A BREWING STORM

He was known as a wise scholar and he was very daring a man, his youth had seen so much and his tongue was sweeter and more poisonous than anything that had ever seen.

        Walking down the streets of Lin'an everyone bowed their heads to him and while he was being escorted by his personal retainer, he stopped in front of a large restaurant that was noisy with the aroma of fried chicken coming from inside he could almost taste the fine liquor on his tongue already.

         "This is it Your Excellency." His retainer said.

         "As I in deed expected Lin Xue." Han Touzhou said.

          "But why insist if it's too busy?" Lin Xue asked.

          "It is a good day today, the fact that I woke up alive it is important that I celebrate." Han Touzhou replied.

          "If you say so Your Excellency." Lin Xue said and the Nobleman lifting his robes he climbed the first stair before he noticed an old man that was seated in one of the corners nearby.

          "Why did you stop Your Excellency, is there anything wrong?" Lin Xue asked.

          "No." Han Touzhou replied.

          "Shall we proceed?" Lin Xue asked.

          "Wait a minute." Han Touzhou replied and diverting from his original course he walked up to the rugged man that was seated by the roadside.

         Stopping in front of him, Lin Xue unsheathed his sword.

         "Milord." He said.

         "Don't worry." Han Touzhou replied as he squatted in front of the man and smiling he looked at him.

         "How could I help you?" The man asked.

         "Have you eaten anything?" Han Touzhou asked.

         "None at all." The old man replied.

         "I am not so kind." Han Touzhou said.

         "I know." The old man replied with a faint smile on his face.

          "But I can treat you to a meal." Han Touzhou said.

           "Such a noble and refined young man, I dare not take from you anything for free." The beggar said.

           "Have you a choice?" Han Touzhou asked.

            "To die a free man and to live a slave, the former is much better." The beggar replied.

           "Very well." Han Touzhou replied when he pulled out a couple of silver taels from his left sleeve and then he showed them to the old man who smiled.

          "I have power, I have wealth, what more could a man like you offer to me?" Han Touzhou asked and the man roughly ceasing his right hand and pulling him close, Lin Xue drawing his sword from the scabbard he placed it on the man's neck.

         The begger looked at him intensely and suddenly he exploded into laughter.

         "What's the matter with you?" he asked.

         "Appease your anger." Han Touzhou replied.

         "But Your Excellency." Lin Xue insisting was given a cold glare which eventually forced him to withdraw while the old man turned to look at Han Touzhou straight in the eye.

         "Tell me, what do you offer?" Han Touzhou asked.

         "I can tell you you're fortune." The old man replied.

         "I am not one to believe in superstitions." Han Touzhou said.

         "When you look from here and stop in front of that restaurant you were about to walk into the signpost that has hang above it's doorway for the last six years shall fall and split into three." The old man said and Han Touzhou smiling that very instant his gaze followed that path to the entrance.

        With a thud something crashed onto the ground and shattered while the people that were gathered near the place moved away the women screaming in fright.

         There was so much attention that was drawn to that particular spot and Han Touzhou looking back at the man along with Lin Xue, he heartily smiled at the both of them.

         "Tell me my great fortune." He said.

          "Of course I will." The old man said as he tightened his arm around Han Touzhou and closed his eyes while raising his head to the sky, slowly, a mild wind picking up momentum howled about the place and by the time he regained his sight he looked at Han Touzhou straight in the eyes.

         "What do you see?" Han Touzhou asked.

         "As high as you soar so far below you shall fall, as great as you're exalted more painfully you'll be trampled, and when the kingdom that was once yours is taken from your hands, with the brilliance of the North star the earth shall be blessed with your doom in the hands of Yang." The old man said and Han Touzhou withdrew his hand at once.

          "I have many enemies, mean loathe me for my wealth, His Majesty's grace is upon me, who would dare to take it away?" Han Touzhou asked.

         "We are all born and we all die, seasons come and go, it rains and shines the same, therefore where there is a rise there has to be a fall." The old man replied and Han Touzhou taking his hand he put the four silver taels in them and stood up.

          "It's either life or death, if someone is after me then perhaps I must strike first." Han Touzhou said.

          "Life and death are both ruled by fate, it's something that not one of us can escape." The old man said.

          "I'll remember your kind words Old man." Han Touzhou said.

           "I'll remember your benevolence as well." The old man replied and bowing his head Han Touzhou turned around and he walked away while the words of the old man still lingered at the back of his mind.

         He stopped at a distance and looked back but the old man was nowhere to be seen.

          "Are you alright Your Excellency?" Lin Xue asked.

          "Where is Yang?" Han Touzhou asked.

          "Everywhere in the Empire." Lin Xue replied.

           "Who is Yang?" He asked.

           "General of the Western Frontier." Lin Xue replied.

           "His courage is unmatched, his strength laudable, his bravery well known, I heard that he was one of Song's most fierce in the battle of Caishi against Jin." Han Touzhou said.

           "Yes." Lin Xue replied.

           "The sky hasn't yet fallen and it isn't about to fall any time soon." Han Touzhou replied.

           "Your Excellency." Lin Xue said.

           "Yang was one of the ministers that were against the Emperor's refusal to aggress the North." Han Touzhou remarked.

          "Yes Your Excellency." Lin Xue replied.

          "That's good enough." Han Touzhou remarked.

          "What should I do Your Excellency?" Lin Xue asked.

           His window faced the West where the wind was blowing from the sea, it had been a couple of months since the young General Yang had been transferred from the East to guard against the aggression of Jin at Xiangyang.

         There on top of one of the towers that marked out her great castle, a man who about the same age that Han Touzhou was stood while he gazed at the fortresses ahead that marked the enemy's territory.

          It was clear from the heavens that there was soon to be a very heavy downpour as the stars had vanished from sight and veiled by the clouds even their brilliance had died out.

           "Your Excellency?" Someone called to him and turning around he saw a young man that was dressed in a fine silver armour holding a golden scroll in his hands bearing the two dragons and the sun between them.

           "Is it what I think it is Jinglan?" he asked.

           "Yes General, it is an Edict from His Majesty." Jinglan replied as he handed it over while General Yang took it into his possession and unfolding it, he studied the handwriting well enough to know that it was the Emperor's own hand and judging by the seal that was stamped in the lower left corner he was well convinced that it was in deed a Royal Order.

         His eyes perusing through he was rather shocked that Jinglan, his close retainer seemed to notice it as well.

         "What does it say Your Excellency?" Jinglan asked.

         "We march with the full force to the Capital at once." General Yang replied.

          "Impossible." Jinglan remarked.

          "It's strange." General Yang said.

           "If we leave Xiangyang then without a defense she will fall to Jin." Jinglan remarked.

          "But it's an Imperial order and ours is to simply do and not to reason why, we were never on good terms with the Han Clan and they are gaining momentum and power in the nation's politics, if we delay then it could be a chance for them to charge us with treason." General Yang said.

           "Why would His Majesty do this all of a sudden?" Jinglan asked.

           "Initially we were opposed to his refusal to aggress the North, right now it could be but a simple test of our loyalty." General Yang replied.

          "You were the Emperor's man and you marched with him to War in the early days of his youth and studied with him as well." Jinglan said.

         "Even he knows that I am headstrong but he is our Emperor after all and if we don't obey him then who will?" General Yang replied.

         "I shall make preparations at once." Jinglan said as he bowed his head.

         "Only a thousand of the Original inhabitants of this Fortress stay behind." General Yang ordered.

           "Yes." Jinglan replied and bowing his head he withdrew leaving his master staring intensely at the Imperial Edict in his hand.

          "I won't disappoint Your Majesty, you have given me so much and it is high time that the favour was returned." General Yang said as he raised his eyes and stared up at the sky before turning around and putting his hands behind his back he slowly walked away from the platform.

         A couple of hours had passed and the wee hours of the morning were gracing the earth, the Empress could barely sleep the whole night and she was kneeling inside her inner most room and praying to the statue of Buddha when the doors were flung open and a couple of maids walked in.

         They seemed to realise the vitality of the occassion that they kept quiet themselves and it wasn't until she felt their presence to be disturbing that she opened her eyes and looked at the statue in front of her.

          "What is it that you wish to say to me?" she asked.

          "Pardon us Your Highness but there is some bit of news that just came into the palace." One of the ladies in waiting said.

          "What is it Wan Mei?" The Empress Wu asked and she walked closer to her and whispered something into her ear.

          "What?" the Empress muttered so surprised and her eyes widely opening.

          "It is so Your Highness." Wan Mei replied.

          "Where is His Majesty?" Empress Wu asked.

          "He's at the throne room." Wan Mei replied.

          "Take me to him." Empress Wu said.

          "It's almost time for the morning Assembly." Wan'er the other replied.

          "The Assembly will have to wait, we need to see the Emperor before he meets the Courtiers." The Empress replied while she quickly turned around and walked towards her Chambers to get dressed.

           The gates of the Han Manor were flung open and Lin Xue barged in walking across the Courtyard as he slowly mounted the stairs that led to the small study whose doors he slid open and walked in to find his master standing and staring at the Map that was stationed behind him.

         "Your Excellency." He said as he immediately fell down to his knees.

         "Tell me." Han Touzhou spoke in a commanding tone.

         "His Excellency received the decree and another letter has been delivered to the General in charge of the Jin's Southern frontier." Lin Xue replied and Han Touzhou pleased he smiled.

         "It's almost getting late." He muttered.

         "What for Your Excellency?" Lin Xue asked.

         "The morning Assembly." Han Touzhou replied.

         "Your Highness, a rebel is advancing towards the capital, why don't you focus on stopping him before you can attend the morning Assembly?" Lin Xue asked.

         "If I am to stop him it would all be very suspicious besides this is something that we do not know of." Han Touzhou replied as he slowly walked towards the window.

         "I am worried about the Empress of the Retired Emperor." Lin Xue remarked.

         "Let her do as she pleases, there is nothing more that could help this situation, I assure you well enough as you know me, today a very large storm is coming and it shall rest above the city." Han Touzhou said as he looked at the clouds that were slowly darkening and lightning itself streaking across the grey firmament.

          A very handsome man and fairly old he had the pride lingering on his face and his eyes burned with great courage even in the cold, he didn't shiver under the warm covers and was looking at the ceiling when a soldier strode across his courtyard finally arriving at the entrance of his Private Chambers.

         "What's the problem with you?" The young Eunuch that was standing outside immediately asked his face so cold and demanding and his eyes very fierce in their glare.

         "Greetings Eunuch Qin." The soldier first saluted, "I have an urgent message for His Majesty." The soldier replied.

          "His Majesty is still resting, if it is very urgent you can tell me and I'll pass it directly." Eunuch Qin said and the guard still debating with himself he finally leaned over and whispered something into his ear the Eunuch just as surprised let go of his cane and widened his eyes.

       "Do you really mean it?" He asked.

       "Yes." The guard replied and the Emperor still staring at the ceiling above his head the Eunuch Qin barged in and quickly fell on his knees at the other end of the silk curtain.

        "Your Majesty." He said and the Emperor sitting up in his bed he threw the covers aside and rested his feet on his footstool.

         "Why are you so frightened?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

         "Bad news Your Majesty." Eunuch Qin replied bowing his head.

          "The sky has not fallen and the sun hasn't remained hidden behind the hills." Emperor Xiaozong remarked with a smirk on his face, "what could be worse than that?" He asked and the Eunuch raising his head the Emperor stood up and stretched lightly yawning while the Eunuch quickly got onto his feet and picking the Emperor's robes he hurried over to him.

         "Tell me then what it is that you wanted to say?" Emperor Xiaozong demanded as they put his robes on him.

         "It's rebellion Your Majesty." Eunuch Qin said and the Emperor freezing he turned coldly and looked at him while he quickly withdrew and went onto his knees.

          "Please Your Majesty, appease your anger." Eunuch Qin said.

          "What rebellion?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

          "General Yang...." Eunuch Qin replied but halted halfway unable to complete his statement.

          "What is it?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

          "His Excellency commands a troop of forty thousand Soldiers from Xiangyang and they are headed for Lin'an." Eunuch Qin replied.

          "Impossible." the Emperor said as he knocked over the incense pot beside his bed while all the other Imperial servants hurried in and quickly fell onto their knees.

          "Please appease your anger Your Majesty." They pleaded with him.

          "Appease my anger?" he rhetorically stated and none dared to raise their heads up to him while another Eunuch walked in.

           "Your Majesty." He greeted calmly but the Emperor ignored, "Her Royal Highness the Retired Empress requests for your audience." he added and the Emperor turning to him he quickly bowed his head as he went down onto his knees.

          "Get up." He ordered and they all looked at him until he repeated himself and they complied.

          "Let Her Highness come in." Emperor Xiaozong said, "others get out." He commanded and replying in unison with their consent they all withdrew while Empress Wu walked in and her hands together she kowtowed to her foster son.

          "Get up mother." Emperor Xiaozong said and smiling a little bit and looking at her ladies in waiting, they quickly withdrew from the room leaving their the two.

          "Have you heard the News?" The Empress Wu asked.

          "I woke up to it." Emperor Xiaozong replied.

           "How come?" She asked.

           "I suppose we are both aware what the meaning of this is mother." Emperor Xiaozong said.

           "I am not here to stop you and I care very much for your father's health because General Yang along with himself were very close friends and they shared a mentor, he fought alongside him to restore the dynasty and resist the Jin that is why I come to you." Empress Wu said.

         "Your Highness has heard everything, what do you wish to say?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

         "The state is peaceful so why would the General Yang rebel?" Empress Wu asked.

          "I don't know Your Highness but marching up to the Capital without my permission is a clear declaration of war." Emperor Xiaozong said.

          "I only have a bad feeling Your Majesty." Empress Wu said.

          "What more could be worse than a rebellion?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

           "The actions and words of those Courtiers, their slandering and poisonous tongues." Empress Wu said, "If a misunderstanding is to be resolved first-hand then I ask you to protect this ignorant General by stopping him from coming into the capital." She added.

          "Father holds the Imperial seal and without his consent his attention will be attracted, if I seem partial to the Courtiers then they wouldn't think highly of me." Emperor Xiaozong said.

          "Your Majesty isn't feeling well, you don't have to attend the morning Assembly." Empress Wu replied.

          "But if I turn a deaf ear you realise that they shall turn to father." Emperor Xiaozong said.

          "Your Father isn't well so whatever it is it'll have to wait of you can hold your temper Your Majesty." Empress Wu said.

          "Alright." Emperor Xiaozong replied.

          "Regardless of what happens, don't let in any memorials." Empress Wu ordered.

          "Yes Your Highness." Emperor Xiaozong replied and the Empress bowing her head she turned around quickly and walked out of the hall while the Emperor stared at her vanishing from sight.

          A short while later Eunuch Gao walked in with a couple of valets and ladies in waiting and they bowed to the Emperor.

         "Your Majesty, it's time to go for the Morning Assembly." Eunuch Qin spoke so softly.

          "Forget it." Emperor Xiaozong replied, "I am not feeling very well." He added.

          "Could it really be?" Eunuch Qin asked, "or should I call for the Imperial physician?" He insisted.

          "Tell the Courtiers that I won't see them." Emperor Xiaozong said.

          "But they are already in the Palace Precincts." Eunuch Qin said.

           "They are all residents of Lin'an, aren't they?" Emperor Xiaozong asked so sternly.

           "I understand Your Majesty." Eunuch Qin replied and with the other servants he slowly withdrew from the room while the Emperor walked back up to his bed and there he sat down his head immersed in thought.

            A small lavish carriage arrived at the entrance of the Palace and Han Touzhou stepped out with the help of Lin Xue dressed in his red, purple and golden robes as he looked at the walls towering high above his head.

          "We are here Your Excellency." Lin Xue muttered.

          "Please lead for me the way." Han Touzhou ordered and the guards stepping aside he walked up to the main courtyard where he found the other Courtiers marching up towards the throne room elegantly and some of them murmuring amongst themselves.

          "Can you believe it?" He overheard a few asking while Lin Xue remained behind with all other retainers but could eavesdrop the conversation so easily as well.

          "The Yang Clan have always faithfully served the throne so why would he act up?" Others muttered under their breaths while an old man approached him from the side and their movements in sync, entering the throne room they took their usual positions.

         "Your Excellency is awfully Silent." The old Minister said.

        "Wise tongues do not make gossip, they only make good use of it Minister Li" Han Touzhou replied and the old man slowly pulling at his beard he smiled ghastly.

        "What more has that chaotic little mind of yours conjured?" Minister Li asked.

         "Patience, everything is beautifully going to unveil before us all." Han Touzhou replied when one of the Imperial guards walked in.

          "Announcing Eunuch Qin on behalf of His Majesty." He spoke in a very audible tone and the Ministers bowing their heads he walked up towards the front being escorted until he halted and faced the Courtiers.

         "Is this the first scene?" Minister Li asked.

         "The curtains are only being drawn." Han Touzhou replied.

         "An Oral Decree from His Majesty the Emperor." Eunuch Qin said and they all went onto their knees at once while facing him.

          "I am in ill health today and I am afraid that I can not make it for the morning Assembly, all memorials to be presented shall be sent tomorrow and all Courtiers are dismissed from the Palace Precincts." Eunuch Qin  said.

          "Long Live His Majesty." The Courtiers said in unison and one by one they slowly started to rise up from where they had been kneeling a large number disappointed Han Touzhou still maintained his smile.

          "If the Emperor doesn't turn up how well will you play?" Minister Li said.

          "I heard the Empress met him briefly before the morning Assembly." Han Touzhou said.

          "She has an eye for everything, she could have understood perhaps that our cause is fatal." Minister Li said but Han Touzhou keeping quiet he remained smiling.

          "How can you smile in such a dire situation?" He asked.

          "Look around you Minister Li, tell me where it is that you see the Minister of War?" Han Touzhou asked and the old man looking at the faces of all the other Courtiers in the room who were preparing to depart he noticed that there was something or someone that was missing.

          "You're right, I can't see him." Minister Li replied.

          "And why do you think so?" Han Touzhou asked his smile only having grown wider.

          "Is he a part of your play?" Minister Li asked.

          "You just wait and see." Han Touzhou remarked when Eunuch Qin on his way out he was intercepted by an official who came in running while holding a scroll in his hand.

         "What is it Minister Xie?" Eunuch Qin asked.

         "His Majesty?" The Courtier replied breathing heavily and sweating profusely with his hand still tightly holding onto the scroll in his possesion it was certain that whatever he wished to say was urgent.

         "His Majesty is not feeling very well and he requests for the day to be alone." Eunuch Qin replied with a smile on his face.

          "This is an urgent matter." Minister Xie muttered.

          "What could be more urgent than the wellbeing of the Emperor and his good health?" Eunuch Qin asked.

          "JIN." Minister Xie replied.

          "Jin?" Eunuch Qin asked.

          "The Jurchen armies are marching towards Xiangyang." Minister Xie replied while handing over the scroll to him.

          "Impossible." He muttered.

          "This is about the wellbeing of the state and the retired Emperor being ill we need the attention of His Majesty the reigning Emperor." Minister Xie said as he went down on his knees and the other Courtiers followed by Han Touzhou did the same.

           "I see." Minister Xie said.

           "This is a matter of National security and if the Emperor doesn't turn up in the eyes of the Courtiers then what would the world think?" Han Touzhou asked.

           "You knew the Empress would stop His Majesty?" Minister Li asked.

           "Regardless of whoever stopped His Majesty of not even if it had to be himself, this war was necessary to lure the dragon out of it's nest." Han Touzhou replied.

            "Brilliant." Minister Li remarked.

            "Please, deliver the plea of our people to His Majesty." Minister Xie pleaded and hesitantly Eunuch Qin took the scroll into his own possesion.

            "Alright." He agreed as he quickly strode out of the throne room.

            He'd been in the palace since he was a young boy and he knew how to maintain order and rule it, the paths were all familiar to him by heart during day and night and there was no nook and cranny that escaped his attention even when the years went by.

           He'd rarely used the shortest alley through the flower garden but making his way across and the other ladies in waiting and Eunuchs identifying his presence they honoured him while he barged into the Emperor's bedroom again only to find him pacing around.

          "What is it?" Emperor Xiaozong asked while Eunuch Qin quickly bowing his head he handed over the scroll to the Emperor who taking it in his position studied it until he identified the words that were written on it.

         "Military report?" He asked.

         "Yes." Eunuch Qin replied.

         "I thought my order was clear as I didn't want submissions today." Emperor Xiaozong said.

         "This is a very urgent case Your Majesty." Eunuch Qin replied.

         "What could be more urgent now?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

         "The Jurchen armies are marching towards Xiangyang." Eunuch Qin replied and the Emperor stared in disbelief.

         "What did you say?" He asked again.

         "The Jurchen armies are marching towards Xiangyang." Eunuch Qin replied as he bowed his head that the Emperor fell onto his bed and tightened his fists.

         "The Courtiers aren't willing to leave unless this is dealt with first." Eunuch Qin said.

         "You think that I don't know." Emperor Xiaozong asked.

         "I wouldn't dare." Eunuch Qin replied.

         "Prepare my Imperial Dragon robes." Emperor Xiaozong ordered and the ladies in waiting dismissed shortly the Emperor quickly moved to the side of his Chambers to get ready.

          The Courtiers were still murmuring amongst themselves and Minister Xie was still kneeling and waiting for the presence of the Emperor.

          The doors of the Hall were flung open and the Imperial guards saluting the Emperor Eunuch Qin first moved forward and announced him.

          All the Courtiers bowing their heads to pay homage to him he walked down the aisle up to the dragon throne and sitting down they all turned their attention to him.

          "Long Live His Majesty." They said in unison and the Emperor raising his right hand he granted them ease.

          "Is it true?" He asked and Minister Xie quickly moved to the front bowing his head with his eyes looking to the ground.

          "Yes." He muttered.

          "How?" He asked and Minister Xie fell into a silence.

          "Whatever the case is I won't blame anyone." Emperor Xiaozong assured.

           "Perhaps I have been lax Your Majesty to have noticed a little too late, the General Yang and his battallion of 40,000 soldiers are marching towards the capital and with my rough estimation judging from their speed according to the reports from our scouts they are supposed to be reaching the capital tomorrow at dawn." Minister Xie replied.

            "And because of this...?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

            "Without defense at Xiangyang I fear that the Jurchen armies shall make their landing and take the frontier." Minister Xie replied.

           "Have I not been benevolent?" Emperor Xiaozong asked placing his left hand on his knee.

           "Pardon me Your Majesty." Minister Xie replied.

           "You are all paid with salaries you should come up with a solution to this." Emperor Xiaozong said and the Ministers looking at each other Han Touzhou spoke up.

           "I am Han Touzhou reporting to His Majesty." He said that all of them quickly turned and looked at him so surprised.

           "Go on." Emperor Xiaozong permitted him.

           "Long Live Your Majesty." He said and shortly maintaining silence the Emperor stared at him intensely. 

           "It's natural that the Jurchens cease this opportunity but treaties of peace were made earlier on they need to be reminded not to fall short of their promise but on the other hand if it's the worst case scenario we need to be prepared." Han Touzhou added.

           "I'm listening." Emperor Xiaozong said.

           "The Capital can not fall short of the protection and if someone intends to rebel then before the rebellion can reach the Capital it must be suppressed, additionally we aren't lacking in military might any of the Generals I'm the nearby provinces can march up to Xiangyang in it's defense as it is known well enough while fighting an inside war we can not open up our doors for outsiders as well." Han Touzhou replied.

           "For this attack regardless of the reason someone should be responsible." The Emperor said.

           "I have every reason to believe that whether General Yang is faultless or not that is up to fate." Han Touzhou replied.

           "What do you mean?" Minister Li scolded, "regardless of the situation General Yang abandoned guard of the Empire without the Emperor's consent." he added.

           "Who said that he abandoned the Empire without my consent?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

           "Your Majesty is Safe, why summon him back to the capital without a replacement and leave the borders of the Country unguarded, I am to believe that Your Majesty is wise enough to abstain from such a deadly decision." Han Touzhou spoke up in Minister Xie's defense.

           "What do you all suggest that I do?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

           "The security of the Nation comes first before anything else Your Majesty." Minister Xie replied, "Minister Han Guang is in close proximity to the Xiangyang and with his great Military skill he should be given charge of the Empire's defense." Minister Xie replied.

           "And what about the Rebel?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

           "Since the beginning of the Han Dynasties our forefathers have had no tolerance to rebels yet Your Majesty remains benevolent, General Yang is an overly ambitious man that should be convinced if he has an issue to present then he can abandon his battallion and make it to the Palace." Han Touzhou replied.

           "And what if he doesn't?" The Emperor asked his eyes landing on the Minister of war who kept quiet.

          "I asked a question." Emperor Xiaozong said.

          "Then he means war." Minister Xie replied and the Emperor stood up.

           "When Taizu took up arms against the Great Southern Tang he did so with merely a handful of warriors and their success won him the allegiance of many generals the military might of General Yang isn't to be underestimated as well." He said descending from the throne he started to pace around from one end to another.

         "What should we do Your Majesty?" Minister Li asked.

         "General Yang and his troops should be alerted and Messengers should be sent fourth, it is my order that he abandons them and comes to the capital personally with the protection of the Imperial guards and if he forfeits this kind hand that I offer he continues his march in rebellion." Emperor Xiaozong ordered.

         "Yes Your Majesty." The Ministers replied in unison.

         Smacking her table Empress Wu stood up while her ladies quickly fell onto their knees.

         "He is so young but who knew he was actually an old sly fox?" She muttered.

          "Calm down Your Highness." Wan Mei said.

          "How can I?" Empress Wu asked, "the Emperor out of the wellbeing of the state had to turn up one way or another if the Jurchens picked up arms and General Yang rebelling now when he disagrees with the Emperor on his refusal to aggress the Jin to the eyes of many it could be as though he is seeking justification for his resistance if the Jurchens strike Xiangyang." Empress Wu said while she stood up and the sound of thunder became louder while she walked up to the window.

          "At this point Your Highness, there is nothing more that we can do expect to inform him to stand down." Wan Mei said.

          "No." Empress Wu replied as she immediately turned to her.

          "Why Your Highness?" Wan Mei asked.

          "Han Touzhou is not a fool having proposed this to the Emperor then he could already be prepared for the outcome I fear that if we obsessed over the deer we would lose sight of the mountain." Empress Wu replied.

          "What should we do Your Highness?" Wan Mei asked.

          "I need to write to the Minister of Rites at once and also in secret." Empress Wu replied.

          "Why Your Highness?" Wan Mei asked.

          "Redeeming General Yang or not is useless either way he has to face punishment and my intention is to strike where Han Touzhou is not seeing." Empress Wu replied.

         "I'll be on it." Wan'er said she bowing her head she withdrew from the room leaving the Empress still standing alone with Wan Mei.

         "I don't understand Your Highness." She said.

         "Han Touzhou isn't the only one to achieve from this and besides I could also find advantage in General Yang's fault and build my own influence." Empress Wu replied, "there are innocent people worth protecting more than he is." She added.

          "If Your Highness says so." Wan Mei remarked.

          "There is a storm that's brewing and if we can not stand firm then we shall fall with it." Empress Wu said while raising up her eyes and looking at the heavens roaring so violently and the wind around the city was slowly starting to pick up momentum.

          He fired once and the arrow flying so fast was seen by Jinglan yet as he made an effort to intercept it while shouting the name of his Master, General Yang turned around only to be struck right through his chest he withdrew from his feet and then fell down.

          The General Cao lowering his bow he smiled while he stared at the pair of bloodshot eyes that were cursing him and still unwavering in his efforts to fight the Injured General Yang charged at him so angrily.

          His elites followed him so closely and moving into a closer range the archers behind General Cao fired while the arrows raining on many of General Yang's men they were slowed down for a while.

          The Imperial Cavalry moved ahead and surrounded them all while they were confined in the middle and the General Yang looked up to the sky while the rain that fell only became heavier and the mud heavy on his boots he was feeling weak.

         Placing his hand on his chest there was so much blood that was coming from his wounds and while his men still concerned to him remained hopeful that he was going to fight he reacted by throwing down his sword.

         "Do you admit surrender?" General Cao asked but he maintained his silence.

         "Do you admit surrender?" He asked a second time his face overwhelmed with so much fury he appeared to soon explode with rage any moment from then.

           "You all scheme, before us you are enemies, you seek glory, fame and power and what has that left our people with?" General Yang asked.

           "In the end Your Excellency, you have lost." General Cao said.

           "I have a wife and children that I have raised her still it is that household that I wish to take care of, and if I live it I am only disgracing the ancestors and great men that gave up their lives for our country so if it is so that I must die it won't be at the hands of people like you." General Yang replied and pulling out a dagger from his belt he stubbed his lower abdomen and split his bowels open in half the rest of his followers seeing his example they did the same while a handful of them only watching were frightened by the show.

         "You...." General Cao's subordinate still scolding at the others that were trying to make a similar attempt he was halted when the old General raised his hand.

          "Let them do so." he said with a smile on his face and staring into the soulless body of General Yang which fell onto the ground, he smiled ghastly while all the other soldiers that had cowered threw down their swords and they were instantly bound by the Imperial guards.

         "Jinglan still shocked watching the corpse of his General in front of him he shed tears immediately and his hands filled with blood he was held up and he looked at his enemy seated on his stead in front of them.

         Emperor Xiaozong was seated in his hall and Eunuch Qin handing him a small cup of tea while he took it into his grip it slipped and fell down onto the ground shattering into pieces that he looked up at Eunuch Qin.

         "Pardon me Your Majesty, is there anything wrong with you?" He asked immediately while the young Emperor stared at his right hand for a moment.

         "That's strange, me hand felt a little bit numb." The Emperor Xiaozong replied.

        "It has been raining heavily and it's quite cold, while Your Majesty has been busy since morning your body could be exhausted and all that you need is a good rest." Eunuch Qin replied.

         The Emperor didn't seem to buy it.

         "Don't think too much about it, I'll have someone clean this mess up." Eunuch Qin said reassuringly.

         "Alright." the Emperor replied when suddenly the doors of the hall were flung open.

         "Your Majesty." Another Eunuch who appeared much younger than Eunuch Qin barged in.

         "Who are you to walk in like that?" Eunuch Qin quickly scolded while the young man was quick to fall onto his knees.

          "Pardon me Your Majesty." He said while hitting his forehead on the ground.

          "At ease." Emperor Xiaozong replied and the young man standing up the Emperor and Eunuch Qin fixed their attention on him.

         "Forgive me Your Majesty, I have been a little bit too lax on these new recruits of late and they can't seem to do anything rightly." Eunuch Qin muttered.

          "Whatever it is that made you so excited to see me must be an issue of so much importance so tell me." Emperor Xiaozong said as he noticed that the young man was shivering and couldn't raise his eyes to the level of his own.

         "Speak up." Eunuch Qin said.

         "Bad News Your Majesty." The Eunuch replied.

         "What is it?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

         "On your orders the General Yang was intercepted by Imperial troops at Lu." The Eunuch replied.

         "What happened?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

         "General Yang and his men didn't cease resistance." The Eunuch replied and the Emperor's eyes were widely opened, "most of them committed suicide." He added and out of fury the Emperor stood up and knocked over the jug on his table and overturned it entirely.

         "Please appease your anger Your Majesty." Eunuch Qin quickly pleaded as he went down onto his knees.

          "Appease your anger Your Majesty." the informant pleaded as well as the Emperor fell into his seat.

          "Why?" He asked, "have I been inadequate in my benevolence?" He shouted and Eunuch Qin looking at the other Eunuch he nodded his head as a sign for him to withdraw that he complied instantly leaving the both of them alone in the Hall together.

          "Calm down Your Majesty." Eunuch Qin said.

          "Tell me how?" Emperor Xiaozong asked but Eunuch Qin kept quiet as he stood up.

           "The Courtiers would wish to know and this isn't something that I can choose to keep quiet over, he insinuated his men into suicide than resistance and that is a blow that is too great towards me that justifies how they do not regret their actions.

            Moreso if I am to remember mother's instructions where does that leave me then when at this rate what General Yang has done puts the Yang Clan at risk and I can't save them even if I wanted because that would make me seem too partial in my judgement." Emperor Xiaozong said.

          "Your Majesty, don't worry so much about it." Eunuch Qin replied.

          "Why is that?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

           "It is clear that General Yang wasn't going to make it into the capital alive and had he survived then it could be possible that of he was rescued then that would be a very clear attempt of treason the situation could have gone more out of hand than it already was." Eunuch Qin replied.

          "You're saying...?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

           "Whether or not his supporters or enemies intercepted the Imperial troops to help or force him to flee then it would have implicated his family and perhaps his clan and all the more justified his treason because all would understand that rebels shall have defied an Imperial order and additional crimes like factionalism would be put onto him." Eunuch Qin replied.

          "Hence he had to die to save others." Emperor Xiaozong remarked.

          "Anyone smart enough could have seen the consequences of his survival and that alone could have been used against him and weighing all these opportunities I have a reason to believe that his departing from Xiangyang itself was suspicious." Eunuch Qin said that he Emperor sitting down he appeared to be thinking about it.

          "Tell the Officials to prepare for the morning Assembly tomorrow." Emperor Xiaozong said.

          "Yes Your Majesty." Eunuch Qin replied as he slowly withdrew from the room.

          "General Yang committed suicide." Lin Xue said and Han Touzhou sighing in disbelief he sat down.

          "Surprisingly he was smart enough in the end to choose the lighter of the two evils." He said while he picked up a cup of tea and gently blowing at it he took a light sip before he placed it down on the table.

          "But all that matters is that He rebelled Your Excellency, isn't that good enough?" Lin Xue asked.

           "To be honest I was looking at the bigger picture." Han Touzhou replied with a smirk on his face.

          "Enlighten me Your Excellency as I have failed to understand." Lin Xue said.

           "The head of one General is not enough for me and as I was looking I had an entire clan in mind." Han Touzhou replied.

           "I see." Lin Xue said.

           "General Yang could die but if I can not annihilate the Yang Clan then I shall have reaped from this scheme too little and if that is the case having missed my target the ones to which I aimed shall become for me numerous enemies." Han Touzhou remarked and there was a mild silence that prevailed.

         "I understand Your Excellency." Lin Xue said.

         "I am now left with making use of the blood that flows through his veins to accomplish that task but if I am to weigh the possibility of success at this rate it's very low." Han Touzhou said.

          "And the Empress?" Lin Xue asked.

          "It'll be just as hard for her to break through this strategy of mine." Han Touzhou replied.

          Empress Wu was staring at the rain from her balcony when Wan'er walked up to her.

          "Your Highness." She greeted.

          "Tell me." Empress Wu said.

          "General Yang....." She replied.

          "I'm listening." Empress Wu remarked.

          "He's dead." She replied and the Empress smirking lightly she turned to him.

          "Any leads on how it could have happened?" She asked.

         "Han Touzhou is very careful." Wan'er replied.

          "Without concrete evidence how can we crucify him?" Wan Mei asked.

          "Anything under heaven has to die one day and of course you can not be too careful but a scheme as effective as this one can only succeed with great precaution while working." Empress Wu replied.

         "I'm afraid that I failed Your Highness." Wan'er said.

         "Don't be sorry because our main concern here is saving whatever it is that Han Touzhou wishes to destroy." Empress Wu replied.

         "Tomorrow the Emperor will meet the Courtiers and they'll say too much." Wan Mei said.

         "Worry less." Empress Wu replied, "Tomorrow we'll see who'll have victory on their side?" she added so confidently with a smile on her face.

         The morning drums were sounded and the Courtiers murmuring amongst themselves waiting for the presence of the Emperor the doors of the throne room were flung open and the Imperial guards saluting the Emperor Eunuch Qin first moved in forward and announced his presence.

          All the Courtiers fell in order and bowing their heads to pay homage to him he walked down the aisle up to the dragon throne where he turned and faced them before sitting down as they all turned their attention to him.

          "Long Live His Majesty." They said in unison and the Emperor raising his right hand he granted them ease that they stood upright and a silence prevailing in the room the General Cao walked to the front where he bowed to the Emperor.

        "Reporting to Your Majesty." he said.

        "Speak up." Emperor Xiaozong replied and touching into his sleeves he pulled out a memorial which he presented to everyone.

        "Yesterday, Myself along with the Loyal Imperial guards intercepted the Rebel army led by General Yang at Lu and I have recorded within this memorial everything as it went down yesterday." General Cao remarked and the Emperor nodding with approval Eunuch Qin descended and ceased the memorial in his grip and ascending towards the throne he handed it over to the Emperor who took it into his hands and opened it.

       His eyes perused through the contents and he smiled before putting it down.

       "Well done." He complimented.

       "It is my duty to serve Your Majesty." General Cao replied.

       "To subdue the rebels is not so easy a task and a General that is very valiant in nature isn't any easier as well, you have saved the Dynasty from ruin and that effort should be greatly rewarded." Emperor Xiaozong said.

       "To serve Your Majesty is my greatest reward." General Cao replied and bowing his head he withdrew while the Minister Xie stepped up in his place with a smile on his face.

       "Congratulations Your Majesty." He said while bowing his head.

       "You seem to be rather blissful." Emperor Xiaozong said.

       "This is but a double Victory and after Xiangyang was abandoned with Heaven's blessing and wise leadership of General Han Guang, a Jurchen force was defected and they withdrew in retreat with the storm against them." Minister Xie replied.

       "You are all my men, and you are all my people, my health was a little too fragile but I am calm having you by my side, how then can my people complain if you are the most loyal Courtiers that I have seen?" Emperor Xiaozong remarked

        "No need Your Majesty, we too are pleased to be at your service." Minister Xie said and went quiet for a moment.

        "Is there something else that you wish to tell me?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

        "Your Majesty knows me too well." Minister Xie replied.

        "Go ahead." Emperor Xiaozong permitted.

        "Now that the Rebellion was suppressed Your Majesty, please seek justice for all those men that died protecting this Country." Minister Xie replied as he went onto his knees and he bowed his head.

         "Why?" Emperor Xiaozong asked, "weren't the rebels annihilated?" He added.

         "Your Majesty is benevolent but a crime this big could only garner hatred and how could the members of the Yang Clan look at Your Majesty?" Minister Li suddenly asked as he stepped up to the front as well.

         "Please seek justice Your Majesty." A large number of the Courtiers cried out.

        "Your Majesty, the Yang Clan should take responsibility because under their aegis a leader of theirs has strayed it can't be overlooked and we have every reason to believe that they should all be investigated." Minister Li said while Minister Xie kept quiet.

        This is a National issue, how so is it that the Minister of Rites doesn't have a say?" Han Touzhou asked as his eyes darted across to Zhao Ruyu who in his silence he had nothing but a faint smirk on his face.

        "Say something Minister Zhao." Emperor Xiaozong said and the young man moving to the front he bowed down to the Emperor.

        "Thank you Your Majesty." He said as he stood upright aware of the attention he had.

        "It is true that since old times and in accordance with the Han traditions, there has never been tolerance for rebels and moreso their families but I have one question that I wish to ask everyone in this room that's if they can answer it correctly." Zhao Ruyu replied.

        "Go ahead." Emperor Xiaozong admitted and Zhao Ruyu bowing his head he looked at Han Touzhou who stared confidently back at him.

        "How is General Yang related to the Yang clan and if yes then with authentic evidence I wish to know who can prove so?" Zhao Ruyu replied and at once the Courtiers murmuring amongst themselves were puzzled yet he still proved to retain his composure having uttered those words himself.

       "Are you out of your mind?" Minister Li asked.

       "The question was a simple one Your Majesty and perhaps I wasn't clear I'll repeat it once again." Zhao Ruyu replied, "How is General Yang related to the Yang clan and if yes then with authentic evidence I wish to know who can prove so?" He added with a ghastly smile on his face.    

        "Your Majesty please don't listen to Minister Zhao, I think he has lost it." Minister Li said.

       "How dare I come close Your Majesty, Heaven is my witness that I am most sober right now." Zhao Ruyu replied.

       "Everyone knows it very well that the General Yang was born of Yang Dagguang, how is that we question his paternity lest the Yang Clan are also guilty of deceiving His Majesty." Minister Li said.

        "I don't intend to question any paternity Your Majesty, I simply speak as I know and it has come to my knowledge that more than a month ago, General Yang's name was stripped from the Clan records and additionally he rejected his entire family formally." Zhao Ruyu replied and all the Courtiers somewhat surprised they widened their eyes as he remained confident nonetheless looking at Han Touzhou with a poisonous glare.

        "Impossible." Minister Xie said.

        "How is it that I lie to Your Majesty?" Zhao Ruyu replied when he pulled from his sleeve a memorial that he presented to the Emperor and Eunuch Qin taking it and handing it over to him, he looked through his expression just full of as much surprise as that of the other Courtiers.

       "It is true." He muttered, "but why?" The Emperor asked.

       "The intentions of men are not made known to everyone because our hearts are hidden but as it seems that until Lu the General Yang had lacked in reinforcements from members of the Yang Clan and that until Lu he wasn't forewarned by any of them as well, when I weigh the two situations I am forced to conclude that this for him was a one man battle." Zhao Ruyu replied.

       "Do you know what you are saying." Emperor Xiaozong asked.

       "Your Majesty, to execute a Rebel's family and ensure that others learn from their example and do the same is very effective a method but in this case with General Yang being a Rebel who would want to be affiliated with such a person especially his former household to which he'd severed every last link and denounced their blood?" Zhao Ruyu replied. "If they denounced him in public and still bore his cross for the crimes that he committed I fear that for Your Majesty, there would be a blemish to your benevolent reputation and people might speak ill and future generations call you unjust." He added.

        "You dare say that to His Majesty?" Minister Xie scolded.

        "Enough." Emperor Xiaozong said as they all quietened down immediately waiting for his own decision.

        "I have heard enough." He muttered as he placed the memorial down in front of him.

        "The General Yang fought alongside His Majesty the retired Emperor and the Yang Clan helped us save this dynasty from extinction when the Jurchens rose up against us.

       In respect for that friendship I am forced to consider that the mere fact that the Yang Clan chose to relinquish their affiliations with this rebel they remain true to the dynasty and our forefathers and they themselves can not be disappointed." Emperor Xiaozong said.

       "Yes Your Majesty." Zhao Ruyu replied.

       "Therefore having listened to each and everything that you have said and with respect to both parties as I am truly that benevolent Emperor that you see, the Rebel has been subdued and those that surrendered in repentence are pardoned for me so that wholly we can build the Kingdom." Emperor Xiaozong said.

       "Your Majesty is sage." Zhao Ruyu praised.

       "The Court is dismissed." Emperor Xiaozong said.

       "Long Live His Majesty." The Courtiers saying in unison Han Touzhou returned the evil grin on Zhao Ruyu's face with what was a sincere smile on his.

       "Congratulations Your Highness." Wan'er said as Empress Wu and her attendants walked across the Palace.

       "Who would have thought?" Empress Wu asked.

       "Your Highness is in deed very wise." Wan Mei praised her as they continued.

       "The fire could have been controlled but the flame isn't entirely extinguished." Empress Wu replied.

        "Your Highness saved the Yang Clan so automatically they owe you and what better way to repay you than giving you their allegiance?" Wan'er asked.

        "If I'd worry about support I'd be pleased that Han Touzhou has made for himself more enemies and that my power is on an increase but of all these I care less as there is one thing that I find to be a little bit too disturbing." Empress Wu replied.

        "What is it Your Highness?" Wan Mei asked.

        "After today Han Touzhou must have learnt that he is very lacking in the Emperor's blessings." Empress Wu replied.

         "To attempt an annihilation of an entire clan there must be something that is to be held responsible." Wan'er replied.

         "Or perhaps there is something that he fears." Empress Wu added.

         "I understand Your Highness." Wan'er said.

         "Both of you make everything very easy for me I want you to try and find out what it is that pushed him this far." Empress Wu replied.

        "Yes Your Highness." The two ladies in waiting replied in unison.

        "Is Madame Zhang here?" Empress Wu asked halting as she looked at the plum blossoms that were falling in her courtyard.

        "She'll be here anytime soon." Wan Mei replied.

        "Alright." The Empress replied before gracefully continuing her way towards her side chamber.

        A small carriage halted at the entrance of the palace and out of it a beautiful young woman walked out her nose and mouth covered her dark eyes shine brightest and her figure looked fine underneath those very loose snow white robes of hers and her light pink jacket that was embroidered with beautiful orchids.

       "Milady." The Eunuch in front of her greeted while she lightly bowed her head while she looked around the place.

       "I'm here to see Her Highness." She said.

       "This way please." Eunuch Gao said as he led her through into the Palace Courtyard.

       They walked around for a while as they approached the Cifu palace.

       "Please wait here." Eunuch Gao said as he walked into the Chambers while the young woman remained outside for a while until Eunuch Gao rushed out again and leading her they got into the building where they found the Empress seated and looking at a chessboard in front of her.

       "Your Highness." The young woman said as she bowed her head.

       "Zhang'er." Empress Wu replied and signalling for her to come over she complied and sat on the small stool that was right opposite the Empress'.

       "Leave us." Empress Wu ordered and Wan Mei and the others withdrawing the two were left in the room alone staring at each other that Empress Wu smiled at her.

       "It's been eight years already and here we are again." Empress Wu said.

       "If Your Highness is going to ask how the Yin Fraternity is doing then you can have my word that we are all fine the way that we are." Zhang Shansheng muttered and the Empress smiling she picked up a small cup of tea from the table and drank from it.

       "The Emperor has the Ministry of Justice but as the wife of the retired Empress what do I have?" She asked.

       "The Yin (Silver) Fraternity isn't for Your Highness to use and exploit." Zhang Shansheng said.

        "But we were sworn sisters in the past." Empress Wu said.

        "And you married our enemy." Zhang Shansheng replied.

        "Then you wouldn't have come to see me as I was reliably informed that you received a vision eight years ago and along with it the promise that heaven is with you." Empress Wu said.

        "Your stratagems could sever everything that we have worked for and besides, if I too can assess the situation it's only because we owe you." Zhang Shansheng.

        "Your Existence, a prestigious lady of the Court that I have made you, all of that I have given and in deed as you said I need you to return to me that favour." Empress Wu said.

        "What is it Your Highness?" Zhang Shansheng asked.

        "I'm sure that Milady knows." Empress Wu replied.

        "After everything that those Hans did to me you want to use me to tackle them." Zhang Shansheng said.

        "The Enemy of my enemy is my friend and I'm sure your mother's soul hasn't found peace in the Netherworld since your brothers disowned you and sold you off into slavery and even your father wasn't alive to protect you." Empress Wu said.

        "Please get straight to the point Your Highness." Zhang Shansheng said.

       "You heard everything that happened and as the leader of the Yin Fraternity you have the power to command justice and bring Han Touzhou's involvement in this ploy to light." Empress Wu replied.

       "Why would I risk that?" Zhang Shansheng asked.

       "Because a crime as big as treason can only be rewarded with a cruel death and isn't that what will give your aching heart contentment?" Empress Wu asked with a ghastly smile on her face that Zhang Shansheng stood up.

        "This once your Majesty allow the fraternity and it's brothers and sisters to rest in peace." Zhang Shansheng said.

       "I can give you my promise as long as you fulfill what I have asked." Empress Wu replied.

       The doors being flung open Zhang Shansheng walked out of the room only to meet there a young handsome man standing in front of her.

       "Milady." He greeted so gently.

       "Let's go." She replied and leading the way she departed from the Side chamber through the very doorways that had led her in.

       "What did she say Milady?" He asked.

       "Zhang When?" She called him fairly loud and his curiosity appeared to be Instantly suppressed while they halted in their footsteps.

       "We are in her debt." Zhang Shansheng said to calmly while she sighed before looking around.

        "After years in the Palace she is very confident and she still possesses that most resolute aura of hers." Zhang Shansheng said.

        "I have a hint on something." Zhang Shen said.

       "No man is perfect at hiding his faults." Zhang Shansheng remarked, "as long as we reside under heaven someday the truth shall be brought to light." She added.

       "You can expect the job to be done tonight Milady." Zhang Shen said.

       "Then allow me once again to look forward to his downfall." Zhang Shansheng muttered.

       "Sister?" Zhang Shen called.

       "So what if we were illegitimate children from a lowly wife, if we could bear our mother's name out of humiliation then I'd take great pride in bringing those monstrous Hans onto their knees and delivering them to the jaws of eternal hell myself." Zhang Shansheng swore.