The Music Trilogy Read Free Page B

anything so brilliant and divinely designed. They looked at it closely. The vase seemed wet, as if the paint hadn’t dried, or perhaps it was alive. On it, painted in brilliant green from the emeralds, were the fields of China with its people and myths, seemingly ready to jump out and speak. The Emperor was depicted, as well as the city and its inhabitants. In the background the countryside was filled with flowers, magnificent birds, and animals that seemed to sway, fly and run. Other people, in the fields and in the city, were talking, working, laughing and enjoying life in general. Above it all, in the dramatic blue of the lapis lazuli sky, an enormous majestic ruby-red and gold dragon enveloped the entire top part of the vase and seemed to come out of it. The Emperor and his officials were hypnotized and duly impressed. The piece was magnificent and unique.
    “I am known as a powerful Emperor, See-Fu,” the leader said, “but you have made history with your creation. Long after we are both gone from this world people will remember me, perhaps somewhat for what my peaceful government has offered, such as education, industry, trade and maritime commerce; but more importantly for the long-lasting art, wisdom, and writings of my people. I congratulate you, See-Fu. The vase is exquisite and it shines like nothing I have ever seen. But how did you ever paint this? You are blind!”
    With love and music, my Lord.”
    The Emperor stared at him. “I don’t understand. Explain this to me.”
    “It was quite simple really. I could see in my heart what I wanted to create and I thought of my daughter that I love so dearly. When I heard her play her qin my fingers became my eyes.” See-Fu could feel Quan Yin close by as he repeated some of her words.
    “See-Fu, I commend you and I thank you for such a unique gift. Tell me, what it is you want and I will grant you your wish.”
    “You honor me as a God would, my Emperor, I thank you. My wish is not so much for myself, but for my daughter, Lotus Blossom.”
    “Ah, yes, I have heard of her beauty and also of her talent as a musician. Tell me, what is it you wish for her?”
    “She is young, and very much in love. My wish is that she may partake in the union of marriage with this wonderful man. My love for her is how this creation came about. I firmly believe that with love everything can be achieved.”
    “Not only are you a brilliant artist, but quite the diplomat. I should have you in my court.” He looked at his delegates and grunted. “No, that would only be a waste of your talent. In any case, you are already an Ambassador to my court.”
    “How do you mean, my Emperor?”
    “With your talent, See-Fu, with your creations. As I said, you represent the best my people have to offer.”
    “I am but your humble servant.”
    “But now, tell me, who is it Lotus Blossom wants to marry?”
    See-Fu paused for a moment, feeling the rise of his body’s temperature, unsure of the Emperor’s reaction. “It is Zhou… your nephew.” There, he had said it.
    The delegates gasped. Zhou was a noble, part of the Royal family, and a warrior. How could the Emperor grant such a wish? It was impossible. It was just not done.
    “My nephew?” The Emperor raised an eyebrow, perturbed and sensing his entourage’s reaction. “What you ask, as you know, is… difficult.”
    “I know this, my Emperor, I know. But you cannot fault a father for trying to make his daughter happy. She is a wonderful person, deserving of a happy life. I would go to any length to be worthy of being a good father to her.”
    “And that you are, See-Fu, that you are. And I do not fault you for this. On the contrary, you are a brave man. But you must know that I cannot allow a marriage such as this. You are not of a royal family.”
    See-Fu was losing hope. The Emperor stood from his throne and walked around the large gold chair. He stopped and looked at the father begging for his daughter’s happiness. See-Fu