Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/122

RV 117 (THE PEAR GARDEN) Eunuch, and the multitudinous envoys, plenipotentiaries, Arab, Persian and Indian merchants, magicians, high-ranking provincial officers, Mayors, Governors, Marquises, Dukes, an endless procession of men, in full-dress regalia. Some of them looked like showcases for medals.

Ming Huang sat on a great embroidered chair, facing South. His costume was of imperial yellow silk, upon which were five-clawed dragons. Seventeen of the Princes attended the festival. Their costumes were of vermilion silk. But Prince Shou, whose favorite concubine was to be signally honored that day, had found it convenient to go off on a hunting trip to the Tsing-ling Mountains. He was in a somewhat embarrassing position; though annoyed by the interest of his father, the Emperor, in his lovely concubine, he could not very well openly oppose his wishes. What his thoughts were no man may know, for when he arrived at the mountains, he left his retinue and rode off unattended into solitude.

The Palace Ladies, and the musicians of the Everlasting Spring Garden, appeared like walking flower beds, for on their silken costumes flowers had been painted by hand, peonies, chrysanthemums, wistaria, azaleas and jasmine, while others had bits of jade and pearls stitched into their garments, but the jewels were no more perfect than the embroideries.

The musicians were arranged on four sides of the arena, with drums at the corners. The Emperor waved his fan languidly. It was the signal for the festival to RV 117 (117)