That night after the great feast was over and, much under the influence of wine, all were sleeping, Yen Sung, with his steward and henchmen, removed the relief money from the logs, placed broken bricks in the holes, and closed the logs as they were before.
Early in the morning the caravan started, and when but a short distance from the city they were overtaken by Yen Sung and his servants, who inquired how much silver was being taken, also made the demand to see it. Mr. Tu said that he had in his charge forty thousand pieces of silver; and caused the logs to be opened as proof, only to find to his dismay the silver gone and brick in its place. Yen Sung immediately seized him, took him before the Emperor, accused him of using the funds, and punishment by death was pronounced. A few days later he was secretly beheaded and his body was placed in a temple near one of the city gates.
Mr. Tu had a son, who was married to the daughter of a well-known official who, on the [[126]]murder of the father-in-law of his daughter, came forward and saved the family from the murderous hands of Yen Sung. The Emperor punished the family by changing their name to Kao and this son was called Kao Ching Chi. He was a student by nature, and on the death of his father and the confiscation of his property, spent all of his time at the “Hall of Classics,” studying for promotion.
His young wife, Yü Yüch Ying, was very beautiful, according to tradition in song and story one of the most beautiful in all the Empire; not only noted for her beauty of face and form, but even more beautiful character. (The story of her life, set in song and always sung in tears, praises her in words seldom given to any woman.)
One day after the death of her father-in-law she took a serving-woman with her, and went in her chair to weep at his grave, and burn incense for his departed spirit. On the road her chair passed Nien Chi, the wicked steward of Yen Sung, who was out with some of his companions for a ride. He caught a glimpse of the beautiful woman inside, and said to his companions:
“Come on; we will follow her and see who she is and where she is going.”
When they reached the temple he saw her [[127]]at the altar, prostrating herself and worshipping; kneeling beside her he said:
“I too have come for worship.”
Yü Yüch Ying immediately rose and went to the grave of her father-in-law, followed by the servant. Together they wept and knocked their heads, but only to be joined almost at once by Nien Chi. They moved to the other side of the grave, and again he followed, upon which she said to her woman:
“This man means to annoy us; he is an evil man.”