喬生,晉寧人(ren)[1]。少負才名。年二十余,猶淹(yan)蹇[2]。為人(ren)有(you)肝膽(dan)[3]。與顧(gu)生善;顧(gu)卒,時恤(xu)其妻子。邑宰(zai)以(yi)文(wen)相(xiang)契重(zhong)(zhong)[4];宰(zai)終于任,家口淹(yan)滯,不能(neng)歸[5],生破產扶柩,往(wang)返二千余里。以(yi)故(gu)士林益重(zhong)(zhong)之[6],而家由此益替(ti)[7]。史孝廉有(you)女,字連(lian)城(cheng),工(gong)刺(ci)繡(xiu)(xiu)(xiu),知書(shu)。父嬌(jiao)愛(ai)之[8]。出所刺(ci)“倦繡(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)圖”,征少年題詠[9],意在擇(ze)婿。生獻(xian)詩(shi)云(yun):“慵鬟高髻綠婆娑(suo)[10],早向蘭(lan)窗繡(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)碧荷;刺(ci)到鴛(yuan)鴦魂欲斷,暗停針線蹙雙蛾。”又贊挑(tiao)繡(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)之工(gong)云(yun)[11]:“繡(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)線挑(tiao)來似寫(xie)生[12],幅(fu)中花鳥自天成[13];當年織錦非長技,幸把回文(wen)感圣(sheng)明[14]。”女得詩(shi)喜,對父稱賞。父貧之。女逢人(ren)輒稱道;又遣媼矯父命(ming)[15],贈金以(yi)助燈火[16]。生嘆曰:“連(lian)城(cheng)我知己也!”傾懷(huai)結想,如渴思啖。
無(wu)何(he),女(nv)(nv)(nv)許(xu)字于(yu)鹺賈之(zhi)子(zi)王(wang)(wang)化成[17],生(sheng)始(shi)絕望;然(ran)(ran)夢魂中猶佩戴(dai)之(zhi)[18]。未幾(ji)(ji),女(nv)(nv)(nv)病瘵(zhai)[19],沉(chen)痼不(bu)起[20]。有西域頭陀(tuo)[21],自(zi)謂能療;但須男子(zi)膺(ying)肉(rou)一(yi)(yi)錢,搗合藥(yao)屑。史(shi)(shi)使人(ren)詣(yi)王(wang)(wang)家(jia)告婿。婿笑(xiao)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“癡老翁(weng),欲(yu)我(wo)剜心頭肉(rou)也(ye)[22]!”使返。史(shi)(shi)乃言于(yu)人(ren)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“有能割肉(rou)者(zhe)妻之(zhi)。”生(sheng)聞(wen)而(er)往,自(zi)出白刃,刲膺(ying)授(shou)僧(seng)[23]。血濡(ru)袍褲,僧(seng)敷(fu)藥(yao)始(shi)止。合藥(yao)三丸(wan)。三日(ri)服(fu)盡(jin),疾若(ruo)失。史(shi)(shi)將踐其言[24],先告王(wang)(wang)。王(wang)(wang)怒,欲(yu)訟官。史(shi)(shi)乃設筵招生(sheng),以(yi)千金列(lie)幾(ji)(ji)上,曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“重負大(da)德,請以(yi)相(xiang)報。”因具白背盟之(zhi)由。生(sheng)怫然(ran)(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)[25]:“仆所以(yi)不(bu)愛(ai)膺(ying)肉(rou)者(zhe),聊以(yi)報知己耳,豈貨(huo)肉(rou)哉(zai)!”拂袖而(er)歸。女(nv)(nv)(nv)聞(wen)之(zhi),意(yi)良不(bu)忍,托(tuo)媼(ao)慰諭之(zhi)。且(qie)云(yun):“以(yi)彼才(cai)華(hua),當不(bu)久(jiu)落[26]。天下何(he)患無(wu)佳人(ren)?我(wo)夢不(bu)祥,三年必(bi)死(si),不(bu)必(bi)與人(ren)爭此泉下物也(ye)[27]。”生(sheng)告媼(ao)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“‘士為(wei)知己者(zhe)死(si)’[28],不(bu)以(yi)色也(ye)。誠(cheng)恐連城未必(bi)真(zhen)知我(wo),但得(de)真(zhen)知我(wo),不(bu)諧何(he)害[29]?”媼(ao)代女(nv)(nv)(nv)郎矢誠(cheng)自(zi)剖[30]。生(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“果(guo)爾(er),相(xiang)逢時當為(wei)我(wo)一(yi)(yi)笑(xiao),死(si)無(wu)憾!”媼(ao)既去(qu),逾數日(ri),生(sheng)偶出,遇女(nv)(nv)(nv)自(zi)叔氏(shi)(shi)歸,睨之(zhi)。女(nv)(nv)(nv)秋波轉顧(gu),啟齒(chi)嫣然(ran)(ran)[31]。生(sheng)大(da)喜曰(yue)(yue)(yue):“連城真(zhen)知我(wo)者(zhe)!”會王(wang)(wang)氏(shi)(shi)來(lai)議(yi)吉期[32],女(nv)(nv)(nv)前癥又作,數月尋卒。生(sheng)往臨吊[33],一(yi)(yi)痛而(er)絕。史(shi)(shi)舁送其家(jia)。
生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)自(zi)知已(yi)死(si)(si),亦(yi)無(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)戚。出(chu)村去(qu)(qu),猶冀一見(jian)(jian)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。遙望南(nan)北一道,行(xing)人(ren)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)緒(xu)如(ru)(ru)蟻[34],因(yin)亦(yi)混身雜跡其中(zhong)(zhong)。俄頃,入一廨署,值顧(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),驚(jing)問:“君(jun)(jun)何得來?”即(ji)(ji)把手將送(song)(song)令(ling)歸(gui)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太息言:“心事(shi)(shi)殊未了。”顧(gu)(gu)(gu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“仆在此(ci)典牘[35],頗得委(wei)任。倘可(ke)效力,不(bu)惜也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)問連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。顧(gu)(gu)(gu)即(ji)(ji)導(dao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)旋轉多(duo)所(suo)(suo),見(jian)(jian)連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)與(yu)一白衣(yi)女(nv)郎(lang),淚睫慘黛[36],藉(jie)坐廊隅(yu)[37]。見(jian)(jian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),驟(zou)起(qi)似喜(xi),略問所(suo)(suo)來。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“卿死(si)(si),仆何敢生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)!”連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)泣曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“如(ru)(ru)此(ci)負(fu)義人(ren),尚(shang)不(bu)吐(tu)棄之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),身殉何為(wei)?然(ran)(ran)已(yi)不(bu)能許君(jun)(jun)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),愿(yuan)(yuan)矢來世耳(er)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告顧(gu)(gu)(gu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“有事(shi)(shi)君(jun)(jun)自(zi)去(qu)(qu),仆樂死(si)(si)不(bu)愿(yuan)(yuan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)矣(yi)。但(dan)煩稽連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何里(li),行(xing)與(yu)俱去(qu)(qu)耳(er)[38]。”顧(gu)(gu)(gu)諾而(er)(er)(er)去(qu)(qu)。白衣(yi)女(nv)郎(lang)問生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何人(ren),連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)緬述之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)郎(lang)聞之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),若(ruo)不(bu)勝悲(bei)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)告生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“此(ci)妾同(tong)姓(xing),小(xiao)字賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),長(chang)沙史(shi)(shi)太守女(nv)[39]。一路同(tong)來,遂(sui)相(xiang)憐愛。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)視(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),意態憐人(ren)。方欲(yu)研問,而(er)(er)(er)顧(gu)(gu)(gu)已(yi)反(fan),向生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)賀曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“我為(wei)君(jun)(jun)平(ping)章已(yi)確[40],即(ji)(ji)教小(xiao)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)子(zi)從君(jun)(jun)返魂(hun)(hun),好(hao)否(fou)?”兩(liang)人(ren)各喜(xi)。方將拜別,賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)大哭(ku)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“姊去(qu)(qu),我安(an)歸(gui)?乞垂(chui)憐救(jiu),妾為(wei)姊捧帨耳(er)[41]。”連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)凄然(ran)(ran),無(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)為(wei)計,轉謀(mou)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)又(you)哀顧(gu)(gu)(gu)。顧(gu)(gu)(gu)難(nan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),峻(jun)辭以(yi)為(wei)不(bu)可(ke)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)固強之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。乃(nai)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“試(shi)妄為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[42]。”去(qu)(qu)食頃而(er)(er)(er)返,搖手曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“何如(ru)(ru)!誠萬分(fen)不(bu)能為(wei)力矣(yi)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)聞之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),宛轉嬌啼,惟依連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)肘下,恐其即(ji)(ji)去(qu)(qu)。慘怛無(wu)(wu)術[43],相(xiang)對默(mo)(mo)(mo)默(mo)(mo)(mo);而(er)(er)(er)睹(du)其愁顏戚容[44],使(shi)人(ren)肺腑酸柔[45]。顧(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤(fen)然(ran)(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“請(qing)攜賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)去(qu)(qu)。脫有愆尤[46],小(xiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)拚(pan)身受(shou)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)乃(nai)喜(xi),從生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)出(chu)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憂其道遠(yuan)無(wu)(wu)侶。賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“妾從君(jun)(jun)去(qu)(qu),不(bu)愿(yuan)(yuan)歸(gui)也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“卿大癡矣(yi)。不(bu)歸(gui),何以(yi)得活也(ye)?他(ta)日(ri)(ri)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)湖南(nan),勿復走避(bi)[47],為(wei)幸多(duo)矣(yi)。”適有兩(liang)媼攝牒赴長(chang)沙[48],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)屬之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[49],賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)泣別而(er)(er)(er)去(qu)(qu)。途中(zhong)(zhong),連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)行(xing)蹇緩,里(li)余輒一息;凡十余息,始見(jian)(jian)里(li)門。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“重(zhong)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后,懼(ju)有反(fan)覆(fu)。請(qing)索妾骸骨來,妾以(yi)君(jun)(jun)家生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),當(dang)無(wu)(wu)悔也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)然(ran)(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。偕歸(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家。女(nv)惕(ti)惕(ti)若(ruo)不(bu)能步[50],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)佇待之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“妾至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)此(ci),四肢搖搖,似無(wu)(wu)所(suo)(suo)主。志恐不(bu)遂(sui),尚(shang)宜(yi)審謀(mou);不(bu)然(ran)(ran),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后何能自(zi)由?”相(xiang)將入側廂(xiang)中(zhong)(zhong)。默(mo)(mo)(mo)定少時(shi)[51],連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)笑(xiao)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“君(jun)(jun)憎妾耶?”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚(jing)問其故。赧(nan)然(ran)(ran)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“恐事(shi)(shi)不(bu)諧,重(zhong)負(fu)君(jun)(jun)矣(yi)。請(qing)先以(yi)魂(hun)(hun)報也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)喜(xi),極盡歡戀。因(yin)徘徊不(bu)敢遽出(chu),寄廂(xiang)中(zhong)(zhong)者三日(ri)(ri)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“諺有之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):‘丑婦(fu)終須見(jian)(jian)姑(gu)嫜。’戚戚于此(ci),終非(fei)久計。”乃(nai)促生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)入。才(cai)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)靈寢[52],豁(huo)然(ran)(ran)頓蘇。家人(ren)驚(jing)異(yi),進以(yi)湯(tang)水。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)乃(nai)使(shi)人(ren)要史(shi)(shi)來[53],請(qing)得連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)尸,自(zi)言能活之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。史(shi)(shi)喜(xi),從其言。方舁(yu)入室(shi)(shi),視(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)已(yi)醒。告父曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“兒已(yi)委(wei)身喬郎(lang)矣(yi)[54],更無(wu)(wu)歸(gui)理。如(ru)(ru)有變動,但(dan)仍一死(si)(si)!”史(shi)(shi)歸(gui),遣(qian)婢往(wang)役給(gei)奉。王聞,具詞(ci)申理。官受(shou)賂,判歸(gui)王。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤(fen)懣欲(yu)死(si)(si),亦(yi)無(wu)(wu)奈之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[55]。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)王家,忿不(bu)飲食,惟乞速死(si)(si)。室(shi)(shi)無(wu)(wu)人(ren),則帶懸梁上。越日(ri)(ri),益憊(bei),殆將奄逝(shi)。王懼(ju),送(song)(song)歸(gui)史(shi)(shi)。史(shi)(shi)復舁(yu)歸(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。王知之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),亦(yi)無(wu)(wu)如(ru)(ru)何,遂(sui)安(an)焉(yan)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)起(qi),每念賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),欲(yu)遣(qian)信探之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)[56],以(yi)道遠(yuan)而(er)(er)(er)艱于往(wang)。一日(ri)(ri),家人(ren)進曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“門有車馬。”夫婦(fu)出(chu)視(shi),則賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)已(yi)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)庭(ting)中(zhong)(zhong)矣(yi)。相(xiang)見(jian)(jian)悲(bei)喜(xi)。太守親詣送(song)(song)女(nv),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)延(yan)入。太守曰(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue):“小(xiao)女(nv)子(zi)賴君(jun)(jun)復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),誓(shi)不(bu)他(ta)適,今從其志。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)叩謝如(ru)(ru)禮。孝廉亦(yi)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),敘宗好(hao)焉(yan)[57]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)名年,字大年。
異史氏曰:“一笑之(zhi)知,許之(zhi)以(yi)身,世人(ren)(ren)或議(yi)其癡;彼田橫(heng)五百人(ren)(ren)[58],豈盡愚哉!此知希之(zhi)貴(gui)[59],賢(xian)豪(hao)所(suo)以(yi)感結而不能(neng)自已也(ye)。顧茫(mang)(mang)茫(mang)(mang)海(hai)內,遂(sui)使錦繡才人(ren)(ren)[60],僅傾心于(yu)蛾眉之(zhi)一笑也(ye),亦可慨矣!”
[1]晉(jin)寧(ning):州(zhou)縣(xian)名(ming)。唐(tang)置晉(jin)寧(ning)縣(xian),元為晉(jin)寧(ning)州(zhou),明清因之。州(zhou)治(zhi)在今云南省晉(jin)寧(ning)縣(xian)。
[2]偃蹇:滯留困(kun)頓(dun),謂科舉不(bu)得志(zhi)。
[3]有肝膽(dan):忠義誠信,勇于為人盡力。
[4]契重:投(tou)合,尊(zun)重。
[5]淹滯:困阻,久(jiu)留。
[6]士林(lin):讀書人中間。“之”字(zi)據二十四(si)卷抄(chao)本補。
[7]替:衰敗(bai)。
[8]嬌愛:嬌養(yang)。
[9]征(zheng):征(zheng)集。題詠:題詩贊詠。
[10]“慵鬟”四句:此詩即圖題(ti)詠,大(da)意(yi)謂:閨(gui)中少(shao)女(nv)早起即于(yu)窗(chuang)(chuang)前刺繡(xiu)。先繡(xiu)綠荷。待繡(xiu)到荷底鴛鴦時,不禁悵(chang)然神(shen)馳(chi),不知不覺停下針線,傷神(shen)地皺攏雙眉。因繡(xiu)久困倦,那髻鬟邊的(de)(de)秀發(fa)也不免有些(xie)披拂散亂。慵鬟,困倦時的(de)(de)發(fa)鬟。婆娑,飄拂不整貌,蘭窗(chuang)(chuang),蘭閨(gui)之(zhi)窗(chuang)(chuang),少(shao)女(nv)臥室的(de)(de)窗(chuang)(chuang)戶。魂欲斷,謂魂馳(chi)神(shen)往。暗停,默默停下。
[11]挑(tiao)繡:挑(tiao)花(hua)(hua)和刺繡;繡花(hua)(hua)時(shi)的(de)兩(liang)道工藝。
[12]寫(xie)生:指畫(hua)家對實物的描摹。
[13]天(tian)(tian)成:天(tian)(tian)然生成。
[14]“當年(nian)織(zhi)錦(jin)”二句:意思(si)是,與連城(cheng)刺繡之美相比,當年(nian)蘇蕙(hui)把回文(wen)(wen)圖詩(shi)織(zhi)在錦(jin)緞上(shang)也(ye)算不(bu)得技巧高明,她不(bu)過僥幸取得女皇武則天(tian)的賞識罷了(le)。據《晉書·列(lie)女·竇滔(tao)妻(qi)傳》:晉竇滔(tao)妻(qi)蘇蕙(hui),字(zi)若(ruo)蘭,善屬文(wen)(wen)。滔(tao)仕前(qian)秦(qin)(qin)苻(fu)堅為(wei)秦(qin)(qin)州刺史,被(bei)徒流沙。蘇氏在家織(zhi)錦(jin)為(wei)回文(wen)(wen)旋圖詩(shi)以寄。詩(shi)長(chang)八百四十一(yi)字(zi),可(ke)宛轉循(xun)環以讀,詞(ci)甚凄惋。唐武則天(tian)為(wei)作《璇璣(ji)圖詩(shi)序》,稱其“五(wu)彩相宣,瑩心暉目(mu)”。
[15]矯:假(jia)托。
[16]助(zhu)燈火:資助(zhu)喬生(sheng)讀書(shu)費用。
[17]許字:許婚。鹺(cuó矬)賈:鹽商。《禮記(ji)·曲禮》:“鹽曰咸鹺。”
[18]佩戴:佩恩戴德;意思(si)是感念不忘。
[19]瘵(zhài債):癆病,即肺病。
[20]沉痼(gu):病勢積久難醫。
[21]西域:此據二十四卷(juan)抄本,底本作“西城”。頭陀:梵文音澤,泛指一切僧眾;此特指行腳(jiao)乞食僧人(ren)。
[22]心頭(tou)肉:習喻關系性命之物。唐聶(nie)夷中(zhong)《詠田家》詩(shi):“醫(yi)得眼(yan)前瘡,剜卻心頭(tou)肉。”此指“膺(ying)肉”。
[23]刲(kuī虧(kui)):割。
[24]踐其言:履行自己(ji)的諾言。指以女妻喬生(sheng)。
[25]怫(fú符)然:生氣的樣子(zi)。
[26]落:沉淪。
[27]泉下物:指死(si)人。謂己不(bu)久將死(si)。
[28]土為(wei)(wei)知已(yi)者死:《漢書(shu)·司馬遷傳》報任安書(shu):“士為(wei)(wei)知己用,女為(wei)(wei)悅己容。”
[29]不(bu)諧:不(bu)能(neng)成事(shi);指不(bu)能(neng)結為夫妻(qi)。何(he)害:何(he)妨(fang)。
[30]矢(shi)誠自剖:發誓自明心跡(ji)。
[31]嫣(yān胭(yan))然:形容美笑。
[32]吉(ji)期(qi):好日(ri)子;指完(wan)婚日(ri)期(qi)。
[33]臨吊(diao):哭吊(diao)。哭死者叫(jiao)臨,慰問(wen)其(qi)親屬叫(jiao)吊(diao)。
[34]連(lian)續:此(ci)從二十四卷抄本,底本作“連(lian)緒”。
[35]典牘:主管文書(shu)案卷。
[36]淚睫(jie)慘黛:猶言愁(chou)眉淚眼(yan)。慘,悲傷。黛,眉。
[37]藉坐廊隅(yu):在廊下一角,席(xi)地而坐。
[38]行:將。
[39]太守:知府(fu)、知州的古稱。明清于長沙置府(fu)。
[40]平(ping)章(zhang)已確:商辦(ban)已妥。平(ping)章(zhang),商量處理。
[41]捧帨:猶言奉中櫛、侍盥沐;意為居妾媵(ying)之位,給役侍奉。帨,佩巾,古代婦女用以(yi)擦拭不潔。《禮(li)記·內則》規定(ding):“少事長,賤事貴”都有(you)“盥卒授巾”的禮(li)節。
[42]試妄(wang)為之:試辦(ban)一下看看。妄(wang),姑(gu)妄(wang)。表示下循規(gui)章和沒(mei)有把握。
[43]慘怛(da)(dá答):憂傷(shang),悲痛。
[44]愁顏:此(ci)從二(er)十四(si)卷抄(chao)本,底本作“愁艷”。
[45]肺腑酸柔(rou):猶言心酸腸軟。
[46]脫有愆尤(you):假若有罪責、過失。
[47]走避:此從二十四卷抄本,底本作“去避”。
[48]攝(she)牒(die):攜帶公文。指出公差。
[49]生(sheng)屬之:喬生(sheng)把攜帶賓娘的(de)事囑(zhu)托兩(liang)媼。屬,同“囑(zhu)”,意謂囑(zhu)托。據二十四卷抄本(ben)補,底本(ben)無“之”字(zi)。
[50]惕(ti)惕(ti):憂懼貌。
[51]嘿定:沉(chen)默定息。嘿,同默。
[52]靈(ling)寢(qin):靈(ling)床(chuang),即停尸(shi)床(chuang)。
[53]要(yao):邀。
[54]委身:托(tuo)身,許身。
[55]無(wu)奈之(zhi):無(wu)可(ke)奈何。
[56]信:古稱(cheng)使(shi)者為(wei)“信”。往偵:此從二十四(si)卷(juan)抄本,底本作(zuo)“參(can)”。
[57]敘宗好:敘同宗之族(zu)誼(yi)。孝廉與太(tai)守同姓史。
[58]“彼田(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng)(heng)五(wu)百(bai)人(ren)”二句:此為(wei)作(zuo)(zuo)者以田(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng)(heng)部下五(wu)百(bai)人(ren)忠于(yu)田(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng)(heng),贊揚喬生“士為(wei)知己者死(si)”的(de)(de)精神。田(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng)(heng),秦末齊(qi)人(ren)。拒項羽,復齊(qi)地,自(zi)立為(wei)齊(qi)王。劉邦稱帝后,田(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng)(heng)率(lv)五(wu)百(bai)士逃往海島(dao)。劉邦怕他(ta)作(zuo)(zuo)亂(luan),下詔強迫他(ta)入洛陽,并答(da)應把(ba)他(ta)封王封侯(hou)。田(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)橫(heng)(heng)(heng)行(xing)至距洛陽三十里的(de)(de)尸鄉,因恥于(yu)向劉邦稱臣,與(yu)從者皆自(zi)殺。島(dao)上五(wu)百(bai)人(ren)聞(wen)訊后也全部自(zi)殺。事見(jian)《史記·田(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)儋列傳》等。
[59]“此知(zhi)希(xi)(xi)之(zhi)貴”二句(ju):意謂正因知(zhi)己難求(qiu),所以賢(xian)豪之(zhi)士對知(zhi)遇之(zhi)德感(gan)結(jie)于心(xin)。知(zhi)希(xi)(xi)之(zhi)貴,語(yu)本《老子(zi)》“知(zhi)我(wo)者希(xi)(xi),則我(wo)者貴”,而(er)有變化。韓(han)愈(yu)《祭(ji)田橫墓文(wen)》說(shuo):“事有曠(kuang)百(bai)世而(er)相(xiang)感(gan)者,余(yu)不知(zhi)其何(he)心(xin);非今世之(zhi)所稀,孰為使余(yu)欷而(er)不可(ke)禁!”“賢(xian)豪感(gan)結(jie)”,蓋隱指此類感(gan)慨。
[60]錦繡才(cai)人(ren)(ren):才(cai)學富艷、詩文(wen)精美的讀書人(ren)(ren)。此(ci)指喬生。柳宗無《乞巧文(wen)》:“駢四儷(li)六(liu),錦心繡口。”
晉(jin)寧縣有(you)一個姓喬的書生,少年(nian)時就很有(you)才氣(qi),但二(er)十(shi)多歲了(le),依舊(jiu)窮困(kun)潦倒。喬生為(wei)人(ren)正直,他(ta)(ta)有(you)一個好朋友,姓顧,早年(nian)就死(si)了(le),喬生經常接濟(ji)他(ta)(ta)的妻子兒女。本縣縣令(ling)(ling)因為(wei)喬生的文章寫(xie)得(de)好,對(dui)他(ta)(ta)很器重。后來,縣令(ling)(ling)死(si)在任上,家(jia)(jia)口滯留晉(jin)寧,無(wu)法返(fan)回(hui)故鄉(xiang)。喬生變賣了(le)自己的家(jia)(jia)產(chan),買了(le)棺柩,往返(fan)兩(liang)千多里,把縣令(ling)(ling)的遺體連同他(ta)(ta)的家(jia)(jia)人(ren)一起(qi)送回(hui)了(le)家(jia)(jia)鄉(xiang)。因為(wei)這件事,當時的文人(ren)們更加(jia)尊重喬生,但喬生卻因此更加(jia)貧窮了(le)。
當時,一個(ge)姓史的舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)(ren)有(you)(you)個(ge)女兒叫連(lian)城(cheng),精(jing)于(yu)刺繡,又(you)(you)知書(shu)達禮,史舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)(ren)非常寵(chong)愛她。一次,史舉(ju)(ju)人(ren)(ren)拿出一幅女兒繡的“倦繡圖(tu)”,征(zheng)求年輕書(shu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)就(jiu)圖(tu)題詩,意思(si)是(shi)要借(jie)此選(xuan)個(ge)有(you)(you)才學的好女婿。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)也作了一首(shou)詩獻(xian)上,這(zhe)首(shou)詩說:“慵鬟高(gao)髻(ji)綠婆娑,早向蘭(lan)窗繡碧荷。刺到(dao)鴛鴦魂欲(yu)斷,暗停(ting)針(zhen)線蹙(cu)雙蛾。”又(you)(you)題了一首(shou)詩,專贊這(zhe)幅圖(tu)繡得(de)精(jing)妙:“繡線挑來似寫生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),幅中花鳥自天(tian)成(cheng)。當年織錦(jin)非長技,幸把回文感圣明。”連(lian)城(cheng)見到(dao)這(zhe)兩首(shou)詩,非常喜歡(huan),便(bian)對著父親夸獎(jiang)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的才華。但父親嫌(xian)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太貧(pin)窮,不愿找這(zhe)么個(ge)女婿。此后,連(lian)城(cheng)逢人(ren)(ren)就(jiu)夸喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),又(you)(you)派了個(ge)老媽子,假借(jie)父親的名義贈給(gei)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一些銀兩,作為他讀書(shu)的費用。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)感嘆地說:“連(lian)城(cheng)真是(shi)我的知己啊!”對她一往(wang)情深,如饑似渴地想念她。
不(bu)久(jiu),連城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)跟一(yi)個(ge)名叫王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)鹽(yan)商的(de)(de)(de)(de)兒(er)(er)子(zi)訂了(le)(le)(le)(le)親,喬生(sheng)(sheng)才開(kai)始絕望起來(lai)。但仍然夢(meng)魂縈繞,無時(shi)無刻不(bu)想(xiang)著(zhu)連城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。不(bu)長時(shi)間,連城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)便(bian)生(sheng)(sheng)了(le)(le)(le)(le)重病(bing),臥床不(bu)起。有個(ge)從西(xi)域來(lai)的(de)(de)(de)(de)和(he)尚(shang),自(zi)稱能(neng)治好(hao)她的(de)(de)(de)(de)病(bing),但必(bi)需一(yi)錢男(nan)子(zi)胸(xiong)上(shang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)肉(rou)(rou)搗(dao)碎了(le)(le)(le)(le)配藥。史舉(ju)(ju)人派人去(qu)告訴王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)。王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)笑著(zhu)說(shuo):“傻老頭!想(xiang)叫我(wo)剜(wan)心頭肉(rou)(rou)嗎?”把派去(qu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)人又打發回來(lai)。史舉(ju)(ju)人便(bian)對(dui)人說(shuo):“誰愿(yuan)從自(zi)己(ji)(ji)身上(shang)割(ge)下(xia)(xia)肉(rou)(rou)救(jiu)我(wo)女兒(er)(er),我(wo)便(bian)把女兒(er)(er)嫁給他!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)聽說(shuo),立即(ji)趕到史家(jia),自(zi)己(ji)(ji)掏出(chu)把刀(dao)子(zi),從胸(xiong)上(shang)一(yi)刀(dao)割(ge)下(xia)(xia)片肉(rou)(rou),交給了(le)(le)(le)(le)和(he)尚(shang)。鮮(xian)血染(ran)紅了(le)(le)(le)(le)喬生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)衣服(fu),和(he)尚(shang)忙(mang)給他敷(fu)上(shang)刀(dao)傷(shang)藥才止(zhi)住了(le)(le)(le)(le)血。和(he)尚(shang)用(yong)喬生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)肉(rou)(rou)和(he)了(le)(le)(le)(le)三(san)個(ge)藥丸,給連城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)分三(san)天服(fu)下(xia)(xia),病(bing)果然好(hao)了(le)(le)(le)(le)。史舉(ju)(ju)人便(bian)想(xiang)履(lv)行諾言,把連城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)嫁給喬生(sheng)(sheng)。先去(qu)通知(zhi)王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng),王(wang)化(hua)成(cheng)大怒,要告狀打官司。史舉(ju)(ju)人害怕,便(bian)擺(bai)下(xia)(xia)宴席,將喬生(sheng)(sheng)請來(lai),然后取出(chu)一(yi)千兩銀子(zi),放(fang)在桌子(zi)上(shang),說(shuo):“辜負了(le)(le)(le)(le)您的(de)(de)(de)(de)大恩大德,就(jiu)用(yong)這(zhe)些銀子(zi)報答您吧!”并對(dui)喬生(sheng)(sheng)講了(le)(le)(le)(le)毀約的(de)(de)(de)(de)緣由。喬生(sheng)(sheng)生(sheng)(sheng)氣地說(shuo):“我(wo)所以不(bu)吝(lin)惜心頭肉(rou)(rou),不(bu)過是(shi)(shi)為了(le)(le)(le)(le)報答知(zhi)已罷了(le)(le)(le)(le),難道我(wo)是(shi)(shi)賣肉(rou)(rou)的(de)(de)(de)(de)嗎?”說(shuo)完,拂袖而(er)去(qu)。連城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)聽說(shuo)后,心里(li)很不(bu)忍,托老媽(ma)子(zi)去(qu)勸(quan)慰他。并說(shuo):“以他的(de)(de)(de)(de)才華,不(bu)會久(jiu)處人下(xia)(xia)的(de)(de)(de)(de),何(he)(he)愁天下(xia)(xia)沒有美女?我(wo)近來(lai)做(zuo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)夢(meng)都不(bu)吉(ji)利(li),三(san)年內必(bi)死(si)(si),不(bu)必(bi)跟別人爭我(wo)這(zhe)個(ge)泉下(xia)(xia)之鬼了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬生(sheng)(sheng)告訴老媽(ma)子(zi)說(shuo):“古人說(shuo):‘士為知(zhi)己(ji)(ji)者死(si)(si)’。我(wo)報答她不(bu)是(shi)(shi)為了(le)(le)(le)(le)她生(sheng)(sheng)得漂亮。我(wo)真怕連城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)未必(bi)真知(zhi)我(wo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)心,如果真知(zhi),就(jiu)是(shi)(shi)做(zuo)不(bu)成(cheng)夫妻又有何(he)(he)妨呢(ni)?”老媽(ma)子(zi)忙(mang)替(ti)連城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)表白了(le)(le)(le)(le)她的(de)(de)(de)(de)一(yi)片真情。喬生(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo):“果然這(zhe)樣(yang),我(wo)們(men)相逢時(shi),她若為我(wo)笑一(yi)笑,我(wo)就(jiu)死(si)(si)而(er)無憾了(le)(le)(le)(le)!”
老媽(ma)子回去(qu)不(bu)幾天,喬生偶然出(chu)去(qu),正(zheng)好遇上連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)從(cong)叔家(jia)(jia)回來。喬生看(kan)著她,連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)也看(kan)見(jian)了(le)(le)他。只見(jian)她秋波送情,微微地啟齒一笑。喬生大(da)喜。說:“連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)真是我的知心人!”過(guo)了(le)(le)不(bu)久,王(wang)鹽(yan)商(shang)家(jia)(jia)來到(dao)史(shi)家(jia)(jia)商(shang)議連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)的婚(hun)期。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)聽說后(hou)又病了(le)(le),幾個月便死了(le)(le)。喬生前去(qu)吊唁,痛(tong)哭一場,也死了(le)(le)過(guo)去(qu),史(shi)家(jia)(jia)把他抬回家(jia)(jia)中。
喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)知道自己已(yi)經死(si)(si)了(le)(le)(le),也(ye)沒(mei)感到有(you)(you)(you)什(shen)么(me)難過。一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個人(ren)出了(le)(le)(le)村(cun),還想(xiang)著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)再見見連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)。遠(yuan)遠(yuan)望見有(you)(you)(you)條南北大路,路上(shang)的(de)行人(ren)像(xiang)螞蟻一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)樣(yang)擁擠。他也(ye)走了(le)(le)(le)過去,混(hun)雜(za)在人(ren)群里。一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)會兒,進入一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)座(zuo)衙門,正(zheng)碰上(shang)他過去的(de)好(hao)朋友顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)看見他,驚訝地問:“你(ni)怎么(me)來了(le)(le)(le)!”說著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu),就拉著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)手,要(yao)送他回去。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)長長地嘆息了(le)(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)聲,說:“我(wo)(wo)的(de)心事還沒(mei)了(le)(le)(le)!”顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便說:“我(wo)(wo)在這里掌管典籍(ji),很(hen)受(shou)上(shang)司信任。有(you)(you)(you)用得著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)我(wo)(wo)的(de)地方,我(wo)(wo)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)定盡力!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便向他打聽(ting)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)在哪兒。顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)領著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)他串了(le)(le)(le)很(hen)多地方,最后才發現(xian)連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)和(he)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個穿白衣服的(de)女郎(lang),眼淚婆娑(suo)地坐(zuo)在一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)條走廊的(de)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)角。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)看見喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),急忙(mang)起身,像(xiang)是喜(xi)出望外,略問了(le)(le)(le)問他是怎么(me)來的(de)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說:“你(ni)死(si)(si)了(le)(le)(le),我(wo)(wo)怎敢偷生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)世上(shang)!”連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)聽(ting)了(le)(le)(le),哭著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)說:“我(wo)(wo)這樣(yang)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個忘恩負義的(de)人(ren),你(ni)還不唾棄我(wo)(wo),又以身殉死(si)(si)干什(shen)么(me)!我(wo)(wo)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)今世不能跟你(ni)了(le)(le)(le),來生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)我(wo)(wo)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)定嫁給你(ni)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)回頭告訴顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說:“你(ni)有(you)(you)(you)事就忙(mang)去吧,我(wo)(wo)覺得死(si)(si)了(le)(le)(le)很(hen)快樂,不想(xiang)再活(huo)了(le)(le)(le)。只想(xiang)麻(ma)煩(fan)你(ni)代為訪查一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)下連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)到什(shen)么(me)地方,我(wo)(wo)要(yao)和(he)她一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)起去!”顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)答應(ying)著(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)走了(le)(le)(le)。
這時,那(nei)白衣(yi)女(nv)(nv)郎問連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)是(shi)什么(me)人(ren)(ren)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)便向(xiang)她講述了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)往事(shi)。女(nv)(nv)郎聽(ting)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)像壓抑不(bu)(bu)(bu)住心(xin)(xin)中的(de)(de)(de)悲傷(shang)。連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)告訴喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“這姑娘(niang)(niang)與我(wo)同姓,小(xiao)名叫賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang),是(shi)長沙史太(tai)守的(de)(de)(de)女(nv)(nv)兒。我(wo)們(men)一(yi)路(lu)(lu)同來(lai)(lai),處(chu)得很(hen)親密(mi)。”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)打量了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)打量賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang),見(jian)她哀傷(shang)凄惋的(de)(de)(de)樣子(zi),十分惹人(ren)(ren)憐愛。正想(xiang)再問什么(me),顧(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)已返了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)回來(lai)(lai),向(xiang)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)慶賀說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)給(gei)(gei)你(ni)(ni)(ni)辦妥了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le),就(jiu)(jiu)讓小(xiao)娘(niang)(niang)子(zi)跟(gen)你(ni)(ni)(ni)一(yi)起(qi)還陽復生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),好(hao)不(bu)(bu)(bu)好(hao)?”兩(liang)人(ren)(ren)聽(ting)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le),都很(hen)喜(xi)歡(huan)。正想(xiang)拜別(bie)顧(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)大哭著說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“姐姐走(zou)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le),我(wo)去(qu)哪里?懇求您(nin)(nin)可憐可憐,救救我(wo),我(wo)就(jiu)(jiu)是(shi)給(gei)(gei)您(nin)(nin)當仆人(ren)(ren)也愿意(yi)!”連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)心(xin)(xin)里難過,想(xiang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)出辦法,就(jiu)(jiu)和喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)商(shang)量,喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)轉而哀求顧(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)幫忙。顧(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)很(hen)為(wei)難,一(yi)口咬定說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)好(hao)辦。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)執意(yi)懇求,顧(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才無可奈何地(di)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)去(qu)胡亂試(shi)試(shi)看(kan)吧!”去(qu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)有一(yi)頓飯的(de)(de)(de)工(gong)夫,便回來(lai)(lai)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le),連(lian)(lian)連(lian)(lian)擺手(shou)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“怎么(me)樣!我(wo)實在無能(neng)(neng)為(wei)力了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)聽(ting)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo),哀哀地(di)啼哭著,依在連(lian)(lian)城(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)胳膊下戀(lian)戀(lian)不(bu)(bu)(bu)舍(she),恐怕她馬上就(jiu)(jiu)走(zou)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)。三人(ren)(ren)相對(dui)無語,一(yi)籌莫展。再看(kan)看(kan)賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)那(nei)愁苦凄傷(shang)的(de)(de)(de)樣子(zi),真讓人(ren)(ren)心(xin)(xin)里發酸。顧(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)奮然而起(qi),說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)(ni)(ni)們(men)帶賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)一(yi)起(qi)走(zou)吧。真有罪責,我(wo)豁上這條命(ming)一(yi)人(ren)(ren)承擔(dan)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)聽(ting)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)才高興起(qi)來(lai)(lai),跟(gen)著喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)塊出去(qu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)擔(dan)心(xin)(xin)她一(yi)人(ren)(ren)去(qu)長沙路(lu)(lu)太(tai)遠,又沒有伴。賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)想(xiang)跟(gen)你(ni)(ni)(ni)們(men)走(zou),不(bu)(bu)(bu)愿回去(qu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)(ni)(ni)太(tai)傻了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!不(bu)(bu)(bu)回去(qu),見(jian)不(bu)(bu)(bu)著你(ni)(ni)(ni)的(de)(de)(de)尸(shi)身(shen),怎么(me)能(neng)(neng)還陽呢?以后(hou)我(wo)們(men)到了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)湖南,你(ni)(ni)(ni)不(bu)(bu)(bu)躲著我(wo)們(men),我(wo)們(men)就(jiu)(jiu)很(hen)榮幸了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)!”正好(hao)有兩(liang)個老婆婆拿著勾牒(die)要去(qu)長沙勾人(ren)(ren),喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便把賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)托(tuo)付給(gei)(gei)她們(men),然后(hou)灑淚而別(bie)。
路上,連城(cheng)(cheng)走不(bu)(bu)動,走一里(li)(li)多路就(jiu)得歇息歇息。共(gong)歇了(le)(le)(le)十多次,才看(kan)見本(ben)村(cun)的(de)莊(zhuang)門。連城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“還(huan)陽后恐怕我(wo)(wo)們(men)的(de)事又有反復。請(qing)(qing)你先去我(wo)(wo)家,索要我(wo)(wo)的(de)遺體(ti),然(ran)(ran)后我(wo)(wo)在(zai)你家重(zhong)生(sheng)(sheng),我(wo)(wo)父(fu)親(qin)應當不(bu)(bu)會再反悔(hui)了(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)認為很對,兩(liang)人(ren)便先去喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)家。連城(cheng)(cheng)戰戰兢兢地像走不(bu)(bu)動了(le)(le)(le),喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)站住,等(deng)著她(ta)。連城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)走到這里(li)(li),禁(jin)不(bu)(bu)住渾(hun)身發抖,六神無主,真(zhen)擔心(xin)我(wo)(wo)們(men)的(de)心(xin)愿實現不(bu)(bu)了(le)(le)(le)!我(wo)(wo)們(men)還(huan)得再好好商量商量,不(bu)(bu)然(ran)(ran),我(wo)(wo)們(men)活了(le)(le)(le)后,可就(jiu)又身不(bu)(bu)由己了(le)(le)(le)!”兩(liang)人(ren)相互攙扶著,進入一間廂房(fang)中,過(guo)了(le)(le)(le)很久,誰也(ye)沒說(shuo)(shuo)話(hua)。連城(cheng)(cheng)忽然(ran)(ran)笑(xiao)著說(shuo)(shuo):“你厭惡(e)我(wo)(wo)嗎(ma)?”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)驚(jing)(jing)訝(ya)地詢(xun)問這是什么(me)意思。連城(cheng)(cheng)害(hai)羞(xiu)地說(shuo)(shuo):“恐怕我(wo)(wo)們(men)的(de)事不(bu)(bu)成,那時(shi)就(jiu)太辜(gu)負(fu)你了(le)(le)(le)!請(qing)(qing)讓我(wo)(wo)先以(yi)鬼(gui)身報(bao)答你吧!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)大(da)(da)喜,兩(liang)人(ren)極盡(jin)歡愛。因(yin)為不(bu)(bu)敢急忙還(huan)生(sheng)(sheng),兩(liang)人(ren)徘徊不(bu)(bu)決,在(zai)廂房(fang)中一直呆了(le)(le)(le)三天。連城(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“俗話(hua)說(shuo)(shuo):‘丑媳(xi)婦終得見公(gong)婆’。老是在(zai)這里(li)(li)憂愁(chou)擔心(xin),終究不(bu)(bu)是長久之(zhi)計!”催促(cu)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)快去還(huan)陽。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)一走到靈堂,猛然(ran)(ran)蘇醒(xing)過(guo)來(lai)。家人(ren)非常驚(jing)(jing)異(yi),給他喝了(le)(le)(le)些湯水(shui)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)便派人(ren)去請(qing)(qing)史舉(ju)人(ren)來(lai),請(qing)(qing)求(qiu)得到連城(cheng)(cheng)的(de)尸身,說(shuo)(shuo)自(zi)己能讓她(ta)復活。史舉(ju)人(ren)大(da)(da)喜,聽從了(le)(le)(le)他的(de)話(hua)。剛(gang)把(ba)連城(cheng)(cheng)抬進喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)家,一看(kan),連城(cheng)(cheng)果然(ran)(ran)也(ye)已活了(le)(le)(le)。連城(cheng)(cheng)告訴(su)父(fu)親(qin)說(shuo)(shuo):“女(nv)兒已把(ba)自(zi)己許給喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)郎了(le)(le)(le),再沒回(hui)去的(de)道理(li)。父(fu)親(qin)如不(bu)(bu)允,我(wo)(wo)只有再死!”
史(shi)舉(ju)人回(hui)了(le)(le)(le)家,便派了(le)(le)(le)奴婢(bi)去喬(qiao)家供女兒(er)使喚。王(wang)(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)聽說(shuo)(shuo)后(hou)立即寫了(le)(le)(le)狀子(zi)告(gao)到(dao)官(guan)府(fu)。官(guan)府(fu)受了(le)(le)(le)王(wang)(wang)家的賄(hui)賂,將(jiang)連城又判給了(le)(le)(le)王(wang)(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)憤(fen)懣(men)不(bu)(bu)堪,直想死去,但終(zhong)究還(huan)是無可奈何。連城到(dao)了(le)(le)(le)王(wang)(wang)家,氣憤(fen)憤(fen)地不(bu)(bu)吃飯,只求快死。看屋里沒人,便把帶子(zi)懸到(dao)房梁上上了(le)(le)(le)吊,被人救下后(hou)。隔了(le)(le)(le)一天,病得越重,眼看就要死了(le)(le)(le)。王(wang)(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)害怕(pa),把她送(song)回(hui)了(le)(le)(le)娘(niang)家。史(shi)舉(ju)人又把她抬到(dao)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)家。王(wang)(wang)化(hua)(hua)成(cheng)聽說(shuo)(shuo)后(hou),也沒有辦法,只得作罷了(le)(le)(le)。
連城病(bing)好后,常(chang)常(chang)思念賓娘。想派(pai)個人(ren)捎信(xin)去,就便(bian)探望她(ta)。因為路(lu)太(tai)遠,很難前去。一(yi)天,家人(ren)忽然進(jin)來(lai)(lai)稟(bing)報(bao)說:“門外來(lai)(lai)了(le)(le)好些車馬。”喬(qiao)生夫婦迎出屋(wu)門一(yi)看,見賓娘已在院子里(li)了(le)(le)。三人(ren)相見,悲喜交(jiao)集。史太(tai)守親自把(ba)女兒(er)送來(lai)(lai)了(le)(le)。喬(qiao)生將(jiang)他請進(jin)屋(wu)里(li),史太(tai)守說:“我(wo)女兒(er)多(duo)虧你才能復(fu)生,她(ta)立誓不嫁(jia)別人(ren),現在我(wo)聽從(cong)了(le)(le)她(ta)的意愿!”喬(qiao)生忙叩頭拜謝(xie)。史舉人(ren)也來(lai)(lai)了(le)(le),還(huan)跟(gen)史太(tai)守敘上了(le)(le)同宗。喬(qiao)生名年(nian),字(zi)大年(nian)。
異史氏說:嫣(yan)然一(yi)(yi)笑的相(xiang)知,于(yu)是(shi)以身相(xiang)許,世上有人會說他癡,那田(tian)橫(heng)五百(bai)壯士,難道都是(shi)愚夫(fu)嗎(ma)!這是(shi)因為“知遇(yu)”的稀(xi)奇和(he)珍貴,所以賢人豪杰感(gan)恩戴(dai)德而(er)不能自已。看茫茫四(si)海(hai)之(zhi)內,(因無知己之(zhi)人)所以使得錦繡人才,只(zhi)能傾心于(yu)蛾眉(mei)一(yi)(yi)笑,真(zhen)是(shi)可悲啊!
蒲松齡(ling)(ling)(1640-1715),清代杰出的(de)文學家(jia)(jia),字留仙,一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)字劍臣(chen),別號柳泉(quan)居士,世稱(cheng)聊齋先生(sheng),山東淄川(今(jin)(jin)山東淄博(bo)市)人。他(ta)出身于一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個沒落的(de)地(di)主家(jia)(jia)庭,父親蒲槃原是一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)個讀書(shu)人,因在科舉(ju)上不(bu)得志,便棄儒經(jing)商,曾積累了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)筆可觀(guan)的(de)財產。等到(dao)蒲松齡(ling)(ling)成年(nian)時(shi),家(jia)(jia)境早已衰落,生(sheng)活十(shi)(shi)分貧困(kun)(kun)。蒲松齡(ling)(ling)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)熱衷功名,醉心科舉(ju),但他(ta)除(chu)了(le)(le)十(shi)(shi)九(jiu)歲時(shi)應童子(zi)試(shi)曾連續考(kao)中縣、府、道三個第一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi),補(bu)博(bo)士弟(di)子(zi)員外(wai),以后屢(lv)受(shou)挫(cuo)折(zhe),一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)直郁郁不(bu)得志。他(ta)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)面教書(shu),一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)面應考(kao)了(le)(le)四十(shi)(shi)年(nian),到(dao)七十(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)歲時(shi)才援(yuan)例出貢,補(bu)了(le)(le)個歲貢生(sheng),四年(nian)后便死(si)去了(le)(le)。一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)中的(de)坎坷遭遇使蒲松齡(ling)(ling)對當時(shi)政治的(de)黑暗和科舉(ju)的(de)弊端有了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)定的(de)認識,生(sheng)活的(de)貧困(kun)(kun)使他(ta)對廣大勞動人民的(de)生(sheng)活和思想有了(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)定的(de)了(le)(le)解和體(ti)會。因此,他(ta)以自己的(de)切身感(gan)受(shou)寫(xie)了(le)(le)不(bu)少著作(zuo),今(jin)(jin)存除(chu)《聊齋志異(yi)》外(wai),還有《聊齋文集》和《詩集》等。