Trials of the Middle Kingdom

Chapter 3: IN THE SOUTHERN PROVINCES

TO THE YELLOW SEA in the East lay an old island nation ruled by a militaristic administration called the Ashikaga. Its inhabitants called it "Nihon" otherwise known in the Middle Kingdom as Riben. The country was simmering with civil unrest and had grown ripe for full-scale civil war. An elite warrior class natively called "sa-mu-rai" governed the provinces. Their swords were legendary, curved, and extremely sharp, wielded by a martial finesse honed through many years of continual combat. As the sovereignty of the ruling Ashikaga military administration in the archipelago began to weaken, the warlords of the various states raised armies to fight for the seat of power. Out of the brewing chaos of their civil war, many defeated members of the dishonored warrior class turned to banditry and piracy to survive. Onto the coasts of the Middle Kingdom they wreaked havoc for many years. Hundreds upon hundreds of elite pirates joined those who have defected from the Ming to patrol the seas and ransack towns and villages along the eastern coastline. Half-hearted military campaigns to combat the pirates were insufficient and the local leadership of the imperial infantry grew incompetent. As the confidence of the pirates grew, their invasions pushed further inland and they were left largely unchallenged. The activities of the pirates certainly did not go unnoticed by the Scholars who grew restless as the raids continued. As mediocre intervention of the local governments was not making sufficient progress, the League was compelled to take action from the sidelines. They reconvened to discuss the appropriate method to eradicate the pirates.

The most recent occurrence took place in the neighboring province of Fuzhou where a township was reported to have been completely taken over. Sun Xin volunteered to investigate.

"The imperial garrison within the town's province will provide the brunt of the fighting force to repel the pirate invaders. Sun Xin, you're to assemble with a battalion of soldiers and coordinate with General He Jin, a friend of the League and a close contact of mine. As we speak he is preparing for a preemptive strike within the enemy's defenses in order to create an opportunity for a full frontal assault," said Shang Jian. He provided Sun Xin with a badge to present to the General upon arrival. "Show them this when you reach the garrison. The general will know why you have arrived and who sent you," he instructed.

Xin accepted the badge and proceeded to leave the city. "Now I have a reason to take the fastest mount in the school grounds," he said to them.

Outside the reaches of the city, Xin pushed his horse to a full gallop across the hills and fields, passing by rice planters singing in unison, and farming communities on the edge of the province. Seeing such peace and security made it difficult to believe that warrior pirates were marauding and pillaging places such as these further in the North.

When night came Sun Xin camped under the stars beneath the hills where his flickering fire would not be spotted by any bands of outlaws or raiders roaming the wilderness. Out from his supply in the saddlebags, he neatly unpacked a meal and a small iron pot which he heated over the fire. With precision he conducted himself with discipline in the aim of perfection in any task he undertook.

He found no use in vices, vanities, or in any meaningless activity and useless speech. That is who he was and what he has chosen to be- a man of action as taught by his estranged master. Sun Xin found his master's ways as too passive and wasted his skills doing nothing but selling furniture and woodwork. Such a life was not fitting for a warrior. Xin grimaced at the memory of their last encounter. As he scooped the steamed rice into his bowl and dried salted fish on his plate, he wondered what his master was doing, perhaps taking a sip of hot tea just as he was at that very moment.

****

On the top balcony of the Scholar's academy, Tian Qiu surveyed the trading posts near the docks where foreigners from neighboring nations arrived to receive a small portion of the Middle Kingdom's wealth. With the delicate adjustment of a few knobs, he optimized the focus of his mounted spyglass, to observe the activities of the pale foreigners. A large portion of the docks, however, was busiest of the rest. It was also there that the enigmatic foreigners stored their own treasures under the shadow of their behemoth ships. Tian Qiu took note of the activity taking place at the very moment. Government officials inspected the cargo brought by all foreigners. There were various fabrics, pottery, herbs and spices, precious metals and stones, trinkets, and ornate tools gathered from the ports of many nations along the seas. They were made ready to be delivered and distributed throughout the powerful and wealthy.

Guangzhou was one of the few cities in the empire where foreigners were given the "privilege" of trade after proper tribute was paid to the emperor himself. The pale visitors' trade items did not far differ from the rest although they brought with them many curious articles. Tian Qiu could not help but be captivated with the foreigners. They were after all, truly foreign. It is perhaps this very same curiosity that compelled the government to privilege them with more trading rights and diplomacy than all the rest. Countless questions riddled Tian's mind. From which distant, uncharted land did they sail? To what king do they swear allegiance? Nothing in the known records mentioned such a race of "people" or a civilization that resembled the foreigners in the slightest. Despite these countless questions, Qiu was careful to tame his curiosities and keep his distance, at least for the moment.

The foreigners were pale indeed, like corpses, as if their skin had been infused with snow. They were also tall and very well dressed. They favored hooded cloaks and fitted clothing and carried on their hips swords of various kinds. Despite their ghastly appearance, they were, by all outward appearances, very civilized. Their soldiers carried metallic elongated weapons with a visible barrel, obviously purposed for ranged combat. The delegates wore fine garments with ornate stitching and embroidery and carried themselves in the illusion of humility.

The Pale Foreigners had been given a patch of land to the West of the docks. They had hastily built a large outpost with several structures for living quarters and storage. Tian Qiu beheld their robust architecture, most of which was marked by towering spires and admirable domes. Plumes of steam and smoke ascended from the structures.

"Astonishing how quickly they can build even by Ming standards," he muttered to himself. There was much he wanted to know. The availability of new knowledge enticed Tian Qiu and all that these pale foreigners had to offer materially and mentally had a powerful allure. Just what was Tian willing to give to obtain such things? Nevertheless, he reported his observations to the other Scholars who were quite surprised and taken aback at what the Foreigners were permitted to do on their own soil. The judgment of the city's authorities and even the capital itself was becoming questionable in the eyes the Martial Scholars.

Lu Guanying purposed an investigation to uncover the government's unprecedented tolerance of the Foreigners' actions. His cohort and fellow Martial Scholar Zhang Sunzan was knowledgeable in law, diplomacy, and politics. His network was deep and cast a wide net over the empire. He therefore volunteered to make his own contributions to the investigation.

"The Foreigners have been frequenting the magistrate's office and have been seen paying visits to his home. The city's aristocracy has gained quite an interest in them. I fear their comfort is unhealthy," he said with a frown. "There are high-grade officials who share our political alignments. They would be willing to provide us with insights to what has become of our nation's foreign policy and perhaps provide us with clues to the Foreigners' true intent."

Lu Guanying nodded while Shang Jian rubbed his bearded chin. Zhang Sunzan continued saying, "I will also speak to my long-time friend. He is well informed of the city's activities and... underground dealings." With this, Zhang Sunzan released a pair of messenger doves from his study's window as he made preparations with his investigation. So was the gathering of the Scholars.

****

Sun Xin rode posthaste into the province of Fujian past green meadows, towering rock formations and trees, and bountiful farmland. He pushed his steed to a full gallop until he arrived at the garrison where he was to meet General Jin currently in command of the troops stationed there. He was halted at the gate where he showed the golden plaque Shang Jian had provided. The general was summoned and he greeted Sun Xin with a pleased smile.

"Ah, you must be Sun Xin the renowned swordsman. I've heard quite a great tale about you. Your deeds and mysterious persona have been quite the popular topic among common folk and elites alike."

"Well, I hope I can live up to your expectations, General," Sun Xin replied as he saluted him. The garrison was buzzing with activity as soldiers made their way to and fro the compound training and working, trying to look their best in front of the visiting General.

General Jin was a tall, robust man, with his uniform covering a strong and hardened frame. Confident and collected, he walked in lengthy strides with his left hand resting comfortably on his sword. His gate bore testament to prolonged experience in the art of war.

General Jin continued. "My orders come directly from the capital. The emperor is growing weary of these barbarous pirates. But I have just recently arrived myself. These men in particular have become undisciplined, complacent and lazy- a failure of the previous garrison commander. It is my job to get these men disciplined and ready for combat."

"Where are these pirates holding now?" asked Xin as they walked through the compound.

"We estimate over a thousand of them are currently occupying a township called Putian located ten and a half li northeast. Can you believe it? They have the nerve to hole themselves up within a stone's throw away from this garrison and other cities. Arrogant fools, they are."

"A mere one thousand barbarians and yet the 'mighty' Ming army is unable to repel them? I do not understand," scoffed Xin.

General Jin frowned. "These pirates are no mere barbarians, comrade. They are warrior class defected from Ashikaga Shogunate. It is only recently these pirates have united under one banner. They now answer to the notorious pirate lord Mizushima. I will give him credit; I have heard he displays significant skill on the battlefield even when greatly outnumbered. But those were said by the incompetent field commanders this nation has been producing in recent times," he said shaking his head.

"I was not aware of the growing incompetency our forces in the region," said Xin. "What would you have me do for your campaign, General?" They stopped in front of the living quarters where Xin was to stay. The general looked at him square in the eye.

"At dawn we will mount an offensive to destroy them so thoroughly that all the other pirates would not dare enter our shores. In the heat of battle you are to seek out Mizushima... and kill him. His death will greatly weaken our enemy's resolve and they will be defeated. They will be either drunk or extremely hung-over. Overconfident of their position."

Xin lowered his head."A simple assassination, I see. Consider it done." As a freelance blade, Sun Xin was not accustomed to taking orders like a soldier. He volunteered his skills for what he believed was just and noble. He joined the Scholars on the condition they had the same goals and ambitions for the ideal society. Nevertheless, he agreed to cooperate with the general. It was part of his broader mission, and after all, the pirates were in need of eradication and he was willing to do whatever it took to see that it would be done.

"You will know Mizushima when you see him. He is known for wearing heavy red armor and a war mask during battle," General Jin said. "Be warned, Swordsman, despite how the Scholars have commended you for your skills, I guarantee that Mizushima is more than anything else you have faced before." He pulled on the hem of his uniform to reveal an old scar spanning the length of his chest. Xin's eyes narrowed. "Do not underestimate his capabilities," warned Jin.

"Tomorrow, justice will be done upon him," Xin replied coldly and confidently.

The garrison was alive with fast paced activity. Squads of soldiers performed push-ups, pull ups and other callisthenic exercises. Another company shouted with each strike as they performed spear and sword forms in unison. The rest sparred with each other, fists and feet flying, and limbs interlocking with grappling maneuvers.

Sun Xin followed the general into his office within the garrison's largest building. Inside one of General Jin's captains stood in full scale and lamellar armor while examining a map that featured a miniature model of the town in the center.

"Captain Liu Quan, meet our newly arrived comrade Sun Xin. He is a special agent sent here by my comrades in Guangzhou. He will be of great assistance to us in our campaign against the pirate scum," said General Jin.

"Welcome to this lonely garrison, Master Swordsman," the Captain greeted him as he offered a fist-in-hand salute. Xin returned the gesture.

"Pleased to be of assistance," he replied.

Captain Liu redirected his gaze at the map. "They will not be expecting our sudden offensive tomorrow. Our scouts reported their current occupation of the town. They've been drinking and partying to a stupor for days, confident our government will take no action."

General Jin chuckled. "Then the fools are in no condition for combat. They will be easy pickings for us tomorrow. Additionally, I've had to ask some special favors but we have one dozen cannons for tomorrow's Pirate m******e," the General smirked. He positioned the troop and cannon models on the map to the South of the town. "The capital has given us permission to flatten the town if need be. Tomorrow our heavy guns will bombard from the South. While the bombs fall, the pirates will attempt to flee to their boats and ships on the shore just outside of town only to find them already destroyed. The pirates are not accustomed to cannon warfare so they will panic."

Captain Quan continued: "They will attempt to flee to the north and to the west. Our archers and gunners will devastate their numbers in the east and my heavy cavalry will charge out of the trees to cut them down on the north side. The survivors will retreat back into the town to make their stand. There the infantry will meet the pirates head on."

The general turned his attention to Xin. "You will be charging into the town with the spear and saber companies. Like I have already said; there you will find the pirate lord and kill him in heat of battle." Sun Xin agreed to the General's strategy.

"What of the townsfolk?" Xin asked.

"Any civilian casualties will be minimal, if not present. They have either fled or were unfortunate enough to fall at the hands of the pirates," the captain replied.

Later that day, Xin sat atop a guard tower observing the garrison troops training in hand to hand combat, weapons technique, and battle formations. The bellowing of the General's elite commandos could be heard all over the compound, disciplining the troops and restoring their combat readiness. On the roof of that guard tower, Xin meditated to prepare his mind and spirit for what was to come. Most of the guards looked up at Xin with suspicion and distrust. The rest of the soldiers were unsure of what to think.

****

The time had come. Many years of a lonesome life on the mountain was at an end for Famin Jie the hermit. The clouds of despair were approaching the Middle Kingdom and the age of the Ming was being threatened. By this Famin Jie grew ever more troubled, so he headed north in search of answers. With a hefty wicker backpack and a small cane, he made his way north reciting the hymns he composed himself:

"Though the paths before me be black as night, I fear not. Though darkness stalk my footsteps, I fear not. The blades of evil that seek my flesh nor the greed of men and the schemes of demons, I will not fear, for the Light goes before me and the darkness retreats before its brightness for it cannot overcome it."

As he continued through the lonely trails of the forest, the vegetation and foliage canopy grew denser and thicker until he no longer recognized the road he traveled often many years before. A heavy fog rolled down the side of the cliffs blanketing the forest with a sort of heaviness that clouded the air. He struggled against it.

He then beheld an ancient forest witch emerging from the fog and she presented herself before him a form that was young, healthy, and radiant. She walked a circle around Jie with light-footed strides. She laughed and it resonated through the fog and it plagued the air. She was powerful and ancient. Famin Jie felt it. She carried with her a fallen spirit which had gifted her great power and long life. It was the case for all those who wielded such powers. Supernatural afflictions were not inhibited by the limits of human physicality. Famin Jie knew that the witch's realm extended throughout the forested area of the southern and central provinces and for many years had become a horrific legend among travelers and adventurers. Though many have scoffed at stories as mere superstition, he knew better than to take such matters lightly.

She had come that she may oppress him and he knew this well. "Say what you must and be done with it, thou who art fallen and damned," Famin Jie remarked. Her laughter shrieked even louder, piercing the sage's ears.

"You have a bold tongue for one so small... and irrelevant. Yes, we know you, prophet. We know whence you came and what you seek to accomplish. Do you think that one who has lived such a pitiful life can achieve what you have set out to do?" She whispered with a devious smile.

"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.