The Sage, the Swordsman and the Scholars

by Pierre Dimaculangan

  “How do we know if we’re living in accordance with the Way?” he asked.

  “It has been written since time immemorial and preserved through the ages. The Way is this written Word.”

  “Where is it?” he asked.

  “I will reveal it to you when the time is right,” Famin Jie answered.

  Zuo Shilong continued to listen nonetheless.

  “The ultimate expression of the Way is Love. This makes it the greatest of all the ethics! The Old Master said 2,000 years ago: ‘I have three treasures in me. The first of these is Love.’ Therefore I can say that Love is synonymous with the Way of Heaven.”

  “How can the Way of Heaven be love? Death, disease, famine, and war abound. If it were indeed ‘love’, Heaven would not allow such afflictions to fall upon the world? Evil men would be instantly struck down and suffering in any form would be no more,” said Shilong passionately.

  “Many men have chosen the path of wickedness and that choice is theirs alone. However, the standard of Heaven is perfection in all things, and therefore by that same standard it may seem, no one is worthy. It is by divine mercy that we have not all been ‘instantly struck down’ already. We are given much time to change our ways to choose righteousness. All people will be judged and those that deserve punishment will be granted it. Both the worst and greatest of men are short of Heaven’s standards. Even if one bridge is far longer than the other, it is for naught if it cannot reach the other side. By man’s efforts alone, the other side is unreachable. How do we reach the other side? It is by only the Way.”

  “That is a profound teaching, teacher Jie. But I am still not satisfied. What about the millions of suffering innocents all over the world inflicted with disease, hunger, and death? Why should not Heaven miraculously catch someone falling from the mountain to save him from death?” asked Zuo Shilong meaningfully.

  “Why stop there? Why should not Heaven restrain your foot to keep you from stumbling over a rock or catch your cup to keep the tea from spilling? What you are asking for, friend, is a reality other than humanity. We cannot know why there is so much pain allowed in the world, but we can bear witness to the grand orchestrations of Heaven navigating through the darkness so that we may experience the ultimate victory that comes with choosing love and choosing to walk in righteousness despite the great tribulations we face. In the end, we will realize there are reasons why we are not always rescued from disaster and suffering: so that we may also see the sovereignty of Heaven… and the triumph of truth and light overcoming deceit and darkness,” Famin Jie preached.

  Zuo Shilong looked ahead with a blank stare while massaging his bald head. He was trying to grasp the profundity of what Famin Jie had shared. Jirgal had been at the rear of the group and was listening intently.

  “My head hurts,” he said.

  “So… how did you discover the Way in your life?” Zuo asked. “Learning the Way is a continuous undertaking that requires eternity. Just like you I had begun asking many questions in my life. Though I was young, I had wealth, land, influence, and a promising career. I did not care for the philosophical or of the spiritual. I was enthralled with what the world had to offer,” Famin’s face turned gloomy as he collected his memories. “Life for me then was like climbing a mountain where my ultimate goal lay in reaching the peak: wealth, power, and land. When I had finally reached the peak did you know what I found?” he asked Zuo Shilong seriously. “Nothing. I found absolutely nothing.”

  The rest of the group kept silent except Jirgal. “Well that’s quite encouraging,” he quipped sarcastically with noticeable discouragement.

  “Reaching my ultimate goal only to find nothing was at the top tore me apart. I searched desperately for what it was that was missing in my life. My spirit grew much clouded and my mind was full of noise. In my arrogance I had failed to listen to wiser counsel and in one night, I lost everything I had worked for. I was a broken man. For many months I wandered the wilderness in my grief until I had stumbled upon the Sanctuary. The Keeper took me in as his brother and loved me. It was in the Sanctuary I had found rehabilitation and my journey of discovering the Way first began. First I humbled myself and acknowledged the sovereignty of Heaven. Second I became still and quite so that I could listen and not just hear. Third, through humility and stillness of mind and spirit, I cultivated a passionate and sincere search for the truth. Heaven saw me and answered the longing of my heart. Thus began my journey of discovery of the Way.”

  “How then can I begin my discovery of the Way?”

  “In meditation, surrender yourself completely to Heaven and open your heart to receive Heaven’s Way. With a genuine conviction, release yourself from carnal pursuits. Follow the Will of Heaven and love your neighbors impartially,” answered Famin Jie plainly.

  “Just who exactly are my neighbors?” Zuo asked. Before Famin could produce a response, a large, muscular man sitting limp and bloodied on the back of his horse approached them from the north. Master Lo caught him before he could fall.

  “My men… all killed. They killed them all!” he mumbled, barely able to either speak or open his eyes. “They ambushed us out of nowhere, those beasts of the night. I can still hear their screams and their blood, but I made it out. I tried to fight but, but, they were everywhere,” the large man rambled before he slipped into unconsciousness. On his horse was slung a large long-handled saber. It was the crescent blade that Zuo Shilong immediately recognized. “That is Buff Baby. He is a bandit of the mountain whom the teacher and I encountered prior to our arrival at the Sanctuary,” said Zuo Shilong.

  When the sun had set, the group set up camp while Famin Jie and Master Lo nursed Buff Baby’s wounds by the campfire. The smell of Famin’s herbs inside the bandages filled the air as Master Lo treated him with fine acupuncture needles to relieve the pain.

  “Earlier you had asked who were your neighbors,” said Famin Jie to Zuo Shilong. “The true question is: will you be a neighbor to all people?” Zuo Shilong pondered upon the teacher’s words for the rest of the night. He could not reconcile treating the wounds of a man that would have killed them before. By dawn the group had awakened to the moans and groans of Buff Baby who was emerging out of his unconsciousness though was apparently still in pain. He had fully awakened soon after Famin Jie and Master Lo had administered additional treatments. Buff Baby had remained silent throughout breakfast barely blinking an eye or bothering to look at the others around him. It was when they were making preparations to leave that he finally spoke.

  “I… uhm… I thank ye masters for coming to my aid. I would’ve perished on my own,” he said in the low tone of his deep voice.

  “What happened to you and your merry band?” asked Famin Jie.

  “We had been pursued for days through the woods and mountains by attackers dressed in dark robes and masks. We had fought as hard as we could, but alas we were separated. I suspect I am the sole survivor. I took my mount and fled for the next few days before finding you all.” He paused for a moment and looked down. “They were not human. Their strength and ferocity was that of a beast,” he recalled. After he had finished telling them his story he grabbed his share of food and stuffed his face. The rest of the group looked at each other in concern of his story and whether or not they would suffer a similar end while en route to the capital. Safety was now their priority and avoiding conflict was of utmost importance.

  “We can expedite our journey if we head northeast to the Grand Canal towards the city of Hangzhou and cut through Shandong province on a ferry,” said Master Lo as he surveyed an old map. “I also know of old unknown roads that would help ensure our safe passage where ambush would be most difficult.”

  As soon as they had prepared to leave, Buff Baby kowtowed before Master Lo and Famin Jie in deep gratitude for saving his life. While on his knees he pledged his allegiance to them and begged forgiveness from Famin for their earlier hostile encounter. “I pledge my services to you, Masters for saving my life despite my unworthin
ess and my crimes. From this day forward until my death, I pledge my skills and my blade for your protection and for the battles you will engage,” declared Buff Baby before them.

  With a gentle smile on his face, Famin picked him up from his feet and reassured him. “The biggest battles a person will face are of the mind and of the spirit, my friend. I have forgiven you on the very same day we made our first encounter. I am overjoyed at your repentance but there is no need for such passionate pledging. However, we would be delighted if you would join us. We have more than enough provisions to make room for one more,” said Famin. Buff Baby was overwhelmed with gladness upon receiving the offer and grabbed Famin Jie and Master Lo off their feet in a bone-crushing embrace.

  “We do not doubt your great strength or that you have recovered so quickly, sir. Put me down now,” said Master Lo as respectfully as he could. Buff Baby let them down gently and laughed in embarrassment. Zuo Shilong observed him not sure whether or not the bandit was to be trusted. He’d be sure to keep an eye on him.

  “Do not think for a second I will share my rations with you so easily, big guy,” joked Jirgal. “No, really, I will not.”

  Buff Baby released a hearty laugh though he stopped and winced when it aggravated his injuries. So the company of five continued their trek north towards the capital taking the roads and trails that leaned to the east. Despite fancying himself as a “notorious” bandit, Buff Baby was quite child-like, loud, and a bit talkative as he often bragged about his adventures or exploits in the brief time he was a rogue, if he legitimately ever was one. Zuo Shilong shook his head while Jirgal just rolled his eyes.

  “I certainly hope you do not harbor hard feelings over our previous encounter, monk,” said Buff Baby. “It is never easy to accept that there is someone who in truth is more skilled in combat than you.”

  “Oh, is that why after the end of our fight you were the one asleep on the ground and I remained uninjured?” said Zuo Shilong with a smirk.

  “Do not think for a moment that your lucky hit proved anything, for luck was all it was, and luck it shall always be for you!” Buff Baby spat.

  “Care to test your theory?” Both warriors jumped from their horses ready to brawl when Master Lo jumped in between them and scolded them for acting like children.

  “We’ve no time for these shenanigans!” he shouted.

  Jirgal sat in the background laughing apparently entertained and thoroughly amused at the friction between the monk and the bandit.

  “The last time some tough guy challenged me to a fight…” he gestured aiming a bow, “I just shot him in the foot.” He giggled with satisfaction at the memory. Famin Jie just shook his head at their silly behavior.

  “Humility is the key to resolving conflicts with your neighbors before they even start,” he told them. Buff Baby and Zuo Shilong remained silent for the rest of the day while Jirgal whistled and hummed, carefree as he usually was.

  ****

  After nearly a nonstop journey cutting through the province of Huguang, Sun Xin finally made it to the Shaolin monastery at the heart of Shaoshi Mountain. He dismounted and rubbed his stallion’s crest.

  “Good boy, Cloud,” he said as he brushed the mane. The horse breathed deep and heavy but still managed to nibble the treats from Xin’s hand.

  The entrance upon the red buildings of the monastery had two stone lions on either side, the ferocity of their faces representing the explosive combative arts for which the warrior monks were most renowned. He was greeted by one of the students who immediately recognized him and welcomed him inside the temple grounds. There, in the courtyard, he watched the monks practice their forms in unison, shouting with each defining technique. They were fast, precise, and powerful, masters of many weapons. Their skills were able to impress any warrior of the highest caliber. Just like the Wudang priests who practiced the internal combative arts, Xin had also good relations with the Shaolin sect, masters of the external combative arts. On more than one occasion he had come to their aid in battle and had earned asylum within the monastery. There in the stone Pagoda Forest near the temple, he spoke with the monastery’s abbot and Master dressed in yellow and red robes and held a long staff called a Xizhang that featured a large ornament with hanging rings on the top end.

  Sun Xin explained all that was happening to the country and what he had witnessed on his way in an effort to convince the Master that the very temple of Shaolin was in grave danger.

  “We of the Shaolin Monastery abstain from worldly pursuits and the affairs of men. But it seems we will not be able to avoid this coming threat. We will take up arms for the emperor just when the time is right,” they pledged. They and several of the elder monks devised various contingency plans should the worst come to pass.

  Xin assured them that the Scholars and the Imperial Army would come to their aid should they come under serious attack, and advised them to retreat to the capital should the monastery be overrun by the Underworld amassing in hidden place across the provinces. The warrior monks were not unfamiliar with battles against overwhelming odds. Their one thousand year history had been marked by continual warring with rival sects, bandits, and invaders.

  By law they were subject to the emperor and were required to serve militarily if they were called upon during times of crisis. The monks knew that time was imminent and assured Xin that they would be ready to act should anything happen. They proceeded to contact the other schools of the Shaolin sect to coordinate with them and make arrangements for the time of crisis.

  “I must ask you, Swordmaster, if upon your travels you encountered a wandering monk from this temple,” asked the abbot. “His name is Zuo Shilong. He is most inquisitive and rather naïve concerning life,” said the abbot.

  “I’m sorry, I have not. I would have most definitely remembered him,” Xin answered.

  “If you should find him… tell him to take care and be watchful of the paths he treads.” Sun Xin agreed and after he and his horse had eaten and briefly rested, he continued his rugged journey to Beijing, ferrying across the Wei River and passing many towns and villages. His heart worried for the innocent people of these places who lived quiet simple lives. Many lay undefended now that the imperial forces were being called elsewhere in light of recent events.

  The people were the most vulnerable to threat upon the Middle Kingdom. It was for them that he decided to take his sword to the

  wilderness in the first place. Remembering this hastened his journey.

  11 THE EMPEROR’S UNEXPECTED GUEST

  WITHIN THE WALLS OF THE Forbidden City, the Hongzhi Emperor and his officials in the Ministry of War as well as the scholars of both academies stood anxiously in anticipation of what was unfolding within the empire. Academician scouts have reported a large encampment of mostly former Jinyiwei and steppe nomads to the northeast on the Liaodong Peninsula near the border of the nation of Joseon. Many of the Foreigners’ ships have also just anchored along both the Liaodong and Shandong peninsulas guarding the broad entrance to the Gulf of Beizhili which led directly to the shores not far from Beijing. There were other ships sailing directly from the nations and islands to the south and have arrived in response to their kin’s call for aid. Upon receiving the report, the Hongzhi Emperor immediately issued orders to summon the troops from garrisons across all the neighboring inner provinces with the top commanders, captains, and officers whom the Terukk have not yet had the opportunity to corrupt.

  “What is it that the wretched traitors are doing on the Liaodong Peninsula? They are delaying their attack as if in waiting for us to amass our forces,” observed the Hongzhi Emperor.

  “When a powerful force adopts a foreign new army, it would take the time to indoctrinate them, train them in their art of war, all to become more like them. Even as we speak, the pale devils are providing your once-faithful imperial guards and the northern barbarians with their dark armors and weapons and even going so far as to change their bodies,” said Shang Jian, a professor in the art of
war. “We have witnessed the physical effects of this drug the traitors have been prescribed. There is a sinister reason for that. In confidence of their victory they fear not that we amass our forces.”

  “I cannot help but become anxious with our lack of knowledge of the enemy,” said an official from the Ministry of War. “We do not know the extent of their military capabilities nor of the technological advantages they possess. We can no longer boast of our advancements. Our superior numbers are all we may have.”

  “There is an overwhelming possibility that we are alone in this conflict. Our ‘lesser’ neighbors and allies may have already been fully subjugated under the will of the Terukk and know not the better of it,” continued Shang Jian. “Our decisive victories would be at sea for if we regain full control of the waters around the empire, we control the Foreigners’ accessibility to our land. Our current standing navy may not suffice against our enemy. In the meantime, it is logical to assume that the bulk of the expelled Terukk forces would regroup and amass in their colonies in the south and in the archipelagos in the warmer seas.”