Chapter 33: The fan and the kite
Meanwhile, at the Capital of Kun Dukedom….
A piece of soft guzheng music echoed, and much laughter filled the entire tavern. Yan Liang renamed this tavern Joyful North to attract many consumers, and he did it. Joyful North became the second most popular of the five taverns of Kun Dukedom.
Yan Liang used her feather fan while playing Go-chess, listening to Kun Lan's story. After he ended his story, Yan Liang gave a not-so-eager nod.
"It's beneficial you three would work together and create a formidable dukedom. Say, what are your thoughts on Kun Bian?"
"He would grow into a mighty duke that cherishes his subjects and makes Kun great."
Now Yan Liang was resentful by slowly shaking his head. "Please forgive me bluntly to speak the truth. Your brother is full of muscle without a brain. He literally would pull Kun in anarchy and warmongering."
"No, Master Yang Liang. He would protect Kun–"
"He was impulsive in his contemplation, confused in his ideas, easily moved, and can you recognize how deadly his blunder was? Taking out seven of Kun's top soldiers by tying them up and giving them to Han?"
"He didn't know if–"
"That's why." Yan Liang covered his lips with a feather fan as he put a gaming chip on the table. His eyes pierced Lan. "What do you consider the most important attribute for a leader?"
Kun Lan, thinking it through thoroughly, started to swab his chin. "A valiant leader like Kun Bian would create a sturdy military force and protect Kun people, making Kun be feared by other dukedoms, and bring peace to the north border."
"He would take on the role of the god of war on the battlefield and become a horror on court. He hardly decides which is beneficial for his country. Besides, he hardly listens to anyone, except those he trusts most. He would be easily used by those rats around him, as a puppet."
"How about a shrewd one, who always makes profit for the supreme advantage? He would ascend and transform Kun to be a great mercantile dukedom. Kun would profit by Kun Quan skill as trader—"
"He would lead Kun like a corporation for his own profit. Like every merchant did, he would see Kun as commodities, selling it piece by piece at a better price. Sure he would bring joy to us all, as long as the company profited him he would cherish it. But when it started to rip his own fortune, he threw it away. Besides, you know your little brother is a meek. A deer, not a tiger. He would shrink under a sword. Another puppet ruling unquestionably brings us down."
"Then enlighten me, Master." Lan kept his lips shut while putting his chip on the table. "What do you think the best leader should have?"
Yan Liang put another chip on the table and started advising Lan. "The good leader should be someone who is not so forceful that he wouldn't use power to oppress others and push himself on others. Not so weak either that others would take him lightly and use him easily. The man who fitted the rule is a man who could judge people and place them in the right position. The man who would listen and know if he is wrong admitted, and tried to make it right. You already showed me your insight into people. You showed me you could admit your mistake, and not only that, you ask someone for advice. It is you, who fit to rule Kun."
Lan kept silent while tugging on his chip without putting it on table game. Yan Liang's words rang something in his heart. Rule a dukedom. He had a strange dream before. Someone gave him a bow, showing a future Kun. He put the chip back in the bowl. "I'm lost. I take my leave."
"You must become a duke for the sake of Kun."
Lan bowed. "I dare not. I'm the son of a concubine. I love my family, and promise to help them, not topple them. I take my leave, Master. Farewell." He then really left. He can't let him puzzle his mind with the throne of Kun.
"Listen, Kun Lan, I'm doing for Kun. I just tell you what is inside my mind."
Yan Liang smirks while using his feather fan. Soon he will return. He knew Lan just acted modestly. Inside, he must be carved for the throne. Who doesn't? "Five, four, three, two, one…." Slowly, he opened his heavy eyes. He can't believe he really left.
Like being dumped by his girlfriend, Yan Liang jolted, opened a window, and gazed at Lan outside, who, already on his horseback, galloped away.
He threw his Fan on the table. "Aiya, how stupid am I!" Yan Liang knew his fatal mistake. He too hard pulling the kite, now he broke it. "My plan… my plan would be in jeopardy! Damn Lan, damn you. Why do you not show and succumb to your ambition?"
"He left in a hurry, what are you doing this time?" Lin Yan entered, clearing the table of teacups. "Wow, I've never seen you so upset. What happened?"
"He dumped my advice. He didn't want to rule Kun. For stupid, idiotic, useless reason."
"Then why not help Bian instead. He is strong, he needs a brain, and your meek brain fits him." Lin Yang giggled and rose to her feet.
"It is easy for me to become Prime Minister if I want to. I would choose that meek Quan, instead of that barbarian."
"Then make the Quan rule." Lin Yang gave a strut look. "Listen, we can have a plan, but god decides."
"No, God never decides. I determine my own fate."
"Whatever, dumb as. Tonight, prepare your hips, I need some relaxation." She left the room while humming some crafty lyrics. "If the jar is too thick for you to open, and you want some pickle inside, break it and let the pickle out."
"Let the pickle out." He saw Bian riding slowly toward the pagodas he had created to honour seven brave soldiers. Yan Liang smirked, grabbing his Fan.
He covered his lips with Fan and walked elegantly. "It's fine if Pickle like you didn't want to come out. I will have you. Forgive me, jar. I need to break you first."
****
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone