Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/294

RV 289 (AN LU-SHAN)

Kuo-chung developed a craftiness that somewhat made up for his physical weakness—aided by several of the more degraded eunuchs who had no pride of Empire. They lusted for power, now that they knew that opportunity was open to them. The year before, while Li Lin-fu was still Premier, a eunuch had been sent as an envoy to the Court of King Chipin in India to take the place of the Priest Wu-k'ung who had resigned because of illness. Kuo-chung's friendship with the eunuchs can only be explained by the fact that, conscious of weakness, he was able to feel strong only in the presence of these poor unfortunates who were beyond desire.

It was not long before eunuchs employed by Kuo-chung were openly declaring that Li Lin-fu had plotted high treason with a Turkic chief and that only his death had stifled the smouldering fire. It was a daring procedure. Even Yang Kuei-fei feared for Kuo-chung's safety. She could not bear to think of the terrible retribution An Lu-shan would exact when he discovered the true instigator of this attack on his dead friend, who had been his sponsor at the Court.

Strangely enough, An Lu-shan did nothing, nor did he seem at all perturbed. He walked with Yang Kuei-fei in the garden of the Palace. She wore a red rose in her hair because it was his favorite flower.

She could not help discussing the rumors about Li Lin-fu. RV 289 (289)