The Bluestone
ancient Chinese script by
Tian-fa
English translation by
D .E. Powell
copyright 2011 David Powell
Smashwords Edition
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to http://www.smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: The Gift
Once upon a time in a land a little more than halfway across the world— unless, of course, you were traveling in the opposite direction and then it would be a little less than halfway—there lived a boy who thought himself the most loneliest boy in the universe. He had no friends (so he believed), and was without any brothers and sisters. And, he had no parents!
Oh, he did have a guardian, or guardians as it were, in the Buddhist monastery where he lived. But they were very old and very busy and had little time for the boy. Why, they had the mysteries of the universe to solve and that took up most of the elderly gentlemen's days.
So, Chu Yuan-chang sat in his small room in his small monastery and thought himself the most loneliest boy in the universe.
One day Chu's first guardian, Ti Mie-tuang, came in from his labors to find the boy moping about and mumbling softly to himself. Ti Mie-tuang pulled long at his tired face, scratched ponderingly at his stringy white beard, and turned his deep set eyes toward heaven as though seeking divine intervention from above.
“You cannot mope about all afternoon, Chu Yuan-chang,” he said to the young lad. “It is not good for one to do such a thing. You will make yourself ill. Come play with the other children. They are having a wonderful time.”
“I cannot, Guardian,” answered Chu, sadly. “They will not play with me. They say I am a baby.”
“Then you must show them that you are not. You must show them what a fine lad you are. Come out and play with them.”
“I can't,” said the sorrowful boy. “I will go and play with them later, after you have returned to work. Let me get your meal. You must eat before you return to the fields.”
“Yes, I must eat to give me strength for the fields, but you must share in the company of others to give you strength, as well. You will disappear one day by remaining to yourself. You must enjoy your fellow human beings, Chu Yuan-chang. For if no one knows that you exist, than you do not. You must listen to me in this matter.”
“I will, Guardian, but. . . later.” Chu bowed his head in shame.
“You are not going to play with the other children, are you?” asked his guardian.
“Perhaps not today,” said Chu, shaking his head.
“Then you must wait up for me tonight. I will have something for you when I return from the fields. I will give it to you this evening. I am sorry we have not provided the home you wished for, Chu Yuan- chang.”
Chu was left to his mournful thoughts as Ti Mie-tuang returned to the fields. The boy could not escape his feelings of how truly lonely he was. He watched him go as the wind whipped up over the hillside, forcing his guardian to draw tight his wrap. Chu felt sorry that his guardians had to work so hard to keep him. Chu Yuan-chang's life was not a happy one.
That night, Ti Mie-tuang came home coughing. The winter cold had settled in and invaded the old man's bones and Chu had nothing hot prepared to offer him. He had been so preoccupied with his moping that he neglected his chores.
Chu's guardian thought no more about it, merely going to his bed chamber to change into his nightshirt and snuggle up under thick blankets. After a moment, Ti Mie-tuang called the boy into his room. Chu ran forth with more energy than he had shown all day, having not forgotten the promised gift.
“You have been waiting for me?” asked Ti Mie-tuang.
“I have,” answered Chu.
“Then here is the gift I promised.” He handed him a small brown box. “Go to your room. It is for you alone to discover.”
Ti Mie-tuang closed his eyes, waving the young boy away. Chu obeyed, blowing out the candle that lightened the bed chamber and shutting the door behind him. He was terribly excited.
Chu Yuan-chang sat upon his bed with the brown box resting between his legs. He eyed it carefully, turning it around and around to examine from every angle. It was fascinating. The first gift he had ever received. He did not wish to waste it by opening the box hurriedly. The suspense was too great, however, and Chu finally popped it open as though his life depended upon it.
A slight breeze stirred the room. A chill tickled Chu's neck. Lights sparkled in his eyes, as if stars had suddenly sprang to life there. Chu held the box cupped in his hands. Inside set a bluestone, bursting forth like flames erupting into a dark night.
His eyes grew big as apples as he gazed upon the fiery gem, his face lighting up with the brilliance of the stone. A bluestone! The most beautiful Chu Yuan-chang had ever seen; a gift for which he was hardly prepared.
Chu was enchanted, sitting peering upon the bluestone for many moments. Then, as if by magic, the gem started to glow even hotter. Whiteness replaced the blue light and images began to appear in the vibrant rock.
A figure materialized; then another and another, until shortly there were so many figures inside the bluestone that they could not all fit there together; but some came and some went as if marching across the face of the stone. The images appeared to be soldiers upon horseback marching solemnly off to some great war. Chu squinted his eyes to see better. However, the harder he looked the more distorted the images became.
A flash from the stone suddenly sent Chu falling backwards off the bed. All went black as he lay motionless upon the floor. Images of soldiers continued to dance in his head while the light of the bluestone slowly died away like the sun setting upon the horizon.
Chapter 2: The King
Chu awoke the next morning to bright sunshine pouring into the room. He quickly realized that he was no longer in his room, but one laden with rich trappings of silk and silver and gold. A curtain hung above him and around him from a thick cord and the bed where he lay was made of the same rich materials with pillows of down puffed full and lace decorating their edges. The room smelt of fragrance and Chu saw items of gold and silver lying strewn about: golden chains hanging from chests and fine gem rings sparkling on cabinets.
Rubies and sapphires bedazzled the boy. Emeralds and diamonds beguiled him. It was a banquet of royalty laid at his feet and Chu Yuan-chang could not help but wonder how such a miracle had occurred.
The answer came when the curtains were drawn abruptly aside as a towering silver-helmeted man with sharp black beard stood at the entrance. He wore a coat of lavish designs while one hand rested upon a scabbard sword. He came closer to Chu until he was soaring over him like a powerful mahogany tree.
“You may come forth,” he said, stretching his hardened hand toward Chu Yuan-chang. “He awaits you in the royal tent.”
Chu raised without protest, standing and following the colorful soldier to his master's quarters. He realized he was someplace as mysterious to him as was the images in the bluestone the night before.
Directed to enter a vast red tent, Chu was stood before a figure sitting upon a cushioned throne surrounded by giant urns that burnt of incense. The king was a mystical-looking man, his beard well groomed and pointed, fingers manicured with sharp painted nails, and clothing rich with embroidery. He sat cross-legged with hands folded in his lap, thin and assured bearing, his face rough with bright green eyes like a cat's. His authority sprang forth like fire from those entrancing eyes.
“I am the powerful Hung-wu,” said the impressive king to the shivering Chu Yuan-chang, his voice sounding sly and ominous. “Do you know me, child?” His eyes flashed.
“I-I do not, sire,” answered the boy.
“No matter,” said the king, waving his hand as though it were a fan. “Do you know why you are here?” He stroked his beard with a glimmering nail.
“I do not know that either, sire,” answered Chu, timidly.
“I have been told that the wisdom of a child is the purest wisdom,” announced the king, with a yawn. “And since I am no longer a child, I have sought one to help me be wise. Will you help me be wise, child?” Hung-wu smiled cunningly at the frightened boy.
“As best I can, great lord,” answered Chu, bowing his head sincerely.
“Then hear my woe. I am a wealthy king with a kingdom that stretches far across the land. There is much beauty to be found. But, alas, I have no trees. In all my realm there is not one tree of consequence that pleases me. I am without shade and without pleasure.
“My neighbor, on the other hand, has many trees. His land sings in the wind with trees. I can hear them call me from my palace doors. Thus, I decided to invade his land so that I may possess his trees. We have been warring for twelve years now, yet I do not own a single tree to show for my sacrifice. Tell me, child, how can I conquer my enemy and take his trees from him?” Hung-wu looked upon the boy with fiery attention.
“Why do you not ask him for some trees, sire?” asked Chu, innocently.
“A monarch does not ask for that which he can take!" bellowed Hung-wu. "Certainly, you can come up with better wisdom than that. Wisdom that will help me destroy my enemy, not beg gifts from him!
“Tomorrow we attack the central city of my neighbor's kingdom. You shall ride with me. I will show you the wisdom a king commands. Leave me!” Hung-wu waved him from his presence,
Chu Yuan-chang ran out of the tent and into the waiting arms of the towering soldier who had brought him to the king's chamber. He was taken back to his tent and left alone where he soon fell asleep, dreaming about all the magnificence around him. Chu was not awakened until the next morning. By that time, there was great turmoil ringing throughout the king's encampment.
Chapter 3: The Battle
“Arise, young counselor!” shouted the soldier in the silver helmet. “Arise and prepare for war. We attack the central city. Your king awaits.”
Chu was taken to the front of the army where King Hung-wu sat atop a powerful black stallion. Chu was set upon a smaller horse beside the king. The great Hung-wu glared angrily at the boy.
“Have you new wisdom for me today?” he asked.
“I do not, my lord,” answered Chu.
“Then we enter the city!” Hung-wu thrust his chest outward. “I shall have my trees. Forward!”
He ordered his army into the central city of the neighboring kingdom. A thousand thundering horses charged forth with a thousand screaming horsemen waving curved swords above their heads in battle. Chu rode amidst them with King Hung-wu at his side.
Dirt flew around them like explosions ripping up the ground. Mist rose about them like dragon's breath from the flaring nostrils of the steeds. Hoofs beat next to them like drums, while Chu's own mount burst forward with the herd. He could only hold on tight and allow himself to be propelled into battle.
It raged until dusk, with many men falling and many wounds being inflicted. The neighboring kingdom fought bravely, but they were no match for King Hung-wu and in the end his army overcame them. The determination of the wanton king had proven too much for the more peaceful sovereignty.
They entered the city triumphant, heralding their victory while herding the remaining opposition into the castle's courtyard. Hung-wu went directly to the beaten king's palace, taking his place upon the throne. Chu Yuan-chang went with him and the king of the conquered land was brought before them both. He was Jung-tao, a just and beloved ruler who wished only for his people's safety. Hung-wu thought this humorous.
“You bark for your servants' lives like a dog, Jung-tao.” Hung-wu sneered, sitting proudly upon his enemy's throne. “Yet, you were not barking when you opposed me on the battlefield for the past twelve years. Why should I show you mercy now?”
“Show me none, Hung-wu,” answered the king, bravely. “I ask only that you show it to my people. You are their lord now. You must take them unto yourself like they were your children. They will obey Hung-wu's command.”
“I do not want them for my children, Jung-tao. I want only your land. And that only for the trees which grow upon it. I will burn what I do not take back to my kingdom.”
“You have come for trees, Hung-wu?” asked Jung-tao, in disbelieve. “I would have given you all the trees you wished. You had only to request them.”
Hung-wu shot a piercing glance at Chu Yuan-chang who quickly turned away. He looked back at the kneeling king.
“I request nothing,” he said. “Hung-wu takes what he wants. Dogs and peasants do not offer gifts to their lord. He must only refuse such an insult.”
“Now the trees are yours,” said Jung-tao, sighing softly in grief. “You have increased your greatness by winning trees. But what will you do with the people you have won?”
“They are of no importance to me,” answered the mighty king. “I will need to take their fate under advisement. See here, Jung-tao—” Hung-wu waved a hand at young Chu. “See here my new counselor. He holds the fate of your people.” The pompous king smiled.
“You place the lives of thousands in the hands of a child?” asked Jung-tao.
“The wisdom of a child is the purest wisdom. You know the proverb. A child has no notion of the worth for life and death. He will choose for me. What say you, child?”
“You must let these people go, my lord,” answered Chu Yuan-chang, looking sympathetically upon the kneeling King Jung-tao. “As you must let go this sovereign. Their blood will not help you achieve greatness.”
“Then they are let go!” shouted the king, fiercely. “I have said your word would be their fate and you have spoken. They are free. But, if their freedom causes me any concern in any way, your head, child, shall be placed at my feet for retribution.
“Free Jung-tao and his people!” ordered Hung-wu to his officers. And it was done.
“The wisdom of a child is the purest wisdom, Hung-wu,” said Jung-tao, as he bowed his way out of the throne room. “And you have a valuable counselor. Do not lose him, sire. He will show you the true path to greatness.”
Yet, as Jung-tao and his people prepared to leave the city a new order came from Hung-wu. They were again placed under arrest and locked in prison, contrary to the counsel of Chu Yuan-chang. In fact, the boy was not even told of this deceit. He was instead led to believe Jung-tao and his people had gone free. So did treachery and evil prevail.
Chapter 4: The People
Now, years passed in the kingdom of Hung-wu and Chu Yuan-chang remained with that proud sovereign for all that time. The king grew in age and power until he became emperor of all the lands of Ch'in. However, little Chu did not grow any older.
Hung-wu wondered at this. How could a child remain a child? It was impossible; unless that child was a child of the ancestors sent to Ch'in to oversee the government of his land.
Emperor Hung-wu despised young Chu for this intrusion. But he also feared him. Thereby, he thought of many ways to deceive Chu Yuan-chang and many ways to rid himself of the boy. So did hardship fall once more upon his empire: this time not in the manner of war, but in the manner of famine. Hung-wu was forced to call for his counselor and tell him of the trouble.
“Hear my woe, child,” said the emperor to the little boy. “My empire has spread far across this land. I have taken many properties from my neighbors. I am a rich sovereign and have hundreds of grain storages to my wealth. Still, there are many mouths to feed.
"The people have asked me to open my storages to them, but I have refused. They are starving and I must refuse them food. My wealth would be diminished if I allowed them my grain. My enemies would find me weakened and threaten my realm. What shall I do, child?”
“Where have you gotten so much grain, sire?” asked Chu Yuan-chang.
“Why, from the people, from the fields. They must allot the empire so much a year.”
“The people have worked hard for this grain, sire?”
“Yes, very hard. Some have even died from their labors. But, it is their life. It is the life of our land.”
“And they are dying now from lack of grain, sire?”
“They are dying like fish in a net, child,” answered the emperor.
“Then who will give you grain next year, sire?”
“Why—why, the people.” answered Hung-wu.
“But, they are all dead, great lord.”
“They cannot all die, child.”
“The ones who do not die will not give you grain. They will know next year that they need it for themselves. They will hide it from you. Or they will burn it so you may not horde it from them.”
“I will send troops against them!” stormed the emperor, angrily.
“Then your enemies will see turmoil in your land. They will see weakness between you and your people.”
“How I am doomed either way,” said Hung-wu. “What wisdom is this?”
“Give to your people what is theirs, great lord. Give to them and they will love you. From that, strength will grow and your enemies will see unity in your land. They will fear to attack such a beloved sovereign.”
“I will do this,” agreed the stern emperor. “But, if it causes me any concern in any way, your head, child, shall be placed at my feet for retribution.
“Open the storages!” ordered Hung-wu to his officers. “Open and feed my people. We shall see what wisdom truly sprouts from a child.”
However, the storages were not opened and the people were not fed. Hung-wu changed his mind and deceived Chu Yuan-chang again. The emperor thought himself quite a clever ruler.
Now, many more years passed and still Chu Yuan-chang remained with the emperor in Ch'in kingdom. He still had not aged one moment from the first day he had appeared and it was now the thirtieth year of his stay. And in that thirtieth year, a great rebellion rose in the land. Hung-wu's cruelties and carelessness toward his people had ultimately incurred their wrath and they attacked the imperial city with a force of ten thousand.
The palace guards were no match for them and Hung-wu was taken from his throne room. He was tried as a traitor and sentenced to hang for his crimes. An impressive gallows was built for his execution.
Hung-wu was taken from his cell to the gallows where he was stood under the swaying rope of the hangman. As it was being secured around his neck the proud sovereign looked for his counselor, Chu Yuan-chang, seeing him in the crowd with tears of pity flowing from the child's eyes. Hung-wu called to him and asked again for the purest wisdom to aid him.
“Hear my woe, child,” he said, as the rope was drawn tight about his neck. “My people have rebelled against me. My time is at hand. They mean to slay me like they would the locust upon their crops. What can you tell me now that might save me? How can I stay my subjects' anger?”
“Their anger, my lord, is rooted in a hundred hundred days of sorrow and deceit,” answered Chu Yuan-chang. “How can one rescind such treachery? Payment is due, great emperor. Tyranny no longer has a place in this world.”
Hung-wu began to question this wisdom, like he had questioned all the wisdom granted him during his thirty-year reign. The bite of the rope cut short any further words. He was lifted upward and hanged before his maddened subjects. Their cheers foretold the end of a ruthless ruler.
Chapter 5: The Dream
As Hung-wu's last breath expelled, and he gazed one last time upon his young counselor, Chu Yuan-chang vanished from the crowd and dissolved back into the time from whence he came. His eyes blinked steadily as he again focused them upon the brilliant bluestone in his small hands. Its light was glowing hotly, yet there were no figures stirring about in its depths.
Running to his window, Chu looked out to see where the moon stood, thereby finding out what time it was and how long he had been peering at the gift his guardian had given him. The moon was nowhere in sight. Daybreak broke upon the horizon. Little Chu had been staring at the bluestone for many hours, but not, surely, for thirty years. It had been a dream after all, however not a dream merely to be forgotten and unheeded. Chu realized this as he placed the stone back into its small box.
Getting dressed, Chu quietly left the monastery to step out and greet the early morning dawn. Not wishing to awaken his guardians, he silently tiptoed into the misty forest surrounding his home, following a mountain stream that playfully trickled along his path. Eventually, he came upon a venerable oak tree where he knew his guardian worked.
Chu laid the box carrying the bluestone beneath its knotted trunk. He then turned away and left the bluestone to be given to another in need of it. His need had been fulfilled. Chu Yuan-chang was no longer the most loneliest boy in the universe.
Chu grew into a fine young man. When he turned nineteen he led a rebellion against the Mongol leaders of his homeland. Chu defeated the Mongols soundly and captured the royal city of Ta-tu.
Chu Yuan-chang was later chosen emperor and founded a new dynasty known as the Ming. He changed his name from Chu Yuan-chang to the reign name of Hung-wu. He ruled his people justly and honorably throughout his life and at the end of his reign died the most beloved ruler in Ch'in history. During his thirty years as ruler, however, Chu never forgot the gift of his guardian. He never forgot the bluestone!
###
About the Authors
Tian-fa was a Chinese philosopher during the Ming Dynasty. He wrote many proverbs for his emperor with The Bluestone, reportedly, being Hung-wu's favorite.
D. E. Powell was born in Pennsylvania, raised in Southern California, and learned to live in West Yellowstone, Montana. An avid history and nature buff, he weaves his tales around what is factual and what should be factual. Other titles by this author include:
David Kidboti and the Adventure of the Disappearing Tribe
Brittle's Rhymes for Kids' Bedtimes