268 THE LOYAL AND FAITHFUL 



Mei-kvvei replied, " I have but one word to say, I rely on you my 

 wife complying with my wish. As soon as I arrive at the capital I 

 shall accuse these traitors; should his majesty receive my statements 

 and cut them off, I will then despatch a person without delay to con- 

 duct you and my son to the capital." While conversing, the servant 

 entered to announce that the gentry of the district had come to con- 

 gratulate him on his promotion, and were now waiting to know 

 whether he would receive them or not. Mei-kwei replied, "I cannot 

 receive visitors day after day, but since they are waiting I will see 

 them." As the servant was retiring, Mei-kwei bid him wait, when he 

 wrote down the hours he would be at home to receive visits ; staling 

 at the same time, that none to whom his card was presented would 

 be required to repeat the visit; for he intended leaving the follow- 

 ing day. Mei-kwei, on changing his dress, ordered the gates of the 

 public office to be thrown open, when he entered the hall, where were 

 waiting a few of the gentry in full dress, who instantly advancing to- 

 wards him, in a body exclaimed, c< We congratulate you, Sir, on your 

 being called to aid the government a happy omen of prosperity to 

 the nation." On Mei-kwei modestly declining the compliment, 

 they seated themselves as guests and visitors, when the gentlemen 

 said, " From the time that you and your lady came to preside 

 over us, we have known nothing but felicity ; hearing that you are 

 about to leave us, since his majesty has sent for you, we hope here- 

 after you will be raised to be one of the San-kung (three chief 

 ministers oPstate), and that you and the higher officers of govern- 

 ment will be as brethren." Mei-kwei replied, " Here there is a 

 distinction, but there petty distinctions do not exist. I am grateful 

 to his majesty for the favour he has conferred on me. As a minister 

 how may I not strive to expel traitorous ministers ! Gentlemen, I 

 expect that you will assist me with all your souls. " 



It is said, that on lady Mei-kwei ordering her servants to pack 

 up a few light articles, she thus addressed her son, " My son, as your 

 father has made up his mind, and is determined to unite with the 

 royal house to expel the rebels, the destruction of our family is not 

 remote. 5 ' The young gentleman replied, " What you say, mother, 

 is correct. Father does not give it a thought whether he lives or 

 dies, being intent on acquiring the reputation of a good minister ; 

 should he lose his life for the good of his country, it is only what 

 others have been called to endure.'' During this conversation, Mei- 

 kwei took leave of the gentlemen, having shut the gate, and thrown 

 off his upper dress. On seeing the servants busy packing, in deep 

 thought he said io himself, " Ah, it is either fame or gain that 

 influences man through life, and the cause of all the trouble and 

 vexation that occur." On perceiving his wife and son in the hall, 

 distressed conversing together, Mei-kwei, on approaching, asked 

 her what they were conversing about. The lady replied, " I and 

 your son were conversing about your proceeding to the capital ; 

 your son remarked that such was the object of all those who held 

 office." Mei-kwei replied, " Just think on that," when, stroking his 

 beard, he burst into a loud laugh, and said, " Excellent! excellent! 

 the object of all who hold office ! My lady, from that remark I am 



