喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),晉寧人[1]。少負才名。年(nian)二十余,猶淹蹇[2]。為人有(you)肝膽(dan)[3]。與顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)善;顧卒,時(shi)恤其妻子。邑宰(zai)以(yi)(yi)文相契重(zhong)[4];宰(zai)終(zhong)于(yu)任,家(jia)口(kou)淹滯,不能歸[5],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)破產(chan)扶柩(jiu),往返二千余里。以(yi)(yi)故士林益(yi)重(zhong)之[6],而家(jia)由此(ci)益(yi)替[7]。史孝廉有(you)女,字連(lian)城(cheng),工刺繡(xiu),知書。父(fu)(fu)嬌愛之[8]。出所刺“倦(juan)繡(xiu)圖”,征少年(nian)題詠[9],意在擇婿(xu)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)獻詩(shi)云(yun):“慵鬟高髻綠婆娑[10],早向(xiang)蘭窗繡(xiu)碧荷;刺到鴛鴦魂欲斷,暗停針線(xian)蹙雙蛾。”又(you)贊挑繡(xiu)之工云(yun)[11]:“繡(xiu)線(xian)挑來似寫(xie)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)[12],幅中花鳥自(zi)天成[13];當年(nian)織錦非長技,幸把回文感圣(sheng)明[14]。”女得(de)詩(shi)喜,對(dui)父(fu)(fu)稱賞。父(fu)(fu)貧之。女逢人輒(zhe)稱道;又(you)遣媼矯父(fu)(fu)命[15],贈金以(yi)(yi)助燈火(huo)[16]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)嘆曰(yue):“連(lian)城(cheng)我知己也!”傾(qing)懷(huai)結想(xiang),如渴(ke)思啖。
無何(he),女(nv)許字(zi)于(yu)(yu)鹺賈之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)子(zi)王化(hua)成[17],生(sheng)始(shi)絕(jue)望;然(ran)(ran)夢(meng)魂中(zhong)猶佩戴之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[18]。未幾(ji),女(nv)病瘵[19],沉痼(gu)不(bu)(bu)起[20]。有西域頭陀[21],自謂能療;但須男子(zi)膺肉一錢,搗合藥(yao)屑。史(shi)使人詣王家告(gao)婿。婿笑(xiao)(xiao)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“癡(chi)老翁,欲我(wo)(wo)剜心頭肉也(ye)[22]!”使返。史(shi)乃言于(yu)(yu)人曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“有能割(ge)肉者(zhe)妻之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。”生(sheng)聞(wen)而(er)(er)(er)往,自出白刃,刲膺授僧(seng)[23]。血濡(ru)袍褲(ku),僧(seng)敷藥(yao)始(shi)止。合藥(yao)三(san)丸。三(san)日(ri)服(fu)盡,疾若失。史(shi)將(jiang)踐其(qi)言[24],先告(gao)王。王怒,欲訟(song)官(guan)。史(shi)乃設筵招生(sheng),以(yi)(yi)(yi)千金(jin)列幾(ji)上,曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“重負大德,請以(yi)(yi)(yi)相(xiang)(xiang)報。”因具白背盟之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)由。生(sheng)怫然(ran)(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)[25]:“仆所(suo)以(yi)(yi)(yi)不(bu)(bu)愛(ai)膺肉者(zhe),聊以(yi)(yi)(yi)報知(zhi)(zhi)己耳,豈貨肉哉!”拂(fu)袖而(er)(er)(er)歸(gui)。女(nv)聞(wen)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),意良不(bu)(bu)忍(ren),托(tuo)媼(ao)(ao)慰諭之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。且云:“以(yi)(yi)(yi)彼才華,當不(bu)(bu)久落[26]。天(tian)下何(he)患無佳人?我(wo)(wo)夢(meng)不(bu)(bu)祥(xiang),三(san)年必(bi)(bi)死(si),不(bu)(bu)必(bi)(bi)與(yu)人爭此(ci)泉下物也(ye)[27]。”生(sheng)告(gao)媼(ao)(ao)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“‘士為(wei)知(zhi)(zhi)己者(zhe)死(si)’[28],不(bu)(bu)以(yi)(yi)(yi)色也(ye)。誠恐連城未必(bi)(bi)真知(zhi)(zhi)我(wo)(wo),但得真知(zhi)(zhi)我(wo)(wo),不(bu)(bu)諧何(he)害[29]?”媼(ao)(ao)代(dai)女(nv)郎矢誠自剖[30]。生(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“果爾,相(xiang)(xiang)逢時當為(wei)我(wo)(wo)一笑(xiao)(xiao),死(si)無憾(han)!”媼(ao)(ao)既去,逾數日(ri),生(sheng)偶出,遇女(nv)自叔氏(shi)歸(gui),睨之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)秋波轉顧,啟齒(chi)嫣然(ran)(ran)[31]。生(sheng)大喜(xi)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“連城真知(zhi)(zhi)我(wo)(wo)者(zhe)!”會王氏(shi)來議吉期[32],女(nv)前癥又作,數月尋(xun)卒。生(sheng)往臨吊[33],一痛而(er)(er)(er)絕(jue)。史(shi)舁送其(qi)家。
生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)自(zi)知已死(si),亦無(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)(suo)戚。出(chu)村(cun)去(qu)(qu)(qu),猶冀一(yi)見(jian)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)。遙望(wang)南(nan)北一(yi)道,行人(ren)連(lian)(lian)緒如蟻[34],因亦混身(shen)雜(za)跡其(qi)中(zhong)。俄頃,入(ru)一(yi)廨署,值顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),驚問(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen):“君何得(de)來(lai)?”即(ji)把(ba)手(shou)將(jiang)送(song)令(ling)歸。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太(tai)息(xi)言(yan):“心事(shi)殊未了。”顧(gu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“仆在此典(dian)牘[35],頗得(de)委任。倘(tang)可(ke)效力,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)惜也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)問(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)。顧(gu)即(ji)導生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)旋轉(zhuan)多(duo)所(suo)(suo)(suo),見(jian)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)與(yu)一(yi)白衣女(nv)(nv)郎(lang)(lang),淚(lei)睫慘黛(dai)[36],藉(jie)坐廊隅[37]。見(jian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)至(zhi)(zhi),驟起(qi)似喜,略問(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)所(suo)(suo)(suo)來(lai)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“卿死(si),仆何敢(gan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)!”連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)泣曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“如此負(fu)義人(ren),尚(shang)(shang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)吐棄之(zhi)(zhi),身(shen)殉(xun)何為(wei)?然(ran)(ran)已不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能許君今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),愿(yuan)矢來(lai)世耳。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告(gao)(gao)顧(gu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“有(you)(you)(you)事(shi)君自(zi)去(qu)(qu)(qu),仆樂死(si)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿(yuan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)矣(yi)(yi)。但煩稽(ji)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)托(tuo)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何里(li),行與(yu)俱去(qu)(qu)(qu)耳[38]。”顧(gu)諾(nuo)而(er)(er)去(qu)(qu)(qu)。白衣女(nv)(nv)郎(lang)(lang)問(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何人(ren),連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)為(wei)緬述之(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)(nv)郎(lang)(lang)聞(wen)(wen)之(zhi)(zhi),若不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)勝悲。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)告(gao)(gao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“此妾同姓,小字賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘,長(chang)沙史(shi)(shi)(shi)太(tai)守(shou)(shou)女(nv)(nv)[39]。一(yi)路(lu)同來(lai),遂(sui)相憐(lian)(lian)愛。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)視之(zhi)(zhi),意態憐(lian)(lian)人(ren)。方(fang)欲(yu)研問(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen),而(er)(er)顧(gu)已反,向生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)賀(he)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“我為(wei)君平(ping)章已確[40],即(ji)教小娘子從君返(fan)(fan)魂,好(hao)否?”兩(liang)人(ren)各喜。方(fang)將(jiang)拜(bai)別,賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘大哭曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“姊(zi)去(qu)(qu)(qu),我安(an)歸?乞垂憐(lian)(lian)救,妾為(wei)姊(zi)捧(peng)帨耳[41]。”連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)凄然(ran)(ran),無(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)(suo)為(wei)計(ji),轉(zhuan)謀生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)又哀(ai)顧(gu)。顧(gu)難(nan)之(zhi)(zhi),峻(jun)辭以(yi)為(wei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)固強之(zhi)(zhi)。乃(nai)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“試妄為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)[42]。”去(qu)(qu)(qu)食頃而(er)(er)返(fan)(fan),搖(yao)手(shou)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“何如!誠萬分不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能為(wei)力矣(yi)(yi)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘聞(wen)(wen)之(zhi)(zhi),宛轉(zhuan)嬌啼,惟依連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)肘下,恐其(qi)即(ji)去(qu)(qu)(qu)。慘怛無(wu)(wu)術[43],相對默默;而(er)(er)睹其(qi)愁顏戚容[44],使人(ren)肺腑(fu)酸(suan)柔(rou)[45]。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤然(ran)(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“請攜賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘去(qu)(qu)(qu)。脫有(you)(you)(you)愆尤[46],小生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)拚(pan)身(shen)受(shou)之(zhi)(zhi)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘乃(nai)喜,從生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)出(chu)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憂其(qi)道遠(yuan)無(wu)(wu)侶。賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“妾從君去(qu)(qu)(qu),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿(yuan)歸也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“卿大癡矣(yi)(yi)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)歸,何以(yi)得(de)活也?他日(ri)至(zhi)(zhi)湖南(nan),勿復走(zou)避[47],為(wei)幸多(duo)矣(yi)(yi)。”適(shi)有(you)(you)(you)兩(liang)媼(ao)攝牒赴長(chang)沙[48],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)屬之(zhi)(zhi)[49],賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘泣別而(er)(er)去(qu)(qu)(qu)。途中(zhong),連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)行蹇緩,里(li)余(yu)輒一(yi)息(xi);凡十余(yu)息(xi),始見(jian)里(li)門。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“重(zhong)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后,懼(ju)有(you)(you)(you)反覆。請索妾骸骨來(lai),妾以(yi)君家生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),當(dang)無(wu)(wu)悔也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)然(ran)(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)。偕(xie)歸生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家。女(nv)(nv)惕惕若不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能步[50],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)佇(zhu)待之(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)(nv)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“妾至(zhi)(zhi)此,四肢搖(yao)搖(yao),似無(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)(suo)主。志恐不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)遂(sui),尚(shang)(shang)宜審謀;不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)然(ran)(ran),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后何能自(zi)由?”相將(jiang)入(ru)側廂中(zhong)。默定(ding)少時[51],連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)笑曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“君憎(zeng)妾耶?”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚問(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)其(qi)故。赧然(ran)(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“恐事(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)諧(xie),重(zhong)負(fu)君矣(yi)(yi)。請先以(yi)魂報也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)喜,極盡歡(huan)戀。因徘徊不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)敢(gan)遽出(chu),寄廂中(zhong)者三日(ri)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“諺有(you)(you)(you)之(zhi)(zhi):‘丑婦(fu)(fu)終(zhong)須見(jian)姑嫜(zhang)。’戚戚于此,終(zhong)非久計(ji)。”乃(nai)促(cu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)入(ru)。才至(zhi)(zhi)靈寢[52],豁(huo)然(ran)(ran)頓(dun)蘇。家人(ren)驚異,進(jin)以(yi)湯水。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)乃(nai)使人(ren)要史(shi)(shi)(shi)來(lai)[53],請得(de)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)之(zhi)(zhi)尸,自(zi)言(yan)能活之(zhi)(zhi)。史(shi)(shi)(shi)喜,從其(qi)言(yan)。方(fang)舁(yu)入(ru)室,視之(zhi)(zhi)已醒。告(gao)(gao)父曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“兒已委身(shen)喬郎(lang)(lang)矣(yi)(yi)[54],更無(wu)(wu)歸理。如有(you)(you)(you)變動,但仍一(yi)死(si)!”史(shi)(shi)(shi)歸,遣婢往役給奉。王(wang)(wang)聞(wen)(wen),具詞申理。官(guan)受(shou)賂(lu),判(pan)歸王(wang)(wang)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤懣欲(yu)死(si),亦無(wu)(wu)奈之(zhi)(zhi)[55]。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)至(zhi)(zhi)王(wang)(wang)家,忿不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)飲食,惟乞速(su)死(si)。室無(wu)(wu)人(ren),則(ze)帶懸梁上。越日(ri),益憊,殆(dai)將(jiang)奄逝。王(wang)(wang)懼(ju),送(song)歸史(shi)(shi)(shi)。史(shi)(shi)(shi)復舁(yu)歸生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。王(wang)(wang)知之(zhi)(zhi),亦無(wu)(wu)如何,遂(sui)安(an)焉。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)起(qi),每念賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘,欲(yu)遣信探之(zhi)(zhi)[56],以(yi)道遠(yuan)而(er)(er)艱于往。一(yi)日(ri),家人(ren)進(jin)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“門有(you)(you)(you)車馬。”夫婦(fu)(fu)出(chu)視,則(ze)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘已至(zhi)(zhi)庭中(zhong)矣(yi)(yi)。相見(jian)悲喜。太(tai)守(shou)(shou)親(qin)詣送(song)女(nv)(nv),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)延入(ru)。太(tai)守(shou)(shou)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“小女(nv)(nv)子賴君復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),誓不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)他適(shi),今從其(qi)志。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)叩謝(xie)如禮(li)。孝廉亦至(zhi)(zhi),敘宗好(hao)焉[57]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)名年(nian),字大年(nian)。
異(yi)史氏曰:“一笑之知(zhi),許之以身,世人(ren)或議其(qi)癡;彼(bi)田(tian)橫(heng)五百人(ren)[58],豈(qi)盡愚哉!此知(zhi)希之貴(gui)[59],賢(xian)豪所以感(gan)結而不能自已也。顧茫茫海內,遂使(shi)錦繡才人(ren)[60],僅(jin)傾(qing)心于蛾(e)眉(mei)之一笑也,亦可慨矣!”
[1]晉寧(ning):州(zhou)縣(xian)名。唐置(zhi)晉寧(ning)縣(xian),元為晉寧(ning)州(zhou),明清(qing)因之。州(zhou)治在今云(yun)南省晉寧(ning)縣(xian)。
[2]偃蹇(jian):滯留困頓,謂科舉(ju)不(bu)得志(zhi)。
[3]有肝膽:忠義誠信,勇于(yu)為人盡(jin)力。
[4]契重(zhong):投合,尊重(zhong)。
[5]淹滯:困阻,久留。
[6]士林:讀(du)書人中(zhong)間。“之”字(zi)據二(er)十四卷抄(chao)本(ben)補。
[7]替:衰(shuai)敗。
[8]嬌愛:嬌養。
[9]征(zheng):征(zheng)集(ji)。題詠:題詩贊(zan)詠。
[10]“慵(yong)鬟(huan)”四句:此詩(shi)即圖題詠,大(da)意謂:閨中少(shao)女早起即于(yu)窗(chuang)前刺繡(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)。先繡(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)綠(lv)荷(he)。待(dai)繡(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)到(dao)荷(he)底鴛鴦時,不(bu)禁悵然神馳,不(bu)知不(bu)覺(jue)停下針線(xian),傷神地皺攏雙眉。因繡(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)久困倦,那(nei)髻鬟(huan)邊的(de)秀(xiu)發也(ye)不(bu)免有(you)些披拂(fu)散(san)亂(luan)。慵(yong)鬟(huan),困倦時的(de)發鬟(huan)。婆娑(suo),飄拂(fu)不(bu)整貌,蘭窗(chuang),蘭閨之(zhi)窗(chuang),少(shao)女臥室的(de)窗(chuang)戶(hu)。魂欲(yu)斷,謂魂馳神往。暗停,默(mo)(mo)默(mo)(mo)停下。
[11]挑繡(xiu):挑花和(he)刺繡(xiu);繡(xiu)花時的兩(liang)道工藝。
[12]寫生(sheng):指畫家對(dui)實(shi)物的(de)描摹(mo)。
[13]天成(cheng):天然生成(cheng)。
[14]“當年織錦(jin)”二(er)句(ju):意思是(shi),與連城(cheng)刺繡之(zhi)美相(xiang)比,當年蘇蕙(hui)把回(hui)文(wen)圖詩織在(zai)錦(jin)緞上(shang)也(ye)算不得技巧(qiao)高明,她不過僥幸取得女皇(huang)武(wu)(wu)則天(tian)的賞識罷了。據《晉(jin)書·列女·竇滔妻傳》:晉(jin)竇滔妻蘇蕙(hui),字(zi)若蘭,善屬文(wen)。滔仕前秦(qin)苻堅為秦(qin)州刺史,被徒(tu)流(liu)沙。蘇氏在(zai)家織錦(jin)為回(hui)文(wen)旋圖詩以寄。詩長八(ba)百四(si)十一字(zi),可宛轉(zhuan)循環以讀,詞甚凄(qi)惋。唐武(wu)(wu)則天(tian)為作《璇璣圖詩序》,稱其(qi)“五彩(cai)相(xiang)宣,瑩(ying)心暉(hui)目”。
[15]矯:假托。
[16]助燈火:資助喬生讀書費用。
[17]許(xu)(xu)字:許(xu)(xu)婚。鹺(cuo)(cuó矬)賈:鹽商。《禮記·曲禮》:“鹽曰咸鹺(cuo)。”
[18]佩戴(dai):佩恩(en)戴(dai)德;意(yi)思(si)是感念(nian)不忘。
[19]瘵(zhài債):癆病,即肺病。
[20]沉痼:病(bing)勢積(ji)久難醫。
[21]西域:此(ci)據(ju)二十四卷抄本(ben),底本(ben)作(zuo)“西城”。頭陀:梵文音澤,泛(fan)指一切僧眾;此(ci)特(te)指行腳乞食僧人。
[22]心頭(tou)(tou)肉(rou):習喻(yu)關系性命之物。唐(tang)聶夷中《詠田家》詩:“醫得眼前瘡,剜(wan)卻心頭(tou)(tou)肉(rou)。”此指(zhi)“膺肉(rou)”。
[23]刲(kuī虧):割。
[24]踐其言:履行自(zi)己的諾言。指(zhi)以女妻喬生(sheng)。
[25]怫(fu)(fú符)然:生氣的樣子(zi)。
[26]落:沉淪。
[27]泉下物:指(zhi)死人。謂己不久將死。
[28]土(tu)為知(zhi)已者死:《漢(han)書(shu)·司馬(ma)遷(qian)傳》報任安(an)書(shu):“士為知(zhi)己用(yong),女為悅己容。”
[29]不(bu)諧:不(bu)能成事;指不(bu)能結為夫妻。何害:何妨(fang)。
[30]矢誠自(zi)(zi)剖:發誓自(zi)(zi)明心跡(ji)。
[31]嫣(yan)(yān胭)然:形容美笑。
[32]吉期:好日(ri)子;指完婚日(ri)期。
[33]臨(lin)吊(diao)(diao):哭吊(diao)(diao)。哭死者叫臨(lin),慰問其親屬(shu)叫吊(diao)(diao)。
[34]連續:此(ci)從二(er)十(shi)四(si)卷(juan)抄本(ben),底本(ben)作“連緒”。
[35]典牘:主管文書案(an)卷。
[36]淚(lei)睫慘(can)黛:猶言愁眉淚(lei)眼。慘(can),悲傷。黛,眉。
[37]藉坐廊隅:在廊下一角,席地而坐。
[38]行:將。
[39]太守:知府(fu)、知州的古稱。明清于長沙置府(fu)。
[40]平章已確(que):商辦(ban)已妥。平章,商量處理。
[41]捧帨(shui):猶言奉中櫛、侍盥(guan)沐;意為居妾媵之(zhi)位,給役侍奉。帨(shui),佩(pei)巾,古(gu)代婦女用以擦(ca)拭不潔。《禮(li)記·內則》規(gui)定:“少事(shi)長,賤(jian)事(shi)貴”都有“盥(guan)卒授巾”的(de)禮(li)節(jie)。
[42]試(shi)妄為之:試(shi)辦一下(xia)看(kan)(kan)看(kan)(kan)。妄,姑(gu)妄。表示下(xia)循(xun)規章和沒有把握(wo)。
[43]慘怛(dá答(da)):憂傷,悲痛。
[44]愁顏(yan):此從二十四卷抄本,底本作(zuo)“愁艷”。
[45]肺(fei)腑酸柔:猶言(yan)心酸腸軟(ruan)。
[46]脫有愆尤:假若有罪責、過失。
[47]走避:此從二十(shi)四(si)卷抄本,底本作“去避”。
[48]攝(she)牒:攜帶(dai)公(gong)(gong)文。指(zhi)出公(gong)(gong)差(cha)。
[49]生(sheng)屬之(zhi):喬生(sheng)把攜(xie)帶賓娘的事囑托(tuo)兩(liang)媼。屬,同“囑”,意謂囑托(tuo)。據二(er)十四卷抄本補,底(di)本無“之(zhi)”字。
[50]惕惕:憂懼貌。
[51]嘿定:沉默定息(xi)。嘿,同(tong)默。
[52]靈寢:靈床(chuang),即(ji)停尸床(chuang)。
[53]要:邀。
[54]委(wei)身:托(tuo)身,許身。
[55]無(wu)奈(nai)之:無(wu)可奈(nai)何(he)。
[56]信:古(gu)稱使者為“信”。往偵:此從二十四卷抄本(ben),底本(ben)作(zuo)“參”。
[57]敘宗(zong)好(hao):敘同(tong)宗(zong)之族誼。孝廉與太守同(tong)姓史(shi)。
[58]“彼田橫(heng)(heng)(heng)五百人(ren)”二句:此為作者(zhe)以田橫(heng)(heng)(heng)部(bu)下五百人(ren)忠于田橫(heng)(heng)(heng),贊揚喬(qiao)生“士(shi)為知己者(zhe)死(si)”的精神(shen)。田橫(heng)(heng)(heng),秦末齊(qi)(qi)人(ren)。拒項羽,復齊(qi)(qi)地,自立為齊(qi)(qi)王。劉邦稱帝后(hou),田橫(heng)(heng)(heng)率五百士(shi)逃往海島(dao)。劉邦怕他作亂,下詔強迫他入洛陽,并答應把他封(feng)王封(feng)侯。田橫(heng)(heng)(heng)行至距洛陽三十里的尸鄉,因恥于向劉邦稱臣,與從者(zhe)皆(jie)自殺。島(dao)上五百人(ren)聞訊后(hou)也(ye)全(quan)部(bu)自殺。事見《史(shi)記·田儋列傳》等(deng)。
[59]“此(ci)知(zhi)(zhi)希之貴”二句:意謂(wei)正因(yin)知(zhi)(zhi)己難求,所以賢(xian)豪(hao)之士對知(zhi)(zhi)遇之德感(gan)結于心。知(zhi)(zhi)希之貴,語本《老子》“知(zhi)(zhi)我(wo)者希,則我(wo)者貴”,而有(you)變化。韓愈《祭田(tian)橫墓(mu)文(wen)》說:“事(shi)有(you)曠百(bai)世而相感(gan)者,余(yu)不知(zhi)(zhi)其(qi)何心;非今(jin)世之所稀,孰(shu)為(wei)使(shi)余(yu)欷而不可禁!”“賢(xian)豪(hao)感(gan)結”,蓋隱指此(ci)類感(gan)慨。
[60]錦(jin)繡才人:才學富艷、詩文(wen)精(jing)美的讀書(shu)人。此指喬生。柳宗無(wu)《乞巧文(wen)》:“駢四(si)儷六,錦(jin)心繡口。”
晉(jin)寧(ning)縣有一個(ge)姓(xing)喬的書生(sheng)(sheng),少年時(shi)就很(hen)有才氣,但二十多(duo)歲了(le)(le),依舊窮困潦倒(dao)。喬生(sheng)(sheng)為人正直,他有一個(ge)好朋友,姓(xing)顧,早年就死了(le)(le),喬生(sheng)(sheng)經常接濟他的妻(qi)子兒女。本(ben)縣縣令因(yin)為喬生(sheng)(sheng)的文章寫(xie)得好,對他很(hen)器重(zhong)。后(hou)來,縣令死在任上,家口(kou)滯留晉(jin)寧(ning),無法返(fan)回故(gu)鄉。喬生(sheng)(sheng)變賣了(le)(le)自己的家產,買了(le)(le)棺柩,往返(fan)兩千(qian)多(duo)里,把縣令的遺體連(lian)同他的家人一起送(song)回了(le)(le)家鄉。因(yin)為這件(jian)事,當(dang)時(shi)的文人們更(geng)加(jia)尊重(zhong)喬生(sheng)(sheng),但喬生(sheng)(sheng)卻因(yin)此更(geng)加(jia)貧窮了(le)(le)。
當時,一(yi)個(ge)姓史的(de)(de)(de)舉(ju)人(ren)有(you)個(ge)女(nv)(nv)兒(er)叫連城(cheng),精(jing)于刺繡(xiu),又(you)知書達禮,史舉(ju)人(ren)非(fei)常寵愛她。一(yi)次,史舉(ju)人(ren)拿(na)出一(yi)幅(fu)女(nv)(nv)兒(er)繡(xiu)的(de)(de)(de)“倦繡(xiu)圖”,征求(qiu)年輕書生(sheng)(sheng)就圖題詩(shi),意思是要借此選個(ge)有(you)才學的(de)(de)(de)好女(nv)(nv)婿(xu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)也(ye)作(zuo)了(le)一(yi)首詩(shi)獻上,這(zhe)首詩(shi)說(shuo):“慵鬟高髻綠婆娑,早向(xiang)蘭窗繡(xiu)碧(bi)荷。刺到鴛鴦魂欲斷,暗停(ting)針(zhen)線蹙雙蛾。”又(you)題了(le)一(yi)首詩(shi),專贊(zan)這(zhe)幅(fu)圖繡(xiu)得精(jing)妙:“繡(xiu)線挑來似寫生(sheng)(sheng),幅(fu)中花鳥(niao)自(zi)天成。當年織錦非(fei)長技,幸把回文感圣明。”連城(cheng)見到這(zhe)兩(liang)首詩(shi),非(fei)常喜歡(huan),便對著父親(qin)夸(kua)獎喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)才華(hua)。但父親(qin)嫌喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)太貧窮,不愿找(zhao)這(zhe)么(me)個(ge)女(nv)(nv)婿(xu)。此后,連城(cheng)逢(feng)人(ren)就夸(kua)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng),又(you)派了(le)個(ge)老媽子,假(jia)借父親(qin)的(de)(de)(de)名義贈給喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)些銀兩(liang),作(zuo)為(wei)他讀書的(de)(de)(de)費用(yong)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)感嘆地說(shuo):“連城(cheng)真是我的(de)(de)(de)知己啊!”對她一(yi)往(wang)情深(shen),如饑似渴地想念她。
不(bu)久(jiu),連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)跟一(yi)(yi)個名叫王化(hua)(hua)成的(de)(de)(de)鹽商的(de)(de)(de)兒子(zi)訂了(le)(le)(le)(le)親,喬生(sheng)(sheng)才(cai)開始絕望起來。但仍然(ran)夢魂縈繞,無時無刻不(bu)想(xiang)著連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。不(bu)長時間,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)便(bian)生(sheng)(sheng)了(le)(le)(le)(le)重病(bing),臥床不(bu)起。有(you)個從(cong)西域來的(de)(de)(de)和尚(shang),自稱能治好她(ta)(ta)的(de)(de)(de)病(bing),但必(bi)需一(yi)(yi)錢男子(zi)胸(xiong)上的(de)(de)(de)肉搗碎了(le)(le)(le)(le)配藥。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)派人(ren)(ren)去(qu)告訴王化(hua)(hua)成。王化(hua)(hua)成笑著說(shuo)(shuo):“傻老(lao)頭(tou)!想(xiang)叫我(wo)(wo)剜心(xin)(xin)頭(tou)肉嗎?”把(ba)派去(qu)的(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)又打發回(hui)來。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)便(bian)對(dui)人(ren)(ren)說(shuo)(shuo):“誰愿從(cong)自己(ji)(ji)身上割下(xia)(xia)(xia)肉救(jiu)我(wo)(wo)女兒,我(wo)(wo)便(bian)把(ba)女兒嫁給(gei)(gei)他(ta)!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)聽(ting)說(shuo)(shuo),立(li)即趕到史(shi)家,自己(ji)(ji)掏出(chu)把(ba)刀子(zi),從(cong)胸(xiong)上一(yi)(yi)刀割下(xia)(xia)(xia)片(pian)肉,交給(gei)(gei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)和尚(shang)。鮮血染(ran)紅了(le)(le)(le)(le)喬生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)衣服(fu),和尚(shang)忙給(gei)(gei)他(ta)敷(fu)上刀傷藥才(cai)止住了(le)(le)(le)(le)血。和尚(shang)用(yong)喬生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)肉和了(le)(le)(le)(le)三個藥丸,給(gei)(gei)連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)分(fen)三天服(fu)下(xia)(xia)(xia),病(bing)果(guo)然(ran)好了(le)(le)(le)(le)。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)便(bian)想(xiang)履行諾言,把(ba)連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)嫁給(gei)(gei)喬生(sheng)(sheng)。先去(qu)通知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)王化(hua)(hua)成,王化(hua)(hua)成大(da)(da)怒,要告狀打官司。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)害(hai)怕,便(bian)擺下(xia)(xia)(xia)宴席,將(jiang)喬生(sheng)(sheng)請來,然(ran)后取出(chu)一(yi)(yi)千(qian)兩銀子(zi),放在桌(zhuo)子(zi)上,說(shuo)(shuo):“辜負了(le)(le)(le)(le)您的(de)(de)(de)大(da)(da)恩大(da)(da)德(de),就用(yong)這(zhe)些銀子(zi)報(bao)(bao)(bao)答您吧!”并對(dui)喬生(sheng)(sheng)講了(le)(le)(le)(le)毀約(yue)的(de)(de)(de)緣由。喬生(sheng)(sheng)生(sheng)(sheng)氣地說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)所以不(bu)吝惜心(xin)(xin)頭(tou)肉,不(bu)過(guo)是(shi)為(wei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)報(bao)(bao)(bao)答知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)已罷了(le)(le)(le)(le),難(nan)道(dao)我(wo)(wo)是(shi)賣肉的(de)(de)(de)嗎?”說(shuo)(shuo)完,拂(fu)袖而去(qu)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)聽(ting)說(shuo)(shuo)后,心(xin)(xin)里很(hen)不(bu)忍,托老(lao)媽子(zi)去(qu)勸慰他(ta)。并說(shuo)(shuo):“以他(ta)的(de)(de)(de)才(cai)華(hua),不(bu)會久(jiu)處人(ren)(ren)下(xia)(xia)(xia)的(de)(de)(de),何愁天下(xia)(xia)(xia)沒有(you)美女?我(wo)(wo)近(jin)來做的(de)(de)(de)夢都(dou)不(bu)吉利,三年內必(bi)死,不(bu)必(bi)跟別人(ren)(ren)爭我(wo)(wo)這(zhe)個泉下(xia)(xia)(xia)之(zhi)鬼了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)告訴老(lao)媽子(zi)說(shuo)(shuo):“古人(ren)(ren)說(shuo)(shuo):‘士為(wei)知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)己(ji)(ji)者(zhe)死’。我(wo)(wo)報(bao)(bao)(bao)答她(ta)(ta)不(bu)是(shi)為(wei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)她(ta)(ta)生(sheng)(sheng)得漂亮。我(wo)(wo)真怕連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)未必(bi)真知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)我(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)心(xin)(xin),如果(guo)真知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),就是(shi)做不(bu)成夫(fu)妻又有(you)何妨(fang)呢?”老(lao)媽子(zi)忙替連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)表白了(le)(le)(le)(le)她(ta)(ta)的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)片(pian)真情。喬生(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“果(guo)然(ran)這(zhe)樣(yang),我(wo)(wo)們相逢時,她(ta)(ta)若為(wei)我(wo)(wo)笑一(yi)(yi)笑,我(wo)(wo)就死而無憾了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”
老媽子回(hui)去不幾天,喬(qiao)生偶然出去,正好遇上(shang)連城(cheng)從叔家(jia)回(hui)來。喬(qiao)生看著她,連城(cheng)也(ye)看見了他。只見她秋波送情,微(wei)微(wei)地啟齒一笑。喬(qiao)生大喜。說(shuo):“連城(cheng)真是我的(de)知(zhi)心(xin)人!”過(guo)了不久,王鹽(yan)商家(jia)來到史(shi)家(jia)商議連城(cheng)的(de)婚期。連城(cheng)聽(ting)說(shuo)后又病了,幾個月便死了。喬(qiao)生前去吊唁,痛哭一場,也(ye)死了過(guo)去,史(shi)家(jia)把他抬回(hui)家(jia)中。
喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)知道自己已(yi)經(jing)死(si)了(le)(le),也沒(mei)感到(dao)有(you)什(shen)么難過(guo)。一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個人(ren)出了(le)(le)村,還(huan)想著再(zai)見(jian)見(jian)連城(cheng)(cheng)。遠(yuan)遠(yuan)望見(jian)有(you)條(tiao)南(nan)北大路,路上的(de)行人(ren)像螞蟻一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)樣擁(yong)擠。他(ta)(ta)(ta)也走(zou)了(le)(le)過(guo)去(qu),混雜(za)在(zai)人(ren)群里(li)。一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)會(hui)兒,進入一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)座(zuo)衙(ya)門,正碰(peng)上他(ta)(ta)(ta)過(guo)去(qu)的(de)好朋友顧(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)。顧(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)看見(jian)他(ta)(ta)(ta),驚訝(ya)地(di)問(wen):“你怎(zen)么來了(le)(le)!”說著,就(jiu)拉(la)著喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)手,要送他(ta)(ta)(ta)回去(qu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)長(chang)長(chang)地(di)嘆息了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)聲,說:“我(wo)的(de)心事(shi)還(huan)沒(mei)了(le)(le)!”顧(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)說:“我(wo)在(zai)這里(li)掌管典籍,很受上司信任。有(you)用得著我(wo)的(de)地(di)方,我(wo)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)定盡力!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)向(xiang)他(ta)(ta)(ta)打聽連城(cheng)(cheng)在(zai)哪(na)兒。顧(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)領著他(ta)(ta)(ta)串了(le)(le)很多地(di)方,最后才(cai)發現連城(cheng)(cheng)和一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個穿白衣服(fu)的(de)女郎(lang),眼淚婆娑地(di)坐在(zai)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)條(tiao)走(zou)廊的(de)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)角。連城(cheng)(cheng)看見(jian)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng),急(ji)忙(mang)起(qi)身,像是(shi)喜出望外,略問(wen)了(le)(le)問(wen)他(ta)(ta)(ta)是(shi)怎(zen)么來的(de)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)說:“你死(si)了(le)(le),我(wo)怎(zen)敢偷生(sheng)(sheng)世(shi)上!”連城(cheng)(cheng)聽了(le)(le),哭(ku)著說:“我(wo)這樣一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個忘(wang)恩負(fu)義的(de)人(ren),你還(huan)不(bu)唾棄我(wo),又以(yi)身殉死(si)干什(shen)么!我(wo)今(jin)生(sheng)(sheng)今(jin)世(shi)不(bu)能跟你了(le)(le),來生(sheng)(sheng)我(wo)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)定嫁給你!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)回頭告訴(su)顧(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)說:“你有(you)事(shi)就(jiu)忙(mang)去(qu)吧,我(wo)覺(jue)得死(si)了(le)(le)很快樂,不(bu)想再(zai)活了(le)(le)。只想麻煩(fan)你代為訪(fang)查一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)下連城(cheng)(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)到(dao)什(shen)么地(di)方,我(wo)要和她一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)起(qi)去(qu)!”顧(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)答應著走(zou)了(le)(le)。
這(zhe)時(shi),那白衣女(nv)郎問連(lian)(lian)(lian)城喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)是什么(me)(me)人。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城便向她講述了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)往事。女(nv)郎聽(ting)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)像壓抑不(bu)(bu)(bu)住(zhu)心(xin)中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)悲(bei)傷(shang)(shang)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城告(gao)訴喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“這(zhe)姑(gu)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)與我(wo)同姓,小名叫賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),是長沙史太(tai)守(shou)的(de)(de)(de)女(nv)兒。我(wo)們(men)一(yi)路(lu)(lu)同來,處得很(hen)親密。”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)打量了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)打量賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),見她哀(ai)傷(shang)(shang)凄(qi)惋的(de)(de)(de)樣子,十分惹人憐愛(ai)。正想(xiang)(xiang)再問什么(me)(me),顧(gu)生(sheng)已返了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)回(hui)(hui)來,向喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)慶賀說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)給(gei)你辦(ban)妥了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le),就(jiu)讓(rang)(rang)小娘(niang)(niang)(niang)子跟你一(yi)起(qi)還(huan)陽復生(sheng),好(hao)不(bu)(bu)(bu)好(hao)?”兩人聽(ting)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le),都很(hen)喜歡。正想(xiang)(xiang)拜別顧(gu)生(sheng),賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)大哭(ku)著說(shuo)(shuo):“姐姐走(zou)(zou)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le),我(wo)去(qu)(qu)哪里?懇求您可憐可憐,救救我(wo),我(wo)就(jiu)是給(gei)您當仆(pu)人也(ye)愿(yuan)(yuan)意!”連(lian)(lian)(lian)城心(xin)里難過,想(xiang)(xiang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)出辦(ban)法,就(jiu)和喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)商量,喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)轉而(er)哀(ai)求顧(gu)生(sheng)幫(bang)忙。顧(gu)生(sheng)很(hen)為(wei)難,一(yi)口(kou)咬定說(shuo)(shuo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)好(hao)辦(ban)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)執意懇求,顧(gu)生(sheng)才無可奈何地說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)去(qu)(qu)胡亂試試看吧(ba)!”去(qu)(qu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)有(you)一(yi)頓(dun)飯的(de)(de)(de)工夫,便回(hui)(hui)來了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le),連(lian)(lian)(lian)連(lian)(lian)(lian)擺(bai)手說(shuo)(shuo):“怎(zen)么(me)(me)樣!我(wo)實在無能為(wei)力了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)聽(ting)說(shuo)(shuo),哀(ai)哀(ai)地啼哭(ku)著,依(yi)在連(lian)(lian)(lian)城的(de)(de)(de)胳膊下(xia)戀(lian)戀(lian)不(bu)(bu)(bu)舍,恐怕她馬上就(jiu)走(zou)(zou)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)。三人相對無語,一(yi)籌莫展。再看看賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)那愁苦凄(qi)傷(shang)(shang)的(de)(de)(de)樣子,真讓(rang)(rang)人心(xin)里發酸。顧(gu)生(sheng)奮然(ran)而(er)起(qi),說(shuo)(shuo):“你們(men)帶賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)一(yi)起(qi)走(zou)(zou)吧(ba)。真有(you)罪責,我(wo)豁上這(zhe)條命一(yi)人承擔(dan)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)聽(ting)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)才高興起(qi)來,跟著喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)一(yi)塊出去(qu)(qu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)擔(dan)心(xin)她一(yi)人去(qu)(qu)長沙路(lu)(lu)太(tai)遠,又沒有(you)伴。賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)想(xiang)(xiang)跟你們(men)走(zou)(zou),不(bu)(bu)(bu)愿(yuan)(yuan)回(hui)(hui)去(qu)(qu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“你太(tai)傻了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!不(bu)(bu)(bu)回(hui)(hui)去(qu)(qu),見不(bu)(bu)(bu)著你的(de)(de)(de)尸身,怎(zen)么(me)(me)能還(huan)陽呢?以后(hou)我(wo)們(men)到了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)湖(hu)南,你不(bu)(bu)(bu)躲著我(wo)們(men),我(wo)們(men)就(jiu)很(hen)榮幸了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!”正好(hao)有(you)兩個老婆婆拿(na)著勾牒要去(qu)(qu)長沙勾人,喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)便把(ba)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)托付給(gei)她們(men),然(ran)后(hou)灑淚(lei)而(er)別。
路(lu)上,連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)走(zou)不(bu)動,走(zou)一里(li)(li)多路(lu)就得(de)歇(xie)息(xi)歇(xie)息(xi)。共歇(xie)了(le)(le)十多次,才看(kan)見(jian)本村的(de)(de)(de)莊門。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“還(huan)陽(yang)后(hou)恐(kong)怕我(wo)(wo)們(men)的(de)(de)(de)事(shi)又(you)有反復。請你(ni)先去(qu)我(wo)(wo)家(jia)(jia),索要我(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)遺體,然后(hou)我(wo)(wo)在(zai)你(ni)家(jia)(jia)重生(sheng)(sheng),我(wo)(wo)父親(qin)應(ying)當不(bu)會再(zai)反悔了(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)認(ren)為(wei)很對,兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)便先去(qu)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)家(jia)(jia)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)戰戰兢兢地像走(zou)不(bu)動了(le)(le),喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)站(zhan)住,等(deng)著她。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)走(zou)到這里(li)(li),禁(jin)不(bu)住渾身(shen)發抖(dou),六神(shen)無主,真擔心我(wo)(wo)們(men)的(de)(de)(de)心愿實現不(bu)了(le)(le)!我(wo)(wo)們(men)還(huan)得(de)再(zai)好(hao)好(hao)商量商量,不(bu)然,我(wo)(wo)們(men)活(huo)了(le)(le)后(hou),可就又(you)身(shen)不(bu)由己了(le)(le)!”兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)相互攙扶著,進入一間(jian)廂房(fang)中,過(guo)了(le)(le)很久,誰(shui)也沒說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)話(hua)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)忽然笑著說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)厭(yan)惡我(wo)(wo)嗎?”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)驚(jing)訝地詢問這是(shi)什么意思(si)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)害羞(xiu)地說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“恐(kong)怕我(wo)(wo)們(men)的(de)(de)(de)事(shi)不(bu)成,那時就太(tai)辜負你(ni)了(le)(le)!請讓我(wo)(wo)先以鬼身(shen)報(bao)答(da)你(ni)吧!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)大喜,兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)極盡(jin)歡愛。因為(wei)不(bu)敢急忙還(huan)生(sheng)(sheng),兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)徘(pai)徊(huai)不(bu)決(jue),在(zai)廂房(fang)中一直呆了(le)(le)三天(tian)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“俗話(hua)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):‘丑媳婦終得(de)見(jian)公婆(po)’。老是(shi)在(zai)這里(li)(li)憂愁擔心,終究不(bu)是(shi)長久之計!”催促喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)快去(qu)還(huan)陽(yang)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)一走(zou)到靈(ling)堂,猛然蘇醒過(guo)來。家(jia)(jia)人(ren)(ren)非(fei)常(chang)驚(jing)異,給他(ta)喝了(le)(le)些湯水。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)便派人(ren)(ren)去(qu)請史舉人(ren)(ren)來,請求得(de)到連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)尸身(shen),說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)自己能讓她復活(huo)。史舉人(ren)(ren)大喜,聽從(cong)了(le)(le)他(ta)的(de)(de)(de)話(hua)。剛(gang)把(ba)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)抬進喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)家(jia)(jia),一看(kan),連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)果然也已(yi)(yi)活(huo)了(le)(le)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)告訴父親(qin)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“女兒已(yi)(yi)把(ba)自己許給喬(qiao)(qiao)郎(lang)了(le)(le),再(zai)沒回去(qu)的(de)(de)(de)道理。父親(qin)如不(bu)允,我(wo)(wo)只有再(zai)死(si)!”
史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)回了(le)(le)家(jia),便派(pai)了(le)(le)奴婢去喬(qiao)家(jia)供女兒使喚。王(wang)(wang)化成(cheng)(cheng)聽說后(hou)(hou)立即寫了(le)(le)狀子(zi)告到官府(fu)。官府(fu)受(shou)了(le)(le)王(wang)(wang)家(jia)的賄賂,將連城(cheng)又(you)判給(gei)了(le)(le)王(wang)(wang)化成(cheng)(cheng)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)憤懣不堪,直想死去,但(dan)終究(jiu)還是無可奈何(he)。連城(cheng)到了(le)(le)王(wang)(wang)家(jia),氣憤憤地不吃飯(fan),只(zhi)(zhi)求(qiu)快(kuai)死。看(kan)(kan)屋里沒人(ren)(ren),便把(ba)帶子(zi)懸到房梁上(shang)上(shang)了(le)(le)吊,被(bei)人(ren)(ren)救下(xia)后(hou)(hou)。隔了(le)(le)一天(tian),病得(de)越(yue)重(zhong),眼看(kan)(kan)就要死了(le)(le)。王(wang)(wang)化成(cheng)(cheng)害怕,把(ba)她送(song)回了(le)(le)娘(niang)家(jia)。史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)又(you)把(ba)她抬到喬(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia)。王(wang)(wang)化成(cheng)(cheng)聽說后(hou)(hou),也沒有辦法,只(zhi)(zhi)得(de)作罷了(le)(le)。
連(lian)城病好(hao)(hao)后(hou),常(chang)常(chang)思念(nian)賓娘。想(xiang)派(pai)個人捎信去,就(jiu)便(bian)探望她(ta)。因(yin)為路(lu)太(tai)遠,很難前去。一(yi)天(tian),家人忽然(ran)進來(lai)稟報說(shuo)(shuo):“門外來(lai)了(le)好(hao)(hao)些車馬。”喬(qiao)生(sheng)夫婦(fu)迎(ying)出(chu)屋門一(yi)看,見賓娘已(yi)在(zai)院子(zi)里(li)了(le)。三人相見,悲(bei)喜交集。史(shi)太(tai)守(shou)親自(zi)把女兒送來(lai)了(le)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)將(jiang)他(ta)請進屋里(li),史(shi)太(tai)守(shou)說(shuo)(shuo):“我女兒多(duo)虧你(ni)才能復生(sheng),她(ta)立誓不(bu)嫁別(bie)人,現在(zai)我聽從(cong)了(le)她(ta)的意愿!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)忙叩頭拜謝(xie)。史(shi)舉人也來(lai)了(le),還跟(gen)史(shi)太(tai)守(shou)敘上了(le)同宗。喬(qiao)生(sheng)名年(nian),字大(da)年(nian)。
異史氏說:嫣然一(yi)笑的(de)相知(zhi),于(yu)是以身相許,世上有(you)人(ren)會說他(ta)癡(chi),那田(tian)橫五百壯士,難道都(dou)是愚夫嗎!這(zhe)是因(yin)為“知(zhi)遇”的(de)稀奇和(he)珍貴,所以賢(xian)人(ren)豪杰(jie)感恩戴德而不(bu)能自已(yi)。看茫茫四海之內,(因(yin)無知(zhi)己之人(ren))所以使得錦繡人(ren)才(cai),只能傾(qing)心于(yu)蛾眉一(yi)笑,真(zhen)是可悲啊!
蒲(pu)松(song)齡(ling)(1640-1715),清代杰出(chu)(chu)的(de)文學家,字留仙,一(yi)(yi)(yi)字劍臣(chen),別號(hao)柳泉居士,世稱聊齋(zhai)(zhai)先生(sheng)(sheng),山(shan)(shan)東(dong)(dong)淄川(今(jin)山(shan)(shan)東(dong)(dong)淄博市(shi))人(ren)。他(ta)出(chu)(chu)身于(yu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)沒落的(de)地主家庭,父親蒲(pu)槃(pan)原(yuan)是一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)讀(du)書人(ren),因在科舉(ju)上不得志,便(bian)棄(qi)儒(ru)經(jing)商(shang),曾(ceng)積累了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)筆可觀的(de)財產。等(deng)到蒲(pu)松(song)齡(ling)成(cheng)年(nian)時(shi)(shi),家境(jing)早已(yi)衰落,生(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)十分貧困。蒲(pu)松(song)齡(ling)一(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)熱衷功名,醉心科舉(ju),但他(ta)除了(le)(le)十九歲(sui)時(shi)(shi)應(ying)童子試曾(ceng)連(lian)續考中縣、府、道(dao)三個(ge)第一(yi)(yi)(yi),補(bu)博士弟子員外(wai)(wai),以后屢受挫折(zhe),一(yi)(yi)(yi)直郁郁不得志。他(ta)一(yi)(yi)(yi)面教書,一(yi)(yi)(yi)面應(ying)考了(le)(le)四十年(nian),到七(qi)十一(yi)(yi)(yi)歲(sui)時(shi)(shi)才援例出(chu)(chu)貢,補(bu)了(le)(le)個(ge)歲(sui)貢生(sheng)(sheng),四年(nian)后便(bian)死去了(le)(le)。一(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)中的(de)坎坷遭(zao)遇使蒲(pu)松(song)齡(ling)對(dui)當時(shi)(shi)政治的(de)黑暗和(he)科舉(ju)的(de)弊(bi)端(duan)有了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)定的(de)認識,生(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)的(de)貧困使他(ta)對(dui)廣大勞(lao)動(dong)人(ren)民的(de)生(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)和(he)思想有了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)定的(de)了(le)(le)解和(he)體(ti)會(hui)。因此(ci),他(ta)以自己(ji)的(de)切身感(gan)受寫了(le)(le)不少(shao)著作,今(jin)存除《聊齋(zhai)(zhai)志異》外(wai)(wai),還有《聊齋(zhai)(zhai)文集》和(he)《詩集》等(deng)。