She then read it
aloud, the ladies prostrating themselves.
To the Princess of Han, the August Aunt, the Lady of the Nine
Superior Virtues:-
"Having deeply reflected on the wisdom submitted, We thus reply.
Women should not be the judges of their own virtues, since these
exist only in relation to men. Let Our Command therefore be
executed, and tablets presented before us seven days hence, with
the name of each lady appended to her tablet."
It was indeed pitiable to see the anxiety of the ladies! A
sacrifice to Kwan-Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, of a jewel from
each, with intercession for aid, was proposed by the Lustrous
Lady; but the majority shook their heads sadly. The August Aunt,
tossing her head, declared that, as the Son of Heaven had made no
comment on her proposal of opening and closing the discussion,
she should take no part other than safeguarding the interests of
propriety. This much increased the alarm, and, kneeling at her
feet, the swan-like beauties, Deep-Snow and Winter Moon implored
her aid and compassion. But, rising indignantly, the August Aunt
sought her own apartments, and for the first time the inmates of
the Pepper Chamber saw with regret the golden dragons embroidered
on her back.
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