“Arise, young counselor!” shouted the soldier in the silver helmet. “Arise and prepare for war. We attack the central city. Your king awaits.”
Chu was taken to the front of the army where King Hung-wu sat atop a powerful black stallion. Chu was set upon a smaller horse beside the king. The great Hung-wu glared angrily at the boy.
“Have you new wisdom for me today?” he asked.
“I do not, my lord,” answered Chu.
“Then we enter the city!” Hung-wu thrust his chest outward. “I shall have my trees. Forward!”
He ordered his army into the central city of the neighboring kingdom. A thousand thundering horses charged forth with a thousand screaming horsemen waving curved swords above their heads in battle. Chu rode amidst them with King Hung-wu at his side.
Dirt flew around them like explosions ripping up the ground. Mist rose about them like dragon's breath from the flaring nostrils of the steeds. Hoofs beat next to them like drums, while Chu's own mount burst forward with the herd. He could only hold on tight and allow himself to be propelled into battle.
It raged until dusk, with many men falling and many wounds being inflicted. The neighboring kingdom fought bravely, but they were no match for King Hung-wu and in the end his army overcame them. The determination of the wanton king had proven too much for the more peaceful sovereignty.
They entered the city triumphant, heralding their victory while herding the remaining opposition into the castle's courtyard. Hung-wu went directly to the beaten king's palace, taking his place upon the throne. Chu Yuan-chang went with him and the king of the conquered land was brought before them both. He was Jung-tao, a just and beloved ruler who wished only for his people's safety. Hung-wu thought this humorous.
“You bark for your servants' lives like a dog, Jung-tao.” Hung-wu sneered, sitting proudly upon his enemy's throne. “Yet, you were not barking when you opposed me on the battlefield for the past twelve years. Why should I show you mercy now?”
“Show me none, Hung-wu,” answered the king, bravely. “I ask only that you show it to my people. You are their lord now. You must take them unto yourself like they were your children. They will obey Hung-wu's command.”
“I do not want them for my children, Jung-tao. I want only your land. And that only for the trees which grow upon it. I will burn what I do not take back to my kingdom.”
“You have come for trees, Hung-wu?” asked Jung-tao, in disbelieve. “I would have given you all the trees you wished. You had only to request them.”
Hung-wu shot a piercing glance at Chu Yuan-chang who quickly turned away. He looked back at the kneeling king.
“I request nothing,” he said. “Hung-wu takes what he wants. Dogs and peasants do not offer gifts to their lord. He must only refuse such an insult.”
“Now the trees are yours,” said Jung-tao, sighing softly in grief. “You have increased your greatness by winning trees. But what will you do with the people you have won?”
“They are of no importance to me,” answered the mighty king. “I will need to take their fate under advisement. See here, Jung-tao—” Hung-wu waved a hand at young Chu. “See here my new counselor. He holds the fate of your people.” The pompous king smiled.
“You place the lives of thousands in the hands of a child?” asked Jung-tao.
“The wisdom of a child is the purest wisdom. You know the proverb. A child has no notion of the worth for life and death. He will choose for me. What say you, child?”
“You must let these people go, my lord,” answered Chu Yuan-chang, looking sympathetically upon the kneeling King Jung-tao. “As you must let go this sovereign. Their blood will not help you achieve greatness.”
“Then they are let go!” shouted the king, fiercely. “I have said your word would be their fate and you have spoken. They are free. But, if their freedom causes me any concern in any way, your head, child, shall be placed at my feet for retribution.
“Free Jung-tao and his people!” ordered Hung-wu to his officers. And it was done.
“The wisdom of a child is the purest wisdom, Hung-wu,” said Jung-tao, as he bowed his way out of the throne room. “And you have a valuable counselor. Do not lose him, sire. He will show you the true path to greatness.”
Yet, as Jung-tao and his people prepared to leave the city a new order came from Hung-wu. They were again placed under arrest and locked in prison, contrary to the counsel of Chu Yuan-chang. In fact, the boy was not even told of this deceit. He was instead led to believe Jung-tao and his people had gone free. So did treachery and evil prevail.