Three horsemen fleeing in the night, steeds so fast that they scarcely knew the road taken. Breatheless as the Jurchen soldiers pursued them, my master, Prince Kang and governor K’ang Yu-wei were the hunted.

To be the hunted is a terrible thing. To know that your death is the goal of any man is a hideous nightmare for any breathing soul, but for Prince Kang, it was soon to be a terror he would sooner have ended. In all the years I have heard these events from my master’s quivering lip, nothing more quivering came from them than of their flight from K’ai-feng.

He would say to me, "K’u Ko-ling, never was there a man so transformed by a journey than the Prince." He was still Prince then. "The adventuresome spirit was wrapped in a yearning for the bored life of the palace once again. If he could have willed it with one word, the entire episode would have been relegated to a dream. He wanted to wake again in those precincts he so hated and read those books that lulled him to drowsiness. His taste for freedom was at an end."

Such is the prerogative of royalty. They can have anything they want, whenever they want. Clap the hands and it appears for them instantly! The only time this is untrue is when the machinery of royalty is not fully operating. That was the case as the three fugitives fled westward, ragged and finally horseless. They reached a small village - Hu-fei-ch’iao - which was situated on the Yen Canal, within 2 days journey from Ch’I-chou.

Too much! I cannot bear this stink! My clothes are ripped; my hair is . . . My leg is cut. My body is weary. I cannot go another step. I cannot.

There he goes again.

My lord, we cannot rest. They are coming. They surely will find the horses and be on our trail.

Let them come! I want to go home; and if I surrender, I will go home to my clean bed. If I must die let me die on silk.

Don’t be foolish, my lord. Where’s the spirit of the household emissary, who would die for his nation.

I do not want to die. I want this to be over!

(resting) I am an old man, my lord. I am sure my body is more racked with pain than anyone’s here. But with all my heart and fiber, I do not want to be captured. I want to live and prosper and be of use to my country.

What has my country given me!

A bit self-indulgent, my lord.

Take care, Grand Tutor.

Why? You have resigned all semblance of royalty. You could be one of those sniveling soldiers that diserted us, like you’re disserting us now. Why should I take care? We should leave you here to rot in your stink and piss.

(weeping) Don’t be so cruel.

No, my lord. Whatever you’re feeling now - whatever you are doing to yourself to wallow in self-pity like a child instead of a man, you are still the ninth son of the Emperor - and as such, you belong to the nation. We mean to assure your safety, eventhough you are driving us to throw you in that canal.

Yes, I am my father’s son. He did not want to rule. I do not want anything more than my comforts and pleasures. I was wrong to scorn them.

So, the reality of the event has finally sunk in, my lord. I told you the romantic view is only served well in poetry and story. Heros are not devised. They are the product of their times - and that is the reality of their times.

(weeps) Take me home.

You will die there - and so shall we.

You might as well die here.

Hey there, you! What is this place?

Hu-fei-ch’iao.

And what is that river?

The Yen Canal.

The Yen Canal! You see my lord, we could be in the clear. Perhaps a small boat.

No boats here gentlemen.

And where are the villagers?

Gone, sir. There are great goings-on to the West. The barbarian has invaded and is heading this way. Everyone has fled to Ch’i-chou’s walls. They say the enemy is coming to find our lord, the Duke of Ch’I, who is believed to have escaped to his estate.

And have you seen this Duke of Ch’i.

No one has ever seen the Duke of Ch’i in these parts. He lives in a palace at the Capital. We only know him through the taxes we send and the corveys of men who repair the roads and canals for him. No, I have never seen this Duke. If I did, I would tell him to go to hell for all it’s worth.

Hell is a dark place much like this. Perhaps the Duke of Ch’I will return home as part of your wish good sir. And why have you stayed?

I want to die near my ancestors. If the Jurchen take Ch’I-chou, my heart will fall too far from the bones of my father and brother. It is better to die at home than to die abroad.

Exactly!

Then we mustn’t die at all.

I miss her, Grand Tutor.

Shhh, Not so loud. What that old man does not know will safeguard him. Who do you miss?

My mother.

But she’s been dead for years, my lord. And why think of her now?

Because I need to embrace her and rest my weary head on her breast.

My lord, you are a puzzlement to me. When you asked me to look deeply into your eyes, I saw a man of conviction and talent, mature in the ways of learning and wisdom. I did not see . . .

My father. Of course not. I really was anxious for change then. Now I want it all to return to normal.

Well, sire - it will never be the same again. Hold all those things tightly in your heart and memory - but do not leave us. You do not need to understand everything now. Just one thing - you must survive. Do not leave us.

Do not leave me.

Nan-ya - help me. Either kill me here or stop the pounding and drumming in my ears. It’s like the whole world is rushing through these temples. I see and hear them all. They are shouting at me - that I am the one. But I am not! I am the ninth! The Ninth! I was not born to rule.

I agree with you there. But I will not oblige you. You must come to terms with this. I will help you . . .

So will I my lord.

(weeps) They hate me here in Ch’i.

Yes, my lord. As an absentee landlord you haven’t seen the suffering of your people. That silk bed you call for was purchased by their blood and tears, they’re miserable existance, which you have only imagined in dreams. But smell your armpits now my lord, and remember.

The horsemen come.

Quickly, my lord, we cannot flee, so we must do something else.

What do you have in mind, Nan-ya?

Strip-off your clothes. Tear these shitty robes as best we can. Use the linings for your crotches.

If you want to become mere villagers, my lords, let me help you cut your fingernails.

My lord Duke of Ch’i, may I make you a mere commoner with a few clips?

Here, you come sit here by the roadside - and close your eyes tightly. Roll in that pile of dung first. You’re now a beggarman.

And you two, up on the pedal wheel. Quickly, quickly, they’re coming.

(to K’ang Yu-wei) Hey you! (waves his hands in front of Kang’s eyes). Ha ha, a blind asshole! Hey asshole! Why do you sit here and beg. The world has gone away and left you. Don’t you know? Can’t you hear?

A copper sir. Please for an old man.

(to the other soldiers) Search this place!

Where’s everyone?

We are here. We are all that remain. His Majesty’s armies have been through here and have taken away our young men to be soldiers and our women to follow the camp.

What about them? (indicating Li and Kang)

My sons. Both idiots. They are harmless. Wave to them, it keeps them calm.

Idiots, eh? No one else has been through here?

No, only three men on horseback about 2 hours ago. Pompous assholes! They flew like the wind and were upset with us that we had nothing to offer them but some stagnant water and boiled asparagus. They wouldn’t even wave to my sons. Told me they had never seen two more dungpiles in their life. Glad they’re gone.

Which way?

Dear sir, we know no way to thank you for this heroic deed.

You can. When you get to Ch’I-chou, tell the people of Hu-fei-ch’iao that Yung Dung-hsi (bows), at your service, loves his country well and has saved the life of his Imperial lord.

(weeps) I would have such courage as you, Yung Dung-hsi.

Just remember this day - Remember what you have seen and what you feel. Sniff you own armpits and think of the people. We serve you with love. You only owe us one kind act to repay your debt to Yung Dung-hsi.

Take this - and the Ox is wild in the millet fields about one li from here, in the shadow of Mt. T’ai.

Sometimes from the lowest flange on the finger, the noblest sentiment is played. My master has often said that Yung Dung-hsi derserved sainthood, eventhough he was never heard of again. Lowliness is my specialty. I can spot it at the end of my nose, because it is the end of my nose.

No mystery here. No wisdom either. What we have is a small secret to share. When you mix what is practical with that which is mystical the results are silly piss-ants like me, who stand before you and dish up mock philosphy and call it religion. How practical, you say - it makes sense. How mystical - it sounds noble. But in fact we make it up as we go. Since "as we go" always seems spontaneous and inventive, accidents can always be turned into cleverness in the retelling. (laughs)

But believe me (pause) if you dare (winks), that my master had his hands filled with responsibility. The Prince became gloomier and lethargic. He sat listless in the back of the ox-cart as they moved toward Ch’i-chou in the shadow of the great Mount T’ai.

(finishing and turning to the Prince) Now we know who our best friend is, sire. It is good friend Ox.

Aha! It is so. He grazed unknowingly in the fields as we cracked the millet withour heels. He could have had us you know. But K’ang Yu-wei called out - "Friend Ox," and the beast came to us with the obedience of a dog.

Little tricks of my youth on my father’s farm. You know the Ox is a very intelligent beast, who can tell who is his friend or not. If he knows you mean him ill, he will charge and rip you in two. But under this cool sky, I could tell at once that this gentle beast had the heart of his owner. And friend Ox knew he was a gift.

(sings) "Plodding in the mud and billows,
The Ox god know his friends,
As he watches for the marmosets and sorel
He lumbers to the camellia bush and lingers in the shade,
Wearing a pink and red hat,
And dancing with the river folk."

K’ang Yu-wei, I had know idea you sang.

I haven’t in years - but the sight of friend Ox there - and the glory of Mt. T’ai has given my spirit’s a rise. Just look to the mountain. It’s top is lost in the mists. Breathe deeply and catch the aroma of firs and pines. What can better incite one to sing, and even dance than the sight of Mt. T’ai and the heart of Friend Ox.

Jade Emperor, your priest is here - returned to your shadowy door.

Are you ill, my lord?

No, leave him be. He is the Duke of Ch’i and the guardian of the sacred mountain.

I will not forsake you mighty lord of the Eastern Seas. I bow to might and power.

At last, some return to sacred duty.

"Friend Ox in the millet fields of Hu Fan-t’an
Hold the world on your back again,
Ferry us across the wisteria sea
To the golden halls of Han,
That we ask Friend Ox."

What’s that?

Dust, clouds of dust. I would say the Jurchen have caught up to us.

My lord, arise, we must run.

Nan-ya, there are too many and look they come in the other direction as well. I will not run now as well. I think the game is up.

I can’t accept that. We can . . .

(to Li) General Han Shih-chung. It is the Commander of the Northeast. (to Han) General Han.

Should I know you?

I am Governor K’ang Yu-wei.

K’ang Yu-wei - then (looking at Prince Kang, who is a sight to see) then it is true and it is so.

(to Prince Kang) My lord, we are home. These are our troops, and this is Han Shih-chung.

(goes to his knee) Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand years.

Your Majesty.

(in a whisper) Fly, brother fly. Fly my charmer. I dream of your freedom and great tenacity. Why didn’t I see it when we were younger? You were a twit - a pissy little bugger getting under my feet. Now, sweet brother, I think of you night and day as these mongrels mount me each day like a women and piss on my head and beat my eyes shut.

Father, wake up. Your light is here.

Let me be.

No father, clap for your brushes to paint the screen. The light is here and it’s the best fucking light you have ever seen.

Be respectful.

I am respectful. I miss your warmth and generosity, your selfless service to the state.

Leave me be. I don’t know what was worse, having to work at being Emperor or being locked in here with you, boy.

What do you think they’ll have for dinner tonight? I though the piss water was particularly pungent and the fish heads a bit on the rich side.

Please, keep quiet. Let me die in peace.

Die? You heard Nien-hao. They will never let you die. Even when your last hours are here, they will mount you on a wooden pole and pump your body with the stuff to keep you alive in death!

(cries) Hell and damnation, will you go away.

To where father? Where?

In my mind I am with him - my sweet brave brother. I think I will always be with him, even when they cart us away from this place. The folly of self indulgence has brought us here, father. No amount of balm could soothe us for not caring enough for our places in history. Now you will be known for your paintaing and foolishness and I - well I was the Emperor who lost it all.

Who is there?

No more torture. I cannot stand that.

It is I, Chang Pang-ch’ang.

Traitor!

No, father - not so.

I had no choice. Oh look at you. I’ve seen your brothers, and they are just as distressed.

Chang, what news do you bring?

You will be leaving tomorrow for the North. Nien-hao has gutted the stores of the city and has commandeered every cart, wagon and sedan to hold goods. A great caravan will move forward tomorrow at dawn with the wealth of the Empire and I will never see your majesties again.

But what of Prince Kang?

I don’t want to go North.

Be quiet, father. My brother, what has happened to my brother.

He is safe.

I knew it! My charmer is safe indeed.

He is safe and will be my death.

You should die traitor.

The Empress Dowager has been circulating orders to the generals for my arrest and capture. She has ordered Hsieh K’o-chia to bring the Imperial seal to her.

To her?

Your sister Princess Fei-li is also alive and well -

And she has a son.

Exactly. You know that your brother would never consent to let the regency pass to Yang Yuan-yu.

Can I never be free of talk of state? Haven’t I paid enough for at least that privilege.

You are correct in one thing. You will die. You will die a traitor, although I know you are innocent. But you hold the seal in your power.

Do you still love and serve me, Chang Pang-ch’ang?

I do, your majesty.

Then you must use your death in my service. When Nien-hao departs, I want you to abdicate . . . .

But he will have me killed.

You are a dead man, whatever befalls.

A dead man - how I envy you.

With Hsieh K’o-chia’s help, remove the seal from K’ai-feng and accompany it to Ch’i-chou. Delever it to my sweet charmer brother for his coronation.

Will he pardon me?

He cannot. Han Shih-chung will grant you a gentleman’s death, I am sure of it.

A dead man (weeps) And remembered by History as a traitor.

But you will have changed that history with your death.

The light is going.

Your time is fading Chang Pang-ch’ang. Be the dynasty’s savior. My aunt would have it for herself - and she is a she-cat, not capable of rule. But my charmer brother is. Will you do these things, Chang Pang-ch’ang?

And tell my brother that his life will sweeten my declining days in the enemy camp. He is my heart and the dream of the green-world. And I will always think well of you Chang - even when your name is maligned and cut from the lists.

It is going, the light.

Our light is extinguished father, forever. With this act our last exercise in power comes to an end.

So, Nien-hao and the Jurchen retreated Northward with their booty - every valuable they could find in K’ai-feng and sixteen Imperial Princess, 14 Imperial Princesses, all the little Princelings, 2 complete harems and 2 bona fide Emperors.The dynasty has been smashed indeed.

I remember the day the word came to Nan-ch’ang that the barbarians had left. The Empress Dowager was ecstatic. She came to my mistress with the news herself. There was an obvious plot to regain control over matters and take a renewed stand against the Jurchen dogs.

But there was soon another procession. This one was to the east. Chang Pang-ch’ang was good on his word. He quietly abdicated his position and ordered the Impreial seal be hoisted onto what proved to be the last cart in K’ai-feng. Then he proceeded to walk to Ch’i-chou along with many prominent officials to present the seal to the Duke of Ch’i.

My lord, you haven’t eaten nor have you commenced dressing. The servants say, you have been sitting here like this all day. When will you snap out of this malaise?

Nan-ya, you are always nagging. You started out a friend - then a bit more - then a real obsticle, and now a nag.

I’m glad my lord is better. You certainly sound more like yourself.

Do I? You know, I have been thinking. When I am Emperor, what post shall I give to you. I don’t need a grand tutor.

You will always need a Grand Tutor.

Take care. I am to be Emperor. I could have you flayed as an afternoon whim.

Flay me, if that gives you pleasure. Just remember, you are inheriting an empty treasury, a passel of bully Generals, a slovenly army, a rival Imperial line through your sister and . . .

Enough. First you encourage me to think Imperial - and now your discouraging me to even take the job. I am afraid as it is?

Nan-ya, I have been thinking. When I was a child, I lived in this place. I remember it clearly - as if it were yesterday. I was taken to the great hall and there they made me the Duke of Ch’i. I was five years old, a scared and terrified little tyke, who was made to wear stiff clothing and sit an interminable amount of time listening to the official chants and words. The ceremonial was horrifying.

Rites are important.

I do not believe that. I think these rites and form are just to keep us in line throughout the ages. And now I have returned to this place for more rites and form. I would like to suspend with the rites.

But your majesty, how can you?

I don’t know, but I want to.

Your majesty, the procession nears the city.

Poor men. They look to me for their strength. Poor deluded creatures. I have no strength for them.

You will find some, I am sure.

Your majesty should prepare to meet them. You should look more impressive than you do now.

General Han, why can’t I wear this plain black robe?

We need the Imperial spirit with us. We need some pomp.

Do we now? They need some pomp. I need some sleep. Leave us.

What would your Han Lin say about all this?

My lord, I thought Han Lin did not interest you?

Stop being so testy with me today. Shortly I will be the Emperor Kao and I'll clap you in the irons

Then I would need to apply to some possible regent for pardon. She could become a friend of mine.

It’s good to hear you laugh again.

I thought to make you the First Privy Councilor, but in that post you could not advise me closely; and in the politics I would surely loose you. So, I will make you the Imperial Private Secretary, which means you are the key to the Imperial door.

Isn't that more dangerous?

No, because you answer only to me; and no one will ever be sure exactly what you do, except me. And all I want you to do is to be a boon companion and advisor.

What can I say?

You can tell me what Han Lin would have said.

Han Lin would ask me to look at you and tell him what I see. I see the Son of Heaven. Han Lin would then have turned the lights out and ask me if the Son of Heaven was really there still. And I would reply, "That is for the Son of Heaven to say."

Dress me.

I am not ready.

My gracious lord and majesty, may you live ten thousand years, I deliver to you the Imperial seal of the House of Chao and the banners of Sung. I do this at the command of your brother, the Emperor Ch’ing who bids me tell you your life will sweeten his declining days in the enemy camp. You are his heart and the dream of the green-world.

Chang, I am grateful to my brother for this act - and I will ask Han Shih-chung to allow you a gentleman’s death.

Your majesty, may you live ten thousand year.

Gentleman, help me out of these ridiculous robes. Get me a simple black robe. And let my hair down. Tell the priests and officials I will not need their long winded ceremonies today."

Your Majesty, will you share with us your meaning?

It is simple. Why should I celebrate this occasion with such splendor. My father and brothers are imprisoned and languishing in the steppes. My capital is in ruins. My government is in pieces. My treasury is depleted, and we face the imminent return of the Jurchen dog. No. Let me be declared Emperor in my bedshirt and loin wrap! We are not a pearl festooned ruler! We must survive!

Declare me Emperor naked before you! When the lights are out, I will be no less than Emperor. Whether you see my ermines or my swelling groin, I am your Emperor nonetheless.

May you live ten thousand years. May you live ten thousand years.

Your majesty?

Yes, private secretary.

Might I suggest that this will not due before the nation. Before you present yourself to the people, perhaps you ought to put on the black robe.

(doing so - but leaves it wide open for all to see his nudity) Good suggestion, Private Secretary.

And perhaps this fine crimson sash to symbolize the bloodshed of our soldiers.

Most satisfactory, Private Secretary. (laughs)

A memory, Nan-ya - a memory.

People of Ch’i-chou - I stand here before as your Emperor - the son and brother of Emperors - the only legitimate heir to the Sung throne. I stand before as the Emperor Kao. And I swear to you, I will not wear any other color robe but this plain black one until we have reestablished the realm.

And to the people of Hu-fei-ch’iao I say to you, that Yung Dung-hsi loves his country well and has saved my life so I could be your lord. When I was the Duke of Ch’i, I was a guardian and caretaker. You did not know me then.

But know me now. We will drive the invader from the land - because I remember what I have seen. I remember.

The Emperor Kao with my master at his side began his long history that day. It was hardly a predictable thing that he should have ruled, much less reign. It was not probable that he would succeed. But, from accident to accident, the young man managed to overcome himself and stand before the world as the next Emperor of the Sung.

I have often thought as I mixed ink or boiled tea water, that these men may just have found this whole affair a sport - a diversion with the heavy ball of power as the tug and tussle. Indeed, I could have poisoned any one of them at anytime, except they amuse me so.

My master had now become a strangre to his family. His little boy was growing up without his father at his side. Mei-lin was becoming attached to the intrigues in Yang Yuan-yu’s web, and Fu Lin-t’o pined without my master’s nightly company. It was then I got to know Fu best. We’d chat about things, mostly the price of pears in the marketplace and such - and he invited me to drink wine with him - and I helped get him a sleepmate on occasion.

But my master has been preoccupied with his post as the Emperor’s playmate. It was then and is now still.

Master, tea or poison?

Leave us be, K’u Ko-ling.

Is that you Nan-ya?

It’s me, you mean bastard. I was sitting here thinking about that day in Ch’I-chou when you refused to wear your coronation robes and wanted to appear before the citizens naked. (laugh) That was rich.

Don’t laugh at me, you asshole. That was an important day in my life. I was doing the one kind act to repay Yung Dung-hsi.

What - you just wanted to stop the rites and ceremonials.

You mean you didn’t understand that I had no intention of becoming Emperor that day. I meant to jump from the balcony, only you came in and began to nag - and I began to think that I owed that debt. What better way to pay it than to give myself up to the people’s service.

The people’s service. Nice words, but I think you’ve always been only into your own service. I mean, you’ve been absolutely intolerable to me. I‘ve been loyal, but you’ve ordered me about like a slave, gave me assignments that were impossible, banished me - Yes, banaished me! You’re a mean bastard and I don’t know why I put up with you. It’s a good thing you retired when you did.

You are always the nag, even as I go to join my father and my brother.

Well, would you go! K’u Ko-ling, we’ll take the poison now. Something fast and painful.

Now I know why I have had you around me for these forty years. I needed a buffoon! Did you fart?

Lunch was a bit fortifying.

Well don’t stink up my deathbed.

This has been your deathbed for three months and you only seem to get better.

My lord, are you better now.

Better. I haven’t been so mean to you as you pretend. You and I have had larks you know. You cannot deny it.

(laughing) We have had larks. You did want adventure.

Yes, one must be careful for what one wishes.

Master, how is my liege lord the retired Emperor today?

Who cares!

No one cares for the ninth son of a foppish old Emperor.

That’s right, you were not in line to rule at all.

Not in a thousand years.

Ninth son! (laughs)

Your poison is ready.