Ernest Bramah
The Wallet of Kai Lung
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Table of contents
I. — THE TRANSMUTATION OF LING
I. INTRODUCTION
II.
THE STORY OF LING Narrated by Kai Lung when a prisoner in the camp of Lin Yi
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
II. — THE STORY OF YUNG CHANG
III. — THE PROBATION OF SEN HENG
IV. — THE EXPERIMENT OF THE MANDARIN CHAN HUNG
V. — THE CONFESSION OF KAI LUNG
VI. — THE VENGEANCE OF TUNG FEL
VII. — THE CAREER OF THE CHARITABLE QUEN-KI-TONG
VIII. — THE VISION OF YIN,THE SON OF YAT HUANG
IX. — THE ILL-REGULATED DESTINYOF KIN YEN, THE PICTURE-MAKER
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 [...]
