The Ninth Vibration, et. al.
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L. Adams Beck >> The Ninth Vibration, et. al.
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To the Princess of Han, the August Aunt, the Lady of the Nine
Superior Virtues:-
"Having deeply reflected on the wisdom submitted, We thus reply.
Women should not be the judges of their own virtues, since these
exist only in relation to men. Let Our Command therefore be
executed, and tablets presented before us seven days hence, with
the name of each lady appended to her tablet."
It was indeed pitiable to see the anxiety of the ladies! A
sacrifice to Kwan-Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, of a jewel from
each, with intercession for aid, was proposed by the Lustrous
Lady; but the majority shook their heads sadly. The August Aunt,
tossing her head, declared that, as the Son of Heaven had made no
comment on her proposal of opening and closing the discussion,
she should take no part other than safeguarding the interests of
propriety. This much increased the alarm, and, kneeling at her
feet, the swan-like beauties, Deep-Snow and Winter Moon implored
her aid and compassion. But, rising indignantly, the August Aunt
sought her own apartments, and for the first time the inmates of
the Pepper Chamber saw with regret the golden dragons embroidered
on her back.
It was then that the Round-Faced Beauty ventured a remark. This
maiden, having been born in the far-off province of Ssuch-uan,
was considered a rustic by the distinguished elegance of the
Palace and, therefore, had never spoken unless decorum required.
Still, even her detractors were compelled to admit the charms
that had gained her her name. Her face had the flawless outline
of the pearl, and like the blossom of the plum was the purity of
her complexion, upon which the darkness of her eyebrows
resembled two silk-moths alighted to flutter above the brilliance
of her eyes - eyes which even the August Aunt had commended
after a banquet of unsurpassed variety. Her hair had been
compared to the crow's plumage; her waist was like a roll of
silk, and her discretion in habiting herself was such that even
the Lustrous Lady and the Lady Tortoise drew instruction from the
splendours of her robes. It created, however, a general
astonishment when she spoke.
"Paragons of beauty, what is this dull and opaque. witted person
that she should speak?"
"What, indeed!" said the Celestial Sister. "This entirely
undistinguished person cannot even imagine."
A distressing pause followed, during which many whispered
anxiously. The Lustrous Lady broke it.
"It is true that the highly ornamental Round-Faced Beauty is but
lately come, yet even the intelligent Ant may assist the Dragon;
and in the presence of alarm, what is decorum? With a tiger
behind one, who can recall the Book of Rites and act with
befitting elegance?"
"The high-born will at all times remember the Rites!" retorted
the Celestial Sister. "Have we not heard the August Aunt observe:
`Those who understand do not speak. Those who speak do not
understand'?"
The Round-Faced Beauty collected her courage.
"Doubtless this is wisdom; yet if the wise do not speak, who
should instruct us? The August Aunt herself would be silent."
All were confounded by this dilemma, and the little Lady
Summer-Dress, still weeping, entreated that the Round-Faced
Beauty might be heard. The Heavenly Blossoms then prepared to
listen and assumed attitudes of attention, which so disconcerted
the Round-Faced Beauty that she blushed like a spring tulip in
speaking.
"Beautiful ladies, our Lord, who is unknown to us all, has issued
an august command. It cannot be disputed, for the whisper of
disobedience is heard as thunder in the Imperial Presence. Should
we not aid each other? If any lady has formed a dream in her soul
of the Ideal Man, might not such a picture aid us all? Let us not
be `say-nothing-do-nothing,' but act!"
They hung their heads and smiled, but none would allow that she
had formed such an image. The little Lady Tortoise, laughing
behind her fan of sandalwood, said roguishly: "The Ideal Man
should be handsome, liberal in giving, and assuredly he should
appreciate the beauty of his wives. But this we cannot say to the
Divine Emperor."
A sigh rustled through the Pepper Chamber. The Celestial Sister
looked angrily at the speaker.
"This is the talk of children," she said. "Does no one remember
Kung-fu-tse's [Confucius] description of the Superior Man?"
Unfortunately none did - not even the Celestial Sister herself.
"Is it not probable," said the Round-Faced Beauty, "that the
Divine Emperor remembers it him- self and wishes-"
But the Celestial Sister, yawning audibly, summoned the
attendants to bring rose-leaves in honey, and would hear no more.
The Round-Faced Beauty therefore wandered forth among the mossy
rocks and drooping willows of the Imperial Garden, deeply
considering the matter. She ascended the bow-curved bridge of
marble which crossed the Pool of Clear Weather, and from the top
idly observed the reflection of her rose-and-gold coat in the
water while, with her taper fingers, she crumbled cake for the
fortunate gold-fish that dwelt in it. And, so doing, she remarked
one fish, four-tailed among the six-tailed, and in no way
distinguished by elegance, which secured by far the largest share
of the crumbs dropped into the pool. Bending lower, she observed
this singular fish and its methods.
The others crowded about the spot where the crumbs fell, all
herded together. In their eagerness and stupidity they remained
like a cloud of gold in one spot, slowly waving their tails. But
this fish, concealing itself behind a miniature rock, waited,
looking upward, until the crumbs were falling, and then, rushing
forth with the speed of an arrow, scattered the stupid mass of
fish, and bore off the crumbs to its shelter, where it instantly
devoured them.
"This is notable," said the Round-Faced Beauty. "Observation
enlightens the mind. To be apart - to be distinguished - secures
notice!" And she plunged into thought again, wandering, herself a
flower, among the gorgeous tree peonies.
On the following day the August Aunt commanded that a writer
among the palace attendants should, with brush and ink, be
summoned to transcribe the wisdom of the ladies. She requested
that each would give three days to thought, relating the
following anecdote. "There was a man who, taking a piece of
ivory, carved it into a mulberry leaf, spending three years on
the task. When finished it could not be told from the original,
and was a gift suitable for the Brother of the Sun and Moon. Do
likewise!"
"But yet, 0 Augustness!" said the Celestial Sister, "if the Lord
of Heaven took as long with each leaf, there would be few leaves
on the trees, and if-"
The August Aunt immediately commanded silence and retired. On the
third day she seated herself in her chair of carved ebony, while
the attendant placed himself by her feet and prepared to record
her words.
"This insignificant person has decided," began her Augustness,
looking round and unscrewing the amber top of her snuff-bottle,
"to take an unintelligent part in these proceedings. An example
should be set. Attendant, write!"
She then dictated as follows: "The Ideal Man is he who now
decorates the Imperial Throne, or he who in all humility ventures
to resemble the incomparable Emperor. Though he may not hope to
attain, his endeavor is his merit. No further description it
needed."
With complacence she inhaled the perfumed snuff, as the writer
appended the elegant characters of her Imperial name.
If it is permissible to say that the faces of the beauties
lengthened visibly, it should now be said. For it had been the
intention of every lady to make an illusion to the Celestial
Emperor and depict him as the Ideal Man. Nor had they expected
that the August Aunt would take any part in the matter.
"Oh, but it was the intention of this commonplace and
undignified person to say this very thing!" cried the Lustrous
Lady, with tears in the jewels of her eyes. "I thought no other
high-minded and distinguished lady would for a moment think of
it"
"And it was my intention also!" fluttered the little Lady
Tortoise, wringing her hands! "What now shall this most unlucky
and unendurable person do? For three nights has sleep forsaken my
unattractive eyelids, and, tossing and turning on a couch
deprived of all comfort, I could only repeat, `The Ideal Man is
the Divine Dragon Emperor!'"
"May one of entirely contemptible attainments make a suggestion
in this assemblage of scintillating wit and beauty?" inquired the
Celestial Sister. "My superficial opinion is that it would be
well to prepare a single paper to which all names should be
appended, stating that His Majesty in his Dragon Divinity
comprises all ideals in his sacred Person."
"Let those words be recorded," said the August Aunt. "What else
should any lady of discretion and propriety say? In this Palace
of Virtuous Peace, where all is consecrated to the Son of Heaven,
though he deigns not to enter it, what other thought dare be
breathed? Has any lady ventured to step outside such a limit? If
so, let her declare herself!"
All shook their heads, and the August Aunt proceeded: "Let the
writer record this as the opinion of every lady of the Imperial
Household, and let each name be separately appended."
Had any desired to object, none dared to confront the August
Aunt; but apparently no beauty so desired, for after three
nights' sleepless meditation, no other thought than this had
occurred to any.
Accordingly, the writer moved from lady to lady and, under the
supervision of the August Aunt, transcribed the following: "The
Ideal Man is the earthly likeness of the Divine Emperor. How
should it be otherwise?" And under this sentence wrote the name
of each lovely one in succession. The papers were then placed in
the hanging sleeves of the August Aunt for safety.
By the decree of Fate, the father of the Round-Faced Beauty had,
before he became an ancestral spirit, been a scholar of
distinction, having graduated at the age of seventy-two with a
composition commended by the Grand Examiner. Having no gold and
silver to give his daughter, he had formed her mind, and had
presented her with the sole jewel of his family-a pearl as large
as a bean. Such was her sole dower, but the accomplished Aunt may
excel the indolent Prince.
Yet, before the thought in her mind, she hesitated and trembled,
recalling the lesson of the gold-fish; and it was with anxiety
that paled her roseate lips that, on a certain day, she had
sought the Willow Bridge Pavilion. There had awaited her a
palace attendant skilled with the brush, and there in secrecy and
dire affright, hearing the footsteps of the August Aunt in every
rustle of leafage, and her voice in the call of every crow, did
the Round-Faced Beauty dictate the following composition:-
"Though the sky rain pearls, it cannot equal the beneficence of
the Son of Heaven. Though the sky rain jade it cannot equal his
magnificence. He has commanded his slave to describe the
qualities of the Ideal Man. How should I, a mere woman, do this?
I, who have not seen the Divine Emperor, how should I know what
is virtue? I, who have not seen the glory of his countenance, how
should I know what is beauty? Report speaks of his excellencies,
but I who live in the dark know not. But to the Ideal Woman, the
very vices of her husband are virtues. Should he exalt another,
this is a mark of his superior taste. Should he dismiss his
slave, this is justice. To the Ideal Woman there is but one Ideal
Man - and that is her lord. From the day she crosses his
threshold, to the day when they clothe her in the garments of
Immortality, this is her sole opinion. Yet would that she might
receive instruction of what only are beauty and virtue in his
adorable presence."
This being written, she presented her one pearl to the attendant
and fled, not looking behind her, as quickly as her delicate feet
would permit.
On the seventh day the compositions, engraved on ivory and bound
with red silk and tassels, were presented to the Emperor, and for
seven days more he forgot their existence. On the eighth the High
Chamberlain ventured to recall them to the Imperial memory, and
the Emperor glancing slightly at one after another, threw them
aside, yawning as he did so. Finally, one arrested his eyes, and
reading it more than once he laid it before him and meditated. An
hour passed in this way while the forgotten Lord Chamberlain
continued to kneel. The Son of Heaven, then raising his head,
pronounced these words: "In the society of the Ideal Woman, she
to whom jealousy is unknown, tranquillity might possibly be
obtained. Let prayer be made before the Ancestors with the
customary offerings, for this is a matter deserving attention."
A few days passed, and an Imperial attendant, escorted by two
mandarins of the peacock- feather and crystal-button rank,
desired an audience of the August Aunt, and, speaking before the
curtain, informed her that his Imperial Majesty would pay a visit
that evening to the Hall of Tranquil Longevity. Such was her
agitation at this honour that she immediately swooned; but,
reviving, summoned all the attendants and gave orders for a
banquet and musicians.
Lanterns painted with pheasants and exquisite landscapes were
hung on all the pavilions. Tap- estries of rose, decorated with
the Five-Clawed Dragons, adorned the chambers; and upon the High
Seat was placed a robe of yellow satin embroidered with pearls.
All was hurry and excitement. The Blossoms of the Palace were so
exquisitely decked that one grain more of powder would have made
them too lily-like, and one touch more of rouge, too rosecheeked.
It was indeed perfection, and, like lotuses upon a lake, or Asian
birds, gorgeous of plumage, they stood ranged in the outer
chamber while the Celestial Emperor took his seat.
The Round-Faced Beauty wore no jewels, having bartered her pearl
for her opportunity; but her long coat of jade-green, embroidered
with golden willows, and her trousers of palest rose left nothing
to be desired. In her hair two golden peonies were fastened with
pins of kingfisher work. The Son of Heaven was seated upon the
throne as the ladies approached, marshaled by the August Aunt. He
was attired in the Yellow Robe with the Flying Dragons, and upon
the Imperial Head was the Cap, ornamented with one hundred and
forty-four priceless gems. From it hung the twelve pendants of
strings of pearls, partly concealing the august eyes of the Jade
Emperor. No greater splendour can strike awe into the soul of
man.
At his command the August Aunt took her seat upon a lesser chair
at the Celestial Feet. Her mien was majestic, and struck awe into
the assembled beauties, whose names she spoke aloud as each
approached and prostrated herself. She then pronounced these
words:
"Beautiful ones, the Emperor, having considered the opinions
submitted by you on the subject of the Superior Man, is pleased
to express his august commendation. Dismiss, therefore, anxiety
from your minds, and prepare to assist at the humble concert of
music we have prepared for his Divine pleasure."
Slightly raising himself in his chair, the Son of Heaven looked
down upon that Garden of Beauty, holding in his hand an ivory
tablet bound with red silk.
"Lovely ladies," he began, in a voice that assuaged fear, "who
among you was it that laid before our feet a composition
beginning thus - 'Though the sky rain pearls'?"
The August Aunt immediately rose.
"Imperial Majesty, none! These eyes supervised every composition.
No impropriety was permitted."
The Son of Heaven resumed: "Let that lady stand forth."
The words were few, but sufficient. Trembling in every limb, the
Round-Faced Beauty separated herself from her companions and
prostrated herself, amid the breathless amazement of the Blossoms
of the Palace. He looked down upon her as she knelt, pale as a
lady carved in ivory, but lovely as the lotus of Chang-Su. He
turned to the August Aunt. "Princess of Han, my Imperial Aunt, I
would speak with this lady alone."
Decorum itself and the custom of Palaces could not conceal the
indignation of the August Aunt as she rose and retired, driving
the ladies before her as a shepherd drives his sheep.
The Hall of Tranquil Longevity being now empty, the Jade Emperor
extended his hand and beckoned the Round-Faced Beauty to
approach. This she did, hanging her head like a flower surcharged
with dew and swaying gracefully as a wind-bell, and knelt on the
lowest step of the Seat of State.
"Loveliest One," said the Emperor, "I have read your composition.
I would know the truth. Did any aid you as you spoke it? Was it
the thought of your own heart?"
"None aided, Divine," said she, almost fainting with fear. "It
was indeed the thought of this illiterate slave, consumed with an
unwarranted but uncontrollable passion."
"And have you in truth desired to see your Lord?"
"As a prisoner in a dungeon desires the light, so was it with
this low person."
"And having seen?"
"Augustness, the dull eyes of this slave are blinded with
beauty."
She laid her head before his feet.
"Yet you have depicted, not the Ideal Man, but the Ideal Woman.
This was not the Celestial command. How was this?"
"Because, 0 versatile and auspicious Emperor, the blind cannot
behold the sunlight, and it is only the Ideal Woman who is worthy
to comprehend and worship the Ideal Man. For this alone is she
created."
A smile began to illuminate the Imperial Countenance. "And how, 0
Round-Faced Beauty, did you evade the vigilance of the August
Aunt?"
She hung her head lower, speaking almost in a whisper. "With her
one pearl did this person buy the secrecy of the writer; and when
the August Aunt slept, did I conceal the paper in her sleeve with
the rest, and her own Imperial hand gave it to the engraver of
ivory."
She veiled her face with two jade-white hands that trembled
excessively. On hearing this statement the Celestial Emperor
broke at once into a very great laughter, and he laughed loud and
long as a tiller of wheat. The Round-Faced Beauty heard it
demurely until, catching the Imperial eye, decorum was forgotten
and she too laughed uncontrollably. So they continued, and
finally the Emperor leaned back, drying the tears in his eyes
with his august sleeve, and the lady, resuming her gravity, hid
her face in her hands, yet regarded him through her fingers.
When the August Aunt returned at the end of an hour with the
ladies, surrounded by the attendants with their instruments of
music, the Round-Faced Beauty was seated in the chair that she
herself had occupied, and on the whiteness of her brow was hung
the chain of pearls, which had formed the frontal of the Cap of
the Emperor.
It is recorded that, advancing from honour to honour, the
Round-Faced Beauty was eventually chosen Empress and became the
mother of the Imperial Prince. The celestial purity of her mind
and the absence of all flaws of jealousy and anger warranted this
distinction. But it is also recorded that, after her elevation,
no other lady was ever exalted in the Imperial favour or received
the slightest notice from the Emperor. For the Empress, now well
acquainted with the Ideal Man, judged it better that his
experiences of the Ideal Woman should be drawn from herself
alone. And as she decreed, so it was done. Doubtless Her Majesty
did well.
It is known that the Emperor departed to the Ancestral Spirits at
an early age, seeking, as the August Aunt observed, that repose
which on earth could never more be his. But no one has asserted
that this lady's disposition was free from the ordinary blemishes
of humanity.
As for the Celestial Empress (who survives in history as one of
the most astute rulers who ever adorned the Dragon Throne), she
continued to rule her son and the Empire, surrounded by the
respectful admiration of all.
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