“Alas4!” he exclaimed, in an access of self-reproach, “is it possible that I have failed to greet your arriving footsteps? Hear the degrading cause of my—”
“Forbear,” interrupted the maiden5, with a magnanimous gesture of the hand that was not engaged in bestowing7 a gift of fruit. “There is a time to scatter8 flowers and a time to prepare the soil. To-morrow a further trial awaits you, for which we must conspire9.”
“I am in your large and all-embracing grasp,” replied Kai Lung. “Proceed to spread your golden counsel.”
“The implacable Ming-shu has deliberated with himself, and deeming it unlikely that you should a third time allure11 the imagination of the Mandarin12 Shan Tien by your art, he has ordered that you are again to be the first led out to judgment13. On this occasion, however, he has prepared a cloud of witnesses who will, once they are given a voice, quickly overwhelm you in a flood of calumny14.”
“Even a silver trumpet15 may not prevail above a score of brazen16 horns,” confessed the story-teller doubtfully. “Would it not be well to engage an even larger company who will outlast17 the first?”
“The effete18 Ming-shu has hired all there are,” replied Hwa-mei, with a curbing19 glance. “Nevertheless, do not despair. At a convenient hour a trusty hand will let fall a skin of wine at their assembling place. Their testimony20, should any arrive, will entail21 some conflict.”
“I bow before the practical many-sidedness of your mind, enchanting22 one,” murmured Kai Lung, in deep-felt admiration23.
“To-morrow, being the first of the Month of Gathering24-in, will be one of Shan Tien’s lucky days,” continued the maiden, her look acknowledging the fitness of the compliment, but at the same time indicating that the moment was not a suitable one to pursue the detail further. “After holding court the Mandarin will accordingly proceed to hazard his accustomed stake upon the chances of certain of the competitors in the approaching examinations. His mind will thus be alertly watchful26 for a guiding omen25. The rest should lie within your persuasive27 tongue.”
“The story of Lao Ting—” began Kai Lung.
“Enough,” replied Hwa-mei, listening to a distant sound. “Already has this one strayed beyond her appointed limit. May your virtuous28 cause prevail!”
With this auspicious29 message the maiden fled, leaving Kai Lung more than ever resolved to conduct the enterprise in a manner worthy30 of her high regard.
On the following day, at the appointed hour, Kai Lung was again led before the Mandarin Shan Tien. To the alert yet downcast gaze of the former person it seemed as if the usually inscrutable expression of that high official was not wholly stern as it moved in his direction. Ming-shu, on the contrary, disclosed all his voracious31 teeth without restraint.
“Calling himself Kai Lung,” began the detestable accuser, in a voice even more repulsive32 than its wont33, “and claiming—”
“The name has a somewhat familiar echo,” interrupted the Fountain of Justice, with a genial34 interest in what was going on, rare in one of his exalted35 rank. “Have we not seen the ill-conditioned thing before?”
“He has tasted of your unutterable clemency36 in the past,” replied Ming-shu, “this being by no means his first appearance thus. Claiming to be a story-teller—”
“What,” demanded the enlightened law-giver with leisurely37 precision, “is a story-teller, and how is he defined?”
“A story-teller, Excellence38,” replied the inscriber39 of his spoken word, with the concise41 manner of one who is not entirely42 grateful to another, “is one who tells stories. Having on—”
“The profession must be widely spread,” remarked the gracious administrator43 thoughtfully. “All those who supplicate44 in this very average court practise it to a more or less degree.”
“The prisoner,” continued the insufferable Ming-shu, so lost to true refinement45 that he did not even relax his dignity at a remark handed down as gravity-removing from times immemorial, “has already been charged and made his plea. It only remains46, therefore, to call the witnesses and to condemn47 him.”
“The usual band appears to be more retiring than their custom is,” observed Shan Tien, looking around. “Their lack of punctual respect does not enlarge our sympathy towards their cause.”
“They are all hard-striving persons of studious or commercial habits,” replied Ming-shu, “and have doubtless become immersed in their various traffics.”
“A speedy messenger has already gone, but his returning footsteps tarry,” urged Ming-shu anxiously. “In this extremity49, Excellence, I will myself—”
“High Excellence,” appealed Kai Lung, as soon as Ming-shu’s departing sandals were obscured to view, “out of the magnanimous condescension50 of your unworldly heart hear an added plea. Taught by the inoffensive example of that Lao Ting whose success in the literary competitions was brought about by a conjunction of miraculous51 omens52—”
“Arrest the stream of your acknowledged oratory53 for a single breathing-space,” commanded the Mandarin dispassionately, yet at the same time unostentatiously studying a list that lay within his sleeve. “What was the auspicious name of the one of whom you spoke40?”
“Lao Ting, exalted; to whom at various periods were subjoined those of Li, Tzu, Sun, Chu, Wang and Chin.”
“Assuredly. Your prayer for a fuller hearing will reach our lenient54 ears. In the meanwhile, in order to prove that the example upon which you base your claim is a worthy one, proceed to narrate55 so much of the story of Lao Ting as bears upon the means of his success.”
It is of Lao Ting that the saying has arisen, “He who can grasp Opportunity as she slips by does not need a lucky dream.”
So far, however, Lao Ting may be judged to have had neither opportunities nor lucky dreams. He was one of studious nature and from an early age had devoted57 himself to a veneration58 of the Classics. Yet with that absence of foresight59 on the part of the providing deities60 (for this, of course, took place during an earlier, and probably usurping61, dynasty), which then frequently resulted in the unworthy and illiterate62 prospering63, his sleeve was so empty that at times it seemed almost impossible for him to continue in his high ambition.
As the date of the examinations drew near, Lao Ting’s efforts increased, and he grudged64 every moment spent away from books. His few available cash scarcely satisfied his ever-moving brush, and his sleeve grew so light that it seemed as though it might become a balloon and carry him into the Upper Air; for, as the Wisdom has it, “A well-filled purse is a trusty earth anchor.” On food he spent even less, but the inability to procure65 light after the sun had withdrawn66 his benevolence67 from the narrow street in which he lived was an ever-present shadow across his hopes. On this extremity he patiently and with noiseless skill bored a hole through the wall into the house of a wealthy neighbour, and by this inoffensive stratagem68 he was able to distinguish the imperishable writings of the Sages69 far into the night. Soon, however, the gross hearted person in question discovered the device, owing to the symmetrical breathing of Lao Ting, and applying himself to the opening unperceived, he suddenly blew a jet of water through and afterwards nailed in a wooden skewer70. This he did because he himself was also entering for the competitions, though he did not really fear Lao Ting.
Thus denied, Lao Ting sought other means to continue his study, if for only a few minutes longer daily, and it became his custom to leave his ill-equipped room when it grew dusk and to walk into the outer ways, always with his face towards the west, so that he might prolong the benefit of the great luminary71 to the last possible moment. When the time of no-light definitely arrived he would climb up into one of the high places to await the first beam of the great sky-lantern, and also in the reasonable belief that the nearer he got to it the more powerful would be its light.
It was upon such an occasion that Lao Ting first became aware of the entrancing presence of Chun Hoa-mi, and although he plainly recognized from the outset that the graceful72 determination with which she led a water-buffalo across the landscape by means of a slender cord attached to its nose was not conducive73 to his taking a high place in the competitions, he soon found that he was unable to withdraw himself from frequenting the spot at the same hour on each succeeding day. Presently, however, he decided74 that his previous misgiving75 was inaccurate76, as her existence inspired him with an all-conquering determination to outdistance every other candidate in so marked a manner that his name would at once become famous throughout the province, to attain77 high office without delay, to lead a victorious78 army against the encroaching barbarian79 foe80 and thus to save the Empire in a moment of emergency, to acquire vast riches (in a not clearly defined manner), to become the intimate counsellor of the grateful Emperor, and finally to receive posthumous81 honours of unique distinction, the harmonious82 personality of Hoa-Mi being inextricably entwined among these achievements.
At other times, however, he became subject to a funereal83 conviction that he would fail discreditably in the examinations to an accompaniment of the ridicule84 and contempt of all who knew him, that he would never succeed in acquiring sufficient brass85 cash to ensure a meagre sustenance86 even for himself, and that he would probably end his lower existence by ignominious87 decapitation, so that his pale and hungry ghost would be unable to find its way from place to place and be compelled to remain on the same spot through all eternity88. Yet so quickly did these two widely diverging89 vistas91 alternate in Lao Ting’s mind that on many occasions he was under the influence of both presentiments92 at the same time.
It will thus be seen that Lao Ting was becoming involved in emotions of a many-sided hue93, by which his whole future would inevitably94 be affected95, when an event took place which greatly tended to restore his tranquillity96 of mind. He was, at the usual hour, lurking97 unseen on the path of Hoa-mi’s approach when the water-buffalo, with the perversity99 of its kind, suddenly withdrew itself from the amiable100 control of its attendant’s restraining hand and precipitated101 its resistless footsteps towards the long grass in which Lao Ting lay concealed102. Recognizing that a decisive moment in the maiden’s esteem103 lay before him, the latter, in spite of an incapable104 doubt as to the habits and manner of behaviour of creatures of this part, set out resolutely106 to subdue107 it.... At a later period, by clinging tenaciously108 to its tail, he undoubtedly109 impeded110 its progress, and thereby111 enabled Hoa-mi to greet him as one who had a claim upon her gratitude112.
“The person who has performed this slight service is Ting, of the outcast line of Lao,” said the student with an admiring bow in spite of a benumbing pain that involved all his lower attributes. “Having as yet achieved nothing, the world lies before him.”
“She who speaks is Hoa-mi, her father’s house being Chun,” replied the maiden agreeably. “In addition to the erratic113 but now repentant114 animal that has thus, as it were, brought us within the same narrow compass, he possesses a wooden plough, two wheel-barrows, a red bow with threescore arrows, and a rice-field, and is therefore a person of some consequence.”
“True,” agreed Lao Ting, “though perhaps the dignity is less imposing115 than might be imagined in the eye of one who, by means of successive examinations, may ultimately become the Right hand of the Emperor.”
“So far,” admitted Lao Ting, “it is more in the nature of a vision. There are, of necessity, many trials, and few can reach the ultimate end. Yet even the Yangtze-kiang has a source.”
“Of your unswerving tenacity118 this person has already been witness,” said the maiden, with a glance of refined encouragement.
“Your words are more inspiring than the example of the aged6 woman of Shang-li to the student Tsung,” declared Lao Ting gratefully. “Unless the Omens are asleep they should tend to the same auspicious end.”
“The exact instance of the moment escapes my recollection.” Probably Hoa-mi was by no means willing that one of studious mind should associate her exclusively with water-buffaloes. “Is it related in the Classics?”
“Possibly, though in which actual masterpiece just now evades my grasp. The youth referred to was on the point of abandoning a literary career, appalled119 at the magnitude of the task before him, when he encountered an aged woman who was employed in laboriously120 rubbing away the surface of an iron crowbar on a block of stone. To his inquiry121 she cheerfully replied: ‘The one who is thus engaged required a needle to complete a task. Being unable to procure one she was about to give way to an ignoble122 despair when chance put into her hands this bar, which only requires bringing down to the necessary size.’ Encouraged by this painstaking123 example Tsung returned to his books and in due course became a high official.”
“Doubtless in the time of his prosperity he retraced124 his footsteps and lavishly126 rewarded the one to whom he was thus indebted,” suggested Hoa-mi gracefully127.
“Doubtless,” admitted Lao Ting, “but the detail is not pursued to so remote an extremity in the Classic. The delicate poise128 of the analogy is what is chiefly dwelt upon, the sign for a needle harmonizing with that for official, and there being a similar balance between crowbar and books.”
“Your words are like a page written in vermilion ink,” exclaimed Hoa-mi, with a sideway-expressed admiration.
“Alas!” he declared, with conscious humility129, “my style is meagre and almost wholly threadbare. To remedy this, each day I strive to perfect myself in the correct formation of five new written signs. When equipped with a knowledge of every one there is I shall be competent to write so striking and original an essay on any subject that it will no longer be possible to exclude my name from the list of official appointments.”
“It will be a day of well-achieved triumph for the spirits of your expectant ancestors,” said Hoa-mi sympathetically.
“It will also have a beneficial effect on my own material prospects,” replied Lao Ting, with a commendable131 desire to awaken132 images of a more specific nature in the maiden’s imagination. “Where hitherto it has been difficult to support one, there will then be a lavish125 profusion133 for two. The moment the announcement is made, my impatient feet will carry me to this spot. Can it be hoped—?”
“It has long been this one’s favourite resort also,” confessed Hoa-mi, with every appearance of having adequately grasped Lao Ting’s desired inference, “Yet to what number do the written signs in question stretch?”
“So highly favoured is our unapproachable language that the number can only be faintly conjectured134. Some claim fivescore thousand different written symbols; the least exacting135 agree to fourscore thousand.”
“You are all-knowing,” responded the maiden absently. With her face in an opposing direction her lips moved rapidly, as though she might be in the act of addressing some petition to a Power. Yet it is to be doubted if this accurately137 represents the nature of her inner thoughts, for when she again turned towards Lao Ting the engaging frankness of her expression had imperceptibly deviated138, as she continued:
“In about nine and forty years, then, O impetuous one, our converging139 footsteps will doubtless again encounter upon this spot. In the meanwhile, however, this person’s awaiting father is certainly preparing something against her tardy140 return which the sign for a crowbar would fittingly represent.”
Then urging the water-buffalo to increased exertion141 she fled, leaving Lao Ting a prey142 to emotions of a very distinguished143 intensity144.
In spite of the admittedly rough-edged nature of Hoa-mi’s leave-taking, Lao Ting retraced his steps in an exalted frame of mind. He had spoken to the maiden and heard her incomparable voice. He now knew her name and the path leading to her father’s house. It only remained for him to win a position worthy of her acceptance (if the Empire could offer such a thing), and their future happiness might be regarded as assured.
Thus engaged, Lao Ting walked on, seeing within his head the arrival of the bridal chair, partaking of the well-spread wedding feast, hearing the felicitations of the guests: “A hundred sons and a thousand grandsons!” Something white fluttering by the wayside recalled him to the realities of the day. He had reached the buildings of the outer city, and on a wall before him a printed notice was displayed.
It has already been set forth145 that the few solitary146 cash which from time to time fell into the student’s sleeve were barely sufficient to feed his thirsty brush with ink. For the material on which to write and to practise the graceful curves essential to a style he was driven to various unworthy expedients147. It had thus become his habit to lurk98 in the footsteps of those who affix148 public proclamations in the ways and spaces of the city, and when they had passed on to remove, as unostentatiously as possible, the more suitable pronouncements and to carry them to his own abode149. For this reason he regarded every notice from a varying angle, being concerned less with what appeared upon it than with what did not appear. Accordingly he now crossed the way and endeavoured to secure the sheet that had attracted his attention. In this he was unsuccessful, however, for he could only detach a meagre fragment.
When Lao Ting reached his uninviting room the last pretence151 of daylight had faded. He recognized that he had lost many precious moments in Hoa-mi’s engaging society, and although he would willingly have lost many more, there was now a deeper pang152 in his regret that he could not continue his study further into the night. As this was impossible, he drew his scanty153 night coverings around him and composed his mind for sleep, conscious of an increasing rigour in the air; for, as he found when the morning came, one who wished him well, passing in his absence, had written a lucky saying on a stone and cast it through the paper window.
When Lao Ting awoke it was still night, but the room was no longer entirely devoid154 of light. As his custom was, an open page lay on the floor beside him, ready to be caught up eagerly with the first gleam of day; above this a faint but sufficient radiance now hung, enabling him to read the written signs. At first the student regarded the surroundings with some awe155, not doubting that this was in the nature of a visitation, but presently he discovered that the light was provided by a living creature, winged but docile156, which carried a glowing lustre157 in its tail. When he had read to the end, Lao Ting endeavoured to indicate by a sign that he wished to turn the page. To his delight he found that the winged creature intelligently grasped the requirement and at once transferred its presence to the required spot. All through the night the youth eagerly read on, nor did this miraculously158 endowed visitor ever fail him. By dawn he had more than made up the time in which the admiration of Hoa-mi had involved him. If such a state of things could be assured for the future, the vista90 would stretch like a sunlit glade159 before his feet.
Early in the day he set out to visit an elderly monk160, who lived in a cave on the mountain above. Before he went, however, he did not fail to procure a variety of leaves and herbs, and to display them about the room in order to indicate to his unassuming companion that he had a continued interest in his welfare. The venerable hermit161 received him hospitably162, and after inviting150 him to sit upon the floor and to partake of such food as he had brought with him, listened attentively163 to his story.
“Your fear that in this manifestation164 you may be the sport of a malicious165 Force, conspiring166 to some secret ill, is merely superstition,” remarked Tzu-lu when Lao Ting had reached an end. “Although creatures such as you describe are unknown in this province, they undoubtedly exist in outer barbarian lands, as do apes with the tails of peacocks, ducks with their bones outside their skins, beings whose pale green eyes can discover the precious hidden things of the earth, and men with a hole through their chests so that they require no chair to carry them, but are transposed from spot to spot by means of poles.”
“Your mind is widely opened, esteemed167,” replied Lao Ting respectfully. “Yet the omen must surely tend towards a definite course?”
“Be guided by the mature philosophy of the resolute105 Heng-ki, who, after an unfortunate augury168, exclaimed to his desponding warriors169: ‘Do your best and let the Omens do their worst!’ What has happened is as clear as the iridescence170 of a dragon’s eye. In the past you have lent a sum of money to a friend who has thereupon passed into the Upper Air, leaving you unrequited.”
“A friend receiving a sum of money from this person would have every excuse for passing away suddenly.”
“Or,” continued the accommodating recluse171, “you have in some other way placed so formidable an obligation upon one now in the Beyond that his disturbed spirit can no longer endure the burden. For this reason it has taken the form of a luminous insect, and has thus returned to earth in order that it may assist you and thereby discharge the debt.”
“The explanation is a convincing one,” replied Lao Ting. “Might it not have been more satisfactory in the end, however, if the gracious person in question had clothed himself with the attributes of the examining chancellor172 or some high mandarin, so that he could have upheld my cause in any extremity?”
Without actually smiling, a form of entertainment that was contrary to his strict vow173, the patriarchal anchorite moved his features somewhat at the youth’s innocence174.
“Do not forget that it is written: ‘Though you set a monkey on horseback yet will his hands and feet remain hairy,’” he remarked. “The one whose conduct we are discussing may well be aware of his own deficiencies, and know that if he adopted such a course a humiliating exposure would await him. Do not have any fear for the future, however: thus protected, this person is inspired to prophesy175 that you will certainly take a high place in the examinations.... Indeed,” he added thoughtfully, “it might be prudent176 to venture a string of cash upon your lucky number.”
With this auspicious leave-taking Tzu-lu dismissed him, and Lao Ting returned to the city greatly refreshed in spirit by the encounter. Instead of retiring to his home he continued into the more reputable ways beyond, it then being about the hour at which the affixers of official notices were wont to display their energies.
So it chanced indeed, but walking with his feet off the ground, owing to the obliging solitary’s encouragement, Lao Ting forgot his usual caution, and came suddenly into the midst of a band of these men at an angle of the paths.
“Honourable greetings,” he exclaimed, feeling that if he passed them by unregarded his purpose might be suspected. “Have you eaten your rice?”
“How is your warmth and cold?” they replied courteously177. “Yet why do you arrest your dignified179 footsteps to converse180 with outcasts so illiterate as ourselves?”
“The reason,” admitted Lao Ting frankly181, “need not be buried in a well. Had I avoided the encounter you might have said among yourselves: ‘Here is one who shuns182 our gaze. This, perchance, is he who of late has lurked183 within the shadow of our backs to bear away our labour.’ Not to create this unworthy suspicion I freely came among you, for, as the Ancient Wisdom says: ‘Do not adjust your sandals while passing through a melon-field, nor yet arrange your hat beneath an orange-tree.’”
“Yet,” said the leader of the band, “we were waiting thus in expectation of the one whom you describe. The incredible leper who rules our goings has, even at this hour and notwithstanding that now is the appointed day and time for the gathering together of the Harmonious Constellation184 of Paste Appliers and Long Brush Wielders, thrust within our hands a double task.”
“May bats defile185 his Ancestral Tablets and goats propagate within his neglected tomb!” chanted the band in unison186. “May the sinews of his hams snap suddenly in moments of achievement! May the principles of his warmth and cold never be properly adjusted but—”
“Thus positioned,” continued the leader, indicating by a gesture that while he agreed with these sentiments the moment was not opportune2 for their full recital187, “we await. If he who lurks188 in our past draws near he will doubtless accept from our hands that which he will assuredly possess behind our backs. Thus mutual189 help will lighten the toil190 of all.”
“The one whom you require dwells beneath my scanty roof,” said the youth. “He is now, however, absent on a secret mission. Entrust191 to me the burden of your harassment192 and I will answer, by the sanctity of the Four-eyed Image, that it shall reach his speedy hand.”
When Lao Ting gained his own room, bowed down but rejoicing beneath the weight of his unexpected fortune, his eyes were gladdened by the soft light that hung about his books. Although it was not yet dark, the radiance of the glow seemed greater than before. Going to the spot the delighted student saw that in place of one there were now four, the grateful insect having meanwhile summoned others to his cause. All these stood in an expectant attitude awaiting his control, so that through the night he plied10 an untiring brush and leapt onward193 in the garden of similitudes.
From this time forward Lao Ting could not fail to be aware that the faces of those whom he familiarly encountered were changed towards him. Men greeted him as one worthy of their consideration, and he even heard his name spoken of respectfully in the society of learned strangers. More than once he found garlands of flowers hung upon his outer door, harmonious messages, and—once—a gift of food. Incredible as it seemed to him it had come to be freely admitted that the unknown scholar Lao Ting would take a very high place in the forthcoming competition, and those who were alert and watchful did not hesitate to place him first. To this general feeling a variety of portents194 had contributed. Doubtless the beginning was the significant fact, known to the few at first, that the miracle-working Tzu-lu had staked his inner garment on Lao Ting’s success. Brilliant lights were seen throughout the night to be moving in the meagre dwelling196 (for the four efficacious creatures had by this time greatly added to their numbers), and the one within was credited with being assisted by the Forces. It is well said that that which passes out of one mouth passes into a hundred ears, and before dawn had become dusk all the early and astute197 were following the inspired hermit’s example. They who conducted the lotteries198, becoming suddenly aware of the burden of the hazard they incurred199, thereat declared that upon the venture of Lao Ting’s success there must be set two taels in return for one. Whereupon the desire of those who had refrained waxed larger than before, and thus the omens grew.
When the days that remained before the opening of the trial could be counted on the fingers of one hand, there came, at a certain hour, a summons on the outer door of Lao Ting’s house, and in response to his spoken invitation there entered one, Sheng-yin, a competitor.
“Lao Ting,” said this person, when they had exchanged formalities, “in spite of the flattering attentions of the shallow”—he here threw upon the floor a garland which he had conveyed from off Lao Ting’s door—“it is exceedingly unlikely that at the first attempt your name will be among those of the chosen, and the possibility of it heading the list may be dismissed as vapid200.”
“Your experience is deep and wide,” replied Lao Ting, the circumstance that Sheng-yin had already tried and failed three and thirty times adding an edge to the words; “yet if it is written it is written.”
“Doubtless,” retorted Sheng-yin no less capably; “but it will never be set to music. Now, until your inconsiderate activities prevailed, this person was confidently greeted as the one who would be first.”
“The names of Wang-san and Yin Ho were not unknown to the expectant,” suggested Lao Ting mildly.
“The mind of Wang-san is only comparable with a wastepaper basket,” exclaimed the visitor harshly; “and Yin Ho is in reality as dull as split ebony. But in your case, unfortunately, there is nothing to go on, and, unlikely though it be, it is just possible that this person’s well-arranged ambitions may thereby be brought to a barren end. For that reason he is here to discuss this matter as between virtuous friends.”
“Let your auspicious mouth be widely opened,” replied Lao Ting guardedly. “My ears will not refrain.”
“Is there not, perchance, some venerable relative in a distant part of the province whose failing eyes crave201, at this juncture202, to rest upon your wholesome203 features before he passes Upwards204?”
“Assuredly some such inopportune person might be forthcoming,” admitted Lao Ting. “Yet the cost of so formidable a journey would be far beyond this necessitous one’s means.”
“In so charitable a cause affluent205 friends would not be lacking. Depart on the third day and remain until the ninth and twenty taels of silver will glide206 imperceptibly into your awaiting sleeve.”
“The prospect130 of not taking the foremost place in the competition—added to the pangs207 of those who have hazarded their store upon the unworthy name of Lao—is an ignoble one,” replied the student, after a moment’s thought. “The journey will be a costly208 task at this season of the rains; it cannot possibly be accomplished209 for less than fifty taels.”
“It is well said, ‘Do not look at robbers sharing out their spoil: look at them being executed,’” urged Sheng-yin. “Should you be so ill-destined as to compete, and, as would certainly be the case, be awarded a position of contempt, how unendurable would be your anguish210 when, amidst the execrations of the deluded211 mob, you remembered that thirty taels of the purest had slipped from your effete grasp.”
“Should the Bridge of the Camel Back be passable, five and forty might suffice,” mused212 Lao Tung to himself.
“Thirty-seven taels, five hundred cash, are the utmost that your obliging friends would hazard in the quest,” announced Sheng-yin definitely. “On the day following that of the final competition the sum will be honourably—”
“By no means,” interrupted the other, with unswerving firmness. “How thus is the journey to be defrayed? In advance, assuredly.”
“The requirement is unusual. Yet upon satisfactory oaths being offered—”
“This person will pledge the repose213 of the spirits of his venerated214 ancestors practically back to prehistoric215 times,” agreed Lao Ting readily. “From the third to the ninth day he will be absent from the city and will take no part in anything therein. Should he eat his words, may his body be suffocated216 beneath five cart-loads of books and his weary ghost chained to that of a leprous mule217. It is spoken.”
“Truly. But it may as well be written also.” With this expression of narrow-minded suspicion Sheng-yin would have taken up one from a considerable mass of papers lying near at hand, had not Lao Ting suddenly restrained him.
“It shall be written with clarified ink on paper of a special excellence,” declared the student. “Take the brush, Seng-yin, and write. It almost repays this person for the loss of a degree to behold218 the formation of signs so unapproachable as yours.”
“Lao Ting,” replied the visitor, pausing in his task, “you are occasionally inspired, but the weakness of your character results in a lack of caution. In this matter, therefore, be warned: ‘The crocodile opens his jaws219; the rat-trap closes his; keep yours shut.’”
When Lao Ting returned after a scrupulously220 observed six days of absence he could not fail to become aware that the city was in an uproar221, and the evidence of this increased as he approached the cheap and lightly esteemed quarter in which those of literary ambitions found it convenient to reside. Remembering Sheng-yin’s parting, he forbore to draw attention to himself by questioning any, but when he reached the door of his own dwelling he discovered the one of whom he was thinking, standing, as it were, between the posts.
“Lao Ting,” exclaimed Sheng-yin, without waiting to make any polite reference to the former person’s food or condition, “in spite of this calamity222 you are doubtless prepared to carry out the spirit of your oath?”
“Doubtless,” replied Lao Ting affably. “Yet what is the nature of the calamity referred to, and how does it affect the burden of my vow?”
“Has not the tiding reached your ear? The examinations, alas! have been withheld223 for seven full days. Your journey has been in vain!”
“By no means!” declared the youth. “Debarred by your enticement224 from a literary career this person turned his mind to other aims, and has now gained a deep insight into the habits and behaviour of water-buffaloes.”
“They who control the competitions from the Capital,” continued Sheng-yin, without even hearing the other’s words, “when all had been arranged, learned from the Chief Astrologer (may subterranean225 fires singe226 his venerable moustaches!) that a forgotten obscuration of the sun would take place on the opening day of the test. In the face of so formidable a portent195 they acted thus and thus.”
“How then fares it that due warning of the change was not set forth?”
“The matter is as long as The Wall and as deep as seven wells,” grumbled227 Sheng-yin, “and the Hoang Ho in flood is limpid228 by its side. Proclamations were sent forth, yet none appeared, and they entrusted229 with their wide disposal have a dragon-story of a shining lordly youth who ever followed in their steps.... Thus in a manner of expressing it, the spirit—”
“Sheng-yin,” said Lao Ting, with courteous178 firmness, yet so moving the door so that while he passed in the former person remained outside, “you have sought, at the expenditure230 of thirty-seven taels five hundred cash, to deflect231 Destiny from her appointed line. The result has been lamentable232 to all—or nearly all—concerned. The lawless effort must not be repeated, for when heaven itself goes out of its way to set a correcting omen in the sky, who dare disobey?”
When the list and order of the competition was proclaimed, the name of Wang-san stood at the very head and that of Yin Ho was next. Lao Ting was the very last of those who were successful; Sheng-yin was the next, and was thus the first of those who were unsuccessful. It was as much as the youth had secretly dared to hope, and much better than he had generally feared. In Sheng-yin’s case, however, it was infinitely233 worse than he had ever contemplated234. Regarding Lao Ting as the cause of his disgrace he planned a sordid235 revenge. Waiting until night had fallen he sought the student’s door-step and there took a potent236 drug, laying upon his ghost a strict injunction to devote itself to haunting and thwarting237 the ambitions of the one who dwelt within. But even in this he was inept238, for the poison was less speedy than he thought, and Lao Ting returned in time to convey him to another door.
On the strength of his degree Lao Ting found no difficulty in earning a meagre competence239 by instructing others who wished to follow in his footsteps. He was also now free to compete for the next degree, where success would bring him higher honour and a slightly less meagre competence. In the meanwhile he married Hoa-mi, being able to display thirty-seven taels and nearly five hundred cash towards that end. Ultimately he rose to a position of remunerative240 ease, but it is understood that he attained241 this more by a habit of acting136 as the necessities of the moment required than by his literary achievements.
Over the door of his country residence in the days of his profusion he caused the image of a luminous insect to be depicted242, and he engraved243 its semblance244 on his seal. He would also have added the presentment of a water-buffalo, but Hoa-mi deemed this inexpedient.
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1
shutter
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| n.百叶窗；(照相机)快门；关闭装置 | |
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2
opportune
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| adj.合适的，适当的 | |
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3
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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4
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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5
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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6
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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7
bestowing
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| 砖窑中砖堆上层已烧透的砖 | |
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8
scatter
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| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
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9
conspire
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| v.密谋，（事件等）巧合，共同导致 | |
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10
plied
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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allure
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| n.诱惑力，魅力；vt.诱惑，引诱，吸引 | |
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12
Mandarin
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| n.中国官话，国语，满清官吏；adj.华丽辞藻的 | |
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13
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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14
calumny
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| n.诽谤，污蔑，中伤 | |
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15
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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16
brazen
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| adj.厚脸皮的，无耻的，坚硬的 | |
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17
outlast
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| v.较…耐久 | |
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18
effete
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| adj.无生产力的，虚弱的 | |
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19
curbing
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| n.边石，边石的材料v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的现在分词 ) | |
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20
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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21
entail
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| vt.使承担，使成为必要，需要 | |
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22
enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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23
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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24
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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25
omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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26
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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27
persuasive
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| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
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28
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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29
auspicious
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| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
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30
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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31
voracious
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| adj.狼吞虎咽的，贪婪的 | |
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32
repulsive
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| adj.排斥的，使人反感的 | |
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33
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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34
genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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35
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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36
clemency
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| n.温和，仁慈，宽厚 | |
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37
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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38
excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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39
inscriber
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| 记录器；虚部 | |
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40
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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41
concise
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| adj.简洁的，简明的 | |
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42
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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43
administrator
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| n.经营管理者，行政官员 | |
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44
supplicate
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| v.恳求；adv.祈求地，哀求地，恳求地 | |
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45
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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46
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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47
condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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48
immersion
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| n.沉浸；专心 | |
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49
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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50
condescension
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| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
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51
miraculous
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| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
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52
omens
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| n.前兆，预兆( omen的名词复数 ) | |
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53
oratory
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| n.演讲术；词藻华丽的言辞 | |
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54
lenient
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| adj.宽大的，仁慈的 | |
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55
narrate
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| v.讲，叙述 | |
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56
luminous
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| adj.发光的，发亮的；光明的；明白易懂的；有启发的 | |
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57
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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58
veneration
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| n.尊敬，崇拜 | |
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59
foresight
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| n.先见之明，深谋远虑 | |
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60
deities
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| n.神，女神( deity的名词复数 )；神祗；神灵；神明 | |
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61
usurping
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| 篡夺，霸占( usurp的现在分词 )； 盗用； 篡夺，篡权 | |
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62
illiterate
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| adj.文盲的；无知的；n.文盲 | |
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63
prospering
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| 成功，兴旺( prosper的现在分词 ) | |
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64
grudged
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| 怀恨（grudge的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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65
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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66
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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67
benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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68
stratagem
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| n.诡计，计谋 | |
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69
sages
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| n.圣人( sage的名词复数 )；智者；哲人；鼠尾草（可用作调料） | |
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70
skewer
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| n.（烤肉用的）串肉杆；v.用杆串好 | |
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71
luminary
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| n.名人，天体 | |
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72
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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73
conducive
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| adj.有益的，有助的 | |
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74
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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75
misgiving
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕 | |
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76
inaccurate
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| adj.错误的，不正确的，不准确的 | |
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77
attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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78
victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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79
barbarian
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| n.野蛮人；adj.野蛮(人)的；未开化的 | |
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80
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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81
posthumous
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| adj.遗腹的；父亡后出生的；死后的，身后的 | |
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82
harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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83
funereal
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| adj.悲哀的；送葬的 | |
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84
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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85
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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86
sustenance
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| n.食物，粮食；生活资料；生计 | |
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87
ignominious
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| adj.可鄙的，不光彩的，耻辱的 | |
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88
eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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89
diverging
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| 分开( diverge的现在分词 )； 偏离； 分歧； 分道扬镳 | |
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90
vista
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| n.远景，深景，展望，回想 | |
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91
vistas
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| 长条形景色( vista的名词复数 )； 回顾； 展望； （未来可能发生的）一系列情景 | |
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92
presentiments
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| n.（对不祥事物的）预感( presentiment的名词复数 ) | |
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93
hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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94
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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95
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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96
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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97
lurking
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| 潜在 | |
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98
lurk
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| n.潜伏，潜行；v.潜藏，潜伏，埋伏 | |
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99
perversity
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| n.任性；刚愎自用 | |
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100
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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101
precipitated
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| v.（突如其来地）使发生( precipitate的过去式和过去分词 )；促成；猛然摔下；使沉淀 | |
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102
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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103
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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104
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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105
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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106
resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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107
subdue
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| vt.制服，使顺从，征服；抑制，克制 | |
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108
tenaciously
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| 坚持地 | |
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109
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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110
impeded
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| 阻碍，妨碍，阻止( impede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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111
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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112
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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113
erratic
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| adj.古怪的，反复无常的，不稳定的 | |
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114
repentant
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| adj.对…感到悔恨的 | |
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115
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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116
contingency
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| n.意外事件，可能性 | |
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117
impending
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| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
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118
tenacity
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| n.坚韧 | |
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119
appalled
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| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
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120
laboriously
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| adv.艰苦地；费力地；辛勤地；（文体等）佶屈聱牙地 | |
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121
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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122
ignoble
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| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
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123
painstaking
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| adj.苦干的；艰苦的，费力的，刻苦的 | |
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124
retraced
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| v.折回( retrace的过去式和过去分词 )；回忆；回顾；追溯 | |
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125
lavish
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| adj.无节制的；浪费的；vt.慷慨地给予，挥霍 | |
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126
lavishly
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| adv.慷慨地，大方地 | |
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127
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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128
poise
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| vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信 | |
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129
humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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130
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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131
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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132
awaken
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| vi.醒，觉醒；vt.唤醒，使觉醒，唤起，激起 | |
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133
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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134
conjectured
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| 推测，猜测，猜想( conjecture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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135
exacting
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| adj.苛求的，要求严格的 | |
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136
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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137
accurately
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| adv.准确地，精确地 | |
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138
deviated
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| v.偏离，越轨( deviate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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139
converging
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| adj.收敛[缩]的，会聚的，趋同的v.（线条、运动的物体等）会于一点( converge的现在分词 )；（趋于）相似或相同；人或车辆汇集；聚集 | |
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140
tardy
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| adj.缓慢的，迟缓的 | |
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141
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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142
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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143
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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144
intensity
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| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
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145
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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146
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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147
expedients
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| n.应急有效的，权宜之计的( expedient的名词复数 ) | |
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148
affix
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| n.附件，附录 vt.附贴，盖(章)，签署 | |
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149
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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150
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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151
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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152
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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153
scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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154
devoid
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| adj.全无的，缺乏的 | |
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155
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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156
docile
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| adj.驯服的，易控制的，容易教的 | |
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157
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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158
miraculously
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| ad.奇迹般地 | |
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159
glade
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| n.林间空地，一片表面有草的沼泽低地 | |
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160
monk
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| n.和尚，僧侣，修道士 | |
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161
hermit
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| n.隐士，修道者；隐居 | |
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162
hospitably
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| 亲切地，招待周到地，善于款待地 | |
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163
attentively
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| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
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164
manifestation
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| n.表现形式；表明；现象 | |
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165
malicious
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| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
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166
conspiring
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| 密谋( conspire的现在分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致 | |
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167
esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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168
augury
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| n.预言，征兆，占卦 | |
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169
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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170
iridescence
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| n.彩虹色；放光彩；晕色；晕彩 | |
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171
recluse
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| n.隐居者 | |
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172
chancellor
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| n.(英)大臣；法官；(德、奥)总理；大学校长 | |
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173
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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174
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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175
prophesy
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| v.预言；预示 | |
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176
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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177
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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178
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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179
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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180
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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181
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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182
shuns
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| v.避开，回避，避免( shun的第三人称单数 ) | |
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183
lurked
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| vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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184
constellation
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| n.星座n.灿烂的一群 | |
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185
defile
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| v.弄污，弄脏；n.(山间)小道 | |
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186
unison
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| n.步调一致，行动一致 | |
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187
recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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188
lurks
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| n.潜在，潜伏；（lurk的复数形式）vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的第三人称单数形式） | |
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189
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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190
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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191
entrust
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| v.信赖，信托，交托 | |
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192
harassment
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| n.骚扰，扰乱，烦恼，烦乱 | |
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193
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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194
portents
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| n.预兆( portent的名词复数 )；征兆；怪事；奇物 | |
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195
portent
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| n.预兆；恶兆；怪事 | |
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196
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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197
astute
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| adj.机敏的，精明的 | |
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198
lotteries
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| n.抽彩给奖法( lottery的名词复数 )；碰运气的事；彩票；彩券 | |
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199
incurred
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| [医]招致的，遭受的； incur的过去式 | |
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200
vapid
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| adj.无味的；无生气的 | |
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201
crave
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| vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求 | |
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202
juncture
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| n.时刻，关键时刻，紧要关头 | |
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203
wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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204
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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205
affluent
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| adj.富裕的，富有的，丰富的，富饶的 | |
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206
glide
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| n./v.溜，滑行；(时间)消逝 | |
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207
pangs
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| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
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208
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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209
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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210
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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211
deluded
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| v.欺骗，哄骗( delude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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212
mused
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的过去式和过去分词 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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213
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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214
venerated
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| 敬重（某人或某事物），崇敬( venerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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215
prehistoric
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| adj.（有记载的）历史以前的，史前的，古老的 | |
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216
suffocated
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| （使某人）窒息而死( suffocate的过去式和过去分词 )； （将某人）闷死； 让人感觉闷热； 憋气 | |
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217
mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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218
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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219
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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220
scrupulously
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| adv.一丝不苟地；小心翼翼地，多顾虑地 | |
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221
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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222
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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223
withheld
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| withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
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224
enticement
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| n.诱骗，诱人 | |
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225
subterranean
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| adj.地下的，地表下的 | |
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226
singe
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| v.(轻微地)烧焦；烫焦；烤焦 | |
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227
grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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228
limpid
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| adj.清澈的，透明的 | |
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229
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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230
expenditure
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| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
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231
deflect
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| v.(使)偏斜，(使)偏离，(使)转向 | |
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232
lamentable
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| adj.令人惋惜的，悔恨的 | |
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233
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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234
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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235
sordid
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| adj.肮脏的，不干净的，卑鄙的，暗淡的 | |
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236
potent
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| adj.强有力的，有权势的；有效力的 | |
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237
thwarting
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| 阻挠( thwart的现在分词 )； 使受挫折； 挫败； 横过 | |
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238
inept
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| adj.不恰当的，荒谬的，拙劣的 | |
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239
competence
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| n.能力，胜任，称职 | |
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240
remunerative
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| adj.有报酬的 | |
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241
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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242
depicted
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| 描绘，描画( depict的过去式和过去分词 )； 描述 | |
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243
engraved
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| v.在（硬物）上雕刻（字，画等）( engrave的过去式和过去分词 )；将某事物深深印在（记忆或头脑中） | |
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244
semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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