The Inverted House
her again. Her happiness is greater than any other consideration of my life. Go down the marble stairs. You will find her waiting."
Later Yuan Shi Kai wandered down to the Jade Room, to the room of wondrous pearls and fragrant jewels. He struck his hands together and a servant brought him a goblet of precious flower-wine. He had never drank more than one goblet in a single day. He had always feared to drink two. It would have been dangerous. After all it was good that he was somewhat of a fatalist. He smiled softly as he carelessly fingered a bit of gray-green jade. Before proceeding to drink he ordered a second and a third goblet of the wine.
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