The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1890-12-16
LIKE A FAIRY STORY.
The History Of Yin Ling and Her Ac-
cession to The Throne Of
China.

There once livedin the city of Canton,
China, Q poor family named Tszun. The
father had once owned many large and
prosperous rice fields throughout the
province OF Qrang Tung, bet his grief
at the death of his wife had been 90 great
as to cause him to neglect all'his bosi-
ness for his opium pipe, and little by lit
tie all his possessions had been lost.
Now he was compelled to work almost
as a slave in n of the big fields which
had formerly belonged to him in order
TO support his two children, Yin Ling, a
pretty dark eyed girl Of 10 years, and his
son. Ko Jou, . years Of age.
But the terrible appetite for tie opium
often caused Tszun to neglect his two
little ones, and then gentle Yin Ling
would weave y bamboo mat and sell it
to one OF the neighbors that her darling
little brother might not go hungry.
Yin Ling even cut a hole in the wall
between the two little rooms of their
home so one lamp would give light to
both rooms, that her slender purse need
not be overtaxed.
Finally the little family became so
poverty stricken that there were many.
many nights when the two children
sought their little bamboo mats and
cried themselves TO sleep for the want Of
their supper of rice and tea; and, worse
than all, the opium had caused a terrible
change to come over Tszun, for he was
no longer wen kind to his babies. Ono
day he came to Yin Ling and told her
that he was going to take her away and
sell her. he said he would have to do
it to save himself and little Ko Jou from
starvation.
Poor Yin Ling cried long and bitterly
all that night, but she knew that her
fathers will must be done. The last
evening was a sad one for the little
family. Early in the evening Yin Ling
kissed Ko Jou while he was still asleep
and went away with her father to the
great city.
AL day until nightfaIl they wandered
about the streets. Tszun at length
found a Tidoo general who paid 400
taels into his g~rasping hand.
The general was the commander of
the troops Of all southern China, and,
being a distant relative to the emperor,
Helm Fung, had influence with the inn
perial family ct Pekin. He was imme-
diately fascinated with Yin Ling's pref
ty face and modest actions, and took
her home to his wife as her special maid.
The generals wife was greatly pleased
with her gift, and at once ordered a set
of pretty robes and gowns for her new
maid servant. She then put her in
charge of the private boudoir in which
she received all the distinguished ladies
who called upon her.
The sudden change from a life Of
pinching poverty to one of luxury and
comfort brought out the gentle nature
and true disposition Of Yin Ling as rap
idly as a sun scorched lily renews life
under the cooling drops of a spring
shower.
Her hands became white and soft and
her ~amiability, as well as her radiant
face, soon became SO noticeable that the
ladies of the household became attracted
to her and showered many gifts upon
her.
The old general was especially delight
ed with her, and when a year had passed
he and his wife decided not to have Yin
Ling as a slave but IS a daughter.
Yin Ling was summoned.
sym Ling" said the general, "from
this day you are no longer to be a slave
in my household"
The bright smile faded from the
maiden's face and the tears gathered
quickly in her eyes. Trembling she
turned to go.
Stay, Yin Ling" cried the general.
"You must remain, not as my slave, but
as my daughter"
Yin Ling's face frightened, and smil-
ing through her tears she ran to the gen.
eral and fell sobbing on his breast. He
kissed her tenderly.
s'You have made me SO happy" said
she, that ! would gladly die for you"
The delighted general bought a com
plete new outfit of gorgeous silk robes
for Yin Ling and a special tutor was
provided to teach her how to read and
write. accomplishments enjoyed only by
daughters of high officials.
Being naturally intelligent Yin Ling
progressed rapidly in her studies and in
the mean time her newly adopted mother
and other Indies OF the household had
not neglected her other accomplishments,
such as the embroidery Of the fine golden
silk and the playing Of the little two
stringed banjo.
AT tho age of 16 years Yin Ling was
known as one of the most beautiful
women in the province of Quang Tung.
About this time the venerable old
Tidoo general. on account of his age and
the great service he had been to the en-
pire, was recalled to Pekin for promo
ton and honors as one Of the heroes Of
the great Tai Ping rebellion.
1t was always customary for such dis
tinguiss,ed officials when they were TO
receive new honors 70 take to the en-
peror some rare gift a. q tokga of their
respect and loyalty.
The general wanted to present to the
emperor something especially fine, but
he could not decide what it would be.
One day a happy thought flashed across
his mind. And his face, which had been
for some time clouded by deep thinking,
lighted into q bright smile. H. called his
wife and told her he thought he would