The Cloud Dream of the Nine by Kim Man-Choong (spiritual books to read txt) 📖

and a dignity of behaviour that differs entirely from the ordinary young women of the city. Although Chin See be as gifted as she is said to be, how could she ever hope to compare with one so striking? If I were to speak as I have heard rumour say, she has a face and a heart that answers to the Princess Orchid. Her great ability agrees thereto likewise, and her loving tender spirit. I have heard it said, too, that Yi See’s face is not unlike that of the Princess Imperial.”

To this the lady Cheung made answer: “I have never seen the Princess and so cannot definitely say; but even though she occupies her high place and [p184] wears her Imperial name, how could she possibly equal Yi See?”

The daughter’s reply was: “I am in doubt, and must send Cloudlet to take note of her surroundings and behaviour.”

On the second day Miss Cheung and Cloudlet were talking the matter over when Yi See’s servant arrived to say: “Our lady finds a messenger going to Chol-dong, where her brother is, and intends to depart to-morrow. She would like to come to-day and make her farewell salutation to the lady and her daughter.”

On hearing this, Cheung See ordered the hall to be specially brightened up and waited breathlessly. Shortly after Yi See arrived, bowed to the lady and to Cheung See, and spoke her message of departure. The sincerity with which the two took their farewell was specially touching. They were like two dear sisters separating one from the other, or a lover bidding a long good-bye to his sweetheart.

Yi See said to the lady Cheung: “Your niece’s separation from her mother and brother now measures a whole year, and I long so much to see them that I cannot wait. My heart, however, is bound to your ladyship and to my dearest friend with an unbreakable tie. As I attempt to pull myself away I find that it grows stronger and stronger. I have one word to say and one wish to express. I fear, nevertheless, that Cheung See may not grant my wish, so I mention it to your ladyship.” She hesitated, however, so that the words failed to express themselves.

The lady said: “What is it that you would like to ask?” [p185]

Yi See made answer: “I have just finished an embroidered picture of the merciful Buddha that I have worked in memory of my late father. My brother is now in the county of Chol-dong; I am a woman and cannot ask a favour of the literati, so I have not found anyone to write an inscription on it for me. I am most desirous that my sister Cheung See should write two or three lines of verse. Because the picture is wide in size and difficult to fold or carry, and in danger of being damaged by a journey, I would rather not bring it. The only alternative is that I take her to my home with me and get her to write or compose something there, so that my poor effort on behalf of my late father may be made perfect and my soul find delight. I do not know, however, what Cheung See may think of it, so I did not dare to ask her directly; therefore I make my wishes known first to your ladyship.”

The lady looked at her daughter and said: “You are not accustomed to go to the homes even of your near relatives, but you have this invitation now which we cannot but regard. It comes from Yi See’s earnest heart of devotion to her father. Besides her place of residence is not far away. I think it would be quite right and proper for you to go and return quickly.”

Cheung See’s face clouded at first with hesitation, but when she thought of it she quieted her apprehensions and said: “Yi See’s circumstances are such that her time is very limited, so it would not do to send Cloudlet instead. I shall avail myself of the opportunity to see what her world is like and thus solve the question that is in my mind.” This she said to herself, but to her mother she replied: “If [p186] Yi See’s invitation were an ordinary one I could not accede to it, but her devotion to her father is something that all must commend. How can I refuse? I shall wait, however, till evening, and when night falls I shall go.”

Yi See was greatly delighted and thanked her over and over again, saying: “But if it is too dark it will be very difficult for you to write. If you dislike the confusion of the way, my chair, though narrow and uncomfortable, can easily enough accommodate two persons like us. Come with me, will you not, please, and when evening falls you can then return home.”

Cheung See made answer: “I am unable to resist your kind words.”

With this she bowed to her mother and said her adieu. She gave to Cloudlet a little press of the hand by way of special recognition, and then she and Yi See rode side by side in the same palanquin, with a number of serving-women from Justice Cheung’s following behind.

They arrived at Yi See’s private room, where the things displayed were not many in number but were of a very excellent quality. The fare, also, while not lavish in quantity, was of the daintiest kind.

Cheung See thought: “I am in greater perplexity than ever.”

The day passed and the evening gradually grew near, but Yi See said nothing whatever about the writing.

“Where have you placed the picture of the Merciful Buddha?” inquired Cheung See. “I would like so much to make my bow before it.”

Yi See said: “Assuredly, I must ask you to come with me to see it.” [p187]

Before she had finished speaking, a sound of horses and chariots was heard from before the door and a long succession of flags suddenly lined the street-way.

The servants from Justice Cheung’s came rushing in in great fear to say that a company of soldiers had surrounded the house.” Mistress, mistress,” said they, “what shall we do?”

Cheung See, already guessing the nature of the commotion, sat still and unmoved.

Yi See said to her by way of assurance: “Please do not be alarmed in the least. Your little sister is no other than Princess Nan-yang, So-wha. Nan-yang my title and So-wha my given name. My bringing you here was at the command of the Empress Dowager.”

Cheung See instantly arose from her seat and made reply: “Though wholly unenlightened myself and unsophisticated, I knew by your Highness’s face and form that you were different from the rest of the world. But your visiting me was so far beyond the most extravagant dreams of my fancy that I have been entirely taken off my guard. I have failed in the proper forms and have in a hundred other uncomely ways sinned before you. Please have me punished as I deserve.”

The Princess did not have time to reply before a servant came in and said: “The palace maids, Sol, Wang and Wha, have been sent to inquire for your Highness.”

The Princess then said to Cheung See: “Wait here for a moment, will you please.” She went out to the main hallway where the three women had entered in order and gave the ceremonial bow before [p188] her, saying: “It is now several days since your Highness left the palace. The Empress Dowager greatly desires to see you. The Emperor, too, and the Empress have sent maids-in-waiting to make inquiry. To-day is the appointed time of your return, so horses, carriages and other necessaries wait outside the door. His Majesty has ordered the eunuch Cho to attend you.”

The three maids added: “The Empress Dowager has commanded that Cheung See ride with you in the royal palanquin and come to the palace.”

The Princess told the maids to wait while she went in once more, and said to Cheung See: “I have many things to say to you as soon as we find quiet, but now the Empress Dowager, my mother, wants to see you and has come out to the Ma Pavilion, where she is waiting. Please come with me at once and be presented to her.”

Cheung See, knowing that she must not refuse, said in reply: “Your humble servant knows already how tenderly your Highness loves her, but an uncouth country girl who never in her life before was presented at court, fears that she may fail to do the proper thing, and is very much alarmed.”

The Princess replied: “The thought that prompts the Dowager to see you is the same thought that makes me love you. Please do not be anxious in the least, but just come.”

Cheung See said: “Will your Highness not proceed to the palace first? If you do so I shall return home to tell my mother and then follow.”

But the Princess objected. “The Empress has already given commands,” she said, “that I ride [p189] with you in the same palanquin. Her commands are very pressing. I urge you not to hesitate.”

Cheung See then said: “I am only a humble child of a subject; how could I think of riding in the same chair with your Highness?”

“Kan Tai-kong,” said the Princess Nan-yang, “was only a fisher by the Wee River, and yet he rode in the same chariot with King Moon. Hoo-yong was only a gatekeeper, and yet he held Prince Sillong’s horse. It is our duty to do honour to those who are great and good. Why do you call attention to rank and station? You yourself are of an old family of the nobility. Why should you hesitate to ride in the same chair with your little sister?” So she took her by the hand and they mounted the palanquin together.

Cheung See sent one servant home to tell her mother, while another attended her to the palace.

Thus they went together, the Princess and her charge, entering by the East Gate. They passed the nine pagoda arches to the private entrance, where they dismounted. The Princess said to lady Wang, who was in waiting: “You remain here for a little with my lady Cheung.”

Lady Wang replied: “I have, in accordance with the commands of her Majesty the Dowager, prepared a special place for the lady Cheung to stay.”

The Princess, greatly pleased at this, bade them wait while she went in and presented herself before the Empress Dowager.

At first the Dowager had had no desire to meet Cheung See, but since the Princess had lived in disguise near her, and had won her friendship by means of the pair of pictures, and had discovered that [p190] her character and attainments were lovely, her feelings of interest were kindled likewise. From what had been reported she had learned to appreciate why Yang had not wished to give her up; why her daughter, the Princess, and Cheung See loved each other; why they had made a contract of sisterhood; and why in one home they would serve the same husband.

The Empress Dowager had therefore learnt to understand, and had given consent at last to the Princess and Cheung See both becoming wives of General Yang. She now desired greatly to see her face, and had devised the plan by which she had been brought.

[IMG: The Princess Visits Cheung See: Cheung See’s ReturnVisit]

Cheung See waited for a little in the appointed place. Presently two maids came out from the inner palace bearing a box with clothing. They also delivered the commands of the Empress Dowager, which read: “Miss Cheung is a daughter of a minister and should therefore conform to the required ceremonies of the nobility. She is now wearing the dress of an