Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/270

RV 265 (AN LU-SHAN) mold, they were of slight importance, forming as they did a minority, nor did it occur to him that in that minority lay the strength of the Empire. However, he acknowledged the power and brilliance of Li Lin-fu. Li Lin-fu was his friend. Therefore he had nothing to fear, not even the wrath of his wife if any little amorous pleasantry were discovered, for she, good woman that she was, urged him to plough enjoyment in any fields that were to his liking. All that she asked was that the tranquillity of her night's slumbers be not invaded. It had been so long since he had slept by her side that to him her person was like unto a foreign country, cold, bleak, desolate. He preferred to do his exploring in warmer climes, where almonds bloomed and the peace of earth and morning was spread like an immortal rug over everything So absorbed did he become in reflections, he swallowed an almond without chewing it. It lodged in his throat and he would have strangled, had a eunuch not noticed his plight and thumped him on the back until his spine nearly cracked. It virtually ruined him, but it saved his life. Nevertheless, he continued with his nibbling.

Gradually An Lu-shan replaced the Chinese officers of his large army with Tartars. No one complained because there was little doubt of their efficiency. All his appointments were made quietly so that not even an echo found its way to the Imperial Palace. The Emperor's faith in An Lu-shan's ability was RV 265 (265)