帕布莉卡第三出 阻奸
【绕地游】〔生上〕
飘飖家舍，
怎把平安[1]写，
哭苍天满喉新血。
国仇未雪，
乡心难说，
把闲情丢开后些。
小生侯方域，自去冬仓皇避祸，夜投史公，随到淮安漕署[2]，不觉半载。昨因南大司马熊公内召[3]，史公即补其缺，小生又随渡江。亏他重俺才学，待同骨肉。正思移家金陵，不料南北隔绝。目今议立纷纷，尚无定局，好生愁闷。且候史公回衙，一问消息。〔暂下〕
【三台令】〔外扮史可法忧容，丑扮长班随上〕
山河今日崩竭，
白面谈兵掉舌；
弈局事堪嗟，
望长安谁家传舍[4]。
下官史可法，表字道邻，本贯河南，寄籍燕京。自崇祯辛未，叨[5]中进士，便值中原多故，内为曹郎[6]，外作监司[7]，敭历[8]十年，不曾一日安枕。今由淮安漕抚升补南京兵部尚书。那知到任一月，遭此大变；万死无裨，一筹莫展。幸亏长江天险，护此留都。但一月无君，人心皇皇，每日议立议迎，全无成说。今早操兵江上，探得北信，不免请出侯兄，大家快谈。
〔丑〕侯爷，有请。
〔生上见介〕请问老先生，北信若何？
〔外〕今日得一喜信，说北京虽失，圣上无恙，早已航海而南；太子亦间道[9]东奔，未知果否？
〔生〕果然如此，苍生之福也。
〔小生扮差役上〕朝廷无诏旨，将相有传闻。
〔到门介〕门上有人么？
〔丑问介〕那里来的？
〔小生〕是凤抚衙门来的，有马老爷候札[10]，即讨回书。
〔丑〕待我传上去。
〔入见介〕禀老爷，凤抚马老爷差人投书。
〔外拆看，皱眉介〕这个马瑶草，又讲甚么迎立之事了。
【高阳台】
清议堂中，
三番公会，
攒眉仰屋蹴靴；
相对长吁，
低头不语如呆。
堪嗟！军国大事非轻举，
俺纵有庙谟[11]难说。
这来书谋迎议立，
邀功情切。
〔向生介〕看他书中意思，属意福王。又说圣上确确缢死煤山，太子奔逃无踪。若果如此，俺纵不依，他也竟自举行了。况且昭穆伦次[12]，立福王亦无大差。罢，罢，罢！答他回书，明日会稿，一同列名便了。
〔生〕老先生所言差矣。福王分藩敝乡[13]，晚生知之最详，断断立不得。
〔外〕如何立不得？
〔生〕他有三大罪，人人俱知。
〔外〕那三大罪？
〔生〕待晚生数来：
【前腔】
福邸藩王，神宗骄子，
母妃郑氏淫邪。
当日谋害太子，欲行自立，
若无调护良臣，几将神器夺窃。
〔外〕此一罪却也不小。〔问介〕还有那一罪?
〔生〕骄奢，盈装满载分封去，
把内府金钱偷竭。
昨日寇逼河南，
竟不舍一文助饷，
以致国破身亡，
满宫财宝，徒饱贼囊。
〔外〕这也算的一大罪。〔问介〕那第三大罪呢？
〔生〕这一大罪，就是现今世子德昌王[14]，
父死贼手，暴尸未葬，竟忍心远避。
还乘离乱之时，纳民妻女。
这君德全亏尽丧，怎图皇业。
〔外〕说的一些不差，果然是三大罪。
〔生〕不特此也，还有五不可立。
〔外〕怎么又有五不可立？
【前腔】〔生〕
第一件，车驾存亡，传闻不一，天无二日同协。
第二件，圣上果殉社稷，尚有太子监国，
为何明弃储君，翻寻枝叶旁牒[15]。
第三件，这中兴之主，原不必拘定伦次的分别，
中兴定霸如光武，要访取出群英杰[16]。
第四件，怕强藩乘机保立。
第五件，又恐小人呵，将拥戴功挟[17]。
〔外〕是，是，世兄高见，虑的深远。前日见副使雷祚、礼部周镳[18]，都有此论，但不及这番透彻耳。就烦世兄把这三大罪、五不可立之论，写书回他便了。
〔生〕遵命。
〔点烛写书介〕
〔副净扮阮大铖，杂扮家僮提灯上〕
须将奇货归吾手，
莫把新功让别人。
下官阮大铖，潜往江浦，寻着福王，连夜回来，与马士英倡议迎立。只怕兵部史可法临时掣肘。今日修书相商，还恐不妥，故此昏夜叩门，与他细讲。
〔见小生介〕你早来下书，如何还不回去。
〔小生〕等候回书，不见发出。
〔喜介〕阮老爷来的正好，替小人催一催。
〔杂〕门上大叔那里？
〔丑〕是那个？
〔副净见，作足恭[19]介〕烦位下[20]通报一声，说裤子裆里阮，求见老爷。
〔丑诨介〕裤子裆里软，这可未必。常言“十个胡子九个骚”，待我摸一摸，果然软不软。
〔副净〕休得取笑，快些方便罢。
〔丑〕天色已晚，老爷安歇了，怎敢乱传。
〔副净〕有要话商议，定求一见的。
〔丑〕待我传上去。
〔进禀介〕禀老爷，有裤子裆里阮，到门求见。
〔外〕是那个姓阮的？
〔生〕在裤子裆里住，自然是阮胡子了。
〔外〕如此昏夜，他来何干？
〔生〕不消说，又是讲迎立之事了。
〔外〕去年在清议堂诬害世兄的便是他。这人原是魏党，真正小人，不必理他，叫长班回他罢了。
〔丑出，怒介〕我说夜晚了，不便相会，果然惹个没趣。请回罢！
〔副净拍丑肩介〕位下是极在行的，怎不晓得。夜晚来会，才说的是极有趣的话哩；那青天白日，都是些扫帐儿[21]。
〔丑〕你老说的有理，事成之后，随封[22]都要双分的。
〔副净〕不消说，还要加厚些。
〔丑〕既是这等，待我再传。
〔进禀介〕禀老爷，姓阮的定求一见，要说极有趣的话。
〔外〕，放屁！国破家亡之时，还有甚么趣话说！快快赶出，闭上宅门。
〔丑〕凤抚回书尚未打发哩。
〔生〕书已写就，求老先生过目。
〔外读介〕
【前腔】
二祖列宗[23]，
经营垂创，
吾皇辛苦力竭。
一旦倾移，
谁能重续灭绝[24]。
详列：
福藩罪案三桩大，
五不可、
势局当歇。
再寻求贤宗雅望[25]，
去留先决。
〔外〕写得明白，料他也不敢妄动了。
〔吩咐介〕就交与凤抚家人，
早闭宅门，不许再来啰唣。
〔起介〕正是江上孤臣生白发，
〔生〕灯前旅客罢冰弦。
〔外、生下〕
〔丑出呼介〕马老爷差人呢？
〔小生〕有。
〔丑〕领了回书，快快出去，我要闭门哩。
〔小生接书介〕还有阮老爷要见，怎么就闭门？
〔副净向丑介〕正是，我方才央过求见老爷的，难道忘了。
〔丑佯问介〕你是谁呀？
〔副净〕我便是裤子裆里阮哪。
〔丑〕啐！半夜三更，只管软里硬里，奈何的人不得睡。
〔推介〕好好的去罢。
〔竟闭门入介〕
〔小生〕得了回书，我先去了。〔下〕
〔副净恼介〕好可恶也，竟自闭门不纳了。
〔呆介〕罢了！俺老阮十年之前，这样气儿也不知受过多少，且自耐他。
〔搓手介〕只是当前机会，不可错过。这史可法现掌着本兵之印，如此执拗起来，目下迎立之事，便行不去了，这怎么处?
〔想介〕呸！我到呆气了，如今皇帝玉玺且无下落，你那一颗部印有何用处。
〔指介〕老史，老史，一盘好肉包掇上门来，你不会吃，反去让了别人，日后不要见怪。正是：
穷途才解阮生嗟，
无主江山信手拿；
奇货居[26]来随处赠，
不知福分在谁家。
注释：
[1]平安：家信。
[2]淮安漕署：明代于江苏淮安设漕抚，总督漕运。漕署即漕抚的官署。
[3]南大司马熊公内召：熊公即熊明遇。
[4]望长安谁家传舍：传舍是驿站供应过路客人住的房舍。长安是历代的帝都，这里借指北京。
[5]叨：表示谦虚语气的副词。
[6]曹郎：部曹，是部属各司的官。
[7]监司：监察州郡的官，如按察使之类。
[8]敭（yáng）历：指仕宦的经历。
[9]间道：偏僻的路径。
[10]候札：指立等回信的书札。
[11]庙谟：指大臣为朝廷计议的谋划。
[12]昭穆伦次：宗庙的次序。
[13]分藩敝乡：福王分封河南，是侯方域的故乡。
[14]德昌王：福王由崧，初封德昌王，进封福王世子。
[15]枝叶旁牒：牒指封建时代宗族里的谱牒。枝叶旁牒，意说福王在皇族里是旁枝侧叶，不是嫡派子孙。
[16]“中兴定霸如光武”二句：意说如要立中兴之主，就应访取像汉光武这样的英雄人物。光武即刘秀，是汉高祖的九世孙，王莽篡汉之后，光武起兵舂陵，打败王莽的军队，自立为帝。
[17]将拥戴功挟：凭拥戴天子的功来要挟朝廷。
[18]雷（yǎn）祚、周镳：雷祚，字介之，太湖人。周镳，字仲驭，号鹿溪，金坛人，都是东林党的健将，后来被马士英、阮大铖害死。
[19]足恭：过分谦卑地谄媚人的样子。
[20]位下：对门下人的敬称。
[21]扫帐儿：犹言“零头数”。商业或债务上结算时的零数，往往可以免除。
[22]随封：封包、赏钱。
[23]二祖列宗：二祖指明太祖与明成祖，列宗指明仁宗以后的列朝皇帝。
[24]重续灭绝：把已经灭绝的国家重新继承下来。
[25]贤宗雅望：宗室里贤德而有名望的人。
[26]居：积贮，把货物积存起来，等价格高时出售。
Scene 3 Succession to the Throne
(Enter Master Hou Fangyu.)
Hou(Singing to the tune of Going around the Earth):
I roam and roam
Far,far from home.
How could I tell her that I’m safe?I cry
With bleeding throat to Heaven high.
The death not avenged of the crown,
How could I care for my hometown?
I must put apart
What else in my heart.
In order to avert the disaster fallen on me last winter,I came to seek patronage of His Excellency Shi in Huai’an.Half a year has passed since then.His Excellency was appointed last month as minister of defence to replace Governor Xiong in the Southern Capital,and I was ordered to follow him to cross the River.He values talents and treats me as his kin.Now obsessed with the heated argument over the succession to the throne,I am eager to know the result and would like to inquire for further information,so I must wait for His Excellency’s return.(Exit.)
(Enter Shi Kefa followed by attendants.)
Shi(Looking worried and singing to the tune of Three Terraces):
The ruined land in great alarms,
How could scholars talk about arms?
For State affairs I sigh;
To recapture the north,on whom can we rely?
In imperial service for ten years long,I was appointed minister of defence of the Southern Capital last month.Having not foreseen such imperial disaster,I do not know what to do but guard the River lest the security of the south should be endangered.But how could there be no sovereign on the throne?The question of succession is vehemently argued.When the morning manoeuvre was held,an intelligence report came from the north,so I must consult Master Hou about the matter.
Attendant:Here comes Master Hou.
(Re-enter Hou Fangyu.)
Hou(Saluting Shi):Is there any news from the north,Your Excellency?
Shi:We have received a good news today,saying that His Majesty survived the disaster and escaped by the sea.He is now sailing south with the heir apparent.But this report is not yet verified.
Hou:It would be the supreme bliss for the empire if the news proved true.
(Enter a Messenger.)
Messenger(Singing):
From the palace there comes no imperial decree,
But between generals and ministers rumors run free.
(Arriving at the door)Is there anyone within?
Concierge:Where do you come from?
Messenger:I come from Governor Ma’s office at Fengyang.Here is a letter from him for His Excellency Shi.I am ordered to wait for the reply.
Concierge:I shall transmit the letter for you.(Entering and Saluting Shi)Your Excellency,here is a letter from Governor Ma at Fengyang.
Shi(Reading the letter with a frown):Again he will talk about the succession.
(Singing to the tune of High Sunny Terrace):
Thrice have we met in the Assembly Hall,
Looking up with a frown and stamping,we sighed all,
Or bowing mutely as if stupefied,
We did nothing but look aside.
We’d not make light of State affairs.
What could I say though I had my cares?
This letter talks about the royal heir.
I seem to see an intrigue there.
(To Hou)In his letter Ma seems to propose that the Blissful Prince should succeed to the throne,for the late emperor had hanged himself on the coal hill in the imperial garden,and the imperial Prince had fled nobody knows where.If this were true,it would be the Blissful Prince’s turn to succeed with or without our support.According to age,it would not be wrong for him to become heir to the throne.Why then should I raise any objection to his succession?So I think I may tell Ma I agree to his proposal and will sign and put my seal on the document.What do you think of it?
Hou:I beg to differ from Your Excellency’s approval.My homeland is a fief of the Blissful Prince and I know in detail what he has done there.I do not think he is a worthy successor to the throne.
Shi:Will you please tell me why?
Hou:He has committed three grave crimes well-known in his fief.
Shi:What are they?
Hou:Let me tell you one by one.
(Singing to the previous tune):
The Blissful Prince is insidiou since
He plotted to murder the imperial prince
With his lascivious mother.This plot laid bare,
How could he succeed to the throne as heir?
Shi:This is indeed a grave crime.What next?
Hou:His avarice and greed
Made him steal from the treasury to meet his need.
When the rebels invaded his fief in the south,
He would not pay to feed his soldiers’mouth.
As a result,he lost his land,
His treasure fell into the rebels’hand.
Shi:This is the second crime.What is the third?
Hou:He did not bury his father dead,
But far away he fled.
Besides,he took another man’s wife as his own.
How could such a vile prince succeed to the throne?
Shi:You are right.He has indeed committed three grave crimes.
Hou:What is more,there are five reasons why we oppose to his succession.
Shi:What are they?
Hou(Singing to the previous tune):
First,we are not sure if the emperor did die.
How could we have two suns in the same sky?
Secondly,if the emperor is no more,
The successor should be the prince we all adore.
Thirdly,the heir need not be the oldest in age,
But an outstanding talent,hero or sage.
Fourthly,he should not be arrogant and strong.
Lastly,his supporters are not those who do wrong.
Shi:You have a deep insight,far deeper than other officials.So,would you please write down the three crimes and five reasons in reply to Ma’s letter?
Hou:It shall be done at once.
(A candle is lit and Hou writes the letter in reply to Ma.)
(Enter Ruan Dacheng,followed by an attendant,lantern in hand.)
Ruan(Singing):I will not lose what I gain
But keep it with might and main.
I am Ruan Dacheng.Having found the Blissful Prince by riverside,I came back by night to consult with Ma Shiying about the Prince’s succession to the throne.But afraid that our proposal may not win the support of Shi Kefa,Minister of Defence,I wrote him a letter by day.For fearing that letter might not secure his support,I come in person to persuade him by night.(Seeing the messenger)You came to send a message by day.Why are you still here by night,without bringing back the reply?
Messenger:I am still waiting for the reply.Since Your Excellency has come in person,will you please ask them to give me the reply at once?
Attendant:Where is the concierge?
Concierge:Who is coming so late?
Ruan(Saluting with respect):Would you please report to His Excellency Shi that Ruan Soft Root is coming to pay a visit?
Concierge(Making fun):How can I know if your root is soft or hard?
Ruan:Do not make fun,please.Would you report to His Excellency?
Concierge:It is late now and His Excellency has taken rest.How dare I disturb his repose?
Ruan:I come here for something important.Would you please report for me?
Concierge:In that case,I shall try to report for you.
(To Shi)Your Excellency,here comes Ruan Soft Root on night visit.
Shi:Who is this Ruan?
Hou:It must be Ruan Dacheng.
Shi:Why does he come so late in the night?
Hou:No doubt,he comes to talk about the prince’s succession.
Shi:It was he who spread the rumor against you in the Assembly Hall last year.He belongs to Eunuch Wei’s party.(To Concierge)Tell him I have nothing to do with him.
Concierge(Coming out and speaking with anger):I have told you it is too late for His Excellency to see a guest.You ask me to incur his displeasure.Now you can do nothing but go back.
Ruan(Tapping the concierge on the shoulder):You know a visitor by night would offer you more interest than a visitor by day.
Concierge:What interest?Would you give me half of it?
Ruan:I would offer you more.
Concierge:In this case,I will report once more for you.
(Entering and reporting to Shi)Your Excellency,the visitor says that he has something to say which would offer you great interest.
Shi:How could he have anything of great interest to say when the empire is in danger?Tell him to get away and close the door!
Concierge:Your Excellency has not yet given a reply to the messenger from Fengyang.
Hou(To Shi):Here is the reply.Would Your Excellency read it over?
Shi(Reading and singing to the previous tune):
It’s hard to build the empire and come to the throne;
Our crown should prevent it from being overthrown.
If it were overthrown,
Who should succeed to the throne?
We should discuss in great detail.Three times
The Blissful Prince has committed grave crimes.
Besides,there are five reasons why he can’t succeed,
For we should elect a prince of good renown
To rule the empire up and down.
All is clearly written.I think they cannot make light of it.(To Attendant)
Give the reply to the messenger and close the door.
Let no visitor disturb us any more.
(Rising)By riverside age snows on my forehead hair white.
Hou:I will no longer play on strings by candlelight.
(Exeunt Shi and Hou.)
Concierge(Coming out):Where is the messenger from Fengyang?
Messenger:Here.
Concierge:Here is the reply.Take it and go back.I am ordered to close the door.
Messenger(Taking the letter):Why should you close the door?Have you forgotten His Excellency Ruan is still here?
Ruan(To Concierge):Have you forgotten the interest we have just talked about?
Concierge(Playing the ignorant):Who are you?
Ruan:I am Ruan Soft Root.
Concierge:I do not care if your root is soft or hard.I shall go to sleep.(Thrusting him out)
Get away!
(Exit.)
Messenger:I shall go back with the letter in reply.(Exit.)
Ruan(Angered)How hateful!But this is not the first time for me to be maltreated.I must bear it as ten years ago.
(Rubbing his hands anxiously)But how could I let go such a chance?What to do with Shi who is minister of defense in charge of military affairs,but who is so obstinate against the Blissful Prince!
(Pondering):What a fool I am!Now even the imperial edict will not work.Why should we care for a minister of defence!
(Pointing where Shi exits):Old Shi!Old Shi!You do not eat the meal I offer to you.Is there no one else who would eat it?I shall consult other ministers and generals.(Singing):
When poor,you understand why the hungry sigh;
The land without owner is free to occupy.
When fortune falls on me,I may give what I please,
Though I don’t know who can be fortunate with ease.
(Exeunt.)
