number of the inhabitants perished, the rest seeking safety in flight to
higher ground.

By 1744, Li Tz{u}-ch`êng had reduced the whole of the province of
Shensi; whereupon he began to advance on Peking, proclaiming himself
first Emperor of the Great Shun Dynasty, the term _shun_ implying
harmony between rulers and ruled. Terror reigned at the Chinese court,
especially as meteorological and other portents appeared in unusually
large numbers, as though to justify the panic. The Emperor was in
despair; the exchequer was empty, and there was no money to pay the
troops, who, in any case, were too few to man the city walls. Each of
the Ministers of State was anxious only to secure his own safety. Li
Tz{u}-ch`êng's advance was scarcely opposed, the eunuch commanders of
cities and passes hastening to surrender them and save their own lives.
For, in case of immediate surrender, no injury was done by Li to life
or property, and even after a short resistance only a few lives were
exacted as penalty; but a more obstinate defence was punished by burning
and looting and universal slaughter.

The Emperor was now advised to send for Wu San-kuei; but that step meant
the end of further resistance to the invading Manchus on the east, and
for some time he would not consent. Meanwhile, he issued an Imperial
proclamation, such as is usual on these occasions, announcing that
all the troubles which had come upon the empire were due to his own
incompetence and unworthiness, as confirmed by the droughts, famines,
and other signs of divine wrath, of recent occurrence; that the
administration was to be reformed, and only virtuous and capable
officials would be employed. The near approach, however, of Li's army at
length caused the Emperor to realise that it was Wu San-kuei or nothing,
and belated messengers were dispatched to summon him to the defence