The Project Gutenberg EBook of China Ancient Times, by Unknown This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: China Ancient Times Author: Unknown Release Date: January 7, 2008 [EBook #24185] Language: Chinese Character set encoding: UTF-8 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHINA ANCIENT TIMES *** Produced by Li Yi 比目魚 第一回 錢萬貫為色被打 縣三衙巧訊得贓   前部書名是《戲中戲》,說的是譚楚玉遠遊吳越,劉藐姑屈志梨園;傾城貌風前露秀,概世才戲房安身;定姻緣曲詞傳簡,改正生戲屋調情;一鄉人共尊萬貫,用千金強圖藐姑;劉絳仙將身代女,錢二衙巧說情人;賴婚姻堂前巧辯,受財禮誓不回心;借戲文臺前辱罵,守節義夫婦偕亡。俱在上部書《戲中戲》內說的。  這部書,緊接著譚楚玉與劉藐姑俱投水而死,眾人齊驚喊道:「錢萬貫倚勢奪人妻子,逼死兩命,我們先打他一頓,然後送官。」遂一哄而上,將錢萬貫打了一個臭死。這正是:揚揚得意的錢財主,忽而變為垂首喪氣的矮胖官。其中一人道:「打的也夠了,鎖起他來罷。」  再說劉絳仙在臺上,一面向著水堶,一面指著萬貫罵。背後劉文卿罵絳仙道:「都是你這個娼婦,只因圖人家的財禮,把我的女兒活活的逼死,我豈與你干休!」遂要拉著絳仙打。絳仙也要望著水婺鶠A俱被眾人攬住,這且不提。  再說那眾人牽著萬貫道:「城媬予x沒在家,不如趁著三衙查牌甲未回,先在他手塈i了罷。」萬貫道:「列位大哥!」眾人說:「我們素日叫你錢爺,你還不依,必定叫我們叫你錢老爺哩!你今日卻叫我們大哥?」萬貫道:「列位大爺,我和你素日無冤,往日無仇,為何這等替姓劉的出力呢?」眾人說:「我們欠你的債,一日也不緩,一厘也不讓。但少你一分半厘,就要將我們送官追比。且是動不動要裝官與我們看,我今日卻顧不的你這官了。」萬貫道:「列位大爺,今日若放了我,不惟把你們從前的賬目一筆勾消,從今以後,你們若用銀子使的時節,但只要本,決不圖利。莊鄉以平等相稱,再不敢有官民之分。就是今日,我也拿銀子出來,每位敬銀十兩,就上我家取去。」其中數人論云:「他逼死的是姓劉的,與我們何干?今日若放了他,不惟目下得利,異日的好相見。」眾人對萬貫道:「方纔你說的那些話,可是作的准的麼?」萬貫說:「豈有食言之理!」眾人從著萬貫到家,各取白銀十兩,遂一哄而散。萬貫想道:「我這個模樣,不惟家中旁人難見,就是我那結髮的妻子,也是難見了!我從前要娶藐姑的時節,我妻柔氏再三阻我,我都不聽!今日落得這個模樣,豈不教他暢快麼!左想無法,右想無門,不如也尋了無常罷!」又想道:「且住!我只顧惜這一時的廉恥,豈不失卻這富厚的家資麼?也罷,我且到在內書房中,再作道理。」  且說劉絳仙與文卿在臺上,吵鬧了一回,被眾人拉開。絳仙想道:「我的性子,只愛銀子不顧恩情。女兒不肯嫁人,活活的逼死。雖是我做娘的不是,也是錢萬貫的晦氣!顧不得甚麼由情,也詐他一詐。他若把這一千兩銀子不和我要了,我就與他干休。他若不允,我就寫狀子告他。前日賣女兒是為銀子,今日告情人也是為銀子。他若說我寡情,我就把古語二句念來作證,叫做:自家骨肉尚如此,何況區區陌路人!不免尋著他,方與他同去。」遠望看地方來了,不免上前去問一聲兒:「列位,莫非去出首人命麼?」眾人答云:「正是。」絳仙說:「這等我已有狀子在此,煩眾位與我同去。」  再說,萬貫自從眾人放了他,只說從此無事。不料家僮急忙來報道:「老爺不好了!如今劉絳仙和地方又去告狀哩!」萬貫說:「現今可曾告了不曾?」家僮說:「方纔上城中去了,此時想還在路上哩!」萬貫遂拿了幾封銀子,急忙趕去。及至趕了二里有餘,方纔趕上。萬貫一手扯著絳仙,一手拉著地方,道:「列位高親賢表,快不要如此!都是我老錢的不是,最不該為色傷人。但自令嬡如今已是死了,你就將我與他抵了命,也還有活了的麼?且是你們不告我,我自有道理。這路上不是說話的地處,你隨我到前邊酒店堨h。」  三人遂一同到了一家店堙A讓地方與絳仙坐下,道:「這是銀子五十兩,送地方大哥的,只求免動紙筆。」絳仙說:「你就不肯去報,我是一定要告的!」萬貫道:「絳仙,絳仙,你就不念舊情,也看一千兩銀子面上,我不問你退就是了,你還告我做甚呢?」絳仙說:「你果然不問我退銀子,我就不去告你。」萬貫說:「你若不告我,不惟那一千銀子不要,如今還有銀子五十兩送你。」絳仙遂接過銀子來,藏在懷堙A對眾人說:「錢爺素日是最好的,如今又給我這些銀子,我們不用告他。從此散了罷。」萬貫謝了謝眾人,往外就走。誰知禍起不測,這些話,早已被人聽去。  卻說那個三衙,原是一個吏員出身,做了六年巡檢,纔升了這三衙之職。一日想道:「本廳到任三年,地方上的財主不論大小,都曾擾過,我的吏才,也可謂極妙了。誰想來了一位堂尊,比我更強十倍。地方上有利的事,沒有一件瞞得他。我們纔要下手,不料那銀子錢財,已到他靴筒堶惜F。如今城堛漕ヾA件件都是他自行,輪我不著。沒奈何,只得借個題目,下鄉走走。往年下鄉,定要收幾張狀子,弄個錢使。不免將我的衙役叫來,與他商議商議。」  正說之間,他的善辦事的頭來了。叫道:「王頭,你們來到鄉間,也該把放告狀牌掛在口上,弄幾張呈狀出來,也好把票子差你。」王頭道:「呈狀倒有,只怕被犯的勢頭大,老爺的衙門小,弄他的銀子不來。」三衙說:「是件甚麼事呢?」王頭說:「這邊有個錢鄉宦,為強娶女旦的事,逼死兩條人命。這豈是咱爺們敢當的事麼?」三衙說:「是呢,我們斷不敢攬這人命,這宗財不要想他罷。」王頭說:「老爺這也不妨,老爺出張票子,小的們將他拿來。三堂兩堂只管審,卻不用給他定案。難道我們的衙門雖小,就是白進的麼?多少也弄他幾個錢使。等堂上老爺來了,給他呈到堂上,我們還弄兩個乾淨錢哩!」三衙聽道:「好,妙!就差你與他們去辦辦罷。」王頭遂與二班的頭目,各帶索子一掛,竟往埠鎮上來。  及至走到半途,遠遠望著一伙男女,悻悻而來,忽又轉進酒店去了。王頭說:「那個矮的,恰像錢萬貫。」李頭說:「那個女的,就是劉絳仙。」王頭說:「如此,是他們無疑了。我二人走向前去,先聽他說些甚麼,再作道理。」恰好那座酒店,坐南向北,外面兩間門面,內邊卻有佩房,東西兩鄰,只有西鄰,東面卻是一所空基。兩個差人,就立在空基外面。錢萬貫與劉絳仙、地方,又恰在東房說話。所以從頭至末,二人無不得聞。及至內邊劉絳仙許了不告他,外邊李頭暗對王頭道:「他們和了,這狀子告不成了。」王頭說:「不妨,我們立在這邊,等他們出來的時節,一把拿住,說他私和人命,鎖去見爺。料想他狀子也在身邊,銀子也在身邊,有贓有據,不怕他不認。」李頭道:「有理,有理!」所以萬貫、絳仙一出酒店,就被二人鎖住。及至一鎖,萬貫與地方驚道:「這是為何!」王頭、李頭喊道:「你們私和人命,還裝不知道麼?」萬貫道:「我們並無此事,不要錯拿了人!」王頭說:「錯與不錯,自有著落。奉了官法拿人,不敢私自開索。」遂將三人帶著就走。及至走了二里有餘,王頭對李頭道:「你先去回話,自說我帶人就到。」  李頭果急行,見了三衙道:「犯人拿到了。」三衙云:「這莊上又無刑具,又無法堂,如何審的呢?」王頭:「不妨,這莊東首有三官廟一座,即著本莊地方,預備桌凳在彼,老爺也先在內坐定。等到了的時節,先問他一問,就知真假了。」三衙道:「妙,妙!」一面催桌凳,一面就到廟中去。及至到了廟中,犯人已經帶到。王頭將犯人交付李頭,先到廟內,附三衙耳邊說道:「如此,如此。」三衙喜道:「妙絕!快些帶進來。」王頭帶著萬貫、絳仙、地方,跪下稟道:「犯人當面。」三衙指著絳仙道:「你的女兒,怎麼被人逼死,給我從實講來!」絳仙道:「小的女兒,投水是實。原為母子之間,有幾句口過,所以自尋短計,並不曾有人逼他。」又問地方道:「好大你一個地方,竟敢私和人命!叫衙役與我先打他二十。」地方告饒道:「小的一向守法,並不曾私和人命,這話是那堥茠漫O?」又指著萬貫道:「這個站而不跪的,是誰呢?」萬貫道:「原任縣佐錢萬貫,昨日在舍下相陪,難道今日就忘了麼?」三衙道:「你不提還好,你提起,教本廳怒氣復生!你把眾人給我預備的下馬席,當了你的情面,這也還可恕。你竟把眾人敬我的銀子,留下一半,這是何說?你只說我管你不著,今日怎的也犯在本廳手堥茪F呢?還不給我跪下!」萬貫道:「若論官職,我還在你以上,為甚跪你?」三衙道:「豈不聞皇親犯法,庶民同罪麼?叫衙役與我將他按倒。」萬貫遂跪道:「還求老父母少存體面。」三衙對眾人道:「你們俱不承認,難道我就沒法審你麼?」  畢竟三衙想出甚麼法來,且聽下回分解。 第二回 東洋海宴公顯聖 水晶宮夫婦回生   話說三衙將他們審了一堂,俱不肯呈招。正在愁悶之際,忽然想起王頭耳邊的密語,遂指著絳仙道:「我且問你,你有幾個月身孕呢?」絳仙道:「小婦人沒有身孕。」三衙說:「你既沒有身孕,為何頂了這個大肚子?」三衙又指著地方道:「你也是有鼓脹病的麼?」地方說:「小的沒有。」三衙說:「既然沒有鼓脹病,為甚麼胸腹之間,覺得有些飽悶呢?你老爺雖則做官,卻亦頗明醫道。」叫皂隸:「快替他們脫去衣服,待老爺好與他們治病。」皂隸聽說,即上前去解他們的衣服。他二人俱各按住不准。三衙怒道:「你這些狗男女,人也不識,見了我這樣青天,還要弄鬼。莫說帶在身邊的贓,沒有教你藏過的;就是吃下肚去的,也要用糞青灌下去,定要嘔你的出來!」叫左右:「與我快搜!」一衙役跪道:「稟老爺,這婦人身邊搜出狀子一張,銀子一封;地方身邊也搜出狀子一張,銀子一封。」三衙道:「何如?我這三個訪犯,拿得不錯麼?如今沒的賴了,可從實講來!」眾人說:「人命是真,小的們不敢胡賴,情願把兩張狀子,孝敬了老爺,只求給賞原銀,待小的們領去。」三衙道:「你們也忒煞欺心,老爺不要你再拿出來,也夠的緊了。連追出的贓,還要領去!這等叫左右,把那婦人拶起來!男子夾起來!問他還有餘贓,藏在那堙H」地方與絳仙慌道:「不領,不領,一毫也不領!」三衙道:「這等押出討保,只把錢萬貫帶進城去寄監,等堂上回來,好呈堂聽審。」這且擱住不提。  再說那宴公神聖,原是權司水府的。一日升殿道:「我平浪侯分封水國,總理元陰,代天司振蕩之權,御世有澄清之志。今日十月初三日,是小聖的誕日。天下廟宇,到了今日,定要祭奠演戲。聖知廟宇雖多,神靈總是一位。到了祭奠的時節,少不得要乘風取電,往各處享受一回。」於是帶領判官神,從各處巡幸。及至到了埠鎮行宮,堶惇搢漕挭m神食,卻也極其豐盛。正當飲樂之際,忽聞外面喊云:「土豪逼死人命,大家出來報官。」平浪侯傳本廟土地問道:「那叫喊的,是甚麼人?逼死人命,是真是假,你從直講來。」土地稟道:「劉旦冰霜作操,譚生義烈為腸,曾將片語訂鸞鳳,不肯朱陳再講。射虜揮金逼娶,兩人矢節當場,似真似假最難防,忽地身投巨浪。」平浪侯聞道:「這等說來,是一對義夫節婦了。孤乃正直之神,見此賢人遇難,豈有不救之理!他處雖還有行宮廟宇,孤家一心要騰云回府。」叫:「神從們!隨路搜撈,若遇男女尸首,即來通報。」  不時間到了水晶宮,通宵殿坐下。只見一水兵報道:「小的搜撈的有兩口尸首,抱在一處的,想必就是了。」平浪侯道:「他兩個相繼而亡,如何又能在一處?這越發奇了!」分付判官:「快與我追魂取魄,赦他醒來,看是若何。」那判官用了些手段,兩個死尸俱各復蘇。見有宴公在上,遂叩謝道:「謝爺爺救命之恩!」平浪侯問道:「你兩個從何日定婚,因何事尋死?俱從實說來。孤家好送你還陽。」藐姑、譚生遂將前事訴告了一遍。平浪侯道:「孤家有心送你還陽,保你夫妻團圓。但如今你的恩人未到,不免且在孤處暫住幾時,你們意下若何?」楚玉二人叩謝道:「願依鈞旨。」平浪侯分付道:「紫宮以外,任譚楚玉遊玩觀覽,不許少有攔阻;把劉藐姑送在宮內,與孤的老母相見。到晚間時,孤家叫你二人拜謝天地,夫妻團圓。」楚玉、藐姑聽了,俱各歡喜不勝,叩頭而起。  楚玉遊於宮外,見了些水兵水將、水宮水殿。那長劍將軍,是蝦體曲而成精;那八卦軍師,是龜頭老不能伸;那鐵甲大王,是螺螺身帶重殼;那雙戟先鋒,是蟹精巨步橫行。真個水族盛似百萬兵!再說藐姑到了水宮,見聖母端坐琉璃宮上,有仙女排列兩旁,左邊仙女拿的如意玉鉤,右邊仙女捧著絲帨金盆。藐姑上前叩首道:「小婦人參見聖母!」聖母問道:「你是那堣H氏,緣何到此?與我從實稟來!」藐姑又將前事訴告了一番。聖母道:「你夫婦兩個竟是節義中人了。叫仙女領他到各處遊走遊走,消此白晝,到晚間就要使他夫妻團圓了。」於是藐姑隨了仙女,往後就走,把那宴公的三宮六院,暖閣涼亭,俱各遊了一遍。  用過午飯,到了日沉西山、兔升東海的時節,只聽宴公吩咐道:「外邊叫鼓樂伺候,將那二殿以內,三殿以外的東理房,就給他作了喜房罷。」又取繡花紅綾女襖一身,猩猩花紅裙一件,與藐姑穿了。楚玉也換了一身天藍滿花新衫,帶了一頂貢緞元囗方巾。及至齊備,宴公與聖母俱各到三殿以外,教兩個侍女,扶著藐姑與楚玉拜天地。楚玉與藐姑又謝了聖母、宴公。宴公道:「挑燈籠二對,送新人入洞房。」四個侍女,前邊打的是料絲琉璃宮燈一對,後邊打的是珊瑚垂穗宮燈一對,及至藐姑、楚工進了洞房,侍女就出門引著宴公、聖母回宮去了。  卻說楚玉與藐姑進東房,看道上面列著玻璃幃屏一架,中間畫著文王手持玉環,端坐涼亭以上;旁邊畫的是文王百子圖,武王侍立文王左首,其餘也有乘船採蓮的,也有騎馬射箭的,也有三五成群的,也有抱在嬪妃懷中的。樓閣相接,山水相連,數來數去,恰是一百個小人。下邊放著條几一張,兩頭列著紅縐紗高照一對,內邊銀燭輝煌。往北一看,兩間相通;往南一看,卻是鐵堣鴠斐N的一間斷間。楚玉與藐姑進去,見南邊列著魚骨砌就八棱床一張,床上掛的是紅絹帳子一付。及至掛起帳子,見上有團龍錦被二件,被上又有繡花墨綠緞褥二件,旁擱退光金漆頂子枕頭兩個,一頭是做就的麒麟送子,一頭做就的金玉滿堂。床前上又有八棱杌子一對,前檐卻是金櫺開窗一個,窗下放著岱堨蛣^桌一張,桌上列著銷金燭臺一對,上邊點著魚油紅燭二支。二人觀罷屋堛瑣Q設,復轉身到了北間。見前檐也有玳瑁羅漢床一張,上面鋪設俱全。楚玉指著向藐姑道:「這是何說?」藐姑道:「雖是如此,我們今宵豈還有異床之理麼?」  他二人說罷,復回到南間堶情A藐姑坐在床邊,楚玉坐在杌上。楚玉向藐姑道:「此時、此事,是耶、夢耶!豈猶夫人聞耶!」藐姑尚未及答,只見有十五六歲的仙女一個,左手持著銀壺一把,右手拿著珊瑚酒杯兩個,進來向藐站、楚玉道:「這是聖母叫我送來的合巹酒,祈相公、小姐多飲幾杯。」遂斟一杯送於藐姑,又斟一杯送於楚玉。斟罷,執壺倚門而立。須臾之間,酒過三巡。侍女遂執壺而去。楚玉對藐姑道:「天已夜半,我們關門就寢罷。」門尚未關,只見兩個侍女來,道:「奉聖母之命,叫我們來侍奉你二位新人哩!」楚玉道:「不敢奉煩,還是回宮去睡罷。」二侍女云:「宮婺T門已關,我們欲回也不能了。此間已有我們的床鋪,若不用我們,我們就先在此睡罷。」說完,就在北間去睡了。  楚玉關上外門,又對上了內門,上前摟著藐姑道:「今日是夢,我們就在夢堿蛪|;今日是真,我們就真真相逢,不知你還有何說之辭呢?」藐姑道:「我從前與你學戲時,曾要為雲為雨,又被小丑驚散。以後雖是夫妻常叫,卻未能骨肉相貼。事至如今,自是不敢推辭的了。」兩個遂各解衣寬帶,露出那如玉如錦的一對身體。楚玉止住藐姑道:「事已至此,不必過急。我有贈鰥夫娶寡婦的對聯一付,念來與婦人聽,不知與吾二人相合否?」藐姑道:「願聞。」楚玉念道:      「洞房內一對新人,牙床上兩般舊貨。」藐姑道:「此聯不惟不相合,以奴看來,還是大相反哩!我和你相處已久,如何算得是新人?他兩個雖是相知,未曾謀面,如何算的是舊貨?一絲也不切!奴家也有對聯一付,不知相公願聞否?」楚玉道:「敬領教。」藐姑笑道:    「洞房內一對舊人,牙床上兩般新貨。」楚玉笑道:「這是鄙人腹內故物,如何到了夫人肚內呢!」藐姑低聲向楚玉云:「相公腹內的故物,從今以後恐怕不能不到奴家肚內了。」說罷,遂將被窩鋪開,顛鸞倒鳳起來了。這且不提。  卻說那兩個侍女,雖未及髻,此事頗曉。及至聽到熱鬧中間,他倆也並到一頭道:「我們若有一個男的,今日之樂,就不讓他們獨擅了。有心進去,與他分甘,又恐怕徒落傷臉。不如將妹妹當個男子,我兩人做一番假的罷!」那個說:「也只好如此。」他兩個也遂裝出那般模樣,直弄到他屋堛熄釵洮B止,他兩個方纔住手。及至到了次日,藐姑梳妝完備,隨侍女上內請安去了,楚玉只在外面閑遊。早興晚宿,將及半月。一日,宴公對楚玉道:「你的恩人,不日就要到了。」  未知恩人是誰,且聽下回分解。 第三回 山大王被火兵敗 慕兵備掛印歸田   卻說西川人氏,由進土出身,歷官吏職諫垣,外補漳南兵憲之職,雙姓慕容,名僕,字石公。有才不屈,無欲無剛。半世迂儒,屢犯士林之忌。十所微吏,頻生海上之波。一日,與他夫人商議道:「屢疏乞骸,未蒙見允。今日從野外練兵而回,聞得山溝有警,不日就要用兵了。」叫院子:「取令箭一枝,傳與中軍,叫他點齊人馬,備辦行糧,本道即時調發。我的謀略,如今要展布出來了。」夫人道:「請相公說來,待奴家參此末議。」石公道:「行兵大事,豈可謀之婦人!況且機謀重情,雖是妻子面前,也泄漏不得,你不必問也罷了!」夫人道:「也說得是,這等別樣事不敢多口,只是行兵之事,最忌殺戮,奉勸相公,只可保全地方、護全生命,積些陰德罷了。那焚巢搗穴之事不但自家冒險,損傷的性命也多,不若留些餘地罷!」遂贈詩一首。詩曰:    行兵事事有先籌,慷慨臨戎自不懮。    非是熱中來媚主,纓冠祗為掛冠謀。石公遂辭了夫人,即日起兵。行不三日,已與賊營相近,遂紮下營柵,相候再說。  那個山賊雖生在深山之中,卻也甚是凶勇。前人有贊曰:    狀類天魔性類熊,拔山膂力少人同。    休言蠢類無長技,猿臂從來善引弓。一日,山大王坐在帳中,自誇其能道:「孤家賦性怪異,秉性猙獰。生於虎豹叢中,長在狐狸隊堙C茹毛飲血,今人竊太古之風。枕石眠云,山鬼享神仙之福。孤家少無父母,不知生自何人。只聽得乳養的老嫗說,俺未生之先,這深山堶情A出了一個異人,不但有伏虎降魔之術,又慣與牲獸交歡。忽然一日,只見深林堶情A有個帶血的孩子,就是孤家。生得十分怪異,這等老嫗知道是異人之子,猛獸所生,將來必定有些好處,就抱回來撫養。及至長大之後,骨骸舉動,件件都帶些獸形。遇了豺狼虎豹,就像至親骨肉一般。不但不害俺,都有個顧盼溫存之意。聞得數十年前,曾有幾句童謠道:    人面獸心,世界荊榛。    人心獸面,太平立見。這幾句謠言,分明應在俺的身上。故此,就在萬山之中,招兵買馬,積草屯糧,訓養二十餘年,方纔成了氣候。孤家生在山中,就把山子做了國號。上應天心,下從人願,暫就大王之位,徐圖天子之尊。一向要舉兵出山,只因有個司道官兒,複姓慕容,精通武略,終日婼m兵聚餉,雖不知他實際若何,卻使俺這赫赫的軍威,也被他名聲所奪。近來聞得他的宦興漸衰,歸心頗急,所以乘此舉事,好逼此老辭官,省得他猶豫不果。只是一件,從來兵法貴奇,若只靠幾個兵丁,那埵迂o大事!喜得孤家原是獸類,平日蓄有幾隊奇兵,都是山間的猛獸,把他做了先鋒,殺上前去,還怕誰來攔擋!聞得慕老兒已到軍前,不免叫將校吹起號來,好待那虎、熊、犀、象四隊獸兵,先去開路便了。」  再說那石公,次日升帳,吩咐道:「聞得賊頭是個異類,性子驃悍異常,所用的先鋒,都是猛獸,想來只可智擒,料難力取。我聞敗獸之法,莫妙於火攻。你們在總路頭了,掘下深坑,埋下地雷、飛焰,使他踏地機動,地雷自響。一響之後,彌天遍野,都是火星,毛蟲遇火,渾身都著,燒得他疼痛,自然反奔。你們伏在要害之處,聽見炮響,合兵追斬,待得勝之後,再議搜山。都要小心奉行,不得違吾軍令!」眾人遂各領命去訖。及至次日,到了對壘的時節,山大王的前隊恰好踏著機關,機動炮響,將那些獸兵燒的毛淨肉爛。山大王見勢不好,遂收兵回山去了。  話說石公聞得賊兵大敗,遂吩咐眾將道:「本該乘勝收山,只是屢戰之後,馬倦人疲,恐怕有些折挫。記得臨行時節,夫人再三叮嚀,只勸我保全生命,如今也殺得夠了,就留些餘地罷。」遂亦班師而歸。及至回到衙內,聞得許告病的旨意已下,喜得面帶笑容,遂口道一絕:「    鳳詔頒奉許迄身,勞臣今喜作閑人。    憑今莫說成功事,最怕恩綸下紫宸。我慕容僕,前日出奇遇賊,僥幸成功。又喜得未曾出師以前,蒙朝廷准了病疏,容我回籍調理。我想這個旨意,虧得在捷書未到之先。若是聖上見了捷書,知道這襲功績,方且慰留不暇,豈肯放假還鄉?我如今若不早行,只怕又有別事下來,就脫身不得了。快請夫人出來商議,就此起身方好。」夫人出來道:「綸旨既下,就該速速抽身,為甚麼還要遲疑觀望呢!」石公道:「不是我遲疑觀望,只因有心辭官,要辭個斷絕,不要辭了官頭,又留個官尾。待我回去的時節,這蓑衣箬笠纔穿得身上,那紗帽圓領又要爭起坐位來,就使不得了。」夫人道:「依你意思,要怎麼樣呢?」石公道:「依我看來,皇上見了捷書,一定要起我復任。我若回到本鄉,那些父母公祖,如何放得我過!一定要催促起身。不如丟了故鄉,駕著一葉扁舟,隨風逐水而去,到了那深水萬山之處,構幾間茅屋,住在中間,消受些松風蘿月,享用些藿食菰羹,終你我的天年方好。」夫人道:「正該如此。叫院子過來!」「你先取十兩銀子,到境外去等候。買下一隻小小的漁船,備下一副蓑衣、箬笠,一到就要用的。」院子遂果照樣置辦妥當去了。石公與夫人遂將軟細物件,收拾收拾,將印錫懸在公堂以上,坐了兩頂二人小轎,竟到郊外來了。  及到了湖邊,果見有小船一隻,蓑笠俱備。石公就上了船,換上了蓑衣笠帽,夫人也換了縞衣布裙,對院子道:「我如今替你改了名子,不叫院子,叫做漁童了。漁童快些開船!」及至行了數里,石公對夫人道:「這頂紗帽,如今用不著了,待我做篇祭文,祭他一祭,然後付之流水。」遂口道數句,將紗帽拿在手中,一擲而去。夫人道:「你的紗帽既然付之東流,我這頂鳳冠也要隨去做伴了!」遂也置之水中。石公道:「取釣竿來,待我發一個利市!」漁童遂將釣竿遞於石公。石公道:「老天!若還慕容僕保得無榮無辱,穩做一世漁翁,待我放下鉤去,就釣起一個魚來!」漁童道:「我買得一副罾在這堙A也和我老婆張他起來。」漁童道:「老天!我夫妻兩個,還不曾生子,若還有後,保佑下去就罾起一個魚來!」  未知他二人釣上網內,果得何物?且聽下回分解。 第四回 慕漁翁主僕聚樂 劉藐姑夫妻回生   話說石公主僕二人,一個手持釣竿,一個手挽搬罾,皆有得魚之想。石公將竿跳起,果得一尾大魚,及至取來看,道:「原是一個鱸魚!昔人思蓴鱸而歸隱,鱸魚乃隱逸之兆,這等看來我和你一世安閑了。」漁童也將罾兒搬起,他老婆子上前看道:「魚倒沒有,罾起一個鱉來!」漁童道:「這網魚之有無,是我夫妻的子嗣所關。今罾起一個鱉來,這彩頭欠好!」其妻李氏云:「這正是得子之兆,怎說不好呢?」漁童說:「怎見得?」李氏說:「天公老爺也知你無用,教導你,若要生兒,除非與此物一樣。不然,我只靠你一個,如何生得兒子出來!」兩個遂一笑而散。  卻說石公自從得了這魚,心中不勝歡喜,對他夫人道:「從來第一流人,不但姓名不傳,連別號也沒有,所以書籍上面載無名氏者甚多。我如今只在慕字下面去上幾畫,改姓為莫,有人呼喚,只叫莫漁翁便了。夫人也要更改過,從今以後不得再喚夫人,只叫娘子罷。風兒順了,叫漁童掛起帆來,待我燒壺酒兒,烹此魚為餚,享用他一回。」叫道:「娘子我和你神仙兩位,就從今日做起了。」  及至行了二日,娘子道:「相公你看一路行來,山青水綠,鳥語花香,真好風景。」叫漁童:「問那岸上的人,這是甚麼地方了?」漁童下船問了地名,回覆莫翁道:「這是嚴陵地方,去七里溪,只有十里之遙。」莫翁道:「這等說起來,嚴子陵的釣臺就在前面,不如就在此處蓋幾間茅屋棲身罷。」遂拿了二十兩銀子,走到岸上,買了現成一所房子,坐北向南,北邊是座大山,東邊緊靠大溪,只有西房兩間,北房四間。莫翁道:「夫妻住在上房,漁童夫妻住在西房,編竹為牆,擁棘為門。」他四人遂將船上物件收拾下來,安置停當。仍將漁船牽在溪邊柳樹以上,不時的莫翁坐去釣魚。又買了臨溪間田數畝,一半為田,一半為園,釣魚之暇,與漁童親往耕種。  及至過了幾日,漁童清晨起來,對其妻道:「今日天氣清明,你在家媟x著酒,我去溪邊去下罾,等你暖熱了的時,好叫我來吃。」說罷,遂帶了全副的家伙,到了溪邊樹陰以下,將網收拾停當,下在水堙C方要找個坐兒去坐,聞得他妻隔籬叫道:「酒熱了,快來吃了去!」漁童遂跑將進來,飲了十數杯,說道:「這一會,想有了魚了,我會去起罷。」及至到了溪邊,將繩一拉,覺得有些沉重。心中想道:「必定有大魚在網堙I」用力一搬,仍然搬不動。叫道:「老婆子快來!」他妻聽見道:「    酒後興兒正濃,聞呼不肯裝聾。    去到溪邊作樂,畫幅山水春宮。」來到溪邊說:「你為何叫我,莫非酒興發作麼?」漁童說:「你也太好事,夜間纔做了這個營生,怎麼又想這事呢?」他婆子說:「不是這事,你叫我做甚呢?」漁童道:「快來幫我起罾!」兩個遂用力搬起。漁童道:「妙!妙!妙!罾著這個大魚,竟有擔把多重,和你抬上岸去,看是個甚麼魚。」遂將網拉的近岸,兩個抬到岸上。漁童看道:「原來一對比目魚!」他老婆也低頭一看,道:「噫!兩個並在一處,正好作那件事哩!你看他頭兒並搖,尾兒同擺,在我們面前,還要賣弄風流。幸而奴家不是好事的人,若是好事的人,見了他,不知怎麼眼熱哩!」漁童道:「不要多講,這一種魚,也是難得見面的。我和你把蓑衣蓋了,你去請夫人,我去請老爺同出來看看。」  兩個遂進去,對莫翁夫婦說知此事。莫翁夫婦,就隨了他二人來到溪邊。漁童將蓑衣一揭,大驚道:「方纔明明是一對比目魚,怎麼變做兩個尸首?又是一男一女,摟在一處的。莫翁,怎麼有這等奇事!快取熱湯來,灌他一灌。」李氏跑到家堙A取了些熱湯來,與他兩個一家灌了些下去。漁童低頭看道:「好了,好了,眼睛都開了!」說話之間,楚玉、藐姑立起來道:「你們是甚麼人?這是甚麼所在?我兩個跳在水堙A為甚麼又到岸上來?」莫翁聽說:「你們兩口是何等之人?為何死在一處,細細說來!」楚玉答道:「我們兩口都是做戲的人,為半路逢奸,慈親強逼,故至於此。」莫翁道:「這等說來,是一對義夫節婦了,可敬可敬!」莫娘子問道:「你兩個既然先後赴水,就該死在兩處,為甚的兩副尊軀,合而為一?這也罷了,方纔罾起的時節,分明是兩個大魚,忽然半時間又變做人形,難道你夫妻兩口,有神仙法術的麼?」藐姑道:「我死的時節,未必等得著他;他死的時節,也未必尋得著我。不知為甚麼緣故,忽然抱在一處;又不知為甚緣故,竟像這兩個身子原在水中養大的一般,悠悠洋洋,絕無沉溺之苦。不知幾時入網,幾時上岸,到了此時竟似大夢初醒,連投水的光景,卻在依稀恍惚之間,竟不像我們的實事了!」又對楚玉道:「這等看來,一定又是宴公的手段了,我們兩個須要望空拜謝。」遂望空叩首而起道:「老翁二位請上,待愚夫婦拜謝活命之恩。」莫翁扶住道:「這番功勞,倒與老夫無涉,是小价夫婦罾著的。」楚玉道:「這等也要拜謝!」莫翁道:「取我的衣服與他二位換了,一面煮酒烹魚,又當壓驚,又當賀喜,未知尊意若何?」楚玉道:「活命之恩尚且感激不盡,怎麼又好取擾。」莫翁道:「這有何妨,未知你二人曾完配否?」楚玉與藐姑想道:「若將水中的事情說出,不惟旁人不信,就我二人也覺荒唐無憑。」遂對莫翁道:「雖有此心,還不曾完配。」莫翁道:「既然如此,待我揀個吉日,就在此處替你二位完婚,在茅舍暫住幾時若何?」楚玉、藐姑遂到了莫翁家中,換了衣服,用了飲食。莫翁遂將自己的住室,夾開了兩間,給他兩個做了喜房,就於晚間給他成親。這且不提。  再說那莊村上聞的此事,一班男女老幼無不來看。莫翁就將今晚成親的事,也告訴了一遍。眾人俱說:「我這去處,有這等奇事,凡我莊鄉理宜送禮來賀。但鄉間所事不便,不如各獻所有罷。」莫翁道:「如此最好!」  未知莊鄉果拿何物來,且聽下回分解。 第五回 賀婚姻四友勸酒 諧琴瑟二次合巹   卻說到了晚上,莊西頭有一個五十四五歲的樵叟,中間有一個六十二歲的老農,比鄰有一個四十餘歲的老圃,各出所有道:「我們三個與新到的莫漁翁,結為山村四友,最相契厚。聞得他備了花燭,替譚生夫婦成親,我們各帶分資,前來賀喜,借此為名,好博一場大醉。來此已是,莫大哥在家麼?」莫翁開門道:「正要奉邀三位,來得恰好。」眾人道:「聞得你替譚生成親,我們特來奉賀。」一人道:「小弟砍柴的人,謹具松柴一束,權當分資。」農夫道:「小弟是種田的人,沒有別樣,謹具薄酒一壺,權當分資。」圃夫道:「小弟是灌園的,謹具芹菜一束,正合野人獻芹之意,權當賀禮。」莫翁道:「小弟做主人,怎麼好擾列位,既然如此,只得收下了。」眾人道:「成親的事,定要熱鬧些纔好。鄉間沒有吹手,不免把我們賽社的鑼鼓拿來,大家敲將起來,也當得吹手過。只是這個儐相沒有,不免將牧童叫來,問他能否?」樵夫辭了眾人,去取鑼鼓,兼叫牧童。  轉盼間,牧童合著鑼,樵夫提著鼓,從外鳴鑼擊鼓而來。牧童道:「我是學過戲的,唱班贊禮之事是我花面的本等,快請新郎出來!」莫翁對楚玉道:「這幾位敝友,是我同村合住的人,特來相助。」楚玉道:「時辰尚早。」莫翁道:「趁著眾人在此,完了好事罷。」莫娘子陪出藐姑來,道:「新人來了!」眾人遂擁著譚郎與藐姑,同拜了四拜,譚生又謝了莫翁與眾人。眾人道:「譚郎娶得這樣一個佳人,我們定要奉敬二人一杯。」楚玉道:「小弟遵命,賤室是不飲酒的。」牧童說:「我有一個法兒,不怕他不飲。」眾人道:「甚麼法呢?」牧童道:「每人奉敬一杯,他要不飲的時節,我們就將譚先生盡打,必等他飲了方纔住手,料他沒有不痛他的!你們說這個法兒好不好?」眾人說:「妙極!」樵人說:「我先奉敬一杯!」遂酌滿滿一杯酒兒,放在藐姑面前,藐姑笑而不飲。樵夫拉著楚玉的左手,道:「我不動手,令夫人是不吃的,待我打起你來!」遂在楚玉肩臂上,認真打了兩拳。楚玉叫道:「疼的緊,娘子快吃了罷!」圃夫、農夫、牧童俱見如此,藐姑一連吃了數杯。莫翁道:「酒已夠了,將新人送入洞房罷。」莫娘子與藐姑遂都進去了,楚玉與眾人又同飲了一回。眾人說:「天不早了,我們散罷,別落新人的埋怨。」遂各大笑而去。  楚玉到了房內,見莫娘子與藐姑還在那婸☆隉A莫娘子見楚玉來了,遂也抽身而去。楚玉將門閉了,向藐姑道:「今日之事,未知又是夢中否?」藐姑道:「今日較視從前,大不相同,想是不是夢中了。」兩個遂解衣就寢,楚玉以手去摩他的那話,宛然豆蔻謹含,瓜未曾破。低聲向藐姑道:「以此看來,乃知前日成親之事,只是神交,並未形遇了。」說罷,遂將藐姑的金蓮高擎,藐姑也就以手導其先路,這種情趣又在不言之表了。事畢睡去,直到次日紅日高升,尚未醒來。  漁童對他妻李氏道:「昨日搬起他來的時節,明明是對魚,忽然變作兩個人!倘然這一夜之內明明是兩個人,仍然又變為一對魚,這事就越發奇了。我是個男人,有些不便,你去到窗櫺間,看他一看。」李氏遂到了窗戶底下,用舌將窗紙潤開,看了一回來道:「雖未變成魚,如今卻又是兩首相並,兩口相對,竟成了一對比目人了!」說罷,遂大笑了一回。  楚玉與藐姑亦驚悸而起,到了莫翁屋內,感謝不盡。莫翁道:「我看你姿容秀美,氣度軒昂,料不是尋常人物,何不乘此妙年,前去應舉呢?」楚玉道:「我少年間,也曾懸梁刺股,其如橐敝囊空何。」莫翁道:「這等不難,老夫雖是釣魚的人,倒還有些進益。除沽酒易粟之外,每日定有幾個餘錢,兄若肯回去應試,這些資斧都出在老夫身上。」楚玉道:「若是如此,是前恩未報,又蒙厚恩了!」莫翁道:「這也不妨,但自今已近期,不日就起程方好。」楚玉道:「事不宜遲,老公若肯幫助,小生今日就起程了。」莫翁道:「所關甚大,不便久留,我就給你將行李收拾停當,你與令夫人商量商量,好送你二位起身。」楚玉遂到屋堙A與藐姑說知,又來到這邊道:「二位恩人請上,待愚夫婦拜辭。」莫翁道:「不敢,俺們也有一拜。」四人遂各拜了四拜。莫翁道:「漁童挑了行李,送譚官人一程。」楚玉再三推辭道:「多蒙救命之恩,已經感激不淺,何敢又勞遠送。」漁童道:「這個何妨。」遂挑起行李前行,楚玉夫婦相隨,竟往京城而去。  要知後事,再聽下回分解。 第六回 譚楚玉衣錦還鄉 劉絳仙船頭認女   卻說楚玉與藐姑到了京城,鄉會兩試,俱登高魁。只因有銜無職,所以將近一載,尚在京都。一日,楚玉笑容滿面,得意而歸。藐姑道:「想是相公恭喜了!不知你授何官職?選在甚麼地方?何日起程?可與奴家同去否?」楚玉道:「叨授司李,選在汀洲,明日就要起程。我和你死在水中,尚且不肯相離,豈有上任為官不帶你同行之理麼!」藐姑道:「我不為別的,要別上任的時節,同你去謝一謝恩人,不知可是順路麼?」楚玉道:「就使不是順路,也要迂道而行。」藐姑道:「我和你這段姻緣,為做戲而起,以戲始之,還該以戲終之。此番去祭宴公,也該奏一本神戲。只怕鄉村地面上,叫不出子弟來,卻怎麼處呢?況這十月初三日,又是宴公的誕日。此時已是九月,路途遙遠,只是趕不及了。且到那邊再作區處,或者晏公有靈,留住了戲子,等我們去還願,也不可知。」楚玉道:「少不得差人去打前站,叫他先到那邊料理還願之事。再寫一封喜信,寄與莫漁翁,使他預先知道也好。」遂寫書吩咐院子,如此如此。  院子遂持書而往,早行夜宿,已到嚴陵地方。問著七里溪,敲莫翁的門道:「我是譚老爺家人,差來下書的。」莫翁開門道:「是那個譚老爺呢?」院子道:「是去年被難到此,蒙你相救的人,如今得中高科,選了汀州司李,不日從此經過,要來拜謝恩人,叫我來下書的。」莫翁道:「在下即姓莫,如此請堶惕中U。」院子與莫翁叩頭,起來道:「前途有事,不敢久留,即此告別了。」莫翁送了院子,回來對夫人道:「娘子,譚生的功名已到手了。赴任汀州,從此經過。先著人來下書,他隨後就到了。」娘子說:「叫人可喜!他既然選在汀州,就是我們的田治了。你有心做個好人,索性該扶持他到底,把那邊的土俗民情,衙門利弊,對他細說一番。叫他也做一個好官,豈不是件美事!」莫翁道:「如此就要露出行藏來了。」又想道:「也罷,我自有個道理。」遂作詩以見意。詩曰:    自笑癡腸孰與同,助人成事不居功。    一般也有沽名具,恥向名場作釣翁。這且不提。  再說那楚玉夫婦,一路行來,已到嚴陵地界。楚玉在船上對藐姑道:「前面山坡之上,有兩個人影,只怕就是莫公夫婦,也未可知。」及至到了跟前,莫翁看見楚玉早在船頭站立,遂高聲道:「那不是譚老爺麼?」楚玉道:「那不是莫恩人麼?」泊岸下船。莫翁道:「溪邊路濕,不便行禮,請到荒居相見。」楚玉夫婦遂跟莫翁夫婦到了堶情A望上就拜。莫翁扶住道:「高中巍科,兩番大喜,都一齊拜賀了罷。」遂一同拜了四拜。又請漁童夫婦,謝了打撈之恩。楚玉道:「念小生初登仕籍,未有餘錢,輶儀先致鄙意,圖報尚容他日取土宜過來。」莫翁道:「山居寒儉,不曾備得賀儀,怎麼倒承厚貺!別無可敬,必住寒舍暫留一日,明日就不敢相強了。」楚玉叫院子取下行李,就在莫翁處過宿。  次日,莫翁向娘子道:「昨日的事情,可做妥了?」娘子點頭示意,楚玉道:「有言在先,小生略有寸進,與二位同享榮華。如今我們上任,要接你們去了,千萬莫要推辭!」莫翁道:「多謝盛情,念我二人,是閑散慣了的人,這是斷不敢領的。」楚玉道:「既是如此,我們再圖後報。」遂辭別上船而去。  卻說那前站先到了埠鎮上,問道:「這邊可有戲麼?」其一人道:「這晏公的誕日,原是十月初三,只因被大雨數日耽擱了,如今改在十一月初三,方纔替他補祝。如今那些優人,都現在這堙A名為玉筍班。不知尊客問他作甚麼呢?」院子道:「我家老爺從此經過,有晏公願戲一臺,要來為戲。不知這玉筍班中的人物若何?」那人道:「這班從前一生一旦,都投水死了。現今做正生的就是當初做旦的母親,叫做劉絳仙,是正旦改的。那做旦的婦人,是別處湊來的角色,如今生旦俱是女的了。」院子道:「不知今年廟中會首是誰?」那人道:「就是在下。」院子道:「原來如此。有一錠銀子,煩尊賀拿去做定錢,說老爺明日就到,一到就要做的,這樁事在你尊賀身上。我如今趕上船去,回復老爺一聲。」  及至到了船上,對譚爺說知此事,楚玉喜道:「妙極,妙極!這一定又是晏公的手段了。」藐姑道:「只是一件,我母親既在這邊,如今一到就要請來相見了。難道相見之後,還好叫他做戲不成!」楚玉道:「我們到時且瞞著眾人,不要出頭露面。直等做完之後說出情由,然後請他相見罷了。」藐姑道:「說得有理。既然如此,連祭奠晏公都不消上岸,只在舟中遙拜罷。」  及至次日到了,見那戲臺仍是搭在水堙C楚玉即叫將船灣在臺子西面。吩咐道:「對戲上說,不做全本,止演零出。開劇要做王十朋祭江,完了之後,再拿戲單來點。」院子遂吩咐下去。藐姑道:「怎麼點這一出?」楚玉道:「如今正生是你令堂,你當初為做荊釵,方纔投水。今日將荊釵試他,且看做到其間,可有傷感你的意思否?」說話之間,臺上參神已畢,見絳仙扮王十朋上。  唱道:    一從科第鳳鸞飛,被奸謀,有書空寄,畢萱堂無禍危。痛蘭房,受岑寂,捱不過,凌逼身,沉在浪濤堙I  白:    稟上母親:「你是高年之人,受不得眼淚,請在後面少坐,等孩兒代祭罷。」斟酒向江道:「我那妻呵!你當初在此投江,我今日還在此祭奠,料想靈魂不遠,只在依稀恍惚之間。丈夫在此奠酒,求你用一杯兒。  唱:    呀,早知道這般樣拆散呵,誰待要赴春闈?便做腰金衣紫待何如!端的是,不如布衣倒不如布衣,則落得低聲啼哭,自傷悲!唱罷,一面化紙,一面高叫道:「我那藐姑的兒呵!做娘的燒錢與你,你快來領了去。」遂號啕痛哭起來。臺內高叫道:「祭的是錢玉蓮,為甚麼哭起藐姑來!」絳仙收淚道:「呀!睹物傷情,不覺想到亡兒身上,是我哭錯了。」  藐姑在船上,揭起簾子高叫道:「母親起來,你孩兒並不曾死,如今現在這邊。」絳仙立起,望船上一看道:「不好了!兩個陰鬼都出現了。你們快來,我只得要回避了。」臺內人一齊都出來,看了一看道:「活人見鬼,不是好事,大家散了罷!」船上院子高叫道:「你們不要亂動,船塈云漱ㄛO鬼,就是譚老爺夫人的原身。當初被人撈救,並不曾死,如今得中高魁,從此上任。你們不信,近前來看就是了。」臺上道:「不信有這樣奇事!叫人快搭扶手,待我們上岸去看。」及至到了船上,看道:「呀!果然是原身!不消驚怕了,一同出去相見。」絳仙、文卿見了道:「譚生、大姐,你們果然不曾死?竟戴了真紗帽,頂著真鳳冠了!」藐姑道:「爹娘請坐,容孩兒拜謝養育之恩!」楚玉道:「養育之恩不消謝,那活命之恩到要謝謝的!」文卿與絳仙道:「慚愧,慚愧!」  絳仙道:「我兒,你把那下水之後,被人撈救的事情,細細講來。」藐姑道:「這些原委,須得一本戲文的工夫,纔說得盡,少刻下船,和你細講罷。只是一件,女婿做了官,你不便做戲了,快些散班,同我們一齊上任去罷。」文卿說:「去倒要去,只是這兩副子臉沒有放處!」眾人道:「不妨,戲箱堶情A現成鬼臉,每人帶著一個,叫做牛頭丈人,鬼臉丈母就是了!」楚玉道:「不要取笑,未知那錢萬貫怎麼樣了呢?」眾人道:「只因為你,把一分無數的家資,化了個乾乾淨淨,方免了死罪!如今充軍出去了。」楚玉道:「這個是理當!」話猶未了,只見來接新官的衙役來報道:「稟老爺,不好了!地方上生出事來了。」  畢竟所生何事,且聽下回分解。 第七回 譚楚玉斬寇立功 莫漁翁山村獲罪   話說譚老爺聞得差人來報,究地方有何事情?遂叫眾人退後,問差人道:「地方果有何事?給我細細說來。」差人道:「山賊破了汀州,十分猖獗,還喜得不據城池,單搶金帛子女,如今又到別處去了。」譚爺聽了,驚道:「這等說起來,竟是一塊險地了!下官既受國恩,就是粉骨碎身,也辭不得了。只是地方多事,不便攜眷。差人,你們先去,我不日就要到任了。」差人遂叩頭而去。楚玉向藐姑道:「夫人,你且在莫漁翁家暫住幾日,等地方寧靜之後,我差人來接你。」藐姑遂將行李分開,只見行囊堶情A有字一封,上寫「平浪侯封」四字。楚玉拆開一看,竟是一本須知冊,把汀州一府的民情利弊,與賊營堶接篧磢滷‘恁A注的明明白白。「叫我一到地方,依了冊文做去,不但身名無恙,還有不次之升,這等說起來,晏公的意思,竟要扶持到底了。夫人,我你快些拜謝!」楚玉對絳仙道:「不便來接,要去自去罷。」即就告別。絳仙聽了,也自覺無味,這且不提。  再說楚玉自從到任以後,一舉一動,俱照冊文行事。所以未及一月,歌聲載道,民心歡悅。一日想道:「下官到任以來,喜得民安吏職,官有餘閑。只是山賊未除,到底不能安枕。前日蒙晏公顯聖,把治民御盜之略,造成冊子見遺。我把治民之事,驗他御盜之方,誰想一字不差,前功如此,後效可知。所以往各處申詳,力任征剿之事。蒙上臺批下詳文,把各路兵馬錢糧,都屬我一人提調。又慮官卑職小,彈壓不來。因俺未到之先,有個慕容兵道,在陣上降賊去了,就委俺暫署此職,以便行兵。若能滅賊成功,即以此官題授。今乃出師吉日,不免把隨征將校號令一番。」遂齊集眾將,吩咐道:「本道今日用兵,不比前人輕舉,智圖必勝,慮出萬全。料想那幾個小賊,不夠本道誅夷。只是一件,要防他戰敗之後,依舊入山。到了巢穴之中,再去剿除,就費力了。左營將校,領一枝人馬,守住入山的要路,使他無門可入;右營將校,帶一枝人馬,先入山中焚毀他的巢穴,使他無家可歸。斬將擒王,就在此一舉了!小心用命,不可有違!」眾人遂各領命而去。楚玉也自領全軍殺將前去。  及至兩軍相對,真個人強馬壯,一以當百,殺得那些山賊,抱頭而竄。及至到了山前,又見滿山火起,山大王知是被人焚了巢穴,就撥馬從小路而奔。誰知小路也有埋伏,一鼓之間,將山大王活擒過來。楚玉吩咐,就此奏凱收兵。  及至歸到衙門,賞勞眾將已畢。查點賊寇,八個都有,惟少投降的那個叛賊慕容兵備道。楚玉道:「待我移會各衙門,畫影圖形,定要拿住此賊,然後獻俘。你們眾將之中,有能密訪潛拿,解到軍前者,就算首功,另加升賞。」內有一將道:「小將有個朋友,前日從浙江回來,說在山中遇見一人,分明是他的模樣。求大人賞憲牌一紙,待小將扮做捕人,前去緝獲。若果是他,只消協同地方拿來就是了。」楚玉道:「既然如此,有憲牌在此,就委你前去。」那人拿了憲牌,遂同手下一人辦就捕役。  行了三日,已到嚴陵地方,牌將對那人道:「來此已是,大家都要小心。」那人道:「那邊松樹底下有個睡覺的,不免去喚他醒來,預先問個消息再講。」二人遂到松樹底下,看道:「這就是他了,快取家伙出來!」叫道:「慕容老爺,快醒來!」石公起來道:「我是個深山野人,並無相謝,與諸公絕不謀面,不要錯認了。」牌將道:「不錯不錯,你原任漳南巡道,我是你標下的將官,豈有認錯之理。快不要推辭,隨我到原任地方去。」石公道:「你們既然認得我,也不必遮瞞了。只是出山一事,我是斷斷不從的,煩你去回復本官,放過了我罷。」牌將道:「快些下手!」遂將索子與他帶了。  石公大驚道:「這是甚麼緣故?就要我去,豈有用官法拘拿之理!是那個官兒差你來的?」牌將道:「奉汀州譚老爺的軍令,特來拿你,有憲牌在此,你自己看來。」石公道:「呀!果然是他的。我對你講,你那本官,與我最相契厚。他未遇之先,夫妻兩口的性命,都是我救活的。為甚麼恩將仇報,竟把叛犯二字,加起我來!既然如此,待我從家媢L一過,他的夫人現在,你若不信,去問她一聲就是了。」牌將道:「既然如此,就帶便過一過。」及至到了門首,叫道:「娘子,快請譚夫人出來。」二人出來見道:「這是怎麼說,他們三個是何等之人,為何沒原沒故,鎖住了你?快些講來!」石公對藐姑道:「不奉別人的官差,是你那位有情有義的尊夫,感激我不過,差他來報恩的,多謝多謝。現有憲牌在此,是親筆標的,不信拿來請看。」藐姑接來看道:「呀!果然是他標的。這等說起來,竟不是個人了!」對差人道:「有我在此,不怕他險到那堙C快些放了,待我去回復他。」牌將道:「噫!好大體面,你既是夫人,為甚麼不隨去上任,倒住在反賊家堙H莫說不是,就是真的,也沒有老爺拿賊,夫人釋放之理。快些起身,不必再說閑話。」藐姑道:「夫妻二字,豈是假得的,既然不信,連我也帶去,一同審問就是了。」牌將道:「這句話還說得有理!既然如此,僱下一隻大船,我們帶了犯人,坐在前艙,你同他的妻子,住在後艙,一同前去便了。」牌將著一人前去僱船不提。  再說慕娘子向藐姑道:「譚娘子,想是我家男子,當初說話之間,不曾謹慎,得罪了譚官人。所以公報私仇,想出法來害他。全仗你去周全,夫婦二人的性命,就在你身上了。」藐姑道:「他是個有心人,決不做負心之事。我仔細想來,畢竟有個緣故。既然如此,快些料理船隻,即便起身,且看到了那邊,是怎樣處治。」  要知後事,觀下回便明。 第八回 真兵備面罵楚玉 假兵備遺害慕公   卻說楚玉自從破了山賊,蒙聖恩不次加升,就補了漳南兵憲。一日想道:「昨日左營牌將,有塘報寄來,說叛臣已經拿住,我的夫人現在他家。這等講來,就是莫漁翁了?我不信那位高人,肯做這般反事。或者是差官拿錯了,也未可知。我細想來,若果是拿錯的便好。萬一是他,叫我怎生發落?正了國法,又背了私恩;報了私恩,又撓了國法。這樁事情,著實有些難處。且等他解到,細細審問一番,就知道了。」  一日,見差官稟道:「叛犯拿到。」楚玉道:「你在那媕繺菄滿H他作何營業?家口共有幾名?可曾查訪的確?不要錯拿無罪之人。」差官稟道:「他住在嚴陵地方,釣魚生理,夫妻兩口,僕奴二人,不但面貌不差,他親口承認說,在此處做官是實。此外更有一位婦人,說是老爺的家眷。小官不辯真假,只得也請他同來,如今現在外面,要進來替他伸冤哩!」楚玉道:「這等是他無疑了!國法所在,如何徇的私情,我有道理。」吩咐道:「那位女子,原是本道的親人,當初寄在他家,並不知本人是賊。如今既已敗露,國法難容。不但本犯不好徇情,連那位女子,也在嫌疑之際了。吩咐巡捕官,打掃一處公館,暫且安頓了他,待本道處了叛賊,奏過朝廷,把心跡辨明了,然後與他相見。」再吩咐將犯人帶上來。  楚玉指著石公道:「哦,原來那殃民誤國、欺世盜名的人,就是你麼!你既受朝廷的厚祿,就該竭節輸忠。即使事窮力盡,也該把身殉封疆,學那張巡、許遠的故事。為甚麼率引三軍,首先降賊,是何道理?從直招來!」石公道:「你又不喪心,不病狂,為甚白日青天說這般鬼話!我何曾降甚麼賊來?」楚玉道:「怎麼倒罵起我來?這也奇極了。哦,你說沒有見證麼?叫各役過來,你們仔細認,三年之前,在本衙做官的,是他不是?不要拿錯了。」眾人上前看了道:「一毫不差,他是我們的舊主。終日報事過的,恐有認不出的道理。」石公道:「我何曾不說做官,只問降賊之事,是何人見證?你何為當問不問,不當問的反問起來?」楚玉道:「也是,叫眾將過來,他降賊之事,是真是假,你們可曾眼見?都要從直講來,不可冤屈好人。」眾人道:「是將官們眼見的,並非虛枉。」楚玉道:「何如?還有甚麼話講?」石公道:「這些將官衙役,都是你左右之人,你要負心,他怎敢不隨你負心!這些巧話,都是你教導他的。」楚玉道:「你犯了逆天大罪,倒反謗起我來。你道這些將官、衙役,都是我左右之人,說來的話不足信。也罷!叫左右去把地方上的百姓,隨意叫幾個來,看他們如何?」衙役遂到外邊,叫了十數個人來。楚玉道:「你們上前去認一認,他可是降賊的兵備不是?都要仔細,不可冒昧,有致誤傷好人。」眾人看道:「是不差!只是一件,他起先一任,原是好官。只是後面再來,不該變節。求老爺將功折罪,恕了他罷。」楚玉道:「別罪可以饒恕,謀反叛逆之罪,豈是饒恕的!你們去罷。」楚玉道:「料想到了如今,你也沒得說了。本道夫妻二人,受你活命之恩,原無不報之理。只是國法所在,難以容情。叫左右暫鬆了綁,取出一桌酒飯來,待我奉陪三杯,然後正法!合著古語兩句,叫做:今日飲酒者私情,明日按罪者公議。今日之事,出於萬不得已,並非有意為之。你是讀書明理之人,自當見諒,求你用了這杯酒罷!」  石公大怒道:「你這些圈套,總是要掩飾前非,有誰人信你!你當初落水,是我救你性命;回去赴試,是我助你盤費。這些恩情,都不必提起。只說你建功立業,虧了誰人?難道是你自家的本事!你若不是我暗用機謀,把治民剿賊的方略,細細傳授與你,莫說不能成功,只怕連你這顆狗頭,也留不到今日,在陣上就失去了。」楚玉道:「別的功勞,蒙你厚恩,那剿賊之事,與你何干?也要冒認起來!何曾你授甚麼方略,這句話從那婸※_?」石公道:「哦!你還不知道麼?我且問你,赴任的時節,那本須知冊子,是何人造的?」楚玉道:「是晏公給我的!」石公道:「那是俺舊令尹,把精神費盡,誰知今日倒惹出這等事來!」楚玉道:「那本冊子竟是你造的了?既然如此,為甚麼不自己出名,寫了平浪侯的神號呢?」石公道:「只為刻意逃名,不肯露出做官的形跡,所以如此。我一來要替朝廷除害,二來要扶持你做好官。誰想你自己得了功名,到生出法來害我!」  楚玉道:「呀!這等說起來,你竟是個忠臣了,為甚麼又肯謀叛?」石公道:「我何曾謀叛,想是你見了鬼了!」楚玉道:「你入山之後,皇上因賊寇難平,依舊起你復任。地方官到處尋訪,從深山堶掃虴A出來,指望你仍似前番替朝廷出力,誰料你變起節來!因有這番罪孽,纔有這般風波。難道你自己心上還不明白麼!」石公聽道:「這等說起來,不是你有心害我,或者地方官尋得急切,有人冒我姓名,故意出來謀叛,也未可知道。求你審個明白,不然性命還是小事,這千古的罵名,如何受得起!我起先不肯屈膝,如今沒奈何,到要認做犯人,跪在法堂上聽審了。」楚玉道:「既然如此,待我提出賊頭來問個明白。若果有此事,就好釋放你了。只是一件,等他提到的時節,你倒要認做降賊的人,只說與他同謀共事,我自有巧話問他。真與不真,只消一試,就明白了。叫左右取監犯出來!」  要知後事,且聽下回審問便明。 第九回 譚官人報恩雪恥 慕容僕招隱埋名   卻說將監犯提出,楚玉問道:「聖旨已下,叫本道不消獻俘,待拿著叛臣與你一同梟斬。如今那叛臣已拿到了,本該一同正法,只是一件,我纔問他,他說不是真正叛臣,乃冒名出來,替你做事情的,情有可原,罪不至死。我心上要釋放他,所以提你出來,問個明白。這冒名之事,可是真的麼?」監犯道:「真便是真的,只是此人險惡非常,小的恨他不過。要殺同殺,求老爺不要放他!」石公道:「我與你是同事之人,為甚麼這等恨我?」監犯道:「你未曾出山的時節,得我千金聘禮,後來假裝兵道,在陣上投降。我把你帶在軍中,凡得來的金帛,都托你掌管,你就該生死不離,患難相共纔是。你見風聲不好,就把財帛捲在身邊,飄然而去。難道我做了一場大賊,單單替你囗事不成?要死同死,決不放你一個!」楚玉道:「天下人盡多,那一個假裝不得,為甚麼單去聘他?」監犯道:「只因他的面龐與慕容兵道一模一樣,所以把千金聘禮,去聘他出來。」  楚玉大笑道:「原來如此!這等說起來,他不是你的仇人,你的仇人還不曾拿到,待拿到的時節,與你一同正法便了。」監犯道:「明明是他,怎麼說個不是?」楚玉道:「這是慕容兵道的原身。他解任之後,並不曾出山。你若不信,走近身去,細認一認就是了!」監犯看道:「果然不是,這等不要屈他。當初是我該死,不該把假冒的事,壞了你的名聲,得罪得罪!」楚玉親自下來,扶起石公道:「下官多有得罪,還求見諒!且請衙內去,換了衣服。」  說話未完,只見有一衙役稟道:「假兵備拿到了,求老爺發放!」楚玉道:「帶進來!」遂將假兵備帶進。楚玉將此人一看,果然與石公分毫不錯。楚玉道:「是何人獲住的?」其中一人跪道:「是小的拿住的!」楚玉道:「你姓甚名誰,家住那堙A如何知他是個叛賊?從實說來!」那人道:「小的姓王,名叫大元,離城五十里,三角山茅屋莊居住,耕種為業。只因那日,忽然來了一個人,要在小的莊上住。當日就拿金子一千,買了房子,並無家眷,小的就知來路不明。及至過了幾日,小的進城賣布,見城門上掛的一個影子,與他一樣,方知他是叛賊!小的所以同著地方拿來的。」楚玉道:「有何見證呢?」王大元說:「現有金銀一箱,腰刀一把,是小的從他家娷膝X來的。」楚玉道:「抬金銀過來。」地方遂將箱子抬上。楚玉道:「王大元獲賊有功,賞金子一百兩,地方也賞銀子百兩,俱各去罷。叫將冒犯與我用夾棍夾起來!」冒犯道:「不用夾,小的招來就是了。小的好好住在山堙A一日山大王著人抬了一千兩金子,來到說我如此如此。我想世上要做官,必定要拿銀子出來。如今又得做官,又得金子,那埵陶o等好事?所以小的就應承了他了。誰知有這等事呢,求爺爺活命罷!」楚玉道:「如今賊頭已獲,冒犯又有,就綁出去斬首示眾!」遂將二人斬訖。  楚玉退堂,向石公道:「下官昏聵無知,不能覺察,致累大恩人受此虛驚,多有得罪!」石公道:「若非秦鏡高懸,替老夫雪冤洗恥,不惟隕身一旦,亦且遺臭萬年。待老婦到來,一同拜謝。」院子稟道:「二位夫人到了。」楚玉向藐姑道:「我平賊的功勞,又虧慕容先生指引,快來拜謝恩人!」石公對他夫人道:「娘子,我降賊的奇冤,全虧了譚先生昭雪,快來拜謝了恩!」四人俱各拜了四拜。石公道:「老夫素抱忠良之願,忽蒙不軌之名,雖然無愧於心,形跡之間,也覺得可恥。如今所望於知己者,不但保全骸骨,還求洗濯聲名。辨疏一道,曉諭幾通,只怕都不可少。」  楚玉道:「豈但奏聞皇上,曉諭軍民,還有特本奉荐,定要請你出山!」石公道:「快不消如此!我是有泉石膏肓、煙霞錮疾的人,你若叫俺出山,俺何如那時不辭官呢?」楚玉道:「原來高尚之心,這等堅決。既然如此,倒不敢奉強了。」石公道:「老夫是個迂人,不但沒有出山之心,還有幾句招隱的話。雖然逆耳,也要相告一番。凡人處得意之境,就要想到失意之時。譬如戲場上面,沒有敲不歇的鑼鼓,沒有穿得盡的衣冠!有生旦就有淨丑,有熱鬧就有淒涼。淨丑就是生旦的對頭,淒涼就是熱鬧的結果。仕途上最多淨丑,宦海中易得淒涼。通達事理之人,須在熱鬧場中收鑼罷鼓,不可到淒涼境上掛印辭官。這幾句逆耳之言,不可不記在心上。」楚玉道:「這幾句話,竟是當頭的棒喝、破夢的鐘聲,使下官聞之,不覺通身汗下。先生此番回去,替我在尊居左右構茅屋幾間,下官終此一任,即便解組歸隱,與先生同隱便了。」於是,石公告辭回歸。楚玉苦留不住,二人灑淚而別。  且說楚玉自石公去後,思想仕宦之途,如浮云之過太虛,何不趁此把拿獲叛逆之事,奏明朝廷,好為歸山。遂以便修本,以便辭官,挈妻子赴嚴陵去了。自去之後,絳仙同文卿來尋女兒,及至衙門見印錫高懸,不知去向。文卿對絳仙道:「楚玉高居駟馬,尚且不戀,其高尚之心,人自不及。況你我乃下賤之輩,豈可同居!」遂索然而回。  再說楚玉在嚴陵時,與石公不時相聚。晝或持竿同釣,夜或清淡不倦,悠悠蕩蕩,以樂天年。後石公納妾生子,楚玉亦得二子。後嗣仍為科甲人物,綿綿延延,榮華不斷。皆以存心忠厚,故有此報也。豈比目魚之細事,益可忽乎哉!  詩曰:    邇來節義頗荒唐,盡把宣淫罪戲場。    思借戲場維節義,繫鈴人授解鈴方! 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