The Emperor's Prey

by Jeremy Han

  “The decree was read by you.” Ji stated.

  “Of course as the emperor’s personal emissary, I read it.”

  “It was nothing to do with the Emperor Jian Wen? You are sure?” Ji asked in a way that demanded complete honesty. Zheng nodded his head. But Ji was not convinced easily.

  “Admiral, in all these travels did you seriously investigate the matter? Or did you merely take the word of the natives?”

  The admiral smiled condescendingly at Ji, and the latter felt a slight irritation. His initial embarrassment of knowing so little of the outside world rose again and tinted his cheeks. He knew why the admiral was smiling at him the moment he spoke those words: he had absolutely no idea how big the outside world was.

  “Lord Ji, how is the empire governed? Does the emperor do everything? Or does he have ministers to handle things? And then it goes downwards to the officials and gentry scholars right? So it is the same out there. I make enquiries all the time as ordered by the emperor, but the enquiries had to be discreet because of the secrecy behind this. We do not speak the local languages; there are thousands of them. Some even sound more like birdsong than words. Others sound like animals choking. The only thing I have is the threat of force, which I guarantee I would use, if I need to fulfil his Majesty’s orders. Rest assure I take this as gravely as you. I order the kings, they obey.” He said it with a casual finality, but his words were hard as iron, and as dangerous as a spear. Then the admiral looked pointedly at Ji and said,

  “If I could raze a city for insulting the emperor, what do you think I will do if they rebel?”

  “So you are sure you have absolutely no news of him.” Ji pressed. Zheng He nodded his head. Then the admiral asked. “Yes. May I ask why do you need to know about my mission?” Zheng asked in a tone that suggested an interest in Ji. It did not sound rude or intimidating, neither did it sound casual. Ji felt a burning irritation; he was not used to being asked questions. But he refrained himself. Zheng was neither his enemy nor a suspect, and it was not wise to antagonise him for no reason. After all, today he was here as a semi-guest and the admiral had already subtly put him in his place. Ji had great respect for his foe.

  Ji pursed his lips like a man having to discuss something unwillingly. He calculated that someday he may need the admiral’s cooperation so he said guardedly, “Let’s just say, that the emperor wants to know if Jian Wen is truly dead. So if your Excellency would be so kind to keep me informed if you hear anything, I would be grateful.”

  “Of course Commander, I will. We all serve the emperor after all.”

  “I am glad to hear that. My job will be easier with your help.”

  Zheng He got up. The gracious host once again, but signalling politely the meeting had ended, He said, “Commander, you will stay for dinner of course? And the night at the guest room? You must try our specialty fish here. It is definitely something you cannot get at the capital.”

  “What an honour, Admiral, what an honour. I will of course stay.”

  Ji raised his hands in thanks, a gesture of courtesy. All the tension earlier was gone. Both played the game well.

  The next morning, Zheng He excused himself from sending his distinguished guest off; he had to perform his prayers. Within the confines of his personal mosque, sweat dripped off his forehead as he replayed last night’s conversation with Ji. What Wen said was true. Jian Wen is alive, and his blood thirsty uncle Yong Le was hunting him. Although he had the emperor’s orders all these years, he never really believed that Jian Wen was alive. But the order to set Ji Gang, his mastiff, on the trail; no less the head of the pack himself, proved that the previous emperor was indeed alive somewhere. He went up to the top of the pagoda, and saw Ji Gang and Yong Ju rode out of the camp. Fixing his eyes on them, he saw danger coming. His eyes narrowed and his fingers stiffened into a fist. He briefly wondered if he should report Wen’s visit to Ji then remembered the man’s imprudence; coming into his base and questioning him. What should he do next?

  Ji Gang did not speak as he rode out with Yong Ju. His subordinate also kept silent. He knew better than to speak unless spoken to. Then Ji broke the silence as their horses slowed down after leaving the camp. “What did you observe?”

  “For something so secretive, the Admiral’s very open about it.”

  “It could be the decree I have. He can’t disobey or hide information from me.”

  “Lord, this is a piece of clandestine information that Zheng He knew far longer than you did. Any normal person who is holding a secret closely to his chest for so many years would hesitate. It is almost a reflex action to hold back. It seemed that he was almost expecting you to ask.”

  “Anything else?” Ji queried the younger man.

  “Zheng He’s body language was also too casual.”

  “Explain.”

  “Most people would stiffen at the sight of the Eastern Depot, but he acted like he anticipated our arrival. He was too relaxed, as though we were coming for a carnival.”

  “You think he threw the match for us?”

  “No Lord. I’m sure he has regular games for his men. We all know that men under uniform lead a monotonous life in camp. Without these entertainments, they will think of their home. And when they do that, morale falls. Zheng He will never sail if his crew pines for home.”

  “And your point?”

  “Zheng He acted as though he expected you to come for the games. Which official would seem happy to receive a visit by the Eastern Depot, especially when they are having fun?”

  “The admiral is not any other official. He is the Grand Admiral of the Ming. Perhaps he feels secure in his rank; thinks that he has immunity from all things? Even from the Eastern Depot?”

  “I doubt Sir. I noticed his hands stiffened when you asked him about the missing emperor then he forcibly relaxed them before he answered you casually.”

  Yong did not add that the admiral’s snubbing of Ji was probably a defence mechanism to attack when pressed. Attacking the Head of the Eastern Depot required guts and an aggressive spirit. He saw his master flush earlier on, and decided to leave it. But it did not escape his conclusion that Zheng He was a man who would attack when cornered. Or would attack simply because he wanted to. Either way, the admiral was a dangerous man.

  “So you think Zheng He has something to hide? What is it? Jian Wen’s location?”

  “No Lord. I do not think the grand admiral knows that. But he knows something else. What, I do not know. But he definitely knew we were coming, but at the same time, was not sure why we were there for.”

  Ji appraised the young man with a smile. “Good. Very observant. A man’s hands and his eyes usually do not lie.” “Excellent Yong. I am glad that you made an astute observation of our dear admiral.

  “Thank you Sir. But what should we do now?”

  “Activate our spies in his camp.”

  “Yes Lord.”

  Zheng He finished his prayers and instead of going to his office, he went to the docks to inspect his ships. When he was at the farthest point of the pier, he turned away to gaze at the endless horizon. He waited, hands clasped behind his back. The wind blew out toward the sea. Perfect. An officer approached him. “Grand Admiral.”

  “You are aware of the visit yesterday.” Zheng He said without turning towards him.

  “Yes Lord.” The man replied, facing outward to the sea, same as Zheng.

  “Before they leave Suzhou, I want you to find out who are the Eastern Depot’s spies in my camp. Find out as many details as possible as you can. No one must know.”

  “Yes Lord.”

  From afar, it looked like the grand admiral addressing one of the millions of details to an officer before sailing, and with the wind blowing their conversation out to sea. No one else heard.

  NINE

  “Damn you!” Zhao hissed at Wen. They sat at the balcony of the room where Wen stayed. Towards the east, the sun was rising slowly in slivers beneath the weight of the incumbent darknes
s. There was a growing slice of orange sandwiched between the dark purple of the night sky that refused to yield its position to the dawn. Meanwhile, from the distant countryside, cockerels cheered the determined sun against its rival. Zhao stood at the balcony with his hands on the rail, looking out over the skyline of the city. Despite the early hour, activities abound; people were hurrying to the market and vendors were rushing to get their wares ready. Numerous bullock carts had passed below the balcony. Zhao refused to look at Wen. The old man sat silently next to him, allowing him to let his anger dissipate like steam; he understood how the commander felt about the meeting last night.

  After a long silence, Wen spoke, “Do you know why I could not tell them about the escape plan?”

  “Because of secrecy?”

  “Think, Commander.”

  “Stop being so enigmatic. You have doomed the mission even before it started. I can understand the need for secrecy, but you know these men could be trusted.”

  “No. They could not. The reason why I did not tell them was because I wanted to know who would stick with us through thick and thin. If they joined us only because of the promise of escape, what would happen if the deal did not come through? They would desert.”

  Zhao glared at him. “You are not certain of the escape plan yourself? And you want men to risk their lives for you?”

  “Nothing is guaranteed in life. You of all people should know that. Anything might fail. We need men who would finish this even if the original plan failed. You yourself know, in any battle, plans never go according to the way we want. If the men fix their eyes on only one plan, they will lose heart when it is taken away. We cannot afford to let that happen.”

  “I can see the wisdom in that.” Zhao finally gave in. “But now we don’t have the manpower required for this mission.”

  “We are up against a formidable foe. We have to be prepared for anything. If we let the men think of only one way of escape, then they will walk only in one direction. That sort of prey is the easiest to hunt.”

  “So when would be the right time to reveal the escape plan to the men?” Zhao asked.

  “When Jian Wen is safely in our hands.” Wen replied firmly.

  “We need to solve the problem of building the team. If not, we can forget about getting to Jian Wen even.” Zhao said gravely. Disappointment dripped off his words like molten lead. These were Zhao’s men. Wen could see why the commander had wanted all the men to leave together. The eighteen years apart did not diminish the loyalty developed over the years of duty they shared. Clearly, not all the members of his team had shared his feelings. But that was to be expected. People and feelings change.

  “Now we only have two men with us. We’ll just have to manage I guess.” Zhao sighed. Wen put a hand on his shoulder and said gently, “Zhao Qi, even I am not safe from the Eastern Depot. If anything happens to me, proceed as planned. If you do not see me after Jian Wen is safely in your hands, assume that I am taken. Then you are free to tell the men how to escape.”

  It took a moment for the gravity to sink in. To Zhao, Chamberlain Wen had been around for so long that he had taken for granted that the old man would always be there to arrange things. Now, it struck him that no one was truly safe. The men thought that they bore all the dangers, but none realised that the one that was closest to the danger all these years was Chamberlain Wen himself. Jian Wen’s bodyguards fled into the bosom of obscurity, hiding in its arms for eighteen years, but the old man had lived in the plain sight of danger, knowing, waiting for this day when he could perform his final duty to the emperor he loved. Zhao felt a sudden surge of sadness as he saw, with the sun’s light shining brightly upon Wen now, how aged he had become. Wen would not survive this venture. The old man knew it and still did not hesitate to risk his life. Zhao said with emotion,

  “I’m sorry. I forgot that among all of us, you bear the greatest danger. You live next to the tiger while we hide in caves.”

  “Look at you, sentimental like a teenage girl.” Wen’s face cracked into a smile.

  “Have a safe journey back, Chamberlain. We will meet again soon.” The Chamberlain was returning to Beijing. His leave was over. He will leave Nanjing today.

  “We will meet again in two moons time to finalise the escape. I will meet you at Kaifeng. By then, you should have the Emperor Jian Wen with you.” Chamberlain Wen got up and left the hotel. From the balcony, Zhao Qi saw the old man climb aboard his carriage, and then it clattered away to join the morning traffic. Soon it got lost in the sea of activity and movement. He went back into the room, and gathered his things. There was a packet of silver ingots left behind by Wen to cover all necessary expenses. He packed the money safely then he woke the Farmer and Yuen up. He was surprised Yuen had stayed. He had no doubt the Farmer would stay, because he really had nowhere to go. He knew that the Farmer lived on the edge because he slept with his wooden staff; the Farmer had expected to be attacked anytime. Zhao smiled. His former subordinate; the quiet and unassuming man, the butt of everyone’s jokes, was alert and ready.

  He did not know what Yuen did. He was reluctant to tell, but at the end he seemed eager to join the mission. He did not carry any weapons. Although imperial guards were highly skilled fighting bare handed, weapons were necessary for this mission if the Dong Chang was involved. He will have to find him something later. He was also curious about Yuen’s life these eighteen years. Still the commander was glad they had joined him. He shook them awake. After they had washed, they went down for breakfast.

  Yuen asked him, “Where is the Chamberlain?” He looked uncomfortable in the crowded restaurant, looking around to make sure no one was looking at him.

  “He’s gone back.” Zhao answered.

  “So soon?”

  “Yes.”

  Zhao asked casually, “So Yuen, what have you been doing recently?” Even the Farmer looked interested. He bent forward to listen over the increasing din made by the morning breakfast crowd. Yuen looked ashamed of himself. Finally, he told them.

  “I’m a criminal. I smuggle salt.”

  Salt was a government monopoly and taxes on salt was mandatory. This contributed almost four-fifths of the government revenue. The government held total control of this product because it was necessary for all households to season their food, as well as to salt their meat and vegetables to last them through the long months of winter. In the empire’s vast interior, salt was hard to come by although there were salt mines and brine lakes. But the amount produced could not meet the needs of the numerous mouths to feed. Most of it were produced and imported from coastal provinces and regulated by the government. Thus, the trade was run by government officials or to large but hidden extent, the families of the bureaucrats. Like any other civilization, it was the families of the officials who enjoyed the privileges of public office. Yuen’s confession, if heard by the wrong ears, could lead him to a public execution at the city’s square because smuggling reduces the revenue of the government, or rather the profits of those who stood to gain from it most. The whole intention to prevent profiteering was turned on its head by the corrupt officials and the families of the connected.

  They stopped talking as a waiter brought bowls of steaming egg noodles made by hand for them. They ate silently, each weighing what to say to each other. Yuen looked embarrassed while Zhao and the Farmer did not know what to say. In Zhao’s heart he wanted to chide the man for bringing shame to the corps of imperial bodyguards, but stopped himself. No one knew what the Farmer was thinking as usual. Finally, breaking the silence, Fu Zhen, the Farmer, spoke. He pointed the chopsticks at Yuen and said accusingly,

  “So where’s the money?”

  “What money?”

  “Money from the salt.”

  “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

  “You can’t be poor if you sell salt illegally. You will need to bring the money somewhere.” Then Zhao caught the Farmer’s drift. He suddenly remembered that the silent, sullen man who did n
ot like to speak was also the most observant and perceptive, because he listened and observed more than he spoke. It dawned on the commander that Yuen had a hidden motive to join them. Zhao added,

  “You want to leave the country because you have made a fortune. You know that this money cannot be spent here and sooner or later, you will be caught. So you want to get out and this is the perfect opportunity.”

  Yuen ate his noodles while he contemplated an answer. Then he replied. “I will tell you the truth. The money is buried in a ruined warehouse not far from here.”

  “How much?”

  “Two chests full.”

  The Farmer whistled. It was a princely fortune. Zhao said, “Leave it. We can neither wait for you to go and retrieve it nor to carry loads of silver with us. It will slow us down, not to mention the attention two chests of silver will attract.”