Disclaimer: I do not own anything other than those characters created by me. The rest is owned by koei, who created Dynasty Warriors and the game series Romance of the Three Kingdoms, also based on historical works by the likes of Chen Shou and the novel by Luo Guanzhong.
Chapter Title: Student Trouble.
The year was 182 AD and all was not well within the land, the once prosperous Han dynasty had been in decline for some time and now it was close to collapse. Corruption had been rife for decades, bandits and rebels plagued the provinces while the Imperial Army constantly fought against the tribes in the north. The treasury was empty and under the musically talented Emperor Huan, then under his successor, Emperor Ling, things only got worse. In need of money to run the empire, support the large harems and the many ambitious building works, ranks were sold for gold while many good men were proscribed from office if they dared defy the eunuchs. The people were tired and desperate; the gentry now turned away from the court and students of the Imperial University had turned against the government. Good men were refusing office and those that remained were leaderless, nobody had yet emerged to lead the court in political battle with the eunuchs. Every time a glimmer of hope emerged, something always seemed to turn the hopes and dreams of loyal men into a nightmare of execution and exile.
Still, there were good and noble officials trying to keep the Han alive while the generals continued to hold back the Qiang. However it would be for naught if someone didn't step up to become leader of the anti eunuch faction and succeed where many had failed, managing to oust the eunuchs. As always there was still hope for the Han but it was a corrupt and fearful capital that a student by the name of Dong Meng stepped into in 182 AD.
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It was a warm day in Luo Yang, the heat from the sun was countered by the cooling breeze blowing through the city. It was a fine Autumn afternoon and few wished to work, so with the Emperor away on a lengthy hunting trip, many officials were taking time to relax, and it seemed that even the farmers were returning home early to be with their loved ones. One student at the Imperial University was also leaving his duties early, having spent the day trying to understand the Classic of Rites. His teachers had told him to go home; he now looked forward to relaxing with some honeyed water and maybe going to see the sunset.
The student was a young male, barely even a man, by the name of Dong Meng. He had only enrolled this year to considerably improve his education. He was wearing his favourite green robe, fading from continuous use, his large hat's handy veil protecting the back of his neck from the sun. His thin moustache and small black beard were well groomed and made him look a little older then he was, his dark eyes were often more expressive then his face. In his right hand was the dread text that was plaguing his day, his left was hidden deep within a pocket. The sight of two of the Universities artisans arguing amused him and filled him with annoyance—the Emperor was coming to visit the University in the winter. Meng had considered ways to avoid being around for the visit but quickly discovered that only death would see the students avoid being present.
As he was thinking of the letter home he would have to write soon, Meng felt something hit his leg. Glancing down to see what Meng had walked into, the student was somewhat surprised to see it was, in fact, a human. The man was rather portly, had a bald patch, a fine beard, and was dressed well in a green robe. He was muttering curses as he struggled to his feet. Meng picked up the small hat and halted in shock, the seal on the front indicated that the owner was a man of considerable office, powerful enough to get Meng into trouble. Hastily bowing, Meng offered back the hat and an apology, grovelling in a bid to escape censure.
"My apologies oh wise and worthy Minister, I was thinking of my parents and wasn't paying attention to where I was going so tripping you with my unworthy leg. My fault is grave but I pray you have mercy, oh gentle and merciful Minister, for I am an only son and my aged mother would be heartbroken if I should lose my unworthy head, please don't burden her heart further."
"Look up boy!"
Meng was somewhat caught out by the sudden instruction and it took a moment to stop the grovelling, the student turning his face towards the minister. The minister had a little moustache and a pleasant face even as he scowled; the face seemed to be always on the verge of a smile or a hearty laugh. It was the terrified eyes, though, that drew Meng's attention and the minister seemed rushed when he spoke.
"That's better boy, no harm done but I see you have a book. Are you a student?"
"Yes Minister, just returning from my lessons."
The minister seemed rather relieved by the news, his scowl turning into a friendly smile, his eyes lighting up while Meng briefly wondered what trouble he had got into as the Minister spoke. "Take me to your residence and we will talk there. Don't worry, I will ensure you will be rewarded but move quickly before we are found."
Meng was somewhat alarmed by this but decided he had no other choice but to obey, defying the Minister would almost certainly cost Meng his head, whatever the reason for the Minister's panic. Bowing to signal his agreement, Meng moved through some of quieter alleys, instinct taking over as his mind considered the possibilities. Hiding from an angry farmer over taxes? There was many a possibility Meng could cope with but if the Minister had upset a powerful faction at court, then anyone helping him would be in serious trouble.
Some of the less desirable alternatives were rushing through Meng's head when the two men arrived at the small house just outside the University. It had been a gift from Tian, someplace of Meng's own to study and relax without having to worry about the rent. After opening the door, Meng stood aside for his guest to enter, secretly hoping the Minister would find it unsuitable to his needs but it seemed the Minister had take a seat and was beckoning Meng inside. Meng put his book away before pouring out two cups of wine and before finding two stale meat buns for the Minister. When the student turned around he saw two cushions on the floor and could hear the Minister in the bedroom.
Soon after Meng had settled onto the cushion, the minister came out dressed in white robes, a bag of rice in one hand and Meng's own mourning robe in the other. The Minister went into the kitchen after throwing the robe at a surprised Meng, and began talking loudly as he prepared a chicken. "Well lad, I am glad to know that the students of the University still hold to the old values. I had been worried that... never mind, it seems I was worried for nothing. It is only fair you know why I am here and prepare you for dealing with the problem. It will be best if you do not know my name but I was a local official in Yong province for a long time, even became Governor before moving to the capital. I left my family behind where I thought they would be safer but since my youngest daughter has come of age, they have gotten into trouble."
The minister sighed as he got out some wine before continuing his tale. "My darling girl has grown up to be a real beauty, she is quite the catch. A local prefect by the name of Kai Rui wished for her hand but I refused and thought that would be the end of the matter, evidently I was wrong. He told some of his superiors and they have brought in the eunuch Duan Gui's help to ensure I either give up my princess or lose everything I have. I have been careful to ensure he has little reason to accuse me openly and have ensured my family and money are out of sight; they will be safe from harm. All I need to do is avoid being spotted doing anything wrong or being murdered by thugs looking for me till nightfall, and then I will make my escape. Here is what we need to do..."
Meng had turned white on hearing that one of the Regular Attendants, Duan Gui, was involved. Duan Gui had a reputation for seizing land, protecting his clients, and dealing with enemies as ruthlessly as he could. Still, he couldn't summon the will to get the Minister out of the house so Meng was committed to trying to help the Minister. As the plan was explained to the student, he was more relaxed but the threat of failure and death hung over them both as they waited.
The two men passed the time in of silence; Meng studied while the Minister prepared. It would be a couple of hours before they first heard shouts and thumping from nearby houses; the thugs found the right street. Meng offered a little prayer to his ancestors, when he judged the thugs to be next door, he kicked his foot against the wall to deliberately create tears in his eyes. Then it was their turn to answer to the knocks. The Minister slumped onto the floor with his head under hands, Meng opened the door with a bow, faking a sad smile and wiping away a tear.
"Please gentlemen, come on in."
The three men entering were not guards but a reliable group of thugs, normally used in the country rather than at the capital to arrange accidents or kidnappings. He could tell the thugs had not expected to find two men in mourning, both clearly in some distress. The room was filled with the smell of wine and the prepared chicken was prominently on display. The lead bandit, was the first of the bandits to speak after bowing to the Minister and to Meng.
"My condolence on your loss gentlemen, but my duty demands I visit each house. There is a dangerous man about and I wish to catch him before he harms others. I have been searching all the houses around here and wish to... sorry sir but who is the deceased?"
The Minister had burst into another sob at the mention of a search, Meng rushed over to soothe him, calling him Father. When the fugitive was quiet, Meng turned to the leader, looking embarrassed. "Forgive my father, the funeral for my mother is tomorrow and as you can see, he is clearly distraught about it. It was kind of the University to allow him to stay with me, I would have hated to leave him alone, don't know what he might have done. If you must search this house then do so, I wouldn't wish anyone to come to harm."
Another sob from the "father" had Meng trying to calm down the distraught man, although he kept one eye on the thug leader. The student could guess the thoughts in the leader's mind; the search's no doubt involved some looting of the homes but was it worth it here? If the University complained, the three of them would be hunted down and executed; the paymasters would not rescue them from that disaster. The leader bowed and edged towards the door.
"We will leave you to mourn with our sincerest condolences gentlemen. If you should happen to see Minister Shen Rui, be careful of him and find us so we may arrest him. His corruption has been exposed and he seeks refuge from those he has robbed, the court wishes him brought to justice. Rui is a vain man, he is a charmer but he is a creature of deceit. We would, of course, ensure you were recompensed for your trouble good sirs..."
Meng's eyes light up at the mention of a reward, struggling to suppress a greedy smile. "No reward other than having served the Son of Heaven in ridding the land of a corrupt official is needed. I promise you that we will keep an eye out, amidst our mourning, for the foul beast."
This seemed to satisfy the leader and after the rituals goodbyes the thugs left to terrorize some more unfortunate souls. Once the footsteps of the three could not be heard anymore, Meng glanced outside before closing the door. "They are gone Minister Rui, you should be safe from them at least. Not sure how you are going to escape the city though, by tomorrow the gates out of the city will have the guards watching for you."
Rui stood up, smiling with relief as he poured two cups of wine before offering one to the host. "I will be out of the city and on my way to my new home by the time you wake up tomorrow. Do not ask how I plan to do this; it is best such means never reach your ears so nobody can harm you. About time I get out of politics anyway, I have enough money set by and can live out a quite lift of hunting, good friends and good food. Still, we have the rest of the day ahead of us, come sit down and we will talk of happier things my friend."
So they did, Shen Rui questioned Meng about the student's family, his life, his aspiration—always gently, always under the subtle art of conversation so Meng never noticed how Rui never touched a drop of wine. The more Meng drank, the more careless his tongue got and drowsier he became until eventually, on trying to walk to get some water, Meng collapsed, banging his head on the floor. Shen Rui grimaced as he poured his own glass of wine away, the drugs had worked and now he was alone in the gullible Meng's house, now it was time for the hard part...
Author Note: There is a DW next chapter I promise. Thanks for reading, please leave a review and let me know what you think.