It was another month until I saw the emperor again. He visited half an hour before dinner. I was not cooking. We greeted him and did our best not to bore him. He smiled at me and said "Consort Mao sends you her warmest regards. She told me you two had a conversation on martial arts." I nodded at him. "The Mao clan prides themselves on martial arts. Even the women are said to be capable of defeating over a dozen men after they gain a mastery of a weapon. She said that you were skilled in the bow, spear and sword. She happens to be a master of the guāndāo." I nodded again, not sure where it was going. "She has requested that a martial arts tournament be held open to both men and women of the capitol and Forbidden City. And that you should participate." I looked at him and said "I obey my lord, Emperor Wang Jing. What is his thought on the matter? I have none." I wanted to see what he was thinking. "After our last conversation, I believe you would win too easily. There is no point." "There is." I said shaking my head in disagreement.
Everyone waited to see how he would take that. He looked confused. "You said you had not thoughts on it! Were you lying?" he accused. "I have no opinion on the decision of throwing a tournament or participating. I do know it serves a purpose to do so." I clarified. He settled down and told me to explain. "It is likely she wants to humiliate me. I do not care about that, but if they are as powerful as you say, a tournament where thy show there skills will allow you to personally ally yourself with them with a few advancements of the younger members of the family in the ranks of the military, court officials and the harem. That is the use. Alternatively, you can find many new talents from the commoners that do a good showing and are found to be intelligent and loyal. Nothing gets people on the side of a king than one that is seen to care and enrich the lives of the peasants. Doing it too often can make nobles jealous however." I lectured. He stopped to think about it. "So, it has no loss to me and I might stand to gain a lot. I will tell the court tomorrow."
Seeing him smile, I said "Do not tell anyone your reasoning so clearly. If they ask, allude to your passion for art in all its forms. It will lend credibility and mystique to you, which a emperor needs to inspire the people." He then nodded and said "Now, tell me that you are cooking today." I shook my head. "I will not cook for three days." He groaned and said "I should choose someone to attend to me." He was looking at me, but I said "Tao would love to serve you tonight after we eat." Tao was shocked and snapped to attention. "I will do my best my lord! You can count on me!" she said. He had an awkward smile on his face. Tao was not who he was after. "Of course. I will gladly receive you." he said. We ate and the two of them left. Tao did not return until the morning. Everyone swarmed her and asked for the details. "Hey! It's between the two of us. No one hounded Yawen." she snapped with a playful tone. Aside from some light teasing, they left her alone. It was also then that word of a major martial arts tournament was going to be held in a month's time.
