Chapter 18: Dance Battle in the Square

The Yellow River’s intrusion into the Huai River caused a course change. Had it not been for the breach at Taizhou, the floodwaters would have inundated Daxu. Yet precisely because of Taizhou’s break, the floodwaters diverted toward Bozhou, sparing Daxu from disaster. Otherwise, the new lord of Daxu, Chai Xiao, would have faced the impossible task of fighting on two fronts—raising funds to repair Taizhou’s breach while commanding Daxu to resist the floodwaters. Such a dual burden on a single leader is a cardinal sin in warfare.

Had that happened, the Second Prince, “Chai Huo,” would have thoroughly trapped him. Fortunately, the tutor had foreknowledge and secured stability within Daxu, ensuring no fires in the backyard and allowing for a stronger external struggle. Once a teacher, always a father figure. Sir, you are far better than my emperor father, who was constantly fooled by Chai Huo. You are a true kin.

Chai Xiao bowed deeply to Su Zhongjing. “Sir, you confirmed the junction and direction of the Yellow and Huai Rivers in just one morning, sparing Daxu from the flood. You exhausted your efforts to stabilize the rear without seeking credit, as if nothing had happened. With you present, I offer my deepest respect.”

Su Zhongjing smiled, helping him up. “Your Majesty, you flatter me. After my investigation, I should have reported immediately, but there was a subtle detail that needed verification, so the report was slightly delayed.”

Chai Xiao’s eyes widened. “What detail?”

Lowering his voice, Su Zhongjing said, “When the Second Prince delivered the imperial edict last night, he should have already known that the flood peak had shifted course and posed no threat to Daxu.”

Suddenly enlightened, Chai Xiao’s eyes burned with fierce fire. “So Chai Huo did it on purpose! The floodwaters can’t reach me, and the displaced people won’t come here either. Yet this scoundrel still claims that Daxu and Dajin are under imminent threat! He’s clearly digging a trap to bury me, dragging along the already confined elder brother, Chai Zhen! Could it be that because we are both your students, he aims to wipe us out completely?”

Su Zhongjing nodded slightly. “Never harbor ill will toward others, but never lack vigilance either. From what we see, the Second Prince indeed exploited the Yellow River flood as a grand scheme. It contained many subtle intentions and traps. Yet he did not expect that Your Majesty would completely disregard these pitfalls, not only for Daxu but for the entire Great Qi.”

Chai Xiao silently wiped sweat from his brow. At the time, he hadn’t thought so deeply—he only saw it as a prime opportunity to raise money, amass weapons, and recruit people, one that could not be missed. Who knew there were so many traps?

Chai Huo, oh Chai Huo! Those who dig pits for others only dig one for themselves. Evil men are best countered by even more cunning ones. Such a simple truth, yet he failed to grasp it. He may as well await his doom!

Su Zhongjing, somewhat surprised by Chai Xiao’s calm composure, affirmed his growth and emphasized, “Your Majesty, since your vision encompasses the entire Great Qi, with Daxu spared from flood and raising funds to save Taizhou as the utmost priority.”

Chai Xiao nodded. “They have borne this cataclysm for us. We must save them—and do so swiftly!”

“Sir,” he continued, “I am thinking that atop this platform, we should hold a ceremony to honor Heaven and Earth, to express gratitude for protecting Daxu’s people from the flood. What do you think?”

Almost instinctively, Su Zhongjing replied, “A ceremony honoring Heaven and Earth should be held at the southern suburban altar…”

But before finishing, he immediately grasped his student’s intent. Unexpectedly, this man, renowned as the wisest strategist in Great Qi and rarely swayed once he formed an opinion, quickly changed his words.

“Your Majesty, to hold the ceremony here is an excellent choice! If not for Taizhou’s breach bearing the brunt, we would either be helpless or standing atop this Drum Tower, beating drums to alert the city to defend at all costs. Thus, this scene symbolizes vigilance amid peace, which could not be more fitting.”

Chai Xiao paused, finally revealing his “indirect stratagem.” “We give thanks to Heaven and Earth for sparing Daxu’s people from the flood so they may continue to live here! From now on, we must be even more grateful—thank Heaven for sunlight and rain, thank Earth for fine wine and food! The people regard food as their heaven. What could be greater than this?

“As the Book of Songs says: ‘Since ancient times there have been good years, now tending the southern fields—whether hoeing or weeding, millet and rice flourish.’ Rejoice! Celebrate the abundant harvest! With banners and calabash leaves, gather and enjoy. Gentlemen have wine, offering words and tasting it.

“Fine food and wine come with rituals. Honoring these rituals is to honor oneself, care for all beings, and revere Heaven. Making food and wine even finer is likewise honoring oneself, caring for all beings, and revering Heaven.”

Having spoken, everyone present fell into an unusual silence; even Su Zhongjing was momentarily speechless—unsure whether to marvel at his student’s eloquence or to acknowledge the profound reasoning behind it.

A rascal is not frightening, but a cultured rascal is truly terrifying.

After a full fifteen minutes, Zhang Baocai timidly approached with Yi Taihe and asked, “Your Majesty, do you mean we prepare a ceremony first, then bring out the dishes one by one?”

At this, those nearby felt something was amiss but could not pinpoint exactly what. All eyes turned to their increasingly inscrutable ruler.

Chai Xiao smiled. “Do you think, during such a solemn ritual, if we serve imperial dishes one by one, they would pay us—and pay four times the price?”

“Of course not!” everyone shook their heads.

Especially Yi Taihe, whose head bobbed like a rattle. “Your Majesty, I believe this is unwise—wasting materials without receiving payment is a losing proposition!”

“Exactly!” “Indeed!” the chefs chimed in.

Chai Xiao pointed one hand to the sky, the other to the ground. “Therefore, after the segment giving thanks to Heaven for food and wine and honoring rituals, we need a transitional event!”

Consort Yun Shu grew anxious. “What event? Xiao’er, tell us quickly!”

Chai Xiao smiled slightly, hands on hips, performing a series of forward kicks. “That event is a square dance!”

A square dance? Everyone gaped, utterly speechless. What kind of nonsense was this?

Zhang Baocai, as head of the Internal Affairs Department, had seen many ceremonies and, now newly titled “Accountant,” his mind was working swiftly.

“Your Majesty, do you mean the ancient Tang Dynasty’s Nuo dance?”

Chai Xiao’s eyes flickered but said nothing, silently urging him to continue.

Zhang Baocai understood, raised his hands skyward, then mimed putting on a mask and began dancing energetically.

“This dance dates back to antiquity, used to drive away ghosts, honor gods, dispel calamities, and bring good fortune. The dancers wear masks and wield halberds, shields, axes, and swords.

“During Emperor Xuanzong’s reign, it was the first performance on New Year’s Eve in the palace. This dance, performed in the grand hall, fits your description of a ‘square dance.’

“Boys wear masks, walking and jumping, playing instruments and singing to set the mood.

“Afterward, civil and military officials, along with musicians, take turns performing, symbolizing universal celebration.”

Stopping there, the “Accountant” seemed to suddenly realize something.

“At this point, the ceremony transitions from ‘sacrifice’ to ‘music,’ allowing the serving of wine and food!”

Yi Taihe and the sous-chefs brightened and agreed. “Yes! Serving food and wine now is the kitchen’s duty and proper!”

“Exactly! Prepare in advance and set up small chairs and tables around. Anyone tired from dancing can rest and enjoy!”

“Following the great Tang Dynasty customs is what all Great Qi aspires to. Even in the capital, this would be perfectly reasonable!”

Su Zhongjing nodded slightly but remained silent, thoughtfully stroking his elegantly groomed goatee. Perhaps he found it feasible but still saw details to consider.

Chai Xiao watched quietly. The teacher had nodded—this plan seemed promising! Only, he wondered, with such fondness for stroking his beard, wouldn’t the teacher risk pulling it all out?