Chinese Literature

FIFTEEN STRINGS OF CASH

Now some are born intelligent,

Some hide the gifts that Heav’n has sent; The merest glance may make you foes, And laughing chat may end in blows. Men’s hearts are devious as a stream, And stern as mail their faces seem; Women and wine make kingdoms fall, But study does no harm at all.

This verse points out how difficult it is for a man to behave correctly ; for life is fraught with danger and human hearts are hard to fathom. Since the ancient way of life was lost, men have taken many paths in their pursuit of gain and often brought trouble on their own heads; many, too, are the accidents which may befall a man or his family. Thus, as the ancients say: There is meaning in every frown and meaning in every smile, and a man should be very careful how he frowns or smiles.

My story is about a gentleman who lost his own life, ruined his family and caused the death of several others through some remarks made in jest after drinking. First, however, I shall tell you another tale by way of introduction.

During the Yuan Feng period (1078-1085 A.D.) there lived a young scholar named Wei Peng-chu or Wei Chung-hsiao. He was just eighteen and had been married to a very lovely girl for not quite one month, when the spring examination was announced and he had to leave his wite, pack up and go to the capital When they were taking leave of each other his wife urged him, whether he received an official post or not, to come back as soon as he could and not to forget their love.

“Fame and fortune are within my grasp,” replied Wei. “Don’t worry about me.” Then he left for the capital. ;

Sure enough, he passed the examination, winning ninth place in the first rank and receiving a splendid appointment at the capital. Wei then wrote a letter home and sent a servant to bring his wife to the capital.

_ In his letter, after the usual greetings and the news of his official post,

he wrote: “Because I have no one to look after me in the capital, | have found myself a concubine; but we are waiting for you to come and enjoy our wealth and splendour together.”

Wei’s servant took this letter and went straight home. When he

_ saw the young mistress, he congratulated her and handed her the letter; ' but when she opened and read it, she exclaimed: “How could your master

be so heartless! He has only just been appointed to an official post, yet

' he has already taken a concubine!”