Notes:
Zhu Ge Liang – A military leader and Prime minister of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. He is also the main hero of the fictional Romance of Three Kingdoms, where he is portrayed as a sage and military mastermind.
To find a way out of an impasse – One of the war stratagems in Sun Zi’s Art of war, it means to fight for life in the face of death.
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Feng Ming raised his hand to curb Li Er, he smirked at the Princess and asked, “Princess, have you heard of the saying ‘To fight with one’s back to the river?’”
“To fight with one’s back to the river?” She repeated softly.
Registering the Princess’s curiosity, Feng Ming saw it as cue to hog the spotlight.
With a calm expression he walked into an area that was lit by sunlight breaking through an inlet on top of the cell’s roof.
He nodded and thought briefly before chaining his words, “There was a great General who led a campaign that meant life or death. The enemy’s army was formidable and his own army was inferior in strength. Prior to the battle, the General chose to set up camp for his men next to a river. All his advisors warned against this plan as it would only end in total annihilation. The men pleaded with the General to change his decision, but the man remained unmoved. Princess, do you think he did the right thing?”
Feng Ming had his back turned towards the Princess.
“It’s too risky.”
“That’s correct, it’s risky but he won the battle.” Feng Ming abruptly swiveled around creating momentum and his eyes sharply bore down on Miao Guang.
“Princess, do you want to know why he won?” he teased.
Miao Guang wondered for a moment, “Because there is no escape, the soldiers could only act by going all out to attack their enemy.”
The King suddenly clapped and nodded, “That’s right! They could only fight with their backs to the river so the only chance for survival was to attack their enemies with everything they had. This situation created a desperate morale which was ultimately the driving force to their victory. If they lost it meant death, so why not give their enemies a good fight to the bitter end? For these desperate soldiers could they have had any other thirst than to win?”
Feng Ming was re-enacting famous public speakers he had seen on television, imitating their demagogic style and carrying himself with an air of finesse. He looked the Princess straight in the eyes.
“That’s the tale behind the saying, ‘To fight with one’s back to the river’. Princess should remember to pass it on to Ruo Yan.”
“Why is there a need to tell my brother?”
“It was Ruo Yan that forced us ‘To fight with one’s back to the river’, I want Ruo Yan to be aware even if he goes against us leaving no room for error, this provocation will only be answered with unequivocal resistance. Ruo Yan believed he could reign over Xi Rei by poisoning me but he never anticipated he would put his sister and himself in the firing line. His scheme to advance into Xi Rei was foiled, had he lingered a moment longer General Tong would have had his head. If it wasn’t for King Rong’s trait to treasure his subordinates, there would have never been any grounds for your exchange. Princess would have rotted away for eternity in this cell.” He paused for emphasis.
“It’s for the best if you return to advise your dear brother against picking a bone with Xi Rei.” He warned coldly, “Princess can also refrain from investing efforts to drive a wedge between King Rong and myself. King Rong has played his hand flawlessly in this campaign, he utilized a military strategy of high caliber, and he sent his men to find a way out of an impasse*. Had it been I in his position, I would have done the same.”
The Princess frowned, mumbling the phrase “To find a way out of an impasse?”
“Xi Rei’s art of war has never been shared with outsiders, for the Princess to not know the meaning behind these words it’s not surprising in the least.” Feng Ming laughed mockingly, he continued with some exaggeration, “ To be honest with you, Rong Tian’s scholarly knowledge outranks anyone living, he has penned over three hundred theories, and has written one hundred and eight art of war stratagems, the one I mentioned ‘To find a way out of an impasse’ Is number one hundred and seven. It’s nothing special compared to the rest.”
“One hundred and eight stratagems?” Miao Guang’s eyes lit up. If Rong Tian was truly this powerful then it’s likely her brother had underestimated him. Miscalculating an enemy most likely leads to defeat, she had to report everything she learned back to her brother immediately. But she was still skeptical about Feng Ming’s words, “If Rong Tian’s war stratagems are on a completely different level, why hasn’t he made a move to annex the eleven countries?”
“Do you think everyone is like your brother who enjoys toyingwith people’s lives?” Even though he knew of Rong Tian’s greater plans to take control one day, he held the man up on a saintly pedestal, speaking of him as a man of compassion while making Ruo Yan appear like an ambitious rapacious wolf.
Feng Ming glanced at her, “Princess doesn’t believe Rong Tian’s stratagems are something to fear?”
An unsavory grimace crossed her lips and she turned her face away from him. “King Ming can say whatever he likes.”
“Hmm, well it doesn’t matter if you don’t want to believe my words.” Feng Ming continued, “One of the basic principles in warfare is to gage and verify your enemy’s strength before making a move.”
“Blindly leading troops off to battle results in the aftermath of having no-one left to argue such poor decision.” The King smiled confidently.
He was acting ad lib based on a biography about Zhu Ge Liang* and he shamelessly flaunted his knowledge in front of Miao Guang.
“For a commander to be able to anticipate the victory or defeat in battles, there are factors he must examine. Firstly, which side has a stronger and more capable leader? Secondly, of the high-ranking military officers which side possesses the wisest and most skilled? Thirdly, in the ranks of officials and court advisors which side has the most intelligent aids? Fourth, which side has an abundance of army provisions? Fifth, which army has the highest caliber of trained soldiers? Six, which army has more endurance and can maintain formation better? Seven, what is the speed and pedigree of horses used by each side? Eight, which side has the most impenetrable stronghold on the battlefield? Nine, which sides would likely have better tricks in reserve? Ten, which side has the most fearful neighboring countries sharing its borders? Eleven, which side is wealthier? Twelve, who has the most stable living conditions for the common people? After drawing comparisons on these points, one can identify which army is strongest and which army is weakest. Ultimately, the winner and loser can be determined along these lines.”
On his way from the Prince’s chambers he managed to recall some of the literature written on Zhu Ge Liang*. Being able to recite them in one go was a feat. He stood exalted and accomplished to see Miao Guang’s expression had soured. She looked very serious and concerned. Feng Ming couldn’t help but feel a little bit of glee inside his chest.
Simple yet practical, this systematic way of thinking was becoming rare in war tactics. However, if Rong Tian’s military stratagems could be so easily penned and published, his knowledge and scope would have no comparable competition. Miao Guang was starting to think, if the country of Li was to truly start a war with Xi Rei, the consequence would be disastrous.
Miao Guang snuck a peek at the King, it was fortunate that he didn’t die from the poisoning, or Xi Rei would have retaliated and obliterated Li.
She thought over the situation for a while, before replying, “I understand the reasons you’ve provided, however, if King Ming is able to address my doubts by providing evidence of King Rong’s power, Miao Guang is willing to represent and sign a peace treaty on behalf of my brother. During Rong Tian’s reign, Li will not incite a war with Xi Rei. Nor will we send troops into your borders.”
Feng Ming could almost see her tail wagging at the opportunity to get a free lesson from his textbooks.
Feng Ming coldly sneered, “Princess wants to tempt me into revealing more of our war stratagems? The countless volumes Rong Tian has written are stored in a secret place within the palace and only a few have laid eyes on them. Even I’ve only read snippets, if I wanted to talk about the information I’ve learned I’d be standing here forever. Besides, why should I be required to address your doubts? If Ruo Yan truly intends to rage war with Xi Rei, I can guarantee it will be when calamity will befall Li as your country will be totally obliterated.”
The last statement was issued with authoritative tone. Miao Guang’s expression waned.
Li Er was stunned. He never expected Feng Ming to demonstrate such mannerism, his master’s presentation managed to shake the Princess.
Miao Guang refused to believe that Feng Ming hadn’t personally read through all the war stratagems himself.
“That’s all I have to say for today, Princess should do well by behaving.” Feng Ming decided to quit while he was still ahead, he signaled Li Er with his eyes and strode with his head held high out of the dungeons.
After exiting the dungeons they headed back towards the palace, Feng Ming’s stern expression disappeared. He let out a loud shriek and laughed as he faced Li Er. “I think I passed, from now Ruo Yan wouldn’t care to casually do as he pleases with Xi Rei. As long as Ruo Yan is kept at a distance for the next few years, Rong Tian will be able to expand his military forces. Xi Rei will be well prepared to take on the world. Alas, I almost laughed out several times, holding it in was tough, my stomach hurts a bit.” He rubbed his hand over his strained belly muscles.
Li Er was stunned for a while before stuttering,” King Ming, you are incredible!”
“Incredible?”
“King Ming’s war tactics are indeed something that hasn’t been heard of, having such an amazing supporter by our great King’s side, we will definitely take over the world!” The young man looked at Feng Ming with genuine admiration.
“King Ming’s intelligence will attract the attention of our enemies and they will definitely be assassins here to eliminate you. Li Er will be here to protect King Ming.”
The feeling of being worshipped was sending Feng Ming over the moon.
Feng Ming scratched his head, slightly embarrassed. “Actually those stratagems aren’t mine…”
While mid-sentence, a presence disrupted their conversation.
A maid quickly made her way around the courtyard and bee-lined for the pair.
“King Ming you were here all this time, it took me a while to locate you.”
It turned out to be one of the Empress’s personal maids, Xiang Fen. She quickly bowed before softly relaying, “The Empress seeks your company, she says it’s been a few days since she’s seen you and wants to have a talk.”
Feng Ming was baffled, he blinked blankly.
Although the Empress and Feng Ming lived within the palace they rarely crossed paths. What did the Empress want to talk about?
Li Er channeled the question on Feng Ming’s mind, “What does the Empress want to discuss with King Ming?”
“Likely the exquisite teas she has just received as gifts, the Empress is feeling lonely as our Great King is busy with state affairs she wishes sample the tea in King Ming’s company.”
Feng Ming had some bad fears lingering after his ordeal with An Xun, however, deep inside his heart there was also sympathy for the Empress who had suffered through a terrible loveless marriage. After all, everything she did was for her true son and at least the poison she had force fed him was a fake.
Since ancient times, the women of the palace have been pitiful, lonely and left to grow old in a cage.
He nodded at Xiang Fen, “Alright, I’ll go with you.”
“King Ming, I will accompany you.”
Xiang Fen was a high ranked maid and trusted retainer of the Empress, she was not afraid of being frank with Li Er. She gave him a dry laugh, “The Empress has not prepared any tea for your sake, King Ming will be within the palace, what are you afraid of?”
“But…”
“But what? You understand the relationship between our Great King and King Ming, King Rong is the son of the Empress, and King Ming is…” Xiang Fen controlled herself from giggling. She was about to blurt out ‘daughter-in-law’, she cast a judging glance at Li Er before finishing, “They will be speaking about private affairs, do you plan on eavesdropping?”
Feng Ming’s ears were already bright red, he immediately surrendered to the maid, “I’ll go with you right now, Li Er you can head back to the Prince’s hall first.”
Li Er knew the Empress would not harm Feng Ming for the sake of Rong Tian so he was not in the least worried about his master’s safety. He nodded obediently and slipped away.
Feng Ming paced quickly after Xiang Fen towards the Empress’s quarter.
The pleasant fragrance of incense greeted Feng Ming as he entered, it was a relaxing scent.
“Greetings to the Empress.”
The Empress smiled, “King Ming you’ve arrived.” She beckoned Xiang Fen to move a chair and situate it close to her and she pointed towards it.
“Take a seat.”
“Yes, your Highness.” Feng Ming sat down dutifully.
“Xiang Fen, pour King Ming a cup of tea that was given as a tribute.”
“Thank you, your Highness.”
Why was the Empress so cordial today? Even when he was still an imposter posing as her son, he was never shown such gentle treatment.
Feng Ming was an easy going person so he let his reservations slide.
His eyes wondered around and spotted a pile of needlework and materials next to the Empress.
Out of curiosity he asked, “Is the Empress making clothes for herself to wear?”
“I’m getting in my years, there’s no need for new garments.”
Noticing Feng Ming had taken interest in her handicraft she lifted up the pile of material and held it fondly.
“This is a belt I’m making for the King even though there’s no need for me to personally make any of his clothes I have plenty of free time on my hands. I rather not stay idle and I hope this belt would be with him as a charm to protect him to a ripe old age.”
Reading between the lines, one could reveal the motherly love from the Empress’s words. Feng Ming is originally an orphan, hearing such sweet words moved him. He felt as if the gap between them was slowly closing in.
The Empress passed the uncompleted belt to Feng Ming for closer inspection.
“It’s truly beautiful. Empress really treats Rong Tian dearly.”
If my mother was alive, she would also protect me and look out for me. Perhaps she would also be willing to sacrifice others to guarantee my future. Speaking of which, Feng Ming felt like he understood where the Empress was coming from. He decided to let go of the lingering resentment he had of the Empress for agreeing to let An Xun exterminate him.
The Empress laughed, “If King Ming likes it then that’s reassuring, I have also made one for you.”
Xiang Fen brought out a green belt and handed it to Feng Ming.
Feng Ming held the belt in his hands firmly, examining the workmanship. It was really something to be proud of.
“Empress, this…” When he was growing up, he had never been given clothes that were personally sewn for him. In the orphanage, he only wore the hand-me-downs that kind hearted people donated. Now that he was holding an intricate and exquisite belt in his hands he couldn’t help but feel warm inside, his eyes started to glisten.
“For me to treat King Ming in such a manner must come to you as a surprise, you must be wondering about my intentions.” The Empress casually said, “King Ming, you might not be aware that Rong Tian has threatened to severe our mother-son tie if I do not accept you and treat you with respect.”
“Ah?” Feng Ming was startled.
A faint smile appeared on the Empress’s face. “King Ming looks surprised, I was too. How could he treat his mother who has dedicated everything to him in such a manner? He has threatened me more than once, first was after An Xun’s death and King Ming was unconscious. The second occasion was when I asked him to consider marriage.”
Feng Ming’s heart strings were plucked and this time wasn’t because of the Empress but for Rong Tian who has always kept silent on matters.
The Empress rested the tea cup in her hands, she studied Feng Ming and let out a deep sigh, “King Ming is a rare beauty. You’ve won my son’s love and it is much stronger than what he has left for his own mother. If I was cruel enough, I should use this opportunity to strike you down. I can deal with the consequences later.”
Feng Ming’s skin bristled, he quickly scanned for danger.
Seeing the change in temperament the Empress chuckled and whispered, “I can assure King Ming I would not act against Rong Tian’s orders. For his sake, I will not hurt King Ming. I summoned King Ming because I have a request.”
Their conversation was finally coming down to business. Feng Ming quickly focused on the topic.
“What does the Empress need?”
“I wish for King Ming to put in a word of advice to Rong Tian. I would like you to convince him to find a candidate to become his queen.”
“A queen?” Feng Ming was not mentally prepared for this situation so he sat dumbfounded for a moment.
They had quickly hit an unavoidable problem.
Feng Ming forced a smile, “Shouldn’t such matters should be brought up to Rong Tian by the Empress?”
“On this matter, only King Ming is capable of shifting Rong Tian’s stance. No one else is able to achieve it, including me.” The Empress enforced a bitter laugh.
“And naturally, King Ming understands the reason behind it."
Feng Ming slowly nodded before releasing a long sigh. “Yes. I understand.”
The Empress clasped her hands around Feng Ming’s own.
“King Ming, I know you are not willing to share him, however once an heir is born, Rong Tian will not share the Queen’s bed again. And I understand that you feel Rong Tian is your companion for life. To tell you the truth, the previous King was also in the same situation, he also had a male lover.”
“Rong Tian’s father?” Feng Ming was curious.
“Everyone in the court was aware of the fact that there was no love between the King and I, he only held affection for the Old King Rong.”
Feng Ming was speechless. “Old King Rong?”
“Correct.” The Empress’s gaze was fixated in the distance, as past memories flooded into her mind she unhurriedly explained, “The King only submitted to taking me as his Queen on the advice of Old King Rong. After giving birth to Rong Tian, the King never approached me again. That’s why when Xi Rei was under a crisis, I knew I could entrust Old King Rong with Rong Tian because he would never bring harm to the King’s own blood and flesh.”
Perhaps her heartless rejection of An Xun’s affections wasn’t so much for the love of the King, but for the sake of her son and loyalty to Xi Rei’s royal family.
For a woman who had racked her brains to ensure the safety of Xi Rei’s royal bloodline, it was understandable that she didn’t want it to end with Rong Tian.
“I want to ask King Ming, Rong Tian is the King of Xi Rei, is it his duty to produce an heir?”
“Yes.”
“To produce an heir, isn’t it necessary for him to take a wife?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Apart from King Ming, is there anyone else who can make Rong Tian promise to wed?”
Feng Ming hesitated, “…I guess not.”
“Then King Ming…” The Empress stressed each word, looking at the young man sincerely. “King Ming, will you be willing to persuade Rong Tian to continue the bloodline and advise him to marry?”
He had to personally ask Rong Tian to wed a woman?
Feng Ming’s pupils constricted, chills ran down his spine and his body felt paralyzed. The only thing that remained in motion was his thoughts. A wedding, that meant he would be pushing Rong Tian into someone else’s embrace. If there isn’t a wedding, Rong Tian’s glory and accomplishments won’t be carried on by another generation.
What would happen to Xi Rei?
The Empress’s dignified face was caving in, she pleaded again. “King Ming, will you be willing to persuade Rong Tian to continue the bloodline and advise him to marry?”
Heroes should be remembered and revered throughout the ages and their bloodline should be continued.
Rong Tian was a true hero.
Feng Ming’s heart sunk like iron.
He loosened his stiff neck and finally conceded with a sigh, “On this matter, Empress please permit me to have until tomorrow to provide you with my answer…I want to think about it.”
He placed down his tea cup and bowed.
The Empress gazed at the young man for a moment, “King Ming can have time to contemplate and regardless if you promise me to speak to Rong Tian about it or not, please do not mention this matter to Rong Tian. Although I have my best intentions, he may not see so otherwise and may come to resent me for this. Alas, being a mother is challenging.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t speak a word to Rong Tian.” He assured and he picked up the belt that the Queen had personally made for him.
He met eyes with the Empress and could sense the concerns she had over Rong Tian. All sorts of feelings welled up in Feng Ming’s heart as he couldn’t find any words to comfort her.
He inadvertently recited, “The thread is in a loving mother's hand, a wanderlust son adorns her clothes. Closer and closer are the stitches, ‘He might be late, late in return, I fear.’ Blades of young grass demand, repayment for the Sun’s nurturing hand!” He sighed.
“I understand the Empress’s goodwill, alas, pity the undying bonds of parental love! Take care Empress, Feng Ming will head back now.” He held the belt closely to his chest and gave her a wry smile before turning towards the exit.
As Feng Ming left, the Empress watched on and murmured the poem he had given her, “The thread is in a loving mother's hand, a wanderlust son adorns her clothes...”
Xiang Fen shifted to post herself beside the Empress, her eyes following Feng Ming’s disappearing figure. She spoke softly, “Usually there isn’t anything great about him but it is obvious our Great King has exceptional taste. It seems King Ming has a foothold but he would have to sacrifice
and deal with grievances. Empress, do you think King Ming would comply with your wishes?”
“There is always someone who would lose out in this type of situation.” The Empress said sadly, “He will certainly agree. He can digest all the aspects of this problem. Although he appears to be simple he is much wiser than Old King Rong. My intuition tells me I have made the right move.”
“If this is so, Empress can finally rest easy.”
“That’s right.” The Empress grinned. “For such a person to be aiding my child, I finally can relax.”
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