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[直隸總督]

Chapter I - Tears of Qilian Mountains
"tsuk"......"tsuk"......"tsuk".....
The arrow in the air seems weak. It shakes in the breeze and lands 2 meters in front of a dead wolf. The six-year-old kid is practicing his archery, and it was his 10th try.
"Grandpa" he said frustratedly " how come I never make it to my target?"
There's an old man sitting under the tree not very far away, "Nyima, archery requires arm strength and practices."
"I have all those, grandpa" Nyima said proudly, "When do I get to kill wolves?"
The old man smiles, " son, what makes a good archer is not just about physical skills. Most important of all, it's his mind" "Defend what you want to defend, shoot what you have to shoot. One who's just seeking to kill is not a real warrior."
Nyima seems confused.
"Lets go home" , the old man stands up.

Qinghai Qing, Huanghe Huang, gung yiu na tao tao de Jinsha Jiang;
Xue Hao Hao, Shan Cang Cang, Qilian Shan xia hao mu chang.
青海青，黃河黃，更有那淘淘的金沙江。
雪皓皓，山蒼蒼，祁連山下好牧場

Qilian Mountains, located at the west bank of Huanghe, north of Qinghai, is one of the finest pastures in the world. And it's also where Nyima's home village at.
Everything is tranquil. The blue sky, the green grass, the old shepherd and his grandson, surrounded by their snow-white sheeps. The breeze softly passes by.

Nyima and his grandfather gather their sheeps and get ready to go home.
"Look", Nyima pointed at an approaching black dot 50 meters away. It's their neighbor Tangu.
"Basang! Nyima! run!" Tangu shouts.
"What's the matter?" Basang asks
"Jianding!!"

"Jianding.....what's that?" Nyima wants to ask, but there's no time for that.
Basang holds Nyima's arm and they start running.
"Where are we going, grandpa? What about our sheeps?"
Basang seems too nervous to hear what his grandson's talking. He's trying to run fasters, but his old body doesn't allow him to. Fate is a cruel thing.

Jianding 減丁, as the word implies, it means reducing population. Numerous images pass over his mind while he's running. He doesn't know how everything started. Five years ago, the Divine Empire began sending soldiers to villages near Qilian Moutains to "jianding". He's heard rumors that those people who were captured would be slaughtered in concentration camps. He never thought it would happen to him and his family. Now it's their turn.

And It's too late.

Six horsemen, heavily armed, caught up and surrouneded them.
"Dare to escape?" One horseman says. Blood spills on Nyima and Basang. Tangu's head is gone, they realize.
The horsemen tie Basang and Nyima up, and they disappear far away.
The land goes back to peace. The sky is still blue, the grass is still green, the sheeps are still white, and the breeze is still blowing. Except for the two figures.
=======================================
It's another winter in Beijing. The snow is never going to stop. Everything seems to be inactive. And dead. Or is it?
The Court in Beijing is still hot as usual, regardless the climate
"we must send supplies to the northwest, immediately."
"we cannot! the 2 million refugees in Shandong need help"
"our national treasury is running out because of this damn war."
"are you condemning the emperor for starting this war?"
"the soldiers in the northwest is going to rebel, especially in winter. They haven't received salaries, fresh food for three months, now we can't even afford them winter clothes."
"but what about the 2 million refugees. Shandong is at the door of the capital. You certainly don't want to turn furious?"
"I've never condemned the emperor, I was....."
"He needs to be executed, your majesty!"

Silence! The emperor is holding his forehead. This debate has been going for 5 days, it's enough to give him a headache.

"Distribute supplies to the refugees in Shandong", " the issues of the northwest can hold." The emperor ordered.
"But Emperor...."
"Enough, I've made my decision" "Send a message to Jingbei Viceroy ( Viceroy of Pacifying North), allow the soldiers to acquire supplies in enemy terrories as they wish. Hopefully that'll stimulate them."
====================================
"Five years" , the cup is thrown to the ground and cracked.
"For five years, I've been cutting down budgets, extracting everything we can from local villages. Now this is the eighth time. The eighth time the Court gives me this bull$hit."
The Jingbei Viceroy, Du Shang, is freaking out in his command center.
"Our scouts have been searching for Monk Dalai and his 100,000 Tibetan rebels, but they disappear from nowhere. Excessive abuse of natives has alienated them from the Divine Empire."
"Now we have no food, no supplies, no winter clothes. Our armies are suffering from low morale. Encourage?" "Emperor, your majesty, show me a way" Du said sarcastically.

===========================================
Viceroy Du went inspecting one of the concentration camps.
"Why aren't they exterminated?"
"These people are good ironsmith. We'll have them making armory for us and then we execute them afterward."
Du nodded.
Basang and Nyima stand aside. "Nyima" Basang pointed at Du, " this person is the head of these wolves." "Defend what you need to defend is the highest code of a warrior, remember that, Nyima. I'm old and worthless already, I cannot let them take away this slight pride of mine."
"Where are you going, grandpa?"
Basang does not answer. All of sudden, he runs toward the viceroy and grabs his throat. The guards take out their blades and slice Basang into pieces.
“No!” Nyima shouts. He takes a bow and an arrow from a nearby ironsmith. Aim. Shoot.
The arrow shakes in the air and lands. He didn't make it. For the first time Nyima feels so small, insignifcant, helpless.
A guard slaps him, and blood comes out from Nyima's nose. "Your order, general?"
The viceroy is still trying to breathe. He looks into Nyima's eyes. They stare at each other for two minutes.
"Keep him. Put him in my office."
"excuse me, general?"
"I say keep him."

Nyima is shocked.
=========================
to be continued.

This post has been edited by 直隸總督: Dec 17 2004, 07:23 PM

[直隸總督]

Chapter II - Time Changes
The following three years were dramatic. The Emperor Zhenghe 正和 deceased. His twenty year old son, Emperor Yongxing 永興 inherited the throne. The first order from Emperor Yongxing was to recognize Monk Dalai's sovereignty in Qinghai, Xinjiang and Xizang, accomodated with the withdrawal of troops in Gansu. Western part of Gansu province and nearby Qilian counties were designated into a demilitarized zone (DMZ). In response to the comprise, Monk Dalai oathed he would be loyal to the Central Empire.
Jingbei Viceroy Du Shang was not comfortable at all. The two sides that had started this conflict agreed to cease fire. Du was left an awkward position in between, and a mess that he seemed to be responsible to clean up. Should he disobey the demand? He'd face attacks from the Court and Dalai. His armies were exhausted already, they cannot fight anymore. But if Dalai was left to rule these lands, hundreds of thousands of Hans, Tibetans and Uighurs would be suffering. Eight years of sacrifice would turn nothing, and it's impossible to start over. Viceroy Du was unwilling to retreat, for he had never done it before. In fact, he was known as an "all-victory general", he had no face to return. Then he had second thought. If he stayed longer he'd probably meet a more devastating defeat. Now he was just relocating his troops under the emperor's command. It was a peaceful negotiation, although deep in his mind he knew it wasn't true.

That's all he's been thinking in his carriage on the way to Tianjin, Zhili.

He looks at a promotion letter in his hand. It was the second order arrived from Beijing a couple days ago. Du was promised the Governor of Zhili, and minister of foreign affairs. A comfortable seat at home, that's the reason. He laughes at life, he laughes at how weak people are in front of power. And he laughes at himself. He dares not to think about the oath he made when he first joined the army. Be a vangaurd of people and the motherland. Heh

He closes his eyes.

In another carriage, 9-year-old Nyima is thinking, too. He's looking forward to go to a different place, but he doesn't want to leave all good memories behind. They pass by the place where Basang and Nyima were captured three years ago. He looks at the tree where Basang rested. He thinks about that day and their sheeps. The sky is still blue, the grass still green, but things are never going to be the same. Nyima wants to cry, but he knows there's no time to be sorrow. There are more important things to be done. He's learned a lot from his teacher and ultimate enemy, Du Shang.
========================================
"Nyima, has the Nan Man ambassador arrived?"
"Yes, minister. I have him waiting at the hall."
"take him in. By the way, son, about the Chaoxian merchants..."
"it's resolved, sir. They agreed to open up their ginseng markets only to us. And our ships gain free access of their ports."
"excellent." Du said. Satisfied.
"Sir."
"Yes?"
"Nevermind, sir." Nyima left.

Nyima heard the news that Olebachiwu Khan of Mongol has sent a message to the Central Empire to seek help. Monk Dalai has set his eyes on Mongu region, the Governor-Khan needs military aid from Beijing.
Nyima is a grown-up, 18-year-old young man. He's now the most valuable assisstant of Du Shang at Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, Du Shang has never let him handle any business related to his people and Dalai. "It wasn't my decision to kill innocent villagers, Nyima. I was forced as well." That's what Du always tells him. But he doesn't believe it. Nyima will never forget Du was the one who executed the jianding policy and killed his grandfather. At least that's what he used to think a couple years ago.

Things have changed. Nyima has broadened his sight after serving many years in the foreign ministry. Dalai is no longer the savior of Xizang. He and his thugs established a dictatorial regime. They revived the pratice of slavery, which had been abolished by Beijing. Nyima's home village was a victim as well. Human sacrfice becomes a method to exterminate Dalai's political competitors. The DMZ is unstable. Dalai has deployed the "civilian defense corps", or soldiers in disguise into the DMZ. Ironically, in the whole empire, Du seems to be the only person capable to stop Dalai.
Nyima is facing a dilemma. He's far from home and he doesn't know which side to support.
=======================================
Du Shang is not in a good mood today. In fact, it's been very tiring for him since last month. One month ago, the Chieftain of Nan Man, Nguyen Pho Thanh, declared independence of Kingdom of Dai Viet Name.

"Nam quoc son ha nam de cu
Tinh nhien dinh phan tai thien thu
Ngu ha nghich lo lai xam pham
Thu ban hanh phan thu bai hu"

It was his manifesto of independence. To China the central empire, Nguyen keeps sending ambassadors to seek a formal recognition. To Laos and Kampuchea, the Nan Man attempts to make military and political alliance with them. Although China's foreign ministry has warned Laos and Kampuchea not to align with Nguyen Pho Thanh, the two vassal states remain disobedient, because China backed up Mian Dian, a country streched from West Yindu to Laos, in a war 30 years ago. While on the other hand, Mian Dian is hopelessly corrupt, and itself is involved in a civil war.

"Watch your attitude, minister!" The ambassador says angrily and stands up.
Du Sahng sits calmly in his chair.
"There's no way, Mr. ambassador. Nan Man has been the Central Empire's vasal state for hundreds of years. Breaking apart from its mother will only put itself in a dangerous position."
"As a servant of ours for such a long time, you should know we Central Empire does not tolerate barbarians who refuse to be civilized by the teaching of Chinese culture. It's your choice."
Nyima smiles. That's perhaps the ten-thousandth time he hears the same sentence from Du. At Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you always have to deal with so-called "barbarians".

"We are no barbarians nor servants of yours, minister. I came for peace, but you kept your arrogance up." "I'm awfully sorry that our negotiation has failed. Just so you know, minister, seeing bloodshed on both sides is not my original intention."

The ambassador left.

Military thread to Du Shang ? Nyima thought, it's like a trick for three years olds.
==========================
want to know what's going to happen?
Chapter III - Roar of the Dragon.
is coming up.

[chynagongju]

YAYAYAY DUZI!!!! LET's Make this into a series!! I want to be in it! (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I think you have to add some girls/women into this story of yours. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_wink.gif)

(IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/cry2.gif) ...no one reads mine...

[直隸總督]

YAYAYAY DUZI!!!! LET's Make this into a series!!

Yes , chapter III is half-way done.

I want to be in it!  I think you have to add some girls/women into this story of yours.

ok, I'll try.

...no one reads mine...

There's also a fiction section on CNA. Just post it there and I'm sure people would like to read it.

[Zhu_Rong_Ji]

I am enjoying this, but why must you use nan man ?

Anyways, welcome back, Viceroy of Hebei.

This post has been edited by Zhu_Rong_Ji: May 24 2004, 03:47 PM

[chynagongju]

AH! IT IS YOU! I KNEW IT! mann zhu_rong_ji...trying to play it off like you're all...blahhhhh

[Zhu_Rong_Ji]

I just happen to visit the site, that's all.

We're 2 seperate people.

This post has been edited by Zhu_Rong_Ji: May 24 2004, 01:42 PM

[chynagongju]

no you were part of the rpg..(IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/icon_wink.gif) i was too hahaha...empress of dongbei...i think.

[Zhu_Rong_Ji]

What in the...

Honestly, I have no idea who you are.

[chynagongju]

ahhh ok. fine. it may partly be due to the fact that i don't go to CNA anymore...well very rarely...

[直隸總督]

Chapter III – Roar of the Dragon
Xiaozhan 小站 , an underpopulated countryside near Tianjin, is a garrison place of the Beiyang Army. After the defeat in Northwest and other rebellions in different vassal states, Emperor Yongxing realized the central empire is losing its control and influence. Military divisions suffered from poor morale and skills. However, training a completely new military on a national scale was impossible to achieve because of lack of funds. The emperor decided to make a model army in the North to secure the defense of the Capital, and then other provincial governors would recruit their own people and follow the model system. The task of training was passed down to Governor of Zhili, Du Shang, because he was responsible for the security of Beijing and he was the only one who actually had had military experiences.
Young men are recruited from the Beiyang 北洋 region, which consists of Fengtian 奉天, Zhili 直隸 and Shangdong 山東provinces.
“These boys are well-trained, Nyima.” Du said, as they passed by the field. “Well-trained, but inexperienced.”
“Nyima, you’re just like them.”
Nyima is one of Du’s best warriors. He can hit a target 100 meters away and never misses. But honestly, he hasn’t had any experience of real battle.
“Any order from the emperor, sir?”
For a while, Du looks at a battalion marching by.
“I had a conference in Beijing two days ago, with Prime Minister Wang Weili 王為立and Military Minister Xu Lixiao 徐黎曉 .” Du paused.
“The emperor’s demand was simple and straight forward, ‘Nan Man must be chastised’”
“Do you know what was my intention to train this Beiyang Army, Nyima?”
“To protect the motherland, sir”
“tse… hehe. You overestimate me, son.”
Du Shang is looking at the far end where ground and sky connect. He seems to be thinking about something.
“I’d think about myself as that kind, Nyima. Twenty years ago, I would.” “Right now I just want to save my own face. I just want return to Qilian Mountains and defeat Dalai. That’s all.”
Does he really mean it? After many years, Nyima’s learned that this man, Du Shang, is not a blunt person.
“Dalai deserves it, sir.” Nyima responded.
Du nodded. He doesn’t fully trust Nyima either. He regards Nyima as his close subordinate and his own child. However, he knows that, given any chance, Nyima would kill him without hesitation.
They avoid eye contacts.
They know each other too well.

However, Nyima is genuine this time. He hates Dalai even more than he does to Du Shang.

“Before that, “ Du sighs , “we need to flex our muscles and see how it goes.”
“I need your help, child. And I’d like you to participate in real battles.”
“ certainly, sir.”
=======================================
200,000 Beiyang soldiers march down to Guilin, Guangxi. This is the biggest military operation since the war against Monk Dalai.
The army is separated into three routes. Du Shang will lead the central division and besiege Henei and Hue. Eastern division will pass Hue and attack Da Nahn, while Western division attacks Vien Tienh, Laos. They will merge and go deep into Kampuchea. Governor of Gaungxi, Lu Rongting 陸榮廷 is responsible to secure supply lines and watch their backs at Zheng Nan Guan 鎮南關( South-Guarding Pass).

Chastise begins

The Beiyang Army advanced rather quickly. Within five days, the Nan Man lost Henei.
The imperial city, Hue, surrenders on day 20. After the city has fallen, Marshal Du Shang orders massacres and pillage in the city. House and properties are looted and burnt. Women, children and elders were executed and thrown into the river to contaminate the water. This even is referred as ‘Ten Days in Hue’ by Vietnamese. It serves the purpose of demoralizing soldiers and civilians in Vietnam, Laos and Kampuchea.
In the South, the fighting is going brutally. 60,000 Chinese troops confronted nearly 150,000 Nan Man soldiers in Battle of Da Nahn. Despite the anger and passion of the Vietnamese, the poorly disciplined Nan Man army began to come apart after Nyima shot down three top-ranked commanders in a row. The new Chinese gunpowder technology, Jiutianlei 九天雷( sky thunder), is introduced. These cannons can effectively disrupt the enemy’s formation and discourage them from the battle.
Chieftain Nguyen Pho Thanh fled to Kampuchea, but he ran after the Chinese advanced into Angkor Watt.
In Laos, the Chinese Beiyang troops did not face any significant resistance. Raping village was commonly practiced as they went along in order to cut supplies from the enemies.

Nyima led a scout of 200 horsemen to chase Nguyen into Mian Dian, because Du wanted to see Nguyen’s head on his table as soon as possible.
“Congratulations, marshal!” The Chinese commanders are celebrating at Hue.
“Haha, it’s all due to the glory of the emperor. I’m just doing my job.”
“The emperor was very happy when our messenger arrived at Beijing.”
“Indeed”
“according to our inspection, we’ve destroyed 75% of the properties and executed 2 million people, both enemy soldiers and suspected guerillas in this campaign.”
“Excellent.”
“reporting, sir”
“speak.”
“the hunt team has come back.”
A soldier carrying a bag walks toward Du. “Your honor!” He opens up the bag.
It’s Nguyen’s head.
“Nicely done. Hang it on a wall of Hue, and force all Nan Man to see, if there’s any of them alive.”
“Where’s Nyima?” Du asks
“We lost captain Nyima, sir.”
“what did you say?”
“At one night, we were ambushed by a group of Nan Man guerilla in North Mian Dian. After that, we lost trace of him.” “We couldn’t find his body, sir. Captain Nyima should be alive.”
“Perhaps…”
Du is not certain if he can take this. His favorite apprentice, assistance, and child has been lost. Just like any other parent, he feels like years of hard work is wasted over night. That’s not the whole story, however. Nyima has inherited most of traits which Du depends his own life on : Leadership, nationalism, keenness, ruthlessness, and a strong sense of pride. From Mian Dian, through Xiayu, Nyima could easily get into Tibet and Qinghai, and to his home town. He is not going to let Du Shang get away with murduring his grandfather, Basang. He fears to confront a person like himself. Perhaps he should’ve never adopted Nyima, Du thought. He should’ve killed that hateful kid who attempted to kill him with an arrow 12 years ago. Now it is like letting a tiger go back to the mountains. This is what Du is afraid of, a mistake that he would never be able to correct….
===================================
coming soon
Chapter IV - A Cloudy Day in Beijing

[直隸總督]

Chapter IV – A Cloudy Day in Beijing
The war on the Southern Alliance, or the ‘Nam Minh’ in Vietnamese, is officially over. China once again demonstrated its might over the vassal states. After the war, Chaoxian, Riben, Nan Man, Laos, Kampuchea, Mian Dian, and even Monk Dalai sent ambassadors to congratulate the common lord, along with tributes which they haven’t submitted for a long time. They were surprised how fast Nguyen and his pack fell. The sleep dragon is awakened, the realized, and its time to show loyalties before it’s too late.
Du and the Beiyang Army were greeted as national heroes when they passed through the Zhonghua Gate in Beijing. However, victory and happiness never last long.

More problems were to come.

Now Du is sitting in a chair. Thinking. A while ago, Prince Dezhang 德彰 visisted him and they had a nice lunch together. Du talked about the family, his tour in the south, and the lost Nyima. He also asked about the progress of the construction of the prince’s garden in Tangshan. 唐山. It was quite obvious that Du didn’t want to get into any political topics. Prince Dezhang sat quietly.
Later, he said he was going back to work and he thought the conversation was interesting. He left, without saying much.
Du Shang knows what the prince is looking for, however. The health condition of Emperor Yongxing is going down day after day. Everyone in the Court could see there’s not much time left for the emperor. Two months at most.
The worst side of human is coming up to surface. The once united imperial family is breaking apart. The eldest princes – Dezhang 德彰, Deying 德英, and Dewei 德偉 – all want to inherit the throne. For months, they’ve been backstabbing each other, aligning with different parties of officials, trying to impress their father, making schemes against each other. As the time closes in, the competition gets worse and darker.

Tianjin, a place that is far away enough to be clean handed from conflicts in the capital, and a place close enough to know everything that’s going on in the Imperial Court. It’s a place where ambitious politicians crouch and wait for their opportunities. And of course, it’s where Du Shang and his 200,000 battle-hardened Beiyang Army stations. In fact, as a governor of Zhili, Du Shang has military presence over the entire province surrounding Beijing. Another 450,000 provincial troops of Zhili are to serve him anytime. The two Imperial Guard Divisions, Fengtai and Xishan, are full Du’s spies, close subordinates. In the Northeast provinces – Fengtian, Jilin and Heilongjiang – the commanders are mostly students and former subordinates of Du. The Governor of Shangdong, Qin Xiaochuan, is his friend. Olebachiwu Khan in Mongu is Du’s closest companion.
Knowing his geographical advantages, Du has played well and made himself a shining star during the political conflict. In an extraordinary time like this, people believe in iron and blood, not the poem-citing officials in the Court. Dezhang, Deying and Dewei have both tried to approach him and get him to their own side. He always gave them vagues answers. Now he must decide, for there’s no time left.

Du notices foot-steps from the back. Here comes his wife, Sheng Qiying. Although she’s aged, one can still trace her extraordinary beauty from her face. She was known as the “Flower of Tianjing” 30 years ago.
“Prince Dezhang left already?” She’s curious.
“Yes, a while ago.”
“You seem worried.”
“Top secret, wife.”
“hey, I’m your woman. Don’t you think I should share your burden with you?”
It’s not like He doesn’t trust her. You never know how easy a woman can give away secrets to gossiping. But he tells her anyway.
“The Emperor is ill. And these princes have been sending people over. You know what I mean.”
“Are they offering you high positions?”
“um. What should I do, wife?”
“Don’t you always want to be a prime minister, or a respectable figure?”
“I really do.” Du sighed “But what do you think.”
“Well…I just want you to be happy. You put all responsibilities on yourself.” “Perhaps you can retire now, don’t even need to worry about the business of the monarchs.”
“Perhaps we can live in a mountain, and have our own farm.” Du chuckles.
She smiles, too.
But that’s not his thing. They both know it.

Sheng stands up and leaves Du alone in the room. He resumes his business.

Dezhang and Deying are both grown-up, and fully conscious. They’ve been running around the empire and making their own alliances. Either of them cannot guarantee Du will be “the one” afterward. On the other hand, Dewei is the youngest, inexperienced. The only person he depends on is Du Shang, and he has already promised him the position of the prime minister, the title Du is always looking for.

As a conservative servant of the emperor, Du Shang believes in loyalty. However, his political ambition is second to none in the country. These two things usually go parallel to each other, but sometimes they don’t. He has to take a side. Theoretically, Dezhang is the eldest, and he should be the heir of the throne. Du should back him up no matter what. Or the least he should do is to keep silent. It’s the Court’s and the Imperial Family’s business, not his.
He always wants to be a regular official, who follows what the emperor says, nothing else. But his ambition always overcomes.
If not for this part of his personality, he wouldn’t come to the place where he is today. Years ago, he was not a supporter of the Emperor Yongxing. He took the side with another prince, secretly of course. Nobody expected Emperor Zhenghe would die so sudden, not even Du Shang. He later realized that no wonder prince Yongxing had been urging his father, Emperor Zhenghe, to ignore the army in the northwest. Yongxing wanted to keep him far away from Beijing and exhaust his men, until he was too weak to resist. It worked. Yongxing quickly took over the throne after the old emperor had died. Du wasn’t able to do anything. Not because he was apathetic, but he wasn’t able to.

To show his loyalties to the new Emperor Yongxing, Du invited the prince whom he once supported to a dinner. A sword went straight through the prince’s heart. Lying dead. To ensure the Emperor is aware of this, Du had invited the emperor’s most trusted officials as guests to this show. That’s perhaps the last scene the little princes saw. He killed them too, a nine years old and a seven. Younger concubines were sold to prostitute houses, and the older ones were banished to the frontier. The eldest son of the prince was later said to have run into a group of “bandits” by accident in Hubei. All messengers that had been liaisons between Du and the prince died from different causes. For his single-handedly planned “accomplishments”, he became the most famous star in front of Emperor Yongxing. Of course, no one dared to speak up. A great purge would happen whenever the throne changed. Get along with it or die.

Time is different now. Du is in Tianjin, and he can launch an attack on Beijing and crown an emperor anytime he wishes. But he’s still uncertain. After all, he has never done a coup d’etat before. He surely did plan one, but never got a change to put it into action. Perhaps people get more cowardly as they get old, he thought.

He’s wandering in his old memories, trying to find the lost “courage” of his. Maybe he’ll find out what part of him is missing.

He brushes his beard with his hand.
=================================
Chapter V - An Old Tale

[RockHeart]

Your story is so tremendous....And very long story....What is your name by English?? I couldn't read the Chinese Language: Lee hu Ma?? Lur kur tee kor??? Pang-sai bui??


RockHeart,


(IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/cool30.gif)

[Ken_N238]

ahhhh all i could see is words
and hope i wrote this correctly, can't see

[直隸總督]

Your story is so tremendous....And very long story....What is your name by English?? I couldn't read the Chinese Language: Lee hu Ma?? Lur kur tee kor??? Pang-sai bui??


RockHeart,


(IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/cool30.gif)

Thank, it's only half-way done by the way. (IMG:http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/cool30.gif)
My Chinese name is Du Hongyi. I also have a Western one, but I'm not going to tell.

[直隸總督]

Chapter V – An Old Tale
Thirty years ago…………
“Fresh vegetable! Buy some vegetable”
“steamed bread!” “Mongol barbeque beef!”
……
On a crowded street of Tianjin, different vendors are shouting and showing off their products. Not far away down the street comes an elegant, decent lady in her early 20s, along with an aide. By first look, one will know the young lady is from a wealthy family.
“Mistress, are you sure about this?”
“Oh come on, dad never let me experience how commoners live. Wouldn’t it be interesting if we have a taste of it on our own.”
They walk into a local noodle house. Not a well-furnished place.
“yeww..” The aide is disgusted.
A waiter comes out, “how can I serve you two elegant ladies.”
“My mistress would like to take a clean seat.”
“Ah, I’m afraid we don’t have any seat left. As you can see, it’s quite crowded today.” The waiter looks around.
“Oh, there it is.” The waiter walks to a table. “I assume you’re not waiting for someone, sir?”
The man sitting next to the table shakes his head.
“I’d like to beg your great honor to shift a little bit. You know, we have a quite a lot of customers here today, and these two young ladies would like to come in. I apologize for your inconvenience and I really don’t want to be rude. But you know, we’re just small-profitable businessmen trying to make a living…”
“Ok, ok. I don’t mind.” The man says impatiently.
“Thank you very much, sir.”
The two ladies sit on the opposite side of the table. The mistress examines this man. He’s about 25 or 26 years old, and he doesn’t talk much. Shyness, perhaps. He always keeps his head down.
“Sorry to interrupt you, sir. From your uniform, I guess you’re a soldier, am I correct?” The mistress says.
“Oh, yes.”
“Do you happen to know captain Du Shang, may I ask?”
The man pauses his chopsticks motion.
“Oh yes, he’s in my division.” “What about him?”
The lady wants to say something, but she holds it back.
“No, no. Nothing big deal really.”
“I’ve got to run, mistress. It was nice to have a conversation with you.” He smiles and bows to her. And he leaves.
The lady turns her head toward the aide. “Father has a guest coming today.”
“Yes, mistress. Captain Du I heard.”
“I’m looking forward of it.”

3 months ago, a group of Muslim Fundamentalist Terrorists took hostages of a charity group consisting of 8 women and 17 children. Du volunteered and led a small rescue team at night. They escaped successfully and captured the terrorist leader. This event made him a famous figure in Tianjin.

The ladies arrive at home. In the hall, the father of the mistress is sitting in a chair and talking to the guest. Sheng Xuanhuai, the governor of Zhili, also the richest businessmen in the empire. “Daughter” He spots the young lady. “Good afternoon, father.”
“Mind me to introduce, this is my daughter, Qiying.” “And daughter, this is Captain Du Shang.”
Sheng Qiying looks up to Du, he’s the soldier she just had lunch with. Du notices her, too.
“Hello, nice to see you again, mistress” Du says politely.
She smiles back, “you lied”, she says jokingly.
“Please pardon me.” Says Du
“Woah, you kids know each other?” Sheng Xuanhuai is surprised.
“yes, we’ve met before” Qiying responds.
“What a coincidence. Well, Shang, are you clear on my instruction?”
“Certainly, sir.”
“Excellent, staying for dinner tonight?”
“Thank you for the invitation, sir. I’m afraid I can’t make it. I have to get these things organized as soon as possible.”
“Fine then, have your way. Good luck, child.”
==================================
Chaoxian, a vassalt state of China for over a thousand years, has been destabilized by foreign sponsored uprising. On February 5th, A nationwide rebellion broke out in Chaoxian. This movement was led by a man named Pae Soong-jun. His followers were mostly desperate Korean peasants, anti-socials and Meiguo (United States of America) advisors who wanted to overthrow the pro-China regime. Kim Hyun-joon, the Chaoxian lord, was unable to resist the rebels due to arm regulations set by Beijing. Kim immediately sent a urgent request to Emperor Zhenghe, asking the central empire to crush Pae Soong-jun’s party. In response, China prepared to launch an attack. Most Chaoxian issues usually go through Zhili governor then to the Imperial Court. As a result, Governor of Zhili, Sheng Xuanhuai, was responsible to organize the operation. On February 12th, 3 divisions, 45000 Chinese troops were sent to Chaoxian. They were 2nd division, led by Du Shang, 15th and 16th divisions. Field General Gao Shiming coordinated the entire army and held the highest command in Chaoxian.
At the beginning, Du Shang and his 2nd division advanced very quickly. Within a month, he secured the entire northern Chaoxian and liberated Pyongyang. In the south, however, things didn’t go well. The attacks in the south were furious, added to the fact that the commanders of the other two divisions were unskilled. They were not aggressive enough to destroy rebels, instead, they stationed their troops in Seoul and Ch’ongju, only to be attacked by South Chaoxian guerillas. Death toll of Chinese troops continued to increase. Field General Gao Shiming was incapable to make efficient commands - misplacement of supplies and weapons, miscommunication, false information, underestimation of enemies, and passive attitudes.
Du Shang in Pyongyang had been sending messages to Seoul, telling the 15th and 16th divisions to attack Inchon and Kwangju so the Chinese fleet can send more people from Shangdong. The commanders ignored him. They continued to hide behind city walls. On April 15th, Du decided to take some action. He led a 2000-man commando from Pyongyang. The commando made a big flank into southern Chaoxian, storming the rebel fort at Wonju. He did that on the purpose of distract the enemy concentration near Seoul, in order to stimulate the 15th division. At Wonju, Du urged the commander in Seoul to assault Wonju Fort and other guerilla villages surrounding it. His request was again ignored. Ten days later, they confronted a group of 7000 rebels. Approximately 500 Chinese troops were killed, although they defeated the mob. However, knowing he could not take Wonju alone, Du had to flee back to Pyongyang. For the following month, Du collected all resources he needed along the Pyongyang-Kaeson Line to prepare for another invasion, if he’d ever get a chance. The war has turned into attrition. He could not help anything but wait for something to happen.
In Beijing, Sheng Xuanhuai was constantly criticized for inadequate choice of commanders and strategies. There was a talk that he might be resigned or put in jail. Finally, Sheng decided to make a risky move. He removed Gao Shiming, and commanders of 15th and 16th divisions from their positions. Du Shang resumed full command of armies in Chaoxian. The Emperor ordered him just to attack some cities and show the power of China. Zhenghe didn’t want to escalate the Chaoxian incident. Du did not listen, however.
On May 5th, when people of China and Chaoxian were celebrating the dragon boat festival, Du Shang launched the Duanwu Offensive. Chinese troops commenced a full-scale invasion on the south Chaoxian. His army advanced rather quickly. That’s his way, fast enough before the enemies could react, even before the Court could tell him to stop. In a month, Du conquered Inchon, Taejon, Kwangju, Chongju, Tanyang, Taegu and the surrounding regions. Sheng Xuanhuai also sent 30000 more men to Inchon under Du's command. They pushed the Pae Soong-jun and his rebels all the way down to Pusan. On June 6th, American reinforcement landed in Pusan to support the rebels. After a bloody battle, Chinese defeated the coalition and captured the American general Franklin Anderson Gallagher (a.k.a. f@g). The war ended. Despite Du’s disobedience toward the Emperor’s order, Zhenghe was very satisfied with his accomplishments. In the Forbidden City, Du was promoted the Medal of Sun. On the other hand, Du Shang also saved Zhili Governor, Sheng Xuanhuai, from being put in jail. Consequently, his daughter, Sheng Qiying, was married to Du as a reward.

This post has been edited by 直隸總督: Jun 6 2004, 03:52 PM

[cloudyski]

good story