The Peach Blossom Fan

by K'ung Shang-jen

  Huang: Besides, the genuine Heir Apparent has been discovered. Many veteran statesmen have testified to his identity. Now the villains are about to imprison him too. Everybody is so outraged that they would gladly hack Juan and Ma to pieces and offer them at his late Majesty’s sacrificial altar.

  Tso: While we risk our lives in battle for the Emperor, who could imagine that such villains would usurp the power? They massacre the virtuous, sell titles and offices, and disport themselves in a period of national crisis. The new Emperor seems to be precipitating the ruin of the country. Shih K’o-fa appears to be the only loyal minister, but he has been thwarted by Ma and Juan, and has therefore accomplished nothing. How can I hope to recover the central plain single-handed? There is no alternative but an emergency measure to coerce the new Emperor. [Bowing to Yuan]: Brother Yuan, please draft an impeachment.

  Yuan: What shall I say?

  Tso: Set down all the crimes of Ma and Juan in the strongest language.

  Yuan: Very well, I shall proceed. [Sings as he writes]:

  “Evil counsels are rampant at court.

  They suppress the Emperor’s Consort,

  Imprison the true Heir Apparent.

  They persecute the righteous,

  From motives of private vengeance:

  Justice is destroyed, the just have taken to flight.

  Searching for harlots, they wallow in every vice;

  Titles and offices are openly sold;

  Words cannot circumscribe their crimes.

  Tso: We shall also require a public declaration. [Bowing to Huang]: Please draft it, Brother Huang.

  Huang: In what terms?

  Tso: Announce that I am mobilizing my armies to chastise the villains, who will certainly be annihilated.

  Liu: That is exactly what should be done.

  Tso: You came here originally to dissuade me from marching east. Now you urge me to the contrary. Why?

  Liu: The situation has changed since the new Emperor mounted the Throne.

  Tso: Aye, so it has! I was a General under the late Emperor, whose legitimate heir is my true sovereign. When Ma and Juan raised Prince Fu to the Throne, I was far away on the frontier and never received the decree.

  Huang: I shall now prepare the draft. [Liu hands him paper and brush. He writes, singing]:

  “To cleanse the court, we make this declaration:

  Borne by gallant warriors, our banners of justice

  Will rise above the dusty road.

  In a trice we shall enter Nanking,

  March to the palace through the Phoenix Gate,

  And worship at the Imperial Tombs.

  We shall sweep out the cabinet,

  And put our sharp swords to the proof.”

  Tso: Let us sign our names.

  Yuan: This is a solemn undertaking. We should ask the new Governor Ho T’eng-chiao to join us.

  Tso: He is an awkward fellow; just add his name without telling him. [All sign their names.] This will be issued early tomorrow morning, then I’ll mobilize my armies.

  Yuan: It may not be safe to deliver it by post.

  Tso: Why?

  Yuan: Many letters of protest have been pouring into the capital. Ma and Juan have been censoring them and having them burned.

  Tso: Then we shall have to send a messenger to distribute them.

  Yuan: That will also be hazardous. Ma and Juan have already taken precautions against us. They have secretly ordered General Tu to build forts along the river. As soon as the declaration appears in the capital, they will hunt out the messenger, who will surely be killed.

  Tso: What are we to do?

  Liu: Let me be your messenger.

  Yuan and Huang: Old Master Liu, you are indomitable. If you go, we fear we must dress in mourning to see you off.

  Liu: I have lived too long to set much value on this old carcass of mine. It is more material to help the Commander accomplish his task.

  Tso: I should prostrate myself in homage before such a hero. [Calls]: Bring wine. [Servant brings it. Tso kneels and offers it to Liu, saying]: Please accept this wine. [Liu kneels and drinks it. All kowtow to Liu, who returns the courtesy.]

  Liu [sings]:

  Holding this beaker of wine, I am moved to tears.

  The ancient hero Ching K’o

  Sobbed when he sang before his historic mission.[3]

  Now at midnight we grasp each other’s hand,

  Souls united in chivalrous sorrow.

  Ask me not when I shall return!

  The moon has waned, the wind blows sharp and chill.

  [To Su]: Dear younger brother, please keep the Commander company. I shall pack and go east at once.

  Su: I wish you complete success and a safe return. [All say goodbye to Liu. Exit.]

  Tso: A great hero, a great hero!

  Huang and Yuan: And a perfect gentleman! [They sing]:

  Misty waves recede in the pall of night;

  The wine-cup emptied, the watchers’ spirits faint.

  Another hero leaves, nor hopes to return,

  And the great river rolls on without restraint.

  [1] He has lived through the following reigns: Wan-li, 1573–1620; T’ai-ch’ang, 1620–1621; T’ien-ch’i, 1621–1628; Ch’ung-chen, 1628–1644.

  [2] Ch’ang O, Goddess of the Moon who fled to that sphere after stealing the elixir of immortality from her husband, the prodigious archer Hou Yi. Her husband became God of the Sun, and the two are said to meet once a month at the time of the new moon.

  [3] Ching K’o made a heroic though abortive attempt to assassinate the tyrannical First Emperor of Ch’in (see Scene 29, n. 4). He is the subject of one of the most dramatic of the biographies in Ssu-ma Ch’ien’s Records of the Historian (see Scene 1, n. 6).

  SCENE 32

  THE IMPERIAL MOURNING

  1645, THIRD MONTH

  [Enter the old Master of Ceremonies with a long white beard.]

  Master of Ceremonies [sings]:

  Evil days for our dynasty:

  Half its house already fallen in ruins,

  And the new scion plays his childish games

  While enemies go unpunished

  And traitors rob the storehouse.

  [Speaks]: I am an Imperial announcer of ceremonies. My duty is to attend to the rites at the ancestral tombs and temples of the Emperors. In the midst of general upheaval, a new Emperor mounted the Throne. Nanking seems to have entered a period of false prosperity. This is the first year when the new reign-title is to be established, and the event is to be celebrated in every household. After swallowing three cups of wine, I could not help airing my views about present conditions. Some well-meaning listeners reminded me that every man should be content to sweep the snow from his own doorstep, without concern for the frost on his neighbour’s roof. My retort was, “Even when a noble tree is felled by a storm, people inevitably point out a moral.” [Calls]: Children, what day is today?

  Voices from backstage: The nineteenth day of the third month.

  Master of Ceremonies: Bless me! Then it is the anniversary of the late Emperor’s death. A decree has been issued that the sacrificial altar is to be raised outside the Gate of Peace. I had almost forgotten my duties. I shall have to make haste. [Walks and says]: One mound after another; dense clumps of pine and bamboo. Here we come to the altar. Thank goodness none of the officials have yet arrived. I’ll have to arrange the ceremonial vessels. [Proceeds to arrange them.]

  [Enter Ma and Yang with retinue, all dressed in their robes of state.]

  Ma and Yang [sing]:

  The hills and rivers are old, the scene is new.

  In the haze of spring, men’s spirits are exalted.

  The fields are covered with hemp and mulberry trees.

  Who grieves for the late Emperor in his heart?

  All hope to gain a fine Spring holiday.

  [Enter Shih K’o-fa in ceremonial robe.]

  Shih [sings]:

  I shall mourn in the fields by the river, a
nd pour sacrificial wine.

  Tears of blood gush ceaseless from my eyes.

  Tell me, O Heaven, on this anniversary:

  Why should our country suffer such a fate?

  [Ma, Yang, and Shih greet each other.]

  Ma: In faithful memory of the late Emperor’s death, let us inaugurate the ceremony.

  Shih: Are all the officials present?

  Master of Ceremonies: Aye, all are present.

  Ma: Then let the ceremonies proceed.

  [Attendants bring in vessels and paper money. The Master of Ceremonies calls out for the late Emperor’s Spirit to be evoked and worshipped. All kowtow four times, then rise and stand at attention, while paper money is offered at the altar. Ma, holding an ivory tablet, mounts before the sacred tablet, then kneels to offer the money and kowtows. After this, all kneel while the Master of Ceremonies reads the following elegy.]

  Master of Ceremonies [reading]: “On the nineteenth day of the third month in the year Yi-yu, the late Emperor’s young cousin and successor, the reigning Emperor Yu-sung, respectfully makes this announcement to the Spirit of the Emperor Ssu-tsung.[1] Accomplished and virtuous wert Thou, most fitting to govern the land and uphold the Imperial dynasty for seventeen years. But an evil fate overwhelmed the country. The great canopy collapsed. Your Majesty was martyred for the nation, and the Empress and Heir Apparent departed with thee. I, thine unworthy young cousin, have shamelessly survived thee. Complying with the earnest petitions of all the people and ministers, I have ascended the Throne to tend the ancestral temples and fulfill the wishes of gods and mortals. Thy departure I shall never cease to mourn. I shall guide my officials, and uphold the Imperial dignity. Daily I tremble with alarm and anxiety. Swallowing my tears, I have taken a spear for my pillow: I have sworn an oath to recover the central plain. Today, on the anniversary of thine ascension to Heaven, I have reverently raised this altar to thee and have sent an official to sacrifice in my stead. Please examine the sincerity of my heart and deign to receive the sacrifice.”

  [The Master of Ceremonies chants a lament. The officials cry out three times. There are further prostrations. Ma offers wine at the altar, kneeling and kowtowing. Further sacrifices are offered; then the ritual vessels are removed, and the Spirit is escorted with four more prostrations. The written elegy and paper money are burnt, and the ceremony is over. Shih K’o-fa continues to weep.]

  Shih [sings]:

  A yellow wind blows far above the earth,

  Scattering the desert sand. Where will his Soul appear?

  Sparse wildflowers bloom on the bare hills,

  And a few crows roost at dusk . . .

  Gazing towards the sunset, I see my home.

  Your orphaned minister wails to the horizon,

  An old man in the twilight of his life.

  Master of Ceremonies: None of the other officials is weeping, Your Excellency. As for me, in spite of my age, I am crying my heart out. [Exit, still weeping.]

  Juan Ta-ch’eng [enters, crying aloud]: My late Emperor, my late Emperor! On this anniversary of your ascension to Heaven, your former servant Juan has come to mourn. [Wipes crocodile tears.] What? Is the ceremony over already?

  Ma: Yes, finished.

  Juan [goes to the altar, kowtows four times and cries]: My late Emperor, my late Emperor! The country is torn asunder. Your martyrdom was caused by the villains of the Eastern Forest Party. Now these traitors are dispersed. Only a few loyal ministers like ourselves have come to offer you sacrifice today. Can you hear from the other world? [Bursts out crying again.]

  Ma [with a restraining gesture]: I beg you not to make yourself ill with grieving. [Juan wipes his eyes and greets the others.]

  Shih [aside]: How ludicrous! [Bids the company farewell, reciting]:

  Smoke and dust obscure the road;

  Imps and goblins prowl abroad. [Exit.]

  Ma: Let us all return to the city. Grooms, get the horses ready! [Ma changes into riding clothes and mounts; the others follow suit.]

  All [singing]:

  As libations poured and voices wailed,

  None could tell true grief from false.

  Now, homeward bound, this bright spring day

  Gaily we exchange state gossip.

  Soft breezes refresh our jaded spirits:

  Who cares to ask how the fighting goes?

  The rule of the southern dynasty should be gay,

  For the beauty of spring is peerless.

  Ma: Here we are at Cock and Goose Lane, not far from my humble abode. Why not step into my garden and see my peonies?

  Yang: I regret I have a previous engagement. Farewell. [Exit.]

  Juan [to Ma]: I shall be delighted to enjoy the peonies with you. [Both dismount.]

  Ma: Pray come in.

  Juan: After Your Excellency. [They enter the garden.] Your flowers are dazzling.

  Ma [to servant]: See that a feast is prepared while we look at the garden. [Servant arranges a table. Ma and Juan change clothes, sit down and drink. Ma laughs boisterously.] Today we have brought Ch’ung-chen’s reign to a formal conclusion. Tomorrow we shall ask the Emperor to mount the Throne. The past will be forgotten. We are installed as new Ministers to a new Emperor.

  Juan: As I have been absent on a mission these last few days, I’m ignorant of recent developments at Court.

  Ma: We have captured the former Heir Apparent and are deliberating how to deal with him. I’d like to have your opinion.

  Juan: That’s easy enough. Everything is in Your Excellency’s power, which is based on your wholehearted support of the new Emperor. [Sings]:

  If you recognize the Heir Apparent,

  Where will you put the Emperor you have dethroned?

  Ma: The best solution would be to clap the Pretender in prison and keep him out of the public eye. But there is also the Lady T’ung, His Majesty’s First Consort. She has been making demonstrations outside the palace gate; and she insists on becoming Empress. What am I to do about that?

  Juan: You should be firm with her. [Sings]:

  Since time out of mind

  All emperors have been partial to young women.

  The beauties chosen should be led to the palace,

  Ribbons tied to their arms;

  Whereupon an Imperial match

  May be settled to our advantage.

  Ma: As a matter of fact, I have already made my selection. Lady T’ung must be excluded from the palace. You knew, of course, about the arrest of Eastern Forest and Revival Club members. How should I deal with these?

  Juan: They are our inveterate enemies. No leniency should be shown. [Sings]:

  Do not merely cut the grass and leave the roots.

  Every last one of them must be executed.

  Ma [laughing]: I see, I see. You are a man of deep experience. Every sentence you have uttered is enlightened. Let us each quaff three large beakers of wine.

  [A flustered messenger rushes in with a document.]

  Messenger: The Earl of Ning-nan, Tso Liang-yü, has sent a memorial to the Throne. A copy of it has been delivered to the chancellery. Here is a summary of the contents, which has been forwarded from the cabinet.

  Ma [taking it]: Let us see what brilliant suggestion he has to offer. [Examines it and explodes]: What ho! this is an impeachment against us. It enumerates seven major crimes we are alleged to have committed, and requests His Majesty to take immediate action. How monstrous!

  [A second messenger rushes in with another document.]

  Second messenger: This document has just arrived for Your Excellency’s perusal.

  Ma [reading it]: This is a public declaration. It is an atrocious libel. Tso says he will mobilize his armies to chastise us. What shall we do?

  Juan [rises trembling]: This is terrible, terrible! I have an answer to everything but this.

  Ma: Are we then to stretch our necks and wait for our heads to be chopped off?

  Juan: Let me think! Our only solution is to send the three garrison generals
to stop him.

  Ma: But who will remain to fight the northerners if they suddenly cross the river?

  Juan [whispering]: Once the northerners come so far, will fighting be necessary?

  Ma: What else can we do but fight?

  Juan: There are two alternatives: either run [he lifts his skirts] or surrender [he kneels].

  Ma: I am sure you are right. People like us have our dignity to consider. I would rather yield to the northerners than be butchered by the southern rebels, so that’s that! Orders must be sent to the three garrison generals to oppose Tso Liang-yü. But wait! We must find a good pretext for moving these generals southwest.

  Juan: It will be enough to state that Tso’s troops are coming east, that he wants to enthrone the Prince of Lu and appoint himself Regent. The three garrison generals are bound to rush to our rescue.

  Ma: Yes, yes. Perhaps you had better go in person to persuade them. [Sings]:

  A lightning messenger will leave with this urgent order:

  “In the same boat, we must steer in the same direction,

  And thus save our bodies and souls.

  We are not prone to panic,

  But Tso’s hundred thousand crack troops

  Will soon descend on the capital.

  We rely upon you as an iron chain to guard the Yangtze.

  May your strong bows put up a heroic defence!”

  Juan: I’ll take leave of Your Excellency and start at once.

  Ma: Wait a minute. I have a secret for your ear. [Whispers]: The two ministers Kao Hung-t’u and Chiang Jih-kuang have been dismissed for sympathy with the rebels. Since Chou and Lei are still alive, I fear they may work mischief. Should I have them executed at once?

  Juan: Without a doubt.

  Ma [bowing]: Excuse me for not escorting you.

  [Exit Ma. Juan leaves the house. A guard approaches him.]

  Guard: The messenger who was caught distributing the declaration is now under arrest. What are Your Excellency’s instructions concerning him?

  Juan: Send him to the Ministry of Justice to await execution by decree. [Mounts his horse, but turns round as he is about to leave.] I mustn’t be reckless. It is just possible that the garrison generals may not succeed in repelling Tso Liang-yü. If I kill his messenger, he will be more vindictive. [Calls]: Guard, hurry to the City Marshal and tell him to keep this man under observation pending further orders. [Exit guard. Juan exclaims]: I nearly made an unfortunate mistake. [He mounts horse and gallops off, singing]: