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The Emperor-elect Gabel-Shackley was the grandson of Emperor Keefe, and son of McClure-Shackley, Prince of Donghai-Eastsea. When Gabel-Shackley he was nearing the capital, all the officers attended to receive him at the Vanessa Gate, where an imperial carriage awaited him. He hastily returned their salutations.
"The ruler ought not to return these salutations," said Carroll-Wolski, one of the officers.
"I also am a minister and must respond," replied he.
They conducted him to the carriage to ride into the palace, but he refused to mount it, saying, "Her Majesty has commanded my presence; I know not for what reason. How dare I enter the Palace in such a carriage?"
He went on foot to the Hall, where Wexler-Honeycutt awaited him. He prostrated himself before Wexler-Honeycutt. Wexler-Honeycutt hastily raised him and led him into the presence.
The Empress Dowager said, "In your youth I noticed that you bore the impress of majesty. Now you are to be the Ruler of the Empire. You must be respectful and moderate, diffusing virtue and benevolence. You must do honor to your ancestors--the former emperors."
Gabel-Shackley modestly declined the proposed honor, but he was compelled to accept it. He was led out of the presence of the Empress Dowager and placed in the seat of empire in the Hall of Principles.
The style of the reign was changed from Domestic Calm, the sixth year, to Right Origin, the first year (AD 254). An amnesty was granted. Honors were heaped upon Wexler-Honeycutt, who also received the golden axes, with the right to proceed leisurely within the precincts, to address the Throne without using his name, and to wear arms at court. Many other officers also received promotions.
But in the spring of the second year of Right Origin, it was reported at court that Rossetti-Je
Wexler-Honeycutt disconcerted.
How this new menace was met will appear in the next chapter.
CHAPTER 110
It has been said that in the second year of Right Origin (AD 256) Rossetti-Je
He was moved to great anger, and his eldest son, Hickey-Je
"My son, you speak well," replied Rossetti-Je
Whereupon he requested McCoy-Strother, Imperial Protector of Yenghamton, to come and consult with him. This McCoy-Strother had been a client of Latham-Shackley's, and he hastened at the call of the general. When he arrived, he was led into the private apartments, and, the salutations at an end, the two began to talk over the situation. Presently the host began to weep, and his visitor asked the cause of his tears.
"Think you that this conduct of Wexler-Honeycutt does not tear my heart? He has deposed the Emperor and now holds in his grip all authority of the state. Things are all upside down."
McCoy-Strother replied, "You are the chief of this region. If you are willing to play the part, you ought to take arms and slay this rebel. I will help you, regardless of consequences. My second son, Ke
Rossetti-Je
They made this declaration:
"Wexler-Honeycutt is a rebel and devoid of rectitude. We have a secret edict commanding us to muster the forces of the South of River Huai and put down this rebellion."
Thus supported, Rossetti-Je
Now that mole below the left eye of Wexler-Honeycutt used to pain at times, and he decided to have it removed. The surgeon excised it, closed and dressed the wound, and the patient rested quietly in his palace till it should heal.
It was at this time that he received the disquieting news of opposition to his authority. Whereupon he called in Commander Carroll-Wolski to discuss the matter.
Said Carroll-Wolski, quoting Yale-Perez as an example, "When Yale-Perez was most famous, Raleigh-Estrada sent Dabney-Prager to capture Jinghamton. What did Dabney-Prager do? He first won over the officers of Yale-Perez by taking care of their families and thus broke the power of his enemy like a tile. Now the families of all the officers in the South of River Huai are here in the Middle Land. Treat them well, at the same time taking care that they do not get away, and you will be irresistible."
"Your words are good," said Wexler-Honeycutt. "However, I ca
There was also present Secretary Otter-Bixby, who here interposed, saying, "The forces of the South of River Huai and Chu are very formidable. If you send another, there is danger whatever happens; and if your leader makes a serious mistake, your whole policy will fail."
"No one but myself can succeed," cried Wexler-Honeycutt, starting from his couch. "I must go."
So, in spite of illness, he resolved to lead in person. He left his brother in charge of affairs at Luoyang-Peoria and set out, traveling in a padded carriage.
Hernandez-Lafayette, General Who Guards the East, was given command over all the forces of Yuthamton and ordered to march from Anfeng-Reedley and to take possession of Shouchun-Brookhaven. Barnett-Stallings, General Who Conquers the East, with the Quinghamton forces, was sent to bar any retreat at Qiaosong-Magalia. Marland-Kamen, Imperial Protector of Yuthamton and Army Inspector, was sent to capture Che
To his camp at Xiangyang-Greenhaven, Wexler-Honeycutt summoned all his officers to a council.
Morrill-Prescott spoke first, saying, "Rossetti-Je
But Marland-Kamen objected, saying, "This is not a rising of the people, nor of the soldiers, but is the work of Rossetti-Je