Fox Sprite to spare himself no trouble in making the wicked ruler suffer
for his impudence.

For many days, try as he would, Chow-sin, the great Son of Heaven, could
not forget the face he had seen in the temple.

"He is stark mad," laughed his courtiers behind his back, "to fall in
love with a statue."

"I must find a woman just like her," said the Emperor, "and take her to
wife."

"Why not, most Mighty One," suggested a favourite adviser, "send forth a
command throughout the length and breadth of your Empire, that no maiden
shall be taken in marriage until you have chosen yourself a wife whose
beauty shall equal that of Lu-o?"

Chow-sin was pleased with this suggestion and doubtless would have
followed it had not his Prime Minister begged him to postpone issuing
the order. "Your Imperial Highness," began the official, "since you have
been pleased once or twice to follow my counsel, I beg of you to give
ear now to what I say."

"Speak, and your words shall have my best attention," replied Chow-sin,
with a gracious wave of the hand.

"Know then, Great One, that in the southern part of your realm there
dwells a viceroy whose bravery has made him famous in battle."

"Are you speaking of Su-nan?" questioned Chow-sin, frowning, for this