Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/281

RV 276 (AN LU-SHAN) suspicion, but I feel that I would be failing in loyalty to my Emperor if I did not do so."

"Speak freely," said Ming Huang casually. He was in no mood to hear confessions, even confessions of cowardice; neither was he anxious to become involved in a long wrangle about intrigue and subversive activities. His long reign had taught him that if a man has grain, the rats gather; but there is little cause for concern when there are so many cats to fatten upon them. He wondered why Kuo-chung did not carry His worries to Li Lin-fu who so ably was carrying the heaviest burden of government. However one phrase of Kuo-chung's lent itself to meditation.

"The roots of China," he repeated thoughtfully. "The roots of China travel far and are buried very deep."

"I have a theory that an esteemed member of the Court is plotting the destruction of the Empire."

Ming Huang roused from his lethargy. But he did not seem unduly alarmed.

"No country with its roots firmly implanted can ever be annihilated. The peasants and their land are one. They walk with bare feet in new-ploughed soil. Together they hunger in drought and feast when seed is plentiful. To conquer such a country, it is not enough to level the houses and slay the people. The earth itself must be destroyed."

"Your Majesty speaks with singular wisdom; notwithstanding, even the strongest government may be agitated by rebellion." RV 276 (276)