#2 The gift from Kunming

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The Mongol tyranny had reached its pinnacle. After decades of peace however they had grown used to taking the peasants for granted and had rested their swords. The once vicious and aggressive Mongol warriors were lying dormant.

Taking advantage of this laid back attitude Lao Zhung strategized his next attack on the Mongolian Overlords. He had fought many a battles on the Pearl River Delta against the Mongols but never returned victorious. This time he had it all crystal clear in his mind. Lao Zhung’s men mingled with the peasants in the different provinces of the Delta and gained their confidence. They ribbed the local peasants who were tired of the Mongol tyranny. Soon meetings were being conducted in the dark of the night to plan their moves. Within no time, the peasants had risen in revolt. Lao Zhung seized this opportunity and backed the rebels against the Mongol overlords with his army.

With his keen foresight and sharp mind Lao Zhung emerged as their leader, rallying his soldiers and farmers to the cause of establishing his own Empire. Over the following decade the revolt spread all over. There was not a nook or cranny safe enough for a Mongol. The Mongolian warlords seemed to have made foes wherever they went and were clearly outnumbered by the army raised by Lao Zhung. Also their in-fights had weakened their own bearing. Thus the Mongols were forced to retreat and Lao Zhung established his own Empire, proclaiming himself the Emperor.

It was during one of these months of celebration after the great victory that little Wu had arrived at the Emperor’s palace leaving her old mother alone, back at home in Kunming, to the south of the Cloud Mountains. Wu had just reached puberty and her beauty was in full blossom. Anyone who laid eyes on her could only think of a pink Peony in full bloom. Her eyes like soft petals had many dreams ensconced in them.

Her luscious lips quivered in excitement as she arrived before the towering structure of the Royal palace. A basket of Peonies in hand, she awaited her turn to be presented before Lao Zhung who now reigned as Emperor at the ripe age of 25. IIIrd son of the autocratic Emperor Lao Di, Lao Zhung had now gained fame as the Son of The Dragons. He was ruling his Empire with the same fire in his belly and infinite valour. Wu trembled in her plain cotton dress at the idea of being appraised by such a formidable man. Little did she know that in the near future she would no longer remain an ordinary woman!

Wu could not help but feel so belittled before the palatial grandeur for she hailed from an impoverished farmer’s family. She would have given anything to know what lay in store for her. Little did this lissome teenager know that she could rest all her worries for she was to be the Emperor’s favorite concubine soon!

To be continued....
This is a small beginning to a big story. Please do read Part #1 of the STory series 'The Great Without'.