Genesis of the Gods

Part 7 FEI ZHONG PLOTS TO DEPOSE THE QUEEN

Daji thanked King Zhou and they continued to indulge in drinking, dancing, sweet music, and love-making day and night.

On the first day of the month, as was the custom, Queen Jiang received congratulations from the royal concubines. She was talking with Concubine Huang and Concubine Yang when Daji's arrival was announced. When she was admitted, she knelt down to greet Queen Jiang, and the latter returned the salutation, asking her to get up and stand beside her.

"This must be Lady Su that we've heard so much about," the two other concubines said.

"Yes, this is indeed,"Queen Jiang replied then turned to Daji."His Majesty spends all his time with you, disregarding state affairs. Why don't you talk to him about it? You've seduced and incited him to all manner of evil," she rebuked. "You're the instigator and must repent at once. If you continue to wreak havoc upon this dynasty, I will deal with you according to the law! You may leave now."

Daji suppressed her temper, thanked the queen, and returned to her own court feeling humiliated.

"You've been sighing and moaning ever since you returned from the queen's palace. What's wrong?"Gun Juan asked.

"I'm the favorite of His Majesty, but I was rudely insulted by the queen in front of Concubine Huang and Concubine Yang. For this I must seek my revenge,"Daji said bitterly, gnashing her teeth.

"Oh! You needn't worry about that. His Majesty's already promised that you would become the queen."

"Eventhough he's promised me, it's impossible with Queen Jiang still alive. Onlywith her gone can I have the chance to take her place. Otherwise,the ministerswill make it difficult for me to live in peace. Have you any good ideas? You will be richly rewarded if I succeed."

"I'm a mere maidservant. How could I have any ideas like that? Let's consult a minister outside the palace and see what we can do."

Daji pondered for a long while."How can we get in touch with a minister outside the palace? There are so many eyes and ears here, and there's no one we can trust."

"When His Majesty goes to the royal garden tomorrow, you may ask Fei Zhong privately to come and think up a way for you. All you have to do is promise him that he will be promoted if the plan succeeds. He is well known for his skill in such matters. We can trust him to help us."

"Though your plan's a good one, what shall we do if he refuses to cooperate?"

"Fei Zhong is one of His Majesty's favorites at court. Moreover, he was the one who recommended you to His Majesty. I assure you that he would be glad to be of service to

you," Gun Juan spoke with such confidence that Daji was overjoyed.

The next day, when King Zhou went to the royal garden with Daji to enjoy the scenery,Gun Juan secretly summoned Fei Zhong to the Fairy Longevity Palace. She told Fei Zhong, "Your Honor! Here's a private letter to you from Lady Su. Please read it over carefully at home, and keep its contents a secret. Lady Su will be sure to remember any help you can render her. But please hurry!"

Fei Zhong returned home at once, entered his study and read the letter. Daji requested him to contribute a plot against Queen Jiang. "The way I see it,Queen Jiang's the official wife of King Zhou. Her father, East Grand Duke Jiang Huanchu, commands hundreds of thousands of soldiers and generals, and Jiang Wenhuan, her brother, can defeat 10,000 men

by himself. How dare I stir up trouble with thequeen,"Fei Zhong thought to himself. "But if I refuseDaji's orders or evendelay in the slightest, she can easily speak ill of me before His Majesty,either in bed when they're enjoying themselves or at the table when HisMajesty's half drunk, and I will surely lose my life." Fei Zhong could not set his mind at rest. He felt as if there were thorns pricking his back. He thought about Daji's proposal all day long but was unable to decide how to deal with the problem. He paced to and fro, numb as a drunken man. Just as he was racking his brains, he caught sight of a stranger walking in front of him. The man was broadshouldered, about fifteen feet tall, and looked tough and brave.