All is prepared, sir.

Look here! I didn’t see that before. Is that a river or a canal?

(looking) It’s not very prominent. It might be a ditch.

A ditch. If we’re to march through here in the course of battle, we need to know every detail. Now there’s a difference between a river, a canal and a ditch, isn’t there?

Yes, sir, there is.

Get Yin K’ai to get off his lazy ass and inspect this area here and clarify. Strategic implementation of my plan depends on it. Maps are important to any martial enterprise.

(taking the map) I will see to it at once.

Has Li K’ai-men arrived?

No, sir. He is still preparing himself for the interview.

And any word from Ch’in Kwei?

None, sir.

Well, we shall prevail regardless of Ch’in Kwei’s influence on these matters. Patriots always prevail over traitors.

Yes, sir. But all is prepared sir.

The shrine is ready for you.

Oh yes. Thank you. I’ll attend to it.

Hope of the Nation! Hero of Heroes! Protector of the Dynasty! General Yueh Fei was the man of the hour, the grandest strategist since Han Shih-chung and a more ardent patriot than even Tsung Tse or Li Kang. This man, born under the effects of a morning star, drilled on the great battles and defeats of the Jurchen dog invasion - this man, Yueh Fei held the key to regaining the lost Northern territories for the Sung..

Now, as for myself, I know no hymns to the motherland — just the pots and pans to my master, Li K’ai-men’s commanding nature. I can sing a song of fetching and one of arranging. I can dance to the tune of "jump at my command." My master, who was the most prominent courtier to his most gracious Majesty, the Emperor Kao, may he live ten thousand years. My master, Li K’ai-men was the Imperial Private Secretary, the most influential soul in the Empire - the Emperor’s closest councillor and friend.

But be that as it may, there were others who would usurp that position - especially in these times of controversy. After many years, the Southern Sung court wandered in Liang-chiang and Fu-chien provinces, from city to city, looking for the final spot to anchor itself. This was a difficult anchorage, because the Jurchen invaders, incessantly raided the South, especially as it established itself firmly in the lost Northern teritories. However, now there were overtures for peace. And peace could mean that the last town settled — Hang-chou, could be the new capital of the South.

Lin-an was the name chosen for the new capital; however, as long as there was war between the two nations, the Emperor was reluctant to declare Hang-chou the capital and rename it. The Emperor was ecstatic over the prospects. But, with the overtures for peace, there also came a renewed patriotism to win back the North.

Now, General Yueh Fei was in perfect position to launch an offensive. He was only held in check by the raging controversy over such an invasion — the court had split into a War Party and a Peace Party. Astride the two was the First Privy Councillor, Ch’in Kwei, the former ambassador to the Jurchen court and an old campaigner on the field of diplomacy. He was clearly in favor of Peace. While the discussions raged, the Emperor sent his emissary to General Yueh Fei, for guidance and an assurance that his majesty was indeed a patriot with the motherland in his heart. The emissary was my master - what better person could be chosen for the job. What better signal to send an ardent patriot than the closest member of the inner court. When you infuse the tea with green tea leaves, you get green tea. My master brought the great trust of his master to the front lines of the Empire. It was clear to Yueh Fei that he could prepare for battle.

Yueh T’an, Yueh Lu, Yueh Fei-min, Yueh Jung-xi. We are about to go to war once again. Watch over me and I will make you proud — once again. Fatal in battle, my lance shall be and my troops shall be victorious — once again. Sweet hazel eyed sister, beloved mother and gone Jing-da, I cannot return to your arms, so in the fray I will see your souls — once again.

How I love this land, the sacred hills - but how I mean to win you again. I can smell the running blood, the burning flesh. How I hear the screams of the enemy dying at my command and strategem. The Jurchen are worthless to my eye - and every hour they sit in occupation of the motherland, it is an hour for sorrow. When great Li Kang drew blood and wrote the words of challenge to the Imperial will, that was a time for greatness — when shame was clearly before us and we could act. Now, so many battles lost - so many spirits passing to the ancestors. So much defeat and decay. We cannot sit by and let this softening of the barbarian spirit pass to their credit — once again.

The breezes of my native Shu recall me. They remember my wasted youth, my drunken folly, the women, the sport and cold fallen evenings and the rude morning sun. If ever a man deserves to be dispised, I am that man. What honor had I wrought upon my family’s name. Little merit, less ferment and no riches. A sword for hire, I. No more than a bitch’s curr, finding a bandit opportunity more worthy of discourse than any notion than the nobility that funnels this warfare. Yes, the breezes recall me — once again.

But now, the ancestors sleeping in the quiet earth know that Yueh Fei has a gentler side — the warrior’s part, noble in stride and leadership. So, take my part again in this fray and fire. Victory is more importnt than survival. If I join you beyond the partition of this world, may you welcome me on the merit of these times and not the folly of some other.

Sir, Li K’ai-men is here.

(rising) Ah my friend Li - welcome, welcome. (to the adjustant) Have some wine brought and almond cakes - the one’s my wife sent.

Sit, my friend - sit. Let me remove this armor.

(sitting) General Yueh, it’s so good to see you after all this time.

Has it been so long?

It has. I believe the last time was . . .

No, no - let me. Let’s see. It was on the road to Ning-hsia, when his majesty was seeking refuge at sea. Yes, yes, that was it. (sees Fu Lin-t’o)

Oh, General Yueh, this is my friend and travelling companion, Fu Lin-t’o.

Ah yes. I have often heard of this man. At times I thought he was an idle rumour about the court circles - but I guess if he was an idle rumour, he wouldn't be here in the flesh. You know, there are such arrangements among some of my men - and I think as long they honor the ancestors with sons, where we toss a lance is our own private business. Well, well. Fu Lin-t’o, come sit with us. You know I have a high opinion of your . . . well, your . . . well, how do I refer to him.

Friend and companion.

Surely, there must be a better, more endearing term. After all, you share a peach together.

There’s no word that fits better than "friend and companion."

Well, so be it. Friend and companion of Li K’ai-men, welcome to my encampment.

I thank you, my lord. I am honored to be before the greatest living patriot in the Empire.

Ah yes. I am that. His majesty has none more true.

Ah, refreshment. These cakes are special magic from my wife. She sends them to whereever I am. I swear that I defend our glorious realm to preserve the place for my wife’s cakes. (laughs) Try them. And some wine.

So, do I have the favor of His Majesty? Do I?

You will always have his favor. You have saved his life, and mine for that matter on so many occasions, how can it be otherwise.

Well, you never know. The court has been kissing the invader’s ass lately. Ch’in Kwei has called for this truce; and I barely can abide it. He knows nothing of warfare - nothing of patriotism.

He is a diplomat.

Then he should stay a diplomat. Now he heads the government. Better men have done it and failed - and I fear they have failed by Ch’in Kwei’s politics. Graspy little devil he. I though Lu I-hao had the correct ideas and policies. As long as we hammer away at those Jurchen bastards, we would eventual catch them off-guard. A prefecture here - a district there - soon we’d have a province here and a region there, back in our control and rule. That’s the best way. But where is Lu I-hao now!

He’s a farmer in An-hwei. Look at Han Shih-chung . . .

Retired to Fu-ch’ien. Farmers all!

But we have you and you will never go farming will you?

How could I. What do I know of radishes?

I concur. Look at me! Although my grandfather uncle was a farmer and I spent many days in the fields, I never knew how to get cabbages bigger than a pea. As for radishes - I could admire them and paint them - but that is not my area of expertise.

No, nor mine, (to Fu) eh, Fu Lin-t’o. Are you a land grubber?

My father was indeed the elder of the pao-t’ien and we had the riches farm in the district. But we never grew much in surplus; but we did bushel up a radish or two.

You never told me that.

We never talk of such things you know. You know how poor we were, how near to starvation. Remember how we shared some soup you called shit in my father’s house on the day we met. Remember how poor our wine was, unlike this glorious vintage. So, if we ever needed to survive together without so much as a noodle between us, I could master a row of radishes for the pot.

Ho, ho. I like this man of yours - I mean, this friend and companion.

(staring into Fu’s eyes) So do I. As the years roll by, I find him the most precious road on my journey of service in this land. I have traveled from place to place on his majesty’s business, weary and hot, stumbling and cold - work, work, work - but when I think of this man . . .

This friend and companion . . .

Yes, this friend and companion, the road is less wearisome. The work is less burdensome.

Farmers all when we plant our seed in the wholesome earth - be it millet, weed or radish - we know what we need to know.

Ah, yes. These cakes are a joy. Have some more. And while we drink and eat, tell me whether the orders for invasion have been finalized.

Well, there is some debate.

Debate! How can there be debate. The enemy has shown signs of weakness. We must take advantage. We must.

Well, there have been meetings to sign a new treaty.

Of course. There are always meetings. Treaties are always in progress. That means nothing. The Jurchen hold the heartland - and thus our heart. Treaties are matters for the mind - but our country is a matter for the heart.

Dear friend. Be calm. Ch’in Kwei is circumspect in these matters. I am sure that you will have an answer shortly.

I am ready today! I intend to invade today!

Without orders?

If need be! I know martial strategy and art. Tomorrow will be too late.

How can it be too late, when we have been fighting for 11 years. Will one day make a difference?

(standing) Any instance can turn the tide. Look how his majesty was at the point of capture when he fled Yang-chou. It was I, Yueh Fei - who met him at the riverbank and whisked him away to safety. That instance made a difference. If I had not been in the vacinity and acted switftly, a different set of events would have happened. We would not be here having this discussion now. I am sure of it! So, today I attack.

Listen Yueh Fei. Be wiser than that. If these notions were to become known, they could have dire consequences.

Of course they are quite well known. I have dispatched my intentions to the court.

That was unwise.

Wisdom is another man’s meat. The truth of the moment is mine.

What’s this? (looks) It has the Imperial seal.

I have no knowledge of any missive other than my own - and I delivered it.

(holds the scroll to his eye) Then, these are the orders. These are the words I have waited for and will always be emblazoned on my heart and the heart of all patriots.

You are the Imperial conscience. You deliver it.

This cannot be.

It’s the order to invade.

No, it is not.

Arrest. I am under arrest! There must be some mistake. How can I be under arret. How can we move forward and defeat the Jurchen if I am to be arrested. How can I resist the Imperial will?

Wait! I am his majesty’s Private Secretary. (they bow)

(to Yueh) I cannot prevent this, but you will not be hauled away like a criminal. Dignity is yours - matched to my own, my friend.

Li K’ai-men, history will remember you as my jailer - but I would have none other. (to the adjutant) Tell my loyal followers that Ch’in Kwei has detained me until further notice. They should remain on alert. The orders may come yet. (to the soldiers) I will follow you - but I am in Li K’ai-men’s custody. (to Fu Lin-t’o) Fu Lin-t’o, follow us to this resolution; and please, carry my wife’s cakes to my interment. I may know nothing of radishes, but I know the solace of her sweet rising soul - and you would honor me as her proxy. Lead on!

Ch’in Kwei had acting swiftly when he heard that Yueh Fei planned to attack the Jurchen. Afterall, Ch’in had crafted the new treaty and was moving 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 land. 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 one side of 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 stateman 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 - and 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 burst of well-meant passion, isn’t there?

Peace is at hand, gentlemen — our lifelong dream, gentlemen. This is an honorable thing — 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 of the Imperial will to arrst Yueh Fei. He has been disloyal to his majesty.

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 traor.

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

You serve the enemy and should not be first Privy Councillor. You have managed to bring us to the brink of the hopelessness of never regaining the North.

My dear colleague, Chao Chu-kua —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, I will never subscribe to peace. On the day it occurs, my ancertors will find me in their midst; however, I am glad there is a limit to your folly.

Ho Xiang-chu, how can you abandon the cause of peace so readily.

Sir, I do not abandon my principles.

But you do indeed. Yueh Fei was going to attack the Jurchen. He was going to cross the river. Here are his very words.

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

Can that be?

Read it for yourself.

Brave man; and 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 - not to anyone who abides by this code!

Have a care, Chao — this is not a game.

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

Have a care — he is not deaf; and there is a cell near Yueh Fei’s.

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

Have a care, Chao Chu-kua, we are not deaf yet.

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

High spirited and high handed. 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.

Quite so.

And as a traitor, he should die at once.

Quite so, if his treachery holds true. 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.

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, I meant no offence.

Yes you did. I heard it. Just because we have these little protocols in court doesn’t mean I can’t judge your intent. I’m in the room you know!

Perhaps, some action against . . .

No, Ch’in Kwei. 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. 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. 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?

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

That would be hard for a man like Yueh Fei. Ch’in Kwei would have me execute the man. You would have him tried — but set free.

Leave us! Ch’in Kwei stay and you Nan Ya.

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

Exactly, my lord. As long as he’s alive the treaty will not be settled.

How can you say that. 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!

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

Who are the people? 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 . . .

(angry) Call me what, Nan Ya. Have a care private secretary. History will call me what?

They will hold you responsible for his death. 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! 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!

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 — but we need this treaty and peace. And I am afraid you have made an enemy of my lord, the first privy councillor.

But should I fear him? 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. 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.

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 swordpoint 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.

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 self-endulgent.

I’m the son of heaven. What’s self-endulgence 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 judgement 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.

(much effected) Nan Ya, have a care with my feelings. We must play out this course of events with patience and solitude. I need to think. Leave me.

So we have slid backwards. 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 embolding 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.

Ch’in Kwei, still here? 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? 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 judgement is to be respected. 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.

(bowing) You can depend on me, sire. I serve in all things.

Master Li is finished in my eyes. My work is my work; no one interferes with my work, not Yueh Fei — not Chao Chu-kua. Not even the great Li K’ai-men. Have a care Imperial Private Secretary. Have a care.