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transferred to Nanking, and soon afterwards retired from paUic life; but in 1892 he again took office as Viceroy of the Two Eiang and Superintendent of Trade for the southern ports. In 1894 he was transferred to Tientsin, and early in 1895 started for Shan- hai-kuan to assume supreme command against the Japanese. In 1896, after seyeral attempts to retire, he was sent back to his former post at Nanking.

1325 Liu Kang-oh*ilan ^p ^ >^ (T |£ ^). A.D. 778-865. An

official under the T^ang dynasty, who graduated as chin shih in 806 and was promoted to high posts because of the beauty of his handwriting. **How can you write so exquisitely?'* asked the Emperor Mu Tsung. **I guide my pen,'* replied Liu, ^^by my heart. I keep my heart correct, and my pen follows.*' His Majesty changed countenance, for he felt that this was a hint to himself. On another occasion, when the news of some frontier success was announced, he at once recited a congratulatory ode. ^'Well done!" cried the Emperor; *Ts*ao Chih is said to have been able to compose a Terse while taking only seven steps, but you can do it in three." When the Emperor WSn Tsung was boasting how seldom he had new clothes, and the other courtiers were applauding the Imperial economy, Liu ventured to remonstrate, pointing out that energetic government was of more importance than economy* in clothes. Ennobled as Duke. See Liu Chung^ying,

1326 Liu Eung-jung ^ ^ ^. 3rd cent. A.D. A noted tippler, who excused himself by saying, "One must drink with the superiors of Eung-jung, one must drink with his inferiors, and one must drink with his equals; consequently I am often drunk." Later on, when at the house of Yuan Chi, wine was set before the host and before Wang Jung who was also a guest, but none was offered to Liu. "One must drink with the superiors of Kung-jung," said Yiiau Chi in explanation, "and one must drink with his inferiors;