[40] This title was originally given to an infamous eunuch of the Court of the Ming Emperor Chu Yü-hsiao, who, because of his influence over his dissolute master, was canonised by the latter after his death. The same title was claimed and used by the Eunuch An Te-hai, vide supra, [page 90].
[42] Tzŭ Hsi had no love for this official, for it was he who drafted Hsien-Feng’s valedictory Decree, at the dictation of Su Shun, in 1861. Vide [page 33].
[43] Sun remained in high favour until December 1894, when the Emperor was induced by Weng T’ung-ho to dismiss him. At that time the Empress was taking little active part in the direction of affairs, occupying her time with theatricals and other diversions at the Summer Palace, and playing a watching game in politics, so that for a while Sun’s life was in real danger.
[44] Apricot yellow is a colour reserved, strictly speaking, for the use of the Throne.
[45] In that event it would not be the Yehonala clan alone which would benefit, as the present Emperor’s grandmother (who was one of Prince Ch’un’s concubines) is still alive and would necessarily share in any honours posthumously conferred on her husband, whilst Kuang-Hsü’s mother would be excluded.
[46] The results of the Prince’s eminent services in naval and military reorganisation were demonstrated three years later, not entirely to the nation’s satisfaction, in the war with Japan.
[47] From a sentence in the Book of Rites, which means “to give rest and peace to Heaven-sent old age.”
[48] Sir Walter Hillier, appointed by Yüan Shih-k’ai to be foreign adviser to the Grand Council in 1908. When Yuan was compelled to flee from Seoul before the advance of the Japanese, he was escorted to Chemulpo by a guard of blue-jackets.
[49] i.e. the Japanese (literal translation).