Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/282

RV 277 (AN LU-SHAN) "Rebellion is an unpleasant word. How dare you utter it in my presence?"

"That you may be warned. The creeper lives by twining itself around the tree."

"Granted, though you seem to have overlooked the fact that if the tree falls, the creeper dies."

"And if the creeper yearned to be a tree?"

"It is easy to convince a wise man but to reason with a fool is a difficult undertaking."

Kuo-chung remained calm, nor betrayed by the slightest expressional change that he was offended.

"Even a fool may love his country."

Ming Huang's anger ebbed. It was too much of an effort, besides Yang Kuo-chung was Yang Kuei-fei's cousin.

"May I inquire who is planning this revolt?"

"One whose courage you have honored—An Lu-shan."

"Impossible! He is like my own son."

"A traitorous son."

Ming Huang turned to Kao Li-shih. "Find An Lu-shan. Tell him to come here at once."

An Lu-shan was with Yang Kuei-fei. He was not difficult to find. However, he was somewhat angry at being disturbed. But even a Generalissimo must not oppose the wishes of his Emperor.

Ming Huang smiled as he beheld An Lu-shan approaching.

"Grave charges have been made against you," he said. RV 277 (277)