The Emperor's Prey

by Jeremy Han

  “What is it child?” She replied, patting the floor next to her to indicate that Yula should sit. She smiled as though they were kin.

  “I…feel strange.”

  “Ohhh….? What do you mean?”

  She told her how she felt, the mood changes, the appetite swings and that strange magical feeling inside her. The old lady nodded sagely then turned and look at her. Yula looked expectantly for some profound answer.

  “How have you and your lover been?”

  “What do you mean?”

  The old lady chuckled. “Do you make love?”

  Yula blushed, “Of course we do.”

  “Watch your monthly visit. Come and see me if you missed it.”

  The following week, Yula found the old lady again and the grandmotherly figure looked at her and said,

  “Well?”

  “I missed my monthly visit.”

  “How do you feel?”

  “Sick sometimes. Am I…? I heard other women say….” Yula looked at her with a look that seemed odd; a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. The old Miao lady took her hand and said kindly to her, looking deep into Yula’s eyes,

  “Yes. What they tell you is true. You are pregnant my dear.”

  “Oh my….” Yula looked toward the sky father and her ancestors who must be looking down on her fondly during this blessed season.

  That night Yula could not sleep. How was she going to tell Long Wu? She knew the stakes of the mission and also yearned to go to this mysterious promise land. But now she was with child, would she be able to wield the scimitar and bow? What if they don’t make it before her belly grew? Subconsciously, she placed a hand on her belly as she weighed these things. And how will her lover take the news? Would he be happy? Or would he be upset that now, the mission would be compromised? So many ‘what ifs’! She could not help but wished that she was a simple shepherdess on the plains where a pregnancy was nothing unusual. For so many years she had been with Long but she never got pregnant so why now? Why when their mission was so close to success that this happened? Would she be able to persuade her lover to accept this?

  SIXTY

  The sun was warmer now. It was cosy enough for everyone to sit by the river and soak up the sun. It had been more than a month now since they came to the village. Everyone was there except for Yula and Long, who were training the Miao people. They were doing it with an almost religious fervour; Yula knew how it felt to be defenceless, so she taught them the bow tirelessly. Long had no choice; he was by her side whatever she did, so he helped out, and taught the men how to use the sabre and some basic spear techniques. Yula had attained the status akin to a goddess. After witnessing her phenomenal shooting on the night they fought against the One-eyed Dragon’s men, they worshipped her. The women loved her and saw her as an example while the men respected her. She taught them how to make bows from wood strips and boiled animal bone, and bow string from animal gut. She showed them how to make arrows that could fly straight and true, imparting the secret that made the Mongol archers so feared by the Han. In a way, she identified with them in the sense that the Han were their enemy. And to her, the Han understood only one language and it was spoken through the bow.

  None of the villagers wanted to learn how to fight from the Acrobat. He was an enigma to them with his strange masks and movements. All of them thought of him as some kind of semi-supernatural being that could turn from benevolent to malevolent within the same breath. They avoided him. The Farmer followed him mostly so by default they kept away from the quiet man as well. Zhao looked more normal so occasionally he taught. But most of the time, he seemed to be in deep thought. Li Po was somewhere with the children of the village. She taught them little tricks like how to throw a dart, how to somersault, how to juggle; all the things a street performer did. The Acrobat spoke pensively,

  “We need to move soon.”

  The Farmer, who was lying down on a rock agreed. “Yes. I am getting comfortable. Too comfortable. A settled life here will make us forget the danger outside of this little bubble.”

  “I am thinking of my daughter. She would like to stay. I told her getting attached to this place and to this people is a bad idea. We do not belong here and we can be found out. We must go before she sinks any roots.”

  “Don’t be too hard on Li Po. It’s understandable for her to feel this way. She is still a child and needs stability.”

  “You know a lot about children now do you?” The Acrobat asked his friend, a little frustrated from being corrected.

  “I know a lot about a lot of things. Just because I do not say it does not mean I don’t know it.” The Farmer rebutted the Acrobat without opening his eyes as he sunned himself.

  “My daughter is getting stubborn. Soon she will have her own mind and won’t listen to me. She is no longer the little girl who follows her father around the world. That’s why I need to take her to that place where she can make a life of her own without being tied to what we did in the past. Only then, can she truly create a life of her own.”

  “What are you guys talking about?” Zhao asked cheerily as he came and joined them.

  The Acrobat told him what transpired between himself and the Farmer.

  After some thought, Zhao said, “I heard that the feud between the One-eyed Dragon and the Commander has started. Although it was not an all-out war yet, but the One-eyed Dragon had started to openly accuse the commander of breaching their agreement. The commander is denying it of course. If they don’t kill each other soon, they may realise someone is stirring the pot for them.”

  “When that happens, we will have to fight both parties.”

  “So we need to go before that happens.” The Farmer added. This was his only contribution to the conversation.

  Zhao thought for awhile, concerned for the Miao people. They would not be ready to defend themselves soon. He could only hope that Heaven would protect them until the dust settled. He knew they would have no chance if caught in between the One-eyed Dragon and the corrupt official Hong He. But he had no choice. Battlefield scenarios usually did not permit the luxury of a win-win situation for everyone.

  “I will speak to the emperor.” Zhao said and got up to go.

  That night, Yula spoke to Long. “Let’s stay in this village. I am tired of running.” Yula told Long as they watched the sun set. She put her head on his shoulder. They were on a hill a distance from the village. They came here frequently for intimate moments. They found a little shepherd’s hut where they could make love loudly without any need for inhibition. Today they watched the golden orb turn to orange before it became dark red. Finally it sank below the hills. The fading light cast a soft illumination over the budding cherry blossoms so that the trees seemed to be crowned with a pastel white in the purplish twilight. The place was quiet and still, and it gave Yula peace. Birds called to each other. Smaller ones tweeted, while larger ones crowed. Somewhere in the distance, they heard a wolf cry and greet the rising moon. It felt like home. Long leaned against the wall and sighed. The month of rest and refuge had replaced the tension of being fugitives; for once they could sleep without waking in the middle of the night or eat with their daos within reach. Such simple little things told the body, soul and mind that all was well – for now.

  “They are not our people Yula. We will never be truly them.” Long replied as he wrapped his arm lovingly over her.

  “The Han are not my people too. The Miao are the closest to what I may be able to find. Moreover, they need me.”

  “I’m not sure whether it is a good idea to stay in the empire. “We will forever be hunted; if not the court, then by the bandits now.”

  “I’m just so tired. So tired of having no home, no people, no animals, no...children.” her voice dipped at the mention of children. She hesitated then she looked at him with earnest eyes and said,

  “I think I am pregnant.”

  She had to say it; no use beating around the bush. Long paused for a while. The news was like a
strong alcohol – it went in hard then diffused its wonders through his being. First he was silent, then he started to laugh softly, and then he wept. He put his hand over his eyes and cried with joy. The tears reflected the moon light and his handsome features beamed his happiness. They had made love for years but sex, and life, for them were always on the edge. The last month was stable and gave them a semblance of a normal life. It allowed her body to respond to nature. He hugged his lover,

  “Heaven has blessed a fugitive like me. Even someone like me.” He whispered into her ears.

  She said, “You have done nothing wrong. You are loyal and kind. You protected your emperor. You are not a criminal. Why do you think you do not deserve joy?”

  He nodded. He could not speak. The joy was overwhelming him. He could only laugh and nod his head. Long Wu, the imperial bodyguard who had been running for his life, with no place to rest his feet during the day and his head at night, was going to be a father. The four ends of the earth would no longer be his home. He needed to find a place to settle down and bring up a family. Surely the rest would understand. He had given much, surely he would be entitled to a normal life. Still he worried about being hunted by the Eastern Depot.

  She sensed this, “When the emperor leaves Quanzhou, the trail dies. They are after the emperor, not you; all will be forgotten in a few months.”

  She did not mention the alternative: the emperor could be caught, and then the story would also end. Either way it would no longer drag them further. The whole idea was not to be associated with the emperor any more. Her maternal instincts to preserve her child were raging. She would do anything to protect the unborn baby and ensure its safe entry into the world. She did not swear fealty to Jian Wen but even if she did, she would sever it for the sake of her child.

  He weighed this argument. Slowly his rational side recovered from the euphoria. Yes, it was possible. They needed to hold out for only three more months, and then the episode would close when Jian Wen left, or died. He felt a twinge of guilt at the contemplation of leaving his emperor but just as quickly the protective instincts of a father asserted itself and he felt that he had an obligation to Yula and the unborn child. A thousand arguments flew through his brain; they needed his sword and his skill, they needed the numbers, he swore an oath to the emperor etc but nothing could numb the natural paternal instincts that were awakened. Suddenly he could understand the Acrobat’s actions and motivations. He knew that he would do anything for Yula and the child. It became crystal clear what he must do. He turned and looked at her,

  “I will speak to the Commander. We will stay here.”

  She nodded her head appreciatively and held his hand. They sat together and listened to the silence and stared into nothing. The world belonged to the two of them.

  The next morning, Long was kneeling on one knee with his forehead touching the ground. Jian Wen was in front of him. The emperor-monk sat in a lotus position and his eyes were closed. The rising sun cast an orange glow on the monk’s face. He looked serene and at peace. Zhao Qi stood behind the kneeling man with his hands on his hip like a teacher over an errant boy before their headmaster. He was furious. Compared to the still monk, he was like a brewing storm; a tempest that had not exhausted itself yet. He was ready to blow up again but for the presence of the cleric. That morning, Long had spoken to Zhao and Zhao accused Long of desertion. Long took the abuse out of respect for the commander then calmly told him that he had made up his mind. He was no longer a soldier; he was free to choose. Zhao almost struck him and started shouting, saying that they were too close to the end. Every sword was needed to protect the emperor on this last lap. They would then be free. The Farmer and the Acrobat stopped Zhao from hitting Long. Long pointedly told Zhao that if he had struck him, he would retaliate. The Farmer told the two of them to knock it off; the Dong Chang would rejoice because the emperor’s bodyguards had done the job of killing each other, leaving the emperor unguarded. The Acrobat suggested the emperor judge the matter and there they were: Zhao Qi huffing and puffing, Long Wu kneeling in appeal, and the silent and nonchalant monk sitting before them. The Farmer and the Acrobat stood a respectful distance. They knew the two men would not fight in the presence of the monk-emperor.

  “Zhao Qi, I know you have valid reasons to keep him but do not do so. Let him follow his heart’s desire.”

  “Majesty, this would put you in danger.”

  “Whether I live or die here is ordained. No one can know, and no one can stop it. It does not depend on whether Long stays or leave.” The monk replied without opening his eyes. “Let him follow his own path. He has his place in the universe and it does not have to be tied to mine.”

  “But Majesty...” Zhao appealed, but stopped when Jian Wen lifted a silencing hand.

  “Let him go Zhao. I am no longer the emperor. I no longer need to have other people’s fate tied to mine. I am not worthy of this. Long, go as you wish. Stay with the Miao if you feel your path is with them. You have brought life through Yula, you must honour that. Your sword shall now protect your flesh and blood.”

  “Thank you Majesty.”

  And then he got up. Jian Wen still did not open his eyes. He did not have to look at the mundane. Long nodded at Zhao and turned to the Farmer and the Acrobat. They hugged each other as long-time comrades do. They wished him the best and teased him about Yula’s pregnancy. The jokes turned coarse, and rude and indecent gestures flew despite the monk’s presence and they laughed without restraint like old friends. Even Zhao joined in. Zhao insisted if the emperor had not given Long permission to leave, he would have personally kicked his butt. Long laughed. He did not threaten retaliation. The comrades stayed together the whole morning. Long did not go and train the villagers; he knew his time with his comrades was short and when they leave, they would never meet again.

  SIXTY ONE

  The scenery was mesmerizing. Ji Gang and his two men rode their horses past the ruggedly beautiful karst limestone cliffs. The stone behemoths dotted the area they were travelling through like the discarded building blocks of a giant. The karst mountains lined roads, towered over rivers, mirrored on still lakes, blocked trails; they were everywhere. It was beautiful and nothing Ji had ever seen before could compare. Ji felt invigorated by the cool winds. The winter had passed and his bones no longer ached. How he loved the south where the winters were mild and spring came earlier! Gone were those days when he could endure the northern winds and endless deserts. For awhile, he entertained the thought of retiring in the south. That was what riding does to you; it allowed your mind to wander where it should not go. He was on a mission, not a tour. They continued riding as the morning sun tried to tip the peak of the eastern mountains. He calculated they should be reaching the nearest garrison soon. From Quanzhou, it was not too far. If they had come from the capital, they would not have reached within such a short time. So far, they had seen no one. As the light grew stronger, they saw abandoned houses and small plots of domestic farms. The plants were overgrown, the buildings derelict and there were no signs of life. It was odd because the winter was ending and spring was coming. It was a time when people came out to till the land and life would begin to return. The anomaly did not pass unnoticed, but local security was not a priority to the Eastern Depot at the moment.

  As though it was an answer to the unspoken question, suddenly a group of armed men appeared before the riders as they passed a hill. The men appeared from the foliage and surrounded them. They were a motley crew dressed in various colours.

  “Halt!” The man in front shouted with authority. Some of those behind him had their arrows aimed at the riders.

  “Yuuuuu...” Ji cooed to the horse as the animal slowed. He was curious who these oddly dressed men were. They were not Ming soldiers, so by whose authority were they guarding the place? He jumped off the horse. Li and Lu followed suit. The man who halted them pointed at Ji, “State your purpose! You are entering the territory of the One-eyed Dragon!”

  “
Territory of the One-eyed Dragon?” Ji cocked his head enquiringly.

  “Unless you state your reason to be here, we would not let you proceed!” The bandit repeated.

  Ji looked at them. There were six of them and three on his side, but the numbers meant nothing. He was more curious why a bunch of ragtag bandits would have the bad luck of encountering the Eastern Depot on such a fine morning. The leader who challenged him was middle aged. He had a barrel chest, a rough, unshaved face and the wicked eyes of a bandit. He must have been an ex-soldier, Ji could tell, from the way he carried his weapon. The rest of his men were mere boys. They got their courage from this man who was clearly more experienced than they.

  “Unless I am very much mistaken,” Ji started to speak as he walked casually toward the man whom he identified as the leader, “This land you stand on belongs to the House of Zhu.”

  Zhu was the family name of the Ming emperors. The founding emperor was Zhu Yuanzhang, who became the Hungwu Emperor, Jian Wen was actually Zhu Yunwen, and the current emperor Zhu Di was the Yong Le Emperor. Ji smiled at him as though he had caught the man in a faux pas. His smile only extended to his lips. His eyes remained cold like the karst stone that was everywhere.