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EAST ASIAN POPULAR CULTURE
The Adventures of
Ma Suzhen
‘An Heroic Woman Takes
Revenge in Shanghai’
Translated by Paul Bevan
East Asian Popular Culture
Series Editors
Yasue Kuwahara
Department of Communication
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY, USA
John A. Lent
International Journal of Comic Art
Drexel Hill, PA, USA
This series focuses on the study of popular culture in East Asia (referring
to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and
Taiwan) in order to meet a growing interest in the subject among students
as well as scholars of various disciplines. The series examines cultural pro-
duction in East Asian countries, both individually and collectively, as its
popularity extends beyond the region. It continues the scholarly discourse
on the recent prominence of East Asian popular culture as well as the give
and take between Eastern and Western cultures.
More information about this series at

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Paul Bevan
The Adventures of Ma
Suzhen
‘An Heroic Woman Takes Revenge in Shanghai’
Attributed to Qi Fanniu and Zhu Dagong, translated by Paul Bevan

Paul Bevan
China Centre
University of Oxford
Oxford, UK
ISSN 2634-5935 ISSN 2634-5943 (electronic)

East Asian Popular Culture
ISBN 978-3-030-89034-6 ISBN 978-3-030-89035-3 (eBook)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89035-3
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021

This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the
Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of
translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on
microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval,
electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now
known or hereafter developed.
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this
publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are
exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information
in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the pub-
lisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the
material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The
publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institu-
tional affiliations.
Cover illustration: © Collection of Paul Bevan
This Palgrave Macmillan imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature
Switzerland AG.
The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland
“A Quizzical Young Lady” (c. 1915), based on a drawing by Shen Bochen (one of
a set of thirty cigarette cards in the translator’s collection)
For my Mother and Father
Acknowledgements
This book is a product of the Covid-19 crisis. I began translating it in

March 2020 when my contract came to an end at the Ashmolean Museum,
just as the lockdown was beginning in the UK, and finished it almost
exactly a year later. First of all, I must thank Frances Wood for unwittingly
introducing me to a rare image in the form of a popular nianhua-style
print in the collection of the School of Oriental and African Studies
(SOAS), London, which professes to be a likeness of Ma Yongzhen. Little
did I know when teaching a class on the history of the book at SOAS (the
items having all been chosen by Frances) that this print would lead me
down such an interesting new avenue of research. I must also thank Jiyeon
Wood of SOAS library for her initial interest in this print, which prompted
me to look into the story of Ma Yongzhen more deeply. I am grateful also
to Jessica Harrison-Hall of the British Museum for inviting me to write a
short essay on Ma Yongzhen for a publication to coincide with the mount-
ing of a forthcoming exhibition on nineteenth-century China, soon to
take place at the museum. The starting point for that essay was the SOAS
popular print.
Libraries are always important to my research, but, due to the Covid-19
crisis, this year I was able to access only very limited resources. I thank
SOAS library for providing their facilities to me in the past, though sadly
my status as a Research Associate did not permit me to use their electronic
resources at home during the pandemic. Later, I was able to access the
Bodleian Library online databases when I began my job as Departmental
Lecturer in Modern Chinese Literature and Culture at the University of
Oxford, in September 2020. With access to the Bodleian I felt as if I’d
ix
x ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
struck gold, as a considerable amount of additional information became

available to me, including that found in online Chinese-language newspa-
per and magazine databases.
The translation and research for the essay were carried out at home in
almost complete isolation but I thank my friends with whom I was able to
meet on Zoom during that time. They were helpful to me in many ways,
but mostly in providing moral support. First, I would like to thank my
friends and colleagues in our small and select online chat group “The
Confabulists” for reading the manuscript and for their encouraging com-
ments. This group began several years ago with regular meetings in the
staff canteen of the British Museum, and now continues with weekly
online meetings to discuss matters relating to art, literature, film, and cul-
ture. They have been a great support to me, as have other friends and
colleagues with whom I’ve been able to meet online during this period:
Jon Banks, Howard Benge, Jan Nichol, Felicitas von Droste zu Hülshoff,
Federica Gigante, Kiyoko Hanaoka, Miguel Lawrence, Leandro Espinoza,
Nicholas Perry and Jody Butterworth. I would also like to offer my thanks
to the series editors, Yasue Kuwahara and John A. Lent for their initial
interest in the book, and to Camille Davies, Karthika Devi Ravikumar, and
the staff of Palgrave Macmillan, as well as an anonymous reviewer for their
kind and supportive comments. I also thank my brother Jason for his help
with the preparation of the images and all technical issues, as well as my
sister Hannah and my nephews Django and Ben for their support. This
book is dedicated to the memory of my father and mother, Hubert
Graham Llewelyn Bevan (1916–1996) and Fern Bevan (1925–2021).
Contents
Translator’s Introduction 1
The Adventures of Ma Suzhen: Cast of Characters 5
he Adventures of Ma Suzhen: An Heroic Woman Takes

T
Revenge in Shanghai 7
Hero of the Women’s Realm, Ma Suzhen, an Essay by Paul

A
Bevan105
Bibliography129
xi
About the Translator
Paul Bevan Departmental Lecturer in Modern Chinese Literature and

Culture at the University of Oxford. From 2018 to 2020 he worked as
Christensen Fellow in Chinese Painting at the Ashmolean Museum,
Oxford, and his research focusses equally on both the visual arts and litera-
ture. Paul’s primary research interests concern the impact of Western art
and literature on China during the Republican Period (1912–1949), par-
ticularly with regard to periodicals and magazines. His research on artists
George Grosz, Frans Masereel, and Miguel Covarrubias, all of whom
worked for Vanity Fair, has resulted in extensive research on both Chinese
and Western pictorial magazines. Paul’s first book A Modern Miscellany—
Shanghai Cartoon Artists, Shao Xunmei’s Circle and the Travels of Jack
Chen, 1926–1938, Leiden: Brill, 2015, was hailed as “a major contribution
to modern Chinese studies”; his second: “Intoxicating Shanghai”: Modern
Art and Literature in Pictorial Magazines during Shanghai’s Jazz Age was
published by Brill in 2020. This book includes four translations by the
author of modernist short stories from the 1930s: “The Girl in the Inky-
Green Cheongsam”, and “Camel, Nietzscheanist and Woman” by Mu
Shiying, “Hai Alai Scenes” by Hei Ying, and “Attempted Murder” by
Liu Na’Ou.
xiii
Notes on the Translation and
Illustrations
This was not envisaged as an “academic” book, i.e. as a word-for-word

translation to be studied, dissected and analysed in the classroom. Even so,
it follows the original text closely at all times and aims to be a true and
accurate rendition of the story in English. Above all it is an example of
popular fiction to be read for enjoyment, as was the case with the original
Chinese version when it was written almost a century ago. Inevitably, in an
effort to make the story work in English translation, some minor changes
and corrections have been made to the original text. These are listed below.
The numbers 5a, 5b, 6a etc. refer to page numbers in Ma Suzhen quan-
zhuan 馬素貞全傳 (The Complete Adventures of Ma Suzhen) published
by Guangji shuju 廣記書局 in 1929. This book is bound using the double-
leaf system with thread binding in the traditional East Asian manner. The
page numbers p. 48, p. 49 etc. refer to pages in this book, The Adventures
of Ma Suzhen.
Place Names
The translation follows the pinyin system of Romanisation except in the
following place names, which use the English versions of the names as they
were known at the time when the book was written.
p. 15. Fuzhou Lu appears as Foochow Road
p. 19. Nanjing appears as Nanking
p. 74. Beihai Lu appears as Pakhoi Road
p. 77. Xinzha appears as Sinza
p. 71. Baxianqiao appears as Pahsienjiao
xvi Notes on the Translation and Illustrations
Names of Characters
At certain points, to improve the flow of the story, the names of individual
characters have been either changed or simply invented.
p. 20. “Aunt” and “Uncle” have become “Auntie Gong” and
“Uncle Gong”.
p. 18. “Pao Longtao” 跑龍套 has become “Lu the Lackey”.
p. 18. “Bai Laili” 白癩痢 has become “Scrofulous Bai”.
p. 18. Cheng Zimin’s name appears in the book variously as “Cheng
Ziming” 程子明 and “Cheng Zimin” 程子民. In both the stage play and
film the latter name is used, and it is this name that is adopted in the
translation.
p. 28. “Da Han” 大漢 [Stout fellow] has become “Ah Xie”.
p. 78. “The man” has become “Inspector Pei”.
p. 87. “Xiao Mazi” has become “Poxy Fang”. In the prequel to The
Adventures of Ma Suzhen it is clear that this character’s family name is
actually Liu. I have chosen to give him another Chinese name altogether,
in order to avoid confusion between him and the character Liu Junwu.
Changes to the Text

p. 43. “Section A” a short section of approximately nine lines seems to
have found its way into the text at the wrong place in the Guangji edition.
This runs from the end of line 6 on page 5b to line 14 on the same page.
It has been relocated by the translator (to pp. 45–46 in this book) to make
sense of the action. In its place, the story continues with Jia Tianxiang and
his concubine retiring to bed on page 5b, and ends with Jia getting out of
bed and putting on his clothes on page 6b (p. 45). At this point there is a
short additional paragraph written by the translator that is not in the origi-
nal (see “Addition 2” below), after which, “Section A” has been rein-
serted. This becomes Ah Fu’s first appearance in the story. At the end of
this passage, Ah Fu takes the Constable to see Jia Tianxiang and this is the
end of the Chapter 8. Chapter 9 continues according to the original text,
until the pages become out of sync due to a printing error. These are as
follows:
p. 46. The action skips from the end of page 6b to the beginning of
page 7b.
p. 48. The action skips back from the end of page 7b to the begin-
ning of 7a.
Notes on the Translation and Illustrations xvii
p. 49. The action skips from the end of page 7a to the beginning of
page 8a.
The story is then back on track.
Later in the text:
p. 59. One sentence has been moved to make sense of the action.
Instead of Ma Suzhen seeing the electric lights in the hallway and return-
ing to her room to find a lamp that is already hot to the touch (which is
impossible as it has not yet been lit and the room is dark), in this transla-
tion it is the lamp in the hallway that is hot. After discovering this, Ma
returns to her room from the hallway and attempts to light the lamp there.
p. 90. In the original Ma and her guests walk west to Foochow Road
(Fuzhou Lu), though, in fact, Foochow Road is north of Pakhoi Road
(Beihai Lu).
Additions to the Text

At some points it has been necessary to add additional text to make sense
of the story. The following lines have been added by the translator:
1: p. 40. “I think it best if you dispose of your clothes in the fire. Please
feel free to change into some of the clothes my husband left behind.”
2: p. 43. “Let us continue to relate how the constable was in the inn
listening to the two young monks telling him about what happened at the
White Cloud Temple and declaring that the perpetrator at large was most
certainly the same person who committed the murders at the
Merchants Inn.”
3: p. 33. “Moments later he began to feel a little queasy. The events had
taken their toll on him, and, struggling to breathe, he suddenly went limp
and slipped into unconsciousness, never to wake again.”
Inconsistencies in the Story

p. 33. In the first half of the story only one murder actually takes place at
the Merchant Inn. However, in the second half it states that two cases of
murder in the inn had been reported. In order to make sense of this, the
translator has made a minor change so that Ah Xie loses his life (see
“Addition 3” above).
p. 57. When Ma Suzhen first sets foot off the boat in Shanghai the
reader is told: “Ma Suzhen was able to read a few words”, implying that
she was almost illiterate. In fact, previously in the book, not only had she
xviii Notes on the Translation and Illustrations
read a letter sent to her by Chai Jiuyun, but had written her own to both
her brother and Jia Tianxiang. The line in question has been deleted from
this translation.
Inconsistencies in the Illustrations

Figure 1, p. 9 and Fig. 5, p. 98. In both these illustrations “Miss Chai”,
daughter of Chai Jiuyun and Madam Chai, can be seen, though she is not
mentioned anywhere in the text of the book.
Figure 6, p. 102. In this illustration Ma Suzhen’s revenge takes place in
an interior setting, most probably the teahouse. In the story she kills her
enemies outside by the city wall.
List of Figures
The Adventures of Ma Suzhen: An Heroic Woman Takes

Revenge in Shanghai
Fig. 1 Ma Suzhen, Madam Chai, Miss Chai 9
Fig. 2 At night Ma Suzhen dreams of her brother and receives an omen 11
Fig. 3 Using a flame to light an electric lamp 60
Fig. 4 Chai Jiuyun pays his respects at the assembly hall 80
Fig. 5 Madam Chai presents a fine blade 98
Fig. 6 Ma Suzhen slaughters her enemies in broad daylight 102
xix
Translator’s Introduction
The Adventures of Ma Suzhen is a comic adventure story about a young

woman who makes a journey from Shandong Province in the north of
China to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, initially to visit her brother,
and ultimately to take revenge for his murder.
The book was written in the 1920s and is very loosely based on fact. Ma
Suzhen’s brother, Ma Yongzhen (?–1879), was a real, historical figure
who was murdered in Shanghai in 1879. Ma Suzhen, on the other hand,
is a fictional character who was thought up by the entertainment industry
to popularize the “legend” of Ma Yongzhen.
Who actually wrote The Adventures of Ma Suzhen is far from certain.
Two names in particular are attached to the book, Zhu Dagong and Qi
Fanniu, but just what their roles were in its writing are decidedly unclear.
This question is explored at some length later in this book in the transla-
tor’s essay, “A Hero of the Women’s Realm, Ma Suzhen”. Rather than
repeating the discussion here, the reader is invited to read the essay (pref-
erably after reading the story itself).
Following the publication of the book in 1923, Ma Suzhen appeared as
a character in the play Ma Yongzhen later the same year, and in a film made
by the Mingxing Film Company, Ma Yongzhen of Shandong, four years
later. The play and the film were written and produced by many of the
same people, and the popularity of the stories of Ma Suzhen and her
brother grew, following a certain amount of local acclaim in Shanghai.
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature 1

Switzerland AG 2021
P. Bevan, The Adventures of Ma Suzhen, East Asian Popular Culture,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89035-3_1
2 P. BEVAN
Almost entirely unknown to an English-speaking readership and audience,

this story (in a number of different versions) is widely known in the
Chinese-speaking world. This is largely due to its more recent dissemina-
tion in films and television drama series, which have appeared in profusion
since the 1970s. All of these films are in the “martial arts” mode and were
made by well-known film studios such as that established by the Shaw
Brothers in 1958. The 1923 play, however, laid a particular emphasis on
comedy and this can also be seen in the book version translated here.
Though it cannot be described as comedy with a capital C, a persistent
vein of comedic action runs through the book from beginning to end,
and, from the information available to us in the 1920s press, it would seem
that this was very much the case with the play as well.
Perhaps the best way to introduce the story here, is to defer to an
anonymous Chinese writer of the 1920s. The following English-language
synopsis of the film Ma Yongzhen, written in 1927 for a souvenir edition
of the Mingxing’s own promotional magazine Mingxing tekan, is worth
quoting in full, not least because of the charming flavour of its language.
It recounts the legend of Ma Yongzhen in brief and sets the scene well for
the story as it is told in this book, The Adventures of Ma Suzhen.
Synopsis
Moo Yun Tsen [Ma Yongzhen], the showman, was known throughout
Shantung [Shandong], for his great feats of strength. All feared to match
with him in boxing or wrestling contents [sic]. His sister Soo Tsen
[Suzhen] nearly matched him in deeds of strength, he finally decided to
strike out for Shanghai, as a verdant field for him, Soo Tsen let him go
only after the promise that he would beware of Lillies [sic] of the Valley for
which the city is famous.
Upon the arrival of Moo at Shanghai he proceeds with his show, and
finally meets with Boa Reh Lee [Bai Laili (Scrofulous Bai)], who is the
leader of a gang of toughs, who live upon the victims through fear. Boa is
badly handled by Moo during a contest, which brings forth hate and fear
from himself and gang. A crowd of horse breakers, long subjected to
squeeze by Boa, openly acclaim Moo as their new champion. Boa finally
calls up his minions and they put the death sentense [sic] upon moo, who
is enticed to a tea house, where by unfair methods he is killed. As many
another wild blade Moo’s roughness is tempered with a good heart, so his
death is regretted by many who know of the good deed he has done.
TRANSLATOR’S INTRODUCTION 3
With his last gasp Moo asks his friend not to let his sister know of his
death, fearing that she in seeking revenge would also be undone by the
gang of Boa. Soo Tsen in a dream learns of the death of her brother and
comes to Shanghai to even up the score. After the death of Moo the gang
under leadership of Boa again hold forth, and many depredations are com-
mitted by them. One night he dreams of a devil chasing him, which is
interpreted by his wife as a sign of death. In spite of her warnings he pro-
ceeds the next day to the scenes of his life, meets Soo Tsen who has been
waiting for him, and is killed by the girl, who upon then revenging her
brother proceeds back to Shantung, happy in the though[t] of having
settled the feud against the family.
From Mingxing tekan 明星特刊 (Mingxing Special) no. 28 (1
December 1927).
The Adventures of Ma Suzhen: Cast
of Characters
Cast of Characters (in Alphabetical Order)

Ah Fu 阿福 Watchman of the Jia Mansion
Ah Xie 阿謝 Waiter in the Merchant Inn
Auntie Gong Ma Suzhen’s aunt
Chai Jiuyun 柴九雲 Ma Yongzhen’s friend and Ma Suzhen’s supporter
Cheng Zimin 程子民 Gang leader
The Constable Low-ranking law enforcement officer
The District Magistrate Corrupt official and relative of Jia Tianxiang
Inspector Pei Police Inspector and disciple of Ma Yongzhen
Jia Tianxiang 賈天祥 Wealthy landlord and corrupt official
Jia Tianxiang’s concubine
Liao Kong 了空 Buddhist monk and villain
Liao Kong’s concubine
Liu Junwu 劉君武 Elderly man from Shandong, skilled in the martial arts
Lu the Lackey 跑龍套 Scrofulous Bai’s second in command
Madam Chai 柴夫人 Chai Jiuyun’s wife
Madam Wang 王夫人 Woman saved from the clutches of Jia Tianxiang
Madam Wang’s Mother
Ma Suzhen 馬素貞 Our woman hero
Ma Suzhen’s servant
Ma Yongzhen 馬永貞 Ma Suzhen’s brother
Moon Monk 月僧 Ma Suzhen’s attacker in the Merchant Inn
Mrs. Zhang Zhang Futian’s mother
Old Ruan Chai Jiuyun’s male servant
Poxy Fang 小麻子 Cheng Zimin’s informant
(continued)

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6 P. BEVAN
(continued)
Sai Banxian 賽半仙 Soothsayer
Scrofulous Bai 白癩痢 Ma Yongzhen’s sworn enemy and killer
Scrofulous Bai’s Wife
Uncle Gong Ma Suzhen’s uncle
Young monk 1 Liao Kong’s servant
Young monk 2 Liao Kong’s servant
Zhang Futian 張福田 Huntsman who accompanies Ma Suzhen to Nanking
Zhang Renfu 張仁福 Elderly man from Shandong, skilled in martial arts
The Adventures of Ma Suzhen: An Heroic
Woman Takes Revenge in Shanghai
Chapter 1
In the boudoir, awakened from a dream, Suzhen receives an omen,

And in the soothsayer’s hall, answering misgivings, Banxian talks claptrap.
Prologue
Let us proceed to relate how when the refinement of mountains and rivers
is not concentrated in men but instead finds its way to women, in eight or
nine cases out of ten, this has happened in Shandong and the ancient states
of Lu and Qi, in a place where heroes who surpass the ordinary have come
into being. Through the ages, an increasing number of female heroes have
emerged, such as those front-ranking figures Hua Mulan, Hongxian Nü
and Nie Yinniang, all of whom must be considered outstanding in the
women’s realm. Later, there were He Yufeng and Lü Wanniang of the
Qing dynasty who were also exceptional historical figures.
Recently, Ma Suzhen—that most remarkable of women—took revenge
for her brother, and travelled many leagues alone, suffering countless
hardships, while remaining undaunted by the repeated setbacks she
encountered along the way. For those who have the will to succeed, ambi-
tions may actually be achieved. In the case of Ma Suzhen, she succeeded
in punishing her enemies by splitting them open to pluck out their hearts
and tear out their livers, thereby laying the spirit of her departed brother
to rest. Such an achievement is sufficient to add lustre to two million of

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8 P. BEVAN
our compatriots and to rid them of the shame of being but weak and fee-
ble women.
These few words should be seen as a prologue, like the lively overture
of the opera stage, or the introductory lines declaimed by the Suzhou
storyteller. Now, having dispensed with idle chatter, we will turn to our
main story.
Let us proceed to relate how Ma Yongzhen had a younger sister called
Ma Suzhen who was unusually fair of face. Though she was not quite like
those descriptions found in the classics—that speak of fish diving into the
depths and geese flying away on seeing female beauty—compared to those
vulgar and unrefined women who adorn themselves with rouge and pow-
der, she must be regarded as a lone crane standing amongst a brood of
chickens. Ma Suzhen had a proud martial bearing such as no ordinary
person may ever attain. She had a great talent for martial arts, added to
which, the skills that had rubbed off on her from her father and brother,
made her a bold and spirited fellow of the female realm. In Shandong, of
all those who knew the three characters that make up her name, there were
none who did not adore her. She therefore stood out from the crowd and
gained a considerable reputation and fame amongst women (Fig. 1).
One afternoon, Ma Suzhen happened to be thinking about her brother
Ma Yongzhen and was wondering why in recent days she had heard noth-
ing from him. Presuming that in Shanghai he was safe and sound—having
enjoyed himself there for quite a while by now—surely, she thought, it was
about time for him to return home. Reflecting on this, she wondered why
for more than a month she had not even received a letter from him. As
chance would have it, just as she was lost in thought she saw Ma Yongzhen
himself enter the room, crying and wailing bitterly.
“My brother, how you have suffered!” She exclaimed. “How has it
come to this?” She asked him, all in a fluster. “If you have something to
tell me, rest assured, your sister will always be here to help you.”
“Your brother let his guard down. I have incurred the hatred of mean-
spirited people and suffered at their dastardly hands. Now I am a forlorn
soul in a place far from home, oh, what misery. Woe is me!”
“But you’ve returned home safe and sound,” she replied. “Why do you
say such luckless things?”
“My sister, do you really believe that I have come back safe and sound?”
He asked, shedding copious tears. “In truth, I will never be able to return
to Shandong alive.”
THE ADVENTURES OF MA SUZHEN: AN HEROIC WOMAN TAKES REVENGE… 9
Fig. 1 Ma Suzhen, Madam Chai, Miss Chai
Ma Suzhen heard his words but could not understand them. “My
brother, you are clearly standing right before my eyes. How can you say
that you will never return?”
To this he bluntly replied: “I am already dead.”
10 P. BEVAN
“You are dead?” She asked. “I do not understand this nonsense you are
telling me. Don’t play games with me. A perfectly healthy man speaking
about death in this way!”
“Then you do not believe that I am dead?” He asked.
“I do not.” She replied with conviction.
“Then I will show you.” With that he shook all over from head to toe
and began to bleed from every pore in his body. A man soaked in blood
stood right before her eyes, and, terrified out of her wits, she cried out
in alarm…
“Miss, Miss, wake up.” Ma’s serving girl went to waken her, deeply
concerned. She awoke from her dream crying out in fear. Her servant duly
asked her of what she had been dreaming and why she was so afraid.
“I dreamt that I saw my brother and he was covered in blood. He told
me to take revenge for him. What do you think, how can this be? In the
end I fear that blessings will be few and misfortunes many.” (Fig. 2).
“This has been brought on by what you were thinking about today and
has caused you to have a nightmare,” the serving girl comforted her. “The
ancients believed that dreams are fabricated in the mind and they were
quite right to do so.”
“Although it was a dream and should not confused with reality, I plainly
saw him standing right before my very eyes, telling me that he desires me
to take revenge. I think this dream is strange indeed but I cannot help
being frightened by it. Supposing my brother really has met with some
misfortune. Would that not mean there would be no one to ensure the
continuation of the Ma family line? My mother did not give birth to my
brother and me, only for us to become separated in that way.” The more
she thought about it, the more terrified she became, and could not help
the tears from streaming down her face.
“Miss, do not distress yourself so,” the servant urged. “What if nothing
has happened to Master Ma? Would this not prove to be a waste of tears?
Besides, Master Ma is far away, think of happy things; do not say that he is
dead. Would that not be to tempt fate?”
“But on such a fine day why would I have had a dream such as this?
This is most hard for me to understand.”
“Miss, your mind is in confusion. Why not visit Sai Banxian the sooth-
sayer and ask him to tell your fortune so that you may discover whether
this omen is good or bad?”
“Where does Sai Banxian ply his trade?” Ma asked. “Let’s go there
right away and ask his advice.”
Fig. 2 At night Ma Suzhen dreams of her brother and receives an omen
“His premises are on the high street.”

“Since that is so, let us pay him a visit right now.”
So the two of them went to the high street in search of Sai Banxian’s
soothsaying hall. When they arrived at the door and looked inside they
saw a blind man sitting at a table, with an incense burner and a pair of
12 P. BEVAN
candle sticks, plus all the paraphernalia of the soothsayer laid out before
him. By his side sat a woman having her fortune told. He was in the pro-
cess of making prognostications, talking about “bad luck this” and “good
luck that” and the woman accepted all that he told her. Ma and her servant
walked in and sat off to the side to wait for the woman to leave. Thereupon,
Ma Suzhen greeted the soothsayer, who, on hearing he was being
addressed, invited Ma to take a seat and enquired of her what her business
was today.
“Master, earlier this afternoon I had a dream and have come to have it
explained to me.”
“Please tell me all that happened in your dream,” the soothsayer said,
“and I will make a reading to see whether it is a good or bad omen.”
Ma Suzhen told him about her dream from beginning to end.
“As the ancients have told us, a dream is nothing but a dream,” he
began. “They can be interpreted as positive, which are inauspicious omens,
and negative, which are auspicious omens. What is more, dreams are sim-
ply fabricated in one’s mind and should not be confused with reality. As far
as I can see, although your dream was certainly not a good one, there is
nothing about it that should make you unduly concerned. You were prob-
ably just worrying about your brother as you fell asleep and a bad dream
came to disturb your mind.”
“I sincerely hope that is the case,” she replied.
“May you be protected!” were his final words.
“If it is as you say we will leave it there for now.” As she said this she
paid the fee and left the hall.
“Now that you have heard what Sai Banxian has said you can set your
mind at ease,” the servant comforted her when they got home. “Are you
feeling a little better now?”
“Did he not say that there are positive, inauspicious omens and nega-
tive, auspicious omens? This time the omen has been found to be negative
but what happens if in the future a positive reading were to be made?
Would that not mean it is all over for me?”
“Miss, don’t be so suspicious, it will give rise to all manner of terrifying
fantasies within your mind.”
“I am not being suspicious,” Ma replied. “It’s just that, since having
the dream, I cannot help but feel constantly afraid, as if my brother really
is dea…” She could not bring herself to finish the word.
“Miss, you really shouldn’t say such things.”
On hearing her servant caution her in this way she could only break
down in tears. Tears flowed down her cheeks in profusion and she used a
handkerchief to wipe them away. “I am determined to visit that Shanghai
place to see how my brother is.”
“Miss, surely there is no need for that; and besides it is so far away. How
can you make such a long journey all alone?”
“I’m not a child of three. When I was small did I not follow my uncle
travelling about the land? Now I am a grown woman, how can I not travel
abroad myself? Besides, the scenery in the south is so beautiful. Doesn’t
the old saying tell us: ‘Above are the heavens and below there is Suzhou
and Hangzhou?’ How can one fail to experience such wonderful sights
during one’s lifetime?”
“Indeed you are not mistaken, but there is no sense in leaving in such
a hurry. It might be better to send a letter to make enquiries in advance
before packing your bags to go south.”
Ma Suzhen agreed that this was probably a good idea. “I shall send a
letter ahead to Shanghai and see if I receive a reply before making my final
decision.”
“Simply making enquiries cannot lead to any mishap.”
“Let me write it then.”
The servant brought in paper, brush, ink, and inkstone—all the tools
required for the writing of a letter—but just as Ma was picking up her
brush, she was interrupted by a loud crashing sound. Someone was knock-
ing at the door. The servant went to answer it and found that it was none
other than Ma Suzhen’s uncle, Uncle Gong.
Ma Suzhen’s parents died when she was young. At the time she was still
an infant but, as luck would have it, her uncle came forward and gave her
to his wife to raise. So, from a young age, Ma had fed at her auntie’s
breast. She was brought up by her relatives until she was past sixteen years
of age before returning to the family home. Her brother Ma Yongzhen
also came home after living with relatives, and brother and sister together
continued to preserve the Ma family heritage. Now, hearing that her uncle
had come to visit, she quickly rose to greet him.
If you wish to know what happened next you will have to read the fol-
lowing chapter.
14 P. BEVAN
Chapter 2
A Funeral procession is held for Ma Yongzhen,

And a letter is dispatched by Chai Jiuyun.
Let us now continue to relate how Ma Suzhen heard that her uncle had
arrived and went out to welcome him. “I haven’t seen you for many days
now,” she said to him.
“Suzhen, has your brother sent you a letter?”
“He hasn’t sent one for quite a while,” she replied. “Uncle, has he been
in contact with you?”
“No he hasn’t, but your aunt has had cause to remember what an awe-
inspiring figure he is. Last night she had a dream in which she saw your
brother all covered in blood and all he said to her was he had come to take
his leave. My niece, I felt deeply concerned about this so I’ve come here
today to check that things are alright with you. I thought you two would
always be sending letters to one another.”
Ma Suzhen heard what her uncle said and could not help welling up
with tears as she told him of the dream she had that afternoon.
“How can it be that you both had the same dream?” Uncle Gong asked.
“It seems that for my brother blessings will be few and misfor-
tunes many.”
“Heaven helps the worthy. You need not worry about him. Moreover,
dreams are imagined and must never be thought of as real.”
“Nevertheless, I am still concerned,” said Ma Suzhen, “and must make
a trip to Shanghai. As you’re here I’d like to discuss this with you now.”
“It is so far away. How could you even think of going alone?”
“Master Gong, news of Master Ma has not yet been confirmed,” the
serving girl interjected. “How can a young lady make a trip like this all by
herself? In my humble opinion Miss, you should write a letter before
deciding whether or not to embark on such a journey.”
“What you say is not wrong,” Uncle Gong agreed with the serving girl.
“Why not write a letter before you go?”
“It has already been decided. That is what I’ll do.” She wrote the letter
and handed it to her uncle. Holding it in his hands before him he
read aloud:
My dearest brother Yongzhen, it is almost a year now since you said farewell
and I have not received a letter from you for three months. Your sister is
constantly thinking of you. A dream came to me, which made me wonder
about your health. Whilst abroad you must be vigilant at all times. I am at
home and am very well, please do not worry about me. I hope that on the
day you receive this letter you will hasten to send a reply so as to put my
mind at rest.
With all my thanks.
Suzhen bows her head in sororal respect.
On a certain day of a certain month.
When Uncle Gong finished reading it he looked at Ma Suzhen. “That’s

fine. Wait for a reply before making a final decision and sit tight for a while
before making your farewells.”
Ma Suzhen saw him off, sent the serving girl to deal with the letter, and
waited at home for news of a reply.
The story now divides into two. Putting aside what has happened thus
far, I now thoughtfully but swiftly move my writing brush to Shanghai,
which is where the reader’s attention shall also be taken.
Let us now proceed to relate, how, since the time when Ma Yongzhen
passed away in a hospital in Shanghai, his disciples—who numbered more
than one hundred—were feeling increasingly indignant. But there was no
obvious way for them to take revenge. They had no choice but to meet
together to deliberate on the matter and agreed that at the very least Ma’s
funeral must keep up appearances so as to give face to the deceased. They
arranged that a grand funeral procession should take place. Of course, this
procession could not compare to the grandeur of a funeral such as that of
Sheng Xuanhai, which caused such a sensation amongst the people of
provinces far and wide. On that occasion the hotels in Shanghai did a roar-
ing trade and on Foochow Road a number of temporary viewing plat-
forms were erected, while people went to great expense to catch a glimpse
of the funeral cortege. We were so wronged when he was taken from us.
I, your humble servant, am not going to take on the task of writing a
record of the funeral of Mr. Sheng, as, to relate its complexities, would
cover many pages. For the moment, then, such idle chatter shall be put
aside. Let us instead proceed to narrate, how, when the day came for Ma
Yongzhen’s funeral, his disciples were dressed in mourning robes, and
musicians, Buddhist monks and Daoist priests were hired to take part in
the ceremony. Men of quality led the way and Ma’s disciples walked behind
16 P. BEVAN
them carrying incense, all with the greatest solemnity. At the head was
Chai Jiuyun. He came past and accompanied the coffin into the assembly
hall of the Shandong Native-place Association, where it was safely laid. At
that time, all of Shanghai society was talking about Ma Yongzhen in
groups of twos and threes and paid attention to little else. It really could
be said that the entire port city was a riot of confusion. Some said that the
Axe Head Gang had killed Ma Yongzhen, thereby ridding themselves of
their sworn enemy. Others said it was Yellow Beard, the foreigner, who
held a grudge because in combat with Ma he had been floored to the
ground and it was he who hired the Axe Head Gang to entrap him.
Everyone had their own opinion and no two explanations were the same,
but we shall say no more of this for the moment. Instead, let us continue
to relate how, since Ma Yongzhen died of his wounds Chai Jiuyun had
been responsible for dealing with all matters concerning him, including
the funeral arrangements. In the end, when it came to dealing with Ma
Yongzhen’s final will and testament it instructed him as executor to write
to Ma Suzhen. Chai considered this problem carefully and gathered
together six of Ma’s disciples.
“Your leader is no more,” he addressed them. “Will you now return to
Shandong or remain here in Shanghai?”
“We plan to stay in Shanghai and take revenge for our master,” they
said as one.
“You are thinking of revenge. That is to be commended, but this is not
something that can be dealt with in just a day and a night. How are you
doing for expenses?”
“Currently, we still have five good horses,” a spokesman said, “and we
can sell them for a minimum of seven or eight thousand taels of silver. We
can also make some daily savings to support ourselves. Moreover, when
Ma Suzhen hears of the death of her brother she will certainly seek to take
revenge. We will wait here until she has succeeded in this task and accom-
pany her back to Shandong to transfer the coffin and lay it to rest in the
ancestral home.
As Chai Jiuyun listened to Ma’s disciples he could not help the tears
from flowing down his cheeks as he thought of the awe-inspiring might of
Ma Yongzhen in former years. How things had come to pass. Even his
own lofty aspirations had been much diminished. He wiped the tears away
with his handkerchief and addressed Ma’s disciples again:
“You wait here safely and I’ll send a letter to Ma Suzhen. As for
expenses, do not sell those fine horses, otherwise you will become a
laughing stock. If you are short of cash come to me for a loan; I will cer-
tainly not turn you away. Your master and I were great friends when he
was alive and we were almost as close as brothers. Do not laugh, but it
might be said that Ma’s disciples are my disciples too. Could it be that
now your master has shut his eyes I would simply hide my hands in my
sleeves and look on from the side-lines—as if we had not been sworn
brothers—and allow you, his disciples, to wander around in destitution?
Would I be worthy of my name? The heavens would simply not allow it.
Can it be that such people do exist in this world? They are known as
‘friends of meat and wine’, those who will only enjoy life’s joys with you
but will not share in its trials and tribulations. I, Chai Jiuyun, am most
certainly not that sort of person.”
“Your honour, please do not speak in this way, we are eternally grateful
to you,” the spokesman said.
“It is just that this is how I am.” As he spoke there was a tone of pro-
foundest grief in his voice.
Finally, the disciples stood up to bid Chai farewell. He saw them out
and returned to his studio, judging the situation to be extremely thorny
and wondering how in the end he might be able to deal with it. If he
didn’t act now, and just ignored it, how would he ever honour the mem-
ory of the deceased? If he were to write a letter to Ma Yongzhen’s home
it would no doubt be upsetting for his sister. This matter must be thought
through carefully and all options weighed up. If a letter must be written,
it should be purposely vague about the situation and simply say that some-
thing has happened in Shanghai, inviting Ma Suzhen to come to the city,
perhaps even to amuse herself and see the sights. Once she is here in the
city it will not be too late to tell her then. So it was decided. He took up
his brush and with a rustling sound on the paper like the falling rain on the
leaves of trees he wrote a few lines. After reading the letter through, Chai
placed it in an envelope and had it dispatched.
When Ma Suzhen receives it she will tear it open, and, having read it
through, will make up her mind to make the trip to Shanghai so as to talk
things over with Chai, face to face. She will resolve to take her revenge.
How Scrofulous Bai will die at her hands and other matters concerning
the plot as a whole, will become clear as the tale unfolds. For now, though,
let us continue to relate how, ever since Scrofulous Bai heard that Cheng
Zimin and the Axe Head Gang had ensnared Ma Yongzhen, and carried
out their dastardly plan—blinding him in both eyes and chopping off his
arm so that he later died in hospital—he had been overjoyed, and invited
18 P. BEVAN
a group of friends to a splendid banquet to celebrate their success. The

greatest credit, of course, went to his second-in-command, a sycophant
known as Lu the Lackey; his contribution was weighed up and he was
given his just reward. Lu the Lackey sat in the seat of honour and Scrofulous
Bai toasted him. Everyone shouted for joy and drunk their fill as if they
were in attendance at a banquet to celebrate a great military victory. Cheng
Zimin was in high spirits and suddenly his face appeared to be made from
gold as it shone with joy like the sun. That band of slippery eels and mud
skippers were even more enthusiastic, extraordinarily so, as if with this
banquet they had arrived at a defining moment in their lives. Wait till Ma
Suzhen arrives in Shanghai; she will deal with them one by one. Scrofulous
Bai was the prime culprit and he will be the first to taste the knife of Monk
Yang. This is something that is to be spoken of later and will gradually be
explained in what is yet to come. For the moment, though, let us continue
to relate how it was now more than two months since Chai Jiuyun sent his
letter to Shandong. One day, just as Ma Suzhen was yearning for a reply
from her brother, she saw her serving girl bring in a letter. On tearing it
open and reading it she turned pale with shock and went immediately to
pack her things to travel south.
lowing chapter.
Chapter 3
On hearing news, a niece embarks on a journey,

And telling of days gone by, an uncle sheds a tear.
Let us continue to relate how ever since Ma Suzhen received the omen,
she felt uneasy in her living quarters, and all manner of niggling doubts
overran her mind, until one day she received Chai’s letter. On realising it
had come from Shanghai she urgently tore it open to read it:
For the attention of Miss Ma Suzhen,

I have not had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. Your brother
Yongzhen and I are good friends and are as close as family. Recently you
brother has fallen ill while lodging abroad, and is now indisposed, so he has
asked me to write this letter to you in his stead. After reading this, Miss Ma,
please come with all haste to Shanghai so that you may see you honourable
brother in person. Heaven helps the worthy and it is predicted that he will
suffer no further mishaps. Miss, I pray that you do not alarm yourself. I have
not said all that I need to say, but will write no more for the present. I
respectfully inform you of this.
May you enjoy good health.
Your humble servant Chai Jiuyun bows his head.
On a certain day of a certain month.
Sent from my humble dwelling in the metropolis.
When she finished reading, Ma could not help but turn pale. There was
no mention of the letter she had sent to her brother so she presumed it
had yet to arrive in Shanghai. But when calculating the number of days
since she sent it—from the time of the omen till now—she mumbled to
herself: “I fear blessings will be few and misfortunes many.” Crying pearly
tears, she remembered how she lost her mother and father so early in life
and it had been left to her and her brother to prop up the family. Now Ma
Yongzhen had fallen ill while residing abroad. Supposing some unexpected
misfortune had come to pass, how would she ever cope with things all by
herself? Feeling utterly dismayed, she instructed her serving girl to pack
her things and prepare for her to set out the following morning to visit her
brother in Shanghai. “But Miss, how can you think of going alone?”
“Things have come to this so how can I give it any more thought.
Please invite Master Gong to come over.”
The serving girl received her instructions and went away to contact
him. As soon as Uncle Gong received word that a letter had arrived from
Shanghai, he rushed over to see his niece. Ma gave Chai Jiuyun’s letter to
him to read.
After reading it he asked: “My niece, do you plan to make arrange-
ments to depart?”
“Since my brother is ill in Shanghai it would be wrong for me not
to do so.”
“If you must make such a journey, will you go by land or sea?”
“I shall depart tomorrow. It is far too late to go by sea so I’ll take the
land route: first to Nanking and then by river to Shanghai.”
“But how can you possibly think of travelling alone?”
“How can I not go? Wherever it is most pressing for me to be, it is to
there that I must go.”
“If you really must go then I will accompany you. That way you’ll have
company, and there will be someone to look after you, too.”
20 P. BEVAN
“What a rare honour that you are willing to go with me. Your presence
will be most welcome.”
“I shall go with you as you progress on your journey but will not be
able to accompany you if the journey is overland. I’ll go now to the docks
to enquire about the departure time of the next boat.”
Transport in former times was not as convenient as it is now. That is to
say, paddle steamers and steam trains did not run according to a fixed
schedule, one after the other. Smaller boats, too, ran only on certain days.
They carried cargo but in the end were often deemed unsatisfactory as
they were always slow and frequently ran late. That said, most people at
the time had never travelled by paddle steamer or train so they were unable
to recognise them as being slow.
Uncle Gong went to the docks to make enquiries as to the departure
time of the next boat. The shipping company informed him that one had
left only the day before yesterday, and the next boat would not be for
another couple of weeks. On hearing this he went back to tell Ma Suzhen.
“If it is going to take two weeks I do not have time to wait around,”
she said.
“Since that is the case will you be leaving tomorrow?”
“Yes, I’ll leave tomorrow and will travel overland to Nanking and take
a boat from there. In that way I’ll probably be there within a couple of
weeks. There is no need for you to trek such a great distance with me. Wait
at home for me to contact you. I shall send you a letter when I reach a
place from where it is possible to send one, so that you do not worry your-
self on my account.”
“It is such a great distance. How can you, a week and feeble woman,
make such a journey all alone?”
“There is nothing to worry about, I assure you.”
“But do remember, when you are travelling abroad, things are not the
same as when you are at home. There are many things you need to be on
the lookout for.”
“Your niece is aware of everything. Now let us go to say farewell to
Auntie Gong.”
“There is no need for that,” her uncle replied.
“No, I really must say goodbye. I do not know when I’ll return from
what will inevitably be a long and arduous journey.”
When Uncle Gong heard this he could not help but feel a little emo-
tional and promptly took Ma Suzhen to his house. Auntie Gong came out
to meet them and her husband told her about how Ma Suzhen was plan-
ning to go to Shanghai to see her brother.
“My niece, if you must really go to Shanghai, why leave tomorrow, in
such a hurry?”
“My brother is sick in bed. How can I not go to see how he is at the
earliest opportunity? The letter I received says that I should go as a matter
of urgency. If I don’t get to see him soon I’m afraid it will be too late and
I’ll be separated from him forever. I would regret that until my dying day.
How could I, Ma Suzhen, possibly face a situation such as that?”
“If my niece desires to go to Shanghai there is nothing else to be done,”
Auntie Gong agreed. “I cannot stop you but you must be careful on the
journey. Things can happen when you are abroad that do not happen
when you are at home. There may be evildoers lying in wait for you, wait-
ing for you to approach the snares they have laid, so they can satisfy their
bottomless pit of desire. Today I have a few words of advice for you. First
of all, do not be overly proud of your abilities and assume that because you
possess all manner of skills in the martial arts you have no rival in the
world. You must bear this in mind: within the four seas—in this world that
is so vast—how could there not have appeared one or two others who
stand out as surpassing the ordinary? Your brother was the first to ignore
this rule. I’m afraid it will be difficult to protect yourself from unforeseen
plots, so you must keep calm and dismiss distracting thoughts from your
mind. As the old saying goes: ‘the soft may subdue the hard’—and that is
something you must bear in mind.”
Ma Suzhen listened to all her aunt had told her and found it grated on
her nerves terribly, but at such a time as this she felt she could only go
along with what was said to her and make a few perfunctory sounds of
noncommittal agreement. Finally, she decided that she would like to leave,
so she got up to say her farewells, but was stopped by her uncle:
“You will depart Shandong tomorrow so why not sit with us for a while.
It cannot be wrong to talk of amusing and joyous things. Tomorrow the
inn where you will be staying will be cold and miserable and you will be
keen to find someone to talk to in order to dispel your solitude.”
On hearing her uncle’s words Ma Suzhen could not help but weep.
“My niece do not upset yourself so,” Auntie Gong said, on seeing the
situation. “It is certainly true that being a sojourner in a distant land is far
from ideal and can sometimes be an unpleasant experience, but as far as
the here and now is concerned we are unable to change a thing. Do not
22 P. BEVAN
leave us today. I’ll prepare a modest farewell dinner to send you on

your way.”
“I am unworthy. How could I put you to such trouble and expense?
Would that not be wrong?”
“My dear, enough of this needless courtesy,” said Uncle Gong. “I
remember when your mother and father died. At that time you were still
an infant. I took you in and agreed with your auntie to bring you up until
you were sixteen before returning you to the fold of the Ma clan. So little
time seems to have passed by since then but you are now already a
grown woman.”
As he said these polite remarks that presaged their estrangement, he
repeatedly wiped the tears from his eyes as they streamed unceasingly
down his cheeks.
Auntie broke in: “Old man,” she said, “today we are having dinner to
see off our niece. How can you shed tears in this way? You should be seek-
ing for auspicious things to say. How can you ignore common proscrip-
tions and say such hurtful things to upset people so?” As she said this she
thought of the precious mission that had been granted to her to bring up
Ma Suzhen, and seeing that she was now to leave in this way, Aunt Gong
could not help being moved to tears herself. The mechanism that controls
tears opened up, as if a tap had been turned full on, and they flowed with-
out end. You desire them to cease but do not think for a moment they
will. Using a handkerchief to bring them under control is ineffective. The
handkerchief that is stained with tears becomes contagious. Seeing her
aunt and uncle shedding tears and hearing Uncle Gong speak of her par-
ents, Ma was reminded of the loneliness she had felt since their untimely
death and how fortunate she had been to have been brought up by her
relatives. Now she was about to travel to a distant place, embarking on a
long and arduous journey full of dangers, while all the time her beloved
brother is lying ill in bed in a Shanghai guest house. Supposing the worst
were to happen? Would she not then be a lone beast adrift in the realm of
man? As she thought the situation over she found herself bawling her eyes
out over the prospect of the precarious situation before her—desperate
like Xiang Yu, the Hegemon King, declaiming poetry on the suicide of his
concubine; to say nothing of the fact that she was but a weak and feeble
woman with a naturally passionate nature. With all good conscience how
could one not shed a tear? You shed a tear, they shed a tear, I shed a tear
too, and then the tears really begin to flow. On observing the flowing
tears, the one who is in pain faces the others who are in pain and again all
three present are affected. You face me and I face you and all that can be
seen is sobbing and wailing. But for now we will leave it there and say no
more about it.
lowing chapter.
Chapter 4
In search of a brother, a sister braves the hardships of the road alone,

And protecting the weak and vulnerable, a female knight-errant vows to
uphold justice.
Let us now continue to relate how Ma Suzhen listened to what her

uncle said to her, and how she was reminded of the loss of her parents at
such a young age and could not help but weep. Everyone was weeping
bitterly together. They were to be separated, perhaps to part for ever. This
is the way of the world and no special symbolism should be attached to it.
After a while it was her aunt who first stopped crying and using a handker-
chief to wipe away her tears she spoke: “My niece do not upset yourself so.
It was inevitable that the time would come when you would have to leave
the nest. When you reach a place from where a letter can be sent, please
do write to us, so your auntie does not lose all hope.”
With a lump in her throat she agreed: “I shall certainly send you a letter
when I arrive at a suitable place.”
Her uncle and auntie heard this and were much relieved. The three of
them had been talking for so long that it was already evening and dark was
beginning to fall. The sun—that orb of cinnabar red—was slowly sinking
behind the mountains in the west and in the courtyard the swallows were
flocking together and returning to their nests. Auntie Gong went to the
kitchen to prepare the evening meal. A short while later she returned with
a colourful array of vegetable dishes, four main dishes, and some wine to
accompany them. She laid out three cups and three pairs of chopsticks and
they sat down together to eat. As the meal was being held to see off Ma
Suzhen, she was invited to sit in the seat of honour and the married couple
sat on either side of her. Everyone picked at their food without paying
much attention to what they were eating. They could not distinguish
between flavours and were unable to savour the taste of each dish. They
had their own things on their minds and it was clear that none of them
24 P. BEVAN
paid much attention to what they were eating. By the time dinner was
over, night had fallen and all around nothing could be seen. Aunt Gong lit
a lamp as she tidied everything away and under its light they continued to
chat about whatever came into their heads, showing that although Ma
would be leaving in the morning they couldn’t think of the best way to say
goodbye. Auntie and Uncle Gong just urged her to be careful, over and
over again, with no particular direction to what they were saying.
Eventually Ma Suzhen made her final farewells.
At home, Ma found that her serving girl had prepared everything for
the journey, including her clothes and footwear, which she had packed
together into a bundle. She had also prepared a quantity of dried beef and
wheaten biscuits so that if her mistress should feel hungry on the way,
these victuals would serve her needs. When everything was packed and
ready, Ma Suzhen retired to bed without changing, and slept until the
arrival of dawn. She got up, brushed her hair and had a wash, then dressed
in male attire, removed her earrings, plaited her hair into a long queue and
topped it off with a skull cap, so that she resembled a true man of sub-
stance. She said farewell to the serving girl, telling her to take good care of
the house and instructing her that if anything untoward should happen
she should approach Master Gong, who would certainly be able to sort
things out. “When I return from visiting Master Ma you will be heartily
rewarded,” she added. “Yes miss, thank you miss.” Ma Suzhen grabbed
her luggage, took up the horse’s bridle and set out on her journey. In the
street the serving girl waved goodbye until she could see her mistress no
more, and only then did she make her way back inside. Anything concern-
ing her duties while her mistress was away will not be mentioned here.
Instead, let us now continue to relate how Ma Suzhen set off on her jour-
ney having left her home behind. She looked back towards town as it
gradually vanished from view. As she rode along she began to feel a little
emotional, thinking to herself that today she was leaving and did not even
know when in the future she might return. She took up her sleeve to wipe
away her tears then struck the horse on its rump with her riding crop.
Sensing that this was its cue, the horse set off apace, letting loose with its
hooves as if it had ascended into the skies and was riding amidst the clouds
and mists. The scenery on both sides of the road sped past and all became
hazy and indistinct to the eye. After galloping along for a while she noticed
it was already midday and on arrival at a village she dismounted and went
for something to eat.
Having eaten her fill she remounted and sped off on her journey once
more, a weary traveller amid clouds of dust. When she was hungry she ate,
when she was thirsty she slaked her thirst; travelling by day and resting by
night. One day, she had not been riding long when the afternoon was
already upon her. Because she was intent on making headway on her jour-
ney, by the time it came to midday she had already passed anywhere that
might have been suitable to make a stop, so, rather than dismount, she
delved into her bag and took out the dried beef and wheaten biscuits to
stave off her hunger. As she savoured them she slowed the horse and
looked around at the roadside scenery from her saddle, noticing that it
was totally unlike anything she had been used to at home. Riding along
she suddenly heard the faint sound of sobbing coming from somewhere in
the forest and could not help but satisfy her curiosity. Tracking the direc-
tion of the sound she made her way slowly through the forest and came to
an area of thatched cottages, all enclosed by wicker fencing: the dwellings
of farmers and herders. The surrounding area was planted with hibiscus,
elm trees and other plants and trees. Mulberry and hemp were in abun-
dance and rice shoots carpeted the fields. The sobbing seemed to be com-
ing from one of the cottages. Approaching that cottage, Ma Suzhen was
puzzled as to why the sound of weeping should be coming from a dwell-
ing such as this. She dismounted from her horse, tied it to a tree and
walked up to the entryway. She discovered that the door was tightly shut
but the sound of crying was unmistakable and there was a note of griev-
ance about it, as if the person in tears was voicing a complaint. As Ma lis-
tened she found it somewhat difficult to bear. From her vantage point she
could hear the complaints becoming steadily more mournful, so, eventu-
ally unable to control herself, she boldly dashed inside. How was that
door, made of nothing but reeds, able to withstand her colossal power?
With her mighty strength, after just one push, the door caved in and went
tumbling over the floor. On hearing the clamour, the women in the cot-
tage were terrified out of their wits.
“Master Jia, do not be angry, I was gently consoling her and that is all.”
The weeping woman raised her voice, saying through her tears: “Even
though you are the famed ‘Sir Philanderer’ I am still willing to beard the
lion. After all, I can’t die more than once. Whatever you do to me I shall
never give in.” She started to wail again and the old lady consoling her was
gabbling, ‘Master Jia this’ and ‘Master Jia that’. Ma Suzhen listened.
Actually, she happened to find what was being said rather amusing but at
26 P. BEVAN
the same time the young lady’s cries made her feel really quite moved, so,
with broad strides, she came further into the room and bellowed out loud.
“Do not be alarmed. Who is this Master Jia?”
The old woman heard what the stranger said and wiped away her tears:
“Who are you, forcing your way in here? Was it not Master Jia who sent
you?” She asked, staring at Ma Suzhen.
“I do not know anyone by the name of Jia,” Ma Suzhen replied, shak-
ing her head.
On hearing this, the young lady stopped crying and peered intently at
Ma Suzhen. She wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand
and cautiously looked Ma up and down.
“Sir, what is your honourable name. You don’t look like you’re from
these parts and your accent is certainly not local. What is your busi-
ness here?”
“My family name is Ma, I am called Suzhen and I’m from Shandong
province. I was just passing when I heard you crying, so I took the liberty
of coming over to see what was wrong.”
The young lady turned to the old woman and discussed with her what
the stranger had said. “This gentleman, Master Ma, was just passing and
came to see that everything was alright.”
The old lady lowered her voice: “So he hasn’t been sent by Jia then.
Even so, you should ask him to leave. We’re not even capable of sorting
out our own business, and, if we don’t tread carefully, other mishaps may
befall us.”
“That cannot be right. He has come here specifically because of us. You
never know, perhaps he is our lucky star!” the young lady suggested.
On hearing the words “lucky star” the old lady changed her mind and
suggested that the stranger should be invited to take a seat. Smiling and
laughing—doing her best to change her tone—the young woman invited
the guest to take a seat. Although she now forced a smile by way of wel-
come, her face was still stained with tears.
“What is your honourable name?” Ma asked the young lady as she sat
down. “Why are you so afraid of this knave, Jia?”
“My mother’s name is Mao. The family name of this house is Wang and
my husband is called Wang Desheng. He used to be a soldier but in the
end failed to return home and left his wife and mother-in-law alone and
helpless to live lives of penury. Only once in a while does he deign to send
any money home. Sir, what do you think? Is this any way for us to live out
our days? How can we continue to survive in this way?”
“This is a family matter and there is no point in asking me.”

“Sir, did you not ask me to explain to you the problem I have with that
man Jia?” Madam Wang asked.
“I did indeed madam,” Ma replied.
“Well then, the problem with Jia came about because of this.”
“If that is the case, please do go ahead and tell me all about it.”
“Because I couldn’t make ends meet I went to the Jia mansion to work
as a servant. But who’d have thought it, Jia is the brother-in-law of that
scoundrel the district magistrate. Jia bullied me, and seeing that I was not
unattractive, cooked up an evil plan to make me his concubine. I would
not agree to this, so he tried to force me into it. He said that if I didn’t
give in to his demands there and then, the following day he would take me
before the magistrate to have things forcibly arranged.”
“Even though the district magistrate is his brother-in-law, neither of
them have the right to play with other people’s lives in this way.”
“He has already done his best. How can it be that he could use his posi-
tion to do whatever enters his mind?”
“What is the full name of this knave Jia?” Ma Suzhen asked Madam
Wang. “How far does he live from here?”
“His family name is Jia, he is called Tianxiang and his nickname is ‘Sir
Philanderer’. He lives not ten li from here, and lords it over two or three
hundred people, most of whom are named Jia.”
“What does this Jia man look like?”
“He has a sallow complexion, no beard, a hooked nose, sunken eyes
and his ears stick out so they may catch the wind.”
“About how old is this man and what is his build?” Ma continued to
ask, building up a picture of her target.
“He is short and skinny and about thirty years of age.”
Ma Suzhen finished questioning Madam Wang and stood up. “Wait till
tomorrow for my return. By the time I’ve finished with him, he certainly
won’t dare force you into anything you don’t want to do.” Exiting the
cottage with large strides, Ma untied the horse from the tree, and mount-
ing the saddle she sped off straight ahead. The evening mist enveloped
everything around. Night was falling and smoke from kitchen chimneys
arose in the distance above the trees, as Ma Suzhen rode directly towards
Jia Village.
lowing chapter.
28 P. BEVAN
Chapter 5
In a wicked inn peach blossom adorns the walls,

And in the White Cloud Temple swords are brandished in the rafters.
Let us now continue to relate how, on hearing Madam Wang speak, Ma

Suzhen was greatly angered. How could it be that in this peaceful and
orderly world—a world of political stability and concord—such lawless-
ness should be allowed to take place? She thought about this for a while as
she rode slowly along, adjusting the bridle and forging on steadily ahead.
All around her the evening mist arose as darkness descended on the forest.
In the distance, lamplight came into view and she guessed it must be Jia
Village. She urged the horse on with her crop and continued to make her
way through the forest at speed. She could see a row of buildings ahead of
her: shops with tiled roofs, laid out close to each other, neatly in a row. On
arriving at the village boundary she dismounted and led the horse along
behind her but had not walked ten paces when she saw someone walking
straight towards her, carrying a hurricane lamp and blocking her path.
“Sir, are you looking for somewhere to spend the night and grab a bite
to eat? Our inn is the best around.”
Ma Suzhen stopped in her tracks. “Your inn?” She asked, a little
puzzled.
“Yes. There it is, straight ahead.”
Ma Suzhen looked up towards where the man was pointing and could
just make out a lantern with a candle inside, hanging under the thatch, on
which were inscribed the words “Merchant Inn”. The lantern swung gen-
tly back and forth in the breeze, alternating between a dim glow and a
glimmering brightness, as if it were being driven at the will of ghosts. Ma
followed the man to the inn, who, on arrival, called out to alert his col-
leagues that a visitor had arrived. A sturdy fellow came out to greet them,
introducing himself as Ah Xie. This fellow was full of majesty and power,
and resembled the sturdy buffalo of the fields. Her guide led Ma’s horse
round the back to feed and water it, and she stepped into the inn. That
stout fellow Ah Xie provided her with a room and helped her settle down,
then politely enquired: “Sir, will you take your evening meal in the com-
munal area or in your room?”
“Here will be fine.” Ma replied.
Ah Xie acknowledged her instructions and stepped down. Sitting alone

in her room Ma began to feel a little restless. She walked out into the com-
munal area to take a look around and saw customers entering one after the
other, as well as traders and merchants passing by with their vehicles and
horses. Guests were crowding into the busy inn but Ma Suzhen didn’t
give them a second thought as there was nothing particularly unusual
about that, and she actually thought it all rather dull. Instead, she walked
back and forth along the corridor, looking around in a nonchalant manner
and carrying out a sort of half-hearted survey of the place, one minute
looking at this and the next looking at that. Having examined everything
to the limit of her patience, she was looking for another diversion to dis-
tract her when Ah Xie finally called out that dinner was served. Ma Suzhen
returned to her room and saw that the table had been laid with a few
appetisers and a flagon of wine, all placed neatly together with a wine cup
and a pair of chopsticks. She took her seat and Ah Xie offered to pour
the wine.
“I won’t be drinking any wine. Bring me my food.”
“What harm can it do? Have a cup, it will help to keep the chill at bay,
and that lonely feeling of staying at an inn, and besides it’s not at all
strong. Sir, if you are hungry the pies here are well known for their fine
sweet flavour. They are filled with a puree made of a fusion of date and lard
and the savoury note is derived from additional lard that has been infused
with onion. As Ah Xie was speaking, Ma Suzhen already had her eye on
the pies, and she reached out with her chopsticks to take one, bringing it
up to her mouth. She took a bite and chewed for a while, declaring to Ah
Xie that it was indeed most flavoursome. She took another from the plate
and ate that, affirming that the pie was certainly tasty and no mistake. She
ate a few more and then enquired if he had any that were not quite
so sweet.
“If sir would prefer to eat savoury pies then we have them too.” Ah Xie
brought over another plate but found they had gone cold.
“These aren’t hot enough. Wait a moment and I’ll bring you some
warm ones instead.” He brought them out a few moments later and Ma
Suzhen ate a few of these savoury pies. Thinking they were a touch on the
oily side she took a sip from the wine in front of her. On doing so, she
confirmed that the wine was unusually mild and had none of that sharp
intensity so often found with wines of this type, so she swallowed it down
in one. Selecting a piece of meat from the plate with her chopsticks, she
put it in her mouth and savoured it, thinking it particularly soft and
30 P. BEVAN
tender, much more so than pork is usually found to be. She took another
piece and began to feel that there was something not quite right, so she
put down her chopsticks to think for a while. Just as she was brooding
over this, Ah Xie brought in a large plate of dainty piping hot pies and
placed it on the table in front of her. While doing so he noticed the guest
had finished the cup of wine and a strange grin flashed across his face.
“Your savoury pies have arrived, sir.” He said with a chuckle and poured
another cup of wine.
“I don’t need more wine,” Ma said, choosing a pie from the fresh plate
in front of her. She took a bite but finding it to have a strange fishy taste
put it down unfinished. Then, all of a sudden, with an involuntary spasm
from the pit of her stomach, she coughed up everything she had eaten.
The resultant mess gave off that same foul, fishy smell, which rushed
straight up her nostrils assailing her senses so that she promptly threw up
again. Having been so violently sick she had a sudden realization and
began to understand what was really going on. Sitting up straight she told
Ah Xie to approach. He saw the situation and how could he not know the
reason for it?
“Sir, have you been sick,” he asked craftily. “You must have caught a
chill on the road.”
Without replying, Ma Suzhen grabbed his arm to prevent his escape.
“You knave, would you rather live or die?” She bellowed. “Quickly, tell me
what you’ve put in the food and wine. Tell me the truth or I’ll kill you.”
“Sir, don‘t be angry, your humble servant really knows nothing about
it. If you kill me, it will be of no use to you.” Ah Xie protested, his voice
quaking with fear.
“I knew you would be unwilling to tell me directly. Come along, come
along, if you drink all the wine and eat up the meat and pies I will let you
go.” On hearing Ma Suzhen’s orders Ah Xie became even more anxious
than before, which in turn made Ma more determined to finish him off.
Ah Xie turned ashen pale and stubbornly refused to eat. Ma became incan-
descent with rage.
“So you won’t swallow it unless I force you to,” she shouted, pushing
his face down onto the table, grabbing the wine flask and forcing the spout
into his mouth. Ah Xie swallowed one mouthful but brought it straight
back up again.
“What! You don’t want to drink? I’m afraid I cannot allow that.” Saying
this, she forced him to take another gulp. He took a few mouthfuls but
could suffer it no longer.
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the center, which the 2d line was ordered to fill up. We were now
discovered by the enemy, who played their artillery furiously upon
our left; yet only one private man was killed, and one officer
wounded. The highlanders ran on with such eagerness that they
immediately seized the canon. The dragoons on right and left made
a very regular fire, which was followed by close platoons of all their
infantry, which our men received with great intrepidity. But what by
the huzzas of the highlanders, and their fire which was very brisk,
the dragoons were immediately thrown into disorder, which
occasioned some confusion among their foot. The highlanders threw
down their muskets, drew their swords, and carried all before them
like a torrent: so that in seven or eight minutes both horse and foot
were totally routed, and drove from the field of battle.
The Prince during the action was on foot in the 2d line. He was
with great difficulty prevailed on not to attack with the first line in so
much that the officers refused to march if he insisted on it. As soon
as the victory declared for him, he mounted his horse and put a stop
to the slaughter, calling out,—‘make prisoners: spare them, spare
them, they are my father’s subjects.’
When General Cope saw how things were going, and that he
could not rally his forces, he, with about 350 dragoons, and some
volunteer officers, gained Carberryhill, by a road that led to it from
Preston, and, as we had not time, nor horse to pursue, got away
undisturbed to Lauder, and from thence to Berwick.
As our 2d line had no occasion to engage, it may with justice be
said, that 1400 highlanders, unsupported by horse or canon, routed
a regular army of 2000 foot and 700 dragoons, defended by a fine
train of artillery, and obtained a most compleat victory. Such is the
impetuosity of a highland attack!
We took all the enemys canon, coehorns, small arms, colours,
standards, drums, tents, baggage and military chest, in which was
about 3000l. 11s.
Of the enemy were killed about 500, wounded 400, and taken
prisoners 1400. Among the prisoners were about 80 officers.
Our loss was very inconsiderable, viz. killed 2 captains, 1
Lieutenant, 1 ensign, and about 30 private men; and wounded 6
officers, and 70 private men.
All care immaginable was taken of the wounded, plenty of able
surgeons having been provided for that purpose.
The Prince lay this night at Pinkie, and next day the 22d returned
to the palace of Holyroodhouse, and the army encamped again at
Duddingston.
OF THE BATTLE OF FALKIRK,

fought January 17th, 1746
Lieutenant General Hawley, having been declared commander in
chief in place of Sir John Cope, marched from Edinburgh to raise the
siege of Stirling Castle, with about 10000 foot and 3 regiments of
dragoons, and encamped a little to the westward of Falkirk.
On the 16th the Prince drew up his army in line of battle, on a
muir or plain, a mile south east of the house of Bannockburn, then
his head quarters, and made all the necessary dispositions, in case
the enemy should have advanced to attack him. But Hawley
continued all day in his camp, and in the evening the Prince ordered
his men to their quarters.
Early next morning, the 17th, the Prince ordered his men to draw
up on the same plain. The right wing, commanded by Lord George
Murray, consisted of the Macgregors, Macdonalds of Keppoch,
Clanronald, Glengary, and Glenco, Mackintoshes and Farquharsons.
The left, commanded by Lord John Drummond, consisted of the
Camerons of Lochiel, Stuarts of Appin, Macphersons of Cluny,
Frazers of Lovat, and Macleods of Raza and Bernera. The 2d line,
commanded by Brigadier-General Stappleton, consisted of the
regiments of the Duke of Athole, Earl of Cromarty, Lord Lewis
Gordon, and Lord Ogilvy. Lords Elcho and Balmerino with the
Prince’s horse-guards, consisting of about 80 gentlemen and their
servants, were placed on the right wing, between the first and
second lines. Lords Pitsligo and Strathallan with the Aberdeen and
Perth-shire squadrons of horse, and a few hussars, making about
the same number, were placed in like manner on the left. The Irish
pickets were placed immediately behind the 2d line as a corps de
reserve. The whole making about 7000 foot, and 160 horse.
The regiments of the Duke of Perth, Lord John Drummond,
Gordon of Glenbucket, and John Roy Stuart were left at Stirling to
guard the trenches and push on the siege, being about 1000 men.
The Duke of Perth, who commanded the siege, and John Roy Stuart
were allowed to join the army to assist in the action: and the care of
the siege was left to Major-General Gordon of Glenbucket.
About midday the Prince, finding that Hawley did not advance,
resolved in a council of war to march and attack him. The army
therefore marched in order of battle, in two columns, keeping always
an equal distance of about 200 yards. This saved a great deal of
time, and prevented confusion, when we came within sight of the
enemy. Lord George Murray took the road to the south of the
Torwood, as the highway leading from Stirling to Falkirk was too
narrow. At the same time Lord John Drummond went with most of
the horse to reconnoitre the enemy; and made a movement as
intending to march the highway through the Torwood.
The army crossed the water of Carron at Dunipace. By this time
the enemy were perceived to be in motion. We therefore quickened
our march to gain the top of the hill, about a mile south of the town of
Falkirk, and a little more from Hawley’s camp.
General Hawley’s disposition seems to have been thus. On his
right were the Argyleshire militia, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Campbell, the regiments of foot of Ligonier, Price and Sinclair: on his
left Ligonier, Cobham and Hamilton’s dragoons; the regiments of foot
of Wolfe, Cholmondly and Pulteney. The 2d line was made up of the
regiments of foot of Blackney, Monro, Flemming, Barret and
Battereau. The Glasgow and some other militia, and Howard’s
regiment of foot formed a corps de reserve.
Mr. Hawley, afraid lest the Prince intended to march south, and
not come to an action, ordered the dragoons to advance with all
expedition, to take possession of the hill, and to keep us in play till
the infantry should come up. When they came within canon shot,
they made a motion to attack our right in flank, which Lord George
Murray perceiving he, with the assistance of Colonel John Roy
Stuart, made a very quick motion till he gained a morass, by which
he saved being flanked. So our right was to the east, our left west,
and front north. The dragoons seeing their scheme thus
disappointed, advanced on a full trot, in order to break us; but the
Macgregors and Macdonalds, keeping up their fire till they were
within pistol shot, received them so briskly, that they were
immediately broken, and thrown into the utmost confusion. As the
enemy’s foot were now very near, the dragoons could not easily
retreat back, without breaking their own line: they therefore
gallopped along our line, whereby a vast number of them were killed.
This beginning greatly inspirited our men, as it had a contrary effect
on the enemy.
Scarcely had the dragoons got off when their infantry advanced
to make the attack. They greatly out-lined us on the left, as we out-
lined them on the right. Our left extended little farther than to their
center. But from the unequality of the ground, being interspersed
with risings and hollows, whereby there was no seeing from right to
left what was doing, neither of the parties reaped advantage from
that circumstance. The enemy’s right therefore attacked our left with
a very close fire, which the Camerons and Stuarts received with
great fortitude, drew their swords, broke and pursued them out of the
field. Then our left made a halt in order to be joined by the right; but
were again attacked by other two regiments in flank, whom they also
immediately broke. Our right, marching down the hill, fell in with the
Glasgow militia, whom they severely chastised.
The Prince, who was mostly in the center, and whose attention
was turned to all parts, observing some regiments of the enemys
foot, and the remainder of the dragoons, marching up the hill, put
himself at the head of the Irish pickets, and such of the scattered
highlanders as were nearest to him, with a few gentlemen a horse-
back, and advanced to attack them. But seeing the order of the
pickets, and having a great storm of wind and rain in their faces, they
fled precipitantly to their camp, as did all the rest of their troops.
As the action began late in the afternoon, it was now dark, the
storm still continuing. However, the Prince made all the dispatch
immaginable to put his troops in order, as he intended to beat the
enemy from their camp. But hardly were the half of our men drawn
together, when we observed many fires in Hawley’s camp, and his
men at the same time marching, with great hurry, between the camp
and town of Falkirk. We immediately conjectured that they were
burning their camp (which they indeed endeavoured, but were
prevented by the rain) and were to take possession of the town of
Falkirk. Had they taken this course, a few men properly posted could
have hindered the highlanders from entering that night, and obliged
us either to have abandoned the field of battle, or to have stood all
night under arms, wet and fatigued as we were, and exposed to the
inclemency of the weather, a thing impossible.
Mr. Drummond, now Lord Strathallan, and Mr. Oliphant younger
of Gask, disguised in peasants dress, went into the town to
reconnoitre, and to get intelligence of the enemy. They soon returned
with information, that they were flying in confusion to Linlithgow. The
Prince immediately ordered his men to march, and attack them in the
rear. As we marched we fell on the enemy’s canon, which they had
left between the field of battle and the town: they could not draw
them up the hill, on account of the badness of the roads; so they
were of no use to them in the action.
The enemy’s rear were just got to the east end of the town, when
Lord John Drummond entered it on that side: he was shot throw the
arm by a soldier, whom he was taking prisoner. Lord George Murray
entered at the middle, and Lochiel at the west end of the town.
Our men had no sooner entered the town than they disappeared
on all sides; every one putting himself under cover to dry his cloaths;
and refresh himself after the fatigue of the day: and altho a
detachment of 1000 men were ordered to pursue the enemy, yet,
such is the misfortune of an irregular army! not 50 could be brought
together, besides those absolutely necessary to mount the guards
for the Prince and their own safeties. So the enemy never stopped till
they got to Linlithgow, and some of their volunteers and dragoons to
Edinburgh.
The Prince’s first care next morning was to send to reconnoitre
the field of battle, and cause bury the dead, as well those of the
enemy as his own men. Some of their officers that could be
distinguished, of whom were Sir Robert Monroe and Colonel
Whitney, were brought down to the town, and interred in the same
manner as our own officers were.
It now appeared that about 600 of the enemy were killed on the
field of battle, and that we had made about 700 prisoners.
We got all their artillery consisting of 7 large pieces of brass
canon, and 3 iron ones, several mortars and coehorns, with a great
many shells, all their ammunition, waggons, tents, 3 standards, 2
stand of colours, a kettle drum, many small arms, baggage, and
generally every thing that the rain prevented them from burning.
On our side were killed 3 captains, 4 subaltern officers, and about
40 private men: and we had wounded near double that number.
OF THE BATTLE OF CULLODEN,

fought April 16TH, 1746
As soon as certain intelligence was brought that the Duke of
Cumberland had begun his march from Aberdeen northwards, the
Prince sent orders to Ross, Sutherland, Lochaber, and Badenoch,
that all the detachments of his army, in these places, should join him
immediately at Inverness.
The Duke of Cumberland passed the Spey on the 13th, and on
the 14th encamped at Nairn, about 10 miles from Culloden. On this
the Prince assembled his men in and about Inverness, and marched
at their head to Culloden-house, where he lay that night, and the
troops encamped in the Parks.
Early next morning, the Prince drew up his army in line of battle,
upon Drummossie muir, south of the house and parks of Culloden,
as he expected that the Duke of Cumberland would have attacked
him that day, being his birth-day.
About noon, when we were informed that he had not moved, it
was proposed to the Prince to make a night attack upon him, in his
camp at Nairn. Various were the reasons for and against this
proposal. And after considering them fully, the Prince approved of
the project, as the most probable chance he had of beating the
enemy; provided they could be surprised by one o’clock of the
morning.
We must here observe, that the Duke of Cumberland’s army was
double the number of ours, plentifully provided with money and
provisions of all kinds; having a squadron of ships, loaded with
stores, that coasted along, from Aberdeen to Inverness, in sight of
his army, to supply him with whatever was necessary. Whereas our
military chest was spent; the men had not received pay for some
time, had got no provisions this day but a single bisket each, and
were much fatigued by severe duty.
In this situation the Prince could not propose to keep his army
together. He was obliged either to fight or starve. And altho above
3000 men, under the command of the Earl of Cromarty, Macdonald
of Barisdale, Macgregor of Glengyle, Cluny Macpherson, and others,
who were expected every hour, had not yet joined, he resolved to
risk the event of an engagement.
The night attack being therefore agreed to, was to have been
executed thus. One third of the army, commanded by Lord George
Murray, were to have passed the water of Nairn, two miles below
Culraick, and two from Nairn, to have attacked the enemy on the
south east near to the sea; whilst the other two thirds, under the
command of the Duke of Perth and his brother Lord John
Drummond, were to have attacked them on the plain, from the north
east and all the way to the sea, so as to have joined those who were
to have attacked on the other side.
That our design might not be discovered by the enemy, the
march began about eight o’clock at night. Lord George Murray led
the van. He had along with him, besides several gentlemen
volunteers and officers, 30 men of the Mackintoshes, who lived in
that very country, as guides. They conducted him the moor road, that
he might not fall in with the enemy’s patrolls; and small parties were
stationed at proper distances to prevent the enemy from receiving
any intelligence.
As the highlanders had often marched more than two miles in an
hour, it was hoped that they could have reached Nairn before two
o’clock. But before Lord George had marched a mile, he received a
message that the half of the line was at a considerable distance, and
orders to halt, or march slower, till the line should join. He received
many messages by aides-de-camps and other officers, sent for the
same purpose, by the time he had reached six miles. Altho he did
not halt, he marched always slower, hoping that would do: For he
knew that a halt in the van occasions a greater one in the rear, when
the march begins again; whereas by marching slow, the rear might
have joined without that inconveniency.
It was already near two o’clock in the morning, and the van near
four miles from the enemy. Most of the officers of distinction were
now come up to the front; particularly the Duke of Perth, Lord John
Drummond, Lochiel and his brother, and M. oSulivan. The Duke of
Perth told Lord George Murray that unless he made a halt the center
and rear columns could not join. We halted. Here the officers began
to examine their present situation. They were of opinion, that by the
time the line had joined, and the army advanced two miles farther, it
would be day light, and consequently the enemy would have time to
point their canon, draw up their men, and place their horse so as to
act in the most advantagious manner. Besides, a great number of
our men had left their ranks and lain down in the wood of Culraick,
which must have proceeded from faintness for want of food, and not
from the fatigue of a six miles march. In these circumstances the
attack was judged impracticable. To get back to Culloden, so as the
men could have some hours refreshment, in case they should be
obliged to fight that day, was what they agreed to.
As the Prince was about a mile behind in the rear, and the road
through the wood very difficult to pass, they thought it would
consume too much time to send back for orders, Lord George
Murray therefore ordered the retreat. The Duke of Perth went back to
acquaint the Prince with this resolution. At first he seemed much
surprised, on which the Duke offered to march back the men; but
after some reflection, he saw it was then too late.
We marched back the shortest way, as we had not the same
reason for shuning houses in returning as we had in advancing.
The van had only got to the Church of Cray, that is two miles from
where the halt was made, when it was broad day light. This showed
that the enemy could not have been surprised as was intended.
However, had the center and rear marched as quick as the van, it
might certainly have been done.
Between 5 and 6 o’clock, all the army reached Culloden: But
many, as well officers as soldiers went to Inverness and places
adjacent, in quest of provisions, which were difficult to find.
The Prince had scarcely reposed himself an hour, when accounts
were brought, that the enemy was in full march to attack him. He
immediately sent aid-de-camps to bring up the men, who were at
Inverness. In the mean time he marched up the troops that were
about Culloden to Drummossie muir; but half a mile nearer than
where they were formed the preceeding day.
This was our order of battle. The right wing, commanded by Lord
George Murray, consisted of his own regiment of Athol, Camerons of
Lochiel, Stuarts of Appin, one battallion of the Frazers of Lovat, and
the Mackintoshes. The left wing, commanded by the Duke of Perth,
consisted of the Macdonalds of Glengary, Keppoch and Clanranald,
two companies of Macleans, two companies of Macleods, and the
Farquharsons. The 2d line, commanded by Lord John Drummond
and Major General Stappleton, consisted of the Irish piquets, the
regiments of Lord Ogilvy, Lord Lewis Gordon, Duke of Perth, and
Lord John Drummond. On the right wing, behind the 2d line, was a
troop of Fitz-james’s horse; and on the left the horse guards, Perth-
shire squadron and Hussards. The regiments of the Earl of
Kilmarnock’s foot guards, and Colonel John Roy Stuart, with such of
our men as had no guns formed a sort of reserve.
The whole did not exceed 6000 foot and 150 horse. We had six
pieces of canon, two placed on the right, two on the left, and two in
the center of the front line. Our front was to the east.
The Duke of Cumberland drew up his army in three lines. The
first, commanded by Lieutenant-General the Earl of Albemarle,
consisted of the regiments of Barrel, Monro, Scot’s Fusileers, Price,
Cholmondley and Sinclair. The 2d, commanded by Major General
Huske, consisted of the regiments of Wolfe, Ligonier, Sempil, Bligh,
and Flemming. The 3d line, commanded by Brigadier Mordant,
consisted of the regiments of Blackeney, Battereau, Pulteney and
Howard. On the right wing were placed Cobham’s dragoons, and the
half of Kingston’s horse, with the Campbells of Argyle.
Had these regiments been all compleat, they should have
amounted to 15000 men, but as they were they surely amounted to
near 12000 foot and 1200 horse. Ten pieces of canon were placed in
the first line, two between each regiment; and six pieces in the 2d
line.
The enemy formed at a considerable distance, and marched in
order of battle. About two o’clock afternoon the canonading began.
The Prince, after riding along the lines to animate the men,
placed himself about the center, that he might the more conveniently
give his orders. The enemy’s canon galled us much. One of the
Prince’s servants, who led a sumpter horse, was killed at his side.
We were greatly out-lined both on right and left. Some alterations
were made in our disposition in order to remedy this. Our right was
covered by some old park walls, that led towards the water of Nairn.
The Campbells got behind these walls, pulled them down, and
placed a battery of canon, which did great execution on our right.
The Prince ordered to begin the attack. Our men attacked with all
the fury imaginable, and made several impressions on the enemys
line; particularly the Athol-men broke entirely the regiments of Barret
and Monro, and took possession of two pieces of canon. But the
enemy keeping a close hedge fire, overpowering us with numbers,
and attacking us on both flanks, threw our lines into great confusion,
and at last obliged us to quit the field. The Duke of Cumberland was
likewise assisted by a great storm of hail and rain that blew in our
faces.
The Prince did all he could to rally his men, but to no purpose. He
was therefore obliged to retire. He crossed the water of Nairn at the
ford on the high way between Inverness and Corryburgh, and then
went to Lord Lovats. The greatest part of the army went to Ruthven
in Badennoch.
As we had not afterwards an opportunity of reviewing our men,
we cannot exactly say what loss we sustained in the action. By the
enemy’s account we lost 2000 men, and they 300. But there is
reason to think, that on the one side they magnify, and on the other
diminish the numbers.
‘Cum rectè factorum sibi quisque gratiam trahat, unius
invidiâ ab omnibus peccatur.’ Tac. Ann. 1. 3 c. 53.
APPENDIX I
THE JACOBITE LORD SEMPILL
Mr. Fitzroy Bell, in a note to Murray’s Memorials (p. 42), relates

that he had been unable to discover who this Jacobite Lord Sempill
was. The researches of the Marquis de Ruvigny among the Stuart
Papers, published in the Jacobite Peerage, make his identity quite
clear. Francis Sempill was the son and heir of Robert Sempill, an
officer in the French army. In 1712 this Robert Sempill received from
the court of St. Germains a ‘Declaration of Noblesse,’ which stated
that he ‘is grandson of the late Hugh, Lord Sempill, Peer of Scotland
and sole heir-male of the property and the ancient title of the said
lord, whose fourth son, Archibald, father of the said Robert, is the
only one who left any living male child.’ On the 16th of July 1723 he
appears as Mr. Robert Sempill, Captain of the Regiment of Dillon. He
died at Paris intestate. In the documents of probate he is termed
‘Robert, Lord Sempill, alias Robert Sempill.’ On the strength of the
title given to him in this reference, the Marquis de Ruvigny states
that after 1723, when he was termed simply ‘Mr. Robert Sempill,’ he
‘seems after that date to have been created by James iii. and viii. a
lord and peer of Parliament.’ This assumption has also been made
by Mr. Fitzroy Bell, Mr. Andrew Lang, and other recent writers, but
there is no evidence of any new creation, nor indeed was there any
necessity for it. Robert Sempill the soldier had received in 1712 the
declaration that he was entitled to the ancient title, but apparently
had not used it. It seems natural to believe that his son Francis, who
on the death of the father would prepare the probate papers,
inserted in them the title of lord, to which the Declaration of 1712
said his father was entitled, and that on succeeding he assumed the
title which his father had not used.
The following table shows the relationship of the Jacobite Lord
Sempill with the nobleman who bore the same title in Scotland. He
fought at Culloden and died the same year at Aberdeen (see p. 164).
APPENDIX II
MURRAY OF BROUGHTON AND THE BISHOPRIC
OF EDINBURGH
At the Revolution there were eight hundred and seven parishes in

Scotland filled by ministers of the Episcopal Church. On the
accession of William and Mary and the Abolition of Episcopacy and
the Establishment of the Presbyterian Church, all the bishops
refused the Oath to the new Sovereigns, and a large number of the
clergy left their parishes for the same reason.
At first there was much toleration, but as the bishops and the
Episcopal clergy were all Non-jurors and maintained their allegiance
to the exiled Stuart kings, they gradually became a Jacobite
institution. Although very feeble, they were torn with internal
dissension both doctrinal and ecclesiastical. As the pre-Revolution
bishops died out, it was thought necessary in order to keep up the
succession to consecrate new bishops, but this had to be done with
utmost secrecy.
At first these bishops were appointed bishops at large without
any diocese or territorial jurisdiction, and were known as the College
of Bishops, but gradually the clergy demanded some sort of
superintendence. Bishops were consecrated by one party and by
others, but all on the understanding that they owed allegiance to the
Stuart king. To avoid scandal the Jacobite managers and the
Jacobite Court insisted that when bishops were elected the king
should be informed so as to give congé d’élire before consecration.
This power was afterwards compromised by the exiled king
permitting the clergy to select all the bishops except the
metropolitans of St. Andrews and Glasgow, and a Bishop of
Edinburgh who might have to act as metropolitan under the title of
Vicar-General of St. Andrews.
In the year 1741 John Murray, as Agent in Scotland for the
Jacobite Court, sent up the name of William Harper, who was
incumbent of St. Paul’s Non-juring Episcopal Church in Carrubber’s
Close. He was well connected, being married to a daughter of Sir
David Thriepland of Fingask, and he was also principal adviser to
most of the prominent Jacobites of the time.
Some of the bishops did not want him, and Bishop Keith
represented to the Chevalier through Murray that Harper was an
objectionable person, and implored the king to withdraw his congé
d’élire. Mr. Harper retired from the contest.
After much negotiation John Murray, apparently with the
concurrence of the majority of the bishops, fixed upon Bishop
Rattray as a man likely from his age and rank to put an end to the
dissensions; and James sent from Rome a congé de lire to elect him
Bishop of Edinburgh, apparently with certain metropolitan powers.
Rattray, however, died a few days after this permission was
received, and the see was not filled until 1776.
Bishop Rattray was a Perthshire laird, the head of the ancient
family of Rattray of Craighall. His son John acted as surgeon to
Prince Charles throughout the campaign of 1745-46. A volume
recently published, A Jacobite Stronghold of the Church, by Mary E.
Ingram (Edinburgh, 1907), gives much information about William
Harper and the Episcopal Church in Jacobite times.
APPENDIX III
SIR JAMES STEUART
Sir James Steuart (afterwards Steuart Denham) of Goodtrees

and Coltness, second baronet. His father had been Solicitor-
General, and his grandfather Lord Advocate, and both belonged to
the party of the Covenanters. Sir James was born in 1712, and in
1743 he married Lady Frances, daughter of the fourth Earl of
Wemyss, and sister of Lord Elcho, one of the Jacobite leaders of the
’Forty-five. When Prince Charles came to Edinburgh, Sir James
joined his Court, and he is the reputed author of some of the Prince’s
manifestos. In the autumn of 1745 he was sent to France as the
Prince’s agent.
In the Stuart Papers there is a document headed ‘A Copy of Sir
James Stewart’s powers, Dec. 29, 1746.’
‘Nous Charles Prince de Galles Regent des Royaumes
d’Angleterre, d’Ecosse, etc. jugeant qu’il est notre service
dans la conjouncture presente de charger de nos affaires
auprès de Sa Majesté très-chretienne une personne
instruite de nos intentions nous avons choisi le Chevalier
Baronet Stuart auquel nous avons donné et donnons
pouvoir, commission, et mandement special de traitter et
negotier avec les ministres de Sa Majesté [très-
chrètienne] arrester, conclure et signer avec eux tous les
articles ou conventions qu’il avisera bon être.... Fait a
Paris ce 29 Decembre 1746.’
This seems to be a copy of the credential which he received in
Edinburgh, and which, probably for precautionary reasons, he did
not carry with him in case of being captured and searched. The
whole commission is printed among the Stuart Papers in Browne’s
History of the Highlands, vol. iii. p. 472.
Sir James was specially excepted from the Act of Indemnity of
1747. He wandered on the Continent until 1763, when he was
permitted to return to Scotland. He received a pardon in 1771, and
died in 1780. He was author of Inquiry into the Principles of Political
Economy (1767), and other works. There is information about his
Jacobite career in the narratives of his brother-in-law, Lord Elcho,
recently published, also a long biography in The Coltness
Collections, in which every effort is made to ignore or minimise his
Jacobitism.
There was something mysterious both about his joining the
Jacobite Court and about his departure from Scotland. Robert
Chambers, in his History of the Rebellion, chap. xxiv., relates, upon
the authority of Sir Henry Steuart of Allanton, Sir James’s near
relative, the story of his joining the Prince at Holyrood, which may be
told in Chambers’s own words.
‘Descended of a whig family, Sir James had,
nevertheless, allowed himself, in the course of his travels,
to form an intimacy with the Stuart princes and some of
their principal adherents. He had more lately been piqued
at the treatment he had received at an election from one
of the officers of the government. He was disposed to join
the enterprise of the Prince, but wished that, in doing so,
he should not appear quite a free agent. His sister’s
husband, the Earl of Buchan, a good man, of moderate
understanding, was brought by him to the same views,
and they agreed with Lady Steuart’s brother, Lord Elcho,
that they should be seized in a public place, and carried to
Holyrood House, as if against their will. Walking next day
at the cross of Edinburgh, Sir James and the earl were
seized accordingly, and conducted to the palace. There a
message was sent from an anteroom to the Chevalier,
mentioning their presence. The Prince, who in the
meanwhile had heard of the manner of their visit, returned
for answer, that if the Earl of Buchan and Sir James
Steuart came as willing partisans to befriend his cause, he
should be proud and happy to see them, but not
otherwise. This bluntness, though honourable to the
Prince’s candour, displeased Buchan, whose resolution,
perhaps, had already begun to give way. He therefore
made a low bow to the officer, and said: “Please inform his
royal highness that I have the honour to be his most
obedient humble servant”; after which he instantly left the
palace. Sir James, too much offended with the
government to retrace his steps, remained to see the
Prince upon the terms prescribed.’
There was something still more mysterious about his departure.
The following depositions were found in the Records of the Sheriff
Court of Kincardineshire by Dr. W. A. Macnaughton of Stonehaven,
[639] who kindly sent them to me. The depositions were taken from
witnesses in a civil action of false imprisonment by James Grant
against Alexander Garioch of Mergie. Garioch acted as deputy
governor of Stonehaven for Prince Charles. Apparently the
authorities took the opportunity of interrogating the Jacobite
witnesses about Sir James. The portions of the depositions that refer
to Sir James Steuart only are here given.
1. Peter Barclay of Johnstoun[640] ... Being
Interrogate concerning Sir James Stewart Depones that
some time about the middle of November or a little before
it, the Deponent had occasion to be at Stonhyve in a
Tavern with Mr. Garioch, that he saw a person who
passed under the Name of Brown, and who was called by
Mergie to the Deponent a Prisoner, but that there was no
guard sett upon him and the Deponent saw him at liberty
to go out and in under no confinement that the Deponent
could observe, That the Deponent had had occasion about
sixteen years before to be in company with Sir James
Stewart That when the Deponent saw this person who
was called Brown he thought he had seen him before, but
could not then recollect who he was That the day after the
Deponent had seen this person he was conversing with
one Menzies in the French service was enquiring who this
person might be and was positive he had seen him before,
That Menzies said he did not know who he was, but that
some days before Lord Lewis Gordon had been dining
with him, and he observed that Lord Lewis was Drinking to
this person his health That upon this the Deponent
recollected and said he imagined him to be Sir James
Stuart, Depones that when that person was ordered to be
taken on board of a ffrench ship by Mergie’s command he
took a formal protest in waiting against Mergie for forcing
him out of the Kingdom against his will, Being interrogate
if he thought it was a serious protest Depones that he did
not know what to think of it but was very much surprised at
the whole proceeding and that when the Deponent said to
Mergie that he judged this person to be Sir James Stuart,
Mergie absolutely refused that it was, that this person
went down to the Boat in order to embark aboard of the
ship which lay at anchor without any guard attending him,
Mergie and the Deponent and several others went along
with him to the Boat.
4. John Maule[641] Depones that some time in
October 1745 a ffrench ship arrived in the Harbour of
Stonhyve with some chests of Arms, six pieces of cannon,
and other warlike stores, That Mergie received from the
Hands of one Black, who called himself Supercargo of the
said Ship all these Warlike Instruments, and called in the
country to assist in carrying them southwards, Depones
that the above mentioned Black went south along with the
cargo of Arms etc. which were brought from on board the
above mentioned vessel, and returned again in about 2
weeks after he arrived at the Publick House keeped by
John Falconer and that there was in his company as the
Deponent had occasion to see immediately after his
arrival a Gentleman unknown to the Deponent, that when
the Deponent enquired at Black who this Person was
Black told him he had met with him at Montrose, and
believed him to be one of the officers who had been taken
Prisoner at the Battle of Prestonpans and had made his
Escape That Black desired the Deponent to go to Mergie
and inform him that there was such a Gentleman at Mr.
Falconer’s house whom he suspected to be an officer of
General Cope’s Army who had made his escape, That the
deponent delivered this message to Mergie, upon which
Mergie came directly up to the Mill of Stonhyve That the
Deponent accompanied Mergie with a Guard, That Mergie
and Black took the said Person unknown to the Deponent
into an Apartment by themselves, and after staying about
an Hour returned again and showed to the Deponent a
Black Cockade and about sixty or seventy Pistoll shot,
which he said he had found upon searching about this
unknown Person, and ordered him to be keeped Prisoner,
and accordingly a Guard was placed upon the House all
that night That next day the Deponent was sent for by
Mergie and received orders from him to Remove the
Guard which was upon the said unknown person, and to
take the Custody and care of him himself, and desired him
to keep sight of him and not suffer him to make his
Escape, That for two or three days the Deponent keept a
pritty watchful eye over the said unknown Gentleman
during the daytime and at night there was always a Guard
of three or four men placed on the House But after that
during his stay in Stonhyve the Deponent sometimes
attended the said Gentleman when he walked for his
Recreation any distance from the Town but he was left for
most part without any guard or attendance That during the
time of the said person’s stay at Stonhyve Mergie was
frequently in company with him at Dinner and Supper and
frequently they were alone together Depones that one day
when the deponent was in the laigh Room of the Mill of
Stonhyve he heard this unknown Gentleman and the first
and second Master of the abovementioned French ship in
company in the Room immediately above, That the
Deponent heard them laughing and very merry together,
that they were speaking ffrench and so loud that if the
deponent had understood it, he might have heard what

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The Adventures of Ma Suzhen: 'An

Heroic Woman Takes Revenge in

More information about this series at

Attributed to Qi Fanniu and Zhu Dagong, translated by Paul Bevan

ISSN 2634-5935 ISSN 2634-5943 (electronic)

© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021

Cover illustration: © Collection of Paul Bevan

This book is a product of the Covid-19 crisis. I began translating it in

struck gold, as a considerable amount of additional information became

The Adventures of Ma Suzhen: Cast of Characters 5

 he Adventures of Ma Suzhen: An Heroic Woman Takes

 Hero of the Women’s Realm, Ma Suzhen, an Essay by Paul

Paul Bevan Departmental Lecturer in Modern Chinese Literature and

This was not envisaged as an “academic” book, i.e. as a word-for-word

Changes to the Text

Additions to the Text

Inconsistencies in the Story

Inconsistencies in the Illustrations

The Adventures of Ma Suzhen: An Heroic Woman Takes

The Adventures of Ma Suzhen is a comic adventure story about a young

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature 1

Almost entirely unknown to an English-speaking readership and audience,

 Cast of Characters (in Alphabetical Order)

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature 5

In the boudoir, awakened from a dream, Suzhen receives an omen,

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature 7

Fig. 1 Ma Suzhen, Madam Chai, Miss Chai

Fig. 2 At night Ma Suzhen dreams of her brother and receives an omen

“His premises are on the high street.”

A Funeral procession is held for Ma Yongzhen,

When Uncle Gong finished reading it he looked at Ma Suzhen. “That’s

a group of friends to a splendid banquet to celebrate their success. The

On hearing news, a niece embarks on a journey,

For the attention of Miss Ma Suzhen,

leave us today. I’ll prepare a modest farewell dinner to send you on

In search of a brother, a sister braves the hardships of the road alone,

Let us now continue to relate how Ma Suzhen listened to what her

“This is a family matter and there is no point in asking me.”

In a wicked inn peach blossom adorns the walls,

Let us now continue to relate how, on hearing Madam Wang speak, Ma

Ah Xie acknowledged her instructions and stepped down. Sitting alone

OF THE BATTLE OF FALKIRK,

OF THE BATTLE OF CULLODEN,

Mr. Fitzroy Bell, in a note to Murray’s Memorials (p. 42), relates

At the Revolution there were eight hundred and seven parishes in

Sir James Steuart (afterwards Steuart Denham) of Goodtrees

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Hero of the Women’s Realm, Ma Suzhen, an Essay by Paul

Cast of Characters (in Alphabetical Order)