The Wallet of Kai Lung | Page 8

room Ling was overjoyed to find himself in the presence of
the Mandarin, who received him graciously, and paid many estimable
compliments to the name he bore and the country from which he came.
When at length Ling tore himself from this enchanting conversation,
and explained the reason of his presence, the Mandarin at once became
a prey to the whitest and most melancholy emotions, even plucking two
hairs from his pigtail to prove the extent and conscientiousness of his
grief.
"Behold," he cried at length, "I am resolved that the extortionate and
many-handed persons at Peking who have control of the examination
rites and customs shall no longer grow round-bodied without remark.
This person will unhesitatingly proclaim the true facts of the case
without regarding the danger that the versatile Chancellor or even the
sublime Emperor himself may, while he speaks, be concealed in some
part of this unassuming room to hear his words; for, as it is wisely said,
'When marked out by destiny, a person will assuredly be drowned, even
though he passes the whole of his existence among the highest
branches of a date tree.'"
"I am overwhelmed that I should be the cause of such an engaging
display of polished agitation," said Ling, as the Mandarin paused. "If it
would make your own stomach less heavy, this person will willingly
follow your estimable example, either with or without knowing the
reason."
"The matter is altogether on your account, O most unobtrusive young
man," replied the Mandarin, when a voice without passion was restored
to him. "It tears me internally with hooks to reflect that you, whose

refined ancestors I might reasonably have known had I passed my
youth in another Province, should be victim to the cupidity of the ones
in authority at Peking. A very short time before you arrived there came
a messenger in haste from those persons, clearly indicating that a legal
toll of sixteen taels was to be made on each printed paper setting forth
the time and manner of the examinations, although, as you may see, the
paper is undoubtedly marked, 'Persons are given notice that they are
defrauded of any sum which they may be induced to exchange for this
matter.' Furthermore, there is a legal toll of nine taels on all persons
who have previously been examined--"
"I am happily escaped from that," exclaimed Ling with some
satisfaction as the Mandarin paused.
"--and twelve taels on all who present themselves for the first time.
This is to be delivered over when the paper is purchased, so that you,
by reason of this unworthy proceeding at Peking, are required to
forward to that place, through this person, no less than thirty-two taels."
"It is a circumstance of considerable regret," replied Ling; "for had I
only reached Canton a day earlier, I should, it appears, have avoided
this evil."
"Undoubtedly it would have been so," replied the Mandarin, who had
become engrossed in exalted meditation. "However," he continued a
moment later, as he bowed to Ling with an accomplished smile, "it
would certainly be a more pleasant thought for a person of your refined
intelligence that had you delayed until to-morrow the insatiable persons
at Peking might be demanding twice the amount."
Pondering the deep wisdom of this remark, Ling took his departure; but
in spite of the most assiduous watchfulness he was unable to discern
any of the three obliging persons to whose efforts his success had been
due.
III
IT was very late when Ling again reached the small room which he had

selected as soon as he reached Canton, but without waiting for food or
sleep he made himself fully acquainted with the times of the
forthcoming examinations and the details of he circumstances
connected with them. With much satisfaction he found that he had still
a week in which to revive his intellect on the most difficult subjects.
Having become relieved on these points, Ling retired for a few hours'
sleep, but rose again very early, and gave the whole day with great
steadfastness to contemplation of the sacred classics Y-King, with the
exception of a short period spent in purchasing ink, brushes and
writing-leaves. The following day, having become mentally depressed
through witnessing unaccountable hordes of candidates thronging the
streets of Canton, Ling put aside his books, and passed the time in
visiting all the most celebrated tombs in the neighbourhood of the city.
Lightened in mind by this charitable and agreeable occupation, he
returned to his studies with a fixed resolution, nor did he again falter in
his purpose. On the evening of the examination, when he was sitting
alone, reading by the aid of a single light, as his custom was, a person
arrived to see him, at the same time manifesting a considerable
appearance