Reformation by Henrikson Mark

Author:Henrikson, Mark [Henrikson, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Key Move Publications, LLC
Published: 2013-07-31T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 38: Get In Line

“Why do we have to walk so far, Father?” Pang asked for about the hundredth time. It was all Liu could do not to turn around and slap the boy. The Sheng family did not have much, but they did have the tradition of quietly carrying their burdens with pride and honor. There was no honor in the constant whining of his son. The boy was eleven years old now, it was time he understood his lot in life and accepted it.

“We go because master Zhu has called a meeting of the Lords,” Liu said between huffs. The journey on foot was indeed long, especially without any food in their stomachs to give them energy. The flood that came from the incompetently maintained dams upriver washed away his crops and food stores. Then the drought caused his planted seeds to wither away in the ground. “Besides, what else is there for us to do now besides sit and die staring at our barren fields?”

The purpose of the gathering was almost certainly to discuss a rebellion against the current emperor. At first Liu did not carry any particular love or hate for Kublai Khan and his leadership. So long as his taxes remained reasonable and the leadership competent, what did he care to whom the proceeds went. Truth be told, even if he were forced to contribute a few extra bushels of wheat per season, it was not worth picking up a sword and risking his life in battle.

Competent leadership was the issue, however. Maintenance on the dams was neglected for years in favor of constructing the emperor’s palace; a grotesquely massive and opulent city unto itself. Now the nation starved, and it was time for change, but it would not come easy. Dozens of minor lords constantly fought amongst themselves, but only a unified effort would prevail against the emperor and his legendary armies.

Talk of rebellion could wait, however. Pang’s unusually loud whimper let Liu know it was time for a break. He spotted a semicircle of rocks under a large tree by the roadside with a fire pit still smoldering from a traveling party’s encampment the night before. “Come; let’s rest for a few minutes to regain our strength.”

Liu removed his circular straw hat and leaned it against the tree as he sat upon one of the stones. He allowed the sack slung over his right shoulder to fall off to the ground and he reached in to pull out the last fist sized steamed bun for him to share with his exhausted son.

He tore the roll in two and handed half to Pang. “We only have a few more miles. We’d have been there last night if your constant complaining did not force us to stop so often. You are almost a man now. In two more years you will be married and working a farm of your own to support a family of your own. You must accept your responsibilities. To do otherwise is a waste of effort.

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