Into The Deep Desert (Part 1)
It's been three days since His Majesty has granted me permission to enter the desert with my men. I rounded up my top ten fighters to accompany me plus Zhi'er. We've prepared all our supplies. Each of my fighters are given a pouch of medicine, and antidotes, a long sword or a bow with poisoned arrows and water purifiers. We bring dried meats and stale breads and grape wine to keep us warm in the cold nights. His Majesty agreed to let us to go to the desert by the end of this week which is tomorrow. I've prepared armor for my men and I, ones that won't give away that we are from Huo Empire. We'll blend in with the desert tribes from the East. We are in morning court and all the morning officials are gathered in the Imperial Court Room. His Majesty is sitting on his Golden Throne. The Empress's throne is empty because she hasn't left her chambers since the other day when His Majesty punished her. While Her Lady Majesty is under punishment Her Grace The Empress Dowager took her place in the Imperial Court.
Empress Dowager Feng: As you all know, The Imperial Guard Chan Lian has bravely volunteered to enter the desert with a group of her subordinates in order to save our Empire from calamity. I, The Empress Dowager am granting her rewards for her work in assembling the plan and heading it as well. Each one of her men are granted one hundred reals of gold. As for her, she is granted five hundred teals of gold and rare treasure and jewelry from the Silk Road.
Chan Lian: Your Grace, I thank you for your benevolence and praises. My men and I are truly honored to serve our country well. I vow to you, that I will exterminate the bandits or die trying.
Empress Dowager Feng: Chan Lian, no need to be so humble. You are the most talented servant in all of the palace. We don't want you to die, what would this palace be without your guidance.
Prime Minister Han: Your Grace, I think you're exaggerating Chan Lians talents. There are many more officials that deserve the same praises.
Empress Dowager Feng: Audacious! You dare correct the Empress Dowager? Chan Lian is your superior and you may not insult her!
Emperor Jin Laohu: Mother don't be angered. I will seek justice for you... Prime Minister Han, for disrespecting the Empress Dowager you are receiving a salary deduction as a warning. Do it again and you will be demoted to a commoner.
Now Prime Minister Han was hysterical and on his knees. If he were demoted his wives and children would most likely leave him.
Prime Minister Han: Your Majesty, Your Grace please forgive my ignorance. I did not mean to offend you.
Empress Dowager Feng: You should apologize to Imperial Guard Chan Lian! She is in a higher position than you and has accomplished more than you while being half your age yet you still underestimate her and even try to humiliate her.
Chan Lian: Your Grace, please do not be angered by this. Prime Minister Han was just speaking irrationally. I will have a talk with him later.
Empress Dowager Feng: Prime Minister Han, you're lucky that Chan Lian is merciful and benevolent.
Prime Minister Han: Thank you Imperial Guard Chan Lian for your mercy and benevolence.
Chan Lian: Its in my nature.
Emperor Jin Laohu:Chan Lian, is everything prepared for your departure tomorrow?
Chan Lian: Yes Your Majesty, we are prepared and enthusiastic for the mission.
Emperor Jin Laohu: Good. Tonight I will host a banquet for you and your men and am inviting all of my officials in your honor.
Chan Lian: Thank you Your Majesty!
Emperor Jin Laohu: What's the last matter on the agenda?
Head Eunuch Lu: Your Majesty, Official Yi has delivered a petition for Your Majesty to release the Empress from punishment.
His Majesty grew very angry. I could tell by his red face, and squinted eyes that he was about to erupt.
Emperor Jin Laohu: Call on him!
Head Eunuch Lu: Official Yi, come forward and address His Majesty immediately.
Official Yi is a fourth ranked official in the court. He climbed the steps and onto the golden platform beneath His Majesty's throne. He gets on his knees and lowers his head in respect.
Official Yi: This lowly official greets Your Majesty and hopes him a long and prosperous life.
Emperor Jin Laohu: Who began this petition?
Official Yi: I did your Majesty.
Emperor Jin Laohu: You did? So you enjoy disrespecting my authority? You think it is appropriate for a lowly official like yourself to oppose my ruling.
By now His Majesty is furious. Official Yi is now fidgeting with his hands and shaking from fear. He could be beheaded for opposing His Majesty.
Official Yi: Your Majesty I did not mean to oppose you. I was doing it for your own good.
Emperor Jin Laohu: Very well then, Guards!
I knew he was about to throw Official Yi in prison which would make him look like a cruel leader. So I decided I'll interfere. I whispered in his ear-
Chan Lian: *whispering* Your Majesty, please do no be irrational.
Emperor Jin Laohu: *clears throat* Never mind then. Step down Official Yi!
Head Eunuch Lu: Then Your Majesty, may I announce the ending of morning court?
Emperor Jin Laohu: You may.
Head Eunuch Lu: Bow down in honor of His Majesty and Her Grace.
We all bow down in honor of the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
Head Eunuch Lu: Morning court is over! You may all be dismissed.
Emperor Jin Laohu: I will be expecting you all in the evening at the Festive Palace. Keep in mind that this is a banquet in honor of Imperial Guard Chan Lian.
Officials: Yes Your Majesty!
The officials all evacuate the room, and the court ladies follow. All that is left in the room Is The Empress Dowager, His Majesty and I.
Empress Dowager Feng: Thank you Chan Lian.
Chan Lian: I don't deserve your thanking Your Grace.
Empress Dowager Feng: You saved my son from making a horrible mistake out of anger. If he had locked up Official Yi for petitioning to free the Empress he would look like a malicious monster.
Emperor Jin Laohu: How dare he oppose me?
Chan Lian: Your Majesty, I too believe Her Lady Majesty has had enough punishment.
Emperor Jin Laohu: Chan Lian, I know you are very kind hearted and that's why you're defending that witch but I won't go light on her.
Empress Dowager Feng: Indeed, Chan Lian you are too kind. That Empress is so unruly. She deserves to be punished for her stubborn behavior. As an Empress their are rules and policies to follow. But she always disobeys the rules set for her.
By now if I tried to interfere and help the Empress than I'd make it worse for her by angering His Majesty and Her Grace.
Chan Lian: I understand.
Empress Dowager Feng: I must say, it will be very boring in the palace without you keeping me company.
Emperor Jin Laohu: Indeed, the palace will become very unpleasant with out your presence.
Chan Lian: I will surely miss you Your Grace and Your Majesty.
Empress Dowager Feng: Well, I will have to return to my Palace in order to put together the banquet for you.
Chan Lian: Your Grace please do not exhaust yourself over this.
Empress Dowager Feng: Not at all, you are like my daughter. I only wish this was your wedding I was planning instead of a departure banquet.
The Emperor began chocking on air and has a coughing fit. I'm guessing he was thrown off by Her Grace's suggestion.
Emperor Jin Laohu: *coughing* M-Mother... Chan Lian is the Imperial Guard. *Cough* She has responsibilities. And she is still too young.
Her Grace gets up to leave when she turns around and says-
Empress Dowager Feng: If Your Majesty is so worried about losing her, why don't you just make her yours?
With that she turns around and walks away leaving us in the most awkward situation I've ever been in.
Chan Lian: *Nervous Laughter* heh...hehe... Her Grace sure likes to joke around...heh...hehe
Emperor Jin Laohu: I don't think she was joking...
This is really making me uncomfortable. Why isn't His Majesty freaking out as much as I am. He seems like he took her seriously.
Chan Lian: Your Majesty, is there anything else you need? Or may I be dismissed?
Emperor Jin Laohu: No, it's fine. Go back to your palace and rest for tonight's banquet.
Chan Lian: Thank you Your Majesty.
I walk out of the Imperial Court, and am surprised to encounter Prime Minister Han by the entrance. It's seems as though he'd been eavesdropping.
Prime Minister Han: Greetings to Imperial Guard Chan Lian.
Chan Lian: If I didn't know better I'd think you were eavesdropping on His Majesty.
Prime Minister Han: Of coarse not! I was just coming to congratulate you on your rewards from Her Grace.
Chan Lian: Liar! You know I can have you demoted for disrespecting me? I think you forget that I'm your superior. Is that right?
Prime Minister Han looked at me with a guilty look. He knew that I was far more powerful than him and was starting to see how serious I am.
Prime Minister Han: I apologize for offending you Imperial Guard Chan Lian.
Chan Lian: Would you take a walk with me? Perhaps I'll be less offended if I you accompany me in the Imperial Garden.
Prime Minister Han: Of coarse.
We make our way to the Imperial Garden where I made sure we'd be alone.
Chan Lian: It seems you have a problem with me...
Prime Minister Han: I wouldn't dare harbor evil thoughts against you.
Chan Lian: I never mentioned any evil thoughts, but it's funny that it was your first assumption.
Prime Minister Han: Is there anything you want to say to me?
Chan Lian: I could ask you the same thing. The only difference between me and you is that I can have you demoted.
Prime Minister Han: Very well then, what is it you want from me?
Chan Lian: I hear your son is interested in martial arts...
Prime Minister Han: You're interested in my son?
Chan Lian: How old is he?
Prime Minister Han: He is only 16, and is not compatible for you.
Chan Lian: I don't want to marry him, Prime Minister Han.
Prime Minister Han: Than what do you want with him?
Chan Lian: As you may know, I take in twenty to thirty disciples every year. This year I have twenty five new disciples all from common families. I've met your son once at your wife's birthday banquet, and he recited a heartfelt poem by Li Shi. He's clearly a very bright young man. But as I've been told, he is not very gifted in martial arts. I'm willing to take him in as my disciple.
Prime Minister Han: You want to take my son in as your disciple? I thought you were blackmailing me. Why would you provide my with such a large opportunity?
Chan Lian: Its an opportunity for your son, not you.
Prime Minister Han: My son being taught by the highest ranking official of the court would instantly increase my popularity in court. It would most certainly guarantee him a spot as an official. It is as if you are rewarding me.
Chan Lian: Prime Minister Han, I have no reason to reward or punish you. I'm simply helping your son boast his fortune because I think that he is worthy.
Prime Minister Han: Thank you, Imperial Guard Chan Lian. Even though I publicly denounced you, you are still helping my family. Perhaps I've been ignorant; thinking that a women can not be an official. Truth be told you are a very capable women and I envy you.
Chan Lian: Prime Minister Han, I hope in the future their won't be my further conflict between us.
Prime Minister Han: You have my word; in the future I will stand by you and support you with all my ability in court. I see now that you are a benevolent official indeed.
Chan Lian: I'm glad we could settle our differences. If you'll excuse me I must return to my Palace.
Prime Minister Han: Of coarse.
Chan Lian: Oh and one more thing...
Prime Minister Han: Yes?
Chan Lian: Bring your son to the banquet tonight. I'd like to see him again.
Prime Minister Han: As you wish.
Prime Minister Han bows in respect and. I turn around and walk away. I rush to my palace and call on my beloved servant Zhi'er.
Chan Lian: Zhi'er?
Zhi'er: Yes Chan Lian?
Chan Lian: I have some good news that I must share with you!
Zhi'er: Before you inform me, I've been instructed to present Her Grace's gifts to you. Come foward with the rewards servants!
Zhi'er calls on servants who come in and line up in front of me, each one holding a large box. They each simultaneously open the box to reveal thousands of rare jewelry and treasures. Jade, pearls, diamonds, gold, and silver; a wide range of materials.
Zhi'er: Aren't they gorgeous. Her Grace is so generous to you. Her Lady Majesty's wedding dowry wasn't even half as big as this.
Chan Lian: She is indeed very kind to me. Go and put those by my dresser.
The servants place the boxes by my dresser and leave the room.
Zhi'er: So what's the news?
Chan Lian: His Majesty is hosting a banquet in my honor tonight.
Zhi'er: Thats great news! We'll get to enjoy one last great meal before we are forced to eat stale bread and dried meat for the next four months.
Chan Lian: I will need you to prepare a good outfit for this banquet. Pick out my finest hanfu dress, and look through the gifts Her Grace sent me to find the perfect jewels.
Zhi'er: Yes my Lady!
Chan Lian: And choose whatever one of my outfits you like. Id give you some of my rewards but if I did than I'd be breaking the palace rules by regifting Royal gifts bestowed to me.
Zhi'er: Dont worry, I'm not upset. I know you'd share if you could.
Chan Lian: I did buy you this headdress set the other day as a gift. Wear this to the banquet tonight. You may pick one of my dresses to wear as well.
Zhi'er: Thank Chan Lian, but a servant is not allowed to dress in Imperial clothing.
Chan Lian: Tonight you are not my servant, you are my guest.
Zhi'er: Thank you, Chan Lian. For everything! You've always treated me so well. And I'm lucky to serve you.
Chan Lian: Dont be silly, we're friends. I wouldn't be able to manage myself without your advice. Anyways I haven't told you the best news yet...
Zhi'er: Tell me!
Chan Lian: When I was leaving Imperial Court today I found Prime Minister Han eavesdropping on His Majesty. So I asked him to join me in the Imperial Garden, or else I'd have him demoted. When we got there he was freaking out thinking I was going to behead him right then and their. Instead I offered to take his son in as my disciple. He was so shocked and happy he began complimenting me and telling me how much he envies me. It was hysterical!
Zhi'er: Why would you offer him such an honor after he treated you so poorly?
Chan Lian: He thinks a woman can't be in charge but today I showed him that I can take away his family by having him demoted or raise his honor by teaching his son. Now he knows how much more powerful I am than him and how I can rule his life with the snap of my fingers.
Zhi'er: Serves him right! You showed that misogynistic pig how one women can make or break his honor.
Chan Lian: He wouldn't stop bowing in respect.
Zhi'er: How pathetic.
Chan Lian: Do you know what I was thinking today in court?
Zhi'er: What were you thinking?
Chan Lian: Looking at all the officials who work day in and out to please His Majesty for a small promotion or pay raise. I was thinking how lucky I was to have His Majesty and Her Grace's favor. But then I asked myself if I'm really worthy of my position. Now, I'm not so sure...
Zhi'er: Chan Lian, you worked so hard for His Majesty. You are the whole reason he took the Throne without any opposition.
Chan Lian: I know, but I just feel like my mother and father set the way for me.
Zhi'er: Your parents were amazing people, and you grew up to be just like them. You worked so hard, and you deserve the position of Imperial Guard.
Chan Lian: Thank you for your encouragement!
Zhi'er: Its my pleasure.
We sit there laughing and talking when Head Eunuch Lu came running in a panic.
Head Eunuch Lu: Imperial Guard Chan Lian, hurry Her Lady Majesty is throwing up.
Chan Lian: So what are you doing here? Call the Imperial Physician!
Head Eunuch Lu: Her Majesty will only agree to be treated by you.
Chan Lian: I'm not an Imperial Physician, it is against palace rules to treat the Empress.
Head Eunuch Lu: You're still talking about palace rules? Her Majesty might die weigh out treatment.
Chan Lian: Fine.
We rush to Her Lady Majesty's palace were I see her sitting calmly on her throne. Isn't she supposed to be throwing up? I get down on both knees and bow down to Her Lady Majesty.
Chan Lian: Imperial Guard Chan Lian greets Your Lady Majesty. I hear Your Lady Majesty summoned me to treat you. Is everything alright?
Empress Xieye: You aren't as smart as everyone makes you out to be. I see that know.
Chan Lian: Forgive me for my ignorance.
Empress Xieye: Well, If you couldn't tell I lied. I'm not sick, and I don't need your treatment.
Chan Lian: Then if Your Lady Majesty is in good health, then I will dismiss myself. If I may, next time you are I'll you should summon the Imperial Physician. He knows more than I do.
Empress Xieye: You may not be dismissed. Sit!
I get up and sit on the chairs designated for guests.
Empress Xieye: I hear you spared Official Yi today in morning court after he petitioned for my freedom.
Chan Lian: I have no authority to dismiss an official. His Majesty is the one who dismissed him.
Empress Xieye: Only after you instructed him to do so.
Chan Lian: I can not instruct his Majesty to do anything. I simply recommend that he be lenient this one time. It is my duty as his Imperial Guard to be suggestive.
Empress Xieye: I also heard you requested that His Majesty release me from punishment.
Chan Lian: It was a suggestion.
Empress Xieye: Do you know why I hate you?
Chan Lian: Its not my place to assume.
Empress Xieye: It's because His Majesty almost had a fourth ranking official executed for petitioning to free me. But when you suggested the same thing he dismissed you as being too kind.
Chan Lian: Because I'm His Majesty's advisor, he would naturally take my suggestions in a lighter tone. I believe he was angry that a fourth ranking official petitioned against an imperial decision when only a curtsy ranking official could do that.
Empress Xieye: Well, since he listens to you so well, I want you to get him to release me for tonight's banquet.
Chan Lian: Your Lady Majesty, I can not go against His Majesty's word.
Empress Xieye: Why not? You are the highest ranking official in all the palace. You can petition my release.
Chan Lian: I'm sorry Your Lady Majesty, but my work is restricted to His Majesty and Her Grace. I cannot take orders from you regarding the Imperial Harem.
Empress Xieye: So you dare to disobey my orders?
Chan Lian: I'm not permitted nor required to take orders from you. I apologize Your Lady Majesty but if you are feeling alright then I must leave.
Empress Xieye: You dare walk out on the Empress? I can have you beheaded!
Chan Lian: If you would like to punish me then you may.
Empress Xieye: What's the point. You're leaving to the desert tomorrow... Maybe you'll die there.
Chan Lian: I don't know, I've been fighting off assassins since I was young. No amount of assassins can take me down. No matter how much. They were paid, or who sent them.
The Empress looks furious at my suggestions. I knew I shouldn't have provoked her with my words. I wasn't afraid of her, but I didn't want her to become angry and do something that'll upset the Emperor. I get out of my chair and bow down in respect to Her Lady Majesty.
Chan Lian: If Your Lady Majesty does not mind, than I'll get going. I have my Imperial responsibilities to tend to.
I turn around and leave the Empress's Palace, and return to my palace. As soon as I reach my study chambers I see Zhi'er.
Zhi'er: Is Her Lady Majesty alright?
Chan Lian: She was never ill at all.
Zhi'er: Than what did she want?
Chan Lian: She called on me to ask me to convince His Majesty to release her. When I refused she threatened me.
Zhi'er: How did you respond to her threats?
Chan Lian: I walked away without confrontation.
Zhi'er: Why would Her Lady Majesty ask for your help? She hates you.
Chan Lian: She didn't actually expect me to free her. She just wanted me to drive a wedge between His Majesty, Her Grace and I by asking for her freedom.
Zhi'er: Shes very cunning.
Chan Lian: She loves His Majesty very much. And she is worried that I'll steal him from her.
Zhi'er: Poor thing, His Majesty's heart never belonged to her.
Chan Lian: What you say is true. I can only imagine what she'll do if His Majesty married a concubine or a consort.
Zhi'er: Indeed.
Chan Lian: Her Lady Majesty knew everything that went on in court, even when all the officials left. That tells me she has a spy in the court.
Zhi'er: Could it be Head Eunuch Lu?
Chan Lian: It can't be him. I've kept an eye on him for years and he's never faltered.
Zhi'er: Didn't you see Prime Minister Han eavesdropping? It could be him.
Chan Lian: He wouldn't dare. He knows he'd be demoted if he were caught.
Zhi'er: Than who could it be?
Chan Lian: I don't Know but I'll find out. How long is it till the face of noon?
Zhi'er: Four hours.
Chan Lian: Have you prepared our outfits for tonight?
Zhi'er: Yes I have.
Chan Lian: Then how would you like to join me for a sword competition in my Tournament Chambers?
Zhi'er: It would be good practice for tomorrow...
Chan Lian: Follow me.
We go to the my secret tournament chambers strictly restricted to my disciples. It was a very large room with grey and silver decor all over. There are dragon heads in the walls that short arrows from their mouths. There are thousands of priceless weapons, and practice targets everywhere. My most beloved bow and arrow are hung on the wall Obote my silver throne. There are secret male servants specifically confined to this room to maintain it. I call them "Spear Heads".
Chan Lian: You two!
Spear Heads: Yes Madam?
Chan Lian: Bring forth the bronze spirit sword for Servant Zhi'er!
Zhi'er: And you...You'll be using your Imperial sword?
Chan Lian: No, I'll be using my Blood Lotus Sword. Bring it to me.
The two Spear Heads come back with the swords and present them to us.
Zhi'er: Shall we begin?
Chan Lian: Your move.
Zhi'er wields her sword and comes at me with a frontal defensive attack. I block her then duck below her. She regains her balance and spins her sword above her head and takes on the swan stance where her sword is pointing out like the wing of the swan. Silly girl, I've told her before to never try and show off in a tournament. She should focus on my weak spots instead of her strong points. She's waiting for me to go on the defensive but I won't. Not until I figure out her weak limb. Zhi'er then came flying at me with her sword extended out. I swing my sword which causes her to lost balance. I see that her left knee is bending down out of weakness. I use the back of my sword to hit the knee and she falls to the ground. I swing my sword once more into her sword and hack it out of her hand. Then I point my sword at her throat. She looks up and smile then says-
Zhi'er: You're too good! I can't defeat you.
Chan Lian: Stop trying to show off, and focus on your opponents weak spots.
Zhi'er: I'll remember that next time.
Chan Lian: Your opponent won't spare you like I did. If they spot a weak spot they'll use it to kill you. I could have just as easily cut your leg off and than off your head.
Zhi'er: To be fair, there is no opponent like you in the world.
Chan Lian: You never know who you're fighting, or what they're capable of.
Zhi'er: Chan Lian is wise.
Chan Lian: Spear Heads?
Spear Heads: Yes Master!
Chan Lian: Take these swords away.
Spear Heads: Yes Master!
Chan Lian: Zhi'er?
Zhi'er: Yes?
Chan Lian: Is there something wrong with this room?
Zhi'er: There is no body here.
Chan Lian: Why is that?
Zhi'er: I don't know. Perhaps they took the day off?
Chan Lian: They're slacking off. They thought just because I'm leaving tomorrow meant they can skip training. Spear Heads!
Spear Heads: Yes Master?
Chan Lian: Call on my acting disciples.
Spear Heads: Yes Madam!
Zhi'er: What are you going to do with them?
Chan Lian: I just want to know why they thought it was okay to disobey my commands.
The Spear Heads return with my disciples who come in with lowered heads.
Head Disciple Fu: These lowly disciples greet Master Chan Lian!
Chan Lian: Head Disciple Fu, it is your responsibility as my Head Disciple to make sure everyone else is here and training at the right time.
Head Disciple Fu: Yes Master, this is my responsibility as Head Disciple Fu.
Chan Lian: What time we're my disciples supposed to be here?
Head Disciple Fu: The crack of dawn.
Chan Lian: Why were you all not here at the right time?
Head Disciple Fu: We we're given orders by His Majesty to retire for today.
Chan Lian: Did he say why?
Head Disciple Fu: He asked me to refrain from telling you why.
Chan Lian: What were you all doing this morning?
Head Disciple Fu: I can't answer that.
Chan Lian: Since His Majesty ordered it, Than I'll forgive you all. But if this happens again I'll drop you all.
Zhi'er: Madam, we should go get ready for tonight.
Chan Lian: You're all dismissed. Tomorrow you'll all be training under the supervision of Head Disciple Fu.
Head Disciple Fu: Thank you Master for your trust.
Chan Lian: Show me that you deserve it.
The disciples all leave and in left to wonder why His Majesty would bother to interfere with my disciples when they are not even considered servants.
Zhi'er: His Majesty must be planning something.
Chan Lian: It seems so.
We rush back to my palace and get dressed for the banquet. Zhi'er is dressed in a silver hanfu dress with one simple pearl hairpin in her hair. She brings me a black and red leather hanfu dress with silver flowers on the shoulders pultruding out. For my hair she brings a silver headdress shaped like a lotus with red diamonds alll over it representing my symbol, the Blood Lotus. My accessories all matched the headdress I wore.
Chan Lian: Zhi'er, fetch me The Blood Lotus sword once more.
Zhi'er: Yes Madam!
Zhi'er hands me my sword but I notice she has a second knife in her hand. It's the bronze dagger I gave to her for her birthday.
Chan Lian: Why do you need that?
Zhi'er: Just in case.
Chan Lian: You can not bring a weapon to the Imperial Palace. I'm the only one allowed to carry a weapon other than regular palace guards.
Zhi'er: Madam...
Chan Lian: If you are caught with a weapon you could be executed on spot.
Zhi'er: Fine. But if I see that annoying duke I will kill him with a rock.
Chan Lian: If he does anything to upset you then I'll kill him with my sword before you can kill him with a rock.
End of Chapter! Thank you!