A Chinese Biographical Dictionary 429performed his duties so efficiently that he became head of the

map-makiDg department of the S^iangnan Arsenal. Five years later he was transferred to Foochow, and in 1877 he was sent with M. Giquel and twenty-two students to France and England. He became second secretary at Berlin, and succeeded Liu Hsi-hung as Minister in 1878. In 1884 he was accused by Tsdng Euo-ch'tlan of peculation in the purchase of gunboats at Stettin, and was cashiered in 1885. After his death, his rank was restored on account of his having subscribed TIs. 5,000 to the Chihli Famine Belief Fund. He could read German, but spoke it badly. In his retirement he busied himself with literary pursuits, and published many useful works founded on his Western experiences.

1124 (T. g ^ . H. i^ ^ . Commonly known as ^#^)- ^•^- 1674—1751. A child of great promise, he graduated as chin ahih in 1709 and entered the public serf ice. Self- opinionated and unyielding, he was soon denounced and sent to the proyinces; but in 1728 he was recalled, and later on became Governor of Euangsi and Viceroy of Chihli. His fearless exposure of abuses raised up a host of enemies; and in 1727 he was tried on twenty-one counts, and sentenced to death. The Emperor, to break his haughty spirit, caused him to be taken out to the place of execution, and only pardoned him at the last moment. At the end of 1729 he was again tried and again pardoned. In 1786 he was Vice President of the Board of Revenue, but his imperious manner towards his colleagues led to his further degradation. In 1741, when his pre-eminent talents had once more raised him to high rank, he retired on account of failing eyesight.

1125 Li Pu-jen ^^ \. 2nd cent. B.C. A favourite concubine of the Emperor Wu Ti of the Han dynasty and sister of Li Yen-nien , who described her in verse as being so beautiful that one glance

of hers would destroy a city, two glances a State.** At her death