第009回 Chen Guangrui's Misfortune and the Birth of the Monk Xuanzang

第009回Chapter 9

話表陝西大國長安城，乃歷代帝王建都之地。The story tells of the great city of Chang'an in Shaanxi, the capital established by emperors through successive dynasties.自周、秦、漢以來，三州花似錦，八水繞城流，真個是名勝之邦。Ever since the Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties, its three provinces had bloomed like brocade, and its eight rivers encircled the city — truly a land of famed scenery.彼時是大唐太宗皇帝登基，改元貞觀，已登極十三年，歲在己巳，天下太平，八方進貢，四海稱臣。At this time it was the reign of Emperor Taizong of the great Tang, who upon ascending the throne had changed the era name to Zhenguan, and had now reigned for thirteen years. The year was jisi; the realm was at peace, tribute came from the eight directions, and all within the four seas proclaimed themselves his subjects.

话表陕西大国长安城，乃历代帝王建都之地。自周、秦、汉以来，三州花似锦，八水绕城流，真个是名胜之邦。彼时是大唐太宗皇帝登基，改元贞观，已登极十三年，岁在己巳，天下太平，八方进贡，四海称臣。

忽一日，太宗登位，聚集文武眾官，朝拜禮畢，有魏徵丞相出班奏道：「方今天下太平，八方寧靜，應依古法，開立選場，招取賢士，擢用人材，以資化理。」太宗道：「賢卿所奏有理。」就傳招賢文榜，頒布天下：各府州縣，不拘軍民人等，但有讀書儒流，文義明暢，三場精通者，前赴長安應試。One day, when Taizong took his seat on the throne and gathered his civil and military officials, and the ceremony of court homage was concluded, Chancellor Wei Zheng stepped from the ranks and memorialized: "Now that the realm is at peace and all quarters are tranquil, we should, in accordance with ancient practice, open an examination hall to recruit worthy scholars and promote men of talent, so as to aid in governance." Taizong said, "What my worthy minister proposes is sound." He then had a proclamation for recruiting the worthy issued and posted throughout the realm: in every prefecture, department, and county, regardless of military or civilian status, any scholar versed in the classics whose writing and reasoning were clear and accomplished, and who was thoroughly grounded in the three examination fields, should come to Chang'an to sit for the examination.

忽一日，太宗登位，聚集文武众官，朝拜礼毕，有魏征丞相出班奏道：「方今天下太平，八方宁静，应依古法，开立选场，招取贤士，擢用人材，以资化理。」太宗道：「贤卿所奏有理。」就传招贤文榜，颁布天下：各府州县，不拘军民人等，但有读书儒流，文义明畅，三场精通者，前赴长安应试。

此榜行至海州地方，有一人，姓陳名萼，表字光蕊，見了此榜，即時回家，對母張氏道：「朝廷頒下黃榜，詔開南省，考取賢才，孩兒意欲前去應試。This proclamation traveled as far as the region of Haizhou, where there lived a man surnamed Chen, given name E, styled Guangrui. Upon seeing the proclamation, he at once returned home and said to his mother, Lady Zhang: "The court has issued a yellow proclamation, opening the examinations of the Ministry of Rites to select worthy talents. Your son wishes to go and sit for the examination.倘得一官半職，顯親揚名，封妻蔭子，光耀門閭，乃兒之志也。Should I obtain even a minor office, to bring honor to my parents and renown to my name, to secure titles for my wife and privileges for my sons, and to glorify our household gate — that is my ambition.特此稟告母親前去。」張氏道：「我兒讀書人，『幼而學，壯而行』，正該如此。I especially wished to inform Mother before setting out." Lady Zhang said, "My son, as a man of learning, 'studies in youth so as to act in maturity' — this is exactly as it should be.但去赴舉，路上須要小心，得了官，早早回來。」But on your journey to the examination, you must be careful on the road, and once you have obtained office, come home as soon as you can."

此榜行至海州地方，有一人，姓陈名萼，表字光蕊，见了此榜，即时回家，对母张氏道：「朝廷颁下黄榜，诏开南省，考取贤才，孩儿意欲前去应试。倘得一官半职，显亲扬名，封妻荫子，光耀门闾，乃儿之志也。特此禀告母亲前去。」张氏道：「我儿读书人，『幼而学，壮而行』，正该如此。但去赴举，路上须要小心，得了官，早早回来。」

光蕊便吩咐家僮收拾行李，即拜辭母親，趲程前進。Guangrui then instructed his page to pack the luggage, at once took leave of his mother with a bow, and hastened on his way.到了長安，正值大開選場，光蕊就進場。When he reached Chang'an, it happened that the examination hall had just opened wide, and Guangrui entered to take the test.考畢，中選。When the examination was over, he passed and was selected.及廷試三策，唐王御筆親賜狀元，跨馬遊街三日。And when he presented his three essays at the palace examination, the Tang emperor with his own imperial brush bestowed on him the rank of Zhuangyuan, and he rode on horseback through the streets in parade for three days.

光蕊便吩咐家僮收拾行李，即拜辞母亲，趱程前进。到了长安，正值大开选场，光蕊就进场。考毕，中选。及廷试三策，唐王御笔亲赐状元，跨马游街三日。

不期遊到丞相殷開山門首，有丞相所生一女，名喚溫嬌，又名滿堂嬌，未曾婚配，正高結綵樓，拋打繡毬卜婿。By chance, as he paraded past the gate of Chancellor Yin Kaishan's residence, it happened that the chancellor had a daughter named Wenjiao, also called Mantang Jiao, not yet betrothed, who had just had a gaily decorated tower built and was casting an embroidered ball to choose a husband by chance.適值陳光蕊在樓下經過。Just then Chen Guangrui happened to be passing beneath the tower.小姐一見光蕊人材出眾，知是新科狀元，心內十分歡喜，就將繡毬拋下，恰打著光蕊的烏紗帽。The moment the young lady saw that Guangrui's bearing was outstanding, and knew he was the newly proclaimed Zhuangyuan, her heart was filled with joy, and she cast down the embroidered ball, which struck Guangrui's black gauze cap squarely.猛聽得一派笙簫細樂，十數個婢妾走下樓來，把光蕊馬頭挽住，迎狀元入相府成婚。At once a burst of pipes and flutes and fine music was heard, and a dozen or more maidservants came down from the tower, took hold of Guangrui's horse's bridle, and welcomed the Zhuangyuan into the chancellor's residence to be married.那丞相和夫人即時出堂，喚賓人贊禮，將小姐配與光蕊。The chancellor and his wife at once came out into the hall, called for the officiant to conduct the rites, and betrothed their daughter to Guangrui.拜了天地，夫妻交拜畢，又拜了岳丈、岳母。They bowed to Heaven and Earth, the bride and groom exchanged bows to complete the marriage rite, and then they bowed to the father-in-law and mother-in-law.丞相吩咐安排酒席，歡飲一宵。The chancellor ordered a banquet to be arranged, and they drank and made merry through the night.二人同攜素手，共入蘭房。The two, hand in hand, together entered the fragrant bridal chamber.

不期游到丞相殷开山门首，有丞相所生一女，名唤温娇，又名满堂娇，未曾婚配，正高结彩楼，抛打绣毬卜婿。适值陈光蕊在楼下经过。小姐一见光蕊人材出众，知是新科状元，心内十分欢喜，就将绣毬抛下，恰打著光蕊的乌纱帽。猛听得一派笙箫细乐，十数个婢妾走下楼来，把光蕊马头挽住，迎状元入相府成婚。那丞相和夫人即时出堂，唤宾人赞礼，将小姐配与光蕊。拜了天地，夫妻交拜毕，又拜了岳丈、岳母。丞相吩咐安排酒席，欢饮一宵。二人同携素手，共入兰房。

次日五更三點，太宗駕坐金鑾寶殿，文武眾臣趨朝。The next day, at the third quarter of the fifth watch, Taizong took his seat on the golden throne in the audience hall, and the civil and military officials hastened to court.太宗問道：「新科狀元陳光蕊應授何官？」魏徵丞相奏道：「臣查所屬州郡，有江州缺官，乞我主授他此職。」太宗就命為江州州主，即令收拾起身，勿誤限期。Taizong asked, "What office should be conferred upon the new Zhuangyuan Chen Guangrui?" Chancellor Wei Zheng memorialized: "Your servant finds that among the prefectures under our jurisdiction, Jiangzhou lacks an official; I beg Your Majesty to grant him this post." Taizong then appointed him governor of Jiangzhou, and ordered him to prepare to set out at once, so as not to miss the deadline.光蕊謝恩出朝，回到相府，與妻商議，拜辭岳丈、岳母，同妻前赴江州之任。Guangrui gave thanks for the imperial favor and left the court, returned to the chancellor's residence, discussed the matter with his wife, took leave of his father-in-law and mother-in-law with bows, and set off together with his wife to take up his post in Jiangzhou.離了長安登途。They left Chang'an and set out on the road.

次日五更三点，太宗驾坐金銮宝殿，文武众臣趋朝。太宗问道：「新科状元陈光蕊应授何官？」魏征丞相奏道：「臣查所属州郡，有江州缺官，乞我主授他此职。」太宗就命为江州州主，即令收拾起身，勿误限期。光蕊谢恩出朝，回到相府，与妻商议，拜辞岳丈、岳母，同妻前赴江州之任。离了长安登途。

正是暮春天氣，和風吹柳綠，細雨點花紅。It was just the season of late spring, when gentle breezes stirred the green willows and fine rain dotted the red blossoms.光蕊便道回家，同妻交拜母親張氏。Guangrui made a detour home, and together with his wife bowed in greeting to his mother, Lady Zhang.張氏道：「恭喜我兒，且又娶親回來。」光蕊道：「孩兒叨賴母親福庇，忝中狀元，欽賜遊街，經過丞相殷府門前，遇拋打繡毬適中，蒙丞相即將小姐招孩兒為婿。Lady Zhang said, "Congratulations, my son — and you have brought home a bride as well." Guangrui said, "Your son, relying upon Mother's blessing and protection, was unworthy to be granted first place, and was honored with a parade through the streets by imperial decree. Passing before Chancellor Yin's residence, I happened to be struck by the cast embroidered ball, and the chancellor thereupon took his daughter and gave her to your son in marriage.朝廷除孩兒為江州州主，今來接取母親，同去赴任。」張氏大喜，收拾行程。The court has appointed your son governor of Jiangzhou; I have now come to fetch Mother, that we may go together to take up the post." Lady Zhang was greatly pleased and prepared for the journey.

正是暮春天气，和风吹柳绿，细雨点花红。光蕊便道回家，同妻交拜母亲张氏。张氏道：「恭喜我儿，且又娶亲回来。」光蕊道：「孩儿叨赖母亲福庇，忝中状元，钦赐游街，经过丞相殷府门前，遇抛打绣毬适中，蒙丞相即将小姐招孩儿为婿。朝廷除孩儿为江州州主，今来接取母亲，同去赴任。」张氏大喜，收拾行程。

在路數日，前至萬花店劉小二家安下。After several days on the road, they arrived at the Wanhua Inn and lodged at the house of Liu Xiao'er.張氏身體忽然染病，與光蕊道：「我身上不安，且在店中調養兩日再去。」光蕊遵命。Lady Zhang's body suddenly fell ill, and she said to Guangrui, "I am unwell; let us stay at the inn and rest for a couple of days before going on." Guangrui obeyed.至次日早晨，見店門前有一人提著個金色鯉魚叫賣，光蕊即將一貫錢買了。The next morning, he saw before the inn gate a man hawking a golden carp for sale, and Guangrui at once bought it for a string of cash.欲待烹與母親吃，只見鯉魚閃閃䁪眼。He intended to have it cooked for his mother to eat, but he noticed the carp blinking its eyes.光蕊驚異道：「聞說魚蛇䁪眼，必不是等閑之物。」遂問漁人道：「這魚那裡打來的？」漁人道：「離府十五里洪江內打來的。」光蕊就把魚送在洪江裡去放了生，回店對母親道知此事。Guangrui, astonished, said, "I have heard that when fish or snakes blink their eyes, they are surely no ordinary creatures." He then asked the fisherman, "Where was this fish caught?" The fisherman said, "It was caught in the Hong River, fifteen li from the prefecture." Guangrui then took the fish and released it back into the Hong River to set it free, and returned to the inn to tell his mother of the matter.張氏道：「放生好事，我心甚喜。」光蕊道：「此店已住三日了，欽限緊急，孩兒意欲明日起身，不知母親身體好否？」張氏道：「我身子不快，此時路上炎熱，恐添疾病。Lady Zhang said, "Setting life free is a good deed; my heart rejoices at it." Guangrui said, "We have already lodged at this inn for three days. The imperial deadline is pressing, and your son wishes to set out tomorrow — I wonder whether Mother's health has improved?" Lady Zhang said, "My body is still not well, and the road at this time is scorching hot; I fear it would worsen my illness.你可這裡賃間房屋，與我暫住，付些盤纏在此。You may rent a room here for me to stay in for a while, and leave some travel funds with me.你兩口兒先上任去，候秋涼卻來接我。」光蕊與妻商議，就租了屋宇，付了盤纏與母親，同妻拜辭前去。You two go on ahead to the post, and wait until the cool of autumn to come and fetch me." Guangrui discussed this with his wife, then rented lodgings, left travel funds with his mother, and together with his wife took leave of her with bows and departed.

在路数日，前至万花店刘小二家安下。张氏身体忽然染病，与光蕊道：「我身上不安，且在店中调养两日再去。」光蕊遵命。至次日早晨，见店门前有一人提著个金色鲤鱼叫卖，光蕊即将一贯钱买了。欲待烹与母亲吃，只见鲤鱼闪闪𥇢眼。光蕊惊异道：「闻说鱼蛇𥇢眼，必不是等闲之物。」遂问渔人道：「这鱼那里打来的？」渔人道：「离府十五里洪江内打来的。」光蕊就把鱼送在洪江里去放了生，回店对母亲道知此事。张氏道：「放生好事，我心甚喜。」光蕊道：「此店已住三日了，钦限紧急，孩儿意欲明日起身，不知母亲身体好否？」张氏道：「我身子不快，此时路上炎热，恐添疾病。你可这里赁间房屋，与我暂住，付些盘缠在此。你两口儿先上任去，候秋凉却来接我。」光蕊与妻商议，就租了屋宇，付了盘缠与母亲，同妻拜辞前去。

途路艱苦，曉行夜宿，不覺已到洪江渡口。The journey was hard and arduous; they traveled by day and rested by night, and before long had reached the Hong River ferry crossing.只見梢子劉洪、李彪二人，撐船到岸迎接。There they saw two boatmen, Liu Hong and Li Biao, poling their boat to the bank to greet them.也是光蕊前生合當有此災難，撞著這冤家。It was also because, in a former life, Guangrui was fated to meet this calamity, that he crossed paths with these enemies.光蕊令家僮將行李搬上船去，夫妻正齊齊上船，那劉洪睜眼看見殷小姐面如滿月，眼似秋波，櫻桃小口，綠柳蠻腰，真個有沉魚落雁之容，閉月羞花之貌，陡起狼心。Guangrui had his page carry the luggage onto the boat, and just as husband and wife were boarding together, Liu Hong fixed his eyes on Lady Yin and saw that her face was like the full moon, her eyes like autumn ripples, her mouth small as a cherry, her waist slender as a willow — truly possessing the beauty that would make fish sink and geese fall, that would make the moon hide and flowers blush with shame — and a wolfish heart suddenly arose in him.遂與李彪設計，將船撐至沒人煙處。He then plotted together with Li Biao, and poled the boat to a place where no one lived.候至夜靜三更，先將家僮殺死，次將光蕊打死，把尸首都推在水裡去了。When they waited until the dead of night, the third watch, they first killed the page, then beat Guangrui to death, and pushed both corpses into the water.小姐見他打死了丈夫，也便將身赴水。When the young lady saw that they had beaten her husband to death, she too tried to throw herself into the water.劉洪一把抱住道：「你若從我，萬事皆休；Liu Hong seized her in his arms and said, "If you submit to me, all will be well;若不從時，一刀兩斷。」那小姐尋思無計，只得權時應承，順了劉洪。if you do not submit, it will be one stroke and the matter settled." The young lady, finding no way out, had no choice but to consent for the time being, and submitted to Liu Hong.那賊把船渡到南岸，將船付與李彪自管，他就穿了光蕊衣冠，帶了官憑，同小姐往江州上任去了。The villain poled the boat to the southern shore, left the boat in Li Biao's charge, and then put on Guangrui's official robe and cap, took the official credentials, and together with the young lady went on to take up the post in Jiangzhou.

途路艰苦，晓行夜宿，不觉已到洪江渡口。只见梢子刘洪、李彪二人，撑船到岸迎接。也是光蕊前生合当有此灾难，撞著这冤家。光蕊令家僮将行李搬上船去，夫妻正齐齐上船，那刘洪睁眼看见殷小姐面如满月，眼似秋波，樱桃小口，绿柳蛮腰，真个有沉鱼落雁之容，闭月羞花之貌，陡起狼心。遂与李彪设计，将船撑至没人烟处。候至夜静三更，先将家僮杀死，次将光蕊打死，把尸首都推在水里去了。小姐见他打死了丈夫，也便将身赴水。刘洪一把抱住道：「你若从我，万事皆休；若不从时，一刀两断。」那小姐寻思无计，只得权时应承，顺了刘洪。那贼把船渡到南岸，将船付与李彪自管，他就穿了光蕊衣冠，带了官凭，同小姐往江州上任去了。

卻說劉洪殺死的家僮屍首，順水流去。Now, as for the corpse of the page whom Liu Hong had killed — it drifted away with the current.惟有陳光蕊的屍首，沉在水底不動。But the corpse of Chen Guangrui alone sank to the bottom of the water and did not move.有洪江口巡海夜叉見了，星飛報入龍宮，正值龍王升殿，夜叉報道：「今洪江口不知甚人把一個讀書士子打死，將屍撇在水底。」龍王叫將屍擡來，放在面前，仔細一看道：「此人正是救我的恩人，如何被人謀死？A patrolling yaksha of the sea at the mouth of the Hong River spied it, and flew like a shooting star to report to the Dragon Palace. Just at that time the Dragon King was holding court, and the yaksha reported, "At the mouth of the Hong River, someone, we know not who, has beaten a scholar to death and cast his corpse into the bottom of the water." The Dragon King had the corpse brought and placed before him, and upon careful examination said, "This man is none other than the benefactor who saved me — how could he have been murdered?常言道：『恩將恩報。』我今日須索救他性命，以報日前之恩。」即寫下牒文一道，差夜叉徑往洪州城隍、土地處投下，要取秀才魂魄來，救他的性命。As the saying goes, 'Kindness must be repaid with kindness.' I must today save his life, to repay the kindness he showed me before." He then wrote out a dispatch and sent a yaksha directly to deliver it to the City God and the Earth God of Hongzhou, to fetch the soul of the scholar and save his life.城隍、土地遂喚小鬼把陳光蕊的魂魄交付與夜叉去。The City God and Earth God then summoned a minor spirit to hand over Chen Guangrui's soul to the yaksha.夜叉帶了魂魄到水晶宮，稟見了龍王。The yaksha took the soul to the Crystal Palace and reported to the Dragon King.

却说刘洪杀死的家僮尸首，顺水流去。惟有陈光蕊的尸首，沉在水底不动。有洪江口巡海夜叉见了，星飞报入龙宫，正值龙王升殿，夜叉报道：「今洪江口不知甚人把一个读书士子打死，将尸撇在水底。」龙王叫将尸抬来，放在面前，仔细一看道：「此人正是救我的恩人，如何被人谋死？常言道：『恩将恩报。』我今日须索救他性命，以报日前之恩。」即写下牒文一道，差夜叉径往洪州城隍、土地处投下，要取秀才魂魄来，救他的性命。城隍、土地遂唤小鬼把陈光蕊的魂魄交付与夜叉去。夜叉带了魂魄到水晶宫，禀见了龙王。

龍王問道：「你這秀才姓甚名誰？The Dragon King asked, "What is your surname and given name, scholar?何方人氏？From what place do you hail?因甚到此，被人打死？」光蕊施禮道：「小生陳萼，表字光蕊，係海州弘農縣人。And how did you come to be beaten to death here?" Guangrui bowed in courtesy and said, "This humble scholar is Chen E, styled Guangrui, a man of Hongnong County, Haizhou.忝中新科狀元，叨授江州州主，同妻赴任。I was unworthy to be named the new Zhuangyuan, and was granted the post of governor of Jiangzhou, and traveled there together with my wife.行至江邊上船，不料梢子劉洪貪謀我妻，將我打死拋屍。When we reached the riverbank and boarded the boat, I never expected that the boatman Liu Hong, coveting my wife, would beat me to death and cast away my corpse.乞大王救我一救。」龍王聞言道：「原來如此。I beg Your Majesty to save me, to save me." Hearing this, the Dragon King said, "So that is how it was.先生，你前者所放金色鯉魚，即我也。Sir, the golden carp you released before — that was none other than myself.你是救我的恩人，你今有難，我豈有不救你之理？」就把光蕊屍身安置一壁，口內含一顆定顏珠，休教損壞了，日後好還魂報仇。You are the benefactor who saved my life; now that you are in distress, how could I fail in my duty to save you?" He then had Guangrui's body placed to one side, with a pearl that preserves the countenance held in its mouth, so that it would not decay, in order that later it might have the soul restored and take revenge.又道：「汝今真魂，權且在我水府中做個都領。」光蕊叩頭拜謝，龍王設宴相待不題。He further said, "For now, let your true soul serve as a commander here in my watery realm." Guangrui kowtowed in gratitude, and the Dragon King held a banquet to entertain him — but no more of that for now.

龙王问道：「你这秀才姓甚名谁？何方人氏？因甚到此，被人打死？」光蕊施礼道：「小生陈萼，表字光蕊，系海州弘农县人。忝中新科状元，叨授江州州主，同妻赴任。行至江边上船，不料梢子刘洪贪谋我妻，将我打死抛尸。乞大王救我一救。」龙王闻言道：「原来如此。先生，你前者所放金色鲤鱼，即我也。你是救我的恩人，你今有难，我岂有不救你之理？」就把光蕊尸身安置一壁，口内含一颗定颜珠，休教损坏了，日后好还魂报仇。又道：「汝今真魂，权且在我水府中做个都领。」光蕊叩头拜谢，龙王设宴相待不题。

卻說殷小姐痛恨劉賊，恨不食肉寢皮。Now to speak of Lady Yin: she hated the villain Liu so bitterly she wished she could eat his flesh and sleep on his skin.只因身懷有孕，未知男女，萬不得已，權且勉強相從。But because she was with child, and did not yet know whether it would be a boy or a girl, she had no choice but to force herself to submit for the time being.轉盼之間，不覺已到江州。In the blink of an eye, before she knew it, they had reached Jiangzhou.吏書門皂，俱來迎接。The clerks and runners of the office all came out to greet them.所屬官員，公堂設宴相敘。The officials under his jurisdiction held a banquet in the public hall to welcome him.劉洪道：「學生到此，全賴諸公大力匡持。」屬官答道：「堂尊大魁高才，自然視民如子，訟簡刑清。Liu Hong said, "In coming here, this student relies entirely on the great support of you gentlemen." The subordinate officials replied, "Your Honor, with your great talent as top graduate, will naturally treat the people as your own children, and lawsuits will be few and punishments just.我等合屬有賴，何必過謙？」公宴已罷，眾人各散。We of this jurisdiction shall rely upon you — why be so overly modest?" When the official banquet ended, everyone dispersed.

却说殷小姐痛恨刘贼，恨不食肉寝皮。只因身怀有孕，未知男女，万不得已，权且勉强相从。转盼之间，不觉已到江州。吏书门皂，俱来迎接。所属官员，公堂设宴相叙。刘洪道：「学生到此，全赖诸公大力匡持。」属官答道：「堂尊大魁高才，自然视民如子，讼简刑清。我等合属有赖，何必过谦？」公宴已罢，众人各散。

光陰迅速。Time passed swiftly.一日，劉洪公事遠出。One day, Liu Hong went far off on official business.小姐在衙思念婆婆、丈夫，在花亭上感嘆。The young lady, in the yamen, thinking of her mother-in-law and her husband, sighed with feeling in the flower pavilion.忽然身體困倦，腹內疼痛，暈悶在地，不覺生下一子。Suddenly her body grew weary and her belly ached, and she fainted to the ground in a swoon, and before she knew it had given birth to a son.耳邊有人囑曰：「滿堂嬌，聽吾叮囑：吾乃南極星君，奉觀音菩薩法旨，特送此子與你。A voice by her ear admonished her: "Mantang Jiao, listen to my instruction: I am the Star Lord of the South Pole, and by the decree of Bodhisattva Guanyin I have specially brought this child to you.異日聲名遠大，非比等閑。In time to come his fame and reputation will be great and far-reaching, no ordinary thing.劉賊若回，必害此子，汝可用心保護。If the villain Liu returns, he will surely harm this child; you must guard him with care.汝夫已得龍王相救，日後夫妻相會，子母團圓，雪冤報仇有日也。Your husband has already been saved by the Dragon King, and in days to come husband and wife will meet again, mother and child will be reunited, and the day will come when your wrong is redressed and your enemy repaid.謹記吾言。Remember well my words.快醒，快醒。」言訖而去。Wake quickly, wake quickly." Having spoken, the voice departed.

光阴迅速。一日，刘洪公事远出。小姐在衙思念婆婆、丈夫，在花亭上感叹。忽然身体困倦，腹内疼痛，晕闷在地，不觉生下一子。耳边有人嘱曰：「满堂娇，听吾叮嘱：吾乃南极星君，奉观音菩萨法旨，特送此子与你。异日声名远大，非比等闲。刘贼若回，必害此子，汝可用心保护。汝夫已得龙王相救，日后夫妻相会，子母团圆，雪冤报仇有日也。谨记吾言。快醒，快醒。」言讫而去。

小姐醒來，句句記得，將子抱定，無計可施。The young lady awoke, remembering every word, and holding her son close, could think of no plan.忽然劉洪回來，一見此子，便要淹殺。Suddenly Liu Hong returned, and the moment he saw the child, he wished to drown him.小姐道：「今日天色已晚，容待明日拋去江中。」幸喜次早劉洪忽有緊急公事遠出。The young lady said, "Today it is already growing dark; let us wait until tomorrow to cast him into the river." Fortunately, early the next morning Liu Hong suddenly had urgent official business and went far away.小姐暗思：「此子若待賊人回來，性命休矣。The young lady thought to herself in secret: "If this child waits until the villain returns, his life will be finished.不如及早拋棄江中，聽其生死。Better to cast him into the river early, and let his life or death be as fate decides.倘或皇天見憐，有人救得，收養此子，他日還得相逢。」但恐難以識認，即咬破手指，寫下血書一紙，將父母姓名、跟腳緣由，備細開載；If by chance merciful Heaven should pity him, and someone should save and raise him, then someday we may yet meet again." But fearing there would be no way to identify him later, she bit her finger and wrote out a letter in blood, setting down in full detail the names of his father and mother, and the circumstances of his origin;又將此子左腳上一個小指，用口咬下，以為記驗。and she also took the little toe of the child's left foot and bit it off with her mouth, to serve as a mark of proof.取貼身汗衫一件，包裹此子，乘空抱出衙門。She took a close-worn undershirt to wrap the child in, and, seizing a moment alone, carried him out of the yamen gate.幸喜官衙離江不遠。Fortunately the government office was not far from the river.小姐到了江邊，大哭一場。The young lady reached the riverbank and wept bitterly for a long while.正欲拋棄，忽見江岸岸側飄起一片木板，小姐即朝天拜禱，將此子安在板上，用帶縛住，血書繫在胸前，推放江中，聽其所之。Just as she was about to cast him in, she suddenly saw a plank of wood floating by the riverside; the young lady at once bowed and prayed to Heaven, laid the child upon the plank, bound him fast with a sash, tied the letter of blood to his chest, and pushed him out into the river, letting him go wherever the current might take him.小姐含淚回衙不題。The young lady returned to the yamen in tears — but no more of that for now.

小姐醒来，句句记得，将子抱定，无计可施。忽然刘洪回来，一见此子，便要淹杀。小姐道：「今日天色已晚，容待明日抛去江中。」幸喜次早刘洪忽有紧急公事远出。小姐暗思：「此子若待贼人回来，性命休矣。不如及早抛弃江中，听其生死。倘或皇天见怜，有人救得，收养此子，他日还得相逢。」但恐难以识认，即咬破手指，写下血书一纸，将父母姓名、跟脚缘由，备细开载；又将此子左脚上一个小指，用口咬下，以为记验。取贴身汗衫一件，包裹此子，乘空抱出衙门。幸喜官衙离江不远。小姐到了江边，大哭一场。正欲抛弃，忽见江岸岸侧飘起一片木板，小姐即朝天拜祷，将此子安在板上，用带缚住，血书系在胸前，推放江中，听其所之。小姐含泪回衙不题。

卻說此子在木板上順水流去，一直流到金山寺腳下停住。Now to speak of the child: he drifted with the current upon the plank of wood, and floated all the way until he came to rest at the foot of Jinshan Temple.那金山寺長老叫做法明和尚，修真悟道，已得無生妙訣。The abbot of Jinshan Temple was a monk called Faming, who had cultivated the truth and awakened to the Way, and had already attained the wondrous secret of no-birth.正當打坐參禪，忽聞得小兒啼哭之聲，一時心動，急到江邊觀看，只見涯邊一片木板上，睡著一個嬰兒。He was just then sitting in meditation, contemplating Chan, when suddenly he heard the sound of an infant crying; his heart was moved, and he hurried to the riverbank to look, and there upon a plank of wood by the water's edge he saw a sleeping infant.長老慌忙救起，見了懷中血書，方知來歷。The abbot hastily rescued him, and upon seeing the letter of blood in his bosom, learned of his origin.取個乳名，叫做江流，託人撫養。He gave him the childhood name Jiangliu, "River Float," and entrusted him to others to raise.血書緊緊收藏。He kept the letter of blood carefully hidden away.

却说此子在木板上顺水流去，一直流到金山寺脚下停住。那金山寺长老叫做法明和尚，修真悟道，已得无生妙诀。正当打坐参禅，忽闻得小儿啼哭之声，一时心动，急到江边观看，只见涯边一片木板上，睡著一个婴儿。长老慌忙救起，见了怀中血书，方知来历。取个乳名，叫做江流，托人抚养。血书紧紧收藏。

光陰似箭，日月如梭。Time flew like an arrow, and days and months sped by like a shuttle.不覺江流年長一十八歲。Before long, Jiangliu had grown to the age of eighteen.長老就叫他削髮修行，取法名為玄奘，摩頂受戒，堅心修道。The abbot then had him shave his head and take up religious practice, giving him the Dharma name Xuanzang; he had his crown anointed and received the precepts, and firmly set his heart on cultivating the Way.

光阴似箭，日月如梭。不觉江流年长一十八岁。长老就叫他削发修行，取法名为玄奘，摩顶受戒，坚心修道。

一日，暮春天氣，眾人同在松陰之下講經參禪，談說奧妙，那酒肉和尚恰被玄奘難倒。One day, in the season of late spring, all were together beneath the shade of the pines expounding the sutras and contemplating Chan, discoursing on profound mysteries, when a wine-and-meat-eating monk happened to be bested in argument by Xuanzang.和尚大怒，罵道：「你這業畜，姓名也不知，父母也不識，還在此搗甚麼鬼？」玄奘被他罵出這般言語，入寺跪告師父，眼淚雙流道：「人生於天地之間，稟陰陽而資五行，盡由父生母養，豈有為人在世而無父母者乎？」再三哀告，求問父母姓名。The monk grew furious and cursed him, saying, "You wretched beast, you don't even know your own surname and name, you don't even recognize your own father and mother — what devilry are you stirring up here?" Having been cursed with such words, Xuanzang went into the temple and knelt before his master, tears streaming from his eyes, and said, "A person born between Heaven and Earth receives yin and yang and draws upon the five elements, and is entirely brought into being by a father and nurtured by a mother — how could there be a person living in this world without father or mother?" He pleaded again and again, begging to be told his parents' names.長老道：「你真個要尋父母，可隨我到方丈裡來。」玄奘就跟到方丈。The abbot said, "If you truly wish to seek your parents, follow me to the abbot's chamber." Xuanzang then followed him to the abbot's chamber.長老到重梁之上，取下一個小匣兒，打開來，取出血書一紙、汗衫一件，付與玄奘。The abbot went up to the crossbeam, took down a small box, opened it, and took out a letter written in blood and an undershirt, and handed them to Xuanzang.玄奘將血書拆開讀之，才備細曉得父母姓名，並冤仇事跡。Xuanzang opened the letter of blood and read it, and only then learned in full detail his parents' names, and the story of the wrong and enmity done to them.

一日，暮春天气，众人同在松阴之下讲经参禅，谈说奥妙，那酒肉和尚恰被玄奘难倒。和尚大怒，骂道：「你这业畜，姓名也不知，父母也不识，还在此捣甚么鬼？」玄奘被他骂出这般言语，入寺跪告师父，眼泪双流道：「人生于天地之间，禀阴阳而资五行，尽由父生母养，岂有为人在世而无父母者乎？」再三哀告，求问父母姓名。长老道：「你真个要寻父母，可随我到方丈里来。」玄奘就跟到方丈。长老到重梁之上，取下一个小匣儿，打开来，取出血书一纸、汗衫一件，付与玄奘。玄奘将血书拆开读之，才备细晓得父母姓名，并冤仇事迹。

玄奘讀罷，不覺哭倒在地道：「父母之仇，不能報復，何以為人？When Xuanzang finished reading, he could not help but collapse to the ground weeping, saying, "If I cannot avenge the wrong done to my father and mother, how can I call myself a person?十八年來，不識生身父母，至今日方知有母親。For eighteen years I have not known my own birth parents, and only today have I learned I have a mother.此身若非師父撈救撫養，安有今日？If this body of mine had not been rescued and raised by my master, how could I have this day?容弟子去尋見母親，然後頭頂香盆，重建殿宇，報答師父之深恩也。」師父道：「你要去尋母，可帶這血書與汗衫前去。Allow your disciple to go and seek out my mother, and afterward I shall carry the incense basin upon my head and rebuild the temple halls, to repay my master's profound kindness." The master said, "If you wish to go and seek your mother, take this letter of blood and the undershirt with you.只做化緣，徑往江州私衙，才得你母親相見。」Go only as a monk soliciting alms, and go straight to the private residence at Jiangzhou — only then will you be able to meet your mother."

玄奘读罢，不觉哭倒在地道：「父母之仇，不能报复，何以为人？十八年来，不识生身父母，至今日方知有母亲。此身若非师父捞救抚养，安有今日？容弟子去寻见母亲，然后头顶香盆，重建殿宇，报答师父之深恩也。」师父道：「你要去寻母，可带这血书与汗衫前去。只做化缘，径往江州私衙，才得你母亲相见。」

玄奘領了師父言語，就做化緣的和尚，徑至江州。Xuanzang, having received his master's instructions, went as a mendicant monk soliciting alms straight to Jiangzhou.適值劉洪有事出外，也是天叫他母子相會，玄奘就直至私衙門口抄化。It happened that Liu Hong was away from home on business — this too was Heaven's arrangement for mother and son to meet — and Xuanzang went directly to the gate of the private residence to solicit alms.那殷小姐原來夜間得了一夢，夢見月缺再圓，暗想道：「我婆婆不知音信；Now, Lady Yin had that very night had a dream, in which she dreamed the waning moon grew full again, and she thought to herself in secret: "I have had no word of my mother-in-law;我丈夫被這賊謀殺；my husband was murdered by that villain;我的兒子拋在江中，倘若有人收養，算來有十八歲矣，或今日天教相會，亦未可知。」正沉吟間，忽聽私衙前有人念經，連叫「抄化」，小姐又乘便出來問道：「你是何處來的？」玄奘答道：「貧僧乃是金山寺法明長老的徒弟。」小姐道：「你既是金山寺長老的徒弟……」叫進衙來，將齋飯與玄奘吃。my son I cast into the river — if by chance someone took him in and raised him, by now he would be reckoned eighteen years old, and perhaps today Heaven means for us to meet — who can say." Just as she was lost in such thoughts, she suddenly heard someone reciting sutras before the private residence, repeatedly calling out "alms, alms," and the young lady, taking the opportunity, came out and asked, "Where do you come from?" Xuanzang answered, "This poor monk is a disciple of Abbot Faming of Jinshan Temple." The young lady said, "Since you are a disciple of the abbot of Jinshan Temple..." and called him into the residence, and gave Xuanzang a vegetarian meal to eat.仔細看他舉止言談，好似與丈夫一般。Watching closely his bearing and manner of speech, she found he seemed remarkably like her husband.

玄奘领了师父言语，就做化缘的和尚，径至江州。适值刘洪有事出外，也是天叫他母子相会，玄奘就直至私衙门口抄化。那殷小姐原来夜间得了一梦，梦见月缺再圆，暗想道：「我婆婆不知音信；我丈夫被这贼谋杀；我的儿子抛在江中，倘若有人收养，算来有十八岁矣，或今日天教相会，亦未可知。」正沉吟间，忽听私衙前有人念经，连叫「抄化」，小姐又乘便出来问道：「你是何处来的？」玄奘答道：「贫僧乃是金山寺法明长老的徒弟。」小姐道：「你既是金山寺长老的徒弟……」叫进衙来，将斋饭与玄奘吃。仔细看他举止言谈，好似与丈夫一般。

小姐將從婢打發開去，問道：「你這小師父，還是自幼出家的，還是中年出家的？The young lady sent her attendant maids away, and asked, "Little master, did you leave home to become a monk in your childhood, or did you become a monk in middle age?姓甚名誰？What is your surname and given name?可有父母否？」玄奘答道：「我也不是自幼出家，我也不是中年出家，我說起來，冤有天來大，仇有海樣深：我父被人謀死，我母卻被賊人占了。Do you have parents?" Xuanzang answered, "I did not become a monk in my childhood, nor did I become a monk in middle age. If I were to tell it, my wrong is as vast as Heaven, and my enmity as deep as the sea: my father was murdered by another, and my mother was seized by the villain.我師父法明長老教我在江州衙內尋取母親。」小姐問道：「你母姓甚？」玄奘道：「我母姓殷，名喚溫嬌。My master, Abbot Faming, told me to come seek my mother within the yamen of Jiangzhou." The young lady asked, "What is your mother's surname?" Xuanzang said, "My mother's surname is Yin, and her given name is Wenjiao.我父姓陳，名光蕊。My father's surname is Chen, his given name Guangrui.我小名叫做江流，法名取為玄奘。」小姐道：「溫嬌就是我。My childhood name is Jiangliu, and my Buddhist name is Xuanzang." The young lady said, "Wenjiao is indeed me.但你今有何憑據？」玄奘聽說是他母親，雙膝跪下，哀哀大哭：「我娘若不信，見有血書、汗衫為證。」溫嬌取過一看，果然是真，母子相抱而哭。But what proof do you have now?" Hearing that she was his mother, Xuanzang fell to his knees and wept bitterly, saying, "If my mother does not believe me, there is the letter written in blood and the undershirt as proof." Wenjiao took them and looked, and indeed they were genuine; mother and son embraced and wept.就叫：「我兒快去。」玄奘道：「十八年不識生身父母，今朝才見母親，教孩兒如何割捨？」小姐道：「我兒，你火速抽身前去。She then said, "My son, go quickly." Xuanzang said, "For eighteen years I did not know my birth parents, and only today have I seen my mother — how could your child bear to part from her?" The young lady said, "My son, you must slip away at once.劉賊若回，他必害你性命。If the bandit Liu returns, he will surely take your life.我明日假裝一病，只說先年曾許捨百雙僧鞋，來你寺中還願。Tomorrow I will feign illness, and say that in years past I made a vow to donate a hundred pairs of monk's shoes, and will come to your temple to fulfill the vow.那時節，我有話與你說。」玄奘依言拜別。At that time, I will have more to tell you." Xuanzang, following her words, bowed and took his leave.

小姐将从婢打发开去，问道：「你这小师父，还是自幼出家的，还是中年出家的？姓甚名谁？可有父母否？」玄奘答道：「我也不是自幼出家，我也不是中年出家，我说起来，冤有天来大，仇有海样深：我父被人谋死，我母却被贼人占了。我师父法明长老教我在江州衙内寻取母亲。」小姐问道：「你母姓甚？」玄奘道：「我母姓殷，名唤温娇。我父姓陈，名光蕊。我小名叫做江流，法名取为玄奘。」小姐道：「温娇就是我。但你今有何凭据？」玄奘听说是他母亲，双膝跪下，哀哀大哭：「我娘若不信，见有血书、汗衫为证。」温娇取过一看，果然是真，母子相抱而哭。就叫：「我儿快去。」玄奘道：「十八年不识生身父母，今朝才见母亲，教孩儿如何割舍？」小姐道：「我儿，你火速抽身前去。刘贼若回，他必害你性命。我明日假装一病，只说先年曾许舍百双僧鞋，来你寺中还愿。那时节，我有话与你说。」玄奘依言拜别。

卻說小姐自見兒子之後，心內一憂一喜。Now, ever since the young lady had seen her son, her heart was torn between worry and joy.忽一日推病，茶飯不吃，臥於床上。One day, she suddenly feigned illness, refusing tea and rice, and lay in bed.劉洪歸衙，問其原故。When Liu Hong returned to the yamen, he asked the reason.小姐道：「我幼時曾許下一願，許捨僧鞋一百雙。The young lady said, "When I was young I once made a vow, promising to donate a hundred pairs of monk's shoes.昨五日之前，夢見個和尚手執利刃，要索僧鞋，便覺身子不快。」劉洪道：「這些小事，何不早說？」隨升堂，吩咐王左衙、李右衙：江州城內百姓，每家要辦僧鞋一雙，限五日內完納。Five days ago, I dreamed of a monk holding a sharp blade demanding the monk's shoes, and ever since I have felt unwell." Liu Hong said, "Such a small matter — why did you not tell me sooner?" He then went up to the hall and ordered Wang Zuoya and Li Youya: every household within the city of Jiangzhou was to prepare one pair of monk's shoes, to be delivered within five days.百姓俱依派完納訖。The common people all complied and delivered them as ordered.小姐對劉洪道：「僧鞋做完，這裡有甚麼寺院，好去還願？」劉洪道：「這江州有個金山寺、焦山寺，聽你在那個寺裡去。」小姐道：「久聞金山寺好個寺院，我就往金山寺去。」劉洪即喚王、李二衙辦下船隻。The young lady said to Liu Hong, "Now that the shoes are made, what temples are there here where I might go to fulfill my vow?" Liu Hong said, "Here in Jiangzhou there are Jinshan Temple and Jiaoshan Temple; you may choose whichever one to go to." The young lady said, "I have long heard that Jinshan Temple is a fine temple; I will go to Jinshan Temple." Liu Hong at once summoned Wang and Li, the two officers, to prepare a boat.小姐帶了心腹人，同上了船，梢子將船撐開，就投金山寺去。The young lady took her trusted attendants and together boarded the boat; the boatman pushed off, heading straight for Jinshan Temple.

却说小姐自见儿子之后，心内一忧一喜。忽一日推病，茶饭不吃，卧于床上。刘洪归衙，问其原故。小姐道：「我幼时曾许下一愿，许舍僧鞋一百双。昨五日之前，梦见个和尚手执利刃，要索僧鞋，便觉身子不快。」刘洪道：「这些小事，何不早说？」随升堂，吩咐王左衙、李右衙：江州城内百姓，每家要办僧鞋一双，限五日内完纳。百姓俱依派完纳讫。小姐对刘洪道：「僧鞋做完，这里有甚么寺院，好去还愿？」刘洪道：「这江州有个金山寺、焦山寺，听你在那个寺里去。」小姐道：「久闻金山寺好个寺院，我就往金山寺去。」刘洪即唤王、李二衙办下船只。小姐带了心腹人，同上了船，梢子将船撑开，就投金山寺去。

卻說玄奘回寺，見法明長老，把前項說了一遍。Now, Xuanzang returned to the temple, and upon seeing Elder Faming, related everything that had happened.長老甚喜。The elder was greatly pleased.次日，只見一個丫鬟先到，說夫人來寺還願。The next day, a maidservant arrived first, announcing that the lady was coming to the temple to fulfill her vow.眾僧都出寺迎接。All the monks came out of the temple to welcome her.小姐徑進寺門，參了菩薩，大設齋襯。The young lady went straight in through the temple gate, paid homage to the Bodhisattva, and made a lavish offering of vegetarian food and alms.喚丫鬟將僧鞋暑襪托於盤內，來到法堂，小姐復拈心香禮拜，就教法明長老分俵與眾僧去訖。She called the maidservant to lay the monk's shoes and summer socks on a tray and bring them to the Dharma Hall, where the young lady again lit incense with a devout heart and bowed in worship, then had Elder Faming distribute them among all the monks.玄奘見眾僧散了，法堂上更無一人，他卻近前跪下。When Xuanzang saw that the monks had all dispersed and no one else remained in the Dharma Hall, he stepped forward and knelt down.小姐叫他脫了鞋襪看時，那左腳上果然少了一個小指頭。The young lady told him to take off his shoe and sock so she could look, and indeed the little toe was missing from his left foot.當時兩個又抱住而哭，拜謝長老養育之恩。At that moment the two embraced and wept again, and bowed in thanks to the elder for the kindness of raising him.法明道：「汝今母子相會，恐奸賊知之，可速速抽身回去，庶免其禍。」小姐道：「我兒，我與你一隻香環，你徑到洪州西北地方，約有一千五百里之程，那裡有個萬花店，當時留下婆婆張氏在那裡，是你父親生身之母。Faming said, "Now that mother and son have met, I fear the treacherous villain may find out — you had best withdraw and go back at once, so as to avoid disaster." The young lady said, "My son, I will give you an incense ring; you must go straight to a place northwest of Hongzhou, about fifteen hundred li away, where there is a place called Wanhua Inn. There I once left behind an old woman named Zhang, your father's birth mother, your own grandmother.我再寫一封書與你，徑到唐王皇城之內，金殿左邊，殷開山丞相家，是你母生身之父母。I will also write you a letter; go straight into the imperial city of the Tang emperor, to the left of the Golden Hall, to the house of Chancellor Yin Kaishan — he is your mother's own father.你將我的書遞與外公，叫外公奏上唐王，統領人馬，擒殺此賊，與父報仇，那時才救得老娘的身子出來。Take my letter and give it to your grandfather, and ask him to memorialize the Tang emperor, to lead troops to capture and kill this bandit, and avenge your father — only then can your old mother's body be rescued.我今不敢久停，誠恐賊漢怪我歸遲。」便出寺登舟而去。I dare not linger long now, for I truly fear the villain will be suspicious if I return late." She then left the temple, boarded the boat, and departed.

却说玄奘回寺，见法明长老，把前项说了一遍。长老甚喜。次日，只见一个丫鬟先到，说夫人来寺还愿。众僧都出寺迎接。小姐径进寺门，参了菩萨，大设斋衬。唤丫鬟将僧鞋暑袜托于盘内，来到法堂，小姐复拈心香礼拜，就教法明长老分俵与众僧去讫。玄奘见众僧散了，法堂上更无一人，他却近前跪下。小姐叫他脱了鞋袜看时，那左脚上果然少了一个小指头。当时两个又抱住而哭，拜谢长老养育之恩。法明道：「汝今母子相会，恐奸贼知之，可速速抽身回去，庶免其祸。」小姐道：「我儿，我与你一只香环，你径到洪州西北地方，约有一千五百里之程，那里有个万花店，当时留下婆婆张氏在那里，是你父亲生身之母。我再写一封书与你，径到唐王皇城之内，金殿左边，殷开山丞相家，是你母生身之父母。你将我的书递与外公，叫外公奏上唐王，统领人马，擒杀此贼，与父报仇，那时才救得老娘的身子出来。我今不敢久停，诚恐贼汉怪我归迟。」便出寺登舟而去。

玄奘哭回寺中，告過師父，即時拜別，徑往洪州。Weeping, Xuanzang returned to the temple, reported everything to his master, and at once took his leave, heading straight for Hongzhou.來到萬花店，問那店主劉小二道：「昔年江州陳客官有一母親住在你店中，如今好麼？」劉小二道：「他原在我店中。Arriving at Wanhua Inn, he asked the innkeeper Liu Xiao'er, "In years past, a traveler Master Chen of Jiangzhou had a mother staying at your inn — how is she now?" Liu Xiao'er said, "She was indeed staying at my inn.後來昏了眼，三四年並無店租還我。Afterward she went blind, and for three or four years she has paid me no rent at all.如今在南門頭一個破瓦窰裡，每日上街叫化度日。Now she lives in a broken tile kiln by the south gate, going out into the streets each day to beg for her living.那客官一去許久，到如今杳無信息，不知為何。」玄奘聽罷，即時問到南門頭破瓦窰，尋著婆婆。That traveler has been gone so long now, with no news at all to this day — I don't know why." Having heard this, Xuanzang went at once to ask his way to the broken tile kiln by the south gate, and found the old woman there.婆婆道：「你聲音好似我兒陳光蕊。」玄奘道：「我不是陳光蕊，我是陳光蕊的兒子。The old woman said, "Your voice sounds just like my son Chen Guangrui's." Xuanzang said, "I am not Chen Guangrui — I am Chen Guangrui's son.溫嬌小姐是我的娘。」婆婆道：「你爹娘怎麼不來？」玄奘道：「我爹爹被強盜打死了，我娘被強盜霸占為妻。」婆婆道：「你怎麼曉得來尋我？」玄奘道：「是我娘著我來尋婆婆。Young Lady Wenjiao is my mother." The old woman said, "Why haven't your father and mother come themselves?" Xuanzang said, "My father was beaten to death by bandits, and my mother was seized by a bandit to be his wife." The old woman said, "How did you know to come and find me?" Xuanzang said, "It was my mother who sent me to find you, grandmother.我娘有書在此，又有香環一隻。」那婆婆接了書並香環，放聲痛哭道：「我兒為功名到此，我只道他背義忘恩，那知他被人謀死。My mother has sent a letter, which is here, along with an incense ring." The old woman took the letter and the incense ring, and broke into loud, anguished weeping, saying, "My son came here to pursue an official career, and I only thought he had forsaken loyalty and forgotten kindness — who could have known he was murdered!且喜得皇天憐念，不絕我兒之後，今日還有孫子來尋我。」玄奘問：「婆婆的眼，如何都昏了？」婆婆道：「我因思量你父親，終日懸望，不見他來，因此上哭得兩眼都昏了。」Yet I am glad that merciful Heaven took pity and did not let my son's line end — today his grandson has come to find me." Xuanzang asked, "Grandmother, how did your eyes both go blind?" The old woman said, "It was because I longed for your father day after day, hoping to see him come, and never did — from weeping so much both my eyes went blind."

玄奘哭回寺中，告过师父，即时拜别，径往洪州。来到万花店，问那店主刘小二道：「昔年江州陈客官有一母亲住在你店中，如今好么？」刘小二道：「他原在我店中。后来昏了眼，三四年并无店租还我。如今在南门头一个破瓦窰里，每日上街叫化度日。那客官一去许久，到如今杳无信息，不知为何。」玄奘听罢，即时问到南门头破瓦窰，寻著婆婆。婆婆道：「你声音好似我儿陈光蕊。」玄奘道：「我不是陈光蕊，我是陈光蕊的儿子。温娇小姐是我的娘。」婆婆道：「你爹娘怎么不来？」玄奘道：「我爹爹被强盗打死了，我娘被强盗霸占为妻。」婆婆道：「你怎么晓得来寻我？」玄奘道：「是我娘著我来寻婆婆。我娘有书在此，又有香环一只。」那婆婆接了书并香环，放声痛哭道：「我儿为功名到此，我只道他背义忘恩，那知他被人谋死。且喜得皇天怜念，不绝我儿之后，今日还有孙子来寻我。」玄奘问：「婆婆的眼，如何都昏了？」婆婆道：「我因思量你父亲，终日悬望，不见他来，因此上哭得两眼都昏了。」

玄奘便跪倒向天禱告道：「今玄奘一十八歲，父母之仇不能報復。Xuanzang then knelt down and prayed to Heaven, saying, "Now Xuanzang is eighteen years old, and has not yet been able to avenge his parents.今日領母命來尋婆婆，天若憐鑒弟子誠意，保我婆婆雙眼復明。」祝罷，就將舌尖與婆婆舔眼。Today, obeying my mother's command, I have come to find my grandmother. If Heaven takes pity and sees this disciple's sincerity, let it restore my grandmother's sight in both eyes." When he finished praying, he licked his grandmother's eyes with the tip of his tongue.須臾之間，雙眼舔開，仍復如初。In a moment, both eyes opened under his tongue, restored just as before.婆婆覷了小和尚道：「你果是我的孫子，恰和我兒子光蕊形容無二。」婆婆又喜又悲。The old woman gazed at the young monk and said, "You truly are my grandson — your looks are exactly like my son Guangrui's, without any difference." The old woman was both joyful and sorrowful.玄奘就領婆婆出了窰門，還到劉小二店內。Xuanzang then led his grandmother out of the kiln and back to Liu Xiao'er's inn.將些房錢賃屋一間，與婆婆棲身。He paid some rent to lease a room for his grandmother to live in.又將盤纏與婆婆道：「我此去，只月餘就回。」He also gave his grandmother travel money, saying, "I am going now, and will return within just over a month."

玄奘便跪倒向天祷告道：「今玄奘一十八岁，父母之仇不能报复。今日领母命来寻婆婆，天若怜鉴弟子诚意，保我婆婆双眼复明。」祝罢，就将舌尖与婆婆舔眼。须臾之间，双眼舔开，仍复如初。婆婆觑了小和尚道：「你果是我的孙子，恰和我儿子光蕊形容无二。」婆婆又喜又悲。玄奘就领婆婆出了窰门，还到刘小二店内。将些房钱赁屋一间，与婆婆栖身。又将盘缠与婆婆道：「我此去，只月余就回。」

隨即辭了婆婆，徑往京城。He then took his leave of his grandmother and went straight to the capital.尋到皇城東街殷丞相府上，與門上人道：「小僧是親戚，來探相公。」門上人稟知丞相，丞相道：「我與和尚並無親眷。」夫人道：「我昨夜夢見我女兒滿堂嬌來家，莫不是女婿有書信回來也？」丞相便教請小和尚來到廳上。He found his way to Chancellor Yin's mansion on East Street of the imperial city, and said to the gatekeeper, "This poor monk is a relative, come to visit the lord chancellor." The gatekeeper reported this to the chancellor, who said, "I have no monk among my relatives." The lady said, "Last night I dreamed my daughter Mantangjiao came home — could it be that my son-in-law has sent a letter back?" The chancellor then had the young monk brought in to the hall.小和尚見了丞相與夫人，哭拜在地，就懷中取出一封書來，遞與丞相。When the young monk saw the chancellor and his lady, he wept and bowed to the ground, then took a letter from inside his robe and handed it to the chancellor.丞相拆開，從頭讀罷，放聲痛哭。The chancellor opened it, and having read it through from the beginning, broke into loud weeping.夫人問道：「相公，有何事故？」丞相道：「這和尚是我與你的外孫。The lady asked, "My lord, what has happened?" The chancellor said, "This monk is our grandson.女婿陳光蕊被賊謀死，滿堂嬌被賊強占為妻。」夫人聽罷，亦痛哭不止。Our son-in-law Chen Guangrui was murdered by a bandit, and Mantangjiao was seized by the bandit to be his wife." When the lady heard this, she too wept without end.丞相道：「夫人休得煩惱，來朝奏知主上，親自統兵，定要與女婿報仇。」The chancellor said, "My lady, do not grieve. Tomorrow at court I will report this to His Majesty, and personally lead troops — I am determined to avenge our son-in-law."

随即辞了婆婆，径往京城。寻到皇城东街殷丞相府上，与门上人道：「小僧是亲戚，来探相公。」门上人禀知丞相，丞相道：「我与和尚并无亲眷。」夫人道：「我昨夜梦见我女儿满堂娇来家，莫不是女婿有书信回来也？」丞相便教请小和尚来到厅上。小和尚见了丞相与夫人，哭拜在地，就怀中取出一封书来，递与丞相。丞相拆开，从头读罢，放声痛哭。夫人问道：「相公，有何事故？」丞相道：「这和尚是我与你的外孙。女婿陈光蕊被贼谋死，满堂娇被贼强占为妻。」夫人听罢，亦痛哭不止。丞相道：「夫人休得烦恼，来朝奏知主上，亲自统兵，定要与女婿报仇。」

次日，丞相入朝，啟奏唐王曰：「今有臣婿狀元陳光蕊，帶領家小江州赴任，被梢子劉洪打死，占女為妻；The next day, the chancellor went to court and memorialized the Tang emperor, saying, "There was my son-in-law, the top graduate Chen Guangrui, who took his family to Jiangzhou to assume his post, and was beaten to death by the boatman Liu Hong, who seized my daughter as his wife.假冒臣婿，為官多年。He has impersonated my son-in-law and held office under his name for years.事屬異變，乞陛下立發人馬，剿除賊寇。」唐王見奏大怒，就發御林軍六萬，著殷丞相督兵前去。This is a most extraordinary crime; I beg Your Majesty to dispatch troops at once to wipe out this bandit." Upon reading the memorial, the Tang emperor was greatly enraged, and dispatched sixty thousand of the Imperial Guard, ordering Chancellor Yin to lead the troops there.丞相領旨出朝，即往教場內點了兵，徑往江州進發。The chancellor received the edict, left the court, went at once to the drill grounds to muster the troops, and set out straight for Jiangzhou.曉行夜宿，星落鳥飛，不覺已到江州，殷丞相兵馬俱在北岸下了營寨。Traveling by day and resting by night, under stars and flying birds, before long they arrived at Jiangzhou, and Chancellor Yin's troops set up camp on the northern bank.星夜令金牌下戶喚到江州同知、州判二人，丞相對他說知此事，叫他提兵相助，一同過江而去。That very night he sent a gold-plaque messenger to summon the Jiangzhou assistant prefect and the prefectural judge, and the chancellor explained the matter to them, telling them to bring troops to assist, and together they crossed the river.天尚未明，就把劉洪衙門圍了。Before dawn had even broken, they had surrounded Liu Hong's yamen.劉洪正在夢中，聽得火炮一響，金鼓齊鳴，眾兵殺進私衙，劉洪措手不及，早被擒住。Liu Hong was still deep in dreams when he heard the cannon fire and gongs and drums sound together; the troops charged into his private quarters, and Liu Hong, caught completely off guard, was seized at once.丞相傳下軍令，將劉洪一干人犯綁赴法場，令眾軍俱在城外安營去了。The chancellor issued a military order to have Liu Hong and his accomplices bound and taken to the execution ground, and had all the troops make camp outside the city.

次日，丞相入朝，启奏唐王曰：「今有臣婿状元陈光蕊，带领家小江州赴任，被梢子刘洪打死，占女为妻；假冒臣婿，为官多年。事属异变，乞陛下立发人马，剿除贼寇。」唐王见奏大怒，就发御林军六万，著殷丞相督兵前去。丞相领旨出朝，即往教场内点了兵，径往江州进发。晓行夜宿，星落鸟飞，不觉已到江州，殷丞相兵马俱在北岸下了营寨。星夜令金牌下户唤到江州同知、州判二人，丞相对他说知此事，叫他提兵相助，一同过江而去。天尚未明，就把刘洪衙门围了。刘洪正在梦中，听得火炮一响，金鼓齐鸣，众兵杀进私衙，刘洪措手不及，早被擒住。丞相传下军令，将刘洪一干人犯绑赴法场，令众军俱在城外安营去了。

丞相直入衙內正廳坐下，請小姐出來相見。The chancellor went straight into the main hall of the yamen and sat down, requesting the young lady to come out and meet him.小姐欲待要出，羞見父親，就要自縊。The young lady wished to come out, but was ashamed to face her father, and was about to hang herself.玄奘聞知，急急將母解救，雙膝跪下，對母道：「兒與外公統兵至此，與父報仇。When Xuanzang heard of this, he rushed to save his mother, then knelt down on both knees and said to her, "Your son came here together with grandfather leading troops, to avenge my father.今日賊已擒捉，母親何故反要尋死？Today the bandit has been captured — why, mother, would you seek death instead?母親若死，孩兒豈能存乎？」丞相亦進衙勸解。If mother dies, how could your child go on living?" The chancellor too came into the yamen to console her.小姐道：「吾聞『婦人從一而終』。The young lady said, "I have heard that 'a woman follows one husband to the end.'痛夫已被賊人所殺，豈可靦顏從賊？It grieves me that my husband was killed by that bandit — how could I shamelessly submit to him?止因遺腹在身，只得忍恥偷生。It was only because I was carrying his unborn child that I had to endure the disgrace and cling to life.今幸兒已長大，又見老父提兵報仇，為女兒者，有何面目相見？Now, fortunately, my son has grown up, and I have seen my old father bring troops to avenge us — but as your daughter, what face do I have left to meet you?惟有一死以報丈夫耳。」丞相道：「此非我兒以盛衰改節，皆因出乎不得已，何得為恥？」父子相抱而哭，玄奘亦哀哀不止。There is nothing left but to die, to repay my husband." The chancellor said, "This was not you, my daughter, changing your virtue with fortune's rise and fall — it all came from circumstances beyond your control. How could it be a disgrace?" Father and daughter embraced and wept, and Xuanzang too wept on without ceasing.丞相拭淚道：「你二人且休煩惱；The chancellor wiped away his tears and said, "The two of you need not grieve for now;我今已擒捉仇賊，且去發落去來。」即起身到法場。now that I have captured the enemy bandit, let me go and see to his sentencing." He then rose and went to the execution ground.恰好江州同知亦差哨兵拿獲水賊李彪解到。Just then, the Jiangzhou assistant prefect had also sent scouts who captured the river bandit Li Biao and brought him in.丞相大喜，就令軍牢押過劉洪、李彪，每人痛打一百大棍，取了供狀，招了先年不合謀死陳光蕊情由，先將李彪釘在木驢上，推去市曹，剮了千刀，梟首示眾訖。The chancellor was overjoyed, and ordered the guards to bring forward Liu Hong and Li Biao, giving each a hundred heavy blows with the cudgel, and took their confessions, in which they admitted the wrongful murder of Chen Guangrui years before. Li Biao was first nailed to a wooden frame, dragged out to the marketplace, cut to death by a thousand slices, and his head displayed to the public.把劉洪拿到洪江渡口，先年打死陳光蕊處。Liu Hong was taken to the Hongjiang ferry crossing, the very place where he had killed Chen Guangrui years before.丞相與小姐、玄奘三人親到江邊，望空祭奠，活剜取劉洪心肝，祭了光蕊，燒了祭文一道。The chancellor, the young lady, and Xuanzang, the three of them, went in person to the riverbank, and offered sacrifice toward the sky; they cut out Liu Hong's heart and liver while he was still alive, offered them in sacrifice to Guangrui, and burned a sacrificial prayer.

丞相直入衙内正厅坐下，请小姐出来相见。小姐欲待要出，羞见父亲，就要自缢。玄奘闻知，急急将母解救，双膝跪下，对母道：「儿与外公统兵至此，与父报仇。今日贼已擒捉，母亲何故反要寻死？母亲若死，孩儿岂能存乎？」丞相亦进衙劝解。小姐道：「吾闻『妇人从一而终』。痛夫已被贼人所杀，岂可腼颜从贼？止因遗腹在身，只得忍耻偷生。今幸儿已长大，又见老父提兵报仇，为女儿者，有何面目相见？惟有一死以报丈夫耳。」丞相道：「此非我儿以盛衰改节，皆因出乎不得已，何得为耻？」父子相抱而哭，玄奘亦哀哀不止。丞相拭泪道：「你二人且休烦恼；我今已擒捉仇贼，且去发落去来。」即起身到法场。恰好江州同知亦差哨兵拿获水贼李彪解到。丞相大喜，就令军牢押过刘洪、李彪，每人痛打一百大棍，取了供状，招了先年不合谋死陈光蕊情由，先将李彪钉在木驴上，推去市曹，剐了千刀，枭首示众讫。把刘洪拿到洪江渡口，先年打死陈光蕊处。丞相与小姐、玄奘三人亲到江边，望空祭奠，活剜取刘洪心肝，祭了光蕊，烧了祭文一道。

三人望江痛哭，早已驚動水府，有巡海夜叉將祭文呈與龍王。The three of them wept bitterly facing the river, and this had already stirred the underwater palace — a sea-patrolling yaksha presented the sacrificial text to the Dragon King.龍王看罷，就差鱉元帥去請光蕊來到，道：「先生，恭喜，恭喜。After the Dragon King read it, he sent Marshal Turtle to invite Guangrui to come, and said, "Sir, congratulations, congratulations!今有先生夫人、公子同岳丈俱在江邊祭你。Now your wife, your son, and your father-in-law are all at the riverbank offering sacrifice to you.我今送你還魂去也。I will now send you back to reclaim your soul and body.再有如意珠一顆、走盤珠二顆、絞綃十端、明珠玉帶一條奉送。I also present you with one wish-granting pearl, two rolling pearls, ten bolts of twisted silk gauze, and one belt of bright pearls and jade.你今日便可夫妻子母相會也。」光蕊再三拜謝。Today you may be reunited with your wife and son." Guangrui bowed in thanks again and again.龍王就令夜叉將光蕊身屍送出江口還魂。The Dragon King then ordered the yaksha to carry Guangrui's body out to the river mouth so his soul could return to it.夜叉領命而去。The yaksha received the order and departed.

三人望江痛哭，早已惊动水府，有巡海夜叉将祭文呈与龙王。龙王看罢，就差鳖元帅去请光蕊来到，道：「先生，恭喜，恭喜。今有先生夫人、公子同岳丈俱在江边祭你。我今送你还魂去也。再有如意珠一颗、走盘珠二颗、绞绡十端、明珠玉带一条奉送。你今日便可夫妻子母相会也。」光蕊再三拜谢。龙王就令夜叉将光蕊身尸送出江口还魂。夜叉领命而去。

卻說殷小姐哭奠丈夫一番，又欲將身赴水而死，慌得玄奘拚命扯住。Now, Lady Yin, after weeping and mourning her husband, was about to throw herself into the water to die, and Xuanzang, in a panic, held her back with all his might.正在倉皇之際，忽見水面上一個死屍浮來，靠近江岸之傍。Just at this frantic moment, they suddenly saw a corpse floating on the water's surface, drifting close to the riverbank.小姐忙向前認看，認得是丈夫的屍首，一發嚎啕大哭不已。The young lady hurried forward to look closely, and recognized it as her husband's body, and wailed and wept all the more without stopping.眾人俱來觀看，只見光蕊舒拳伸腳，身子漸漸展動，忽地爬將起來坐下。Everyone came to look, and saw Guangrui stretch out his fists and legs, his body gradually beginning to move, and suddenly he crawled up and sat himself down.眾人不勝驚駭。Everyone was overcome with astonishment.光蕊睜開眼，早見殷小姐與丈人殷丞相同著小和尚俱在身邊啼哭。Guangrui opened his eyes, and at once saw Lady Yin, his father-in-law Chancellor Yin, and the young monk, all weeping at his side.光蕊道：「你們為何在此？」小姐道：「因汝被賊人打死，後來妾身生下此子，幸遇金山寺長老撫養長大，尋我相會，我教他去尋外公。Guangrui said, "Why are you all here?" The young lady said, "After you were beaten to death by that bandit, I later gave birth to this son. Fortunately, he was raised to manhood by the elder of Jinshan Temple, and he came to find and meet me; I told him to go and find his grandfather.父親得知，奏聞朝廷，統兵到此，拿住賊人，適才生取心肝，望空祭奠我夫。When my father learned of this, he memorialized the court, led troops here, and captured the bandit; just now we cut out his heart and liver while he lived, and offered sacrifice toward the sky to my husband.不知我夫怎生又得還魂？」光蕊道：「皆因我與你昔年在萬花店時，買放了那尾金色鯉魚，誰知那鯉魚就是此處龍王。I do not know how my husband came to have his soul restored to his body." Guangrui said, "It is all because, years ago, when you and I were at Wanhua Inn, we bought and freed that golden carp — who would have known that carp was the Dragon King of this very place.後來逆賊把我推在水中，全虧得他救我。Later, when the treacherous bandit pushed me into the water, it was entirely thanks to him that I was saved.方才又賜我還魂，送我寶物，俱在身上。Just now he also granted me the return of my soul, and gave me treasures, which I have here on my person.更不想你生下這兒子，又得岳丈為我報仇。Nor did I ever imagine that you would give birth to this son, and that my father-in-law would avenge me as well.真是苦盡甘來，莫大之喜。」Truly, bitterness has ended and sweetness has come — there is no greater joy than this."

却说殷小姐哭奠丈夫一番，又欲将身赴水而死，慌得玄奘拼命扯住。正在仓皇之际，忽见水面上一个死尸浮来，靠近江岸之傍。小姐忙向前认看，认得是丈夫的尸首，一发嚎啕大哭不已。众人俱来观看，只见光蕊舒拳伸脚，身子渐渐展动，忽地爬将起来坐下。众人不胜惊骇。光蕊睁开眼，早见殷小姐与丈人殷丞相同著小和尚俱在身边啼哭。光蕊道：「你们为何在此？」小姐道：「因汝被贼人打死，后来妾身生下此子，幸遇金山寺长老抚养长大，寻我相会，我教他去寻外公。父亲得知，奏闻朝廷，统兵到此，拿住贼人，适才生取心肝，望空祭奠我夫。不知我夫怎生又得还魂？」光蕊道：「皆因我与你昔年在万花店时，买放了那尾金色鲤鱼，谁知那鲤鱼就是此处龙王。后来逆贼把我推在水中，全亏得他救我。方才又赐我还魂，送我宝物，俱在身上。更不想你生下这儿子，又得岳丈为我报仇。真是苦尽甘来，莫大之喜。」

眾官聞知，都來賀喜。When the assembled officials heard of this, they all came to offer their congratulations.丞相就令安排酒席，答謝所屬官員。The chancellor then had a banquet arranged, to thank the officials under his command.即日軍馬回程。That very day the troops set out on the return journey.來到萬花店，那丞相傳令安營。When they reached Wanhua Inn, the chancellor gave the order to make camp.光蕊便同玄奘到劉家店尋婆婆。Guangrui then went together with Xuanzang to Liu's inn to find his mother.那婆婆當夜得了一夢，夢見枯木開花，屋後喜鵲頻頻喧噪，想道：「莫不是我孫兒來也？」說猶未了，只見店門外，光蕊父子齊到。That very night the old woman had had a dream, dreaming of a withered tree bursting into blossom, and of magpies chattering again and again behind the house; she thought, "Could it be that my grandson is coming?" Before she had even finished the thought, there outside the inn door, father and son, Guangrui and Xuanzang, arrived together.小和尚指道：「這不是俺婆婆？」光蕊見了老母，連忙拜倒。The young monk pointed and said, "Isn't that my grandmother?" When Guangrui saw his old mother, he hastily bowed down to the ground.母子抱頭痛哭一場，把上項事說了一遍。Mother and son embraced, heads together, and wept bitterly for a while, then related everything that had happened.算還了小二店錢，起程回到京城。They settled their accounts and paid Xiao'er the rent owed, then set out on their journey back to the capital.進了相府，光蕊同小姐與婆婆、玄奘都來見了夫人。Entering the chancellor's mansion, Guangrui, together with the young lady, the old woman, and Xuanzang, all came to see the lady of the house.夫人不勝之喜，吩咐家僮，大排筵宴慶賀。The lady was overjoyed beyond measure, and ordered the household servants to lay out a grand banquet in celebration.丞相道：「今日此宴，可取名為團圓會。」真正合家歡樂。The chancellor said, "Today's banquet may be named the Reunion Feast." It was truly a joyous gathering for the whole family.

众官闻知，都来贺喜。丞相就令安排酒席，答谢所属官员。即日军马回程。来到万花店，那丞相传令安营。光蕊便同玄奘到刘家店寻婆婆。那婆婆当夜得了一梦，梦见枯木开花，屋后喜鹊频频喧噪，想道：「莫不是我孙儿来也？」说犹未了，只见店门外，光蕊父子齐到。小和尚指道：「这不是俺婆婆？」光蕊见了老母，连忙拜倒。母子抱头痛哭一场，把上项事说了一遍。算还了小二店钱，起程回到京城。进了相府，光蕊同小姐与婆婆、玄奘都来见了夫人。夫人不胜之喜，吩咐家僮，大排筵宴庆贺。丞相道：「今日此宴，可取名为团圆会。」真正合家欢乐。

次日早朝，唐王登殿。The next day at the morning court, the Tang emperor ascended the throne hall.殷丞相出班，將前後事情備細啟奏，並薦光蕊才可大用。Chancellor Yin stepped forward from the ranks, and reported the whole affair from beginning to end in full detail, and also recommended that Guangrui's talents be put to great use.唐王准奏，即命陞陳萼為學士之職，隨朝理政。The Tang emperor approved the memorial, and at once ordered Chen E promoted to the office of Academician, to attend court and help administer affairs.玄奘立意安禪，送在洪福寺內修行。Xuanzang was resolved in his mind to settle into meditation, and was sent to cultivate himself at Hongfu Temple.後來，殷小姐畢竟從容自盡。Afterward, Lady Yin, in the end, calmly took her own life.玄奘自到金山寺中報答法明長老。Xuanzang himself went to Jinshan Temple to repay Elder Faming's kindness.

次日早朝，唐王登殿。殷丞相出班，将前后事情备细启奏，并荐光蕊才可大用。唐王准奏，即命升陈萼为学士之职，随朝理政。玄奘立意安禅，送在洪福寺内修行。后来，殷小姐毕竟从容自尽。玄奘自到金山寺中报答法明长老。

不知後來事體若何，且聽下回分解。If you do not know how things turned out afterward, listen to the next chapter's explanation.

不知后来事体若何，且听下回分解。