! I w i ll s pe a k a bou t i t t o my gr a n dmot h er at o n c e W e .
”
t h i n g ca n b e m a n a g e d .
p a n y a t t h e t a bl e a g a i n a n d w a t ch e d th e l a d i es pl a y i n g ch e ss for
,
a wh i l e . Pr i n c ess C h en a n d M i st r ess Y un g lo st t h e g a m e t o M a d a m e
Ph o en i x a n d pl e dge d th emse lv es t o p a y t h ei r g a mb li n g d eb t by st a n d
i n g a b a n qu et a n d t h ea te r t h e e v en i n g a ft er n ex t T h en th e y sa t dow n .
a g a i n for a n e v en in g sn a ck a ft e r w h i c h t h e gu es t s s t a r t e d t o d e p a rt
, .
“
W h o i s go i n g t o t a ke C h i n C h un g h om e
”
? Pr i n c ess C h en a s ke d her
wom en a tt en d a n t s .
“
T h e m a j ordomo h a s ord e r e d C h i a o T a t o do s o t h e y sa i d He i s , .
”
t i p s y a g a i n a n d i n h i s u s u a l a bu si v e h umor .
“
It i s j u st t o o s t up i d t o c h oo s e t h a t old boor a s a n e s cort ex ,
cl a i m e d bo t h Pr i n c ess C h en a n d M i st r es s Yu n g a t th e sa m e t i m e w i th ,
“
Is t h e c a rr i a g e r ea dy ? ” as e k d M a d a m e Ph o en i x t ur n i n g t o h er at
,
t en da n t s .
“
It i s w a i t i n g i n fron t of t h e gr ea t h a ll the y r epl i e d M a d a m e ,
.
, ,
“
domo L a i S h en g : Is th a t t he th i n g t o do t o c h ase o ut a n old m a n li k e
,
” “
m e o n a cold w i n t e r s n i g h t
’
? h e h owl e d a t h i m W h en t h e r e s a n u n
.
’
t h e r e a r e o t h e r s Is t h a t j u s t i c e ? A n d t o t h i n k t h a t s uc h a clum s y bl i n d
.
,
s e rv a n t s C h i a Yu n g r ebuk e d h i m a n gr i ly :
,
“
W i ll you s h u t u p a t l a s t ? If n o t I w i ll h a v e you t i e d a n d locke d up
,
56
B ut t h e gry old m an r e fu se d t o b e i n t i m i d a t e d He w a lke d U p t o
an .
“
h i m m en a c i n gly sh ou t i n g : L i t t le fr i en d do n t pl a y th e grea t g en t l e
’
, ,
?
a ll your gr e a t n e ss b e t od a y w i th ou t o l d C h i a o T a N i ne t i m es I
sn a t c h e d your gr a n df a th e r from th e j a w s o f d e a t h ! It w a s h e w h o p i l e d
frog a n d pl a y th e gr ea t g en t l e m a n ! T h e l e a st I ca n e xp e c t i s t h a t yo u
kee p your mou t h sh u t O th e rw i se j u st t a ke c a r e th a t my sword do e s
.
,
”
n o t go i n t o your body w h i t e a n d com e o u t re d !
“ ”
W h y h a v e you n o t go t ri d o f t ha t d a n g e rou s old b a n d i t lo n g a go ?
”
w h ol e f a m i ly a n d m a k i n g you a l a ugh i n g st ock b e for e the p e opl e .
“ ”
You a re r i g h t a gr ee d h e r n ep h e w n odd i n g ; a n d he ord e re d t h e
, ,
“
t i n n e d t o sh ou t a n d r a g e I w i ll go t o th e T e mpl e o f th e A n c e st or s a n d
.
co m p la i n t o t h e gr ea t o l d m a s t e r ! H e s h a ll l e a rn w h a t a cl ea n l i vi n g
.
-
In t h e f a c e of th i s h orr i bl e gr o ss ly ob s c e n e s pe e c h w h i c h c a u se d t h e
, ,
s un t o d i s a pp ea r b eh i n d th e cloud s i n s h a m e a n d m a d e t h e s oul s of t h e ,
i n g B ut Pa o Y u i n h i s i n n oc en c e could n o t r e fr a i n from a s k i n g
.
, ,
“
M a d a m e P h o en i x dur i n g th e j ourn e y i n t h e c a rr i a ge : S i st e r wh a t di d ,
h e m e an by t h e e xpress i on scr a t c h i n g i n t h e
‘
Do n o t a sk st up i d qu e st i o n s ! You n o t o n ly l i st en t o t h e fool i sh ch a tt e r
o f a drun k a rd b u t h a v e t o a s k qu est i o n s a bou t i t ! J u s t w a i t un t i l I t ell
,
”
your gr a n dmo th e r ! Y o u w i ll p a y f o r t h i s w i t h a t h r a sh i n g !
“
A h d ea r b i g s i s te r ple a se do n o t t ell o n m e ! I c e r t a i n ly w i ll n o t
, ,
”
a sk s uc h a s t up i d qu e s t i o n a g a i n plea d e d th e fr i gh ten e d Pa o Y u In
,
.
s cr a t c h i n t h e a sh e s r e f e rr e d t o i ll i c i t a s s oc i a t i o n b e t w een a f a t h e r i n
’
-
n -
la w .
ch i ld , sa i d M a d a m e P hoen i x qu i ckly ,
a pp e a s e d .
57
A n d wh en w e a re h om e I sh a ll S pe a k t o Gr an dmo th er an d a sk h er f o r
your s a ke h elp t o h a v e your n e p h e w C h i n C h un g a dm i t t e d t o your
'
to
s c hool .
C H A P TE R 7
P ao Y u L3 sh o wn th e gold a mu et o f h is gi rl co usi n
l . Th e g ir l co usi n is
’
sh o w n P ao Y u s s t o n e .
T W O D AY S L A TE R T H E R E W A S A G R E A T B A N Q U ET A ND THE A T R IC A L P E R
f o rm an ce g i v en i n th e N in gkuo p a l a c e i n h o n or o f t h e r el a t i v es i n th e
Y un gk u o p a l a c e P a o Y u m i ss e d h i s cou s i n Pr ec i ou s Cl a sp i n th e crowd
. .
a n i e d t h e Pr i n c ess A n c est r e ss b a ck t o t h e Y un g k uo p a l a c e a n d w a s
p ,
a bl e th en t o st e a l o ff t o t h e P ea r G a r den by u n fr e qu en te d s i d e p a th s ,
“
How t ouchi n gly t h ought ful o f you t o com e ov e r t o see your a un t
i n t h i s cold w ea t h er ! B u t get up h e re qu i ckly o n th e w a rm k an g ! A n d
”
th en st r en gt h en your s elf w i th a bowl o f h o t t e a !
“ ? ”
l s Cou si n H s u eh Pa n a t h om e a sk e d P a o Y u .
“ ”
i
A h I h a v e gr ea t t roubl e w i th t h i s pl a yboy
, s i gh e d Aun t H s u eh ,
.
He i s l i ke a h or se wi t h ou t a bri dl e or hal t e r No t a s i n gl e da y do es .
”
h e s p e n d a t h om e .
“
Is Pre c i ou s Cl a s p w e ll a g a i n
Y e s t h an k yo u sh e i s It w a s v e ry ki n d o f yo u t o sen d s om e o n e
, , .
a n d v i s i t h er It i s w a rm e r th e r e th an h e r e I w i ll follow l at e r o n ; I w an t
. .
”
t o cl ea r up my work h e r e fi rs t .
h er n ee dle a n d th r ea d H er h a i r w a s t i e d i n a loo se kn o t o n t o p of h e r
.
h e a d It w a s bl a ck a s l a cq ue r a n d sh o n e l i k e o i l Sh e wore a h on e y
. .
a s a s i lv e r d i sh a n d h e r e y e s w e r e l i k e a lmo n d s s w i mm i n g i n w a t e r
,
.
T he f a ct th a t sh e w a s s o s p a ri n g o f h er wo r ds an d s o prud en t in h er
Ih a v e sh own my a mul et , so do m e th e sa m e f a vor d ea r
, si s t e r ,
”
pl ea se ! h e b egg e d .
“
W ell i t i s t ru e I a ls o w ea r an a mul et If i t w e r e n o t f or th e lucky
, . .
e n oug h t h er e o n t h e fro n t a n d t h e b a ck w er e ei g h t c h a r a c t e r s li k ew i se
,
en gr a v e d i n m in u t e s cr i p t T h e y r ea d .
Pr ec i ou s you t h— l a st i n g bloom !
Pa o Y u re a d th e tw o l i n es t w i c e loud a .
“
Th ey compl em en t t h e l i n es of my st on e ex a c t ly ; t og eth e r t h e y form
”
a four l i n e s t a n z a ! h e cr i e d j oyfully s urpr i se d
, .
“
A m a n gy h e a d e d bo n z e o n c e g a v e h er t h e l in es a n d a dv i se d h er t o
-
,
”
h a v e th em en gr a v e d o n a gold m e d a ll i o n O r i ol e t hr e w l n i mport a n t ly
, .
“ ”
Th a t s e n ough S t i r your se lf a n d pour o u t o ur t ea ! sa i d Pr ec i ou s
’
.
Cl a sp cu tt i n g sh or t h er c h a tt e r
, .
“ ? ”
Wh e r e h a v e yo u com e from sh e s a i d t urn i n g t o h er v i si t or a n d ,
ch a n g i n g t h e d el i c at e co n v er s a t i o n B ut P a o Y u di d n o t h ea r h er qu e s
.
t i o n ; h i s a tt en t i o n w a s fix e d o n t h e s t r a n g e fr a gr a n c e w h i c h e m an a t e d
from h e r For wh en v i e w i n g t h e a mul et th ey h a d dr a wn clo s e t o e a ch
.
o th e r .
“ ? ”
Wh a t p e rfum e h av e yo u u se d si ste r h e w an t e d t o kn ow I h a ve
'
, .
”
n e v e r s m e ll e d i t b e for e .
“ ? ”
P e rfum e sh e s a i d slowly I a m n o t i n t h e h a b i t of spo i l i n g my
.
“ ? ”
Wh a t i s th e n a m e of your m ed i c i n e
P i lls of cold b a l sa m .
”
Oh let m e a l s o t a s t e th o se fr a gr a n t p i ll s ! h e b e gg e d
, .
” “
Y o u s i lly t h i n g ! sh e burs t o ut l a ug h i n g Ho w can o n e s w a llow
,
.
”
a n y i n e di ci n e a t r a n dom !
a n n ou n c e d from ou t s i d e :
“ ”
M i ss Li n g i s h er e !
A n d i mm e d i a t ely Bl a ck J a d e en t e re d .
“ ? ”
O h am I d i st urb i n g you
, sh e a s k e d s m i l i n g wi t h a h urr i e d gl a n c e
, ,
60
at p a i r Pa o
t he . Y u h a d r i s en an d pol i te ly off ere d h er h is pl a c e on th e
wa rm e d d i v a n .
“ ? ”
A n d w h y sh ould yo u d i s t ur b u s s a i d Pr e c i ou s Cl a s p c a su a lly .
“ ’
I do n t see w h a t you m ea n r epl i e d Pr e c i ous Cl a s p coolly ,
.
us v i si t i n g you a t t h e s a m e ti m e a n d th en h a v e n o v i s i t or s a t a ll B e tt e r ,
.
? ”
o r t o o muc h b es i e g e d Is t h a t s o d i fficul t t o u n d e r st a n d
.
“ ”
a s k e d P a o Y u t o c h a n g e th e co n v e rs a t i o n
?
Is i t sn ow in g ou ts i d e , ,
’
po i n t i n g t o Bl a ck J a d e s re d clo a k .
“ ”
It h a s b een for a lo n g t i m e t h e vo i ce of h i s n urse Mo t h er L i w h o , , ,
h a d a ccomp a n i e d Bl a ck J a d e re pl i e d from ou ts i d e ,
.
”
Bri n g m e ov e r my r a i n co a t P a o Y u c a lle d o ut t o her , .
”
A h w he n I com e h e mu s t go o f co urs e
, r em a rke d Bl a ck J a d e
, , ,
po i n te dly .
“
W h o sa i d t h a t I w a n t e d t o g o n o w ? I o n ly w a n t e d my co a t t o b e
”
h er e for l a te r o n w h en w e r e go i n g h e sa i d t ry i n g t o p a c i fy t h e ov e r
’
, ,
’
s en si t i v e cou si n .
P a o Y u a n d h i s t w o cou si n s p as s e d i n t o t h e l i v i n g room w h e re A un t ,
t o n gu es w h i ch h e h a d ea t en at Pr i n c e s s C he n s f or t h e fi rs t t i m e T o
’
.
plea se h i m Au n t H su e h h a d h a d t hi s d i sh pr e p a re d for h i m t od a y .
“
B ut i t ta st es e v en b e tte r w i t h s om e w i n e t h e s po i l e d P a o Y u t e
’’
,
h a d i n th e h ou se .
”
No w i ne pl ea se ! h i s old n urse Mo th e r L i obj e c t e d
, , , .
Ju st o n e goble t ! h e begg e d
” ’
”
No ! in si ste d Mo th er L i se v er e ly If your mo t he r or gr an dmo th e r .
kn ow Ta i ta i wha t a r a s c a l h e i s a n d w h a t he ca n do w h en h e h a s e v en
, , ,
”
o n e drop of wi n e s h e sa i d t ur n i n g t o Au n t H s u e h
, , .
“
All ri gh t do n o t e xc i te yourse lf so muc h old n ur se s a i d Au n t
, , .
“
H s u eh l a ugh in g t o c a l mher You sh a ll h a v e a gobl e t yours elf t o o In
, , . .
t a ke ca re th at h e doe s n o t dr i n k t o o muc h a n d I sh a ll b e r es po n s i bl e ,
f o r hi m t o hi s gr andmo the r .
61
’
Mo th e r Li y i eld e d a n d w as t ak en i nt o th e se rv a n ts room by a m a i d
, ,
t o sh a r e a cup of w i n e w i t h th e o t h e r s .
“
B u t pl ea se cold wi n e ! I do n o t c a r e f or i t w a rm
, ,
Pa o Y u w a s ,
h ea rd a g a i n .
“
I can on ly all ow yo u t o h a v e i t w a rm e d obj e c t e d Aun t Hs u eh ,
.
”
Cold wi n e m a kes on e s h a n d sh a ke wh en wri ti ng’
.
“
A t h om e yo u h a v e t h e oppor t u n i ty e ve ry day o f i n cr ea si n g your
kn owl e dg e a n d you do n o t ye t kn ow an y th i n g a bou t t h e n a t ur e o f
,
? ”
wi n e Pr ec i ou s Cl a sp a dd e d s om e wh a t sa rc ast i c a lly a n d pr ecoci ou sly .
“
W i n e m ak es o n e h o t a n d r i ses t o th e h ea d B ut o n e can do a wa y w i th .
t h i s e ff e c t i f on e t a kes t h e w i n e w a rm Cold w i n e o n t h e o th er h a n d .
,
.
,
a n d sen s i bl e so h e h a d t h e w a rm w i n e s erv e d t o hi m
, .
B ut i t w as n o t a m a t te r of j u s t on e gobl e t A s s oo n a s th a t st r i c t .
’
w a t c h e r Mo t h e r L i h a d w i t h dr a wn h e could dr i n k t o hi s h ea rt s co n
, , ,
t en t en cour a g e d by A un t H s u eh A t l a s t t ow a rd s e v en i n g h e w a
, .
, s ,
sl i g h t ly t i p s y a n d so t i r e d from a ll t h e dr i n ki n g th a t h e would h a v e l i k e d
t o a cc e p t Au n t H s u eh s i n v i t a t i o n t o s p en d t h e n i gh t i n h er h ou se B u t
’
.
Bl a ck J a d e w h o di d n o t l i ke h i s i n t i m a cy w i th t he H s u eh fa m i ly w a s ,
a bl e t o pr ev en t i t .
“ ? ”
A re you n o t t h i n k i n g of go i n g h om e a t l a st sh e a s k e d h i m .
“
H i s dull e y es bl i n k e d a t h e r Wh en you go I w i ll go wi t h yo u
.
, ,
h e r epl i e d .
Wh er e upo n Bl a ck J a d e i mm e d i a tely ro se an d b a d e fa r ew e ll He f o l .
,
-
,
-
b uk e d h er a n gr i ly .
Le t m e do i t ! s a i d Bl a ck J a d e h urr i e dly ru n n i n g ov e r t o h i m He .
do w n t o j u s t b elow t h e ri m .
A t h om e o n a ccou n t of h i s t i p s i n e s s h e w a s n o t t a ken i n t o th e
,
a w a i t i n g h i m i n h i s room .
“ ”
W ell you r e a n i c e o n e ! s h e gr eet e d h i m l a ugh i n g po i n t in g t o th e
,
’
, ,
wr i t i n g t a bl e w he r e th e wri t i n g i mpl em en ts w e re st i ll ly i n g j u s t a s sh e
“
h a d l e ft th em for h i m i n the morn i n g Y ou g o t m e t o pr e p a r e a wh ol e .
lo t o f I n d i a i n k f o r yo u th i s m o rn i n g a n d yo u wro t e on ly t h re e cha r a c
,
»
62
t er s . Th en off you w en t I wa i te d fo ryo u he r e all day i n v a i n B ut n ow
. .
,
t o fa st en t h e c h a r a c t er s ou ts i d e on t o p of t he door I w e n t up o n the .
”
cold .
“ ”
Ah I re m emb e r n o w G i v e me your h a n d I ll w a rm i t i n m i ne !
’
. .
,
“
D ea r si st e r ple a se s a y qu i te h o n es tly w hi c h o f t h e t hr ee c h a ra c te rs
, ,
? ”
in your Op i n i o n h a v e I do n e b est ,
h e a ske d anx i ou sly .
gr a n ee of Cul t ur e .
“
I fi n d all th ree ch ar a cte rs si mply m a sterly she a pprove d w i th a , ,
“
s m il e . Wh a t ab out p a i n t i n g a b ea u t i ful in scri p t i o n li ke th a t fo r my
? ”
room
“ ? ”
A h go o n Y o u a r e j us t m a kin g f un o f m e B ut whe re i s P ea rl
, . .
a s l ee p .
“
V e ry e a rly t o go t o slee p he r em a rke d l a ugh i n g Then h e re , , ,
fl ect ed fo r a mom en t .
“
Whe re a re th e curd b a lls wh i c h I h a d se n t h e re from th e m i dd a y,
m ea l ? I a ske d s i s te r i h la w C hen t o se n d s om e ov e r a s I w a n te d t o e a t
- -
'
“
I th ought a t on ce the y w e re m ea n t fo r m e a n d w as ldo k i n g forw a rd
t o e at i n g th e m 1 n t he e ve n i n g B u t th en Mo t h e r L i c a m e a lo n g a n d .
A n o ther m a i d brough t h i m t ea .
“
A bowl for Cou si n Li n g a s w ell he ord e r e d ,
.
“
Sh e h a s go n e lo n g a go th e y l a ugh i n gly t old h i m ,
.
.
,
“
B ut I h a d m a pl e t ea m a d e for m e th i s morn in g a n d I s a i d d i st i n c t ly ,
”
does i t ta ste good W h y do you g i ve m e th i s oth e r t ea
.
?
“ ”
”
I ha d prep ar e d a po t o f m a pl e t ea fo r yo u repli e d th e m ai d b ut , ,
Mot he r Li dr ank i t .
63
In r a ge P a o Y u flun g th e full chi n a bowl t o th e gr oun d so th a t i t
a ,
“
M o th e r Li ! It s a lw a y s M oth e r L i ! W h o i s sh e a n yw a y th a t ev ery
’
, ,
o n e mu st s ub mi t t o h er a n d di e o f aw e b e fore h er ? Sh e n ur s e d m e for
a b i t w h en I w a s a c h i ld t h a t s a ll ! T h a t do e s n o t g i v e h er th e ri gh t t o
’
,
”
mu st b e ch a se d from t he h ou se th en i t w i ll b e b et te r for a ll of us A n d
, .
h e would h a v e go n e st r a i g h t o ff t o h i s gr an dm o th e r t o compl a i n o f h e r
i f th e m a i d P e a rl h a d n o t i n t e rv en e d P ea rl h a d o n ly b een p ret en d i n g
.
t o b e a sl ee p Sh e w an t e d t o a llur e h im w h en h e r e t ur n e d an d foun d h er
.
t h e r e b e for e h im o n t h e b e d so t h a t h e would fl i rt w i th h er a n d m a k e
,
a b ou t t h e t hr ee wr i tt en c h a r a c t e r s an d th e curd b a ll s b u t t h e cr a sh o f ,
th e r e a s o n o f th e n o i s e
'
.
“
It i s n o th i n g r ea lly
, coun te re d P ea rl b efore h e h a d t i m e t o
, ,
“
s p ea k .I w a s po uri n g o u t t ea a n d I s l i pp ed b ec a u se t h e re w as sn ow o n
”
my sh oe s ; so th e cup fe ll o ut o f my h a n d a n d g o t broken .
A n d wh en th e se rv a n t h a d go n e sh e co n t i n u e d t urn i n g t o P a o Y u,
If you w a n t t o dr i ve Mo th e r Li a w a y w e o th e rs sh a ll go t o o No doub t .
”
you w i ll fi n d i t ea sy t o get b et t e r t h a n u s .
a n d n o t h a rm h i m by m a ki n g h i s b a r e n e ck cold .
,
,
t h e m i dd a y m ea l a n d lo a d e d w i th g i f ts o n l e a vi n g T h e Pr i n c ess A n .
“
Y o u l i v e f a r a w a y from h e r e sh e s a i d t o h i m
, a n d i n v e ry h o t o r
,
”
p a ck of l a zy youn g r a s c a ls .
C h in C hun g s fa th er w as h i g hl y pl e a se d w i th t he good r ec ep ti on
’
-
64
whi ch hi s offs pri n g h a d b een gi ven by h i s a ri st ocra t i c re l a t i v es a n d w a s
very gl a d t ha t th e qu es t i o n o f th e boy s e duc a t i o n ha d n o w b een solv e d
’
wi t hou t t he h um i li a t i n g n e c essi ty o f a v i si t o f pe ti t i on He sa w th a t h i s .
so n would b e i n th e b es t h an d s i n a s c h ool o f w h i c h th e Pr in c i p a l w a s
h e could n o t a vo i d p a y i n g a form a l vi si t t o t he l a tt e r a n d g i v i n g h i m
th e cu st om a ry g i ft of mo n e y H e di d n o t w i sh t o b e t o o muc h b eh i n d
.
t he b et t e r pl a c e d p a re n ts o f o t he r boy s i n th i s m a tt e r T h u s t h i s l i t t l e
-
.
,
’
i n si gn i fic an t gov e rn or s se cre t a ry h a d t o p i n c h an d s cr a pe a n d c a lcul a t e
i n ev e ry w a y i n ord er t o get t og e the r t h e en t r a n c e g i ft of t we n t y fi v e -
s i lv e r p i e c es prope r for a pe rs o n of h i s s t a t i o n Af te r t he f a t h e r a n d so n
.
h a d p a i d t h e i r r es pe c ts a n d presen t e d t hei r g i ft t o t he Pr i n c i p a l t h e -
CHAPTER 8
cr ea t e a d ist ur b a n c e i n th e s ch ool .
t o dress h e n o t i c e d h e r d e j e c t e d look .
”
D e a r s i st e r w h y do yo u loo k so un h a ppy h e as ke d h er I h op e
,
? .
? ”
s c h ool
“
It i s n o t th a t sh e re pl i ed sm i li n g O n e h a s t o b e e duc a t e d o t h e r
, ,
.
,
wi se o n e ge ts n o wh e r e i n l i fe B ut j us t n o w I h a v e b een t h i n k i n g o n e
.
a gr ee wi th yo u Y o u mu st co n s i de r y o ur he a l t h a n d en j oy a l i tt l e l ei s ur e
.
’
wi th your fellow st uden ts Y o u kn ow tha t your fa t h e r wo n t st a n d for
.
an y n o n se n se It h as b e en o n my m in d t o r em i n d you of th at b e fore
.
”
you go .
Pa o Y u promi s e d t o ta k e h er a dv i c e t o h ea rt .
“You w ll prob sh e co n t i n u e d
i ab ly b e fr ee z i n g i n t h e sch oo l room ,
.
65
wh en yo u cold T he l az y r as c a ls w i ll n ot st i r a h an d f o r you on th ei r
a re .
”
o w n D o th in k o f your h ea l th !
'
“
Th an k you I wi ll c e rt a i n ly t a ke c a re o f my se lf B ut you n ee d n o t
, .
si t h er e a ll t h e t i m e i n my room w h i l e I a m a w a y g e tt i n g bor e d t o ,
”
d e at h Go ov er t o Cou si n Bl a ck J a d e a n d t a lk t o h er
. .
On P ea rl s a dv i c e h e a ls o t ook le a v e of h i s gr a n dm o th e r an d h i s
’
from h i s o ffi c e a n d en t e rt a i n i n g s om e v i si t or s i n th e li br a ry In t h e mi d st .
of t h e co n v e r sat i o n h i s so n en t er e d a n d f a ll i n g o n h i s k n e es off e r e d , ,
“
M r C h en g r e g a rd e d h i m Wi t h a con t emp t uou s s m il e Do n o t di s gr a c e
. .
’ “
t o s c h ool h e s a i d mocki n gly For a ll I c a r e you m a y go o n w i th
“
.
,
“ ”
D o n o t b e so st e rn wort h y o l d fr i en d ! h i s vi si t or s w h o h a d ri sen
, ,
“
from t h e i r se a t s urg e d h i m b en i gn ly L et our youn g n eph e w go t o h i s
, .
.
,
n e p h e w sh ould n o t d a lly h e r e b u t s a
, y f a r e w ell for i t i s a lmo st d i nn e r
, ,
”
ti me .
“ ”
W h o i s a ccomp an y i n g h i m ? a s k e d Mr C h en g of t h e r et i n u e of .
Mr C h en g t urn e d t o t h e b i gg est of th em w h o w a s c a ll e d L i Kw ei an d
.
,
“
w a s a s o n o f th e n urs e Mo t he r Li You fellow a re r e s ponsi bl e t o m e .
, ,
” “
for h i m ! h e sai d Wh a t h a s h e l ea rn e d up to n o w ? No th i n g b ut
'
n ess B u t j us t w a i t ! A s s oo n a s I h a v e l e i s ur e I w i ll h a v e yo u s t r i pp e d
’
n a k e d a n d t h en w e s h a ll s et t l e our a ccoun t s ov e r t h i s u s e l e ss r a s c a l
'
t o t h e grou n d .
“
O ld Gov ern or h e st a mme r ed th i s m i ser ab le fe llow would n ot
, ,
h e a rt t h r ee p a rt s of t h e h oly book of S h i h C h i n g t h e B oo k of S o n g s ,
.
H e h a s com e t o t h e p a rt wh i ch t e ll s o f t h e st a g cry i n g i n t h e d i s t a n c e
a n d th e lo t u s l e a f dri fti n g o n th e w a v e s .
ev en M r Ch en g co ul d n o t keep a p hi s s te rn e xp ress i o n b ut h a d t o
’
'
: _
sm i le .
a t ta i n ed lucr a ti ve po s i t i on s Th ese co n t ri b u ti o n s provi d e d the pup i ls
.
"
F rom t h i s fir st da y o f a tt en d an c e a t sc h oo l t og eth e r P a o Y u an d ,
“
C hi n C h un g b ec a m e i n sep a r a bl e comra d es Th e y w en t t o s ch ool t o
.
C h i n C h un g w as a s in t i m at e w i th ev e ryon e i n th e Y un gk u o p a l a c e as i f
h e b elo n g e d to th e f a m i ly .
sh y n e ss a n d a cc ep t e d th e s ugg est i o n .
n i n e v a r i et i e s , a n d ea c h v a r i et y i s d i ff e r en t from t h e o th e r In sh o r t i t .
,
i s e a s y t o r ea l i z e th at th e re w er e sn a k es a n d vi pe rs cre e p i n g a rou n d
a mo n g t h e dra go n s o f t h e f a m i ly s ch ool , an d t h a t h i gh a n d lo w w er e
m i x e d t ogeth er .
Y u , o n a ccoun t o f h i s w e a l th an d h i s se lf ass ur e d b e a ri n g , h i s m as t er
’
bo th in si d e a n d ou ts i d e t h e sch oolr oo m s .
68
b ase d esi res i n h i m Pre ten d in g th a t h e wi she d t o i mprov e an d e n ri ch
.
s ub s t a n t i a l g i ft of mo n e y In r e a l i t y h e w a nt e d t o b e l i k e th e fi sh e rm a n
.
,
h i s n et s a re dry i n g He h a d l e ss i n t e r e st i n l e a rn i n g t ha n i n form i n g
.
le t t h em se lv es b e e n t i c e d by g i f ts o f mo n e y a n d o t he r f a vor s t o b e ao
co m m o da t i n g t o h i s purpo s es w h i c h i t i s n o t n e c e s s a ry to d i s cu ss i n
,
o f t h e i r s m a rt a n d a tt r a c t i v e a ppe a r a n c e w e r e n i ckn a m e d H s i a n g L i e n ,
“ ” “
Fr a gr a n t A t t a c h me n t a n d Y u A i Pr ec i ou s F a vor i t e In t h e s ch ool
, ,
.
t he y w er e o n a w h ol e a dm i r e d b ut o n ly i n se cr et fo r t hr ough f ea r o f
, ,
H s ueh P an n o n e of t h e o th e r b oy s v e n t ur e d t o m a ke fr i e n d s w i th th e m .
P a o Yu a n d C h i n C h un g w ere a l s o a t t r a c te d to th es e t w o soo n a f te r
com i n g t o t h e sc h ool b ut t hrough fea r of H s u eh P a n di d n o t d a r e t o
,
d i st an c e A n d H s i a n g L i en a n d Y u A i r e c i proc a t e d i n k i n d D a y a ft e r
. .
h i dden s e n t i m en ts an d fee l i n g s by m e a n s o f g en t l e a ll us i o n s a n d a m
b i g uo us p h r a s e s .
t h e r e w a s muc h w i n k i n g a n d s ugg es ti v e cl e a r i n g of t h e th ro a t an d
, ,
da y ow i n g t o a dom e s t i c c e l e b ra t i o n To k ee p h i s pup i l s bu s y h e h a d
.
t a ry s e co n d h a lf T h a t w a s t h e i r a s s i gn m e n t H e h a d e n t ru st e d t h e c a r e
. .
of t h e sc h ool duri n g h i s a b se n c e to h i s a ss i s t a n t a n d gr a n d s on C hi a J u i ,
.
C h un g a n d H s i a n g L i e n a v a i l e d of h i s a b sen c e t o si g n a l ea c h o th e r by
gl a n c es mor e Open th an u s u a l a n d fi n a lly o n th e pr et ex t of a tt en d in g
, ,
t o t h e w a n t s of n a t ur e t h e y s t ol e a w a y t o t h e f a r th e s t cor n e r o f t h e
,
“ ”
?
Would your f a th e r obj ec t i f w e w e r e fr i e n d s Op en ly C h i n C h u n g
h ad j u st a ske d t h e o th e r w h en t h ey h e a rd s om e o n e cl e a r i n g h i s th ro a t
,
e f o re t h e m l a ug h i n g m a l i c i o us ly H e .
t h em U n l i k e t h e g e n t l e C h i n C h un g
.
,
t e mp e r e d -
.
m ean ? A re w e n o t a llow e d t o s p e a k
69
? ”
t og et h e r h e sai d t o th e mi schi ef m aker emb a rr asse d an d ann oy e d a t
-
, .
th e sa m e t i m e .
“ ”
Do n t let m e di st urb you ! th e o th er repli e d mocki n gly B ut i f yo u
’
.
so op en ly ? O n e j u st wo n d e r s w h a t s ec r
’
et do i n g s you r e up t o h e r e Let s
’
.
‘
“ ”
Wh a t i s th e re t o h ea r a ske d C hi n C h u n g an d H si an g Li en bo th
?
t og e t h er blu sh i n g t o t h e roo t s of t h e i r h a i r
, .
“ ”
T h e t ru th ! r epl i e d t h e o t h er l a ugh i n g Th en h e cl a pp e d h i s h a n d s
, .
“
an d c a ll e d o u t loudly a cro ss th e s c h ool y a rd : H i com e h ere ! Fr esh ly
‘
T h e tw o fr i en d s ru sh e d r a g i n g i n t o t h e sc h ool an d compl a i n e d t o
'
.
, ,
c ar e H en c e he di d n o t t ry t o ch eck H su eh P a n i n h i s di s gr a c e ful do i n g s
.
b ut h e a c t u a lly a i d e d a n d a b et te d h i m t o wi n t he f avor o f th e ri c h
l i b e r ti n e a n d th u s Ob t a i n mo n e y an d good m ea l s .
If C h i n C h u n g a n d H s i a n g Li en b e l i ev e d th e y would b e pro te ct e d by
C hi a J ui t he y w ere v e ry much m i st a ken C hi a J ui bo re a grudge
, .
a g a i n st H s i a n g L i en b e c a u se w h i l e th e l a t ter w a s go i n g w i th H s u eh Pan
,
an d t h a t w a s a ll th a t m a t t e re d t o h i m Tru e h e di d n o t d a r e c en s ur e
. .
,
C h i n C h un g i n co n si d e r a t i o n o f hi s i n flu en t i a l fri en d Pa o Y u wi th
, ,
t o h i s sea t i n th e cl a ss wh en c e he si gn a ll e d h i s d i s pl e as ure by gl an c e s
, ,
t h i s s i d e an d t h a t .
“
I v e j u s t c a ugh t th e m i n the d a rkes t co m e r o f th e cour t y a rd th e
’
,
wh i spe ri n g wen t t o r i g ht a n d le ft .
70
ea ch o th er A n d the y we r e so much en gro ss e d in th ei r im mrtan t co n
.
”
ve rs a ti o n th a t t h e y n e v e r e v en n o t i c e d m e !
n oy e d by s uc h t a lk H e w a s s i x t een y ea r o l d C h i a C h i a n g w h o b elo n g e d
.
- -
t o t he N in gkuo br an c h o f t h e cl a n Pr i n c e C h i a C h en h a d t a ke n hi m in
.
’
d in a r i ly clo se fr i en d sh i p w i t h C h i a Yun g th e Pri n c e s so n h a d ca u se d
, ,
s us p i c i ou s wh i s pe ri n g a n d comm en t a mo n g th e se rv a n t s w hi c h h a d
,
.
o f a qu a rr el wi th H s u eh P an i f h e sh ould op e n ly t a k e si d es a g a i n s t t h e
He i n s i ste d th a t by i n s ul ti n g C hi n C h un g K in g Yun g h a d a ls o i n s ul t e d
,
h i s m a st e r Pa o Y u a n d i f th e sh a m el es s fe llow w a s n o t ma d e t o sh u t up
,
Whi ch o f yo u he re i s Ki n g Yun g ?”
Wh en th e b o y h e w as looki n g fo r w as po i n ted o ut t o hi m he se iz ed
'
,
“
hi m boldly an d fi rmly by th e sh ould e r an d sh ou ted a t hi m : Wh a te ve r
,
”
m ast er !
He free d h i m s elf from M i n g Yen s gra sp an d w a s a bou t t o f a ll on
’
,
P a o Y u A t th a t mom en t C h i n C h u n g h ea rd a w hi zz i n g n o i se clo se t o
.
h i m By a lucky c h a n c e h e mov ed a si de so th a t th e m i s si l e wh i c h w a s
s lu n g by an u n kn own h a n d— i t w a s a s qu a r e I n d i a in k s t o n e—wh i zz e d
.
,
by w i th i n a h a i r s br e a d th of t h e b a ck of h i s h ea d an d cl a tt ere d down
'
’
o n a b en c h f a rt h er up i n fro n t b et w ee n t h e pl a c es o f C h i a L a n a n d C hi a
,
C h un A t t h e sa m e t i m e a ch i n a po t full of I n d i a i n k w a s brok en i n t o
.
,
b u t i t fe ll sh ort a n d l a n d e d o n t h e b en c h o f P a o Y u a nd C h i n C h u n g ,
j ump e d up t o figh t wh o ev er h a d t h ro am th e I n d i a i n k st o ne In a t r i c e .
w h o w e r e w a i t i n g ou t s i d e t h e s e rv a n t s S a o Hun g C hu Y o a n d M o Y u
, , , ,
t o s upport h i m T h e t h r ee ru sh e d i n li k e a s w a rm of h orn e t s sh ou t i n g
.
,
“ ”
w i ldly : You b a st a rd brood d a re t o r a i s e your wea pon s a g a i n st us !
Mo Y u w a s arm e d w i t h a wood en door b ar wh i l e S a o H un g a n d C hu Yo ,
br a n d i sh e d h or se wh i p s i n t he i r h a n d s In t h e w i ld co n fu si o n wh i c h n ow
‘
w a rn i n g a n d i mplori n g vo i c e h ea rd Th e y we r e a ll u t t erly b e yo n d co n
.
for t h e f un of i t h i t t i n g o u t i n a ll d i re c t i o n s ; o t he r s st ood on t h e
,
b en ch e s a n d t a bl es an d e gg e d o n th e figh te rs by cl a pp i n g t h ei r h a n d s
“ ”
a n d sh ou t i n g : S t a n d fi rm s t a n d firm ! Fl a y t h e m ! Fl a y t h em ! O n ly a
,
Th e w h ol e cl a ss w a s li k e a bo i l i n g c a ldro n Th e i n t e rv en t i o n o f s om e of .
s a w t o i t firs t of a ll t h a t t h e w a rl i k e M i n g Y en a n d h i s t h r ee comp a n i o n s
Y u w a s j u st w i p i n g w i th t h e l a p e l o f h i s co a t a bl eed in g woun d w h i c h
-
h i s fr i en d Ch i n C h un g h a d r e c ei v e d o n th e for e h ea d from th e h an dl e o f
’
K i n g Yun g s fe a t h er du ster wh en a lon g c a m e L i Kw e i ,
.
“ ”
H a v e my book s p ut t og eth e r a n d sen d my h orse ! h e orde r e d L i
“
Kw ei I sh a ll r i d e s t r a i g ht off t o old T a i J u a n d compl a i n of h i s
.
'
d e pu ty He n o t o n ly fa i l e d t o gi ve us pro t ect i on a g a i n st t ho se w h o i n
.
72
su lt ed us , b ut even en cour a g e d th e off en d e rs t o do us v i ol en c e ; an d th i s
le d t o th e g en e r a l a tt a ck M in g Y en w as qu i t e r i gh t to com e t o my a i d
. .
T hey hi t hi m a n d C h i n C h un g u nt i l th e y bl e d N a t ur ally I c a n n o t t e . ,
”
m a i n lo n ge r i n th i s sch ool Li Kwei p a c i fi e d hi m an d t ri e d h i s b est t o
.
“
A n d you are t o bl a m e for i t a ll he co n t i n u e d , t urn i n g t o C h i a J ui
,
.
”
an d let th e m i s c h i ef d evelop .
“
Ta ke i t b a dly o r n o t wh e n I spe a k so ope n ly si r b ut i t i s your own , , ,
n er yo u would b e r e s p e c t e d Th e m a t t er m a
, y st i ll b e ve ry u n pl e as an t
.
”
You must str i ve t o u n r a vel t h e t a n gl e d n e t a s qu i ckly a s po ss i bl e si r , .
“ ”
Wh a t do you mea n by u n r a v ell i n g ? i n terj e c te d Pa o Y u i n di g
“ ”
n an tly I am go i n g to m a ke a compl a i n t
. .
“
E i t he r K i n g Yu n g lea v es t he sc h ool o r I do n o t com e a n y more ,
a dd e d C h i n C h un g .
“
It would b e a fi n e th i n g i n dee d i f w e w e re t o y i e ld t he groun d b e
” “
fore th a t i n so len t fe llow ! sa i d Pa o Y u fl a r i n g up i n a n g er I sha ll see ,
.
”
th a t h e g e ts o ut A n yw a y h o w i s thi s K i n g Yu n g r e l a t e d t o u s
.
,
?
“ ”
He i s a n eph ew o f M rs Ch i a Hu a n g o f th e N i n gkuo br an c h
. t he ,
vo i c e o f t he serv a n t M i n g Y en w a s h ea rd t o sa y from ou ts i d e th e w 1 n
“
dow M rs Hu a n g i s h i s a un t o n t he f a ther s si d e She i s a l wa y s o n h er
. .
’
.
“ ”
B e s i l en t , so n o f a
b i t c h ! mut t e r e d L i Kwe i a si d e t o hi m Wh a t .
”
are th e fl b i tes of o t h e r pe opl e t o you ?
y
“
Then h e i s a n e phew of si s te r in la w Hu a n g rem a rke d P ao Y u - -
,
“
co n tern t uo u sl Good I w i ll go t o h e r a n d gi v e her a p i e c e o f my
p y .
,
min d a bout h e r sc a mp of a n ep he w .
“
W hy t a ke a ll th a t t roubl e yours elf ? ”
t h e t urbul en t M i n g Y en i n t e r
“
ject ed a g a i n Let m e go ! I s h a ll t e ll he r t h a t th e old Pri n c ess A n ce s
. .
h i re d c oa ch In your gr a n dm o t h er s pr es en c e o n e ca n m a ke a s ta t em en t
.
’
“ ”
B e o ff ! Di Kwei re buk e d hi m . O r do yo u w an t t o get a th r a shi n g ?
73
I h a ve o n ly j u st m an a ge d t o qu en ch the fi re a n d yo u w an t t o poke i t up ,
a g a in !
’
I f you do n t st op t ryi n g t o st i r up your m aster I wi ll ha ve yo u
p un i sh ed .
Wh i l e L i Kw ei w a s t ry i n g wi t h a ll h i s m i gh t t o m a ke p ea ce i n th e
s c h ool d i spu t e t h e d e pu t y s c h oolm a st er C h i a J ui w h o w a s t h oroug h ly
, ,
”
kowt ow C hi a J ui i mplor e d Kin g Yu n g t o gi v e i n Be wi s e he ur ged
. .
, ,
“
an d r e m emb e r th e prov erb
Ba n i sh t h e momen t s a nger ’
,
A n d sp a re yourself m an y da ys gu i sh
’
an .
en de d .
CHAPTER 9
K O W T O W o r AP O L O G Y B UT H IS ,
h e w a s st i ll d evour e d w i th r es en t m en t H av in g com e h om e h e sa i d t o .
,
h i s mo th e r n é
“
e Hu z , Thi s C hi n C h un g i s j us t as d i st an t ly rel a t e d t o
th e h ouse o f C hi a a s I a m ; h e i s o n ly co nn ec t e d by m arri a g e an d ha s n o
be tter cl a i m t o a pl a c e i n t h e fa m i ly sch ool th a n I h a ve B ut o n t he .
st r e n g th o f hi s clo se fr i en ds h i p w i th Pa o Y u h e t h in ks h e can p u t o n a i rs
an d look down o n t h e li ke of us If h e a t le a st b eh a v e d b la m el e ss ly on e
.
? ”
t ha t
”
“
Do n ot be kee p o ut o f o the r pe opl e s a fl ai rs !
so h ea ds tr o n g , an d
’
“
hi s mo th e r a dvi se d h i m T h a n ks t o my in te rc essi o n w i th Aun t Huan g
. ,
wa n t thr ough your d efi a n ce t o thr ow awa y the be nefi ts of thi s free edu
, ,
.
74
No th i n g sp ec i a l In t he b eg in n i n g s om ethi n g seemed t o b e o n h er
.
,
.
”
Th i s t i m e she di d n ot a sk for a n y t hi n g .
“
I vis i te d our Eld e r t od a y i n h i s he rm i t a g e o ut i n t h e moun t ai n s an d
i n vi t e d h i m t o com e h e r e th e da y a f te r t omorrow t o re c ei ve b i rth d a y
” “
co n gr a t ul a t i o n s from t h e wh ol e fa m i ly he r e port e d Th e ol d gen t l e , .
m a n d ecl i n e d w i th th a n ks h ow ev er I do n o t w i sh t o b e d i s t urb e d i n
‘
.
,
’ ‘
my co n templ a t i ve p ea c e h e sa i d a n d I h a v e n o d esi r e t o r et urn t o
, ,
a t l i b e rt y t o m a k e i t n o w i n a dv a n c e B ut k i n dly l ea v e m e i n pe a c e t h e
.
us t o do b u t c e l e br a t e w i t h ou t t h e old g en t l em a n G i v e your o r d er s t o
-
.
t h e m aj ordomo L ai S h en g i n good t i m e t o a rr a n g e th e t w o d a y s b a n
’
”
q u et i n g .
“ ” “ ”
e rn p a l a c e a n d p er s o n a lly i n v i t e t he o ld T a i ta i an d th e b i g T a i ta i
“
“ ”
a n d th e s e co n d Ta i ta i a n d si st er i n la w P hoen i x t o th e b i rth d a y f es
- -
ti val .
“ “
Te ll t he Eld e r h e sa 1 d t o h i s so n th a t your f a th e r h a s compl i e d
, , ,
76
t ors an d a tr oupe o f mus i c i a n s h a d b een en gag e d an d w e r e j us t n o w
gett in g r ea dy t o a pp ea r o n th e g a rd en st a ge The c hi e f gu e sts w h o .
,
w e r e Pr i n c ess S h i eh M a d a m e C he n g an d M a d a m e P h o en i x w i th Pa o
, , ,
“
T he old Ta i ta i i s th e old est of all t he ki n folk o ur Eld e r i s o n ly h er ,
”
o f h er pr esen c e .
“
O n ly y e st e rd a y she sti ll i n ten d e d t o come M a d a m e P h o en i x t e ,
a s ks i f t he r e i s a n y t hi n g s p e c i a l o n th e t a bl e t o sen d h er ov e r a mor s e l
”
t o t a s t e b u t n o th i n g r i c h o n ly i n v a l i d food
, , .
T h e Pri n c e w as sa ti s fi e d .
“
I th ough t a t o n ce th er e mu st b e s om e s p ec i a l re a so n f o r h er n o t
”
com i ng U s u a lly sh e lov es th ese fa m i ly p a r t i es so muc h
. .
th e a tt en t i o n s pl a nn e d for h i m a n d a s k e d h i s so n Pr i n c e C h e n t o g i v e
, , ,
th e b e st po ssi bl e h o sp i t a l i t y a n d en t e r ta i n m e n t t o t h e w h ol e fa m i ly .
“
More ove r h e a g a i n expre sse d th e w i sh th a t h i s t rea t i se o n T h e Bless
,
”
e dn ess o f Work i n Sol i t ud e s h ould b e qu i ckly pri n t e d It would b e t h e .
a n d i n v i t e d t h e l a d i e s t o com e t o t h e th e a t ri c a l pe rform a n c e i n t h e
ga r
den T he g en t l em en h a d a lrea dy t a ken th e i r s ea t s Four Impe r i a l
.
77
Pri n cess C h en a cc ep t ed h er s on s report wi th sa ti s fa ct i o n an d then
’
,
lo n gi n g t o p a y a v i si t t o th e p a ti en t M i s t r es s Yun g of wh om she w a s
, ,
“
B u t do n o t st a y t o o lo n g i n t h e s i ckroom ! R em e mbe r the p a ti en t ,
”
i s your n i e c e ! h i s mo t h e r i mpre sse d u p o n h i m '
r oom w h i c h a w a k ene d i n h i m a s e cr et m em
, ,
ory of th at st r an ge drea mi n
whi c h h e w a s c a rr i e d o ff t o t he P h an t om R ea lm of t h e Gre a t Vo i d How .
“
Do st a y qu i e t ly on your b a ck good Na i na i ’ O t he rwi se yo u m i gh t
, .
”
g et d i zzy , sh e s a i d s i t t i n g o n t h e e dg e o f t h e b e d a n d t a k i n g th e p a
,
’ “
t i en t s h a n d O h h o w th i n you h a v e go t you poor t h i n g si n c e I s a w
.
, , ,
”
yo u l a st !
“
Y e s un for t un a t e ly I h a v e lo st w e i g h t ‘ si gh e d t h e p a t i e n t forc i n g
9’
, ,
h e r s e lf t o i s my m i s for t un e n o t t o b e v e ry we ll Wh a t lov e a n d .
I we r e th e i r o w n c h i ld My h u sb an d a l t h ough h e i s so yo un g est ee m s
.
, ,
an d s m
y p a th v A n d n ow t h i s s i lly i lln e ss com es a lo n g a n d pr e v en ts m e
.
”
W h o kn ow s i f I sh a ll l i v e t o s eet h e New Y ea r
'
Wh i le th e y we r e t a lki n g P ao Y u w a s looki n g st ea d i ly a t th e p a i n t i n g
o n t h e w all wh i ch re pr esen t ed a p er so n sl eep i ng b en ea th b e gon i a
,
en ce d i n t h i s s am e r o oi n a n d w i th t h i s sa m e b e a u t i ful KO Ch i n g w h om
by a th ou sa n d a rr ow s an d hi s e y es fill e d wi th t ea rs Thi s di d n o t e sc a pe
,
.
th a t t h e pur po s e o f h er vi si t w as t o c h ee r a n d comfort th e p a t i en t an d ,
n o t t o m a k e h e r st i ll more s a d b y w ea r i n g a s a d f a c e .
“ ”
‘
78
cou si n o ut o f h i s s oft mood Your n i e c e i s sti ll youn g an d wi ll b e able
.
t h a n sh e r ea lly i s .
“
Y o u sh ould n o t g i v e i n t o s uc h gloomy t h ough ts ! Th a t do es n o t
”
h elp t o m a k e your co n d i t i o n b e tt e r sh e a dmo n i sh e d th e p a t i en t
,
gen t ly .
“
Above a ll sh e mu st get b a ck her a pp eti t e th en I sh a ll n ot b e w o r
, ,
”
ri e d a bou t h er a n y mor e in te rj e c t e d th e youn g h usb an d C h i a Yun g
, , ,
re a ss ur in gly .
“
Th a t i s my op in i o n to o a gr ee d P h o en i x A n d n ow b e so good a s
, .
”
l i tt l e wh i l e
.
Th e u n cl e a n d n e ph ew th en l e ft Ph o en i x a lo n e wi th th e p a t i en t an d
w en t t o the t h ea t r i c a l p e rform an c e i n th e G a rd en o f A sse mbl e d Per
fum es .
a n d t h orough ly d i s cu ss e d a ll k i n d s o f co n fi d en ti a l m a tt e r s wi th t h e s i ck
“
W ell I w i sh yo u a sp ee dy r e cov e ry an d I w i ll com e a g a i n soon
, , ,
she s a i d o n d e p a r t i n g
“
M ea n t i m e do n ot b e down h ea r te d ! Th e n ew
.
,
”
doc t or w i ll c e r t a i n ly cure you .
“
P e rh a p s h e w i ll b e a bl e t o g i v e m e som e r el i ef b ut h e wi ll n ot b e ,
”
a bl e t o a l te r my f a t e e v en if h e w e r e g i ft e d w i t h sup e rn a t ur a l pow er s ,
“
re pl i e d t h e p a t i en t w i th a w ea k s m i l e I kn ow p e rfe c t ly w ell t h a t I a m
.
”
o n ly dr a gg i n g o n from day t o day .
“
Do n o t gi ve i n t o such i d eas ! Y our fea r s a re qu i t e grou n dl ess Y o u .
s oo n ag
”
( a i n w h en
yo u h a v e t i m e !
“ ”
You m a y r ely o n m e !
Sun k i n th ough t P h oen i x a ft er t r a v er si n g m a n y w i n d i n g p a th s
, , ,
'
c h a rm of th e s c en ery wh i ch surroun d e d h er h e r e m a d e h er sl a ck en h er
p a c e a n d st roll a lon g th ou gh t fully .
80
breez e from fru i t t r ell i ses From t i me t o t i m e a li gh t gu s t o f w i n d f rom
.
t h e w e st m a d e t h e r e dd i sh t op s of the t r e e s wh i ch s t ood h e r e a n d t h e r e
,
t h e w a te r p a v i l i o n wi th i ts t r i pl e a rc h e d roof w a s r e fl e c t e d i n th e l a ke .
In th e d i s t a n c e t he pl a y i n g of flu t es a n d t h e b ea t i n g of drum s could b e
h e a rd .
n o w st ood b e for e h er .
“ ”
T s i n g a n S i s te r i n la w ! h e gr ee te d h er bow i n g pol i t ely
,
- -
, .
P h o en i x st e pp e d b a ck st a r t le d .
“ ”
Is t h a t you C h i a J ui
,
? sh e a s k e d a l i tt l e un c e r t a in ly .
? ? ”
How i s t h a t Do n t you r e cogn i z e m e S i s ter i n la w
’
,
- -
Y es I do ; o n ly I w a s r a th e r co n fu se d by your s udd e n a pp ea r a n c e
, .
It mu s t i n d ee d b e Prov i d en c e w h i c h h a s c a u s e d u s t o m ee t h er e ,
“
C hi a J u i r em a rke d w i th a n o i ly sm i l e I s t ol e a w a y from th e t a bl e j u st
.
n o w t o t a ke a li t t l e w a lk a f t e r th e m ea l i n t h i s qu i e t se clud e d s po t A n d .
”
he re I m ee t you ! R e a lly i t mu s t b e t h e work of Prov i d en c e
, .
Wh i l e h e a s s p e a k i n g h i s li tt l e ey e s br i g ht w i th w i n e bl i n ke d, ,
s uffic i en t k n owl e dg e of h um a n n a t ur e t o en a bl e h e r t o s i z e up t h e s i t u a
t i o n by n i n e t en th s
-
.
“
I h a v e a lw a y s h e a rd muc h th a t i s good a n d pra i se wor th y of yo u ,
s h e fl a tt e r e d h i m w i th a ssum e d fr i en dl i n es s A n d n o w h e a r i n g yo u
, .
s p e a k I kn ow th a t p e opl e h a v e n o t e x a gg e r a t e d w h e n t h e y pr a i s e d
yo u
a s a m a n of i n t e ll e c t an d gr ea t wor t h U n fort un a t e ly a t th i s mom e n t I
.
,
mu st d en y my se lf t h e pr i v i le g e of a lon g co n v e r sa t i o n wi t h you a s I a m
‘
exp e c t e d t o j o i n the l a d i e s ov e r th e r e B ut p e r h a p s w e s h a ll m e e t a g a i n
.
”
an o t h e r t i m e .
“
It h a s lo n g b e e n my i n ten t i o n t o p a y my r es p e c ts t o you B ut .
“
O h a mo n g n e a r r el a t i on s a g e an d y e a r s are n o t s o i mpor ta n t s h e
, ,
sa i d s ee m i n g t o en cour a g e h i m a n d pu t t i n g o n a c h a rm i n g s m i l e
, .
h i s lu st ful d es i r es s o d i s t i n c t ly a n d
t h ough t i t a dv i s abl e t o get r i d of
p a n i o n s o th e rwi se you
, w i ll h a v e t o p a y a
81
fi ne of dr i n k she ur g e d hi m cu n n i n gly an d i n fa c t sh e succ ee d e d i n
a , ,
h er s elf : A m a n l i k e t h a t h a s a h um a n f a c e b ut b eh i n d i t t h er e s o n ly a
’
~-
b ea st My word h e w i ll get t o kn ow m e ye t i f h e d a r e s t ry an y l i b e rt i es
.
, .
“ ”
Afte r a ll I a m n o t a s p i ri t th a t ca n fly r em a rk e d P h o en i x dryly
, , ,
co n t in u i n g a t h er e a sygo i n g p a ce n o t i n t h e l e a st d i s con c e rt e d
, .
“ ”
How m a n y a c t s h a v e a lr ea dy b een p e rform e d th en ?
,
”
E i gh t or n i n e .
’
T a lki n g a n d ch a t t i n g a w a y th ey a rr i v e d a t th e sp e ct a t or s en t r a n c e t o
,
th e g a rd en t h ea t e r In fro n t o f t h e en t r a n c e P h o en i x c a ugh t s i gh t o f h er
.
'
w i th a crowd of yo un g w a i t i n g m a i d s a n d a ct re sses .
“ ”
M i n d n o si lly t ri cks Cou s i n P a o Y u ! sh e c a lle d ov e r t o h i m i n
, ,
mock i n g t h r e a t .
“
Th i s i s th e st a i rw a y t o t h e upp e r pl a t form s a i d a m ai d l ea d i n g th e , ,
“
way . Th e o th e r l a d i es a r e a ll up th e r e a lr ea dy .
P h o en i x t uck e d up h er s k i r t an d follow e d t h e m a i d up th e st e p s t o t h e
upp e r pl a t form Pr i n c ess C hen w a s w a i t i n g for h er a t th e t o p o f t h e
.
st a i r s .
“
You h a v e b een gon e a lo n g t i m e sh e sa i d w i th g en t l e r epro a ch ,
.
“
S i n c e you fi n d i t so d i ff i cul t t o t e a r your se lf a w a y from your b elov e d
n i e c e i t wi ll b e b et t e r i f you mov e ov e r t o u s a t o n c e a n d go t o l i v e
,
”
a n d s ee i f t h e r e i s a p i e c e w h i c h you would l i k e t o h a v e p e rform e d
‘
W h y a m I t o h a v e t h a t h on or ? T h a t i s a m a tte r for t h e o t h er s w h o
”
h a v e pr e c e d en c e of m e i n r a n k a n d a ge pro t est e d Ph o en i x mod est ly ,
.
“ ”
O h pl ea s e c h oo s e ; w e o t h e r s h a v e c h o s en a lr ea dy
, s a i d Pr i n c es s ,
S h i e h a n d M a d a m e C h en g .
P h oen i x r e a d th e progr a m a tt en t i ve ly an d i n di c a t e d t w o i t em s t h e ,
“ ”
s k et ch G h o st ly App a r i t i o n a n d a son g a ccomp an i e d by lut e mu si c .
“ ”
Wh e r e a re t h e g en t l em en go n e t o ? sh e as k e d b en d i n g down t o ,
look ov er th e b a lust r a d e .
“
To t he P a v i l i on o f Cr yst a l Br i ll i a n c e t o con t i n u e th ei r dr i n ki n g ; an d
'
t h ey h a v e t a ke
”
n t n e b a n d wi t h t h em s h e w as t old ,
.
“
A h a t h e y w a n t t o b e t o th em s e lv es ; w h o kn ow s w h at m i sch i e f th e y
"
,
”
wi ll b e up to b eh i n d our b a cks !
You c a n n o t exp e c t e v eryo n e t o b e as good a n d vi rt uous a s yo u ar e ,
sa i d Pr i n c es s C h en j ocul a rly .
82
CHAPTER 1 0
Ph o en i x m a l i c i o us ly i n c i t es a n r
un equ i t e d p a ss i o n . Inp i t e of w a rn i n g s
s ,
PH O EN I X H A D H A R DL Y THE S E NT E N C E W H EN A V O ICE F R O M
F IN I S H E D
“ ”
ou ts i de a n n oun c e d : C h i a Jui i s he r e .
“ ”
L e t h i m com e i n ord er e d P h o en i x
’
.
,
B ea mi n g w i th j oy a ll ov e r h i s fa c e t h e v i si t or en t e r e d b owin g a n d , ,
i nvi te d h i m t o t a k e a s ea t a n d se rve d hi m t e a , .
T h e fa c t t h a t h e w a s p erm i t te d t o s ee h er i n h er n egli g ee a tt ir e m a d e
‘
h i m s o ft a s c h ee se a n d h i s a morou s g a z e dr i pp e d h o n e y a s h e a ske d
, ,
d i ff er en c e .
“
P erh a p s h i s foo t b e c a m e en t an gl e d i n som e gen t l e sn a r e o n h i s w a y
? ”
h om e
“
Po ssi bly M en a re l i ke th a t ; th ey f a ll i n lov e a t first si gh t wi th th e
'
.
fi rst w o m a n t h ey meet
’
“
Oh , S i s t e r i n la w , I a m c e rt a i n ly n o t o n e of t h a t i n co n st a n t ki n d
- -
”
one of your s ort sh e fl a t t e r e d h i m A n d h e fou n d h er fl a t
m a n i n t en , .
t ery so pl e a si n g t h a t h e a lmo s t fe l t a s i f sh e w e r e fo n d li n g h i s e ar a n d
s t rok i n g h i s c h ee k .
“
You mu st s uff e r gr e a t bor e dom i n your s ol i t ud e da y i n da y o ut , , ,
h e br a v e ly co n t i n u e d .
“
I n d e e d ye s A n d my o n ly comfor t i s w h en som e o n e com es t o v i si t
, .
”
m e n o w a n d t h en a n d br ea k s t h e mo n o t o n y .
“
How would i t b e i f I w er e t o t a k e ov e r th i s rol e o f your comfort er i n
lo n el i n ess ? I h a v e pl en t y o f fr ee t i m e a n d would b e a t your di s po sa l
”
e v e ry da y w i th t h e gr ea t es t pl ea s ur e .
“
S ur e ly you a re j ok i n g ! Would you r ea lly t a k e a s much tr oubl e a s
”
th a t ?
“
M ay I b e st ruck by l i gh t n i n g a n d spl i t i n tw o ha lv es i f my i n t en t i o n s
t ow a rd s you a r e n o t s i n c er e ! Up t o n o w I di d n o t r e a lly t ru st my s e lf t o
s h ow my f ee l i n g s you w e r e a l wa y s s a i d t o b e s o t e rr i bly s t r i c t a n d co r
,
'
re c t B u t h a v i n g con v i n c e d my s e lf o i h o w en t e r t a i n i n g a n d c h a rm i n g
.
a n d d el i g h t ful y ou a re I sh a ll n o lo n g e r r e fr a i n b ut sh a ll h a st en t o
, ,
84
”
Wh a t a hi gh an ure your word s b et r a y ! sh e sa i d assum
d n obl e n at ,
“
i n g a n e n r a p t ur e d t o n e How a b s olu t ely d i ff e ren t you a re from your
.
s i mpl e cou si n s C h i a Yu n g a n d C hi n C h un g wh o se a tt r a c t i on s a re ,
br az en ly Hi s gl a n c e r est e d boldly i n th e r eg i o n o f h er lo t us sh a p e d
.
-
“ ”
M a y I h a v e a clo se look a t your r i n g ? h e a sk e d h er boldly t ry i n g ,
to gr a s p her h an d .
“ ”
No t so ve h em en t pl ea se ! sh e re bu ff e d h i m g en t ly W h a t i f s om e
, .
? ”
o n e sh ould c a t c h u s u n a w a r e s
“ ”
Now you mu st go ! sh e sa i d sm i li n g , .
”
Do n ot b e so cruel b u t le t m e s ta y a l i tt le lo n ge r ! he b egge d
, .
” “
Impo ssi bl e ! she br e a th ed Th er e a re t o o m a n y pe ople abou t h e r e
.
j ewel h a d fa ll en i n t o h i s h an ds .
“
You a re n o t j oki n g a re you S i st e r in l a w ? A n d are w e sa fe from
, ,
- -
? ”
ea v es dropp e rs th e r e he a s k e d exc i t e dly .
“
Do n o t worry ! I wi ll g i v e l e a v e of a b sen c e to th e se rv ant s w h o are
due for w a t c h th e re t o n i g h t ; a n d o n c e th e g a tes a bov e a n d b elow a re
locke d n o o n e ca n com e t h rough sh e re a ss ur e d h i m
, , .
w a s f a ll i n g h e s l i pp e d o n c e mor e i n t o t h e Y un gk u o p a l a c e pre c i n c t s ,
w a i t e d an d l i st en e d in v a i n She h a d m a d e th e a ppo in t m en t wi th hi m
.
a n d sh e h a d n o t a rr i v e d T h en i t b e c a m e cl e a r t o h i m th a t h e h a d b een
.
h o a x e d a n d h e d e c i d e d t o ge t a w a y B ut h e t r i e d t he e a s t g a t e an d t h e
.
s i d e H e n o w t ri e d t o cl i m b th e w a ll ; b u t i t w a s t o o h i g h an d t h e r e w a s
.
good or i ll b e h a d t o p as s t he wh ole n i gh t i n th e i n h o s p i t a bl e e mp t y
, ,
p a ss a ge Th a t w a s f ar from pl easa n t a t th a t wi n tr y se a so n A n i cy w i n d
. .
85
l essly t o t h e v e ry bo n e Hi s l i mb s w e re st i ff w i th cold w h en mor n i n g
.
d a w n e d a t l a st a n d a n old g a t eke ep e r c a m e a n d fi r s t op en e d t h e e a s t er n
g a t e a n d t hen b e g a n r a t tl i n g a t th e w est ern o n e A s soo n a s sh e t urn e d .
h er b a ck h e sl i pp e d s w i ft ly from h i s h i d i n g pl a c e a n d fl e w l i ke smoke
,
.
,
po st e rn g a t e a t t h e b a ck T h en he ra n h om e t o h i s gr an dfa th er s h ou se
.
’
.
m a i n tai n ed hi m .
gr a n dfa t h e r H e s u s p e c t e d t h a t w i n e a n d w om en h a d ke p t h i m o u t a n d
.
,
s ee m e d a n d t h a t t h e s cou n dr e l w a s w e ll o n t h e w a
.
y t o cre a t i n g a se r i
o us f a m i ly s c a n d a l .
b efor e t h e en r a g e d o l d g en t l em a n a n d t r i e d t o li e hi m self o u t o f h i s
.
h a d st a y e d t o o l a t e a n d h a d b een k ep t for t h e n i g h t B ut T a i J u r e a d .
th e l i e o n h i s f a c e .
“ ”
Y o u sh ould n o t go o u t w i th ou t my p erm i ssi o n ! h e s a i d s e v e r ely .
es t a t i o n s t o t h e co n t r a ry a n d l et h i m t e ll h er a ll h e h a d e n dur e d an d
s a m e e v en i n g b u t i n a d i ff e r e n t pl a c e S h e i n d i c a t e d a l i tt l e un u s e d g ar
, .
“ ? ”
B ut you r ea lly m ean i t h e a s k e d di ffi dently .
86
D ea r n e phe w let m e get a wa y a n d do n ot b et r a y m e ! begge d Chi a
,
”
“
J u i u t t erly d i s m a y e d I prom i se yo u a f a t re w ard
, . .
“ ” “
I could let you run off repl i e d C h i a C h i an g b ut first I mu st kn ow
, ,
e x a c t ly h o w much u a re wi ll i n g t o a A d a v e rb a l prom i se i s n o t
y o p y n .
e n oug h f or m e ;
yo u w i ll h a v e t o s i g n a prom i ss ory n o t e Fo r t h e sa k e .
o f d e c en cy t h e a moun t i n qu est i o n ca n b e
p u t down o n th e n o t e a s a
‘
,
”
g a mb li n g d eb t .
“ ? ”
Agree d B ut wh e re can w e get p a p e r an d ink h er e
.
”
Th e y w i ll b e brough t t o yo u i mm e d i a t ely Wa i t on e mom ent ! .
C h i a C h i a n g d i sa pp e a re d a n d a t on c e r et urn e d w i th wr i t i n g m a t er i a l s .
“
We ll for t od a y w e w i ll let you go fr ee o n o ur o wn r espon si b i li ty
, ,
“
s a i d C h i a C h i a n g m a g n a n i mou s ly B ut n o w you m u st get o ff i t i s o n ly
.
,
'
ov er for t h ere i s a st or eroom n e a r by Th e o n ly ex i t po ssi b le for yo u
, .
i s th e b a ck p a rk g a te ; b ut w e mu st first go o ut an d se e i f t h e co a st i s
cl ea r for i f you w er e c a ugh t i t would b e b a d for u s t o o I kn ow a cer
, , .
”
t a i n pl a c e w h e r e yo u ca n w a i t for u s i n t h e m ea n t i m e Com e wi t h us ! .
H e bl e w o ut h i s w a x c an dl e s ei z e d C h i a J 11 1 by th e h a n d an d dr a gg e d
, ,
“
a f a rmy a rd w h e r e t h e y s t opp e d b en ea t h a s t a i rw a y Y o u a re sa fe h e re .
” “
for th e pr esen t h e wh i sp e r ed Squ a t down o n th e groun d an d kee p
, .
”
v e ry qu i et un t i l w e com e b a ck a n d c a ll you !
H e w en t a w a y w i th th e o th e r you th C h i a J ui s qu a tt e d ob e d i en t ly o n .
t h e groun d a t t h e e dg e o f t h e st a i r s h a rdly d a r i n g t o br e a t h e Wh i l e h e
, .
w a s crouc h in g th e r e t h i n k i n g ov er h i s s t r a n g e po s i ti o n h e s udd en ly ,
w a s pour e d ov e r hi m A s u p .
pr essed cry es c a p e d h i m b ut i mm e d i a t e ly r e m em b e r in g t h a t h e h a d
,
, .
88
an d d i s comfort How . lo n g mu st h e en dur e th i s m i ser abl e sta t e ? He w a s
i mm en se ly r e li e ve d w h en a t l a st h e h e a rd t h e tw o r et urn an d c a ll o ut
“ ”
Qu i ck get a w a y get a w a y ! H e go t up qu i ckly from h i s crouch i n g
, ,
e x h a u st e d a n d o u t o f br e a t h h e a rr i v e d a bou t m i d n i gh t i n fro n t o f h i s
,
h om e Th e h ou seboy w h o op en e d t h e door sh r an k b a ck st a r t l e d a t
.
s i gh t o f hi m
“ ”
W h a t h a s h a pp en e d t o yo u ? h e a s k e d h old i n g h i s n o s e , .
”
I fe ll i n t o a c esspool i n t h e d a rk l i e d C h i a Ju i ; a n d h e ru sh e d t o
,
n i h t h i s m i n d w as s o a g i t a t e d by t h e a dv en t ur e h e h a d go n e t h rough
g , .
pl a y e d h i m s uch a v i l e t r i ck b ut h er lov e ly i m a g e wh i ch p e r si st en t ly
, ,
fl i t t e d a cro ss h i s m i n d a g a i n d i s p e ll e d th e gr i e f an d r an cor a n d o n ly
,
l e ft pl a c e for o n e cr a v i n g— t o b e p e rm i tt e d t o fold h er i n h i s a rm s i n
'
n e rv e sh a tt e ri n g fi n g e r pl a y ; a dd e d t o th i s t h e burd en of t h e d eb t s
-
h i s a pp et i t e h i s d i g e st i on f a i l e d h e f el t h ea vy a n d g i ddy a s i f h i s l e g s
, ,
w er e m a d e n o t of bon es a n d si n ew s a n d mu s cl es b u t of co t t o n wool ; h i s -
e y es b e c a m e dull a s i f v i n e g a r h a d b een s pr a y e d i n t o t h e m
,
'
h e sp a t ,
i n t o r e st l es s dr ea m s a n d s t a mm e re d i n d e l i r i um Such w e r e t h e m a n i fold .
H i s a n x i ou s gr a n dfa t h e r t ri e d a ll po ss i bl e doc t or s a n d m a d e h i m ,
s c h ol a r g e t t h e m ea n s t o a cqu i r e t h i s u n u s u a l a n d e xp en s i v e drug
?
T h e old T a i J n t urn e d t o h i s r i c h r el a t i o n s i n t h e Y u n gk u o p a l a c e .
M a d am e C h en g t o w h om he m a d e h i s r e qu e st p a s se d i t o n t o M a d a m e
, ,
P h o en i x th e m i st ress o f t h e k i t ch en s a n d st or es Sh e a ske d h er t o
, .
90
n ot t ry o ut m i rror ? Th e st r an ge pr i est h a d d i a gn o se d h i s co n d i ti on
t he
re m a rk a bly corr e c t ly ; thi s th e o th er s could n o t kn ow o f cour se So h e ,
.
i n t o th e r ev erse si d e H e re co i l e d i n h orror A s k el et o n gr i n n e d a t h i m
. .
from t h e m ir ror !
“ ? ”
D i d th e a ccur se d fe llow o n ly w a n t t o fr i gh t en m e h e cri e d
“ ”
a n gr i ly Now I w i ll j ust look i n t o t he forb i dd en si d e
. .
Th e lov ely i m a g e of P h o en i x m et h i s g az e ! Sh e w a s sm i l i n g a t h i m an d
b e cko n i n g h i m t o h er w i th h er h a n d Bl i ssfully h a ppy h e fel t h i m self
.
,
j oy e d w i th th e b elov e d o n e th e p a ss i o n a t e Pl a y of W i n d a n d Cloud .
W hen t h i s w a s ov e r sh e le d h i m gen t ly o ut o f th e m i rr or a g a m H e .
s i d e of t h e m i rror a s e co n d t i m e a n d a g a i n P h o en i x b e cko n e d h i m a n d
,
ch a i n s .
“ ”
I w i ll follow you ! B ut let m e t a ke t h e m i rr or w i th m e ! he cr i e d
a loud .
h i m s t a r i n g a t t h e m i rror w i th w i d e op en ey es w h en i t sl i d t o th e grou n d
,
di d n o t br e a th e a g a i n Th e y foun d th e s h eet s w et w i t h t r a c es of h um a n
.
e m i ss i o n s T h e s e rv a n t s w a sh e d a n d dr e ss e d t h e d ea d m a n a n d l a i d h i m
.
'
o n a b i e r i n a ccord a n c e w i t h cu s t om Th en t h ey i n f o rm e d h i s gr a n d
.
p a r en ts t h a t he h a d p a sse d a w a y .
T h e r el a t i v es r a i se d a loud d i rg e an d di d n o t f a i l t o a bu se th e l am e
pri est a n d h i s m a g i c m i rror .
“
T h e m a g i c m i rror mu s t b e d est roy e d ; o th erw i s e i t w i ll do s t i ll mor e
”
h a rm , cr i e d old T a i J u a n gri ly ; a n d h e ord e r e d t h em t o th row i t i n t o
t h e fi re B u t b e for e t h e y h a d t i m e t o c a rry o u t h i s ord er a vo i c e w a s
.
“
h e a rd i n t h e a i r s a y i n g : W h y do you w a n t t o burn my m i rror ? It i s
i n n oc e n t Th e d ea d m a n h i m s elf i s t o bl a m e W h o t old h i m t o i g n or e
. .
”
my pro h i b i t i o n a n d look i n t o t h e wro n g si d e ?
92
A t th e s a m e t i m e t h e m i rror ro se from th e groun d o f i ts e lf a n d flo ate d
o u t thr oug h t h e w i n dow O ld T a i J u ru sh e d o u t t h e door a f te r i t a n d
.
t r i e d t o c a t ch i t w h en he s a w t h e s a m e l a m e pr i e s t st a n d i n g t h e r e
,
.
“ ”
W h o d a r e s t o s e ize my m i rror ? h e h e a rd h i m cry i n g i n a th re a t
e n i n g vo i c e a n d th en h e sa w h i m s t r et c h o ut h i s ha n d a n d c a t c h th e
,
CHAPTER 1 1
K 0 Ch i n g d i es a nd r e ce i v es t h e po s th u m ou s t i t le of w i fe o f a ma n d a r i n
o f th e fifth ra n k P h o en ix ta k es o v er t h e h ou seh old m a na g em en t i n th e
.
Ni n g k u o p a la c e .
t h a t Bl a ck J a d e s f a t h e r L i n g J u H a i w a s v e ry i ll a n d urg e n t ly d es i r e d
’
, ,
th a t t h e f a t h e r s w i s h sh ould b e gr a n t e d a n d so sh e s e n t h e r gr a n d
’
,
th e se r i ous ly s i ck fri en d i n t h e ea s t e r n p a l a c e S he p a s se d t h e lo n e ly .
e v en i n g s u n t i l b e d t i m e a s b e s t s h e co uld c h a t t i n g a n d go ss i p i n g m e r
ri ly w i t h t he m a i d Li tt l e P i n g .
t h ough t s ke p t h e r ly i n g a w a k e lo n g a f t e r h e r m a i d P i n g w a s f a s t
a g e d t o lull h e r se lf i n t o a n u n c e r t a i n doz e O u ts i d e t h e t h i rd b ea t of
.
,
th e dr um h a d j u s t a n n ou n c e d m i d n i ght w h e n i t s ee m e d t o h e r t h a t h e r
n i e c e Ko C h i n g w a s s t a n d i n g b e s i d e h e r b e d .
“ ”
We ll m a y you s lee p d ea r Ko C h i n g s a i d t o h er sm i l i n g b ut I
, , , , ,
li ke t o a ccomp a n y m e p a r t of th e w a y ? W e h a ve a lwa y s b e en so fo n d
of ea ch o th e r a n d u n d e rs t a n d ea c h o t h e r so w ell t h a t I di d n o t wi sh
t o go w i th ou t s a y i n g good b y t o
yo u B es i d es I h a ve m a n y th i n g s t o
-
.
,
, ,
93
li kely t o b e followe d by d e c a y a n d th e da y m i ght com e w h en th e
,
t i m e s Two t h i n g s w e r e o n h e r m i n d : th e co n s ol i d a t i o n o f t h e f a m i ly
.
s c h ool a n d i n s ur a n c e o f t h e p e rp et u i t y o f t h e qu a r t e rly s a cr i fic es t o t h e
a l a s t i n g a n d i n a l i en a bl e f a m i ly fou n d a t i o n T h e purpo s e o f t h i s fo un
.
se lv e s by f a rm i n g T h e f a m i ly s c h ool would th en gi v e t h e s o n s a n d
.
a n d e duc a t i o n — t h e s e w e r e t h e tw o s ol i d p i ll a r s upo n w h i c h a gr e a t
a ri s t ocr a t i c f a m i ly l i k e t h e C h i a cl a n mu s t r e ly i f t h e i n e v i t a bl e v i c i s
s i t u de s of for t u n e w e r e t o b e ou t l i v e d a n d i f t h e cl a n w a s t o b e proof
a g a i n s t dow n f a ll T h e s p ea k e r en d e d w i t h t h e quo t a t i o n :
.
Spr i n g p a sses fr a gr a n c e fa d es
, ,
B e w at c h ful of t h e po s i t i on a cqu i r ed .
P h o en i x had
follow e d th i s i n t ell i g en t d i scourse w i t h profou n d a t ten
t i o n S h e w a s j u st a bou t t o as k s om e qu e s t i o n s w h en t h roug h th e s t i ll
.
,
g a t e w a y Its h e a vy t h ud r es ou n d e d four t i m es Th a t w a s t h e s i gn a l t h a t
. .
s om e body i n t h e h ou s e h a d d i e d P h o e n i x s t a r t e d up
. a l a rm e d o u t of
, ,
h er l i g h t sl ee p a n d i mm e d i a t ely a m e s sen g e r a pp ea r e d w i th t h e a n
,
n o u n ce m e n t t h a t M i s t r e ss Yu n g of t h e ea s t e r n p a l a c e h a d j u s t p a s s e d
a w a y P h o e n i x dr e ss e d qu i ckly a n d h urr i e d ov e r t o h er a u n t M a d a m e
.
,
C h en g N e e dl es s t o s a y th e sa d n e w s of t h e e a rly d e a t h of t h e youn g
.
,
a n d l a m en t i n g ev e ryw h e r e i n th e e a s t e rn a s w e ll a s i n t h e w es t e rn
,
p a la ce .
P a o Y u a ls o go t n ew s of th e d ea t h dur i n g t h e n i g h t wh i l e h e w as i n
94
se lf a g a i n w i th th e re d dust o f th i s world a ft er h e h a d h a pp i ly att ain e d
,
n o fur th e r n o t i c e of th e e ven t b u t r e m a i n e d i n hi s he rm i t a g e an d l ef t
, ,
Pri n c e C h en .
h a rd a g a i n st a wood en po s t th a t sh e h a d d i e d o f th e eff e c ts Th e wh ol e .
sembl e d P e rfum es .
Y e t an o th e r e p i s od e i n d i c a tin g pr a i sewort h y p i et y an d d e vo t i on w as
a nn ou n c e d .A n o th er se rv a n t o n e P a o Ch u n obly offe re d t o a llow
, ,
s cr i p t i o n o n t h e b a n n er s o f h o n or o f h i s l a t e wi f e wi ll look p a l t ry an d
.
, ,
”
mourn e rs T h i s i s a p a i n ful d efic i en cy
. .
a n d s up e r i n t en d en t of t h e Imp e ri a l P a l a c e c a m e t o
p a y a vi si t M es
, .
T h en h e h i m se lf a ppe a r ed i n th e b i g S t a te se d an ch ai r h i s a rri v a l ,
96
Ch en i n vi ted hi m i n t o the Pa vi li on o f the Resti n g Bees wh ere they were ,
“
Y our as s ump t i on i s r i ght o ld C han ce llor of the I n t e ri or P ri n c e
,
”
,
“
Hm your r equ est com es j ust a t the ri gh t t i m e I kn ow by ch a n c e o f
, .
a n i c e s u i t a bl e v a c an cy f o r your so n O f th e th r ee h un dr e d offi ce rs
’
.
,
urer Yun g H s i n g w h o w an ts i t fo r h i s s on b u t I h a v e n o t a n s w e re d h i s
, ,
cur ri culum .
e un uc h r ea d t he p a p e r o n th e s po t th en h e h an d ed i t t o a youn g m a n of ,
“
hi s re t i n u e wi th th e words : T a ke th is p a pe r t o my o l d fri en d C h a o ,
'
th e M i n i s te r o f F i n a n c e G i v e h i m m y k i n d r e g a rd s a n d a sk h i m t o
.
,
ou te r g a t e .
“ ”
S ha ll I sen d th e mo n ey t o th e M i n i st ry o r t o your h ou se ?
he
a s k e d a s h i s vi s i t or
, go t i n t o th e se d a n c h a i r .
“
It m i g h t prej ud i c e yo u wi th them i f yo u sen t i t t o the M i n i s t ry .
,
”
yo u w i ll h a v e n o f urth e r bo th e r w as hi s an s we r Pr in c e C hen t h a n k e d
, .
hi m exub er an t ly .
“
Wh en th e mourn i n g p er i od i s ov er I sh a ll n o t fa i l t o go p ers o n a lly
t o your n obl e th r es h old an d t a k e my un wort h y do
g of a so n w i t h m e ,
”
so th a t h e m a
y du t i fully m ake h i s kowt ow o f th an ks t o you h e ass ur e d
-
97
hi s docum en t o f in vest i t ur e and hi s l e tt ers
p a t ent o f r an k an d from ,
th a t da y th e s p i ri t t a bl et o f t h e d e c ea s e d
l a dy bor e th e i n s cr i p t i o n
“
Sp i r i t t a bl et o f t h e L a dy C h i n g by m a rri a ge o f th e h ou se o f C h i a by
, ,
”
Imp e r i a l p a ten t w i fe o f a M a n d a r i n of th e fif th r a n k .
d i s qu i et e d h i m .
H i s w i fe w a s i ll an d co n fi n e d t o b e d a n d j us t i n th es e d a y s w h en ,
t h e r e w a s a rus h of v i si ts a n d r e c e p t i o n s a n d t h e r e w e r e so m an y ,
,
a rr a n g em en t s t o b e m a d e t h e m i s t r e s s o f t h e h ou s e w h o could d e pu ti z e
, ,
H e r a b s en c e w a s a c a l a m i ty Ho w e a si ly could t r a n s gr es s i o n s a g a i n st
.
a n d i llu st r i ou s gu est s A s i t w a s t h e s e rv a n t s w e r e u s e d t o e a s y di s c i
.
,
b e e v en mor e c a r el es s T h e Pr i n c e w a s i n a s w ea t of a n x i et y an d co n
.
,
w h i s p e r e d i n h i s e a r m a d e h i s t roubl e d f a c e br i gh ten up a n d h e re ,
s olv e d t o follow i t a t o n c e .
H e l e f t h i s m a l e gu es ts a lo n e a n d a pp ea r e d sh or t ly a fte rw a rd s a c
‘
w er e pr esen t o n ly Pr i n c ess S h i eh M a d a m e C h en g M a d a me P h o en i x , , ,
a n d a f ew o th e r l a d i es all clo s e r el a t i o n s Pr i n c e C h en h i ms e lf di d n ot
, .
a n d l i mp e d i n t o th e room s upport e d o n a st i ck ro a n i n g a n d wi t h
, g ,
t o s a lu t e t h e l a d i e s w i th h i s t s i n g a n T h e l a d i e s s i gn e d t o P a o Y u t o
.
i n s i s t e d o n m a k i n g h i s r e qu est sta n d i n g .
“
T h e u n wor th y n ep h e w h a s com e h er e t o a s k a fa vor of t h e t w o
”
wort h y a u n ts a n d t h e e s teem e d cou si n h e b e g a n forc i n g h i ms e lf t o , ,
l a dy o f the h ou se b ei n g l a i d up just n ow an d he as ke d i f M a d am e
. '
,
98
P h o en i x would b e w i ll i n g t o help o ut by t a ki n g ov er th e rol e o f mi stress
of th e h ou s e dur i n g th e w ee ks of mour n i n g .
“
Sh e 1 5 st i ll you n g an d i n expe ri en c e d an d wi ll sc a rc e ly b e a bl e t o
,
? ”
t a ke It would b e b etter i f yo u would a sk s om eo n e e lse s a i d Aun t
‘
C h en g d ub i ous ly
, .
o f h er a b i l i t y f o r th e d i ff i c ul t t a s k an d a s th e pri n c e ly cou si n b e gg e d
,
di scr et i o n j u st a s i f th e y w er e h er o wn se rv an ts an d h er o wn fun d s .
sh e could n o t b e do n e wi th ou t 1 n t h e Y un gk u o p a l a c e e i th e r s o sh e ,
Th a t sa m e da y P h o en i x t ook up th e m an a ge m en t T h e fi r st t hi n g she .
di d w a s t o m a ke a l i s t o f th e n a m es o f a ll t h e st aff A n d th en e ve ry .
,
, .
i n her h a n d a n d t h e w i fe o f t h e m a j ordomo L a i S h en g by h er si d e ,
sh e h a d e a c h m a n s e rv a n t a n d m a i d se rv an t— mor e th a n a h u n dr e d i n
a li t y from th e se rv a n ts H er own se rv a n t s a ll h a d w a t c h es a n d w er e
.
t r a i n e d t o b e pu n c t u a l t o t h e m i n u t e sh e t old th e s ta ff T h er e mu st a l s o
, .
a d a i ly co n s ul t a t i o n h our from t e n u n ti l h a lf p a s t el e v en wh en a ll t e
-
wh i ch h i th e rt o h a d r ei gn e d i n th e N i n gkuo p a l a c e w a s re pl a c e d by s te rn
d i sc i pli ne an d th e lo n g wee ks o f mourn i n g c er emo n y p a sse d o ff t o t h e
,
t i o n o f P h o e n i x w i th ou t th e l e a s t v i ol a t i o n o f form o r cu s t om wh i ch
,
would h a ve g i v en c a u se f or mocke ry o r l a ug h te r .
l 00
CHAPTER 1 2
, ,
, ,
, ,
t h e n um e rou s se rv a n t s an d th e b ea r e r s o f t h e cu st om a ry b an n e rs s ym ,
t h e purpo se o f pr es en t i n g a w a y s i d e o ff e r i n g of s orrowful mu s i c t o t h e
“ ” “
r es p e c t i v e t i t les Prin ce of the E a st e rn Coven a n t
, Pr i n c e of th e Sou t h ,
” “ “
ern P ea c e , Pr i n c e o f th e We s te rn Tr a n qu i lli ty a n d Pr i n c e o f t he ,
”
Nor t he rn Qu i etn ess b e tr a y e d t h e i r b ea r e rs w er e d e sc e n d a n t s o f m e ri
, ,
th e pr i v i l e g e of a pp ea ri n g t od a y p e r s o n a lly in h i s s a cr i fic i a l t e n t i n o r , .
I m m e d i a te ly a f te r th e a ud i e n ce wh i ch h a d broug ht h i m t o th e Im
p e r i a l P a l a ce a t fi v e o clock th i s morn i n g li ke e ve ry o th e r morn i n g h e
’
1 0]
ch an g e d h i s Court dress f o r a w hi t e mourn i n g ga rm en t a n d ha d hi m ,
s e lf t a k en t o h i s mour n i n g t en t i n h i s S t a t e li tt e r pr e c e d e d by m en
,
r e t i n u e Th e r e h e h a d w a i t e d p a t i en t ly si tti n g in h i s l i tt e r un ti l th e
.
, ,
a s i lv e r s t r e a m c a m e th e en dl es s fu n er a l proc ess i o n
, .
R u n n e r s an d ush e r s w ho h a d h ast en e d o ut f a r a h ea d o f th e a ct u a l
,
Pri n c e a n d p a i d h om a g e t o h i m w i th a c e r e mo n i a l st a t e kowt ow a s ,
b efi t t ed h i s r a n k Sm i l i n g court e ou s ly an d qu i t e n a t ur a lly wi th ou t
.
,
an y a ff e c t a t i o n , as i f h e w er e a mo n g good o l d fri en ds t h e Pr in c e s i t , ,
t i n g i n h i s l i tt e r r et urn e d t h e sa lu t a t i o n w i t h a sl i g ht bow
, .
r e fe rr e d t o t h e o ld h er e d i t a ry t e rm s o f fr i en d sh i p w hi ch e x i st e d b et w een
t h e t w o h ou s es i n v i e w o f wh i c h h i s com i n g w a s o n ly t o b e exp e c t e d
,
.
Th en he m a de a si gn t o h i s m a st er of c e r emon i es t o off e r th e sa cr i fic e
in h o n or o f th e d ea d W h en t h e c er emo n y w as a t a n e n d h e t ur n e d
.
? ”
a sk h i m t o com e ov e r h e r e
di a t ely a f t e rw a rd s w i t h Pa o Y u P a o Y u t o o h a d lon g c h e r i sh e d t h e
.
wi sh t o m eet t h a t Pr i n c e o f wh om p e opl e a lw a y s sa i d w i th s uc h en
t h u5 1 a sm t h a t h e un i t e d ou t w a rd b e a u t y wi th n ob i li t y o f soul a n d t h e
fir st a n d h i gh es t d egree of un a ff e c t e d a n d ki n dly ta c t B ut t h e compl et e .
a t th e Pr i n c e w h o s a t en t hr o n e d b e for e h i m o n h i s l i tt e r a ugu s t a n d ,
full of d i gn i t y H e w as w e a r i n g o n h i s he a d t h e s i lv er w in g e d ca p w i th
.
-
,
.
1 02
a re d ea th e
l r b el t st udd e d wi th eme r a lds Hi s f a c e w a s li ke a j e we l h i s
.
,
e y e d h i m wi t h se cr et a dm i r a t i o n a n d i t w a s wi th n o l ess s a ti s f a c t i o n
,
si lv e r ca p a n d ro un d h i s for eh ea d w a s t h e u s u a l gold b an d i n th e fo rm
,
o f t w o dr a go n s s n a pp i n g a t a pe a rl H i s w h i t e mour i n g g a rm en t wh i c h
.
n ,
w a s e mbro i d er e d wi th a sn a ke d e si gn w as f a st e n e d by a si lv e r b el t set
,
e y es sh o n e l i ke l a cqu e r .
Wh en h e h a d p a i d h i s h om a g e t o t he Pr i n c e t he l a tte r ope n e d h i s ,
ar m s wi d e a n d dre w t h e b oy t o h i m .
“
Tru ly i t i s n o t i n v a i n t h a t yo u h ear your n a m e h e sa i d sm i li n g
, , , .
h
st o n e wi t h wh i c o u c a m e i n t o th e world ?
y
Pa o Y u promp t ly t ook o u t th e st o n e wh i c h h e wore o n a fi v e colore d
,
-
ex a mi n e d t h e a mul et a n d i ts i n s cr i p t i o n c a r e fully .
“ ? ”
Ha s th e s t o n e a lrea dy sh own i ts m a g i c pow er h e a sk e d .
“ ”
Up t o t h e pre sen t i t h a s h a d n o c h an c e o f do in g so r e pl i e d C hi a ,
C h en g f or h i s so n .
t h e a m ul e t b a ck on P a o Y u s n e ck w i t h h i s o w n h an ds T h en h e dr e w
’
.
h i m i n t o a mor e i n t i m a te co n v er s a t i o n a bou t h i s a ge a n d h i s s t ud i es a n d
o th er p e rs o n a l th i n g s E n ch a n te d by P ao Y u s cl ea r d i st i n c t s pe ech an d
.
’
,
th e pl ea si n g t o n e o f h i s vo i c e th e Pr i n c e r e m a rke d t o M r C h en g :
, .
“
Y our li t t l e lord seem s t o b e a re a l youn g p h o en i x F a r b e i t fr om t h e .
un wor th y Pri n c e t o u t t er fl a t t e r i es t o h i s h o n or e d o l d fr i en d b ut wh o ,
“
O h , my lo ath s om e youn g cur i s f a l sely m i sl e a d in g yo u in t o s uch
” “
golden e ulog i e s r e pl i e d M r C hen g w i th a s mi le B ut i f th a n ks t o
, . .
,
, ,
”
would b e a s o urce o f th e gr e a test jo y t o m e a n d t o my h ou se .
“
I wo uld o nly po in t o u t o n e th in g t o you co n t in u e d th e Pr in ce
”
,
“
th ough t ful ly B ec a u se o f h i s m an y pe rfe c t i o n s your li tt le lord i s
. ,
h i s r ev er e d gr a n dmo th er a n d t h e w h ol e f a m i ly B u t s uc h lov e ca n e a s i ly .
kn ow th i s from my o wn exp e r i en c e a n d I th i nk th a t th e sa m e m a y b e
,
a t h om e i n t h e full d e ve lopm en t o f h i s a b i li t i e s th e r e i s n o t hi n g t o p re ,
1 04
ven thim from vi si ti n g m e fr e qu en t ly i n my cold h om e Tru e I my se lf .
,
a cqu a i n te d w i t h m a n y o f th e mo st d i s t i n gu i sh e d m en o f th e Emp i re ,
a n d w h e n o n e o f t h e m com es t o t h e c a p i ta l h e se ldom f a i ls t o gr an t m e
,
“
B e c a u se o f th e un exp ec ted n ess o f th i s o ur fi rst meet i ng I h a v e n o
, ,
”
worth y g i ft a t h an d w i th w h i c h t o h on or yc u he a dd e d B ut f o r the , .
th an ks C hi a C h en g a n d Pr i n c e S h i eh th en b es oug h t th e Pri n c e n o t t o
.
a llow h i ms e lf t o b e d et a i n e d a n
y lo n g e r by th e fun e r a l proc ess i o n ,
b ut th e Pr i n c e g en tl y i n s i s te d upo n re m a i n i n g un t i l th e corp se h a d
p a sse d .
“
T he d ep a rt e d l a dy h a s j o i n e d t he bl esse d he sa i d She is n o w a
,
.
hi gh er b ei n g th an w e ord i n a ry mor ta l s w h o a re st i ll t o i l i n g in th e re d
d us t o f th i s e a rt hly world Al th oug h by th e favor of th e So n o f H ea v en
.
A n d so Pr i n c e S h i eh a n d M r C h en g a n d Pa o Y u could n o t do o th er
.
o f r es pe c t f or as lo n g a s t h e Pr i n c e r e m a i n e d i n h is t e n t T h et Pr i n c e .
in dulg e i n a ll s or ts of w i ld pr an ks a s ke d h i m t o ge t i n t o h e r c a rri a g e
, .
“ ’ ” “
Come dea r co usi n get i n she i n v i te d h i m wi th a sm i le I kn ow
, , , .
1 05 .
yo u a lw a y s li ke fem i n i n e s oc i ety Th ere for e yo u wi ll s urely fee l much
.
P a o Y u d i smou n t e d ob e d i en t ly f rom h i s h or se a n d sl i pp e d i n t o h er
c a rri a g e an d the tw o con t i n u e d th e i r w a y ch a t ti n g m e rri ly
, .
i n t o t h e op en coun t ry si d e A t Pa o Y u s w i sh h i s fri en d C h i n C h un g
’
.
,
j o in e d th e p a rt y o n h or se b a ck .
t r a i n o f se rv a n t s o f cour se th e y st ood an d g a p e d in a st o n i sh m en t a s i f
,
i t w e r e a h ea v en ly a pp a r i t i o n .
M a d a m e P h o en i x g o t o u t a n d d i s a pp ea r e d in t o th e s t r a w th a t ch e d
-
He h a d n ev e r s e en th e va ri ou s f a rm i n g i mpl e m en t s b efore He di d .
n o t ev en kn ow t h e i r n a m es a n d h a d t o a sk t h e s e rv a n t s w h o w e r e a o
,
o us th an t h e o th er s T h a t h e w as t old w a s a s p i n n i n g wh ee l w i th w hi c h
.
, ,
Pa o Y u j ump e d up o n t h e k an g a n d b eg a n t u rn i n g th e s p i n n i n g w h ee l .
” “
Tha t i s n ot f o r pl a y in g wi th ! she s a i d Y o u w i ll p ut i t o ut o f
.
”
ord er !
Pa o Y u prompt ly d es i s te d T hi s i s t he firs t ti m e th a t I h a v e see n a
.
” “
s p i nn i n g w h ee l ,b e e xcuse d hi ms e lf w i th s om e em b arr ass m en t an d I
, ,
”
wan te d t o tr y i t j us t f or f un
,
.
1 06
t i l th e buri a l Pr i n c ess S h i eh an d M a d a m e C hen g a l so ret urn e d h om e
.
t h a t da y T h e y i n t en d e d t o t a k e P a o Y u w i t h th e m b ut P a o Y u w as s o
.
,
pl ea s ed w i th th e un a ccu st om e d c h an ge o f th i s s t a y i n t he cou n t ry th at
h e co n t ri v e d t o b e a llow e d t o r em a i n th er e i n th e comp a n y o f P h o en i x
un ti l th e en d o f th e s ol e mn i t i e s .
h er e d i t a ry bur i a l pl a c e f o r a ll t h o se m emb e rs o f bo th fa m i li es w h o
sh ould di e i n t h e c a p i t a l It w a s m a i n t a i n e d from t h e proc ee d s o f an
.
co r di n gly a f t e r t h e t empl e bo n z es h a d c a rr i e d o u t t h ei r pr i es t ly du t i es
,
t og ethe r w i th P a o Y u an d C h i n C h u n g t o t h e Co n v en t o f t h e W a t e ry
“
Moon as i t w a s c a lle d Th i s n un n e ry w a s a l s o kn own as th e Br ea d
,
-
.
h a d re c e i v e d t h em sh ort ly b e fore .
”
Y es b u t w h a t ab ou t h er
,
? an sw er e d C h i n C h un g wi th a fl ect e d i n
d i ff er en c e .
“ ”
Do n o t b e s uch a h u mbug ! sa i d P a o Y u l a ugh i n g W h o w as i t , .
’
w h o e mbr a c e d h er so t en d e rly i n Gr an dm o th er s room o n e t i m e wh en
? ”
n o o n e w a s look i n g eh ,
“ ”
It would n e ve r occur t o m e t o do s uch a th i n g ! r et ort e d C hin
Ch u n g emb a rr asse d
, .
“
W e ll I wi ll n o t i n te rf e r e B ut wi ll yo u pl e ase s pe a k t o h er an d a sk
, .
”
h er t o bri n g us s om e t ea ?
C h i n C h un g di d a s he w as h i dden L i ttl e N en g he c a ll e d o ut .
, ,
”
pl ea se b e so good as t o bri n g us s om e t ea From h er c h i ldh ood li tt l e .
108
j oke w i th h er Now sh e h a d gr own i nt o a m a t ur e youn g wom an an d h a d
.
Th e h a n d s om e li ve ly C hi n C h u n g h a d w o n h er h ea r t an d h e on h i s
’
, ,
h ea rt s t h e y h a d lo n g b e en un i t e d .
So Chi N en g r a n i n t o t h e ki t c h en a n d a f ter a wh i l e w i th a po t o f t ea
, ,
in o n e h a n d a n d a pl a t e o f c a k es i n th e o t he r c a m e a lo n g t o t h e gu e st ,
t o h er at t h e sa m e t i m e .
M e first pl ea se ! b egg e d C h i n C h u n g
“ ”
.
,
”
No m e fir st ! pl ea d e d Pa o Y u
, .
”
Wh a t con ten t i on for a bowl o f t ea ! sh e s ai d h er li p s curli n g i n a ,
“
p e rt sm i l e Y o u a re rea lly b eh a v i n g a s i f i t w e r e h on e y t o b e li cke d o ff
.
”
.
Wh i l e seemi n g t o s i p t h e dri n k he t ri e d t o en g a ge C h i N en g i n co n v er
,
sa t i o n b u t u n fort un a t e ly an o t h e r n un c a m e a lo n g a n d c a ll e d h er a w a y
, .
“
Wh en P h o en i x r e ti r e d i n th e ev en i n g t o h er C e ll o f Imm a cul a t e
C ha st i t y t h e Abb es s w h o a ccomp an i e d her se ei n g t h a t o n ly a f ew
, ,
re qu est .
“
I h a v e som ethi n g o n my m i n d sh e sa i d wh i ch I sh ould l i ke t o
, ,
“ ”
Pl ease s p ea k o ut a n d t ell m e wh a t i t i s r epl i e d Ph o en i x , .
”
Holy Am i d a Buddh a ! I h a v e t o b egi n r a th er f a r b a ck gro a n e d th e ,
Abb e ss Th en she w en t o n
.
“
You w i ll r ec a ll t h a t b e for e I t ook ov e r t h e rul e o f t h i s co n v en t I ,
ev e ry y ea r w i t h h i s f a m i ly i n ord e r t o o ff e r sa cr i fic es a n d b u rn i n c en se
o n e o f t h es e vi s i ts i t h a pp en e d t h a t a you n g Mr L i a bro t h e r i n l a w o f .
,
- -
t h e Pr e fe c t o f C h a n g a n w as st a y i n g w i th u s t o o a n d h e sa w th e youn g
, ,
l a dy K i n g Kuo He fe ll i n lov e wi th h er a t fir st s i gh t an d i n si st e d th a t
.
h e w a n te d t o m a rry h er b ut w h e n h e s en t h i s i n t e rm e d i a r i es t o M r
,
.
en g a g e d t o t h e so n of t h e C i t y Comm a n d a n t o f C h a n g a n Th e r e fore .
Mr C h a n g coul d n o t do o th e rw i se t h an r e fu se t h e s ui t of you n g Mr Li
. . .
“
B ut youn g L i woul d n o t ta ke n o f o r a n an sw e r an d i n s i st e d upo n ,
1 10
Th i s a rgum en t worke d P h o en i x fel t h er fa m i ly h on o r atta ck e d an d
.
‘
“
p
n ess In a c t u a l f a c t sh e by n o m ea n s d es i se d a l i tt l e fi n a n c i a l g a i n
.
”
.
O h o yo u h a v e kn own m e for qu i t e a lo n g t i m e
, sh e s a i d v eh e ,
“
m e n t ly ,an d
yo u sh ould sur ely kn ow t h a t I do n o t fea r e ven t h e d e v i l
h i m s elf a n d h i s cour t w h en i t i s a qu e st i o n of g et tin g my w a y So let
, .
,
”
m a t t e r p u t r i gh t for h i m .
“ ”
Spl en d i d i f th a t s a ll yo u w an t ! cr i e d th e Abb ess d e l i gh t e d
,
’
,
.
e xp en s es o f my em i s sa r i es so t h a t t h e y sh a ll h a v e a li t t l e t i
, p for t h ei r
t roubl e a n d t h ei r ru n n i n g h i th e r a n d t h i t h er I do n o t a sk a s i n gl e co p
e r co i n for my se lf A t th e mom en t I h a v e t en t i m es a s muc h—s om e
.
p
t h i r t y t h ou s a n d s i lv e r oun c es —
.
ov e r a n d t o sp a r e so I am i n n o n ee d ,
”
o f mo n e y .
“
Y es of cour se A n d m ay o n e t ru st th a t th e gr a c i ous Na i n a i wi ll los e
, .
? ”
ki n dly prom i se
“
Y o u see for your self I a m s ur e h o w ex t r e m e ly bu s y I a m an d h o w
, , ,
e v eryo n e t urn s t o m e B ut s i n c e I h av e .
g i v en my word yo u m a y coun t ,
“
Good My m i nd i s a t r e st n o w A n d sm ce I kn ow t h at th e m at te r i s
. .
”
n o w i n your h a n d s I h a v e n o doub t a s t o i t s s ucc ess ful ou t com e
, fl a t ,
“
t ere d t h e Abb e ss A cl ev e r en erg et i c wom a n li ke you s ucc ee ds so
.
,
”
ea si ly S h e h a s o n ly t o g i v e o n e l i tt l e w i n k
. .
Pr a i se s uc h a s t h i s pl ea se d P h o en i x a n d th ough sh e w a s t i re d sh e
, ,
M e a n w h i l e P a o Y u a n d C h i n C h u n g h a d a v a i l e d o f th ei r fre e t i m e t o
e x a m i n e t h e co n v en t t h oroug h ly a n d ob se rv e i ts v a r i ou s a p a r tm en ts
i n d e t a i l T h e r e for e w h en th e ev en i n g gr e w d a rk e r C h i n C h u n g h a d
.
, ,
h e w a s lucky t o o Sh e w a s a lo n e bu s i ly w a sh i n g up t ea t h i n g s by th e
, .
,
l i gh t of a l a mp Wi th ou t an y mor e a do he t ook h e r i n h i s a rm s an d
.
“ ” “ ”
Wha t do you m ean sh e cri e d I ll scr ea m o ut ! B ut sh e di d n o t
? .
’
s cr e a m .
“ ”
D a rli n g I am dy i n g of lo n gin g for yo u ! h e plea d e d A n d i f yo u
,
.
do n t l i ste n t o m e I sh a ll di e h er e o n t he S po t
’
.
“
Wh a t a re you t h i n ki n g of ? H e re i n th i s n a rrow con ven t c e ll wh er e ,
1 12
w e m a y b e s urpr i se d a t a n y mom wo n t do he re ! H a v e p a t i en ce
en t ?
’
It
”
un ti l I am o ut o f th i s a n d free , she w h i s pe r e d .
“
Th a t i s cold comfor t for my burn i n g n ee d F i re s uc h a s m i n e mus t .
”
b e qu en c h e d a t o n c e he gr o a n e d A n d a lr ea dy b e h a d blown o u t th e
, .
gr a s pe d by a st r an ge h a n d a n d t orn a p a r t Wh o ev e r i t w a s h a d cre p t i n .
It w a s P ao Y u C hi n C h un g l ea p e d t o hi s fee t
. .
“ ? ”
Wh a t do yo u m e a n by thi s h e cr i e d en r ag e d , .
Le t m e i n o n yo u r b i t o f f un t o o If yo u do n o t I wi ll r a i s e th e
, .
,
a l a rm , th r e a t en e d P a o Y u l a ugh i n g , .
”
Now wh i c h o f the t w o o f u s i s the st ron g r he a sked j oki n gly
, e ? .
com e h om e a t o n c e B ut P a o Y u h a d so en j oy e d h i s bri e f s t a y in th e
.
d en t i a l se rv a n ts L a i W a n g a n d sen t h i m b a ck to t he Y un gk uo p a l a ce
, ,
th e la t t e r s se cr e t a ry He ru sh e d o ff t o C h a n g a n w i t h t h i s l e t t e r t h e
’ ‘
sa m e da y Th e M a rsh a l w ho w as i n d e b t e d t o t h e Y un k uo p a l a c e for
.
, g
pre vi ou s goo d se rvi c es co uld no t do o the rwi se t h a n a cc e d e wi ll i n gly t o
,
th a t t h e la t t e r r e li n qu i sh e d h i s resi st a n c e a n d ca n c e ll e d t h e e n g a g e m e n t
1 13
li .The r e w as n a t ur ally n o qu est i on o f h ea v y out l a y i n t i p s an d the l i ke .
a n d n obody i n t h e Y un gk u o p a l a c e e xc ept th e t ru st e d s e rv a n t L a i W a n g
a n d h er h u sb a n d s se cr e t a ry h ea rd a word a b ou t t h e w h ol e m a t t e r Th i s
’
.
un d e rt a k e n um e rou s si m i l a r sh a dy t r a n s a ct i on s l a t er o n o n h er o wn ,
i n i t i a t i ve un d et err e d by an y qu a lm s o f co n s c i en c e
, .
CHAPTER 1 3
B eg i n n i n g f S pr i n g i s exa lt e d by I m p er i a l fa v or a n d ch os en to
o be
M is t r ess of th e Ph o e n i x P a la ce Ch i n C h u n g se ts o u t pr ema t u re ly o n
. h is
jo u rn e y t o th e Y e llo w S pr i n gs .
O NE DA Y ,
W HEN T H E B I R T H D A Y o r C HI A C HEN G W A S B EIN G C ELEB R ATED
i n th e Y un gk u o p a l a c e b y a gr ea t fa mi ly b an qu et a doorkeepe r a p
'
p e a r e s e n
“
Th e c h i e f Imp er i a l e un uch H si a s up e r i n t en d en t of t h e s i x roy a l
, ,
”
h a r e ms i s ou ts i d e H e b ea r s an Imp er i a l m e ss a g e
, . .
Th e an n ou n c em en t n a t ur a lly p ut t h e w h ol e comp a n y i n t o a st a t e of
commo t i on T h e b an qu et a n d th e t h ea t ri c a l p e rform a n ce w e r e a b an
.
do me d a t o n c e Th e m a l e h ea d s o f th e f a m i l i es h a sten e d t o t h e gr ea t
.
r ec e p t i on h a ll wh e r e t h ey g a th er ed a ro un d a n i n c en se t a bl e wh i ch w a s
,
by a l a rg e r et i n u e of u n d er eu n u t h s H e d i smou n t e d i n fr on t of t h e en
-
.
t r an c e t o t h e gr ea t h a ll a n d w i t h a s m i l e o n h i s f a c e mou n t e d t h e s te p s
‘
, ,
l ea d in g te th e s ou th fro n t of t h e h a ll Th e r e h er em a i n e d st a n d i n g a n d
.
,
A t th e comm an d of t h e Mo st H i g h O n e M a s te r C h i a C h en g sh a ll p ro
,
t a k i n g a s i p of t ea Ev e ryo n e w a s puzzl e d W a s th e my st e ri o us m e ss a g e
. .
t o co n si de r th e m a t te r a t l en g th He c h a n g e d qu i ckly i n t o Court a t ti r e
.
,
go t i n h i s c a rri a g e an d h a st en e d t o t h e p a l a c e
, .
1 14
hi s phy si c al r esi st a n c e u t t erly he fel t more wr et ch e d da y by da y a n d
, ,
w a s slowly a n d st ea d i ly p i n i n g a w a y .
i n a ll th e e xc i t em en t s of th o se d a y s — h i s f a th er s a n d mo th er s a n d
’ ’
gr an dmo t h e r s a ud i en c e w i th th e So n of H ea v en a n d t h e v i si t s o f
’
,
co n gr a t ul a t i on p a i d by r el a t i v es an d fr i en d s We a ry a n d i n d i ff er en t h e .
,
h i s st r a n g e b eh a vi or h e b ec a m e i rr i ta bl e a n d sh u t h i ms e lf o ff st i ll more
from th e comp a n y of th e o th e r s .
'
The r e w a s o n ly o n e th i n g w h i ch could c h e er h i m up a b i t a n d th a t ,
w a s t h e r e t urn o f Bl a ck J a d e H er f at h e r L i n g u H a i h a d d i e d i n t h e
.
, ,
“
Now sh e wi ll n ev e r l ea ve you a g a i n
”
P h oen i x h a d s a i d w i th a sm i l e
,
t o P a o Y u o n Bl a ck J a d e s r e t urn T h e r e un i o n of P a o Y u a n d h i s n o w
’
.
,
t h e wri ti n g t a bl e a n d t h es e s h e sh a r e d o u t a mo n g h e r cou si n s a n d P a o
,
di d n o t pl e a s e Bl a ck J ad e a t a ll It i mm e di .
o f h er s ev en w ee ks m c h a rg e of t h e N i n gkuo p a l a c e wh en
n
g s t uck h er h ea d l n t h e door W h e n s h e saw .
“
fWh a t ? ”
P h o en i x c a ll e d a fte r h er
is i t
j
.
go n e a w a y a g a i n r epl i e d Li tt l e P i n g s li pp i n g o u t a g a i n
,
’
, .
“
Lo t u s ? Is n o t t h a t th e c h a rm i n g youn g s l a v e wh om Cou si n H s u eh
”
Pa n b ough t 1n Y i n g t i en sh ort ly b e fore com i n g h e r e ? r em a rk e d C hi a
“
L i en w i th a s m i rk W h en I w as ov er i n th e P ea r G a rd en j u st n ow p a y
.
in g my res pe c t s t o Aun t H su eh on my r et urn I saw a st r i ki n gly pret t y ,
'
9’
t oo good f o r t h e fool ‘ .
“
My word ! H e re s a m a n j u st b a ck from a lo n g j ourn e y H e h a s h a d
’
.
c h a rm i n g yo u sh a ll h a v e h e r I h a ve o n ly t o e xc h a n g e h e r fo r o ur L i t tl e
, .
t i r e d o f h er a lr ea dy H e i s o n e o f t h o s e i n s a t i a ble a n d fickl e m en w h o
.
n ea rly t a lk e d h i s mo th e r t o d e a t h t o p e r s u a d e h er t o g i v e h i m t h e g i rl .
Au n t H su e h g a v e i n a t l a st a n d h a n d e d h i m ov e r t h e l i t t le o n e w i th a ll
,
a t a ll b u t s e e m s i n h er w h ol e p e r s o n a n d i n a ll h e rw a y s t o b e mor e l i k e
, .
tw o w ee ks w h e n h e c e a s e d e v e n t o look a t h e r a n d th r e w h e r o n th e ,
”
re a lly s orry for t he poor th i n g !
C h i a L i en h a d n o ch a n c e t o re ply fo r a se rv a n t c a m e i n t o c a ll h i m t o
,
h i s f a th e r Pr i n c e S h i eh w h o a w a i t e d h i m i n t h e l ib r a ry W h e n h e w a s
, ,
.
gon e P h o en i x c a ll e d h er l i tt l e m a i d P i n g , .
“
Wh a t di d A un t H su eh w an t w h e n sh e sen t Lo t u s ove r j us t n o w .
sh e a s k e d .
“
Sh e w an t e d n o thi n g an d sh e sen t n obody ov e r I w a s j us t fi bb in g a .
“
b i t b ut i t w as a wh i t e li e
,
r epl i e d th e ma i d w i th a s ly sm i l e La i
,
.
’
W a n g s w i fe c a m e t o br i n g yo u s om e in te r est Could th e st up i d cre a t ure .
thr i ft th an h e i s a lr ea dy Luc k i ly I w a s a bl e to i n t er ce p t o l d M rs W a n g
.
,
.
”
j u st i n t i me an d ge t th e mo n e y from h er .
“
Br a vo ! Y o u h a v e a c te d mo st cl e ve rly sa i d Ph oe n i x a ppr ec i a ti v e ly . .
“
I w as r ea lly wo n d e r i n g w h a t o n ea rt h sh ould h a ve m a d e Au n t H s u eh
i n t e rrup t my firs t c h a t w i th my h u sb a n d so rud ely an d i n co n s i de r at e ly .
Aft e r a li t t le t i m e C hi a L i en r et u rn e d a n d j u s t a fte r th a t m c a m e ,
Mo th e r C h a o h i s o l d n ur se t o w e lco m e hi m h om e a f t e r h i s lo n g a b
, ,
se rv e d t o h er an d P h o en i x se t t l e d d own t o li st en t o he r co n v e rs a ti o n
, .
o nly h al f l i st en e d to h er le i sur e ly ch a tt e r ; h e a te an d
a n a b se n t m i n d e d w a y a
-
n d h i s th oug h t s w ere obv i ous ly e lse
,
117
wher e Would th e y pl e a se excu se hi m for n o t t aki n g p a rt i n the con v er
.
s a t i o n b u t h e w a s i n a h urry a n d h a d t o go ov e r a t o n c e f o r an i mpor
,
t a n t d i s cu s s i o n w i t h Pr i n c e C h en s o h e s a i d
, .
“
Do n o t let us d et a i n you b u t wh a t h a d t h e o ld g en t l e m a n t o d i s cuss
,
”
wi t h y o u j u s t a l i tt l e t i m e a go ? a s k e d P h o en i x .
“
H e s pok e a bou t t h e com i n g v i si t of fi l i a l r e v e re n c e .
”
H a s t h e v i si t b e en a lr ea dy a pprov e d by th e Court ?
”
No t yet form a lly B ut i t i s a s good a s c e r ta i n
. .
? ” “
Is i t r e a lly cr i e d Ph o en i x j oyfully Th a t would i n d ee d b e a qu i te
, .
n ew a n d un pr e c e d en t e d a ct o f gr a c e o n th e p a rt o f o ur
p r es en t m o n
a rc h a n d o n e of w h i c h t h e r e i s n o r e cord e i t h e r i n o u r: h i s t or i c a l a n n a ls
,
”
o r i n our t h e a t r i c a l p i e c es
.
“ ”
W h a t i s a ll t h i s t a lk a bou t a ske d M ot h e r C h a o st up i dly Fo r th e
? .
“ ”
I w i ll expl a i n th e m a t t e r t o yo u s a i d C h i a L i en O ur pr esen t Son
, .
o f H e a v en i s a gr ea t a dvoc a t e of fil i a l r e v e r en c e H e r e g a rd s t h e r esp e c t
.
ful a tt i t ud e o f c h i ldren t o t h e i r p a r en t s a s a u n i v e r sa l l a w o f n a t ur e
w h i c h i s b i n d i n g upo n the w h ol e h um a n r a c e r e g a rdl ess o f d i ff e r en c e o f
cl a ss ; an d h e co n si d er s t h a t th e m a i n t en a n c e o f fil i a l r e v er e n ce i s t h e
mo s t i mport a n t dut y of a w i se gov e rn m en t b ec a u se by i t h um a n s oc i et y
,
ca n b e k e p t i n ord e r i n t h e s i mpl es t mo st n a t ur a l w a y O ur r ei g n i n g
, .
a bl e s i g n o f fil i a l lov e da y an d n i gh t A n d yet h e co n s i d e r s t h a t h e do es
, .
a n d e x a l te d a re h i s i d ea ls .
w i ve s a n d o t he r wor th y p e r s o n s w h o d e d i c a t e th e i r l i ve s t o t he se rvi c e
o f t h e p a l a c e a r e h i n d e r e d 1 n t h e expr es s i o n o f t h e i r n a t ur a l fe el i n g s o f
fil i a l r ev e r en c e a n d mu st s u ff e r sp i r i t u a lly by t h ei r lo n g y e a r s o f se p a r a
t i o n from t h ei r f a t h e r s a n d mo t h e r s a n d t h a t t h e p a r en t s o n t h ei r p a rt
, , ,
r a n dum pr e s en t e d t o h i s p a r en t s t h e i r form e r M a j e st i es i n wh i c h h e
, ,
1 18
l
a re a dy b een m ea s ur e d an d m a rk e d o ut ann oun c e d C hi a Yun g It
,
.
un i t e s t h e p a rk o f th e ea st e rn p a l a c e a n d tha t o f th e w este rn o n e an d
'
d i gn i fi e d pl a c e of r ec e p t i o n for t he d i st i n gu i sh e d v i si t or A n a rc h i t ec t .
“
Te ll your fa th e r th at I t h a n k h i m v e ry muc h for h i s ki n d con si d er a
t i o n a n d I sh a ll n o t go ov e r u nt i l t omorrow morni n g r e pl i e d C h i a,
“
L i en Te ll h im th a t I a gr ee fully r e g a rd i n g t h e pl a c e t h a t h a s b een
.
a rr a n g e d ; i t s ee m s t o m e t o b e a mo st for t u n a t e a rr a n g e m en t i n e v ery
w a y It w i ll s a v e u s v e ry co n si d e r a bl e exp en se a s i t obv i a t es th e me c es
.
”
s i t y of a cqu i ri n g a p i e c e of groun d sp ec i a lly for t hi s o n e v i si t .
C h i a C h i an g t h en st e pp e d forw a rd a n d b eg a n t o sp ea k .
“
I h a v e b een i n st ruc t e d t o t rav el t o Such ow h e sa i d a n d th ere t o
, ,
en t ru st c a p a bl e a g en ts w i th th e t a s k o f fi n d i n g ou ts t a n d i n gly a ecom
p li sh e d you n g d a n c i n g g i rl s a s w e ll a s mu s i c a l i n st rum en t s a n d t h ea te r
r e qu i s i tes Two s on s o f th e m a j ordomo L a i S hen g w i ll a ccomp a n y m e ;
.
”
a n d U n cl e a s k s you t o pl ea s e g i v e m e t w o of your p e opl e a s w ell .
? ”
yo u t ru st your s elf t o c a rry o u t t h i s t a sk wort h y n ep h ew ,
h e as ke d .
Tru e i t i s n o t a n i mm en se o n e b ut a ll th e sa m e L
, ,
h e r em a rke d
s om e w h a t sa rc a st i c a lly .
C h i a C hi a n g w h o w a s st an d i n g rl gh t b esi d e P h o eni x ou ts i d e t he ra
,
s t ood t h e h i n t .
“
You a re ov e r an x i ou s sh e sa i d t o h e r h u sb a n d wi t h a r ea ssuri n g
,
“
sm i l e Cou si n C hen i s s ur e ly a bl e t o j udge b ett e r th a n w e a re w h o a re
'
lon g e r ch i ldr en a n d ev en i f th ey h av e n o t ye t p ro b e d th e my st e ry of th e
'
, _
a bou t t h e ro a d a n d t h e y kn ow wh a t i t lo o ks l i ke i n i t s li v i n g sta t e A n d .
a ft e r a ll U n cl e C h en h a s o n ly sen t t h emint o t h e fr a y a s s t a n d a rd
,
b ea re rs H e h a rdly exp e c t s th em t o w a g e t he b a t tl e t h e m se lv es ; i n o th e r
.
.
,
”
wi ll b e t he r e for : Let th e m go ! Th e y w i ll get o n a ll ri gh t .
”
V e ry w e ll I h a v e n o obj e c t i on s C hi a L i en a ss ur e d h er B ut p er
, ,
.
h a p s I ca n h elp t h em w i th s om e a dvi c e .
“ ”
Where a re yo u g ett i n g th e ne c essa ry fun ds from he as ked t urn?
,
i n g to C hi a C hi a n g .
1 20
pli ed C hi a C hi a n g W e do n o t n ee d t o t a ke a n y mo n e y fr om the fun d s
.
he re as t h e C h i a f a m i ly h as a cre d i t o f fif t y th ou sa n d s i lv e r t a els wi th
,
th e C h e n f a m i ly i n K i a n g n a n wh e r e w e sh a ll b e s t opp i n g o n o ur j our ,
n ey He w i ll g i v e u s a d r
. a f t f o r t h i rt y th ou s a n d ta e ls wi t h w h i c h w e ca n ,
dr a w on th i s cred i t T he r e m a i n i n g t wen t y t h ou sa n d t a e ls w i ll b e u se d
.
re a c h ed th e door sa i d h e h a d t o h a v e a pr i v a t e word w i th h er
,
.
“
If yo u w a n t a n y th i n g from Such ow dea r A un t j ust wri te i t a ll o ut , ,
” “
o n a l i st h e w h i s pe re d ; I wi ll gi v e t h e l i st t o my bro th e r a n d h e wi ll
,
”
a tt en d t o i t promp t ly o n th e j ourn ey .
“ ”
O h wh a t a s i ll y i d e a ! sh e l a ugh e d p a rry i n g h i s off er
,
I do n o t , .
w a n t a th i n g O n the co n t r a ry I ha ve n o t go t s uffi c i en t sp a c e f o r a ll th e
.
,
”
st u ff w h i c h I h a v e ! Wh a t o dd a r t ful i d ea s yo u ge t ! ,
A n d o ff sh e w en t .
C h i a Li en t o o d i sm i sse d t h e off e r wi th th an ks .
“
No t s o f a st my b o y ! B e gi n n e rs l i ke yo u sh ould st i ck t o t h e j ob i n
,
Th e n ex t mor n i n g C h i a L i en w en t t o Pr i n c e C h en V a ri ou s e xp e rt s .
a gr ea t co n s ul t a t i o n bu i ld i n g pl a n s w e re e x a m i n e d a n d que st i o n s o f
, ,
Th a t sa m e da y a l i v ely s c en e of bu i ld i n g a c t i vi t y comm en c e d a t th e
west e rn si d e o f the N i n gkuo p a l a c e a n d t h e ea ste rn si de of t h eY un gk uo
.
.
, , ,
s i d e ou t e r w a ll s t urr et s a n d p a vi li o ,
n s w e re pull e d dow n i n t h e
,
’
block of se rv a n t s r esi d en t i a l qu a rt e rs w as t orn down i n ord e r t o m a ke
w a y f o r on e co n t i n uous a r ea o f m a gn i fic en t ple a s ure g a rd en s a n d p a
vi li o n s .
H e re we mu st m en t i o n th a t th e tw o es t a t es w e re se p a r a t e d m er ely by
a na r r ow pri vate p a th en clo se d by h i gh w alls It w a s th er efor e on ly n ec
-
.
t o di v er t thi s st r ea m i n t o th e Y un gk u o p a rk w i th ou t d i ffi cul t y so th a t ,
t r e es bri dg es an d b a lu s t r a d es a n d s e t t i n g th e m dow n a g a i n i n th e N in g
, , ,
k uo p a l a c e groun d s In t h i s w a y a gr ea t d ea l o f mo n ey wh i c h would
.
h a v e h a d t o b e s p en t on n ew m a t eri a l s w a s s a v e d a n d th e a i m o f a ch i ev ,
o f t h e f a m i l i es o f bo t h p a l a c e s co n s c i en t i ou s ly sh a r e d t h e s up e rv i si o n of
t h e work T o b e s ur e Pr i n c e S hi eh a n d C h i a C h en g r e m a i n e d o u t o f
.
,
t h i n g s for th e mo st p a rt ; th e l a tt e r w a s t o o gr ea t ly occup i e d w i th hi s
m i n i ste r i a l offic e whi l e t h e form e r lov e d th e l ei s ure o f h i s l ib r a ry an d
, ,
a n d s i lv er A n d s o ea c h o n e h a d h i s cl ea rly d e fi n e d fi e ld o f a c t i v i t y A s
. .
a lr ea dy m en t i o n e d ow i n g t o t h e i lln es s of h i s fr i e n d C h i n C h un g P a o
, ,
Y u t ook s c a rc ely a n y p a r t i n a ll t h e bu s y do i n g s w h i c h w e re go i n g o n
i n t h e h ou se Even t h e f a c t t h a t h i s f a th er o w i n g t o h i s m a n y o th e r
.
,
s up e rv i s e h i s st ud i es a s muc h a s u s u a l f a i le d t o c h ee r h i s d e presse d
,
s p i r i t s a s i t would as s ur e dl yh a v e do n e at a n o th e r t i m e
, .
T h e s i ck b o y w h om h e fo un d ly i n g o n hi s b ed wit h w a x w hi te fa c e a n d
,
-
1 22
Mr . C hen g st oppe d first fron t of th e cover e d g atew a y an d let th e
in
irnp ress i on o f th e vi e w from ou t si d e work upo n h i m Th e roof s o f th e .
, ,
l i ke t h e shim m er i n g s c a ly b a cks o f li z a rd s or a ll i g a t or s T h e b a lu st r a d es .
a n d st ep s o f th e m a rb l e bri dg e w h i c h le d t o t h e e n tr a nc e w e r e a dorn e d
o f n a t ur a l fr ee s t o n e s w h i c h w e r e ri bb e d li k e a t i g er s p e l t a n d cut an d
'
’
,
pl a c e d i n s uch a w a y o n e ov e r th e o th e r t h a t t h e y g a v e th e w a ll a mo st
, ,
s e tt i n g f o r a b ea u t i ful j ew el .
w a s m e t by a gr een hi ll .
“ ”
Wh a t a b e a ut i ful h i ll ! t hey a ll excl a i m e d en r a p t ure d , .
Th i s h i ll wh i ch a t fi rst sh u t s o ut t h e vi e w hei gh t en s e xp e c t a ti o n If
, , .
“ ” “
Qu i t e so ! t he o th ers a gr ee d On e mu st h a ve h ei gh t s an d d e p ths t o
.
”
en li v en th e s p i r i t .
th a t looke d a s f an ta st i c a s go b l i n s o r m i gh t y f a bulou s a n i m a l s H a lf
, ,
.
w a y u p in fro n t o f a s in gl e m i rr or br i gh t sh e et o f s t o n e th e y h a l t e d
,
-
,
.
”
n a m e sh a ll w e g i v e t o th i s spo t ? Your suggest i o n s pl ea se g en t l em en ! , ,
ur g ed C hi a C h en g .
” “
A doz en s ugg est i on s s uch a s S t r a t i fi e d K i n gfi sh e r Gr een
,
Em ,
”
broi de re d Cr ags a n d th e li ke w e r e h e a rd Pa o Y u w a s th e l a st to b e
,
’
,
.
a n i n s cr i p t i on would b e s om e w h a t pr e m a t ure h e r e w h er e o n e h a d j u st ,
“
No e x a gg e r a t e d pr a i s e ,i f yo u ple a se or th e b o y w i ll get n ot i ons ,
.
fi ci a l to obj e c te d C h i a C hen g sm i l i n g A t a n y r a t e w e h a v e sti ll
hi m , , .
”
go t t i m e t o co n s i d e r th e m a tt e r .
T h e p a th le d o n th roug h d a rk gro tt o e s i n t o br i gh t cl ea r i n g s ov e r
S IO p e s s om e cov e r e d w i t h bu shes s ome w i t h t r ee s an d o th e rs a g a in
, , , , ,
st ee p fo a mi n g w a t e rf a ll i n t o a s m a l l sh i mm e r i n g l a ke A w h i t e m a rbl e
, ,
.
t ri pl e a rc h o f a m a rbl e br i dg e st re t c he d l i ke th e g a p i n g j a ws o f a se a
mo n st e r T he p a v i l i o n w h i c h st ood o n t he bri dge an d ove rh u n g th e
.
w a t e r w a s c h o se n a s th e n ex t h a l t i n g pl a c e .
P a o Y u o n c e mor e h a d a n oppor t un i t y o f sh i n i n g W h i l e a ll th e o t h e rs .
“
t h ough t a t o n c e o f a n a p t quo ta t i o n from th e c e l e br a t e d o de P a vi li o n ,
”
of a dr un ken o ld m a n i n wh i ch th e po e t glo ri fi es a p a v i li o n n ea r th e
,
s ourc e o f t h e N i a n g a n d w a n t e d t o t a k e from t h i s o de th e n a m e o f
,
W a t e rfa ll of J a s pe r P a o Y u m a i n t a i n e d th a t th i s w a s n o t a s u i t a bl e
,
n a m e O n t h e occ a s i o n o f r e c e i vi n g s uc h a n e x a l te d v i s i t o n e mu st p a y
.
,
fore c a u s e d i s gu s t i n t h e h i gh est qu a r te rs T hi s a rg um e n t w a s qu i t e nu .
t h a t t h e boy w a s full o f t h e s p i r i t o f co n t r a d i c t i o n a n d t h a t n o t h i n g w as
ri g h t to h i m F i rs t h e h a d b een a ll i n fa vor o f o ld quo t a ti o n s a n d n o w
.
,
t h e s po t a t h i s f a t h e r s w i s h a rou se d s t i ll mor e a dm i r a t i o n
’
.
b a mb oo gr ov e s urrou n d e d by a low wh i t e w a sh e d w a ll I n s i d e th i s gr ee n
, .
b e l t la y h i dd e n a fr i e n dly l i tt l e cou n t ry h ou se bu i l t o n p i l es ,
.
”
Wh a t a ch a rm i n g li tt l e pl a c e ! th e y a ll e xcl a i m e d Th e y w en t i n A n . .
c e n t e r room a n a rrow d oo r le d in t o a b a ck
125
openi n g down by the g a rd en w a ll a cl ea r s pri n g b ub bl e d whi ch t urn i n g , ,
, ,
fi n a lly i n t o th e n e a r b y l a k e
,
-
.
“
Wh a t a d eli g htful s po t ! Th i n k o f si tti n g h ere a t the w i n dow on a
’
b ea ut i ful moo n l i t n i ght st udy i n g ; t h a t would n ot b e s pen d i n g o n e s l i fe
,
”
i n v a i n ! exela i m ed C hi a C h en g wi th a c en s ori ou s gl a n c e a t h i s s o n Pa o
, ,
’
co n tes t a ro se re g ar d i n g a s ui t a bl e mo tt o a n d a g a i n i t w a s Pa o Y u s i d e a ,
wh i ch w on th e da y He emph a siz e d th e fa c t t h at th e d i st i n gu i sh e d
.
“
quo t a t i on w h i ch he re comm en d e d A p h o en i x com es wi th gr a c e t o ,
” /
rest a rous e d th e g en er a l en th u si a sm o f t he sen i ors n o wh i t less th a n
,
di d th e furt h e r st a n z a w h i c h h e h a d t o compo se a t h i s fa th e r s co m
’
s t r a w t h a t c h e d roof o f a f a rm h ou s e p e e p e d t h r
-
ough A t t h e o th e r s i d e .
.
,
t h e w e ll s t r e t c h e d e x t en s i v e pl a n t a t i o n s o f c h o i c e v e g et a bl es e a c h ki n d ,
“
T h a t i s w h a t pl ea se s ru e ! e xcl a i me d Mr C hen g en ch a n te d a t th e
”
.
,
“
si gh t o f a ll t h e t i ll a g e A p i e c e of l a n d l a i d o ut l i ke th a t h a s sen se a n d
.
B ut a t th e s a m e m om en t he d i s cov er ed by th e w a y si d e b eh i n d th e ,
”
No ! Com e h e re i n st e a d It i s e v en lov el i e r h e re ! h e
‘
.
i n g Apri co t w as propo se d un an i m
”
ou s ly b y th e e ld ers .
B ut he re a g a i n P a o Y u w a s o f an o th e r op i n i on an d th i s t im e n o doub t , ,
som ewh a t a ud a c i ou s ly w i th ou t w a i t i n g t o b e as ke d f o r i t by h i s fa th e r
'
.
,
1 26
’
'
”
Gro t t o of t he S t r a n g e H erm i t wer e s ugg est e d wh i l e P a o Y u propo se d
'
,
” “ ”
B an k o f th e Fern s No n sen se ! excl a i m e d C h i a C h en g cu tt i n g sh ort
.
,
n o i s y brook ran i n t o a s i l en t da m .
“ ”
C a n o n e n o t go o n f a rt h er from h er e i n a bo a t ? a sk e d C h i a C h en g .
“ ”
Wh a t a p i t y !
Y es w e mu s t go ov er t h e mou n
, t a i n o n foo t r epli e d Pri n c e C h en , ,
el
y fi sh o n d ov e rh u n g w i t h w i llow
p p e a ch , ,
o th e r en d of th e fi shp o n d t he y c a ugh t a
of t he t r ee s of a wood en bri dg e wi th ,
t a st el e ss br i ck h ou se s urrou n d e d by a w a ll .
“ ”
Qu i t e d e vo i d of c h a rm ! w a s th e v e rd i c t of C hi a C hen g .
Y et i mm e di a t ely b e yo n d t h i s pl a i n bu i ld i n g th e l a n d s c a p e b e c a m e
rom a n t i c o n c e mor e For t h e h ou se la y w i t h i ts b a ck e mb e dd e d a s i t
.
,
“ ”
Th i s i s r e a lly i n t e rest i n g s a i d C h i a C h en g corr ec t i n g h i s fir st i m
, ,
“ ”
pre ssi o n Wh a t a p i ty o n e kn ow s s o l i tt l e a bout t h es e pl a n ts
. .
Hi s r em a rk en cour a g e d P a o Y u t o di s pl a y hi s bo t an i c a l kn owl e dg e . .
i d en t i fi e d t h ev a ri o us p l an ts o n e a f t e r a n o t h e r gl i bly rol li n g o ff t h e un
'
fa m i li a r b o ta n i ca l n a m es un ti l h i s f a th e r a t l a st los t p a t i en c e a n d
’
’
, ,
s t opp e dh i m w i t h a gr u ff :
“ ”
B e s i l en t ! W h o a s k e d y o u ? P ao Y u wh o ,
h a d r a t h e r exp ec t e d s om e pr a i se w a s so i n t i m i d a t e d t h a t h e di d n o t
,
, , ,
, ,
1 28
g a uz e c u rt a i n s a t th e wi n dows i t m a d e a n e ve n more pl eas in g i mpres
,
“
If a m a n co uld b rew hi s t ea a n d p e a ce fully pl a y h i s lu te he re h e ,
re m a i n i n g s i l e n t
.
“ ”
W h y do you n ot s pe a k when yo u sh ould ? h e a ske d N o doub t yo u .
a re w a i t i n g t o b e po li t e ly re q u e s t e d t o gr a n t us t h e f a vor o f your gr a
? ”
ci o us i n s t ruc t i o n
Pa o Y u could n ot e v a d e th e p a te rn a l c h a ll e n g e a n d o n c e mor e h i s ,
”
B ut Mr C h en g mu tt e re d som e thi n g d i s p a r a gi n g a bou t pl a gi a r i sm
.
“ ”
s in c e h e h a d b ase d h i s o de T h e T e rr a ce o f th e P h oe n i x en t i r ely upo n
,
“ ”
a n ea rl i e r po e m , T h e Tow e r o f th e Y ellow Cr an e Wh a t m a tt e re d w a s .
th e e xc ell e n c e o f t h e n e w v e rs i o n an d in th i s c a se P a o Y u s w a s de
’
,
ci de dly b e t t e r t h a n th e ori gi n a l .
”
A gruff No n se n se w as Mr C h en g s o n ly r e ply .
’
.
“ ” “
The m a i n h a ll ,
c ri e d Mr C hen g T h e o n ly fa ul t o n e ca n fi n d w i t h
. .
”
i t i s a c e rt a i n e xces s of m a gn i fic e n ce .
“
W e a re a w a re t h a t t he Impe ri a l s pou se v a lu es s i mpl i c i t y ye t co n ,
s i de ri n
g h e r hi g h r a n k th e ou t la y e n t a i l e d h e re di d n o t see m t o us to b e
”
exc ess i v e b u t o n th e co n t r a ry c a ll e d for a s o ur du e t ri b u te o f r es pe c t
, ,
th e o t h er s r e pl i e d .
O n th e y w en t u n ti l th e y ca m e t o a h i gh t ri umpha l a rc h m a d e o f s oft
e Its fri ez e w as orna m en t e d w i th a d es i gn of dr a go n s i n
.
”
Wh a t t i t l e sh a ll w e gi v ke d Mr C h en g E nt r a n c e t o t h e
e th i s ? as . .
”
Dom a i n of t he Bl ess e d Sp i ri ts w a s t h e un a n i mou s s ugg e st i o n P a o Y u .
was s u n k d ee p i n t h oug h t T h e re m e mb r a n c e of a s i m i l a r s t o n e a rc h
.
s ti ll re ma in e d si l en t ev en w h e n h i s f a t h e r
1 29
G i v e h i m u n t i l t omorr ow ! th e sen i ors ur g e d M r Ch en g Th e y as
”
. .
s um e d t h a t P a o Y u w a s so e xh a u st e d from b e i n g as k e d so of t en th a t h i s
br a i n h a d n o w c e ase d t o fun c t i o n a n d t h ey fe a r e d th a t i f h e w a s t o o
,
ces t r ess D i d n o t M r C h en g t h i n k t h e s a m e ?
. .
“
H a h a t h e i n f a n t prod i gy h as r ea ch e d th e en d o f h i s w i ts
, , he ,
'
“ ” “
j e er e d Y es yo u m a y b e r i gh t Th en t urn i n g t o th e b o y : V ery w ell
.
, .
, ,
“ ”
Wh a t n a m e sh a ll w e g i v e th i s w ei r as k e d Mr C h en g
? . .
“ ”
R ubb i sh ! O ut of t he qu est i on ! sn a ppe d Mr C he ng cu ttin g sh ort .
,
, ,
n o t g i v e h i m s e lf t i m e t o st op ev erywh e r e H i s l e g s w e r e t i r e d from w a lk
.
i n g for s uc h a lo n g t i m e a n d h e pr ess e d o n t ow a rd s t h e e x i t
, .
A sep a r a t ely h e dg e d o ff p a rt o f th e p a rk n o w em e rg e d i n t o vi ew .
“ ”
L et u s go an d r est i n t h ere fo r a w h i l e s ugg es t e d M r C h en g Th e y , . .
moon g a t e w a y R i gh t a n d l e ft o f t h e g a t ew a y w a s an en c i rcl i n g wh i t e
.
mi l i on.
“ ”
Wh a t m a gn i fic en t bloss om s ! th e y a ll cri e d i n ch orus W a s such a .
? ”
m a gn i fic en t spe c i m en e v e r seen b efor e
“
It i s t h e forei gn ki n d wh i ch i s c a ll e d M a i d en B e gon i a re m a rk e
‘
,
“
C h i a C hen g T he pop ul ar e xplan a ti on f or th e n am e i th at thi s
. s
1 30
b a rke d upon a secon d roun d wh en C hi a C h en g an n oun ce d th a t i t w as
,
li l vi s e si m i l a r a n d t he p a tt e rn o n th e w a ll w a s so co n fu s i n gly co n
,
i t en d e d B ut Pri n c e Ch en w h o kn ew t h e pl a c e th o ro u gh ly sm i li n gly
.
, a
w a s gl a d t h a t th e t i m e h a d come t o lea v e H e w a s y e a rn i n g f o r t h e .
h a d t o w a i t o n for h i s f a th er h a d n o t yet d i s m i s se d hi m
, .
“
T h e word o f re l ease c am e a t l a st Wh a t are you doi n g st i ll h an g
.
m a de o ff i n a t ri c e .
a n t s c am e ru sh i n g a lon g b eh i n d h i m an d s urroun d e d h i m ch a tt e r, ,
mu g vs t i e u so m s
e th i n g t o c el ebr a t e t h e da
' ”
“
y .
l a ug h i n g .
“
No copp e rs a re n o use t o us W e wa n t a prop e r souv en i r th ey
, .
,
of hi m an d i n n o t i me h a d pull e d o ff th e purse th e f an sh a pe d c a se a n d ,
-
a ll t h e o t h e r li t tl e t h in g s w h i ch h e c a rr i e d
o n h i s b el t .
“ ”
Now ha t s sett le d the y d e cl a re d w e w i ll b e your gu ard of h o n or
’ “
t , , ,
a n d t a ke you t o th e old T a i t a i
”
A n d th ey escor t e d h i m i n t r i umph in t o
.
'
t h e pr e s en c e of t h e Pr i n c es s A n c e st r ess “
O h t h e y ve plu n de r e d you
’
.
,
”
sh a
m el essly ! r em a rke d t he m a i d P ea rl w i th a sm i l e as sh e pour e d hi m ,
te a i n t h e gr een p a v i l i o n .
1 32
g a ve yo u ! Th at s n i c e ! Y o u m a y b e ce rta in t ha t I w i ll n e ver g i ve yo u
’
”
a pr es en t a g a i n ! sh e sa i d pe t ul a n t ly t urn i n g h er b a ck o n h i m O n re
,
.
“ ”
W ha t a p i t y to d es troy t h e lov ely b a g ! he s a i d B ut look ! W h a t s
’
.
”
th i s I v e go t he re
’
? S a y i n g t h i s h e t urn e d b a ck t he fa c i n g o f h i s co a t
,
, ,
.
e n t ed h e r h a st i n e ss a n d h u n g h er h e a d s i l en t a n d a s h a m e d He mu s t
p , .
h i s clo th i n g B ut t o pu n i sh h er h e n o w b eg an t o pl a y th e off en d e d p a r t y
. .
“
Y o u n ee d n o t h a v e b een so qu i ck w i th your s c i ss ors B u t i f you .
”
th in k m e un wort h y o f your g i ft pl ea se ta ke b a ck your pur s e !
,
he sa i d
coolly a im i n g th e pur se so t ruly a t her th a t i t sl i d st ra i gh t down her
,
‘
a g a i n W i th a r a p i d mov e m en t h e s n a t c h e d from h er t h i s s e co n d v i c t i m
.
o f h er i ll t e mpe r
-
.
”
Sp a re i t cl ea r l i ttl e si ster ! he b e gge d h er sm i l i n g She le t t h e
, , .
s c i ss or s f a ll t o t h e grou n d a n d d a bb i n g h e r t e a r fi l le d e y e s w i t h he r
,
-
“
h a n dke rc h i e f s a i d i n a vo i c e c h oke d w i th s ob s : It i s h orr i bl e of you
,
t o t o y w i t h m e a s you do N i c e o n e t i m e a n d n as t y t h e n e x t
. I
’
c an t b ea r i t .
r e fr a i n from j ump i n g up a ft er he r an d a ss ur i n g h er w i t h m a n y t en d e r ,
, .
“ ’ ” “
T ha t s a ll t h e b e tte r sa i d t h e gra n dmo th er H i s fa th e r ha s b e en
, .
t orm en t i n g a n d pe rs e cu t i n g h i m h a lf t h e da
y W h y b e grudg e h i m a .
li tt le t i m e en j oy i n g h i m se lf wi th h is cou si n o ut of h a rm s w a y ? D o n o t ,
’
”
c a ll hi m b ut o n ly see t h a t t hey do n o t qu a rre l !
,
f or h er l i ki n g h a d go t up from th e b e d a g a i n
, .
Y o u do n o t l ea ve m e a mom en t in p ea c e ! I am
1 33
lo t us l eaf p urse b ack
-
on hi s b e lt B ut s udd enly
. he
s sn a t ch ed it fro m
”
I thi nk yo u do n ot l i ke i t Y o u are a pl a gu e an d a n ui s an c e !
.
”
D ear M ei m ei gi v e i t b a ck to m e !
,
”
“
F i rs t sa y pl ease n i c ely !
‘ ’
? ”
’
m e t o o wo n t you
,
“
Tha t wi ll d e pen d enti rely on my mood .
CHAPTER 1 5
fa mi ly a v is i t .
h ou sed i n t h e P ea r G a rd en i n th e pre m i s es h i t he rt o i n h a b i te d by
,
a qu i et a n d se clud e d s po t a t th e n or th e a st e rn ex t r em i t y o f t h e N i n gkuo
a .
e
p a l c e For att en d an ce o n t he youn g a rt i sts a f ew e ld erly women -
w ho i n th e i r you t h h a d a l s o b e en v er se d i n s i n g i n g a n d d a n c i n g b ut
w e r e n o w set tl e d gr a y ha i r ed m a t ro n s w e r e p i ck e d o ut from a mo n g
,
-
a d eta i l e d a ccou n t of th ei r v a ri ou s d e p a r t m en t s a n d i t h a d b ee n e s t a b
,
co lore d si n g i n g b i rd a n d th e M an ch uri a n s p i ri t cr a n e t h e st a g a n d th e ,
en d Y et a n o t h e r g e n e r a l i n s e c t i o n of th e f e s t i v a l g a rd en s w a s m a d e
p
.
,
th i s t i m e by t h e Pr i n c es s A n c es t r ess an d h e r l a d i e s i n w a i t i n g No w ‘
- -
.
1 34
At th e ugges ti on o f Ph o en i x w ho h a d h ea rd th e wh ol e con v e r sa
s ,
w a s t h e pr ea rr a n g e d si g n a l t o th e m an y e un uchs w h o h ad b e en di s
t r i bu t e d ov e r th e p a rkl an ds for s e v e r a l d a y s b e fore t h a t t h e a ugu st ,
ph o en i x es wi th a gold en kn ob a t th e b a ck a n d li tt l e b e lls wh i ch t i n kl e d
,
process io n i n t o t he p a l a c e pr ec i n c ts In fr on t o f t he e n t r a n c e t o a s om e
-
k l dow
n e t n a n d i n v i t e d th e Imp e ri a l s po use t o di sm oun t and c h an g e
,
“
”
cloth es T he e un uch th en wi th dr ew to make w a y f or th e Impe r i a l
.
Af r B g i n n i n g of Spri n g h a d ch an ge d cloth es sh e go t i n t o th e
t e e
“
1 36
”
M uch too lux uri ous muc h t oo co stly ! murmur e d B e gin n i n g o f
,
Sprin g sha ki n g he r he a d w he n sh e sa w fr om i n si d e h er se d an ch a i r
, ,
a ll th e un h ea rd o f m a gn i fice n c e a roun d h er
-
.
th e gorg e ou s S ta t e bo a t w h i c h th e n gl i d e d g e n t ly a lo n g t h e gl i t te ri n g
,
a n d sw a y e d f or e v e ryw h e r e a mo n g th e r ee ds a n d t h e lo t u s l ea v es a n d
, ,
w a te r li li es glow e d li t tl e l a mp s m a d e i n the sh a p e o f oy st e r s a n d sh e ll s
, ,
w hi l e o t he rs fa st en e d t o the p i n i o n s o f h e ro n s s w a n s a n d ducks dr e w
, , , ,
a bl az e o f mul t i colore d l i g h ts a n d th es e ,
pl a y i n g upo n t h e s umpt uous
,
w e t o a rs ca rv e d o f pr e c i ou s wood m a d e a br i ll i an t g a l a xy o f r e fl e c t i o n s
,
.
un d e r th e st o n e a rc hes o f h o n or w i th th ei r dr a go n s i n r el i ef up t o th e ,
m a in ha ll .
O n t h e w a y B e g i nn i n g o f Spr i n g expres se d v a ri ou s w i sh es r e g a rd in g
mo tt o e s an d i n s cri pt i o n s wh i c h she d e si r e d c h an g e d Fo r i n st a n c e she .
,
“
wi she d th e ex ub er an t t i t l e o n th e a rc h o f h o n or E n t r a n c e t o th e D o ,
”
m a i n o f t he Ble ss e d S p i r i ts t o b e c h a n g e d t o th e si mpl e in scri p t i o n
, ,
“ ”
E n t r a n ce t o th e Co un t ry Hous e o f th e F i li a l V i si t E a ch of th ese .
th e r e qu i r e d a l t er a t i o n s c a rr i e d o ut t he r e a n d t h en ; f o r a ll t h e e x i s t i n g
mo tt oes a n d i n scr i p ti o n s h a d o n ly b een p ut up prov i s i on a lly Th ey wer e .
i n t o th e servi ce o f th e Impe r i a l P a l a c e sh e h a d n e ve r c ea se d t o i n qu i r e
, ,
1 37
progress h e w as m a ki n g i n h i s st ud i es In m akin g use ev erywh ere o f th e
.
t o g i ve h i s s i st e r pl eas ur e Sh e w a s t o pe rc ei ve from t h es e t h a t th e
.
t i o n s di d n ot ex a c t ly sh ow g en i u s a t l east t h e y b e t r a y e d co n si de ra bl e
,
t a l en t a n d a c e rt ai n or i g i n a l i t y .
to
r
d ep i c t a n d recoun t i n d e t a i l all t h e s pl en dor s o f th e c a rpe ts an d h an g
in g s th e w a ll s a n d th e w in dow s th e st a i rca ses a n d th e b a n i st e rs It w as
, ,
.
“ ” “ ”
a r ea l fa i ry c a st l e a g en u i n e
, c i nn a mo n h a ll a p a l a ce o f orchi ds
, ,
h a ll a n d th a t n o o n e h a d d a r e d t o an t i c i p a t e h er o wn c h o i c e a t th i s th e
, ,
eun uc h w h o w a s a c t in g as m as t er of c er emo n i es n o w i n vi t e d h e r t o a s
, ,
c en d the th ro n e an d r ec ei v e t h e h om a g e of th e memb er s o f t h e fa m i ly .
A t ea ch si d e of t h e s tep s l ea d i n g t o th e th ro n e mu si c b e g an t o pl a y .
n es s re l ea se d t h em a n d a l s o t h e l a d i e s from th e p e rform a n c e o f th i s
,
'
t h en s t ood up a n d d es c en d e d from th e t h ro n e A s sh e di d so th e mu s i c.
Th e Impe ri a l wi f e n ow en ter e d a si d e c h a mb e r a n d ch a n g e d h er at
t i r e S he t hen l e ft t h e p a rk i n a c a rr i a g e b elo n gi n g t o t h e h ou s e a n d
.
en ts a n d h er gr a n dmo th e r Th s se co n d pri v a te r ec e p t i o
i .
, n t ook pl a c e i n
th e h om e of t he Pri n c es s A n c est r ess S tr i c t ly s ea ki n g B e g i n n i n g o f
.
p ,
o l d T a i ta i a n d t h e o t h e r f em a l e r el a t i v es a ppro a c
h e d h er wi th a cur ts y
a n d forb a d e her t o co n form wi th th e c e r emo n y pr
e s cri b e d by Court
e t i qu e tt e .
1 38
fa mi ly l i fe t o th ei r hea rts con ten t B ut we on th e con t r a ry th ough w e
’
.
, ,
fort t o h er a n d exh or te d h er n o t t o qu a rr el w i th fa t e wh i c h h a d tr e at e d ,
un kn own fa vor o f a v i si t t o t he fa m i ly Ev en i f w e w e r e t o d a sh o ur
.
br ai n s o ut a ga in st t he gr oun d i n do i n g h om a g e w e sh o ul d st i ll n o t h a v e
,
p a i d the t en th ou san d th p a rt o f o ur d eb t o f gr at i t ud e t o th e So n o f
-
ha s w a s te d i n t he soc i et y o f h er p a r en ts b u t r a th e r le t h er d e d i c at e a ll
,
t h e in scr i p t i o n s a n d mo t t o es i n th e p a rk h a d b e en pl a nn e d by h i m If .
s he would d ei gn t o t a ke n o t i c e of o n e or o t h er of th es e in s cr i p t i o n s an d
ha ppi
O h wh at s pl en d i d progr ess h e h a s m a d e ! cr i e d B e g i n n i n g o f
,
”
t h o se a rou n d h e r : W h do I n o t s ee P a o Y u ? ”
y
“
A s a m a l e r el a t i ve w i th ou t offi c e o r t i t l e h e do es n o t d ar e t o a ppea r
,
“ ”
Bri n g h i m her e t he e un uchs w e re ord ere d Soo n a ft e rw a rds Pao
, .
Y u a ppea r ed a n d s a lu te d hi s s i st e r by f a ll i n g o n hi s kn e e an d t ouc h i n g
,
a n d n eck .
b ”
How i g you h a ve grown ! she excl a im e d smi li n g b ut i mm e d i a te ly
’
, ,
more .
“
T he b a n qu et i s r ea dy W e b e the Impe r i a l s po use t o gr an t us th e
.
g
h a pp i n ess of sh a ri n g i t ” W i th th es e words th e y s ough t t o d i str a c t her
.
1 40
th e w ay, an d set o ut on foo t th rough the n ew p ark t og et her wi th th e,
en ti r e comp an y for th e m a i n h a l l wh er e t h e b a n qu et w as t o t a k e pl a c e
, ,
.
o f Spri n g w as l a v i sh w i th h er pr a i se a n d a pprov a l b ut sh e b e gg e d h er
,
i n scri p t i on s wh i c h sh e g a v e t o t h e mo st i mport a n t pl a c es i n t h e n ew
p a rk Th e groun d s a s a wh ol e w er e t o r ec e i v e th e n a m e o f P a rk o f
.
” “
D el i ght ful V i si on an d th e fa ca d e of t he m a i n h a ll t h e in s cr i pt i on R e
m em b eri n g th e Impe ri a l F a vor in ten t upo n F a i th ful Fulfil lm en t o f
,
”
Du t y a n d so n a m e a ft er n a m e mo t t o a fter mott o t ex t a ft e r t ex t c a m e
, , ,
t h e y o un g wi dow o f th e d e c e a s e d bro th e r C h i a C h u ea c h r e c ei v e d a ,
mo tt o a s t h em e a n d h a d t o compo se a st an z a on i t : Ac t u ally Pa o Y u ,
w a s g i v en four th em es H e w a s r e qu i r e d t o ex t ol i n st an z as of p a rt i en
“
la rly c h o i c e l a n gu a g e t h e four pl a c es i n t h e p a rk w h i ch pl ea se d h i m th e
most A n d so th e i mprov i si n g an d v ersi fy i n g w en t o n unt i l f a r i n t o th e
.
n i gh t
. O f the s i x sa mples of fem i n i n e li ter ar y t a l en t B e gin n i n g o f ,
could n o t compe t e w i th th em .
Pr ec i ou s Cl asp h a d h elp ed h i m w i th t he th i rd st a n z a by r ec i t i n g a
m is si n g l i ne w h i c h h e co uld no t rem emb er from a po em o f th e c e le
b ra te d T an g po et H a n Y u ; an d Bl a ck J a de h a d a c t u a lly wr i tt en th e
’
o n p a pe r a f t e r w h i c h th ey w er e t a k en by
, a e un uc h t o C h i a C h e n g so ,
th a t h e m i g h t r ej o i c e a t th ese s p ec im e s o f th e li ter a ry
n t a l e n t o f th e
youn ger m emb ers o f th e fa mi ly .
t roupe of d a n c i n g gi rl s w a s a hn o s t b es i d e
, h i m se lf wi th i mp a ti en ce
wh en a t l as t a e un uch c am e ru shi n g i n b ehin d th e d an ci n g st a g e .
1 42
wr ought i n th e form of t he i d e ogr a p hs repr ese nt i n g M a y your Wi sh es
come True a n d ten si lver b a rs i n th e form o f t h e i d eogr a ph represen t
”
,
”
i n g H a pp i n ess an d Bl essi n g s To en um er a t e a ll t h e Oth e r gi ft s would
“
.
w rn e .
It w a s l
a r ea ppro a ch i n g t h r ee in the morn i n g wh en th e C h i e f
dy a
th em t o o grea t ly Th e S o n o f H ea v en i n h i s i mm en se g en e ro s i t y wo uld
.
, ,
s ur ely p e rm i t t h em t o s ee e a c h o th e r a g a i n o n e da y b u t o n th e occ as i o n ,
her h o n or A n d fi n a lly th ey p a rt e d w i th h e a rt br ea k i n g t e a r s a n d l a m en
.
t a t i o n s A s th e Imp e r i a l li tt e r d i s a pp ea r e d o ut of si g h t w i th B egi n n in g
.
s i d e l es t th ey sh ould si n k t o th e groun d wi t h t h e w ei g h t o f th ei r g ri e f
, .
CHA PT E R 1 6
On e n i gh t th e ma id P ea rl t es t s P a o Yu
’
h i s fam i ly an d a ls o for d i st ri b u t i o n a mo n g th e p e rs o n a l a tt en d a n ts o f
t h e Impe ri a l s pou se .
a f ew d a y s of w ell e a rn e d r est a nd re cr
ea t i o n T h e New Y e a r c el ebr a
-
i th
he r wo n ted en e rgy eve ryo n e s ought h i s or h er o w n comfort an d
,
Y u w a s l e ft to hi s o wn d ev i c es more t h a n u s u a l a n d a s t h e f a m i ly s c h ool
,
a ll h i fr ee t im e He o t bor e d by th e mo o o y
s g .
n t n o f th e d a y s an d l a ck of ,
'
1 44
One ft e rn oo n he sl i ppe d a w a y from the th eatri c a l p e rform an c e in
a
a n i m e n t o f w i ld cr i es a n d th e i n t ox i c a t i n g mu s i c o f go n g s an d drum s
p
w hi ch could b e h eard ri gh t o ut o n th e str eet w her e t he y he ld a crowd ,
o f lo i t e r e r s s pe llboun d w i t h a dm i r a t i o n w e r e n o t a t a ll t o hi s t a s t e H e
,
.
s om ew h a t s eclud ed pa rt o f th e bu i ld i n g a li tt l e r e a d in g p a v i l i o n In th i s
,
.
He w as a ll a lo n e f o r t h e se rv an ts t o o h a d a gr ea t d ea l o f fr ee dom th a t
,
n o n e of t h e m w as re ui re d to bo th e r muc h a bou t th e li tt l e m a s t er
q .
A s Pa o Y u p asse d un d e r th e wi n dow o f th e p a v i l i o n h e h ea rd a s ou n d
?
C a n t h e p i c t ure h a ve
’
o f s i g h i n g a n d gr oa n i n g from i n si d e Wh a t s t h i s .
?
come o l i f he th ough t i n a la rm po k in g a h ol e i n the w i n dow p a rc h
t e ,
t h e m a l e h a lf o f t h e coupl e he recogn i z e d h i s v a l et M i n g Y en , .
“ ”
S t op th a t ! h e sho ut ed push in g th e door ope n w i th h i s foo t Th e
,
.
T hi s I s a n i c e w a y t o b eha v e I n cl ea r d a yl i g h t if th e m a ste r of t h e ,
”
h ou se h e a rs of i t i t wi ll go i ll w i th yo u
, s cold ed P ao Y u a t t h e s a m e
, ,
t i m e ta k i n g a good lo ok a t M i n g Y e n s p a rt n e r She w a s n o t e x a c t ly a
’
.
be a u t y t hi s l i ttl e ki t ch en m a id b ut she w as ch a rm i n g an d pr et t y
, .
-
ea rs a n d w a s sta n di n g wi th down c a s t e y e s si l en t a n d e mb a rr a s se d
, , .
“ ”
W h y don t yo u cl e a r o ut
’
? a s ke d P a o Y u a n gr i ly s t a mp i n g h i s foo t
'
.
,
“ ”
Do n t b e a fr a i d I am n o t a tell ta l e ! h e c a ll ed a f t e r h er
’
, .
”
No t so loud li t tle an ces t or Your sh ou t i n g wi ll c er t a i n ly b et r a y u s
, .
f .
a n d p a r en t a g e h e s ai d t h a t h e would li ke t o t a k e s om e k i n d of exp e d i
.
,
t i o n . M i n g Y en S uggest ed a good lo n g w a lk ou ts i d e th e c i t y w a ll s b u t
, ,
'
hi s m a ste r th o ug ht tha t too d a ri ng H e fin a lly d e c i de d o n a v i si t to t h e
.
1 45
h om e of Pe a rl w h o h a d go t l e a v e t o s pe n d th e day wi th h er mo th e r
,
.
T he h ou s e w a s o n ly a b a r e m i le a w a y .
P ea rl w ho w a s j us t t ak i n g t ea a n d c a ke w i th he r mo th er a n d bro th er
, ‘
w h o w a s old e r th an s h e c a lm e d h er s a y i n g t h a t s i n c e t h e you n g g en t l e
, ,
. pl e h om e could off e r h i m
’
n e v er th el es s t h e c ha n g e pl ea s e d h i m Th e e a s ygo i n g a t mo s ph e re o f
.
a rou n d t he f am i ly bo a rd seem e d t o h i m qu i t e c h a r m i n g P ea rl he r se lf .
w a s t ouch i n g i n her a tt en t i o n s t o h i m Sh e pu sh e d h er o wn cu sh i o n b e
.
h i n d h i s b a ck p ut h er o w n foo t w a rm e r t o h i s fee t a n d s et a l i g h t i n h i s
,
-
“ ”
H a v e yo u b een cry i n g h e aske d g en t ly
?
.
“
No i t w a s for th a t aw ful th e a t ri c a l sh ow a t Prin ce C hen s I h a v e
,
’
.
”
j ust come from i t .
“
A n d you mu st go b a ck t o i t a s qu i ckly as o u can O ur poor h ut i s
‘
y .
n o pl a c e for you t o b e .
“
I a m go g b ut you mus t com e b a ck s oo n She g a ve h i m a kn ow
i n ,
”
.
“
Lo ok th i s i s the wo n d e rful th i n g I h a ve oft en t old you a bou t
, .
1 46
b e tte r tha n a n i n feri or cr ea t ur e li ke m e t o p a ss h er li fe in th ese sp a c i ous
”
h a lls a n d ex ten si v e g ar den s .
“
Th at good for t un e h a s c er ta i nly b een d en i e d h er b ut sh e h as n ev er ,
h a d t o s uff er w an t a n d h er p a r en t s h a v e spo i l e d h e r i n ev e ry w a y Sh e .
“ ”
A regret ful A h ! esc a pe d from P a o Y u .
“
, ,
”
Y es i n d ee d i t s a p i t y co n t i n u e d Pe a rl w i th a si gh
’
,
W e cou si n s .
”
n o w j u st w hen I am a bou t t o r et ur n h om e sh e i s l ea v i n g u s
, ,
.
? ”
W hat Y o u w an t to r et urn hom e h e a ske d dum fou n d e d
?
,
.
“
Y es Ju st w hen you c am e th i s a f tern oo n w e w e r e h a v i n g a f a m i ly
.
“
W h y do th ey w an t t o buy you free ? ”
”
Do you t hi n k p erh a p s th a t I sh ould en d my d ay s h e r e ?
“
Wh a t i f I do n o t let yo u go ? ”
O h o ! Ev en a t th e Imp er i a l Cour t t h ere i s n o s uch th i n g a s pe rpet u a l
se rv i t ud e T h e dom es t i c s t a ff i s c h a n g e d a n d a dd e d t o e v e ry f ew y ea rs
. .
“
You w i ll fi n d i t d i fficul t t o get fr ee w i th ou t t h e perm i ssi on o f th e
”
old Ta i ta i h e rem a rked
, .
, ,
o n t he o th er h a n d t h a t I am n o b et t e r t h a n th e a v e r a g e g i rl a n d ca n
,
b e ea s i ly r epl a c e d a t an y t i m e A t a n r a t e I h a v e b een i n th e s e rv i c e ‘
y .
,
t h e old T a i ta i s gr a n dd a ugh t e r a n d a ft e r th a t w h o k n ow s h o w m a n y
’
sh e wo n t d em an d a sp e c i a lly b i
’
g r a n s om T h e f a c t t h a t I h a v e se rve d .
Pa o Y u fi dget ed un ea si ly on h i s se a t ‘
“
B ut w hat i f I greatly d esi re you t o r em a i n ? Would your mo th e r n o t
_
1 48
My mo th er would c er t a in ly n o t d a r e t o resi st i f th e o ld Ta i ta i i n
si st e d a b s olu t ely th a t I s h ould r em a i n an d i n t h a t c a se t h e r e would b e
,
i s w o u ld t h e o ld Ta i ta i i n si st ? A s f a r as I k n ow i t h a s n ev er b een th e
, ,
m in e .
“ ? ”
If I un d erst a n d yo u a r i gh t you are se ri ous ly r es olv e d t o l e ave
,
”
Y es .
he r In rea l i ty sh e h a d d e cla re d t od a y a t h om e w h en h er mo th e r a n d
'
.
, ,
a t i m e w h e n t h e re w a s n o t a n o th er gr a i n o f ri ce t o ea t a t h ome sh e h e r ,
t he h ou se an d w a s n e i th e r b e a ten by day n or mi s u se d by n i g h t ; an d w a s
,
n a rrown e ss of h er h om e ? C e r ta
m n ot She di d n o t wi sh to hea r ah
.
fam i ly t o re g a rd he r a s b ei n g d ea d .
T he r es ul t w as th a t t he mo th e r a n d bro th er g a ve w ay a n d dropp e d th ei r
i n t en t i o n Pa o Y u s un exp ec te d vi si t h a d sh own th e m th e w a rm r ela ti o n s
’
.
an d b e i n g r a n so m e d w as sheer fic ti o n .
? ” “
Wh a t h as woun d ed your hea rt sh e as ke d gen t ly It a ll d e pen ds .
1 49
He j umpe d up .
“ ”
Oh , i s t ha t s o ? I do t o kee p yo u ?
A n d wh a t can
t he y wer e t o cu t my th ro a t h er e .
“
N ame th ree na m e a h un dre d co n d i ti on s d ea r est l i ttl e si ste r ! I
, ,
“
S t op ! You n eed n o t b e so sen t i m en t a l Y o u n ee d o n ly fulfill th ree .
”
sm a ll co n d i t i o n s .
“ ”
A n d wh a t would the y b e ?
“
I w i ll A n d you m ay wr en ch o ut my t on g ue i f l eve r ta lk n o n sen se
'
a g ai n C o o
.
n
“
S econ dly wh ether you a re r ea lly l ea rn e d or on ly preten d t o b e yo u
, ,
h
’ ”
block d So ot so ov erb ea ri n g i f you pl ea se !
ea s . n , ,
“
Y o u a re qu i t e r i ght A n d I w i ll n ev er a g a i n r e p ea t t h o se si lly
.
th i n g s t h a t I h a v e s a i d i n th e i mm a t uri t y o f my you th Go o n ! ” .
“
Thi rdly yo u must ha v e more r es pe c t fo r p i ou s h o m es a n d holy
,
~
, .
,
“
i h t i
All r g I w ll m n d my w a y s A n yt h i n g e lse
. e ? ”
.
g
ev en a l i tt e r w i th ei gh t b ea r e r
t s wi ll en t i c e m e t o l ea v e th e
o, no
ou se .
“
W hy n o t ? W h o k n ow s yo u m a
y ye t h a v e a l i t t e r wi th ei gh t b ea re rs
,
a t your d i s po sa l i f r
t y h e e lon g en o u gh ”
’
“
y o u s ,a .
Oh n o I a m n ot so v ery ea g er for th a t ”
, .
.
a
ppe a re d a n d a sked them would th ey n o t set tle down t o sl ee p a t las t It .
w a s a lr ea dy t h e thi rd w a t c h o f t h e
n i gh t P a o Y u ask e d h er wt o h an d
. .
1 50
Tha t i s j u st wh a t I w i ll sp eak o f a n d n ow Y o u a re a fr a i d of d ea th
,
. ,
? ”
I a m sur e a n d would l i ke t o l i v e t o b e a h un dre d I sn t t h a t so
’
.
,
“
A c h a rm i n g co n ver sa ti on li ke th i s wo u ld a hn o st m a ke on e wi sh f or
”
d ea th .
“ ? ”
Th a n k you So you would wi sh m e d ea d
.
yo u t w i st th e
h ? I m ea n t m i n e H o w
W o is
h S p e a k i n g of your d ea t .
”
word s i n a p erson s mou th ! ’
”
“
Cou si n Li tt l e Cloud 1 3 w a i t i n g fo r yo u ! W i th th ese w o rds Pr ec i ou s /
ch a n ge d to loud sobb i n g H e st a r te d t ry i n g t o p a c i fy h e r
. .
“ ”
W hy are yo u bo th er i n g m e a g ai n ? sh e a s k ed , for es t a ll i n g h i m .
? ”
So wh a t do you w a n t h ere plea se ,
“ ”
Do b e r ea so n a bl e ! h e pl ea d e d g en t ly Y o u know j ust a s w ell a s
.
t w o h a v e ea t en t og e th e r l i v e d t og e th e r l ea r n e d a n d pl a y e d t og et h e r
, , ,
“
P a h ! I a m n o t s o an x i ou s for your fa vor th a t I would comp ete w i th
.
”
a ll to m e .
”
st a n d in g s .
“
Oh I un d erst a n d you t h orough ly we ll B ut o u w i ll n ot t ol er a t e
,
y .
an
y w ell m ea n t re proof a n d by yo ur w h i ms yo u a re a lw a y s c h a ll e n g i n g
-
ga i y
“
“
B ec a u se your b a d h umor ha s m a d e m e q ui te h ot h e re pli e d
.
,
.
,
i h
you m g r lly g i ve a l i tt le more ti m e to m e
t e a ”
.
1 52
”
Wh a t a funn y pro n un c i a ti on th e li tt l e on e h a s ! excl ai m e d Bl a ck
“
J a d e mock in gly m i m i cki n g h er If yo u coun te d on e t w o thr ee her
, .
, ,
”
w a y yo u would b i t e your t o n gu e i n tw o
‘
“
Ta ke c a re tha t yo u do n o t b i te your o w n t o n gue In tw o by m i m i ck
”
i n g h er s o w e ll ! s a i d P a o Y u t o Bl a ck J a d e in t h e sam e t o n e o f
m i mi cry .
“
You re t e rri ble You wo n t ov e rlook th e t i n i e st d efe c t i n y our fell ow
’
.
’
”
cr ea t ur es ; yo u mu st a lw a y s fi n d fa ul t w i t h us l a m en t e d th e vi c t i m ,
.
“
Y o u m a y p u t o n s upe r i or a i rs w i th o th e r s,b ut I kn ow s om e o n e w h om
”
you would nev er d a r e t o fi n d fa ul t w i th .
“
e e,
?
O h in d d I would r ea lly lov e t o kn ow w h om yo u m ean rep li e d ,
Pao Y u .
“
If ough cour a ge t o fi n d fa ul t w i th Cou s in Pr ec i ous
yo u h a v e en
O h w i th h e r ? V e ry w e ll j us t see i f I do n t
“ ’
.
, ,
i n d i g n a t i o n lo Bl a ck J a d e : I h op e yo u w i ll o n e da y h a v e a m a n w h o
w i ll b i te h i s t o n gu e w hen he sp ea k s a n d t or t ur e yo u da y a n d n i gh t
w i th h i s st ut te r If I lIve t o see t h a t I w i ll b eli ev e h oly Buddh a i n yo u
.
, , ,
”
a n d your powe r o f r et r i bu t i o n !
A n d w i th th i s l a st sh a f t sh e w a s o u t o f th e roo m i n a fl ash a m i d th e
l a ugh ter o f t he o th e rs .
w a y w i th ou ts t r et c h e d a rm s l a ug h i n gly b a rr in g h er w a y
, .
“
B e g en e rou s an d le t h er o ff
N o I wo n t ; sh e w i ll ha ve t o p a y for th i s ! sa i dB la ck J a d e h eat e dly
”
’
’
, ,
t ry i n g i n v a i n t o pus h h i m as i d e .
“ ”
D ea r est b est si st e r I b eg fo r m e rc y ! pl ea d e d Li tt l e Cloud w ho
, , ,
h a d st oppe d ou tsi d e .
”
No I wi ll n o t ! i n s i st e d Bl a ck J a d e st a mp i n g he r foo t d efi an t ly
, , .
”
I see you h a v e a ll plo tt ed t og eth e r t o m a ke g a m e o f m e .
“
B u t i t w a s yo u w h o b eg a n i t No w do b e r ea s o n a bl e a n d gi v e i t
. .
”
up ! P a o Y u tr i e d t o pe rs u a d e h er
”
. .
t i l a se rv a n t a ppe a r e d t o c a ll t h e m t o t h ei r e v en i n g m e a l T h e y broke .
o ff th ei r s qu a bbl e an d w en t o ff a ll four t og e t h e r h o t c h ee k e d an d
, ,
-
Cloud a ls o w en t t o h er qu art e rs j u st as u s u a l a n d sh a re d a b e d p e a c e
‘
a bly wi t h Bl a ck J a d e .
1 53
C H A P T ER l 7
Th e ma i d P ea rl l ks a nd ta k es P a o Y u q u i e t ly t o ta s k Th e m a id L i t t le
su .
T HE NE X T M OR N ING PA o Y UU M P ED o ur o r B E D VE R Y E A R L Y P UT
J ,
of t he p i llow .
“
She c an n o t b e s t i ll e ven w h en a sl ee p ! murmur e d P a o Y u t o h i m
“ ’ ”
s elf . S h e ll get a fi n e cold a n d t hen compl a i n o f t w i n g es .
Bl a ck J a d e t urn e d rou n d a n d op en e d h er e y es W ha t a re yo u do i n g .
”
he re s o ea rly ? sh e a sk e d P a o Y u .
“
It s n o t a t a ll so e a rly Qu i ck ge t up !
’ ”
.
,
You mu s t go o u t first .
P a o Y u w a i t e d a l i tt l e w h i l e i n t he a dj o i n i n g dr e ss i n g room th en ,
h e c a m e b a ck In t h e m ea n t i m e t h e tw o cou s i n s h a d o t up a n d w e r e
.
g
j u st a t t hei r morn i n g t o i le t P a o Y u s a t dow n by t h e dr ess i n g t a bl e an d
.
“ ”
t ! i
S op cr d Pa o Y u h ol di n g h e r b a ck I would l i ke to h a v e i t t o
e ,
“
.
”
w a sh i n .
A n d h e st oop ed ov er th e b a s i n w et te d h i s f a c e a n d h a n d s i n t h e sa m e
,
t ow el w i th w h i c h s he h a d dr i e d h e r self T h e n h e qu i ckly r i n . s e d o ut
h i s mou th a n d cl ea n e d h i s t eeth w i th blu e s a l ts a n d t h i s do n e t urn e d
, ,
“
D rl l
e a i tt e s i s t e ,
”
r pl e a se do my h a i r t o o ! he b e gg e d .
”
No I c a n n o t do tha t
, .
'
P er ha p s so b ut I h a ve forgo tten h o w to
, .
to
a ll t i e d by t h e en d s a n d dra wn u p f orm ed a crown sh a p e d co i q re
-
_
,
“
Look he r e the four th p ea rl do es n o t m at ch th e ot h er pear ls I t e
,
.
”
m emb er t hat a ll four u se d t o b e a li ke r em a rke d Li tt le Cloud whi le
‘
sh e w a s pl a i tin g .
“
Tha t s r i ght It i s a r epl a c emen t ; I lo st th e or i gi n a l on e
’
. .
“
W ho kn ows p erh a p s he di d n ot lo se i t b ut pr ese n t e d i t t o so m e
,
”
o ne a s a m a rk of r e g a rd i n terj e c t e d Bl a ck J a d e
, .
P a o Y u di d n o t r eply b ut con t i n u e d t o ha n dl e an d p ee p i n t o th e
,
as w a s h i s h a b i t a n d t as t e t h e re d s t uff b ut h e w a s a fr a i d h i s co usin s
, ,
st a r i n g f a s c i n a t e d a t t h e t emp t i n g re d p a st e h e s udd en ly
go t a s l a p
from b eh i n d wh i ch m a d e h im drop t he p o t o f roug e .
“ ”
You sh ouldn t do th a t ! Wh en w i ll yo u g i v e up s uch si lli n ess ?
’
A t th a t mom en t t h e m a i d P e a rl a pp ea r e d b ut i mme d i a t e ly wi th ,
“ ”
Wh er e i s Pa o Y u she ask ed
? .
”
He i s bu sy repl i ed P ea rl w i th an i ron i c a l smi le i n d i c at i n g the
, ,
n ex t room .
“
Y es o n e can pr ea ch t o hi m a s much a s on e l i kes b ut i t o n ly oes
,
g ,
”
I n o n e ear a n d o ut t h e o t h e r “
co n t i n ue d P e a rl w i th a si gh Th e y ar e
, .
od e ra
t i on '
.
”
th e e d ge of t h e b ed an d st a r t d a l i tt l e t a lk w i t h her a s ki n g a bou t h er
e ,
a ge a n d f a m i l
y an d o the r p e rs o n a l t h i n g s ; a n d t h e mor e sh e c h a tt e d
w i th h er t h e more she w a s ch arm e d by h er ki n d an d un d e rst a n d ing n a
,
o ff w i th ou t a word or a gr eet in g .
“
W h y di d she 8 0 O H 5 0 S udd en ly w hen I c a m e i n ? ” h e as ke d i n sur
.
pri se .
W hy do yo u I c ann o t kn ow w h at th ere i s b et ween yo u
as k me?
”
tw o ,
r epli e d P ea rl coolly Pa o Y u di d n o t fa i l t o n o ti c e he r ann oy e d
.
express i o n .
“ ”
W hy a re yo u i n s uch a b a d h um o r he con t i n u ed sm i li n g
?
,
.
I di d n o t kn ow t ha t I w a s i n a b a d h umor M oreov er in fu t ur e yo u .
,
t o serv e th e o ld T a i ta i a g a i n .
S a y i n g th i s sh e th re w h e r se lf on h er b e d P a o Y u sa t down b esi d e
, .
h er an d s po ke k i n d word s to h e r b u t sh e sh u t h e r e y e s t i g h t an d di d
,
n o t ta k e a n y n o ti c e o f h i m H e w a s u t t e rly p e rpl e x e d
. .
”
Wh a t i s t he m a tte r w i th he r he a ske d th e m a i d Mus k w h o ca m e
?
, ,
i n j us t th en .
“
How do I kn ow ? Y o u m us t a sk he r y our self a n swe re d Mus k ,
, ,
s ta n di ng up he w en t i n t o h is b e droom a n d t h r e w h i ms e lf o n t h e b e d .
“
If i t s ui ts yo u th a t w a y I a ls o can pr eten d to b e d ea f an d dumb in
,
”
fu t ure she sa i d
, .
He g a ve up hi s p reten d i ng an d sa t up .
“
How h a ve I d ese rv ed your dis pl ea s ur e a g a i n ? I h a ve no obj e c t i o n
t o your sc old i n g m e B u t to s ul k s i l en t ly wi th out an y r e aso n a n d no t
.
,
t o n o ti c e m e at a ll th a t s no m a nn e rs ! I do n o t u n d er st a n d your b e
’
,
”
h a vi or .
“
It is a p i t y th a t yo u l a ck th e ne ces s ary i ns i g h t .
th e d i v an i n t h e v e r a n d a wh i l e M us k w as s qu a tt i n g down b es i d e h er
,
“ ”
Ple ase do n o t le t m e d is t urb yo u tw o ! he sa i d an gr i ly Mus k t urn e d .
1 57
to ord r
e tea h e s w a t h e t w o li tt l e th i n g s s t an d i n g qu i et ly a n d sh yly i n
“ ? ”
Wh at i s your n a me h e asked .
”
O rchi d P erfume .
? ”
W h o g a v e you th a t n am e
S i ste r P ea rl My r ea l n a m e i s P e rfum e o f R esi n
. .
? ”
R i d i culou s ! he murmur e d Ho w m an y si st ers h a v e you a t h ome
” “
.
”
There a re four of us .
? ”
A n d w her e do you com e in
“ ”
I m t h e fourth
’
.
”
n a m es ? Hurry up a n d bri n g m e t ea !
T h e tw o eld e r m a i d s wh o w e re ou t si de o n t he v er an d a h a d h ea r d th e
con v ersa t i o n Th ey presse d t hei r l i ps t i ght ly t og e th e r t o kee p from
.
l a ughi n g o ut loud .
a n d wr i t i n g He l e f t al l t h e m a i d s a lo n e w i th t h e e xc e p t i o n o f L i tt l e
.
,
i n cl i n ed t o p a y h er much more a t t en t i o n t od a y .
When even i n g c ame he fel t h i s self i mpo se d lon eli n ess doubly op -
i n or e th e m compl et ely a s i f t h e y w e r e d ea d a n d t o b e co n t en t w i t h
g , ,
h i s ow n comp an y for o n c e .
“
a n d t h i eves en t i t l e d ”
O pe n t h e Cupbo a rd s w h i ch r e a d : Aw a y w i th “
1 58
w i ll b ecome h o n est an d si mple a g a i n D est roy t h e w e i gh i n g m a ch i nes !
.
i n k a n d i n sp i r e d by th e w i n e an d by th e sp i r i t of t h e w i se C h u a n g Tzu
, ,
“
he wro te o n co n t in u i n g t he th em e : Aw a y w i th t h e P ea rls a n d th e
.
,
a she s ! Bur y a ll
yea m i n gs a n d p a ssi o n s ! Th en w i ll th e b e a u t i ful a n d th e
ugly i n m a tes of i n n er ch a mb er s b e a r w i th o ne a n o th e r a n d r e c i proc a lly
a n d w i t ou t r a n cor a cc e p t w i s e i n st ruc t i o n s du e from th e o t h e r S h ould
h .
’
Pre ci ou s Cl a sp s d i vi n e b ea u t y fa d e a w a y I would b e cur e d o f th e de ,
he sa w the
m a i d P ea rl ly i n g a t h i s si d e fully clo th e d o n t o p o f th e
, ,
b edclo th es He g av e her a pu sh
.
.
“
Li e down prop erly i n t h e b e d! You W l ll c a t c h cold l i ke tha t ” h e
,
sa i d t o h er He h a d lo n g a o forgo t t en th e i t tl e qu a rre l
.
g l o f y es t e rd a y ,
b ut sh e h a d n ot W h e n sh e r em a i n e d s i len t h e st re t che d o u t h i s h a n d
.
,
an d t r i e d t o pull o ff h er j a ck et B u t h e h a
d s c a rc e ly un do n e t h e firs t
.
“ ”
O ve r w h e r e ?
wa rd crea t ure li ke m e w ho st up i dly m i su ses b ea ut i ful flower n am es
,
.
“ ? ”
C a n yo u n o t forg et a bout y este rd a y th en ,
th e w i n d un h ea rd an d w h o do es n ot kn ow th e n ex t morn i n g w h a t h a s
,
”
b een sa i d the n i gh t b e fore .
P a o Y u se i z e d a j a d e h a i r cl a s p w h i c h h a d s l i d down n ear th e p i ll ow ,
”
M ay th a t h a pp en t o m e t oo i f I do n o t li s ten t o yo u in th e fu t ure ! .
h e sa i d w i th emph a sis .
“ ”
B e tt e r n o t t o sw e a r ! sa i d P ea rl l a ughi n g B esi d es yo u do n o t
, .
,
”
r ea lly m ean i t .
“ ”
If yo u kn ew h ow he a vy my he a rt i s !
Wh a t do yo u kn ow a bout gri e f a n yw a y ? Y o u would h a ve t o look
,
”
i n t o my h ea rt to kn ow th a t B ut en oug h o f th i s It s t i m e t o get up
’
. . .
Pa o Y u go t up an d dre ss ed hi m se lf T hi s t im e h e di d n o t go ov e r .
t o Bla ck J a d e an d L i t tl e Cl o u d b ut r em a i n e d qu i et ly wi th P ea rl a n d le t
h er do h i s h a i r S h ort ly a f te r h e h a d go n e t o t a k e brea kfas t wi th h i s
.
sh e r an sa ck e d h i s wr i t i n g t a ble T h e r e sh e fo un d t h e book o f C h u a n g
.
eff us i o n
W h o i s t he
clum sy fo ol t h a t d a res t o pr a tt l e
A n d n i bbl e at th e words of M a st e r C h II a n g Tzu ?
Le t h i m a t ten d t o h i s o w n bu si n ess
A n d kee p h i s h a n ds o ff t he a ff a i rs of o th er s .
C h i a Li en h a d t o ev a cu a t e t he i r h ou se t empor a ri ly o n a ccoun t of t he
d a n g e r o f i n fe c ti o n an d li v e se p a r a tely C h i a Li en i n th e ou t er l i br a ry
, ,
a n d P h o en i x wi t h h er a un t M a d am e C h en g The dw e ll i n g w a s s w e pt
, .
s acr i fic e a n d pr a y e d b e for e i t e v er y da y Ev e ry th i n g ro a s te d or b a ke d
.
16 1
The te mpor a ry of m a ri t a l r el at i on s w as a h a rd t ri a l fo r
i n t e rrupt i o n
C h i a Li en a n d h e fou n d t h e lo n eli n ess o f h i s sl eep i n g qu a rt er s i n th e
, ‘
ou t er l i br a ry s o Oppressi v e th at by th e th i rd da y h e w a s a lr ea dy looki n g
a rou n d for s om e comp en s a t i o n Th e comp an y of a f ew n i c e youn g
.
w i fe of th e cook To Ku an Th i s wom a n w h o w a s b a re ly t w en t y w as
.
, ,
t h e r e w a s s c a rc e ly a m an e i th e r i n th e w e st e r n or i n t h e ea st e rn pa l a c e
w h o h a d n o t en j oy e d he r f a vor s a t o n e t i m e or a n o t h e r .
cu m s t an ces h ow ev er h e ut a si d e a ll h i s qu a lm s a n d a s th e wom a n
, p , , ,
w i th h er O n e ev en i n g wh en th e cook w a s a g a i n ly i n g o n th e k an g
.
,
’
m a n y a m a n s bo n es a n d n e rv es s oft a s w a x H e fe l t i n h er a rm s as i f
'
bod i es .
”
You are a real v il l a i n ! sh e r em a rke d l a ugh i n g a s th e y l a y th er e ,
.
, ,
o nc e y
.
’
.
“ ”
You a re my godd ess ! Wh a t do I w a n t w i t h o th e r godd esses h e ?
s t a mm e r e d co n t i n u i n h i s d evou t ex e rc i se Af t e r t h i s fir st t i m e h e c a m e
,
g .
t o h e r d a i ly a n d w a s a lmo s t s orry wh en a ft e r t w e l ve d a y s th e ch i ld
, ,
a t a n e n d T h e a l t a r a n d t h e st a t u e of t h e godd e ss o f sm a llpox w e re
.
t a k en dow n a n d i n t h e i r pl a ce a s ol e m n c e r emon i a l t h a n ks gi vi n g sa cr i
fi ce w a s o ff ere d t o h e a ve n a n d t o t h e a n c es t ors by t h e a sse mb l e d f am e
i ly A n d P h o en i x a n d Ch i a L i en r et urn e d t o t h ei r commo n h om e
.
.
T he m a i d L i ttl e P i n g w a s pu tt in g C h i a L i en s clo t h n g a n d b ed ’
i
h n e n b a ck i n t h ei r pl a c e a g a in wh en sh e d i s cov e re d b et ween th e i l
, p
1 62
Well v I c d my p r w ll ? Y o u sh ould b e v ery gr a t e ful t o
ha e,
a t e a t e
”
m e s h e s a i d t o h im
,
.
”
“
My hea rt ! My l i ver ! My l i tt l e m eat b all ! h e fl a tt e r e d h er em ,
o f h a i r a n d swun g i t gl ee fully i n h i s f a c e .
”
Look wi th t hi s I h ave you fetter e d f o r li fe ! she cri e d exult a n t ly
,
.
B ut wi th a s udden gra b h e h a d sn at ch e d a t h er w a vi n g h an d an d
t orn t h e boo t y fr om h er .
“
The thi n g i s sa fe r wi th me A t b est yo u w i ll do so m e m i s ch i ef wi th
.
,
”
i t he s a i d l a ug hi n g a n d s t uff e d th e st r an d i n t o th e le g o f h i s boo t
,
.
” “
F i e l Y o u a re v ery rude ! sh e pou t e d d i scon c e r t e d Y o u a re ,
.
”
do n o t i m agi n e th at I w i ll t ell l i e s for you a g a i n ! W i th t h i s sh e di sen
ga g e d herself from hi s t en d er embr a c e a n d sl i pp e d o ut o f th e room .
“
Such a h u ssy ; fir st you ent i c e an d t hen wh en th e fi re i s ali gh t yo u
, , ,
r un o fI h e c a ll e d a fter h er .
“ ”
W h o t old yo u t o get o n fi re ? sh e c a ll e d b a ck t h rough t h e wi n dow ,
“
O h sh e ! Y o u n ee d n o t b e a fr a i d of h er Som et i m e I ll sh a tt e r th a t ’
, .
v i ne ga r po t i n pi eces ! S h e ll l ea rn t o kn ow m e w i th h er d a mn e d
’
,
soc i a t e w i th m en a n d n ev er s p ea k t o an
y fem a l e Ev en t h e v e ry prox .
.
, ,
”
n e ph e ws B ut j u s t w a i t I w i ll b a ck !
“
.
p a,y h e r
“
A h a yo u h a ve bo th co n sp i r e d ag a i n st m e B u t j u st w a i t I w i ll h a v e
, .
,
n o t i c e d t he m a i d Li tt l e Pi n g co n v e rsi n g w i th h i m a t t h e w i n dow
, , ,
sh e sa i d t o h er t e a s i n gly :
“
If you w a n t s om eth i n g from h i m pl e ase ,
a rr a n g e i t i n si d e ! W h do yo u t a lk w i th h i m t h rough t h e w i n dow ? ”
“
y
T ha t s r i gh t She b eh a ves a s i f t he re w er e a t i ge r i n h e re w h o w a n t e d
’
.
”
t o e a t h er i n terj e c t ed Ch i a Li e n: l a ugh i n g
, .
“
T rh e e i s n o o n e i n t h er e b u t h i m s elf
”
r em a rke d L i tt l e P i n g sh a rply
, .
,
Oh b ut th a t s a ll t he b e t t e r ” co n t i n u e d P h o en i x i ro n i c a lly
,
’
1 64
”
Fo r you o f course ! ,
ki n d s of n i c e th i n gs mi gh t com e t o li gh t t h e m a i d re pl i e d in an in ,
j ur e d t on e t urn i n g h er b a ck on h er m i st r e ss w i th out dr a w i n g a si d e t he
,
ro o rr
“
Th e crea t ur e seem s t o h a ve gon e cr a zy sh e r em a rke d a n gril y t o ,
“
h er h u sb an d B ut i f sh e sh o ul d t a ke i t i n t o h er h ea d t o w a n t t o get
.
“ ”
?
Wh at Is sh e r ea lly so d an gerou s ? h e excl a i m e d l a ugh i n g If , .
”
th a t i s so I must look a t h er wi t h qui t e d i ff e r en t ey es i n fu t ure
,
.
“
O f course you a re t o bl a m e ! You mu st h a ve en cour a g e d h er sai d ,
“ ”
Ph o en i x seve r ely T a ke c a r e th at I do n o t set t l e a ccoun ts w i th yo u !
.
“
H a t h en I h a d b ett er b e o ff
,
Wh a t sh e h a d t o sp ea k t o h im a bout wi ll b e r ev ea l e d i n th e n ext
ch a p t e r .
C H A P T ER 18
“
te as e one a n o th e r w i th q u o ta t i o n s fro m Th e Play of th e Wes t ern-
”
P a v ili o n
.
“ ? ”
Well
“
The w y fi rst wi ll b e Co u si n Pre c i ou s Cl a sp s b i rth d a y H o w
t en t
’
'
-
”
sh a ll w e c e l ebr a t e i t ?
“
Y o u mu s t s ur ely kn o w th a t b est your se lf Y o u h a v e h a d suffi c i en t .
”
exp e ri en c e i n c el ebr a t i n g b i r th d a y s .
“
Y es th o s e of grown up p e opl e ; th e r e a r e d e fin i t e rul es ab ou t th o se
,
-
n ei t he r i s sh e a c h i ld Th at i s t h e t roubl e ” .
.
“ ’
It s qu i t e si mpl e W e ca n c el ebr a t e h er b i rt h da y j us t a s Bl a ck J a d e s
.
’
w a s c el ebr a t e d l a st y ea r ” .
“
O f cour se I h a d a lr ea dy th o ugh t o f th a t B ut i t won t do fo r wh en .
’
,
m
Gr an d o th e r r ec en tly i n qu i re d th e a ge s o f h er v a ri ou s gr a n dc h i ldren
w e re alIze d t h at Pr e c i ous Cl a s p is n o w fifte en so sh e i s m a rri a g e abl e
,
, .
1 66
t a i n ed an d g av e ea ch of th em a th ous an d -
pi ece st r in g o f mon ey a s an
e x tra f ee .
“
Do es lde r o n e in h i s fem a l e a tt i re rese mbl e a ce rt a in p er
n o t t he e , ,
? ”
so n w e all kn ow r em a rke d P h o en i x .
o ut i n h er i mp et uou s w a y : W h y of cours e h e i s l i k e S i st er Bl a ck , ,
”
J a de !
T h e w arn i n g s i d elo n g gl an c e wh i c h P a o Y u sh o t a t h er c a m e t oo
,
“
a m i d l a ug h t er : Y es i n d ee d th e y are so muc h a li ke o n e could m i s
, ,
.
”
t a ke th em for o n e an o th er !
Wh en Pa o Y u w a s go i n g t o b ed th a t n i gh t he h ea rd Li tt l e Cloud i n
th e n ex t room ord e ri n g h er m a i d t o p a ck h er t h i n g s a n d s a y i n g i n re ,
“
ply t o th e m a i d s a st o n i sh e d qu est i o n : Y es I a m go i n g a w a y ea rly in
’
Pa o Y u cro ss t o h er room
ra n a .
“
D ea r l i t t le si st e r you a re un j u st ly a n gry h e sa i d t ry i n g t o pl a c a t e
, , ,
“
h er Bl a ck J a d e i s s o t e rr i bly sen si t i v e an d t h a t i s w hy I t ri e d t o w a rn
.
,
“ ” “
h
’
T a t s e n oug h ! L i tt l e Cloud i n te rrup t e d Sp a r e
m e your flow ery words ! Wh at a m I b e si d e your cou s i n Bl a ck J a d e ? A n
ord i n a ry gi rl b esi d e a hi gh b o m l a dy i sn t t h a t so ? O th e r s m a y m a ke
-
,
’
”
r m rk bou h r b ut I d a r e n o t If I op en my mou th i t s a cr i m e
e a s a t e , .
,
’
.
“
If I ha ve eve r th ought of sl i gh t i n g you i n t h e le a st m a y I b e t urn e d ,
,y
pro test e d Pa o Y u i n d i sm a y .
“
M a ke th o se flowery sp ee c hes t o i n fer i or p e opl e o f your ow n ki n d -
w ho i n th ei r i nsen si t i v en es s kn ow n ob et t e r t h a n t o r i d i cul e a n d m
,
,
, o ck
th e i r fellow b ei n g s b ut s p a r e m e your commo n s t r e et j a rgo n an d do
,
“
; <
in her room th a n Bl a ck J a de pu sh e d h im o ut a n d sh u t h e o oi ehi n d '
t d b
hi m Pa o Y u w a s pe rpl ex e d
.
. '
l I .
‘
I i '
1 68
”
D ea res t best M e i m e i ! he c a ll ed w i th g en t le en tr eaty thr ough th e
,
d oo r t o her .
B ut Bl a ck J a d e r em a i n e d si l ent an d i n vi si b le Pao Y u h un g h i s h ea d .
sh e s a w hi m sti ll st and i n g th er e li ke a po or si nn e r No w sh e ha d p i t y o n .
hi m an d let hi m i n .
Wi ll yo u n o t a t l east e ll m e w hy yo u are he b eg a n
t
he si tan t ly .
Sh e g a v e a sh ort dry l a ug h , .
S h e c e rt a i n ly do es n o t th an k yo u for i t
’
.
Th a t i s wh a t I get fo r my good i n t en t i o n o f t ry in g t o pl a y th e p a rt
o f m e d i a t or b et w e en th e m ! h e th oug h t t o h im s elf b i tt e rly No w I h a v e .
th in g s ? On e i s o n ly a n n oy e d by th e m H o w s pl e n d i d o n t h e o t h e r h a n d
.
, ,
r oom .
“
Go a wa y ! Y o u n ee d n o t com e b a ck a g a i n an d yo u n ee d n o t s pe a k
”
to m e a n y more sh e c a lle d a f t e r h i m
, .
o f h i s broo di n g . s
1 69
W e sha ll prob ably mor e t hea tri c a l p e rform an c es i n th e n ext few
se e
“
Wh a t have I t o do wi th th e o th ers ? Aft e r a ll I a m a lo ne qu i t e , ,
”
al o n e No o n e w a n ts m e
. .
Tea r s c a m e t o h i s e y es an d he g a ve a lo ud so b Then h e go t up w en t .
,
’
th e pr et ex t of look i n g for P e a rl .
“ ”
He s a lr ea dy a sl eep
’
P ea rl i n t i m a t e d t o her qu i e tly H er e r ea d
, . ,
t h i s ! He h a s j u st wr i tt en i t .
Bla ck J a d e sc an n ed t he p a ge o f wr i t i n g Sh e w a s a mu se d a t th e con .
ten t s b u t a t th e sa m e t i m e fe l t s orry f or t h e b o
y
“
It s o n ly a l i tt l e fool e ry a n d m ean s n o th i n g sh e s a i d wi th a pp a r en t
’
a w a y wi th h er a n d g i vi n g i t t o L i tt l e Clo u d a n d t h e n ex t morn i n g t o
Prec i ou s Cl a sp t o r ea d .
h
W at do I c a re a bou t t h e world ! ”
Th r ea d th e s t an a ,z th e fi rs t p ar t f whi ch wr i tt en i n th e Su tr a
p
s o w as
s t y e.
“
Oh Cous i n P a o Y u w a nts t o j o i n th e s a in ts a n d r en oun c e th e
,
”
world ! the t hree o f t h em cr i e d looki n g a t ea ch o t h er w i th e mb a r , .
r ass ed sm i l es E a c h o f th e m fe l t a l i t tl
.
e b i t gu i l t y .
“
Com e l e t us go t o h i m t ogeth e r an d br i n g hi m t o r ea s o n ! sug
,
”
geste d Bl a ck J a de A n d th e t hr e e o f t h em set o ff t og et h e r t o th e C h a m
.
b er of th e Fr a gr a n c e of Cul t ur e Bl a ck J a d e dr e w h i s a tten t i o n t o th e
'
cn t i ci sm o f a s i
m i l a rly d e fec t i ve st a nz a w h i ch h e h a d compose d P a o .
1 70
hi m ,
yi n g th at h e h a d n o th in g t o fea r an d th a t hi s fath er prob ably
sa ,
,
-
“
pluck h i s sl eev e a s h e p a sse d by a n d wh i sp e r : Now wh at abou t i t ? ,
'
an d t he yo un g e r bro t h e r C h i a Hu a n t h e so n o f a se co n d a ry w i f e o f h i s
,
se t co a r se a pp ea r a n c e of t h e b a st a rd ! Mr C h en g w en t o n to r e fl e c t th a t
, .
h i s h a i r w as a lr ea dy b e g i n n i n g t o t ur n gr a y a n d tha t h e could sc a rc e ly
,
th e a v e rs i o n whi ch h e u s u a lly fe l t t ow a rd s P ao Y u v an i sh e d as a r es ul t
o f t hi s si l en t r e fl ec t i o n a n d h e s ou n d e d mor e g en t l e th a n u s u a l wh en
,
“
he sa i d : Her Imp eri a l H i gh n ess h a s d ei g n e d t o g i v e ord e rs th a t o u
y
a re t o co n t i n u e your s t ud i e s i n fu t ur e i n t h e comp a n y
, o f your s i st e r s
a n d cou s i n s i n t h e P a rk of D el i gh t ful V i si o n
, B ut sh e des i res you t o .
n o w comply w i th t h i s or d e r a n d b e on your gu a rd ”
, !
Pa o Y u m a n a g e d t o murmur a h urr i e d sh i h — e s th e re follow e d a
y ;
sh ort co n v e r sa t i o n b etw een mo t h e r a n
d s o n co n ce rn i n g h i s h e a l t h th en ,
“
a gr uff W h y i s th a t cre at ur e th a t pl a gu e o f my l i fe sti ll s ta n d in g
, ,
”
th er e ?
s c a r e d h i m qu i ckly ou t si d e t h e door Now look i n g h a ppy . he ,
st i cki n g o ut h i s t o n gu e a t th e m a i d Gold
en B an gl e as he p asse d .
si n e
g d as dwell i n g s h a d b e en p ut i n h ab i ta bl e ord er P a o Y u an d Bl ack .
J a d e m a n a ge d to a rra n ge for t h ei r qu a rt er s t o b e qu i te n ea r o n e an
1 72
o th er Th ey. ea ch l i ve d on thei r ow n , an d b esi d es th e m ai ds wh om they
ha d h a d up t o n o w ea c h h a d t w o eld erly c h a pe ron s t o s upe rv i se th e m
'
Th u s o n t he t we n t y se co n d o f th e mo n t h l i fe a n d youth en t ere d th e
,
-
wh ol e pe rs o n a li t y Hi s d ej ec t i on v an i she d a n d g a ve pl a c e t o m e rf y
.
'
wr i t i n g st r umm in g t he lu te o r pl a y i n g ch ess , p a i n t i n g o r r e c i t in g ve r se
, ,
g .
o l d b o y po et o f t h e Y un gk uo p a l a c e a n d t o d i s pl a y cop i e s o f h i s
,
s at i s fy i n g a ll th e cl a i m s m a d e on h i m from ou ts i d e .
y th e spl en do rs o f t he
n es s would b e s t i rr e d up a g a i n so s oo n
? O n e da
p a rk w hi c h h a d c h a rm e d h im so much i n th e b e g in n i n g b eg a n t o bore
, ,
h i m He fou n d f a ul t w i t h th i s an d cr i t i c i z e d th a t a n d fel t an n oy e d an d
.
,
fool !
H i s v a l et M i n g Y en h a d b een t ry i n g in v a in f o r a lo n g t i m e t o b a n i sh
h i s i ll h umor w i th v a ri ou s s ugge st i o n s a n d d i st r a c ti o n s b u t a t l as t h e
-
t a n ew i d ea wh i ch s ucc ee d ed On e da y a ft e r a w a lk t h roug h th e
g o .
,
"
books e llers l a n e he t ook h om e t o h i s m a st e r a wh ol e st a ck of u n kn own
,
1 73
Pa o Y u h a d n ever be fore seen s uch books Wh en h e pee pe d i nt o .
th em n o w h e b ec a m e a s i f i n t ox i c a t e d , an d as h a ppy a s i f t h e y w er e a
v a lu a ble fi n d A n d the f a c t th a t h e mi gh t o n ly r ea d th es e bo oks secr etly ,
.
hi d th em as well a s h e co ul d i n h i s b e d a n d i n o th e r sa fe pl a c e s , an d
from n ow on h e sp en t hi s t i m e , wh en eve r h e w a s a lon e an d un d i st ur b e d ,
ea ge rly d elvi n g i nt o th em .
a ft er br ea kfas t t o t he bri dg e l ea d i n g t o t h e W e i r o f P en et r a t i n g P er
“ ”
fum es c a rry i n g the H s i H sia n g Ch i Pl a y o f th e W est e rn P a vi l i on
, , ,
'
t o a pl a c e i n t h e book w h i c h d e s cr i b e d f all i n g re d g a th e re d up i n ,
”
h ea ps a s udd en gu st o f w i n d ble w th r ou gh th e br a n ch es an d c a use d
,
e re d a ll ov er wi th t h e r e dd i sh p et a ls a n d h a d t o sh a k e h i m s e lf t o
get ri d
o f th e d eli c a t e burd en So lov ely a n d c h a rm i n g di d th e se pe t als see m t o
.
sh a ke t h em ov er th e s u rf a ce o f the wa te r A n d e a c h t i m e th a t h e h a d
.
o n t h e w a v es a n d w e r e g en t ly dr a wn by t he curr en t t ow a rd s th e w e i r .
? ”
ing h ere
He ur ne d a roun d Th er e he sa w Bl ack J a d e sta n d in g i n fron t o f
t .
“ ’
It s good th at you h av e com e ! You can help m et o sw e e p up th ese
flower pe tals an d thr ow th em in t o the w a te r I ha ve a lr ea dy thr own i n .
”
qu i t e a lot he sa i d
, .
“
You sh ould n o t do th a t ! H er e th e w a t e r i s t ol e r ably cl e an b ut l a t er ,
o n wh en th e p et a l s h a v e dri f t e d f a r th er a lo n g w t
i h t h e cur re n t ; a n d flo at
in t o o th er esta t es th ey w i ll com e i n co n t a c t w i th a ll ki n d s o f d i rt a n d
,
No i t i s b ett er i f w e t a ke th em t o th e pe ta l r a ve wh i ch I h a v e j u s t dug
,
g
b ehi n d tha t b i ll I sh a ll sw eep t hem up Y o u st uff th e m in t o t h e b a g a n d
.
.
th en w e wi ll c a rry th em t o th e gr a v e t og eth e r
In t h e cour se o f ti m e th e y
. .
thr o wm g them in t o th e w a te r ? ”
1 74
at him , sh e d : B esi d es I could r eply t o yo u i n th e sa m e t on e i f I
sa i ,
”
“
If you s a y such thi ng s I a ls o w i ll go a n d t ell t a l es on yo u ! h e
th r ea t en e d j ok i n gly
,
.
“
I o n ly w an te d t o sh ow you th at I ca n rea d j u st a s qu i ckly a s yo u
'
in g t o m e t o re a d t en l i n es o f wr i t in g wi th on e si n gle gl a n c e O r do yo u .
? ”
doub t t ha t
“
Oh i n dee d I b el i e v e i t B ut n o w w e wi ll b e s en si bl e a ga i n a n d bury
, .
our poor pe t a ls .
an d c a rr i e d t h em t o th e p et a l gr a v e b eh in d t h e h i ll M ean t i m e t h e m a i d .
P a o Y u Pri n c e S h i eh w a s n o t w e ll a n d P a o Y u w a s t o go t o h i m
.
D ee p i n th ought Bl a ck J a de sa un te re d slowly b a ck t o h er h ou se A s
,
I
.
sh e w a s p a ss in g by t h e w a ll o f t h e P e a r G a rd en sh e h e a rd from wi th i n
t he g en t l e sou n d s o f flu t e pl a y i n g a n d ch a r m i n g si n gi n g Th e mu si c
'
t e rs i n t h e P ea r G a rd en a n d w er e j u s t n o w pr a c t i c i n g a n ew t h ea t e r
p i ec e Bl a ck J a de w a s n o t p a y i n g p a rt i cul a r a tt en t i o n t o th e si n g i n g b ut
.
,
t w o l i n es o f o n e o f t h e s o n g s c a u gh t h er e ar so d i s t i n c t ly t h a t sh e w a s
.
an d t o en d m i se r a bly 1 n s om e r e fu se
pi t .
,
.
sh e h ea rd th e word s :
As a fl ower i n s pr i n g b ea u t y fa des
, ,
”
As a fl eet i n g w a v e you t h p a ss es
, .
1 76
do wn o n a n ea r b y rock Th er e she sa t murm ur i n g
-
.
, to h e r s el f a gain an d
a g a i n th e words sh e h a d j u st h e a rd :
A t th e s a m e t i m e i t occurre d t o h e r t h a t i n t h e p a st sh e h a d r ea d i n
“ ”
o l d st or i es a n d a l s o t od a y i n t h e Pl a y o f the W es tern P a v i l i o n s i m i l a r
word s a bou t fa ll i n g p et a ls a n d run n i n g w a t e rs p a ss i n g s pr i n g a n d l ast
,
CHA PTER 19
s l a v e g i rl an d d a ug h t er of S h ih Y i n g s ta n d i n g b e for e h er
,
.
“ ”
S t up i d c re a t ur e t o fri g ht en m e s o ! s a i d Bl a ck J a d e a n gr i ly Wh a t , .
? ”
you looki n g f o r her e
I a m looki n g for my youn g m i str e ss M i ss Pr ec i ou s Cl a sp b u t I can
, ,
Bl a ck J a d e s et o ut h a n d i n h an d w i th Lo t u s t ow a rd s her p a v i l i o n .
S he a cc e p te d t h e t ea from t h e n e w h a rv es t a n d o f t h e b e s t qu a l i t y
, ,
w hi ch h er Au n t C he n g h a d j u s t sen t h er a n d k ep t Lo t u s w i th h er for a
wh i l e She foun d h er comp a n y pl e a sa n t i n he r pr esen t s t a te of m i n d
. .
Sh e d i s cu ss e d wi th h er t h e e xc e llen c e o f t h i s t a p est ry a n d th e c h a rm of
th a t p i e c e of e mbro i d ery an d di d n o t let h e r go u n t i l t he y h a d pl a yed
,
a g a m e of c h e ss a n d r e a d s om e p a ss a g es from a book t og e th e r B u t le t .
us n o w l e a v e th o s e t w o a lo n e f o r a wh i l e a n d t a lk of P a o Y u .
Wh e n h e go t b a ck t o h i s dw e ll i n g w i th P ea rl h e foun d th e m a i d
M a n d a ri n D uck ly i n g o n h i s d i v a n ex a m i n i n g a p i e c e o f em b ro i dc y
w h i ch P ea rl h a d b e gun .
“ ”
Wh e r e h ave yo u b e en h i d i n g she as k e d P a o Y u wh en he en t e r ed
.
? .
”
h urry a cro ss a n d v i s i t your s i ck un cl e Qu i ck ! C h a n g e your clo th es
. .
177
o es Then he t urn ed roun d an d t a ki n g a dv an t a ge o f P ea rl s ah
’
hi s t .
,
hi m Sh e w a s ly i n g wi th he r fa c e t ow a rd s th e w a ll an d w as so a b s orb e d
.
“
D e a r M ei m e i do let m e li ck a li tt le o f th e p i n k st uff from yo ur
,
arm an d leg .
“ ”
Com e and look P ea rl ! cri ed t he g i rl l a ughi n g loudly a s sh e t ri e d
, ,
“
t o d i s en g a g e h e rs elf from h i m You h a ve b een wi t h h im goodn ess
.
”
kn ows h ow lon g an d you h a ve n o t yet t a ugh t hi m t o b eh a v e
, .
gl a n ce she gra s p e d th e si t u at i on .
“
I see th a t a ll my good t ea ch i n g i s in v ain , sh e sa i d t urn i n g t o P a o ,
”
Y u If th at ever h a ppen s a g a i n I wi ll l ea ve a t on c e
. .
re c a ll hi s n am e o r wh o h i s f am i ly we r e .
“
W h y o n ea rt h are you st a ri n g at h i m l i ke th a t ? Do yo u n o t kn ow
h im ? He i s o ur n eph e w L i t t l e Y un , s on o f o ur si st e r i n l a w Fi ve ”
'
- -
“
Oh of cours e ! I rem emb er h i m n ow A n d t h e b o b eh a v es as i f h e “
,
”
y .
were my so n !
“ ’
Do n t b e fun n y ! He i s four or fi v e y ea rs old e r th an yo u are ,
l a ughe d Cousin Li en .
“
H llo h ow old a re you th en a ske d P a o Y u con d esc en d i ngly
e ,
? ”
, .
”
E i ght een repl i e d L i t tle Y un sm i l i n g a n d a dd ed wi th qu i ck wi t
,
,
”
a t a ll a n d your u n cl e w i ll b e pl e a s e d w i t h you !
“ ”
You a re p erfe ct ly r i g h t dea r Un cl e r e pl i e d L i t tl e Y un co n t rolli n g
, , ,
“
h i s feeli n gs w i th d iffi cul t y B ut you mu st t a k e i n t o a ccoun t t h a t I lo st
.
my fa th e r wh i l e I w a s s t i ll a ch i ld a n d for t h a t r ea s o n h a v e n o t h a d t h e
,
n o t a w a r e t h a t I h a d fr i volou sly s qu a n d e r e d a w a y a n
y i n h e r i t e d prop
e rt y w h et h e r a h ou se or a p i e c e of l a n d Ev en t h e b e st h ous ew i f e ca n
, .
u t a n y th i n g a s i d e up t o t h e pr ese n t w h en I h a d n o t t i com ?
p g o a n n e
tw o or t h r e e t i m es a da
y w i t h th i s a n d t h a t re qu est a s m a n y a n ot h e r
'
i n my po s i t i on would do .
“
My d e a r boy I a m i n a pret t y b a d w a y my self ; o th e rw i se I would
,
i ? S ee t h at
p r lr l o
a t e n a e a t n s you fi ll your pockets as full a s you ca n i n ‘
t h e Y un gk u o p a l a c e b eh i n d t h e b a cks of t h e g en t l e m en of t h e h o us e O r .
w h y n o t tr y t o i n gr a t i a t e your s e lf w i t h t h e i r m a j ordomo by d i n t of fl a t
t er y a n d e n g a g e i n s om e r ew a rd i n g en t erpr i se t h a t wi ll br i n g in a good
,
”
comm i s si on ?
Li tt le Y un r em a i n e dsi l en t a n d t urn e d t o go .
“
W hy are you i n s uch a h urry? You ca n s ur e ly s t a y f or a b i t e sa i d ,
scold i n g vo i c e of h i s w i f e b ec a m e a ud i ble “
A re you h ov e ri n g up i n .
t he cloud s a ga i n ? ” “
sh e a s k e d I h a v e b a r e ly en ough food for ours e lves
.
i n t he l a rd er a n d t her e you a re pl a y i n g t h e s pl en d i d h o st ! ”
, ,
“
If th a t s s o buy s om e mor e prov i s i on s for our g u es t ! ” h e r e pl i e d
’ ’
, ,
h
w r upo h e i ll t empe red fem al e vo i ce w a s h ea rd on c e more : Go
e e n t .
-
“
h er d a ug h te r .
B ut Li t t l e Y un h a d h a d en ough of t hi s m i se ra b le kin d of h o s p i ta li t
y
‘
a n d he co n tr i v e d t o
get a w a y a n d so h e se t o u t o n h i s n oc tu rn a l j ou rn e y
,
1 80
o ghts he st umbl ed a b se n t m in d e dly a g a in st a drun ken m an wh o
th u ,
-
“ ”
a n d sh ou t e d : H i h a v e you n o e y es i n your h ea d
,
? -
T he vo i c e see m e d f a m i l i a r t o L i tt l e Y un an d r i gh t en ough i t w a s h i s ,
,
.
“
L e t m e go old fr i en d ! It i s I your n e i ghb o r L i tt le Y un
, ,
h e de , ,
,
cla re d l a ug h i n g
, .
“ ? ”
Wh er e a re you go i n g l i tt l e fr i en d he a ske d , .
Ah do n t a sk m e I m i n a b a d h um or O n e s d ea r fellow b e i n g s are
’ ’ ’
. .
,
”
so a n n oy i n g !
“
Sp ea k your m i n d w i th co n fid en c e ! W h o h as a n n oy e d you ? I t he ,
’
o n e w ho h a rm s o n e o f t h em w i ll h a v e t o re ckon w i th m e I ll pull down .
”
h i s s h op a nd c h a se h i s w i f e a n d c h i ldren ou t o n th e st r ee t !
L i tt le Y un t old hi m o f h i s fu t i l e b e gg i ng v i si t t o h i s un cle .
“
The wret c h ! If h e di d n o t h a pp en t o b e your r e l a ti v e I would m a k e ,
” “ ’
h i m p a y d e a rly for t h a t ! s t orm e d n e i gh bor Ni i n d i g n a n t ly B ut do n t .
worry I h a v e some sm a ll c h a n g e w i th m e by ch a n c e a n d I w i ll l en d
.
,
He p ut h i s h a n d i n h i s b e l t pock e t .
“
H ere a re fift ee n t a els I h op e th e y a re en ough
'
. .
”
h om e I sh a ll wr i t e you a r e c ei p t .
“
Wh a t n o n sen se ! If yo u com e t o m e w i th a r e c e i p t I wo n t g i ve yo u ’
”
a copp e r .
“
A s you w i sh t h en M a n y t h an ks
,
. .
Th a t s goo d A n d n o w I mu s t b e get t i n g a lo n g a s I ha v e a n o th e r
’
.
,
bu si n es s c a ll t o m a ke ; o the rw i se I would a sk yo u t o h a ve a dr i n k A n d .
, ,
a n d t e ll my p e opl e t h a t I sh a ll n o t b e h om e t o n i g h t a n d th a t i f th e y
.
,
w a n t a n y th i n g th e y mu s t se n d for m e i n th e mor n i n g T h ey w i ll fi n d m e .
” ’
a t th e h or s e d ea l e r W a n g s .
A n d h e r eel e d o n B u t L i tt l e Y un w a s d e l i gh t e d w i th h i s u n exp e c t e d
.
good for t un e a n d h i s o n ly fe a r w a s t h a t as s oo n a s h i s b en e f a c t or h e
,
o f a u s ur i ou s i n t e r e st B ut h e would fi n d i t e a s y en oug h t o pa y ev en
.
181
Ve ry ea rly th e n ex t morn i n g he s ought out a groce ry st or e i n th e hi gh
st r ee t ou t s i d e t h e Sou th G a t e a n d bough t a p a ck a g e o f c a mph or an d a
p a cka g e of musk Then w e ll groom e d a n d dr esse d i n h i s b e st clo th es
.
, ,
h e w en t t o t h e Y un gk uo p a l a c e T h ere h e w a s t old t h at M a d a m e Ph o e
.
n o t a t h om e ei th er H e w a i t e d in th e for e court wh i c h s e v e r a l se rv a n t s
.
,
a sw a rm of s e rv in g m a t ro n s a n d w a i t i n g m a i d s L i tt l e Y un st e ppe d up .
a b i t clo se r a n d p a i d h er r e v er en c e wi t h a d ee p b o w Sh e di d n o t d ei g n .
fl att eri es .
Come come ! D o n t b e t o o gu sh i n g
,
’
r em a rke d wi th a smi l eP
.
,
sh e ,
“
s lowi n g down h er p a c e a li tt l e I a m pr ett y s ure sh e would n o t h a ve
.
”
th ough t of m e i f I di d n o t h a pp en t o m en t i o n h er .
“
Oh h o w would I d a r e t o t ell li es i n yo ur pr es en c e r ever e d Aun t ?
, ,
he al th sh e s a i d yo u h a d t a k en th e wh ol e bur d en o f th e gr ea t h ou se
, ,
. .
,
M a d a me Ph o en i x st ood st i ll A b en i gn s m i l e s pr ea d ove r h er fa ce
. .
“
A n d w h a t w a s yo u r r ea son for d i scu ssi n g m e w i th your mo th er h e
”
hi n d my b a ck ? sh e a sk e d gr a c i ou s ly , .
“
O h I h a d a v e ry s oun d r ea so n A good fr i en d o f mi n e a w ea l th y
, , .
,
ga ve m e a p ar c el of c a mph or a n d mus k I co n s ul te d my mo th e r a s t o .
1 n ce n se a n d w e th ou h t th a t es p e c i a lly i n vi e w
,
g ,o f th e prox i m i t y o f t h e
s p ea k i n g t o my m a ste r b efor e th i s eve n i n g a n d you s ur ely would n o t ,
wi sh t o w a i t u n t i l th en sh e s a i d br i e fly a n d defi n i t ely w i th t h e m a n
, ,
“
,
n er of o n e fu lly co n v i n c e d of t h e i mpor t a n c e of h er ow n p e r s o n A n d .
fur ti ve gl a n c es a t her as h e we n t a w a y .
h a d j u s t go t i n t o h er c a rr i a g e to t a k e a n ou t i n g Wh en sh e s a w L i tt l e .
Y un sh e h a d h i m c all e d ov er t o h er c a rr i a g e door .
“
Look here my boy you a re b ei n g a b i t c h eeky w i th m e I t hi n k
, , , ,
“
sh e sa i d sm i l i n g o u t t h e c a rr i a g e w i n dow
,
Your g i ft of y est e rd a y w a s
.
”
w an t .
“
Oh h as he ? How a wkw a rd ! Y es th a t i s qu i t e r i g h t ; I would l i k e
, ,
h a v e b ee n se ttl e d lo n g a go B ut o n e do es n o t r ea l i z e t h a t Un cl e L i en
.
”
r ea lly h a s so l i tt le sa y i n th i n gs .
“ ’
So t h a t s the w a y i s i t ? It w a s o n ly a ft e r h a v i n g b een u n lucky w i th
,
”
h i m th a t you w a n t e d t o t ry i t w i t h m e y e s t e rd a y ?
“
You do m e a n i n j u sti c e d e a r Au n t I r e g a rd e d i t a s my du t y a s a
, .
n e p h e w n o t t o go ov e r t h e h e a d of m u n cl e B u t n o w t h a t I k n ow h ow
y .
good a s t o l en dm e a k i n dly ea r n o w ? ”
“
Oh n o w s t ra i g h t a w a y ? You s h ould h a v e op en e d your mou t h
, ,
s oo n e r T he r e a r e a ll s or ts of t r ees t o b e pl a n t e d a n d flow e r b e d s t o b e
.
“ ”
Do pl ease do so ev en yet !
Tha t ca n h a rdly b e m a n a g e d n o w B u t h a v e p a t i en c e u n t i l n e x t New
'
.
”
si d er
you t h en .
“
D e a r d ea r Aun t Do pl ea s e t ry m e o ut ri g h t a w a y i n st e a d You m a y
, . .
“
My word ! T h e boy do es kn ow h o w t o look a h e a d ! W e ll , you m a y
t h a n k your u n cl e for h a v i n g
pu t i n a word for y ou I would n o t h a v e .
a g a i n t od a y a f t e r br e a kf a s t C a ll a t t
h e E s t a t e C a sh i e r s offi c e a n d s e e
’
.
,
t h a t you e t s t a r t e d w i t h t h e g a rd en work ”
g t h e da y a ft er t omorrow !
A n d g i v i n g a s i g n to t h e co a c hm a n sh e drove o ff .
,
1 84
a fte r br ea kf a st by v i si t i n g P ao Y u B ut Pa o Y u w a s s pen d i n g th e wh ol e
.
o f t od a y i n t h e h ou s e o f h i s n e w fr i en d t h e Pr i n ce o f t h e Nort h e rn
'
,
Qu i et n ess .
’
Pun c t u a lly a t e l e v en o clock L i tt l e Y un w e n t t o th e E st a te C a sh i e r s
’
O fli ce a rm e d w i th th e l e tte r of a u t h or i t y w h i c h M a d a m e P h o en ix h a d
,
sen t t o h i m i n t h e m ea n t i m e a n d t h e r e h e w a s h a n d e d t h e h a n d s om e
,
s u m o f tw o h u n dr e d t ae l s He th en h urr i e d h om e a n d h a d a good t i m e
.
cou n t w i th h i s n e i gh b or Ni th en w en t t o th e n urs e ry g a rd en o f F a n g
,
n ew Occup a t i o n a n d r e t urn t o P ao Y u .
Wh en h e h a d m a d e a n a p p o i n t m en t th e da y b e fore y e st e rd a y w i th
Li tt l e Y un t hi s w a s o n ly o n e of th o se pol i t e b ut emp t y compl i m en ts
,
t h a t h e would l i ke a b a th It h a pp e n e d by c h a n c e t h a t h e w as s i t t i n g
.
a cc e p t e d a n i n v i t a t i o n from Pr e c i ou s Cl a s p t h e m a i d Mu s k w as i ll i n ,
b e d a n d tw o o t h e r m a i d s h a d go n e o ff t o f e t c h h o t b a t h w a t e r T h u s i t
, .
h a pp en e d t h a t n o w w h e n h e c a ll e d t w o or t h r ee t i m es for t ea o n ly t h e ,
t w o e ld e rly m a t ro n s w h o h a d b een a ss i g n e d t o hi m a s c h a p e ro n s a n
s w e re d h i s c a ll .
“
T h a t i s a ll ri gh t You m a y go h e s a i d sh oo i n g t h e m st r a i gh t o u t
.
, ,
a g a i n wi t h a w a v e of t h e h a n d H e would pr e fe r t o .
g e t t h e t ea h i m s e lf ,
h e s a i d So h e w e n t i n t o t h e k i t c h en a n d po t te r e d a rou n d t h e h ea r th
.
,
a n d w a s j u st a bou t t o pour a
p o t o f bo i l i n g w a t e r i n t o t h e t e a po t w h en
h e h ea rd s om e o n e b eh i n d h i m sa y i n g : You w i ll b urn y our h a n d .
”
Pl e a s e let m e do i t !
A t t h e s a m e mom e n t a pr ett y youn g th i n g c a m e t o h i s s i d e t ook t h e ,
p o t o f h o t wa t e r from h i m fill e d t h e t ea po t a n d t oo k t h e t e a t h i n g s
, ,
a n d w h a t a s li m d e l i c a t e l i t t l e f a c e
, .
? ”
Do you b e lo n g t o my s t a ff t oo he a sk e d .
”
Y es .
”
How i s i t th en tha t I h a v e n ev e r see n you b e for
, , e ?
B e si d e s I am s ti ll n ew a n d I h a v e n e v e r h a d a n y p e r so n a l se rv i c e s t o
, ,
”
do for you s u cli a s m a k i n g your t e a
, .
“
W hy
”
not ?
1 85
B ec a u se th e o th ers th e old e r o n es w h o h a v e b een lon ge r wi th yo u
, , ,
”
keep t ho se servi c es for t hem selves .
“
Th a t i s a pi t y for on e c ann o t see yo u a t all t h en
,
.
”
Qui etn ess an d so Mr Y un h a s m i sse d you a se con d t i me
, . .
.
“ ? ”
O h i n d ee d so h e w a s h er e
, ,
He w o ul d h av e li ke d t o co n t i n u e th e con ver sa t i o n wi th th e d a in t y
'
li tt l e cr ea t ur e b ut sh e s udd en ly d a r t e d o ff b e c a u se t w o b lder w a i t i n g
,
s pl a sh i n g t ub of b a t h wa t e r W i t h t h ei r f r ee h a n ds t h e y w e r e h old i n g up
. . -
t h e e dg es of t h e i r sk i rt s w h i c h h a d b een w ett e d by t h e s pl a sh e s o f w a
,
t er L i t t l e S i a o Hu n g ra n t ow a rd s t h em a m i a bly a n x i ous t o h e l th e m
.
p ,
se rv e d t o t h ei r s ur pr i s e a n d a nn oy a n c e t h a t P a o Y u w a s a ll a lon e Af t e r .
.
t h e y h a d pr e p a r e d t h e b a t h for h i m t h e y t ook t h e l i tt l e n ew m a i d t o
'
“ ”
t a sk Wh a t were you do i n g w i th hi m j u st n o w when w e c a m e t hey
.
?
a s ke d h er s u sp i c i ou sly .
H e c a ll e d for t ea a n d a s n o o n e e l se w a s t h e r e t o s e rve h i m I g a v e h i m ,
”
h i s tea T 1 s t 5 a ll
‘ ’
. .
“ ’ ”
Do n t t ry t o h oodw i nk u s you ch ee ky cr ea t ur e ! cr i e d t h e e ld e r
,
“
g i rl a n gri ly sp i tt i n g i n t h e youn g o n e s fa c e W e ca n see n o w w h y
,
’
.
yo u di d n o t ru n t o fe t ch t h e b a t h w a t e r j u s t n o w a s w
’
as y o ur du t y b ut , ,
w a s j u s t i n v en t i o n a n d d e c e i t You w a n t e d t o et r i d of u s so t h a t you
g .
s ee i f you a r t fi t t o sh ow your se lf i n h i s pr e s en c e .
“ ’
I ll t e ll Pe a rl t omorrow h o w you pu sh e d your self forw a rd t h e sec ,
“
on d on e
put i n T h e n ex t t h i n g w i ll b e th a t you w i ll w a n t t o s e rv e t h e
'
g m a st er a lo n e W e o th e r s h a v e b e com e un n e c ess a ry i s n t th at
’
pp
yo .
,
so .
s t n ot sno w t h e i r un de
a roun d o ut of cur i o s i t y a n d t h a t t h e y mu rclo th es
op en ly o n the w a shi n g l i n e b e for e th e ey es o f th e st r a n ge m en M ore .
.
s t o b e pl a
r a ll t he p a rt of t h e p a rk w h i c h w a
n t ed w ould b e sc re en e d
e
o ,
o
”
W h o i s s upe rv i si n g th e work ? th e t w o e ld e r w ai t i n g m ai d s w an t e d
to kn ow .
“
On e Mr Y un , repl i e d t h e c h a mb e rm a i d T h e n a m e w a s qu i te n ew
. .
t o t h em B ut l i t tl e S i a o Hun g r e m e mb e r e d v e ry w e ll t h a t t h e n i c e you n g
.
w a s a mb i t i ou s a n d w a n t e d t o r i se i n t h e world F o r a lo n g t i m e p a st sh e
'
h a d b een h op i n g t o h e n o t i c e d by P a o Y u , b ut h e r e ld e r coll ea gu e s a l
w ay s kn ew h ow t o keep h er i n t h e b a ckgroun d A n d a fte r b ei n g c a ugh t
’
a n d for the wh ol e da
y sh e could n o t st o p th i n k i n g o f h er m eet i n g o f
'
a lo n e i n h er room a n d l a
y down t o s l ee p t h e t h oug h t of h i m di d n o t ,
le a v e h er ev en i n h er sl e e p Sudd en ly s h e seem e d t o h e a r a vo i c e ou t si d e
'
t er da y st a n d i n g b efor eh er .
“ ”
W her e di d yo u fi n d i t she a ske d sh yly
?
, .
h er to h i m a n d cl a sp i n g h er i n h i s a rm s Sh e d i s en g a g e d h e r self a n d.
t ri e d t o r un b a ck t o h er room b u t s t u m bl e d ov e r a s t e p o n t h e w a
, y .
CHA PT ER 2 0
A FTE R A N UNE A S Y E E P S I A O H U NG C O T U P V E R Y E AR LY TH E N E X T
SL
drea m t o b e a bl e t o g i ve th e u su a l c a r e t o h er t o i l et Sh e b a r ely d i pp e d .
h e r fi n g e rs qu i ckly i n t h e w a s h b a s i n c a re l ess ly p i n n e d up h e r lo n g
,
P a o Y u h a d a l s o k e p t i n h i s he a r t t h e m emory of h i s fir s t me e t i n g of
y es te rd a y w i th t he pret t y l i t tl e n ew m a i d He would h a ve l i ke d t o c a ll .
1 88
h er to do h i m th i s o r t h a t se rv i c e b ut in th e fi rst pl a c e h e w as a fr a i d
, , ,
di d n o t e ve n kn ow t h e l i t tl e o n e s n a m e He go t o ut o f b e d v e ry ea rly i n
’
.
l ea n in g o ut for a w h i l e w a t ch i n g t he m a i d s sw ee p i n g th e court y a rd .
l i tt l e n e w o n e o f y est e rd a y a mo n g th em b ut h e d efi n i te ly w a n te d t o se e,
'
h er a g a i n He s l i pp e d q u i cklyf i n t o hi s cl ot he s a n d w en t o ut i n t o t h e
.
r ea l i t y he w a s w a t c hi n g o u t fur t i ve ly t o t he ea st a nd t he w e st for l i t t l e
'
S i a o H un g A t l a st h e d i s cov e re d h e r l e a n i n g o n th e p a r a p e t o f a pl e a s
.
ur e g a ll e ry h i dd en u n d e r plum blo s s om s a n d b eh i n d b e go n i a br an c he s
, ,
s un k i n t h oug h t H e w e n t up t o h er a n d w a s j u s t a bou t t o s p ea k t o h er
.
wh e n a n old e r m a i d c a m e a lo n g a n d t old h i m t h a t i t w as t i m e t o w a sh ’
.
b a ck t o t he h ou s e .
‘
’
S h or t ly a fte r h e h a d go n e Pe arl sen t S i a o Hun g t o Bl a ck J a d e s p a
v i li o n A flow e r v a s e h a d b e en broke n a n d sh e w a n t e d t o
.
g et t h e lo a n
,
o f Blu e Gr ee n Fo a m o n h e r wa
y th e r e sh e n o t i c e d th a t t h e a dj a c en t
-
h i lly p a rt of t h e p a rk w a s f en c e d i n an d sh u t o ff by s cr een s T h i s w a s .
t h e p a r t w h e r e t r e e s a n d sh rub s w e r e t o b e pl a n t e d t od a y R i g h t e n oug h .
,
t h e e dg e of t h e dr i v e sh e c a ug h t s i g h t o f L i tt l e Y un se a t e d g i v i n g o r
, ,
d er s She fe l t i n cl i n e d to go ov e r t o h i m b u t t h en h er se lf co n fi den ce
.
,
-
’
fa i l e d h er a n d sh e st ol e a lo n g by a roun d a bou t w a y t o Bla ck J a de s p a
,
v i li o n A s s oo n a s s h e h a d do n e h e r e rr a h d s h e s l i pp e d i n t o h e r room
.
a n d t ook n o fur th e r n o t i c e o f h er .
i n g o u t t h e D i a mo n d Su tr a for h er Sh e w a n t e d a n i c e l eg i bl e copy f o r
.
a n d l i g h t th e w a x ca n dl e for h i m a n o t h e r w a s t o bri n g h im t e a
, he ,
r ebuke d a th i rd b e c a us e sh e st o od i n h i s l i gh t a n d s o i t w en t o n in ce s ,
sa n tl y A s h e w as un pop ul a r w i t h t h e s t a fl
. w h o h a d l i t t l e r es pe c t f o r ,
h i m n o o n e to ok an y n o t i c e o f hi m e xc e p t th e m a i d D a wn w h o broug h t
, . .
,
hi m t ea .
1 89
Do n ot g i v e so m an y ord er s ! You are on ly m aki n g yours elf st i ll
.
look e d a t h er an gr i ly
”
“
I kn ow ! Y o u are all for P a o Y u an d h av e con spi re d a g a i n st m e ! h e
sa i d sh a rply .
”
sn a pp i sh cur sh e s cold e d a n d w a s a bou t t o b e g i n a lo n g e r s ermo n
.
,
mo ther w a s a sk i n g M a d a m e Ph o en i x h ow th e b i r th d a y c el e b ra t i on s h a d
p a ssed o ff a n d a bou t t h e gu e sts a n d th e th ea t r i c a l p erform a n c e h e let
, ,
t h e d i v a n b es i d e h i s mo t h er a n d l ea n e d h i s h ea d w ea r i ly o n h e r br east .
“ ” “
. How h o t you a re ! sh e sa i d You h a ve c e rt a i n ly dr un k t o o m uch
.
hi m a b i t B ut D a wn di d n o t wan t t o a n d k e p t look i n g a t th e b a st a rd w h o
. .
n e a r er t o h i m ,
“
D r ld r si st er do look a ft er m e a l i t t l e b i t t o o ! h e b e gge d
e a e e ,
”
.
B e qu i et o r th ere wi ll b e a u a rr e l ! ” sh e w h i sp er e d p a rry i n g h i m
,
q ,
whi ch th e b a st a rd w a s c a st i n g a t t h e s po i l e d fa vor i t e of t h e f a m
,
i ly .
Y u w a s o n c e more cl a i m i n g t h e g en er a l a tt en t i o n a n d pu tt i n g h i m t h e
,
b a st a rd i n the sh a d e He w a s d evou re d w i th en vy a n d t h i s i n sp ir e d
, .
t i pp e d ov e r t h e bowl i n t o wh i c h t h e m e l t i n g w a x f rom t h e c a n dl e w as
a e was
f c covere d w i th a t ri ckli n g l a y e r o f h o t li qu i d w a x Fi ll e d wi t h .
n st e n a t i n
co r o Ph o en i x a n d th e m a i d s st a rt e d t o scr a pe down t h e w ax
,
an d t o w a sh t h e i n j ur e d sk i n wi t h t p d w
a te r
“
e i .
.
S uc h a block d h e a ! A n d h e
’
s n o l on g e r a s t up i d s m a ll c h i ck !
”
sh e
s
cold e d c a st i n g a thr ea t en i n g si de lo n g gl an c e a t t h e b a st a rd “ H e do e s
,
.
n ot
yet e ven kn ow h o w t o m an a g e li gh t s ! It j u st sh o ws h o w b a dly hi s
th e i
mo r br gin g him up !
s i n
”
1 90
ta ek fa l se st ep s The se youn g p e opl e a re e xpo sed t o th e a ffl i c t i on s o f
.
t h e w i cke d d ev i l s a t ev e ry st e p dur i n g th e i r t e n d e r y e a s a n d fr e qu en t ly r
,
”
t h e y lo s e t he i r l i ves by th e m .
“ ? ”
Is t h ere t h en n o eff ec ti v e c h a rm a g a i n st t h em
, ,
as k e d t h e a l a rm e d
A n c e stress .
“
C er t a i n ly wi th the help of Buddh a th e d ev i ls ca n b e dr i ven o ut B ut
,
.
”
o fl eri n gs a n d sa cr i fic es .
“ ”
Wh at th en do es h e d e m an d a s a n o fl eri n g ?
, ,
O h n o t so much A coupl e of ou n c es of fr an k i n c en se e v e ry da y a n d
, .
”
a llow e d t o go o u t da
y or n i gh t It i s t h e s ymb ol o f t h e Sp i ri t o f L i gh t
. .
“
V ery we ll You sh a ll h a v e th e mon ey for t h e fr an k i n c en se a n d th e
.
Mo the r M a n am e d a w h ol e sc a le of th e s um s : usually g i v en wh i ch ,
i
p i e c e s tr i n gs of mon e y t o d i st r i but e a s a hns t o mo n ks a n d b e gg a r s w h en
he w en t o ut W i th t he a ss ur a n c e th a t Budd h a would r e w a rd h e r ch a ri t y
.
,
rou n d of t he wom en s qu a r te rs i n th e w e st e rn p a l a c e sh e a rr i v e d a t t h e
’
room of th e se con d a ry w i fe C h a o mo t h er of t h e b a st a rd C h i a Hu a n
, .
Sh e w a s si tt i n g o n th e w a rm e d k a n g pu t t i n g s l i ppe rs t og eth e r A s sh e
’
t
,
It w as te rr i bly li ttl e ” co n ti n u e d M rs C h a o w i th a si g h
“
, I sh ould
. .
‘
1 92
so much l i ke t o g i ve more an d often e r b ut j us t now my h an ds a re t i e d ,
.
”
I c e rt a i n ly do n o t l a ck good wi ll .
“
H a ve p a t i e n c e B e tt er d a y s w i ll c e rt a i n ly com e fo r yo u O n ly w a i t
. .
”
t i o n s om ed a y .
M rs C h a o g a v e a n e mb a rr asse d sm i l e
. .
“
A h pl ea se do n o t s pe a k a bou t th a t I do n o t w is h t o expe c t muc h
,
.
i n th at d i r ec t i o n my s o n s po s i ti o n i s s o v e ry di fli cult owi n g t o Pa o Y u
’
.
,
’
I wo n t cra wl t o th a t wom a n .
Sh e s i g n i fic a n t ly s t r et c h e d tw o fi n g e rs o f h er ri gh t h a n d up in t h e a i r .
“
Y o u m ea n th e seco n d Na i na i M a d a m e Ph o en i x . ,
”
Hu sh ! sa i d M rs C h a o fri ght en e d sta n d i n g up t o pe e p th rough
.
, ,
t he curt a i n an d m a ke s ur e th a t n o b ody w a s li st en i n g Th e r e w a s n o o n e .
“
Y es th e a u t ocr a t i c w a y th a t pe rs o n i s a llow e d to ru l e t h e h ou se i s
,
” “
s i mply u n en dur a bl e s h e co n t i n u e d i n a w h i s p er
, I h a ve n o vo i c e i n .
”
a n y t hi n g ; I a m h a rdly a h um a n b e in g b es i d e h e r .
”
s a y a n y th i n g .
”
Oh pl ea se s pe a k ! i n t e rj ec t ed Mrs C h a o ea g erly I am b u rn in g to
, . .
fai l t o sh ow my gr a t i t ud e i f yo u wi ll h elp m e .
“
Holy Budd ha ho w ca n I reco n c i l e my cons c i en ce t o th a t ? I ha v e
,
”
s uc h a t en d e r co n s c i en c e !
“
Now yo u are n o t u s u a lly so t i m i d ! O r are yo u a fra i d tha t I do n o t
,
? ”
si n c e r e ly m ea n wh a t I sa y abou t my gr a t i t ud e
“ ? ”
Wh a t then would yo u t h in k o f gi v i n g m e she aske d fr an kly
, , .
Y o u are bo th cle ve r an d wi se Mo t he r M a an d yo u kn ow b et te r , ,
th a n a n yo n e t h a t th e w h ol e p al a c e w i th ev e ry thi n g b e lo n gi n g t o i t , ,
”
w i sh e d from m e .
“
Hm th a t i s ve ry n i c e But ass um i n g th a t eve ry th ing g oes a ccord i n g
, .
”
i ng .
If th at is all
yo u w an t I sh a ll mo st wi lli n gly Wri t e o ut a promiss o ry
n ot e f or yo u . It wi ll b e pa i d pun c t uall y la t e r o n, yo u ca n rely on th a t !
1 93
B esi d es t hi s I can gi ve you some a rt i cl es of clo thi n g an d s om e p i eces
, “
”
of j ewel ry i n a dv a n ce .
“
Y e s I a gr ee t o th at
. .
re d or bl a ck from w h i t e S h e t ook s c i ss or s a n d cu t o ut t w o h um a n fi
g
‘
.
ures from a sh ee t of wh i t e p a p er M rs C h a o ha d t o wr i t e o n e a ch o f
. .
an d h our of t h e b i r th of P h o en i x a n d of P a o Y u T h en sh e cu t from a .
Th a t a ft er n oo n Bl a ck J a d e wen t t o v i si t h er s i ck cous i n P a o Y u On , .
t h e v er a n d a i n fro n t o f h i s p a v i l i o n s h e fou n d s e v e r a l m a i d s bu sy
“
A h, ”
he r e com e s a n o t her ! t he y cri e d i n c h oru s as
te re d .
“
You mu st a ll h a v e b een i n vi t e d by l ett er t o a rr 1v e ,
? ”
b ers sa i d Bl a ck J a d e pl a yfully .
“
H v you r d
a e t i e t h e t e a
”
wh i ch I sen t you r ec en tly Bho en ix
? '
'
I th i n k i t t a stes good , b ut th e
Pr ec i ou s Cl a sp .
“
It i s t r i bu t e t o n ot l i ke it
v ery muc h e i the r ; I t h i n k
O f cours e Bl a ck
of ord e r i t se e ms, .
”
of t he s a m e kin d sa i d Ph o en i x
, .
”
a i d for i t .
1 94
Th a t i s n o t neces sa ry I wa s go i n g t o sen d over t o yo u t omorro w
.
for s om e thi n g i n an y c a se .
O h i n d ee d ? I sh ould v e ry muc h l i k e t o kn ow wh a t se rv i c e i s de
“
,
”
s i re d of m e i n re t urn for th e p a ck a g e o f t ea .
”
“
M a rv ellou sly w i tty ! r em a rke d Pre c i ous C las p som ew h at a c i dly ,
“
Wi t ty ? I fi n d th e r em a rk i n ve ry b ad t a st e a n d mo s t unfi t ti n g ,
“
No w would yo u b e t h row i n g your se lf a w a y i f yo u w e r e t o b e a
, ,
”
br i d e to t h a t m emb er of t he f am i ly there co n t i n u e d P h o en i x ca hnly
?
,
i n t in h e r fi n g er a t P a o Y u Do es h i s pe rs o n o r h i s ori g i n n o t
'
p o g .
? ”
pl ea se yo u
Bl a ck J a d e ha d st ood up an d go n e si l en tly t o the door Prec i ous
“
“ '
? ”
How can o n e t ak e o fl en se so ea si ly an d j u st r un o ff s h e sa i d t o
h er A t th at mom en t th e t wo seco n d a ry w i v e s C h a o a n d C h ou w h o h a d
.
, ,
a l s o com e t o i n qu i re a f t e r P a o Y u s h ea l t h en t e r e d th e roo m Ev e ry
’
.
,
on e st ood U
p pol i tely wh en th ey a pp ea r e d P h o e n i x a lo n e r em a i n ed .
, .
,
T he si ckroom wa s s oo n emp t y .
“ ”
Wi ll yo u a t l east st a y w i th m e a l i ttl e wh i l e ! b e gg ed Pa o Y u wh en ,
Bl a ck J a d e to o wa s a bou t t o leav e h im .
“
D o yo u he ar th a t ? Your presen c e i s d esi re d h e re s a i d P h o en i x , ,
“
Oh how my hea d a c h es ! h e gro an e d Th e n ex t mom ent h e g a ve a
,
”
.
fr i ghten e d cri es f o r he lp P a o Y u s ,
’
te rror t h e
, , women sn at che d up th ei r ski rts an d ran o ut o f th e p a vi li on
u t te ri n g loud cr i es o f gri ef W i th l i gh tn i n g s pee d th e a wf ul n ews sp rea d
.
t h rough bo th p ala c es th a t Pa o Y
u h a d go n e m a d an d i n th e cours e o f ,
_
1 96
tim ehi s fa the r a n d Pri n c e S h ieh a n d Pr i n ce C hen an d C hi a L i en a n d
, , ,
m a n y o t he r m en an d wom e n o f the cl a n a rr i v e d a t t he i ll fa te d s po t -
.
In t he m i d st o f t he ge n e r a l t umul t w he n a ll m in d s we re co n c e n t r a te d
,
h er pa t h a n d th e re s t a bb i n g a do g w h i c h h a d com e t oo n ea r he r He r
,
.
w ea po n from h e r gra s p a n d c a rr i e d he r o ff t o he r r es i d e n c e
,
.
o f s p i r i t s ; s om e w e re fo r c a ll i n g a d o c t or o t h e rs for t ry i n g m a g i c an d
, ,
s p i te of a h u n dre d m e d i c a l e n d ea vor s a n d m a g i c i n c a n t a t i o n s a n d i n
s p i te o f t horoug h s pr i n kl i n g w i t h h oly w a t e r t he t w o p o s s e s s e d pe r s o n s
,
t he y s a n k down a t l as t ex h a u s t e d o n t he i r b e d s B u t e v e n ly i n g t he r e .
,
t h roug h ou t t he w h ole n i g h t T he n e x t da y t he t w o w e re s h u t u p i n o n e
.
w a tc h i n t ur n s da y a n d n i g ht a n d pre ve n t t he m a n i a cs from e s c a p i n g .
B ut n o t fa r a w a y th e A n c es t re ss a n d M a d a m e C he n g Pr i n c e S h i e h a m l , ,
v e lo m e n t of t h e co n d i t i o n o f t h e t w o fa vor i te s of t h e h ou s e W he n
p .
th ree d a y s a n d t h re e n i g h ts h a d p a ss e d w i t h ou t a n y i mprov em e n t Mr ,
.
C he n g g a ve up h o pe .
“
T he n umb e r o f o u r y ea rs i s d e te rm i n e d by hea v e n , h e s a i d t o
Pr i n c e S h i e h w ho ke p t t i re l e ss ly pu tt i n g fo rw a rd n e w s ugg e s t i o n s
, .
“
W i t h o n ly o ur h um a n s t re n g t h w e ca n do n o t h i n g T he i ll n es s o f t hes e .
t w o d efi e s e v e ry t re a tm e n t W e mu s t l e a ve t ho m t o t h e i r fa te
”
. .
By th i s t i me P h o e n i x a n d Pa o Y u w c rc ly i n g o n c o uc he s i n a n e x
ha n s te d a n d a p a th e t i c co n d i t i o n a n d w e re b re a t h i n g o n ly w ea k ly
, .
Eve ryo n e r e g a rd e d th e i r c a se a s ho pe le s s a n d th e e ld e rs ha d de c i de d to
,
a p a r tm e n ts O n ly o n e wom a n w a s u n t ouc he d by t he g e n e ra l s o rr o w an d
.
,
s ym a th y w a s qu i e t ly rej o i c i n g T h a t w a s t he se co n d
p , .
O n the fo urt h da y Pa o Y u
’
1 97
hi s thi n g s H e could n o t st an d i t h e r e a n y l o n ger , h e sa i d , a n d h e w i sh ed
.
’
s t r a i g h t a w a y t o l ea ve t h e h ou s e for e v er T he A n c es t ress w a s i n co n .
s ol a bl e a n d t r i e d t o d i ss u a d e h i m from h i s i n t en ti o n B u t t h e s e co n d a ry .
“ ”
Do n o t b e sa d a bou t i t old Ta i ta i sh e sa i d Let h i m p u t o n h i s
!
,
.
clo th es a n d go o ff i n a n y c a se h e i s n o lo n g e r a n y go od for h i s f a m i ly
. .
H e mu st b e p e rm i tt e d to h a v e h i s w a y o r h e wi ll get a n o t h e r a tt a ck o f
m a d n ess .
“ ”
M a y th e t on gu e dry up i n your m e a th yo u con fou n d e d wom an ! ,
“
sh e cur s e d You wi ll pe r secut e hi m t o h i s d e a t h ! D o n o t i m a gi n e th a t I
.
é
I kn ow w ho sie f ul t i t i s th a t h e t rembl es b e for e h i s fa t h e r l i ke a mou se
f
b e fore a ca t ,a h d t ha t h i s l i ve r i s burst i n g t h rough co n st a n t fe a r Y o u .
a w a r e of t h e r e pro a c h es d i r ec t e d a t h i m a n d t urn e d a wa y mu t t e r i n g
'
.
,
Wh i le t h e wom a n w h o h a d re c ei v e d th i s s cold i n g w as t ry i n g t o j u st i fy
he r self a n d to c a lm t he en r a g e d A n c es t r ess a se rv a n t a rr i ve d a n d a n ,
n o un ce d t h a t t h e t w o coffi n s h a d b een m ad e T h e A n c e s t r e ss n o w w as .
“
W h o di d s uc h a w i ck e d t hi n g a s t o ord e r th e se coffi n s ? ”
s h e cri e d
“
i n a scr eec hi n g vo i c e Br i n g wh o e ve r di d i t st r a i gh t t o m e t h a t I m a y
.
h a v e hi m b e a ten to d ea t h ! ”
o u t t h e fro n t g a t e t o fi n d t h e t r a v e ll i n g m i r a cl e h ea l e r a n d br i n g h i m t o
th e h ou se It w a s n o t lo n b ef o re t h e se rv a n ts c a m e b a ck w i th t w b v e ry
‘
g
.
.
o dd looki n g i n d i v i du a ls O n e o f t h em w a s a m an g look i g bo n z e th e
‘
y
-
. n -
s t a rs t h e p a t ch e d b a s t s a n d a ls wh i c h
h e w e r e l ef t n o t r a cks i n th e du st
' '
,
,
d i rt y an d s t a in e d wi th pe rs pi r a t i on
e ls e could th e y h a v e com e th an from
198
h a d b e en w a i t i n g exp ec t a n tly crowd e d ou ts i d e t he door o f th e si c k room .
l a ughe d .
“ ”
W h y are you l a ughi ng ? Gr i e f o f Spr i n g w a n t e d t o kn ow .
I ha ve t o l a ug h a t a ll t he good Budd h a h as t o do He mu st m a k e .
t h i n g ; o n e ha s o n ly t o c all upo n h i m T h e n ex t t h in g Wi ll b e t h a t h e
.
”
w i ll n ego ti a t e m a rr i a g es o n r e qu es t .
”
S hame ! How can yo u b e so W i ck e d a n d fr i volous ! cri e d B la ck
J a d e flus hi n g a s full of in d i gn a t i o n she ra n o ut o f t he room
, , , ,
.
CHAPTER 2 1
Ar m s E ND o r T H E T H I R T Y T H R EE oar s NO T O N L Y W A S PA O Y U c ua s o
-
o f hi s m en t a l d e r a n g e m en t b ut t h e d i s fi gur i n g bur n s o n h i s f a c e w e r e
a n d h e w as gl a d t o b e a bl e t o move b a ck a t l a s t t o h i s b e lov e d p a rk .
outset t o h a ve a n y co n ta c t w i th th e fem a l e i n m a t e s o f t he p a rk S i a o .
H un g ha d o n ce n o t i c e d a d a i n t y l i tt le p a l e gr ee n si lk ha n dke rch i ef in
Li t t le Y tin s han d It w as h er h an dkerc h i e f w hi ch she ha d lo st rec en tl y!
’
.
O n e da y P ao Y u rem e mb e ri n g th e prom i se he ha d m a d e qu i t e a
,
ey es an d t hi s
, hurri ed exc ha n g e o f gl a n ce s c a u se d the m bo t h t o blu s h .
w a y.
"
“ ”
a rr i va l L i tt l e Y u n h a d a n oppor t u n ity t o look rou n d h i m T h e cour t .
wa s an a , ,
s t ood t w o M a n c h ur i a n s p i r i t cr a n e s pr ee n i n g t h ei r f e a t h e r s w i t h t h ei r .
lo n g b ea ks T h e c hi rp i n g a n d sh ri e k i n g of r a r e colored b i rd s i n n um e r
.
,
o us c a g e s r es o un d ed from t h e w a ll s of t h e pl e a s ur e g a ll e ry wh i c h e n
“
c i rcul a r m a i n b ui ld i n g h un g a t a bl et b e a r i n g t he i n scr i p t i o n H a rm o
‘
n i o u s R e d Joyful G r
,
ee n W h i l e L i tt le Y un w a s st i ll po n d e ri n g ove r t he
mean i n g of t hese four c h a ra c t e r s h e w a s c a l l e d l n P a o Y u w a s recli n
,
.
i n g o n a m a g n i fic en t c a rve d bl a ck l a cqu e re d d i v a n b en e a t h a re d s i lk
c a n opy e dge d w i th gold a n d embro i d e r e d w i th fl ow e r s In h i s h an d h e .
n es s a n d wh a t a n i n e xpr e ss i bl e h a pp i n e ss h i s ul t i m a t e r e cov e ry w a s t o
,
h i s wh ol e f a m i ly Wh en P a o Y u s po k e h e o n ly ha lf l i s t ene d for h i s
.
,
a n d s i lv er si lk t o b e P a o Y u s p e r s o n a l m a i d P e arl A s h e h a d h e a rd
’
, , .
serv e h i m W h e n sh e w a s a b c
'
pu sh ed h i m dow n o n h i s se a t a g a i n s a y i n g h e n e ed n o t b e so ce rem o n i
,
o us w i th w a i t i n g m a i d s b ut l n h i s s e cr et h e a r t h e fou n
, dt he ob se q ui ou s
m a nn e r of t he poor rel a ti o n somewhat t e d i ou s h en c e h e cut t h e v i si t a s
'
sh or t a s po s si bl e an d l i m i t e d t h e co n v e r sa t i o n t
o s uc h s up e rfic i a l com ,
an d t h e l i ke Qu i t e s oo n h e fe l t w e a
.
ry of h i s gu est w i th h i s i n c e ssan t a n d
e t a a an t
xr v g pr a i se a n d he b a d e h i m fa rew
, e ll T h e w a i t in g m a i d Ea r .
rin g ha d to co n duct h i m o ut a g a i n .
On th e w a y L i tt le Y un d e li b e ra t ely w a lke d
i n a ll t he four d i r ec t i on s of he a ven for l i tt l e Si
w he r e t o b e seen He det er i ne d t o b e com e
, m
m a i d E a rr i n g i n o .
a s k e d h e r a bou t h
e v e ry
fami li
sa i d Pa o Y u se verely a n d then cont i n u ed o n h i s w a y A t l a s t h e c a me t o
,
.
th e e dg e of a qu i et po n d A my s t e r i ou s h umm i n g w h i c h see m e d t o
. ,
a i r P a o Y u ha d a rr i ve d a t Bl a ck J a d e s p a v i l i o n H e qu i et ly l i ft e d t h e
’ “
. .
t h i n g a uz e cur t a i n a n d p ee r e d i n si d e A w a v e o i h e a vy fr a gr a n c e m et
,
.
A lo ne all da y lo n g o n my p i llow
'
s ee d i st i n c t ly t h a t she w a s ly i n g o n t h e d i va n her l i mb s st r et c he d o u t ,
a s i f i n s l ee p .
W h y do you a lw a ys li e a lo n e o n a p i llo w j u st th i n k i n g wh at yo u
“
? ”
fee l
Wi th t hes e word s he burst i n t o t he room sm i l i n g She qu i ckly p ut , .
to b e a sl ee p He w en t up t o h er couc h a n d t ri e d t o dr a w h e r ov e r t o t h e
.
“
T he youn g l a dy i s s ti ll a sl eep ; pl ea se w a i t ou ts i d e u n t i l s h e w a k es
”
up . the se d a te gu a rd i an s o f ord er i n form e d the i n t rud e r B ut Bl a ck -
“
O h w e o n ly th oug h t
, th e m a t ro n s e xcu se d the m se lv es w i t h ,
Bla ck J a d e h a d s a t up a n d b ega n t o do he r h a i r, .
“
Wh a t do yo u m ea n by s urpr i si n g m e i n the m i ddle o f a b ea u t i ful
? ”
s l e ep she a sk e d t urn i n g t o P 3 0 Y u w i t h a sm i l e
, .
“
Excuse m e b ut w ha t w ere yo u sa yi n g j us t n ow ? he aske d a h
,
”
,
sca l ly .
“
O h n o t hi n g i n pa rt i cul a r
, .
”
I m e a n j u st n o w .
I do n o t kn ow wh a t you m ea n .
’
Wo n t you g i ve m e som e n u ts t o cr a ck ? B ut I cert a i n ly hea rd w h a t
y o u sa i d ju s t n o w .
”
Bri n g m e a g ood b owl o f tea ! he sa i d t urn i n g t o ,
t he w a i t i n g m a i d Cuckoo .
204
”
don t th i n k you l i ke our t e a B et te r le t your P ea rl ge t you som e !
I
’
.
r et ort ed Cuckoo p er t ly ,
.
“ ”
It s all r i g h t pour i t !
’
,
“
Li st en ! When on e da y I a m unit ed t o your b e lov e d l i t le m i st r ess
‘
‘
’
Hi s words i n st an t ly b an i s he d t he m erry e xpr essi o n from Bl a ck J a d e s
fa c e .
“
A r e you t r ea t i n g m e a g a i n t o the st reet exp r ess m n s th e co a rse ,
a n d o ut of t h e room H e ra n a ft e r he i
'
r . .
De a rest b est M e i m e i I d es e r ve d ea t h ! he c a ll e d o u t qu i te b e
,
.
”
, , ,
“
w i ld er ed B ut I w i ll n e v e r a g a i n u tt e r s uc h e xpr ess i o n s or i f I do m a y
.
, ,
my t o n gue ro t o ut . a
,
“
h
s e a n n ou n c ed Th e word s
”
old gove rnor wen t t h rough h i s li mb s li ke
.
a n d h e h urr i e d b a ck t o h i s p a vi l i o n at P e a rl s s i d e i n ord e r t o r e a dy
’
g e t
for t he drea d e d v i si t Hi s v a l et Ming Y en w a s w a i t i n g for h i m a t th e
.
p a rk ga t e .
“ ”
Do you kn ow w hy th e old m an wa n ts t o sp ea k t o m e h e a sk e d hi m ?
exc i t e dly .
“
N o f B ut h urry U p ! You w i ll kn ow soon en ough .
t er .
“
J us t look h ow the boy ca n h urry ! On e on ly n ee d s t o men t i on h i s
'
l .
a
bout t o burst o ut i n r a ge b u t Hs u eh P a n n o ivs gree ted hi gn j okin gly
,
’
W i th a c e remo n i ou s bow a n d t ri ed
t o a ppe a s e h i m .
“
I adm i t my off en se a n d b eg your ki n d forb ea r a n c e B ut I wa n t ed .
ar e th e o n l o n e m i s si n g
y o o n o n t h e th i rd of
.
,
t h e fift h mo n t h a n d W e
, c el ebr a t i on t od a y .
you o ut so qu i ckly .
206
sh e would cry a loud i n her gri ef W h y di d h e lock h er o ut so hea rt
.
? B ut sh e h a d n o t r e a lly m ea n t i t so se ri ou s ly Would h e d a r e
a wa y .
en e d th e b i rd s i n th e br a n c h es by t he w a y s i d e fro m th ei r sl ee p a n d
c a u se d th em t o fly a wa y in a l arm ed flu tt e rs t o mor e d i st a n t r es t i n g
pl a ces She ha d n o t gon e far wh en sh e he ar d b eh i n d h er a d o or cr ea k
.
j us t com i n g o ut o f P8 0 Y u s g a rd en g a te Pa o Y u an d th e w a i t i n g m a i d
’
.
t o h urry b a ck an d ca ll P a o Y u to a ccoun t b u t sh e di d n o t w a n t t o b e,
w as an d w a t c he d from a di s t an c e a s P a o Y u p a rt e d fr om h i s cous i n ,
g , ,
H c
.
, ,
di d n o t ta ke an y n o ti ce of h er co n di ti on o r as k th e r ea so n o f h er sorrow .
Th e
foll owi n g day the t wenty si x th o f the fourth mon th th e be gi n
,
-
,
.
o f the pa r k an d th e ir w ai ti n g m a i d g ly color d g rm
s had i
"
u t n a e a en ts
p o ,
208
an d bri gh tn ess an d cheerf ulness rei gn ed ever yw he re O n ly o n e pe rs on .
“ ”
Wh ere o n ea rth i s Cous in Bl a ck J a d e Greeti n g o f Spri n g as ke d
? .
“
T h e l az y th i n g seems t o w an t t o sl ee p a ll da y .
“ ”
Wai t I wi ll go an d rouse h er ! sugg e st e d Pre c i ous Cla sp a n d hur
, ,
P e a r G a rd en .
“ “
T he o th er s are o ver th er e sh e sai d to th em po in tin g b eh i n d h er
, , .
di d n o t w an t to upse t th e se n s i t i ve Bl a ck J a d e w h o sh e kn e w l i ke d t o , , ,
an d ra n b a ck A s s h e we n t s h e n o t i ced a p a i r o f b i g wo n d e rfully b ea u
.
,
a n d en t i c e d h e r f art h e r a n d fa rt h e r from th e p a t h w a y an d i n t o t h e gr a ss
'
ri gh t up t o th e e dge o f t he n ea r b y po n d H e re sh e h a d t o gi ve up t h e
-
.
th e Ki n gfi sh er Blu e Drop s Th e p a vi li o n w h i ch s t oo d o ut ai r i
-
. in ,
“
t h e m s a y in g : Well t e ll m e a t l a st is thi s your h an dk e rchi ef wh i c h yo u
, ,
”
lost tha t ti m e I f n o t I mus t ta ke i t b a ck to M r Y un
?
'
. .
,
’ ”
O f course i t s mi n e Gi ve i t to m e ! sh e h ea rd the oth er reply
. .
n o t go i n g t o
ge t i t f o r n o th i n g ! I de fin i te ly pro m i se d M r Y un o n ly t o .
gi ve i t up i n e x ch an ge f or th e rew a rd .
“
No nsen se ! W hy a re wa rd ? Afte r a ll i t s a duty to gi ve up w ha t on e ,
’
”
fi n ds i n a str an g e h ouse .
“
. V e ry we ll then yo u won t get i t
,
’
.
“
Th e dis pu te co n ti n ue d for a w hi le lo n g er Th en a vo i ce sa i d : V ery .
209
’
well g i v e h i m th i s b a n gl e a s a rew ard ! B ut prom i se m e yo u won t say a
,
”
word t o an yo n e abou t i t ! Swea r i t !
“
I sw ea r i t an d i f I do n o t keep my word m a y I get a b i g bo i l i n my
,
”
mou th a n d b e m i ser ably s uffoc a t e d t o d ea th by i t !
Sh ! No t so loud ! Wh a t i f a n yo n e sh ould b e l i st en i n g ou tsi d e ! W e
“
, , ,
“
Hi S i ster Bl a ck J a d e w h er e h a v e you cre p t a w a y t o ? I c a n t fi n d
’
, ,
“ ”
Where h a v e you h i dd en my cou s i n ? as k e d Pr e c i ou s Cl as p qu i t e-
n at ur a lly .
“
W e do n ot kn ow wh er e M i ss L i n g i s sa i d E arri n g s urpri se d , ,
.
B ut I j u st s aw h er by t h e po n d I t h ough t sh e mu st h a v e cr ep t a lo n g
.
”
self h er e i n th e p a v i l i o n ?
Sh e stepp ed i n an d cr an e d her n e ck an d st r et c h e d h er l i mb s as i f ,
s ea rc hi n g i n t en t ly .
“
Sh e mu st h av e j u st cr ept i n t o a gro tt o ou t si d e Let us h op e sh e wo n t .
’
”
ge t b i t ten by sn akes ! she murmur e d T h en sh e w en t a w a y a g a i n s e .
,
cretl
y amu se d a t t h e l i t t l e i n c i den t a n d t h e s ucce s s ful t ri ck w h i ch h a d
helpe d h er o u t of h er emb arr assm en t
t o o l a te a t th e f a r ew ell b a n qu et 1 n h on or of th e d e p ar t i n g flow e rs n o r t o
,
t o go o ut w h en P a o Y u en ter e d .
“
D ea r M ei m ei he sa i d a s gen tly as possi ble th e wh ol e ni gh t
,
“
,
t h ro i i gh I h a v e b een t ur n i n g ov er yo ur words o f y es t e rd a y i n my
m i n cl
”
Wha t ki n d o f t a ste would a cool v r ep li e d h i s si st er i n di g
i e ha e ?
n a n tly .
“
No I sh ould li ke v ou t o c h oo se for m e th en I would b e s ure
, ,
.
,
a l i t t l e more d a i n ti ly worke d .
m erri ly .
n ev er l a st s mor e t h an ta ro d a y s I kn ow h e r w a y s —h e comfort e d h i m :
,
.
,
n ea ri n g hi s obj e c t i ve h e h ea rd a pl a i n t i v e g i rl s v o i ce c m i n
'
o g f r om be
’
1 n ui si t i v el
q .
t h e g i rl w as Bl a ck J a d e .
a n d so sh e h a d
w i th dr a wn from the c i rcl e o f h er pl a ym a t es i n t o sol i
t ud e Sh e h a d se t o ut for h er fl ow e
r g ra ve w i t h a n a rmful o f f a ll en
‘
. -
e h
ov rw lm ed w i th un s pe a ka bl e gri e f P e rh ap s i t w a s symp a th y fo r the
e
.
a n ch ol
y a n d bro ke o ut i n t o a lo n g l a m en ta t i on « in whi c h sh e comp a re d “
h e rself wi t h a t en d er blosso m an d be w a i l d
e he r i n e vi t a bly s a d d es ti ny
th e es t i n
d y of a fa di n g flower A n d so movin g w a s h er me lody that in
.
:
212
the mi dst o f o n g o f lam en t a t i on i n t e rm i n gl e d w i th tea rs th e li s
thi s s , ,
Pao Y u .
“ ”
Oh i t s th a t lo a ths om e o n e ! sh e g asp ed ,h a lf a loud T he n , sh ocke d
’
.
,
h in d fo r a wh i le t h en h e v en t ure d t o com e n e a re r
.
, .
“ ” “
Pl ea se st op h e i mplor e d h er I kn ow yo u do n o t li ke m e , a nd I
. .
“
d sl a cken i n g her p a c e .
”
W i ll you li sten to m e ev en i f i t is a b i t mor e ?
? ”
t w een us n ow a d a y s from w h a t i t w as i n th e p as t
“ ”
Wh a t do you m e a n by t ha t she a ske d st opp i n g
?
, .
a n d you a vo i d m e f o r wh ol e d a y s o n en d Am I n o t j u st a s muc h a lo n e .
t he i r mo t h e r i s a s t r a n g e r S i n c e w e t w o h a v e n o rc a l bro th e r s or s i s
'
por t t o ea t h e ?
c o r A n d n o w i s i t a ll to come t o a n en d
h .
w a s i n fe c t e d by h i s t ea rs an d b e g a n t o w ee p t o o E n cour a g e d by he r .
“
s oft en i n g of h ea r t h e co n ti n u e d : , I kn ow th a t I a m b a d B ut w h a t .
a n d w a r n m e a n d s cold m e and e v en b ea t m e I ca n b ea r a ll t h a t B u t
'
.
, , ,
th a t you j u st do n ot n o t i ce m e th at dr i v es m e to de s p a i r ! It m a ke s m e
“
’
,
2 13
’
d em en t ed Do you then real ly wi sh m e t o di e a poor si nn er wh om no
.
, ,
? ”
Budd hi st or T a o i st re qu i em ca n sa ve from d amn a t i o n
Hi s movi n g pl a i n t h a d b an i sh e d th e l as t r emn an t o f h er resen tm en t
i nt o th e n i n th r eg i o n of h ea v en .
“ ? ”
W h y di d you n o t let y o ur m a i d open th e door t o m e l as t n i gh t
sh e comm en c e d c h an g i n g h er t on e
,
.
“
You c all ed on m e l ast n i ght ? M a y I di e on th e s po t i f I kn ow a ny
”
t h i n g a bou t t h a t ! h e pro t est e d a st o n i sh e d , .
i
“
O n e sh ould n o t use th e word d i e so th ough t l essly ! Y o u kn ow I
‘ ’
“
B ut really I kn ew n o thi n g a bou t your com i n g I o n ly kn ow th a t
,
.
Cousi n Pr ec i ou s Cl a sp w a s t her e .
“
Hm Th en i t seems t h a t i t w as th rough i n dol en ce o r b a d h umor
.
” ’
t h a t your m a i ds di d n o t op en t h e door sh e r em a rk e d a ft er a mom en t s .
r e fl ec t i o n .
“ ”
Th a t mu st b e i t ! repl i e d Pa o Y u ea g erly I w i ll i n vest i g a t e the .
”
of my m i nd !
“
Y es do so b ut n o t for my s a ke ! Th a t th i s sh oul d h a pp en t o m e i s
, ,
n o t so v e ry b a d B ut i t m i g h t h a pp en s om et i m e t o o n e of your o th e r
.
’
? ”
I sn t t h a t s o she sa i d sm i l i n g i ron i c a lly , .
A n d so for the t i m e b e i n g p ea c e r ei gn e d a g a i n .
CHAPTER 22
Th e b et t er o fi on e is , th e
more o n e t ro u b le s a b o u t o n e s w elfa re Th e ’
.
da y wi th P h o en i x an d Pa o Y u an d th e gr an dd a ug h t e r s ou ts i d e t h e t own
i n th e T a o i st T empl e o f th e S e ren e Vo i d Sh e h a d d e cl a r e d th a t th e .
t h a t sh e w a s a lr e a dy th orough ly s i ck of th
e r e pe r t ory of the ho us e
th ea te r She un d ert ook to m a ke t h e n e c ess a ry pr e p a r a t i o n s for t h e h o li
.
214
ath i s work by th e arri v al o f th e l a d i es an d w an t e d t o s l i p o ut qu i ckly .
_ ,
se d an ch a i r s h a d d i smou n t e d m ea n w h i l e a n d t h e youn g l a d i es ,
to ,
~
, ,
a n d h a d t h e boy a rr est e d by t h e se rv a n t s .
”
a s t h e y c am e i n h e r epor t e d t o t h e A n cres t res s
, .
“ ”
Bri n g h i m here ord e r e d t h e A nc est r ess B ut b e v e ry p ati en t
, .
w i th hi m ! On e c an n o t d em a n d a h i gh st a n d a rd o f ma n n e r s from t h e
”
ch i ldr en of such h umbl e p e opl e an d o n e mu s t : h a ve co n si d e r a t i o n
, .
t h e o t h er s w e re n o t p e rm i tt e d t o en t e r t h e in n e r pr e c i n c t s o f t h e t empl e
, ,
o f th e en t r a n c e t o t h e t empl e a l t h e t i m e n o “
l w a s k e d w i th a s m i l e : A n d
,
w h a t a bou t m e ? M
a y your h umbl e se rv a n t a h i r p c t t t h e l a d i es
p y s e s e s o
i n s i d e ? P erh a ps th e old T a i ta i m a d esi r e my d i r e c t i on a n d m i ss m e
y .
T h e Pr i n c e di d n o t h es i t at e for t h e wort h y o l d m an en j oy e d a re pu
,
exo rmst so h e w a s n o st r an g er
t o th e l a di es .
'
,
216
O f c ourse the te mple i s Open t o yo u an d i f yo u m a ke an y more ,
”
words a bou t i t I sha ll ta ke yo u by your lo n g b ea rd an d pull yo u i n ,
t o th e A n c es t re ss The H i g h Pr i es t bow e d to th e A n c es tr es s an d t h e
.
-
“
youn ger l a d i es an d sm i li n gly off e red h i s gr ee t i n gs : M ay th e o ld .
A n c es tr es s b e gr an t ed t he sa m e ab un d an c e o f he a l th h a pp i n ess an d , ,
“ ? ”
Ho w do yo u do h oly o ld m an ,r epl i e d the A n ce st r ess s mi li n g , .
, ,
th e co n ve rs a t i o n o n t o P a o Y u A t h i s r eq ues t th e A n ce st r es s h a d h er
.
gr an d so n ca ll e d .
“ ”
How m a gn i fi cent ly th e li tt l e bro ther 1 5 g e tt i n g o n ! cri e d th e o ld
m an .
“
Th a t o n ly on th e surf a c e un for t un a tely ; h e i s r ea lly a v e ry w e a k
is ,
” “
b o y sa i d th e An c est ress s i g h in g No wo n d e r fo r h e st udi es so h ar d
, , .
»
, .
“
I do n ot un d er stan d a t a ll w h y th e o ld m as te r is d i spl e as e d w i th h i s
progr ess I h av e h a d proof ag a i n an d a g a i n o f ho w s plen d i dly th e li t tl e
.
s e rv e h i m a t t en t i v el — h i s f a c e h i s figur e h i s de port m en t hi s w a y
y , , ,
“ ”
You are r i ght agr ee d t h e A n ce st r ess wi th emo ti on i n her vo i c e
, ,
.
’
T h e old m an s f a c e gr ew cunn in g .
“
R ec en t ly i n th e h om e o f a ce rt a i n n obl e fa mi ly I c am e a cross a
, ,
, , ,
g i rl . S he W ou l d b e a s u i ta bl e p a rt n e r f o r t h e li tt l e bro the r If th e o ld .
“
Th a n k you for t he ki n d off er sa i d th e A n ce st res s e v as i v ely B ut
, , .
217
I a ttach l i tt le i mportan ce to a ri st ocra ti c an d ri ch desc en t ; sh e m a y w ell
come from a poor fami ly The refo re let m e kn ow wheneve r you h a v e . ,
”
s ui ta bl e sugg es ti on s t o m a ke !
to P ao Y u .
“
My coll ea gu es th an k you fo r the ha pp i n ess o f l ett i n g th em see th e
” “
st r an g e m a g i c st on e he sa i d Th e y w an t t o t a ke t hi s oppo rt un i ty o f
,
.
”
en ts j u st a s h e pl e a ses
, .
“
How di d yo u d are to a llow your poor coll ea gu es t o go t o s uch ex
”
pense W e c a nn o t a cce p t t hese pre sen ts un de r an y c i rcum sta n c es ! th e
?
“
O h the y i n si sted upo n provi n g t h ei r d e vo t i o n I could n o t prev en t
, .
”
ten t i o n ed g i ft s a re d i s d ai n ed .
a cc e pt e d t h e i r gi f ts .
“
W h a t sh a ll I do w i th th ese t h i n g s ? ”
as k e d P a o Y u i n a s om ewh a t
”
sco m f ul t o n e I sh a ll g i v e th em t o b egg a rs o n th e w ay h om e
. .
“ ”
Do n o t do th a t ! obj ec t e d th e Pri or “ I n dee d I do n ot f a i l to r ecog .
,
t h in g s ; b e gg a rs w an t mo n e y K ee p th es e li tt l e obj ec ts ! T h ough t h e y
.
th ey po ssess b en efi ce n t powe r ”
‘
Pa o Y u t o ok th e h i n t an d i n t he even i n g h e or de re d t ha t mo n e y
,
o n e st ory t empl e bu i ld i n g s h a d b e en pl a c e d
a t t h ei r d i s po sa l Th e m i d
-
2 18
c i rcl e of fri en d s a n d r ela t i o n s th ese d ea r p e ople h a d h asten e d t o sen d
,
b el at e dly w i th th e n ew w i fe of C h i a Y un g an d sh e di d n ot r e c e i ve th e
tw o un we lcome a rr i v a ls i n a v e ry fr i en dly w a y F ea r i n g th a t sh e m
,
i gh t .
an d w en t h om e i n i ll h um or -
.
.
to p ers u a de h er t h e n ex
'
t da y t o m a ke a n o t h e r t r i p t o t h e t empl e b ut in
“
v ai n It ha ppe n ed th a t P a o Y u a l s o di d n o t wa n t t o go t h ere He wa s o ut
. .
Pa o Y u di d n o t n ee d t h i s un so li ci ted m e di a t i o n ; h e h a d m ad e h i s o w n
c ho i ce lon g a go He ha d n o d esi re t o a pp ea r b e fore o ld C h a n g ever
.
a g a i n h e d e cl a r e d a n gr i ly t o h i s gr a n dmo th e r wh en h e
,
go t h om e N0 .
o n e could r ea lly un d er s t a n d w h
y h e w a s so much a nn oy e d w i th t h e
fri en dly old m a n Mor e ov er Bl a ck J a de ha d c aught cold o n t h e w a y
.
,
‘
h om e a n d w a s a l i t tl e f ev e ri sh t od a y For t h e se t h r ee r ea s o n s t h e .
Pa o Y u ’
ook Bl a ck J a d e s sl i g ht cold s o much t o hea rt th a t h e could
t
n o t t ouc h a b i t e t h e wh ol e da
y Hi s a n x i et y im p e ll e d h i m t o v i si t h er
.
“
W hy wo n t you go w i th t h e o t h e rs t o t he pl a y s a t the t empl e i n
’
s t ea d o f s t i ck i n g a t h om e a n d b e i n g bor e d ? ” a sk e d Bl a ck J a d e w i sh i n g
,
t o p u t h i m t o t h e t e s t H er
.
q u es t i o n a n n oy e d h i m gr e a t ly
. If a n yo n e .
“
I see t h a t i t i s u sel ess for us t o kn ow o n e a n o th e r V e ry w ell let 11 5 .
,
”
fi n is h w i th i t ! h e r epl i e d d eeply d i sa ppo in t e d Sh e m a de m a t t e rs .
t h
o rp r o
e e s n s I v n o t hi n g at a ll a bou t me w h i ch s u i ts you
h a e,
”
.
cu of d m nat i on over m e
r s e a
”
.
? They were
se lves a n d b eh a ve a s i f t h ey w r e s t r n g e r s a n d e
e a n e mi es
a w a y from a c h o t h e r ? B ut a l as th a t h a s a lw a y s b ee n th e w a y wi th
e ,
“
A t th e word s b ea u t i ful m a rri a g e pl a n P ao Y u compl et ely lo st h i s
‘
n eck an d fl un g i t fi e rc e ly t o th e gr ou n d
‘
“
I wi ll sm a sh yo u up a ccurse d th i n g ! Th en I sh a ll h a v e pea ce a t
,
”
l a st ! he cri ed b esi d e h i m self B ut t h e good st o n e w as m a de o f such
, .
s o un d m a t er i a l th at th e f a ll could n o t h a r m i t ; i t di d n o t b ea r t h e
sl i g h te st tr a c e o f d a m a g e Wh e n P a o Y u n o t i c ed t h i s h e turn ed ro un d
.
“
Bl a ck J a d e b emo an e d h i s ab surd a c ti o n Wha t h as tha t d ea f an d
.
sh e sa i d .
’
Bl ack J a d e s w a i t in g m a i d s Cuckoo an d Sn o w goo se h a d a lrea dy
wi tn essed m an y a rgumen ts b et ween th ei r m i str es s a n d Pa o Y u b u t n o ,
”
Do n ot i n t e rfe re ! ord e re d P a o Y u brus qu ely Wh a t i s i t to yo u i f .
? ”
I d estr oy my prope rt y
P e a rl w as st a rt l e d by th e e xpressi o n o f hi s f ac e as h e u tt ere d th ese
in s uc h a co n di ti on Sh e tr i e d g en tly t o p a c i fy hi m
. .
“
Do you n o t t hi n k a t a ll of your co usi n s d e l i c ate h ea l th wh en you
’
r ag e a g a i n st h er so un ki n dly ? ”
sh e as ke d re pro a c h fully t a ldn g h i m
,
“ ”
Y o u sh ould no t t a ke th e li tt l e qu a rre l so much t o h ea rt sh e s a i d ,
“
t o h er . How can y ou get we ll i f you vomi t up you r m e d i c i n e st r a i gh t
? ”
a wa y Do you n o t see h o w our l i t t l e m a st e r suff e rs w h en you are i ll
,
‘
?
hi s poor cousi n Hi s an ger h a d m el t e d a w a y ; he w as on the v erge o f
.
a n d t h e o t h e r a g a in s t t h e i n cl i n a t i o n t o vom i t h e w a s S uch a p i c t ur e o f ,
“
Look a t t he si lk t a sse l on your st on e wh i c h your co usin m a d e fo r
”
u w i th h e w n h a n d s! s h e s a i d t o P a o Y u forc i n g h e rs elf t o sm i l e
y o r o ,
.
“
Let i t a lo n e ! Afte r a ll h e c a r es n o th i n g f o r wh a t I t ook so much
,
“
Do n ot t a k e i t b a dly o f h er ! I am t o bl a m e w i th my t h ought l ess
”
c h atter pl ea d e d P ea rl a polog et i c a lly t o P a o Y u a s sh e g av e him b a ck
, ,
th e cord .
“ '
h a v e fl a re d up wi t h n ew forc e i f Pa Y u s mo th e r a n d gr an dmo t h er w h o ’
,
o t he r b e c a use ea ch b e li eve d th a t t he o th er h a d c a ll e d th e t w o Ta i ta is
,
a n d th er eby m a d e t e m a tt e r wor se
h .
th e h an d an d le d h i m a wa y w i t h h er .
t h ea t n ca l pe rform an c e w er e g i v en All
.
th e r el a t i v es a ss e
. mbl e d ; on ly
P a o Y u a n d Bla ck J a d e w ere m i ss i n g Af t er th e h a pp en in g s o f y es t er
'
da y they w er e n o t i n t he h umor t o a t t en d a b an qu et o r a t h e a t ri c a l p er
m
f o r an ce T he y bo th excu e d th ei r ab s en ce o n t h e pl e a of b ei n g i l In
re a h t
. s
l .
y the re w as n o th in g wro n g wi th P a Y u a n d Bl a ck J a de w as a l n
,
222
A nd w hy n ot
? ke everyth i n g sot r a gi cally ! h e
W h y sh ould one ta
'
”
.
, ,
t i m es a da y How i s sh e t od a y ?
“
. Ph y si c a lly she i s we ll b ut her he a rt i s n ot yet qu i t e c a lm an d in
, ,
-
”
order .
“
I ca n w e ll b e l i ev e th a t h e sa i d smi l i n g,as h e w a lked i nt o th e li v
“ ‘
h e a sk e d ki n dly Sh e wi p e d
”
A re you qu i t e w e ll a g a i n M e i m ei ?
' ’
.
,
'
a w a y h er t e a r s b u t r e m a i n e d s i l en t H e s a t down o n t h e e d e o f t h e
'
, g .
a ll B ut i f I a m n ev er s een w i t h you t h e o t h e r s m a
y t h i n k th a t w e h a v e
'
.
,
a nn oy i n
g i n terferen c e from ou ts i d er s If you h a v e a n y t hi n g a ga i n st me
"
.
,
”
bl am e m e qu a rr el w i th m e hi t m e ! O n ly do ; n o t i gn ore m e !
, ,
’
”
D ur i n g hi s s peec h h e h a d u se d the t e rm s d ea r est M e i m ei an d
b est M ei m ei a t l ea st adoz en t i mes From t h e r em a rk t h a t o ther peo
”
.
j oy a n d un sea l e d h er l i ps .
a n y r a t e w i ll t a k e c a r e n o t t o com e t o o n ea r
yo u Th e b e st th i n g i s for
'
”
m e t o go a w a y a l t og eth er she s a i d st i ll see mi n gly qu i te irr e co n c i l abl e
, , .
B ut h e di d n o t let h i m self b e i n t i m i da t e d .
“ ”
Wh er e wi ll you go th en he a ske d bli thely
?
, .
Hom e .
“ ’
I ll go wi th yo u .
A n d wha t i f I di e s oon ? ”
Th en I wi ll b e com e a mon k .
“
I d d You use d t o d ecl a re t h a t yo u a ls o would di e i n th a t ca se
?
-
n ee
.
o n e of them d i es ? If s o you w i ll
h a v e t o mul t i ply you rsel f Wh a t if I
“
‘ , .
te ll th e m of your pr a i se wor th y i n t en t i o n ? ”
He rea liz e d th a t h i s st a tem en t h a d b een ra th er th o ugh t o f
Prem o us Cl asp and blus h e d W h a t a good th in i t w a s th a t n o o n e e l s e
g .
w as presen t ! T h er e w a s a lon g e mb a rr a e d p u
ss a se i n t h e co n v e rs a
,
“
Y ou she b e g an b ut could n o t co n t in ue I ns t e a d sh e t ook
, o ut .
,
h er h an dkerchi ef a n d wi pe d h er e y es Hi s e y s b e c a m e t ear ful t o o an
e d .
,
2 24
mo i st l i ds She n o t i c e d i t a n d w i th ou t a word h an d e d h i m on e o f h er
.
Bl a ck J a d e pu she d h i s h a n d a w a y .
“
Lea ve o ff th i s co a rse c a re ssi n g ! Y o u a re grow i n g old e r e v e ry da y .
? ”
When w i ll you l e a rn t o b eha v e yours elf a t l a s t
Th e vo i c e of P o
h en i x w as h e a rd ou ts i d e S t art l e d t h e tw
.o cou s i n s ,
se p a r a t e d h urr i e dly .
“ ”
Now a re yo u fr i en d s a g a i n
,
? a s k e d P h o en i x l a ug h i n g T h e o ld
,
.
s en t m e h e r e t o see i f e v ery t hi n g i s a ll r i g h t A t fir s t I di d n o t w a n t t o
.
s cold i n g A n d s o I a m h e r e W h ar e u tw o n o t t o b e see n
? Wh a t h a s
.
y y o .
”
t o t h e old T a i ta i w i t h m e t o a s s ur e h er t h a t a ll i s w ell .
h a d d i sa pp e a r e d .
th e A n c estr es s .
“ ”
Now w a s I n o t r i g ht ? sa i d P h o en i x c h e e rfu l ly I di d n o t h a v e .
,
t o i n t e rfe r e a t a ll ; t h e y h a d a lr e a dy m a d e i t up t h e m s e lves T h e y h a d .
a s ke d e a c h o t h e r s p a rdo n a n d w e r e s i t t i n g t og et h e r qu i t e p ea c e full y
’
l a te r Th en h e w a n t e d t o kn ow w h y sh e w a s n o t a t th e t h ea t r i c a l p er
.
f o rm an ce .
“
I sawp i e c es a n d the n I could n o t en dure the he a t a n y lo n ge r
two , ,
”
so I sn ea k ed off r epl i e d Pre c i ou s Cl as p
, .
ak e s o m e re ply I n volun ta r i ly h i s a tt en t i o n
..
,
1 3 2 25
cen t ly se en when sh e t ook off a gold b a n gle for hi mt o look a t mo r e
‘
“
by th e n i ckn ame of Court es an Y an g b ec a u se th a t c elebr at e d Im ,
plump a n d sen si t i ve t o h ea t .
“
la ughs a n d r em a rke d d er i si vely : If I a m so v ery li k e th e Court esan
Ya n g i t i s r ea lly a p i t y th a t I l a ck th e sui t a ble cou si n a se co n d Y an g
, ,
”
Chun g He w a s c e rt a i n ly a fi n e fellow !
.
r ect ed h i m wh en t h e y w er e a lo n e j u st n o w Bl a ck J a d e w h o h a d b een .
,
s ecr et ly pl ea s e d a t t h e a t i f s o m ew h a t crud e
fa ux p as wh i ch h e h a d
'
p
j us t p erp et ra t e d a t t he exp en se of Pr eci ou s Cl a s p a n d w a s s orry t o see ,
“ ”
Whi ch pl a y h av e you seen th en ? sh e a sk e d t ur n i n g w i th a sm i l e
,
t o Pr e c i ou s Cl a sp .
“
It w a s c a ll ed T h e Tyr a n t L i Kw ei Abu se s Sun g Ch i an g an d La t e r
‘ ‘
coolly .
“
You are so w e ll v er se d o t h e rw i se i n a n c i en t a n d m od e rn li t er a t ure ’
an d ”
'
“
Y es v ery w ell l et i t b e A V i s i t of P e t i ti o n w i th t h e R od ! Y o u o f
, ,
‘ ’
,
I r lly
e a d i d n o t kn ow a n y thi n g un t i l n o w a bou t a v i si t o f th a t kin d ”
,
e
mb arra ssmen t wh i ch the s udd en blu sh es o n t h e faces o f P a o Y u an d
Bl a ck J a de d i st in c t ly b et r a y ed Her sta b h a d h i t t h e mar k O f th ose
.
_
.
226
fa c e Prec i ou s Cl as p burst o ut l a ugh i n g an d th e o t he rs l a ugh e d wi th
. ,
h er a th
,
l oug h mo s t of t h e m di d n o t kn o ww h y Th e t e n s i o n h a d b een .
'
d
e e r t o n gu e s t h a n I ? Comp a r e d w i th th e m I am
p os i t i v ely sh y an d
”
h a rml ess !
He foun d t he o n e j us t a s b ad as t h e o t he r so h e le ft Bl a ck J a d e st an d ,
in g th ere a n d ran o ff .
CHAPTER 2 3
t a ki n g a mi dd a y r est o n a ccoun t of t h e s t up e fy i n g h e a t a n d e v en t h e ,
t o t h e h o me o f h i s mo th er H er e a l s o t h e n oo n d a y s i l e n c e r ei gn e d ov e r
.
h e a rr i ve d a t th e l i v i n g room of t h e T a i ta i Sh e w a s ly i n g a s l ee p on .
a d i v a n of m a t t i n g Th e w a i t i n g m a i d Gold R i n g w a s l e a n i n g a g a
. i n st
t h e en d of t h e d i v a n w i t h h er l e g s st r e t c h e d o u t l i mply doz i n g
.
, ,
.
t o t h e door w i t h a sm i l e a n d sh u t h e r e y es a g a i n B u t P a o Y u di d n o t
, .
t er e e .
mg h y s He t ook h old of he r h a n d
.
.
h
Look r h all 1 a sk th e T a i t a i t o gi v e yo u t o m e
e. e s ,
? ”
h e aske d ,
q ui etly Sh e r em a i n ed si l en t :
.
“
A s s oo n a s t h e Ta i t ai w a k es up I sh a ll a sk h er f or o u h e co n
y
, ,
t i n n e d Gold R i n g op e ne d h e r e y es an d looke d at h i m s m i l i n g
.
.
,
“
You a re i n a m i gh t y h ur ry ! Wh a t a bou t h avi n g L a mb s Fl ee c e ? If ’
228
“ ”
They m ay en j oy th em se lves f o r all I ca re I w an t yo u ! He h a d .
sc a rc e ly fi n i sh e d s pe a ki n g wh en th e Ta i ta i su dd en ly st ood up an d
d ea lt th e wa i t in g m a i d a vi gorou s sl a p o n th e fa c e .
“
Ab an don e d cr ea t ure ! I sh all j us t sh ow yo u ! Tryi n g t o se duce my
”
so n ! sh e s cold e d .
“
Tell your m athe r th at she i s t o ta ke your si ster o u t o f t he h ous e thi s
”
ve ry da y ! sh e s a i d Gold R in g thr ew he rse lf o n he r knees a n d w i th
.
“ ” “
Hi t m e , b ea t m e b ut do n o t t urn m e o ut ! she i mplor e d
,
I h a ve .
”
th e sh a m e o f b ein g dri v en a w a y in th e en d ! B ut t he Ta i ta i w h o w as ,
u su a lly so ki n dh e a rt e d an d h a d nev e r b ee n i n th e h a b i t o f b ea t i n g
,
Gold R i n g h a d t o l e a v e th e h ou se i n d i s gr a ce .
t urn A n d so t h e b a n qu et prov e d a mo s t st r a in e d a n d te d i ou s a ff a i r a n d
.
a n d forlorn st a t e w h en th e se p a rt i e s a re ov e r ; h e n ce i t i s b est t o a vo i d
h a d en j oy e d th ei r bloom i n g a n d sh e fe l t i t would h a ve b ee n be tt er
,
229
men t in t o th e h ou se All th e cou s i n s w er e j u st a ssembl e d for th e mi d
.
pl ent y to rel a te .
“
Wi ll you n o t m a ke your clo th i n g mor e comfort able o n a ccoun t o f
? ”
th e h eat s ugg est e d t h e An c est re ss .
’
A n d wi t h t h i s th e co n v ersa ti o n t urn e d t o L i tt l e Cloud s cl ev e rn ess i n
di sgui sin g herself .
“
Don t you r eme mb e r t h at t i m e th a t she p ut o n P a o Y u s co a t an d
’ ’
? ”
sh o es a n d
p ut h i s for eh ea d b an d roun d h er h ea d as k e d Pr e c i ou s
“
Cl as p l a ughi n g Sh e looked so li ke h i m t h a t wh en th e o ld Ta i ta i
, .
”
A n d h ow w e l a ug he d !
“
Y es sh e dr ess es up splen d i dly a s a boy a dd e d t h e A n c e s t r ess
, ,
.
th a t sn owy da y i n t h e fir st mo n t h of l a st y ea r wh en sh e s e cr e tl y p u t o n
th e old Ta i ta i s n ew r ed mo n k ey h a i r clo a k ? It w a s so lo n g a n d wi d e
’
-
“
Wh er e on e aCou rth is ”
i n qu i r e d Li tt l e Cloud
s in P a o Y u ? .
sa i d Pr e c i ou s Cl a s p j ok i n gly Th e r e upon P a o Y u c a m e a lo n g an d
.
‘
“
He h a s s om et hi n g n i c e for you ! ”Bl a ck J a d e wh i sp e r e d t o h er .
”
Som e t h i n g ni c e for m e ? a sk e d L i tt l e Cloud i n cr e dulou s ly , .
,
“
You sh ould n o t c a ll e a ch o th e r by your first n a m e s a n y more h i s ,
lo g r
n e t h e c h i ldr en you u se d t o b e ”
.
“ ”
How i s your P ea rl a s ke d Li tt le Cloud
?
.
23 0
Sh e produc e d a l i t tle poli sh e d box i n wh i ch w e r e four ri n gs In th e
,
.
re d st o n e of ea c h ri n g a n a m e w a s en gr a v e d .
”
You ha v e g i ven us presen t s l i ke th a t i n th e p a st ! cr i e d Bl a ck
J ad e d i s a ppo i n te d I w a s exp ect i n g you t o produc e some n ov el t y b ut
,
“
. ,
”
t o t hi n k up s om et h i n g n ew .
“
O h pl eas e b ut o n t h e o t h er h an d t h e pre sen t s a re v ery pr a c ti c a l
, , ,
“
s ai d L i t t l e Cloud i n s e lf d e fen s e -
Fo r P e a rl M a n d a ri n Duck Gold
.
, ,
Ri n g an d Li t tl e Pi n g —a s u i t a ble r i n g for e a ch o f th em so th a t o n e
, ,
? ”
‘
ma i d s a n d o th e r m a i d s a p a r t Now i s i t n o t pr a ct i c a l
.
,
“ ”
Ex t rem ely pr a c t i c a l ! th e y all a gr ee d a mu se d , .
Y u sm i l i n g
,
.
“
She h as n o con v ers a t i or b ut o n th e o th e r h a n d sh e w ea rs a gold en
.
Y u a n d Prec i ou s Cl as p ; i t w a s re c ei ve d by h er w i t h a n u n d e rst an d i n g
sm i l e a n d by h i m w i t h a n e mb a rr a ss e d on e
, Pre c i ou s Cl a s p a l so go t .
up a n d wen t t o j o i n Bl a ck J a d e .
“
Re fre sh yourself w i th a cu p of t ea a n d a sn a ck a n d r est a wh i l e ! ,
”
Then l a ter you can greet your si st er i n la w a n d pl a y i n th e p ark s ug - -
v i ce an d a f t er sh e h a d gr ee t e d P h o en i x a n d t h e W i dow Ch u s h e s et
,7
.
in g th e Cour ty a rd of H a rmo n i ou s R e d sh e d i s mi ss e d h er r et i n u e wi t h
, , ,
th e e xc ep t i o n o f h er o w n w a i t i n g m a i d Blu e T hr ea d A s th e y c a m e , .
on t he gr ou n d Sh e t old h er m a i d t o p i ck i t up a n d sh e e x a m i n e d i t
.
,
“
Look here why a re you tw o st an d i n g th e r e i n t h e stro n g sun ? W hy
,
”
n o t com e i n a n d gr ee t P e a rl ? h e a s ke d .
“
W e a re j u st go i n g t o h er sa i d L i t t l e Cloud qu i ckly h i d i n g h er
”
, ,
P ea rl w as si t ti n g o n th e st ep s in a sh a dy corn e r i n fro n t o f th e eu
tr an c e l ean in g a g a i n st th e b a lus tr a d e a n d fan n in g h e r s elf t o
,
get cool .
2 32
Sh e st ood up we n t t o gr ee t ,
L i tt l e Cloud an d h er m ai d ,
an d le d th em by
t he h a n d i n t o t he h ou se .
“
I b een expe c t i n g yo u fo r a lo n g t i m e I h a ve so m eth i n g \n i ce
h a ve .
”
t o sh ow you s a i d P a o Y u to hi s cou s i n b e gi n n i n g t o rumm a g e a n d
, ,
s ea rc h i n h i s pock e t s .
“ ? ”
H a ve you p ut t he th i n g a w a y he a sk e d t urni n g i n e mb a rr a ss ,
m en t t o P ea rl a fter se a rc h in g for a lo n g ti m e
,
.
“ ? ”
Wh a t t h in g do you m ea n a ske d P ea rl .
”
The n I mu st h a v e lo st i t ou ts i d e Come h elp m e t o look fo r i t !
”
.
,
H e w a s a bou t t o ru sh o ut t o th e p a rk b ut L i tt le Cloud h e ld h i m
b a ck a n d sh ow ed h i m h er fi n d wi th a sm i l e , .
“ ? ”
Is th i s i t
He z d i t w i t h d e li ght
sei e .
“
You fou n d
“
Oh h o w ca n , one be
c a r el e ss ! Lucki ly
so , i t w as o n ly a t r i n ket t h i s
t i m e , b ut i f yo u sh ould lose y o u r st o n e t h e n ex t t i m e i t m i gh t b e a
,
”
gre a t m i s for t u n e .
“
O h t he lo ss of my st o n e would n o t t roubl e m e a t all B u t th i s a r
, .
t i el e w h i c h yo u c a ll a t r i fl e i s i rre pl a c e a bl e ; i ts lo ss would m ea n d ea th
“
, ,
”
to m e .
t he h a ppy c h a t t e r i n g a se rv a n t of Mr C h e n g s a rr i v e d a n d a n n o un c e d
’
.
“
M a ste r Y u Tsun from th e S t r ee t o f Bl oo m i n g Pro sp e ri t y h as com e t o
vi si t T he o ld m a ste r as ks th e yo un g g en t l em a n t o com e ov e r to s a lu t e
.
”
t he gu es t .
“ ”
Is i t n o t en ough i f t h e o l d m a n re c e i ve s h i m W h y mu s t I b e t h e re
? ?
v i si t .
“
Ho w ca n o n e lo i t er s o lo n g w h en th e old g en tl em a n c a l ls o n e .
cri e d L i t tl e Cloud d ea l i n g h im a ra p wi t h h er f an by w a y o f e n
,
co ur a gem en t .
“
A h, i t i s my old gove rn or w h o h a s expre ss e d a wi sh to see m e
not ,
”
b ut th i s M a s t e r Y u T su n h i ms elf .
”
you Th at can o n ly b e t o your a dv an t a ge
. .
P ah ! Wh a t do I c a re a bou t p a t ro n a g e a n d k n owi n g d i s t i n gu i s he d
“
e p le
? I a m a n a ve r a g e p e rs o n a n d do n o t w a n t a n yt h i n g mor e th an
“
p o
”
t o b e a h urri a n b e i n g a mo n g o th e r h um a n b e i n gs .
23 3
'
”
you on !
“
Would you b e so ki n d a s t o go t o your cou si n s a p a rtm ent s youn g
.
’
,
s l eev e.
“
He do es n ot l i ke an yo n e t o bri n g up th i s Subj ect s h e sa i d t o h er ,
“
i n a low vo i c e
-
Cl a sp b e g an t o sp e a k of i t It w a s lucky t h a t i t w a s M i ss Pre c i ou s C la sp
.
,
“
Sh e i s n o t c a p a bl e of s uch a l a ck o f good t a st e o th e rw i s e I would ,
”
h a ve brok en w i th h er lo n g a go i n t erj e c t e d P a o Y u e mph a t i c a lly
, .
w a s h i s w a y a n d sh e h a d t h e r e for e cr ep t a lo n g se cr et ly t o l i s t en for
,
a b i t u n d er t h e w i n dow Sh e h a d j u st a rri ve d i n t i m e t o h ea r L i t t l e
.
, , , .
w a s w a s t i n g a w ay w i th a m a l a dy w h i c h would n o t i ve h er much ti m e
g
t o w a i t n o m at ter h ow s ur e sh e m i gh t fe e l o f h i s lov e Sh e w a s ov e r
, .
a n d sh e w en t a w a y a g a in s lowly .
2 34
D ea rest M ei m ei up t o n ow I h a v e n o t d a re d t o d i sclo se t o yo u what
,
wi ll sp ea k e ven i f I ha ve t o p a y fo r my i mpud en c e w i t h my d ea th Do
'
.
, ,
on ly of you
“
You must b e compl e t ely po ssesse d by w i cke d spi r i ts ! Hur ry up!
”
T hey a re w a i t i n g for you ! He w a s bro ug h t b a ck from hi s e cs t a sy by
t h e vo i c e of P e a rl P earl h a d r u n a f t e r h i m t o bri n g h i m t he f an h e h a d
.
i shm en t t o h i s s ol i loquy In hi s w i th dr a wn st a t e h e h a d n o t n ot i c e d h er
. .
a ppro a ch .
“ ”
A h i t s you ! h e n o w burst o ut s t a r t l e d t ook t h e f a n a n d h urri e d
’
, , , ,
s t ood th er e s u n k i n t h ough t Pr e c i ou s Cl a sp c a m e a lo n g .
“ ”
W h a t i s C ou s i n P a o Y u up t o sh e c a lle d o u t t o t he m a i d I h a ve
? .
”
j u st seen h i m a ll dresse d up rushi n g t o th e p a rk g at e wi th lon g st ri d es .
“
Th e old Gover n or h a s s en t for hi m .
”
Oh w o e n o doub t a n o t h e r f a th e rly r epr i m a n d Th e po or b o y !
, , .
”
No i t i s n o t t h a t H e i s t o greet a gu est
, . .
”
Is L i tt l e Cloud i n t here ?
”
Y es .
Wh a t i s she do i n g
-
? ”
Oh w e h a v e j u st b een c h a tti n g a b i t
, .
“
Oh I a m sorry for th a t A n d I st up i d t h i n g w a s j u st a bou t t o a sk
, .
, ,
h e rse lf s a y i n g th a t sh e would fi n i sh i t a t h er n e x t v i si t h er e Un d er
, .
n ee dl e work It s a p i t y n o w I mu st go w i t h ou t my s l i pp e r
’
;
.
s .
“
It i s n o t a s b a d a s t h a t I sh a ll m a k e a p a i r for o u
.
y .
?
R lly Oh t h a t i s fi ne ; th en I sh a ll br i n g you th e m ate ri a l t his
’
e a ,
2 36
J us t re cen tly she w as s udden ly di sm iss e d an d sen t h ome b y th e Tai
ta i C h en g n o o n e kn ows w h y Sh e could n o t ge t ov er i t a n d s h e sa t
,
. ,
”
The y tr i e d t o brin g he r t o l i fe a g a i n b ut i t w as t o o l a te
,
.
“
W h y ca n sh e h a v e dro wn e d h erse lf ? It s
’
Pre c i ous
Clas p th ough tfull y w h i le Pea rl sh ook h er h ea d i n sile n c e an d we p t
,
: .
s pe a ki n g .
“ ”
Whe re ha ve yo u com e fr om aske d Aun t C hen g
? .
”
From th e p a rk .
D i d yo u see yo ur cous i n P a o Y u ?
Y es a t a d i s t an ce He w as i n vi s i ti n g dress an d se em e d t o b e i n a
, .
”
h ur ry .
“ ? ”
H a ve yo u he a rd th a t Go ld R i n g ha s dro wn e d h e rself i n th e w e ll
co n t i n u e d M a d a m e C h en g wi th a deep s i gl
,
“ ”
I h e a rd abou t i t W hy di d sh e do i t
.
?
h a v e t h oug h t th a t sh e would ta k e i t t o h ea rt l i ke t h a t a n d i mm e d i a te ly
j um p i n t o t h e well ! I a m b esi d e my se lf an d a m r epro a ch i n g my se lf
”
b i tt erly .
“
Y o u sh ould n o t do th a t d ea r Aun t s a i d Pr e c i ou s Cl as p co n sol
, ,
“
i n gly After all yo u w e re a lw a y s so good t o her ! She h as c e rta i n ly n o t
. .
,
It m a y b e as you th i n k B u t i n an y c as e h er d e a t h gri ev es m e t o th e
.
”
co re.
“
D o n o t ta k e i t so much t o h ea rt ! S en d h er r el a t i ves a li tt l e i n d em
n i ty ! T h e n yo u wi ll h a v e do n e your du t y a n d m a d e r e sti t u t i o n an d ,
”
co mpli ed wi th the obl i g a ti on s o f a m i str ess t o h er se rv an t .
“
I h a ve a lre a dy se n t her fa m i ly fift y t a e ls I r ea lly w an t e d t o gi ve her
.
”
t o com e t o th e h ou s e .
“
W h y bo the r so muc h ? Sure ly t h e mon e y pu ts ev e ry th i n g ri g h t ? ”
“
No th e dea d gi rl w as p a rt i cul a rly d ea r t o me —
, a lmo s t li k e a da ugh
23 7
Ve ry well th en I sh all h elp yo u o ut from my wa r drob e 1 h a ve tw o
, ,
.
”
cloth e s .
“
Th a t i s very n i c e o f yo u B ut are you n o t a fra i d ? Y o u say yo u h a ve
.
? ”
a lr e a dy worn th e t w o dre sses your s elf
“
O h I d i sr eg a rd t h o se s up e rs t i t i ou s rul es
,
r epl i e d Pr eci ous Cla sp ,
or e i g ht t en t h s wh a t t h e y w e r e t a lki n g a bou t ; sh e di d n o t le t i t b e n o
-
t i c e d h ow ev e r an d s i l en t ly d e li v e r e d th e tw o dr e s ses w hi ch Aun t
, ,
CHA PTER 24
A ND so M A D A ME C HENG C A VE T W O B U R I A L R O BE S T O GO L D ’
R rN c s
mo th er t oget her wi th sev e r a l buckl es a n d r i n gs a n d a l so sen t a con
, ,
t i n g en t of bo n z es t o h er h ou se t o c e l e bra t e a s ol em n r e qu i e m for th e
d e ce a se d a t her exp en se .
hi s h a n d s b eh i n d h i s b a ck w i th ou t n o t i c i n g th e p a th w a y s o r th e sur
,
roun d in gs i t h a pp en e d th a t h e r an i n t o h i s fa t he r a t th e s p i ri t w a ll i n
,
wa i t ed in a h umbl e a tt i t ud ef o r hi s fa t he r t o p a ss by ’
“
W h a t o n e ar th i s t h e m a t t e r wi th you ? ”
a sk e d Mr C h en g se v ere ly . .
ru nn i n a n i t h
g rou d w a m o urh f ul f a c e Wh a t do es i t m ea n ? ”
.
”
a ccu s e d .
, , ,
? ”
h a n dkerch i ef com e s t o b e i n your b e l t you n g m a n ,
s uc h i n t i m a c i e s t h e n h i s d en i a l s would b e of n o a v a i l
,
.
“
S i n ce you a re i n form e d of s uc h sm all d et a i l s e st eem e d si r t he n I , ,
” “
esc a p e d you he sa i d as coolly a s po ssi bl e A s f a r a s I h a v e h ea rd h e
, .
,
h a s r ec en t ly s e tt l e d i n t h e e a s t e rn subur b t w en t y li d i s t a n t from t h e ,
’
c i ty wa lls T h e d i st r i c t i s ca ll e d R e d S a n d a lwood S t ro n gh old or som e
.
‘
t h in g li k e t h a t ; h e i s sa i d t o h a v e boug h t a h ou s e a n d a p i e c e of l an d
t he r e .
“
I sh a ll lo se n o t i m e b ut sh a ll go t h er e a t o n c e t o sa t i s fy my se lf If .
”
fort un a te ly h a ve t o t roubl e you a g a i n .
“
g a te n o t wi th ou t h a v in g fir st s a i d ste rn ly t o h i s so n : D o n o t st i r from
,
”
h ere ! I h a ve s om et hi n g t o a sk you a ft e rw a rd s .
A t t he g a t e Mr C h en g m et h i s so n C h i a Hu a n w h o w a s run n i n g
.
,
a lo n g i n r e m a rka bl e h a st e w i t h s e v e r a l s e rv a n t s .
“
H i ! W he r e a re you go i n g ? A n d w h a t i s a ll t h e h urry for ? Y o u are
”
run n i n g l i ke a fr i gh t en e d h or se ! Mr C h en g c a ll e d o u t t o h im . .
“
I h a v e j u s t com e from th e w ell i n w h i ch our poor w a i t i n g m a i d h as
drown e d h erself I h a ve seen th e co pse t h e swoll en h e a d th e i n fl a t e d
. .
, ,
“ ? A
W h a t w a i t i n g m a i d h a s drown e d h e r self ? T h a t i s un he a rd o f !
cri e d Mr C h eng dumfou n d e d In my h ou se th e s e rv a n t s h a ve a lw a y s
.
, .
h a ve m i s u s e d th ei r a u t h or i t y i n my a b s en c e I c a nn o t a fte r a ll look .
, ,
a f t e r ev e ry th i n g my s elf Bu t o n n o a ccoun t mu s t th e n e w s of th e r e gr e t
. .
t a bl e occurr en c e et t o th e t own T h e re pu t a t i o n a n d h o n or of m
g .
y h ou s e ,
a re a t s t a k e A n d n o w t e ll m e t h i s !
W h t do you k ow bou t h o w i t a ll
‘
.
a n a
”
h
a en e ? A n d he t urn e d s t e rn ly t o C hi a Hu an Th e b o fe ll upo n h i s
y .
1 n ppee s . d
“
Do n o t get exc i t ed F a t h er ! No o n e b ut t he T a i t a i a n d h er i nt im a t es
,
” “
n a t t h
k ow bou e st ory h e b e g a n A s t h e T a i ta i t old m e
, .
240
R e c en t ly w he n th e Ta i ta i w a s a sleep bro th er P a o Y u tr i e d to se
, ,
” “
duc e t h e w a i tin g m a i d Gold R i n g he co n t i n u e d i n a w h i s pe r Th e ,
.
“ ”
S ti r yours e lves ! S e i z e th e boy ! he ord e r ed h i s s erv a n ts a n d rush e d ,
m e t o l en i en cy I s h a ll t ea r o ut o n e by o n e t h e l a s t h a i rs w h i c h I s t i ll
,
mi n e my ca p o f offi c e my b e l t an d a ll my po sses si o n s a n d go i n t o a
, , ,
”
mo n a ste ry ! he sh ou te d Then I sh a ll a t l a st h a v e p e a c e a n d sh a ll n o
.
Th e fr i e n d s of t he f am i ly r ea l iz i n g t h a t h i s ou t bur s t (i f r a g e w a s
,
di re c te d a g a i n st Pa o Y u le t t h e i r t o n gu es h a n g o ut of t h ei r mou th s w i th
,
Gro a n i n g a n d sn or t i n g C h i a C he n g sa n k i n t o a n a rmc h a i r
,
.
“
Br i n g th e boy h e r e t o m e ! T i e h i m w i t h a rop e ! Fet c h m e th e h ea vy
cudg e l ! Lock th e doors ! Le t n obody u n d e r p a i n of d e a t h d a r e to r u n , ,
”
t o t he wom en s a p a rt m en t s a n d c h a tter a bou t w h at i s go i n g o n h e r e !
’
ob edi e n t ly w en t to t he grea t ha ll t o fe t c h P a o Y u .
whe r e he w a s P a o Y u h a d a l rea dy r ea l i z e d t h e c a l a m i t y t ha t th r e a t en e d
,
h im ; b ut h e ce r t a i n ly could n o t h av e gu ess e d t h a t i n t h e i n t e rv a l h i s
po si t i on h a d b een m a d e v ery muc h worse by h i s h a lf bro t h er s t al e b e a r ’
mo th e r kn ow ! B ut n o t o n e of the se rv an ts c a m e w i th i n h a i l i n g di st a n c e .
Even hi s pe rso n a l se rv a n t M i n g Y en w as n o t t o b e se en A t l a st h e sa w
, , .
“
Qu i ck ! R un t o t he Ta i ta i or t o th e o ld Ta i ta i a n d t ell t he m th a t the
o ld Gov e r n or i s go i n g t o b e a t m e t o d ea t h ! B u t h urry up ! I m i n t e r
’
”
ri ble d an g e r ! h e sa i d t o h er .
th e w e l l
, .
“
Le t her j ump i n t o th e w ell ! Y o u n ee d n o t worry yours e lf o n th a t
24 1
”
a ccoun t youn g g ent l em an ! she sa i d wi th a gri n A t th i s Pao Y u re
,
.
a liz ed t h a t h e w a s S p ea kin g t o a d ea f p e r s o n H e f el t d es p e r a te . .
“ ”
R un a n d c all my se rv a n t h er e ! h e ro ar e d a t h er .
f a th er s serv a n ts a pp ea r i n g i n t he d i st a n c e H e h a d t o get b a ck t o th e
’
.
e y eb all s t h e r ed ey e l i d s of h i s f a th er bod e d i ll
, .
“ ”
h i ms elf t o a n a n gr i ly sn or te d greet i n g o f Lo a f e r ! Tr amp ! S e duc er !
“ ”
an d t h en c a m e t h e br i ef ord er B ea t h i m t o d ea th ! .
A n d s oo n t h ey h a d h i m s t r a pp e d t o a b e n c h a n d b e g an t o flog hi m
wi th t he hea vy b a m boo st i ck Mr C h en g seem e d t o th i n k th a t th e se rv
. .
a n t wh om h e ord er e d t o a dm i n i s t e r t h e b e at i n g w a s do i n g i t f ar t oo
a n t s h an d a n d b eg an wi th all h i s s t r en g t h t o b e a t t h e v i c t i m of h i s
’
, pa
t e rn a l a n g e r un t i l h e w a s o u t of br ea t h an d could co n t i n u e n o lo n g e r
, .
s ou n d esc a p e d h i s l i p s H e h a d lo s t co n s c i ou sn ess In v a i n t h e s e rv an t s
. .
a n d s om e fr i en d s of t h e f a m i ly w h o h a d r em a i n e d b eh i n d s ei z e d wi th
,
“
A sk h i m wh a t h e h a s do n e a n d t h en j udg e for yours e lve s w h eth e r ,
”
l e n i e n
,
“
cy i s c all e d for he re h e cri e d b esi d e h i m self Fo rm e rly I h a v e , .
a llowe d my se lf— t o o of t en a l a s —t o b e p er s u a d e d t o l en i en cy a n d co n
,
t hi s t i m e th e nex t t h i n g m a
y b e t h a t h e w i ll b e com e hi s o w n fa th er s
’
,
”
murd er er !
T he by st a n d e rs st ood i n dumfou n d e d si l en c e a n d sen t a m ess a g e se
cr et ly t o t h e wom en s qu a r t e r s V e ry s oo n M a d a m e C h e n g a pp a re d o n
’
.e
t h e s c en e Upo n h e a ri n g t h e a l a rm i n g n ew s sh e h a d ru sh e d a lon g i n
.
da y h e h as t o di e ! ”
242
p a use d t o t a ke breath ; an d th en sa i d w i th a n efi o rt : I would h a v e h a d
s om e t h i n g t o say b u t as a good so n h a s , a l a s b een d en i e d t o m e I do
, , ,
”
n o t r e a lly kn ow t o wh om I could s p e a k my mi n d .
“
Your repro a ch gri ev es m e b eyon d words M o th er I h a ve on ly gi ven ,
.
'
”
my so n a l esson I owe d t hi s t o th e m emory of my glori ou s anc es t or s
. .
“
O h pl ea se do n o t r est r a i n yours e lf on my a ccou n t ! Aft e r a ll h e i s
, , ,
Sh e g a v e in st ruc t i o n s t o h er r et i n u e t o get th e l a rg e se d an c h ai r
r ea dy .
“
I w i sh t o t r avel to t h e s ou the rn c a p i t a l a t o n c e w i th the T a i ta i an d
”
my gr an d son sh e d ecl a r ed br i efly a n d d e fin i t ely
, .
“ ‘
”
B ut Mo th er s urely you w i ll n o t do th a t ! I am b esi d e my se lf ! cri e d
, ,
C hi a C h en g ast oun d e d , .
“
It i s b et ter th a t I go ; then you can h a ve qui etn ess a n d n ee d n o t let
yours elf b e ta lk ed o ut of th i n gs a g a i n by a n yon e p e r si st e d th e A n ces
”
,
o n th e
groun d d e s p a i ri n gly a n d a ckn owl e dg e d h i s gu i lt b ut th e A n ces ,
in g to he lp P a o Y u t o h i s f e et .
yo u n o t s ee t ha t h e c a n n o t w a lk i n t h a t co n d i t i o n ? F et c h a st ret ch e r
”
qui ckly .
p a n i ed h i m On th e w a y h e h a d t o l i st en t o t h e c e ase l ess l a m en ts o f h i s
‘
244
th e furth er pleas ure o f l oo ki n g on at hi s death ? Get o ut of he re ! I do
”
n ot wi sh t o see yo u ! sh e re buff e d h i m i n d i gn an t ly .
s c en e T hey a ll presse d ar o un d t h e i ll t r ea t e d b o y a n d h e lp e d t o w a sh
.
-
i n g t o fi n d o ut th e reas o n f o r th e i ll t r ea tm en t so sh e w en t o ut an d
-
searc h e d f or P a o Y u s se rv an t M i n g Y en
’
.
,
“ ”
Wh y di d yo u n o t i n form th e Ta i ta i an d th e old Ta i ta i i n ti m e ?
sh e a sk e d hi m re pro a c h ful ly .
“
I j us t h a ppen e d n o t t o b e wi th h i m an d o n ly hea rd abou t i t wh en
” “
th e y w e re i n th e m i ddl e o f th e fl ogg i n g d ecl a re d M i n g Y en There
,
.
th e s ui c i d e of Go ld Ri n g .
“ ? ”
How di d th e o ld m aste r get t o kn ow o f th ese t h i n gs
H su eh Pa n w as j ea lous o f youn g C h i an d o ut o f en vy sprea d th e
st ory o f h i s a ss oc i a t i on wi th P a o Y u t h rough t h e t own a n d so th e fi re ,
r an o n un t i l i t r ea c h e d th e o l d m a st e r A n d as f o r t h e m a tt e r o f Gold
.
CHAPTER 2 5
24 5
r gth en hi m P a o Y u dr an k th e l i gh tly pe rfum e d dr i n k wi th gr ea t
st e n .
a n d w an t e d t o se e h er w i t h ou t f a i l b u t P e a rl s pr e sen c e would b e i n
’
“
Th en h e c a ll e d t h e wa i t i n g m a i d Br i gh t Cloud Go t o M i ss L i n g a n d
,
.
”
see wh a t sh e i s do i n g ! h e ord er e d h e r If sh e as ks h o w I a m sa y I . ,
”
am g e tt i n g o n w e ll .
“
B u t I c a n t j u s t go up t o h e r l i k e th a t w i th ou t a n y excu se obj ec t e d
’
,
? ”
Br i gh t Cloud Don t you h a v e a n y m ess a g e for h er
.
’
“
I c an n o t t h i n k of a n y .
”
Then th e m a tt er w i ll b e corr ec t .
w h i ch w er e ly i n g n ea r by a n d g a ve the m t o h er .
“
H ere T a ke th ese t w o h an dke rch i e fs t o h er i n m yn a m e
.
s a i d Br i gh t Cloud do u b t fully .
“
Do n o t worry a bou t t h a t ! Sh e w i ll kn ow w e ll wh a t t o t hi n k a bou t
i t P a o Y u r ea ssure d h er w i th a sm i l e
, .
la y o n h er b e d s a dly d a ydr e a m i n g
, .
”
W h o i s th a t ? sh e a s k e d .
”
It i s 1 Br i ght Cloud .
”
Wh a t do you w an t ?
a b a ck .
Le t h i m k ee p t h em or g i v e th em to som e o n e e ls e sh e s a i d a lo u
“
d I , .
h a v e n o n ee d for n ew f a n cy h a n dke rc h i e fs ”
.
“
Th ey a re n o t ne w on es b ut u se d e v e ryd a y
’
,
'
to her .
Th a t i s a l l r i gh t ;
l e a ve th em he re ! sh e sa i d qu i et ly ”
.
th e i nk b i ush i n i t f
.
nd wro
'
t e o rr t h e
'
f t ta
’
'
s i f
"
'
t i
e pre s e t ut
sh hesi tati on t h e sec
'
ness o rf h er tto n ely m ai denh oedf o
’
y re f t lo gln gs of 53
' ' ’
246
The p a rro t g a ve a d eep s i gh i n j u st th e t on e th a t i t h a d l ea rn e d from
,
When I di e ,
”
W h o wi ll t en d my t omb ?
”
“
Ju st l i sten how well he ha s m emor iz ed your own words M i stress !
, ,
sh e cr i e d .
a c h a n g e a n d t o p a ss th e t i m e sh e co n v ers e d w i t h h er p a rro t b a i t i n g
, ,
to hi m .
s he w a s t o b e i n form e d a t o n c e e v ery t i m e th a t Mr C h en
g W i sh e d t o s e e
.
n en t gu ests T h e n t h e s e rv an ts w e r e t o g i v e t h e m ess a g e i n h er n a m e t o
.
Mr C heng th a t Pa o Y u w a s st i ll i n ur g en t n ee d of c a r e a nd n o t fi t for
.
t i o n s for th es e form a l co n v e r s a t i o n s w i t h se r i ou s m en t h e se s ol e mn
,
,
t he s te rn old g en t l em a n r e l i ev e d h i m i mm en se ly .
I do n o t w a n t t o h ea r an y thi n g o f
t i r es om e word s s uch a s offi c e a n d d i
gn i t y , a n d S t a te a n d fa me ! Thes e
, , ,
i nn oc en t g i rl s l i ke yo u t o do w i th s uc h dull th i n g s ? It i s an in gr a t i t ude
a n d a n off en s e a g a i n st kin d n a t ur e wh i ch h as m a d e yo u fo r more
,
”
b ea u ti ful purpo ses i f yo u occupy yourse lv es wi th th ese n a st y t h in gs
, .
In th e en d n o n e o f h i s cou s i n s o r w a i t in g m a i ds d a r e d t o com e t o h i m
w i th a dmon i ti o n s or s ugge st i o n s a n y mor e It w a s j ust th i s th a t h e
e st ee m e d s o h i g h ly i n B l a ck J a de—
.
.
t h a t sh e h a d a lw a y s t a c t ful ly s p ar e d
hi m a n y u n pl ea sa n t qu est i o n in g re g a rd i n g hi s ca lli n g o r fu t ur e o r s uc h , ,
worldly m a t te rs .
t o t h e fa c t th a t h i s fa the r w a s c a ll e d a w a y t o a di st a n t prov i n c e a s C h i e f
M ag i st r a te .
t o h old a po e t ry m ee t i n g o n th e se co n d a n d si x t een t h o f e a c h mo n t h .
E a c h m e mb e r w a s to b e h o st i n t ur n a n d en t e rt a i n the o th er m emb er s
w i th w i n e a n d l i gh t r e fre shm en ts T he W i dow Ch u w h o o n a ccoun t o f
.
,
Gr eet i n g o f Spri n g w h o e xc e ll ed i n c a ll i gr a p h y w a s g i v en c h a rg e o f
, ,
'
o f h er ’sk i ll i n m a k i n g rh ym es E a c h m em b e r r e c e i v e d a l i t er a ry club
.
th e m emb e r l i v e d T h e club i ts e lf w a s c a ll e d H a i ta n g or B e go n i a Cl ub
.
, ,
i n bo n ds of th e tw o po t s o f w h i te b e go n i a w h i c h P a o Y u h a d j us t by
c h a n ce i e cei v e d a s a pr esen t th a t da y T h e b e gon i a w a s a l s o t h e t h em e
‘
o f h er compo s i ti o n .
h o st es s A t Pa o Y u s i n st i g a t i o n sh e h a d b een i n v i t e d by t h e An c es tr ess
’
.
o n a lo n g vi s i t a g a i n a n d w as l i v i n g wi th Pr e c i ou s Cl as p Pr e c i ous Cl as p .
24 9
r d
sh a e duti es o f en tert a in i n g wi th h er in a si st erly w ay an d fur
th e ‘
,
cr ab s a t her own co st .
“ ” “ ”
On e looks for c hr y s an themum s On e pl a n ts ch ry s a n th emum s ,
,
” “
H a ppy ob serv at i o n o f th e flowe r C hr y sa n th emum s in a v ase
, ,
” “ ” “
C hry san themum s i n son g C hr y sa n th emums in p i c t ur es
, Qu es ,
” “ ” “
t i o n s t o ch ry san th emum s Th an ks t o chr y sa n themum s
,
Ch rys an th e ,
” “ ”
m um s i n the sh a d e a n d fi n a lly Wh en chr y san th emum s dre a m an d
,
“
Wh en ch ry san themums di e Li t tl e Cloud f a st en e d t he l i st of the
”
.
t wé lv e them es o n th e g a rd en w a ll an d e v ery m em b er w a s p e rm i tt e d to
‘
“
t he t h r ee b est works i n ord er of m e ri t th e po em s Ch ry sa n th emums i n
” “ “
song , Qu est i o n s t o ch ry s a n th emum s an d Wh en c h ry sanths ,
”
mums dream The Pr i n c ess of t he B a mboo H e rm i t a g e w a s a nn oun c e d
.
n a me .
wom an w a s a d i st an t r el a ti v e o f M a d a m e C h en g a nd h a d b een to v i si t
on c e b e for e t hr ee y ea r s a go She b ro ught w i th h er a s pr esen ts som e
'
, .
“
Y o u sh ould d eem your self lucky ; t he o l d T a i t a i wi sh es to m ake
”
your a cqu a i n ta n c e th e wi fe o f t he m a j ordomo C h ou J ui w h o h a d
, ,
me pz
.
, .
“
B utIc o po bly let my se lf b e seen in th i s poor peasan t a tti re !
an n t ss i
”
“
e t e t h
obj c d Godmo r Li u h orri fi e d Go an d t ell th e old Ta i ta i th at I
e , .
h a ve go n e h om e a lr ea dy ”
.
“ ”
Do n o t worry ! th e o th er r e a ssur e d her l a ugh in g O ur o ld Ta i ta i , .
“
a llow h er t o a n d s a i d s ol em n ly :
,
I wi sh th e old Bodh i sa t tv a a lon g li fe
”
of p ea c e !
Th e A n c es tress rep l i e d k i n dly t o h er exuberan t gr eet i n g an d asked :
her t o si t do wn .
“
How old are you n o w Cou si n ? a ske d th e A n c est r ess
,
.
“ ”
S event y fi v e, r epl i e d t h e old wom an st an d i n g up bri skl y
-
,
.
”
W h o kn ow s h o w d e cr e pi t I m ay b e i f I ev e r r e a c h h er y ea r s !
"
e rs .
“
Ther e must b e d i sti n c t i o n s ; w i se Prov i d en c e sees t o t h a t O ur ki n d i s . ,
”
b ecom e of f a rm i n g w i t h ou t p e ople l i ke us sa i d Godmo t h e r L i u
? .
“ ? ”
A re your t eeth an d ey es sti ll s ou n d t h e A n c est r es s a s ke d co n ,
t i n ui n g h er 1n
q u i ri es
.
“
T hey a re of ord e r O n ly a b a ck t oo th o n t h e le ft si d e ha s
i n t h e b e st .
b ecome a l i tt l e loo se r ec en t ly .
“
Wh at a u sel ess cre a t ure I am comp a r ed wi th you s i gh e d t h e .
“
A n cest ress My e y esi ght l s gett i n g b a d my h ea r i n g I S w ea k my m em
.
, ,
o ry pl a y s t r i ck s o n m e I a vo i d t h e comp a n y of s t r an g e rs i n ord e r n o t t o
.
sh ow my p h y si c a l w ea kn ess All I do 1 5 e a t w h a t m
y sh a ky t e et h a llow
.
“
. On e can see from t h a t h o w h i gh you st an d i n th e f a vor o f h ea v en ; I
”
w i sh l i fe w er e as ki n d t o m e ! sa i d Godmo th e r L i u .
qu a rt ers .
“
W e coun t ry p e opl e h a ve an old cu s t om o f h an g i n g up p i c t ur es of
”
m a gn i fic en t p a l a c es a n d p a rks on th e w a lls of o ur rooms a t New Yea r ,
“
sh e sa i d Up t o n ow I alw ay s th ough t t h a t s uch spl en dors ex i st e d o n ly
.
2 52
I c
uld t a ke p i c t ures o f th i s p a rk h om e wi th m e to sh ow t o my pe ople
o
”
i n th e coun tr y Th e y woul d Ope n t h e i r ey es i n s urpri se
. .
Th e A n c es tr es s sm i li n gly po in te d t o h er gr a n dd a ughter Gr i e f o f
Spr in g an d prom i se d th a t her a rti sti c han d would produc e som e b ea u
,
a lw a y s r ea dy for a j ok e h a d se cr e t ly a rr an g e d w i th M an d a ri n Duck
, ,
th e f a vor i t e w a i t i n g m a i d of th e A n c es tr e ss t o a mu se t he comp an y a t ,
’
ta bl e a t t h e e xp en se o f th e good l a dy Li u Ev en a t g en t l em en s d i nn e r .
p a rt i es i n th e Y un gk uo p a l a c e i t w a s a fa vor i t e cu st om t o m a ke a n ew
gu est a t ta bl e th e obj e c t of g en er a l a musem en t Accord in gly b e for e th e .
,
gold en t op s .
“ ”
?
W h a t sh a ll I do wi th th ese h ea vy th i n g s Go dmo th er Li u blurt e d
“
o ut i n a l a rm Th ey are e ven mor e d i ffi cult t o m a n a ge th a n o ur i ron
.
”
ch ops t i cks 1 n th e coun t ry
T h ere w a s suppr esse d g i ggli n g all a ro un d Then th e m ai ds brough t .
a lo n g b i g se rv i n g t r a y s w i t h m a n y d i ff e r en t ki n d s of food i n l i ttl e d i sh e s
an d bowls P h o en i x c h o se a bowl Wi th d a i n t y p i g e o n s e gg s w h i ch sh e
’
.
,
p ut b e for e t h e gu est T h e o
“ ”
l d Ta i ta i s s a y i n g pl ease ! pol i tely g a v e
’
.
I nt o my mouth fi ts a wh ol e cow .
A good f a t moth er sw i n e
, ,
”
I e a t alon e a n d i n n o ti me !
'
A s soo n as sh e h a d sai d he r p i ec e , sh e s a
l ppe d h e rse lf se v e r a l ti m e s
.
-
o n th e c h ee ks , s a t down a g a i n an d s i l en t ly se t abou t ea t i n g h er d i h of
,
s
’
p i g eo n s e ggs . Th e pa rty w e re ast on i sh e d a t first a t h er st r an g e b e
253
h a vi or , b u t th ey oon gu essed th a t th e good old l a dy w as th e vi c ti m o f
s
w a s so sh a ken w i th l a ugh t e r P a o Y u fe ll o n t h e br e a st o f th e A u c es
.
“ ”
t r ess a n d t he A n c es t r ess cl asp e d h i m c ry i n g o ut :
,
My h eart my li ver ! ,
or i g i n at or of th e l a rk w a s th e j est e r Ph o en i x si len t ly th re at en e d h er ,
to h a ve n o t i c e d th at sh e w as t h e c a use o f t h e g en er a l m e rri m en t Sh e .
“
O h wh a t prett y li t t le h en s you mu st h av e to lay s uch d ai n t y l i ttl e
,
”
e gg s a s the se ! I t o o would l i ke t o h av e a s p e c i m en o f t h i s ki n d of h en
, , ,
T “
f a si lv e r t a el ea c h , ,
de
fila
red Ph o en i x i mport a n t ly Ea t th em an d do n o t let t hem get
.
co
a n d roll e d n t o th e floor Sh e
o p ut down t h e c h op st i cks an d w a s a b out to
.
“ ”
It s a pi ty ! si g he d Godmo th er Li u O n e t a el a p i ec e an d o n ly t o
’
.
,
”
look a t !
“
W h o g ave th ose he a vy c h op st i cks t o o u r gues t ! ” as ke d th e A n -
a sol e mn b a n qu et t od a y O f course i t
s a n o th er n a s t y t ri ck o f our h ob
’
.
,
b h h i !
P o x F ch o th er c hop st i cks qu i ckly !
t ”
g o n e n e
254
a lo n g ti me w i th th em profan i n g th e i r m a i d en ly a p a rt m en ts . Is th a t
? ”
no t s o
9’
‘ pro test e d T as t e of
Oh , pl ea se do r em ai n her e as lon g as yo u li k e
Spri n g .
“
No , o t her J a d es o f gr an dch i ldr en m i ght b e j ea lou s sa i d
no, two
‘ ’
,
bo a t sl i p n ea r t h e Duck Pl a n t B a n k Two bo a t s w e r e a lr ea dy a w a i t i n g
- -
.
, , ,
“
It s b et te r t o l e a v e th a t a lo n e ! Pol i n g i s n o t c hi ld s pl a y i t h a s t o
’ ’
,
” “
b e l e a rn e d ! cr i e d th e fri gh t en e d A n c es t r ess from t h e c a b i n It s t ru e .
’
,
w e a re n o t o n a h ug e ri v e r h er e b ut t he w a t e r i s d ee p en ough t o dr ow n ,
“
I a m n o t t he l ea st a fr a i d ! T h e old A nc est r ess n ee d n o t worry re .
t h e b e g i nn i n g i t w en t w ell b u t w h en t h e y w e r e i n m i d s t r ea m t h e h ea v i ly
-
g a ve th e pol e t o t he f eri y w o m a n w ho w a s st a n d i n g n e a r by a n d s qu a t t ed
'
se rv an ts r a n a lo n g t h e n ea r b
y ri v e r b an k P a o Y u w a s dr a w i n g h i s
- -
.
’
comp a n i o n s a tt en t i o n r e gr et fully t o th e m a n y w i th e r e d lot u s l ea v es ,
a n d sa i d th e y sh ould
ge t th e g a rd en e rs t o s w ee p th e m up Pr e c i ou s .
op i n i o n .
“
On th e wh ol e I do n o t th i n k muc h o f th e po e m s of L i S h ari sh e ,
“
'
q rq ar k d t h oug h t fully B u t o n e l i n e of hi s I fi n d s pl en d i d : L e a v e th e ‘
{ c
-
wi th ered lo tu s le a v es a s t h ey a re ; t h ey m a ke u s un d e r st an d t h e l a men t
o f th e r a i n
’
.
Th a t i s d efi ni tely a m
“
a g i fi en t l i n e a gr ee d P a o Y u fe rv en t ly
’
c n
, .
W i th tr ees T h e wi t h e r e d r ee d s th e f a d e d gr
.
een o f th e w a t e rfich es t n u t
,
fa r from th e ri v er b an k T he An c estress d e c i d e d t o a a vi si t th e re i n
-
p y
.
256
pass in g A n a rrow s tee p C loud P ath led ove r sto n e s te p s up t o t he
.
,
a s t r a n g e s t ro n g p e rfum e T h e re t h e wo n d e r pl a n t t h e s p i r i t cr e e p e r
, .
, ,
an d h a n g i n g i n h ea vy clus te r s a n d t r e ss es l i ke r e dd i s h a n d blu i s h
cor a ls .
O n en t e ri n g the p a v i l i o n t he A n c es t ress fe l t a s i f s he h a d b e e n t r a n
po rte d to a sn ow gro t t o so dr a b a n d in h o sp i t a ble di d th e i n ter i o r a p
,
'
p let e d t h e s c a nt y e qu i pm e n t T he A n c e s t ress s i g h ed
. .
“ ”
Such si mpl i c i t y ! sh e sa i d sh a ki n g h e r h ea d a n d t urn i n g t ow a rd s
,
“
her a tt e n d a n ts Ev e ry th i n g i s la ck i n g h ere W h y di d you n o t m a ke i t
. .
more a t t ra c ti ve for t h e c h i ld ? W e h a ve e ve ry t hi n g a v a i l a bl e i n t h
h ou se ! I c a nn o t look a f te r e ve ry s i n gl e t h i n g my se lf M a n d a r i n P u c k .
”
ha ve s ee n to th i s lo n g a go s h e s a i d repro a c hfully t urn i n g to Ph o e n ix
, ,
.
“ ”
B ut s he a tt a c hes n o i mport a n c e t o furn i s h i n g s re pl i e d P h oe n i x , ,
“
sm i l i n g . S h e se n t m e b a ck a ll t h e a r t i cle s I h a d pl a c e d a t h e r di s
A t h om e , t o o , sh e n e e
v r t h oug ht much of j ewe lry or tr i nk ets ’
,
“ ' ”
It s u n b e li e v a ble ! s a i d t h e A n c e st ress Her d e si re f o r s i mpl i c i t y
.
a n d e co n omy m a
y i n d ee d b e ve ry pr a i s e wor th y b ut w h a t k i n d o f i m
,
p r e ss i o n do e s s uc h a t a st e le ss room m a ke o n v i s i t or s ? B e s i d e s sh e i s a ,
Pa o Y u h as n o t s e en ye t ; o th e rwi se he would h a v e t a k en t h em a w a y
t r i pod fo r burn i n g C hi ne se i n k !
to th e D a m a s k Ki o sk The re th e t we lve d an c in g gi rls from Suchow
.
dri n k prov i de d ceasel ess m erri men t Go dmoth er L i u part ook hea rt i ly
, .
an d m a k es th e m d a n c e se d a t ely i n s ets O n e ca n sa
y o f th i s mu si c t h a t
.
”
a t l eas t i t ca n en r a p t ure a co w .
i n g an ex t en si ve t our sh ow e d h er th e rem a in i n g s pl en do rs o f th e P a rk
,
o f De li gh t ful V i si on Th e i n qu i si ti v e o ld l a dy c uld n ot
.
o get ove r h er
a st o n i sh m en t an d ceas e l e ssly qu est i on ed an d a s ke d f or i n fo rm a ti on
, ,
g bl a cki s
y e ry muc h li ke t o kn ow wh eth e r t h e b i
h gr a y fe llow ove r th ere
you e .
,
,
,
Th e c mp an y h a d a rr i v e d a t t he Ki n fi sher s Ca g e H e rm i t a g e wh ere ’
o g ,
a
.
b ea ut i ful youn g n un n ame d M i a o Y u li ve d The hi gh ly educ a t ed .
e i h t e en
g y ea r o ld gi rl c a me from a n oble m a n d ari n fa mi ly o f Suc h ow ;
- -
e xc e p t th a t i t w as s om e w h a t s m a lle r T h e i n scri p ti o n s h ow e d i t t o b e
.
of st i ll gr ea te r a n t i qu i t y fo r i n th at ch a r a c t er i st i c se a l s cr i pt whi c h
,
“
st ood o u t l i ke drop s o n e r ea d : , W en C h i a o w h o li g h t e d up a rh i n o c ,
”
ero s s h orn
’
.Pr esum a bly t h e bowl on c e b elo n ge d t o W en C h i a o a ,
n e p h r i te bowl wh i c h s h e h e r se lf u s e d e v e ry da
y an d p a sse d i t t o P a o ,
Y u Pa o Y u w a s d i s a ppo i n t e d
. .
“
My t wo cous i n s h a v e go t suc h won d erf ul an t i qu e pr ec i o us t hi n gs ,
t o dr i n k from a n d I h a v e t o b e s a t i s fi e d w i th a si mpl e e v e ry d a y p i e c e
, ,
“ ”
You c a ll th a t eve ryd a y w are sa i d t h e n un t urn i n g t o h im muc h
?
, ,
“
ofi e n de d . I do n o t wi sh t o b e a t a ll pr es ump t u ous b ut I b el i ev e th a t ,
yo u w i ll n o t fi n d s uc h e ve ryd a y w a r e i n yo ur o w n h om e .
“
In your se l e c t prox i m i t y ord i n a ry pr ec i ous obj ec ts s uch as gold ,
”
pe a rls an d n e p hr i t e b e com e e ve ryd a y t ri fl e s sa i d P a o Y u g a ll a n tly
, , .
,
s ee ki n g to m a k e a m en d s .
T h e n un w a s pl a c a t e d o n c e more a n d compe n sa t e d h i m
a mo n s te r t a n k a rd m a d e of kn o t t y b a mboo
roo t s pl a i
s n a ke co i l s w h i ch sh e rumm a ge d o ut for hi m P a o Y u foun d t h e n u n s
'
’
.
, .
“ ”
f vor i te t e a wh i c h he s i p pe d o ut o f th e h ug e sea m an s gobl et i n
a ,
’
,
“
Is t h i s t ea a l s o pre p a r e d w i t h l as t y e ar s r a i w a t e r ? ” Bl a ck J a d e ’
n
wa n te d t o kn ow .
n a ry
peo pl e you d i st i n
i a th e
wh i c h
2 60
ke p t j ug unt ouched de ep down i n th e ea rth f or fi v e y ea rs O n ly
th e , ,
.
se co n d t i m e th a t I h a ve pre p a r e d t ea w i t h so m e o f t h i s pr e c i ou s w a t e r
Bl a ck J a de w a s a fra i d o f i rr i t a t i n g th e i r a s c ib l e n un st i ll more by a n y
un gu a rde d rema rk a n d sh e th ere for e t ook h er l e a v e shor t ly a ft e r
,
.
o ut of w hi c h o l d L i u h a d drun k a w h i l e s i n c e .
'
I a dmi t th a t th e b 6wl i s so i l e d an d d e secr a te d b ut would i t n o t b e an ,
? ”
u t ter sh am e si mply t o th row a w a y t h e b ea u t i ful a rt i cl e as rubb i sh he
“
r ema rke d In my op i ni on i t would b e b est t o gi v e i t t o t h a t good si m
.
,
? ”
do yo u t h i n k
“
Y es c e rt a i n ly o n e could do t h a t
, , sa i d t h e n un a ft e r r efl ec t i n g f or
,
“
a mom en t It i s lucky th a t I h a v e n e v e r u s e d i t my se lf o t h e rwi se
.
,
”
ce rn ed yo u m ay ta ke i t a n d g i v e i t t o t h e o ld wom a n your se lf ! P a o
,
t he w a i t i n g m a i d M an d a r i n Duck wi t h th e r e qu es t t h a t sh e sh ould g i v e
i t t o Godmo th er L i u th e n ex t da y a s a p a rt i n g g i ft t o th e gu est for h er
j ourn ey Th e A n cestr e ss a s w e ll a s th e r est o f th e comp a n y h a d a lrea dy
.
st ood up t o
go Th e n un a ccomp a n i e d th e m a s f a r a s th e t empl e g a t e
.
,
s ep a r a t e d from t h e r es t o f th e comp a n y a n d lo st h er w a
y She h a d su d .
a f te r a m ea l so h e a r t i ly p a rt a ken o f t h e se s si o n t h e r e l a st e d r a th e r
,
t un i ty t o st ea l a w a y t o h e r room an d t a ke th e m i dd a y n a w h i c h sh e
p
h a d m i ss ed The re w a s n o t r a c e o f th e r est of th e comp a n y ei t h er Alo n e
.
.
an d a b an don e d Godmo th e r L i u n o w w a n d e r e d
, at r a n dom t h rough th e
p a ths an d en clo s ure of the va st an d un fa m i l i ar p a rk flow e rs d an c i n g
s
,
scen e ry o n a s p i r i t w a ll sh e a t l a s t fou d
, n herse lf i n a m a gn i fic en t ; ci r
cula r h a ll gli tt er i n g w i t h gold a n d pr e c ou
, i s s t o n es a b ew i ld e ri n g m a z e ,
26 2
CHAPTER 2 6
Pa o Y u l
s e ts o u t t o d us t o f th e h i gh w ny i n m em ory
b u rn i n c en se i n th e
o f a d ea r d ep a r t e d O n t h e D a y o f th e Th o u sa n d A u t um ns P h o en i x
.
u n exp e c t e dly t u r n s i n t o a v i n e g a r b a rr e l .
P H O EN IX S B I R THDA Y ’
W AS C E L EB R A TED O N T H E S E C O ND D A Y OF THE
t h i s t i m e from g i v i n g i n d i v i du a l g i ft s a n d i n s e a d a ll t h e l a d i e s a n d
,
.
g i rl s of th e t w o p al a c es a s w ell a s a ll t h e f em a l e serv a n t s h a d e a ch t o
co n t r i but e a ccord i n g t o her m e an s a n d po s i t i o n from o n e t ael t o t wen t y
, ,
t a el s to a commo n b i r th d a y fu n d T h i s fu n d w en t t o d e fr a y t h e ex .
t h e r e w e re m a n y o t h e r pl e a s ur e s : a t roup e of a c t or s p e rform e d pl a y s a ,
a mu si n g st or i es .
T h e co m p a n y h a d b ee n a ss e mble d for qu i t e a lo n g t i m e ; o n ly P a o
Y u w a s m i s s i n g W h en h e w a s s en t for word c a m e b a ck th a t h e h a d
.
“
He s a i d y e s t e rd a y t h a t h e would h a v e t o go to the Pr i n c e of t h e ‘
”
da y .
a s a m e e t i n g of t h e B e go n i a Club h a d a l s o b e en fix e d for th a t da
y .
“
Curi ous ly en ough he di d n o t p u t o n h i s v i si t i n g s ui t b ut j u st wore
,
”
h i s ev eryd a y clo t h e s go i n g o ut a dd e d P e a rl
“
V e ry l i ke ly h e h a d t o
, .
p a y t he Pr i n c e a v i s i t of co n dol en c e o n t h e d e a th of a se co n d a ry w i fe ,
b ut I do n o t kn ow a n y thi n g more ” .
'
Tha t would e xcu se h i m to a c e r t a i n e x t en t p e opl e s a i d modi fy in g , ,
t h e i r fir s t j ud gm e n t .
It w a s i n a s e n se t ru e th a t P a o Y u h a d go n e o u t o n a ccoun t of a
d e at h b ut h e di d n o t t e ll an yo ne a rou n d h i m w h o th e d e a d p er son i n
,
sa
y i f a n yo n e sh ould a sk for Pa o Y u t h a t h e h a d go n e t o v i s i t t h e
, ,
h i m as h e would b e b a ck i n good t i m e
, .
264
mou n t e d h i s h orse a n d rod e off a t a sm a rt t ro t hi s b o dy b en t ri ght over ,
“
w i th hi m A sked w h e re he w a s go i n g Pa o Y u h a d re pl i e d : S tra i g ht
.
,
”
on o ut t h roug h t h e n ort he rn c i t y g a t e !
,
“
B ut t he re i s n o th i n g i n te re st i n g o ut th e re ; the d i st r i c t i s d es ol a te
”
a n d lo n ely M i n g Y e n h a d d e cl a re d Pa o Y u h a d n odd e d a n d re pl i ed
,
.
“ ”
T he more desol a t e a n d lo n ely i t i s th e b e t te r , .
o f h i s m a st e r T h e y h a d ri dd en si x o r se v e n li a t a qu i ck t ro t a n d w e re
.
,
h orse .
“ ? ”
I wo n d er w heth e r i n cen se could b e procure d i n th i s nei ghborh o od
h e as ke d t urn i n g t o M i n g Y en
, .
“ ? ”
It s po ss i ble ; b u t t h e qu est i o n i s : Wh a t k i n d would i t b e
’
”
I n ee d sa n d alwood l a ve n d e r a n d ol i b an u mi n c en se
, , .
? ”
in c en s e w i t h you i n your b e l t pouc h
Pa o Y u rumm a g e d i n h i s lo t u s l ea f b a g a n d di d i n f a c t fi n d tw o l i tt l e
-
“ ”
fr a gm en t s o f C a mbod i a n a loe wood Good we v e go t i nc en se ! he sa i d
.
,
’
,
“ ”
gr a t i fi e d No w I o n ly n ee d a br az i e r
.
, .
“ ? ”
How c a n you e xp e c t t o ge t a br az i e r o ut her e i n t hi s wi ld e rn es s
a sk e d M i n g Y e n sh a k i n g h i s h e a d dub i ou s ly T h e n a n i d e a occurre d t o
, .
hi m .
“
If w e r i d e o n j u st a n o t he r tw o li w e w i ll com e t o t h e n u n n e ry kn own
,
as t h e T empl e of t h e W a te r Go d an d th e re w e ca n ge t e v e ryt hi n g w e
,
”
wan t .
“
T h a t s spl en d i d ! sa i d P ao Y u an d wh i ppe d h i s h or se up t o a sw i ft
’
,
t ro t M i n g Y en wo n d e re d t o h i m s e lf h o w i t w a s t h a t h i s m a st e r w h o
.
,
a ri s t ocr a t i c youn g gr a n d s o n o f a pr in c e as i f a l i vi n g dr a g on h a d de
n o spe c i a l no t i ce e i th e r o f h e r or of t h e W a t e r G o d H e o n ly gl a n ce d .
v o ti on t o th e d ea d n a t ur a lly r eferr e d t o G ol d R i n g w h o h a d lo st h er ,
.
’
h ea rt O n ly t od a y he h as n o t co n fide d i n m e a n d h as b een si l en t w i th
.
,
Sp i ri t i n th e R ea lm o f S ha d es for wh om th i s off e r i ng i s m a d e b ut
, ,
wh o se n am e I do n o t kn ow o n c e l i ve d a mo n g th e pe ople as a sen si bl e
, ,
my suppl i c a t i on si n ce yo u a re a sp i ri t a n d h a ve th e power of sp i r i ts .
an d he lp h i m th a t i n a fu t ur e ex i st en c e h e m a b e born a g a i n as a
, y
g i rl a n d so m ay b e a bl e t o pl ay an d j oke an d b e h a ppy w i th such as
,
”
yo u t o h i s h ea rt s co n t en t !
’
p ush w i th hi s foo t .
“ ”
Cea se your n on sen se ! he whi spe r e d to hi m sh a ki n g w i th l a ught er ,
.
”
b efore t he p eopl e !
Th a n ks t o the i n n oc en t si mpl i c i t y of the good M i n g Y en t h e so r
r ow f u l c e r e
m o n y t h u s lo st n i n e ten ths o f i t s b i tt e rn e ss a n d a f te r h ur
-
t r a n c e t o th e h a ll h e c a m e upo n th e m a i d N e p h ri t e B a n gl e th e s i s te r
,
o f th e d e a d g i rl Gold Ri n g Sh e w as si tt in g u d r
, . n e th e proj e c t i n g r oo f ,
2 66
hea lth a n d sh e could n o t a vo i d a llow i n g h er gl a ss t o b e fi ll e d a fre sh
,
w i n e s oo n b ec am e e vi d e n t Sh e s udd en ly fe l t rumbl es i n h er st om a c h
.
a n d h a d t o go t o h er a p a r tm e n t s l ea n i n g o n t h e arm of h er w a i ti n g
si g h t of her a n d ra n i n t o t h e h ou se Th e st r a n g e b eh a v i or of t h e m a i d
.
i mm ed i a t ely a w a ken e d h er s u s p i c i o n s Sh e c a ll e d o ut t o h er t o s t op .
,
b u t t h e m a i d b eh a v ed a s i f she di d n o t h e ar h er an d d i sa pp ea r e d
i n si de Then sh e b e c a m e r ea lly s u s p i c i ou s Sh e r a n i n t o t h e i nn e r court
. .
a n d w hi p s w i th t h e m .
T i e up t h e m i ser ab l e b i t c h t h e wr e t c h e d h u s s y w h o n o lo n g er h a s
, ,
”
e y es for h e r m i st r es s an d b e a t h er un t i l sh e i s h a lf d e a d !
, sh e ord e r e d
t h e t w o se rv a n ts h a r sh ly Th e m a i d a hn o s t s woo n i n g w i th fr i g h t de
.
, ,
s a i ri n l
p g y b e a t he r for eh e a d o n t h e st o n e fl a g s a n d wh i n e d for m ercy .
“ ”
Am I a gh o st or w hy di d you run a w a y when yo u sa w m e comi n g ?
sh ou t e d Ph o en i x .
“
I di d n o t see t he Na i n a i a t a ll ; i t j u st occurre d to m e th a t the h ouse
”
w as emp t y an d un w a t c he d a n d t h a t is w h I r a n i n th e m a i d t ri e d t o
y, ,
excu se h e rs elf .
“
O h i n dee d ? If the h ou se w as emp t y w h a t we re you lo a fi n a bou t
,
g ,
”
p at i en c e i s a t an en d .
“ ”
i
You w ll spr i n your h an d Na i n a i ! cri e d th e w a i ti n g m a i d Li tt le
a ,
P i n g t ry in g to p a c i fy her
, .
“
”
e e st i
V ry w ll r ke her in ste a d of m e ! hi sse d h e r an gry m i stress
, .
A n d if she s t i ll r em a i n s st ubbor n I w i ll ha v e h e r t on gu e s i n g e d w i t h
, .
”
a h o t i ro n .
“
I wi ll co n fess ho w ledt h e m ai d i n t error Th e mast er i s i n th e
, .
268
W h y sh ould you k ee p a lookou t for m e ? W a s h e an xi ous lest I
” “
could no t fi n d t h e w a y a lo n e ? she p e r si st e d O ut wi t h th e t ru th o r
. ,
”
I wi ll pri ck yo u wi th p in s !
In ord e r to sh ow th at sh e w a s i n ea rn est sh e dre w from h e r h ai r a
lo n g po i n te d h ai rp i n w h i ch sh e w a ve d threa ten in gly i n the fa c e of
, ,
t h e kn eel i n g gi rl T h e m a i d dr ew b a ck he r h ea d i n t e rror a n d mo an e d
.
“
D o n o t s ti ck m e ! I w i ll te ll yo u e very t h i n g ! B ut pl e as e do n o t b e tr a y .
s i lv er t w o a gra fl es a n d t w o p i e c es of sa t i n o u t o f t h e t re as ur e t ru n k
, ,
.
I h a d t o t a ke th em s ecret ly t o t he w i fe of th e se rv an t Li t tle P a o a n d
’
br i n g her b a ck t o th e m a st er She i s st i ll i n si de i n the m a ste r s room
. .
”
n o t kn ow .
t h e r e sh e n o t i c e d t h a t a n o th e r m a i d w as c a uti ou s ly s py i n g o u t th e
co ur t y a rd g a te an d on see i n g h er qu i c k ly drew i n her h ea d an d m a d e
,
? ”
Wh a t m ess a g e di d yo u h a v e for m e th en .
’
P a o s w i fe w i t h h i m a n d s o o n , .
“
A n d w hy di d yo u n o t te ll m e t h a t a t o n c e i n st e a d o f o n ly do i n g
? ”
so n o w t o s a v e yourse lf w h en yo u see you a re fou n d o ut s a i d P h oe n i x ,
’
h u s b an d s b e droom Scr a p s o f a n an i m a te d co n ve r s a t i on r e a c h e d her
.
“
No w sh e d i s t i n gu i s he d a wom a n s vo i c e : J us t w a i t soone r o r
’
ca r .
,
? ”
be gi n o ve r a g a in
Th e wom an s vo i c e co n t in u e d : Aft e r a ll yo u ha ve Li ttl e P i n g
’
.
,
”
no m o re w o rri es .
“
To whi ch h e re pli e d : She is d ea d b en t o n seei n g tha t I h a ve n o th i n g
t o do w i th Li tt l e P i n g I kn ow th a t L i ttl e P n g s uff e rs b e c a use o f h e r
,
i .
.
,
P h o en i x w as tremb l i hg wi th i n d i gn a ti on L i tt l e
. P in g wh om
, sh e had
269
‘
a ble to con ta i n he rself an y lon ger an d sudd en ly t urn i n g roun d dea lt th e
, ,
”
mean ly b et r a y e d m e b eh i n d my b a ck ! A n d on ce mor e sh e box ed po or
’
Li tt le P i n g s ea rs ri gh t an d le ft Th e o u tr a ge d Li ttle P i n g i n h er t urn
.
“
Could you n o t get o nw i th your d i rt y g a m e by your se lv es ? W h y di d
you h ave t o dr a g m e i nt o i t sh e sh out e d
? ”
.
b ei ng en a c te d w i th s uch dr a m at i c r a p i d i t y b efore hi s ey es Wh en .
,
-
a i d o f h i s do ubly m a l t r ea t e d p a r a mour .
“
Wh at do yo u me an by hi t ti n g o ut li ke tha t h e sa i d rough ly t o
? ”
o f th e room i n t o t h e k i t c h en a n d w a s i n th e a ct o f g a sh i n g h e rs e lf wi th
,
a ki t c h en kn i fe wh en sh e w a s st opp e d j us t in t i m e by t he m a i ds w h o
we r e n e a r h er M ea n wh i le P h o en i x i n th e b e droom w as v en t i n g h er
.
,
m e in th e en d t o t a ke my l i fe ” .
th e w a ll an d sh ou t e d b a ck a t h er : “ If o u r ea lly w a n t t o di e I ca n do
y ,
i li i
would w l gly cr fice my se lf wi th you fo r th e sa ke o f pe a ce
n s a ”
.
Wh a t th e
G
th e
e 0
15 n ow
,
ha rmon y w as ”
re 1
gn m g! he
s cri ed in am az em en t “
270
re a lly to bl am e I sh ould n o t h a ve in duc e d h er t o dr in k wi n e No wo n d er
.
.
t h at i t r i s es up i n h e r a f t e rw a rd s m b i l e s our a s v i n e g ar ,
.
‘‘
Th ey a ll h a d to l a ug h a t h er good j oke for th e word b i l e n o t on ly ,
“
C a lm yourself ! co nti n u e d t he A n c es tr ess t ur n i n g t o Ph o en i x H e
”
,
.
t he coupl e h a v e v e n t e d t h e i r r a g e o n a n i n n oc e n t p er s o n Sh e do es .
”
O h I a m s orry for th a t s a i d t h e A n c es t r e s s r e gr e tfully Sh e cer
’
.
, ,
t a i nly n ev e r g a v e m e th e i mpr es si o n o f b ei n g a b a d g i rl ea g e r t o b e ,
run t o L i ttl e P i n g a n d t e ll h e r I kn ow n o w th a t sh e h a s b ee n wr on g e d ,
h er m i s t res s s b i r th d a y i s no t t h e r i g ht t i m e t o do so M ea n t i m e t e ll
’
.
, ,
”
her n o t to fret a n d t o ha v e p a ti en c e u n t i l t omorrow
, .
Li tt l e P i ng h a d r un t o t he P a rk of D e l i gh t ful f i si o n a n d b een co n
‘
s ol e d a l t e r n a tely by P a o Y u a n d P e a rl Pa o Y u h a d r e c e i ve d h e r k i n dly
.
st e a d of h er o w n w h i c h h a d b een s o i l e d w i th w i n e a n d t e a r s p l a c e d ,
’
Pea rl s dr ess i n g ta bl e a t he r d i spo sa l a n d re fr esh e d h er w i th a bowl of
,
of t h e A n c est r ess C hi a Li en w a s c a ll e d t o
.
b e g h er p a rdo n o n h i s kn ee s a n d i n doi n g ,
s t a n d i n g t he r e h er e y es re d ,
to Ph o en i x W hen
. pe a ce ha d b een
rest or ed b et ween th e h us b an d a n d w i fe L i tt l e P i n g w as sen t fo r Ch i a
,
.
“ ? ”
W i ll you n o t sa y a ki n d word t o her t o o ’
th e A n c e s t r ess ur g e d
P h o en i x B ut a lr ea dy L i tt le P i n g h a d p ro st ra te d he r se lf o n th e groun d
.
drun k t oo muc h w i n e .
“
In a ll t h e y ea rs i n w h i c h I h a ve se rv e d yo u yo u h a v e n e v e r o n c e
,
”
r a i se d your l i tt l e fi n ge r a g a in st m e ! co n tin ue d L i tt l e P i n g li ke w i se ,
“
move d t o te a rs You h a ve a lw a y s bee n g od to m e The re for e I wi ll
.
o .
“
We ll ev e ry th i n g i s r i ght a g a i n n o w ! A n d a n ybo dy w ho m a kes a
,
.
”
fu ss a bou t the st ory a ft e r th i s w i ll ge t a soun d th r a sh i n g A n d s o th e .
t og e th e r B u t w h en th e h usb an d a n d wi fe we r e a lo n e i n t h e i r h om e o n c e
.
h er up i n w i sh i n g m e d ea d ! Wh en an in fe r i or wom a n l i ke t h a t i s more
ple as i n g t o you th a n I am ho w can I kee p fa ce a n d co n ti n u e li vi n g
,
b esi d e you ? ”
j us t t he oppo si t e of wh a t o n e w a n ts .
P h o e n i x sa w h e w a s r i g ht so sh e r em a i n ed s i l en t
, .
“
Let i t b e n o w ! I a dm i t t h a t I h a ve b een wro n g h e co n t i n u e d
.
,
”
e xc i t e dly : Th e w i fe of L i tt l e P a o h a s h a n g e d h e rs elf Af te r th e fi r t
.
s
“ ”
We ll en oug h o f t h i s ! W h a t i s t h e re re a lly so exc i t i n g a bou t i t
,
?
273
Th e m embe rs of her cl an in t en d t o lodg e a compl ain t wi th the au
”
th o ri t i es
, sh e a dd e d r e luc t an t ly
, .
“
I do n ot m in d I in t en de d t o do th e sa me my se lf sa i d Ph o en ix
.
”
, ,
coldly .
“
I t ri e d as h a rd a s I could t o d i ss u a d e th e m from th ei r m t en ti on P er .
”
h a ps th ey could b e i n d emn i fi e d w i th mo n e y con t i n u e d M rs Li n g
,
. .
o ut a ft e r h er .
”
B ut do n o t g i ve an y mon e y ! sh e c a ll e d a ft e r hi m
The ou t come of th e con sul t at i on b et w een Ch i a L i en a n d L i n g s w i fe
’
h un dre d tae ls a s h u sh mo n ey C h i a L i en h a d a b a d co n s c i en c e an d
'
w an te d t o avo i d a sc a n d a l a t an y co St He a rr an g e d w i th M rs i ng th at
.
Th e m a tt er w a s h u sh e d up i n th i s w a y w i th ou t P h o en i x h a v i n g t o kn ow
an y th i n g abou t i t Th e r el a t i v es w er e sa t i s fi e d
.
p dck et e d th e n i c e s um,
w a s se tt l ed .
C H A P T E R 27
The w i ndy and ra m y m ood of a gloo m y a u tum n even i n g i nsp i r es B la c k
Ja d e w it h a n e le gy o n t h e w i n d a nd t h e ra i n T h e m a i d M a n d ari n D u c k
.
a n d w as a lw a y s w a t c hi n g o ut lo n i n gly for
g t h e di s tr a c t i o n o f a vi si t
from an y of her cousin s B ut wh en t he lon ge d f or vi si t or ca m e she
. -
2 74
m a i d s do n ot t roubl e abou t m e a t a ll Th ey do mo t r eg a rd m e a s r ea lly
.
~
“ ”
C o n fi de i n m e ! I am i n th e s a m e po si t i o n a s you ar e s a i d Pre c i ou s ,
Cla sp .
? ”
j ewe lry It i s a pi t y th a t i t i s n o t yet t i me for th a t , sa i d Pr e c i ous
Cl a sp j oki n gly .
Bl a ck J a d e blush e d .
“
I con fid e my t roubl es t o yo u b ec a u se you seem so ki n dh e a rt e d an d ,
”
th en you mock m e ! T h a t i s n o t r i gh t sh e s a i d sm i li ng , .
“ ”
It w a s o n ly a j oke ! sa i d Pre c i ou s C l a sp ch eerf ull y a n d un co n , ,
“
cern e dly e xcu s i n g h e rse lf
, b ut p erh a p s t h e re w a s som e t ru th i n i t
, ,
w h o kn ow s ? In an y c ase h av e co n fid en c e i n m e ! Wh en an y t h in g w or
, ,
a s upply I w i ll s en d .
yo u a f ew ou n c es ; a n d o n e of my m a i d s w i ll pre
pa re th e d i sh for you eve ry da y ; yo u n ee d n o t t roubl e th e o th e r se rv a n ts
a t a ll B ut n o w I w i ll go You mu s t b e ex h a u s t e d ”
.
.
.
“
Com e b a ck i n the ev en i n g '”
Pr ec i ou s Cl as p prom i s e d t o do so a n d w en t a w a y Bl a ck J a d e p a r t oo k .
b e d a n d la y th e re i n a drea my s t a t e t h roug h ou t t h e lo n g r a y a u t um n
g
a f te rn oo n How gloomy i t w a s ou t s i d
e ! T h e sk
y h a d b e com e ov e rc ast ; a
.
2 76
la y th ere for h ours an d w a i t e d i n v a i n fo r Prec i ous Cl a sp s r et urn She
’
.
,
When d a rkn ess fell she h a d t he l amp s bro ught an d p i cke d a book a t
r a n dom from th e booksh elv es It w a s a coll ec ti o n o f w ell kn own p oem s
.
-
se t t o mu s i c O n t urn i n g ov e r th e p a g es sh e c a m e upo n h ea d in g s s uc h a s
.
“ ” “ ” ’
P a i n o f P a rt i n g a n d Au t umn S ufi eri n g i n th e M a i d en s C h a mb e r
a n d s uc h li k e T h ese e l e g i a c po em s s u i te d h e r mood a n d i n s p i r e d h er t o
.
h i s he a d a n d a w i d e clo a k m a d e o f r ee d s l i ke th o se worn by fi sh e rm en
, , ,
ov e r hi s clo th es .
“ ”
Oh w ha t ki n d o f fi sh erm a n i s th i s ! Bl a ck J a d e gr ee te d h i m l a ugh
, ,
D o yo u fee l b et te r t od a y ? H a ve yo u b ee n t a ki n g your m e d i c i n e
r egul a rly How i s your a ppe t i te
? ? ”
h e i n q u i red an x i ou sly , a s he la i d
a si d e h i s r a i n w e a r He t ook t h e l a mp in h i s r i g h t h a n d a n d h e ld i t clo se
-
.
t o Bl a ck J ad e s fa c e , s h a d i n g w i t h h i s l e f t h a n d th e s i d e n e a r e st h e r
’
.
“ ”
You look d i st i n c t ly b e tt e r t od a y h e d e cl a re d co n te n te dly a ft er a
,
n o lo n g e r qu i t e n e w w hi c h w a s t i e d a rou n d th e h i p s w i th a gr e e n co t t o n
,
“
O n ly th e upp e r p a r t of y ou i s pro te c t e d from th e r a i n How i s i t th at .
? ”
i n S p i t e of t h i s y our st ock i n g s a n d sl i pp e rs a re cl e a n a n d dry a s ke d
Bl a ck J a d e .
“
O h o n th e w a y h er e I wore a p a i r o f s t ou t wood en r a i n sh o es m a d e
,
-
”
i n g roof r epl i e d P a o Y u sm i l i n g
, , .
“
All t hr ee a r ti cl es— t h e b a s t h a t th e ree d clo a k a n d th e wood en , ,
sh o e s — a r e pr es en t s from t h e Pr i n c e o f t h e Nor th e rn Qu i e t n e ss
”
Pao ,
T h e r a in h a t i s th e mo s t v a lu a bl e of a ll T h e to p i s m a de of b a mboo p i t h
-
.
a n d i s r em o v a bl e On e ca n t a ke i t o u t an d sh a pe i t t o o n e s l i ki n g In ’
. .
2 77
wi n te r i n sn owy w ea th er o n e ca n t a ke i t o ut an d t urn b a ck th e r em a i n
, ,
i i i ?
in g w i d e bri m ov er a w a rm f ur ca p Pr c c l a t a s t n o t .Would you a ls o ,
? ”
l i ke t o h a v e a r a i n h a t l i k e th a t
-
“
N 0 th a n k you ! I would n o t li ke t o go a bout dr esse d up l i ke a fi sh er
,
wom an o n t h e st a ge .
S h e st opp e d sh or t a n d a h o t flu sh s pr ea d ove r h er f a c e T o o l a t e i t .
occurre d t o h er t h a t sh e h a d j u st n o w gr e et e d P a o Y u as a fi sh erm a n .
“ ”
Splen d i d ! h e excl a im e d i n volun t a r i ly .
In a s e co n d sh e h a d gr a bb e d t h e sh eet o f p a p er a n d b urn e d i t ov er
th e l a mp .
“ ” ”
Too l a t e ! h e l a ugh e d I kn ow i t by h ea rt a lr ea dy !
.
”
I sh ould l i ke t o sl ee p n o w Pl ea se go a w a y ! sh e sa i d
. .
t h e t en th h our .
“
You a re r i gh t It i s h i gh t i m e for yo u t o go t o b e d You mu st b e
. . .
”
worn o ut .
t ur n e d a roun d o n c e mor e
“
H a ve you a wi sh for an y th i n g s p e c i a l t o
.
? ”
e a t t omorrow h e a s k e d If s o I w i ll t ell th e o l d T a i ta i Y o u ca n r ely
.
, .
“
G i ve m e t im e u n t i l th e mor n i n g P e rh a p s I sh a ll th i n k o f s om e th i ng
.
”
H a ve you a n yo n e t o a ccomp a n y you ?
“ ”
W e a re h e re an swere d tw o se rv i n g wom en w h o were i n th e act o f
, ,
“
You t h i n k of l i ght i n g a l a n t ern i n t h i s w ea th e r ? It w i ll s oon b e
”
s o a k e d th rough a n d go o ut s a i d Bl a ck J a d e .
,
“ ’
It s a h orn l a n t ern m a d e of a r a m s h orn a n d i t s r a i n proof
,
’
,
’
.
m a i d t o p u t a l i ght e d w a x c a n dl e i n t o i t an d h a n d e d i t t o P a o Y u ,
.
“
Ple a se t a ke th i s gl a ss o n e i n stea d It i s bri gh t e r th an your dull h orn
.
,
”
a n d i t a ls o i s r a i n proof .
s
No t h an k you I h a v e a gl a ss o n e l i ke th a t my se lf b ut I w a s a fr a i d
, , ,
t h a t t h e b e a r e r s m i gh t sl i p o n t h e s l i pp ery d a mp p a th a n d br ea k t h e
a . h
l mp T t i s w h y I di d n o t u s e i t
a
”
.
“
Do t a ke t h i s o n e ! B e tter for t h e l a mp t o b e broken th a n for you t o
s l i p i n t h e d ark a n d b e h ur t You a re n o t u s e d t o t h o s e a wkw a rd wood en
.
s h o e s H a v e t he h or n l a n t e rn c a rr i e d i n fro n t a n
.
d t a ke th e gl a ss o n e i n
your h a n d yourse lf ! Y o u can sen d i t b a ck t omorrow ”
.
2 78
The x t morn i n g P h o en i x w a s s ummo n e d t o Pri n c ess S hi eh After a
ne .
h urr i ed t o i l et sh e w en t 0 3 m h e r c a rr i a g e t o h er mo th e r 1 n l a w T h e - -
.
M a n d a r i n Duck H e Would l i ke t o m a ke h er hi s si d e ch am b e r a n d h a s ‘ ’
.
a sk e d m e t o u n d er t a k et h e n e c e ss a ry s t e p s w i th t h e o l d T a i t a i In i ts elf .
,
old Ta i ta i w i ll g i ve up M an d a r in D uck I do n o t qu i t e kn ow wh a t a t .
? ”
t i t u de I s h ould t a ke W h a t would yo u a dv i se
.
“
I t i s a t i ckl i sh ord er an d you w i ll r un your he a d a g a i n st a n a i l i n
'
” “
c a rry i n g i t o u t r epl i e d P h o en i x prom pt ly Th e o l d T a i t a i w i ll lo se
,
.
h u sb a n d i s r e a lly t o o old n o w t o h a v e a si d e ch a mb er t o th e l e ft a n d a
‘ ’
-
‘
si d e ch a mb e r t o t h e r i g h t
-
Th i s c a u se s h i m t o n e gl e c t th e m an a gem en t
.
’
.
,
”
sh o u ld br i n g h i m t o re a s o n a n d t a lk h i m o u t of h i s i n t en t i o n s .
T h e Pr i n c e ss di d n o t see m ve ry pl e a s e d a t h er word s .
“
O th er a r i st ocr a t i c g en t l em en can kee p t h r e e si d e ch a mb e r s an d ‘ ’
”
four co n cub i n es a n d I S my h u sb an d n o t t o b e a llow ed t h i s sh e a ske d
,
?
wi th a fro st y sm i l e If I t r i e d to d i ss u a d e h i m I would b e u n l i ke ly t o
'
.
,
.
, ,
A s f a r a s M a n d a r i n Duck h er se lf i s co n ce rn e d i f s h e w e r e t h e o ld T a i ,
'
’
ta i s f a vor i t e w a i t i n g m a i d t en t i m es ov e r sh e would h a rdly d e cl i n e s uch
,
”
a n a dv an t a g eou s m a t c h .
Ph o en i x co n si d ere d i t a dv i sab le t o g i v e i n Sh e kn ew t h a t p a rt ly f or
.
. .
“
t h e s a k e o f pe a c e an d p a r t ly o u t of cu n n i n g t h e Pr i n c e ss di d n o t d ar e
'
, .
,
t o oppo s e h e r h u sb a n d i n a n wa
y y For as t h e w i fe of th e f a m i ly Eld er
.
, ,
o n w h om t h e bu s i n es s m a n a g em en t of t h e e st at e d evolv e d a n d t hr oug h
wh o se h a n d s a ll i n com e an d ou t l a y w en t sh e kn ew h o w t o m a ke a good ,
t h i n g of i t a n d t o fe a th e r h er o wn n e s t u n d e r t he pr e t ex t t h a t h er h u s
280
s om e p ers o n a l profi t w a s the mo t i ve o f h er a t t i t ud e i n th i s m a t te r t od a y
a l s o 5 0 P h o en i x i mm e d i a t ely a l t e r e d her op i n i o n an d pr e t en d e d t o b e
.
i n full a gr ee m en t .
“
Y o u a re qu i t e r i g h t ; i n my you th ful i n expe ri en c e I h a d n o t th oug h t
o f t ha t a t s a i d s k i llfully c h a n g i n g h e r course
,
T he o ld Ta i .
s uc h fool i sh ta lk ser i ou s ly P a r e n t s of t en t a lk l i ke th a t i n an g e r wh en
.
h er s o n an d g i ve h i m a w a i t i n g m a i d t o w h om h e h a s t a k en s uc h a
fan cy ? W e sh o uld ge t t o work a t o n c e Luck i ly t he o ld Ta i ta i i s i n a .
,
t h e r e cl e a r o ff l e a v in g yo u t o d i s cu s s e v e ry th i n g a lo n e a n d u n d i s t urb e d
,
”
w i th th e o ld Ta i ta i .
T h e Pr i n c e ss w a s v i s i bly pl ea se d a t h er a l t e r e d a t t i t ud e .
“
V e ry w ell go o n a h ea d b u t do n o t m en t i o n a n y th i n g to th e o ld T a i
.
, ,
ta i ye t ! W e mu s t g en t ly w i n h e r ov e r by i n d i r e c t m ea n s t h roug h M a n
d a r in Duck he rself B ut fir st le t us ge t t o work o n M a n d a r i n D uck ! She
.
s en t t h e old T a i t a
, i w i ll n o t re s i s t e i t h e r re m emb er i n g th e old rul e :
,
‘
N ever kee p a n yo n e w h o w a n ts t o l ea ve .
’
“ ”
Spl en d i d ! Th o se a re t h e r i g h t t a c t i c s ! a gree d P h oe n i x e a ge rly .
s t up i d i f sh e w e r e t o r e fu s e s uc h a n oppor t u n i t y w h i c h would r a i se h e r ,
from t h e po s i t i o n of a se rv a n t a lm o st t o th a t o f a m i st r ess a n d w i sh t o ,
“
Qu i te r i gh t ! C er t a i n ly sh e ca n o n ly co n gr a t ul a te h er se lf o n t hi s
m a t ch S o go o n a h e a d a n d s p e a k t o h e r ! I sh a ll t a ke my brea kfa s t
'
”
qu i ckly a n d follow you i mm e d i a t e ly .
T h e cl ev e r Ph o e n i x h a d i n th e m e a n t i m e th ough t o f s om eth i n g el s e .
Sh e w a s n o t a t a ll so c e rt a i n t h a t M an d a r i n D uck would b e am e n a bl e .
f a i lure .
“
Au n t C h eng sen t m e tw o b a sk e ts of fre sh ly b a ke d qu a i l s for th e
bre a kf a s t t a ble a l i tt l e wh i l e a go ; I w as a bou t t o s et ha lf of t h e m a si d e
28 1
for you i n a n y c ase sh e s a i d sm ilin g B es i des th e h em o f your se d an
,
. ,
o n t o t h e old T a i ta i .
t o a rr a n g e t h at t h e Pri n c e s s sh ould go o n a lo n e t o th e o l d T a i ta i an d
t h a t she sh ould follow h er l a t e r Acco rd i n gly t h e Pri n c e ss w en t o ff t o
.
,
h er s oo n a g a in o n th e pret ex t t h a t sh e w a n ted t o v i si t M a d a m e C h en g ;
i n r ea l i t y h ow ev e r sh e s l i pp e d off t o t h e room o f th e m a i d M a n d a ri n
, , ,
“
O h wh a t a lovely p i e c e of e mbro i d ery you are do i n g ! Pl e a se let m e
,
” ’
s ee i t ! sa i d t h e Pr i n c e ss A n d sh et ook t h e em b ro i d e ry o u t of t h e gi rl s
.
h a n d e x a m i n e d i t for a w h i l e w i th excl a m a t i on s o f d e l i gh t an d re
, ,
i n s p e c t i o n n o t i n g th e f a c t th a t sh e w a s w ea r i n g a s i lk t un i c o f p a l e
,
n o s e a n d a de li ca t e m o le o n e a c h c h ee k M a n d a r i n D uck fe l t s om ewh a t
, .
,
“ ? ”
Wh a t bri n gs t he T a i ta i h er e a t s uch a n ea rly h our i n t he morn i n g
sh e a s k e d w i t h a s m i l e
, .
T h e Pr i n c ess le t h er r et i n u e u n de r st an d by a gl an c e th a t sh e wi sh e d
t o b e a lo n e wh e r e upo n t h e a t t en d a n t s w en t a w a y T h en sh e s a t down
, .
a n d t ook M a n d a r i n Duck by t h e h a n d i n a fr i en d y w a
l ” y .
“
My h u sb a n d h a s r egr ette d for a lo n g t i me p a st t h a t h e h a s n o o n e
t he Pri n
”
i n h i s p e rm a n en t en v i ro n m en t o n w h om h e ca n r ea lly rely ,
“
c ess co n t i n u e d It i s r e pugnan t t o h i m t o ob t a i n wh a t h e w a n t s i n th e
.
pr ej ud i ce a g a i n st wh a t o n e g et s th rough s uch n e go t i a t or s an d h e t h i n ks ,
t h i s o r t h a t ph y si c a l or o th e r d e fe c t a n d r e v ea l a ll k i n d s of b a d m an
n e r s a n d se duc t i v e mo n k e y t r i ck s a f t e r tw o or t h r ee d a y s Now f or t h e .
,
282
a ble di sh es t o go w i t h them ! Wh i l e t h e Pr i n c e ss 1 5 w i th m e you n ee d n o
com e i n ; you can go i nt o th e p a rk f or th e t i me b ei n g ! Come b ack a g a in
“
”
when she 18 go n e !
Li tt le P i n g c a rr i e d o ut h e r ord er s i n th e k i t ch en a n d th ensh e w en t ,
”
i ll ! sh e s a i d t o h er comp a n i o n Amb e r an d th e n sh e d i s a pp ea r e d i n t o
, ,
t h e p a rk .
“
A re you t a k i n g p a r t i n t h e co n sp i r a cy a g a i n s t m e w i th your m i s
? ”
t r ess r epl i e d M an d a r i n Duck fl u sh i n g an gr i ly ,
.
o th er o v er t o a l e dg e of rock u n d e r a pl an e t r ee an d a ssur e d h er th a t
’
P h o en i x w a s n o t t a ki n g p a r t i n th e co n sp i r a cy a t all b u t o n t h e co n ,
t ra ry w a s o n h er s i d e M a n d a r i n D uck h e r ch e e ks re d w i th e xc i t e m en t
, .
, ,
o n e a n o t h e r R e c en t ly a ll you o t h er s go your o w n w a
.
y o n ly I k ee p t o ,
t h e old w a y s a n d st i ck t o th e rul e o f co n fi di n
g i n yo u w h en th er e i s
s om e th i n g s p ec i a l o n A n d s o I w i ll a l s o n o w co n fid e t o you my s ol em n
.
d ec i s i o n : Qu i t e a p a r t from th e f a c t t h a t Pr i n c e S hi eh n o w w i sh es t o
m a ke m e h i s s e con d a ry w i fe w i th ou t mor e a do a n d e v en i f h e w i sh e d ,
t o m a k e m e h i s c h i ef w i fe 1 n c a se of t h e d ea th o f t h e Pr i n c e ss a n d e v en ,
blu rt e d o u t from b eh i n d th e t ru n k o f t h e pl a n e t r ee a n d P ea rl w h o ha d , ,
s l i pp e d a lo n g u n n o t i c e d s a t down l a ug h i n g b e s i d e t h e t w o o th e r s o n
,
“ ”
W ha t a n old l i b er t i n e ! s a i d P e a rl d i sa pprovi n gly O f cour se h e , .
”
do es i t t h i s w a y .
“
I kn ow h ow you could fo i l h i m i n h i s proj e c t s a i d Li t tl e P i n g ,
.
? ”
How t h en a ske d M an d a ri n D uck cur i ou sly .
2 84
r ec ent ly ho w M a dam e P h oen i x r a ge d wh en sh e c a ught h er h us b an d
wi th Li tt le Pa o s w i fe I would on ly ex p o se my self t o the gr eat est un
’
.
”
plea s a n tn ess .
“
I h a ve a b etter suggest i on i n t erj ec t ed Pe a rl l a u gh in g Say t o th e
, ,
.
“
Fi e you t w o de pr a ve d crea t ur es t o m a k e g a m e o f m e i n my p re
, ,
di ca m en t a n d re p a y my co n fiden c e wi th mocke ry ! w a i l e d M a n d a ri n
”
“
Do n o t t a ke i t so b a dl y d ea r si ster ! sa i d th e tw o t ry i n g t o c a lm
”
, ,
“
her W e w ere g etti n g o n so we ll t o g eth e r A l i t t l e j oke l i ke th a t amo n g
. .
? ”
i n g of do i n g
“
I m n o t t hink i n g o f do in g an yt hi n g at all ! I a m j u s t n
’
o t go i n g t o
”
a ppea r ! Th a t wi ll b e en oug h !
“
Tha t won t he lp you much The Prin ce i s a st ubborn pe r s on an d
’
.
wi ll n o t g i ve w ay If he does n o t s uccee d no w th en i t w i ll b e l at er o n
.
,
.
“
Psh a w ! He woul d n o t succ ee d so qu i c kly F i rst o f all a s her so n h e .
, ,
”
o ff my h a i r an d o i n t o a co n v en t
g .
“ ”
You h a ve cour a g e ! the t w o comp an i on s si gh e d a dm rn n gly .
” “
I wi ll t a ke a ch an c e ! de cla re d M an d ar i n Duck firmly The Pri n .
”
for a lo n g t i me !
“ '
”
a rds o f a h ouse th e re
; the y w i ll fi n d t h e m a ll ri gh t obj ec t e d Li tt l e , ,
P i n g Be s i de s yo u ha v e your e ld er bro th e r
.
,
h e re i n th e n ei gh bo rh oo d Th e y ca n t urn t o th em t o o It i s
. .
free as w e a re w ho o n ly c a me to b e lo n g t o i t l a te r
, .
“
Ha t h a t m a kes n o i ff e ren c e t o m e ! Th e s t ubborn o x c an n o t b e
,
d
m a de t o
“ '
h er t a lk .
“
The y ha ve sen t the ri ght perso n ! Th a t i s j us t a s u i t a bl e e rran d for
r ch e d your neck th i s w a y an d th a t w a y an d ran her e and there
s t et
“
Let u s look a rou n d qu i ckly ! P erh a p s s om e o n e el s e w i ll s udd en ly
’’
e m erg e sa i d L i t t le P i n g i n j ok e
, .
“
So n o w he t o o h a s sp i e d o n us successfully sa i d M an d ari n Duck , ,
s t r e t c h i n g h e rs e lf o ut o n th e rock an d ya wn 1 n g P a o Y u sh ook h er t o .
m a ke h er si t up .
“
You w i ll get cold o n th e b ar e st o n e B et te r com e i n wi th m e It wi ll . .
w i fe we re wi th i n r ea ch a t a n y t i m e for bo th of th e m w e r e i n t h e s e rv i c e ,
“
She a bu s e d m e u sin g e xpr ess i o n s w h i c h I c a n n o t r e p e a t b e for e t h e
,
”
T a i ta i a n d P e arl t o o a t t a cke d m e t h e si st er i n la w compl a i n e d a s sh e
, ,
- -
w a s pr es en t sh e di d n o t d a re t o m en t i o n t h a t L i tt l e P i n g a l s o h a d a t
“
ta cke d h er T h e old m a s te r sh ould look a roun d for a n o t h e r wom a n
. .
”
Th a t n a st y fem a le would on ly br i n g h i m th e gr ea t es t un h a pp i n ess .
“
How di d P ea rl kn ow a bou t th e busi n ess ? W a s an yon e e ls e pr es
? ”
ent a s k e d t h e Pr i n c es s s us p i c i ous ly , .
“ ”
Y e s L i tt l e P i n g
, .
? ”
Li tt l e P i n g W h at w a s sh e do i n g th e r e i n t erj e ct e d Ph o en i x fei gn
?
,
“
i n g i g n or a n c e D i d sh e a l s o t a ke si d es a g a i n st you ? You sh ould h a v e
.
h a lf t h e da y .
’
I do n t me a n t h a t sh e w a s a c t u a lly pr es en t I sa w h er from a di s .
t a n c e a n d I m a y h a v e m a d e a m i st a k e
, s a i d t h e o th e r e mb a rr a s se d , , ,
dr e a de d Ph o en i x H a pp i ly i t e s c a p ed Pr i n c ess S hi eh th a t P h oen i x h a d
.
,
b een pl a y i n g a double ga m e .
"
Go t o t h e s ou t he rn c a p i t a l a n d b ri n g old C h i n Ts a i M a n d a r in ,
”
Duck fa the r h ere t o m e ! h e orde re d Som ebody ca n s ure ly b e “
’
s , .
288
C hi a Li en fel t li ttl e d esi re for thi s j ourn ey an d t i e d by every po i bl e r ss
“
T h e j ourn e y w i ll b e u se l ess Accord i n g t o rec e n t n e w s old C h i n T s a i
.
” “
h a s b ee n dy i n g of co n s ump t i o n for s om e t i m e h e l i e d H i s coffi n h a s , .
'
n o t do muc h w i t h t h e mo th e r sh e i s d ea f ,
”
G e t o ut of my s i g h t yo u i ll bre d j a i lb i rd s br a t ! t h e Pr i n c e i n t er
’
-
r up t e d h i m a n gri ly a n d sh ow e d h i m th e door T he n he h a d M a n d a r i n
, .
’
Duck s bro t he r brough t i n B ut t h e n ex t morn i n g t he bro t h er ha d t o
.
Pri n c e r a ge d .
“
I kn ow i t h as b ee n l i ke t h a t si n c e a nc i e nt t i m es ; wom en pr e fer th e
,
” “
yo un g t o th e old h e com pl a i ned Prob a bly sh e h a s desi gn s o n my so n
, .
o r o n P a o Y u B ut sh e mu s t g i v e up a n y s uc h i d e a s
. I would l i ke to .
kn ow w ha t r a s c a l h e r e would h a ve t he i mpud en c e t o w a n t h e r a ft e r I
h a v e s t r et c h e d o ut my h a n d f o r h er A n d i f sh e t h i n k s sh e could m a rry .
a bou t i t W h o e v e r s h e m a rr i es sh e re m a i n s w i t h i n my r e a c h U n l es s s h e
.
,
.
pr e fe rs d ea t h o r a co n v en t I wi ll st i ll forc e h er i f n o t by f a i r me a n s
, , ,
t h en by foul S h e would do b e t t e r t o c h a n g e h er ob s t i n a t e m i n d a n d
.
a gree C o a n d t e ll h e r t h a t ! A n d t a k e c a r e n o t t o t ell m e l i es To m a k e
. .
s ure I Wi ll ge t my wi fe t o s p ea k t o h e r a g a in
,
I f yo u come b a ck to m e .
”
w i th a No a n d my w i fe br i ng s a Y e s I w a rn you t o m i n d your skull
‘ ’ ‘
,
’
.
W e n H si a n g promi se d t o do h i s b e st w e n t to h is s i st er a n d re p ea t ed , ,
th e Pr i n c e s word s t o h e r M a n d a r i n D uc k w a s s p e e c h l e ss a t fi rs t at th e
’
.
.
. .
“
V e ry we ll I wi ll g i ve i n an d w i ll go to th e o ld Ta i ta i a t o n c e t o i n
,
d e cl a r e d firmly .
a n d s o M a n d a r i n D uck a ccomp a n i e d by h e r s i s t e r i n la w w en t t o t h e
,
- -
fa m i ly c i rcl e : M a d a m e C h en g Au n t H s u eh W i do w C h u P h oe n i x P a o
, , , ,
s w a rm of w a i ti n g m a i d s a n d s ervi n g wom en a n d se v e r a l w i v e s of t h e
m a j ordomo Pr i n c ess S h i eh w a s m i ss in g
. .
w i th a loud cry a t h er fe e t a n d b e g a n t o r e l a t e th e ou t r a g e ou s d em a n d
,
ho w h e ha d pr ess e d h e r t r i e d t o i n t i m i d a te ,
a n d a ccu s e d h er fa l se ly of a n a ss oc i a t i o n
an d h a d threa t en e d n e v e r t o let h er o u t of
28 9
rea ch of hi s cl a w s as lon g a s she l i ve d ev en i f she w er e t o m a rry s ome
‘
, _
t h ro a t Sh e w i sh e d t o s e rv e t h e o ld T a i ta i fa i t h fully a s lo n g a s sh e l i v e d
. ,
n ess th a t I s i n c e r e ly me a n i t an d m a
y I s uffoc a t e from th i ck bo i l s i n my
,
”
th ro a t i f I li e ! sh e cri e d so l emn ly .
A t th e sa me ti m e sh e qu i ckly pull e d o u t a sc i ss or s wh i c h sh e h a d
'
-
T h e A n ce st r ess tr embl e d a ll ov e r sh e w as so e xc i t e d a n d st a r tl e d by
,
th e unexp e c t e d s c en e .
“
Wh at ! Th ey are t ry i n g t o t a ke a w a y th e b es t t h e t ru es t a n d th e , ,
”
o n ly de pen d a bl e support I ha ve ! sh e cr i e d i n di gn an t ly A nd t hen t um .
,
“
in g t o M a d a m e C hen g she s a i d : Th a t sh ow s a ll your f a l se n ess ! O ut
,
to me '
M a d am e C h en g w h o h a d b een a ddr ess e d so un gr a c i ou sly th ough i n
, ,
s h e c a n n o t b e h eld r es po n s i bl e f o r th e d e e d
s o f th e e ld e r bro th e r i n \
-
”
law .
“
T he c h i ld i s ri ght R ea lly I .
, h a v e b ecom e -
r athe r th ough tless wi th
”
a
ge , th e A n c e st r e s s a dm i t t e d w i
sh e
2 90
very k i n d a n d self s a cri fi ci n g o f you b ut i t seem s t o m e t h a t your con
-
? ”
h u sb a n d
“
I h a v e a lrea dy c a ll e d h i m t o a ccou n t a t v a r i ou s t i m es b ut un f or ,
”
kn ow s t h a t h er se lf sa i d t h e Pr i n ce ss i n e mb a rr a sse d se lf d efen se
,
-
.
“
Then you would n o doub t e v en go so f a r as t o comm i t a murd e r for
”
a s k e d th e A n c e s tr e ss
your h usb a n d i f h e we r e t o s ugg es t i t t o you ?
,
“
sh a rply You kn ow h o w d ep en d en t I a m o n M a n d a r i n Duck My sec
. .
o n d d a ugh t er i n l a w i s a i l i n g a n d c a n n o t g i v e m e muc h a tt en t i o n Ph o e
- -
.
o
n i x i s i n d e e d h e lpful b ut sh e h a s t o look a f t e r e v e ry th i n g i n th e h ou se
, ,
t h er e for e sh e c a n n o t d e vo t e much t i m e t o m e So I h a v e o n ly M a n d a r i n .
an d k n o w s m
) p e cul i a r i t i es a n d my w i sh es an d i n t h e course of h er l i fe
r
, ,
b an d th a t i f h e mu st h a ve a n o th er w i fe h e m ay buy one a t my e xp en se ; ,
/
h a v e com e your self for you ca n d el i ve r th i s m ess a g e from m e t o h i m
,
pe r so n a lly st r a i gh t a w a y T h a t i s s ur e r th a n i f h e we re t o h ea r i t
.
”
t hr oug h my se rv a n t s .
o th e r l a d i e s r ec a ll e d an d en j oy e d h er self w i th t h e m ov er a g a m e of
m a h j o n gg
-
.
W h i l e th ey w e re in th e m i ddleo f t h e g a m e C h i a Li en c am e sn ea k i n g
a lo n g c a u t i ou sly He h a d b een se n t by h i s f a th e r
. Pr i n c e S h i eh t o spy , ,
a n ry i n d ee d a s h or t wh i l e a o a n d n o w duri n g th e g a m e Ph o en i x h a d
g g , ,
a t l a s t s ucc e e d e d i n g et t i n
g h e r ou t o f h er b a d h umor to som e e x t en t by
'
h er fu n n y t ri cks .
“
Well s i n c e sh e i s i n a go o d h umor a g a i n I can v en t ur e t o sh ow m y
,
self , C h i a L i e n i n si st e d a n d i n s pi te of b ei n g w a rn e d c a m e n ea r e r t o
, .
t he w a i t i n g m a i d Wh e n P h o e n i x s a w h i m st i ck i n g h i s h e a d i n si d e t h e
.
292
d eli b er at ely st epp e d in fro n t o f the A n c es tr ess o n th e pr et ex t o f h a vi n g ,
sa i d .
“
I sh a ll go a n d look sa i d P h o en i x a n d sli pp e d o ut i n ord er n o t t o
, ,
o f th e promo t i o n o f h i s s o n If so I w a n t t o h a v e th e l a rg e se d a n c h a i r
.
,
”
p ut i n ord er i n good t i m e h e b e g a n , .
I f th a t i s a ll yo u h a v e t o sa y th en yo u could com e i n w i th ou t c e re
,
”
mon y a n d n e e d n o t first cree p a roun d ou t s i d e li ke a gh o st re pli e d the ,
“
I di d n o t w a n t t o d i s t urb th e old Ta i ta i a t her g am e a n d o n ly
”
w an t e d t o a sk my w i fe t o com e o ut he s a i d i n em b a rr a sse d e xcus e
,
.
“
You cb uld v ery w e ll h a v e w a i te d u n ti l your w i fe w e n t h om e T hi s .
A n c est r ess i n d i gn a n t ly .
“
L i t tl e P a o n o t Li tt l e C ha o M an d a ri n D uck corr e c te d h er whi le
, , ,
t he y a ll l a ugh e d a t th e co n fu s i o n o f t h e n a m e T h e An c e s t ress to o . , ,
s mi l e d :
“
Well Li tt l e P a o or L i t t l e C ha o ! I h a v e n o m e mory f o r s uc h tr ea ch
,
” “
e r i es ! sh e bu rst o u t h e a t e dly In my t i m e I c a m e h e r e a s t h e yo un g
.
wi fe o f a gr ea t gr a n d s o n of t h i s h ouse No w I h a ve grea t gr a n d s o ns In
-
.
-
.
e r i en ce d O H w i t h you ! O ut o f my s i g h t ! Wh a t a r e yo u do i ng st i ll
p . ,
”
lurk i n g a roun d h e re ?
S i l e n t an d ab a sh e d th e culpr i t w i th dre w
,
.
”
I w a rn e d yo u a n d ye t you st umbl e d r i ght in t o th e n e t ! Li tt l e P i n g
,
c a ll e d a ft e r hi m d e r i s i v ely ou t si d e .
Th e o l d m an i s t o bl a m e f o r t he wh ol e s c an d a l an d w e t w o h a v e t o
“
,
s a i d C h i a L i e n pe e v i sh ly t o Pri n c ess S h i e h w h o h a d h ur
' ”
s ufl er for i t !
. ,
“
F i e how ca n you b e so unfi li a l ! O th e r s o n s suffe r ev en d e a th fo r
,
” “
th ei r fa th e r s ! h i s mot h er t o o r ebuke d h im n o w Ta ke c ar e n o t t o .
293
i rri t at e your f ath e r t h ese da y s ! If yo u do yo u wi ll get a thr ashi n g in t o
”
the b a rg a i n !
“ ”
Wi ll you pl ease go t o hi m first ? h er so n b egged h er dej ec t e dly I ‘‘
.
do n t
’
d are
So Pr i n c ess S hi eh w en t off t o h er h u s b an d a lon e a n d i n form e d h i m
o f t he s a d r es ul t of h er m i ss i o n Th e Pr i n c e r ea l i z e d th a t furt h e r st ep s
.
h i m b ut h e wa s so an n oy e d th a t un d e r th e p re t ex t o f b ei n g i ll h e di d
, , ,
n o t s h ow h i m se lf t o t h e A n c e st r ess for s o m e t i m e a n d l e ft h i s w i f e a n d ,
h i s s on t o m a k e th e d a i l y dut y v i s i t s o n h i s b eh a lf Mor e ov er h e se n t .
,
CHA PTER 2 8
Th e M ad R o bb e r C o un t h a s t m p r op er des i g ns a nd
i
ex p er ie n c es a fla g
g i n g Th e C old K n i gh t s ets off o n a jo u rn ey to
. a v o id t ro u b le .
T HE S HENG M A J OR D O M O o r T H E Y Uc uo P A L A C E H A D
'
S O N or LA ! , ,
ev en t duly by a b a n qu et 1 n t h ei r h om e l a s t i n g t h r e e d a y s T h e fir st da
y .
t h e h om e of t h e form e r m a j ordomo an d h i s wi fe T h e g a rd en wi t h i ts .
,
wer e en te r ta in e d i n t h e rec e p t i on h a ll .
P a o Y u a n d of th e l a t e C h i n C h un g Th i s orp h a n e d s c i on of an a n ci en t
.
n obl e f am i ly w a s a m e rr
y felloww h o w a s n o t muc h a dd i ct ed t o hi s
“
a n d wi llow s T h e h a n d s om e w e ll b u i l t youn g m a n p o
.
, sse s s e d mor eov e r , ,
“
i n e of se n ti m en ta l Win d a n d Mo on” p i e c e s O n t he occ asi o n o f s o me .
-
s i n c e H e h a d a burn i n g d e s i r e t o m a k e h i s a cqu a i n
.
t a n c e an d b ecom e
fr i en d s w i th h i m e rro n e ou s ly b e l i ev i n g h i m t o b e o n e of th o se loo se
,
”
ga m e of Wi n d a n d Moo n Th e r e for e h i s j oy kn ew n o b oun d s wh en
“
.
,
h e m et h i m by c h a n c e a t t h e f ea st a n d h e firmly d e c i d e d t o m a ke
, ,
fri en d s w i th h i m th en a n d th er e .
Th e h o st h a d en g a g e d a t roup e of a c t or s t o en t e r t a i n h i s gu es t s a n d ,
a t t h e s p e c i a l w i s h of Pr i n c e C h e n w h o w a s m e rr y from w i n e a n d w h o
,
a l s o w a s a n a dm i r e r of h i s a r t a n d h i s p e r s o n you n g L i u h a d p e rformed
,
i n tw o a c t s of o n e of h i s o wn p i e c es Af te rw a rd s t h e Pr i n c e h a d m a d e
.
h i m si t b esi d e h i m a t t h e t a bl e for d i s t i n gu i sh e d gu es t s a n d dr a w n h i m ,
i n t o a lo n g a nd a ff a bl e co n v er s a t i o n A n d so H s u eh P a n w h o w a s si t
.
,
t i n g n e a r by b ec a m e a cqu a i n te d w i t h h i m a n d a s h e gr e w mor e a n d
, , _
a n d qu i ckly d e c i d e d t o l ea v e t h e p a rt y .
T h e h o s t s s o n a sk e d h i m t o st a y a w h i l e lo n g er a s P a o Y u w h o w as
’
,_
ov e r the r e wi th th e l a di es S p ec i a lly w i sh e d t o s p e a k t o h i m a lo n e a ft er
,
P ao Y u h a d t o b e w a ry of expo si n g h i m self t o t h e c h a tt e r of h i s Wa tc h
ful cou si n s or t o t h e mockery of th e t i p s y g en t l e m en B u t i f h e Li u .
, ,
h o st s so n h a d c a ll e d o u t P a o Y u Yo un g L i u a gr ee d t o t h
’
.
”
o u t th e r e r e c e n t ly ? b e g a n Pa o Y u .
Y es qu i t e r e c en t ly w he n o u t h un t i n g w i t h f a lco n s W e w e r e h un t
, , .
g
t omb s e cr e t ly I w a s a fr ai d th a t it m i h t b e w a sh e d a w a y o r s w i mm i n g
.
i n w a t e r a ft e r t h e h ea v r a i n s of l a st s umm e r My m i s g i vi n gs w er e
y .
a g a i n t w o d a y s l a t er w i t h t w o cool i e s a n d ut i t i n ord e r Th e j ob co s t
p , .
”
m e a f ew coppe rs .
“
A h n o w I un d e rs t an d L a s t mo n th I sen t my se rv an t M i n g Y en o ut
, .
’
t h er e a n d ord e r e d h i m t o la
y o n t h e t omb a s a n off e r i n g t e n r i pe lo t us
kern el s w hi c h I h a d plucke d from t h e po n d 1 n th e p a rk w i th my o wn
h a n d O n h i s ret urn I a sk e d h i m m w h a t co n d i t i o n h e h a d foun d th e
.
t omb d w h eth e r i t h a d s u ff e r e d ve ry muc h from th e s umm e r r a i n s He
an .
for e i n fa c t l i ke n ew I t h ough t a t o n c e th a t i t mu s t h a v e b ee n th e
,
.
t i o n ; e v e ry s t e p I t a k e i s w a t c h e d a n d cr i t i c i z e d T h e r e for e I could n o t
”
.
,
“
,
e .
.
,
“
I a m gl a d o f t h a t I w a s go i n g t o se n d M i n g Y en t o yo u a bou t i t ;
.
“
T h a t i s tru e a n d n o w I ha v e a n o t h e r lo n g j ourn e y b efor e m e T h i s
, .
t i m e I sh a l l c e rt a i n ly n o t b e b a ck f o r t h r e e or four y ea rs .
“ ? ”
So lo n g W h a t t h en i s dr i v i n g you a w a y ?
, ,
”
l a te r B ut n o w I would l i k e t o go
. .
“
Could w e n o t h a v e a n o t he r t a lk a g a i n t h i s e v en i n g wh en th e co m
? ”
p a n y h a s d i s p e rse d
“
Un for t un a te ly i t c a n n o t b e ! I do n o t w a n t t o st a y h e re a n y lo n ge r
, ,
o r e l s e t h e r e w i ll b e a qu a rr e l w i th yo ur cou s i n H s u eh P a n— you u n d e r
? ”
st a n d
“
Y es I w ell u n d e r st a n d I n dee d i t i s b est f o r yo u to ge t o ut o f t h e
, .
,
“
O f course I sh a ll s a y good b y t o you b efor e I go A n d ple a se do -
.
n o t s p e a k t o a n yo n e a bou t my j ourn e y ! No w go i n a a i n a n d le t m e
”
g
”
di sa ppe a r u n ob t ru si ve ly !
Th e y se p a r at e d a n d you n g L i n w en t t ow a rd s th e g a te w a y H e w a s
‘
, .
? ”
a s h e w a t c h e d a n d se a r c
’
o ut he d fo r hi m Youn g L i u s e y es fl ash e d .
a n gr i ly w h e n h e s a w t h e dru n k e n fe llow a n d h e a rd h i m b a wl i n g He .
out ra ge o n h i s pr e m i se s M e a n t i m e H s u eh P an h a d n o ti ce d h i m a n d
.
,
w e re a j e we l h e h a d lo st a n d foun d a g a i n .
'
? ”
Wh e re do yo u w a n t t o go d ea r li tt l e o ne ,h e b a bbl e d c a t c h i n g ,
h i m b yt h e a rm .
“ ’
I m go i n g t o t a ke a l i tt l e e x e rc i se I ll com e b a ck a g a in ,
’
,
you n g Li u .
“
A h do n t go a w a y ! Th er e s n o l i f e h er e w i th ou t yo u S t a y for my
’ ’
.
,
k ? Do
k
sa e ! I w i ll do y
an thi n g for you t h a t you a s D o you w a n t mo n e y .
A ss um i n g fr i en dl i n ess h e dr ew t h e o th e r a si d e i n t o a corne r
,
.
“ ”
Do you r ea lly w a n t t o b e my fr i en d, or a re you on ly pret en d i n g ?
he a s ke d i n a low vo i c e .
“ ”
B ut de a r good bro t h e r h o w ca n you st i ll a sk s uc h a thi n g
, , ,
? re
“
pl 1 e d th e o th er j oyfully e y i n g h i m a s ka n c e If I do n o t me a n i t si n
, .
”
cer e ly m a y I f a ll d ea d i mm e d i a t e ly !
,
.
“
V e ry w e ll B ut h ere in t h i s h ou se w e a re h a mp er e d L e t us w a i t a
. .
l i tt l e wh i l e I wi ll go a w a y a lo n e fir st Follow m e t o my h om e a l i tt l e
.
“
l a t er o n ! W e w i ll h a v e a b i t of a c a rou se t o n i gh t a t my pl a c e B esi d es I
.
.
,
H s u eh Pa n b e c a m e a lmo st s ob er a ga i n w i t h jo y a t hi s word s .
“ ”
?
R ea lly Do you w a n t t o ?
”
How can you st i ll b e doub t ful ?
”
B ut w h e re sh a ll I fi n d you ?
”
st a y t h e n i g h t w i t h m e .
“
O h i f I o n ly h a v e you I sh a ll n o t th i n k an y mor e of h om e
, .
s e e t h a t you a r e n o t n o t i c e d go i n g a w a y from h e r e !
”
t o s s e d dow n so muc h w i n e t h a t w i t h i n a s h or t t i m e h e w a s n i n e t en t h s -
a t a t ro t o n h i s b i
g s a ddl e h or se H e w a s a r i d i culou s si gh t a s h e rod e
.
.
p ,
h e n a t ur a lly f a i l ed t o see L i u w h o h a d st op e d by t h e br i dg e a n d
, p ,
qu i ckly r od e p a s t h i m fa r th er an d far th e r a lo n g t h e h i gh ro a d o u t i n t o ,
r i d i n g wh i p o n t o the b a n k a n d b el a bor e d h i m a n ew w i t h a f ew h ea vy
blow s of h i s fi s t .
o thers w h o le d m e a st r a y w i t h th ei r t a lk
,
.
“ ”
L ea v e t he o the rs a lon e ! L i u i n t err up t e d h i m a n gri ly K i n dly k ee p .
”
t o t h e po i n t a n d t o t h e pr es e n t t i m e !
“
W ell I a dm i t my error You are a good r es pe c t a bl e m a n a p e rfe c t
, .
, ,
”
m an of h o n or .
“
Th a t do e s n o t yet sa t i sfy m e If I a m t o gra n t yo u m e rcy kin dly ex
.
,
”
pr ess your se lf somewh a t mor e court eou sly a n d h umbly !
“ ”
D e a r youn g e r bro th e r ! p a n t e d H s u eh P a n He g o t n o fur th er T he . .
“
D ea r eld er bro th er ! Sl a p ! Two blows a g a i n fell o n h i s fa c e .
Good o ld m a st e r ! w h i n e d t h e h umbl e d H su eh P a n Gr a c i ou s ly
” “
.
”
n o w o n I sh a ll r e spe c t an d h o n or you .
“ ”
Dr i n k tw o mou th ful s of t hi s puddl e w a t er ! ord e r e d Li u to fill th e ,
m ea s ur e of h i s h um i li a t i on .
H su eh P a n p ut o n a gr i m a c e of d i sgu st .
“ ”
T ha t d i r t y w a t er B ut n o o n e could dr i n k t h a t ! h e v en t ur e d to
?
r e ply a n d a g a i n L i u d ea l t h i m a n o th e r blow of h i s fi st
, .
“
V ery w ell v e ry we ll I sh a ll dri n k i t H s u eh Pa n h ast en e d t o sa y
, ,
”
, ,
a n d h a d t o vom i t o u t t h e l i qu i d t og e t h e r w i th t h e co n t en ts of h i s
s t o ma c h .
“
You are lucky th a t t h e a i r h er e do e s n o t s u i t m e a n y lon ge r de ,
cl a red L i u bru s qu e ly a n d r e p e ll e d by t h e s t e n c h o f t h e pl a c e
, he
, ,
"
C hi a Yun g w i th s ev e r a l se rv a n t s o u t t o th e n or th e r n g at e t o look fo r
t h e m Abou t t w o sh or t m i l e s b e yon d th e br i dg e by t h e g a t e n e a r a
.
,
t i e d t o a t r e e T h e r i d e r c a nn o t b e f a r from w h e r e th e h or se i s th e y
.
,
300
gro an in g an d lo n g dr a wn o ut cri es f or h elp com in g from th e e dg e o f
- -
t h e po n d T h e y di s mou n t e d a n d h ur r i e d t o t h e s po t w h en c e t h e c a lls
.
w e l ts ly i n g li ke a w a t e r ho g on t h e groun d amo n g th e re e d s C hi a
, .
h ?
c rm App a r en t ly h e kn ocke d a g a i nst th e dr a go n s h or n s i n do in g
a
’
en t r ea t y h e w a s n o t t a ken b a ck t o th e b an qu e t a s C hi a Yun g h a d ,
m a l i c i ously w a n t e d b ut w a s c a rr i ed st r a i gh t h om e
, .
’
S o C h i a Y u n g re t ur n e d a lo n e t o th e b a n qu e t t a bl e i n La i S he n g s
h ou se a n d h i s re port o f h i s a dv en t ur e s m a de Pri n ce C h en smi rk an d
,
gr in kn ow i n gly .
“ ”
B e i n g t r a ppe d l i ke th a t w il l do h i m n o h a rm a t a ll ! sai d th e Pri n ce
m a l i c i ous ly .
Wh en h e w en t t o vi si t hi m in h i s h om e l a t e r i n th e even i n g h e w as ,
’
H su eh a n d Pre c i ous Cl a s p a rr i ve d h om e som e wh a t l a t e r H s ueh P an s ,
s e co n d a ry w i fe Lo t u s m et t h e m w i t h t e a r s t a i n e d e y e s a n d po i n t e d t o
-
t h e b e droom w h e r e t h e y fo un d H s u e h P a n ly i n g i n b e d Wi t h brui se d
lim b s an d swoll en fa c e doc t or i n g hi m se lf a s b e st he could Lucki ly
,
.
,
s u a d e h er fr om th i s a n d p a c i fy he r It w as n o thi n g b u t a li tt l e scume
.
a n d o n e n ee d n o t m a k e muc h fu ss a bou t t h e m .
30 1
fo r t h e b an qu et t od a y by a coun t e r i n vi t a ti on All t h e guest s o f tod a y
- -
.
“ ”
Y o u are r i gh t my c h i ld
, a gr ee d Aun t H s u eh
,
T h e firs t ou t burs t .
o f an g e r cloud e d my un d e r s t an d i n g .
“ ”
In rea li t y h e d ese rv es wh a t h e g o t co n t i n u e d Pr e c i ous C las p
, ,
“
wi th a l a ugh Up t o n o w h e h a s h a d n o r e s p e ct ei th er for yo u or fo r
. .
o t h e r pe opl e an d h a s b e en b e h a v i n g v e ry b a dl y da y a ft e r da y H e w i ll
“
.
”
eri e n ce s an d h e w i ll b e cur e d !
p
T ha t n i gh t H s u eh P a n could n o t sl ee p a wi n k H e r a g e d a g a i n st hi s .
t ea r down L i u s h ou se an d fl a y h i m o r b et t e r s t i ll st ri k e h i m d e a d i m
’
, ,
cei v e d t hi s i n form a t i on
yo u w i ll h e ar i n t h e n ex t ch ap t er
’
-
CHAPTER 29
ex p edi t i o n . A s u p e r i or g i rl pra c t i c es t h e a rt o po e t r
f y s tudy i n g th e b es t ,
m a s te rs .
T HE N E W S OF T HE I
T O F HI S O PP O NENT HA D T H E E F F E C T O F
FL GH
m a ki n g H s ueh P a n s a n ge r ab a t e gr a du a lly H i s ph y s i c a l st a t e t oo h a d
’
.
, ,
i mprove d i n t h e cour se o f a f ew d a y s bu t s
hm
s a ; ov e r th e ou tr a g e
,
Th e t en th m o n th h a d a rri v e d Th i s i s th e t i m e wh en tra ve ll i n g tr a d e rs
~
.
Ye a r F es ti va l wi th the i r f a m i li e s Duri n g t h o se d a y s m an y f a re we ll di u
.
n e rs w er e gi v en i n t h e Y un k u o an d N i n gkuo p a l a c e s f or th e bu s in ess
g —
m an a gers w h o m a in ta i n e d v ar i ous ki n ds o f sh op s m th e t own o n belfalf
o f th e t w o pri n c e ly h ouse s an d w h o w e r e n o w d e p a rt i n g f or th ei r
,
“
Th e m ar ket h as b ecom e ve ry d i fficul t t oda y f o r m o urm n g fin er y
302
fi rm .I r e fu se t o b e d et e rr e d J u st y ou w a i t a n d see ! I sh a ll co me b a ck
.
”
n ex t y e a r w i t h my fort un e m a d e Y o u do n t kn ow m e yet !
’
.
” “
hi s b a d old w a y s a g a i n w h i l e h e s a w ay ! s a i d Pr e c i ou s Cl as p B ut you
’
.
’
c an t v e ry w ell kee p hi m t i e d t o your a pro n st r i n gs Afte r a ll h e s a
’
.
,
grown m a n so w hy sh ould h e st i ck a t h om e ? L et h i m go o u t co n fi
,
den t ly a n d s ee a b i t o f th e world I f h e w a n t s t o m en d h i s w a y s a n d b e
.
ov er i n Mr C h an g he h a s a r el i a bl e a dv i se r by h i s si d e B e si d es i t ca n
, . .
,
do h i m n o h a rm t o h a v e t o st a n d o n h i s o w n feet for a ch a n g e a n d do
w i t h ou t th e b a cki n g of h i s f a m i ly a n d b e a w a y from th e fr i en d s w h o ,
”
s i lv e r wh i c h you h a v e s et a s i d e for h i m i n a ny c a s e a n d l e t h i m b e off ! ,
“ ”
Y o u a re r i gh t L et u s h op e h e w i ll t a ke up a u seful o cci i p a t i o n !
.
a gr e e d Au n t H s u eh a f t e r l en g t h y co n si d e r a t i o n
,
.
Th e n ex t da y sh e i n v i t e d th e bu s i n e ss m a n a g er C h a n g t o th e h ou s e
a n d h a d a m e a l s e rv e d t o H s u eh P a n an d h i m self a lo n e i n t h e l i br a r y .
prom i se d w i th tw o mou t hs a t t h e sa m e t i m e t o t a ke t o h ea rt H s u eh
, ,
. .
p ,
, ,
wh i ch b e lo n g e d t o h i s o wn fa m i ly o f H s u eh an d a l s o a st ro n g h a ck ,
v .
tus a ccomp a n i ed hi m a s f a r a s th e i n n er g at e w a y a n d r e m a i n e d pe e p ,
.
i n g o u t a f te r t h e d e p a rt i n g figur e for a w hi l e th en t ur n e d b a ck w i th ,
s i g h s h a lf s a dd en e d a n d h a lf r el i e v e d t o t h ei r a p a rt m en ts
, .
,
Aft er H s u eh Pa n w a s go n e Au n t H s u eh h a d a ll th e orn a m en ts a n d
’
t o l i v e i n h e r s u i t e a n d s l e e p w i th h e r a t n i gh t B u t Pr e c i ou s Cl a s p .
304
w i th a comp an i o n an d p a rtn er fo r the lo n g w i n te r ev en i ng s so she sa i d , .
t en d e d t o a s k A un t H s u e h s pe rm i s si on to go ov e r n o w a n d t h e n for a
’
da y sh e cam e o ve r t o h er .
_ ,
, ,
ta i a n d t o th e ot h e r l ad i es ov e r t h er e on e af ter th e o th e r an d t h en pa y
, ,
an d w h er e fore o f yo ur
presen ce h ere yo u c an sa y th a t I w a n t e d yo u a s
.
,
”
co mp a n i o n .
“
H e r e s my n ew comp an i o n si n c e t oda y s a i d Pr ec i ou s C l a s p po i n t
’ ”
, ,
“
i n g t o Lo t us I w as j ust o n the po i n t o f duly ann oun c i ng he r c ha n ge
.
”
ove r here to your m i st ress Ph o en i x .
“ ”
W h y th e form a l i ty I h a v e n o t hi n g a g ai n st i t
? .
m en a t th e en t ra n c e to th e p a rk so th a t th e y m a y kn ow t h a t th ey h a ve
'
”
over s pe c i a lly .
“
V e ry w ell I sha ll see to th a t Has she a lr ea dy b i dd en fa re we ll t o h er
, .
? ”
o l d n ei g hbors an d pr es en t e d h e rse lf t o h er n ew o n es
“ ”
She i s j u st go i n g to do so n o w .
“
Tell her sh e d b e tte r n o t vi si t us Mr C hi a L i en i s ly in g si ck a t
’
. .
”
h om e .
Wh en Lo t u s h a d go ne Li tt l e P i n g t o ok Pre c i ou s Cl a sp a si d e a n d
“ ? ”
a s ke d her i n a wh i s p e r : H a v e yo u hea rd abou t our l a t est sca n d a l yet
“
No I w a s so busy in th e la st f ew d a y s help i n g my bro t he r to get
.
j o u rn e y th a t I could no t bo th er abou t a n y th i n g el se I .
.
”
l as t fe w d a y s e i th er .
305
No I on ly h ea rd a whi sp er o f i t a n d th a t i s o ne r eas o n why I w a s
, ,
”
go i n g t o v i si t P h o en i x Wh at w as th e r ea s o n for i t
.
?
“
N a t ur a lly th a t Mr Y u T sun 1 5 o n c e mor e a t t h e bo tt om o f it—th a t
,
.
t h e t en y e a r s t h a t h e h a s b ee n com i n g i n an d o u t o f h er e h e h a s ,
s en t o u t h i s s e rv a n t s t o fi n d h i m old f a n s l i k e t h o s e h e h a d s e e n .
“
Well t h e y do i n f a c t h un t up a wr e t ch e d old e cc en t r i c of a f a n co l
,
s t o n y e cc en t r i c mu st s ur ely h a ve h a d a qu a rr el wi th th e Pr i n c e i n s om e
,
’
’
form e r e x i st en c e B e t h a t a s i t m a y th ough h e s so poor t h a t h e h a s
.
,
h a rdly a b i te t o ea t h e w i ll n o t p a rt w i th h i s f a n s a t an y pr i c e T h e
‘
.
,
h i s w i ll i n gn e s s t o r e c e i v e t h e Pr i n c e a n d sh ow h i m h i s t re a sur es T h ey .
, ,
m a d e by t h e h an d s of h i st or i c a lly fa mou s p er s o n s .
“
T h e Pr i n c e w a s firmly r es olve d t o buy th em b ut wh e n h e a sk e d th e ,
da y t o con t i n u e n e go t i a t i n g He i n cr ea se d h i s o ff e r gr a du a lly t o fi v e
.
h u n dre d b a tz es b ut st i ll th e e cc en t r i cwould n o t p a rt w i th h i s f an s H e
, .
n o t c a rr y o ff t h e d ea l Now so f a r i t i s n o t t o o b a d a n d t h e m a t t er
.
, ,
would h a v e blown ov e r i f t h a t wr et ch e d Mr Y u Ts u n h a d n ot qu i t e .
t h i s a n d t h a t a mou n t i n r a t es a n d t a x es dr a g s h i m t o h i s y a m en pu t s
, ,
3 06
p a t te rn an d i mpres s them word for word on your m emory Then rea d a .
2
h un dr ed a n d tw en t y of th e sev en word p oe m s of ol d Tu Fu G o o n th en
-
.
yo u w i ll h a v e a cqu i re d a s ol i d found a t i o n Th en yo u ma y go o n l a t e r t o .
“
T a o Ch i en a n d the o th er po et s If yo u proc ee d o n these l i n es wi th i n a
'
.
,
“
T a ke i t w i th you a n d study p a r ti cul a rly th e p a ssa ges w hi ch I h ave
m a rke d i n re d A n d i f a n y l i n e do es n ot see m qu i t e cle a r t o yo u do n o t
.
,
”
hes i t a te t o a sk m e ; I w i ll gl a dly expl a i n i t t o you .
a g a i n an d a g a i n b e for e sh e w en t t o b e d a t l a s t A n d sh eco n t i n u e d li k e .
th a t da y a f t er da y w i t h t i r el e ss z e a l .
O n e morn i n g a s Bla ck J a d e w a s at h er t o i le t Lo t us c a m e a g a i n t o
, ,
, , ,
o f Tu F11 n ex t .
“ ”
How m a n y po ems do yo u kn ow by he a rt alr ea dy ? as ke d Bla ck
J a d e sm i l i n g
, .
“
All th e poe ms wh i ch you h ad ma rke d i n re d .
“ ”
A l i tt le .
’ ”
Let s h e a r i t !
Th e re upon Lo t us tr ea te d h er te a ch er to a fi rst sa m m e o f wh a t sh e
'
could do an d th en e n t er e d i n t o a n a rd en t li t e r a ry d i sc us si o n i n wh i ch
, ,
P a o Y u a n d T a st e of Spri n g w ho h a pp en e d t o com e i n a ls o j o i n e d
, ,
.
th e B e go n i a Club .
“
Oh b ut I can o n ly blu n d er a lo n g as et ; goo d wi ll i s all th a t I
,
y
”
h a v e pro t est e d Lo t us mod es t ly
, .
“
'
’
Do n t le t t h a t W orry yo u ! A ll o f us can o n ly st umbl e a lon
g
”
sa i d ,
Bl ck J d
a a e a n d T st e o f Spri n g si mul ta n e ou sly la ugh i n g
a
“
W h o sa y s , .
2
T u F u 7 12 7 7 0 -
.
L i T ai P o , 7 0 1 —
,
3
7 62
T a o Chi en , 365 —
.
4
4 27 .
308
t ee th o ut o f th eir
mouths i f o ur am ate ur eff orts w ere to pe netr a te be
”
yon d th e pr ec i n c ts o f th e pa rk an d b e com e publ i c .
“ ”
O h do n t pre ten d t o b e t oo mod es t ! pro tes te d Pa o Y u Wh en o ur
f
, .
club c a m e un de r d i s cu ssi o n a t a p a r ty re c en t ly s om e o f my fr i en ds ,
? ”
Is th a t t ru e in te rj e c te d Bl a ck J a d e a n d T ast e o f Spri n g s i m ulta
n eo usl y .
“ ’
O f course i t i s I do n t g abble l i es li ke your p a rro t t h e re o n th e
.
”
pe rc h .
“
We ll yo u sh o ul dn t h a v e do ne t h a t ! s cold e d t h e t w o yo un g gi rls
,
’
.
It w a s mo st in di s c ree t o f yo u Wh et he r th e i m a g es p a i n te d by o ur i nk
.
Wh a t h a rm i s i t an yw a y ? W ha t would w e kn ow t od a y o f th e man y
“
,
wh o w an t e d P a o Y u t o g i v e hi s v e rd i c t o n t h e b i g p a i n t i n g o f t h e p ar k
o n w h i c h s he h a d bee n worki n g f o r m a n y w ee ks p a st a t t h e ord er o f th e
h a rv es t moo n o f l as t n i gh t wi th th e b a s i c r h ym e a n r e c urr i n g s ix t i m es
,
.
Sh e s a t up fa r i n t o th e n i gh t p a rt ly ove r h er Tu F u a n d p a r t ly ov e r
,
“
Y o u w i ll m a ke yourse lf i ll ; i t i s re a lly a b s urd o f yo u scold e d ,
“
Pre c i ou s Cl a sp Y o u a re a b i t w e a k in th e hea d by n a t ure a lrea dy a n d
.
,
go qui te cr az y ! B ut i t s a ll Bl a ck J a de s f a ul t a n d I ll ta ke
’ ’
n o w you w il l
’
,
”
h er to ta s k f o r i t !
“ ’
I ll com e r i g ht a wa y d ea r youn g l a dy ; b ut pleas e don t d is t ur b m e
’
,
”
now ! re p li e d Lo t us a b s en t ly ; an d sh e w en t o n wr i t i n g un t i l s he ha d
h e r v e rd i c t .
“
Th e th o ug ht is n o t b a d b ut th e la n gu a ge i s i n a d e qu a te Th a t i s b e
,
.
”
B ut do n o t b e di s co ur a g e d Try a g a i n ! Thi s w a s h er t ea c h e r s v erdi c t
’
. .
309
un der the t r ees r est e d on blocks o f rock st a ri n g a b sen t ly i n t o s p a ce or
, , , ,
s oo n n o i se d a bro a d a mo n g th e oth e r i n m a t es o f t h e p a rk In n o t i m e -
, ,
h er se lf It a ll s eem ed v e ry s t r a n g e t o th e m !
.
“
S h e s a b i t cr azy w h isp e re d Pr e c i ou s Cl a sp t o th e o the r s Sh e sat
’ ”
, . .
i n g wr i t in g a n d mut t eri n g It w a s a lr ea dy d a wn wh en a t l a st sh e la y
,.
.
a g a i n m a ki n g a h u rr i e d t o i l et a n d t h en run n i n g off t o Bl a ck J a d e wi th
,
o ut t a ki n g a n y br ea kf a s t A n d n ow t h e r e sh e i s a t i t a g a i n ! I a sk yo u i s
.
,
? ”
th a t n orm a l
“
Sh e i s a n un u su a l p ers o n an d n o doub t d i vi n ely i n s p i re d s a i d P ao ,
“
Y u rev er en tly Up t i l l n ow w e h ave l a ug h e d a t h er an d co n s i d er e d h er
, .
”
common pl a c e Now her tr u e n a t ur e i s br e a ki n g o ut
. .
“
Y o u would do b ett er emul a t in g h er i n st e a d o f m e r e ly a dm i ri n g h er ;
th i n k h ow i t Would h elp your Pr e c i ou s C l a sp t e asi n gly .
H erm i t a ge .
“ ”
Com e ! Let us run a fte r her an d see w h at sh e s up t o n e x t ! su g ’
t i m e sea t ed o n th e st o n e t e rr a c e i n fro n t o f t h e ba b o h e dg e h er ey es
,
m o ,
an d ea r s clo se d to a ll th a t w a s go i n g on a rou n d h er .
”
Do ta ke a rest ! T a st e of Spri n g calledout t o h er f rom th e wi n dow _
.
’ ”
R do esn t fi t i n wi th t he r h yme ! repli e d Lot us ab sen t ly
e s t
‘
”
a n sw e r for th a t ! r em a rke d Prec i ou s Cl aspami d g en er a l l aught er .
“
W hy sh ould I n o t t ea ch h er si n c e she asked m e t o do so
u
”
? as ke d
,
Bl a ck J a d e i n se lf d efen se -
.
“
Le t s t a ke her ov er i o C ri ef o f Spr i n g a n d s h ow her th e n ew p a in t
’ ’
in g ; t h a t w i ll d i st r a c t h er s ugg es t e d th e pr a c t i ca l Wi dow C h u Th e y
, .
,
'
.
,
310
th r ee p a rt i es h a d m et by c h a n c e o n the w a y th ere a n d h a v in g a scer ,
t a i n ed the i r mu t u a l r e l a t i on s h i p s h a d co n t i n u e d t h e j ourn e y t og et h e r
,
.
welcom e d th e n ew a rr i v a l s mo st w a r m ly a n d ke p t t h e wh ol e lo t o f th em
a s p erm a n e n t gu est s o f th e h ou se
’
ev e n s u rp a ss e d h er cou s i n Pr ec i ou s Cl a s p l n c h a rm Sh e g o t M a d a m e
.
t h e c el e br a t i o n o f t h e m a rr i a g e w h i c h w a s t o t a k e pl a c e s oo n Her
‘
.
.
,
Li g i rls w i th th ei r cou s i n t h e W i do w C h u i n t h e R i c e F a r m .
-
t h e W i dow C h u a s c h a i rm a n th e t h r ee Spr i n , g g i rls t he twocou si n s ,
Pr ec i ou s Cl a sp a n d Pr e c i ous H a rp a n d th e t w o si ste r s L i W en a nd Li Ki
, ,
t i o n s a n d i mm ed i a t ely o n j o i n i n g th e club sh e h a d r e pl en i sh e d i ts
,
s c a n t y fu n ds w i th a h a n ds om e s ub s cr i p t i o n o f fif t y t ae l s .
t ee n A s mo st o f t h em h a d n o t kn own e a c h o t h e r lo n g a n d h a d n o t o t
.
g
h
t e d a t es of ea c h o the r s b i r th d a y s v e ry a ccur a t e ly 1 n t h e i r h ea d s t h e r e
’
,
,
“
pe n ed t ha t a you ng er m e mb e r a ddresse d a n e ld e r o n e a s you n ger
”
s i st e r , a n d v i c e v e r sa A n d s o i n th ese w i n te r mo n th s t he B e go n i a
.
,
i n t he P a rk of D el i gh t ful V i si o n .
i n g h er a b se nc e the
h er pl a c e i n
312
go es t o b e d ea rly a n d ri ses ear ly an d do es n ot get i n t o any m i s ch i ef ,
Th e fir st ni gh t a f ter P ea rl h a d l e ft Pa o Y u c a ll ed h er n a m e t wi ce in
h i s dr e am s .
“ ”
Wh a t i s i t a sked M usk y a wn i n g from n ea r by
?
, ,
.
”
I w an t t ea .
i n to the ki t c h en A s sh e h a d o n ly go t o n a red qu i l te d p et ti co a t h e m a d e
. ,
‘ ”
fB ri ng m e a drop tOo b egg e d Br i g ht Cloud
,
“
My word you p ut o n a s muc h a i r s a s i f yo u w er e a d a ugh ter o f th e
,
h o use.
“
I w i ll d a n c e a tt en d a n c e on yo u t omorrow l n r et urn Y o u n ee d n ot .
st i t hew h ol e da y
r .
” “
w an t t o sl i p o u t for a mom e n t sh e sai d G o on ch a tt i n g I w i ll b e b a ck
, . .
”
a t on ce .
“ ”
B ew a r e o f t he gh o st s ou t si d e ! Bri g h t Cloud c a ll e d a ft e r Mu sk .
T h er e s cl ea r moon l i g ht ; you n ee d n o t b e a f ra i d
“ ’
e ll b e t a lk i n g
’
”
un t i l you com e b a ck s a i d Pa o Y u A s i gn i fic an t cl ea r i n g of th e t h ro at
, .
w i t h o n ly a sh or t p e tt i co a t o n an d sl i ppe d o u t th e door
, .
“ ’ ”
Don t c a t ch cold ! cri e d P a o Y u wa rn i n gly a ft e r h er b ut sh e w as ,
m a i n ed ou t si d e a ll t h e sa m e Sh e w a s j u st abou t t o cr ee p up o n Mu sk
.
w a s s t a rt l e d by P a o Y u s v 0 1 ce c a ll i n g h er b a ck from w i t h i n She h ur
’
.
,
ri e d t o hi s b ed si d e .
N
“
Y o u fri g ht en e d me t o d ea th ! sh e sa i d t o h i m l a ugh i n g
”
, .
“
I di d n o t w a n t t o fr i gh ten you I on l y w a n t e d t o sa v e yo u from ,
m a y d i s t ur b o th e r p e opl e s sl ee p a n d c a u se go ss i p I do n t w a n t i t t o b e
’
.
’
e h
Com ov r r n d st r a i gh ten my bl a n ket !
e e e a
”
3 14
dec i ded t o kee p her a t h om e a n d t o get a doc t or f o r h e r un kn own t o th e ,
A n c es t r e s s .
“
B ut M a d a m e Ph o en i x a t l east sh ould b e t old O th e rwi se sh e m ay .
”
n o t b ee n t old a bou t i t ,
obj ec te d Br i gh t Cloud .
“ ”
She re a lly ca rri es o n as i f I h a d t he pl a gu e ! e xclai m e d t h e o f
“
fen d e d p a t i en t pe ev i sh ly V e ry w ell th en I d pr efe r t o go a w a y at
, .
, ,
’
”
on ce i n ord er t o sa ve t he gr a n d l a d i es her e from a n y m o re hea d a ch es .
press e d her g en t ly b a ck on h er b e d .
“ ”
D o n o t b e so qu i ck t o t a ke off en se ! h e sa i d pl a c a t i n gly Ph o em x .
he r du ty i n c a se an yt h i n g sh ould h a pp en b ut sh e di d n o t m ea n i t so ,
”
s tri c tly a s a ll t h a t .
A t t h a t mom en t th e doc t or w h om h e h a d se n t f o r a p pe ar e d o n t h e
s c e n e escort e d by t h r e e e ld e rly a tt en d a n ts ; P a o Y u h i d h urr i e dly b e
,
h a n d a n d th e t w o fi n ge rs t h e n a i l s of w h i c h w e re tw o or th ree i n ches
,
wri st .
“
I n te rn a l co n ge st i on ex t e rn a l i rri t a t i on; a sli gh t cold due t o the b ad
,
”
wea the r In th ese word s h e expl a i n e d h i s d i a gn o si s t o the se rv i n g
.
“
wo men whe n the y go t outs i d e th e door Fort u n a t e ly the youn g l a dy .
,
she w i ll b e a ll ri g h t a g a i n
”
.
3 16
he st e ppe d as i d e i n t o th e g at ek ee pe r s lodg e to wri te hi s prescri p t i on
’
.
'
t o s pea k t o h
“
Oh , w as th e p a t i en t a youn g g n tl em an T h e a p a rtm en t wi th i ts
e ?
,
”
h ous e , rem a rke d t h e doc t or as t o n i sh e d ,
.
“
Th i s i s your first t i m e he r e , so n a t ur a ll y yo u could n ot kn ow th e
”
co n st i t u t i o n o f th e h o useh old a se rv i n g wom a n expl a i n e d t o hi m wi th
, ,
“
a sm i l e .Y o u ha v e j u st b een i n th e re s i d en c e o f o ur youn g m a ste r , a n d
your p a t i en t w a s n o t a you n g l a dy a d a ughte r o f t h e h ouse b ut on e o f , ,
”
a dmi s s i o n so ea s i ly t o t h e b e dr oo m o f a youn g l a dy A n d sh e t oo k the .
pr es cr i p t i o n an d ra n o ff w i th i t t o th e B e go n i a Court y a rd t o sh ow i t t o ,
“ ”
an d th e l i k e
’
i ro n wood s a g e an d l emo n an d bro t h of h ors e s ta i l
, , , ,
.
“ ” “ ’
D a mn i t a ll ! h e e xcl a i m e d Wh a t do es th e fellow th i n k h e s do .
i n g ? He h a s pr es cri b e d st uff h e re w h i ch m i gh t b e a ll r i gh t f o r o n e o f us ,
“
c lle d W ho would h a v e t h ought t h a t th a t o n e would b e suc
a . h a qu cka ?
i t w as w e w h o s en t fo r h i m an d n o t th e m a j ordomo , .
“ ”
How much do yo u th in k w e sh ould gi v e hi m a sked P a o Y u? .
”
A ta el would b e a bou t r i gh t .
“ ? ”
A n d h ow much do es th e o th e r o n e Doc tor W a n g get , ,
Doc t or W a n g l i ke D oc t or C h an g , is o n e o f o ur r e gu l a r h ou se do c
,
t ors h e re H e n ee d n o t g et a sp e c i a l f e e for t h i s p a rt i cu l a r v i si t H e
. .
“ ”
V e ry w e ll go a n d t a ke th e qu a ck his t a el P a o Y u ord e re d M us k
, ,
.
“
A s f ar a s I kn ow she kee p s i t i n h er l i tt le c a b i n et wi th the sh ell a n d
,
”
mo th er oi pe a rl i n cru sta t i on Com e let us look !
'
- -
.
,
3 17 .
con t ai n i n g seve r a l p i e c es o f brok en si lv er a n d a sma ll mon e y w ei ght .
Mu sk p i cke d o ut o n e p i e c e of si lv er a t r a n d om an d p ut i t o n th e s c a le .
“ ”
Is th a t m uc h a t a el ? sh e a sk e d P a o Y u u n c e rt a i nl y .
”
Y o u a sk m e i n v a i n s a i d P a o Y u w i th a n e mb a rr a sse d smi l e f o r
, ,
h e w as n o w i se r th an sh e w a s i n th e m a tt er o f w ei gh in g mo n ey .
“ ”
I w i ll a sk the o th er s .
Mu sk p ut a wa y th e s c a l es an d w ei gh e d th e p i ece o f si lv er th ough t
fully i n her h an d .
“
Well l et s on ly h ope i t s n o t l ess t h an a t ael sh e s a i d h esi t an t ly
,
’ ’
, ,
el s e th a t poor d ev i l of a qu a ck m i g h t et a f a l s e i mpr e s s i on o f u s ; n o t
g
th a t w e do n o t kn ow h o w t o w ei g h t h e s t uff— th a t wo uld ha rdly occur
.
”
e r a t ely b ec a u se w e a re h a rd up a n d h a v e t o coun t o r p en c e
u .
“ ”
Th a t s h alf a fi v e ou n c e b a r p ut i n a se rvi n g wom an w h o ha d b een
’
-
, ,
“
li sten i n g from th e door Th e p i ec e you r e h old in g in your h a n d w ei gh s
, .
’
a good t w o oun ce s Y o u m a p i ck m ll r p i c w i t h a n e a s y co n
.
y a s a e e e
”
s c i en c e .
“
A h w h y sh ould w e s e a rc h a n y mor e ? H ere kee p th e e x t r a b i t f o r
, ,
”
yourself ! sa i d Mu sk b ump t i ou s ly .
A n d le t M in g Y en go fet c h Doc t or Wa n g a t o n c e ! a dd e d P a o Y u
“ ”
.
b u t h i s pr es cr i pt i on s w e r e co n si d e r ably d i ff er en t Th i s t i m e th e h a r sh
purg a t i ves an d s udo ri fi cs wer e om i tt e d an d m t h ei r pl a c e th e r e w a s
,
pr es cri p ti on .
“
Th i s pl e as es m e b ett er ; i t looks more li ke th e ri gh t m edi c in e fo r
”
youn g gi rls s ai d Pa o Y u co mpl a cen t ly t o hi s t w o w a i ti n g m a i ds
, .
t h e c h ar co a l fi re .
a
“
Do ple ase h a v e the m pre p are d o n th e prope r st o ve i n th e ki t c hen ,
3 18
tr e at m en t He di d s t i ll mor e , a nd procure d for th e p a t i en t a l i tt le o f th e
.
On t h e w a y h e m e t S n a i l Cou s in Pr e c i ou s Ha rp 5 l i t tl e c h a mb e rm a i d
’ '
, ,
w h o w as on h er w a y to Bl a ck J a d e 5 h om e th e B a mboo H erm i t a ge H er
’
.
,
ch an ge d h i s m i n d a n d a ccomp a ni e d S n a i l t o th e B a mbo oH e rm i t a ge .
“ ”
H er e s a n o t h er v i si t or ! All th e s ea t s a re a lre a dy en g a g e d ! Thi s w as
’
th e l a ug h in g gre et in g w h i c h m et h i m a s h e en t e r e d Bl a ck J a d e s b ed
’
room .
, ,
“ ”
Wh a t an en c h a n t i n g p i c t ure ! cr i e d P ao Y u a dm i ri n gly On e .
‘
could c a ll i t A G a th e r i n g of G i rls i n Wi n t er A n d h ow cozy a n d w a rm .
’
”
you a re i n h e r e !
He s ett l e d down comfor ta bly i n a n eas y c h a i r cov e r e d w i th s qu i rr el
f ur w hi c h Bl a ck J a d e w a s i n t h e h a b i t of u si n g Hi s gl an c e fe ll o n a j a d e .
v as e i n w h i c h fi v e h y a c i n th flow er s m a d e a fi ne sh ow .
“
Wh e re di d th o se m a gn i fic en t h y a c i n th s com e from ? Th e y w e re n o t
”
here y est e rd a y w e r e th ey ?
,h e as k e d .
l i ke th a t o n e a n d tw o of c a lyc an th u s Pre c i ou s H a rp h a s h an d e d o n a
, .
v a se o f h y a c i n th s t o m e a n d o n e o f t he v a s es of w i n t e r s we et t o Li tt l e
”
Cloud D o you l i k e th e h y ac i n t hs You m a y h a ve t he m
.
? .
N 0 th a n k you I h a v e som e i n my pl a ce b ut th e y a re n o t a s b e a u t i
, .
,
W hy n o t ? I h a v e an a bun d a n c e o f p e rf um es h e r e a lr ea dy— m
,
“
e di ci
h
muc f a good thi n g ; the y m a ke m e feel qu i t e wea k
o
”
.
“
T he drug c a ldro n h as b een s i mm er in g ov er i n my qu a r te rs t oo
”
s i n c e y es t erd a y h e sa i d l a ug h in g an d t old o f Bri g h t Cloud s cold ’
, , , .
“
A n d do n t you th in k t h a t h y a c i n ths an d c a lyc an th u s would b e mo st
’
e i
d l g fulh t a n d fi tt i n t ? ”
g h em es for o ur n ex t club sess i o n h e a dd e d .
’’
y g
a sur pri se sa i d Prec i ous Cl as p pu t ti n g on a s t e rn a i r
“
E a ch m emb e r
, .
3 20
w i ll h a v e t o produc e four fi v e word rhym e d o c t et s a n d four v er ses e a c h
-
of tw elve l i n e s i n flowe ry l a n gu a g e a n d u n rh ym e d v e r se o n ei gh t di f ,
f e ren t t hem e s T h e fir s t t h em e w i ll b e : T a i ch i t u — T h ou gr e a t D es
.
‘
’
ti n y
, a n d n o o n e wi ll b e le t o ff
”
Don t b e li e v e her ! S h e s o n ly j ok i n g i n terj e c t e d Cou si n Pre c i ou s
’ ’
.
“
W h y sh ould w e bo th e r w i t h t e d i ou s p h i lo s op hi c a l t h e m e s from th e
I C h i n g t h e Book of C h a n g e s ? B esi d es w e would n o t p o duce a n y th i n g
, ,
“
Wh i c h j u st re m i n d s m e o f s om et h i n g W h en I w a s ei g h t y e a rs o ld my
.
s i s te d of cor a l s br i ll i a n t a g a t es a n d gr e e n c a t s e y e s Sh e wor e a fi n e
’
-
.
, ,
n es e l i t e r a t ur e My f a t h e r a s k e d t h roug h t h e Co n s ul
.
,
t o s ee s om e ex ,
i sh i n gly good .
“ ”
O h s how us a s a mpl e of th em ! b e gg e d P a o Y u exc i t e dly
,
.
I a m s orry th a t I c a n n o t I h a ve p ut t he po em s a w a y a t h om e i n t he
. ,
”
s ou t h e rn c a p i t a l .
“ ”
Wh a t a p i t y ! h e s i g h e d d i sa ppo i n te d How lucky yo u a re t o see
,
.
”
s om e t h i n g o f t h e world T h a t luck w i ll n ev e r b e m i n e
. .
“ ” “
Do n o t b e t a ke n i n by her ! cr i ed Bl a ck J a d e Sh e h a s brough t s o .
?
muc h lugg a g e he r e ; w h y sh ould sh e l e a ve j u st t h o se po e m s a om I t h e
s i mply do n o t b e l i e v e i n t h e e x i s t e n c e of t h o s e po e m s
“
Th a t s j us t l i ke Bl a ck J a d e Sh e wo n t b e t a k en i n ! B ut t h i s t i m e she
’
.
’
is d e fi n i t ely t o o sk e p t i c a l r e m a rk e d Prec i ou s Cl a s p
,
.
“
Le t Pre c i ou s H a rp prove h e r a ss e r t i o n by v i s i bl e e v i d e n c e ; u n t i l
”
th e n I w i ll n o t b e l i ev e h er i n s i s te d Bl a ck J a d e
,
.
un t i l sh e h a s un p a cke d a n d t i d i e d a ll
.
”
m e t o l i gh t r e t ort e d Prec i ou s Cl asp ,
.
?
th e m by h e a r t Do pl e a s e re c i te , ,
e s a i d t urn i n g t o h e r cou s i n ,
.
Gl a dly I ca n r em em b e r a rhym e d fi v e word oct et Qu i t e an a ch i e ve
.
-
.
”
m en t for a Europ e a n g i rl r e pl i e d Pr e c i ou s H a rp
,
.
“
Com e let u s h ea r i t ! No ! W a i t u n t i l I c a ll Li tt l e Cloud ; sh e mu st
,
”
h ea r i t t o o sa i d Pre c i ou s Cl a sp
,
.
“
R u n ov e r t o t h e Ju n gl e Cour ty a rd a n d a sk th e yo un g l a dy t o com e
” “ ’
ov er sh e b a d e th e w a i t i n g m a i d S n a i l T ell h er t h a t th e r e s a b e a u t i
,
.
a dm i r i n g ov e r h e r e A n d t e ll h er t o br i n g b a ck t h e o th e r po et ry m a d
.
-
”
g i rl w i th h er .
“ ”
?
Wh e r e i s t h e Europ e a n b ea ut y cri e d Li tt le Cloud wh i l e st i ll a lon g
w ay o ff .
“
Sh e i s n o t yet h er e bod i ly , b ut you ca n a lr ea dy h ea r h er s pea ki n g ,
c am e t h e l a ugh i n g a n sw er .
To n i gh t my s on gs r i se i n a r a i n dr en ch ed l an d -
.
w a s t he g e n e r a l v e rd i c t T h e t a lk w e n t o n a l i tt l e lo n g er ; t h en t h e se c
.
o n da ry w i fe C h a o c a m e t o i n qu i r e h o w Bl a ck J a d e w a s a n d t h e co m
,
p an y broke up .
, ,
sk
y for t h e a p a r tm en t s of t he A n c es t r e s s t o g i v e h er h i s u s u a l morn i n g
gr eet i n g T he A n c est r ess h a d n o t yet g o t up b ut sh e a llow e d h i m t o
.
,
a s l ee p .
“
Is i t sn owi n g ? ”
a s k e d t h e A n c es t r es s w i t h a gl a n c e a t P a o Y u s
’
“
No t ye t b ut i t c e r ta i n ly looks a s i f i t w i ll ”
, .
Br gi n h i m t h e p e a cock f ea th e r clo a k !
”
t h e A nc e s t r e ss ord e r e d h er
-
3 22
fea th e r co a t whi c h t he A n c est ress h a d r ec en t ly g i v en t o h er n ew fa vori te ,
Pre c i ous H a rp .
“
Th i s i s t h e gold en b i rd — dropp i n gs clo a k d e cl a r e d t h e A n c est ress
,
“
j oki n gly H e r e I m m a k i n g you a pr esen t of i t It com es from R u ssi a
.
,
’
.
a n d i s work e d i n p e a cock s f ea t h e r s a n d s i lk y a r n
’
Go a n d sh ow i t t o .
your mo th er !
P a o Y u p erform e d a kow t ow of t h a n ks a n d w en t o ff proudly wi th t h e
pr e c i ou s g a rm en t O u t s i d e h e p a sse d M an d a r i n Duck Sh e looke d a w a y
. .
d el i b e r a t ely S i n c e th e da y o n wh i c h sh e h a d m a d e h er s ol em n vow o f
.
c h a s t i t y sh e h a d a vo i d e d h i m a n d n o lo n ge r s pok e t o h i m .
“ ? ”
H a ve a look h o w do es th i s n ew clo a k su i t m e h e a sk e d h er sm i l
, ,
i n g Sh e o n ly w a v e d h i m o ff w i t h a g e st ur e of t h e h a n d a n d d i s a pp e a r e d
.
i mm ed i at ely i n t o t h e A n c es t re ss 5 b e droom
’
.
Afte r h i s mo th er a n d h i s w a i t i n g m a i d s h a d duly a dm i r e d h i m h e
ret urn e d t o t h e A n c e st r ess a n d du t i fully r e port e d t o h er t h a t h i s mo t h er
h a d w a r n e d h i m t o w ea r th e n ew g a rm en t w i th v e ry s p e c i a l c a r e a n d n o t
le t i t g et d a m a g e d .
“
She i s qu i te r i gh t You mu st t a k e good c a r e o f i t It i s t h e o n ly o n e
. .
o f i ts ki n d t h a t I h a v e o t a n d you w i ll n ev e r e t a n o t h e r Alw a y s b e
g , g .
qu i et a n d r es e rv e d b e t e mp er a t e i n dr i n k i n g an d com e h om e n i c e a n d
, ,
”
e a rly !
“
Sh ih Shi h
, ,h e prom i se d ea g e rly a n d t ook h i s l e a ve He could
, .
h a rdly w a i t t o s h ow h i m self i n h i s m a gn i fic en t n ew g a rm en t t o h i s
a cqu a i n t a n c es i n t h e t own w h o h a d i n v i t e d h i m t o v i s i t t h e m t h a t da
, y .
Wh en h e c a m e h om e i n t h e ev en i n g h i s w a i ti n g m a i d s we r e st a r t l e d t o
h ea r h i m u tte r i n g d ej e c t e d s i g h s a n d s t a mp i n g a n gr i ly w i th h i s foo t .
“ ”
Wh a t s wro n g a s k ed Mu sk
’
?
.
i s s o l a t e i n t he e ve n i n g ; s o I sh a ll n o t h a v e t o sh ow my s e lf ov e r th e re
”
a n y mor e t od a y .
T h e w a i t i n g m a i d Mu s k i n s p e ct e d t h e d a m a g e a n d sh e di d i n f a c t ,
fi n d a s i n ge d s po t a bou t t h e l e n g th of a fi n g e r .
“
App a ren t ly som e o ne c a m e t o o clo se w i t h a h a n d w a rm er sh e t e -
,
“
m a rke d B u t i t i s n o t so b a d We ll j u st gi v e i t t o t h e t a i lor an d let h i m
. .
’
re p a i r i t
.
“
T k hi s qu i ckly t o t h e t a i lor sh e sa i d a n d t e ll h i m he mu st
a e t
“
,
h a ve i t r ep a i r e d by t omorrow morn i n g A n d m a k e s ur e th a t t h e o ld T a i
.
ta i a n d t h e T a i t a i h e a r n o t h i n g a bou t i t .
324
t ri e d vera l t a i lors an d t a i loresses she r epor te d b ut n o o n e kn ow s
se , ,
”
th i s ki n d o f e mbro i d e ry a n d n o n e of t he m would un d e rt a k e i t
, .
“ ”
T he n s i mply do no t w e a r i t t omorrow Mu sk a dv i se d h i m , .
w i sh e d m e t o w ea r i t t omorr ow o n U n cle W a n g s b i r th d a y T he y w i ll ,
’
.
i n he r b e d .
Mu s k h a n d e d he r th e clo a k a n d he ld the l a mp up b e si d e h e r .
“
W ha t i s n ee d e d i s p e a cock gold si lk th rea d T he d i ffi cul t p a rt i s the
-
.
oug h ex a m i n a t i o n .
“
W e h a v e go t the r i gh t y a rn a ll r i g h t b ut w h o i s th ere i n t h e h o use ,
”
e x ce p t you w h o c a n do i n v i s i bl e m en d i n g ?
re m a rked Mu sk .
“ ”
I wi ll t ry t o do i t !
B ut s u rely you a re n o t go m g t o r i sk your h e alth n o w t ha t yo u a re ,
? ”
j u st ge tt i n g w e ll pro t es te d Pa o Y u .
“ ’
Do n t bo th e r T ha t i s my o wn bu si ness
. .
s i n k b a ck o n h e r p i llow s B u t for P a o Y u s s a k e sh e gr i t t e d h e r t ee th
’
. ,
go t Mu s k to h a n d h e r n e e dl es s c i ss ors a n d v a r i ou s b a ll s o f embro i d e ry
, ,
y a rn a n d se t t o work br a v ely
, .
“
T h i s t hr ea d i s a bou t t he b e st sh e sa i d a f t er l e n g th y sea rc h i n g a n d ,
“
comp a r i ng Tru e i t do es n o t m a t c h ex a c t ly b ut t h e d iff e re n c e wi ll n o t
.
, ,
”
b e n o t i c e a bl e .
“
I t h i n k so t o o a gr ee d P a o Y u It would b e h a rd for us t o di g up
, .
a R u s s i a n t a i lor h e r e .
She pu sh e d a b a mb oo d a rn i n g k n ob t h e s i z e o f a t e a cup u n d e r th e
d a m a ge d spo t d e ft ly cu t a w a y t he si n g e d m a t e r i a l w i th a sh a rp gold
,
kn i fe a n d b e g a n d a m i n g d i l i g en t ly t o a n d fro s ti t c h by st i t ch a r ti s
, , ,
”
Would you l i ke a l i tt le h o t bro t h a ske d Pa o Y u an x i ou sly pu t t i n g
?
,
h er b a ck .
“
Sp a r e your t roubl e l i tt l e a n c e st or ! Pl ea se go t o b e d i n s t ea d or yo u
, ,
He di d as s he b a de hi m an d cr e p t un d e r hi s b e dclo th es , b ut for a
3 25
lon g t i m e h e co uld n o t sl ee p The clock w a s st r i ki n g four i n t he morn i n g
.
a w a y a f ew s t r a y en d s of th r ea d w i th a l i tt l e bru sh sh e sh ow e d h er work ,
t o Mu sk .
“
Th i s i s spl en d i d ! cr i e d Mu s k U n l ess you look v e ry ha rd you .
”
ca n t d i scov e r a t r a c e o f t he m en d
’
.
“
It i s re a lly qu i t e i mpo s si bl e t o d i st i n gu i sh from th e ori g in a l p a t
t e rn ,
P a o Y u w h o h a d sl i pp e d qu i ckly o u t o f b e d a gr ee d w i t h em
, ,
t h us i a s m .
“ ’
Oh ,
no, b e a u t i ful a s a ll th a t b u t I c a n t
i t h a sn t t urne d
’
o ut to be as ,
”
do a n o th er st i t ch h ow ev er h a rd I t ry murmur ed Br i gh t Cloud w ea kly ; ,
a n d w i t h t h i s sh e f ell b a ck u n co n s c i ou s o n h er p i llow s .
a n o t h e r blood a n d n ef v e st r en g t h en i n g m e d i c i n e co n s i st i n g of c h i n a
-
con st i t u t i o n a n d to t he fa c t t h a t sh e h a d a lw a y s b e en mod e r a t e i n e a t i n g
an d dr i n k i n g h a d a vo i d e d a ll t o o h i g h ly s p i c e d food s a n d h a d d i et e d
, ,
we e k .
CHAPTER 3 1
m en ta l ba la n c e by h i n t i n g a t a p a r t i n g A k i n dly a u n t a ci es a lo v e lorn
p fi .
m a i d en w i th g en t l e w ord s .
O N E DA Y 1 N T H E S P R ING PA O Y U W ENT O V E R T O T H E B A MB O O H E R M IT
age to i n qu i r e
ft e r Bl a ck J a de s h e a l th b u t Bl a ck J a d e w as j u st h a v i n g
a
’
he r m i dd a y n a p Lo a th t o d i s t urb h er h e w en t o u t i n s t e a d t o t h ew a i t i n g
.
,
m a i d Cuckoo w h o w a s si tt i n g i n t h e Op en pl ea s ur e v e r a n d a i n fro n t of
,
t h e h ou s e do i n s om e n e e le work
“
g d .
Y es t h a n k you i t i s a b i t b e tte r
,
”
, .
“
A m i t o jo ’ It s a r el i ef t o h e a r th a t
’
- - -
.
.
“
Do yo u n o t fi n d t ha t a t t i re t o o l i gh t for t h i s b e t w een sea son s -
” “
w ea th er h e a ske d st roki n g h er w i t h h i s h a n d You w i ll ca t ch cold
?
,
. _
s i t t i n g h e r e expo s e d t o a dr a f t .
“ ”
Do n t do th a t ! sh e sa i d an gr i ly r e co i l i n g Now u n d e rst a n d o n c e
’
,
.
,
? ”
he r s elf
A n d g et t i n g up sh e g a t h e r e d h er n ee dl ework tog eth e r a n d w en t i n t o
,
t h oug h t s SO gr ea t w a s h i s d es po n d en cy t h a t h i s e y e s fill e d w i t h t ea rs
. .
sh e s a w h i m s i tt i n g t h e r e so forlor n o n t h e rock u n d e r t h e
p e a ch t r ee ,
a n d look e d a t h i m a n d s a i d w i th a s m i l e :
t h e y sa w u s t og e t h e r ? Aw a y w i t h you a t o n c e !
”
S n o w go o s e t ur n e d a w a y p e rpl e x e d a n d w en t i n t o t h e h ou se Th e .
youn g l a dy mu st h a v e b een r e pr i m a n d i n g h i m a g a i n sh e s a i d t o h e r se lf
,
.
“
H e re 1 5 th e g i n sen g w h i c h M a d a m e C hen g se n d s t h e y ou n g l a dy ’
'
s h e s a i d t o Cuc k oo T h e you n g l a dy I S s t i ll a sl ee p ? W h o t h en h a s j u s t
‘
.
, ,
”
n o w cry i n g h i s e y e s o u t
,
?
“ ”
W h e r e I s h e si t t i n g ?
“
M y word you h a v e c h o sen a n i c e cool spo t t o si t down a n d r e st i n !
,
328
w as on ly sa ying my self t he o th e rs m a y come t o th i n k a s yo u do un ti l
to , ,
i n th e e n d n o o n e w i ll b e l e ft t o s pe a k t o m e a n y mor e ; a n d th a t t h oug h t
n a t ur a lly w a s p a i n ful t o m e h e re pli ed w i th a s orrowf ul s mi l e
, .
S h e sa t dow n clo s e b es i d e h i m .
“
W h y do yo u com e up so n ea r m e s i n ce yo u bol t e d o ff j u st n o w wh en
? ”
I c a m e t o o n ea r you he aske d .
“
A h do drop t h a t a n d le t us forg et i t ! W h a t I w a n t e d t o a sk yo u w a s
,
”
mor e you w a n t e d t o sa y a bou t t he sw a llow s n es ts ’
.
“
Oh n o t h i n g muc h I h a d t old my gr a n dmo th e r t h a t your h ttle m i s
, .
t r ess r e qu i r e d s om e s w a llow s n es ts e v e ry da a s m e di c i n e ; fo r Pr e c i ou s
’
y
Cl a s p i s a l s o o n ly a gu est he re a n d c a n n o t kee p o n prov i d i n g her w i t h
a s ufli ci e n t a mou n t A s f a r a s I kn ow Gr a n dmo th er co n v y e d my wi sh
.
e ,
t o P h o e n i x T h a t i s w h a t I w a s go i n g t o s a
.
y t o y our li tt l e m i s t r ess th e
”
o th er da y w h en I w a s i n te rrup t e d .
“
So sh e ow e s i t t o your k i n d i n te rv en t i o n th a t sh e n o w r ec e i ves a n
’
oun ce of swa llow s n est s eve ry da y from t he k i t c h en ? She could n o t
”
m a ke o ut w hy t he old T a i t a i h a d s udd en ly b e com e so a t ten t i ve t o her .
“
W e ll i f sh e s good a n d e a ts he r por ti o n every da y le t us h op e th a t
,
’
,
”
i n tw o or t hr ee y ea rs s h e w i ll b e qu i te h e a l t h y s a i d P a o Y u , .
“
B ut t h e qu es t i o n i s : W i ll sh e h a ve en oug h mo n e y to co n t i n u e t h e
”
cure w hen she go e s h om e n ex t y e a r r em a rk e d Cuckoo
? .
“
Ho me Wh om a re you t a lki n g a bou t he a sk e d i n a l a rm
? ? ”
.
“
Oh com e ! Y o u a re t a lk i n g n o n sen se H er p a ren t s a re b o th d e a d a n d
, .
th a t i s j u s t w h y w e h a v e t a k en h e r i n h e r e Wh a t would sh e do i n .
? ”
S uc h ow
“
O h do n t i m a g i n e t h a t t h e re a re n o o th e r d i st i n gu i sh e d h ou s e s b e
’
,
T a i ta i di d t a k e i n t he orp h a n a t t he t i m e i n ord e r to g i ve h er a s ub s t i
t u t e f o r h er p a r e n t a l h om e B u t n o w t h e you n g l a dy i s grown up a n d
.
o wn f a m i ly H er p a re n ts a re de a d b u t she h as
.
g o t o th e r r el a t i ves Ev en
, ,
.
co nt emp t i f th e y a llowe d t he i r o w n r el a t i ve t o co n t i n u e t o e a t a t a
st r a n g e t a bl e In sh or t n e x t s pr i n g or a t th e l a t es t n ex t au t umn M i s s
.
,
Bl a ck J a de wi ll l ea ve t h i s h ou se A n d i f th ey do n o t sen d h er a w a y from.
, ,
3 29
h er a wa y On e even i n g r ec en t ly th e you n g l a dy g a v e m e i n st ruct i on s t o
.
P a o Y u fe l t a s i f a t h u n d e rbol t h a d s t ruck h i m r i gh t o n t h e t o p of
h i s h ea d He w as u n a bl e t o u tt e r a word Cuckoo w a s j u st a bou t t o co n
. .
“
I h a d a m essa ge t o g i ve h i m from my you n g l a dy H e do e s n o t seem .
”
t o h a v e qu i t e gr a s p e d i t ye t T a k e h i m a w a y !
. d ecl a re d Cuckoo curt ly ,
a n d l e f t th e tw o a lo n e .
i h t Cloud p e rc e i v e d w i t h a m a z e m en t t h e d i st r a ugh t a b se n t
‘ Br g ,
o f sw e a t o n h i s for eh ea d Sh e t ook h i m by t h e h a n d a n d le d h i m b a ck
.
t o t h e B e gon i a Court y a rd .
“ ? ”
Wh a t h a s h a pp en e d a ske d P e a rl h orr i fi e d , .
”
dr a ft s a i d Br i ght Cloud w i th a sh rug
, .
If o n ly i t w er e m e r ely th a t ! B ut th e pup i l s o f hi s ey e s w er e so
s t r an g e ly fix e d s a l i v a dropp e d from t h e corn er s o f h i s mou t h
,
he ,
t ea all w i th ou t sh ow i n g a n y mov em en t o f h i s o wn w i ll H i s w a i t i n g
, .
i n t h ei r p e rpl ex i ty t hey c a ll e d Mo th er L i h i s ol d n ur se t o h i s b e d
n
a , ,
5 1 ide .
h i m w i th ou t r ec ei v i n g a n y a n s w e r f el t h i s pul se a n d dug h er sh a rp
, ,
s h e pr ess e d s o h a rd th at t h e m a rk s of h er n a i l s w e r e d ee ply i m r n t e d
p .
o n h i s sk i n h e see m e d t o f ee l n o t h i n g a n d r e m a i n e d a b s olu t e ly l i s t l e ss
,
.
o l d L i a n d h e r op i n i o n s b e c a m e i n f e c t e d by
, h er ou t br ea k of d es p a i r
a n d j o i n e d i n h er l a m en t A t th i s po i n t Br i g h t Cloud a t l a st s pok e up
.
a n d co n fesse d th a t P a o Y u s co n d i t i o n h a d n o t h i n g t o do w i th c a t c h
’
wh i ch Cuckoo h a d don e t o h i m j u st n o w i n t h e B a mb oo H e rm i t a ge .
O n h ea r i n g t h i s P e a rl d a sh e d o ff a t o n c e t o th e B a mboo H e rm i t a g e
,
t o t a k e Cuckoo t o t a sk Sh e fou n d h er g i v i n g Bl a c k J a d e s om e m e d i c i n é
.
‘
.
“
W i th out s alut a t i o n o r c ere mo n y sh e fl ew a t Cuckoo cry i n g : What ’
,
h a d off en d e d P a o Y u i n som e w a y, b ut t o ev e ryo n es s urpr i se P a o Y u
’
“ ” “
Do n o t s a y a n y mor e a bou t go i n g a w a y h e w h i s p er e d b ut i f , ,
”
i t mu st b e , l et m e go w i t h yo u !
Hi s word s w ere i n compreh en si bl e t o th e o th e r s T h e y pr ess e d Cuckoo .
t o sp e a k up , a n d t h en th e y l ea r n e d a t l a s t h o w Cuckoo h a d p u t P a o Y u
t o t h e t es t for fun a n d dri ve n h i m compl et ely d em en t e d by h er t a lk o f
b i dd i n g fa r ewell a n d r et urn i n g t o Such ow whi ch of cour se sh e di d n o t ,
“
So th a t i s a ll i t w a s ? I w a s wo n d er i n g wh a t o n e a rth could h a v e
” “
h a pp en e d , sa i d t h e A n c es t r e ss m el t i n g i n t o t ea rs of r el i e f
,
You a re .
si m
, ,
A t th i s mom en t a serv an t a n n ou n c e d : M rs L i ng C h i h H si a o i s .
T he m en ti o n of th e n a m e c a u se d a v i ol en t c h a n g e i n P a o Y u .
“ ” “
How fr i g h t ful ! h e cr i e d T he re h er r el a t i v es h a v e com e a lr ea dy
.
,
t o t a k e h e r a w a y ! B u t you mu st n o t l et t h em ! Aw a y w i th t h em ! Aw ay
”
w i t h t he m ! h e cr i e d i n a fr en zy o f exc i t em en t .
t he w i fe of t h e m a j ordomo L i n g sh ould b e s en t a w a y a g a i n .
“
Do n o t b e un ea sy ! T h e Li n g s w h om you m ea n a re all d ea d Your .
”
cou si n ha s n o t go t a n y r el a t i v es l e ft w h o could t a ke h er a w a y sh e s a i d .
,
i n a n effor t t o p a c i fy h i m .
“
. Y e s b ut w h o th en a re t h ese o t h e r L i n g s ? I d o n o t w a n t a n yo n e of
,
t h e n a m e of L i n g t o com e n ea r m e e xc e p t my cou si n ! ” h e cr i e d s t il l ,
t r embl i n g w i t h f ea r .
“ ”
You sh a ll h a v e your w a y No o th e r L i n g s w i ll com e n ea r you ! s a i d
.
w e re n ev er t o b e m en t i on e d i n P a o Y u s pr e sen c e No o n e d a r e d t o ’
.
l a ugh a t t h i s st r a n g e i n st ruc t i o n .
Pa o Y u s gl an c e ch a n c e d t o f a ll o n th e Europ e an m ec h a n i c a l sh i p
’
o f g i ld e d t i n wh i c h w a s h a n g i n g o n t h e w a ll .
“
h
’
Look , t e re s h er sh i p ! It ’ s com i n g t o fet c h h e r !
”
h e sh ou t e d i n a
n ew a cc es s of f ev er i sh h a lluc i n a t i o n po i n t n g w t
i i h hi s fi n g e r a t t he shi p
,
o n th e w a ll .
h a n d m a d e P ea rl g i v e i t t o hi m a n d hi d i t un d e r t h e b e dclo th es
,
, .
“ ”
Now she c an t sa i l a w a y ! he sa i d co nt en te dly a t th e same ti me
’
332
h old i n g Cuckoo co n vu l si v e ly f a st a s i f h e would v er a llow her to ne
l e a v e h i s s i d e a ga i n A t th i s po i n t Doc t or Wa n g w a s
. a n n ou n c e d .
, ,
, ,
l e a rn e d profess i o n a l d i a gn o si s co n c e rn i n g furr i n g o f th e t o n gu e a n d ,
,
co n st ip a ti o n a n d d efic i en cy o f t he fl o w o f blood t o t h e br a in ow i n g t o
,
m en t a l e xc i t em en t w i th t he i r a ccumul a t e d resul t o f m en t a l d e r a n ge
,
m en t .
“ ”
E n ough of th a t Iea m e d st uff ! i n te rrupt e d th e A n c es t r es s i mp a
“
t i e n t ly
. W e o t h e r s a re la y folk an d c a n n o t follow your t h e o ri es Wh a t .
”
w e w a n t t o kn ow a bov e a ll i s t h i s : Is h i s co n d i t i o n se r i ou s ?
“
Good ! Th en go a n d w r i t e your pr es cr i p t i o n i n t h e n ex t a p a r tm en t .
A t t h e m en ti o n of a n ex t r a f ee t h e doc t or w a s ove rj oy e d a n d m a d e ,
“
m a n y d ee p a n d c e r emo n i ous bows a n d murmurs o f p a c ha n t oo gr e a t ,
an h o n or ,
e v en co n t i n u i n g h i s p u c ha n s lo n g a f t e r t h e A n c est r e ss h a d
t h e s i ckroom wi t h h e r l a d i e s A s P a o Y u di d n o t p e rm i t t h e w a i t i n g
.
st e a d for t h e t i m e b e i n g .
A n d so i t h a pp e n e d t h a t t h at n i gh t t h e t h ree w a i t in g ma i d s Pe a rl , ,
sh e h ea rd of hi s d el i r i ou s dr e a ms sh e ord e r e d t h a t t h e p a t i en t s h ould
,
Th e n ex t da y Pa o Y u f elt d i s ti n c t ly b e tt er an d w a s b a ck i n h i s ri gh t
‘
s en se s o n ce more b ut b e c a us e o f hi s fe a r t h a t Cuckoo mi gh t l ea ve hi m
, ,
33 3
it pl ea se d h i m t o go o n pla y i n g the i n v a l i d a wh i l e lo n g e r O f cour se h e .
s uff e r i n g s o f a r as t o s i t up i n b e d a n d l a ug h h e a r t i ly H e h a d n ot .
t h ough t t h a t h i s r e c en t co n d i t i o n h a d b e en so fu n n y h e s a i d T h a t ma d e
, .
“ ? ”
W h y di d you p u t m e i n t o s uc h a sta te of fri g h t r e c en t ly h e a ske d
Cuckoo o n e da y wh en t he y w e r e a lo n e
.
.
“
W h y I on ly di d i t for f un How o n e a r t h could you h a v e t a ken i t
,
.
”
ser i ous ly
?
“
All t h e s a m e wh a t you s a i d di d n o t sou n d so v ery u n l i ke ly
,
.
“ ’
You ca n b e ea sy i n your m i n d No t o n e of M i ss L i n g s clo se r rel a
.
t i v es i s st i ll a l i v e a n d a ll t h e d i s t a n t r e l a t i v e s l i v e f a r a w a y from
,
“
Com e n o w ! W h o kn ow s i f you w i ll st i ll th i n k t h e s a m e w a y i n tw o
? ”
or th r ee y ea r s For you a re n o w grown up an d a lre a dy en g a g e d ,
.
“ ”
?
E n g a g e d I di d n t kn ow t h a t ! ’
”
l a dy ?
“
H a ! H a ! So I am s t i ll t a k e n for a fool ? Y et i t s eem s t o m e th a t I
a m n o t qu i t e s uc h a fool a s you a r e I h a pp en t o kn ow th a t Cou si n
.
Pr e c i ou s H a rp h a s a lr e a dy b e en en ga ge d for a lo n g w h i l e p a st t o you n g
M e i so n of M ei th e m emb e r of t h e H an L i n Ac a d emy S o y o u c an t
, , .
’
fool m e t h i s t i me ! Do you n o t kn ow o f t he s ol em n v o w th a t I h a v e m a d e
t o your l i tt l e m i st r e s s ? No ! No ! I a m lucky en oug h t o h a ve j u s t t e
‘
h o a x m e a g a in ? I o n ly w i sh t h a t I co ul d t ea r th e h ea r t o u t o f my br ea s t
.
w h en I a m d e a d m a y I b e bur n e d t o a sh es a n d go up i n s moke a n d m a y ,
t h e w i n d c a rry m e i n a ll d i r e c
”
t i o n s T h a t i s w h a t I would w i sh !
. He h a d
s a i d a ll t h i s w i t h r i s i n g e xc i t e m en t ; h e w a s g n a shi n g h i s t eet h ; h i s e es
y
w ere full of t ea rs .
“ ’
Do n t get so e xc i te d ! I o n ly w a n t e d t o p ut you t o t h e t est a b i t I w a s ,
h er s in c e I l e ft h om e b u t s h e h as a lw a y s b een so good t o m e Th a t i s
, .
334
a ff a i r o f your l i fe would h a pp en v ery soon wh i l e the o l d Ta i ta i i s st i ll ,
a l i v e ! A s lo n g a s t h e o l d T a i t a i i s i n comm a n d yo u h a v e n o t h i n g t o
s i d e c h a mb e r s
-
. Tod a y t he y br i n g h om e a w i fe b ea ut i ful a s a h e a v en ly
’
fa i ry ; a ft er t h r ee or fi v e n i gh ts t h e y a re t i re d o f h er a n d b eg i n look i n g ,
o u t for a n o t h e r a n d t h e n t h e y e i t h e r h a t e t h e fi r s t w i f e or e l se b a n i sh
,
t h e t h ough t of h er i n t o th e f a r t h e st corn e r of t h e i r m i n d s W h en t h i s
'
i n a u t h or i ty h er e You a re cl e v e r yo u w i ll u n d e r st a n d w h a t I m ea n
.
,
'
T en th ou sa n d gold b atzes -
A re more e a s i ly w o n
”
Th a n a si n gl e h ea rt .
”
w a i t ! I w i ll a sk t he old Ta i ta i t omorrow t o t a ke you a w a y from h e r e .
“
W hy ? I on ly m ean t w ell by you I m e re ly w an t you t o look o u t for .
”
your se lf wh i l e th er e i s yet t i m e Sur ely th ere s n o h a rm i n t h a t s a i d
.
? ’
, .
B u t Bl a ck J a d e re m a i n e d a w a ke for a lo n g t i m e In h er h ea rt sh e fel t .
he r good w a i tin g m a i d a n d s h e h a d t o a gr ee wi th h e r i n h er h e a rt S h e .
si l e n t ly i n t o t h e p i llow
; o n ly as d a wn w a s br ea k i n g di d sh e ge t a l i t t l e
s le e p .
Sh e g o t up n ex t morn i n g so ex h a u s t e d a n d un d e r s l e p t th a t sh e fou n d
i t an eff ort t o w a sh h e rse lf an d r i n s e o u t h er mou th a n d e a t h e r s w a l
, ,
’
lows n est cr e a m Th a t da y Au n t H su eh w a s c el ebra ti n g h er b i rt h d a y
.
‘
.
Bl a ck J a d e w en t ov e r t o o ff e r h er co n gr a t ul a t i o n s a n d a t t he s am e t i m e
t ook h er a p i e c e o f h e r o w n n ee dl e work t h en sh e c a m e s t r a i gh t b a ck t o
;
h er B a mboo H erm i t a g e Sh e w a s qu i t e u n a bl e t o a t t en d th e u su a l b an
.
‘
qu et a n d th ea tr i c a l p e rform a n c e P a o Y u w a s a l s o a b sen t fr om a mo n ’
g
.
t h e b i rt h d a y gu es t s A t t h e f es t i v e b a n qu e t for t h e m a l e gu es ts w h i c h
.
,
l a s te d more th a n t h r ee or four d a y s n ep h e w H s u eh K uo di d t h e h o n or s
,
'
i n pl a c e o f th e a b se n t H su eh P a n .
3 36
Fo r lo n g tim e p as t Aun t H su eh ha d h a d an eye on Wre a th o f
a
i n g i n her w a y s i n fa c t sh e h a d th e m a ki n g o f a n i d ea l w i fe Ac t u a lly
, , .
,
Sh e fi rs t i n form e d P h o e n i x of h er pl a n a n d P h o en i x i n h e r t urn co n
,
s en t a n d e v i n c e d ea g e rn e ss h e r se lf t o pl a y th e p a rt o f th e s po n s or a n d
t o he r se lf th a t a u n i o n o f h e r poor n i e c e wi th th e ri c h f a m i ly of H s u e h
Kuo c oul d n o t b e o th e r t h a n a dv an ta g e ou s a n d a s th e s u i t or more ov e r
, , ,
, ,
an y l e n g t h y d e li b e r a t i o n T h e A n c es t r e ss n o w sen t f o r Au n t H s u e h t o
.
b e th e t h i rd p a rt y a t th e ma rri a g e co n f er en ce Fo r th e s a ke o f good .
t h e e n e rg et i c p e rs u a s i o n o f t h e A n c es t r ess a gr ee m en t w as e ve n t u a lly
,
t o a pp e a r S om e t i m e pre vi ou s ly th e y h a d ta k en re fug e i n th e Y un gk uo
.
b ett e r t h a n th i s a dv a n t a geo u s un i o n wi th th e we ll t o do fa m i ly o f - ~
H s u eh ? T he y we re o n ly t o o w i ll i n g t o g i ve th e i r con sen t .
Th e A n c e s t r ess w a s ve ry pl e a s e d w i t h h er a ch i ev em en t .
“
T he re s an o t he r bu s i n ess h a pp i ly co n clud e d ! All my li fe I h a v e en
’
th ous a n d s i l ve r p i ec e s w i ll s ufi ce ” sa i d Aun t H s u e h t a ki n g up t h e j es t
, ,
.
“
B ut h o w wo uld i t b e i f th e old T a i ta i h a v i n g n e go t i a t e d th e m a rri a g e
, ,
? ”
would a ls o do us t h e h o n or o f g i v i n g the we dd in g fe a st
“ ”
No t h a n k yo u ; I sh ould pr e fer n o t t o r e pli e d t he A n c e st ress
, , ,
“
l a ugh in g Le t o t h er h a n ds a n d fee t th an m in e s t i r t he m se lv es t h i s
.
”
ti me ! Th e re upo n sh e sen t for Pri n c ess Ch en a n d i ns t ruc t ed h er t o
m a ke a ll t h e n e c ess a ry prep a r a t i o n s for a wort h y w e ddi n g fe a st n e i t he r ,
d eta i le d a cco dn t o f a ll th e ou t l a y .
337
-
t i o n a s di d h er st epmo t h er Pri n c es s S h i eh Sh e w as m a de t o f ee l qu i t e
, .
s h e w a s poorly e qu i pp e d a n d of t en w a s w i th ou t e v en t h e mo st n e c e ss a ry
“
W h y do yo u n o t dress mor e w a rmly i n t h i s cold ea rly s pri n g
? ”
w ea the r she as ke d h er .
Wrea th of Cloud s b en t h er h ea d em b a rr a ss e d a n d di d n o t a n s we r
, , .
“ ”
Your pocket mo n e y h a s run sh ort a g a i n I s uppo se ? sh e as ke d
, ,
“
sm i l i n g. Y es I kn ow Cou si n P h o en i x h a s t a ken t o p i n ch in g a n d
, ,
reckon i n g of l a te .
“
I h a v e t o gi ve h a lf of my me a ge r t w o t a els a mo n th to my p a ren ts a t
Aun t S hi eh s wi sh Then t he r e a re t he li t t le g i ft s whi ch I h a v e t o g i v et o
’
.
,
se rv e m e a t a ll a n d n o t ov erlook m e compl e t e ly So w h a
t i s t here le ft
.
fl
”
w i th whi ch t o buy t hin gs ? sh e compl a i n e d O f cour se my pocket .
“
So I th ought Well I sh a ll h a ve a t a lk wi th M o t he r A n d m ean t i m e
.
, . .
,
a n d I w i ll h a v e i t r e d eem e d s e cr et ly an d yo u wi ll h a v e your w a rm
,
t hi n g s b a ck by t h i s ev en i n
g Y o u could e a si ly c a t c h a b a d cold by r un
.
“
.
y ,
It 1 8 o n t h e m a i n ro a d w e s t o f th e Drum Tow e r an d I S c a ll e d t he ,
a l o f n i
H l E dur g Well B ei n g or som ethi n g o f th e ki nd
n -
,
”
.
“
Oh i n d eed ? T h en th e mo n e y wi l l a t l e a st r em a in i n th e fami ly T h e
, .
3 38
W hy Pres um a bly b ec a u se he i s a w a y or b ecau se hi s h oro s cop e
?
“
No n o th a t s n ot t h e re a s o n H s u eh P a n s br i d e h as a lr e a dy b een
, ,
’
.
’
”
you as a d a ug ht er Ju st th i n k h a rd !
?
,
”
I wo n t !
’
“ ”
Do n t le t h er fr i gh t en you ! She i s o n ly h o a x i n g yo u ! Aun t H s u eh
’
r ea ss ur e d h er embr a c i n g h er t en d e rly
,
? ”
i n g els ew h e re wh en t h e r i g ht br i d e i s h e re co n t in u e d Pre c i ou s Cl a s p ,
p er si s t i n g wi t h h er j est i n g .
“ ”
O h yo u re cr azy ! excl a i m e d Bl a ck J a de l a ugh i n g an d go i n g for
’
,
Pr ec i ou s Cl as p w i th ou t spr e a d fi n g e r s a s i f a bou t t o cl a w h er . Au n t
H s ueh p a rt e d th e tw o you n g g i rls sa y i n g t o h er d a ugh t er a s sh e di d so :
'
,
“
E n ough of th i s n on sen se ! S i n ce I t h i n k ev en Wr ea th of Clouds t o o
good for y0 ur sc a mp of a bro th e r h o w wo uld I ev e r drea m o f d e l i v er
.
,
i n g th i s d el i ca t e a n d sen si t i v e c h i ld int o h i s cl a w s ? No ! T h e o l d Ta i ta i
sa i d o n ly r e c en t ly t h a t sh e i n t en d s h er gr a n d s o n P a o Y u f o ryour co us 1 n
.
,
t h a t h e mu st h a v e a w i fe w h o kn ow s a n d un d e r s t a n d s h i m t h oro ug h ly ,
an d s ure ly o n ly Cou s i n Bl a ck J a d e ca n do th a t T h e o l d T a i ta i w i ll o n .
”
n o a ccoun t g i v e h i m a s t r a n g e g i rl a s w i f e .
Bl a ck J a d e h a d l i st en e d w i th grow i n g t en s i o n m a ki n g fa ce s at her ,
.
Ph ew ! Y o u d es e rv e a good sp a n ki n g for en t i c i n g yo ur mo th er t o
“
t a lk a bou t t h i n gs wh i c h sh ould n o t b e m en t i o n e d ! ”
s h e s a i d t o Pr e c i ous
Cl a s p In j est pre t en d i n g i n d i gn a ti o n
, .
“
O h i f th a t 1 s M a d a m e s op i n i o n woul d sh e n o t go
,
’
,
a n d h e r se lf
p ut i n a word for my l i t t l e m i st r e ss w i th
i n te rj ec te d Cuckoo ea g e rly t u rn i n g t o Au n t H s u eh ; ,
‘
Li st en t o t he gi rl S h e can h a rdly w a i t t o see h er y o un g la dy l e a ve 3
.
“
K i n dly do n o t m e ddl e 1n m a t te r s w h i ch do n ot co n c e rn yo u you ,
h e e
”
c ky l i tt le cr e a tur e ! Bl a ck J a d e c a ll e d a ft e r h er wi t h a voi ce of ,
l a ughi n g .
340
s he w as in th e act o f co n t i n u i n g B ut sh e di d n ot get b eyo n d th e cha i ;
.
“ ”
C a n yo u t e ll m e w h a t th i s fu n n y docum en t m ea ns ? she a s ke d It .
”
looks l i ke a b i ll .
o ut ei th er , an d t h en Pr e c i ou s Cl a s p gl a n c e d a t i t T o h e r h orror s h e .
re cogn iz e d Wr e a t h o f Cloud s p a wn t i ck e t o f w h i c h sh e k n e w a lr ea dy
’
.
,
H su eh t o o ha d a lr ea dy st ole n a gl i mp se a t i t .
“ ’ ”
It s a p a wn t i ck et sh e e xpl ai n e d t o L i tt l e Cloud
, It mu st b e lo n g .
? ”
to s om e se rv in g wom a n W he re di d yo u fi n d i t T h e ow n e r w i ll mi ss i t
. .
“ ? ? ”
A p a wn ti cket W ha t m a y th a t b e a ske d L i tt le Cloud n ai v e ly .
gi ggli n g
“ ”
Wh at i s th e re so fu n n y a bou t th a t sa i d A un t H s ueh re prov i n gly
? .
Th i s i gn or an c e i s o n ly t o her cr e d i t It sh ow s th a t she i s a r ea l M i ss
.
‘
Th ou sa n d Gold P i ec e a g en u i n ely i nnoc e nt you n g g i rl w h o kn ow s
- -
,
’
“ ”
O f course o f course re pl i e d th e se rv i n g wom en fe rven tly a s i f
, , ,
“
wi th o n e vo i c e Aft e r a ll M i ss Bl a ck J a d e d i dn t kn ow e i th er so th e
.
,
’
o ur l i t t l e m a st e r a l t h oug h h e h as b ee n ou ts i d e th e h ou se so of t en a l
,
”
re a dy h as n e v e r seen a p a wn t i cket e i th e r
, .
“
m a rk in duc e d a fur th e r ou t br e ak o f gf i ggh s a n d e xcl a m a t i o n s o f li tt le
”
n oodl es a mo n g th e se rv i n g wom en a n d w a i t i n g m a i d s .
“ ? ”
Wh e re a c t u a lly di d yo u p i ck up th e ti cke t Aun t H s u eh w an ted
, ,
t o kn ow L i t t l e Cloud w a s j u s t o pe n i n g h er mou t h t o an sw er w h en
'
‘
o ut t h e t i ck e t un ob s e rv e d a n d a s sh e di d n o t un d er st a n d w h a t i t m e a n t
, ,
h a d brough t i t i n t o h a v e i t s p ur po se expl a i n e d .
So Wr ea th o f Cloud s h a s p a wn e d t h i ng s ? B ut w h y di d sh e h a ve h er
? ”
t i cket se n t ov er t o your m a i d a sk e d L i t t l e Cloud R e a l i z i n g t h a t sh e .
coul d n o lon g er h i d e th e t ru e fa c t s o f th e c a s e Pr e c i ou s Cl a sp co n fi d ed ,
an d i n d i gn a n t t h a t sh e w a s t r ea t e d so sh a bb il y by h er r i ch a un t th e
“
See i f I do n o t g i ve Cou si n Gr eet i n g o f Spr i n g a nd her i ll b eh a v e d
s ta
”
ff a good p i e c e o f m y m i n d d e cl a r e d L i t t l e Cloud an gr i ly
s
,
.
Sh e w o uld h a v e l i ke d t o c a rry o ut h er i n t en t i o n s t r a i g h t a wa y b ut ,
Pr e c i o us C l a s p Li t t l e Cloud an d Lo t u s i n t he J un gl e Court y a rd
, ,
.
CHAPTER 32
C h ia L i e n se cr e t ly ta k es t h e co n d M i ss Y u t o w i fe Th e th i rd M i ss
se . Yu
as p i r es t o th eh a n d o f t h e C o ld K n i g h t .
C HI A C HIN G , THE PR IN CE H E R M IT DE A D T H E N E W S o r m s
,. W AS .
d e c ea se re a c he d t h e Y un gk uo a n d t h e N i n gkuo p a l a c e s e x a c t ly o n P a o
Y u 5 b i r th d a y a s i t ha pp en e d It a ls o c h an c e d t h a t j u s t a t t h at t i m e th e
’
.
,
t h e fa m il y a t h om e Tru e sh e s en t e xpr e ss m e ss en g e r s t o h er a b s en t
.
,
h us b a n d b ut i t would b e se v er a l w e e ks 1 n a n c as e b e fore Pr i n c e C h en ‘
,
y
c ould b e b a ck f rom t h e I m pe ri a l buri a l pl a c e t o h e lp h er Th e r e for e sh e .
,
h a d t o r es i gn h er s e lf t o t a k i n g up h er qu a r t e r s for a t i m e i n t h e n e a r b y -
34 2
a lwa y s th e re w as some orde r o f t h e Pri n c e or th i s o r th a t domesti c re ,
o f en t e ri n g t h e eas t e rn p a l a c e o n hi s r et urn an d se e i n g an d sp ea k
i ng to
th e b elov e d .
i n g s th e Pr i n c e s d e pu ty m a j ordomo Y u Lu c a ll e d t o d i s cu ss s om e
’
, , ,
pl a i n an d d em an d p a ym en t h e re por t e d ,
.
“
Well j u st get th e mo n e y from th e h ous eh old c a sh W h y bot h er m e
,
.
”
a bou t i t a n d m a k e t h i s u n n e c e ss a ry j our n ey h e r e
? s a i d t h e Pr i n c e .
“
T h e burs a r could n o t p ay m e t h e s u m Th e c a sh h a s b e en ex h a u ste d . ,
”
i n g s T ha t i s w hy I h a v e com e for your i n st ruc t i o n s
. .
“
Well j u st see wh e r e else you ca n get t he mo n ey from ; you are o ld
,
”
a n d wi se en oug h t o do t h a t s a i d t h e Pr i n c e , .
of th e fi v e h un dr e d ou n c es wh i c h c a m e i n r ec en t ly a s a fun e r a l gi f t f rom -
th e C h en f a m i ly of K i a n g n a n A s f a r a s I kn ow t h e mo n ey h as n o t .
,
”
go n e i n to th e h ou seh old c a sh .
C h i a Yu n g w en t t o t h e Pr i n c e ss a n d c a m e b a ck a fte r a w h i l e w i th
t h e m es s a g e t h a t tw o of t h e fi v e h u n dr e d ou nc es w e r e a lr ea dy s p e n t a n d ,
th e r e m a i n i n g th r e e h u n dr e d w e r e i n t h e sa feke e p i n g o f M o t h e r Y u
'
“
V e ry w ell Th en you mu s t go t o your gr a n dmo th er a sk h er t o gi ve
.
,
yo u th e th r ee h un dr e d a n d h a n d t h e m t o Y u Lu t o p a y h i s clo t h m er
,
‘
.
ch a n t s b i ll He w i ll r a ke up the b a l a n c e h i m se lf A t t he sa m e t i m e h a v e
’
. .
'
a n y t h i n g t h a t c a ll s for d i s cu ss i o n
; a n d see a l s o h ow your t w o a u n t s a re ,
”
a n d g i v e t h em our gr eet i n g s .
W ll w h a t s t h e i mpor t an t d i s cuss i o n
’ ”
e ? h e a s k e d a n d w h en t h e “
, ,
mu st se i z e i t ‘
“
W h y sh ould you 8 0 borrow in g from ou tsi d e rs d ear Cou si n ,wh en i t ,
”
1 5 a m a t t e r o f s uch a t r i fl e ? he con tin u ed a loud “
I h a ppen t o ha ve .
344
qui t e a l a rg e sum ly in g at h om e . I pl a c e it at your d i s po sa l wi th
”
plea s ure .
“
'
“
Hm I sh ould pr e fe r t o do t h a t my se lf B esi d es I h a v e bee n lo n g
, .
,
A n d so i t ca m e a bo ut tha t U n cl e L i en an d N ep h ew Yu n g se t o ut t o
g et her a ccomp a n i e d by a few serv an ts t o r i d e b a ck t o the ca p i ta l On
, , .
th e w a y th e u n cle co n tr i v e d a s i f by ch an c e t o l e a d t h e co n v e rsa ti o n o n
, ,
tr a v a g a n t w e re h i s e ul og i es th a t t h e n ep he w v e ry so o n rea li zed w h a t h e
w a s dr i v i n g a t .
“
My un cl e see m s to b e ve ry muc h ta ken w i th h er re m a rke d C h i a ,
“
Yun g w i t h a s m i le Ho w would i t be i f he were t o m a ke her h i s l a dy o f
.
‘
”
t he s i d e c h a mb e r a n d i f I w e r e t o a ct a s go b e t wee n ?
’
- -
“ ? ”
Do yo u m ea n t ha t se ri ou sly o r are yo u j oki n g ask e d C hi a Li en , ,
“
I a m se r i ou s of cour se , .
e a t ?
would my w f s y to i A n d would your gran dm o th r a pprov More
i e e ?
”
ove r I he a rd t h a t your s e co n d a un t i s a lr e a dy en g a g e d
, .
“
Th a t i s tr u e B ut s i n c e th e fa th e r o f h er b etro th e d a te n an t fa rm er
.
'
o n t h e e s t a t e n a m e d C h a n g lo s t h i s fort un e t en y e a rs a go in a la ws ui t
, ,
th e tw o fa m i l i e s h a v e broke n o ff r e l a t i o n s Fo r a lo n g t i m e p a s t Gr a n d .
mo th e r a n d F a th er h a v e pl a n n ed t o h a ve t hi s e ng a g em en t c an c e lle d by
t he p a ym en t o f a s m a ll i n d e mn i ty i n ca sh an d t o see k a n o th e r s ui ta bl e ,
h us b a n d f o r my a u n t T h e C h an g fami ly are l po o r ; th e y w i ll b e v e ry
.
i s th e qu est i o n o f w h at P h o e n i x would sa y t o i t ”
'
T h i s C h i a Li en di d n o t kn o w e i th er a n d h is o n ly an sw e r Wa s a force d ,
”
W a i t ! I v e go t a n i d ea ! e xcl ai m ed th e n e p h e w a ft e r th i n ki n g f o r a
’
,
“ ”
O ut wi t h i t !
“
My p l a n i s s i mply t o ho od w i n k P h o en i x She mus t n o t h e a r an y .
.
h a ve co n s en t e d I sh a ll buy a l i t t l e h ou se fo r yo u clo se b eh i n d o ur p al
“
-
fu t ur e If P h o en i x g et s t o kn ow of i t i n th e cour se o f t i m e a n d m a kes a
.
ro w w h y you n ee d on ly s a y t h a t yo u w e r e mov e d t o a ct as yo u h ad
, ,
u p w i th i t A n d t h en i n th e en d you w i ll a sk th e bl ess in g o f th e o ld
.
, ,
Ta i ta i .
In h i s i n fa t u a te d st a t e C h i a L i en foun d th e pl a n s pl en d i d It di d n ot .
e v en occur t o h i m t h a t a ccord i n g t o t r a d i t i o n a l ob s e rv an c e i t w a s i m
di d h e r ecko n w i t h t h e st em n ess of h i s f a th e r , Pr i n c e S h i eh , a n d th e
j ea lou sy o f h i s w i fe , Ph o en i x Nor di d h e gu e ss , mor e ove r t h a t h i s cun
.
,
7 ' .1
.
g ph e w h a d h i s o w n a dv an t a g e i n m i n d i n m a ki n g th i s s uggest i o n
ne .
di d occ a si o n t o do s o He would o n ly h a v e t o w a t c h h i s c h an c e wh en
.
e n oug h B ut n o n e of t h es e t h i n g s cro s se d t h e m i n d o i t h e i n f a t u a t e d
.
”
You r e a lly a br i ght b oy d ea r n e phew ! sa i d t h e l a t t e r b ea m i n g
a re , ,
“
w i t h joy By w a y of th a n ks I sh a ll g i v e yo u a pr esen t of t w o pr ett y
.
”
wa i t i n g m a i d s .
M ea n whi l e th e y h a d r ea c h e d t h e m a i n g a t ew a y of th e N i n gkuo p a l
a ce an d h e r e t h e y p a r t e d w i t h mu t u a l prom i s es o f t h e s t r i c t e s t s
, e cr e cy .
In fro n t of t he gr ea t h a ll C h i a L i e n d i sm i sse d h i s r et i n u e of se rv a n ts ,
sh i p w i t h Pr i n c e C h en t h e m a st er of th e h ou s e h e could t a k e t h i s li b
, ,
e rt y w i t h ou t c a u s i n g u n pl ea s a n t s u rpr i s e a mo n g th e s t a ff O n w a lki n g .
346
he hea rd hi s c h eeky n e ph e w t urn in g t o th e La dy Y u a n d sa y i n g : No w ,
wh a t do you th i n k, Gra n dm o th e r Wouldn t th i s un cle h er e b e j u st th e
? ’
-
“
a n d b eg an sc o ld i n g h a lf in j oke a n d h a lf in ea rn e st : Wh at a n i m pe rti
,
.
n en t h tt le mo n k e y ! If M o t h e r h a d n o t h a pp e n e d t o s p e a k o f t h i s h e r s elf
”
a lr ea dy I W ould g i v e hi m a good h i d i n g !
,
m ed i a t e ly a ft erw a rd s h i s u n cl e t o o t ook hi s le a v e a ll sm i l es ,
.
“
t h e m a t t e r ; t h e n h e s a i d w i t h a sm i l e : It see m s all ri gh t t o m e B ut i s .
t h e g i rl he rs e lf w i ll i n g ? Go b a ck t o t h e c i t y t omo rrow an d m a k e s ur e o n
”
t h i s po i n t !
He t h en V 1 5 1 ted h i s w i fe an d a s ke d h er op i n i o n .
co n st itut e d breac h e s o f th e R i t es a n d w e re co n tr a ry t o a ll co n ce p ti on s
,
.
‘
t h i n g wh i c h t h e P ri n c e h a d o n c e t a ken in t o h i s h ea d s h e g a v e w a
y in ,
t h e e n d Mor e ov e r t h i s M i ss Y u w a s n o t h er blood s i st e r b ut o n ly a
.
,
s te p s i s t e r ; sh e t h e r e for e di d n o t h a v e t o b e t o o s cr upulou s a b ou t t a k i n g
r es po n s i b i l i t y fo r th e po s si bl e u n pl e a s a n t co n se qu en c es of t hi s
r ect l
y effe c t e d u n i o n .
Y u He h a d h i m se lf a n n oun c e d t o Gr a n dm o t h e r Y u a n d w h e n a dm i tt e d
.
,
h
P o x would
e n i d i e — a n e v e n t w h i c h w a s t o b e e xp e c t e d s oo n e r or l a t e r ;
a nd t h a t t h e Pr i n c e wo uld d e fr a y a ll t h e co t s o f t h e w e dd i n a n d pro
s g
v i d e a h a n ds om e h om e a n d fi n e furn i t ure a n d woul d a ls o se e t h a t sh e
, ,
348
ob ta in a good m at ch for A unt Thr ee He held forth o n a ll th ese thi n gs
'
a n d w i th s uc h e loqu en c e th a t Mo th e r Y u w as compl e t e ly w o n ov e r Th e .
t a g eo us o fi er Gr a n dmo t h e r Y u co n s ul te d fo r a sh ort t i m e w i th h e r
.
d e si r e d word of co n se n t .
th e a pprov al of th e o t h e r s i d e He w a s ov e rj oy e d a n d h i s gr a t i t ud e
.
,
to w a rd s h i s fr i en dly h e lp e r s Pr i n c e C h en a n d h i s so n kn e w n o bou n d s
, ,
.
r oom s L i tt l e Pa o w h o a ft er h i s w i f e h a d k i ll e d h e rse lf h a d m a rr i e d
.
, , ,
.w a s en g a g e d a s a se rv a n t He h a d l e f t t h e p a l a c e se rv i c e so m e t i m e p re
.
P ao h a d re c e i v e d a h un dr e d t a e ls i n h us h m o n e y from h i m s om e t i m e
pr ev i ously a s w ell a s th e pr et t y W i dow T o i n compe n sa t i o n for t h e
, ,
h i s wi fe s form e r t en d e r r e l a t i o n s w i t h C h i a L i en w e re l i ke w i s e a bo n d
’
a b le t o r ely upo n h i s s e rv a n ts f o r t ru e d e vo t i o n a n d r e t i c e n c e A n d o ld
'
b e r Two w as compe n sa te d w i th a s um o f tw en t y t ae ls , fo r w h i c h h e
,
s i gn e d t h e r e qu i re d d ee d o f r e li n qu ish m e n t .
T he th i rd da y of t h e n ew mo n th w a s p i cke d o ut in th e c a le n d a r a s a
s u i t a bl e day for t he w e dd i n g Mo t h e r Y u a n d D a ug h t e r Th r ee h a d i n
.
t ak en to th e lov e n es t i n t h e La n e o f th e Floweri n g Br a n c h A l i t t l e t i m e .
e a rt h an d to h i s Aun t Y u w h o w as p r es en t bur n e d i n c e ns e a n d li t tl e
, ,
a p er h or s e s a n d dran k w i t h h i s n ew b ri d e from th e sa m e w e dd i n g
p ,
T he ne w s of th i s se cr et m ar r i a ge di d n o t pe n et r a te b eyo n d th e c i rcl e
Li en cov ered hi s
th a t hi s pr esen ce
.
349
w as re qu i r ed i n th e N i n gkuo p a l a ce a n d i n vi e w o f hi s clo se fri en d sh i p , .
mo n th a n d wh en he h i m se lf could n o t b e w i t h h er pe rm i tted h er t o
, ,
t a ke he r m ea l s wi th h er mo t h e r a n d si st er so t h a t sh e woul d n o t fee l t o o
,
Ion e ly H i s i nt i m a cy wi th th e n ew w i fe w a s so gr ea t th a t h e gr a du a lly
.
a n d g a v e t h em i n t o h er k ee p i n g Mor e ov er h e w a s so r ash a s t o t e ll h e r
.
, ,
w a s n a t ur a ll y e x t r e m e ly gr a t i fi e d a n d i n h e r dre a m s a l r e a dy sa w h e rs e lf
,
a s t h e s ucc e ss or o f Ph o en i x a n d t h e fu t ur e m i s t re ss o f t h e w e st e rn
pa la ce .
,
‘
se rv i c e t h e r e h a v i n g com e t o a n e n d Af t e r h i s lo n g a b s en c e h e h a d a .
w i sh t o see h i s t wo b ea u t i ful si s t er s i n la w th a t sa m e e v en i n g H a v i n g - -
.
o f t h e Flow er i n g Br a n c h a ccomp a n i e d o n ly by
tw o t ru st e d fa rmh an ds .
Wh i le h e w a s ch a tt i n g a n d dr i n ki n g pun ch w i th Mot he r Y u a n d .
S i st er i n la w Th ree i n t he l a mp li t l i v in g room o f t h e w e st wi n g S i st er
- -
-
in l a w T w o h a v i n g w i th dr a wn i mm e d i a t ely a ft e r gree t i n g h i m C h i a
-
Li en a rr i v e d Wh en h e h ea rd th a t h i s pr i n c e ly cou si n w a s th e r e h e
.
,
t h oug h t h i s o wn t h ough t s a n d qu i e t ly w en t st r a i gh t t o h i s Na i na i f or
, ,
he w i sh e d t o l ea v e h i s cou s i n u n d i st urb e d B e si de s h e fe l t t i r e d a n d
‘
.
,
n i n g m ea l a n d dr a n k t o t h e po i n t o f e x h i l a r a t i on T h e Na i n a i dr an k
'
, .
s t urd i ly w i t h h i m a n d w h en h e sa w h e r s i tt i n g i n fro n t o f h i m i n h er
,
re d un d e rg a rm ent th h er h a i r loo se n e d a n d a s pr i n gl i k e flu sh o n h e r
w i .
“
A h , o f wh a t use i s o n e’ s l i t t le b i t o f b e a u t y , wh en a ll is sa id an d
”
don e ! she re pl i e d wi th a si gh .
“
W h a t do yo u m e an by t h a t ? I do n o t un d e rs t a n d o u d he sai
y , .
t wo mo n t h s Y o u kn ow h o w d e vo t e d I a m t o o u a n d I kno w w h a t o u
y y
.
,
a re t o m e B ut w h a t i s t o b e com e o f my
si st e r ? Wh a t i s sh e t o do h e re
-
.
t o th e loo se t o n e o f low ha u n ts b ut t o hea r such u nr est r a in e d l a ngu a ge ,
t h i rd Y u di d n o t le t t h ei r el nb a rra ss rn en t d e t e r h er h ow ev e r an d co n , ,
’
t in u ed br az en ly w i th h er loo se t a lk an d h er s t rump e t s a i r s .
“ ”
Com e ! Don t b e t i m i d ! H elp m e to a mu se t h e g en tl em en ! sh e
’
“
pr esse d her si st er w h o h a d re m a i n e d sh yly i n th e b a ckgroun d Aft e r
, .
a ll w e a r e a ll o n e f a m i ly h e r e t og e t h e r a n d i t s so n i c e b ei n g a ll t o o u
’
r
, ,
”
se lv es W h y sh ould n t w e h av e a j olly t i m e Hoop l a ! Le t s b e m e rry !
.
? ’
-
’
gi rl w a s po si ti ve ly fr i gh t en i n g H e t r i e d t o r ea c h th e door b ut th e thi rd
.
,
“ ”
m e rry se ri ou sly sh e t ook off her j ew e lry loo sen e d h er h a i r a n d
, , ,
h a lf Op en e d so th a t o n ly a th i n p a l e green c h em i se cov er i n g th e sn ow
,
A n d sh e w en t ev en f a r th e r i n t h e e x h i b i t i o n of h er u n r est r a i n e d
.
w a s a ll mov e m en t ; sh e di d n o t r e ma i n se a te d lo n g en ough t o c o m p le t e ,
o n e sen t en c e b ut k e p t j ump i n g u
, p a n d s i tt i n g down a n d c h a n g i n g h er , ,
s t r ea ks of h er t a p e r e d e y ebrow s wh i c h w e r e sh a p e d a n d ou t l in e d li k e
,
t h e fr a gr an c e w h i c h s t r ea m e d from h er v e rm i li o n l i p s w as l i k e th e
.
- -
in g t h e m a t th e s a m e t i m e S i l en t a n d f a s c i na te d th e y sa t a n d s t a r e d
.
, , ,
t i m es i n t h e co a r s es t j a rgo n of t h e st r ee t s wh i c h l e a p e d from t h o s e ,
b ea u ti f ul d e l i c a t e m a i d en ly l i p s A t l a st th e thir d Y u h a d h a d h er full
, , .
t he m a n d la y down t o sl e e p
, .
From th a t t i m e o n Pr i n c e C h en n e v e r a g a i n v en t ur e d u n a s ke d i n t o
t h e prox i m i t y of th a t d i fficul t si st e r i n l a w B ut i t w a s a ll t h e oft e n e r t h a t - -
.
sh e s um mo n e d ; n o w h i m se lf n ow h i s so n a n d a g a i n C h i a Li e n t o h er
, ,
352
compl a i n t o r w i she d t o a sk fo r s om eth i n g If sh e h a d b ee n mo st ex
, .
a c t i n g a lr ea dy an d ea g er f o r t he l a t es t f a s h i o n s i n clo thi n g a n d pe rs o n a l
a dorn m en t h er d e m a n d s n o w kn e w n o boun ds If s he w as gi ve n si lv e r
, .
m a n de d d i a mo n ds If a frock di d n o t pl ea se h er sh e t ook a p a i r o f
.
i t w a s o ld or n e w c h e a p co tt o n o r co s tly sa t i n If a d i sh pl a c ed b e fore
, .
'
h a pp en e d bro th er i n la w cous i n o r n e ph e w h a d t o t a e t urn s i n c om
,
- -
, ,
i n g t o t he re s cu e an d procuri n g i mm e d i a te h elp a t he r im pe ri ou s
,
s h ow e d u n w i lli n gn e ss t o se rv e h er sh e m a d e th e mo st v i ol e n t s c e n es ,
h ea p e d a bu se upo n t h e m a n d th r e a t en e d t o b et r a y a n d expo se th em t o
,
t h o s e t hr ee m a l e r e la ti v es o f her s w h o h a d e n t an gl e d th e m se lv es in a
p a i n ful fa m i ly sec ret .
“
I h a ve a lrea dy d is cu sse d the m a tt e r wi th Cous in C he n re pli e d ,
“
C hi a Li en b ut h e fi n ds i t t o o d i fficul t t o p ar t w i t h your si ste r I h a v e
,
.
ut i t t o h im t h a t sh e i s a s uccul e n t b ut i n d i g es t i bl e p i e c e o f w i ld m u t
p
t o n for h i m ; a b ea u t i ful b u t a t t h e sa m e t i m e th orn y ro se an d th a t i t is ,
”
So w h a t s t o b e do n e
’
?
“
W e w i ll s p ea k se ri ou s ly t o he r t omorrow s ugg est e d t h e seco n d Y u,
.
”
s e e re as o n i n t h e en d .
The n ex t da y th e y g a v e th e t hi rd Y u a n d h er mo th er a form a l i n
vi t ati o n t o m i dd a y d i nn e r .
“
t e a rs i n h er e y es th e r eby for est a lli n g h er
,
I exp e c t yo u wi ll wan t t o
.
’
re as o n w i th m e a g ai n b ut yo u n ee d n o t hea t a bou t th e bu sh ; I m n o t a
,
n ow you w an t t o h a v e your pe a ce an d t o p a ck m e o ff s om e w h e r e e ls e .
. ,
353
first m a n w h o t urn s up V e ry w e ll fi n d m e th e ri gh t m an wh om I can
.
, .
as Cou si n C h en s Wh a t ev e r h i s mo n e y a n d po s i t i o n I do n o t lo v e h i m
’ '
.
,
”
a n d I w i ll n o t h a v e h i m .
”
W h o then 1 5 t he ri gh t m an for yo u Sp ea k up an d tell us ! ur ge d
, ,
?
“
C hi a Li en Th en you m a y l ea ve a ll th e r est t o us N e i th er you n or your
. .
”
mo th er w i ll h a v e a n y e xpen se o r t roubl e !
“
A sk my s i st er Sh e kn ow s ex a ct ly wh om I m ea n
. d e cl a re d the th i rd ,
“
O h I ca n a lr ea dy gu ess w h o i t i s a n d I mu st a dm i t th a t yo u ha v e
, ,
”
good t a st e cr i e d C h i a Li en l a ugh i n g ou t r i gh t
, ,
.
“ ”
W ho i s i t W h o i s i t
? ? a s k e d t h e s e co n d Y u e a g e rly , .
“
W h y w h o e l se can h a ve go t w i th i n r an g e o f h er e y es exc e pt Cou si n
,
”
Pa o Y u ?
Th e th i rd Y u mi l e d co n t emp t uous ly
s .
Pa h ! As i f you f ew cou s i n s w er e th e o n ly m en a v a i l a bl e f or us si s
“
’
t e rs e ven i f t h er e w e r e a doz en of us ! H o w a b s urd ! Fort un a t ely t h er e s
, ,
”
mor e c h o i ce tha n t hat i n th e world for u s .
“ ”
?
W ell wh om else would yo u con s i d e r sh e w a s a s ke d ea gerly from
,
t hree si d e s a t o n c e .
“
L et my si st er th i n k ha rd a n d thr ow h er m i n d b a ck fi v e y ea r s .
t ot t e d th e thi rd Y u .
’
T h e co n ve r s a t i o n w a s i n t e rr up te d by th e a pp ear a n ce o f C h i a Li en s
tr u ste d se rv an t L i tt l e H s i n g w h o h a d com e t o c all h i m t o h i s f a t h e r
, , ,
, .
i mpor t a n t co n s ul ta t i o n f or t h e t i m e b ei n g a n d s e t o u t o n h orse b a ck H e .
H sin g about l i fe i n th e w e st e rn
p a l a c e H o w o l d M a d a m e P h o en i x
.
w a s ; w h eth e r sh e w a s r ea lly a s b a d a s sh e w a s m a d e o ut t o b e ; t h e a ge
‘
.
,
,
’
,
s h e n e v e r d a r e d to o
p pose h er st e rn m i str e ss Op en ly b u t b eh i n d h er ,
b a ck sh e p ut ri gh t m a n y w ro n g s a n d w a s g en e r a lly b e love d by t h e
wh ol e st a ff as a ki n dh e a rt e d pro t e ct re ss He t old mor e ov e r ho w Ph oe .
, ,
n ix co n t ri v e d t o h oodw i n k t h e ol d T a i ta i co n t i n u a lly a nd k ee p h er i n .
th a t is ough excu se for h er t o b era t e an d pun i sh th e poor creat ure
en
”
mo st cru elly i n hi s pr esen c e .
“
My word sh e seem s t o b e a rea l d e v il No w t e ll m e s om eth in g a bout
,
.
”
th e W i dow Ch u a n d t h e you n g g i rls i n t h e P a rk o f D e l i g h t ful V i s i o n .
“
We ll, her e go es ! T h e Wi dow C h u i s a n i c e good s ou l w h o co n c e rn s , ,
n e ss a n d v i r t u e i t se lf Th e se co n d o n e M i s s Gr eet i n g of Spr i n g
. is a , ,
"
b i t s t up i d a n d for th i s re a s o n go es by t h e n i ckn a m e o f Blockh ea d
‘
.
’
Th e th i rd M i ss T a ste of Spr i n g h a s t h e n i ckn a m e R o se o n a ccou n t o f
‘
, ,
h er ro sy c h ee k s a n d a l s o b e c a u s e th ough sh e s v e ry c h a rm i n g sh e can
’
, ,
’
T a i ta i C h en g b ut o f th e w i ck e d s eco n d a ry w i f e C h ou T h a t s a r ea l .
c a se of a ph o en i x ch i ck b e i n g l a i d by m i st a ke i n a r a v en s n est T h e ’
.
o n e M i ss Bl a ck J a d e i s t h e c h i ld o f t h e l a t e A un t L i n g t h e o t h e r M i s s
, , , ,
Pr ec i ou s Cl a s p i s th e ch i ld of our Au n t H s u eh T he y a re bo th e qu a lly
, .
”
of t he m i n t h e d i st a n c e w e h old o ur br ea th , .
“ ”
Oh i n d ee d A n d w h y i s t h a t
,
? ?
Pre c i ou s Cl a sp mi gh t m el t a w ay i f w e br ea th e d t o o h o t ly
, .
B ut o ur e st eem e d r ea d e r s w i ll w an t t o kn ow a t l a st wh om th e th i rd
Y u rea lly di d w ant for a h u s b an d J u st b e p a t i en t Y o u w i ll l ea rn thi s . .
i n the n ex t c h a p t er .
CHAPTER 3 3
A fie ry ma i d en asha m e d o f h er un re qu i te d p a ssio n
, , ta k es h er li fe .
G r ea t V o i d .
L ITT L E PA o
’
’
”
L i en .
W h a t do es th a t youn g b oy Pa o Y u do wi th h im self gener a lly ? ”
a s ke d t he t hi rd Y u .
“
O h i t would b e b e tte r t o as k w h a t d o es h e n o t do ! C e rt a i n ly
, ,
”
n o thi n g ve ry bri ll i a n t re pl i e d Li tt l e H si n g w i th a m ea n in gful gri n
, .
“
He i s u t te rly d e g en e r a te a n d h a s n o i n te res t e i t he r i n books o r i n
a rm s In t h e b eg i n n i n g h i s f a t h er Mr C h en g u s e d t o t a k e so m e t rouble
. .
, ,
w i th hi s upbr i n g i n g b ut he h a s g i ve n t h a t up lo n g si n c e So the b o y i s
, .
br i g ht la d a n d do e s n o t look a t a ll a s i f he i s w a n t i n g i n t h e t o p st o ry
, ,
o u t a sen t e n c e He s a r ea l l i t t l e s i ssy o f a mo t h e r s d a rl i n g a n d n e v e r
’ ’
.
a n d fi rm n ess o f c h a r a c t e r W i t h us se rv a n t s f o r i n st a n c e h e s di fl ere n t
’
.
, ,
w i th us a s i f w e w e re h i s e qu a ls a n d t h ere w a s n o s uc h th i n g as d i ff er
en c e o f cl ass I f h e s i n a b a d h um or h e r et i r es i n t o h i s sh e ll a n d o th e r
’
.
’
do e sn t e v en r e pr i m a nd us i f w e b eh a ve i mprop erly N a t ur a lly i n t hese .
,
’ ”
c i rcum st a n c e s i t s i mpo ssi bl e to h a ve a n y res p ec t for hi m .
“ ”
Y o u se rv a n ts a re c e r t a i n ly a d iffi cul t l o t t o h an dl e s a i d t h e t h i rd ,
“
Y u sm i l i n g W hen you fi n a lly h a v e a re a lly goodh e a rt e d a n d co n sci e n
, .
”
t i ou s m a s t e r o r m i s tr e ss yo u grum ble a n d a r e d i s co n te n t e d w i th t h e m .
“ ”
It s a p i t y a bou t h i m f or h e s a n i c e b o y o the rw i se
’
si g h e d th e
’
, ,
se co n d Y u comp a ss i o n a t e ly
, .
“ ”
O h do n t li st en t o a ll t h i s serv an ts go ss i p ! co n t in u e d th e t hi rd
’ ’
,
“
Y u W h y w e h a v e m e t h i m o n c e o r t w i c e ourse lves a n d h a ve b ee n
.
, ,
e ffem i n a t e i n h i s n a t ur e a n d b e h a v i or b u t t h a t i s n o t s urpr i s i n g w h e n ,
m i n d e d a n d a fool— n o th a t i s qu i t e r i d i culou s a n d u n j u st ! Do n t yo u
,
’
r em e mb e r w h en w e m et hi m j u st r e c en t ly a t th e fu n e r a l se rvi c es a t t h e
b i er of the Pr i n ce H e rm i t ? W e g i rl s w e re a ll s ta n d i n g t og e the r i n a
group Then w hen t he mo n ks fil e d i n a n d t ook up th ei r pos i ti o n a ll
.
i n h i s h ea d a n d w a s i t n o t mo st i n co n s i d er a te t o st an d so a wkw a rdly
,
wh a t w a s corr e c t an d h e h a d ve ry good e y es i n hi s he a d so h e sa i d
, , ,
b ut h e h a d del i b e r a t e ly pu sh e d hi ms e lf i n be tw ee n us a n d th e mo n ks so
th a t w e sh oul d n o t b e t r ea t e d t o o d i rec t ly t o th e i r un s a vory odor A n d
’
35 7
late r when you a sked fo r a dri n k o f t ea an d th e se rvi n g wom a n b eg an
,
? ”
an d h e w er e t o b e com e b et ro t h e d
B ec a us e of t he presen c e o f t h e se rvan t L i t tl e H si n g th e t hi rd Y u ,
“ ”
Y es h e would su i t t h e youn g l a dy qu i t e w e ll
,
in t e rpo se d th e p re ,
“
s ump t uous L i t t l e H si n g b u t un fort un a t ely h e i s a lr ea dy d i spo s e d o f
,
.
, , .
si c k ly of l a t e B u t i n tw o or th ree y e a r s th e ol d T a i ta i w i ll n o doub t
’
W hi le he w as sa y i n g th i s th e se rv an t Li tt l e Lun g c a m e b a ck from
“
t h e Y un gk uo p a l a c e Pr in ce S h i eh i s sen d in g h i s so n C hi a Li en o n a n
.
” “
i mport a n t m i ssi o n t o P i n g a n Ch ow h e r e port e d He w i ll s e t o ut i n
, .
f o r th e j ourn e y a n d h e a sks t h e Na i n a i pl ea se t o go a h e a d al o n e w i th
,
th e m a tt e r sh e kn ows of A s s oo n a s h e com es b a ck h e w i ll t a ke i t up
.
,
”
a g a in .T h e tw o serv an t s L i tt l e Lun g an d L i tt l e H si n g n o w w i th drew
, ,
.
t i o n ed t h e yo u n ge r s i s t e r e r s i st e n t ly un ti l sh e foun d o u t from h er t h e
p
n a m e of the m a n w h om s he w a n t e d for h er br i d e groom .
“
po ss i ble t h e secon d Y u r epl i e d w i t h a l a ugh : Th ere s n o h urry ; t h e
,
’
m a n i n qu e st i o n i s f a r a w a y n o w h e a v en kn ow s wh er e a n d for h o w
,
lo n g My s i ste r d e cl a r es th a t ev en i f h e s t a y s a wa y a y ea r sh e w i ll w a i t
.
.
,
t h e t en y e a r s b u t th a t i f h e d i es m t h e m ea n t i m e s h e Wi ll h a v e h er h a i r
,
cu t o ff a n d go i n t o a co nv en t
; b u t sh e w i ll n e v e r m a rry a n y o t her m an ,
”
wha t e ver h a pp en s .
“
W ho t he n i s th i s fellow wh o h a s t a k en h er h ea rt s o c ompl ete ly ? ” '
, ,
a s ke d C h i a L i e n i mp a t i en t ly , .
i
, ,
358
of t i m e alo n g c a m e Bro th er L i u t o o ur r es cu e w i th h i s p a rt y He p ut .
th e w a y t oget her B ut o ur w a y s mu s t s oo n p a r t a g a i n I a m go i n g b a ck
. .
_
t o t h e c ap i t a l a n d h e i s go i n g t w o h u n dr e d li f a rt h er s o ut h t o vi s i t a n
,
a un t of h i s A s s oo n a s I h a v e fi n i she d my bu s i n ess a t h om e I i n t en d t o
.
“
A bri de ? Oh th a t i s spl en d i d ! I can s ugge st a s u i t a bl e p a rt y
,
”
st r a i gh t a w a y , i n t erpo se d C h i a L i e n e a g e rly A n d h e t old o f h i s se cr et
.
m a rri a ge t o th e s e co n d Y u si st er an d of t he youn g e r si s t e r w h o w a s st i ll
un wed He r efr a i n e d h owev e r from sa y i n g th a t t h e th i rd Y u si st er h a d
.
, ,
h om e .
“
You sh ould h a ve h i t upon th a t sly pl an o f yours lo n g a go ! It s erv es
”
my s t ra i t l a c e d cou si n Ph o en i x qu i te ri gh t ! s a i d H s u eh P a n m a li
-
ci o us ly ; an d g a v e h i s r e a dy a pprov a l t o t h e n e w m a rr i a g e pl a n t o o B u t .
“
t h e Cold Kn i gh t d e cl a r e d : Th a t i s a ll v ery w ell b ut I h a v e firmly t e ,
mo n e y a n d l i n ea ge t h a n upo n t h i s I sh a ll ha v e t o m a ke s ure o n t hi s
.
”
po i n t b e fore I ca n a gree t o your sugg es t i on
[
.
“
O h you ca n b e qu i t e e a s y o n t h a t s cor e
, C h i a L i en a ss ur e d hi m
,
“
z e a lous ly B ut w h a t a re word s ? You mu st see h er f o r yourse lf a n d
.
,
t h e n you w i ll b e co n v i n c e d ! It would b e h a rd t o fi n d a n o th e r gi rl w h o
”
could comp a r e w i t h h er fo r b ea u t y .
“
V ery well I a gr ee ; a n d I sha ll b e i n t h e c a p i t a l i n a bout t wo mo nt hs
,
’
t i m e b u t I wa n t t o v i s i t my a un t fi r st ”
, d e cl a r e d th e Col d Kn i gh t
, .
“
I a cc ep t your word b u t you a re a r est l e ss fe llow a dr i ft i n g w a t er
, ,
s om e k i n d o f b e t ro t h a l g i ft ? ”
s ugg es t e d C h i a L i en wi t h a sm i l e .
“
Do n o t worry brot h er i n la w ; you m a y r ely upon my word I a m
,
- -
.
n o t i n fun d s j u st n o w a n d b es i d es I a m t r a ve ll i n g Wh er e would I
, get .
”
a s u i t a bl e g i ft r i gh t a w a y ? r epl i e d t h e Cold K n i gh t .
“
Let m e procure t he g i ft ! sugg es te d H s u eh Pa n
”
.
A n y l i tt le t ri fl e whi c h yo u a re w ea ri n g w i ll do j u s t a s w e ll O n ly i t i s .
m a y po ss ibly n o t b el i eve m e ” i n si st e d C h i a Li en
, .
“
V e ry w ell th en She sha ll ha v e my tw in b la d e sword It i s a n o ld
, . -
.
h ei rloom o f my fa m i ly wh i c h I h ave a lw a y s tre a s ure d fa i th fully ,
sa i d
th e Cold K n i g h t .
P i n g a n C h ow a n d w a s b a ck a g a i n i n t he c a p i ta l a ft e r tw o wee ks
‘
a b s en c e T h e t h r ee l a d i e s Y u h a d r em a i n e d qu i e t ly a t h om e b e h i n d
.
w i th t he t w i n bl a d es .
ca l coldly gl i st en i n g sh a rp e dg e d bl a d es T h e s ymbol y ua n s i gn i fy i n g
, ,
-
.
,
“ ”
l i t t l e dra ke w a s en gr a v e d o n t h e o n e a n d t h e s ymbol y a n g s i g n i fy
, , ,
“ ”
i n g l i tt l e duck o n t he o t he r
'
.
,
i n to h er m a i d en c h a mb e r wh e re s h e h u n g i t o n th e w a ll ove r her b e d
, ,
C h i a L i en r em a i n ed for tw o d a y s w i t h h i s Na i na i i n th e L an e o f th e
Flowe r i n g Br a n c h ; o n ly th en di d h e go t o th e w es tern p a l a c e t o pre sen t
h i s r epor t t o h i s fa t h e r a n d t o gr ee t P h o e n i x Sh e h a d r e cove re d m ea n .
t i m e from h e r lo n g i lln e ss a n d w a s a bl e t o go o ut a g a i n a n d t o r e s um e ,
se lf t o pu tt i n g h i s h an d i n h i s pock e t a n d t a ki n g o u t a fe w doz e n t a e ls
a s h i s s ub s cri p t i o n t ow a rd s th e yo u n g l a dy s do w ry l ea v i n g a ll th e r es t
’
,
o f th e a rr a n g e m en ts t o h i s cou s i n C hi a L i e n .
H s u eh n o lo n g er bor e h i m a n y grudg e f o r h i s p a st qu a rr el wi th h e r
so n , a n d n o w r e g a rd e d h im o n ly as h i s f ri en d a n d r esc u e r a n d lo a d e d
h i m wi th t h an ks an d a tt e n ti o ns In ord e r to p a y o ff s om e p a rt o f th e i r
.
36 1
pen ses o f th e com i n g m a rr i a ge o ut o f thei r o wn pockets an a rr an ge ,
Y en .
“
A nd in c a se I sh ould pr efe r t o k ee p a s cle a r o f th e d e l i c a t e m a t
an y
” “
t er a s po ss i bl e s ai d P a o Y u
,
p a rry in g hi s qu est i on s B ut t ell m e
,
.
P i n g a n C h ow a n d h a d a n i mport a n t co n v e r sa ti o n w i th h i m Wh at w a s .
? ”
i t a bou t by t h e w a y
,
Y u a ss ur e d h i m f e rv en t ly Sh e i s r ea lly a r a v i sh i n g b ea u t y— a wort h y
“
.
”
p a rt n e r for yo u .
“
Oh i n d ee d ? If she 1 5 a s b ea u t i ful a s all t h a t I c a nn o t un d er st a n d
,
,
’
t h ough t fully T h e s us p i c i o n t h a t a form er l i gh t o f lov e of Pr i n c e C h en s
.
- -
“
w a s b e i n g fo i st e d upo n h i m s udd en ly cr e p t i n t o h i s m i n d It r ea lly .
t h i n g a n d n o w I a m a h n o s t s orry t h a t I h a n d e d ov e r my swo rd a s a
, .
”
ple dg e I sh ould h a v e pr e fe rr e d t o m a ke s om e i n qu i r i e s my se lf first
. .
“
Your doub t s a re ce r ta i n ly qu i t e un fo un d e d F i rs t you i n si st upo n .
“
Sh e i s a st ep si s te r of Pr i n c e s s C h e n w h o se ma i d en n am e w as Y u
,
.
T h e Cold K n i gh t st a mp e d h i s foo t a n gr i ly .
“ ”
Do n o t t alk t o m e a bout your e a st e rn p a l a c e ! h e cr i e d The o n ly
.
.
fro n t of t he m a i n g a t ew a y No ! Th e wh ol e b u si n es s seem s mo st sh a dy
.
”
t o m e I w i ll n o t go t h roug h wi t h i t !
.
3 62
th e room wh en th e door l e a d i n g t o th e a dj a c en t room s udden ly op en e d
a n d t h e t h i rd Y u wa lk e d i n Sh e h a d b een l i s t en i n g t o t h e w h ol e argu
.
w i th h er ! Pe rh a p s h e h a d h e a rd an u n fa vor a bl e r e por t of h er i n th e
Y u n gk uo p a l a c e ? P erh a p s s h e h a d b een d es cr i b e d t o h i m a s a sh a m e
l ess h u ssy un worth y t o b e com e h i s l a wful w i fe ? If sh e let h i m go n o w
,
o n h er a ccou n t b e t w een h i m se lf a n d C h i a L i e n Sh e di d n o t w a n t t h a t . .
“ ”
dre w o u t t h e fem a l e bl a d e a n d h i d i n g i t u n d e r h er r i gh t a rm w a lke d
, , ,
“ ”
i n t o t h e room c a rry i n g t h e m a l e bl a d e i n t he sh e a t h
,
.
" ‘
Your qu a rr e l i s u n n e c es sa ry ; I r e t urn my b et ro t h a l g i ft volum
”
t a ri ly sh e s a i d i n a vo i c e c h ok e d w i t h t e ar s h a n d i n g t h e Cold K n i gh t
, ,
t h e sh e a t h w i th t h e m a l e bl a d e A t th e s a m e t i m e sh e dr e w o ut th e h i d
.
c a t e th ro a t T h e o th e r s spr a n g forw a rd a gh a s t a n d t r i e d t o s t op h er b u t
. ,
i t w a s a lr e a dy t o o l a t e T h e p e t a l s of t h e brok en p e a c h blo ss om w er e
‘
a lr ea dy f a ll i n g i n r e d s pl a sh e s ov e r th e grou n d ; t h e crumbl i n g n e p h ri t e
l
b i l would n ev e r r i se a ga i n !
Aft er th e first sh ock t h e mo th e r of th e d ea d g i rl r a i s e d a loud l am en
t a t i o n a n d brok e o u t i n b i tt e r cur s es a n d r evi l e m en t s of t h e Cold.
s e co n d Y u dr i e d h er t e a r s i n h a st e a n d m a d e h i m d es i st from h i s i n t e n
ti on .
“
M y s i st e r di d wh a t sh e di d of h er o w n fr ee w i ll ; t h e g en t l em an h a s
‘
” “
e x e rc i s e d ne i t h e r pr e s s ur e n o r for ce upo n h e r sh e s a i d T o bri n g th e .
,
,
”
br i n g d i s cr e d i t o n our h ou se L et t h e g en t l em a n go h i s w a y !
.
C h i a L i en h a d t o a dm i t t h a t sh e w a s r i g h t an d h e le t t h e Cold Kn i gh t ,
go B u t t h e l a tt er r em a i n e d st an d i n g w h e r e h e w a s a s i f s t un n e d w i p i n g
.
, ,
a w a y t h e t ea r s w h i c h r a n s lowly dow n h i s c h e e ks .
“
Wh a t a m a gn i fic en t h ero i c g i rl ! W h o would h a v e t h ough t s uch a
,
hi m se lf lo st i n t h ough t A n d h e r e m a i n e d th er e a s i f roo t e d t o t h e s po t
, .
t i n u e d for s om e t i m e H a v i n g t h u s p a i d t h e d ea d g i rl he r du e t r i bu t e o f
.
a n d t or t ur e d w i th se lf r e pro a c h h e w a lk e d o n a n d o n h ee dl ess o f e i th e r
-
, ,
ro a d or go a l .
3 64
an d th e ti n kli n g of gold en br a c e l ets an d j a d e b elt o rn a m en ts, an d lo
a n d b eh old , t h e r e st oo d th e th i rd Y u b e fore h i m In o n e h a n d sh e h e ld .
'
, ,
“
in a t o n e o f l a m en t a t i on : In th e v a i n foll y o f my lov e I w a i te d for yo u
f or fi v e y ea rs Fool th a t I w a s , I di d n o t kn ow th a t your h e a r t w a s a s
.
rei gn s in th e R ea lm o f t he Grea t Vo i d It i s my t a sk t o r e g i st er w i th m y .
,
Wi th t e a r s in h er ey es sh e bow e d t o h i m i n sa lu t a t i on H e t h r ew hi m
, .
i n g Wh en h e r a i se d h i s e y es h e s a w a rou n d h i m th e an c i en t crum
.
,
bl i n g w a lls o f a ru i n e d t empl e By h i s si d e sa t a m an a tt i r e d i n t h e d i rt y
.
r ob e of a T a o i st pr i est H e w a s la m e i n o n e foo t
. a n d w a s bu s i ly en ,
ga ge d c a t ch i n g fl eas .
“ ”
W h o are you M ast er an d wh e re are w e
,
? h e a s ke d t h e pe culi ar
,
looki n g st r a n ger .
“ '
I do n o t kn ow th a t my se lf an d i n an y c as e i t do es n ot m a tt e r ; I
,
on ly kn ow th at w e h a ve j us t b e en h av i n g a bri e f re st c a m e th e st r ange
”
,
.
,
n o t wh i th e r .
C HA PTER 3 4
T HE T H I RD C O FFIN ED O N THE V E R Y D AY O F HE it D E A T H A N D
YU W AS
w as bur ie d v e ry qu i e t ly ou t si d e th e c i t y w a lls The n e w s o f h e r s udd en .
a rr a n g e t h e we dd i n g w i th th e t h i rd Y u o u t of gr a t i t ud e t o t h e Cold
Kn i g ht for h a v i n g sa ve d H s ueh P a n s l i fe o n t he h i gh ro a d Sh e h a d i n
’
.
w e dd i n g pr esen t .
“
W h a t t ? ”
do yo u h i n k o f t hi s sa d puzzl i n g occurren c e sh e a ske d h er
,
366
Mr C h i a Li en a n d o ur h o st s sworn fr i en
. d th e Cold Kn i gh t Wh y
’
,
.
? ”
h a v e th e y n o t b een i n v i t e d
H su eh P a n s fa c e d a rken e d a n d h e si g he d d eeply
’
.
“
My cousi n set o ut for P i n g a n C h ow a g a i n a sh ort t i m e a go h e ,
“
sai d a n d a s for my fr i e n d L i u t h e m e r e m e n i o n of h i s n a m e g i v es
, t ,
a n d d i s a pp ea r e d i n t h e comp a n y o f a st r an g e r a T a o i s t pr i e st And be ,
.
re l a t e d a ll h e kn e w of th e tr a g i c ou t com e o f th e en g a ge m en t of h i s
fr i en d a n d of h i s s udden d i s a pp ea r a n c e
, .
“ ”
How st r a n g e ! th eyall sa i d a n d on e o f t h e bu si n e ss m a n a g er s w en t
'
,
“
o n t o te ll : A s i m i l a r c a se w a s s pok en of r e c en t ly by th e cu st om e rs i n
t h e sh op Th e s t ory w a s of a mo n k w h o w i t h t h r ee o r four sen t en c es
.
d et a i l s w e w er e bu sy se rv i n g an d h a d n o t i m e t o p ay a tt en t i o n t o th e
,
”
i dle go ss i p o f cu st om ers .
“
O h wh a t n o n s en s e ! T h i s i s s ur e t o b e qu i t e a d i ff e r en t k i n d o f
,
’’ “
c a se s a i d a n o th e r sk ept i c a lly A cour a ge ous sen si bl e s t ron g fellow
, , .
, , ,
u s e d t o a rm s l i ke Mr L i u would c e rt a i n ly n e v e r a llow hi m se lf t o b e
.
,
b e wi t ch e d by a w an d er i n g mo n k Pr es um ably h e o n ly pret en d e d t o .
”
w i ll un doub t e dly ge t t h e upp e r h a n d o f t he sw i n dl e r i n t h e en d .
”
Th at I S prob a bly wh a t h a s h a pp en e d ! a gr ee d H s u eh P a n w a rmly .
”
sh ould b e
p ut down w i th a n i ro n h a n d .
“ ”
?
H a ve yo u n o t h a d a sea rch m a d e f o r your lo st fr i en d th ey a ske d
Y es , f
cour se I h a v e h a d hi m sea rc h e d for everywh er e bo th i a
o
—
, ,
s i d e a n d ou ts i d e t h e c i t y w a ll s
; b ut — a n d you m a y l a ug h a t t h i s h e
”
c an n o t b e t r a c e d a n ywh e r e d ecl a r e d H su eh P a n b e com i n g d es pon d
, ,
, _
cei v e d a c e rt a i n u n e a s in e ss i n th e a i r s h e n o t i c e d e xc i t e d w h i sp e ri n g
, ,
fore s h e di d no t w a n t to b e i n t h e w a y Sh e h a d h a rdly go n e wh en .
Ph o en i x s en t for Li tt l e W a n g th e ga t e kee p e r of th e se co n d g a t e
, .
“ ”
W ll ho w w a s i t Wh a t h a ve you h ea rd
e ,
? ? sh e as k e d th e w a i ti n g
m a i d Li tt le P in g b e fore L i tt l e W an g a rri ve d .
368
Th e m a i d w ho se cr e tly i n form e d m e h a s b ee n ea v e sdroppi n g jus .
‘
.
n o w a t th e s e co n d g a t e o n a co n v e r s a t i o n b e t w ee n L i t t l e W a n g an d W e
o f t h e m a s t e r s s e rv a n ts It w a s a bou t a se co n d Na i n a i w h o w a s muc h
’
.
,
L i tt le W a n g w a s a n n ou n c e d P h o en i x a sked L i t tl e P in g to b e si l e n t
.
h an d s h a n g i n g do w n by h i s si d es .
“
Com e ne a r e r ! I w i sh t o qu est i o n yo u ord er e d Ph o eni x where upo n , ,
“
Wh a t do yo u kn ow a bou t t he pe rs o n w i th wh o m my h u sb a n d a ss oc i
? ”
a t e s ou t si d e
L i tt le W a n g b en t o n e kn ee .
“
T he s l a v e p e rforms h i s se rvi c e at th e s eco d g a te w a y day a fter da y n
.
? ”
Ho w can he kn ow w h a t t he m aste r do es ou t si d e
“ ”
N a t ura lly o u kn ow a bou t n o th i n g !
,
Li t tl e Wa n g wen t down o n bo th kn e e
“
V e ry w e ll th en I w a s presen t by ch a n c e j u st no w when Li tt l e
, ,
t h e m t o b e qu i et ; I un d e r st ood n o t h i n g o f w h a t t he y w e r e ta lk i n g a bou t .
”
w hen he go es o ut .
“ ”
A h yo u are j us t as good fo r n o t h i n g as th e o th er p a ck ! cri e d
, /
ers B ut do n o t i m a gi n e th a t e ! R un a n d bri n g L i t t l e
.
y o u ca n d e c e i v e m
"
t urn "
7
.
“
Shih , s t u tt e r e d L i t t l e W a n g ; an d h a vi n g m a d e a kowt ow h e , ,
“
Come in ! Ph o en i x ord e r e d h i m Tha t s n i c e bu s i n ess yo u h a ve
” “
.
’
”
b een up t o w i t h your m a st e r ! No w o ut w i th t he st ory ! ,
T h e s e ve ri ty o f h e r f a c e a n d vo i c e sh a t tere d th e ai r o f co nfi den c e
w h i c h he h a d p u t o n up to n o w In h i s co n fu si on he could th i n k of
.
t o t he groun d .
“
Y o u are n o t im pli c a t e d i n t he c a se your self co n t i n u e d P h o en i x i n ,
“
a m i ld e r t o n e ; b ut w h y di d yo u n o t n o t i fy m e a t o n c e ?
I c a n n o t he lp
ow pl eas e o u t w i th th e w h ol e t ru t h Th e n I w i ll
, ,
.
3 69
S h a ki n g w i th fea r Li tt l e H si n g sl i d a li tt l e n ea rer an d m a d e a n o th e r
, ,
kowt ow .
“
Th e sl a v e i s n o t a t a ll a w a r e of w h a t h a rm h e i s s uppo se d t o h a v e
do n e w i th t he m a st er h e s a i d n o w a s c a lmly a n d boldly a s po ssi ble
, , .
“ ”
G i ve h i m a coupl e of blow s ! ord e r e d P h o en i xy b l azi n g up i n an ger .
“
No let h i m box h i s o w n e a r s ! Th er e w i ll b e t i m e en ough l a te r on f or
,
”
oth e r h a n d s t o b el a bor th i s t or t o i se .
Li t t le H si n g b en t t o th e r i gh t a n d t o th e l e ft d e a l i n g h i m self w i t h a
’
, ,
“
We ll wh a t do you kn ow a bou t t h i s “
, n ew Na i n a i wh om your ,
? ”
m a s t er i s s a i d t o h a v e p i cke d up i n t h e c i t y
Li t t l e H si n g pulle d o ff h i s ca p a n d b e a t h i s b a r e foreh ea d a coupl e
of t i m es o n th e e a r th en w a r e t i l es of t h e floor so forc i bly th a t t he th ud s
-
“ ”
I b e g for m ercy a n d I w i ll ce rt a i n ly n ot li e a g a i n ! h e d e cl a r e d .
”
S t a n d up a n d sp e a k !
Li tt l e H si n g p i cke d h i m self up a n d t old wh a t h e kn e w— h o w o n e da y
t h e h ou se s t e w a rd Y u Lu w en t o u t t o t h e T e mpl e o f t h e Iro n R a i l i n g s
t o Pr i n c e C h en for mon e y ; h o w Mr C h i a L i en h a d a ccomp a n i e d h i m .
b a ck t o t h e e a st e rn p a l a ce an d h o w h e a n d Mr C h i a Yu n g h a d di s
, .
cuss e d th e t w o si st e r s i n law of Pr i n c e C h en o n th e w a y a n d h o w Mr
- -
.
C h i a Li en h a d i n dulg e d i n a dmi ri n g pr a l se o f t h e i r s up e ri or qu a li ti es
a n d v i rt u es ; h o w Mr C h i a Yu n g h a d o ff er e d h i s s e rv i c es t o procur e t h e
.
se con d Y u g i rl a s a s e co n d a ry w i f e for h i m H e h a d
.
go t t h u s f a r w i t h
.
“
h i s co n fe ss i on w h en P h o en i x a lmo st ch ok i n g w i t h r a g e bur st o u t : So
, ,
’
i t s th a t o n e ! A n d a r e l a t i v e i n t o t h e b a rg a in ! Suc h m i s e r a bl e f a c e l ess
-
, ,
”
t o r t o i s e b e h a v i or ! L i tt l e H si n g a l a rm e d p a u se d in h i s r e por t m a d e
, , ,
“ ”
G et o n ! W h y do you n o t t a lk ? P h o en i x ur ge d hi m .
”
B ut w i ll t h e Na i n a i n o t h urt th e s l a v e i f h e s p ea ks o n ? as ke d
L i tt le H si n g w an t i n g t o b e s ur e fir st
, .
“ ”
Non sen se ! Go o n !
A n d L i t t l e H s i n g co n ti n u ed t o re l a t e h ow h i s m a st e r h a d en te r e d joy
fully i n t o h i s n ep h e w s pl a n ’
“
How th e pl a n w a s s ub s e qu en t ly c a rr i e d o ut i s n o t kn own t o m e .
O f cours e a se rv an t c a n n o t kn ow e v e ry th i n g th a t t h e m a st e r does
,
”
or do es n o t do Go o n ! .
“
Th en l a te r o n Mr C h i a Yun g procure d an d furn i sh e d a h ou se f o r
, .
Mr C h i a L i en
. .
“ ? ”
A h ouse Wh er e t h en he w as a g a in i n t errup t e d
,
?
.
3 70
”
I would h a v e r ea son en ough for th a t yo u a pe S t an d up ! , .
a lr ea dy o n t h e ou t e r th r esh old w h en P h o en i x c a ll e d h i m b a ck .
“
Y o u s eem i n a m i gh t y h urry t o b e o ff t o your n ew Na i na i You .
? ”
po sa l Is th a t un der st ood
.
“
Shih prom i se d L i tt l e H si n g a n d w i th dr e w a g a i n t o b e c a ll e d b a ck
, ,
o n c e more .
0
“
No w you a re go i n g t o run o ff a n d r ep ea t e v e ry t h i n g t o your m a st er
, ,
? ”
a re you n o t
“
Your se rv a n t wi ll n o t d a r e .
‘
I wo ul d n o t a dv i se yo u t o i f yo u v a lu e your ski n Off w i t h you !
, .
Cl e a r o ut! ”
'
a m om en t a n d t h en sh e s a i d :
, You a re a good fe llow L i tt l e Wan g I ,
.
a m pl ea se d w i t h you A n d i n fu t ur e a lw a y s b e s ur e t ot e ll m e wh en
you
'
“ ”
Now wh a t do you t h i n k o f that A n i c e st ory i s i t n o t sh e sa i d
,
? ?
, ,
t ur n i n g t o L i tt l e P i n g L i t t l e P i n g o n ly s m i l e d P h o e n i x t h r ew h e r s elf
.
o n t h e d i v a n t ook a s i
, p of t e a a n d sett l e d dow n t o t h i n k Sudd en ly sh e
, .
“
W e mu st a ct a n d a t on c e b efor e my h u sb a n d i s b a ck from h i s
, ,
”
sh e s a i d a n d b e g a n t o expl a i n h er pl a n t o t h e w a i t i n
t r a v el s , , g m ai d .
e r s a n d o th e r a r t i sa n s a rr i v e d a n d o n t h e i n s t ruc t i o n s of P h o en i x th e y
, ,
s e lf occup i e d O h t h e da
y t h a t t h e work w a s compl et e d a n d t h e work
e rs l e f t t h e h ou se —
.
i t w a s t h e fo u r t een th o f t h e n i n t h m on th — P h o en i x
s en t a m e ssa g e t o t h e A n c e s t r e ss t h a t sh e i n t en d e d t o v i s i t t h i s a n d t h a t
t e mpl e t o b u r n i n c en s e a n d pr a y o n t h e follow i n g da
y .
T h e n e x t da y sh e g o t i n t o h e r c a rr i a g e a n d a comp an i e d by th e
' c ,
w a i t i n g m a i d s Li ttl e P i n g a n d Li t t l e Lu n g a s w ell a s th e w i fe of th e
‘
t o t h e t empl es n a m e d b u t t o t h e h ou s e of t h e s e co n d Y u i n t h e L a n e
,
t h e w a y a n d a n n ou n c e t h e vi s i t or T h e .
3 72
n in g i n , t erri bly xc i te d a n d tr em bli n g a ll over and ann oun ce d : Th e
e ,
”
gr eat Na i na i i s com i n g t o v i si t !
Sh e pulle d h er self t oge th er a t o n c e h ow ever ra n to the door an d , ,
l a i d cushi o n s f o r h er i n th e pl a c e o f h o n or a n d h a d tea se rv e d t o h er , .
a n d a l s o t o S p a r e h i s p a r en ts a nn oy a n c e a n d tr oubl e I a lwa y s w a rn e d ,
s om e dub i ou s p e r s o n h e would p e r h a p s b e r i g h t i n co n c e al i n g a n at
,
f o r i t S uc h t h in g s a re a f t er a ll cus t om a ry i n o t h e r fa mi l i es I my s e lf
.
, ,
.
n ei t h er n a rro w m i n d e d n or j e a lou s a n d c a ll h e a v e n a n d ea r th t o w i t
-
n ess t h a t I o n ly h ea rd of th e m a tt e r j u st by c h a n c e a f ew d a y s a go My
. .
In ord er t o sh ow yo u m e a n t i me d e a r s i st e r h o w gr ea t ly m y h us b a n d
’
, ,
h a s m i sj udg e d m e I h a v e com e t o yo u t od a y t o i n v i t e yo u e a rn es t ly
, ,
.
,
a s i st e rly w a y i n c a r i n g f o r o ur h us
e o w e th i s t o t h e s t r i c t req u i re m en ts o f
‘
{i t s
h ave x a c t ly th e sa m e as I h a ve Y o u a re s uch a sen si bl e wom an yo u
e .
,
w i ll b e a v a lu a bl e an d i n e st i m a bl e s uppor t t o m e an d t h er e w i ll b e an ,
e n d o n c e a nd for a ll t o t h e s e rv a n t s go ss i p Wh en o ur h us b a n d com es
’
.
s i n c e r e feel i n g a n d sh e n o w b e g a n a c t u a lly t o s o b a n d w e e p H er em o
,
.
t i o n s e em e d s o g en u i n e t h a t t h e s e co n d Y u w a s qu i t e t ouc h e d a n d h er
e y es t o o fill e d w i t h t ea r s A t a s i g n from h er m i st r ess t h e w i f e o f t h e
.
s t e w a rd C h ou J u i n o w h a d t o t a ke o u t o f h er co tt o n b a g four p i e c es o f
'
s e co n d Y u w a s n ow fully co n v i n c e d t h a t P h o en i x mu st b e a mo s t k i n d
h ea r t e d wom a n a n d t h at e v e ry t h i n g w h i c h L i tt l e H si n g h a d r e c en t ly
t old a bou t h er w i ck ed c h a r a c t e r mu st b e s l a n d e r a n d se rv a n t s go ss i p
’
.
She g a v e up h er pr ev i ou s r eserv e b e c a m e t a lk a t i v e op en e d h er h ea rt
, ,
“ ”
B u t wh a t w i ll b ecome of my h ou seh old h e r e ? sh e a s k e d .
w e o n ly n ee d t o t a k e ov er your clo t hi n g a n d l i n e n a n d o t h e r p e r s o n a l
b elo n g i n g s All th e f urn i t ure ca n b e l e ft h er e
. .
a llow e d P h o en i x t o t a k e h er by t h e h an d a n d l e a d h er t o th e c a rri ag e .
“
On th e j ourn e y i n t h e c a rr i a g e Ph o eni x s a i d t o her co n fid en t i a lly O ve r .
n o th i n g of t h i s st ory .If sh e n ow l ea rn s t h a t o r r h u sb a n d h a s m a rr i e d
s ecr et ly i n t h e m i ddl e o f t h e mourn i n g pe r i od sh e w i ll b e v e ry a n gry ,
a w a y a n d n o t t o t a k e you i n t o my o w n h om e e t b u t t o u t y o u up in
y p ,
t he p a rk for t h e t i m e b ei n g Y o u w i ll b e w e ll look e d a ft e r t h e r e a n d
.
”
ur es a n d c a r e fully pr e p a r e t he old T a i ta i .
A s pr ea rr an g e d th e c a rr i a g e en te re d th e pre c i n c ts o f th e w est e rn p a la c e
, ,
3 74
m e a s ur es i f the y fa i l e d i n t h e i r du t y a n d w e re n e gl i g en t i n th ei r servi ce
b ehi n d h er b a ck Th e ki n d h ea r te d Y u w a s s orry f o r th e se rv a n t s w h o
.
s p a re h er s e rv a n t s a n d n o t t o m a k e h e r s elf u n popul a r A n d so e v e ry .
t h i n g r e m a i n e d j u s t a s i t w a s a ft e r t h e s e v i s i t s o f i n s p e c t i o n .
Me a n wh i l e Ph o en i x w a s m a k i n g se cr et i n qu i r i es a bou t t h e p ast l i fe
of th e se co n d Y u t h rough h er co n fid a n t t he por ter Li tt l e W a n g an d so
, ,
s h e l ea rn e d of t h e l a t t e r s fir s t en g a g e m en t t o you n g C h an g H u a w h o
’
,
w a s n o w n i n et e en y e a r s of a ge a n d a n u tt e r w a s t r e l a n d lo a fe r H i s .
p a r en t s h a d c a st h i m o ff lo n g a go o n a ccoun t o f h i s d i s solut e w a y o f
l i fe ; con sequ en t ly h e h i m se lf kn ew n o t hi n g a s yet a bou t t h e c a n c ell a t i o n
of hi s en g a ge m ent a n d t h e i n d em n i t y of t w en t y t a el s w h i c h Pr i n c e C h en
h a d p a i d t o h i s p a re n t s .
f or h er li tt l e g a m e by a p a ym en t o f t w en t y t ae l s H e w a s t o serv e a wri t
.
a ccu s i n g C h i a L i en of h a v i n g e n t i c e d a w a y h i s b et ro t h e d a n d m a rr i e d
obl i ge d h er by co e rc i o n a n d mo n e y t o c a n c e l h er pr ev i ou s eng a g em en t
t o h i m t h e pl a i n ti ff C h a n g H u a h a d h es i t a t e d t o m a k e a d i r e c t a ccus a
, .
to qu a rr el w i t h It w a s t h e r e fore a gr ee d t h a t L i t t l e W a n g sh ould t a ke
.
t he a ccu sa t i o n upo n hi m se lf a s t h e a ll e g e d
g o b e t w e e n a n d i n s t i g a t or
-
.
, ,
h er cou s i n Pr i n c e C h en h i s w i fe a n d th e i r so n C h i a Yun g— an d
, ,
fr i g h t en i n g t h e m by t h e i mm i n en t pro s p e ct o f a pub l i c s c a n d a l M or e .
ov e r sh e i n t e n d e d t o s te p i n j u s t a t t h e ri gh t mom en t i f t h e a ct i o n
,
j u s t i c e a n d h an d e d i n h i s wr i t In r es po n se t o t h e wr i t t h e m a g i s t r a t e
, .
se n t h i s
g ree n co a t s n ex t da y t o th e Y un gk uo p a l a c e t o a rr est t h e a c
cus e d por t e r L i tt l e W a n g a n d h a i l h i m b e for e t h e Cour t Thr ough re
.
s pe c t t h e
, g i e e n co a ts di d n o t e n t e r t h e l or dly m a n s i o n t h e m se lv es a n d ,
s e i z e m e a n d h o ld m e f a s t !
”
h e i n vi te d th e
3 76
good h um o re dly for
-
,
he kn ew in a dva n c e th a t no h a rm would com e to
e sco r t e d h im t o t h e Cour t Th e m a g i st r a t e sh ow e d h i m t h e in d i c t m en t
'
h an d e d i n y es t e rd a y L i ttl e W a n g r ea d i t kow t ow e d a n d d e cl a re d
.
, ,
Th a t i s qu i t e co rr e c t B ut I my se lf h a v e n o th i n g to do wi th i t C ha n g
. .
T h e pl a i n t i ff C h a n g H ua l i k ew i se kow t ow e d a n d expl a i n e d : Th a t i s
a l s o corr e c t ; b u t I di d n o t d a re t o ta ke a c t i o n a g a i n s t th e e mploy e rs ,
”
th e re for e I n a m e d t h e s e rv a n t .
“
S t up i d fe llow ! W e a re st a n d i n g h e re i n a n Imper i a l Cour t b e fore ,
so n o f Pri n c e C h en a s b e i n g r e a lly t h e gu i l t y p er s o n T he m a g i s t r a t e
, .
ha d s i l e nc e d th e fa m i ly C h an g o n ce f o r al l w i th t h e i n d e m n i t y o f
t w en t y t ae l s Now h e would h a v e t o di g d ee p i n t o h i s pock ets a g a i n a n d
.
T h e fa th e r a n d so n would ha v e g iv en a n y thi n g t o es c a pe t h is m ee t
i ng b u t i t w a s t o o l a te
, .
m M
.
:
l 1
Wh i l e s he c a ugh t as he
murmure d an em
”
you get t h e b est th i n g s from t h e ki t ch en .
In a t ri c e h e w a s o ut th e door an d h a d mou n t e d h i s h or se an d go n e
o ff . In t h e m ea n t i m e Mo t h e r Y u h a d a pp ea r e d from th e n e x t room .
“
Y o u seem to b e o ut of h umor M a y o n e a sk . sh e b e g an In .
re ply P h o en i x s p at ri gh t i n t o h er fa c e
,
.
“ ”
You a re w e lcom e t o a sk ! sh e h i sse d Am I t o a cc e p t i t qu i et ly
.
fa m i ly mourn i n g ! A n d n o w w e sh a ll h a v e th e d ev i l t o p a y ! A m a n ha s
.
wom a n I a m ! P e opl e w i ll po i n t th ei r fi n ge r a t m e a n d p e r su a d e my h u s
b a n d t o d i vorc e m e ! Wh a t h a v e I do n e t o you th at you t r e a t m e s o
m ea n ly ? Is th e old T a i ta i p e rch a n c e b eh i n d i t all ? D i d sh e i n sp i r e th e
w h ol e b a sepl a n i n ord e r t o get ri d of m e i n t hi s w a y ? W ell i t w i ll a ll
, ,
e a c h of u s r en d e r a n a ccoun t t o t h e j udg e so t h a t t h e t ru t h m a y t ri
, _
let us e a c h j u s t i fy h e rs elf If t h e cl an fi n d s m e gu i l t y v e ry w e ll th en
.
, ,
'
t h e y m a y wri t e t h e l et t er of d i vorc e f o r m e a n d I wi ll l ea v e t h e h ou se
”
volun t a ri ly .
Sh e b e g a n t o w e ep loudly a n d t o dr a g M o th e r Y u by th e h a n d t o t h e
,
“
M a y l i gh t n i n g st r i k e yo u a n d s pl i t you i n f ve you cr azy cre a t ur e
i
, ,
“
sh e ro a r e d a t h i m S h a m e o n yo u yo u good fo r n o th i n g sh a m el ess
.
,
- -
i n t r i gu e r a n d d i st ur b er o f f a m i ly pe a c e sco m e r o f l a w s a n d ri g h ts a n d
,
o f a ll orde r o f h ea v en a n d o f e a rt h ! T h e s p i ri t s o f a ll your a n c e st or s a n d
t h e sh a d e s of yo u r l a t e w i fe w i ll t u rn a w a y from yo u i n a b h orr en c e
a n d d i s gu st A n d a cr ea t ur e l i k e yo u h a s t h e i mpud en c e t o w an t t o
.
”
h a r a n gu e m e !
Sh e r a i se d h er h an d an d de a l t h i m blows ri g h t an d l e f t C hi a Yun g
_ .
“
b en t down a g a in qu i ckly t o m a ke an o ther kow t ow D o n o t exc i te your .
”
s elf Aun t !
, h e b e gge d F o r th e s a ke o f th e o n e da y i n a th ou san d th a t
.
I d ese rv e blows o n th e e a r I ca n d e a l t h em my se lf
, .
3 78
an d r epro a ch yourself in st ea d f o r your ,
st up i d i t y an d your culp a bl e
”
s i en
l ce !
Oh h o w ,
cl ev e rly sh e kn e w h ow t o t w i st t h i n gs rou n d a ft e r h a v in g ,
h erse lf go a d e d C h a n g H ua i n t o br i n g i n g a n a c t i o n ! Th e v a r i ou s s ec
o n da ry w i v es a n d s erv i n g wom en a n d w a i t i n g m a i d s w h o w er e st an d
'
a pp ea l i n g t o h er gr ea t w i s dom a n d un d e r s t a n d i n g a n d i mplor e d i n ,
t o c a ll Pri n c e C h en t o a ccou n t n e x t .
“
F et ch your fa th er he r e ! I w an t t o a sk h i m a few qu est i o n s p er son
” “
a lly sh e ord e re d C h i a Yu n g p e r e mp t ori ly
, I d e m a n d a n expl a n a t i on
.
fr om h i m a s t o whet her h e co n si d e r s i t t o b e co n si st en t w i th th e L i — t he
r e qu i re m en t s of propr i e t y a n d good cu st om— for a n e ph ew of th e de
c ea se d t o go o ff ga i ly a n d m a rry i n t h e m i ddle of t h e p e r i od o f mourn
i n g for t h e f a m i ly e ld er A l i tt l e i n st ruc t i o n ca n do h i m n o h a rm a n d
.
”
fu t ur e .
e s t ee m e d a unt m a
y c h a s t i se t h e u n wor t h y n e p h ew a s muc h a s sh e
w i sh es an d he w i ll b e a r i t i n si l en c e ! B ut le t h er pl e a se sp a re h i s p a r
_
en t s ! He could n o t s urv i v e i t i f sh e do e s n o t ! H e a ls o t ru s t s a n d m
i
p lo res th a t th e h o n or e d a u n t m a y m a n a g e t o s top th e a c t i o n Th e st up i d .
h i s h umbl e s p ee c h w i th r e p e a t e d kow t ow s P h o en i x w as p a c i fi e d to .
s om e e x t e n t Sh e r a i s e d h i m up an d t h en si g h i n g a n d w i p i n g a w a y h er
.
, ,
’
t e a r s sh e t u rn e d t o Mo t h e r Y u : “
, Do n o t b e a n gry w i t h m e ! In my
you t h a n d i n exp e r i en ce I h a ve let my self go som ew h a t a n d o ff en d e d ,
m e ! Forg i v e m e ! A n d n o w w e mu s t a c t w i se ly a n d r ea s o n a bly F i r s t of
. .
a ll t h i s un pl e a s a n t a c t i o n mu s t b e s ett l e d Y o u mu st h a v e a word w i th
, .
“
Do n o t wo ry ! Th e m a t te r w i ll b e a rr an e d by us t o yo ur s a ti s f a c
’’
r g
t i on s a i d Mo the r Y u a n d C h i a
,
Y ung a s i f wi th o n e v 0
h u n dr e d ou n c es whi ch yo u hav e a lr ea dy sp e
goo d t o you On n o a ccou n t mu st yo u suffe r a n y fur th er mo n et a ry lo ss
.
380
i n thi s would i n d eed b e i rr es pon si bl e f or us t o a llow s uch a
m a tt e r . It
th i n g B ut w e h a v e ye t a n o t h e r r e qu est t o m a k e o f yo u M a y w e coun t
. .
”
a n d n o t t o p u t u s i n t o o u n k i n dly a l i g h t w i th h e r ?
”
H a yo u are a sk i n g a b i t t o o much of m e ! r e pl i e d P h o en i x coolly
, .
t er a n d comp a n i o n com i n g t o my h ou s e ; I h a v e n o t b e en a bl e t o sl ee p
for m a n y n i gh ts so gr ea t h a s b e en my j oyful a n ti c i p a t i o n If o n ly t h i s
,
.
“
C h i a Yun g a ss ur e d h er z e a lou s ly T h a t poor d ev i l of a st a rvin g wr et ch
.
wi ll b e gl a d t o wi t h dr a w h i s a ccus a t i o n fo r a sm a ll i n d e mn i t y W e w i ll .
. ,
”
yo u !
“
Th a t s a ll r i gh t i f o n ly i t works ! A s lo n g a s t h e mon ey l asts h e m a y
’
,
a g a i n h e w i ll r e s u m e t h e qu a rr e l In t h e lo n g r un i t i s u s el es s t o w a s t e
, .
”
mo n ey o n h i m ; w e sh a ll h a v e n o pe a c e from h i m w h a t e ve r w e do sa i d ,
“
W ell o n e could g i v e h i m th e c h o i c e o f ei th e r th e mo ney o r th e
,
” “
wom an s a i d C h i a Yun g w i t h a s m i l e If h e po s i t i v ely i n s i sts o n h i s
, ,
.
”
U n d e r n o c i rcum s t a n c e s ! i n t e rrup t e d P h o e n i x qu i ckly fo r she ,
“
sa w t h a t h e r fur t h e r pl a n s w e re b e i n g j e op a rd i z e d I do n o t wi sh un d e r .
Would I n o t lo s e fa ce i f I w e re t o d e l i v e r h er up ag a i n a ft e r h a vi n g
o n c e a cce p te d h er ? No n o sh e sh a ll r em a i n ! A n d yo u m a y go o n co n
, ,
fi de n tl y t ry i n g t o st op C h an g Hu a s mou th w
”
i t h mo n e y !
’
To h er secret sa t i s fa c t i o n C hi a Yun g a gr ee d t o t hi s .
“
V e ry we ll th e mo st i mport a n t t h i n g i s t o ge t ri d o f t hi s C h an g H ua
,
.
”
A n d n o w let u s go t og eth e r a n d i n form t h e old T a i ta i ! she d ec i d e d .
“ ? ”
B ut w h a t am I t o t ell h e r as ke d Mo th e r Y u qu i t e a l a rm e d ,
.
” “
un d e r t a k i n g s r e m a rke d P h oeni x mocki n gly B ut s in ce I a m s uc h a
,
.
38 1
an y c a se buy my h u sb a n d t w o se con d a ry w i v es a s I could sc a rc ely
to ,
a n d th a t r e c en t ly I h a d b e com e co n v i n c e d of t h e s t e rli n g qu a li t i es o f
In co n si d er at i o n o f h er r a th e r st r a i t en e d c i rcum st a n c e s a n d t o fr ee h er
from an x i et y a bou t h er l i v el i h ood I ha d d e c i d e d t o d e p a rt a l i tt le from
,
st ri c t cu st om a n d t a k e h er i n t o my h ou se e v en b e for e th e en d Of th e
h un dr e d d a y s mourn i n g ; an d th a t a s s oon a s t h e mourn i n g p e ri o d i s
’
wh a t I sh a ll s ay ! I sh a ll th us t a ke a n y e v en t u a l bl a m e o n my self A re .
? ”
you sa t i sfi e d
Mot her Y u an d N e ph ew Ch i a Y un g en th u si a sti cally pr a i se d h er gen
_
p a y h er a sp e c i a l v i si t o f t h a n k s .
“
Th a t i s all r i gh t; I do n o t w an t a n y t ha n ks s a i d P h o en i x coolly
, .
“
I sh a ll c e r t a in ly kn ow for t h e fu t ur e wh a t t o th i n k o f yo u youn g ,
”
m a n sh e sa i d sh a rply po i n t i n g h er fi n g er a t C h i a Yun g
, , .
“
B ut Aun t th i s o n e li tt l e t i m e you w i ll s ur e ly forg i v e t h e wi ck e d
, ,
”
n eph e w ! b e gg e d C hi a Yun g promp t ly fa ll i n g o n hi s kn ee s a g ai n
, .
Sh e th r ew b a ck h er h e a d as i f sh e w a n t e d t o ov e rlook h i m a n d ,
t ur n e d t ow a rd s t he door .
CHAPTER 3 5
i ng go ld .
th e d a ug h t e r Y u F i r st sh e fr i g h t en e d h er w i t h n ew s o f th e s udd en r e
.
a pp ea r an c e o f h e r form e r b e tro t h e d C h a n g H u a a n d t h en c a lm e d h er
, ,
a rr an g e d t hi s a n d t h a t a n d h o w s h e h a d do n e e v e ryt h i ng t o pro t e c t
,
t h e tw o fa m i li e s from d i s gr a c e a n d bl a m e Th e s e co n d Y u w a s profuse
.
3 82
ci o usly he r g a m e o f in tr i gu e a g a i n st h er ab sen t h u sb an d a n d hi s n ew
wi fe . Sh e a g a i n sen t t o C h a n g H ua a n d s ti m ul a t e d h i m by s ub s t an ti a l
gi fts of mo n ey t o co nt in u e th e l e g a l proc ee di n g s a n d i nsi st upon g ett in g
b a ck h i s br i d e .
A t t he ou ts et C h an g H u a h a d o n ly t ak en th i s a c t i o n un d e r press ur e
j
.
n e go t i a t i o n s m a i n t a i n e d t ha t h e h a d pr ev i ou s ly w i th dr a wn from t h e
,
en g a g em en t ; b esi d es t h e s e co n d Y u w a s a n e ar r e l a t i o n O f th e C h i a
, ,
f a m i ly an d t he r e wa s s ur ely n o th i n g a g a i n st h er fi n d i n g a h om e an d
,
bo a rd w i th her ow n r el a t i v e s Th e r e w a s n o qu e st i o n h e a ll e g e d o f h er
.
, ,
m a rry i n g i n t o t h e cl a n Ch a n g H ua h a d b een i n d eb t t o Pr i n ce C h en
.
fo r a lo n g t i m e p as t a n d h a d o n ly t a k en th i s a c t i o n i n order t o forc e
r em i ssi o n of h i s d eb t Th e m a g i st r a te w h o h a d t o j udg e th ec a se w a s
.
en t a n gl e d a n d i n volv e d i n fr i en dly a ss oc i a t i o n s bo t h wi th t h e C h i as
an d w i t h t h e W a n g s t h e r e l a t i v e s o f P h o en i x He h a d rec ei v e d co n
s i der a b l e g i f ts of mo n e y fro m
.
,
t h a t n ew i n st ruc t i o n .
T he r es ul t w a s a se co n d a c t i o n a n d n ew pr oceedi n g s Th i s t i m e th e .
m g r
a i s t a t e s e nt e n ce d th e pl a i n ti ff On t h e o ne p a r t t o p a y b a ck t h e old
’
t h e h ou s e of C h i a a n d t a k e h er i n t o h i s o w n h om e H i gh ly gr a t i fi e d w i th
.
th e doubl e t r i ump h o f h a v i n
g fo un d i n Ph o en i x s om e o n e t o p a y h i s
'
d eb ts an d a t th e s am e t i me b ei n g a llow e d to t a k e p o ss ess i o n o f h i s o
m a g i s ter i a l m an d a te i n h i s pocket .
Ph o en i x h i d i n g h e r sa t i s fa c t i o n an d fe i gn i n g p a ine d s urpri se h ur
, ,
ri e d t o t h e A n c es t r ess a n d r e por t e d t h e n ew t ur n of e v en ts .
“
S i st e r i n la w C h en i s t o bl ame fo r ev ery th i n g sh e sa i d con clud i n g
- -
, ,
“
h er r e port In th i s m a tte r s h e a c te d w i th an u tt e r l a ck o f di s creti o n
. .
I t o gues s th a t th i s Y u w a s a lr ea dy en ga ge d t o s o m eo n e e l s e ? N a t ur a lly ,
th e fir st br i d e groom w a s j u s t i fi e d i n m a kin g a cl a i m No w w e sh a ll h a v e
‘
”
t h e d e vi l to p a y !
384
The A n ce stress h a d Prin cess C hen brought b efor e her a n d re buke d
her an g ri ly fo r h er l a ck o f w isdom an d d i scret i on .
“
Un fort un a tely th e re i s n o m en t i o n o f an in d em n i t y a n d a d eed o f
,
”
re l in q ui shm en t in the le g al pro t oco l in terj e c te d P h oe n i x qu i ckly ,
.
“
Mor e ov er o ld C han g d e cl a re d in a l e g al st atem ent t h a t i t h a d o n ce
,
o ld C h an ? He is h e re W e c ann o t s i mply s e n d th e gi rl Y u a w a y a g a i n
g .
”
d e fini t ely lose fa c e i f w e di d th a t .
“
B ut n e i t he r woul d we w is h t o vi ol at e th e prope rly a cqu i r e d leg a l
ri g hts o f o ther pe o pl e ; th a t would n o t b e b ecom in g o f us ei t he r It i s .
”
b es t a fte r a ll for us t o g i v e h er up sa i d th e A n c e st ress
, , ,
.
“
B ut my mo the r di d p a y o ld C han g a n i n d e m n i t y o f t w en t y t a els i n ,
s uc h a y ea r i n s uc h a mo n th a n d o n s uc h a da
, , y an d i n r et urn old ,
”
C han g co n fi rm e d hi s re li n qui shm ent i n wr i t i n g pro tes te d t he se co n d ,
“
Y u My s i s te r C h e n i s qu i t e ri gh t Ther e i s n o qu est i o n o f a mi st a k e
. . .
O ld C h an g h a s t old l i es t o t he Court a nd i s o n ly ta ki n g l e g al a c t i o n in
”
orde r t o e x t ort mon e y !
“ ”
A d i s gra c e ful tr oubl eso me lo t ! sa i d th e Anc est r ess in di gn an tl y
,
.
”
Ph oen i x go an d get the m att e rp ut ri gh t s om eh ow !
,
-
w a rn i n g h im n o t to go t o o f a r a n d ch a ll en ge t he pri n ce ly a n ge r O t he r .
Se cr etly full of mali c i ous j oy Chi a Yun g t old the An ces tress a n d
,
n i zed t h a t th e ll eg a ti on s brought forw a rd by C h a n g H ua h a d b een
a
g an g h a d d i sa pp ea r e d T h e m a gi st r a t e h a d st opp e d th e proc ee d i n gs
. ,
a n d so t h e a ff a i r w a s a t a n e n d .
h an d sh e could n o t sh u t h er e y e s t o t h e f a c t t h a t i f C h a n g H u a h a d
,
h i s b es t t o get h er b a ck from h i m a g a i n a n d sh e di d n o t do ub t b ut ,
C h an g Hu a b e i n g no lo n ge r wi th i n r a n g e o f h er i n fl uen c e m i gh t go s
, ,
si
p an d expo se h er as the i n st i gat or of t h e wh ol e in t ri gu e Th a t would
'
t .
e i t h e r by m ean s of l e g a l a cc us a t i o n o n accou n t of a ll e g e d t h ef t o r s om e
'
s uc h o fi e n se comm i tt e d o n t h e ro a d o r b ett e r s t i ll t o h a v e h i m ki ll e d
, ,
h e di d n o t l i ke t o reb el Op en ly a g a i n st h i s m i st r ess an d p u t h i s po si t i o n
'
M a d a m e P h o en i x C h an g H ua on hi s j ourn ey h om e h a d a t tr a c t e d the
.
, ,
a tt en ti o n o f h i g hw a ym en by th oug h t l essly bo a s t i n
g of a ll t h e c a sh i n h i s
po sse ss i o n ; o n t h e t hi rd day o f h i s fl i gh t h e h a d b e en robb e d an d m ur
d er e d a n d h i s f a th e r h a d d i e d o f a h ea r t a tta ck brough t o n by sh ock i n ,
t h e spo t Ph o en i x r e c e i v e d t h e n e w s w i th s om e s us p i c i o n a n d t hre a t en e d
.
fi cult a s po ss i bl e .
, ,
'
a g a i n st t h e d et e st e d Y u .
i lln es s an d h a d Y u s m ea ls se rv e d t o h er se p a r a te ly an d th e food sh e
’
,
th e o n ly o n e t o fee l f or th e g i rl w h o w a s be i n g so b a dly tr ea t e d an d ,
n ow an d th en sh e go t b ett e r food f or h er o ut o f h er o w n po ck et mo n e y .
ba ckb i t e Li t tl e P i n g .
“
Your a u th or i t y wi ll go c ompl et e ly Na i na i i f yo u co n tin u e t o let , ,
” “
your w a i t i n g m a i d do a s sh e pl ea ses sh e sa i d to P h oen i x Th at ex ,
.
”
ch i ck en ! sh e scold e d Li tt l e P i n g di d n o t d a r e t o re ply b u t t o li ve i n
.
,
b eg an t o h a t e C h i u Tun g .
s e cr et ly di d th e y v en t ur e t o b e mo an a n d b ew a i l th e f a t e o f t h e se co n d
Y u A n d C h i a Li en o n hi s p a rt a ls o all ow e d him se lf t o b e d ec ei ve d by
.
as a pr esen t Sh e w a s t o hi
m wh at dry w o od i s t o a b urni n g fl a m e Li ke
'
. .
388
fi n ish ed, sh e in ten d ed t o rush in h erse lf upo n th e s ur vi vor for th e ki ll .
“
Y o u a re youn g an d in e xpe ri en c e d a n d yo u do n o t kn ow th e d an ge r
” “
y o u are i n s
, h e w h i s pe re d t o C h i u Tu n g Sh e po ss e sses hi s w
. h ol e .
”
d est roy yourse lf i f yo u run i n t o h er so w i ldly .
o n e t o d efi a n c e an d re b ell i o n .
“ ”
I wo uld ne ve r drea m o f gi vi n g w ay b e for e s uch a pe rso n ! re
t o t t ed C hi u Tun g i n d i gn an tly
“
O n e can see by your dwi n dl i n g a u
.
m e ! I wi ll d e a l wi th th is h u ss y Sh e sh a ll
get to kn ow m e !
.
”
t ouc h a b i t e o f f oo d b u t t h e n e x t da y w h en th e An c est r es s re m a rk e d
, ,
a b ea u ti ful e x te ri or ! P h o e n i x m ea n s so we ll by h er an d n o w s he s h ow s ,
th a t t he A n c es t ress w i th dr e w h er a ff e c t i o n th e y g a v e up a ll co n si d e r a
,
ti o n an d t r ampl e d o n t he poor th i n g in s uc h a w a y t h a t a ll h e r d es ir e
t o li v e v an i sh e d O n ly good L i t tl e P i n g r em a i n e d t ru e t o h e r an d
.
F o r s om e t i m e pas t th e se co n d Y u h a d b ee n pr egn an t It w as i n .
e vi ta bl e t h a t th e i ll tre a tm e n t w hi c h sh e h a d t o
p u t up wi th s h ould ha ve
-
o f c a r e S h e b eg an t o a i l a n d grow th in an d lo se h er a ppe ti t e By da y
. .
O n ce he r d ea d si s t e r t he th i rd Y u a ppe ar e d t o h e r i n he r dre a ms
, ,
.
“
ducks an d sa i d t o h er : D e a r s i s t e r a ll your l i fe you h a v e b ee n too
, , ,
389
of m a li c e an d b a sen ess a n d sh e w i ll n o t rest un t i l sh e h a s h a rri e d yo u
,
t o d e a t h If I w e r e st i ll a l i v e I would n o t h a v e l et i t com e t o t h i s or p er
.
’
i st en ce you i n dulg e d i n sen s u a l pl e asures a n d d estr oy e d o th e r p e opl e s
m a rr i a ges Now you h a v e t o do p en a n c e for i t L i sten t o my a dvi c e a n d
. .
T h e t h i rd Y u s ig h e d an d d i sa pp ea r e d O n th e follow i n g da y wh en
'
.
,
t he s eco n d Y u w a s a lo n e w i th C h i a L i en sh e con fid e d t o h i m t h a t sh e
,
w a s pr e g n a n t b ut t h a t sh e fel t i ll a n d a n x i ou s a b ou t h e r o w n l i f e a n d
,
. .
t a k e l e g a l a c t i o n a g a i n s t h i m B u t Doc t or H u h a d o t word l n t i m e a n d
.
g
h a d a lrea dy fl e d from t h e c i t y C h i a L i en r a g e d an d t h r e a t en e d t o h a v e
.
,
t h e s e rv a n t w h o h a d f et c h e d t h e qu a ck b ea t en t o d ea t h P h o en i x w h i l e .
,
se cr e t ly r ej o i c i n g a ss um e d t h e a pp ea r a n c e o f b ei n g i f po ss i bl e e v en
,
mor e up set a n d i n d i g n a n t t h a n h er h u sb a n d
‘
“ ”
O h wh a t a m i s for t u n e ! sh e l a m en t e d
, No w wh en w e w er e s o .
,
i mplor i n g h ea v en a n d e a r th t o st r i k e h er w i th i l ln es s b ut t o m a k e ,
t h e s e co n d Y u w e ll a g a i n a n d t o bl e ss h er body w i th n e w offs pr in g .
Sh e vow e d t h a t u n t i l t h e n sh e would f a st a n d sa y d a i ly p r a y e rs t o
Budd h a O f cour se ev eryo n e i n th e h ou se w a s t ouc h e d an d c ea sel e ssly
.
3 90
l by swallowi n g cr ud e gold ; d her d ec i si o n
'
qui ck , p a i n ess w ay an w as
m a de .
a t t h e si ck m i st r e ss i n th e ea st e rn w i n g from wh om n o t a c all n o r an ,
t e rri fi e d a n d sh ou t e d a t L i tt le P i n g t o com e L i t t l e P i n g fe l t h er h e a rt .
s p e c t t o i t wi th a loud l a m en t a ti o n An d t h e w a i t i n g m a i d s and se rv in g
-
remor se a n d p i t y t hey j o i n e d 1 n Li tt le P i n g s l am en t a ti on a s lo n g as ’
Ph o en i x w as n o t pr esen t .
l a m en t e d p a t h eti c ally .
i n a ccord a n c e wi th C hi a Li en s wi sh th e body r e m a in e d l ai d o ut o n
’
,
.
th e d ea th w a t c h ov er i t a n d h a d th e cu st om a ry fu n e r a l ri t es c el ebr a t e d
.
ou tsi d e t he ci t y w a ll s b esi d e th at o f h er si st er
, .
CHAPTER 36
,.
La t e o n e eve n i ng j u st a s Pa o Y u h a d go ne to b e d th e w a i t in g m ai d
'
, . , ‘
e
p .
thi n g in a w h i s pe r wi th h i s fa th e r an d sh e had c a ug h t P a o Y u s n a m e
’ ‘
, ,
so sh e w a n t e d t o gi v e h i m a dvan c e w a rn in g fo r a ta lk w i th hi s fa th er
t omorrow Th a t w as t h e o n ly i mportan t thi n g sh e h a d to sa y It w as
. .
si de rab lv .
se c re t co n v e rs a t i o n wi t h hi s f a th e r C hi a C hen g h a d re c en t ly re t urn e d
.
le ft P a o Y u a lo n e an d s p a r e d
th i s t i me u u l v r cro hi m th e s a se e e ss e x
-
th e sec o n d a ry wi fe Ch a o m i g h t h a v e s ug ges t e d th a t a n ew e x a m i n a t i o n
'
3 93
qu i ckly pr ep a r i n g h i mself i n so f a r as h e could an d brus hi n g up h i s
,
~
i n compl et e kn owl e dg e .
O f course th e n i gh t s r est wa s a l so at an en d f or th e w a i t in g m a i d s
’
,
w h o w a t c h e d h i m por i n g ov e r h i s books by t h e l i gh t o f a c an dl e a n d
h ea rd h i m gro a n i n g a n d mo a n i n g a s h e st ren uou sly ra ck e d h i s br a i n s .
“
Such a b ea st ! To surpr i se u s i n t h e m i ddl e of th e n i gh t w i th h er fa lse
a l a rm s ! A fe w good pr i ck s O f a n ee dl e would b e t h e r i g h t t h i n g for
”
h erse lf a n d h er old m i st r ess ! grumbl e d Br i gh t Clo ud a n gri ly M ea n .
clo th e d 1 11 a sh ort t h i n p e tt i co a t
, .
“
Wi ll you n o t p ut o n s om et hi n g w a rm er? Th en i gh t rs cool an d yo u
wi ll c at ch cold he s a i d a n x i ou s ly l ook i n g up from hi s books
”
, ,
.
th i n k o f t h o se n o w !
”
sh e w a rn e d h i m sm i in gly po i n t i ng t o h i s books
,
l
A t th a t mom en t tw o youn g er m a i ds r an i n fr i gh t en e d an d sh ri eki n g
.
“
l t 5 t erri bl e ! W h er e h a s b e r un t o ? T h e p a rk mu st b e s ea rch e d wi th
’
”
l an te rns for h i m ! th ey a ll sa i d c h a tt e r in g t og et h er exc i t edly B ut th e
,
l
.
“ ”
Th i s h a rd n i gh t work w i ll n o t r ea lly help yo u v e ry much she ,
a n d j u st s t a y i n b ed i n th e morn i n g ! T h en w i ll et ov e r t h e
’
yo u g
”
t roubl e .
a nd l a
y dow n qu i et ly t o sl ee p B u t firs t o f a ll h e g a v e i n st ruc ti o ns f o r
.
a ll t h e wom en a n d t h e m a l e port e r s o f th e g a t e w a t c h t o s ea rc h ev e ry
“
Non se n s e ! T he g i rls report i s prob a bly qu i t e correct ; yo u h a ve n o t
se a rch e d w ell Br i ght Cloud d ec la r e d firmly t o th e se rv ants Of th e
,
t er i s i ll from e xc i t em en t ; h e h a s a fe v er a n d IS s w ea t i n g a ll o v er hi s
m
"
’
body I m go in g t o h i s o th er t o fet ch p i lls t o get down th e fe v e r
.
.
T h e o th er p e rs o n s i mpl i c a t e d r e c ei v e d t w en t y st r i p es a n d w er e p un
i sh ed b es i d es by d e duc t i o n o f t h r ee mo n th s w a g e s a nd r e duc e d t o th e
’
,
ch i e f c ulpr i ts w a s Gr ee t i n g of Spri n g s n ur se Pr e c i ou s Cl a sp a n d Bl a ck
’
.
, A n ce s t r
’
n ur se t o s a v e t h e i r cou si n s f a c e ; b u t t h e
, e ss r em a i n e d u u r e
n ur se o u t of t h e h ou se .
o f t h e p a rk Sh e w a s j u st a b o u t t o en te r t h e p a rk g a t e wh en th e m a i d
.
,
e mbro i d e re d b a
g m he r h a n d ra n i n t o h er p a t h , .
co n st an t a mu semen t ; i t w as sh e w h o h a d g i v en h er th e n a m e Of N um
s k ull Sh e t r ea t e d t h e you n g gi rl wi th s p e c i a l i n dulg en c e a n d e v en a l
‘
.
,
low e d h e? t o pl a y i n t h e p a rk n ow a n d then i n h er sp a r e t i m e It w as .
o n o n e o f th ese frol i c s t h at sh e h a d j u s t n ow p i ck e d up a b ri g h t ly em
a n d o n t h e b a ck a s er i es o f wr i tt en c h a r a c t e r s O ur N u ms kull ha d n o .
i n kl i n g of th e v er n a l s i gn i fic a n c e o f t h e p i c t ure Sh e i nn oc en t ly th ough t .
t h a t t h e t w o n a k e d fi g ur es w er e ei t h e r t w o d emo n s fi gh t i n g o r a m a r
‘
s
'
t o th e A n c estr es s w h en sh e ra n i n t o Pr i n c ess S h i eh o n t he w a y .
“
Oh wh a t b ea u t i ful th i n g h a sour Num skull p i cke d up t h a t sh e s so
’
, ,
? ”
p l ea se d a bou t Let m e h a v e a look a sk ed th e Pr i n c e ss , .
“
Y es i t s s om eth i n g wo n d erfully b e a u t i ful ! H er e lo ok a t i t yo urs elf
’
"
, , _ ,
”
Ta i ta i ! re pli e d Num s kull a s sh e h e ld up th e b a g t o t h e Pri n c ess A
, .
“ ”
Wh ere di d you p i ck i t up sh e i n qu ir e d exc i t e dly
? .
96
I foun d i t b etw een th e rocks wh en I w as ca tch in g grassh oppe rs .
“ °
b a g i n th e pocke t o f h er sl eeve an d sh a ki n g h e r h ea d se t o ff f o r t h e
, ,
“
Th a t i s a n i c e t urn your n urs e h a s pl ay e d you ! A n d to th i n k th a t a
b i g sen si bl e g i rl l i k e yo u could a llow s uch af th i n g t o h a pp en an d n ot
” “
Op en her mou th ! sh e sa i d r epro a c h fully t o Greet i n g o f Spri n g A n d .
”
t h a t s uc h a t h i ng sh ould h a ppe n t o my d a ugh t e r o f a ll p e opl e !
,
“
I t ook h er t o ta sk twi c e b ut i t w as n o us e Wh a t more could I do ?
, .
“
Non sen se ! You a re h e r m i str es s; an d i t w a s n o t o n ly your r i ght b ut
a l s o your du t y t o k e ep an e e o n h er i f sh e w a s n o t b eh a vi n g prope rly
y ,
.
A n d i f sh e di d n o t ob ey yo u yo u sh ould h a v e i n form e d m e A n d w h a t
, .
i
”
t in ue d a ppe a l in g t o h e r s en s e o f h o n or :
, Y our o wn mo th e r th e co n c n ,
i s all th e sa m e t o m e I ha ve n e i th er s o ns n o r da ug h te rs o f my ow n an d
. ,
“
What a bo u t th a t j e we lry o f yours w hi ch w as lo st— th e gold br ai d e d -
? ”
ph oeni x clas p wi th the pear l in se ts as ke d th e w ai ti n g m ai d O r an g e
3 97
as s oon a s th e Pr in c es s h a d l e f t When I d i s cover e d th e lo ss I at o n c e.
s u s p e c t e d t h a t your n ur se m i g h t h a v e t a k en t h e pr e c i ou s a r t i cl e a n d
c h ess m a i d h a d p u t i t a w a y b ut w h en I a ske d h er sh e sa i d sh e h a d l a st
“
t h e fi fte en t h of t h e ei gh th mo n t h t h e da y of t h e M i d Au t um n F est i v a l ,
-
.
”
a n d a sk h e r abou t i t .
”
A h w h a t for ! r e pl i e d Gree t i n g of Sprm g 1 n di ff eren t ly O f cour se
, .
sh e h a s t a k en i t I my s e lf g a v e h er pe rm i ss i o n b e ca u s e sh e w as i n s om
'
.
.
e
t h a t sh e h a s so m a n o t h e r t roubl e s I do n t w an t t o worry h er w i t h t h i s
’
y ,
”
m a tt er .
“
Sh e r em e mb e rs i t w ell en o ugh ; she s j u st cou n t i n g o n your good
’
? ”
gi ve i t b a ck for a few str i n g s o f mo n e y W h a t do yo u t h in k .
“
Le t i t b e ! W h y a ll thi s fu s s ? I do n o t m i ss t h e p i e c e a t a ll .
'
si d e She w a s t h e w i fe o f t h e s e rv a n t Y u Kw ei a n d h a d com e t o
.
p ut i n ,
w a s ou t s i d e s h e h a d h a ppe n e d t o h e a r t h e d i s cu s si o n b e t we en Gr eet i n g
o f Spr i n g a nd O r a n g e r e g a rd i n g t h e lo s t p i e c e o f j e w e lry When she .
h e ard O r a n g e s d e c i s i o n t o go t o M a d am e P h o en i x a n d r eport t h e m a t
’
t er sh e fe l t i mpe ll e d t o i n t e rv en e a n d sh e w a lke d i n wi t h a s m i l e F i r st
, ,
.
.
,
“ ’
It s compl e tely u sel ess ! My cou si n s a n d I h a v e a lr e a dy b egg e d i n
“
”
v a i n for m ercy for h er Gr ee t i n g of Spr i n g i n form e d h er curt ly
, .
“
Sure ly S i st e r i n la w yo u a re n o t m a ki n g t he ret ur n o f t he j e we lry
,
- -
3 98
d ep en den t upo n my youn g l a dy s i n t e rc e d i n g f or you r mo th er in ’
la w ?
’
- -
”
On e m a tte r h a s n o th i n g t o do w i th t he o th e r s a i d O ra n ge sha rply ,
.
“
K i n dly bri n g b a ck t he j ew elry fir st , an d th en w e w i ll di scus s m a tt ers
”
Y
”
fur th er !
“
Non eof your i mpuden c e M iss ! r epl i e d t he o th er; ann oy e d a t the
”
,
“
doubl e r ebuff : In o the r pl ac es pe opl e st i ll h a ve comp a ssi on for t h eir
o l d n ur s es B u t h e r e t h e y a re st i n gy a n d i f th e a cc oun t do es n o t t a lly
.
,
sh or t of ev e ry t h i n g A n d w h o w a s i t w h o a lw a y s h e lpe d h er o u t ? M y
.
? ”
o wn p o ck et i n t h i s w a y up t o t od a y A n d w h o r e p a y s h er t h e lo ss eh .
,
s p ea k i n g .
“
E n ough of t h i s qu arr ell i n g ! I r el in qu i sh th e j ew elry sh e dec i d e d ,
.
If my mo th e r a s ks a bou t i t I w i ll j u st sa th a t I h a v e lo st i t A n d th a t
y ,
”
.
set t l es t h e m a t t e r A n d n ow go a w a y ! B ut
.
yo u br i n g m e t ea ! she sa i d ,
t urn i n g t o O r a n g e M u tt e r i n g a n d s ul ki n g O r an g e w en t o ff t o t h e
.
,
up a book .
h a ve t o b e fi n a n c e d b u t th e fun d s w er e ex h au ste d an d th e n ew r en ts
,
a s i gn L i tt l e P i n g a n d th e o t h e r w a i t i n g m
~
a i d s ha d t o l ea v e t h e roo m .
pe rfum e b a g an d w i th t ea rs in h er e y es si l en t ly h eld i t up t o Ph o en ix
, .
400
Whe r e o n ea rth di d yo u get s uch a th in g ke d Ph oen i x a fte r sh e ? ” as
h a d n o t e d wi t h h orror th e i n de c en t p i c t ure o n th e b a g .
”
Whe r e di d I get i t re pli ed the Ta i ta i i n a t o ne o f s uppresse d ex
?
“
c i t e m en t . It w a s ly in g a b ou t in bro a d d a yl i g h t b e tw ee n th e r o cks i n
t h e p a rk Num s kull foun d i t a n d w a s a lr e a dy o n her w a
y t o sh ow i t t o
‘
n o w yo u do th i s t o m e ! H o w o n e a rth could
yo u b e so t h oug h t l ess as t o
”
l e a ve th e t hi n g ly i n g a bou t i n t he p a rk ?
“ ”
B ut w h y do yo u a ss um e t h a t th e th i n g b elo n g s to m e ? as k e d P h oe
n i x t urn i n g p a l e
, .
“
W h o els e could i t b e b u t yo u ? W e o th ers are mi ddl e a ge d wom en -
i i h ? No ! Th e r e ca n b e n
g r l s n t e p a rk o qu e s t i o n o f th a t ! No ! It mus t
Y o u n ee d n o t d en y i t It i s o n ly lucky th a t i t w a s n o t fou n d by a n y o f
.
”
c a ught si gh t o f i t O h I d a re n o t e ven t h i n k o f th a t !
J
?
,
T a i ta i Now sh e t h re w h e r s e lf a t h er f eet
. .
“
You a re qu i te ri gh t Au n t b ut I a ssure you t h a t I h a v e n e ve r po s
, ,
o
”
sesse d s uc h a b a a n d I h a v e n o i d e a h o w i t go t i n t o th e p a rk sh e
g , ,
“
pro t este d w i t h tea rs J ust look clo sely at th i s thin g wi th i ts tas se ls It
- .
i s a c h ea p st r ee t m a rke t ar t i cl e a b a d i mi t a ti o n Of a p a l a c e p a tte rn I
-
,
.
h a v e n e v e r l i k e d s uc h t a wdry st ufl B ut i f I po ssess e d an y th i n g o f th at
.
'
?
s i b ly see i t How could you th i n k m e a p abl e of s uc h th oug h tl ss ess
e n
.
c
After a ll I am n o t t he o n ly youn gi sh wom a n in th e p a l a ce O v e r i n th e
,
.
e ast e rn p a l a c e th e r e i s S i s te r in l a w C h en wh om o n e ca n h a rdly r e g a rd
- -
i n t ri g u e wi th s om e fri en d a mo n g th e m al e st a ff ? W h y 1 5 i t j us t I w h o
am s us pe c t e d ? ”
40 1
”
Do et up ! sh e s a i d pl a c a t e d I k n ow w ell th a t yo u are th e b est o f
g ,
.
mpropr y v do y ou j u i c B wh h l l d ?
i i e t I h a
. e n e a n i n s t e u t a t s a w e o n o w .
”
d i s gu st i n g obj e ct just n ow ~
.
“
D o n o t worry I kn ow wh a t t o do Abov e all w e mu st a vo i d an y
. .
,
fu ss i n ord er t o s p a r e th e old T a i t a i a n y n ew e xc i t e m en ts A s i t i s
'
.
, ,
ca n r e ly upo n s uc h a s th e wi v es o f th e st ew ar ds C h ou Ju i a n d L a i
,
wi th t he forb i dd en g a mbl i n g In t h i s w ay th i s an d t h a t o ff en se wi ll
.
,
? ”
Wh a t do you th i n k
“
You a re qui te r i gh t ; I a m i n full a gree m en t r epl i e d the Ta i ta i ,
wi th a si gh On th e o th e r h an d I would n ot l i ke t o b e un fa i r t o o ur
.
,
P h o en i x h a d th e fi v e r e li a bl e eld erly l a di es wh om sh e h a d i n m i n d
brough t in a n d g a v e t h e m th e n e c essa ry in stru ct i on s Th e T a i ta i
, .
C h en g a dd e d t o the se fi v e th e w if e o f th e st ew a rd W an g S h a n Pa o wh o ,’
h a d com e i n by c h an c e t o ea v es dr op Sh e w a s o n e o f Pri n c es s S h i eh s
’
.
s e rvi n g wom en a n d en j oy e d h er s p e c i a l co n fi d e n c e an d i t w a s sh e w h o ,
“
A sk your m i s tr ess i f sh e would s en d yo u f or a ti m e t o th e p a rk as .
”
s up e rv i s or a s a s e ci al f a vor f or m e
, p M a d a m e C h en g sa i d t o h er Sh e
,
.
, ,
sh e w en t i n t o t h e p a rk .
“
Th er e i s n o n ee d t o w a st e word s on th e s ubj e ct ; a st ri ct in v est i g a
402
m an s v i c i n i t y sh e l i e d The Ta i ta i sh ould i n qu i r e o f h i s p ers o n a l
’
,
.
”
w a i t i n g m a i d s P e a rl an d Mu sk
,
.
“
'
“
I u se d t o se rv e the o ld T a i ta i b ut b e c a u se M a st er P a o Y u som e
,
t i m es fel t n ervou s a n d lo n e ly i n t h e b i g p a rk I w a s l a t e r a s si gn e d t o t h e
'
B e gon i a Cour t y a rd a n d I do n i gh t w a t ch t h er e i n th e ou t er c h a mb e rs .
R ea lly I di d n o t w an t t o go a n d I a ske d th e o l d T a i ta i t o ke e p m e w i th
,
w i th th e p er so n a l aff a i rs of th e you n g g en tl em an A n d so I g a v e i n I . .
H i s s erv i n g wom e n an d t he w a i t i n g m a i d s P e a rl Mu s k an d Au tu mn , ,
e v e r h a v e t o look a f t e r t h e you n g g en t l e m a n B u t i f o u w i sh I c a n do
y .
,
”
s o from n o w o n .
“
By Budd h a I am gl a d t o h ea r th a t you h a v e so l i tt l e t o do i n h i s
,
”
v i c i n i t y ! cr i e d M a d a m e C h en g w h o t ook wh a t t h e g i rl h a d s a i d t o b e
,
w i th your m a st e r i n fu t ur e O n t h e co n t r a ry I sh a ll a sk th e o l d T a i
.
,
t a i t o t a k e you a w a y a g a i n U n t i l th e n kee p an e e o n h er ! D o n o t a l
.
y ,
”
low h er t o b e n e a r h i m a t n i gh t ! sh e sa i d t urn i n g t o t h e si x s upe r ,
“
v i sor s A n d t h en t o Br i gh t Cloud : G et o u t ! Wh a t are yo u l i n g e ri n g
.
”
h e r e for Th e s i gh t of you g ets o n my n e rv es ! Br i g h t Cloud s l i ppe d
?
o u t qu i ckly T h e T a i t a i a n gr i ly mu t t e r e d s om e th i ng w h i ch s oun d ed
.
“ “ ”
l i ke W it ch a n d S e duc e r a s sh e w en t o u t a n d ord er e d th a t a str i ct ,
h ou se t o h ou s e s ea rc h sh ould t a k e pl a c e i n th e p a rk th a t sa m e ev en i n g
- -
h er t our of i n s p e c t i o n w i th t h e ov er s ee r s All t h e p a rk g a t es h a d t o b e
”
l o ok e d a ft e r t h em wh en t h e y h a d en t e r e d T h e s ea rch s t a r t e d in th e .
a p a r t m e n t s of t h e n i gh t w a t c h s t a ff T h er e a s l i gh t e xc e ss ov e r th e
.
p re
s cri b e d st ock s of l a mp s c a n dle s a n d o i l w a s di s co v er e dQ
, ,
“
Th a t cou n t s a s st ol en prop e r ty It i s n o t t o b e t ouch e d un t i l I i n form
.
t h e Ta i t a i i n t h e mor n i n g w i fe of th e st e w a rd W a n g S ha n Pa o de
cl a re d se v e r e ly T h en t h e y w en t on t o t h e B e go n i a Court y a rd
.
.
“
W e a re look i n g for a v a lu a bl e obj e c t wh i c h h a s b een lo st On e of
-
t h e w a i t i n g m a i d s i s s u s p e c t e d of b e i n
”
g the th i e f Ph o en i x e xpl a in e d ,
t o th e a s t o n i s h e d P a o Y u a s a r e a s o n for t h e l a t e v i si t W h i l e sh e s a t
, .
40 4
o ut th e co n ten ts It c a m e t o a hea te d exc ha n ge of word s b et ween W a ng
.
cul i n e ori g i n .
st opp e d h e r m a d e h e r li e down a g a i n an d s a t a n d c h a t t e d pl e a sa n t ly
, ,
w i th ou t r e s ult Th e r e w e re o n ly a few su sp i c i ou s a rt i cl es fo un d a mo n g
.
the m a i d Cuckoo s t hi n g s s uc h a s f an s w i t h wr i t i n g o n th e m l i tt l e b a g s
’
, , ,
a n d b e l t buckl e s b u t P h o en i x a t o n c e co n fi rm e d th es e as b e i n g h a rm
,
l ess b i r th d a y g i ft s from Pa o Y u .
t h e d el e g a t i o n i n fro n t of t h e door a t t h e h ea d o f h er w a i t i n g m a i d s a ,
“
If my wa i t i n g m a i d s stea l t h en of course I a m the he a d of th e rob
b er b an d W i ll yo u n o t b egm your se a rc h w i t h m e ? My box e s a n d
.
n i x t r ea t e d h er b e for e b e g i n n in g Sh e ord e r e d t h e m a i d s t o s pr ea d o u t
.
h i g h comm i s s i o n P h o en i x ord e re d th e m a i d s t o cl ea r th em a w a y a g a i n
.
wi t h ou t looki n g a t t hem .
“
I a m a c t i n g o n h i g h e r a u th or i ty ; th e r e fore you n ee d n o t b e a n gry
”
wi th m e sh e sa i d w i th an emb a rr a ss e d smi l e try i n g t o p a c i fy the
, ,
a n gry g i rl .
“ ”
Oh pl ea se do n o t b e d e te rre d ! repli e d T as te o f Spri n g i rr i t a bly
, , ,
.
Wh a t i s fa i r t o my m a i d s i s fa i r t o m e B esi d es I kn ow up t o th e l a s t . ,
n ee dle wh a t t h e y h a v e a n d th e y ce rt a in ly h a v e n o th i n g w h i c h is
,
s t ol en you m a y b e s ur e o f t h a t ! Y o u would b e mo re li ke ly t o fi n d s t ol e n
,
goods wi th m e .
w an te d t o en d th e s c en e qu i ckly an d ro se t o go .
“
Oh do pleas e se a rc h th oroug h ly ! T h e re m a y n o t b e a n o th e r o ppor
“
,
I wi l l n o t be h e re fo r i t a s ec o n d
405
Oh i t , sa ll ri gh t I t a ke your word th a t your w a i t in g m ai d s are n o t
’
,
t h i e v es ,
prot ested Ph o en i x w i th a sm i l e
’’
.
“
H a v e you sea rch e d t h orough ly a ske d T a ste o f Spri n g t urn i n g t o
? ”
, _
t h e o the r m e mb e r s of t h e comm i ss i o n .
“
Y es th oroug h ly r e pli e d t h e s up e rvi sor s sm i l i n g a s the y follow e d
’
, , , ,
Ph o en i x t o th e door B u t o n e o f th em n a m ely th e wi fe o f W a n g S h an
.
, ,
‘ , , ,
i n qu i s i ti v ely p o k ed i n t o eve ry f o ld
-
“
O n ly a l i tt l e p er so n a l se a rc h sh e r em a rked gr i nn i n g m ali c i ou sly
, , .
o l d wom a n a r es oun d in g b o x on t h e ea r s .
“ ”
How d a r e you touc h m e ! cr i e d T a st e o f Spr i n g en r a g ed If t he , .
”
i mpud en c e h a s go n e t o o f a r !
Whi l e sh e fa sten e d up t h e bu t t o n s of h er gown wi th h er l eft h a n d ,
s h e dr ew P h o en i x b a ck w i t h h er r i g h t .
0
“
Wi ll you se a rch m e plea se? I h a v e n o obj ec t i o n b ut sp a re m e the
, ,
”
i gn om i n y of b ei n g se a rc he d by a sl a v e ! sh e c ri e d a n gr i ly .
p
” “
a n gry w i t h h er ! s a i d P h o en i x t ry i n g t o ,
a c i fy t h e exc i t e d g i rl And .
”
you get o ut of h ere ! sh e cr i e d t o old Wa n g .
“
I w i ll compl a i n t o t h e old T a t t a i t omo rrow d ecl a r ed T a st e o f ,
Spr i n g a n gr i ly
, .
“
A n d I w i ll compl a i n t omy m i st r ess a n d t o your mo the r t he s cold ,
,
“
w i n dow Such a t hi n g h a s n e ve r h a pp en e d t o m e b efor e i n my li fe ! T o
.
”
h a v e my ea r s box e d i n my old a ge ! I d em a n d s a t i s f a c t i on !
“
Do you h ea r h er b a wl i n g ? Ap par en t ly sh e h a s n o t yet h a d en ou gh ,
t h e w a i t i n g m a i d s ra n o u t i n fro n t of t h e w i n dow .
“
B e r ea so n a bl e a n d k ee p qu i et a t l ast ! she sa i d to th e old wom a n
”
.
, ,
406
t old th e t ru th , wh i mp ere d th e p a i n t i n g m ai d H a ve m e an d my .
”
bro th er b ea t en t o d ea th i f I h a ve li e d !
“
Now c a lm your self No th i n g w i ll h a pp en t o yo u i f th e Pri n ce con
, .
’
firm s your i n form a ti o n B ut i n fut ur e yo u mus t n o t ta ke o th er pe opl e s
.
”
b elo n g i n gs i nt o your c h a rge .
“
W hy are you so le n i en t S i st er i n la w Ph o en i x ? I do n o t l i ke h e r
,
- -
”
a n y mor e A t b est sh e w i ll corrup t th e o th er s
. d ecla re d Gr i ef o f Spr i n g
,
.
m a kes a li t t l e m i st a ke s om et i m e sa i d Ph oe n i x w i th a pl a c at i n g sm i l e
,
.
“ ”
I f I on ly kn ew w h o i t w as w ho smuggl e d i n t h e th i n gs .
“ ”
Prob a bly o l d C h an g a t th e b a ck g a t e sa i d Gr i e f o f S pr in g She
,
.
“
Ta ke a n o te of h er n a m e ! I sh a ll qu est i o n he r l a t er sa i d Ph o en i x , ,
'
t urn in g t o h er a tt en d an t s a n d m a ki n g r ea dy t o d e p a r t Th e w i fe o f th e .
st ew a rd C h ou J 11 1 h a d t o p a ck up t h e a rt i cl es w h i c h h a d b een foun d a n d
t a k e t h e m w i th h er .
It h a pp en e d t h a t th e a fore m en ti o n e d C h an g w a s a r e l a t i ve o f old
W a n g b ut t h ey h a d b een o n b a d t e rm s f o r s om e t i m e p a st S i n c e o ld .
Now h ea r i n g h er en emy s n a m e m en t i o n e d i t s ee m e d t o o ld W a n g j u st
,
“ ’
,
“
Prob a bly i t w a s o ld C h a n g w ho smuggl e d th e i n d e cen t pe r f um e b a g
” “
i n t o th e p a rk sh e w h i s p e r e d t o Ph o en i x o n th e w a
, y You mu s t cer .
”
t a i n ly qu est i o n h er .
“
N 0 n ee d for yo u t o t e ll m e th a t ; I kn ow i t my se lf r epli e d P h o en i x ,
brus qu e ly .
Spri n g w a s a lr ea dy a sl ee p h er m a i d s w e r e go i n g t o b e d an d i t wa s
, , .
th e y w er e a dm i t t e d .
“
Th e youn g l a dy n ee d n ot b e d i st urb e d ; let h er s l ee p o n s a i d P h o e ,
n ix a n d w en t st r a i g ht n t o t h e w a i t i n g m a i ds room W h en t h e y h a d
i
’
, .
th e y c a m e a t l a st t o t h e c h e s ma i d s th i n g s
’
.
s .
“ ”
op en t runk, she m urmur e d No th i n g t o b e foun d an d w a s a bout t o
clo se th e cove r when th e st ew a rd s wi fe Mrs C h ou Jui st oppe d her
,
’
, .
, .
408
”
No w ,
I do n t c a ll th at a t h oro ugh sea rch ! On e mu st b e j us t !
n ow !
’
wri t i n g on i t C h ou h a n de d th e a rt i cl es t o Ph o en i x No w , a s m a n a geress
. .
o f t i m e sh e h a d a cqu i r e d s om e kn owl e dg e o f t h e wr i t t en l a n gu a g e Sh e
,
.
w a s th e r e fore a bl e t o d e c i p h e r t h e wr i t i n g on th e c a rd an d t o h er sur ,
pri se sh e r ea d th e follow i n g : n ow o ur p a r en ts a l s o kn ow h ow w e
st a n d w i t h e a c h o t h e r si n c e your v i si t o f l a st mo n th a n d t h ey a p prov e
, ,
.
th i n k of g e tt i n g m a rr i e d If a m ee t i n g i n t h e p a rk i s po ssi bl e gi v e m e
“
word a g a i n t h ro u gh Mo th e r C ha n g It i s much ea si e r t o t al k un d i s .
t ur b e d i n t h e p a rk t h a n a t h om e Tod a y I duly r e c e i v e d t h e pr a y e r .
yo u h e r e wi th a p e rfum e b a g t h e d ecor a t i o n on w h i c h i n d i c a t es my f ee l
,
Ph o en i x w a s d el i gh t e d w i th h er d i s cov e ry H er e i n h er h a n d sh e h a d .
“ ”
Th er e mu st b e blun d er s i n th e a ccoun t t o m a ke t he Na i na i l a ugh ?
’
do es your gra n dd a u gh ter s cou s in b ea r th e n a m e o f F a n an d n o t yo ur
? ”
f a m i ly n a m e o f W a n g a ske d P ho en i x m i sch i evou sly .
”
h e i s my gr an dda ugh te r s cou si n ; h i s mo th e r i s a Fa n by m a rri a g e
’
.
t h e h e a d sh a k i n g a roun d h er
-
o l d W a n g w a s s o co n foun d e d a n d
,
a sh a m e d th a t sh e w i sh e d t h e grou n d co ul d h a v e s wa llow e d h er Sh e h a d .
b een o ut t o c a t ch Othe r s si n n i n g a n d n o w sh e a n d h er f a mi ly w er e ,
“
Now wh at do you s ay t o th i s p i e ce o f
, It
’ ”
c a n t b e qu i bble d o r e xpl a in e d a w a y r e m a rke d h er collea gu e C h ou ,
J ui m a l i c i ou sly
, .
“
T he y m ea n t i t w e ll a n d w a n t ed t o sp a re th ei r gr a n dmo th e r th e
t roubl e of n e go t i a t i n g A t n i g h t w h en a ll t h e b i rds w e r e si l en t t hey
.
, ,
4 10
g a r de n w a ll Co n v ersa t i on c e ase d i nst an t ly Eve ryo n e li st en ed wi th h air
. .
st a n d i n g o n en d t o t h e s oun d s from ou ts i d e .
“ ”
W h o i s th er e ? t h e Pri n c e c a ll e d o ut i n a sh a rp vo i c e The r e w a s n o .
a n sw e r .
“
Th e s oun d mu st h a v e com e from b eh i n d th e w a ll Evi d en t ly o n e o f
-
”
t h e s e rv an ts i s lo a fi n g a bou t t h e r e wh i sp e r e d t he Pri n c ess
, .
“
Non sen se ! T he s e rv a n ts qu a rt e r s a re muc h t o o f a r a w a y W ho
’
.
t h e T e mpl e of A n c es t or s w e r e d i s t i n c t ly h e a rd t o op en a n d s h u t a g a in
‘
T h e follow i n g da y dur i n g th e u s u a l M i d—
, Moon c er emo n y i n th e Hall
of Glo ri fi ca t i on h e look e d a rou n d c a r e fully for a n y t r a c e s o f th e m ys
t er i o us occurr en c es o f t h e pr e vi ou s n i gh t B ut h e could n o t p e rc ei v e t h e .
C hi a C h en g h a d a lr ea dy a rr i v e d a n d w er e en d ea vor i n g t o ke ep the
,
a t a r e s p e c t ful d i s t a n c e t h e m a l e j un i or s— C h i a L i en
, Pa o Y u C h i a , ,
co n ve r s a t i o n o f t h e e ld e rs .
“ ”
Ho w h a s P a o Y u b een p ro gress i n g r ecen tl y i n a rc h ery ? t h e A n ces
t r ess a s k e d Pr i n c e C h e n w h o h a d mod est ly s at down on th e e dg e of a
,
s e a t n ea r t h e door .
“ ”
Spl en d i dly r e pl i e d Pri n c e Ch en poli t ely j ump i n g up H e ha s n o t
, ,
.
o n ly i mprov e d h i s a i m b ut i s a l s o b e com in g u se d t o w ea po n s of h ea v i er
”
c a l i b er.
“
Th a t i s good B ut he sh o uld n o t ov erdo i t a n d ex e rt h i m se lf t oo
.
“
Th e moo n c a kes w e re m a d e by a n e xp e r t co n f ec ti o n e r w h om I got
re c en t ly for my ki t c hen I to o fi n d t h a t th e m e lon s do n o t t ast e so good
.
, ,
”
t h i s se as o n as in p a s t y ea rs ; I do n o t kn ow w h a t i s th e r ea so n .
41 2
Prob ably i t i s b e c a us e th e s umm e r w as t oo we t sa i d C hi a Ch en g , .
der sh e le d th e comp an y to th e p a rk g a te h un g a ll ov e r w i th r a m s h o rn ’
-
, ,
ta b l e h a d b ee n set fo r a n op e n a i r b a n qu e t The pl a c e w a s f es ti v e ly -
.
n ea r b y Em e r a ld Co n e Th e p a v i l i o n w a s m a d e r ea dy i n a gr ea t h urry
-
. .
c en t M a d a m e Ch en g a n d th e o th er l a d i es a fr a i d th a t sh e m i gh t m i ss
.
,
t o a llow h e r se lf t o b e c a rr i e d up o n a s e d a n c h a i r ; b u t th e v i gorous o ld
l a dy w h o h a d c ele br a te d h er ei gh ti et h b i rt h d a y o n ly a sh or t t ime b e
,
s in e w s could n o t h a rm h er s h e d e cl a r e d l a ug h i n g , ,
.
se rv i n g wom en w i t h r a ms h orn l a n t e rn s l i g h t e d th e w a y in fr o n t o f th e
’
-
s umm i t w i t h ou t m i sha p by a p a t h o f m a n y w i n di n g s
,
.
a t o n e t a bl e wi th t h e m a l e m emb e rs o f th e f a mi ly w hi l e t h e l a d i es o c ,
cup i e d t h e o t h e r t a bl e compl et e ly .
41 3
ten ced t o dr i n k a gobl et o f wi n e a n d t re a t th e comp an y t o a n an ec dot e .
It h a pp en e d t h a t t h e first p e r s o n i n wh o se h a n d th e br a n ch re m a i n e d
w as th e s t e rn C h i a C h en g A s urr e p t i t i ou s r i ppl e o f g i ggl es a ccom
. .
,
p a n y t o t h e o n ly an ecdo te h e h a d i n st ock .
“
B ut i f i t do es n o t m a ke us l a ug h th er e wi ll b e a n a dd i t i o n a l fi n e ,
s a i d t h e A n c est r ess .
“ ”
Agr ee d .
A n d C h i a C h en g b e g a n : Th e r e o n c e l i ve d a m an w h o h a d a mo st
t e rr i bl e r e s p ec t for h i s w i fe .
He h a d o n ly g o t a s f ar a s t h i s wh en th e wh ol e comp an y b urs t o ut i n
loud l a ugh ter forc i n g h i m t o a br i e f rh et or i c a l p a u se
,
_
.
“ ? ”
W ell h e sa i d t urn i n g tri umph an t ly t o th e A n ce st r ess
, .
“
Th en i t sh ould b e your o w n t urn n ex t t o dri n k a gl a ss by w ay o f '
”
fo rfei t j oke d C h i a C hen g
, .
“ ”
Agr ee d .
“
r esum e d th ei r se a ts Mr C h en g co n tin u e d : More ov e r th e sa i d m an
, .
,
n ev e r d a r e d t o s t a y a w a
yfrom h om e f o r lon g b ut on c e o n t h e day o f , ,
, ,
'
c a rou sa l i n th e h ou se of a mu t u a l fr i en d In th e en d h e b ec a m e so t i p sy .
t h a t h e qu i t e forgo t a bou t go i n g h om e a n d s p en t t h e n i g h t w i th h i s
‘
.
,
“
T a ke t h i s as a w a rn i n g yo u m a rri e d m en a n d dr i n k on ly wa rm e d
, ,
”
wi n e ! It i s mor e b en efic i a l th a n co ld w in e sh e s a i d a mi dst a ren ewed
-
, ,
414
i n h e ri t e d fr a gr an c e o f t r a d i t i o n a l cul t ur e i n h er ent i n th e h ou se o f C hi a
, ,
“
r em a i n e d co n t r i bu te d th e followi n g an e cdo t e : Th e r e on c e w a s a m a n
,
wom a n o n ly kn ew ho w t o g i ve t r ea t m en t w i t h t h e pun c t ur i n g n ee dl e ,
a n d sh e a l s o kn e w a l i tt l e a b ou t c a u t e r i z a t i on b u t sh e h a d n o i d ea o f ,
t h e h i gh er a r t s of m e d i c in e She di a gn o s e d t h e i lln e ss a s fi re i n t h e
'
‘
.
a m a tt e r o f a l i tt l e pr i ck b e t w e en th e r i b s th e old wom an a s s ur e d h i m
’
.
,
Y es b ut t h en t h e h ea rt w i ll n o t b en efi t from i t H ea v en kn ows h ow f ar
‘
.
,
’
a w a y from t h e r i b s t h e h e a r t i s si t u a t e d th e so n obj e c t e d o n c e mor e
, .
‘ ’
Th a t i s a ll r i ght A t ru e mo th er s h ea r t i s so b i g th a t i t r ea ch es ri gh t
.
’ ”
down t o t h e r i b s the qu a ck doct or sa i d fi n a lly r e a ss uri n g h i m
,
'
,
.
'
h a d g i ven a t est of h i s a b i li t y w h i c h i n Mr C l en g 5 op i n i o n w as a f ai l
’
.
,
m i gh t n o w t a ke t h e i r l ea v e a n d en j oy t h em se lv es wi t h t h ei r pe r s o n a l
fr i en d s a t th e oth e r si d e It w a s a lr e a dy th e h our o f th e se con d n i gh t
.
-
sa i d .
A s s oo n a s th e g en t l em en h a d go n e th e A n c est r e ss h a d th e fold i n g
s cr een r emov e d a n d th e tw o t abl es p ush e d t og et h e r The l a d i es t h en .
“ ”
ch a n ge d th ei r dre sses w a sh e d th e i r h an d s r i n se d o ut th ei r mou ths
, ,
h er e y es a bou t h e r an d r em a rk e d s a dly t h a t t h i s y e a r th e re w e r e m an y
g a p s i n t h e c i rcl e a rou n d t h e t a bl e Ph o en i x a n d th e W i dow Ch u w er e .
“
L a st y ea r i t w a s mor e c heerful ; tr u e th e m en w e r e a b sen t b ut w e , ,
It j u s t sh ow s h o w d iffi cul t i t i s t o h a ve ev e ry th i n g o n e w an ts a t th e sa m e
”
t i m e i n t h i s world sh e s i g h e d , .
In ord e r t o r a i se t h e s p i ri t s of th e cb m p a n y she h a d th e li tt l e w in e
gl a sses r epl a c e d by b i g gobl et s w i th t h e resul t th a t i n a sh ort t i m e a ll
,
4 16
fron t o f th e H a ll o f Blo ssoms a n d ord ered the serv i n g wome n a n d m a i d
se rv a n ts t o si t comfor t a bly on t h e st e p s a n d ha v e a good t i m e a n d e n j oy
t h e fru i t s a n d d a i n t i es w h i c h h a d b e en d i s t r i bu t e d to t h e m for t h e s ta ff ,
“
Flu t e mu s i c i s j u st w ha t w e w a n t i n thi s glor i ou s moon l i g ht p ro ,
“
Th a t would b e to o much o f a good th i n g obj ec t e d t he A n c est ress ,
.
s i n gl e si mpl e flu t e pl a y i n g v e ry g e n t ly i n t h e d i s t a n c e
, .
expe c t i n g o n e of Pr i n c es s S h i eh s se rv i n g wom en c a m e a n d w h i sp er e d
’
,
’
s om e t h i n g i n h er m i s t r e ss s e a r T h e Pr i n c e h a d s t umbl e d o n a s t o n e
.
l ea ve t h e comp a n y .
“
N i e c e C hen m a y go w i th you a t the sa m e t i me ; i t i s t i m e for her to
”
go h om e the A n c es t r ess a dde d
, .
“
O h n o I s h ould l i ke t o keep o ur o ld A n c est re ss comp a n y a ll n i g ht
, , ,
sa i d Pr i n c e s C h en
“
s .
w i th a sm i le .
“
O h do n o t fl a tt er m e ! I am a lre a dy i n t he fort i es a n d ha v e b een
,
“ ”
in g coyly B e s i d e s w e a re st i ll i n t he mour n i n g p er i od
.
,
.
You a re qu i te r i gh t I di d n o t t h i n k of t ha t Y es of courge, i t i s o n ly
. .
,
an d li s t e n e d s pe l lboun d .
417
R ea lly i t w a s much mor e b ea u t i ful th a n w e could h a ve i m a gi n e d
, ,
t h e y a ll r e pl i e d w i th en th u s i a s m .
“
T h e old A n c est res s h a s c e r t a i n ly sh own u s h o w t o enj oy art prop
”
e rly .
O h t h a t w a s n o t hi n g v e ry s p ec i a l O u r s o n gbooks h a v e m a n y m o re
'
.
,
mor e su st a i n e d .
“
It i s l a te n i g h t Soo n t h e dew w i ll b e f a ll i n g a n d t h e a i r w i ll b e g et
.
-
”
t in g cool e r T h e old T a i t a i sh ould g o t o b e d i n good t i m e
. th e w a i t i n g ,
m a i d w a rn e d h e r .
“ ” '
c a rou s a l a t n i gh t I w i ll l a st o u t u n t i l morn i n g
? ”
.
Sh e h a d h e r g l a ss fill e d a g a i n a n d t h e f ea st co n t i n u e d Now t h e s i n gl e .
,
o f t h e c i n n a mo n h e dg e T h i s t i m e t h e m e lody w a s s o pl a i n t i v e a nd so
.
“
Now I sh ould l i k e t o t ell you a n a mu si n g st ory s ugg este d Pri n c ess ,
C h en t o ch eer h er up a s s oo n a s t h e flu t e pl a y i n g c e a se d
, , .
“
So muc h t h e b ett er Go r i gh t a h ea d ! u rg e d th e A n c es t r ess pu tt i n g
”
.
,
o n a mor e c h e e rful f a c e .
“
T h er r o n c e w a s a m a n w h o h a d four so n s b eg a n th e Pri n c ess ,
.
T he fi rs t h a d o n ly o n e eye th e s e co n d o n ly o n e e a r t h e t h i rd o n ly o n e
, ,
"
rt h h a d a l l th ese p a r t s compl e t e b u t h e w as dumb ,
.
b e c a u se sh e n o t i c e d th a t t h e A n c est r ess h a d a pp a r en t ly
W e sh ould ke h er t o b e d sh e wh i sp er e d t o M a dam e Ch en g
ta ,
'
”
N o n o , go
‘
o n w i th t h e s t ory ! s a i d t h e A n c e s t r ess br i g h t ly op en i n g ,
“
her e y es . I o n ly sh u t my e y e s i n ord e r th e b e t te r t o co n c en t r a t e o n the
”
st ory .
“
Tomorrow i s a n o th er day an d th e moon w i ll b e sh i n i n g a g a m th en ;
,
i t i s t i m e t o go t o b e d t h e y a dv i se d h er g en t ly
, .
“ ”
How l a t e i s i t t h en ?
,
g i rl s wer e s o t i re d t h ey could n o t l a s t i t o u t a n d h a v e sl i pp e d o ff ”
, .
“
A fl a bby lot t h ey c a n n o t st a n d a nyth i n g ! sh e murmured O ur
.
”
.
4 18
T a ste of Spr i n g d ese rv es pr a i se ; sh e i s a br a ve gi rl ! B ut you a re qu i te
”
ri gh t ; i t i s t i m e t o go t o b e d .
Sh e t ook a n o t h er dr i n k of cle a r t ea a n d th en sh e g o t i n t o a se d an
,
i n t o t h e rocky w a ll a t t he foo t of t h e Em er a ld Co n e by t h e br i n k of th e,
ch a r a ct e r s t u si gn i fy i n g co n e a n d w a si gn i fy i n g crevi c e —w ere
,
“ ”
, ,
“
a dm i ssi bl e from t h e l i t er a ry po i n t o f v i ew or w h e t h er t h e y w e r e i n a p
p rop r i a t e a n d sh ould b e re j e c t e d .
i n t he sk y a n d th e o th e r o n t h e w a te r— t he y h a d compo s e d b et w een
th e m a lo n g a n d wo n d e rfully b e a u t i ful fi v e word s t a n z a o n t h e t h e m e of
-
t h i s moo n l i t n i g h t T h e y i n t en d e d n ex t da y t o s urpr i se a n d p u t t o
.
Th e t w o w er e j o i n ed l a t e r by th e b ea u t i ful a n ch ore ss M i a o Y u w h o , ,
’
t h e i r po e t i c a l compo s i t i o n a n d t h en t a k en t h e m t o h er Kin gfi sh er s C a g e
mor e .
M a d am e Ch en g h a v i n g r e c e i ve d a r e po rt o n t he rec en t h ou se t o
,
-
h ou se s e a rc h t ook i mm e d i a t e a c t i o n Gr i e f of Spr in g s p a i n t i n g m a i d
, .
’
42 0
l ea gu es an d the o the r i n m a tes o f the p a rk wi th wh om sh e h a d p assed
m an y h a ppy y ea rs W hen Pa o Y u wh om she ha d m et by c h an ce as she
.
,
w a s b e i n g c h a se d a w a y an d w h om she h a di m plo re d w i th t ea rs to i n t e r
,
”
bus i n ess ! they re buked h i m a n d ru thl essly pushe d h i m a si d e He
, .
“ ”
O f course sa i d P a o Y u n odd i ng ea g erly
, , .
b e to Budd h a ! Ha h a -
'”
w a s d i s p e rs e d l a s t y e a r a l s o m e t t h e sa m e f a te The T ai tai w
,
. o uld o n n o
“ ” “ ”
a ccou n t a llow s uc h d a n g e rou s v i x e n s a n d profess i o n a l se duc t res se s
t o r em a i n a n y lo n g e r i n th e prox i m i t y of h er so n T h e gr ea t p u rg e te rm i
.
n a t ed w i th a s t r i c t s e a rc h of P a o Y u s o w n box e s a n d t ru n k s i n t he
’
,
ru thl essly co n fi sc a te d .
u t up w i t h f w box t h e e a r from h e r m i s t r e s s Pr i n ce ss S hi eh
p a e e s o n , ,
a n d h a d r e m a i n e d i n v i s i ble a ft e rw a rd s f o r m an y cl a y s o n th e plea o f
42 1
CHAPTER 38
T h e ch a r m i n g m a i d ca n n o t g et o v er th e w ro n g do n e h er a n d d i es i n th e ,
'
fl o w er of h er you th . Th e un h a ppy s c i o n o f pr i n c e s de d i c a t es a fu n e ra l
h y m n t o th e d ea d m a i d .
PA O Y U H A D B EEN P R E PA R ED F O R THE O R DE A L O F A H O U SE A R CH B UT SE ,
h i s mo t h er h a d go n e a w a y i n b a d h umor h e t h r ew h i m s elf o n h i s b e d ,
a n d av e h i m s e lf U p t o h i s b ew i ld e r e d gr i e f
'
g .
i n t o the h ou s e a n d t h e n e v e ry t h i n g w i ll b e a ll r i g ht a g a i n
, s a i d P ea rl , ,
t ry i n g t o comfor t h i m .
“
If I o n ly kn e w wh a t h er gr ea t cri m e w a s cr i e d P a o Y u p assi o n , ,
a t e ly
.
“
S h e s t o o pre tt y ; th a t s h er o n ly cr i m e re pl i e d P ea rl sh rugg i n g
’ ’
, ,
“
h er sh ould e rs Th e T a i t a i co n si d e r s so muc h c h a rm a d a n g er t o t h e
.
p e a c e of t he h ou se O n ly ugly st up i d cr ea t ur es l i ke m e a re pl ea si n g i n
.
,
h er e y es .
Th a t i s qu i te r i d i culou s Th er e a re lo ts of e x a mpl es t o th e co n t r a ry
.
’
i n h i s t ory B u t t h e e s s om et h i n g e l se bo th e r i n g m e How di d my
. r .
“
Aft e r a ll I h a v e oft en e xch an ge d fa m i l i a r i t i e s w i t h you an d Mu s k
, , ,
a n d Au t um n W a v e t o o ; w h
y w a s i t Br i g h t Cloud w h o w as pou n ce d
? ”
upo n
P e a rl m a d e n o r e ply .
“
I m so te rr i bly s orry for h er ! co n t i n u e d P a o Y u sobb i n g Sh e h a s
’
, .
b een u se d t o s uc h t en d e r t re a tm en t h er e —a n d n o w t h i s gr a c e ful d el i ,
’
c a t e orc h i d b a re ly Op en e d i n t o bloom i s rough ly t h ro w n i n t o th e h og s
, ,
gr e a s y r ep t i l e I t h ough t t o my self t h a t i t w a s a n e v i l om en wh en I s a w
.
s om e qu i t e i n expl i c a bl e w a
y a ll ov e r o n e h a lf of t h e t r ee No w i t i s cl e a r .
”
t o m e t h a t t h i s b a d om en r e fe rr e d t o our poor Br i g h t Cloud .
P e a rl cl a pp e d h er h a n ds t og e th e r i n as t on ish m e n t .
422
the b a ck g a te o f t h e p a rk h e pr ev a i l e d upo n th e port r ess o n gu a rd
,
t h e r e t o sh ow h i m t h e w a y t o Br i g h t Cloud s h om e a f t e r muc h a do T h e
’
.
,
por t ress w h o w a s a fr a i d of lo si n g h er j ob a n d a t fir st di d n o t w an t t o
,
h e lp h i m g a v e i n i n t h e en d w h en h e prom i s e d h er mo n e y
,
.
a pr esen t t o t h e Pr i n c e s s A n c e s t r e ss w h o h a d t a k en a f a n cy t o th e ,
i n every co n c ei v a bl e w a y T h e s e rva n t s o f h er m a s t er L a i T a w er e a l
.
w a y s a f te r h er l i ke fl i es a ft e r a st i n k From th e t i m e Br i gh t Cloud ha d .
b een se rv i n g P a o Y u th i s g i rl h a d b e en a lw a y s p es ter i n g h er t o p ut i n a
word for h er w i th P h o en i x ; sh e w a n te d a po st a s serv i n g wom an i n t h e
Y un gk u o p a l a c e A t l a s t sh e a n d h e r h u s b a n d w e r e a llow e d t o l i v e n ea r
.
fu ss Ov er poor si ck Br i gh t Cloud Sh e w a s p u t o ut of t h e w a y i n a b a ck
.
fou n d h er ly i n g h a lf a sl ee p o n a wr et c he d b e d of ru sh m a t t i n g : Lucki ly ,
s h e h a d a t l e a st
go t a few cu sh i o n s a n d a bl a n k et from h er form e r po sses
si o n s t o cov e r h er P a o Y u pluck e d h er s l ee v e a n d c a ll e d h er s of t ly by
.
n a m e H a l f fr i g h t en e d h a lf pl e a se d sh e bl i n k e d a t h i m w i th e y es t h a t
.
, ,
h a d grown dull .
co n vul si v ely dr a w i n g h i s h a n d up t o h er Wh en sh e h a d go t ov e r a fi t .
“
of cough i n g s h e co n ti n u e d : By Budd h a ! You h a v e com e j u st a t th e
,
“ ”
Wh er e s th e t e a ket t l e h e a ske d ,w i p i n g h i s e y es
’
? .
“ ’ ”
It s t h er e o n t h e e dg e of t h e st ov e .
P a o Y u look e d a rou n d So t h i s fil t h y ru s t y p o t w i th th e co a l bl a ck
.
,
-
s pou t w a s t h e t ea po t ? H e p i ck e d u
p a d i r t y bowl th e o n ly o n e h e could ,
fi n d o n th e t a bl e It h a d a n a st y s m ell of r a n c i d mu t t o n f a t S h a k i n g h i s
. .
h e a d a n d w i t h t ea r s i n h i s e y es h e w a sh ed i t a n d t h en dr i e d i t w i th o n e
,
o t So t h i s cloudy d a rk re d br e w w a s s uppo s e d t o b e t e a ? H e t a s t e d
p .
,
t h e b i tt e r muck a n d w a s o v e r cam e w i t h n a u s e a It cu t h i m t o th e h e a r t .
“ ”
H a v e you a n y thi n g else t o s a y t o m e ? h e urg ed If yo u h a v e
‘
.
,
m a ke t h e b es t of th i s mom en t t h a t we re a lo n e ’
.
42 4
” “
Wh a t el se would I h a v e t o s ay to yo u ? she s i gh ed I m j us t dr a g
'
g i n g my self o n from da y t o da y A s t h i n g s a re go i n g w i t h m e I sh a ll
.
,
b e ov e r i t a ll i n t h re e t o fi v e d a y s T he o n ly th i n g t h a t i s w e i g h i n g o n
.
g e r o us v i x e n — ,
’
n o I d i d n t d ese rv e t ha t I w i ll n o t qu a rr e l w i th t h e p a s t
.
,
ce i v e d w i t h a sh ock h o w cold h er h an d s w e r e H e fe l t a s i f h i s h e a rt h a d .
“
T a ke t he m o ff a n d we a r t he m a ga i n w h en you re w e ll o n c e more a n d ’
”
h a v e fill e d o ut a b i t ! h e b e gg e d her i n a n a g i t a te d vo i c e .
Br i g h t Cloud sudd en ly r a i se d h er cl en c he d l e ft h a n d t o h er li ps a n d
wi th a grea t effort b i t o ff tw o of he r fi n g er n a i ls She l a i d the m i n P a o .
i t ov er he r n a k e d body a n d p u t h er g a rm en t o n h i m self i n s t e a d of i t In
,
.
h i ms elf a g a i n .
“ ”
Li ft m e up so th a t I can s i t ! sh e a s ke d hi m i n a dull vo i c e w h i l e ,
h e w a s s t i ll dr ess i n g .
Al a s P a o Y u h a d l i tt l e t roubl e i n li ft i n g up h er l i g h t e m a c i a t e d
, ,
n w i th gr e a t d i fficul t y w i t h P a o Y u s a ss i s t a n c e T h e n h e
’
and u t i t o
p ,
.
“ “
Now go ! sh e sa i d It i s h orri ble for you he re i n t hi s fil th y room I
”
.
.
”
a m gl a d t h a t yo u h a v e com e o n c e mor e Now I sh a ll di e h a ppy. .
le wd sm i le o n he r fa ce .
I v e se en an d h ea rd ev ery th i n g ! sh e s a i d Now w h a t br in g s th e hi g h
’ ’’ ‘
.
,
”
“
Hu sh ! No t so loud good e ld er si st e r ! h e plea d e d much embar
, ,
r a sse d
“N o n e mu st kn ow th a t I m h er e I j us t w an te d to see Bri gh t
’
o
.
.
’
Cloud She serv e d m e fa i th fully for a lo n g ti me
.
.
Sm i l i n g sh e t ook hi m by the h a n d a n d drew h i m w i th h er in t o h er b e d
,
room .
“
You a re sur ely a l a dy s m a n all th e world kn ow s t h a t ! V ery w ell
’
, ,
h a d ev er h a p p en e d t o h i m b e for e H e fl u sh e d a h o t cr i m s o n . .
”
Do n t do t h a t ! h e g a sp e d i n con fu si on
’
.
” ’
P a h ! Do n t pr e t en d ! sh e s a i d w i t h a n ugly look You r e cr azy for
’
.
,
? ”
wom en a n d g i rls a r en t you S o w h y so sh y n o w
?
,
’
“
Lea v e m e a lo n e ! Wh a t i f t h e old wom a n w h o brough t m e ov e r h e re
”
W e c a n t do i t n o w We ll a rr a n g e for s om e othe r t i m e
’
should s ee m e
’
? . .
“
O h t h er e s n o f ea r w e ll b e see n I h a v e s en t th e old wom a n a w a y
’ ’
.
,
j u st n o w u n d e r t h e w i n dow of th e room a n d I s a w th e fa m i li a r a n d i n t i
”
m a t e go i n g s o n you h a d w i th Br i gh t Clo ud I m n o fool !
-
.
’
She b e g a n t o op en t h e w a i s tb a n d o f h i s t rou s e r s a n d t o li f t up h e r
o w n dr e ss P a o Y u r . e s i s t e d w i t h a ll h i s s t r en g t h an d s t ruggl e d t o fr ee
“ ”
S he s h e re ! sh e cr i e d ru n n i n g up t o th e w i n dow O u t i n t h e y a rd
’
, .
st ood t h e s e rv a n t L i u w i t h h e r l i ttl e d a ug h t e r Sh e h a d b ee n s e n t by .
t h e s e rv i n g wom a n Su n g t o br i n g Br i g h t Cloud t h e b e lo n g i n g s sh e h a d
le ft b ehi n d a n d P ea rl s f O p e of a t h ou sa n d co i n s Wh i l e sh e w a s s t a t i n g
’
'
A s s h e w a s w ell a w a r e of th e c h a r a c t e r of Kw ei s w i fe sh e a ss um e d
’
,
as Pa o Y u .
“ ’ ’
W a sn t M i ss P ea rl looki n g for th e l i tt l e m a ste r j u He s i n st n o w ?
”
th e r e sh e w h i s p e r e d t o h e r mo t h e r a s t h e y w en t a w a y Th e wom an
‘
, .
,
“ ’ ”
O f course h e s n o t W h a t w o uld th e li t t le m a s t er w a n t w i th m e sh e
.
?
drove h i m o nt of hi s h i d i n g pl a c e : t h e fe a r o n t he o ne h a n d th a t h e ,
.
,
would ge t b a ck l a te a n d fi n d t he p a rk g a te s clo se d an d o n th e o th e r , , ,
t h e dr ea d of a r e n ew e d a t t a ck by t h e lu s t i n g wom a n .
426
Bri gh t Cloud h a s j u st d i e d h e t old h er dully P ea rl di d n o t b el i ev e
,
.
“ ”
h i m a n d t ri e d t o t a lk h i m o ut of h i s h a lluc i n a t i o n b ut h e h eld firmly ,
a n d h i s n ep h e w C h i a L a n h a d t o s p en d t h e w h ol e da y i n t h e comp a n y of
'
t h e s t e r n fa th e r a n d v a r i ou s wor th y s en i or s T h e r e w a s a n i n s p e c t i o n of .
ch ry s an th emum s a n d o n t h i s occ a si o n t h e j un i or s w e r e r e qu i r e d o n c e
,
of Mr C h en g a n d a ft er i t Pa o Y u w a s a bl e t o d i s pl a y proudly t o h i s
.
,
'
a s an a mul et t o w ea r o n t h e br e a s t O n h i s w a y b a ck t o t h e B ego n i a
.
Cour t y a rd h e w a s a ccomp a n i e d by hi s tw o w a i t i n g m a i d s Mu sk a n d
Au t um n W a ve a s w ell a s tw o you n g er a ssi st an t w a i t i n g m a i d s O n t h e .
pr et ex t of m a ki n g th e m go o n a h e a d w i th h i s wr i t i n g e qu i pm en t a n d ,
h e w a n t e d t o s t roll for a w h i l e i n th e p a rk t h en fi n d i n g a s om ew h a t , ,
a si d e t o cro s s e x a m i n e t h e m
-
”
Y es sh e s en t old S u n g ov e r r e pli e d o n e of th e g i rls
'
, , .
”
Wh a t n ew s di d sh e br i n g b a ck ?
“ ”
Wh om w a s sh e c a ll i n g for ?
”
For h er m ot h er .
”
For a n yo n e e l se ?
”
I do n t k n ow
’
.
“
A h you s i lly t h i n g I s uppo se you d i dn t l i st en a tt en ti vely
, .
’
.
“ ”
Th a t s r i gh t Sh e o n ly h a lf l i s t en e d th e o th e r ch i m e d i n e a g e rly
’
.
,
.
Sh e w a s r a th er mor e i n t e ll i g en t t h an th e o th e r a n d gu e ss e d th e r ea s o n
“
for hi s urgen t qu est i o n i n g I kn ow a lo t mor e a n d I k n ow i t fi r st
.
,
ha n d to o f
’
“ ”
How i s th a t ?
I w en t ov er t o h er se cr e t ly a t n oo n t od a y Sh e w a s a lw a y s s o good .
t o u s you n g e r o n es an d I w a s s orry t h a t sh e w a s t r e a t e d so u n j u st ly
, .
I sa i d you h a d go n e w i th your fa th e r t o t he d i s pl a y of c h ry s a n t h em um s .
A t th i s s h e si g h e d a n d s a i d : Th a t s a p i t y ; t h e n I sh a ll n e v e r s ee h i m
‘ ’
’
a gain I sa i d t o h er she s h ould b e p a ti en t for a b i t a s you d s ur e ly ’
.
,
t h a t t od a y a t e x a c t ly t w o qu a r t e r s a f t e r t h e fir s t h a lf of t he doubl e
h our of t h e sh ee p s h e would h a v e t o t a ke up the v a c a n t po s i t i o n o f a
flowe r sp i ri t a t t he comm a n d of t h e N ep hr i te Empe ror b ut th a t yo u ,
you a ga i n Sh e sa i d sh e w a s n o t t o b e o ne o f t h e d a m ne d wh o se soul s
.
t h e Pri n c e o f H e ll W en W a n g s en d s h i s l i tt l e d ev i l s to fe t c h a n d w h o
, , ,
’
t ry t o buy a n h our s r e pr i ev e o f t h e i r wre t c h e d ex i s t e n c e by bri b i n g
t h e m erc en a ry m e ssen g e r s o f h e ll w i th s a cr i fic es o f food a n d p a p e r
an
y a ccoun t i n g et t i n g t he re I di d n o t b el i e ve h er b ut wh e n sh e drew
.
,
a f t e r t h e fir s t h a lf o f th e doubl e h our o f t h e s h ee p —j u s t th e t i m e t h a t
s h e h a d for e t old .
P a o Y u n odd e d ea rn e st assen t .
“
I f you we re a cqu a i n t e d w i th o ur l i te ra t ure yo u would kn o w ~th a t ,
t h e s p i r i t s of e a c h k i n d of flow e r t h e r e i s s et a g a i n a h i g h e r s p i r i t O n ly , ,
.
T he g i rl t o wh om h i s qu e s t i o n w a s a ddre ss e d w a s n o t lo n g a t a lo ss
for a n a n s wer It occurr e d t o he r tha t n o w i n th e e i g h th mo n th t he
. , . ,
w a t er li li es w e r e j u st i n bloom
“
I a ske d h er abou t t h a t t oo sh e fi b b e d boldly a n d br a vely I t old
,
.
h er th a t w e would li ke t o kn ow so th a t w e could g i ve o ur s pe c i a l ,
”
m a s te r .
P a o Y u l et h i s g az e w a n d e r a cro ss t o th e w a t e r li li es i n th e n ea r b y -
”
ni n deed a h a ppy fa t e h e murmur e d comfort e d
, ,
.
429
u s u a l secr et w a y th rough t h e b a ck g a t e o f th e p a rk H e foun d th e h ou s e .
e mp t y a n d lock e d .
bur i al h ad go n e o ff t o th e Y u n gk u o p a l a c e i mm e d i a t e ly a f t er Bri gh t
Cloud s d e a t h a n d broug ht word of i t t o M a d a m e C h en g M a d a m e
, .
C h en g h a d gi v en h er t en ou n c e s of si lv er b ut w i t h t h e co n d i t i on t h a t
, ,
i n st ea d of k ee p i n g th e d ea d g i rl for t h e u s u a l p er i od l a i d o u t o n a b i e r
i n t h e h ou s e of mourn i n g t h e y sh ould t a ke h er ou t s i d e th e c i t y w a ll s
,
of t h e lu n g s a n d M a d a m e C h en g w a s a fra i d t h a t s om e h a rmful i n
‘ ‘
fl uen ce m i gh t s pr ea d t o t h e Y un gk uo p a l a c e i f t h e corp s e w er e i n i t s
v i c i n i t y for a lon g t i m e So i t h a pp en e d th a t Li tt l e Kw ei an d h i s w i fe
.
obj e ct .
h e w a s t old t h at Bl a ck J a d e h a d go n e t o Pr ec i ou s Cl a s p H e n o w s et .
Pr ec i ou s Cl a s p s room s e mp t y a n d d i sm an t l e d H e th en r em e mb e r e d
' ’
.
h a v i n g h e a rd t h a t Pr e c i ou s Cl a s p w i sh e d t o l e a v e t h e p a rk an d r et ur 1 .
t o h e r mo t h e r R e c en t e v en t s i n t h e p a rk h a d m a d e a n un pl e a s an t i m
.
t h e p a i n ful po s s i b i l i t y of a n o t h e r h ou s e s e a rc h P h o en i x a n d M a d a m e
.
C h en g h a d bo th t r i e d i n v a i n t o p er s u a d e h er t o st a y b ut sh e h a d t e ,
m a i n e d firm a n d o n th e e xcu se o f b e i n g i n d i sp en sa bl e t o h er mo th er
, ,
w h o w a s i n poor h ea l th sh e h a d m e a n t i m e c a rr i e d o u t h e r i n t en t i on
, .
A s orrowful fe el i n g of u t te r d es ol a t i o n cr ep t ov e r P a o Y u H e sa w
‘
would i t b e i f P ea rl or Bl a ck J a d e w er e t o di e n ex t ? W i th a h ea vy h ea rt
h e w a n d e r e d b a ck t o t h e B a mboo H e rm i t a g e b ut st i ll Bl a ck J a d e w a s ,
n o t t h e r e So d es ol a t e di d h e f e el t h a t h e w a s a lmo st gl a d n o w t o b e
’
c a lle d a w ay a g a i n t o h i s fa th e r a n d th e s en i or s T he sessi on of po et i c .
po n d lookin g o u t at t h e w a t e r l i l i es a n d si gh i n g It h a d b een d en i e d
, .
h i m t o o ff e r sa cr i fic e a n d i n t o n e a d i rg e a t h er b i e r a s would h a ve ,
o f t h e w a t er l i l i e s ? T h i s i d e a p as se d thr oug h h i s m in d
'
A n d a s h i s mu s e ha d a lr ea dy b een s ti rr e d by t h e li t era ry a c t i v i t y o f
“
4 30
follow e d i n s uch r a p i d s ucc e ssi o n A n d t o crown i t all he h ea rd th a t
.
h a ppy s ou n d of g i rl s vo i c es e c h o e d a n d n o w o n ly dr ea ry s i l en c e
’
,
mood an d m a d e h i m t hi n k of t h e t r a n si en t n a t ur e o f e a r th ly j oy s H i s .
New Y ea r qu i et ly a t h om e B u t n o w a s i n t h e p a s t P a o Y u a vo i d e d h i s
.
books a n d pr e fe rr e d t o p a ss t h e t i m e i n so f a r a s h e could ch a tt i n g
, ,
a n d pl a yfully t r i fl i n g w i t h h i s w a i t i n g m a i d s A t t h e e n d o f fif t y d a y s .
h e w a s a g a i n b ubbl i n g ov e r w i th t h e j oy of l i fe a n d w i th ev e ry fib er of ,
h i s b ei n g h e cr a ve d t o go o u t ; b ut t o h i s s orrow h i s mo t h er a n d gr a n d
mo t h er r em a i n e d firm ; h e w a s n o t ev en a llow e d t o a t t en d th e m e rry
w e dd i n g fea st of h i s cou si n H su eh P a n For th e M a d R obb e r Coun t . ,
a f t e r muc h s e a rc h i n g a n d c h oo s i n g h a d a t l a st d e c i d e d t o m a rry H e
,
.
b e l i ev e d h e h a d fou n d j u st t h e r i gh t br i d e i n a form e r pl a ym a te Sh e .
w a s a proud s po i l e d b e a u t y wh om h e h a d m e t a g a i n dur i n g h i s r ec en t
,
a c i n n a mo n pl a n t e r a n d co n t r a c t or t o t h e Imp e r i a l P a l a c e .
Aft er h i s h un dr e d d a y s con fi n em en t Pa o Y u h a d fir st of a ll a t h is
’
,
-
a ccomp a n i e d by h i s t w o p e r s o n a l se rv a n t s M i n g Y e n a n d L i Kw e i a s
, ,
P a o Y u ex e cu t e d th e c e r emo n i a l p a r t of h i s v i s i t t o th e t e mpl e a s
qu i ckly a s po ssi bl e w i th th e p erform a n ce of a f ew ko w t ows a n d s om e
ki n d of a burn t off e r i n g H e a lw a y s fe l t s om ewha t t i m i d a n d un co m
.
se v e r e ex r ess m n
p .
c e ll L es t h e sh oul d n o d o ff t o s l ee p a n d m i ss th e t im e fo r th e re t urn
'
43 2
j ourn e y h i s se rv an ts a ske d the H i gh Pri est t o k ee p hi m awak e by chat
,
t i n g w i th h i m a l i t t l e .
n ess .
“
I h ave a lw a y s h ea rd so much prai se o f yo ur fa mou s o in t m en ts an d
” “
m e d i c i n es r em a rke d Pa o Y u in the cour se o f co n versa t n Fo r wha t
, .
”
a i lm en t s th en a re yo ur pr es cr i pt i o n s e ffi c a c i ou s
, ,
?
“
Oh o n e c a n n o t expl a i n a ll t h a t i n j u st a few words I h a ve ov er a
, .
ca l an d s p i r i t u a l e x t e rn a l an d i n t e rn a l m fi rm i t i es ; a g a i n s t p a i ri i n th e
,
”
s i mply work wo n d e r s .
“
Now n o w you a re s urely ex a gge r a t i n g ! I kn ow fo r i n sta n c e o ne
, , , ,
”
a i lm en t a g a i n st w h i c h your sk i ll would s c a rc ely h a v e a n y s ucc ess
“
Y o u m a y b o x my ea r s pull my b ea rd a n d tea r dow n my templ e, i f
, ,
”
my r e me d i es fa i l i n o n e s i n gle c ase Te ll m e wha t the a i lm en t i s ! .
“ ”
M ak e o n e gu ess ! he wh i s pe re d i n h i s e a r .
Oh I un d e r st an d
, sa i d t h e pri es t sm i li n g s lyly
,
The li ttle m a s te r
,
.
? ”
n o doub t w a n ts a p h i l t er f o r us e i n th e i nn e r c h a mb e rs eh ,
”
Do you wa n t a fe w blow s 1 n the fa c e a s ke d M i n g Y e n pu tt in g h i s
?
,
’
h an d ove r old W a n g s mou th .
“ ”
Wh a t do es h e m e a n aske d P a o Y u n a 1 ve ly
?
, .
”
A h do n t ta ke h i s dri ve l se r i ou s ly !
’
,
a s ke d P a o Y u a g a i n t urn i n g t o th e pri es t
,
.
Th e pr i est doc t or cl a pp e d h i s h a n ds i n as t o n i sh m e n t
- .
“
Wh a t i d e a s p e ople ta ke i nt o th e i r hea d s ! T h i s i s t he fi rs t ca se of t he
ki n d th a t I h a ve com e a cro s s i n my pra c t i c e N ev e rt he l e ss I do kn ow a . ,
p a ti en ce .
a s k e d P a o Y u e a g e rly
“ ? ”
O ut wi t h i t ! S pe a k ! Wh at 1 3 t h e rem e dy .
T h e p ri es t doc t or p u t o n a s ol e mn ly profes s i o n a l a i r
'
- .
“
You d i sso lve o n e oun c e of s ug a r c an dy i n a cup o f wa te r m i x i n ,
43 3
th e s u ga ry syrup so a k in t o i t Ev ery mor n i n g th i s pr ep ar at i onsh oul d b e
.
”
t a k en for br ea kf ast un t i l t h e a i lm en t i n q u est i o n h a s di sa ppe a r e d
, .
“ ”
Is th at all I do n o t th i n k i t v e ry prom i si n g
? obj ec t e d Pa o Y u di s , ,
a ppo i n te d .
“
O h b u t o n e h a s t o p er s ever e w i th th e cur e ev en i f i t t a kes y ea r s ! It
, ,
w i ll c er t a in ly h av e an effe c t i n the en d i f i t i s o n ly o n th e d ea th of th e ,
r a s c a l w a s h a v i n g hi s hi t o f f un a n d w a n t e d t o m a k e h i m u n d e r st a n d
o f Spri n g v i s i t i n g h i s mo t h e r Sh e compl a i n e d t h a t h er m a rr i a g e w a s
, .
un h a ppy a nd sh e di d n ot w an t t o l e a v e wh en e v en i n g c ame an d sh e w a s
t o b e t a k en b a ck t o h er h u sb a n d s h om e Sh e i m plore d Aun t C h en g w i th
’
.
t ea r s t o kee p h e r a f ew d a y s a s a gu e st f or h e r h u s b a n d w as a n i n t o ler ,
a bl e l i b e r t i n e a drun k a rd a n d rowdy sh e s a i d
, ,
.
“
I must h a v e b een s o a ke d i n v i n e g a r h e sh ou t e d a t m e wh en I v en ,
”
t u re d t o t a ke h i m t o t a s k for h i s un f a i th ful a n d i n co n si d e r a t e b eh a v i or ,
“
s h e compl a i n e d I h av e b een l eg a lly s old t o h i m for a n h on est fi v e
.
“
Your U n cl e C h en g w a s a ga i n st t h i s un h a ppy u n i on from th e b e gi n
” “
ning , l am en t e d M a d a m e C hen g b ut un fort un a t ely your fa th e r w a s ,
”
o n ly s ubm i t t o your fa t e my poo r chi ld ,
.
“
I c an n o t yet u n d er st a n d w h y I h a d t o l ea v e you all so s udd en ly an d
b e t orn from t h e d ea r pl a c es wh er e I h a d s p e n t s uch ga y a n d h a ppy
y e a r s S i n c e t h en I h a v e fel t d az e d a n d dre a my as i f I ha d b e en h i t o n
.
,
th e h e a d A h i f o n ly I could s p en d th r ee d a y s i n my d ea r o l d h om e i n
.
,
”
t h e p a rk j u s t o n c e mor e I would gl a dly di e ,
w a i l e d Greeti ng of Spr i n g ,
.
“
How can you t a lk of dy i n g ? Li tt l e m i sun d er st an d i n gs b e tween
“
434
po et ry comp et i t i on s ! Th at i s all over n o w ev e ry thi ng i s br e a ki n g up , .
t h e sa d s l a v e ry of m a rr i a g e ? I si rnply c a n n o t u n d er st a n d t h a t I w a n t e d .
Wh i l e h e w a s S p ea ki n g Bl a ck J a d e h a d bow e d h er h e a d low er an d
low er A si gh w a s h er o n ly r eply t o h i m Now sh e sl i pp e d down o n th e
. .
e dg e o f t h e b e d a n d s i l en t ly bur i e d h er f a c e i n t h e p i llow s H e r s ym .
wh i l e l a t er wh en t h e m a i d Cuckoo c a m e i n w i t h t ea she sa t up a n d h e r
, ,
e y e l i d s w e r e r e d w i th t ea r s W h i l e P a o Y u w a s t ry i n g t o c a lm h e r a n d
.
t o p e r s u a d e h er t h a t
w h a t h e h a d j u st s a i d w a s e x a gg er a t e d P ea rl a p
_
,
p e a re d t o c a ll h i m t o t h e A n c es t r e ss .
s ol i t a ry s t roll t h roug h t h e p a rk t h a t a f t er n oo n Ag a i n h e f e l t i mp e ll e d .
h e co n t i n u e d h i s w a y t ow a rd s t h e Lo t u s R oo t K i o s k by t h e e dg e o f th e
-
i n g o ver t h e p a r a p et by t h e l a k e T h e g i rl s w e re g a z i n g i n t en t ly ov er t h e
.
h e sl i pp e d qu i et ly up b eh i n d t h em u n d e r cov e r of t h e rocks
,
.
“ ”
Do you t h ink h e w i ll com e a lon g h e h ea rd o n e of t h e m sa y i n g
? .
Hu sh ! Th e r e h e s go n e a w a y un d e r t h er e ! I t h ought a t o n c e th a t h e
,
’ '
d i dn t w an t t o com e t o you h e h ea rd a n o th e r sa y ; i t se em
’ ”
,
e d to b e th e -
vo i c e of T a st e of Spri n g .
“ B e qu i e t ! H e s co m i n g a lo n g a g a i n
’
cr i e d t h e t hi rd ,
.
q y .
t h e w a t e r n o t f a r from t h e four g i rl s .
“
W h o Wa s t h a t ? Suc h i mpud en c e ! Fi e h o w rud e t o fr i gh t en us l i ke ,
”
t h a t ! t h ey pr a t t l e d exc i t e dly a ll t og e th e r P a o Y u j ump e d o u t la ugh i n g
. ,
43 6
”
Look a t tha t ! En j oy i n g yourse lves h ere a n d l ea vi n g m e o ut o f i t !
h e cri e d .
“
I t h ough t a t o n ce i t w a s yo u yo u rogu e ! Y o u h av e m e a n ly fr i ght
,
’ ”
en e d a w a y o u r b ea u t i ful fi s h It s a p i t y h e w a s j u s t go i n g t o b i te
.
, sa i d ,
T a st e of Spr i n g pou t i n g , .
“
O f course I h a d t o pun i sh yo u ! W hy di d yo u n o t i n v i te m e whe n ,
” “
?
you w e re a mu si n g yourselve s he re re t or te d Pa o Y u l a ugh i n g A n d .
n ow le t us fi v e co n t i n u e fi sh i n g a n d c omb i n e w i t h o ur fi sh i n g a g a m e o f
,
” “
qu est i o n i n g fa te ! he s ugg est e d Wh o ev er c a t ch es a fi s h w i ll h a ve
.
s om e luck i n t h i s s a m e y e a r W h o e ve r g ets n o b i t e w i ll h a v e s om e un
.
”
ple a sa n t e xp e r i en c e A n d n o w t o work ! Let Tas te o f Spr i n g b e g i n !
.
“
Agree d B u t h ea ven h e lp yo u i f you fr i gh ten a w a y my fi sh a g a i n !
.
Tha t would ru i n t h e g a m e
”
.
m a k i n g a c a t c h P a o Y u s t ur n c a me l a st
.
’
.
“
I sh a ll do as old C h i a n g Tzu Y a di d he sa i d i mport a n tly A n d h e ,
.
wa t e r s e dg e Le g en d re l a t es t h a t old C h i a n g t he c e l ebr a te d wi s e co un
’
.
,
a b i l i t i e s H i s s h a dow fr i gh t en e d t h e fi s h e s a w a y n o n e of t h e m w a n t e d
. ,
t o b i t e a n d o n c e w h e n a r i s i n g bubbl e b e t r a y e d t h e prox i m i t y o f a fi sh
,
“
D e a r fi sh h urry up ! I do n o t li ke w a i t in g lo n g Com e come an d
,
.
,
g i rl s h a d to bur st o ut l a ug hi n g A t l as t s om e th in g p ull e d a t th e b oo k In
.
.
go g mor w h h i i m i d Mu k c m ru nn i n g
S h e w s a i n t o sa y e e n t e w a t n g a s a e
Y u to t h e A n c e st re ss She h a d j ust ha d h er m i dd a y
’
43 7 .
an d sh e h a d l o sen t for Ph o en i x r eport e d Mu sk She di d n o t kn ow
a s , .
a n y mor e d e t a i l s P a o Y u
go t a gr ea t fri gh t
. .
P er h a p s t he y w a n t t o t a ke a w a y an o the r w a i t i n g m a i d on a ccoun t
‘
? ”
o f a ll e g e d d a n g e r of i n fe c t i o n h e let s l i p B ut h e w as i mm ed i a t ely .
“
Som e y ea r s a go yo u h a d a n a t t a ck of d i a boli c a l po sse ssi o n from ,
? ”
your co n d i t i on a t th a t ti m e aske d t he A n c est r ess .
P a o Y u th oug h t for a w h i l e .
“
It seem e d t o m e a s i f I h a d s udd en ly go t a h e a vy blow w i th a st i ck
on th e b a ck o f t h e h e a d T h e p a i n w a s so gr ea t t h a t e v e ry t h i n g w en t
.
, ,
.
fe ll o u t o f b ed I fe l t a s i f my br a i n w a s pr esse d i n t o an i ro n b a n d Aft er
-
. .
co v e ry I r em emb e r t h a t a gold en gl ea m o f l i g h t s u
, dd en ly a pp ea r e d i n
my room a n d th e bl a ck d evi ls d i sp er se d i n fr i gh t b efore i t s d azzl i n g
,
“
Ex a c t ly t he s a me c h a r a c t e ri st i cs a s i n th e c ase w e h a v e j u st b een
s p e a ki n g th e A n c est r e ss t urn i n g t o M a d a m e C h en g M ean t i m e
,
.
P h o en i x h a d com e i n .
“
Th e old A n c es t ress h as sen t f o r m e Wh a t i s i t th a t sh e w an ts t o .
? ”
kn ow sh e a ske d .
“
Do you r em emb er your con d i t i on a few years a go when you su d '
”
den ly h a d a n a tt a ck of po ss essi o n ? a sk e d t h e A n c e st r e ss o n c e mor e .
“
No t ex a c t ly B ut I ca n mor e o r l es s r em emb er t h a t I lo st co n t rol o f
.
la y h a n d s o n a n d to k i ll t h e firs t l i v i n g cr e a t ure t h a t c a m e n ea r m e In .
s p i t e of t h e e x h a ust i o n wh i c h t h e n ov e rc a m e m e I h a d t o k ee p ru sh i n g
o n fl our i sh i n g t h e w ea po n i n my h an d
, .
“ ”
A n d ho w w a s i t w h en you w er e cur e d l a t e r ?
I t h ough t I h ea rd a vo i c e in th e a i r B ut wh a t i t s a i d I n o lon ge r .
r em emb er .
“
Your s t a t em en t co i n c i d es w i th th a t of P a o Y u a n d co n firm s t h e oh
” “
s e rv a ti o n s m a d ei n t h e r e c en t c a s e r em a rk e d th e A n c est r ess T her e i s
, .
, ,
Y u th a t t i m e A n d w e w ere so si mpl e a s t o c h oo se t h a t w i t c h t o b e Pa o
.
Y u s godmo th er a n d a dop t e d mo th e r ! W i th ou t th e a i d of t he tw o
’
438
the ol wom an h a d worke d her m a gi c a n d th e fees sh e h a d ch a rg e d
d
t h em T h er e w e r e a lso foun d qu a n t i t i es of vouc h er s f o r o i l u se d an d
.
”
i n c en s e burn e d o n b eh a lf of o th e r pe opl e .
“
Now I un d er st and cr i e d P h o en i x a st o n i sh e d I go t su sp i c i ou s a t
”
, , .
v is i ti n g th e seco n d a ry wi fe C h a o s a p a rtm en ts I w as t ol d t h a t th e w i t ch
’
.
r a n i n t o m e h er f a c e sh ow e d vi si bl e emb a rr a ssm en t a n d sh e ro ll e d th e
,
t h a t I s h ould i n c u r h a te a n d i ll w i ll B u t w h a t cr i m e h as t h e i n n oc e n t
.
“
Th a t i s j us t i t ! T h e plo t n o doub t ori g i n a t e d w i th C h a o i n t er ,
“
B ut h o w ca n sh e b e co n vi c t e d ? Th e
’
r u p t ed P ao Y u s mo t h e r e a g erly .
, ,
“
Th a t i s e x a c tly my op i n i on a gr ee d th e A n c e st r ess W e c a nn o t
, .
”
do a n yt h i n g a bou t the m a tt e r fo r th e pr esen t !
. W i th th i s t he con s ul t a t i on en d e d an d th ey w en t o n t o d i s cu ss c a t er
,
res ul t o f t h i s p a r en t a l d i s cu ssi o n w a s th e d e c i si o n t h a t P a o Y u w a s t o
h o w t o w i eld a u th or i t y a n d a li t tl e d i s c i p li n e could n o t h a rm Pa o Y u
, ,
ca n w e ll b e i m a g i n e d P a o Y u w a s li t t l e pl e ase d w i th t h e p a r en t a l d e c i
, .
s oo n e r t h a n e xpe c te d .
44 0
C HA PT E R 40
H e rm i t a g e B eg i n n in g 0 / S pr i n g i s v is i t e d b h er re la t i v es o n h er s i c k
y
.
b ed i n t h e Im p e r ia l P a la c e .
si l en c e r e i g n e d P a o Y u w a s s p en d i n g t h e
.
gre a te r p a r t of t he da y i n t h e
f am i ly s ch ool a n d w hen he w a s a t h om e th e h om e work w h i c h Sc hool
, ,
t o romp a bou t a n d w as te h i s t i m e w i t h w a i t i n g m a i d s a n d m a i d se rv a n t s .
“ ”
E a rly t o b e d a n d e a rly t o r i se w a s t he w a t c hword n o w Mor e ov e r .
,
M a d a m e C h e n g h a d g i v en h i s w a i t i n g m a i d s t o u n d e r s t a n d t h a t i f t h e y
d a red t o d i st r a c t Pa o Y u from h i s st ud i e s t he y wo uld fa re a s Br i gh t
Cloud h a d do n e So wh e t he r t he y l i ked i t o r n o t th ey ha d to t a ke t o
.
, ,
t h e i r n ee dl e work i n r ea l e a rn e st n o w
, .
O n e da y P ea rl w a s croc h et i n g h e r n ew b et e l n u t b a g a n d l e t ti n g her -
“ ”
No doub t Pa o Y u would t a ke h e r for h i s s i d e c h a mb e r w hen h e m a r -
“ ”
w i th h i s fir s t ? Would sh e ha ve th e sam e t r a g i c f a te a s th e seco n d Y u ,
w h o h a d b ee n t ort ur e d t o d e a t h by he r r i v a l P h o e n i x ? O r would s h e,
h om e by H s u e h P a n s dom i ne e r i n g a n d qu a rr el s om e wi fe s h ort ly a ft e r
’
o n ly fi n d o u t w ho w a s to b e P a o Y u s fu t ur e w i fe ! Accord i n g t o e v e ry
’
t h i n g s he h a d h ea rd Bl a ck J a d e h a d t h e b es t c h an c e S h e d e c i d e d t o
,
.
t a k e a w a lk ov er t o t h e B a mboo H e rm i t a g e a n d t o s ou n d o ut t h e fe el
i n g s o f h er fu t ur e m i s t r e ss a l i tt l e .
“
pol i t e n o th i n gs Pe a rl b eg a n w i th a s mi l e t urn i n g t o Cuckoo : I h ea r
, ,
? ”
l i fe in th e p a rk h a s b een c h a n ge d
Y es i n d eed i t s b e com e t err i bly dull— u n b ea r a bly dull Th a t s wh a t
“ ’ ’
.
, ,
”
I sa i d a dm i tte d Cuckoo fe rven t ly Pa o Y u a t sc h ool Pr e c i ous C las p
,
.
,
? ”
com e ov e r he re a n y mor e I sn t t ha t so .
’
“
I n d ee d i t i s A n d s pe a ki n g o f Lo t us t he poor g i rl seem s t o h a ve
. ,
a n d d i ffi cul t t o ge t o n w i th t h an a c e rt a i n o t h e r o n e .
Bea rl st opp e d a n d s i g n i fic a n tl y li ft e d tw o fin g e rs by w h i c h sh e ,
44 1
J a de th a t thi s w a s th e fir st t i m e sh e h a d h ea rd P e a rl wh o ord i n a ri ly w a s
_ ,
a dm i t t h a t s h e w a s r i gh t .
“
I n c i d en ts o f th a t k i n d a re in e v i t abl e i n a b i g h ou seh old where there
b
a re s ev e r a l w i v es ; th er e wi ll n o dou t a lw a y s b e ri v a lry b e t w e en t he
”
e a st w i n d a n d t h e w es t w i n d sh e r e m a rk e d p h i lo s oph i c a lly ; a n d sh e
,
a t th i s mom en t w i t h a d i sh o f l i t c h i plum s pr e se rv e d i n h on e y f o r Bl a ck
‘
t h a t o u r Ta i t a i H s u eh a lw a y s s a y s t h a t your you n g l a dy i s j u st t h e ri gh t
'
”
bri d e for you n g Pa o Y u She i s i n d ee d a r ea l a n g el
. .
ca s e W i t h a sh ow o f b e i n g bu s y a n d im port a n t sh e t ook h er l e a v e i m
.
m e d i a te ly Sh e h a d n o t i m e sh e sa i d t h e y a ll h a d t h ei r h an d s full ov e r
.
, ,
t h e r e g ett i n g r e a dy for t h e w e dd i n g of M i ss Pr e c i ou s H a rp .
“
G i v e M i ss Prec i ou s Cl a sp my greet i n gs a n d th an ks Bl a ck J a d e ,
“
h e rs elf s om eth i n g w h i c h s ou n d e d l i k e ; Th o se are n i c e m a nn er s i n
”
d ee d ! No m an exc ep t P a o Y u could p ut up w i th th a t on e ! B ut sh e
pr et en d e d t h a t sh e h a d n o t h ea rd h er .
s
”
whet he r t o b e a n gry w i th h er o r t o l a ugh a t h er P e arl blur t e d o ut “
lon ge r w i th Bla ck J a d e .
a n d r e l ea s e d a n en dl es s st r e a m o f dr ea my t h oug h t s a s i f from an i n ex ,
h a u st i b le s pool W a s h er m a rr i a g e t o P a o Y u r ea lly a se tt l e d a ff a i r ?
. .
a n d h i s gr a n dmo t h e r would a l s o h a v e a s a i n t h e m a tt er W h y h a d h er
y .
p a r en t s n o t b et ro th e d h er w h i le t h e y we re st i ll a l i v e ? If th e y h a d do n e
s o sh e would b e r e li e v e d of a ll t h i s t or t ur i n g u n c e rt a i n t y O n t h e o t he r
, .
t h e i r c h o i c e b e a s d es i r a bl e a n d a s comp a t i bl e wi t h h er a s P a o Y u defi
n i t el w ? Ex h a u st e d by a ll t hi s brood i n g a n d co n j e c t u r i n g sh e la
y a s y ,
A s sh e la y th e r e h a lf a s l eep i t s udd en ly se em e d t o h er th a t li t t l e
,
442-
w as out si d e an d w i sh e d t o sp ea k t o h er Sh e s en t h i m word th at sh e .
th an k e d h i m for h i s v i si t b ut e xcu se d h e r se lf o n th e pl ea o f n o t b e i n g
,
s h e g a v e S n o w g o o s e t o u n d e r st a n d .
“
I b e li ev e h e on ly c a m e t o co n gr at ul a t e yo u r e pl i e d Sn o w go o se , ,
.
”
a n d v a r i ou s o t h e r p e opl e h a v e com e t o v i s i t you t o o .
A n d i mm e d i a t e ly i n c a m e Ph o en i x a n d Pr i n c e ss S h i eh a n d M a d a m e
C h en g a n d Pr ec i ou s Cl as p a ll smi l i n g t o h er room , , .
“
W e com e i n t h e firs t pl a c e t o co n gr a t ul a t e yo u a n d i n the s e co n d
pl a c e t o es cort you a w a y th e y s a i d , .
“
Wh a t do es t h a t m ean ? I do n o t u n d ersta n d yo u sh e r epl i e d p er , ,
p lexe d .
“ ”
Do n o t pr et en d t o b e so dull w i t t e d ! Sur ely yo u mu st kn ow ! s a i d
-
“ ’
Ph o en i x Do n t you kn ow th a t your f a th e r h a s b een promo t e d Corn
.
Tr ea s ur e r of th e Prov i n c e o f H u Pe i a n d h a s co n t r a c t e d a mo st h a ppy ,
i s ol a t i o n so h e h a s a ppo i n t e d Mr Y u T s u n as n ego t i a t or t o a rr a n g e
, .
”
t e c t or .
Wh i l e P h o en i x w a s s p ea k i n g Bl a ck J a d e fel t a cold sw ea t br ea ki n g
o u t a ll ov e r h e r body .
Bl a ck J a d e w a s a bout t o b eg th em wi th t ea rs t o r e m a i n b u t t h e four
‘
-
, , ,
fa ce s Bl a ck J a d e w a s l e f t a lo n e a pr e y t o h er gr i e f Th en a ll of a s u d
.
, .
w i th t e a rs n o t t o sen d h er a w a y a s i t would b e h er d ea th H e r s te p , .
mo th e r w a s a s t r a n g er t o h er ; sh e w a n t e d on ly t o r e m a i n w i th t h e o ld .
T a i ta i B u t th e A n c e st r es s looke d a t h er coldly a n d r e pl i e d t h a t t h i s
.
m a tte r di d n o t co n ce rn h er .
“ ”
Wh a t do es t h a t m ea n a ske d Bl a ck J a d e a st ou n d e d
?
,
.
”
won d e rful dr esse s a n d lo a d s of j ew e lry w as th e a n sw e r , .
“
I don t c a re i n t he l e a st a bou t a ll t h o se th i n g s I o n ly w an t t o s t ay
’ '
”
h e r e H elp m e o l d T a i ta i ! Do n t le t m e l e a v e yo u ! i mplore d Bl a ck
’
.
,
J a de .
“
S t up i d c h i ld ! You c a n n o t rem a i n he r e a ll your li fe A t i m e com es .
”
w h en youn g g i rls h a v e t o l ea v e h om e a n d m a rry !
444
No , I would r a th e r go o n l i v i n g h ere ev en as a se rv a n t as the
no ; , ,
lowe s t m a i d se rv a n t a n d e a rn my o w n br ea d ! H a ve p i t y o n m e for th e
, ,
sa k e o f my mo th e r your o wn d a ug h t e r
; h a v e p i t y o n m e o ld Ta i ta i
’
, , ,
”
a n d do n o t t ur n m e o u t ! cr i e d Bl a ck J a d e p as s i on a te ly .
B ut th e A n c es t r e ss r em a i n e d p i t i l es s .
“ ”
T a ke her o ut ! she ord ere d he r wa i t i n g m a i d M an d a ri n Duck , ,
“ ”
brus qu e ly I a m t i re d a n d w ea ry of he r !
.
“ ”
I co n gr a t ul a t e you o n your gre a t good for t un e M ei m ei ! he sa i d ,
qu i t e c h ee rfully .
En r a ge d at hea ri n g s uc h a t h i n g a n d i n su ch a t o ne from hi s li p s sh e ,
”
h a v en t you O ur w a y s h a ve p a r te d h e r e pl i e d c a lmly
’
? .
,
“
No i t i s n o t d e c i d e d ye t w h om I sh a ll follow It li es w i th yo u ! I a m
, .
”
w a i t i n g for your word ! she burs t o u t v ehem en t ly .
“
A n d I h a v e b een w a i t i n g t he w h ol e t i m e for your word O ri gi n a lly .
w e tw o w i sh e d t o b e lo n g t o ea c h o t h e r d i dn t w e ? So i f y o u wi s h s ta y
’
.
, ,
In li fe a n d i n d e a t h I a m yours ! s he sa i d so le mn ly B u t yo u— you
“ ”
.
? ”
mu st d ecl a r e yours elf o n c e mor e : S h al l I go or s ha ll I r em a in
“ ” “
R em ai n ! h e cri e d e qu a lly s ol e mn ly B ut i f yo u doub t t ha t t h i s i s
,
.
”
my si n c e re w i ll j u st look a t my h ea r t !
,
o u t my h e a r t a n d s h ow i t t o you .
w o e ! I h a v e lo s t my h e a r t ! Now I m
”
u st di e !
H e t urn e d up h i s e y e s a n d s lumpe d t o th e groun d w i t h a h ea vy t h ud .
“ ”
n i zed t h e vo i c e of he r m a i d Cuckoo M i ss ! M i ss c ri e d th e m a i d
. . .
v g ? W a ke up ! U n dress
n i g h t m a re a re you .
h a i n _
S h e r ea l i z e d th en th a t sh e h a d been d e lud e d
445
by a dr ea m Her th ro a t w a s st i ll a s i f t i e d up her h ea rt w as bo un d i n g
.
,
h e rt o b e d prop erly .
b a bbl i n g o f t he n ea r b y brook t h en i t w a s t he pl a i n t i v e mo a n i n g o f th e
-
wi n d o r th e mon o t o n ou s dr i pp i n g o f t he a u t um n r a i n or a g a i n s om e
, , , ,
Sh e l i st en e d w i th s om et h i n g l i ke en vy t o th e re g ul a r s n or i n g t o n es o f
s oun d s l ee p w h i c h c a m e ov e r from Cuckoo s b e d n e a r by T i r e d o f ly i n g
’
.
pl a n t a t i o n i n t h e fro n t g a rd en a n d the p a le li g h t o f d a wn w a s cr ee p i n g
,
in th e w i n dow .
Cuckoo w h o ru sh e d t o her b e d si d e
, .
“ ”
Aw a ke s o ea rly ? sh e a s ke d look i n g w i th a n x i et y a t t h e f a ti gu e d
, ,
s u ff e r i n g f a c e of h er m i s t r es s .
“ ’
I could n t s le ep Plea se t a ke o ut th e S p i t ti n g bowl a n d fet ch m e a
.
cl e a n o n e .
mi n gle d w i th th e spu t um .
“ ”
O h h o w t e rr i bl e ! s h e g a s p e d i n volun t a r i ly Bl a ck J a d e h ea rd h er
, .
e xcl a m a t i o n d i s t i n c t ly from i n s i d r
“
e ”
.
.
, ,
b et r a y e d h er Bl a ck J a d e h a d i n fa ct p e rc ei v e d t h e swee t i sh t a st e o f
.
si n ce ce a s e d t o d e c e i ve h e r s e lf r e g a rd i n g h er co n d i t i o n .
“ ”
I kn ow w e ll th a t my s p i t t l e h a s fr i gh te n e d yo u sh e sa i d c a lmly , .
B u t h e r r efe r en c e t o t h e l a d i es r e c a lle d t o Bl a ck J ew e l s m i n d h er
’
.
,
4 46
”
To wh om h a v e yo u b een t a lki n g ju st n o w ? Bl a ck J a d e w an t e d to
kn ow .
“
T o P ea rl .
Te ll h er t o com e in
P ea rl h a d to si t down o n t h e e dg e of the b e d .
“ ”
W h o di d you s a y j u st n o w h a d a ba d dr ea m l a st n i ght ?
”
P a o Y u It w a s a b i t of a n i g h t m a r e n o doub t
.
, .
? ”
Do you kn ow wh a t h e sa i d i n h i s dr ea m
No l i e d P ea rl
, .
’
S h e s kee p i n g i t from m e t o s p a re my feel i n gs t h ought Bl a ck J a d e t o ,
“
h er ow n !
Wh i l e t w o p a t i en ts th e o n e i n t h e B e go n i a Court y a rd an d th e o th e r
,
i n th e B a mboo H e rm i t a g e w er e s t i ll b ei n g t r ea t e d i n a ccord a n c e w i th
,
t h e pr es cr i p t i o n s of t h e f a m i ly doc t or W a n g w h om th e o ld T a i t a i h a d
, ,
Spr i n g .
O n e da y t w o c h i e f e un uc h s arr i ve d a t th e Y u n gk u o p a l a c e a n d de
l i ve r e d a n Impe r i a l ord e r t o Pr i n c e S h i eh a n d C h i a C h en g T h e N ia n g .
n i a n g t h e h i g h l a dy h a d b e en s u ff er
, , i n g som e d i s qu i et f o r a sh ort t i m e
p a st Four l a d i es of h er f am i ly would b e p e rm i t t e d t o en t er th e i n n e r
.
r e l a t i v es m i gh t j o i n t h e p a r t y b u t would o n ly b e p e rm i tte d a cc e ss t o th e
,
v i s i t i n g c a rd s o ff e r t hei r s a lut a t i o n s a n d a w a i t n ew s Th e n ex t da y h a d
, ,
.
P h o en i x ; wh i l e i t w a s a gr ee d th a t Pr i n c e S h i eh an d Ch i a C h en g sh ould
r e pr esen t th e m a l e r el a t i ve s .
’
Accord i n gly t h e n ex t morn i n g a t th e h our of t h e dr a go n four l a d i es
, , ,
s e d a n c h a i r s cov e r e d w i th
g r een d a m a s k a n d t en c a rr i a g es s e t o ut from
, ,
t h e Y un gk u o p a l a be for t h e Forb i dd e n C i t y Th e p e r s o n a l Se rv a n t s L i .
448
r et i n ue o f se rvan ts b ro ught up th e rea r ; A ll h a d t o d i smoun t a t th e
'
o us
wa i t i n fro n t of th e ga t e wa y wi th th e se rv a n ts .
T w o la d i es i n w a i t i n g i n stru c te d t h e l a di es th a t t h ey w e re o n ly pe r
- -
vi te d th e m t o b e se a t e d .
”
How i s your h ea l th she a sked th eA n c est ress
?
.
n a m es o f th e m a l e a n d o th e r r e l a t i ves whi c h a l a dy i n w a i ti n g l a i d b e
,
- -
i n g h a d t o wi p e h er t ea rful e y e s .
“
gi nn i n g o f Spr i n g T he y ca n c he r i sh t h ei r fa m i ly a s s oc i a t i o ns to t h e i r
.
hea rt s co n t en t a n d se e ea c h o ther a s of t en a s th ey w i sh
’
.
,
“ ”
A n d h ow i s P a o Y u ? sh e co n t i n u e d .
d ecl a re d th e A n cestress .
“
I a m gla d t o hea r t h a t .
l e a v e Af te r a fe w d a y s t he r ea ss ur i n g n ew s r e a c he d th e we s tern p a l a c e
.
th a t t h e Imp e r i a l w i fe w a s qu i te w e ll a g a i n A t th e sa m e t im e e u n uc hs .
“ ”
Sh e i s s ti ll d ee ply d evo t e d t o P a o Y u r e m a rked th e An ces t ress to ,
“
C h i a C h en g dur i n g t he d i str i bu t i on of th e gi fts Sh e i n qu i re d pa rt i cu .
“
He d oe s n o t d ese rv e t h a t i n th e l eas t th e un gr at e ful l az y r a s c a l
, , ,
i n t erj e c te d Mr C hen g
. .
“
O n th e co n t ra ry I pra i se d h i m t o th e s ki es for hi s re c en t progress
,
.
”
Com e ! Com e ! H e do es n o t qu i te d ese rve th a t yet .
s om e w i s dom m
”
ust st i ck i n h i s m i n d a t l as t !
N at ur a lly T h e o ld Ta i t a i i s r i g h t a g a i n t h e r e
. .
o u t for a s u i t a bl e w i fe for h i m i n t i m e ? T h a t i s a m a t t e r w h i c h w i ll
a ff e c t h i s w h ol e l i f e In my op i n i o n w e Sh ould n o t a sk wh et h er t h e g i rl
‘
.
i n qu es t i o n i s r i c h or poor of o ur o wn cl a n o r o f an o t h er b ut o n l y set
, ,
s t or e o n a good c h a r a c t e r a n d a pl easin g e x t er i or .
.
“
You a re qu i te r i gh t O n ly I would a dd a s a coun ter st i pul at i o n th at
'
-
.
”
s po i l t h e n obl e pl a n t from s om e o th e r f a m i ly .
“
It m ay b e t h a t I h a t e spo i l e d h i m from c h i ld h ood an d h i n d er e d t h e
d ev e lopm en t Of h i s c h a r a ct er N ev e rt he l e ss h e 1 5 a good w ell b eh a v e d
.
, ,
bo y I c an n o t i m a g i n e h i m i ll t r ea t i n g h i s youn g w i fe A t a n y r a t e h e 1 8
.
-
. .
,
“
Th e O l d T a i ta i h a s a gr ea t kn owl e dg e of h um a n n a t ur e ; n o doub t
sh e i s a bl e t o j udg e corr e c t ly a n d P a O Y u mu st c e rt a i n ly b e co n gr at u
,
”
l a t e d o n t h e fa c t t h a t sh e h a s s uc h a good Opi n i o n o f h i m a dm i tt e d
’
,
“
Mr C h en g O n ly I a m an x i ou s t O see h i m d ev elop a t l a st i n t o a m a
. .
t ur e b a l a n c e d c h a r a c t e r T h a t i s w
”
, . h a t i s o n my m i n d .
“
B ut a f te r a ll h e 1 5 h a rdly mor e th an a c h i ld H e h a s n o e xp er i en c e
, .
”
The r e for e on e mu st n o t exp ec t t o o much O f hi m growl e d t h e A n ces ,
t r e ss a n d t urn i n g t o Pr i n c e ss S h i eh a n d M a d a m e C h en g sh e co n t i n u e d
, ,
“
i n a l i gh t er t o n e : Th i s f ellow w a s a v ery muc h mor e Odd a n d e cc en t r i c
-
boy t h an Pa o Y u i n h i s you th It w a s on ly wh en h e go t m a rr i e d t h a t h e
b e c a m e som ewh a t m
.
”
or e sen si ble .
“
Spl en d i d ! O ur O ld Ta i ta i a lw a y s kn ows ho w t o h a v e th e l a st l a ugh
on h er s i d e , cr i e d th e tw o l a d i es l a ugh i n g h e a r t i ly, .
T h e co n v e r s a t i o n w a s i n t errup t e d by a m a i d com i n g t o a n n ou n c e
t h a t s upp e r w a s r ea dy a n d t h e comp a n y w en t t o t a bl e i n t h e b est Of h u
,
Th a t sa m e e v en i n g C h i a Ch en g c a ll e d Pa o Y uup f or an i n t ervi ew .
H e m a d e h i m produc e th e t h r e e e ss a y s w h i c h h e h a d pr es en t e d dur i n g
t h e t w o mo n t h s t e r m t o M a st er T a i J u a n d d i s cu sse d t h em t h orough ly
’
,
s e lf o n t h e s ubj ec t O f h e r i ll b eh a ve d d a ugh t e r in l a w w h o h a d m a d e a
- - -
450
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W hy Of co ur se ! My ey es h a ve c e r ta i n ly grown dull wi th
,
a ge ! ex
CHAPTER 4 1
Th e b ea u t ifu l ca ug ht up i n t he fire o f si n as sh e si t
sa i n t is h er
pra y e r c ush i o n a n d i s ca rri e d a w a y i n t o e csta sy by d em o n ia ca l forces
,
.
B la c k Ja d e i s fr i g h te n e d b y t h e s had o w of th e sna k e i n th e b ea k e r a nd ,
r eje c ts a ll n o ur i sh m en t w i th s u b l i m e res ol u t io n .
w a s c el e br a t i n g h i s b i rth d a y t od a y Th e th r ee s en i or s Pr i n c e S h i eh Mr
.
, , .
C hen g; a n d Pr i n ce Ch en an d t h e t w o j un i or s C hi a Li en a n d P M Y u
, , ,
h ad t og eth e r co n v ey e d th ei r co n gr a t ul a t i o n s t o h i m Th e Pr i n c e h a d .
i .
d ec i d e d t h a t i t would b e w i se t o p ut t h e pr e c i ou s s ouv en i r a w a y i n th e
t r e a s ur e c h a mb e r l e s t i t sh ould b e lo s t .
“
A n d a r e you w e a r i n g your o wn st on e a s you sh ould b e ? D O k ee p i t
”
sa fe ! she sa i d .
P a o Y u pull e d o ut from u n d er h i s t un i c th e st o n e w h i ch h u n g o n i ts
fi v e color e d cord
-
.
“
Y es I do m i n d i t w e ll for i t s n o ord i n a ry st o n e h e a ssur e d h er
’
.
, , ,
A n d by th e w a y th a t r em i n d s m e of s om eth i n g ve ry st r an g e O n e
,
.
n i g ht r ec en t ly wh en I w a s go i n g t o sl e e p an d h a d h u n g i t o n t h e b ed
,
e ur t a i n n ea r my p i llow i t s udd en ly sh o n e so br i gh t ly th a t a w h ol e p a t c h
,
”
of th e cur t a i n b eh i n d i t glowe d re d .
“
Do n t t a lk n on sen se ! It mu st h a ve b een th e re fl ec t i on from th e
’
“
NO th e br a z i e r h a d a lr ea dy b u rn e d o ut an d t h e l a mp w as qu en ch e d
, .
”
It w a s a s d a rk a s l a cqu e r i n th e room .
Th e l a d i es look e d a t e a c h o th e r w i th si gn i fic an t sm i l es .
“ ”
Th e p h en om en o n do ub tless po i n ts t o a h a ppy e v en t s oo n t o com e
'
i n t e rj e c t e d P h o en i x .
45 2
“ ’
I don t kn ow wh at i t would b e he sa i d gui le less ly , .
t wa ddl e a n y lo n g er Y o u h a v e b een o ut th e w h ol e da
.
y Go b a ck to th e .
”
park a n d r es t n ow ! sai d t he A n c est ress pu tti n g a s top to furth er co n ,
v e rs a ti on .
“ ”
H a ve an y Of yo u i n form e d Au n t H s ueh Of o ur plan mean ti me she ?
a s k e d w hen h e r gr an d s o n h a d go n e o u t
, .
“ ”
Y es I h a v e
, re pl i e d M a d a me C hen g She i s ten ten t hs i n a gr ee
, .
-
”
b a ck from h i s bu si n ess j our ney .
“
Good Then w e w i ll kee p t he m a tte r b etween ourse lves d eci de d th e
.
,
A n ces t ress .
“
W as M i ss Bla ck J a d e ove r th e re
”
? s he w an te d t o kn ow .
Musk an d Au t um n W a v e B ut P ear l h a d i n fa ct p ut t wo a n d tw o to
.
r c w c mo e r h a d lo n g b een dr ea di n g in se cr et h a d come t o
'
g a e h i h h i s th
p ass a t l a st In ord e r t o get s ome res p i te fr om h i s qu a rr e ls ome w i fe
. ,
A t a n i n n o n th e w a y i n a s udd en fi t O f r a g e h e ha d t h rown a wi n e
'
goblet a t a w a i te r w h o he co n si de re d h a d n o t tr ea te d hi m wi th a de
, ,
h i s h ea d th a t he h a d d i e d of h i s i n j uri es H s u eh P an h a d b ee n se n t to .
$0 3
i n t o h er pocket an d produc e t h ou sa n d s Of t ae l s for bri b i n g purposes ,
a n d U n cl e C h en g h a d t o t h row i n t o t h e s c a l e a ll t h e w e i gh t Of h i s po s i
t h r o ug h t h e p a rk a ft er th e m i dd a y m ea l Hi s fir st im puls e w a s t o t urn .
t ow a rd s t h e B a mboo H e rm i t a g e b ut a s Bl a ck J a d e w a s j u s t h a vi n g h er ,
m i dd a y n ap h e di d n o t w a n t t o d i st urb her an d d ec i d e d t o vi si t Gr i ef
, ,
Wa rm Perfum es su n k i n d eep e st si l en c e Th e r e w as n o t a so u n d t o b e
, .
’
h ea rd n or ev en t h e sh a dow O f a h um an b ei n g t o b e seen S h e s prob
, .
a bly a sl ee p h e sa i d t o h i m se lf a n d h a d a lr e a dy t urn e d t o go o n wh en a
, ,
“ ’
H e li sten e d Ag a i n c a m e the s oft cl a pp i n g s oun d a n d t h en a vo i c e : It s
.
,
wh om Gr i e f o f Spr i n g w a s pl a y i n g T h e vo i c e t h a t h e h a d j u st h eard .
s ou n d e d s t r a n g e t o h i m Now b e i d en t i fi e d t h e vo i c e of Gr i e f Of Spr in g
.
,
“
a n d d i s co n n e c t e d word s s uc h a s : Com e o n ! Mov e f o r mov e ! F i rst
”
you t hen m e Qu i et ly ! Qu i et ly ! W e re gett i n g o n ! Th en a fter a wh i le
, .
’
,
“ ”
a n o t h e r vo i c e gro an i n g : I m j u st fi n i sh e d ! ’
,
“
A n d t h en a g a i n Gr i e f o f Spr i n g h o a rs e a n d d ej e c te d : I m n o t yet !
’
, ,
t h e Ki n gfi sh er s C a g e th e b e a u t i ful a n c h or e ss M i a o Y u T h e t w o w e r e
’
.
, ,
h i m com i n g up b eh in d t h e m .
’ ’
I d c a ll th a t a st r a n g e g am e o f s le i gh t o f h an d th a t s b ein g pla y e d
h e r e ! t h ough t t h e ea v e s dropp e r a mus e d r e m a i n i n g mo t i o n l ess wh e re , ,
he w a s t o co n t i n u e l i s t en i n g
, .
“ ”
Sur e ly your u n i corn h as h a d en ough ? h e h ea rd M i a o Y u wh i s pe r
in
g wi th b en t h ea d t o Gri e f O f Spri n g .
” ’
Spri n g ea ge rly
, .
“ ”
Pssh ! It s j u st a m a t t e r Of t ry i n g ! sa i d M i a o Y u sm i l i n g ; a n d co n
’
,
, , ,
’
a n d e l i m i n a t i n g Gr i e f Of Spri n g s un i corn wh i c h w as th e v an gu a rd o f
’
,
'
O ut t o th e
ve r a n d a How m i ld th e n i gh t w as ! How b ea u ti fully t h e moo n
.
a l t e r n a t e ly c a t e rw a uli n g a morous a i rs t o e a c h o t h e r H o w sh e en v i ed .
t h e l i tt l e cr ea t ur es ! How for s a k en a n d lo n e ly sh e fe lt ! Ag a i n a n d a g a i n
t h e h o n e y e d word s w h i c h P a o Y u th e c h i ld Of th e r e d d ust h a d la v
-
, ,
i sh e d o n h er t od a y c a m e i n t o h er m i n d For a lo n g w h i l e sh e st ood
, .
sh e t urn e d b a ck w i t h a si g h t o h er cu sh i o n Of m e d i t a t i o n All h er pe a c e
. .
O f m i n d w a s a t a n end In t h e l a tt e r h a lf Of t h e n i g h t h er s p i r i t broke
' '
t r i e d t o dr a g h er i n t o a br i d a l l i t t e r ; a n d fi n a lly sh e s aw h e r self a s t h e
B a t h e d i n s w ea t fo a m i n g a t th e mou th wi t h ou t spr ea d h an d s a n d
, ,
co n sc i ou s st a t e u n t i l by d i n t Of s w a llowi n g qu a n t i ti es Of m e d i c i n es
,
“ ”
wh i c h th e doc tor pr es cri b e d for th e cool i n g Of t h e fi re i n t h e blood
”
,
.
S h e fi n a lly r e cov e r e d .
wh a t u n h oly h a n d s th e b e a u t i ful sa i n t m i gh t o n e da y fa ll !
’
fo rt u n e t o d e d i c a t e my l i fe t o th e serv i c e O f Budd h a a s Sh e h a s do n e , ,
a n d t o l i v e t og e t h e r w i t h h e r I wo uld ch a S e a w a y th e d e mo n s o f t em p t a
.
t i o n w i th t h e pow e r Of my pr a y e r i f t he y ev er a g a i n sh ould t a ke i t i n t o
t h e i r h ea d s t o t or t ur e a n d pl a gu e h er .
t h e n e x t g a m e w i t h h er b elov e d pl a ym a t e .
Hi s ud i es a nd h i s a tt en d an c e a t s ch ool h a d occup i e d P a o Y u SO
st
i n t en s i ve ly r e c e n t ly t h a t h i s vi si ts t o Bl a ck J a d e h a d b ecom e gr a du a lly
less a n d l ess fre qu en t Mor e ov e r Bl a ck J a d e fou n d hi m a l ter e d i n h i s
.
,
45 6
Of la te She th ought sorrowfully Of th e Old d ay s th e fi rs t hap py ye ars
.
,
t h e p a rk br e a th e d i n th o se gr a y da y s o f fa ll i n g a u t umn l ea v es m a t c he d
, ,
d est i n e d bri d e .
O n e da y a f te r o n e Of t h e u s u a l br i e f a n d co n ve n t i o n a l v i s i t s O f th e
,
“ ”
Is th e r e som e th i n g worry i n g you s h e as ke d Th e li t t l e o n e n odd e d
? .
s a dly a n d pu t t i n g h er fi n g e r s i gn i fic an t ly t o h er l i p s
,
dr ew t he e ld er ,
g i rl o ut O f th e door w i th h er o n t o th e te rr a c e fa c i n g t h e fro n t g a rd e n .
”
I v e s a d n ew s Pa o Y u i s b etro th e d t o som e o n e else ! sh e w h i s
“ ’
.
p e re d .
”
Oh b ut th a t c an t b e t ru e ! cr i e d Cuckoo h orr i fi e d
“ ’
.
,
,
”
kn ew i t lo ng a go .
“ ? ”
Ho w di d you fi n d o ut
dr w Cuckoo p f r h w y for coug h i g and a
Sn Ow go o se e t w o s t e s a t er a a n ,
’
b a ck sh e li s t en e d i n te n t ly un t i l a ll w a s qu i et a ga i n i n Bl a ck J a d e s roo m .
s of t he h ous e a n d
We ai s e e
’
m d w r t a lk i n g t og e t h e r a bou t t h e l a t es t n e w ,
t heco n v é
a n d c h i ld i s h
’
i m
.
rs a t i o n t ur d P Y H w m a t ur e
'
n e O n a o u e a s s o
,
full ug b i a g t l m t t h w r i t in g ma i d t e
and Of n a h t i n es s n o t a t e n
,
e an
y e e ,
i t w as un b e l i e v a ble t h a t h e w a s a lrea dy en g a g e d
W h en I asked v ery much a st on i sh e d t o wh om , ,
old t t h o ly d a ug h t e r o f a c e rt a i n ri c h re t i re d
t o e n
45 7
pr e fec t n a m e d Ch a n g a d i st an t re l a ti v e o f Pri n c ess S h i eh B ec a u se o f
, .
th e r e l a t i o n sh i p so i t w as s a i d t h e r e w a s n o n ee d for l e n g th y n eg ot i a
, ,
t i o n s Mr C h en g h a d a cc e p t e d st r a i gh t a w a y t h e propo s a l w h i ch w a s
. .
, ,
Wa n g In sh or t t h e en g a ge m en t w a s a n a ccompl i sh e d fa ct O f cour se I
.
, .
,
”
w a s si mply kn ock e d ov e r by th i s n ew s O ur poor l i tt l e m i st r es s ! .
“ ”
B ut w h y w ere w e t old n o t h i n g
'
? a sk e d Cuckoo a f ter a p a u se .
i f h e h ea r s o f i t t o o s oo n h e ll g e t o u t o f h a n d a n d b e com e qu i te h op e
’
se a l of s i l en c e O ur youn g l a dy mu s t n o t
-
get t o kn ow a n y t h i n g ab ou t i t
”
o n a n y a ccou n t !
t h e p a rro t s a y i n g t h e l i tt l e p i e c e h e h a d l ea rn e d T h ey g a v e t h e g a i ly
, .
m i st r ess .
“
Wh er e w e r e you t w o h i d i n g ? On e can c a ll a n d c a ll a n d n o o n e ,
'
”
comes sa i d Bl a ck J a d e i n a w ea k vo i ce ; th en sh e a ske d li stle ssly f o r a
,
f ew th i n g s a n d i mm e d i a t e ly d i sm i ss e d t h e m a i d s a g a i n Wh en Cuckoo
, .
w a n t e d Wh en sh e c a m e b a ck l a te r t o cl e a r a w a y t h e d i sh es sh e fou n d
.
,
o u t t h e un t ouc h e d m e a l .
”
ch an g e h a s com e ov er h er ! sh e r em a rke d an x i ou sly t o Sn ow go ose J
wh en sh e got ou t si d e .
A s a m a tt er of f a c t Bl a ck J a d e h a d u n d erst ood o n ly ab o
, u t se ven t o
ei g h t t en t h s o f th e w h i sp e r e d co n v e rs a t i o n o ut o n t h e t e rr a c e s tep s b ut
-
t ol e r a bl e t o h er S h e re solv ed t o qu en ch t h e fl a m e o f h er o wn l i fe s lowly
.
45 8
t a ke an y more m e d i c in e an d in th i s w a y would a rt i fi c i a lly un d erm i n e
,
h er a lr e a dy fr ai l h ea l th so as t o br i n g ab ou t a n ea rly en d A gr ea t a n d
,
.
an d t o flo a t upw a rd s as i t w e r e i n t o t h e s p i r i t u a l r eg i o n o f gr ea t i l
, ,
th e p h y s i c a l st r en gt h t o e a t a s muc h a s a s i n gl e gr a i n o f r i c e e v en i f ,
s h e h a d h a d t h e w i ll t o do so No o n e i n th e h ou se e xc e p t h er tw o m a i ds
.
A n c e st r ess t he m a i d s di d n o t d a r e t o op en th ei r mout hs A n d n o w .
comi n g t o a n en d ‘
“
I mu st run ov e r a n d tell the l a d i es th at o ur l i tt l e m i st r ess i s n ea r
”
h er en d; si t by h er w h i l e I a m a w a y ! s a i d Cuckoo t o Sn ow goo se a n d ,
left h er alon e w i th t h e si ck g i rl In h er ch i ld i sh i gn or a n ce o f n a t ur e
.
t h e l i t t l e m a i d t h ough t th a t h er m i st r ess mu st b e a lr ea dy d ea d so st i ll ,
a n d mo t i o n l e ss w a s sh e Wh i l e sh e w a s w a t ch i ng a lo n e by h er i n fea r
.
,
an d t r e mbl i n g t h e wr i t i n g m a i d from t h e H e rm i t a g e o f Cl ea r Au t um n
,
h ow Bl a ck J a d e w a s S n o w go o se w a s i mm en s e ly r el i eve d t o h a ve com
.
p a n y a t l a st an d sh e t ook t h e v i si t or i n t o t h e si c k room
, .
“ ”
Where s Cuckoo a ske d th e wr i t i n gm ai d
’
? .
Sn o w go o se po i n t e d t o Bl a ck J a de .
”
Sh e h a s j u st run ov er t o t e ll th e m th at o ur l i tt le m is t r ess i s dy i n g .
B e li e vi n g t h at th e re w a s n o n ee d t o r est r a i n h er t o n gu e si n ce her
“
mi st ress w a s a f ter a ll n o lo n g er co ns c i ous sh e co n t in u e d : W a s wh at
,
m e t h a t th e o ld T a i ta i h a d n o t a pprov e d t h i s b e t ro th a l a n d h a d sa i d ,
Th i s w a s c e rt a in ly an u n drea m e d o f r e v el a t i on t o Sno w go o se
-
“ ?
W h a t Then my poor li ttl e m i st r ess h as thr own a wa y h er li fe fo r
460
”
n o rea so n a t all , an d it is a ll my fa ul t ! he
s cri ed , as toni sh e d an d di s
ma y e d .
“
Wh a t do yo u m ean by t ha t ? ”
“
W he n I ll i n g Cuckoo th e new s o f th e a lleged en ga gement to
w a s te
the d a ug h t e r o f Pre fec t C h an g sh e ov e r hear d us an d sh e t ook i t so , ,
”
terri bly t o hea r t t h a t i t h as fi n i she d her .
“ ”
D o b e ca re ful ! Do b e qu i et ! She mi ght h e a r us !
“
'
sci o u sn ess lo n g a go In a n o t he r f ew h o ur s
.
“ ”
A fa i nt hem from Bl a ck J a d e c a u se d Sn o w goose s udd en ly t o
st 0 p t a lk i n g Cuckoo w h o h a d j us t com e b a ck rus h e d i n an d be n t ove r
.
, ,
th e p a t i e n t .
“ ”
W a te r ! c a me the voi c e fa i n t as a brea th yet a ud i ble from th e
, ,
sc a rc e ly pe rc e p t i bl e mov e m en t o f h er he a d th e p a t i en t i n d i c a t e d th a t
an d r a i se d h e r h ea d w h i le wi th th e o th e r h an d sh e li f te d th e bowl o f
s h e op e n e d h e r e y es .
“
W a sn t Ta s te o f Spr in g s wri t i n g m a i d here j us t n o w ? I th ough t I
’ ’
he a rd h e r vo i c e sh e sa i d fa in t ly, , .
“ ”
Y es h er e I am ! re pli e d th e wri tin g m a i d com in g up close to her
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foun d ed Ph o en i x t ook Cuckoo as i d e : Wh a t we re yo u te lli n g us j us t
,
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n o w an d w h y di d yo u fri g h t en us un n e ce ssa ri ly
, ,
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at a ll !
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Com e r ow ! Do n o t sc old h er f or bei n g t oo ca ref ul ! Better a vi s i t
46 1
for n o t h in g th a n t o a rr i ve t o o l a t e sa i d t he A n cestr e ss t urn i n g wi th
, ,
a s m i l e t o P h o en i x A n d f ully r ea ss ure d sh e w i th dr e w wi t h h er r et i n u e
.
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.
b e en g i ven up m ea n t i me an d th a t a ccord i n g t o t h e w i ll o f t he A n
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,
b e o n ly h e rself— w a s t h e br i d e d es t i n e d for P a o Y u h a d a c t ed o n h er ,
l a d i es o f th e Y un gk uo p a l a c e A s i t w a s t h e y h a d a lre a dy si l en t ly p ut
.
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tw o a n d t w o t og e t h e r a n d n o w s a w t h e i r a ss ump t i o n s v e ri fi e d
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g eth er sa i d t he A n c est r ess b u t n o w t h a t t h ey a re grown up i t see ms
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t o m e more w i se a n d prop e r t o se p a r a t e t h e m W h a t do yo u t hi n k .
sh e a s k e d t h e o t h e r l a d i es .
“
O f course P a o Y u i s st i ll o n ly a ve ry si lly b o y b ut Bl a ck J a d e i s ,
”
a lr ea dy a m a t ur e fully d eve lop e d you n g l a dy r em a rke d M a d am e
, ,
t h e y w er e t o h e s udd en ly s e p a r a t e d n ow It would b e b e t t e r i f w e m a d e .
t h em m a n a n d w i fe w i th ou t d el a y .
T h e A n c e st res s kn i t h er brow s .
“ \
Bla ck J a d e m a y h a v e h er good po i n ts b ut sh e a ls o ha s h er pe culi a ri ,
t i e s a n d w h im s B e s i d es h er he a l th i s v e ry poor I am a fr a i d th at sh e
.
, .
”
i s t h e ri g h t g i rl for h i m sh e d e c i d e d, .
46 2
th i s v ei l y as v ery near t o b e in g crue lly t orn down One mo rn i n g i n th e .
e l ev en t h mo n th Cuckoo h a d vi s i t e d M an d a r i n D uck an d h a d t o h e a r ,
l a t e by fem a l e m a rr i a g e broke rs w h o t r i e d t o p e r s u a d e h er n o w t o th i s
-
a n d n o w t o th a t s pl en di d m a t c h for P a o Y u a n d h ow h e a rt i ly s i ck a n d ,
m i t a ge Bl a ck J a d e W a s st i ll i n b ed an d w a s bu s i ly en g a g e d i n putt in g
.
,
li te r a ry m an u s cr i p ts i n ord er
“
W ell wh er e h a ve yo u b een she as ke d Cuckoo
,
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.
I w a s v i si t in g an o th e r m a i d .
”
I b et i t w a s P ea rl cri e d Bl a ck J a d e m err i ly
, .
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’ ’
.
“ ’
.
It s rea lly a ll t h e sam e to m e w h om yo u v i si t ; bri n g m e my bre a k
”
fa st ! sh e sn a ppe d Sh e w a s j u st dri n kin g her first bowl o f te a wh en sh e
.
“ ”
A m i r a cle o f n a t ur e h a s h a ppe n e d in th e p a rk th e y sa i d Th e , .
w i th er e d s i d e of t he gold en b e go n i a i n t he Be go n i a Court y a rd h a s s u d
den ly com e i n t o bud i n th e m i ddl e of t h e w in te r an d t od a y i t h a s ,
‘
n o t i c e d t h a t i t h a d bud s i n se v e r a l pl a c es b u t n o o n e t ook h i m se r i ou s ly
, .
”
t o s w ee p t h e p a rk p a th s cl ea r o f f a ll en l ea v e s a n d br a n c h e s b e for e h er .
“
O h I mu s t go th ere t o o a n d b e r ea dy t o re c ei ve th e old T a i ta i
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cr i e d Bl a ck J a d e ; a n d sh e j ump e d qu i ckly o u t of b e d a n d sl i pp e d o n
h er clo th es Sh e h a d b a re ly t i m e t o gl a n ce a t th e m i rror an d t i dy h e r
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t h a t s h e Bl a ck J a d e w as e xp e c t e d i n t h e B e go n i a Court y a rd A e com
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p y Pri n c ess S h i eh a n d M a d a m e C h e n g a n d W i dow Ch u an d th e
n
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464
n ix w a s a b se n t , owi n g t o i n d i s po si t i o n Th ey
ood c ha tt i n g m e rr i ly
. all st
men ts a n d v a ry in g i n t e rpr et a t i o n s .
“
Th e n orm a l t i m e for the b e go n i a t o bloom i s c e rt a i n ly t he th i rd
” “
mon th sa i d th e A n c est ress To b e s ur e we are no w we ll in t o the
, .
,
”
a bou t t h i s l a t e bloom i n g .
“
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u s a n d doub t l es s s ees th e m a t te r i n t h e r i g h t l i g h t Th e p h en om en o n i s
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y ea r W h y doe s i t com e i n to bloom n o w at s uc h a n u n u s u a l t i m e ? Th i s
.
,
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must c er t a i n ly h a ve som e m ea n i n g ! obj e c te d Pr i n ce ss S h i e h .
“
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an n oy t h e A n c estr e s s .
i t a s a m a tt er o f cours e t o h er o wn w e dd i n g w i t h Pa o Y u .
“
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.
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n o n of n a t ure .
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T h e t h in g bod es n o good The tr ee of i ll om en s h ould b e s i mply cut
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dow n d em a n d e d t h e s upe rs t i t i ou s Pr in c e S h i e h
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W h y ou t i t down ? For t h ose w ho do n o t fe ar g h o s ts n o g h o sts ex ,
”
i st sa i d t h e c a lm a n d ra t i on a l Co n fuc i a n Mr C h e n g , . .
W ho i s mu t te ri n g a bou t ev i l om en s a d g o
“ ? W e a re n o t
n h s ts go i n g t o
let a n y ki ll j o y s d e pr ess our s p i r i ts ! A n y m i s fort un e t ha t m a y b ef a ll I
-
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t a ke upo n my se lf a lo n e ! sn a ppe d t h e A n c e s t ress .
465
Th e t w o sen i or s bore th ei r moth er s r ebuke i n m eek si l en c e an d di s
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t h e d es i r e of t h e A n c es t r ess t h e t h re e j un i or s P a o Y u C h i a Hu an an d
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W e h a v e t o th a n k you f o r a ll th i s j oll i t y s a i d t h e W i dow Ch u j est
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i n gly t o T a st e of Spr i n g .
? ”
Wh a t do you m ea n
Well i t w a s you a ft e r a ll w h o foun d ed o ur B egon i a Club lon g a go
, , , .
A n d n o w th e b ego n i a i t se lf i s m a ki n g i ts pr es en c e fe l t ; p erh a ps i t w a n ts
”
t o b e com e a n h o n or a ry m e mb er of our club .
e mo t i o n s O n t h e o n e h a n d h e could n o t h e lp t h i n k i n g of t h e d e a d g i rl
.
, ,
a g a i n l i k e t h e h a lf of t h e b eg on i a tr ee w h i c h h a d d i ed a w a y Thi s .
t h oug h t m a d e h i m s orrowful O n th e o t h e r h a n d h e r e c a ll e d t h a t h e h a d
.
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blo ss om i n g of t h e b e go n i a po i n t e d t o th i s pl e a sa n t ch a n g e a n d th i s ,
t h ough t c h eer e d h i m up a g a i n A l i t t l e wh i l e l a t e r t h e m a i d L i t t l e P i n g
.
a rr i v e d a n d h a n d e d t o P e a rl o n b e h a lf of h e r m i s t r e ss M a d a m e Ph o e
n ix w h o e xcu s e d h e r se lf o n t h e pl e a of n o t b e i n g w e ll
, t w o s t r i p s of ,
s om s o s t e n si bly a s or n a m en t a t i o n b ut a t t h e s a m e t i m e a s a pro t e c t i o n
,
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My good n ess ! P h o en i x th i n ks of e v e ry t h i n g ! Such con si d e r a t i on
”
for o t h e rs i n s p i t e o f a ll h er i lln ess ! sa i d th e A n c est r ess a ppr e c i a t i v ely .
t h e re d s a t i n i n t o s t r i p s a n d h a n g t h e l i tt l e st r i p s ov e r th e i ll om en e d -
P e a rl follow e d h e r a dv i c e b ut a pp a r en t ly th e co un t e r m a g i c w as n o t
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s t ro n g en oug h a s w a s t o b e seen a t o n c e
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p u t o n a fes t i v e g a rm e n t B e c a u s e t h e v i s i t c a m e a s s uc h a s urpri se he
.
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go tt en t o p u t o n a g a i n th e n e cklet wi th th e sp i r i t st on e wh i ch he ha d ,
4 66
p e rs on wh i ch she ha d s ufl ere d a t th e h a n d s of W an g th e w i fe o f th e ,
o f t h a t r ep e ll e n t wom a n .
“
Th i s bod i ly i n sp e ct i on i s qu i t e s up erfluou s sh e con ti n u e d W ho ,
.
t he st o n e h as b een st ol en for t h e s a ke of g a i n Af t e r a ll i t i s o n ly o f .
,
a t e ly c en t e r e d o n C h i a Hu a n wh o se h a t r e d o f h i s mor e fa vore d h a lf
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l i e r at th e vi ew i n g o f th e b egon i a flowe rs T h e m a i d Li tt l e P in g w a s .
a ccord i n gly se n t t o fe t c h t h e b a s t a rd u n d e r s om e i n n oc e n t pr et e x t H e .
w a s i n v i t e d t o a cu p o f t ea a n d l ef t a lo n e f o r a w h i l e fi r st w i th L i t t l e
P i n g w h o h a d b een a ssi gn e d t h e t a s k of co a x i n g a n a dm i ssi on o ut o f
,
si n c e th i s morn i n g sh e s a i d i n t h e cour se of co n v e r s a t i o n
, .
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“
Wh a t h a ve I go t t o do wi th o th e r p e opl e s lo st b e lo n gi n g s ? So i t ’
’
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s eem s I m s u s p e c t e d a s t h e th i e f eh h e mu t ter e d a n gri ly
, .
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No off en se m e a n t W e m e r ely th ough t th a t you m i gh t h a v e w a n t e d
.
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t o pl a y a l i tt l e j oke ; t h a t s w h y I a sk e d s a i d L i t t l e P i n g i n t i mi d at e d
’
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, ,
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Pl e a se a sk h i m your se lf ! When th er e are g i ft s t o b e d i st r i but e d I am
n o t pr esen t b u t wh e n s om eth i n g i s m i s si n g p e opl e com e run n i n g t o m e
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a n d s udd en ly r e m emb e r m e gr owl e d C hi a Hu a n a n d wen t off i n a
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h u ff A n d n o o n e t r i e d t o h old h i m b a ck P a o Y u w a s h ea r ti ly gl a d t o b e
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r i d of t h e r e p e ll en t fe llow .
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You sh oul dn t h a v e brough t hi m ov er h e r e h e sa i d Now h e ll
’
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wh a t h a s h a pp en e d T h e st o n e i s n o t so i mpor t a n t t o m e a s a ll t ha t ! Let
.
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o l d T a i t a i w i ll b e b e s i d e h e r se lf w h en t he s t ory g et s t o h e r e a rs
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t e ll h er th e t ru t h qui t e op e n ly a t o n c e .
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Non sens e ! T e ll her th a t I sm ash ed the st one i n pi e ces
'
468
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Tha t s im po ss i bl e Sh e wi ll as k how a n d why an d wi ll pun i sh us for
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i t A n d i f sh e a s ks t o se e t he p i e c es w h a t t hen
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V e ry we ll Th en i t s b et te r to say th a t I l ost the st on e when I w ent
’
.
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in t o t he t ow n rec en t ly .
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B ut yo u h a ve b een n e i th e r to sc h ool n o r i n th e town fo r th e l as t tw o
da ys f
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N0 ,b ut I was a t a th e a t ri c a l pe rform a n c e in th e pa l ac e o f the Prin ce
of th e Sou th e rn Pea c e th e da y b e fore y este rd a y I could h a ve lost i t o n .
”
th a t occ a si on .
“ ’
Th a t wo n t do eit h er,
obj ec te d T a ste o f Spr i n g Gr an dmo the r w i ll .
as k w h y y o u di d n o t a n n oun c e th e lo s s to h e r a t o n c e tw o d a y s a o
”
g , .
Wh i le th e y w e re d i s cuss i n g th e m a t ter th i s w a y a n d th a t a n d t ry i n g ,
t o t h i n k up a whi te li e t he e xc i t e d vo i c e o f t h e se co n d a ry w i fe C ha o
, ,
t he mo th er o f C h i a Hu a n w a s h ear d in the di s t a n c e
, Wh a t does th i s .
mea n ? Accusi n g my so n o f th e ft b eh in d my ba ck ! Ho w ca n my so n
h elp i t i f o th er pe opl e a re c a rel e ss w i th t hei r b e lo n gin g s a n d lo se th em ?
I won t sta n d fo r th i s un d erh a n d t rea tm en t H e re I m br i n g i n g yo u th e
’
.
,
’
th i e f a n d n o w cro ss ex a m i ne h i m op en ly b e for e my ey es a n d i f h e i s
,
-
re a lly gu i l t y yo u m a y cut h i s th ro a t fo r a ll I ca re o r do wh a t yo u l i ke ,
”
wi th h i m !
A n d pu sh i n g th e h owl i n g an d bucki n g b o y i n fro n t of h er she en ,
’
would h a v e l i ke d th e groun d to swa llow her M a d ame Ch en g s a rr i v a l .
T h e co n st e m a ti o n o n th e f a c e s o f th o s e pr ese n t prove d t o M a d a m e
C hen g th a t t he re must b e some tr u t h in the rumor th a t h a d rea c he d h er
“ ”
H a s th e o n e re a lly b een lo
st ke d No o n e h a d th e coura ge
st
? sh e a s .
se t o ut o n th e s ea rc h for th wi t h in s t e a d o f w as ti n g ti m e w i th us e l es s ex
pl a n a t i o ns .
“
Pe a rl could n o t h elp i t s a i d Pa o Y u g a llan t ly ta ki n g th e pa rt o f
”
, ,
“
hi s m a i d I lo s t th e st o n e th e da y b e fore y est erd a y o n my w a y b a ck
.
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from th e P a l a c e of t he Pr in c e of the Sou th e rn Pe a c e .
w a s P ea rl s du ty t o i n form m e a t o n c e Sh e h as th e ta s k o f h e lp i n g yo u
’
.
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th e da y be fore y es t e rd a y re pli e d M a d a m e C hen g ste rn ly
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tr s tf lul y Thé se.
co n d a ry w i fe C h a o n o w c hi m e d i n s h r i l ly : Th a t is
469
e ven b ett er ! He lo st it on the ro a d ,
an d he f al se ly a ccu ses my in n o cen t
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Pl ea se r e fr ai n from t h o se i rr e l ev an t in t e rrup t i on s w h i ch h a ve n o th ,
”
i n g t o do w i th t h e m a t t er ! sa i d M a d a m e C h en g h a r sh ly cu tt i n g h er ,
u s e t h i n k i n g o f h u sh i n g i t up Sh e would h a v e t o s h ould er t h e p a i n fu l
.
i n g t o l ea ve P h o en i x t o o c a m e i n
, .
? ”
H a ve you h ea rd i t ye t a ske d M a d a m e C h en g t urn i n g t o h er n i e c e ,
w i t h a gro a n P a o Y u s st on e i s lo st a n d c a n t b e fou n d an yw h er e It s
.
’ ’
.
’
t e rr i bl e You mu st do s om e t h i n g a bou t i t ! T h e st o n e wi ll h av e t o b e
.
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foun d ! P a o Y u s l i fe d ep en d s o n i t !
’
“
P h o en i x r epl i e d : It wi ll b e d iffi cul t t o fi n d th e gu i l t y p er s on i f th e
s t o n e h a s b een s t ol en O ur se rv a n t s a r e t o o n um e rou s ; w e ca n a t mo s t
.
kn ow th ei r f a c e s b ut h o w ca n o n e see i n t o th e h ea rt o f ea ch o n e ? In
,
w a rn e d a n d a s h e h a s t o expe c t d ea th w i t h ou t buri a l i f co n v i c t e d h e
, ,
w i ll b e doubly c a u t i ou s N 0 le t us i n st e a d re pr esen t th e m a tt e r a s b e i n g
.
,
t h i n g of t h e st o n e a n d t h r ew i t a w a y d el i b e r a t e ly a s h e w a s t i r e d o f i t
-
, .
Amon g ourselve s w e mu st a gr ee an d m a ke t h e se rv an ts a l s o un d er
,
s t a n d t h a t i n ord e r t o a vo i d u n n e c e ss a ry d i st urb a n c e n e i th e r t h e o l d
, ,
T a i t a i n o r P a o Y u s fa t h e r i s t o h e a r an y th i n g of t h e lo ss O f co u r s e w e
’
.
sh a ll co n t in u e t o s ea rc h for t h e s t o n e b u t u n ob t ru si v e ly a n d se cr et ly
,
a n d t ry t o co a x i t o ut of i t s h i d i n g pl a c e by cun n i n g W h a t do es th e Ta t .
? ”
t a i s a y t o t h i s s ugg e st i o n
“
T h a t i s a ll v ery w ell b ut h o w sh a ll I h i d e t h e lo ss from my h us
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b an d ? a sk e d M a d a m e C h e n g a ft e r a mom en t s r e fl e c t i o n Sh e h a d
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n o t t a ke i t i n t o
yo ur h e a d t o m a ke a n y fu s s a g a i n a n d t her e by en d a n g e r
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t h e i n qu i r i es w h i c h a re b e i n g m a d e If yo u do w o e b et i d e yo u ! D o you
.
,
? ”
u n d e r st a n d
Mo th e r a n d s on prom i s ed t o h old th ei r t o n gu es a n d w i th drew di s , ,
“
m a i d s a n d se rv i n g wom en ,an d s a i d t o t h em : Th e st on e c a n n o t h av e
flown a wa y It mu st b e som ewhe r e i n t h e h ou se So sea rch f or i t b ut i n
. .
,
do i n g so a vo i d a ll go ss i p a n d e xc i tem en t I g i v e yo u th ree d a y s I ca n . .
n o t co n c ea l t h e lo ss from my h u s b a n d lo n g e r th a n t h a t If th e st o n e i s .
”
n o t fou n d w i t h i n t hr e e d a y s i t w i ll b e a se ri ou s m a tt e r f or
, yo u all !
4 70
sa y er s d i sh cover e d wi th a l a y er of sa n d set som e i n c ense a l i gh t a n d
’
, ,
i ts m a g i c wr i t i n g on th e l a y e r of sa n d in t h e d i sh A n d th e st ylu s wro t e .
Wh en ce c ame I ,
Wh i ther go I ,
No s i gn bet r a ys .
Un der a gree n cr a g ,
No t s o , n ot s o !
Ta ll hi ll s d i v i d e us
Loud l a ugh te r on ly
Wi ll greet you . G0 v s
n o r M i a o Y u w a s a bl e t o i n t erpr et t h e v e r ses B u t t h e r e w e re s uc h cl ev e r
.
“ ”
We ll w h a t n e w s
,
? Wr e a t h of Cloud s w a s r e c e i ve d w i th cri es o f
t en s e e xp e c t a t i o n w h en s h e c a m e b a ck t o t h e B e go n i a Court y a rd Sh e
. .
s i l en t ly s h ow e d t h em a copy of t h e m a g i c r h ym e T h e y a ll cr a n e d t h ei r .
n e ck s ov e r t h e b i t of p a p e r an d t r i e d t o i n t e rpr et t h e v e r se b ut i n v a i n ,
.
a s k P e a rl a bou t t h e r e s ul t of h er s e a rc h i n g w h en s h e c a m e b a ck h o t a n d
o ff t h e lo n g cou n c i l an d w e n t t o b e d .
A s th e y p a r t e d i n d e pr e ss e d s p i ri t s th e r e w a s o n e a mo n g th em w h o
, ,
t h e t al k of t h e u n i o n b e t w ee n n e p h r i t e a n d gold d es i r e d by f a t e wh i c h ,
h a d b ee n o cc a si o n e d by t h e corr es po n d i n g i n s cri p t i o n s o n P a o Y u s
’
,
’
s t o n e a n d Pr e c i o u s Cl a s p s gold e n a mul et a n d w h i c h t o h er a n n oy an c e
,
472
Th a t ob scure mon k from wh om Pre c i o us Cl a sp h a d r e c e i ve d h er m a gi c
rh ym e lon g ago h a d b een prov e d a l i a r an d n o lon g er st ood b et w een
Bl a ck J a d e a n d h er d esi r es Sh e n o w s a w th e w a y free fo r he r o wn u n i on
.
t r i a ls a n d a ll h er pr esen t t i r e d n es s a n d w h en sh e r et urn e d a t a l at e
,
r ea d i n g .
T h e en e rg et i c i n qu i r i es w h i c h M a d a m e C h en g a n d Ph o en i x h a d ca r
r i e d o ut from th e n e xt morn i n g o n w a rd s bo th i n t h e p a wn sh op s o f t he ,
t o w n a n d a mo n g t h e s e rv a n ts w e r e w i th ou t s ucc ess Th e s t o n e di d n o t
, .
t ur n up Th e th r ee d a y s l i m i t w a s lo n g p a s t b u t M a d a m e C h en g s t i ll
’
.
,
di d n o t d a r e t o t ell h er h u sb an d o r t h e A n c est re ss a n d pr e fe rr e d t o k ee p
the m a tt e r d a rk f o r a w h i l e lo n g e r .
a n d h a d d i e d o n t h e e i g h t e e n t h o f t h e t w e lf t h mo n t h at t h e a g e of n i n e ,
a n d g en t l e m en o f t h e Y u n k u o p a l a c e for m a n y w e e ks an d P a o Y u
g , ,
a b ou t t o h i s h ea r t s co n t en t w i t h h i s cou si n s a n d t h e m a i ds i n t h e p a rk
’
i n h i s u s u a l w a y B u t si n c e h e h a d lo s t t h e st o n e th e mo st e xt r a ord i n a ry
.
,
wh i ch i n cr ea se d from da y t o da y a n d gr a du a lly d e g en e r a t e d i n t o a ct u a l
i mb e c i l i t y H e a c t e d s poke a t e a n d dr an k o n ly w h e n t old t o do so
. , , ,
.
p a y e v en h i s a ccu st om e d du t y v i si t s t o h i s mo th er a n d h i s gr a n dmo th er .
s t o n e w a s pr a c t i c a lly i n d e s p a i r
, In h er p e rpl e x i t y sh e t ur n e d r e p ea t
.
r e g a rd e d h erse lf a s P a o Y u s br i d e a n d co n si d e r e d t h a t i t would b e
’
un seemly t o go t o vi si t t he b et ro t he d Sh e would h a v e r e ce i ve d hi m i n .
h er o w n dw e ll in g i f h e h a d com e t o h er b ut h e w a s u n a bl e t o rou se h i m,
se lf t o t h i s eff or t .
Pr e c i ous Cl a s p w as in ex a c t ly th e s am e po si t i on Sh e h a d b een i n .
4 74
V e ry w ell w e wi ll do w i th ou t h i m d e c i d e d th e An c est re ss Fo r
, , .
th e t i m e b ei n g I w i ll l ea v e th e qu est i o n o f bl a m e a si d e C h i a Li en sh a ll
.
fort hw i th wr i t e a n o ti ce a n n oun c i n g th e lo ss o f th e st o n e Wh o ev e r .
o n h i s w a y h om e from t h e Pr i n c e s p a l a c e T h e r e i s n o o th e r w a y o f
’
.
”
m i gh t w a i t a lon g t i m e b e for e th e st o n e would t urn up .
In th e s a m e h our C h i a L i en h a d t o wr i t e th e n o t i c e a n d h a ve i t pub _
t ook h er s i ck gr a n d s o n o u t o f t he p a rk a n d broug h t h i m t o l i v e i n h e r
qu a r te rs ove r i n t h e w e st e rn p a l a c e Wi th h i m sh e t ook tw o o f h i s st aff
.
,
P ea rl a n d Au t um n Wa ve .
“
Th a t w i n t e r blo ssom i n g o f t h e b egon i a pl a n t n ow see m s t o m e t o
”
h a v e b een r a th e r s i n i st e r , sh e s a i d t o M a d a m e C h en g by w a y o f ex
“
pl an a t i on Th er e would h a v e b een n o t h i n g t o b e un e a sy a bou t a s lo n g
.
a s th e st o n e w a s t h er e b u t n o w P a o Y u w i ll b e d e f en s el e ss a n d a t th e
,
m ercy o f a n y e vi l s p i r i t s w h i c h m a y b e a bou t I do n o t w a n t th i s ; t h a t i s
.
”
w h y I h a v e broug h t h i m ov e r h er e w i t h m e .
“
Oh h e w i ll s ur e ly b e sa f e from a ll h a rm i n t h e a u sp i c i ou s pr esen c e
,
”
o f t h e o ld Ta i ta i , sa i d M a d am e C h en g i n gr a t i a t i n gly .
“ ’
Wh a t do yo u m ea n by a u sp i c i ou s pr e sen c e ? Th e m a in th i n g i s th a t
‘
sut r a s d i l i g en t ly ; t h a t i ll r e st or e t he b a l a n ce o f h i s m i n d G o a n d a sk
w ”
.
h i m w h eth er h e i s pl ease d wi th t h e c h a n g e !
’ ’
B ut P a o Y u s s ol e re ply t o h i s mo th e r s qu est i o n w a s a s i lly gri n .
“ ”
good M a d a m e C h en g w a s mov e d t o t ea rs a t th i s an d c a m e b a ck t o
.
t h e A n c e st r ess i n s uc h an a g i t a t e d st a t e t h a t t h e o l d l a dy d i sm i ss e d h er
at on ce .
“
I do n o t n ee d your he lp a n y mor e h er e sh e sa i d I sh a ll b e a bl e
, .
t o m a n a g e P a o Y u qu i t e w e ll a lo n e M a n d a r i n D uck wi ll pr e p ar e a s o ul
.
t o v i si t m e t od a y h ow e v e r a s I do n o t wi sh t o h a v e a n y d i scu s si o n s b e
, ,
»
fore I go t o b ed .
476
J ust look a t th a t po ster ! It s th ere i n bl a ck an d wh i t e ! Som e so n o f
’
desc ri p i o n o f th e s t o n e i s g i v e n o n th e po s te r a n d u n d e rne a th th e re
.
,
a t th e ord e r of Mr C h i a L i e n po s t e r s h a d b een
.
, p u t up in th e st reets .
Th a t w a s a ll he kn ew Mr C hen g mu tt e re d s om e th i n g a bou t th e c h i ld
. .
“
” “ ”
of m i s for t u n e a n d curse of th e f a mi ly a n d d a she d o fl to h is w i fe ,
o l d T a i ta i h e di d n o t d a r e to off e r a n
y ou ts pok en oppo si t i o n b ut co n
-
fi n e d hi ms e lf t o r a g i n g a lo n e w i th h i s w i fe Fur th ermor e b e h i n d t he
.
.
,
Wh en hi s s e rv a n ts w en t o ut t o c arry o u t h i s ord e rs i t t ra n s p i re d t h a t ,
s e v e r a l of th e po s t e r s h a d a lr ea dy b een t or n do wn by s om e un a u th or i z e d
“
Qu i et ly n o w ! Do you r e cog n iz e thi s po st e r ? It w a s p u t up by yo ur -
”
t e r sh ow m e more re s pe c t if yo u pl e a s e , .
“
B ut yo u m i g h t at l ea s t let us see i t th en w e wi ll go i n an d g i v e your
,
”
m ess a ge a n d an n oun ce yo u s a i d the doo rkee pe rs a lrea dy per ce pti bly
, ,
mo re poli te .
“ ”
We ll i sn t th a t t h e ri g h t o n e he as ke d wi th an a i r o f ass ur an c e
’
?
'
.
,
’
th ough be i ng en g a g e d ou ts i d e th e y h ad o n ly a v a gu e i d e a o f Pao Y u s
, ,
4 77
”
B ut i s i t th er l ea one ? ke d C hi a Li en w h o w a s d eput i z in g for th e
as ,
“ ”
W e h a v e co n vi n ce d ourselv es of i t wi t h o ur o w n ey es ! th e door
“
keep e rs a ss ure d h i m ea g erly B ut t h e m a n w i ll o n ly g i v e up th e st on e
.
”
wh en h e g et s t h e r ewa rd i n t o h i s h a n d .
a n d sh e i n t urn i n form e d t h e A n c e s t r e s s Th e n ew s p u t t h e w h ol e h ou s e
.
a fe rv en t pr a y e r of t h an ks g i v i n g t o Budd h a Th e A n c es t r e ss h a d t h e .
s um l a i d r ea dy t h er e B ut sh e i n si ste d th a t b e for e p a y in g i t o ut sh e
’
mu st h a v e th e st o n e t o e x a m i n e qu i et ly h erse lf a n d sh e s ucc ee de d i n ,
h a v i n g h er w a y .
i n h i s h a n d B e for e h e h a d t i m e t o op en i t P h o en i x h a d s n a t ch e d i t
.
,
a n d l a i d i t un op en e d i n t h e h a n d of t h e A n c e s t r es s .
She mu s t a lw a y s ge t a h e a d o f m e ! No t th e s m a ll est tr i bu t e w i ll sh e
”
a llow m e t o l a y p e r s o n a lly a t t h e f eet of t h e old T a i ta i
.
! s a i d C hi a
L i en i n j est .
a n gl e In si z e a n d sh a p e i t w a s a b s olu t e ly i d en t i c a l w i th P a o Y u s s p i ri t
’
.
s t o n e n o r w as t h e w e ll kn own i n s cr i p t i o n o n t h e fro n t a n d b a ck l a ck
,
-
b e for e U n d e c i d e d sh e i n vi te d M a d a m e C hen g t o e x a m i n e i t M a d a m e
.
,
.
“
Th e s i m i l a ri t y 1 s d e c e p t i v e b u t t h e re i s a p e rc ep t i bl e d i ff e r en c e i n
,
” “
th e br i ll i a n c e a n d th e color s a i d Ph o en i x
,
T h e b e st th i n g i s t o let
.
P a o Y u h i ms elf ex a m i n e th e st o n e .
Th e A n c es t r ess a gr ee d a n d en t ru st e d t h e st o n e t o h er t o sh ow to Pa o
Y u P a o Y u h a pp en e d t o b e h al f a sl eep w h en Ph o en i x c a m e in t o h i m
.
w i th P ea rl a n d M a d a m e C h en g .
“ ”
Your st o n e i s fo un d ! sa i d Ph o en i x pressi n g t h e st on e i n t o h i s,
fa ll t o th e groun d .
”
Le a v e m e a lon e ! You re on ly m a ki n g f un o f m e ! he j abb ere d
’
.
4 78
CHAPTER 43
B la c k Ja d e co n si g ns her po et i ca l w or ks t o th e fla m es a n d fi na lly re
n o u n ces h e r u n ha ppy lo v e P r e c i o u s C la sp cro ss es t h e t h r esh old o h er
.
f
m a i den ly b o w e r for t h e las t t i m e a n d go es th ro u g h th e gr ea t c er em o n y
,
o f h er li fe .
i n t h e Y un gk u o p a l a c e C h i a C h en g w a s r e c ei ve d i n gr a c i ou s a ud i en c e
.
prov i n c es t o th e c a p i t a l a n d h a d d i e d o n th e w a y h om e ow i n g t o l a ck
,
of prop e r m e d i c a l a tt en t i on T hu s jo y a n d sorrow we r e m i n gl e d i n
.
e qu a l p a rt s .
O n e da y a ft er h i s a ud i en c e of t h a n k s a n d f a r e w ell Mr C h en g w a s , .
s ummo n e d t o t h e A n c es t r es s Sh e d es i r e d sh e sa i d
. t o se t t l e a n i m
, ,
por t an t m a tt e r w i th hi m b e for e h i s d ep a r t ur e .
“
I a m n o w a n o ld wom a n of ei gh t y o n e y e a r s sh e b e g a n You -
, .
, ,
a dv i s e r w h o w i ll b e l e f t t o m e n o w i s your u n pr a c t i c a l bro t h er S h i eh .
t h i s rea s o n I h a v e s en t t h e w i fe of o u r m a j ordomo L a i S h e n g i n t o t h e
‘
s a y e r co n si d e r s t h a t o n ly a n e xc i t i n g e v en t of a j oyful n a t ur e s uc h a s ,
'
a m a rr i a g e ca n cur e P a o Y u a n d t h a t o t h e rw i s e w e h a v e t o f ea r th e
,
com e t o a d ec i si on S h a ll w e a ct or sh a ll w e j u s t s i t b a ck a n d let th i n g s
.
,
? ”
t a k e t h e i r cour se T h a t i s th e qu es t i o n .
Th e old T a i ta i h a s alw
“
a y s h ad a mo t h e rly c a r e for t h e w elf a re of
” “
c h i ld re pl i e d Mr C hen g If I h a v e oft en b een an gry w i th P a o Y u i t
, . .
,
480
was not thr oug h
l a ck o f fa th erly aff ec ti on ,b ut so lely b e ca us e i t gr i ev es
m e to se e h i m m a k i n g s o l i t tl e progress an d to ob se rv e th a t th e i ro n i s ,
From th e t on e o f h i s vo i c e a nd t he re dn ess o f h i s e y e l i d s M a d a m e
C hen g could se e tha t h e m e an t t h i s sin c e rely A t asi gn from h er P e a rl .
,
up t o h i s fa th e r a s i f he w er e a c h i ld an d w h i s p er ed som e t h i n g i n hi s
. ,
ea r wh e r e upon he ob e d i en t ly sa i d hi s ts i n g a n W i th h orror C h i a
, .
t o P ea rl t o l e a d h i m a w a y H e w a s mov e d t o th e d e p t h s of h i s b e i n g
.
by th e p i t i a bl e s i g h t of h i s so n a n d hi s w i fe w as n o less so a s the s h i n e
, ,
o f t ea rs i n h e r e y es b e t r a y e d He s t ood up a n d tur n i n g to t he A n.
“
ces t re ss sa i d : To j udg e by a ppea r a n ce s th e old T a i t a i i s r i g ht W e , .
mu st d e fi n i tely a ct b ut t he re i s o n e po i n t st i ll i n doub t : Ha s Au n t
,
”
H s u eh a c t ua lly gi v en her co n sen t ?
“
Sh e a pp roves b ut sh e would n o t c a re t o ann ou n c e her form a l co n
,
”
s n t un t i l th e c h a rg e a g a in s t h er so n H s u eh P an i s s ett le d
e re pl i e d hi s ,
Hm a s lo n g as H s u eh Pa n is in p ri so n hi s si ste r c a nn o t v e ry w ell
,
sh ort ly I mus t n o t r en d e r my se lf g ui l t y o f n e gl ec t of du t y b e ca us e of a
.
? ”
could we pr ep a r e a we dd in g i n th e few d a y s a t o ur d i s po sa l
“
Your doub ts are fully j ust i fi ed ; b ut alas P ao Y u s co n d i ti o n doe s , , ,
’
” “
n o t a llow o f a n
y pos t po n em en t repli ed th e An ces tress I kn ow ho w ,
. ,
e ve r w h a t w e can do Le a v e th e qu es ti o n o f Au n t H s ueh s co n se n t t o
’
.
,
bri n g b a ck t he bro th er s co n s en t Wh e n h e h ea rs th a t Pa o Y u s l i fe
’
.
’
,
'
48 1
c
n e ess i t y an d se t a si d e th e n orm a l rul es o f et i que tt e W e wi ll c el ebr a te .
t h e w e dd i n g ex t r e m ely si mply a n d qu i et ly A br i d a l l i tt e r c a rr i e d by .
s uffic i en t All n o i s y po m
. p s uch a s fe st i ve mu si c an d a w edd i n g b a n qu et
w i ll b e el i m i n a ted W e can m a ke up for t hi s l a t er a fte r th e n i n e mon th s
.
’
Cl a sp i s a sen si bl e gi rl a n d w i ll n ot t a ke i t a m i ss i f w e cu t th e proc ee d
i n g s sh ort Furth er sh e wi ll fi n d i n P ea rl a pl ea sa n t a n d rel i a bl e a dv i se r
.
,
“ ”
T he Ta i t a i s s uggest i on i s spl en d i d h e s a i d wi th a s om ewh a t
’
,
“
forc e d sm i le I a gr ee t o i t b ut w e mu st i mpo se th e s t r i c test s i l en c e on
.
,
“ ”
Good Th en I do n o t wi sh t o d e t a i n you an y lon ge r sa i d th e A n
.
,
,
-
a t e ly a dj o i n e d t he ro om i n wh i c h th e deci si v e f a m i l
y cou n c i l t ook pl a c e
'
’
s uppor t of P a o Y u s f u t ur e wi fe T hi s m a d e h er se cr e t ly r ej o i c e ; f o r sh e
.
o n wi th a m i st r e ss a s r ea s o n a bl e a s Pr ec i ou s Cl a s p w h o would t a ke ,
48 2
Wh at you t ell m e on ly co n fi rms my own pri v a t e con j e ct ure “ she
“
H ow th en h a s h e t a k en hi s fa th er s d ec i si on ? Fo r he
’
as s ur e d h er .
, ,
mu st h a ve b een li st en i n g t o o ur co n v e rs a ti on j us t n ow .
“
I do n o t th i n k i t i s li k ely l n hi s presen t n umb e d a n d li st les s st at e he
. .
i s n o t a w a r e of every th i n g th a t go es on a roun d hi m
“
“ ? ”
Well wh a t sh ould w e do n ow
,
“
You c an n ot do ot h e rwi se th an put th e m a tt er t o the o ld Ta i ta i an d
”
t h i n k up s om e cl ev er w a y o f pr e v en t i n g d i sas t e r .
“
V e ry w e ll I w i ll s pe a k t o th e old T a i ta i deci d e d M a d am e Ch en g ;
.
,
a n d sh e w en t b a ck t o t h e o th er s .
th e An c es t r es s as ke d h er w h en sh e c a me i n M a d a me C hen g t old h er .
e ve ry t h in g wh i ch sh e h a d j u st h ea rd from Pea rl Wh en sh e h a d fi n i sh ed .
s i t u a t i o n i s c e rt a in ly difii cul t
’
.
“
I h a v e a pl an excl aim e d Ph oen ix
’"
.
”
A n d w h a t m i gh t i t b e ?
”
W e sh a ll h a v e t o c ar ry th rough a l i tt l e d e c epti on
? ”
Wh a t do yo u m ea n by th at
A t fir st w e mu st pr et en d t o P a o Yu th a t Bl a ck J a d e 1 s fi n a lly des
ti n e d f o r h i m a n d w a i t to s e e h o w h e t a k e s th e n ew s If i t l ea v es hi m
, .
i n d i ff er en t n o d e c e p t i on w i ll b e n e c ess a ry If h e sh ow s j oy th en w e
, .
,
”
s i mply mu st use d ec ep t i o n .
“ ? ”
A nd h o w do yo u thi nk t o c a rry i t th rough M a d a m e C h en g w a n t e d
t o kn ow P h o en i x b en t down ari d Wh i s p e r e d som eth i n g i n h er ea r t o
‘
.
,
e
d et a i l f o r th e A n c es tr ess di d n o t un d e rst an d at on c e b ut fi n ally a sm
, i le ,
o f en li g h t en m en t a n d s e cr e t s a t i s f a c t i on s pr e a d ov e r h er f a c e .
“ ” “
Spl en d i d ! sh e excl a i m e d Bu t c e rt a i n ly som e wh a t b i tt er for Pre
.
”
c i ons Cl a s p A n d w h a t abou t Bl a ck J a d e
.
?
sh e co n t i nu e d h er w a y a lo n e a t a l ei s ur e ly p a c e A s sh e s a un ter e d a lo n g . ,
484
use d on ce t o b ury wi there d blo sso ms wi th Pa o Y u a p i ti a ble whi m per ,
, ,
n o w bu s i ly dr i n g her e y es
y .
“
C om e wh at ha s s omeon e don e to hurt yo u so as ked Black J a de
,
' ? ”
,
”
I sa i d a word t o o muc h ?
“
W ho a re yo u an d wh a t ord er to kee p si l en t are yo u ta lki n g abou t
,
? ”
“ ’ ’ ’
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,
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.
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.
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“
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o f t h e A n c e st r e ss A t t h e e n t ran c e t o t h e r oom s o f t h e A n c est r ess Bl a ck
.
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.
t h e pr esen c e o f Cucko o.
“
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.
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t h a t h er co n d i t i o n so m e h o w h a d s om e t h i n g t o do w i th h er e n coun t e r
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a n d i t m ad e us a b i t u n ea y
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a t t r a c t e d a t ten t i o n w h en sh e
go t b a ck T h e A n c est r ess th ere upon hur .
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d e c i si o n s r ea ch e d a t the fa m i ly coun c i l .
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.
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‘
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’’
sh e sa i d a t ,
h a d t o cut sh ort th ei r vi si t .
488
mus t m a ke all th e nece ssar y prep a r a ti ons i n good t i me i n c ase a n yt hi n g ,
”
sh oul d h a ppe n t o h e r .
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”
come fo n d o f ea c h o t her she co n t i n ue d ra ther d ej e c te dly t ur n i n g t o
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h e r l a di es b ut n o w t h e y a re gr own up an d s en s i ble e n ough to rea l iz e
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l
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”
th e mom en t P a o Y us w elfa re is o f more im port an c e wh i s pe re d Ph oe
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si ck P a o Y u S h e w i sh e d t o p u t h i mt o t h e t est
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.
.
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.
n i x j umpe d up a n d pul l e d h i m b a ck .
“
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”
n o t o f cours e re ce i ve yo u
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I ha e i g v e n h er my h ea r t O n ly s h e ca n.
p u t i t ba ck m my br east ,
489
th a t h e w as l dy c ur e d fe l t d ub i ous on ce more She v i si t e d th e
a re a , .
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b e sen t po s t h a st e t o Cou si n H s u eh P an , w h o w a s s ti ll i n pr i s o n , to o h
t a i n h i s co n sent a s m a l e h e a d o f t h e fa m i ly Af t er ev e ry thi n g h a d b een
'
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’
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br i n g i n g t he l a t te r s con s en t More ov e r h e w a s a bl e t o ann oun ce t h at
’
.
,
w i th a go od con s c i en c e .
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,
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.
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S i st er Cuckoo do b e so k i n d as t o r aise m e in a si t ti n g po si t i on ; I
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. :
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-
th e tw o l i t t l e wh i t e si lk h an dk e rc h i efs , st a n e i d wi th i nk an d t ea rs
h a d th em dropp e d i n t o her h an d s .
‘
”
unti l you re w ell a g a i n ! plea d e d Cuckoo gen t l y B ut B la ck Ja de w i th
’
.
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l
’
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“
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the br a z i e r !
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“
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’
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”
of th e fi re m i gh t do yo u h a rm , sh e sa i d B ut Bla ck .
braz i e r she g aze d i nt o th e red glow for a few m omen ts lost m th ought
, ,
th en let the h an dk erch i e fsflutter down o n th e fi re In a tri ce the l i ght .
“ ”
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?
, .
s h ould e r a g a i ns t Bl a ck J a d e s b a ck a n d w a s abou t t o m a ke a gr a b f or
’
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.
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.
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y a rd by m i sta ke She foun d the fr o n t doo r a j ar an d th e rooms i nsi d e
.
i f yo u promi se yo u won t te ll Sn ow go o se
’
We ll th e n ew h ome wh i ch th e o l d m a st er h a s a ssi gn e d t o th e youn g
coupl e i s si t u a t e d b e si d e M a d a m
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’
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, .
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d ea th on h er b ed of sufl erin g an d Pa o Y u g a i ly c e l e br at in g h i s w e d ,
o f Bl a ck J a d e s p a ss i n g ? W a s h e n o t a d e t e s t a bl e cr ea t ur e ? D ejecte d an d
’
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A t t h e en t r a n c e sh e s aw t w o yo un g m a i d s h an g i n g a bou t cr an i n g ,
fl ew p a st th e m I n s i d e sh e fou n d Bl a ck J a d e ly i n g i n a fev er Wi th b um
.
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i n g re d c he e ks a n d i n h er p e rpl ex i t y sh e s en t for o l d W a n g Bl a ck
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e x h a u st e d h er se lf i n us el es s l a m en t a t i o n s Sudd en ly sh e th ough t o f .
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, ,
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, .
w a s v e ry w e a k .
w et s po t th e s i z e o f a pl a te .
“
You si lly cr eat ur e ! Thi s 1 5 n o t i m e f o r cry in g " e xcl a i m e d W i dow .
7
“
C h u s h a k i n g h er Qu i ck ! Ge t your m i st r ess s shr oud rea dy ! Is the ’
.
,
p o or g i rl t o s e t o ut n a k e d on th e gre at j o u
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rn e y
B ut Cuckoo s obb e d mor e v i ol en t ly th an ev er an d could n o t b e per
s u a de d t o g et up W i dow C h u t o o w as i n fe c t e d w i th h er t e
. a rfuln ess
, , .
“
Com e o n my good g i rl ! G e t t o work ! Pull your self t o ge th er ! Y o u
, _
”
m a ke m e a s d i st r a c t e d a s y our self wi th your h owlin g ! sh e con t i n u ed -
w i p i n g h er t ea r s a n d sl a pp i n g th e o th er o n th e sh ould e r .
4 94
“
It i s I m a fr a i d b ut I wan t to act correct ly an d n ot b e re
th at
’
n ot ,
s po n s i bl e f or bo t c h i n g th e pl a n w h i c h h a s b e en d ec i d e d upo n i n h i gh er
'
’
pla c es a n d wh i ch I my se lf do n o t kn ow ex a c tly sa i d th e m aj ordomo s ,
t o see t h ro u gh t h e d e c ei t wh i c h w as b e i n g pr a c t i c e d o n h i m b ut i n t h e ,
f ev er i sh ly a w a i t i n g t h e a rr i v a l of Bl a ck J a d e .
“
W h y i s she n o t com i n g ? Aft er a ll th e w a y from t h e B a mboo Her
'
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”
m i ta g e t o her e i s n o t s o far he a sk e d t urn i n g an x i ou sly t o P ea rl
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”
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“
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bri d e a n d dur i n g t h e c er e mo n y .
’
d br i d a l l i tt e r a rr i v e d .
Th et roup e of g i rl m u s i c i a n s w h o h a d t a ken up th e i r po si t i o n in
,
“
from h i s h i dd en v a n t a ge p oin t i n si d e as t he he a v i ly ve i le d New La dy
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J oy w as N 0 o ther th a n Sn o w go o se !
W h y i s Sn o w goo se an d n o t Cuckoo es cort i n g her ? t h oug ht Pa o Y u
to hi ms e lf, s urpr i se d W h y yes , o f course she broug ht S n o w o ose w i th
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t he c e re mo n i es of cl imb i n g o n t o t he b ed a n d r a i si n g the b e d e ur -
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t a i n w e r e p e rform e d i n a ccord a n c e w i t h o ld C h i n li n g 1 cu s t om .
In f a c t C h i a C h en g h a d n o t g i ven a n y cre d en c e to t he ve rd i c t of t he
s oo th s a y e r th a t P a o Y u r e qu i re d som e s t ro n g i mpr es s i o n o f a j oyful
n ow wh en h e p e rc e i ve d t h a t P a o Y u h a d b ecom e a pe rf e c t ly r ea s o n a bl e
b e i n g on c e more u n de r th e i n flu en c e o f t hi s wedd i n g .
Th e n e w br i d e h a d t a ke n he r pl ac e in t he pres cr i b ed m a n n er o n the
e dg e o f t h e b e d Now th e t i m e h a d com e fo r t h e c e r emo n y of t he l i f t i n g
.
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ve i l an d dr a w i n g i t gen t ly o ff th e hea d of th e New O ne S n o w goo se .
t he T o m b s o f t h e Em pe ror s i n t h e v ci i n i t y o f P e ki n g
— Tr ans l at ors N o t e
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.
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b e for e h i m on th e e dg e o f the b e d? He sh on e th e l amp o n her fa c e ; he
rubb e d h i s e y e s Ther e w a s n o doub t a bou t i t ; i t w a s sh e A n d th er e w a s
. .
goo go s e n e t o ? P a o Y u di d n o t kn ow w heth e r h e w a s a w a k e or a sl ee p .
a n d pr ess h i m down on t o a c h a i r A n d h e j u st s a t t h e r e u n a bl e t o
.
ge t ,
o u t ev e n h a lf a word .
f o r ta b ly o n i t .
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h e s a i d t ur n i n g t o
,
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,
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, .
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’ ’
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let th e old m a st e r h ea r you ; h e s i n t h e n ex t room ! r epl i e d P ea rl
’
.
Pa o Y u looke d i n t o th e n ex t room He s aw Pr ec i ou s Cl a s p s i tt i n g .
t here .
“ ”
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wi th h i s fi n g er .
“ ”
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, ,
“ ? ”
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un d et err e d .
“
M i ss Pr e c i ous Cl a sp .
”
A n d w h a t a bou t Bl a ck J a d e ?
Th e old m a st er h a s g i v en yo u Pr ec i ou s Cl a sp for a w i fe W h y do .
”
you k ee p o n sp ea ki n g Bl a ck J a d e s n am e s a i d P ea rl i mp a t i en t ly
? ’
.
“
B ut sh e w a s h e r e j us t n ow ! I sa w h er Sn ow go o s e w i t h my o wn ey es .
”
a n gry w i th you .
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’
.
‘
con t rol .
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w a y B ut t h e m a l e r e l a t i v e s w h o w e r e C h i a C h en g s j u n i or s h a v i n g
’
.
,
CHAPT ER 4 4
Th e s p i r i t s t o n e dr e n ch es w i th t ea rs t h e p la c e of d ea r m em ori es .
s t a t e of a p a th et i c s e m i co n s c i ou sn es s o u t of wh i c h th e d e l us i v e t h ough t
h e w a s t r e a t e d by t h e doc t or s w i t h e v e ry po ss i bl e m e d i c i n e b ut w i th ou t ,
Th e n i n th da y s i n c e t h e w e dd i n g n i gh t h a d n ow
wh i c h cu st om r equ i r es t h a t th e so n i n l a w sh ould p a y h i s p a r en ts i n
- - -
l a w a v i s i t Could o n e p e rm i t P a o Y u t o b e s een b y A un t H s u eh i n th i s
.
“
Tru e h i s m i n d i s s om ew h at u n h i n g ed b u t ph y si c a lly h e would cer
, ,
t a i n ly b e a bl e t o m a k e a sh or t v i s i t I sh ould l i k e t o k ee p t o t h e corre c t
.
”
form a l i t y a n d n o t c a us e Aun t H s u eh t o feel off en de d sa i d th e A n ec s ,
t re ss H er v i e w m e t w i t h g en er al a gr eem e n t a n d so P a o Y u w as s en t
.
,
H s u eh .
w a s n o t o f a p h y s i c a l b ut of a sp i r i t u a l n a t ur e A n d a c t u a lly th e m e d i .
c
5 00
th e h our of th e se co n d
ght wa t ch D esp i te the l a ten ess o f th e hour t he
ni .
,
th a t sh e a ls o mi gh t w i t n es s t he gr a t i fy i n g c h a n ge a n d loo k o n w i th th e
as ke d h er a bou t th e rec en t s e qu e n c e o f ev en ts .
“
How i s i t th at Pre c i ous Cla sp i s he re ? I d i st i n c tly rememb er b ei n g
t old th a t I w as t o m a rry Bl a ck J a d e How o n ea r th ca n Pr e c i ous Cl as p
.
tr u th Ho w t err i bl e i t mu st b e fo
. r poor Bl a ck J a d e ! She w i ll c ert a i n ly
br i efly th a t Bl a ck J a d e w a s v ery i ll .
“
Then I mus t go a t o n ce t o see h er he d e cl are d p a ss i o n a te ly a n d
, ,
t r i e d th e r e a n d th en to ge t up from h i s b e d b u t a l as h e w as un a ble to , , ,
a w a r e of h i s wre t c h ed s t a t e .
“ ”
V e ry we ll ! Th en I sh a ll a t l ea st di e w i th her ! he cr i ed i n h i s gr ie f .
Fo r th e s a ke o f o ur lo n g y ea rs o f fr i en ds h i p I en tr eat yo u to hee d my ,
”
requ est !
Wh i le P ea rl s tr ov e i n v a i n t o overcome t he emo t i o n w h i c h c h oke d
her vo i c e Prec i ou s Cl a s p s udde n ly w a lked i n t o th e room w i th th e m a i d
,
“ ”
En oug h of th i s fu t i le a n d morb i d pr a t in g ! she sa i d t o h i m c a lmly
“
a n d firmly T he old Ta i ta i h a s j u s t be com e s om ew h a t rea ss ured a bou t
.
you a n d n o w yo u wa n t t o c a u se h er more a g i ta t i o n Do ha v e a l i tt le
,
.
50 1
f or e i t i s h a lf t h rough ? Follow my ex a mpl e ! S ur ely I would h a v e more
r ea so n th a n a n y of yo u t o qu a rr e l w i th my fa t e yet I do n o t d esp a i r So ,
.
’
pull your self t og e th e r a n d do n o t qu a rr el w i th th e h i gh e r d ecr ees o f
h ea wh i c h d em an d t ha t you l i v e ! H a v e p a t i en c e a n d i n four o r
, ,
”
a n d w i ll h a v e reca vere d i t s form e r cl a r i t y a n d h a rmo n y
r
s i lly i n a n e u n com
, p relr en di n g gr i n
, .
“
For h ea v en kn ow s h o w lon g p as t w e tw o h a v e h a d n o th i n g more t o
s a y t o e a c h o th e r Wh a t i s i t th a t s udd en ly g i v es you t h e r i g h t t o pr ea c h
.
? ”
to m e h e r em a rk e d a t l a st A t t h i s sh e lo st p a t i en c e
. .
“
V e ry w ell th en ! You sh a ll h ea r t h e wh ol e t ru th ! D a y s a go wh i l e
, ,
W i th a shr i ek P a o Y u l ea p e d up i n h i s b e d
, .
“ ? ”
Is th a t t ru e
O f cour se i t i s t rue ! Ho w would I dr ea m o f br az en ly sa y i n g t h at
som e o n e w a s d ea d i f i t w e re n o t t ru e ? It w a s s ol e ly t o s p a r e your f e e l
o f a d i st a n t dr e a ml a n d Som e o n e cro s se d h i s p a t h
. .
“ ”
?
Wh e r e yrs I h e a ske d th e Som e on e .
On th e ro a d t o t he Spr i n g s of th e R ea lm of S h a d es B ut your d es t i n y .
? ”
i s n o t ye t fulfill e d Wh a t a re yo u look i n g for h e r e
. r e pl i e d th e Som e
o ne.
“
I look i n g for a p e r so n w ho i s d ea r t o m e an d w h o d i e d a sh ort
am ,
”
t i m e a g o I h a v e lo st my w a y o n t h e ro a d
. .
“ ”
W h o i s th a t p e r s o n ?
S he i s a g i rl n a m e d Bl a ck J a de of t h e f a m i ly o f L i n g from t h e t own ,
”
of Ku s u .
“
O h th a t g i rl ? Sh e rs a s p e c i a l c a se In l i f e sh e w a s d i ff er e n t from
, .
5 02
’
Bl a ck J a d e s l i fe w a s h an g i n g by a th rea d On th e ev en i n g o f th at day .
s h e se em e d t o r ev i v e a g a i n for a sh or t t i m e Soo n a f t e r Sn ow o o se h a d
g .
h a lf a da y lo n g e r .
S h or tly a f te r she h a d go ne Bl a ck J a d e op en e d h er e y es a g a i n ,
s t r en g th u t te r e d a f ew word s of f a r e w e ll
, .
“ ”
’
I m n o good for l i fe sh e g a s p e d
,
Th a n k you for your f a i th ful
.
. .
di d n o t th i n k
Ex h a u sted sh e s t opp e d a n d clo se d h er e y es b ut di d n o t rel a x th e
, ,
s i l en c e for a n y t h i n g mor e s h e m i g h t h a v e t o s a
y .
“
’ ”
I m a s t r a n g er h e r e S i s t e r g a sp e d Bl a ck J a de a fte r a lo n g p a u se
, ,
.
i n th e ea r t h of my s ou th ern h om e l a n d .
A g a i n s h e h a d t o p a u se a n d clo se h er e y es Cuckoo fe l t h er h a n d b e .
h a n d a lr ea dy fe l t w e cold .
T h e th r ee o f t hem w e re j us t be g i n n i n g t o rub Bl a ck J a d e w i th d a mp
t ow e l s w hen sh e s ud d
“
, en ly cr i e d o ut : P a o Y u ! P a o Y u l How
T h o s e we r e her l a st word s Her l i mb s b e c a m e cov er e d wi th cold
.
s w e a t a n d t h e n gre w r i g i d S h e d i e d i n t h e v e ry s a m e h our i n w hi ch
, .
In t h e m i d s t of th e d i rg es o f th e wom en d el i c a te a n d exqu i s i te mu s i c
s udd e n ly s ou n d e d from s om e w her e i n th e f a r d i s t an c e Everyo n e fell .
,
C h u ra n i n t o t he p a rk t o he a r more d i st i n c t ly b u t t he re w as n o lo n g e r
, ,
a n y mu s i c t o b e h ea rd— n o th in g b u t t h e g e n t l e r us t l i n g o f t h e b a mb oo
5 04
t urn e d a wa y from th e pla ce o f d eath an d fl ed o n w i n g ed fe e t b a ck to
th ei r res pe c t i ve dwe lli n gs .
o f B la ck J a d e s d ea th
’
.
“
I h a ve h er d e a th on my co n sc i en c e ! w a i led the A n ces tress in be
”
“
l a te d self a ccu sa t i on B ut i t w as her o wn fa ul t t o o She w as a f ar too
-
.
, .
“
T he o ld T a i ta i h as n o grou n d s fo r se lf repro a c h She w as un s p a r -
.
”
Bla ck J a d e sh ould di e youn g s a i d M a d a me Ch en g comfort i n gly , , .
“
B ut w e w i ll do s t i ll more fo r he r ; w e w i ll a her th e t ri bu te o f a
‘
p y
”
re a lly b ea u t i ful a n d wort h y f un era l .
’
It w a s d ec i d e d to ke e p t he sa d n e ws f ro m Pa o Y u un t i l h i s co n d i ti o n '
t old h er o f w ha t h a d ha pp en e d .
“
Sh e d i e d o f a broken h ea rt a n d t ha t i s the expl an a ti on o f Pa o Y u s
,
’
co n d i t i o n to o I kn ow yo u l i v ed lo n g en oug h in th e p a rk to un d e rs ta n d
.
”
w ha t I m ea n So n o t a word t o P a o Yu l sa i d th e A n c estress em ph a ti
.
c a lly.
t he m i n d s he s a i d t o h e r se lf a n d co n t r a ry t o t he ord e rs of t he A n ces
, ,
s om e w h a t re co n c i l e d t o h i m a g a i n a n d sh e fa i thf t re po rt ed t o h im i n
,
505
h i s h o a r se th ro at could n ot u tte r a n o th e r s oun d an d h i s e y e s could n ot
s h e d a n o t h e r t e a r T h en h e a llow e d P h o en i x t o t ak e h i m by t h e h a n d
'
n a m e ly t h e e n t er i n of t h e n up t i a l b e d O n e da t h e A n c es t r ess ask e d
g y
f
.
,
,
“
W e h a v e n o w com e t o th e po i n t wh en w e n ee d n o lon g er worry abou t
P a o Y u s h ea lth A h un dre d d a y s h a v e p a sse d si n c e t h e b eg i n n i n g of h i s
’
.
m e t h a t i t i s t i m e t o m a ke good t h e i n j u st i c e wh i c h Pre c i ou s Cl a s p h a s
b een s uff e r i n g a n d a t lo n g l a st t o p erform t h e c e r emon y wh i ch a lon e
,
ca n m a k e t h e br i d a l c h a mb er r ea lly roun d a t ru e n up t i a l c h a mb er I
'
‘ ’
.
,
y i ,
c i i cl e of t h e f a m i ly
' ”
.
”
“
Qu i t e the co n t r a ry ! prot est e d th e A n c e st r ess en erg et i c a lly In th e .
e xc i t e m en t r e c en t ly t h a t i t i s t i m e w e we r e m erry a g a i n a t l o n g l a s t ,
pr es en t at th e fest i v i t i es an d t h e b an qu et w i ll b e a r eally m a gn i fic en t
,
-
a n d l a v i sh a ff a i r My h a r ass e d o ld h e a r t i s cr a v i n g t o se e s om e j oll i t y
.
a g a i n a t lo n g l a s t .
h u sb an d an d w i fe .
gay comp a n y o n ly three n ow rem a i n e d th er e—W i dow Chu Gr i ef o f
, ,
A n d n o w P a o Y u w as t o lo se h i s h a lf s i st e r T ast e o f Spr i n g t o o , , .
t w o f a t h e r s i n la w w e r e n o t t o o f a r a p a r t
- -
a n d s o T a st e o f Spr i n g
,
would a t l ea st ha v e h er f a th er n ea r h er Th us th e c a len d a r w as on c e .
f el t th e n ee d of a hea rt t o h e a rt t a lk w i th P a o Y u t h e in t i m at e co m r a d e ,
of h er b ea u t i ful c h i ld h ood d a y s n o w go n e B ut Pa o Y u w h o kn e w
,
.
,
n o th i n g a s t bou t h e b e t ro t h a l d i d n t g i v e h er a c h an c e t o s a y a
y e a r o ,
“
Y o u w e r e pr esen t I kn ow w h en Bl a ck J a d e d i e d D i d you a l s o h ea r
, ,
.
? ”
s ou n d s of my st er i ou s d i s t a n t mus i c
, h e a sk e d .
“
Y e s i t could b e h ea rd d i st i n c t ly thr oug h t h e sti lln es s o f th e n i gh t
, .
It s ou n d e d ve ry st r an g e qu i t e d i ff er en t from ord i n a ry e a rt h ly mu s i c
, , .
‘
P a o Y u th oug h t o f t h e drea m i n w h i c h th a t un kn own Som e o n e s a i d
t o h i m t h a t Bl a ck J a d e w a s a s p ec i a l c a se i n l i f e d i ff er en t from o the r
,
i n t h ough t t h a t T a st e o f Spr i n g l e ft a g a in w i th ou t h a v i n g m en t i o n e d h er
o wn aff a i r s .
“ ”
O n e a f ter th e o th er t h e y go an d l ea v e m e ! h e l a m en t e d F i r st B e .
g inn i n g o f Spri n g d i e d ; th a t w a s n o t so t e rr i bl e s i n ce sh e w a s n o t w i t h ,
m e co n st a n t ly l i ke t h e o t h e rs B ut Bl a ck J a d e ! She h a s j o i n ed th e
.
a n d i s p i n i n g a w a y i n th e f et t e rs of a h a t e ful m a rr i a g e L i t t l e Cloud a n d .
508
Prec i ous H a rp are go n e an d w i ll b e m arr i e d v ery soo n t oo A n d no w
, .
T a s t e o f i n !
Spr g Ev rybody e i s l v i n g ! Wh a t sha ll I do alo ne he re
e a ? ”
a wa y .
“
Le t m e d ea l w i th h i m ! she sai d an d t hen t urn i n g t o Pa o Y u wen t
”
, , ,
“
on : So i f yo u h a d your w a y a ll your s i ste rs a n d cou s i n s sh ould rem a i n
,
your e duc a ti o n sh ould h a v e s uc h sen sel ess th oug hts ! Ve ry well i f your ,
to le t th e m go P ea rl ut h er h a n d ov e r h i s mou th
p .
.
“
Be qu i et ! O n e do es n o t sa y th i n gs l i ke th a t ! Co n t rol yourse lf s om e
w h a t or e ls e you w i ll lose us t oo !
,
”
“
I u n d e r st a n d a n d I w i ll co n trol myse lf b ut I c a nn o t ye t a cc e pt t h a t
, ,
”
T as te of Spr i n g i s go i n g aw a y .
“
A h w hy n o t ? By t he n h e w i ll s ure ly h a v e b ecom e rea so n abl e
,
” “
a ga i n , obj ec te d Pre c i ou s Cl a sp The y a re w e lcome to t a lk t o ea c h
.
”
a c e r ta i n o t he r pe rs o n w i t h h er t r a g i c po se
,
.
La t e th a t even i n g P h o en i x se t o ut t o wa lk across th e p a rk t o t he
H e rm i t a ge o f Cle a r Au t umn Wea t he r in ord e r t o d i sc us s w i t h Ta ste o f
Spr i n g som e m a t t e rs con c e rn i n g her tr ou sse a u A s i t w as a lrea dy .
g et ti n g d a rk she ha d ta ken a m a i d t o wa lk i n fr on t o f he r w i t h a l a n te rn
,
o n a po st a s we ll a s t h e t w o w ai t i n g m a i d s w ho a cco m p a n i e d h er B ut
,
.
a mo n g th e p r s o n n e l a n d se n t th e w a i tin g m a i d S i a o Hun g i n t o do a
e
l i t tl e spy i n g o n som e h a rmles s pre te xt Th us she h ad on ly the wa i ti n g
. .
509
m a i d L i ttl e Fo n g st i ll w i th h er a s sh e p a sse d th rough th e p a rk g a te ,
wh i c h w as st an d i n g a j a r .
e tt e d o n t h e groun d U n l i k e form e r d a y s w h en t h e p a rk w a s s t i ll i n
.
,
h ab i t e d a d epr es si n g si l en c e n ow r ei gn e d No t a h um a n s ou n d w as t o
, .
b e h e a rd O n ly n o w a n d a g a i n a br i ef gu s t o f w i n d bl ew th rough th e
.
s umm i t s of t h e t r ee s a n d th en th e s of t ru st l e o f f a ll i n g a u t umn l ea v es
, ,
t h e cr e a k i n g a n d cr a ck i n g o f s w a y i n g br a n c h es a n d th e fl a pp i n g o f ,
e c h o W h en sh e set o u t P h o en i x h a d b een s om e w h a t h e a t e d by t h e w i n e
.
s h e sh i v e r e d s l i g h t ly .
“ ”
R un b a ck qu i ckly an d br i n g m e my erm i n e c a p e ! sh e ord ere d
L i t t l e Fo n g M ea n t i m e I sh a ll b e go i n g o n t o t h e H erm i t a g e of Clea r
.
,
”
Au t u m n Wea th e r C a ll for m e t her e ! .
L i tt l e Fo n g d i sa pp ea r ed a n d P h o en i x con t i n u e d o n h e r w a y a lon e
,
.
Sh e h a d n o t go n e f a r w h en s udd en ly sh e h ea rd clo se b eh in d h er a
s ou n d of h ea vy br ea t h i n g a n d s n ufli i n
g Sh e w a s so t e rr i fi e d t h a t h er
.
bl a ck sh a ggy b ea st t ro t t i n g a lo n g b eh i n d h er w i th i ts muzzl e t o th e
,
a h o a r s e cr y of te rror w h e r e upo n th e a n i m a l w h i c h s ee m e d t o be a b i g
, ,
s lop i n g h i ll s i d e by t h e p a t h w a y o n ly t o t urn b a ck a g a i n i mm e d i a t e ly
,
o n a n d o n i n th e d i r e c t i o n of th e H erm i t a g e of Cl e a r Au t u mn W e a th e r .
a h um a n form w a s d i st i n c t ly s i l h ou e tt e d a cro s s t h e p a th Sh e di d n o t .
“ ”
d a re t 3 0 o n a n d c a ll e d o ut t w i c e t e rr i fi e d : W ho i s t h e re
,
?
,
B ut n o on e a pp e a re d a n d t h e sh a dow co n t i n u e d t o b a r h er w a y
, .
A lmo st fa i n t i n g w i t h p a r a lyz i n g fe a r sh e h a d t o le a n a g a i n st t he w a ll
,
“
s e e m e d t o h ea r s om e o n e c a ll i n g t o h er from b eh i n d : Do you n o t kn ow
? ”
m e a n y lo n g er Au n t ,
T h e c h a rm i n g fe a t ur es seem e d f a m i li a r t o h e r b ut sh e co ul d n o t reco l ,
le c t w h o i t w a s .
“
W h y do you o n ly t h i n k of t h e pl ea s ur es of t h e h our Au n t ? W h y di d ,
5 10
w a s, mor eover , f r an even i n g w a lk th rough th e p a rk
i mm e d i a t ely a te .
m ea n h er t w o u n fort u n a te si st e rs t he l a te Y u Numb er T w o a n d Y u
,
C hen a n d h i s so n C h i a Yu n g bo th a gr eed th at t h e p a rk mu st b e h a u n te d .
“
I kn ow from P a o Y u s serva n t M i n g Y en t h a t Br i gh t Cloud s gh o st
’
, ,
’
a ls o h a u n ts th e p a rk a n d mor e ov e r a rou n d t h e po n d w h e r e t h e w a t e r
, ,
” “
l i l i es a re sa i d C hi a Yun g A n d t hen th er e w a s t h a t st r an g e musi c
, .
”
ha u n te d .
t o f a ll t h ey t ook t o t hr ow i n g a s i d e t h ei r broom s a n d r a k es a n d w a t e r i n g
c an s a n d he dg e cl i pp e r s a n d fl ee i n g from th e p a rk i n a body on ly t o
, ,
- -
, ,
b e c a me sl i gh t ly i ll t o o an d Br i gh t Cloud s cou s i n i n la w th e w i fe of Wu
,
’
- -
s pook r i dd e n p a rk e x h a l e d a f a t a l i n flu en c e w h i c h w a s t o bl a m e f o r a ll
-
t h e se m i s for t u n es .
”
w a s s a i d t h a t s h e h a d h a d s e cr e t i n t ercour se w i th t h e p a rk g h o s ts a n d ,
co n v i n c e d w a s h e th at th e o n ly w a y t o a v er t ev i l w a s t o pl a c a te the
'
a n gry s p i r i ts w h i c h f req ue n t e d t h e p a rk .
Th i n g s w en t so f a r t h a t th e m ere ru stl i n g of t h e n i gh t w i n d i n th e
‘
'
t r e e t op s o r t h e d i st a nt cr y o f t h e cr a n e s wh i c h fr e qu en t e d t he p a rk
s uffi c e d t o m a k e t h e i n m a t es o f bo t h p a l a c es t r embl e a n d i m a g i n e t h e y
h ea rd th e vo i c e s of g h o s t s i n t h e a i r In th e en d t h e m emb e rs of th e p a rk
.
s t aff n o lo n g er v en t ur e d i n t her e e v e n i n t h e d a y t i m e a n d o n e a f t er
t h e p a rk g a t es we r e bol t e d f a s t a n d b a rr i c a d e d a n d n o lo n g e r op en e d
t o fa ll i n t o ru i n a n d d es ol a t i o n an d to b e com e th e dw e ll i n g pl a c es o f
,
r a ts an d b a ts an d o t he r crea t ur es wh i c h sh un the d a yl i gh t .
5 12
love d Pa o Y u from po ss i bl e n oc t urn a l att a cks by the p ar k sp i r i ts a n d ,
n i g h t T h u s t h ey co n t r i bu te d co n s i d er a bly t o t he grow t h of t he g e ne ra l
.
pa n i c .
a n d n e gle c t e d p a rk B ut he di d n o t w i s h to sh ow a n y w ea kn e ss a n d
.
a n d t h a t follow e d h i m a t s om e d i s t a n c e L i tt l e Ku a n t h e you n g e s t of
,
. ,
t he p a r t y w as t he mo s t fr i g ht en e d of t h em a ll Now h e a r i n g a s u s p i
,
.
,
”
Wh a t s wro n g a ske d the Pr i n c e st opp i n g
’
?
,
.
t h e r e b e h i n d t h e t ru n ks o f t he t r e es "
3
.
,
?
Now e ve n Pr i n c e S h i eh b ec a m e a b i t n e rvou s D i d yo u se e i t to o .
t h e re w e r e s om e w h o d e em e d i t w i s e t o explo i t t h e fa vora bl e t re n d of
e v en t s i n ord e r t o ge t o ut o f t he i ll ome n e d pl a c e a s qu i ckly as po ss i bl e
- .
“
“
O f course w e s a w i t ! th e y re pl ie d rea d i ly T he old ma s t er w as to o
”
.
f a r a h e a d ; o t h e rw i se he t o o would ha ve see n i t W e di d n o t w a n t t o .
worry h i m ; t h a t i s w h y w e di d n o t s a y an y th i ng ; b u t o u r kn ee s a re st i ll
”
qu a k i n g w i th fr i ght .
t h e o ccurr en c e b u t o n th e co n t r a ry t o a s se rt t h a t t he pa rk h a d b ee n
,
513
’
oug hly a n d e x a gg e r a t ed so exc essi v ely t ha t th e y m a d e th eir l i st en ers
, ,
fl esh cr ee p a n d t h ei r t o n gu es h a n g o ut w i th t error .
p a rk by h i s m a g i c sp e ll s A s u i ta bl e da y w a s looke d up i n th e c a l en d a r
.
,
on w h i c h th e gr e a t a ct o f e xorc i s m w a s t o ta k e pl a c e A n a lt a r w a s .
e r e c t e d o n t h e e n t r an c e t e rr a c e b e for e t h e gr ea t h a ll wh i c h h a d pr ev i ,
a t e rr a c e s t ood t h e i m a g e s of th e t h r e e gr ea t es t T a o i s t s a i n t s the
”
!
'
, ,
a n d o n bo t h s i d es t h e r e w e r e p i c t ur e s of t h e tw en t y e i g h t mo s t i m -
m a r sh a l s M a C h a o W en a n d C h ou st ood a t e i th er si d e of th e t e rr a c e
, , , , ,
s i x h ea v e n ly g e n e r a l s .
a c t of m a g i c b e g a n T h e gr a n d m a st er w i z a rd a n d h i s for ty n i n e a s
.
-
s i s t a n t w i z a rd s c a m e up a n d group e d t h e m s e lv es a rou n d fi v e b a n n e r s ,
r epre sen t i n g t h e fi v e d i re ct i o n s of t h e h e a v en s wh i c h w er e pl a n t e d i n ,
lo n g m a g i c i a n s m a n t l es embro i d e r e d w i th e i gh t d i a gr a m s a n d w i t h
’
,
”
cl o ud co t h urm a n d t h e y held i n t h ei r h a n d s i vory wr i t i n g t a bl et s
,
.
t h r ee s a i n t s a n d r e c i t e d a pr a y e r i n vok i n g t h e i r a s si s t an c e a g a i n s t th e
,
e v i l s p i r i t s o f th e p a rk A n i n s cr i b e d t abl et h a d b ee n se t up o n th e
.
h a s t en a lo n g a n d t a ke p a r t i n th e m er i t or i ou s work of dr i v i n g a w a y th e
devi ls .
exp e c t a t i o n .
“
If so m an y m i gh ty s p i r i t s j o i n i n t h e good work t h ese wr et c h e d
_
,
”
s pook s w i ll h a v e t o cl e a r o u t pr ett y qu i ckly p e opl e sa i d ch ee rfully ,
.
of the a l ta r O n e of th em h e ld i n h i s r i gh t h an d a j ew el st udd e d m a g i c
. .
-
-
s t a rr e d m a g i c b a n n e r ; t h e t h i rd h e ld gr i pp e d i n h i s h an d t h e c a rve d
5 14
”
Do n t t a lk n on sen se yo u si lly boy s ! he cr i e d Gh o st s ca n m a ke
’
, .
t h em s e lv es v i s i bl e or i n v i s i bl e a t w i ll In th e pr e sen c e o f so m a n y pow e r
.
t h em i n t h e i r i n v i s i bl e form a n d sh u t t h em up i n t h e bo t t l e s a n d p i t c h
ers Now t h e y a r e c a ug h t a n d t h e y c a n n
. o t h a un t t h e pl a c e a n y mor e .
Th e j u n i or s h e ld th ei r p ea c e b u t d e c i d e d t o w a i t a n d s e e w h eth e r th e
p a rk would b e h a un t e d i n fu t ur e by spoo ks a n d qu ee r n o i ses If i t w a s .
,
t h e y w er e d et e rm i n e d t o m a k e t h em se lv e s h ea rd B ut t h e se rv a n t s b e .
li ev ed i n th e gr ea t a ct of exorc i s m a n d t h e th ough t t h a t t h e wh ol e
,
s t r en g t h en e d s t i ll mor e by th e f a c t t h a t t h e v a r i ou s i ll n ess e s i n t h e t w o
-
wh i ch of cour se could o n ly b e a s cr i b e d t o t h e m i gh t y s p e ll s of th e
m a gi ci an s .
B ut a mo n g t h e se rv a n t s th ere w as o n e m a n w h o di d n o t sh a r e t h e
g en e r a l fa i t h He h a d b een pr esen t a t Pr i n c e S h i eh s u n lucky r e co n
.
’
n o i t er i n g e xp e d i t i o n i n t o t h e p a rk .
“
I a l so sa w th e su sp i c i ous a pp a r i t i on wh i ch t e rr i fi e d our l i ttl e Ku a n
”
so muc h t h a t t i m e h e l a ugh i n gly d ecl a re d i n t h e s erv an t s h a ll
’
.
,
“
Wh a t w a s i t ? J u st a h a rml ess gold en ph ea san t ! W e s i mply fool e d t h e
old m a st e r wh en h e a ske d us w h et h er w e h a d s een t h e gh o st A n d h e .
h a s go t up th i s w h ol e rumpu s of m a g i c i a n s a n d th e i r s p e ll s a ll on a o
”
cou n t o f a n i nn oc en t p he a s an t ! I sn t i t r i d i culou s
’
?
B u t h i s s ob e r a n d r ea l i st i c s t a t em en t of t h e s i t u a t i o n fou n d n o sym
p a thet i c echo from t he o th er s Surely i t w a s muc h n i c er t o t h i n k of t h e
.
,
.
t o le t t h ems e lv es b e do n e o u t of t h e i r pl e a sa n t f a n t a sy by a n yo n e .
CHAPTER 4 6
t h e p i k e i n t h e c a rp po n d .
a l a rm e d t h e i n m a t es of t h e e a s t e r n a n d w es t e r n p a l a c e s —t h e n oc t urn a l
5 16
b egon i a From th a t t i m e the blows of fa t e wh i c h r a i n e d down o n the
.
c a p i ta l w a s w i t h dr a wn a n d t he curr en t c a sh of t w o of t hem w a s co n
fi sca te d Th e m a n a g er o f t he t h i rd p a w n sh op h a d a b s co n d e d s om et i m e
.
of l a n d w h i ch b e lo n g ed t o t he H s ueh fa m i ly i n Y i n g t i en f u All a t on c e .
t h e H s u e h f a m i ly w a s r e duc e d t o pov e rt y Au n t H s u e h w a s i n bl ea k
.
In h i s ea rl i e r offi c i a l se rv i c e Mr C he n g h a d h a d v e ry l i tt l e co n t a c t
.
i n a n d w e n t o u t ; a n d t o s up e r i n t e n d t h e d i s p a t c h of t h e t ri bu t e corn
de st i n e d fo r th e p a l a ce a n d t h e c a p i ta l Wh a t di d he k n ow of t he s h a rp
.
51 7
of th e p erc en t a g es a n d comm i ssi o n s wh i ch t h e i n d i v i du a l court s w er e
a ccu s t om e d t o l e vy i n g a n d w h i c h t h e h i g h e r cour t s p a s s e d o n to t h e
,
s t up i d p e a s an t s ?
a n d w i s he d t o
p ro ve h i m s elf i n e v e ry r e s p e c t a s t r i c t a n d h o n or a bl e
'
'
t o prov e h o w s e r i ou s ly h e m e a n t w h a t h e s a i d h e s en t o u t a sse ss or s a n d
,
ov e rs ee r s a ll ov e r h i s a dm i n i s t ra t i ve d i s tr i c t t o kee p a sh a rp e ye o n t h e
offi c i a l s a n d b a i l i ff s an d u n de rb a i li ff s t h rough w h o se h a n d s th e de
l i v er i es of cor n p a sse d Such proc e dur e w a s qu i t e n ew a n d u n h e a rd of
.
a n d c a u s e d co n s t e r n a t i o n o n a ll s i d e s Fur th e r he p u t a st 0 p t o th e
.
,
pr a c t i c e of g i ft s of mo n ey a mo n g t h e c i v i l serv a n ts th em s elv es O n t a k .
i n g up o f fic e h e h a d co n t e mp t uou sly r ej e c t e d th e g i f ts o ff e r e d h i m o n
a ll s i d e s by s ubord i n a t es e a g e r t o w i n h i s f a vor ; h e l i k e w i s e s cor n e d
t o o ff e r t h e cu s t om a ry mo n et a ry t r i bu t e t o h i s o w n s up e r i or offi c e r t h e ,
T h e s t a ff s b a n d e d t og e t h er w en t t o h i m boldly i n a body a n d h op i n g
, , ,
of a b se n c e ; b ut Mr C h en g r efu s ed t o b e i n t i m i d a te d a n d p u t i t t o th em
.
qu i t e coolly t h a t a n yo n e w h o w a s d i ss a t i s fi e d w a s a t l i b er t y t o l e a v e t he
s e rv i c e H i s a t t i t ud e c a u s e d a s pl i t i n t h e r a n k s T h e loc a l p e opl e w h om
. .
,
a s t h e y h a d t h e i r f a m i ly h om es t h e y w e r e a bl e t o a ff ord t o t a k e h ol i
,
B u ' h i s o w n s e rv a n ts w h om Mr C h e n g h a d t a k en w i th h i m from t h e
,
.
c a p i t a l w e re i n a v e ry d iff e r en t po s i t i o n If t h ey w e n t o ff d e fi a n tly t h e y
,
.
would fi n d th e m e lv es o n t h e s t r ee t a s t h e y w e r e st r a n g e rs i n t h e pl a c e
s ,
.
B es i d es t h e y w e r e up t o th e i r n e ck s i n d eb t In t he exp ec tat i o n t h a t
,
.
t h e y h a d plu n g e d i n t o a ll k i n d s of ex p en s e s b e for e t h e i r d e p a r t ur e a n d ,
borrow e d m o n e y t o fi t t hem s e lv es o u t A f t er a ll t h e y w e r e c i t y m en
.
, ,
from t he c a pi t a l a n d t h e y w i s h e d t o l i v e up t o th ei r po s i ti o n i n t h e
,
w i v e s a n d rel a t i v e s w h om t h e y h a d l e f t b eh i n d T he y would c er ta i n ly .
m a n en t l y l e ft u n gu a rd e d Wh i l e h e w as a b sorb e d i n h i s l i st h i s so n
.
,
C hi a L i en c a me ru sh i n g i n .
“ ”
I v e j u s t h ea rd t h e mo s t a st o n i sh i n g n e w s ov er a t Cou si n C h en s
’ ’
,
“
h e r e por t e d exc i t e dly U n cl e C hen g i s s a i d t o h a v e b een d en ou n ce d t o
.
sa
y
T ha t mu st c e rt a i n ly b e o n ly a n u n fou n d e d rumor sa i d th e Pr i n c e , ,
“
a s t ou n d e d . I c a n n o t th i n k a t a ll w h y th e Gov e rn or sh ould sudd en ly
s h ow a h o st i l e a t t i t ud e t ow a rd s h i m In h i s l a s t l et t e r t ell i n g u s of
.
,
a n d t h e Gov e r n or a n d t h a t t h e Gov e rn or ha d co n gr a t ul a t e d h i m mo st
,
h e a r ti ly o n t h e co n n e c t i o n a n d h a d g i v en a g r e a t b a n qu et i n h i s h o n or
‘
a n d h a d s h ow n o t h e r s i g n s of fr i en dl i n e s s t ow a rd s h i m t o o S ur ely th e .
”
m e d i a t e ly t o t h e M i n i st ry of Hom e Aff a i rs a n d m a k e i n qu i r i es .
Ch i a L i en h urr i e d o ff a n d l e a rn e d a t t h e M i n i s t ry th a t a p e t i t i o n h a d
i n f a c t b e en l a i d b e for e t h e Imp er i a l Court i n w
'
h i ch t h e Gove rn or of
C h i a n g h s i propo s e d th a t C h i a C h en g sh ould b e r el i ev e d of offi c e B ut .
t h e S o n of H ea v en h a d sh own m e rcy a n d i n v i ew o f t h e f a c t t h a t C h i a
,
C h en g w a s i n e xp e r i en c e d i n prov i n c i a l a dm i n i st r a t i on a n d h a d b e en a
v i c t i m of t h e m a c h i n a t i o n s of h i s s ubord i n a t es ow i n g t o h i s l a ck of
pr a c t i c a l exp er i en c e h e h a d m e re ly r e duc e d h i s r a n k by t h ree d egr e es
,
a n d h a d b ee n gr a c i ou s en oug h t o r e i n s t a t e h i m i n h i s old po s i t i o n i n
t h e M i n i s t ry of Work s .
“
A t t h e M i n i s try I c h a n c e d t o m eet a pre fe c t from C h i a n g h s i w h o
”
i s h e r e o n offic i a l bu s i n e ss C h i a L i en r e por t e d t o Pr i n c e S h i eh o n h i s
,
“
r e t urn H e a ss ur e d m e t h a t a ll h i s colle a gue s a n d a l so th e Gov e rn or
.
h i m se lf w e r e full of pr a i s e of Un cl e C h en g No t t h e sl i g h t e st r epro a c h
.
ca n b e a tt a c h e d t o h i m p e r s o n a lly H i s o n ly f a ul t i s h i s f a i lure t o s up e r
.
i n t e n t i o n e d w h en h e propo s e d t h a t h e s h ould b e r e c a ll e d H e w a n t e d t o .
”
for e st a ll mor e se r i ou s d e ve lopm en ts .
kuo p a l a c e a s t h e C h i a cl a n wh i ch fel t t h e l a ck of i t s n a t ur a l l e a d er
, , ,
would get h i m b a ck a g a i n .
“
T h e go i n g s ou of h i s subord i n a tes m i g h t a c t u a lly c o st h i m h i s h ea d
-
”
i f he w e r e t o r e m a i n lo n g e r i n t he prov i n c e sa i d M a d am e Ch en g t o
,
5 20
h er nep hew C h i a L i en when he brough t her i n co n fid en c e th e n e ws
, , ,
of t he c h a n g e o f offi c e .
“
How do e s i t com e th a t th e Ta i ta i k n ow s a bou t th e go i n gs o n ? ”
~
a s ke d C h i a L i e n .
“
Afte r a ll I h a v e go t e y es i n my hea d T he se rv an ts l eft h ere lo a d e d
, .
e ve n t h i n k o f s uc h a d i s gr a c e
”
.
“
Th a t i s qu i te t ru e W e m a y a c t u a lly reg a rd i t as a lucky t h i n g tha t
.
cu sed Au n t H s u e h Pr ec i ou s Cl a s p a n d Lo t u s of po i s o n i n g he r da u h
, ,g
t e r a n d w an te d t o s t r a n gl e t h e m He r boor of a n a dop te d so n w ho a o
, .
,
s m a ll b ut C hi a L i en c a m e t o th e r es cu e j u st i n t i m e a n d o t h i s se rv a n ts
, g
t o ov e rpow er th e r a g i n g fe llow Pr e c i ou s Cl a s p i n h e r prud e n t t a c t ful
.
, ,
w a y s ucc ee d e d i n r es t or i n g ord e r o ut of c h a o s a n d by cl ev e r qu es t i o n
, ,
, , ,
a n d t h i r s t i n g f o r lov e w a s se cr et ly i n f a t u a t e d w i t h H s u eh P a n s cou s i n
’
, ,
a tt a i n i n g h e r a i m Sh e h a d ca ug h t H s ue h K uo i n fr o n t o f h e r door an d
.
5 21
fri en dl y t rea t m en t she h a d m a d e Lotus un s us pe cti n g Then th ere h a d .
be en ta lk of a tr oubl es om e pla gu e of r a ts i n th e ki t ch en an d l a rd er a n d ,
i n a cces s i bl e H s u eh Kuo H e h a d b e en t h e a tt r a c t i o n be hi n d t h e re
.
v
m a rk a b ly fr e qu e n t v is i ts w hi c h sh e h a d b een p a y i n g re c en tly t o h er
mo t he r w h o h a d com e t o l i v e in th e ca p i ta l a s h ort t i m e b e for e Dur in g
,
.
di sa ppo in tm en t B u t b efore do in g t h i s sh e w a n t e d t o g et t h e h a t e d
.
Lo t u s o ut of t he w a y by po i so n i n g her wi th a rs en i c .
Twi c e sh e ha d t r i e d t o po i so n h er b ut e a c h t im e Provi d en c e h a d
prese rv e d Lo t us from th e fa t e pr e p a r e d for h er The firs t t i m e Lo t us .
t o g a t h e r up t h e fr a gm en ts a n d t h e t r a ce s of li qu i d from th e broke n
in fer i o r work .
It a nn oye d To a d th a t Lo t u w h om sh e d is l i k e d s h ould sh a re wi th h er
'
s
, ,
t o m i x up t h e t w o bowl s w h e n s e n i n g sh e h a d m a d e a s l i gh t s cr a t c h
,
m a rk J us t as s he h a d pl a c e d th e tw o bowls o n th e t r a y Golden C i n n a
.
she w a n t e d t o vi s i t he r mo t he r .
t ha t h e rm i st r ess w h o .
t ri ck h a d a c t u a lly g o t
,
ch an gi n g of th e bowls .
of th e h i g h er l i fe ,
an d I sh ould l i ke to profi t a li t tl e by your wi se
”
i n st ruc t i o n .
“
O ur com i n g a n d our go i n g—e a ch h a s i ts t i me a n d i t s pl a ce w a s ,
t h e my s t e r i ou s a n s w e r of t h e h e rm i t .
o n e di d n o t e v en k n ow t h e n a m e ; w h y h a d h e n o t c h o s en i n pr e f e r en c e
s om e r e n ow n e d moun t a i n t e mpl e i n w h i c h t o pr a c t i c e h ol i n e ss a n d s o ,
on .
I a m n o t o n e of th o se w h o c a n n o t w a i t for th e exc e ll en c e of t h e p re ‘
’
ci ou s st o n e t o en c h a n t t h e world a n d t h e cl a s p t o t a k e w i n g s t o fly t o
‘
t h e br i d e
’
.
w a s n o do u b t a bou t i t t h e m a n b e for e h i m w as S h i h Y i n g t h e b en e
, ,
st r a n g e h o w l i t t l e h i s f ea t ur es h a d c h a n g e d s i n c e t h o s e d a y s .
h e a s k e d a f t e r h e h a d d i s cr eet ly
“ ? ”
A re you n o t M a s t e r S h i h Y i n g ,
i gn e d t o h i s se rv a n t s t o w i th dr a w for h e di d n o t w i s h t h e m t o l ea rn
,
o f h i s ob s cur e p a st .
To se e m i s t o b e a n d t o b e i s t o seem w a s t he sm i l i n g re ply o f ,
t h e old m a n .
e x a c t ly l i k e h i s f a m i ly n a m e C h i a O bv i ou sly t h e old m an w i sh e d t o
, .
g i ve h i m t o u n d er st a n d t h a t he h a d a ls o r e cog n i z e d h i m Now a t l a st .
h a d com e t h e c h an c e t o p a y h i s b en ef a c t or a lo n g s t a n d i n g d e b t ! -
S t a t e a n d I w a s a bl e t o a tt a i n t o offic e a n d d i gn i t y O n ly l a t e r di d I
,
.
“
My d es i re do es n o t ex t en d b e yo n d th e c i rcumferen ce o f t h i s si mple
” “
roun d pr a y er m a t he sa i d B eyo n d i t I kn ow o f n o th i n g e ls e b et ween
-
,
.
5 24
h ea ven an d e a rth . Th ere fo re th e mea n i n g of your word s rem a in s clo se d
Yu Ts u n w as u n d ec i d e d W a s i t re a lly S hi h Y i n g or w a s i t no t ? T o
.
t w ee n t h a t t i m e a n d t od a y t h e re la n i n e te e n lo n g y ea rs How wo n d e r
y .
ma ke t he s l i g ht e s t i mpre ss i o n o n h i m W a s t h ere a n y us e t he n in
.
, ,
b ecom e o f h i s w i fe a n d h i s d a ug h te r Lo t us ? A t a n y r a te h e w o uld ,
m a ke an o t he r eff or t .
“
T h e h oly m a ste r would l i k e t o le t t he p a s t res t b ut th e lowly s c h ol a r
,
h as st i ll so m a n y th i n g s o n h i s m i n d wh i c h he would l i ke to di s
cuss .
“ ”
Your Gr a c e s h ould n o t d el a y ! t he he rm i t a l s o w a rn ed the hes i ta n t
“
Y u T s un . It i s c e rt a i n t h a t w e s h a ll m ee t a ga i n I sha ll w a i t for you
.
”
o n e da y by t h e ford .
Wh en he ha d fi n i sh e d sp ea ki n g h e sh u t h i s ey es to co n t i n u e h i s
my st i c co n t e mpl a t i o n Y u Ts un b a d e h i m fa re well an d ret urn ed t o h i s
.
ret in u e by th e r i ver b a n k .
h a d j u st i n s p e c te d w a s i n fl a m es Y u T s un looked b eh i n d h i m a n d t ru e
. ,
. ,
n o t b e a bl e t o cro s s t h e r i ve r t od a y a n d r ea c h t he t ow n b e for e n i g h t f a ll .
”
D i d you s ee a n o ld h e rm i t com i n g o ut of the t empl e
? h e a s k e d t he
mess en ge r T h e m a n sa i d he h a d n o t
. .
“
Th en s ta y b e h in d a n d wh en the fir e i s burn e d o u t se a rc h i n th e
,
5 25
g a t e i n h i s se d a n ch a i r he he a rd a soun d o f loud qu a rr el li n g com i n g
from t h e h e a d of t h e proc essi o n T he h e r a ld s h a d com e i n t o coll i si o n
.
t h e door o f t h e s e d a n c h a i r .
“
Do you n o t kn ow th a t you a re obl i ge d t o m a ke w a y for th e pr e fe c t
? ”
o f your t own wh en h e p a s s es by ? How d a r e you b a r th e ro a d t o h i m
Y u T s un a ske d t h e m a n h a ug h t i ly , .
“
Com e n ow ! Am I n o t t o b e a llow e d t o get d run k w i t h my o wn good
,
‘
pud en t a n swe r .
W h a t an i n s ol en t boor ! A sk h i m h i s n a m e ! s a i d Y u T s un eu ,
r a ge d .
“
My n a m e i s Ni o th e rw i se kn own a s th e Drun ken D i a mo n d b e
,
‘
,
’
c a u se I l i ke a good dr i n k a n d ca n b e h a rd a s a d i a mo n d wh en th ere
a r e d e b t s t o b e r e cov e r e d b a bbl e d the drun k a rd
, .
“ ?
I d d W ell w e sh a ll see st r a i g ht a w a y wh e th e r h e s a s h a rd a s
n e e ,
’
”
a d i a mo n d ! B ea t h i m ! ord e r e d th e e n r a g e d Y u Ts u n Th e re upo n t h e .
s e rv a n t s t h r e w t h e dru n k en m a n t o th e grou n d a n d g a v e h i m a f ew
“
A fe llow l i ke t h a t c a ll s h i mself a d i a mo n d a n d h e g i v e s w a y a ft e r ,
”
o n ly a fe w gen t l e blows ! scoff e d Y u Tsun from h i s se d an ch a i r Th a t .
w a s n o r e a l h ea t i n g a t a ll H e w i ll g e t a prop e r flogg i n g a ft e r t h e h e a r
.
”
i n g a t t h e y a m en B i n d h i m a n d t a k e h i m a w a y ! h e ord e r e d h i s “
mo n e yl en d e r w a s se i z e d a n d fett er e d a n d dr a gg e d off w i th t h e p ro ce s
s i o n t o t h e h ou s e of t h e Pr e f e ct a m i d s t t h e m a l i c i ous gl a n c e s a n d co m
m en t s of t he crowd .
T h e rum or of h i s a rr e st s pr e a d from t h e st r ee t to h i s h om e a n d t o t h e
ea r s of h i s w i fe a n d d a ug h t e r Wh e n h e di d n o t com e h om e t h a t ev e
.
n i n g h i s w i f e se n t h er d a ug h t e r o u t t o look for h i m i n a ll t h e w e ll
kn own g a mbl i n g i n n s wh i ch h e w a s i n t h e h a b i t of fr e qu en t i n g B u t th e .
5 26
W i t h bow e d h e a d u tt e rly d i scour a ge d he set o u t for h om e He re
, ,
.
cr e d i t i n t h e n e i g hbor h ood b ut a l so en d a n g e r t h e r e pu t a t i o n of t h e
,
C h i a cl an .
“
My eff ort s h a v e b ee n i n v a i n Tru e a t my pr ess i n g r e qu est t he .
,
w e st e r n p a l a c e p e opl e di d t a k e st e p s w i th t h e Pr e fe c t b ut a l a s t h e , ,
” “
Pr efe c t i s r el en t le s s h e sa i d o n h i s ret urn B ut p e rh a p s you m i gh t
, .
t h e m a j ordomo C h ou Ju i of t h e w es t e rn p a l a c e a n d h a s kn o w n t h e ,
Pr e fe c t for a lo n g t i m e .
“
If t h e m ast e rs ca n do n o t h i n g for us t h e s erv a n ts w i ll n ot fa re b et ,
t er,
r e pl i e d mo th e r a n d d a ugh te r d i sa ppo i n te d , .
“
You a re m i st a ken t h e re Now a d a y s th e s erv a n ts s om et i m es h a v e
.
”
more i n flu en c e t h a n t he m a st er s r em a rke d C h i a Y un a s h e t urn e d
, ,
t h e y g o t b a ck t h e i r br ea dw i n n e r H e h a d g o t o ff w i t h n o t h i n g mor e t h a n
.
h i m a bou t C h i a Yu n s fu t i l e v i s i t s t o t h e Y a n gkuo p a l a c e a n d t w i s te d
’
,
.
t h e m a t t e r i n s uc h a w a y a s t o g i v e t h e i mpr e s s i o n t h a t for l a ck of ,
“
Wh a t ? Ju st w a i t ! I ll g i v e t h e u n gra te ful s cou n dr e l a good p i ec e
’
”
o f my m i n d ! ro a r e d th e u s ur e r Ni w h o h a d i mm ed i a t ely go t dru n k ,
“
a g a i n t o c e l ebr a t e h i s r e l e as e Th a t t i m e wh en he w a s s t a rv i n g di d I
.
,
n o t h e lp h i m w i t h my mo n e y t o ge t a f a t j ob i n th e w e s t e r n p a l a c e ?
, ,
A n d n o w w h e n I w a s i n a fix my se lf h e l e ft m e i n t h e lurch ! J u s t w a i t !
, ,
u s t h e gr a n d p e opl e i n t h e ea st e rn a n d w e s t er n p a l a c es w i ll h a v e rea
p ,
”
so n to r ue it !
“
Be qu i e t ! W a s t h e l a s t fl ogg i n g n o t en ough for you ? Do you w a n t
? ”
t o g e t i n t o t roubl e a g a i n w i th your drun k e n c h a tt e r i n g s a i d h i s vi f e
'
t ry i n g t o qu i et h i m .
“
P a h ! I m n o t a fr a i d ! Wh i l e I w a s s i tt i n g i n th e cool e r I p a ll e d up
’
5 28
a bou t th e fi n e C h i a cl a n : wha t ex t or t i o n ers th e y a re ho w t he y fl ee ce ,
”
o f th e i r wom e n
? Th a t i s sure ly o n ly s i lly go ss i p !
“
Y o u wom en do n o t l e a v e your o w n four w a ll s Wh a t do you kn ow o f .
”
B ut yo u wom en n ee d n o t t roubl e a bou t i t L ea ve i t to m e ! .
CHAPTER 47
Th e u n h a ppy lo v e r P a o Y u st i rs up p a s t fee l i n gs Th e b a i li fi s o]
, ,
. th e
t o r ec e i ve t h e re pr i m a n d of t he Mo st H i gh a n d pe rfo rm h i s ko w t ow o f
re p en t a n c e He em e rge d cov er ed w i th pe rs p i r a ti o n an dwi t h hi s t o n gue
. ,
h a n g i n g o ut w i t h s h ock a n d d i sm a y .
“
Con fou n d i t a ll ! Co n foun d i t ! he g as pe d as he ca me o ut t o th e
”
, ,
ud
h o w t h e a i en c e h d
a p a ss e d o ff Now. a s f a,
r as h i s o w n p e rs o n w as
' i
Eor cern e d t h e mu ch dr ea d
-
e d a ud i en c e of r e co n c i l i a t i o n h a d f o rt u
,
B ut t h e Most H i gh h a d a ske d t h e mo s t
e rn i n g h i s re l a t i o n s h i p t o c e r t a i n o
th e r
w h o h e ld v ar i ou s offi c e s i n d i s t a n t prov
"
52 9
Hi s fri en d s a n d coll ea gu es t r i e d to di s si p at e h i s fea r s an d con ,
gr a t ul a t e d h i m ou st i ll h a v i n g h i s qu i et p leasan t po s i t i on i n th e M i n ,
cr ee t ly g a v e h i m t o un d e r st an d t h a t p e rh a p s i t would b e a dv i sa bl e f or
'
h i m t o k ee p a n e ye o n h i s v a r i ou s n e p h ews e s p e c i a lly t h e n e ph ew i n ,
t h e e a st e r n p a l a c e Pr i n c e C h e n All k i n d s of u n f a vor a bl e t h i n gs w e e
, .
r
b e i n g wh i sp e re d abou t t h i s n e ph e w a n d i t a pp e a r e d that h e w a s t e
,
g a rde d w i th s om e d i s pl e a s ur e i n c e rt ai n h i gh m i n i st e r i a l an d e un uch
’
c i rcl es So i t w a s th a t C h i a C h en g s feel i n gs w ere n o t en t i r ely h a ppy
.
wh en h e en t e r e d th e we st e rn p a l a c e a ft er t h e a ud i en c e a n d w a s sol
“
e m n ly r e c ei v e d by t h e cl a n .
,
’
t h e l a tte r 3 you n g w i fe Pr e c i ou s Cl a s p wh om h e fou n d mor e plump ,
a n d r e s pl en d en t t h an e v e r a n d t h e f a vor a bl e d ev elopm en t of h i s gr a n d
,
“ ”
B ut th e r e 1 5 o n e p e r s o n s t i ll mi ssi n g ! h e s udd en ly e xcl a i m e d wh en
h e h a d fi n i sh e d gr eet i n g all th e fe m a l e r e l a t i ves H i s w i f e un d er st ood .
Cou si n Li n g i s i ll l i e d M a d a m e C h en g n o t w i sh i ng t o d a mp th e
, ,
i f hi s he a rt h a d b een p i e rc e d w i t h a d a gg e r b ut fil i a l r es pe c t b a d e h i m
-
h i d e h i s p a i n O n ly l a t e r ; a ft er t h e com mu n a l f ea st of we lco m e wh en
.
,
h u s b an d a n d w i f e w er e a lo n e t og et h e r a n d w er e d i s cu ss i n g t h e v a r i ou s
.
e v en t s wh i c h h a d t a k e n pl a c e i n t h e f a m i ly i n t h e i n t e rv a l di d M a d a m e ,
'
C h en g v en t ur e t o m en t i on Bl a ck J a d e s d eath C h i a C h en g w a s ex ’
.
C h en g t o o b ec a m e qu i t e emo t i on a l an d a w a it i n g m a i d ha d t o pluck a t
,
C h en a n d C h i a Li en a si d e a n d a pp e a l e d t o t h ei r con sc i en c e s i n e a rn est
,
i n th e t ow n h e t old th em ; t h e y w e r e n o lo n g e r c h i ldren a n d we r e
, ,
-
. .
-
5 30
f a ul t , i t i s th e
fa ul t o f th e o ld T a i ta i an d th e o th e r s th at Bl a ck J a d e h a d
t o di e of gr i e f I w a n t t o e xpl a i n all th i s t o Cuckoo so t h a t sh e m a y n o t
.
a l s o l i k e Bl a ck J a d e p a ss t o t h e n ext li f e w i th a n un j u s t i fi e d grudg e
, , ,
”
J a d e mor e d eserv i n g of a wort h y fun er a l offe r i n g ?
“
T h a t i s your a ff a i r Wh at h a ve w e o th e r s t o do wi th i t
.
? ”
r epli e d
P ea rl coolly .
“
I h a v e i n t en d e d for a lo n g t i m e p a st t o compo se a d i rg e for h er ,
a w a y for an
y o t h e r p e rs o n B u t t o wr i t e a hym n i n h o n or of Bl a ck J a d e
.
,
t o h e lp m e w i t h i t H er m emory of t h e l a st i n c i d en t s a n d th e l a s t p h a se
.
of Bl a ck J a d e s l i fe i s mor e compl et e t h a n m l n e W h y di d sh e di e so
’
.
W y h w e r e w e n o t a llow e d t o se e e a c h o t h e r dur i n g t h o s e d a y s ? W h y di d
sh e bur n t h e C op i e s of h e r po e m s sh or t ly b e for e h er d ea t h a n d l ea v e
,
m e n o ke ep s a k e a l t h oug h sh e t h ough t of m e up t o th e l a st ? T h o se a re
,
? ”
Do you w a n t t o k n ow a n y th i n g else
“
Wh a t di d t h e my st e r i ou s musi c a t h er d ea th m e a n ? P erh a p s sh e di d
?
n o t di e a s a h um a n b e i n g a t a ll b u t s o a r e d up t o h e a v e n a s a s p i r i t
,
I
? ”
di d s ee h er coffi n i t i s t ru e b u t i t w a s clo se d P erh a p s i t w a s empt y
, , .
? ”
n o t di e T h a t i s j u st n o n s e n s e !
I do n o t kn ow w hy i t sh ould b e n on sen s e A sp i r i t can m a ke i ts e lf
.
”
i n v i si bl e B e good e n ou gh t o br i n g Cuckoo a lo n g t o m e !
.
“
It s t o o l ate t o n i gh t I mu st fir s t pr e p a r e h er for i t W h o kn ow s
’
. .
“
V e ry we ll b ut do n o t forg e t abou t i t You h a v e n o i d ea h ow much
, .
”
I w a n t t o t a lk t o Cuc koo .
’
532
m i n d ed Pao Y u th a t i t w as alr ea dy lo n g p a st m i dn i gh t He should com e .
t o b e d a t l as t , she sa i d .
“
Y es , in d ee d i t w as , b ut tomorr ow i s a n o ther da re pli ed Pea rl y,
coolly .
“
V e ry we ll , an d do no t forget t omorrow ! ”
Pa o Y u a ga i n wh i s pe re d
i n h er ea r .
W h y ! Wh a t i mport an t c
you go t b e tween you ? S h ould I
se rets h a ve
n o t s ugg e st t o t h e Na i nai th a t s he h a d b e tte r le t you sl ee p wi th P ea rl ?
“ ”
S t op your c h a tte r ! sa i d Pearl t o Mus k then t urn i n g to P8 0 Y u , ,
”
i s ou ts i d e w i th a n umb e r o f h i s offi c i a l s a n d w i s hes t o p a y h i s res pe c ts
, ,
“
t h e m a j ordomo L a i W a n g a n n ou n ce d exc i t edly He cam e s tr a i ght i n .
a ccomp a n i e d by s i x a t te n d an ts w a lk i n g st r a i g h t up t o th e m am h a ll
,
on e .
ro se a n d bow e d s ti ffly a n d r e s pe c t fully an d th e n h a lf th e pe opl e
,
sli pp e d a w a y o n e a ft er an o th e r
,
o ut of t h e h a ll ,
Mr C hen g p resse d . .
j u b g g o v i o l co v r ti o bou t th e wea th er
a n d w as st e in n i n a c n e n t n a n e s a n a ,
“
T h e Pri n ce o f
M r C h en g h urr i e d
. o ut of th e b e ll
m eet th e seco n d i llus tr i ous
_
to
v i s i t or a n d r es p e c t fully gr eet e d h i m fa ll in g o n h i s kn ees The Pr i n ce
, , .
h e lp e d h i m t o h i s fe et i n a fr i en dly m a n n er .
“
N a t ur a lly I would n o t h a v e i n t rude d h er e in th i s un c er emon i ou s
,
” “
fa sh i o n w i t h ou t s pe c i a l r ea s on h e sa i d se r i ous ly b ut court e ou sly It
, .
i s my du t y t o a n n ou n c e a n Imp e r i a l d ecr ee t o Pr i n c e S h i eh W i ll th e .
h o n or e d fr i e n d s a n d gu ests pl ea se w i t h dr a w fir st ? Th e d e cree i s o n ly
”
m ea n t for t he p e opl e of th e w est ern p a l a c e
'
“
Your H i ghn ess n o doub t m e a n s w ell b ut i n ord e r n o t t o r en de r
‘
“
V ery w ell S en d som e of your m en w i th th e gen t le m en so th a t th e y
. ,
can g e t o u t w i t h ou t d i ffi cul t y
_
s a i d th e Pr i n c e w i t h a s m i l e
, .
\
T h e fr i g h t en e d fr i en d s a n d gu es t s d i s p e r s e d l i ke s mok e O n ly Pr i n c e .
Mr C h a o a nn ou n c e d t h a t t h e t a sk of lock i n g up an d occupy i n g t h e
. ,
a t t h e foo t of t h e s t e p s l e a d i n g t o t h e h a ll Pr i n c e S h i eh a n d t he ,
m e mb e r s of h i s cl a n l i st en e d wh i l e t h e Pr i n ce st an d i n g o n a d a i s a bov e , ,
r ea d t he d e cr ee i n th e n a m e of t he Mo st H i gh O n e Pr i n c e S h i eh h a d
.
.
pr i n c ely t i t l e a n d t he pr i vi l e g es wh i ch w en t w i t h i t The Pr i n c e h a d .
“ ”
Arr est C h i a S hi e h ! t h u n d e r e d t h e M i n i st e r of F i n an c e t o h i s o f
fi ce rs wh e n t h e Pr i n c e h a d fi n i s h e d r ea d i n g t h e d ecr ee
, .
rubb i n g t h e i r h a n d s w i th j oy i n a n t i c i pa t i on of th e r i ch boo t y w er e le t ,
op i n i o n b et ween t he Pr i n c e w h o w a s t ry i n g t o m i ti g a te th e m ea sur es
,
.
t o b e t a k en a n d c h o s e t o i n t e rpr e t t h em a s r e fe rr i n g o n ly t o t h e dw e ll in g
of Pr i n c e S h i eh an d th e M i n i ste r w h o i n si st e d t h a t th ey sh ould ex t en d
, ,
5 34
an d w i th rs i mplor e d m ercy T h e Pr i n c e k i n dly ra i sed h i m t o h i s
t ea .
“
Th e m a tt e r of th e forb i dd en a r t i cl es from th e Imp e ri a l P a l a c e a n d
t he us u rl o u s mo n e y bu s i n ess i s o f cours e a d e l i c a t e o n e
,
t h e Pr i n c e
, ,
“
h i n te d t o h i m It can b e m a i n t a i n e d h ow e ve r th a t t h e form e r o b
.
, ,
t h e o th er h a n d h o w ca n t h i s mo n e y bu si n e s s b e e xcu s e d ? T h a t w i ll b e
,
.
,
Whi l e th e m a l e m e mb er s of t h e cl a n h a d b e en b an qu et i n g w i t h th ei r
fr i en d s a n d a cqu a i n t a n c es i n t h e gr ea t h a ll o n th a t un for t un a t e a ft er
n oo n t h e f e m a l e m emb e r s o i t h e f a m i ly h a d a ss e mbl e d i n t h e h om e of
,
t h e An c e s t or s l i ke w i s e t o c el e br a t e C h i a C h e n g s r et urn wi t h a f e as t
’
.
,
’
In t h e m i d s t of t h e m e rry b a n qu et o n e of Pr i n c ess S h i eh s s e rv i n g
wom en c a m e ru n n i n g i n cry i n g e xc i t e dly : W o e ! W o e ! Th i eves a n d
r obb e rs a re br ea k i n g up t h e cupbo a rd s a n d box e s a n d t urn i n g e ve ry ,
”
t h i n g up s i d e dow n a n d dr a gg i n g our th i n g s a w a y !
,
P hoe n i x a fter h er .
“
I w a s j ust t a k i n g a m e a l w i t h the l i t t l e gi rl sh e r epor t e d br eath ,
“
le ssly w h en s udd enly our L a i W a n g w a s broug ht i n l a d en w i th ch a in s
,
sh ould w i t h dr a w a t o n c e
’
w a s a ll th a t h e sa i d for a s qu a d of pol i c e w a s
, ,
o n h i s h ee l s t o m a ke a se a rc h a n d t o s ei z e th i n g s I w a n t e d t o g a t h e r up .
a f ew v a lu a bl e t h i n g s qu i ckly b u t t h e s t r a n g e m en pu sh e d m e o u t t h e
,
”
a n d h i d e t h em se lv e s !
s ea ts a n d h urr i e dl y gr a bb e d a t t h i s a n d t h a t Ev e ryo n e sh ou t e d a .
sa m e t i m e a n d n o t a s en s i bl e word could b e h ea rd
, .
w h i l e s om e w e re a t t en d i n g t o th e f a i n t i n g wom a n a n d o the r s w e re
gr a bb i n g h old of u sel e ss a r t i cl es w it h ou t kn ow i n g wh ere to take them ,
C h i a L i en c a m e ru s h i n g i n p a n ti n g , .
S36
”
Good ne ws ! he
cr i ed to the fr i gh te n e d wom en Th a n ks to th e i a .
t erv en t i o n o f t he Pr i n c es t he wor s t d a n ge r h a s b ee n a ve r te d ! ”
,
to h i s o w n dwe ll i n g t o see w h a t w a s go i n g o n t h e r e .
th e tw o Pr i n c e s a n d se v e r a l offi c er s of t he M i n i s t e r of F i n a n c e m a ki n g .
o u t a l i st of Pr i n c e S h i e h s po ss es s i o n s w h i c h we re b e i n g co n fi s ca te d
’
.
,
Pr i n c e S h i e h s ma j ordomo w a s a ss i s t in g h i m F i n a lly t he l i st w as co m
’
.
p le t e d an d r e a d a loud a n d C h i a L i e n h e a rd
,
ei gh t y s i lv e r ea t i n g bowl s ; t we n t y s i lv e r pl a t e s ; t h r ee se ts of g i ld e d
s k i n s ; so a n d so m a n y sk i n s of a ll k i n d s of a n i m a l s ; h u n dr e d s o f furs
a n d st a t e rob es h u n dr e d s o f b a l es of a ll k i n d s of m a t e r i a l h u n dr e ds
, ,
o f bro n z e a n d j a d e orn a m en t s a n d s o i t w e n t o n an d o n i n a
’
t r an s a c t i o n s w e r e a ls o m e n t i o n e d .
? ”
“
W h o h a s a c t u a lly b ee n c a rry in g o n th is u s uri ous bus i n ess Chi a
Li e n h ea rd the t w o Pri n ces as kin g se vere ly Mr Ch en g th rew hi mse lf . .
“
o n th e grou n d m a d e a kow t ow a n d r e.pl i e d : I t h e l a
, gg a rd of fi c i al ,
,
co r d m lf b ou t h bu i f t h e h ous e h old I kn ow
h a v e n o t n ce n e y s e a t e s n ess o .
o
n th i n g bou t i B p
t t r h s m n e p h e w C h i a L i en c a n g i v e you so m e
a u . e a
p y
”
i n for mat i o n .
h
"
m f
h i sel a t th e eet f of t he P ri n c es a n d a d m ,
i tt e d : S i n ce t e c o n fi sca t ed
53 7
ur a l ly t a e th e
k bl a me fo r t hem I b eg o f you gr a c i ou sly t o fr ee my
. .
”
un cl e o f an y r espon si b i li t y i n th e m att er He kn e w n o th i n g a bout i t . .
“
V e ry well Your a dm i ssi on do es yo u cr ed i t S i n ce yo ur f ath er h a s
. .
”
th ei r re s pe c t i v e dw ell i n g s t h e Pr i n c e s d ec i d e d
, .
“
B ut yo u ough t t o supe rv i se your f a m i ly mor e clo se ly i n t he fu t ur e ,
o ld C h en g ! A n d n ow m a y i t pl ea se yo u t o a w a i t furth e r i n st ruc t i on s .
A n d s o C h i a L i en a c t i n g o n a n obl e i mpul se sa v ed M a d a m e
, ,
Th e Pr i n c es go t i n t o th e i r se d a n c h a i r s a n d w e re born e a w a y Mr . .
C hen g at t h e h e a d o f th o se m a l e m emb e rs of t h e cl an w h b w e r e st i ll
,
fr ee escor te d th em t o th e g a t es A t th e i n n e r g a t e th e Pr i n c e o f th e
,
.
-
s t r et c h e d o u t h i s h a n d t o Mr C h en g . .
“
Do n o t worry ! Ev e ry th i n g w i ll b e a ll r i ght h e sa i d k i n dly , .
w h o w e r e a ll ch a tt e r i n g a t t h e s a me t i m e h e a r ri v e d a t t h e h om e o f ,
th e A n c es t r e ss H e fou n d h e r ly i n g o n a couc h w ee p i n g qu i e t ly s ur
.
, ,
w as t h e o n ly o n e w h o h a d n o t ye t pull e d h e r s e lf t og et h e r H i s a rr i v a l i h .
s p i r e d t h e l a d i es w i t h n ew cour a g e .
“
I di d n o t th i n k t h a t I would se e you a g a i n sa i d th e A n c estr ess , ,
op en i n g h er e y es a n d br e a k i n g i n t o loud s obb i n g i n w h i c h th e r e st of ,
oppresse d by th e comp a n y of t h e o th er s a n d sl i pp e d a w a y t o w ee p ,
a lo n e i n h er o w n h om e B u t sh e fou n d t h e g a t es lock e d a g a i n st h er an d
.
n o n e o f h er s t a ff w a s t o b e s e en ; t h e y w e r e a ll sh u t up b eh i n d bol t e d
doo rs .
h er Sh e foun d t h e en t r an c e t o a si d e bu i ld i n g i n w h i c h P h o en ix ke pt
. ,
h e r e A n d w h o would h a ve th ough t I d fi n d t h i n g s j u s t a s b a d h e re a s
’
.
”
free m a n !
A n d lu n g i n g forw a rd d efi an t ly a s i nh i s figh t i n g d a y s o f lo n g a go t h e ,
w i th th e gr ea t est co n si d e r a t i on t h e gu a rd s a vo i d e d a n a ct u a l figh t a n d
,
t a lke d p e r s u a s i v e ly an d a pp ea s i n gly t o t h e o l d h o th e a d Th e y w e r e .
q ui et ly H e sh ould j u s t m a ke h i m se lf comfort a bl e an d w a i t p a ti en t ly
.
A n d he h a d to a dm i t w i th sh a m e th a t t h e s corn e d a n d r es e n t e d old
a dmo n i sh e r a n d grumbl e r h a d b een ri gh t i n h i s w e ll i n t en t i o n e d w a m -
i n g s a ll th ose y ea rs .
“
Th i s i s t h e e n d ! We r e fi n i she d ! Wh o would h a ve th ough t t h a t o ur
’
”
pr oud ra c e sh ould o n e da y si n k i n mud a n d filt h l i ke th i s mu t t e r e d
?
g a sp i n g .
“
It s good th a t yo u h a v e com e sa i d Mr ; C hen g t o t h e w e lcom e m es
’
.
“
s en g e r from t h e ou t s i d e w orld
‘
B u t h o w di d you g et t h em t o let you
. .
”
in ?
“
Wi th mon ey a n d fri en dl yword s .
We ll do n e ! I sh ll n ee d you a s a m essenge r On e m a y h a ve a h o st
a .
o f good f i en d s a n d a cq u a i n t a n c es b u t wh en t h er e i s a fi re
r
,
t h e y al l ,
” “
l e a ve o n e i n t he lurch mu tt e r e d C hi a C h en g Wh a t a c t u a lly i s th e
, .
, ,
? ”
ch a rge ag a i n st o ur p e opl e ove r i n t h e e a ste rn p a l a c e
“
I w a s a t th e M i n i st ry of Ju st i c e th i s morn i n g 1 n q u1 r1 n g a bou t H su eh
“
P an
”
,
r e porte d H s u eh Kuo Th ere I foun d o u t som e d et a i l s r eg a rd i n g
.
t h e r ea s o n for t h e pr oc e e d i n gs a g a i n st Co us i n C h e n T h e a c t i o n h a d i ts .
a ccu se d of h old i n g g a m b l i n g o r gi e s i n h i s p a l a c e a n d s e du c i n g a n d
~
a n d t h e t h i rd Y u Th e C en s ors b a se t h ei r a ccus a t i o n on t h e e v i d en c e o f
.
3 40
th e g ambl e r a n d wa st er C ha n g Hua w ho w as formerly b e tro th ed t o
, ,
t he se co n d Y u a n d o f your form e r se rv an t L i t tl e P a o w ho l a t e r w i th
, , , ,
C h i a h
C n g di d n o t let h i m fi n i sh s pe aki n g Te rr ible ! Te rr i ble !
e
“
.
.
”
Thi s i s th e en d! he ra ge d a n gr i ly st amp ing h i s foo t
, .
“
More ov e r the C en sor L i ha s h a n d e d i n a b i ll o f i n d i c tm ent a g a i nst
,
”
th e Pre fe c t o f P i n g a n C h ow “
co nt i n ue d Hsue h Kuo He i s c ha rge d
, .
c a u se d i n n oc e n t c i t i z e n s
“
0
”
S t op ! i n te rrup te d C h i a C h en g i mp a t i en tly W e h av e en ough .
“
W h y sh ouldn t th e y i n d ee d ? Th e p e rs o n w h o br i b e d t he P re fe c t i s
’
e n c e a t t he Cour t T h e y ha ve fl e d from th e c a p i t a l a n d w i ll s ta y a t a
.
t i tl es h o n or a bly a c q u i re d by t he A n c est or s of th e C h i a fa m i ly w i ll
, ,
b ee n d e pri ve d of them .
“
Th e y h a v e bo th a c te d mos t i rres po n s i bly he sa i d an gri ly b ut , ,
th i s i s n o t i m e for l en gt h y re cr i m i n a t i o n I mus t go t o th e o ld Ta i ta i .
t o fi n d o ut w h a t i s go i n g o n a n d i f t h er e i sa n y thi n g n ew t o re por t do
‘
, ,
”
n o t f a i l t o com e ov e r a t o n c e .
CHA PTER 4 8
j u
h a d st h a d a se v e re a t ta ck o f as thm a , a n d w as st i ll s
’
t ru ggl i n g l a bor i
an d
O us ly for b rea th H e i mplore d h er n o t t o e xc i te h e rse lf t oo muc h
.
k c r of h pr c i ou lif e so th a t h e r u n du t i f ul s o ns woul d n o t
t o ta e a e e r e s ,
54 ]
“ ? ”
Wha t i s t h er e l e ft for m e t o l i v e for sh e
ga sp e d I a m ov e r .
g .
word s th e lo n ge d f o r n ew s c a me a t l a st th a t a m e ssen ge r h a d a rr i ve d
,
-
o ff t o th e fro n t r e c e p t i o n h a ll Th e r e t h e p a l a c e s up er i n t en d e n t of t h e
.
prom i se d good n e ws .
“ ”
Good t i d i n gs ! h e b eg a n w i th a sm i l e My m a ste r th e Pr i n c e h a s .
t o r e t a i n your po si t i o n a t t h e M i n i s t ry of Works Th e co n fi s c a t i o n o f .
n e p h e w C h i a L i en w i ll b e ex a m i n e d a g a i n by my pr i n c e ly m a st e r If .
L i en w i ll lo se h i s offi c i a l r a n k b ut o t h e rw i se he w i ll b e free a n d h e n ee d
,
”
n o t exp e c t a n
y furt h e r pun i sh m e n t .
t un a t ely C h i a L i en s pl ea s ur e at b e i n g le t o ff so e a s i ly w a s cloud e d by
’
,
th e f a c t th a t t h e t r ea s ur e ch es t s b e lo n g i n g t o h i m self a n d h i s w i fe h a d
a lr e a dy b ee n plun d e r e d by t h e co n st a bl e s a n d b a i l i ff s o f t h e M i n i st e r
i n g t o s e v en t y or e i gh t y t h ou s an d ou n c es of gold w h i ch Ph o en i x h a d ,
O f cour se w i th i n t he f a m i ly c i rcle th e r e w as n o la ck of mu t u a l t e
'
,
542
”
Th i s l a st st r a w ! gro a n e d Mr C hen g Un d er t he pre sent ci r
i s the . .
?
cum st an ce s wh e r e could h e fi n d fi v e t h ou s a n d oun c es i mm e d i a t e ly
“
Suc h a s coun dre l o f a so n i n la w ! I n st ea d of a ss i st i n g h i s fa th er i n
- - -
la w i n h i s n ee d or a t l ea s t s h ow i n g h i m s ymp a th y h e com es a lo n g
, ,
”
wi t h s uch un fi li a l a n d u n rea s o n a bl e d em an d s ! sa i d Mr C h en g s .
’
fri en d s i n d i gn an t ly .
“
I w a rn e d a g a i n st th i s m a t ch from t he b eg i n n i n g b ut n o o n e would ,
”
l i st en t o i n e My poor un for t u n a t e n i e c e s i ghe d Mr C hen g Sorry
.
, , . .
a n d w i th e mp t y h a n d s a n d Gr ee t i n g of Spr i n g h a d t o co n t i n u e la n
,
g u i sh i n g i n t h e po w e r of a n u n wor t h y h u s b an d .
to w of t h a n ks a n d t h e n h e p a i d h i s r e s p e c t s t o t h e Pr i n c e s of th e
,
Cou si n C h en .
t or t ur e d by fr i g h t ful qu a lm s of co n sc i en c e No w s h e b i t t e rly re gr e t t e d .
t h a t sh e h a d no t t a k en t h e l a t e K o C h i n g s a dv i c e a n d i n v e st e d t h e
’
h er n i e c e Ko C h i n g h a d m a d e y e a r s a g o on h er d e a t hb e d h a d com e
t ru e !
In a dd i t i o n sh e fe lt p a i n fully a w a r e th a t th e c h a rg e w h i c h th e
,
d ea th w a s o n h er co n sc i en c e ro se b e for e h er e y es l i ke a gh o st ly pr es
‘
e n c e In t h e C en s ors b i ll of i n d i c t m en t t h e n a m e of you n g C h a n g h er
’
.
,
to com e t o l i gh t Sh e di d n o t d a r e co n si de r t h e co n s e qu e n c es A qu i ck
. .
d ea th w a s t h e on ly t h i n g sh e d es i re d Sh e w h o up t o n o w h a d b een
.
,
o n e of t h e mo st v a lu e d a n d r e s p e c t e d p e r s o n s i n t h e Y un gk u o p a l a c e ,
wh i ch h er h u sb a n d C h i a L i en ha d bru sh e d o ff L i t t l e Pi n g wh en sh e h a d
urge d h i m t o sen d for a doct or for h er He h a d n o mo n ey t o s p a re for .
“ ? ”
How ca n yo u even t h i n k of gett i n g a doc t or sh e s a i d r e pro a ch
fully to Li t t le P i ng a f t e rw a rd s Wh a t do es my wrecked l i fe m a tte r t o
“
.
544
me n ow ? h a rdly w a i t f o r th e en d, an d I am o n ly h esi ta ti n g b e ~
I ca n
’ ”
c a us e I c an t d e c i d e wh et he r t o sw a llow gold o r ta ke po iso n .
a n d h a d b e en dr a gg e d a w a y by th e b a i l i ff s t o b e publ i cly a uc t i o n e d .
no wa ut e xc e p t t o se ll secret ly p a rt of t h e f am i ly propert y i n th e
y o
u re w h i c h a g a i n w a s co n t r a ry t o t h e w i se a dvi ce o f th e d e ceased Xc
, ‘
,
. ,
’
Th e A c
n est r e s s w a s d e pr es se d by P h o e n i x s p e r pe t u a lly d o w nca st
fa c e an d th e ce a seless la m en ts of the La d i es S h i eh an d Ch en A s he a d .
uf r g w c com ov r h cl O v i g M d a ri n Duck
s fe in h i h ha d e e t e a n n e e
. e n n a n
i h an d
a nd A mbe h a d t o
r bu i ld a n i n c en se a l t ar o u t n t e op e n cour t y a rd
pr d r y r c rp i fro of i t T h t h A c e
s t ress h obbl ed
a r ed p a t t e n e n
'
e n n
s ea e a .
-
uppor t e d by h e r w a i t i n g m a i d s w e n t do w n o n h er
s ,
545
groun d wi th h er foreh ea d sever al t i m es and wee p i n g sen t up a sole mn
.
, , , ,
f e rv en t pr a y er t o h ea v en :
“
O M i ght y H eav en up a bove u s ! I o f th e fa m i ly o f S hi h the nu , ,
.
, ,
her 1 n a g a i n . r
i s s u e d wh i ch w as t o fr ee hi m of un c e r t a i n t y re g a rdi n g t h e ul t i m a te f a t e
o f t h e i mpr i s o n e d m emb er s o f t h e cl an T ha n ks t o th e b en e vol en t rep re
.
sen t a t i o n s
p ut f o ri va rd by t h e Impe r i a l S ecr eta ri a t t o t h e Imp e r i a l
Court t h rough th e mouth o f th e Pr i n ce o f th e Nort h e rn Qu i etn ess t h e ,
n e w decree vi ew ed th e o ff ens es o f t h e
p r i n cely p ri so n er s muc h more
in dulg en t l y th an h i th e rt o excus e d a s l e g i ti ma te fa m i ly rel a t i on s th e
,
- -
si n ce h en m o t h er t o o h a d ag r e e d t o th i s In t h e cas e o f t h e th i rd Y u
.
,
'
a ls o w h o h ad comm i t t e d s u i c i d e i n co nse qu en ce o f a tr a g i c e rror th er e
, ,
'
s i o n of a l eg a l a c t i o n th e a rr an g e m en t o f a mr i ag e duri n g t h e pe r i od
,
, ar
of Cpurt mourn i n g an d t h e se cret buri a l o f a memb e r o f t h e fam i ly
,
.
546
S h i eh C h en a n d C h i a Yun g a ppe a red Th ey fe ll pen i tent ly a t th e fee t
, , ,
o f t h e A n c es t r ess a n d cov e r ed w i th sh a m e,
b egge d for for gi ven ess ,
.
a n d s oo n h ad forgo tt en a ll h er a n g e r .
”
h a v e t og eth er ! W i th th ese word s sh e d i sm i ss e d h e r el de r son an d her
gr a n dn e ph e w Then followi n g th e i mpuls e o f h er g en erou s h ea rt sh e
.
, ,
b eckon e d t o h er si d e t h e L a d i es S h i eh an d C h en g an d th e w a i t i n g m a i d ,
a ll t h e t r ea s ure w h i ch sh e h a d sa v e d a n d a ccumul a te d i n h er m a rr i e d
H e w a s t o g i v e o n e t h ous a n d t o h i s w i f e a n d t a ke t h e o th e r tw o w i th
h i m i n t o b an i shm en t Gr a n dn ep h ew C h en l i k ew i se re c ei ve d three
.
t h ous a n d o un c e s b ut h e w a s a llow e d t o ke ep o n ly o n e t h ou sa n d f o r h i s
,
ow n u s e ; t h e o th er t w o t h ou san d h e h a d t o l e a v e w i t h h i S w i f e Sh e se n t
' ‘
an o th e r t h r ee t h ous a n d ou n c es t o P h o en i x on h er si ckb e d b u t i n h er ,
o f mo n e y i n gold i n go ts w i t h wh i c h t o br i dg e t h e e x i st i n g sh ort a g e o f
,
-
t h e t r ea s ur e .
. .
t h e pr es e n t c i rcu mst a n c es sh e sa i d A n en d mu s t b e m a d e o n ce an d
, .
,
.
,
d eat h w as t o go t o h er m a i d s a n d m a i d s i n w a i t i n g So th e fam i ly h a d - -
.
54 8
But th e An ces t res s d ecl ared th a t sh e would b e gl a d to b e un i te d so on“
w i th th e dep arte d soul s of her i llu stri ous an ces t or s A vi si t o f co ns ol a .
,
“
m on st ra t i n g w i th t he g a tekee pe rs a n d n o i si ly d em a n d i n g the i r good
”
n ews bou n t y The y h a d a rri ve d in has te i n ord e r t o b e firs t to bri n g
.
”
sa y i n g th a t the n ews w as n o s urpri se an d h a d
“
t h e good n e ws bou n t y , ,
“
No t i n t h e lea st
”
,
th e repor te rs ha d pro t es t ed A pri n c ely ti tl e i s .
9,
549
_ Ch i a C heng s m i l i gly g ave orders f or nr h un gry mou th s t o b e t h ei
st opp d ; t hen h e v i s i t e d t h e A n c es t r e ss an d t old h er t h e l a t est h a ppy
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n e ws H i s j oy a nd pri d e w e r e s om ewh a t d a mp e d by t h e t h ough t th at
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th a t a s h e di d n o t d ee m h i m se lf wort h y t o r em a i n a n y lo n g e r i n en j oy
bo th a t th e d is po sa l o f th e S t a te B ut o n t he re commen d a t i on o f t h e “
a ct o f r en un c i a t i o n “
C HA P T E R 49
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an i s a wa .
T H E EX C IT E VI ENT S -
T H ESE D AY S H A D GIVEN A S H O CK T O T H E O L D
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n ewly m a rr i ed gr a n dd a ug h t e r L i t t l e Cloud h a d j u s t by c h an c e ar r i v e d
“
ces t ress se cr et ly i n v i t ed a ll t h e fe m a l e r el a t i v e s w i th i n r e a c h a n d g a v e ,
th e m asum p t uous ba n qu et i n h o n or o f Pr e c i ou s Cl as p s b i r th d a y as a
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or de r o f h er t yrann i ca l h u sb an d l n th e m i d st of t h e b i r th d a y c el ebr a
.
t i o n s A f ew d a ys l a t e r t h e A n c es t r e ss fe ll i ll a nd d i e d Th e n ews t h a t
‘
. .
t h e Iro n R a i l i n gs Mr C h en g h a d en t ru st e d th e ca r e o f th e w est e rn
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pa l a ce wh i ch w as a lm o st d en ud e d o f se rv an ts t o Gri ef o f Spr in g an d
, ,
spo n s i b i l i t y f o r t he r es t o f th e p a l a c e t og et h e r w i th th e st ew a rd L i n g .
h er Ki n gfi sh er s C a g e i n t h e f a rt h e st co m e r o f th e p a rk In h er lo n eli
’
. .
“
th e b ea u t i ful an c h or es s w a s ab ou t t o w i th dr a w f or h er h oly s es s i on
o f co n t empl a t i o n wh i ch i t w a s h er cust om t o m a ke at t h i s h ou r wh en
, ,
“ ”
s udd en ly t h e r e w er e loud cr i es ou ts i d e o f H e lp ! Th i ev es ! R obb e rs !
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,
t a ken up a n d p a sse d o n by t h e m a l e w a t c h e rs w h o w er e a t t h e o th e r
s i d e of t he l o cke d 1 nn er g a t e .
“
Th e re a re st ran ge m en in th e court y a rd sh e whi sp er e d t o Gri e f o f
,
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vo i c e o f o n e m a n ro se a bov e th e t um ul t cry in g : Wh er e are t h e fe llow s
h i d i n g Hold th e m ! F i gh t th e m ! A t th e he a d o f a few br a v e w a t c h
? ”
a lo n g He w as th e n ew p a rk w a t c h m an on ly r e c en t ly ta ken i n t o servi ce
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cud gel th at th ey t oo k t o their hee ls an d qui ckly disa ppeared over th e
wall a g a i n .
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cudge l They re c ogn iz e d h im as a form e r se rvan t n ame d Ho u Sa n an
.
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a dop t e d s o n o f th e m a j ordomo C h ou J ui o f th e e as te rn p a la ce .
,
a roun d f o r d a y s o n e n d a t t h e g a te o f th e w es t e rn p a l a ce in th e h ope ,
he h a d h ea rd fr om hi s fo s te r mo the r th a t th e An c es tress w a s n o t by an y
m ean s w i th out prop e rty w hen sh e d i e d ; th a t when she ha d gen e rous ly
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,
and p i l e d o n t o t h e ca rts k ep t i n wa i t i n g w h en s om e o f t h e b an d i ts ,
n o t i c e d li g h t i n a room o f th e n ea r b y w es t wi n g The re Gr i e f o f S pr i n g
’
-
.
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l l of h t e
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.
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ou g l u for b t y b t t h t u dy P ao Y an g
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fo i l e d t h e i r i n t en t i on s in g ood ti me an d fr i ghten ed th e m off o v er t he
roofs .
“ ”
Sh e i s prob ably t he n un i t em t h e Ki n gfi sh er s C ag e at t he bo tt om
“
’
“
of t h e p a rk ,
’
o n e o f th e ban d w as abl e t o i n form h i m Th ere was a lo t . .
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by d emon s wh i l e si t t ing on h er p i ll ow o f co n t empl a t i on A c h an c e meet .
t h e n am e o f th e boy— w as sa i d t o h a v e c a us e d th e d ev i l o f te mp t a t i on
_
“
A ha , so th a t s th e o n e !
’
s ai d th e h is l i p s in
“
an t ic i p ati o n of t h e tast y fru i t I w i ll Ca rry h er . o ff t o n i gh t ! I wi ll n ee d
a co a c h a n d t w o m en You ot he rs go o n i n . W e wi ll m eet t o
morrow mo rn i n g on t he Tw en ty M i le H i ll out si d e th e c i t y w alls -
_
.
sh o n e t h e dull r e dd i sh gl ow of a s i ngl e a lt a r l a m
p The b e a u t i ful M i a o .
d ays e v en ts an d t o d i spo se
’
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a s u s p i c i ou s so u n d of foo ts te ps ou ts i d e th e w i n do w
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sh e s a w t h e d a gg e r s h i n i n g i n hi s r i gh t h an d Now h e pu sh ed th e bl a d e .
'
i n t o hi s b el t , th en c a m e up an d st r et ch e d hi s h an ds cu t t ow a rd s h er .
5 54
o f Spri n g—th e y h a d all b een s a cri fic e d t o con ven t i on , to th e obli g a t i on s
o f s oc i et y Li tt l e Cloud h a d go t a ki n dh ea rt e d h us b an d , i t w as tr u e
.
,
o f a co n v en t i o n a l m a rri a g e No , sh e w an t e d t o r em a i n fr ee l i ke h er
.
t h e cloud s l i ke t h e w i ld g e ese .
th e s ad fa t e o f th e fr i end wh om sh e a dm i re d di d n o t i n duc e h er t o
fa l t er i n h er r es olu t i on She w as res olv ed t o cut of! the r em a in d er o f
.
he r h ai r a t th e n ex t oppor t un i t y a n d en t er a co n v en t B ut a t t he per
.
t o th e f a m i ly t empl e an d t h e e xc i te m en t ov er th e n i gh t burgl a ry a nd
,
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wh i ch h a d k i ll e d h er .
w as th e se co n d Y u w h o fri gh t en e d h er ; a n o th e r ti m e t h e sh a d e s o f
C hin Y o a n d her b etr oth e d e m e rge d re pro a ch fully a n d w a m i n gly o ut
o f th e p a st —
th o se t w o youn g pe opl e wh o m sh e h a d d e fr a ud e d o f t h e i r
li fe s h a pp i n ess th rough a v a r i c e an d dr i ven t o su i c i d e a t the in st i ga t i on
’
in a st a t e o f co n f us e . r a vi n g On accoun t o f th e pr ec a r i ou s fi n a n c i a l
d .
si t u at i o n C h i a L i en w a s o n ly a bl e t o g i v e h er a l a m
, en t ably wr et ch e d
pl a ce d h er pe r so n a l sa v i n g s a t h i s d i s po sa l i t would h a v e b een ev en
more wr et che d .
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’
o f Spr i n g h elp e d t o co n fi rm h er i n h er h o ly d ec i s i on Th e p i o u s s o u l
, .
.
s e lf s e cr e t ly .
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w h o h a d lo n g b een fr i en ds o f t h e C hi a fa mi ly a n d h a d r e c en t ly mov ed
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t o t h e c a p i t a l sh e d e cl a r e d forth ri gh t ly t h a t sh e di d n o t w i sh t o m a rr y
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a n d s a i d th a t t h i s w as th e la st s tr a w T h e cl an w a s burd en e d en oug h in
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Orde re d h i s ph ew C hi a Li en t o get th e cofli n d e li vere d f or hi s i ll
ne
i n g i n g a sp i n g .
“
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'
,
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a j ew e l f o r good mo n y ! h r p rt d br t h l essly
e e e o e e a .
“ ”
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? .
“
He wan ts t o se ll a pr ec i ou s st on e re pe a t e d t h e g a t ek eepe r
, He .
’
a ss e rts th a t i t i s youn g M a st er P a o Y u s lo st st on e He w an ts t en .
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th ous a n d s i lv er b a tz es f or i t .
“ ’ ”
Don t bo th e r m e w i t h th i s n o n sen se ! sn ort e d C hi a Li en a t th e gat e
keep er O n c e b efore w e we r e t a ken i n by a swi n dl er l i ke th at w h o
.
,
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t o o l a te Cou s in P a o Y u i s a t h i s l ast g as p
. .
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.
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. .
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i mm e di at ely h e a sse rt s , .
“ “ ”
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t o g i v e a n an gry ord e r t o ch a se t he str an ge r a w a y wh en h e hea rd h i m
-
“
Com e p a y up ! P a y up ! T en th ou san d b a tzes for a h um an l i fe ‘
, .
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.
ve ry i ll tw o st r an g e m en d i c a n t mo n ks l i ke th a t o ne h a d a pp eare d a n d
,
b a ck th e g en u i n e st on e ? If h e o n l y kn e w wher e he could a t o n c e ob
t a i n th e l a rg e s um o f mo n e y wh i ch th e mon k w a s d em an d i n g ! H e '
-
would h a v e t o b e fou n d .
t o th e i nn e r c h a mb e rs t o t h e room i n w h i ch P a o Y u w a s ly i n g ill Ch i a
’
.
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Li en a n d th e se rv an ts t ri e d i n v a i n t o b a r h i s w a y .
Say wh e re are yo u go i n g yo u w
“
, i ld cr ea t ur e ? Th at is th e w ay to th e
,
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‘ ’
.
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“ ”
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,
re a c h e d th e si ckroom Th e wom en w h o w e r e g a t h er e d
.
b ed weep i n g—Ma d a m e C hen g Prec i ou s Cl as p Pe a rl a n d th e oth ers
—di d n o t even ha ve t i me to h i d e them selves so sudd enly di d th e un
, , ,
s t a r e d as i f b ew i t c h e d a t t h e st r a n g e a pp a r i t i o n of t he
b i g b a ld hea d e d -
“
E s tee m e d p a t ro n s a n d b e l i evers i n Budd ha I br i n g you b a ck the ,
”
lo st st o n e !
Wi th these word s h e produce d a gl i st en in g j a d e sto n e He held i t up .
i n t he a i r for a ll ey es t o see an d co n t in u ed : “ A n d n o w u i ck ! O ut w i th
-
,
q ,
th e mo n e y s o t h a t t h e work of sa v i ng h i s li fe m a b e co n s umm a te d ! ”
“
,
y
F i rst let us see h i m sa ve d a n d th en the mo n ey w i ll be foun d th ey
,
”
,
sh ou t e d b a ck a t h i m .
“ ”
No t he mo ne y fi rs t ! he i nsi ste d
, .
“
Do n o t worry ! Wh a tever h a ppens you w i ll ge t your mo n ey even i f ,
”
w e h a ve t o s ell o r p a wn a ll our p o ss ess i o ns ! sa i d M a d a m e C h en g ,
th er e by sh ow i n g h er t ru e mo t h er s h e a r t
’
.
eff e c t ; a n d i n f a c t P a o Y u slowly Op e n e d h i s ey es .
“ ’ ”
He s cure d ! g as pe d Pea rl j oyfully , .
”
Whe re i s t he st o n e th e y hea rd P a o Y u a s ki n g The mo n k pus hed
? .
th e s t o n e i n t o h i s ha n d Pa o Y u he ld i t t i g h t for a w h i l e as i f he we r e
.
,
“ ”
A h h o w lo n g w e ha ve b een s ep a ra te d ! h e s i g hed
, T han ks b e to .
”
Budd h a ! All of th em ev en Prec i ou s Cl a s p forgo t the prox i m i ty Of
, ,
th e s t r a n g e r an d press e d clo s e ar ou n d Pa o Y u s b e d T he re w a s n o
’
.
Mr C he n g T he mo n k w en t w i th h i m Mr C he n g t ha n ke d hi m o n h i s
. . . .
h e ha d fou n d t h e pr ec i ou s s t o n e a n d h o w i t h a d h a pp en e d t ha t h i s
,
“
Th a t I do n o t kn ow e i t he r th e str a n g e gues t a n swered w 1 th a
0
,
”
s m i le
“
I sh ould l i ke t o ha ve my t en th ous an d b a tz es a n d th a t i s a ll !
. ,
56 ]
Th e mo n ey w i ll b e produc ed w a s a ll he sa i d i n rep ly , .
“ ”
Th en o ut wi t h i t qu i ckly ! I mu st b e o n my w ay a t o n c e ! ur ge d the
m an Mr C h en g r equ est e d h i m t o s t a y a wh i l e He would go an d see
. . .
“
Hurry up a n d do n o t forg et t o come b a ck ! th e st r a n ge r c al le d
”
“ ”
H er e i t i s ! P a o Y u b eam i n g h a n d e d h i m the st one Mr C hen g di d
, , . .
? ”
T h e boy do es seem t o b e cur e d B ut h o w ca n w e coll e c t th e mon e y .
“ ”
I w i ll gi ve all my po ssessi on s T h e proc eed s w i ll cov er th e amoun t.
,
“ ”
I do n ot th i n k h e w a n t s a n y mo n ey sa i d P a o Y u , .
B ut h e d e m a n d e d i t loudly a g a i n a n d a g a i n S t r an g e v e ry st r an g e
, .
,
”
i n d ee d ! sa i d Mr C h en g sh a ki n g hi s h ea d A n d h e r et urn e d t o th e
.
, .
s o good t h a t h i s mo th er h a d t o ord e r h i m t o s t op as sh e f e a r e d t h a t h e ,
m i gh t eat t o o much .
”
No f ea r ! I am qu i t e w ell a g a i n ! h e sa i d j oyful ly an d rea ch e d out , _
Wh i l e th e w a i t i n g m a i d Mu sk w a s help i n g h i m t o get up i n h er j oy a t -
,
“
h i s r e covery she let fa ll th e r em a rk : Now a t las t yo u b el i ev e i n th e
m i r a culou s powe r o f your st o n e Wh a t a good th in g i t w as th at you di d
.
”
n o t s ucc ee d i n br e a k i n g an d d est roy in g i t !
t i m e Wh e n c a ll i n g a n d sh a k i n g h i m prov e d u s el es s M a d a m e C h en g i n
.
, , ,
h us b an d B ut Mr Ch en g c a m e w i th ou t h i m Wh en h e h a d r et urn ed t o
. . .
t h e r ec ep t i o n h a ll j u s t n o w t h e s tr a n ge fellow h a d a lr ea dy d i sa pp ear e d
,
.
gu es t h a ll Th er e t h e st r an ge mon k w as a w a i ti n g h i m He t oo k h i m by
. .
t h e h an d a n d s i l en t ly le d h i m a w a y Pa o Y u f elt t ha t all th e w ei gh t o f. , .
56 2
ha d n o t llow ed h i m to rem a i n lon g in th e v i c in i t y o f th e rooms H a ppy
a .
a t b e i n g a lo n e an d u n d i st urb e d th i s t i m e h e forgo t th a t h e w an t e d t o,
, ,
t h e first room .
“ ”
he s a w th e i n s cr i p t i o n H i st ory of t h e Tw elv e B ea u t i es o f C h i n l i n g
an d n ex t t o i t s e v er a l blurr e d p i c t ur es H e d i d n o t sp en d much t i m e o n
.
t h e p i c t ur es b ut b e g an t o t urn ov er th e p a g es an d plun ge i n t o th e co n
t en t s T h a t mu st h a v e b een th e st ory Of B eg i n n i n g of Spr i n g h e s a i d
“
.
,
t o h i m se lf a f t e r h e h a d r ea d t h e firs t c h a p t e r from b eg i nn in g t o e n d .
h i gh ly el a bor a te l i t e r a ry st yle » M u ch O f wh a t h e r ea d w a s n o t cl ea r t o
,
se cr et s t h e kn owl e dg e of wh i c h I h a d b ee n en d ea vori n g t o ob t a i n f o r
,
so lon g i n v a i n ! If o n ly I h a d i n k a n d bru sh a n d p a p e r a t h a n d t o wr i t e
do wn e v eryth i n g an d t a ke i t h om e w i th m e ! O f course I would n o t b e
i n d i s cr eet b u t i t would b e f un t o pl a y th e prop h et a n d for t u n e t ell e r a
,
b i t i n t h e f a m i ly Suc h w e r e th e i d ea s wh i c h r an th rough h i s m i n d It
. _ .
w a s a p i t y t h a t n o wr i t i n g m a t e r i a l s w e r e t o b e foun d i n t h e room .
“
H e h a d j ust Op en e d a s uppl em en t a ry volum e t o t h e H i st ory o f th e
”
Tw elve B e a u t i es of Ch i n l i n g a n d h a d b een move d t o t ea rs a t a
,
a n d f a rt h er a w a y l i k e a l i gh t sh a dow wh i c h c a n n o t b e c a ugh t In v a i n
, .
h e c a ll e d t o h er t o st o p ; sh e flo a te d a w a y f a rt h e r an d fa rt h er an d h e ,
could n o t c a tch up wi th h er .
A o .
forgo tten all abou t M an d ari n Duck He foun d h i mself in a fr ont gar .
5 64
den .In th e m i ds t o f t he flow er beds of exo ti c str an gely scente d flowe rs,
“
m e d i t a t i on : Ho w d a re yo u sn i fl a roun d o ur sp i r i t pl an t im pe rt i n en t ,
”
t r es p asse r ! Fri ghten ed he t urn e d hi s he ad A n elf w as stan d i n g be
, .
si d e h i m .
“
I str a y e d in here looki n g fo r S i ster M an d a r in Duck he s ta mm e re d ,
“
i n co n fu si o n Forg i ve m e my cr i m i n a l curi o s i t y ! B ut m a y I a s k where
.
,
“ ”
‘
”
an d i t is my du t y to kee p a t a d i sta n c e profa n e cre a t ur es s uc h a s yo u .
It mu st b e a r a re a n d exqu i s i te pl a n t sin c e yo u a re a p po i n te d t o
,
”
pro t e c t i t he as ke d tea ri n g him se lf aw a y re luc t an t ly from the v i c in i ty
?
,
o f th e sp i r i t pla n t .
“
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.
b an ks O f th e R i ve r o f the Sp i ri t s A t tha t ti m e th e Gu a rd i an of t h e
.
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your ki n d .
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“
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“
My m i st res s ca n b est gi ve you i n form ati o n about tha t .
“ ? ”
W h o i s your m i st ress S i s te r Elf ,
”
T he Prin c ess of th e W ee p i n g B amboo H e rm i ta ge !
”
O h th a t i s s ure ly my cous in B la ck J a d e !
,
“
No n sen se ! Bet wee n th e R eal m o f the Bl essed an d your profan e
world th e re i s n o kin shi p A n d if yo u co n ti n ue to m ake yourse lf a
.
S65
Ab a sh e d , Pa o Y u t urn e d t o go . S udd en ly a se con d elf c a m e run n i n g
Wh er e o n e a rt h i s t h e Gu a rd i a n of t h e R a d i an c e o f th e S t on e o f .
“ ”
I h a v e b een look i n g for h i m i n v a i n all ove r th e world re pli e d ,
t h e firs t .
“
B u t th e re h e i s run n i n g a wa y s a i d t h e s e co n d l a ugh i n g a n d h ur
, , ,
r i e d a ft e r P a o Y u .
“ ”
Com e b a ck Gu a rd i a n of th e R a d i a n ce of t h e S t on e Of th e Gods !
,
.
s ummo n s w i th h i m se lf a n d t h i n k i n g t h a t h e w a s b ei n g purs u e d
, ran ,
o m eb o dy st e pp e d i n t o h i s p a th It w a s a b e a u t i ful youn g g i rl w i th a
.
s te rn f a c e In h e r r i g h t h a n d sh e h e ld a
.
p reci o us s word .
“ ”
S t op ! W h er e a re yo u go i n g sh e a s ke d h i m se v ere ly
? .
cour a ge a g a i n .
“
W h y h a v e I b een t r ea t e d so rud ely Cou s i n ? Won t yo u a t lea st b e
-
’
,
? ”
a l i t t le ki n d t o m e h e s a i d re pro a c h fully ;
”
a n d my s i st er Now
yo u h a v e t o a t o n e w i th th em !
.
”
s word h i s co n n e c t i o n w i t h t h e r e d dus t of th e world .
a ft er h i m It w a s Br i g h t Cloud
. .
“ ”
It i s you Br i gh t Cloud ! How good th a t you a r e h ere ! h e cri ed
, ,
“
Do n o t c a ll m e Br i ght Cloud ! I h a ve go t i n str uct i on s to ta ke yo u
”
t o t h e Pri n c e ss ! Now do n o t h e s i t a t e b ut follow m e ! r epli e d th e elf
, .
“ ”
W h o t he n i s y o ur Pr i n c ess
, ,
?
“ ”
You w i ll s ee t h a t for yourself when you m eet h er Come a lon g ! , .
a f t e r th e v i s i t t o t h e Pr i n c es s h e would c h a ll en g e h er a g a i n If sh e bo re
,
.
.
Wh a t cr i m e h a v e I comm i t te d th a t e ve ryon e a vo i d s m e t od a y he ?”
“
H i fe llow ! W h o a r e you t h a t you d a r e t o t res p a s s so boldly i n t o
,
”
t h es e bl e ss e d pl a c es ? O ff w i t h you qu i ckly ! t h e y sh ou t e d a t h i m
, ,
fi n d t h e e x i t ! A s h e g a z e d a rou n d h i m h e s a w i n t h e d i st a n c e a gr oup
Of wom en com i n g t ow a rd s h i m c h a tt i n g m e rr i ly H e th ough t h e rec
, .
t h ey m a d e s t r a i g h t for h i m In h i s d a n g e r h e s udd en ly b e c a m e a w a r e Of
.
t h e pr es e n c e o f t h e mo n k w h o h a d a ccomp a n i e d h i m t h e r e H e h eld a
, .
gl i st en i n g m i rror i n h i s h a n d .
“
My d i v i n e m i st r ess t h e form er Impe r i a l wi fe h a s sen t m e t o sa ve
, ,
yo u .
Wh i l e h e w a s sa y i n g t h is h e t urn e d t h e gl i t t er i n g fa c e Of th e m i rror
’
t ow a rd s t h e crowd of P a o Y u s pur s u e r s a n d i n a t r i c e a ll t h e gh o s t ly ,
d ev i l s h a d d i sa pp ea r e d Th e m a gn i fic en t dwe ll i n gs a n d p a l a c es h a d a ls o
.
n e ss H e pr ess e d h i s r e s cu e r s h a n d w i th gr a t i t ud e a n d co n fid en c e a n d
’
.
“
sai d to h i m : M a st e r you a ccomp an i e d m e h er e a s I w ell r e m emb e r
, ,
.
S om e o f t h em t ur n e d i nt o ugly d e v i ls a n d t h r ea ten e d m e Wh a t do e s .
”
t h a t m e a n W a s a ll t h a t a dr e a m or w a s i t r ea l i t y
? ?
“ ? ”
D i d you look a t a n y th i n g s e cr et ly
P a o Y u s a i d t o h i m se lf th a t a n yo n e w h o w a s a bl e t o l ea d h i m i n to
t h i s s p i r i t r e g i o n mu st c e rt a i n ly b e a s p i r i t h i m se lf a n d th a t h e could ,
“
n o t w e ll d e c e i v e a sp i r i t A n d so h e a dm i t t e d fr a n kly :
. I w a s i n a room .
”
a n d I se cr e t ly rumm a g e d th roug h fil es .
“
I n d ee d a n d t hen you a sk t h a t qu est i o n ? You are n o t ye t fr ee from
,
a n d o n t h a t a ccoun t t h o se d e v i ls fr i g h t en e d you Th e d e v i l s a r e n o th i n g .
H e g a v e P a o Y u s uc h a he ft y pu sh t h a t h e t um bl e d ov e r a n d fe ll
68
down A s uppresse d cry es ca pe d h i s l i ps Aft e r i ts lo ng wa nd e r i n g h i s
.
.
sp i r i t h a d re t urn e d t o h i s body .
“
He h a s com e to h i m s elf a g a i n ! ” he h ea rd h i s mo the r s vo i c e s a ’
y
i n g He op en e d h i s ey es a n d sa w h is mo ther h i s w i fe a n d t he w a
i t i ng
.
, ,
a n x i ou s h a lf j oyful express i o n o n th ei r fa c es
,
-
He qu i ckly rec a p i t ul a te d
.
me mory .
“ ”
Y es th a t i s i t ! he s a i d l a ug hi n g w i th a n a i r Of h a ppy rel i e f
, , .
t o i n te rpr et h i s e xcl a m at i o n .
C HAPTER 5 0
th e s t ory a ] th e s t o n e .
PA O YU H A D R E C O VE R ED R AP ID LY A FTE R H IS L O NG S P E L L O F UNC O N
sci o u sn ess a n d t o e v e ryo n e s j oy w a s fully r es t or e d t o h ea l th Th e co fli n
’
.
A s Mr C h en g w a s n o w re l i e ve d o f wo rry a bou t P a o Y u a n d sa w
.
i n h er s ou t he rn h om e l a n d Af t er h a v i n g a rr a n g e d v ar i ou s dom es t i c
.
m a tt e rs w i t h C h i a L i en a n d o n c e more se r i ously a pp ea le d to Pa o Y u s
,
’
co n s c i en c e re g a rd i n g t h e a ppro a c h i n g S ta t e ex a m i n a t i o n he took l ea ve ,
o f t h e f a m i ly a n d t h e a n c e s t ors a n d s et o ut t o j ourn e y s ou t h o n bo ar d
,
w i fe wh o h a d d i ed you n g a n d th a t of Bl a ck J a d e we re a ls o t a ken a t
, ,
t h e s am e t i m e t o b e l i ke w i s e l a i d i n t he i r n a t i ve s ou t he r n e a rt h Cuckoo
,
.
h er d ea d m i s tres s Bla ck J a d e b a ck
, ,
5 69
in c hara c t er a s comp a re d wi th hi s form er se lf He w as si l en t an d wr a p t .
a f a c t wh i c h w a s
, , p ar
t i cula rly r em a rke d w i th muc h sh a k i n g of h ea ds — p a i d n o mor e a t
t en t i o n t o h i s fe m i n in e en v i ro n m en t Cuckoo s i mply could n o t get ov e r
.
th e cool a n d i n d i ff e r en t r e c e p t i o n h e g a v e h er w h en sh e c a m e b a ck from
, .
“
O n e ca n see n ow h o w fool i sh w e g i rls w e r e t o h a ve t a ken h i s fl o w
’
ery t a lk s o se r i ou s ly a n d t o h a v e l a v i sh e d o ur a ff e c t i o n s o n h i m T h a t s
’
-
”
h o w h e th a n ks us t he h ea r t l ess fe llow ! sh e compl a i n e d t o Mu sk A n d
, .
M us k an d P ea rl a n d th e o the r s co n firm e d h e r v e rd i c t W h a t di d th e y
. .
kn ow of t h e c h a n g e w h i c h h a d t a ken pl a c e wi t h i n h i m i n t he i n t e rv al ?
He w a s w a i t i n g an d pr ep a r i n g h i m self for t h e prom i s e d v i si t o f h i s
my st e r i ou s fri en d from th e o th e r world .
A n d o n e da y h e c am e .
“
Th at cr a zy fe lloww h o brough t th e st o n e i s b a ck a g a i n ! He i s a sk
”
i n g for h i s t en th ou s a n d b a tz es ! So th e m e ssa g e ra n a n d i t s et th e ,
“ ”
Wh e re i s my d ea r m a st e r h e w a s h ea rd c a ll i n g o ut a s he wen t t o
?
’
m e et h i m t o ev e ryon e s surpri se Y es i n d ee d t h ere th e f ellow w a s
, .
,
s t a n d i n g i n th e g a t e w a y ; a n d P a o Y u r ecog n i z e d h i m a s h i s r e c en t
’
t r a v e ll i n g comp an i o n Th e s e rv a n t Li Kw ei w as b a rr i n g t h e mo n k s
. .
w ay A t a si gn from P a o Y u h e h a d t o le t h i m go P a o Y u co n duct e d
. .
h i m i n t o t h e r e c e pt i o n h a ll as a n h o n or e d gu est .
“
Ple a se m a ke n o fu ss a b ou t m e I h a v e o n ly come t o fet ch my
“
. .
”
mo n ey ! d ecl a re d th e v i s i tor bru s qu ely Pa o Y u t h ough t th at t h i s w as
,
.
, , ,
O l d sa y i n g t h a t t h e w i se m a n do es n o t c a r e for ou t w a rd d i s pl a y an d ,
t h a t t h o se w h o do c a r e for i t a re u s u a lly n o t w i se m en H e w a s t h e re .
“
D O n o t worry a bou t t he mo n ey M a st er ! My mo th er i s coll ec t i n g i t
,
r i gh t n o w B ut pl ea se t a ke a sea t m ean t i me T h e un w o i th y d i sc i pl e h as
. “
'
”
t o m R ea lm Of t he Gr ea t Vo i d ? h e a ske d pol i tely .
“
Wh a t do I kn ow o f Ph a n t om R e alm a n d Gr ea t Vo i d ? I com e from
”
s om e wh er e a n d l a m go i n g s om ewh e r e ; t h a t i s a ll w as t he cryp t i c ,
5 70
“ ’
It s Of n o i mport a n ce , he
d rea ss ur i n gly t o h i s mo th er ; th ensa i ,
“
po i n t ing w i th a sm i l e a t P ea rl a n d Cuckoo h e sa i d : They a re t o o ,
-
e a s i ly s c a r e d T he s t i ff n eck e d m o n k w o u l d n o t h ea r o f a n
y b a rg a i n i n g
-
. .
m e a n d I j u st l e f t h i m st a n d i n g t h er e I wi ll O ff e r t o r et ur n th e st on e
, .
t o h i m a n d t e ll h i m t h a t i t s n o t t h e r ea l o n e a ft e r a ll an d t h a t w e do n o t
’
,
s et a n
y grea t st or e by i t Th en h e wi ll sur ely mod i fy h i s r i d i culou s de
.
”
m a n d an d b e gl a d t o get w h a t ev e r w e g i v e hi m Th at s a ll .
’
.
“ ” “
Oh th a t s all r i g ht ! sh e s a i d
’
, I th ough t th a t you w an t e d a ctua lly .
t o h a n d h i m ov e r t h e s t o n e W h y d i d n t yo u t ell th a t t o t h e tw o g i rls a t
’
.
? ”
ori c e a n d sp a re th em th i s a l t e rc a t i o n
,
op i n i o n .
“
That si n i st er m o n k fellow i s n o t t o b e t ru st e d ! W h o kn ow s ? If he
'
j ewe lry .
h i s h a n d i n a t ri c e .
“
S o th a t i s sett l e d sh e co n t i n u e d Now y o u n ee d n ot go b a ck t o
, .
”
h i m a t all Your mo t h e r a n d I w i ll r a i se th e mo n ey b et w een u s
. .
“
V er y w ell B ut I w an t a t l ea st t o sa y good b y t o h i m prop erly for
.
-
,
”
d ec en cy s sa k e he r em a rke d w i t h aff ec t e d i n d i ff e r en c e Th a t also
’
, .
s ou n d e d r ea s o n a bl e P ea rl l e t go o f h i m a t l a st
. .
“
It se em s t o m e t h a t you wom en set mor e st or e o n t h e s t o n e i ts e lf
‘
t h a n o n m y o w n p er s o n W h a t i f I r an o ff w i t h t h e mo n k n ow ? Wh a t
.
? ”
good would t h e st o n e b e t o you t hen he j es t e d He w i sh ed t o pr ep a re .
t h e m w i t h s uc h j ok e s for t h i n g s t o com e P e a rl s s u s p i c i o n s w e r e i m
’
.
i n g t h a t t w o l a d i es o f t h e h ou s e w ere pr e s en t w i th dr ew h er h an d ,
t h e w a y w as fr ee for P a o Y u .
B u t P e a rl w a s s o fr i g h t en e d t h a t sh e s en t word t o h i s p e rs o n a l
se rv a n t M i n g Y e n b eh i n d h i s b a ck urg en t ly a s ki n g h i m an d h i s s ub
, , ,
an d t h e r e i n pr i v a cy t h e y g o t P ea rl t o t ell th e m t h e w h ol e s t ory o f th e
n o i s y i n c i d en t w h i c h h a d j us t t a k en pl a c e W h en P e a rl r ep e a t e d word .
5 72
th e s t ruggl e th e tw o l a d i es b ec a m e ex t remely pe rt ur b ed aga i n a n d g a ve
,
,
s urro un d e d by w a t c he rs w ho w e r e a l s o t o w a tc h u n ob t ru s i v e ly t h roug h
,
th e wi n dow wh a t w a s go i n g o n i n s i d e W a i t i n g m a i d s we re se n t t o r un
.
“
T he li tt le m a ster do es n o t s eem t o b e qu i te r i g ht in the hea d o ne ,
“
messen ge r repor te d my ste r i ously The p eopl e li sten in g un de r th e .
“ “
Wh y th a t s qu i t e
’
, th e h orri fi ed Tai ta i An d .
? ”
wh a t di d th e mon k say to t ha t
“
He sa i d he d em a n de d th e st o n e an d n o t th e pe rs o n .
“
ci t e dly . T h e st o n e an d P a o Y u a re o ne ! The fe llow is jus t b e i n g
”
fun n y ! Di d he say n o th i n g a bou t mon ey th en ?
,
“
I don t kn ow After th a t the co n versa t i on b ec ame ve ry l i vely in fa c t
’
. ,
“
Wh at n on sense ! Th ey do n t ha ve to b e so v e ry lea rne d t o b e able
’
”
t o un d e rs t an d a si mpl e co n ve rs a t i o n That s the l ast str a w ! cr i e d
’
.
“
W e were un abl e t o foll ow th e co n versa t i o n complete ly he sa i d , ,
’
‘
moun t a i n w i ld e rn ess an d green cra g s an d Rea lm o f th e Gre a t Vo i d
’ ‘ ’ ‘
”
a n d t he l i k e
’
a n d re d du s t a n d se v e r i n g from ea rth ly d est i n y
‘ ’ ‘
.
,
Sh e w a s so fr i g h t en e d t h a t s h e w as j u s t g i v i n g ord e rs f o r P ao Y u t o b e
h i gh s p i ri ts .
“
Every t hi n g wen t off splen di dly h e ann oun ce d ga i ly .
”
Drop t he foole ry a n d pull yourse lf t ogethe r ! sa i d hi s mo ther
fr i en d o f m i n e; He o n ly c a m e to sa y he llo t o m e Wh a t he sa i d a bou t .
mo y d d m ean s e ir ou ly A ll
’
h k d i re t u rn for b i s
th e ne he i n t s e as e n .
.
5 73
flo a te d a w a y So w e st i ll h a v e th e st on e an d w e di d n o t h a v e to pay
. .
,
”
t h e mo n ey I sn t t h a t s pl en d i d
’
.
?
T h e o th e rs exch an g e d i n cr edulou s gl a n c es M a d am e C h en g ga v e .
“
wh i l e t h e m an c a m e b a ck a n d r e port e d : Y es t h at i s t rue The g a te ,
.
th a t sh e n ee d n o t worry ; h e a sk ed n o mo n e y a s r e comp en s e ; h e o n ly
wi shed th a t th e l i t t l e m aste r sh ould v i si t h i m n o w a n d th en A n d h e sa i d .
,
”
m ore ov e r th a t wh a t eve r h a pp en s i s pr e d e st i n e d by th e h i gh e r pow er s
, .
grea t fi n a n c i a l worr y .
“
He seem s t o b e qu i t e a n i c e r ea s on a bl e f ellow a ft e r a ll sh e sa i d
, ,
“
con t en t e d ly B ut w h er e i s my so n t o v i si t h i m ? D i d th e g a te w at chm en
.
? ”
as k th a t
”
H e l i v es f a r a w a y an d n ea r ,
ccord i n g t o h o w yo u look at i t i n te r
a ,
“
Com e b a ck t o your sen ses a t l a st a n d t a ke yo ur h ea d o ut of the
” “
cloud s sa i d Pr ec i ou s Cl as p i mp a t i en tly H a ve you n o feel i n g for
. .
Oh i s wh a t I i n t i m a t e d n o t a n obl e a ch i e v em en t ? D o yo u n ot kn ow
,
th e s a y i n g
“
A s o n w h o t o th e Buddha vow s h i s l i fe
Open s h ea v en s ga te t o seven a n cest ors ’
.
“
'
”
Ho w fri gh t ful ! Wh at cur se h as com e ov er o ur h ous e ? sh e cr i e d ,
“
b e si d e h er se lf Th e se p e rver se n o t i on s o f fl e ei n g th e world ! F i rst
.
”
Gr i ef o f Spri n g an d n o w P a o Y u , I ll n ev er s urv i v e i t !
_
’
A n d sh e broke i n t o v i ol en t s obb i n g .
“ ”
I w a s on ly j o k i n g sa i d P a o Y u smi l i n gly t ry i n g t o r eass ur e h er
, , .
’
s r emov a l t o th e Ki ng fi sh er s C a g e
’
o n th e occ a s i o n of Gr i e f of i n
Spr g _
5 74
b ri n g i n g h i m h i s tea an d si m i l a r serv i ces o f a p er so n a l n a t ur e i n st ea d ,
se lf n o t t o look a t a n g rl a g a i n a n d up t o t h e da
y i , y of th e e x a m i n a t i o n
b e s ubj ec t e d h i m self t o a l i fe of st r i c t vol un ta ry se clu s i o n D ur i n g th o se .
h er h i s d a i ly t si n g a n .
T h e t i m e f or th e grea t e x a m i n at i on wh i c h w a s a w a i te d wi th t rem u
,
th e morn i n g of t h e Op en i n g da y P ao Y u a ccomp a n i e d by h i s n ep h e w ,
C hi a La ri c a m e t o t a ke l ea v e of h i s mo t h er It w a s th e fir st t i m e th a t
, .
e x a m i n a t i o n c e ll s ev en a t n i g h t A n d so t h oug h P a o Y u a t n i n et een
.
, , ,
t i c a l m a t e rn a l a dv i c e a n d a l s o wep t s o m
, , e mo t h e rly t e a r s o f f a r e w e ll .
h i s forehea d t o t h e grou n d t h r e e t i m es .
“
Up t i ll n o w I ha v e h a d n o Opport un i t y o f re p ay i n g my moth er f or
”
all th e lov e t h a t sh e h a s s h own m e s i n c e I c a m e in t o th e world h e sa i d ,
“
ea rn e st ly I w i ll exe rt my se lf t o p a ss t he ex a m in a t i on as w ell a s I ca n
.
a s fu lfill e d a n d t h e i n j u s t i c e wh i c h I h a v e b een do i n g my p a r en ts a ll my
”
l i fe as a t on e d f o r .
feet .
“
Ev en th ough sh e i s n o lon ger bod i ly a mon g u s h er sp i r i t w i ll b e o ur ,
”
wi tn ess an d wi ll rej o i c e w i th us , he d ecl are d si mply .
“ ”
D o n o t w ee p Ta i ta i , t h e o th er s sa i d comfort i n gly t o M a da m e
,
“
C hen g Y o u h a v e eve ry r ea son t o b e j oyful seei n g th a t h e h as m a
.
,
A n d w i th m a n y fo n d w i sh es th e t w o you th s t he fu t ur e h op e o f th e ,
5 76
B ut w here i s your U n cl e P a o Y u ? ” a sked t he l a di es d i sma yed .
,
”
I h a ve lo st h i m , repl i e d C h i a Lari u n ha pp i ly .
Ch u sh a rply
, .
“
I sha re d the sa me c e ll w i t h h i m a n d a te a t t he sa me t a ble a n d i n the ,
ex a mi n a t i o n h a ll t o o h e w a s a lw a y s w i t h i n my s i g ht T h i s
, , morn i n g w e .
h an d e d i n our ex a m i n a t i o n p a pe rs t og ether a n d th en l e f t th e ex a m i n a
—
,
t i o n h a ll t og e t h e r O n our w a
y. h om e— i t w a s a t t h e Dr a go n G a t e l
s udd en ly lo s t s i g h t of h i m i n t h e crowd L i Kw e i w h o h a d com e t o m ee t
.
,
“ ”
D i d h e h a v e h i s s t o n e w i t h h i m w h en h e w e n t a w a y ? sh e a ske d
ci o u s Cl a s p a l s o
p u t t w o a n d tw o t og e th e r w i t h a s i g h ,
.
It w a s a lr ea dy lo n g p a s t m i d n i g h t w h e n th e se a rc hers w h o h a d b ee n
s e n t o u t r e t urn e d T h e y h a d n o re s ul t t o re port All t he i n qu i ri es m a d e
. .
a rr i v e d t h a t t h e re s ul t s of t h e S t a t e ex a m i n a t i o n h a d j u s t b ee n m a d e
o n t h e l i s t of s ucc e ss ful c a n d i d a t e s Hi s n e p he w C h i a La n ha d a ls o
.
,
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o n e of th e e l e c t comp a n y o f k u y en
-
or Ex a l te d .
,
fille d t he h a ll s of t he weste rn p a la c e b ut P a o Y u s t i ll ,
n ew s t h a t h i s i ll f a te d c h i ld P a o Y u h a d p a s s e d t h e e x a m i n a t i o n so
‘
, ,
a l a s by h i s a n x i e t y ov e r t h e boy 8 s udd e n my s te r i ou s d i s a pp ea r a n c e
’
.
,
t i o n e d t h e m a gn i fic en t a ch i e v e m en t of t h e se v en t h c a n d i d a te o n t h e l i s t ,
an d h a d a sk e d th e ex a m i n a t i on comm i ss i o n t o furn i sh h i m w i t h a de
‘
t a i l ed r epor t r e g a rd i n g t h e p e r s o n a l c i rc um s t a n c e s of t h e h i g h ly prom i s
i n g a n d t a l e n t e d you n g m a n W h en h e l e a rn e d from th e r e port of t h e
.
C h a i rm an O f th e e x am i n a ti on comm i ss i on t h e Pr i n ce Of t he Nort h er n ,
Im p e r i al wi fe B eg i n ni n g of Spr i n g an d th at th e C hi a fa m i ly h a d pr o
, ,
h y t h e s ucc e ss of th e r ec en t o ff en s i ve a g a i n st t he p i r a te pe st a n d t he ,
n e st y ;
th e t w o ex i le d m emb e r s of th e Cl a n S h i eh a n d C h e n w e r e t o b e ,
rn O r eo v e r r a i s e d a g a i n tO t h e n Ob il i t h g h b ur e On ly t o t h e
'
‘ ‘
, y t b u t o e s ,.
.
t h i rd r a n k n a m e ly t h a t of a cou n t C hi a C h en g r e m ai n e d t he o n ly p o s
, , .
s ucc e s s ful c a n di d a te o u t h el i s t
’
g en er a t e s on T h e C h i a cl a n h ad n o w t o t h a n k th i s dpspi se d a nd de
. ,
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en e r a t e s o n for t h e f a ct t ha t th e ro o f of t h e H a ll of A n c es t or s w as b e i n g
f
g
a do rii e d w i t h n ew l u s t e r !
of hi s sh i p t o
‘cr w r e a t e r s p ee d for h e h i m self w as un a bl e t o res t
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t
e
g .
.
ei t h e r d or i g h t H w s u i n W i t h fl O g g
n in t s e e hi s
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r
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: n g o .
a g a i n an d a l s o tO t h row h i m
,
s e lf up o n h i s kn ees b e for e t h e s t e p s
T h r on e t h e re t o r en der he ar t fe l t tha n ks
,
.
wh i c h e n v el ope d t he la n d s c a p e i n a m a ii t le O f wh i t e C h i a Chen g h ad .
se n t a ll h i s st a ff o n t o la n d exc ep t i o n
l a n d sc a p e S h a k i n g h i s h ea d h e t urn e d b a ck M ea n t i m e h i s o th er serv
.
, .
a nt s h a d r et ur n e d t o t h e sh i p Mr C h e n g t old t h e m o f h i s st r a n g e en
. .
“ ” “
It i s st ra n g e v e ry st r a n g e ! h e murmur e d t o h i m self
, I saw h im .
a n d h i s comp a n i o n s w i th my o wn e y es I a l s o d i st i n c t ly h ea rd th e i r
‘
si n g i n g It w a s d e fi n i t e ly n o t i m a g i n a t i o n o r som e e mp t y p h a n t om v i
.
,
th e s a k e of h i s gr a n dmo th er w e r ea r e d a n d fo st e r e d t h e s p i r i t ch i ld .
Th en th es e tw o p e cul i a r fellows a pp ea re d o n t h e s c en e Th r ee t i m es .
t h e y h a v e i n t e rv en e d i n h i s l i fe O n c e wh en th e boy la y i ll t h e y r e
.
, ,
s t or e d t h e pow er o f t h e st o n e w i t h t h ei r i n c an t a t i o n s a n d m a d e h i m w e ll
’
a gain Then o n e of t h e fe llow s th e o n e i n t h e bonz e s cowl brough t
.
, ,
Th a t t i m e I s a w h i m w i th my o wn e y e s si tt i n g i n t he r e c e p t i on h a ll th en
a ll of a s udd en h e d i sa pp ea r e d A n d n o w t od a y t h e y h a v e s p i r i t e d a w a y
.
”
i n g for s p i r i ts 1
A n d w i th a s i g h C h i a Ch en g p i ck e d up h i s wr i t i n g bru sh t o fi n i sh t h e
l et t er h om e w h i c h h e h a d b egun H e r epor t e d h i s a m az i n g en coun t e r
.
f a m i ly a n d c e r t a i n ly n o d i s gr a c e
, .
T h e v a r i ou s m e mb e rs o f t h e cl an w h o h a d b een a w a y a rr i ve d h ome
i n r a p i d s ucc ess i o n —C h i a C h en g from hi s j ourn ey t o t he Sou th ; C hi a
S h i eh a n d C h i a C h en from t h ei r ex i l e ; H su eh P an p a rdo n e d an d r a n
‘
o n r e t ur n i n g h om e s wor e a s ol e m n o a th t h a t h e would t a k e h i s l i f e i f h e
ev e r a g a i n fe ll b a ck i n t o h i s old v i c e s A t h i s mo th e r s w i sh h e r a i s e d
’
.
,
h i s co n cub i n e Lo ui s t o th e po s i t i o n o f pr i n c i p a l w i f e i n pl a c e of H s i a ,
w h o h a d m et h e r en d by po i s o n i n g A n d s o t h e form e r s l a v e g i rl ev en
.
580
t ua ll y rea che d the posi t i o n i n soc i ety “M as prope r to her b i rt h an d
e duc a t i on .
1 —
Y u Ts un l o a mon g th o se a fl ected by t he m a t a mn esty In o n e
w as a s .
” “ ” “ ”
t hroug h offi c e oppressi on o f t he peopl e a n d explo i ta ti o n Tha n ks
, ,
.
t o t h e gr ea t a m n es t y h ow e v er Y u T s u n go t 0 3 qu i t e l i g ht ly He m e re ly
, ,
.
s ubj e c t A n d so th e proud c a r ee r o f t h e a mb i t i ou s pl a c e h u n t er en d e d
-
a n d t h e t r a n s i tory na t ure o f
v i c in i ty of wh i c h
58 1
Greet i n g s worth y Mr Ch i a ! Ho w h a ve yo u b een si n c e . be 7”
,
g an t he old h ermi t .
“
A r e you n o t M a ste r S h i h Y i n g ? ”
a s ke d Y u T s u n W h y di d yo u .
th a n ks t o your ex a l t e d a n d w i s e i n si gh t I wr et ch e d fool o n t h e co n .
, ,
”
w a rd o f my folly .
“
Th e l a st t i m e you w ere r es pl en d en t i n o fli ce a n d d i gn i ti es How
, .
”
could th e m i ser a bl e lo o k i n g h erm i t t a ke the l i b ert y of kn ow i n g you
- ?
“
r e pl i e d S h i h Y i n g w i th t h e sh a d ow of a sm i le It w a s o n ly b ec a u se of .
e rt y , a re pr e d es t i n e d t h i n g s O ur m eet i n g t od a y i s n o m ere c ha n c e .
”
e i ther .
“
Qu i t e u nexpe c te dly w i th t he s p eed of th ough t re pl i e d th e o ld
, , ,
7
“
m a n sm i l i n g ev a si vely a n d co un t e r i n g t h e qu e s t i o n w i t h a n o t h e r :
, ,
In
t h e gr ea t world i n t h e c i rcl es of s of t luxur i ou s li v i n g r i c h es a n d di s
, , , ,
? ”
t i n c t i o n di d you n o t m ee t a c e r t a i n P a o Y u
,
“
I n d e e d I do k n ow h i m I h a ve b een i n an d o u t o f h i s h om e fre .
th e Gr e a t Vo i d r e c e n t ly I would n e v er h a v e i m a g i n e d t h a t worldly
. ,
efi em i n a t e f e llow t a k i n g s
'
uc h a re solu t i o n .
“
B ut I would h a ve I kn ew h i s w h ol e st o ry lo n g i n a dv an c e Do you
. .
s t a n d i n g i n f ro n t o
'
“
Im p os s i b IE l Your Suc h ow i s m a n y m i l e s d i s t an t from t h e c a p i t a l .
In t h e intercourse b et we en s p i r i ts th er e a re n o boun d a ri es of s p a c e
an d t im e .
Th en you k n ow n o doub t wh er e h e i s n o w
, ,
.
1
H i s pl a c e 1 8 n o w a g a i n as i t w a s b e for e i n the Bl esse d R ea lm o f , , ”
”
S t o ry of t h e S t on e .
58 2