Chapter - 37 (37) (1/2)

Whoever in Yamen submits a plan to pacify the barbarian, the imperial court will suggest to send out an Imperial Edict of Sichuan Document first.

One day Wei Xiaobao and the Luocha Country Ambassador arrived in Beijing. Seeing his return, Prince Kang, Songgotu and all the other princes, dukes and ministers were surprised and delighted at the same time. Ever since he went out to sea with the Navy, nobody knew his whereabouts. Several times the imperial court sent expeditions trying to locate him, all came back saying that on the boundless ocean there was no track of him at all, unexpectedly not a single battleship, not a single soldier came back. Kangxi thought that the fleet came across hurricane in the ocean and everybody perished; each time he remembered this, he was always downhearted. As the news reached the Palace, Kangxi immediately summoned Wei Xiaobao for an audience.

Wei Xiaobao saw smile all across Kangxi's whole face; after kowtowing to him, Wei Xiaobao summarized his experience straight away. This time Kangxi sent him out to sea, the primary mission was to exterminate Divine Dragon Cult and capture the fake empress dowager. At this moment, as he heard that the Divine Dragon Cult was destroyed, although the fake empress dowager had not been captured, they had forged an alliance with the Luocha Country. Ever since Kangxi interrogated Hantiemo, the Mongolian envoy who was sent to visit Kunming, and learned that Wu Sangui was colluding with Luocha Country, Mongolia, and Tibet, three strong allies, Kangxi was deeply concerned. As for Shang and Geng, two border defenses, as well as Taiwan rebel Zheng Clan, he merely consider them as secondary. Seeing Wei Xiaobao returned safe and sound, he was already genuinely delighted, now that he learned about the arrival of the Luocha Country Ambassador to cultivate friendship, he was even more pleased. Busily he asked for more details.

Wei Xiaobao told him from head to tail, about how he taught Sophia to instigate the firearm brigades to rebel, how he taught her to set up two little Tsars, while she herself became the regent. Kangxi laughed aloud and said, ”Damn it, you have learned our Great Qing's shrewdness, and was able to teach this Luocha Country's female demon.”

The next day during the morning audience, Kangxi summoned the Luocha Country Ambassador. In the imperial court, Wei Xiaobao was the only one who understood Luocha language. Actually, Luocha language was very difficult to learn, in those short several months, he only learned limited numbers of Luocha words, while the Luocha Country Ambassador's words were full of eulogy. Out of ten words, he did not understand nine of them. Taking advantage of the fact that the others did not understand either, he fabricated the speech, he went as far as to recite the inscription made up by Lu Gaoxuan the other day, such as 'In a thousand years, the Great Qing will be loved', and 'its supernatural spirit reaches out to relieve, its grand, awe-inspiring might is all powerful'; subsequently he recited several sentences.

While reciting, he stole a glance to see Kangxi's expression, but he saw Kangxi was beaming with smile; hence Wei Xiaobao knew that the inscription had come in useful. Thereupon he continued with a loud voice, ”Subduing monsters conquering demons like a rising sun. The feathered wings support his rule, breathing out stale air and breathing in fresh air. Ten thousands luck a hundred good fortune, there will never be a year without plentiful harvest. Immortal happiness will be enjoyed forever, all the world will venerate. Its long life will be the same as the Heaven's, a kind sage of both pen and sword. In a moment, in the sky …”

As the words 'in the sky' came out of his mouth, he stopped talking immediately; thinking that if he continued, he would expose the fox's tail

[57]. Therefore, he said, ”Luocha Country young Tsar, the Queen Regent, respectfully wish Chinese Great Emperor, the Lord of Ten Thousand Years, the Holy Sage, good health.”

These sentences were originally composed by Lu Gaoxuan as a eulogy to the Cult Leader Hong, and now Wei Xiaobao recited it out; although it felt a bit nondescript, but 'all the world will venerate', or 'sage of both pen and sword' and so on were well-disposed praise and good wishes. As they heard it, the numerous ministers repeatedly nodded their heads.

[58].

Immediately the Luocha Country Ambassador presented the gifts. Luocha Country was even colder than Liaodong, the black fox and mink furs it produced were even more gorgeous and richer than Liaodong products. Manchu high-ranking officials were people who can judge the quality of goods; as soon as they saw it, no body did not utter praise. Immediately Kangxi ordered Wei Xiaobao to receive the gifts properly and prepare Chinese gifts in return.

After the morning audience was over, Kangxi summoned Tang Ruowang and Nan Huairen, two people, he ordered them to see the Luocha Country Ambassador. Nan Huairen was a Belgian, whose language was similar to French. The Luocha Country Ambassador could speak French, hence the two of them were able to communicate. Nan Huairen praised Kangxi's brilliance and benevolence, which was seldom found among the monarchs since times immemorial. He told other things so that the Luocha Country Ambassador was convinced.

The next day, Kangxi ordered Tang Ruowang and Nan Huairen, two people to demonstrate the cannon on Nanyuan [lit. southern park], and then, along with Wei Xiaobao, he accompanied to Luocha Country Ambassador for an inspection. Seeing the sharpness and accuracy of the cannon, he was inwardly quite impressed. He asked Nan Huairen to convey to the Emperor that the Queen Regent of Luocha Country was determined to cultivate friendship with China, and to be nation brothers forever.

After the Luocha Country Ambassador took his leave and returned to his country, Kangxi recalled that Wei Xiaobao went to a military campaign this time, he managed to get rid of two strong allies of Wu Sangui in one stroke, his merit was indeed not small. Thereupon Kangxi issued an edict to grant Wei Xiaobao the title of First Class Loyal and Brave Count. Immediately the princes, dukes and cabinet ministers thronged to congratulate him.

Wei Xiaobao remembered Shi Lang, Regional Commander Huang, and the others, who, unexpectedly, not a single person returned. He presumed it was because their commander-in-chief went missing on the sea. He was the number one favorite of the Emperor, the person closest to him. If the Emperor was furious, he might charge them with 'fault in military operation, shrinking back on approaching the battlefield, crime for letting the commander-in-chief fallen into the deathtrap', et cetera, all kinds of criminal charges added together, so that everybody was afraid to be beheaded, hence they wander destitute around the Tong Chi Island and did not dare to come back.

When the Manchurians sent the troops for the first time, their military law was extremely strict; when they went to war, if the captain of a unit died in battle, and the troops shrank back and ran away, frequently the entire unit would be executed. Even until the Manchus enters the peaceful years, this law still existed; for this reason, Manchurian troops were very refined and unrivalled. Thereupon Wei Xiaobao sent out two envoys toward Tong Chi Island and Shen Long Island, to summon Shi Lang and the others back to the Capital.

One day Kangxi summoned Wei Xiaobao to the Upper Study Room. Pointing to three memorials lying on the desk, he said, ”Xiao Guizi, these three memorials came from three different places; can you guess whose memorials these are?”

Wei Xiaobao craned his neck to look at the three memorials; but he did not see anything that would give him any clue. ”Your Majesty must give me a bit of clue, then your servant can guess well,” he said.

Kangxi smiled; he raised his right palm and made chopping gestures, as if he was beheading someone, three times. Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, ”Ah, that's right; it must be that big … big treacherous officials Wu Sangui, Shang Kexi and Geng Jingzhong, those three fellows' memorial.”

Kangxi laughed. ”You are very smart,” he said, ”Guess again: what do these three memorials say?”

Wei Xiaobao scratched his head. ”It's very hard to guess,” he said, ”Did those three memorials arrive at the same time?”

”Some arrived earlier than the other,” Kangxi replied, ”But the difference is not much.”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”Those three treacherous officials are harboring malicious intentions, they must have the same ideas; your servant guesses that the content of the memorials are more or less the same.”

Kangxi lightly patted the memorials on the desk and said, ”Precisely. The first memorial arrived was from that old fellow Shang Kexi. He said that he is old, and wanted to return to Liaodong. He asked to have his son, Shang Zhixin to replace him in guarding Guangdong. I wrote a comment on the memorial: if Shang Kexi wants to return to Liaodong, he does not need to leave his son in Guangdong. When Wu Sangui and Geng Jingzhong heard the news, one after another they also submitted memorial to the throne.”

Picking up a memorial, Kangxi said, ”This one is the old fellow Wu Sangui's. He said, 'For twenty years the minister has received the Heaven's kindness, with wasted contribution it is hard to repay; only wearily guarding the border for a period of time, how can I dare to ask rest from responsibility? Today I heard Ping Nan Wang [king who pacify the south] Shang Kexi has given a full account in a memorial to the Emperor, and has already received favor, to be allowed to withdraw completely from guarding the border. Relying on great compassion, I boldly ask the Heaven to listen, asking to be removed from this assignment.' Humph, he is testing me, he wants to see whether I dare to remove him from guarding the border? He is not doing it alone, he must have communicated with Shang Kexi and Geng Jingzhong, the three of them together trying to scare me!”

Kangxi picked up another memorial and said, ”This one is Geng Jingzhong's. He said, 'Minister has held two hereditary rank of nobility simultaneously, my heart longs for the Emperor's imperial city watchtower, only because of the ocean atmosphere I dare not suddenly ask to cease leading the troops. Recently I saw Ping Nan Wang Shang Kexi submitted a memorial begging to return, and has received the imperial decree. Remembering that minister has led officers and men into punitive expedition to the south for more than twenty years, I am looking up in earnest on the Emperor's kindness, asking to be removed from this assignment.' One in Yunnan, the other in Fujian, separated by ten thousand li, how could the wording of these two letters be similar? In one hand they say they must not cease leading the troops, on the other hand they beg to withdraw. These fellows, do you think they still have me in their eyes?” While saying that, he angrily tossed the memorials unto the desk.

”That's right,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”These three memorials contain heresy and treason, it is actually rebellion's war declaration. Your Majesty, we dispatch the troops, seize the three rebel thieves and bring them to the Capital, the whole families … humph, the whole family, the males must be killed, the females must be given to meritorious ministers as slaves.” He was about to say 'the whole family must be executed unto the third generation', but suddenly remembered Ah Ke and Chen Yuanyuan; thereupon midway he changed his statement.

Kangxi said, ”If we dispatch the troops, we will give the common people of the world a reason to say that I slaughter meritorious ministers; to say that the birds are no more, the bow is put away; the rabbit is dead, the dog is boiled alive. It would be better to remove their posts as border defense, and see what those three men would react. If they obey the Emperor's decree and withdraw from the border, respectfully and submissively obey the Mandate of Heaven, so be it; otherwise, if they deploy the troops to battle, I will have enough reason to send the troops on a punitive expedition.”

”Your Majesty prophecy with supernatural accuracy, your servant has only utmost admiration,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”It's just like in the opera: Your Majesty asked: 'Who's there kneeling down?' Wu Sangui replied, ”Minister Wu Sangui is here to have an audience with the Emperor.' Your Majesty shouted, 'How dare you Wu Sangui, why don't you look up?' Wu Sangui said, 'Minister is guilty and does not dare to look up.' Your Majesty said in singing, 'What offense have you committed?' Wu Sangui replied, 'Your servant is unwilling to withdraw from the border, I want to revolt.' Your Majesty shouted, ”Ay, what a brazen thing! Wei Xiaobao!' And then I strode into the stage and sank to my knees, saying, 'Xiao Jiang [little general, referring to self] is here!' Your Majesty called out, 'Here is the arrow banner of command! I send you to lead a hundred thousand troops to suppress the rebel thief Wu Sangui!' Your servant received the arrow banner of command, and called out, 'I obey!' and my leg flew, kicking Wu Sangui on his buttocks; immediately Wu Sangui was kicked around that he piss in his pants in terror. All is lost!”

Kangxi roared in laughter. ”You want to lead the troops to attack Wu Sangui?” he asked.

Wei Xiaobao could see the teasing in Kangxi's eyes, hence he knew the young Emperor was just joking. He said, ”Your servant is so young, and has no ability at all, how can I lead the army? It would be best if Your Majesty personally becomes the Grand Marshal, I will become your vanguard officer; coming across a mountain I will open up a path, encountering water I will build a bridge. Majestically we will rush to Yunnan to strike.”

Listening to him, Kangxi's heart leaped in excitement, thinking that if the Emperor personally leads his troops into battle against Wu Sangui, it would be so much fun. He said, ”Let me give it a careful thought.”

Early morning the next day, Kangxi convened the princes, dukes and cabinet ministers at the Hall of Supreme Harmony to discuss military and national affairs. Although Wei Xiaobao had been promoted several ranks in succession, his official position in the imperial court was still low; actually, he was not qualified to participate in discussion of national affairs at the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Kangxi issued a special decree, saying that since Wei Xiaobao was sent as the imperial envoy to Yunnan, he was privy of Border Defense Wu's inside information, hence he was summoned to accompany the Emperor in this high-level meeting.

Kangxi handed over Shang Kexi, Wu Sangui, Geng Jingzhong's, three memorials to the Hall of Central Harmony's [Zhong He Dian] Da Xue Shi [lit. senior ministerial of great learning], who simultaneously acting as the Director of Board of Rites, Batai; he said, ”Three border defenses submitted memorial, pleading to be removed from the border. How we should respond, everybody present me your own memorial.”

After the various princes, dukes and ministers read and circulated the memorials, Prince Kang Giyesu said, ”Reporting to Your Majesty: in your servant's humble opinion, the three border defenses pleading to be removed from the border, it was not due to their own conscience; it seems that they are merely feeling out the imperial court.”

”How did you see it?” Kangxi asked, ”Explain.”

Giyesu said, ”In these three memorials, they all said that the responsibility over local military affairs is heavy, they did not dare to depart without authority. Since they knew that the military affair is a heavy responsibility, why would they plead to withdraw from the border? Obviously it is self-contradictory.” Kangxi nodded.

The Hall of Preserving Harmony's [Bao He Dian] Da Xue Shi Wei Zhouzuo was a very old man with white hair and white beard; he said, ”In minister's humble opinion, the imperial court should issue a warm imperial decree to comfort and exhort them, saying that the three border defenses' meritorious service were outstanding, His Imperial Majesty rely heavily upon them, they must do their jobs diligently, acting as the screen to guard the border. The matter of withdrawing from the border need not be considered.”

Kangxi said, ”So in your opinion, the three border defenses should not be removed from their posts?”

Wei Zhouzuo said, ”The Holy Sage [referring to the Emperor] understands it very well: Lao-tze

[59] said, 'Fine soldier is inauspicious'; even if they are good soldiers, they are still inauspicious. Some critics said that the character 'fine' (佳) was an error, it should be 'only' (惟); thus it should say 'only soldier is inauspicious', then it will be even clearer. Laozi had another saying, 'troops are inauspicious tool, the wrong tool of a nobleman, to be used against his will'.”

Wei Xiaobao was inwardly bewildered, ”This old fellow is so brazen; in the Emperor's presence he unexpectedly dared to say Laozi this and Laozi that. And the Emperor is not angry.” He did not know that this 'laozi' was a sage of antiquity, Li Er, not the 'laozi' [I, your father] used jocularly by the people of the marketplace to refer to themselves.

Kangxi nodded and said, ”Troops are vicious, battles are dangerous; the ancient has clear examples. When there was military expedition, inevitably the living thing would turn into charcoal. So you say that if Zhen issue a warm imperial decree to comfort and exhort them, not allowing them to withdraw from the border, this matter will be settled?”

The Da Xue Shi of Hall of Literary Glory [Wen Hua Dian] Dui Kana said, ”Please Your Majesty understand: since Wu Sangui guarding Yunnan, that region is peaceful, the barbarians do not dare to disturb, the southern part of our Dynasty does not have any trouble. If he is relocated to Liaodong, perhaps Yunnan and Guizhou will suffer. If the imperial court does not allow him to withdraw from the border, Wu Sangui will be grateful and will strive to repay the kindness, Geng and Shang, two border defenses, as well as the Kong army of Guangxi, will definitely look up to respect the Heaven's kindness. Henceforth the Yellow River is clear and the sea is calm, the whole world is at peace.”

Kangxi said, ”You are very much afraid that after the border defense is removed, the southwest region will lack a strategic town, and perhaps there would be foreign invasion?”

”Yes,” Dui Kana said, ”Wu Sangui's troops and defense is highly perfected, it usually is prestigious, the barbarians are afraid and submit to him. Once this defense is removed, whether it will bring good fortune or calamity, it will be hard to predict. In minister's humble opinion, one more problem we have is not as good as one less problem.”

Minister of Revenue Mi Sihan said, ”Since the ancient time the Holy Sages ruling the country, they always esteem Huang Lao's technique [not sure]. When Western Han governed the world, they abide by the rules laid down by their predecessor, seeking peace and inaction [referring to Taoist doctrine of inaction] in politics. Your Majesty is an enlightened sage, your virtue is nearing the Three Sovereigns, who is rarely matched even by people in the most flourishing period of Han and Tang. In the years that Your Majesty rises in position, you grasp the political power, give the people rest, and harmonize the four barbarians; all the world is grateful for your kindness. In minister's shallow opinion, the matter of the three border defenses can only be handled according to the old rule, there is no need to restring our bow by having a reform and start all over again, since right now we have favorable weather for the crops, the country prospers, the people at peace. The Holy Son of Heaven rules by hanging down the bow, there is no need to entertain such thought.”

Kangxi asked Da Xue Shi Du Lide, ”What do you think?”

Du Lide said, ”The three defenses were originally established as a reward and an opportunity to render merit. Right now the three defenses do not have any serious offense, if they are suddenly withdrawn, I am afraid there will be ignorant people who will say that the imperial court fails to be lenient toward former minister who has given outstanding service, perhaps there will be someone who would hinder the Sage's court political aspiration.”

After much discussion, the princes, dukes and cabinet ministers all stated their position that the border defenses must not be removed.

Listening to all these people's speech, where everybody dropped quotations to appear learned, although he did not understand what they were saying, Wei Xiaobao knew that everybody advised against removing the border defenses; in his heart he was anxious. Busily he tried to attract Songgotu's attention and signaled him with his eyes, while slightly shaking his head, hinting him to speak against everybody else's proposition.

Seeing him shaking his head, Songgotu misunderstood his meaning, he thought that Wei Xiaobao also advised him to oppose the removal of the defense. He thought that Wei Xiaobao understood clearly the Emperor's true regard, and he noticed how Kangxi showed neither approval nor disapproval to the discussion, he presumed the young Emperor must be afraid to fight with Wu Sangui. Songgotu said, ”Wu, Shang, and Geng, three people are adept at using military force, if the imperial court removes the border defense, and in spite of everything the three defenses refuse to accept orders, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Fujian, and Guangxi, five provinces deploy their troops at the same time, perhaps there will be other rebels responding by sending out their troops, it won't be easy to deal with. In your servant's opinion, Wu Sangui and Shang Kexi are already old, they won't live too much longer, there is no harm in waiting a few more years, let those two people die of old age. The three defenses' veterans of a hundred battles, a large number of the old troops and veteran generals will also die; if the border defense is removed at that time, our chance of victory will increase a lot.”

Kangxi smiled and said, ”That is the plan coming from your experience and knowledge.”

Songgotu thought the Emperor was praising him; busily he kneeled down and kowtowed to express his gratitude. ”In discussing the important matter of the country, your servant does not dare not to be completely loyal and exhaust all considerations to come up with a completely safe plan.”

Kangxi asked Da Xue Shi Tu Hai, ”You are skilled with both the pen and sword, have deep understanding of three military strategies and six plans, adept at maneuvering troops; what do you think of this matter?”

”Your servant's talent and wisdom is mediocre, it was all due to Your Majesty's grace that I am promoted to this position,” Tu Hai replied, ”Your Majesty can see clearly for ten thousand li; imperial court's military forces are in excellent condition, if the three defenses have rebellious intention, they won't be a major problem. It's just that if all tens of thousands people under the three defenses' command depart for Liaodong at the same time, we have to carefully consider one thing.”

”What matter we have to consider carefully?” Kangxi asked.

Tu Hai said, ”Liaodong is the place where our Great Qing originated, the place where our ancestors and predecessors were buried; if the three defenses indeed have disloyal intention, tens of thousands people making a ruckus and acting unreasonably in Liaodong, it would not be easy to guard against.”

Kangxi nodded. Tu Hai continued, ”If the three border defenses' troops withdraw from their original posts, the imperial court must deploy other military forces toward Yunnan, Guangdong and Fujian to be stationed there. Several tens of thousands large army moving north, several tens of thousands large army moving south, no matter how you look at it, it is a great waste of resources, undoubtedly there will be trouble in those places. The three border defenses' troops have been quite harmonious with the local people for quite some time, and there is no news of any conflict. Guangdong and Fujian's dialect is very strange and unusual, when the new army arrived, they have to adjust, everybody can't understand each other, the custom is different, perhaps it will stir up mass uprising; and then Your Majesty's sacred intention to love common people as your own children would be harmed.”

The more Wei Xiaobao listened, the more anxious he was; he knew the young Emperor had made up his mind to remove the border defense, yet each and everyone of the princes, dukes, and cabinet ministers was timid and was afraid of getting involved. His own official position was too low, in term of age, he was too young, he could not speak rubbish in the imperial court; hence he was in a very difficult position.

Kangxi asked the high official of the Ministry of War, Ming Zhu, ”Ming Zhu, this is the Ministry of War's business. What do you think?”

Ming Zhu replied, ”The Holy Sage Son of Heaven is very bright, you stand tall and see far, your view of this matter is a hundred times better than the ministers. After giving this matter a careful consideration, your servant thinks that removing the border defense has some advantages, but not removing the border defense also has its own advantages; in my heart I find it difficult to make up my mind, for several days I lost sleep over this matter. Afterward I suddenly recalled something, and then I was relieved immediately, and last night I was able to fall asleep. Your servant thought that Your Majesty has given this matter meticulous consideration. All the thoughts that the ministers have, Your Majesty has already foreseen each and everyone accurately. The stratagems that all your servants could think of, even if it were more brilliant, it would not be more brilliant than Your Majesty's direction. Your servant only has to listen to Your Majesty's instruction on how to handle this matter. Whatever Your Majesty say, all your servants need to do is advance bravely with dead heart, without any plan for anything new. In the end we will definitely obtain great luck, great profit, and have everything our hearts desire.”

As soon as Wei Xiaobao heard this, he was admired him greatly; he mused, ”All these civil and military ministers of the court, nobody surpasses this fellow's skill in becoming a government official. This man's skill in bootlicking has reached perfection; laozi should do obeisance to him and take him as my master. In the future this fellow's career will enjoy meteoric rise; his scholarly achievement, fame and honor will be immeasurable.”

Kangxi smiled and said, ”I asked you to think of an idea, not to sing praises.”

Ming Zhu kowtowed and said, ”Holy Sage, please understand: your servant is not singing the praise, it was really the truth. Ever since the Ministry of War learned the news about the instability of the three border defenses, day and night your servant was anxious, thinking about how to deal with this matter. If by any chance we must use military force, how to move the troops and send the generals. If we want to assure victory, we must let the Master not to have the least bit of worry. However, after thinking back and forth, in all honesty the Master is simply too brilliant, while your servants are too worthless. We rack our brains painstakingly, the end result will definitely be inferior to Your Majesty's casual thought. The Holy Sage Son of Heaven is the crape myrtle star descending to the world, naturally not someone ordinary people like your servant could even reach. For this reason, your servant thought that as long as Your Majesty issues your order, I am sure it will be the best. Even if your servants do not understand, as long as we do it with all our hearts, in the end we will see the light.”

When the numerous ministers heard this, they all cursed him in their hearts as being shameless, flattering the Emperor in front of everyone else, being completely unscrupulous; yet they had no choice but to parrot him.

Kangxi said, ”Wei Xiaobao, you have been to Yunnan, let me hear your thought: how should we deal with this matter?”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”Your Majesty, please understand: your servant does not understand national affairs, it's just that Wu Sangui has spoken a few words to your servant. He said, 'Wei Dutong, if there is some unforeseen event in the future, you don't have to worry. Your Dutong [commander] position can only go up, not go down.' Your servant did not understand, hence I asked, 'What unforeseen event in the future?' Wu Sangui laughed and said, 'When the moment comes, you will naturally know.' Your Majesty, Wu Sangui is thinking of rebelling. This matter is absolutely true; right now I am afraid he has already prepared the dragon robe. He compared himself as a fierce tiger, and compared Your Majesty as a black-naped oriole.”

Kangxi knitted his brows slightly, ”What fierce tiger, black-naped oriole?” he asked.

Wei Xiaobao kowtowed several times and said, ”That servant Wu Sangui has spoken a good deal of treason and heresy talks, your servant will not dare to repeat it no matter what.”

”You'd better repeat it,” Kangxi said, ”It's not like you are speaking on your own account.”

”Yes,” Wei Xiaobao replied, ”Wu Sangui has three treasured items. He said that although these three treasures are fine, he regrets the fact that there is a fly in the ointment. The first treasure is a red ruby as big as a pigeon egg, it's really as red as chicken blood; he has it embedded in his hat. He said, 'The gem is very big, it's a pity the hat is too small.'”

”Humph,” Kangxi snorted. The numerous ministers were looking at each other; they all thought that by saying 'the gem is very big, it's a pity the hat is too small', he was implying that he wanted to wear the crown on his head.

Wei Xiaobao continued, ”His second treasure is white-based, black-striped white tiger skin. Your servant has been waiting upon Your Majesty in the Palace for a while, yet I have never seen this kind of white tiger skin. Wu Sangui said that this kind of white tiger is rarely seen even once in several hundred years. In the past the Song Taizu [founding emperor of Song] Zhao Kuangyin had one, Zhu Yuanzhang also found one, Cao Cao and Liu Bei each has also had one. He has the white tiger skin draped on his chair, saying, 'White tiger skin is hard to come by, it's a pity the chair is too ordinary.'”

Kangxi nodded again; he was secretly amused, he knew that Wei Xiaobao was speaking without thinking, framing Wu Sangui. He also knew that Wei Xiaobao was completely uneducated, thinking that Cao Cao was also an emperor.

Wei Xiaobao continued, ”The third treasure is a piece of large marble screen, with painting of natural scenery. In the painting there was a little black-naped oriole perching on a tree, underneath the tree there was a big tiger. Wu Sangui said, 'This screen is very valuable; it's a pity that the tiger is underneath the tree, yet the little black-naped oriole is standing on high branch.'”

Kangxi said, ”Those three things he said are no more than metaphors, it does not necessarily mean that he had a mind to rebel.”

”Your Majesty is magnanimous, you are cherishing your servants,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”If Wu Sangui only has thirty-percent of conscience, and know how to be grateful and seek to repay the kindness, that would be great. However, it's a pity that he gives present to the princes, dukes and ministers of the court; this prince a thousand taels of yellow gold, that duke twenty-thousand taels of white silver. He is desperately serious in spending his money. Those three treasures of his, however, are not part of the tribute to Your Majesty.”

Kangxi laughed. ”I do not covet his belongings,” he said.

”That's right,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”Wu Sangui always want to pay the imperial court's salary, to treat them with rewards; most of the money he obtained stay in Beijing, given to civil and military officials. Your servant said to him, 'Wangye, you sent all those gold and silver to the high-ranking officials of the court, you are indeed too generous, I can do the spending for you.' Wu Sangui laughed and said, 'Xiao Xiongdi, all those gold and silver only stay in their homes temporarily, let each and every one of them help me speak good words on my behalf. In a few years, they will nicely add the interest, and then both principal and interest will return to me.' Your servant did not understand it, so I asked, 'Wangye, once those belongings enter other people's home, how can they return it to you? You were willingly giving it to them, it's not that they borrow the money from you, how can you expect any interest?' Wu Sangui laughed aloud; he patted my shoulder, took a brocade bag and gave it to me, and said, 'Xiao Xiongdi, this is a small token Xiao Wang is giving you, with the hope that in front of His Majesty, you would speak good words on my behalf a lot. If His Majesty wanted to remove the border defense, you must say that the border defense must never be removed. Ha ha … don't worry, these things, I will not ask you to return to me in the future.'”

While saying that, Wei Xiaobao took a brocade bag from his pocket and held it up high above his head. Everybody could see that the bag was embroidered with four red characters, 'Ping Xi Wang Fu' [King who pacify the west's mansion]. He bent down to squat, opened up the bag's mouth and poured out the contents. A series of 'ding ding dang dang' was heard, pearls, precious stones, emerald, gems, several dozens of valuable objects scattered on the Hall's floor. The pearls sparkled the gems shone, the light dazzled everybody's eyes. Some of these gems were indeed gifts from Wu Sangui, some were given by other people as gifts or bribes to Wei Xiaobao. But in that moment, who would know the difference?

Kangxi smiled and said, ”You went to Yunnan this time, you have actually attained much.”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”These pearls and jewels, your servant does not dare to desire, would Your Majesty bestow it to others?”

Kangxi giggled and said, ”They were gifts from Wu Sangui, how can I take them from you and gave to others?”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”Wu Sangui gave them to your servant, because he wanted me to tell lies in front of Your Majesty, to help him speaking good words on his behalf, to say that the border defense must never be removed. Your servant is loyal and devoted to Your Majesty, I must not covet a bit of gold, silver, money and valuables, and say that a rebel thief was a loyal minister. But on the other hands, having received Wu Sangui's thing, I feel a bit unfair to him. In any case, gold, silver, money and valuables throughout the world belong to Your Majesty. Whomever Your Majesty wishes to give it to, it is Your Majesty's benevolence, no need to make Wu Sangui a good person by letting him buy the people's heart.”

Kangxi roared in laughter. ”You are exceptionally loyal to Zhen,” he said, ”In that case, just consider I give these pearls and jewels as a reward to you.” From his pocket he took out a western spring gold watch and said, ”And I am giving you another treasure from the west.”

Wei Xiaobao hastily kneeled down and kowtowed. He took several steps forward and received the gold watch with both hands.

These two, a ruler and his minister, were displaying such an artificial show, the numerous high-ranking ministers were watching with knowing expressions; who did not understand Kangxi's intention? These high-ranking ministers had received Wu Sangui's bribe, the most recent it was delivered by Wei Xiaobao himself. They thought that if they were not being tactful, and Wei Xiaobao shook the imperial court with 'venerating Yunnan' tactic again, the Emperor might be furious, and then all of them might be charged with 'acting as liaison of foreign vassal state, conspiring against the law'; if they were not beheaded, then they would be banished to an army post.

Wei Xiaobao's speech to frame Wu Sangui was indeed very childish and ridiculous; even if Wu Sangui really had the intention to rebel, he would never divulge his secret in front of an imperial envoy sent by the Emperor himself. Wei Xiaobao also spoke about Wu Sangui sending gold and silver to the high-ranking ministers of the imperial court, and that in the future he would want to get both the principal and the interest back, suggesting that when the rebellion succeeded in the future and he became the emperor, he would want the high-ranking ministers to pay him back the gold and silver. This was definitely a child's idea; Wu Sangui was a man of rigorous schemes and deep foresight, how could he haggle over how much gold and silver he had given to each minister? Yet they knew perfectly well that Wei Xiaobao could not be contradicted, he had the Emperor's support; who would dare to bring trouble to himself by saying anything to refute him?

Ming Zhu's brain was the quickest; he immediately said, ”Wei Dutong is young, yet he is brave and talented; he understands the matter of the world and has a red-bellied devotion toward His Majesty, he can see through Wu Sangui's tiger cave, and obtain the actual facts, indeed he is worthy of other people's admiration. If not for Your Majesty was able to illuminate the cave, seeing the plot first by sending Wei Dutong to personally investigate, how would we, who work in Beijing, know that Wu Sangui that old fellow has received the country's kindness, yet unexpectedly harboring the desire to rebel?”

With these words, he had flattered Kangxi and Wei Xiaobao, while gently exonerated himself and the entire court, and asserting the criminal charge against Wu Sangui. Everybody in the Hall of Supreme Harmony felt that his speech was really pleasant to their ears. The various high-ranking ministers were originally anxious and uneasy; this moment they could not help but heaving a sigh of relief.

Prince Kang and Songgotu were always in good terms with Wei Xiaobao, naturally at this time they threw their lot with him and threw their stones to one who fell down the well; they loudly said Wu Sangui was wrong. The numerous ministers also 'you said a sentence, I said a sentence', everybody said the border defense should be removed, some even chided themselves for being muddled, fortunately the Emperor had straightened them up, as if the clouds and mist were pushed aside that they saw the blue sky. Some even went farther by offering plans how to remove the border defense, how to seize Wu Sangui's capital, how to raid his house. Wu Sangui's riches matched those of the enemy's country, as soon as they talked about how to raid his house, everybody thought that it was a greatly profitable mission; but then they had a second thought, they felt it may not be easy to do, when Wu Sangui became hostile, before you could raid his house, he would chop your head first.

Kangxi waited until everybody finished talking before saying, ”Although Wu Sangui has intention that is against the law, this rebellion accusation has not been revealed. Our discussion in this place today, nobody can leak it out even for one sentence. We must give him an opportunity to reform and start afresh.”

The numerous ministers chorused their praises of the Emperor's vast and mighty benevolence, for his broad and deep mercy.

From his pocket Kangxi extracted a piece of yellow paper; he said, ”Here is the imperial edict, I want you to see if there is anything improper.”

Batai bowed and received it. Holding it high with both hands, he read aloud, ”Receiver of the Mandate of Heaven the Emperor's imperial order says: From time immemorial the Emperors and Kings pacify the world, always rely on ministers, master of military affair's strength. Reaching up to the peace and quiet of the ocean and the universe, rousing the spirit to travel and return in triumph, resting the soldiers, enabling the important minister of the border region to leisurely look after it, bestowing him with prolonged abundant life, pampering him with the rivers and the mountains, in an extremely grand ceremony!”

Reading to this point, he paused. The numerous ministers broke into murmur, clucking their tongues, praising the Emperor for producing such a magnificent writing. Batai let out a gentle cough, turned his head around twice, as if he was enjoying a Han Liu Ou Su's

[60] exquisite literary work; and then with elongated intonation he continued reading, ”The King has always been sincere, loyal and dependable, subduing, setting forth, planning and strategizing, with all his strength exerting himself on behalf of others, guarding the cliff of the border, releasing Zhen from concern over the South, rendering such a splendid meritorious deed!” Reading to this point, he paused, sighed softly and said, ”What an excellent literary work!”

Songgotu said, ”Your Majesty's kindness reaches the heavens, if Wu Sangui has a bit of humanity in him, when he kneeled to read this imperial edict, perhaps he would be ashamed to death.”

Batai continued reading, ”Remembering the King's years already high, master and followers are laid bare, for a long time stationed in an out-of-the-way places, yearning for good rest. Since the adjacent places are in order, it's only fair to grant the King's request to be removed from your position. Now, such-and-such and such-and-such are especially sent to announce Zhen's imperial intention. The King's, along with the officers and men under his command, interest in packing up and go north, has reassured Zhen to think fondly of you all; if only the cycle of dawn and dusk stops, the ruler and his ministers share the joy, guaranteed endless rest forever. When this matter is settled, a place will be meticulously prepared. The day the King arrives, there will be peaceful place so that you will not have any worry. By the Emperor himself.”

Batai read with sonorous voice, the intonation with which he read the imperial edict was as if he was reading literary work. When he finished reading, none of the numerous ministers did not praise him. Ming Zhu said, ”If only the cycle of dawn and dusk stops, the ruler and his ministers share the joy, these eight characters [dan xi gou zhi, jun chen xie le] truly make people feel unsurpassed gratitude. When your servants heard it, there was a burst of nice and warm feeling in the pit of our stomachs.”

Tu Hai said, ”Your Majesty has given this matter a very careful consideration, you have stated in advance that as soon as he arrives in Beijing, there will be a place for him to stay. Otherwise, he might use all sorts of excuses, saying that he must send people come to the Capital to set up a house. Stalling and delaying, he might tarry three or five more years.”

Kangxi said, ”It would be best if Wu Sangui can follow orders and respond to the imperial court, so that the common people will be exempt from the horrors of war. We must send two people who can talk really well to Yunnan to announce Zhen's intention.”

When the numerous ministers heard what the Emperor just said, they all turned their gaze toward Wei Xiaobao. Being at the receiving end of everybody's gaze, Wei Xiaobao was flustered; he thought, ”My goodness, this is not a plaything. Last time I delivered the new daughter-in-law, I nearly delivered my own life as well. This time I go to remove the border defense, how could Wu Sangui not have the intention to kill the imperial envoy minister?” Thinking that if he went to Yunnan he might see Ah Ke, his heart warmed up involuntarily; but in the end his life is still more important.

Ming Zhu saw Wei Xiaobao's ashen countenance, he deduced correctly that Wei Xiaobao did not dare to go; thereupon he said, ”Your Majesty, please understand: with regard to the ability to talk really well, Dutong Wei Xiaobao is very competent. However, Wei Dutong hates the wicked as if they were his personal enemies; knowing that Wu Sangui disrespected the Emperor, he hates him to the bones. If he sees even half of his face, he would reprimand Wu Sangui immediately; I am afraid that he might spoil this important matter. In your servant's humble opinion, it would be better to send the Ministry of Rites' assistant minister Zhe'erken, and Imperial Hanlin Academy Xueshi [equivalent to bachelor's degree] Da'erli to go to Yunnan and announce the imperial edict. These two people are refined in manner and have fine reputation, they might be able to influence mischievous wicked man to a better life; we never know.”

What he said suited Kangxi's intention, he approved on the spot for Zhe'erken and Da'erli two people to go and announce the imperial decree.

The numerous ministers realized that the Emperor had decided early on to remove the border defense that he even prepared the imperial edict in advance; they all regretted that they spoke good words on Wu Sangui's behalf earlier. By now they all changed direction, they said many fabricated indictments, that Wu Sangui was big traitor, major criminal, that his crime must not be pardoned.

Kangxi nodded and said, ”Although Wu Sangui is bad, it's unlikely that he would go as far as that. All of us must seek the truth from facts, and handle this matter carefully.” Standing up, he beckoned Wei Xiaobao to follow him into the rear hall.

Wei Xiaobao followed behind the Emperor toward the imperial garden. Kangxi laughed and said, ”Xiao Guizi, you are really quite something! If you did not take that bag of pearls and jewels and poured them out on the floor, those damn old fellows would still speak good words about Wu Sangui.”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”Actually, Your Majesty only needs to say, 'Removing the border defense is better', then everyone would say, 'Indeed removing the border defense is better'. It's just that to have them say it with their own mouth is a bit more interesting.”

Kang nodded and said, ”Those old fellows are striving to secure their positions, everything they have in their mind cannot be spoken incorrectly. However, as the matter stands, if we let Wu Sangui act whenever he wants to act, everything will be in his hand, and then it will be greatly disadvantageous to us. By removing his border defense first, we may greatly disturb his footsteps.”

”That's right,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”Just like playing Pai Jiu, how can we always let Wu Sangui be the banker? Your Majesty must also throw several throws of dice.”

”Your analogy is correct, we must not let him be the banker all the time,” Kangxi said, ”Xiao Guizi, we have thrown the dice, but that fellow Wu Sangui is really not easy to fight. The generals and soldiers under his command are all formidable veterans of a hundred battles. When he deploys his troops in rebellion, if the Han people throughout the world respond to him, that will be bad!”

For the last several years Wei Xiaobao went around all over the country, the number of time he heard Han people cursed the Tatars was indeed not a few. Han people were numerous, for every hundred of Han people, there might not necessarily be one Manchu person. If the Han people throughout the world rose in rebellion, no matter what Manchu people would not be able to resist. However, although the number of people who curses the Tatars was many, there were even more people who detested Wu Sangui. Thinking about this fact, he said, ”Your Majesty, please don't worry. Not one of the Han people throughout the world likes that fellow Wu Sangui. If he wants to revolt, other than his own trusted aides, nobody would support his effort.”

Kangxi nodded. ”I have thought about that too,” he said, ”Previous Ming's King Gui ran away to Burma, it was Wu Sangui who captured him and killed him. Wu Sangui wants to rebel, he can only say Han people rebelling against the Manchu, he cannot say fighting the Qing to restore the Ming.” Speaking to this point, he took a short pause, and then asked, ”Previous Ming's Emperor Chongzhen, when did he die?”

Wei Xiaobao scratched his head. ”This …” he stammered, ”At that time your servant has not been born; actually I am not … not too clear.”

Kangxi laughed aloud. ”I was asking blindly,” he said, ”At that time I have not been born either. Right, on the anniversary of his death, I will send several Princes and Beilei to go to Chongzhen's tomb and offer sacrifice, so that the common people throughout the world will be grateful to me and hate Wu Sangui even more.”

”Your Majesty can calculate and scheme like deity,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”But if the anniversary of Chongzhen's death is still some time away, what if Wu Sangui rise in rebellion first?”

Kangxi paced back and forth, and then he smiled and said, ”All these times you were on imperial orders to work for me, you have indeed suffered not a few hardships. Mount Wutai, Yunnan, Shen Long Island, Liaodong, and lastly you even went to Luocha Country. This time I am going to send you to a good place, to make up for it.”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”The best place in the world is by Your Majesty's side. As long as I can hear Your Majesty's voice, I can see Your Majesty's face, my entire body will be filled with vigor, my heart will be unspeakably comfortable. Your Majesty, this word is absolutely true, it's not boot-licking.”

Kangxi nodded. ”I know it's the truth,” he said, ”I and you, a ruler and his minister, are congenial, that is also predestined affinity. You and I have friendship that goes far to our fights when we were children, this friendship indeed stands out from the masses. When I see you, my heart is also very happy. Xiao Guizi, that half a year when I did not hear anything about you, I thought you drowned in the ocean; I was full of regret, I should have not sent you to take that kind of risk, I was really broken-hearted and grieved.”

Wei Xiaobao was deeply touched. ”If … if only I can take care of you for the rest of my life,” he said, with a hint of sob in his voice.

”Alright, alright,” Kangxi said, ”I will become the Emperor for sixty years, you will become high-ranking officer for sixty years. We, a ruler and his minister, have kindness and brotherhood, we will carry things through to the end.” It was extremely rare for an emperor to say such word toward his subject. One, Kangxi was young, he spoke frankly; two, he and Wei Xiaobao had been friends since their teenage years, they were mutually since.

Wei Xiaobao said, ”You will become the Emperor for a hundred years, I will work for you for a hundred years; whether I become high-ranking official or not, I don't care.”

Kangxi laughed and said, ”Isn't sixty years as the Emperor enough? One must not not knowing enough is enough.” He paused a moment, and then continued, ”Xiao Guizi, this time I am sending you to Yangzhou, to come back to your hometown in silken robes.”

As he heard 'go to Yangzhou' three characters, Wei Xiaobao's heart skipped a beat. ”What is 'come back to one's hometown in silken robes'?” he asked.

”You have become a high-ranking minister in Beijing,” Kangxi said, ”Returning to your hometown to see your relatives and friends, you must create quite a stir; let everybody envy you, won't that be great? Have your subordinate help you write a memorial to the throne, to have your father, mother, and your household be granted titles, let them be well-regarded, well-off.”

”Yes, yes,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”Many thanks for Your Majesty's kindness.”

Kangxi noticed Wei Xiaobao's somewhat awkward expression. ”Uh, you don't like it?” he asked.

Wei Xiaobao shook his head, ”I like it very much,” he said, ”It's just that … it's just that I don't know who my father is.”

Kangxi was taken aback; recalling that his own father had left home to become a monk on Mount Wutai, he felt that the two of them were fellow sufferers who empathize with each other. He patted Wei Xiaobao's shoulder and said warmly, ”When you get to Yangzhou, there is no harm in investigating it slowly. Perhaps the Heaven will have pity on you and let you, father and son, have a reunion. Xiao Guizi, you go to Yangzhou, your mission this time may be very easy to accomplish, I am sending you to build a martyr shrine [忠烈祠 zhong lie ci].”

Wei Xiaobao scratched his head, ”Grow chestnut [种栗子 zhong li zi]?” he asked, ”Your Majesty, if you want to eat chestnut, I'll go to the street and buy some for you; sugar-coated deep-fried Liangxiang [town in Beijing municipality] sweet-scented osmanthus chestnut is savory and glutinous; we don't need to go to Yangzhou to grow some.”

Kangxi roared in laughter. ”Damn it,” he said, ”Xiao Guizi is unlearned. I said 'Martyr Shrine', but you muddle things together and changed it to 'grow chestnut'. Martyr shrine is a memorial hall, to enshrine and worship loyal minister who was martyred.”

Wei Xiaobao laughed. ”Your servant is indeed very stupid,” he said, ”Turns out you want me to build something like Guan Di [I am not sure, but I think it refers to Guan Gong (Romance of the Three Kingdoms)] temple.”

”Now you are talking,” Kangxi said, ”When the Qing troops entered the Pass, their massacre of Yangzhou and Jiading people was very tragic, to such an extent as to create those 'Ten Days of Yangzhou', 'Three-slaughter of Jiading', and so on. Thinking about these matters, my heart is always uneasy.”