Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/100

RV 95 (THE PEAR GARDEN) upon the new device of printing from movable type. They set up the Diamond Sutra, quickly followed by other religious works. The printing departments of the monasteries were beehives of fanatical zeal. Their doctrines mixed with the thoughts of poets and bore fruit that was extremely palatable and sometimes strange. As in the case of the poet Ch'ang Chien, who graduated from Hanlin College and for a while attempted an official career. He was devout, restless, unsuited to the cunning required for advancement at the Court. Though the Emperor himself was forthright, unfortunately all the officers of the Court were not. Especially true was this of Li Lin-fu who, because he was of Imperial lineage besides being an exceptional scholar, was President of the Board of Rites. His influence at Court was extreme. Perhaps in a game of wits, he had won the Emperor's confidence. When he was ennobled a Duke, he acted as though he were the Emperor's brother. He was crafty, ruthless, despicable.

Ch'ang Chien wearied of a court in which there were two emperors. Had he not retired to the mountains he might have breathed the vapors of death.

But Ming Huang frowned upon violence if humane methods were possible. He was in accord with the precepts of Lao Tzu: "In governing men or in serving god there is nothing like moderation."

The Emperor was opposed to capital punishment and frequently suggested that it be abolished. Li Lin-fu RV 95 (95)