2000. The master's grumbles and your lamentations.

She forced me to stand aside and keep silent,

And just got on floor when tired of hearing."

Kieu was shocked with horror by the valet's words,

"This woman," thought she, "rarely seen in the world!

2005. What an audacity! What a faculty!

Thinking of her makes my skin creep from horror.

So profound and sneaky this young woman is,

That poor Thuc becomes a man of tied-up hands!

She has all proofs of her man's disloyalty,

2010. That could make a woman mad with jealousy.

She kept silent instead of a hue and cry,

Merrily greeting and tenderly talking.

To vent one's rage in fits is rather normal,

To smile one's rage unfathomably evil!

2015. I have to take precaution for my safety,

It's not secure in this beast's mouth and snake's fang!

If I don't manage to run away in time,

Finally I'll be made a victim of hers.

As a weed I don't mind about chute water,

2020. And my floating life doesn't care where it floats.

My only concern is that all by myself,

How to survive empty-handed on strange land!"

She rummaged through her mind for a solution,

And saw on the altar some treasured objects.

2025. She took them with her as means of subsistence.

The drum was heard announcing third watch of night,

Kieu climbed over the flower fence of the shrine,

And groped her way west following the moonlight.

Around was a haze of sand dunes and tree hills,

2030. Cockcrows from lone huts and shoe marks on fogged bridge.

A lonely helpless girl in the dead of night,

Afraid of the road and sorry for the plight!

When dawn cracked in the mulberry of east sky,

She was still hopeless of a destination!

2035. By chance she saw a temple in the distance,

Its name Haven for Refuge was clearly seen.

All happy, she firmly knocked at the front door,

And was welcomed in by the temple's tenant.

Seeing the girl in her brown Buddhist garment,

2040. Giac Duyen, the chief nun, at once felt compassion.

She cautiously posed questions about origin,

Of which Kieu, still strange, did not tell the whole truth:

"I'm a small novice from hometown of Pekin,

A follower of Buddha for quite a time.

2045. As my teacher will certainly come after,

She instructed me to present you these treasures."

She opened her pack and plainly presented

The little gold bell and the silver tablet.

The nun had a quick look at them then turned and said:

2050. "So you are nun Hang Thuy's disciple, welcome!

But for fear of your loneliness on the road,

Stay here a few days to wait for my elder."

Thus in this remote haven Kieu took shelter,

A life of carefree days and vegetable food.

2055. Kieu'd already learnt by heart all the sutras,

And used to daily jobs of the pagoda.

From dawn to dusk, she tended to her duties,

Lighting the late lamps, booming the early bell.

The chief nun admired her cleverness and skill,

2060. And Kieu felt more secure with the vicar's trust.

EPISODE XIX

SNAKE DEN TAKEN FOR SHELTER

BACK AGAIN INTO THE BROTHEL

Now was the end of spring at the pagoda,

Flowers draped the earth, moonlight whitened the sky.

In this leisure time of calm wind and clear cloud,

A believer made a visit at the shrine.

2065. Appraising the silver gong and the gold bell,

She praised: "Fairly like Lady Hoan's property!"

By hearing this, Giac Duyen startled with worries,

In the calm night she came to Kieu for query.

Thinking it impossible the truth to hide,

2070. Kieu narrated the whole story of her life:

"Now it turns out that thing has come to this stage,

It's up to you to decide my abject fate."

Truth unveiled, Giac Duyen shook with trepidation,

Hesitating between fear and compassion.

2075. She whispered to Kieu her heart-felt emotion:

"Here the Buddha's gate is always wide open;

I just fear of unexpected happenings,

That'll drive you into regretful misfortune!

It is better to avoid and run away,

2080. Than to sit and wait while the flood's on the way!"

There lived nearby a some woman surnamed Bac,

Who used to visit the shrine with offerings.

She was sent for and entrusted everything,

That to shelter Kieu her abode be prepared.

2085. Kieu was so happy for a secure haven,

That she had no time near and far to reckon.

Naively she fell into the den of a cheat,

Who was really Madam Tu's old colleague.

Seeing a beauty with white face and red lips,

2090. Dame Bac got thrilled within due to big profit.

Out of nothing she yarned bad tales about Kieu,

That many times struck her with trembling dismay.

The wicked dame kept on pursuing her prey,

Forcing her with evil words to a marriage.

2095. Saying: "You're all alone on an alien land,

And tarnished with nasty rumors near and far.

What a cursing and disrupting girl you are!

Not a single house dares to harbor so far.

Hurry to look for yourself a wedded place,

2100. Or you can fly and seek refuge in heaven!

Nearby match is by all means not convenient,

No match is to be found in the surroundings.

Now a nephew of mine whose name is Bac Hanh,

Not a stranger but flesh and blood relative.

2105. A shop owner in T'ai-ch'u[40] with property,

A man of honesty and credibility.

In any case you ought to listen to me,

After marriage you'll manage to leave for T'ai,

Where nobody who you are can recognize,

2110. Then in ocean and river, you're free to ride.

But if you are adamant to my reason,

You are sure to subject to awful consequence."

Kieu listened to dame's words with a painful heart,

Her face contorted and her eyebrows knitted.

2115. Thinking of her tripped feet over a trapped land,

In the stalemate, she at last sighed her complaint:

"I'm just a swallow strayed away from its flock,

Once wounded by a bow, now it fears curved twigs!

Even to follow a man through an impasse,

2120. I know his face but how can I know his heart?

By chance in case something hazardous happens,

What will I get from this uncertain venture?

If someone has any wish for a union,

Let him declare his heartfelt resolution.

2125. Once our wedding witnessed by Earth and Heaven,

I'll follow him wherever across ocean."

With Kieu's consent, the dame went to her nephew,

And ordered him to prepare for the wedding.

His house was altogether put in order,

2130. Yard swept, altar set, vase cleaned, incense sticks burned.

Bac Hanh the groom, in an eagerness, knelt down,

And overstated his prayers to all the gods.

Then in the yard the couple exchanged their oaths,

And went behind curtain for their union.

2135. The wedding done, Kieu was led down in a boat,

That sailed smoothly down wind and wave toward T'ai.

When the boat had safely docked at the station,

Bac went up beforehand to the usual place.

It was the same old brothel for many years,

2140. The same sellers and buyers of human flesh.

They scrutinized the woman and set a price,

When the deal was ten times its worth, he okayed.

A sedan chair was hired to take her away,

While Bac got the money and ran off his way.

2145. The sedan chair stopped before a flowered porch,

From inside the house hurried out a woman,

Who escorted her in before the altar,

On which stood the same white-browed brothel patron.

At first glance she'd realized her predicament,

2150. But a caged bird, she could not fly high and flee:

"What a curse, this beach flower's bad destiny,

Which loosened then tightened like a mockery!

The more I think the more I'm tired of life,

The more you're talented the more you're envied!

2155. How regretful for the alum-cleared water!

It is now stirred up and soiled by mud again.

Does heaven have any ill will with woman,

Not to spare her after so much maltreatment?

I've been strayed from home misstep after misstep,

2160. Though very watchfully I've fathomed the road.

What wrongs did it commit, my innocent soul,

That I have to redeem with half of my time?

Now knowing there's no way to avoid the fate,

I'll risk my prime for my faults to compensate."

EPISODE XX

MEETING OF INTIMATES

HEROIC WILL SATISFIED

2165. During those bright nights of moon clear and wind fresh,

From the frontier came to entertain a guest.

With lion's beard, swallow's jaw, and silkworm's brows,

Of large shoulders and tall and massive body,

Unmatched in martial art and skill of warfare,

2170. He was a hero of true validity.

Standing between earth and sky with arrogance,

This man was Tu Hai, a native of Yueh-tung[41].

Fond of a struggling life style of adventure,

With homeland in heart, bow and sword on shoudiers.

2175. He'd heard about Kieu's beauty throughout his trip,

And the beauty's love softened the hero's will.

Thus when he was introduced at the rose-hall,

Their glances encountered and their hearts said 'yes'.

Tu said: "As intimates we've finally met,

2180. Not as those passers-by brought about by wind.

I have heard of your fame as a beauty queen,

Whose eyes have not let in anyone's image.

It is rare to meet a hero in this world,

Why waste your time with those confined fish and birds?"

2185. Kieu said: "Your word of praise I dare not accept,

I'm too low a girl to look down on the folk!

I wish I could choose the stone to test the gold,

But whom can I trust and tell my confidence?

And for those customers who frequent this place,

2190. I have no right to sort the gold from the brass."

Tu said: "Your saying is very sensible,

That indeed reminds me of P'ing-Yuan's story[42].

Come here and once more have a close look at me,

To see if any of your trust I'm worthy.

2195. Kieu politely said: "Yours is a noble heart,

Chin-yang will soon see the dragon in the cloud.[43]

As your love covers grass low and flowers base,

I'll dare one day seek help for my foaming fate."

Nodding his head with pleasant satisfaction,

2200. Tu laughed: "Intimates are rare and hard to find.

It is praiseworthy for your insightful eyes,

That could see a hero among the masses.

Just by one word and you could recognize me,

We'll have one another in wealth and glory."

2205. Harmonized in heart and united in mind,

They soon fell in love without bidding of love.

He afterward sent words to the matchmaker,

And repaid the exact sum for her freedom.

He also had his own room duly prepared,

2210. Furnished with a deluxe bed and bedecked screen.

Thus the hero was well matched with the beauty,

As dragon and phoenix in their unity.

Half year later, while their marriage was still warm,

The husband felt a sudden urge in his heart.

2215. Casting a glance at the immense sky and sea,

He readied his sword and horse for a journey.

Kieu said: "The wife's place is where her husband goes,

Now you go, I'd willingly ask to follow."

Tu said: "Intimates should know one another,

2220. Why d' you still keep that womanly behavior?

When an army of hundred thousands of soldiers,

With earth-shaking drumbeats, sky-filling colors,

Parades in the glory of my superb name,

Then I'll welcome you to our official home.

2225. But not now when I'm a homeless wanderer,

You are but a burden for my roaming life.

Be patient to stay here and wait for a while,

Don't be eager, at most one year I'll be back."

Thus firmly said, he cut off his hem and left,

2230. Opening his great wings to wind of the wild.

She was left alone at home by the window,

Behind fast-bolted door during endless nights.

No more of her shoe-marks on the mossy-yard,

Where grass grew taller but willow got thinner.

2235. She strained her eyes at thousand-mile-off hometown,

Where her homesick soul lingered with hilltop clouds;

How pitiful she was for her old parents!

Had they allayed now from their grief and longings?

More than ten years had swiftly passed ever since,

2240. If still alive they'd had frost-hair and scale-skin.

How sorry she was for her old true lover,

Though cut from her mind but still clung to her heart.

If with her sister he'd tied the marriage knot,

Probably by now they'd had children a lot.

2245. And the heart-felt nostalgia of her homeland,

Like thousands of spinning threads, crisscrossed her mind.

Whereas her husband, like a soaring great bird,

Was flying out of her worn-out waiting eyes.

Lonely she lived like a shadow day and night,

2250. While the war flames thundered around the corner.

An atmosphere of death filled the gloomy sky,

War-ships filled the rivers, soldiers jammed the roads.

She was told by acquaintances and neighbors

To go seek for a temporary shelter.

2255. She said: "Because I have made him a promise,

Even in time of danger I won't break it."

While she was still in perplexed indecision,

Flags were seen, voices heard from exterior.

Encircling her house came a group of soldiers,

2260. They hailed in unison: "Our great Lord's madam!"

Before Kieu were two lines of ten generals

With shields and swords undone kowtowing on ground.

Behind were ladies-in-waiting who followed,

And said: "By Lord's order we escort you home."

2265. A phoenix-coach with decked curtain was ready,

She donned a bright headdress and brilliant clothes.

The parade began with banners and drumbeats,

The flute and string preceded her golden chair.

Urgent heralds dashed before the procession,

2270. And drums were heard from the South-Court Headquarter.

Flags raised on the walls, guns roared from the bastions.

Lord Tu himself rode out the gate to greet her,

Strangely magnificent in his uniform,

Still with chin of sparrow and brows of silkworm,

2275. He laughed: "Our union is like fish and water,

Those words I've once said do you still remember?

Only heroine could understand hero,

Are you satisfied with what you're having now?"

She politely said: "Mine's a slim destiny,

2280. A frail vine sheltered at the shade of a tree.

Though it's only now we see the dream come true,

I was sure of our victory from the first days."

Eyes to eyes, face to face they were in laughter,

Then hand in hand they went to the headquarter.

2285. Banquets and feast were held to reward the troops,

Echoed with battle drums and army music.

In glory they made up for their past hardships,

And their love got fresher and warmer each day.

EPISODE XXI

ACQUITTING THE REPENTANT

PUNISHING THE ACCOUNTABLE

At the headquarter in time of amusement,

2290. She leisurely told her days of misery:

"Drifted I was between Lin-tzu and Wu-hsi,

Where some ones deceived and some others pitied.

My body's now light, relieved of all burdens,

Only left unsolved a bit of rights and wrongs."

2295. Listening to the story from start to end.

Lord Tu burst into a thunderous fury.

He set in readiness his military,

And gave orders to be done in urgency.

Under the red banner, his troops swiftly moved,

2300. One group went to Wu-hsi, other to Lin-tzu.

Those people who had once deceived and betrayed,

Were identified and captured for query.

A herald with credential was sent forward,

To secure the safety of Thuc family.

2305. Hoan household's manageress and Nun Giac Duyen,

Were also officially called for as guests.

Kieu explained to the troops on their departure,

All angry they vowed to fulfill the orders.

Heaven's law of justice was really awesome,

2310. By one haul they brought home a net full of crooks.

Soldiers in uniform armed with long huge swords

Stood sentry by two lines in and out the court.

All ready in neatness and solemnity,

With weapons and banners all over the yard.

2315. In the middle was the lord's tiger-skinned box,

Where Lord Tu and his wife side by side took seat.

No sooner had the first round of drums ended

Than captives were called to stand by at the gate.

Tu said: "As for wrongs and rights of those concerned,

2320. It's up to you to judge and decide their fate."

She said: "I'd resort to your authority,

First to reward rightly my benefactors.

Then after the favors, I'll deal with the woes."

Tu said: "All these problems I entrust to you"

2325. A man with sword was bid to invite Thuc Sinh,

His face was pale and his body quivering.

She said: "Gratitude always weighs like mountain,

Lin-Tzu's old man, do you still remember me?

Like dawn and dusk stars we could hardly unite.

2330. Why? I have never betrayed your gentle heart.

Hundred brocade rolls and thousand silver pounds,

Not to pay your favor, just to prove my thanks.

Your wife though is very wicked and evil

But now it's time she meets her equal rival.

2335. The ant that has recently crawled in the bowl

Is paying back its justice to her trick foul!"

At this time poor Thuc's face was a sight to see,

Soaked with perspiration like caught in the rain.

His heart unable to restrain fear and joy,

2340. Fear for his wife, secret joy for his old love.

Next came the old manageress and the nun,

Ushered forward and invited to their seat.

Holding their hand, exposing herself, Kieu said:

"Flower Slave and Pure Spring, both of them I am,

2345. Your kindness at the times of my accident,

Even hill of gold could hardly recompense.

Thousand ounces of gold's but a trite present,

In fact, no gold could equal your loving hearts."

The two Samaritan were highly perplexed,

2350. Half affected by awe, half driven by joy.

She said: "Please be relaxed and stay for a while,

To recognize them and witness my revenge."

Order was given to bring the captives in,

Together with them were proofs of their offense.

2355. Then under banners and dazzling unsheathed swords,

Was submitted Hoan Thu the major culprit.

At her sight, Kieu greeted and politely said:

"So in the end you're also here, young lady?

Such woman as you is kind of rarity,

2360. The likes of heart and gut are few in history.

But a woman should by nature be easy,

The more wicked she's, the more doleful she'll be."

Hoan Thu's mind and soul thoroughly disappeared,

Her head down on the floor she tried to implore,

2365. Saying: "I'm but a narrow-minded woman,

And jealousy's normal nature of human.

Think of your staying in my shrine writing text,

Think of your leaving without my pursuing.

At the bottom of my heart I respect you,

2370. But a husband's not a common thing to yield.

I was wrong enough to cause a lot of ills.

I could only beg your highness for mercy."

Kieu praised: "You are worthy of the compliment,

A woman of cleverness and argument.

2375. To forgive you is a blessing of your life,

To punish you is a nasty act of mine.

You deserve forgiveness due to your remorse."

Then she gave order to spare the jealous wife,

Who kowtowed in gratitude on the court ground.

2380. A link of villains were led in from the gate,

Kieu said: "Under this infinite and high sky,

Those who harm will be harmed, no one can escape.

First of all are the crooks Dame Bac and Bac Hanh;

Followed by the Hawk, the Hound; and then So Khanh,

2385. With his leaders Dame Tu and Ma the Scholar.

These criminals are worthy of punishment."

Order was given down to the torturers,

That penalties be meted out properly.

Blood then gushed down and flesh crushed up to pieces,

2390. Everybody was horrified by the scene.

Therefore everything is disposed by heaven,

Betray and be sure someday you'll be betrayed.

Those people with perfidious and fiendish hearts,

Were duly reaping the result of their deeds.

2395. All the troops gathered around the trial field,

Were watching the whole drama in broad daylight.

When Kieu's retribution affairs were finished,

Giac Duyen at once asked the permission to quit.

Kieu said: "This is a thousand-year occasion,

2400. That old friends come together for a union.

Tomorrow as weeds and clouds we'll be dispersed,

Then who knows where the wandering herons are!"

The nun answered: "It won't be long anyway,

We are due to meet again within five years.

2405. As on my pilgrim at a remote area,

I met Tam Hop, a bonzess and prophetess.

She predicted that for our reunions,

We would meet this year and five years afterwards.

Now her forecast proves itself without errors,

2410. I believe it will be so in the future.

Countless attachments still bind us together,

Our chance for union still exists, why worry?"

She said: "Prophecy and predestination,

What the bonzess foretold is due to happen.

2415. If again you will have a chance to meet her,

Please ask her a few words about my future."

Giac Duyen heartily complied with her request,

Then said goodbye and immediately left.

Now that all the rights and wrongs duly resolved,

2420. And the tide of woes somewhat calmed down in heart,

She kowtowed in gratitude before Lord Tu:

"This day my wretched life has never dreamt of!

Thank to the help of your thunderous power,

My heart got rid of what a heavy burden!

2425. I will carve in my flesh and bone your favors,

That all my poor life could hardly compensate."

Tu said: "So far could any of our great men

In but a day make out their intimate friend?

And will those heroes worthy of their titles

2430. Ever meet a wrong deed without punishment?

In addition, your affairs are also mine,

Instead you need not show too much gratitude.

Pity that you still have your old-aged parents,

And so far you've been parted each from other.

2435. Wish I could bring all of you under one roof,

So that you'll see your kin and I'm satisfied."

Then he ordered banquets among his army,

A meeting of troops for Kieu's woe-cleansing rite.

EPISODE XXII

KING OF A SOVEREIGN STATE

BODY IN A SHALLOW GRAVE

Then by momentum of bamboo-splitting drive,

2440. His army garnered resounding victories.

He established his court in his own corner,

A full-fledged reign absorbing half the nation.

Many times, like sweeping wind and pouring rain,

He army broke down five districts in the south.

2445. A fighter whetting his sword in dust and wind,

Looking down upon worthless and banal folks,

He swaggered in a region by the frontier,

Among other self-claimed princes and suzerains.

No one dared come before his flag to challenge,

2450. For five years he ruled at will on his shore land.

Now in the king's court there was a governor,

Ho Ton Hien, a statesman of worth and valor.

He was, by a special decree of the king,

The general-in-charge to quell the rebel.

2455. Being aware that Lord Tu was a hero,

And that she also took part in his affairs,

He kept his troops still as an offer for peace,

And sent envoys to bribe them to surrender.

He also had particular gifts for her,

2460. Two court-girls and thousand pounds of jewelry.

When news of this offer reached his headquarter,

Lord Tu in his mind doubted it entirely:

"With my own hands I've built this territory,

Where I can roam at will in sea and river.

2465. Now if I give up and go to the king's court,

How'll be my fate as a surrendered subject?

I'll be tied by the mandarin dress and codes,

Why must I live in shame with that count's title?

While I'm having as my own this dominion,

2470. And nobody could change this power's balance.

I'll scrape heaven and stir ocean at free will,

Having none above my head as superior!"

She, by her honest heart, was apt to believe

In melodious words and bountiful gifts.

2475. Deeming herself a floating weed on water,

Leading an exiled life of countless hardships,

Now if he gave in to court as a vassal,

How broad their road would be under the blue sky!

Once public and private goals having been met,

2480. She would manage to return to her homeland.

Dignified in the name of a statesman's wife

She'd be admired and her parents glorified.

First for her country, next for her family,

She'd fulfill both gratitude and loyalty.

2485. That would be better than this mid-stream skiff's life,

In panic of whipping surfs and thrashing waves.

Then in an occasion of their discussion,

She tried to weigh the pros and the cons with him.

Saying: "The king's benevolence is profuse,

2490. It showers large and instills deep everywhere.

His favors and merits so far in the land,

Have been so dearly cherished by the people.

Think and you'll see the consequence of warfare,

Piles of unknown bone have amassed at head height.

2495. Why leave a bad name to the posterity,

Thousand of years later no one praise Huang Ch'ao[44]!

Instead, you'll have a high post with good profit,

Is that the surest way that leads to glory?"

Enticed by his woman's persuasive words,

2500. Tu changed from attacking to surrendering.

With rites he hurriedly received the envoy,

And promised to disarm as well to disband.

Trusting in the oath of a peace settlement,

They left their flags forlorn and their watch slackened.