This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Asia from the KU Center for East Asian Studies.

It's been said that a cat may look at a king and, a story from 12th Century China shows that a cat may make or break a king also. Gaozong was the 10th emperor of the Song Dynasty. In 1129, his only son died unexpectedly and so a search was mounted to find a boy to succeed to the throne. After considering many boys, the emperor narrowed it down to two finalists: a thin one and a plump one. He favored the plump one. At the last minute, however, Gaozong had the boys stand side by side for a final look-see and as they did, a cat walked by and the plump one kicked it and so, the emperor chose the thin one to become his heir. Moral of the story: Dynastic leadership is like comedy: the most important thing is timing.

From the KU Center for East Asian Studies, this is Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.