Breaking Bamboo (57 page)

That all he need do is bow to the Great Khan as the new Yuan Emperor, as the bearer of Heaven’s Mandate, and the entire city shall be spared. Lastly, for he could clearly read Wang Ting-bo’s thoughts, he assured him that he would not be killed.’

‘I cannot believe A-ku is so foolish,’ said Shih. ‘Wang Ting-bo is no traitor.’

‘You must listen,’ said Guang. ‘Wang Bai took his uncle to one side and murmured urgently. When he had finished Wang Ting-bo seemed shaken. He told A-ku that he would only consider his proposal if he received the firmest of assurances.’

‘He said
that
?’

‘My heart was in my mouth, Shih! Wang Bai evidently saw my distress for he took me to one side and ordered me not to cause a panic among the men. He urged me to think of Fouzhou. How averting massacre was our highest duty.’

‘At the cost of honour?’ asked Shih. ‘Of loyalty to our Holy Ruler? Of
xiao
itself?’

His brother flinched at the word.

‘Four times General A-ku repeated his offer. At last he took out an arrow and snapped it across his knee to show that if he broke his word a terrible misfortune would afflict his bloodline. Then Wang Ting-bo believed him, for the Mongol deserter we use as an interpreter stated such an oath was unbreakable.’

All along the ramparts lamps were being lit, as they had each dusk since the siege began. Strings of dwindling fireflies appeared round Swallow Gate in the distance.

‘Have we suffered for two long years, just for this?’ asked Shih, dully.

‘Nothing is settled yet,’ said Guang. ‘Except that Wang Ting-bo will give his reply before noon tomorrow.’

‘I cannot believe our situation is so bad!’

‘It is possible we could fight on,’ said Guang. ‘Our only hope lies in a relief army sent by the Court. But after two years, where is it?’

Shih shook his head.

‘They tried to reach us,’ he said. ‘The Mongols drove them back.’

‘Perhaps Wang Bai is right,’ said Guang. ‘Perhaps we must consider those who are helpless now.’

He hesitated, then laid his gauntleted hand on Shih’s arm

‘There are other things I wish to say. You know General A-ku has sworn to take Captain Xiao’s head, don’t you? If the city surrenders, he will fulfil that oath.’

‘You must flee the city!’ hissed Shih, looking round for listeners. ‘Find a way out.’

‘Then A-ku’s vengeance would fall on you and Cao. I cannot allow that. And there is something else. When I visited Apricot Corner Court, I spoke to Lu Ying.’ He grew tongue-tied for a moment. ‘I spoke to Lu Ying,’ repeated Guang. ‘And she told me how she feared the Mongols, that she would be marched north as a disgraced whore by some barbarian. She was tearful, Shih! I cannot explain how it made me feel. I promised to ensure her safety, even at the sacrifice of my own life.’

‘I understand,’ said Shih. ‘There are unspoken understandings between you. You both hope what is hidden now will become open when peace returns.’

Guang blinked at his brother.

‘You are not angry? After all, one might say she was given to you.’

‘Such a lady gives herself or is a slave,’ said Shih. ‘I am glad there is an understanding between you.’

Then a most absurd thing happened, one that would stay with the brothers and bind them together through a hundred calamities. It was customary for Youngest to pay homage to Eldest, but Guang did not fall to his knees as was proper. He clasped Shih to his armoured chest so tightly the object of his affection could hardly breathe.

‘You are wise, Eldest Brother!’ cried Guang, tears running down his cheeks. ‘And full of forbearance!’

‘Please let me go,’ whispered Shih. ‘Or I shall need medical help myself.’

When the twins returned to the Relief Bureau they found a messenger waiting. Commander Yun Guang’s escort sprang to attention. All secretly marvelled at how alike the brothers were – their walk, the tones of their voices and features. Yet how different, too, one dressed for war, the other wearing a doctor’s hat with its long earflaps. One scarred across the cheeks, the other soft-faced, except for deep thought lines. Each man complemented the other.

The messenger stepped forward: ‘Sir, Captain Chen Song begs you to meet him at your pavilion on Peacock Hill. He says he will wait as long as he can.’

Guang turned to Shih, aware all his men were listening.

‘I may not call at Apricot Corner Court again. You know why. Say what is proper to Sister-in-law and Father. And think of me fondly.’

‘You will call there again! You must!’

‘I fear it is out of my hands,’ said Guang.

He summoned his horse and with a brief salute to Shih, rode into the moonlit evening of the siege.

*

As Guang rode east towards Swallow Gate he passed groups of men talking anxiously. The curfew – previously enforced by harsh lashes of the bamboo – was in disarray. Even the City Watch kept to their barracks and guard posts. Rumours of Wang Ting-bo’s conversation with General A-ku were everywhere. All knew of his promise to give the enemy an answer by noon tomorrow. Many disbelieved General A-ku’s assurances. Not after Fouzhou and the dozens of other towns laid waste in Nancheng Province. Those spared a slit throat would be enslaved, it was said, especially women of charm. Then beauty would cease to be desirable and ugliness the most prized attribute for a wife or daughter.

Thousand of survivors from Fouzhou had set up camps on open ground throughout the city. They made a pitiful sight.

Guang and his escort trotted past one such huddle at the base of a high ward wall. Most of the wretches ignored him, but one stared avidly. For a moment Guang did not recognise the young man. He slowed his horse to make sure. Yes, it was Chung! It seemed Shih’s former apprentice had survived the wreck of Dr Du Mau’s fortune.

Guang contemptuously twitched his reins and rode on. Black doubts crowded his soul. Of the tens of thousands who perished, Heaven had selected this idle, disloyal youth for a long life! Guang was inclined to gallop back and achieve what the Mongols had failed. Oh, the world was bad! Why had he not seen it before? Virtue was of no account. Luck and cunning decided all men’s destinies. How many sacrifices might be called worthless – worse, folly or vanity? One might strut with a puffed-out chest and call one’s self – what? Hero? Loyal servant of Heaven’s Son? Even Captain Xiao! The fact remained that noble General Zheng Shun and Admiral Qi-Qi were dead, while cowards prospered like dogs licking a new master’s hand – or foxes feeding in new dens.

Perhaps these same doubts grew in Pacification Commissioner Wang Ting-bo’s mind as the hours stole towards dawn. Guang suspected they had long dwelt in Wang Bai’s breast.

He arrived at Peacock Hill to find two Guards companies taking up position, having been withdrawn from the ramparts.

Regular troops from the East rather than natives of Nancheng, they stood fully armed with crossbows and fire-lances. Guang greeted the Captain at the gatehouse and reined in his horse.

The man recognised him and bowed low.

‘Is the city calm, sir?’ asked the Captain, anxiously.

‘People are afraid,’ replied Guang. ‘Why are you here, Captain? Why have you left the ramparts? General A-ku may be tricking us.’

The officer shot Guang a meaningful look.

‘We are here to suppress disorder, sir. The Excellent Wang Bai gave the order in his capacity as Prefect. He said the matter falls within his jurisdiction because it involves traitors.’

Guang refrained from asking who the traitors were: the Son of Heaven’s supporters or the Wang clan? This same confusion divided everyone on Peacock Hill. He cantered through the gate to his pavilion. It was a while since he had slept here.

Apricot Corner Court’s attractions were far warmer.

Inside the courtyard he was surprised to find a huddle of armed men in travelling clothes. He recognised one as the ruthless Fukkien who had helped him penetrate the Mongol camp at the start of the siege. How simple everything had seemed then! One fought and lived or died. No choice had been necessary beyond that.

Dismounting hastily, Guang entered the reception hall where a single candle burned. Beside it, wearing the same plain, practical clothes as the men outside, sat Chen Song. Night moths circled and shadows danced on the walls from the candlelight. When Chen Song turned, his face was gaunt and troubled. The two friends faced each other and solemnly bowed.

‘I see you have found some wine,’ said Guang.

Chen Song nodded.

‘There is a second cup.’

They sat together and sipped. The wine was excellent, though old-fashioned in style and perhaps too long in the jar.

‘Where did you get this?’ asked Guang.

‘In the capital. At a merchant’s shop within sight of our Holy Ruler’s palace. I thought such a proximity would make it lucky.

I hoped we would share it in celebration on the day our enemy lifted the siege.’

Guang sipped more cautiously.

‘One can hardly celebrate that tonight,’ he said.

‘So you have heard?’ asked Chen Song.

‘Only what all know. That His Excellency debates how to preserve the city. That he must reply by noon.’

Chen Song’s laugh was harsh.

‘Preserve the city? Or preserve the Wang clan? I suspect we all know which takes precedence in his deliberations.’

Guang did not show any sign of knowing.

‘I must tell you,’ said Chen Song. ‘Your faith in that gentleman has been misplaced. As you are aware, I have kept up my contacts with His Imperial Majesty’s agents in the city. They came to me tonight and reported that Wang Ting-bo has already decided his response to the Mongol offer.’

Guang leaned forward eagerly, as though the question was open to doubt. Yet in his heart he knew the answer before Chen Song spoke.

‘At noon tomorrow, the Great Khan will gain many new servants. We are betrayed, Guang! Heaven’s rightful Son is betrayed! Once Nancheng falls they will advance to the Yangtze and rake the soft belly of our Empire with their claws!

The number of dead will make Fouzhou or even the loss of Nancheng seem nothing.’

‘Do not speak so loud,’ hissed Guang. ‘I do not trust my servants. All were here when Wang Bai granted me this temporary residence.’

With a steady hand, Chen Song poured out the last of his expensive wine. They raised their bowls and sipped.

‘You see, dearest Guang, each of us must choose. Whether to follow the Pacification Commissioner in his treachery or find another way.’

‘What other way can there be? Except destroying one’s self?’

‘That would certainly be a noble end,’ conceded Chen Song.

‘I am sure many will embrace it. We are more fortunate. No doubt you recognised our friends outside, waiting in the courtyard?’

‘I did.’

‘Then you know they can be trusted.’

Chen Song leaned forward, his voice an urgent whisper.

‘Come with us, Guang. The Fukkien knows a secret way out of the city. By dawn we shall stand beyond the Mongol siege-lines. In any case, the enemy are feasting in General A-ku’s camp tonight. Their grip loosens as their complacency grows.’

Guang swirled what little of Chen Song’s wine remained in his bowl. Then he set it down gently on the lacquered table.

‘I cannot,’ he said, unable to meet his friend’s eye.

Chen Song sat back in surprise.

‘Do you not trust my judgement?’ he asked. ‘We have food, weapons, strings of
cash
, a reliable guide. Within a few weeks we shall be in the capital.’

‘I cannot,’ repeated Guang.

This statement earned a disbelieving laugh.

‘Why ever not?’

‘I must stay to protect Shih and Cao, and Father. There is another I must protect, Chen Song. I promised that no harm would befall her.’

‘Come now!’ Chen Song spoke like one who refuses to fall for a joke. ‘You could never be happy as a traitor. It would destroy all you have won. Let us not speak nonsense!’

Guang clenched his fists, then bolted down the last of the wine.

‘I cannot,’ he repeated. ‘Though I long to join you with all my heart. You know A-ku has sworn an oath that he will take Captain Xiao’s head. If I flee, surely that punishment will fall on my family. And those I love.’

Now Chen Song’s demeanour was stiff and angry.

‘Has your beloved Wang Bai been whispering to you?’ he sneered. ‘Perhaps he has promised a high position when the Wang clan are like kings, ruling Nancheng Province on the Great Khan’s behalf.’

‘No, he has said nothing. We have not even talked.’

For a moment Chen Song seemed about to say more. Then he shrank back in his chair.

‘I do not believe that we can meet as enemies. Is that possible, Guang? Would you surrender our whole civilization to the barbarians, in order to preserve your family?’

Eyes fixed in shame on the floor provided Chen Song’s answer.

‘I see,’ said Chen Song. His voice was steady as he asked: ‘I take it you will not betray our intention to escape the city?’

Now it was Guang’s turn to look up angrily.

‘Of course not,’ added Chen Song, hurriedly. ‘Forgive me.’

He rose, smiling sadly at Guang.

‘If you see me in your crossbow’s sights,’ he said, ‘aim a little to the side. For our friendship’s sake.’

He left and low voices could be heard outside. There followed a long, unbroken silence. Guang leaned forward, head in his hands. Then he choked back sobs rising from his heart so violently they injured all he was, or might have become.

*

Lu Ying woke with a start. She had barely slept all night, troubled by a hundred contending fears, until at dawn she sank into a deep, dreamless sleep. Now the sunlight entering through the curtain-cracks told her morning was well-advanced.

Elsewhere in the house Madam Cao could be heard cooing as she fed one of the babies. Otherwise Apricot Corner Court was unusually silent.

Lu Ying rose and had almost finished dressing when a loud stranger’s voice in the medicine shop made her pause. Dr Shih answered the man, his exact words indistinct. Soon there came a knock on her chamber door.

‘Lu Ying,’ said Shih. ‘You have a visitor. And,’ he added more quietly, ‘a very important one if his own estimation of himself is to be trusted.’