The judge made a salacious grimace: 

“In a case of murder the neighbors know nothing.  It is clear that you have had relations with a man.  Your parents knew of it, and that is why they changed their room.  Your lover killed them in a rage.”

Hearing these words, she became scarlet and then pale.  At a sign from the Governor, the gaolers threw themselves like tigers upon the little girl, closing a cruel pair of iron nippers on her pellucid and delicate jade hand.  As the jaws began to crush her fingers, she uttered loud cries: 

“Mercy, my lord.  I have a lover.”

“What is his name?”

“Chang Loyalty.”

And then she fainted.  The Governor knew enough.  He summoned the young man and, being convinced of his guilt, had him put in prison, while awaiting further information.  It is well said in a certain proverb:  “Even while you are sitting in your house with the doors shut, misfortune falls from heaven.”

In prison, Chang reflected upon this sudden accusation.  Could he have committed this double crime in his sleep?  In the end he offered his gaolers ten ounces if they would take him to Eternal Life.  When they bargained, he promised twenty ounces.  Then they led him as far as the grill of the women’s prison.  The girl was there, weeping without stint.  As soon as she saw him, she reviled him between her sobs: 

“Ungrateful and dishonorable!  You made me mad with love for you.  Why should you cut my parents’ throats, and cause my death?”

“Do not make unnecessary noise,” he interrupted.

“Let us rather try to clear up this mystery.  It is certain that I sent the old woman Lu to you with your little slipper.  Did you see her?”

“Naturally, wretch,” she answered disdainfully.

Again he interrupted: 

“She told me that you had kept your pledge, that your father was terrible, and that you were awaiting his departure in order to arrange a meeting.  But since then I have known nothing of you, save a few rare smiles.”

“Forgetful murderer,” she groaned, “again you deny it.  Did you not confess all before the judge?  Why do you come to torment me.”

“My unfortunate body could not endure the torture.  By confessing I gained some days of life.  Do not fly into a rage, but answer me:  what happened after ma-ma Lu had visited you?”

“We arranged everything for the next night.  You came and gave me back my slipper.  Since then you have climbed up to my room each night.  Dare you say it is not true?”

Chang thought deeply.  The bystanders wondered whether he were guilty and seeking a clever explanation to save himself, or whether he were really innocent.  At last he said:  “Then if we have met often, you should be very certain of my voice and body.  Look at me well, and think.”

The gaolers exclaimed: 

“What he says is just.  If there were a mistake, would you leave him to die?”