Chapter 36

Su Yi said blandly: “Reputation? As a defeated general, why should one still care so much about reputation?” Although it might seem that he said these words to Wanyan Shuo, it also seemed as though he meant to direct those words at himself.

Wanyan Shuo gave a grunt and said: “Exactly so, the both of you are two pedantic, what is reputation after all? It is a matter to be judged posthumously by people that come after us. Since you have made sacrifices to ensure the welfare of the common people, even if you surrender, people would say that it is a case of a talented person choosing as a patron of integrity, and consider you a good person. If your actions damage the country and cause suffering to the people, even if you never submit to the enemy, people would still call you a bad egg. Humph, even though you are a grand General and have been praised as having exceptional ability in both martial arts and scholarly studies, you still fail to understand this truth that even I, a little child, can grasp.” So saying, he turned to leave, but suddenly turned back to say: “But that's alright, I will teach you well in future, my Mother Empress." Only then did he leave, giggling all the while.

At this moment, Su Yi was feeling unsurpa.s.sed grief, but he sorely wished that he could smash his teacup on the body of this devious little imp of a child. Though the exchange had rankled Su Yi, it must be said that the feelings he had been experiencing of remorse and self-censure were greatly diluted. He suddenly sensed that another person had come to stand in front of him, lifting his head to take a look, he saw that it was none other than Xu Jinhua, whom he had no news of after their meeting on that day.

In his excitement, he unconsciously started to get on his feet, only for this long-time close friend to press him down into his seat with a smile before saying: “There are many pairs of eyes fixed on you now. Since you have now occupied this seat, you must not neglect to conduct yourself in the manner befitting your current position in case people say that us Qi folk do not even understand these simple rules of etiquette.”

Su Yi slowly re-seated himself, from the look in his eyes, it was clear that he almost did not dare to believe what he was seeing. He said: “You… How have you managed to come here?”

Xu Jinhua replied: “It is your wedding after all, how could I not come? Whether you entered into this marriage willingly or unwillingly is another matter, but it is still something that will affect your whole life. Besides, I knew that at this moment you would definitely be inundated with feelings of hate and anger, if I didn't come to advise you, you might take things too hard. How could I live with myself in future?”

Su Yi laughed bitterly and said: “Matters have already come to this, what is there to advise me about? You do not need to console me, a defeated general who betrayed his country, that is the name I have secured for myself.”

Xu Jinhua said: “You still care about that? If you really do care, I can tell you that I left my home early this morning and wandered around the streets until the auspicious time had come and the palace gates opened to admit guests. From what I could see, the people were very happy and were saying that although the Emperor is of Jin Liao origin, the Empress is one of their own. As someone born in the Great Qi, how could the Empress not speak up to protect the interest of the common people of Qi in future? Also the spoke of how this new monarch exercises great tolerance, and does not discriminate between the difference races and ethnic origins. Etcetera etcetera, most of the comments I heard were in this vein. You see, even though Wanyan Xu has failed to win your heart, he has won over the large majority of the Great Qi populace.”

Su Yi's eyes were wide and he was dumbstruck. He muttered: “How could this be? How could this be? Could it be that the people… could it be that they do not ‘attach the most importance to the country’ [1], not even a little bit? Why do they praise him?”

Xu Jinhua sighed and said: “Well, that is because the life of a dog living in peace and security is better than the life of a man living in a world of chaos and ruin. The saying goes that only after one has a country can one have a home, but our Great Qi has proved this saying wrong. Rather it was the opposite, only after losing their country, could the people build a home. Aii... that's why I said that you need not carry so much anxiety anymore, it has already... already come to this point... whether you love it or whether you hate it, the situation is set. Why not relax the standards you have set in your mind, and let yourself be happier? Ruo… Ruo Zhi, I have to beg something of you. Since you are occupying this position, you will naturally be considered as this country’s... this country’s Mother of the Nation. As such, you have to a.s.sist Wanyan Xu in governing our homeland well, and help him bring about a golden age of peace and prosperity across all the lands of this country.”

Su Yi hung his head and remained silent, thus he did not notice when Wanyan Xu returned to his side. Xu Jinhua hurriedly stood up and was about to take his leave when the new monarch, who was as pleased as punch, said: “Young Master Xu is upright and plainspoken, a man of outstanding ability, I [2] have long heard of your many accomplishments. Although I have been wishing to recruit you as a minister for my court, I was afraid that you would think that I was trying to compel you with my imperial authority. Upon this serendipitous meeting today, Wanyan Xu wishes to state this plainly; if Young Master wishes to a.s.sist in creating a life of prosperity for the people, you can become a minister in the court at any time. I [3] shall never waste Young Master's talents.”

Xu Jinhua gave a smile and said: “Jinhua will remember the Great King’s words.” After saying that, he finally left. Su Yi lifted his head to stare into Wanyan Xu's eyes and said blandly: “You said that you were afraid that he would think you were trying to compel him through exercising your power, but why are you afraid of that? It can’t be because you lack experience with those methods?”

Wanyan Xu gave a few "he he" laughs, at the point he had finally gotten his heart's desire and was beaming with happiness, and Su Yi's heavy irony made no impression whatsoever on him. He didn't care at all for the fact that they were in front of an audience either, wrapping his arms around Si Yi's trim waist, he said: “Su Su, you need not hide behind brave words, it is almost time for us to retire to the bridal chamber, if you can still maintain such an att.i.tude there, you would have my full admiration.”

Su Yi was tremendously horrified, indeed, all his fears were being realised one after another. Taking a peek out the window, he said: “The sun has not set, it is still much too early to retire... you’re bluffing, although I have not... not been through a wedding ceremony before, I know this much at least. As a monarch of a country, how could you be so impatient.”

Wanyan Xu said: “How could I not be impatient, I have waited so many months. But the customs of Jin Liao differ from Great Qi, we don't necessarily have to wait until night falls to retire to the bridal chamber.” So saying, his lips hovered by Su Yi's ears and whispered: “The men of Jin Liao extol the practice of martial arts, therefore from an early age we have more energy than most people. Just one night is really as the poem laments 'the spring night is too bitterly short, before long the sun is rising in the sky’; there is not enough time, so our custom is to retire to the bridal chambers after lunch. After offering another round of toasts, it will be time to go. This is already considered fairly late, Su Su, have you prepared yourself?

Su Yi's face glowed red, both panicked and angered, he couldn't find any words to delay further. In any case, Wanyan Xu was not going to tolerate any more dawdling, he had a hunger in his heart that he couldn't sate. Not saying anything further, he half-dragged and half-carried Su Yi to the Inner Court and taking advantage of a moment when Su Yi was distracted, he lifted him up in a bridal carry. With the speed of wind, he brought them to the residence that had been designated for the Empress --- the splendid and majestic Garden of Merriment.