Becoming Madame Mao - Anchee Min [91]
Hairui Dismissed from Office.
I know the story. It is about Judge Hairui from the Ming dynasty during the ruling period of Emperor Jia-jing.
Yes, exactly. The story tells how Hairui risks his post to speak out for the people and how he heroically fights the emperor and gets purged.
I see. Mao's eyes narrow. Who is the author?
The vice mayor of Beijing, professor and historian Wu Han.
Mao turns silent.
She observes a change slowly taking place in his expression. His wrinkles stretch and squish, eyes grow into a line. She feels the moment and decides to twist the knife and press his most sensitive nerve.
Have you, Chairman, ever thought of this—why Hairui? Why a tragic hero? Why the scene where hundreds of peasants get down on their knees to bid him farewell when he is escorted into exile? If it is not a cry for Marshal Peng De-huai, what is it? If it is not saying that you are the bad Emperor Jia-jing, what is it?
Mao gets up and paces. Kang Sheng has already talked to me about the play, he suddenly turns around and speaks. Why don't you go and check into it for me? Bring back to me what you find as soon as possible.
At that moment I hear a familiar aria in my head.
Oh maiden in a palace tower
Soothing her love-laden
Like a glowworm golden
In a dell of dew
Scattering unbeholden
Its aerial hue
Soul in secret hour
With wine sweet as love
Which overflows her bower
After her report, Mao loses his composure.
I have been in power for fourteen years, he roars. And my opponents have never stopped plotting conspiracy. They wear me out. I have become the Garden of Yuanming—an empty frame. They suggest that I take vacations so they can form factions during my absence. What a fool I have been! The important posts have already been filled with their people. I can't even get through to the mayor's office.
Eagerly she responds, Yes, Chairman, that's exactly why the play Hairui Dismissed from Office is a hit—they have plotted the whole thing. The critics have orchestrated the play's promotion. Besides Wu Han, they include Liao Mu-sha and Deng Tuo, our country's most influential scholars.
Mao lights a cigarette and stands up from his rattan chair. His look softens for a moment. Jiang Ching, he says, many think of you as a meddler, as someone whose vision is short and feelings too strong. But you are seeing clearly now ... It's been eight years that Vice Chairman Liu has been running the country. He has already established an extensive network. Wu Han is only a gun triggered by others.
The leading actors are yet to make their appearance, she remarks.
Let them come. This morning I read an article Kang Sheng sent me. It was written by the three men whom you have just mentioned. Did they call themselves the Village of Three?
Yes. Was one of the articles titled "The Great Empty Words"?
He nods. It is an attack!
She tells herself to be patient. She sees the hand that is working to change her fate. She leans toward him, her voice filled with tears. Chairman, your enemies are getting ready to harm you.
He turns to her and smiles.
Unable to bear his gaze she looks away.
If there is a trade that I have mastered in my life it is that I crack people-nuts, he suddenly says. The harder the better.
I am ready to fight alongside you, Chairman.
Have you some ideas?
Yes.
Let's hear them.
She begins to describe her cultural troupes, describes the plays she has been working on. All the characters are symbolic. Although the conditions for creativity are poor—for example, actors work in their backyards and use kitchenware as props—their devotion, enthusiasm and potential are great. She tells him that she is ready to bring the troupe to Beijing to present to him.
Stay out of Beijing, he instructs. Do it in Shanghai. Talk to my friend Ke Qin-shi, the mayor of Shanghai, for production funds. He is loyal. I would go out myself to support you but it would be too obvious. Go to Ke with my message. You represent me. Get writers you trust. Call for a national denunciation and criticism of Hairui Dismissed from Office. It'll be