The Complete Dramatic Works of Tang Xianzu
Page 67
If we adhere to offence or defence,
The court should move to the north.
MIAO SHUNBIN:
Your comments are reasonable.
(To the previous tune)
His Majesty on the throne
Would like to retrieve the lost zone.
Over a thousand candidates have come to attend the imperial examination, but
Few understand the times
Or know the imperial care;
How can they be worthy scholars there?
It is you alone that
Have come to the point
And exhausted the urgent affair.
LIU MENGMEI:
I’m from Lingnan.
MIAO SHUNBIN (In a low voice):
I know.
From a scholar you have hoped to rise
And will be awarded the first prize.
Scholar, wait outside the palace gate for the imperial decree.
LIU MENGMEI (Responds and withdraws, aside):
This examiner is Envoy Miao, but to avoid suspicion I have to keep my mouth shut.
“Outside the gate I’ll wait for the decree;
I only hope the envoy will choose me.”
(Exit)
MIAO SHUNBIN:
I’ve finished marking all the papers. Attendants, make way to the court and I’ll make a report to His Majesty.
(Walks on, followed by the attendants)
“It’s quiet when I send in the report
While time draws on inside the court.”
Well, where comes the beating of drums?
(Rapid drum-beating within)
ATTENDANT:
The drum-beating comes from the War Ministry to announce the border conflict.
(Neighing of horses within)
MIAO SHUNBIN:
There are urgent reports from the border-area. What’s happened? What’s happened?
(Enter the elderly War Minister)
WAR MINISTER:
“A walled alley leads to the court;
From War Ministry comes the war report.”
(Miao Shunbin and War Minister greet each other)
MIAO SHUNBIN:
Are you going to report the border conflict, sir?
WAR MINISTER:
Yes. Are you here to report the examination results?
MIAO SHUNBIN:
Yes.
WAR MINISTER:
As my business is more urgent today, I have to report first. Excuse me.
(Kowtows and reports)
The War Minister is now reporting to Your Majesty.
VOICE WITHIN:
What do you want to report?
WAR MINISTER (To the tune of Diliuzi):
The Jin invaders,
The Jin invaders are launching an attack.
VOICE WITHIN:
Who is the vanguard?
WAR MINISTER:
Li Quan,
Li Quan is taking the lead.
VOICE WITHIN:
Where are they now?
WAR MINISTER:
It’s said they’ve reached Huaiyang.
VOICE WITHIN:
Whom shall we dispatch for the defence?
WAR MINISTER:
Du Bao is now the Envoy of Huaiyang, but
As they cannot hold on for a long time,
We must send more troops at once.
MIAO SHUNBIN (Kowtows and reports):
The imperial examiner Miao Shunbin is now reporting to Your Majesty.
(To the previous tune)
The papers,
The papers have been scored.
Your Majesty,
Your Majesty shall select the best.
It’s an auspicious day
To proclaim the results.
Officials are waiting at the palace gate
For the celebration feast.
VOICE WITHIN:
Both of you, wait at the palace gate.
(War Minister and Miao Shunbin rise to their feet)
MIAO SHUNBIN:
Do you know why the Jins launch the invasion, sir?
WAR MINISTER:
I dared not mention it just now. The Jin emperor has come to grab the scenic area near the West Lake.
MIAO SHUNBIN:
Those crazy aliens! The West Lake is for us to enjoy. If they should occupy the West Lake, the capital Hangzhou would be useless for us.
VOICE WITHIN:
Now listen to my decree: In my reign over the world, there are things urgent and less urgent and I should consider the military affairs as well as the civil affairs. Now that the Huaiyang areas are in danger, I order Envoy Du Bao to lose no time in fighting against the enemy. As to the proclamation of the examination results, it will be postponed to a time when the military actions are over and then we shall consider these civil affairs. My decree is to be made known to the public. Kowtow!
(War Minister and Miao Shunbin kowtow, shout “Long live the emperor”and then rise to their feet)
WAR MINISTER:
When national war affairs now prolong,
MIAO SHUNBIN:
The scholars stick to reading all day long.
WAR MINISTER:
The gifted man expects brilliant success,
MIAO SHUNBIN:
But border conflicts need scholars less.
Scene Forty-Two
Military Transfer
(Enter Du Bao, followed by attendants)
DU BAO (To the tune of Yeyouchao):
When west winds shake the river trees,
The flowing waters make me ill at ease.
In shielding the south
Against the north,
Is there any better place?
“The sound to pound the winter coat
Dies with river waters that flow remote.
Where does the native country lie?
A wild goose flies past the tower of Huai.
The state affairs
That fill me with woe
Eastward flow.
I envy my ancestor poet Du,
Who dreamt with Yangzhou in view.”
I’m Du Bao, Envoy of the Huaiyang area. Since I came here three years ago, Li Quan has been making disturbances but I’ve had the overall situation under control. When I learned yesterday that the invading troops were coming from the frontiers, I was deeply worried. However, my wife knew nothing about this and kept weeping for our departed daughter.
(Enter Lady Zhen, followed by Chunxiang)
LADY ZHEN (To the tune of Siniang’er):
My lord commands the army here,
And brings me closer to the frontier.
(Sighs)
I see the Qinhuai trees beyond the screen,
With Jin Hill and Jiao Isle in sight.
I knit my brow
At the sight that looms bright.
Blessings on you, my lord.
DU BAO:
Sit down, please, my lady.
LADY ZHEN:
My lord,
“Ever since we left Nan’an,
Several years have gone by.
DU BAO:
We vainly long for the native land
While in Yangzhou pleasure is a far cry.
LADY ZHEN:
If you strike your sword and search,
Is there an idle hero that meets your eye?
(Weeps)
DU BAO, LADY ZHEN:
With no son to relieve our woe,
Away from home we weep and sigh.”
LADY ZHEN:
You always keep silent whenever I mention our departed daughter. But can you imagine how sad I am? On the one hand, I’m sad for our departed daughter; on the other hand, I’m sad for the lack of an heir. I’ll look for a concubine to bear a son for you. What do you think about it?
DU BAO:
No, that won’t do. I can’t take a concubine from my jurisdiction.
LADY ZHEN:
Then, how about having one from Jinling across the Yangtze River?
> DU BAO:
As I’m busy with my official business, how can I find the time for such things?
LADY ZHEN:
Oh, Liniang, my poor daughter!
(Weeps)
(Enter Messenger A)
MESSENGER A:
“The imperial decree sheds its brilliant light
To heighten spirits of warriors in their fight.”
Your Excellency, here are instructions from the imperial court.
DU BAO (Stands up and reads the instructions):
Instructions from the War Ministry, concerning the invasions on the Huaiyang area. His Majesty decrees: “Envoy Du Bao of the Huaiyang areas is to be transferred to Huai’an without delay.” With urgent military affairs comes this stern decree. My lady, we must set off for Huai’an at once.
(Enter the stationmaster)
STATIONMASTER:
“The plumed letters are sent pile by pile;
The time is counted mile by mile.”
Your Excellency, the ship is ready.
(Sound of drums and pipes within. Du Bao, Lady Zhen and their attendants board the ship)
VOICE WITHIN:
All the local officials are here to see you off.
DU BAO:
Thank you, good-bye.
(To Lady Zhen)
My lady, the river is again in its autumn best.
(To the tune of Changpai)
Autumn’s just arrived,
Autumn’s just arrived.
Here comes a gentle breeze
Over the painted bridge and misty trees.
The summer heat no longer hurts
And coolness starts to leave its trace
As a drizzle moistens our skirts.
Our ship is sailing in the scene of fairyland,
With rising tides, a chilling wind,
The spraying waves
And white gulls near at hand.
The wind has lulled, and at sunset
The ship’s reflection quivers on the water
While sounds of drums and pipes rise to the clouds.
From where comes the country song
That draws me away from the madding crowds?
Look, who’s galloping on the bank toward us?
(Enter Messenger B on horseback)
MESSENGER B (To the tune of Bushilu):
I call out on horseback
To anchor ships for plumed letters.
DU BAO:
What does the letter say?
MESSENGER B:
The Prefecture of Huai’an
Is invaded by Li Quan.
DU BAO:
Shall I send reinforcements?
MESSENGER B:
How can they withstand the foe?
You must deploy the troops tonight.
As it’s too slow to go by water,
You’d better go by land to join the fight.
DU BAO:
Do not fear.
My lady,
I’ll go by land.
You just turn back,
Turn back.
LADY ZHEN:
Well, another messenger’s coming.
(Enter Messenger C)
MESSENGER C (To the previous tune):
Ten thousand rebels on horseback
Threaten to grab our native lands.
Please make haste, Your Excellency,
Do not delay.
I must take leave at once,
For fear that Huai’an will fall into rebels’ hands.
(Exit)
LADY ZHEN (Weeps):
What will you do?
You’ll fight the foes when your hair is grey,
When battle cries arise all along the way.
DU BAO:
What worries me
Is that the way to Yangzhou is cut off.
In that case, where shall we meet again,
Where shall we meet again?
I’m leaving now, my lady. If Yangzhou is in danger, you can go to Lin’an directly.
(To the tune of Duanpai)
The ageing man and wife depart,
The ageing man and wife depart,
Just as the poet Du Fu
Separated with his wife with a weeping heart.
LADY ZHEN (Weeps):
When my child is no more,
I must now send my lord to war!
DU BAO, LADY ZHEN:
Man and wife with rank and title
Are without child or spouse.
Life and death
Come in dreams and word of mouth.
LADY ZHEN (To the tune of Coda):
I have to take my fate in my own hand;
DU BAO:
In this area I take command.
LADY ZHEN:
Take care, my lord,
Of your men and your own life.
(Exit Du Bao)
LADY ZHEN (Sighs):
Oh heavens! As Yangzhou seems to be aflame with battle fire, Chunxiang, let’s go to Lin’an directly.
Bleak are the sights upon the canal dike;
The riversides are battlefields alike.
Ignorant of sounds of spear and gun,
We flee along the route of setting sun.
Scene Forty-Three
Military Defence
(Enter Du Bao, followed by attendants in battle array)
DU BAO, ATTENDANTS (To the tune of Liuyaoling):
With the wild west wind
Spreads the clamour of the battle cry,
While tides are surging to the sky.
The army is deployed
And tactics are employed
To have the foes destroyed.
DU BAO:
I’m exhausted by the march. Attendants, where are we now?
ATTENDANTS:
The city of Huai’an comes in sight.
DU BAO (Looks ahead):
Oh heavens!
“The remaining native lands
Will fall into alien hands.
ATTENDANTS:
The ancient battlefield
Smells of sanguine sword and shield.
DU BAO:
I hear the soldiers moan and groan,
With tears soaked to the bone.
ATTENDANTS:
Your Excellency,
It’s not the time for tears;
We’ll march and do away with fears.”
DU BAO:
My men, my sons! Look, Huai’an is near in sight and in imminent danger. Let’s set death aside and break into the city. At the same time, I’ll ask for reinforcement from the court. Now follow my command: beat the drums and advance!
ATTENDANTS (In tears):
Yes, advance!
DU BAO (Walks on):
(To the tune of Sibianjing)
I sit on the saddle and give command,
With banners on every hand.
Our banners flutter left and right
And dim the sunlight.
DU BAO, ATTENDANTS:
The alien troops are full of pride;
The southern troops have had a tiring ride.
Besieged and bathed in blood,
What will happen to this town on our side?
DU BAO:
The alien bandits have blocked the way. Break our way through the enemy troops!
(Exeunt all)
(Enter Li Quan, followed by his men and Lady Yang, yelling)
LI QUAN (To the previous tune):
I can shoot at the heart of flying geese;
I can mount a galloping steed.
When I prick with my stirrup,
My pennants flutter in the breeze.
LI QUAN, LADY YANG, SOLDIERS:
The alien troops are full of pride;
The southern troops have had a tiring ride.
Besieged and bathed in blood.
What will happen to this town on our side?
LI QUAN (Laughs):
With my ten thousand soldiers, I’ve besieged the city with seven rings of troops. I think it’s tight enough!
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(Drums and shouts within)
Well, there are troops ahead. It must be Envoy Du and his men. I’ll bring a thousand men to fight against him.
(Li Quan, Lady Yang and soldiers go to the rear of the stage)
(Re-enter Du Bao and his attendants)
DU BAO, ATTENDANTS:
The alien troops are full of pride;
The southern troops have had a tiring ride.
Surrounded and bathed in blood,
What will happen to this town on our side?
(Li Quan, Lady Yang and soldiers turn back to fight with Du Bao and his attendants. Li Quan and Du Bao fight. Li Quan and his men form a line to block the way. Du Bao calls on his men to break through and fight their way into the city)
LI QUAN:
Alas, Du Bao and his men have fought their way into the city. Let them go. When their provisions come to an end, they will surrender in due time.
LI QUAN, LADY YANG, SOLDIERS:
The alien troops are full of pride;
The southern troops have had a tiring ride.
Besieged and bathed in blood,
What will happen to this town on our side?
(Exeunt)
(Enter two officials)
OFFICIAL A, OFFICIAL B (To the tune of Fanbusuan):
The battle storm that swirls all day
Almost blows our official hats away.
(Enter two officers)
OFFICER A:
I guard the bridge with spear and sword;
OFFICER B:
The drums and horns sound like the dragon’s roar.
(The officials and the officers exchange greetings)
OFFICIAL A:
“Beside the river of Huai,
Not far from the sea,
OFFICIAL B:
The battle cries resound in the sky.
OFFICER B:
The drums and guns
Terrify me.
I wish I could put on wings and flee.
OFFICER A:
With our swords,
With our arrows,
We’ll fight to the last.
OFFICIALS, OFFICERS
We fear the tunnels;
We fear the armoured carts.
When shall we see Envoy Du?”
OFFICIAL A:
We are officials in the Huai’an Prefecture. Besieged by the enemy troops, we’ve been waiting for Envoy Du for a long time, but he has not arrived yet . May I ask you generals for some advice?
OFFICER B:
In my opinion, we’d better surrender.
OFFICIAL A:
How can you talk like this?
OFFICER B:
If we don’t surrender, we’d better escape.
OFFICIAL A:
One out of ten can escape at the best.
OFFICER B:
In that case, what shall I do with my wife?
OFFICER A:
Lock her in the wardrobe.
OFFICER B:
Where shall I put the key?
OFFICER A:
Leave it to me. If Li Quan does not come, I’ll take care of your wife and your son.
OFFICER B: