More Stories about Elephants and Tea

It is said that the fourth Emperor of Dawn, having ascended to the throne under somewhat mysterious circumstances, attempted to strengthen his position by always acting in a way that befitted an emperor. He not only tried to emulate his thre predecessors by sending his opponents into exile (sometimes after cutting off their noses, but according to court rumours he could not stand the sight of blood and consequently let most of the thus sentenced keep their noses as long as they promised to wear the traditional mask of the de-nasiated), but also took up some of the customs af the Philosopher Kings who preceded them. One such custom, which is believed to have contributed to his downfall, was the awarding of prestigious court titles to friends, relatives and supporters.

He lost the support of the troops when he failed to give the position of Prime Minister to his senoir general, instead giving it first to Nyaga Shingu, the famous white elephant, and, after the unfortunate death of the animal, to his favourite teapot.