且說張、趙二人押解龐昱到了公館，即行將龐昱帶上堂來。包公見他項帶鐵鎖，連忙吩咐道：「你等太不曉事，侯爺如何鎖得？還不與我卸去！」差役連忙上前，將鎖卸下。龐昱到了此時，不覺就要屈膝。包公道：「不要如此。雖則不可以私廢公，然而我與太師有師生之誼，你我乃年家弟兄，有通家之好，不過因有此案，要當面對質對質，務要實實說來，大家方有個計較。千萬不要畏罪迴避。」說畢，叫帶上十父老並田忠、田起元及搶掠的婦女，立刻提到。包公按呈子一張一張訊問。龐昱因見包公方才言語，頗有護他的意思；又見和容悅色，一味地商量，必要設法救他，「莫若他從實應了，求求包黑，或者看爹爹面上往輕裡改正改正，也就沒了事了。」想罷，說著：「欽差大人不必細問，這些事體俱是犯官一時不明作成，此時後悔也是遲了。惟求大人筆下超生，犯官感恩不盡！」包公道：「這些事既已招承，還有一事，項福是何人所差？」惡賊聞聽，不由的一怔，半晌，答道：「項福乃太守蔣完差來，犯官不知。」包公吩咐：「帶項福。」只見項福走上堂來，仍是照常形色，並非囚禁的樣子。包公道：「項福，你與侯爺當面質對。」項福上前，對惡賊道：「侯爺不必隱瞞，一切事體，小人已俱回明大人了。侯爺只管實說了，大人自有主見。」惡賊見項福如此，也只得應了是自己派來的。包公便叫他畫供。惡賊此時也不能不畫了。
且说张、赵二人押解庞昱到了公馆，即行将庞昱带上堂来。包公见他项带铁锁，连忙吩咐道：「你等太不晓事，侯爷如何锁得？还不与我卸去！」差役连忙上前，将锁卸下。庞昱到了此时，不觉就要屈膝。包公道：「不要如此。虽则不可以私废公，然而我与太师有师生之谊，你我乃年家弟兄，有通家之好，不过因有此案，要当面对质对质，务要实实说来，大家方有个计较。千万不要畏罪回避。」说毕，叫带上十父老并田忠、田起元及抢掠的妇女，立刻提到。包公按呈子一张一张讯问。庞昱因见包公方才言语，颇有护他的意思；又见和容悦色，一味地商量，必要设法救他，「莫若他从实应了，求求包黑，或者看爹爹面上往轻里改正改正，也就没了事了。」想罢，说着：「钦差大人不必细问，这些事体俱是犯官一时不明作成，此时后悔也是迟了。惟求大人笔下超生，犯官感恩不尽！」包公道：「这些事既已招承，还有一事，项福是何人所差？」恶贼闻听，不由的一怔，半晌，答道：「项福乃太守蒋完差来，犯官不知。」包公吩咐：「带项福。」只见项福走上堂来，仍是照常形色，并非囚禁的样子。包公道：「项福，你与侯爷当面质对。」项福上前，对恶贼道：「侯爷不必隐瞒，一切事体，小人已俱回明大人了。侯爷只管实说了，大人自有主见。」恶贼见项福如此，也只得应了是自己派来的。包公便叫他画供。恶贼此时也不能不画了。
Now, Zhang Long and Zhao Hu brought Pang Yu under guard to the official guesthouse, and he was taken straight up into the hall. When Lord Bao saw the iron chain round his neck, he said at once, “You fellows have no sense at all! How can His Lordship be put in chains? Take it off him this instant!” The runners hurried forward and took off the chain. By now Pang Yu found his knees about to bend of their own accord. “There’s no need for that,” said Lord Bao. “True, private feeling must never set aside public duty. Still, the Grand Preceptor is my teacher and I am his protégé, so you and I are as good as brothers, and our families are on the closest of terms. It is only because of this case that the charges must be put to you face to face. You must tell the whole truth, and then we can all see what is to be done. Whatever you do, don’t try to dodge them for fear of punishment.” With that he ordered the ten elders, Tian Zhong, Tian Qiyuan and the women who had been carried off to be sent for at once. Lord Bao took the plaints one by one and questioned Pang Yu on each. From what Lord Bao had said just now, Pang Yu gathered that he was rather inclined to shield him; and seeing his mild, pleasant face, and how he did nothing but talk things over, he felt sure Bao meant to find some way of saving him. “Better to own up to everything,” he thought, “and plead with Black Bao. For Father’s sake he may well make the charges a bit lighter, and that will be the end of it.” His mind made up, he said, “The imperial commissioner need not go into the details. All these things were done by this guilty official in a moment of folly, and it is too late for regrets now. I only beg Your Excellency to let your brush spare my life. This guilty official will be grateful beyond words!” “Since you have confessed to these things,” said Lord Bao, “there remains one more. Who sent Xiang Fu?” At this the villain gave a start in spite of himself. After a long pause he answered, “Xiang Fu was sent by Governor Jiang Wan. This guilty official knew nothing about it.” “Bring in Xiang Fu,” Lord Bao ordered. Up into the hall walked Xiang Fu, looking just as he always did, not in the least like a prisoner. “Xiang Fu,” said Lord Bao, “confront His Lordship face to face.” Xiang Fu stepped forward and said to the villain, “There’s no use hiding anything, my lord. I have already told His Excellency everything. Just tell the truth, my lord, and His Excellency will know what to do.” Seeing Xiang Fu like this, the villain had no choice but to admit that he had sent him himself. Lord Bao then had him put his mark to the confession, and by now the villain could not refuse.
畫招後，只見眾人證俱到。包公便叫各家上前廝認，也有父認女的，也有兄認妹的，也有夫認妻的，也有婆認媳的，紛紛不一，嚎哭之聲不堪入耳。包公吩咐，叫他們在堂階兩邊聽候判斷，又派人去請太守速到。包公便對惡賊道：「你今所為之事，理應解京。我想道途遙遠，反受折磨。再者到京必歸三法司判斷，那時難免皮肉受苦。倘若聖上大怒，必要從重治罪，那時如何展轉？莫若本閣在此發放了，倒覺得爽快。你想好不好？」龐昱道：「但憑大人作主，犯官安敢不遵？」包公登時把黑臉放下，虎目一瞪，吩咐：「請御刑！」只這三個字，兩邊差役一聲喊，堂威震嚇。只見四名衙役將龍頭鍘抬至堂上，安放周正。王朝上前抖開黃龍套，露出金煌煌、光閃閃、驚心落魄的新刑。惡賊一見，膽裂魂飛，才待開言，只見馬漢早將他丟翻在地。四名衙役過來，與他口內銜了木嚼，剝去衣服，將蘆席鋪放（惡賊哪裡還能掙扎），立刻捲起，用草繩束了三道。張龍、趙虎二人將他抬起，走至鍘前，放入鍘口，兩頭平均。此時馬漢、王朝黑面向裡，左手執定刀靶，右手按定刀背，直瞅座上。包公將袍袖一拂，虎項一扭。口說「行刑」二字。王朝將彪軀一縱，兩膀用力，只聽咔喳一聲，將惡賊登時腰斬，分為兩頭一邊齊的兩段。四名差役連忙跑上堂去，各各腰束白布裙，跑至鍘前，有前有後，先將屍首往上一扶，抱將下去。張、趙二人又用白布擦抹鍘口的血跡，堂階之下，田起元主僕以及父老並田婦村姑見鍘了惡賊龐昱，方知老爺赤心為國，與民除害，有念佛的，有趁願的，也有膽小不敢看的。
画招后，只见众人证俱到。包公便叫各家上前厮认，也有父认女的，也有兄认妹的，也有夫认妻的，也有婆认媳的，纷纷不一，嚎哭之声不堪入耳。包公吩咐，叫他们在堂阶两边听候判断，又派人去请太守速到。包公便对恶贼道：「你今所为之事，理应解京。我想道途遥远，反受折磨。再者到京必归三法司判断，那时难免皮肉受苦。倘若圣上大怒，必要从重治罪，那时如何展转？莫若本阁在此发放了，倒觉得爽快。你想好不好？」庞昱道：「但凭大人作主，犯官安敢不遵？」包公登时把黑脸放下，虎目一瞪，吩咐：「请御刑！」只这三个字，两边差役一声喊，堂威震吓。只见四名衙役将龙头铡抬至堂上，安放周正。王朝上前抖开黄龙套，露出金煌煌、光闪闪、惊心落魄的新刑。恶贼一见，胆裂魂飞，才待开言，只见马汉早将他丢翻在地。四名衙役过来，与他口内衔了木嚼，剥去衣服，将芦席铺放（恶贼哪里还能挣扎），立刻卷起，用草绳束了三道。张龙、赵虎二人将他抬起，走至铡前，放入铡口，两头平均。此时马汉、王朝黑面向里，左手执定刀靶，右手按定刀背，直瞅座上。包公将袍袖一拂，虎项一扭。口说「行刑」二字。王朝将彪躯一纵，两膀用力，只听咔喳一声，将恶贼登时腰斩，分为两头一边齐的两段。四名差役连忙跑上堂去，各各腰束白布裙，跑至铡前，有前有后，先将尸首往上一扶，抱将下去。张、赵二人又用白布擦抹铡口的血迹，堂阶之下，田起元主仆以及父老并田妇村姑见铡了恶贼庞昱，方知老爷赤心为国，与民除害，有念佛的，有趁愿的，也有胆小不敢看的。
When he had put his mark to it, the witnesses all arrived. Lord Bao told each family to come forward and find their own. Fathers found daughters, brothers found sisters, husbands found wives and mothers-in-law found daughters-in-law, all in a great tumult, and the wailing was more than the ear could bear. Lord Bao told them to wait on either side of the steps of the hall to hear his judgment, and he sent a man to ask the Governor to come at once. Then Lord Bao said to the villain, “By rights, for what you have done, you should be sent under escort to the capital. But the road is long, I think, and you would only suffer on the way. Besides, in the capital your case would have to go before the Three Judicial Offices, and then you could hardly escape a beating. And if His Majesty were angry and insisted on the heaviest penalty, what room would there be to turn? Better for this Academician to dispose of the matter here — that would be cleaner. Don’t you think so?” “It is for Your Excellency to decide,” said Pang Yu. “How would this guilty official dare disobey?” At once Lord Bao’s black face turned grim. His tiger eyes glared, and he ordered, “The imperial guillotine!” At those three words the runners on either side raised a great shout, and the court cry shook the hall with terror. Four runners carried the dragon-head guillotine into the hall and set it squarely in place. Wang Chao stepped up and shook off its yellow dragon cover, laying bare the new instrument of punishment, glittering gold and flashing bright, a sight to make the heart quake and the soul take flight. At the sight the villain was frightened out of his wits. He was just about to speak when Ma Han threw him flat on the floor. Four runners came over, forced a wooden gag between his teeth and stripped off his clothes. They spread out a reed mat (how could the villain struggle now?), rolled him up in it at once and tied it round three times with straw rope. Zhang Long and Zhao Hu lifted him, carried him to the guillotine and laid him in its jaws, with the two ends sticking out evenly on either side. Now Ma Han and Wang Chao, grim-faced, turned toward the bench. Gripping the handle of the blade with their left hands and pressing on its back with their right, they fixed their eyes on the judge’s seat. Lord Bao flicked his robe sleeve, gave a twist of his powerful neck and spoke two words: “Execute him!” Wang Chao heaved up his burly frame and bore down with both arms. There was a crunch — and in an instant the villain was cut in two at the waist, two halves of exactly equal length. Four runners came hurrying up into the hall, each with an apron of white cloth tied round his waist. They ran to the guillotine, some at the head and some at the foot, first raised the body up, then carried it away. Zhang Long and Zhao Hu wiped the blood from the jaws of the guillotine with white cloths. Below the steps of the hall, Tian Qiyuan and his servant, the elders, the farm wives and the village girls had seen the villain Pang Yu go under the guillotine, and only now did they understand that Lord Bao was loyal to the realm with all his heart and had rid the people of a scourge. Some called on the Buddha, some were glad to see him get what he deserved, and some were too faint-hearted to look.
包公上面吩咐：「換了御刑，與我將項福拿下！」聽了一個「拿」字，左右一伸手便將項福把住。此時這廝見鍘了龐昱，心內已然突突亂跳；今又見拿他，不由的骨軟筋酥，高聲說道：「小人何罪？」包公一拍堂木，喝道：「你這背反的奴才！本閣乃奉命欽差，你擅敢前來行刺，行刺欽差，即是叛朝廷，還說無罪？尚敢求生麼？」項福不能答言。左右上前，照舊剝了衣服，帶上木嚼，拉過一領粗席捲好。此時狗頭鍘已安放停當。將這無義賊行刑過了，擦抹御鍘，打掃血跡，收拾已畢。
包公上面吩咐：「换了御刑，与我将项福拿下！」听了一个「拿」字，左右一伸手便将项福把住。此时这厮见铡了庞昱，心内已然突突乱跳；今又见拿他，不由的骨软筋酥，高声说道：「小人何罪？」包公一拍堂木，喝道：「你这背反的奴才！本阁乃奉命钦差，你擅敢前来行刺，行刺钦差，即是叛朝廷，还说无罪？尚敢求生么？」项福不能答言。左右上前，照旧剥了衣服，带上木嚼，拉过一领粗席卷好。此时狗头铡已安放停当。将这无义贼行刑过了，擦抹御铡，打扫血迹，收拾已毕。
From the bench Lord Bao ordered, “Change the guillotine! And seize Xiang Fu for me!” At the word “seize,” the men on either side reached out and caught hold of Xiang Fu. The fellow had watched Pang Yu go under the guillotine, and his heart was already pounding wildly; now that they were seizing him too, his bones turned to water and his sinews to jelly. “What is my crime?” he cried out. Lord Bao banged the startle block and roared, “You treacherous slave! This Academician is an imperial commissioner, sent by His Majesty’s command, and you dared come to assassinate me. To make an attempt on an imperial commissioner is treason against the throne — and you say you have committed no crime? Do you still dare hope to live?” Xiang Fu had no answer. The attendants stepped up and, as before, stripped him, put the wooden gag in his mouth, dragged over a coarse mat and rolled him up in it. By now the dog-head guillotine had been set in place. When the faithless villain had been put to death, they wiped the imperial guillotine clean, swept away the blood and put everything in order.
只見傳知府之人上堂跪倒，稟道：「小人奉命前去傳喚知府，誰知蔣完畏罪，自縊身死。」包公聞聽，道：「便宜了這廝。」另行委員前去驗看。又吩咐將田起元帶上堂來，訓誨一番：不該放妻子上廟燒香，以致生出此事，以後家門務要嚴肅，並叫他上觀音庵接取妻子；老僕田忠替主鳴冤，務要好好看待他；從此努力攻書，以求上進。所有駝轎內細軟，必係私蓄，勿庸驗看，俱著田忠領訖。又吩咐父老：「各將婦女帶回，好好安分度日。本閣還要按戶稽查花名，秉公放賑，以抒民困，庶不負聖上體恤之鴻恩。」眾人一齊叩頭，歡歡喜喜而散。老爺立刻叫公孫策打了摺底看過，並將原呈招供一齊封妥，外邊夾片一紙，請旨補放知府一缺，即日拜發，齎京啟奏去了。一面出示委員稽查戶口，放賑，真是萬民感仰，歡呼載道。
只见传知府之人上堂跪倒，禀道：「小人奉命前去传唤知府，谁知蒋完畏罪，自缢身死。」包公闻听，道：「便宜了这厮。」另行委员前去验看。又吩咐将田起元带上堂来，训诲一番：不该放妻子上庙烧香，以致生出此事，以后家门务要严肃，并叫他上观音庵接取妻子；老仆田忠替主鸣冤，务要好好看待他；从此努力攻书，以求上进。所有驼轿内细软，必系私蓄，勿庸验看，俱着田忠领讫。又吩咐父老：「各将妇女带回，好好安分度日。本阁还要按户稽查花名，秉公放赈，以抒民困，庶不负圣上体恤之鸿恩。」众人一齐叩头，欢欢喜喜而散。老爷立刻叫公孙策打了折底看过，并将原呈招供一齐封妥，外边夹片一纸，请旨补放知府一缺，即日拜发，赍京启奏去了。一面出示委员稽查户口，放赈，真是万民感仰，欢呼载道。
Then the man who had been sent to summon the Governor came up into the hall, knelt and reported, “I went as ordered to summon the Governor, sir, but Jiang Wan, fearing punishment, has hanged himself.” “The wretch has got off lightly,” said Lord Bao, and he deputed an official to go and examine the body. Next he had Tian Qiyuan brought up into the hall and admonished him: he should never have let his wife go to a temple to burn incense, for that was how all this had come about, and from now on he must keep strict order in his household. He was to go to the Guanyin Shrine and fetch his wife home. His old servant Tian Zhong had cried out against the wrong on his master’s behalf, and he must treat him well. And from now on he was to apply himself to his books and strive to get on in the world. As for the valuables in the mule litter, they must be private savings; there was no need to inspect them, and Tian Zhong was to take charge of them all. To the elders Lord Bao said, “Take your women home, each of you, and live quietly and keep to your station. This Academician will go on to check the names on the rolls, household by household, and give out the relief fairly, to ease the people’s hardship, so that His Majesty’s great kindness and care for you may not be in vain.” They all kowtowed together and went away rejoicing. Lord Bao at once had Gongsun Ce draft the memorial, and read the draft over. He had it sealed up together with the original plaints and the confessions, with an enclosure on a separate sheet asking for an imperial decree to fill the vacant post of governor. That same day he bowed to it and sent it off, and it was carried to the capital and laid before the throne. Meanwhile he posted notices and deputed officials to check the households and give out the relief. Truly, the people in their thousands were grateful and looked up to him, and cheering filled the roads.
一日，批摺回來，包公恭接。叩拜畢，打開一看，見硃批甚屬誇獎：「至公無私，所辦甚是。知府一缺，即差揀員補放。」包公暗自沉吟道：「聖上縱然隆眷優渥，現有老賊龐吉在京，見我鍘了他的愛子，他焉有輕輕放過之理。這必是他別進讒言，安慰妥了，候我進京時他再擺佈於我。一定是這個主意。老賊呀，老賊！我包某秉正無私，一心為國，焉怕你這鬼鬼祟祟。如今趁此權衡未失，放完賑後，偏要各處訪查訪查，要作幾件驚天動地之事，一來不負朝廷，二來與民除害，三來也顯顯我包某胸中的抱負。」誰知老爺想到此地，下文就真生出一件驚天動地的事來。
一日，批折回来，包公恭接。叩拜毕，打开一看，见朱批甚属夸奖：「至公无私，所办甚是。知府一缺，即差拣员补放。」包公暗自沉吟道：「圣上纵然隆眷优渥，现有老贼庞吉在京，见我铡了他的爱子，他焉有轻轻放过之理。这必是他别进谗言，安慰妥了，候我进京时他再摆布于我。一定是这个主意。老贼呀，老贼！我包某秉正无私，一心为国，焉怕你这鬼鬼祟祟。如今趁此权衡未失，放完赈后，偏要各处访查访查，要作几件惊天动地之事，一来不负朝廷，二来与民除害，三来也显显我包某胸中的抱负。」谁知老爷想到此地，下文就真生出一件惊天动地的事来。
One day the memorial came back with His Majesty’s reply. Lord Bao received it reverently, and when he had kowtowed, he opened it. The vermilion endorsement was full of praise: “Perfectly just and impartial; well handled indeed. A suitable official will be chosen at once to fill the post of governor.” Lord Bao pondered to himself: “His Majesty’s favour may be ever so generous, but the old villain Pang Ji is there in the capital. Now that I have guillotined his beloved son, how could he let it pass lightly? He must have been pouring slander into His Majesty’s ear some other way, and has smoothed things over for now, so as to have his way with me once I am back in the capital. That must be his plan. Old villain, old villain! I, Bao, am upright and impartial, devoted heart and soul to the realm. Why should I fear your sneaking and skulking? Now, while the power is still in my hands, once the relief has been given out I shall make a point of going about and looking into things here and there. I mean to do a few deeds that will shake heaven and earth: first, so as not to fail the court; second, to rid the people of what harms them; and third, to show what I, Bao, have in me.” And who could have known? Even as Lord Bao was thinking this, something that truly shook heaven and earth was about to happen, as the story will now tell.
你道是何事件？自從包公秉正放賑已完，立意要各處訪查，便不肯從舊路回來，特由新路而歸。「一日，來至一個所在，地名草州橋東，乘轎慢慢而行。猛然聽的咯吱一陣亂響，連忙將轎落平。包興下馬仔細看時，雙桿皆有裂紋，幸喜落平實地，險些兒雙桿齊折，稟明包公，吩咐帶馬。將馬帶過，老爺剛然扳鞍上去，那馬哧的一聲往旁一閃，幸有李才在外首墜鐙，連忙攏住，老爺暗想：「此馬隨我多年。它有三不走：遇歹人不走，見冤魂不走，有刺客不走。難道此處有事故不成？」將馬帶住，叫包興喚地方。
你道是何事件？自从包公秉正放赈已完，立意要各处访查，便不肯从旧路回来，特由新路而归。「一日，来至一个所在，地名草州桥东，乘轿慢慢而行。猛然听的咯吱一阵乱响，连忙将轿落平。包兴下马仔细看时，双杆皆有裂纹，幸喜落平实地，险些儿双杆齐折，禀明包公，吩咐带马。将马带过，老爷刚然扳鞍上去，那马哧的一声往旁一闪，幸有李才在外首坠镫，连忙拢住，老爷暗想：「此马随我多年。它有三不走：遇歹人不走，见冤魂不走，有刺客不走。难道此处有事故不成？」将马带住，叫包兴唤地方。
What was it, you may ask? When Lord Bao had given out the relief, fairly and squarely, he was set on looking into things wherever he went, so he would not go back the way he had come but deliberately took a new road home. One day he came to the eastern side of a place called Caozhou Bridge. He was riding slowly along in his sedan chair when suddenly there came a burst of creaking and cracking, and the bearers hastily set the chair down level. Bao Xing got off his horse and looked closely: both carrying poles were cracked. Luckily the chair had come down flat on firm ground, for both poles had very nearly snapped at once. He reported this to Lord Bao, who ordered his horse brought. The horse was led over. Lord Bao had only just grasped the saddle and swung himself up when the horse gave a snort and shied to one side. Luckily Li Cai was on the outer side, holding down the stirrup, and he quickly reined it in. Lord Bao thought to himself, “This horse has been with me for many years, and there are three things that will stop it: it won’t go on when there are villains about, it won’t go on when it sees a wronged ghost, and it won’t go on when an assassin is near. Can something be amiss here?” He reined in the horse and told Bao Xing to call the ward constable.
不多時，地方來到馬前，跪倒。老爺閃目觀瞧，見此人年有三旬上下，手提一根竹竿，口稱：「小人地方范宗華，與欽差大人叩頭。」包公問道：「此處是何地名？」范宗華道：「不是河，名叫草州橋。雖然有個平橋，卻沒有橋，也無有草。不知當初是怎麼起的這個名兒，連小人也鬧的納悶兒。」兩旁吆喝：「少說！少說！」老爺又問道：「可有公館沒有？」范宗華道：「此處雖是通衢大道，卻不是鎮店馬頭，也不過是荒涼幽僻的所在，如何能有公館呢？再者也不是站頭……」包興在馬上著急，道：「沒公館，你就說沒公館就完了，何必這許多的話？」老爺在馬上用鞭指著，問道：「前面高大的房子是何所在？」范宗華回道：「那是天齊廟。雖然是天齊廟，裡面是菩薩殿、老爺殿、娘娘殿俱有，旁邊跨所還有土地祠。就只老道看守，因沒有什麼香火，也不能多養活人。」包興道：「你太嘮叨了！誰問你這些？」老爺吩咐：「打道天齊廟。」兩旁答應。老爺將馬一帶，竟奔天齊廟。
不多时，地方来到马前，跪倒。老爷闪目观瞧，见此人年有三旬上下，手提一根竹竿，口称：「小人地方范宗华，与钦差大人叩头。」包公问道：「此处是何地名？」范宗华道：「不是河，名叫草州桥。虽然有个平桥，却没有桥，也无有草。不知当初是怎么起的这个名儿，连小人也闹的纳闷儿。」两旁吆喝：「少说！少说！」老爷又问道：「可有公馆没有？」范宗华道：「此处虽是通衢大道，却不是镇店马头，也不过是荒凉幽僻的所在，如何能有公馆呢？再者也不是站头……」包兴在马上着急，道：「没公馆，你就说没公馆就完了，何必这许多的话？」老爷在马上用鞭指着，问道：「前面高大的房子是何所在？」范宗华回道：「那是天齐庙。虽然是天齐庙，里面是菩萨殿、老爷殿、娘娘殿俱有，旁边跨所还有土地祠。就只老道看守，因没有什么香火，也不能多养活人。」包兴道：「你太唠叨了！谁问你这些？」老爷吩咐：「打道天齐庙。」两旁答应。老爷将马一带，竟奔天齐庙。
Before long the constable came and knelt before the horse. Lord Bao looked him over: a man of about thirty, with a bamboo pole in his hand. “Your humble constable, Fan Zonghua, kowtows to His Excellency the imperial commissioner,” he said. “What is this place called?” asked Lord Bao. “It isn’t a river, sir,” said Fan Zonghua. “It’s called Caozhou Bridge. There’s a flat bit of a bridge, but no bridge to speak of, and no grass either. How it ever came by that name, I’m sure I don’t know — it’s got me puzzled myself.” “Less talk! Less talk!” shouted the attendants on either side. “Is there an official guesthouse here?” Lord Bao asked next. “This is a main highway, right enough,” said Fan Zonghua, “but it isn’t a market town or a wharf, just a desolate, out-of-the-way spot. How could there be a guesthouse? Besides, it isn’t a post station either…” Bao Xing, on his horse, lost patience. “If there’s no guesthouse, just say there’s no guesthouse and have done with it! Why all this talk?” Lord Bao pointed with his whip from the saddle. “What is that tall building ahead?” “That’s the Tianqi Temple,” Fan Zonghua replied. “It may be the Tianqi Temple, but there’s a bodhisattva hall, a hall for Lord Guan and a hall for the Goddess inside, the lot, and in a side court there’s a shrine to the earth god as well. There’s only a Taoist looking after it. It gets hardly any incense money, so it can’t keep many people.” “You talk too much!” said Bao Xing. “Who asked you all that?” “Clear the way to the Tianqi Temple,” Lord Bao ordered. The attendants on either side acknowledged the order, and Lord Bao turned his horse and made straight for the temple.
包興上馬一抖絲韁，先到天齊廟，攆開閒人，並告訴老道：「欽差大人打此經過，一概茶水不用。你們伺候完了香，連忙躲開。我們大人是最愛清靜的。」老道連連答應「是」。正說間，包公已到，包興連忙接馬。包公進得廟來，便吩咐李才在西殿廊下設了公座。老爺帶包興至正殿。老道將香燭預備齊全，伺候焚香已畢。包興使個眼色，老道連忙迴避。包公下殿，來至西廊，入了公位，吩咐眾人俱在廟外歇息，獨留包興在旁，暗將地方叫進來。
包兴上马一抖丝缰，先到天齐庙，撵开闲人，并告诉老道：「钦差大人打此经过，一概茶水不用。你们伺候完了香，连忙躲开。我们大人是最爱清静的。」老道连连答应「是」。正说间，包公已到，包兴连忙接马。包公进得庙来，便吩咐李才在西殿廊下设了公座。老爷带包兴至正殿。老道将香烛预备齐全，伺候焚香已毕。包兴使个眼色，老道连忙回避。包公下殿，来至西廊，入了公位，吩咐众人俱在庙外歇息，独留包兴在旁，暗将地方叫进来。
Bao Xing, on horseback, shook out his silk reins and rode on ahead to the Tianqi Temple. He chased away the idlers and told the Taoist, “His Excellency the imperial commissioner is passing this way. He won’t be wanting tea or anything else. When you’ve seen to the incense for him, get out of the way, and quick about it. His Excellency likes peace and quiet above all things.” “Yes, yes,” said the Taoist, over and over. Even as they were speaking, Lord Bao arrived, and Bao Xing hurried to take his horse. When Lord Bao had come into the temple, he told Li Cai to set up his official seat under the veranda of the west hall. Then he went with Bao Xing to the main hall. The Taoist had incense and candles all ready and attended him while he burned incense. Bao Xing gave him a look, and the Taoist made himself scarce. Lord Bao came down from the hall to the west veranda and took his official seat. He told everyone to go and rest outside the temple, keeping only Bao Xing at his side, and had the constable quietly called in.
包興悄悄把范宗華叫到。他又給包興打了個千兒。包興道：「我瞧你很機靈，就是話太多了。方才大人問你，你就揀近的說就完咧。什麼枝兒葉兒的，鬧一大郎當，作什麼？」范宗華連忙笑著說：「小人惟恐話回的不明白，招大人嗔怪，故此要往清楚裡說。誰知話又多了。沒什麼說的，求二太爺擔待小人罷！」包興道：「誰來怪你？不過告訴你，恐其話太多，反招大人嗔怪。如今大人又叫你呢。你見了大人，問什麼答應什麼，不必嘮叨了。」范宗華連連答應，跟包興來至西廊，朝上跪倒。
包兴悄悄把范宗华叫到。他又给包兴打了个千儿。包兴道：「我瞧你很机灵，就是话太多了。方才大人问你，你就拣近的说就完咧。什么枝儿叶儿的，闹一大郎当，作什么？」范宗华连忙笑着说：「小人惟恐话回的不明白，招大人嗔怪，故此要往清楚里说。谁知话又多了。没什么说的，求二太爷担待小人罢！」包兴道：「谁来怪你？不过告诉你，恐其话太多，反招大人嗔怪。如今大人又叫你呢。你见了大人，问什么答应什么，不必唠叨了。」范宗华连连答应，跟包兴来至西廊，朝上跪倒。
Bao Xing quietly fetched Fan Zonghua, who bobbed down on one knee to him in greeting. “I can see you’re a sharp fellow,” said Bao Xing, “only you talk far too much. Just now, when His Excellency asked you something, you should have picked out what mattered and left it at that. Why drag in every twig and leaf, a great long string of them?” Fan Zonghua put on a hasty smile. “I was afraid that if my answers weren’t clear, His Excellency would be cross with me, so I tried to make everything plain. And then, would you believe it, I went and talked too much again. There’s nothing more to be said — please bear with me, Second Master!” “Who’s blaming you?” said Bao Xing. “I’m only telling you because if you talk too much, you’ll make His Excellency cross after all. Now His Excellency wants you again. When you see him, answer what he asks, and no rambling.” Fan Zonghua said yes, yes, and followed Bao Xing to the west veranda, where he knelt facing the seat.
包公問道：「此處四面可有人家沒有？」范宗華稟道：「南通大道，東有榆樹林，西有黃土崗，北邊是破窯：共有不足二十家人家。」老爺便著地方抗了高腳牌，上面寫「放告」二字，叫他知會各家，如有冤枉前來天齊廟申訴。范宗華應「是」，即抗了高腳牌，奔至榆樹林，見了張家，便問：「張大哥，你打官司不打？」見了李家，便問：「李老二，你冤枉不冤枉？」招的眾人無不大罵：「你是地方，總盼人家打官司，你好訛錢！我們過的好好清靜日子，你找上門來叫打官司。沒有什麼說的，要打官（觀）音寺兒，就合你打。什麼東西！趁早兒滾開！真他媽的喪氣！你怎麼配當地方呢，你給我走罷！」范宗華無奈，又到黃土崗，也是如此，被人痛罵回來了。他卻不怕罵，不辭辛苦，來到破窯地方，又嚷道：「今有包大人在天齊廟宿壇放告，有冤枉的沒有？只管前去申冤。」一言未了，只聽有人應道：「我有冤枉，領我前去。」范宗華一看，說道：「哎喲！我的媽呀！你老人家有什麼事情，也要打官司呢？」
包公问道：「此处四面可有人家没有？」范宗华禀道：「南通大道，东有榆树林，西有黄土岗，北边是破窑：共有不足二十家人家。」老爷便着地方抗了高脚牌，上面写「放告」二字，叫他知会各家，如有冤枉前来天齐庙申诉。范宗华应「是」，即抗了高脚牌，奔至榆树林，见了张家，便问：「张大哥，你打官司不打？」见了李家，便问：「李老二，你冤枉不冤枉？」招的众人无不大骂：「你是地方，总盼人家打官司，你好讹钱！我们过的好好清静日子，你找上门来叫打官司。没有什么说的，要打官（观）音寺儿，就合你打。什么东西！趁早儿滚开！真他妈的丧气！你怎么配当地方呢，你给我走罢！」范宗华无奈，又到黄土岗，也是如此，被人痛骂回来了。他却不怕骂，不辞辛苦，来到破窑地方，又嚷道：「今有包大人在天齐庙宿坛放告，有冤枉的没有？只管前去申冤。」一言未了，只听有人应道：「我有冤枉，领我前去。」范宗华一看，说道：「哎哟！我的妈呀！你老人家有什么事情，也要打官司呢？」
“Are there any households round about here?” asked Lord Bao. “The highway runs off to the south,” Fan Zonghua reported. “To the east there’s an elm wood, to the west a ridge of yellow earth, and to the north the old kilns. Not twenty households in all.” Lord Bao then had the constable shoulder a tall signboard on a pole, with ‘Complaints Received’ written on it, and told him to let every household know that anyone who had suffered a wrong should come to the Tianqi Temple and lay it before him. “Yes, sir,” said Fan Zonghua. He shouldered the signboard at once and hurried off to the elm wood. At the Zhangs’ he asked, “Brother Zhang, d’you want to go to law?” At the Lis’ he asked, “Li the Second, have you been wronged at all?” Everyone he asked cursed him roundly. “You’re the constable — you’re always hoping folk will go to law, so you can squeeze money out of them! Here we are, living nice quiet lives, and you come knocking at our door to make us go to law! Well, here’s our answer: go to law? If we go to law with anybody, it’ll be with you! Who d’you think you are? Clear off while you can! You’re a damned jinx, you are! Call yourself a constable? Get out of here!” There was nothing Fan Zonghua could do. He went on to the yellow-earth ridge, and it was the same there: they cursed him roundly and sent him packing. But he didn’t mind being cursed, and sparing himself no trouble, he went on to the old kilns and called out again, “His Excellency Lord Bao is at the Tianqi Temple today, staying the night and hearing complaints! Anybody been wronged? Just go along and seek justice!” Before the words were out of his mouth, someone answered, “I have been wronged. Take me there.” Fan Zonghua looked round. “Oh! Oh, my mother!” he said. “What business can you have, Mother, that you want to go to law too?”
誰知此位婆婆，范宗華他卻認得，可不知底裡，只知道是秦總管的親戚，別的不知。這是什麼緣故呢？只因當初余忠替了娘娘殉難，秦鳳將娘娘頂了余忠之名抬出宮來，派親信之人送到家中，吩咐與秦母一樣侍奉。誰知娘娘終日思想儲君，哭的二目失明。那時范宗華之父名喚范勝，當時眾人俱叫他「剩飯」，正在秦府打雜，為人忠厚老實好善。娘娘因他愛行好事，時常周濟賞賜他，故此范勝受恩極多。後來秦鳳自焚身死，秦母亦相繼而亡，所有子孫不知娘娘是何等人。所謂「人在人情在、人亡兩無交」。娘娘在秦宅存身不住，故此離了秦宅，無處棲身。范勝欲留他在家，娘娘決意不肯。幸喜有一破窯，范勝收拾了收拾，攙扶娘娘居住。多虧他時常照拂：每遇陰天下雨，他便送了飯來。又恐別人欺負她，叫兒子范宗華在窯外搭了個窩鋪，坐冷子看守。雖是他答報受德受恩之心，哪裡知道此位就是落難的娘娘。後來范勝臨危，還告訴范宗華道：「破窯內老婆婆，你要好好侍奉他，當初是秦總管派人送到家中。此人是個有來歷的，不可怠慢。」這也是他一生行好，竟得了一個孝順的兒子。范宗華自父亡之後，真是遵依父訓，侍奉不衰。平時即以老太太呼之，又叫媽媽。
谁知此位婆婆，范宗华他却认得，可不知底里，只知道是秦总管的亲戚，别的不知。这是什么缘故呢？只因当初余忠替了娘娘殉难，秦凤将娘娘顶了余忠之名抬出宫来，派亲信之人送到家中，吩咐与秦母一样侍奉。谁知娘娘终日思想储君，哭的二目失明。那时范宗华之父名唤范胜，当时众人俱叫他「剩饭」，正在秦府打杂，为人忠厚老实好善。娘娘因他爱行好事，时常周济赏赐他，故此范胜受恩极多。后来秦凤自焚身死，秦母亦相继而亡，所有子孙不知娘娘是何等人。所谓「人在人情在、人亡两无交」。娘娘在秦宅存身不住，故此离了秦宅，无处栖身。范胜欲留他在家，娘娘决意不肯。幸喜有一破窑，范胜收拾了收拾，搀扶娘娘居住。多亏他时常照拂：每遇阴天下雨，他便送了饭来。又恐别人欺负她，叫儿子范宗华在窑外搭了个窝铺，坐冷子看守。虽是他答报受德受恩之心，哪里知道此位就是落难的娘娘。后来范胜临危，还告诉范宗华道：「破窑内老婆婆，你要好好侍奉他，当初是秦总管派人送到家中。此人是个有来历的，不可怠慢。」这也是他一生行好，竟得了一个孝顺的儿子。范宗华自父亡之后，真是遵依父训，侍奉不衰。平时即以老太太呼之，又叫妈妈。
Now this old woman, as it turned out, was someone Fan Zonghua knew, though he knew nothing of who she really was. All he knew was that she was some relation of Steward Qin’s; beyond that, nothing. How did that come about? Years before, when Yu Zhong gave his life in place of Her Majesty, Consort Li, Qin Feng had her carried out of the palace under Yu Zhong’s name and sent with trusted men to his own home, with orders that she be waited on just like his mother. But Her Majesty thought of the heir all day long and wept until both her eyes were blind. In those days Fan Zonghua’s father, Fan Sheng — Leftovers, as everyone called him then — was doing odd jobs in the Qin household, an honest, steady man who loved to do good. Because he loved doing good, Her Majesty often helped him out and gave him presents, so Fan Sheng owed her a great many kindnesses. Later Qin Feng burned himself to death, his mother died soon after, and none of the family’s children or grandchildren knew who Her Majesty was. As the saying goes, ‘While a man lives, his kindness lives; once he is gone, the tie is gone.’ Her Majesty could not stay on in the Qin house, so she left it, and had nowhere to go. Fan Sheng wanted to take her into his own home, but she would not hear of it. Fortunately there was an abandoned kiln. Fan Sheng fixed it up a little and helped Her Majesty into it to live. She owed a great deal to his constant care: whenever the sky clouded over or rain fell, he would bring her food. And for fear that others might bully her, he had his son, Fan Zonghua, put up a little shelter outside the kiln and keep watch there, out in the cold. He did all this to repay the kindness and favours he had received — little did he know that this was a royal lady fallen on hard times. Later, as Fan Sheng lay dying, he told Fan Zonghua, “The old woman in the kiln — you must look after her well. It was Steward Qin who had her brought to his home in the first place. There’s more to her than meets the eye. Never neglect her.” Because Fan Sheng had done good all his life, he was blessed with a dutiful son. After his father died, Fan Zonghua truly kept to his father’s instructions and never slackened in looking after her. He always called her ‘Old Madam’ — or else just ‘Mother’.
現今娘娘要告狀，故問：「你老人家有什麼事情，也要告狀呢？」娘娘道：「為我兒子不孝，故要告狀。」范宗華道：「你老人家可是悖晦了。這些年也沒見你老人家說有兒子，今兒忽然又告起兒子來了。」娘娘道：「我這兒子，非好官不能判斷。我常聽見人說，這包公老爺善於判斷陰陽，是個清正官兒，偏偏他總不從此經過，故此耽延了這些年。如今他既來了，我若不趁此時申訴，還要等待何時呢？」范宗華聽罷，說：「既是如此，我領了你老人家去。到了那裡，我將竹杖兒一拉，你可就跪下，好歹別叫我受罪。」說著話，拉著竹杖，領到廟前。先進內回稟，然後將娘娘領進廟內。
现今娘娘要告状，故问：「你老人家有什么事情，也要告状呢？」娘娘道：「为我儿子不孝，故要告状。」范宗华道：「你老人家可是悖晦了。这些年也没见你老人家说有儿子，今儿忽然又告起儿子来了。」娘娘道：「我这儿子，非好官不能判断。我常听见人说，这包公老爷善于判断阴阳，是个清正官儿，偏偏他总不从此经过，故此耽延了这些年。如今他既来了，我若不趁此时申诉，还要等待何时呢？」范宗华听罢，说：「既是如此，我领了你老人家去。到了那里，我将竹杖儿一拉，你可就跪下，好歹别叫我受罪。」说着话，拉着竹杖，领到庙前。先进内回禀，然后将娘娘领进庙内。
So now, when Her Majesty wanted to lodge a complaint, he asked, “What business can you have, Mother, that you want to lodge a complaint?” “My son is unfilial,” said Her Majesty. “That is why I want to lodge a complaint.” “Mother, your wits must be wandering,” said Fan Zonghua. “All these years I’ve never once heard you say you had a son, and now all of a sudden you want to bring a complaint against one!” “This son of mine,” said Her Majesty, “is one that only a good official can judge. I have often heard people say that this Lord Bao is skilled at judging the living and the dead alike, an honest and upright official. But he never would come this way, and so all these years have gone by. Now that he has come at last, if I do not lay my case before him now, how much longer am I to wait?” When he had heard her out, Fan Zonghua said, “In that case, I’ll take you there, Mother. When we get there, I’ll give the bamboo stick a tug, and that’s when you kneel down. Whatever you do, don’t get me into trouble.” As he spoke, he took the end of the bamboo stick and led her to the front of the temple. He went in first to report, then led Her Majesty inside.
到了公座之下，范宗華將竹杖一拉，娘娘連理也不理。他又連拉了幾拉，娘娘反將竹杖往回裡一抽。范宗華好生地著急。只聽娘娘說道：「大人吩咐左右迴避，我有話說。」包公聞聽，便叫左右暫且退出。座上方說道：「左右無人，有什麼冤枉，訴將上來。」娘娘不覺失聲道：「噯喲！包卿！苦煞哀家了！」只這一句，包公座上不勝驚訝。包興在旁，急冷冷打了個冷戰。登時包公黑臉也黃了。包興暗說：「我……我的媽呀！鬧呵，審出哀家來了！我看這事怎麼好呢？」
到了公座之下，范宗华将竹杖一拉，娘娘连理也不理。他又连拉了几拉，娘娘反将竹杖往回里一抽。范宗华好生地着急。只听娘娘说道：「大人吩咐左右回避，我有话说。」包公闻听，便叫左右暂且退出。座上方说道：「左右无人，有什么冤枉，诉将上来。」娘娘不觉失声道：「嗳哟！包卿！苦煞哀家了！」只这一句，包公座上不胜惊讶。包兴在旁，急冷冷打了个冷战。登时包公黑脸也黄了。包兴暗说：「我……我的妈呀！闹呵，审出哀家来了！我看这事怎么好呢？」
When they came before the official seat, Fan Zonghua gave the stick a tug, but Her Majesty paid no attention at all. He tugged it several times more, but she only jerked the stick back toward herself. Fan Zonghua was frantic. Then Her Majesty said, “Will Your Excellency send your attendants away? I have something to say.” Hearing this, Lord Bao told his attendants to withdraw for the moment. Only then did he speak from his seat: “There is no one here now. Whatever wrong you have suffered, tell it.” Before she knew it, Her Majesty cried out, “Ah! Minister Bao! What We have suffered!” At these words Lord Bao sat in his seat, astounded beyond measure. Beside him, Bao Xing shivered as a sudden chill ran through him. In an instant Lord Bao’s black face turned a sickly yellow. Bao Xing said to himself, “Oh — oh, m-my mother! Well, would you believe it — the hearing’s turned up a royal ‘We’! How on earth is this going to end?”
未識如何，且聽下回分解。
未识如何，且听下回分解。
To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.