喬生(sheng)(sheng),晉寧人[1]。少(shao)負才名。年(nian)(nian)二十余(yu),猶淹蹇[2]。為人有(you)肝(gan)膽[3]。與顧生(sheng)(sheng)善;顧卒,時(shi)恤其妻子。邑宰以文(wen)相契重(zhong)[4];宰終于任(ren),家口淹滯,不能(neng)歸[5],生(sheng)(sheng)破產(chan)扶柩,往(wang)返二千余(yu)里。以故(gu)士林益重(zhong)之(zhi)[6],而家由此益替[7]。史孝(xiao)廉有(you)女,字(zi)連城(cheng),工(gong)刺繡(xiu),知書。父(fu)嬌(jiao)愛之(zhi)[8]。出所刺“倦繡(xiu)圖”,征少(shao)年(nian)(nian)題詠(yong)[9],意(yi)在擇婿。生(sheng)(sheng)獻詩云(yun):“慵鬟高髻綠婆娑[10],早向蘭窗繡(xiu)碧荷;刺到鴛鴦(yang)魂欲斷,暗(an)停(ting)針線蹙雙蛾。”又贊(zan)挑繡(xiu)之(zhi)工(gong)云(yun)[11]:“繡(xiu)線挑來似寫生(sheng)(sheng)[12],幅中花鳥自天成[13];當年(nian)(nian)織錦非長技,幸把回文(wen)感(gan)圣明[14]。”女得詩喜(xi),對父(fu)稱賞。父(fu)貧之(zhi)。女逢人輒稱道;又遣媼矯父(fu)命[15],贈金(jin)以助燈火[16]。生(sheng)(sheng)嘆曰:“連城(cheng)我知己也!”傾懷結想(xiang),如渴思啖。
無何(he),女(nv)(nv)許(xu)字于鹺賈之子王化成(cheng)[17],生(sheng)(sheng)始絕望;然(ran)夢(meng)魂(hun)中(zhong)猶佩戴之[18]。未幾,女(nv)(nv)病瘵(zhai)[19],沉痼不(bu)起(qi)[20]。有西(xi)域頭陀(tuo)[21],自(zi)(zi)謂能療;但(dan)須男(nan)子膺(ying)肉(rou)一錢,搗合藥(yao)屑。史使(shi)人(ren)詣王家告婿(xu)。婿(xu)笑曰(yue):“癡(chi)老(lao)翁,欲我剜(wan)心頭肉(rou)也[22]!”使(shi)返。史乃言于人(ren)曰(yue):“有能割肉(rou)者妻之。”生(sheng)(sheng)聞(wen)而(er)往(wang),自(zi)(zi)出白(bai)(bai)刃,刲(kui)膺(ying)授(shou)僧(seng)[23]。血濡袍褲,僧(seng)敷藥(yao)始止。合藥(yao)三(san)(san)丸。三(san)(san)日(ri)服盡,疾(ji)若失。史將踐其言[24],先告王。王怒,欲訟官。史乃設(she)筵招生(sheng)(sheng),以(yi)(yi)千金列幾上,曰(yue):“重負大(da)德(de),請以(yi)(yi)相報。”因具白(bai)(bai)背盟之由。生(sheng)(sheng)怫(fu)然(ran)曰(yue)[25]:“仆(pu)所以(yi)(yi)不(bu)愛(ai)膺(ying)肉(rou)者,聊以(yi)(yi)報知(zhi)(zhi)己(ji)(ji)耳,豈貨肉(rou)哉!”拂(fu)袖而(er)歸(gui)。女(nv)(nv)聞(wen)之,意良不(bu)忍,托媼慰諭之。且云:“以(yi)(yi)彼才華(hua),當(dang)(dang)不(bu)久落[26]。天下何(he)患無佳人(ren)?我夢(meng)不(bu)祥(xiang),三(san)(san)年必(bi)死(si),不(bu)必(bi)與人(ren)爭(zheng)此(ci)泉下物也[27]。”生(sheng)(sheng)告媼曰(yue):“‘士為知(zhi)(zhi)己(ji)(ji)者死(si)’[28],不(bu)以(yi)(yi)色也。誠(cheng)(cheng)恐連城未必(bi)真知(zhi)(zhi)我,但(dan)得真知(zhi)(zhi)我,不(bu)諧(xie)何(he)害[29]?”媼代女(nv)(nv)郎矢誠(cheng)(cheng)自(zi)(zi)剖[30]。生(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue):“果爾(er),相逢時當(dang)(dang)為我一笑,死(si)無憾!”媼既去,逾數日(ri),生(sheng)(sheng)偶出,遇女(nv)(nv)自(zi)(zi)叔氏(shi)歸(gui),睨之。女(nv)(nv)秋波轉顧(gu),啟齒嫣然(ran)[31]。生(sheng)(sheng)大(da)喜曰(yue):“連城真知(zhi)(zhi)我者!”會(hui)王氏(shi)來議(yi)吉期(qi)[32],女(nv)(nv)前(qian)癥又作,數月尋卒。生(sheng)(sheng)往(wang)臨吊[33],一痛而(er)絕。史舁送其家。
生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)自(zi)知已(yi)死(si),亦(yi)無(wu)(wu)所戚(qi)。出(chu)村去(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu),猶冀一(yi)(yi)見(jian)連(lian)城(cheng)。遙望(wang)南北(bei)一(yi)(yi)道,行人(ren)(ren)(ren)連(lian)緒如(ru)(ru)蟻[34],因亦(yi)混身(shen)雜跡其(qi)中。俄頃,入(ru)一(yi)(yi)廨署,值顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),驚(jing)問(wen):“君何(he)得(de)來(lai)?”即(ji)把(ba)手將送(song)(song)令歸(gui)(gui)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太(tai)息(xi)言(yan)(yan):“心事(shi)殊未了。”顧(gu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“仆(pu)在此(ci)典牘[35],頗得(de)委任(ren)。倘可(ke)效力,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)惜也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)問(wen)連(lian)城(cheng)。顧(gu)即(ji)導生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)旋轉多(duo)所,見(jian)連(lian)城(cheng)與一(yi)(yi)白衣女(nv)郎(lang),淚睫慘(can)黛[36],藉坐廊隅[37]。見(jian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),驟起(qi)似(si)喜(xi),略問(wen)所來(lai)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“卿(qing)死(si),仆(pu)何(he)敢(gan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)!”連(lian)城(cheng)泣(qi)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“如(ru)(ru)此(ci)負義(yi)人(ren)(ren)(ren),尚(shang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)吐棄(qi)之(zhi)(zhi),身(shen)殉(xun)何(he)為(wei)?然(ran)已(yi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能許(xu)君今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),愿矢來(lai)世耳(er)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告(gao)顧(gu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“有(you)(you)事(shi)君自(zi)去(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu),仆(pu)樂死(si)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)矣(yi)(yi)(yi)。但煩稽連(lian)城(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)里,行與俱(ju)去(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)耳(er)[38]。”顧(gu)諾而去(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)。白衣女(nv)郎(lang)問(wen)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)人(ren)(ren)(ren),連(lian)城(cheng)為(wei)緬述(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)郎(lang)聞(wen)(wen)(wen)之(zhi)(zhi),若不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)勝悲(bei)。連(lian)城(cheng)告(gao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“此(ci)妾(qie)同(tong)(tong)姓,小字賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)(niang),長(chang)(chang)沙(sha)(sha)史(shi)(shi)太(tai)守女(nv)[39]。一(yi)(yi)路同(tong)(tong)來(lai),遂相(xiang)(xiang)憐(lian)愛。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)視之(zhi)(zhi),意態憐(lian)人(ren)(ren)(ren)。方欲(yu)研(yan)問(wen),而顧(gu)已(yi)反,向生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)賀曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“我(wo)為(wei)君平章已(yi)確(que)[40],即(ji)教小娘(niang)(niang)(niang)(niang)子從(cong)君返(fan)(fan)魂,好否?”兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)(ren)各(ge)喜(xi)。方將拜(bai)別,賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)(niang)大(da)哭曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“姊去(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu),我(wo)安歸(gui)(gui)?乞垂憐(lian)救(jiu),妾(qie)為(wei)姊捧帨耳(er)[41]。”連(lian)城(cheng)凄然(ran),無(wu)(wu)所為(wei)計(ji)(ji),轉謀生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)又哀顧(gu)。顧(gu)難(nan)之(zhi)(zhi),峻(jun)辭以(yi)(yi)為(wei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)固強之(zhi)(zhi)。乃(nai)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“試妄為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)[42]。”去(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)食(shi)頃而返(fan)(fan),搖(yao)手曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“何(he)如(ru)(ru)!誠萬分(fen)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能為(wei)力矣(yi)(yi)(yi)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)(niang)聞(wen)(wen)(wen)之(zhi)(zhi),宛(wan)轉嬌啼,惟依(yi)連(lian)城(cheng)肘下,恐其(qi)即(ji)去(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)。慘(can)怛無(wu)(wu)術[43],相(xiang)(xiang)對默(mo)默(mo);而睹其(qi)愁顏戚(qi)容[44],使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)肺腑(fu)酸(suan)柔[45]。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤然(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“請(qing)攜(xie)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)(niang)去(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)。脫有(you)(you)愆(qian)尤(you)[46],小生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)拚身(shen)受之(zhi)(zhi)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)(niang)乃(nai)喜(xi),從(cong)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)出(chu)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憂其(qi)道遠無(wu)(wu)侶。賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)(niang)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)從(cong)君去(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿歸(gui)(gui)也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“卿(qing)大(da)癡(chi)矣(yi)(yi)(yi)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)歸(gui)(gui),何(he)以(yi)(yi)得(de)活也(ye)?他日(ri)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)湖南,勿復(fu)走避(bi)[47],為(wei)幸多(duo)矣(yi)(yi)(yi)。”適(shi)有(you)(you)兩(liang)媼攝牒(die)赴(fu)長(chang)(chang)沙(sha)(sha)[48],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)屬(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)[49],賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)(niang)泣(qi)別而去(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)。途(tu)中,連(lian)城(cheng)行蹇緩,里余輒一(yi)(yi)息(xi);凡十(shi)余息(xi),始見(jian)里門。連(lian)城(cheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“重生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后(hou),懼有(you)(you)反覆(fu)。請(qing)索妾(qie)骸骨來(lai),妾(qie)以(yi)(yi)君家(jia)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),當(dang)無(wu)(wu)悔也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)然(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)。偕歸(gui)(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家(jia)。女(nv)惕(ti)惕(ti)若不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能步[50],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)佇待之(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)此(ci),四肢(zhi)搖(yao)搖(yao),似(si)無(wu)(wu)所主(zhu)。志(zhi)恐不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)遂,尚(shang)宜審(shen)謀;不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)然(ran),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后(hou)何(he)能自(zi)由?”相(xiang)(xiang)將入(ru)側(ce)廂中。默(mo)定(ding)少時[51],連(lian)城(cheng)笑(xiao)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“君憎(zeng)妾(qie)耶?”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚(jing)問(wen)其(qi)故。赧然(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“恐事(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)諧(xie),重負君矣(yi)(yi)(yi)。請(qing)先以(yi)(yi)魂報也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)喜(xi),極盡歡戀。因徘徊不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)敢(gan)遽出(chu),寄廂中者三日(ri)。連(lian)城(cheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“諺有(you)(you)之(zhi)(zhi):‘丑婦終須(xu)見(jian)姑(gu)嫜。’戚(qi)戚(qi)于此(ci),終非久計(ji)(ji)。”乃(nai)促生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)入(ru)。才至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)靈寢(qin)[52],豁(huo)然(ran)頓(dun)蘇。家(jia)人(ren)(ren)(ren)驚(jing)異,進(jin)(jin)以(yi)(yi)湯水(shui)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)乃(nai)使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)要史(shi)(shi)來(lai)[53],請(qing)得(de)連(lian)城(cheng)之(zhi)(zhi)尸,自(zi)言(yan)(yan)能活之(zhi)(zhi)。史(shi)(shi)喜(xi),從(cong)其(qi)言(yan)(yan)。方舁入(ru)室,視之(zhi)(zhi)已(yi)醒(xing)。告(gao)父曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“兒已(yi)委身(shen)喬郎(lang)矣(yi)(yi)(yi)[54],更(geng)無(wu)(wu)歸(gui)(gui)理(li)。如(ru)(ru)有(you)(you)變動(dong),但仍一(yi)(yi)死(si)!”史(shi)(shi)歸(gui)(gui),遣(qian)婢(bi)往(wang)役(yi)給奉。王聞(wen)(wen)(wen),具詞申理(li)。官受賂,判歸(gui)(gui)王。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤懣欲(yu)死(si),亦(yi)無(wu)(wu)奈之(zhi)(zhi)[55]。連(lian)城(cheng)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)王家(jia),忿不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)飲食(shi),惟乞速(su)死(si)。室無(wu)(wu)人(ren)(ren)(ren),則帶懸梁上。越日(ri),益憊(bei),殆(dai)將奄逝。王懼,送(song)(song)歸(gui)(gui)史(shi)(shi)。史(shi)(shi)復(fu)舁歸(gui)(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。王知之(zhi)(zhi),亦(yi)無(wu)(wu)如(ru)(ru)何(he),遂安焉。連(lian)城(cheng)起(qi),每念(nian)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)(niang),欲(yu)遣(qian)信探之(zhi)(zhi)[56],以(yi)(yi)道遠而艱于往(wang)。一(yi)(yi)日(ri),家(jia)人(ren)(ren)(ren)進(jin)(jin)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“門有(you)(you)車馬。”夫(fu)婦出(chu)視,則賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)(niang)已(yi)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)庭(ting)中矣(yi)(yi)(yi)。相(xiang)(xiang)見(jian)悲(bei)喜(xi)。太(tai)守親詣送(song)(song)女(nv),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)延(yan)入(ru)。太(tai)守曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“小女(nv)子賴(lai)君復(fu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),誓不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)他適(shi),今從(cong)其(qi)志(zhi)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)叩謝(xie)如(ru)(ru)禮。孝廉亦(yi)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),敘(xu)宗好焉[57]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)名年,字大(da)年。
異史(shi)氏曰:“一(yi)笑(xiao)之知,許之以身,世人或議其癡;彼田橫五(wu)百人[58],豈盡愚哉!此知希之貴[59],賢(xian)豪所以感結而不能自(zi)已也(ye)。顧茫茫海(hai)內,遂(sui)使錦(jin)繡才(cai)人[60],僅(jin)傾心于(yu)蛾眉(mei)之一(yi)笑(xiao)也(ye),亦可慨矣!”
[1]晉(jin)(jin)(jin)寧(ning):州(zhou)縣(xian)名。唐置晉(jin)(jin)(jin)寧(ning)縣(xian),元為晉(jin)(jin)(jin)寧(ning)州(zhou),明清因之。州(zhou)治在今云南(nan)省晉(jin)(jin)(jin)寧(ning)縣(xian)。
[2]偃蹇:滯(zhi)留困頓,謂科舉不得志。
[3]有(you)肝膽:忠義誠信(xin),勇(yong)于為人盡力。
[4]契重:投(tou)合,尊重。
[5]淹滯:困阻,久留。
[6]士林(lin):讀書人中間。“之”字據二十四(si)卷抄本(ben)補。
[7]替:衰(shuai)敗。
[8]嬌(jiao)(jiao)愛(ai):嬌(jiao)(jiao)養。
[9]征(zheng):征(zheng)集。題詠(yong):題詩贊(zan)詠(yong)。
[10]“慵鬟”四句:此詩即圖題詠,大(da)意謂:閨中少(shao)女早(zao)起即于窗前刺(ci)繡(xiu)。先繡(xiu)綠荷。待(dai)繡(xiu)到荷底(di)鴛鴦(yang)時,不(bu)禁悵然神(shen)馳,不(bu)知(zhi)不(bu)覺停下針線(xian),傷(shang)神(shen)地皺攏(long)雙眉。因繡(xiu)久困(kun)倦(juan),那(nei)髻鬟邊的(de)秀發也不(bu)免有些披拂散亂(luan)。慵鬟,困(kun)倦(juan)時的(de)發鬟。婆(po)娑,飄拂不(bu)整(zheng)貌,蘭窗,蘭閨之窗,少(shao)女臥(wo)室(shi)的(de)窗戶。魂欲(yu)斷,謂魂馳神(shen)往。暗停,默默停下。
[11]挑繡:挑花和刺繡;繡花時的兩道工藝。
[12]寫生:指畫家對實(shi)物的描摹。
[13]天成:天然生(sheng)成。
[14]“當年織錦(jin)(jin)”二句:意思是,與連(lian)城(cheng)刺繡之美相(xiang)比(bi),當年蘇(su)蕙(hui)把回文圖(tu)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)織在錦(jin)(jin)緞上(shang)也算不得技(ji)巧高明,她不過(guo)僥幸取得女(nv)皇武則(ze)天的賞識罷了。據(ju)《晉書·列(lie)女(nv)·竇滔妻傳(chuan)》:晉竇滔妻蘇(su)蕙(hui),字若蘭(lan),善屬文。滔仕前秦(qin)苻堅(jian)為秦(qin)州刺史,被徒(tu)流(liu)沙(sha)。蘇(su)氏在家織錦(jin)(jin)為回文旋圖(tu)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)以寄。詩(shi)(shi)(shi)長八(ba)百四十一字,可宛轉(zhuan)循環以讀,詞(ci)甚(shen)凄(qi)惋。唐武則(ze)天為作《璇璣圖(tu)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)序》,稱其“五(wu)彩相(xiang)宣,瑩(ying)心暉目”。
[15]矯:假托。
[16]助燈火:資助喬生(sheng)讀書費用(yong)。
[17]許(xu)字(zi):許(xu)婚。鹺(cuó矬)賈:鹽商(shang)。《禮記·曲(qu)禮》:“鹽曰咸鹺。”
[18]佩戴:佩恩戴德;意思是(shi)感念不忘。
[19]瘵(zhai)(zhài債(zhai)):癆(lao)病,即肺(fei)病。
[20]沉痼:病勢積久難醫(yi)。
[21]西(xi)域:此據(ju)二(er)十四(si)卷抄本,底本作(zuo)“西(xi)城(cheng)”。頭陀(tuo):梵文音澤,泛(fan)指一切僧(seng)(seng)眾(zhong);此特指行腳乞(qi)食僧(seng)(seng)人。
[22]心頭(tou)(tou)肉:習喻(yu)關系性命之物。唐聶夷中(zhong)《詠田家(jia)》詩:“醫(yi)得眼前瘡(chuang),剜卻心頭(tou)(tou)肉。”此指“膺肉”。
[23]刲(kuī虧(kui)):割(ge)。
[24]踐其言(yan):履行自己的諾(nuo)言(yan)。指以女(nv)妻喬生(sheng)。
[25]怫(fú符(fu))然:生氣的樣子。
[26]落:沉淪。
[27]泉下物:指死人。謂(wei)己(ji)不久將死。
[28]土為知已者死:《漢書(shu)·司馬遷傳》報任安書(shu):“士為知己用,女為悅己容。”
[29]不(bu)諧:不(bu)能成事;指不(bu)能結為夫(fu)妻。何害:何妨。
[30]矢誠自剖:發(fa)誓(shi)自明心跡。
[31]嫣(yān胭)然:形容美笑。
[32]吉(ji)期:好日(ri)子(zi);指(zhi)完(wan)婚日(ri)期。
[33]臨吊(diao):哭吊(diao)。哭死者叫(jiao)臨,慰(wei)問其親屬叫(jiao)吊(diao)。
[34]連(lian)續:此從二十四卷抄本,底本作“連(lian)緒”。
[35]典牘:主管文書案卷。
[36]淚睫(jie)慘黛:猶言(yan)愁眉淚眼。慘,悲傷(shang)。黛,眉。
[37]藉坐廊(lang)隅:在廊(lang)下一(yi)角,席地而坐。
[38]行(xing):將。
[39]太(tai)守:知(zhi)府、知(zhi)州的古稱。明清于長沙(sha)置府。
[40]平(ping)章(zhang)已確:商(shang)辦已妥。平(ping)章(zhang),商(shang)量(liang)處理。
[41]捧(peng)帨:猶言(yan)奉中櫛(zhi)、侍盥沐(mu);意為居妾(qie)媵(ying)之位(wei),給役侍奉。帨,佩巾(jin)(jin),古代婦女用以(yi)擦拭不潔。《禮記·內則》規定:“少事長(chang),賤事貴”都有“盥卒授巾(jin)(jin)”的禮節。
[42]試妄(wang)為之:試辦一下(xia)看(kan)看(kan)。妄(wang),姑(gu)妄(wang)。表示下(xia)循規章(zhang)和沒有(you)把握(wo)。
[43]慘怛(dá答):憂傷(shang),悲(bei)痛。
[44]愁顏:此從二十(shi)四卷抄本,底本作“愁艷”。
[45]肺腑(fu)酸柔:猶言心酸腸軟。
[46]脫有(you)愆尤:假若有(you)罪責、過失。
[47]走避:此(ci)從二十四卷抄本,底本作“去避”。
[48]攝牒:攜帶(dai)公(gong)文。指出公(gong)差。
[49]生(sheng)屬(shu)(shu)之:喬生(sheng)把攜帶賓娘的事囑(zhu)托(tuo)兩媼。屬(shu)(shu),同“囑(zhu)”,意謂囑(zhu)托(tuo)。據二十四(si)卷抄本(ben)補,底本(ben)無(wu)“之”字。
[50]惕惕:憂懼貌。
[51]嘿定(ding):沉默定(ding)息。嘿,同默。
[52]靈寢:靈床,即停尸床。
[53]要(yao):邀。
[54]委(wei)身:托身,許身。
[55]無(wu)奈之:無(wu)可奈何(he)。
[56]信(xin):古稱(cheng)使者為“信(xin)”。往偵:此從二十(shi)四卷抄本,底本作“參”。
[57]敘宗好:敘同宗之族誼。孝(xiao)廉(lian)與太守(shou)同姓(xing)史。
[58]“彼田(tian)橫(heng)五(wu)百(bai)人(ren)”二(er)句:此為(wei)作者以田(tian)橫(heng)部下(xia)五(wu)百(bai)人(ren)忠(zhong)于田(tian)橫(heng),贊揚喬生“士(shi)為(wei)知己者死”的精神。田(tian)橫(heng),秦末齊(qi)人(ren)。拒項羽,復齊(qi)地,自(zi)(zi)立(li)為(wei)齊(qi)王(wang)。劉邦(bang)稱帝(di)后,田(tian)橫(heng)率五(wu)百(bai)士(shi)逃(tao)往海島。劉邦(bang)怕他作亂,下(xia)詔強(qiang)迫(po)他入洛陽(yang),并(bing)答應把(ba)他封王(wang)封侯。田(tian)橫(heng)行至(zhi)距洛陽(yang)三十里的尸鄉,因恥于向劉邦(bang)稱臣(chen),與從(cong)者皆自(zi)(zi)殺。島上五(wu)百(bai)人(ren)聞(wen)訊后也(ye)全部自(zi)(zi)殺。事(shi)見《史(shi)記(ji)·田(tian)儋列傳(chuan)》等。
[59]“此知(zhi)(zhi)希之(zhi)(zhi)貴(gui)”二句:意謂正因知(zhi)(zhi)己難求,所以賢豪之(zhi)(zhi)士對(dui)知(zhi)(zhi)遇之(zhi)(zhi)德感(gan)結于(yu)心(xin)。知(zhi)(zhi)希之(zhi)(zhi)貴(gui),語本《老子》“知(zhi)(zhi)我者希,則我者貴(gui)”,而有變化。韓愈《祭田橫墓文》說:“事(shi)有曠百世(shi)而相(xiang)感(gan)者,余不知(zhi)(zhi)其何(he)心(xin);非(fei)今世(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)所稀,孰為使(shi)余欷而不可禁!”“賢豪感(gan)結”,蓋隱指此類感(gan)慨。
[60]錦(jin)(jin)繡才人(ren):才學富艷、詩文精美(mei)的讀書人(ren)。此指喬生。柳宗無《乞巧文》:“駢(pian)四儷六,錦(jin)(jin)心繡口。”
晉寧縣(xian)有(you)一個姓喬(qiao)的(de)書生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),少年時就很(hen)有(you)才氣,但(dan)二十多歲了,依舊窮困(kun)潦倒。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)為(wei)人(ren)正直,他(ta)有(you)一個好(hao)朋友,姓顧(gu),早年就死了,喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)經常(chang)接濟他(ta)的(de)妻子兒女。本縣(xian)縣(xian)令(ling)因為(wei)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)文章寫得好(hao),對他(ta)很(hen)器重(zhong)。后來(lai),縣(xian)令(ling)死在任上,家(jia)(jia)口滯留晉寧,無法(fa)返(fan)回故鄉。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)變賣了自己的(de)家(jia)(jia)產(chan),買了棺柩,往返(fan)兩千多里,把縣(xian)令(ling)的(de)遺體連同他(ta)的(de)家(jia)(jia)人(ren)一起送(song)回了家(jia)(jia)鄉。因為(wei)這(zhe)件事(shi),當時的(de)文人(ren)們更加尊重(zhong)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),但(dan)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)卻因此更加貧窮了。
當時,一(yi)個姓史(shi)的舉(ju)人有(you)個女(nv)(nv)兒(er)叫連(lian)(lian)城,精于刺繡,又知書(shu)達禮,史(shi)舉(ju)人非(fei)(fei)常(chang)寵愛她(ta)。一(yi)次,史(shi)舉(ju)人拿出(chu)一(yi)幅女(nv)(nv)兒(er)繡的“倦繡圖(tu)”,征求年(nian)輕書(shu)生(sheng)就(jiu)圖(tu)題(ti)詩,意(yi)思是(shi)要借此選個有(you)才學的好女(nv)(nv)婿。喬生(sheng)也(ye)作(zuo)了一(yi)首詩獻上,這首詩說:“慵鬟(huan)高髻(ji)綠婆娑,早向蘭窗繡碧荷(he)。刺到鴛鴦(yang)魂(hun)欲斷,暗停針線蹙雙蛾(e)。”又題(ti)了一(yi)首詩,專贊這幅圖(tu)繡得精妙(miao):“繡線挑來似(si)寫生(sheng),幅中花鳥自天成。當年(nian)織(zhi)錦非(fei)(fei)長技,幸把回文感圣明。”連(lian)(lian)城見到這兩首詩,非(fei)(fei)常(chang)喜歡(huan),便對(dui)著父親(qin)夸獎(jiang)喬生(sheng)的才華。但父親(qin)嫌喬生(sheng)太貧窮,不愿(yuan)找這么個女(nv)(nv)婿。此后,連(lian)(lian)城逢(feng)人就(jiu)夸喬生(sheng),又派了個老媽子(zi),假借父親(qin)的名義贈給喬生(sheng)一(yi)些銀(yin)兩,作(zuo)為他(ta)讀書(shu)的費用。喬生(sheng)感嘆地說:“連(lian)(lian)城真是(shi)我的知己啊!”對(dui)她(ta)一(yi)往情深,如饑(ji)似(si)渴地想念她(ta)。
不(bu)(bu)(bu)久(jiu),連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)跟(gen)一個名叫王(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)的(de)鹽商的(de)兒子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)訂了(le)(le)(le)(le)親(qin),喬(qiao)生才(cai)(cai)開始絕望(wang)起來。但(dan)仍然夢(meng)魂縈繞,無(wu)時無(wu)刻不(bu)(bu)(bu)想著(zhu)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)長時間,連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)便(bian)(bian)生了(le)(le)(le)(le)重病,臥(wo)床不(bu)(bu)(bu)起。有(you)個從西域來的(de)和(he)(he)(he)尚(shang),自稱能(neng)治(zhi)好她的(de)病,但(dan)必需一錢男(nan)子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)胸上(shang)的(de)肉搗碎了(le)(le)(le)(le)配(pei)藥(yao)。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)派(pai)(pai)人(ren)去(qu)告(gao)(gao)(gao)訴王(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。王(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)笑著(zhu)說:“傻(sha)老頭(tou)!想叫我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)剜心頭(tou)肉嗎?”把(ba)(ba)派(pai)(pai)去(qu)的(de)人(ren)又打發(fa)回來。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)便(bian)(bian)對人(ren)說:“誰愿從自己(ji)身(shen)上(shang)割下(xia)(xia)肉救我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)女兒,我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)便(bian)(bian)把(ba)(ba)女兒嫁(jia)(jia)給(gei)(gei)他(ta)!”喬(qiao)生聽(ting)說,立(li)即(ji)趕(gan)到史(shi)家,自己(ji)掏(tao)出(chu)把(ba)(ba)刀子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi),從胸上(shang)一刀割下(xia)(xia)片肉,交給(gei)(gei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)和(he)(he)(he)尚(shang)。鮮(xian)血染紅(hong)了(le)(le)(le)(le)喬(qiao)生的(de)衣服(fu),和(he)(he)(he)尚(shang)忙給(gei)(gei)他(ta)敷(fu)上(shang)刀傷藥(yao)才(cai)(cai)止住了(le)(le)(le)(le)血。和(he)(he)(he)尚(shang)用(yong)喬(qiao)生的(de)肉和(he)(he)(he)了(le)(le)(le)(le)三個藥(yao)丸(wan),給(gei)(gei)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)分(fen)三天(tian)服(fu)下(xia)(xia),病果(guo)然好了(le)(le)(le)(le)。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)便(bian)(bian)想履(lv)行諾言,把(ba)(ba)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)嫁(jia)(jia)給(gei)(gei)喬(qiao)生。先去(qu)通知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)王(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),王(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)大(da)怒,要告(gao)(gao)(gao)狀打官司。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)害(hai)怕(pa)(pa),便(bian)(bian)擺下(xia)(xia)宴席,將喬(qiao)生請來,然后取出(chu)一千兩銀子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi),放在桌子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)上(shang),說:“辜負了(le)(le)(le)(le)您的(de)大(da)恩大(da)德,就用(yong)這(zhe)些(xie)銀子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)報答您吧!”并對喬(qiao)生講了(le)(le)(le)(le)毀(hui)約(yue)的(de)緣由。喬(qiao)生生氣地說:“我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)所以不(bu)(bu)(bu)吝(lin)惜心頭(tou)肉,不(bu)(bu)(bu)過是為(wei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)報答知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)已罷了(le)(le)(le)(le),難道我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)是賣肉的(de)嗎?”說完(wan),拂袖(xiu)而(er)(er)去(qu)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)聽(ting)說后,心里很不(bu)(bu)(bu)忍,托老媽子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)去(qu)勸慰他(ta)。并說:“以他(ta)的(de)才(cai)(cai)華,不(bu)(bu)(bu)會久(jiu)處(chu)人(ren)下(xia)(xia)的(de),何愁天(tian)下(xia)(xia)沒有(you)美(mei)女?我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)近(jin)來做(zuo)的(de)夢(meng)都不(bu)(bu)(bu)吉利,三年內必死(si),不(bu)(bu)(bu)必跟(gen)別人(ren)爭我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)這(zhe)個泉下(xia)(xia)之(zhi)鬼(gui)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)生告(gao)(gao)(gao)訴老媽子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)說:“古人(ren)說:‘士(shi)為(wei)知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)己(ji)者死(si)’。我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)報答她不(bu)(bu)(bu)是為(wei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)她生得漂亮。我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)真(zhen)(zhen)(zhen)怕(pa)(pa)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)未必真(zhen)(zhen)(zhen)知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)心,如果(guo)真(zhen)(zhen)(zhen)知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),就是做(zuo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)夫妻又有(you)何妨(fang)呢?”老媽子(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)忙替(ti)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)表白(bai)了(le)(le)(le)(le)她的(de)一片真(zhen)(zhen)(zhen)情。喬(qiao)生說:“果(guo)然這(zhe)樣,我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們相逢時,她若為(wei)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)笑一笑,我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)就死(si)而(er)(er)無(wu)憾(han)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”
老(lao)媽子回(hui)去不幾(ji)天,喬生偶然出去,正好遇上連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)從叔家(jia)(jia)回(hui)來。喬生看(kan)著她,連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)也看(kan)見了(le)他。只見她秋波送情,微微地(di)啟齒一笑。喬生大(da)喜。說:“連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)真(zhen)是我的知心人!”過了(le)不久,王鹽(yan)商家(jia)(jia)來到史(shi)家(jia)(jia)商議連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)的婚期。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)聽(ting)說后(hou)又(you)病了(le),幾(ji)個月便死了(le)。喬生前去吊唁,痛哭(ku)一場,也死了(le)過去,史(shi)家(jia)(jia)把他抬回(hui)家(jia)(jia)中。
喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)知道(dao)自己已(yi)經(jing)死了(le),也沒感到有(you)(you)什(shen)么(me)難(nan)過(guo)(guo)。一(yi)個(ge)人(ren)出了(le)村,還想(xiang)著(zhu)再(zai)見見連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)。遠遠望(wang)見有(you)(you)條南北大(da)路,路上的(de)行人(ren)像(xiang)(xiang)螞蟻一(yi)樣擁(yong)擠。他(ta)(ta)也走了(le)過(guo)(guo)去,混雜(za)在人(ren)群里(li)。一(yi)會兒,進入一(yi)座衙(ya)門,正碰上他(ta)(ta)過(guo)(guo)去的(de)好(hao)朋友(you)顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)看見他(ta)(ta),驚訝地(di)問:“你怎么(me)來了(le)!”說(shuo)著(zhu),就拉(la)著(zhu)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)手,要送他(ta)(ta)回去。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)長(chang)長(chang)地(di)嘆息了(le)一(yi)聲,說(shuo):“我(wo)的(de)心事還沒了(le)!”顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)說(shuo):“我(wo)在這里(li)掌管典籍,很(hen)受上司信(xin)任(ren)。有(you)(you)用得(de)著(zhu)我(wo)的(de)地(di)方,我(wo)一(yi)定盡力!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)向他(ta)(ta)打聽連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)在哪兒。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)領著(zhu)他(ta)(ta)串(chuan)了(le)很(hen)多地(di)方,最后才發現連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)和(he)一(yi)個(ge)穿白衣服(fu)的(de)女郎,眼淚婆娑地(di)坐在一(yi)條走廊的(de)一(yi)角。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)看見喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),急忙起身,像(xiang)(xiang)是喜出望(wang)外(wai),略問了(le)問他(ta)(ta)是怎么(me)來的(de)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo):“你死了(le),我(wo)怎敢偷生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)世上!”連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)聽了(le),哭著(zhu)說(shuo):“我(wo)這樣一(yi)個(ge)忘(wang)恩(en)負義的(de)人(ren),你還不(bu)(bu)唾棄我(wo),又以身殉死干(gan)什(shen)么(me)!我(wo)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)今世不(bu)(bu)能跟你了(le),來生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)我(wo)一(yi)定嫁給你!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)回頭告(gao)訴顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo):“你有(you)(you)事就忙去吧,我(wo)覺得(de)死了(le)很(hen)快樂(le),不(bu)(bu)想(xiang)再(zai)活了(le)。只想(xiang)麻煩(fan)你代為(wei)訪查一(yi)下連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)到什(shen)么(me)地(di)方,我(wo)要和(he)她一(yi)起去!”顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)答應(ying)著(zhu)走了(le)。
這時,那(nei)白衣女郎問連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)是(shi)(shi)什么(me)人(ren)(ren)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)便向她(ta)講述(shu)了(le)(le)(le)往事。女郎聽了(le)(le)(le)像壓抑不(bu)(bu)(bu)住心(xin)(xin)中的(de)悲傷(shang)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)告訴喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“這姑(gu)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)與我(wo)(wo)(wo)同姓,小名叫賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),是(shi)(shi)長(chang)(chang)沙史太守(shou)的(de)女兒(er)。我(wo)(wo)(wo)們(men)一(yi)路同來,處(chu)得(de)很(hen)親密。”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)打量(liang)了(le)(le)(le)打量(liang)賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),見她(ta)哀傷(shang)凄惋的(de)樣子,十分惹人(ren)(ren)憐(lian)愛。正想(xiang)(xiang)再問什么(me),顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)已返了(le)(le)(le)回來,向喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)慶賀說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)給你(ni)辦(ban)(ban)妥了(le)(le)(le),就(jiu)(jiu)讓(rang)小娘(niang)(niang)(niang)子跟你(ni)一(yi)起(qi)還陽復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),好(hao)(hao)不(bu)(bu)(bu)好(hao)(hao)?”兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)聽了(le)(le)(le),都很(hen)喜歡。正想(xiang)(xiang)拜別(bie)顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)大(da)哭(ku)著(zhu)說(shuo)(shuo):“姐姐走(zou)了(le)(le)(le),我(wo)(wo)(wo)去哪(na)里?懇求(qiu)您(nin)可(ke)憐(lian)可(ke)憐(lian),救救我(wo)(wo)(wo),我(wo)(wo)(wo)就(jiu)(jiu)是(shi)(shi)給您(nin)當仆人(ren)(ren)也愿意!”連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)心(xin)(xin)里難過,想(xiang)(xiang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)出辦(ban)(ban)法(fa),就(jiu)(jiu)和喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)商(shang)量(liang),喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)轉(zhuan)而哀求(qiu)顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)幫忙。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)很(hen)為難,一(yi)口(kou)咬定說(shuo)(shuo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)好(hao)(hao)辦(ban)(ban)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)執意懇求(qiu),顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才無(wu)可(ke)奈何地(di)說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)去胡(hu)亂(luan)試(shi)試(shi)看吧(ba)!”去了(le)(le)(le)有(you)(you)一(yi)頓飯的(de)工夫,便回來了(le)(le)(le),連(lian)(lian)連(lian)(lian)擺手說(shuo)(shuo):“怎么(me)樣!我(wo)(wo)(wo)實在無(wu)能(neng)(neng)為力了(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)聽說(shuo)(shuo),哀哀地(di)啼哭(ku)著(zhu),依在連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)的(de)胳(ge)膊(bo)下戀戀不(bu)(bu)(bu)舍(she),恐怕她(ta)馬(ma)上就(jiu)(jiu)走(zou)了(le)(le)(le)。三人(ren)(ren)相(xiang)對無(wu)語,一(yi)籌莫展。再看看賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)那(nei)愁(chou)苦凄傷(shang)的(de)樣子,真讓(rang)人(ren)(ren)心(xin)(xin)里發酸。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)奮(fen)然(ran)(ran)而起(qi),說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)們(men)帶賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)一(yi)起(qi)走(zou)吧(ba)。真有(you)(you)罪責(ze),我(wo)(wo)(wo)豁上這條(tiao)命一(yi)人(ren)(ren)承(cheng)擔(dan)了(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)聽了(le)(le)(le)才高興起(qi)來,跟著(zhu)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)塊出去。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)擔(dan)心(xin)(xin)她(ta)一(yi)人(ren)(ren)去長(chang)(chang)沙路太遠,又沒(mei)有(you)(you)伴。賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)想(xiang)(xiang)跟你(ni)們(men)走(zou),不(bu)(bu)(bu)愿回去了(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)太傻了(le)(le)(le)!不(bu)(bu)(bu)回去,見不(bu)(bu)(bu)著(zhu)你(ni)的(de)尸身,怎么(me)能(neng)(neng)還陽呢(ni)?以(yi)后(hou)我(wo)(wo)(wo)們(men)到了(le)(le)(le)湖南,你(ni)不(bu)(bu)(bu)躲著(zhu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)們(men),我(wo)(wo)(wo)們(men)就(jiu)(jiu)很(hen)榮幸了(le)(le)(le)!”正好(hao)(hao)有(you)(you)兩(liang)個老婆婆拿著(zhu)勾牒(die)要(yao)去長(chang)(chang)沙勾人(ren)(ren),喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便把(ba)賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)托(tuo)付(fu)給她(ta)們(men),然(ran)(ran)后(hou)灑(sa)淚而別(bie)。
路(lu)上,連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)走不(bu)(bu)動,走一里(li)多(duo)路(lu)就得歇(xie)息歇(xie)息。共歇(xie)了(le)十(shi)多(duo)次,才看見(jian)本(ben)村(cun)的(de)莊門。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)說(shuo):“還陽后恐怕(pa)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們的(de)事(shi)又有反復。請(qing)(qing)你先(xian)(xian)去(qu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)家(jia),索要我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)遺(yi)體(ti),然(ran)后我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)在你家(jia)重生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)父(fu)親(qin)應當不(bu)(bu)會再(zai)反悔(hui)了(le)!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)認為(wei)很對(dui),兩(liang)人便(bian)先(xian)(xian)去(qu)喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家(jia)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)戰戰兢兢地(di)像(xiang)走不(bu)(bu)動了(le),喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)站(zhan)住,等(deng)著她。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)走到這里(li),禁不(bu)(bu)住渾身(shen)(shen)發(fa)抖(dou),六神無主,真(zhen)擔心我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們的(de)心愿(yuan)實現不(bu)(bu)了(le)!我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們還得再(zai)好好商量商量,不(bu)(bu)然(ran),我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們活了(le)后,可(ke)就又身(shen)(shen)不(bu)(bu)由(you)己了(le)!”兩(liang)人相(xiang)互攙扶(fu)著,進入(ru)一間廂(xiang)房(fang)中,過了(le)很久,誰也沒說(shuo)話(hua)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)忽然(ran)笑著說(shuo):“你厭惡我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)嗎?”喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚訝地(di)詢問這是什(shen)么意思。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)害羞地(di)說(shuo):“恐怕(pa)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們的(de)事(shi)不(bu)(bu)成,那(nei)時就太(tai)辜(gu)負(fu)你了(le)!請(qing)(qing)讓我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)先(xian)(xian)以鬼身(shen)(shen)報答你吧!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)大(da)(da)喜(xi),兩(liang)人極(ji)盡歡(huan)愛。因為(wei)不(bu)(bu)敢(gan)急忙還生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),兩(liang)人徘(pai)徊不(bu)(bu)決(jue),在廂(xiang)房(fang)中一直(zhi)呆了(le)三天。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)說(shuo):“俗話(hua)說(shuo):‘丑(chou)媳婦(fu)終得見(jian)公婆’。老是在這里(li)憂(you)愁擔心,終究不(bu)(bu)是長久之計!”催(cui)促(cu)喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)快去(qu)還陽。喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一走到靈堂(tang),猛然(ran)蘇醒過來。家(jia)人非常驚異(yi),給他喝了(le)些湯(tang)水。喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)派人去(qu)請(qing)(qing)史(shi)舉(ju)人來,請(qing)(qing)求得到連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)的(de)尸身(shen)(shen),說(shuo)自(zi)己能讓她復活。史(shi)舉(ju)人大(da)(da)喜(xi),聽從了(le)他的(de)話(hua)。剛把連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)抬進喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家(jia),一看,連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)果然(ran)也已活了(le)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)告(gao)訴(su)父(fu)親(qin)說(shuo):“女兒(er)已把自(zi)己許給喬郎了(le),再(zai)沒回去(qu)的(de)道(dao)理。父(fu)親(qin)如不(bu)(bu)允(yun),我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)只有再(zai)死!”
史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)回了(le)家(jia),便(bian)派了(le)奴婢去喬家(jia)供女兒使喚。王(wang)化成(cheng)聽說后立即寫了(le)狀子告到(dao)(dao)官府。官府受了(le)王(wang)家(jia)的賄賂,將連城(cheng)又判給了(le)王(wang)化成(cheng)。喬生憤懣不堪,直(zhi)想死(si)去,但終究還是(shi)無可(ke)奈何。連城(cheng)到(dao)(dao)了(le)王(wang)家(jia),氣憤憤地(di)不吃飯,只(zhi)求(qiu)快死(si)。看屋里(li)沒(mei)人(ren),便(bian)把(ba)(ba)帶子懸到(dao)(dao)房梁上上了(le)吊,被人(ren)救下(xia)后。隔了(le)一天,病(bing)得(de)越重,眼看就要死(si)了(le)。王(wang)化成(cheng)害怕,把(ba)(ba)她送(song)回了(le)娘家(jia)。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)又把(ba)(ba)她抬到(dao)(dao)喬生家(jia)。王(wang)化成(cheng)聽說后,也沒(mei)有(you)辦法,只(zhi)得(de)作罷了(le)。
連(lian)城病好后,常常思念賓(bin)娘。想派(pai)個人(ren)捎信去(qu),就便探望(wang)她(ta)(ta)。因為路太遠,很難(nan)前(qian)去(qu)。一天,家人(ren)忽然進來稟報說:“門外來了(le)好些車馬。”喬生夫婦迎出屋門一看(kan),見(jian)賓(bin)娘已在院子里了(le)。三人(ren)相(xiang)見(jian),悲喜(xi)交集。史(shi)(shi)太守(shou)親自(zi)把女(nv)兒送來了(le)。喬生將他請(qing)進屋里,史(shi)(shi)太守(shou)說:“我女(nv)兒多(duo)虧你才能復生,她(ta)(ta)立(li)誓不嫁別人(ren),現在我聽從(cong)了(le)她(ta)(ta)的(de)意愿!”喬生忙叩頭拜(bai)謝。史(shi)(shi)舉人(ren)也來了(le),還跟史(shi)(shi)太守(shou)敘(xu)上了(le)同宗。喬生名年,字(zi)大年。
異史氏說(shuo):嫣然一(yi)笑的相(xiang)知(zhi),于是(shi)以(yi)身相(xiang)許(xu),世上有人會(hui)說(shuo)他癡,那(nei)田橫五百壯士,難道都是(shi)愚夫(fu)嗎!這是(shi)因(yin)為(wei)“知(zhi)遇(yu)”的稀奇和(he)珍貴,所(suo)以(yi)賢(xian)人豪杰感恩戴德而不能(neng)(neng)自已。看(kan)茫茫四海(hai)之(zhi)內,(因(yin)無知(zhi)己之(zhi)人)所(suo)以(yi)使得錦繡(xiu)人才,只能(neng)(neng)傾心于蛾眉一(yi)笑,真是(shi)可悲啊!
蒲松齡(1640-1715),清代杰出(chu)的(de)文學家,字(zi)留仙,一(yi)(yi)(yi)字(zi)劍(jian)臣(chen),別號柳泉居(ju)士,世稱聊(liao)(liao)齋先生(sheng),山東淄(zi)川(今山東淄(zi)博市)人。他(ta)出(chu)身于一(yi)(yi)(yi)個沒(mei)落(luo)的(de)地主(zhu)家庭,父親蒲槃原是(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)個讀(du)書人,因(yin)在科舉(ju)上(shang)不得(de)志(zhi),便(bian)棄儒(ru)經商,曾積累了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)筆可觀的(de)財產。等(deng)(deng)到蒲松齡成年(nian)時,家境(jing)早已衰(shuai)落(luo),生(sheng)活十(shi)分貧(pin)困(kun)。蒲松齡一(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)熱(re)衷功名,醉心(xin)科舉(ju),但他(ta)除(chu)了(le)(le)十(shi)九(jiu)歲時應童子試曾連續考(kao)中縣、府(fu)、道三個第一(yi)(yi)(yi),補(bu)博士弟子員(yuan)外(wai)(wai),以(yi)后(hou)屢受挫折,一(yi)(yi)(yi)直郁郁不得(de)志(zhi)。他(ta)一(yi)(yi)(yi)面教(jiao)書,一(yi)(yi)(yi)面應考(kao)了(le)(le)四十(shi)年(nian),到七十(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)歲時才援例出(chu)貢,補(bu)了(le)(le)個歲貢生(sheng),四年(nian)后(hou)便(bian)死(si)去了(le)(le)。一(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)中的(de)坎坷(ke)遭遇使(shi)蒲松齡對當時政治的(de)黑(hei)暗和(he)(he)(he)科舉(ju)的(de)弊(bi)端有(you)(you)了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)定的(de)認識,生(sheng)活的(de)貧(pin)困(kun)使(shi)他(ta)對廣(guang)大勞動人民的(de)生(sheng)活和(he)(he)(he)思想(xiang)有(you)(you)了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)定的(de)了(le)(le)解和(he)(he)(he)體會。因(yin)此,他(ta)以(yi)自(zi)己的(de)切身感(gan)受寫了(le)(le)不少(shao)著(zhu)作(zuo),今存(cun)除(chu)《聊(liao)(liao)齋志(zhi)異》外(wai)(wai),還(huan)有(you)(you)《聊(liao)(liao)齋文集》和(he)(he)(he)《詩集》等(deng)(deng)。