Kublai Khan

Author: Zhang Zhongzi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Excerpt: Nima Xi seemed to understand something, yet also seemed not to. He vaguely felt that he had made a mistake—only caring about his own comfort and forgetting about Xiao Long's discomfort. He had treated his usual play as if it were a serious matter tonight, which had angered the King and Queen. On the way home, everyone ignored him, and he obediently allowed Zhaman to carry him back. The Moon emerged from the pitch-black night, casting its silver glow over the earth, so golden and gentle. Dashan and Ehai, with no interest in admiring the new moon, recounted to their three-year-old son, Tibashi, the faults of the Khan in his love for his children. Tibashi was in particularly good spirits today. He understood everything his father and mother said, and his spiritual and physical senses told him that he had made a mistake. He had caused trouble and would be criticized, having brought shame upon his father and mother. Yet, his parents spoke to him with great gentleness, telling each story with a serious tone. Although he didn’t find it strange, he was slightly moved. Their words entered his small mind, teaching him gradually, yet their affectionate parent-child bond also carried a touch of common sense. He understood that he must treat everyone kindly in the future and add to his small soul the inner desire to respect others. His parents’ words were meant for him, yet they were so warm. He accepted these cherished gifts from his parents without hesitation. As he spoke, he fell asleep, sleeping soundly and peacefully.
Dorbu and Balcang’s group traveled for two days, crossing the border of the Turgut Khanate and entering the border of Persia and Russia. When they arrived, dozens of Russian customs officials arrived, claiming that there were Russian émigrés sneaking out of the caravan. Balcang said without hesitation, “The Turgut Khanate spans east and west for many miles and north and south for over three thousand li, a vast land inhabited by people of various ethnicities, with diverse skin tones and languages. Are they not great Turgut people?” The Russian customs officials said, “These people may be rebels of Russia.” Dorbu and Balcang said, “The Volga Grasslands are a gift from the Eternal Heaven to the Turgut people. The Eternal Heaven protects the Turgut people because we are good people. There are over thirty Russians from the Turgut Khanate.”