The Generalissimo remained unruffled. "If it is to a charge of ugliness, I plead guilty."
"The charge is far more serious than that."
An Lu-shan's eyes never wavered, but Kuo-chung imagined he seemed inordinately alert as His Majesty continued: "News has come to me that you are planning a rebellion."
An Lu-shan forgot dignity. He threw back his head and laughed uproariously, laughed until the tears splashed down his cheeks and the echo of his ribald laughter careened like thunder throughout the garden.
Finally, he managed to control himself sufficiently to ask, "Against whom?"
"Against China."
An Lu-shan became grave at once. "If your Majesty believes that," he said huskily, "I request that I be relieved of my command."
"A preposterous charge," said the Emperor. "I sent for you that you might be informed of the rumors that are being circulated. But tell me, is it true that you ride in a golden chariot with red wheels?"
"Oh yes," was the quick reply. "To inspire my men. An army should look up to its leader."
Ming Huang smiled. "Perhaps I should procure a similar chariot to inspire my generals. Another charge is that you carry an Imperial banner."
"That, too, is true. Am I not your son?"
An Lu-shan's frankness impressed the Emperor. He regretted that he had even deigned to listen to chatter as silly as that of magpies.
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