Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/290

RV 285 (AN LU-SHAN) was elevated to the post of President of the Board of Punishments. Later Li Lin-fu became apprehensive because of his increasing influence and forthwith accused him of conspiracy to place the heir apparent upon the throne after forcing Ming Huang's abdication. Unceremoniously, Chien was banished and a Censor was entrusted with the task of putting him to death.

Li Lin-fu had hated Chang Kui-ling who had written "The Golden Mirror of Precepts for the Sovereign's Birthday." Kui-ling stood for righteousness, which was enough to encourage the Premier to smear him with the mold of hatred. Then, too, Kui-ling was fearless. He flayed Li Lin-fu with flashes of wisdom, that bit into the flesh like steel blades. "The plough-ox has no grass for its evening meal, while the barn-rat has enough grain and to spare If you would contract you must first expand. If you would weaken, you must first strengthen. If you would take, you must first give The convictions of the meanest man cannot be taken from him Men long for flowers before they have bloomed and mourn for them when they are gone. How much greater must their grief be for the unplucked flower of opportunity A plausible tongue and a fascinating expression are seldom associated with true virtue Even the cruel wind has a pleasing smile He who goes contrary to virtue will be destroyed."

Li Lin-fu was outraged. He did everything in his power to pry Kui-ling away from the Emperor's favor, and for a brief period he succeeded in causing him to be banished on trumped up charges. However, Kui-ling RV 285 (285)