Now, when K’ishen took leave of the Emperor, he had already been instructed to grant free trade, if that should be all the English asked; but, if their demands were exorbitant, he was to keep them in good humour, strengthen his defences, and ask for reinforcements: but he was never told to discharge his men and secure peace at all costs. The Emperor was furious when he heard of the capture of the forts and the menacing attitude of the rebels, and said ho would not give a cent for the opium nor yield an inch of territory. Troops from the south-western pro- vinces were ordered to Canton, and both Lin and Têng were ordered to associate themselves with K’ishen. K’ishen, however, would not consult Lin upon any matter; and, though the peace negotiations had fallen through, he would not allow Admiral Kwan to strengthen himself with more troops. On the other hand, the enemy enrolled more men than ever, added to their equipments, and became a hundred times more ferocious than before. Early in February, the Emperor had launched a decree des- canting upon the crimes of the rebels, and ordering the Imperial Clansman Yikshan[1] to Canton as Robel Quelling Generalissimo. Yang Fang,[2] General of Hu Nan Province, and Lungwên,[3] President of the Board of Revenue, were associated with him as advisers. K’ikung,[4] President of the Board of
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