“It may be so, but I know of One who knows of thee and of the final defeat that thou and all of thine kind will face. Try to impede me if you must. I walk in accordance with the Will of Heaven and nothing you say or do will have me alter my path. Neither my days nor my destiny are my own for they are at the disposal of Shang Di,” Jie retorted.
The witch scowled and glared at him but then quickly composed herself. “Your life is well acquainted with grief, loss, and poverty. We are powerful, prophet. Lay down your burden; spare yourself the tiresome journey of your fruitless life, and surrender to us. A great wave fast approaches the Middle Kingdom. We can restore your loss a hundred fold, grant you the knowledge of the whole world, and all of the Middle Kingdom shall know your name. You will become greater than the Ancients if you but raise your hands and surrender your breath to us.”
“Away with you, foul spirit, and make haste back to the void from whence you have emerged! Your fate has been written and has been decreed. The riches you promise are worthless in the face of eternity,” Famin Jie shouted pointing at the vile witch.
She shrieked and cursed. “You have chosen poorly, prophet. You know not of the mighty dark forces of which you oppose. Your path will be nothing but pain, death, and destruction. We will not rest until your very life force has fallen into the abyss! Darkness has already enveloped this land and soon the forces of our newly-arrived lords will overwhelm you and your kind.”
“The sovereignty of Heaven determines all things that come and go. There is no plan that can succeed against Shang Di. Now leave me in peace, fallen creature, lest you be tormented by the light that is truth,” Jie decreed.
With that said the witch and the spirit that dwelt within her retreated into the forest. She could not lay a finger on Famin Jie for he was covered by that which was far greater than she. The fog receded and calm was restored to the forest. After his encounter with the ancient witch had come to pass, Famin Jie made camp and prepared a fire where the smoke ascended together with his prayers in meditation…
****
The investigation concerning the Pale Foreigners continued for days in Guangzhou’s districts as Martial Scholar Zhang Sunzan made appointments with his informants— the many eyes and ears of the city. They were acting spies within the businesses, the local law enforcement and government, and were friendly to the League of Scholars.
A discovery was made that the Pale Foreigners have been bribing the provincial and city governments in order to gain unprecedented trading and territorial privileges in the country. Details were rather uncertain, but it became clear to Zhang Sunzan that the corruption ran deep all the way to the imperial court involving the lowest officials within the city’s government to the powerful eunuchs in the emperor’s palace.
“Their growing influence has already caused the Middle Kingdom’s own tributaries to be driven out as the Foreigners monopolized trade and commerce along the coasts and among other nations in the Southern Seas,” Zhang’s contacts said.
On the second floor balcony of a popular teahouse, Zhang Sunzan and his most trusted informant, a very reliable source nicknamed Fox, discussed matters concerning the Ming government’s relations with the Pale Foreigners.
“Lately our own government has been plagued by corruption and it has only worsened with the arrival of these Pale Foreigners. Those eunuch snakes in the imperial palace are cunning, Zhang. They have been proven to conduct secretive business with the Foreigners away from the watchful eyes of the more virtuous bureaucrats and our well-meaning emperor,” said Fox as he took a sip of tea.
“This only confirms our prior suspicions about them. Our worst fears are coming to fruition,” Zhang sighed. “What about the imperial spy agencies? What role do the Eastern and Western Depots have in all of this? And what of their officers the Jinyiwei secret police? Surely it is impossible that all of these recent developments unfolded without their approval, if not direct participation.”
“One can only guess the ins and outs of what occurs in the Depots or the Jinyiwei. There is compelling evidence to suggest that not even the emperor himself completely knows what is transpiring right under his nose. I’ve little doubt of this. The emperor may be young, but he is uncompromising and unwavering in his principles,” Fox said, pressing his fists against the table for emphasis. “As for the Depots, there are rumors that even among the agencies there is division. Some may have even gone into hiding and set up shop elsewhere. I cannot confirm anything. But I too suspect that most of them have a stake in all of these recent events, with the eunuchs being the very drivers of this conspiracy. If anything, I think the League can do deeper digging than I or the others can. I suggest you reach out to your contacts in Hanlin Academy.”
“Something tells me they want more… more than just the profits gained from monopolizing the trade and commerce of the seas,” Zhang Sunzan said as if in contemplation.
“I concur. I fear they will proceed to conquer all the trade routes by land in the West and take the kingdoms directly in its path. If this pattern of events continues, we could possibly find ourselves outflanked on land and sea. Even now they have the nerve to build their foul structures on our own land!” Fox said in disgust.
“It is because our government allowed it. We must know their true intentions,” Zhang said.
“I must ask of a rather heavy favor from you, Fox. I’ll be sure to reward you handsomely.”
“No need for a handsome reward. I have a duty to protect my home just like you,” Fox replied. Zhang nodded.
“As soon as you are able, make haste for the capital and seek out my old friends holding office in the Censorial Office. They are Wei Qiuyuan and Zhou Liang. They can surely provide more details on what is really happening in the court. If anything, it would be they who could shed some light on all that is unfolding. I have reservations about making contact with Hanlin for a full investigation. It is wise to be patient. Take this badge with you and present it upon your arrival to their headquarters. It will ensure you can speak to them directly and not be harmed. You will find my late parents’ estate on the southeast corner of Beijing adjacent to the street lined with medicine clinics. You will know it by the yellow pillars supporting the corner eaves. My housekeeper resides there. Tell him you have arrived to send your findings to me using our family hawk. Launch her on the balcony facing south. She will know to come to the first station in the next city. My network will ensure that the message will continue from station to station.” Fox agreed. “Go by sea and travel light. Here is some coinage for your traveling expenses and a dagger lest should you encounter hostility on your long journey,” said Zhang as he handed him the items. “Please take care, friend.” With a final sip of tea, the two exchanged farewells and bid each other good fortune.
****
Zhang Sunzan summoned the council of the Scholars the following morning eager to share the developments with his colleagues.
“Brothers, in recent days, I have been at work gathering information concerning the Pale Ones and it may appear we were correct to suspect them for it is consistent with what we have been hearing from other sources.”
“What is the extent of the threat they pose to the people, Zhang?” inquired Lu Guanying.
“For now, any threat they could pose to our civilization is at the least economic and political. Their presence extends far beyond the Middle Kingdom and they have already begun to dominate commerce between the Ming Empire’s tributaries in the southern seas.” The council shifted uneasily in their seats. The wooden chairs creaked as Shang Jian and Lu Guanying leaned closer towards Zhang in interest. “They do not appear to be an honorable lot, brothers. They have been known to use cunning, intimidation, and have been seen resorting to bribery. It’s a terrible shame,” said Zhang shaking his head as he tucked his arms tucked into his sleeves.
Lu Guanying sighed and paused for a moment in thought. “This is such a sharp turn of events for all of us. Are we able to identify the officials involved with
conducting relations with the Pale Foreigners?” he asked.
“I am yet to have any neither specifics nor am I able to disclose names, but I can tell you the majority of the conspiracy and secretive business taking place within the capital are being initiated by the emperor’s eunuchs. Their influence on government affairs has become very powerful of late I’m afraid, and our virtuous emperor, never leaving the palace, is with little doubt being misled concerning the events unfolding within his own court. I have a friend setting sail for Beijing as we speak. He will be making contact with trusted allies holding offices in the Censorial Office though it may be some time before we will receive news. He is sailing upwind after all. The Censorate’s inside perspective of the situation will be invaluable to us,” continued Zhang.
“What of the Censorate? Is it not the Censorial Office’s duty to prevent and punish this corruption?” Shang Jian questioned, outraged. “Surely there are righteous officials opposed to all this! The Emperor cannot be kept in the dark forever.” Zhang agreed with Jian’s questioning.
“That is one of the many things we must uncover ,but I’m afraid that this ‘disease’ runs deep within the palace administration and within the governments across the cities and towns along the Eastern Coast. I strongly suspect that those involved are too powerful to be challenged by the virtuous. It is also important to note that the Jinyiwei imperial guards do not only answer to the Emperor as they once did. They are now the pawns of the conniving eunuchs.”
“What on earth could the Pale Ones possibly offer that would compel the government to sell their nation’s sovereignty so easily?” The question bewildered the Scholars. Lu Guanying rose slowly from his seat and said,
“As soon as we have received news from Zhang’s allies in the Censorate, I believe it is appropriate that we meet with the Hanlin Scholars at Beijing. There is a great possibility we must step outside of the shadows for the sake of the empire. We are now the nation’s only equalizer against the eunuchs and these foreign powers.”
“Bah, forget the investigations! Were it up to me, I would have already mobilized our forces and kicked them out by the edge of our swords. Their very presence is enough justification alone,” Shang
Jian said. His face had turned red.
4 DEALING with PIRATES
IT WAS BUT A FEW hours before sunrise in the neighboring province of Fujian, northeast of Guangzhou. A battalion of 1,120 imperial soldiers led by General He Jin made preparations for their advance toward Putian Township now occupied by the pirates from Riben. They comprised mostly of the fallen, masterless, or dishonored warrior aristocracy of the Ashikaga military regime whose rule dominated an island nation for over one hundred fifty years. The ground beneath the mighty garrison shook as hundreds of archers, hand gunners, and spearmen assembled into formation while the general’s personal detachment of mounted commandos rode out of the garrison gates. Their scaled and lamellar armor reverberated with the pounding hooves of their war horses. The red tassels on the tops of their helmets flew in unison with the flags and banners they carried into the battlefield. The faces of dragons, lions, tigers, and mythological creatures decorated their shoulder pieces and breast plates. Coupled with their personalized lances, war masks, shields, and spears, they were truly an awesome sight and an intimidating force for the rest of the troops. Above all, they were terrifying for any enemy that should face the receiving end of their charge.
General He Jin rode out with them wearing armor befitting his prestigious rank. It protected his whole body and appeared adamantine despite its ornate design of hues of gold and bronze-like textures. The faces of two dragons rested on his shoulder armor and the golden wings of a phoenix spread out from the left and right sides of his helmet. He wore the armor with great pride and rode with his head held high in great anticipation of the impending battle.
The general and his elite commandos sat high over the rest of the troops. Sun Xin secured his sword diagonally on the rear of his hip and slung a long range crossbow across his back. A quiver full of barbed bolts was fastened to the strap on his waist which he placed conveniently towards the front for ease of draw. Among all the men in the field, he wore no armor save for the specially crafted vambraces and the steel mail vest that hugged his torso beneath his clothes. With the matching hat, his dark blue attire was almost entirely suited for practicality and comfort during long distance travel. He stereotypically fit the look of a knight-errant, but Xin’s skills and knowledge went beyond the men who were given such labels. He knew it well.
He mounted his steed and rode ahead of the troops towards the general and the captain who had initiated the march. No words were spoken and the only sounds in the air were boots and hooves pounding the ground in unison to the rattling of armor and gear.
“I will survey the terrain ahead to eliminate any enemy scouts lest they spot the dust rising from the hooves of our horses,” said Sun Xin to the General.
He rode his horse posthaste through the dirt road pulling away from the troops. The wind rushed against his face and his long hair danced to the wind. He enjoyed traveling on horseback. It was not only fast and efficient; it gave him a feeling of freedom he could not enjoy elsewhere. The lush green landscape and semi-tropical vegetation flew passed in a blur for several li as he neared Putian Township— a town within reach of the provincial capital and several other settlements. The fact that the pirates had chosen such a place to plunder and occupy was a testament to their growing arrogance and overconfidence in the belief they would remain unchallenged. A signpost on the side of the road indicated he was approaching the town’s limits. He slowed the horse to a canter and made his cautious approach into enemy territory.
Around the bend past an assortment of trees that formed a canopy over the road, the foul stench of death consumed the air and the sight that Sun Xin beheld horrified him. Even the horse neighed and reared at the sight.
Hundreds of bloodied and mutilated remains of what used to be the town’s citizens were hanged on display along the stretch of road. The remains young and the elderly were not excluded from the horror. Ravens plucked eyes from their sockets. Flies swarmed the corpses and nested in them.
This was to Xin, one of the most important definitions of evil: a complete disregard for the sanctity of the life of innocents. The sight of it was infuriating and his clenched fist shook as the anger coursed through his body. He pushed the horse beyond the side of the road and parked him in between the trees a stone’s throw away from the road. Xin centered his energy to his core to control the rage that would potentially cloud his judgment and compromise the task at hand.
Up into the trees he surveyed the area surrounding the southern face of Putian. Using the renowned Light Body techniques he attained during his brief training with the Wudang mountain priests, Xin free-ran along the large treetop branches, traversing them like the ledges and angular rooftops of the city. He precision-jumped onto an elevated rock formation and executed a lache maneuver on an extended tree branch before vaulting over a large tree trunk.
He needed to clear and secure path for the arriving troops, and prevent any patrolling pirates from raising alarms. Away from the skeleton-strewn roads, he found the pirates lazily patrolling the township outskirts in a spread and loosely circular motion. With the miniature spyglass gifted to him by the Scholars, he observed the pirates from a distance. They were not alert, and conducted their patrol like a burdensome chore. They were a curious sight. Their scalps were clean shaven at the top, with a pony tail bun folded neatly against the back of their heads. Some wore leather or straw hats. Their garments were loose yet appeared dignified, and they wore a cold, hardened expression on their faces.
They were not the kind of savages that Sun Xin expected to see, but after what he had witnessed along the path, nothing could change his mind about taking their barbarous lives. His anger continued to course through his veins and the familiar presence of the so-called ‘Curse’ was beginning to be rekindled because of his rage. X
in did not fight it. It gave him incredible ability. The cost was of little importance to him. He needed to neutralize them one by one with secrecy and silence. He carefully observed the movement patterns of the pirates and began to mentally isolate his targets one by one, playing and replaying his movements and executions throughout. He had the element of surprise. He would be striking from the trees. Enemies rarely ever think of looking up.
Perched on a large branch within the crown of an overgrown tree, Sun Xin chose his first target: a straggler furthest behind the patrol. He primed a barbed grappling hook and waited for the pirate to pass beneath him. He spun it round and round like a sling and flung the barbed hook deep into pirate’s back. The iron sank into his flesh and dug itself deeper the more he moved. He shouted in extreme agony and fought furiously to unhook himself.
Xin dashed along the length of the branch and leaped off the end. Using the pirate as a counterweight, he dropped to the ground, leaving the pirate dangling helplessly in the air. Xin proceeded to fasten the rope around a nearby tree root, and took cover in the thick bushes. The pirate was shouting and cursing in a foreign tongue. His face was writhing with extreme pain, cursing and swearing as he struggled to pull his weight off the rope to alleviate the pressure caused by the hook gruesomely imbedded into his back.
The other pirates rushed to the sound of the commotion, bewildered at what had just happened. They drew their long, curved swords and gripped them firmly with both hands. One of them cut the rope with a single slash causing the dangling pirate to collapse to the ground. He laid there motionless. They began shouting in every direction. Xin could not understand what they were saying, but he knew he was being challenged to fight in the open. These pirates did not deserve the privilege of open combat, he thought. Xin remained hidden and repositioned himself to take on his next target that was furthest from the rest. He quietly emerged from the bushes and grappled the pirate into a choke hold and cupped his hand over his mouth before he could squeal. Within seconds and a deep crack of the neck, the pirate lay motionless. Xin again repositioned himself strategically. Not two moments had passed until the body was discovered and the remaining pirates huddled even closer together, noticeably terrified and panicked. Nothing was more disarming for a warrior than an enemy he could not see. Now, Xin had them where he wanted. They were closely-packed and well within reach of a short blade.
The Sage, the Swordsman and the Scholars Page 5