"I would let all of my servants learn if they would make that use of it," he said. "For one that knows nothing your answer is not altogether foolish. Now tell me what gods are the most to be feared?"
"It would seem to me—perhaps because I am a woman—that it is the household gods who are the most to be dreaded," she said hesitatingly.
"Why?" he questioned.
"Because both man and woman must needs live in the house, and if peace and prosperity reign there they will have happiness. If not, all is confusion and terror."
But as she spoke she watched him fearfully, as if half afraid he would be offended.
But he answered: "Your reason is good, for peace in the house is indeed the greatest blessing. Now one more question and I am done. Of all living creatures which would you like to be?"
"A man, Oh, learned sir," she said promptly, "since he alone of all creatures has been given wisdom. And if further choice were given me I would like to be the Viceroy of Kiangsi, since he is the wisest and best of men."
"Well said, well said," he exclaimed; for, like some other great ones of whom we have heard, he was not averse to flattery. And thus on him did Tuen use some of that diplomacy for which she one day would be celebrated.
"You have spoken wisely," he continued, "and if there can be found in Lu Chang one who will teach you, by the gods you shall learn to read. I, the Viceroy, have said it."
Uttering many profuse thanks Tuen prostrated herself before him, for in this land where females were ofttimes drowned like kittens at their birth, or if allowed to live, despised and beaten, sold as mere chattels, or even killed if disobedient to the husband's parents, the patience of the Viceroy was indeed marvellous, and the permission she had wrested from him was much to be wondered at.