Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 632

610

History of the Ming Dynasty

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ants of the Ming dynasty were alive a few years ago, but in inisera- ble circumstances. Táukwáng, however, could not bear their pre- sence and killed them, though we believe that the race is not yet extinct. The people, however, care nothing about them, nor would they make an effort to restore thein.

The account of men and things commences with the biography of empresses, queens, and maids of honor, and so numerous are they that even the Grand Turk cannot boast of a more formidable array of bright eyes and small feet. When Hungwú was crowned, his faith- ful partner, the wife of his youth, shared with him the high honor, but he prohibited her and all her court from interfering in the busi- government. But this interdict was of no avail, and every beautiful mouth, if once in the monarch's favor, had something to say upon the administration, and to speak for a dear friend or first cousin. Some of those who shared the throne were of low extrac- tion, their beauty being their only recommendation, but they seldom failed to raise their relations to high dignities. China, like all other lands, has had her clever women, and if we do not hear about Elisa- beths, Catharines, or Maria Theresas, it is owing to the modesty of the daughters of Han; some of them, as Wú Tsetien, related in our vol. III., page 543, have proved theinselves able to do anything to effect their end.

Some of the statesmen noticed were men of the first stamp, who well earned their renown, especially those who fought with Hung- wú. There are also literary characters, celebrated for their know- ledge of Chinese lore and the excellency of their administration, who were raised to office. Some of these biographies would read well if translated. The life of a person that wishes to climb high in office is full of care and trouble. In no station is he secure against the malice of his fellow officers; from his entrance upon office to the last day of his life, he must intrigue, cheat, and fawn, suffer oppres sion and oppress others. The ups and downs in life of these gran- dees furnish many an instructive lesson, and show the slippery ground on which they constantly tread. Behold the powerful minister of state, who by his unscrupulous conduct has finally distanced all his com- petitors, and is seated at the pinnacle of power, the premier of the realm, the delegated possessor of more power than almost any other mortal on the earth. Years of intrigue have furrowed his cheeks, and there he sits at the council-board grey headed, enjoying his in- fluence and indemnifying himself for all the trouble he has had, in arriving to such a prominent station Unfortunately, he forgets a