MINISTER MEI-KMEI, 335 



some questions to you." The four persons acquiescing mounted 

 their horses, and were about to proceed, when he called to them not 

 to put up at an extravagant inn, a mere lodging would do. They 

 replied, " VVe understand," and proceeded. After proceeding at a 

 regular pace for several hours, Mei-kwei was met by one of those 

 persons, who informed him that his apartments were ready, when 

 Mei-kwei told him that he and his bearers would occupy the same 

 room. At this time the landlord made his appearance, who, on 

 making his bow, said, " I am come to pay my respects." Mei- 

 kwei on entering took particular notice of every thing observable. 

 On entering the great room, he saw three smaller rooms, which, 

 besides having chairs arranged, there was the honoured seat with 

 the necessary articles for writing-, as well as for punishing persons, 

 all in readiness. Mei-kwei next proceeded to the back apartments, 

 when, looking over the screen, he saw three other rooms appropri- 

 ated as a library, with a bed in each, with tables all arranged in 

 order, respecting which he did not say a word. While Mei-kwei 

 was resting himself, the servant brought some water, which Mei- 

 pih received. By the time that Mei-kwei had washed himself tea 

 was brought, which was soon succeeded by candles, when Mei- 

 kwei, taking the honoured seat, enjoined " That there be not 

 any unnecessary preparations made, that he will be pleased with 

 any mere trifle ; but not so, if the palate be pampered with what is 

 expensive." Mei-kwei, while taking wine, called for the four persons 

 to come in, when he thus addressed them, " As you have^ you say, 

 attended on persons who have been called to assist in the governmsnt, 

 you must be acquainted with Loo-ke, of the Le-poo Board of Rites, 

 and Whang-kaou, with his cabal of traitorous ministers, who are en- 

 deavouring to subvert the throne, I will thank you to inform me 

 minutely respecting them." The four men replied, " Loo-ke, the 

 Tae-sze officer, is highly beloved by the Emperor, and Whang- 

 kaou is his principal assistant. As they have the j)ower of promoting 

 j)er=ons, every one pays them homage ; there are none among all 

 the officers of government that dare oppose them. Since your Ex- 

 cellency is about to enter the capital, you must ingratiate yourself 

 with the Tae-sze officer, and with Whang-kaou, of the Le-poo 

 board. We beg that your Excellency will follow our advice, then 

 your Excellency will succeed." Mei-kwei indignantly replied, " Why 

 give such treasonable advice ? Do you think I will imitate them in 

 forming cabals, or submit to them? I will enter the capital without 

 showing them the least respect. Should they oflTer me the least 

 insult, I apprehend that cabal of intriguing persons will not sleep com- 

 fortably on their pillows." The more he spoke, the more he railed at 

 them. On rising, he bade them early to retire to rest, that they 

 might attend on him in the morning. 



As soon as Mei-kwei had dressed herself, the landlord introduced 

 lea, which as soon as it was taken, wine, &c. were brought in, and he 

 waited at the table. Mei-kwei, addressing him, said, " Did I not 

 enjoin on you not to pamper the palate ; wherefore this unnecessary 

 preparation?" On finishing the early meal, Mei-kwei walked 

 forward, when he saw depicted on the wall the two ancient virtuous 



