喬生(sheng),晉(jin)寧(ning)人[1]。少負才名(ming)。年二十余,猶(you)淹(yan)蹇(jian)[2]。為人有肝膽[3]。與顧(gu)生(sheng)善;顧(gu)卒,時(shi)恤其妻子。邑宰以文(wen)相契重(zhong)(zhong)[4];宰終(zhong)于任(ren),家(jia)口淹(yan)滯(zhi),不(bu)能歸[5],生(sheng)破產扶柩,往返二千(qian)余里。以故(gu)士林益重(zhong)(zhong)之[6],而家(jia)由此益替(ti)[7]。史(shi)孝廉有女(nv),字連城,工刺繡,知(zhi)書。父(fu)嬌愛(ai)之[8]。出所刺“倦(juan)繡圖”,征少年題詠[9],意在擇婿。生(sheng)獻(xian)詩云:“慵鬟高髻綠婆娑[10],早向蘭(lan)窗繡碧荷;刺到鴛(yuan)鴦(yang)魂(hun)欲斷,暗停(ting)針線蹙雙蛾。”又贊挑繡之工云[11]:“繡線挑來似寫生(sheng)[12],幅中(zhong)花鳥自天成[13];當年織(zhi)錦(jin)非(fei)長(chang)技(ji),幸把(ba)回(hui)文(wen)感圣明(ming)[14]。”女(nv)得詩喜(xi),對父(fu)稱(cheng)賞(shang)。父(fu)貧之。女(nv)逢人輒稱(cheng)道;又遣媼矯父(fu)命[15],贈金以助(zhu)燈(deng)火(huo)[16]。生(sheng)嘆(tan)曰(yue):“連城我知(zhi)己也!”傾懷結(jie)想,如渴思啖。
無何,女(nv)許(xu)字于(yu)鹺賈之子(zi)王(wang)化成[17],生(sheng)始(shi)絕望(wang);然夢魂中猶(you)佩(pei)戴(dai)之[18]。未幾,女(nv)病瘵[19],沉痼不(bu)(bu)起[20]。有(you)西域(yu)頭(tou)陀(tuo)[21],自(zi)謂能療;但須男(nan)子(zi)膺(ying)肉一(yi)(yi)錢,搗(dao)合藥屑。史使(shi)人詣王(wang)家(jia)告(gao)婿。婿笑(xiao)曰(yue):“癡(chi)老翁(weng),欲我(wo)剜心頭(tou)肉也[22]!”使(shi)返。史乃(nai)言(yan)于(yu)人曰(yue):“有(you)能割肉者(zhe)妻之。”生(sheng)聞(wen)而往,自(zi)出白(bai)刃,刲膺(ying)授(shou)僧[23]。血濡袍褲,僧敷藥始(shi)止。合藥三丸。三日(ri)服盡,疾(ji)若失(shi)。史將踐其(qi)言(yan)[24],先告(gao)王(wang)。王(wang)怒,欲訟官。史乃(nai)設筵招生(sheng),以(yi)(yi)千金(jin)列幾上,曰(yue):“重負大(da)德,請以(yi)(yi)相報。”因(yin)具白(bai)背盟之由。生(sheng)怫然曰(yue)[25]:“仆(pu)所以(yi)(yi)不(bu)(bu)愛(ai)膺(ying)肉者(zhe),聊以(yi)(yi)報知己耳,豈貨肉哉!”拂(fu)袖(xiu)而歸。女(nv)聞(wen)之,意(yi)良不(bu)(bu)忍,托(tuo)媼慰(wei)諭(yu)之。且云:“以(yi)(yi)彼才華,當(dang)不(bu)(bu)久落[26]。天下何患無佳(jia)人?我(wo)夢不(bu)(bu)祥,三年必(bi)死(si),不(bu)(bu)必(bi)與人爭此泉(quan)下物也[27]。”生(sheng)告(gao)媼曰(yue):“‘士為(wei)知己者(zhe)死(si)’[28],不(bu)(bu)以(yi)(yi)色也。誠恐連城未必(bi)真知我(wo),但得真知我(wo),不(bu)(bu)諧何害[29]?”媼代女(nv)郎矢誠自(zi)剖[30]。生(sheng)曰(yue):“果爾,相逢(feng)時當(dang)為(wei)我(wo)一(yi)(yi)笑(xiao),死(si)無憾(han)!”媼既去(qu),逾數(shu)日(ri),生(sheng)偶出,遇女(nv)自(zi)叔(shu)氏歸,睨(ni)之。女(nv)秋波轉(zhuan)顧,啟齒嫣然[31]。生(sheng)大(da)喜曰(yue):“連城真知我(wo)者(zhe)!”會王(wang)氏來議吉期[32],女(nv)前癥又作(zuo),數(shu)月尋卒。生(sheng)往臨(lin)吊(diao)[33],一(yi)(yi)痛而絕。史舁送其(qi)家(jia)。
生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)自知已(yi)死,亦(yi)(yi)(yi)無所(suo)(suo)戚(qi)。出村(cun)去(qu),猶冀一見(jian)(jian)連(lian)(lian)城。遙望南(nan)北(bei)一道,行人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)連(lian)(lian)緒(xu)如(ru)(ru)蟻(yi)[34],因(yin)亦(yi)(yi)(yi)混(hun)身(shen)雜跡其(qi)(qi)中(zhong)。俄頃(qing)(qing),入(ru)一廨署,值顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),驚(jing)問(wen)(wen):“君(jun)何(he)(he)(he)(he)得(de)來(lai)?”即把手將(jiang)送令歸。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太(tai)(tai)息(xi)言:“心(xin)事殊(shu)未了。”顧曰(yue)(yue):“仆(pu)在此典牘[35],頗得(de)委任。倘可效(xiao)力(li),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)惜也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)問(wen)(wen)連(lian)(lian)城。顧即導生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)旋轉(zhuan)多(duo)所(suo)(suo),見(jian)(jian)連(lian)(lian)城與一白衣女(nv)郎,淚睫慘黛[36],藉坐廊隅(yu)[37]。見(jian)(jian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),驟起似喜(xi),略問(wen)(wen)所(suo)(suo)來(lai)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue):“卿死,仆(pu)何(he)(he)(he)(he)敢(gan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)!”連(lian)(lian)城泣曰(yue)(yue):“如(ru)(ru)此負(fu)義人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren),尚不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)吐棄之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),身(shen)殉何(he)(he)(he)(he)為(wei)(wei)?然(ran)已(yi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)許君(jun)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),愿(yuan)矢來(lai)世耳(er)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告顧曰(yue)(yue):“有事君(jun)自去(qu),仆(pu)樂死不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿(yuan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)矣(yi)(yi)。但煩稽連(lian)(lian)城托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)(he)(he)(he)里(li),行與俱(ju)去(qu)耳(er)[38]。”顧諾而(er)去(qu)。白衣女(nv)郎問(wen)(wen)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)(he)(he)(he)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren),連(lian)(lian)城為(wei)(wei)緬述之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)郎聞之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),若(ruo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)勝悲。連(lian)(lian)城告生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue):“此妾(qie)同姓,小字賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang),長(chang)沙史(shi)太(tai)(tai)守(shou)女(nv)[39]。一路同來(lai),遂相(xiang)(xiang)憐(lian)愛。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)視之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),意態憐(lian)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)。方(fang)(fang)欲研問(wen)(wen),而(er)顧已(yi)反,向生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)賀曰(yue)(yue):“我為(wei)(wei)君(jun)平(ping)章已(yi)確(que)[40],即教小娘(niang)子從君(jun)返魂(hun),好否(fou)?”兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)各(ge)喜(xi)。方(fang)(fang)將(jiang)拜別,賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)大哭曰(yue)(yue):“姊去(qu),我安歸?乞垂憐(lian)救,妾(qie)為(wei)(wei)姊捧帨(shui)耳(er)[41]。”連(lian)(lian)城凄(qi)然(ran),無所(suo)(suo)為(wei)(wei)計,轉(zhuan)謀生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)又哀顧。顧難之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),峻辭以(yi)(yi)為(wei)(wei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)固強(qiang)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。乃曰(yue)(yue):“試妄為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[42]。”去(qu)食(shi)頃(qing)(qing)而(er)返,搖(yao)(yao)手曰(yue)(yue):“何(he)(he)(he)(he)如(ru)(ru)!誠萬分不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)為(wei)(wei)力(li)矣(yi)(yi)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)聞之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),宛轉(zhuan)嬌(jiao)啼(ti),惟依連(lian)(lian)城肘下,恐其(qi)(qi)即去(qu)。慘怛無術[43],相(xiang)(xiang)對默默;而(er)睹其(qi)(qi)愁顏戚(qi)容[44],使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)肺腑酸柔[45]。顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤然(ran)曰(yue)(yue):“請(qing)攜賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)去(qu)。脫有愆尤[46],小生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)拚身(shen)受之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!”賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)乃喜(xi),從生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)出。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憂其(qi)(qi)道遠(yuan)無侶。賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)曰(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)從君(jun)去(qu),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿(yuan)歸也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue):“卿大癡矣(yi)(yi)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)歸,何(he)(he)(he)(he)以(yi)(yi)得(de)活也(ye)?他(ta)日(ri)(ri)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)湖南(nan),勿復走避(bi)[47],為(wei)(wei)幸多(duo)矣(yi)(yi)。”適(shi)有兩(liang)媼攝(she)牒赴長(chang)沙[48],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)屬之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[49],賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)泣別而(er)去(qu)。途(tu)中(zhong),連(lian)(lian)城行蹇緩(huan),里(li)余輒一息(xi);凡十余息(xi),始(shi)見(jian)(jian)里(li)門(men)。連(lian)(lian)城曰(yue)(yue):“重(zhong)(zhong)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后,懼有反覆。請(qing)索妾(qie)骸骨來(lai),妾(qie)以(yi)(yi)君(jun)家(jia)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),當無悔(hui)也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)然(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。偕歸生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家(jia)。女(nv)惕惕若(ruo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)步[50],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)佇待之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)曰(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)此,四肢搖(yao)(yao)搖(yao)(yao),似無所(suo)(suo)主。志(zhi)(zhi)恐不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)遂,尚宜審謀;不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)然(ran),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后何(he)(he)(he)(he)能(neng)自由(you)?”相(xiang)(xiang)將(jiang)入(ru)側廂(xiang)中(zhong)。默定少(shao)時[51],連(lian)(lian)城笑曰(yue)(yue):“君(jun)憎妾(qie)耶?”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚(jing)問(wen)(wen)其(qi)(qi)故(gu)。赧然(ran)曰(yue)(yue):“恐事不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)諧,重(zhong)(zhong)負(fu)君(jun)矣(yi)(yi)。請(qing)先以(yi)(yi)魂(hun)報也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)喜(xi),極盡(jin)歡(huan)戀(lian)。因(yin)徘徊不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)敢(gan)遽出,寄廂(xiang)中(zhong)者三日(ri)(ri)。連(lian)(lian)城曰(yue)(yue):“諺(yan)有之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):‘丑婦終須見(jian)(jian)姑嫜(zhang)。’戚(qi)戚(qi)于(yu)此,終非(fei)久計。”乃促生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)入(ru)。才至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)靈寢(qin)[52],豁然(ran)頓(dun)蘇。家(jia)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)驚(jing)異,進以(yi)(yi)湯水。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)乃使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)要史(shi)來(lai)[53],請(qing)得(de)連(lian)(lian)城之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)尸,自言能(neng)活之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。史(shi)喜(xi),從其(qi)(qi)言。方(fang)(fang)舁(yu)入(ru)室(shi),視之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)已(yi)醒。告父曰(yue)(yue):“兒已(yi)委身(shen)喬(qiao)郎矣(yi)(yi)[54],更無歸理。如(ru)(ru)有變(bian)動,但仍一死!”史(shi)歸,遣婢往(wang)役給奉。王聞,具詞(ci)申理。官受賂,判歸王。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤懣(men)欲死,亦(yi)(yi)(yi)無奈之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[55]。連(lian)(lian)城至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)王家(jia),忿不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)飲食(shi),惟乞速死。室(shi)無人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren),則帶懸梁上(shang)。越日(ri)(ri),益憊(bei),殆(dai)將(jiang)奄逝。王懼,送歸史(shi)。史(shi)復舁(yu)歸生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。王知之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),亦(yi)(yi)(yi)無如(ru)(ru)何(he)(he)(he)(he),遂安焉(yan)。連(lian)(lian)城起,每念賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang),欲遣信探之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[56],以(yi)(yi)道遠(yuan)而(er)艱于(yu)往(wang)。一日(ri)(ri),家(jia)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)進曰(yue)(yue):“門(men)有車馬。”夫婦出視,則賓(bin)(bin)(bin)娘(niang)已(yi)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)庭中(zhong)矣(yi)(yi)。相(xiang)(xiang)見(jian)(jian)悲喜(xi)。太(tai)(tai)守(shou)親詣送女(nv),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)延入(ru)。太(tai)(tai)守(shou)曰(yue)(yue):“小女(nv)子賴(lai)君(jun)復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),誓不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)他(ta)適(shi),今從其(qi)(qi)志(zhi)(zhi)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)叩謝如(ru)(ru)禮。孝廉亦(yi)(yi)(yi)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),敘宗(zong)好焉(yan)[57]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)名(ming)年(nian),字大年(nian)。
異(yi)史氏曰:“一笑之(zhi)(zhi)知(zhi),許之(zhi)(zhi)以身,世人或議(yi)其癡;彼田橫(heng)五百(bai)人[58],豈盡愚哉(zai)!此知(zhi)希之(zhi)(zhi)貴[59],賢豪(hao)所以感結而(er)不能自已也。顧茫(mang)茫(mang)海(hai)內,遂使錦繡才人[60],僅傾心于蛾(e)眉(mei)之(zhi)(zhi)一笑也,亦可慨矣!”
[1]晉(jin)寧(ning)(ning):州縣名。唐置(zhi)晉(jin)寧(ning)(ning)縣,元為晉(jin)寧(ning)(ning)州,明清因之。州治在今云(yun)南省晉(jin)寧(ning)(ning)縣。
[2]偃蹇:滯留困頓,謂(wei)科舉不得志。
[3]有(you)肝膽:忠義誠(cheng)信,勇于為(wei)人盡力。
[4]契重:投合,尊重。
[5]淹(yan)滯:困阻,久留。
[6]士林:讀書人中間(jian)。“之”字(zi)據(ju)二十四卷抄本(ben)補。
[7]替(ti):衰(shuai)敗。
[8]嬌愛:嬌養。
[9]征(zheng):征(zheng)集(ji)。題詠(yong):題詩贊詠(yong)。
[10]“慵(yong)鬟(huan)”四句:此詩即圖題詠,大意謂:閨(gui)中少女早起即于窗前刺繡(xiu)。先繡(xiu)綠荷。待繡(xiu)到荷底(di)鴛鴦時(shi),不禁悵然神(shen)馳,不知不覺停下針(zhen)線,傷神(shen)地皺攏雙眉。因繡(xiu)久困倦(juan),那髻(ji)鬟(huan)邊的秀發也不免有些披拂散亂。慵(yong)鬟(huan),困倦(juan)時(shi)的發鬟(huan)。婆娑,飄拂不整(zheng)貌,蘭窗,蘭閨(gui)之窗,少女臥室的窗戶。魂(hun)欲斷,謂魂(hun)馳神(shen)往。暗停,默默停下。
[11]挑(tiao)(tiao)繡:挑(tiao)(tiao)花和刺繡;繡花時的(de)兩道工藝(yi)。
[12]寫生:指畫家對(dui)實物的描摹。
[13]天(tian)成:天(tian)然生成。
[14]“當(dang)年織錦(jin)(jin)”二句:意思(si)是,與連城刺繡之美相(xiang)比(bi),當(dang)年蘇蕙(hui)(hui)把回(hui)文圖詩織在錦(jin)(jin)緞上(shang)也算不得技巧(qiao)高(gao)明,她(ta)不過僥幸(xing)取得女(nv)皇武(wu)(wu)則(ze)(ze)天的賞識罷(ba)了。據(ju)《晉書(shu)·列女(nv)·竇滔妻傳》:晉竇滔妻蘇蕙(hui)(hui),字(zi)若(ruo)蘭(lan),善(shan)屬文。滔仕前秦苻堅為(wei)秦州刺史,被徒流沙。蘇氏(shi)在家織錦(jin)(jin)為(wei)回(hui)文旋(xuan)圖詩以寄。詩長八百四十一字(zi),可宛轉循(xun)環以讀(du),詞甚凄(qi)惋。唐武(wu)(wu)則(ze)(ze)天為(wei)作(zuo)《璇璣圖詩序》,稱(cheng)其“五(wu)彩相(xiang)宣,瑩心暉目”。
[15]矯:假托。
[16]助(zhu)燈火:資助(zhu)喬(qiao)生讀書(shu)費用。
[17]許字:許婚。鹺(cuo)(cuó矬)賈(jia):鹽商。《禮(li)記·曲禮(li)》:“鹽曰咸鹺(cuo)。”
[18]佩戴:佩恩戴德;意思是感念不忘(wang)。
[19]瘵(zhai)(zhài債):癆病,即(ji)肺病。
[20]沉(chen)痼:病勢積久難(nan)醫。
[21]西(xi)域:此據二十四卷抄本,底(di)本作“西(xi)城(cheng)”。頭陀:梵文音(yin)澤,泛指一切僧(seng)眾(zhong);此特指行(xing)腳乞食僧(seng)人(ren)。
[22]心頭肉:習喻(yu)關系性命之物。唐聶(nie)夷中(zhong)《詠田家(jia)》詩:“醫得眼前瘡,剜卻心頭肉。”此(ci)指“膺肉”。
[23]刲(kui)(kuī虧(kui)):割(ge)。
[24]踐其(qi)言(yan):履(lv)行自己的諾言(yan)。指以女妻喬生。
[25]怫(fú符)然:生(sheng)氣的樣子。
[26]落:沉淪。
[27]泉下物:指(zhi)死(si)人。謂己不久(jiu)將死(si)。
[28]土為知已者死:《漢書·司馬遷(qian)傳》報任安書:“士(shi)為知己(ji)用,女(nv)為悅己(ji)容(rong)。”
[29]不諧:不能(neng)成事;指不能(neng)結為夫(fu)妻。何(he)害:何(he)妨(fang)。
[30]矢誠自(zi)剖:發(fa)誓(shi)自(zi)明心跡。
[31]嫣(yan)(yān胭)然(ran):形(xing)容(rong)美笑。
[32]吉(ji)期:好日(ri)子;指完婚日(ri)期。
[33]臨吊(diao):哭吊(diao)。哭死者(zhe)叫臨,慰(wei)問其(qi)親屬叫吊(diao)。
[34]連(lian)(lian)續:此從二十四(si)卷抄(chao)本(ben),底本(ben)作(zuo)“連(lian)(lian)緒(xu)”。
[35]典牘:主管文書案(an)卷。
[36]淚睫(jie)慘黛:猶言愁眉(mei)淚眼。慘,悲傷。黛,眉(mei)。
[37]藉(jie)坐(zuo)廊隅:在廊下(xia)一(yi)角,席地(di)而坐(zuo)。
[38]行:將。
[39]太守(shou):知(zhi)府、知(zhi)州的古稱。明清(qing)于長沙置府。
[40]平章已(yi)確:商(shang)辦已(yi)妥。平章,商(shang)量(liang)處理。
[41]捧(peng)帨(shui):猶言(yan)奉(feng)中櫛(zhi)、侍盥沐;意為居妾媵之位(wei),給役侍奉(feng)。帨(shui),佩巾(jin),古代婦(fu)女用以擦拭不潔。《禮記·內(nei)則》規定(ding):“少事長,賤事貴”都(dou)有“盥卒(zu)授巾(jin)”的(de)禮節。
[42]試妄為之:試辦一下看(kan)看(kan)。妄,姑妄。表示下循規(gui)章和沒有(you)把握。
[43]慘怛(dá答):憂傷,悲痛。
[44]愁顏:此從二十四卷(juan)抄本,底本作“愁艷”。
[45]肺腑酸柔(rou):猶(you)言心酸腸(chang)軟。
[46]脫有愆(qian)尤:假若(ruo)有罪責、過(guo)失。
[47]走避:此從二十(shi)四卷抄本,底(di)本作“去(qu)避”。
[48]攝牒:攜帶公文。指出公差。
[49]生(sheng)屬(shu)之:喬生(sheng)把攜帶賓(bin)娘(niang)的(de)事囑(zhu)托兩媼。屬(shu),同“囑(zhu)”,意謂囑(zhu)托。據二十四卷抄本補,底本無“之”字。
[50]惕(ti)惕(ti):憂懼貌。
[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:托身,許身。
[55]無奈之(zhi):無可奈何。
[56]信:古稱使者為(wei)“信”。往偵:此(ci)從二十(shi)四卷抄本(ben)(ben),底本(ben)(ben)作“參(can)”。
[57]敘宗好:敘同宗之族誼。孝廉與太(tai)守同姓(xing)史。
[58]“彼(bi)田(tian)橫五(wu)百(bai)(bai)(bai)人(ren)”二(er)句:此為(wei)作(zuo)者以田(tian)橫部(bu)下五(wu)百(bai)(bai)(bai)人(ren)忠于(yu)田(tian)橫,贊揚(yang)喬生“士為(wei)知己者死”的精(jing)神。田(tian)橫,秦末齊人(ren)。拒項羽,復齊地,自立為(wei)齊王。劉邦(bang)(bang)稱(cheng)帝后,田(tian)橫率五(wu)百(bai)(bai)(bai)士逃往(wang)海島。劉邦(bang)(bang)怕他作(zuo)亂,下詔強迫他入(ru)洛(luo)陽,并(bing)答應(ying)把他封王封侯(hou)。田(tian)橫行至距洛(luo)陽三(san)十里的尸(shi)鄉,因恥于(yu)向(xiang)劉邦(bang)(bang)稱(cheng)臣(chen),與(yu)從者皆自殺。島上(shang)五(wu)百(bai)(bai)(bai)人(ren)聞訊后也全部(bu)自殺。事(shi)見《史記·田(tian)儋列傳》等。
[59]“此知(zhi)希(xi)(xi)之(zhi)貴”二(er)句:意謂正(zheng)因(yin)知(zhi)己難(nan)求,所以賢豪之(zhi)士(shi)對(dui)知(zhi)遇之(zhi)德感(gan)(gan)(gan)結于心。知(zhi)希(xi)(xi)之(zhi)貴,語本(ben)《老子》“知(zhi)我者希(xi)(xi),則(ze)我者貴”,而(er)有變化。韓愈《祭田橫(heng)墓文》說:“事有曠百世而(er)相感(gan)(gan)(gan)者,余不(bu)知(zhi)其何心;非今世之(zhi)所稀,孰為使余欷而(er)不(bu)可禁(jin)!”“賢豪感(gan)(gan)(gan)結”,蓋隱指(zhi)此類感(gan)(gan)(gan)慨(kai)。
[60]錦繡(xiu)才人:才學富艷、詩(shi)文(wen)精美的讀書人。此指喬(qiao)生。柳(liu)宗無《乞巧文(wen)》:“駢四儷(li)六,錦心繡(xiu)口(kou)。”
晉寧縣(xian)(xian)有(you)一個姓喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)的(de)書生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),少(shao)年時就很有(you)才氣,但二(er)十多歲了(le)(le),依(yi)舊窮困潦倒(dao)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)為人正直,他有(you)一個好朋友(you),姓顧,早年就死(si)了(le)(le),喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)經常接濟(ji)他的(de)妻子兒(er)女。本縣(xian)(xian)縣(xian)(xian)令因為喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)文(wen)章寫得(de)好,對他很器重(zhong)。后(hou)來,縣(xian)(xian)令死(si)在(zai)任上,家(jia)口滯留晉寧,無法(fa)返回(hui)故鄉(xiang)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)變賣(mai)了(le)(le)自己的(de)家(jia)產,買(mai)了(le)(le)棺柩,往(wang)返兩千多里,把縣(xian)(xian)令的(de)遺(yi)體(ti)連同他的(de)家(jia)人一起送回(hui)了(le)(le)家(jia)鄉(xiang)。因為這件事,當時的(de)文(wen)人們更加(jia)尊重(zhong)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),但喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)卻(que)因此(ci)更加(jia)貧窮了(le)(le)。
當時(shi),一(yi)個(ge)姓史的(de)(de)舉(ju)(ju)人有個(ge)女(nv)(nv)兒叫(jiao)連城(cheng)(cheng),精于(yu)刺繡,又知書(shu)達禮,史舉(ju)(ju)人非常(chang)寵愛她(ta)(ta)。一(yi)次,史舉(ju)(ju)人拿出一(yi)幅女(nv)(nv)兒繡的(de)(de)“倦繡圖”,征(zheng)求年輕書(shu)生就圖題(ti)詩(shi)(shi),意(yi)思是要借此選(xuan)個(ge)有才學的(de)(de)好女(nv)(nv)婿。喬(qiao)生也作了(le)(le)一(yi)首詩(shi)(shi)獻上,這(zhe)首詩(shi)(shi)說:“慵(yong)鬟高髻綠婆(po)娑,早向蘭窗繡碧荷。刺到(dao)鴛鴦魂欲斷,暗停針線蹙雙蛾。”又題(ti)了(le)(le)一(yi)首詩(shi)(shi),專贊這(zhe)幅圖繡得精妙:“繡線挑來似寫生,幅中花鳥(niao)自天成(cheng)。當年織錦非長技,幸把(ba)回文感圣明。”連城(cheng)(cheng)見到(dao)這(zhe)兩首詩(shi)(shi),非常(chang)喜歡,便對著父(fu)親夸獎喬(qiao)生的(de)(de)才華。但(dan)父(fu)親嫌喬(qiao)生太(tai)貧窮,不愿(yuan)找這(zhe)么個(ge)女(nv)(nv)婿。此后,連城(cheng)(cheng)逢人就夸喬(qiao)生,又派了(le)(le)個(ge)老媽(ma)子,假借父(fu)親的(de)(de)名(ming)義贈給喬(qiao)生一(yi)些銀兩,作為(wei)他(ta)讀(du)書(shu)的(de)(de)費用。喬(qiao)生感嘆(tan)地說:“連城(cheng)(cheng)真是我的(de)(de)知己啊(a)!”對她(ta)(ta)一(yi)往情深(shen),如饑似渴(ke)地想念她(ta)(ta)。
不(bu)(bu)久(jiu),連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)跟(gen)一(yi)(yi)個名(ming)叫(jiao)王(wang)(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)的(de)(de)鹽(yan)商的(de)(de)兒子訂了(le)(le)(le)親,喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才(cai)開始絕(jue)望起來(lai)。但仍(reng)然夢(meng)魂縈繞(rao),無(wu)時無(wu)刻(ke)不(bu)(bu)想著(zhu)連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)。不(bu)(bu)長時間,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)便(bian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)了(le)(le)(le)重病,臥床不(bu)(bu)起。有個從西域來(lai)的(de)(de)和尚,自稱能治好她(ta)的(de)(de)病,但必需一(yi)(yi)錢男子胸上(shang)的(de)(de)肉(rou)搗碎了(le)(le)(le)配藥(yao)。史舉人(ren)(ren)(ren)派人(ren)(ren)(ren)去(qu)(qu)(qu)告(gao)訴王(wang)(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)。王(wang)(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)笑著(zhu)說(shuo):“傻老(lao)頭(tou)(tou)!想叫(jiao)我(wo)(wo)(wo)剜心頭(tou)(tou)肉(rou)嗎?”把(ba)派去(qu)(qu)(qu)的(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)(ren)又打發回來(lai)。史舉人(ren)(ren)(ren)便(bian)對人(ren)(ren)(ren)說(shuo):“誰(shui)愿從自己身上(shang)割下(xia)肉(rou)救(jiu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)女兒,我(wo)(wo)(wo)便(bian)把(ba)女兒嫁(jia)給(gei)他!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)聽說(shuo),立即趕到(dao)史家,自己掏出把(ba)刀(dao)(dao)子,從胸上(shang)一(yi)(yi)刀(dao)(dao)割下(xia)片(pian)肉(rou),交給(gei)了(le)(le)(le)和尚。鮮血染紅了(le)(le)(le)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)衣(yi)服(fu)(fu),和尚忙(mang)給(gei)他敷上(shang)刀(dao)(dao)傷(shang)藥(yao)才(cai)止住了(le)(le)(le)血。和尚用(yong)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)肉(rou)和了(le)(le)(le)三個藥(yao)丸,給(gei)連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)分(fen)三天服(fu)(fu)下(xia),病果然好了(le)(le)(le)。史舉人(ren)(ren)(ren)便(bian)想履(lv)行(xing)諾言,把(ba)連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)嫁(jia)給(gei)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。先去(qu)(qu)(qu)通知(zhi)王(wang)(wang)化(hua)成(cheng),王(wang)(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)大怒,要告(gao)狀(zhuang)打官司(si)。史舉人(ren)(ren)(ren)害怕(pa),便(bian)擺下(xia)宴席,將喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)請(qing)來(lai),然后取出一(yi)(yi)千兩銀子,放在桌子上(shang),說(shuo):“辜負了(le)(le)(le)您的(de)(de)大恩(en)大德,就(jiu)用(yong)這些銀子報答您吧!”并(bing)對喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)講了(le)(le)(le)毀(hui)約的(de)(de)緣由。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)氣地說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)所以不(bu)(bu)吝(lin)惜(xi)心頭(tou)(tou)肉(rou),不(bu)(bu)過是(shi)(shi)為(wei)(wei)了(le)(le)(le)報答知(zhi)已(yi)罷了(le)(le)(le),難道我(wo)(wo)(wo)是(shi)(shi)賣肉(rou)的(de)(de)嗎?”說(shuo)完,拂袖而(er)去(qu)(qu)(qu)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)聽說(shuo)后,心里很不(bu)(bu)忍,托老(lao)媽子去(qu)(qu)(qu)勸慰(wei)他。并(bing)說(shuo):“以他的(de)(de)才(cai)華,不(bu)(bu)會久(jiu)處人(ren)(ren)(ren)下(xia)的(de)(de),何(he)愁天下(xia)沒(mei)有美女?我(wo)(wo)(wo)近(jin)來(lai)做的(de)(de)夢(meng)都不(bu)(bu)吉利,三年(nian)內必死(si),不(bu)(bu)必跟(gen)別人(ren)(ren)(ren)爭我(wo)(wo)(wo)這個泉下(xia)之鬼了(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告(gao)訴老(lao)媽子說(shuo):“古人(ren)(ren)(ren)說(shuo):‘士為(wei)(wei)知(zhi)己者(zhe)死(si)’。我(wo)(wo)(wo)報答她(ta)不(bu)(bu)是(shi)(shi)為(wei)(wei)了(le)(le)(le)她(ta)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)得漂亮(liang)。我(wo)(wo)(wo)真(zhen)(zhen)怕(pa)連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)未(wei)必真(zhen)(zhen)知(zhi)我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)心,如果真(zhen)(zhen)知(zhi),就(jiu)是(shi)(shi)做不(bu)(bu)成(cheng)夫(fu)妻又有何(he)妨呢?”老(lao)媽子忙(mang)替連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)表(biao)白了(le)(le)(le)她(ta)的(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)片(pian)真(zhen)(zhen)情(qing)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo):“果然這樣(yang),我(wo)(wo)(wo)們相(xiang)逢時,她(ta)若(ruo)為(wei)(wei)我(wo)(wo)(wo)笑一(yi)(yi)笑,我(wo)(wo)(wo)就(jiu)死(si)而(er)無(wu)憾了(le)(le)(le)!”
老(lao)媽子(zi)回(hui)去不(bu)幾天(tian),喬(qiao)生偶然(ran)出(chu)去,正(zheng)好遇上連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)從叔家回(hui)來。喬(qiao)生看(kan)(kan)著她(ta),連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)也看(kan)(kan)見了他。只見她(ta)秋波(bo)送情,微微地(di)啟齒一(yi)笑。喬(qiao)生大喜。說:“連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)真是我的知心人!”過(guo)了不(bu)久(jiu),王鹽商家來到史(shi)家商議連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)的婚(hun)期(qi)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)聽說后又病了,幾個月便死了。喬(qiao)生前去吊唁,痛哭(ku)一(yi)場,也死了過(guo)去,史(shi)家把他抬回(hui)家中(zhong)。
喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)知道自己已經死(si)了(le)(le),也沒感到有什么(me)難過(guo)。一(yi)個人(ren)出了(le)(le)村,還想著(zhu)再見(jian)(jian)見(jian)(jian)連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。遠遠望見(jian)(jian)有條南北大路(lu),路(lu)上(shang)(shang)的(de)行人(ren)像螞(ma)蟻一(yi)樣擁擠。他(ta)(ta)也走(zou)了(le)(le)過(guo)去(qu),混雜在人(ren)群里。一(yi)會兒,進入一(yi)座衙門,正碰上(shang)(shang)他(ta)(ta)過(guo)去(qu)的(de)好(hao)朋友顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)看見(jian)(jian)他(ta)(ta),驚訝(ya)地(di)問(wen):“你怎(zen)(zen)(zen)么(me)來(lai)了(le)(le)!”說(shuo)著(zhu),就(jiu)拉著(zhu)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)手,要(yao)送他(ta)(ta)回去(qu)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)長長地(di)嘆息了(le)(le)一(yi)聲,說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)心事還沒了(le)(le)!”顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)在這里掌(zhang)管典(dian)籍,很受上(shang)(shang)司信任。有用得(de)著(zhu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)地(di)方(fang),我(wo)(wo)(wo)一(yi)定盡力!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便向他(ta)(ta)打聽連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)在哪兒。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)領(ling)著(zhu)他(ta)(ta)串了(le)(le)很多(duo)地(di)方(fang),最后才發現連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)和一(yi)個穿白衣服的(de)女郎(lang),眼淚(lei)婆娑地(di)坐(zuo)在一(yi)條走(zou)廊(lang)的(de)一(yi)角。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)看見(jian)(jian)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),急忙起(qi)身,像是(shi)喜出望外,略問(wen)了(le)(le)問(wen)他(ta)(ta)是(shi)怎(zen)(zen)(zen)么(me)來(lai)的(de)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo):“你死(si)了(le)(le),我(wo)(wo)(wo)怎(zen)(zen)(zen)敢(gan)偷生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)世(shi)上(shang)(shang)!”連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)聽了(le)(le),哭著(zhu)說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)這樣一(yi)個忘恩負(fu)義的(de)人(ren),你還不唾(tuo)棄我(wo)(wo)(wo),又以身殉死(si)干什么(me)!我(wo)(wo)(wo)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)今世(shi)不能(neng)跟你了(le)(le),來(lai)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)我(wo)(wo)(wo)一(yi)定嫁給你!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)回頭(tou)告訴顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo):“你有事就(jiu)忙去(qu)吧,我(wo)(wo)(wo)覺得(de)死(si)了(le)(le)很快樂,不想再活了(le)(le)。只想麻(ma)煩你代為訪查一(yi)下連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)到什么(me)地(di)方(fang),我(wo)(wo)(wo)要(yao)和她一(yi)起(qi)去(qu)!”顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)答應著(zhu)走(zou)了(le)(le)。
這(zhe)時(shi),那白衣女(nv)郎(lang)問連(lian)城(cheng)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)是什么人(ren)。連(lian)城(cheng)便向她(ta)講(jiang)述了(le)(le)(le)(le)往事。女(nv)郎(lang)聽(ting)了(le)(le)(le)(le)像壓(ya)抑不(bu)住心中(zhong)的悲(bei)傷。連(lian)城(cheng)告訴喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“這(zhe)姑(gu)娘(niang)(niang)與我(wo)(wo)同姓(xing),小名叫賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang),是長(chang)沙(sha)史太守(shou)的女(nv)兒。我(wo)(wo)們(men)一(yi)路同來(lai),處得很親密。”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)打量了(le)(le)(le)(le)打量賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang),見(jian)她(ta)哀(ai)傷凄惋(wan)的樣子,十分惹人(ren)憐愛。正(zheng)想(xiang)再問什么,顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)已返(fan)了(le)(le)(le)(le)回來(lai),向喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)慶賀說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)給你(ni)辦(ban)(ban)妥了(le)(le)(le)(le),就(jiu)讓小娘(niang)(niang)子跟(gen)你(ni)一(yi)起(qi)還陽復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),好(hao)不(bu)好(hao)?”兩人(ren)聽(ting)了(le)(le)(le)(le),都很喜(xi)歡。正(zheng)想(xiang)拜(bai)別顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)大哭(ku)(ku)著說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“姐姐走了(le)(le)(le)(le),我(wo)(wo)去(qu)(qu)哪(na)里(li)(li)?懇(ken)求(qiu)您可(ke)憐可(ke)憐,救救我(wo)(wo),我(wo)(wo)就(jiu)是給您當仆(pu)人(ren)也愿(yuan)意(yi)!”連(lian)城(cheng)心里(li)(li)難過,想(xiang)不(bu)出(chu)辦(ban)(ban)法,就(jiu)和喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)商量,喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)轉(zhuan)而(er)哀(ai)求(qiu)顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)幫忙(mang)。顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)很為難,一(yi)口咬定(ding)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)不(bu)好(hao)辦(ban)(ban)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)執意(yi)懇(ken)求(qiu),顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才無可(ke)奈何地說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)去(qu)(qu)胡(hu)亂試試看吧!”去(qu)(qu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)有(you)一(yi)頓飯的工夫,便回來(lai)了(le)(le)(le)(le),連(lian)連(lian)擺手說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“怎么樣!我(wo)(wo)實在無能為力了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)聽(ting)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo),哀(ai)哀(ai)地啼哭(ku)(ku)著,依在連(lian)城(cheng)的胳膊下戀(lian)戀(lian)不(bu)舍,恐怕她(ta)馬上就(jiu)走了(le)(le)(le)(le)。三人(ren)相對(dui)無語,一(yi)籌莫展。再看看賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)那愁(chou)苦凄傷的樣子,真讓人(ren)心里(li)(li)發(fa)酸。顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)奮(fen)然而(er)起(qi),說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)們(men)帶賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)一(yi)起(qi)走吧。真有(you)罪責,我(wo)(wo)豁上這(zhe)條命(ming)一(yi)人(ren)承擔了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)聽(ting)了(le)(le)(le)(le)才高興起(qi)來(lai),跟(gen)著喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)塊出(chu)去(qu)(qu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)擔心她(ta)一(yi)人(ren)去(qu)(qu)長(chang)沙(sha)路太遠,又沒有(you)伴。賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)想(xiang)跟(gen)你(ni)們(men)走,不(bu)愿(yuan)回去(qu)(qu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)太傻了(le)(le)(le)(le)!不(bu)回去(qu)(qu),見(jian)不(bu)著你(ni)的尸身,怎么能還陽呢?以后我(wo)(wo)們(men)到了(le)(le)(le)(le)湖南,你(ni)不(bu)躲著我(wo)(wo)們(men),我(wo)(wo)們(men)就(jiu)很榮(rong)幸了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”正(zheng)好(hao)有(you)兩個老婆婆拿(na)著勾牒要去(qu)(qu)長(chang)沙(sha)勾人(ren),喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便把賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)托付給她(ta)們(men),然后灑淚而(er)別。
路上,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)走(zou)(zou)不(bu)動,走(zou)(zou)一(yi)(yi)里(li)多路就得(de)(de)歇(xie)息歇(xie)息。共歇(xie)了(le)(le)十多次(ci),才看見(jian)本村的莊門。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo):“還(huan)(huan)陽(yang)后(hou)(hou)恐怕(pa)我(wo)(wo)們(men)的事(shi)又有反(fan)(fan)復。請你先(xian)(xian)去(qu)我(wo)(wo)家(jia),索(suo)要我(wo)(wo)的遺(yi)體,然(ran)后(hou)(hou)我(wo)(wo)在你家(jia)重(zhong)生(sheng),我(wo)(wo)父(fu)親應當(dang)不(bu)會再反(fan)(fan)悔了(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)認(ren)為(wei)很對,兩人(ren)(ren)便(bian)先(xian)(xian)去(qu)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)戰戰兢(jing)兢(jing)地像走(zou)(zou)不(bu)動了(le)(le),喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)站住,等著(zhu)她(ta)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)走(zou)(zou)到這里(li),禁不(bu)住渾(hun)身發抖,六(liu)神無(wu)主,真擔(dan)心我(wo)(wo)們(men)的心愿實現(xian)不(bu)了(le)(le)!我(wo)(wo)們(men)還(huan)(huan)得(de)(de)再好(hao)好(hao)商(shang)量商(shang)量,不(bu)然(ran),我(wo)(wo)們(men)活了(le)(le)后(hou)(hou),可就又身不(bu)由(you)己(ji)了(le)(le)!”兩人(ren)(ren)相互攙扶(fu)著(zhu),進入一(yi)(yi)間(jian)廂房中(zhong),過了(le)(le)很久,誰也(ye)沒(mei)說(shuo)話。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)忽然(ran)笑著(zhu)說(shuo):“你厭惡我(wo)(wo)嗎?”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)驚訝地詢問(wen)這是(shi)什么意思。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)害(hai)羞(xiu)地說(shuo):“恐怕(pa)我(wo)(wo)們(men)的事(shi)不(bu)成,那時就太辜(gu)負你了(le)(le)!請讓我(wo)(wo)先(xian)(xian)以鬼(gui)身報答你吧!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)大喜(xi),兩人(ren)(ren)極盡歡愛。因為(wei)不(bu)敢急忙還(huan)(huan)生(sheng),兩人(ren)(ren)徘(pai)徊(huai)不(bu)決(jue),在廂房中(zhong)一(yi)(yi)直呆了(le)(le)三(san)天。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo):“俗話說(shuo):‘丑媳婦終得(de)(de)見(jian)公婆’。老是(shi)在這里(li)憂(you)愁擔(dan)心,終究不(bu)是(shi)長久之計!”催促喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)快去(qu)還(huan)(huan)陽(yang)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)一(yi)(yi)走(zou)(zou)到靈(ling)堂,猛然(ran)蘇醒過來。家(jia)人(ren)(ren)非常(chang)驚異,給他喝了(le)(le)些湯水。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)便(bian)派人(ren)(ren)去(qu)請史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)來,請求(qiu)得(de)(de)到連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)的尸身,說(shuo)自(zi)己(ji)能讓她(ta)復活。史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)大喜(xi),聽(ting)從了(le)(le)他的話。剛把連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)抬進喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia),一(yi)(yi)看,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)果然(ran)也(ye)已活了(le)(le)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)告(gao)訴父(fu)親說(shuo):“女兒已把自(zi)己(ji)許(xu)給喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)郎了(le)(le),再沒(mei)回去(qu)的道理(li)。父(fu)親如(ru)不(bu)允(yun),我(wo)(wo)只有再死!”
史舉人回了(le)家(jia)(jia),便(bian)派了(le)奴婢去(qu)(qu)喬(qiao)家(jia)(jia)供女兒使(shi)喚。王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)聽(ting)說(shuo)后立(li)即寫了(le)狀子告到(dao)官府。官府受了(le)王(wang)家(jia)(jia)的賄(hui)賂,將連城又判(pan)給了(le)王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)。喬(qiao)生憤懣不堪,直想死(si)去(qu)(qu),但(dan)終究還是無(wu)可奈何。連城到(dao)了(le)王(wang)家(jia)(jia),氣(qi)憤憤地不吃飯,只求快死(si)。看屋(wu)里沒人,便(bian)把(ba)帶(dai)子懸到(dao)房梁上(shang)上(shang)了(le)吊,被(bei)人救下后。隔了(le)一(yi)天,病得越重,眼看就(jiu)要死(si)了(le)。王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)害怕,把(ba)她送回了(le)娘(niang)家(jia)(jia)。史舉人又把(ba)她抬到(dao)喬(qiao)生家(jia)(jia)。王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)(cheng)聽(ting)說(shuo)后,也沒有辦法,只得作罷了(le)。
連(lian)城病好(hao)后,常常思念賓(bin)娘(niang)。想派個人捎信去,就(jiu)便探望她(ta)。因為路太遠,很難前去。一天,家人忽然(ran)進來(lai)稟(bing)報(bao)說:“門外(wai)來(lai)了(le)好(hao)些車馬。”喬生(sheng)夫婦迎出屋門一看(kan),見賓(bin)娘(niang)已在院子里(li)了(le)。三人相(xiang)見,悲喜交(jiao)集。史(shi)(shi)太守親自把(ba)女(nv)(nv)兒送來(lai)了(le)。喬生(sheng)將他請進屋里(li),史(shi)(shi)太守說:“我(wo)(wo)女(nv)(nv)兒多虧你才(cai)能(neng)復生(sheng),她(ta)立誓不嫁別人,現在我(wo)(wo)聽從了(le)她(ta)的(de)意(yi)愿(yuan)!”喬生(sheng)忙叩頭拜謝。史(shi)(shi)舉(ju)人也來(lai)了(le),還(huan)跟史(shi)(shi)太守敘(xu)上(shang)了(le)同宗。喬生(sheng)名年,字大年。
異史氏(shi)說(shuo)(shuo):嫣然(ran)一笑的(de)相知(zhi),于是以(yi)(yi)身相許,世上有(you)人(ren)會說(shuo)(shuo)他(ta)癡,那田橫五百壯士,難道都是愚夫(fu)嗎!這是因為(wei)“知(zhi)遇”的(de)稀奇和(he)珍貴,所以(yi)(yi)賢人(ren)豪杰感(gan)恩戴德而不能自已。看茫茫四海之內,(因無知(zhi)己之人(ren))所以(yi)(yi)使得錦繡(xiu)人(ren)才,只能傾心于蛾眉一笑,真是可悲啊!
蒲(pu)(pu)(pu)松(song)齡(1640-1715),清代杰出的(de)文(wen)學家,字留(liu)仙,一(yi)(yi)(yi)字劍(jian)臣,別號柳泉居士,世(shi)稱聊(liao)齋(zhai)先生,山(shan)(shan)東(dong)淄川(chuan)(今(jin)山(shan)(shan)東(dong)淄博市)人。他出身(shen)于一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)沒(mei)落(luo)的(de)地主家庭,父親蒲(pu)(pu)(pu)槃原是一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)讀書(shu)人,因在科(ke)舉(ju)上不得志,便棄儒經商,曾積累了(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)筆可觀的(de)財產(chan)。等到蒲(pu)(pu)(pu)松(song)齡成年時,家境早(zao)已衰落(luo),生活十(shi)分(fen)貧(pin)困。蒲(pu)(pu)(pu)松(song)齡一(yi)(yi)(yi)生熱衷(zhong)功名(ming),醉(zui)心(xin)科(ke)舉(ju),但他除(chu)(chu)了(le)十(shi)九歲(sui)時應童(tong)子試(shi)曾連(lian)續(xu)考中(zhong)縣、府、道三個(ge)第一(yi)(yi)(yi),補博士弟子員外,以后屢受(shou)挫折,一(yi)(yi)(yi)直郁郁不得志。他一(yi)(yi)(yi)面(mian)教(jiao)書(shu),一(yi)(yi)(yi)面(mian)應考了(le)四十(shi)年,到七十(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)歲(sui)時才(cai)援例(li)出貢,補了(le)個(ge)歲(sui)貢生,四年后便死(si)去(qu)了(le)。一(yi)(yi)(yi)生中(zhong)的(de)坎(kan)坷遭遇使蒲(pu)(pu)(pu)松(song)齡對當時政治的(de)黑暗和(he)(he)科(ke)舉(ju)的(de)弊端有了(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)定的(de)認識,生活的(de)貧(pin)困使他對廣大(da)勞動人民的(de)生活和(he)(he)思(si)想有了(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)定的(de)了(le)解和(he)(he)體會。因此,他以自(zi)己(ji)的(de)切身(shen)感(gan)受(shou)寫了(le)不少著作,今(jin)存除(chu)(chu)《聊(liao)齋(zhai)志異》外,還(huan)有《聊(liao)齋(zhai)文(wen)集(ji)》和(he)(he)《詩集(ji)》等。