Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/139

RV 134 (LADY T'AI CHÊN) I have already arranged that you are to retire to the T'ai Chên Palace, in the mountain solitudes, there to become a nun for a while until geomancers proclaim that it is a propitious time for your return."

He paused abruptly. "You are shivering," he said, and threw off his cape which he placed about her shoulders.

"Your neck and shoulders are like living, breathing white jade. Your eyes are like apricot kernels."

Luxuriously, she put her cheek against the ermine. Never had she been so thoroughly warmed, a warmth that penetrated even unto her heart.

Early the next morning, she repaired to the quietude of the T'ai Chên Palace to do penance, to pray to her gods, to forget Prince Shou and to perfect her schemes.

Meanwhile Ming Huang turned to the affairs of State as though by so doing he could turn the thoughts of his people from the glamorous Lady T'ai Chên. He decided that he would visit various sections of his Empire.

Accompanied by a large retinue he journeyed first to Loyang, the Eastern Capital. As he arrived at the Palace, the weather was very hot and dry. The farmers were distressed. If the young sprouts were scorched, the whole crop might be destroyed. They appealed to their Emperor, thankful that in this hour of trial, he had not forsaken them but had come to Loyang. Ming RV 134 (134)