喬生(sheng)(sheng),晉寧人[1]。少(shao)負才名。年(nian)二十余,猶淹蹇(jian)[2]。為人有(you)肝膽(dan)[3]。與顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)善;顧(gu)卒(zu),時(shi)恤其妻子。邑宰以(yi)文(wen)相契重(zhong)[4];宰終于任,家(jia)口淹滯,不能歸[5],生(sheng)(sheng)破產扶柩(jiu),往返二千余里。以(yi)故士(shi)林益重(zhong)之(zhi)[6],而家(jia)由此(ci)益替(ti)[7]。史(shi)孝(xiao)廉(lian)有(you)女(nv)(nv),字連城(cheng),工刺繡(xiu),知書。父嬌愛(ai)之(zhi)[8]。出所刺“倦(juan)繡(xiu)圖(tu)”,征少(shao)年(nian)題詠[9],意在擇(ze)婿。生(sheng)(sheng)獻詩云:“慵鬟高髻(ji)綠婆娑(suo)[10],早向蘭窗繡(xiu)碧荷;刺到鴛鴦魂(hun)欲斷,暗停針線(xian)蹙雙蛾。”又贊挑(tiao)繡(xiu)之(zhi)工云[11]:“繡(xiu)線(xian)挑(tiao)來似寫生(sheng)(sheng)[12],幅中花鳥自天成[13];當年(nian)織錦非長(chang)技(ji),幸把回文(wen)感圣明[14]。”女(nv)(nv)得詩喜,對父稱(cheng)賞(shang)。父貧之(zhi)。女(nv)(nv)逢(feng)人輒稱(cheng)道(dao);又遣媼矯父命[15],贈金以(yi)助燈(deng)火[16]。生(sheng)(sheng)嘆曰:“連城(cheng)我知己也!”傾懷結想,如渴思啖。
無何,女許字于鹺賈之(zhi)子王(wang)化成[17],生(sheng)(sheng)始(shi)絕(jue)望;然(ran)夢魂中猶佩戴之(zhi)[18]。未幾,女病瘵[19],沉痼(gu)不(bu)起[20]。有西域頭陀[21],自(zi)謂能(neng)療(liao);但須男(nan)子膺(ying)肉(rou)一錢,搗合藥(yao)屑。史使人(ren)(ren)詣王(wang)家告(gao)婿。婿笑曰(yue):“癡(chi)老翁,欲(yu)我剜(wan)心(xin)頭肉(rou)也(ye)[22]!”使返。史乃言(yan)(yan)于人(ren)(ren)曰(yue):“有能(neng)割肉(rou)者妻之(zhi)。”生(sheng)(sheng)聞而往(wang),自(zi)出白刃,刲膺(ying)授僧[23]。血濡袍褲,僧敷藥(yao)始(shi)止。合藥(yao)三丸。三日(ri)(ri)服(fu)盡,疾若失(shi)。史將(jiang)踐其言(yan)(yan)[24],先告(gao)王(wang)。王(wang)怒(nu),欲(yu)訟官。史乃設筵(yan)招生(sheng)(sheng),以(yi)千金列幾上,曰(yue):“重(zhong)負大(da)德(de),請以(yi)相報。”因具白背(bei)盟之(zhi)由。生(sheng)(sheng)怫然(ran)曰(yue)[25]:“仆所以(yi)不(bu)愛膺(ying)肉(rou)者,聊以(yi)報知己耳(er),豈貨肉(rou)哉!”拂袖(xiu)而歸。女聞之(zhi),意良(liang)不(bu)忍,托媼(ao)(ao)慰(wei)諭(yu)之(zhi)。且云:“以(yi)彼才華(hua),當不(bu)久落[26]。天下(xia)何患無佳(jia)人(ren)(ren)?我夢不(bu)祥,三年必死,不(bu)必與人(ren)(ren)爭(zheng)此(ci)泉下(xia)物也(ye)[27]。”生(sheng)(sheng)告(gao)媼(ao)(ao)曰(yue):“‘士為知己者死’[28],不(bu)以(yi)色(se)也(ye)。誠恐連城(cheng)(cheng)未必真(zhen)知我,但得真(zhen)知我,不(bu)諧何害[29]?”媼(ao)(ao)代女郎矢誠自(zi)剖[30]。生(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue):“果(guo)爾,相逢時當為我一笑,死無憾(han)!”媼(ao)(ao)既去(qu),逾數日(ri)(ri),生(sheng)(sheng)偶出,遇女自(zi)叔氏歸,睨之(zhi)。女秋波轉顧,啟(qi)齒嫣(yan)然(ran)[31]。生(sheng)(sheng)大(da)喜(xi)曰(yue):“連城(cheng)(cheng)真(zhen)知我者!”會王(wang)氏來議吉(ji)期[32],女前癥又作,數月尋卒(zu)。生(sheng)(sheng)往(wang)臨吊(diao)[33],一痛而絕(jue)。史舁送其家。
生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)自知已(yi)死(si)(si),亦無(wu)所(suo)戚。出村去(qu)(qu),猶(you)冀(ji)一(yi)見連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。遙望(wang)南北一(yi)道,行(xing)人(ren)連(lian)(lian)(lian)緒如(ru)蟻(yi)[34],因亦混身(shen)雜跡(ji)其(qi)(qi)中(zhong)。俄頃,入一(yi)廨署(shu),值顧(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),驚(jing)(jing)問(wen)(wen)(wen):“君(jun)(jun)(jun)何(he)(he)(he)(he)得(de)來(lai)(lai)(lai)?”即把手將(jiang)送(song)令歸(gui)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)太(tai)息言:“心事殊(shu)未了。”顧(gu)(gu)(gu)曰(yue)(yue):“仆(pu)在此(ci)(ci)典牘[35],頗得(de)委(wei)任。倘可效力(li),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)惜也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)問(wen)(wen)(wen)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。顧(gu)(gu)(gu)即導(dao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)旋轉多所(suo),見連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)與一(yi)白衣女(nv)(nv)郎(lang)(lang),淚(lei)睫慘(can)黛[36],藉坐廊隅[37]。見生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),驟(zou)起似(si)喜(xi)(xi),略問(wen)(wen)(wen)所(suo)來(lai)(lai)(lai)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue):“卿死(si)(si),仆(pu)何(he)(he)(he)(he)敢生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)!”連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)泣曰(yue)(yue):“如(ru)此(ci)(ci)負(fu)義人(ren),尚不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)吐棄之(zhi)(zhi),身(shen)殉何(he)(he)(he)(he)為(wei)(wei)?然(ran)已(yi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)許君(jun)(jun)(jun)今(jin)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),愿矢來(lai)(lai)(lai)世耳。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)告(gao)(gao)顧(gu)(gu)(gu)曰(yue)(yue):“有(you)(you)事君(jun)(jun)(jun)自去(qu)(qu),仆(pu)樂死(si)(si)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)矣(yi)(yi)。但煩稽(ji)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)(he)(he)(he)里,行(xing)與俱去(qu)(qu)耳[38]。”顧(gu)(gu)(gu)諾而去(qu)(qu)。白衣女(nv)(nv)郎(lang)(lang)問(wen)(wen)(wen)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)何(he)(he)(he)(he)人(ren),連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)(wei)緬述之(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)(nv)郎(lang)(lang)聞之(zhi)(zhi),若(ruo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)勝悲(bei)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)告(gao)(gao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue):“此(ci)(ci)妾(qie)(qie)同(tong)姓(xing),小(xiao)字(zi)賓(bin)娘(niang),長(chang)沙史(shi)太(tai)守女(nv)(nv)[39]。一(yi)路同(tong)來(lai)(lai)(lai),遂相(xiang)(xiang)憐(lian)(lian)愛。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)視之(zhi)(zhi),意態憐(lian)(lian)人(ren)。方欲研問(wen)(wen)(wen),而顧(gu)(gu)(gu)已(yi)反,向(xiang)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)賀曰(yue)(yue):“我為(wei)(wei)君(jun)(jun)(jun)平章已(yi)確[40],即教小(xiao)娘(niang)子從(cong)君(jun)(jun)(jun)返(fan)魂,好否?”兩人(ren)各喜(xi)(xi)。方將(jiang)拜(bai)別(bie),賓(bin)娘(niang)大哭曰(yue)(yue):“姊(zi)去(qu)(qu),我安歸(gui)?乞(qi)垂憐(lian)(lian)救,妾(qie)(qie)為(wei)(wei)姊(zi)捧帨耳[41]。”連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)凄然(ran),無(wu)所(suo)為(wei)(wei)計,轉謀生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)又哀(ai)顧(gu)(gu)(gu)。顧(gu)(gu)(gu)難之(zhi)(zhi),峻辭以(yi)為(wei)(wei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)固(gu)強之(zhi)(zhi)。乃(nai)曰(yue)(yue):“試(shi)妄為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)[42]。”去(qu)(qu)食頃而返(fan),搖手曰(yue)(yue):“何(he)(he)(he)(he)如(ru)!誠(cheng)萬分(fen)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)為(wei)(wei)力(li)矣(yi)(yi)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)聞之(zhi)(zhi),宛轉嬌啼,惟依(yi)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)肘下,恐(kong)其(qi)(qi)即去(qu)(qu)。慘(can)怛無(wu)術[43],相(xiang)(xiang)對默默;而睹(du)其(qi)(qi)愁(chou)顏戚容[44],使人(ren)肺腑酸(suan)柔(rou)[45]。顧(gu)(gu)(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤(fen)然(ran)曰(yue)(yue):“請(qing)(qing)攜(xie)賓(bin)娘(niang)去(qu)(qu)。脫有(you)(you)愆尤[46],小(xiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)拚身(shen)受(shou)之(zhi)(zhi)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)乃(nai)喜(xi)(xi),從(cong)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)出。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憂其(qi)(qi)道遠無(wu)侶。賓(bin)娘(niang)曰(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)(qie)從(cong)君(jun)(jun)(jun)去(qu)(qu),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿歸(gui)也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)曰(yue)(yue):“卿大癡矣(yi)(yi)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)歸(gui),何(he)(he)(he)(he)以(yi)得(de)活(huo)也(ye)?他(ta)日(ri)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)湖南,勿復(fu)走(zou)避[47],為(wei)(wei)幸多矣(yi)(yi)。”適有(you)(you)兩媼攝牒赴長(chang)沙[48],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)屬之(zhi)(zhi)[49],賓(bin)娘(niang)泣別(bie)而去(qu)(qu)。途(tu)中(zhong),連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)行(xing)蹇緩,里余輒一(yi)息;凡十(shi)余息,始見里門。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰(yue)(yue):“重生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后,懼(ju)有(you)(you)反覆(fu)。請(qing)(qing)索妾(qie)(qie)骸骨(gu)來(lai)(lai)(lai),妾(qie)(qie)以(yi)君(jun)(jun)(jun)家(jia)(jia)(jia)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),當無(wu)悔也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)然(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)。偕(xie)歸(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)家(jia)(jia)(jia)。女(nv)(nv)惕惕若(ruo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)步[50],生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)佇待(dai)之(zhi)(zhi)。女(nv)(nv)曰(yue)(yue):“妾(qie)(qie)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)此(ci)(ci),四(si)肢搖搖,似(si)無(wu)所(suo)主。志恐(kong)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)遂,尚宜審謀;不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)然(ran),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)后何(he)(he)(he)(he)能(neng)自由?”相(xiang)(xiang)將(jiang)入側(ce)廂(xiang)中(zhong)。默定少時(shi)[51],連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)笑(xiao)曰(yue)(yue):“君(jun)(jun)(jun)憎(zeng)妾(qie)(qie)耶?”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)驚(jing)(jing)問(wen)(wen)(wen)其(qi)(qi)故。赧然(ran)曰(yue)(yue):“恐(kong)事不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)諧,重負(fu)君(jun)(jun)(jun)矣(yi)(yi)。請(qing)(qing)先以(yi)魂報(bao)也(ye)。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)喜(xi)(xi),極盡歡戀(lian)。因徘徊不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)敢遽出,寄廂(xiang)中(zhong)者三日(ri)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰(yue)(yue):“諺有(you)(you)之(zhi)(zhi):‘丑婦(fu)終須(xu)見姑嫜(zhang)。’戚戚于此(ci)(ci),終非久計。”乃(nai)促生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)入。才至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)靈寢(qin)[52],豁然(ran)頓蘇。家(jia)(jia)(jia)人(ren)驚(jing)(jing)異,進以(yi)湯水。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)乃(nai)使人(ren)要史(shi)來(lai)(lai)(lai)[53],請(qing)(qing)得(de)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)之(zhi)(zhi)尸,自言能(neng)活(huo)之(zhi)(zhi)。史(shi)喜(xi)(xi),從(cong)其(qi)(qi)言。方舁入室(shi),視之(zhi)(zhi)已(yi)醒。告(gao)(gao)父(fu)曰(yue)(yue):“兒已(yi)委(wei)身(shen)喬郎(lang)(lang)矣(yi)(yi)[54],更無(wu)歸(gui)理。如(ru)有(you)(you)變動,但仍一(yi)死(si)(si)!”史(shi)歸(gui),遣婢往役給奉。王聞,具詞申理。官受(shou)賂,判歸(gui)王。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)憤(fen)懣欲死(si)(si),亦無(wu)奈之(zhi)(zhi)[55]。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)王家(jia)(jia)(jia),忿不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)飲(yin)食,惟乞(qi)速(su)死(si)(si)。室(shi)無(wu)人(ren),則帶懸梁上(shang)。越日(ri),益憊,殆將(jiang)奄(yan)逝。王懼(ju),送(song)歸(gui)史(shi)。史(shi)復(fu)舁歸(gui)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。王知之(zhi)(zhi),亦無(wu)如(ru)何(he)(he)(he)(he),遂安焉。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)起,每念賓(bin)娘(niang),欲遣信探之(zhi)(zhi)[56],以(yi)道遠而艱于往。一(yi)日(ri),家(jia)(jia)(jia)人(ren)進曰(yue)(yue):“門有(you)(you)車馬。”夫婦(fu)出視,則賓(bin)娘(niang)已(yi)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)庭中(zhong)矣(yi)(yi)。相(xiang)(xiang)見悲(bei)喜(xi)(xi)。太(tai)守親詣送(song)女(nv)(nv),生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)延入。太(tai)守曰(yue)(yue):“小(xiao)女(nv)(nv)子賴君(jun)(jun)(jun)復(fu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),誓不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)他(ta)適,今(jin)從(cong)其(qi)(qi)志。”生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)叩(kou)謝(xie)如(ru)禮。孝廉亦至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),敘宗好焉[57]。生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)名年,字(zi)大年。
異(yi)史氏曰:“一笑之(zhi)知,許之(zhi)以身,世人或議其癡;彼田橫五百人[58],豈(qi)盡愚(yu)哉!此知希之(zhi)貴[59],賢豪所以感結而不能自已也(ye)。顧(gu)茫茫海內,遂使錦繡(xiu)才人[60],僅傾心(xin)于(yu)蛾(e)眉之(zhi)一笑也(ye),亦可慨矣(yi)!”
[1]晉(jin)寧(ning):州(zhou)縣(xian)名。唐置晉(jin)寧(ning)縣(xian),元為晉(jin)寧(ning)州(zhou),明清因之(zhi)。州(zhou)治在(zai)今云南省晉(jin)寧(ning)縣(xian)。
[2]偃蹇:滯留(liu)困頓,謂科舉不得志(zhi)。
[3]有肝膽(dan):忠義誠信,勇于為人(ren)盡力。
[4]契重(zhong):投合,尊(zun)重(zhong)。
[5]淹滯:困阻,久留。
[6]士林(lin):讀書(shu)人(ren)中間(jian)。“之”字據(ju)二十四卷(juan)抄本補。
[7]替:衰敗。
[8]嬌愛:嬌養。
[9]征:征集。題(ti)詠:題(ti)詩贊詠。
[10]“慵(yong)鬟”四句:此詩即圖(tu)題(ti)詠(yong),大意謂:閨(gui)中少女早起即于(yu)窗前刺繡(xiu)。先繡(xiu)綠荷。待繡(xiu)到荷底鴛鴦時(shi),不(bu)(bu)禁悵(chang)然神(shen)馳,不(bu)(bu)知不(bu)(bu)覺停下針線(xian),傷(shang)神(shen)地皺攏雙(shuang)眉。因繡(xiu)久困倦(juan),那髻鬟邊(bian)的(de)秀發(fa)也不(bu)(bu)免有些披拂散(san)亂。慵(yong)鬟,困倦(juan)時(shi)的(de)發(fa)鬟。婆(po)娑,飄(piao)拂不(bu)(bu)整貌,蘭(lan)窗,蘭(lan)閨(gui)之窗,少女臥室的(de)窗戶。魂(hun)欲斷,謂魂(hun)馳神(shen)往。暗停,默(mo)默(mo)停下。
[11]挑(tiao)繡:挑(tiao)花(hua)和刺繡;繡花(hua)時的(de)兩道工藝。
[12]寫生:指畫(hua)家(jia)對實物的描摹。
[13]天成:天然生成。
[14]“當(dang)(dang)年(nian)織(zhi)錦”二句:意思是,與連城刺(ci)繡之美(mei)相比,當(dang)(dang)年(nian)蘇蕙把回文(wen)圖(tu)(tu)詩(shi)織(zhi)在(zai)錦緞上也(ye)算不(bu)得技巧高明(ming),她不(bu)過(guo)僥幸取(qu)得女皇武(wu)則天的賞識罷了。據(ju)《晉(jin)(jin)書·列女·竇滔(tao)妻傳》:晉(jin)(jin)竇滔(tao)妻蘇蕙,字(zi)若蘭,善屬文(wen)。滔(tao)仕(shi)前(qian)秦(qin)苻堅為秦(qin)州刺(ci)史,被(bei)徒(tu)流沙(sha)。蘇氏在(zai)家織(zhi)錦為回文(wen)旋圖(tu)(tu)詩(shi)以(yi)寄。詩(shi)長(chang)八百四十一字(zi),可宛轉(zhuan)循環以(yi)讀,詞(ci)甚凄惋(wan)。唐武(wu)則天為作《璇(xuan)璣圖(tu)(tu)詩(shi)序(xu)》,稱其“五彩相宣,瑩(ying)心(xin)暉(hui)目”。
[15]矯:假(jia)托。
[16]助燈火:資助喬(qiao)生讀書費用。
[17]許字:許婚。鹺(cuo)(cuó矬)賈:鹽(yan)商。《禮記·曲禮》:“鹽(yan)曰咸鹺(cuo)。”
[18]佩戴(dai):佩恩(en)戴(dai)德;意思是感念不(bu)忘。
[19]瘵(zhài債):癆(lao)病(bing),即肺病(bing)。
[20]沉(chen)痼:病勢積久難(nan)醫(yi)。
[21]西(xi)域:此據二(er)十四卷抄(chao)本(ben),底本(ben)作(zuo)“西(xi)城”。頭陀:梵文音(yin)澤,泛指一(yi)切僧眾(zhong);此特指行腳乞食僧人。
[22]心頭肉(rou):習喻關系性命之(zhi)物。唐(tang)聶夷中《詠田家》詩:“醫得眼前瘡,剜卻心頭肉(rou)。”此指“膺肉(rou)”。
[23]刲(kui)(kuī虧(kui)):割。
[24]踐其(qi)言:履(lv)行自己的(de)諾(nuo)言。指以(yi)女(nv)妻喬生。
[25]怫(fú符(fu))然(ran):生氣的(de)樣子(zi)。
[26]落(luo):沉淪。
[27]泉下物:指死(si)人。謂己不久將死(si)。
[28]土為(wei)(wei)知(zhi)已者死:《漢書(shu)·司馬遷(qian)傳》報(bao)任安書(shu):“士為(wei)(wei)知(zhi)己用,女(nv)為(wei)(wei)悅己容。”
[29]不(bu)(bu)諧:不(bu)(bu)能成(cheng)事;指不(bu)(bu)能結為(wei)夫妻。何害:何妨(fang)。
[30]矢誠自剖:發(fa)誓自明(ming)心跡。
[31]嫣(yān胭(yan))然(ran):形容美(mei)笑。
[32]吉期:好(hao)日(ri)子;指(zhi)完婚日(ri)期。
[33]臨吊:哭(ku)吊。哭(ku)死者(zhe)叫(jiao)臨,慰(wei)問(wen)其親屬叫(jiao)吊。
[34]連續(xu):此從二十四卷(juan)抄本(ben),底本(ben)作“連緒(xu)”。
[35]典牘(du):主管文書案卷。
[36]淚睫(jie)慘(can)(can)黛:猶(you)言愁眉淚眼。慘(can)(can),悲傷。黛,眉。
[37]藉坐(zuo)廊隅(yu):在廊下一角,席地而(er)坐(zuo)。
[38]行:將。
[39]太守(shou):知(zhi)府、知(zhi)州的(de)古稱。明(ming)清于(yu)長沙置(zhi)府。
[40]平章(zhang)(zhang)已確:商辦(ban)已妥。平章(zhang)(zhang),商量處理(li)。
[41]捧帨(shui):猶言奉中櫛(zhi)、侍(shi)(shi)盥沐;意為居妾媵(ying)之位,給役侍(shi)(shi)奉。帨(shui),佩(pei)巾(jin),古代婦女用以擦拭不潔。《禮記·內則》規(gui)定:“少事長(chang),賤事貴”都有“盥卒授(shou)巾(jin)”的禮節。
[42]試妄(wang)為之:試辦(ban)一下(xia)看(kan)看(kan)。妄(wang),姑妄(wang)。表示(shi)下(xia)循規章和沒有把握(wo)。
[43]慘怛(dá答):憂傷(shang),悲痛。
[44]愁(chou)顏:此從二(er)十四(si)卷抄本(ben),底本(ben)作“愁(chou)艷”。
[45]肺腑酸柔:猶言心酸腸(chang)軟。
[46]脫有(you)愆尤(you):假若有(you)罪(zui)責、過失。
[47]走避(bi):此(ci)從二十(shi)四(si)卷抄本,底本作“去避(bi)”。
[48]攝牒:攜(xie)帶公文。指出公差。
[49]生(sheng)屬之:喬生(sheng)把(ba)攜帶(dai)賓娘的事囑托(tuo)兩媼(ao)。屬,同“囑”,意(yi)謂囑托(tuo)。據二十四卷抄本補(bu),底本無(wu)“之”字。
[50]惕惕:憂懼貌。
[51]嘿(hei)定:沉(chen)默(mo)定息。嘿(hei),同默(mo)。
[52]靈寢:靈床,即停尸(shi)床。
[53]要(yao):邀(yao)。
[54]委(wei)身(shen):托身(shen),許身(shen)。
[55]無(wu)奈之:無(wu)可奈何。
[56]信:古稱(cheng)使者(zhe)為“信”。往偵:此(ci)從二(er)十四(si)卷抄本(ben),底本(ben)作“參”。
[57]敘宗好(hao):敘同宗之族誼。孝廉與(yu)太守同姓史。
[58]“彼(bi)田(tian)橫(heng)五(wu)(wu)百人(ren)”二(er)句(ju):此為(wei)作者以田(tian)橫(heng)部下(xia)五(wu)(wu)百人(ren)忠(zhong)于(yu)田(tian)橫(heng),贊揚喬生“士(shi)為(wei)知己者死”的精(jing)神。田(tian)橫(heng),秦末(mo)齊人(ren)。拒項(xiang)羽,復齊地,自立為(wei)齊王。劉邦稱帝(di)后(hou),田(tian)橫(heng)率五(wu)(wu)百士(shi)逃往(wang)海島。劉邦怕他作亂,下(xia)詔強迫他入洛(luo)陽,并答應(ying)把他封王封侯。田(tian)橫(heng)行至距洛(luo)陽三十里的尸(shi)鄉(xiang),因恥(chi)于(yu)向劉邦稱臣,與從者皆自殺(sha)。島上五(wu)(wu)百人(ren)聞訊(xun)后(hou)也全部自殺(sha)。事見《史(shi)記·田(tian)儋列傳》等(deng)。
[59]“此知希(xi)之(zhi)貴(gui)”二句:意謂正因知己難求,所以(yi)賢豪之(zhi)士(shi)對知遇之(zhi)德感結于(yu)心(xin)。知希(xi)之(zhi)貴(gui),語本《老(lao)子》“知我者(zhe)希(xi),則我者(zhe)貴(gui)”,而(er)(er)有變化。韓(han)愈(yu)《祭田(tian)橫(heng)墓文》說:“事有曠百世(shi)而(er)(er)相(xiang)感者(zhe),余(yu)不(bu)知其何心(xin);非今世(shi)之(zhi)所稀,孰為使余(yu)欷而(er)(er)不(bu)可禁!”“賢豪感結”,蓋隱指此類感慨。
[60]錦繡才人:才學(xue)富艷、詩文精(jing)美(mei)的讀書(shu)人。此指喬生(sheng)。柳宗無《乞(qi)巧文》:“駢四儷六,錦心繡口。”
晉寧(ning)縣(xian)有一(yi)個姓喬(qiao)(qiao)的書(shu)生,少年時(shi)就很(hen)有才氣,但二十多歲了(le),依舊窮困(kun)潦倒。喬(qiao)(qiao)生為(wei)人正直,他(ta)有一(yi)個好(hao)朋(peng)友,姓顧,早年就死(si)了(le),喬(qiao)(qiao)生經(jing)常接濟他(ta)的妻子兒女(nv)。本縣(xian)縣(xian)令因(yin)為(wei)喬(qiao)(qiao)生的文章(zhang)寫得(de)好(hao),對他(ta)很(hen)器重。后(hou)來,縣(xian)令死(si)在任上(shang),家口滯留晉寧(ning),無(wu)法返回(hui)故鄉(xiang)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生變(bian)賣了(le)自(zi)己的家產,買(mai)了(le)棺柩,往返兩千多里,把縣(xian)令的遺(yi)體連同他(ta)的家人一(yi)起(qi)送(song)回(hui)了(le)家鄉(xiang)。因(yin)為(wei)這(zhe)件事,當時(shi)的文人們更加(jia)尊重喬(qiao)(qiao)生,但喬(qiao)(qiao)生卻因(yin)此(ci)更加(jia)貧(pin)窮了(le)。
當時,一個(ge)(ge)姓史(shi)(shi)的(de)舉人有(you)(you)個(ge)(ge)女兒叫連城(cheng),精于刺(ci)繡(xiu),又知書達(da)禮,史(shi)(shi)舉人非(fei)常(chang)寵愛她(ta)(ta)。一次,史(shi)(shi)舉人拿出一幅(fu)女兒繡(xiu)的(de)“倦繡(xiu)圖”,征求年輕書生(sheng)就圖題詩,意思是(shi)要(yao)借此選個(ge)(ge)有(you)(you)才(cai)學的(de)好(hao)女婿(xu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)也作了一首(shou)詩獻上,這(zhe)(zhe)首(shou)詩說:“慵鬟高髻綠婆娑,早向蘭窗(chuang)繡(xiu)碧荷。刺(ci)到鴛鴦魂(hun)欲斷,暗停針線(xian)蹙雙蛾。”又題了一首(shou)詩,專贊這(zhe)(zhe)幅(fu)圖繡(xiu)得精妙:“繡(xiu)線(xian)挑來似寫生(sheng),幅(fu)中花鳥自(zi)天成。當年織(zhi)錦(jin)非(fei)長技,幸把回文感(gan)圣明。”連城(cheng)見到這(zhe)(zhe)兩首(shou)詩,非(fei)常(chang)喜(xi)歡,便對著父親(qin)夸獎(jiang)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)的(de)才(cai)華。但父親(qin)嫌喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)太(tai)貧窮,不(bu)愿找(zhao)這(zhe)(zhe)么個(ge)(ge)女婿(xu)。此后,連城(cheng)逢人就夸喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng),又派了個(ge)(ge)老媽子,假(jia)借父親(qin)的(de)名(ming)義贈給喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)一些銀(yin)兩,作為他讀書的(de)費用。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)感(gan)嘆地說:“連城(cheng)真是(shi)我的(de)知己啊!”對她(ta)(ta)一往情(qing)深,如饑似渴地想念她(ta)(ta)。
不久,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)跟一(yi)(yi)個名(ming)叫王(wang)(wang)化成(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)鹽(yan)商的(de)(de)(de)(de)兒子(zi)訂了(le)(le)(le)親(qin),喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)才(cai)(cai)開始絕(jue)望起來(lai)。但(dan)仍然(ran)夢魂(hun)縈(ying)繞,無(wu)時無(wu)刻(ke)不想著連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)。不長時間(jian),連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)便生(sheng)(sheng)了(le)(le)(le)重(zhong)病(bing),臥(wo)床不起。有(you)(you)個從西域來(lai)的(de)(de)(de)(de)和尚,自稱能治好她(ta)的(de)(de)(de)(de)病(bing),但(dan)必(bi)需一(yi)(yi)錢男子(zi)胸上(shang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)肉(rou)(rou)搗碎了(le)(le)(le)配(pei)藥(yao)。史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)派人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)去(qu)告(gao)訴王(wang)(wang)化成(cheng)。王(wang)(wang)化成(cheng)笑(xiao)著說:“傻老(lao)頭!想叫我(wo)(wo)(wo)剜心頭肉(rou)(rou)嗎?”把派去(qu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)又打發(fa)回來(lai)。史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)便對人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)說:“誰愿從自己身(shen)上(shang)割(ge)下(xia)肉(rou)(rou)救(jiu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)女(nv)兒,我(wo)(wo)(wo)便把女(nv)兒嫁(jia)給他(ta)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)聽(ting)說,立即趕到(dao)史家,自己掏出把刀子(zi),從胸上(shang)一(yi)(yi)刀割(ge)下(xia)片(pian)肉(rou)(rou),交給了(le)(le)(le)和尚。鮮血染紅了(le)(le)(le)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)衣服,和尚忙給他(ta)敷(fu)上(shang)刀傷藥(yao)才(cai)(cai)止住了(le)(le)(le)血。和尚用喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)肉(rou)(rou)和了(le)(le)(le)三個藥(yao)丸,給連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)分三天(tian)服下(xia),病(bing)果然(ran)好了(le)(le)(le)。史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)便想履(lv)行諾(nuo)言,把連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)嫁(jia)給喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)。先去(qu)通知(zhi)王(wang)(wang)化成(cheng),王(wang)(wang)化成(cheng)大怒,要告(gao)狀打官司。史舉(ju)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)害(hai)怕,便擺下(xia)宴(yan)席,將喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)請來(lai),然(ran)后(hou)取出一(yi)(yi)千兩(liang)銀子(zi),放(fang)在桌子(zi)上(shang),說:“辜負了(le)(le)(le)您(nin)的(de)(de)(de)(de)大恩(en)大德,就(jiu)用這(zhe)些銀子(zi)報(bao)答您(nin)吧!”并對喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)講了(le)(le)(le)毀約的(de)(de)(de)(de)緣(yuan)由。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)生(sheng)(sheng)氣地說:“我(wo)(wo)(wo)所以(yi)(yi)不吝惜心頭肉(rou)(rou),不過是(shi)為(wei)(wei)了(le)(le)(le)報(bao)答知(zhi)已罷了(le)(le)(le),難道我(wo)(wo)(wo)是(shi)賣肉(rou)(rou)的(de)(de)(de)(de)嗎?”說完(wan),拂袖而去(qu)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)聽(ting)說后(hou),心里很不忍(ren),托老(lao)媽(ma)子(zi)去(qu)勸(quan)慰他(ta)。并說:“以(yi)(yi)他(ta)的(de)(de)(de)(de)才(cai)(cai)華,不會久處人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)下(xia)的(de)(de)(de)(de),何愁天(tian)下(xia)沒有(you)(you)美(mei)女(nv)?我(wo)(wo)(wo)近來(lai)做的(de)(de)(de)(de)夢都不吉利,三年內必(bi)死(si),不必(bi)跟別(bie)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)爭我(wo)(wo)(wo)這(zhe)個泉下(xia)之鬼了(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)告(gao)訴老(lao)媽(ma)子(zi)說:“古人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)說:‘士為(wei)(wei)知(zhi)己者死(si)’。我(wo)(wo)(wo)報(bao)答她(ta)不是(shi)為(wei)(wei)了(le)(le)(le)她(ta)生(sheng)(sheng)得漂亮。我(wo)(wo)(wo)真怕連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)未必(bi)真知(zhi)我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)心,如果真知(zhi),就(jiu)是(shi)做不成(cheng)夫妻又有(you)(you)何妨呢?”老(lao)媽(ma)子(zi)忙替連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)表白(bai)了(le)(le)(le)她(ta)的(de)(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)片(pian)真情。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)說:“果然(ran)這(zhe)樣,我(wo)(wo)(wo)們相逢時,她(ta)若(ruo)為(wei)(wei)我(wo)(wo)(wo)笑(xiao)一(yi)(yi)笑(xiao),我(wo)(wo)(wo)就(jiu)死(si)而無(wu)憾(han)了(le)(le)(le)!”
老媽子回(hui)去(qu)不幾天(tian),喬(qiao)生偶然出去(qu),正好遇上連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)從(cong)叔家(jia)回(hui)來(lai)。喬(qiao)生看(kan)(kan)著她,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)也(ye)看(kan)(kan)見了(le)他。只見她秋(qiu)波(bo)送情,微微地啟(qi)齒(chi)一笑(xiao)。喬(qiao)生大(da)喜(xi)。說(shuo):“連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)真是我的知心人!”過了(le)不久,王鹽(yan)商(shang)家(jia)來(lai)到史(shi)家(jia)商(shang)議連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)的婚期。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)聽說(shuo)后又病了(le),幾個月便死(si)了(le)。喬(qiao)生前去(qu)吊唁,痛哭一場,也(ye)死(si)了(le)過去(qu),史(shi)家(jia)把他抬回(hui)家(jia)中。
喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)知道自己已經死(si)(si)(si)了(le),也(ye)沒感到有(you)(you)什(shen)么(me)(me)難過。一(yi)個人(ren)出了(le)村,還想(xiang)著(zhu)(zhu)再見(jian)見(jian)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城。遠(yuan)(yuan)遠(yuan)(yuan)望見(jian)有(you)(you)條(tiao)南(nan)北(bei)大(da)路,路上(shang)(shang)的(de)行人(ren)像(xiang)螞蟻一(yi)樣擁擠。他(ta)也(ye)走了(le)過去(qu),混雜在(zai)(zai)人(ren)群里。一(yi)會兒,進入一(yi)座衙(ya)門,正碰上(shang)(shang)他(ta)過去(qu)的(de)好朋友顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)看(kan)見(jian)他(ta),驚訝地問(wen):“你(ni)怎(zen)么(me)(me)來(lai)了(le)!”說(shuo)(shuo)著(zhu)(zhu),就(jiu)拉(la)著(zhu)(zhu)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)手,要(yao)送他(ta)回去(qu)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)長(chang)長(chang)地嘆息(xi)了(le)一(yi)聲(sheng),說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)心事(shi)還沒了(le)!”顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)在(zai)(zai)這里掌管典籍(ji),很(hen)受上(shang)(shang)司(si)信任。有(you)(you)用得著(zhu)(zhu)我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)地方,我(wo)(wo)(wo)一(yi)定盡力(li)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)向他(ta)打聽(ting)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城在(zai)(zai)哪兒。顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)領(ling)著(zhu)(zhu)他(ta)串了(le)很(hen)多地方,最后才發現連(lian)(lian)(lian)城和一(yi)個穿白衣服的(de)女郎,眼淚婆娑地坐在(zai)(zai)一(yi)條(tiao)走廊的(de)一(yi)角(jiao)。連(lian)(lian)(lian)城看(kan)見(jian)喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),急忙(mang)起(qi)身,像(xiang)是(shi)喜(xi)出望外,略問(wen)了(le)問(wen)他(ta)是(shi)怎(zen)么(me)(me)來(lai)的(de)。喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)死(si)(si)(si)了(le),我(wo)(wo)(wo)怎(zen)敢(gan)偷生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)世上(shang)(shang)!”連(lian)(lian)(lian)城聽(ting)了(le),哭(ku)著(zhu)(zhu)說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)(wo)這樣一(yi)個忘恩負義的(de)人(ren),你(ni)還不(bu)唾棄(qi)我(wo)(wo)(wo),又以身殉死(si)(si)(si)干(gan)什(shen)么(me)(me)!我(wo)(wo)(wo)今生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)今世不(bu)能跟(gen)你(ni)了(le),來(lai)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)我(wo)(wo)(wo)一(yi)定嫁(jia)給你(ni)!”喬(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)回頭告訴顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)有(you)(you)事(shi)就(jiu)忙(mang)去(qu)吧,我(wo)(wo)(wo)覺得死(si)(si)(si)了(le)很(hen)快樂,不(bu)想(xiang)再活了(le)。只想(xiang)麻煩你(ni)代為(wei)訪查(cha)一(yi)下(xia)連(lian)(lian)(lian)城托生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)到什(shen)么(me)(me)地方,我(wo)(wo)(wo)要(yao)和她一(yi)起(qi)去(qu)!”顧生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)答應著(zhu)(zhu)走了(le)。
這時,那白衣女(nv)(nv)郎問連(lian)城(cheng)喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)是(shi)什么(me)人。連(lian)城(cheng)便(bian)向她(ta)講(jiang)述了(le)(le)(le)往(wang)事。女(nv)(nv)郎聽(ting)(ting)(ting)了(le)(le)(le)像壓抑不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)住心(xin)中的悲傷。連(lian)城(cheng)告訴喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“這姑娘(niang)(niang)(niang)與我(wo)(wo)同(tong)姓,小名叫(jiao)賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),是(shi)長沙史太(tai)守的女(nv)(nv)兒。我(wo)(wo)們(men)(men)(men)(men)一(yi)(yi)路同(tong)來,處得很(hen)親密。”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)打量了(le)(le)(le)打量賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang),見她(ta)哀(ai)傷凄(qi)惋的樣(yang)子(zi),十分惹(re)人憐愛。正想(xiang)(xiang)再問什么(me),顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)已返了(le)(le)(le)回(hui)(hui)來,向喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)慶賀(he)說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)給(gei)你(ni)辦妥了(le)(le)(le),就讓小娘(niang)(niang)(niang)子(zi)跟你(ni)一(yi)(yi)起還(huan)陽復(fu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),好(hao)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)好(hao)?”兩(liang)人聽(ting)(ting)(ting)了(le)(le)(le),都(dou)很(hen)喜歡(huan)。正想(xiang)(xiang)拜別顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)大(da)哭著說(shuo)(shuo):“姐姐走(zou)(zou)了(le)(le)(le),我(wo)(wo)去(qu)(qu)哪里?懇(ken)求您可(ke)憐可(ke)憐,救(jiu)救(jiu)我(wo)(wo),我(wo)(wo)就是(shi)給(gei)您當(dang)仆人也愿意!”連(lian)城(cheng)心(xin)里難過,想(xiang)(xiang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)出辦法,就和喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)商(shang)量,喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)轉而(er)哀(ai)求顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)幫忙。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)很(hen)為難,一(yi)(yi)口(kou)咬定(ding)說(shuo)(shuo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)好(hao)辦。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)執(zhi)意懇(ken)求,顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)才無(wu)(wu)可(ke)奈(nai)何地說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)去(qu)(qu)胡亂試試看(kan)吧!”去(qu)(qu)了(le)(le)(le)有一(yi)(yi)頓飯的工夫(fu),便(bian)回(hui)(hui)來了(le)(le)(le),連(lian)連(lian)擺(bai)手說(shuo)(shuo):“怎(zen)么(me)樣(yang)!我(wo)(wo)實在無(wu)(wu)能(neng)為力了(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)聽(ting)(ting)(ting)說(shuo)(shuo),哀(ai)哀(ai)地啼哭著,依(yi)在連(lian)城(cheng)的胳膊下(xia)戀戀不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)舍,恐怕她(ta)馬上(shang)就走(zou)(zou)了(le)(le)(le)。三人相對無(wu)(wu)語,一(yi)(yi)籌莫展。再看(kan)看(kan)賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)那愁(chou)苦凄(qi)傷的樣(yang)子(zi),真讓人心(xin)里發(fa)酸。顧(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)奮然而(er)起,說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)們(men)(men)(men)(men)帶賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)一(yi)(yi)起走(zou)(zou)吧。真有罪責(ze),我(wo)(wo)豁上(shang)這條命一(yi)(yi)人承擔(dan)(dan)了(le)(le)(le)!”賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)聽(ting)(ting)(ting)了(le)(le)(le)才高興起來,跟著喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)(yi)塊(kuai)出去(qu)(qu)。喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)擔(dan)(dan)心(xin)她(ta)一(yi)(yi)人去(qu)(qu)長沙路太(tai)遠,又沒有伴(ban)。賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)說(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)(wo)想(xiang)(xiang)跟你(ni)們(men)(men)(men)(men)走(zou)(zou),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)愿回(hui)(hui)去(qu)(qu)了(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)太(tai)傻(sha)了(le)(le)(le)!不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)回(hui)(hui)去(qu)(qu),見不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)著你(ni)的尸身,怎(zen)么(me)能(neng)還(huan)陽呢?以后(hou)我(wo)(wo)們(men)(men)(men)(men)到了(le)(le)(le)湖南(nan),你(ni)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)躲著我(wo)(wo)們(men)(men)(men)(men),我(wo)(wo)們(men)(men)(men)(men)就很(hen)榮幸了(le)(le)(le)!”正好(hao)有兩(liang)個老婆(po)婆(po)拿著勾牒(die)要去(qu)(qu)長沙勾人,喬(qiao)(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)便(bian)把賓(bin)娘(niang)(niang)(niang)托(tuo)付給(gei)她(ta)們(men)(men)(men)(men),然后(hou)灑淚而(er)別。
路(lu)上(shang),連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)走(zou)不(bu)(bu)(bu)動,走(zou)一(yi)里多路(lu)就(jiu)得(de)歇(xie)(xie)(xie)息歇(xie)(xie)(xie)息。共歇(xie)(xie)(xie)了(le)(le)(le)十多次,才看見本村的(de)莊門。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“還(huan)陽后恐(kong)怕(pa)我(wo)們(men)的(de)事(shi)又(you)有反(fan)復(fu)。請(qing)你(ni)先(xian)去(qu)我(wo)家(jia),索要我(wo)的(de)遺體,然(ran)后我(wo)在你(ni)家(jia)重(zhong)生(sheng),我(wo)父親(qin)(qin)應當不(bu)(bu)(bu)會再(zai)反(fan)悔了(le)(le)(le)!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)認為(wei)很對(dui),兩人(ren)便先(xian)去(qu)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)戰戰兢兢地(di)像走(zou)不(bu)(bu)(bu)動了(le)(le)(le),喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)站住(zhu),等著她。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“我(wo)走(zou)到這(zhe)里,禁不(bu)(bu)(bu)住(zhu)渾身(shen)發抖(dou),六神無(wu)主,真擔心我(wo)們(men)的(de)心愿實現不(bu)(bu)(bu)了(le)(le)(le)!我(wo)們(men)還(huan)得(de)再(zai)好(hao)好(hao)商量(liang)商量(liang),不(bu)(bu)(bu)然(ran),我(wo)們(men)活了(le)(le)(le)后,可就(jiu)又(you)身(shen)不(bu)(bu)(bu)由己了(le)(le)(le)!”兩人(ren)相互攙扶著,進入一(yi)間廂房(fang)中(zhong)(zhong),過(guo)了(le)(le)(le)很久(jiu),誰也沒(mei)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)話(hua)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)忽(hu)然(ran)笑著說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)厭惡(e)我(wo)嗎(ma)?”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)驚訝地(di)詢問這(zhe)是(shi)什么意思。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)害羞地(di)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“恐(kong)怕(pa)我(wo)們(men)的(de)事(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)成,那時就(jiu)太辜(gu)負你(ni)了(le)(le)(le)!請(qing)讓我(wo)先(xian)以鬼身(shen)報答你(ni)吧!”喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)大喜(xi),兩人(ren)極(ji)盡歡愛。因為(wei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)敢急忙還(huan)生(sheng),兩人(ren)徘徊不(bu)(bu)(bu)決,在廂房(fang)中(zhong)(zhong)一(yi)直呆(dai)了(le)(le)(le)三天(tian)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“俗(su)話(hua)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):‘丑(chou)媳(xi)婦(fu)終得(de)見公(gong)婆’。老是(shi)在這(zhe)里憂愁擔心,終究不(bu)(bu)(bu)是(shi)長(chang)久(jiu)之計(ji)!”催(cui)促(cu)喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)快(kuai)去(qu)還(huan)陽。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)一(yi)走(zou)到靈(ling)堂(tang),猛然(ran)蘇醒過(guo)來(lai)(lai)。家(jia)人(ren)非常驚異,給他(ta)喝了(le)(le)(le)些(xie)湯水。喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)便派人(ren)去(qu)請(qing)史(shi)舉人(ren)來(lai)(lai),請(qing)求得(de)到連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)的(de)尸身(shen),說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)自己能讓她復(fu)活。史(shi)舉人(ren)大喜(xi),聽從了(le)(le)(le)他(ta)的(de)話(hua)。剛(gang)把(ba)連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)抬進喬(qiao)(qiao)生(sheng)家(jia),一(yi)看,連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)果然(ran)也已活了(le)(le)(le)。連(lian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)告(gao)訴父親(qin)(qin)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“女兒已把(ba)自己許給喬(qiao)(qiao)郎(lang)了(le)(le)(le),再(zai)沒(mei)回去(qu)的(de)道(dao)理(li)。父親(qin)(qin)如(ru)不(bu)(bu)(bu)允(yun),我(wo)只有再(zai)死!”
史舉人回了(le)(le)家,便派(pai)了(le)(le)奴婢去喬家供女兒使喚。王(wang)化成(cheng)聽說后立即(ji)寫(xie)了(le)(le)狀子告到(dao)官府。官府受了(le)(le)王(wang)家的賄(hui)賂,將連城又判給了(le)(le)王(wang)化成(cheng)。喬生憤(fen)懣不堪(kan),直(zhi)想死(si)去,但(dan)終(zhong)究(jiu)還(huan)是無可奈何。連城到(dao)了(le)(le)王(wang)家,氣(qi)憤(fen)憤(fen)地不吃飯,只求快(kuai)死(si)。看(kan)屋里(li)沒(mei)人,便把(ba)帶子懸到(dao)房梁上(shang)上(shang)了(le)(le)吊,被人救(jiu)下(xia)后。隔了(le)(le)一(yi)天,病得越重,眼(yan)看(kan)就要死(si)了(le)(le)。王(wang)化成(cheng)害怕,把(ba)她(ta)送回了(le)(le)娘家。史舉人又把(ba)她(ta)抬到(dao)喬生家。王(wang)化成(cheng)聽說后,也沒(mei)有辦法(fa),只得作罷了(le)(le)。
連(lian)城病好(hao)后,常(chang)常(chang)思(si)念賓娘。想派個(ge)人捎(shao)信(xin)去,就便探望(wang)她(ta)。因(yin)為路太(tai)遠,很難前去。一(yi)天,家人忽(hu)然進(jin)(jin)來稟報說:“門(men)外來了(le)(le)好(hao)些車馬。”喬生(sheng)夫婦(fu)迎出屋(wu)門(men)一(yi)看,見賓娘已(yi)在院子里了(le)(le)。三(san)人相見,悲喜交集(ji)。史太(tai)守親自(zi)把女兒送來了(le)(le)。喬生(sheng)將他請進(jin)(jin)屋(wu)里,史太(tai)守說:“我女兒多虧(kui)你才能復(fu)生(sheng),她(ta)立(li)誓(shi)不(bu)嫁別人,現(xian)在我聽(ting)從(cong)了(le)(le)她(ta)的意愿!”喬生(sheng)忙叩頭拜謝。史舉人也來了(le)(le),還跟史太(tai)守敘上了(le)(le)同(tong)宗。喬生(sheng)名年,字大年。
異史(shi)氏(shi)說:嫣然一笑的(de)相知,于是以身相許,世上有人(ren)會(hui)說他癡,那(nei)田橫五(wu)百壯士,難(nan)道都是愚夫(fu)嗎!這是因為“知遇(yu)”的(de)稀奇和珍(zhen)貴(gui),所(suo)以賢人(ren)豪杰感恩戴德而不能(neng)自已(yi)。看茫(mang)茫(mang)四(si)海之內,(因無知己之人(ren))所(suo)以使得錦(jin)繡人(ren)才,只能(neng)傾心(xin)于蛾眉一笑,真是可悲(bei)啊!
蒲(pu)松齡(ling)(1640-1715),清代杰出(chu)(chu)的文學家,字(zi)留仙(xian),一(yi)字(zi)劍臣,別(bie)號(hao)柳(liu)泉居士(shi),世稱聊齋先生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),山東(dong)淄川(chuan)(今山東(dong)淄博市(shi))人(ren)。他出(chu)(chu)身(shen)于一(yi)個沒落的地主家庭,父親(qin)蒲(pu)槃原是一(yi)個讀書人(ren),因在(zai)科舉(ju)上不得志(zhi)(zhi),便棄儒經商,曾積累了(le)(le)一(yi)筆可觀(guan)的財產。等到蒲(pu)松齡(ling)成年(nian)時(shi),家境(jing)早已衰落,生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)十分(fen)貧困(kun)。蒲(pu)松齡(ling)一(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)熱衷功(gong)名,醉心科舉(ju),但他除(chu)了(le)(le)十九歲(sui)時(shi)應(ying)童子試(shi)曾連續考(kao)中(zhong)縣、府(fu)、道(dao)三個第一(yi),補(bu)博士(shi)弟(di)子員外,以后屢受挫(cuo)折,一(yi)直郁郁不得志(zhi)(zhi)。他一(yi)面教書,一(yi)面應(ying)考(kao)了(le)(le)四(si)十年(nian),到七十一(yi)歲(sui)時(shi)才(cai)援例出(chu)(chu)貢(gong),補(bu)了(le)(le)個歲(sui)貢(gong)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),四(si)年(nian)后便死去了(le)(le)。一(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)中(zhong)的坎(kan)坷遭遇使蒲(pu)松齡(ling)對當(dang)時(shi)政(zheng)治的黑暗和(he)(he)科舉(ju)的弊端有(you)(you)了(le)(le)一(yi)定的認(ren)識,生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)的貧困(kun)使他對廣大勞動人(ren)民的生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)和(he)(he)思想有(you)(you)了(le)(le)一(yi)定的了(le)(le)解和(he)(he)體(ti)會。因此,他以自己的切身(shen)感受寫了(le)(le)不少著作,今存(cun)除(chu)《聊齋志(zhi)(zhi)異》外,還有(you)(you)《聊齋文集》和(he)(he)《詩集》等。