且說包公斷明了烏盆，雖然遠近聞名，這位老爺正直無私，斷事如神，未免犯了上司之嫉，又有趙大刑斃，故此文書到時，包公例應革職。包公接到文書，將一切事宜交代署印之人，自己住廟。李保看此光景，竟將銀兩包袱收拾收拾，逃之夭夭了。
且说包公断明了乌盆，虽然远近闻名，这位老爷正直无私，断事如神，未免犯了上司之嫉，又有赵大刑毙，故此文书到时，包公例应革职。包公接到文书，将一切事宜交代署印之人，自己住庙。李保看此光景，竟将银两包袱收拾收拾，逃之夭夭了。
Now, Lord Bao had got to the bottom of the case of the black basin, and his name was known far and near. But a man so upright and unselfish, who judged cases like a god, could hardly help arousing the jealousy of his superiors; and then there was Zhao Da, who had died under torture. So when the dispatch came, Lord Bao was to be dismissed from office, as the rules required. On receiving it, he handed over all his business to the official who was to hold the seal in his place, and went to stay at a temple himself. Seeing how things stood, Li Bao went so far as to pack up the silver and the bundles and make himself scarce.
包公臨行，百姓遮道哭送。包公勸勉了一番，方才乘馬，帶著包興，出了定遠縣，竟不知投奔何處才好。包公在馬上自己歎息，暗裡思量道：「我包某命運如此淹蹇，自幼受了多少的顛險，好容易蒙兄嫂憐愛，聘請恩師，教誨我一舉成名。不想妄動刑具，致斃人命。雖是他罪應如此，究竟是粗心浮躁，以至落了個革職，至死也無顏回家。無處投奔，莫若仍奔京師，再作計較。」只顧馬上嗟歎。包興跟隨，明知老爺為難，又不敢問。信馬由韁，來至一座山下，雖不是峻嶺高峰，也覺得兇惡。正在觀看之際，只聽一棒鑼響，出來了無數的嘍兵，當中一個矮胖黑漢，赤著半邊身的胳膊，雄赳赳，氣昂昂，不容分說，將主僕二人拿下捆了，送上山去。誰知山中尚有三個大王，見縛了二人前來，吩咐綁在兩邊柱子上，等四大王到來，再行發落。不一時，只見四大王慌慌張張，喘吁吁跑了來，嚷道：「不好了！山下遇見一人好本領，強小弟十倍，才一交手，我便倒了。幸虧跑得快，不然吃大虧了，哪位哥哥去會會他？」只見大大王說：「二弟，待劣兄前往。」二大王說：「小弟奉陪。」於是二人下山，見一人氣昂昂在山坡站立。大大王近前一看，不覺哈哈大笑，道：「原來是兄長，請到山中敘話。」
包公临行，百姓遮道哭送。包公劝勉了一番，方才乘马，带着包兴，出了定远县，竟不知投奔何处才好。包公在马上自己叹息，暗里思量道：「我包某命运如此淹蹇，自幼受了多少的颠险，好容易蒙兄嫂怜爱，聘请恩师，教诲我一举成名。不想妄动刑具，致毙人命。虽是他罪应如此，究竟是粗心浮躁，以至落了个革职，至死也无颜回家。无处投奔，莫若仍奔京师，再作计较。」只顾马上嗟叹。包兴跟随，明知老爷为难，又不敢问。信马由缰，来至一座山下，虽不是峻岭高峰，也觉得凶恶。正在观看之际，只听一棒锣响，出来了无数的喽兵，当中一个矮胖黑汉，赤着半边身的胳膊，雄赳赳，气昂昂，不容分说，将主仆二人拿下捆了，送上山去。谁知山中尚有三个大王，见缚了二人前来，吩咐绑在两边柱子上，等四大王到来，再行发落。不一时，只见四大王慌慌张张，喘吁吁跑了来，嚷道：「不好了！山下遇见一人好本领，强小弟十倍，才一交手，我便倒了。幸亏跑得快，不然吃大亏了，哪位哥哥去会会他？」只见大大王说：「二弟，待劣兄前往。」二大王说：「小弟奉陪。」于是二人下山，见一人气昂昂在山坡站立。大大王近前一看，不觉哈哈大笑，道：「原来是兄长，请到山中叙话。」
When Lord Bao set out, the common people crowded the road, weeping to see him go. He spoke to them for a while, urging them to live good lives, and only then mounted his horse. With Bao Xing he rode out of Dingyuan County, not knowing where in the world to turn. As he rode he sighed and thought to himself: “How luckless my fate has been! From childhood I, Bao, have come through so many perils. At long last, thanks to the kindness of my brother and his wife, a revered teacher was engaged for me, and his teaching let me make my name at a single stroke. And then I used the instruments of torture rashly and caused a man’s death. His crime deserved it, true, but in the end it was my own carelessness and haste that brought me to dismissal. I could never show my face at home again, not to my dying day. I have nowhere to go. I might as well make for the capital after all, and think again there.” And on he rode, doing nothing but sigh and lament. Bao Xing, following behind, knew perfectly well that his master was in a bad way, but did not dare ask. Letting the horses go where they would, they came to the foot of a mountain. It was no towering peak, yet there was something menacing about it. They were still looking it over when a gong clanged, and out swarmed a horde of bandits. In their midst was a short, stout, swarthy fellow with one arm bared to the shoulder, swaggering and fierce. Giving them no chance to say a word, they seized master and servant, tied them up and took them up the mountain. Up there, as it turned out, were three more chiefs. When they saw the two captives brought in, they ordered them tied to the pillars on either side, to wait until the Fourth Chief came back to decide what to do with them. Before long the Fourth Chief came running in, flustered and panting. “It’s bad!” he shouted. “I met a man at the foot of the mountain — a real fighter, ten times better than me. We’d hardly crossed hands before I was down. Lucky for me I run fast, or I’d have come off much worse. Which of you brothers will go and take him on?” “Second Brother,” said the First Chief, “leave him to me.” “I’ll come with you,” said the Second Chief. So the two of them went down the mountain, where they found a man standing proudly on the slope. The First Chief went up close for a look and burst out laughing. “So it’s you, brother! Please, come up to our stronghold and let’s talk.”
你道此山何名？名叫土龍崗，原是山賊窩居之所。原來張龍、趙虎誤投龐府，見他是權奸之門，不肯逗留，偶過此山，將山賊殺走，他二人便作了寨主。後因王朝、馬漢科考武場，亦被龐太師逐出，憤恨回家，路過此山，張、趙兩個即請到寨，結為兄弟。王朝居長，馬漢第二，張龍第三，趙虎第四。王、馬、張、趙四人已表明來歷。
你道此山何名？名叫土龙岗，原是山贼窝居之所。原来张龙、赵虎误投庞府，见他是权奸之门，不肯逗留，偶过此山，将山贼杀走，他二人便作了寨主。后因王朝、马汉科考武场，亦被庞太师逐出，愤恨回家，路过此山，张、赵两个即请到寨，结为兄弟。王朝居长，马汉第二，张龙第三，赵虎第四。王、马、张、赵四人已表明来历。
What was this mountain called, you may ask? Its name was Tulong Ridge, and it had long been a bandits’ lair. Zhang Long and Zhao Hu, it so happened, had once made the mistake of seeking service in the Pang mansion. When they saw it was the house of a powerful and treacherous minister, they would not stay. Passing this mountain by chance, they fought the bandits and drove them off, and the two of them became masters of the stronghold. Later Wang Chao and Ma Han sat the military examinations and were likewise thrown out by Grand Preceptor Pang. On their way home, seething with resentment, they passed this mountain, and Zhang and Zhao at once invited them into the stronghold, where the four of them swore to be brothers. Wang Chao was the eldest, Ma Han the second, Zhang Long the third and Zhao Hu the fourth. That, then, is where Wang, Ma, Zhang and Zhao came from.
且說馬漢同定那人來至山中，走上大廳，見兩旁柱上綁定二人，走近一看，不覺失聲道：「噯呀！縣尊為何在此？」包公睜眼看時，說道：「莫不是恩公展義士麼？」王朝聞聽，連忙上前解開，立刻讓至廳上，坐定了。展爺問及，包公一一說了。大家俱各歎息。展爺又叫王、馬、張、趙給包公陪了罪，分賓主坐下。立時擺酒，彼此談心，甚是投機。包公問道：「我看四位俱是豪傑，為何作這勾當？」王朝道：「我等皆為功名未遂，亦不過暫借此安身，不得已而為之。」展爺道：「我看眾弟兄皆是異姓骨肉。今日恰逢包公在此，雖則目下革職，將來朝廷必要擢用。那時眾位兄弟何不設法棄暗投明，與國出力，豈不是好？」王朝道：「我等久有此心。老爺倘蒙朝廷擢用，我等俱願效力。」包公只得答應：「豈敢，豈敢。」大家飲至四更方散。
且说马汉同定那人来至山中，走上大厅，见两旁柱上绑定二人，走近一看，不觉失声道：「嗳呀！县尊为何在此？」包公睁眼看时，说道：「莫不是恩公展义士么？」王朝闻听，连忙上前解开，立刻让至厅上，坐定了。展爷问及，包公一一说了。大家俱各叹息。展爷又叫王、马、张、赵给包公陪了罪，分宾主坐下。立时摆酒，彼此谈心，甚是投机。包公问道：「我看四位俱是豪杰，为何作这勾当？」王朝道：「我等皆为功名未遂，亦不过暂借此安身，不得已而为之。」展爷道：「我看众弟兄皆是异姓骨肉。今日恰逢包公在此，虽则目下革职，将来朝廷必要擢用。那时众位兄弟何不设法弃暗投明，与国出力，岂不是好？」王朝道：「我等久有此心。老爷倘蒙朝廷擢用，我等俱愿效力。」包公只得答应：「岂敢，岂敢。」大家饮至四更方散。
Now Ma Han came up to the stronghold with the man, and they went into the great hall. Seeing two people tied to the pillars on either side, the newcomer went closer to look and cried out in spite of himself: “Good heavens! Your Honour — what are you doing here?” Lord Bao opened his eyes and looked. “Can it be — my benefactor, the gallant Zhan Zhao?” At this Wang Chao hurried over and untied them, and at once invited them to sit in the hall. When Zhan Zhao asked what had happened, Lord Bao told him everything, and they all sighed over it. Then Zhan Zhao had Wang, Ma, Zhang and Zhao beg Lord Bao’s pardon, and they sat down as hosts and guests. Wine was set out at once, and they talked from the heart and got on famously. “I can see that the four of you are all fine, bold men,” said Lord Bao. “Why are you in this line of business?” “None of us managed to win rank or office,” said Wang Chao. “We’re only using this place to keep body and soul together for now. We do it because we have no choice.” “As I see it,” said Zhan Zhao, “you brothers are flesh and blood to one another, for all your different surnames. And now, as luck would have it, Lord Bao is here today. He may be out of office for the moment, but the court is bound to raise him up again one day. When that day comes, why don’t you brothers find a way to leave the dark and come over to the light, and give your strength to the realm? Wouldn’t that be fine?” “We’ve wanted that for a long time,” said Wang Chao. “If the court should raise Your Honour up again, we’ll all gladly serve you.” Lord Bao could only answer, “You do me too much honour, too much honour.” They drank until the fourth watch before they broke up.
至次日，包公與展爺告辭。四人款留不住，只得送下山來。王朝素與展爺相好，又遠送幾里。包公與展爺戀戀不捨，無奈分別而去。
至次日，包公与展爷告辞。四人款留不住，只得送下山来。王朝素与展爷相好，又远送几里。包公与展爷恋恋不舍，无奈分别而去。
The next day Lord Bao and Zhan Zhao took their leave. The four brothers pressed them to stay, but could not keep them, so they saw them down the mountain. Wang Chao, who had long been a friend of Zhan Zhao’s, went on with them several li further. Lord Bao and Zhan Zhao could hardly bear to part, but there was no help for it, and they went their separate ways.
單言包公主僕乘馬竟奔京師。一日，來至大相國寺門前，包公頭暈眼花，竟從馬上栽將下來。包興一見，連忙下馬看時，只見包公二目雙合，牙關緊閉，人事不知。包興叫著不應，放聲大哭。驚動廟中方丈，乃得道高僧，俗家複姓諸葛名遂，法號了然，學問淵深，以至醫卜星相，無一不精，聞得廟外人聲，來到山門以外，近前診了脈息，說：「無妨，無妨。」又問了方才如何落馬的光景，包興告訴明白。了然便叫僧眾幫扶抬到方丈東間，急忙開方抓藥。包興精心用意煎好。吃不多時，至二鼓天氣，只聽包公哎呀一聲，睜開二目，見燈光明亮，包興站在一旁，那邊椅子上坐著個僧人。包公便問：「此是何處？」包興便將老爺昏過多時，虧這位師傅慈悲用藥救活的話，說了一回，包公剛要掙扎起來致謝，和尚過來按住，道：「不可勞動，須靜靜安心養神。」
单言包公主仆乘马竟奔京师。一日，来至大相国寺门前，包公头晕眼花，竟从马上栽将下来。包兴一见，连忙下马看时，只见包公二目双合，牙关紧闭，人事不知。包兴叫着不应，放声大哭。惊动庙中方丈，乃得道高僧，俗家复姓诸葛名遂，法号了然，学问渊深，以至医卜星相，无一不精，闻得庙外人声，来到山门以外，近前诊了脉息，说：「无妨，无妨。」又问了方才如何落马的光景，包兴告诉明白。了然便叫僧众帮扶抬到方丈东间，急忙开方抓药。包兴精心用意煎好。吃不多时，至二鼓天气，只听包公哎呀一声，睁开二目，见灯光明亮，包兴站在一旁，那边椅子上坐着个僧人。包公便问：「此是何处？」包兴便将老爷昏过多时，亏这位师傅慈悲用药救活的话，说了一回，包公刚要挣扎起来致谢，和尚过来按住，道：「不可劳动，须静静安心养神。」
Our story turns to Lord Bao and his servant, riding straight for the capital. One day, as they reached the gate of the Great Xiangguo Temple, Lord Bao’s head swam, his sight blurred, and he toppled from his horse. Bao Xing leapt down from his own horse to look. Lord Bao’s eyes were shut tight, his jaws clenched, and he knew nothing. Bao Xing called to him and got no answer, and burst out sobbing. The noise reached the abbot of the temple, an eminent monk who had attained the Way. In lay life he had borne the double surname Zhuge, with the given name Sui; his name in religion was Liaoran. His learning was deep and broad: medicine, divination, astrology, physiognomy — there was nothing he had not mastered. Hearing voices outside the temple, he came out through the temple gate, went up to Lord Bao and felt his pulse. “Nothing serious,” he said. “Nothing serious.” He asked how Lord Bao had come to fall from his horse, and Bao Xing told him. Then Liaoran had the monks help carry Lord Bao to the east room of the abbot’s quarters, and quickly wrote out a prescription and had the medicine made up. Bao Xing brewed it with the greatest care. Not long after Lord Bao had taken it — at about the second watch — he let out a groan and opened his eyes. A lamp was burning brightly; Bao Xing stood beside him, and a monk sat in a chair across the room. “Where am I?” asked Lord Bao. Bao Xing told him how he had lain senseless a long while, and how this reverend master in his compassion had brought him back to life with medicine. Lord Bao was struggling to rise and thank him when the monk came over and held him down. “You mustn’t tax yourself,” he said. “Lie quiet, set your mind at rest, and let your strength come back.”
過了幾日，包公轉動如常，才致謝和尚。以至飲食用藥調理，俱已知是和尚的，心中不勝感激。了然細看包公氣色，心下明白，便問了年命，細算有百日之難，過了日子就好了，自有機緣，便留住包公在廟內居住。於是將包公改作道人打扮，每日裡與了然不是下棋，便是吟詩，彼此愛慕。將過了三個月。一日，了然求包公寫「冬季唪經祝國裕民」八字，叫僧人在山門兩邊黏貼。包公無事，同了然出來，一旁觀看。只見那壁廂來了一個廚子，手提菜筐，走至廟前，不住將包公上下打量，瞧了又瞧，看了又看，直瞅著包公進了廟，他才飛也似地跑了，包公卻不在意，回廟去了。
过了几日，包公转动如常，才致谢和尚。以至饮食用药调理，俱已知是和尚的，心中不胜感激。了然细看包公气色，心下明白，便问了年命，细算有百日之难，过了日子就好了，自有机缘，便留住包公在庙内居住。于是将包公改作道人打扮，每日里与了然不是下棋，便是吟诗，彼此爱慕。将过了三个月。一日，了然求包公写「冬季唪经祝国裕民」八字，叫僧人在山门两边黏贴。包公无事，同了然出来，一旁观看。只见那壁厢来了一个厨子，手提菜筐，走至庙前，不住将包公上下打量，瞧了又瞧，看了又看，直瞅着包公进了庙，他才飞也似地跑了，包公却不在意，回庙去了。
After a few days, when Lord Bao could move about as usual, he thanked the monk at last. By now he knew that everything, from his food to his medicine and care, had come from the monk, and his heart overflowed with gratitude. Liaoran studied Lord Bao’s complexion closely and understood. He asked the year of his birth and worked out his fate with care: there were a hundred days of misfortune to come, and once they were past, all would be well; an opening would come of itself. So he kept Lord Bao at the temple and had him dress as a lay brother. Every day the two of them either played chess or composed poems, and they grew very fond of each other. Nearly three months went by. One day Liaoran asked Lord Bao to write out eight characters — ‘Winter sutras for the blessing of the realm and the plenty of the people’ — and had the monks paste them up on either side of the temple gate. Having nothing else to do, Lord Bao came out with Liaoran and stood to one side to watch. Along came a cook with a vegetable basket on his arm. When he reached the temple, he looked Lord Bao up and down, looked and looked again, and never took his eyes off him; only when Lord Bao turned back into the temple did he run off as if he had wings. Lord Bao himself had paid him no attention at all.
你道此人是誰？他乃丞相府王芑的買辦廚子。只因王老大人面奉御旨，賜圖像一張，乃聖上夢中所見，醒來時宛然在目，御筆親畫了形像，特派王老大人暗暗密訪此人。丞相遵旨回府，又叫妙手丹青照樣畫了幾張，吩咐虞侯、伴當、執事人員各處留神，細細訪查。不想這日買辦從大相國寺經過，恰遇包公，急忙跑回相府，找著該值的虞侯，便將此事，說了一遍。虞侯聞聽，不能深信，亦不敢就回，即同買辦廚子暗到廟中，閒遊的一般，各處瞻仰。後來看到方丈，果見有一道人與老僧下棋，細看相貌正是龍圖之人，心中不勝驚駭，急忙趕回相府，稟知相爺。
你道此人是谁？他乃丞相府王芑的买办厨子。只因王老大人面奉御旨，赐图像一张，乃圣上梦中所见，醒来时宛然在目，御笔亲画了形像，特派王老大人暗暗密访此人。丞相遵旨回府，又叫妙手丹青照样画了几张，吩咐虞侯、伴当、执事人员各处留神，细细访查。不想这日买办从大相国寺经过，恰遇包公，急忙跑回相府，找着该值的虞侯，便将此事，说了一遍。虞侯闻听，不能深信，亦不敢就回，即同买办厨子暗到庙中，闲游的一般，各处瞻仰。后来看到方丈，果见有一道人与老僧下棋，细看相貌正是龙图之人，心中不胜惊骇，急忙赶回相府，禀知相爷。
And who, you may ask, was this man? He was the cook who did the buying for the household of the Chancellor, Wang Qi. The venerable Lord Wang had received an imperial command from His Majesty’s own lips, together with a portrait. It showed a man the Emperor had seen in a dream: when he woke, the face was still vivid before his eyes, and he had drawn the likeness with his own imperial brush. He had charged the venerable Lord Wang to search for this man in secret. The Chancellor went home in obedience to the command, had a skilled painter make several copies, and told his household officers, attendants and stewards to keep their eyes open wherever they went and search with care. Now, as it happened, the cook had been passing the Great Xiangguo Temple that day and had come upon Lord Bao. He ran straight back to the Chancellor’s residence, found the officer on duty and told him all about it. The officer could not quite believe it, nor did he dare report it at once. Instead he went quietly to the temple with the cook, and the two of them strolled about as if sightseeing, looking at everything. At last they came to the abbot’s quarters, and there, sure enough, was a lay brother playing chess with the old monk. The officer looked closely at his face: it was the man in the dragon portrait. Astounded, he hurried back to the residence and reported to His Excellency.
王大人聞聽，立刻傳轎到大相國寺拈香。一是王大人奉旨所差之事，不敢耽延；二是老大人為國求賢，一番苦心。不多時，來到廟內。小沙彌聞聽，急忙跑至方丈室內，報與老和尚知道。只見了然與包公對弈，全然不理。倒是包公說道：「吾師也當迎接。」了然道：「老僧不走權貴之門，迎他則甚？」包公道：「雖然如此，他乃是個忠臣，就是迎他，也不至於沾礙老師。」了然聞聽，方起身道：「他此來與我無沾礙，恐與足下有些瓜葛。」說罷，迎出去了。
王大人闻听，立刻传轿到大相国寺拈香。一是王大人奉旨所差之事，不敢耽延；二是老大人为国求贤，一番苦心。不多时，来到庙内。小沙弥闻听，急忙跑至方丈室内，报与老和尚知道。只见了然与包公对弈，全然不理。倒是包公说道：「吾师也当迎接。」了然道：「老僧不走权贵之门，迎他则甚？」包公道：「虽然如此，他乃是个忠臣，就是迎他，也不至于沾碍老师。」了然闻听，方起身道：「他此来与我无沾碍，恐与足下有些瓜葛。」说罢，迎出去了。
On hearing this, Lord Wang at once called for his sedan chair and set off for the Great Xiangguo Temple to burn incense. For one thing, this was a task the Emperor had given him, and he dared not delay; for another, the old lord was devoted, heart and soul, to finding worthy men for the realm. Before long he reached the temple. A young novice, hearing of it, ran into the abbot’s room to tell the old monk. But Liaoran, at his game of chess with Lord Bao, paid no attention at all. It was Lord Bao who said, “Master, you ought to go out and meet him.” “This old monk does not frequent the doors of the great and powerful,” said Liaoran. “Why should I go out to meet him?” “Even so,” said Lord Bao, “he is a loyal minister. Going to meet him will not entangle you in anything, Master.” At that Liaoran rose at last. “His coming will not entangle me,” he said. “I fear it is you he is tangled up with, sir.” And with that he went out to meet him.
接至禪堂，分賓主坐了。獻茶已畢，便問了然：「此廟有多少僧眾？多少道人？老夫有一心願，願施僧鞋僧襪，每人各一雙，須當面領去。」了然明白，即吩咐僧道領取，一一看過，並無此人。王大人問道：「完了麼？你廟中還有人沒有？」了然歎道：「有是還有一人，只是他未必肯要大人這一雙鞋襪。如要見這人，大概還須大人以禮相見。」王丞相聞聽，忙道：「就煩長老引見引見何如？」了然答應，領至方丈。包公隔窗一看，也不能迴避了，只得上前一揖，道：「廢員參見了。」王大人舉目細看形容，與聖上御筆畫的龍圖分毫不差，不覺大驚，連忙讓坐，問道：「足下何人？」包公便道：「廢員包拯，曾任定遠縣。」因斷烏盆革職的話，說了一遍。王大人見包公說話梗直，忠正嚴肅，不覺滿心歡喜，立刻備馬，請包公隨至相府。進了相府，大家看大人轎後一個道士，不知什麼緣故。當下留在書房安歇。
接至禅堂，分宾主坐了。献茶已毕，便问了然：「此庙有多少僧众？多少道人？老夫有一心愿，愿施僧鞋僧袜，每人各一双，须当面领去。」了然明白，即吩咐僧道领取，一一看过，并无此人。王大人问道：「完了么？你庙中还有人没有？」了然叹道：「有是还有一人，只是他未必肯要大人这一双鞋袜。如要见这人，大概还须大人以礼相见。」王丞相闻听，忙道：「就烦长老引见引见何如？」了然答应，领至方丈。包公隔窗一看，也不能回避了，只得上前一揖，道：「废员参见了。」王大人举目细看形容，与圣上御笔画的龙图分毫不差，不觉大惊，连忙让坐，问道：「足下何人？」包公便道：「废员包拯，曾任定远县。」因断乌盆革职的话，说了一遍。王大人见包公说话梗直，忠正严肃，不觉满心欢喜，立刻备马，请包公随至相府。进了相府，大家看大人轿后一个道士，不知什么缘故。当下留在书房安歇。
He received the Chancellor in the meditation hall, and they took their seats as guest and host. When tea had been served, Lord Wang asked Liaoran, “How many monks are there in this temple, and how many lay brothers? I have made a vow to give each of them a pair of monk’s shoes and socks, and each must come and receive them from me in person.” Liaoran understood. He told the monks and lay brothers to come for them, and Lord Wang looked them over one by one: the man was not among them. “Is that all?” asked Lord Wang. “Is there no one else in your temple?” Liaoran sighed. “There is one more, it is true. Only, he may not care to accept a pair of shoes and socks from Your Excellency. If you wish to see him, I think Your Excellency will have to call on him with due courtesy.” “Then may I trouble you, reverend sir, to take me to him?” said Chancellor Wang at once. Liaoran agreed and led him to the abbot’s quarters. Lord Bao saw them through the window. There was no avoiding it now, so he stepped forward and bowed. “A dismissed official pays his respects.” Lord Wang looked closely at his face: it matched the dragon portrait from His Majesty’s own brush to a hair. Greatly startled, he hastened to offer him a seat. “And who are you, sir?” he asked. “Bao Zheng, a dismissed official,” said Lord Bao, “formerly magistrate of Dingyuan County.” And he told how he had been dismissed over the case of the black basin. Seeing how plainly and frankly he spoke, and how loyal, upright and stern he was, Lord Wang was filled with joy. He had a horse made ready at once and asked Lord Bao to come with him to his residence. When they arrived, the whole household saw what looked like a Taoist following His Excellency’s sedan chair, and no one could think why. That night Lord Bao was put up in the study.
次日早朝，仍將包公換了縣令服色，先在朝房伺候。淨鞭三下，天子升殿。王芑出班奏明仁宗。天子大喜：「立刻宣召見朕。」包公步上金階跪倒，三呼已畢。天子閃龍目一看，果是夢中所見之人，滿心歡喜，便問為何罷職。包公便將斷烏盆將人犯刑斃身死情由，毫無遮飾，一一奏明。王芑在班中著急，恐聖上見怪。誰知天子不但不怪，反喜道：「卿家既能斷烏盆負屈之冤魂，必能鎮皇宮作祟之邪。今因玉宸宮內每夕有怨鬼哀啼，甚屬不淨，不知是何妖邪，特派卿前往鎮壓一番。」即著王芑在內閣聽候。欽派太監總管楊忠帶領包公，至玉宸宮鎮壓。
次日早朝，仍将包公换了县令服色，先在朝房伺候。净鞭三下，天子升殿。王芑出班奏明仁宗。天子大喜：「立刻宣召见朕。」包公步上金阶跪倒，三呼已毕。天子闪龙目一看，果是梦中所见之人，满心欢喜，便问为何罢职。包公便将断乌盆将人犯刑毙身死情由，毫无遮饰，一一奏明。王芑在班中着急，恐圣上见怪。谁知天子不但不怪，反喜道：「卿家既能断乌盆负屈之冤魂，必能镇皇宫作祟之邪。今因玉宸宫内每夕有怨鬼哀啼，甚属不净，不知是何妖邪，特派卿前往镇压一番。」即着王芑在内阁听候。钦派太监总管杨忠带领包公，至玉宸宫镇压。
At the dawn audience the next day, Lord Bao, dressed once more in a county magistrate’s robes, waited first in the officials’ waiting rooms. The whip cracked three times, and the Emperor took his seat in the hall. Wang Qi stepped out of the ranks and reported to Renzong. The Emperor was overjoyed. “Summon him before Us at once!” Lord Bao climbed the golden steps, knelt and three times cried, “Long live the Emperor!” The Emperor looked at him closely: it was indeed the man he had seen in his dream. Delighted, he asked why he had been dismissed. Lord Bao told him everything, hiding nothing: how he had tried the case of the black basin, and how the prisoner had died under torture. Standing in the ranks, Wang Qi was on tenterhooks, afraid that His Majesty would take offence. But far from taking offence, the Emperor was pleased. “Since you could judge the wronged soul in the black basin, minister,” he said, “you can surely quell the evil that haunts Our palace. Every night in the Yuchen Palace an aggrieved ghost wails and weeps; it is most unclean. What evil thing it may be, We do not know. We charge you to go and subdue it.” He ordered Wang Qi to wait in the Grand Secretariat and appointed the eunuch steward Yang Zhong to take Lord Bao to the Yuchen Palace to subdue the ghost.
這楊忠素來好武，膽量甚好，因此人皆稱他為「楊大膽」。奉旨賜他寶劍一口，每夜在內巡邏。今日領包公進內。他哪裡瞧得起包公呢，先問了姓，後又問了名，一路稱為老黑，又叫老包。來到昭德門，說道：「進了此門，就是內廷了。想不到你七品前程如此造化！今日對了聖心，派你入宮，將來回家到鄉里說古去罷。是不是？老黑呀！怎麼我合你說話，你怎麼不響呢？」包公無奈，答道：「公公說的是。」楊忠又道：「你別合我鬧這個整臉兒。我是好頑好樂的。這就是你，別人還巴結不上呢。」說著話，進了鳳右門，只見有多少內侍垂手侍立。內中有一個頭領，上前執手，道：「老爺今日有何貴幹？」楊忠說：「辛苦，辛苦！咱家奉旨帶領此位包先生前到玉宸宮鎮邪。此乃奉旨官差。我們完差之時，不定三更五更回來，可就不照門了，省得又勞動你們。請罷，請罷！」說罷，同了包公，竟奔玉宸宮。只見金碧交輝，光華爛漫，到了此地，不覺肅然起敬。連楊忠愛說愛笑，到了此地，也就啞口無言了。
这杨忠素来好武，胆量甚好，因此人皆称他为「杨大胆」。奉旨赐他宝剑一口，每夜在内巡逻。今日领包公进内。他哪里瞧得起包公呢，先问了姓，后又问了名，一路称为老黑，又叫老包。来到昭德门，说道：「进了此门，就是内廷了。想不到你七品前程如此造化！今日对了圣心，派你入宫，将来回家到乡里说古去罢。是不是？老黑呀！怎么我合你说话，你怎么不响呢？」包公无奈，答道：「公公说的是。」杨忠又道：「你别合我闹这个整脸儿。我是好顽好乐的。这就是你，别人还巴结不上呢。」说着话，进了凤右门，只见有多少内侍垂手侍立。内中有一个头领，上前执手，道：「老爷今日有何贵干？」杨忠说：「辛苦，辛苦！咱家奉旨带领此位包先生前到玉宸宫镇邪。此乃奉旨官差。我们完差之时，不定三更五更回来，可就不照门了，省得又劳动你们。请罢，请罢！」说罢，同了包公，竟奔玉宸宫。只见金碧交辉，光华烂漫，到了此地，不觉肃然起敬。连杨忠爱说爱笑，到了此地，也就哑口无言了。
Now this Yang Zhong had always loved the martial arts and had plenty of nerve, so everyone called him Yang the Bold (Yang Dadan). By imperial order he had been given a precious sword, and every night he patrolled the inner palace. Today it was he who led Lord Bao in. He had no respect for Lord Bao at all. First he asked his surname, then his given name, and all the way he called him Old Black (Lao Hei), or else Old Bao. When they came to the Zhaode Gate, he said, “Through this gate is the inner court. Who’d have thought a seventh-rank nobody like you would have such luck! Today you’ve taken His Majesty’s fancy and he’s sending you into the palace. Some day you can go home and tell the folks in your village all about it, eh? Isn’t that so? Hey, Old Black! I’m talking to you — why don’t you say something?” Lord Bao had no choice but to answer, “You are right, sir.” “Don’t you go pulling that stony face on me,” said Yang Zhong. “I like a bit of fun. And I’m only like this with you, mind. There are plenty of others who’d give anything to get on my good side and can’t.” Talking all the while, they went through the Fengyou Gate, where a number of palace attendants stood waiting with their hands at their sides. Their leader stepped forward and saluted. “What brings you here today, sir?” “Hard at it, I see, hard at it!” said Yang Zhong. “His Majesty has commanded me to take this gentleman, Mr. Bao, to the Yuchen Palace to drive out an evil spirit. This is official business by imperial order. We may be back at the third watch or the fifth when we’re done, who knows, so there’s no need to watch the gate for us — we won’t put you to any more trouble. Don’t let us keep you, don’t let us keep you!” With that, he went straight on with Lord Bao to the Yuchen Palace. Gold and blue-green gleamed everywhere in dazzling splendour, and here one could not help feeling awe. Even Yang Zhong, who so loved to talk and laugh, fell silent when he came here.
來至殿門，楊忠止步，悄向包公道：「你是欽奉諭旨，理應進殿除邪。我就在這門檻上照看便了。」包公聞聽，輕移慢步，側身而入，來至殿內，內正中設立寶座，連忙朝上行了三跪九叩之禮，又見旁邊設立座位，包公躬身入座。楊忠見了，心下暗自佩服道：「瞧不得小小官兒竟自頗知國禮。」又見包公如對君父一般，秉正端坐，凝神養性，二目不往四下觀瞧，另有一番凜然難犯的神色，不覺得暗暗誇獎道：「怪不得聖上見了他喜歡呢。」正在思想之際，不覺得譙樓漏下。猛然間聽的呼呼風響，楊忠覺得毛髮皆豎，連忙起身，手掣寶劍，試舞一回。耍不了幾路已然氣喘，只得歸入殿內，銳氣已消，順步坐在門檻子上。包公在座上，不由得暗暗發笑。
来至殿门，杨忠止步，悄向包公道：「你是钦奉谕旨，理应进殿除邪。我就在这门槛上照看便了。」包公闻听，轻移慢步，侧身而入，来至殿内，内正中设立宝座，连忙朝上行了三跪九叩之礼，又见旁边设立座位，包公躬身入座。杨忠见了，心下暗自佩服道：「瞧不得小小官儿竟自颇知国礼。」又见包公如对君父一般，秉正端坐，凝神养性，二目不往四下观瞧，另有一番凛然难犯的神色，不觉得暗暗夸奖道：「怪不得圣上见了他喜欢呢。」正在思想之际，不觉得谯楼漏下。猛然间听的呼呼风响，杨忠觉得毛发皆竖，连忙起身，手掣宝剑，试舞一回。耍不了几路已然气喘，只得归入殿内，锐气已消，顺步坐在门槛子上。包公在座上，不由得暗暗发笑。
At the door of the hall Yang Zhong stopped and said to Lord Bao under his breath, “You’re the one with the imperial command, so it’s only right you go in and drive out the evil. I’ll keep watch right here on the threshold.” At this, Lord Bao stepped lightly and slowly and slipped in sideways. In the middle of the hall stood a throne. At once he faced it and made the full obeisance of three kneelings and nine kowtows. Then, seeing a seat set to one side, he bowed and sat down. Watching him, Yang Zhong was secretly impressed. “You’d never think it to look at him,” he thought, “but this petty little official really knows his court etiquette.” And he saw Lord Bao sit there straight and correct, as if in the presence of his sovereign and father, his spirit gathered and still, his eyes never straying, with an air of stern dignity that no one would dare to affront. In spite of himself Yang Zhong praised him silently: “No wonder His Majesty took to him.” While he was still musing, the night wore on and the watch was sounded from the drum tower. Suddenly there came a roaring of wind. Yang Zhong felt his hair stand on end. He sprang up, drew his sword and tried a few passes with it, but before he had gone through many routines he was already out of breath. All the fight gone out of him, he could only come back to the hall, and he dropped down on the threshold where he stood. On his seat, Lord Bao could not help laughing to himself.
楊忠正自發怔，只見丹墀以下起了一個旋風，滴溜溜在竹叢裡團團亂轉，又隱隱的聽得風中帶著悲泣之聲。包公閃目觀瞧，只見燈光忽暗，楊忠在外撲倒；片刻工夫，見他復起，裊裊婷婷，走進殿來，萬福跪下。此時燈光復又明亮。包公以為楊忠戲耍，便以假作真，開言問道：「你今此來，有何冤枉，訴上來。」只聽楊忠嬌滴滴聲音，哭訴道：「奴婢寇珠原是金華宮承御，只因救主遭屈，含冤地府，於今廿載，專等星主來臨，完結此案。」便將當初定計陷害的原委，哭訴了一遍。「因李娘娘不日難滿，故特來泄機由。星主細細搜查，以報前冤，千萬不可泄漏。」包公聞聽點頭，道：「既有如此沉冤，包某必要搜查，但你必須隱形藏跡，恐驚主駕，獲罪不淺。」冤魂說道：「謹遵星主台命。」叩頭站起，轉身出去，仍坐在門檻子上。
杨忠正自发怔，只见丹墀以下起了一个旋风，滴溜溜在竹丛里团团乱转，又隐隐的听得风中带着悲泣之声。包公闪目观瞧，只见灯光忽暗，杨忠在外扑倒；片刻工夫，见他复起，袅袅婷婷，走进殿来，万福跪下。此时灯光复又明亮。包公以为杨忠戏耍，便以假作真，开言问道：「你今此来，有何冤枉，诉上来。」只听杨忠娇滴滴声音，哭诉道：「奴婢寇珠原是金华宫承御，只因救主遭屈，含冤地府，于今廿载，专等星主来临，完结此案。」便将当初定计陷害的原委，哭诉了一遍。「因李娘娘不日难满，故特来泄机由。星主细细搜查，以报前冤，千万不可泄漏。」包公闻听点头，道：「既有如此沉冤，包某必要搜查，但你必须隐形藏迹，恐惊主驾，获罪不浅。」冤魂说道：「谨遵星主台命。」叩头站起，转身出去，仍坐在门槛子上。
Yang Zhong was still sitting there in a daze when a whirlwind rose below the vermilion steps and went spinning round and round among the bamboo, and faintly, on the wind, came the sound of weeping. Lord Bao looked out. The lamp suddenly dimmed, and outside, Yang Zhong pitched forward onto his face. A moment later he rose again and came into the hall with a dainty, swaying walk, made a lady’s curtsy and knelt. At that the lamp grew bright again. Lord Bao thought Yang Zhong was playing a joke on him, so he played along as though it were real. “You have come here tonight,” he said. “What wrong have you suffered? Tell it.” And in a sweet, girlish voice Yang Zhong wept and said, “Your slave Kou Zhu was once a personal attendant in the Jinhua Palace. For saving my young lord I suffered a wrong, and I have nursed my grievance in the underworld these twenty years, waiting only for the Lord of the Star to come and close this case.” And weeping, she told the whole story of the plot that had been laid long ago. “Consort Li’s days of suffering will soon be over, so I have come to reveal the secret. Let the Lord of the Star search it out with care and avenge the old wrong — but on no account let it leak out!” Lord Bao nodded. “Since so deep a wrong lies buried here, I, Bao, will surely search it out. But you must hide yourself and leave no trace. Should you alarm His Majesty, the offence would be grave indeed.” “I humbly obey the command of the Lord of the Star,” said the wronged ghost. She knocked her head on the floor, rose, turned and went out, and sat down on the threshold once more.
不多時，只見楊忠張牙欠嘴，彷彿睡醒的一般，瞧見包公仍在那邊端坐，不由悄悄地道：「老黑，你沒見什麼動靜，咱家怎生回覆聖旨？」包公道：「鬼已審明，只是你貪睡不醒，叫我在此呆等。」楊忠聞聽詫異，道：「什麼鬼？」包公道：「女鬼。」楊忠道：「女鬼是誰？」包公道：「名叫寇珠。」楊忠聞聽，只嚇得驚異不止，暗自思道：「寇珠之事算來將近二十年之久，他竟如何知道？」連忙陪笑，道：「寇珠她為什麼事在此作祟呢？」包公道：「你是奉旨，同我進宮除邪，誰知你貪睡。我已將鬼審明，只好明日見了聖上，我奏我的。你說你的便了。」楊忠聞聽，不由著急，道：「噯呀！包……包先生，包老爺，我的親親的包……包大哥，你這不把我毀透了嗎？可是你說的，聖上命我同你進宮；歸齊我不知道，睡著了，這是什麼差使眼兒呢？怎的了！可見你老人家就不疼人了。過後就真沒有用我們的地方了？瞧你老爺們這個勁兒，立刻給我個眼裡插棒槌，也要我們擱得住呀！好包先生，你告訴我，我明日送你個小巴狗兒，這麼短的小嘴兒。」包公見他央求可憐，方告訴他道：「明日見了聖上，就說：『審明了女鬼，係金華宮承御寇珠含冤負屈，來求超度她的冤魂。臣等業已相許，以後再不作祟。』」楊忠聽畢，記在心頭，並謝了包公，如敬神的一般，他也不敢言語褻瀆了。
不多时，只见杨忠张牙欠嘴，仿佛睡醒的一般，瞧见包公仍在那边端坐，不由悄悄地道：「老黑，你没见什么动静，咱家怎生回复圣旨？」包公道：「鬼已审明，只是你贪睡不醒，叫我在此呆等。」杨忠闻听诧异，道：「什么鬼？」包公道：「女鬼。」杨忠道：「女鬼是谁？」包公道：「名叫寇珠。」杨忠闻听，只吓得惊异不止，暗自思道：「寇珠之事算来将近二十年之久，他竟如何知道？」连忙陪笑，道：「寇珠她为什么事在此作祟呢？」包公道：「你是奉旨，同我进宫除邪，谁知你贪睡。我已将鬼审明，只好明日见了圣上，我奏我的。你说你的便了。」杨忠闻听，不由着急，道：「嗳呀！包……包先生，包老爷，我的亲亲的包……包大哥，你这不把我毁透了吗？可是你说的，圣上命我同你进宫；归齐我不知道，睡着了，这是什么差使眼儿呢？怎的了！可见你老人家就不疼人了。过后就真没有用我们的地方了？瞧你老爷们这个劲儿，立刻给我个眼里插棒槌，也要我们搁得住呀！好包先生，你告诉我，我明日送你个小巴狗儿，这么短的小嘴儿。」包公见他央求可怜，方告诉他道：「明日见了圣上，就说：『审明了女鬼，系金华宫承御寇珠含冤负屈，来求超度她的冤魂。臣等业已相许，以后再不作祟。』」杨忠听毕，记在心头，并谢了包公，如敬神的一般，他也不敢言语亵渎了。
Before long Yang Zhong stretched his jaws in a great yawn, like a man waking from sleep. Seeing Lord Bao still sitting upright over there, he whispered, “Old Black, haven’t you seen anything stir? What am I going to report to His Majesty?” “The ghost has been questioned and the case is clear,” said Lord Bao. “Only you were so fond of your sleep you wouldn’t wake, and left me sitting here waiting like a fool.” Yang Zhong was astonished. “What ghost?” “A woman’s ghost,” said Lord Bao. “And who is she?” “Her name is Kou Zhu.” At this Yang Zhong was frightened and amazed beyond measure. “The Kou Zhu business was nearly twenty years ago, by my count,” he thought. “How on earth can he know about it?” He put on an ingratiating smile. “And why is Kou Zhu haunting this place?” “You were ordered by His Majesty to come into the palace with me and drive out the evil,” said Lord Bao, “and what did you do but sleep? I have questioned the ghost. There’s nothing for it but to see His Majesty tomorrow: I’ll make my report, and you can say whatever you like.” At this Yang Zhong was beside himself. “Oh, no! Bao… Mr. Bao, Lord Bao, my dear, dear Bao… Big Brother Bao, you’ll be the ruin of me! It’s just as you say: His Majesty sent me into the palace with you, and in the end I don’t know a thing — I fell asleep! What kind of errand is that? Come on, what’s got into you? You’ve no heart at all, sir. Are you so sure you’ll never need the likes of us later on? The way you gentlemen carry on — ramming a stick in my eye, just like that! How’s a fellow supposed to bear it? Dear Mr. Bao, tell me, and tomorrow I’ll give you a little Pekingese — with a snout this short!” Seeing how pitifully he begged, Lord Bao at last told him: “When you see His Majesty tomorrow, say this: ‘We questioned the female ghost and found that she is Kou Zhu, once a personal attendant in the Jinhua Palace, who died bearing a wrong and came to ask for rites to deliver her soul. Your servants have promised her this, and she will haunt the palace no more.’” Yang Zhong heard him out, fixed it in his memory and thanked Lord Bao. From then on he treated him with the reverence due to a god and never again dared speak to him with disrespect.
出了玉宸宮，來至內閣，見了丞相王芑，將審明的情由，細述明白。少時聖上臨朝，包公合楊忠一一奏明，只說冤魂求超度，卻不提別的。聖上大悅，愈信烏盆之案，即升用開封府府尹、陰陽學士，包公謝恩。加封「陰陽」二字，從此人傳包公善於審鬼。白日斷陽，夜間斷陰，一時哄傳遍了。
出了玉宸宫，来至内阁，见了丞相王芑，将审明的情由，细述明白。少时圣上临朝，包公合杨忠一一奏明，只说冤魂求超度，却不提别的。圣上大悦，愈信乌盆之案，即升用开封府府尹、阴阳学士，包公谢恩。加封「阴阳」二字，从此人传包公善于审鬼。白日断阳，夜间断阴，一时哄传遍了。
Leaving the Yuchen Palace, they went to the Grand Secretariat, found the Chancellor, Wang Qi, and told him in detail what they had learned. Soon His Majesty came to hold court, and Lord Bao and Yang Zhong reported point by point, saying only that a wronged soul sought deliverance and nothing of the rest. His Majesty was delighted and more convinced than ever about the case of the black basin. At once he promoted Lord Bao to be Prefect of Kaifeng and Academician of Yin and Yang, and Lord Bao gave thanks for the imperial favour. Because the words ‘Yin and Yang’ had been added to his title, people said from then on that Lord Bao was a master at trying ghosts: by day he judged the living, and by night the dead. In no time the story had spread everywhere.
包公先拜了丞相王芑，愛慕非常；後謝了了然，又至開封府上任，每日查辦事件。便差包興回家送信，並具稟替寧老夫子請安；又至隱逸村投遞書信，一來報喜，二來求婚畢姻。包興奉命，即日起身，先往包村去了。
包公先拜了丞相王芑，爱慕非常；后谢了了然，又至开封府上任，每日查办事件。便差包兴回家送信，并具禀替宁老夫子请安；又至隐逸村投递书信，一来报喜，二来求婚毕姻。包兴奉命，即日起身，先往包村去了。
Lord Bao first called on the Chancellor, Wang Qi, and the warmest affection and esteem grew between them. Then he went to thank Liaoran, and after that he took up his post at Kaifeng, looking into cases and seeing to business every day. He sent Bao Xing home with a letter, along with a formal note sending his respects to old Master Ning, and told him to go on to Yinyi Village with another letter, partly to share the good news and partly to ask that the wedding go ahead. Bao Xing set out that same day as he was told, heading first for Bao Village.
未知後事如何，且聽下回分解。
未知后事如何，且听下回分解。
To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.