喬生,晉寧人[1]。少負才名。年二(er)十余,猶淹蹇[2]。為人有肝膽(dan)[3]。與顧生善;顧卒,時恤(xu)其(qi)妻子。邑宰(zai)以文相契重(zhong)(zhong)[4];宰(zai)終于任(ren),家(jia)口淹滯,不能歸[5],生破產扶柩,往返二(er)千余里。以故士林益重(zhong)(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[6],而(er)家(jia)由此益替[7]。史孝(xiao)廉有女(nv),字連城(cheng)(cheng),工刺(ci)繡,知書。父嬌愛之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[8]。出所刺(ci)“倦繡圖”,征少年題詠(yong)[9],意在擇婿(xu)。生獻詩(shi)云:“慵鬟高(gao)髻綠婆娑[10],早向蘭窗繡碧荷;刺(ci)到鴛鴦(yang)魂欲斷,暗停(ting)針線(xian)蹙(cu)雙蛾。”又(you)(you)贊(zan)挑(tiao)繡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)工云[11]:“繡線(xian)挑(tiao)來似寫(xie)生[12],幅(fu)中花鳥自天成[13];當年織錦非長技,幸把回文感圣明[14]。”女(nv)得詩(shi)喜,對(dui)父稱賞(shang)。父貧之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)逢(feng)人輒稱道;又(you)(you)遣媼矯父命(ming)[15],贈金以助燈火[16]。生嘆曰(yue):“連城(cheng)(cheng)我知己(ji)也!”傾懷結想,如渴思啖。
無何,女(nv)許字(zi)于鹺(cuo)賈之(zhi)子(zi)王化(hua)成[17],生(sheng)(sheng)始絕望(wang);然(ran)夢魂(hun)中(zhong)猶佩戴之(zhi)[18]。未幾,女(nv)病瘵(zhai)[19],沉痼不(bu)(bu)起[20]。有西域頭陀[21],自(zi)謂能療(liao);但須(xu)男(nan)子(zi)膺(ying)(ying)肉(rou)(rou)一錢,搗合藥(yao)屑。史(shi)使人(ren)詣(yi)王家告(gao)婿。婿笑(xiao)曰(yue):“癡老翁(weng),欲我(wo)(wo)(wo)剜心頭肉(rou)(rou)也(ye)[22]!”使返。史(shi)乃(nai)言(yan)于人(ren)曰(yue):“有能割肉(rou)(rou)者妻之(zhi)。”生(sheng)(sheng)聞而(er)往,自(zi)出白刃,刲(kui)膺(ying)(ying)授僧(seng)[23]。血濡袍褲,僧(seng)敷(fu)藥(yao)始止。合藥(yao)三丸。三日服盡(jin),疾若失。史(shi)將踐其言(yan)[24],先告(gao)王。王怒(nu),欲訟官(guan)。史(shi)乃(nai)設(she)筵招(zhao)生(sheng)(sheng),以(yi)(yi)千金列(lie)幾上,曰(yue):“重負大(da)德,請以(yi)(yi)相報(bao)。”因具白背盟(meng)之(zhi)由(you)。生(sheng)(sheng)怫然(ran)曰(yue)[25]:“仆所以(yi)(yi)不(bu)(bu)愛(ai)膺(ying)(ying)肉(rou)(rou)者,聊以(yi)(yi)報(bao)知己耳,豈貨肉(rou)(rou)哉!”拂袖而(er)歸。女(nv)聞之(zhi),意良(liang)不(bu)(bu)忍,托媼(ao)慰諭之(zhi)。且(qie)云:“以(yi)(yi)彼才華,當不(bu)(bu)久落[26]。天下何患無佳人(ren)?我(wo)(wo)(wo)夢不(bu)(bu)祥,三年必死,不(bu)(bu)必與人(ren)爭此(ci)泉(quan)下物也(ye)[27]。”生(sheng)(sheng)告(gao)媼(ao)曰(yue):“‘士(shi)為知己者死’[28],不(bu)(bu)以(yi)(yi)色也(ye)。誠(cheng)恐連城未必真知我(wo)(wo)(wo),但得真知我(wo)(wo)(wo),不(bu)(bu)諧何害(hai)[29]?”媼(ao)代女(nv)郎(lang)矢誠(cheng)自(zi)剖[30]。生(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue):“果爾,相逢時當為我(wo)(wo)(wo)一笑(xiao),死無憾!”媼(ao)既去,逾(yu)數日,生(sheng)(sheng)偶出,遇女(nv)自(zi)叔(shu)氏歸,睨之(zhi)。女(nv)秋波轉顧,啟齒嫣然(ran)[31]。生(sheng)(sheng)大(da)喜曰(yue):“連城真知我(wo)(wo)(wo)者!”會王氏來(lai)議(yi)吉(ji)期(qi)[32],女(nv)前(qian)癥又作,數月尋卒。生(sheng)(sheng)往臨吊[33],一痛而(er)絕。史(shi)舁送其家。
生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)自(zi)(zi)知(zhi)已(yi)死,亦無(wu)(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)戚。出村去(qu),猶(you)冀一(yi)(yi)(yi)見(jian)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。遙望(wang)南北一(yi)(yi)(yi)道(dao),行人(ren)(ren)(ren)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)緒如(ru)蟻[34],因亦混身(shen)(shen)雜(za)跡其(qi)中(zhong)。俄頃,入一(yi)(yi)(yi)廨署,值顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),驚問(wen):“君(jun)(jun)何(he)(he)(he)得(de)(de)來?”即把手將(jiang)送(song)令歸(gui)(gui)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太息(xi)言(yan)(yan):“心事(shi)殊未了。”顧(gu)曰(yue)(yue):“仆在此(ci)典(dian)牘[35],頗得(de)(de)委(wei)任。倘可效(xiao)力,不(bu)(bu)(bu)惜(xi)也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)問(wen)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。顧(gu)即導生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)旋轉多所(suo)(suo),見(jian)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)與一(yi)(yi)(yi)白(bai)衣(yi)女(nv)郎,淚(lei)睫慘黛(dai)[36],藉坐廊隅(yu)[37]。見(jian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)至,驟(zou)起似(si)喜(xi),略問(wen)所(suo)(suo)來。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue):“卿死,仆何(he)(he)(he)敢生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)!”連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)泣曰(yue)(yue):“如(ru)此(ci)負(fu)義人(ren)(ren)(ren),尚不(bu)(bu)(bu)吐(tu)棄(qi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),身(shen)(shen)殉何(he)(he)(he)為(wei)(wei)?然(ran)(ran)已(yi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能許(xu)君(jun)(jun)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),愿矢(shi)來世耳(er)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告顧(gu)曰(yue)(yue):“有(you)事(shi)君(jun)(jun)自(zi)(zi)去(qu),仆樂死不(bu)(bu)(bu)愿生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)矣(yi)(yi)。但煩稽連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)(he)(he)里(li),行與俱去(qu)耳(er)[38]。”顧(gu)諾(nuo)而(er)(er)去(qu)。白(bai)衣(yi)女(nv)郎問(wen)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)(he)(he)人(ren)(ren)(ren),連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)(wei)緬述之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)郎聞(wen)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),若不(bu)(bu)(bu)勝悲。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)告生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue):“此(ci)妾(qie)(qie)(qie)同(tong)姓,小字賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang),長沙(sha)史(shi)太守(shou)(shou)(shou)女(nv)[39]。一(yi)(yi)(yi)路同(tong)來,遂(sui)相憐(lian)愛。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)視之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),意態憐(lian)人(ren)(ren)(ren)。方欲研問(wen),而(er)(er)顧(gu)已(yi)反,向生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)賀曰(yue)(yue):“我(wo)為(wei)(wei)君(jun)(jun)平章(zhang)已(yi)確[40],即教小娘(niang)(niang)子(zi)從君(jun)(jun)返魂(hun),好否(fou)?”兩人(ren)(ren)(ren)各(ge)喜(xi)。方將(jiang)拜(bai)別,賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)大哭(ku)曰(yue)(yue):“姊去(qu),我(wo)安歸(gui)(gui)?乞垂憐(lian)救,妾(qie)(qie)(qie)為(wei)(wei)姊捧帨(shui)耳(er)[41]。”連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)凄然(ran)(ran),無(wu)(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)為(wei)(wei)計,轉謀生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)又(you)哀(ai)顧(gu)。顧(gu)難之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),峻辭以為(wei)(wei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)可。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)固強之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。乃(nai)曰(yue)(yue):“試妄為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[42]。”去(qu)食頃而(er)(er)返,搖手曰(yue)(yue):“何(he)(he)(he)如(ru)!誠萬分不(bu)(bu)(bu)能為(wei)(wei)力矣(yi)(yi)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)聞(wen)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),宛轉嬌啼,惟依連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)肘下,恐其(qi)即去(qu)。慘怛無(wu)(wu)(wu)術[43],相對默(mo)默(mo);而(er)(er)睹其(qi)愁(chou)顏(yan)戚容(rong)[44],使人(ren)(ren)(ren)肺(fei)腑酸(suan)柔[45]。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤然(ran)(ran)曰(yue)(yue):“請攜賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)去(qu)。脫(tuo)有(you)愆尤[46],小生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)拚身(shen)(shen)受之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)乃(nai)喜(xi),從生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)出。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憂其(qi)道(dao)遠無(wu)(wu)(wu)侶。賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)曰(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)(qie)(qie)從君(jun)(jun)去(qu),不(bu)(bu)(bu)愿歸(gui)(gui)也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue):“卿大癡矣(yi)(yi)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)歸(gui)(gui),何(he)(he)(he)以得(de)(de)活(huo)也(ye)?他日(ri)(ri)至湖南,勿復走避[47],為(wei)(wei)幸(xing)多矣(yi)(yi)。”適有(you)兩媼(ao)攝牒赴長沙(sha)[48],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)屬(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[49],賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)泣別而(er)(er)去(qu)。途中(zhong),連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)行蹇緩,里(li)余(yu)輒(zhe)一(yi)(yi)(yi)息(xi);凡十余(yu)息(xi),始見(jian)里(li)門。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰(yue)(yue):“重生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后,懼有(you)反覆。請索妾(qie)(qie)(qie)骸骨來,妾(qie)(qie)(qie)以君(jun)(jun)家(jia)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),當無(wu)(wu)(wu)悔(hui)也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)然(ran)(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。偕歸(gui)(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家(jia)。女(nv)惕惕若不(bu)(bu)(bu)能步[50],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)佇待之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)曰(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)(qie)(qie)至此(ci),四肢搖搖,似(si)無(wu)(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)主(zhu)。志恐不(bu)(bu)(bu)遂(sui),尚宜審謀;不(bu)(bu)(bu)然(ran)(ran),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后何(he)(he)(he)能自(zi)(zi)由?”相將(jiang)入側廂中(zhong)。默(mo)定少(shao)時[51],連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)笑(xiao)曰(yue)(yue):“君(jun)(jun)憎妾(qie)(qie)(qie)耶?”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚問(wen)其(qi)故。赧然(ran)(ran)曰(yue)(yue):“恐事(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)諧,重負(fu)君(jun)(jun)矣(yi)(yi)。請先以魂(hun)報也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)喜(xi),極盡(jin)歡戀。因徘徊不(bu)(bu)(bu)敢遽(ju)出,寄廂中(zhong)者(zhe)三(san)日(ri)(ri)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰(yue)(yue):“諺有(you)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):‘丑婦(fu)(fu)終須見(jian)姑(gu)嫜。’戚戚于(yu)此(ci),終非久計。”乃(nai)促生(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)(ren)(ren)驚異,進(jin)以湯(tang)水。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)乃(nai)使人(ren)(ren)(ren)要史(shi)來[53],請得(de)(de)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)尸,自(zi)(zi)言(yan)(yan)能活(huo)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。史(shi)喜(xi),從其(qi)言(yan)(yan)。方舁(yu)入室(shi),視之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)已(yi)醒。告父曰(yue)(yue):“兒(er)已(yi)委(wei)身(shen)(shen)喬(qiao)郎矣(yi)(yi)[54],更(geng)無(wu)(wu)(wu)歸(gui)(gui)理。如(ru)有(you)變(bian)動,但仍一(yi)(yi)(yi)死!”史(shi)歸(gui)(gui),遣(qian)婢往役給奉。王(wang)(wang)(wang)聞(wen),具詞申理。官(guan)受賂,判歸(gui)(gui)王(wang)(wang)(wang)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤懣欲死,亦無(wu)(wu)(wu)奈之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[55]。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)至王(wang)(wang)(wang)家(jia),忿(fen)不(bu)(bu)(bu)飲食,惟乞速死。室(shi)無(wu)(wu)(wu)人(ren)(ren)(ren),則(ze)帶(dai)懸梁上(shang)。越日(ri)(ri),益憊(bei),殆將(jiang)奄逝(shi)。王(wang)(wang)(wang)懼,送(song)歸(gui)(gui)史(shi)。史(shi)復舁(yu)歸(gui)(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。王(wang)(wang)(wang)知(zhi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),亦無(wu)(wu)(wu)如(ru)何(he)(he)(he),遂(sui)安焉。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)起,每念賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang),欲遣(qian)信(xin)探之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[56],以道(dao)遠而(er)(er)艱于(yu)往。一(yi)(yi)(yi)日(ri)(ri),家(jia)人(ren)(ren)(ren)進(jin)曰(yue)(yue):“門有(you)車馬。”夫婦(fu)(fu)出視,則(ze)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)已(yi)至庭中(zhong)矣(yi)(yi)。相見(jian)悲喜(xi)。太守(shou)(shou)(shou)親詣送(song)女(nv),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)延入。太守(shou)(shou)(shou)曰(yue)(yue):“小女(nv)子(zi)賴君(jun)(jun)復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),誓不(bu)(bu)(bu)他適,今從其(qi)志。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)叩謝(xie)如(ru)禮。孝廉亦至,敘宗好焉[57]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)名年,字大年。
異史氏曰:“一(yi)笑之(zhi)知,許之(zhi)以身(shen),世人或議其(qi)癡;彼(bi)田(tian)橫五(wu)百人[58],豈盡愚哉!此知希之(zhi)貴[59],賢豪所(suo)以感結而不能自已也(ye)。顧茫茫海內,遂使錦(jin)繡才人[60],僅傾心于蛾眉之(zhi)一(yi)笑也(ye),亦可慨矣!”
[1]晉(jin)寧:州(zhou)縣名。唐置晉(jin)寧縣,元為晉(jin)寧州(zhou),明(ming)清因之。州(zhou)治在今云(yun)南省(sheng)晉(jin)寧縣。
[2]偃蹇:滯留困頓,謂科舉不得(de)志。
[3]有肝膽:忠義誠信,勇于為人盡力。
[4]契(qi)重:投合,尊重。
[5]淹滯:困阻,久留。
[6]士林:讀書人(ren)中間。“之”字據二十四卷抄本補。
[7]替(ti):衰敗。
[8]嬌(jiao)愛:嬌(jiao)養(yang)。
[9]征:征集(ji)。題詠(yong):題詩贊詠(yong)。
[10]“慵鬟”四句:此詩(shi)即圖題詠,大意謂(wei):閨中(zhong)少女早起即于(yu)窗(chuang)前刺繡。先繡綠荷。待繡到荷底鴛鴦(yang)時,不(bu)禁悵(chang)然神(shen)(shen)馳(chi),不(bu)知不(bu)覺停下(xia)針(zhen)線,傷(shang)神(shen)(shen)地皺(zhou)攏雙(shuang)眉。因繡久困倦,那髻(ji)鬟邊的秀發也不(bu)免有些披拂(fu)散亂。慵鬟,困倦時的發鬟。婆(po)娑,飄(piao)拂(fu)不(bu)整貌,蘭窗(chuang),蘭閨之窗(chuang),少女臥(wo)室的窗(chuang)戶。魂(hun)欲斷,謂(wei)魂(hun)馳(chi)神(shen)(shen)往(wang)。暗停,默默停下(xia)。
[11]挑繡:挑花和刺繡;繡花時的兩(liang)道工(gong)藝。
[12]寫生(sheng):指畫家(jia)對實物(wu)的描摹。
[13]天(tian)成:天(tian)然生(sheng)成。
[14]“當年織(zhi)錦(jin)”二句:意(yi)思是,與(yu)連城刺繡(xiu)之美(mei)相比,當年蘇蕙(hui)把回(hui)文圖詩(shi)織(zhi)在錦(jin)緞上也算不得(de)技巧高明,她不過僥幸(xing)取得(de)女皇武則(ze)天(tian)的賞識罷(ba)了(le)。據《晉(jin)(jin)書·列女·竇滔妻傳(chuan)》:晉(jin)(jin)竇滔妻蘇蕙(hui),字若蘭(lan),善屬文。滔仕前秦苻堅為(wei)秦州刺史,被徒流(liu)沙。蘇氏在家(jia)織(zhi)錦(jin)為(wei)回(hui)文旋圖詩(shi)以(yi)寄(ji)。詩(shi)長八百(bai)四十一字,可(ke)宛轉循環以(yi)讀,詞甚凄惋。唐武則(ze)天(tian)為(wei)作《璇璣(ji)圖詩(shi)序》,稱(cheng)其“五彩相宣,瑩心暉目”。
[15]矯:假托。
[16]助燈火:資助喬(qiao)生讀書費用。
[17]許(xu)字:許(xu)婚(hun)。鹺(cuó矬)賈:鹽(yan)商。《禮(li)記·曲(qu)禮(li)》:“鹽(yan)曰咸鹺。”
[18]佩(pei)戴:佩(pei)恩戴德;意思(si)是感念不忘。
[19]瘵(zhai)(zhài債):癆病,即肺病。
[20]沉痼:病(bing)勢(shi)積久難醫。
[21]西(xi)域(yu):此據(ju)二十四卷抄(chao)本,底本作“西(xi)城(cheng)”。頭陀:梵文音(yin)澤,泛指(zhi)一切僧眾;此特指(zhi)行腳乞食僧人(ren)。
[22]心(xin)頭肉(rou):習喻關系性命(ming)之(zhi)物。唐聶夷中(zhong)《詠田家》詩:“醫得(de)眼(yan)前瘡,剜卻(que)心(xin)頭肉(rou)。”此指“膺肉(rou)”。
[23]刲(kuī虧):割。
[24]踐其言(yan):履行自(zi)己(ji)的諾言(yan)。指以(yi)女妻喬生。
[25]怫(fú符)然(ran):生(sheng)氣的(de)樣子。
[26]落:沉淪。
[27]泉下物:指死人(ren)。謂己不久將死。
[28]土為(wei)知已(yi)者死:《漢書·司(si)馬遷傳》報任安書:“士為(wei)知己用,女為(wei)悅己容。”
[29]不(bu)諧:不(bu)能成事(shi);指不(bu)能結(jie)為夫(fu)妻。何害:何妨(fang)。
[30]矢誠自(zi)剖(pou):發誓自(zi)明心跡。
[31]嫣(yān胭)然:形容美笑(xiao)。
[32]吉期(qi):好日子;指完婚日期(qi)。
[33]臨吊(diao):哭吊(diao)。哭死(si)者叫(jiao)臨,慰問其親(qin)屬叫(jiao)吊(diao)。
[34]連續:此(ci)從二十四卷抄(chao)本(ben),底本(ben)作“連緒”。
[35]典牘:主管文書案卷。
[36]淚睫(jie)慘黛:猶言愁眉淚眼。慘,悲傷。黛,眉。
[37]藉坐(zuo)(zuo)廊隅:在廊下一角,席地而(er)坐(zuo)(zuo)。
[38]行:將。
[39]太守:知府(fu)、知州的古稱。明(ming)清于長沙(sha)置府(fu)。
[40]平(ping)章已確:商辦已妥。平(ping)章,商量(liang)處(chu)理。
[41]捧帨(shui):猶言奉中櫛、侍盥(guan)沐;意(yi)為居(ju)妾(qie)媵之位,給役侍奉。帨(shui),佩巾,古代婦女用以擦(ca)拭不潔。《禮記·內則》規定:“少事長,賤事貴”都有“盥(guan)卒授巾”的禮節。
[42]試(shi)妄為(wei)之(zhi):試(shi)辦一下看看。妄,姑妄。表示下循規章和沒有把握。
[43]慘怛(dá答):憂傷(shang),悲痛。
[44]愁(chou)顏:此從二十四卷抄本,底(di)本作“愁(chou)艷”。
[45]肺腑酸(suan)柔:猶(you)言(yan)心酸(suan)腸(chang)軟。
[46]脫有愆尤(you):假若有罪責、過失。
[47]走避:此從二十四卷(juan)抄本,底本作(zuo)“去避”。
[48]攝(she)牒:攜帶公文。指出公差。
[49]生(sheng)屬之:喬生(sheng)把(ba)攜帶(dai)賓娘的事囑托兩媼。屬,同“囑”,意(yi)謂(wei)囑托。據二十(shi)四(si)卷抄本補,底本無“之”字。
[50]惕惕:憂懼貌。
[51]嘿(hei)定(ding):沉默(mo)定(ding)息。嘿(hei),同(tong)默(mo)。
[52]靈寢(qin):靈床(chuang),即(ji)停尸(shi)床(chuang)。
[53]要(yao):邀。
[54]委(wei)身(shen):托身(shen),許身(shen)。
[55]無奈(nai)之:無可奈(nai)何(he)。
[56]信:古稱(cheng)使者為(wei)“信”。往(wang)偵:此從(cong)二十(shi)四卷(juan)抄本(ben),底本(ben)作“參”。
[57]敘(xu)宗(zong)好:敘(xu)同宗(zong)之族誼。孝廉與(yu)太(tai)守同姓(xing)史(shi)。
[58]“彼田橫(heng)(heng)五(wu)百(bai)人(ren)(ren)”二句:此為(wei)(wei)作者以田橫(heng)(heng)部下(xia)五(wu)百(bai)人(ren)(ren)忠于田橫(heng)(heng),贊揚喬生“士為(wei)(wei)知己者死”的精神。田橫(heng)(heng),秦末齊人(ren)(ren)。拒項(xiang)羽,復齊地,自立為(wei)(wei)齊王(wang)。劉(liu)邦(bang)稱(cheng)帝后,田橫(heng)(heng)率五(wu)百(bai)士逃往海島。劉(liu)邦(bang)怕他作亂,下(xia)詔強迫他入洛(luo)陽,并答應把他封(feng)(feng)王(wang)封(feng)(feng)侯。田橫(heng)(heng)行(xing)至距洛(luo)陽三(san)十里的尸鄉,因恥于向劉(liu)邦(bang)稱(cheng)臣,與從者皆(jie)自殺(sha)。島上五(wu)百(bai)人(ren)(ren)聞訊后也(ye)全部自殺(sha)。事見《史(shi)記·田儋列傳(chuan)》等。
[59]“此知希(xi)之(zhi)貴”二句(ju):意謂正因知己難求,所(suo)以賢(xian)(xian)豪之(zhi)士(shi)對知遇(yu)之(zhi)德感(gan)(gan)結于心(xin)(xin)。知希(xi)之(zhi)貴,語本《老子(zi)》“知我者希(xi),則我者貴”,而(er)有變化。韓愈《祭田橫墓文》說(shuo):“事有曠百世(shi)而(er)相感(gan)(gan)者,余不知其何心(xin)(xin);非今世(shi)之(zhi)所(suo)稀,孰(shu)為使余欷而(er)不可禁!”“賢(xian)(xian)豪感(gan)(gan)結”,蓋隱指此類(lei)感(gan)(gan)慨。
[60]錦繡(xiu)才(cai)人(ren):才(cai)學富艷、詩文(wen)精美的(de)讀書人(ren)。此(ci)指(zhi)喬生(sheng)。柳(liu)宗無《乞(qi)巧文(wen)》:“駢四儷六,錦心繡(xiu)口。”
晉寧縣(xian)(xian)有一(yi)個姓(xing)喬的(de)書生(sheng),少年(nian)時(shi)就(jiu)很(hen)有才氣,但二十多歲了(le),依舊窮困潦倒。喬生(sheng)為人正(zheng)直,他有一(yi)個好朋友(you),姓(xing)顧,早年(nian)就(jiu)死了(le),喬生(sheng)經常(chang)接濟(ji)他的(de)妻子(zi)兒女。本縣(xian)(xian)縣(xian)(xian)令因(yin)為喬生(sheng)的(de)文(wen)章寫得好,對他很(hen)器重。后(hou)來,縣(xian)(xian)令死在任上,家(jia)口滯留晉寧,無法返(fan)回(hui)故鄉。喬生(sheng)變賣了(le)自己的(de)家(jia)產,買(mai)了(le)棺(guan)柩,往返(fan)兩千多里,把縣(xian)(xian)令的(de)遺體連同他的(de)家(jia)人一(yi)起送(song)回(hui)了(le)家(jia)鄉。因(yin)為這件事,當(dang)時(shi)的(de)文(wen)人們更(geng)加尊重喬生(sheng),但喬生(sheng)卻因(yin)此更(geng)加貧窮了(le)。
當(dang)(dang)時,一(yi)個(ge)姓史(shi)(shi)的(de)舉(ju)人有個(ge)女(nv)兒叫連(lian)(lian)城,精于刺(ci)繡(xiu)(xiu),又(you)知(zhi)書(shu)達(da)禮,史(shi)(shi)舉(ju)人非(fei)(fei)常(chang)寵愛(ai)她。一(yi)次,史(shi)(shi)舉(ju)人拿出一(yi)幅(fu)女(nv)兒繡(xiu)(xiu)的(de)“倦(juan)繡(xiu)(xiu)圖”,征求年(nian)輕書(shu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)就(jiu)(jiu)圖題(ti)詩,意思是要借(jie)此(ci)選(xuan)個(ge)有才學的(de)好(hao)女(nv)婿。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)也作了一(yi)首(shou)(shou)詩獻(xian)上(shang),這(zhe)(zhe)首(shou)(shou)詩說:“慵(yong)鬟高髻綠(lv)婆娑,早向蘭窗繡(xiu)(xiu)碧荷。刺(ci)到鴛鴦魂欲斷(duan),暗停針線(xian)蹙雙蛾(e)。”又(you)題(ti)了一(yi)首(shou)(shou)詩,專贊(zan)這(zhe)(zhe)幅(fu)圖繡(xiu)(xiu)得精妙:“繡(xiu)(xiu)線(xian)挑來似(si)寫生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),幅(fu)中花鳥自天成。當(dang)(dang)年(nian)織錦非(fei)(fei)長技,幸把回文感圣(sheng)明。”連(lian)(lian)城見到這(zhe)(zhe)兩首(shou)(shou)詩,非(fei)(fei)常(chang)喜歡,便對著父親(qin)(qin)夸獎喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)才華。但(dan)父親(qin)(qin)嫌(xian)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太貧窮,不愿找這(zhe)(zhe)么個(ge)女(nv)婿。此(ci)后,連(lian)(lian)城逢人就(jiu)(jiu)夸喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),又(you)派(pai)了個(ge)老媽(ma)子,假借(jie)父親(qin)(qin)的(de)名義贈給喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)些銀兩,作為他讀書(shu)的(de)費用。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)感嘆地(di)說:“連(lian)(lian)城真是我的(de)知(zhi)己啊!”對她一(yi)往情深,如饑(ji)似(si)渴地(di)想念她。
不(bu)(bu)久(jiu),連城(cheng)(cheng)跟(gen)一(yi)個(ge)名(ming)叫王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)鹽商的(de)(de)(de)兒子(zi)訂(ding)了(le)親,喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)才開始絕望起來(lai)。但(dan)仍然夢(meng)(meng)魂縈繞,無(wu)時無(wu)刻(ke)不(bu)(bu)想著(zhu)連城(cheng)(cheng)。不(bu)(bu)長時間,連城(cheng)(cheng)便生(sheng)(sheng)了(le)重病,臥(wo)床不(bu)(bu)起。有個(ge)從西(xi)域(yu)來(lai)的(de)(de)(de)和尚(shang),自(zi)稱能治(zhi)好(hao)她的(de)(de)(de)病,但(dan)必(bi)需一(yi)錢男子(zi)胸上的(de)(de)(de)肉搗碎(sui)了(le)配藥。史(shi)舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)派(pai)人(ren)去(qu)告訴(su)王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)。王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)笑(xiao)著(zhu)說(shuo)(shuo):“傻老頭(tou)!想叫我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)剜心(xin)頭(tou)肉嗎?”把派(pai)去(qu)的(de)(de)(de)人(ren)又打發(fa)回來(lai)。史(shi)舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)便對人(ren)說(shuo)(shuo):“誰愿從自(zi)己身上割(ge)下(xia)(xia)(xia)(xia)肉救(jiu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)女(nv)兒,我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)便把女(nv)兒嫁給他!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)聽說(shuo)(shuo),立(li)即(ji)趕到史(shi)家,自(zi)己掏出把刀子(zi),從胸上一(yi)刀割(ge)下(xia)(xia)(xia)(xia)片肉,交給了(le)和尚(shang)。鮮血染紅了(le)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)衣(yi)服,和尚(shang)忙給他敷上刀傷藥才止(zhi)住了(le)血。和尚(shang)用(yong)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)肉和了(le)三(san)個(ge)藥丸,給連城(cheng)(cheng)分三(san)天(tian)服下(xia)(xia)(xia)(xia),病果(guo)然好(hao)了(le)。史(shi)舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)便想履(lv)行諾言,把連城(cheng)(cheng)嫁給喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)。先去(qu)通知(zhi)(zhi)王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng),王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)大(da)怒,要告狀打官司。史(shi)舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)害怕(pa),便擺下(xia)(xia)(xia)(xia)宴席,將喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)請來(lai),然后(hou)(hou)取出一(yi)千兩銀(yin)子(zi),放在桌子(zi)上,說(shuo)(shuo):“辜(gu)負了(le)您的(de)(de)(de)大(da)恩大(da)德,就用(yong)這(zhe)些銀(yin)子(zi)報(bao)答您吧!”并(bing)對喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)講了(le)毀(hui)約的(de)(de)(de)緣由。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)生(sheng)(sheng)氣地說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)所以不(bu)(bu)吝惜(xi)心(xin)頭(tou)肉,不(bu)(bu)過是為(wei)了(le)報(bao)答知(zhi)(zhi)已罷了(le),難道我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)是賣肉的(de)(de)(de)嗎?”說(shuo)(shuo)完,拂袖而(er)(er)去(qu)。連城(cheng)(cheng)聽說(shuo)(shuo)后(hou)(hou),心(xin)里很(hen)不(bu)(bu)忍(ren),托老媽(ma)子(zi)去(qu)勸慰他。并(bing)說(shuo)(shuo):“以他的(de)(de)(de)才華,不(bu)(bu)會久(jiu)處人(ren)下(xia)(xia)(xia)(xia)的(de)(de)(de),何(he)愁天(tian)下(xia)(xia)(xia)(xia)沒有美女(nv)?我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)近來(lai)做的(de)(de)(de)夢(meng)(meng)都不(bu)(bu)吉利,三(san)年內必(bi)死(si),不(bu)(bu)必(bi)跟(gen)別人(ren)爭我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)這(zhe)個(ge)泉下(xia)(xia)(xia)(xia)之鬼了(le)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)告訴(su)老媽(ma)子(zi)說(shuo)(shuo):“古(gu)人(ren)說(shuo)(shuo):‘士為(wei)知(zhi)(zhi)己者死(si)’。我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)報(bao)答她不(bu)(bu)是為(wei)了(le)她生(sheng)(sheng)得漂亮。我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)真(zhen)怕(pa)連城(cheng)(cheng)未必(bi)真(zhen)知(zhi)(zhi)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)心(xin),如果(guo)真(zhen)知(zhi)(zhi),就是做不(bu)(bu)成(cheng)夫妻又有何(he)妨呢(ni)?”老媽(ma)子(zi)忙替連城(cheng)(cheng)表(biao)白了(le)她的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)片真(zhen)情。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“果(guo)然這(zhe)樣,我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們相(xiang)逢時,她若為(wei)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)笑(xiao)一(yi)笑(xiao),我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)就死(si)而(er)(er)無(wu)憾了(le)!”
老(lao)媽子回去(qu)不(bu)(bu)幾天(tian),喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)偶然出去(qu),正好遇上連(lian)城(cheng)從叔家(jia)回來。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)看著她(ta)(ta),連(lian)城(cheng)也看見了(le)(le)(le)他。只見她(ta)(ta)秋波送(song)情(qing),微微地啟齒一(yi)笑。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)大喜。說:“連(lian)城(cheng)真是我的知(zhi)心人!”過了(le)(le)(le)不(bu)(bu)久,王鹽(yan)商(shang)家(jia)來到史家(jia)商(shang)議連(lian)城(cheng)的婚期(qi)。連(lian)城(cheng)聽(ting)說后又病了(le)(le)(le),幾個月便死了(le)(le)(le)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)前去(qu)吊唁(yan),痛哭一(yi)場,也死了(le)(le)(le)過去(qu),史家(jia)把他抬(tai)回家(jia)中。
喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)知道自己已經死(si)(si)了(le)(le)(le)(le),也(ye)沒感到有(you)什(shen)(shen)么(me)難過。一(yi)(yi)(yi)個人(ren)(ren)出(chu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)村,還想著(zhu)(zhu)再見(jian)見(jian)連(lian)城(cheng)。遠遠望(wang)見(jian)有(you)條南北(bei)大路,路上(shang)(shang)的(de)行人(ren)(ren)像螞蟻一(yi)(yi)(yi)樣擁擠。他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)也(ye)走(zou)了(le)(le)(le)(le)過去(qu),混雜(za)在(zai)人(ren)(ren)群里。一(yi)(yi)(yi)會兒,進入(ru)一(yi)(yi)(yi)座衙(ya)門(men),正碰上(shang)(shang)他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)過去(qu)的(de)好(hao)朋友顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)看見(jian)他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta),驚訝(ya)地(di)(di)問:“你(ni)怎(zen)(zen)么(me)來(lai)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”說(shuo)(shuo)著(zhu)(zhu),就拉著(zhu)(zhu)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)的(de)手,要(yao)送(song)他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)回去(qu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)長長地(di)(di)嘆息了(le)(le)(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)聲,說(shuo)(shuo):“我的(de)心事還沒了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)便說(shuo)(shuo):“我在(zai)這里掌管(guan)典(dian)籍,很受上(shang)(shang)司信任。有(you)用得(de)著(zhu)(zhu)我的(de)地(di)(di)方,我一(yi)(yi)(yi)定盡力!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)便向(xiang)他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)打(da)聽連(lian)城(cheng)在(zai)哪兒。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)領著(zhu)(zhu)他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)串了(le)(le)(le)(le)很多地(di)(di)方,最(zui)后才(cai)發(fa)現連(lian)城(cheng)和一(yi)(yi)(yi)個穿白衣服的(de)女郎,眼淚婆娑地(di)(di)坐在(zai)一(yi)(yi)(yi)條走(zou)廊的(de)一(yi)(yi)(yi)角。連(lian)城(cheng)看見(jian)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng),急忙(mang)(mang)起(qi)身(shen),像是喜出(chu)望(wang)外,略(lve)問了(le)(le)(le)(le)問他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)是怎(zen)(zen)么(me)來(lai)的(de)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)死(si)(si)了(le)(le)(le)(le),我怎(zen)(zen)敢偷生(sheng)世(shi)上(shang)(shang)!”連(lian)城(cheng)聽了(le)(le)(le)(le),哭著(zhu)(zhu)說(shuo)(shuo):“我這樣一(yi)(yi)(yi)個忘(wang)恩(en)負義的(de)人(ren)(ren),你(ni)還不(bu)唾棄我,又以(yi)身(shen)殉死(si)(si)干什(shen)(shen)么(me)!我今生(sheng)今世(shi)不(bu)能跟你(ni)了(le)(le)(le)(le),來(lai)生(sheng)我一(yi)(yi)(yi)定嫁(jia)給你(ni)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)回頭告(gao)訴顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)有(you)事就忙(mang)(mang)去(qu)吧,我覺得(de)死(si)(si)了(le)(le)(le)(le)很快(kuai)樂,不(bu)想再活了(le)(le)(le)(le)。只(zhi)想麻煩你(ni)代為訪查(cha)一(yi)(yi)(yi)下連(lian)城(cheng)托生(sheng)到什(shen)(shen)么(me)地(di)(di)方,我要(yao)和她一(yi)(yi)(yi)起(qi)去(qu)!”顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)答應著(zhu)(zhu)走(zou)了(le)(le)(le)(le)。
這(zhe)時(shi),那白衣女郎(lang)問(wen)連(lian)城(cheng)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)是(shi)什(shen)么(me)人(ren)。連(lian)城(cheng)便(bian)向(xiang)她講述了(le)(le)(le)(le)往事。女郎(lang)聽了(le)(le)(le)(le)像壓抑不(bu)住心(xin)中的(de)(de)悲傷。連(lian)城(cheng)告(gao)訴(su)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“這(zhe)姑(gu)娘(niang)與我(wo)同(tong)(tong)姓(xing),小名(ming)叫(jiao)賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang),是(shi)長沙(sha)(sha)史太守的(de)(de)女兒。我(wo)們(men)一(yi)(yi)路(lu)同(tong)(tong)來(lai),處得很(hen)(hen)親密。”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)打量(liang)(liang)了(le)(le)(le)(le)打量(liang)(liang)賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang),見她哀(ai)傷凄惋的(de)(de)樣(yang)子,十分惹人(ren)憐(lian)(lian)愛。正(zheng)想(xiang)(xiang)再問(wen)什(shen)么(me),顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)已返了(le)(le)(le)(le)回來(lai),向(xiang)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)慶賀說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)給你辦妥(tuo)了(le)(le)(le)(le),就(jiu)讓小娘(niang)子跟你一(yi)(yi)起還(huan)陽復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),好(hao)(hao)不(bu)好(hao)(hao)?”兩人(ren)聽了(le)(le)(le)(le),都很(hen)(hen)喜歡。正(zheng)想(xiang)(xiang)拜別顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)大哭著(zhu)(zhu)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“姐姐走(zou)了(le)(le)(le)(le),我(wo)去(qu)(qu)哪里(li)?懇求(qiu)您可(ke)(ke)憐(lian)(lian)可(ke)(ke)憐(lian)(lian),救救我(wo),我(wo)就(jiu)是(shi)給您當仆(pu)人(ren)也愿(yuan)意(yi)!”連(lian)城(cheng)心(xin)里(li)難(nan)過,想(xiang)(xiang)不(bu)出(chu)辦法,就(jiu)和喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)商(shang)量(liang)(liang),喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)轉(zhuan)而哀(ai)求(qiu)顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)幫忙(mang)。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)很(hen)(hen)為難(nan),一(yi)(yi)口咬定說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)不(bu)好(hao)(hao)辦。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)執意(yi)懇求(qiu),顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才無(wu)可(ke)(ke)奈何地(di)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)去(qu)(qu)胡亂試試看(kan)吧!”去(qu)(qu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)有(you)(you)一(yi)(yi)頓飯(fan)的(de)(de)工夫,便(bian)回來(lai)了(le)(le)(le)(le),連(lian)連(lian)擺手(shou)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“怎(zen)么(me)樣(yang)!我(wo)實在無(wu)能為力了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)聽說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo),哀(ai)哀(ai)地(di)啼(ti)哭著(zhu)(zhu),依在連(lian)城(cheng)的(de)(de)胳膊(bo)下戀(lian)戀(lian)不(bu)舍,恐(kong)怕她馬(ma)上就(jiu)走(zou)了(le)(le)(le)(le)。三(san)人(ren)相對(dui)無(wu)語,一(yi)(yi)籌(chou)莫展。再看(kan)看(kan)賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)那愁苦凄傷的(de)(de)樣(yang)子,真(zhen)讓人(ren)心(xin)里(li)發酸。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)奮(fen)然(ran)而起,說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你們(men)帶賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)一(yi)(yi)起走(zou)吧。真(zhen)有(you)(you)罪(zui)責,我(wo)豁上這(zhe)條命一(yi)(yi)人(ren)承擔了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)聽了(le)(le)(le)(le)才高興起來(lai),跟著(zhu)(zhu)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)(yi)塊出(chu)去(qu)(qu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)擔心(xin)她一(yi)(yi)人(ren)去(qu)(qu)長沙(sha)(sha)路(lu)太遠,又(you)沒有(you)(you)伴(ban)。賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)想(xiang)(xiang)跟你們(men)走(zou),不(bu)愿(yuan)回去(qu)(qu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你太傻(sha)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!不(bu)回去(qu)(qu),見不(bu)著(zhu)(zhu)你的(de)(de)尸身,怎(zen)么(me)能還(huan)陽呢?以后我(wo)們(men)到了(le)(le)(le)(le)湖南,你不(bu)躲著(zhu)(zhu)我(wo)們(men),我(wo)們(men)就(jiu)很(hen)(hen)榮幸了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”正(zheng)好(hao)(hao)有(you)(you)兩個老婆(po)婆(po)拿著(zhu)(zhu)勾(gou)牒要去(qu)(qu)長沙(sha)(sha)勾(gou)人(ren),喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)把賓(bin)(bin)娘(niang)托付(fu)給她們(men),然(ran)后灑淚而別。
路上,連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)走(zou)(zou)不(bu)動,走(zou)(zou)一(yi)里多路就(jiu)得歇(xie)息歇(xie)息。共歇(xie)了(le)(le)(le)(le)十多次,才(cai)看(kan)見(jian)本村的(de)莊門。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“還(huan)(huan)陽后(hou)恐怕我(wo)們的(de)事又(you)(you)有反(fan)復。請(qing)你先去(qu)我(wo)家(jia),索(suo)要我(wo)的(de)遺體,然(ran)后(hou)我(wo)在你家(jia)重生(sheng)(sheng),我(wo)父(fu)(fu)親應當不(bu)會再(zai)反(fan)悔了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)認(ren)為很(hen)對(dui),兩(liang)人便先去(qu)喬生(sheng)(sheng)家(jia)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)戰戰兢兢地像走(zou)(zou)不(bu)動了(le)(le)(le)(le),喬生(sheng)(sheng)站住(zhu),等著她(ta)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)走(zou)(zou)到(dao)(dao)這里,禁不(bu)住(zhu)渾身發抖,六神無主,真擔(dan)心我(wo)們的(de)心愿實現不(bu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!我(wo)們還(huan)(huan)得再(zai)好好商量商量,不(bu)然(ran),我(wo)們活了(le)(le)(le)(le)后(hou),可就(jiu)又(you)(you)身不(bu)由己了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”兩(liang)人相互攙扶著,進入一(yi)間廂(xiang)房中,過了(le)(le)(le)(le)很(hen)久,誰也沒(mei)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)話(hua)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)忽然(ran)笑著說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你厭惡我(wo)嗎(ma)?”喬生(sheng)(sheng)驚(jing)訝地詢問這是什么意思。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)害羞地說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“恐怕我(wo)們的(de)事不(bu)成,那時就(jiu)太辜負你了(le)(le)(le)(le)!請(qing)讓(rang)(rang)我(wo)先以(yi)鬼身報答(da)你吧(ba)!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)大(da)喜,兩(liang)人極盡歡愛。因(yin)為不(bu)敢急忙還(huan)(huan)生(sheng)(sheng),兩(liang)人徘徊不(bu)決,在廂(xiang)房中一(yi)直呆了(le)(le)(le)(le)三天。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“俗話(hua)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):‘丑(chou)媳婦(fu)終得見(jian)公婆’。老是在這里憂愁擔(dan)心,終究不(bu)是長久之(zhi)計!”催促(cu)喬生(sheng)(sheng)快去(qu)還(huan)(huan)陽。喬生(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)走(zou)(zou)到(dao)(dao)靈堂,猛然(ran)蘇醒過來。家(jia)人非常(chang)驚(jing)異(yi),給他(ta)喝(he)了(le)(le)(le)(le)些湯水。喬生(sheng)(sheng)便派(pai)人去(qu)請(qing)史舉人來,請(qing)求得到(dao)(dao)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)的(de)尸(shi)身,說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)自(zi)己能讓(rang)(rang)她(ta)復活。史舉人大(da)喜,聽從了(le)(le)(le)(le)他(ta)的(de)話(hua)。剛把(ba)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)抬進喬生(sheng)(sheng)家(jia),一(yi)看(kan),連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)果然(ran)也已(yi)活了(le)(le)(le)(le)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)告訴父(fu)(fu)親說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“女兒已(yi)把(ba)自(zi)己許給喬郎了(le)(le)(le)(le),再(zai)沒(mei)回去(qu)的(de)道理。父(fu)(fu)親如(ru)不(bu)允,我(wo)只(zhi)有再(zai)死(si)!”
史(shi)舉人(ren)(ren)(ren)回了(le)家(jia),便(bian)派了(le)奴婢去喬(qiao)(qiao)家(jia)供女兒使(shi)喚。王化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)聽說后立即(ji)寫了(le)狀子告到官府(fu)。官府(fu)受了(le)王家(jia)的賄賂,將連城又判(pan)給了(le)王化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)憤懣不(bu)堪,直想死去,但終究還是無可(ke)奈何。連城到了(le)王家(jia),氣憤憤地不(bu)吃飯,只求快死。看屋里沒人(ren)(ren)(ren),便(bian)把(ba)帶子懸到房梁上上了(le)吊,被人(ren)(ren)(ren)救(jiu)下后。隔了(le)一(yi)天,病(bing)得越重(zhong),眼看就要死了(le)。王化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)害怕(pa),把(ba)她送回了(le)娘家(jia)。史(shi)舉人(ren)(ren)(ren)又把(ba)她抬到喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia)。王化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)聽說后,也沒有(you)辦(ban)法,只得作罷了(le)。
連城病好(hao)后,常(chang)常(chang)思念賓(bin)娘。想派個人捎信去,就便探(tan)望她(ta)。因為路(lu)太(tai)(tai)遠(yuan),很難前去。一天,家人忽然進(jin)來稟報說:“門(men)外(wai)來了(le)好(hao)些車馬。”喬生(sheng)夫婦迎(ying)出屋門(men)一看,見賓(bin)娘已(yi)在院(yuan)子里(li)了(le)。三(san)人相(xiang)見,悲喜交集。史太(tai)(tai)守(shou)親(qin)自把女兒(er)送來了(le)。喬生(sheng)將他(ta)請(qing)進(jin)屋里(li),史太(tai)(tai)守(shou)說:“我(wo)女兒(er)多(duo)虧(kui)你才能復(fu)生(sheng),她(ta)立(li)誓(shi)不嫁(jia)別(bie)人,現(xian)在我(wo)聽從了(le)她(ta)的(de)意愿!”喬生(sheng)忙叩頭拜謝(xie)。史舉人也來了(le),還跟史太(tai)(tai)守(shou)敘上了(le)同宗。喬生(sheng)名(ming)年,字(zi)大年。
異史氏說:嫣然一笑的(de)相(xiang)知,于是以身相(xiang)許,世上有(you)人會說他癡(chi),那(nei)田橫五百壯士,難道都是愚夫嗎(ma)!這(zhe)是因為“知遇”的(de)稀奇和珍貴,所(suo)以賢(xian)人豪杰感恩(en)戴德而不能自已。看茫茫四海(hai)之內,(因無知己之人)所(suo)以使得(de)錦繡人才(cai),只能傾心于蛾眉一笑,真是可悲(bei)啊(a)!
蒲(pu)松齡(1640-1715),清代杰出(chu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)文學家(jia),字留(liu)仙,一(yi)(yi)字劍臣,別號柳泉居士,世稱聊齋(zhai)先生,山東(dong)淄川(今(jin)山東(dong)淄博(bo)市)人(ren)。他(ta)出(chu)身(shen)于一(yi)(yi)個(ge)沒落(luo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)地主家(jia)庭,父親蒲(pu)槃原是一(yi)(yi)個(ge)讀(du)書人(ren),因在科舉(ju)上(shang)不得志(zhi)(zhi),便棄儒(ru)經商(shang),曾(ceng)積(ji)累了(le)一(yi)(yi)筆可(ke)觀的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)財(cai)產。等(deng)到蒲(pu)松齡成(cheng)年時,家(jia)境(jing)早(zao)已衰落(luo),生活十分貧困(kun)。蒲(pu)松齡一(yi)(yi)生熱(re)衷(zhong)功名,醉心(xin)科舉(ju),但他(ta)除了(le)十九歲時應童子(zi)試曾(ceng)連(lian)續考中縣、府(fu)、道(dao)三個(ge)第一(yi)(yi),補(bu)博(bo)士弟(di)子(zi)員外(wai),以(yi)后屢受挫折,一(yi)(yi)直郁郁不得志(zhi)(zhi)。他(ta)一(yi)(yi)面(mian)教書,一(yi)(yi)面(mian)應考了(le)四十年,到七十一(yi)(yi)歲時才援例出(chu)貢,補(bu)了(le)個(ge)歲貢生,四年后便死(si)去了(le)。一(yi)(yi)生中的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)坎坷遭遇使(shi)蒲(pu)松齡對(dui)當時政治的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)黑暗(an)和科舉(ju)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)弊端(duan)有了(le)一(yi)(yi)定(ding)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)認識,生活的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)貧困(kun)使(shi)他(ta)對(dui)廣大勞動人(ren)民的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)生活和思想有了(le)一(yi)(yi)定(ding)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)了(le)解(jie)和體(ti)會。因此,他(ta)以(yi)自己的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)切身(shen)感受寫了(le)不少著作,今(jin)存(cun)除《聊齋(zhai)志(zhi)(zhi)異》外(wai),還有《聊齋(zhai)文集》和《詩集》等(deng)。