喬生(sheng),晉寧人(ren)[1]。少負才(cai)名。年(nian)二十余,猶淹蹇[2]。為人(ren)有肝(gan)膽[3]。與顧(gu)生(sheng)善(shan);顧(gu)卒,時恤其妻子。邑宰以文相契重(zhong)[4];宰終于(yu)任,家(jia)口淹滯,不能歸[5],生(sheng)破(po)產扶柩,往返二千余里。以故士林益重(zhong)之[6],而家(jia)由此益替[7]。史孝廉(lian)有女,字連城,工刺(ci)(ci)繡(xiu),知書(shu)。父(fu)(fu)嬌愛之[8]。出所刺(ci)(ci)“倦繡(xiu)圖”,征少年(nian)題詠(yong)[9],意(yi)在(zai)擇婿。生(sheng)獻詩(shi)(shi)云:“慵鬟高(gao)髻綠婆娑[10],早向蘭窗繡(xiu)碧荷;刺(ci)(ci)到鴛鴦魂欲斷(duan),暗停針線蹙雙蛾。”又(you)(you)贊(zan)挑(tiao)繡(xiu)之工云[11]:“繡(xiu)線挑(tiao)來(lai)似寫(xie)生(sheng)[12],幅中花鳥(niao)自天成[13];當(dang)年(nian)織錦非長技,幸把(ba)回(hui)文感圣明[14]。”女得(de)詩(shi)(shi)喜(xi),對父(fu)(fu)稱(cheng)賞。父(fu)(fu)貧之。女逢人(ren)輒(zhe)稱(cheng)道;又(you)(you)遣媼矯(jiao)父(fu)(fu)命[15],贈(zeng)金(jin)以助燈(deng)火[16]。生(sheng)嘆曰:“連城我(wo)知己也(ye)!”傾懷結(jie)想,如(ru)渴思啖。
無何,女許字于鹺賈之(zhi)(zhi)子(zi)(zi)王(wang)化成(cheng)[17],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)始(shi)絕望;然(ran)夢(meng)魂中猶(you)佩戴之(zhi)(zhi)[18]。未幾(ji)(ji),女病瘵[19],沉痼不起[20]。有(you)西域頭陀[21],自(zi)(zi)謂(wei)能療(liao);但(dan)須(xu)男子(zi)(zi)膺肉(rou)(rou)一(yi)錢,搗(dao)合藥屑。史(shi)使人詣王(wang)家告婿。婿笑曰:“癡老翁(weng),欲我(wo)(wo)剜心頭肉(rou)(rou)也[22]!”使返(fan)。史(shi)乃言于人曰:“有(you)能割肉(rou)(rou)者(zhe)妻之(zhi)(zhi)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)聞而(er)往,自(zi)(zi)出(chu)白(bai)刃,刲膺授僧(seng)[23]。血濡袍褲,僧(seng)敷藥始(shi)止。合藥三(san)(san)丸(wan)。三(san)(san)日(ri)服盡,疾若失。史(shi)將(jiang)踐其言[24],先告王(wang)。王(wang)怒,欲訟官。史(shi)乃設(she)筵(yan)招生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),以千金列幾(ji)(ji)上(shang),曰:“重負(fu)大(da)(da)德,請(qing)以相報(bao)。”因具白(bai)背盟之(zhi)(zhi)由。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)怫然(ran)曰[25]:“仆所以不愛(ai)膺肉(rou)(rou)者(zhe),聊以報(bao)知(zhi)己耳,豈貨肉(rou)(rou)哉!”拂(fu)袖而(er)歸(gui)。女聞之(zhi)(zhi),意良不忍,托(tuo)媼慰諭之(zhi)(zhi)。且云:“以彼(bi)才華,當(dang)不久(jiu)落[26]。天(tian)下何患無佳人?我(wo)(wo)夢(meng)不祥,三(san)(san)年(nian)必(bi)死(si),不必(bi)與人爭此泉下物也[27]。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告媼曰:“‘士為知(zhi)己者(zhe)死(si)’[28],不以色也。誠恐連(lian)城未必(bi)真(zhen)知(zhi)我(wo)(wo),但(dan)得(de)真(zhen)知(zhi)我(wo)(wo),不諧何害[29]?”媼代(dai)女郎矢誠自(zi)(zi)剖[30]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰:“果爾,相逢(feng)時當(dang)為我(wo)(wo)一(yi)笑,死(si)無憾!”媼既(ji)去,逾數日(ri),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)偶出(chu),遇(yu)女自(zi)(zi)叔氏歸(gui),睨之(zhi)(zhi)。女秋波(bo)轉顧,啟齒嫣(yan)然(ran)[31]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)大(da)(da)喜曰:“連(lian)城真(zhen)知(zhi)我(wo)(wo)者(zhe)!”會(hui)王(wang)氏來議吉(ji)期[32],女前癥(zheng)又作,數月尋卒。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)往臨吊(diao)[33],一(yi)痛而(er)絕。史(shi)舁送(song)其家。
生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)自(zi)知(zhi)已(yi)(yi)死(si)(si),亦(yi)(yi)無(wu)(wu)(wu)所戚(qi)(qi)。出(chu)村去(qu),猶冀一(yi)(yi)(yi)見連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。遙望(wang)南北一(yi)(yi)(yi)道,行人(ren)連(lian)(lian)(lian)緒如(ru)(ru)(ru)蟻[34],因亦(yi)(yi)混身(shen)雜跡其(qi)中。俄頃,入一(yi)(yi)(yi)廨署,值顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),驚問(wen):“君(jun)(jun)何(he)(he)(he)得(de)來(lai)(lai)?”即把手將(jiang)(jiang)送(song)(song)令(ling)歸(gui)(gui)(gui)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太(tai)息(xi)言:“心事殊未了(le)。”顧(gu)(gu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“仆(pu)在此(ci)(ci)典牘[35],頗得(de)委任。倘可(ke)效力(li)(li),不(bu)(bu)(bu)惜也(ye)(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)問(wen)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。顧(gu)(gu)即導(dao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)旋轉(zhuan)多所,見連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)與一(yi)(yi)(yi)白(bai)(bai)衣女(nv)(nv)郎(lang),淚(lei)睫慘黛(dai)[36],藉坐廊隅[37]。見生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)至,驟起(qi)似喜(xi)(xi),略問(wen)所來(lai)(lai)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“卿死(si)(si),仆(pu)何(he)(he)(he)敢生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)!”連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)泣曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“如(ru)(ru)(ru)此(ci)(ci)負(fu)義人(ren),尚(shang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)吐棄之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),身(shen)殉何(he)(he)(he)為(wei)(wei)?然(ran)(ran)已(yi)(yi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)許君(jun)(jun)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),愿矢來(lai)(lai)世(shi)耳(er)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告顧(gu)(gu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“有(you)事君(jun)(jun)自(zi)去(qu),仆(pu)樂死(si)(si)不(bu)(bu)(bu)愿生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)矣(yi)。但煩稽(ji)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)(he)(he)里(li)(li),行與俱去(qu)耳(er)[38]。”顧(gu)(gu)諾而(er)(er)去(qu)。白(bai)(bai)衣女(nv)(nv)郎(lang)問(wen)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)(he)(he)人(ren),連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)(wei)緬述之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)(nv)郎(lang)聞之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),若(ruo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)勝(sheng)悲(bei)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)告生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“此(ci)(ci)妾(qie)同姓,小(xiao)字賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang),長沙(sha)史(shi)(shi)(shi)太(tai)守(shou)女(nv)(nv)[39]。一(yi)(yi)(yi)路同來(lai)(lai),遂(sui)相(xiang)憐愛。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)視之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),意態憐人(ren)。方欲研問(wen),而(er)(er)顧(gu)(gu)已(yi)(yi)反(fan),向生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)賀曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“我為(wei)(wei)君(jun)(jun)平章(zhang)已(yi)(yi)確[40],即教小(xiao)娘(niang)子(zi)從君(jun)(jun)返(fan)魂(hun),好否?”兩人(ren)各喜(xi)(xi)。方將(jiang)(jiang)拜別(bie),賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)大哭曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“姊(zi)去(qu),我安歸(gui)(gui)(gui)?乞垂憐救,妾(qie)為(wei)(wei)姊(zi)捧帨耳(er)[41]。”連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)凄然(ran)(ran),無(wu)(wu)(wu)所為(wei)(wei)計,轉(zhuan)謀(mou)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)又哀顧(gu)(gu)。顧(gu)(gu)難(nan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),峻辭以為(wei)(wei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)固強之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。乃曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“試(shi)妄(wang)為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[42]。”去(qu)食頃而(er)(er)返(fan),搖手曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“何(he)(he)(he)如(ru)(ru)(ru)!誠(cheng)萬分不(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)為(wei)(wei)力(li)(li)矣(yi)!”賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)聞之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),宛(wan)轉(zhuan)嬌啼,惟依連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)肘下,恐(kong)其(qi)即去(qu)。慘怛(da)無(wu)(wu)(wu)術[43],相(xiang)對默默;而(er)(er)睹其(qi)愁顏戚(qi)(qi)容[44],使(shi)人(ren)肺(fei)腑酸柔[45]。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤然(ran)(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“請攜賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)去(qu)。脫有(you)愆尤(you)[46],小(xiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)拚身(shen)受(shou)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!”賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)乃喜(xi)(xi),從生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)出(chu)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憂其(qi)道遠無(wu)(wu)(wu)侶(lv)。賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)從君(jun)(jun)去(qu),不(bu)(bu)(bu)愿歸(gui)(gui)(gui)也(ye)(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“卿大癡矣(yi)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)歸(gui)(gui)(gui),何(he)(he)(he)以得(de)活(huo)也(ye)(ye)?他日至湖(hu)南,勿復走避[47],為(wei)(wei)幸(xing)多矣(yi)。”適有(you)兩媼(ao)攝(she)牒赴(fu)長沙(sha)[48],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)屬(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[49],賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)泣別(bie)而(er)(er)去(qu)。途中,連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)行蹇緩,里(li)(li)余(yu)輒一(yi)(yi)(yi)息(xi);凡十余(yu)息(xi),始見里(li)(li)門(men)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“重生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后,懼(ju)(ju)有(you)反(fan)覆。請索妾(qie)骸骨來(lai)(lai),妾(qie)以君(jun)(jun)家(jia)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),當(dang)無(wu)(wu)(wu)悔也(ye)(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)然(ran)(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。偕歸(gui)(gui)(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家(jia)。女(nv)(nv)惕惕若(ruo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)步(bu)[50],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)佇待之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)(nv)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)至此(ci)(ci),四肢搖搖,似無(wu)(wu)(wu)所主。志恐(kong)不(bu)(bu)(bu)遂(sui),尚(shang)宜審(shen)謀(mou);不(bu)(bu)(bu)然(ran)(ran),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后何(he)(he)(he)能(neng)自(zi)由?”相(xiang)將(jiang)(jiang)入側(ce)廂(xiang)中。默定少時[51],連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)笑曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“君(jun)(jun)憎妾(qie)耶?”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚問(wen)其(qi)故。赧然(ran)(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“恐(kong)事不(bu)(bu)(bu)諧,重負(fu)君(jun)(jun)矣(yi)。請先(xian)以魂(hun)報也(ye)(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)喜(xi)(xi),極盡歡戀。因徘徊不(bu)(bu)(bu)敢遽(ju)出(chu),寄廂(xiang)中者三日。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“諺有(you)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):‘丑(chou)婦(fu)終須見姑嫜。’戚(qi)(qi)戚(qi)(qi)于此(ci)(ci),終非久計。”乃促生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)入。才至靈寢[52],豁然(ran)(ran)頓蘇。家(jia)人(ren)驚異(yi),進以湯(tang)水。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)乃使(shi)人(ren)要史(shi)(shi)(shi)來(lai)(lai)[53],請得(de)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)尸,自(zi)言能(neng)活(huo)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。史(shi)(shi)(shi)喜(xi)(xi),從其(qi)言。方舁(yu)入室(shi),視之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)已(yi)(yi)醒。告父曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“兒已(yi)(yi)委身(shen)喬郎(lang)矣(yi)[54],更無(wu)(wu)(wu)歸(gui)(gui)(gui)理(li)。如(ru)(ru)(ru)有(you)變動,但仍(reng)一(yi)(yi)(yi)死(si)(si)!”史(shi)(shi)(shi)歸(gui)(gui)(gui),遣婢往役給奉(feng)。王(wang)(wang)聞,具詞申理(li)。官受(shou)賂,判(pan)歸(gui)(gui)(gui)王(wang)(wang)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤懣欲死(si)(si),亦(yi)(yi)無(wu)(wu)(wu)奈之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[55]。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)至王(wang)(wang)家(jia),忿不(bu)(bu)(bu)飲食,惟乞速死(si)(si)。室(shi)無(wu)(wu)(wu)人(ren),則帶懸梁(liang)上。越日,益憊,殆將(jiang)(jiang)奄逝(shi)。王(wang)(wang)懼(ju)(ju),送(song)(song)歸(gui)(gui)(gui)史(shi)(shi)(shi)。史(shi)(shi)(shi)復舁(yu)歸(gui)(gui)(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。王(wang)(wang)知(zhi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),亦(yi)(yi)無(wu)(wu)(wu)如(ru)(ru)(ru)何(he)(he)(he),遂(sui)安焉。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)起(qi),每念賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang),欲遣信探之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[56],以道遠而(er)(er)艱于往。一(yi)(yi)(yi)日,家(jia)人(ren)進曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“門(men)有(you)車(che)馬(ma)。”夫婦(fu)出(chu)視,則賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)已(yi)(yi)至庭中矣(yi)。相(xiang)見悲(bei)喜(xi)(xi)。太(tai)守(shou)親詣送(song)(song)女(nv)(nv),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)延入。太(tai)守(shou)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“小(xiao)女(nv)(nv)子(zi)賴(lai)君(jun)(jun)復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),誓(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)他適,今從其(qi)志。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)叩謝如(ru)(ru)(ru)禮。孝廉(lian)亦(yi)(yi)至,敘(xu)宗好焉[57]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)名年,字大年。
異史氏曰:“一笑(xiao)之(zhi)知,許之(zhi)以(yi)身,世人(ren)(ren)或議其癡(chi);彼(bi)田(tian)橫五百人(ren)(ren)[58],豈(qi)盡(jin)愚哉!此知希之(zhi)貴(gui)[59],賢豪(hao)所(suo)以(yi)感結而不(bu)能自已也。顧茫茫海內,遂使錦繡才人(ren)(ren)[60],僅傾(qing)心于蛾眉(mei)之(zhi)一笑(xiao)也,亦可(ke)慨矣!”
[1]晉(jin)寧(ning):州(zhou)(zhou)縣(xian)名。唐置(zhi)晉(jin)寧(ning)縣(xian),元(yuan)為晉(jin)寧(ning)州(zhou)(zhou),明清(qing)因之。州(zhou)(zhou)治在今云(yun)南省晉(jin)寧(ning)縣(xian)。
[2]偃蹇:滯留困頓,謂(wei)科舉(ju)不得(de)志(zhi)。
[3]有肝(gan)膽:忠義誠信,勇于為人(ren)盡力。
[4]契重(zhong):投(tou)合(he),尊重(zhong)。
[5]淹滯(zhi):困阻,久留(liu)。
[6]士林:讀書人(ren)中間。“之”字據二十四卷抄(chao)本(ben)補。
[7]替:衰敗。
[8]嬌愛:嬌養。
[9]征(zheng):征(zheng)集。題詠(yong)(yong):題詩贊詠(yong)(yong)。
[10]“慵鬟(huan)”四句:此詩(shi)即(ji)圖題詠,大(da)意(yi)謂(wei):閨中少女早起(qi)即(ji)于窗前刺繡(xiu)。先繡(xiu)綠荷(he)。待(dai)繡(xiu)到荷(he)底鴛鴦時,不(bu)(bu)禁(jin)悵然神(shen)(shen)馳,不(bu)(bu)知不(bu)(bu)覺停(ting)下(xia)針線,傷神(shen)(shen)地(di)皺(zhou)攏雙(shuang)眉。因繡(xiu)久困(kun)倦(juan),那髻鬟(huan)邊(bian)的秀(xiu)發也不(bu)(bu)免有些披拂散亂。慵鬟(huan),困(kun)倦(juan)時的發鬟(huan)。婆娑,飄(piao)拂不(bu)(bu)整貌,蘭窗,蘭閨之窗,少女臥(wo)室(shi)的窗戶。魂欲(yu)斷,謂(wei)魂馳神(shen)(shen)往。暗停(ting),默(mo)默(mo)停(ting)下(xia)。
[11]挑繡:挑花和刺繡;繡花時的兩道工(gong)藝。
[12]寫(xie)生(sheng):指畫家(jia)對(dui)實物的描(miao)摹。
[13]天成(cheng):天然生成(cheng)。
[14]“當年(nian)織(zhi)(zhi)錦”二(er)句:意(yi)思是,與連城刺繡之美相比,當年(nian)蘇蕙把回(hui)文圖(tu)(tu)詩(shi)織(zhi)(zhi)在錦緞(duan)上也算不(bu)得技(ji)巧高明,她不(bu)過僥幸取得女(nv)皇武則天的賞識罷(ba)了(le)。據《晉(jin)書·列女(nv)·竇滔(tao)(tao)妻傳》:晉(jin)竇滔(tao)(tao)妻蘇蕙,字(zi)若蘭,善(shan)屬文。滔(tao)(tao)仕前秦苻(fu)堅為秦州(zhou)刺史(shi),被徒(tu)流沙。蘇氏在家織(zhi)(zhi)錦為回(hui)文旋圖(tu)(tu)詩(shi)以(yi)寄。詩(shi)長八(ba)百四十一字(zi),可宛轉循環以(yi)讀,詞甚凄(qi)惋。唐武則天為作《璇璣圖(tu)(tu)詩(shi)序》,稱其“五彩相宣,瑩心暉目(mu)”。
[15]矯:假托。
[16]助燈(deng)火:資助喬生讀(du)書費(fei)用。
[17]許(xu)字:許(xu)婚。鹺(cuo)(cuó矬)賈:鹽(yan)商。《禮記·曲禮》:“鹽(yan)曰咸鹺(cuo)。”
[18]佩戴(dai):佩恩(en)戴(dai)德;意思是感念不忘。
[19]瘵(zhài債):癆(lao)病(bing),即肺病(bing)。
[20]沉痼:病勢積久難(nan)醫。
[21]西(xi)域(yu):此(ci)據二(er)十四卷抄本,底本作“西(xi)城”。頭陀(tuo):梵文音(yin)澤(ze),泛指一切僧眾;此(ci)特指行腳乞食僧人。
[22]心頭(tou)肉:習喻(yu)關系性(xing)命之(zhi)物。唐聶夷中《詠(yong)田(tian)家》詩:“醫得眼前瘡,剜卻(que)心頭(tou)肉。”此指(zhi)“膺肉”。
[23]刲(kuī虧):割。
[24]踐其言(yan):履行自己的(de)諾(nuo)言(yan)。指以女妻喬(qiao)生。
[25]怫(fú符(fu))然:生氣的樣子。
[26]落(luo):沉淪。
[27]泉下(xia)物:指死人(ren)。謂己不久將死。
[28]土為(wei)知(zhi)已者死:《漢書(shu)(shu)·司(si)馬遷傳》報任安(an)書(shu)(shu):“士為(wei)知(zhi)己用,女為(wei)悅(yue)己容。”
[29]不(bu)諧:不(bu)能成事;指不(bu)能結(jie)為夫妻。何(he)(he)害:何(he)(he)妨(fang)。
[30]矢誠自(zi)剖:發誓(shi)自(zi)明心跡。
[31]嫣(yān胭)然(ran):形容美笑。
[32]吉期:好(hao)日子;指完婚日期。
[33]臨吊:哭(ku)吊。哭(ku)死者叫臨,慰(wei)問(wen)其親屬叫吊。
[34]連續:此從二十四卷抄本,底(di)本作“連緒”。
[35]典牘:主(zhu)管文(wen)書(shu)案卷。
[36]淚睫慘(can)黛:猶言愁(chou)眉(mei)淚眼(yan)。慘(can),悲傷(shang)。黛,眉(mei)。
[37]藉(jie)坐廊(lang)隅:在(zai)廊(lang)下一(yi)角,席(xi)地而坐。
[38]行:將(jiang)。
[39]太守:知府(fu)、知州(zhou)的(de)古稱。明清于長沙(sha)置府(fu)。
[40]平(ping)(ping)章已確(que):商辦已妥。平(ping)(ping)章,商量(liang)處理。
[41]捧帨:猶言(yan)奉中櫛、侍盥沐;意(yi)為居妾媵之(zhi)位,給(gei)役(yi)侍奉。帨,佩(pei)巾,古代婦女用(yong)以擦拭(shi)不潔。《禮記(ji)·內則》規定:“少事長(chang),賤事貴”都有“盥卒授(shou)巾”的禮節。
[42]試妄(wang)(wang)為之:試辦一下看(kan)看(kan)。妄(wang)(wang),姑妄(wang)(wang)。表示(shi)下循規章和沒有把握。
[43]慘(can)怛(dá答):憂傷(shang),悲痛(tong)。
[44]愁顏:此從二十四卷抄本,底本作“愁艷(yan)”。
[45]肺腑(fu)酸柔:猶言心酸腸(chang)軟(ruan)。
[46]脫有(you)愆尤:假若有(you)罪責、過失。
[47]走避:此從二十(shi)四卷(juan)抄本,底本作“去避”。
[48]攝(she)牒(die):攜帶(dai)公(gong)文。指出公(gong)差。
[49]生屬(shu)之:喬(qiao)生把(ba)攜(xie)帶(dai)賓娘(niang)的事囑托兩媼(ao)。屬(shu),同“囑”,意(yi)謂囑托。據二十四卷抄本補,底本無“之”字。
[50]惕(ti)惕(ti):憂懼貌。
[51]嘿定(ding):沉默(mo)定(ding)息。嘿,同默(mo)。
[52]靈寢(qin):靈床(chuang)(chuang),即停尸床(chuang)(chuang)。
[53]要:邀。
[54]委身:托身,許身。
[55]無奈(nai)之:無可奈(nai)何。
[56]信:古稱使者(zhe)為“信”。往偵:此從二十四卷抄本(ben),底本(ben)作“參”。
[57]敘宗好:敘同(tong)宗之族誼。孝(xiao)廉與太守同(tong)姓史(shi)。
[58]“彼田(tian)橫(heng)五百人(ren)(ren)”二(er)句:此(ci)為作(zuo)者(zhe)以田(tian)橫(heng)部下(xia)五百人(ren)(ren)忠(zhong)于(yu)田(tian)橫(heng),贊揚(yang)喬生(sheng)“士為知(zhi)己(ji)者(zhe)死”的精神。田(tian)橫(heng),秦末齊人(ren)(ren)。拒(ju)項(xiang)羽(yu),復齊地,自(zi)立為齊王(wang)(wang)。劉(liu)邦稱帝后,田(tian)橫(heng)率五百士逃往海(hai)島(dao)。劉(liu)邦怕他作(zuo)亂,下(xia)詔強(qiang)迫他入洛陽,并答應把他封(feng)王(wang)(wang)封(feng)侯。田(tian)橫(heng)行(xing)至距洛陽三十里的尸(shi)鄉,因(yin)恥于(yu)向劉(liu)邦稱臣,與從者(zhe)皆自(zi)殺(sha)。島(dao)上五百人(ren)(ren)聞訊后也全(quan)部自(zi)殺(sha)。事見(jian)《史(shi)記·田(tian)儋列傳(chuan)》等。
[59]“此知(zhi)(zhi)希之(zhi)貴(gui)”二(er)句:意謂正因知(zhi)(zhi)己難求(qiu),所以(yi)賢豪之(zhi)士對(dui)知(zhi)(zhi)遇之(zhi)德感(gan)結于心。知(zhi)(zhi)希之(zhi)貴(gui),語(yu)本《老子》“知(zhi)(zhi)我者(zhe)希,則我者(zhe)貴(gui)”,而(er)有(you)變化。韓愈《祭田橫墓文》說:“事有(you)曠百(bai)世而(er)相感(gan)者(zhe),余不知(zhi)(zhi)其(qi)何心;非今世之(zhi)所稀,孰為使余欷(xi)而(er)不可禁!”“賢豪感(gan)結”,蓋隱(yin)指此類感(gan)慨。
[60]錦繡(xiu)才(cai)人:才(cai)學富艷、詩(shi)文精美的(de)讀書人。此指喬生。柳(liu)宗無《乞巧文》:“駢四(si)儷六,錦心(xin)繡(xiu)口。”
晉寧縣有(you)一(yi)個(ge)姓喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)的(de)書生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),少(shao)年時就很有(you)才氣,但二十(shi)多(duo)歲了(le),依舊窮困潦倒。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)為人正直,他有(you)一(yi)個(ge)好朋友,姓顧,早年就死了(le),喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)經常(chang)接濟他的(de)妻子兒女。本縣縣令因為喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)文章寫得好,對他很器(qi)重(zhong)。后來,縣令死在任上,家(jia)口(kou)滯(zhi)留晉寧,無法(fa)返(fan)回(hui)故鄉。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)變(bian)賣了(le)自己的(de)家(jia)產,買了(le)棺柩(jiu),往返(fan)兩千多(duo)里,把(ba)縣令的(de)遺體連同(tong)他的(de)家(jia)人一(yi)起(qi)送回(hui)了(le)家(jia)鄉。因為這件事(shi),當時的(de)文人們更加尊重(zhong)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),但喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)卻因此更加貧窮了(le)。
當時,一(yi)(yi)個姓(xing)史(shi)的(de)(de)(de)舉(ju)人有個女(nv)兒叫連(lian)城(cheng),精于刺(ci)繡,又(you)知書達(da)禮,史(shi)舉(ju)人非(fei)常寵(chong)愛她(ta)。一(yi)(yi)次(ci),史(shi)舉(ju)人拿出一(yi)(yi)幅(fu)女(nv)兒繡的(de)(de)(de)“倦繡圖”,征求年輕書生(sheng)(sheng)就圖題(ti)(ti)詩,意思是(shi)要(yao)借(jie)此選(xuan)個有才(cai)學的(de)(de)(de)好(hao)女(nv)婿。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)也作了(le)一(yi)(yi)首詩獻上(shang),這首詩說(shuo):“慵鬟高髻綠婆娑,早向(xiang)蘭窗繡碧荷。刺(ci)到(dao)鴛鴦魂欲斷,暗停(ting)針線蹙雙蛾。”又(you)題(ti)(ti)了(le)一(yi)(yi)首詩,專贊(zan)這幅(fu)圖繡得(de)精妙(miao):“繡線挑來(lai)似(si)寫生(sheng)(sheng),幅(fu)中花鳥自(zi)天成(cheng)。當年織錦非(fei)長技,幸把回文感圣明。”連(lian)城(cheng)見到(dao)這兩首詩,非(fei)常喜歡,便(bian)對(dui)著父親(qin)(qin)夸獎喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)才(cai)華。但父親(qin)(qin)嫌喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)太貧窮,不愿找這么個女(nv)婿。此后,連(lian)城(cheng)逢(feng)人就夸喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng),又(you)派了(le)個老(lao)媽子,假借(jie)父親(qin)(qin)的(de)(de)(de)名義(yi)贈給喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)(yi)些銀兩,作為他(ta)讀書的(de)(de)(de)費用(yong)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)感嘆地說(shuo):“連(lian)城(cheng)真是(shi)我(wo)的(de)(de)(de)知己啊!”對(dui)她(ta)一(yi)(yi)往情深,如饑(ji)似(si)渴地想念她(ta)。
不(bu)(bu)(bu)久,連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)跟(gen)一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)名叫王化(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)鹽商的(de)(de)(de)兒(er)(er)子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)訂(ding)了(le)(le)(le)(le)親,喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才開始絕望起來(lai)。但仍然(ran)夢(meng)魂縈(ying)繞,無(wu)時(shi)無(wu)刻不(bu)(bu)(bu)想著(zhu)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)長時(shi)間,連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)便(bian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)了(le)(le)(le)(le)重(zhong)病,臥床不(bu)(bu)(bu)起。有(you)個(ge)(ge)從(cong)西域來(lai)的(de)(de)(de)和(he)尚,自稱能治好她的(de)(de)(de)病,但必(bi)需一(yi)(yi)(yi)錢(qian)男(nan)子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)胸(xiong)(xiong)上(shang)的(de)(de)(de)肉(rou)(rou)搗(dao)碎了(le)(le)(le)(le)配藥。史(shi)(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)派人(ren)去告訴王化(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。王化(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)笑著(zhu)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“傻老(lao)頭(tou)!想叫我(wo)(wo)剜心(xin)頭(tou)肉(rou)(rou)嗎(ma)?”把(ba)(ba)派去的(de)(de)(de)人(ren)又(you)打發回來(lai)。史(shi)(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)便(bian)對人(ren)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“誰愿從(cong)自己(ji)身上(shang)割下(xia)肉(rou)(rou)救我(wo)(wo)女(nv)兒(er)(er),我(wo)(wo)便(bian)把(ba)(ba)女(nv)兒(er)(er)嫁給(gei)他!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)聽說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo),立(li)即趕到史(shi)(shi)家(jia),自己(ji)掏出(chu)把(ba)(ba)刀子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi),從(cong)胸(xiong)(xiong)上(shang)一(yi)(yi)(yi)刀割下(xia)片肉(rou)(rou),交給(gei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)和(he)尚。鮮血染(ran)紅了(le)(le)(le)(le)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)衣服,和(he)尚忙給(gei)他敷上(shang)刀傷(shang)藥才止住了(le)(le)(le)(le)血。和(he)尚用喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)肉(rou)(rou)和(he)了(le)(le)(le)(le)三個(ge)(ge)藥丸,給(gei)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)分三天(tian)服下(xia),病果(guo)(guo)然(ran)好了(le)(le)(le)(le)。史(shi)(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)便(bian)想履行諾言(yan),把(ba)(ba)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)嫁給(gei)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。先去通知(zhi)王化(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),王化(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)大怒(nu),要告狀(zhuang)打官(guan)司。史(shi)(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)害怕,便(bian)擺下(xia)宴席,將(jiang)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)請來(lai),然(ran)后(hou)取出(chu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)千兩(liang)銀(yin)子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi),放(fang)在桌子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)上(shang),說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“辜(gu)負(fu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)您(nin)的(de)(de)(de)大恩大德,就用這些銀(yin)子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)報(bao)答您(nin)吧!”并(bing)(bing)對喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)講(jiang)了(le)(le)(le)(le)毀(hui)約的(de)(de)(de)緣由。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)氣地說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)所以不(bu)(bu)(bu)吝惜心(xin)頭(tou)肉(rou)(rou),不(bu)(bu)(bu)過(guo)是(shi)為了(le)(le)(le)(le)報(bao)答知(zhi)已罷(ba)了(le)(le)(le)(le),難道我(wo)(wo)是(shi)賣肉(rou)(rou)的(de)(de)(de)嗎(ma)?”說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)完,拂(fu)袖而(er)去。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)聽說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)后(hou),心(xin)里很不(bu)(bu)(bu)忍(ren),托老(lao)媽(ma)子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)去勸慰他。并(bing)(bing)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“以他的(de)(de)(de)才華(hua),不(bu)(bu)(bu)會久處人(ren)下(xia)的(de)(de)(de),何愁(chou)天(tian)下(xia)沒有(you)美女(nv)?我(wo)(wo)近來(lai)做(zuo)的(de)(de)(de)夢(meng)都不(bu)(bu)(bu)吉利,三年內必(bi)死,不(bu)(bu)(bu)必(bi)跟(gen)別人(ren)爭我(wo)(wo)這個(ge)(ge)泉下(xia)之(zhi)鬼(gui)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告訴老(lao)媽(ma)子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“古人(ren)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):‘士為知(zhi)己(ji)者死’。我(wo)(wo)報(bao)答她不(bu)(bu)(bu)是(shi)為了(le)(le)(le)(le)她生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)得(de)漂亮。我(wo)(wo)真(zhen)怕連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)未必(bi)真(zhen)知(zhi)我(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)心(xin),如果(guo)(guo)真(zhen)知(zhi),就是(shi)做(zuo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)夫妻又(you)有(you)何妨呢?”老(lao)媽(ma)子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)忙替連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)表(biao)白了(le)(le)(le)(le)她的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)(yi)片真(zhen)情。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“果(guo)(guo)然(ran)這樣,我(wo)(wo)們相逢時(shi),她若(ruo)為我(wo)(wo)笑一(yi)(yi)(yi)笑,我(wo)(wo)就死而(er)無(wu)憾(han)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”
老媽子(zi)回(hui)(hui)去(qu)不幾(ji)天,喬(qiao)(qiao)生偶然出去(qu),正好遇(yu)上連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)從叔家回(hui)(hui)來。喬(qiao)(qiao)生看著她,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)也看見了他。只見她秋波送情,微(wei)微(wei)地(di)啟齒一笑。喬(qiao)(qiao)生大喜。說:“連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)真(zhen)是我的知心(xin)人!”過了不久,王(wang)鹽商家來到史家商議連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)的婚期。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)聽說后又(you)病了,幾(ji)個月便死(si)了。喬(qiao)(qiao)生前去(qu)吊唁,痛(tong)哭(ku)一場(chang),也死(si)了過去(qu),史家把他抬回(hui)(hui)家中。
喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)知道自己已經(jing)死(si)(si)了(le),也(ye)沒感到有(you)什(shen)么難過(guo)(guo)。一(yi)個人出了(le)村,還想(xiang)著(zhu)再(zai)見(jian)(jian)見(jian)(jian)連(lian)(lian)城。遠遠望見(jian)(jian)有(you)條(tiao)南北大路,路上的(de)(de)(de)行人像螞(ma)蟻(yi)一(yi)樣擁擠(ji)。他(ta)也(ye)走了(le)過(guo)(guo)去,混雜在(zai)人群里(li)。一(yi)會兒(er),進入一(yi)座衙門,正碰(peng)上他(ta)過(guo)(guo)去的(de)(de)(de)好朋友顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)看見(jian)(jian)他(ta),驚(jing)訝(ya)地(di)(di)問:“你(ni)(ni)怎(zen)么來了(le)!”說(shuo)(shuo)著(zhu),就拉著(zhu)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)手(shou),要送他(ta)回(hui)去。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)長(chang)長(chang)地(di)(di)嘆息(xi)了(le)一(yi)聲(sheng),說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)的(de)(de)(de)心事(shi)還沒了(le)!”顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)在(zai)這里(li)掌管典籍,很(hen)(hen)受上司信任。有(you)用得著(zhu)我(wo)的(de)(de)(de)地(di)(di)方(fang),我(wo)一(yi)定盡力(li)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便向他(ta)打聽(ting)連(lian)(lian)城在(zai)哪(na)兒(er)。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)領著(zhu)他(ta)串了(le)很(hen)(hen)多地(di)(di)方(fang),最(zui)后才發(fa)現連(lian)(lian)城和一(yi)個穿白衣服(fu)的(de)(de)(de)女郎,眼(yan)淚(lei)婆娑地(di)(di)坐在(zai)一(yi)條(tiao)走廊(lang)的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)角。連(lian)(lian)城看見(jian)(jian)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),急(ji)忙起身(shen),像是喜出望外(wai),略(lve)問了(le)問他(ta)是怎(zen)么來的(de)(de)(de)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)(ni)死(si)(si)了(le),我(wo)怎(zen)敢偷生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)世上!”連(lian)(lian)城聽(ting)了(le),哭著(zhu)說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)這樣一(yi)個忘恩負義的(de)(de)(de)人,你(ni)(ni)還不(bu)唾棄(qi)我(wo),又以身(shen)殉死(si)(si)干什(shen)么!我(wo)今(jin)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)今(jin)世不(bu)能跟你(ni)(ni)了(le),來生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)我(wo)一(yi)定嫁給你(ni)(ni)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)回(hui)頭告(gao)訴(su)顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)(ni)有(you)事(shi)就忙去吧,我(wo)覺得死(si)(si)了(le)很(hen)(hen)快樂,不(bu)想(xiang)再(zai)活了(le)。只想(xiang)麻煩(fan)你(ni)(ni)代為訪查一(yi)下(xia)連(lian)(lian)城托(tuo)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)到什(shen)么地(di)(di)方(fang),我(wo)要和她一(yi)起去!”顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)答應著(zhu)走了(le)。
這時,那(nei)白(bai)衣女(nv)郎(lang)(lang)問(wen)連(lian)城(cheng)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)是什(shen)么人(ren)。連(lian)城(cheng)便(bian)向(xiang)她(ta)(ta)講述了(le)(le)往事。女(nv)郎(lang)(lang)聽(ting)了(le)(le)像(xiang)壓抑不住心(xin)中的(de)(de)(de)悲傷(shang)。連(lian)城(cheng)告(gao)訴(su)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo):“這姑娘(niang)(niang)(niang)與我(wo)(wo)(wo)同姓,小名叫賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),是長(chang)(chang)沙(sha)史太(tai)守的(de)(de)(de)女(nv)兒。我(wo)(wo)(wo)們一(yi)(yi)(yi)路同來,處得很親密。”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)打(da)量(liang)了(le)(le)打(da)量(liang)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),見她(ta)(ta)哀(ai)傷(shang)凄惋的(de)(de)(de)樣(yang)子,十分惹人(ren)憐愛(ai)。正(zheng)想(xiang)再問(wen)什(shen)么,顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)已返了(le)(le)回(hui)來,向(xiang)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)慶賀說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)給你(ni)辦妥了(le)(le),就(jiu)讓(rang)小娘(niang)(niang)(niang)子跟(gen)你(ni)一(yi)(yi)(yi)起(qi)還(huan)陽(yang)復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),好不好?”兩人(ren)聽(ting)了(le)(le),都很喜歡。正(zheng)想(xiang)拜別(bie)顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)大哭著(zhu)(zhu)說(shuo):“姐姐走(zou)了(le)(le),我(wo)(wo)(wo)去(qu)(qu)哪里?懇(ken)(ken)求您(nin)可(ke)(ke)憐可(ke)(ke)憐,救(jiu)救(jiu)我(wo)(wo)(wo),我(wo)(wo)(wo)就(jiu)是給您(nin)當仆人(ren)也(ye)愿(yuan)意!”連(lian)城(cheng)心(xin)里難(nan)過,想(xiang)不出辦法,就(jiu)和喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)商量(liang),喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)轉而(er)(er)哀(ai)求顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)幫(bang)忙。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)很為(wei)難(nan),一(yi)(yi)(yi)口咬定說(shuo)不好辦。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)執意懇(ken)(ken)求,顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才(cai)無(wu)可(ke)(ke)奈何地說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)去(qu)(qu)胡亂試試看(kan)吧!”去(qu)(qu)了(le)(le)有(you)一(yi)(yi)(yi)頓飯的(de)(de)(de)工夫,便(bian)回(hui)來了(le)(le),連(lian)連(lian)擺(bai)手(shou)說(shuo):“怎(zen)么樣(yang)!我(wo)(wo)(wo)實在無(wu)能為(wei)力了(le)(le)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)聽(ting)說(shuo),哀(ai)哀(ai)地啼哭著(zhu)(zhu),依在連(lian)城(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)胳膊下(xia)戀戀不舍,恐怕(pa)她(ta)(ta)馬上就(jiu)走(zou)了(le)(le)。三人(ren)相對無(wu)語,一(yi)(yi)(yi)籌莫(mo)展。再看(kan)看(kan)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)那(nei)愁苦凄傷(shang)的(de)(de)(de)樣(yang)子,真讓(rang)人(ren)心(xin)里發酸。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)奮然(ran)而(er)(er)起(qi),說(shuo):“你(ni)們帶賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)一(yi)(yi)(yi)起(qi)走(zou)吧。真有(you)罪(zui)責,我(wo)(wo)(wo)豁上這條命一(yi)(yi)(yi)人(ren)承擔了(le)(le)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)聽(ting)了(le)(le)才(cai)高(gao)興起(qi)來,跟(gen)著(zhu)(zhu)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)(yi)(yi)塊出去(qu)(qu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)擔心(xin)她(ta)(ta)一(yi)(yi)(yi)人(ren)去(qu)(qu)長(chang)(chang)沙(sha)路太(tai)遠,又(you)沒有(you)伴。賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)想(xiang)跟(gen)你(ni)們走(zou),不愿(yuan)回(hui)去(qu)(qu)了(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo):“你(ni)太(tai)傻了(le)(le)!不回(hui)去(qu)(qu),見不著(zhu)(zhu)你(ni)的(de)(de)(de)尸身(shen),怎(zen)么能還(huan)陽(yang)呢(ni)?以后(hou)我(wo)(wo)(wo)們到了(le)(le)湖南,你(ni)不躲著(zhu)(zhu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)們,我(wo)(wo)(wo)們就(jiu)很榮(rong)幸了(le)(le)!”正(zheng)好有(you)兩個老婆(po)婆(po)拿著(zhu)(zhu)勾牒(die)要去(qu)(qu)長(chang)(chang)沙(sha)勾人(ren),喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)把(ba)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)托付給她(ta)(ta)們,然(ran)后(hou)灑淚(lei)而(er)(er)別(bie)。
路上,連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)走(zou)不(bu)(bu)(bu)動,走(zou)一里多路就(jiu)(jiu)得歇息(xi)歇息(xi)。共歇了(le)(le)(le)(le)十多次,才看(kan)見本村(cun)的(de)(de)莊(zhuang)門。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)說:“還陽后(hou)恐怕(pa)我(wo)們(men)(men)的(de)(de)事又有反復。請你(ni)先(xian)去(qu)(qu)我(wo)家(jia)(jia),索要(yao)我(wo)的(de)(de)遺(yi)體,然(ran)后(hou)我(wo)在(zai)你(ni)家(jia)(jia)重生(sheng),我(wo)父(fu)親(qin)(qin)應當不(bu)(bu)(bu)會再(zai)反悔了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)認為很(hen)對,兩人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)便(bian)先(xian)去(qu)(qu)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia)(jia)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)戰(zhan)(zhan)戰(zhan)(zhan)兢兢地像(xiang)走(zou)不(bu)(bu)(bu)動了(le)(le)(le)(le),喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)站住(zhu),等著(zhu)她(ta)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)說:“我(wo)走(zou)到這(zhe)里,禁不(bu)(bu)(bu)住(zhu)渾身(shen)發抖,六(liu)神無(wu)主,真擔(dan)心我(wo)們(men)(men)的(de)(de)心愿實現不(bu)(bu)(bu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!我(wo)們(men)(men)還得再(zai)好(hao)好(hao)商(shang)量商(shang)量,不(bu)(bu)(bu)然(ran),我(wo)們(men)(men)活(huo)了(le)(le)(le)(le)后(hou),可就(jiu)(jiu)又身(shen)不(bu)(bu)(bu)由己(ji)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”兩人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)相互(hu)攙扶(fu)著(zhu),進入(ru)一間(jian)廂房(fang)中,過了(le)(le)(le)(le)很(hen)久,誰也沒說話(hua)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)忽然(ran)笑著(zhu)說:“你(ni)厭(yan)惡我(wo)嗎(ma)?”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)驚訝地詢(xun)問(wen)這(zhe)是什么意思。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)害(hai)羞地說:“恐怕(pa)我(wo)們(men)(men)的(de)(de)事不(bu)(bu)(bu)成,那(nei)時就(jiu)(jiu)太(tai)辜負你(ni)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!請讓我(wo)先(xian)以鬼身(shen)報答你(ni)吧!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)大(da)喜(xi),兩人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)極盡歡愛。因(yin)為不(bu)(bu)(bu)敢急忙(mang)還生(sheng),兩人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)徘徊(huai)不(bu)(bu)(bu)決,在(zai)廂房(fang)中一直呆了(le)(le)(le)(le)三(san)天。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)說:“俗話(hua)說:‘丑媳婦終得見公婆’。老是在(zai)這(zhe)里憂愁擔(dan)心,終究不(bu)(bu)(bu)是長久之計!”催促(cu)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)快去(qu)(qu)還陽。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)一走(zou)到靈堂(tang),猛(meng)然(ran)蘇醒過來(lai)(lai)。家(jia)(jia)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)非常驚異(yi),給(gei)他喝了(le)(le)(le)(le)些湯水(shui)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)便(bian)派人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)去(qu)(qu)請史(shi)舉人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)來(lai)(lai),請求得到連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)的(de)(de)尸身(shen),說自(zi)己(ji)能讓她(ta)復活(huo)。史(shi)舉人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)大(da)喜(xi),聽從(cong)了(le)(le)(le)(le)他的(de)(de)話(hua)。剛把連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)抬(tai)進喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia)(jia),一看(kan),連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)果然(ran)也已活(huo)了(le)(le)(le)(le)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)告訴父(fu)親(qin)(qin)說:“女(nv)兒已把自(zi)己(ji)許給(gei)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)郎了(le)(le)(le)(le),再(zai)沒回去(qu)(qu)的(de)(de)道理。父(fu)親(qin)(qin)如不(bu)(bu)(bu)允,我(wo)只有再(zai)死!”
史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)回了家(jia)(jia)(jia),便派了奴婢去(qu)喬(qiao)(qiao)家(jia)(jia)(jia)供女(nv)兒使喚。王(wang)(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)聽說后立即寫了狀子(zi)告到官(guan)府。官(guan)府受了王(wang)(wang)家(jia)(jia)(jia)的(de)賄(hui)賂,將連城又判給了王(wang)(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生憤(fen)懣不堪,直想死去(qu),但終究還(huan)是無可奈何。連城到了王(wang)(wang)家(jia)(jia)(jia),氣憤(fen)憤(fen)地(di)不吃飯,只求快死。看(kan)屋里沒(mei)人(ren)(ren),便把(ba)帶子(zi)懸到房梁上(shang)上(shang)了吊,被人(ren)(ren)救下后。隔了一天,病(bing)得越重,眼看(kan)就要死了。王(wang)(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)害怕,把(ba)她送回了娘家(jia)(jia)(jia)。史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)又把(ba)她抬到喬(qiao)(qiao)生家(jia)(jia)(jia)。王(wang)(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)聽說后,也沒(mei)有辦法,只得作罷了。
連城(cheng)病好(hao)后,常常思(si)念賓(bin)娘。想(xiang)派個人(ren)(ren)(ren)捎信去,就便探望她。因(yin)為路太(tai)(tai)遠,很難前去。一天,家人(ren)(ren)(ren)忽然進來(lai)(lai)(lai)稟報說:“門外來(lai)(lai)(lai)了(le)好(hao)些車馬。”喬生夫婦迎(ying)出屋門一看,見(jian)賓(bin)娘已(yi)在(zai)院子(zi)里了(le)。三(san)人(ren)(ren)(ren)相見(jian),悲喜交集。史太(tai)(tai)守親自把女(nv)兒(er)送來(lai)(lai)(lai)了(le)。喬生將他(ta)請進屋里,史太(tai)(tai)守說:“我女(nv)兒(er)多虧你才能復生,她立誓不嫁(jia)別人(ren)(ren)(ren),現(xian)在(zai)我聽從了(le)她的意愿!”喬生忙叩頭拜謝(xie)。史舉人(ren)(ren)(ren)也來(lai)(lai)(lai)了(le),還跟史太(tai)(tai)守敘上了(le)同宗。喬生名年(nian),字大年(nian)。
異史氏說(shuo):嫣然一(yi)笑(xiao)的相(xiang)知,于(yu)是(shi)以身相(xiang)許,世上有人會說(shuo)他癡,那田橫五百壯士,難道(dao)都(dou)是(shi)愚夫嗎!這(zhe)是(shi)因(yin)為“知遇”的稀奇和珍貴,所以賢人豪杰感(gan)恩戴德(de)而不能(neng)自(zi)已。看茫茫四(si)海之(zhi)內,(因(yin)無知己(ji)之(zhi)人)所以使(shi)得錦繡人才(cai),只能(neng)傾心于(yu)蛾眉一(yi)笑(xiao),真是(shi)可悲啊!
蒲(pu)(pu)松(song)(song)(song)齡(ling)(1640-1715),清代杰出的(de)(de)(de)文學家(jia)(jia),字留仙,一(yi)(yi)(yi)字劍臣,別號(hao)柳泉居士,世稱聊齋先生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),山(shan)東淄(zi)川(今山(shan)東淄(zi)博市)人。他(ta)(ta)出身于一(yi)(yi)(yi)個沒(mei)落(luo)的(de)(de)(de)地主家(jia)(jia)庭,父親蒲(pu)(pu)槃(pan)原是一(yi)(yi)(yi)個讀書(shu)人,因在科舉上不(bu)得志,便棄儒經(jing)商,曾積累了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)筆可(ke)觀的(de)(de)(de)財產。等到蒲(pu)(pu)松(song)(song)(song)齡(ling)成年(nian)(nian)時,家(jia)(jia)境早已衰(shuai)落(luo),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)十(shi)(shi)分貧(pin)困。蒲(pu)(pu)松(song)(song)(song)齡(ling)一(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)熱(re)衷(zhong)功名,醉心科舉,但他(ta)(ta)除(chu)了(le)(le)十(shi)(shi)九(jiu)歲(sui)時應童子試曾連續(xu)考中(zhong)縣、府、道三個第一(yi)(yi)(yi),補博士弟子員(yuan)外(wai),以后(hou)屢受(shou)挫折,一(yi)(yi)(yi)直郁郁不(bu)得志。他(ta)(ta)一(yi)(yi)(yi)面(mian)教(jiao)書(shu),一(yi)(yi)(yi)面(mian)應考了(le)(le)四十(shi)(shi)年(nian)(nian),到七十(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)歲(sui)時才援例出貢(gong),補了(le)(le)個歲(sui)貢(gong)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),四年(nian)(nian)后(hou)便死去了(le)(le)。一(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)坎坷遭遇使(shi)蒲(pu)(pu)松(song)(song)(song)齡(ling)對(dui)(dui)當時政治的(de)(de)(de)黑暗和(he)科舉的(de)(de)(de)弊端有了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)定(ding)的(de)(de)(de)認(ren)識,生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)的(de)(de)(de)貧(pin)困使(shi)他(ta)(ta)對(dui)(dui)廣大勞動人民的(de)(de)(de)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)和(he)思想有了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)定(ding)的(de)(de)(de)了(le)(le)解和(he)體會。因此(ci),他(ta)(ta)以自己的(de)(de)(de)切(qie)身感受(shou)寫了(le)(le)不(bu)少著作,今存除(chu)《聊齋志異》外(wai),還有《聊齋文集》和(he)《詩集》等。