Jing Li: Duty

Jing Li's tea cup held steady as waited for the older man to lead. It was not odd that his small bedside table had food and tea, Jing Li consumed little space and reserved larger areas for treating guests. Candles were lit to ward off the brisk pre-dawn chill.

Yet he was confused. The old man sat patiently and looked at Jing Li. He seemed to ignore the sheets covering the other sleeping form in the bed. She was still asleep and the old man seemed content to let her be.

"Please, forgive me, honored sir." Jing Li bowed his head respectfully. "I don't remember your name yet am sure you are due such an honor, and more."

The old man lifted his tea and sipped. "We have never met, Boshi. We may never have met, but that you stepped into a dangerous world. Tales of you reached me, and I was pleased."

"Thank you, sir, for allowing me to bring an honored guest pleasure." Jing Li bowed again. "Still, if I may be so bold, how may I address you?"

"Should I divulge my style name to one so young?" The old man chuckled. "Perhaps." He sipped his tea and seemed to enjoy Jing Li's endurance. "I am called Wenruodeeyun." (1)

Jing Li's tea cup twitched, before he regained control. Setting his cup down, he carefully moved to the side of the table and prostrated himself.

"Great grandfather. How may I serve you?"

"Perhaps you could get off the floor and eat some breakfast? It pleases me that you remember the bedtime tales your mother told you."

Jing Li silently did as he was bid.

"I see your father taught you reverence. That is good! But perhaps, not enough? Should we discuss going against the Imperial will?"

Jing Li regained control of his cup. "I am sorry for that, great grandfather. It was, looking back, perhaps a mistake."

"I heard that 'perhaps', my child. You let your dislike for corrupt officials guide your directives." The old man sipped, paused, and smiled. "I will not judge you, great grandson. What can a simple xia say to a prefect?"

"Yet I would caution you, Boshi. Your heart knows, though your mind refuses to believe, that the current dynasty has fallen. This time last year you were a junior officer in a poorly led army. Tomorrow you escort Imperial taxes through the prefecture you administer. Even the dead speak of your valor."

"I won't slight your choice in companions, either." Wenruodeeyun winked. "She has her own story to tell. It is my duty to request great great grand children, though. You've waited long enough!"

"As you march, observe. What problems are perpetuated by the very taxes you carry? But do not act in haste, my child. There is a season for all things. Your anger does not cause the rain to fall, nor does it make the corrupt man honest."

"When should I act, great grandfather? What should I do?" Jing Li implored.

"When you join me, you will know much, Boshi. Until that time, you will do the best you can. Just like everyone else." He smiled as the room began to fill with early morning light. "One more thing, Boshi." He looked past Jing Li.

Hearing a slight cooing of pleasure, Jing Li turned to see Kui Ji-min still asleep as a woman lovingly brushed Ji-min's long hair. "She is beautiful." The female xia said, and smiled at Jing Li.

His throat tight, Jing Li could not respond. Dawn crept over the banister and reflected off his moistened cheek. The woman faded. Jing Li knew the old man was gone as well.

Ji-min stirred, and sat up. "We have breakfast?" She said, and then her eyes cleared. She gently brushed her finger tips against his damp cheek. "Is everything okay, my love?" Her voice changed slightly as she sat respectfully. "How may your dutiful servant attend you, my lord?"

"Duty." He smiled and pulled her close. "An interesting word."

(1) "Gentle Doom", traditional