THE ENGLISH
His only son and last-born child was Quan
VERSION OF
TRUYỆN KIỀU
~ By Phan Huy
MPH
INTRODUCTION
DESTINY IS ENVIOUS OF GENIUS
HEAVEN IS JEALOUS WITH BEAUTY
1. In the hundred-year span of a human life,
Talent and fate are always apt to strife.
Through experience of a harrowing change,
What we witnessed filled our hearts with
tearing pain.
5. ‘Tis not a wonder that Heaven gives then
takes,
And with the fair sex He used to be jealous.
EPISODE I
DAUGHTERS OF EXCELLENT DIGNITY
SISTERS OF OUTSTANDING DECENCY
Let’s open the scented book under the lamp,
An old love saga transmitted in history.
That in the Chia-Ching[1] reign of Ming dynasty,
10. All was in peace and two capitals[2] stable.
There once lived a man of the Vuong family,
A middle-class bourgeois of that society.
Vuong,
Who he hoped would maintain his line of
scholar.
15. His first births were two magnificent
daughters,
Of them Thuy Kieu elder and Thuy Van younger.
Both with apricot bodies and snow spirits,
Each had their unique style and perfect beauty.
Van looked gentle with a decent elegance,
20. Her face a full moon, her eyebrows two long
arcs.
Her smile a flower and her voice sounds of jade,
Clouds yielded her hair and snow ceded her
skin.
Kieu was even more attractive and charming,
Surpassing her sister in talent and beauty.
25. Eyes pure like fall lake, brows bold like
spring hill,
Flowers grudged her fresh and willows craved
her green.
Her glances would make a king bequeath his
throne,
Her talent, like her beauty, was second to none.
Endowed with an inherent intelligence,
30. She excelled in poetry, chanting, and
painting.
Well versed in pitches and fine tones of music,
She was peerless with her art of lute playing.
She herself composed the song for her singing,
A heart-tearing lyric of woman’s sufferings.
35. As refined and noble as the sisters were,
And though they’d reached the age of nubility,
They did stay at home behind drapes and
curtains,
Without care of flirting butterflies and bees.
EPISODE II
THE ON-GRASS JUNKET
THE OWNERLESS GRAVE
Like a swallow, time shuttled so fast in spring,
40. It was beyond the sixtieth day of the season.
The young green grass spread out to the
horizon,
The pear trees were speckled with some white
flowers.
Now came Bright Day[3], a seasonal feast in
March,
A grave-cleaning and on-grass walking party.
45. All ‘round people were eager to celebrate,
And the sisters prepared to participate.
A convergence of fine men and fair ladies,
A squeezing jam of carriages and clothes.
They were coming up on the burial knolls,
50. Strewing leaves of sham gold and paper
money[4].
Gradually the sun went down in the west sky,
The sisters regrettably left and went home.
Leisurely pacing along a rivulet,
They looked at the landscape rather delicate.
55. Here curved an indolent current of water,
There spanned a small bridge on the rivulet’s
brinks.
By the alley appeared a flat mound of grave,
Where the grass was sadly half yellow half
green.
“Why is it that in the Bright-Day festival,
60. Neither incense nor smoke at this burial?”
Asked by his sister, Vuong Quan tried to explain:
“’Tis the tomb of Dam Tien, a former songstress,
Once renowned for her beauty and genius,
Host of amorous men jostled at her door.
65. But how fragile a beauty’s fate always was!
This heaven-scented flower broke while in
bloom.
There was then a customer lured by her fame,
From a distant land for her delight he came.
But when his love boat arrived at the station,
70. The brooch had been shattered and the vase
broken.
Her room was already cold and deserted,
The carriage traces had been blurred by green
moss.
The unhappy lover moaned and cried his loss:
‘How wretched and ill-fated two of us are!
75. Because we were not destined to meet this
life,
Here’s my token of union in the next.’
He at once acquired a coffin and a hearse,
And laid her to rest in this rose-covered grave.
Henceforth, through countless moonsets and
sunrises,
80. No one come to visit this ownerless tomb.”
With a sensitive heart filled with compassion,
Kieu burst out in profuse tears for the story:
“How sorrowful a woman’s destiny is! 105. Van said: “You are truly laughable and
weird,
A damned fate’s always our final common lot.
Having extra tears to weep ancient people.”
85. How cruel and pitiless Creator is!
Kieu answered: “Since era immemorial,
Who shrivels our youth and withers our beauty.
Cruel fate has never spared any woman.
Alive, she played the wife of many a man,
Just thinking this idea makes me sick at heart,
When dead, she remains a ghost without
husband. 110. I see her lie there but what will be of me?”

Where are they now who once shared her sex Quan interfered: “What you said’s very funny,
pleasures?
It’s hard to hear your words of analogy.
90. Where are they now who were her beauty
Here the atmosphere is morbid and gloomy,
cravers?
The sun’s declining and the way home still
Since no one cares to visit and think of her,
long.”
I would on this instant light some incense sticks,
115. Kieu replied: “For elites of gifted talent,
As a proof of her meeting on my way home.
Their bodies perish, but essences persist.
Perchance, down there in the Yellow Spring[5],
I’m rather lucky to meet my intimate,
she’ll know.”
Let’s wait and see, soon her soul will show
95. Mumbling incantations in tone high and low,
itself.”
She made some bows before the tomb, then
Before could anyone answer to these words,
got out.
120. That from nowhere a whirlwind started to
In the pale twilight loomed a field of dead
blow.
weed,
Violently, it felled the buds and shook the trees,
And a soft breeze stirred the tassel of the reeds.
Bringing with it more or less a vague perfume.
Kieu pulled down a brooch that was pinning her
hair, Following the wind’s path, they were stunned to
see,
100. And scratched on the tree skin a four-verse
poem. The print of each step clearly stamped in the
moss.
She then fell into a bewitched state of mind,
125. They were all terrified by what they’d just
She then stood immobile and dazed at her
seen,
place,
Kieu said: “This isn’t anything but true faith,
She then made grim and gloomy her flower
face, As heart-felt friends, we’re due to meet each
other,
Immersing in broken grief and endless tears.
Without concern of life and death, we’re
sisters.”
In gratitude to Dam Tien’s apparition,
130. Kieu added more words of appreciation.
Her heart overflowing with inspiration,
She inscribed an old-style poem at the tree foot.
EPISODE III
THE FATEFUL MEETING
THE OMINOUS DREAM
Staying or leaving, while still undecided,
The sisters heard near a sweet tune of music.
135. They looked and saw a youthful handsome
scholar,
Who loosened the rein and slowly rode
forward,
Carrying a half bagful of poetry,
And followed by a couple of small pageboys.
His pony was stamped with a snow-white color,
140.And his coat mixed with the tints of grass
and sky.
As far as he could recognize the sisters,
He deigned to dismount and walked to their
meeting.
His figured shoes gently striding in the green,
The environs sparkled like a grove of gems.
145.As an acquaintance, Vuong came out to
greet him,
While the sisters, shy, hid behind the flowers.
In fact, this young man, not at all a stranger,
Was Kim Trong, a descent of noble ancestry,
A brilliant son of a wealthy family,
150. Endowed with scholarship and intelligence.
Superb were his conduct and physiognomy,
Refined and generous his ways of living.
He’d ever since lived in the same surroundings,
And had also been one of Vuong Quan
schoolmates.
155. He’d heard about his neighbors’
celebrities,
Two beauties locked in the Bronze-Sparrow
Tower[6].
But rivers and mountains guarded their
chambers,
So he could only yearn and love in secret.
It was lucky that they met by coincidence,
160. A good chance for him to seek their
confidence.
From afar, Kim had seen the sisters’ figures,
Spring orchid and autumn mum, lovely both
were.
She- a national beauty, he- a genius,
They fell in love within, kept reserved without.
165. In a faint state of half dreaming half
waking,
They were unsure about staying or leaving,
Evening shadows seemed like to induce
sadness,
The guest already gone, her eyes still followed.
Under the bridge, limpid water was running,
170. Nearby, with evening shades, willows were
dancing.
When Kieu returned home to her maiden
chamber,
The sun had set and the dusk gongs had She said: “Those of the same mood share
echoed. sympathy,

A slanted moon was peeping through the We met each other this afternoon, didn’t we?
window,
195. At the western side of yours, my poor
Gold rippled on water, trees shadowed the house is,
yard.
Where there is running water beneath a bridge.
175. The camellia drooped on east neighbor its
You had empathic heart to think of me,
plant,
And stooped to write priceless words at my
Dewdrops gathered and bent the swaying
retreat.
spring branch.
I reported all of them to the league chief,
Lonely watching the face of Lady Phoebe[7],
200. Who told your name was also in the Doom
Kieu was confused by near-and-far anxieties:
Book[8].
“How could Dam’s fate of songstress end up like
As we see, that’s the law of cause and effect,
that?
We’re not strangers but the same boat’s
180. And what a waste an urban dazzling life is!
passengers!
And this young man why did we meet after all?
Here are ten new themes just posed by the
Will it end up in a life-time union? league chief,

From the mixed feelings of her heart, she Please write fairy verses with your flower pen”.
poured forth
205. Consent to the association girl’s bid,
A poem reflecting the mood of her being.
With one stroke of nymph hand Kieu finished
185. In the skewed moonlight through the ten songs.
window curtain,
The girl read the poems and flattered lavishly:
Leaning against the sill, Kieu was slumbering.
“What an extraordinary poetry!
Out of nowhere she saw appear a damsel,
Had it been put into the Doom Collection[9],
A little girl, graceful and impeccable.
210. Second to none it’d deserve the first
Face stamped with dew and body shrouded in trophy!”
snow,
Towards the threshold the guest had turned to
190. She moved round, her feet like two lotus leave,
flowers.
Kieu still kept her back for more intimate talk.
With joy Kieu went out to welcome and asked
A sudden strong wind snapped the blind from
her:
nowhere,
“Are you coming astray from the fairy land?”
Kieu awoke and knew she’d just had a
nightmare.
215. She looked around for the girl but saw no Hardly had grief left, lovesick took hold of her.
one,
Outside the window, orioles were talking,
Though she could still feel the lingering
240. From the wall, willow’s blooms flew before
perfume.
the screen.
All alone tossing about in the late night,
The moon cast its skewed light on the veranda,
She thought of her long future, all terrified.
Deep in thought Kieu felt lonely more than ever.
A flower swept by water, a weed by wind,
EPISODE IV
220. That’d be her lot, that’d be her fate, she
THE HOPELESS PURSUIT
realized!
THE GOD-SEND HAIRPIN
Endless waves of inmost feelings harassed her,
It’s a common way for those sentimental,
The more she thought, the more tears started
to flow. Once they’re trapped in love, no one can
unravel.
Hearing the sobs of her child in her chamber,
245. Since his return after meeting the sisters,
Her mother woke up and asked: “What’s the
matter? Kim couldn’t a moment stop thinking of her.
225. Why stirring and fretting late at dead of Time seemed to elapse slowlier than ever,
night?
One day of lovesickness equalled three
Behold your pear-flowered face all soaked in autumns.
tears.”
Layers of curtains enclosed her window like
Kieu said: “As a little daughter of yours, dear, clouds,
Nothing I’ve done in return of your favors. 250. He dreamed himself probing the way to
her house.
Strolling today, we visited Dam Tien’s grave,
Under the waned moons, beside the burned out
230. Right away, tonight, in my dream, I saw
lamps,
her.
He longed to see her face, yearned to date her
What is the fate of a doomed woman, mother?
heart.
She gave me subjects and I wrote into poems.
His study room icily cold like copper,
Based on what I saw in dream, I can foretell,
Brush stood dried in stand, lute strings lied
My future life will be as somber as hell!” loose on fret.

235. Mother said: “Those absurd dreams of 255. Winds shook the cane blind into sounds of
groundless things, music.

Worth nothing to acquire griefs and sufferings” Perfume induced her breath, tea enticed her
voice.
Kieu obeyed her mother and stopped worrying,
Had it not been their predestined unity,
Why did she tease him with her gorgeous
beauty?
Occupied with the memories of his girl,
260. And of their meeting place, he rushed to go
there.
A region of luxuriant grass verdure,
By the pure brook they were to be seen
nowhere!
The evening breeze seemed to rouse his
sadness,
The reeds lightly shook their mocking vibration.
265. Urged by his bountiful imagination,
He decided to dash toward the Blue Bridge[10].
High walled and close gated was her residence,
That found him hopeless in communication.
Line of willows drooped their leaves of silk
curtain,
270. An oriole chirped mockingly in the branch.
Behind those numerous bolted gates and closed
doors,
Beyond that dead flower-filled yard, where was
she?
Stunned by the view, he stood there for a long
time,
Then turned ‘round and saw in rear another
house.
275. That was Ngo Viet’s, an itinerant
businessman,
Who was far away and the house left empty.
Posed as a lodging student, he asked to rent,
Then with his lute and books, he at once moved
in.
The house was ready for him with rocks and
trees,
280. With a terrace bearing the name ‘View of
Thuy’[11].
He was glad at heart at the name coincidence,
This was, perhaps, a predestined occurrence!
Half closing the window of his rented house,
He peeped day after day at the eastern wall.
285. Being so near but almost locked out from
her,
He saw not a flitting glimpse of her shadows.
Two swift rounds of moon had passed since he
moved in,
Sojourning in this strange lodge in search of her.
On a serene day, it seemed, beyond the wall,
290. A gracious figure flit beneath the peach
tree.
He put down his lute, tidied his gown, dashed
out,
The perfume still lingered, the girl’d
disappeared.
Walking along the wall circling the area,
He saw on the peach branch a golden hairpin.
295. Kim stretched out his hand for it and
brought it home,
Thinking: “Why’s it here, the lady’s chamber
thing?
This brooch of that woman would not have
fallen
Into my hand without predestination!”
He sat all night watching and touching the pin,
300. Which still emit a slight sandal scent of her.
As dew just cleared, a soul was seen by the wall,
Searching for something in a confused manner.
Kim’d been purposely waiting for this moment,
He raised his voice through the wall to sound
her heart:
305. “I’ve found someone’s hairpin accidentally,
But where’s Ho-p’u[12] to return the jewelry?”
Kieu’s lucid voice was heard from the other
side:
“Thank you so much for your heart honest and
kind,
The hairpin’s worth nothing and you never
mind,
310. But your righteous conscience is indeed
priceless!”
Kim said: “We have lived for sometime as
neighbors,
And I’m an acquaintance of yours not stranger.
I’ve got this moment thank to your perfumed
thing,
That compensates for my sufferings ever since!
315. My long waiting time has been paid off
today,
Let me tell you my inmost feelings, please stay.”
Then he hurried inside and took out with him,
Two golden bracelets and a square silk kerchief.
With agility he climbed over the wall,
320. And there before him, the girl he met that
day.
Of bashful, reserved, and timorous nature,
Before his close regard, she lowered her head.
Kim started the dialogue: “Since per chance we
met,
I’ve been sick with my secret thirsts and
longings.
325. My skinny body so withered and wasted,
That no one thought till today I could persist.
All the last months I was like a daydreamer,
Nurturing my love at the expense of my life!
Now I wish I could beg a couple of things,
330. Will you deign to look through into my
poor heart?”
Amazed and embarassed, Kieu politely said:
“Mine’s a stringent and pastoral family.
As to the grave matter of matrimony,
It’s up to the decision of my parents.
335. Thank you for your loving and caring heart,
But I’m still too young to answer your request.”
Kim said: “it blows today and it rains the next,
And spring days are not always within our
reach.
If you don’t consent to my passionate love,
340. It will hurt me but will it benefit you?
First, let’s make a promise of our attachment,
Then with the matchmaker I’ll make
arrangement.
And if heaven disapproves of my true wish,
My youth for your great love I’m willing to risk.
345. But if your heart resolves to reject my love,
All my search labor comes to nothing, you
know!”
The lulling words of the young man soothed her
ears,
The spring evening stirred the strings of her
heart.
She said: “In the first stage of our acquaintance,
350. For your truthful heart, it’s hard to hold
back mine!
I appreciate your kindness and concern,
I vowed my oath of loyalty in return.”
Her acceptance seemed to free his heavy heart,
Handing her the jewelry and the rose scarf,
355. He said: “Our conjugal life begins today,
Please as token of trust accept these
keepsakes.”
Having had with her a sunflower-shaped fan,
Together with the brooch, she exchanged
instantly.
While they were trading words of consistency,
360. There was hubbub of human voice from
the rear.
Swift as a draft of falling leaf and flower,
He went back to his room and she her chamber.
EPISODE V
WORDS OF TENDERNESS
VOWS OF FAITHFULNESS
From time when the touchstone certified the
gold,
The further in love, the deeper in sorrow.
365. This Hsiang River[13], a stretch of shallow
water,
He waited at one end, she at the other.
A wall of fog and snow barred their mutual
views,
Making it hard for them to exchange their news.
Slowly elapsed windy days and moonlit nights,
370. Rose faded and green thrived as spring was
over.
On the grand mom’s birthday anniversary,
Her parents as well her brother and sister,
All in their new costumes and with their fine
gifts,
Were at grand mom’s to present her their best
wish.
375. Being in the deserted house left alone,
She thought today a good chance to meet her
love.
Having set seasonal fruits on the table,
She hastened her lotus feet towards the wall.
Across the shrubs she lightly made her voice
heard,
380. There he was, standing ready by the
flowers.
He blamed her for being cool to his ardor,
And leaving their love for a time in the cold.
That had immersed him in longings and
sorrows,
Making his hair half white as if mixed with
snow.
385. She said: “Vicious rain and wind have kept
me home,
Making me unworthy of your confidence.
It’s lucky today everyone is absent,
I come with my heart to appreciate yours.”
They went skirting around a man-made Will heaven agree to our love consummate?
mountain,
I remember when still an innocent child,
390. At the wall’s end was a newly fenced
There came a physiognomist who looked and
entrance.
said:
Rolling up sleeves Kim unlocked the love haven,
415. ‘This girl’s quintessence all reveals visibly,
Splitting clouds they looked into the fairyland.
A life of genius trapped in a tragic fate.’
They gazed at one another’s shining faces,
Weighing your good lot and my bad destiny,
Exchanging their words of health and
I doubt if our love ends up in unity?”
happiness.
He said: “Our fortuitous meeting is destined,
395. Shoulder by shoulder they entered his
study, 420. To date, many times men’s will has won
god’s wish.
While trading their vows of love and loyalty.
Even if the worst happens to our marriage,
On the desk were brush and sheets of poetry,
We’ll duly risk ourselves to keep our promise!”
On the wall hung an ink picture of pine trees,
All of their innermost feelings once relieved,
That betrayed the real expression of nature.
Their hearts filled with love, their heads tipsy
400. Admiringly she praised the lively drawing.
with wine.
He said: “This sketch of picture is just finished,
425. Happy days were all shorter than a hand
Please give it more value by adding a note.” span,

The nymph hand of hers, as swift as wind and The sun had hid its mirror behind the mount.
rain,
Uneasy to stay thinking of her vacant house,
Brandished the brush and scribbled a four-verse
She said goodbye and left for her residence.
poem.
When she got home, her mom and dad were
405. He praised: “Your talent of gem and pearl
not there,
poetry,
430. Still taking part in grand mom’s birthday
Is unmatched even by Ladies Pan and Hsieh[14].
night feast.
Were I not a good person in previous life,
In a rush, she lowered the door’s silk curtain,
I wouldn’t’ve been awarded with this high
And hastened her pace towards the midnight
prize!”
garden.
She replied: “By but a glance at your clear face,
The moon was glimmering on tops of the trees,
410. I could recognize you’re a man of high
A lamp peeping through the blind of his study.
worth.
435. Kim was dozing off, leaning on the table,
I think myself but a girl of petty fate,
In a state of half awake and half asleep.
Her footsteps aborted his fantasy sleep,
Then in the late moonbeam, the pear bloom
approached.
Dazed as being on the peak of ecstasy,
440. He thought of having a honeymoon fancy.
“Despite the empty and lonely night,” Said she,
“My heart urges me to come in search of yours.
Now, we are clearly face-to-face together,
Who knows it will be but a dream tomorrow?”
445. Overjoyed, he rushed out to invite her in,
And lighted more candle, added more incense.
They jointly wrote down a page of troth
promise,
Cut their hairs, mixed and shared them with a
gold knife.
Then by witness of the bright moon in the sky,
450. They solemnly reiterated their oaths,
And painstakingly recommended their hearts,
That their unanimity should be for life.
EPISODE VI
THE FOREBODING MOURNFUL MUSIC
THE RESPECTFUL RIGHTEOUS LANGUAGE
In cups of jade, they then drank their pledging
wine,
Their perfumes mixed and their shadows
coalesced.
455. He said: “the wind is cool, the moon
transparent,
Anyhow I still feel my heart uneasy.
As I’ve not yet crossed the Blue Bridge for
marriage,
My insistence might become an insolence.”
She said: “We’re tied together by thread of fate,
460. One word exchanged and we became
intimates.
Except improper and indecent requests,
Any other thing for you I won’t regret.”
“Was told you’re a famous lute player,” he said.
“My Chung Ch’i’s[15] ears craves to enjoy your
music.
465. She replied: “My humble skill is worth
nothing,
But you have ordered and I have to give in.”
On the wall was readily hung a moon-lute
At once Kim gallantly handed it to her.
She said: “This private and petty art of mine,
470. Why you so occupied for this knack so
trite!”
She began by tuning the strings of the lute,
Adjusting them in accord with the tone scales.
Her music revived the Han-Ch’u[16]’s
Battlefields,
Where iron and gold arms were heard colliding.
475. Another air was the Su-ma’s Phoenix
Plea[17],
Wherein woes and sorrows were heard
lamenting.
Here Chi K’ang[18]’s masterpiece entitled
Kuang-ling[19],
Where water was heard running and cloud
erring.
There the “Crossing the Border Gate” by Chao-
Chun[20],
480. Lovesick for her king and homesick for her
folks.
The sounds were clear as a flying heron’s cries,
Thick as the brook’s water falling from above.
Slow as the breeze slightly wafting from outside,
Or speedy as the storm rumbling from the sky.
485. The lamp became dim or bright at
intervals,
As he sat there submerged in reeling sadness.
At times he bowed his head or leaned on his
knees,
At times he scowled from pain or frowned for
pity.
At last he said: “your music’s really gorgeous,
490. But hearing it, I feel like gulping sourness!
Why do you choose those mournful airs of
music,
That depress your heart and sadden the others’.
She said: “It has been my accustomed nature,
Whether sad or glad, it is an endowed mood!
495. I highly appreciate your golden words,
And hope my flaws will gradually reduce.”
Her perfumed body gave off the charisma,
Her eyes and smile seemed to sparkle with love
fire.
Kim felt like a skewed boat on waves of desire,
500. And in his cuddle were mixed some pleas
of lust.
Gravely she said: “never play with love, you
must,
At least, let me finish what I want to speak!
A small girl like me is not worth your concern,
And peach grove dare not fence itself from blue
birds.
505. But as I’m honored to be your future wife,
I must uphold the ethics of chastity.
Behave I like a lass without purity,
Then no one would wed such a person as me.
Since we’re not temporary sexual partners,
510. So my life’s chastity can’t be lost in hours!
Let’s review the well-famed love in history,
There were the unequalled well-matched Chang
and Ts’ui[21].
Sexual pleasures aborted their golden pledge,
Over-indulgence made him tired of her.
515. Even when they were side by side
together,
He harbored in his heart a somewhat contempt.
As a result their western-roofed oath cooled
down,
And their happy idyll turned out bitterness.
‘Cause she did not refuse his undue requests,
520. That later she had to live in his disgrace.
Please don’t press me to any corporal deed,
I’ll submit to you at right time what you need! ”
Hearing this gentle but serious language,
He more than ever valued and treasured her.
525. The moonbeam had just faded on the roof
’s eaves,
From outside the door was heard a messenger.
Kieu hurried back towards her maiden chamber, Together we’ve already sworn the grave oath,

As his lover stepped out into the peach yard. That though our hairs alter our hearts will
never.
As soon he opened the door of his dwelling,
In spite of long months and years, I’ll wait for
530. A servant came in bringing his home’s
you,
tidings.
Weeping alone at the thought of your
The ominous sad news of his uncle’s death,
hardships.
His coffin was to be brought home from Liao-
555. I’ve pledged to you my heart’s unanimity,
yang[22],
That means I’ve sworn my eternal loyalty.
An alien remote land barred by dales and hills,
As long as river and mountain still exist,
Dad called Kim back to help in the obsequies.
Remember to come back to me, my cherished!”
535. What a terrifying event this news was!
They were so attached and had no heart to part,
He quickly made a short cut to her chamber.
560. While the sun had been right at the house’
And the entire story thoroughly told her,
corner.
Of his family’s mourning and his own woes:
Each step of parting imparted fits of pains,
“Our affairs not yet been in detail discussed,
Each word of farewell incited lines of tears.
540. Our love not yet been officially promised,
Quickly saddling his horse and bearing his bag,
The moon of oath still there truthful and
Sharing with her the journey and the sadness,
unchanged,
565. He grimly looked at the alien scenery,
Never will my heart change due to long
distance. Cuckoos crowed on tree, geese disbanded in
sky;
Beyond thousand miles, moment last into
months, He felt sad for her withdrawn from society,

So it’s a long time for our sorrows to end! And burdened under the heavy load of lovesick.

545. Please, my love, take good care of your EPISODE VII

priceless health,
THE CORRUPTED CONSTABLES EXTORTED
So I’ll be at ease at the far horizon.”
THE GRATEFUL DAUGHTER SOLD HERSELF
Hearing these words, entangled with confusion,
Meanwhile she was standing against the west
In an uncertain mood she expressed her porch,
thoughts:
570. Her heart twisted as if entangled with silks.
“God of nuptials, why do you hate two of us,
She beheld through window the whirling dark
550. Union yet enjoyed, partition now suffered! clouds,
Pale like sick flower, sad like yellow willow. Even rocks were crushed to pieces, much less
men.
Soullessly she took a walk onto the house,
595. Watching the scene, Kieu felt a heart-
Whereas the birthday goers were returning.
tearing pain,
575. Hardly had she and her folks finished their
This wrong, she could only to Heaven complain.
greeting,
Since it was a habit of those cop-villains,
They saw around appear noisy constables.
To wreak dire havoc for the sake of money.
The ones holding sticks, others seizing large
knives; “How could I do”, she thought, “to save my
blood folks?
Acting boisterously, a group of demon-likes,
600. In emergency, we act accordingly.
They put cangues on the old man and his young
son, The love for young Kim, the labor of father,

580. And with one brute rope fastened these Love and duty, which one is the heavier?
two persons.
I’ll put aside the solemn vows of my love,
Their sounds, like buzz of green-flies, filled the
A child must first return the parents’ favors.”
household,
605. Thus resolutely she took the decision:
Horrifying the sisters and their mother.
“Let me sell myself for dad’s ransom money!”
All the household’s jewelry and belongings,
There was mister Chung- an old functionary,
Were thoroughly sacked into their greed-
pockets. Who worked for the police too, but a kind man.
585. The charge of some wrong was imposed on Before her filial gratitude and love,
their heads,
610. He conceived for her a hidden compassion.
Who was the trapper? Who was the slanderer?
Counting all the likely bribes and offerings,
Asking the questions and they had the answer:
Three hundred liangs would satisfy everything.
The denouncer: a rogue of raw silk seller.
He told her, while her kin kept in transient jail,
The family was terrified and spellbound,
To manage for the sum in two or three days.
590. Their woeful cries shook the earth and
blurred the clouds. 615. What a pity for her, a girl young and naive,

They prostrated and begged all day for mercy, Carried into a sudden calamity!

To be heard by deaf ears and rough hands only. The heart pain of her household’s adversity,

They hang father and son upturned on the Even life she did not regret, much less love!
beam, As a raindrop without care of its mean fate,

620. She’d sacrifice her life to save her father’s.

She revealed her heart’s wish to the Well pleased, the guest accordingly made a
matchmaker, deal.

And that news stirred noisy gossip near and far. Saying: “I’m here at Blue Bridge[10] for this
pearl bride.
There was now in the near town an old woman,
Please tell me how much is the wedding gift’s
Who led a guest to the interrogation.
price.”
625. Asked of his name, he answered: “Ma the
645. The broker said: “priceless her true value
Student”
is,
Of his hometown, “Lin-ch’ing[23] District,
In her home’s mishap it’s up to your bounty.”
adjacent.”
He shamefully bargained little by little,
Mature enough to be forty years over,
Till price was set at four hundred silver liangs.
His face clean shaven and his clothes well
groomed. This deal had thus smoothly settled the
problem,
Followed by rowdy servants, the pretender
650. They exchanged the bride’s and groom’s
630. Was met and led inside by the
name and birthday,
matchmaker.
Set date for the offering and the wedding,
Without manners Ma jumped to take the first
chair, With quick cash people could resolve
everything!
Whereas from within, the broker urged her out.
Words was sent to old Chung the functionary,
Sullenly stressed by her home’s grief and her
own, To vouch for the transient release of old Vuong.

Each step on the floor exuded flows of tears, 655. Pity for the old father and his naive child!

635. Before the rudeness of life shaken with He looked at her with broken heart and bosom:
fears,
“Rearing you up, I have an expectation,
Ashamed with flowers and herself in mirror.
That you’ll be wedded to a worthy husband.
The broker flaunted her face, praised her
Oh Heaven, why do you wreak calamity
fingers,
660. And injustice to break up our family!
An aster-like sad air and apricot-like thin trait.
Punishment means nothing for my dying life,
Her beauty and talent were carefully weighed,
But the more she aches, the more I’m agonized.
640. Her lute art and muse skill were forced to
display. Once sooner or later everyone must die,
Each trait of hers oozed its charm and I’d rather kill myself than stand this heart’s
loveliness. pain!”
665. Lines of tears flowed down following his With fresh money ready to spend in their
complaint, hands,

He risked his life plunging head against the wall. 690. It is not hard to alter from black to white!

People rushed to guard and watch the poor old By the conscientious helpfulness of Old Chung,
man,
The bribe was submitted and the case finished.
As she tried to soothe him with consolation:
EPSODE VIII
“Father, it’s worth nothing this daughter of
THE DUTIFUL YOUNGER SISTER
yours,
THE FAKE PIMP-HUSBAND
670. Who’s not repaid a bit of your birth favors.
The home’s troubles had eased temporarily,
In pleading for pardon, I’m shy with Miss
Ying[24], But nuptial time was speeding its arrival.
In selling my life, I’m short of Lady Li[25], 695. Alone in the dead of night under the lamp,
In your old age, you are now like a big tree, Her gown soaked in tears and her hair weaved
with griefs:
That has to buttress a lot of twigs and plants.
“I’m resigned to my fate, whatever it is,
675. If with your great love, you don’t cut off
our ties, It’s a pity for him who’s thus persevered!
Storm will violently shatter our family. His huge effort to win my heart was so dear,
‘Tis better that just my life be sacrificed, 700. Because I’ve concurred, he’s now in
dilemma.
The flower’s broken but the tree remains green.
Our cups of pledge wine are still left unfinished,
Whatever my destiny is, let it be,
But I’ve undone my oath, renounced my
680. As if I’d been dead early in my childhood.
promise!
Do not immerse yourself in useless worries,
Now at the far-off horizon of Liao-yang,
That only leads to disease and misery.”
Perhaps he thinks this breakup a fault of mine.
These reasonable words of hers soothed his
705. Through countless sworn vows for a
ears,
wedded union,
They looked at each other through plenty of
This love is now finished and nothing remains.
tears.
If our sworn vows persists until the next life,
685. At this time, Ma the Scholar had just come
in, I’ll be reborn a beast to serve as your maid.
One signed the paper and one handed the gold. So long as this debt of love’s not yet been paid,
How malicious the old moon wedding god is! 710. I’ll bring it, insolvent, to the zone of
death.”
To unite such an ill-matched matrimony.
She was engrossed in her own tragic sorrows,
Till lamp burnt out its oil, tears soaked up her
scarf.
Her sister, Thuy Van, on waking up from sleep,
Came under the lamp, affectionately asked:
715. “Dear, heaven’s design is changing and
complex,
You alone must endure our home’s injustice.
Is that the reason you stayed up the late night
Or some other private secret in your heart?”
Kieu answered: “That my heart’s sobbing, it is
right,
720. As it’s still tangled in an unfinished love.
’Tis shame to divulge this intimacy,
But to keep it in heart is disloyalty.
I ask for your help, will you accept my word?
Please be seated I’ll bow to you ere I speak.
725. My love tie with him is mid way broken up,
Now it’s your turn to rejoin the severed silk.
From the time I met him, the young scholar Kim,
We have exchanged day wishes and night
pledges.
Then our domestic storm happened suddenly,
730. And I could not fulfill both love and duty.
You are still young and your spring days are still
long,
Pity your blood sister, help fulfil her oaths.
Even I must die my flesh and bone shattered,
My soul, perfumed by your deed, will smile in
Hades.
735. Here are the hair brooch and commitment
paper,
Please keep them as common keepsakes of our
troth.
One day when he and you become man and
wife,
Perhaps you won’t forget your fated sister.
Although I’ll be gone, my possessions remain,
740. The lute and the oath incense of our old
days.
Then in the future if you would ever mind,
Burn that incense, tune this lute and start to
play;
And looking out, you see the stirred grass and
leaves,
You’ll know I’m back there together with the
breeze.
745. My soul’s still heavily weighed down by the
oath,
I’ll risk everything for the sake of my love.
Once I am in the Hades, wordless and absent,
Please sprinkle sacred water for my doomed
soul.
Now the brooch’s been shattered and the vase
broken,
750. Still my love for him stays beyond
expressions!
Please convey him my thousand bows of
regrets,
That our love has by now been interrupted.
Why is my unfortunate fate white as lime?
Subject to rough water like a dead flower.
755. Oh Kim my dearest one! Oh Kim my lover!
It is from now on that I will betray you!” The south tower’s watch bell had pressingly
tolled.
Just as she stopped speaking, she fell
unconscious, The nuptial couch had arrived outside waiting,

Her nose breathless, her arms frigid as copper. 780. With strings and flutes as if to urge the
parting.
Her parents awakened from their deep slumber,
Their hearts ached, the departed and those who
760. And the entire house was busy in and out,
stayed,
Taking care of her with all kinds of treatment.
Tears of partition absorbed deep into stone.
Hardly recovered from swoon, she again cried,
Dark and gloomy clouds overshadowed the sky,
Old dad asked: “How does the weird matter
Glooming the sad grass and drenching the
arrive?”
dewed foliage.
She kept sobbing unable to say a word.
785. Straightly to a lodging house she was
765. Van then whispered to the ear of the carried,
father:
Where she was put all alone inside locked
“Problem comes from this hair brooch and doors.
pledge paper.”
Woes and shames overwhelmed and harassed
Understood, he said: “It’s me who ruin your the girl,
love,
With sourness and pity for herself, she thought:
Your sister then will redress this failed affair.
“Fairy’s gem today falls into bastard’s hand,
Who makes my daughter’s love suddenly break
790. In vain it’s been guarded against shine and
down?
rain!
770. Who drives her into a life of weed and
Had I known my fate to be downed to this fall,
cloud?
I’d rather give in to him my chastity.
Your recommendation will be carried out,
For whom did I safeguard my virginity?
Though stone is crushed, I won’t contradict your
words!” To hurt him then and to cause him much pain
now.
She made deep bows to him then politely said:
795. If per chance we’ll meet again some
“So you will help me fulfill my avowed pledge.
morrow,
775. Now I don’t care about my slave’s destiny,
What do I expect then with this soiled body.
Even death in alien land won’t frighten me!”
Thus driven into this lot of vagrancy,
While they were submerged in limitless
Why must I go on to live this wretched life?”
sorrows,
There on the little table lay a hand knife,
800. She took and concealed it in her scarf’s
corner.
Just in case where she be pushed to an impasse,
She’d use it to settle with her life at last.
Autumn night second by second wore away,
While she hovered in a state of dream and
wake.
EPISODE IX
TEARS OF SEPARATION
BLADE OF INDIGNATION
805. Nothing she knew about her husband-to-
be,
Who was an experienced erotic playboy.
Plunged in his debauchery he’d met bad luck,
A girl expert, he now lived a whore pander.
And there ruled in the whorehouse a Tu
Madam,
810. Who was herself an old rotten prostitute.
By random and without arrangement they’d
met,
Trickster versus swindler, two made a crime’s
gang.
They cooperated to run a whore den,
Year round their carnal business smoothly ran.
815. Throughout the country land for young
girls they scanned,
Bought them as maid-servants but taught them
sex funs.
Ill or good, a fate is disposed by heaven,
And a painful doom-fate was destined to her.
How pitiful was the chaste and lovely girl!
820. A flower sold to a boat of traffickers,
A poor victim trapped in their tricking device
Of cheap marriage gift and fixed wedding date.
Secretly pleased, Ma thought: “The flag’s in my
hand,
The longer I admire and the more I desire.
825. She’s in fact a national-perfumed beauty,
Whose single smile could equal thousands of
gold.
To taste the virginity of this flower,
Princes and gentlefolk will vie for the prize.
It’d be worth no less than three hundred
ounces,
830. That’ll make up for the capital, then profit.
But the tidbit is right there next to my mouth,
Its asset I regret but its charm I crave.
Now the fairy peach has fallen in my hand,
I’d rather pluck and enjoy this life’s delight.
835. Under the sky in this world of enjoyment,
Few men have more knowledge of brothel’s
women.
Juice of pomegranate skin and cockscomb
blood,
Can heal and recover a lost chastity.
By this vague ploy we’ve managed to cheat the
nuts,
840. And her price remains unchanged not less
a sou.
If the old hag has anything to question,
At most I’ll risk to stand a kneel punishment.
Besides, here in this remote quiet country,
If I stay still, they will doubt my intention.”
845. What a regret for the spotless camellia, What a heart-tearing scene of separation!

A bee had defiled and gone through the flower.
A ravaging storm had blown pitilessly,
Without care for her gem nor heed for her
scent.
870. Horses limped on hoofs and carriage
leaped on wheels.
At a rest station ten miles beyond the town,
Old Vuong treated people to a farewell feast.

Drifting through a vague dream of the nuptial Outside host and guests were toasting each
night, other,

850. All alone under the wedding lamp she lied. Inside Kieu and mom were sharing their
sorrows.
Tears of disgrace fell in abundance like rain,
875. They looked at each other, eyes profuse
Hating the man and loathing her soiled body:
with tears,
“It seems he’s just a kind of filthy being,
Then she began to whisper at mother’s ear:
My prized body and pure name have been
“I’m ashamed to be born a weak naive girl,
sullied.
When could I pay off your labor and favor?
855. Is there anything left of me to hope for?
My body’s been trapped in mud and it’s over,
Consequently this is the end of my life.”
880. My heart’s the sole thing I have now to
Sullen with her love and bitter for her fate,
offer.
She took out the knife and attempted suicide.
By examples of what I’ve seen in these days,
But again she thought over her decision,
I think I’ve been duped into an old thug’s hands.
860. “It’s fine for me but how about my
When at home, he almost leaves me all alone,
parents?
Going out with haste and coming in with
Whatever the outcome of my act would be,
stealth.
It will certainly be traced back unto them.
885. When eating or talking, his manner’s
Anyhow in time my sorrow will soften, sordid,

And soon or late only once people must die.” Master and servants have no mutual respect.

865. She was absorbed in weighing those pros From top to bottom, differs a gentleman,
and cons,
Through scrutiny, looks like a kind of merchant.
When by the wall the cocks had noisily crowed.
What could I expect of my life? It is doomed,
As the watchtower’s horn blew its morning
890. Alive or dead, I’ll be exiled on strange
sound,
land!”
Ma the Scholar came and pressed the
Upon hearing these words from her beloved
departure.
child,
Old Vuong wished to split the sky to hurl her
cries.
Outside, hardly had they drained their cup of
wine,
Already, Ma promptly urged the departure.
895. Heart weighed down by the love for his
poor daughter,
Old Vuong came before Ma’s horse and stooped
to plead:
“This young feeble and helpless daughter of
mine,
Has, due to home misfortune, become your
wife.
Henceforth, anywhere in the world she might
be,
900. She’ll be all alone exposed to rain and
shine.
’Tis at the shade of your high and large pine
tree,
That she will be protected from fog and snow.”
Politely Ma said to his father-in-law:
“I’ve been attached to her by god of nuptials.
905. No matter what’ll happen on earth
tomorrow,
May the sun and moon and elves be my
witness!”
The carriage hurled itself off like a tempest,
As if flied through the rosy dust of the road.
People wiped their parting tears and fixed their
eyes
910. Into the deep horizon for their beloved.
Now into a remote strange land Kieu was
blown,
Bridges whitened by frosts, hills darkened with
clouds.
Reeds huddled closely and whined in the cold
wind,
The fall sky reserved for her and her alone.
915. On the night blank road through the dim
drape of mist,
She stared at the moon and felt shame with her
pledge.
Autumn wood was dotted with yellow and red,
She heard the birds chirp and thought of her
parents.
Through totally strange weathers and
mountains,
920. They arrived in Lin-tzu[26] after a full
month.
Had the carriage just stopped at the front
entrance,
A shadow was seen step out from the curtain.
At first sight, it was a woman of pale skin,
With oversized body of a well fed being.
925. Before the coach she feigned a cordial
greeting,
Kieu submissively stepped down and went
inside.
The vestibule was lined one side by some
whores,
Other side were seated patrons, five or four.
Between was a gravely adorned high altar,
930. Above which stately hung a white-browed
image.
It was a long-time tradition of harlots,
To adore this idol as ancestral god,
And worship night and day with flowers and
fruits.
When bad luck struck a whore with a slim
clientele,
935. She would strip herself nude in front of the
god,
Lighted incense sticks and mumbled her
prayers,
Changed and put under her bed mat used
flowers,
Then carnal clients would again rush to her.
Kieu was all stupefied before the weird scene,
940. As advised she kowtowed while the
woman prayed:
“May our shop be prosperous in business,
That our days and nights are like festivities.
May people who come become our devotees,
Who swarm herein like orioles and swallows.
945. May appointment letters arrive in plenty,
That our doors welcome incessant flows of
guests!”
Those words sounded so strange and weird to
her ears,
And she thought they were not decent things to
hear.
When the ancestor’s observance was finished,
950. Dame Tu installed herself cross-legged on
the bed,
And ordered: “Come pay homage to me, your
mum,
After me, bow to your uncle over there.”
Kieu said: “Being hurled into a vagrant life,
I’ve accepted my lot as his concubine.
955. Why do people change swallow to oriole?
I’m too naïve to know the functions of my role.
Since he’d offered the nuptial gift for wedding,
Jointly as husband and wife we’ve been living.
Now it turns out our roles and ranks have been
changed,
960. May I say these words to make clear the
matter.”
On hearing Madam understood the problem,
At once she threw into a fierce anger:
“As she said, now everything is evident,
It is this man who robbed all my possession!
965. He told me: ‘I’ll make a tour for new young
girls,
To recruit and train into our hostesses.’
What a brazen-faced and merciless he is!
For his own pleasure he tested beforehand.
Now her virginity’s already been lost,
970. And doomed is all my accumulated money!
You, that maiden o’er there, you’ve been sold
to me,
Once in my house, you must submit to its rules.
Had that old thug any sexual harassment,
Why you not slap his face but instead listen.
975. Why instead go along with his lust
demand?
Too early as young girl you’ve been in the
mood!
I’ll make you know the power of my command!”
She grasped the skin rod and pounced forward
to whip.
“Under the deep sky on the thick land,” Kieu
said,
980. “Since the day I left home, I’ve thought
myself dead.
If it’s the end, I have nothing to regret!”
She right away took out the knife from her
sleeve.
Afraid that Kieu could ruin her priceless body,
The wench stood aghast while Kieu stabbed
through herself.
985. How pitiful, such a beauty and talent
Was cut off by a knife of indignation!
Her mishap was revealed and spread near and
far,
Curious people poured in and jammed the
house.
While she was deadly unconscious in her
swoon,
990. The wench shook with a soul-vanishing
terror.
At once they carried Kieu to the western wing,
Caretaker was assigned and doctor called for.
EPISODE X
A RENDEZ-VOUS AT CH’IEN-TANG RIVER
TRICK AND SHAMELESSNESS OF A PANDER
But her karma in the world not yet ended,
She saw in her swoon a girl stand by the bed.
995. She whispered: “Your cause and effect
aren’t finished,
How can you evade paying off your life’s debts?
Still you must bear the ill fate as a woman,
Though you choose to end it, heaven not
permits.
Try your best to live out your wretched life then
1000. Afterwards on the Ch’ien-t’ang River we’ll
meet.”
After all day of care and medicament,
Kieu gradually recovered from her faint-death.
Standing almost ready by the bed net,
Dame Tu chose the gentlest words to comfort
her:
1005. “We are all born with no more than one
body,
You’re like a young bloom with spring days long
ahead.
There might’ve been somewhere an error or
mistake,
Virtuous girls should not be forced to sex trade.
Now that you’ve overstepped here into this
house,
1010. Lock yourself in room to wait for a
matched spouse.
So long as you’re still alive, you’ll have your
price,
You’ll find a spouse from a worthy family.
Instead, what you’ve just done but builds up the
guilt,
That not only hurts you but also harms me.”
1015. Those insisting words whispered into
Kieu’s ears,
Seemed logical as to discern right from wrong.
Besides according to the girl in the dream,
Her misfortune was preordained by heaven.
If she did not pay off her debt in this life,
1020. It would be accumulated in the next.
Kieu listened pensively to all madam’s words,
“I don’t want it either,” she politely said.
“It will be lucky if your word is correct,
But will it be the same in the days ahead?
1025. Lest in carousals I should entertain guests,
I’d rather die in honor than live in shame!”
Madam said: “Take your time, my girl, and you’ll
see,
Not a play or lie those heart-felt things of mine.
If later by my words I do not abide,
1030. Let me be judged by the overhead
sunshine.”
Thinking madam’s promise really serious,
Kieu felt relieved gradually nevertheless.
In front of the Jade Hall where Kieu was locked
in,
The far hill and the near moon shared the same
space.
1035. Casting eyes at four sides of the immense
sky,
She saw but dunes of gold sand, miles of red
dirt.
All ashamed she faced the dawn clouds and
dusk lights,
Her heart divided by love and nostalgia.
She thought of her sworn man in the moonlit
nights,
1040. Who was now languishing in wait of her
news.
While she was trapped alone on this remote
land,
Possessed by their never-forgotten first love.
She thought of her parents by the door waiting,
Who’d fan them in summer, warm them in
winter?
1045. In the home yard, after so much shine
and rain,
Were they still healthy or the worst had
arrived[27]?
Glumly she glimpsed at the port in the twilight,
Whose erring boat was flitting its sail afar?
Glumly she stared at the froths of falling waves,
1050. Where were they flowing, those drifted
poor flowers?
Glumly she stared at the fields of dreary grass,
That merged into the blueness of land and
cloud.
Glumly she stared at winds twisting on the bay,
That around her thrashed waves into roaring
sounds.
1055. Surrounded by alien mountains and
waters,
Sad of exile, she chanted a four-verse poem.
While she was letting down the beaded curtain,
An answering poem was heard beyond the wall.
The bard was a young man of blossoming age,
1060. With well groomed appearance of refined
attire.
She thought him a scholar of good family,
He was So Khanh, instead, upon inquiry.
Seeing her figure flit across the curtain,
He was at once attached inseparably.
1065. “Hellas!” Grumbled he: “Great perfume
and beauty!
It’s sorry that she falls down this humble place.
Your price is high up on the moon in the clouds,
Why are you so mortifying yourself, flower?
Within myself, I’m angry at old heaven,
1070. And my heart’s feelings, will yours stoop
to listen?
If ever has the lady met the hero,
He’d help her easily get out of her cage!”
The outer windows had already been shut,
She still heard echo in her ears his firm words.
1075. She thought of So Khanh and then of her
stalemate,
His nice compassion softened her helplessness.
If she continued to lead a life like this,
When would her miserable plight terminate?
She would risk sending him a couple of words,
1080. Asking his kind hands to save her
drowned body.
She wrote him a note telling all her story,
From her home disaster to her own exile.
As soon as the morning dew just disappeared,
She had the letter sent through to him
somewhere.
1085. When in the west the pallid sun was
dying,
A response letter arrived with his tidings.
Quickly she tore open the godsend letter,
Inside were plainly written two coded words,
Which Kieu at length succeeded to decipher:
1090. The date was set at nine on twenty-first.
Late night birds were hurrying home to the
woods,
The camellia was hiding half the moon.
The branches’ shades were stirring on the east
wall,
So Khanh came in, forcing through the
windowpanes.
1095. All embarrassed she ventured out to
greet him,
She bowed to him, then with tender behavior,
“I’m but a lentil-and-foam girl,” She whispered:
“Astray from my flock and stranded in this
place.
Hence your rescue will bring me to life from
death,
1100. This great favor of yours I’ll never forget!”
He listened, nodded, then babbled his bombast,
“It’s me but no other who’ll do the rescue!
Lady, perhaps you have heard my fame, have
you?
I’m resolved to flatten this sea of grievance!”
1105. She said: “Everything depends on your
favor,
Please tell me how and I’m ready to follow.
He said: “I have a wind-chasing stallion,
And a bodyguard of stalwart tradition.
We’ll take flight when people have no
precautions.
1110. That’s the best ruse among the thirty-six
ones.
Even in violent winds and torrential rains,
You’ll be perfectly safe and sound in my hands!”
She turned suspicious at these arrogant words,
But it was too late for her to change the course.
1115. She closed her eyes and ventured to step
forwards,
Giving up to whatever fate would turn out.
With furtive steps they scurried down the
staircase,
Then her horse after his, they galloped away.
Time elapsed as the autumn night was fading,
1120. The wind stripped the trees and the hill
hid the moon,
The worn grass pathway was blurred by mist
vapor,
Her nostalgic heart ached at each pace of road.
Then mixed in the hurriedly pressing cocks’
crows,
Were the chasing men’s loudly resounding
shouts.
1125. While she was still throbbing and shaking
in fright.
So Khanh steered his horse abruptly out of
sight.
Left by herself Kieu did not know what to do,
On the ups and downs of the wood terrified.
EPISODE XI
THE SURRENDER OF CHASTITY
THE PENALTY OF KARMA DEBTS
Heaven was so cruel and merciless hence,
1130. Such a spotless and pious girl to torment!
Surrounded by a group of brutal people,
She was helpless at the dead end of escape.
Madam hurled herself directly to the place,
And had her escorted back to the whorehouse.
1135. Without any word of interrogation,
The bawd mercilessly tortured her victim.
As a normal flesh-and-bone human being,
How could she stand the pains so agonizing?
She knelt down to confess and beg for mercy,
1140. Bending her ripped back, bowing her
blooded head,
Saying: I’m but a girl of slim destiny,
Alone and away from home and family.
Now the decision is yours, my life or death,
Whatever it’ll be, I’m willing to accept!
1145. I do not mind any more about myself,
My fate’s done, but how about your capital?
As an eel not caring of its head dirtied,
From now on I won’t mind my virginity!”
The wench took advantage of Kieu’s concession,
1150. Forcing a warrantor and a commitment.
There was in the house an inmate named Ma
Kieu,
Who, out of compassion, risked to guarantee.
The wench kept on reproaching rigorously,
And only pardoned when her demands were
met.
1155. Helping Kieu to an inner room for a rest,
Ma Kieu discreetly conveyed her confidence:
“You’ve been cheated into the predicament!
How don’t you know the true nature of So
Khanh?
That notoriously unfaithful lover,
1160. Who’s himself buried many perfumed
flowers.
Fake Rescue’s the name of their used
maneuver,
They’re not new, this couple of witch and
medium.
She should have handed him somewhat thirty
liangs,
To have him make up the scene and play the
role.
1165. You’ll see, he immediately turns about,
You’d better save words, don’t argue, it’s no
use.”
Kieu said: “With his gravely-sworn words
anyhow,
I didn’t think he’d have been a vicious guy.”
While she was still thinking about how and why,
1170. His brazen face was seen appear from
somewhere,
He raised his voice as if widely to declare:
“I’m told that a certain harlot at this place,
Spreading rumor that I enticed her away,
Have a look at my face to see who I am.”
1175. Kieu said: “It’s all right that everything’s
all right!
If nothing’s happened, I agree it’s nothing!”
The shameless swindler thundered his fake
scolding,
Broke in and readied to resort to violence.
Kieu said: “May high heaven know what has
happened!
1180. Who seduced, who enticed, who was the
guilty?
Shoving me down the deep pool without mercy,
Uttering words then swallowing them at once.
I still keep your hand-written note of escape,
It’s no other one but certainly your face.”
1185. Her straight words were heard by a crowd
in and out,
They blamed his dishonesty and perfidy.
Being caught a betrayer red-handedly,
All ashamed he chose the way of withdrawal.
Back in her room, Kieu drenched her sorrows in
tears,
1190. She thought of herself and felt deeply
sorry:
“So now my crystal-pure and snow-white body,
Is battered and tattered like all the others!
Sad or happy it’s a human existence,
But why ill fate always befalls on women?
1195. Since I did not lead a virtuous former life,
I must amend my wrongdoings nowadays.
It’s over and the vase’s broken anyway,
Therefore I’ll pay off this life debt once for all!”
Then on occasion of a clear moonlit night,
1200. Madam stopped by Kieu’s room and at
length advised:
“Entertainment art requires lots of practice,
And courtesans got to know all the techniques.”
Kieu said: “When winds and rains are due to
ravage,
If there’s no way to avoid, I have to risk.”
1205. The wench explained: “If every service’s EPISODE XII
the same,
RELUCTANT JOYS AT THE BROTHEL
Why people keep coming to spend money
DISTANT FEARS OF AN ILL-FATED
here?
Now the brothel rolled down a new drape for
There’re lots of exciting things in this career,
her
That ensnare men at day, enthrall them at
The dearer her price, the higher her value.
night.
As bees and butterflies swarmed in customers,
My daughter, learn by heart the following drills:
1230. Plunging her in night-through revels and
1210. There’re seven conduct steps and eight
pleasures.
service skills[28].
Busy as leaf blown by wind, branch perched
Serve him till he’s tired and satiated,
with birds,
Till stone’s mesmerized and life’s captivated.
At dawn she saw off Tsong[29], at dusk looked
Now throw your sharp glance, now frown your for Tchang[30],
curved brows,
When awake from drunkenness or night
Now chant in praise of moon, now laugh at slumber,
flowers.
She startled and bitterly pitied herself.
1215. Those skills are exclusive methods of our
1235. How she had been then a silk-and-
house,
brocade girl,
Acquire all of them and you’ll be all-around.”
How she was now a tattered mid-road flower.
Kieu obeyed timidly to the sex lesson,
Her face beaten by wind and thickened with
But her brows got frowned and her rosy cheeks mist,
paled.
Her body by men utterly exploited.
Madam’s words flushed her just only by hearing
In spite of their carnal fondle and caress,
1220. Such bizarre merciless and horrendous
1240. She did not know a small bit of happiness!
things!
Still when savoring fresh wind by the flowers,
She felt bitter to learn those obscenities,
Or watching the moon through the snow-
The first lesson for a girl of dignity!
covered pane,
What a shameful brazen face she would
The scene, by its nature, was melancholic,
become!
How could it be cheerful when one was in grief!
The lowest scale a human being could be!
1245. At times she’d draw a picture or write a
1225. What a pity for her misplaced destiny!
poem,
Helpless as she was in the hands of others.
Play music under the moon or chess by the Watching dusk follow dusk at the horizon.
bloom.
As moon hare and sun crow chased one
But hers was only a forced jubilation, another,

Since no friend was there to share her 1270. She felt sorry for those in the League of
enjoyment. Doom[31]!

Unmoved to winds in bamboo or rains on plum, These women, with inborn beauty and talent,

1250. She was instead beset by hundreds of Were subjected to ruin for compensation!
cares,
Exiled to a destiny of dust-and-wind,
Obsessed with secret fresh and old memories,
They should be disgraced once before forgiven!
That messed without rumpling, pained without
1275.Then there was among tourists a
whipping!
gentleman,
Now she thought of her munificent parents,
Named Ky-Tam Thuc- a scholar of tradition.
Who were getting older with elapsing days.
A native of Hsi District in Ch’ang county[32],
1255. From their deep-sunk river and far-flung
Followed his dad and had a shop at Lin-tzu.
mountain,
A long-time enthusiast of Kieu’s beauty,
Had they ever known this status of her fate?
1280. He found his way there and had his card
Her siblings were still too young and innocent,
sent in.
To substitute her taking care of parents.
On his first sight of her bloom face at the blind,
Now she missed the man of her life
He fell in love with each of her traits and styles.
commitment,
Like a fresh camellia on its young stem,
1260. Far away had he known her predicament?
She got more magnificent in spring weather.
When he came home looking for his engaged
girl, 1285. Moon and bloom, captivated by each
other,
Her spring bloom had been plucked for man’s
diversion. Who could restrain oneself in a spring love
night?
May his zeal be returned by Van’s affection,
It’s no strange that what concurs comes
Had she joined him in their conjugal union?
together,
1265. That first love, like silk, kept entangling
They were so attached that none could
her heart,
separate.
And dreams of her home kept haunting her long
From dawn to dusk they were two amorous
nights.
mates,
Alone and hopeless she sat by the window,
1290. Who turned their sexual game to a
truthful love.
Then came a fortunate opportunity,
It was time his father went back his homeland.
More mesmerized than ever by his passion,
Sinh spent most of his time beside his
sweetheart.
1295. Now on windy terrace, now in moonlit
yard,
They toasted wine and traded poetic rhymes.
While sensing dawn incense or tasting noon tea,
They either played chess or concerted their
lutes.
Giving themselves up to the pleasures’ pursuit,
1300. They fell deeper in love through mutual
knowledge.
What a wonder it was the wave of her eyes,
Which could easily make collapse a nation!
Thuc Sinh, extolled to the sky by the madam,
Wasted thousands of gold for his girl’s laughter.
1305. Hence lured by greed for copper coins’
stale odor,
The wench tried to add more hues to Kieu’s
color.
Beneath the moon, cuckoos were crying
summer,
Above the walls, pomegranates shot their
blooms.
For her leisure within her private chamber,
1310. Kieu dropped the rosy drape for a
perfume bath.
What a statue of crystal and ivory!
A masterpiece of nature, her nude body.
The more he contemplated, the more he
praised,
To his love, he wrote a T’ang poem.
1315. She said: “I really understand your
feelings,
Your nice words of gemstone and lines of
brocade.
Good or bad, I should have something in return,
But since my thought has flown back to my
hometown,
And my heart’s still tracking my sky’s yellow
clouds,
1320. For a reply to your poem, I owe you now.”
Sinh said: “How weird and abnormal your word
is!
Are you not the daughter of madam owner?”
Her autumn-lake eyes turned sad more than
ever,
She poured forth the gloomy thoughts of her
doomed plight:
1325. “Just a flower fallen off its bough I’m like,
And courting ‘round for fun you’re a butterfly.
As you are married with wife and family,
Don’t waste your scarce time asking at length of
me.”
Sinh said: “From the very first day I met you,
1330. My heart’s been heavy with a love
authentic;
Because I’m resolved to consummate my wish,
That I’ve inquired about your identity.”
Kieu said: “Ten thousand thanks for your caring
heart,
But it’s not easy in our situations.
1335. You’ve lingered for a time in this house of
mirth,
You love the flower for the hue of its face,
Then the blossom will wilt and the scent will
fade,
Will you keep unchanged your former loving
heart?
Besides there’s already on the moon’s
threshold,
1340. Lady Phoebe[33]- your wife- who rules
your household.
Two of you’ve been so far attached together,
A woman plus will divide your unity.
Don’t let a weed-and-cloud drifting girl like me,
To affect the happiness of your marriage.
1345. Hundred troubles because of me will
happen,
Who’ll replace me to stand heaven’s
punishment?
Even if you’re in control of your household,
You can protect me but one tenth of the whole.
In case the wife has more power than the man,
1350. The poor victim will be at the lioness’
jaws.
I’ll be disgraced at the mercy of your wife,
Whose jealousy is three-fold harsher than fire.
Above there’s still your dad, the powerful
senior,
Will he look down on poor me with
compassion?
1355. Or just see me as some kind of wild
flower,
And force me back to the former whorehouse.
Then two of us will look filthy and hideous,
My fate is nothing, but your honor I care.
If you love me, have a perfect solution,
1360. I’ll go with your satisfactory option.”
Sinh said: “Your word is only speculation!
Have you not ever seen through my truthful
heart?
Don’t fear any fanciful difficulties,
Everything about our marriage, entrust me.
1365. Once we are together who can separate?
I’ve made up my mind and I’ll risk any storm.”
Likewise they exchanged all recommendations,
Citing mountain and sea as witness of oaths.
The night was too short for their intimate talks,
1370. Outside the moon had been hid by the
west hill.
EPISODE XIII
SEVERE FATHER DIVIDED
KIND MANDARIN UNITED
By the excuse of an outdoor promenade,
Sinh escorted her girl to a hiding place.
War or peace he had two strategies ready,
Advice from lawyer, information from spies.
1375. He sent words to the wench for a
solution,
She compromised due to her weak position.
He paid money as ransom and got the girl,
And had her record signed by the official.
Now public and private problems had been Boiled with anger on his son’s obstinate word,
solved,
Old Thuc knelt at public office to report.
1380. Kieu at last pulled her nymph feet out of
1405.Then on the flat earth thundered a
the mire.
tsunami,
They joined under the same roof as man and
District office issued summons of query.
wife,
They both were to follow the district
Whose mutual loves were like ocean and river.
gendarmes,
Her pervasive perfume roused his ardent fire,
To kneel and bow in the district office court.
That in return made her pearly beauty shine.
They looked up at the severe black-iron
1385. Half a year of conjugal life just gone by, face[34],

The yard’s dark-green planes were mixed with 1410. Of the judge who proclaimed those words
yellow leaves, harsh and grave:

And young blossoms’d just shot from hedge “That man foolishly leads a debauched living,
shrubberies,
And that wench commits acts of adultery.
When Sinh’s father was seen back from his
A kind of wasted and discarded flower,
village.
Who used to trick people with scent and
Wildly furious over his son’s marriage,
powder.
1390. Curbing pity, he tried to split the couple.
1415. Based on the position of the complainant,
He explained and analyzed the right and wrong,
Nothing’s been satisfactorily settled.
And ordered that she be back to the brothel.
In pursuance to law we reach the judgment,
In the face of his father’s strict forthright words,
That one of two ways is up to her to choose:
Sinh risked himself entreating for empathy:
Either she stays and faces law’s punishment,
1395. “I know my deplorable mistake, daddy,
1420. Or she be returned to her green pavilion.”
That deserves the sternest penalty on earth.
She said: “My resolution has been taken!
My hands have by mistake dipped in indigo,
Not to be trapped once more in the spider’s
All lost, I don’t know how to find the right road. web.

Since we’ve been man and wife for more than Soiled or clean, it is my flesh and blood body,
one day,
Weak and naive, I’m resigned to the court’s
1400. I have no heart to break the marital tie. fury.”

In case you’re adamant in your decision, 1425. The judge ordered: “Be the state’s law
carried out!”
Instead of betrayal I’d rather risk my life.”
A poor peony in triple punishment,[35]
She stood torture without cry of innocence, 1450. Knows a little literature and poetry.”

Her rosy cheeks dirtied, her willow brows The judge smiled and said: “A poet if she be!
tattered.
Let her show her talent via the theme of a
On the floor of mud and dust she lay writhing, cangue.”

1430. Her clear face blurred and her thin body She obeyed and raised the brush into a poem,
skinny.
Then offered it before the mandarin’s desk.
And Thuc was also an object of pity,
1455. The judge praised: “This poem dwarfs the
He watched the scene with a heart full of High T’ang[36]’s best!
sorrow.
Such beauty and genius beat thousands of gold!
He cried: “All this disaster because of me!
A girl of beauty and a man of success,
If I obeyed her then, she’s not at fault now.
What pair of man and wife is more excellent?
1435. My shallow heart did not care to think
Henceforth stop harboring anger and rancor,
deeply,
1460. That but disrupt the rhythm of harmony.
And she now has to bear all the penalty.”
Once you brought one another to the Court’s
Overhearing Thuc’s moaning of grievances,
door,
The judge was touched and asked about his
Reason is external but love is at core.
story.
Son and girl-in-law are family’s children,
In tears he then expressed himself politely,
So dismiss the discontent and end the mess.”
1440. All details from the day of their
acquaintance: 1465. He then ordered the wedding celebration,
“She did previously reckon the consequence, Carried in bridal couch under the torched lights,
And foretold she would be victimized one day. Followed by a band of mirthful musicians,
’Tis my fault to ransom her and bring her home, The new weds were brought to the nuptial
chamber.
That she’s to suffer all this calamity.”
By the esteem for her virtue and talent,
1445. Thuc’s touching story got the judge’s pity,
1470. Old Thuc also put aside his chastisement.
Who softened his sternness and showed a way
out, Perfume of lilies and orchids filled the home,
“Be it true,” Said he. “What you’ve told me Old bitterness made room for true happiness.
about,
EPISODE XIV
Though a harlot, she knows what is right and
wrong.” CONCUBINE’S DISTANT WORRIES

Sinh said: “This woman of drifting destiny, WIFE’S SECRET CONSPIRACY

So they indulged in morning wine and noon
chess,
Till plum lost its fresh and lotus got its green.
1475. In their private room during a quiet night,
Kieu timidly expressed her concern and fright:
“Since I was lucky to be your concubine,
Wild geese went swallows came a full year has
passed.
Not a word has been heard from your family,
1480. You’re warm with your mistress and cool
with your wife.
I think her silence very noticeable,
Since no one care about hushing the rumor.
I’ve overheard the woman of your household
Is a person of rules and regulations.
1485. These abnormal ones are utterly
fearsome,
Like sea and river, their hearts hard to fathom!
Our affair has lasted almost one year round,
It can’t by any means be hidden from her.
Up to now, you’ve not heard from home
anything,
1490. Or something unusual has happened from
within?
Please hurry home to her in the shortest time,
First to please her, second to sound her
thinking.
Keeping concealed for long our amorous tale,
Or putting it off in time will surely fail.”
1495. In compliance with her sensible advice,
Sinh reluctantly resolved to return home.
At dawn he reported his plan to old Thuc,
Who also urged him to expedite his trip.
To drink their farewell cups of separation,
1500. They strolled from home to the site of
leave-taking.
The Ch’in River stretched into a bluish patch,
Where sparse willows drooped their branches
of longing.
They held each other’s hands sighing and
moaning,
Parting staled their wine and leaving choked
their words.
1505. She said: “Though we’ll be hills and
streams divided,
The outside won’t be safe without inner peace.
It’s hard for a rag bag to hide a needle,
And it’s no way to catch a bird with closed eyes.
About our furtive love affair and marriage,
1510. Once at home, forthrightly tell her the
story.
She might not gratify, and in her fury,
She’ll prove her power and I’ll resign to my fate.
It is far better than lying or hiding,
That will surely bring about disastrous things.
1515. If you truly love me, keep in mind my
words,
One year of absence will eventually pass.
Today remember these cups of division,
Today next year we’ll drink cups of reunion!”
He got on horse while she let go of his gown,
1520. Fall’d dyed the maple woods with
separation.
Miles of dust soon covered the departing man,
Who disappeared among greenish strawberries.
She was back, a night shadow of loneliness,
While he alone ventured into wilderness.
1525. High above who cut the moon into two
halves,
Half stamped on her pillow, half brightened his
road.
But all the hardships of his trip were nothing,
Compared to his grief on his household’s lady.
She belonged to the Hoan famous family,
1530. Her name was Hoan Thu, a minister’s
daughter.
A marriage of chance and opportunity
Had attached him to her for quite a long time.
The way she behaved in life was not so bad,
The way she manipulated so aghast.
1535. Since she heard of his newly wed
concubine,
All these tidings she’d got from others but him.
The more she quenched her heart’s fire, the
more it burned,
She blamed him for betrayal and adultery:
“Had he confessed to me about his mistress,
1540. I’d have the lenience to tolerate her.
I’m not a foolish not to save my honor,
Won’t it be good to be named a jealous wife?
But he chose in contrary to veil and hide,
Making all those funny childish monkeyshines!
1545. Thinks out of my sight everything he can
hide,
Well, let him hide and I’ll pretend not to know.
Such a thing I have none to worry about,
How can the ant crawl out from inside the
bowl?
I will make them each other to disavow,
1550. I will shame her till she could not raise her
head.
I will make appear before them clean and clear,
The consequences that a traitor must bear.”
She kept her confidence deep within her heart,
And made a deaf ear to all rumors outside.
1555. A week later suddenly came two persons,
Who brought about the news to ask for favors.
The mandarin’s daughter feigned a boiled
anger:
“Loathsome ones who out of none invent
stories!
My husband’s not as trite as anybody,
1560. The source must have been from these
rumormongers.”
She swiftly showed her power and gave orders,
That one was mouth-slapped and the other
tooth-cracked.
As a result all people kept their mouths shut,
And none dared say a word about the rumor.
1565. The lady stayed all at ease in her
chamber,
Laughing and talking as if nothing happened;
While day and night she kept telling herself so,
Sinh reached their rose pavilion and got down.
Words of greeting mixed with joys of union,
1570. Their love warmer and their fervor more Either under the lamp or in the moonshine.
ardent.
But Thuc began to miss his old rustic bliss,
They drank gleefully the cups of home welcome,
As yellow leaves started to fall on the pool.
But they kept in hearts their own secret
1595. He recalled the scene of rivers and
problems.
mountains,
As Thuc came home to sound his wife’s attitude,
And the home he’d left after seasons of love.
He intended to tell the entire story.
While he had not the gut his heart to disclose,
1575. But his wife, half drunken, laughing and
The lady had foreseen his mind and declared:
talking,
“You’ve been far away from dad almost one
Had not the slightest hint of his love affair.
year,
Therefore he thought: “The affair’s concealed
1600. Be back in Lin-tzu soon to take care of
tightly,
him”
Why should I confess without her inquiry?”
Her words seemed to untie the knot of his
So he kept on faltering and wavering, heart,

1580. Fearing to pull a cord and disturb the He galloped straight back home through the
wood. alien land.

At times as they exchanged merriments or In limpid water reflected the blue sky,
jokes,
Smokes rose like ramparts and hills bathed in
The lady would let slip ambiguous words. sunshine.

Saying: “In this messy world of pearls and EPISODE XV

stones,
KIDNAP AND CORPSE EXCHANGE
We have a total trust in one another,
MYSTICISM AND SOUL INVOCATION
1585. Praiseworthy for those wide and long
1605. Soon after Thuc whipped his steed on the
mouthpieces,
journey,
That spread rumors of baseless disloyalty.
His wife also took the coach to her parents.
Though a dull I’ve never cared to think of them,
She told her mother details of her problem,
Those fouling things but make me target of
About his betrayal and her misfortune.
joke.”
Suggesting her thought: “Jealousy and the
Thinking her words casual and light-hearted,
same,
1590. He also expressed his passive approval.
1610. Would disgrace him and make me target
The couple then went on their round of of blame.
delights,
Therefore I’ve kept my eyes blind and my
mouth tight,
In fact I had my own scheme from the first days.
It takes one month by road to Lin-tzu from here,
But the direct sea route is very much near.
1615. We’ll go there by boat with our chosen
servants,
We’ll bring along chains to tie and bring her
here.
We’ll wear her out bodily and mentally,
We’ll torture her and let everybody see.
First to punish these kinds of hateful people,
1620. Second to leave a joke for posterity.”
The mother praised her daughter for her smart
plan,
And out of indulgence allowed her free hands.
They had the sails and ropes prepared and
ready,
They had Hound and Hawk to recruit ruffians.
1625. When all the recommendations were
given,
They sailed down wind across the sea to Lin-tzu.
Since Kieu was left all alone by the window,
Her heart was embroiled with myriad sorrows:
“Now my old parents are like waning shadows,
1630. How about their health, how about their
welfare?
Now my hair, clipped on oath, has reached my
shoulders,
And my pledge of faith and my vow of betroth.
And as slim as the fate of a climbing plant,
Will this union be favored by Hymen?
1635. Why is my life caught in so much up-and-
down?
And in her moon-hall, what does Phoebe[33]
think now?”
The autumn night’s wind got in through the
window,
A crescent moon and three stars engraved the
sky.
Incense sticks in hands before Buddha’s altar,
1640. She stood praying all her heart out and so
on,
When from under the flowers rose the cruel
men,
Out of nothing appeared phantoms and
demons.
Naked swords and machetes dazzled in the
yard,
All terrified she did not know what to do.
1645. At once they sprayed anesthetic drug on
her,
Making her fall into a dream-like status.
Then they lifted and placed her on the saddle,
Set afire her reading room and bedchamber.
An unidentified corpse from the river,
1650. Was dragged therein to mislead the
onlookers.
Her servants whose souls disappeared out of
fears,
Scurried hiding in the bush or the trees.
Old Thuc whose house was in the vicinity,
Trembled with fright when seeing the rising
flame,
1655. Master and servants ran straight to the
fire site,
They fought the flame trying to search for their
girl.
The wind was violent and the blaze very high,
We were sure we would soon see one another,
1680. Never thought that was our last day
together!”
The more he loved, the more he missed and
grieved,

They rummaged everywhere but could not find A distress nobody could help to relieve.
her.
He was told of a psychic living nearby,
Shocked and stunned they stood looking at
Who could exorcise ghosts and comprehend
each other,
gods.
1660. In despair they fumbled the bush and the
1685. Though on Three Fairy Islands[37] or in
pool,
Nine Springs[5],
When arriving at the ashes in her room,
He could find and recognize any lost soul.
They uncovered a pile of charred skeleton.
Gifts was offered him as an invitation,
They were too honest to know the evil trick,
To invoke her soul for interrogation.
Taking the dead to be her and no one else.
Kneeling before his incantation altar,
1665. Old Thuc sighed and sobbed without
1690. The mystic went into a trance for a while.
interruption,
When back to himself, he gave a clear
Pity for his son and his decent woman.
statement:
They at last wrapped up and brought home her
“Though her face is not seen, her tale is
remain,
inquired,
Then they shrouded, coffined, and laid it to rest.
This girl is gravely by her karma weighed down,
The funeral ceremony just finished,
Still lots of debts to pay and she can’t escape!
1670. When on horse, Thuc arrived after the
1695. Astrology tells she’s in an accident,
long trip.
No news of hers is heard in the next twelve
Stepping into the old place of their chamber,
months.
He saw heaps of cinders by the four bare walls.
The couple will meet face to face however,
At his father’s residence in the mid-house,
But they dare not recognize one another.”
There stood on altar the tablet of her name.
The shaman’s word sounded so weird to the
1675. Helas! What a tragic story he was told, ears,

The heart-tearing grief, the bile-burning sorrow! 1700. That none of them believed its validity!

He fell on the ground sobbing and lamenting: This was but nonsense witchcraft and sorcery,

“What an unjust death for such a virtuous soul!

She was dead and where on the earth could be
seen?
So he kept mourning her and missed their good
times,
Asking if he’d meet such a fairy again.
EPISODE XVI
THE MINISTER’S WOMAN’S RUTHLESSNESS
THE SERVANT’S WOES AND BITTERNESS
1705. Since Thuc was convinced Kieu had
already died,
Never knew she was living in earthly hell.
As Hound and Hawk succeeded in their foul
plan,
They took her down the boat and set her
therein.
With high sails, strained cord, and down a
sturdy wind,
1710. The boat straightly glided home towards
Hsi District.
Unloading before the ministry office,
Hound and Hawk submitted her for their
rewards.
She was brought to custody in a maid’s room,
All the while she was still unconscious in swoon.
1715. Next morning she woke up from her long
wild dream,
And found herself misplaced in a strange
palace.
She was still bewildered in half sleep half wake,
When a voice echoed calling her to report.
A girl servant came down and urged her to
haste,
1720. Frightened she pressed her steps
following the maid.
Looking up at the gigantic passageway,
She saw hanging the title of chancellor.
Two lines of candles brightened the day parlor,
High up on the grand bed sat an old lady,
1725. Who coldly asked about her identity.
Truly and politely she told her story.
The woman swiftly fell in a stormy rage,
And reproached: “Those shameless licentious
women!
This is not a good and honest citizen,
1730. But a master dodger or husband cheater.
You look like a graveyard-cat or a field-hen[38],
And you’re too awkward to justify herself.
You’ve sold yourself to become my household
serf,
But still keep your arrogance and aloofness.
1735. Now team to enforce domestic discipline!
Give her thirty beats as a conduct lesson.”
The maids shouted yes in unanimity,
And Kieu was helpless to cry her innocence.
They struck her with sticks and rods without
mercy,
1740. A fresh-crushing and gut-scaring penalty.
How pitiful for her, a frail twig of peach bloom,
Was broken to pieces in the violent rain!
Then as Flower Slave her name was bid to
change,
And she was assigned to a group of servants.
1745. Henceforth she languished there among
the blue-coats,
Paying no care to her unkempt countenance.
The manager was a kind-hearted woman,
Who pitied her through her conduct and
gesture.
This samaritan often gave drugs or teas,
1750. And with kind words showed her a way to
survive.
Saying: “Though everything is up to fortune,
As female, be alert to protect yourself,
It might be due to some previous life’s
karma[48].
That you’re reduced to this utter misery.
1755. In this palace, walls have eyes and roofs
have ears,
Ignore everyone though they were once so
dear.
Or else in case of a sudden brutal storm,
How could a weak bee or ant for justice cry?”
Kieu could not help pouring profusely her tears,
1760. Out of her heart’s anguish for her
wretched plight:
“Heaps of woes have piled up on my destiny,
But none could equal this awful misery.
How cruel will this ill fate of mine still be,
Binding poor me to this world’s catastrophe?
1765. To redeem the debts of my past
existence,
Till gem’s crushed and bloom’s broken I’ll risk
my life.”
While Kieu wished she could find there a brief
respite,
The young lady came to visit her parents.
Following a lengthy talk with her daughter,
1770. The old lady had Kieu called up and
ordered:
“My young lady’s in need of a few servants,
You are allowed now to go and wait on her.”
Submissively Kieu followed her new master,
Knowing not hell or heaven to be transferred.
1775. So day and night Kieu cared for the young
lady,
Never neglecting her maidservant’s duty.
By occasion of a serene evening,
The girl asked Kieu about her music hobby.
Obediently Kieu began to play the lute,
1780. And enchanted people with her melodies.
The lady seemed to be fond of Kieu’s talent,
And so reduced somewhat her severity.
Thus in this stranger’s house Kieu spent her
exile,
Moaning with shade, pleading with heart, day
and night.
1785. She pitied her short-lived marriage in Lin-
tzu,
Hoping they would meet again in the next life.
At the four directions covered with white
clouds,
Where she could find her homeland and her
dear house.
EPISODE XVII
SOULS OF COMMON FRIGHTS
HEARTS OF DIFERENT MOODS
Meanwhile during these elapsing days and
months,
1790. Thuc almost knew nothing of her
sufferings.
Since away from their nest his love bird had
flown
He lived a poor shadow in his lone chamber.
The new moon reminded him of her eyebrows,
The remains of her scent doubled his distress.
1795. Fading lotus gave place to bloomind
asters,
His lovesick increased as spring followed winter.
Not knowing where he could find his former
love,
He resorted to fate to appease sorrows.
Suddenly touched by a fit of homesickness,
1800. He went home for a visit of his village.
The young lady warmly and gaily welcomed,
As they exchanged almost all news near and far.
Then the curtain were rolled up high in the hall,
Kieu was called to come out for a bow greeting.
1805. Reluctantly step by step she inched
forwards,
Looking ahead she saw exactly someone:
“Am I dazzled by lamp or sun.” she wondered,
Is the man who sat there no other than Sinh?
By now I understand clearly everything,
1810. That I have already been caught in the
net.
What on the earth is this peculiar trick?
Who in the world is this malevolent miss?
To turn a real couple of husband and wife,
Into master and servant in the same house.
1815. Outwardly, she naturally talks and smiles,
Inwardly, she viciously kills without knife.
Now at positions of low earth and high sky,
How could we behave how could we truly say?”
Their eyes met while their souls were in
disarray,
1820. And their hearts were in turmoil like a silk
mess.
Out of fear, Kieu dared not at all disobey,
Bowing her head she prostrated in the yard.
Sinh too was struck by a soul-vanishing fright:
“Helas,” he thought. “Is this Kieu before my
eyes?
1825. What is the cause of her being in this
place?
Oh it’s doomed that I’ve fallen into this trap!”
Out of his routine fear he kept his mouth shut,
But he could not prevent his tears from
dripping.
His woman looked into his eyes and inquired:
1830. “What makes you so wretched just newly
arrived?”
Sinh said: “The term of mother’s mourning just
ends,
My heart pines for her and that makes me
suffer.
She praised: “What a grateful child you really
are!
Let’s drink reunion cups to ease your gloom.”
1835. So the couple drank into the autumn
night,
And Kieu had to wait on them standing beside.
The jealous wife found fault with Kieu’s
attitudes,
Forcing her to kneel and raise cup to his hand.
Panic-stricken, Sinh seemed almost stupefied,
1840. He drank cup after cup as tears mixed
with wine.
Turning sideways he at random talked or
smiled,
Then cited drunkenness as cause to withdraw.
Without delay his wife shouted: “Flower Maid!
Tell him to finish the cup or you’ll be whipped.”
1845. Sinh felt as if heart broken and soul
vanished,
Trying to gulp down the offered bitter cups.
The tipsy lady kept talking and laughing,
Adding a new game to the wine carousing,
Saying: “Flower Maid acquires lots of talents,
1850. Take the lute and play a tune for my
husband.”
Almost in a state of half-conscious stupor,
Kieu passively tuned the lute before the screen.
The musical strings seemed sighing and crying,
Making the guest ‘s heart almost shattered
within.
1855. Listening to the same tune of melody,
The wife smiled while her husband sobbed
secretly.
Unable to hold back his plentiful tears,
He lowered his head and wiped them stealthily.
The lady immediately shouted at her:
1860. “Why such a woeful tune in the revelry?
Don’t you have a bit of sensitivity?
It’s your fault that makes my husband so
gloomy.”
Sinh became more miserable than ever,
He hastily forced himself to talk and smile.
1865. The water watch was at level of midnight,
Looking at them, the lady seemed satisfied.
Her heart was delighted with a private joy:
“This pleasure makes up for my long-time mute
pains.”
Whereas Sinh was at the peak of his sufferings,
1870. The more he thought, the more his heart
was writhing.
Then as man and wife went in their love
bedroom,
Kieu was back facing her lamp throughout the
night:
“Now everything shows clearly before my sight
What weirdness of envy blood this lass
acquires!
1875. What a plot to split two lovers she’s
devised!
Forcing each on their way ignoring other.
Now a chasm has divided him from me,
There would be no more gossip or censures;
This debt, though light like froth also grave like
lead,
1880. When I pay it off, naught of our tie is left.”
Then as a helpless and solitary girl,
Could I survive unharmed from this storm of
life?”
She sat sobbing all alone throughout the night,
The lamp’s oil got low but her tears always full.
1885. Therefore all day long Kieu’s eyes were
brimmed with tears,
The lady saw that and asked her the reason.
She carefully chose words for a smart answer:
“It is because I weep for my bitter fate.”
The lady then turned to her husband and said:
1890. “Would you help asking her to tell all her
truth?”
Sinh felt as if his bowels torn into bits,
He could neither bear the scene nor to confess.
If he told the truth, it would surely harm her,
So he took the risk of a smart inquiry.
1895. Bowing her head low and kneeling in the
yard,
She wrote down a paper of her life’s story,
Then came to submit it to the young lady,
Who, after a swift glance, seemed a little
moved.
She by the way handed it to Sinh and said:
1900. “A talent to value, a plight to pity.
If she were born into a lucky fortune,
Her value would be worth a palace of gold!
But she was drifting in the ocean of life,
Pity for a great skill but a dire plight!”
1905. Sinh said: “Your word is really accurate,
Beautiful women all end up in ill fate!
It’s been so and so thousands of years ago,
Therefore you’d better show your mercy for
her.”
The lady said: “According to her paper,
1910. She’d wish to give her bleak life to the
Void Gate[39].
It’s agreed and I’ll comply with her desire,
That she could help herself out of life’s circle.
There’s the Kuan-yin small temple in our
garden,
With hundred-foot trees and four-season
flowers.
1915. With all kinds of plants, man-made hill
and river,
There she’ll keep the shrine and copy the
sutra.”
Order was given at the first crack of dawn,
To prepare five gifts for the ceremony.
Then she was guided before Buddha’s altar,
1920. Where she became nun of five nays and
three vows[40].
Her blue dress made room to the brown
Buddhist cloak,
Her religious name was given as Pure Spring.
They gave enough oil for her daily usage,
Assigned her with Spring and Fall as cult valets.
1925. Since Kieu went into hiding in the garden,
Adjacent to Buddha, distant from human.
She had no more any longing for her love,
Only content with being free of disgrace.
Burying grief and sorrows in Buddha’s grace,
1930. She copied sutras at days and prayed at 1950. Like a pearl soiled by mud, doomed your
night. young life is!

What miracle! Drops of Buddhist willow I would rather defy any jeopardy,
branch[41],
To live and die faithfully with my pledged love.
They quench the heart’s fire of love in worldly
But since I still owe my lineage an heir son,
life.
I have clenched my teeth to break up our sworn
Since Kieu chose the brown colour of Buddhist
oath.
style,
1955. I’m such a traitor that hundred times of
The moon had a couple of times waned then
death
waxed.
Won’t be able to redeem my un-kept pledge.”
1935. Being watched closely by her two cult
valets, She said: “I’m like a frail wooden boat in storm,
She talked in public but wept in loneliness. Giving up myself to the whims of fortune!
His reading chamber and her sutra attic, My weak body squirming in the mud puddle,
A hand span near but thousand of miles apart. 1960. I never thought it could persist till
present.
EPISODE XVIII
Times I’ve tried to risk my petty existence,
THE SUPER-JEALOUS WIFE
For people to look at as an example.
THE MALICIOUS MISTRESS
However, because we’ve been made man and
While Kieu could do nothing but swallow her
wife,
groans,
Albeit a marriage of days instead of life.
1940. The young lady one day went to her
parents’. 1965. Please think a way getting me out of this
place,
On this occasion Sinh furtively got out,
That’ll be your great love, that’ll be your deep
And straightly went to meet Kieu in the garden.
favor!”
Sobbing he exposed all his woes and sorrows,
Sinh said: “For myself, I’ve known long time
Drops of tears streamed down and soaked his before,
bluish coat:
That human heart’s unfathomably wicked.
1945. “It’s me who was at fault of disloyalty,
Any time, can roughly erupt the tempest,
And you’re alone to suffer the penalty!
1970. That not only harms you but aso pains
Since I was inferior to my woman, me.

Your pain hurt me but I could not utter a word. So run as far as you could and do your best,

Because of me you’re tangled in the mishap, It is thus done, our ephemeral marriage.
Henceforth each of us will have opposite road,
When is time for us to reunite, who knows?
1975. Though the river dries up and the stone
wears out,
1995. The valet said: “Lady came long time
before,
And stood there on tiptoe almost half an hour,
Carefully each detail seeing and watching,

Till death the silkworm keeps on spinning its
silk.”
They recalled the memories of their romance,
Their incessant talk could not end up by words.
Thoroughly all hearing and understanding.
The anguish of pining, longing, and yearning,
2000. The master’s grumbles and your
lamentations.

While they kept their eyes sticking and hands She forced me to stand aside and keep silent,
clinging,
And just got on floor when tired of hearing.”
1980. Sounds of alertness from her valet were
Kieu was shocked with horror by the valet’s
heard.
words,
Embarrassed and dumbfounded they stood
“This woman,” thought she, “rarely seen in the
apart,
world!
From nowhere his wife split flowers and
2005. What an audacity! What a faculty!
stepped in.
Thinking of her makes my skin creep from
Sweetly smiling and talking, she asked her man:
horror.
“Have you just come here for a visit, my dear?”
So profound and sneaky this young woman is,
1985. Puzzled, Sinh tried to put together his
That poor Thuc becomes a man of tied-up
words:
hands!
“Lost in flowers, I’ve strayed to the sutra nun”
She has all proofs of her man’s disloyalty,
The lady praised: “Her handwriting’s excellent,
2010. That could make a woman mad with
It’s second to none of any best I’ve seen! jealousy.

Sorry for her to be a drifting woman, She kept silent instead of a hue and cry,

1990. Her talent is worth thousand liangs of Merrily greeting and tenderly talking.
gold.”
To vent one’s rage in fits is rather normal,
After drinking together the temple tea,
To smile one’s rage unfathomably evil!
The couple slowly walked back to their
2015. I have to take precaution for my safety,
chamber.
It’s not secure in this beast’s mouth and snake’s
Left alone, Kieu felt more forlorn than ever,
fang!
Softly she asked the maid about what’d
If I don’t manage to run away in time,
happened.
Finally I’ll be made a victim of hers.
As a weed I don’t mind about chute water,
2020. And my floating life doesn’t care where it
floats.
My only concern is that all by myself,
How to survive empty-handed on strange land!”
She rummaged through her mind for a solution,
And saw on the altar some treasured objects.
2025. She took them with her as means of
subsistence.
The drum was heard announcing third watch of
night,
Kieu climbed over the flower fence of the
shrine,
And groped her way west following the
moonlight.
Around was a haze of sand dunes and tree hills,
2030. Cockcrows from lone huts and shoe
marks on fogged bridge.
A lonely helpless girl in the dead of night,
Afraid of the road and sorry for the plight.
When dawn cracked in the mulberries of east
sky,
She was still hopeless of a destination!
2035. By chance she saw a temple in the
distance,
Its name Haven for Refuge was clearly seen.
All happy, she firmly knocked at the front door,
And was welcomed in by the temple’s tenant.
Seeing the girl in her brown Buddhist garment,
2040. Giac Duyen, the chief nun, at once felt
compassion.
She cautiously posed questions about origin,
Of which Kieu, still strange, did not tell the
whole truth:
“I’m a small novice from hometown of Pekin,
A follower of Buddha for quite a time.
2045. As my teacher will certainly come after,
She instructed me to present you these
treasures.”
She opened her pack and plainly presented
The little gold bell and the silver tablet.
The nun had a quick look at them then turned
and said:
2050. “So you are nun Hang Thuy’s disciple,
welcome!
But for fear of your loneliness on the road,
Stay here a few days to wait for my elder.”
Thus in this remote haven Kieu took shelter,
A life of carefree days and vegetable food.
2055. Kieu’d already learnt by heart all the
sutras,
And used to daily jobs of the pagoda.
From dawn to dusk, she tended to her duties,
Lighting the late lamps, booming the early bell.
The chief nun admired her cleverness and skill,
2060. And Kieu felt more secure with the vicar’s
trust.
EPISODE XIX
SNAKE DEN TAKEN FOR SHELTER
BACK AGAIN INTO THE BROTHEL
Now was the end of spring at the pagoda,
Flowers draped the earth, moonlight whitened
the sky.
In this leisure time of calm wind and clear cloud,
A believer made a visit at the shrine.
2065. Appraising the silver gong and the gold
bell,
She praised: “Fairly like Lady Hoan’s property!”
By hearing this, Giac Duyen startled with
worries,
In the calm night she came to Kieu for query.
Thinking it impossible the truth to hide,
2070. Kieu narrated the whole story of her life:
“Now it turns out that thing has come to this
stage,
It’s up to you to decide my abject fate.”
Truth unveiled, Giac Duyen shook with
trepidation,
Hesitating between fear and compassion.
2075. She whispered to Kieu her heart-felt
emotion:
“Here the Buddha’s gate is always wide open;
I just fear of unexpected happenings,
That’ll drive you into regretful misfortune!
It is better to avoid and run away,
2080. Than to sit and wait while the flood’s on
the way!”
There lived nearby a some woman surnamed
Bac,
Who used to visit the shrine with offerings.
She was sent for and entrusted everything,
That to shelter Kieu her abode be prepared.
2085. Kieu was so happy for a secure haven,
That she had no time near and far to reckon.
Naively she fell into the den of a cheat,
Who was really Madam Tu’s old colleague.
Seeing her beauty of white face and red lips,
2090. Dame Bac got thrilled within due to big
profit.
Out of nothing she yarned bad tales about Kieu,
That many times struck her with trembling
dismay.
The wicked dame kept on pursuing her prey,
Forcing her with evil words to a marriage.
2095. Saying: “You’re all alone on an alien land,
And tarnished with nasty rumors near and far.
What a cursing and disrupting girl you are!
Not a single house dares to harbor so far.
Hurry to look for yourself a wedded place,
2100. Or you can fly and seek refuge in heaven!
Nearby match is by all means not convenient,
No match is to be found in the surroundings.
Now a nephew of mine whose name is Bac
Hanh,
Not a stranger but flesh and blood relative.
2105. A shop owner in T’ai-ch’u[42] with
property,
A man of honesty and credibility.
In any case you ought to listen to me,
After marriage you’ll manage to leave for T’ai,
Where nobody who you are can recognize,
2110. Then in ocean and river, you’re free to
ride.
But if you are adamant to my reason,
You are sure to subject to awful consequence.” And went behind curtain for their union.

Kieu listened to dame’s words with a painful 2135. The wedding done, Kieu was led down in
heart, a boat,

Her face contorted and her eyebrows knitted. That sailed smoothly down wind and wave
toward T’ai.
2115. Thinking of her tripped feet over a
trapped land, When the boat had safely docked at the station,

In the stalemate, she at last sighed her Bac went up beforehand to the usual place.
complaint:
It was the same old brothel for many years,
“I’m just a swallow strayed away from its flock,
2140. The same sellers and buyers of human
Once wounded by a bow, now it fears curved flesh.
twigs!
They scrutinized the woman and set a price,
Even to follow a man through an impasse,
When the deal was ten times its worth, he
2120. I know his face but how can I know his okayed.
heart?
A sedan chair was hired to take her away,
By chance in case something hazardous
While Bac got the money and ran off his way.
happens,
2145. The sedan chair stopped before a
What will I get from this uncertain venture?
flowered porch,
If someone has any wish for a union,
From inside the house hurried out a woman,
Let him declare his heartfelt resolution.
Who escorted her in before the altar,
2125. Once our wedding witnessed by Earth and
On which stood the same white-browed brothel
Heaven,
patron.
I’ll follow him wherever across ocean.”
At first glance she’d realized her predicament,
With Kieu’s consent, the dame went to her
2150. But a caged bird, she could not fly high
nephew,
and flee:
And ordered him to prepare for the wedding.
“What a curse, this peach flower’s bad destiny,
His house was altogether put in order,
Which loosened then tightened like a mockery!
2130. Yard swept, altar set, vase cleaned,
The more I think the more I’m tired of life,
incense sticks burned.
The more you’re talented the more you’re
Bac Hanh the groom, in an eagerness, knelt
envied!
down,
2155. How regretful for the alum-cleared water!
And overstated his prayers to all the gods.
It is now stirred up and soiled by mud again.
Then in the yard the couple exchanged their
oaths, Does heaven have any ill will with woman,
Not to spare her after so much maltreatment? Tu said: “As intimates we’ve finally met,

I’ve been strayed from home misstep after 2180. Not as those passers-by brought about by
misstep, wind.

2160. Though very watchfully I’ve fathomed the
road.
What wrongs did it commit, my innocent soul,
That I have to redeem with half of my time?
Now knowing there’s no way to avoid the fate,
I have heard of your fame as a beauty queen,
Whose eyes have not let in anyone’s image.
It is rare to meet a hero in this world,
Why waste your time with those confined fish
and birds?”

I’ll risk my prime for my faults to compensate.” 2185. Kieu said: “Your word of praise I dare not
accept,
EPISODE XX
I’m too low a girl to look down on the folk!
MEETING OF INTIMATES
I wish I could choose the stone to test the gold,
HEROIC WILL SATISFIED
But whom can I trust and tell my confidence?
2165. During those bright nights of moon clear
and wind fresh, And for those customers who frequent this
place,
From the frontier came to entertain a guest.
2190. I have no right to sort the gold from the
With lion’s beard, swallow’s jaw, and silkworm’s
brass.”
brows,
Tu said: “Your saying is very sensible,
Of large shoulders and tall and massive body,
That indeed reminds me of P’ing-Yuan’s
Unmatched in martial art and skill of warfare,
story[44].
2170. He was a hero of true validity.
Come here and once more have a close look at
Standing between earth and sky with me,
arrogance,
To see if any of your trust I’m worthy.
This man was Tu Hai, a native of Yueh-tung[43].
2195. Kieu politely said: “Yours is a noble heart,
Fond of a struggling life style of adventure,
Chin-yang will soon see the dragon in the cloud.
With homeland in heart, bow and sword on [45]
shoudiers.
As your love covers grass low and flowers base,
2175. He’d heard about Kieu’s beauty
I’ll dare one day seek help for my foaming fate.”
throughout his trip,
Nodding his head with pleasant satisfaction,
And the beauty’s love softened the hero’s will.
2200. Tu laughed: “Intimates are rare and hard
Thus when he was introduced at the rose-hall,
to find.
Their glances encountered and their hearts said
It is praiseworthy for your insightful eyes,
‘yes’.
That could see a hero among the masses.
Just by one word and you could recognize me,
We’ll have one another in wealth and glory.”
2205. Harmonized in heart and united in mind,
Without overture of love, they fell in love.
He afterward sent words to the matchmaker,
And repaid the exact sum for her freedom.
He also had his own room duly prepared,
2210. Furnished with a deluxe bed and
bedecked screen.
Thus the hero was well matched with the
beauty,
As dragon and phoenix in their unity.
Half year later, while their marriage was still
warm,
The husband felt a sudden urge in his heart.
2215. Casting a glance at the immense sky and
sea,
He readied his sword and horse for a journey.
Kieu said: “The wife’s place is where her
husband goes,
Now you go, I’d willingly ask to follow.”
Tu said: “Intimates should know one another,
2220. Why d’ you still keep that womanly
behavior?
When an army of hundred thousands of
soldiers,
With earth-shaking drumbeats, sky-filling colors,
Parades in the glory of my superb name,
Then I’ll welcome you to our official home.
2225. But not now when I’m a homeless
wanderer,
You are but a burden for my roaming life.
Be patient to stay here and wait for a while,
Don’t be eager, at most one year I’ll be back.”
Thus firmly said, he shook off his hem and left,
2230. Opening his great wings to wind of the
wild.
She was left alone at home by the window,
Behind fast-bolted door during endless nights.
No more of her shoe-marks on the mossy-yard,
Where grass grew taller but willow got thinner.
2235. She strained her eyes at thousand-mile-
off hometown,
Where her homesick soul lingered with hilltop
clouds;
How pitiful she was for her old parents!
Had they allayed now from their grief and
longings?
More than ten years had swiftly passed ever
since,
2240. If still alive they’d had frost-hair and
scale-skin.
How sorry she was for her old true lover,
Who,though gone off her life, still clung to her
heart.
If with her sister he’d tied the marriage knot,
Probably by now they’d had children a lot.
2245. And the heart-felt nostalgia of her
homeland,
Like thousands of spinning threads, crisscrossed
her mind.
Whereas her husband, like a soaring great bird,
Was flying out of her worn-out waiting eyes.
Lonely she lived like a shadow day and night, Flags raised on the walls, guns roared from the
bastions.
2250. While the war flames thundered around
the corner. Lord Tu himself rode out the gate to greet her,

An atmosphere of death filled the gloomy sky, Strangely magnificent in his uniform,

War-ships filled the rivers, soldiers jammed the Still with chin of sparrow and brows of
roads. silkworm,

She was told by acquaintances and neighbors 2275. He laughed: “Our union is like fish and
water,
To go seek for a temporary shelter.
Those words I’ve once said do you still
2255. She said: “Because I have made him a
remember?
promise,
Only heroine could understand hero,
Even in time of danger I won’t break it.”
Are you satisfied with what you’re having
While she was still in perplexed indecision,
now?”
Flags were seen, gongs were heard from
She politely said: “Mine’s a slim destiny,
exterior.
2280. A frail vine sheltered at the shade of a
Encircling her house came a group of soldiers,
tree.
2260. They hailed in unison: “Our great Lord’s
Though it’s only now we see the dream come
madam!”
true,
Before Kieu were two lines of ten generals
I was sure of our victory from the first days.”
With shields and swords undone kowtowing on
Eyes to eyes, face to face they were in laughter,
ground.
Then hand in hand they went to the
Behind were ladies-in-waiting who followed,
headquarter.
And said: “By Lord’s order we escort you
2285. Banquets and feast were held to reward
home.”
the troops,
2265. A phoenix-coach with decked curtain was
Echoed with battle drums and army music.
ready,
In glory they made up for their past hardships,
She donned a bright headdress and brilliant
clothes. And their love got fresher and warmer each
day.
The parade began with banners and drumbeats,
EPISODE XXI
The flute and string preceded her golden chair.
ACQUITTING THE REPENTANT
Urgent heralds dashed before the procession,
PUNISHING THE ACCOUNTABLE
2270. And drums were heard from the South-
Court Headquarter. At the headquarter in time of amusement,
2290. She leisurely told her days of misery:
“Drifted I was between Lin-tzu and Wu-hsi,
Where some ones deceived and some others
pitied.
My body’s now light, relieved of all burdens,
Only left unsolved a bit of rights and wrongs.”
2295. Listening to the story from start to end.
Lord Tu burst into a thunderous fury.
He put in readiness his chosen army,
And gave orders to be done in urgency.
Under the red banner, his troops swiftly moved,
2300. One group went to Wu-hsi, other to Lin-
tzu.
Those people who had once deceived and
betrayed,
Were identified and captured for query.
A herald with credential was sent forward,
To secure the safety of Thuc family.
2305. Hoan household’s manageress and Nun
Giac Duyen,
Were also officially called for as guests.
Departure’s motive was explained to the troop,
All angry they vowed to fulfill the orders.
Heaven’s law of justice was really awesome,
2310. By one haul they brought home a net full
of crooks.
Soldiers in uniform armed with long huge
swords
Stood sentry by two lines in and out the court.
All ready in neatness and solemnity,
With weapons and banners all over the yard.
2315. In the middle was the lord’s tiger-skinned
box,
Where Lord Tu and his wife side by side took
seat.
No sooner had the first round of drums ended
Than captives were called to stand by at the
gate.
Tu said: “As for wrongs and rights of those
concerned,
2320. It’s up to you to judge and decide their
fates,”
She said: “I’d resort to your authority,
First to reward rightly my benefactors.
Then after the favors, I’ll deal with the woes.”
Tu said: “All these problems I entrust to you”
2325. A man with sword was bid to invite Thuc
Sinh,
His face was pale and his body quivering.
She said: “Gratitude always weighs like
mountain,
Lin-Tzu’s old man, do you still remember me?
Like dawn and dusk stars we could hardly unite.
2330. Why? I have never betrayed your gentle
heart.
Hundred brocade rolls and thousand silver
pounds,
Not to pay your favor, just to prove my thanks.
Your wife though is very wicked and evil
But now it’s time she meets her equal rival.
2335. The ant that recently crawled around the
bowl,
Is paying back its justice to her trick foul!”
At this time poor Thuc’s face was a sight to see, But a woman should by nature be easy,

Soaked with perspiration like caught in the rain. The more wicked she’s, the more doleful she’ll
be.”
His heart unable to restrain fear and joy,
Hoan Thu’s mind and soul thoroughly
2340. Fear for his wife, secret joy for his old
disappeared,
love.
Her head down on the floor she tried to
Next came the old manageress and the nun,
implore,
Ushered forward and invited to their seat.
2365. Saying: “I’m but a narrow-minded
Holding their hand, exposing herself, Kieu said: woman,

“Flower Slave and Pure Spring, both of them I And jealousy’s normal nature of human.
am,
Think of your staying in my shrine writing text,
2345. Your kindness at the times of my
Think of your leaving without my pursuing.
accident,
At the bottom of my heart I respect you,
Even hill of gold could hardly recompense.
2370. But a husband’s not a common thing to
Thousand ounces of gold’s but a trite present,
yield.
In fact, no gold could equal your loving hearts.”
I was wrong enough to cause a lot of ills.
The two Samaritan were highly perplexed,
I could only beg your highness for mercy.”
2350. Half affected by awe, half driven by joy.
Kieu praised: “You are worthy of the
She said: “Please be relaxed and stay for a compliment,
while,
A woman of cleverness and argument.
To recognize them and witness my revenge.”
2375. To forgive you is a blessing of your life,
Order was given to bring the captives in,
To punish you is a nasty act of mine.
Together with them were proofs of their
You deserve forgiveness due to your remorse.”
offense.
Then she gave order to spare the jealous wife,
2355. Then under banners and dazzling
unsheathed swords, Who kowtowed in gratitude on the court
ground.
Was submitted Hoan Thu the major culprit.
2380. A string of villains were led in from the
At her sight, Kieu greeted and sourly said:
gate,
“So in the end you’re also here, young lady?
Kieu said: “Under this infinite and high sky,
Such woman as you is kind of rarity,
Those who harm will be harmed, no one can
2360. The likes of heart and gut are few in escape.
history.
First of all are the crooks Dame Bac and Bac
Hanh;
Followed by the Hawk, the Hound; and then So
Khanh,
2385. With his bosses Dame Tu and Ma the
Scholar.
These criminals are worthy of punishment.”
Order was given down to the torturers,
That penalties be meted out properly.
Blood then gushed down and flesh crushed up
to pieces,
2390. Everybody was horrified by the scene.
Therefore everything is disposed by heaven,
Betray and be sure someday you’ll be betrayed.
Those people with perfidious and fiendish
hearts,
Were duly reaping the result of their deeds.
2395. All the troops gathered around the trial
field,
Were watching the whole drama in broad
daylight.
When Kieu’s retribution affairs were finished,
Giac Duyen at once asked the permission to
quit.
Kieu said: “This is a thousand-year occasion,
2400. That old friends come together for a
union.
Tomorrow as weeds and clouds we’ll be
dispersed,
Then who knows where the wandering herons
are!”
The nun answered: “It won’t be long anyway,
We are due to meet again within five years.
2405. As on my pilgrim at a remote area,
I met Tam Hop, a bonzess and prophetess.
She predicted that for our reunions,
We would meet this year and five years
afterwards.
Now her forecast proves itself without errors,
2410. I believe it will be so in the future.
Countless attachments still bind us together,
Our chance for union still exists, why worry?”
She said: “Prophecy and predestination,
What the bonzess foretold is due to happen.
2415. If again you will have a chance to meet
her,
Please ask her a few words about my future.”
Giac Duyen heartily complied with her request,
Then said goodbye and immediately left.
Now that all the rights and wrongs duly
resolved,
2420. And the tide of woes somewhat calmed
down in heart,
She kowtowed in gratitude before Lord Tu:
“This day my wretched life has never dreamt of!
Thank to the help of your thunderous power,
My heart got rid of what a heavy burden!
2425. I will carve in my flesh and bone your
favors,
That all my poor life could hardly compensate.”
Tu said: “So far could any of our great men
In but a day make out their intimate friend?
And will those heroes worthy of their titles
2430. Ever meet a wrong deed without Now in the king’s court there was a governor,
punishment?
Ho Ton Hien, a statesman of worth and valor.
In addition, your affairs are also mine,
He was, by a special decree of the king,
Instead you need not show too much gratitude.
The general-in-charge to quell the rebel.
Pity that you still have your old-aged parents,
2455. Being aware that Lord Tu was a hero,
And so far you’ve been parted each from other.
And that she also took part in his affairs,
2435. Wish I could bring all of you under one
He kept his troops still as an offer for peace,
roof,
And sent envoys to bribe them to surrender.
So that you’ll see your kin and I’m satisfied.”
He also had particular gifts for her,
Then he ordered banquets among his army,
2460. Two court-girls and thousand pounds of
A meeting of troops for Kieu’s woe-cleansing
jewelry.
rite.
When news of this offer reached his
EPISODE XXII
headquarter,
KING OF A SOVEREIGN STATE
Lord Tu in his mind doubted it entirely:
BODY IN A SHALLOW GRAVE
“With my own hands I’ve built this territory,
Then by momentum of bamboo-splitting drive,
Where I can roam at will in sea and river.
2440. His army garnered resounding victories.
2465. Now if I give up and go to the king’s court,
He established his court in his own corner,
How’ll be my fate as a surrendered subject?
A full-fledged reign absorbing half the nation.
I’ll be tied by the mandarin dress and codes,
Many times, like sweeping wind and pouring
Why must I live in shame with that count’s title?
rain,
While I’m having as my own this dominion,
He army broke down five districts in the south.
2470. And nobody could change this power’s
2445. A fighter whetting his sword in dust and
balance.
wind,
I’ll scrape heaven and stir ocean at free will,
Looking down upon worthless and banal folks,
Having none above my head as superior!”
He swaggered in a region by the frontier,
She, by her honest heart, was apt to believe
Among other self-claimed princes and
suzerains. In melodious words and bountiful gifts.
No one dared come before his flag to challenge, 2475. Deeming herself a floating weed on
water,
2450. For five years he ruled at will on his shore
land. Leading an exiled life of countless hardships,
Now if he gave in to court as a vassal, 2500. Tu changed from attacking to
surrendering.
How broad their road would be under the blue
sky! With rites he hurriedly received the envoy,

Once public and private goals having been met, And promised to disarm as well to disband.

2480. She would manage to return to her Trusting in the oath of a peace settlement,
homeland.
They left their flags forlorn and their watch
Dignified in the name of a statesman’s wife slackened.

She’d be admired and her parents glorified. 2505. All Tu’s neglected military actions,

First for her country, next for her family, Were observed and reported by the court’s
spies.
She’d fulfill both gratitude and loyalty.
Lord Ho decided to make use of the chance,
2485. That would be better than this mid-
stream skiff’s life, Hiding his troops behind gifts for a brusque
strike.
In panic of whipping surfs and thrashing waves.
The parade was flied with the appeasement
Then in an occasion of their discussion,
flag,
She tried to weigh the pros and the cons with
2510. Followed by ambushed and camouflaged
him.
big guns.
Saying: “The king’s benevolence is profuse,
Lord Tu was too listless for a smallest doubt,
2490. It showers large and instills deep
Wearing ritual costume he stood at the gate.
everywhere.
From the field Lord Ho gave a secret signal,
His favors and merits so far in the land,
Flags hoisted and gun fired from every corner.
Have been so dearly cherished by the people.
2515. Careless Tu was caught in a total surprise,
Think and you’ll see the consequence of
warfare, Once trapped even a sacred tiger was helpless!

Piles of unknown bone have amassed at head He fought until death amidst the battlefield,
height.
Proving his dauntlessness as a general!
2495. Why leave a bad name to the posterity,
Still when his soul left his body for heaven,
Thousand of years later no one praise Huang
2520. Encircled he always stood there defiant!
Ch’ao[46]!
Rigidly as stone and solidly as bronze,
Instead, you’ll have a high post with good profit,
Unshaken and unmoved against everyone.
Is that the surest way that leads to glory?”
The king’s troops rushed forwards on their
Enticed by his woman’s persuasive words,
chase and kill,
Deathly air soared high and wild to the heaven.
2525. In and out, ramparts and bunkers lay
broken,
When some rebels escorted her to the place.
Where she saw in the midst of arrows and
stones,
Her husband still stand entrenched under the
sky.
“Your brain and strength are superior.” She
cried,
2530. But by hearing my advice you’ve met this
end,
A traitor-wife how could I see you again?
I’d rather risk my life with you this same day!”
All her sorrows poured forth in torrents of tears.
Her words done, she plunged herself head first
by him.
2535. What a marvel of their interrelation!
No sooner had she collapsed than he fell down.
All troops who came and went saw and pitied
her,
They resuscitated and brought her away.
When they carried her into the headquarter,
2540. Lord Ho recognized her and spoke
tenderly,
Saying: “What a pitiful woman you are,
Caught in the war beset with adversities!
Though victory was due to the Court’s strategy,
Your word also had its share in the result.
2545. Now everything we planned has been
accomplished,
What favor do you want to be awarded?”
Choked amid the streaming flow of her pearl-
tears,
She hesitantly uttered her heart’s feelings.
Saying: “Tu himself was indeed a hero,
2550. Roving unchallenged under sky over sea!
By overconfidence he listened to me,
He gave up his fight to be the king’s subject.
Hoping that we’d live in wealth and happiness,
Not any doubt of a sudden tragic death!
2555. Five years of defying struggle in the
world,
Ended up in an empty death on the field.
Now you regard my words to him as merits,
The more merits you count the more pains I
bear,
Considering myself more faults than merits,
2560. I resolved to die than live a worthless life!
Please, high lord, give him a mean patch of
terrain,
And make for my man a humble resting place.”
Touched by the words of the pitiful woman,
Lord Ho had Tu buried by the riverside.
EPISODE XXIII
KARMA DEBTS PAID OFF IN CH’IEN RIVER
MORTAL HEART PURIFIED IN GRASS TEMPLE
2565. A feast was held for victory celebration,
Flutes fused with strings, soldiers mixed with
officers.
She was forced to wait on them by the curtain,
And when drunk they required her to play the
lute.
What a tune of moaning rain and sobbing wind!
2570. Her fingertips trickled blood on the four
strings.
Sounds sweeter than gibbons’ or cicadas’
chants,
Stole into Ho’s ears and made his eyes shed
tears.
“Where in the world is this music from?” Asked
he.
“That seems to hide myriads of agonies”
2575. She softly said: “This Tune of Doom
Destiny,
Was composed for the lute when I was a girl.
A favorite of mine during my youthful days,
It agrees with the cruel fate I’m in now!”
The more he watched and listened, the more
he’s charmed,
2580. Strangely his iron-heart was softened by
love.
He kindly said: “For the sake of your marriage,
That I help join the phoenix string of your lute.”
She nicely answered: “I’m an outcast woman,
Who’s responsible for her man’s unjust death.
2585. Nothing is left of me, a withered flower,
The lute’s strings are broken and so is my heart.
Your benevolence has spared this tattered life,
That’ll be lucky to return home ere it dies!”
After a night of revel and drunkenness,
2590. Lord Ho waked up and recalled of what’d
happened.
Thinking himself a nation’s high official,
Object of critics from above and under,
Not at all a kind of wind-and-moon player,
He tried to seek an option for the matter.
2595. Therefore, at the first hour of his working
day,
Lord Ho resolutely came to a solution,
Nobody dared contradict his decision:
To force Kieu to wed a local officer.
How mischievous you were, oh God of Nuptials!
2600. Matching the unmatched at random with
your silk.
The wedding sedan chair took her to a boat,
Where the drapes were lowered and the lamps
lightened.
Kieu was at the peak of sadness and sorrows
About her fate of utter catastrophe:
2605. “Harsh storms of waves and sands had
tossed my body,
Robbing me from parents and ruining my bright
life,
Driving me adrift to edges of the sky,
Nowhere could I find a grave to rest my bones.
That wonderful love, who severed its silk
thread?
2610. This horrible debt, who yoked it on my
neck?
Why could my poor life come to this tragic end?
And how my remaining days are meaningless!
If life has no more pleasure and happiness,
I would not care at all about life or death!
2615.All alone I’ve borne all kinds of bitterss,
Thus it’d be all right if my life is finished!”
The moon’d gone down touching the western
hilltop,
Alone she was up and down in her deadlock.
Suddenly she heard somewhere the tides
thunder,
2620. Asked and was told it was the Ch’ien tang
River.
She recalled clearly what’d been told in the
dream,
That here would end her doom-fated existence!
“Dam Tien, my bosom friend, are you listening?
Be under there to welcome me as promised.”
2625. On a piece of paper laid under the lamp,
She wrote her last poem as a farewell letter.
Then she hastily opened the boat’s curtain,
Outside the high sky merged with the large
river.
She said to herself: “Lord Tu treated me well,
2630. Because of the nation’s sake I betrayed
him!
To kill your man and to get married again,
How’d such a woman have the guts to live on!
I have no other alternative but death,
Entrusting my heart to heaven and river!”
2635. She cast a last glance at the immense
water,
Then threw herself amid the flowing currents.
The local officer jumped down to save her,
But her body had submerged and disappeared.
How pitiful for a human destiny,
2640. That was ruined because of talent and
beauty!
A gauntlet of woes and exiles was her life,
That would have nothing left at the finish line.
Her fifteen years with sundry times of mishaps,
Set a good example for women to reflect.
2645. She was at the nadir of human suffering,
But in nature machine, bliss will follow grief.
And for those piteous loyal folks of all times,
Heaven’d make suffer before bestow favors!
Bonzess Giac Duyen, after taking leave of Kieu,
2650. Was with gourd and bag on her long
pilgrimage.
On her way she met holy woman Tam Hop,
And asked her about Kieu’s future happenings.
“What a girl complete with piety and goodness!
Why a fate replete with woes, griefs, and
distress?”
2655. The sagess said: “Weal or woe, the
heaven’s way,
But also originates from human heart.
Heaven decides but we also have our shares,
Denial is happiness, love is anguish.
Thuy Kieu, a girl of beauty and cleverness,
2660. And doom fate always befalls the rosy-
cheek.
She furthermore was still occupied with loves,
To which she stubbornly bound herself so close.
So in times of rest, at places of leisure,
She could not have the serenity to stay.
2665. Goaded by demons and guided by
phantoms,
She always took the paths of dire miseries. 2690. Lightening past debt, rewarding future
bliss.
Catastrophes succeeded catastrophes,
Giac Duyen, if you still remember your poor
Two times as prostitute, twice as maidservant,
friend,
In the middle of swung spears and naked
Take a raft down Ch’ien tang River to save her.
swords,
Keep your word and fulfill it the best you can,
2670. She was found serving as slave among the
beasts. It’s favor and blessing for you from heaven!”

On the turbulent currents of tough water, 2695. Her heart filled with delights by this
pleasant news,
She threw herself as a prey before sharks’
mouths. Giac Duyen went for a shelter by the Ch’ien
tang.
Wherever loves go, woes are due to follow,
She made a grass-house with a thatch-braided
And she was the sole one to taste and to know.
roof,
2675. A life in exile and death in banishment,
A shed on green water below yellow clouds.
She’d be damned till the end of her existence!”
She hired for year two fishermen as helpers,
Horror-struck by what she’d just heard, Giac
2700. Who built boats, unfurled nets, and
Duyen cried:
watched the currents.
“Alas, what will be left of her wretched life!”
With her heart of sacrifice and devotion,
The Buddhist master went on: “But not at all,
Soon their meeting would be arranged by
2680. Karmas and merits each other heaven.
neutralized.
Since Kieu threw herself into the deep water,
Judged on the wrongdoings she had committed,
She was carried almost near their location.
She was trapped in love but not indulged in lust.
2705. The fishermen pulled up the net and got
She returned deep feeling with deep devotion, her,

She sold herself and this piety touched heaven! What a prediction Bonzess Tam Hop had made!

2685. She harmed one man to save million When brought onto the boat in drenched silken
others, robe,

Telling good way from bad and right word from Her face, soaked with water, still kept its
wrong. freshness.

Such merit, whose deed in the world could Giac Duyen at first sight identified her friend,
equal?
2710. Who was still deeply immersed in her
Her previous sins thus are thoroughly cleansed! long sleep.

Heaven too is indulgent to good people,

Her soul was floating through a realm of Together they both lived under that thatched
dreams, roof,

Where she saw appear her olden-day Dam Tien. Enjoying fresh wind clear moon and salted food.

Who said: “I’ve been here ten years waiting for 2735. All around was the immense span of river,
you,
Where the tide waxed and waned surrounded
But now it turns out to be a waste of time. by clouds.

2715. Whilst your fate is poor your virtue very EPISODE XXIV
rich,
SURPRISE BEFORE DESOLATED OLD SCENE
Your heart, though sinful it was, is now
PITY FOR THE DRIFTING BETROTHED GIRL
matchless!
All her erstwhile misfortunes were cleared up
Its unselfish devotion has reached heaven,
now,
A daughter of piety and humanity,
But her whereabouts, how could her youth’s
A woman for the people and the country, love know?

2720. On the justice scales your worth Whilst she withstood those countless
outweighs your sin. adversities,

Hence your name from the Book of Doom is 2740. Her love, Kim Trong, endured as tough
withdrawn, tragedies.

And I have to return the Doom Poems of yours. Since he made the thousand-mile funeral trip,

As for your future, you’ll live in enjoyment, From Liao yang he came home half a year later.

Your past love restored and your happiness He quickly went to her house for a visit,
filled!”
But all before his eyes was a different scene.
2725. While she understood nothing,
2745. A wild reed-and-weed covered patch of
flabbergasted still,
garden,
She heard someone whisper by her ear: “Pure
Windows open-mouthed and walls weather-
Spring!”
beaten.
Startled out of her long and dreamy slumber,
Not a lone soul was seen in the surroundings,
She had no slightest notion of the caller.
But the last year’s peach blossoms smiled with
In the boat she saw not a trace of Dam Tien, the wind.

2730. But instead Bonzess Giac Duyen sitting Languid sparrows were circling the empty
beside. house,

They were overjoyed to be reunified, 2750. Grass filled the land and moss concealed
the shoes’ marks.
After tidying the boat, they brought her home.
Thorns and spikes jostled at the end of the wall,
Hiding the pathways two of them walked last
year.
A somber stillness overwhelmed everything,
With whom could he now express his heart
feelings?
2755. Some neighbor knew him and came for a
greeting,
Kim posed discreet questions about his
concerns.
Of old Vuong, he’d been caught in a law
problem,
Of Kieu, she’d sold herself for her dad’s ransom.
Of the house, it’d moved to a far location.
2760. Of younger brother and sister, Vuong and
Van,
Both’d been fallen into hardship and decline,
Living from hand to mouth in labor of hire.
These news, like a thunder from across the sky,
Struck him out of the blue and left him half
dead!
2765. He tried to find out the family’s address,
And groped his way right to their habitation.
A tattered mud-walled and thatch-roofed
residence,
With worn-out reed blinds and ragged sparse
bamboo screens.
Before the house, a rain-soaked earthen grass
yard,
2770. Where Kim stood all bewildered and
dejected!
He ventured to raise his voice outside the wall,
Young Vuong heard and hastily ran out to him,
And holding his hand, led him into the house,
From the rear old Vuong couple at once got out.
2775. Weeping and moaning, they bewailed
their mishaps:
“Young man, have you ever known our
wretchedness?
Our daughter Kieu, whose fate was as frail as
mist,
Has betrayed her betrothal oath made with
you!
In our terrible domestic disaster,
2780. She had sold herself to ransom her father.
Leaving home with a heart of pains and
sorrows,
In her endless grief, time and again, she told
That because of her solemn pledge with your
love,
She wanted her sister Van to take her place.
2785. So as to return somewhat of your
kindness,
That thousand lives later she’ll never forget!
Having betrayed your genuine love this life,
She promised to compensate it in the next.
These firm and clear words she said time and
again,
2790. Till they were engraved in our hearts
when she left.
What an ill fate of yours, my wretched
daughter!
Your Kim is right here but where are you
adrift?”
The more they talked the deeper they fell in
grief,
The more he heard the bigger grew his distress.
2795. He shook himself strongly moaning and 2815. Though not married, we’re almost wife
crying, and husband,

His eyes soaked with tears and his soul lost in How could I have the heart to sever this bond?
maze!
No matter how much time and money it costs,
Anguish and faintness took him at intervals,
So long as I live, I’m resolved to find her!”
Waking from a swoon, he’d cry till another.
Unable to describe all his love in words,
Old Vuong, seeing him in acute suffering,
2820. He finally sobbed his good-bye and
2800. Restrained himself and tried to soothe retired.
the young man:
He swiftly tidied up his house and garden,
“Now it’s too late as wood’s been made into
Then invited the couple to come and stay.
boat,
He provided them with good cares night and
Her cruel fate kept her from her faithful love!
day,
Though you have utmost regret for my
And served them as well as Kieu had done
daughter,
before.
Still should you not forget your own precious
2825. He copied poems with ink made from his
life?”
tears,
2805. The couple showered Kim with countless
And sent searchers or agents for her tidings.
comforts,
A lot of money and labor had been spent,
That instead but kindled his fire of sorrows.
He twice himself braved the long trip to Lin-
They showed him his jewels of commitment
ch’ing,
oath,
Searching for her where she was not to be
And the lute and incense of their olden days.
found,
The more he looked at them, the more he
2830. The sky was too large to know her
missed her,
whereabouts.
2810. And with himself was more angry than
Sinh became more and more eager and
ever.
depressed,
Saying: “it’s because of me who’d been away,
As if his heart was burnt and his liver torn.
That she became an aimless drifting flower.
Lovesick gradually withered his spirit,
Together we’ve exchanged much pledge and
Exposure emaciated his body.
promise,
2835. Intermittently awake and unconscious,
And those gold-and-stone words are not for
nothing! His tears mixed with blood and his soul lost in
dreams.
The old Vuongs worried so much about his
health,
Fearing of unexpected dire happening!
In a hurry they prepared for the wedding,
Ignoring how many times fall followed spring.
Then at the letter exam held by the king,
2860. Both Vuong and Kim got the doctorate
degree.

2840. To tie the nuptial knot between Van and
him.
Graciousness harmonized with literature,
A girl of beauty and a man of letter.
Even in the new happiness however,
So the gate was open for them to glory,
Honor in capital and fame in homeland.
Reminiscent of his family’s hard times,
Young Vuong went to Old Chung’s to show
gratitude.

The nuptial joy could not override his gloom! 2865. And to award him for his erstwhile
kindness,
2845. During the time of their conjugal living,
Vuong also knotted wedlock with Chung’s
The warmer the new love, the deeper the old.
daughter.
He kept on missing the girl of his first love,
As for Kim since becoming a courtier,
Tears flowed in excess and heart ached without
His thought and love for her grew even
end.
stronger.
At times when he was alone in his chamber,
With whom had he promised his jade-and-gold
2850. He burned the incense and played the pledge?
lute of yore.
2870. With whom was he now sharing his win
The woeful sounds of music moaned and and wealth?
deplored,
A weed carried away by the waves she was,
A wind blew the fragrant smoke and stirred the
He thought of his glory and missed his lost girl.
blind.
Then he was assigned to the post of Lin-tzu,
As if in the room or by the verandah,
A far-off province with his full family.
Her voice was echoing and her shade flitting.
2875. During the leisure time in his new office,
2855. Having had deeply carved her image in
heart, He used to entertain with songs and music.

He was apt to see her when he thought of her. Then while sleeping in her rose-curtained
chamber,
EPISODE XXV
Van suddenly saw in a dream her sister.
DREAM DECIPHERED IN SEARCH FOR THE GIRL
When awake she told her husband the story,
ALTAR ESTABLISHED FOR SOUL INVOCATION
2880. Who was snatched by misgiving and
Thus he immersed himself in grief night and
certainty.
day,
He contrasted the names Lin-ch’ing with Lin-tzu,
One word’s difference could be the cause of
error.
The like souls of two sisters sought each other,
And perhaps there would be some good news
herein.
2885. He at once went to his post for a query,
Hoa Do, an old clerk, responded politely:
“The tale happened more than ten years
already,
And I knew by face and name everybody.
First of all were Dame Tu and Ma the Scholar,
2890. Two of them brought home a girl bought
in Peking.
Thuy Kieu, a girl of matchless beauty and skill,
Of excellent music and poetry as well.
Being very adamant in chastity,
She risked her life but then was duped into
shame.
2895. After miseries and humiliations,
Silk of marriage weaved her to a man named
Thuc.
But his wife was utterly cruel and crooked,
Who had her kidnapped to Wu-hsi for torture.
Fearful for her life, she had to run away,
2900. Unluckily she fell into Dame Bac’s house.
They bought and traded her as a merchandise,
And once again her life floated like a cloud!
Then one day she ran into a gentleman
Of unequal power and authority.
2905. His troops, consisted of ten thousand
strong men,
Arrived and stationed packed in Lin-tzu city.
Kieu looked into the rights and wrongs she’d
endured
Had them awarded or redressed properly.
A woman of righteousness and piety,
2910. She received esteem and respect near
and far.
Yet I do not know the name of her hero,
About this, please sir, ask Thuc Sinh and you’ll
know.”
On the distinct declaration of the clerk,
Invitation card was issued to Thuc Sinh.
2915. And questions were poured upon him
about her,
About the hero her husband and his name.
Thuc Sinh said: “That was a tumultuous time,
I asked the soldiers and knew every detail.
The great lord’s name is Hai and his surname
Tu,
2920. An extreme fighter who can defeat
thousand.
It’s no wonder that when they met in T’ai-ch’u,
The hero and the beauty fell in love.
He maintained his heroic fighting for years,
Making earth-shaking and sky-trembling
exploits.
2925. His main army was positioned in the east,
But how he was faring then I do not know.”
Kim listened carefully to all the details,
And felt in his heart a tremendous sorrow:
“What a pity for her, a leaf in the wind!
2930. When would she shake off all the dust of
her fate?
A flower driven away by the current,
Tossed by misfortunes and ached with
partitions!
Though our erstwhile oaths have been wholly
broken,
Still the fragrance and the lute are here to stay.
2935. And while the lute with its strings looks
soulless now,
Will our love incense be burnt again this life?
How could I, so long as she’s still in exile,
Contentedly enjoy this wealth and glory?
I wish I could soon resign from my office,
2940.To go in search of her up hill and down
vale,
Risking myself even in the flames of war,
Defying life and death for our reunion.
But thinking of the high sky and the vast land,
I don’t know where to find her, a traceless
bird.”
2945. So he delayed his plan waiting for her
news,
While shines followed rains as years elapsed in
time.
Then suddenly came from the Court an edict,
A clear-cut order written down by the king,
Transferring him to the office of Nan-king,
2950. And Vuong also to the office of Fu-yang.
Hurriedly they prepared for their departure,
And took the same road in their trip to their
posts.
On the way they heard of the rebel’s failure,
Waves calmed in Fu-kien and fire quenched in
Che-kiang.
2955. Spurred by the tidings Kim then proposed
to Vuong,
That they would by the way look for their poor
girl.
It was when they arrived in Hang-chow City,
That they got the information in detail.
It said: “On that day of a fierce fighting,
2960. Lord Tu lost his prudence and was killed
afield.
Kieu was not rewarded for her services,
But was forced to wed a local officer.
She had thrown her jade body in the river,
Ch’ien-tang is now the grave of a great
woman!”
2965. Oh, separation in place of union!
The house in glory but she in unjust death.
They displayed her tablet to invoke her soul,
An altar by the river to clear her woes.
The tides, like endless tiny silver mountains,
2970. Seemed to remind people of her falling
wing.
They wondered, in the sad sea, with their deep
love,
Where her sea bird’s incarnated soul[47] had
flown?
EPISODE XXVI
JOY OF FAMILY REUNION
SELF-PITY FOR MISFORTUNES Looking for her was almost impossible.

Then an abnormal coincidence did happen, They were so sure she had committed suicide,

From nowhere Nun Giac Duyen was due to
arrive.
2975. Of the name on the tablet at her first
sight,
All aghast she asked: “Who are you, gentlemen?
What is your relationship with this woman?
Why do you mourn a person who’s still alive?”
Almost dumbfounded and staggered at the
news,
2980. They gathered round the nun, telling and
asking:
“We are her father, her mother, her husband,
And only wished to meet her in the next life!
Thinking that they and she lived in diverse
worlds,
3000. They never expected to see her on earth!
Together gratefully to Giac Duyen they bowed,
And without delay in her walk they followed.
While struggling through the grass and reed in
their march,
They could not help doubting what they had
just heard.
3005. Taking the crooked path along the river’s
curve,

Her younger brother and her sister in law. Through the reeds they arrived at the temple’s
yard.
We got this bad news of her quite a long time,
Giac Duyen raised the voice to call her destined
Now what you say, Reverend, is a wonder!”
friend,
2985. The nun said: “Karma[48] destined me to
From inside the room Kieu hastened to get out.
meet her,
There she looked and saw all of her family:
First we met at Lin-tzu, second at Ch’ien-t’ang.
3010. Her mother and father, gorgeous and
When she drowned her pearl body in the river,
healthy,
I was there to meet her and escort her home.
Her younger sister and brother in good shape,
We’re now in shelter of a Buddhist temple,
And young Kim, the lover of her olden days.
2990. That shrine of grass is not far away from
Asking herself if she was in present time,
here.
And what her open eyes saw was but a dream!
Though at Buddha’s shade and in those days of
peace, 3015. Tears fell in drops like rain soaking their
garments,
She is constantly immersed in homesickness.”
While joy and pity mixed with their affections!
Everyone were overjoyed hearing the news,
Plummeting herself at her old mother’s knees,
What other joy can be greater than this one?
Kieu sobbed out from head to tail her miseries:
2995. Kieu was like a leaf snatched off from the
jungle, “Ever since I was stray to the alien land,
3020. A weed hurled and tossed by waves for
fifteen years!
I thought I’d been drown for good in the river,
And have no hope of seeing you in this life!”
Her parents held her hands and looked at her
face,
Their daughter looked the same as the day she
left.
3025. After years of adversity exposure,
She’d lost somewhat of her freshness and vigor.
No scale could weigh the joy of their reunion,
Greeting words and touching tales were
abundant!
Sister and brother lavished her with questions,
3030. While Kim changing from gloom to bliss
was watching.
Altogether they kowtowed before Buddha,
Thanking the Great Compassion for her rebirth.
When the palanquin urged them for home
return,
Old Vuong ordered that Kieu be escorted too.
3035. She said: “I’m but a kind of fallen flower,
Half my life was spent tasting all bitterness.
I thought myself banished with cloud and water,
Without any hope of such a union day.
Now I’m reborn and found myself among you,
3040. And all the thirst of my heart is satisfied!
As I’ve retreated to this secluded shrine,
Living among grass and trees befits my age.
The zen taste of salted pickles suits my tongue,
The zen hue of brown clothes suits my nature.
3045. My heart’s been extinct of all worldly
affairs,
Why should I shove back in this realm of dust?
It is not good to leave a job unfinished,
To nunhood I’m dedicated till my death.
Her life-saving deed is as large as the sky,
3050. How could I have the heart to cut off and
depart?”
Old Vuong said: “Each time has its own
condition,
To be nun was right when circumstance obliged.
But now if you’re to follow God or Buddha,
Who’ll do the duty of daughter and lover?
3055. You owe your life to the Buddhist virtuous
nun,
We’ll build a shrine and have her come live with
us.”
She complied with her father’s word and gave
in,
They said goodbye to the Buddhist nun then
left.
EPISODE XXVII
FLOWER ASHAMED OF ITS FADED BEAUTY
MOON ADMIRED FOR ITS SHINING LIGHT
Once the family came home to Kim’s yamen,
3060. They held a feast to rejoice their reunion.
When tipsy after a couple of wine cups,
Van rose from her seat and expressed her
thinking.
She said: “In the heaven-prearranged meeting,
Two people joined and exchanged a
commitment.
3065. By the recent domestic catastrophe, Despite the orbs transform and the stars vanish,

You’ve attached my sister’s hymen thread to Even in life or death we’ll keep our promise!
me.
My heart did nothing unfaithful to your love,
I’ve done my duty as it was predestined,
3090. Why do you intend to split our unity?”
And as bleeding would soften the intestines;
She said: “A marital life of harmony,
We’ve lived from day to day in expectation,
And true love is everybody’s wishful dream.
3070. Those fifteen years were teeming with
I think, however, in the conjugal link,
affections!
A bride should still keep her intact purity.
Now the broken glass is completely restored,
3095. Thousand of gold is worth the virginity,
And Heaven’s reserved the prize for the chosen.
That she’ll proudly offer him on nuptial night.
The sworn-love still lives and the lovers are
here, But since the time when mishaps happened to
me,
The silver-moon still shines and the oath is
there. Flitting bees and butterflies have soiled and
spoiled;
3075. The fruit is mature enough for the
market, Violent winds and tough rains have wrought
dire havoc,
Let’s prepare for the wedding of our dearest.”
3100. Making the moon to wane, the flower to
As soon as Van finished speaking, Kieu turned
fade.
down:
My chastity was then already bereaved,
“Such a story of yore why still mention now!
My life is thus finished, what do I still wish for?
Though there was between us wedding
commitment, Am I too unashamed to feel mortified
3080. I think myself heavily weather-beaten. That I dare meddle in your life as a wife?
I’m ashamed to tell the whole story of mine, 3105. Although I know that you still dearly love
me,
Just want to let it flow with the ebbing tide!”
How could I face you without shame as your
Kim said: “How weird what you’ve just told
bride!
really sounds!
From now on I will close my maiden chamber,
But that’s your feeling, how about your past
oath? Though not a nun, I’ll live a religious life!
3085. The committed word we have solemnly If you still have any thought of our past love,
pledged,
3110. Let us turn ourselves from lovers into
Before thick Earth and high Heaven as witness! friends.
Please don’t mention anything about marriage,
That will fill my life with sadness and disgrace!”
He said: “your words are well articulated,
But there are always two faces in the truth!
3115. From times of yore, in the womanhood’s
ethics,
Virginity has many ways to follow.
Sometimes it’s normal, sometimes it’s flexible,
And certainly not always one way to go.
Your chastity was paid off for your piety,
3120. What dirt could sully your dignified body?
Heaven protects and saves you until today,
Dispelling the fog and scattering the clouds.
The withered flower is becoming fresher,
The waned moon ten times than the full moon
brighter.
3125. There’s no more anything for you to
suspect,
And to be lukewarm to me, your poor lover!”
Before this all-out reasoning of her man,
Who was also supported by her parents,
Kieu felt it impossible not to comply,
3130. She lowered her head and secretively
sighed.
EPISODE XXVIII
KEEPING WHAT REMAINS OF PURITY
RESPECTING HEART OF CHASTITY
Then the household held a banquet of union,
Flowers flushed at candles, pinks glowed on
curtain
The married couple bowed as husband and
wife,
And completed all the wedding protocols.
3135. Cup after cup they enjoyed their nuptial
night,
Dazed by their new bond and grieved for their
past love.
As lotus sprout and peach bud when they first
met,
Until this present time fifteen years had passed!
Tales of their meeting, parting, and gathering,
3140. Mixed their joy with angst till the old
moon got high.
By the brocade drape and in the dead of night,
Her rosy cheeks glowed under the nuptial light.
Now they encountered as lover met lover,
As old-timed flower and bee came together.
3145. She said: “Such has been my unfortunate
fate,
A worthless being with a wasted body!
Because of your faithfulness and loyalty,
I gave in to your wish and became your wife.
But in my heart I was utterly ashamed,
3150. Feeling improperly brazen and barefaced!
As for the outward expressions of your love,
I would yield as a show of my affection.
But if you imitate the ways of others,
Picking dull perfumes and plucking pale flowers;
3155. And forcing me into dirty sexual games,
That won’t be love anymore but purely hate!
If you return my love with bad intention,
You will betray me ten times more than usual!
If you care about home and heredity,
3160. There’s still my younger sister in place of
me.
This is all that remains of my purity,
Hold it tight instead of crushing asunder!
There’re plenty of amorous delights ahead,
Why waste your time fondling this faded
flower?”
3165. He said: “We’d taken oath to be together,
Then out of the blue we lost one another.
How I pity you, who’ve been exiled so far,
And suffered so much for breaking your sworn
pledge!
We loved one another, risking our lives for it,
3170. We reunite now and our love stays intact.
As spring willow you always look young and
fresh,
And I’ve thought you still have the desire of
flesh.
But in fact you’re pure like immaculate glass,
And your firm words filled me with much more
respect!
3175. I have been scouring the world for you
thus far,
Urged by faithful love not by frivolous lust!
Fortunately together under one roof,
Sex won’t be needed in our marital life!”
On his word she tidied her dress and hairpin,
3180. And bowing her head she prayed to High
Heaven:
“My ruined life now being cleansed of dirt and
filth,
It’s thanks to the good heart of my honest man.
His words of confidence are so intimate
Such understanding is truly empathic!
3185. His protection and care are more than
enough,
And help my life regain its honor tonight!”
EPISODE XXIX
OLD LOVE IN NEW TUNE
HAPPINESS IN THE END
Her prayer finished, they held one another’s
hands,
Deeper in love by affection and virtue.
They lighted more candles, added more
incense,
3190. And together drank their cups of
enjoyment.
Among the teeming memories of their love,
He leisurely asked her about her lute skill.
She said: “Because of these music’s strings of
silk,
I’ve made a lot of missteps until present.
3195. Repentance cannot undo what has
happened!
In respect to your wish I obey this time.”
Her elf finger was then gliding on the fret,
The lute’s sound spread vaguely in the incense
smoke.
Some tune, warm and harmonious as
springtime,
3200. Was it the butterfly or Chuang[49] in his
dream?
Some tune, sweet and melodious as spring love,
Was it King of Shu[50]’s soul or a cuckoo’s
moans?
Clear as gems dropping into a moon-lit bay!
Warm as pearls just crystallized of Lan-t’ien[51]
Mount!
3205. He listened thoughtfully to the five tones’
sounds,
None of which wasn’t stirring and exciting.
At last he said: “The same hands and the same
tunes,
Why were they so sad then and are so glad
now?
Blue or gay, is it up to our heart’s feeling,
3210. Or since hardship ends and happiness
begins?”
She answered: “This trivial talent of mine,
And its woeful sounds wrought havoc on my
life!
This is the last time I play the lute for you,
Then it will be unstrung and hung up for good.”
3215. They had not emptied their innermost
feelings,
When the cocks crowed announcing the crack
of dawn.
Honestly he told people their secrecy,
The entire family was amazed and praised
That she was a virtuous high-willed woman,
3220. Who distinguished herself from frivolous
ones.
Their love and friendship went together
smoothly,
Sharing not the same bed but the same
hobbies.
The love couple either sipped wine or played
chess,
Watched the flower bloom or enjoyed the
moon rise.
3225. All the wishes of their lives were satisfied,
And their married love was also their friendship.
Keeping their promise they had a temple built,
Then sent their man to invite Bonzess Giac
Duyen.
At the shrine, he found the gate securely
barred,
3230. Trail covered with moss and roof hidden
in grass.
The nun was away on her herb-picking trip,
Untraceable like flying cloud and heron.
In honor to the devotion of the nun,
Incense lamps were lit day and night in the
shrine.
3235. A family of both wealth and happiness,
Of constant higher promotion in glory.
While Van and other wives gave him progeny,
Kieu was the main factor of the unity.
Their opulence and honor second to none,
3240. They made a fame that was eternally
known.
XXX. EPILOGUE
NEVER RELY ON TALENT
IMPROVE TOWARDS GOODNESS
Hence everything is predestined by Heaven,

Who creates man and allots him to a fate.

If yours a drifting fate, be resigned to it,

If yours a noble fate, be complied with it.

3245. Heaven’s never in favor of anyone,

Who is bestowed with both talent and fortune.

Those with talent, don’t ever brag your talent,

Because talent rhymes its end with accident.

Since all of us are burdened with a karma,

3250. Let us not blame heaven for our destiny.

The nature of goodness derives from our heart,

Therefore the heart is worthwhile thrice the

talent.

Above are rustic words from my experience,

I hope they could entertain you at night times.

NOTES
[1] “Chia-Ching”: Reign title of Emperor
Shih-tsung (R.1522-1566) of China’s Ming
dynasty.
[2] “Two capitals”: Ming dynasty had two
capitals: Peking and Nanking.
[3] “Bright day”: Spring festival in China
whereon people tidy up the graves, clear
up the graveyards, and make offerings to
the dead.
[4] “Sham gold and paper money”: for the
dead to spend in the underworld.
[5] “Nine Springs”: The Nether World.
[6] “Bronze-sparrow Tower”: Castle
mentioned in the Chinese novel ‘The Three
Kingdoms,” in which Chancellor T’sao
T’sao of State Wei intended to house two
beautiful women gof State Wu as his
concubines.
[7] “Lady Phoebe”: The moon personified
[8] “Doom Book”: Book in which names of
women with beauty and/or talent are
listed to be doomed to a life of woe.
]9] “Doom Collection”: Collection of
poems composed by members of the
Doom League.
[10] “Blue Bridge”: An idiom from Chinese
lore meaning a place where dwelt fairies
or beautiful women.
[11] “View of Thuy” Has a dual meaning:
‘View of verdure’ or “contemplation of
Thuy Kieu.”
[12] “Ho-p’u”: From the Chinese saying,
‘Pearls have come back to Ho-p’u’, which
is a town in Kwangtung province
renowned for its pearls, meaning what is
lost has been returned to its owner.
[13] “Hsiang River”: A river in China
metaphorically meaning separation,
longing, and grief.
[14] “Ladies Pan and Shieh”: Two famous
women of letters in Chinese history.
[15] “Chung Ch’i”: A Chinese famous
connoisseur who could understand the
music played by his friend Po Ya.
[16] “Han-Ch’u”: Two belligerent states in
China in 2nd century BC after the downfall
of Chin dynasty.
[17] “Tsu-ma’s Phoenix Plea” Or “Plea of
Phoenix Made to His Mate” by Tsu Ma
Hsiang Ju. His playing of this tune
captured the heart of Cho Wen-chun, who
eloped with him against her family.
[18] “Chi K’ang”: Chinese famous lutanist
in the Three Kingdom Period (2nd century
BC).
[19] “Kwang-ling”: Favorite tune of Chi
K’ang, said to be taught him by a Taoist
immortal.
[20] “Crossing the Border by Chao-chun”:
Fictionally the tune played by Chao-chun,
a lady of Han Emperor’s harem who was
offered to the Tartars in a diplomatic deal.
[21] “Chang and Ts’ui”: Chang Chun-jui
and Ts’ui Ying-ying, two lovers in the
Chinese masterpiece ‘His Hsiang Chi’
known in the West as ‘The Romance of the
Western Chamber.’
[22] “Liao-yang”: A town in what is now
Liaoning Province in northern China.
[23] “Lin-ching”: A district adjacent to
Peking. Ma had lied, in fact his hometown
is Lin-tzu. This lie causes difficulty and
trouble to Kim Trong in his search for
Thuy Kieu.
[24] “Miss Ying”: Ti-ying presented a
petition to Han emperor, offering to be his
life-time public bondservant, and saved
her father from death penalty.
[25] “Lady Li”: Li-chi, to earn money for
her poor parents, sold herself to be a
human sacrifice to a snake demon. She at
last killed the monster and was made
queen by the king of Yueh.
[26] “Lin-tzu”: A city in Shantung
Province, south of Peking.
[27] “Were they still alive or the worst had
arrived”: Literal meaning of the
Vietnamese sentence which figuratively
says, “The catalpa trunk would now fit
one’s embrace.”
[28] “Seven conduct steps” and “eight
service skills”: brothel’s techniques to
infatuate and keep customers.
[29] “Tsong“: Sung Yu, a citizen of Ch’u in
3rd century BC, renowned in Chinese
history as a womanizer.
[30] “Tchang”: Tchang Ching, courtesy
name of Tsu-ma Hsiang-su, noted for his
love affair with Cho Wen-chun (See note
17)
[31] “League of Doom”: Association of
beautiful and/or talented women destined
to be doomed to a life of woe.
[32] “Hsi District in Ch’ang County”: Wu-
hsi District of Changzhou County in
Jiangsu Province, South of Lin-tzu.
[33] “Lady Phoebe”: The moon
personified.
[34] “Black-iron face”: Image of Bao
Zheng (999-1063), a honest and upright
mandarin in China’s Sung Dynasty,
figuratively meaning a very just and
enlightened official.
[35] “Tripple punishment”: Neck cangued,
wrists and ankles cuffed while subjected
to punishment.
[36] “High T’ang”: Period in China’s T’ang
Dynasty noted for its thriving of great
poets.
[37] “Three Fairy Islands”: Taoist
mythological islands where the immortals
dwell.
[38] “Graveyard-cat or field-hen”:
Vietnamese idioms referring to vagrants of
dishonest living or dissolute behavior.
[39] “Void Gate” Or Gate of Buddhism,
deriving from its concept of Void.
[40] “Five Nays and three Vows”: Five
Nays include: no killing, no stealing, no
lechery, no lying, and no drinking alcohol.
Three Vows include: surrender to Buddha,
surrender to Dharma (teaching of
Buddhism), and surrender to Sangha
(monk and nun).
[41] “Drops of Buddhist Willow Branch”:
According to Buddhist belief, Bodhisattva
Kuan Yin used a willow branch to sprinkle
drops of water when curing human
sufferings.
[42] “T’ai-ch’u”: A coastal city in the
Zhejiang Province, south of Wu-hsi.
[43] “Yueh-tung” Or Kwangtung, a
province on the southern coast of China. [51] “Lan-t’ien”: A mountain in the region
[44] “P’ing-yuan’s Story”: P’ing-yuan, a of Shansi, renowned for its jade.
prince and general of Ch’ao in the
Warring-States Period, led a delegation to
seek military assistance from the state of
Ch’u to break the Ch’in siege of his state’s
capital. His diplomatic mission was a
success thank to the unique persuasive
skill of Mao Sui, an unknown guest he had
thought little of before.
[45] “Chin-yang will soon see the dragon
in the cloud”: Li Yuan, governor of T’ai-
yuan in Chin-yang, predicted good omen
from a sight of dragon in the cloud, made
himself king, took over China, and became
the founder of the T’ang Dynasty.
[46] “Huang Ch’ao”: A rebellion leader in
the T’ang Dynasty.
[47] “Sea Bird’s Incarnated Soul”: In
Chinese mythology, a daughter of
Emperor Yen was drowned at sea, and her
soul turned into a bird which has tried to
fill up the sea with twigs and pebbles.
[48] “Karma”: The law of cause and effect
in Buddhism.
[49] “Chuang”: Chuang-sin, a character in
a Taoist classic written by Chuang-tzu,
dreamed that he changed into a butterfly,
flying to and fro and enjoying itself. When
waking up, he wondered if he was a man
or a butterfly.
[50] “King of Shu”: Or Emperor Wang who
died of grief for losing his state. His soul
reincarnated into a cuckoo to bewail the
loss of his love and throne.