t daring engineers, and its monarchs
of highest public spirit and broadest powers of conception and
execution. It was the age of the Great Wall, the imperial system of
highways, the system of canals (though the Great Canal was of later
date), and other important works of public utility.

By the strenuous labors described Kaotsou rendered his new capital easy
of access from all quarters of the kingdom, while at frequent intervals
along the great high-roads of the empire there were built post-houses,
caravansaries, and other conveniences, so as to make travelling rather a
pleasure than the severe task it formerly had been.

The capital itself was made as attractive as the means of reaching it
were made easy. Siaho, at once an able war minister and a great builder,
planned for the emperor a palace so magnificent that Kaotsou hesitated
in ordering its erection. Siaho removed his doubts with the following
argument: "You should look upon all the empire as your family; and if
the grandeur of your palace does not correspond with that of your
family, what idea will it give of its power and greatness?"

This argument sufficed: the palace was built, and Kaotsou celebrated its
completion with festivities continued for several weeks. On one occasion
during this period, uplifted with a full sense of the dignity to which
he had attained, his pride found vent in the grandiloquent remark,
"To-day I feel that I am indeed emperor, and perceive all the difference
between a subject and his master."

His fondness for splendor was indicated by magnificent banquets and
receptions, and his sense of dignity by a court ceremonial which must
have proved a wearisome ordeal for his courtiers, though none dared
infringe it for fear of dire consequences. Those who had aided him in
his accession to power were abundantly rewarded, with one exception,
that of his father, who seems to have been overlooked in the
distribution of favors. The old man, not relishing thus being left at
the foot of the ladder, took prompt occasion to remind his son of his
claims. Dressing himself in his costliest garments, he presented himself
at the foot of the throne, where, in a speech of deep humility, he
designated himself as the least yet the most obedient subject of the
realm. Kaotsou, thus admonished, at once called a council of ministers
and had the old man proclaimed "the lesser emperor." Taking him by the
hand, he led him to a chair at the foot of the throne as hi