Lian Cheng

Q iao Sheng was from Jining. He had a name for talent before he was twenty-five and nothing to show for it afterward. What he did have was backbone. When his friend Gu died, Qiao quietly supported the widow and children for years. When the local magistrate he admired died in office — family stranded, no money to ship the coffin home — Qiao broke himself financially to escort the body two thousand li back to its county. The scholar-gentry admired him for it. His household went to nothing. Qiao Sheng was a man of Jining. In his youth he built a reputation for talent, yet past twenty he remained mired and frustrated. He was a man of courage and integrity. He was close friends with a certain Gu; when Gu died, Qiao regularly provided for Gu's widow and children. The local magistrate valued him greatly for his writing; when the magistrate died in office with his family stranded and unable to return home, Qiao ruined himself financially to escort the coffin, traveling more than two thousand li back and forth. The scholarly community esteemed him all the more; his household fell all the further.

Shi Xiaolian had a daughter named Lian Cheng. She could embroider and she could read, and her father guarded her like a treasure. He put one of her embroideries on public display — a picture of a lady drowsing over her needlework — and invited young men to compose verses on it, with the understanding that a worthy poem might win the poet a wife. Qiao Sheng submitted two stanzas. The first caught the girl in the act: her bun loose, her window fragrant with orchids, the mandarin ducks she was stitching so heartbreaking she had to set down the needle and furrow her brows. The second praised the embroidery itself as if the flowers and birds had grown there naturally, and compared it to the famous brocade letters of Su Hui. Shi Xiaolian had a daughter named Lian Cheng, skilled at embroidery and learned in books; her father cherished and protected her. He displayed her embroidery 'Picture of a Lady Tired of Needlework' and invited young men to compose verses on it, with the intention of selecting a husband. Qiao Sheng submitted a poem: 'Her loose bun piled high amid swaying green, early she embroiders blue lotus by the orchid window; stitching to the mandarin ducks her soul nearly breaks, she quietly sets down needle and thread, her brows knitting.' He also praised the needlework craft: 'The embroidery thread traces life itself, within the frame flowers and birds achieve themselves; the ancient woven brocade was no great skill — fortunate to put the palindrome verses to use in a sage age.'

Lian Cheng read the poems and was delighted. She told her father they were the best of the lot. Her father looked at Qiao Sheng's circumstances and demurred. She went around praising the poems to everyone she spoke with anyway, and sent her old maidservant to slip Qiao Sheng money — telling him, falsely, that her father had authorized it. Qiao Sheng said to himself: Lian Cheng truly knows me. He held her in his mind like a hunger he could not feed. The girl received the poems with joy and praised them to her father. Her father dismissed Qiao Sheng on account of his poverty. The girl spoke of the poems to everyone she encountered, and also sent her old maidservant — falsely claiming her father's instruction — to give Qiao money to support his lamp oil. Qiao Sheng sighed: 'Lian Cheng is my zhiji — one who truly knows me.' He harbored thoughts of her in his heart like a man starving who craves food.

“A scholar dies for one who truly knows him — not for beauty.”

Her father then betrothed her to Wang Huacheng, son of a salt merchant. Qiao Sheng gave up. He still dreamed of her. Not long after, Lian Cheng fell gravely ill — a wasting sickness that would not lift. A wandering Buddhist monk arrived claiming he could cure her, but his remedy required one qian of flesh cut from a living man's chest, to be pounded into the medicine. Shi sent word to the Wang household. The prospective son-in-law laughed: 'The foolish old man wants me to gouge the flesh from my chest?' He sent the messenger back empty-handed. Before long, the girl was betrothed to Wang Huacheng, son of a salt-merchant family. Qiao Sheng abandoned hope, though she still haunted his dreams. Shortly thereafter the girl fell ill with consumption — a deep, lingering sickness that would not resolve. A Western-regions itinerant monk arrived claiming he could treat her, but the remedy required one qian of flesh from a man's chest, pounded and mixed into the medicine. Shi sent someone to the Wang household to inform the bridegroom. Wang laughed: 'The foolish old man wants me to gouge the flesh from my chest!' The messenger returned with nothing.

Shi announced publicly that whoever cut the flesh would receive his daughter in marriage. Qiao Sheng heard this and went. He drew his own blade, cut into his chest, and handed the flesh to the monk. Blood soaked through his robe to his trousers. The monk dressed the wound and it stopped. Three pills were compounded. Three days of doses and the illness was gone as if it had never been. Shi then announced to people: whoever can cut the flesh shall have my daughter in marriage. Qiao Sheng heard this and went. He himself drew a white blade, cut the flesh from his chest, and presented it to the monk. Blood saturated his robe and trousers; the monk applied medicine and it ceased. Three pills were compounded from the remedy. After three days of taking them, the illness was as if it had never been.

Shi moved to honor his word. First he informed Wang. Wang erupted and threatened to sue. Shi then held a banquet for Qiao Sheng, stacked a thousand taels on the table, and explained: he was unable to keep his promise, but here was compensation for the extraordinary service rendered. Qiao Sheng stood up and said: I did not spare my chest flesh in order to sell it. I did it because I had found a kindred spirit. He shook out his sleeve and left. When word reached Lian Cheng, she could not bear it. She sent the maidservant to console him and to say: a man of his talent would not remain poor long; the world had no shortage of fine women; besides, she had dreamed ill omens — she would be dead within three years — so there was no point contending over something that would end up belonging to the underworld anyway. Shi moved to fulfill his pledge, but first informed Wang. Wang flew into rage and threatened litigation. Shi therefore prepared a banquet, invited Qiao Sheng, arranged a thousand taels on the table, and explained openly why he could not honor the agreement — offering the gold as recompense for the great debt owed. Qiao Sheng said indignantly: 'The reason I did not spare the flesh of my chest was simply to repay a zhiji — not to sell flesh.' He shook his sleeve and departed. When the girl heard this, her feelings would not let her rest; she sent the maidservant to comfort him. She also said: 'With his talent, he will not remain unsuccessful long. There is no shortage of fine women in the world. I have had inauspicious dreams; I will certainly die within three years. There is no need to contend with others over something that belongs to the underworld.'

Qiao Sheng replied through the maidservant: A scholar dies for one who truly knows him — not for beauty. But does Lian Cheng really know me? That I cannot be sure of. The maidservant swore earnestly on the girl's behalf. Qiao Sheng said: Then when we happen to meet, let her smile at me once. That will be enough. I can die without regret. A few days later, Qiao Sheng was out walking when he saw Lian Cheng returning from her uncle's house. He looked at her sidelong. She turned her luminous autumn eyes toward him, parted her lips, and smiled. Qiao Sheng walked home in something like radiance. Lian Cheng truly knows me. Qiao Sheng said to the maidservant: 'The scholar dies for one who knows him — not for beauty. I truly fear that Lian Cheng may not genuinely know me. If nothing comes of this, what is the harm?' The maidservant swore sincerely on the girl's behalf. Qiao Sheng said: 'If that is truly so, then when we happen to meet, let her smile at me once — I will die without regret.' After the maidservant departed, some days passed; Qiao Sheng happened to go out and encountered the girl returning from her maternal uncle's house. He looked at her from the side. She turned her luminous eyes and smiled at him, her lips parting. Qiao Sheng was overjoyed: 'Lian Cheng truly knows me!'

The Wang family came to discuss a wedding date. The old illness returned. Within a few months, Lian Cheng was dead. Qiao Sheng went to offer his condolences. One convulsion of grief and he was dead too. Shi's household sent his body home. The Wang family came to discuss an auspicious date for the wedding. The girl's previous illness recurred; within a few months she died. Qiao Sheng went to offer condolences; in one burst of grief he died on the spot. Shi's household carried his body back to his home.

Qiao Sheng found himself on a road — heading south, or north, he could not tell — packed with travelers moving like a line of ants. He felt no particular distress. He joined the procession. He entered a government compound and there encountered Gu, his old dead friend, now holding a clerical post in the underworld administration. Gu grabbed his hand in shock: how did you get here? He started steering him back. Qiao Sheng sighed: my heart's affairs are not yet finished. Gu said: I have some authority in this place. If I can be of service, I will not spare myself. Qiao Sheng knew he had died but felt no particular distress. He left the village, still hoping to glimpse Lian Cheng once more. He saw a road stretching north and south with travelers continuous as ants, and mixed himself in among them. Presently he entered a government office compound and there encountered Gu, who was astonished and asked how he had come. Gu immediately took his hand to send him back. Qiao Sheng sighed and said his heart's affairs were not yet settled. Gu said he held a post handling official documents here and had been given considerable authority; if he could be of service, he would not spare himself.

Gu led him through the passages until they found Lian Cheng seated in a corridor with a young woman dressed in white — both of them sad-eyed, dark-browed, slumped against the wall. When Lian Cheng saw Qiao Sheng arrive she sprang to her feet. She asked why he had come. He said: You died — how could I go on living? Lian Cheng wept: a man of such faithlessness, yet you would not cast him off, and you gave your life for him — for what? I cannot promise you this life. I can only vow the next. Qiao Sheng told Gu: I am content here. I am glad to be dead. Just find out where Lian Cheng will be reborn and I will follow her. Qiao Sheng asked about Lian Cheng, and Gu led him through many passages until they found Lian Cheng sitting with a young woman dressed in white; both had sorrowful lashes and darkened brows, sitting slumped in a corridor corner. When Lian Cheng saw Qiao Sheng arrive she started up as if glad, and asked briefly what had brought him. Qiao Sheng said: 'You died — how would I dare go on living?' Lian Cheng wept: 'A man of such faithlessness — that you would not cast him aside and gave your life for him — to what end? I cannot promise you anything in this life; I can only vow the next.' Qiao Sheng said to Gu: 'You attend to your affairs here. I am content in death and do not wish to live. Only find out where Lian Cheng will be reborn and I will go with her.'

Gu agreed and went. The young woman in white asked who Qiao Sheng was, and Lian Cheng told his whole story. The woman in white seemed unable to contain her grief. Lian Cheng said: This is my companion on the road — her family name is also Shi, her given name Bin Niang, daughter of the governor of Changsha. We arrived together and have grown attached. Qiao Sheng looked at her. Her bearing was delicate in a way that wrung the heart. He was about to ask more when Gu returned and clasped his hands in congratulation: the matter was arranged — Lian Cheng could return to life along with Qiao Sheng; was that agreeable? Both of them were glad. They were preparing to say farewell when Bin Niang burst into loud weeping: if my sister leaves, where do I go? Please have compassion and save me — I will be your handmaid and carry your veil. Gu agreed and departed. The woman in white asked who Qiao Sheng was; Lian Cheng described him at length. The woman in white seemed unable to contain her grief. Lian Cheng told Qiao Sheng: 'This is a companion of the same family name, her given name Bin Niang, daughter of Governor Shi of Changsha. We came along the same road and have grown fond of each other.' Qiao Sheng looked at her; her manner and bearing evoked deep pity. He was about to ask further when Gu returned and congratulated him, saying the matter had been definitively arranged — the young lady would return to life with Qiao Sheng; was this agreeable? Both of them were pleased. They were about to take their leave when Bin Niang wept loudly: 'If my sister leaves, where will I go? Please have compassion and save me — I will be your handmaid and carry your veil.'

Lian Cheng was stricken and had no plan. She turned to Qiao Sheng. Qiao Sheng pleaded with Gu. Gu refused flatly — impossible. Qiao Sheng pressed harder. Gu said: let me try something rash. He was gone for the length of a meal, then returned shaking his head: exactly as I said — utterly beyond my power. Bin Niang heard this and wept with her whole body, clinging to Lian Cheng's sleeve, terrified she would leave at any moment. They stood together in helpless misery, looking at one another; gazing at that grief-stricken face made the heart ache and go soft. Gu Sheng said in sudden indignation: Take her. If any punishment falls on this, I will take it myself. Bin Niang brightened and followed them out. Lian Cheng was overcome with sorrow and had no recourse; she turned to consult Qiao Sheng. Qiao Sheng also pleaded with Gu on her behalf. Gu declined firmly, saying it was impossible. Qiao Sheng pressed persistently. Gu said: 'Let me try something rash,' and departed. He returned in the time of a meal, shaking his head: 'As I said — it is truly beyond all power.' Bin Niang upon hearing this wept piteously, twisting in anguish, clinging close under Lian Cheng's arm, afraid she would leave at any moment. In helpless distress they faced each other in silence; but looking at her grief-stricken face and sorrowful manner made the heart ache and soften. Gu Sheng said indignantly: 'Take Bin Niang and go. If any blame accrues, I personally will bear it.' Bin Niang was glad and followed them out.

Qiao Sheng worried that Bin Niang would face a long road alone. She said: I will come with you — I do not want to go home. He said: You are being foolish. If you do not go back, how do you return to life? When you reach Hunan someday, just do not hide from me — that is all I ask. Two underworld matrons happened to be going to Changsha on official business; Qiao Sheng commended Bin Niang to them, and she went weeping. On the road back, Lian Cheng walked haltingly — resting every li or so; it took more than ten such rests before they came within sight of Qiao Sheng's village gate. Qiao Sheng worried that Bin Niang would have a long road with no companion. She said: 'I will follow you — I do not wish to go back.' He said: 'You are too foolish. If you do not go back, how will you return to life? In the future when you reach Hunan, do not hide from me — that is all I ask.' Just then two underworld matrons were proceeding to Changsha on official business; Qiao Sheng entrusted Bin Niang to them, and she departed weeping. On the road back, Lian Cheng walked haltingly and slowly, resting after every li or so; after more than ten such rests they finally came in sight of the village gate.

Lian Cheng said: once we are alive again I am afraid things may go wrong. Can you retrieve my body and bring it here? If I can be reborn in your home, I will have no regrets. Qiao Sheng agreed. They entered his house together. She trembled, barely able to move her feet. She said: I feel as if my four limbs have no will of their own. I fear the plan may not succeed. We should think more carefully — otherwise, once I am alive, how can I be free? They went into the side room together. After sitting quietly for a time, Lian Cheng smiled and said: Do you find me repulsive? He asked in surprise what she meant. She blushed: I am afraid the matter may not go well and I will fail you again. Let me repay you as a ghost first. He was glad; their joy and love were complete. They lingered in the side room, not daring to proceed, for three days. Lian Cheng said: 'After we are reborn, I fear there may be reversals. Please fetch my body and bring it here; if I can be reborn in your home, I will have no regrets.' Qiao Sheng agreed. They returned together to his house. The girl trembled and seemed unable to control her steps; Qiao Sheng stood and waited for her. She said: 'When I reach this point, my four limbs quiver and seem to have no will of their own. I fear the plan may not succeed and we should deliberate further; otherwise, how can I be free after rebirth?' They went together into a side room. After settling quietly for a short time, Lian Cheng smiled and said: 'Do you find me repulsive?' He was startled and asked why. She blushed: 'I fear the matter may not go smoothly and I will fail you again. Let me repay you as a ghost first.' He was glad; their joy and love were fully realized. Then they lingered, not daring to hasten their return, remaining in the side room for three days.

Lian Cheng said: there is a proverb — even an ugly bride must eventually meet her parents-in-law. We cannot stay here indefinitely. She urged him into the main room. The moment he reached his own body, Qiao Sheng came to with a start. The household was astonished and brought broth. He sent someone to summon Shi Xiaolian, told him he could revive Lian Cheng, and asked for the body. Shi agreed with joy. They brought the coffin in. She was already awake when they looked. She told her father: I have already given myself to Qiao Lang. I will not go back. If anyone moves to change this, I will only die again. Lian Cheng said: 'There is a proverb: even an ugly bride must eventually meet her parents-in-law. To remain here in anxiety is no lasting plan.' She urged Qiao Sheng inside. The moment he reached his own death-chamber, he revived all at once. The household was shocked and astonished; they brought hot liquid. Qiao Sheng sent someone to summon Shi, saying he could revive Lian Cheng and requesting to have her body brought. Shi was delighted and complied. When the coffin was carried in and they looked, she had already woken. She told her father: 'I have already given myself to Qiao Lang. There is no reason for me to return. If there is any change, I will simply die again.'

Shi went home and sent a maidservant to wait on her. When the Wang family heard, they filed a legal complaint. The official accepted bribes and ruled that Lian Cheng must go to Wang. Qiao Sheng was frantic with fury but helpless. Lian Cheng arrived at the Wang household and refused to eat or drink. Whenever the room was empty she tied a rope to the beam. Day by day she weakened toward death. Wang panicked and sent her back to her father. Her father returned her straight to Qiao Sheng. Wang, when he heard, found he had nothing left to say. And so it was settled. Shi went home and sent a maidservant to serve her. When Wang heard, he filed a formal legal complaint. The official accepted bribes and ruled that she was to return to Wang. Qiao Sheng was filled with furious indignation but had no recourse. When Lian Cheng arrived at the Wang household she refused food and drink in rage, only begging to be allowed to die quickly. Whenever the room was empty she hung herself from the beam. Day by day she grew more debilitated, approaching death. Wang was frightened and sent her back to Shi. Shi immediately returned her to Qiao Sheng. When Wang heard this, he also had nothing he could do; and so the matter was settled.

After Lian Cheng recovered, she often thought of Bin Niang and wanted to send word south, but Hunan was far and a message was hard to get through. Then one day a servant came in to announce: there are carriages and horses at the gate. Husband and wife went out to look, and there in the courtyard stood Bin Niang. They held each other in a tangle of grief and joy. The governor of Changsha had come himself to escort his daughter, and he entered the house to speak with Qiao Sheng. He said: my daughter's life was restored through your kindness; she has vowed she will not marry elsewhere, and I have honored her wish. Qiao Sheng bowed his thanks in the proper form. Shi Xiaolian also came, and the two families acknowledged their kinship. Qiao Sheng's given name was Nian; his courtesy name, Da Nian. After Lian Cheng recovered, she often thought of Bin Niang and wished to send word to inquire after her, but the distance made it difficult to get a message through. One day a servant reported: there are carriages and horses at the gate. Husband and wife went out to look — and there in the courtyard stood Bin Niang. They met with mingled grief and joy. The governor himself had come to escort his daughter; Qiao Sheng invited him inside. The governor said: 'My daughter's life was restored through your kindness; she vowed she would not marry elsewhere, and I have followed her wish.' Qiao Sheng bowed thanks according to propriety. Shi Xiaolian also came, and the two families acknowledged their kinship. Qiao Sheng's given name was Nian; his courtesy name, Da Nian.

Pu Songling reflects: To offer your life for the sake of being known through a single smile — the world may well call this foolish. But were Tian Heng's five hundred followers all fools? This is the rarity and preciousness of being truly known: it is what makes men of worth and heroism unable to contain themselves. And yet — across the whole vast world — to think that a man of embroidered talent should have the full devotion of his heart captured only by a single smile from a pair of lovely brows. How sad. The Historian of the Strange says: To offer one's person for the sake of being known through a single smile — the world may call this foolish. But were those five hundred men of Tian Heng all fools? This is the preciousness of being known by the rare few: it is what causes the worthy and the heroic to be moved to the point where they cannot stop themselves. Yet looking across the vast world, to think that a man of embroidered talent should have the full devotion of his heart captured only by a single smile from a pair of beautiful brows — how sad indeed.

連城 The original Chinese · honored as an artifact

喬生，晉寧人。少負才名。年二十餘，猶淹蹇。為人有肝膽。

Opening lines, classical Chinese · Strange Tales 聊齋誌異 · Pu Songling