歎塵世忙忙，笑浮生一似攛梭樣。貂裘染，駟馬昂，爭名奪利不思量，妄想貪嗔薄倖狂。
叹尘世忙忙，笑浮生一似撺梭样。貂裘染，驷马昂，争名夺利不思量，妄想贪嗔薄幸狂。
Sigh for the world of dust, all bustle and rush;laugh at this floating life, flung to and fro like a shuttle.In dyed sable furs, behind four horses with heads held high, they fight for fame and grab for gain without a second thought, all delusion, greed and rage, faithless and wild.
算英雄亙古興亡，晨昏猶自守寒窗。總不如乘雲駕霧，覓一個長生不死方。
算英雄亘古兴亡，晨昏犹自守寒窗。总不如乘云驾雾，觅一个长生不死方。
Count up the heroes risen and fallen since time began,yet dawn and dusk men still pore over books at the cold window.Better by far to ride the clouds and drive the mist,and seek out a recipe for living long and never dying.
話說呂師把香獐貶在湘江潭底，那天將叉手躬身，回話已去。鍾師就在葫蘆內取出一粒金丹與鶴兒吃了，那鶴兒登時脫胎換骨，化做一個青衣童子，跟著兩位仙師前往永平州昌黎縣。走到韓家門首，恰好韓退之迎門出來。兩師見他人物軒昂，衣冠濟楚，頭頂上有霞光一道，身旁有捧爐童子相隨，便知是左捲簾大將軍沖和子，因醉奪蟠桃，貶在他家為男子。怕他不悟前因，日後毀謗玄門，唾罵佛祖。遂轉身商議道：「沖和子已將四十歲了，尚不回頭省悟，若再墮落火坑，貪戀繁華囂境、便沒有出頭的日子了。他兄韓會，鎮日焚香點燭，拜求子息，我和你回去奏聞玉帝，把這鶴童送與韓會為子，待他長成，我們又來度他成仙了道，然後轉度沖和子復還原職，豈不兩便。」兩師商榷已定，遂撥轉雲頭，帶了鶴童上昇天界。
话说吕师把香獐贬在湘江潭底，那天将叉手躬身，回话已去。钟师就在葫芦内取出一粒金丹与鹤儿吃了，那鹤儿登时脱胎换骨，化做一个青衣童子，跟着两位仙师前往永平州昌黎县。走到韩家门首，恰好韩退之迎门出来。两师见他人物轩昂，衣冠济楚，头顶上有霞光一道，身旁有捧炉童子相随，便知是左卷帘大将军冲和子，因醉夺蟠桃，贬在他家为男子。怕他不悟前因，日后毁谤玄门，唾骂佛祖。遂转身商议道：「冲和子已将四十岁了，尚不回头省悟，若再堕落火坑，贪恋繁华嚣境、便没有出头的日子了。他兄韩会，镇日焚香点烛，拜求子息，我和你回去奏闻玉帝，把这鹤童送与韩会为子，待他长成，我们又来度他成仙了道，然后转度冲和子复还原职，岂不两便。」两师商榷已定，遂拨转云头，带了鹤童上升天界。
Now, when Master Lü had banished the musk deer to the bottom of the pool in the Xiang, the heavenly general clasped his hands, bowed, reported back and was gone. Master Zhongli took a grain of the golden elixir from his gourd and gave it to the crane to eat, and at once the crane shed its old body and changed its very bones. It became a boy dressed in blue, who followed the two immortal masters on their way to Changli County in Yongping Prefecture. When they reached the gate of the Han house, Han Yu happened to be coming out. The two masters saw a man of imposing presence, his clothes and cap neat and fine, with a beam of rosy light above his head and a boy holding an incense burner at his side, and they knew him at once for Chonghezi, the Curtain-Raising Grand General of the Left, banished to be born a man in this family for snatching at the peaches while drunk. They feared that he would never wake to his former life, and that one day he would slander the Mysterious Gate and revile the Buddha. So they turned aside to confer. “Chonghezi is nearly forty,” they said, “and still he hasn’t turned back and come to his senses. If he sinks any further into the fiery pit, clinging to the noise and splendour of the world, he will never see the day he climbs out. His brother, Han Hui, burns incense and lights candles all day long, praying for a son. Let us go back and report to the Jade Emperor, and give this Crane Boy to Han Hui as his son. When the boy is grown, we will come again to bring him to the Way and make him an immortal, and then, through him, bring Chonghezi back to the Way and to his old post. Won’t that serve both ends?” When the two masters had settled it between them, they turned their cloud about and took the Crane Boy up to the realm of Heaven.
不移時，來到南天門外，把領金書玉旨，巡遊到蒼梧縣湘江岸上，點化鶴兒等事，奏了一遍。玉帝傳旨，便著兩師送鶴童到那永平州昌黎縣韓會家投胎，托化為人，後行選用。兩師奉旨，忙對鶴童說道：「我再將仙丹與汝吞在腹中，化作一個仙桃，送你到永平州昌黎縣韓會妻子鄭氏懷內投胎，滿月之日，我二人又來看汝，與汝靈丹符水，待等十六歲，教汝成道，升入仙梯，長生不老，休得漏泄天機，有誤玉旨。」鶴童泣告兩師道：「弟子才脫得業軀，指望成真證果，跟著兩位師父逍遙自在，誰知又要去投胎為人，受血河狼籍，塵網牽纏，弟子不情願去了。」兩師道：「玉旨已出，誰敢有違，況汝雖脫了羽毛軀殼，還不曾修煉大丹，怎麼就得成正果？須正借父母精血，十月懷耽，如太上老君投托玉女懷中一般，才顯得修行結果。」鶴童又道：「既是要投胎托化方得成仙，彼時在湘江岸上點化弟子的時節，兩位師父何不就著弟子去托生人家，卻引弟子朝參玉帝，又送弟子下凡，費這許多辛苦周折？」呂師道：「不奉玉旨，誰敢擅專。」鶴童道：「弟子有詩一首，獻上師父。」詩云：
不移时，来到南天门外，把领金书玉旨，巡游到苍梧县湘江岸上，点化鹤儿等事，奏了一遍。玉帝传旨，便着两师送鹤童到那永平州昌黎县韩会家投胎，托化为人，后行选用。两师奉旨，忙对鹤童说道：「我再将仙丹与汝吞在腹中，化作一个仙桃，送你到永平州昌黎县韩会妻子郑氏怀内投胎，满月之日，我二人又来看汝，与汝灵丹符水，待等十六岁，教汝成道，升入仙梯，长生不老，休得漏泄天机，有误玉旨。」鹤童泣告两师道：「弟子才脱得业躯，指望成真证果，跟着两位师父逍遥自在，谁知又要去投胎为人，受血河狼籍，尘网牵缠，弟子不情愿去了。」两师道：「玉旨已出，谁敢有违，况汝虽脱了羽毛躯壳，还不曾修炼大丹，怎么就得成正果？须正借父母精血，十月怀耽，如太上老君投托玉女怀中一般，才显得修行结果。」鹤童又道：「既是要投胎托化方得成仙，彼时在湘江岸上点化弟子的时节，两位师父何不就着弟子去托生人家，却引弟子朝参玉帝，又送弟子下凡，费这许多辛苦周折？」吕师道：「不奉玉旨，谁敢擅专。」鹤童道：「弟子有诗一首，献上师父。」诗云：
Before long they arrived outside the Southern Gate of Heaven and reported everything: how they had received the golden writ and jade decree, how their travels had brought them to the bank of the Xiang in Cangwu County, how they had enlightened the crane, and all the rest. The Jade Emperor issued a decree charging the two masters to send the Crane Boy to be conceived in the family of Han Hui in Changli County, Yongping Prefecture, to take human form, and to be chosen for appointment later. The two masters received the decree and at once said to the Crane Boy, “We shall give you another immortal pill to swallow, and it will turn you into an immortal peach. Then we will send you to be conceived in the womb of Lady Zheng, Han Hui’s wife, in Changli County, Yongping Prefecture. When you are a month old, the two of us will come to see you again and give you magic elixir and talisman water; and when you are sixteen, we will teach you to attain the Way, to climb the ladder of the immortals and to live for ever without growing old. You must not let slip the secrets of Heaven, or you will fail the Jade Emperor’s decree.” The Crane Boy wept and pleaded with the two masters. “Your disciple has only just shed a body of karma,” he said. “I hoped to become true and attain the fruit, and to follow you two masters, free and easy. Who would have thought I must go and be born a human again, to wallow in the river of blood and be tangled in the net of the dusty world? Your disciple doesn’t want to go!” “The Jade Emperor’s decree has gone out,” said the two masters. “Who would dare disobey it? Besides, though you have shed your shell of feathers, you have not yet refined the great elixir. How could you attain the true fruit? You must borrow a father’s essence and a mother’s blood and be carried ten months in the womb, as Lord Lao the Most High lodged in the womb of the Jade Maiden. Only then will your cultivation bear its fruit.” The Crane Boy spoke again: “If I must be conceived and take a new form before I can become an immortal, then back on the bank of the Xiang, when you enlightened your disciple, why didn’t you send me straight off to be born into some family, Masters? Why lead me up to pay court to the Jade Emperor and then send me back down to earth, with all this trouble and going round about?” “Without the Jade Emperor’s decree,” said Master Lü, “who would dare act on his own?” “Your disciple has a poem,” said the Crane Boy, “which I offer to you, Masters.” It went:
湘江岸上遇師尊，度我飛升見帝君。
湘江岸上遇师尊，度我飞升见帝君。
On the bank of the Xiang I met my honoured masters,who saved me and flew me up to see the Lord of Heaven.
今既脫離毛與殼，如何下土復為人。
今既脱离毛与壳，如何下土复为人。
Now that I am free of feathers and of shell,why must I go down to earth and be a man again?
呂師道：「我也有詩一首，汝謹聽著。」詩云：
吕师道：「我也有诗一首，汝谨听着。」诗云：
Master Lü said, “I have a poem too. Listen carefully.” It went:
鶴童不必苦淹留，且向韓家轉一籌。
鹤童不必苦淹留，且向韩家转一筹。
Crane Boy, no need to linger here in sorrow;go to the Han house and take one more turn.
異日功成朝玉闕，蒼梧江水也東流。
异日功成朝玉阙，苍梧江水也东流。
One day, your work complete, you will pay court at the Jade Gates —and the river at Cangwu will flow east all the same.
鶴童聽兩師吩咐已畢，只得吞下一粒金丹，化做一顆仙桃。兩師捧拿在手，騰步逍遙，直到韓家，恰好是三更時候，兩師就遣睡魔神托一夢與韓會妻子鄭氏。那鄭氏夢見太陽東出，寶鏡高懸，一隻仙鶴口銜著一顆仙桃，飛將下來，墮在他懷裡。旁邊閃出一個青巾布袍的道人，肩上負著一口寶劍，口中高叫道：「韓會妻鄭氏聽者，吾乃兩口先生，奉玉帝敕旨，送這仙桃與汝為子。吾有一言囑汝，汝牢記取。」囑云：
鹤童听两师吩咐已毕，只得吞下一粒金丹，化做一颗仙桃。两师捧拿在手，腾步逍遥，直到韩家，恰好是三更时候，两师就遣睡魔神托一梦与韩会妻子郑氏。那郑氏梦见太阳东出，宝镜高悬，一只仙鹤口衔着一颗仙桃，飞将下来，堕在他怀里。旁边闪出一个青巾布袍的道人，肩上负着一口宝剑，口中高叫道：「韩会妻郑氏听者，吾乃两口先生，奉玉帝敕旨，送这仙桃与汝为子。吾有一言嘱汝，汝牢记取。」嘱云：
When the Crane Boy had heard the two masters out, he had no choice but to swallow a grain of the golden elixir, and he turned into an immortal peach. The two masters took it in their hands and strode at their ease through the air straight to the Han house. It was just the third watch of the night, and the two masters sent the god of sleep to bring a dream to Lady Zheng, Han Hui’s wife. In her dream Lady Zheng saw the sun rise in the east and a precious mirror hang on high, and an immortal crane with an immortal peach in its beak came flying down and fell into her bosom. Out from one side sprang a Daoist in a blue headcloth and a cotton robe, with a precious sword slung across his shoulder, who called out in a loud voice, “Lady Zheng, wife of Han Hui, hear me! I am Master Two-Mouths. By the Jade Emperor’s command I bring you this immortal peach to be your son. I have a word to charge you with: remember it well.” His charge went:
鄭氏抬頭聽我言，從來仙語不虛傳。
郑氏抬头听我言，从来仙语不虚传。
Lady Zheng, lift your head and hear my words:the words of immortals are never spoken in vain.
送兒與汝承昭穆，他日乘風上九天。
送儿与汝承昭穆，他日乘风上九天。
I bring you a son to carry on your line in the ancestral hall;one day he will ride the wind up to the Nine Heavens.
鄭氏夢中驚覺，不勝歡喜，便蹴醒韓會，與他說道：「妾身一更無寐，二更輾轉反側，三更時分方才瞌眼睡去，就做一夢。夢見太陽東出，寶鏡高懸，一隻仙鶴口銜一顆仙桃飛將下來，墜在懷裡，又有青巾布袍背劍的道人囑咐云云，你道這夢希奇也不希奇？」韓會喜道：「我夜來得的夢也與你一般的。今年四十二歲，未有子息，想是神天鑒察爾我隱衷，不該絕代，降生一個兒子接續家門香火也不見得。據夢中太陽東照，主生貴子，仙鶴銜著仙桃，一定是天庭降下好人臨凡。這兩口先生必然天上神仙，故此囑咐得明白。我如今且和你滿炷爐香，拜謝了天地，且看日後若何。」鄭氏道：「相公說得有理。」連忙披衣起來，梳洗端正，同韓會兩個燃寶炬，爇名香，朝天拜了八拜。到了天明，韓會將夜來夢兆一一對退之說了一遍。退之歡喜道：「若據這個夢兆，嫂嫂必定生一個好兒子接續韓門香火，端的不枉了九代積善，三世好賢。」有詩為證，詩云：
郑氏梦中惊觉，不胜欢喜，便蹴醒韩会，与他说道：「妾身一更无寐，二更辗转反侧，三更时分方才瞌眼睡去，就做一梦。梦见太阳东出，宝镜高悬，一只仙鹤口衔一颗仙桃飞将下来，坠在怀里，又有青巾布袍背剑的道人嘱咐云云，你道这梦希奇也不希奇？」韩会喜道：「我夜来得的梦也与你一般的。今年四十二岁，未有子息，想是神天鉴察尔我隐衷，不该绝代，降生一个儿子接续家门香火也不见得。据梦中太阳东照，主生贵子，仙鹤衔着仙桃，一定是天庭降下好人临凡。这两口先生必然天上神仙，故此嘱咐得明白。我如今且和你满炷炉香，拜谢了天地，且看日后若何。」郑氏道：「相公说得有理。」连忙披衣起来，梳洗端正，同韩会两个燃宝炬，爇名香，朝天拜了八拜。到了天明，韩会将夜来梦兆一一对退之说了一遍。退之欢喜道：「若据这个梦兆，嫂嫂必定生一个好儿子接续韩门香火，端的不枉了九代积善，三世好贤。」有诗为证，诗云：
Lady Zheng woke from her dream with a start, overjoyed. She nudged Han Hui awake with her foot and said to him, “In the first watch I couldn’t sleep, in the second I tossed and turned, and only at the third watch did I close my eyes and drop off — and then I had a dream. I dreamed the sun rose in the east and a precious mirror hung on high, and an immortal crane with an immortal peach in its beak came flying down and fell into my bosom; and then a Daoist in a blue headcloth and a cotton robe, with a sword on his back, gave me a charge, and so on and so forth. Now tell me, isn’t that a strange dream?” Han Hui said happily, “The dream I had last night was just the same as yours. I am forty-two this year and still have no son. Perhaps the gods of Heaven have looked into the secret longing of our hearts and decided that our line is not to die out. Who knows, they may send us a son to keep the family’s incense burning. The sun shining from the east in the dream means a noble son will be born; and an immortal crane carrying an immortal peach — it must be some good soul sent down from the Court of Heaven to live among mortals. This Master Two-Mouths must be an immortal from Heaven; that is why his charge was so plain. For now, let us fill the burner with incense and give thanks to Heaven and Earth, and see what the days to come may bring.” “You’re right, husband,” said Lady Zheng. She quickly threw on her clothes and got up, washed and combed and made herself neat, and together with Han Hui she lit precious candles, burned fine incense and bowed eight times toward the sky. At daybreak Han Hui told Han Yu all about the dream and its omens. Han Yu said happily, “If this dream is any sign, my sister-in-law is sure to bear a fine son to keep the incense burning for the Han family. Truly, nine generations of doing good and three of honouring the worthy will not have been in vain.” There is a poem to prove it:
積善人家慶有餘，禍因惡積豈為虛。
积善人家庆有余，祸因恶积岂为虚。
A house that heaps up good has blessings to spare;that heaped-up evil brings disaster is no empty word.
韓門九代陰功茂，天賜嬰兒到草廬。
韩门九代阴功茂，天赐婴儿到草庐。
Nine generations of hidden merit flourished in the house of Han,and Heaven sent an infant to their thatched cottage.
話不絮煩，不覺光陰似箭，日月如梭，幸喜陰騭門高，捻指間，鄭氏生下一子。那子生得兩耳垂肩，雙手過膝，面如傅粉，唇若塗朱，端的是好一個孩兒。匆匆喜氣，滿屋充閭，百眷諸親咸來作賀。這正是天上麒麟原有種，人間最喜蚌生珠也。不料這孩兒從生下來到滿月，日夜只是啼哭不住聲。韓會見了這個光景，轉添憂悶，與鄭氏商議道：「這孩兒生相不凡，久後必是好的，只是這般啼哭，合著相書上一句，說『小兒夜啼，沒爺沒妻』。多應是你我命中招他不得的緣故，不如把他過繼與親眷人家，做個乾兒子，待他養得成人，才收拾回來，有何不可？」鄭氏道：「前日不養得兒子，朝夕拜禱天地祖宗，怕絕了後代。如今幸得天地保佑，祖宗積德，生下這一點兒，且是好了。不想日夜啼哭，算來也是養不長的了，空受這十月懷胎的苦楚。若是把他過繼與別人家，後來也被人罵他是三姓家奴，不如送與叔叔做了兒子，倒是好的，只怕嬸嬸要不歡喜。」正說話間，；只聽得街坊上有人拍著漁鼓，唱著道情，經過他家門首。那孩兒聽得漁鼓聲響，就住了口不啼哭；不聽得漁鼓聲，就哭將起來，忒煞作怪。看官，且說那敲漁鼓唱的是怎麼說話，孩子就肯聽他不啼哭？原來那敲漁鼓的道人就是呂祖師，唱的是一闋《桂枝香》，正提醒著鶴兒宿世之事，故此孩子惕然警醒，住了哭，聽他《桂枝香》云：
话不絮烦，不觉光阴似箭，日月如梭，幸喜阴骘门高，捻指间，郑氏生下一子。那子生得两耳垂肩，双手过膝，面如傅粉，唇若涂朱，端的是好一个孩儿。匆匆喜气，满屋充闾，百眷诸亲咸来作贺。这正是天上麒麟原有种，人间最喜蚌生珠也。不料这孩儿从生下来到满月，日夜只是啼哭不住声。韩会见了这个光景，转添忧闷，与郑氏商议道：「这孩儿生相不凡，久后必是好的，只是这般啼哭，合著相书上一句，说『小儿夜啼，没爷没妻』。多应是你我命中招他不得的缘故，不如把他过继与亲眷人家，做个干儿子，待他养得成人，才收拾回来，有何不可？」郑氏道：「前日不养得儿子，朝夕拜祷天地祖宗，怕绝了后代。如今幸得天地保佑，祖宗积德，生下这一点儿，且是好了。不想日夜啼哭，算来也是养不长的了，空受这十月怀胎的苦楚。若是把他过继与别人家，后来也被人骂他是三姓家奴，不如送与叔叔做了儿子，倒是好的，只怕婶婶要不欢喜。」正说话间，；只听得街坊上有人拍着渔鼓，唱着道情，经过他家门首。那孩儿听得渔鼓声响，就住了口不啼哭；不听得渔鼓声，就哭将起来，忒煞作怪。看官，且说那敲渔鼓唱的是怎么说话，孩子就肯听他不啼哭？原来那敲渔鼓的道人就是吕祖师，唱的是一阕《桂枝香》，正提醒着鹤儿宿世之事，故此孩子惕然警醒，住了哭，听他《桂枝香》云：
To cut a long story short, time flew like an arrow and the days and months sped by like a shuttle, and happily the family’s hidden virtue stood high: in a snap of the fingers Lady Zheng gave birth to a son. The child’s ears hung down to his shoulders and his hands reached past his knees; his face was as white as if it were powdered and his lips as red as if they were painted with cinnabar. He was a fine child indeed. The house filled to bursting with joy, and it spilled out into the lane; every relative and kinsman came to offer congratulations. Truly, the qilin of Heaven comes of good stock, and nothing gladdens the world like an oyster that bears a pearl. But who could have guessed? From the day he was born until he was a month old, the child did nothing but cry, day and night, without a moment’s pause. Seeing how things stood, Han Hui grew more worried than ever, and he said to Lady Zheng, “This child has no common features, and in the long run he is sure to turn out well. But all this crying fits a line in the books of face reading: ‘A babe that cries by night: no father and no wife.’ Most likely our fates are too weak to keep him. Better to give him to some family among our relatives as an adopted son, and when he is grown, take him back home. What do you say?” “Before, when we had no son,” said Lady Zheng, “we prayed to Heaven and Earth and to our ancestors morning and night, for fear our line would die out. Now, thanks to the protection of Heaven and Earth and the virtue our ancestors stored up, we’ve had this little mite of a son, and all seemed well. Who’d have thought he would cry day and night? It looks as though he won’t live to grow up after all, and I bore the pain of carrying him ten months for nothing. But if we give him to another family, people will call him a slave of three surnames later on. Better to give him to his uncle as a son — that would be good, only I’m afraid his aunt won’t like it.” Just as they were talking, they heard someone in the street beating a fish drum and singing a Daoist song as he passed their gate. When the child heard the sound of the fish drum he stopped crying at once, and when he could not hear it he started howling again. It was most uncanny. Now you may wonder, reader, what the drummer was singing, that the child would listen to him and stop crying. The Daoist with the fish drum was none other than Patriarch Lü, and he was singing a song to the tune “Fragrance of the Cassia Branch” that reminded the crane of its former life. That was why the child was startled awake, stopped crying and listened. His “Fragrance of the Cassia Branch” went:
鶴童覺悟，師來看顧。一自去年送汝到昌黎，至今日，又離丹府。汝不要啼哭，汝不要啼哭，聽咱吩咐，目今安否？暫拘束，久已後升騰紫霄，名鎸洞府。
鹤童觉悟，师来看顾。一自去年送汝到昌黎，至今日，又离丹府。汝不要啼哭，汝不要啼哭，听咱吩咐，目今安否？暂拘束，久已后升腾紫霄，名镌洞府。
Crane Boy, awake!Your master has come to look in on you.I sent you off to Changli last year, and now, today, I have left the cinnabar halls once more.Don’t you cry, don’t you cry, listen to what I say: how are you faring now?Bear your bonds a little while; by and by you’ll soar to the purple heavens, your name carved in the grotto-palace.
鶴兒寧耐，暫居天外。歎循環暑往寒來，捻指間，光陰二載。想韓門小孩，想韓門小孩，非常氣概，端的棟樑才。本是大羅天上客，思凡下玉街。
鹤儿宁耐，暂居天外。叹循环暑往寒来，捻指间，光阴二载。想韩门小孩，想韩门小孩，非常气概，端的栋梁才。本是大罗天上客，思凡下玉街。
Crane, be patient:you dwell outside of Heaven only a while.Alas for the round of heat that goes and cold that comes: in a snap of the fingers two years have slipped away.Think of the little child of the Han house, think of the little child of the Han house, of no common spirit, truly a pillar and beam of the state.Once he was a guest in the Great Canopy Heaven;he longed for the world of men and left the jade streets.
韓會見孩兒住了哭聽敲漁鼓，便對鄭氏說道：「這孩兒想是喜歡漁鼓聽的，可喚那敲漁鼓的人進來，敲一回漁鼓引逗他一會，待我問他，或者他有藥止得孩兒啼哭也不見得。」鄭氏便叫張千道：「汝去看那敲漁鼓的，叫他進來。」張千連忙跑到街上，叫道：「敲漁鼓的道人轉來，我家相公請你說話。」道人道：「莫不是韓大相公麼？」張千道：「你未卜先知，就是神仙一般。」道人道：「我比神仙也差不多些兒。」便跟著張千，搖搖擺擺走進門來，向韓會稽首道：「相公何事呼喚小道？」韓會道：「我止得一個孩兒，從生下至今，已彌月多了，只是啼哭不止，正在憂悶，不想方才聽得漁鼓聲響，他就住了聲，恰像聽得一般，故此請師父進來敲一番漁鼓，唱一個道情，引逗他一時歡喜。」道人道：「要止兒啼，有恁難處，抱公子出來與我一看，包得他不哭了。」韓會道：「若得如此，自當重重酬謝。」鄭氏在屏風後面，抱孩兒遞將出來，韓會接在手中，遞與道人道：「這個便是學生的孩兒。」道人用手摩他的頂門說道：「汝不要哭，汝不要哭，一十六年，無榮無辱。
終南相尋，功行滿足。上升帝都，下摯九族。」
那孩兒聞言，恰像似快活的一般，就不哭了。韓會道：「師父高姓大名？仙鄉何處？」呂師道：「貧道棄家修行，人人喚我是兩口先生，就是我的姓名了，卻沒有家鄉住處。」鄭氏在屏風背後，輕輕地對韓會說道：「夢中說兩口先生送來的兒子，如今這師父說是兩口先生，莫不就是夢中的神仙？」韓會道：「雲遊方外的人慣會假名托姓，那裡信得他的說話。」道人笑道：「姓名雖一，人品不同，相公怎麼小覷人？」韓會道：「是學生有罪了。」又道：「孩兒喜得不哭，就煩師父替我孩兒取一個小名，何如？」道人道：「閥閱名家取恁麼小名，就起一個學名也罷。」韓會謝道：「若取學名更好。」道人道：「我從湘江路上走來，見那煙水滔滔，東流西轉，萬年不斷，最是長久。如今令郎取名韓湘，小名叫做湘子，願他易長易養，無難無災。異日榮華富貴，如湘水之汪洋；壽命康寧，似湘流之不斷。」韓會道：「多謝指教，請坐素齋。」那道人把袍袖一展，化道金光而去，留下一個漁鼓，直逼逼矗在地上。韓會去拽那漁鼓的時節，那裡拽得起來。鄭氏近前去拽，也拽不動。叫人去搖，也搖不動。三五個人去拔，一發拔不起，就如生根的一般。鄭氏道：「這個道人一定是一位神仙，怪你我不識得他，故此留下這個漁鼓，做個證驗。眼見得當面錯過神仙了，快請叔叔來看便知端的。」韓會忙著人去請退之。
韩会见孩儿住了哭听敲渔鼓，便对郑氏说道：「这孩儿想是喜欢渔鼓听的，可唤那敲渔鼓的人进来，敲一回渔鼓引逗他一会，待我问他，或者他有药止得孩儿啼哭也不见得。」郑氏便叫张千道：「汝去看那敲渔鼓的，叫他进来。」张千连忙跑到街上，叫道：「敲渔鼓的道人转来，我家相公请你说话。」道人道：「莫不是韩大相公么？」张千道：「你未卜先知，就是神仙一般。」道人道：「我比神仙也差不多些儿。」便跟着张千，摇摇摆摆走进门来，向韩会稽首道：「相公何事呼唤小道？」韩会道：「我止得一个孩儿，从生下至今，已弥月多了，只是啼哭不止，正在忧闷，不想方才听得渔鼓声响，他就住了声，恰像听得一般，故此请师父进来敲一番渔鼓，唱一个道情，引逗他一时欢喜。」道人道：「要止儿啼，有恁难处，抱公子出来与我一看，包得他不哭了。」韩会道：「若得如此，自当重重酬谢。」郑氏在屏风后面，抱孩儿递将出来，韩会接在手中，递与道人道：「这个便是学生的孩儿。」道人用手摩他的顶门说道：「汝不要哭，汝不要哭，一十六年，无荣无辱。
终南相寻，功行满足。上升帝都，下挚九族。」
那孩儿闻言，恰像似快活的一般，就不哭了。韩会道：「师父高姓大名？仙乡何处？」吕师道：「贫道弃家修行，人人唤我是两口先生，就是我的姓名了，却没有家乡住处。」郑氏在屏风背后，轻轻地对韩会说道：「梦中说两口先生送来的儿子，如今这师父说是两口先生，莫不就是梦中的神仙？」韩会道：「云游方外的人惯会假名托姓，那里信得他的说话。」道人笑道：「姓名虽一，人品不同，相公怎么小觑人？」韩会道：「是学生有罪了。」又道：「孩儿喜得不哭，就烦师父替我孩儿取一个小名，何如？」道人道：「阀阅名家取恁么小名，就起一个学名也罢。」韩会谢道：「若取学名更好。」道人道：「我从湘江路上走来，见那烟水滔滔，东流西转，万年不断，最是长久。如今令郎取名韩湘，小名叫做湘子，愿他易长易养，无难无灾。异日荣华富贵，如湘水之汪洋；寿命康宁，似湘流之不断。」韩会道：「多谢指教，请坐素斋。」那道人把袍袖一展，化道金光而去，留下一个渔鼓，直逼逼矗在地上。韩会去拽那渔鼓的时节，那里拽得起来。郑氏近前去拽，也拽不动。叫人去摇，也摇不动。三五个人去拔，一发拔不起，就如生根的一般。郑氏道：「这个道人一定是一位神仙，怪你我不识得他，故此留下这个渔鼓，做个证验。眼见得当面错过神仙了，快请叔叔来看便知端的。」韩会忙着人去请退之。
When Han Hui saw that the child had stopped crying to listen to the fish drum, he said to Lady Zheng, “The child must like the sound of the fish drum. Let’s call the drummer in to play for a while and keep him amused. I’ll ask him — who knows, he may have some medicine that will stop the child crying.” So Lady Zheng called Zhang Qian. “Go and find that man with the fish drum,” she said, “and bring him in.” Zhang Qian ran out into the street. “Hey, Daoist with the fish drum, come back!” he shouted. “My master wants a word with you.” “Would that be the elder Mr. Han?” said the Daoist. “You know it without even divining,” said Zhang Qian. “You’re just like an immortal!” “I’m not so far off one,” said the Daoist. He followed Zhang Qian and came swaggering in through the gate, bowed to Han Hui with his hands clasped and said, “What have you called this humble Daoist for, sir?” “I have only the one child,” said Han Hui. “He is more than a month old now, and since the day he was born he has done nothing but cry. I was at my wits’ end, when just now he heard your fish drum and fell quiet, as if he were listening. So I’ve asked you in, Master, to play your fish drum and sing a Daoist song, to give him a little cheer.” “Stopping a baby crying — what’s hard about that?” said the Daoist. “Bring the young gentleman out and let me have a look at him. I promise you he won’t cry any more.” “If you can do that,” said Han Hui, “I’ll reward you handsomely.” Lady Zheng, behind the screen, passed the child out. Han Hui took him in his arms and handed him to the Daoist. “This is my son,” he said. The Daoist stroked the crown of the child’s head and said, “Don’t you cry, don’t you cry. Sixteen years, no glory and no shame.
Come seeking on Zhongnan,your merit and works fulfilled.Above, you’ll rise to the Emperor’s city;below, you’ll raise up your kin to the ninth degree.”
At these words the child seemed quite content, and he stopped crying. “Master, may I ask your honoured name?” said Han Hui. “And where is your immortal home?” “This poor Daoist left home to cultivate himself,” said Master Lü. “Everyone calls me Master Two-Mouths, and that’s all the name I have. As for a home or a place to live, I have none.” Behind the screen, Lady Zheng said softly to Han Hui, “In the dream it was Master Two-Mouths who brought us our son, and now this Master says he’s Master Two-Mouths. Could he be the immortal from the dream?” “These people who wander like clouds outside the world are forever making up names,” said Han Hui. “How can you believe a word he says?” The Daoist laughed. “The name may be the same, sir, but men are not all of a kind. Why look down on me?” “Forgive me, I was at fault,” said Han Hui. Then he said, “Happily, the child has stopped crying. Might I trouble you, Master, to give him a milk name?” “Why give a milk name to the son of a great old family?” said the Daoist. “I may as well give him a school name.” Han Hui thanked him. “A school name would be better still.” “I came here by the road along the Xiang,” said the Daoist, “and I saw its misty waters rolling on, flowing east and turning west, never ceasing in ten thousand years — there is nothing more lasting. So let your son be named Han Xiang, with Xiangzi for his milk name. May he grow easily and thrive, free from trouble and harm. In days to come may his honours and riches be as vast as the waters of the Xiang, and his long life and health flow on unbroken like its stream.” “Thank you for your guidance,” said Han Hui. “Please stay and take a vegetarian meal.” But the Daoist gave a flick of his sleeve, turned into a streak of golden light and was gone, leaving his fish drum standing bolt upright on the ground. Han Hui went to pull it up, but pull as he might, it would not come. Lady Zheng came over and pulled, but she could not move it either. They had someone try shaking it, but it would not shake. Three or four of them tugged at it together, and it came up even less, as if it had grown roots. “That Daoist must have been an immortal,” said Lady Zheng. “He is vexed that we didn’t know him, so he has left this fish drum behind as proof. We let an immortal slip right past under our noses! Quick, send for your brother to come and look — he’ll know what it means.” Han Hui hurriedly sent someone to fetch Han Yu.
退之來到。鄭氏道：「請叔叔來非為別事，只因你姪兒啼哭不止，巧巧的有一個道人，打著漁鼓歌唱而來，孩兒聽見就不哭了。你哥哥請他進來打漁鼓唱道情，引逗孩兒歡喜。那道人說孩兒必成大器，在孩兒面前說了幾句話，又替孩兒取學名叫做韓湘。你哥哥留他吃齋，他拂袖化一道金光而去，留下這個漁鼓在此。你哥哥拿他不動，許多人也拽不起來，特請叔叔看個明白。」退之聞言，近前輕輕一扯，那漁鼓恰似浮萍無蒂，退草無根，扯了起來。地面上有「純陽子」三個大字，瑩然如玉一般。退之道：「這是呂洞賓下降，哥嫂肉眼自不識他。正是神仙不肯分明說，留與凡人仔細搜也。」於是大家香焚寶鼎，煙爇銀台，望空遙謝。
退之来到。郑氏道：「请叔叔来非为别事，只因你姪儿啼哭不止，巧巧的有一个道人，打着渔鼓歌唱而来，孩儿听见就不哭了。你哥哥请他进来打渔鼓唱道情，引逗孩儿欢喜。那道人说孩儿必成大器，在孩儿面前说了几句话，又替孩儿取学名叫做韩湘。你哥哥留他吃斋，他拂袖化一道金光而去，留下这个渔鼓在此。你哥哥拿他不动，许多人也拽不起来，特请叔叔看个明白。」退之闻言，近前轻轻一扯，那渔鼓恰似浮萍无蒂，退草无根，扯了起来。地面上有「纯阳子」三个大字，莹然如玉一般。退之道：「这是吕洞宾下降，哥嫂肉眼自不识他。正是神仙不肯分明说，留与凡人仔细搜也。」于是大家香焚宝鼎，烟爇银台，望空遥谢。
Han Yu arrived. “Brother-in-law,” said Lady Zheng, “we asked you here for one reason only. Your nephew wouldn’t stop crying, and as luck would have it, a Daoist came along beating a fish drum and singing, and when the child heard him he stopped. Your brother asked him in to play his fish drum and sing Daoist songs to cheer the child up. The Daoist said the boy was sure to do great things, spoke a few words over him and gave him a school name, Han Xiang. Your brother asked him to stay for a meal, but he flicked his sleeve, turned into a streak of golden light and was gone, leaving this fish drum here. Your brother can’t move it, and lots of people couldn’t pull it up either. So we’ve asked you specially to come and see what you make of it.” When Han Yu heard this, he stepped up to the drum and gave it a gentle tug, and up it came, as easily as duckweed with no stem or a withered weed with no roots. On the ground beneath it, gleaming like jade, were three large characters: Chunyangzi. “That was Lü Dongbin come down to earth,” said Han Yu. “With your mortal eyes, brother and sister-in-law, of course you didn’t know him. Truly, the immortals will not say it plainly; they leave it for mortals to search out with care.” So they all burned incense in a precious censer, sent up smoke from silver stands and gave thanks toward the empty sky.
荏苒一載，湘子晬盤伊邇，韓會不勝歡喜。但湘子自從見那道人之後，一似癡呆懵懂，泥塑木雕的一般，也不啼哭，也不笑話。俗話說得好，只是買得他一個不開口。一日三餐把與他便吃，不把與他，他也不討，外邊雖是這般渾沌，心裡恰像是明白的，大家都叫他做「啞小官」。鄭氏也無如之奈。倏忽三週四歲，全沒一些兒掙扎。韓會思量：「湘子這般年紀尚不會說得半句言語，枉惹旁人恥笑，豈不是：
荏苒一载，湘子晬盘伊迩，韩会不胜欢喜。但湘子自从见那道人之后，一似痴呆懵懂，泥塑木雕的一般，也不啼哭，也不笑话。俗话说得好，只是买得他一个不开口。一日三餐把与他便吃，不把与他，他也不讨，外边虽是这般浑沌，心里恰像是明白的，大家都叫他做「哑小官」。郑氏也无如之奈。倏忽三周四岁，全没一些儿挣扎。韩会思量：「湘子这般年纪尚不会说得半句言语，枉惹旁人耻笑，岂不是：
A year slipped by. Xiangzi’s first-birthday tray drew near, and Han Hui was overjoyed. But ever since Xiangzi had seen that Daoist, he had been as dull and dazed as an idol of clay or a carving of wood: he neither cried nor laughed nor said a word. As the saying so aptly puts it, all you could get from him was a shut mouth. Give him his three meals a day and he ate them; don’t give them, and he didn’t ask. On the outside he seemed a muddle, yet inside he seemed to understand everything. Everyone called him the Little Mute (Ya xiaoguan), and Lady Zheng could do nothing about it. In a flash he was three years old, four by the customary count, and still he made not the slightest effort. Han Hui thought to himself: “At his age Xiangzi still can’t say half a word, and people will only laugh at us for it. Isn’t it just as they say:
命裡無兒莫強求，強求雖有更添憂。
命里无儿莫强求，强求虽有更添忧。
If fate gives you no son, don’t try to force it;force it, and you may get one — with more worry besides.
當年忙道無兒子，撇下千千萬萬愁。」
当年忙道无儿子，撇下千千万万愁。」
Back then I fretted that I had no son,and it has left me sorrows by the thousand thousand.”
這韓會十分不快活，日夜憂愁，染成一病而亡。退之哭泣盡禮，置辦棺木，大殮已畢，安葬在祖塋之下。
这韩会十分不快活，日夜忧愁，染成一病而亡。退之哭泣尽礼，置办棺木，大殓已毕，安葬在祖茔之下。
Han Hui was deeply unhappy. He worried day and night, until he fell ill and died. Han Yu wept for him and observed every rite of mourning. He bought a coffin, and when the body had been laid in it with all due ceremony, he buried his brother in the family graveyard.
一日，吩咐張千道：「大相公死了，止得這一點骨血，指望他成人長大，娶妻生子，接續韓門香火，誰知養到三週，尚然不會說話，莫非啞了，人家養著啞子也是徒然。汝等去街坊上看那好算命的先生尋一個來，待我把他八字推算一推算，若日後度得一個種兒，也好做墳前祭掃的人。」退之吩咐已完，那呂師在雲端聽見這話，便按下雲頭，化做一個算命先生，在那牌樓坊街上走來走去，高叫：「算命！算命！」這先生如何打扮：
折疊巾歪前露後，青布袍左偏右皺。
兩隻眼光碌碌望著青天，一雙手急簌簌搖著算盤。口中叫：命講胎元，識得根源，若有一命不准，甘罰二錢。
一日，吩咐张千道：「大相公死了，止得这一点骨血，指望他成人长大，娶妻生子，接续韩门香火，谁知养到三周，尚然不会说话，莫非哑了，人家养着哑子也是徒然。汝等去街坊上看那好算命的先生寻一个来，待我把他八字推算一推算，若日后度得一个种儿，也好做坟前祭扫的人。」退之吩咐已完，那吕师在云端听见这话，便按下云头，化做一个算命先生，在那牌楼坊街上走来走去，高叫：「算命！算命！」这先生如何打扮：
折叠巾歪前露后，青布袍左偏右皱。
两只眼光碌碌望着青天，一双手急簌簌摇着算盘。口中叫：命讲胎元，识得根源，若有一命不准，甘罚二钱。
One day Han Yu said to Zhang Qian, “Your elder master is dead, and this little one is all that is left of his flesh and blood. I hoped he would grow up, take a wife and have sons to keep the incense burning for the Han family. But who’d have thought it? He’s three, and still he can’t talk. Can he be mute? A family that raises a mute raises him for nothing. Go out into the streets, all of you, and find me a good fortune-teller. I want his eight characters worked out. If he can at least leave a seed behind him some day, there will be someone to sweep the graves and make the offerings.” No sooner had Han Yu given his orders than Master Lü, up among the clouds, heard what he said. He brought his cloud down, turned himself into a fortune-teller and walked up and down the street in Pailou Ward, crying, “Fortunes told! Fortunes told!” And how was this gentleman dressed?
His folded kerchief sat askew, slipping down in front and baring the back of his head;his blue cotton robe hung lopsided on the left and rumpled on the right.
His two eyes rolled as he gazed up at the blue sky; his two hands rattled an abacus in a hurry. And he cried: “I read your fate right back to the womb, I know where it all began! If a single reading proves wrong, I’ll gladly pay two qian in fines!”
那張千連忙請他到家裡，見了退之。退之道：「先生高姓？家住何方？」呂師道：「學生喚做開口靈，江湖上走了多年，極算得最好命。遇見太子就算得他是帝王子孫，遇見神仙就算得他是老君苗裔，遇見夫人就算得他丈夫是宰相、公卿，遇見和尚就算定他是華蓋坐命。」退之道：「依先生這般說起來，算命也是多事了。」呂師道：「說便這般說，八個字還有許多玄妙。不知相公有何見教？」退之說道：「我有一個姪兒，勞先生推算，若還算不准，先罰先生二錢。」呂師道：「從早晨出來尚不曾發利市，相公若要罰錢，請先稱了命金，待學生算不準時好做罰錢。」退之道：「這般渾話，免勞下顧。」呂師道：「請說八字來。」退之道：「建中元年二月初一日午時。」呂師道：「庚申年己卯月辛酉日甲午時。庚申乃白猿居蟠桃之位，己卯乃玉兔歸蓬島之鄉，辛酉為金雞入太陽宮畔，甲午為青驄飛玉殿之旁。這八個字不是凡胎俗骨，主有三朝天子分，七輩狀元才，不出二十歲必定名登紫府，姓列瑤池，九族成真，全家證聖。若肯讀書，官居極品，只是少壽。目下正行墓庫運，主其人昏矇暗啞，如棄物一般，到了七八歲，脫運交運，自然超群出類。」退之道：「他如今像啞子一般，讀書料不能夠了。若說學仙，世上只有天仙、地仙、神仙、鬼仙，最下一等名曰頑仙，那裡有個啞仙？」呂師道：「他面」目清奇，形容古樸，心地十分透明，性質更覺聰明，一日開口說出話來，憑著顏回、子貢重生，也只如是。」
那张千连忙请他到家里，见了退之。退之道：「先生高姓？家住何方？」吕师道：「学生唤做开口灵，江湖上走了多年，极算得最好命。遇见太子就算得他是帝王子孙，遇见神仙就算得他是老君苗裔，遇见夫人就算得他丈夫是宰相、公卿，遇见和尚就算定他是华盖坐命。」退之道：「依先生这般说起来，算命也是多事了。」吕师道：「说便这般说，八个字还有许多玄妙。不知相公有何见教？」退之说道：「我有一个姪儿，劳先生推算，若还算不准，先罚先生二钱。」吕师道：「从早晨出来尚不曾发利市，相公若要罚钱，请先称了命金，待学生算不准时好做罚钱。」退之道：「这般浑话，免劳下顾。」吕师道：「请说八字来。」退之道：「建中元年二月初一日午时。」吕师道：「庚申年己卯月辛酉日甲午时。庚申乃白猿居蟠桃之位，己卯乃玉兔归蓬岛之乡，辛酉为金鸡入太阳宫畔，甲午为青骢飞玉殿之旁。这八个字不是凡胎俗骨，主有三朝天子分，七辈状元才，不出二十岁必定名登紫府，姓列瑶池，九族成真，全家证圣。若肯读书，官居极品，只是少寿。目下正行墓库运，主其人昏蒙暗哑，如弃物一般，到了七八岁，脱运交运，自然超群出类。」退之道：「他如今像哑子一般，读书料不能够了。若说学仙，世上只有天仙、地仙、神仙、鬼仙，最下一等名曰顽仙，那里有个哑仙？」吕师道：「他面」目清奇，形容古朴，心地十分透明，性质更觉聪明，一日开口说出话来，凭着颜回、子贡重生，也只如是。」
Zhang Qian hurried to invite him to the house, and he was brought before Han Yu. “Your honoured surname, sir?” said Han Yu. “And where is your home?” “I’m called Sure-Mouth (Kaikouling),” said Master Lü. “I’ve worked the rivers and lakes for many years, and I read the very best fortunes. If I meet a prince, my reckoning shows he is of the blood of emperors and kings. If I meet an immortal, my reckoning shows he is of the line of Lord Lao. If I meet a lady, my reckoning shows her husband to be a chief minister or a great lord. And if I meet a monk, my reckoning finds he was born under the Flowery Canopy.” “By what you say, sir,” said Han Yu, “there’s no point in having one’s fortune told at all.” “That’s how I put it,” said Master Lü, “but there’s a world of mystery in the eight characters all the same. What can I do for you, sir?” “I have a nephew,” said Han Yu. “I’d trouble you to read his fate. If you get it wrong, the first thing you’ll do is pay your two qian.” “I’ve been out since morning and haven’t made my first sale yet,” said Master Lü. “If you want to fine me, sir, kindly weigh out my fee first. Then if my reading’s wrong, there will be something to pay the fine with.” “If you’re going to talk such nonsense,” said Han Yu, “I won’t trouble you any further.” “Tell me the eight characters, please,” said Master Lü. “The first year of the Jianzhong reign,” said Han Yu, “the first day of the second month, at the noon hour.” “Year gengshen, month jimao, day xinyou, hour jiawu,” said Master Lü. “Gengshen is the white ape in its seat among the peaches of immortality; jimao, the jade hare going home to the isle of Penglai; xinyou, the golden cock entering beside the Palace of the Sun; jiawu, the green steed flying beside the jade hall. These are not the eight characters of common mortal flesh and bone. They promise the fortune of an emperor three times over and the talent of seven generations of Top Graduates. Before he is twenty, his name is sure to be entered in the Purple Palace and his surname listed at the Jasper Pool; his kin to the ninth degree will become true immortals, and his whole house will attain holiness. If he is willing to study, he will reach the highest rank in office — only his life will be short. Just now he is passing through the phase of the tomb and the vault, which makes him dull and dazed, dark and dumb, like a thing thrown away. At seven or eight he will pass out of it into a new phase, and then of course he will stand out above the crowd.” “As things are, he is like a mute,” said Han Yu. “Study is out of the question, I should think. And if you mean learning to be an immortal — in this world there are only heavenly immortals, earthly immortals, divine immortals and ghost immortals, and the very lowest grade is called the dullard immortal. Whoever heard of a mute immortal?” “His features are pure and rare,” said Master Lü, “his looks have the plainness of the ancients, his heart is perfectly clear and his nature brighter still. One day, when he opens his mouth and speaks, Yan Hui and Zigong born again could do no better.”
兩個談論正大，那鍾師父又化作一個相面的先生，按落雲頭，在韓家門首高叫道：「我鑒形辨貌，能識黃埃中天子；察言觀色，善知白屋裡公卿。饒他是仙子降凡塵，我也曉得他前因後果去來今。」
两个谈论正大，那钟师父又化作一个相面的先生，按落云头，在韩家门首高叫道：「我鉴形辨貌，能识黄埃中天子；察言观色，善知白屋里公卿。饶他是仙子降凡尘，我也晓得他前因后果去来今。」
While the two of them were deep in talk, Master Zhongli turned himself into a face reader, brought his cloud down and cried out at the gate of the Han house: “I study the form and read the features: I can pick out a Son of Heaven in the yellow dust. I mark the words and watch the looks: I can tell a lord or a minister in a plain thatched cottage. Even if he’s an immortal come down to the dusty world, I can tell you his causes past and his fruits to come — what has been, what is to be and what is now.”
只見張千聽了這一篇大話，又忙忙地跑進來對退之說道：「相公，這算命的不為奇了，外邊又有一個相面的，說得自家是唐舉還魂，許負再世，何不請他進來，一發把公子相一相？」呂師曉得是鍾師臨凡，便道：「相公說學生算命不准，且請這相面的進來，看他說話與學生相合也不相合？」退之依言，便吩咐張千去請。張千請得那相面先生到於廳上，與算命先生東西坐下。退之便指著湘子道：「請先生把這孩子相一相。」相面的先生定睛一看，便道：「兩耳垂肩，紫霧盤繞；雙手過膝，金光顯現；天倉豐滿，地角端圓；神清氣朗，骨格堅全，若非天子門前客，定作蓬萊三島仙。這公子不是愚癡俗子，頑蠢凡人。」呂師道：「星相兩家行術不同，每每各談己見。今日我兩人言語相同，豈不是公子生成的八字，長成的骨頭。」鍾師又道：「相公也請端坐，待學生也把相公細看一相何如？」退之道：「學生正欲請教。」鍾師把退之巾幘聳一聳起，道：「天庭高闊，地角方圓，金木肩高，土星豐厚。顴骨插天，掌威權於萬里；日月角起，全忠孝於一門。五嶽拱朝，名標黃甲；浮犀貫頂，一生少病。鶴行龜息，局是天仙；露骨露神，終招險禍。以貧道論之：
龍虎難分別，鸞鳳要失群。風霜八千里，接引有呆人。」
退之道：「多謝先生指教，只是這幾句恁麼意思？」鍾師道：「這四句詩是相公一生結果，後有應驗。」退之道：「我姪兒湘子四歲還不會說話，就如啞子一般，如何是好？」兩師道：「要公子說話，有何難哉。貧道有一丸藥在此，送與相公，待明日五更時分，相公把無根淨水與公子吞下肚去，他就會說話了。」退之歡喜不勝，接了這丸藥，叫張千取白金二兩，封作兩封，送與兩位先生。兩師笑了一聲，分文不受，附著湘子耳邊囑咐幾句。囑云：
只见张千听了这一篇大话，又忙忙地跑进来对退之说道：「相公，这算命的不为奇了，外边又有一个相面的，说得自家是唐举还魂，许负再世，何不请他进来，一发把公子相一相？」吕师晓得是钟师临凡，便道：「相公说学生算命不准，且请这相面的进来，看他说话与学生相合也不相合？」退之依言，便吩咐张千去请。张千请得那相面先生到于厅上，与算命先生东西坐下。退之便指着湘子道：「请先生把这孩子相一相。」相面的先生定睛一看，便道：「两耳垂肩，紫雾盘绕；双手过膝，金光显现；天仓丰满，地角端圆；神清气朗，骨格坚全，若非天子门前客，定作蓬莱三岛仙。这公子不是愚痴俗子，顽蠢凡人。」吕师道：「星相两家行术不同，每每各谈己见。今日我两人言语相同，岂不是公子生成的八字，长成的骨头。」钟师又道：「相公也请端坐，待学生也把相公细看一相何如？」退之道：「学生正欲请教。」钟师把退之巾帻耸一耸起，道：「天庭高阔，地角方圆，金木肩高，土星丰厚。颧骨插天，掌威权于万里；日月角起，全忠孝于一门。五岳拱朝，名标黄甲；浮犀贯顶，一生少病。鹤行龟息，局是天仙；露骨露神，终招险祸。以贫道论之：
龙虎难分别，鸾凤要失群。风霜八千里，接引有呆人。」
退之道：「多谢先生指教，只是这几句恁么意思？」钟师道：「这四句诗是相公一生结果，后有应验。」退之道：「我姪儿湘子四岁还不会说话，就如哑子一般，如何是好？」两师道：「要公子说话，有何难哉。贫道有一丸药在此，送与相公，待明日五更时分，相公把无根净水与公子吞下肚去，他就会说话了。」退之欢喜不胜，接了这丸药，叫张千取白金二两，封作两封，送与两位先生。两师笑了一声，分文不受，附着湘子耳边嘱咐几句。嘱云：
Zhang Qian heard all this tall talk and came running in again to tell Han Yu, “Sir, this fortune-teller is nothing out of the ordinary. There’s another one outside, a face reader, who says he’s Tang Ju come back to life, Xu Fu born again. Why not ask him in and have the young master’s face read while you’re about it?” Master Lü knew that it was Master Zhongli come down to earth, and said, “You say my reading is wrong, sir. Then ask this face reader in, and see whether what he says agrees with me or not.” Han Yu did as he suggested and told Zhang Qian to invite the man in. Zhang Qian brought the face reader into the hall, and he and the fortune-teller sat down facing each other, east and west. Han Yu pointed to Xiangzi. “Please read this child’s face, sir,” he said. The face reader fixed his eyes on the boy and said, “Ears hanging to his shoulders, wreathed in purple mist; hands reaching past his knees, aglow with golden light; the Heavenly Granaries full, the Earth’s Corner round and true; spirit pure and breath clear, his frame sound and whole. If he is not to be a guest at the gate of the Son of Heaven, he will surely be an immortal of Penglai and the Three Islands. This young gentleman is no foolish commoner, no dull and stupid mortal.” “Star readers and face readers practise different arts,” said Master Lü, “and each usually has his own view. Yet today the two of us say the same thing. Doesn’t that show it’s in the eight characters the young gentleman was born with and in the bones he has grown?” Then Master Zhongli said, “Please sit up straight too, sir, and let me take a close look at your face as well. What do you say?” “I was just about to ask you,” said Han Yu. Master Zhongli pushed Han Yu’s headcloth up a little and said, “The Heavenly Court high and broad, the Earth’s Corner square and round; the Metal and Wood stars set high above the shoulders, the Earth star full and thick. Cheekbones thrusting to the sky: you will wield power ten thousand li around. The sun and moon horns raised: you will make loyalty and filial piety whole in one house. The Five Peaks paying court: your name will be marked on the yellow list. The Hidden Rhinoceros running up to the crown: you will seldom be ill all your life. The walk of a crane and the breath of a tortoise: the pattern of a heavenly immortal. But bones laid bare and spirit laid bare: in the end you will court danger and disaster. As this poor Daoist sees it:
dragon and tiger, hard to tell apart;the luan and the phoenix, bound to lose the flock;eight thousand li of wind and frost;a simpleton to lead you on.”
“Thank you for your guidance, sir,” said Han Yu, “but what do these lines mean?” “Those four lines of verse tell how your whole life will turn out,” said Master Zhongli. “Later they will come true.” “My nephew Xiangzi is four and still can’t talk,” said Han Yu. “He’s just like a mute. What’s to be done?” “Making the young gentleman talk — what’s hard about that?” said the two masters. “We poor Daoists have a pill here, which we give to you, sir. Tomorrow, at the fifth watch, give it to the young gentleman to swallow with clean rootless water, and he will talk.” Han Yu was delighted beyond words. He took the pill and told Zhang Qian to fetch two taels of silver, wrap them in two packets and give them to the two gentlemen. But the two masters only laughed and would not take a single coin. They bent to Xiangzi’s ear and gave him a few words of instruction. Their charge went:
鶴童不用苦憂心，須情前因與後因。
鹤童不用苦忧心，须情前因与后因。
Crane Boy, there’s no need to grieve and worry;only be clear about the causes before and the causes after.
丹藥驅除魔障淨，管教指日上蓬瀛。
丹药驱除魔障净，管教指日上蓬瀛。
The elixir will drive the demon hindrances clean away,and I promise you’ll rise to Penglai and Yingzhou before long.
囑罷，揚長出門去了。退之著人追趕之時，杳然不知去向，但見祥雲繚繞空中，瑞鶴飛鳴雲外。退之自思：「這兩個或是神仙也不見得，只待五鼓時分，姪兒吃了丸藥便見應驗如何。但他說我黃甲標名，官居台閣，不知應在幾年上，過了明日，收拾盤纏赴京科舉，又作理會。」正是：
嘱罢，扬长出门去了。退之着人追赶之时，杳然不知去向，但见祥云缭绕空中，瑞鹤飞鸣云外。退之自思：「这两个或是神仙也不见得，只待五鼓时分，姪儿吃了丸药便见应验如何。但他说我黄甲标名，官居台阁，不知应在几年上，过了明日，收拾盘缠赴京科举，又作理会。」正是：
When they had given their charge, they strode out of the gate and were off. Han Yu sent men after them, but they had vanished without a trace; there was only an auspicious cloud wreathing the sky and a crane of good omen calling as it flew beyond the clouds. Han Yu thought to himself: “Those two may well be immortals, who knows? I need only wait till the fifth watch, when my nephew takes the pill, to see whether it works. But he says my name will be marked on the yellow list and I will hold office in the high councils of state — I wonder in what year that will come true. After tomorrow I will pack my travelling money, go to the capital for the examinations, and see what comes of it.” Truly:
時來風送滕王閣，運退雷轟薦福碑。
时来风送滕王阁，运退雷轰荐福碑。
When his time comes, the wind sweeps a man to the Tengwang Pavilion;when his luck runs out, thunder shatters the Jianfu stele.
有日蛟龍得雲雨，春風得意錦衣歸。
有日蛟龙得云雨，春风得意锦衣归。
One day the flood dragon will find its clouds and rain,and ride home in brocade, proud on the spring breeze.
畢竟退之上京去否，且聽下回分解。
毕竟退之上京去否，且听下回分解。
Did Han Yu go to the capital after all? To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.