The Emperor's Prey

by Jeremy Han

  They passed the outer gate and rode all the way in, passing marine sentries on duty. Security was as tight as the admiral’s timeline to set sail on his fifth voyage to spread the glory and power of the Ming. As they rode, Ji spoke to his junior, taking the opportunity to instruct his prodigy, “Listen carefully,” Yong nodded. “A good intelligence officer sees and hears more than he speaks. And he never reveals what he really knows or more than what is necessary. When we enter the presence of the Grand Admiral, pay him your respects, and then do not speak. I want you to observe. I will ask you for your observations later on.” Ji spoke with a finger in the air like a professor, and Yong absorbed it all as though Ji was the great sage Confucius. The commander continued,

  “You will not speak to Zheng He but you will observe him carefully. After all, you are not in the position to question him. You must remember that sometimes you get more information through diplomatic means than by force. This will be one of them. And also what you think is not important would in fact, be of great value, so make sure you pay attention. Remember, you may not look at everything but you must see all things. That means you must see with your instincts more than with your eyes. Also, sometimes what is not said is more important that what was said. Listen to what the Admiral is not saying as well as his words.”

  “Yes Sir.” Yong replied dutifully. Ji thought that the young man looked anxious, but he accepted that it was because they were going to speak to one of the most powerful man in the military forces of the Ming. Rightfully so. Ji learnt long ago that it was important to have a healthy respect for one’s foe, but not all the young officers thought that way. They thought that once they joined the Eastern Depot, they became gods. But in mythology, even gods can be taken down by other more powerful gods. Zheng He was almost godlike in his military power and influence. The admiral not only had the ear of the emperor, he also commanded a naval force that ensured the suzerainty of Chinese power over all vassal states. He embodied Ming foreign policy. Ji was glad that he had such a teachable disciple. So unlike the older agents, he thought. They had ideas of their own and would not listen to Ji all the time, especially in the field. But that was the nature of men he needed. When they went into the field for months, they had no means to receive instructions from him, so they needed to have initiative. It was a double-edged sword, because it meant that they were less likely to listen to him as well. But Ji can’t have it both ways. As long as they produced results, he did not mind their independence. After all, they were experienced. Yong was young and eager, and had to be guided, but someday Ji would need to let him develop his own way of doing things. But for now, it was flattering to the older man to be worshipped by this young agent.

  They continued on past another gate, and turned left towards the offices of the fleet commanders. They rode past more sentries, heading towards the ornate buildings with the traditionally decorated green roofs lined with mythical animals. They stopped at the impressive main entrance, and got off their horses. Facing them were two bronze Qilings, oriental unicorns symbolising good fortune and protection. A more senior officer greeted them,

  “Lord Ji, the Grand Admiral is at the exercise field. Would you like to wait for his return at the Great Hall or would you like to visit him at the field?”

  “The field.” Ji replied almost without thought.

  “This way.”

  The marine officer led the way. They walked at a brief pace that denoted a sense of urgency and purpose. Ji and Yong sense the crisp spirit in the camp, and knew that the morale here was high and discipline as taut as the ropes on the sails of the admiral’s fleet. They walked down a long corridor with pillars set at equal distance. Each pillar and beam was painted in bright red, green and blue. The pathway led to a flight of stairs leading up. When they reached the end of the steps, the footway opened up into a large exercise field. They could hear the shouting and cheering of men amidst the distant roar of the waves. They were atop a hill that overlooked the base. The scene that greeted them was awe-inspiring. Arrayed before them to the right was Zheng He’s entire fleet. From the humongous Treasure ships to the smaller carriers; the horse carriers, troop carriers, water carriers etc, every ship had its place. Such a sight brought a stab of jealousy, as Ji wondered why it was the eunuch from Yunnan who held such an impressive command and not himself. While Ji had power, it was the unseen kind. A momentary envy seized him, as it would any man who could only look, but not lead such a vast number of men and machines. Men ultimately were superficial and inspired by what they could show off.

  “Not bad for a half man.”

  Ji heard his subordinate mutter under his breath. He knew the younger agent was awed and felt the same way that it was Zheng He, a eunuch, who had the privilege to be the vanguard of the Ming dynasty’s foreign policy to the endless world across the sea. Ji glared at the man. He might have agreed with his sentiment but you do not slight a man as powerful as the grand admiral in his own camp. Walls have ears. He gave him a stare that communicated a severe tongue lashing for his indiscretion, and Yong dutifully bowed his head in regret. Ji looked at the marine officer, but the man continued his brisk pace as though nothing happened, or pretended nothing happened. Besides the usual duty patrols and sentries, the docks were quiet and lacked activity. It was odd to look at a naval yard devoid of hustling and bustling movement. There were no labourers loading the endless supplies, no sailors performing drills and no officers inspecting the ships and its cargo.

  As they approached the crowd at the end of the field, it became obvious why. There was a Chuju competition going on. Make-shift platforms were erected in a square surrounding a ball court. The platforms were made to seat the men, but more of them were standing or climbing onto the scaffolds to watch the tensed match. One team was in blue and the other in red. Blue represented the sailors while red represented the marines. The sailors, the men who operated the ships and the marines who fought on them were engaged in a fierce but friendly rivalry. Chuju kept the man fit on land, and brought them entertainment. It also allowed the men to indulge in their favourite past time – gambling. The two teams were playing against each other, trying to kick a brightly decorated cloth ball into goal. The goal was a net set high upon a frame at the end of the court. The two teams had to kick the ball into the net to score.

  The marine officer spoke respectfully, “Lord Ji, the Grand Admiral is over there at his pavilion.”

  He indicated a raised, sheltered platform with seats and there, even from a distance, the grand admiral was unmistakable. Tall and imposing, he gestured excitedly with the junior admirals of his fleet. He was in his official uniform, a red tunic with an elaborate picture of a mythical creature embroidered on it, and the black felt hat of officials. Ji nodded his thanks to the man and walked over casually. The grand admiral seemed to say something to his companions and, then turned and looked towards his visitors. He was expecting them. Ji was impressed; while they were being led by an officer through the base, someone else had already reported their presence to the admiral. Nothing escaped his attention in his base. Very impressive Ji thought and he wondered if Yong was observant enough to arrive at the same conclusion.

  Another officer led Ji up the pavilion and then the grand admiral himself received them, “Commander Ji, welcome to my base. What brings you here today? It is the right time to come to watch the exciting match between the two branches of my service.” Zheng He smiled broadly as he welcomed his guests. His teeth even and white, his jaw firm; he radiated power.

  “Grand Admiral, it is my regret to disturb you today, but since I am here and the match is so exciting, permit me to join in the fun. We could discuss official matters later.”

  “Good, good!” Zheng He clapped Ji Gang on his shoulder, as he ushered the commander of the Eastern Depot to an empty seat next to him. The admiral seemed at ease. No one would be at ease when the Eastern Depot visited them in full uniform, and no less than the head of the feared organisation himself. But Zheng He was not an o
rdinary official; he was the confidante of the emperor. Tea was served and Ji drank readily, savouring its fragrance. Zheng saw his visitor’s countenance change as he sipped the tea. “Do you like it?” Zheng asked politely, playing the host.

  “It’s excellent, but I can’t seem to place its origins.” Ji had the faraway look of a connoisseur entering heaven as he sipped the cup, lid cupped over the edge to reduce the flow to a sip; a long slurping sip to bring out the flavour. Tea drinking is an important part of Chinese culture; the selection and preparation of tea a vital part of the many layers of ceremony that entailed the right protocol and conveyed courtesy. One should never serve cheap tea to an esteemed guest. The best tea was those transported over dry and arid areas because the dry air reduced the moisture in the leaves and enhanced its flavour. These tea leaves were packed into circular cakes and left to dry. The really expensive ones dried for years. Ji no doubt had savoured all kinds of expensive tea, being a man whose favour was courted. Exquisite tea, like fine and aged wine, was priceless.

  “This tea is not from the Middle Kingdom. It came from a faraway place, an island in the western ocean. This is second grade tea; the first grade tea was a tribute to the Son of Heaven. It is from a place known as Ceylon.”

  “How exciting your job is, Admiral.”

  “Ha! From land it looks good. But when faced with waves as high as a mountain, it is no longer exciting. So many times we wonder if we will ever have the good fortune to return to land. It is common to see a ship smashed by waves. One minute the ship is there, the next only bits of wood. The sea can swallow a few hundred men and make them disappear as though they were never there before.”

  “Waves as high as a mountain? I thought nothing could be bigger than your Treasure Ships, which are high and sturdy. They look like they could withstand anything.” Ji said in real amazement. He was genuinely surprised. He came from the inner country, and had never been out at sea before. It must take nerves of steel to not only face the waves but to retain presence of mind to command. His respect for the Admiral went up one notch. Even the Mongol Horde could not reduce a battalion of a few hundred men into nothing in a blink.

  “We’ll talk more about that later Commander, let’s enjoy the match now.” Zheng gestured with his hand towards the field just as a mighty cheer rose when the reds scored. Zheng cursed loudly in his own dialect, which Ji could not decipher, while some of his junior admirals laughed at their commander. They had won and he had lost. Zheng shouted good-naturedly,

  “Whoever laughs will lead the next voyage!” They knew that would not happen because the grand admiral always led, but they bowed their head in contrition although none looked the part.

  “Since we are having so much fun,” Ji said to Zheng in a tone that suggested mischief, “Shall we add to the excitement by wagering a bet?” Ji’s hand moved to his waist and dug into the pocket there. “My religion forbids me to gamble Commander, but it would be bad manners to turn you down. Just one wager?” The Muslim admiral replied. Ji laughed and placed a silver ingot on the table.

  “The blues will win.” “You sure you will wager on the blues? The reds just scored and are in the lead.” Zheng cocked an eyebrow.

  “I always bet the unexpected to happen.” Ji said, “It’s a job hazard I suppose.” shrugging his shoulders. Zheng laughed. “Good. Don’t blame me if I take a big chunk out of your civil servant’s pay.” Of course Zheng knew it was not true. A man of Ji’s position was flooded with bribes.

  An hour later, Ji Gang was seated in Zheng He’s office. Yong Ju stood respectfully behind Ji. Too junior to be offered a seat even though there were ample chairs. He stood with his hands behind his back. He was following instructions to a tee, which was to shut up, watch and listen. The admiral’s office was impressive. On the walls were adorned with maps and charts that spoke of exotic and imaginary worlds. When they entered the room, Ji was fascinated, and felt drawn like a little boy to his first glimpse of feminine beauty; he gaped. He had no idea that the world was so huge, so mysterious and so rich. Zheng He’s maps made him realised how small his world was, and how little he had in his hands compared to the eunuch. The admiral graciously allowed him and Yong Ju to study the maps, patiently explaining to his guests the different mysteries that unfolded with each painting. Faraway lands and distant tales, Zheng He remembered every one of them. He pointed out to Ji and Yong where they brought back the strange, long-necked creature that looked like a deer to Yong Le’s glee. It was said that among all the treasures, the emperor’s favourite was the changjinglu ‘the long-necked deer’. Ji wondered what other strange creatures had the admiral seen and wished that he would someday experienced it too. Now, it was time to conduct the official business that he had come from Beijing for. He cleared his throat to speak,

  “Grand Admiral, thank you for your graciousness. I’m afraid I will have to seek your understanding that I have official duties to perform.” Ji Gang, after feeling dwarfed by Zheng He’s achievements and knowledge, felt that he needed something more than his rank, since obviously rank mattered little in the light of the eunuch’s vast knowledge, contributions to the empire and close ties with the emperor. He felt that he needed to puff himself up by mentioning the supreme authority of the country.

  “Permit me to read my instructions from the emperor. You will understand why I need to come all the way. And also, it will assure the admiral that you may share most freely with me what I believe, was confidential information given to you by the emperor.”

  Zheng He got up and kneeled gracefully saying,

  “Ten thousand years, ten thousand years. I receive his majesty’s instructions.” Ten thousand years meant a life span of eternity. It was the customary greeting between an official and the sovereign, or when one receives the emperor’s edict.

  “I, Emperor Yong Le, decree that Commander Ji Gang of the Eastern Depot carry out an investigation of the most sensitive nature. Any one he approaches regarding this matter will answer as though I am present. No information should be withheld. Any failure to obey will be tantamount to rebellion against the Dragon Throne and will be punishable by death. I, Yong Le have spoken. Let it be obeyed without reservation.”

  Zheng He accepted the decree and got up, sat down again and said, “Please Commander, speak freely.”

  “I shall be forthright in that case. I believe that there is another purpose to your voyages besides the exploration and colonisation of the lesser peoples: a confidential mission given by the emperor directly to you. I wish to know about that.”

  Ji leaned forward as he awaited Zheng He’s response. He also tapped the arm rest with his fingers, a signal to Yong to watch the admiral’s facial expressions.

  Zheng He replied, “You are referring to…?” He tilted his head; a sign that he wanted Ji to reveal a little more. But the commander wanted a chance to assert his so he snapped, “Do not delay admiral. You know very well what I mean. I assure you, I am here on the highest clearance from the emperor.”

  The eunuch nodded his head slowly, as though he had pondered something important that has to be revealed. “Yes there is.”

  “And it is?”

  “To find the whereabouts of the previous emperor.”

  “And have you found him?”

  “No.”

  “And hence the continuing voyages.”

  “In a way, yes.”

  “What are your instructions should you find him?”

  “Bring back his head.”

  “Do you have any clue where he is?”

  “No. I have made discreet enquiries among the local rulers, and there is no sign that the emperor Jian Wen ever reached their shores.”

  “And if he did?”

  “Their instructions are to kill him and await my visit, then hand the head to me.”

  “Would they dare to hide him, should he someday arrive without your knowledge?”

  “If I find out, I am authorised to raze their city.” The admiral said it in a matter-o
f-fact way that spoke volumes of his willingness to do so. The two agents looked at him for awhile, scrutinizing his features for any indications of hesitation or dishonesty. Ji nodded. He suddenly understood why such a large deployment of marines sailed with Zheng He each time. No pirate force known would require such an overwhelming army to deal with. He also remembered the incident when the King of Kotte showed disrespect to the Yong Le Emperor and Zheng He’s forces laid siege to his kingdom, defeated him and finally brought the king back to Beijing to beg the Son of Heaven’s forgiveness. Although Zheng He’s mission was largely diplomatic, people said he walked like a tiger in front of kings and princes. He was feared and rightfully so.

  Ji asked, “So the campaign against the King of Kotte…”

  Zheng He dismissed with his hand the question as though his campaign to punish a kingdom that did not show adequate courtesy to the Son of Heaven was like swatting a fly. “That was a case of pure disrespect. He refused to pay tribute and bow at the reading of the imperial decree and greeting by the Son of Heaven.”