the Hall of the Firmament； and the Hall of plete Patterns； all lofty and of beautiful designs。 He also raised a Hall of Beautiful Passions； a Green Flageolet Tower； and a Phoenix Tower。 He also dug a Nine Dragons Pool。 Over all these works he placed Doctorate Scholar Ma Jun as superintendent of their building。
Nothing was spared that would contribute to the beauty of these buildings。 The beams were carved； the rafters were painted； the walls were of golden bricks； and the roofs of green tiles。 They glittered and glowed in the sunlight。 The most cunning craftspeople in the world were sought； many thousands of them； and myriads of ordinary workers labored day and night on these works for the Emperor's glory and pleasure。 But the strength of the people was spent in this toil； and they cried aloud and plained unceasingly。
Moreover； the Ruler of Wei issued an edict to carry earth and bring trees for the Fragrant Forest Park； and he employed officers of state in these labors； carrying earth and transporting trees。
The Minister of Works； Dong Xun； ventured upon a remonstrance； sending a memorial：
〃From the beginning of Rebuilt Tranquillity Era； a generation ago； wars have been continuous and destruction rife。 Those who have escaped death are few； and these are old and weak。 Now indeed it may be that the palaces are too small and enlargement is desired； but would it not be more fitting to choose the building season so as not to interfere with cultivation？ Your Majesty has always valued many honorable officers； letting them wear beautiful headdresses； clad in handsome robes； and riding in decorated chariots to distinguish them from the mon people。 Now these officers are being made to carry timber and bear earth； to sweat and soil their feet。 To destr