Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/298

RV 293 (AN LU-SHAN) there was even a faint smile on her lips. Readily he admitted his perfidy.

"Oh, yes," he said, "I am now the richest member of the House of Yang." He tried unsuccessfully not to appear boastful. "Of course, my dear cousin," he hastened to add, "I have set aside a large portion of my profits for you."

"Most thoughtful," said she. "I am deeply interested."

"Had you not placed me in power, I could not have contrived so intriguing a scheme."

"Why did you not mention it to me before this, since I, too, am to share the benefits?"

"I wanted to surprise you."

"That you have done."

"I knew that you always sought promotion for those officers who bestowed upon you the most expensive presents."

"But never when they were not worthy of promotion."

"How about An Lu-shan?" he asked slyly. However, at once he was sorry for his impudence for there seemed to be sharp swords in her eyes.

"An Lu-shan," she said curtly, "is the most efficient General in all of China. His troops are the best trained."

"In order to be capable of starting a rebellion!" he blurted out.

"Or to protect the Empire from invasion."

"It is my belief that An Lu-shan has visions of being Emperor of China." RV 293 (293)