"Yellow Sky": Crisis for the Han Dynasty

TIMES

The vast lands of China were once ravaged by a war that lasted for almost a century: it began with the people’s disaffection with corrupt officials, and at its end, an imperial line was once again the dominant force in the land, though things would never be the same again.

A group of young children gathered expectantly at the corner of a busy road. Most days, an old man that remembered the famous tales of the ‘Three Kingdoms’ era would come to this spot to share them with enthusiastic audiences.

"I wanna hear ‘bout Guan Yu!" one child said excitedly.

"I wan’ hear ‘bout nasty old Dong Zhuo!" another said.

The chatter and the excitement built steadily, until one older boy said, "Here he comes!"

The old man hobbled toward the gathering, accompanied by several adults that were as keen to hear those stories as the children were.

Hello, everyone! the old man said with thinly-disguised joy at the attention that he was receiving.

One child clutched at the old man’s sleeve, and shouted, "Tell us about-"

Hush, please! the old man chuckled. I can’t very well tell you anything if you all shout, can I…?

The children quietened, and many adults looked on jealously at the power the old man had over the energetic youngsters.

…I talk a lot about the days of Liu Bei, and Cao Cao, and Sun Quan, the old man began. I talk a lot about Dong Zhuo-

"Boo! the children shouted. Boo to Dong Zhuo! Boooo!"

…Yes, the old man chuckled once the children fell silent once again. Well, I wonder if ever said anything about how Dong Zhuo became strong.

It was them ‘Turbans’, an older boy suggested. Them dirty ‘Turbans’ what tried to make all the trouble! And then all the-

I wonder if the story really does begin there, the old man sighed. …Or maybe it begins long, long before that…

The old man pondered the stories that his parents and grandparents had told, and wondered where he should truly begin. The story that he would tell would be very different from the one in the records of history, and it would be different from the one in his mind: this would be a story told in many ways and for many different audiences in the ages to come.

*************

ACT I: THE OLD MISTAKE

1

A man from the Empire of Rome awaited the arrival of the man from the Minister Herald’s office that would finally introduce him to the court of the Emperor Huan, ruler of the land of China. For the Romans, it was the fifth year of rule for Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antonius and the end of a costly territorial war with the Parthian Empire under Vologases IV; for the Chinese, it was the twentieth year of rule for Emperor Huan of the Han Dynasty.

The Roman was not alone, having brought with him to the Han court an entourage that included a Chinese man to serve as a translator in moments of difficulty, and two people of the Xiongnu race that lived near the Great Wall to the north; he had left the rest of his countrymen in nearby accommodation in order to converse with the court more directly. He had been kept waiting for some time, and in a land that was entirely foreign - language, customs, and intent - any amount of time was bound to incur suspicion. But before that suspicion could eat away at that Roman visitor any longer, a short, elderly man in blue, ankle-length robes and an elaborate black hat entered the guest room and bowed slightly.

I am to be seen…? the Roman man asked: he used a curious mix of Greek and Latin that Parthian traders had told him would be understandable to the Chinese.

There was an awkward silence, but before the translator could pose the same question, the Chinese courtier bowed slightly, laughed awkwardly, and said with obvious difficulty, No, not yet, in that same common language of trade. The Roman visitor smiled gratefully as the courtier added, "The court is… preparing. I, Mister Wen, am very sorry."

…When can I expect an audience…? the Roman man prompted.

Soon, the Minister Herald’s courtier, Mister Wen, promised. Only a few people know your language here… we try to improve later, for trade to be most efficient. But at the same time, you must understand how our court works.

I hope it is understood that I will not reduce myself to the emperor of another state, the Roman retorted. I have heard from my predecessor that you lay yourselves low, put your heads to the ground, even for lesser lords-

To ‘kowtow’, Mister Wen interrupted. Yes, that is how we show our respect and devotion to our betters, and sometimes our equals as a sign of gratitude. But you will not be expected to do that, of course.

Good, the Roman grunted.

However, Mister Wen added, some may be unhappy if you are too confident. Much of our way is knowing our place… you must speak to the Emperor only when spoken to, and-

Is that not the way it is the world over…? the Roman countered.

I expect so, Mister Wen responded. What I meant to say is that we will show our… ‘dissatisfaction’… with any perceived bad conduct openly. If a man is heard to ‘harrumph’ or seen to flick his sleeves with regard to a person, that is a sign that he is very displeased. It is a sign that he has little respect for the person’s conduct.

I hope that I will see no such thing, the Roman said plainly. I intend nothing more than greeting your emperor, and telling him that we hope for good trade. Your lands have much to offer.

…I expect that they do, Mister Wen replied cautiously.

Tell me more of your people, the Roman prompted. I have heard that men are allowed as servants in the chambers of your emperor’s wives.

"…Eunuchs, Mister Wen responded. The ‘men’ you refer to are eunuchs."

The Roman smiled and said, Not so much ‘men’, then.

They are not considered so, of course, Mister Wen said with a smile of his own.

I cannot think of a worse fate, the Roman chuckled. I would rather die than be reduced to that; to be powerless, nothing more than a guard or-

Mister Wen’s face fell, and he said, Although they are neither man nor woman, they can be very close to the emperor, and held in high favour. Whatever place they hold in your own society, be warned that you should not mock them here. Many eunuchs are very wealthy, and a select few are would you might call ‘nobility’.

Oh, really…? the Roman snickered. Such a thing…! …Well, I shall refrain from mocking them… not that I would have, anyway. What of the people…? Are they happy with the rule of the emperor…?

You know that such a question is poor etiquette, Mister Wen scolded.

The Roman smiled and said, My apologies. It is the same the world over, I think… there are those that are pleased, and those that are not.

Mister Wen made a slight bow, and frowned disapprovingly.

…Such a large country must require regional leaders, the Roman continued. I assume that they are relatives or trusted vassals of the emperor, mostly…?

Your ‘predecessors’ did not have time to brief you very well, did they…? Mister Wen suggested politely.

No, the Roman replied tonelessly. As you might know, we have had… ‘problems’, I suppose you could say… with our Parthian neighbours lately, and we’ve also had a breakout of disease amongst our pioneers since that defence of our interests began. I’m here at a difficult time.

"…Of course, such a large and powerful empire as ours requires good governance, at local level, and from here, in the capital, Mister Wen explained. Many, uh… ‘inspectors’ of ‘provinces’ are distant relatives of His Majesty, yes. Some are trusted vassals, yes."

…I understand that your emperor rules not by blood right, but by ‘mandate’, the Roman prompted further. "Does this not mean that any man can ascend to the throne… or perhaps, as in our neighbour, Egypt, any woman…?"

Mister Wen scoffed and replied, "Any man… perhaps. Any woman…? …Most certainly not. But yes, the Son of Heaven rules by mandate. The Han have ruled for hundreds of years… their rule is strong, and good, and will endure."

The Roman smiled silently.

…I hope that you have been made to feel comfortable…? Mister Wen prompted.

Oh, yes, certainly, the Roman replied immediately. The tea… is exquisite… your art, and your way of writing… beautiful… your courtesy to each other, the way you bow and smile and give way when passing one-another… yours is a culture of etiquette, certainly, and it is easy to feel comfortable.

Mister Wen bowed slightly once again, and smiled.

The Roman frowned purposefully, ruffled his short locks, and said, Forgive me for asking, but… I notice that I am stared at with some concern, with regards to my hair. All men in this land have high hats and turbans… I understand that your people do not cut your hair, not ever… that must be burdensome.

Our hair, as with our flesh, is a gift from Heaven… it is seen as desecration of a mother and father’s gift to cut it, Mister Wen replied uneasily.

"So I have sinned, then…?" the Roman teased.

It will not be raised as an issue, Mister Wen promised.

…Such a land, the Roman murmured.

At that moment, a second man in courtier’s robes entered the room and whispered something to Mister Wen, who balked.

Is there a problem…? the Roman prompted as he looked at the haunted faces of the two men.

N-nothing, Mister Wen replied as his colleague retreated. I… I apologise, but… the court has been forced to decline all visitors.

"…Pardon…?" the Roman grunted irritably.

I am afraid that you will have to be escorted out of the capital, Mister Wen said with sudden urgency. Something is happening, nothing serious in the long term, but… we will need to receive you at another time.

"I spent weeks coming here! the Roman growled. How can you expect me to go back empty-handed???"

A meeting… will not be possible at this time, Mister Wen explained nervously.

Are you being invaded from the north by the desert tribes again…? the Roman prompted. If this is a common threat, then perhaps I can write to our nearest settlement, and our own people can assist-

No! Mister Wen insisted. No, no, I mean, we will not need help… you need summon nobody to march into China. No. We… are having problems that can be solved, but… we will provide you with a letter to take to your emperor, to explain that we were forced to delay our meeting… you will not go back ‘empty-handed’.

The Roman nodded slowly.

He is better removed from our court, Mister Wen said to a younger colleague as the two watched a carriage speed the Roman ‘envoy’ away from the imperial palace; the two spoke in their native Chinese tongue now that the foreign visitor had gone.

Was he an envoy…? the younger man asked.

Hah… they never are, Mister Wen scoffed. That pathetic entourage he had with him… three or four of his people, three Xiongnu baggage handlers and a local trader that picked up some of the language of the An Xi… an envoy from a vain, belligerent place like Da Qin would have far more with him than that. No, the Minister Herald was right not to waste time on that one. He was another fraud, I think: another one looking to trick us ‘stupid Chinese’ into signing trade deals. I’d have dismissed him anyway, but… not with such obvious haste and discomfort.

…Mister Wen, is it true…? the younger man prompted.

I understand so, Mister Wen sighed. Yet another supposed ‘plot’ against His Majesty… I wonder who it is this time. I shall now need to go to the Emperor. Go back to the office, and wait for me there.

The younger man bowed low, turned, and retreated.

"…Curses," Mister Wen muttered as he turned and started towards the throne room of his emperor.

*************

2

Officials hurried to the main public audience chamber of the imperial palace, eager to arrive quickly as per the summons from the office of the Imperial Secretariat.

The walled capital city of Luoyang had an inner complex in which the main imperial palace was housed. The palace itself was a gigantic structure, walled on all sides with various towers and keeps, and was in fact two separate main buildings: a ‘southern palace’ and a ‘northern palace’ that were joined by a covered corridor. There were also majestic gardens that contained flora and fauna that were both local and exotic. Several sets of gates were built into the complex to provide security, each with their own dedicated eunuch guard forces - for no man could bear arms in the palace - and a main imperial guard watched over the palaces and maintained security. In addition to a staff of officials, hundreds of eunuchs served as live-in attendants that performed tasks deemed unsuitable for men, such as acting as valets and servants to the Emperor, Empress and Empress Dowager, and interacting with the vast harem of women that the Emperor had at his disposal.

The audience chamber itself was a vast hall adorned with emblems of the ruling house of Han that had ruled China for over 300 years. The Emperor had a foot-high throne at the closed end of that hall, where he would sit and overlook his subjects. A small table - onto which food, drink, or documents and stationery could be placed - was set before him, and behind him, serving girls would be ready to fan him in hot weather or pour a drink if it was required, and regalia may be arranged as symbols of authority, such as a sword of command on a pedestal that might be given to a subordinate as an indication that they acted for - and with the full trust of - the emperor when on the battlefield, leaving their actions unquestionable. The domestic attendants - the eunuchs - would sometimes stand to the left or right of the emperor, and senior vassals such as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces might have reserved places that placed them at the side of the emperor if they were held in high regard. An Imperial Clerk was stood to one side, ready to announce visitors or speakers and deliver the will of the emperor, and other close retainers, such as torch carriers and keepers of treasures such as the imperial seal of office, would also take prized places around their sovereign.

The other courtiers would kneel on the floor, facing the emperor in neat rows; as the code of dress was strict, they were usually identically robed and uniform in appearance. They would speak only when permitted, and were forbidden from wearing shoes or carrying weapons in the presence of the sovereign unless otherwise told - in fact, brandishing or even being in possession of a weapon when in the presence of the emperor or another senior figure could be enough to have a man charged with treason and sentenced to death, and wearing shoes or military boots was seen as an act of contempt.

Officials may be expected to sit in order of rank, but they might also be segregated according to their role - military or civil - unless that role was too complicated. But it was highly unlikely that a man would wear armour if he were a military courtier - like his civilian counterparts, he would be expected to dress in plain robes and wear a box-shaped hat that would cover his bound and fastened hair.

Of all of the assembled officials, four were of especial note, though only three held real power and were holders of consistent roles. The role of ‘Grand Tutor’ - an optional position that was usually given as a reward for lifelong service - was best described as a moral guide and a manifestation of what the emperor’s conscience should be, although the role was rarely used to its full potential. The others were known by a range of names throughout the times: ‘The Three Ducal Ministers’ or ‘The Three Excellences’ were most common. Of the three roles, the ‘Excellency over the Masses’ - formerly known as the Chancellor of State - was once the most powerful; he was the one that would be in charge of the court in the absence of the emperor. That role’s authority had diluted over time and some of the power shifted to other officials, but it was still a coveted position that signified extreme closeness to the seat of power. The second of the three was the ‘Excellency of Works’, which had formerly been known as the Imperial Counsellor. Besides the prominent duty of presenting submitted edicts to the court, the role was part of a ‘checks and balances’ system as such, for one responsibility of the position-holder was to ensure that the other officials - even the superior ‘Excellency over the Masses’ - were not abusing their power. The third was the Grand Commandant or Commander-in-Chief: this role had, by the time of Emperor Huan, become the most influential, and had shifted from a military command position toward a more civilian authority. This role was often taken by relatives of the emperor because it then gave them the ability to investigate their peers - including the ‘Excellency over the Masses’ and ‘Excellency of Works’ - and appoint or replace officials with little impediment, but it was at present occupied by a man named Chen Fan that had earned the role with his loyal service. The Excellency roles were usually held by relatives of the emperor or members of influential noble families, such as the powerful Yuan clan of Ru County in Yu Province.

The emperor usually entered once all others were seated, so that they could kowtow in deepest respect and devotion. The emperor would be wearing lavish red robes adorned with dragons and other symbols of an auspicious nature, and atop his head, a tall ‘mortarboard’ hat would cover his bound hair; the hat’s long, rectangular top would extend a head’s length beyond his face and the back of his head, and at each end, long rows of beads would hang, partially obscuring his face. Emperors would openly address the assembled officials, and perhaps allow direct dialogue if it was deemed appropriate; if decrees required official approval, then the emperor could debate the matter and even provide immediate consent to act. But in some cases, the emperor may be incapable - due to being too old, too young, or politically ill-equipped - of making decisions, so the proceedings may involve the hidden direction of another figure, typically an Empress Dowager - a ‘Queen Mother’ - from behind curtains near the imperial seat, as women were forbidden from visibly taking part in court matters.

Emperor Huan had suffered the indignity of being marginalised when first installed as a boy, having to watch as the Empress Dowager’s family, the Liangs, exerted control over the court. Now that he had personally expunged them with help from a faction of eunuchs, he was determined to demonstrate independence, despite truly being manipulated by many of those around him, including those same eunuchs; because the emperor did not leave the security of the palace at Luoyang to do anything other than pursue leisurely activities in controlled environments, he knew nothing of the world outside, and relied entirely on those around him to inform him of the state of things. This also made it painfully easy to misinform the emperor if one chose to for the purpose of amassing wealth and exerting control, and that was the way things were.

On this day, the court had been summoned to discuss the repercussions of the state of things, and many officials were quietly fearful for their own careers and lives as they watched the emperor enter: they kowtowed penitently and awaited the first words of the proceedings.

…The foreigners have been sent away…? the Excellency of Works, Yuan Tang, asked of the multitude of courtiers that were seated before him.

All have been sent away, the weary Minister Herald replied.

Was that wise…? another official wondered out loud. He was in his fifties, and his face carried a great strength that had helped him to endure the years of strife.

…What choice did we have, Mister Huo…? the Minister Herald retorted.

…That is true, I suppose, Mister Huo sighed.

Until this matter is closed, we cannot keep the foreign men here, or we would face suspicion of our motives at best… or perception of weakness that might be dangerous, the Minister Herald continued. "The Xiongnu, the Qiang, and the men from that place Da Qin… are covetous. I have heard from some that everyone that Da Qin have done business with, they have eventually betrayed, unless they are seen as strong… no, we must fortify the borders and cut communications, so that the barbarians and foreign empires cannot smell blood and threaten us with further problems. Perhaps we should tell them that there has been an outbreak of plague… they will fear that, and will leave us be."

The courtiers murmured agreeably.

We shall therefore move on to the matter at hand, the Excellency of Works said. "A case has come to the attention of the court, regarding the ‘public reaction’ to the matter of the arrest of the former Magistrate of Luoyang, Li Ying, for the crimes of wrongful arrest and execution - and by inference, murder - of the noted Mister Zhang Cheng, and his son."

Many officials lowered their gaze and fretted silently.

This matter has gotten out of hand unnecessarily, the Commander-in-Chief, Chen Fan, protested.

How so, Commander-in-Chief? one official heckled. Murder is murder!

Chen Fan was silently angry.

Magistrate Li was acting rightly in a matter of egregious moral deviance, Mister Huo suggested. It is my understanding that the execution of Misters Zhang, father and son was right because the father had the son commit a murder for purpose of pleasure, knowing that an impending general pardon - which, furthermore, they should not have been aware of - would ensure his son would not answer for the groundless snuffing of a life.

That is not our understanding, Emperor Huan said with anger. It is our understanding that ‘Magistrate Li’ conspires with self-serving intellectuals to destabilise our government, and maliciously defied our decree of pardon to destroy good men of talent, the talent to know the will of the Heavens!

Mister Zhang’s knowledge of the pardon shows his skill as a diviner of the fates! another official suggested. He had the respect of people far and wide and of all levels for his foresight, and was cruelly ruined by the jealous Li Ying, a man of high reputation but no real talent!

As you say, Mister Huo sighed, Mister Zhang was highly regarded by people of all levels… from the lowest… to the highest.

All eyes turned - discreetly, and very, very briefly - to a small group of eunuchs that was stood to the left of the imperial throne. The attendants grinned and simpered in a show of weakness as they eyed the courtiers of Emperor Huan.

Your Majesty, Mister Huo continued, though it may be that Mister Li Ying was guilty of defying a decree, evidence will be needed to substantiate motive, as he has continually argued that he did what he did for the good of Your Majesty, not as an act of treasonous defiance. Now-

The matter, another official interrupted, is not the arrest of Li Ying, but the actions of a small number of students and scholars based at noted educational establishments. A petition defying the will of the Emperor has-

Protesting against the decision to arrest Mister Li on the grounds of the specific nature of the case, Chen Fan interjected. Defiance and protestation are two different things, confused only when a matter is improperly judged.

Two hundred have signed this ‘protestation’, the Excellency of Works said sombrely. The decision to arrest Mister Li for defying a general pardon was made with imperial authorisation… to protest against the decision is to openly defy the divine judgement of His Majesty.

The cynical officials remained silent, while the officials that had chosen to agree with the Emperor murmured agreeably.

We must be strong in the face of this threat, the Emperor declared. We want it known that all men who are loyal must rise to face this threat… these officials and ‘students’ that would openly plot treason against us.

Your Majesty, consider carefully what has been said, Chen Fan pleaded. Mister Li Ying is a man of the highest moral standards and the strongest character. He would never do anything that opposed the court.

He would never do anything that opposed a court that ‘met with the highest of Confucian standards’, and ours, I understand, does not! Emperor Huan retorted.

Chen Fan kowtowed as he replied, Your Majesty, I only wish to refrain from doing anything that might harm good men needlessly! Li Ying has committed no crime before; might it be that more evidence of guilt needs to be gathered…?

We have seen and heard enough, Emperor Huan declared. Commander-in-Chief, you will obey our will.

…Yes, Your Majesty, Chen Fan said with pre-emptive regret.

Known associates of Li Ying, a Mister Du Mi and a Mister Chen Xiang, are, like their friend, dubbed traitors to the realm, and will be arrested immediately, along with any who are known to be close collaborators, the Excellency of Works announced; the courtiers barely stifled gasps. Further warrants will be issued for those who added their names to this defiance of my will.

"Ayah! Your Majesty, this will lead to hundreds of arrests! Mister Huo exclaimed. This edict demands the arrest of hundreds of students that have done no proven wrong, the children of families that have served Your Majesty loyally!"

Your Majesty, if the army moves against the students in this way, we will be incurring the wrath of the intellectual class, Chen Fan protested.

An ‘intellectual class’ that favours anarchy over order is no class of intellectuals, but a rebel force, partisans that seek our demise by force, Emperor Huan retorted. Do not continue to oppose us on this matter, Commander-in-Chief.

I only seek care in our approach, Your Majesty, Chen Fan continued. By all means, we should ascertain the truth of the accusations, but-

Dallying risks a successful revolt, Emperor Huan interrupted furiously. Would you have us destroyed for ‘due process’ that has already been followed…? …Is it now foolish to arrest a criminal only when his intended crimes are fully enacted, and hence fully proven…? …You are hereby dismissed from your post, Chen Fan… we will find a man that loves us, since you, quite obviously, do not. Leave immediately.

The powerless Chen Fan sobbed as he fled the court.

Another courtier - the middle-aged scholar and commander of the capital’s defence forces, whose name was Dou Wu - exhaled slowly and purposefully, but he did not speak.

Your edict shall be law before the night is out, Your Majesty, the Imperial Secretariat promised.

"We will have no more treachery!" Emperor Huan barked.

The courtiers were fearfully silent, while the eunuchs - who had managed another political victory - did what they could to hide their satisfaction.

Within hours, the Emperor’s word was being passed not just to the capital, but to all the regions of the empire, and any within the capital that were deemed to be ‘partisans’ - factionists that had contested the competence of the Emperor and his government - were being violently taken from their homes or places of public protest by the army. The eunuchs had added to the list as it was being made, and dozens of noted figures that had opposed them were now political prisoners.

Mister Huo and Mister Dou Wu met in secret at the latter’s home later that day.

…A terrible day, Mister Huo sighed.

The eunuchs have, for the second time, achieved absolute power, Dou Wu said with anger. His Majesty, corrupted by vice, is immune to sound counsel and is intent on self-destruction, I think. Now that I am almost guaranteed to be promoted to the position of Commander-in-Chief to replace Chen Fan, I would write a petition, but-

Not yet, Mister Huo suggested. His Majesty was very angry, having only just been informed of the ‘plotters’. Even a man as regarded and well-connected as you might lose his head while the eunuchs have such a strong grip. Their slander has toppled mountains; cautious words and timing are advised.

Mister Dou Wu - whose daughter was Empress - silently agreed.

*************

3

Two young boys stumbled along the streets of the capital, laughing hysterically. They were dressed in robes that reflected their status as children of men of high status, and were enjoying a moment of mischief after a day of education.

…The look on his face…! one snickered.

We… we should be more careful, Cao, the other youth scolded as best he could. What… what if we’d been seen…?

Bah… and what would happen? It’s just a bit of fun, the first youth replied. His family name was Cao, granted to his father by the eunuch Cao Teng that had adopted him. His given name was Cao - though it was written with an altogether different glyph that had a different meaning and was pronounced in a slightly different way.

What would your father say…? the other youth fretted. I feel terrible about it already… I think we should do something to apologise.

Not me, Cao Cao replied. If you say sorry, Miao, you do it on your own.

The other youth did not reply. His family name was Zhang, and his given name was Miao. Like Cao Cao, he was a son of a family with some status.

"You two… are truly cruel!" a third youth panted as he caught up to them.

Ah, calm down, Cao Cao snickered. The whole thing was half your idea, anyway, Xu Yòu.

Xu Yòu grinned and said, Yeah, but… I only half deserve to be caught, then.

Cao Cao and Xu Yòu laughed a little too loud, prompting Zhang Miao to hiss, Be quiet! Please, both of you!

Cao Cao and Xu Yòu smiled apologetically.

…I thought I was caught! a fourth youth wheezed as he reached his three friends. When Cao said-

You follow others too often, Wei Zi, Zhang Miao scolded. If you hadn’t agreed with Cao Cao, then-

Then you and poor Xu Yòu wouldn’t have felt like you had to join me too…? Cao Cao teased. "If you must blame someone else for your weakness, Zhang Miao, then don’t blame him, blame me."

"I do blame you," Zhang Miao grumbled.

Well, what now…? Cao Cao asked plainly. We’re not gonna go home now, are we? There’s still plenty of things that we can do!

Yeah, yeah… hey, isn’t that…? Wei Zi said as he pointed toward a slim figure at the other end of one of the streets.

…Yeah, it’s…! Cao Cao said with a smile. Hey, lets-

But before the boys could hail the young man - a university student that they knew as an approachable trainee tutor - he was surrounded by soldiers and dragged away.

What…? …B-but…! Cao Cao stammered.

…We have to run, Xu Yòu suggested.

Cao Cao agreed; the four parted company and fled toward their homes.

The court of Emperor Huan was a place of great upheaval. Over many years, the power at court had split into two factions: one was spearheaded by many of the land’s most respected figures, and the other by a small clique of the palace eunuchs and their families, bloodline and adopted. As with every court, there were exceptions to the rules: members of eunuchs’ families - or eunuchs themselves - could decide to ally themselves with the intellectuals and decry the corruption, whilst families that were looking to advance their status could demonstrate loyalty to the eunuchs in exchange for official posts or government contracts.

A eunuch’s life was a paradox; in most cases, they were youths chosen by their families for court service, and if they were not lucky enough to be chosen as a scholar, warrior or similar position reserved for men of status or talent, then they would undergo the process of full emasculation - removal of the whole male genitalia - and join the ranks of the domestic attendants or certain ranks of palace guards. If they survived the excruciating pain and massive blood loss that were part of the process - performed with a butcher or surgeon’s knife, and usually without any form of anaesthesia - then their life as a man was over, and their life as a creature that would be considered as genderless or feminine - either way, inferior - would begin. The attendants’ roles were intimate within the palace, performing duties deemed unfit for either gender, and in addition to dressing in a different manner to ‘proper men’, they were expected to show no strength, acting in an ingratiating and pathetic a manner that befitted their status. The guard eunuchs, by contrast, were allowed to bear arms and served as defenders of areas where men were not permitted to go.

This ignominious fate did, however, have its advantages: as eunuchs were not men in the eyes of the court, they were not perceived as a threat, and could therefore earn trust or even power that no man could ever hope for. Despite the fact that they were supposed to be invisible minions of their monarch and his vast harem of wives and consorts, eunuchs often became close confidantes of men and women alike, even the emperor, and in some cases, their advice was sought; and because they were politically invisible, a careful eunuch could muster great wealth from his salary and from other sources, providing more than amply for his family - and himself - and ensuring a clandestine life of luxury. Some did, and some went further, playing politics within the court to such an extent that they effectively controlled the court from behind a façade of penitent grovelling; others were simply favoured by the Emperor, and received rewards regardless of their original intentions. Cao Cao liked to have it known that his father’s adoptive father - the eunuch Cao Teng - was more the latter, though there were some that said otherwise.

Cao Cao returned to the opulent home of his natural father, the ‘Director of Retainers’ and hereditary marquis Cao Song, after a meandering journey through the streets; since fleeing the sight of an older youth - a university student and promising tutor - being arrested, he had seen a lot of other things along the way that had left him with an increasing list of questions for his father - if he had not also been arrested. Cao Cao was relieved to find that his household had been left untouched by the events that were now sweeping the capital, and he entered the house with that relief foremost in his mind. His father was knelt on an ornate rug in the living room of the house, where he was penning a letter on a piece of cloth that was placed on a low table in front of him; the walls were decorated with artwork and famous quotes from intelligent men of eras gone by, and Cao Cao was compelled to look at some of those quotes for inspiration while he waited for his father to acknowledge him.

A’ Man, Cao Song said with disappointment.

Father, Cao Cao replied numbly.

A’ Man was one of the many ‘pet names’ that Cao Cao would be known by; it was his baby name, given to him at a time when his survival could not be guaranteed in an age where infant mortality was painfully high. Men and boys could be referred to in later life by this early name as a sign of contempt, affection, or disappointment with poor conduct. This day, Cao Song intended the latter.

…Where have you been…? Cao Song asked angrily.

"Walking… well, no, running… something strange was going on, so I looked to see what was going on, and they’re arresting people, Father, Cao Cao explained. I… I think they arrested my classics teacher, and I just saw Mister Cheng being taken away by soldiers. …And everyone’s blaming eunuchs, Father."

Cao Song coughed uncomfortably and said to the 11-year-old Cao Cao, You’re worldly before I’d like, having to see such things… Cao’er, this is a dark time. But you must retain objectivity… the ability to see things from atop a hill, viewing all things on all sides, rather than down a corridor, subjectively, from one point of view and with only one singular vision to behold.

Some of the other boys, they say that we’re where we are because of eunuchs, and that we’re ‘corrupt’, Cao Cao complained.

This is a time of great upheaval, when a man must make the most of the opportunities presented to him, Cao Song replied carefully. "That is to say, a man should be steadfast where he can, but he should also be flexible."

Cao Cao shook his head and said, But I heard somebody say that the eunuchs are what’s wrong with the world… Father, if-

Intelligent men do not make generalisations, Cao Song interrupted. The father that I owe our family name and fortunes to was a eunuch… a favourite of His Majesty.

Cao Cao frowned and said, Is that why you haven’t been arrested?

No! Cao Song chortled. "I was not arrested because I have not questioned things and made unfounded accusations as the people that were arrested did."

Cao Cao scratched his right cheek and said, So you won’t be arrested…?

No, I won’t be arrested, Cao Song promised. But we should say no more.

But Cao Cao was a precocious child, and Cao Song knew in his heart that the matter would not be closed.

Father, people not more than three years older than me are being taken away… people I liked, people that I thought were good people, Cao Cao said disappointedly. I can’t just forget about it; I think old H-uh, I mean, Mister Fan might have been arrested too, and I don’t know what I’m supposed to think.

Cao Song gestured for his son to come closer, and said, When His Majesty came to power, he was a child, maybe a year older than you at most, and he was under the guiding wing of his stepmother, the Empress Dowager Liang, and her brother, Mister Liang Ji. Father - my adoptive father - was a supporter of the decision to have His Majesty enthroned, and he was rewarded for that loyalty.

Cao Cao nodded slowly.

But while Father was working for the interests of the land, the Liangs had… ideas, Cao Song continued. They married His Majesty to their younger sister, ensuring that His Majesty was surrounded at all sides by agents of the Liangs, and together, they ensured that their word was law. Eunuchs like Father were becoming worried about them, about what they truly intended… and so was His Majesty, but His Majesty was too young to confront them, and the people that they had filled the court with were loyal to them more than to His Majesty.

I’ve heard lots about the Liangs, some of it really nasty, Cao Cao said with disgust. I heard that-

The Liang family were rumoured to be corrupt… that is all that need be said, Cao Song suggested. But I must be fair… some of their reforms earned them the begrudging respect of the intellectual classes, people like your classics teacher, because it meant that men of talent - like you, but without the connections to make it simple - could ascend more easily. But the other things that they were accused of, they earned them contempt… and it was felt that they were being very obvious in their control of things, which embarrassed His Majesty.

…So what happened…? Cao Cao prompted.

Cao Song coughed awkwardly and said, Their influence was not to the satisfaction of His Majesty, who desired freedom from the Liangs as he aged into a young man. When Empress Liang died, Liang Ji adopted a relative of his wife and had her presented to His Majesty. She was very beautiful, and quickly became His Majesty’s favourite- …uh… well, ‘favourite’, and His Majesty was very nice to her… then the Liangs asked her to help them keep the power they had, and when she refused to help them, her family was punished.

…And then…? Cao Cao prompted.

When His Majesty heard what the Liangs had intended for the family of Consort Deng, he decided that they had to be got rid of, and turned to the only people that he trusted: his eunuchs… one of whom had saved Consort Deng’s mother from assassination by the Liangs, so His Majesty was right to see them as honest vassals.

Like Grandfather Teng…? Cao Cao supposed.

Cao Song nodded cautiously and said, Yes… well, anyway, they were glad to be of service, and they helped His Majesty by sending soldiers to arrest Empress Dowager Liang’s brother, Liang Ji, who was the most dangerous of them all. Liang Ji committed suicide when he realised what was happening, and the Empress Dowager was told to stay at home and stay out of politics in future… and that was that. The eunuchs were thanked with some money and their families were thanked with nice houses, and, uh, well, that was that.

Cao Cao smiled dryly, as he suspected that his father’s version of events might be slightly biased.

Eunuchs are not an enemy of the world… they are people, like men and women everywhere, Cao Song suggested. I know that recent rumours place a lot of the blame on eunuchs for ‘corruption’, but… they serve His Majesty loyally, and they always ensure that divine consent is sought on all matters. My role, for example, is, like Father’s appointment as a marquis, a result of recognition of valued service, Cao’er… and you tell that to anyone that criticises me again.

Cao Cao’s smile disappeared again, and he said, But what about the arrested people, Father? If people insulted you, I would rebuke them, because my devotion to your name is always foremost in my mind: a good son should always honour his father, as Confucius always said.

Cao Song smiled gratefully.

But the people that were arrested… I thought that it was okay to challenge the way of things, that Confucius once challenged the Emperor on his conduct… why is that now wrong? Cao Cao prompted. All that anyone did was march and say things, I heard someone say… it that now wrong…?

Uh, well… the eunuchs are accused of being ‘evil’, and although very little evidence has appeared to prove that, it is a growing sentiment, because of the deaths of the Liangs, who were seen as champions of the intellectuals, Cao Song explained reluctantly. "The universities saw the Liangs as patrons that helped them, and they say that there’s been less help or support since the Liangs died. Others were glad of the removal of the Liangs… but the intellectuals, they only know what he did for them, so they protest, and blame the eunuchs for their slight drop in fortunes, and now they say that His Majesty is being lied to by those same eunuchs, who they also accuse of stealing money. You can’t accuse people without proof, and there are some that say the people speaking out might be planning something bad, and His Majesty feels that they need to be taken into custody while proof is sought of their guilt… so it is complicated, Cao’er… very complicated."

Cao Cao hummed thoughtfully.

Many of the higher-ranking court eunuchs had been enjoying power anyway, but this newest shift in power was almost unprecedented, and the intellectuals that had enjoyed positive reforms to education and the potential for elevation via schooling made it clear that they resented the destruction of the Liangs and the rise of the eunuchs by protesting openly in the streets of the capital. In retaliation, the eunuchs fawned on the emperor and played on his vanity, encouraging him to expand his harem and invest in new residences and hunting parks. Emperor Huan was eager to follow their words, and public finances were quickly steered toward feeding an ever more demanding royal budget and away from the improvements for the masses that had won previous emperors the respect and tolerance of the people. Emperor Huan also turned his back on Confucian values, opting instead for the beliefs of a Taoist sect that suited his desire to reign without question or restraint. His harem quickly numbered in the thousands, and resentment grew as quickly. Men of talent refused to work for a decaying regime, and that only meant more opportunities for the undeserving to gain status and worsen the situation further.

When the eunuchs realised that a large number of officials were enjoying varying degrees of success in countering the eunuchs and swaying their monarch, the collective decision was made amongst them that the intelligentsia-led opposition to their role at court had to be decisively destroyed. They sowed mistrust in the emperor’s mind, and now, that mistrust had led to what would henceforth be known as the Partisan Disaster.

You are quiet, Cao’er, Cao Song prompted. Have I answered your questions?

You show me respect, Father, by answering me as you would a scholar of equal rank, and for that, I am grateful, Cao Cao replied. I understand the situation, and see that sometimes, a person must look at everything. If those that are innocent are proven so, then no harm has been done and everything can go back to as it was. If the action taken has saved us from a disaster, then it was a sensible action. I shall not worry about it anymore, Father, and I’m sorry that I bothered you with it.

I am pleased that you show an interest, even as young as you are, Cao Song declared. One day, you will be a fine statesman… I look forward to the day when I can watch you and smile with pride.

As do I, Father, Cao Cao said with maturity.

Cao Song’s role as ‘Director of Retainers’ involved the management of convict labour in public development projects, and that gave Cao Song access to many senior figures in government, including his superior the Excellency of Works; he was always looking to improve his lot, and he would certainly do so in times to come, despite the upheaval that would be the ruin of so many others.

The arrests continued, and soon a very considerable number of scholars, officials and students had been taken into custody, leaving chaotic vacuums of power at all levels of government and a lack of staff at educational establishments. The eunuchs would eventually fill the vacancies with ‘allies’ that may or may not have been capable of the tasks that they had been assigned, but the general outcome was the same nonetheless: the illusion of stability was restored, and the ‘partisans’ became generally forgotten figures in a capital grateful for calm.

*************

4

…A year has passed…

Emperor Huan sat in his seat and listened as the Excellency of Works, Yuan Tang, narrated a letter from his Empress’s father, Commander-in-Chief Dou Wu; it was a long and politically dangerous petition that was being relayed in the privacy of the Emperor’s smaller private audience chamber.

…A year has passed, Yuan Tang repeated nervously as his eyes read ahead, and he realised what was to come. A year since… the so-called ‘partisans’ were arrested. The time has come to relay my thoughts on this matter without restraint. My words will be from the heart.

Yuan Tang paused for several seconds.

…There has… there has been… been no good governance throughout your reign.

What…! the eunuch Cao Jie exclaimed.

"We will hear the letter in full! Emperor Huan demanded. Continue, Mister Yuan."

Yuan Tang eyed the eunuchs nervously as he began again.

The attendants that you so fully trust are intent on shrouding your divine self with a fog of deceit, and all around the realm, good men are supplanted by unworthy ones in a trend that has repeated, sadly, throughout time. Your Majesty’s esteemed ancestors that ruled in the western capital, Chang’an, learned too late the consequences of heeding only the words of fawning eunuchs, hankering, talentless officials and corrupt flatterers in general. The corruption spread until one man came about that was able to shatter the dynasty with only the slightest pressure, and it serves none to sit and watch while all that we treasure is doomed entirely because of ignoring an old enemy, and repeating an old mistake.

After an awkward silence, the Emperor nodded and said, This man has nothing to gain from our destruction. We will hear the rest, Mister Yuan.

Yuan Tang ignored the glares from the eunuchs as he prepared to continue.

A year ago, wicked subjects that claim to be Your Majesty’s most honest servants made claims of treason against men of high regard, chiefly the former Magistrate of Luoyang, Li Ying. The numbers that were arrested throughout the land number in the hundreds, and the days since that offence also number in the hundreds; where is the evidence of wrongdoing? The empire is shrouded in misery as men that have committed no crime - as shown by absence of evidence after a year of interrogation - languish in cold cells, and every good man in the empire is as chilled to the bones as those that are incarcerated. I…

Yuan Tang stopped yet again.

"Enough delays! the Emperor barked. We would hear our father-in-law’s words!"

Yuan Tang studied the next part of the letter, and replied humbly, A considerable list of names of ‘men of virtue and talent’ has been presented within this next section… twenty, perhaps thirty names, placed between other points of note, Your Majesty.

For what purpose…? Emperor Huan prompted.

…I shall try and… yes, Yuan Tang said at last. The names are several lists of men who have shown talent in writing, understanding of the law, moral virtue, and natural leadership skills… the letter states that these men are ‘a host of talent that are suitable for appointing to any role of authority in the land’, and… and it thereafter states that all the ‘corrupt, talentless men’ appointed by the attendants, men who ‘bought or toadied for their positions’ should be dismissed, and that the attendants should be dismissed also, for they are-

"Your Majesty, please! the eunuch Cao Jie interrupted with a show of emotion. We are slandered! Dou Wu speaks of proof of guilt… where is the proof of our guilt, that he calls us ‘wicked’???"

We understand your upset, but his letter will be heard in full, Emperor Huan insisted. He then turned to Yuan Tang and said, Continue.

Yuan Tang coughed nervously and said, The letter continues by saying that the attendants control the provinces and counties, as well as the affairs within the palace. It says that as many, if not more allegations can be found against them, and that they should be as subject to the law as Li Ying and the other men accused of being ‘partisans’.

Speak as it is written, Emperor Huan prompted.

…Trust only those who are truly loyal and honourable, correctly determine what is right and what is wrong, do not grant positions purely for favouritism, give praise and blame their proper places, and govern only in the public interest, never personal; for did not Confucius say, ‘To be an Emperor is to be a judge’…?

This from the father-in-law of the Empress! one eunuch whimpered. Does he not abuse favouritism now by slandering us without due punishment…?

Emperor Huan hummed thoughtfully and asked of Yuan Tang, Was that all?

No, Your Majesty, Yuan Tang said fearfully.

Continue, then, Emperor Huan ordered.

There have been reports of omens, such as sightings of a yellow dragon, and harvests of grain deemed auspicious, but those omens can be good or bad, depending on one’s conduct, Yuan Tang narrated. If… if virtue becomes foremost from now on in Your Majesty’s rule, then these signs will be good omens, indeed. If virtue is not shown… then… then these things are portents to disaster. That… that is all, Your Majesty.

Emperor Huan hummed thoughtfully once again.

"Heresy! Cao Jie shrieked. Heresy, and such egregious factionist rhetoric amidst a speech condemning us for slandering his friends for that very thing!"

We… will make final judgement here, as is proper, Emperor Huan insisted. We are satisfied that Dou Wu is a man of fine character, and not prone to insulting us; furthermore, it is the actions of his esteemed ancestor, Dou Rong, that ensured the security of our dynasty… this is, therefore, meant as the kindest advice for us, and it shall be considered where we believe it may have merit. We would like time to ponder this matter.

The eunuchs and Yuan Tang left the Emperor to his thoughts.

I have also submitted a memorial, Mister Huo said as he drank tea with Dou Wu in the latter’s house several days later. If there are to be consequences, then let them be shared between us, Mister Dou.

To use some of the words once used by venerable Magistrate Li Ying was potentially fatal… but I can only hope that His Majesty sees the truth in those words, now that he has reached a greater age, Dou Wu replied. Yet men often live as they will, blind to the obvious truth that they are repeating the oldest mistakes… I can only hope that a Son of Heaven can be made to see before it is too late.

Mister Huo nodded slowly.

The atmosphere of the next few weeks was tense as the Emperor deliberated on the fates of the ‘partisans’. Mister Huo’s letter was said to have softened the Emperor’s stance, but ultimately, it was always going to be the eunuchs that decided the outcome. As the investigation started to reach the stage where the written testimonies were to be examined, it became clear that the eunuchs’ young student relatives - who were, due to an elevated financial status, able to attend the same prestigious university institutions as the students arrested as ‘partisans’ - were being mentioned as sharing similar ‘factionist’ views, even if they did not sign the petition against the arrest of Li Ying, and questions were now being asked as to why those students were not also under arrest. The eunuchs realised that there was a very strong chance that their schemes would seriously backfire, and they began to coerce Emperor Huan into ending the investigations. Emperor Huan agreed, and the ‘partisans’ were freed from captivity - but they paid a heavy price nonetheless.

According to the will of the eunuchs but proclaimed as the will of the emperor, every ‘partisan’ was exiled to their hometown, forbidden from taking any form of office or continuing with any studies, and deprived of their rights as citizens for life, making them virtual prisoners and actual outcasts. The supporters of the ‘partisans’ considered this to be a small victory, since the accused were alive, and could therefore, one day, be cleared - but worse was yet to come.

*************

5

A year after the semi-amnesty for the ‘partisans’ was issued, Emperor Huan died.

Mister Chen Fan… welcome back.

The former Commander-in-Chief, Chen Fan, smiled as his successor Dou Wu bowed slightly and welcomed him through the gates of the imperial capital. The two went to the palatial home of Dou Wu, who was now the father of the most powerful figure in China - the interim regent and Empress Dowager, and former Empress to Emperor Huan, Lady Dou.

…It is good to be back in the capital, Chen Fan said as he enjoyed tea with his old acquaintance. I wonder, though, what the future holds.

We are the instruments of change now, Dou Wu replied. My daughter the Dowager will listen to us, and not the eunuchs. So now, we can change things for the better.

Chen Fan hummed thoughtfully.

Do not fear the eunuchs! Dou Wu chuckled. It’s over for them.

I am not convinced of that, Chen Fan replied. Remember that a year before the ‘Partisan Disaster’, the late majesty had removed all of the corrupt eunuchs from his court, demoted them, forced them to return monies… we all thought that it was an end, but within months, they were back, and look what they were able to do!

This time, it will be different, Dou Wu promised. My daughter was not a favourite: she was made Empress not for looks but family reputation. She will-

Forgive me, but… am I not to understand that one of the Empress Dowager’s first acts in her new role was to have Consort Tian put to death…? Chen Fan said with concern. That was a crime of vanity, needless and potentially self-destructive. The Tians were of poor standing, so it is unlikely that anything will come of it, but why kill a love rival when there is no love to fight for?

Dou Wu shook his head and said, I cannot forgive or reproach her for the act… but I must overlook it and guide her as best I can from now on. Were I to raise the subject, then…

Dou Wu fell silent.

…Then the eunuchs might do what they do best: help her to justify her actions, and turn her against you…? Chen Fan supposed.

Dou Wu grunted as an acknowledgement and said, I must still be cautious, yes.

Which was my point exactly, Chen Fan chortled. We’re in a difficult place: there is no boy to create as an Emperor, so we must consult the records and find a Liu somewhere that is suitable, as was done when selecting the late majesty.

And, Heavens forgive me for saying this, but… we must do a better job than our predecessors when making that choice, Dou Wu sighed. We need someone that will be influenced, but only by those who intend good for the whole state, not just one small faction.

We also need someone that will allow us to pardon the ‘partisans’, Chen Fan suggested. Those people of talent have languished in a virtual netherworld for long enough, and must be allowed to return to society and take up the roles that they were born for.

Which will also mean that we need to remove the wretched people that were installed by the eunuchs, Dou Wu mused. We have a lot of work to do… but as a Dowager Regent with emergency powers, my daughter can begin the process of replacing chaff with wheat… new talents can be brought to court at first, and then we can gradually forgive and restore the ‘partisans’ as time goes on, since the eunuchs will try and obstruct us if we act too aggressively.

"Aiee… again, you admit that I am right, and they are still a threat! Chen Fan said with despair. Surely killing them is the only answer…?"

…I hate to admit it, but I agree, Dou