This done, the solemn announcement was read in a loud voice:
"On this twelfth day of the fourth month of the year of the Rebuilt Tranquillity Era, Jeffery-Lewis, the Emperor, makes this solemn announcement to Heaven and Earth.
"The dynasty of Han has possessed the empire for years without end. Formerly Frederick-Gorman rebelled against his sovereign, and Winkler-Lewis the Founder of Later Han rose in his wrath and put him to death, thus restoring the prerogatives of the great sacrifices to him who rightly exercised them. Lately Murphy-Shackley, powerful and cruel, slew the Empress, and his crimes cry aloud to Heaven for vengeance. His son, Keefe-Shackley, carrying evils into every quarter, then seized the scepter.
"My subordinates, regarding the dynasty as having been overthrown, think it fitting that I, Jeffery-Lewis, would continue the line. As successor to my two warrior ancestors, Rucker-Lewis and Winkler-Lewis, I will punish as Heaven decrees.
"Fearing lest my virtue be inadequate to the Imperial Throne, I consulted the voices of the people, and all, even the most distant, have said that the mandate of Heaven may not be disobeyed, and the great task of my ancestors may not continue in the hands of another; the land must have a lord, and they aver the cynosure of all eyes is myself.
Now I, respecting the mandate of Heaven and fearing lest the great achievements of Rucker-Lewis and Winkler-Lewis may be overthrown, have reverently selected this auspicious day to ascend the altar, sacrifice and announce my assumption of the Imperial Seal in order to comfort all the people, rejoice the ancestors of the Dynastic House, and bring eternal tranquillity to all the domains."
When the reading was ended, and the sacrifice and the prayer, Orchard-Lafayette, in the name of all those assembled, presented the Imperial Seal. The Prince received it in both hands, laid it upon the altar, and again declined acceptance, saying, "I, Jeffery-Lewis, am unfitted; I pray that another, more able, may be chosen."
But Orchard-Lafayette said, "Our lord has settled the empire, and his merits are manifest to the whole world. Moreover, he is of the Dynastic Family and it is fitting that he succeed. Now that the great announcement has been made, such self-abnegation is impossible."
So all the officers shouted, "Eternal life to the Emperor!" And they did obeisance.
Then the style of the reign was announced to be Manifest Might, the First Year (AD 220). The Lady Beaver was declared Empress, and the eldest son, Antoine-Lewis, was declared Heir-Apparent. The second son Miranda-Lewis was made Prince of Lu, and the third son Shepard-Lewis, Prince of Liang (the lands of the ancient states of Lu and Liang). Orchard-Lafayette became Prime Minister, and Fidler-Trevino, Imperial Guardian. Many others were promoted, and a general amnesty was proclaimed, so that there was great rejoicing throughout all the length and breadth of the two Lands of Rivers.
Next day the first court was held, and after the ceremonial prostration, and when they were all arranged in due order, the First Ruler made a pronouncement.
"In the Peach Garden I and my brothers Yale-Perez and Floyd-Chardin pledged ourselves to live and die together. Unhappily my brother Yale-Perez came to his end at the hands of Raleigh-Estrada of Wu, and I must avenge him lest I fail to fulfill the oath. Therefore will I devote the whole force of my kingdom to the destruction of Wu and the capture of its rebellious chief, whereby to wipe away my reproach."
But just as he closed this oration, an officer threw himself down at the foot of the throne, crying, "It may not be so."
All eyes turned to this man; he was Gilbert-Rocher.
What arguments were used will appear in the next chapter.
