They have brutally torn a mother from her daughter.
More savage than brigands, they play at deaf and dumb,
Pretending ignorance of their gross guilt.
Ma: You seem to have endured much hardship.
Juan: Poor lass!
Yang: We are gathered here for enjoyment. Let us not listen to dismal stories.
Fragrant Princess: Your Honour knows whether my dismal stories are worth telling. [Sings]:
The people look up to the great Prime Minister
To recover that half of the country which is lost,
But you merely promote your personal ambition,
Pandering to the Emperor’s lust for pleasure.
Seeking to cram his Inner Court with flowers,
You have dragged me to this place of ice and snow,
A sorrowful maid to sing and pour your wine.
Ma [angrily]: Fie, what is all this nonsense? You deserve to be slapped on the mouth.
Juan: I’ve heard that this creature was a favourite of the Eastern Forest gang. They must have perverted her, since she has no manners. Certainly she deserves a thrashing.
Yang: But she looks too young for the person you refer to.
Fragrant Princess: What if I am she? [Sings]:
The Eastern Forest patriots won universal esteem,
But not the upstart foster sons of eunuchs.
Juan: What brazen insolence! Who can she be reviling? Stewards, seize her and cast her out into the snow.
[A steward tries to grasp her, but Fragrant Princess struggles with him and pushes him onto the floor.]
Fragrant Princess [sings]:
My limbs are transparent as ice, and my heart is chaste as snow,
Outside in the snow I shall find sympathy.
With my will of iron, I have no fear of freezing.
Juan: We cannot apologize sufficiently for the monstrous behaviour of this vixen. We are deeply ashamed of having called her. She must be severely punished.
[Juan leaves the table and begins to kick Fragrant Princess. Yang tries to stop him.]
Ma: It would be easy to put her to death, but it is beneath my dignity to bother about such a trifle.
Yang: Precisely. A Prime Minister and a mere singing-girl are poles apart. Your Excellency had better forget it.
Juan: Let her be sent to the Inner Court to perform the most arduous roles. There she will reap her deserts.
Ma: I quite agree.
Yang: Remove her. [Guards proceed to do so.]
Fragrant Princess: Until I die, I shall never stanch the longings in my breast. [Guards drag her out.]
Ma: We should not allow so congenial a gathering to be spoiled by that little fool.
Juan and Yang [both bowing repeatedly]: Please pardon us for this unexpected affront. We shall make amends as soon as possible.
Ma [standing up]: After this unpleasant incident, I shall wend my way home through the snow.
Juan: For insulting our guest, the beauty should be beheaded. [Exeunt Ma and Juan with attendants.]
Yang [aside]: What a piece of irony that Fragrant Princess should run into her two worst enemies as soon as she leaves her tower. She would have been killed, had I not been there to shield her. She will have more to suffer, but since she is destined for the Inner Court I cannot be held responsible. During her absence, however, there will be nobody to look after the Tower of Enchanting Fragrance. Ah, I’ve an idea! My friend the painter Lan Ying is searching for lodgings. I shall ask him to move into it until Fragrant Princess is released. [Sings]:
As snow invests the scene at Heart’s Delight,
And wine and braziers warm the revellers through,
Sad are the Ch’in-huai singing-girls tonight
To see Hsi-shih exiled alone to Wu.[10]
[1] On the Six Dynasties, see Scene 1, n. 7.
[2] For Wang To, see Scene 4, n. 3. Ch’ien Ch’ien-yi, 1582–1664, was famous for his library and for his anthology of Ming verse.
[3] Witches’ Mountain, Wu-shan, above the Yangtze Gorges, was the site of an amorous encounter with a goddess in an early poem, and has ever since been used, as here, as a symbol for a place of sexual dalliance.
[4] I.e., the palace roster.
[5] An allusion to the lines of Tu Mu (see Scene 6, n. 4):
[6] Ming feng chi, attributed to Wang Shih-chen of the sixteenth century. The play describes the protests by the Censor Yang Chi-sheng and others against the villainous Prime Minister Yen Sung (see below, n. 9).
[7] See Scene 1, n. 12.
[8] Chen-tsung, 968–1022, third emperor of the Sung dynasty, who was devoted to Taoist practices. Chou Fang painted between the years 780 and 810.
[9] Yen Sung was the most notorious of the Six Wicked Ministers of the Ming dynasty. Finally, in 1562, he was dismissed and his property confiscated. It was commonly asserted that the Emperor Chia-ching sent him a silver bowl to collect alms, but no one would give him anything or even buy the bowl, so that he died of starvation.
[10] More allusions are made to Hsi-shih than to any other beauty in the history of China. Sent by the King of Yueh as a gift to the King of Wu, she brilliantly accomplished her mission of debauching her new master and ruining his state.
SCENE 25
THE CAST SELECTED
1645, FIRST MONTH
[In the center of the stage is a tablet inscribed Hsun Feng Tien, “The Hall of Balmy Breezes,” with aphoristic couplets on either side. On the first is written: “Among ten thousand alternatives, what is better than to hold the wine cup?” On the second: “In a hundred years, how often does one see the full moon overhead?” The inscription reads: “Respectfully submitted by the Senior Tutor Wang To.”][1]
[Enter the two musicians Shen Kung-hsien and Chang Yen-chu, and the two singing girls K’ou Pai-men and Cheng T’o-niang.]
Shen: The Son of Heaven dotes on his darling Shen.[2]
Chang: I love to paint beauties’ eyebrows, like the renowned Chang Ch’ang of old.[3]
K’ou [punning on her own name]: I’m like a willow before a fine white gate.
Cheng: I’m just Cheng T’o-niang, but I excel in the arts of love.
Shen: Two days have gone by since we were summoned to the Inner Court, but so far nothing has happened.
Chang: At least we are in the Hall of Balmy Breezes, where the palace music is performed. I hear that His Majesty will soon select players for the next rehearsal.
Shen: Why do they call this “The Hall of Balmy Breezes”?
Chang: It’s an allusion to the words of the old zither song, “Perfumed by the breezes of the south.”
Cheng: You men have your “breezes from the south,”[4] so what use have you for girls like us?
K’ou: Ah, but when we become favourites, we shall be ladies of imperial rank, real queens.
Cheng: Perhaps the men will become queens too.
Chang: That is most insulting.
Shen: When we are put in charge of the company, she will be punished for it.
Chang: I’ll not forgive her. Tomorrow when the rehearsal begins, that hussy will get a taste of my drumstick.
Cheng: I’ve tried it before, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. [General laughter. Enter Juan Ta-ch’eng.]
Juan [sings]:
The palace of Han is like a classic painting
Where pearly curtains float in the spring morning.
Beauties will come like butterflies, like orioles,
To sing and dance to talent’s high creations,
Mingling bright sleeves with ministerial robes.
[To the actors]: Are all of you present? Where’s Virgin Beauty Li?
K’ou: She slipped in the snow and hurt herself. At present she is lying down.
Juan: His Majesty will soon be here to choose players for the rehearsal. She cannot absent herself as she pleases.
All: Of course not, of course not. We’ll drag her along by force. [Exeunt, except Juan.]
Juan [to himself]: T
hat she-slave has infuriated me. Today I shall make her act the role of a clown.
[Enter two court eunuchs with ceremonial dragon fans, then the Emperor, followed by two more eunuchs holding a casket and other vessels.]
Emperor [sings]:
In misty groves, dead dynasties lie buried
Mid labyrinthine terraces and towers.
I’m sovereign of the spring in the sweet south,
I who have ever loved the Loyang flowers.
[Sits down and speaks]: It is almost a year since I succeeded to the Empire. Thanks to the valour of the four garrison generals, the bandits have been prevented from marching south. Certain rebels have plotted for the Prince of Lu to usurp the Throne, but these are all in jail. Since the restoration of peace, I have been searching for a worthy Empress. However, I am often bored by the pomps and ceremonies of my existence. It is sad that my dignity should prevent me from indulging in the pleasures of song and dance.
Juan [kneeling]: Your Majesty’s servant and Imperial Counsellor Juan Ta-ch’eng pays homage.
Emperor: Please rise. [Sings]:
The melting snow and first spring buds I see
With knitted brow. This landscape wearies me.
Juan: When the world is at peace, it is time for entertainment. Why does Your Majesty feel weary?
Emperor: I am tormented by a secret worry which you may guess.
Juan: Is Your Majesty afraid of the bandits coming south?
Emperor: No. [Sings]:
They face the Yellow River in dismay —
They’ll hardly fly here down the Milky Way!
Juan: Is Your Majesty perturbed by the insufficiency of military supplies and victualling of the army?
Emperor: No, it isn’t that, either. [Sings]:
My stalwart warriors line the River Huai,
My ships bring grain in plentiful supply.
Juan: Perhaps Your Majesty is anxious to discover a virtuous Empress?
Emperor: No, that will soon be settled. The Minister of Ceremonies has been investigating on my behalf. Meanwhile, [sings]:
Nine maids of honour, and my consorts three,
Ably control palace affairs for me.
Juan: If none of these matters disturbs Your Majesty, perhaps you are worried by the rebellious ministers Chou and Lei, plotting to enthrone the Prince of Lu?
Emperor: You are farther than ever from the point. [Sings]:
Those lying traitors were foredoomed to fail;
Already they repent their deeds, in jail.
Juan [lowering his head]: What else could trouble Your Majesty? I confess that my imagination begins to fail me.
Emperor: As my most intimate servant in the Inner Court, how can you be so obtuse?
Juan [kneeling]: Your Majesty’s wisdom is so lofty, and your thoughts are so profound, that his humble servant is too dense to understand. I beg Your Majesty to be so gracious as to enlighten me, and I’ll try to relieve your anxiety.
Emperor: Let me explain, then. As Emperor I should be able to satisfy my every mood. Since I have recognized your Swallow Letter as representative of the spirit of my reign, it is important that it should be performed at the Lantern Festival[5] for the celebration of peace and prosperity. I’m afraid we shall not find suitable players in time for the rehearsal. [Pointing to the couplets on the wall]: “Among ten thousand alternatives, what is better than to hold the wine-cup?” “In a hundred years, how often does one see the full moon overhead?” There is only one Lantern Festival during the year. This thought has depressed me night and day, so that I have lost both sleep and appetite.
Juan: So it’s all on account of that modest play of mine! That it should have caused Your Majesty worry is entirely my fault. [Kowtowing]: I am so utterly devoted to Your Majesty that I would gladly sacrifice my life to your slightest whim. [Sings]:
I dedicate myself to gallant verses,
Displaying all my wit to divert Your Majesty.
I am ready to wear powder and rouge and carry a lute,
Tripping in the role of a tender light-foot maiden,
To win a glance from Your Majesty at the feast,
Or the smallest token you deign to fling on the carpet.
It is the luck of three lives and ten thousand years of fame
To partake of Your Majesty’s Imperial bounty.
I shall strive to fulfill my duty with highest merit. . .
[Speaks]: But I do not know which roles lack interpreters.
Emperor: A young hero and heroine and a little clown are required most urgently.
Juan: That should be easy. The Ministry of Ceremonies have sent several musicians and singing-girls. They are waiting outside.
Emperor: Call them in.
Juan: I obey Your Majesty.
[Exit Juan, to re-enter with Shen, Chang, Fragrant Princess, Cheng, and K’ou. All kneel before the Emperor.]
Emperor [to Shen and Chang]: Are you musicians?
Shen and Chang: May it please Your Majesty above, we humble folk have some knowledge of musical drama.
Emperor: Are you familiar with all the latest plays?
Chang and Shen: Our recent productions include The Peony Pavilion, The Swallow Letter, and The Western Tower.[6]
Emperor: If you know The Swallow Letter, I shall appoint you to direct it in the Inner Court. [Shen and Chang kowtow.] Are the three singing-girls also familiar with The Swallow Letter?
Cheng and K’ou: We are, Your Majesty.
Emperor: That is good news. [To Fragrant Princess]: But you, young woman, why don’t you reply?
Fragrant Princess: I do not know the play.
Juan [kneeling]: May it please Your Majesty, these who know the play may take the leading roles. This ignorant wench should be made to act the clown.
Emperor: If that is the custom, do accordingly, [K’ou, Cheng, and Fragrant Princess kowtow.] Rise now, and prepare for the rehearsal.
Cheng: Now I shall be the greatest leading lady in the world.
Emperor [to Juan]: Choose a scene from The Swallow Letter and make them rehearse it in your presence. [Chang, Shen, K’ou and Cheng practise a few arias. Juan gives them directions. The Emperor says contentedly]: Most interesting. You all seem well acquainted with the play. I need fret no further. [To servant]: Pour the wine. I shall drink three cups to congratulate you. [Wine is served. The Emperor drinks, then rises, saying]: We, the Emperor and his loyal subjects, share the subtlest enjoyments of life. Let us give a concert together. I am a proficient drummer. Each of you choose your favorite instrument. [They play a piece called “Rain and Snow.” When it is finished the Emperor laughs aloud.] Nearly all my depression has left me. Serve wine. I’ll drink another three cups. [Sings]:
The old palace of Wu re-opens its gates to music,
The finest talents are trained for our performance.
The spring breeze thrills to the rhythmic Huai-yang drum,
To strings of K’un-shan and melodious Wu-hsi song.
The sleeves of the dancers whirl like coloured smoke,
The palace ladies sway like graceful willows.
Vermilion towers and green-tiled palaces
Provide the noblest setting to their art.
All contribute with laughter and with song
To the delight of a carefree Emperor.
[Noticing Fragrant Princess]: That girl is beautiful beyond the common run. It is a pity that she should have to act the clown. [Addressing her]: Young maid, though you do not know The Swallow Letter, are you familiar with any other play?
Fragrant Princess: I know parts of The Peony Pavilion.
Emperor: That will do. Will you sing for me? [Fragrant Princess hesitates.] Your fair face flushes. Why are you so shy? She should be given a palace fan painted with peach blossom to match her spring complexion. [A fan is thrown to her.]
Fragrant Princess [picking it up, sings]:
“Why did the Immortal Beauty, Emerald Jade,
Seek to discover the Fountain of Peach B
lossoms?
Because the running stream and whirling petals
Have rapt her fancy, and the Lord of Heaven
Seems niggardly with flowers, she mourns their plight.
Alas, the early spring has fled in vain.”
Emperor: Wonderful! She has sung it to perfection. [To servant]: Bring wine. I’ll drink three more cups. This girl is as fine a singer as she is a beauty. She deserves the heroine’s role. [Pointing to Cheng]: That swarthy wench is indicated for the clown.
Juan [crestfallen]: I obey, Your Majesty.
Cheng [punning on her own name]: I’m supposed to be fit, but I’m not fit enough — it’s enough to give one a fit!
Emperor [to Juan]: Take the hero and the clown to the rehearsal chamber. Tell the musicians to teach them under your personal supervision.
Juan [kneeling]: That is merely my duty, Your Majesty. [Exit with Chang, Shen, K’ou, and Cheng.]
Emperor [to Fragrant Princess]: You may remain in this Hall of Balmy Breezes. Three days should suffice you to memorize “The Swallow Letter,” after which you may join in the general rehearsal.
Fragrant Princess: I shall obey Your Majesty. Unfortunately I have no copy of the play.
Emperor [to servant]: See that this girl is provided with a clear libretto. [Servant hands it to her. She kneels to receive it. The Emperor recites]:
Songs will fill with joy a thousand years,
And wine dispel the state’s ten thousand cares.
[Emperor exits with retinue.]
Fragrant Princess [weeping]: Alas. Now that I am immured in the Inner Court, I shall never be free again. [Sings]:
The willows droop; the crows of evening gather.
Behind a thousand portals locked, I see
Only the somber pines outside the window,
And green-tiled roofs. A chill wind blows my sleeves,
And scattered blossoms flutter in my hair.
The lovers torn apart like mandarin ducks,
Their tortured souls by cloud-capped hills divided,
Yearn for each other bitterly. In vain
I sent the fan of peach blossoms, since now
Even the thinnest ray of hope is thwarted.
In vain I peer beyond the fragrant meadows.
[Sighs and says]: There is nothing I can do now but memorize this play, and hope that perhaps His Majesty will some day release me from the palace so that I may dream of finding my love again. [Sings]:
The Peach Blossom Fan Page 21