War Prisoner

Chapter 20

Wanyan Xu's eyes also widened, after a long pause he gave a sneer: "You're mad, how could I [1] possibly let u go? Su Su, it seems like you still harbour evil intentions, I must strengthen the quality of the guards watching over you."

The phrase "Su Su" really infuriated Su Yi. When this term of address had been used before, the situation had been so urgent that he had been too busy to quibble over minor details. Now, he found the sound extremely piercing to his ears. Especially since, from the way Wanyan Xu looked, Su Yi couldn't be sure that he was actually older than Su Yi, but Wanyan Xu was certainly behaving as if he was [2]. Unable to keep his face from reddening with anger, Su Yi said: "If you are not willing to release me, what is the point of saying such words? Also, you are not allowed to address me like that. Bah! It is so disgusting I could die."

Wanyan Xu wasn't offended in the least, he laughed and said: "Disgusting? Which of my actions don't you find disgusting anyway, what does a name matter? I said that I would let you return to the Great Qi, and that is true. No, that's not quite right, that land should no longer be called the Great Qi, it has now become part of the territories of my Jin Liao Royal Dynasty. Su Su, what I meant was that I intend to move the captial of Jin Liao Empire to the city that was originally the capital of the Great Qi, Dou Yan. Naturally, you would accompany me, isn't that also considered as returning to your country?"

Su Yi's jaw dropped, not daring to believe his ears, Wanyan Xu wanted to move his capital?! He said: "You... You must be joking? Moving the capital... that is not as easy as little children setting up a play house."

Wanyan Xu beamed and said: "Of course I know that. But the lands of Jin Liao are barren, full of dry and cold deserts, so the people living here have a tough existence. The lands in the south are different. The land is fertile, capable of producing much fish and rice; it is a land of plenty. It is also a cultural melting pot, having assimilated the cultures of many different peoples, making it even more suitable to be the heart of my Jin Liao Royal Dynasty. After having given the matter careful consideration, I have decided that although moving the capital is difficult, it must be done because it will decide the fate of Jin Liao for thousands of seasons and generations. This is also the reason why I had to conquer the Great Qi."

Su Yi had never expected Wanyan Xu to possess such foresight, this was the reason he had destroyed the Great Qi all along. Su Yi had always thought that his only motivation was to avenge his father's defeat, thinking back, that notion was faintly ridiculous. No wonder he refused to allow Yu Cang's troops to loot and pillage the lands of Qi during his military campaign, clearly he had long decided on his plans for the conquered country. Clasping the last thread of hope [3] he had to his chest, he peered at Wanyan Xu and said gravely: "Stop your wishful thinking, as the saying goes, it is hard to leave one's homeland. Would your courtiers be willing to do such a thing?"

Wanyan Xu gave a cold laugh and said: "On this matter, they will not have the leeway to object. I have already planned a countermeasure for dealing with such a situation. Officials who object to moving the capital and refuse to migrate will have all their property confiscated by the crown. Their luxurious mansions will be razed to the ground; if they move to a new residence, I will also have it burned down." Noticing that Su Yi was looking at him in dismay, he gave a bitter smile and said: "when one is trying to achieve an extraordinary goal, naturally, one must use extraordinary methods. This is a crucial time in our history; as courtiers of Jin Liao, they should endeavour to share their sovereign's burdens and not act only to satisfy their own desires." Wanyan Xu paused and glanced around, heaving a sigh, he continued: "Actually, what you said is true. It is indeed difficult to leave one's native land. I do not wish to leave this place either, to build this palace and forge this nation, my ancestors and I have expended much blood and energy. However, against the tide of history, these sentimental concerns must give way."

Su Yi had no reply, searching his heart for an honest answer, he clearly understood that what Wanyan Xu said was correct. This astute decision to move the capital only provided further proof that he was indeed an uncommonly wise Son of Heaven, the likes of which were rare throughout history. But for Su Yi, having his homeland invaded was already a bitter pill to swallow. Now, knowing that the invaders even wanted to use it as their capital, Su Yi's heart was even more pained. He could only conceal his true thoughts and said: "Anyway... anyway this is no small matter, you had better deliberate further before making a decision."

Wanyan Xu looked at him, and smilingly bantered: "Su Su, do you think that I don't know what's in your mind? You clearly know that moving the capital is a wise move but you are unable to resign yourself to having the capital of your country occupied by me. That's why your words lack conviction." He suddenly hugged Su Yi again before continuing: "But the tone you use when you speak reminds me of how ordinary married couples would discuss their matters in private. Although I have numerous concubines, not a single one of them would dare to speak to me in this manner. Their words are all meant to invite my love or to ingratiate themselves with me; they spend their time trying to come up with various schemes to gain my favour, all in the hopes of being crowned as my queen. What they do not know is that in my view, only a person such as you would be the ideal candidate to become my queen."

Su Yi nearly choked, unable to expel the breath of air trapped at the back of his throat. He couldn't figure out how things had come to this. Just a couple of days ago, the two of them were still sworn enemies that opposed each other with equal harshness. Even if Wanyan Xu did indeed have unnatural desires for Su Yi, it was not because he felt any affection for him; rather, they were born from an urge to conquer Su Yi. How was it possible that with only such minimal effort on Su Yi's part, Wanyan Xu was now regarding him as an ideal candidate for the position of Queen? Leaving the issue of Su Yi's gender aside, just the mixing together of so many unrelated issues was enough to give Su Yi a headache. Heavens, exactly what kind of person was he dealing with, this... these thoughts are impossible to guess at; no, he should say that these are thoughts that nobody should be able to think of.

Wanyan Xu watched with increasing amusement as Su Yi's delicate and pretty face flushed red with anger. He could not pinpoint the reason why, but ever since Su Yi had explained himself with such a serious demeanour, the more he observed and interacted with Su Yi, the more he felt that this erstwhile bitter foe was an outstanding character indeed. People of such quality could be said to be rare in heaven and unique on earth. Wanyan Xu was struck by another idea, gathering Su Yi in his arms, he said: "Obediently lie down with me for a while; I am a little tired from last night's festivities. If you refuse, I will gather all my resources to have you right now. Let's see if you can escape then."

Su Yi was so angry he could only speak through gritted teeth: "Could you sleep soundly under those conditions? Aren't you afraid that I will kill you in your sleep? My hands have long been stained with blood; I am more than capable of hardening my heart and killing you ruthlessly."

The threat did not seem to faze Wanyan Xu in the slightest, carrying Su Yi to the bed, he laid both of them down. Shutting his eyes, he said: "You are indeed capable of hardening your heart, but you are too pedantic, not willing to do despicable things such as striking when your enemy's back is turned. Su Su oh Su Su, you clearly know that this trait puts you at an disadvantage, but you are unable to change. I don't know whether I should mock you for being stupid or admire you for sticking to your principles. Well, you should lie down and have a rest too. Think over what I said, I wasn't just blowing hot air."

Su Yi was filled with doubts, thinking to himself: "He said so many things just now, how would I know which ones were meant to be serious? Most probably, it was the last few shameless lines about having me, the part about me being the best candidate for the position of his Queen was definitely not meant to be taken seriously. Both his ministers and he are not blind enough to mistake me for a female. Ever since ancient times, male concubines have been rare, needless to say, male queens are even more so." Looking at Wanyan Xu's even breathing, Su Yi didn't dare to move about, afraid that should he wake Wanyan Xu, Wanyan Xu was going to try to have him.

End of Chapter 20

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[1]: Wanyan Xu uses the royal "I/Me" throughout this chapter when he is speaking.

[2]: It was generally considered impolite for a younger person to bestow a pet name upon an older person. This is based on the Chinese concept of having respect for your elders. Amongst people of equal social station, the oldest should automatically be accorded the most respect. By giving Su Yi a pet name, Wanyan Xu is assuming that he is in fact the elder of the two (or at the least, he's assuming that he should occupy a position of seniority), and should thus be accorded more respect and honour.

[3]: Su Yi was probably hoping that although Wanyan Xu had destroyed the Great Qi empire and its royal family, he would not move to occupy the lands. The aim of many an invasion launched by the nomadic peoples of the north was to loot the country and gain some trade concessions and tribute, but they were not interested in actually administering the land. In that situation, a civil war might break out between various factions in Qi, but ultimately the land would still be in Han Chinese hands. This would be preferable to being ruled by a foreigner such as Wanyan Xu, who was most probably Jurchen (ancestors of the Manchus).