IV
The next day Kuronushi was deprived of his rank and title, his estate and property were confiscated, and his retainers banished from the capital But the criminal's proper punishment was deferred to a later date, his present pimishment being only a preliminary step.
One day Komachi and her father Yoshizané received a summons to the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor conferred upon her the dignity of court lady, and created her Poetess Laureate in recognition of the wonderful miracle she had achieved. Both father and daughter were filled with gratitude. Soon after the ceremony was over the Emperor summoned the Prime Minister to him, and told htm that owing to his advanced age he intended shortly to abdicate in favour of the Crown Prince Hanateru. Komachi, who was gifted with great intelligence, and who was a supremely beautiful woman, was selected to be the Prince's bride. The wedding was to take place in a very short time, and she was to make the Palace her
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