Clash of Alliances

by Pierre Dimaculangan

  ​The Scholars again looked to each other not sure what to say. “There are two different kinds of wars being waged here. I will fight the fight of the spirit. You continue the fight of bombs and steel as necessary.”

  ​“Well, I am glad we both agree on defeating the Terukk, but you are puzzling to say the least, Sage. I, however, see them as nothing more than a completely different race—one that wishes to expand its own empire from across the sea. The Menggu have attempted this as well, but the Ming succeeded in ousting them permanently. Still, I believe that such hubris will be put to death if they think it will be so easy to defeat us. They are a sly, albeit, a more sophisticated kind of conqueror,” said Shang Jian the Scholars’ chief strategist. There was a tone of what sounded like admiration for the Terukk’s enigmatic existence. He clenched his fists on top of the table as if wanting to slam them into something.

  ​“Oh, my friend, if only it were so simple. This is a time of great testing and is but the beginning of our trials,” Famin Jie said. “We are pressured on two fronts. It is most crucial that we make wise and patient decisions.”

  ​“We will pull through. Sun Xin and his ragtag team are playing a most crucial role for all of us. The army’ strength is being restored to a level not seen since the emperor Yongle was on the throne. Our preparedness could not be any better. We must rely on ourselves now.”

  ​“You place a very high confidence on the swordsman,” said Famin Jie to Lu Guanying, shifting the topic. He took a sip of his tea which had already become lukewarm.

  ​“Yes, he has done more for his country than any soldier or civil servant of any rank. In this world there are only a select few persons in whom I can place my trust and my life. That ranger is one of them,” replied Lu Guanying.

  ​“I can see why you feel that way. I just hope he does not succumb to the mental and physical pressures that have been placed upon his shoulders,” said Famin Jie.

  ​“I have little doubt he will pull through. He has grown accustomed to extremely daunting tasks such as the one he currently undertakes. Sun Xin has never failed the cause of the Martial Scholars in the few years he has been with us. He is quite a remarkable individual with great patience, rare talents, and very unique skills,” said Lu Guanying proudly.

  ​“I have not known him for long, but I can certainly agree with you. However, no man is impervious. We will later find that he will need us more than we need him. Even lone wolves seek others of their kind,” Famin Jie commented.

  ​“I must ask of you, sir,” continued Lu Guanying. “It has been two thousand years since sages have been involved in state affairs. How is it that you are here now of all times?”

  ​Famin Jie smiled and fell silent for a moment.

  ​“Believe me. I am just as surprised as you are with how I ended up in the presence of the most powerful ruler in the world. I tell you the truth; I am here because I follow the will of Heaven. Outside of that will, my life would have no meaning, and destiny and fate are empty words. That is the only credibility I can offer you, sir,” said Famin Jie.

  ​“Right…” muttered Lu Guanying. One of his bushy eyebrows was raised. “I’m afraid that doesn’t quite answer my question.”

  ​“For many years I sat patiently waiting for Heaven’s instruction. I have lived a meager life and though I wanted to tell others of my revelations I could not find many who were ready to listen. But I cannot deny that the events that led me here were supernatural! I know there are those here would discredit me for what I will say. Our civilization is at a crisis. Many great evils have risen against us on all fronts and no matter how confident we feel in our abilities, we cannot win without divine favor. That is why I approached the emperor. Great change must start with him before it could flow down unto the empire. I tell you the truth; my message is the key to winning the greater part of this war. It is a part that we do not immediately see unless it is already too late,” Famin Jie testified.

  ​“Your words echo that of Master Mo whose school of thought had been nearly forgotten. Your theological views mirror some teachings from that ancient school. Is it your aim to restore an ancient school of thought?” asked Tian Qiu, who had grown suspicious of the Sage’s motives.

  ​“It is so much more than a school of thought, friend. Just like the Old Master, Kong Fuzi, and Zi Mozi of ancient times, I seek to play my part in restoring a society of virtue and righteousness as it was during the days of the Sage Kings. Recent events have revealed to me that my mission begins with assisting the emperor in resisting the Terukk. When the empire returns to its spiritual and moral roots, the Middle Kingdom can find deliverance from its peril—a peril that has only begun and will only continue even well after we win this war. This first trial presented before the Ming may seem to be a dire circumstance, but it is an avenue for Heaven to bring the people back unto the proper path. That is the greatest end. I cannot emphasize this enough.”

  ​“Fortunately for you, the Emperor has been convinced of this and I hope you are right. For all our sakes you had better be,” remarked Lu Guanying.

  ​Tian Qiu rubbed his forehead and crossed his arms. His face testified to the questions and critical thoughts that ran through his mind. “This land has a legacy of venerating numerous gods. Not to mention that the standards of righteousness differ from one world-view to another. How will you convince the entire nation of hundreds of millions to honor the antiquated ways? The understanding of Heaven has become vague. To the people, it is naught but a mere symbol, if not an expression for a higher power,” he expressed. His eyes wandered around the room, his mind still engaged in deep thought.

  ​“Attempts a persuasion are dead ends. I cannot persuade anyone. My only aim is to scatter fruit seeds. The people will listen at the proper time and they will realize the truth when the seeds bear fruit. The evidence shall speak for itself,” replied Famin Jie. “Emperor Qin Shi Huang thought it righteous to burn countless books and bury hundreds of scholars to their deaths, yet today we know such acts to be barbaric and cruel. They always have been. What makes our standard better than his? If right or wrong are merely products of popular opinions and feelings and simply a result of the times, then there is no reason why we should not mirror the actions of tyrants to achieve our own benefit.”

  ​Faint expressions of what seemed to be approval passed through the faces of the council, though Tian Qiu kept his gaze locked onto Famin Jie. He was only concerned that the Sage’s influence in the emperor’s court might impede their own work administrating the Six Ministries and waging war against the Terukk.

  ​The Scholars did not see great importance in Famin Jie’s mission but they respected him for being a figure of honor and for his traditional spirit. As intellectuals, they appreciated his classical world-views. Despite the fact Sun Xin personally vouched for him, it was evident that they still retained their suspicions about Famin Jie’s agenda.

  ​“You say Heaven or this Shang Di has ordained your steps and is seeking to redeem the people. How sure can you be that it is so? How can you be so sure that in fact, your steps are directed by a higher calling?” Lu Guanying questioned sincerely.

  ​“Just a few weeks ago I was living in obscurity in a small homestead very far from here in Guangdong province. I was unknown, relatively poor, and alone. Now I have been to the very courts of the most powerful ruler of the civilized world and have had the privilege of having spoken to him myself. Furthermore, I am in the company of some of the most intelligent and educated men in all the Middle Kingdom. How can I not say that Heaven has ordained my steps! When a man chooses to walk the narrow Path, he will realize that the doors have already been opened. He just has to walk through them,” said Famin Jie.

  ​“Perhaps,” said Zhang Sunzan cutting into the conversation. “Why call it the will of Heaven when it could just as easily be fate?”

  ​“If fate was the ultimate end, then why do we bother defending ourselves in this war? If fate was the only finality, surely
fighting would be vain,” Famin Jie answered.

  ​“We fight to achieve the preferable fate or to change the doomed one,” Zhang.

  ​“You of all people should know that is not fate,” Famin Jie said. “We are presented with a choice. We now must choose how our crisis will end. Should we listen to truth or should we blaze our own trail with our finite wisdom?”

  ​ Lu Guanying stroked his beard silently scoffing at Famin Jie’s responses. He considered such beliefs and philosophical assumptions to be quite weak or even lazy. Yet, he was greatly intrigued with hermit and wanted to learn more of his unusual perspectives on reality. He shifted topics.

  ​“I have heard you speak many words concerning the Way. Many interpretations have been made concerning that school of thought. Some are even conflicting. I have read the book of the Old Master, Laozi, and until now I cannot in fullness comprehend the philosophy of the Way. It seems to differ in meaning from person to person. Tell me, what is the Way?” Famin Jie could not help but be amused by the Scholars’ questions for he knew that they were testing his authority concerning such philosophical issues. The room became silent as the Scholars and the company who happened to have been nearby refocused their ears to Famin Jie’s answer.

  ​“The Way is the way,” he answered.

  ​“I beg your pardon?” Tian Qiu asked.

  ​“It is the means to true redemption and reconciliation. That’s why it is called The Way. It’s meaning has been lost through the ages.”

  ​“Reconciliation? Redemption? From what?” questioned the Martial Scholars.

  ​“What do you think the Border Sacrifice is for? The emperor performs the ceremony on behalf of the people to atone for our faults and to become right with Shang Di. The sacrifice itself is nothing magical. It is a symbolic representation of the true meaning of reconciliation and redemption. To become right with Heaven one must be perfect and unblemished like the animals offered in the ceremony. However, no one on earth is perfect, but the Way is. It is sufficient. One can find oneness with Heaven by entering into the Way.”

  ​Famin Jie maintained his humble smile throughout the length of his answer. Tian Qiu could not help but lower his face into the palm of his hand while listening to what sounded like religious rhetoric. “Is… that… so?” he questioned with a condescending tone. “And how exactly does one gain entry into the Way?” he asked, in an attempt to challenge his theology.

  ​“First you must begin by humbling and emptying yourself completely. Heaven fills and reveals the rest,” Famin Jie answered.

  ​“And you know all of this, how? How does Heaven reveal the rest?” Lu Guanying asked with some interest.

  ​“I read the preserved written records and books that Emperor Shi Huangdi thought he had destroyed by fire one thousand seven hundred years ago,” Famin Jie grinned. “By then the book itself was already ancient. It is not complete, but oh it is so divine; I can tell you that for certain. The ancients were wise. Very wise.”

  ​The five Martial Scholars gasped and murmured as they looked to themselves. Tian Qiu in particular took great interest in his words. A book containing the preserved texts thought to have been destroyed? It was absolutely intriguing to the Scholars.

  ​“Great. He took his lessons from an outdated text written by men who had just learned to forge bronze,” Tian Qiu said to himself, though it was rather audible.

  ​“You had better not be fooling with us, sir. Lying is the greatest mistake one can commit against the Martial Scholars,” he said pointing two fingers.

  ​“I would never even think pulling such a stunt against you, my neighbor. I too have a great hatred for lies.”

  ​“Do you have this text with you now, Sage? Where did you obtain such a priceless gift?” Lu Guanying asked as he leaned forward over the table. “Do understand that the collection and preservation of many old and rare texts is one of the goals of our organization. For us, such a book is a jewel half-buried in the sand.”

  ​“It’s a big, old heavy thing, very fragile too. It was a gift given by an old friend who mentored me, and he received it from the one who mentored him. I keep it in the bottom of my backpack. Should you have the time, I would be delighted to share its pages with you.”

  ​“I appreciate that,” Lu Guanying replied.

  ​“What then preceded the Way or Shang Di whom you call Heaven? Does not ‘Heaven’ need an explanation? Even then the explanation would require an explanation. It will never stop,” asked Tian Qiu, suddenly trying to challenge his philosophy. He was clearly not satisfied by Famin Jie’s philosophies.

  ​“Ah, yes, the case of infinite regress… there’s a reason why the Old Master has called it ‘the mystery of mysteries’. Nothing can precede anything if time had yet to exist. It is the beginning and the end. The Way just was, has, and always will be—that is, a necessary entity. Why would the Creator be bound by the natural laws it caused to exist in the first place? If we could fully comprehend it all, then it would not be the Way. Our finite minds cannot understand that which is infinite. Can the ocean fill itself into a soup bowl?”

  ​“I can see what you mean, but I feel that you are begging the question,” answered Shang Jian.

  ​“What alternative worldview do you propose?” Famin Jie questioned. “The universe brought itself into existence? That’s more difficult than trying to lift your own body by pulling up on your own arm.” Tian Qiu cringed through almost the entirety of the discussion. He was not ready to accept such a worldview.

  ​“Is that what happened when you first stood before the emperor? Heaven revealed to him something beyond description? I thought he had gone mad for no reason. We all thought you played some foul trick on him until he immediately defended you. What did you do?” asked Zhang Sunzan as he leaned forward over the table’s surface.

  ​“If I knew, I would have told you. Whatever it was he saw and experienced is between him and Heaven. I did naught but pray. I am only an instrument. Shang Di is the composer, orchestrator, and artist,” answered Famin Jie. The Martial Scholars looked to each other with blank expressions, again unsure of how to react to such a statement.

  ​Tian Qiu had grown impatient with their lengthy discussion. He reacted with a frustrated outburst that was not expected by his colleagues. The entire conversation unnerved him and he could not stand to listen to any more of Famin Jie’s beliefs. “A simple lack of understanding of the natural processes is not an excuse to resort to explanations claiming the involvement of the supernatural. It is fallacious to simply attribute currently unanswerable questions to the work of an invisible and unprovable entity. In what ways does such idle conversation even help us win the war against the Terukk or further the cause of both the Ming Empire and the League of Martial Scholars?” Tian Qiu questioned to his colleagues. “I find no pragmatic application in debating or even discussing such philosophical questions when the world is falling into chaos. Knowledge and intellect win wars, not spirituality and certainly not old teachings. Forgive my passionate disagreement, sage. You are a good man, but I grow restless philosophizing on matters that I believe would not help us on the battlefield,” Tian Qiu said, almost in a rant.

  ​“I’m with you on that, brother,” commented Shang Jian.

  ​“When you are lost in the darkness and you are trying to find an exit, you need to first shine a light.” Famin Jie said softly. He never once thought that he could win the hearts and minds of people simply by talking about his beliefs.

  ​You will soon see the truth of which I speak, he thought to himself. I will continue to walk the path, and Heaven will take care of the rest on my behalf. This is Wu Wei.

  ​The hall had grown awkwardly silent by the time the assembly had completed expressing their thoughts to each other. Lu Guanying attempted to stand up on his feet but was evidently experiencing some discomfort in the process.

  ​“Does something ail you, my friend?” asked Famin Jie.

  ​“Gout. It refuses to s
ubside no matter what I do. My frustration grows with the discomfort,” Lu Guanying replied.

  ​“Reduce meat intake and sweets from your diet. Consume more citrus and juicy fruits and leafy greens in all your meals. I have some extra Burdock root for the swelling and fresh ginseng for your well-being. In a few weeks you should find relief.”

  ​The Martial Scholars were adamant that only military might and cunning could win the war. Famin Jie remained resolute in the utmost importance of fighting on the spiritual front—the kind unseen by the eyes of man. Unbeknownst to the Martial Scholars, Famin Jie was gifted with an ancient knowledge, wisdom, understanding and discernment so long-forgotten that those who would bear witness to them could only shun him. It was useless trying to convince the likes of the Martial Scholars of what he knew was true. He left that task of realization and enlightenment to Heaven. All Famin Jie could do now was teaching through example and walk the narrow Path of his calling to servanthood.

  - -

  ​While the Forbidden City housed the political affairs of the empire, Famin Jie spent much time studying in solitude inside Hanlin Academy’s facilities. He brought with him the old tome wound and bound with stitched bindings. The book was not like any other and to Famin Jie, was the most precious of all the books and scrolls ever written in the Middle Kingdom. It was ironic, however, that Tian Qiu took particular interest in the large text given his disregard and even disdain for religious pursuits. He walked to Famin Jie rather pompously with his hands behind his back.