Crane by Jeff Stone Read Free Book Online Page B

‘crimes against the state.’ “ She paused. “I guess I don't know what to think now.”
    “You cannot label most people as good or bad,” Bing said. “Especially people like the current Emperor. He is an opportunist, and his agendas change as often as the wind changes direction. Do you know why we are in Kaifeng now?”
    Hok shook her head. “Not exactly.”
    “Your father and I are part of a loose group of different organizations sometimes referred to as the Resistance. Our goal is to create lasting peace and prosperity in this region, and throughout China. Things need to change, and we're trying to make those changes happen. We're trying to change the Emperor.”
    “Is he responsible for the conditions here in Kaifeng?” Hok asked.
    “Partially, yes,” Bing said. “He has taxed the people beyond all reason, leaving most of them wondering if they'll be able to afford their next meal. However, we recognize that the current Emperor is no worse nor better than the previous Emperor, or the Emperor before that. Our primary goal is to get this Emperor's attention in order to establish an open dialogue with him. Only through logical discussions can we begin to make a difference. Do you understand?”
    “I think so,” Hok said. “How do you plan to get his attention?”
    “The old-fashioned way,” Bing replied. “With war.”
    Hok blinked. “War?”
    “More like strategic battles. Small battles where only the Emperor's soldiers will be involved.”
    “Why don't the people just stand up for themselves?” Hok asked. “There are far more people than soldiers, right?”
    “That will never happen. The average person doesn't know how to defend himself or herself.”
    “You could teach them,” Hok said.
    Bing shook her head. “That would be a waste of time. One of my former brothers tried it and failed miserably. I warned him it wouldn't work, and in the end it cost the life of someone close to him.”
    “Really?” Hok asked.
    Bing nodded. “My former brother opened a school right here in Kaifeng. He taught kung fu. Most of his students were reckless young men, and instead of using their training to protect themselves, they used it for unethical purposes. I witnessed it firsthand and confronted my brother, along with his number one student. The student took offense to my accusations and challenged me to a fight. It was an unfortunate situation.”
    “What happened?” Hok asked.
    “I killed him.”
    “You
what!”
    “Hush!” Bing said. “Keep your voice down. I had no choice. He was a threat.”
    “What was he doing that was so unethical?”
    “Stealing,” Bing replied. “The students had formed a band of thieves and the number one student was their leader. They were quite dangerous.”
    “They were bandits?” Hok asked.
    “No,
thieves,”
Bing said. “Bandits take action against the powerful in order to help the weak. Thieves simply steal for themselves.”
    “I see,” Hok said. “What ever happened to your brother?”
    “He ran off after the incident. I've been looking for him ever since.”
    “Do you think he is a thief, too?”
    “I don't know,” Bing replied. “Perhaps he is, or maybe he is simply ashamed. Either way, I hope to find out someday. This was several years ago, and no one I know has seen him since. There have been rumors that he still lives in this region. People claim to see him occasionally, sitting in trees with a snow-white monkey. They refer to him as the Monkey King.” Bing paused. “There is something else I should probably tell you. He is your brother Malao's father.”
    Hok's thin eyebrows raised.
    “If you ever see your little brother again,” Bing said, “tell him I am sorry it worked out this way for his father.”
    Hok nodded. She couldn't help but think about her own father, and wonder what kind of situation he might be in. She cleared her throat.
    “Could you tell me about … Father?” Hok asked. “I'd like to know where he is now.”
    “I