A Cruel Romance v1c23

Bai Su-Ch’en

The Bais were not the most respectable of families. Had they been anything else, they wouldn’t have s.h.i.+pped off their only daughter to become Marshal Ho’s fifteenth concubine. But with the sizable fortune made through the sale of their daughter, they managed to pamper their son into a scholar.

Concubine Bai bore a son, but because there was a proper lady of the house perching above, she never managed to reshape her fate. Soon after his birth, Commander Ho was sent away to be raised by Lady Ho, but he still saw his birth mother every once in a while. On these occasions, Concubine Bai took him out in the city or to her mother’s house, and showered him with kisses and cuddles.

Before Concubine Bai died at the age of thirty-two, Commander Ho had plenty of opportunities to see this “little uncle”. The mild-tempered Little Uncle wore black school uniforms, and since he was aware that his sister had sacrificed her lifelong happiness for the family, whenever his sister visited, he treated his little nephew with utmost tenderness.

Commander Ho’s recollection of this little uncle were limited to the vague blur of a smiling face and the memory of being tossed high up in the air. The family members of a concubine were not fit to step through Ho’s gates. Since the death of Commander Ho’s birth mother, he never saw his uncle again.

Out of sight, out of mind. Yet when he did lay eyes on his uncle again, all memories of those bygone days surfaced—his little uncle buying him sweets, his little uncle playing marbles with him, his little uncle carrying him as they wandered through the streets, enjoying the bustle of the city. The most vivid memory was of his little uncle holding him high in the air, tossing him up—catching him—tossing him up again while he shrieked in fright.

Technically speaking, Commander Ho shouldn’t have called him Little Uncle—Commander Ho’s uncle was the brother of Lady Ho, the former Mayor of Peking. As a concubine’s brother, Bai Su-Ch’en wasn’t even worth of mentioning, and had no right to call the Seventh Heir of Ho kin. Commander Ho graced him with the t.i.tle Little Uncle only out of consideration for his birth mother and childhood affections.

Commander Ho was frustrated and lonely beyond hope, so when a gentle little uncle seemed to have dropped straight out of the sky, he went slightly delirious with excitement.

Commander Ho never did things halfway, and this time his delirium was quite thorough. He dragged his chair right up to Bai and plunked down into it, regarding him with a small smile. “Little Uncle, what have you been doing all these years? I haven’t seen you since Concubine Bai pa.s.sed away.”

Bai felt a tiny stab of bitterness to hear his sister referred to in this manner, but he understood rationally that it was the proper way. In t.i.tle, the Seventh Master’s mother was Lady Ho.

“Let’s see…” He seemed to mull over it with a smile. “Two years after my sister pa.s.sed, I went to j.a.pan and studied economics at the Imperial University in Tokyo. Once I came back I stayed in Tientsin, and worked as a translator at the Sino-j.a.panese Trading Company. You were barely ten the last time I remember seeing you, only about this tall. Look at you now—” he reached for Commander Ho’s hand and patted him on the back. “Look how big you’ve become. All grown up.”

Receiving the indulgent pat, Commander Ho felt a sudden flutter of warmth expand in his heart, almost transporting him back to his childhood. “Little Uncle, you won’t be tossing me in the air anymore!”

Bai let out a laugh and ruffled Commander Ho’s messy hair. “Says who? Little Ch’i-Bao.”

Commander Ho smacked him on the knee. “Don’t call me that!”

Bai covered his hand with his own. “But Ch’i-Bao is such a pretty name.”

“That’s only for Papa. You’re my Little Uncle, not my Papa!”

Bai smiled. “You child… Always sticking up for the Old Marshal.”

Commander Ho and Bai chatted away cheerfully. To the orderlies who stood at attention in the room, the Commander Ho they knew was perpetually aloof and glacial, just a breath away from a porcelain statue. They observed Commander Ho’s childish silliness in fascinated horror, their hair practically standing on end. Even Hsiao-Shun stared at him unblinkingly, beholding Commander Ho’s gus.h.i.+ng performance.

Fortunately, Commander Ho’s social delirium did not persist. Half an hour later, he pulled his chair back to its original position and slid slowly back to his usual impa.s.sive composure. “Little Uncle, since you’re already here, why don’t you stay for a while?”

Bai turned to Arimitsu. “What are your thoughts on the matter, Mr. Arimitsu?”

Arimitsu had been following their conversation very closely. He gave a solemn nod. “Very good. Stay for a while. Very good.”

Receiving his approval, Bai said with a smile: “I’d love to. Since Mr. Arimitsu does not object, we will stay.”

- : -

Never in his life had Li s.h.i.+h-Yao imagined that through a random act of meddling, he’d end up bagging Commander Ho’s uncle.

Li was a man of ceremony. Since he was in the middle of his attempt to subdue Commander Ho, it was imperative that he seize the initiative. Without asking Commander Ho for permission, he invited the pair of guests over with ebullience and offered them a most sumptuous dinner. Over the table, he began with an apology: “So a tide had flooded the temple of the Dragon King of the Sea—”

Before he could finish, the erudite Arimitsu Kiyos.h.i.+ decided to latch on: “Indeed! Who would have thought that Mr. Bai would turn out to be Commander Ho’s uncle? It is evidently a small world. The ancient Chinese had a saying—‘the smaller the temple the stronger the demonic wind; the shallower the pond the more toads it contains’. This is precisely what it refers to.”

Li eyeballed him. Was this j.a.p dropped on his head? What the h.e.l.l?

By his side, even Bai felt a bit embarra.s.sed. He proposed a toast to Li. “It’s of no concern,” he said with a smile. “There’s much unrest in the area these days, best to play it safe when the troops are stationed here. Besides, our guises did look a bit suspicious.”

Somewhat mollified, Li decided that the uncle did have some tact. At least he spoke with the listener’s comfort in mind.

They downed a few more drinks. Li discarded Arimitsu and turned to Bai instead. “May I inquire your age, brother?”

“Thirty-five.”

“You don’t look it!” Li laughed. “Then you actually have a few years on me. How should we do this? I’d like to call you brother, but it feels like I’m taking advantage of Commander Ho.”

Bai smiled. “That does seem tricky. Speaking only of age, I’m only a few years older, the t.i.tle of brother should still be fitting.”

Li smacked the table and roared with laughter. “Then I’ll do away with ceremony! Here, Brother Bai, let’s share a toast!”

Liquor in belly, Li smacked his lips. “Shame… This isn’t my best moment. If you came a year ago, you wouldn’t have to see us in this shoddy state. But speaking of our Commander, what an accomplished and brilliant young man…”

Grease and liquor loosening his tongue, Li casually recounted Commander Ho’s past deeds down to the last detail, and just happened to paint him into a psychopathic madman.

“Bold man, our Commander!” he gulped down a drink. “At Chao-Jia Valley, he buried over two thousand men. Dead, alive, dumped them all in the mines. No amount of pleading swayed him, killed every last one of them! A real man if there ever was one!”

“Dutiful man, our Commander!” he declared around a mouthful of food. “A coffin for every single soldier who didn’t make it at Huang-Jia Bay, each one with a living virgin nailed inside! All these young lives cut short, the Commander said. Paired each one them with a girl of their own to keep them company in the afterlife. Has there ever been a better commander in this country?” he gave a clap. “h.e.l.l no!”

“The thing about our Commander is, he’s too ardent when it comes to matters of the heart,” he picked up a bowl and shoved some rice into his mouth. “Got himself entangled with our Chief of Staff. What a heartbroken state he was in when the Chief died… Burned the body in the courtyard right away. He even kept the cremains in an urn and slept with it under his pillow every night. What a pa.s.sionate fellow… Don’t get me wrong, our Chief of Staff was a man! How could we put a woman in charge? We’ve got strict discipline here!”

Bai and Arimitsu looked to each other and swallowed simultaneously.

- : -

His appet.i.te for food and conversation sated, Li finally sent his men to escort the guests back to their lodgings. The two of them held their tongues on the way, as they were surrounded by Li’s guards. When they arrived at their small courtyard residence, they faltered again—Commander Ho was waiting for them.

Spotting the pair, Commander Ho ignored Arimitsu and came straight up to Bai. “What kept you so long?”

Bai stared at him. His countenance appeared no different from his younger days; it seemed that he could still be approached. Yet when Bai recalled Li’s lively account, he had to hide an impulse to flinch away. It was as if he smelled the stench of death on him.

Despite his inner abhorrence, Bai still maintained a smile as sweet as the softest cotton candy. “Major-General Li… He invited us to dinner. Silly boy, why didn’t you send for me? Had I known, I’d have come back early.”

Commander Ho was practically basking in his voice. He was only a decade younger than Bai, yet Bai treated him as if he were still a child.

His irritation dissipating, he only said to Bai: “Li isn’t a good sort. Don’t get too friendly with him.”

Bai took off his Tibetan garb. “I won’t pretend to understand your history, but I must take leave in a few days. I can’t help but feel lonely for you, here all by yourself.”

His face blank, Commander Ho stood in silence for a while. “Little Uncle,” he suddenly said. “Take me with you.”

Bai looked back at him. “You wish to leave?”

Commander Ho fell silent again.

The more he considered it, the more plausible the plan seemed. He’d steal away quietly with his little uncle, Hsiao-Shun by his side. Bandits wouldn’t bother them if they kept a low profile. A journey with his gentle and amiable Little Uncle should prove pleasant and joyful.

“Little Uncle,” he began abruptly. “I’ve long lost the desire to play kingpin commander in the wilds. The thing is—I’ve killed the Nanking Government’s provincial chairman back in Hsian. It was a big mess. I’m worried that Nanking won’t let me off.”

Bai ruminated in silence, but beside him, Arimitsu suddenly opened his mouth. “Commander Ho, You are my good friend. If the Chinese Government gives you trouble, I may be able to seek asylum for you at the j.a.panese Emba.s.sy.”

His words were as shocking as they came. Bai gave him a sidelong glance, but Commander Ho merely turned to him, expressionless. A moment later, he finally asked: “This is within Mr. Arimitsu’s abilities?”

The question came out rather rude, his distain evident, but Arimitsu didn’t appear to detect anything untoward. He smiled as he answered: “You are the son of Marshal Ho. Marshal Ho was a friend of the j.a.panese; if it wasn’t for his aid, my brother’s trading firm in Manchuria would never have been established successfully. My strength may be meager, but I would still like to offer you protection from the Chinese Government’s persecution.”

Commander Ho didn’t feel particularly persecuted. Arimitsu’s peculiar handling of the language had given him a somewhat untrustworthy first impression. Besides, he was only a t.i.tular trustee at a trading company, what position was he in to speak for the j.a.panese Emba.s.sy?

Bai cut in. “Ch’i-Bao, Mr. Arimitsu’s eldest brother, President Arimitsu Tsutomu, is a very influential figure in the political world.”

His mind back on solemn matters, Commander Ho regained his usual porcelain bearing. He lowered his eyes to the floor and began tepidly: “I haven’t been in touch with the larger world in a long time, so I’m unfamiliar the affairs on your side. I’m extremely grateful for your offer of kindness. If the need arises, I can only entrust myself to the power of j.a.pan. My grat.i.tude in advance.”

Arimitsu waved a hand. “Do not stand on ceremony, Commander Ho.”

So Commander Ho didn’t. He lowered his head thoughtfully and meditated for a moment, then rose and left without another word.

Bai smiled at Arimitsu languidly. “Arimitsu-kun… Is this necessary?” he asked in j.a.panese.

Arimitsu raised his eyes and stared at the ceiling for a long moment. A sudden smile appeared on his face. “Yes.”

- : -

Commander Ho went back home.

Before he stepped through the door, an orderly ran up and informed him that Major-General Li was waiting for him in the main hall.

Commander Ho had already made his decision on his way home. When he heard the news, he merely mused that Li was right on time. Striding through the hall, he gave Li, seated in a chair, a slight nod, and went about removing his cloak and coat before calling for Hsiao-Shun to serve tea. After making sure he was thoroughly comfortable, he finally settled down in his palace chair.

“Hsiao-Shun, leave us and shut the door. What’s the purpose of your visit, Major-General Li?”

Li was slightly flushed due to his earlier drunkenness, his gaze a bit viscous. “Commander… I couldn’t sleep tonight, so I came to see you. By the way… Have you considered my proposal?”

Commander Ho shot him a glance and took a sip of tea. “No.”

Li nodded at his response. “I’ll take my leave then,” he said as he stood to leave.

Commander Ho started again: “I want to leave.”

Li sat back down. “Commander, you’re not going anywhere until you agree to it.”

Commander Ho sneered. “Are you threatening me?”

Li fixed his eyes on Commander Ho’s face, his voice earnest. “Just speaking the truth.”

“What if I insist?”

“Then you’ll have to see whose orders the soldiers follow. If they answer to you, you can easily dispatch me. If they answer to me, I won’t be letting you go. Ten thousand men are enough to conquer the world, let alone stop one man.”

Commander Ho’s face was cold enough to frost. “So…”

He dragged out the syllable slowly. “Let’s talk about this proposal of yours. I’ll tell you now, I’m dead set on leaving. If you cross me over this, don’t be surprised when I’m out for blood.”

Li stared at Commander Ho. After a long moment, it finally registered. “You’re agreeing?”

Commander Ho’s elegantly defined eyebrows furrowed slightly. His eyes were downcast, accentuating the length of his straight eyelashes. “Let’s get this straight, then. How does this thing work?”

Li licked his lips and stood up with a whoosh. He took a large step toward Commander Ho. “One—one night!”

Commander Ho looked up at him. “Once.”

“The whole night!”

“Once.”

“The whole night!” Li hunkered down in front of him, his voice almost pleading. “My good Commander, can’t you spare just one night?”

Commander Ho gritted his teeth, his face in open contempt. Taking a deep breath, he said: “One night it is then. Set a time!”

Li latched on to one of his legs. “What about tonight?”

Commander Ho shook his head. “Tomorrow, one night. If you dare to deter me the day after, I’ll blast you head open with my pistol. Is that clear?”

Li caressed Commander Ho’s calf through the fabric. “All right, all right, tomorrow it is. I’m a man of my word, you can rest a.s.sured.”

Reaching the very end of his patience, Commander Ho’s face darkened. He tore his leg free. “Then why aren’t you getting the f.u.c.k out of here?!”