But with the same quick motion that had saved her from the Tartar
robbers, she sprang from their grasp and, standing full before
the royal target, she said commandingly:
"Hands off, slaves; nor dare to question my right to the bearskin
target. I am the Empress!"
It needed but this to cap the climax. Prince, guards, and slaves
looked at this extraordinary girl in open-mouthed wonder. But ere
their speechless amazement could change to instant seizure, a
loud laugh rang from the imperial doorway and a hearty voice
exclaimed: "Braved, and by a girl! Who is thy Empress, Prince?
Let me, too, salute the Tsih-tien!"[1] Then a portly figure, clad
in yellow robes, strode down to the targets, while all within the
archery lists prostrated themselves in homage before one of
China's greatest monarchs--the Emperor Tai-tsung, Wun-woo-ti.[2]
[1] "The Sovereign Divine"--an imperial title.
[2] "Our Exalted Ancestor--the Literary-Martial Emperor."
But before even the emperor could reach the girl, the bamboo
screen was swept hurriedly aside, and into the archery lists came
the anxious priest, Thomas the Nestorian. He had traced his
missing charge even to the imperial palace, and now found her in
the very presence of those he deemed her mortal enemies.
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