Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/329

RV 324 (VICTORY) his thoughts, that whenever he mused over the engrossing plans for ruling all China, he always thought of her as his Empress. Desire for her drove him forward at a more rapid pace than had been embodied in his original plans. Nevertheless, all was well. No man pursued him, no one was strong enough seriously to block his path.

Ko-shu-han did not underestimate the might of the rebels. He decided that he would not go out to meet them in open battle until he could be reinforced by the armies of Li Kuang-pi and Kuo Tzu-i who were massing over two hundred thousand troops, an army strong and gallant enough to save the Empire.

Ming Huang was advised of the plan, but he was in no mood for dalliance. He discussed the matter with Kuo-chung. Kuo-chung boldly asserted that to wage defensive warfare would be a mark of cowardice. The Emperor permitted himself to be persuaded. Stem orders were issued Ko-shu-han to leave the garrison and boldly meet the enemy. Ko-shu-han knew that someone had blundered, that his comparatively small forces were woefully outnumbered by the mighty legions of An Lu-shan, even though the Emperor had sent his own Palace troops to his aid.

Nevertheless, Ko-shu-han obeyed orders. He commanded his troops to leave their firmly entrenched positions at the fortress to plunge unprotected into battle.

An Lu-shan smiled. He considered it one of his minor engagements.

Ko-shu-han met ignominious defeat. His army was RV 324 (324)