Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/308

RV 303 (VICTORY) the prognostications of astrologists. When a weak man has delusions, the whole world trembles. His preposterous schemes have so little regard for sound reasoning, it is impossible to foretell where his whims will carry him. Kuo-chung was angered if his generals disputed his preposterous suggestions. Delectable indeed was his position, for he had begun by taking advice from eunuchs but in little more than a year he was giving orders to generals. He believed he was the military genius that China needed. Finally his troops were ready. Impatiently they yearned for an opportunity to display their prowess. Nature arranges that for the determined there is always opportunity, but makes no provision for the price that has to be paid for it. Kuo-chung's opportunity came.

Under the urge for conquest, he decided to attack and subdue the barbarous State of Nan Chao in Southwest China. He planned the campaign in a sheltered garden while the actual warfare was undertaken by a General in whom he had perfect trust. His name was Li Mi. Li Mi scoffed at the ability of An Lu-shan. Kuo-chung asked no higher reference. They both agreed that An Lu-shan was a pot-bellied boaster, whose vulgar laugh was a bray. Kuo-chung and Li Mi had much in common; they valued each other's friendship all the more because Li Mi, too, was jealous of An Lu-shan.

So Li Mi went forth to battle while Kuo-chung loitered in the garden with Kuo Kuo, munching pomegranates and luscious grapes. The days wore on. He was extremely complacent, supreme master of military RV 303 (303)