Yea, guns are needed. One will have to make deals with rather unsavory people to get the guns needed for the wars to come.
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Bringing the military into a political plot is like riding a tiger -- you may do well for a while, but you'd better pray you don't lose your grip.
Chapter 8 - Conspiracy and Chaos
The Governor is called away
Ren Jiyu walked into the meeting room with trepidation. Rumors of the chaos in the south had arrived in Handan. The fact that the tiger was personally leaving Handan to deal with an issue soon became the talk of the ministries. A memo was sent out to all the various ministry officials in Hanadan about the situation going on.
“Their is business I must attend outside of Handan. Loath as I am to leave the city, it must be done for the good of all China. To that end I have put Xu Chen to act in my charge till I return. The city should be a bastion of peace and calm. If it is not then I will have the heads of those responsible.” Jiyu read with a deep frown. Of all the people to put in charge of Handan, Xu Chen had to be the worst. He was well known for being a sadistic narcissist sociopath.
As Jiyu placed the notice down, a secretary came into the room who bowed her head before she spoke, “Xu Chen wishes to meet with all of the members of the Ministry in two hours.”
Jiyu sighed softly, he could tell that she was nervous about speaking of Xu. “Thank you, I will make sure that I am available to meet with him.”
Two hours later, Jiyu and several other men from his ministry as well as other ministries working in Handan filed into one of the larger meeting rooms. Xu Chen then entered the room which brought the whole room to silent standstill.
“I would like to introduce myself to you all. I am sure that you have heard that Jiang Shang has left me in charge of the city as he meets with the Jade Marshall himself. A high honor that few of you will ever have. So lets make one thing clear to all of you. Anyone who disobeys my orders will be shot.” Xu Chen said to which their were quiet at his statement.
“I can’t hear you.” Xu said to the crowd and then took out his gun, cocked it and aimed it at the crowd of ministers who he was speaking to.
“Understood sir!” Everyone there said in response, including Jiyu. Most had a tremble in their voice as their fear showed at being threatened.
“Wonderful. I do hope that we can be the best of friends.” Xu said lowering his pistol in a cheery tone before he added, “Now get to work!”
Conspiracy and Chaos
The city had become a hotbed of tension and the placement of the Xu chen in charge just added to the tension. The economic crisis of German investment pulling out after creating jobs lead to many striking and rioting. Jiyu hated though that Xu was put in charge since the response to the strikes was to slaughter the striking workers. This brought chaos to the city as troops began to patrol the city for anyone that Xu disliked and workers began to fortify their homes. Jiyu meanwhile hated all this bad governance with a passion. He had also taken to escorting his wife and daughter home from the school that she worked at.
It was this chaos that brought Zhang Jin to his house so they could find a solution to the chaos that was afflicting the city. His wife Wu Xin was busy making tea for the two men as Jin entered the house. Jiyu’s daughter, Ren Xiaoyi, was busy working on her homework.
“This chaos can not go on.” Jiyu said his tone was one of concern and exasperation. He spoke again, “When the strikes first began I supported a resolution urging a pay raise but Xu Chen refused saying that they had to be taught a lesson.”
“It is clear that Xu must go..” Jin said.
“Yet he was in place by Jiang and retains his confidence for some unfathomable reason.” Jiyu said
“Yes, that we know but there is new information that shows the governor will be away for some time.” Jin stated.
“What information is that?” Jiyu asked.
“The League of Eight Province has been destroyed.” Jin stated.
“What? What is going on down there?” Jiyu said surprised at this news.
“Details are hard to get especially here but what we know is thus. Sun Chuanfang was assassinated, Qi Xieyuan has seized power. This in turn caused the other governors to break off from the League. He has clashed with the forces of Chen Tiaoyuan. All this chaos has allowed the Kuomintang to take control of Fujian.” Jin stated. This surprised Jiyu and even his wife was surprised to the point that Xin spilled some of the tea.
“Heaven forgive me” She said under her breath as some of the tea spilled to the floor.
“It is alright dear. We can get that cleaned up.” Jiyu said warmly to his wife who brought the tea cups over for the two men.
“Now then, Jiang is likely to be gone for a while as the Zhili decide on a strategy.” Jin added and then took a sip of his tea.
“And in the Meantime Xu maintains control of the city.” Jiyu added and took a sip of his tea as well.
“For now. But this action can not stand.” Jin said.
“How would we even get rid of him?” Jiyu asked.
“We oust him. While his thugs and brutes support him, a large portion of the Army stationed in Handan does not. The army moves in to restore good governance in the city and a new governor is put in charge.” Jin said.
“What of Jiang?” Jiyu asked.
“We cross that bridge when we get there the goal is stopping Xu.” Jin said.
“Agreed. So what do you want me to do?” Jiyu asked.
“Since you are in the bureaucracy, use it to our advantage. Have it slow down communications. Have them be assigned to tasks far away from the city center if you can.” Jin said.
“Throw the book at them. That will work wonders.” Jiyu said.
“Indeed. I would also work on seeing who can be trusted in the ministry. We want to end the violence not exasperate it.” Jin said.
“That is something which only men like Xu would disagree with. Do you have someone to take over after Xu.” Jiyu asked.
“Mao Jie.” Jin said.
“A good man. He cares about the people, and not lining his pockets.” Jiyu said.
“That is why we approached him.” Jin said.
“I believe that would be all to discuss. But we must remain careful the winds are moving very quickly.” Jin said as he rose to stand finishing his tea.
“That we must. I do hope that you are around more often.” Jiyu said.
“Perhaps next time it will be something more pleasant to discuss.” Jin said and headed to the door. As he was leaving he turned to Ren and said, “Do thank your wife for the tea, it was delicious.”
The south was in utter chaos and now the city would fall apart. Jiyu sighed as he closed the door. Much work to be done to right the heavens and restore harmony even if it was just to his city.
“Papa, I finished my homework. Can you see how well I did.” His daughter spoke up and Jiyu moved to go help his daughter, though he knew that dark days were coming soon.
Ren Jiyu walked into the meeting room with trepidation. Rumors of the chaos in the south had arrived in Handan. The fact that the tiger was personally leaving Handan to deal with an issue soon became the talk of the ministries. A memo was sent out to all the various ministry officials in Hanadan about the situation going on.
“Their is business I must attend outside of Handan. Loath as I am to leave the city, it must be done for the good of all China. To that end I have put Xu Chen to act in my charge till I return. The city should be a bastion of peace and calm. If it is not then I will have the heads of those responsible.” Jiyu read with a deep frown. Of all the people to put in charge of Handan, Xu Chen had to be the worst. He was well known for being a sadistic narcissist sociopath.
As Jiyu placed the notice down, a secretary came into the room who bowed her head before she spoke, “Xu Chen wishes to meet with all of the members of the Ministry in two hours.”
Jiyu sighed softly, he could tell that she was nervous about speaking of Xu. “Thank you, I will make sure that I am available to meet with him.”
Two hours later, Jiyu and several other men from his ministry as well as other ministries working in Handan filed into one of the larger meeting rooms. Xu Chen then entered the room which brought the whole room to silent standstill.
“I would like to introduce myself to you all. I am sure that you have heard that Jiang Shang has left me in charge of the city as he meets with the Jade Marshall himself. A high honor that few of you will ever have. So lets make one thing clear to all of you. Anyone who disobeys my orders will be shot.” Xu Chen said to which their were quiet at his statement.
“I can’t hear you.” Xu said to the crowd and then took out his gun, cocked it and aimed it at the crowd of ministers who he was speaking to.
“Understood sir!” Everyone there said in response, including Jiyu. Most had a tremble in their voice as their fear showed at being threatened.
“Wonderful. I do hope that we can be the best of friends.” Xu said lowering his pistol in a cheery tone before he added, “Now get to work!”
Conspiracy and Chaos
The city had become a hotbed of tension and the placement of the Xu chen in charge just added to the tension. The economic crisis of German investment pulling out after creating jobs lead to many striking and rioting. Jiyu hated though that Xu was put in charge since the response to the strikes was to slaughter the striking workers. This brought chaos to the city as troops began to patrol the city for anyone that Xu disliked and workers began to fortify their homes. Jiyu meanwhile hated all this bad governance with a passion. He had also taken to escorting his wife and daughter home from the school that she worked at.
It was this chaos that brought Zhang Jin to his house so they could find a solution to the chaos that was afflicting the city. His wife Wu Xin was busy making tea for the two men as Jin entered the house. Jiyu’s daughter, Ren Xiaoyi, was busy working on her homework.
“This chaos can not go on.” Jiyu said his tone was one of concern and exasperation. He spoke again, “When the strikes first began I supported a resolution urging a pay raise but Xu Chen refused saying that they had to be taught a lesson.”
“It is clear that Xu must go..” Jin said.
“Yet he was in place by Jiang and retains his confidence for some unfathomable reason.” Jiyu said
“Yes, that we know but there is new information that shows the governor will be away for some time.” Jin stated.
“What information is that?” Jiyu asked.
“The League of Eight Province has been destroyed.” Jin stated.
“What? What is going on down there?” Jiyu said surprised at this news.
“Details are hard to get especially here but what we know is thus. Sun Chuanfang was assassinated, Qi Xieyuan has seized power. This in turn caused the other governors to break off from the League. He has clashed with the forces of Chen Tiaoyuan. All this chaos has allowed the Kuomintang to take control of Fujian.” Jin stated. This surprised Jiyu and even his wife was surprised to the point that Xin spilled some of the tea.
“Heaven forgive me” She said under her breath as some of the tea spilled to the floor.
“It is alright dear. We can get that cleaned up.” Jiyu said warmly to his wife who brought the tea cups over for the two men.
“Now then, Jiang is likely to be gone for a while as the Zhili decide on a strategy.” Jin added and then took a sip of his tea.
“And in the Meantime Xu maintains control of the city.” Jiyu added and took a sip of his tea as well.
“For now. But this action can not stand.” Jin said.
“How would we even get rid of him?” Jiyu asked.
“We oust him. While his thugs and brutes support him, a large portion of the Army stationed in Handan does not. The army moves in to restore good governance in the city and a new governor is put in charge.” Jin said.
“What of Jiang?” Jiyu asked.
“We cross that bridge when we get there the goal is stopping Xu.” Jin said.
“Agreed. So what do you want me to do?” Jiyu asked.
“Since you are in the bureaucracy, use it to our advantage. Have it slow down communications. Have them be assigned to tasks far away from the city center if you can.” Jin said.
“Throw the book at them. That will work wonders.” Jiyu said.
“Indeed. I would also work on seeing who can be trusted in the ministry. We want to end the violence not exasperate it.” Jin said.
“That is something which only men like Xu would disagree with. Do you have someone to take over after Xu.” Jiyu asked.
“Mao Jie.” Jin said.
“A good man. He cares about the people, and not lining his pockets.” Jiyu said.
“That is why we approached him.” Jin said.
“I believe that would be all to discuss. But we must remain careful the winds are moving very quickly.” Jin said as he rose to stand finishing his tea.
“That we must. I do hope that you are around more often.” Jiyu said.
“Perhaps next time it will be something more pleasant to discuss.” Jin said and headed to the door. As he was leaving he turned to Ren and said, “Do thank your wife for the tea, it was delicious.”
The south was in utter chaos and now the city would fall apart. Jiyu sighed as he closed the door. Much work to be done to right the heavens and restore harmony even if it was just to his city.
“Papa, I finished my homework. Can you see how well I did.” His daughter spoke up and Jiyu moved to go help his daughter, though he knew that dark days were coming soon.
With the League in shambles, the chaos is about to being in earnest. That said, every crisis also presents an opportunity, especially for a man like Wu Peifu.
Ren Jiyu is playing with fire here; I don't imagine a man like Xu will go quietly, even when outnumbered and outgunned. Still, given that the man is such a rabid dog, it sounds like it's the best of a choice of bad options for Ren and his city...
Ren Jiyu is playing with fire here; I don't imagine a man like Xu will go quietly, even when outnumbered and outgunned. Still, given that the man is such a rabid dog, it sounds like it's the best of a choice of bad options for Ren and his city...
The chaos and fun begins in Ernest. Wu Pefiu is going to be in for some trouble. and Yea, Jiyu doesn't have much options as a minister when he is dealing with a rabid dog like Xu. Its fire but sometimes its the only thing that you can do.
No may about that. The spark has been struck for sure. Now we shall see how everyone reacts to that.
Chapter 9 - Wu Must go
The Burning of the Effigies
[A man giving an anti-foreign speech during the riots - scenes like this were common]
“Down with Zhili! The Germans paid off wu!” Shouted one man.
“If you are a patriot to China burn german goods! Buy native made goods instead!” another shouted.
“Down with the Zhili” a woman shouted.
As Cao Fei made her way through the city, this was a common sight throughout beijing. It didn’t matter if the person shouting was in poverty or among the elite everyone was talking about it and Beijing clearly spoke loudly that they did not agree with Wu’s Decision to not intervene.
“Madame Fei, we have to go a different way.” Guo Da said as he helped to escort her through the city.
“We shall go by the Forbidden City then.” Fei stated. She didn’t like going this way mostly because it was the long way to her house.
“Well here is hoping that things are quiet there.” Da said.
Most days that would be the case. Even with the restoration of the Monarchy, the area near the Forbidden City was quiet. However, today was not a normal day. As they got they approached the Forbidden City they saw smoke and soon it became apparent as to what was burning. A large crowd had gathered to burn effigies of Cao Kun, Wu Pefiu, and the German Kaiser. As they burned the effigies they shouted to the gates of the Forbidden City to protect them they waved the banner of the Qing Empire.
“Lord of Ten Thousand Years, protect the empire! Cast out the German puppets!” one shouted towards the gates of the forbidden city.
“Great and Glorious son of Heaven we beseech you to save us from the German devils!” Another shouted.
They continued to chant a number of similar lines beseeching the emperor to save China from Wu Pefiu and the Germans. This brought a crowd of people to come towards the forbidden city, people from all walks alife. As the effigies burned bright the sounds of soldiers came marching through the street to the gates of the forbidden city. The officer of the soldiers shouted to those burning the effigies and soon the men and women burning the effigies were being loaded into a truck shackled. The officer then turned to the crowd that had gathered to gawk at what was going on.
“You are hereby ordered to disperse!” He shouted. This caused most people to leave right then and there to leave. Cao Fei being among those that took this time to continue her walk back to her home. The trip past the forbidden city was filled with people again shouting down Wu Pefiu and the Germans. It was, however, thankfully less riotous and chaotic than the other parts of the city.
As she entered her home, she found her husband along with Hao Lei already there. Her husband embraced her as soon as she entered the doorway.
“You two are safe.” Lei said with some concern.
“When I heard about the Riots going out in the city…” Yi said as he held her tighter.
“I am safe, do not worry, my dear.” Fei replied.
“So what is going on out there?” Lei asked.
“Chaos. We had to go the long way near the forbidden city to avoid the riots.” Fei said.
“Unfortunately not even the there was immune from the chaos.” Da added.
“What happened there?” Yi asked.
“People burning effigies of Kun, Wu, and the German Kaiser. It didn’t take long for them to get dragged off.” Fei said.
“This Chaos can not last.” Yi said.
“No it can not.” Fei siad.
The air show
While the chaos of the city was still on going. There was still time to enjoy some brief respite. Cao Fei along with Hao Lei had decided to go to Longton Park. Named after the Longton Lake and filled with a number of tea houses and theaters. Just east of the Temple of Heaven it was a pleasant spot to visit. However they were not coming to see a play but something more exciting. Today was a clear winter day, where the chill was gone.
The automobile drove them to the park, on the way the two were looking up to the sky as they headed there. The two ladies were dressed fashionably well as they
“So what do you know about this pilot?” Fei asked Lei.
“Sun Tonggang? He is one of the greatest pilots in China. He built his own aeroplane and has flown across Asia.” Lei said rambling off in an energetic tone.
“Quite the record he has then.” Fei stated more subdued though Lei didn’t seem to notice.
“Indeed. Some Americans have called him the Lindbergh of the East. Though perhaps they should be calling Lindbergh the Tonggang of the west.” Lei said smiling and with a bit of pride.
Not long later the Car pulled into Longton Park. A large crowd of men and women had gathered at the front of the lake to watch the show case. Soon they saw him fly by with a few other planes though he was in the lead. There were a lot of oohing and aahing as they watched them perform their stunts in the sky. Soon
“Ah Madam Fei, I presume?” A well dressed man said with a pleasant expression as he took a seat next to her. As he sat down another woman sat next to him who carried a notebook and wore a small pair of glasses, dressed as a secretary.
“You presume correctly.” She said carefully.
“Wonderful. I am Li Jinyuan and this woman is Zhu Li, my secretary” He said gesturing to the woman next to him.
“What do you want in particular?” Fei asked while she was watching the aerial shows in the air.
“A meeting with your husband.” he said.
“You could have just met at his office.” Fei said.
“Well, I could but why not enjoy the lake and the famous Lindbergh of the East.” He said pleasantly and then pointed to the sky as Sun Tonggang was performing aerial maneuvers in the sky, waving to the crowd as he flew by.
“True enough. What would this meeting be about?” Fei asked.
“Business endeavors. The chaos of the country is not good for business, and I believe we can come to a profitable arrangement.” He said slyly.
“And what sort of business would this be about in particular.” She asked as she watched the show.
“Well I represent the Yien Yieh.” He said and then handed her a card. This caught Fei by surprise. The Yien Yieh were one of the largest northern banks of China.
The card read list his name and how to contact him but also mentioned three words: Wu must go. As Fei read the card, she smiled slyly.
“I do believe that something can be arranged.”
[A man giving an anti-foreign speech during the riots - scenes like this were common]
“Down with Zhili! The Germans paid off wu!” Shouted one man.
“If you are a patriot to China burn german goods! Buy native made goods instead!” another shouted.
“Down with the Zhili” a woman shouted.
As Cao Fei made her way through the city, this was a common sight throughout beijing. It didn’t matter if the person shouting was in poverty or among the elite everyone was talking about it and Beijing clearly spoke loudly that they did not agree with Wu’s Decision to not intervene.
“Madame Fei, we have to go a different way.” Guo Da said as he helped to escort her through the city.
“We shall go by the Forbidden City then.” Fei stated. She didn’t like going this way mostly because it was the long way to her house.
“Well here is hoping that things are quiet there.” Da said.
Most days that would be the case. Even with the restoration of the Monarchy, the area near the Forbidden City was quiet. However, today was not a normal day. As they got they approached the Forbidden City they saw smoke and soon it became apparent as to what was burning. A large crowd had gathered to burn effigies of Cao Kun, Wu Pefiu, and the German Kaiser. As they burned the effigies they shouted to the gates of the Forbidden City to protect them they waved the banner of the Qing Empire.
“Lord of Ten Thousand Years, protect the empire! Cast out the German puppets!” one shouted towards the gates of the forbidden city.
“Great and Glorious son of Heaven we beseech you to save us from the German devils!” Another shouted.
They continued to chant a number of similar lines beseeching the emperor to save China from Wu Pefiu and the Germans. This brought a crowd of people to come towards the forbidden city, people from all walks alife. As the effigies burned bright the sounds of soldiers came marching through the street to the gates of the forbidden city. The officer of the soldiers shouted to those burning the effigies and soon the men and women burning the effigies were being loaded into a truck shackled. The officer then turned to the crowd that had gathered to gawk at what was going on.
“You are hereby ordered to disperse!” He shouted. This caused most people to leave right then and there to leave. Cao Fei being among those that took this time to continue her walk back to her home. The trip past the forbidden city was filled with people again shouting down Wu Pefiu and the Germans. It was, however, thankfully less riotous and chaotic than the other parts of the city.
As she entered her home, she found her husband along with Hao Lei already there. Her husband embraced her as soon as she entered the doorway.
“You two are safe.” Lei said with some concern.
“When I heard about the Riots going out in the city…” Yi said as he held her tighter.
“I am safe, do not worry, my dear.” Fei replied.
“So what is going on out there?” Lei asked.
“Chaos. We had to go the long way near the forbidden city to avoid the riots.” Fei said.
“Unfortunately not even the there was immune from the chaos.” Da added.
“What happened there?” Yi asked.
“People burning effigies of Kun, Wu, and the German Kaiser. It didn’t take long for them to get dragged off.” Fei said.
“This Chaos can not last.” Yi said.
“No it can not.” Fei siad.
The air show
While the chaos of the city was still on going. There was still time to enjoy some brief respite. Cao Fei along with Hao Lei had decided to go to Longton Park. Named after the Longton Lake and filled with a number of tea houses and theaters. Just east of the Temple of Heaven it was a pleasant spot to visit. However they were not coming to see a play but something more exciting. Today was a clear winter day, where the chill was gone.
The automobile drove them to the park, on the way the two were looking up to the sky as they headed there. The two ladies were dressed fashionably well as they
“So what do you know about this pilot?” Fei asked Lei.
“Sun Tonggang? He is one of the greatest pilots in China. He built his own aeroplane and has flown across Asia.” Lei said rambling off in an energetic tone.
“Quite the record he has then.” Fei stated more subdued though Lei didn’t seem to notice.
“Indeed. Some Americans have called him the Lindbergh of the East. Though perhaps they should be calling Lindbergh the Tonggang of the west.” Lei said smiling and with a bit of pride.
Not long later the Car pulled into Longton Park. A large crowd of men and women had gathered at the front of the lake to watch the show case. Soon they saw him fly by with a few other planes though he was in the lead. There were a lot of oohing and aahing as they watched them perform their stunts in the sky. Soon
“Ah Madam Fei, I presume?” A well dressed man said with a pleasant expression as he took a seat next to her. As he sat down another woman sat next to him who carried a notebook and wore a small pair of glasses, dressed as a secretary.
“You presume correctly.” She said carefully.
“Wonderful. I am Li Jinyuan and this woman is Zhu Li, my secretary” He said gesturing to the woman next to him.
“What do you want in particular?” Fei asked while she was watching the aerial shows in the air.
“A meeting with your husband.” he said.
“You could have just met at his office.” Fei said.
“Well, I could but why not enjoy the lake and the famous Lindbergh of the East.” He said pleasantly and then pointed to the sky as Sun Tonggang was performing aerial maneuvers in the sky, waving to the crowd as he flew by.
“True enough. What would this meeting be about?” Fei asked.
“Business endeavors. The chaos of the country is not good for business, and I believe we can come to a profitable arrangement.” He said slyly.
“And what sort of business would this be about in particular.” She asked as she watched the show.
“Well I represent the Yien Yieh.” He said and then handed her a card. This caught Fei by surprise. The Yien Yieh were one of the largest northern banks of China.
The card read list his name and how to contact him but also mentioned three words: Wu must go. As Fei read the card, she smiled slyly.
“I do believe that something can be arranged.”
Last edited:
The capital is indeed not being spared from the madness.
One must be suspicious but on the other hand the country is in chaos, one might have to make deals with untrustworthy people.
again I apologize for not having a chapter up, but I should have the next one by this week or next week.
again I apologize for not having a chapter up, but I should have the next one by this week or next week.
As above
Hope all is well in your corner of the world, given the recent general unpleasantness.
Chapter 10: The Convert
The Convert
Chen Zhen had finished another day of drilling the militia. A number of the refugees have joined with the village militia and thankfully they had provided the needed manpower. He had sent Tielan down the river to get some more weapons.As he was returning, Bei Lin came towards him walking at a quick pace though not running. She seemed rather upset, as if she had just gotten into an argument.
“What is the matter?” Zhen asked.
“Can we talk somewhere more peaceful then the streets?” She asked.
“Of course.” Zhen said.
They headed towards the village garden. As with most things in the village it was under the control of the Bei family, though it had long been used by all within the village. It was not a large area, but it was out of the way of the main part of the village. In the center of the garden was an old pavilion that had been around forever.
“My father is furious with me. Calling me a disobedient daughter.” She said, holding back tears.
“Wh.. What happened?” Zhen said, taken aback by this.
“We had a fight at dinner.. I told him that I no longer eat any meat… as the pork was set upon our table.” She said, all the emotion coming from her voice.
“You no longer eat any meat? I thought you loved pork” Zhen asked softly.
“I gave it up after I was initiated.” she said
“Initiation?” Zhen asked.
“Well...you know of the Priest Jiang Wu?” She asked.
“Yes, the refugee leader, we have had a number of discussions about the militia and the refugees supporting us.” Zhen said.
“Well.. I accepted his offer of initiation.” She said.
“And what do you mean by initiation?” Zhen asked.
“Yes, Initiation into salvation. The way shows the way how our souls can break free of the cycle and be saved. Only through following this way can we be reborn into heaven.” She said with sincerity and fervor in her voice.
“You really do believe what he is saying is the truth?” Zhen asked.
“I do. I hope in time you will soon.” She said.
“And what about the Buddha, and your ancestors, and the gods and goddesses?” Zhen asked.
“That is the great thing about this faith. We can still honor them. Wu told me that the Buddha was a great teacher.” She said with a smile
“And this is why you fought with your father?” Zhen asked. She nodded and at this Chen Zhen hugged her close. Each gazed into each other’s eyes. The tears from Lin’s face fell softly down her cheek. For a long moment that went on for both far too long and not long enough for the both of them, they just held each other, not saying a word.
“I don’t want this moment to end.” She said softly breaking the silence.
“I may not understand this faith but if it makes you happy…” He said, wiping the tears from her face. She smiled softly and sweetly at this comment and hugged him closer.
“I will speak with your father.” He said.
“Thank you.” She said softly and then the two separated from one another.
“We best get back to the village.” He said. The two walked back towards the village.
Gifts from the Honored Teacher
There was some activity as a boat came up to the village docks, larger than most then would stop there.
“What do we have here?” Chen Zhen said aloud.
“Lots of gifts from Tianran.” Zhang Tielin said grinning and then ripped off the sheet that was covering the boat revealing several crates of food and clothes but also guns.
“You meet with the Honored Teacher. I wish I could have gone with you.” Bei Lin said, a bit less interested in the guns than about meeting the leader of her new found religion.
“Well not the man himself, one of the men serving under him. But no matter the supplies are ours.” Tielin said.
“Did the Honored Teacher say why he was just giving away these supplies?” Someone in the village said.
“He is headed to Beijing to meet with the Son of Heaven himself, but on his way he seeks to help out the villages and towns that have been suffering.” Tielin said. It was at this comment that Lin smiled proudly and cheerfully.
“I told you that the Honored Teacher cares for us.” She said.
“That you did.” Zhen said softly.
“Get the food to the village granary. If these bandits come. We should keep it safe.” The magistrate told Tielin. Soon workers were taking the supplies to the village granary.
“Lin these are for you and for Yifeng.” Tielin said handing over a small box filled with herbs, jars of honey, several bandages and more that a doctor might need.
“Thank you.” she said and bowed politely and respectfully towards him before she took the crate to the yifeng’s apothecary.
“Do you think these extra guns will help us?” the magistrate asked Zhen.
“They aren’t modern weapons but they are weapons. A bullet from an antique kills someone just as effectively as a bullet from the latest gun.” Zhen said.
“True, so with the guns we got in the past and these guns, we might just stand a chance.” The magistrate stated.
“I have been drilling the men. Thankfully the refugees have been rather good at supporting our militia.” Zhen said.
“All the help will be needed” the magistrate said.
“Have we received any word from the government?” Zhen asked, with the sort of hope that he knew would not come.
“No. the country is in chaos from the countryside to the capital. We should not expect any soldiers from the government to arrive any time soon.” the Magistrate said.
“Let us hope then that when the battle dawns, the bandits will not be supported themselves.” Zhen said.
“Agreed. I recommend you begin the fortifications for the attack, they could come soon and we want to make sure that they can’t just take the place.” the magistrate said.
“Very well. I shall have the refugees and militia build a wall.” Zhen said and then left to ensure that such a fortification was prepared.
Chen Zhen had finished another day of drilling the militia. A number of the refugees have joined with the village militia and thankfully they had provided the needed manpower. He had sent Tielan down the river to get some more weapons.As he was returning, Bei Lin came towards him walking at a quick pace though not running. She seemed rather upset, as if she had just gotten into an argument.
“What is the matter?” Zhen asked.
“Can we talk somewhere more peaceful then the streets?” She asked.
“Of course.” Zhen said.
They headed towards the village garden. As with most things in the village it was under the control of the Bei family, though it had long been used by all within the village. It was not a large area, but it was out of the way of the main part of the village. In the center of the garden was an old pavilion that had been around forever.
“My father is furious with me. Calling me a disobedient daughter.” She said, holding back tears.
“Wh.. What happened?” Zhen said, taken aback by this.
“We had a fight at dinner.. I told him that I no longer eat any meat… as the pork was set upon our table.” She said, all the emotion coming from her voice.
“You no longer eat any meat? I thought you loved pork” Zhen asked softly.
“I gave it up after I was initiated.” she said
“Initiation?” Zhen asked.
“Well...you know of the Priest Jiang Wu?” She asked.
“Yes, the refugee leader, we have had a number of discussions about the militia and the refugees supporting us.” Zhen said.
“Well.. I accepted his offer of initiation.” She said.
“And what do you mean by initiation?” Zhen asked.
“Yes, Initiation into salvation. The way shows the way how our souls can break free of the cycle and be saved. Only through following this way can we be reborn into heaven.” She said with sincerity and fervor in her voice.
“You really do believe what he is saying is the truth?” Zhen asked.
“I do. I hope in time you will soon.” She said.
“And what about the Buddha, and your ancestors, and the gods and goddesses?” Zhen asked.
“That is the great thing about this faith. We can still honor them. Wu told me that the Buddha was a great teacher.” She said with a smile
“And this is why you fought with your father?” Zhen asked. She nodded and at this Chen Zhen hugged her close. Each gazed into each other’s eyes. The tears from Lin’s face fell softly down her cheek. For a long moment that went on for both far too long and not long enough for the both of them, they just held each other, not saying a word.
“I don’t want this moment to end.” She said softly breaking the silence.
“I may not understand this faith but if it makes you happy…” He said, wiping the tears from her face. She smiled softly and sweetly at this comment and hugged him closer.
“I will speak with your father.” He said.
“Thank you.” She said softly and then the two separated from one another.
“We best get back to the village.” He said. The two walked back towards the village.
Gifts from the Honored Teacher
There was some activity as a boat came up to the village docks, larger than most then would stop there.
“What do we have here?” Chen Zhen said aloud.
“Lots of gifts from Tianran.” Zhang Tielin said grinning and then ripped off the sheet that was covering the boat revealing several crates of food and clothes but also guns.
“You meet with the Honored Teacher. I wish I could have gone with you.” Bei Lin said, a bit less interested in the guns than about meeting the leader of her new found religion.
“Well not the man himself, one of the men serving under him. But no matter the supplies are ours.” Tielin said.
“Did the Honored Teacher say why he was just giving away these supplies?” Someone in the village said.
“He is headed to Beijing to meet with the Son of Heaven himself, but on his way he seeks to help out the villages and towns that have been suffering.” Tielin said. It was at this comment that Lin smiled proudly and cheerfully.
“I told you that the Honored Teacher cares for us.” She said.
“That you did.” Zhen said softly.
“Get the food to the village granary. If these bandits come. We should keep it safe.” The magistrate told Tielin. Soon workers were taking the supplies to the village granary.
“Lin these are for you and for Yifeng.” Tielin said handing over a small box filled with herbs, jars of honey, several bandages and more that a doctor might need.
“Thank you.” she said and bowed politely and respectfully towards him before she took the crate to the yifeng’s apothecary.
“Do you think these extra guns will help us?” the magistrate asked Zhen.
“They aren’t modern weapons but they are weapons. A bullet from an antique kills someone just as effectively as a bullet from the latest gun.” Zhen said.
“True, so with the guns we got in the past and these guns, we might just stand a chance.” The magistrate stated.
“I have been drilling the men. Thankfully the refugees have been rather good at supporting our militia.” Zhen said.
“All the help will be needed” the magistrate said.
“Have we received any word from the government?” Zhen asked, with the sort of hope that he knew would not come.
“No. the country is in chaos from the countryside to the capital. We should not expect any soldiers from the government to arrive any time soon.” the Magistrate said.
“Let us hope then that when the battle dawns, the bandits will not be supported themselves.” Zhen said.
“Agreed. I recommend you begin the fortifications for the attack, they could come soon and we want to make sure that they can’t just take the place.” the magistrate said.
“Very well. I shall have the refugees and militia build a wall.” Zhen said and then left to ensure that such a fortification was prepared.
Yes, the older weapons have their flaws, but an old weapon is surely better than no weapon.
Even in the midst of a greater crisis, people still have their own personal struggles as well. Hopefully Bei Lin's spat with her father doesn't develop into a deeper, more serious rift; it's always tragic when a family tears itself apart.
And as for the bigger picture, I can't help but suspect that the Great Teacher's generosity comes with certain strings attached. Nevertheless, given that the village will likely soon be fighting for its own survival soon, it's not really an offer they can easily refuse.
And as for the bigger picture, I can't help but suspect that the Great Teacher's generosity comes with certain strings attached. Nevertheless, given that the village will likely soon be fighting for its own survival soon, it's not really an offer they can easily refuse.