in the orthodox classical manner, and for providing the
Throne with another occupant whose youth, connections and
docility would enable her to hold the Regency indefinitely.
Nevertheless, because of the turbulent temper of the south-
ern provinces and possible manifestation of Europe's curious
sympathy with the Emperor's Utopian dreams, she realised
the necessity for proceeding with caution and decorum. It
was commonly reported throughout the city in the begin-
ning of October that the Emperor would die with the end of
the Chinese year.

Kuang Hsü was a prisoner in his Palace, doomed, as he
well knew; yet must he play the puppet Son of Heaven and
perform each season's appointed posturings. On the 8th day
of the 8th Moon he appeared therefore, as ordered by his
attendants, and in the presence of his whole Court performed
the nine prostrations and other proper acts of obeisance
before Her Majesty Tzŭ Hsi, in recognition of his own non-
entity and her supreme authority. In the afternoon, escorted
by a strong detachment of Jung Lu's troops, he went from
the Lake Palace to sacrifice at the Altar of the Moon. Thus,
pending the coup-de-grâce, the wretched Emperor went
through the empty ceremonies of State ritual; high priest,
that was himself to be the next victim, how bitter must
have been his thoughts as he was borne back with Imperial
pomp and circumstance to his lonely place of humiliation!

Tzŭ Hsi then settled down to her work of government,
returning to it with a zest by no means diminished by the
years spent in retreat. And first she must justify the policy
of reaction to herself, to her high officials, and the world at
large. She must get rid of offenders and surround herself
with men after her own heart.

A few days after the Autumn festival and the Emperor's
melancholy excursion, Her Majesty proceeded to remind the
Imperial Clansmen that their position would not protect
them against the consequences of disloyalty; she was always
much exercised (remembering the Tsai Yüan conspiracy) at

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