The Rising Lion Chapter 2

Chapter 2


For the first time in years there was celebration in Yongheng city but the true people of the Yuandong, not the false emperors and his Kublai who took part in it.

The air was filled with smoke as firecrackers exploded in rapid succession while fireworks were lit and launched in a brilliant explosions of light and fire. Not unlike that off cannons. Bright red paper lanterns had words of prosperity and personal messages written on them were lifted into the air and the sky was filled by hundreds if not thousands.

Great round drums were struck in a rhythmic beat that brought people's attention to the acrobats dressed up in a pair of lion costumes, one red and then other yellow did tricks by performing great leaps or having then men stand on each others shoulders.

So many that there was scarcely sight of the streets in between the mass of humanity pressing against each other. So many that the emperor's servants had to be stationed in regular intervals to relay announcements. That people by the dozens had to stand on the sloped tile roofs of homes and shops, careful as not to slide off. Women dressed in red silk dressed gowns with characters embroidered in bright yellow silk that were signs of wealth and prosperity. Men wore high collared tunics that went down to their knees along with padded jackets.

Children ran hither and thither in between the legs off their parents. Some of the bolder children would move towards the roadside to get a better view, only to be pushed back into the crowds, more often than not with a firm cuff to the neck or wrist.

In the summer heat combined within the tightly packed crowds, people sweated profusely and their clothes were drenched in sweat. Yet in spite of that, the were in high spirits.

Merchants shouted from their shops, offering food, drink, trinkets, messages for the dead or small sparklers which they gladly handed out to children. In each shop was filled to the brim as many trickled in either to see their wares or simply to find shelter from the heat.

They all stood and watched the road in rapt attention, cheering until their lings grew raw. The great front gates creaked as they were opened. Yet all of that was defeated at the sound of ten thousand men marching in unison.

A combination of nobles in fine chainmail decorated with gold and jewels mounted on great destriers ranging from snow white to black as midnight to peasants who dressed in a hodgepodge of scale, leather and bronze. Every man as armed with a variety of weapons like sabers, pikes, crossbows, longbows and swords.

Only about two thousand men in broad, conical straw hats carried muskets, the newest and most powerful weapon in his army's arsenal. Where once his men could barely withstand counter against the Kublai raiders swift cavalry charges and arrow volleys, now with muskets they could drop hundreds of their warriors in a few bursts.

Chained together and forced to march in a large mob were over three thousand. They marched clumsily due to the shackles on their legs and kept their heads bowed. The warriors were left disheveled and unkempt, with hair grown out and their mustaches and beards were untrimmed. They were stripped off their armor and walked bare chested, dressed only in coarse trousers.

Behind them were a number of carts each pulled by oxen which bore their captives weapons. Crescent Moon blades, curved sabers, throwing axes and longbows.

While flowers and blessings were given to the army, garbage and curses were thrown down towards these barbarians.

Instead of keeping their heads bowed in defeat, or keeping themselves composed with dignity, these men reacted more like dogs who were fighting over scraps, snarling and baying as some even tried to rush at the crowds. Precisely why a second squadron of horsemen were assigned to watch the prisoners. Every man that stepped out of line was swiftly beaten by back a swing of a truncheon followed by a stern look from the guards.

People cheered until their voices went raw and showered them with flower petals. The normally stone faced and highly disciplined nobles grinned and accepted the praise with a polite smile or a wave of the hand. Meanwhile their peasant counterparts gladly drank up the adulation, laughing and shouting alongside the people. Often times they broke ranks and went to the people.

Yet General Tang Xie Ren was not partaking in the festivities. The General rode at the front of his cavalry on a white stallion. He wore a gleaming set of chainmail armor, polished until it shone yet still bore all the dents and scratches from many battles. Underneath he wore a riding habit made from the finest silks available. Like his horsemen, he did little to acknowledge his people save for the smallest of nods. After all, he was the emperor's most trusted general, such actions were beneath him.

His placed his hand over his eyes to his eyes from the sun and shook his head at the sight and the likely massive amounts of expenses that had to go here.

He did not deny that his men deserved the parade. For three years they had known nothing but constant war so it was good for them to at least enjoy peace for at least a short time.

Still this was practically a third of his army present. Of the thirty-odd thousand soldiers protecting the border, only the ten thousand men present here were up to his standards in terms of ability and equipment.

His soldiers certainly didn’t lack bravery, but they would not last against the savage Kublai horsemen armed with pitchforks and mattocks.

As the last of the soldiers entered the city, the parade turned into a procession as people followed after the soldiers who continued their march down thendentral road.

A servant standing by the entrance of the shop with a cheerful smile was approached by a young man whose sweat stained tunic clung onto his chest. “The emperor arrives.” His whispered to the servant's ear before he disappeared back into the crowds. “The Great and Wise Xi Hua Ta approaches from his palace! Bow down to show your respect to the most esteemed leader.”

Almost by pure instinct, every man, woman and child dropped to their knees and placed their arms and forehead on the ground. Even those on horses dismounted and followed suit. Only the prisoners refused to do so. These men and women were quickly beaten into submission by their guards.

Almost by pure instinct, every man, woman and child dropped to their knees and placed their arms and forehead on the ground. Even those on horses dismounted and followed suit. Only the prisoners refused to do so. These men and women were quickly beaten into submission.

Tang tilted his head up slightly in order to get a look as a figure emerge from the Eternal Palace. He was seated on palanquin carried by four broad shouldered servants and dressed in fine robes of gold silk with a dragon; the symbol of the Xi family emblazoned on it, as well as a necklace of pearls and a black headdress.

Yet even without then grabs of a ruler, Tang would have recognized his childhood friend in a heartbeat. The same friend who grew up with on the streets, the one he wrestled with to impress the travelling merchant's daughters, the same one whom he spent years living with in a monastery.

Xi did not remind Tang of the frail men of the emperors of old, instead he was fit and tanned with a weatherbeaten face that revealed years of experience in fighting and horseback riding. His beard had already started growing out and now touched the center of his chest. Even his silky raven hair was tied back in a warrior's tail.

This was a change Tang was happy to see.

“Rise my children.” Xi smiled benevolently, sweeping his arms out and raised them to the air. He turned to his General and nodded towards him. Tang quickly climbed to his feet and walked up the steps.

He reached to his baldric and pulled out a curved saber that was strapped to his back. It was thinner and more curved than his own blade, and had clearly seen better days. Nicks and notches were all over it and even a piece of the metal was missing. Tang gingerly placed it in his hands and offered it forward to his leader, kneeling down. “Lord Xi, I offer you the sword of the barbarian warlord Tumun. He fell along with nearly two thirds of his army. The rest are either fleeing north, or are here before you on their knees.” He stepped aside to give Xi a better view of the captives.

The lines on his face crinkled with joy as he accepted the sword. Carefully taking it from his Generals hands and examined it. He took note of all the notches scratched at the side, each one representing a life taken. There are so many of them, yet this is just one warlord. How many more would need to be killed before Yuandong his free?

He pushed those thoughts aside for now and decided that there was no point ruining the ceremony. The Lord Xi turned back to the crowds who were still kowtowing to him. He raised his arms in front of them and gestured upwards. “Arise my children, today we celebrate a great victory against our foes. A powerful warlord has been toppled and we are one step closer to freeing our country, so be merry and rejoice. Our brave General Tang and his heroic troops have returned with proof of our foes defeat. Does this not prove that a new age is coming towards Yuandong? Does this not prove that our heaven above has chosen a new dynasty of our fair kingdom?”

“Yesss!” A chorus of voices nearly deafened him in response. The cheer was taken up by every person here and quickly began once again.

Xi closed his eyes and drank in the admiration laced in their response. As his chest heaved, he felt his body filled with pride. “Then celebrate my children.” Xi turned to his General who was now stood at his side. He winked at him. “Come General, we have much to discuss. In the meantime, have your men take our new guests to our prison.”

With that, the Lord turned on one heel and was carried back inside by his servants. Tang shouted several quick orders to his men before he followed after him.



The two of them walked along the long, open corridors that snaked through the palace gardens. But General Tang’s attention was not focused on the gardens and instead on the ceiling above them. The Emperor who ordered the construction of the palace had also requested his painters to fill the ceilings, and even the beams to be painted with the most beautiful pictures. Landscapes, flowers and mystical creatures.

No one else was there save for the occasional servant who passed by. Eventually they reached the end of the corridor which ended in a open air terrace. “Tea?” Xi offered as he set himself down to one of the chairs and ordered one of his servants forward.

“I am fine.” Tang assured him and remained standing. He regarded his friend for several long moments before opening his mouth. “The clothes of an emperor suits you.”

Xi chuckled and shook his head. Just as a servant tottered forward and held up a tray with a tea set and a number of pastries. He poured himself a cup of tea and helped himself to a cake. “Well I’m not a emperor yet.” He said rather sharply, more than he intended/.

Tang nodded, keeping his expression somber, though inside he was relieved that Xi had heeded his advice. Despite their successes in beating the warlords back and carving a kingdom of their own, they were no more powerful than any of the other rebels and false kings.

To claim divine authority would do little more than place a larger target on their backs. Perhaps when the army is stronger and when land has been consolidated. But in the meantime, they were just another rebel movement who just so happened to seize the capital.

“You know, it wasn’t so long ago that you wore the clothes of an acolyte.” Tang reminded him.

Xi chuckled and took a bite of his cake, savoring the sweet creamy taste in his mouth as he swallowed. “And you spent your days cleaning then monks robes at my side. I wonder if those old relics are still alive after the temple burned down?”

“Good riddance to that old place and those wrinkled bags of dust.” Tang added.

The two of them shared a laugh as they sat in the throne room, catching up on the past few months of campaigning. It was far too long since they had simply talked as friends. “So are you sure that I can’t offer you any food?” Xi insisted, gesturing to some dumplings that were brought in.

“I am fine my friend.” The General assured him, walking him the room and picking up a vase and examining it.

“Really? Because it seems like you wish to emulate then monk's teachings. You remember, one meal a day while they absorb their energy from the sun.” Xi teased, setting his cake down on his plate.

“If only, though unfortunately I enjoy rice wine far too much.” Tang said as he pulled a flask with the substance in question and drank deeply. “Also was it truly necessary to take so many of my troops here? You know as well that we have only barely secured our borders.”

Xi nodded, folding his arms togethers and listening to what he has to say. “True, but our people have known nothing but suffering. They need to see that things are changing.”

Tang shrugged and took another drink from his wine before he put it away. “True, but I still need more men to protect our growing borders.” He shook his head.

“You know as well as I that there is no influx of men willing to fight even with your victories. And do not even consider conscription. A man who gives another a sword and places him in battle should not expect a warrior.” Xi replied calmly stroking his beard as he recited an old proverb used by the Generals of old.

“Well there was one way I was hoping to get new soldiers.” Tang admitted. “I wish to speak to the grand lorekeeper about our last census. Is he here?”

The Emperor nodded, though he wasn’t entirely sure what his friend had in mind. The last census taken was almost a decade ago and information was undoubtedly out of date. “Yes, he spends all his time in the library. I had ordered him to begin recording and updating all new material that was taken these past few years. But what do you plan to do?”

General Tang winked at him and looked up at some of the portraits. “You said that this was the start of a new dynasty, but I doubt whether the people will give up their traditions either. Including the tradition regarding military.”

Xi nodded and seemed to understand the logic of his claim. Something clicked in his mind as he now saw what Tang meant. According to the laws left by the emperors before the Kublai took over. If a man serving in the army were slain in battle, then his eldest son was to inherit his place in the army.

“A prudent solution,” Xi agreed. “is still early in our reign. I suppose you could get away with that.”

“Tomorrow when me and my army leaves I could stop at nearby villages. Look for any former soldiers boy of fighting age and march them for training. It could solve our manpower shortages until we can get a more permanent solution, or at least get into a stabler position.”

“Wait friend, I understand that you must leave, but at least give your men some time to rest, even a few days. The war has taken its toll on them.” Xi said as he placed a hand on Tang to stop him. He chuckled and clapped him on the back. “I assure you that if you give them a few days of feasting and whoring they’ll fight like demons.”

“Very well, I’ll give them the rest of the week to enjoy your celebrations.” Tang sighed and chuckled. He sat himself down on one of the chairs and called for a servant. “But I will need more rice wine.”




General Tang and his emperor had spent the next hours drinking and trading stories about their newest adventures. It had been good to simply sit down and talk with him after so long. To both of them it felt like they could spend the rest of the day catching up and not even realize it.

But after a while it became clear that he must depart and wished him good luck before leaving. The library was on the edge of the palace and the closest to the city. It was built atop a hill near the palace. By the time he finished climbing, the General was panting and clutching his chest.

The library looked not unlike the rest of the palace buildings, a simple box shaped structures with a triangular roof with curves on each end along with a peaked top. Tang stopped and began to remove his armor and sword, handing it to the young paige who stood by the entrance and held his arms out expectantly to the General.

The General rubbed his arms underneath his tunic. They ached and chafed from wearing that armor for so long. He rolled his shoulders and stretched a bit before entering the library. It was good to be out of it. Very well Xi. You have a point.

Unlike the rest of the palace grounds which were deserted save for the emperor's servants and guards, the library was teeming with people. Xi had encouraged all people to visit the library and learn. “Knowledge is not limited only to the rich.” He had said.

He pushed his way passed the crowds inside and strode around through the area where the scrolls regarding the Yuandongs administration was placed. Tang looked around the library and still couldn’t shake his surprise at the number of people were there. Without taking his eyes of them, he reached into one of the cubbholes and blinked in surprise as he found nothing inside.

Quickly, Tang reached into the other cubby holes and saw that they were empty as well. A swift sweep of the library told him that not one person had any scrolls he needed. He cursed his bad luck and began to shove his way past the crowds, moving around the room in search for the library.

“Loremaster?” He shouted, looking through cubbyholes and letting those scrolls that were not of value to him drop to the ground. “Loremaster!”

“Quiet now brave General, this is a library after all.” A cracked voice clucks behind him. Tang turned around and saw the man he was searching for. The Loremaster looked even older than most of the scrolls. Although he was completely bald, his snow white beard and mustache were as rich and full as ever. He was dressed in yellow and red robes and carried a staff in his arms. At his side were two young pages.

His milky white eyes regarded the scrolls on the floor with disdain, yet he looked to the General kindly. “Made a bit of a mess have you?” Instead of having his servants clean it up, he waves his staff around and a miniature hurricane formed in the center of the pile and spun around, picking up the scattered scrolls and rapidly grew in size until the top brushed off against the highest shelves. Tang felt the wind blow at his face with enough force to get him to step back, yet somehow it did not disturb any of the scrolls. The hurricane spun for a few moments before the Loremaster flicked his rest and sent the scrolls flying back into their areas.

The General Tang stared in awe, amazed at the power of the blind librarian. When he finished, the Loremaster leaned heavily on his staff. Both his pages were on him in an instant, helping him stand and letting him lean on them. Still within a few heartbeats he was standing back up. “So what brings you here General? I’m afraid I am still recording most military documents so you will find quite few of them here.”

“That's quite fine Loremaster.” He replied, not even surprised on how the Loremaster recognized him without touching him. Rumor has it that he had given up his eyes for the magic he now possessed. “I’m actually searching for something else. The last census check. I noticed none of the documents were there when I checked.”

He pursed his lips together in distaste. “Ahh the administration records, my biggest challenge yet. Yes, I did have the records taken out per lord Xi’s instructions. Gods bless his soul.” He places his free hand on heart. “While he supported the opening of the library, he had the foresight to have all important files moved to a more private area, also I am still in the process of updating the scrolls there.”

“May I see them then?” Tang said, quickly losing his patience and tapped his foot impatiently.

“I’m not sure how much use you will find from them, but alright I suppose.” The Loremaster nodded and shrugged. He turned at his heel and strode down the hall. His pages following closely. They moved to the other end of the library. One of the pages reached down and flipped a rug aside and revealed a cellar door. The other servant bent down and grunted as he pulled at the door. For a heartbeat the door did not budge, but on the third tug in pulled free and revealed a ladder.

Without a word, the first page began to climb down, helping the Loremaster as the second followed after them. Tang was the last one in and quickly shimmied down the ladder. He felt his boots land on solid ground, sending dust on the floor flying upwards at his face. The General coughed and batted his arms back and forth.

The room was not unlike a cellar, though it was filled to the brim with shelves. Although unlike the other shelves upstairs, these had scrolls inside. Only the smallest path was left for movement.

The Loremaster waited for Tang and smiled sheepishly. “Apologies General, but it's been awhile since I have been here. Most of my work was now down outside in the open.”  He explained and searched around the shelves for the scroll Tang needed. “Ahha.” He said, pulling a large looking scroll free from one of the top shelves. It was musty and already the paper was now a messy yellow color. It chipped up in several areas, but it still looked reasonably intact.

“Thank you Loremaster.” Tang bowed gratefully and tucked the scroll in the crook of his arm. He helped them back up before leaving.