The Wallet of Kai Lung
The Wallet of Kai LungI. — THE TRANSMUTATION OF LINGI. INTRODUCTIONII.THE STORY OF LING Narrated by Kai Lung when a prisoner in the camp of Lin YiIII.IV.V.VI.VII.VIII.IX.X.XI.XII.XIII.XIV.XV.XVI.II. — THE STORY OF YUNG CHANGIII. — THE PROBATION OF SEN HENGIV. — THE EXPERIMENT OF THE MANDARIN CHAN HUNGV. — THE CONFESSION OF KAI LUNGVI. — THE VENGEANCE OF TUNG FELVII. — THE CAREER OF THE CHARITABLE QUEN-KI-TONGVIII. — THE VISION OF YIN,THE SON OF YAT HUANGIX. — THE ILL-REGULATED DESTINYOF KIN YEN, THE PICTURE-MAKERCopyright
The Wallet of Kai Lung
Ernest Bramah
I. — THE TRANSMUTATION OF LING
I. INTRODUCTION
The sun had dipped behind the western mountains before Kai Lung,
with twenty li or more still between him and the city of Knei Yang,
entered the camphor-laurel forest which stretched almost to his
destination. No person of consequence ever made the journey
unattended; but Kai Lung professed to have no fear, remarking with
extempore wisdom, when warned at the previous village, that a
worthless garment covered one with better protection than that
afforded by an army of bowmen. Nevertheless, when within the gloomy
aisles, Kai Lung more than once wished himself back at the village,
or safely behind the mud walls of Knei Yang; and, making many vows
concerning the amount of prayer-paper which he would assuredly burn
when he was actually through the gates, he stepped out more
quickly, until suddenly, at a turn in the glade, he stopped
altogether, while the watchful expression into which he had
unguardedly dropped at once changed into a mask of impassiveness
and extreme unconcern. From behind the next tree projected a long
straight rod, not unlike a slender bamboo at a distance, but, to
Kai Lung's all-seeing eye, in reality the barrel of a matchlock,
which would come into line with his breast if he took another step.
Being a prudent man, more accustomed to guile and subservience to
destiny than to force, he therefore waited, spreading out his hands
in proof of his peaceful acquiescence, and smiling cheerfully until
it should please the owner of the weapon to step forth. This the
unseen did a moment later, still keeping his gun in an easy and
convenient attitude, revealing a stout body and a scarred face,
which in conjunction made it plain to Kai Lung that he was in the
power of Lin Yi, a noted brigand of whom he had heard much in the
villages.
"O illustrious person," said Kai Lung very earnestly, "this is
evidently an unfortunate mistake. Doubtless you were expecting some
exalted Mandarin to come and render you homage, and were preparing
to overwhelm him with gratified confusion by escorting him yourself
to your well-appointed abode. Indeed, I passed such a one on the
road, very richly apparelled, who inquired of me the way to the
mansion of the dignified and upright Lin Yi. By this time he is
perhaps two or three li towards the east."
"However distinguished a Mandarin may be, it is fitting that I
should first attend to one whose manners and accomplishments betray
him to be of the Royal House," replied Lin Yi, with extreme
affability. "Precede me, therefore, to my mean and uninviting
hovel, while I gain more honour than I can reasonably bear by
following closely in your elegant footsteps, and guarding your
Imperial person with this inadequate but heavily-loaded
weapon."
Seeing no chance of immediate escape, Kai Lung led the way,
instructed by the brigand, along a very difficult and bewildering
path, until they reached a cave hidden among the crags. Here Lin Yi
called out some words in the Miaotze tongue, whereupon a follower
appeared, and opened a gate in the stockade of prickly mimosa which
guarded the mouth of the den. Within the enclosure a fire burned,
and food was being prepared. At a word from the chief, the
unfortunate Kai Lung found his hands seized and tied behind his
back, while a second later a rough hemp rope was fixed round his
neck, and the other end tied to an overhanging tree.
Lin Yi smiled pleasantly and critically upon these preparations,
and when they were complete dismissed his follower.
"Now we can converse at our ease and without restraint," he
remarked to Kai Lung. "It will be a distinguished privilege for a
person occupying the important public position which you
undoubtedly do; for myself, my instincts are so degraded and
low-minded that nothing gives me more gratification than to
dispense with ceremony."
To this Kai Lung made no reply, chiefly because at that moment the
wind swayed the tree, and compelled him to stand on his toes in
order to escape suffocation.
"It would be useless to try to conceal from a person of your
inspired intelligence that I am indeed Lin Yi," continued the
robber. "It is a dignified position to occupy, and one for which I
am quite incompetent. In the sixth month of the third year ago, it
chanced that this unworthy person, at that time engaged in
commercial affairs at Knei Yang, became inextricably immersed in
the insidious delights of quail-fighting. Having been entrusted
with a large number of taels with which to purchase elephants'
teeth, it suddenly occurred to him that if he doubled the number of
taels by staking them upon an exceedingly powerful and agile quail,
he would be able to purchase twice the number of teeth, and so
benefit his patron to a large extent. This matter was clearly
forced upon his notice by a dream, in which he perceived one whom
he then understood to be the benevolent spirit of an ancestor in
the act of stroking a particular quail, upon whose chances he
accordingly placed all he possessed. Doubtless evil spirits had
been employed in the matter; for, to this person's great
astonishment, the quail in question failed in a very discreditable
manner at the encounter. Unfortunately, this person had risked not
only the money which had been entrusted to him, but all that he had
himself become possessed of by some years of honourable toil and
assiduous courtesy as a professional witness in law cases. Not
doubting that his patron would see that he was himself greatly to
blame in confiding so large a sum of money to a comparatively young
man of whom he knew little, this person placed the matter before
him, at the same time showing him that he would suffer in the eyes
of the virtuous if he did not restore this person's savings, which
but for the presence of the larger sum, and a generous desire to
benefit his patron, he would never have risked in so uncertain a
venture as that of quail-fighting. Although the facts were laid in
the form of a dignified request instead of a demand by legal means,
and the reasoning carefully drawn up in columns of fine parchment
by a very illustrious writer, the reply which this person received
showed him plainly that a wrong view had been taken of the matter,
and that the time had arrived when it became necessary for him to
make a suitable rejoinder by leaving the city without delay."
"It was a high-minded and disinterested course to take," said Kai
Lung with great conviction, as Lin Yi paused. "Without doubt evil
will shortly overtake the avaricious-souled person at Knei
Yang."
"It has already done so," replied Lin Yi. "While passing through
this forest in the season of Many White Vapours, the spirits of his
bad deeds appeared to him in misleading and symmetrical shapes, and
drew him out of the path and away from his bowmen. After suffering
many torments, he found his way here, where, in spite of our
continual care, he perished miserably and in great bodily pain....
But I cannot conceal from myself, in spite of your distinguished
politeness, that I am becoming intolerably tiresome with my
commonplace talk."
"On the contrary," replied Kai Lung, "while listening to your voice
I seemed to hear the beating of many gongs of the finest and most
polished brass. I floated in the Middle Air, and for the time I
even became unconscious of the fact that this honourable appendage,
though fashioned, as I perceive, out of the most delicate silk,
makes it exceedingly difficult for me to breathe."
"Such a thing cannot be permitted," exclaimed Lin Yi, with some
indignation, as with his own hands he slackened the rope and,
taking it from Kai Lung's neck, fastened it around his ankle. "Now,
in return for my uninviting confidences, shall not my senses be
gladdened by a recital of the titles and honours borne by your
distinguished family? Doubtless, at this moment many Mandarins of
the highest degree are anxiously awaiting your arrival at Knei
Yang, perhaps passing the time by outdoing one another in
protesting the number of taels each would give rather than permit
you to be tormented by fire-brands, or even to lose a single
ear."
"Alas!" replied Kai Lung, "never was there a truer proverb than
that which says, 'It is a mark of insincerity of purpose to spend
one's time in looking for the sacred Emperor in the low-class
tea-shops.' Do Mandarins or the friends of Mandarins travel in mean
garments and unattended? Indeed, the person who is now before you
is none other than the outcast Kai Lung, the story-teller, one of
degraded habits and no very distinguished or reputable ancestors.
His friends are few, and mostly of the criminal class; his wealth
is not more than some six or eight cash, concealed in his left
sandal; and his entire stock-in-trade consists of a few unendurable
and badly told stories, to which, however, it is his presumptuous
intention shortly to add a dignified narrative of the high-born Lin
Yi, setting out his domestic virtues and the honour which he has
reflected upon his house, his valour in war, the destruction of his
enemies, and, above all, his great benevolence and the protection
which he extends to the poor and those engaged in the distinguished
arts."
"The absence of friends is unfortunate," said Lin Yi thoughtfully,
after he had possessed himself of the coins indicated by Kai Lung,
and also of a much larger amount concealed elsewhere among the
story-teller's clothing. "My followers are mostly outlawed Miaotze,
who have been driven from their own tribes in Yun Nan for
man-eating and disregarding the sacred laws of hospitality. They
are somewhat rapacious, and in this way it has become a custom that
they should have as their own, for the purpose of exchanging for
money, persons such as yourself, whose insatiable curiosity has led
them to this place."
"The wise and all-knowing Emperor Fohy instituted three degrees of
attainment: Being poor, to obtain justice; being rich, to escape
flattery; and being human, to avoid the passions," replied Kai
Lung. "To these the practical and enlightened Kang added yet
another, the greatest: Being lean, to yield fatness."
"In such cases," observed the brigand, "the Miaotze keep an
honoured and very venerable rite, which chiefly consists in
suspending the offender by a pigtail from a low tree, and placing
burning twigs of hemp-palm between his toes. To this person it
seems a foolish and meaningless habit; but it would not be well to
interfere with their religious observances, however trivial they
may appear."
"Such a course must inevitably end in great loss," suggested Kai
Lung; "for undoubtedly there are many poor yet honourable persons
who would leave with them a bond for a large number of taels and
save the money with which to redeem it, rather than take part in a
ceremony which is not according to one's own Book of Rites."
"They have already suffered in that way on one or two occasions,"
replied Lin Yi; "so that such a proposal, no matter how nobly
intended, would not gladden their faces. Yet they are simple and
docile persons, and would, without doubt, be moved to any feeling
you should desire by the recital of one of your illustrious
stories."
"An intelligent and discriminating assemblage is more to a
story-teller than much reward of cash from hands that conceal open
mouths," replied Kai Lung with great feeling. "Nothing would confer
more pleasurable agitation upon this unworthy person than an
opportunity of narrating his entire stock to them. If also the
accomplished Lin Yi would bestow renown upon the occasion by his
presence, no omen of good would be wanting."
"The pleasures of the city lie far behind me," said Lin Yi, after
some thought, "and I would cheerfully submit myself to an
intellectual accomplishment such as you are undoubtedly capable of.
But as we have necessity to leave this spot before the hour when
the oak-leaves change into night-moths, one of your amiable stories
will be the utmost we can strengthen our intellects with. Select
which you will. In the meantime, food will be brought to refresh
you after your benevolent exertions in conversing with a person of
my vapid understanding. When you have partaken, or thrown it away
as utterly unendurable, the time will have arrived, and this
person, together with all his accomplices, will put themselves in a
position to be subjected to all the most dignified emotions."
II.
"The story which I have selected for this gratifying occasion,"
said Kai Lung, when, an hour or so later, still pinioned, but
released from the halter, he sat surrounded by the brigands, "is
entitled 'Good and Evil,' and it is concerned with the adventures
of one Ling, who bore the honourable name of Ho. The first, and
indeed the greater, part of the narrative, as related by the
venerable and accomplished writer of history Chow-Tan, is taken up
by showing how Ling was assuredly descended from an enlightened
Emperor of the race of Tsin; but as the no less omniscient
Ta-lin-hi proves beyond doubt that the person in question was in no
way connected with any but a line of hereditary ape-worshippers,
who entered China from an unknown country many centuries ago, it
would ill become this illiterate person to express an opinion on
either side, and he will in consequence omit the first seventeen
books of the story, and only deal with the three which refer to the
illustrious Ling himself."
THE STORY OF LING Narrated by Kai Lung when a prisoner in the camp
of Lin Yi
Ling was the youngest of three sons, and from his youth upwards
proved to be of a mild and studious disposition. Most of his time
was spent in reading the sacred books, and at an early age he found
the worship of apes to be repulsive to his gentle nature, and
resolved to break through the venerable traditions of his family by
devoting his time to literary pursuits, and presenting himself for
the public examinations at Canton. In this his resolution was
strengthened by a rumour that an army of bowmen was shortly to be
raised from the Province in which he lived, so that if he remained
he would inevitably be forced into an occupation which was even
more distasteful to him than the one he was leaving.
Having arrived at Canton, Ling's first care was to obtain
particulars of the examinations, which he clearly perceived, from
the unusual activity displayed on all sides, to be near at hand. On
inquiring from passers-by, he received very conflicting
information; for the persons to whom he spoke were themselves
entered for the competition, and therefore naturally misled him in
order to increase their own chances of success. Perceiving this,
Ling determined to apply at once, although the light was past, to a
Mandarin who was concerned in the examinations, lest by delay he
should lose his chance for the year.
"It is an unfortunate event that so distinguished a person should
have selected this day and hour on which to overwhelm us with his
affable politeness!" exclaimed the porter at the gate of the Yamen,
when Ling had explained his reason for going. "On such a day, in
the reign of the virtuous Emperor Hoo Chow, a very benevolent and
unassuming ancestor of my good lord the Mandarin was destroyed by
treachery, and ever since his family has observed the occasion by
fasting and no music. This person would certainly be punished with
death if he entered the inner room from any cause."
At these words, Ling, who had been simply brought up, and chiefly
in the society of apes, was going away with many expressions of
self-reproach at selecting such a time, when the gate-keeper called
him back.
"I am overwhelmed with confusion at the position in which I find
myself," he remarked, after he had examined his mind for a short
time. "I may meet with an ungraceful and objectionable death if I
carry out your estimable instructions, but I shall certainly merit
and receive a similar fate if I permit so renowned and versatile a
person to leave without a fitting reception. In such matters a
person can only trust to the intervention of good spirits; if,
therefore, you will permit this unworthy individual to wear, while
making the venture, the ring which he perceives upon your finger,
and which he recognizes as a very powerful charm against evil,
misunderstandings, and extortion, he will go without fear."
Overjoyed at the amiable porter's efforts on his behalf, Ling did
as he was desired, and the other retired. Presently the door of the
Yamen was opened by an attendant of the house, and Ling bidden to
enter. He was covered with astonishment to find that this person
was entirely unacquainted with his name or purpose.
"Alas!" said the attendant, when Ling had explained his object,
"well said the renowned and inspired Ting Fo, 'When struck by a
thunderbolt it is unnecessary to consult the Book of Dates as to
the precise meaning of the omen.' At this moment my noble-minded
master is engaged in conversation with all the most honourable and
refined persons in Canton, while singers and dancers of a very
expert and nimble order have been sent for. The entertainment will
undoubtedly last far into the night, and to present myself even
with the excuse of your graceful and delicate inquiry would
certainly result in very objectionable consequences to this
person."
"It is indeed a day of unprepossessing circumstances," replied
Ling, and after many honourable remarks concerning his own
intellect and appearance, and those of the person to whom he was
speaking, he had turned to leave when the other continued:
"Ever since your dignified presence illumined this very ordinary
chamber, this person has been endeavouring to bring to his mind an
incident which occurred to him last night while he slept. Now it
has come back to him with a diamond clearness, and he is satisfied
that it was as follows: While he floated in the Middle Air a
benevolent spirit in the form of an elderly and toothless vampire
appeared, leading by the hand a young man, of elegant personality.
Smiling encouragingly upon this person, the spirit said, 'O Fou,
recipient of many favours from Mandarins and of innumerable taels
from gratified persons whom you have obliged, I am, even at this
moment, guiding this exceptional young man towards your presence;
when he arrives do not hesitate, but do as he desires, no matter
how great the danger seems or how inadequately you may appear to be
rewarded on earth.' The vision then melted, but I now clearly
perceive that with the exception of the embroidered cloak which you
wear, you are the person thus indicated to me. Remove your cloak,
therefore, in order to give the amiable spirit no opportunity of
denying the fact, and I will advance your wishes; for, as the Book
of Verses indicates, 'The person who patiently awaits a sign from
the clouds for many years, and yet fails to notice the earthquake
at his feet, is devoid of intellect.'"
Convinced that he was assuredly under the especial protection of
the Deities, and that the end of his search was in view, Ling gave
his rich cloak to the attendant, and was immediately shown into
another room, where he was left alone.
After a considerable space of time the door opened and there
entered a person whom Ling at first supposed to be the Mandarin.
Indeed, he was addressing him by his titles when the other
interrupted him. "Do not distress your incomparable mind by
searching for honourable names to apply to so inferior a person as
myself," he said agreeably. "The mistake is, nevertheless, very
natural; for, however miraculous it may appear, this unseemly
individual, who is in reality merely a writer of spoken words, is
admitted to be exceedingly like the dignified Mandarin himself,
though somewhat stouter, clad in better garments, and, it is said,
less obtuse of intellect. This last matter he very much doubts, for
he now finds himself unable to recognize by name one who is
undoubtedly entitled to wear the Royal Yellow."
With this encouragement Ling once more explained his position,
narrating the events which had enabled him to reach the second
chamber of the Yamen. When he had finished the secretary was
overpowered with a high-minded indignation.
"Assuredly those depraved and rapacious persons who have both
misled and robbed you shall suffer bow-stringing when the whole
matter is brought to light," he exclaimed. "The noble Mandarin
neither fasts nor receives guests, for, indeed, he has slept since
the sun went down. This person would unhesitatingly break his
slumber for so commendable a purpose were it not for a circumstance
of intolerable unavoidableness. It must not even be told in a low
breath beyond the walls of the Yamen, but my benevolent and
high-born lord is in reality a person of very miserly instinct, and
nothing will call him from his natural sleep but the sound of taels
shaken beside his bed. In an unexpected manner it comes about that
this person is quite unsupplied with anything but thin printed
papers of a thousand taels each, and these are quite useless for
the purpose."
"It is unendurable that so obliging a person should be put to such
inconvenience on behalf of one who will certainly become a public
laughing-stock at the examinations," said Ling, with deep feeling;
and taking from a concealed spot in his garments a few taels, he
placed them before the secretary for the use he had
indicated.
Ling was again left alone for upwards of two strokes of the gong,
and was on the point of sleep when the secretary returned with an
expression of dignified satisfaction upon his countenance.
Concluding that he had been successful in the manner of awakening
the Mandarin, Ling was opening his mouth for a polite speech, which
should contain a delicate allusion to the taels, when the secretary
warned him, by affecting a sudden look of terror, that silence was
exceedingly desirable, and at the same time opened another door and
indicated to Ling that he should pass through.
In the next room Ling was overjoyed to find himself in the presence
of the Mandarin, who received him graciously, and paid many
estimable compliments to the name he bore and the country from
which he came. When at length Ling tore himself from this
enchanting conversation, and explained the reason of his presence,
the Mandarin at once became a prey to the whitest and most
melancholy emotions, even plucking two hairs from his pigtail to
prove the extent and conscientiousness of his grief.
"Behold," he cried at length, "I am resolved that the extortionate
and many-handed persons at Peking who have control of the
examination rites and customs shall no longer grow round-bodied
without remark. This person will unhesitatingly proclaim the true
facts of the case without regarding the danger that the versatile
Chancellor or even the sublime Emperor himself may, while he
speaks, be concealed in some part of this unassuming room to hear
his words; for, as it is wisely said, 'When marked out by destiny,
a person will assuredly be drowned, even though he passes the whole
of his existence among the highest branches of a date tree.'"
"I am overwhelmed that I should be the cause of such an engaging
display of polished agitation," said Ling, as the Mandarin paused.
"If it would make your own stomach less heavy, this person will
willingly follow your estimable example, either with or without
knowing the reason."
"The matter is altogether on your account, O most unobtrusive young
man," replied the Mandarin, when a voice without passion was
restored to him. "It tears me internally with hooks to reflect that
you, whose refined ancestors I might reasonably have known had I
passed my youth in another Province, should be victim to the
cupidity of the ones in authority at Peking. A very short time
before you arrived there came a messenger in haste from those
persons, clearly indicating that a legal toll of sixteen taels was
to be made on each printed paper setting forth the time and manner
of the examinations, although, as you may see, the paper is
undoubtedly marked, 'Persons are given notice that they are
defrauded of any sum which they may be induced to exchange for this
matter.' Furthermore, there is a legal toll of nine taels on all
persons who have previously been examined—"
"I am happily escaped from that," exclaimed Ling with some
satisfaction as the Mandarin paused.
"—and twelve taels on all who present themselves for the first
time. This is to be delivered over when the paper is purchased, so
that you, by reason of this unworthy proceeding at Peking, are
required to forward to that place, through this person, no less
than thirty-two taels."
"It is a circumstance of considerable regret," replied Ling; "for
had I only reached Canton a day earlier, I should, it appears, have
avoided this evil."
"Undoubtedly it would have been so," replied the Mandarin, who had
become engrossed in exalted meditation. "However," he continued a
moment later, as he bowed to Ling with an accomplished smile, "it
would certainly be a more pleasant thought for a person of your
refined intelligence that had you delayed until to-morrow the
insatiable persons at Peking might be demanding twice the
amount."
Pondering the deep wisdom of this remark, Ling took his departure;
but in spite of the most assiduous watchfulness he was unable to
discern any of the three obliging persons to whose efforts his
success had been due.
III.
It was very late when Ling again reached the small room which he
had selected as soon as he reached Canton, but without waiting for
food or sleep he made himself fully acquainted with the times of
the forthcoming examinations and the details of the circumstances
connected with them. With much satisfaction he found that he had
still a week in which to revive his intellect on the most difficult
subjects. Having become relieved on these points, Ling retired for
a few hours' sleep, but rose again very early, and gave the whole
day with great steadfastness to contemplation of the sacred
classics Y-King, with the exception of a short period spent in
purchasing ink, brushes and writing-leaves. The following day,
having become mentally depressed through witnessing unaccountable
hordes of candidates thronging the streets of Canton, Ling put
aside his books, and passed the time in visiting all the most
celebrated tombs in the neighbourhood of the city. Lightened in
mind by this charitable and agreeable occupation, he returned to
his studies with a fixed resolution, nor did he again falter in his
purpose. On the evening of the examination, when he was sitting
alone, reading by the aid of a single light, as his custom was, a
person arrived to see him, at the same time manifesting a
considerable appearance of secrecy and reserve. Inwardly sighing at
the interruption, Ling nevertheless received him with distinguished
consideration and respect, setting tea before him, and performing
towards it many honourable actions with his own hands. Not until
some hours had sped in conversation relating to the health of the
Emperor, the unexpected appearance of a fiery dragon outside the
city, and the insupportable price of opium, did the visitor allude
to the object of his presence.
"It has been observed," he remarked, "that the accomplished Ling,
who aspires to a satisfactory rank at the examinations, has never
before made the attempt. Doubtless in this case a preternatural
wisdom will avail much, and its fortunate possessor will not go
unrewarded. Yet it is as precious stones among ashes for one to
triumph in such circumstances."
"The fact is known to this person," replied Ling sadly, "and the
thought of the years he may have to wait before he shall have
passed even the first degree weighs down his soul with bitterness
from time to time."
"It is no infrequent thing for men of accomplished perseverance,
but merely ordinary intellects, to grow venerable within the four
walls of the examination cell," continued the other. "Some, again,
become afflicted with various malignant evils, while not a few,
chiefly those who are presenting themselves for the first time, are
so overcome on perceiving the examination paper, and understanding
the inadequate nature of their own accomplishments, that they
become an easy prey to the malicious spirits which are ever on the
watch in those places; and, after covering their leaves with
unpresentable remarks and drawings of men and women of
distinguished rank, have at length to be forcibly carried away by
the attendants and secured with heavy chains."
"Such things undoubtedly exist," agreed Ling; "yet by a due regard
paid to spirits, both good and bad, a proper esteem for one's
ancestors, and a sufficiency of charms about the head and body, it
is possible to be closeted with all manner of demons and yet to
suffer no evil."
"It is undoubtedly possible to do so, according to the Immortal
Principles," admitted the stranger; "but it is not an undertaking
in which a refined person would take intelligent pleasure; as the
proverb says, 'He is a wise and enlightened suppliant who seeks to
discover an honourable Mandarin, but he is a fool who cries out, "I
have found one."' However, it is obvious that the reason of my
visit is understood, and that your distinguished confidence in
yourself is merely a graceful endeavour to obtain my services for a
less amount of taels than I should otherwise have demanded. For
half the usual sum, therefore, this person will take your place in
the examination cell, and enable your versatile name to appear in
the winning lists, while you pass your moments in irreproachable
pleasures elsewhere."
Such a course had never presented itself to Ling. As the person who
narrates this story has already marked, he had passed his life
beyond the influence of the ways and manners of towns, and at the
same time he had naturally been endowed with an unobtrusive
highmindedness. It appeared to him, in consequence, that by
accepting this engaging offer he would be placing those who were
competing with him at a disadvantage. This person clearly sees that
it is a difficult matter for him to explain how this could be, as
Ling would undoubtedly reward the services of the one who took his
place, nor would the number of the competitors be in any way
increased; yet in such a way the thing took shape before his eyes.
Knowing, however, that few persons would be able to understand this
action, and being desirous of not injuring the estimable emotions
of the obliging person who had come to him, Ling made a number of
polished excuses in declining, hiding the true reason within
himself. In this way he earned the powerful malignity of the person
in question, who would not depart until he had effected a number of
very disagreeable prophecies connected with unpropitious omens and
internal torments, all of which undoubtedly had a great influence
on Ling's life beyond that time.
Each day of the examination found Ling alternately elated or
depressed, according to the length and style of the essay which he
had written while enclosed in his solitary examination cell. The
trials each lasted a complete day, and long before the fifteen days
which composed the full examination were passed, Ling found himself
half regretting that he had not accepted his visitor's offer, or
even reviling the day on which he had abandoned the hereditary
calling of his ancestors. However, when, after all was over, he
came to deliberate with himself on his chances of attaining a
degree, he could not disguise from his own mind that he had
well-formed hopes; he was not conscious of any undignified errors,
and, in reply to several questions, he had been able to introduce
curious knowledge which he possessed by means of his exceptional
circumstances—knowledge which it was unlikely that any other
candidate would have been able to make himself master of.
At length the day arrived on which the results were to be made
public; and Ling, together with all the other competitors and many
distinguished persons, attended at the great Hall of Intellectual
Coloured Lights to hear the reading of the lists. Eight thousand
candidates had been examined, and from this number less than two
hundred were to be selected for appointments. Amid a most
distinguished silence the winning names were read out. Waves of
most undignified but inevitable emotion passed over those assembled
as the list neared its end, and the chances of success became less
at each spoken word; and then, finding that his was not among them,
together with the greater part of those present, he became a prey
to very inelegant thoughts, which were not lessened by the refined
cries of triumph of the successful persons. Among this confusion
the one who had read the lists was observed to be endeavouring to
make his voice known, whereupon, in the expectation that he had
omitted a name, the tumult was quickly subdued by those who again
had pleasurable visions.
"There was among the candidates one of the name of Ling," said he,
when no-noise had been obtained. "The written leaves produced by
this person are of a most versatile and conflicting order, so that,
indeed, the accomplished examiners themselves are unable to decide
whether they are very good or very bad. In this matter, therefore,
it is clearly impossible to place the expert and inimitable Ling
among the foremost, as his very uncertain success may have been
brought about with the assistance of evil spirits; nor would it be
safe to pass over his efforts without reward, as he may be under
the protection of powerful but exceedingly ill-advised deities. The
estimable Ling is told to appear again at this place after the gong
has been struck three times, when the matter will have been looked
at from all round."
At this announcement there arose another great tumult, several
crying out that assuredly their written leaves were either very
good or very bad; but no further proclamation was made, and very
soon the hall was cleared by force.
At the time stated Ling again presented himself at the Hall, and
was honourably received.
"The unusual circumstances of the matter have already been put
forth," said an elderly Mandarin of engaging appearance, "so that
nothing remains to be made known except the end of our despicable
efforts to come to an agreeable conclusion. In this we have been
made successful, and now desire to notify the result. A very
desirable and not unremunerative office, rarely bestowed in this
manner, is lately vacant, and taking into our minds the
circumstances of the event, and the fact that Ling comes from a
Province very esteemed for the warlike instincts of its
inhabitants, we have decided to appoint him commander of the
valiant and blood-thirsty band of archers now stationed at Si-chow,
in the Province of Hu-Nan. We have spoken. Let three guns go off in
honour of the noble and invincible Ling, now and henceforth a
commander in the ever-victorious Army of the Sublime Emperor,
brother of the Sun and Moon, and Upholder of the Four Corners of
the World."
IV.
Many hours passed before Ling, now more downcast in mind than the
most unsuccessful student in Canton, returned to his room and
sought his couch of dried rushes. All his efforts to have his
distinguished appointment set aside had been without avail, and he
had been ordered to reach Si-chow within a week. As he passed
through the streets, elegant processions in honour of the winners
met him at every corner, and drove him into the outskirts for the
object of quietness. There he remained until the beating of paper
drums and the sound of exulting voices could be heard no more; but
even when he returned lanterns shone in many dwellings, for two
hundred persons were composing verses, setting forth their renown
and undoubted accomplishments, ready to affix to their doors and
send to friends on the next day. Not giving any portion of his mind
to this desirable act of behaviour, Ling flung himself upon the
floor, and, finding sleep unattainable, plunged himself into
profound meditation of a very uninviting order. "Without doubt," he
exclaimed, "evil can only arise from evil, and as this person has
always endeavoured to lead a life in which his devotions have been
equally divided between the sacred Emperor, his illustrious
parents, and his venerable ancestors, the fault cannot lie with
him. Of the excellence of his parents he has full knowledge;
regarding the Emperor, it might not be safe to conjecture. It is
therefore probable that some of his ancestors were persons of
abandoned manner and inelegant habits, to worship whom results in
evil rather than good. Otherwise, how could it be that one whose
chief delight lies in the passive contemplation of the Four Books
and the Five Classics, should be selected by destiny to fill a
position calling for great personal courage and an aggressive
nature? Assuredly it can only end in a mean and insignificant
death, perhaps not even followed by burial."
In this manner of thought he fell asleep, and after certain very
base and impressive dreams, from which good omens were altogether
absent, he awoke, and rose to begin his preparations for leaving
the city. After two days spent chiefly in obtaining certain
safeguards against treachery and the bullets of foemen, purchasing
opium and other gifts with which to propitiate the soldiers under
his charge, and in consulting well-disposed witches and readers of
the future, he set out, and by travelling in extreme discomfort,
reached Si-chow within five days. During his journey he learned
that the entire Province was engaged in secret rebellion, several
towns, indeed, having declared against the Imperial army without
reserve. Those persons to whom Ling spoke described the rebels,
with respectful admiration, as fierce and unnaturally skilful in
all methods of fighting, revengeful and merciless towards their
enemies, very numerous and above the ordinary height of human
beings, and endowed with qualities which made their skin capable of
turning aside every kind of weapon. Furthermore, he was assured
that a large band of the most abandoned and best trained was at
that moment in the immediate neighbourhood of Si-chow.
Ling was not destined long to remain in any doubt concerning the
truth of these matters, for as he made his way through a dark
cypress wood, a few li from the houses of Si-chow, the sounds of a
confused outcry reached his ears, and on stepping aside to a hidden
glade some distance from the path, he beheld a young and elegant
maiden of incomparable beauty being carried away by two persons of
most repulsive and undignified appearance, whose dress and manner
clearly betrayed them to be rebels of the lowest and worst-paid
type. At this sight Ling became possessed of feelings of a savage
yet agreeable order, which until that time he had not conjectured
to have any place within his mind, and without even pausing to
consider whether the planets were in favourable positions for the
enterprise to be undertaken at that time, he drew his sword, and
ran forward with loud cries. Unsettled in their intentions at this
unexpected action, the two persons turned and advanced upon Ling
with whirling daggers, discussing among themselves whether it would
be better to kill him at the first blow or to take him alive, and,
when the day had become sufficiently cool for the full enjoyment of
the spectacle, submit him to various objectionable tortures of so
degraded a nature that they were rarely used in the army of the
Emperor except upon the persons of barbarians. Observing that the
maiden was not bound, Ling cried out to her to escape and seek
protection within the town, adding, with a magnanimous absence of
vanity:
"Should this person chance to fall, the repose which the presence
of so lovely and graceful a being would undoubtedly bring to his
departing spirit would be out-balanced by the unendurable thought
that his commonplace efforts had not been sufficient to save her
from the two evilly-disposed individuals who are, as he perceives,
at this moment, neglecting no means within their power to
accomplish his destruction." Accepting the discernment of these
words, the maiden fled, first bestowing a look upon Ling which
clearly indicated an honourable regard for himself, a high-minded
desire that the affair might end profitably on his account, and an
amiable hope that they should meet again, when these subjects could
be expressed more clearly between them.
In the meantime Ling had become at a disadvantage, for the time
occupied in speaking and in making the necessary number of bows in
reply to her entrancing glance had given the other persons an
opportunity of arranging their charms and sacred written sentences
to greater advantage, and of occupying the most favourable ground
for the encounter. Nevertheless, so great was the force of the new
emotion which had entered into Ling's nature that, without waiting
to consider the dangers or the best method of attack, he rushed
upon them, waving his sword with such force that he appeared as
though surrounded by a circle of very brilliant fire. In this way
he reached the rebels, who both fell unexpectedly at one blow,
they, indeed, being under the impression that the encounter had not
commenced in reality, and that Ling was merely menacing them in
order to inspire their minds with terror and raise his own spirits.
However much he regretted this act of the incident which he had
been compelled to take, Ling could not avoid being filled with
intellectual joy at finding that his own charms and omens were more
distinguished than those possessed by the rebels, none of whom, as
he now plainly understood, he need fear.
Examining these things within his mind, and reflecting on the
events of the past few days, by which he had been thrown into a
class of circumstances greatly differing from anything which he had
ever sought, Ling continued his journey, and soon found himself
before the southern gate of Si-chow. Entering the town, he at once
formed the resolution of going before the Mandarin for Warlike
Deeds and Arrangements, so that he might present, without delay,
the papers and seals which he had brought with him from Canton.
"The noble Mandarin Li Keen?" replied the first person to whom Ling
addressed himself. "It would indeed be a difficult and hazardous
conjecture to make concerning his sacred person. By chance he is in
the strongest and best-concealed cellar in Si-chow, unless the
sumptuous attractions of the deepest dry well have induced him to
make a short journey"; and, with a look of great unfriendliness at
Ling's dress and weapons, this person passed on.
"Doubtless he is fighting single-handed against the armed men by
whom the place is surrounded," said another; "or perhaps he is
constructing an underground road from the Yamen to Peking, so that
we may all escape when the town is taken. All that can be said with
certainty is that the Heaven-sent and valorous Mandarin has not
been seen outside the walls of his well-fortified residence since
the trouble arose; but, as you carry a sword of conspicuous
excellence, you will doubtless be welcome."
Upon making a third attempt Ling was more successful, for he
inquired of an aged woman, who had neither a reputation for keen
and polished sentences to maintain, nor any interest in the acts of
the Mandarin or of the rebels. From her he learned how to reach the
Yamen, and accordingly turned his footsteps in that direction. When
at length he arrived at the gate, Ling desired his tablets to be
carried to the Mandarin with many expressions of an impressive and
engaging nature, nor did he neglect to reward the porter. It was
therefore with the expression of a misunderstanding mind that he
received a reply setting forth that Li Keen was unable to receive
him. In great doubt he prevailed upon the porter, by means of a
still larger reward, again to carry in his message, and on this
occasion an answer in this detail was placed before him.
"Li Keen," he was informed, "is indeed awaiting the arrival of one
Ling, a noble and valiant Commander of Bowmen. He is given to
understand, it is true, that a certain person claiming the same
honoured name is standing in somewhat undignified attitudes at the
gate, but he is unable in any way to make these two individuals
meet within his intellect. He would further remind all persons that
the refined observances laid down by the wise and exalted Board of
Rites and Ceremonies have a marked and irreproachable significance
when the country is in a state of disorder, the town surrounded by
rebels, and every breathing-space of time of more than ordinary
value."
