Post by tln on Apr 27, 2007 11:57:20 GMT -5
Alternative ending to “The Foundation”
When: After Li Sai Man’s royal uncle, Tau Kwok Kau, orders him to kill Sik Sik if Li Sai Man wants to be next in line to be Emperor.
CHAPTER 1
At Li Jing’s mansion, Li Sai Man shares his royal uncle’s orders with Li Jing and his two closest advisors. With a far, far, away look, resignation in his tone and dejected shoulders, Li Sai Man tells Li Jing and his two closest advisors his decision to leave the Capitol, taking Sik Sik with him and living a quiet life together.
“But your Royal Highness, you cannot do that. Think of your people. Hundreds of thousands of people will suffer if you do not fight for the throne,” respectfully exclaimed one advisor as he bowed his head.
“I know Chun Gu Leung is a very good young lady, and she is innocent, but she will understand and will make a sacrifice for the country if she knew the decision you are forced to make,” pleaded another advisor. “Please do not give up the throne and all we have done. The challenges we have faced. We are so close to the throne now.”
“What? You want me to kill Sik Sik? I love her with all my heart. She should not have to suffer. You could not and do not understand how much she means to me. Already I have put her through a lot. First, I caused her to leave me because of my rash comments and unforgivable behavior about her real love for me. Then I quite literally sent her away and forced her to leave and seek Kong Fung in hopes that he will help me. Both times, it was my doing. I sent her away. I cannot hurt Sik Sik again. No, no, no! I cannot,” exclaimed Li Sai Man as his curled up fist slammed down on the wooden round table, rattling the red and white decorated teapot and tea cups.
There was a deafening silence in the room. So quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Li Jing was standing three feet away from Li Sai Man, to the side. Li Jing stood quietly and listened to the exchange. He finally said, almost inaudibly, “great leaders often have to make sacrifices.”
“You too, Li Jing? You too, think I should sacrifice Sik Sik’s life?” Li Sai Man calmly said as his eyes narrowed and looked at Li Jing. There was coldness and sadness in his eyes as Li Sai Man said, “Are you suggesting my life with Sik Sik is all a chimera?” Li Sai Man highly respected Li Jing’s opinion. When he made the decision to seek Li Jing’s help, he knew that Li Jing was a righteous person, one with excellent judgment and one who would do what was necessary to help Li Sai Man attain the throne.
“I sympathize with your dilemma, but you cannot involve boy-girl emotions at this time. We have more critical goals to attain. You know in your heart we must abide by your royal uncle’s orders. We need your uncle’s help to position you to the throne. We must do what we can to get that support. We have come too far to back down. I cannot force you to sacrifice Chun Gu Leung. As the other advisors said, Chun Gu Leung is a lovely young woman, but we cannot allow Li King Sing and Li Wai Gut to win the throne. You know what you need to do. In your heart, you know,” said Li Jing. In a dead-pan voice, Li Jing quietly continued, “Chun Gu Leung’s sacrifice will be appropriate. We can make it less painful for her to leave you.”
CHAPTER 2
Later that evening, Li Sai Man knocked on Sik Sik’s door, and gently pushed the door to her room open. Sik Sik was sitting at her embroidering table, embroidering and enjoying the sound of falling rain from the open window beyond. She loved the rain and all that it brought, from the pitter-patter on the clay roofs, to the clapping of thunder, and to the majestic sight of lightning crashing down. Sik Sik was especially delighted with the rainbows that appeared after a storm. It signified hope when all seemed hopeless.
Sik Sik was embroidering on white silk material, a golden, majestic dragon with a graceful and beautiful phoenix flying nearby among swirls of clouds. Sik Sik had embroidered subtle pink colored peonies, brilliant butternut-squash colored Chinese chrysanthemums, with an array of tiger lilies dotted around a thin veil of a rainbow in the background. Sik Sik was on her last few stitches completing the right arch of the rainbow as it was buried among the peonies.
Sik Sik eyes lit up, her iris grew into dark pools, as she glanced over and saw Sai Man. “It is so late, I am so happy you have time to visit me at this late hour.” she asked, her two front butterfly teeth showing momentarily as she smiled. Sik Sik had come to his Sai Man’s side and gazed lovingly into his eyes. “Are you all right? You look very pensive,” she continued in earnest. She knew he had gone to the Capitol this morning and did not know whether his meetings at the Capitol were the cause of Sai Man’s concerns.
Sai Man’s eyes filled with love as he looked at Sik Sik. The sight of his only true love tugged at his heart. But the weight of the country weighed him down. He lifted both corners of his lips slightly; managing a smile, thinking to himself . . . it was with no wonder that no matter what he was feeling, Sik Sik was always observant. There was nothing he could hide from her. She did not interfere in his royal affairs, but she knew when to console or encourage him.
“I came because I want to see you. I miss you,” murmured Sai Man as he pulled Sik Sik into his arms. “I am encountering more problems at the Capitol, news that are not positive for the future of our country. I am faced with a choice I do not want.” As Sai Man said this last sentence, he held onto Sik Sik tighter, burying his face into the crown of her head, inhaling a hint of the sweet scent of peony perfume oil on her hair. The peony perfume oil was created especially for Sik Sik from a local merchant who mixes scents to match the preference of the local well-to-do women and their daughters. The merchant was well known in the area and Sai Man had requested the merchant mix an exclusive scent only for Sik Sik on one of their outings together. It was a perfect fragrance for Sik Sik as she adored the scent. As for Sai Man, he thought of her as a beautiful flower. Perfect like a peony.
Sai Man’s lips moved to her forehead as he gently gave her a kiss. “When I see you, my mind can be at ease, my heart content. I can forget about the rest of the world when we are alone together. But tonight . . . tonight . . . ,” his voiced trailed off.
“Sai Man, if it was in my power, I would ease whatever is bothering you. I would do anything to make you happy,” whispered Sik Sik as she nestled against his chest. “Always.”
Sai Man guided Sik Sik towards the rose-wood carved chaise lounge and they both sat down. Sai Man leaned back against the chaise lounge and and Sik Sik rested her head in the curve of his left arm. “I will take you to a place, a beautiful place tomorrow.” Sai Man held her in silence, with only the pitter-patter of the rain on the roof outside. They sat in silence together until Sik Sik fell asleep in Sai Man’s arms, lulled by the beat of his heart.
Early next morning, Sik Sik waited for Sai Man outside the Li Mansion with her umbrella in the pouring rain. She saw Sai Man and walked quickly over to him as he approached her. He was drenched from the pouring rain. “The rain has not let up. Why didn’t you take an umbrella?” said Sik Sik anxiously as covered Sai Man with her umbrella.
Sai Man did not reply and had a far away look. Sik Sik did not speak further as she understood that when Sai Man was pensive as he was, it was best to leave him alone until he was ready to chat again. They walked for a long while in silence through the town and finally through the town’s outskirts. Sik Sik saw a beautiful green pasture ahead, dotted with little white and purple wildflowers springing back to face the sky each time after the rain pelted down on their little heads.
Sai Man and Sik Sik continued walking up the gradual plateau through the green pasture. As they walked, the earth seemed to grow bigger and Sik Sik could see the horizon ahead. They seemed to go for awhile before Sai Man stopped. Sik Sik looked around and to her child-like fascination, beamed happily at the sight before her. Walking with Sai Man beside her, one arm wrapped around her shoulders while the other holding the umbrella they shared, Sik Sik did not know they walked up a mountain to enjoy the view from the pinnacle. Her round eyes grew wider as she absorbed the beautiful view with Sai Man still beside her. He had taken her to the ocean. The earth seemed endless from where they stood. Far, far away, in the long distance, Sik Sik could make out dots of land in the water that she assumed were islands nearby.
“Oh Sai Man, what a lovely place!” exclaimed Sik Sik. “Thank you for taking me here. It is so beautiful to see nature at its best.”
Sai Man looked at Sik Sik, only inches away, and his heart writhed in pain. She had such a childlike innocence and enthusiasm about her. He tried desperately to put on a stoic face; so frightened for what the future would bring. He did not have much of a choice. He had to.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” asked Sik Sik.
Sai Man had looked penetratingly at Sik Sik. Because of the all the love he felt for her, a hint of pain had shown through for what he had to do. His eyes did not waver from her as he said, “You are so beautiful, so innocent, so pure. I want you to know that I love you. You are the only one I love in this world. There will be no other. Please know that no matter what happens, I will always love you.”
Sai Man had never shared his thoughts like this with her. Sik Sik was so happy. Ecstatic even, and yet, so shy from Sai Man’s comments, she looked away towards the horizon as she leaned closer to gently lay her head against his broad chest. Sai Man held onto Sik Sik possessively, as if this was the last time he would be able to hold her for a long, long while.
“Oh look, Sai Man, the rain stopped. The sun is coming out. Look, Sai Man, the sun is coming out from behind the dark clouds.” Sai Man loosened his possessive hold, as Sik Sik took the umbrella handle from Sai Man and shook out the rain water a little. She took a few steps closer towards the precipice, and for the first time, she could hear the ocean waves crashing against rocks below.
“You have brought me to such a beautiful place, Sai Man. I was able to experience all that I love with the one who I love most,” said Sik Sik, still with her eyes towards the horizon and her back to Sai Man. “I do not know how to thank you.”
“The rainbow will come out soon. Come, Sai Man, come. The rainbow is coming, “ Sik Sik said in eager anticipation as she held the umbrella handle and playfully spun the handle so the umbrella spun in circles. Sik Sik started to turn around to Sai Man. “Sai Man, the rainbow is. . . ughh,“ Sik Sik gasped as a knife went into her side. Sai Man’s eyes were lifeless and pained as he saw the little smile on Sik Sik’s beautiful face disappear. The umbrella fell from Sik Sik’s grasp. With controlled precision, Sai Man slid the knife out and mouthed, “I love you” before he used his internal energy and struck Sik Sik in her right shoulder with his palm, causing her to fall back off the precipice into the ocean and rocks below.
CHAPTER 3
Sai Man fell down to his knees, his head and shoulders hunched over in complete dejection, the bloody knife a few inches away as it had dropped from his hands. He finally looked up and saw the rainbow arch overhead.
The funeral and burial was solemn and quick. Sik Sik was laid to rest at her and Sai Man’s favorite location along the coast. It was the place Sai Man took Sik Sik when she was not feeling well or a little sad. A headstone erected to mark her place. Kong Fung, Lok Wan, Li Jing and Mrs. Li Jing all paid their respects. Sai Man deceived Kong Fung about Sik Sik’s death. He was led to believe Sik Sik was a casualty in Li Wai Gut’s desire to be king. Kong Fung vowed vengeance.
After the burial, Sai Man went to meet Tau Kwork Kau at the Imperial Palace where the uncle affirmed support for Sai Man after getting personal reports from his own men that Sai Man had in fact taken care of Sik Sik as ordered. The bloody knife was brought back as evidence. Tau Kwok Kau and Sai Man discussed the next steps.
A few weeks later, Sai Man, Li Jing and the advisors executed out on their plans. Soon Li King Sing and Li Wai Gut were connected in an attempted assassination on the Emperor’s life. Although there was no evidence to prove the attempted assassination, Li Sai Man succeeded in his goal to influence the Emperor’s feelings towards his two royal brothers. At the same time, Tau Kwok Kau spoke with the Emperor about how Li Sai Man redeemed himself through his filial actions. Li Sai Man exemplified qualities befitting a crowned Prince and persuasively recommended that Li Sai Man be next in line to the throne. The Emperor agreed.
In the meantime, Li Wai Gut knew that he and his eldest brother fell out of favor in the Imperial Court. Within a few short months, he realized he lost influence and control of his power hold in the Kingdom. He planned a coup with Li King Sing, but was met by Li Sai Man and Li Jing’s forces, with Kong Fung’s support, inside the main palace gates. Li King Sing was killed in the bloody fight and Li Wai Gut took refuge in Tau Kwok Kau’s mansion where he took Tau Chiu Yi as his hostage outside the palace walls. Kong Fung followed Li Wai Gut, but arrived too late to save Tau Chi Yi. Li Wai Gut had killed Tau Chiu Yi in a moment of envy and unrequited love. Before Li Wai Gut died, Kong Fung was able to ask him about Sik Sik and the reasons for her murder as well as the destruction of Wu Tien Mun. Li Wai Gut, in his moment of death, professed truthfully to not knowing Sik Sik, but that on both issues, Kong Fung should ask his Yi Gor, Li Sai Man.
In the aftermath, at the Imperial Palace, the Emperor was depressed that his sons had fought over the throne and that two of the three were now dead. Tau Kwok Kau was mourning for his own daughter. He also knew that Li Sai Man, now rid of his royal rivals, had a direct line to the throne, and would not forgive him for what he had done to Chun Sik Sik. To save face and prevent his own demise, he asked the Emperor for permission to become a monk in the Buddhist monastery. With Li Sai Man’s encouragement, the Emperor granted Tau Kwok Kau’s wish.
The Emperor, who, tired and dispirited from recent events, relayed to Sai Man that he wanted to pass the crown to his son within the month. Li Sai Man calmly acquiesced. It was inevitable now that he would be king, but he did not expect his ambivalence to the news to be so strong. Of course he was relieved the throne was undeniably his to take now, yet, he had hurt so many people in his quest to be the leader of his people. He was victorious, but in achieving his goal, he lost much along the way. Above all, he had unfinished business to take care of first. Hence, Sai Man shared with his Father that he wished to take care of an important matter before the coronation ceremony.
CHAPTER 4
In a remote bucolic village, far, far away from the Imperial City, a young lady was nurturing her herb garden. It was a little garden, but in the last few months, she was able to cultivate quite a variety of herbs and unassuming weeds that, if used correctly, works as effective medicines. She did not know about the use of herbs for medicinal purposes before, but she learned from the kind Buddhist nuns at the local temple who saved and nurtured her back to health.
There were only two nuns at the temple, Si Thai Ming Sam and Si Thai Ming Kwong, who regularly visited her at her simple home. Either Si Thai Ming Sam or Si Thai Ming Kwong came everyday, if only for a few minutes. Often times, the young lady had to persuade them to leave and not take care of other village people who needed them at the temple for treatment or counsel. The young lady preferred being alone. She enjoyed the quiet and peace of her surroundings. She lived in a nondescript village. Only a nestle of homes scattered here and there, with fields and fields of grains and livestock farms. The village people grew their own food. Otherwise, the locals bartered and traded for their food or services. Life was simple for everyone.
The young lady never talked about her past. If she happened to meet anyone, she was pleasant and cheerful. But for the most part, she kept to herself. After her fall, she remembered Yat Tang Dai Si who ensured her in the care of the Si Thais tending to her wound and needs.
Si Thai Ming Sam and Si Thai Ming Kwong did in fact nurse this young lady back to health, but they did not save her life. The young lady was brought to the village by their colleague, a Buddhist monk, Yat Tang Dai Si. When Yat Tang Dai Si brought the young lady to them and asked the two Si Thais to nurse the young lady back to health, they of course agreed. Yat Tang Dai Si was careful to warn the Si Thais to protect the young lady and to watch over her for fear whoever tried to kill her may try to find her again. However, Yat Tang Dai Si did not share much other information about the young lady’s history. And the Si Thais discreetly did not inquire.
The young lady had a stab wound in the side, but whoever injured her did not hit any internal organs. Thankfully she did not lose a lot of blood either. According to Yat Tang Dai Si, Chun Si Chu’s life was saved because it seems as soon as she was stabbed, the pressure points were sealed throughout her entire body. Yat Tang Dai Si did not waste time and promptly transferred internal energy sufficient to sustain Chun Si Chu’s life until her stab wound was taken care of. Although Chun Si Chu did not lose a lot of blood, she had endured a lot of pain and her system was very weak. Hence, the two Si Thais took turns to nurse Chun Si Chu back to health.
Since Chun Si Chu recovered and was able to amble on her own, Si Thai Ming Sam and Si Thai Ming Kwong still visited regularly without fail. They observed Chun Si Chu, who never talked about what happened to her, never cried or complained, but instead insisted on helping where she could around the house. It was Chun Si Chu who wanted to start growing her own herbs and roots to help the Si Thais take care of other villagers who were ill and were too poor to afford medical treatment elsewhere. When she was strong enough, the Si Thais gave her the herbs and roots, and showed her to plant and cultivate an herb garden. Chun Si Chu also searched on her own for weeds that was used in creating new concoctions for the village people. She helped the Si Thais blend herbal medicines from weeds. And ever since, they have come to love Chun Si Chu for her quiet strength, industriousness and inner beauty.
When: After Li Sai Man’s royal uncle, Tau Kwok Kau, orders him to kill Sik Sik if Li Sai Man wants to be next in line to be Emperor.
CHAPTER 1
At Li Jing’s mansion, Li Sai Man shares his royal uncle’s orders with Li Jing and his two closest advisors. With a far, far, away look, resignation in his tone and dejected shoulders, Li Sai Man tells Li Jing and his two closest advisors his decision to leave the Capitol, taking Sik Sik with him and living a quiet life together.
“But your Royal Highness, you cannot do that. Think of your people. Hundreds of thousands of people will suffer if you do not fight for the throne,” respectfully exclaimed one advisor as he bowed his head.
“I know Chun Gu Leung is a very good young lady, and she is innocent, but she will understand and will make a sacrifice for the country if she knew the decision you are forced to make,” pleaded another advisor. “Please do not give up the throne and all we have done. The challenges we have faced. We are so close to the throne now.”
“What? You want me to kill Sik Sik? I love her with all my heart. She should not have to suffer. You could not and do not understand how much she means to me. Already I have put her through a lot. First, I caused her to leave me because of my rash comments and unforgivable behavior about her real love for me. Then I quite literally sent her away and forced her to leave and seek Kong Fung in hopes that he will help me. Both times, it was my doing. I sent her away. I cannot hurt Sik Sik again. No, no, no! I cannot,” exclaimed Li Sai Man as his curled up fist slammed down on the wooden round table, rattling the red and white decorated teapot and tea cups.
There was a deafening silence in the room. So quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Li Jing was standing three feet away from Li Sai Man, to the side. Li Jing stood quietly and listened to the exchange. He finally said, almost inaudibly, “great leaders often have to make sacrifices.”
“You too, Li Jing? You too, think I should sacrifice Sik Sik’s life?” Li Sai Man calmly said as his eyes narrowed and looked at Li Jing. There was coldness and sadness in his eyes as Li Sai Man said, “Are you suggesting my life with Sik Sik is all a chimera?” Li Sai Man highly respected Li Jing’s opinion. When he made the decision to seek Li Jing’s help, he knew that Li Jing was a righteous person, one with excellent judgment and one who would do what was necessary to help Li Sai Man attain the throne.
“I sympathize with your dilemma, but you cannot involve boy-girl emotions at this time. We have more critical goals to attain. You know in your heart we must abide by your royal uncle’s orders. We need your uncle’s help to position you to the throne. We must do what we can to get that support. We have come too far to back down. I cannot force you to sacrifice Chun Gu Leung. As the other advisors said, Chun Gu Leung is a lovely young woman, but we cannot allow Li King Sing and Li Wai Gut to win the throne. You know what you need to do. In your heart, you know,” said Li Jing. In a dead-pan voice, Li Jing quietly continued, “Chun Gu Leung’s sacrifice will be appropriate. We can make it less painful for her to leave you.”
CHAPTER 2
Later that evening, Li Sai Man knocked on Sik Sik’s door, and gently pushed the door to her room open. Sik Sik was sitting at her embroidering table, embroidering and enjoying the sound of falling rain from the open window beyond. She loved the rain and all that it brought, from the pitter-patter on the clay roofs, to the clapping of thunder, and to the majestic sight of lightning crashing down. Sik Sik was especially delighted with the rainbows that appeared after a storm. It signified hope when all seemed hopeless.
Sik Sik was embroidering on white silk material, a golden, majestic dragon with a graceful and beautiful phoenix flying nearby among swirls of clouds. Sik Sik had embroidered subtle pink colored peonies, brilliant butternut-squash colored Chinese chrysanthemums, with an array of tiger lilies dotted around a thin veil of a rainbow in the background. Sik Sik was on her last few stitches completing the right arch of the rainbow as it was buried among the peonies.
Sik Sik eyes lit up, her iris grew into dark pools, as she glanced over and saw Sai Man. “It is so late, I am so happy you have time to visit me at this late hour.” she asked, her two front butterfly teeth showing momentarily as she smiled. Sik Sik had come to his Sai Man’s side and gazed lovingly into his eyes. “Are you all right? You look very pensive,” she continued in earnest. She knew he had gone to the Capitol this morning and did not know whether his meetings at the Capitol were the cause of Sai Man’s concerns.
Sai Man’s eyes filled with love as he looked at Sik Sik. The sight of his only true love tugged at his heart. But the weight of the country weighed him down. He lifted both corners of his lips slightly; managing a smile, thinking to himself . . . it was with no wonder that no matter what he was feeling, Sik Sik was always observant. There was nothing he could hide from her. She did not interfere in his royal affairs, but she knew when to console or encourage him.
“I came because I want to see you. I miss you,” murmured Sai Man as he pulled Sik Sik into his arms. “I am encountering more problems at the Capitol, news that are not positive for the future of our country. I am faced with a choice I do not want.” As Sai Man said this last sentence, he held onto Sik Sik tighter, burying his face into the crown of her head, inhaling a hint of the sweet scent of peony perfume oil on her hair. The peony perfume oil was created especially for Sik Sik from a local merchant who mixes scents to match the preference of the local well-to-do women and their daughters. The merchant was well known in the area and Sai Man had requested the merchant mix an exclusive scent only for Sik Sik on one of their outings together. It was a perfect fragrance for Sik Sik as she adored the scent. As for Sai Man, he thought of her as a beautiful flower. Perfect like a peony.
Sai Man’s lips moved to her forehead as he gently gave her a kiss. “When I see you, my mind can be at ease, my heart content. I can forget about the rest of the world when we are alone together. But tonight . . . tonight . . . ,” his voiced trailed off.
“Sai Man, if it was in my power, I would ease whatever is bothering you. I would do anything to make you happy,” whispered Sik Sik as she nestled against his chest. “Always.”
Sai Man guided Sik Sik towards the rose-wood carved chaise lounge and they both sat down. Sai Man leaned back against the chaise lounge and and Sik Sik rested her head in the curve of his left arm. “I will take you to a place, a beautiful place tomorrow.” Sai Man held her in silence, with only the pitter-patter of the rain on the roof outside. They sat in silence together until Sik Sik fell asleep in Sai Man’s arms, lulled by the beat of his heart.
Early next morning, Sik Sik waited for Sai Man outside the Li Mansion with her umbrella in the pouring rain. She saw Sai Man and walked quickly over to him as he approached her. He was drenched from the pouring rain. “The rain has not let up. Why didn’t you take an umbrella?” said Sik Sik anxiously as covered Sai Man with her umbrella.
Sai Man did not reply and had a far away look. Sik Sik did not speak further as she understood that when Sai Man was pensive as he was, it was best to leave him alone until he was ready to chat again. They walked for a long while in silence through the town and finally through the town’s outskirts. Sik Sik saw a beautiful green pasture ahead, dotted with little white and purple wildflowers springing back to face the sky each time after the rain pelted down on their little heads.
Sai Man and Sik Sik continued walking up the gradual plateau through the green pasture. As they walked, the earth seemed to grow bigger and Sik Sik could see the horizon ahead. They seemed to go for awhile before Sai Man stopped. Sik Sik looked around and to her child-like fascination, beamed happily at the sight before her. Walking with Sai Man beside her, one arm wrapped around her shoulders while the other holding the umbrella they shared, Sik Sik did not know they walked up a mountain to enjoy the view from the pinnacle. Her round eyes grew wider as she absorbed the beautiful view with Sai Man still beside her. He had taken her to the ocean. The earth seemed endless from where they stood. Far, far away, in the long distance, Sik Sik could make out dots of land in the water that she assumed were islands nearby.
“Oh Sai Man, what a lovely place!” exclaimed Sik Sik. “Thank you for taking me here. It is so beautiful to see nature at its best.”
Sai Man looked at Sik Sik, only inches away, and his heart writhed in pain. She had such a childlike innocence and enthusiasm about her. He tried desperately to put on a stoic face; so frightened for what the future would bring. He did not have much of a choice. He had to.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” asked Sik Sik.
Sai Man had looked penetratingly at Sik Sik. Because of the all the love he felt for her, a hint of pain had shown through for what he had to do. His eyes did not waver from her as he said, “You are so beautiful, so innocent, so pure. I want you to know that I love you. You are the only one I love in this world. There will be no other. Please know that no matter what happens, I will always love you.”
Sai Man had never shared his thoughts like this with her. Sik Sik was so happy. Ecstatic even, and yet, so shy from Sai Man’s comments, she looked away towards the horizon as she leaned closer to gently lay her head against his broad chest. Sai Man held onto Sik Sik possessively, as if this was the last time he would be able to hold her for a long, long while.
“Oh look, Sai Man, the rain stopped. The sun is coming out. Look, Sai Man, the sun is coming out from behind the dark clouds.” Sai Man loosened his possessive hold, as Sik Sik took the umbrella handle from Sai Man and shook out the rain water a little. She took a few steps closer towards the precipice, and for the first time, she could hear the ocean waves crashing against rocks below.
“You have brought me to such a beautiful place, Sai Man. I was able to experience all that I love with the one who I love most,” said Sik Sik, still with her eyes towards the horizon and her back to Sai Man. “I do not know how to thank you.”
“The rainbow will come out soon. Come, Sai Man, come. The rainbow is coming, “ Sik Sik said in eager anticipation as she held the umbrella handle and playfully spun the handle so the umbrella spun in circles. Sik Sik started to turn around to Sai Man. “Sai Man, the rainbow is. . . ughh,“ Sik Sik gasped as a knife went into her side. Sai Man’s eyes were lifeless and pained as he saw the little smile on Sik Sik’s beautiful face disappear. The umbrella fell from Sik Sik’s grasp. With controlled precision, Sai Man slid the knife out and mouthed, “I love you” before he used his internal energy and struck Sik Sik in her right shoulder with his palm, causing her to fall back off the precipice into the ocean and rocks below.
CHAPTER 3
Sai Man fell down to his knees, his head and shoulders hunched over in complete dejection, the bloody knife a few inches away as it had dropped from his hands. He finally looked up and saw the rainbow arch overhead.
The funeral and burial was solemn and quick. Sik Sik was laid to rest at her and Sai Man’s favorite location along the coast. It was the place Sai Man took Sik Sik when she was not feeling well or a little sad. A headstone erected to mark her place. Kong Fung, Lok Wan, Li Jing and Mrs. Li Jing all paid their respects. Sai Man deceived Kong Fung about Sik Sik’s death. He was led to believe Sik Sik was a casualty in Li Wai Gut’s desire to be king. Kong Fung vowed vengeance.
After the burial, Sai Man went to meet Tau Kwork Kau at the Imperial Palace where the uncle affirmed support for Sai Man after getting personal reports from his own men that Sai Man had in fact taken care of Sik Sik as ordered. The bloody knife was brought back as evidence. Tau Kwok Kau and Sai Man discussed the next steps.
A few weeks later, Sai Man, Li Jing and the advisors executed out on their plans. Soon Li King Sing and Li Wai Gut were connected in an attempted assassination on the Emperor’s life. Although there was no evidence to prove the attempted assassination, Li Sai Man succeeded in his goal to influence the Emperor’s feelings towards his two royal brothers. At the same time, Tau Kwok Kau spoke with the Emperor about how Li Sai Man redeemed himself through his filial actions. Li Sai Man exemplified qualities befitting a crowned Prince and persuasively recommended that Li Sai Man be next in line to the throne. The Emperor agreed.
In the meantime, Li Wai Gut knew that he and his eldest brother fell out of favor in the Imperial Court. Within a few short months, he realized he lost influence and control of his power hold in the Kingdom. He planned a coup with Li King Sing, but was met by Li Sai Man and Li Jing’s forces, with Kong Fung’s support, inside the main palace gates. Li King Sing was killed in the bloody fight and Li Wai Gut took refuge in Tau Kwok Kau’s mansion where he took Tau Chiu Yi as his hostage outside the palace walls. Kong Fung followed Li Wai Gut, but arrived too late to save Tau Chi Yi. Li Wai Gut had killed Tau Chiu Yi in a moment of envy and unrequited love. Before Li Wai Gut died, Kong Fung was able to ask him about Sik Sik and the reasons for her murder as well as the destruction of Wu Tien Mun. Li Wai Gut, in his moment of death, professed truthfully to not knowing Sik Sik, but that on both issues, Kong Fung should ask his Yi Gor, Li Sai Man.
In the aftermath, at the Imperial Palace, the Emperor was depressed that his sons had fought over the throne and that two of the three were now dead. Tau Kwok Kau was mourning for his own daughter. He also knew that Li Sai Man, now rid of his royal rivals, had a direct line to the throne, and would not forgive him for what he had done to Chun Sik Sik. To save face and prevent his own demise, he asked the Emperor for permission to become a monk in the Buddhist monastery. With Li Sai Man’s encouragement, the Emperor granted Tau Kwok Kau’s wish.
The Emperor, who, tired and dispirited from recent events, relayed to Sai Man that he wanted to pass the crown to his son within the month. Li Sai Man calmly acquiesced. It was inevitable now that he would be king, but he did not expect his ambivalence to the news to be so strong. Of course he was relieved the throne was undeniably his to take now, yet, he had hurt so many people in his quest to be the leader of his people. He was victorious, but in achieving his goal, he lost much along the way. Above all, he had unfinished business to take care of first. Hence, Sai Man shared with his Father that he wished to take care of an important matter before the coronation ceremony.
CHAPTER 4
In a remote bucolic village, far, far away from the Imperial City, a young lady was nurturing her herb garden. It was a little garden, but in the last few months, she was able to cultivate quite a variety of herbs and unassuming weeds that, if used correctly, works as effective medicines. She did not know about the use of herbs for medicinal purposes before, but she learned from the kind Buddhist nuns at the local temple who saved and nurtured her back to health.
There were only two nuns at the temple, Si Thai Ming Sam and Si Thai Ming Kwong, who regularly visited her at her simple home. Either Si Thai Ming Sam or Si Thai Ming Kwong came everyday, if only for a few minutes. Often times, the young lady had to persuade them to leave and not take care of other village people who needed them at the temple for treatment or counsel. The young lady preferred being alone. She enjoyed the quiet and peace of her surroundings. She lived in a nondescript village. Only a nestle of homes scattered here and there, with fields and fields of grains and livestock farms. The village people grew their own food. Otherwise, the locals bartered and traded for their food or services. Life was simple for everyone.
The young lady never talked about her past. If she happened to meet anyone, she was pleasant and cheerful. But for the most part, she kept to herself. After her fall, she remembered Yat Tang Dai Si who ensured her in the care of the Si Thais tending to her wound and needs.
Si Thai Ming Sam and Si Thai Ming Kwong did in fact nurse this young lady back to health, but they did not save her life. The young lady was brought to the village by their colleague, a Buddhist monk, Yat Tang Dai Si. When Yat Tang Dai Si brought the young lady to them and asked the two Si Thais to nurse the young lady back to health, they of course agreed. Yat Tang Dai Si was careful to warn the Si Thais to protect the young lady and to watch over her for fear whoever tried to kill her may try to find her again. However, Yat Tang Dai Si did not share much other information about the young lady’s history. And the Si Thais discreetly did not inquire.
The young lady had a stab wound in the side, but whoever injured her did not hit any internal organs. Thankfully she did not lose a lot of blood either. According to Yat Tang Dai Si, Chun Si Chu’s life was saved because it seems as soon as she was stabbed, the pressure points were sealed throughout her entire body. Yat Tang Dai Si did not waste time and promptly transferred internal energy sufficient to sustain Chun Si Chu’s life until her stab wound was taken care of. Although Chun Si Chu did not lose a lot of blood, she had endured a lot of pain and her system was very weak. Hence, the two Si Thais took turns to nurse Chun Si Chu back to health.
Since Chun Si Chu recovered and was able to amble on her own, Si Thai Ming Sam and Si Thai Ming Kwong still visited regularly without fail. They observed Chun Si Chu, who never talked about what happened to her, never cried or complained, but instead insisted on helping where she could around the house. It was Chun Si Chu who wanted to start growing her own herbs and roots to help the Si Thais take care of other villagers who were ill and were too poor to afford medical treatment elsewhere. When she was strong enough, the Si Thais gave her the herbs and roots, and showed her to plant and cultivate an herb garden. Chun Si Chu also searched on her own for weeds that was used in creating new concoctions for the village people. She helped the Si Thais blend herbal medicines from weeds. And ever since, they have come to love Chun Si Chu for her quiet strength, industriousness and inner beauty.
