- : -

- : -

His appet.i.te for food and conversation sated, Li finally sent his men to escort the guests back to their lodgings. The two of them held their tongues on the way, as they were surrounded by Li’s guards. When they arrived at their small courtyard residence, they faltered again—Commander Ho was waiting for them.

Spotting the pair, Commander Ho ignored Arimitsu and came straight up to Bai. “What kept you so long?”

Bai stared at him. His countenance appeared no different from his younger days; it seemed that he could still be approached. Yet when Bai recalled Li’s lively account, he had to hide an impulse to flinch away. It was as if he smelled the stench of death on him.

Despite his inner abhorrence, Bai still maintained a smile as sweet as the softest cotton candy. “Major-General Li… He invited us to dinner. Silly boy, why didn’t you send for me? Had I known, I’d have come back early.”

Commander Ho was practically basking in his voice. He was only a decade younger than Bai, yet Bai treated him as if he were still a child.

His irritation dissipating, he only said to Bai: “Li isn’t a good sort. Don’t get too friendly with him.”

Bai took off his Tibetan garb. “I won’t pretend to understand your history, but I must take leave in a few days. I can’t help but feel lonely for you, here all by yourself.”

His face blank, Commander Ho stood in silence for a while. “Little Uncle,” he suddenly said. “Take me with you.”

Bai looked back at him. “You wish to leave?”

Commander Ho fell silent again.

The more he considered it, the more plausible the plan seemed. He’d steal away quietly with his little uncle, Hsiao-Shun by his side. Bandits wouldn’t bother them if they kept a low profile. A journey with his gentle and amiable Little Uncle should prove pleasant and joyful.

“Little Uncle,” he began abruptly. “I’ve long lost the desire to play kingpin commander in the wilds. The thing is—I’ve killed the Nanking Government’s provincial chairman back in Hsian. It was a big mess. I’m worried that Nanking won’t let me off.”

Bai ruminated in silence, but beside him, Arimitsu suddenly opened his mouth. “Commander Ho, You are my good friend. If the Chinese Government gives you trouble, I may be able to seek asylum for you at the j.a.panese Emba.s.sy.”

His words were as shocking as they came. Bai gave him a sidelong glance, but Commander Ho merely turned to him, expressionless. A moment later, he finally asked: “This is within Mr. Arimitsu’s abilities?”

The question came out rather rude, his distain evident, but Arimitsu didn’t appear to detect anything untoward. He smiled as he answered: “You are the son of Marshal Ho. Marshal Ho was a friend of the j.a.panese; if it wasn’t for his aid, my brother’s trading firm in Manchuria would never have been established successfully. My strength may be meager, but I would still like to offer you protection from the Chinese Government’s persecution.”

Commander Ho didn’t feel particularly persecuted. Arimitsu’s peculiar handling of the language had given him a somewhat untrustworthy first impression. Besides, he was only a t.i.tular trustee at a trading company, what position was he in to speak for the j.a.panese Emba.s.sy?

Bai cut in. “Ch’i-Bao, Mr. Arimitsu’s eldest brother, President Arimitsu Tsutomu, is a very influential figure in the political world.”

His mind back on solemn matters, Commander Ho regained his usual porcelain bearing. He lowered his eyes to the floor and began tepidly: “I haven’t been in touch with the larger world in a long time, so I’m unfamiliar the affairs on your side. I’m extremely grateful for your offer of kindness. If the need arises, I can only entrust myself to the power of j.a.pan. My grat.i.tude in advance.”

Arimitsu waved a hand. “Do not stand on ceremony, Commander Ho.”

So Commander Ho didn’t. He lowered his head thoughtfully and meditated for a moment, then rose and left without another word.

Bai smiled at Arimitsu languidly. “Arimitsu-kun… Is this necessary?” he asked in j.a.panese.

Arimitsu raised his eyes and stared at the ceiling for a long moment. A sudden smile appeared on his face. “Yes.”

- : -

Commander Ho went back home.

Before he stepped through the door, an orderly ran up and informed him that Major-General Li was waiting for him in the main hall.

Commander Ho had already made his decision on his way home. When he heard the news, he merely mused that Li was right on time. Striding through the hall, he gave Li, seated in a chair, a slight nod, and went about removing his cloak and coat before calling for Hsiao-Shun to serve tea. After making sure he was thoroughly comfortable, he finally settled down in his palace chair.

“Hsiao-Shun, leave us and shut the door. What’s the purpose of your visit, Major-General Li?”

Li was slightly flushed due to his earlier drunkenness, his gaze a bit viscous. “Commander… I couldn’t sleep tonight, so I came to see you. By the way… Have you considered my proposal?”

Commander Ho shot him a glance and took a sip of tea. “No.”

Li nodded at his response. “I’ll take my leave then,” he said as he stood to leave.

Commander Ho started again: “I want to leave.”

Li sat back down. “Commander, you’re not going anywhere until you agree to it.”

Commander Ho sneered. “Are you threatening me?”

Li fixed his eyes on Commander Ho’s face, his voice earnest. “Just speaking the truth.”

“What if I insist?”

“Then you’ll have to see whose orders the soldiers follow. If they answer to you, you can easily dispatch me. If they answer to me, I won’t be letting you go. Ten thousand men are enough to conquer the world, let alone stop one man.”

Commander Ho’s face was cold enough to frost. “So…”

He dragged out the syllable slowly. “Let’s talk about this proposal of yours. I’ll tell you now, I’m dead set on leaving. If you cross me over this, don’t be surprised when I’m out for blood.”

Li stared at Commander Ho. After a long moment, it finally registered. “You’re agreeing?”

Commander Ho’s elegantly defined eyebrows furrowed slightly. His eyes were downcast, accentuating the length of his straight eyelashes. “Let’s get this straight, then. How does this thing work?”

Li licked his lips and stood up with a whoosh. He took a large step toward Commander Ho. “One—one night!”

Commander Ho looked up at him. “Once.”

“The whole night!”

“Once.”

“The whole night!” Li hunkered down in front of him, his voice almost pleading. “My good Commander, can’t you spare just one night?”

Commander Ho gritted his teeth, his face in open contempt. Taking a deep breath, he said: “One night it is then. Set a time!”

Li latched on to one of his legs. “What about tonight?”

Commander Ho shook his head. “Tomorrow, one night. If you dare to deter me the day after, I’ll blast you head open with my pistol. Is that clear?”

Li caressed Commander Ho’s calf through the fabric. “All right, all right, tomorrow it is. I’m a man of my word, you can rest a.s.sured.”

Reaching the very end of his patience, Commander Ho’s face darkened. He tore his leg free. “Then why aren’t you getting the f.u.c.k out of here?!”