|
DR. Tseng's Dream (1)
There was a Fuhkien gentleman named Tseng, who had just
taken his doctor's degree. One day he was out walking with
several other recently elected doctors, when they heard that
at a temple hard by there lived an astrologer, and
accordingly the party proceeded thither to get their
fortunes told. They went in and sat down, and the astrologer
made some very complimentary remarks to Tseng, at which he
fanned himself and smiled, saying, "Have I any chance of
ever wearing the dragon robes and the jade girdle ?" The astrologer immediately put on a serious face,
and replied that he would be a Secretary of State during twenty
years of national tranquility. Thereupon Tseng was much
pleased, and began to give himself greater airs than ever.
A slight rain coming on, they sought shelter in the
priest's quarters, where they found an old bonze, with
sunken eyes and a big nose, sitting upon a mat. He took no
notice of the strangers, who, after having bowed to him,
stretched themselves upon the couches to chat, not
forgetting to congratulate Tseng upon the destiny which had
been foretold him. Tseng, too, seemed to think the thing was
a matter of certainty, and mentioned the names of several
friends he intended to advance, amongst others the old
family butler. Roars of laughter greeted this announcement,
mingled with the patter-patter of the increasing rain
outside. Tseng then curled himself up for a nap, when
suddenly in walked two officials bearing a commission under
the Great Seal appointing Tseng to the Grand Secretariat.
As soon as Tseng understood their errand, he rushed off at
once to pay his respect to the Emperor, who graciously detained
him some time in conversation, and then issued instructions that
the promotion and dismissal of all officers below the third grade'
should be vested in Tseng alone. He was next presented with the
dragon robes, the jade girdle, and a horse from the imperial
stables, after which he performed the kou tou before His
Majesty and took his leave. He then went home, but it was no
longer the old home of his youth. Painted beams, carved pillars,
and a general profusion of luxury and elegance, made him wonder
where on earth he was; until, nervously stroking his beard, he
ventured to call out in a low tone. Immediately the responses of
numberless attendants echoed through the place like thunder.
Presents of costly food were sent to him by all the grandees,
and his gate was absolutely blocked up by the crowds of retainers
who were constantly coming and going. When Privy Councilors
came to see him, he would rush out in haste to receive them;
when Under-Secretaries of State visited him, he made them a
polite bow; but to all below these he would hardly vouchsafe a
word.
The Governor of Shansi sent him twelve singing-girls, two of
whom, Ni-ni and Fairy, he made his favorites. All day long he
had nothing to do but find amusement as best he could, until he
bethought himself that formerly a man named Wang had often
assisted him with money. Thereupon he memorialized the Throne
and obtained official employment for him. Then he recollected
that there was another man to whom he owed a long-standing
grudge. He at once caused this man, who was in the Government
service, to be impeached and stripped of his rank and dignities.
Thus he squared accounts with both. One day when out in his
chair a drunken man bumped against one of his tablet-bearers.
Tseng had him seized and sent in to the mayor's yamen, where he
died under the bamboo. Owners of land adjoining his would
make him a present of the richest portions, fearing the consequences if they did not do so; and thus he became very wealthy,
almost on a par with the State itself.
By-and-by, Ni-ni and Fairy died, and Tseng was overwhelmed
with grief. Suddenly he remembered that in former years he had
seen a beautiful girl whom he wished to purchase as a concubine, but want of
money had then prevented him from carrying out his
intention. Now there was no longer that difficulty; and
accordingly he sent off two trusty servants to get the girl by force. In a
short time she arrived, when he found that she had grown more
beautiful than ever; and so his cup of happiness was full.
But years rolled on, and gradually his fellow-officials became
estranged, Tseng taking no notice of their behavior, until at last
one of them impeached him to the Throne in a long and bitter
memorial. Happily, however, the Emperor still regarded him
with favor, and for some time kept the memorial by him unanswered. Then followed a joint memorial from the whole of the
Privy Council, including those who had once thronged his doors,
and had falsely called him their dear father. The Imperial rescript
to this document was "Banishment to Yunnan," his son, who
was Governor of Pin-yang, being also implicated in his guilt.
When Tseng heard the news, he was overcome with fear; but
an armed guard was already at his gate, and the lictors were
forcing their way into his innermost apartments. They tore off his
robe and official hat, and bound him and his wife with cords.
Then they collected together in the hall his gold, his silver, and
banknotes, to the value of many hundred thousands of taels. His pearls, and
jade, and precious stones filled many bushel baskets. His
curtains, and screens, and beds, and other articles of
furniture were brought out by thousands; while the
swaddling- clothes of his infant boy and the shoes of his
little girl were lying littered about the steps. It was a
sad sight for Tseng; but a worse blow was that of his
concubine carried off almost lifeless before his eyes,
himself not daring to utter a word. Then all the apartments, storerooms, and treasuries were sealed up, and, with a
volley of curses, the soldiers bade Tseng begone, and proceeded
to leave the place, dragging him with them. The husband and
wife prayed that they might be allowed some old cart, but this
favor was denied them.
More >>> |
