That night Lady Ma concealed herself behind the Imperial couch in
the Dragon Chamber, to await the coming of the Son of Heaven.
Slowly dripped the water-clock as the minutes fled away; sorely
ached the venerable limbs of the Lady Ma as she crouched in the
shadows and saw the rising moon scattering silver through the
elegant traceries of carved ebony and ivory; wildly beat her
heart as delicately tripping footsteps approached the Dragon
Chamber, and the Princess of Feminine Propriety, attended by her
maidens, ascended the Imperial Couch and hastily dismissed them.
Yet no sweet repose awaited this favored lady. The Lady Ma could
hear her smothered sobs, her muttered exclamations - nay could
even feel the couch itself tremble as the Princess uttered the
hated name of the Lady A-Kuei, the poison of jealousy running in
every vein. It was impossible for Lady Ma to decide which was the
most virulent, this, or the poison of curiosity in the heart of
the Pearl Empress. Though she loved not the Princess she was
compelled to pity such suffering. But all thought was banished by
the approach of the Yellow Emperor, prepared for repose and
unattended, in simple but divine grandeur.
Pages:
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215