陳錫九，邳人。父子言，邑名士。富室周某，仰其聲望，訂為婚姻。陳累舉不第，家業蕭索，游學于秦，數年無信。周陰有悔心。以少女適王孝廉為繼室；王聘儀豐盛，僕馬甚都。以此愈憎錫九貧，堅意絕婚；問女，女不從。怒，以惡服飾遣歸錫九。日不舉火，周全不顧恤。一日，使傭媼以饁餉女，入門向母曰：「主人使某視小姑姑餓死否。」女恐母慚，強笑以亂其詞。因出榼中肴餌，列母前。媼止之曰：「無須爾！自小姑入人家，何曾交換出一杯溫涼水？吾家物，料姥姥亦無顏啗噉得。」母大恚，聲色俱變。媼不服，惡語相侵。紛紜間，錫九自外入，訊知大怒，撮毛批頰，撻逐出門而去。次日，周來逆女，女不肯歸；明日又來，增其人數，眾口呶呶，如將尋鬥。母強勸女去。女潸然拜母，登車而去。過數日，又使人來，逼索離婚書，母強錫九與之。惟望子言歸，以圖別處。周家有人自西安來，知子言已死，陳母哀憤成疾而卒。錫九哀迫中，尚望妻歸；久而渺然，悲憤益切。薄田數畝，鬻治葬具。葬畢，乞食赴秦，以求父骨。至西安，遍訪居人，或言數年前有書生死於逆旅，葬之東郊，今冢已沒。錫九無策，惟朝丐市廛，暮宿野寺，冀有知者。會晚經叢葬處，有數人遮道，逼索飯價。錫九曰：「我異鄉人，乞食城郭，何處少人飯價？」共怒，捽之仆地，以埋兒敗絮塞其口。力盡聲嘶，漸就危殆。忽共驚曰：「何處官府至矣！」釋手寂然。俄有車馬至，便問：「臥者何人？」即有數人扶至車下。車中人曰：「是吾兒也。孽鬼何敢爾！可悉縛來，勿致漏脫。」錫九覺有人去其塞，少定，細認，真其父也。大哭曰：「兒為父骨良苦。今固尚在人間耶！」父曰：「我非人，太行總管也。此來亦為吾兒。」錫九哭益哀。父慰諭之。錫九泣述岳家離婚。父曰：「無憂，今新婦亦在母所。母念兒甚，可暫一往。」遂與同車，馳如風雨。移時，至一官署，下車入重門，則母在焉。錫九痛欲絕，父止之。錫九啜泣聽命。見妻在母側，問母曰：「兒婦在此，得毋亦泉下耶？」母曰：「非也，是汝父接來，待汝歸家，當便送去。」錫九曰：「兒侍父母，不願歸矣。」母曰：「辛苦跋涉而來，為父骨耳。汝不歸，初志為何也？況汝孝行已達天帝，賜汝金萬斤，夫妻享受正遠，何言不歸？」錫九垂泣。父數數促行，錫九哭失聲。父怒曰：「汝不行耶！」錫九懼，收聲，始詢葬所。父挽之曰：「子行，我告之：去叢葬處百餘步，有子母白榆是也。」挽之甚急，竟不遑別母。門外有健僕，捉馬待之。既超乘，父囑曰：「日所宿處，有少資斧，可速辦裝歸，向岳索婦；不得婦，勿休也。」錫九諾而行。馬絕駛，雞鳴至西安。僕扶下，方將拜致父母，而人馬已杳。尋至舊宿處，倚壁假寐，以待天明。坐處有拳石礙股；曉而視之，白金也。市棺賃輿，尋雙榆下，得父骨而歸。合厝既畢，家徒四壁。幸里中憐其孝，共飯之。將往索婦，自度不能用武，與族兄十九往。及門，門者絕之。十九素無賴，出語穢褻。周使人勸錫九歸，願即送女去，錫九乃還。初，女之歸也，周對之罵婿及母，女不語，但向壁零涕。陳母死，亦不使聞。得離書，擲向女曰：「陳家出汝矣！」女曰：「我不曾悍逆，何為出我？」欲歸質其故，又禁閉之。後錫九如西安，遂造凶訃，以絕女志。此信一播，遂有杜中翰來議姻，竟許之。親迎有日，女始知，遂泣不食，以被韜面，氣如游絲。周正無法，忽聞錫九至，發語不遜，意料女必死，遂舁歸錫九，意將待女死以洩其憤。錫九歸，而送女者已至；猶恐錫九見其病而不內，甫入門，委之而去。鄰里代憂，共謀舁還；錫九不聽，扶置榻上，而氣已絕。始大恐。正遑迫間，周子率數人持械入，門窗盡毀。錫九逃匿，苦搜之。鄉人盡為不平；十九糾十餘人銳身急難，周子兄弟皆被夷傷，始鼠竄而去。周益怒，訟於官，捕錫九、十九等。錫九將行，以女尸囑鄰媼，忽聞榻上若息，近視之，秋波微動矣；少時，已能轉側。大喜，詣官自陳。宰怒周訟誣。周懼，啗以重賂，始得免。錫九歸，夫妻相見，悲喜交并。先是，女絕食奄臥，自矢必死。忽有人捉起曰：「我陳家人也，速從我去，夫妻可以相見；不然，無及矣！」不覺身已出門，兩人扶登肩輿，頃刻至官廨，見公姑俱在。問：「此何所？」母曰：「不必問，容當送汝歸。」一日，見錫九至，甚喜。一見遽別，心頗疑怪。公不知何事，恆數日不歸。昨夕忽歸，曰：「我在武夷，遲歸二日，難為保兒矣。可速送兒歸去。」遂以輿馬送女。忽見家門，遂如夢醒。女與錫九共述曩事，相與驚喜。由此夫妻相聚，但朝夕無以自給。錫九於村中設童蒙帳，兼自攻苦。每私語曰：「父言天賜黃金，今四堵空空，豈訓讀所能發蹟耶？」一日，自塾中歸，遇二人，問之曰：「君陳某耶？」錫九曰：「然。」二人即出鐵索縶之，錫九不解其故。少間，村人畢集，共詰之，始知郡盜所牽。眾憐其冤，醵錢賂役，途中得無苦。至郡見太守，歷述家世。太守愕然曰：「此名士之子，溫文爾雅，烏能作賊！」命脫縲絏，取盜嚴梏之，始供為周某賄囑。錫九又訴翁婿反面之由，太守更怒，立刻拘提。即延錫九至署，與論世好，蓋太守舊邳宰韓公之子，即子言受業門人也。贈燈火之費以百金；又以二騾代步，使不時趨郡，以課文藝。轉於各上官游揚其孝，自總制而下，皆有餽遺。錫九乘騾而歸，夫妻慰甚。一日，妻母哭至，見女伏地不起。女駭問之，始知周已被械在獄矣。女哀哭自咎，但欲覓死。錫九不得已，詣郡為之緩頰。太守釋令自贖，罰穀一百石，批賜孝子陳錫九。放歸，出倉粟，雜糠粃而輦運之。錫九謂女曰：「爾翁以小人之心度君子矣。烏知我必受之，而瑣瑣雜糠覈耶？」因笑卻之。錫九家雖小有，而垣牆陋蔽。一夜，群盜入。僕覺，大號，止竊兩騾而去。後半年餘，錫九夜讀，聞撾門聲，問之寂然。呼僕起視，則門一啟，兩騾躍入，乃向所亡也。直奔櫪下，咻咻汗喘。燭之，各負革囊；解視，則白鏹滿中。大異，不知其所自來。後聞是夜大盜劫周，盈裝出，適防兵追急，委其捆載而去。騾認故主，逕奔至家。周自獄中歸，刑創猶劇，又遭盜劫，大病而死。女夜夢父囚繫而至，曰：「吾生平所為，悔已無及。今受冥譴，非若翁莫能解脫，為我代求婿，致一函焉。」醒而嗚泣。詰之，具以告。錫九久欲一詣太行，即日遂發。既至，備牲物酹祝之，即露宿其處，冀有所見，終夜無異，遂歸。周死，母子逾貧，仰給於次婿。王孝廉考補縣尹，以墨敗，舉家徙瀋陽，益無所歸。錫九時顧卹之。
陳錫九是邳地人。他的父親名叫子言，是縣裡有名的讀書人。富戶周某仰慕子言的聲望，便與陳家定下兒女婚事。陳子言多次應試，都沒有考中，家業漸漸衰落，便到秦地遊學，幾年沒有音信。周某暗暗有了反悔的念頭。他把小女兒嫁給王孝廉做續絃，王家的聘禮十分豐厚，僕人和馬匹也很氣派。因此，他越發嫌棄錫九貧窮，鐵了心要解除婚約；問女兒的意思，女兒卻不肯。他一怒之下，給女兒穿戴了些粗劣的衣服首飾，便把她嫁到錫九家。陳家常常連飯也做不上，周某全不照顧。一天，他派一個傭婦給女兒送飯。傭婦一進門，就對錫九的母親說：「主人叫我來看看，小姐餓死了沒有。」女兒怕婆婆難堪，勉強笑著說話，把傭婦的話岔開，又拿出食盒裡的菜餚和點心，擺在婆婆面前。傭婦攔住她說：「不必這樣！自從小姐嫁到你家，你家可曾回送過一杯水？這是我們家的東西，想來老太太也沒臉吃吧。」錫九的母親大怒，聲音和臉色都變了。傭婦不肯退讓，又用惡毒的話辱罵她。吵鬧間，錫九從外面回來，問清緣故後大怒，揪住傭婦的頭髮，打她耳光，把她打出門去。第二天，周某來接女兒，女兒不肯回去；再過一天，他又來了，帶的人更多，眾人吵吵嚷嚷，像要尋釁打架。錫九的母親竭力勸兒媳回去。兒媳含著淚拜別婆婆，上車走了。過了幾天，周某又派人來，逼著索取休書，錫九的母親硬勸錫九寫給他們，只盼子言回來，再想別的辦法。周家有人從西安回來，得知子言已經死了。陳母悲痛憤懣，得病去世。錫九在悲痛困窘中，仍盼著妻子回來；等了很久，始終沒有訊息，心裡越發悲憤。他賣掉僅有的幾畝薄田，置辦母親的喪葬用品。安葬完畢，便一路討飯到秦地，去尋找父親的遺骨。到了西安，他四處向當地人打聽。有人說，幾年前有個書生死在客店裡，埋在東郊，如今墳丘已經不見了。錫九沒有辦法，只能早晨到街市討飯，晚上住在荒野的寺廟裡，盼著遇到知情的人。一天傍晚，他經過一處墳墓聚集的地方，有幾個人擋住去路，逼他付飯錢。錫九說：「我是個外鄉人，在城裡討飯，哪裡欠過誰的飯錢？」那些人一起發怒，把他揪倒在地，拿埋葬孩子用過的破棉絮塞住他的嘴。他力氣耗盡，聲音嘶啞，漸漸快要死了。忽然那些人驚叫道：「哪裡來的官府人馬到了！」隨即鬆開手，安靜下來。不一會兒，車馬來到，有人問：「躺著的是什麼人？」立刻有幾個人把錫九扶到車前。車裡的人說：「這是我的兒子。那些惡鬼怎敢這樣！把他們全綁來，一個也不許逃掉。」錫九覺得有人取出了嘴裡的棉絮，稍稍定下神來，仔細一看，果真是自己的父親。他大哭著說：「兒子為了尋找父親的遺骨，吃盡了苦頭。原來您還在人世嗎！」父親說：「我已經不是活人了，如今是太行總管。這次來，也是為了你。」錫九哭得更加悲痛，父親勸慰他。錫九含淚訴說岳家逼他解除婚姻的事。父親說：「不要擔心，如今你媳婦也在你母親那裡。你母親很想你，可以暫時去一趟。」於是父子同乘一輛車，飛快地賓士，如同疾風驟雨。過了一會兒，來到一座官署，下車走進一道道門，母親就在裡面。錫九悲痛得幾乎昏厥，父親制止他，他才抽泣著聽從。見妻子在母親身旁，他問母親：「媳婦在這裡，難道也已經死了嗎？」母親說：「沒有，是你父親把她接來的。等你回家，就會把她送回去。」錫九說：「兒子要留下來侍奉父母，不願回去了。」母親說：「你辛辛苦苦跋涉到這裡，是為了尋回父親的遺骨。你若不回去，當初的心願怎麼辦？況且你的孝行已經傳到天帝那裡，天帝賜給你一萬斤黃金，你們夫妻還有長久的福分，怎麼能說不回去？」錫九低頭流淚。父親再三催他走，他哭得失了聲。父親發怒說：「你還不走嗎！」錫九害怕了，收住哭聲，這才問父親埋在哪裡。父親拉著他說：「你走，我告訴你：離那片墳地一百多步，有一大一小兩棵白榆樹，就是那裡。」父親拉著他急急往外走，竟沒讓他來得及向母親告別。門外有個健壯的僕人牽著馬等候。錫九躍上馬後，父親囑咐說：「你平日住的地方，有一點盤纏。趕快收拾行裝回家，向岳父要回妻子；要不到，就不要罷休。」錫九答應後出發。馬跑得極快，雞叫時就到了西安。僕人扶他下馬，他正要拜謝，托僕人向父母致意，人和馬卻已經不見了。他找到從前住的地方，靠牆打盹，等候天亮。坐的地方有塊拳頭大的石頭，硌著大腿；天亮一看，竟是銀子。他買了棺木，租了車，到那兩棵榆樹下找到父親的遺骨，帶回家去。把父母合葬後，家裡只剩下四面空牆。幸虧鄉里人憐惜他的孝心，合力供給他飯食。他打算去要回妻子，自知不能動武，便與族兄十九一起去。到了周家門前，守門人不讓進去。十九一向無賴，開口便說汙言穢語。周某派人勸錫九回去，答應立即把女兒送來，錫九才回家。當初女兒回到孃家時，周某當著她的面罵她丈夫和婆婆，女兒不說話，只朝著牆流淚。陳母死了，他也不讓女兒知道。拿到休書後，他扔給女兒說：「陳家已經把你休了！」女兒說：「我不曾蠻橫忤逆，為什麼休我？」她想回陳家問個明白，周某又把她關了起來。後來錫九去了西安，周某便捏造他已經死了的訊息，好斷絕女兒的念頭。訊息一傳開，就有個杜中翰來提親，周某竟答應了。迎親的日子已經定下，女兒才知道，於是哭著不肯吃飯，用被子矇住臉，氣息微弱得像一縷細絲。周某正沒有辦法，忽然聽說錫九來了，說話很不客氣。他料定女兒必死，就把她抬回錫九家，想讓女兒死在那裡，藉此發洩怨憤。錫九回到家，送妻子的人已經到了。他們還怕錫九看到她的病情，不肯收留，才一進門，就把她放下，走了。鄰居們替錫九擔憂，商量著要把她抬回去，錫九不肯，把妻子扶到床上，卻發現她已經斷了氣，這才大驚。正慌亂時，周某的兒子帶著幾個拿兵器的人闖進來，把門窗全都打壞。錫九逃走藏起來，他們四處搜尋。鄉里人都覺得不平，十九召集十多人，奮不顧身地趕來救急。周家幾個兒子都被打傷，這才狼狽逃走。周某越發憤怒，到官府告狀，官府便來抓錫九、十九等人。錫九臨走前，把妻子的屍體託付給鄰居老婦，忽然聽見床上似乎有呼吸聲，走近一看，妻子的眼睛已經微微轉動；過了一會兒，她已經能翻身了。錫九大喜，來到官府，陳述事情經過。縣令氣憤周某誣告，周某害怕了，送上厚重的賄賂，才免於受罰。錫九回家，夫妻相見，悲喜交加。先前，妻子絕食臥床，奄奄一息，發誓一定要死。忽然有人把她拉起來，說：「我是陳家的人，快跟我走，你們夫妻就能相見；否則就來不及了！」她不知不覺已經出了門，兩個人扶她上了轎子，片刻就到了一座官署，見公公婆婆都在。她問：「這是什麼地方？」婆婆說：「不必問，到時候自然會送你回去。」一天，她見錫九來了，十分高興；可剛一見面就又分開，心裡很是疑惑。公公不知忙些什麼，常常幾天不回來。昨晚他忽然回來，說：「我在武夷，晚回來了兩天，要保住這孩子，可費了不少力氣。趕快送她回去。」於是用轎子和馬把她送回去。她忽然看見家門，便像從夢中醒來一樣。妻子和錫九各自說起先前的經歷，兩人又驚又喜。從此夫妻團聚，可早晚仍沒有東西吃。錫九在村裡開了個教孩子啟蒙的私塾，自己也刻苦讀書。他常常私下說：「父親說天帝賜給我黃金，可如今家裡四面空空，難道教孩子讀書，就能發家嗎？」一天，他從私塾回來，遇到兩個人，問他說：「你是陳某嗎？」錫九說：「是。」兩人立即拿出鐵鏈，把他鎖住，錫九不明白是什麼緣故。不一會兒，村裡人全都聚來，一起追問，這才知道是郡裡抓到的盜賊供出了他的名字。眾人憐惜他受冤枉，湊錢送給差役，使他在路上免受折磨。到了郡裡，見到太守，錫九詳細講述了自己的家世。太守驚訝地說：「這是名士的兒子，溫和有禮，怎麼會做強盜！」下令解開他的鎖鏈，又提來盜賊，嚴刑拷問，那人才招認，是周某行賄，叫他誣陷錫九。錫九又訴說自己與岳父反目的緣由，太守更加憤怒，立刻下令拘捕周某。隨後，他請錫九到官署裡，談起兩家的舊交。原來太守是從前邳地縣令韓公的兒子，也是子言教過的學生。他送給錫九一百兩銀子，作為讀書的費用，又給他兩頭騾子代步，讓他隨時到郡裡來，接受文章學業上的考查。他還向各位上級官員稱揚錫九的孝行，從總制以下，都送來禮物。錫九騎著騾子回家，夫妻倆都十分欣慰。一天，岳母哭著來到家裡，一見女兒就伏在地上，不肯起來。女兒驚慌地問她，這才知道父親已經戴著刑具關進監獄。她悲傷地哭著責怪自己，只想尋死。錫九沒有辦法，只得去郡裡替岳父求情。太守允許周某贖罪，罰他一百石糧食，批示賞給孝子陳錫九。周某被放回家後，從倉裡取出糧食，摻上糠秕，用車運來。錫九對妻子說：「你父親這是用小人的心思來猜度君子。他怎麼知道我一定會收，還費這些瑣碎心思往裡面摻糠和雜物呢？」於是笑著拒收了。錫九家雖然稍有些積蓄，院牆卻簡陋破敗。一天夜裡，一群強盜闖進來。僕人發覺後大聲喊叫，強盜只偷走兩頭騾子就跑了。半年多以後，錫九夜裡讀書，聽到敲門聲，開口詢問，卻沒有回應。他叫醒僕人去看，門一打開，兩頭騾子就跳了進來，正是先前丟失的那兩頭。它們直奔槽邊，渾身是汗，不停喘氣。拿燭火一照，每頭騾子都馱著一個皮袋，解開一看，裡面裝滿了銀子。錫九十分驚訝，不知道是從哪裡來的。後來聽說，那天夜裡，大群強盜搶劫了周家，滿載而出，恰好守備的官兵追得很緊，便丟下裝載的財物逃走了。騾子認得舊主人，徑直跑回家來。周某從監獄回來，受刑的傷還很重，又遭強盜搶劫，便病重死了。女兒夜裡夢見父親戴著刑具來到，說：「我一生所做的事，如今後悔已經來不及了。現在受陰間的懲罰，除了你公公，沒有人能救我脫身。你替我求求女婿，讓他給你公公送封信。」她醒來後嗚嗚地哭。錫九問她，她把夢裡的事全說了。錫九早就想去一趟太行，當天便出發了。到了那裡，他備好祭牲和供品，灑酒禱告，又露宿在當地，盼著能見到父親，可整夜都沒有異常的事，便回去了。周某死後，妻子兒子越來越窮，靠二女婿供養。王孝廉經過考試，被補任為縣令，後來因貪汙獲罪，全家遷往瀋陽，周家母子越發無處投靠。錫九時常照顧接濟他們。
陈锡九，邳人。父子言，邑名士。富室周某，仰其声望，订为婚姻。陈累举不第，家业萧索，游学于秦，数年无信。周阴有悔心。以少女适王孝廉为继室；王聘仪丰盛，仆马甚都。以此愈憎锡九贫，坚意绝婚；问女，女不从。怒，以恶服饰遣归锡九。日不举火，周全不顾恤。一日，使佣媪以馌饷女，入门向母曰：「主人使某视小姑姑饿死否。」女恐母惭，强笑以乱其词。因出榼中肴饵，列母前。媪止之曰：「无须尔！自小姑入人家，何曾交换出一杯温凉水？吾家物，料姥姥亦无颜啗噉得。」母大恚，声色俱变。媪不服，恶语相侵。纷纭间，锡九自外入，讯知大怒，撮毛批颊，挞逐出门而去。次日，周来逆女，女不肯归；明日又来，增其人数，众口呶呶，如将寻斗。母强劝女去。女潸然拜母，登车而去。过数日，又使人来，逼索离婚书，母强锡九与之。惟望子言归，以图别处。周家有人自西安来，知子言已死，陈母哀愤成疾而卒。锡九哀迫中，尚望妻归；久而渺然，悲愤益切。薄田数亩，鬻治葬具。葬毕，乞食赴秦，以求父骨。至西安，遍访居人，或言数年前有书生死于逆旅，葬之东郊，今冢已没。锡九无策，惟朝丐市廛，暮宿野寺，冀有知者。会晚经丛葬处，有数人遮道，逼索饭价。锡九曰：「我异乡人，乞食城郭，何处少人饭价？」共怒，捽之仆地，以埋儿败絮塞其口。力尽声嘶，渐就危殆。忽共惊曰：「何处官府至矣！」释手寂然。俄有车马至，便问：「卧者何人？」即有数人扶至车下。车中人曰：「是吾儿也。孽鬼何敢尔！可悉缚来，勿致漏脱。」锡九觉有人去其塞，少定，细认，真其父也。大哭曰：「儿为父骨良苦。今固尚在人间耶！」父曰：「我非人，太行总管也。此来亦为吾儿。」锡九哭益哀。父慰谕之。锡九泣述岳家离婚。父曰：「无忧，今新妇亦在母所。母念儿甚，可暂一往。」遂与同车，驰如风雨。移时，至一官署，下车入重门，则母在焉。锡九痛欲绝，父止之。锡九啜泣听命。见妻在母侧，问母曰：「儿妇在此，得毋亦泉下耶？」母曰：「非也，是汝父接来，待汝归家，当便送去。」锡九曰：「儿侍父母，不愿归矣。」母曰：「辛苦跋涉而来，为父骨耳。汝不归，初志为何也？况汝孝行已达天帝，赐汝金万斤，夫妻享受正远，何言不归？」锡九垂泣。父数数促行，锡九哭失声。父怒曰：「汝不行耶！」锡九惧，收声，始询葬所。父挽之曰：「子行，我告之：去丛葬处百余步，有子母白榆是也。」挽之甚急，竟不遑别母。门外有健仆，捉马待之。既超乘，父嘱曰：「日所宿处，有少资斧，可速办装归，向岳索妇；不得妇，勿休也。」锡九诺而行。马绝驶，鸡鸣至西安。仆扶下，方将拜致父母，而人马已杳。寻至旧宿处，倚壁假寐，以待天明。坐处有拳石碍股；晓而视之，白金也。市棺赁舆，寻双榆下，得父骨而归。合厝既毕，家徒四壁。幸里中怜其孝，共饭之。将往索妇，自度不能用武，与族兄十九往。及门，门者绝之。十九素无赖，出语秽亵。周使人劝锡九归，愿即送女去，锡九乃还。初，女之归也，周对之骂婿及母，女不语，但向壁零涕。陈母死，亦不使闻。得离书，掷向女曰：「陈家出汝矣！」女曰：「我不曾悍逆，何为出我？」欲归质其故，又禁闭之。后锡九如西安，遂造凶讣，以绝女志。此信一播，遂有杜中翰来议姻，竟许之。亲迎有日，女始知，遂泣不食，以被韬面，气如游丝。周正无法，忽闻锡九至，发语不逊，意料女必死，遂舁归锡九，意将待女死以泄其愤。锡九归，而送女者已至；犹恐锡九见其病而不内，甫入门，委之而去。邻里代忧，共谋舁还；锡九不听，扶置榻上，而气已绝。始大恐。正遑迫间，周子率数人持械入，门窗尽毁。锡九逃匿，苦搜之。乡人尽为不平；十九纠十余人锐身急难，周子兄弟皆被夷伤，始鼠窜而去。周益怒，讼于官，捕锡九、十九等。锡九将行，以女尸嘱邻媪，忽闻榻上若息，近视之，秋波微动矣；少时，已能转侧。大喜，诣官自陈。宰怒周讼诬。周惧，啗以重赂，始得免。锡九归，夫妻相见，悲喜交并。先是，女绝食奄卧，自矢必死。忽有人捉起曰：「我陈家人也，速从我去，夫妻可以相见；不然，无及矣！」不觉身已出门，两人扶登肩舆，顷刻至官廨，见公姑俱在。问：「此何所？」母曰：「不必问，容当送汝归。」一日，见锡九至，甚喜。一见遽别，心颇疑怪。公不知何事，恒数日不归。昨夕忽归，曰：「我在武夷，迟归二日，难为保儿矣。可速送儿归去。」遂以舆马送女。忽见家门，遂如梦醒。女与锡九共述曩事，相与惊喜。由此夫妻相聚，但朝夕无以自给。锡九于村中设童蒙帐，兼自攻苦。每私语曰：「父言天赐黄金，今四堵空空，岂训读所能发迹耶？」一日，自塾中归，遇二人，问之曰：「君陈某耶？」锡九曰：「然。」二人即出铁索絷之，锡九不解其故。少间，村人毕集，共诘之，始知郡盗所牵。众怜其冤，醵钱赂役，途中得无苦。至郡见太守，历述家世。太守愕然曰：「此名士之子，温文尔雅，乌能作贼！」命脱缧絏，取盗严梏之，始供为周某贿嘱。锡九又诉翁婿反面之由，太守更怒，立刻拘提。即延锡九至署，与论世好，盖太守旧邳宰韩公之子，即子言受业门人也。赠灯火之费以百金；又以二骡代步，使不时趋郡，以课文艺。转于各上官游扬其孝，自总制而下，皆有餽遗。锡九乘骡而归，夫妻慰甚。一日，妻母哭至，见女伏地不起。女骇问之，始知周已被械在狱矣。女哀哭自咎，但欲觅死。锡九不得已，诣郡为之缓颊。太守释令自赎，罚谷一百石，批赐孝子陈锡九。放归，出仓粟，杂糠粃而辇运之。锡九谓女曰：「尔翁以小人之心度君子矣。乌知我必受之，而琐琐杂糠核耶？」因笑却之。锡九家虽小有，而垣墙陋蔽。一夜，群盗入。仆觉，大号，止窃两骡而去。后半年余，锡九夜读，闻挝门声，问之寂然。呼仆起视，则门一启，两骡跃入，乃向所亡也。直奔枥下，咻咻汗喘。烛之，各负革囊；解视，则白镪满中。大异，不知其所自来。后闻是夜大盗劫周，盈装出，适防兵追急，委其捆载而去。骡认故主，径奔至家。周自狱中归，刑创犹剧，又遭盗劫，大病而死。女夜梦父囚系而至，曰：「吾生平所为，悔已无及。今受冥谴，非若翁莫能解脱，为我代求婿，致一函焉。」醒而呜泣。诘之，具以告。锡九久欲一诣太行，即日遂发。既至，备牲物酹祝之，即露宿其处，冀有所见，终夜无异，遂归。周死，母子逾贫，仰给于次婿。王孝廉考补县尹，以墨败，举家徙沈阳，益无所归。锡九时顾恤之。
陈锡九是邳地人。他的父亲名叫子言，是县里有名的读书人。富户周某仰慕子言的声望，便与陈家定下儿女婚事。陈子言多次应试，都没有考中，家业渐渐衰落，便到秦地游学，几年没有音信。周某暗暗有了反悔的念头。他把小女儿嫁给王孝廉做续弦，王家的聘礼十分丰厚，仆人和马匹也很气派。因此，他越发嫌弃锡九贫穷，铁了心要解除婚约；问女儿的意思，女儿却不肯。他一怒之下，给女儿穿戴了些粗劣的衣服首饰，便把她嫁到锡九家。陈家常常连饭也做不上，周某全不照顾。一天，他派一个佣妇给女儿送饭。佣妇一进门，就对锡九的母亲说：“主人叫我来看看，小姐饿死了没有。”女儿怕婆婆难堪，勉强笑着说话，把佣妇的话岔开，又拿出食盒里的菜肴和点心，摆在婆婆面前。佣妇拦住她说：“不必这样！自从小姐嫁到你家，你家可曾回送过一杯水？这是我们家的东西，想来老太太也没脸吃吧。”锡九的母亲大怒，声音和脸色都变了。佣妇不肯退让，又用恶毒的话辱骂她。吵闹间，锡九从外面回来，问清缘故后大怒，揪住佣妇的头发，打她耳光，把她打出门去。第二天，周某来接女儿，女儿不肯回去；再过一天，他又来了，带的人更多，众人吵吵嚷嚷，像要寻衅打架。锡九的母亲竭力劝儿媳回去。儿媳含着泪拜别婆婆，上车走了。过了几天，周某又派人来，逼着索取休书，锡九的母亲硬劝锡九写给他们，只盼子言回来，再想别的办法。周家有人从西安回来，得知子言已经死了。陈母悲痛愤懑，得病去世。锡九在悲痛困窘中，仍盼着妻子回来；等了很久，始终没有消息，心里越发悲愤。他卖掉仅有的几亩薄田，置办母亲的丧葬用品。安葬完毕，便一路讨饭到秦地，去寻找父亲的遗骨。到了西安，他四处向当地人打听。有人说，几年前有个书生死在客店里，埋在东郊，如今坟丘已经不见了。锡九没有办法，只能早晨到街市讨饭，晚上住在荒野的寺庙里，盼着遇到知情的人。一天傍晚，他经过一处坟墓聚集的地方，有几个人挡住去路，逼他付饭钱。锡九说：“我是个外乡人，在城里讨饭，哪里欠过谁的饭钱？”那些人一起发怒，把他揪倒在地，拿埋葬孩子用过的破棉絮塞住他的嘴。他力气耗尽，声音嘶哑，渐渐快要死了。忽然那些人惊叫道：“哪里来的官府人马到了！”随即松开手，安静下来。不一会儿，车马来到，有人问：“躺着的是什么人？”立刻有几个人把锡九扶到车前。车里的人说：“这是我的儿子。那些恶鬼怎敢这样！把他们全绑来，一个也不许逃掉。”锡九觉得有人取出了嘴里的棉絮，稍稍定下神来，仔细一看，果真是自己的父亲。他大哭着说：“儿子为了寻找父亲的遗骨，吃尽了苦头。原来您还在人世吗！”父亲说：“我已经不是活人了，如今是太行总管。这次来，也是为了你。”锡九哭得更加悲痛，父亲劝慰他。锡九含泪诉说岳家逼他解除婚姻的事。父亲说：“不要担心，如今你媳妇也在你母亲那里。你母亲很想你，可以暂时去一趟。”于是父子同乘一辆车，飞快地奔驰，如同疾风骤雨。过了一会儿，来到一座官署，下车走进一道道门，母亲就在里面。锡九悲痛得几乎昏厥，父亲制止他，他才抽泣着听从。见妻子在母亲身旁，他问母亲：“媳妇在这里，难道也已经死了吗？”母亲说：“没有，是你父亲把她接来的。等你回家，就会把她送回去。”锡九说：“儿子要留下来侍奉父母，不愿回去了。”母亲说：“你辛辛苦苦跋涉到这里，是为了寻回父亲的遗骨。你若不回去，当初的心愿怎么办？况且你的孝行已经传到天帝那里，天帝赐给你一万斤黄金，你们夫妻还有长久的福分，怎么能说不回去？”锡九低头流泪。父亲再三催他走，他哭得失了声。父亲发怒说：“你还不走吗！”锡九害怕了，收住哭声，这才问父亲埋在哪里。父亲拉着他说：“你走，我告诉你：离那片坟地一百多步，有一大一小两棵白榆树，就是那里。”父亲拉着他急急往外走，竟没让他来得及向母亲告别。门外有个健壮的仆人牵着马等候。锡九跃上马后，父亲嘱咐说：“你平日住的地方，有一点盘缠。赶快收拾行装回家，向岳父要回妻子；要不到，就不要罢休。”锡九答应后出发。马跑得极快，鸡叫时就到了西安。仆人扶他下马，他正要拜谢，托仆人向父母致意，人和马却已经不见了。他找到从前住的地方，靠墙打盹，等候天亮。坐的地方有块拳头大的石头，硌着大腿；天亮一看，竟是银子。他买了棺木，租了车，到那两棵榆树下找到父亲的遗骨，带回家去。把父母合葬后，家里只剩下四面空墙。幸亏乡里人怜惜他的孝心，合力供给他饭食。他打算去要回妻子，自知不能动武，便与族兄十九一起去。到了周家门前，守门人不让进去。十九一向无赖，开口便说污言秽语。周某派人劝锡九回去，答应立即把女儿送来，锡九才回家。当初女儿回到娘家时，周某当着她的面骂她丈夫和婆婆，女儿不说话，只朝着墙流泪。陈母死了，他也不让女儿知道。拿到休书后，他扔给女儿说：“陈家已经把你休了！”女儿说：“我不曾蛮横忤逆，为什么休我？”她想回陈家问个明白，周某又把她关了起来。后来锡九去了西安，周某便捏造他已经死了的消息，好断绝女儿的念头。消息一传开，就有个杜中翰来提亲，周某竟答应了。迎亲的日子已经定下，女儿才知道，于是哭着不肯吃饭，用被子蒙住脸，气息微弱得像一缕细丝。周某正没有办法，忽然听说锡九来了，说话很不客气。他料定女儿必死，就把她抬回锡九家，想让女儿死在那里，借此发泄怨愤。锡九回到家，送妻子的人已经到了。他们还怕锡九看到她的病情，不肯收留，才一进门，就把她放下，走了。邻居们替锡九担忧，商量着要把她抬回去，锡九不肯，把妻子扶到床上，却发现她已经断了气，这才大惊。正慌乱时，周某的儿子带着几个拿兵器的人闯进来，把门窗全都打坏。锡九逃走藏起来，他们四处搜寻。乡里人都觉得不平，十九召集十多人，奋不顾身地赶来救急。周家几个儿子都被打伤，这才狼狈逃走。周某越发愤怒，到官府告状，官府便来抓锡九、十九等人。锡九临走前，把妻子的尸体托付给邻居老妇，忽然听见床上似乎有呼吸声，走近一看，妻子的眼睛已经微微转动；过了一会儿，她已经能翻身了。锡九大喜，来到官府，陈述事情经过。县令气愤周某诬告，周某害怕了，送上厚重的贿赂，才免于受罚。锡九回家，夫妻相见，悲喜交加。先前，妻子绝食卧床，奄奄一息，发誓一定要死。忽然有人把她拉起来，说：“我是陈家的人，快跟我走，你们夫妻就能相见；否则就来不及了！”她不知不觉已经出了门，两个人扶她上了轿子，片刻就到了一座官署，见公公婆婆都在。她问：“这是什么地方？”婆婆说：“不必问，到时候自然会送你回去。”一天，她见锡九来了，十分高兴；可刚一见面就又分开，心里很是疑惑。公公不知忙些什么，常常几天不回来。昨晚他忽然回来，说：“我在武夷，晚回来了两天，要保住这孩子，可费了不少力气。赶快送她回去。”于是用轿子和马把她送回去。她忽然看见家门，便像从梦中醒来一样。妻子和锡九各自说起先前的经历，两人又惊又喜。从此夫妻团聚，可早晚仍没有东西吃。锡九在村里开了个教孩子启蒙的私塾，自己也刻苦读书。他常常私下说：“父亲说天帝赐给我黄金，可如今家里四面空空，难道教孩子读书，就能发家吗？”一天，他从私塾回来，遇到两个人，问他说：“你是陈某吗？”锡九说：“是。”两人立即拿出铁链，把他锁住，锡九不明白是什么缘故。不一会儿，村里人全都聚来，一起追问，这才知道是郡里抓到的盗贼供出了他的名字。众人怜惜他受冤枉，凑钱送给差役，使他在路上免受折磨。到了郡里，见到太守，锡九详细讲述了自己的家世。太守惊讶地说：“这是名士的儿子，温和有礼，怎么会做强盗！”下令解开他的锁链，又提来盗贼，严刑拷问，那人才招认，是周某行贿，叫他诬陷锡九。锡九又诉说自己与岳父反目的缘由，太守更加愤怒，立刻下令拘捕周某。随后，他请锡九到官署里，谈起两家的旧交。原来太守是从前邳地县令韩公的儿子，也是子言教过的学生。他送给锡九一百两银子，作为读书的费用，又给他两头骡子代步，让他随时到郡里来，接受文章学业上的考查。他还向各位上级官员称扬锡九的孝行，从总制以下，都送来礼物。锡九骑着骡子回家，夫妻俩都十分欣慰。一天，岳母哭着来到家里，一见女儿就伏在地上，不肯起来。女儿惊慌地问她，这才知道父亲已经戴着刑具关进监狱。她悲伤地哭着责怪自己，只想寻死。锡九没有办法，只得去郡里替岳父求情。太守允许周某赎罪，罚他一百石粮食，批示赏给孝子陈锡九。周某被放回家后，从仓里取出粮食，掺上糠秕，用车运来。锡九对妻子说：“你父亲这是用小人的心思来猜度君子。他怎么知道我一定会收，还费这些琐碎心思往里面掺糠和杂物呢？”于是笑着拒收了。锡九家虽然稍有些积蓄，院墙却简陋破败。一天夜里，一群强盗闯进来。仆人发觉后大声喊叫，强盗只偷走两头骡子就跑了。半年多以后，锡九夜里读书，听到敲门声，开口询问，却没有回应。他叫醒仆人去看，门一打开，两头骡子就跳了进来，正是先前丢失的那两头。它们直奔槽边，浑身是汗，不停喘气。拿烛火一照，每头骡子都驮着一个皮袋，解开一看，里面装满了银子。锡九十分惊讶，不知道是从哪里来的。后来听说，那天夜里，大群强盗抢劫了周家，满载而出，恰好守备的官兵追得很紧，便丢下装载的财物逃走了。骡子认得旧主人，径直跑回家来。周某从监狱回来，受刑的伤还很重，又遭强盗抢劫，便病重死了。女儿夜里梦见父亲戴着刑具来到，说：“我一生所做的事，如今后悔已经来不及了。现在受阴间的惩罚，除了你公公，没有人能救我脱身。你替我求求女婿，让他给你公公送封信。”她醒来后呜呜地哭。锡九问她，她把梦里的事全说了。锡九早就想去一趟太行，当天便出发了。到了那里，他备好祭牲和供品，洒酒祷告，又露宿在当地，盼着能见到父亲，可整夜都没有异常的事，便回去了。周某死后，妻子儿子越来越穷，靠二女婿供养。王孝廉经过考试，被补任为县令，后来因贪污获罪，全家迁往沈阳，周家母子越发无处投靠。锡九时常照顾接济他们。
Chen Xijiu was a man of Pi. His father, Ziyan, was a scholar of note in the county. A rich man named Zhou, who looked up to the father’s fame, arranged a match between their children. Chen Ziyan sat the examinations again and again without passing; the family fortunes dwindled, and he went to Qin to study and teach. For several years no word came from him. Zhou began secretly to regret the match. He married his youngest daughter to a provincial graduate named Wang as his second wife; Wang’s betrothal gifts were lavish, his servants and horses very fine. This made Zhou despise Xijiu’s poverty all the more, and he set his mind on breaking off the match. He asked his daughter; she would not agree. In a rage, he sent her off to Xijiu in shabby clothes and trinkets. There were days when no fire was lit in Xijiu’s kitchen, and Zhou did nothing at all to help. One day he sent a hired old woman with food for his daughter. She came in and said to Xijiu’s mother, “The master sent me to see whether the young miss has starved to death yet.” The daughter, afraid her mother-in-law would be shamed, forced a laugh to cover the words, took the dishes and cakes out of the hamper, and set them before the old lady. The servant stopped her. “No need for that! Since the young miss came into this house, when has anyone here sent back so much as a cup of water, hot or cold? This is our family’s food. I’d think the old madam wouldn’t have the face to eat it.” The mother was furious; her voice and face changed. The servant would not give way, and answered with abuse. In the middle of the uproar Xijiu came in. When he learned what had happened he flew into a rage, seized the woman by the hair, slapped her face, and beat her out of the door. The next day Zhou came to take his daughter home. She would not go. The day after, he came again with more people, all shouting at once as if spoiling for a fight. The mother pressed the girl to go. In tears, she bowed to her mother-in-law and got into the carriage. A few days later Zhou sent people again to demand a letter of divorce, and the mother made Xijiu give it. Her only hope was that Ziyan would come home and find some other way. Then someone of the Zhou household came back from Xi’an, and they learned that Ziyan was dead. Grief and anger made Xijiu’s mother ill, and she died. In his grief and straits Xijiu still hoped his wife would come back; as time went on with no sign of her, his grief and bitterness grew sharper. He sold his few mu of poor land to pay for the funeral. When it was over he set out for Qin, begging his way, to find his father’s bones. At Xi’an he asked everyone he could. Someone said that a few years before, a scholar had died at an inn and been buried in the eastern outskirts, but the mound was gone now. Xijiu was at a loss. He begged in the market by day and slept in a lonely temple by night, hoping someone would know. One evening, as he passed a field of common graves, several men blocked his way and demanded he pay for his meals. “I am a stranger here, begging my food in the city,” said Xijiu. “Where would I owe anyone for meals?” They grew angry, threw him to the ground, and stuffed his mouth with rotten cotton wadding that had been buried with a dead child. His strength gave out, his voice went hoarse, and he was close to death. Suddenly they cried in alarm, “Some official is coming!” They let go of him, and all was silent. In a moment carriages and horses arrived, and a voice asked, “Who is that lying there?” At once several men helped him up to the carriage. “It is my son,” said the man in the carriage. “How dare these wicked ghosts! Tie them up, every one, and let none escape.” Xijiu felt someone take the gag from his mouth. When he had steadied a little he looked closely: it really was his father. He burst into tears. “I have suffered so much looking for your bones, Father. So you are still in the world of the living!” “I am not a living man,” said his father. “I am Superintendent of the Taihang Mountains. I came this way for your sake.” Xijiu wept harder. His father comforted him. Weeping, Xijiu told how his wife’s family had broken the marriage. “Don’t worry,” said his father. “Your wife is with your mother now. Your mother misses you very much. Come with me for a little while.” They rode together in the carriage, flying along like wind and rain. After a while they came to an official residence. They got down and went through gate after gate, and there was his mother. Xijiu’s grief nearly overwhelmed him; his father checked him, and sobbing, Xijiu obeyed. Seeing his wife at his mother’s side, he asked, “My wife is here — is she dead too, down at the Yellow Springs?” “No,” said his mother. “Your father brought her here. When you go home she will be sent back.” “I will stay and serve you both,” said Xijiu. “I don’t want to go back.” “You toiled all this way for your father’s bones,” said his mother. “If you don’t go back, what becomes of what you set out to do? Besides, word of your devotion has reached the Emperor on High, and he has granted you ten thousand catties of gold. You and your wife have long years of enjoyment ahead. How can you talk of not going back?” Xijiu hung his head and wept. His father urged him again and again to go, and Xijiu sobbed aloud. “Will you not go?” his father said angrily. Frightened, Xijiu stopped crying, and only then asked where the grave was. His father pulled him along. “Go, and I’ll tell you. A hundred-odd paces from the common graves there are two white elms, a mother and her child. That is the place.” He hurried him off so fast that Xijiu had no time even to say goodbye to his mother. Outside the gate a sturdy servant stood waiting with a horse. When Xijiu had leapt into the saddle his father told him, “Where you have been sleeping there is a little money for the road. Make ready quickly and go home, and demand your wife from her father. Don’t rest until you have her.” Xijiu promised and set off. The horse went extremely fast; by cockcrow he was at Xi’an. The servant helped him down, and he was about to bow and send his respects to his parents when man and horse were gone. He found his way to the place where he used to sleep and dozed against the wall, waiting for dawn. A stone the size of a fist where he sat dug into his thigh. When it grew light he looked at it: it was silver. He bought a coffin and hired a cart, found the two elms, and under them found his father’s bones, and went home. When he had buried his father with his mother, there was nothing left in the house but the four walls. Luckily the neighbours pitied him for his devotion and fed him between them. He meant to go and demand his wife, but knowing he could not use force himself, he took with him a clansman, an elder cousin called Shijiu. At the gate the gatekeeper turned them away. Shijiu had always been a ruffian, and he let loose a stream of filth. Zhou sent someone to urge Xijiu to go home, promising to send the girl to him at once, and Xijiu went back. When the daughter had first come home, Zhou had cursed her husband and his mother to her face; she said nothing, only turned to the wall and wept. When Chen’s mother died, they did not even let her hear of it. When Zhou got the letter of divorce he flung it at her: “The Chens have put you out!” “I have never been shrewish or disobedient,” she said. “Why should they put me out?” She wanted to go back and ask the reason, but he locked her up. Later, when Xijiu went to Xi’an, Zhou made up news of his death to put an end to her hopes. Once the news got about, a Secretary Du came to propose marriage, and Zhou actually accepted. The day was set for the groom to come for her before she found out. Then she wept and would not eat, and lay with the quilt over her face until her breath was as faint as a thread of gossamer. Zhou was at his wits’ end when he heard that Xijiu had come and was using insulting language. Reckoning the girl was sure to die, he had her carried to Xijiu’s, meaning to let her die there and so vent his spite. Xijiu reached home to find the bearers already there. Afraid he would see how ill she was and refuse to take her in, they set her down the moment they were through the door and left. The neighbours were worried for him and talked of carrying her back, but Xijiu would not hear of it. He lifted her onto the bed — and her breath had already stopped. Only then was he truly frightened. While he was in this panic, Zhou’s son burst in with several men carrying weapons and smashed every door and window. Xijiu ran and hid, and they searched hard for him. The villagers were all outraged. Shijiu gathered a dozen or more men and threw himself into the fight; Zhou’s sons were all wounded and fled like rats. Zhou, angrier than ever, brought a suit before the magistrate, and warrants went out for Xijiu, Shijiu and the rest. As Xijiu was about to go, he asked an old woman next door to watch over the body. Suddenly he heard what seemed to be breathing from the bed. He went close: her eyes were faintly moving. Before long she could turn over. Overjoyed, he went to the magistrate and gave his account. The magistrate was angry that Zhou had brought a false charge. Zhou took fright, and only by bribing him heavily got off. Xijiu went home, and husband and wife met again, grief and joy together. Earlier, as she lay starving and near death, sworn to die, someone had suddenly pulled her up, saying, “I am from the Chen household. Come with me quickly and you can see your husband; otherwise it will be too late!” Before she knew it she was out of the door. Two people helped her into a sedan chair, and in no time she reached an official residence, where she found her husband’s father and mother both. “What place is this?” she asked. “No need to ask,” said her mother-in-law. “In due course you will be sent home.” One day she saw Xijiu arrive and was overjoyed; but no sooner had she seen him than he was gone, which puzzled her. Her father-in-law was away on some business or other and often stayed away for days. Then, the evening before, he came back suddenly and said, “I was at Mount Wuyi, and getting back two days late, it has been hard to keep the child alive. Send her home at once.” So they sent her off with chair and horses. Suddenly she saw the gate of home, and it was as if she woke from a dream. She and Xijiu told each other all that had happened, marvelling and rejoicing. From then on husband and wife were together, but they had nothing to live on from one day to the next. Xijiu opened a school for small children in the village and studied hard himself besides. He often said to himself, “Father said Heaven had granted me gold, yet here are my four bare walls. Can teaching children to read ever make my fortune?” One day, coming home from the school, he met two men who asked, “Are you Chen So-and-so?” “I am,” said Xijiu. At once they brought out iron chains and bound him, and he had no idea why. Soon the whole village had gathered and questioned them, and it came out that a robber held at the prefecture had named him. Pitying him for the injustice, they pooled money to bribe the runners, so that he was spared ill-treatment on the road. At the prefecture he was brought before the prefect and gave a full account of his family. The prefect was astonished. “This is the son of a noted scholar, gentle and well-bred. How could he be a thief?” He ordered the chains taken off, had the robber brought and harshly tortured, and the man confessed that Zhou had bribed him to do it. Xijiu then explained how he and his father-in-law had fallen out. The prefect, angrier still, had Zhou arrested at once. Then he invited Xijiu into his residence and talked of the old ties between their families: the prefect was the son of Lord Han, a former magistrate of Pi, and had studied under Ziyan. He gave Xijiu a hundred taels for lamp oil, and two mules to ride, so that he could come to the prefecture often to have his essays examined. He also spread word of Xijiu’s devotion among his superiors, and from the governor-general down they all sent gifts. Xijiu rode home on his mule, and husband and wife were much comforted. One day his wife’s mother came weeping, threw herself down before her daughter and would not get up. Alarmed, the daughter asked what was wrong, and learned that Zhou was in prison in fetters. She wept bitterly and blamed herself, wanting only to die. Xijiu had no choice but to go to the prefecture and put in a word for him. The prefect let Zhou redeem himself with a fine of a hundred shi of grain, and wrote an order that it be given to Chen Xijiu, the devoted son. Once free, Zhou took grain from his granary, mixed it with husks and chaff, and had it carted over. Xijiu said to his wife, “Your father is measuring a gentleman by the heart of a petty man. How does he know I would accept it at all, that he should go to the petty trouble of mixing in chaff?” And he laughed and sent it back. Though Xijiu’s household now had a little, its walls were poor and broken down. One night a band of thieves got in. The servant woke and yelled, and they made off with nothing but the two mules. More than six months later, as Xijiu sat reading one night, he heard a pounding at the gate. He called out, but there was only silence. He called the servant to go and see. The moment the gate was opened, two mules leapt in — the very mules they had lost. They went straight to their stall, sweating and panting hard. By candlelight he saw that each carried a leather bag; untied, the bags proved full of silver. He was amazed and could not think where it had come from. Later he heard that on that night a band of robbers had raided Zhou’s house and come away fully laden, but with soldiers of the guard hot on their heels they abandoned the loads and fled; and the mules, knowing their old master, ran straight home. Zhou had come home from prison still suffering badly from the wounds of torture; now robbed as well, he fell gravely ill and died. One night the daughter dreamed her father came to her in chains. “I repent of what I did in my life, but it is too late. Now I am being punished in the underworld, and no one but your father-in-law can set me free. Ask your husband to plead for me: have him send a letter.” She woke sobbing. When Xijiu asked why, she told him everything. Xijiu had long wanted to make the journey to the Taihang, and he set out that very day. When he arrived he laid out offerings, poured libations and prayed, and slept out in the open there, hoping to see something. All night nothing strange happened, and he went home. After Zhou’s death his widow and sons grew poorer and poorer and lived on what the second son-in-law gave them. Wang, the provincial graduate, passed the examination for office and was made a county magistrate, but he was disgraced for corruption and his whole family was banished to Shenyang. Then they had nowhere at all to turn. Xijiu helped them from time to time.