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Friday, July 23, 2010

Peach Blossom Girl Dueling Magic - Chapter 3

     


Copyright © 2010 - Jeff Loh. All rights reserved


Peach Blossom Girl Dueling Magic

Chapter 3

In Angering Heaven, A Girl1 Was Reincarnated2,
In Understanding The Way, A Beauty Reveals Secrets of Heaven.

Let us focus not on Mrs. Shi’s weeping but to turn to Lao Tzu who was meditating in his Tushita Palace on the Thirty third level of Heaven. He was sitting on his bulrush prayer mat when the Golden Boy3 burst in reporting,

“The Attendant to the Divination Box is nowhere to be found and hasn’t been back at all.”

Upon hearing the report, Lao Tzu let out his divine light and understood all that had happened and nodded his head,

“What a vile creature you are, my Attendant of the Divination box! Instead of cultivating the true way and attain enlightenment quietly, you seek your own torment and misery by today’s rash action. It’s not that I have no compassion to save you!”

Lao Tzu then reported the incident to the High Emperor of Summer Heaven4 who then commanded the Peach Garden Fairy to be sent down to earth. On receiving the Jade Edict5, she turned into a ball of divine light and rushed straight towards the destined family of Ren Tai Kung6 in Morning Song to be born as his daughter. She is now grown up and sixteen years of age. Her face looked like a peach blossom; she was slender-waisted like the weak branches of the willow, such an indescribable beauty. How do we know?

There is a poem describing her beauty,

Cherry Peach-shaped mouth, teeth white as jade,
An understanding flower7 whose beauty is unique.
A fate from previous life causes all this,
So easily that a fairy be reborn into a mortal’s family?

Around the time of her birth, Ren Tai Kung’s wife dreamt and saw the sky was filled with colored clouds and from there descended a fairy holding a luminous peach blossom. The fairy then gave the blossom to the lady of the house8. When she started to inhale the fragrance of the flower she awoke and within three days, a daughter was born. For this reason the baby was named Peach Blossom. Being the old couple’s only child, their love for her was greater than that of having a pearl in hand. Brought up in a lap of luxury, her every whim was catered to. On this we shall not dwell on any longer.

One day, as the husband and wife were sitting in the main hall a pitiful wailing was heard in the streets. Ren Tai Kung hurriedly went out to see what it was all about. He recognized it was their wall-adjoining neighbour9, old widow Mrs. Shi, who was weeping loudly. A crowd was consoling her but he could not hear a thing as too many people were jabbering at the same time. In midst of the crowd, he started to address Old Mrs. Shi,

“Old auntie10, why are you weeping so sorrowfully? Why not come to my humble abode and have a seat? Explain exactly what had transpired so that this old man may understand one thing or two. We may be of help.”

When the crowd saw Ren Tai Kung invite old widow Mrs. Shi into his home, they dispersed in no time. As she was being led into the main entrance, Mrs. Ren came out to welcome her. On seeing the state Old Mrs. Shi was in, she quickly helped her into the main hall and bade her sit down.

Mrs. Ren asked,

“Old sister-in-law, who had you been quarreling with? Did someone wrong you?”

Old Mrs. Shi wiped her tears,

“Madame, this concubine never quarreled with anyone. It is because my son is going to die tonight on the third hour of the watch! You tell me, who can this old life depend on?”

She wept again when her words ended.

Mrs. Ren gasped in shock and inquired,

“Was the terrible news sent by your son?”

Old Mrs. Shi waved her hands explaining,

“Not yet, no, not yet. My son had left home and told me that he would be back within three months. Now half a year has gone by and there is no news. This old body could not be at peace and so this morning, I went for a divination. It is terrible – tonight, on the third watch, my son will be crushed inside an abandoned cave dwelling. How can I not be this sad!”

Mrs. Ren laughed out loud upon hearing the explanation,

“Old sister-in-law, here I thought that you received some very grave news, it’s only an unlucky horoscope. How can you be this sad? That fortune teller is not a living god, how can you possibly believe him?”

Old Mrs. Shi replied,

“If it’s some other person, I would not have believed but this is from Lord Chou. His predictions on the Yin and Yang are most accurate and whether in bliss or calamity he does not err. Whatever he says will become true. I had been imploring him most painstakingly but he only remarked that, ‘Unless you plead with King Yama himself, I’m afraid there is no chance of your son being alive!’”

When Ren Tai Kung heard the words, he was stunned for a moment and said,

“Old sister-in-law, I too have heard of this Lord Chou. His divination skills are like those from God. According to what he said, then there is no hope of saving your son. If Lord Chou knows that your son is to be crushed, why did you not ask him for a clarification? Where is this place? Why not ask someone go there immediately and stop your son from entering the place? Then you have nothing to fear.”

Mrs. Ren chimed in,

“You are getting senile and understand nothing! Lord Chou is not a living god. His prediction merely follows the principles of divination. By not knowing the exact location of the place, he just pronounced that there’s no hope at all.”

Old Mrs. Shi became even more sorrowful upon hearing those words. The pain was unbearable and she started to sob again. As husband and wife looked at her sorrow, they began to think: he is the only son and with the family being this poor, who could this old bag of bones rely on should his son really die? The more they thought about it, they too could not refrain from tears.

In the meantime, let’s talk about Miss Peach Blossom. From the age of five onwards, while playing at the door with a servant girl, a priest came begging for alms. He gave her three celestial scrolls and a pill. Upon swallowing it, she was able to read. For a few months, each night, this priest visited her in her dreams to instruct her and to teach her magic skills of immortals. Hardly a year had passed and she was well versed with all that were in the scrolls. Up to the age of sixteen, she did not reveal anything to her parents and did not meet people readily. As she loved peach blossoms, the father planted several hundred trees in the backyard where each day together, he enjoyed the garden while she tended the trees or did her embroidery.

The day of Old Mrs. Shi’s visit, she was just clearing the table after lunch and was about to enter the garden when she heard a woman’s incessant sorrowful sobbing coming from the inner hall. Her curiosity was piqued,

“Someone is wailing so bitterly in the hall. I shall have a look.”

On her golden lilies11 she walked quickly into the inner hall and was surprised to see her parents and their wall adjoining neighbour weeping. She greeted them and on seeing the young miss, old Mrs. Shi stopped her crying and said,

“Young Miss, you don’t come out often to see people. Not having seen you for a few years, your hair is now long and you have such pretty eye brows too.”

The husband and wife on seeing their daughter also wiped off their tears and said,

“Daughter dear, why are you here.”

Miss Peach Blossom inquired,

“Father, mother, why are you two crying with old Lady Shi?”

Mrs. Ren replied,

“Daughter, what you did not know is this: old Lady Shi’s son had gone away for some commercial enterprise. Half a year has gone by and he has not returned. Old Lady Shi went to Lord Chou for a divination to see when he will return. She never anticipated that Lord Chou would divine that her son would die on the third watch of tonight and determined that there is no hope for her son. Hence her immense grief. Your father and mother tried to console her but we were so moved that we started to cry too.”

Miss Peach Blossom gave a sigh of relief and said,

“Here I thought there was some grave matter. So that was it!”

She turned to Old Mrs. Shi and said,

"Noble lady, no need to be so sad, I’m sure if elder brother is destined to die, your cries won’t bring him back to life. Lord Chou’s predictions may not be that accurate. Why don’t you tell me the hours of birth of elder brother? This girl knows how to divine as well. Let me see if that’s really the case and if that there is really no hope for him.”

When the husband and wife heard their daughter’s words,

“My child, please don’t jest with Old Lady Shi. Since when have you started to learn such things?”

Miss Peach Blossom replied,

“Father and mother, you do not know what your daughter has learnt recently. Old Lady Shi, don’t worry. Just give me the birth hours. Is there any harm?”

Having no alternative Old Mrs. Shi provided the information. For a while Miss Peach Blossom touched the tip of her thumb with her other jade finger tips. All there is to know about life and death, fortune good or bad, became clear to her. She nodded and exclaimed,

“What a great Duke of the Chou country! Such accuracy. No wonder everyone in Morning Song has so much respect for him. It is true that on the third watch of tonight, your son will surely be crushed inside the broken cave dwelling. This is because the White Tiger is overhead, the gate of Death is watching his life, and the year start and the lunar command12 are not favourable. There is no doubt about his death. According to my calculation, there is a broken cave dwelling about 15 miles from the south of the city. Tomorrow you will find his corpse.”

Old Mrs. Shi began to weep again upon hearing the words. Ren Tai Kung quickly counseled and smiled,

“Old sister-in-law, listen not to my young daughter’s nonsense. Now that we know where the place, this old man will send someone there and save your son. Why be so hard on yourself. My daughter’s words can hardly be believed.”

Peach Blossom smiled,

“How can the efforts of man fight against heaven? Father, mother and old Lady Shi do not believe me now. However, when the hour of Mei13 is over, in the early hour of Shen, there will be a storm. If there’s none, then what I have said will be proved false. If indeed there is a storm, invite Old Lady Shi over again. This lowly girl will teach her a way to save her son.”

With that, she left the hall and entered the peach garden. Ren Tai Kung upon hearing his daughter’s words could not help himself but laughed,

“Mama, just look at the bright and sunny sky, how can there be rain? Old sister-in-law need not be so sad. Just as my daughter said, if indeed your son dies, crying won’t bring him back to life. According to this old man’s words, relax and go home, tomorrow I shall ask someone to inquire.” Old Mrs. Shi had no choice but to bid farewell, and alone in her home, she let her imaginations run amuck.

The moment the hour of Shen arrived, the weather began to change suddenly. In a second, winds began to howl and the rain beat down mercilessly without stopping. Old Mrs. Shi upon seeing this change was stunned and exclaimed,

“Just as expected, this prediction of the coming rain only proves that Miss Peach Blossom’s divination is just as accurate. She believed that my son can be saved. I must go and plead with her. Surely there is a way to save him now!”

Braving the rain, she went straight to Ren Tai Kung and flung open the doors and entered. Ren Tai Kung and his wife were sitting in the hall talking about the accuracy of their daughter’s prediction and not understanding where and how their daughter had learnt that divine skill. In the midst of their conversation, old Mrs. Shi burst in and they knew exactly the reason.

Not knowing if Old Mrs. Shi’s son could be saved, please proceed to the next chapter.

Notes:

1. Readers would be puzzled by the direct term, “soft matter” (柔物). A term used
    for young females as they are so soft, pliable and desirable.

2. Gods and immortals unlike mortals are not reincarnated. When Mortals die they must
    first drink the Soup of Oblivion before going through the Wheel of Transmigration in
    Hades. On the other hand divine beings on a mission or punishment are sent directly
    from heaven into the womb.

3. 金童玉女–Golden Boy and Jade Girl. A generic term for immortal attendants to the
    Gods.

4. 昊天上帝 . Chinese pantheon of Gods is modeled directly after the imperial
    system on earth. The term 上帝 is usually translated as God but has a different
    connotation in the east. These Emperor Gods have a higher rank than those termed
    as 神. Mortals and lesser gods can be elevated to such high status by the ruling
    emperor. Thus Kuan Yu, a historical general during the period of Three Kingdoms was
    conferred the title of Kuan Ti by various emperors in different dynasties. Gods with
    the imperial title of emperor (帝) has its own court and administration of lesser gods
    to serve them.

    Spring is the azure heaven, summer is Hao heaven, autumn is Wen heaven and
    Winter is the upper heaven.

    “春為蒼天,夏為昊天,秋為旻天,冬為上天。”

5. Edicts from heaven are termed jade edits especially issued by the Jade Emperor 玉帝
    while those by the earthly counterparts are termed as holy or saintly edicts (聖旨)
    often translated as imperial edicts.

6. 任太公. Either Tai Kung is the name a person surnamed Ren or a title – Ren the grand
    duke. However I chose to translate it as his name because for such powerful nobility
    how could a poor woman be his wall-adjoining neighbour.

7. 解語花 is a literary term for a woman who knows and understands about worldly
    affairs etc.

8. 院君 - an entitled woman of nobility or a wife of a very rich person. Nowadays it
    means wife. Here I translate it as a wife of a rich person because a poor family like
    Mrs. Shi could not possibly be a next door neighbour to nobility.

9. In old Chinese buildings, each home is separated by a common wall on a lot. There is
    no lane or space separating the two homes. I shall use the shorter term next door
    neighbour throughout the text.

10. It is considered very improper in old Chinese to speak in the first person unless his
      rank is higher. Familial relationships are very well defined and strict. Everyone has a
      ranking and as such formal addresses are used and every child is expected to know
      all these familial relationships. Even today, one does not address an older person by
      name but rather by their rank such as 5th maternal uncle etc. This formality
      extends to strangers as well. After the social status had been determined, correct
      titles are used.

     In proper social etiquette, one usually uses self deprecating terms, such as “welcome
     to my cold (humble) house”, “my ugly yellow faced wife” and “my stupid son” etc. At
     the same time preventing one from committing hubris. More polite, flattering or
     endearing terms are used for the other person who is considered on equal status,
     such as, “elder wife of my younger brother (sister-in-law)” for an older woman even
     though they are not related.

     Concubine is another self deprecating term used by a married woman even though
     she is the main wife. Similarly, “your slave girl” is used to describe even though the
     speaker is not one.

     Aunties, uncles and such terms are polite addresses used for strangers. It is a term of
     endearment to foster a bond so that they may request things or service easily.
    
     Unlike western culture, old age is held in high esteem in oriental cultures because
     old age is difficult to attain and therefore warrants respect. Hence calling some one
     old is not an insult. I shall keep the word old as it appears in the original text as an
      honorific i.e. Old Mrs. Shi from the narrator’s point of view.

11. Euphemism for the woman’s feet. Foot binding was not in vogue when the story
      took place. This fetish became popular a few thousand years later during the Ming
      and Ch’ing Dynasties. Those tiny but formed feet are known as “3 inch golden lilies”.
      The smaller the sexier is to the males. Even in intimate situations, these golden lilies
      remain unwrapped. Unwrapping be considered the ultimate sexual arousal for
      the frenzied male!

12. 月令 – the seasonal and monthly influences on a person’s life.

13. The 12 Chinese hours, each roughly equivalent to 2 modern hours. The time
       intervals are approximations.

      Number Name      Animal       Time Interval    Month  Direction
          1        子 zi          Rat           11pm–01am     Nov      N
          2        丑 chou     Ox            01am–03am     Dec      NNE
          3        寅 Yin       Tiger         03am–05am     Jan       ENE
          4        卯  Mao     Rabbit       05am–07am     Feb      E
          5        辰 Chen    Dragon      07am–09am     Mar     ESE
          6        巳 Si         Snake        09am–11am    Apr      SSE
          7        午 Wu      Horse        11am–01pm     May     S
          8        未 Wei     Goat          01pm–03pm     Jun       SSW
          9        申 Shen    Monkey    03pm–05pm     Jul        WSW
         10       酉 You     Rooster     05pm–07pm     Aug      W
         11       戌 Xu       Dog          07pm–09pm     Sep       WNW
         12       亥 Hai      Pig            09pm–11pm     Oct       NNW





Original text



桃花女陰陽鬪傳/第三回 



觸天怒柔物降生 

明道術佳人透機

不說石婆子一程哭回,再言三十三天兜率宫的太上老君,那日正蒲團上打坐,忽見金童來报道:“看卦盒的童子不知往那里去了,至今走了未回。”老君一聞,即運動神光一看,早知其故,點頭道:“好孽障啊!孽障你不思養静修真,成其正果,今日妄動,自寻苦惱。非是我不慈心救你!”說罷,便去启奏昊天上帝,就有上帝命桃園仙子下凡。仙子領了玉旨,一點靈光,見朝歌城里有任太公家,與他家有缘,便投往太公處為女。至今已長成十六歲,只生得臉似桃花,身如弱柳,說不盡的標致。怎見得?有詩句言詞為証:

樱桃為口玉為牙,獨佔人間解語花。

夙世有缘方種此,仙姬豈易到凡家?



那位任太公夫妻初生他時,夢見满天彩雲,從雲中降下一個仙子,手中拿着一枝燦爛桃花,交與院君。這院君接上一嗅而醒,不出三日,就生下他來,故此取桃花名叫唤他。老夫妻止得此女,真個是愛之如掌上明珠,百般的嬌養。這且不言。



他夫妻二人,此一日正同坐在堂上,聽見街坊土喧闹,哭聲惨切。任太公忙出一看,認得是隔壁住的石寡婦。只見他淚流满臉,大放悲聲;又見衆人勸着他,一五一十的數個不清,聽不明。心中詫異,也迎將出來,從衆人中勸道:“老嫂何故悲傷?且到寒舍去坐坐,把心事對老漢說說,或者老漢可開解一二,也未可定。”當下便讓石寡婦進他家去。衆人見任太公讓石寡婦進他家去,便一哄而散了。



任太公引石寡婦進了大門,任太太便迎將出來。見了石寡婦這般模样,忙上前扶着,同進中堂坐下。任太太道:“老嫂,你與誰人口角?受了那人的委屈?”石婆子聞言拭淚道:“老夫人,妾身不是與人口角,只因小兒今晚三更即死了,你叫我這条老命倚靠何人了?”說罷,又哭將出來。任太公夫妻聞言大驚道:“想是令郎有凶信到了麽?”石婆子连连摇手道:“未也,未也。只因小兒出門,原說不過三個月就回來的,如今真正去了半年多,并不見音信,老身放心不下,今早去起了一卦,卦爻甚凶——今夜三更被破窑壓死了。我想想安得不傷心哩!”任太公聞言,不覺大笑道:“老嫂,我只道凶信回家,原來是起卦起的不利。老嫂,你何苦過于傷心?那起卦的人不是個活神仙,他如何知道到這样真哩?”石婆子道:“若是别人說,我也不信,只因是個公爺占的。他判陰陽有准,断禍福無差,說甚麽就是甚麽。我也苦苦哀求,他便說甚麽 ‘除非去阎王跟前求情,只怕还不能生的呢!’”任太公聞言,呆了一呆道:“老嫂,我聞得這位公爺断卦如神。据他說來,只怕果然無救了。老嫂,公爺既知令郎壓死在破窑中,何不问他個明白?再问他那個破窑中?就叫人连夜赶到那里去,止住了他,不要他進窑中,就不妨了。”任太太聞言道:“你年老了,世事都不懂得!周公又不是活神仙,他不過按爻理推詳,如何定得在那一個破窑里?就算得没法救了。”



石婆子聽了任太太這一番言語,更覺傷心起來,忍不住便放聲大哭。任太公夫妻見他如此悲傷,又想他只有一個兒子,家道貧難,徜或真死了,叫他這老骨頭倚靠何人憐恤他?想到此處,不由的也就流下淚來。



話分两頭。再讲桃花小姐自從五歲上在門外與丫环們玩耍,就遇着一個化齋的道士,給他三卷天書,又給他一丸丹药食了,他就認得字了。每夜夢中,那道士又來叫他参解——在夢中真正教了數月,方才不夢見那道士。又得仙術,不消一年,把三卷天書就念會了心中。直至到十六歲上,也不對爹娘言知,他又不輕易見人。只因小姐素愛的桃花,故任太公就在后園上種了數百株桃樹,與他朝夕賞玩。桃花小姐每日只在花園中修理桃樹,或作些針黹。那日早飯畢,收拾了一回活計。



正欲到桃花園内去,忽聽得中堂上哀哭之聲不止,象一個婦人的聲音,心中暗想道:“何故今日堂上有人哭泣呢?待我去看看。”随即款動金蓮,來至中堂之上。一看見两位爹娘伴着隔壁住的石婆子在那里啼哭,心中也見詫異,忙上前道了萬福。石婆子見是小姐出來,便止了悲哀音,又道:“小姐,你怎輕易出來見人的啊?兒年不見你妝容,今越发長的嬌媚了。”任太公夫妻見女兒出來近前,也擦乾眼淚,叫聲:“女兒,在一旁坐下。”桃花小姐便问道:“爹娘何故伴着石大娘在此悲淚哩?”任太太忙接口道:“女兒,你有所不知。只因石大娘的令郎在外經商,一去半年不回,石大娘往周國公那里起卦,看看兒時回歸。不想公爺推詳爻理,决定他今夜三更必死,没得解救的,故他老人家所以傷心。你父親同為娘的在此勸他。到打動了我們無兒的心腸,故此下淚。”桃花小姐聞言,叹了一口氣道:只當做甚麽大事,原來為此!”便對石婆子道:“大娘不必苦切,哥哥若是當該死,你哭也哭他不活的。那周國公也未必有這样妙算神明。你且把哥哥的八字說來,奴也會算。待奴與他算算,看着命中果有救没有救的?”

太公夫妻聞言,即道:“我兒,你休要捉弄大娘。你兒時又會起课了呢?”桃花小姐道:“爹娘未知,女兒是新學的。大娘,你只管告诉奴聽,即算算,又有何妨碍呢?”石婆子無奈,只得把他兒子的八字,對桃花小姐說知。桃花小姐即伸出玉指尖尖掐一掐,一刻時,死生禍福俱已明白了然矣,不住的點頭道:“好個周國公!算的一些不错,怪不得朝歌城里人人敬服。果然今夜三更,定被破窑壓死。此乃白虎當頭,喪門守命,年頭、月令俱不利,决死無疑。按方向推來,只在城南十五里之遥,有一座破窑,明日在那里就有他的尸骸了。”石婆子聽了,又哭起來。任太公忙勸住,笑道:“老嫂,你休要聽小小年纪的混話。既知方向,老漢這里差個家人去,就救得令郎了,何用這般作難?只是我女兒的話,是難准信。”桃花小姐笑道:“人力豈能回天?爹娘與大娘不能准信,也罷了。惟今時刻已交未時了,一到申初,便有一场大雨,如無風雨,便是女兒亂說虚詞;如有風雨,大娘再作速請回來,奴家教你一個法兒,自能解救。”說完,即忙辭别了,一直進桃園里去了。



任太公聽了女兒言語,不由的大笑起來,道:“媽媽,你看這個天時氣晴,豈是有雨的?老嫂,你也不必過傷,豈可因小女方才所說,令郎若果死了,便哭也哭不回。依老漢說:老嫂且寬心回家,待老漢這里明日叫人去打聽回來便了。”石婆子無奈,只得告辭,回家中獨自在那里胡思亂想。



一到申刻時,忽然天氣大变起來:一霎時之間雨大風狂,淋漓不止。石婆子一見天忽下此狂風大雨,吃了一驚,說道:“果然天下此大雨了,如此看將起來,桃花小姐的卦爻甚是有准了。他又言有法可救我兒,今何不去哀求于他?或者得其有救我的孩兒方法,也未可知。”當下即冒着雨而來,至太公門外,把門扣開而進。  此刻,任太公與任太太老夫妻正在堂前,谈及女兒卦下有准,又不明他怎生學習得來,有此神術。正言間,忽見石婆子冒雨而來,早已知他為着兒子之故。



但不知如何求救得他兒子,且看下回分解。

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Peach Blossom Girl Magic Duel - Chapter 2


Copyright © 2010 - Jeff Loh. All rights reserved

Nary A Flaw In His Miraculous Predictions,
In Reckoning Heaven’s Schedule of Life and Death

After pronouncing his verdict, Lord Chou handed over a piece of paper to the landlord. On it was written,

Against conscience, you forcibly wrestle a youthful kiss,
Know not your scheme had been exposed from the start?
On the third watch, night of tomorrow a tryst has been made.
Two corpses flung far and wide to all directions!

Lord Chou said,

“The husband of this lady stole some of your money and had bribed a killer. Tomorrow night when you rendezvous with her, you will be caught red handed and be killed. Now that you have pleaded me to save you, my advice is that you must sever all carnal desires for her and cultivate good thoughts from now on. Heaven will protect you and turn this calamity into bliss. Here’s my pronouncement: Leave your home tonight on the third hour of the watch and head east for thirty miles. On seeing a lantern hanging on a door, knock and be let in. Meet the person there face-to-face and invite him to your home for a drink. Someone will come along to straighten out everything. Calamity will dissipate after the next morning.”

Upon the advice, the landlord kowtowed, thanked Lord Chou and left hurriedly through the main door. The crowd was excited and blocked the landlord asking noisily,

How are his predictions?”

The landlord pushed through the crowd crying out loudly,

“Indeed everything is true, incredibly accurate!”

With that he disappeared like a gust of wind. The soldier approached the divination table and likewise made a silent prayer at the side. Lord Chou wrote his prediction on a piece of paper and handed it to the soldier.

On it was written:

Someone’s ten strings of cash you did get,
Illicit lovers you wouldst catch.
Such immoral wealth you snatch,
Lover’s web you be latched.

Lord Chou spoke,

“Soldier, did someone not give you some ten strings of cash yesterday? That tomorrow night, on the third watch, to catch some illicit lovers? When the deed is completed, another reward of ten strings of copper cash will follow. Isn’t this true?”

Flabbergasted, the soldier could only nod his head and answered,

“My Lord, you are a living God! 'Tis the reason this Nobody came to seek your advice.”

Lord Chou smilingly said,

“Don’t think of accepting this kind of wealth. Help catch illicit lovers in the act? When the adulterer is caught, hate will dissipate, whence money would come to thank your efforts. In not catching him, why should you be paid? I’m pointing a road for you to walk: Just go and meet the man as planned. After that, give this written divination to him. Someone would then present you ten strings of copper. Stop all wishful thinking from now on lest you encounter more disasters.”

The soldier kowtowed quickly and said,

“With your Lordship’s advice, no more delusion for this nobody!”

As he left, he did not talk to anyone about his situation but muttered out aloud,

“Such accuracy, a real living God indeed! If you people don’t believe me, just go and test him out.”

With those words, he quickly left the place and disappeared. Who would have thought that upon listening to Lord Chou’s words, the landlord and soldier would later meet. Two different people walking on the same road: The soldier’s hirer is none other than a servant of the landlord. At tonight’s meeting, all present will be surprised and shocked yet thoroughly awed by Lord Chou’s divinations. The landlord invited the two men back to his home for a drink and the soldier became a peacemaker between them. After the written predictions were brought out for all to see that any ill feeling was cast away and yes, the landlord did give the soldier ten strings of copper.

Soon the events were known and the entire city of Morning Song was abuzz with gossip. From then onwards, that street was jammed packed with inquirers wanting to know what their fortunes may be. One question, one prediction true. Four questions asked, two pairs of answers became true. Each day after ten inquiries asked, the doors were closed; caring not if more people were still waiting outside. Peng Jian was overjoyed, each day thirty easy pennies were made come rain or shine. Every morning after the divination sessions had ended, signs were taken down and since he had no children, he walked to the street market wine store for a cup or two. He would then return home after all the money had been spent. If there was any left, he gave them to the poor and needy. Days came and months passed. Soon more than half a year had gone by. Who knew that in midst of complete happiness there would be trouble popping out in front of his eyes. Readers, let me explain.

In this city of Morning Song, there lived a widow named Mrs. Shi whose husband had died early on in their marriage. They had a son named Tsung Fu. Being poor, they managed to scrape by a few pieces of silver. She bade her son go to the city of Meng Jin to do some buying and selling. Before he left, they decided that business should conclude within three months. Six months had now elapsed and there was no news of him. Each day old lady Shi thought of her son deeply; standing by the door waiting eagerly for his return. As each day passed, there was no sign of him. Finally she decided to seek divine intervention. In the end, nothing was efficacious and she was deeply depressed. One day while standing in her doorway, she overheard a passerby commenting,

"Lord Chou is selling his divination services on the Cloud Dwelling Street. Very accurate are his skills but too pricey. He charges one tael of silver and three pennies!”

On hearing, she thought to herself,

“Why don’t I go and seek help from him?”

She borrowed the necessary money from neighbours and rose before dawn. She washed and combed her hair, had a little bite to eat1 and tied her hair with a black damask silk ribbon. After locking up her home she headed towards Lord Chou’s place. Dawn broke just as she reached the city. Coincidentally, Peng Jian had opened the door, put up the signs and was sweeping when old Mrs. Shi came and recognized Pang Jian. Crying out aloud,

“Master Peng, can you come out please?”

On hearing someone calling his name, Peng Jian looked up and recognized old Mrs. Shi as they were once upon a time neighbors from the same village,

“Old Mrs. Shi, such an early hour you come. Must be something very important. Is it not? Do you wish for a consultation?”

Old Mrs. Shi burst into tears when she heard the words,

"Rightly so. All because of this old widow’s son, Tsung Fu. He has been gone for some commerce and said he would return within three months. Half a year passed and no news at all. This old lady is too worried. No choice but to borrow that tael of silver and three pennies to plead for Lord Chou’s advice. Whether my son is happy or sad, alive or dead, I need to know and not have my intestines all wrenched up.”

As she spoke, money was pressed into Peng Jian’s hands. After the money was accepted, he counseled,

“Old sister, the lucky will have the protection of heaven. I’m sure your son is safe. Whether he is delayed or not, we do not know. As a mother, your worries are natural. Please come in.”

With these words, she was led into the inner hall. Old Mrs. Shi raised her head and saw a table on which were the Four Treasures of the Study2, a divination cylinder, an incense burner and such. In the middle sat a noble-looking person. Just look at his countenance, so different from others, so dignified and impressive. One can see,

A three tiered hat3 on his head,
An Eight Treasure4 design emblazoning,
Black gauze robes adorning,
Sewn with serpent dragons5.
A face so black and shiny like a pot’s bottom,
But eyes aglitter like stars.
Sitting upright, divining the Eight Trigrams,
Looking more like a god than an immortal.

The moment Mrs. Shi saw Lord Chou’s countenance, she quickly knelt before him. Lord Chou was not thrilled to see a worried old woman hobbling right into the middle of his hall and kneel before him. Why was he not pleased to see her? This is because earlier on, he made a divination and found that there was an overpowering sense of Yin. He was just about to order Peng Jian to not accept any female inquirer for the day when she appeared before him. Lord Chou was annoyed and said,

“Please rise.”

And to Peng Jian he asked,

“Why did you not report to me first before bringing her?”

Peng Jian replied,

“This is lady Chia from the Shi family. Her dead husband was an acquaintance of mine. Today she came to inquire about her son. This is why I did not report to you first.”

When old lady Shi heard the words, she began to sob,

“This old lady came because her son Shi Tsung Fu was away on business, half a year later and he hasn’t returned. This old body has only this son. In not knowing if he is dead or alive, it’s vexing me to no end. I am in error by not following the norm, I beg for my Lord’s boundless mercy.”

Lord Chou nodded his head and said,

“So be it. Information about the traveler? Let me divine and see what happens.”

With that, he picked up the divination cylinder and shook it a few times and made some detailed calculations6 and after a while he looked at her and sighed,

“If I don’t speak to you frankly, won’t you be waiting on false hope? Your son will die tonight at the third watch of the hour!”

Old lady Shi gasped when she heard the words,

“My Lord, I merely asked when my son is coming back, why did you say he’s going to die?”

Lord Chou replied,

“This predication was conceived by using Ying and Yang principles that came before heaven was created and the rules of Eight Trigrams that came after heaven was formed. All that there is to know about your son are shown here, so why not those of his death as well? You son had already started his journey home. Mother and son reunion… that I’m afraid will not be possible!”

Mrs. Shi wept uncontrollably,

“My son will die tonight, where will that be? Did he die from an illness?”

“I had divined that tonight on the third watch of the hour, your son will be crushed to death inside a broken cave dwelling7.”

On seeing the severity of the words, her sorrow doubles and she kept on knocking her forehead on the ground, begging Lord Chou to save her son.

Lord Chou had no choice but to answer,

“Let me have your son’s Hour of Eight Characters8, his age and let me see how his horoscope for the year will be.”

Old lady Shi quickly gave the information – the son was born on the twelfth month, on the eighteenth day at the hour of the Ox (1am – 3am) and fourteen years of age this year. Lord Chou took away the divination box and studied the given information and exclaimed,

“What a pity! Evil spirits overhead with the White Tiger9 watching life. Even if he’s an immortal, it is not possible to pass this door! Not even a life saviour in sight. What can I do? Old lady Shi, you better lay your heart to rest and forget about your son.”

This is: “If Yama10 wants you to die at the third hour, who will dare retain his life till the fifth watch!”

Immediately upon hearing Lord Chou’s words, old lady Shi wept tearfully and left for home in a pitiful state.

To know if her son was going to live or die, please see the next chapter.

NOTES:

1. The original text was食過點心. I don’t think they had dim sum the way we have today!

2. Four essential things a scholar needs for writing, the brush, ink, ink slab and paper. 
     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Treasures_of_the_Study

3. 粱冠 - Tiered or beamed hats originate from the Han Dynasty as part for official court dress. It is also 
                 known as 進賢冠. In Chin Dynasty there are known as 緇布冠. There are different kinds to
                 indicate different ranks with the smallest number for the lowest rank. One tiered is for scholars or
                 small ranking officials. Two tiered are for middle rank officials and three are for the high officials.
                 During the Ming Dynasty, all civil and military officials are required to wear these hats during
                 important ceremonies like sacrificial rituals together with red silk robes and other accompanying
                 accoutrements. Finally the number of tiers was increased to seven.

4. 八寶 also known as the 8 Auspicious Things (八吉祥). They are

    a,   Right-coiling White Conch (右旋螺) symbolizing the deep, far-reaching and melodious sound of the
          Dharma teachings, which being appropriate to different natures, predispositions and aspirations of
          disciples, awakens them from the deep slumber of ignorance and urges them to accomplish their own
          and others' welfare.

    b.   Precious Umbrella (寶傘) symbolizing the wholesome activity of preserving beings from illness,
          harmful forces, obstacles and so forth in this life and all kinds of temporary and enduring sufferings of
          the three lower realms, and the realms of men and gods in future lives. It also represents the enjoyment
          of a feast of benefit under its cool shade.

    c.   Victory Banner (勝幢) symbolizing the victory of the activities of one's own and others body, speech
          and mind over obstacles and negativitities. It also stands for the complete victory of the Buddhist
          Doctrine over all harmful and pernicious forces.

    d.   Twin Fish (雙魚) symbolizing the auspiciousness of all living beings in a state of fearlessness, without
          danger of drowning in the ocean of sufferings, and migrating from place to place freely and
          spontaneously, just as fish swim freely without fear through water.

     e.   Dharma Wheel (法輪) The golden wheel symbolises the auspiciousness of the turning of the precious
           wheel of Buddha's doctrine, both in its teachings and realizations, in all realms and at all times,
           enabling beings to experience the joy of wholesome deeds and liberation.

     f.   The Auspicious Knot(吉祥結) or the Unending Knot(無盡結) symbolizing the mutual dependence of
           religious doctrine and secular affairs. Similarly, it represents the union of wisdom and method, the
           inseparability of emptiness and dependent arising at the time of path, and finally, at the time of
           enlightenment, the complete union of wisdom and great compassion. It is a stylized intertwining of the
           ”卍”character.

     g.   Lotus Flower (蓮花) symbolizing the complete purification of the defilements of the body, speech and
           mind, and the full blossoming of wholesome deeds in blissful liberation.

     h.   Vase of Treasure (寶瓶) symbolzing an endless rain of long life, wealth and prosperity and all the
            benefits of this world and liberation.

     http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b8symbol.htm


5. 蟒龍 – symbols of nobility.

6. The original text is 把子午卯酉推算 which I translated as “detailed calculation” so as not to obfuscate
     the reader with the background meanings of the phrase. These are the 12 earth stems which ancient
     Chinese used as a system to name for hours, years etc. In this case they represent the cardinal directions,
     the associated element and year.

     子 – north, water, rat, 23:00 – 1:00
     午 – south, fire, horse, 11:00 – 13:00
     卯 – east, wood, rabbit, 5:00 – 7:00
     酉 – west, metal, rooster. 17:00 – 19:00

     子clashes with 午and so are 卯and 酉.

     Other meanings of 子午卯酉 include, “the reason or because” (as is 就不告訴你怎麽個"子午卯酉),
     the entire day (吭嚇了半天,也没有說出個子午卯酉), from beginning to the end, from start to finish,
     get to the bottom of things (問個子午卯酉), all directions and result or achievement (没混出個子午卯
     酉)

7. 窰: A manmade hollowed out opening on the slope of a hill to be used as dwelling place.

8. 時晨八字: The 8 birth characters in determining one’s fortunes in life etc.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Pillars_of_Destiny
    http://www.absolutelyfengshui.com/astrology/four-pillars-of-destiny.php

9. The white tiger is usually depicted as a very ominous sign and denoting west.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Pillars_of_Destiny
    http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/ssu-ling.shtml
    http://www.mysteriouschina.com/4-supernatural-beasts-in-ancient-china/

10. One of the kings or judges of Hades.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yama

Original Text

桃花女陰陽鬪傳/第二回 

通神卜判断無差 
驗先天死生有數


再說周公判罼,將紙遞與土豪一看,上寫着:

欺心想奪青春口,
怎知早已機関露?
明日三更歡會時,
两個尸骸分四處。


周公道:"此女之夫已經盗你的財帛,買通了人。明日他的妻子與你相會之時,必然拿住,雙雙殺死。你今求孤救你,你必須要對那婦人絕滅了色心,改為善念,上天自然佑你,逢凶化吉。孤今給你個應驗:你到今晚三更時候出門,東走三十里,見有一盏灯挂在門前,你叫門進去,必然對頭見面。你可請他到家飲酒,有人開解,自然明朝無事了。”土豪聞言,忙叩頭拜謝,出了大門,往外飛跑。眾人見他满頭臉是汗,跑將起來,一眾連忙哄拥上前,攔住問道:“占的靈也不靈?”這土豪不及回言,推開了眾人,大言道:“果真是,果真靈得很也!”言間,一陣烟跑了。


這軍漢又已至桌案邊,也依命暗暗祝告一番。周公也判了幾句言語,遞與那軍漢。只見上寫着:


得人十吊錢,
妄想去捉奸。
無義財休取,
恐怕惹情牽。


當下周公随叫道:"軍士,你可是昨日有人助你幾十吊,明日叫你三更去與他捉奸,捉奸之後也謝你銅錢十吊。可是問這件事麽?”那軍漢一聞此言,唬得只是叩頭,道:“公爺真是個刊活神仙也!小人實是為此事而來。”周公笑道:“你休取這宗財帛,你若帮那人捉奸,捉住了奸夫,其恨已消了,那肯將錢來謝你?倘捉不着奸夫,他又豈肯白送錢財與你用?孤今指条路給你走:你只管去與那人相會,相會過之人,你將我這卦兒拿出來與他们看,自然有人送你的青錢十吊。從此後休生妄想,方免遭厲害也。”軍士聽了,忙叩頭道:“但得公爺這等指明吩咐,小人從此断不敢枉想了!”當時叩别出來,也不肯對人說知其事,只言道幾句:“真靈,真神仙也!你列位有不信的,只管去試試。”忙忙離了卜市,飛跑的去了。


誰知土豪與軍士皆道周公之言真靈,及至會面,两人走的是一路:叫軍士捉奸的,就是土豪的家人。今夜會面,俱覺大驚大喜,深信周公断卦如神。土豪把眾人邀回家中,軍士相帮替他二人開解,又拿出周公的判帖來與眾人看,方才把這冤結解開了。土豪又送軍士青錢十吊。


只應這两件事傳了出來,把個朝歌城講到了,有疑難的事都來求判,把一個卜市擠的不可開交。真是判一個准一個,判四個准两雙。日日算完了十卦,竟把門関了,也不管外頭还有人算不算。把個彭剪喜得個不亦樂乎——一日三錢銀子,風雨不阻。他又無兒無女,只是只身。每日一早,就卜完了十卦。他把招牌收下,放好了,即往街坊上酒店吃酒,必要將三錢銀子用完,方才回府中,若吃不完訖,他就將餘銀給與那些來往貧人。日來月往,半年有餘。怎知美中不足,眼前就要弄出一段事來。列公,聽我细講。


這朝歌城里有一個石寡婦,丈夫早年死了,止有一子,名映石宗輔。因家道貧寒,積下了幾两銀子,叫兒子到孟津去做些買賣。随行之時,母子们約定,三個月之内回來。誰知一去半年,并無音信。石婆子每日思兒想子,終日倚門盼望,日復一日,并無些影兒,便去求神問卜,終是虚文,心中煩悶不過。那日在家門首上立着,聽得過往人說:“周公在棲雲里賣卜,靈應非凡。只是卦資過高,要白銀一两三分!”就打動了他的心事,想:“我何不去問問看?”随向鄰舍借貸得一两三分銀子,起一個黑早,梳洗了,食過點心,用烏綾兒扎了頭,倒扣了門,便往周公卜市而來。


一到卜市,恰正天亮。凑巧彭剪方開門出來,挂吊招牌打掃。石婆子認得彭剪,便叫聲:“彭老爺,公爺可出來否?”彭剪聞言,抬頭一看,認得石婆子是昔同里鄰居之人,便叫道:“老嫂,你黑早到來,必定有事。要卜卦麽?”石婆子聞言,垂淚道:“正是。只因老寡婦之子石宗輔出外經商,在家時原說約定三個月内就回來的。至今半年了,并無音信回,老身放心不下,無奈借貸了一两零三分白銀,求公爺卜一卦看,看他在外安樂否,或生或死,老身也免常時牽肠挂肚。”一面說,一面把銀子遞與彭剪。那彭剪接了,道:“老嫂放心!吉人天相,令郎在外無事,或者因身耽擱了,亦未可知。你為老母,既是放心不下,要卜一卦,我就帶你進去罷。”言罼,便與婆子一同進去内堂上。  石婆子抬頭一看,只見當中擺開一張桌子,上放着文房四寶,卦筒、香案等類,中間坐着一位公爺,只見他生得類象與人迥異。好威儀!但見:


頭扎三粱冠,八寶攢身;穿着皂羅袍,上绣蟒龍。面如鍋底黑又亮,目如星星起毫光。端坐上面排八卦,賽過靈仙一位神。


當下石婆子看見周公的儀表,不由不得就跪將下去。周公在坐上見外面進了—個老婦人,面帶懮容,忙忙的進來,一至當中,跪下地中央,他就有些不悦。這是為何?只因正早起登坐時,卜了一卦,見陰煞過旺,正欲叫彭剪來吩咐:今日不許接婦人的卦資。不期頭一個就是帶進一個婦人來,不免面上有不悦之容,即道:“你且起來。”随又問彭剪:“你今日為何不先禀明,就帶人進來卜卦?”彭剪道:這是石杜之妻賈氏。其丈夫在日,與彭剪有一面之交。今日他來問他的兒子歸期,故此未曾先禀。”石婆子聞言,帶淚說道:“老婦人只因兒子石宗輔在外經商,半年不回,老身只有此子,如今在外不知生死,心頭發忿,不遵往例,自知有錯,只求公爺海宥憐恤!”周公聞言點頭道:“也罷。你是問行人的麽?待孤與你卜一卦看看。”随取卦筒晃了两晃,起成一卦,把子午卯酉推算了一回,望着石婆子嘆類道:“孤若此不明言,豈不叫你白白盼望?你兒子今夜三更,就要命盡無常了!”


石婆子聞言,唬了一驚,即道:“公爺!我問你幾時動身歸來,如何說他即死?”周公道:“孤這卦接着先天的陰陽,後天的八卦,分厘毫末事俱在上面,何况関係你兒子的性命?你兒子起身是起身了,你母子要見面,只怕一萬不能!”石婆子便大哭道:“我兒今夜即死了,却死在何方?是得何病而死?”周公道:“孤算你兒子今夜三更壓死在破窰之内。”石婆子見周公說的話如見一般,心中倍加凄惨起來,不住的叩頭,只求公爺救救他的兒子。周公無奈道:“你且把兒子的八字、生辰报來,待孤與他看看流年如何?”石婆子忙把兒子的八字說上來——是十二月十八丑時生的,今年已是十四歲。周公聽了,把卦盒收了,再把石宗輔的八字排開一看,只叫一聲:“苦呀!凶神當頭,白虎守命,就是神仙也難過此門!命内一點救星也没有。奈何?石婆子,你今收拾此心,不要想念他。”正是:閻王注定三更死,誰敢留人到五更!


當下石婆子見周公說出不能救他的兒子,無奈放聲大哭,切切凄惨出了卜市門,往自己家中而去。


不知他的兒子生死如何,且看下回分解.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Peach Blossom Girl Magic Duel - Chapter 1


Copyright © 2010 - Jeff Loh. All rights reserved

On Mount Wandering Demons, the Buddhist Monk Blade transforms.
A Virtuous Gentleman Hides in Morning Song1 to become a fortune teller.

It was said that during the time of the Three Sovereigns2, there was a kingdom north of Luzhou, called Complete Bliss. The king had a virtuous wife who was pregnant for fourteen months. Finally she gave birth to a prince who was the incarnation of the deity in charge of spring, the Azure Emperor. After he had grown up, he abandoned his kingdom and sought cultivation in Taoism before attaining immortality. In the Upper Region3 he is known as the Holy-In-Charge of the Arctic Jade Hub. In the Middle Region he is the Most Holy of Mount Wandering Demons and in the Lower region, he is the Lord of the Dark Heavens.

Once, while practising immortality on a snow capped mountain, he gutted himself with a Buddhist Monk blade to cleanse his intestines. As he became unconscious, the knife fell away. After reviving, he forgot to retrieve it. It was not until when he was back in the Cave of Primordial Darkness that during his training that he realized the loss and kept the scabbard as the Cave Defending Treasure. The blade and scabbard are true treasures and after a hundred years or so they were transformed into spirits after receiving vitalities from the sun and moon. The blade took the form of a male and the scabbard a female.

The Blade continued its unorthodox transformation in Mount Wandering Demons while the scabbard continued her training in the Cave of Primordial Darkness. Yet another few centuries had passed before the Scabbard was summoned by the Queen Mother of Western Paradise to take charge of her peach garden. She was given the name, “Peach Blossom Fairy”. However the Blade did not attain enlightenment from the orthodox path and was furious. With other demons on the mountain, he caused troubles like belching out fire to rival the light of the sun and moon. At other times, he would summon clouds to make rain4, thus angering heaven. Soon divine soldiers were dispatched. The Blade was captured and bound at the Demon Execution Terrace. Luckily for him, Lao Tzu, founder of Taoism took pity on his thousand year hardship in attaining spirituality and pleaded for his case. He took the Blade back to his Tushita5 Palace and appointed it as the Keeper of the Divination Box. One day the Blade peeped into the Secret Formulae of the North Star and descended to earth secretly.

The true spirit of the Blade did not diminish and headed straight towards a noble family. This happened during the time of the Shang Dynasty. Chou Heng was a minister to the Court and had a wife named Feng. Heng became a father when he was over the age of fifty. The wife dreamt that the room was filled with blinding brilliance and when she woke up, a son was born unto her. He was given the name of Kan whose face was black as the bottom of a pot and had brows shaped like a pair of swords. Even as a child, there was a divine aura around him. At the age of seven, while playing in the backyard a heavenly mystic descended and gave him a celestial book. Because of his background, he was able to understand the contents at a glance; thus enabling him to discern events of the past and future, to call upon the gods and immortals alike; and to be able to soar and ride the clouds. When he reached the age of thirty, his parents died and he inherited his father’s position in the Court. From then, he was known as Lord Chou; an upright and well respected person in the Court. However the Shang ruler was not virtuous. Each time he remonstrated to his Lord, his advice went unheeded and he finally became disheartened.

One day after the Court audience had ended, he thought to himself,

“I could neither make my liege see the light of his errors nor am I able to sacrifice my life for the sake of the country. I am no different from the vulgar masses. Why don’t I just leave my post, find a quiet place somewhere in Morning Song and live in seclusion? I can become a diviner to help people, to become a master in the field of divination and dissecting the mystery of the Eight Trigrams. Although I am unable to help my country and its populace, at least this way, I would be able to leave my footprint through the millennia. Isn’t this a wonderful idea?”

With that thought in mind, he quickly wrote his letter of resignation in the night and presented his intent to the king at dawn. Due to his frequent remonstrations, the Shang ruler was not fond of him but was immensely elated upon hearing the news of his retirement. The petition was granted immediately. After his Court audience Chou Kan quickly went home, gathered a few items of clothing, locked up the mansion and led his retainers to a secluded place in Morning Song. He felt at ease with his newly found leisure life of no restrictions. The poem stated:

In becoming officials it is natural to make this world a better place,
But in hermitage, I know the secrets of heaven.
Clouds accompanying the mountains where there’s no danger,
Unlike before, worries I had to endure day and night6.

After ten days of leisure and carefree living, he called upon his old steward named Chien Peng Jian, an old family retainer who came to live in seclusion with his master. He was an honest person who never took advantage of anyone. Whether in asking him to draw water from the well or to plant vegetables, he is never unwilling. On hearing his master’s beckoning, he hurried into the main hall and asked,

“Milord, what need do you have of old Peng Jiang?”

“I am not capable in serving the country and its people well. Therefore I left my post to live in seclusion. I have decided in seeking another venue in life to fulfill the teachings of my ancestors and be someone of renowned ability. I shall establish my business here and you can help by opening another door on the left side of the main entrance to the house. Take three bars from the side room and erect it outside, clean the place and place a seat there. Do this immediately.”

Peng Jiang laughed out loud when he heard the words,

“Milord, I Peng Jiang, never in my life have I seen nobility set up shop to do any buying and selling.”

“I’m not doing any commerce at all!” smiled Chou.

“I am going into divination and fortunetelling to enlighten the befuddled so that they won’t commit crimes. At the same time, I dislike having too many people disturb my peace. I have a way – to charge a tael of silver for each session. After the charges have been paid you shall lead the inquirer to me and I shall begin my divination. However, only ten people a day I shall see and three pennies you may take as gratuity for leading them to me. What say you?”

Peng Jian was silent when he heard the words but kept smiling with a lowered head.

“Why do you not utter a single word?”

Peng Jiang laughed out loud,

“It is not Peng Jiang who is not answering you milord. You are just under one person but above thousands of others, why are you demeaning yourself in this way? For one, it is beneath your station to do so, secondly, I’m afraid you may be accused of bewitching the masses and thirdly people may not want to come to have their fortunes told as your charges are too high. Why all this fuss?”

“You know not my true intent. How would my dignity suffer by divulging the secrets of heaven? How enlightening and persuading the befuddled be construed as bewitching the masses? Worry not my divination capability. I tell you people will come knocking down the door to see me. Go quickly and do as you are told.”

Pang Jiang had no choice but to hire some carpenters. After a few days, when everything was done he reported to Lord Chou,

“The divining enterprise is completed”.

Then Pang Jiang smiled and continued,

“Milord, since you insisted upon one tael of silver as fee, everything would be fine if your predictions come true but what happens if they do not? Won’t you become the laughing stock? People will bad mouth you for using divination as a ruse to cheat people out of their money.”

Lord Chou laughed out loud and said,

“I am a reasonable person. If my predictions are not accurate, then ten times the amount paid will be refunded!”

“This is impermissible! If milord refunds the amount ten fold, then my gratuity of three pennies will be also ten fold. I cannot afford it. Surely you jest.”

Laughing out loud again, Lord Chou said,

“You have no idea know how good my predictions are. If a refund is to be made, I shall pay for you as well. Now what do you think about that!”

Pang Jiang was delighted on hearing those words and kowtowed before his lord. A large bamboo slip was ordered to be brought before him and Lord Chou wrote the following four words,

“Amazing Eight Trigram Divination”7

And on the left side, a column of smaller words,

“All predictions for death and fortunes both good and bad”.

And on the right was written, “One tael of silver for divination, three pennies gratuity to my servant as go between.”

Then on another large bamboo slip,

“Divination will be limited to ten each morning. Absolutely no inquirer after midday. If predictions proved inaccurate, a refund of ten taels of silver and thirty pennies!

After writing, he commanded Peng Jiang to sit at the cross-section of the main road to wait for customers. With such a move, the entire city of Morning Song was rocked with gossip; spreading like wild fires as one person informed ten and from ten into a hundred. Everyone on the street was saying,

“Strange, this is really strange. Never before had a nobleman parted their grand career for such measly divination business. Regardless if his predictions are accurate or not, it’s too much to shell out that one tael of silver!”

As no one would part their one tael of silver, none knew if any prediction is accurate. All day long Lord Chou sat serenely and smartly dressed in his cap and gown. No servant was in attendance except for a stick of burning incense. Three days gone by and nary a soul had come to have his fortunes told. Yet always a crowd of onlookers gossiping nearby. Then one local gentry landlord remarked,

“This Lord really knows how to jest; I’ll show him that I too can jest! I shall shed my one tael of silver and three pennies and see how good he is.”

Yet another, a soldier thought to himself,

“Yesterday, I came across some money and I haven’t decided what to do with it. I shall have my fortune told instead!”

So they entered the premise. As Lord Chou is from the nobility, they dared not make him wait by having small talk with Peng Jiang but handed the money quickly over to him who was smiling gleefully,

“How interesting… Today’s the propitious start of business!”

And with that, he laid the taels of silver in front of Lord Chou and explained the situation to him. Lord Chou then bade him to let one of inquirers enter. On seeing the landlord, Lord Chou said,

“Need not stand on ceremony nor explain anything to me. Just a silent prayer on the side will do.”

With those words, the landlord stood aside and prayed silently. Looking at the man, Lord Chou said,

“I understand your problem fully. Just because your servant has a beautiful wife, you wanted to break up their marriage and bade him marry another. The husband is unwilling and so now you wanted to harm him. Am I not correct? I’m afraid that you would not succeed but you get yourself killed first!”

This landlord was dumbfounded when his inner thoughts were exposed. His face was ashen into the color of mud. Immediately he knelt down on both his knees and pleaded,

“My Lord, this nobody did indeed harbor such intentions. I beg your Lordship point a way out for me to escape this calamity!”

Lord Chou nodded his head and said,

“Since you repented, there is a way out. Had you not seen me today, you will be dead tomorrow!”

Lord Chou then wrote a few lines of words on a piece of paper, handed it over to the landlord and spoke,

“This is your problem…”

The landlord took the paper and looked at the words…

What did Lord Chou write? How he is going to save the landlord? Please read the next chapter.

NOTES:

1. Chaoge (朝歌) Capital of the Shang Dynasty. It may also means “facing the song” i.e. embracing a song.

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Sovereigns_and_Five_Emperors

3. In Taoism, the Three Regions (三界) are

    The Limitless Region (無極 region of no senses, upper)
    The Ultimate Region (太極region of senses, middle)
    The Present Region (現世region of needs, lower)

     In Taoist philosophy these regions are located in the human body. If one can refine (smelt)
     away essence away (煉精), one can leave the region of needs; refining away Prana (煉) one can
     escape away from the region of senses and refining away the spirit, one will leave the region of no
     sense. In popular stories, they are actual regions.

4. Ancient China is an agricultural society and therefore rains are of utmost concern. Therefore they
    are regulated by edicts from the Jade Emperor. Any unauthorized scheduling is considered as a
    crime against heaven.

5. 兜率 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tushita

6. 人道為官舉世奇,
    我知隱性有天機。
    雲山相伴無驚恐,
    不似勞心日夜時。

    The poem compares his present and former life. Even though he is a minister of the court and can
     make the world a better place but it is all but an illusion. Day and night he has the burden of the
     court affairs and the weight of the world bearing down on him. These are the least of his worries
     for one loses his life easily under an unjust ruler. Carefree and living in harmony with nature is the
     secret to a better life.

7. The four characters are卦理通神. Of course translating these four characters will not result in 4
     English words. The phrase literally means “Eight Trigrams divination principles connected to gods”.

Original text

桃花女陰陽鬪傳/第一回 

蕩魔山戒刀成形 
隐朝歌賢士賣卜

話說三皇之世,北俱蘆洲有個净樂國王,娶妻善勝夫人,懷胎一十四月,生下一位世子,乃是蒼帝化身。後來長大成人,棄國修道,成了正果——在上天為玉樞掌教北極天尊;在中為蕩魔無上上聖;在下為真武玄天上帝。曾在雪山修道,用戒刀剖腹洗腸,昏迷過去,把戒刀棄了。及至仙人度活時,忘收回戒刀。後至元玄洞修真,見戒刀已失,便將刀鞘留在元玄洞内,為鎮國之寶。這戒刀與刀鞘俱是蒼帝賜與大帝的,乃如意真寶,整整受了百年的日精月華,方才變化成形。戒刀修成了一個陽体,刀鞘修成了一個陰体。那戒刀潛詔蕩魔山中修真,刀鞘就在元玄洞内養性。又至數百余年,西池王母便刀鞘上天,管理桃園,賜名桃花仙子。那戒刀未成正果,心懷不憤,随在蕩魔山興妖作怪。有時吐焰與日月争光,有時無故興雲作雨,致于天怒,便差天兵天將下凡,把戒刀擒上金闕,在斬妖台上處斬。多虧得道教的鼻祖太上老君,見他苦修了几千年,便在金闕討情,帶了他到兜率宫中,做了一個看卦盒的童子。他便偷看了《天罡正訣》,私自下凡。

真靈不昧,一直竟投往商朝一家諸侯,姓周名卿,官拜上大夫之職,娶妻風氏。于五十岁上始生一子。未生之时,夫人夢見火光满室,耀人眼目,醒來時,就生了一位世子,起了名,唤叫周乾。只生得臉如鍋底,两道劍眉,自幼便有神光。及至七歲時,在花園内玩耍,從天降下一個異人,賜他一部天書。因他素有夙根,一目了然,便能知过去未來、請神召仙、駕雾騰雲之事。到了三十歲之上,周大夫夫妻亡故,周乾袭了父職,天下人都叫他做周公,在朝耿耿,百僚無不敬服。因見商王無道,屢屢上諫表,無奈商王不纳,致使心中悶悶不樂。這日朝罷無事,獨坐府中,心中暗想道:“我既不能匡君于正,又不能舍身为國,豈可同俗人一輩?我何不趁此告职,隐居在这朝歌,尋一個僻静之處。開一卜市引導世人?作一個講先天的班頭,剖八卦之领袖,雖不能為國為民,亦可流名萬載,豈不是好?”主意已定,是晚灯下修好了告退的本章。五更上朝,随出班面奏,把本章皇上。商王正厭他直諫,今見他告職去任,满心歡喜,就准了他的本章。  周乾忙辭駕回府,收拾細軟之物,把府門鎖了,帶了家眷,往朝歌一個僻静清雅的屋住下,到覺得遣遥自在,無拘無束。有詩為證,詩曰:

人道為官舉世奇,
 我知隱性有天機。
雲山相伴無驚恐,
不似勞心日夜時。  

那周公清閑了十來日,便叫過了一個老宰臣來吩咐。這老宰臣姓籛名彭剪,曾作過老大夫的家臣,為人誠實無欺,及跟周公來任上隱居,就叫他去汲水種蔬,他也情願。聞得周公叫他,便忙上前到大廳聲諾,道:“公爺,叫彭剪何事使唤?”周公道:“孤自棄職隱居于此,原是不能為國為民,以承祖宗之遺訓,意欲另開生面,作個立異的奇人。如今欲在此處作一事業,汝可與孤在前門左側另开一門,將偏房間三攔断在外,打掃潔静,陳設一張座頭。速速辦好方妙!”彭剪聞言笑道:“公爺,我彭剪從未曾見過公卿大夫作起肄业業買賣來。”周公也笑道:“孤不是作買賣肄業,今欲開一卜市,指點愚人,使彼等不敢為匪作歹的意思。但又只怕人多攪擾,想起一個法兒來了——如今每卦要卦資銀一两,先要銀子交與你,然後帶進來見孤,方才起課。一日止多十課,多則不占。若有人來時,先要給你銀三分,以為傳递酬酢之资。你道如何?”彭剪聞言,在旁并不答言,只管低頭見笑。周公道:“你因何不答一言?”彭剪笑道:“非是彭剪不答,只因國公乃是一個一人之下,万人之上的人,何苦作起这下流事來?一來有失貴体,二來恐生惑眾之心,三來占卦之人不敢上門。况且卦資太重,何必虛設此一番舉動?”周公道:“你不知孤意。詳演先天,何為失体?勸解愚人,何為惑眾?只怕卦儿不靈,若果是應,只怕踏破門呢。你不必管孤,快去行事!”

彭剪無奈,只得去叫匠人來動工修整。那消幾日,早已色色完備,便來回覆周公道:“卜市修好了。”随笑道:“公爺卦资虽要白銀—两,如靈呢,自然是要的,如不靈呢,豈不被人笑話?說公爺不好,对百姓要銀子,說個法兒來哄騙他們。”周公笑道:“孤自有道理——如不靈時,孤願賠回十倍!”彭剪聞言連道:“使不得!公爺賠得起十倍,彭剪得的三分,就難賠十倍。公爺休要捉弄我罷!”周公笑道:“你也不知孤的八卦能通神明。断無絲毫判情。如今你的也是孤賠,還如何?”彭剪聞言大喜,忙叩了一個頭,站將起來。周公就叫取了一片大竹板來,亲提笔在手,寫了“卦理通神”四個字,左邊寫行小字道:“预定生死吉凶”,右邊寫行小字道:“卦資銀一两,傳命代步銀三分”。又取一块大竹板寫道:“若有問卜者,清晨到此,指点吉凶。每日限占十卦,過午不占。如不靈應,受罸銀十两三錢!” 寫完,命彭剪一人在十字口大街上坐着,好等卜卦的人來。
這一舉一動就轟動了眾朝歌百姓,你言我語,一個傳十,十個傳百,满街满巷俱說:“奇事,從未見過作公爺的人把偌大的前程棄了,來作占卦的營生。俱不知靈不靈,竟要一两銀子多!”有想來試試,只因卦資過高,不免俱各袖手。
那周公終日俱在,穿得衣冠齐整的,在卜市中間座位上坐着,一個從者俱不用,止焚一爐好香,净净的清坐。彭剪自然是一個人坐在大門内。一連坐了两三日,并無一個人來占卦,止圍着無數的閑人,在那里乱講。内有一個土豪道:“這一位公爺也會玩耍,我小可却也会取笑。我舍着一两三分銀子,與他試試罷了。”又有一個軍漢道:“我昨日有一股財帛,却忘了一件事情,難以决断。我也去算一算!” 這二人就是先後進去了。只因國公是個有爵位的人,誰敢與他對坐閑談?故此不待人說,就將一两三分銀子交與彭剪。彭剪接了銀子,心中暗笑道:“有趣,今日發利市了!”随將一两銀子放在周公面前座位上。禀明了周公。周公便叫他先領了一個進來。那土豪先就跟了進來。周公道:“你不须行礼,也不用禀明何事,只在旁暗暗祷告便了。”土豪聞言,就立旁邊暗祝了一遍。周公看了一回,道:“你的心事,孤已明白了。只因你家下人的妻子貌美,你要拆散他夫妻,叫他丈夫另娶,他丈夫不從,你今想将他丈夫害死,是也不是?孤只怕你害人不死,先害死自己!”土豪聽周公道出他的私心,直唬得目定口呆,面如土色,忙双膝跪下,道:“公爺!小人果有此事。求公爺指明条路,小人好去趋吉避凶!”周公聞言点頭道:你既有悔心,自有生路。若不遇孤,你明日决死无生了!” 說罷,取了一張紙來,寫上幾行,递过與土豪,道:“這是你的心事——。”土豪接來一看,未知周公寫的什么,怎生指点,救得土豪如何,

且看下回分解。

On Translating Peach Blossom Girl Magic Duel


Sometime ago, after reading the superb scholarly translation of "The Journey To The West", aka "The Monkey King" by Anthony C. Yu, I was inspired to translate short articles and stories from newspaper articles and other sources. I think it was time for me to try my hand in translating some obscure Chinese books about popular folklore and myths. "Peach Blossom Girl's Magic Duel" is such a book. Its story is quite popular in Southern China in the form of operas. There is even an old Cantonese opera movie starring Tang Bik Wan. I chose this as my first book primarily because of its small number of chapters - 16 compared to the 100 or so in a typical book of this genre.


There will be mistakes made! Therefore I included the original text in Chinese so that other translators can point out my errors.

It would not be possible for me to embark on this sort of project without the existence of the Internet; especially when this genre contains many very obscure and difficult terms. For example, twenty five years ago, just for the fun of it, I tried translating, "The Tale of Investiture of Gods". My effort was thwarted by a four character phrase in a poem on the first page! Not until now with the ease of research on the internet was I able to decode its meaning. Still, it is extremely time consuming to research antiquated Chinese terms especially those that deal with alchemy and historical allusions. So please bear with me in my slowness to get the chapters posted.

Once again thanks to the enormous effort of Anthony C. Yu's translation of the Monkey King, that I learnt more of my own culture by reading the English translation than by original Chinese version.

24 November 2012