Frank Owen

“ Always the T'angs wished for sons, but it is not true that they were cruel to their daughters. Now, however, girl babies had won some measure of equality with their brothers. The people said, "Be not glad at the birth of a son nor sad at the birth of a daughter; the sovereign regards a woman as a door lintel."
That night everyone carried a lantern. Throughout the Empire ten million lanterns burned. There were even small lanterns for children. Yang Kuei-fei's lantern was formed like a red hibiscus flower, Ming Huang's a peony, while An Lu-shan's resembled a willow-tree. ”

“ Li Lin-fu had discovered that if a man have honey on his Ups, multitudes will gather to hear his words.
Once more Yang Kuei-fei danced in the Pear Garden to the measures of "The Rainbow Skirt and Feather Jacket," completely happy, nor was there the slightest danger of her security being menaced even though An Lu-shan sat watching. How ugly and uncouth he was in comparison to Ming Huang, whose voice was cultured and as polished as fine jade. She had a sincere admiration for the Emperor, that was so much akin to love that the dividing line could not have accommodated the thinnest silk thread. ”

“ The poetry he recited was always the work of other men, never his own, but he used it to good purpose. He created tumult in the hearts of the three thousand neglected Palace Ladies that was almost craving. This was odd, for An Lu-shan was of monstrous size and awkward. However, he had an agile mind, a nimble wit and loud laughter, nor was he at all opposed to being made to appear ridiculous. Taunts that other men shunned, he used as a weapon. The complacent world of his day believed that a man rolling in merriment was without guile. ”

“ He wondered why Kuo-chung did not carry His worries to Li Lin-fu who so ably was carrying the heaviest burden of government. However one phrase of Kuo-chung's lent itself to meditation.
"The roots of China," he repeated thoughtfully. "The roots of China travel far and are buried very deep."
"I have a theory that an esteemed member of the Court is plotting the destruction of the Empire."
Ming Huang roused from his lethargy. But he did not seem unduly alarmed.
"No country with its roots firmly implanted can ever be annihilated. The peasants and their land are one. ”

“ An Lu-shan became grave at once. "If your Majesty believes that," he said huskily, "I request that I be relieved of my command."
"A preposterous charge," said the Emperor. "I sent for you that you might be informed of the rumors that are being circulated. But tell me, is it true that you ride in a golden chariot with red wheels?"
"Oh yes," was the quick reply. "To inspire my men. An army should look up to its leader."
Ming Huang smiled. "Perhaps I should procure a similar chariot to inspire my generals. Another charge is that you carry an Imperial banner." ”

“ Even the cruel wind has a pleasing smile. . . . He who goes contrary to virtue will be destroyed."
Li Lin-fu was outraged. He did everything in his power to pry Kui-ling away from the Emperor's favor, and for a brief period he succeeded in causing him to be banished on trumped up charges. However, Kui-ling soon returned to favor. Though Ming Huang had slipped from the position of virtuous ruler into the depths of debauchery, he had not relinquished all semblance of justice and common-sense. In due course, Kui-ling returned to the Palace, nor was his position in any way besmirched. ”

“ Only a weak Emperor needs a strong prime minister. For Li Lin-fu, power was a drug. It revitalized him into astounding energy. Nevertheless, Kui-ling remained, a thorn in his side that he could not get rid of. And because Kui-ling was so steadfast, honors were heaped upon him. It was a stimulating novelty to discover such a man among Court officials. There had been a noteworthy occasion when Kui-ling had warned the Emperor of the perfidious conduct of An Lu-shan. The incident had caused so little impression on the mind of Ming Huang that before the day's end no trace of it remained. ”

“ The convictions of the meanest man cannot be taken from him. . . . Men long for flowers before they have bloomed and mourn for them when they are gone. How much greater must their grief be for the unplucked flower of opportunity. ”

“ Our Master tells us that 'the superior man is satisfied and composed, the mean man is always dissatisfied.' Would that your vision were like unto a man standing on a mountain top and not a ricefarmer stooping in a field. An Lu-shan is courageous. As Generalissimo he fills a vital military post. That is where he belongs. But you, my cousin, are like unto a traveler setting out on a long journey. You have far to go. Covet not the fertile fields of others. There is no need."
During the next year, Kuo-chung was altruistic. ”

“ He confided his suspicions to the Emperor as they sat in bamboo chairs on the Peony Terrace, and a lazy moon yawned in the clear blue sky.
"Your Majesty," he faltered, "I am disturbed by occurrences that may be striking at the very roots of China. It is never a pleasant duty to kindle the fire of suspicion, but I feel that I would be failing in loyalty to my Emperor if I did not do so."
"Speak freely," said Ming Huang casually. He was in no mood to hear confessions, even confessions of cowardice ”

“ The leaders of the Kitan Tartars relaxed their vigilance. There would be no night attack. Such a boisterous army could not be a menace. Besides there was no moon. Who knew what evil spirits, or ferocious demons might lurk in the appalling velvet black? ”

“ Ming Huang liked him and showered him with honors.
Through the connivance of Li Lin-fu he was made governor of three border cities—P'ing Lu, Fan Yang and Ho Tung. The appointment was nominal only, for An Lu-shan refused to give up his interest in military affairs.
"I ask no more than to be in a position to defend my country," he said humbly.
Ming Huang was so impressed that he raised him to the rank of Generalissimo. An Lu-shan was elated. This would be a position of unlimited authority since he was a protégé of Li Lin-fu whose wishes Ming Huang never opposed. ”

“ Stubbornly Kuo-chung refused to admit he was not also a traitor. Though he cast no aspersions on his beloved cousin, Yang Kuei-fei, it angered him to listen to the gossip that invaded the Court. He tried desperately not to believe that Yang Kuei-fei and An Lu-shan were associating in complete intimacy, but he failed. They made no attempt to hide the fact from anyone. Apparently the Emperor was not opposed to their association, for he frequently dined with them in her apartments. Why should a General of the army gain such astounding privileges? ”

“ She had ample reason to know that to even suspect such a thing was ridiculous. Her conquest of the Generalissimo was absolute.
Something of her thoughts must have shown in her expression, for he said, "No matter how great the affair; when it is passed, it is a mere trifle." ”

“ No longer could he have the plumpest ladies of his seraglio grouped about him that he might draw warmth from their firm young bodies. Such a procedure would have been absurd. As Prime Minister he must give the impression of rugged strength. Certain eunuchs spread rumors that he had the endurance of a tiger. For this service, each was rewarded with a bolt of silk. The silk came from the treasuries of the Empire.
An Lu-shan laughed heartily at the preposterous assertion.
"If Kuo-chung is a tiger," he said, "he must come from a district flayed by famine." ”

“ She was cornered, surprised, dismayed. "Perhaps I was dreaming."
"Or it may be a touch of fever," said Kao. "Shall I instruct the old Amah to prepare a cold bath for you?" "I'm all right," she said hastily, "I'm going in now." "Yes," she reflected, "it is fever, a dangerous fever, a fever of the human spirit, that will never leave me while An Lu-shan remains in Changan. He must return to the Kitan border. Nothing shall threaten my position." It was a noble resolve, but she knew it was without conviction. An Lu-shan loitered in Changan as the weeks lengthened into months. ”

“ The creeper lives by twining itself around the tree."
"Granted, though you seem to have overlooked the fact that if the tree falls, the creeper dies."
"And if the creeper yearned to be a tree?"
"It is easy to convince a wise man but to reason with a fool is a difficult undertaking."
Kuo-chung remained calm, nor betrayed by the slightest expressional change that he was offended.
"Even a fool may love his country."
Ming Huang's anger ebbed. It was too much of an effort, besides Yang Kuo-chung was Yang Kuei-fei's cousin. ”

“ This was a setback to Kuo-chung, but he let it pass. He knew that if he tried the scheme again, An Lu-shan might go directly to the Emperor with his complaints. Even the position of Prime Minister was not so high that he could not fall from it.
Nevertheless, within a year he was fabulously rich. Then suddenly the bubble burst. Yang Kuei-fei heard what was happening. In fury she summoned Kuo-chung to her apartments. But her voice was disarmingly gentle as she spoke.
"I have heard that you have made a fortune through judicious manipulation of counterfeit coin." ”

“ Kuo-chung developed a craftiness that somewhat made up for his physical weakness—aided by several of the more degraded eunuchs who had no pride of Empire. They lusted for power, now that they knew that opportunity was open to them. The year before, while Li Lin-fu was still Premier, a eunuch had been sent as an envoy to the Court of King Chipin in India to take the place of the Priest Wu-k'ung who had resigned because of illness. ”

“ Still the murmurings persisted. "Even an Emperor cannot rule five households." But no one disputed that four pretty sisters could very easily rule an Emperor.
Their uncle who was the affluent Governor of a province, was brought back to Changan, to become a high-ranking Court officer. Because he was now firmly entrenched in the Emperor's family, he had the audacity to go about in vermilion robes. Ming Huang smiled. He was not angered, but exceedingly pleased. Yang Yuan-kuei had brought with him a large supply of prime quality almonds. ”

“ What need was there for extensive armament when China was the mightiest Empire in the world? No other country would dare threaten its security.
11.
As that year drew to a close, Li Lin-fu breathed the vapors of death and expired. For nineteen years he had been an official, and for a large part of that time Premier. Ming Huang and An Lu-shan were desolated. They stood over his body, bowed with grief. But the populace of Changan was little troubled by the fact that the Prime Minister had hung up his hat.
Kuo-chung was gratified, and for the first time in many months he smiled. ”

“ They walk with bare feet in new-ploughed soil. Together they hunger in drought and feast when seed is plentiful. To conquer such a country, it is not enough to level the houses and slay the people. The earth itself must be destroyed. ”

“ The Emperor gave all three sisters large grants of land, and an unlimited allowance. Nor did he place any undue restrictions upon them, permitting them to leave or enter the Palace at will. What arrangements were made with their husbands remains a mystery. But they made no complaint so they must have been satisfied participants of an Imperial bargain. After all it is somewhat of a privilege to have one's wife desired by an Emperor.
Ming Huang instructed Yang Kuo-chung to see that suitable houses were erected for his three illustrious cousins. ”