I bow to them and walk back to my horse carriage.
“You’d better go to sleep after you change.” Huo’s voice comes behind me.
I signal him with acknowledgement.
19 Assassination
That night when we get home, I become sick. It starts with shaking in coldness. Soon, my temperature start rising. I soak myself in the cold water, hope to break the fever. But I do not remember how I get out of the tub. When I finally wake up, it is already two days later.
It takes me a couple of weeks before I can get out of the bed. Luckily it is just a cold. For a while, I have suspected it might be pneumonia, but I do not cough, or have chest pain, or feel difficulty in breathing. With daily herb soups prescribed by the doctor, I eventually gain my strength back.
But this episode reminded me the importance of antibiotics. Without it, even a small infection can become life threatening.
When New Year comes in October, Jinu’s fiancée, Yue May, and her family show up in front of our door. It took them a long time to find us. First they moved away to different province, then we moved away from our village. The family got worried when Yue May approaching sixteen. So they decided to pack their belongings and got on the road to find us.
Luckily, my family has become so famous in our village, they had no trouble finding us once they reached there.
Yue May is a shy and beautiful young girl. She has one older brothers, who is almost the same age as Jinu and one little sister, who is only twelve. The marriage contract was set up even before Yue May was conceived. Jinu’s mother and Yue May’s mother were good friends. They got pregnant almost at the same time. Without knowing the sex of the babies, they decided to set up the marriage contract between two families. If they delivered one girl and one boy, then the contract would bind them to be husband and wife when they grew up. If both are girls or both are boys, then the contract would bind automatically to the next kid.
Jinu seems happy with Yue May. He treats her with respect and consideration while she treats him with ultimate obedience.
“The arranged marriage is not all that bad.” Huo commented on Jinu’s marriage one day.
“Everything has exceptions.” Although I despise arranged marriage, but I have to admit Jinu looks happy. And I knew Huo was trying to tell me what I said was wrong by the river. “I hope you will have a good arranged marriage.”
He made a sigh. “I just hope she is tender and obedient.”
“Not good looking?”
“That is a must.”
I laugh. But somehow I feel strange. I can’t help comparing myself with the qualities he looks for. I have none.
When November comes, everybody around me suddenly becomes very busy.
We move to the new house that Papa bought. It is actually a huge garden with separate buildings surrounded by courtyards. Niang and Papa has the front courtyard while I take the rear one in the pathway. Jinu and Yue May took the larger courtyard house while Ponu took the one right by the pond.
By now, I have two servant maids in my place. While I am still very uncomfortable having maids, I have to admit they are big helps to me. They take care of cleaning, laundering and boiling water and preparing my breakfast and lunch for me. The other big help they provide is that one of them always sleeps in the room next to mine. Any sound from my room will alert them, especially when I pull the bells which were hang all over my room. I still stay up at night to study since I have found that I can be more concentrated and productive at night. I take naps here and there to make up my sleeping hours.
Dinner is always served at my parents’ court. That’s the only time everyone can gather together. Other than Niang and Yue May, everyone else leaves the home early and do not come back until dinner time.
As for Zhao Yan, Huo Qubing, even General Wei and Emperor Wu, they all seem have disappeared from my life. I asked Jinu about Zhao Yan. He told me Zhao Yan is at Chang’an, but he is busy. Huo came to see me once and told me he would not visit me for a while until things settle down. He would not tell me exactly what happened.
I could sense something is going to happen. But I did not know what it would be until one late night when I was reading Huainanzi. I suddenly remembered in November or December this year, King Huainan would rebel against Emperor Wu. He would later kill himself and his family members would die on the street with their heads chopped off publicly. It would then followed with bloodbath for those who were close to him. About 10,000 people would die while more would be put in jails.
General Wei would also be assassinated. King Huainan has been so afraid of General Wei that he would send his best killers to kill him. General Wei would not die this time. But the fear still tightens up my stomach.
If my memory and my assessment is correct, by now, Emperor Wu should have already known about the revolt. I heard the grandson of King Huainan, who would sell him out, is already in Chang’an. But did anyone know about the assassination of General Wei?
Huo should be on the way to the kingdom of King Huainan. Even if he is still in Chang’an, how can I talk with him about something like this? It would be worse if he thinks I have something to do with this. My family and I might end up with the same fate as those 10,000 people who will be killed.
Zhao Yan is another one I worry about. From what I knew, the first time when I met King Huainan in the compound, which later I found out is where his daughter lives, he was in Chang’an secretively. All kings are only supposed to come to Chang’an by the order of Emperor Wu. If Zhao Yan knew about his secret trip and still seek help from him, something must have been going on between them.
Based on history records, King Huainan had signed secret agreement with Xiongnu to overthrow Emperor Wu jointly. Their plan would involve the killing of General Wei and the forging of military commands to let Xiongnu’s troops coming to Han. But the detailed plan would only be revealed after the arresting and questioning thousands of people. I am pretty sure at this time, other than King Huainan himself, I am the one who probably knows most.
Zhao Yan, never said anything about working for Xiongnu, but I can almost smell the danger around him. I hope he has nothing to do with the revolt, but somehow I do not believe it myself.
As for the safety of my family, I am sure Ponu should be safe since he will later become General himself. But for others, I really do not know. So I decide to get ready for whatever might happen.
The good thing of controlling the accounting books for my family is that I control the money as well. After I straightened out the books of my family, I have gained the access to underground safe room, where my family stores all the gold and the silver. I wish there was a bank at this time. So I don’t need to constantly worry about the safety. The keys to the safe room are only held by my mother and me. But I am the only one who knows how much we have there all the time since Niang doesn’t know anything about the books.
I take out most of the gold ingots and store them in the secret compartment in the horse carriage I use every day. I have also stuffed some gold ingots into the three belts my maids has made for me. I put them in a wooden box and bury it in the bamboo woods next to the lake in the village.
After all is ready, I go to see Zhao Yan.
“I just want to make sure you are all right.” I tell him while he takes me to the tea house.
“That’s a happy surprise.” He smiles and then jokingly says. “You start to care for me now.”
“I have been having bad dreams recently.” I say.
“About me?”
“Yes, about you getting into some troubles.”
“What troubles can I be in?” He laughs. “I am usually the one gives trouble to others.”
That makes me even more concerned.
“Remember those danger signs I told you at my house?” I ask him.
“The bones and skeleton?”
“Yes, that’s the one. If you are in trouble, go find the sign carved on the bamboo next to where you massaged fish for me. I
have something buried there for you.”
He looks at me deeply in my eyes. “Shiaonu, what is going on? Are you planning doing something again?”
“No, not me, not this time.” I laugh. “I hope we will all stay here happily.”
“If you run into any trouble, just let me help you.” He says. “Don’t do anything on your own like last time.”
I shake my head. “No, it’s not about me. It’s you I am worrying about.”
He stands up and walks to the window. “Sometimes I wish I can just leave everything behind and go to some places where nobody knows me. That way I can start fresh with no history.”
“That can be easily done.” It should be very easy at this time. Without internet, computers, photos, or even the finger print records, any one should be able to hide their true identity and start fresh.
He shakes his head. “You might be able to get away and live comfortably. But at night, when you sleep on your bed, you will remember those responsibilities you shed off.”
“Ah, you and your responsibilities.” I laugh, not at him, but at myself. While I am worrying about his safety, he is worrying about his responsibilities. I should not forget his twelve wives.
“Everyone is different.” I say to him. “While you are the most responsible one, I am the one who only cares for freedom. I guess that makes me the most irresponsible one.”
He turns back to me. “You are turning our conversation into something else.”
“No worry. I come here just want to make sure you are all right. That’s all.” I say to him. “I must go now.”
“Where are you going?” He asks.
“I am going to see General Wei.” I answer him.
He looks as if he is going to say something to me. But then he simply says. “Remember go home early. It’s getting dark very soon.”
“I know. I will go home early.”
But General Wei is not easy to catch. I visit him every afternoon after school, but he is never home. When finally I meet him, it is already seven days later.
“What is it, Shiaonu?” General Wei asks. “I heard you come every day. Something you need help with?”
“No, not really. I just feel like I have not seen you for a long time.”
He laughs while taking off his coat. “Is that because Huo Qubing is not around?”
I blush. “No, it’s not. I am pretty occupied with school. Mr. Dongfang has also assigned a lot of bamboo scrolls for me to read. I do not have time to play. Plus the weather is getting cold, there is not much fun things to do. Everybody is busy too…”
I just ramble on without any clue on how to get to the point.
“Shiaonu.” General Wei sit down in front of me while drinking the tea. “What is that you are worried?”
I widen my eyes. How can he read my mind?
“Are you worrying about Huo Qubing?” He asks me again.
“No, not him.” I mumble. “I don’t worry about him. He is just a friend. We play together and we have fun. Nothing as you suggested.”
“What did I suggest?” He asks me with a smirk on his face.
“It’s…”I do not know how to answer him. “Captain Huo is a buddy. He thinks of me the same way. I wish he is a girl while he hopes I am a boy. I would not mind him to be my brother, and I am sure he would not mind I am his sister.”
“Is that so?” General Wei laughs.
“That is absolute truth.” I then murmur. “If you don’t believe me, you can go ask your nephew.”
“All right. I will ask him when he comes back.” He says. “If it’s not about him, then is it about me?”
“Yes…” I still do not know how to tell him.
“If you have not figured out how to tell me, then have dinner with me.” He says. “I am starving.”
His servants quickly bring the food to the table. We sit cross from each other on the straw mat while he has his own table and I have mine.
“Have you tried something new recently?” He asks me while drinking the Baijiu.
“Not really. I was sick for a while after Double Yang Festival. Then I have to catch up on school.” I tell him. “We then moved to new house and my brother got married. I did not have time for anything fun.”
Then I notice two servants standing behind General Wei. One of them is someone new.
“You know, I have not seen you before.” I ask that servant.
“Oh, he has only been here for a couple of months.” General Wei turns around and sees the guy I was pointing to. “He is from Huainan. Remember King Huainan? He is the one you met at the winter banquet who gave you his collection of books.”
My face must have turned pale. “Are you all right?” General Wei asks me. “I know, the food doesn’t taste so good tonight. I guess I need to find a new cook.”
Actually, I have not eaten anything at all since I have been all occupied on how to warn General Wei about the guy standing behind him. According to books, he would be assassinated by his servant who used to work for King Huainan.
“It kills my appetite when I see them standing behind you.” I tell General Wei. “Can you ask them to leave?” I know it is very rude to make such a request. But I have no choice.
General Wei waves them to leave the room. “Shiaonu.” He says. “Why are you so nervous?”
“Do you believe in I Ching?” I ask him.
“Yes. I do.” He smiles. “Actually when I was still a slave, somebody performed a divination on me. I did not believe him at first, thinking a slave like me would never be a General. But look at me now, everything he has predicted becomes true.”
“What if I tell you I did one divination recently and it turns out really dangerous for you.” I continue. “I am very new to I Ching. That’s why I am not sure if what came out is correct or not. The danger is close to you and you need to be alert at all time.”
Then I see General Wei’s eyes are almost shut while his head is dropping towards the table.
“General Wei.” I shout at him while jumping on my feet. I run to him.
Just when I reach his arm and pull him away from the table, the two servants and two guys with masks come in. They all have swords in their hand.
I quickly pull the dishes on the table and throw towards them. The hot soup contained in a bronze jar hit one guy. The other three keep approaching me. I let go of General Wei and lift up the table by one end and wave towards them.
“Help, help! Hurry, Hurry.” I scream while waving the table around me to form a shield while General Wei is laying down by my feet.
But one guy grabs the table and I am unable to pull it back. So I have to let it go.
There is really nothing in the room. Other than the two tables we were eating from, there are only two oil lamps next to the tables. I grab one and wave it in front of them again. The light goes out and the hot oil splash on them. I hear one guy screams with the burning oil. My oil lamp also get pulled away.
I do not know what else to do but putting myself on top of General Wei, who is trying to keep his eyes open.
When the sword cut into my right arm and my back, I actually did not feel any pain at all. It is more like a blunt object hit me.
I turn back my head and see the servant lifting his sword and is ready to stab into my back. I scream loudly and close my eyes.
But the stabbing did not come.
When I open my eyes and turn back again, I see the servant falling to the ground. The guy with the mask then step close to where General Wei’s head is.
I quickly crawl to his head and hold his head inside my arms. “No, No, you cannot do that.”
He grabs my shoulder, trying to pull me away from General Wei. But I hold his head tightly.
The guards finally come. One of the mask guys waves to the other two and they quickly jumps out of the back window. Some of the guards go to chasing while others stay in the room. I start wailing while still holding General Wei’s head in my arms. Only till now, the fear start getting me.
> 20 Escape
“Hurry, go get lots of water.” I tell the guards while I am still sobbing. General Wei looks like that he has been poisoned. I need to help him get the poison out of his stomach.
When the water comes, I ask two guards lifting him up while I force him drinking lots of water. He is not totally out of consciousness yet.
“Try to drink as much as you can.” I tell him. “You need to get the poison out of your stomach.”
I can see he is struggling as well.
When the water just pouring out of his mouth without any swallowing, I ask the two guards holding his two arms up and let him face down. I then put one chopsticks inside his mouth pressing hard on his tongue while the other hand holding his jaw to keep them open. He throws up right away.
I keep repeating the process until I hear General Wei’s weak but clear voice. “Shiaonu, you are killing me.”
I laugh and cry at the same time.
“Go and get yourself wrapped up.” He points to my arm, which by now the blood stain is obvious.
My own injury is not as bad as I thought. Other than the cut on my back and the right arm, I twisted my right wrist as well. I probably twisted it when I was waving the table.
I insist going home after my injury get wrapped.
“I need to go to village tomorrow morning.” I tell General Wei. “Those who work at our farm are waiting for me to pay them.”
He looks more alert now after the stomach pumped.
“All right, I will let you go home.” He says. “But stay home tomorrow. Ask your brother or your father to go to village.”
“They do not know how much to pay.” I tell him. “I handle the book at home. Don’t worry, this is not bad at all. By tomorrow morning, I will be up and running.”
He sends a team of guards escorting me home.
After all the pampering and crying from my parents, I was finally left alone. I then tell the servant maids to sleep in her own room instead of in the one next to me. Before she leaves, I ask her to pull down all the bells.
I adjust the wick in the lamp for a better illumination, then lie down in bed with my clothes on, waiting for Zhao Yan.
My Soul is in the Sky Page 20