He is a consummate master of riddles,
Of biting admonitions and parables.
Liu: Your Excellency overrates me. My tricks are trivial. They have earned me no more than a modest livelihood in my roamings.
Tso: It is evident that you have associated with men of culture, and that you are extremely gifted yourself.
Liu: My education has been neglected since childhood, and I am sadly aware of my defects. I have only a smattering of crude fiction and historical legends. I tell stories as they come to mind, and though I have known several worthies, I have never been intimate with people of genuine culture. [Sings]:
I express my sentiments in quaint legend and rustic song.
Wandering in the wilderness,
I have often had to drink the bitter pine-sap wine.
My feeble hand trembles
When I beat my drum and sound my clapper.
But when I sing of loyal ministers and filial sons,
Every word resounds like the dragon’s voice and the tiger’s roar.
The tip of my tongue
Is like a sharp dagger drawn from its sheath.
Even amid the noise of thunder and cannon,
I can blame as well as praise.
I require no writing-brush
To persuade misguided heroes to change their plans.
Tso: Your talk is very stimulating and delightful. I hope you will stay with me, so that I can benefit from your valuable experience. [Sings]:
From now on I shall reap knowledge
From your talk of the past and present.
Your words will be like wind and rain to nourish my mind.
With your witty tongue and my sharp arrows,
We may yet save the country from calamity.
Liu: Thanks for the compliment, but may I ask what was Your Excellency’s purpose in moving the armies east?
Tso: Perhaps only Heaven knows the loyalty in my heart. I appreciate your argument and the advice in my patron’s letter. But there is no real need for either. [Sings]:
My conscience is clear as water reflecting the brilliant sky.
Liu:
Though His Majesty be distant, his face is as near as we are from each other.
Tso:
I shall remain the pillar of this southwest corner of his Majesty’s realm.
Liu:
Then turn not east towards the ocean’s tide.
Illustration: General Tso Liang-yü (to storyteller Liu Ching t’ing): “How dare you address me so impudently?”
[1] The town is Wuchang, and Yellow Crane Tower and Parrot Island are famous local beauty spots.
SCENE 12
THE LOVERS PARTED
1643, TENTH MONTH
[Enter Yang Wen-ts’ung in official dress.]
Yang [sings]:
In the ’broidered land of southeast China,
Many a glorious kingdom has passed away.
Heroes have striven for its possession;
The grief of Chou Yü[1] echoes louder than before,
But the river flows ever on towards the east.
[Speaks]: Yesterday General Hsiung ordered me to procure a letter from Brother Hou to General Tso, to prevent him from marching north. Liu Ching-t’ing was sent to deliver it and, since we feared it might not suffice, a memorandum was sent to the Imperial Court, recommending General Tso’s promotion and honours for his family. All the local governors and officials have been summoned to a conference, to discuss the dispatch of provisions as soon as possible. We have done our utmost under the circumstances. Juan Ta-ch’eng and I are attending the conference, though it is a long time since either of us has been active in politics.
Juan [enters in official dress and recites]:
I can see the black and white of events as on a chessboard;
Brushing my eyebrows and beard again, I shall play a role in the drama.
[Says to Yang]: Greetings, Wen-ts’ung. Since we are called to the conference, we should offer some fresh proposals. One should never be silent on such a momentous occasion.
Yang: But a very serious matter is to be discussed. People like ourselves, who have been out of office, had better listen quietly to others’ opinions. It is enough that our presence be noticed.
Juan: What do you mean? [Sings]:
This is His Majesty’s concern.
Remember what is at stake:
The safety of this holy city,
Founded by the First Emperor.
Naval invasion threatens, and we should guard
Against treachery from inside the city walls.
Bugles and drums may shake the bastions,
While ships sail down the river as if blown by the wind.
Traitors may secretly plot to open the gates.
Yang: There is no evidence of treachery. Please say no more about it for the present.
Juan: But I have received news from reliable sources. How can I keep silent?
Clerk [enters and recites]:
Everywhere the situation grows more tense.
Day after day more conferences are held.
[Says to Yang and Juan] : Your Honours! The Governor General of Huai-an, His Excellency Shih K’o-fa, and the Military Governor of Feng-yang, His Excellency Ma Shih-ying, have both arrived.
[Yang and Juan advance respectfully to meet them. Shih has a white beard, Ma a grey shaggy one; both wear official dress.]
Shih: All our military supplies depend on a single line of communication. I dread failing in my duty.
Ma: The positions of the Imperial tombs foreshadow the fortunes of the dynasty. My hair and beard are thinned with anxiety about the war. [Mutual greetings are exchanged.]
Shih: Where is the garrison commander, General Hsiung?
Clerk: His Excellency has been ordered to review the troops on the river.
Ma: Then we cannot hold the conference. What a pity!
Shih [sings]:
The yellow dust rises,
The Imperial light fades.
Even with the magical feather-fan of Chu-ko Liang,[2]
I would find it hard to pacify this turmoil.
Urgent dispatches have been sent like meteors,
While a fleet of ships comes sailing down the river.
Kuan Chung[3] of old — where are you in our time of need?
Words were impotent against the disasters
That struck down the southern dynasties.
Now I would gladly sacrifice
This worn-out body of mine.
Yang: Please do not worry so much. Tso Liang-yü is a former subordinate of old Master Hou. We have sent a letter to stop him. I think he is bound to obey.
Shih: I had heard about that. Although it was General Hsiung’s idea, you deserve credit for carrying it out.
Juan: I cannot prove it yet, but I have heard that Tso’s troop movements have been prompted by one who is going to abet him from inside the city.
Shih: Who is it?
Juan: The son of old Hou Hsün, a classmate of mine. His name is Hou Fang-yü.
Shih: Fang-yü stands in the same relation to me as he does to you. I am well acquainted with him. He is a prominent member of the Revival Club. Your accusation is incredible.
Juan: Your Excellency may not realize that he and Tso are intimate friends who have been continually in secret correspondence. Unless we nip this young Hou in the bud, he will certainly help Tso from inside.
Ma: You are right. Why hesitate to sacrifice an individual at the risk of losing the city?
Shih: But this statement is without foundation. Master Juan has no right to make it under the circumstances. [He turns to leave, reciting]:
No good can come from an evil tongue.
His public utterance involves a private interest. [Exit.]
Juan: [to Ma]: Why should General Shih depart so brusquely? What I said was entirely supported by facts. Recently pock-marked Liu was sent to deliver Hou’s personal letter to Tso Liang-yü.
Yang: But this i
s most unjust. I persuaded Liu to take the letter. I was actually present while Hou wrote it, and could appreciate the sincerity of his effort to stop Tso. Why should you suspect him?
Juan: You fail to realize that the letter was written in a secret code prearranged between them. How could you understand what he really meant?
Ma [nodding his head in approval]: That is quite possible. Such people must be eliminated. I shall go back and have him arrested. [To Yang]: Brother-in-law, are you coming with me?
Yang: Please go ahead. I will join you later.
Juan [to Ma]: Your brother-in-law and I are as close as twins and I am always telling him of my admiration for Your Excellency. I was lucky indeed to have met you here today, as I have some confidential news for you. Could I see you in private?
Ma: The admiration is mutual. I should be glad to have a quiet chat. [Exeunt.]
Yang: What does this mean? Though I have not watched Brother Hou’s every movement, I know all about this affair of sending the letter. [Sings]:
How can this wrong be righted?
He is being accused of a crime he has never committed.
I cannot stand idly by
While this faithful friend is branded a regicide.
[Speaks]: I had better warn him so that he can escape in time. [Sings as he walks along to Mistress Li’s house]:
In the soft spring night,
He sleeps blissfully with his mate among the flowers,
Heedless of the cruel blow which will sever the lovebirds.
[Speaks]: Here is the house of Mistress Li.
[Yang knocks at door. Singing is heard from behind stage. Su K’un-sheng enters.]
Su: Who’s there?
Yang: Open the door at once.
Su [opening it]: Ah, it is Your Honour! You have come at an unusually late hour.
Yang: Pray where is Master Hou?
Su: Fragrant Princess has been singing a new medley of lyrics. We have all been listening to her upstairs.
Yang: Please ask them to come down quickly.
[Su goes and calls Mistress Li, Hou Fang-yü, and Fragrant Princess, who enter accordingly.]
Hou [recites]:
Love is continual intoxication.
Even in the chill of night, flowers bloom beside the curtain.
[Says to Yang]: Brother Yang, I’m so glad you can join our festive party.
Yang: Evidently you’re not aware of the danger threatening you.
Hou: What do you mean?
Yang: At today’s conference, Juan told everyone that you are a close confederate of Tso Liang-yü, that you have been in secret correspondence with him and will help him to invade the city. Your arrest is being considered.
Hou [in surprise]: There has never been a serious breach between Juan and myself. Why should he wish to ruin me like this?
Yang: Perhaps your refusal of his gift offended him, and his resentment turned into rancour.
Li: You must not delay. It would be wiser to leave at once, lest others become implicated.
Hou: You are right. [Grieving]: But it is cruel for a loving couple to part so soon.
Fragrant Princess: A brave man like my lord should not be swayed by personal sentiment like ordinary folk.
Hou: That is true, but where can I go? [Sings]:
I have parents,
But I never hear from them.
The war clouds rise,
And my home is half destroyed.
I long to return,
But the journey is hard and dangerous;
Straying about the world,
Where can I hide myself?
Every road is stopped,
The sky turns dark,
The earth is wrapped in gloom.
Yang: Please don’t despair. I have a suggestion. His Excellency Shih and Governor Ma, my brother-in-law, were both present at today’s meeting. My brother-in-law was prejudiced against you, and your arrest was only delayed because His Excellency Shih defended you so stoutly. He also said that he was a friend of your family.
Hou: Yes, of course. He was my father’s pupil.
Yang: Then why don’t you follow him to Huai-an and wait there until you hear from home?
Hou: Perhaps that is the best expedient. Thanks for your advice and for the timely warning.
Fragrant Princess: Let me pack for you. [She packs and sings]:
A blissful union will now become the memory of two hearts.
We must endure the bitterness of parting.
I knit my brows to keep the tears from falling.
Last night’s perfume lingers on the feather quilt;
I roll it tightly into a bundle, wetting it with my tears.
[Servant comes in for the luggage.]
Hou [to Fragrant Princess]: We part now, but it will not be for long.
Fragrant Princess [weeping]: Everywhere the smoke and dust of war is rising. When shall we meet again? I cannot be sure. [Sings]:
Separation and union, sadness and joy —
All pass in a twinkling.
When shall we meet again?
Li: Patrols have probably been sent to search for you. You should leave without delay.
Hou [sings]:
We are blown apart with the speed of the west wind.
We are not granted a moment’s respite.
[Speaks]: But where does His Excellency Shih reside?
Su: When he visits the capital, he usually stays in the hermit’s garden near the marketplace. I’ll be glad to show you the way.
Hou: Thank you kindly. [Exeunt Hou and Su.]
Li: As Your Honour brought this trouble upon us, you must find a way to protect us. What shall we do if they come tomorrow to arrest him?
Yang: Don’t worry, Mistress Li. Once Hou has gone, you will not be molested. [Sings]:
Union and separation can never be foretold.
Fragrant Princess [sings]:
While the quilt is still warm, the wine cup is dry; The song is over.
Li: A flower cannot rest in peace alone with its shadow.
Yang: You must bolt your doors against tomorrow’s storm.
[1] Chou Yü, 174–218, generalissimo of the Three Kingdoms period, who destroyed Ts’ao Ts’ao’s fleet at the Red Cliff on the Yangtze River.
[2] Chu-ko Liang, 181–234, was an outstanding strategist of the Three Kingdoms wars and minister of Liu Pei. Credited with supernatural powers, he used a magic fan as wand.
[3] Kuan Chung, died 645 B.C., a minister of state famed for political sagacity.
SCENE 13
LAMENT FOR THE EMPEROR
1644, THIRD MONTH
Orderly [enters and sings]:
Across the river lie the misty forests;
The green hills lurk in shadow, men are dwarfed.
Alas, the nobler landscape of the west
Is ever screened by dust of galloping horses.
[Speaks]: I am an orderly under General Tso Liang-yü. Since the General recaptured Wuchang, Imperial favours have showered upon him. Yesterday he was given the new title of Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent, and his son Meng-keng has been made an honorary general. His Honour Huang Shu, the Imperial Herald who bestows titles, is still in the General’s residence. Today the Governor of Kiukiang has sent us thirty shiploads of grain. Our Commander-in-Chief is so delighted that he has ordered a banquet to entertain our distinguished guests at the Yellow Crane Tower. Under the trees beside the limpid river, and in the flowery fields, the citizens and soldiers are all rejoicing. What a scene of peace and prosperity! Now I hear voices cheering. His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief must have arrived. I must see that the banquet is ready.
[A tablet inscribed “Yellow Crane Tower” is set up on stage. The orderly arranges seats. A band of musicians enter, followed by Tso Liang-yü in uniform.]
Tso [sings]:
Wherever we go, the colours of spring pursue us,
The brilliant sunlight dazzles our eyes,
And banks of endless green slope towa
rd the river.
The music of flutes from the tower seems to scatter the plum blossoms.
Friends bearing dainties enjoy the scene with loosened garments.
Who dare mock me as a soldier while I cherish
The subtle refinement of accomplished scholars?
[Speaks]: I am giving a banquet at Yellow Crane Tower for Their Excellencies Yuan and Huang. I expect them to appear at any moment. [Commands]: All my captains and guards wait downstairs for their arrival. [Exeunt. Tso walks upstairs, saying]: The mutations of spring are reflected in my heart. The wind and smoke of a myriad miles I assimilate at a glance. [Gazing out]: Behold the vast expanse of Tung-t’ing Lake and the blue peaks of Dreaming Cloud Mountain! This southwestern country has great strategic importance. It is a glorious thing for me to garrison so famous a district. [He sits down and calls the orderly, who enters and kneels before him.] Is the banquet ready?
Orderly: Aye, aye, Your Excellency.
Tso: Why have our two guests of honour not arrived?
Orderly: We have sent messengers repeatedly. His Excellency the Governor is supervising the shiploads of supplies on the river bank, and His Excellency Huang, the Imperial Inspector, is receiving guests at the Dragon Flower Temple. They will not be here till evening.
Tso: So long a wait will be tedious. Send for Master Liu.
Orderly [kneeling]: Master Liu is downstairs.
Tso: Ask him up at once.
Liu [enters, reciting]:
My spirit broods over the marshes;
My voice makes high towers tremble.
Tso: What brought you here to await my summons?
Liu: I knew you would be feeling lonely.
Tso: That’s curious. How did you guess that?
Liu: There is a saying, “Scholars assembling will not sit, till all the candles have been lit,” for scholars are never punctual.
Tso: Too true. It is still early in the afternoon. How long shall we be kept waiting?
Liu: If you like, I shall continue the story of Ch’in Shu-pao [1] which I began last night.
Tso: That would be delightful. Have you brought your drum and clappers?
Liu: It is said that an official never leaves his seal behind, and I always carry my stock-in-trade. [He produces them.]
Tso: Servants, prepare tea and fetch me an easy chair. I wish to enjoy the story thoroughly. [A couch is moved and tea is served, while Tso changes his clothes. A servant massages his back. Liu sits down and proceeds with the story.]
The Peach Blossom Fan Page 12