喬生(sheng),晉寧(ning)人(ren)(ren)[1]。少(shao)負才名(ming)。年(nian)(nian)二(er)十(shi)余,猶淹蹇[2]。為人(ren)(ren)有肝膽[3]。與顧生(sheng)善;顧卒,時恤其妻子。邑宰以(yi)文相契重(zhong)[4];宰終于任,家口淹滯,不能歸[5],生(sheng)破產扶柩,往返二(er)千余里(li)。以(yi)故士林益(yi)重(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[6],而家由此(ci)益(yi)替[7]。史孝廉有女(nv),字(zi)連城(cheng),工刺繡,知書(shu)。父嬌愛之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[8]。出(chu)所刺“倦繡圖”,征少(shao)年(nian)(nian)題詠[9],意(yi)在(zai)擇(ze)婿。生(sheng)獻詩云:“慵(yong)鬟高髻綠婆(po)娑[10],早向蘭(lan)窗繡碧荷(he);刺到鴛(yuan)鴦(yang)魂欲(yu)斷(duan),暗停針線(xian)蹙雙蛾。”又贊(zan)挑(tiao)繡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)工云[11]:“繡線(xian)挑(tiao)來似(si)寫生(sheng)[12],幅中花(hua)鳥自天(tian)成[13];當年(nian)(nian)織錦非長(chang)技,幸把回文感(gan)圣(sheng)明[14]。”女(nv)得詩喜,對(dui)父稱賞(shang)。父貧(pin)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)逢人(ren)(ren)輒稱道;又遣媼矯父命[15],贈金以(yi)助燈(deng)火[16]。生(sheng)嘆曰:“連城(cheng)我(wo)知己也!”傾(qing)懷結(jie)想,如渴思啖。
無(wu)(wu)何,女(nv)(nv)(nv)許字于鹺賈(jia)之(zhi)子王化成(cheng)[17],生(sheng)始(shi)絕望;然夢魂中猶佩(pei)戴之(zhi)[18]。未(wei)幾(ji),女(nv)(nv)(nv)病瘵(zhai)[19],沉痼不起(qi)[20]。有西域(yu)頭(tou)陀[21],自(zi)謂能療;但須男子膺(ying)(ying)肉(rou)(rou)一錢(qian),搗(dao)合藥(yao)屑。史(shi)使(shi)人詣王家(jia)告婿(xu)。婿(xu)笑曰(yue)(yue):“癡老翁,欲我(wo)剜心頭(tou)肉(rou)(rou)也[22]!”使(shi)返。史(shi)乃(nai)言(yan)(yan)于人曰(yue)(yue):“有能割肉(rou)(rou)者妻之(zhi)。”生(sheng)聞而往(wang),自(zi)出(chu)白刃,刲膺(ying)(ying)授僧(seng)[23]。血濡(ru)袍褲,僧(seng)敷藥(yao)始(shi)止。合藥(yao)三(san)(san)丸。三(san)(san)日服(fu)盡,疾若失。史(shi)將踐其言(yan)(yan)[24],先(xian)告王。王怒,欲訟官。史(shi)乃(nai)設筵(yan)招(zhao)生(sheng),以(yi)千(qian)金(jin)列(lie)幾(ji)上(shang),曰(yue)(yue):“重(zhong)負大德,請以(yi)相報(bao)。”因具白背盟之(zhi)由。生(sheng)怫(fu)然曰(yue)(yue)[25]:“仆所以(yi)不愛膺(ying)(ying)肉(rou)(rou)者,聊以(yi)報(bao)知(zhi)(zhi)己耳,豈貨(huo)肉(rou)(rou)哉!”拂袖而歸。女(nv)(nv)(nv)聞之(zhi),意良不忍,托(tuo)媼(ao)慰(wei)諭(yu)之(zhi)。且云:“以(yi)彼才華,當不久(jiu)落[26]。天下何患(huan)無(wu)(wu)佳人?我(wo)夢不祥,三(san)(san)年必死(si),不必與人爭此泉下物也[27]。”生(sheng)告媼(ao)曰(yue)(yue):“‘士為知(zhi)(zhi)己者死(si)’[28],不以(yi)色也。誠恐連城(cheng)未(wei)必真(zhen)(zhen)知(zhi)(zhi)我(wo),但得(de)真(zhen)(zhen)知(zhi)(zhi)我(wo),不諧(xie)何害(hai)[29]?”媼(ao)代女(nv)(nv)(nv)郎矢誠自(zi)剖[30]。生(sheng)曰(yue)(yue):“果爾,相逢時當為我(wo)一笑,死(si)無(wu)(wu)憾!”媼(ao)既去,逾(yu)數日,生(sheng)偶出(chu),遇女(nv)(nv)(nv)自(zi)叔氏歸,睨之(zhi)。女(nv)(nv)(nv)秋波轉顧,啟齒嫣然[31]。生(sheng)大喜(xi)曰(yue)(yue):“連城(cheng)真(zhen)(zhen)知(zhi)(zhi)我(wo)者!”會王氏來議吉(ji)期[32],女(nv)(nv)(nv)前癥又作,數月尋卒(zu)。生(sheng)往(wang)臨吊[33],一痛而絕。史(shi)舁送其家(jia)。
生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)自(zi)(zi)知已(yi)(yi)死(si),亦無(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)戚(qi)。出(chu)村去(qu),猶冀(ji)一(yi)(yi)見(jian)(jian)(jian)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)。遙(yao)望南北一(yi)(yi)道,行人(ren)(ren)(ren)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)緒如(ru)蟻[34],因(yin)亦混身(shen)(shen)雜跡其(qi)(qi)(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。俄頃,入(ru)(ru)一(yi)(yi)廨(xie)署,值顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),驚問:“君(jun)(jun)何(he)得來?”即把手將(jiang)送(song)(song)令歸。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太(tai)息言(yan)(yan):“心事(shi)(shi)殊未了。”顧(gu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“仆在此典牘(du)[35],頗得委任。倘(tang)可效(xiao)力,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)惜也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)問連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)。顧(gu)即導(dao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)旋轉多(duo)所(suo)(suo),見(jian)(jian)(jian)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)與一(yi)(yi)白衣(yi)女郎(lang),淚(lei)睫慘黛[36],藉坐廊隅[37]。見(jian)(jian)(jian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)至(zhi),驟起似喜,略問所(suo)(suo)來。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“卿死(si),仆何(he)敢(gan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)!”連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)泣曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“如(ru)此負義人(ren)(ren)(ren),尚(shang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)吐棄之(zhi)(zhi),身(shen)(shen)殉何(he)為(wei)(wei)?然(ran)已(yi)(yi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)許君(jun)(jun)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),愿(yuan)矢(shi)來世耳。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告(gao)顧(gu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“有(you)事(shi)(shi)君(jun)(jun)自(zi)(zi)去(qu),仆樂死(si)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿(yuan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)矣(yi)(yi)。但煩稽連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)里(li),行與俱去(qu)耳[38]。”顧(gu)諾(nuo)而(er)去(qu)。白衣(yi)女郎(lang)問生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)人(ren)(ren)(ren),連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)為(wei)(wei)緬述之(zhi)(zhi)。女郎(lang)聞(wen)(wen)之(zhi)(zhi),若不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)勝悲。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)告(gao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“此妾(qie)(qie)(qie)同姓(xing),小(xiao)字(zi)賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),長(chang)沙(sha)史太(tai)守女[39]。一(yi)(yi)路同來,遂(sui)相憐愛(ai)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)視(shi)之(zhi)(zhi),意態憐人(ren)(ren)(ren)。方(fang)欲研問,而(er)顧(gu)已(yi)(yi)反,向生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)賀曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“我為(wei)(wei)君(jun)(jun)平章已(yi)(yi)確[40],即教(jiao)小(xiao)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)子從(cong)君(jun)(jun)返魂,好否(fou)?”兩人(ren)(ren)(ren)各喜。方(fang)將(jiang)拜別(bie),賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)大哭曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“姊(zi)去(qu),我安歸?乞垂憐救,妾(qie)(qie)(qie)為(wei)(wei)姊(zi)捧帨耳[41]。”連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)凄然(ran),無(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)為(wei)(wei)計(ji)(ji),轉謀生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)又(you)哀顧(gu)。顧(gu)難之(zhi)(zhi),峻(jun)辭以(yi)為(wei)(wei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)固強之(zhi)(zhi)。乃曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“試妄為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)[42]。”去(qu)食(shi)頃而(er)返,搖手曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“何(he)如(ru)!誠萬分不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)為(wei)(wei)力矣(yi)(yi)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)聞(wen)(wen)之(zhi)(zhi),宛轉嬌啼,惟依(yi)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)肘(zhou)下,恐(kong)(kong)其(qi)(qi)(qi)即去(qu)。慘怛(da)無(wu)(wu)術[43],相對默默;而(er)睹其(qi)(qi)(qi)愁顏戚(qi)容[44],使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)肺腑酸柔[45]。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤然(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“請(qing)攜賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)去(qu)。脫有(you)愆尤[46],小(xiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)拚身(shen)(shen)受之(zhi)(zhi)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)乃喜,從(cong)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)(qi)(qi)道遠無(wu)(wu)侶。賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)(qie)(qie)從(cong)君(jun)(jun)去(qu),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿(yuan)歸也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“卿大癡矣(yi)(yi)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)歸,何(he)以(yi)得活也?他(ta)(ta)日(ri)至(zhi)湖南,勿復走(zou)避[47],為(wei)(wei)幸多(duo)矣(yi)(yi)。”適(shi)有(you)兩媼攝牒赴長(chang)沙(sha)[48],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)屬之(zhi)(zhi)[49],賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)泣別(bie)而(er)去(qu)。途(tu)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)行蹇緩,里(li)余(yu)輒一(yi)(yi)息;凡(fan)十余(yu)息,始見(jian)(jian)(jian)里(li)門。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“重生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后(hou),懼(ju)有(you)反覆。請(qing)索妾(qie)(qie)(qie)骸骨來,妾(qie)(qie)(qie)以(yi)君(jun)(jun)家生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),當無(wu)(wu)悔也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)然(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)。偕歸生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家。女惕惕若不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)步[50],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)佇待(dai)之(zhi)(zhi)。女曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)(qie)(qie)至(zhi)此,四肢搖搖,似無(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)主。志(zhi)恐(kong)(kong)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)遂(sui),尚(shang)宜審(shen)謀;不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)然(ran),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后(hou)何(he)能(neng)自(zi)(zi)由?”相將(jiang)入(ru)(ru)側(ce)廂中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。默定(ding)少時[51],連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)笑曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“君(jun)(jun)憎妾(qie)(qie)(qie)耶(ye)?”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚問其(qi)(qi)(qi)故。赧然(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“恐(kong)(kong)事(shi)(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)諧,重負君(jun)(jun)矣(yi)(yi)。請(qing)先以(yi)魂報也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)喜,極盡歡(huan)戀。因(yin)徘徊不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)敢(gan)遽出(chu),寄廂中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)者(zhe)三日(ri)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“諺(yan)有(you)之(zhi)(zhi):‘丑婦(fu)終須見(jian)(jian)(jian)姑嫜(zhang)。’戚(qi)戚(qi)于(yu)此,終非久計(ji)(ji)。”乃促生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)入(ru)(ru)。才至(zhi)靈寢[52],豁然(ran)頓蘇。家人(ren)(ren)(ren)驚異,進以(yi)湯水。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)乃使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)要史來[53],請(qing)得連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)之(zhi)(zhi)尸,自(zi)(zi)言(yan)(yan)能(neng)活之(zhi)(zhi)。史喜,從(cong)其(qi)(qi)(qi)言(yan)(yan)。方(fang)舁入(ru)(ru)室(shi),視(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)已(yi)(yi)醒。告(gao)父曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“兒(er)已(yi)(yi)委身(shen)(shen)喬(qiao)郎(lang)矣(yi)(yi)[54],更無(wu)(wu)歸理(li)。如(ru)有(you)變動,但仍一(yi)(yi)死(si)!”史歸,遣(qian)婢往役給奉。王(wang)(wang)(wang)聞(wen)(wen),具詞申(shen)理(li)。官受賂,判(pan)歸王(wang)(wang)(wang)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤懣欲死(si),亦無(wu)(wu)奈之(zhi)(zhi)[55]。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)至(zhi)王(wang)(wang)(wang)家,忿(fen)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)飲食(shi),惟乞速(su)死(si)。室(shi)無(wu)(wu)人(ren)(ren)(ren),則(ze)帶懸梁上。越日(ri),益(yi)憊,殆將(jiang)奄逝。王(wang)(wang)(wang)懼(ju),送(song)(song)歸史。史復舁歸生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。王(wang)(wang)(wang)知之(zhi)(zhi),亦無(wu)(wu)如(ru)何(he),遂(sui)安焉(yan)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)起,每念賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),欲遣(qian)信探之(zhi)(zhi)[56],以(yi)道遠而(er)艱(jian)于(yu)往。一(yi)(yi)日(ri),家人(ren)(ren)(ren)進曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“門有(you)車馬。”夫婦(fu)出(chu)視(shi),則(ze)賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)已(yi)(yi)至(zhi)庭中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)矣(yi)(yi)。相見(jian)(jian)(jian)悲喜。太(tai)守親詣(yi)送(song)(song)女,生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)延入(ru)(ru)。太(tai)守曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“小(xiao)女子賴(lai)君(jun)(jun)復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),誓不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)他(ta)(ta)適(shi),今從(cong)其(qi)(qi)(qi)志(zhi)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)叩謝如(ru)禮。孝廉亦至(zhi),敘宗(zong)好焉(yan)[57]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)名年,字(zi)大年。
異(yi)史氏曰:“一(yi)笑之(zhi)(zhi)知,許(xu)之(zhi)(zhi)以(yi)(yi)身,世人或議其(qi)癡;彼田(tian)橫五百人[58],豈盡愚哉(zai)!此知希之(zhi)(zhi)貴[59],賢豪所以(yi)(yi)感結而不能(neng)自(zi)已也(ye)。顧茫茫海內,遂使錦繡才人[60],僅傾心于蛾眉之(zhi)(zhi)一(yi)笑也(ye),亦可慨矣!”
[1]晉寧:州(zhou)縣名(ming)。唐置晉寧縣,元為晉寧州(zhou),明清因之。州(zhou)治(zhi)在今云南省晉寧縣。
[2]偃蹇:滯(zhi)留困頓,謂(wei)科(ke)舉不得志(zhi)。
[3]有肝膽:忠義(yi)誠信,勇(yong)于為人盡(jin)力。
[4]契重(zhong):投合,尊重(zhong)。
[5]淹滯:困(kun)阻,久(jiu)留。
[6]士(shi)林:讀書(shu)人中間。“之”字據(ju)二十(shi)四(si)卷抄本補。
[7]替:衰敗。
[8]嬌(jiao)愛:嬌(jiao)養。
[9]征:征集(ji)。題詠:題詩贊詠。
[10]“慵(yong)鬟(huan)”四句:此詩即(ji)圖題(ti)詠(yong),大意謂:閨中少女早起即(ji)于窗前(qian)刺繡。先繡綠荷。待繡到荷底鴛(yuan)鴦時(shi),不(bu)禁悵然神馳(chi),不(bu)知(zhi)不(bu)覺停下(xia)(xia)針(zhen)線,傷神地皺攏雙眉。因繡久(jiu)困(kun)(kun)倦(juan),那髻鬟(huan)邊的秀發(fa)也不(bu)免(mian)有些披(pi)拂(fu)散亂。慵(yong)鬟(huan),困(kun)(kun)倦(juan)時(shi)的發(fa)鬟(huan)。婆娑,飄拂(fu)不(bu)整(zheng)貌,蘭(lan)窗,蘭(lan)閨之窗,少女臥(wo)室(shi)的窗戶。魂欲(yu)斷,謂魂馳(chi)神往。暗(an)停,默默停下(xia)(xia)。
[11]挑(tiao)繡(xiu):挑(tiao)花和(he)刺繡(xiu);繡(xiu)花時的兩(liang)道工藝。
[12]寫(xie)生:指畫家(jia)對實物的(de)描摹。
[13]天(tian)成:天(tian)然生成。
[14]“當年(nian)(nian)織(zhi)錦(jin)”二句(ju):意(yi)思是(shi),與(yu)連城刺繡之美相比,當年(nian)(nian)蘇蕙(hui)把回文圖(tu)詩織(zhi)在錦(jin)緞上也算不得(de)技巧高明,她不過(guo)僥幸取得(de)女皇武則天的賞(shang)識(shi)罷了。據《晉書·列女·竇(dou)滔(tao)妻傳》:晉竇(dou)滔(tao)妻蘇蕙(hui),字若(ruo)蘭,善屬文。滔(tao)仕前秦(qin)苻堅為(wei)秦(qin)州刺史,被徒流沙。蘇氏在家織(zhi)錦(jin)為(wei)回文旋圖(tu)詩以寄。詩長八(ba)百四十一字,可宛轉循環(huan)以讀,詞甚凄惋(wan)。唐(tang)武則天為(wei)作《璇璣圖(tu)詩序》,稱(cheng)其“五彩相宣,瑩心暉目”。
[15]矯:假(jia)托。
[16]助(zhu)燈火(huo):資助(zhu)喬生讀(du)書費用。
[17]許字:許婚。鹺(cuó矬)賈(jia):鹽(yan)商。《禮記·曲禮》:“鹽(yan)曰咸鹺。”
[18]佩(pei)戴:佩(pei)恩戴德;意思是感念不忘。
[19]瘵(zhài債(zhai)):癆病,即肺病。
[20]沉痼:病勢積久難醫。
[21]西域:此據二十四卷抄本,底(di)本作“西城”。頭陀:梵文(wen)音(yin)澤,泛指一(yi)切僧(seng)眾;此特(te)指行腳乞食(shi)僧(seng)人。
[22]心(xin)頭肉:習喻關系性(xing)命(ming)之物。唐聶(nie)夷(yi)中(zhong)《詠田家》詩:“醫得(de)眼前瘡,剜(wan)卻心(xin)頭肉。”此指“膺肉”。
[23]刲(kuī虧):割。
[24]踐其言:履(lv)行(xing)自己的諾言。指以(yi)女妻喬(qiao)生。
[25]怫(fú符)然:生氣的(de)樣子。
[26]落:沉淪。
[27]泉下物:指(zhi)死人。謂(wei)己不久將死。
[28]土為(wei)知已者死:《漢(han)書·司馬遷(qian)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;指不(bu)能結(jie)為夫(fu)妻(qi)。何害:何妨(fang)。
[30]矢誠自剖:發誓自明心跡。
[31]嫣(yān胭(yan))然:形容美笑(xiao)。
[32]吉期:好(hao)日子(zi);指完(wan)婚(hun)日期。
[33]臨吊(diao):哭(ku)吊(diao)。哭(ku)死者叫臨,慰問其親屬叫吊(diao)。
[34]連續:此從二十四卷抄(chao)本,底本作(zuo)“連緒”。
[35]典牘(du):主管文書案卷。
[36]淚(lei)睫(jie)慘黛:猶言(yan)愁眉(mei)淚(lei)眼(yan)。慘,悲(bei)傷。黛,眉(mei)。
[37]藉坐廊隅(yu):在廊下一角,席地而坐。
[38]行:將(jiang)。
[39]太守:知(zhi)(zhi)府、知(zhi)(zhi)州的古稱。明清于長(chang)沙置府。
[40]平章已確:商辦已妥。平章,商量處理(li)。
[41]捧帨:猶言(yan)奉中(zhong)櫛(zhi)、侍(shi)(shi)盥沐;意為居(ju)妾(qie)媵之(zhi)位(wei),給(gei)役侍(shi)(shi)奉。帨,佩巾,古代婦女(nv)用以(yi)擦(ca)拭不潔。《禮(li)記·內則(ze)》規定:“少事長(chang),賤事貴”都有“盥卒授巾”的禮(li)節。
[42]試妄為(wei)之(zhi):試辦一下(xia)看看。妄,姑(gu)妄。表示下(xia)循(xun)規章(zhang)和沒有把(ba)握。
[43]慘怛(dá答):憂傷,悲痛。
[44]愁顏:此從二十四(si)卷抄(chao)本,底本作“愁艷”。
[45]肺(fei)腑酸柔(rou):猶言(yan)心酸腸軟。
[46]脫有(you)愆尤:假(jia)若有(you)罪(zui)責、過失。
[47]走(zou)避:此從二(er)十四(si)卷(juan)抄本,底本作“去避”。
[48]攝牒:攜帶公文。指出公差。
[49]生屬之:喬生把攜帶賓娘的事囑托(tuo)兩媼。屬,同(tong)“囑”,意謂(wei)囑托(tuo)。據二十四卷抄本補,底本無(wu)“之”字。
[50]惕(ti)惕(ti):憂懼貌(mao)。
[51]嘿定(ding):沉默定(ding)息。嘿,同默。
[52]靈(ling)寢:靈(ling)床,即停(ting)尸床。
[53]要:邀。
[54]委身(shen)(shen):托身(shen)(shen),許身(shen)(shen)。
[55]無(wu)奈之(zhi):無(wu)可奈何。
[56]信(xin):古稱使者為“信(xin)”。往偵:此從(cong)二十四卷抄本,底本作“參”。
[57]敘(xu)宗(zong)好:敘(xu)同宗(zong)之族誼。孝廉(lian)與(yu)太守(shou)同姓史。
[58]“彼田(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng)五(wu)百(bai)(bai)人(ren)(ren)”二句:此(ci)為(wei)作(zuo)者(zhe)以田(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng)部(bu)(bu)下五(wu)百(bai)(bai)人(ren)(ren)忠于(yu)田(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng),贊揚喬生(sheng)“士為(wei)知己者(zhe)死(si)”的(de)(de)精神。田(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng),秦末齊(qi)(qi)人(ren)(ren)。拒項羽(yu),復齊(qi)(qi)地(di),自立為(wei)齊(qi)(qi)王(wang)。劉邦稱帝后,田(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng)率五(wu)百(bai)(bai)士逃往海島。劉邦怕他作(zuo)亂,下詔(zhao)強迫(po)他入洛陽,并答應把他封王(wang)封侯(hou)。田(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng)行至距洛陽三十里的(de)(de)尸鄉,因恥于(yu)向劉邦稱臣,與從者(zhe)皆自殺(sha)。島上(shang)五(wu)百(bai)(bai)人(ren)(ren)聞訊后也全部(bu)(bu)自殺(sha)。事見(jian)《史記·田(tian)(tian)儋列傳》等(deng)。
[59]“此知(zhi)(zhi)希之(zhi)(zhi)貴(gui)”二句:意(yi)謂(wei)正因知(zhi)(zhi)己難求,所以賢(xian)豪之(zhi)(zhi)士對知(zhi)(zhi)遇之(zhi)(zhi)德感(gan)(gan)結于心(xin)。知(zhi)(zhi)希之(zhi)(zhi)貴(gui),語本《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(mu)文》說:“事有(you)曠(kuang)百世而(er)相(xiang)感(gan)(gan)者(zhe),余不知(zhi)(zhi)其(qi)何(he)心(xin);非今(jin)世之(zhi)(zhi)所稀,孰(shu)為使(shi)余欷而(er)不可禁(jin)!”“賢(xian)豪感(gan)(gan)結”,蓋隱(yin)指此類(lei)感(gan)(gan)慨。
[60]錦(jin)繡(xiu)才(cai)人:才(cai)學富艷、詩文精美的讀書人。此指喬生。柳宗無《乞巧文》:“駢四儷六(liu),錦(jin)心繡(xiu)口(kou)。”
晉寧縣(xian)有一(yi)個姓(xing)喬的(de)(de)(de)(de)書生,少年時(shi)就很有才氣(qi),但二十多歲了,依舊窮(qiong)困潦倒。喬生為人(ren)正直,他有一(yi)個好朋友(you),姓(xing)顧,早年就死(si)了,喬生經常接濟他的(de)(de)(de)(de)妻(qi)子兒女。本縣(xian)縣(xian)令(ling)(ling)因為喬生的(de)(de)(de)(de)文章寫得好,對他很器(qi)重。后來,縣(xian)令(ling)(ling)死(si)在任(ren)上,家口滯留晉寧,無(wu)法返(fan)回(hui)故(gu)鄉。喬生變賣(mai)了自己的(de)(de)(de)(de)家產,買了棺(guan)柩,往返(fan)兩千多里,把縣(xian)令(ling)(ling)的(de)(de)(de)(de)遺體連同他的(de)(de)(de)(de)家人(ren)一(yi)起送回(hui)了家鄉。因為這(zhe)件事,當時(shi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)文人(ren)們更加(jia)尊重喬生,但喬生卻因此(ci)更加(jia)貧窮(qiong)了。
當時(shi),一(yi)個(ge)姓史(shi)的(de)(de)舉(ju)人有個(ge)女(nv)兒(er)叫(jiao)連城(cheng),精于刺(ci)繡(xiu),又知(zhi)書達禮,史(shi)舉(ju)人非(fei)常寵(chong)愛她(ta)。一(yi)次,史(shi)舉(ju)人拿出一(yi)幅女(nv)兒(er)繡(xiu)的(de)(de)“倦繡(xiu)圖(tu)”,征(zheng)求年輕書生就圖(tu)題詩(shi)(shi),意思是(shi)要(yao)借此選個(ge)有才(cai)學的(de)(de)好(hao)女(nv)婿。喬生也(ye)作了(le)一(yi)首(shou)詩(shi)(shi)獻(xian)上,這(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)首(shou)詩(shi)(shi)說:“慵鬟高髻綠婆娑,早向蘭(lan)窗繡(xiu)碧(bi)荷。刺(ci)到(dao)鴛鴦魂欲斷,暗停針線(xian)蹙雙蛾。”又題了(le)一(yi)首(shou)詩(shi)(shi),專贊這(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)幅圖(tu)繡(xiu)得精妙(miao):“繡(xiu)線(xian)挑(tiao)來似寫生,幅中花鳥自(zi)天成。當年織錦非(fei)長技(ji),幸把回文感圣明。”連城(cheng)見到(dao)這(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)兩首(shou)詩(shi)(shi),非(fei)常喜歡,便(bian)對著父親(qin)夸(kua)獎喬生的(de)(de)才(cai)華。但父親(qin)嫌喬生太貧窮,不愿找(zhao)這(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)么個(ge)女(nv)婿。此后,連城(cheng)逢人就夸(kua)喬生,又派了(le)個(ge)老媽(ma)子,假借父親(qin)的(de)(de)名義贈(zeng)給(gei)喬生一(yi)些銀兩,作為他讀書的(de)(de)費用。喬生感嘆地說:“連城(cheng)真(zhen)是(shi)我(wo)的(de)(de)知(zhi)己啊(a)!”對她(ta)一(yi)往情深,如(ru)饑似渴地想念她(ta)。
不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)久,連(lian)城(cheng)跟一(yi)(yi)個(ge)名叫王化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)鹽商的(de)(de)(de)兒(er)(er)(er)子訂了(le)(le)(le)(le)親(qin),喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才開始絕望起來(lai)(lai)。但仍然(ran)夢魂縈繞,無(wu)(wu)時無(wu)(wu)刻不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)想著連(lian)城(cheng)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)長時間,連(lian)城(cheng)便(bian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)了(le)(le)(le)(le)重病(bing),臥(wo)床不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)起。有個(ge)從(cong)西域來(lai)(lai)的(de)(de)(de)和尚,自(zi)(zi)稱能治好她(ta)的(de)(de)(de)病(bing),但必(bi)需(xu)一(yi)(yi)錢男子胸上的(de)(de)(de)肉搗(dao)碎了(le)(le)(le)(le)配藥(yao)。史舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)派(pai)人(ren)去(qu)(qu)(qu)告訴(su)王化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)。王化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)笑(xiao)著說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“傻老(lao)頭!想叫我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)剜心(xin)(xin)頭肉嗎?”把派(pai)去(qu)(qu)(qu)的(de)(de)(de)人(ren)又打發回來(lai)(lai)。史舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)便(bian)對人(ren)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“誰愿從(cong)自(zi)(zi)己(ji)身上割下肉救(jiu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)女兒(er)(er)(er),我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)便(bian)把女兒(er)(er)(er)嫁給(gei)他(ta)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)聽說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo),立即(ji)趕到史家,自(zi)(zi)己(ji)掏(tao)出把刀子,從(cong)胸上一(yi)(yi)刀割下片(pian)(pian)肉,交給(gei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)和尚。鮮血(xue)染紅了(le)(le)(le)(le)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)衣服,和尚忙給(gei)他(ta)敷(fu)上刀傷藥(yao)才止住了(le)(le)(le)(le)血(xue)。和尚用喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)肉和了(le)(le)(le)(le)三(san)個(ge)藥(yao)丸(wan),給(gei)連(lian)城(cheng)分三(san)天服下,病(bing)果(guo)然(ran)好了(le)(le)(le)(le)。史舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)便(bian)想履行諾言,把連(lian)城(cheng)嫁給(gei)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。先去(qu)(qu)(qu)通知(zhi)王化(hua)(hua)成(cheng),王化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)大(da)怒,要告狀打官司。史舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)害怕,便(bian)擺(bai)下宴席(xi),將喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)請來(lai)(lai),然(ran)后取出一(yi)(yi)千兩銀子,放在桌子上,說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“辜負(fu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)您(nin)的(de)(de)(de)大(da)恩大(da)德,就(jiu)用這些(xie)銀子報(bao)答您(nin)吧!”并對喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)講了(le)(le)(le)(le)毀約的(de)(de)(de)緣由。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)氣地說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)所以不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)吝惜心(xin)(xin)頭肉,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)過是(shi)為(wei)(wei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)報(bao)答知(zhi)已(yi)罷了(le)(le)(le)(le),難道我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)是(shi)賣肉的(de)(de)(de)嗎?”說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)完(wan),拂(fu)袖而去(qu)(qu)(qu)。連(lian)城(cheng)聽說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)后,心(xin)(xin)里很不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)忍,托老(lao)媽(ma)(ma)子去(qu)(qu)(qu)勸慰他(ta)。并說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“以他(ta)的(de)(de)(de)才華,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)會(hui)久處人(ren)下的(de)(de)(de),何愁(chou)天下沒(mei)有美女?我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)近來(lai)(lai)做(zuo)的(de)(de)(de)夢都不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)吉(ji)利,三(san)年內必(bi)死(si),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)必(bi)跟別人(ren)爭我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)這個(ge)泉下之鬼了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告訴(su)老(lao)媽(ma)(ma)子說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“古人(ren)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):‘士(shi)為(wei)(wei)知(zhi)己(ji)者死(si)’。我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)報(bao)答她(ta)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)是(shi)為(wei)(wei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)她(ta)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)得(de)漂亮。我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)真怕連(lian)城(cheng)未必(bi)真知(zhi)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)心(xin)(xin),如果(guo)真知(zhi),就(jiu)是(shi)做(zuo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)成(cheng)夫妻(qi)又有何妨呢?”老(lao)媽(ma)(ma)子忙替連(lian)城(cheng)表白了(le)(le)(le)(le)她(ta)的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)片(pian)(pian)真情。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“果(guo)然(ran)這樣,我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們相逢時,她(ta)若(ruo)為(wei)(wei)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)笑(xiao)一(yi)(yi)笑(xiao),我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)就(jiu)死(si)而無(wu)(wu)憾了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”
老媽子回(hui)去不幾(ji)天,喬生(sheng)(sheng)偶然出(chu)去,正好遇上連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)從叔家回(hui)來。喬生(sheng)(sheng)看著她,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)也看見(jian)了(le)(le)(le)(le)他(ta)。只見(jian)她秋波送情,微(wei)微(wei)地啟齒一笑。喬生(sheng)(sheng)大喜。說:“連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)真是(shi)我(wo)的知心人(ren)!”過了(le)(le)(le)(le)不久,王鹽商(shang)家來到史家商(shang)議連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)的婚期。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)聽說后又病了(le)(le)(le)(le),幾(ji)個(ge)月便死了(le)(le)(le)(le)。喬生(sheng)(sheng)前去吊唁,痛哭一場,也死了(le)(le)(le)(le)過去,史家把他(ta)抬回(hui)家中。
喬生(sheng)(sheng)知(zhi)道自(zi)己已經死(si)了(le)(le),也沒感到有(you)什(shen)么(me)難過。一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)人(ren)(ren)出了(le)(le)村(cun),還(huan)想(xiang)著(zhu)(zhu)再見見連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)。遠遠望(wang)(wang)見有(you)條南北(bei)大路,路上的(de)(de)(de)行(xing)人(ren)(ren)像螞(ma)蟻(yi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)樣擁擠。他(ta)也走了(le)(le)過去,混雜在(zai)人(ren)(ren)群里(li)(li)。一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)會兒,進入一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)座衙門(men),正碰(peng)上他(ta)過去的(de)(de)(de)好朋友顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)看見他(ta),驚(jing)訝地問(wen):“你(ni)怎么(me)來(lai)(lai)了(le)(le)!”說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)著(zhu)(zhu),就拉著(zhu)(zhu)喬生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)手,要送(song)他(ta)回去。喬生(sheng)(sheng)長(chang)長(chang)地嘆息了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)聲,說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)心(xin)事(shi)還(huan)沒了(le)(le)!”顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)在(zai)這(zhe)里(li)(li)掌管典籍,很受上司信任。有(you)用(yong)得(de)(de)著(zhu)(zhu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)地方,我(wo)(wo)(wo)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)定(ding)盡(jin)力!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)向他(ta)打聽連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)在(zai)哪兒。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)領著(zhu)(zhu)他(ta)串(chuan)了(le)(le)很多地方,最后才發現連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)和一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)穿白衣(yi)服的(de)(de)(de)女郎(lang),眼(yan)淚婆娑(suo)地坐在(zai)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)條走廊的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)角。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)看見喬生(sheng)(sheng),急忙起(qi)身,像是喜出望(wang)(wang)外,略問(wen)了(le)(le)問(wen)他(ta)是怎么(me)來(lai)(lai)的(de)(de)(de)。喬生(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)死(si)了(le)(le),我(wo)(wo)(wo)怎敢(gan)偷生(sheng)(sheng)世上!”連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)聽了(le)(le),哭著(zhu)(zhu)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)這(zhe)樣一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)忘(wang)恩負義的(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren),你(ni)還(huan)不(bu)唾棄我(wo)(wo)(wo),又以身殉死(si)干什(shen)么(me)!我(wo)(wo)(wo)今生(sheng)(sheng)今世不(bu)能(neng)跟你(ni)了(le)(le),來(lai)(lai)生(sheng)(sheng)我(wo)(wo)(wo)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)定(ding)嫁給你(ni)!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)回頭告訴(su)顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)有(you)事(shi)就忙去吧(ba),我(wo)(wo)(wo)覺得(de)(de)死(si)了(le)(le)很快(kuai)樂,不(bu)想(xiang)再活了(le)(le)。只想(xiang)麻(ma)煩你(ni)代(dai)為訪查一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)下連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)到什(shen)么(me)地方,我(wo)(wo)(wo)要和她一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)起(qi)去!”顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)答應著(zhu)(zhu)走了(le)(le)。
這時,那白(bai)衣女(nv)郎問連(lian)(lian)(lian)城喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)是什(shen)么(me)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城便(bian)向她(ta)講述了(le)(le)往事。女(nv)郎聽了(le)(le)像(xiang)壓抑(yi)不(bu)(bu)住心(xin)中的悲傷(shang)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城告訴喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“這姑(gu)娘(niang)與我(wo)同(tong)姓,小名叫賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang),是長(chang)沙(sha)史太守的女(nv)兒(er)。我(wo)們(men)一(yi)路同(tong)來(lai)(lai),處(chu)得很親密。”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)打量了(le)(le)打量賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang),見(jian)她(ta)哀(ai)傷(shang)凄惋(wan)的樣子(zi),十分惹人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)憐愛。正(zheng)(zheng)想(xiang)再問什(shen)么(me),顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)已(yi)返了(le)(le)回來(lai)(lai),向喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)慶賀說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)給你(ni)辦(ban)妥了(le)(le),就讓小娘(niang)子(zi)跟(gen)你(ni)一(yi)起(qi)還陽復(fu)生(sheng)(sheng),好(hao)(hao)不(bu)(bu)好(hao)(hao)?”兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)聽了(le)(le),都很喜歡。正(zheng)(zheng)想(xiang)拜別顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng),賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)大(da)哭著(zhu)(zhu)說(shuo)(shuo):“姐姐走(zou)(zou)了(le)(le),我(wo)去(qu)哪里(li)(li)?懇求您(nin)可(ke)憐可(ke)憐,救(jiu)救(jiu)我(wo),我(wo)就是給您(nin)當仆人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)也愿意!”連(lian)(lian)(lian)城心(xin)里(li)(li)難過,想(xiang)不(bu)(bu)出(chu)辦(ban)法(fa),就和(he)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)商量,喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)轉(zhuan)而哀(ai)求顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)幫忙。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)很為難,一(yi)口咬定說(shuo)(shuo)不(bu)(bu)好(hao)(hao)辦(ban)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)執(zhi)意懇求,顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)才無(wu)可(ke)奈何地說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)去(qu)胡亂試(shi)試(shi)看(kan)吧(ba)!”去(qu)了(le)(le)有(you)一(yi)頓飯的工夫,便(bian)回來(lai)(lai)了(le)(le),連(lian)(lian)(lian)連(lian)(lian)(lian)擺手說(shuo)(shuo):“怎(zen)么(me)樣!我(wo)實在(zai)無(wu)能為力了(le)(le)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)聽說(shuo)(shuo),哀(ai)哀(ai)地啼哭著(zhu)(zhu),依在(zai)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城的胳膊下戀戀不(bu)(bu)舍,恐怕她(ta)馬上就走(zou)(zou)了(le)(le)。三人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)相對無(wu)語,一(yi)籌(chou)莫展。再看(kan)看(kan)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)那愁(chou)苦凄傷(shang)的樣子(zi),真讓人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)心(xin)里(li)(li)發(fa)酸。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)奮然而起(qi),說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)們(men)帶賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)一(yi)起(qi)走(zou)(zou)吧(ba)。真有(you)罪責,我(wo)豁上這條命(ming)一(yi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)承(cheng)擔了(le)(le)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)聽了(le)(le)才高興起(qi)來(lai)(lai),跟(gen)著(zhu)(zhu)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)塊(kuai)出(chu)去(qu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)擔心(xin)她(ta)一(yi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)去(qu)長(chang)沙(sha)路太遠,又沒(mei)有(you)伴。賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)想(xiang)跟(gen)你(ni)們(men)走(zou)(zou),不(bu)(bu)愿回去(qu)了(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)太傻了(le)(le)!不(bu)(bu)回去(qu),見(jian)不(bu)(bu)著(zhu)(zhu)你(ni)的尸身,怎(zen)么(me)能還陽呢?以后(hou)我(wo)們(men)到了(le)(le)湖南,你(ni)不(bu)(bu)躲著(zhu)(zhu)我(wo)們(men),我(wo)們(men)就很榮幸了(le)(le)!”正(zheng)(zheng)好(hao)(hao)有(you)兩(liang)個老(lao)婆婆拿(na)著(zhu)(zhu)勾牒要(yao)去(qu)長(chang)沙(sha)勾人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren),喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)把賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)托付(fu)給她(ta)們(men),然后(hou)灑淚而別。
路上,連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)走不(bu)動(dong),走一(yi)里多路就得(de)歇息歇息。共歇了(le)(le)(le)十(shi)多次,才看(kan)見本村的(de)(de)莊門。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“還(huan)(huan)陽(yang)后恐怕(pa)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們的(de)(de)事(shi)又(you)有(you)反(fan)(fan)復。請你(ni)(ni)先去我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)家(jia)(jia),索(suo)要我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)遺(yi)體,然(ran)后我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)在你(ni)(ni)家(jia)(jia)重生(sheng),我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)父(fu)親(qin)(qin)應(ying)當(dang)不(bu)會(hui)再(zai)反(fan)(fan)悔了(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)認(ren)為很(hen)對,兩(liang)(liang)人(ren)便(bian)先去喬(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia)(jia)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)戰戰兢(jing)兢(jing)地像(xiang)走不(bu)動(dong)了(le)(le)(le),喬(qiao)生(sheng)站(zhan)住,等著她。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)走到(dao)這里,禁不(bu)住渾身發(fa)抖,六神無主,真擔(dan)心(xin)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們的(de)(de)心(xin)愿實現不(bu)了(le)(le)(le)!我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們還(huan)(huan)得(de)再(zai)好好商量商量,不(bu)然(ran),我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們活(huo)了(le)(le)(le)后,可就又(you)身不(bu)由(you)己(ji)了(le)(le)(le)!”兩(liang)(liang)人(ren)相互攙(chan)扶著,進(jin)入一(yi)間廂房(fang)中,過了(le)(le)(le)很(hen)久,誰也(ye)沒(mei)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)話。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)忽然(ran)笑著說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)(ni)厭惡(e)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)嗎?”喬(qiao)生(sheng)驚訝地詢問這是什么意思。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)害羞地說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“恐怕(pa)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們的(de)(de)事(shi)不(bu)成,那(nei)時(shi)就太辜負(fu)你(ni)(ni)了(le)(le)(le)!請讓我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)先以(yi)鬼身報答你(ni)(ni)吧!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)大喜,兩(liang)(liang)人(ren)極盡歡愛(ai)。因(yin)為不(bu)敢急忙還(huan)(huan)生(sheng),兩(liang)(liang)人(ren)徘徊不(bu)決,在廂房(fang)中一(yi)直呆了(le)(le)(le)三天。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“俗話說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):‘丑媳婦終得(de)見公(gong)婆(po)’。老是在這里憂愁擔(dan)心(xin),終究不(bu)是長久之計!”催促喬(qiao)生(sheng)快去還(huan)(huan)陽(yang)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)一(yi)走到(dao)靈堂,猛然(ran)蘇(su)醒過來。家(jia)(jia)人(ren)非(fei)常驚異,給(gei)他喝了(le)(le)(le)些湯(tang)水。喬(qiao)生(sheng)便(bian)派人(ren)去請史舉人(ren)來,請求得(de)到(dao)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)的(de)(de)尸身,說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)自己(ji)能讓她復活(huo)。史舉人(ren)大喜,聽從了(le)(le)(le)他的(de)(de)話。剛把連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)抬進(jin)喬(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia)(jia),一(yi)看(kan),連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)果(guo)然(ran)也(ye)已活(huo)了(le)(le)(le)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)告訴(su)父(fu)親(qin)(qin)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“女兒已把自己(ji)許給(gei)喬(qiao)郎了(le)(le)(le),再(zai)沒(mei)回去的(de)(de)道(dao)理。父(fu)親(qin)(qin)如不(bu)允,我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)只有(you)再(zai)死!”
史舉人回(hui)(hui)了(le)(le)家(jia),便(bian)派了(le)(le)奴婢去喬(qiao)家(jia)供女兒使喚(huan)。王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)聽(ting)說后(hou)立(li)即寫了(le)(le)狀子告到(dao)(dao)(dao)官府(fu)。官府(fu)受了(le)(le)王(wang)家(jia)的賄賂,將(jiang)連城又判(pan)給(gei)了(le)(le)王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)憤懣(men)不(bu)堪,直想(xiang)死去,但終究(jiu)還是無可(ke)奈何。連城到(dao)(dao)(dao)了(le)(le)王(wang)家(jia),氣憤憤地不(bu)吃飯(fan),只求快死。看屋里沒人,便(bian)把(ba)帶子懸到(dao)(dao)(dao)房梁上上了(le)(le)吊,被人救下后(hou)。隔了(le)(le)一(yi)天,病得(de)越(yue)重(zhong),眼(yan)看就要死了(le)(le)。王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)害(hai)怕(pa),把(ba)她(ta)送(song)回(hui)(hui)了(le)(le)娘家(jia)。史舉人又把(ba)她(ta)抬到(dao)(dao)(dao)喬(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia)。王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)聽(ting)說后(hou),也(ye)沒有辦法,只得(de)作罷(ba)了(le)(le)。
連城病好后(hou),常常思念(nian)賓娘。想派個(ge)人(ren)(ren)捎信(xin)去,就便探望她(ta)。因為路太遠,很(hen)難前去。一天,家人(ren)(ren)忽然進來稟(bing)報說:“門(men)外來了(le)(le)好些(xie)車馬。”喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)夫婦迎出屋門(men)一看,見賓娘已在院(yuan)子(zi)里(li)了(le)(le)。三人(ren)(ren)相(xiang)見,悲喜交(jiao)集(ji)。史太守(shou)(shou)親自把女兒(er)送來了(le)(le)。喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)將他請進屋里(li),史太守(shou)(shou)說:“我(wo)女兒(er)多虧(kui)你才能復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),她(ta)立誓不嫁別人(ren)(ren),現在我(wo)聽從了(le)(le)她(ta)的意(yi)愿!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)忙叩頭拜謝。史舉人(ren)(ren)也(ye)來了(le)(le),還跟史太守(shou)(shou)敘上了(le)(le)同宗。喬生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)名年(nian),字大年(nian)。
異史氏說:嫣然一笑的(de)相(xiang)知(zhi)(zhi),于是(shi)(shi)以(yi)(yi)身相(xiang)許(xu),世上有(you)人(ren)會(hui)說他癡(chi),那(nei)田(tian)橫(heng)五(wu)百(bai)壯(zhuang)士,難道都是(shi)(shi)愚夫嗎!這(zhe)是(shi)(shi)因(yin)為“知(zhi)(zhi)遇”的(de)稀(xi)奇和珍貴,所以(yi)(yi)賢人(ren)豪杰感(gan)恩戴德而不能(neng)自(zi)已。看茫茫四海之(zhi)(zhi)內(nei),(因(yin)無知(zhi)(zhi)己之(zhi)(zhi)人(ren))所以(yi)(yi)使得錦繡人(ren)才,只能(neng)傾心于蛾眉一笑,真(zhen)是(shi)(shi)可(ke)悲啊!
蒲(pu)(pu)松(song)齡(ling)(1640-1715),清代杰出(chu)的(de)(de)(de)文(wen)學家,字留仙(xian),一(yi)(yi)字劍臣,別號柳泉居(ju)士,世稱聊(liao)齋先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng),山(shan)東(dong)淄川(今(jin)山(shan)東(dong)淄博市)人(ren)。他(ta)出(chu)身(shen)于(yu)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)沒落(luo)的(de)(de)(de)地主(zhu)家庭,父親(qin)蒲(pu)(pu)槃原是一(yi)(yi)個(ge)讀書人(ren),因(yin)(yin)在(zai)科舉(ju)上(shang)不得(de)志(zhi),便(bian)(bian)棄儒經商(shang),曾(ceng)積(ji)累(lei)了一(yi)(yi)筆(bi)可觀(guan)的(de)(de)(de)財產。等(deng)(deng)到蒲(pu)(pu)松(song)齡(ling)成(cheng)年時(shi),家境早已衰落(luo),生(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)十(shi)分(fen)貧(pin)困。蒲(pu)(pu)松(song)齡(ling)一(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)熱衷(zhong)功名,醉心科舉(ju),但他(ta)除(chu)了十(shi)九歲(sui)時(shi)應(ying)童子(zi)試(shi)曾(ceng)連續考(kao)中縣、府、道三個(ge)第一(yi)(yi),補博士弟(di)子(zi)員外,以后(hou)屢受(shou)挫折,一(yi)(yi)直郁(yu)郁(yu)不得(de)志(zhi)。他(ta)一(yi)(yi)面教書,一(yi)(yi)面應(ying)考(kao)了四十(shi)年,到七十(shi)一(yi)(yi)歲(sui)時(shi)才(cai)援例出(chu)貢(gong),補了個(ge)歲(sui)貢(gong)生(sheng)(sheng),四年后(hou)便(bian)(bian)死去了。一(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)中的(de)(de)(de)坎坷遭遇使蒲(pu)(pu)松(song)齡(ling)對(dui)當時(shi)政治的(de)(de)(de)黑暗和(he)(he)科舉(ju)的(de)(de)(de)弊端有(you)了一(yi)(yi)定的(de)(de)(de)認識,生(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)的(de)(de)(de)貧(pin)困使他(ta)對(dui)廣大(da)勞動人(ren)民的(de)(de)(de)生(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)和(he)(he)思想有(you)了一(yi)(yi)定的(de)(de)(de)了解(jie)和(he)(he)體會(hui)。因(yin)(yin)此,他(ta)以自(zi)己的(de)(de)(de)切身(shen)感受(shou)寫了不少著作,今(jin)存除(chu)《聊(liao)齋志(zhi)異》外,還有(you)《聊(liao)齋文(wen)集》和(he)(he)《詩集》等(deng)(deng)。