Clash of Alliances

by Pierre Dimaculangan

  ​“And how many lives will be lost if we do not fight at all?” Famin Jie asked in response. “Do not waste time living in fear, lamenting over war and crying over circumstances we cannot control! We did not choose this fight but we can choose the outcome. We are caught in the spider’s web and living in fear will do nothing to help us escape it. The only question that remains now is ‘are you willing to have faith and trust?’”

  ​Emperor Zhu Youcheng closed his eyes and forced his shoulders to relax. He recalled the great history lessons of his youth and often wondered what the great figures of past dynasties would have done. If he could only converse with every one of them, he would feel more confident. But there was no use in wasting his time on such wishful thoughts. Famin Jie was right; trust and faith were the keys in such trying times. He kept going back to the life-changing vision he had been granted and yet, he had not begun to understand its meaning. Describing it would be near impossible. Still, it was the only true hope he held close.

  ​“Thank you, Sage. I must spend some time in solitude and reflect on how I will choose the outcome.” To calm his nerves, he went to the Imperial Ancestral Temple just outside the palace and before the ancestral tablets, paid tribute to the memory of all those who came before him. The familiar fragrance of incense filled his nostrils and comforted him with memories of happier days. He dropped to his knees and fell upon his face after finding no consolation from his troubles. “If my prayer has any merit, let it be heard that on this day and on the days to come, the fate of the Empire is in the hands of Heaven, not mine, for I alone can do nothing. Let even the spirits and demons that traverse the universe bear witness to His sovereignty through this war. If I may be so bold as to give a request, it would be for wisdom, for there is no greater gift that would bring victory to the empire.”

  ​The Ministry of War had later issued an updated report to the court about their preparedness for war. Soldiers, strong armor, and newly-forged weapons were plenty. Discipline had been enforced and combat training had become more rigorous for all soldiers in the previous weeks. Through the admirable efforts of imperial commander Feishen, leadership training and competence had been restored through the ranks and in a matter of weeks have lubricated the rusted, old gears of the Ming military machine. Despite the greatly increased emphasis on military matters, soldiers for the most part, were not held in high esteem and save for the highest ranking officers, were stuck in the lower ranks of the social class. It was an unfortunate consequence of the political culture developed at the beginning of the dynasty where army life was believed to have been a last resort for those who could not pass the Civil Service Examinations.

  ​This regard for the military caused a bit of concern for Shang Jian, an erudite of war classics and in the conducting and managing of warfare. He brought his concerns before the emperor one day saying that even though such a matter might be so minor, social standing was an integral part of the army’s effectiveness and morale. Motivation and inspiration were powerful driving forces for an army and he expressed a need for efforts to be made to hold common soldiers in high esteem.

  ​“In these troubled times, we are more dependent on the soldiers more than ever. It is vital that they be treated with high regard and respect for what they do on behalf of the empire for millions are dependent upon them for their defense. The highest morale is essential to ensuring victory,” he said to his fellow Scholars, court officials, and the emperor.

  ​“You are right to present these to my attention. Let it be so, that in conjunction with my declaration of reviving the old martial orientation to the fore of the Ming, that the social standings of all who serve in the fighting forces be no longer beneath that of the civil officialdom. In this manner, let all who endeavor to career in the armed forces not be disheartened, and shall encourage others to join in the defense of the Ming.”

  ​Therefore, a declaration was made by Zhu Youcheng promising higher wages for soldiers and exclusive benefits for their families for their service, and promised to them special recognition and reward for acts of valor, and valiance, and leadership in the battlefield. The emperor’s proclamation spread quickly throughout the army and scattered across the vast provinces, and was received with great acclamation. Renewed vigor immediately spread throughout the army. As trifling a matter as it may seem, the government has made yet another small step to ensure victory in the current conflict.

  ​Such were the events that transpired in the days the Hongzhi Emperor prepared his empire for war with an enemy whom they know very little. He and the Martial Scholars within the court, however, were even more eager to hear news of Sun Xin’s mission in the remote wilderness of the provinces. Forging alliances was but one effort to ensure their survival. Defeating the uniting societies of the Underworld was a more urgent matter. While enemies plotted abroad, other enemies plotted from within. The operation of Sun Xin and the Academicians was more crucial than they themselves realized. One could only wait in anticipation of what had become of his mission…

  The Proposals

  ​Intricate communication networks have brought news from abroad. The court, in cooperation with the League of Martial Scholars issued an official report on the current state of affairs in the neighboring realms:

  ​The Middle Kingdom’s neighbor Chaoxian, natively called ‘Joseon’, had been subjugated by the Terukk completely. They ultimately suffered a fate that would have befallen the Ming if the Martial and Hanlin Scholars had not intervened. King Seongjong (Cheng Zong), of Chaoxian and his entire ruling administration were forced to economically and politically submit to foreign occupation with the signing of an unfair treaty not long after having lost several battles against the Terukk-Wild Nuzhen alliance. Chaoxian’s fighting forces have been disbanded, its warships destroyed by fire, and all its official communications with the Ming Empire severed. The nation of Chaoxian had officially fallen to the enemy. Furthermore, under the orchestrations of the Terukk, a massive army of Wild Nuzhen cavalry was also secretly organizing at the borders of Chaoxian, preparing for all out invasion against their rivals the Menggu located west of their location. The Nuzhen’s Jianzhou and Haixi clans further south of their position were also under threat of imminent attack. They have already destroyed the deserted Ming frontier garrisons stationed in Nuzhen country and were just beginning their path of conquest.

  ​Emperor Zhu Youcheng received the news with a great pain and became evermore distressed at these critical developments occurring within the borders of the empire. Contact with other nations has ceased altogether and news from the rest of the outside world was anyone’s guess. It would not be unreasonable to say that they too have fallen to the Terukk and were now under their control.

  ​In the east, over the Yellow Sea, the island nation Riben, called “Nihon” by its people, alas had fallen into full-scale civil war. The arrival and meddling of the Terukk has worsened the already-deteriorating political situation. Thus, the warrior aristocracy that governed the land had become violently divided between the Ashikaga military regime and the king of Riben who was called “emperor” by his loyalists. The Ashikaga government upholds national autonomy, independence from the outside world, and sovereignty over all the affairs within their domain. Their “emperor”, a mere cultural symbol of unity, had gained quite a large following with the newfound power that the Terukk had granted. Consequently, the two factions clashed after the puppet emperor declared war against the Ashikaga Administration led by the Shogun named Yoshitane (Yizhi).

  ​“The world has fallen into chaos, and evil surrounds us. Among the nations, I feel that we stand alone to defy the Pale Foreigners,” lamented Emperor Zhu Youcheng. He slumped over his throne, his hand cupped his mouth as he drifted into deep thought. The advisors who brought him the news could not provide further solutions outside of the implementation of military power and the mission entrusted to Sun Xin.

  ​“I have a proposal for the court, Majesty,” said Shang Jian unexpectedly.


  ​“What do you have in mind, Martial Scholar? Have you learned something of late? Any important developments to report?” the emperor asked in great interest. His words caught his attention and momentarily distracted him from his depression.

  ​“Yes, there is, your majesty. The Martial Scholars and this court are united in what I am about to say. That is, fortunately, not everyone in the world is inclined to buy into the wiles of the Terukk. The warrior clans loyal to Ashikaga’s rule are powerful and have taken up arms against them. This means that they have seen through the Terukk’s intentions and were wise enough to resist them. We advise that you lend your support for their cause. They will surely reciprocate it. Joseon, on the other hand, has also long been a loyal vassal state of the Middle Kingdom and has faithfully paid tribute for many centuries. It is only right that we send military aid. Their liberation would be most crucial to our victory once their armed forces are regathered. The alliance of three nations is greatly advantageous and would do much against Terukk military advances regardless of their might. I freely admit that these undertakings are not only extremely difficult, costly, and time-consuming, but if we are successful we would stand a much greater chance of repelling a Terukk invasion if we fight together. Let us take the fight to them! Your Majesty, I beseech you to consider this course of action. If it is your wish to be so, then we must act quickly.”

  ​Emperor Zhu Youcheng’s expression grew solemn as he pondered on Shang Jian’s proposal. Despite the odds, he was compelled to agree with the warrior-scholar.

  ​“What you are asking is extremely costly and unguaranteed, not to mention unthinkable, but I cannot turn my gaze from your perspective. Sigh. Can we really afford such an undertaking? We’ve not the time or the immediate resources given our own costly war preparations,” he questioned anxiously.

  ​The Scholars did not oppose the plan but were less enthusiastic than the imperial commander about its undertaking. Though they were the first to discuss and realize the importance of creating an alliance with their neighbors, they left the decision solely at the emperor’s discretion. It did not take an intellectual to realize the folly of fighting enemies on two fronts alone.

  ​“Martial Scholar,” the emperor addressed him. “How do you plan on retaking Chaoxian? They have been conquered by a vast horse army of Wild Nuzhen who, at this very moment, are gathering their forces and resources for an assault against our northeastern frontier.”

  ​“A large chunk of the army is stationed here in the North. Many more surround the capital. I would also like to respectfully remind you that your three governor generals guarding the walls in the Nine Border Garrisons are ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. If we can launch a quick offensive, we may be able to overwhelm the Wild Nuzhen with long ranged fire before their cavalry forces meet our troops. With shock tactics and full scale assaults, we can liberate all of Chaoxian before winter. They will not be expecting it.”

  ​“I cannot compromise the northern borders. The imperial commander would agree that our forces stationed there should remain there on guard.” But before the Emperor could further consider the plan, Famin Jie stepped forward to speak his mind.

  ​“There is great wisdom in Scholar Shang’s proposal, your Majesty. But may I suggest a slightly different approach with liberating Chaoxian?” His slouched posture straightened as he made his way before the officials. His cane tapped lightly against the floor tiles of the hall. “Before we can free Chaoxian, there is another task we must first undertake although, it might be deemed… rather controversial for this court,” he said concernedly.

  ​“I am afraid I will not like what I will hear but please, go on,” said the emperor as he massaged his eyebrows.

  ​“There is a chance we might be able to spare our troops of risky and audacious battles when invasion is most imminent. Our chances of defeating the Wild Nuzhen of the North could depend heavily upon…” he hesitated for a brief moment. “…an alliance with the Menggu tribes.”

  ​ Murmurs and whispers immediately resounded in the hall as reactions of shock and disbelief made their way amongst the Martial Scholars and ministers. “Being much farther inland,” he continued, “I believe their nation has yet to have had directly encountered the Terukk. Allying with them would be greatly advantageous and completely unexpected by the enemy. We may also be able to put countless bloodshed and ancient animosity to an end.”

  ​“Have you gone mad?” the emperor said aloud. He stood from his throne so quickly it even startled the armored guards who stood right outside the hall. “I refuse! Such an idea is unthinkable. We have been enemies for a thousand years! We cannot ally ourselves with one mortal enemy to defeat another mortal enemy. Such a course of action could lead to disaster! There is no way they would ever decide to lend us aid after we have driven their ancestors away from this land over one hundred twenty four years ago. To this day, bands of horsemen relentlessly raid our border frontiers and kill our people without mercy! If anything, those petty, nomadic goat herders would much rather join the Terukk.”

  ​“I completely sympathize with your feelings toward the barbarity of the Menggu… but even I must admit that there is sound reason in the hermit’s proposal, Majesty,” commented Shang Jian. Even Famin Jie was surprised by the Martial Scholar’s comment. “The enemy of our enemy can be our friend. It might just work.”

  ​“Good Sage, honorable Scholars and the gentlemen of this court, how would barbarian horsemen, who have been our enemies for millennia, ever want to help us win this war? We are their mortal enemies; they would rather watch us fall. They are uneducated, uncivilized. They’ve yet to build their own monuments and cities, or invent something useful. It is senseless talk, I tell you,” the emperor ranted.

  ​“Those ‘goat-herders’ nearly conquered the world. After sixty years of war, they managed to conquer the Song Dynasty through brilliant leadership and tactical ability. Today they are under the leadership of one Batu Mongke, ‘Dayan Khan’. Your majesty, we have much to gain from a temporary truce with the Menggu,” said Shang Jian.

  ​“And yet in less than a century we managed to rise up and oust them forever. Who else can boast such a feat? Under the leadership of this so-called Khan they lay waste to our people on the empire’s outskirts,” the emperor countered.

  ​Famin Jie nodded in agreement to Shang Jian’s words. “Though I am not in the least bit qualified to meddle in military affairs and politics, I am sure of one thing. I know that humility and meekness can win the hearts of even the roughest men. By faith, we will have them ally with us against a common enemy. For as the softness of water can carve hard stone, so too can hardened hearts be made tender through gentle words… and ancient enemies can be made into allies,” Famin Jie preached. The court became quiet, seemingly in silent agreement with the Sage’s perspective. “No matter how much our ancient enemies wish to see us fall, they too are people who desire to be free, and resist those who wish to enslave and conquer them. Reach out to the young Menggu Chieftain. We must try.” Though Famin Jie did not know who the current Menggu Chieftain was, he firmly believed that the current Khan would decide to aid the Ming’s struggles against the Terukk despite the higher probability of the alternative.

  ​Imperial commander Feishen, who had just joined the gathering, was hesitant to speak. However, reasonable men did not let emotion, pride, or ego determine their course of action.

  ​“As much as I deem the Menggu my sworn enemy, even I realize the folly of fighting the Wild Nuzhen without their aid. Yes, in months or even years, we may be able to defeat the Wild Nuzhen on our own, but we would never be able to conquer them.” He paused and took a breath. “I know first-hand the ferocity and strength of the Menggu hordes on the battlefield and their brilliant tactical abilities with unmatched horse archery could prove priceless on the open plains of the North. They’ve put it to magnificent use in their maneuvers in the region of Ordos. I have personally participated in many campaigns agains
t them early in my career as a soldier, and have suffered defeats more times than I can count. This is the very reason why I realize the limitless potential of making them allies. For the sake of the empire, I am willing a truce with the Menggu and forge an unlikely alliance even for just this once. I can only hope that they would be willing to reciprocate.” Imperial commander Feishen stroked the strands of his helm’s tassel as he held it to his waist, thinking of the possibilities of a Ming-Menggu alliance could bring in a campaign against the Terukk.

  ​The Imperial Commander respected the Menggu even though, to a large degree, he hated them as well. He would have to put aside his personal feelings for the greater cause of their survival, but most certainly the Menggu hated him even more for what he had done against them. “The alliance of the four nations would no doubt turn the tide against the Terukk and all who follow their unclean goals. It is a deal that even the Menggu could not refuse,” he thought. He turned to face the Scholars and court officials and his cape swirled and flowed to follow his pivot. It was necessary for them to seriously ponder on the strategy.

  ​“The Wild Nuzhen and the Menggu have long been rival equestrian nations. The Menggu will realize the mutual benefit of allying with us and look forward to crushing their rivals. The Haixi and Jianzhou clans, on the other hand, will be ready to ally with us against their Wild kin. We will help defeat the Wild Nuzhen and in turn, the door to Chaoxian’s freedom will slide open. A pact with the Menggu must be made for the alliance of our nations to be realized. It starts with us, Emperor,” he emphasized. Emperor Zhu Youcheng was very hesitant to agree to the proposals presented by his administration. Allying with the Menggu went against his every instinct as the Emperor, as a husband, and as a father. Deep in his heart he knew that this was the logical course of action and would be decisive in their campaigns against the Terukk and the Dark Armies.