Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/146

RV 141 (LADY T'AI CHÊN) enough. Battle after battle. Endless border clashes. Intrigue and despotism in the royal household. The blood of my own aunt is on my hands, but for the good of China it had to be that way."

"Likewise, for the good of China, the Wei family must be curbed."

"You are a learned man, noble Wang. I will take your advice and stamp out the internal disorders."

Now the meal was ready, the meat was done to a turn, the table had been set, food had been carried out to the other members of the suite. There was food in abundance, kind hosts and a friendly fire. The Emperor relaxed and ate with relish. Never had he drunk wine that so abundantly supplied satisfaction. It coursed through his veins. The cottage was no longer poor. It had everything, including an intangible quality that momentarily lifted the weight of Empire from the Emperor's shoulders. He insisted that the good wife sit at table with them, an unheard-of honor.

"Here," said he, "let us imagine that I too am a scholar, pondering over the important things of life, and not one who because of circumstances has become the leader of a mighty people. It has been truly written that a Chinese peasant is better than a barbarian prince." He sipped wine thoughtfully, then he added, "After all, there is little difference between us; I am Emperor of China, ruling over all beneath the skies, while you are Master of the Skies and so rule the heavens themselves." RV 141 (141)