The emperor, highly irritated, asked him what punishment he deserved for his insolence.

"Quartering," said Sung.
"Choose another," said the emperor.

"Let me be beheaded." "Choose again," said the emperor; and Sung asked to be strangled.

The next day the emperor appointed him governor of a distant province,--afraid to punish him for the faithful discharge of his duty, but glad to have him at a distance.
Many such anecdotes are related, showing that there is some moral courage in China.
The governor of a province, or viceroy, has great power.

He also is chosen from among the mandarins in the way described.