The Deer and The Cauldron

[crazee]

Oh ho ... now you are saying that I can't handle the truth, I mean, Huang Yi ... Thank you very much Smurf. (Nah, I guess you are right, I can't handle Jin Yong either ... I hate translating Jin Yong ...) Anh, I want to finish this as soon as I can, but sometimes I don't have much time to translate. Crazee, that makes two, thee and me. This part is still boring, no wonder the official version just skipped it. Come to think about it, the farther along we go, the more I have a feeling that the official translation is more and more like a summary rather than the real story. Anyway, my apology for weird sentences ...

Nah....Huang Yi....I followed the translation for a while and got fed up with the theme. Too much of anything will be boring.
Yep...this episode is still continuing with the boring explaination on the poetry. I suppose it'll pass. In many ways Jin Yong is similar to Tolkien.....well literary and poems. I used to skip those parts....but to a certain extent those poems explains the situations.

Thanks Foxs, I suppose you're in not too good mood eh ???

Don't worry....you're still our best...at least my hero for bringing me Jin Yong in English !!!!

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs

[smurf120]

Foxs - I think you would give brilliant translation of Huang Yi - just that it is so long I suspect that several translators got bored - I think the longest hiatus with no update was 6 months. Your "Deer and Cauldron" update is usually the brightest spot of my work day!

[ToastedRossi]

Oh ho ... now you are saying that I can't handle the truth, I mean, Huang Yi ... Thank you very much Smurf. (Nah, I guess you are right, I can't handle Jin Yong either ... I hate translating Jin Yong ...) Anh, I want to finish this as soon as I can, but sometimes I don't have much time to translate.

Thanks foxs. If it's any consolation, the upcoming sections are more entertaining - especially if you've read the Sword Stained with Royal Blood. It's too bad that He Tieshou never makes it into any of the TV adaptations. As a bit of an off-topic note, I'm currently watching the 2007 version of the Sword Stained with Royal Blood, and it's neat to see how much of the Han-Manchu relationship remains in the Deer and the Cauldron

I get the feeling that Wu Zhirong and this part of the story is one of the main reasons why the Deer and the Cauldron was written in the first place. Jin Yong started this book while the Cultural Revolution was still going on, and these interpretations of literature were one of the main ways the victims of that era were persecuted. It's no accident that the first chapter/prologue started with the victims of the Literary Inquistion. And that Wu Zhirong was the one to present those accusations to the government.

There are also two sides to this: some of the works, like the Ming History, are completely innocuous, while others really do harbor seditious language, like what Gu Yanwu wrote. This brings up one of the other main themes of the Deer and the Cauldron. Wei Xiaobao is stuck between two completely incompatible rocks: Kangxi and Tiandihui.

This is true - it would be very difficult to find a teenager (or even somebody in very early 20's) that can display both rascal and maturity of WXB. Foxs wonderful translation so far captures the excitement and speedy cadence in WXB's speeches (his youthfulness) yet he knows when to slow down and pause (like a master). I find very few young men capable of that level of storytelling that don't end up seeming overly eager or too solemn.

That's quite true. Of all of Jin Yong's characters, Wei Xiaobao is the absolutely hardest to cast. I think that the character gets away with a lot because everyone around him thinks of him as a child. This never comes across in any of the adaptations, but I can't be too disappointed because it can't really be pulled off. Even if you have a fantastic 13-14 year old actor, Xiaobao is an adult by this point in the story, so you'd have to replace him. However, there's isn't a good spot to do so because he's been aging gradually throughout the story.

Nah....Huang Yi....I followed the translation for a while and got fed up with the theme. Too much of anything will be boring.
Yep...this episode is still continuing with the boring explaination on the poetry. I suppose it'll pass. In many ways Jin Yong is similar to Tolkien.....well literary and poems. I used to skip those parts....but to a certain extent those poems explains the situations.

Chinese poetry is a bit beyond me, so I have to admit that my eyes tend to glaze over whenever I read this section as well. It doesn't help that it's sandwiched between two of the more interesting sections in the book.

A little bit off topic, but how is Huang Yi as a writer? I've been reading Gu Long and Tong Hua in the last little while, and I wouldn't mind newer alternatives. The former's prose isn't that good, and too much Tong Hua is terribly unhealthy.

[foxs]

Crazee, Smurf, I am sorry ... I did not mean to upset you. I guess I was frustrated of my own inadequacy. (Where are those 'real translators' when you need one? But then again, 'real translators' may not be interested in this novel, since the official translation exists.) Anh, you are welcome. Thanks for your support. Toasted, always enjoy your insight. I don't know much about Huang Yi and Tong Hua. To Smurf, the length does not bother me, it's the classical quotation that does. I don't know if you remember, but I started this project 2 years ago (in July), I will continue at a pace comfortable to me. Classical literature always, I repeat, always gives me trouble.

---

This time he stumped Wu Zhirong. Because of the ‘Ming Shi’ Wu Zhirong enjoyed meteoric rise in his political career, hence he was very familiar with the history of the Ming Dynasty; however, nothing was said about the kind of weapon Xu Da and Chang Yuchun used. With a forced laugh he said, “Lowly officer is of humble talent and shallow learning; I do not know. Would Daren please advise?”

Wei Xiaobao was very proud of himself. He said with a smile, “You guys only read the book rotten, but don’t know about this kind of matters. Let me tell you: Great General Xu was the reincarnation of the Song Dynasty’s Yue Fei, Yue Yeye [grandpa]; he used a steel spear with cast iron point, on his waist he carried eighteen wolf tooth arrows, he shot with great precision, his arrows never missed. General Chang was the reincarnation of Yan man Zhang Yide from the Three Kingdom era; he used an eight-snake spear one zhang [about 10ft/3m] long, ten thousand men could not withstand his bravery.” And then he rambled on and on about how these two generals Xu and Chang broke the Yuan army. These stories came from the storytellers, naturally it was a lot more fantastic, but not much of the actual fact.

Wu Zhirong was listening to the stories while he was kneeling on the floor. His knees were growing more and more painful. However, in order to make Wei Xiaobao happy, he had no choice but to pretend that he was listening with keen interest; he repeatedly gasped in admiration, and with great difficulty forcing himself to listen to the end before saying, “Daren has wide learning and retentive memory, lowly officer is full of admiration. Those two, Xu Da and Chang Yuchun’s merit was indeed very great; after their deaths, Zhu Yuanzhang bestowed the title of ‘King’ to the two of them, one was Zhong Shan Wang [king], the other was Kaiping Wang. Zhu Yuanzhang also had a military strategist …”

“That’s right,” Wei Xiaobao cut him off, “That military strategist was Liu Bowen; looking up he knew astronomy, looking down he knew geography, looking ahead he knew three thousand years, looking back he knew a thousand years.” And then like an unceasing torrent he narrated about how Liu Bowen gained his capability of knowing everything under the heavens, that even the gods and demons could not understand his scheme, how he planned this and that strategy in fighting this war or that, how to predict things that happened a thousand li away.

Wu Zhirong’s legs went numb, he could not endure anymore; he slid back and sat on the floor, and said with a forced laugh, “Daren’s story is so pleasant to hear, lowly officer’s spirit is aroused. By Daren’s grace, lowly officer is thinking of listening while standing up, I wonder if it is possible?”

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “Alright, stand up.”

Propping himself against a chair, Wu Zhirong slowly stood up. “Reporting to Daren,” he said, “The ‘Mr. Qing Tian’ Wu Liuqi mentioned in his letter was precisely Liu Ji, Liu Bowen. That Liu Bowen was a Qingtian [county, Lishui] man from Zhejiang. Wu Liuqi himself wanted to be Xu Da or Chang Yuchun, and wanted that man surnamed Zha to be the Liu Bowen.”

Wei Xiaobao said, “He wants to be Xu Da or Chang Yuchun, that’s great. That man surnamed Zha wants to be the Liu Bowen, humph, he may not necessarily have that kind of skill. Do you think it’s easy to be Liu Bowen? Liu Bowen’s ‘Shaobing Song’ [lit. baked sesame seed-coated cake] said, ‘Hand grasping a steel knife ninety-nine, killing the barbarians to the end before putting it down.’ Hey, formidable, formidable!”

Wu Zhirong said, “Daren is really smart, you are absolutely correct. That Xu Da, Chang Yuchun and Liu Bowen, three men, were all fighting the Yuan army, they help Zhu Yuanzhang driving out the barbarians. The things that Wu Liuqi said in his letter clearly mean that he wanted to rise in rebellion, he wanted to kill Manchu people.”

Wei Xiaobao was shocked; he thought, “Wu Dage’s intention, how can I not know? Do I need you to tell me? This letter indeed has enormous repercussion; it is by Heaven’s providence that it fell into my hands.” Thereupon he repeatedly nodded and reached out to pat Wu Zhirong’s shoulder. “Good!” he said, “Our luck is very good! If you did not come and tell me about this, it would be terrible. His Majesty said that I am a general who depends on good luck; indeed the Holy Sage’s golden mouth is proven to be right again.”

Having his shoulder patted several times, Wu Zhirong felt the bones in his entire body went soft; he felt that ever since he came out of his mother’s womb, he had never had such glory. He could not help but was deeply touched; with a choking voice he said, “Daren showed such affection, this kindness and grace, even if lowly officer has my body torn and my bones crushed, it is still hard to repay. Daren is good-luck general, lowly officer will follow you, being a good-luck soldier or good-luck servant, or even good-luck dog or good-luck horse; that will still bring honor to my ancestors.”

Wei Xiaobao roared in laughter; he raised his hand to stroke Wu Zhirong’s head. “Very good! Very good!” he said.

Wu Zhirong was tall. Realizing that it was not too convenient for Wei Xiaobao to reach out and stroke his head, he busily lowered his head to let him stroking the top of his head. Previously Wei Xiaobao was very angry; Wu Zhirong kneeled down, kowtowed and took off his hat, Wei Xiaobao pressed his palm on the smooth scalp where the hair was shaved, and slowly stroked toward his back, just like stroking a dog who begged to be petted while wagging its tail. When his palm reached the back of Wu Zhirong’s head, Wei Xiaobao thought, “I don’t want your torn body and crushed bones either, I just need to chop a damn blade right here.” He asked, “Other than you, is there anybody else who knew about this matter?”

“No one, no one,” Wu Zhirong replied, “Lowly officer realized the stake is very high, I did not dare to leak the least bit of rumor. If that rebel thief Wu Liuqi finds out that his rebellious conspiracy has been exposed, he might immediately rise in rebellion, and then Daren and lowly officer will not have the least bit of merit.”

“True,” Wei Xiaobao said, “You are very thoughtful. We must be very careful, we must not let Futai and Fantai know about it, they might rush to submit a report to the imperial court, hence snatching away your great contribution.”

Wu Zhirong was over the moon; he bowed with cupped fist repeatedly. “Yes, yes,” he said, “I completely rely on Daren’s support.”

Wei Xiaobao put Gu Yanwu’s letter into his pocket and said, “Just leave all these poetry anthology here, you quietly get Gu Yanwu, those several people here, after I interrogate them clearly, I will select troops and horses to escort you to Beijing. I will personally submit a report to His Majesty. In this great contribution, you are the first, I receive the benefit of your splendor and be the second.”

Wu Zhirong was unable to contain his joy. “No, no,” he busily said, “Daren is the first, lowly officer is second.”

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “After you go to see His Majesty, whatever you want to say to him, I will carefully teach you. As long as His Majesty is pleased, you want to be Xunfu or Fantai, just leave it to me.”

Wu Zhirong was so happy that he almost fainted; with both hands he put the poetry anthology books on the table, and ‘dong, dong, dong’ knocking his head on the floor before taking his leave. Wei Xiaobao was afraid he might change his mind midway, hence he appointed a team of Valiant Cavalry sergeants under the leadership of a Zuoling to accompany Wu Zhirong in escorting prisoners.

Upon returning to the inner hall, he sent someone to summon Li Lishi and the others for a discussion. Suddenly he saw Shuang’er came into his presence, kneeled down, and crying, “Xianggong,” she said with a sob, “I want to ask you something.”

Wei Xiaobao was greatly baffled; hastily he reached out to hold her hands and pull her up. Without letting her hands off he said tenderly, “Good Shuang’er, you are my lifeblood. Whatever it is, I will definitely do it for you.” Seeing the tears kept streaming down her cheeks, he raised his left hand and wiped the tears with his sleeve.

“Xianggong,” Shuang’er said, “This is a very difficult matter, but I … I simply must ask you.”

Wei Xiaobao wrapped his left arm around her waistand said, “The more difficult thing to do, if I can get it done for you, the more it will prove that I dote on my good Shuang’er. What is it? Quickly tell me.”

A hint of blush appeared on Shuang’er’s pale face. “Xianggong,” she said in a low voice, “I … I want to kill that government official who has just left. But you must not be angry with me.”

Wei Xiaobao thought, “In this matter you and I are like-minded; now you came to ask me, this is extremely wonderful.” He asked, “How did this government official offend you?”

Sobbing and sniffling, Shuang’er replied, “He did not offend me. This Wu Zhirong is my family’s archenemy. The Zhuang Family’s Laoye, Shaoye [old and young master, respectively] were all killed because of him.”

Wei Xiaobao immediately understood; that night at the Zhuang Family’s house, he saw everybody there was a widow, and there were a lof of memorial tablet arranged in one of the rooms, turned out the criminal ringleader, the main offender, was this man. “Are you sure you did not misidentify the person?” he asked.

Shuang’er’s tears poured down her cheeks again as she said with a sob, “No … I can’t possibly mistook him for someone else. That day he … he brought officers from yamen to the Zhuang Family to arrest people. I was still little, but his ferocious appearance, I cannot forget it no matter.”

Wei Xiaobao thought, “I must appear to be in a very difficult situation, then she would greatly see the favor I am giving her.” Knitting his brows, he pretended to ponder deeply for half a day before hesitantly said, “He is a government official appointed by the imperial court, the Prefectural Magistrate of Yangzhou prefecture, the Emperor happened to send me to Yangzhou on a mission, if you killed him, I am afraid my official position will be in jeopardy. Just now he came to me with a very important matter; if you kill him, I am afraid … I am afraid …”

Shuang’er was deeply anxious, she said in tears, “I … I actually knew that I am going to give Xianggong a lot of trouble, but … Zhuang Family’s Laotaitai [old Madame], San Shaonainai [third young mistress], they … they kowtowed in front of the memorial tablets every day, vowing to kill this evil government official surnamed Wu to take revenge and wipe out the grudge.”

Wei Xiaobao slapped his thigh and said, “Alright! It’s my good Shuang’er who asked me, even if you asked me to kill the Emperor, you asked me to kill myself, I will comply to your request, much less just one tiny Zhifu? But you have to give me a kiss on the mouth.”

Shuang’er’s entire face turned beet-red, she was happy and bashful at the same time; turning her head away, she said in a low voice, “Xianggong treats me this well, I … I have been yours long time ago. You … you …” Speaking to this point, she lowered her head.

Seeing her graceful, beautiful, and submissive demeanor, Wei Xiaobao’s heart turned soft. He could not bear to be frivolous toward her anymore. “Very well,” he said with a laugh, “When we achieve great success, I am going to kiss you on the mouth, you must not flee.”

Shuang’er blushed even deeper; she nodded her head slowly.

“If you killed him right now,” Wei Xiaobao said, “The revenge will not be sweet enough. I will let you bring him to the Zhuang Family, have him kneel down before all Zhuang Family Laoye, Shaoye’s memorial tablets, let San Shaonainai and the others kill this dog’s head with their own hands. What do you say?”

Shuang’er thought that it was a really great idea, but may not be necessarily real. With her round eyes opened wide, she looked at Wei Xiaobao, not daring to believe. “Xianggong,” she said, “You are not lying to me, are you?”

“Why would I lie to you?” Wei Xiaobao said, “This dog official is your enemy, he is not mine. He was going to send me great riches and honor, yet I don’t give it a damn. As long as little Shuang’er is sincerely nice to me, it is stronger than anything in the world!”

Shuang’er was very grateful in her heart, she leaned on him, and could not help but broke out in crying again. Wei Xiaobao pulled her soft, slender waist closer, he was very happy in his heart; he mused, “This readily available passion, even having it ten or eight a day, it’s can’t be considered too much. Why didn’t that dog official Wu Zhirong kill Ah Ke’s father? If Ah Ke also came to me asking me to avenge her, and let me to embrace her tightly, wouldn’t it be nice?” But he immediately had a second thought: Ah Ke’s father was either Li Zicheng or Wu Sangui, how could Wu Zhirong kill them?

They heard footsteps outside, and knew that Li Lishi and the others have arrived. “Don’t worry about it,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Right now I have something important I need to discuss with these people, go guard outside the door, don’t let anybody come in, and don’t eavesdrop our conversation either.”

“Yes,” Shuang’er replied, “I have never eavesdropped on your conversations.” Suddenly she pulled Wei Xiaobao’s hand, stooped down and kissed his hand, and then slipped out of the door.

Li Lishi and the other Tian Di Hui warriors entered the room and sat down. Wei Xiaobao said, “All Gege, last night I heard big news, it was an urgent matter, there was not enough time to discuss it with you all, hastily I went to Lovely Spring Courtyard. In the end my luck was not bad, although I created chaos, in the end I managed to save Mr. Gu Yanwu and Wu Liuqi Dage’s lives.”

The warriors were greatly surprised; the previous night Wei Xiangzhu did indeed create preposterous scene. Visiting prostitute in a brothel was not a big deal, but taking out a big bed out of the brothel, transporting seven women and parading the bed along the streets, it was indeed a hideous mess; turned out it was in order to save Gu Yanwu and Wu Liuqi. Even if they think until their heads explode, they would never have figured it out. Immediately everybody asked him for the details.

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “When we were in Kunming, all Gege masqueraded as Wu Sangui’s warriors and went to the brothel to drink and fight. Xiongdi thought this trick was not bad, hence last night I repeated the fun and went one more time.”

The crowd of warriors nodded; they all thought, “So that’s what happened.”

Wei Xiaobao thought that if he talked too much, he would inevitably reveal the cloven foot; thereupon he said, “We do not need to talk about this matter in details.” Putting his hand into his pocket, he groped for Wu Liuqi’s letter and took it out.

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs

[Ace High]

The “Shaobing Song” or the “Pancake Poem” is a poem purported to be written by Liu Bowen. He supposedly presented the poem to the Hongwu Emperor. It is written in cryptic form and is difficult to understand. Some believe that certain lines contain references to the future of China. Most of the predictions since 1911 have been vague and inaccurate. This led some experts to believe the work is a hoax of recent production, designed to reassure people that all would be well when there was much unrest as a consequence of the Japanese invasion and the rise of communism.

[crazee]

Wow.....I still love Shuang Er....so sweet and loving.

Thanks Foxs.....

I hope the poems and literature part is over and normal ....(can we classify as that)....life of XB continues.

[Drak17]

Thank you foxs! For more Xiaobao! .

[athlonkmf]

No one impressed by the talent of how wxb can instinctively benefit from a situation even though it doesn't cost a single strand of effort? With one event, he manages to both impress sy and tdh-brothers...

He'd be the perfect manager...

[crazee]

Crazee, Smurf, I am sorry ... I did not mean to upset you. I guess I was frustrated of my own inadequacy.

No! Foxs, I am not upset, I can sense your frustrations....there's always ups and down, I suppose Jin Yong like Tolkien, are literature loving people, loves poems and classics....It's dry and can be boring.... as readers we can skim thru but to translate....well, I suppose it's really difficult. No doubt I like to read but when it comes to these classics....
Come to think of it, even the dune series, written by Frank Herbert contains such phrases.... Is it that long stories must have such ???

[foxs]

Anh, you are welcome. How's Florida? Hot? Ace, thanks for the additional info. Crazee, maybe for people of literature, classical quotation was such a big deal, as Jin Yong depicted in this part. Drak, still too much classic for my taste. Athlon, how right you are. Are you a manager?

---

Qian Laoben received it, spread it out on the table, and they all reviewed it together. They saw at the beginning of the letter it was written ‘To be inspected by my dear friend Mister Yihuang’, while at the end the signature said, ‘Iron Beggar in the snow’, four characters [xue zhong tie gai]. Everybody knew that ‘Iron Beggar in the snow’ was Wu Liuqi’s nickname, but they did not know who Mr. Yihuang was.

These people’s knowledge about literature was rather limited, when they read about ‘important event in the southwest’ they thought he was referring to Wu Sangui’s rebellion, but about ‘Passionately planning the matter of Zhong Shan, the great feat of Kaiping’, or something about ‘can’t be accomplished without Mr. Qing Tian’s planning’, et cetera, the secret language, allusion to classic story, they were completely at a loss. They all looked at each other in dismay, quietly waiting for Wei Xiaobao to explain.

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “Xiongdi’s tummy is stuffed with Yangzhou’s steamed dumpling and long fish noodle, there is not the least bit of ink in it. I presume that in all Gege’s tummy there are more old wine than ink. Mr. Gu Yanwu will arrive shortly, we will invite him, old mister, to explain.”

While they were still talking, a personal guard came to report that there were guests came to visit, one was a Great Lama, the other was a Mongolian Prince. Wei Xiaobao asked the Tian Di Hui warriors to act as his personal guards in receiving the guests, he was afraid that these two ‘sworn brothers’ would become hostile to him, while at the same time he also invited Ah Qi to come out.

When they met, Sangjie and Galdan was very warm, they praised Wei Xiaobao for holding yi qi in a very high regard. When Ah Qi finally appeared, they happily met each other, Galdan was bursting with joy. By this time Ah Qi’s manacles had been removed, she wore heavy make-up and was dressed neatly.

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “Fortunately two Gege’s martial art skill is unrivalled that the sorcerers were killed and drove out; otherwise, Xiongdi’s little life could not be protected. That bunch of sorcerers’ martial art skill was not weak, their number was superior. Two Gege used the few to defeat the many, you beat them until they piss in their pants in terror, and flee to the wilderness; Xiongdi is full of admiration. Let us have a feast to celebrate the heroic deed, to congratulate two Gege for your formidable renown over all the world, for your triumphal return.”

Sangjie and Galdan understood clearly that they were captured by the Divine Dragon Cult, fortunately Wei Xiaobao released Madame Hong for an exchange of the two of them, yet going by Wei Xiaobao’s speech it appeared that the two of them had defeated the enemy and inflicted heavy loss on them. Sangjie’s face looked ashamed, but in his heart he was appreciative. But Galdan was radiant with delight, he was immensely proud in front of his sweetheart.

As soon as the Imperial Envoy mentioned a ‘feast’, the feast was immediately set up in the main hall. Wei Xiaobao stood up with a wine cup in his hand, flattering words continuously bubbling up toward his two sworn brothers, until finally even Sangjie had forgotten about the disgrace of being captured. Only when Wei Xiaobao praised his martial art skill as number one under the heavens that he repeatedly shook his hand, realizing that compared to Cult Leader Hong he was far inferior.

After drinking for a while, Sangjie and Galdan rose up to take their leave. Wei Xiaobao said, “Two Gege, I think it would be best if each of the two of you write a memorial to the throne, let Xiongdi present it to the Emperor. In the future Dage wants to be Tibet’s Living Buddha, Er’ge wants to be ‘zheng ge’er hao’ [see Chapter 39], in the Emperor’s presence, Xiongdi will definitely ‘beat the drum on the side’.” Speaking to this point, he lowered his voice and said, “Later on when that old fellow Wu Sangui deploys the troops in rebellion, and two Gege help the Emperor fighting the old fellow, how could our matter be possibly fail?”

The two of them were greatly delighted; they both saw the logic behind it. Wei Xiaobao took the two of them into the study room. Galdan said, “Your uncouth brother is not too competent in writing, how about Xiongdi write the memorial for me?”

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “Xiongdi’s own name, only the character ‘Xiao’ (小) I can guarantee I write it correctly, my character ‘Wei’ is not reliable, and the character ‘Bao’, no matter how I do it, there’s always something not right about it. Let’s just get the secretary to write it for us.”

Sangjie said, “This matter is highly confidential, we can’t let other people know about it. Your uncouth brother’s writing is not too favorable either, but just let me do it. Fortunately we are not taking the exam for ‘zhuangyuan[4]’ title, His Majesty also will not care if the writing style is good or not, as long as the intent is correct.”

Every single one of his fingers lost one section, but he was still able to write; thereupon he wrote is own memorial, and then wrote another one on Galdan’s behalf, and have Galdan put down his hand print and draw his signature.

The three of them reaffirmed their oath earlier that in the future they would enjoy riches and honor together, and support one another in trials and tribulations, and that they would never turn their back on the brotherhood sentiment. Wei Xiaobao ordered his men to fetch three trays of gold and presented the gold to his two sworn brothers and Ah Qi. He also had the men prepared horses and sedan chair and respectfully walked them out of the door.

Back to the main hall, his personal guard reported that Prefectural Magistrate Wu has arrived with the prisoners. Wei Xiaobao ordered Wu Zhirong to wait in the eastern reception hall, while he took Gu Yanwu and the others, three men, into the inner hall. He personally opened their manacles, and then ordered his personal guards to withdraw, only Tian Di Hui warriors remained. Then he closed the door and bowed and saluted. “Tian Di Hui Green Wood Hall Xiangzhu Wei Xiaobao, leading my fellow brethren pays our respect to Gu Junshi [military strategist] and Mr. Zha, Mr. Lu.”

That day when Zha Yihuang received Wu Liuqi’s secret letter, in his delight he sent a message to Lu Liuliang to go to Yangzhou to see Gu Yanwu to discuss this matter. Unexpectedly Wu Zhirong happened to be investigating Gu Yanwu’s poetry anthology, so that when the officers from yamen came to arrest him, they also arrest Zha and Lu, two people along. When the three of them were searched, Wu Liuqi’s secret letter was found in Zha Yihuang’s pocket. They were so ashamed and remorseful that they wished to die, thinking that their own lives were not a big deal, but if Wu Liuqi’s conspiracy was exposed, their great undertaking might be spoiled. Who would have thought that a strange mountain peak suddenly appeared, the Imperial Envoy Minister unexpectedly professed himself as a Xiangzhu of Tian Di Hui? They could not help but were astonished and delighted, as if they were dreaming.

During the Turtle-Slaying Assembly at Hejianfu the other day, Wei Xiaobao did not show his face at all, but Li Lishi, Xu Tianchuan, Priest Xuanzhen, Qian Laoben and the others were acquainted with Gu Yanwu. In the past, when Gu, Zha and Lu, three people were in distress on the boat at the canal, they received help from Tian Di Hui Zongduozhu Chen Jinnan. When they learned that the young imperial envoy in front of them was none other than Chen Jinnan’s own disciple, all their doubts were gone; hence they happily chatted with each other.

Zha Yihuang explained the allusions of ‘Zhong Shan, Kaiping, Mr. Qingtian’, and so on in Wu Liuqi’s letter for the benefit of Tian Di Hui warriors; they all agreed that it was indeed dangerous. Lu Liuliang sighed and said, “In the past, the three of us, plus Huang Lizhou, Huang Xiong, have received your revered master’s help. Today we were not being careful and stirred up trouble, again we are rescued from disaster by Wei Xiongdi. Ay, indeed out of a hundred scholars not one is useful; worthy master and disciple’s great benevolence and kindness will be even more difficult to repay.”

Wei Xiaobao said, “We are all on the same side, why would Mr. Lu be modest?”

Zha Yihuang said, “When the Yangzhou yamen officers suddenly broke in, it was indeed like lightning on our ears. Realizing the situation was amiss, I hastily picked up Wu Xiong’s letter to rip it up, but my arms were grabbed by the officers and twisted behind my back. I knew the catastrophe would not be minor. Xiongdi then decided on a plan, if I am tortured, I will confess that the writer of this letter, the ‘Iron Beggar in the snow’ is Wu Sangui. In any case Xiongdi’s old life cannot be guaranteed, but I must do everything I can to protect Wu Liuqi, Wu Xiong’s life.”

Everybody burst into loud laughter; they all said that this trick was very clever. Zha Yihuang said, “That would be my last effort if I have no other choice. The name ‘Iron Beggar in the snow’ is renowned throughout the world, I am afraid I cannot put it on Wu Sangui’s head. If the interrogator examined Wu Xiong’s handwriting, upon investigation it will be found to be a match, and then the truth will be revealed for sure.”

Gu Yanwu said, “Twice we have leaked Wu Xiong’s secret, and twice we were saved; it can clearly be seen that there is an invisible Will of Heaven at work. Tatars fate won’t last long, Wu Xiong’s great merit will succeed. But from now on this matter can never be mentioned anymore. Perhaps for the third time we won’t be as fortunate.”

Everybody voiced their agreement. “Wei Xiangzhu,” Gu Yanwu asked Wei Xiaobao, “What do you think we have to do for damage control?”

Wei Xiaobao said, “It is rare that we can meet with the three gentlemen, please stay here for a few days, we can enjoy wine together. We’ll have that dog official Wu Zhirong come and let him stand on the side to watch, and so we will scare him to death. In the event that the dog official has guts and he did not die of fear, we’ll simply chop his dog head with a saber.”

Gu Yanwu laughed and said, “Although by doing this we vent the resentment in our hearts, I am afraid the information will leak. This dog official was appointed by the imperial court, if Wei Xiangzhu wants to kill him, we must have a criminal charge on him.”

Wei Xiaobao pondered for a moment and then said, “I got it. I am going to ask Mr. Zha to forge a letter, supposedly written by Wu Sangui, addressed to the dog official. This dog official loves to brag, he said that according to the genealogy, Wu Sangui is his distant uncle. If forging a letter is too much trouble, just copy Wu Dage’s letter all the way through, but change the names on top and bottom. No matter who colludes with Wu Sangui, I will chop his head, the young Emperor will definitely approve.”

Everybody agreed that it was a good plan. Gu Yanwu laughed and said, “Wei Xiangzhu is creative and quick-thinking. This ‘grafting flowers onto a tree’ stratagem can be said ‘one arrow, two golden eagles’; namely, we use the opponent’s own methods to obtain retribution. Yihuang Xiong, please pick up your brush and start to write.”

Zha Yihuang laughed and said, “I would never imagine that today I will write a letter on Wu Sangui, that old thief’s behalf.”

Wei Xiaobao had judged others by himself, thinking that forging a letter would be very difficult; hence he proposed to simply make a copy. But Gu, Zha and Lu, three people were famous scholars, to them, writing letters was just like Wei Xiaobao throwing dice or play Paigow, it was right down their alley; why would they want to copy someone else’s letter?

Zha Yihuang picked up the brush and was ready to write; he asked, “I wonder if Wu Zhirong has an alias? If Wu Sangui wrote a letter using his alias, it will appear even more authentic.”

“Gao Dage,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Please ask the dog official.”

Gao Yanchao went out to inquire. When he returned, he said with a laugh, “The dog official’s alias is ‘Xianyang’. He asked why we wanted to know his alias, I said that Imperial Envoy Minister wanted to write a letter to the two Shangshu of the Ministry of Appointments and Ministry of Justice in Beijing, to commend his meritorious service in details, submitting his official position and alias. The dog official smiled so wide that his mouth could not close, he rewarded me ten taels of silver.” While saying that, he tossed a silver ingot in his hand up and down. Everybody roared in laughter.

Zha Yihuang finished the letter and handed it to Gu Yanwu; he said, “Ting Lin Xiong, do you think it can be used?”

Gu Yanwu took the letter. Lu Liuliang scooted next to him, they read together. “Marvelous,” they both said.

Lu Liuliang laughed and said, “This sentence, ‘Who would have known that our Taizu [great ancestor, posthumous title for the founder of a dynasty] Emperor Gao’s title Wu Guo [Wu state] unexpectedly agrees with our uncle and nephew’s family name of three hundred years later?’ This ‘Wu’ character will seal his death sentence; he can’t offer excuses anymore.”

Gu Yanwu laughed and said, “These two sentences, ‘Desiring to behead the white snake and bestow a gale, hoping for my nephew to retrieve the shoe from underneath the bridge; consider to strive to get out of the trench and answer all calls from heaven, I sincerely hope my nephew will reach nobility.’ That is a modification of Liuqi Xiong’s ‘Passionately planning the matter of Zhong Shan, the great feat of Kaiping, will not be accomplished without Mr. Qing Tian’s planning the operation.’”

Zha Yihuang laughed and said, “Blindly using the same pattern, copying the way they walk in Handan [i.e. slavishly copying others, one risks becoming a caricature].”

Tian Di Hui warriors looked at each other in dismay; they did not know what these three were talking about, they thought it was a code word of some secret society or secret language of Jianghu. Thereupon Gu Yanwu explained to everybody: Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang at first called himself ‘Wu Guo Gong’ [state duke Wu], afterwards he was also known as ‘Wu Wang’ [king Wu]; the ‘Wu’ was identical to Wu Sangui, Wu Zhirong’s family name. Beheading the white snake, bestowing a gale was a reference to Han Gaozu Liu Bang [first Han emperor, reigned 207-195 BC]. Retrieving a shoe from underneath the bridge was the old story of Zhang Liang. Zhu Yuanzhang rose up from the trench and was determined to answer all calls from heaven. Conferring nobility title in sincerity was a reference to Liu Bowen.

Wei Xiaobao clapped his hands and said, “This letter is better than the one Wu Liuqi Dage wrote; that Wu Sangui actually wanted to be the Emperor, it’s just that comparing him to Hao Gaozu and Zhu Yuanzhang is holding him a bit too high.”

Lu Liuliang laughed and said, “This is Wu Sangui holding himself too high, not Mr. Zha holding him up.”

---

[4] Zhuangyuan – top scorer/highest rank in the imperial examination system.

[smurf120]

I like the perspective on this chapter where the audience is probably mostly at WXB and the Tindihui brother level of literacy so JY is forced to explain all the flowery language. I'm happy for Galdan and Sanjie - WXB is a good ally actually better than Wu Sangui.

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs It is either hot or rainy and very humid here in Florida. It was exactly the same in Vietnam except there were not as many places with air conditioning.

[crazee]

Thanks Foxs.....

This is what XB loves the most.
Getting credits from both sides of the divide...win win eh ?

[foxs]

Smurf, I thought about other accomplice to any rebellion as well. The only ones benefiting from the rebellions usually are the leaders, with loyal generals losing their lives later because the leader was afraid they might usurp power. Anh, I think Florida is almost tropical. Crazee, that's true, but he was always at the right time at the right place.

---

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “Right, right! I forgot that it was written by Wu Sangui himself.”

Zha Yihuang asked, “How do we sign the letter?”

“This letter,” Gu Yanwu replied, “No matter who look at it, will know that it was written by Wu Sangui. The more obscure the signature, the more it will look authentic. Just sign it ‘shu xi shou zha’ [lit. uncle west hand write-down], four characters.” Turning to Qian Laoben he said, “Qian Xiong, would you write down these four characters? Our writing is too scholarly, not like a military man who is used to lead troops.”

Qian Laoben picked up the brush and gingerly wrote the four characters. He said apologetically, “These four characters are wobbly, they are too shapeless.”

Gu Yanwu said, “Wu Sangui is a military man, naturally he would have this letter written by a scribe. These four-character signature is very good, they do not follow certain stroke rule, but look very bold, just like a military general’s handwriting.”

On the envelope, Zha Yihuang wrote, ‘Personally presented to Yangzhou Zhifu Laoye [Prefectural Magistrate Master], private.’ He put the letter into the envelope, and gave it to Wei Xiaobao. He smiled and said, “Forging a letter will unavoidably be harmful to our secret virtue, it’s not men of honor’s conduct, but in order to achieve the great undertaking, we are forced not to bother about trifles.”

Wei Xiaobao mused, “To deal with this kind of dog thief Wu Zhirong, what’s the big deal about forging a letter? Scholars are really ridiculous.” He received the letter and said, “After this matter is accomplished, we are going to have a drink, we will have a reception for the three gentlemen.”

Gu Yanwu said, “Wei Xiongdi and Liuqi Xiong, one ‘wen’ the other ‘wu’ [civil and military], are definitely the pillar of Ming family resurgence; Deng Gaomi and Guo Fenyang were no more than this. If we can really pull down that old thief Wu Sangui, it will be like severing one arm of the Tatars. Wei Xiongdi’s cup of wine, we’ll wait until we achieve great success before we drink it. Hereby the three of us are taking our leave, so as not to tarry here too long, the information might leak, and spoil the important matter.”

Although in his heart Wei Xiaobao held Gu Yanwu in high regard, but these three scholars talked like they were ‘biting words and chewing characters’, with an allusion in every sentence so that even to understand half of what they say was not too easy; if he talked to them a bit too long, he would not feel comfortable. Thereupon when he heard that they were leaving, it was exactly what he had been hoping for. He thought, “I am sure the three of you gentlemen do not like to gamble; I am afraid if I asked you to go to the brothel to see the young women, your body and soul will be separated. If I cursed one time, ‘damn it’, your eyes will grow big, and your beard will stuck out. It’s better for you to quickly excuse yourselves.” Thereupon he took out a fold of banknotes, and presented three thousand taels to each person as their traveling expense. And then he asked Xu Tianchuan and Gao Yanchao to escort them via the back door, and out of the city.

As soon as Gu, Zha and Lu, three people left, Wei Xiaobao immediately felt relieved. He thought, “Those people in the imperial court are also scholars, but they are interesting. Those high-ranking officers of Jiangsu province, such as Ma Futai, Mu Fantai, are also more interesting than Mr. Gu, Mr. Zha, and the other. If making friends, that dog head Wu Zhirong is still better than those three old misters.”

While he was still thinking about the inspector-general and the provincial administrative commissioner, his personal guard came to report than the inspector-general and the administrative commissioner were asking for an audience. Wei Xiaobao shivered, “Could it be that the information has leaked already?” he mused.

Wei Xiaobao went out of the hall to see the guests; seeing the two men’s solemn expression, he could not help but feeling anxious.

The host and guests saluted each other and sat. The inspector-general Ma You took out a document from his sleeve pocket, stood up, and presented it with both hands. “Imperial Envoy Daren,” he said, “There is an important matter.”

Wei Xiaobao received the document, and handed it over to the provincial administrative commissioner Mu Tianyan; he said, “Xiongdi is illiterate, would Laoxiong please read it?”

“Yes,” Mu Tianyan said, and opened the document. He already knew the content of the document; thereupon he said, “Daren, the Ministry of War in the Capital sent a 600-li urgent message, instructed us to pass it on to Daren: Wu Sangui, that rebel thief has raised arm in rebellion.”

As soon as he heard it, Wei Xiaobao was greatly delighted; he could not refrain from springing up and called out, “Damn it, that old fellow has really done it.”

Ma You and Mu Tianyan looked at each other in consternation. The imperial envoy minister heard the big news of Wu Sangui’s rebellion, unexpectedly he was wildly delighted; they wondered why he did that.

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “His Majesty has a divine foresight; he had foreseen this matter long ago. Gentlemen do not need to panic, His Majesty’s troops and horses, army provisions, cannon, gunpowder, money for soldier’s pay, weapons, everything has been adequately prepared. It’s fine if that old fellow Wu Sangui does not revolt, but if he rebelled, we will definitely capture his Chen Yuanyuan.”

Although to Ma You and Mu Tianyan his words were neither fish nor fowl, when they heard that the Emperor was well-prepared, they were quite relieved. Wu Sangui was adept in the art of war, and under his command there were strong soldiers and sturdy horses. When they heard that Wu Sangui rose in rebellion, all government officials were trembling with fear; they were apprehensive that the black hat on their heads [i.e. official position] could not be guaranteed anymore.

Wei Xiaobao said, “There’s one thing I found it very strange.”

“Please advise,” the two men said together.

Wei Xiaobao said, “This news, did gentlemen learn about it just now?”

“Yes,” Ma You replied, “As soon as lowly officer received the Ministry of War’s document, I immediately notified Fantai Daren, and rushed over to Daren’s field headquarters.”

“Really no leak?” Wei Xiaobao asked.

The two of them replied together, “This is national affair involving military intelligence, we must ask Daren to decide. Lowly officer absolutely did not dare to leak it out.”

“But Yangzhou’s Zhifu already knew about it,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Don’t you think it’s a bit strange?”

Ma You and Mu Tianyan looked at each other again, they were very surprised. Ma You said, “May I ask Daren, what did Prefectural Magistrate Wu say?”

Wei Xiaobao said, “Just now he secretively came to see me, telling me that there is something big happening in the southwest, someone wanted to make him Liu Bowen. He advised me to adapt to circumstances, and to close my mouth in front of the two of you. When I heard it, I did not understand; what Zhu Yuanzhang, Liu Bowen, and all that nonsense? While I was about to scold him, the two gentlemen arrived.”

The two men were shocked; their countenance changed greatly. Ma You’s intelligence was mediocre, but Mu Tianyan was rather good at adapting himself to changes, he said in a low voice, “If that Ol’ Wu really said that, it means that he was advising Daren to rebel. He really does not want his head anymore.”

“I don’t understand what he was talking about,” Wei Xiaobao said, “I was going to ask him to explain a bit clearer. He always throws literary stuff, something about arising first [xian fa] or arising later [hou fa]. I said Lao Tze was young, yet he had become high-ranking official, couldn’t it be regarded as arising first?”

Ma You and Mu Tianyan both thought, “That Wu Zhifu must have said, ‘gaining the initiative by striking first [xian fa zhi ren], arising later to control the people [hou fa zhi ren]’. Imperial Envoy Daren is unlearned, he thought it was ‘developing first, developing later’ [xian fa da, hou fa da].” The two of them were mature and experienced, they did not say anything.

Actually, Wei Xiaobao had heard the expression ‘gaining the initiative by striking first’ countless times from the storytellers since he was little; this time it was not because he was unlearned, rather, he was playing dumb.

Ma You said, “What a big guts this Wu Zhifu has! I wonder if he has left?”

Wei Xiaobao said, “He is still waiting here, he said he wanted to discuss important matters with me. Humph, he is just a tiny prefectural magistrate, what large-scale program of lasting importance he can possibly discuss with me? If it is Wu Sangui’s large-scale program, Xiongdi would rather discuss it with the two gentlemen, I won’t possibly listen to minor prefectural magistrate’s long-winded words.”

“Yes, yes,” Ma You said, “Is it possible for Daren to call Wu Zhifu over? Let lowly officer ask him a few questions.”

“Very good!” Wei Xiaobao said. He turned toward his personal guard, “Invite Wu Zhifu here.”

As Wu Zhirong entered the hall, seeing the inspector-general and the provincial administrative commissioner were present, he could not help feeling delighted and anxious and the same time. Delighted because the Imperial Envoy Minister attached great importance to his secret report that he unexpectedly summon both Futai and Fantai over to discuss this matter, anxious because since the information already leaked out, the inspector-general and the administrative commissioner would inevitably share his great merit. Immediately he stepped forward to salute and pay his respect, and then stood with arms hung down.

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “Wu Zhifu, please sit down.”

“Yes, yes,” Wu Zhirong replied, “Thank you very much Daren grants me a seat.” He sat with his buttocks barely covered the chair.

“Wu Zhifu,” Wei Xiaobao said, “You have an important matter you wanted to discuss with Xiongdi, although you repeatedly said that we can’t let Futai Daren and Fantai Daren know about it, this matter is of an utmost importance, I have no choice but to invite two Daren to discuss it over; please do not take offense.”

Wu Zhirong’s countenance looked awkward; hastily he stood up and bowed to Wei Xiaobao and Futai and Fantai and said with a forced laugh, “Lowly officer was too brazen, would three Daren please understand, this … this …” He wanted to gloss over several things, but Wei Xiaobao got right to the point [orig. ‘open the door and see the mountain’] and said it out, hence he found it very difficult to cover up. No wonder the inspector-general and the provincial administrative commissioner’s countenance looked very unsightly.

Wei Xiaobao smiled and said, “Wu Zhifu’s information is very quick; he said that in the southwest there is a great general with authority over troops and horses that is going to deploy troops in rebellion one of these days. The way he deploy troops is desperately serious, it will shake the world, His Majesty’s dragon palace courtyard will be unstable, can’t say for sure our heads might also fall down. Is that right?”

“Yes,” Wu Zhirong replied, “But three Daren’s flood of good fortune fills the heavens, naturally the misfortune will turn into blessing, ominousness will turn into auspiciousness, definitely all taboos are off.”

“In this matter we will have to depend on Wu Daren’s good fortune,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Wu Daren, this general shares the same ancestor with you, he is also surnamed Wu?”

“Yes,” Wu Zhirong replied, “This is our ancestor’s …”

Wei Xiaobao cut him off, “You have obtained this general’s letter, it was written personally by him, are you sure it is not fake?”

“Absolutely not,” Wu Zhirong replied, “Definitely it is not fake.”

Wei Xiaobao nodded and said, “Although in this letter there is no mention of deploying troops in rebellion, but it did mention Zhu Yuanzhang, Liu Bowen, what have you. Xiongdi did not study books, I do not understand what is written in the letter, Wu Daren explained in details the meaning of the letter, you wanted Xiongdi to take immediate action, something about arising first or arising later, you said it’s a chance that’s hard to come by in a hundred years, that great riches and honor certainly cannot be disposed of, that Xiongdi may be granted the title Wang [king], and Wu Daren may be granted the title Bojue [earl], is that right?”

Wu Zhirong replied, “That was lowly officer’s erroneous views, Daren’s clear judgment is a hundred times better compared lowly officer’s. The content of the letter is indeed as Daren said.”

From his right hand sleeve Wei Xiaobao took out Wu Liuqi’s letter and held it in front of Wu Zhirong. His body leaned sideways to cover up the letter. “This is the letter, isn’t it?” he asked, “Look carefully, this is of a grave importance, must not make mistake.”

“Yes, yes,” Wu Zhirong replied, “This is the letter, it can’t be wrong.”

“Very good,” Wei Xiaobao said.” He put the letter back into his right hand sleeve, and returned to his seat. “Wu Zhifu,” he said, “Please withdraw momentarily, I will discuss it over with Futai Daren and Fantai Daren. It seems that our three people’s glory, riches and honor, will have to depend entirely on you, Wu Daren. Ha ha …”

Wu Zhirong could not conceal the complacent look on his face; he bowed to salute the three men again, and said, “I depend entirely on three Daren’s cultivation.” Bowing, he slowly withdrew.

Wei Xiaobao waited until he reached the door before asking, ““Wu Zhifu, what is your alias?”

“I don’t dare,” Wu Zhirong said, “Lowly officer’s humble name is Zhirong [lit. his glory], in manuscript character Xianyang [to praise/commend/hallow].”

Wei Xiaobao nodded. “That’s all,” he said.

When Wei Xiaobao was interrogating Wu Zhirong, in their hearts Ma You and Mu Tianyan were furious, but according to bureaucratic rule, when the superior officer was talking, the subordinate must not interrupt. Ma You was hot-tempered, he was about to lash it out, but Wei Xiaobao ordered Wu Zhirong to withdraw, hence he could not help the veins from bulging out his forehead, his entire face from swelling deep red.

From his left hand sleeve Wei Xiaobao took out the letter Zha Yihuang forged. “Gentlemen, please take a look at this letter,” he said, “That servant [usually used in derogatory way] Wu Zhirong said that this letter is indeed serious. Xiongdi has never learned books, I don’t know if he was telling the truth or a lie.”

Ma You received the letter. He saw written on the envelope was ‘Personally presented to Yangzhou Zhifu Laoye, private.’ He pulled the letter out and look at it together with Mu Tianyan. They saw the addressee was ‘Xianyang my nephew’.

The more the two people looked, the angrier they were. Without waiting until he finished reading, Ma You slapped the table and shouted, “That dog head is too audacious, let me kill him with a saber.”

Mu Tianyan was more careful, he thought Wu Zhirong dared to openly advise a superior officer to rebel, it was a bit too unreasonable. However, just now Wei Xiaobao questioned him in their presence, they heard each sentence the opposite party gave in answer, why would he doubt it? The previous day in front of the Chanzhi Temple enjoying the Chinese peony, Wu Zhirong did say that Wu Sangui was his distant uncle. Apparently Wu Zhirong knew that Wu Sangui rebellion would be successful, he must be so pleased that he lost his senses and hence had been acting absolutely unrestrained.

[wandering]

thanks foxs
you really do spoil us

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs

[smurf120]

WXB has just exceeded another level of interrogation deception kung-fu.

I hope the Jiang Third Mistress gets to deal with Wu Zhirong before the Mu does!

[crazee]

but these three scholars talked like they were ‘biting words and chewing characters’, with an allusion in every sentence so that even to understand half of what they say was not too easy; if he talked to them a bit too long, he would not feel comfortable. Thereupon when he heard that they were leaving, it was exactly what he had been hoping for. He thought, “I am sure the three of you gentlemen do not like to gamble; I am afraid if I asked you to go to the brothel to see the young women, your body and soul will be separated. If I cursed one time, ‘damn it’, your eyes will grow big, and your beard will stuck out. It’s better for you to quickly excuse yourselves.”

Thanks Foxs...... I like the above part the best....heh heh heh....
The way he describe the scholars leaves no room for doubt.
The beautiful part is that he still have high regards for them.....even if they are worlds apart......

suppose the Wu fellow will be getting his desserts.....after doing so much harm to innocents.
In his haste I suppose he forgot to do a background check before action....