Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/365

RV 360 (VICTORY) "Li Ting is the Emperor of China; Ming Huang is the Emperor of Li Ting."

At Court, the next morning, Li Ting conferred upon his father the rank of Supreme and Heavenly Sovereign Lord, a title higher even than his own. But it was also a title usually associated with Immortals, men of superb courage and wisdom who were no longer concerned with earthly affairs.

At every opportunity, Li Fu-kuo pointed out to Li Ting how dangerous it was to have so powerful a person at the Palace as Kao Li-shih. Although Kao had voluntarily relinquished his high office, he was still one of the most forcible men in the Empire.

Li Fu-kuo chanted endlessly a despicable theme. "Perhaps someday Kao Li-shih will attempt to reclaim the Dragon Throne for Ming Huang, when time has assuaged the old Emperor's boundless grief. It may be that in my loyalty to Your Majesty, I am over-suspicious. Nevertheless a few incidents have occurred that lead me to believe that Kao Li-shih is still ambitious. He merely waits. When the opportune hour comes, he will step from behind his mask of humility. Oh, worthy and mighty Sovereign, I implore you to believe that Kao Li-shih is dangerous."

"I am disturbed," said Li Ting petulantly.

"Perhaps he will strike before we are prepared to combat him." RV 360 (360)