War Prisoner - Chapter 21

Su Yi fretted all through the night, not even daring to move. Just as dawn was breaking, he finally managed to doze off. In contrast, Wanyan Xu slept soundly, waking up with his body and spirits refreshed. Looking at Su Yi who was lying by his side, Wanyan Xu could see that even in repose, Su Yi's brows were still tightly scrunched up, as if he was still on alert. A light laugh escaped from his lips, he thought to himself: Is there really such a need to be so wary of me [1], with a person like you, only when the time is right and proper can I recklessly behave as I please. For now, I need to reign in my impulses. Only…

Aii... I know that if I don't force you, you will not be willing to satisfy my wishes. Su Su, if it comes to that, don't blame me for being heartless. It's your fault for being so good, just a little taste has made me unable to extricate myself.

Seeing that Su Yi was unable to sleep peacefully, he quietly arose. Emerging from the bedchamber, with a wave of his hand, he indicated that the palace maids were not to go inside. Standing in the hall, he said: "Let your movements be light and soundless, I [2] don't want him to be startled awake. The shame of being captured, hatred over the destruction of his country, aii, he must have been enduring much torment these days.”

Zi Nong covered her mouth to hide her smile and whispered to Zi Liu: “I have served our Master for a long time, but I have never known that he was such a kind man." Before she had finished, Wanyan Xu had already shot her a glare. Alarmed, she hurried over to help Wanyan Xu put on his dragon robe [3] while saying: “Your Majesty, are you going to make the announcement about moving the capital today? I'm afraid that the news would cause uproar in court.”

Wanyan Xu’s eyes grew cold and he said: “That doesn't matter, the capital must be moved sooner or later anyway." With a smile, he continued: “I've heard from Yu Cang that the Garden of Merriment in the Qi palace is extremely exquisite and opulent, almost as if it had been constructed by heavenly craftsmen. It will be a suitable residence [4] for the Empress.”

Zi Liu said: “Does that mean that even though your Majesty has resisted naming a queen for years, you now have a candidate in mind? This is a momentous decision, not only must the choice suit your Majesty's wishes, but it would be best if the Crown Prince is in agreement as well. After the new queen has been crowned, she will have to assume the heavy responsibility of bringing up the Crown Prince. The average person would not be able to handle this requirement.”

Wanyan Xu replied: “That won't be a problem; the new queen would certainly be able to guide Shuo Er well. That's enough, this is not an appropriate time to discuss such matters, they can wait until we have moved to the new capital. It’s time to attend court.” So saying, he left with long strides, leaving Zi Liu and Zi Nong to look at each other in dismay, neither of them sure of the intentions behind Wanyan Xu's words. 

As expected, Wanyan Xu's decision caused the gathered courtiers to behave as if their lightning had erupted over their heads, rendering them totally dumbstruck. Only Yu Cang was in favour of this decision. 

Leaving aside the scene in the court, which had erupted in a storm of discussion after the initial shock had worn off, Su Yi had woken up by now. Finding himself alone with Wanyan Xu nowhere in sight, Su Yi could finally relax. Although Su Yi was not usually religious, at this moment, he couldn't help but recite a prayer of thanks to Buddha. A clear and melodious voice was suddenly heard from beyond the door: “Don’t rejoice too soon, premature celebrations are always followed by grief. A great general like you would surely know this principle.”

Si Yi was startled and raised his head, only to see a small body leaning against the door while wearing a cold smile. The boy's face was soft and youthful, but the expression he was wearing was somewhat precocious, there was a trace of imperiousness and deviousness in it that was wholly unsuitable for one of such tender age. Of course, this little boy was none other than the Crown Prince, Wanyan Shuo. Su Yi had dined with him just a few days ago, but did not exchange many words with him on that occasion. His sudden appearance now startled Su Yi a little, looking around, he asked: “Why have you come here? Why are you alone?” Although he bitterly detested Wanyan Xu, he was unable to feel antipathy for such a small child. Instead, he actually felt a bit concerned. Knowing how complicated politics in the palace were, for the Crown Prince to wander around alone was dangerous; people who had ill intentions could easily seize the chance to harm or even murder him.

Wanyan Shuo swaggered into the room and seated himself. Noticing that he table was empty, he said with dissatisfaction: “Haven't you sent for breakfast? Hurry up and order the servants to start preparing it, but have some snacks sent up right now, I'm hungry.” 

Su Yi could not decide if he should laugh or cry as he watched his guest taking over his duties as the host [5]. The palace maids have long understood that they could not afford to offend this little demon king, and they scurried off to do his bidding. Su Yi finally got off the bed and began to wash up and get dressed. Completing his morning ablutions, he turned back and saw that Wanyan Shuo was watching him closely with a fierce look in his eyes. In his heart he thought: why do both the father and son use this type of gaze to look at people? But he could only ask helplessly: “What are you looking at? There isn’t a flower on my face.”

Wanyan Shuo assumed an earnest demeanor and said with a nod of his head: “It is precisely because there are no flowers that I'm looking. Those faces that are decorated with a lot of things painted on in rouge and power, I wouldn't spare them a single glance even if they begged me to.” So saying, he propped up his chin on one of his small hands and said seriously: “I was thinking, if my Royal Father really has taken a liking to you, would I come to loathe you as much as I loathe all his concubines.”

Su Yi was greatly shocked, in his heart, he again thought: like father like son indeed! Not satisfied unless they can say something startling, evidently this trait was common to both of them as well. Su Yi hurriedly put on a sombre expression and said: “You don’t have to think about that, it is impossible. Your Royal Father is the most powerful man under the sun, he can have his pick. As the Crown Prince, you should be concerned with mastering statecraft and not spend all your time wandering around as you please, just to cause problems for the concubines responsible for your care.”

Wanyan Shuo continued gazing at him steadily, as if he was unable to take his eyes off Su Yi. He suddenly burst out laughing and said: “no wonder my royal father has been captivated by you, there is really something interesting about you indeed. If I should master statecraft, wouldn't your dreams of restoring the Great Qi become even harder to realise? Are you really General Su Yi, who would rather choose death over surrender? How come you would spare so much consideration for the good of our Jin Liao? Ha ha ha.”

Having been rebuked by Wanyan Shuo, Su Yi was so vexed that his face turned white. Turning away, he said: I don't know if you have learnt any of your royal father's methods of administering the country, but I can say with confidence that you have totally mastered his glib way of speaking.” At this point, the meal was served. Wanyan Shuo hopped up on a chair and began to tuck in enthusiastically, taking in big mouthfuls of the food. With this reminder that Wanyan Shuo was still merely a child, Su Yi could not bear to drive him away. Su Yi was stewing in his anger when he heard a voice, which sounded pleasantly surprised, outside the door: “Su Su, Shuo Er, so the two of you are getting along well? Ha ha ha, very good, at least it takes care of one of my major worries."