The sun., 1903-11-29
\AIHAT THE EMPEROR
w .. COULD NOT DO.
Toon-Lfs Invitation to Court and
the Consequences 1t
Entausd.

The All-Powerful Emperor han seen
many crafty people. tnany clever people in
his court, but he wanted to geo some happy
people
Il am sun which gilds only the noun
tain heights, for its rays never reach the
valeye," he said to himself and ordered
his Grand Master Of Ceremonies to bring
him Il list Of the lower furc,ionaries.
The Master Of Ceremonies brought aes
rolls, each Of which was 08 cubits long, but
which barely held all the names.
How many there arel' said the Emperor.
and pointing to the name of mandarin
Of the -torty-eighth class. he ordered the
Chief Grand Master Of Ceremonies Find
out what kind Of a man he is'"
The Emperor's orders were fulfilled with
out delay and the Emperor had not had time
TO count 10000 before the Chief Grand
Master of Ceremonies returned. and, max
ing low bow, said
"Hs is . faithful old servant OF yours,
All-Powerful Son of Heaven. He Is an
honest, humble. official and an exemplary
family nsn. He Il on excellent terms with
his wife, and they train their daughter
piously and dutifully."
peror. II wish to gladden. him by a sight
OF me. Go notify him that the first day
Of the new moon he can present himself
before me with his family"
He will die Of happiness!- exclaimed
the Grand Master of Ceremonies.
Let us hope not" said the kind Emperor,
smilingly. "Go, carry ont my wish"
"Wel?" he asked. when the Grand Master
Of Ceremonies returned to the palace.
Your sacred wish has been fulf lied.
All-Powerful Son Of Heaven" replied the
Grand Master Of Ceremonies, throwing
himself prone before the Emperor Your
gracious command was announced to
loon- Ii. by the beating of drums, the blow
ing of trumpets and the exultant shouts Of
the populace extollnq your wisdom"
What did Toon-L do?"
He seemed mad with joy The world
has never yet seen such joyful madness
The day of Toon-Lis presentation at
court approached slowly. ii seemed like
everything we wait for. The Emp
wanted to 500 happy man more quickly.
ordinary coolie, he went with guide to
tha distant quarter of Pekin where Toon-
Ii lived.
-, Even at a distance they heard cries from
Toon-li's home.
"Is it possible they rejoice so loudly?"
in his soul.
Most unlucky woman! Most contempti-
bic creature the sun ever shone upon!'
cried 'roon-Li. May that day and hour be
cursed when it occurred to me to marry
you, y,h Truly evil dragons suggested this
"Wc have lived as husband and wife for
200 moons replied Toon-Li's wife, with
tears in her eyes. "and never before heard
such curses from you. You always found
me loving good and true. you praised
Yes. but We were not obliged to appear
before the Emperor" Toon-f4i answered,
in a rage. "You will cover mo with dis
grace.
you will make me laughing stock.
Do you know how to make thirty-three
graceful bows, as etiquette requires2
i shall sink through the floor with shame
At yoH, y, and our daughter; She Is tho most
horrible IRE In the wos world
Father replied Toon-I.i's daughter,
sobbing. father, did you not call me your
beauty, your dear Mu-1ian, your sweet
Mu-Lian? Did you not say there was no
more obedient than ~"
"Yes But your feet are two fingers
longl' exclaimed Toon-Ii, in despair. Il
am sure that the Emperor will die Of horror
on seeing such monster of a foot
in a paianqun. wa vailed T poor @ little Mu- iIH
Liam. ~My feet are for walking. must
marry just such humble and poor official
as you, father. You trained me for work,
Your deformity is cursed whom YOU
must be presented to the Emperor.
shrieked Toon-Li quite beside himself.
At that moment gong sounded and
money lender entered the ROOM
"Well, Toon-Li," he asked, shave you
thought over my tarms?"
But we shall die Of hunger if We accept
your terms murmured Toon-L. covering
his face with his hands in his terror.
AS you wish and the money lender
shrugged his shoulders. But remember
that time is passing If you delay we shall
not have time to make blue silk robe with
golden colored sleeves for you, nor a silk
gown for your wife, nor gown embroidered
with flowers for your daughter. All this is
necessary for presentation at court
What will you do then?"
very we'll! agree-agree!" stammered
Toon-Li
"Rememher this, so that there may not
he any dispute afterwarC: I shall do all
this for you and every new moon you will
give me three quarters of your salary"
But We shall die Of hunger" exclaimed
Toon-Li, wringing his hands. Take half.
Do not kill us"
Toon-Li, his wife and poor little Mu-
Liam crouched on their knees before the
money lender, begging him to take half of
Toon-Lis salary.
"We shall be hungry all the rest OF our
lives
ree-quarters of your salary every new
moon" the money lender insisted 1T is
my last word. do you agree or not?'