Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/276

RV 271 (AN LU-SHAN) "And to what end," asked Ming Huang dryly, "if you forfeit it by offending the Emperor?"

"Your Majesty is never angered when Yang Kuei-fei is honored."

Ming Huang pretended peevishness. He fanned himself to separate the sun, screen off the wind, obstruct the dust, but above all to secure time for shrewd contemplation.

"I wonder if by your action, you intend to suggest that the exquisite Princess really rules China."

Yang Kuei-fei whispered in Ming Huang's ear, "Contented will I be always merely to rule my Emperor."

Ming Huang drew her to him. "An Lu-shan," he said, with pretended sternness, "I am of the opinion that you merit killing, and I would destroy your miserable life were it not for the fact that if I did so, I fear Yang Kuei-fei might destroy my miserable heart. I gave it into her care for safe keeping."

An Lu-shan knelt before her. "Unto her keeping also do I give my life. Guard it well, Princess, so it may escape the Emperor's wrath."

That day was a memorable one for the Empire. At sunset a courier arrived at the Palace bringing news of an important victory. Governor Wang Chung-sze had defeated the Turf ans in the Gobi Desert. He had also annihilated thousands of warriors of the wild tribe of Tukuhun.

An Lu-shan was gratified even though his men had had no part in the undertaking. For the moment, all he desired was peace in order that he might have the RV 271 (271)