喬生(sheng),晉(jin)寧人[1]。少負才名。年(nian)二十余,猶淹蹇[2]。為人有(you)肝(gan)膽[3]。與顧(gu)生(sheng)善(shan);顧(gu)卒(zu),時恤(xu)其妻子。邑宰以(yi)(yi)文相契(qi)重[4];宰終(zhong)于任,家(jia)口淹滯,不能歸[5],生(sheng)破產扶(fu)柩,往返(fan)二千(qian)余里。以(yi)(yi)故士林益重之[6],而家(jia)由此益替[7]。史孝廉(lian)有(you)女,字(zi)連(lian)城,工刺繡(xiu),知書(shu)。父(fu)嬌(jiao)愛之[8]。出(chu)所刺“倦繡(xiu)圖”,征少年(nian)題詠(yong)[9],意(yi)在擇婿(xu)。生(sheng)獻詩(shi)云(yun):“慵鬟(huan)高髻(ji)綠婆娑[10],早向蘭窗繡(xiu)碧荷(he);刺到鴛鴦魂(hun)欲斷,暗停針線蹙(cu)雙蛾。”又贊挑繡(xiu)之工云(yun)[11]:“繡(xiu)線挑來(lai)似寫生(sheng)[12],幅中花鳥自天(tian)成[13];當(dang)年(nian)織錦非長技,幸把回文感圣明[14]。”女得詩(shi)喜,對父(fu)稱(cheng)賞。父(fu)貧之。女逢(feng)人輒(zhe)稱(cheng)道;又遣媼矯父(fu)命[15],贈金以(yi)(yi)助燈火(huo)[16]。生(sheng)嘆曰:“連(lian)城我(wo)知己也!”傾懷結想,如渴思啖。
無何,女(nv)許字于(yu)(yu)鹺賈之(zhi)子(zi)王化成[17],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)始絕望;然(ran)夢(meng)魂中猶佩戴之(zhi)[18]。未幾,女(nv)病瘵[19],沉痼(gu)不(bu)起(qi)[20]。有西域頭陀[21],自謂能(neng)療;但須男子(zi)膺肉一錢,搗合藥(yao)(yao)屑。史(shi)(shi)使人(ren)(ren)詣王家告婿。婿笑曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“癡老翁,欲我(wo)剜心頭肉也[22]!”使返。史(shi)(shi)乃言于(yu)(yu)人(ren)(ren)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“有能(neng)割肉者(zhe)妻之(zhi)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)聞而往,自出白(bai)(bai)刃,刲(kui)膺授僧(seng)[23]。血濡(ru)袍(pao)褲,僧(seng)敷(fu)藥(yao)(yao)始止。合藥(yao)(yao)三(san)丸。三(san)日服盡,疾(ji)若(ruo)失。史(shi)(shi)將(jiang)踐其言[24],先(xian)告王。王怒,欲訟官(guan)。史(shi)(shi)乃設(she)筵招生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),以(yi)(yi)(yi)千金列幾上,曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“重負大德,請以(yi)(yi)(yi)相(xiang)報。”因具白(bai)(bai)背盟之(zhi)由。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)怫然(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)[25]:“仆所以(yi)(yi)(yi)不(bu)愛膺肉者(zhe),聊以(yi)(yi)(yi)報知(zhi)己耳,豈貨肉哉!”拂袖(xiu)而歸(gui)。女(nv)聞之(zhi),意良不(bu)忍,托媼(ao)慰(wei)諭(yu)之(zhi)。且云(yun):“以(yi)(yi)(yi)彼才華,當(dang)不(bu)久落[26]。天下(xia)(xia)何患無佳人(ren)(ren)?我(wo)夢(meng)不(bu)祥,三(san)年必死(si)(si),不(bu)必與人(ren)(ren)爭此泉下(xia)(xia)物也[27]。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告媼(ao)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“‘士(shi)為知(zhi)己者(zhe)死(si)(si)’[28],不(bu)以(yi)(yi)(yi)色也。誠恐連城未必真知(zhi)我(wo),但得真知(zhi)我(wo),不(bu)諧何害(hai)[29]?”媼(ao)代女(nv)郎矢誠自剖(pou)[30]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“果(guo)爾,相(xiang)逢時當(dang)為我(wo)一笑,死(si)(si)無憾!”媼(ao)既(ji)去,逾數日,生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)偶出,遇女(nv)自叔氏歸(gui),睨之(zhi)。女(nv)秋波(bo)轉顧,啟齒嫣然(ran)[31]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)大喜曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“連城真知(zhi)我(wo)者(zhe)!”會(hui)王氏來議吉期[32],女(nv)前(qian)癥(zheng)又作,數月尋卒(zu)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)往臨吊[33],一痛而絕。史(shi)(shi)舁送(song)其家。
生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)自知(zhi)已死(si)(si),亦(yi)無所(suo)(suo)戚。出(chu)村去(qu),猶冀一(yi)(yi)見(jian)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。遙望南(nan)北一(yi)(yi)道,行人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)連(lian)(lian)緒(xu)如(ru)蟻[34],因亦(yi)混身(shen)雜跡其中(zhong)。俄頃(qing),入(ru)(ru)(ru)一(yi)(yi)廨署,值顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),驚(jing)問(wen):“君(jun)(jun)(jun)何(he)(he)(he)得(de)來(lai)(lai)?”即(ji)(ji)把手將(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)送令(ling)歸(gui)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太息(xi)言:“心事(shi)(shi)殊(shu)未了。”顧(gu)(gu)曰:“仆(pu)在此(ci)(ci)典牘[35],頗得(de)委(wei)任(ren)。倘可效力,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)惜也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)問(wen)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。顧(gu)(gu)即(ji)(ji)導生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)旋(xuan)轉(zhuan)(zhuan)多所(suo)(suo),見(jian)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)與一(yi)(yi)白衣女(nv)郎(lang),淚睫慘黛[36],藉坐廊隅[37]。見(jian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),驟起似(si)喜,略問(wen)所(suo)(suo)來(lai)(lai)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰:“卿(qing)死(si)(si),仆(pu)何(he)(he)(he)敢(gan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)!”連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)泣(qi)曰:“如(ru)此(ci)(ci)負(fu)義人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren),尚不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)吐棄之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),身(shen)殉何(he)(he)(he)為(wei)?然(ran)已不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)許君(jun)(jun)(jun)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),愿矢來(lai)(lai)世耳(er)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告(gao)顧(gu)(gu)曰:“有(you)(you)事(shi)(shi)君(jun)(jun)(jun)自去(qu),仆(pu)樂死(si)(si)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)矣(yi)(yi)。但煩稽連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)(he)(he)里,行與俱去(qu)耳(er)[38]。”顧(gu)(gu)諾而(er)去(qu)。白衣女(nv)郎(lang)問(wen)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)(he)(he)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren),連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)緬述之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)郎(lang)聞(wen)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),若不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)勝悲。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)告(gao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰:“此(ci)(ci)妾(qie)同(tong)(tong)姓,小(xiao)字(zi)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang),長沙(sha)史(shi)太守女(nv)[39]。一(yi)(yi)路同(tong)(tong)來(lai)(lai),遂相(xiang)憐(lian)愛。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)視之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),意態憐(lian)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)。方(fang)欲(yu)(yu)研問(wen),而(er)顧(gu)(gu)已反,向生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)賀曰:“我為(wei)君(jun)(jun)(jun)平章已確(que)[40],即(ji)(ji)教小(xiao)娘(niang)(niang)子從君(jun)(jun)(jun)返魂,好否?”兩人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)各喜。方(fang)將(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)拜別,賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)大(da)哭(ku)曰:“姊(zi)去(qu),我安歸(gui)?乞垂憐(lian)救,妾(qie)為(wei)姊(zi)捧帨耳(er)[41]。”連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)凄(qi)然(ran),無所(suo)(suo)為(wei)計(ji),轉(zhuan)(zhuan)謀(mou)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)又哀顧(gu)(gu)。顧(gu)(gu)難之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),峻辭(ci)以(yi)為(wei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)固強(qiang)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。乃(nai)曰:“試妄為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[42]。”去(qu)食(shi)頃(qing)而(er)返,搖手曰:“何(he)(he)(he)如(ru)!誠(cheng)萬分不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)為(wei)力矣(yi)(yi)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)聞(wen)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),宛轉(zhuan)(zhuan)嬌啼,惟依連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)肘下,恐(kong)其即(ji)(ji)去(qu)。慘怛無術[43],相(xiang)對(dui)默(mo)(mo)(mo)默(mo)(mo)(mo);而(er)睹(du)其愁(chou)顏戚容(rong)[44],使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)肺腑酸柔[45]。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤(fen)然(ran)曰:“請(qing)攜賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)去(qu)。脫有(you)(you)愆尤[46],小(xiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)拚身(shen)受之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)乃(nai)喜,從生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)出(chu)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憂其道遠無侶(lv)。賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)曰:“妾(qie)從君(jun)(jun)(jun)去(qu),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿歸(gui)也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰:“卿(qing)大(da)癡矣(yi)(yi)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)歸(gui),何(he)(he)(he)以(yi)得(de)活也?他日(ri)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)湖(hu)南(nan),勿復走避[47],為(wei)幸多矣(yi)(yi)。”適有(you)(you)兩媼(ao)攝牒赴長沙(sha)[48],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)屬之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[49],賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)泣(qi)別而(er)去(qu)。途中(zhong),連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)行蹇緩,里余(yu)輒(zhe)一(yi)(yi)息(xi);凡十余(yu)息(xi),始見(jian)里門。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰:“重生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后,懼(ju)有(you)(you)反覆。請(qing)索(suo)妾(qie)骸(hai)骨來(lai)(lai),妾(qie)以(yi)君(jun)(jun)(jun)家生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),當(dang)無悔也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)然(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。偕歸(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家。女(nv)惕惕若不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)步[50],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)佇待之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)曰:“妾(qie)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)此(ci)(ci),四(si)肢搖搖,似(si)無所(suo)(suo)主(zhu)。志(zhi)恐(kong)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)遂,尚宜審(shen)謀(mou);不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)然(ran),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后何(he)(he)(he)能(neng)(neng)自由?”相(xiang)將(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)入(ru)(ru)(ru)側廂中(zhong)。默(mo)(mo)(mo)定少時[51],連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)笑曰:“君(jun)(jun)(jun)憎妾(qie)耶?”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚(jing)問(wen)其故(gu)。赧然(ran)曰:“恐(kong)事(shi)(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)諧,重負(fu)君(jun)(jun)(jun)矣(yi)(yi)。請(qing)先(xian)以(yi)魂報也。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)喜,極盡歡戀(lian)。因徘徊不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)敢(gan)遽出(chu),寄廂中(zhong)者(zhe)三(san)日(ri)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰:“諺有(you)(you)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):‘丑婦終(zhong)(zhong)須見(jian)姑嫜。’戚戚于此(ci)(ci),終(zhong)(zhong)非久計(ji)。”乃(nai)促生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)入(ru)(ru)(ru)。才至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)靈寢[52],豁然(ran)頓(dun)蘇。家人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)驚(jing)異,進以(yi)湯水。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)乃(nai)使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)要(yao)史(shi)來(lai)(lai)[53],請(qing)得(de)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)尸,自言能(neng)(neng)活之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。史(shi)喜,從其言。方(fang)舁(yu)入(ru)(ru)(ru)室(shi),視之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)已醒。告(gao)父曰:“兒已委(wei)身(shen)喬郎(lang)矣(yi)(yi)[54],更無歸(gui)理。如(ru)有(you)(you)變動,但仍一(yi)(yi)死(si)(si)!”史(shi)歸(gui),遣(qian)婢往役給(gei)奉(feng)。王(wang)聞(wen),具詞申理。官受賂,判(pan)歸(gui)王(wang)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤(fen)懣欲(yu)(yu)死(si)(si),亦(yi)無奈之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[55]。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)王(wang)家,忿不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)飲食(shi),惟乞速死(si)(si)。室(shi)無人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren),則帶懸梁上。越日(ri),益(yi)憊,殆(dai)將(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)奄逝(shi)。王(wang)懼(ju),送歸(gui)史(shi)。史(shi)復舁(yu)歸(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。王(wang)知(zhi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),亦(yi)無如(ru)何(he)(he)(he),遂安焉(yan)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)起,每念賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang),欲(yu)(yu)遣(qian)信(xin)探之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[56],以(yi)道遠而(er)艱于往。一(yi)(yi)日(ri),家人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)進曰:“門有(you)(you)車(che)馬(ma)。”夫婦出(chu)視,則賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)(niang)已至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)庭中(zhong)矣(yi)(yi)。相(xiang)見(jian)悲喜。太守親詣(yi)送女(nv),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)延入(ru)(ru)(ru)。太守曰:“小(xiao)女(nv)子賴君(jun)(jun)(jun)復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),誓不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)他適,今從其志(zhi)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)叩謝(xie)如(ru)禮。孝廉亦(yi)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),敘宗(zong)好焉(yan)[57]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)名年,字(zi)大(da)年。
異史氏曰:“一笑之(zhi)知(zhi),許(xu)之(zhi)以(yi)身,世人(ren)(ren)或(huo)議(yi)其癡(chi);彼田橫(heng)五百人(ren)(ren)[58],豈盡愚哉(zai)!此知(zhi)希之(zhi)貴[59],賢豪所以(yi)感結而不能自已也。顧茫茫海內,遂使錦(jin)繡(xiu)才人(ren)(ren)[60],僅傾心于蛾眉(mei)之(zhi)一笑也,亦(yi)可慨矣!”
[1]晉(jin)寧:州縣名(ming)。唐置(zhi)晉(jin)寧縣,元為(wei)晉(jin)寧州,明清因(yin)之。州治在今云南省晉(jin)寧縣。
[2]偃(yan)蹇:滯留困頓,謂科舉(ju)不(bu)得志。
[3]有肝膽:忠義誠信,勇于為人盡力。
[4]契重(zhong):投(tou)合,尊重(zhong)。
[5]淹滯:困阻,久留。
[6]士林:讀書(shu)人中(zhong)間(jian)。“之”字據二十四卷(juan)抄(chao)本(ben)補。
[7]替:衰敗。
[8]嬌愛:嬌養。
[9]征(zheng):征(zheng)集。題詠:題詩贊詠。
[10]“慵鬟(huan)(huan)”四句:此詩即圖題詠(yong),大意謂:閨(gui)中少(shao)女早起即于窗前(qian)刺繡。先繡綠荷(he)。待繡到荷(he)底(di)鴛(yuan)鴦(yang)時(shi),不(bu)(bu)禁悵(chang)然神馳(chi),不(bu)(bu)知(zhi)不(bu)(bu)覺停下針線,傷神地皺攏雙(shuang)眉。因繡久困(kun)倦,那(nei)髻(ji)鬟(huan)(huan)邊的秀發也(ye)不(bu)(bu)免有些披拂散亂。慵鬟(huan)(huan),困(kun)倦時(shi)的發鬟(huan)(huan)。婆娑,飄拂不(bu)(bu)整貌,蘭窗,蘭閨(gui)之窗,少(shao)女臥室(shi)的窗戶(hu)。魂(hun)(hun)欲斷,謂魂(hun)(hun)馳(chi)神往。暗停,默默停下。
[11]挑繡(xiu):挑花(hua)和刺繡(xiu);繡(xiu)花(hua)時的兩(liang)道工藝。
[12]寫(xie)生:指畫家對實物的描摹。
[13]天(tian)(tian)成:天(tian)(tian)然生成。
[14]“當(dang)(dang)年(nian)織錦”二句:意思是,與連城刺(ci)繡(xiu)之美(mei)相(xiang)比,當(dang)(dang)年(nian)蘇蕙把回文圖詩(shi)織在錦緞上也算不得技巧高明,她不過僥(jiao)幸取(qu)得女皇武則(ze)天的賞識罷了(le)。據《晉(jin)書·列女·竇滔(tao)妻傳》:晉(jin)竇滔(tao)妻蘇蕙,字若(ruo)蘭,善(shan)屬文。滔(tao)仕(shi)前(qian)秦苻堅為(wei)秦州刺(ci)史,被徒(tu)流(liu)沙(sha)。蘇氏在家織錦為(wei)回文旋圖詩(shi)以寄。詩(shi)長八百四十一字,可(ke)宛轉循環以讀,詞(ci)甚凄(qi)惋。唐(tang)武則(ze)天為(wei)作《璇(xuan)璣(ji)圖詩(shi)序》,稱其(qi)“五彩相(xiang)宣,瑩心暉目”。
[15]矯:假托。
[16]助燈火:資助喬生讀(du)書(shu)費用。
[17]許(xu)字:許(xu)婚。鹺(cuó矬(cuo))賈:鹽商。《禮記·曲禮》:“鹽曰咸鹺。”
[18]佩(pei)戴:佩(pei)恩戴德(de);意思是(shi)感念不忘。
[19]瘵(zhài債):癆病,即肺病。
[20]沉痼(gu):病勢積久難(nan)醫。
[21]西(xi)域:此據二十四(si)卷抄本,底本作(zuo)“西(xi)城”。頭陀:梵文音(yin)澤,泛指一(yi)切(qie)僧(seng)眾;此特指行腳乞(qi)食僧(seng)人。
[22]心(xin)頭肉:習喻關系性(xing)命(ming)之物。唐聶夷中(zhong)《詠田家(jia)》詩(shi):“醫得眼前瘡,剜卻(que)心(xin)頭肉。”此(ci)指“膺肉”。
[23]刲(kuī虧):割。
[24]踐其(qi)言:履行自己(ji)的諾言。指以女妻喬生(sheng)。
[25]怫(fú符)然:生氣的樣(yang)子。
[26]落:沉淪(lun)。
[27]泉下物:指死(si)人。謂己(ji)不久將死(si)。
[28]土為(wei)(wei)(wei)知(zhi)已者死:《漢書(shu)·司馬遷傳(chuan)》報任(ren)安書(shu):“士為(wei)(wei)(wei)知(zhi)己用,女為(wei)(wei)(wei)悅己容。”
[29]不諧:不能(neng)成事;指不能(neng)結為夫妻。何害:何妨。
[30]矢誠自(zi)剖:發誓自(zi)明心跡。
[31]嫣(yan)(yān胭)然(ran):形(xing)容美笑。
[32]吉(ji)期:好日子;指完婚日期。
[33]臨吊(diao)(diao):哭吊(diao)(diao)。哭死(si)者叫臨,慰問其親(qin)屬叫吊(diao)(diao)。
[34]連續:此從(cong)二十(shi)四卷(juan)抄本(ben),底本(ben)作“連緒”。
[35]典牘:主(zhu)管文書(shu)案卷。
[36]淚睫慘(can)黛(dai):猶言愁(chou)眉淚眼。慘(can),悲傷。黛(dai),眉。
[37]藉坐(zuo)廊(lang)隅:在廊(lang)下一(yi)角,席地(di)而坐(zuo)。
[38]行:將。
[39]太(tai)守:知(zhi)府(fu)、知(zhi)州的古稱。明清(qing)于長沙置府(fu)。
[40]平(ping)章(zhang)已確:商辦已妥(tuo)。平(ping)章(zhang),商量處理。
[41]捧帨(shui):猶言奉中櫛、侍盥沐;意為居妾媵之位,給役侍奉。帨(shui),佩(pei)巾,古代婦女用以擦拭不潔。《禮記(ji)·內則》規定:“少(shao)事長,賤事貴”都有“盥卒授巾”的禮節。
[42]試妄(wang)為(wei)之(zhi):試辦一(yi)下(xia)看看。妄(wang),姑(gu)妄(wang)。表(biao)示下(xia)循(xun)規章和沒(mei)有把握。
[43]慘怛(dá答):憂傷(shang),悲痛。
[44]愁顏:此(ci)從二十四卷抄本,底本作“愁艷”。
[45]肺腑(fu)酸(suan)柔:猶言心酸(suan)腸軟。
[46]脫(tuo)有(you)愆(qian)尤:假若有(you)罪責(ze)、過失。
[47]走(zou)避:此(ci)從二十四卷抄本(ben),底(di)本(ben)作“去避”。
[48]攝牒:攜帶公(gong)(gong)文(wen)。指出公(gong)(gong)差。
[49]生屬之(zhi):喬(qiao)生把攜帶賓娘的事囑(zhu)托兩媼。屬,同“囑(zhu)”,意謂(wei)囑(zhu)托。據(ju)二十四卷抄本補,底本無“之(zhi)”字(zi)。
[50]惕惕:憂(you)懼貌。
[51]嘿定:沉默定息。嘿,同默。
[52]靈(ling)寢:靈(ling)床(chuang),即停尸床(chuang)。
[53]要:邀。
[54]委身(shen):托身(shen),許(xu)身(shen)。
[55]無奈之(zhi):無可(ke)奈何。
[56]信(xin):古稱使者為“信(xin)”。往(wang)偵(zhen):此從二十四卷抄(chao)本,底本作“參”。
[57]敘(xu)(xu)宗好:敘(xu)(xu)同宗之族誼。孝(xiao)廉(lian)與太守同姓(xing)史。
[58]“彼田(tian)橫(heng)五(wu)百(bai)人”二句:此為作(zuo)者(zhe)以田(tian)橫(heng)部下(xia)五(wu)百(bai)人忠于(yu)田(tian)橫(heng),贊揚喬生“士為知己者(zhe)死”的精(jing)神。田(tian)橫(heng),秦末齊人。拒項羽,復(fu)齊地,自立為齊王(wang)。劉邦(bang)稱帝后,田(tian)橫(heng)率五(wu)百(bai)士逃往(wang)海島(dao)。劉邦(bang)怕他(ta)作(zuo)亂,下(xia)詔強迫他(ta)入洛陽,并(bing)答應(ying)把他(ta)封王(wang)封侯。田(tian)橫(heng)行至距洛陽三十里的尸鄉,因恥(chi)于(yu)向劉邦(bang)稱臣(chen),與從(cong)者(zhe)皆自殺。島(dao)上(shang)五(wu)百(bai)人聞訊后也全(quan)部自殺。事見《史(shi)記·田(tian)儋(dan)列傳(chuan)》等(deng)。
[59]“此知(zhi)(zhi)希之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)貴(gui)”二句:意謂正因知(zhi)(zhi)己(ji)難求,所(suo)以賢(xian)豪(hao)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)士對知(zhi)(zhi)遇(yu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)德(de)感(gan)(gan)結(jie)于心。知(zhi)(zhi)希之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)貴(gui),語本《老(lao)子》“知(zhi)(zhi)我者(zhe)希,則我者(zhe)貴(gui)”,而(er)有(you)變化。韓愈(yu)《祭田(tian)橫墓(mu)文》說:“事有(you)曠百世(shi)而(er)相(xiang)感(gan)(gan)者(zhe),余(yu)不知(zhi)(zhi)其何(he)心;非今世(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)所(suo)稀(xi),孰為使余(yu)欷而(er)不可禁!”“賢(xian)豪(hao)感(gan)(gan)結(jie)”,蓋隱指此類感(gan)(gan)慨。
[60]錦繡(xiu)才(cai)人(ren):才(cai)學富(fu)艷、詩文精美(mei)的讀書人(ren)。此指喬生。柳宗無(wu)《乞巧文》:“駢四儷(li)六,錦心(xin)繡(xiu)口(kou)。”
晉寧縣(xian)有(you)(you)一(yi)個姓(xing)(xing)喬(qiao)的(de)(de)書生(sheng),少(shao)年(nian)(nian)時就很(hen)有(you)(you)才(cai)氣,但二十多(duo)(duo)歲了(le),依舊(jiu)窮困潦(liao)倒(dao)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)為(wei)人(ren)正(zheng)直,他(ta)有(you)(you)一(yi)個好朋友,姓(xing)(xing)顧(gu),早年(nian)(nian)就死了(le),喬(qiao)生(sheng)經常接濟他(ta)的(de)(de)妻子兒女。本縣(xian)縣(xian)令(ling)(ling)因為(wei)喬(qiao)生(sheng)的(de)(de)文(wen)章寫得好,對他(ta)很(hen)器重(zhong)。后來,縣(xian)令(ling)(ling)死在任(ren)上(shang),家(jia)口(kou)滯留晉寧,無(wu)法返回故鄉。喬(qiao)生(sheng)變賣了(le)自己的(de)(de)家(jia)產,買了(le)棺柩,往(wang)返兩千(qian)多(duo)(duo)里,把縣(xian)令(ling)(ling)的(de)(de)遺體連同他(ta)的(de)(de)家(jia)人(ren)一(yi)起送回了(le)家(jia)鄉。因為(wei)這(zhe)件(jian)事(shi),當時的(de)(de)文(wen)人(ren)們更加尊重(zhong)喬(qiao)生(sheng),但喬(qiao)生(sheng)卻因此(ci)更加貧(pin)窮了(le)。
當時,一個(ge)姓史的(de)舉人有(you)(you)個(ge)女兒叫(jiao)連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng),精(jing)于刺(ci)繡,又(you)知(zhi)書達禮,史舉人非(fei)常(chang)寵愛她。一次,史舉人拿(na)出一幅女兒繡的(de)“倦(juan)繡圖”,征求年(nian)輕(qing)書生(sheng)(sheng)就圖題詩(shi),意思是要借(jie)此選(xuan)個(ge)有(you)(you)才(cai)學的(de)好女婿(xu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)也作了(le)(le)一首(shou)詩(shi)獻上,這(zhe)首(shou)詩(shi)說(shuo):“慵鬟(huan)高髻綠婆(po)娑,早向(xiang)蘭窗繡碧荷(he)。刺(ci)到鴛鴦魂欲斷,暗停針(zhen)線蹙(cu)雙蛾。”又(you)題了(le)(le)一首(shou)詩(shi),專(zhuan)贊這(zhe)幅圖繡得精(jing)妙:“繡線挑來似(si)寫生(sheng)(sheng),幅中花鳥自天(tian)成(cheng)。當年(nian)織錦非(fei)長(chang)技,幸把回文感圣(sheng)明。”連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)見到這(zhe)兩(liang)首(shou)詩(shi),非(fei)常(chang)喜(xi)歡,便對著(zhu)父親夸(kua)獎(jiang)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)才(cai)華(hua)。但父親嫌喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)太貧窮,不愿找這(zhe)么個(ge)女婿(xu)。此后,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)逢人就夸(kua)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng),又(you)派了(le)(le)個(ge)老(lao)媽子,假借(jie)父親的(de)名(ming)義(yi)贈給喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)一些銀(yin)兩(liang),作為他讀書的(de)費(fei)用。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)感嘆地(di)說(shuo):“連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)真是我的(de)知(zhi)己啊!”對她一往情深,如饑(ji)似(si)渴地(di)想念她。
不(bu)(bu)(bu)久,連城跟一(yi)(yi)(yi)個名(ming)叫(jiao)王(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)的(de)(de)鹽商(shang)的(de)(de)兒子(zi)(zi)訂了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)親,喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才(cai)(cai)開始絕望起(qi)來(lai)。但仍然(ran)夢魂縈(ying)繞,無時(shi)無刻不(bu)(bu)(bu)想著連城。不(bu)(bu)(bu)長時(shi)間,連城便(bian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)重病,臥床(chuang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)起(qi)。有個從西域來(lai)的(de)(de)和(he)(he)(he)尚(shang)(shang),自稱(cheng)能治好(hao)她(ta)的(de)(de)病,但必(bi)(bi)需(xu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)錢男子(zi)(zi)胸上的(de)(de)肉(rou)搗碎了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)配藥(yao)。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)派人(ren)去告訴(su)王(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。王(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)笑(xiao)著說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“傻(sha)老頭(tou)!想叫(jiao)我(wo)(wo)(wo)剜心頭(tou)肉(rou)嗎?”把派去的(de)(de)人(ren)又打發回(hui)來(lai)。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)便(bian)對人(ren)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“誰愿從自己(ji)(ji)身上割(ge)下(xia)(xia)肉(rou)救(jiu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)女兒,我(wo)(wo)(wo)便(bian)把女兒嫁給他(ta)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)聽(ting)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo),立即趕到史(shi)家,自己(ji)(ji)掏出(chu)把刀子(zi)(zi),從胸上一(yi)(yi)(yi)刀割(ge)下(xia)(xia)片肉(rou),交給了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)和(he)(he)(he)尚(shang)(shang)。鮮(xian)血(xue)染紅了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)衣服,和(he)(he)(he)尚(shang)(shang)忙給他(ta)敷上刀傷藥(yao)才(cai)(cai)止住(zhu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)血(xue)。和(he)(he)(he)尚(shang)(shang)用喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)肉(rou)和(he)(he)(he)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)三個藥(yao)丸,給連城分三天(tian)服下(xia)(xia),病果然(ran)好(hao)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)便(bian)想履行諾言(yan),把連城嫁給喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。先(xian)去通知(zhi)王(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),王(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)大(da)怒,要告狀打官司。史(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)害怕,便(bian)擺下(xia)(xia)宴席,將喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)請來(lai),然(ran)后取(qu)出(chu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)千兩銀子(zi)(zi),放在桌子(zi)(zi)上,說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“辜(gu)負了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)您的(de)(de)大(da)恩大(da)德,就用這(zhe)些銀子(zi)(zi)報答(da)(da)您吧(ba)!”并對喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)講了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)毀(hui)約的(de)(de)緣由。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)氣地說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)所以(yi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)吝惜心頭(tou)肉(rou),不(bu)(bu)(bu)過是為了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)報答(da)(da)知(zhi)已罷(ba)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le),難道我(wo)(wo)(wo)是賣肉(rou)的(de)(de)嗎?”說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)完,拂袖而(er)去。連城聽(ting)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)后,心里很不(bu)(bu)(bu)忍,托老媽(ma)子(zi)(zi)去勸慰他(ta)。并說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“以(yi)他(ta)的(de)(de)才(cai)(cai)華,不(bu)(bu)(bu)會(hui)久處人(ren)下(xia)(xia)的(de)(de),何愁天(tian)下(xia)(xia)沒(mei)有美(mei)女?我(wo)(wo)(wo)近來(lai)做的(de)(de)夢都不(bu)(bu)(bu)吉利,三年內(nei)必(bi)(bi)死(si),不(bu)(bu)(bu)必(bi)(bi)跟別人(ren)爭我(wo)(wo)(wo)這(zhe)個泉下(xia)(xia)之(zhi)鬼了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告訴(su)老媽(ma)子(zi)(zi)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“古人(ren)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):‘士為知(zhi)己(ji)(ji)者死(si)’。我(wo)(wo)(wo)報答(da)(da)她(ta)不(bu)(bu)(bu)是為了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)她(ta)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)得漂亮。我(wo)(wo)(wo)真(zhen)怕連城未必(bi)(bi)真(zhen)知(zhi)我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)心,如果真(zhen)知(zhi),就是做不(bu)(bu)(bu)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)夫妻又有何妨呢?”老媽(ma)子(zi)(zi)忙替連城表白了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)她(ta)的(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)(yi)片真(zhen)情(qing)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“果然(ran)這(zhe)樣,我(wo)(wo)(wo)們(men)相逢(feng)時(shi),她(ta)若(ruo)為我(wo)(wo)(wo)笑(xiao)一(yi)(yi)(yi)笑(xiao),我(wo)(wo)(wo)就死(si)而(er)無憾(han)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!”
老(lao)媽子回去不(bu)(bu)幾(ji)天,喬(qiao)生(sheng)偶然出去,正好(hao)遇上連城(cheng)從(cong)叔家回來(lai)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)看著她(ta),連城(cheng)也看見(jian)了(le)(le)他(ta)。只見(jian)她(ta)秋(qiu)波送情,微微地啟齒一(yi)笑(xiao)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)大喜(xi)。說:“連城(cheng)真是我的(de)知心人!”過(guo)了(le)(le)不(bu)(bu)久,王鹽商家來(lai)到史家商議(yi)連城(cheng)的(de)婚(hun)期。連城(cheng)聽說后(hou)又病了(le)(le),幾(ji)個(ge)月便死(si)了(le)(le)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)前去吊(diao)唁,痛(tong)哭一(yi)場,也死(si)了(le)(le)過(guo)去,史家把他(ta)抬回家中(zhong)。
喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)知道自己已(yi)經死(si)了(le)(le),也(ye)沒感(gan)到有(you)什(shen)(shen)么(me)(me)難過。一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)人(ren)(ren)出了(le)(le)村(cun),還想(xiang)著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)再見見連城(cheng)。遠遠望(wang)見有(you)條南(nan)北大路(lu),路(lu)上的(de)(de)(de)行人(ren)(ren)像螞蟻一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)樣擁(yong)擠。他(ta)(ta)也(ye)走(zou)(zou)了(le)(le)過去(qu),混雜在人(ren)(ren)群里。一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)會兒,進入(ru)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)座衙門,正(zheng)碰上他(ta)(ta)過去(qu)的(de)(de)(de)好朋友顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)看(kan)(kan)見他(ta)(ta),驚訝地(di)(di)(di)問(wen)(wen):“你怎(zen)(zen)么(me)(me)來(lai)了(le)(le)!”說(shuo)著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)(zhu),就拉(la)著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)手,要送他(ta)(ta)回(hui)去(qu)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)長長地(di)(di)(di)嘆息了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)聲,說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)心事(shi)還沒了(le)(le)!”顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)在這(zhe)里掌管典籍,很(hen)受上司信任。有(you)用得(de)著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)地(di)(di)(di)方(fang),我(wo)(wo)(wo)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)定盡(jin)力(li)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便向他(ta)(ta)打聽連城(cheng)在哪(na)兒。顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)領著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)他(ta)(ta)串(chuan)了(le)(le)很(hen)多(duo)地(di)(di)(di)方(fang),最后才發現連城(cheng)和(he)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)穿白衣服(fu)的(de)(de)(de)女(nv)郎,眼淚婆(po)娑地(di)(di)(di)坐在一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)條走(zou)(zou)廊的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)角。連城(cheng)看(kan)(kan)見喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),急忙起(qi)身,像是喜(xi)出望(wang)外,略問(wen)(wen)了(le)(le)問(wen)(wen)他(ta)(ta)是怎(zen)(zen)么(me)(me)來(lai)的(de)(de)(de)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo):“你死(si)了(le)(le),我(wo)(wo)(wo)怎(zen)(zen)敢偷(tou)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)世上!”連城(cheng)聽了(le)(le),哭著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)這(zhe)樣一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)忘恩(en)負義的(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren),你還不唾棄我(wo)(wo)(wo),又以身殉死(si)干什(shen)(shen)么(me)(me)!我(wo)(wo)(wo)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)今世不能跟(gen)你了(le)(le),來(lai)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)我(wo)(wo)(wo)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)定嫁給你!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)回(hui)頭告(gao)訴顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo):“你有(you)事(shi)就忙去(qu)吧,我(wo)(wo)(wo)覺得(de)死(si)了(le)(le)很(hen)快樂,不想(xiang)再活了(le)(le)。只想(xiang)麻(ma)煩(fan)你代為訪(fang)查一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)下連城(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)到什(shen)(shen)么(me)(me)地(di)(di)(di)方(fang),我(wo)(wo)(wo)要和(he)她一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)起(qi)去(qu)!”顧(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)答(da)應(ying)著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)走(zou)(zou)了(le)(le)。
這(zhe)時,那(nei)白(bai)衣女郎(lang)問連(lian)城喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)是什么(me)(me)人(ren)(ren)(ren)。連(lian)城便向她講述了(le)(le)往事(shi)。女郎(lang)聽了(le)(le)像壓抑不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)住心中的悲傷。連(lian)城告訴喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“這(zhe)姑(gu)娘(niang)與我(wo)(wo)同姓,小名(ming)叫賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang),是長沙(sha)史太守的女兒(er)。我(wo)(wo)們(men)(men)一(yi)路同來(lai)(lai),處(chu)得很(hen)(hen)親密。”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)打量了(le)(le)打量賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang),見(jian)她哀(ai)傷凄(qi)惋(wan)的樣(yang)子(zi),十分(fen)惹人(ren)(ren)(ren)憐愛。正(zheng)(zheng)想(xiang)(xiang)再問什么(me)(me),顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)已返了(le)(le)回(hui)來(lai)(lai),向喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)慶賀說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)給你(ni)辦妥了(le)(le),就讓(rang)小娘(niang)子(zi)跟(gen)你(ni)一(yi)起(qi)還陽(yang)復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),好不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)好?”兩人(ren)(ren)(ren)聽了(le)(le),都很(hen)(hen)喜歡(huan)。正(zheng)(zheng)想(xiang)(xiang)拜別(bie)顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)大哭著(zhu)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“姐姐走了(le)(le),我(wo)(wo)去(qu)哪(na)里(li)?懇求您可(ke)憐可(ke)憐,救(jiu)救(jiu)我(wo)(wo),我(wo)(wo)就是給您當(dang)仆人(ren)(ren)(ren)也愿意(yi)!”連(lian)城心里(li)難過,想(xiang)(xiang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)出辦法,就和喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)商量,喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)轉而(er)哀(ai)求顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)幫忙。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)很(hen)(hen)為(wei)難,一(yi)口咬定說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)好辦。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)執意(yi)懇求,顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才無可(ke)奈何地說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)去(qu)胡亂(luan)試試看吧!”去(qu)了(le)(le)有一(yi)頓飯的工夫,便回(hui)來(lai)(lai)了(le)(le),連(lian)連(lian)擺手說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“怎么(me)(me)樣(yang)!我(wo)(wo)實在無能(neng)為(wei)力了(le)(le)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)聽說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo),哀(ai)哀(ai)地啼哭著(zhu),依在連(lian)城的胳膊下戀(lian)戀(lian)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)舍,恐怕她馬上(shang)就走了(le)(le)。三人(ren)(ren)(ren)相(xiang)對無語,一(yi)籌莫展。再看看賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)那(nei)愁苦凄(qi)傷的樣(yang)子(zi),真(zhen)讓(rang)人(ren)(ren)(ren)心里(li)發酸。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)奮然而(er)起(qi),說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)們(men)(men)帶(dai)賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)一(yi)起(qi)走吧。真(zhen)有罪責,我(wo)(wo)豁上(shang)這(zhe)條命一(yi)人(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)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)塊出去(qu)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)擔心她一(yi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)去(qu)長沙(sha)路太遠,又沒有伴(ban)。賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)想(xiang)(xiang)跟(gen)你(ni)們(men)(men)走,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿回(hui)去(qu)了(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)太傻了(le)(le)!不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)回(hui)去(qu),見(jian)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)著(zhu)你(ni)的尸身,怎么(me)(me)能(neng)還陽(yang)呢?以(yi)后我(wo)(wo)們(men)(men)到了(le)(le)湖南,你(ni)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)躲(duo)著(zhu)我(wo)(wo)們(men)(men),我(wo)(wo)們(men)(men)就很(hen)(hen)榮幸(xing)了(le)(le)!”正(zheng)(zheng)好有兩個老婆(po)(po)婆(po)(po)拿著(zhu)勾牒要(yao)去(qu)長沙(sha)勾人(ren)(ren)(ren),喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便把賓(bin)(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)托付給她們(men)(men),然后灑淚(lei)而(er)別(bie)。
路上,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)走(zou)(zou)不(bu)動,走(zou)(zou)一(yi)(yi)里多路就得(de)歇息歇息。共歇了(le)(le)(le)(le)十多次,才看(kan)見本村的(de)(de)莊門。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo):“還(huan)(huan)陽后(hou)(hou)恐怕(pa)我(wo)(wo)們的(de)(de)事又(you)有反(fan)復。請(qing)你(ni)先(xian)(xian)去我(wo)(wo)家,索要我(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)遺體,然后(hou)(hou)我(wo)(wo)在你(ni)家重生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),我(wo)(wo)父(fu)親(qin)應當(dang)不(bu)會再反(fan)悔了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)認為很對,兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)便(bian)先(xian)(xian)去喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)戰戰兢(jing)兢(jing)地(di)(di)像走(zou)(zou)不(bu)動了(le)(le)(le)(le),喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)站(zhan)住,等著(zhu)她(ta)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)走(zou)(zou)到(dao)這(zhe)里,禁(jin)不(bu)住渾身(shen)(shen)發抖,六神無主,真擔(dan)心(xin)我(wo)(wo)們的(de)(de)心(xin)愿實(shi)現不(bu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!我(wo)(wo)們還(huan)(huan)得(de)再好好商(shang)量商(shang)量,不(bu)然,我(wo)(wo)們活了(le)(le)(le)(le)后(hou)(hou),可就又(you)身(shen)(shen)不(bu)由己(ji)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)相互(hu)攙扶(fu)著(zhu),進入一(yi)(yi)間廂房中,過了(le)(le)(le)(le)很久,誰也沒說(shuo)話(hua)(hua)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)忽(hu)然笑著(zhu)說(shuo):“你(ni)厭惡(e)我(wo)(wo)嗎?”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚訝地(di)(di)詢問這(zhe)是(shi)什么意思(si)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)害羞地(di)(di)說(shuo):“恐怕(pa)我(wo)(wo)們的(de)(de)事不(bu)成,那時(shi)就太辜(gu)負你(ni)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!請(qing)讓(rang)我(wo)(wo)先(xian)(xian)以鬼(gui)身(shen)(shen)報答(da)你(ni)吧(ba)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)大喜,兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)極盡歡愛。因為不(bu)敢急忙還(huan)(huan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)徘徊不(bu)決,在廂房中一(yi)(yi)直(zhi)呆了(le)(le)(le)(le)三天。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo):“俗話(hua)(hua)說(shuo):‘丑媳婦終得(de)見公婆(po)’。老是(shi)在這(zhe)里憂(you)愁擔(dan)心(xin),終究不(bu)是(shi)長久之計!”催促(cu)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)快去還(huan)(huan)陽。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)(yi)走(zou)(zou)到(dao)靈堂,猛(meng)然蘇醒過來(lai)。家人(ren)(ren)非常驚異,給他(ta)喝(he)了(le)(le)(le)(le)些湯水。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)派(pai)人(ren)(ren)去請(qing)史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)來(lai),請(qing)求得(de)到(dao)連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)的(de)(de)尸身(shen)(shen),說(shuo)自己(ji)能讓(rang)她(ta)復活。史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)大喜,聽從了(le)(le)(le)(le)他(ta)的(de)(de)話(hua)(hua)。剛把連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)抬進喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家,一(yi)(yi)看(kan),連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)果然也已活了(le)(le)(le)(le)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)告訴父(fu)親(qin)說(shuo):“女兒已把自己(ji)許給喬(qiao)郎了(le)(le)(le)(le),再沒回去的(de)(de)道(dao)理。父(fu)親(qin)如不(bu)允,我(wo)(wo)只(zhi)有再死!”
史(shi)(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)回(hui)了(le)家(jia),便派了(le)奴婢去喬家(jia)供女(nv)兒(er)使喚。王(wang)(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)聽說后立即寫(xie)了(le)狀子告到官府(fu)。官府(fu)受了(le)王(wang)(wang)家(jia)的賄賂,將連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)又判給了(le)王(wang)(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)。喬生憤懣不(bu)堪,直想死(si)去,但(dan)終究還是無可奈何(he)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)到了(le)王(wang)(wang)家(jia),氣憤憤地(di)不(bu)吃飯(fan),只求(qiu)快死(si)。看屋里沒人(ren),便把帶(dai)子懸到房(fang)梁上(shang)上(shang)了(le)吊(diao),被(bei)人(ren)救下后。隔了(le)一天,病得越重,眼看就要死(si)了(le)。王(wang)(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)害怕(pa),把她(ta)送回(hui)了(le)娘(niang)家(jia)。史(shi)(shi)舉(ju)人(ren)又把她(ta)抬到喬生家(jia)。王(wang)(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)聽說后,也沒有(you)辦法,只得作罷了(le)。
連城病好后,常常思念賓娘。想(xiang)派個人捎信去,就便探望她(ta)(ta)。因為路太(tai)(tai)遠,很難前(qian)去。一(yi)天,家人忽然進(jin)來(lai)稟報(bao)說(shuo):“門外來(lai)了(le)好些(xie)車馬。”喬(qiao)生夫婦迎出屋(wu)門一(yi)看,見賓娘已在院子里了(le)。三(san)人相見,悲喜交集。史(shi)太(tai)(tai)守親(qin)自(zi)把(ba)女兒(er)送(song)來(lai)了(le)。喬(qiao)生將他請進(jin)屋(wu)里,史(shi)太(tai)(tai)守說(shuo):“我女兒(er)多虧你才能復生,她(ta)(ta)立(li)誓不嫁別人,現在我聽(ting)從了(le)她(ta)(ta)的意愿(yuan)!”喬(qiao)生忙(mang)叩頭(tou)拜謝。史(shi)舉人也來(lai)了(le),還跟史(shi)太(tai)(tai)守敘上了(le)同宗。喬(qiao)生名年,字大(da)年。
異史氏說:嫣然一笑(xiao)(xiao)的(de)(de)相知(zhi),于(yu)是(shi)(shi)以(yi)(yi)身相許(xu),世上有(you)人(ren)會說他癡,那(nei)田橫五(wu)百壯(zhuang)士,難道(dao)都是(shi)(shi)愚夫(fu)嗎!這是(shi)(shi)因為“知(zhi)遇”的(de)(de)稀奇和珍貴,所以(yi)(yi)賢(xian)人(ren)豪杰感(gan)恩戴德而不(bu)能(neng)自已。看(kan)茫(mang)(mang)茫(mang)(mang)四海之(zhi)(zhi)內(nei),(因無知(zhi)己(ji)之(zhi)(zhi)人(ren))所以(yi)(yi)使得錦繡人(ren)才,只能(neng)傾心于(yu)蛾眉(mei)一笑(xiao)(xiao),真是(shi)(shi)可悲啊!
蒲(pu)(pu)松齡(1640-1715),清代杰出(chu)(chu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)文(wen)學家,字留仙,一(yi)(yi)字劍臣,別(bie)號柳(liu)泉居士,世(shi)稱聊(liao)齋(zhai)(zhai)先生(sheng)(sheng),山(shan)東淄川(今(jin)山(shan)東淄博市)人(ren)。他(ta)出(chu)(chu)身于(yu)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)沒落的(de)(de)(de)(de)地主家庭(ting),父親蒲(pu)(pu)槃原是一(yi)(yi)個(ge)讀書人(ren),因(yin)在科(ke)舉上不(bu)得志(zhi),便棄(qi)儒經商,曾(ceng)積累了(le)一(yi)(yi)筆可(ke)觀的(de)(de)(de)(de)財(cai)產。等(deng)到蒲(pu)(pu)松齡成(cheng)年時,家境早已(yi)衰落,生(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)十分貧(pin)困(kun)。蒲(pu)(pu)松齡一(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)熱衷功(gong)名(ming),醉心科(ke)舉,但他(ta)除了(le)十九(jiu)歲時應童(tong)子試曾(ceng)連續(xu)考中(zhong)縣、府、道三(san)個(ge)第一(yi)(yi),補博士弟(di)子員外(wai),以后屢受(shou)挫折,一(yi)(yi)直郁(yu)郁(yu)不(bu)得志(zhi)。他(ta)一(yi)(yi)面教書,一(yi)(yi)面應考了(le)四十年,到七十一(yi)(yi)歲時才(cai)援例出(chu)(chu)貢(gong),補了(le)個(ge)歲貢(gong)生(sheng)(sheng),四年后便死去了(le)。一(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)坎坷遭遇使蒲(pu)(pu)松齡對(dui)(dui)當時政治的(de)(de)(de)(de)黑暗和(he)(he)科(ke)舉的(de)(de)(de)(de)弊端有了(le)一(yi)(yi)定的(de)(de)(de)(de)認識,生(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)貧(pin)困(kun)使他(ta)對(dui)(dui)廣大(da)勞(lao)動(dong)人(ren)民(min)的(de)(de)(de)(de)生(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)和(he)(he)思想有了(le)一(yi)(yi)定的(de)(de)(de)(de)了(le)解和(he)(he)體會。因(yin)此,他(ta)以自己的(de)(de)(de)(de)切(qie)身感受(shou)寫了(le)不(bu)少著作,今(jin)存(cun)除《聊(liao)齋(zhai)(zhai)志(zhi)異(yi)》外(wai),還有《聊(liao)齋(zhai)(zhai)文(wen)集》和(he)(he)《詩集》等(deng)。