Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/327

RV 322 (VICTORY) An Lu-shan echoed the laughter. He was like a General drunk with the smell of blood and the lust of battle. It was pleasant to watch men die.

Later when the last opposition had been broken, he rode into the city at the head of his troops. His chariot was as brilliant as the sunrise, but there was blood upon the wheels.

The next morning he assumed the title of Emperor and issued a decree that henceforth the territory that had fallen under his authority was to be known as the State of Yen.

At Changan, Ming Huang heard the bitter news stoically. Weak and careless he undoubtedly had been, but his courage was firm, his determination did not falter. Reports were coming back to him that lessened the gloom. Couriers on horseback were racing in relays to the East, to the West, to the North, and to the South, carrying the Emperor's orders. Word traveled as though by magic, by whisperings in the trees, on the lips of the wind, and by the age old method of drum signals. Many of the Governors remained faithful. Generals rallied to the support of their Ruler. Even Li Ting, the Heir Apparent, had gone off on a secret mission. Though reared in luxury and dominated by the eunuch Li Fu-kuo, when the need arose, he was ready. His action gave his father new courage.

Before long An Lu-shan was on the march again. Scoundrels in key positions must always plan new RV 322 (322)