Nanya - 33

33. Peace and War

Ch'in Kwei had acting swiftly upon hearing that Yueh Fei planned to attack the Jurchen. After all, Ch'in had crafted the new treaty and was encouraging the Emperor Kao to declare Hang-chou the new capital. What Ch'in Kwei did not anticipate was the outrage Yueh Fei's arrest caused in all quarters. The Peace party was in favor of peace, but not in destroying the protector of the motherland. The war party was fiercely demanding Yueh Fei's immediately release. The Emperor, who was firmly behind Ch'in Kwei's action called for the council to meet.

Now this council was never of the same mind. Like milkweed seeds in spring, they burst into fluffy little pods that never came to rest in rich loam. They were either bantered on the breeze, from one dog to another - or they disappeared in the summer rain or scorch. My master was sorely pressed by these activities. He could not stand on one side or the other. He needed to remain free of the shit-pile of politics to advise the Emperor well. But Yueh Fei was a different matter. My master had seen Ch'in Kwei destroy one statesman after another - retire one warrior after another. No one was so unworthy of such treatment by the seedy First Privy Councilor than Yueh Fei.

One thing you need to know about my master. He was a man of deep feeling. He was never really that caring to me; he was always just ordered me about. But, I respect that. I'm a lowly piss-ant, born at the field's edge - dug up like some radish and thrown into his service at a tender age. All I know of the world has been with my master. But, I have watched him with his equals and superiors; he was deep feeling. But he always checked his feeling with duty and proper conduct. Now, he was at the brink - the very brink of breaching that balance. After all, wouldn't you? It's an unjust life, but there's always room for little bursts of well-meant passion, isn't there?

The council met at Hang-chou. The chamber was crowded - the noise deafening. The Emperor Kao presided. To encourage order in this discussion, the leader of the peace party, Ho Xiang-chu, stood to the Emperor's left, while Chao Chu-kua, leader of the war party, to the Emperor's right. Li K'ai-men sat at Kao's feet. Ch'in Kwei, always center stage, addressed the assembled court.

"Silence gentleman," said Ch'in Kwei. "Respect for His majesty, may he live ten thousand years. Peace is at hand, gentlemen our lifelong dream, gentlemen. This is an honorable thin,g, a peace filled with prosperity for field and marketplace. Our taxes can resume. We will no longer need to move the temporary residence from year to year. Establishment once again, as it was in the days of the great Emperor T'ai-tsung. This is all that is meant by this action, gentlemen. Any threat to this peace must be treated as an act of treachery - a traitor's action. So, I have acted on the authority by the Imperial will to arrest Yueh Fei. He has been disloyal to his majesty."

Chao Chu-kua was animated.

"Ch'in Kwei," said Chao," How can you stand here in his majesty's presence, may he live ten thousand years, and call Yueh Fei a traitor. It was Yueh Fei who has maintained the borders for these past years. If it were not for this great man, we would be sitting in Kuang-tung planning to move the court to Hai-nan. You Ch'in Kwei, you are the traitor."

"I am a loyal servant to his majesty," said Ch'in Kwei. "Calling me a traitor may be your opinion, but it reflects poorly on the imperial will. I act on policy sir, not by whim."

"You serve the enemy," said Chao, "and should not be first Privy Councilor. You have managed to bring us to the brink of the hopelessness of never regaining the North."

Ho Xiang-chu stood and joined the discussion.

"My dear colleague, Chao Chu-kua," said Ho, "I am in favor of this treaty and the inevitable peace, peace with honor. You know my thoughts well. But I do not believe in peace at any cost; and the cost of a patriot's life does concern me. So, I join your voice to protest this action."

"Ho Xiang-chu," said Chao, "I will never subscribe to peace. On the day it occurs, my ancestors will find me in their midst; however, I am glad there is a limit to your folly."

"Ho Xiang-chu," said Ch'in Kwei, "how can you abandon the cause of peace so readily."

"Sir, I do not abandon my principles."

"But you do indeed," said Ch'in, "Yueh Fei was going to attack the Jurchen. He was going to cross the river. Here are his very words."

Ch'in Kwei held up Yueh Fei's injudicious letter.

"Will you read it for yourself?" asked Ch'in. "He asked for orders to attack - but states whether he had such orders or not, he would attack nonetheless."

"Can that be?" said Ho Xiang-chu.

"Read it for yourself."

"Brave man," shouted Chao Chu-kua. "We need many more brave men to stand up to the likes of you Ch'in Kwei."

"Empty words, sir. Would you say them to the policy maker? Will you look him in the eye and say, 'I, Chao Chu-kua want to keep the Empire in turmoil for the sake of winning back a few mu of the old country, even if I surrender them and much more a few weeks from now.' Would you say it?"

"I say it to you, coward spirit," said Chao, "and not to anyone who abides by this code! "

"Have a care, Chao Chu-kua," said Ch'in. "This is not a game."

"If I thought that his majesty was as faithless to the cause as you," said Chao, "I would lead the charge myself."

"Have a care," said Ch'in. "His majesty is not deaf; and there is a cell near Yueh Fei's."

"Then lead me there!" said Chao. "Take me to his side. He is a brave and true man! He is . . ."

The Emperor Kao suddenly stood ending the discussion.

"Have a care, Chao Chu-kua," said the Emperor, "we are not deaf yet."

Kao descended from his seat of authority and approached Ho Xiang-chu who was reading Yueh Fei's letter. Li K'ai-men followed him.

"Ho Xiang-chu," said Kao, "give me that letter. Let me look at it."

Kao read the letter with growing annoyance.

"High spirited and high handed," said the Emperor. "Who does Yueh Fei think he is! I have tolerated his pious posturing long enough, but to say he will act without orders is most intolerable."

"That is why I had him arrested," said Ch'in Kwei.

"Quite so," said Kao.

"And as a traitor, he should die at once."

"Quite so, if his treachery holds true," said Kao. "This letter is not treachery. It is patriotism. It reminds me of Tsung Tse yelling at me to ‘Cross the River! Cross the River!’ And if any you war mongers lecture me on my failure to take his advice, you'll be lecturing to the carrion crow. No, Ch'in Kwei, I don't know if this is the letter of a traitor. But, it is injudicious."

"But it threatens the Peace treaty," said Ch'in.

"Yes, and I am angered by his wanton disregard of that effort. Two years of careful work could have cost dear if you had not detained him. Ho Xiang-chu - you lead the Peace cause - what should I do with this misguided general? Shall I execute him?"

"Decidedly not, sire. As you say the man is a powerful figure for patriotism and . . . "

". . .To execute him would serve the War party cause, eh Chao Chu-kua. In fact, Chao, you shouldn't plead his cause so vehemently to the point of incurring my ire. His death would rally more people to your way of thinking than anything you yourself could do."

"Your majesty," said Chao, "I meant no offence."

"Yes you did," said Kao. "I heard it. Just because we have these little protocols in court doesn't mean I can't judge your intent. I am in the room you know!"

"Perhaps," said Ch'in "some action against . . ."

"No, Ch'in Kwei," snapped Kao. "I am sure Chao Chu-kua was also speaking from a patriotic point of view. Isn't that so, Chao Chu-kua?"

"Absolutely, your majesty."

"Li K'ai-men," said the Emperor, "advise me. Should I execute my old friend Yueh Fei or should I leave him to rot in some distant fortress?"

"Sire, it is a difficult point," said Li. "I certainly would spare his life, but a review of the case would be in order. He certainly should be given the option to retire to some farm and plow his frustrations into radishes."

"Yueh Fei, a farmer?" laughed Kao.

"Or just a man of leisure, if it pleases your majesty."

"That would be hard for a man like Yueh Fei," said the Emperor. "Ch'in Kwei would have me execute the man. You would have him tried, but set free."

The Emperor raised his hands in frustration. He turned to the court once again, which had began to rumble in discussion. Kao shook his head and departed, signaling Ch'in Kwei and Li K'ai-men to follow him. They walked briskly following the Emperor along the wooden causeways that connected the council chamber to the Imperial residence. It was raining and the goodly protection of the wood awnings was indeed a comfort. The Emperor stopped, turning quickly to his advisors.

"Now Nan Ya," he said, "tell me more. You know Yueh Fei cannot be free. He would never let this treaty be settled."

"Exactly, my lord," said Ch'in Kwei getting in the first words. "As long as he's alive the treaty will not be settled."

"How can you say that?" said Li K'ai-men. "You have the man detained. You can hold him until the treaty is settled; then he can be settled somewhere."

"I admire your loyalty to your old friend, Li K'ai-men; but, Yueh Fei's death is part of the treaty."

"How could that be so! Your majesty, you would never let that happen. Yueh Fei saved our lives."

"Enough, Nan Ya!! That is a private matter."

"No, he is to die!" said Ch'in Kwei.

"But, if you execute him," said Li, "there will be a great outcry from the people."

"Who are the people?" said Ch'in Kwei. "The people know only their stomachs. Peace will fill their stomachs, not the blood of Yueh Fei. Let them cry out. History will judge us well."

"History will call you . . ."

"Call me what, Nan Ya," shouted Kao angrily. "Have a care private secretary. History will call me what?"

Li K'ai-men was suddenly subdued and he bowed.

"They will hold you responsible for his death," he said gently. "They will judge you ill. All the great preservation work you have done to restore the dynasty will be clouded by that deed."

"How so?" said Kao. "If heaven only judges me, what do I know of historians? Ch'in Kwei, have Yueh Fei questioned. If he is guilty of treason, he will die. If not, he will be freed."

"But the treaty points to . . . "

"Leave us!"

Ch'in Kwei bowed grunting and turned away down the planks. The Emperor appeared calmer and less agitated. He sat with his friend and advisor.

"Nan Ya, never dispute me in front of that man in that manner again."

"My apologies, but you know I am correct. Yueh Fei has been a powerful ally."

"So you say," said Kao," but we need this treaty and peace. And I am afraid you have made an enemy of my lord, the first privy councilor."

"But should I fear him?" said Li. "You are my shield."

"And you are my voice; but, Nan Ya have a care with my dignity. I will let Yueh Fei have his trial."

"But the treaty has him dead already," said Li. "Why not just send him a dagger and let him die with honor."

"How could you suggest that I stain my hands."

"No, no - that's Ch'in Kwei's job!"

"Have a care," said Kao.

Li K'ai-men stood angrily.

"Why should I? I have lugged back and forth for eleven years with you. I am weary of it. Maybe I should have no care and find the sword point myself! You wouldn't even let me retire to mourn for my father."

"Are we at that again? I couldn't do without you for 3 years."

"You can lose me even as I stand before you."

Li was shaking with anger. The Emperor embraced him

"I could never let you go, my little swallow. You have guided me, as a tutor should. You have been at my side in all adversity. I could never let you go."

"And Yueh Fei was your shield. Remember that my lord. Sometimes you are like the child I met so long ago longing for friendship and freedom. At other times you are as bitter as your father and as self-indulgent."

"I'm the son of heaven," said Kao. "What's self-indulgence to me? You have lived so long in my light, it has blinded you to the brilliance of the position. I am the boy who wanted to play soldier and instead, inherited this sorrowful task. Then you throw the historian's judgment in my face. How cruel to do that! History may not judge me at all."

"Just remember, sire - Yueh Fei met you on the Riverbank. He held you in his arms and shielded you from the enemy's arrows. He gave you hot soup and dried your muddied clothing. He rode you on a fast horse to the sea. He stood guard on the shore as the vessel sailed away to safety. Ponder that, sire as you have this little Ch'in Kwei worm write Yueh Fei into a treaty of peace, which depends on such sentences of death."

"Nan Ya," said Kao fighting back tears, "have a care with my feelings. We must play out this course of events with patience and solitude. I need to think. Leave me."

Li bowed and departed, leaving Kao to his thoughts. In these thoughts, he was observed by Ch'in Kwei who stood in the rain watching.

"So we have slid backwards," thought Ch'in Kwei. "No quick decision today. Li K'ai-men is always filled with good intentions, but never with the spirit that moves my policies. I spend a great deal of time emboldening his majesty to actions that will build a strong court. Li K'ai-men weaves his golden tongue around the Emperor's ears; and I have slid two weeks backward. Such is the manner and play of politics, my meat. Simplicity itself! Arrest the man and have him executed. I've done it often enough without hesitation. But it looks like this time the execution will not come. But we know this treaty must be signed. We know it."

The rain was becoming bothersome, so the First Privy Councilor sought the shelter of the overhang. The Emperor observed him and called out.

"Ch'in Kwei, still here?" said Kao, "I am pondering the matter. You know Yueh Fei's death will weigh heavy on my heart. Even his arrest has distressed me greatly."

"What is one man's life compared to saving the nation?" he said wringing water from his hair. "Even the great patriots would agree to that. Li K'ai-men is filled with good intentions, but what does he know of negotiations and diplomacy. These are the arrows in my quiver."

"Li K'ai-men's judgment is to be respected," said Kao. "But I cannot always depend on those closest to me to help me guide this land toward its destiny. I want this issue resolved. I want to wake up and have it finished and over."

Ch'in Kwei smiled and bowed.

"You can depend on me, sire. I serve in all things."

So the matter was settled and decided; although it has never been quite clear on what authority the plan crept apace. Such small matters as a man’s life is beneath the dignity of the universality of heaven’s appointed one. It is to the night soil collectors that such realities have their delegation.



		33. Peace and War Ch'in Kwei had acting swiftly upon hearing that Yueh Fei planned to attack the Jurchen. After all, Ch'in had crafted the new treaty and was encouraging the Emperor Kao to declare Hang-chou the new capital. What Ch'in Kwei did not anticipate was the outrage Yueh Fei's arrest caused in all quarters. The Peace party was in favor of peace, but not in destroying the protector of the motherland. The war party was fiercely demanding Yueh Fei's immediately release. The Emperor, who was firmly behind Ch'in Kwei's action called for the council to meet. Now this council was never of the same mind. Like milkweed seeds in spring, they burst into fluffy little pods that never came to rest in rich loam. They were either bantered on the breeze, from one dog to another - or they disappeared in the summer rain or scorch. My master was sorely pressed by these activities. He could not stand on one side or the other. He needed to remain free of the shit-pile of politics to advise the Emperor well. But Yueh Fei was a different matter. My master had seen Ch'in Kwei destroy one statesman after another - retire one warrior after another. No one was so unworthy of such treatment by the seedy First Privy Councilor than Yueh Fei. One thing you need to know about my master. He was a man of deep feeling. He was never really that caring to me; he was always just ordered me about. But, I respect that. I'm a lowly piss-ant, born at the field's edge - dug up like some radish and thrown into his service at a tender age. All I know of the world has been with my master. But, I have watched him with his equals and superiors; he was deep feeling. But he always checked his feeling with duty and proper conduct. Now, he was at the brink - the very brink of breaching that balance. After all, wouldn't you? It's an unjust life, but there's always room for little bursts of well-meant passion, isn't there? The council met at Hang-chou. The chamber was crowded - the noise deafening. The Emperor Kao presided. To encourage order in this discussion, the leader of the peace party, Ho Xiang-chu, stood to the Emperor's left, while Chao Chu-kua, leader of the war party, to the Emperor's right. Li K'ai-men sat at Kao's feet. Ch'in Kwei, always center stage, addressed the assembled court. "Silence gentleman," said Ch'in Kwei. "Respect for His majesty, may he live ten thousand years. Peace is at hand, gentlemen our lifelong dream, gentlemen. This is an honorable thin,g, a peace filled with prosperity for field and marketplace. Our taxes can resume. We will no longer need to move the temporary residence from year to year. Establishment once again, as it was in the days of the great Emperor T'ai-tsung. This is all that is meant by this action, gentlemen. Any threat to this peace must be treated as an act of treachery - a traitor's action. So, I have acted on the authority by the Imperial will to arrest Yueh Fei. He has been disloyal to his majesty." Chao Chu-kua was animated. "Ch'in Kwei," said Chao," How can you stand here in his majesty's presence, may he live ten thousand years, and call Yueh Fei a traitor. It was Yueh Fei who has maintained the borders for these past years. If it were not for this great man, we would be sitting in Kuang-tung planning to move the court to Hai-nan. You Ch'in Kwei, you are the traitor." "I am a loyal servant to his majesty," said Ch'in Kwei. "Calling me a traitor may be your opinion, but it reflects poorly on the imperial will. I act on policy sir, not by whim." "You serve the enemy," said Chao, "and should not be first Privy Councilor. You have managed to bring us to the brink of the hopelessness of never regaining the North." Ho Xiang-chu stood and joined the discussion. "My dear colleague, Chao Chu-kua," said Ho, "I am in favor of this treaty and the inevitable peace, peace with honor. You know my thoughts well. But I do not believe in peace at any cost; and the cost of a patriot's life does concern me. So, I join your voice to protest this action." "Ho Xiang-chu," said Chao, "I will never subscribe to peace. On the day it occurs, my ancestors will find me in their midst; however, I am glad there is a limit to your folly." "Ho Xiang-chu," said Ch'in Kwei, "how can you abandon the cause of peace so readily." "Sir, I do not abandon my principles." "But you do indeed," said Ch'in, "Yueh Fei was going to attack the Jurchen. He was going to cross the river. Here are his very words." Ch'in Kwei held up Yueh Fei's injudicious letter. "Will you read it for yourself?" asked Ch'in. "He asked for orders to attack - but states whether he had such orders or not, he would attack nonetheless." "Can that be?" said Ho Xiang-chu. "Read it for yourself." "Brave man," shouted Chao Chu-kua. "We need many more brave men to stand up to the likes of you Ch'in Kwei." "Empty words, sir. Would you say them to the policy maker? Will you look him in the eye and say, 'I, Chao Chu-kua want to keep the Empire in turmoil for the sake of winning back a few mu of the old country, even if I surrender them and much more a few weeks from now.' Would you say it?" "I say it to you, coward spirit," said Chao, "and not to anyone who abides by this code! " "Have a care, Chao Chu-kua," said Ch'in. "This is not a game." "If I thought that his majesty was as faithless to the cause as you," said Chao, "I would lead the charge myself." "Have a care," said Ch'in. "His majesty is not deaf; and there is a cell near Yueh Fei's." "Then lead me there!" said Chao. "Take me to his side. He is a brave and true man! He is . . ." The Emperor Kao suddenly stood ending the discussion. "Have a care, Chao Chu-kua," said the Emperor, "we are not deaf yet." Kao descended from his seat of authority and approached Ho Xiang-chu who was reading Yueh Fei's letter. Li K'ai-men followed him. "Ho Xiang-chu," said Kao, "give me that letter. Let me look at it." Kao read the letter with growing annoyance. "High spirited and high handed," said the Emperor. "Who does Yueh Fei think he is! I have tolerated his pious posturing long enough, but to say he will act without orders is most intolerable." "That is why I had him arrested," said Ch'in Kwei. "Quite so," said Kao. "And as a traitor, he should die at once." "Quite so, if his treachery holds true," said Kao. "This letter is not treachery. It is patriotism. It reminds me of Tsung Tse yelling at me to ‘Cross the River! Cross the River!’ And if any you war mongers lecture me on my failure to take his advice, you'll be lecturing to the carrion crow. No, Ch'in Kwei, I don't know if this is the letter of a traitor. But, it is injudicious." "But it threatens the Peace treaty," said Ch'in. "Yes, and I am angered by his wanton disregard of that effort. Two years of careful work could have cost dear if you had not detained him. Ho Xiang-chu - you lead the Peace cause - what should I do with this misguided general? Shall I execute him?" "Decidedly not, sire. As you say the man is a powerful figure for patriotism and . . . " ". . .To execute him would serve the War party cause, eh Chao Chu-kua. In fact, Chao, you shouldn't plead his cause so vehemently to the point of incurring my ire. His death would rally more people to your way of thinking than anything you yourself could do." "Your majesty," said Chao, "I meant no offence." "Yes you did," said Kao. "I heard it. Just because we have these little protocols in court doesn't mean I can't judge your intent. I am in the room you know!" "Perhaps," said Ch'in "some action against . . ." "No, Ch'in Kwei," snapped Kao. "I am sure Chao Chu-kua was also speaking from a patriotic point of view. Isn't that so, Chao Chu-kua?" "Absolutely, your majesty." "Li K'ai-men," said the Emperor, "advise me. Should I execute my old friend Yueh Fei or should I leave him to rot in some distant fortress?" "Sire, it is a difficult point," said Li. "I certainly would spare his life, but a review of the case would be in order. He certainly should be given the option to retire to some farm and plow his frustrations into radishes." "Yueh Fei, a farmer?" laughed Kao. "Or just a man of leisure, if it pleases your majesty." "That would be hard for a man like Yueh Fei," said the Emperor. "Ch'in Kwei would have me execute the man. You would have him tried, but set free." The Emperor raised his hands in frustration. He turned to the court once again, which had began to rumble in discussion. Kao shook his head and departed, signaling Ch'in Kwei and Li K'ai-men to follow him. They walked briskly following the Emperor along the wooden causeways that connected the council chamber to the Imperial residence. It was raining and the goodly protection of the wood awnings was indeed a comfort. The Emperor stopped, turning quickly to his advisors. "Now Nan Ya," he said, "tell me more. You know Yueh Fei cannot be free. He would never let this treaty be settled." "Exactly, my lord," said Ch'in Kwei getting in the first words. "As long as he's alive the treaty will not be settled." "How can you say that?" said Li K'ai-men. "You have the man detained. You can hold him until the treaty is settled; then he can be settled somewhere." "I admire your loyalty to your old friend, Li K'ai-men; but, Yueh Fei's death is part of the treaty." "How could that be so! Your majesty, you would never let that happen. Yueh Fei saved our lives." "Enough, Nan Ya!! That is a private matter." "No, he is to die!" said Ch'in Kwei. "But, if you execute him," said Li, "there will be a great outcry from the people." "Who are the people?" said Ch'in Kwei. "The people know only their stomachs. Peace will fill their stomachs, not the blood of Yueh Fei. Let them cry out. History will judge us well." "History will call you . . ." "Call me what, Nan Ya," shouted Kao angrily. "Have a care private secretary. History will call me what?" Li K'ai-men was suddenly subdued and he bowed. "They will hold you responsible for his death," he said gently. "They will judge you ill. All the great preservation work you have done to restore the dynasty will be clouded by that deed." "How so?" said Kao. "If heaven only judges me, what do I know of historians? Ch'in Kwei, have Yueh Fei questioned. If he is guilty of treason, he will die. If not, he will be freed." "But the treaty points to . . . " "Leave us!" Ch'in Kwei bowed grunting and turned away down the planks. The Emperor appeared calmer and less agitated. He sat with his friend and advisor. "Nan Ya, never dispute me in front of that man in that manner again." "My apologies, but you know I am correct. Yueh Fei has been a powerful ally." "So you say," said Kao," but we need this treaty and peace. And I am afraid you have made an enemy of my lord, the first privy councilor." "But should I fear him?" said Li. "You are my shield." "And you are my voice; but, Nan Ya have a care with my dignity. I will let Yueh Fei have his trial." "But the treaty has him dead already," said Li. "Why not just send him a dagger and let him die with honor." "How could you suggest that I stain my hands." "No, no - that's Ch'in Kwei's job!" "Have a care," said Kao. Li K'ai-men stood angrily. "Why should I? I have lugged back and forth for eleven years with you. I am weary of it. Maybe I should have no care and find the sword point myself! You wouldn't even let me retire to mourn for my father." "Are we at that again? I couldn't do without you for 3 years." "You can lose me even as I stand before you." Li was shaking with anger. The Emperor embraced him "I could never let you go, my little swallow. You have guided me, as a tutor should. You have been at my side in all adversity. I could never let you go." "And Yueh Fei was your shield. Remember that my lord. Sometimes you are like the child I met so long ago longing for friendship and freedom. At other times you are as bitter as your father and as self-indulgent." "I'm the son of heaven," said Kao. "What's self-indulgence to me? You have lived so long in my light, it has blinded you to the brilliance of the position. I am the boy who wanted to play soldier and instead, inherited this sorrowful task. Then you throw the historian's judgment in my face. How cruel to do that! History may not judge me at all." "Just remember, sire - Yueh Fei met you on the Riverbank. He held you in his arms and shielded you from the enemy's arrows. He gave you hot soup and dried your muddied clothing. He rode you on a fast horse to the sea. He stood guard on the shore as the vessel sailed away to safety. Ponder that, sire as you have this little Ch'in Kwei worm write Yueh Fei into a treaty of peace, which depends on such sentences of death." "Nan Ya," said Kao fighting back tears, "have a care with my feelings. We must play out this course of events with patience and solitude. I need to think. Leave me." Li bowed and departed, leaving Kao to his thoughts. In these thoughts, he was observed by Ch'in Kwei who stood in the rain watching. "So we have slid backwards," thought Ch'in Kwei. "No quick decision today. Li K'ai-men is always filled with good intentions, but never with the spirit that moves my policies. I spend a great deal of time emboldening his majesty to actions that will build a strong court. Li K'ai-men weaves his golden tongue around the Emperor's ears; and I have slid two weeks backward. Such is the manner and play of politics, my meat. Simplicity itself! Arrest the man and have him executed. I've done it often enough without hesitation. But it looks like this time the execution will not come. But we know this treaty must be signed. We know it." The rain was becoming bothersome, so the First Privy Councilor sought the shelter of the overhang. The Emperor observed him and called out. "Ch'in Kwei, still here?" said Kao, "I am pondering the matter. You know Yueh Fei's death will weigh heavy on my heart. Even his arrest has distressed me greatly." "What is one man's life compared to saving the nation?" he said wringing water from his hair. "Even the great patriots would agree to that. Li K'ai-men is filled with good intentions, but what does he know of negotiations and diplomacy. These are the arrows in my quiver." "Li K'ai-men's judgment is to be respected," said Kao. "But I cannot always depend on those closest to me to help me guide this land toward its destiny. I want this issue resolved. I want to wake up and have it finished and over." Ch'in Kwei smiled and bowed. "You can depend on me, sire. I serve in all things." So the matter was settled and decided; although it has never been quite clear on what authority the plan crept apace. Such small matters as a man’s life is beneath the dignity of the universality of heaven’s appointed one. It is to the night soil collectors that such realities have their delegation.