Pathway to Japanese Literature

Author: Hayashi Boubou Three Acts, Six Scenes

Characters

Genghis Khan　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　27 years old

Qasar – Genghis Khan’s younger brother – 24 years old Muqali – One of the Four Generals, Imperial Guard Commander – 30 years old Jebe – Elder, One of the Four Generals – 60 years old Khubilai – Chief of Staff, One of the Four Generals Subutai – Archery Corps Commander, One of the Four Generals Jelme – Master of the Horse Balatimu – Genghis Khan’s page – 14 years old

Wangke'er - Hunchbacked jester, Genghis Khan’s favorite - around thirty years old

Archery corps, imperial guards, sentinels, lookouts, numerous other soldiers, and a military band.

Jamukha – Lord of the Jadarankh Clan – 30 years old Khulan – Jamukha’s wife – 20 years old Taichar – Jamukha’s younger brother – 28 years old The Jadarankh Clan’s strategists; Khulan’s handmaidens; messengers; merchants from Cathay (Jin Dynasty) and their attendants; Khwarazmian Islamic missionaries; male and female refugees from beneath Jadarankh’s walls; numerous other garrison soldiers.

Era

The Mongol so-called Year of the Rat. The first year of Genkyū of our Emperor Tsuchimikado.

Act 1, Scene 1 Along the Orkhon River, at the foothills where they were about to enter the Khangai Mountains. The mountain stronghold of the Jadarankh Clan stood built upon the strategic heights known as the Cliffs of Naku. A watchtower piled with stones projected over the cliff. Below, along the edge of a higher stone-paved tier stretched a low rampart with gunports. Beside the rampart stood a flagpole from which flew the banner of the Jadarankh Clan—a yellow field emblazoned with a white crescent and red star intertwined. Upstage, there was an iron door leading into the castle town.

Far below in the distance lay the delta where the Tamir and Orkhon Rivers met. Across the river on the vast desert, Genghis Khan’s tents spread out like overturned bowls, while white horsetail banners and military standards fluttered in dense clusters, all seen in miniature from afar. In the distance, the Khangai Mountains melted into serpentine clouds. The besieging army’s warhorses kicked up desert sand, their hooves churning a crimson tempest that blotted out the sun.

Beneath a crimson sky—the clamor of scuffling soldiers’ shouts, warhorses’ screams, gongs’ clangor, whistling arrows’ shrillness, stone buckets catapulted from the fortress—the curtain rose on the tumultuous din of battle.

For a time, the stage remains empty.

In other parts of the castle, the battle raged at its peak. Downstage at the edge of the watchtower adjoining the cliff lay a solitary narrow passage for ascending and descending along the rocks. From the upstage door crawled a merchant from Cathay (Jin Dynasty) with his attendant. Both men staggered from days of hunger and collapsed in terror at today’s fierce assault.

Merchant: “Oof... oof... This place seems safe enough. At least this far, arrows probably won’t reach us. No, truly—if I had to go through such an ordeal, I’d be better off dead!” Attendant: “It certainly is. If only you had taken a different route from Karakorum back then and returned straight to your homeland...” Merchant: “Ah, when you put it that way, I’ve no face left to show. To come all the way from our Jin Dynasty with textiles, ceramics, and such to trade for Mongol sable furs, sheepskins, gold dust, and the like—it’s like taking candy from a baby. I got carried away by easy profits and ended up venturing into these hinterlands—”

Attendant: (Helping his master walk as they timidly approach the lower rampart) “Unexpectedly, Lord Genghis Khan of Karakorum decided to attack the Naiman Country beyond those—(points toward the distant Khangai Mountains)—mountains, and in trying to subjugate this Jadarankh territory lying in his path… well, it turned into a terrible war.”

From the desert below came several arrows flying toward this watchtower. In a panic, the two men threw themselves onto the stone pavement. From the same upstage door staggered an Islamic missionary sent from Khwarazm to proselytize among the Mongols. Monk: “Oh! Are arrows reaching here too?” “With things having come to this pass, there can be no doubt—the city will fall today.” “Ah, Merchant of Cathay—what an unexpected calamity we’ve both been caught up in!”

The war cries and the hum of bowstrings grew ever more intense. Merchant: (Lifelessly) "We were just speaking of that." "It's already been over a month since Lord Genghis Khan attacked this Jadarankh City during his Naiman campaign, and Lord Jamukha of Jadarankh shut himself up here." "We too got caught in this crossfire precisely because we took refuge here." "There hasn't been a morsel of food left in the city for ages now." "Who knows how many days it's been since we last put a single piece of venison to our lips."

Attendant: “Master，please stop talking about food．” “Lately，I’ve been drifting in and out of sleep day and night，haunted by dreams of roasted rice．”

Monk: “All living creatures in the castle have been eaten.” “They ate dogs; they ate cats.” “They ate rats too.” “Ah—not a single rat remains.” Merchant: “After all—when every last Jadarankh tribesman flooded into this cramped city with no provisions stockpiled—and have now been trapped here over a month... Ah! How I yearn to return to my Zhongdu homeland and gorge on millet porridge!” Attendant: “I dare not speak loudly—but they say soldiers now devour their fallen comrades’ flesh.”

“Ah! The fighting’s grown fiercer again!”

Screams of hellish torment erupted all at once. The merchant and his attendant covered their ears and prostrated themselves, while the monk gazed heavenward, chanted “Allah,” and prayed fervently for deliverance.

The iron door upstage was kicked open, and Taichar, younger brother of Lord Jamukha, emerged gripping a half-drawn bow. Three or four warriors followed. All of the castle’s defenders—staff officers and soldiers alike—were devoid of vitality from hunger and fatigue, their military uniforms torn, some with bandages on heads or arms where blood seeped through, all bearing clear marks of desperate struggle. Taichar: “What’s this? Genghis Khan’s little brat! Even if you try to slaughter our Jadarankh City as a blood sacrifice for your Naiman campaign—so long as Jadarankh has its lord Jamukha, his brother, and this Taichar here—you’ll never take this city easily!” (Looking up at the clan banner above) “Who—who among us—would ever surrender to the likes of Genghis Khan while this honorable banner of Jadarankh still flies? Hey! What’s going on? This area’s defenses are thin!”

As they rushed downstage toward the edge of the fortress, they noticed three monks,

Taichar: “Hey! You’re in the way!” “In a siege trying to ration every mouthful, useless monks and townsfolk from foreign lands come crawling in—ah! Right! If we slaughter you lot for meat, this city could hold out another two or three days!” “Monks who swindle commoners to live idle and merchants—both their meats must be tender!” “You cowards—clear out of there!”

They rushed toward the fortress walls, concealed themselves in the rampart's shadow, and rained arrows incessantly through the embrasures. Three or four warriors likewise fired from their own embrasures. The clamor of battle never ceased for an instant. Just as three monks attempted to flee into the castle keep, a flood of refugees burst forth from within—farmers, herdsmen, people of every age and sex cascading outward. Women clutching infants, elders dragging grandchildren by the hand. Simultaneously, besiegers' arrows descended upon this watchtower in droves, making refugees shriek as they huddled in a corner, trembling like aspen leaves.

Taichar: “Damn it, they’re concentrating their fire.” (Glancing back) “Have these wretches come clamoring all the way here again? In a city where my troops are insufficient and provisions are scarce, having even the townsfolk flee here is nothing but an added burden.” A woman among the refugees: (Shielding her infant while hysterically) “Lord Taichar, what will become of our army? We haven’t had a single piece of edible hide to eat—we’re like to starve before the enemy kills us.” Old Man: (Clasping his hands in near-frenzy) “Lord Taichar, I beg you—in your mercy, consider saving your tribespeople! Open the city gates! Even Genghis Khan’s demon horde would surely spare elders and children.”

“Enough! Be silent!” “You good-for-nothings!” “How dare you—of all things—propose surrender to me, Taichar? What is this?” “Since food’s scarce anyway, I’ll just shoot you lot dead—”

He aimed his bow at the crowd of refugees and loosed an empty shot to intimidate them.

From within the castle, a single soldier came running out and shouted.

Soldier: "Lord Jamukha will be arriving here shortly." Accompanied by four or five staff officers and with his long sword drawn, Lord Jamukha, ruler of the castle, hurriedly entered. Jamukha: (seeing his brother about to shoot the tribespeople) "Taichar! In this prolonged siege—moreover, on the brink of defeat any day now—have you lost your mind? What do you think you're doing, aiming your bow at our own townspeople?"

Taichar: “But, Brother... There are those who speak outrageously of opening the gates to save themselves.”

Jamukha: “That’s not unreasonable. Is it any wonder these townspeople fail to grasp this siege is no ordinary battle? This is an age of Mongol warring clans. The neighing of warhorses and the whine of arrows may be commonplace sounds, but beneath this war lies a deep-rooted sentiment.”

Through the rain of arrows, Taichar rushed over and grasped his brother Jamukha’s hand. “Brother!” “Don’t say such things.” “When you speak like that, my hatred for Genghis Khan blazes up like oil poured on flames.” “He still nurses his grudge over Sister-in-law—that’s why this siege persists with such tenacity.” “I—Taichar—want to plunge into that cloud-like swarm of enemies and...and die cutting them down!” Jamukha murmured as if to himself: “Genghis Khan’s attack holds profound meaning—and so does my defense.” “Long ago, I vied with that Genghis Khan for a woman.” “Khulan—daughter of Sorqan Shira. Though I won her hand and she now stands as my wife, imagine Genghis Khan’s position—the bitterness of rejection must have smoldered like embers in his wolfish heart all these years, hardening into hatred toward me.” “This very campaign to conquer the Naiman tribes in the Khangai Mountains—his plan to subjugate Jadarankh City along the way—springs solely from that old romantic grudge.” “But I too am a Mongol warrior bearing this ancient grudge! Would I meekly surrender this city to Genghis Khan who comes leading his horde?” He wheeled toward the crowd: “Look here, all of you!” “Every one of these flying arrows carries Genghis Khan’s resentment from his defeat in love!” “His petty frustration hangs thick about us!” “Ha ha ha ha! Laugh at him!” “Go on—everyone laugh!” “Ha ha ha ha!” (Suddenly catching himself, he forced calm) “This banner of Jadarankh—this star-and-crescent standard—has rivaled the Khangai Mountains in height since our ancestors’ time, whipped by desert winds atop these battlements.” “Shall this star-and-crescent banner ever be lowered?” “It’s pride, Taichar—sheer damned pride.”

“To protect Khulan and die with this castle as my pillow—they say those strong in love are weak in war, but I, Jamukha of Jadarankh, will prove myself strong in both!” Taichar: “Yes, Brother! For the sake of Sister-in-law Khulan, let us defend the city under this star-and-crescent banner until we become the last soldier.” (wiping his tears) Jamukha: (suddenly bursts into loud laughter) “Ha ha ha ha ha! The currently ascendant Genghis Khan! In terms of character and ability, they say he’s a peerless commander—not just in Mongolia but as far east as the Jin Kingdom and west to the ends of Khwarezm. Yet here he is, nursing an old grudge from a past romance, besieging this isolated mountain stronghold with such relentless determination—hardly the Genghis Khan of legend! No—a tarnished Genghis Khan. Petty man! Miserly man! I want to die laughing while hurling these insults in that bastard’s face! Ha ha ha!”

“Brother!”

The crowd of refugees, swelling by the moment, collapsed in corners from hunger, listening intently while groaning. With each arrow that flew in, they let out a scream.

Jamukha: “It seems they intend to crush us in one fell swoop today.” The castle soldiers were silent. Did they already lose the will to fight?

He walked dejectedly to the edge of the fortress and peered down from the ramparts, Jamukha: “Hmm, as expected of Genghis Khan’s renowned great army.” “Oh!” They had already crossed the Orkhon River. Staff Officer 1: “Look! The vanguard has reached Tamir’s riverbank.” Jamukha shaded his eyes with a hand. “Who are those four men leading Genghis Khan’s vanguard?” Staff Officer 2: “Those are none other than Genghis Khan’s Four Generals—the Desert’s Four Tigers: Jebe, Muqali, Khubilai and Subutai.” “The very generals who sliced a black boar’s carcass into rounds, drank its fresh blood together and swore brotherhood unto death.”

Jamukha: (startled) Then—who advances their forces in that second unit? Staff Officer 3: That is the Raptor Cavalry led by Generals Yiluhai and Menglike—a force that knows only advance, never retreat.

Jamukha: (hiding his mounting unease) "What? The Raptor Cavalry?" "And then—that third unit charging like gray wolves, churning up sand clouds—who leads them?" Staff Officer 4: "Understood!" "That is none other than Qasar, younger brother of Supreme Commander Genghis Khan." "In martial skill none rival him, excelling particularly among master archers—they say any who stand before his arrows inevitably have their brows pierced." "Men fear him so they call him Python—a warrior of fearsome might."

Jamukha: (finally unable to contain his terror) This mountain stronghold is like a small boat abandoned in the vast sea. Try as we might to flee, we cannot. Taichar: (stamping his feet) Ugh! “You’re all fawning over the enemy!” “Has the god of cowardice possessed every last one of you? Brother!” “This is the end.” “Let us march out and make our stand at the Tamir riverbank.” “Lend me three hundred—no, five hundred—every soldier left in this fortress!”

Jamukha: (bristling with terror) “No—Genghis Khan’s army charges like a raptor in mid-strike! They say his body’s tempered like solid bronze—that not even a needle could pierce his soles or armpits! Don’t they claim a single glare from him freezes tigers in their tracks?” (Covering his eyes in terror, he recoiled.)

From below the fortress, a single messenger climbed up along the stone wall. Messenger: “I humbly report! Genghis Khan’s besieging army has suddenly launched into action as if to take the castle in one fell swoop—the vanguard unit has already passed Sammatsu Crossroads and appeared on the Silver Sand Riverbank.” Jamukha (turning pale): “What? They’re already at the Silver Sand Riverbank— Is there no one who will charge out from the castle to challenge them to single combat and win renown?” Around this time, navy blue spread across the sky as twilight began to settle.

Messenger 2: (hurriedly climbed up, emerged onto the rampart, and pointed to the battlefield below) “Our forces’ scouts have been completely driven back to the castle gates!” “Look out!” “The first moat, the second moat—both are already in enemy hands—.”

Jamukha: (peering cautiously) "Quickly, the drawbridge! Raise the third drawbridge!"

Staff Officer 1: "There is no longer time for that." Taichar: "Someone go and cut the rope to drop the bridge!"

An arrow flew in and pierced through Jamukha’s armor sleeve. The arrow had a white horse’s tail tied to it.

The entire group swarmed over in a commotion. Jamukha: (staggering while pulling out the arrow) No wound here—oh! "This arrow bears a white horsetail!" "What does this signify?" Taichar: Observe—Genghis Khan's banners stand exactly as you see: nine poles tipped with white horsetails had been erected. "Nine counts as an auspicious number in his camp." (pondering) Hmm, Brother... That arrow could only mean one thing—a surrender demand.

Jamukha: “What? A surrender demand? Who would—damn it—!” He snapped the arrow in two, hurled it at his feet, and ground it to splinters underfoot. The refugees on one side cried out wildly: “Fighting on with a defeated army is pointless!” “Open the gates quickly and save us townspeople!” they shrieked in frantic unison. Taichar: (glaring at the refugees) “Silence, you maggots! Brother!” “If we hold out until nightfall, some stratagem may yet come to us.” “Hey! Isn’t there someone who’ll go lower the third drawbridge?”

Just then, Messenger 1 stripped naked, hastily tore off his uniform, and had Messenger 2 tightly bind the joints of both his arms and legs—shoulders, elbows, wrists, groin, knees, and ankles—with the torn cloth strips. Clenching a drawn sword between his teeth, he swiftly began descending from the fortress. Messenger 1: “I’ll go.” Jamukha: “Hmm, you’re brave.” “But you—what’s the reason for having yourself bound like that?” Messenger 1: “Sir! It’s to stop the bleeding.” “Even if I take an arrow to the arms or legs or grapple with the enemy and get slashed, blood will only flow between these bound cloth strips.” “As long as all my blood doesn’t drain out, I can still fight effectively—”

Jamukha: “Hmph, go!” Messenger 1 climbed along the fortress walls and descended the cliff. Thereafter, as incoming arrows grew ever more numerous, Jamukha, Taichar, and the rest silently drew their bows, fired through the embrasures, and fought desperately.

The refugees screamed and scrambled to flee.

For a time, the battlefield raged with nothing but the clamor of desperate defense. Guard: (carrying the naked body of the messenger who had descended earlier, climbing up the rampart) He was a brave warrior, but before reaching the third moat, he was struck by enemy arrows and ended up like this. They lowered the naked corpse—its entire body pierced with arrows—before Jamukha. Everyone gazed despondently at the corpse.

A castle soldier rushed in through the stage-right door. Castle soldier: "My lord! A giant man claiming to be a military envoy from Genghis Khan has ridden in alone. How shall we proceed?" Taichar: (tapping his sword hilt with bravado) "What? An envoy from Genghis Khan?" "Brother! Let's cut off that bastard's head and throw it into the enemy camp!"

Jamukha: (startled but) “Wait! He may have brought terms.” “Alright, I’ll meet him.” “Escort him to the Honmaru Grand Hall.” “Do not harm him!” The soldier bowed respectfully and hurried in. Jamukha urged Taichar and the staff officers and attempted to enter the castle through the stage-right door. The refugees, clearing a path for the lord’s party while prostrating themselves in unison, desperately prayed, “O God, please save us.” The missionary of the Hui Hui religion among them cried out in an especially loud voice, “O Allah who dwells in heaven! O please, grant your aid to these innocent tribal people,” he prayed with tearful supplication, worshipping the heavens like a madman.

At those ghastly voices, Jamukha abruptly halted, turned around, overcome by unease and terror—blackout—

Act 1, Scene 2

Also within the castle, the grand hall of the main keep. A ruined room floored with stone. The stage front featured a large open terrace from which spread a view of the vast desert and river below the cliff, along with the Khangai Mountains smoldering in evening hues. Before the terrace stood five or six thick stone columns. Around their bases ran a stone enclosure about three shaku high that partitioned off the interior. Upon this partition hung a Jadarankh Clan banner identical to the one from the previous scene’s watchtower—though far larger—its yellow field bearing a white and red star-and-crescent motif displayed like a wall hanging.

On the stage’s upper right side, raised two or three steps higher than the rest, there was a throne. Beside it, on a decorative stand, sat a great bronze incense burner from which fragrant smoke rose. Beside it was placed a Kara-shishi ceramic incense box. Behind the throne stood a tall two-panel folding screen with embroidery. Jamukha sat upon the throne, flanked on his left and right by Taichar, staff officers, and court officials, while behind him stood a multitude of soldiers holding drawn swords.

The crimson desert sunset streamed in from the open terrace; the interior was brightly lit, and people’s faces glowed blood-red. On stage-right and stage-left stood one door each.

As the curtain rose, from the stage-left entrance appeared Genghis Khan’s military envoy and guard captain Muqali—a giant over six feet tall with powerful musculature—surrounded by four or five castle soldiers, his hands bound behind his back. Muqali: (sitting cross-legged before Jamukha) “Are you Lord Jamukha?” “I am Genghis Khan’s military envoy named Muqali.” “I can only begin to fathom the unimaginable exhaustion and hardship wrought by your prolonged siege defense.”

Taichar: (grabbing his sword) “Is that sarcasm?!” “However our provisions may dwindle in this besieged city—even should we gnaw stones and chew dirt—the spirit of our Jadarankh Clan will never wane!” “If you claim to be an envoy, deliver your message swiftly—and keep that insolent tongue still!” Muqali: (shaking his bound hands angrily) “No!” “It’s precisely your ignorance in handling envoys that keeps this mouth from uttering its crucial message.” “First unbind these ropes and show proper courtesy!”

Taichar: “Brother, shall we untie him?”

Jamukha: (standing rigid with fear) “What nonsense! You think I’d let them untie this wretch? That defiant face—who knows what he’d attempt? Bind his arms behind him! Truss him up completely!” Two or three castle soldiers bound Muqali tightly from shoulders to waist. Taichar: (raising his drawn sword overhead behind him) “Mind your tongue! One strike’s all it takes!”

Muqali: (Without resistance.) (Calmly allowing himself to be bound) “Ha ha ha ha! Are you so terrified of a single man like me? In Lord Genghis Khan’s army, there are plenty of men as large as I am. Then let it remain so.” (He stood up forcefully and glared at the throne) “I address Lord Jamukha of Jadarankh. What do you intend by dragging innocent townspeople into this starving city and making them suffer? Our Genghis Khan’s army will crush this Jadarankh City to dust before tomorrow’s desert sun dyes the Tamir River’s waves crimson—a task easier than tearing a lamb’s mouth with these arms. With all due respect, this city’s fate is already sealed, Lord Jamukha. Our thirty-thousand-strong army has now surrounded this mere speck of a mountain fortress with three—no, four or five layers! This is no time for empty boasts. Lord Jamukha, I, Muqali, bearing Great King Genghis Khan’s command, have come to urge your surrender.”

From some time before this, a group of refugees had quietly entered the terrace and crouched in the shadow of the partition while anxiously awaiting the outcome; upon hearing the surrender proposal, they began to stir.

Muqali: (Looking toward the voices) “To slaughter all those townspeople cannot be the true intention of the wise Lord Jamukha.” “However, should you refuse this offer, we regret to inform you that we will storm the city before dawn and slaughter every last soul—down to the infants—leaving none alive.” “We will exterminate the Jadarankh Clan down to the last seed.” In the shadow of the partition came the refugees’ screams and the palpable sense of children being clutched tightly. The interior grew dim; stars twinkled in the evening sky beyond the front terrace, lights flickered in Genghis Khan’s distant tents far below, and scattered bonfires glimmered across the desert.

The battle was temporarily halted, and an eerie silence prevailed. Jamukha: (After silent contemplation) "Genghis Khan—so impatient for glory, so utterly heartless. There is a reason for this—it concerns that bastard who holds a grudge against me. No, he would go that far. Will you slaughter even infants as mere extensions of the enemy, leaving not a single soul of the Jadarankh Clan unclaimed, until we all become prey for that desert tiger Genghis Khan himself—?" The refugees cried out from behind the partition, urging Jamukha to surrender. The soldiers barked orders to restrain them.

Muqali: “Should our terms be accepted and these castle gates opened forthwith, then ere those seven stars fade from sight, we shall raise this siege and march onward to the Naiman lands we seek.” “In that case, beginning with the Jamukha household, we shall not raise a blade against even a single member of the Jadarankh Clan.” “As for this matter, the Great King Genghis Khan swears upon a pure white camel.”

The refugees raised cheers and rejoiced.

At this moment, Khulan, wife of Jamukha, accompanied by two or three maidservants, quietly emerged and hid in the shadow of a terrace pillar unnoticed, secretly standing and listening. Jamukha: *Hmm... If we surrender, the city will be spared, the innocent townspeople saved from further suffering, and Genghis Khan will leave this place to march on the Khangai Mountains—* (as if soliloquizing) *Hmm... If we refuse surrender, our Jadarankh Clan faces annihilation—but no doubt this surrender demand comes with conditions.* "State your conditions."

Muqali: (edging forward on his knees) “Farewell then. As tribute for surrender, you must send your consort Khulan alone to Genghis Khan’s encampment tonight. There is only this one condition.” In the shadow of a pillar, Khulan started in secret. Jamukha: (turning ashen) “What? You demand I send my wife—Khulan—alone to Genghis Khan’s camp for a night?!” Taichar: (bristling) “Hah! So they want Her Ladyship Khulan’s body for one night!”

“That is correct,” said Muqali. “If Khulan comes alone to Genghis Khan’s encampment at sunset, so be it. Otherwise, we shall trample both city and people into dust!” “Jamukha!” “What is your answer?!”

Jamukha: “Silence, you defiler! So Genghis Khan now seeks to fulfill through brute force the love he lost years ago! He means to use this chance to purge the delusion toward my consort Khulan that’s smoldered in his chest since then!” Taichar: “That bastard Genghis Khan’s reputation as Mongolia’s greatest hero reeks of falsehood! To demand the enemy general’s wife as a surrender offering—what a base hound of a warrior! No—a starved beast craving women’s flesh! Brother! There remains no need to parley with this envoy! The Jadarankh Clan’s fate is sealed! It means nothing more than erasing every last one from the Earth’s face!”

The refugees screamed. Khulan stood blankly in the shadow of a pillar, lost in thought.

Jamukha: “Brother! Well said! Had there been any other way to save the tribespeople, I might have cast aside my warrior’s pride and opened these gates—but this condition surpasses all bounds of decency. This concerns not me.” (Suddenly standing up and glaring contemptuously at Muqali) “Enough! I am not the Jamukha who would sacrifice his wife’s body to save his own life and clan! Within all Jadarankh Castle, there exists not a single soul base enough to trade their life for their consort’s chastity! You fools!” (Grabbing the karashishi-adorned incense box from the decorative stand at hand, he smashed it against the floor beneath the throne, shattering it to pieces.)

Taichar: Damn you! “Th-this damned envoy! What should I do with him?!” “That’s it!” “Chop off this bull-like neck and hurl it down from the fortress!” “Fry the body in oil!” “Hey!” “Everyone, come here!” “Prepare to bring out a cauldron to the courtyard and boil oil.” Urging the soldiers onward, he rushed from the terrace into the upper area. Leaving behind four or five of Jamukha’s staff officers and two or three of Muqali’s watchmen, all the soldiers and officials followed in succession as they ran off. The refugees, startled, all followed after them, entering from the terrace into the upper area.

Muqali: (Calmly) “Then I’ll say no more.” “Unless you boil that oil swiftly, our army will breach these walls ere long! Ha ha ha ha!” “Should Khulan not escape this castle before the moon—that eastern sea’s pearl—rises above the desert’s edge, we’ll take your refusal as final and assault without respite.” Jamukha: (Quietly) “I mourn for Genghis Khan.” “Would even such a hero stoop to commoner’s tricks for love’s sake?” “A wretched captive to his own obsession.” “This battle merely extends our romantic duel from years past.” “Having triumphed in love to claim Khulan, I shall conquer here too!” “Absurd!” “Shall I let Genghis Khan defile Khulan unchallenged?!” (To Muqali) “You’re the summer moth plunging into flame!” “Await hell’s envoy!”

Having spat those words and turning to exit onto the terrace, he was met by Khulan emerging from behind a pillar with two or three maidservants in tow.

“My Lord—!” (breaks down in tears)

Jamukha (steadying her): “Oh—you were there all along?” “And you heard everything just now?” Khulan: “Yes.” “I heard it all.” “The one I loathe is that Genghis Khan.” “Most likely, ever since that time he vied with you for my hand, he has been biding his chance.” “Though I heard he rose to become a great general, he remains the same reckless Genghis Khan of old!” “Ah—what ever is this unworthy one to do—” (breaks into tears)

Jamukha (holding her with one arm): “Now, now—there’s no need to be so sad.” “I would never hand you over to him—not even if I resolved to bring annihilation upon every last tribe.” Khulan: “Yes.” “With those words, this unworthy one can die without regrets.” “Therefore—”

Jamukha: (suddenly reminiscent) “Ah, Khulan—back when you were still a daughter of House Sorgamshira, and both I and Genghis Khan were nameless young nomads, we two fought for your love.” “That I won you planted this thorn in Genghis Khan’s heart, making him into such a cruel and lawless demon.” “Even should I lose this battle and forfeit the honor of our star-and-crescent banner—I still have you!” “Ha ha ha ha! Th-this—I still have this Khulan!”

Khulan: “For you to say such things... Truly, this unworthy one is overwhelmed.” “Therefore… if with just this unworthy one’s resolve, the people of the Jadarankh Clan can be saved—and you, my lord, and this castle can be spared—then… I have made my decision.” “Please send this Khulan to Genghis Khan’s encampment.”

Jamukha: (urgently) “Wh—what? Khulan! What are you saying? Do you mean to make me—Jamukha of Jadarankh—a cowardly samurai who bought his safety with his wife’s chastity, a laughingstock for all posterity? I may have been defeated in war, but I triumphed in love! That this—this very fact—is Jamukha’s sole comfort in his final hour! Don’t you understand?” Khulan: (desperately) “No! This unworthy one only wishes to save you and the townspeople—that is all! To that serpent of relentless obsession, Genghis Khan, I would offer this body—”

Jamukha: “No!” “I won’t hear it.” “Have you taken leave of your senses?” “The mere thought of such things makes my heart feel fit to burst.” “To shield you, I’d sacrifice not just my life but this very castle.” “Let the townsfolk vanish like desert phantoms!” Khulan: (clinging desperately) “No—I—I have my own reasons! I implore you—grant me leave to depart the castle alone.” Jamukha: “Enough! You weary me!” “Can you not grasp my heart even now?” (To his staff) “This is our final stand.” “All of you—attend me!”

Shaking off Khulan, who clung to him tearfully, Jamukha resolutely rushed from the terrace into the inner chambers.

The staff officers followed, rushing in.

A long time passed.

First Maidservant: (after watching her lord depart and approaching Khulan, who hung her head in contemplation) "My Lady, given our Lord's fervent declarations, as a woman, you must find this the fulfillment of your heart's desire. We are all prepared to accompany you and die in battle."

Second Maidservant (rushing out to the front terrace): “Ah!” “It seems the desert horizon has begun to glow faintly pale.” “Could it be that the moon is rising?” “When the moon rises as their signal, they say those savage warriors of Genghis Khan’s army will come charging in.” “Ah, what should I do—.”

Third Maidservant: “Look! Look!” At the edge of those sand dunes, the faintly blue moonlight had indeed begun to shine. “Ah, how much time we have left to live—Oh!” In the courtyard, they began boiling oil to cook this envoy. “Ah, how horrifying!” (covered their eyes) From beyond the terrace, thick purple smoke from oil billowed upward. Khulan and her maidservants gazed fixedly beyond the terrace.

Khulan: (as if talking to herself) That Genghis Khan’s love from long ago would now seek such a terrifying revenge— (She weeps.) Second Maidservant: I can only imagine your anguish. First Maidservant: But my lord’s words—truly a woman’s greatest blessing—bring tears of joy I can hardly contain.

At this moment, a bloodstained officer came running in from the upper part of the terrace and shouted. Officer: (Saluting the Princess, to Muqali's guards) “Hey!” “Pile stones at the front gate and prepare defenses, even if it proves futile.” “We need all hands on deck.” “Is the envoy tied up?” “Leave him as he is and come here, all of you!”

The guards, responding to the command, hurried away to the upper terrace alongside the officer.

The stage dimmed faintly as starlight streamed in from the front terrace. The edge of the desert had faintly turned blue, the moon's rise drawing nearer with each passing moment. Khulan: (resolutely) "From what was said earlier, they're carrying stones to the city gates. Even women must do their part." "You two should manage at least one stone between you." "Don't concern yourselves with me—go and assist them." First and Second Maidservants: "But to leave My Lady alone with this fearsome man—"

Khulan: “No need for concern.” “From this moment forward，the front gate’s defenses take precedence.” “Make haste over there!”

With heavy hearts yet understanding, the maidservants chased after the soldiers and hurried into the upper terrace. Khulan: (A long moment passes while staring fixedly at Muqali) Oh, there's little time before the moon rises. "If they charge in any moment now—" (She steeled herself, gave a firm nod, and drew her dagger with a glint.) She briskly approached Muqali—appearing poised to strike—but then unexpectedly sliced through his bindings. "Go! Escape now while you can! Tell Genghis Khan that Khulan will follow shortly."

Muqali: (in surprise, stands up) “My Lady—are you letting *me* escape?”

Khulan: “I have made up my mind.” “Even should my lord command it thus, how could I abandon those weeping townsfolk—the elderly nearing life’s end, the dear women and children—to perish with these walls?” “Though Genghis Khan deserves endless hatred, this woman’s body can serve but one meager purpose—I shall slip from the city straight after these words and… yes… I will come.” “To that man’s encampment—I shall go!” “You must race back ahead of me—pray deliver this report.” “And bid them halt the full assault.” (Urging him through desperate sobs)

Muqali: “In that case, Princess Khulan—you will indeed come alone to our great commander’s encampment?” “Hmm. I shall await you there.” Princess Khulan: “There is no need for concern.” “I have already steeled myself—even as I speak, my heart races with urgency.” “Before Lord Taichar ascends here—quickly!” “Make haste and escape!”

In the dim light, she beckoned Muqali and ushered him out through a small door at the lower end.

Khulan: “Go straight down these stone steps, turn left at the end of the hallway, and you’ll reach the grassland beside the castle. There should be few soldiers there—now hurry—”

Muqali bowed and ran down. Khulan nodded to herself and rushed into the upper door leading to her parlor.

The stage remained empty for a time. The smoke of boiling oil rose all at once. The crowd’s screams resounded horrifically.

Immediately from that same upper door, Princess Khulan, wearing a large deer hide over her formal attire, quietly slipped out alone. She stopped at the center of the stage, secretly drew a dagger from her breast and unsheathed it, staring intently at the blade. Khulan: (to herself) When I married into the Jadarankh Clan, my father Sorqan Shira gave me this protective dagger. I never imagined it would serve such a purpose. If Genghis Khan should act dishonorably—I will plunge this into my breast— (She mimes stabbing her own chest.)

Nodding, she covered her head with the deer hide and ran down the lower stone steps where Muqali had departed.

At that very moment, two maidservants hurriedly rushed out from the upper part of the terrace. First Maidservant: “Oh! Where is My Lady?” “Oh! The envoy’s gone too—My Lady! My Lady!” Second Maidservant: “Ah, if only no mishap has befallen My Lady—”

The two of them hurriedly searched around the room.

The stage grew darker moment by moment; outside the terrace, the moon's rise drew ever nearer.

Jamukha’s voice (approaching): “Khulan! Khulan!” “Khulan! Are you not here? (Curtain)”

Act II, Scene 1

Outside the city.

In front of Genghis Khan's grand tent, set up at the delta where the Tamir and Orkhon Rivers converge.

Desert expanse. The same time as the previous scene. Front, slightly toward stage right, stood Genghis Khan’s tent with a curtained entrance. Two sentries stood on either side, one constantly patrolling before it to guard. In the lower rear lay a great river glistening white even in darkness; its opposite shore blurred into the desert stretching far to distant mountain ranges. Across that desert, soldiers’ tent lights and bonfires twinkled and glimmered, scattered far and wide. Under a sky awash with stars. The moon had not yet risen.

On the upper stage stood five or six trees; tethered to one of them was Genghis Khan’s pure white steed. On the lower stage stood two or three trees, before which one or two camels sat like ornaments. From between the standing trees on the lower stage led the way to the army’s large encampment. In front of Genghis Khan’s tent stood nine banners with white horse tails tied to their tips, along with other decorations: triangular pennants, spears, drums, gongs, and shields. Great bonfires blazed at three locations on the stage: the upper and lower ends, and the center. Dried cow dung cakes were stacked nearby as fuel. By the glow of these bonfires, a fierce interplay of light and shadow swept across the entire stage.

The intermittent neighing of countless military horses continued, and the curtain rose. Three of the Four Generals—Elder Jebe, Chief of Staff Khubilai, Archery Corps Commander Subutai—alongside Master of Cavalry Logistics Jelme and numerous staff officers and guards had taken positions around the bonfires, each tending to their weapons—bows, arrows, spears, halberds, swords—as they pleased. The hunchbacked jester Wangke’er, wielding a leafy tree branch as a sword, comically mimicked swordplay alone with exaggerated gestures. Wangke’er: “O esteemed steed of Lord Genghis Khan, who has never shown your rear to the enemy—might this Lord Wangke’er be permitted a humble glimpse of your hindquarters?” (Stealthily tiptoeing in a comical manner to circle behind Genghis Khan’s white horse) “Now that’s a splendid view!” “O Great God, O Great God—”

The horse raised its hind leg and kicked Wangke’er.

Wangke’er (dramatically startled, tumbling over): “Agh!” “Ow ow ow!” “To kick a sworn brother like this Wangke’er—tsk, tsk! What a heartless soul you are!” “I can’t hear you, I tell ya! Not a peep from you!” (feigning a sob) The whole group burst into laughter.

Jebe: “Shut up! Even while His Lordship sleeps, you persist in this ceaseless buffoonery! To your place, Wangke’er!”

When scolded, Wangke’er would— (He slid downstage, scampered over to a sitting camel, perched atop its back, and mimicked urging it forward.) “Giddyap, giddyap!” “Onward, onward, Genghis Khan!” “Hearken, you distant ones! Let the sound reach your ears!” “You nearby—draw close and behold with your own eyes!” “Behold, it is I—the man renowned throughout Lord Genghis Khan’s camp as the sole merchant of absurd tomfoolery, small yet pungent as a peppercorn—Grand Duke Wangke’er himself!” “Lord Genghis Khan’s foremost favorite—hey there, Mr. Camel.”

Qasar (Genghis Khan’s younger brother) appeared from stage left, striding briskly. (passing by, pushed Wangke’er off the camel’s back) “Hey!” “What an outrageous discourtesy to Your Grace the Grand Duke.”

(He parted the tent curtain and attempted to enter) Khubilai: "Lord Qasar, His Lordship remains in his afternoon repose."

Qasar: “Ugh,” (turned around) “Still asleep? He’s as carefree as ever, that brother of mine.” (Suddenly glanced stage left) “Oh! The moon—the moon’s out! Look at that! A huge moon’s risen over the desert!” The bright moon rose from the horizon, silvering the river’s ripples. The group cried out in unison: “The moon! The moon! The moon’s risen!” “Now, let’s march! Advance!” they shouted fervently, surging to their feet in a clamor to line up facing the moon. Khubilai straightened his long boots, checked his arms, crouched with Subutai, and began earnestly devising strategy by drawing maps in the sand with his sword tip.

Qasar: “Muqali still hasn’t returned.” “Jelme—how fare the warhorses?” “We’ll be storming Jadarankh City and charging through the Khangai Mountains any moment now. Feed them all you can—millet, straw, whatever’s at hand.” Jelme (Master of Cavalry Logistics): “Your command is unnecessary.” “Every last horse—chestnuts and dapple-grays alike—bristle with impatience. See there—they practically beg to be showered with arrows.” From near and far came the neighing of gathered warhorses.

Qasar: “Khubilai! We’re on the eve of assault. Has roll call been completed?” Khubilai: “Understood. It nears completion. The report should arrive momentarily.” Jebe: “The moon climbed high long ago, yet Muqali hasn’t returned—clear proof they rejected surrender. Lord Qasar, you must press His Lordship to order our departure.” Wangke’er (hopping): “They say ‘plunder pots by moonlight,’ but here we plunder castles!”

Subutai: “I thought as much. Knew it’d be useless. That bastard Jamukha would never agree to send his wife over to our camp for a single night.” Jebe: “Still, considering His Lordship’s feelings... Let’s hope Muqali manages to drag Lady Khulan here without trouble.” Qasar: “Damn right! For my own brother—a man of his stature—to dawdle around this piss-ant city instead of crushing it flat? Shows how he’s been fretting over Lady Khulan’s safety!”

Wangke’er (crossing his arms smugly, in Qasar’s falsetto): “So that Brother bastard’s still hung up on Lady Khulan, eh?”

Subutai: “Idiot!” “What if His Lordship hears you?”

From between the standing trees at stage left, the guard commander came rushing over. Guard Commander: “Reporting! Roll call has been completed. The entire force has equipped their bows with fresh arrows, tightened the saddles on their steeds, and now eagerly await the order to launch the full assault.”

Khubilai: “Good.” “Of the one thousand quiver-bearing soldiers—?” Guard Commander: “Understood. In siege engagements up to today, there have been only eighty combat fatalities.” Khubilai: “Hmm. One thousand imperial guards.” Guard Commander: “Understood. Today’s dead number merely six.” “Seventeen wounded.” Khubilai: “Imperial guards—one thousand—”

Guard Commander: “Understood. There are no casualties.” Khubilai: “Satisfactory.” “Wait for orders.”

The Guard Commander dashed off. All the while, Wangke’er energetically fooled around by himself in the cramped space—pulling horses’ tails, mocking camels, sticking his fingers up his nose to sneeze, performing somersaults—never staying still for even a moment. Since the group was accustomed to this, no one paid any attention. Wangke’er (standing in the center of the group, tilting his head in a comical manner): “Hmm.” “Hmm... I suppose that’s how it is.” “No, that must be it.”

Qasar: "Hey, you pig! What's there to marvel at?" Wangke’er: "Heroes dote on beauties." (Pointing at the tent and winking) "Even the Great Khan falters before love! Try to rein in the mind-monkey and heart-horse, but they cling tight—Ahwahwahwah!" (He claps a hand over his mouth.) (No one acknowledges him.)

Jelme fidgeted impatiently and repeatedly dashed toward the back of stage left, shading his eyes to peer at the desert hazy under the moon in the distance—Tch! Damn you, Muqali! What was he doing? If only he’d hurry up and haul that surrender offering over here already.

Subutai: “True enough.” “I’d like to present that tribute before His Lordship and offer him some comfort.”

Jebe: “Are you still harping on that? Muqali’s surely had his head lopped off by now. This’ll be Muqali’s requiem battle. Ah! The moon’s climbed so high already! Lord Qasar—we can’t spare another moment’s delay. Go inform His Lordship and obtain deployment orders.”

Qasar (staring intently, soliloquizing): I know full well. In my brother’s heart, when it comes to women, there’s only that Khulan. That’s why he pays no mind to other women, refuses to marry no matter who tries to persuade him, and remains single to this day. When I think of that, damn it—! (The group falls into a somber silence, for a long while.)

Wangke’er (suddenly, in a singsong tone): “No wonder at all, no wonder at all! The Lady Khulan of Jadarankh is the most beautiful woman in Mongolia—no, the goddess of the desert! Her eyes are like the lakes of Onggirad, her lips like Turkish stone, her breath akin to a civet cat’s—”

Qasar: "Shut up!" "Ah, there's no helping it." "All your efforts to please Brother have finally come to nothing." (Resolutely moves toward the tent but hesitates) "This is troublesome." "Thunder again?" "When Brother's in a bad mood, I just can't handle him."

“Hey Jelme—you go wake him up.” Jelme: “Absolutely not! To go before My Lord who’s been waiting so desperately for Princess Khulan and tell him her absence means we attack—that’s simply... I must beg your pardon here.” (Clasping his hands) “Hey Subutai—you do it.” Subutai: “I’d charge into a lion’s den any day, but facing My Lord’s wrath? Besides—” (clutching his stomach) “—this sudden bellyache’s got me doubled over. Ugh, unbearable.” “Ow! Ow! Khubilai—your turn.” “You go rouse him.”

Khubilai: “You must be joking.” “I’ve suddenly developed a headache—”

Qasar: "Even with a headache, you can still walk, can't you?" Khubilai: "No, well actually—my leg hurts—ow, it hurts! This is intolerable! Lord Jebe, this is clearly an elder's duty. Senior commander, you should—" Jebe: "Well... you see... I'd gladly march to the mountains myself, but at my age I've developed this night blindness—can't see a thing after dark." Qasar: "Ha ha ha! What a farce—right before our vital Naiman campaign, all our top brass suddenly taken ill! Very well then, let's all go in together."

Wangke’er (shoving his way forward): Wait a moment. “Just wait a little longer.” "That duty—please entrust it to this humble lump." “Even if Lord Genghis Khan were to taste mustard, so long as this humble one is by his side, I’d make him laugh with a ‘Ha ha ha!’ instead of crying ‘How spicy!’” “Ahem! I am none other than the Great King’s number one favorite—the esteemed Wangke’er!” “Everything—yes, everything rests on these shoulders! You rabble, keep quiet!” “Ahem!”

(Arching his back, he entered the tent.)

The group gathered at the entrance of the tent and listened intently with worried expressions. Genghis Khan’s voice (from inside the tent, drowsily): “Ugh... What a noisy pest.” “What? Because Muqali hasn’t returned yet, you’re starting the full-scale attack already?” (scolding) “Silence!” “Do as you will!”

At that very moment, from inside the tent came the thunderous roar of a tiger—a single, terrifying cry roused by its master’s fury. At the same moment, Wangke’er came tumbling out from the tent entrance with a clatter—hurled forth like a sack being thrown—rolling vigorously across the ground. Chasing after him, an enormous fierce tiger leaped out with a growl. Following that, Genghis Khan tore off the entrance flap and emerged with boyish cheerfulness. He appeared utterly carefree, smiling broadly as he strode out with long steps. The page Balatimu, reverently holding the golden helmet atop a crimson cloth, hurried to follow behind. The group drew themselves up with solemn dignity and performed the deepest of bows.

Genghis Khan (cheerfully): Taiyang Khan! (Calming the tiger)

The tiger, which had been excitedly lumbering about among the generals, returned to Genghis Khan’s side and sat down as obediently as a cat. Genghis Khan (stroking the tiger’s head and laughing heartily) “Ha ha ha ha! Did I ever tell you all? I gave this tiger the name Taiyang Khan. Taiyang Khan—that’s the name of that Naiman king we’re about to attack. Even the tiger-like Naiman King Taiyang Khan—hey, look!—when faced with this Genghis Khan, has now become a complete slave serving obediently by my side. That’s how it is! Ha ha ha! Isn’t this delightful? Hey there!”

Everyone dissolved into laughter. Wangke’er (to the tiger): “Lord Taiyang Khan, the moment you lay eyes on me, you leap at me as if I were your mortal enemy. So how about this hump (pointing at his own back)—I humbly offer it up! Let’s make peace—heh heh heh heh heh...”

Genghis Khan (bluntly): "Even if we took that thing, it's inedible—no thanks, eh Taiyang Khan?" (Yawning loudly) "What of Muqali?" Khubilai: "Muqali has yet to return." Genghis Khan (masking loneliness): "No need for concern." "If there were even one soul in Jadarankh City who could land a blade on that Muqali, we'd never have needed to wage this tedious war." Jebe (resolutely): "My Lord, it seems they've rejected the surrender terms." "Lady Khulan has not come."

Everyone averted their eyes with pained expressions. Genghis Khan (suddenly somber): "Taking advantage of your kindness... here I am, obsessing over a single woman—" (Suddenly cheerful) "Ha ha ha ha! What am I talking about?" "My wife is war." "I am married to war." "This Genghis Khan's lovers are his warhorses, his bows and arrows, this sword!" "Enemy blood!" "Desert wind—!" "Ha ha ha ha!"

Jebe: “My Lord!”

Genghis Khan: “The only one worth fighting is Taiyang Khan of the Naiman!” “Qasar!” “Look there! Look there!” “Up on the Khangai Mountains—can’t you see the moon calling to us?” “Jebe! Khubilai! Forward march! Forward march!” “Ahh, splendid! Splendid!” “Jelme—fetch my horse!”

The group stirred into a flurry and began their final preparations for departure. Wangke’er (imitating Genghis Khan): "My wife is this lump on my back." "I am married to this lump." "This Wangke’er’s lover is his lump, his dance, his dance, his lump—Ah hah hah hah!" (Dancing comically around in an attempt to lift Genghis Khan’s spirits)

Genghis Khan stood absentmindedly steeped in loneliness，lost in thought. [While unconsciously donning the helmet being offered by his page Balatimu]

Genghis Khan: Balatimu.

Balatimu (kneeling on one knee before him): "Yes, my lord!" Genghis Khan: "You were fourteen, weren’t you?" Balatimu (puzzled): "Huh?" Genghis Khan (gently): "No, I’m saying your age was fourteen, weren’t you?"

Balatimu: Yes.

Genghis Khan (dreamily): “The flower of love remains tightly in bud.” “But when you find your first love, make sure to tell me right away.” “I’ll see to it you end up together.” “Get defeated in first love, and the desert wind will chill your bones for life!” (Suddenly barking) “You idiot!” “What are you eavesdropping for?!”

Balatimu was startled and stepped back.

Khubilai, holding a gong, moved downstage and was just about to strike it when— Muqali’s voice (from far offstage): “Wait—wait a moment—!” Khubilai: “Oh! It’s Muqali! Muqali has returned—!”

Muqali (rushing in amid the group's astonished delight): “My Lord! Rejoice! Lady Khulan shall soon make her way here.” Everyone raised a cheer. Genghis Khan (with mingled joy and sorrow): “Is that so.” “Khulan comes.” “So... Khulan comes?” (scoffing) “To save his own hide, he offers up his precious wife and begs for mercy.” “Hmph—poor Khulan, wed to such a worthless man.” (bursting into laughter) “Hear this, all of you!” “To fulfill my years-long love—Khulan now comes here alone!” “We postpone our advance.” “What say you?!” “A man mighty in battle proves mighty in love!” “This night sees my heart’s storm clear.” “Jebe! Subutai! Prepare a feast!” “For bride and groom—raise a wedding banquet! Ah hah hah hah!”

The group scrambled about chaotically to begin preparations. The bonfires blazed up all at once.

Wangke'er (advancing before Genghis Khan and gazing at the moon with an odd gesture): "Clouds now, clear later." "What a splendid moon!" (To himself) You wicked tongue—always flapping too freely! (Grabbing his own mouth, he executed a backward somersault.) Genghis Khan (as if soliloquizing): "On the night she finally comes—the woman I've longed for all these years—how could I... how could I bother with military matters?" He kicked aside the assembled spears and shields. "These eyesores—tonight they offend me." "A wedding feast needs no such nuisances." "Remove them at once."

Everyone bustled about excitedly, spreading animal skins around the bonfire and preparing seating for the banquet. Genghis Khan (impatiently): “Tonight, all soldiers shall be treated to a feast! Let them drink their fill!”

A soul-piercing howl of wild dogs arose.

A sentry stood before Lady Khulan, who wore a deer hide; two soldiers thrust bare spears at her from both sides as they entered from stage left. Sentry: “Just now, we discovered this suspicious individual sneaking near your encampment.” “This one!” (tearing off the deer hide and shoving Lady Khulan forward) Khulan and Genghis Khan stared fixedly into each other’s eyes. A long time. Everyone was silent. Genghis Khan (yielding to Lady Khulan’s contempt-laden gaze and averting his eyes): “Well, well... You’ve come.” “It’s been a while, Khulan.”

Subutai: “Well, well—here she comes, here she comes!” “Lady Khulan, Lord Genghis Khan has been waiting with such fervor for this very night.”

Wangke'er (taking Lady Khulan’s hand) “Come, come—this way, bride, this way—!” Lady Khulan (shakes off his hand and advances before Genghis Khan. (Trembling with hatred) “It has been a long time indeed, Lord Genghis Khan. Now your fame spreads wider than the desert, surges higher than the Khangai Mountains—they say speak of a tiger prowling the sands, and you speak of none but yourself. How magnificent that you’ve ascended to such heights as a mighty commander.” (With veiled sarcasm) “The Khulan you once knew now stands before you—dragged to your military threshold as the wife of a vanquished general.” (Overcome, she kneels and pleads with her heart constricted) “In return, I implore you—spare my husband and all the Jadarankh people.”

Genghis Khan was moved and nodded silently. Everyone took their seats. The soldiers brought food and drink. Wangke’er (pushing Lady Khulan aside and seating her next to Genghis Khan): “There we go—the bride’s place is right here!” “No need to act so shy.” “Behold! What a perfect pair—like imperial wedding dolls!” (He clapped his hands theatrically) Everyone burst into uproarious laughter. Genghis Khan and Lady Khulan sat side by side on camp stools facing the central bonfire. Menggu Taiyang Khan sat composedly beside Genghis Khan. Wangke’er clowned around by himself.

Genghis Khan (in high spirits): "Today's greatest merit belongs to Muqali! Here, Muqali - I grant you this cup!" Muqali: "No, my lord. That cup should first go to Lady Khulan." Genghis Khan: "Ah... Right." "If we don't present it to the bride first, this ceremony lacks proper foundation." "Khulan - this is Genghis Khan's cup, from one who's cherished you all these years since then." "Accept it willingly."

Wangke’er: “This is His Majesty’s esteemed cup—he who has kept himself single all this time, pining only for you, Princess! Rejoice! Rejoice! What a blessed day!”

Lady Khulan (with resolute air): “Yes.” “Then I shall accept it.”

The page Balatimu attempted to pour the drink. Muqali: “If I may presume upon your gracious words naming me today’s foremost hero—pray allow me to pour the wine—” Amidst the uproarious laughter of all, Lady Khulan reluctantly accepted the cup with tears and returned it.

Genghis Khan: “How I have longed for this night.” “Don’t laugh, all of you.” “Even a desert tiger knows feeling—the moon over our tent, dew on my helmet—through all these years, never a day passed without you in my thoughts.”

Lady Khulan silently turned her face away. The Four Generals chimed in one after another, “Congratulations.” “We offer our felicitations,” they declared with congratulatory words and toasted in unison. Genghis Khan: “Hmm, you all drink up.” “Here, Jelme—Lady Khulan must have endured great hardship during the long siege.” “It’s utterly heart-wrenching.” “Slaughter the sheep.” “Retrieve the mare’s milk cheese.” “Bring the good tofu as well.” “Arrange every possible delicacy before the Lady.”

At the call, various dishes were carried in, and the banquet reached its peak. Lady Khulan remained dejectedly looking down, not partaking of a single thing. Jebe: "As a token of celebration—and further, to bring solace to Lady Khulan’s heart—we would like you to hear our camp’s martial revelry—"

Genghis Khan: “A sudden inspiration. Start immediately.” A procession of finely dressed military musicians bearing long copper trumpets, drums, gongs, conch shells, flutes, and other exotic instruments—Tsang, Denshiku, Horeho, Tserinin—marched in, and deafening music commenced. Simultaneously, five or six soldiers wielding unsheathed spears adorned with small red, yellow, and purple flags performed the spear dance—a famed spectacle of Genghis Khan’s camp. Throughout this time, Genghis Khan wore a forlorn smile, often lapsing into deep thought, but as if catching himself, he turned to Lady Khulan with a strained grin to conceal his true state from others. Lady Khulan kept her head bowed the entire time and did not utter a single word.

Genghis Khan: “Do something more.” “Bring more wine.” “Isn’t there anyone who can make Lady Khulan laugh?” (Simply and earnestly) “Come now, Khulan—unlike Jadarankh City, here in Genghis Khan’s encampment we have everything.” “Look—won’t you try this venison haunch?” “This is wolf soup.” “Ah—this fine pizi is our encampment’s pride!” “Please partake freely.”

Jelme: "Here is the lamb."

He brought in a Mongolian pot and roasted lamb over a bonfire. The entire company skewered it onto sword tips and ate standing. The moon grew ever clearer.

Wangke’er: Allow this humble lump to demonstrate how to make the Princess laugh! (With comical gestures, he sang) If I were to list Mongolia’s terrors—desert whirlwinds, camel brawls, wolves in moonless nights, that jealous huff—no, no! The most fearsome of all is His Majesty Genghis Khan’s single glare—Oh! “Even this fails to move Your Highness to mirth.” (desperately careening about with impersonations and clownish dances)

Genghis Khan: “No good! No good!” “The Princess still won’t laugh!” “This doesn’t count as proper hospitality!” “Is there no one who can make Lady Khulan laugh?” “Whoever makes her laugh—I’ll raise them to daimyo!” (Growing increasingly agitated) “Here—I’ll give this sword!” “No—this helmet too!” “Look—I’ll even give you my horse!” “Make her laugh! Make her laugh!” “Do something—make Khulan laugh!”

Wangke'er, seizing this critical moment with full comedic gusto, danced and pranced about.

Genghis Khan grew increasingly gloomy the more Wangke’er performed his frenzied dance. (Suddenly with anger) "Enough! Stop this!"

Wangke’er plopped down onto his backside, his shoulders heaving as he breathed. Genghis Khan: “Not amusing in the slightest.” “Not only did you fail to make Lady Khulan laugh—look! She’s sunk even deeper into gloom!” “What a disgraceful wretch.” “Get out!”

His face changed color as he sprang to his feet. Elder Jebe, sensing the shift in the air, briskly ushered all officers and soldiers away. Then they swiftly guided Lady Khulan and escorted her to Genghis Khan's tent. Genghis Khan glared around, then strode into the tent. The tiger heaved itself up and lumbered after him. As the page Balatimu tried to follow,

Wangke’er: “Balatimu!” “Hey—!” [He] signaled with his eyes to stop him. Then, pulling the suspicious-faced Balatimu by the hand with all the panache of a stage exit, he withdrew to stage left.

The stage lay empty.

The bonfire was dying down; inside the front tent, a bright light shone, and a large tiger’s shadow swayed.

A long time.

Curtain.

Act 2, Scene 2

Inside Genghis Khan's private grand tent. At stage right stood a massive wooden bedstead piled high with white sheep pelts. Shields and armor were arranged in strategic positions. A large crude Mongol map hung on the front wall.

At the rear of stage right, an entrance/exit stood open, revealing a desert awash with blue moonlight and a portion of a great river in sharp relief. Beside the bedstead, they placed a single animal-fat candlestick. Beneath it, a tiger lay sprawled.

Moonlight poured in from the stage left entrance, leaving the stage faintly illuminated.

As the curtain opened, Khulan stood at center stage facing stage right, her head bowed.

Genghis Khan (stands stock-still behind her. A long moment.

(quietly, like a different person) "Khulan, it really has been too long." "You haven't changed at all."

He stared fixedly at the Lady’s nape and tried to seize her from behind, but suddenly caught himself and restrained his own impulse. Khulan (suddenly indignant): “You haven’t changed a bit either.” “The same brute as ever—Genghis Khan.” (Turning around sharply) “You’re a demon!” “A devil!” “Why don’t you use those arms you boast about to strike and strike and strike me dead right here and now!” (She wept.) Genghis Khan (anguished): “The night grows late.” “Go rest properly on that bed over there.” “The siege confinement must have been grueling for you.” “Come to think of it—you do look thinner—”

Khulan covered her face as she moved to the bedstead and quietly lay down upon the sheep pelts—discreetly gripping the dagger concealed in her robe, she braced herself to strike should he approach. With hate-filled eyes, she stared fixedly at Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan (sarcastically): "And how fares your husband?" "Jamukha—sending his beloved wife alone into enemy territory like this to save his own skin—I despise him for your sake." "I curse him."

Khulan: “No, that is not the case.” “I slipped away secretly without his knowledge.” Genghis Khan (his face lighting up): “Ah! Then you too—have you been thinking of me, of this Genghis Khan, all these long years?” Khulan (coldly): “What are you saying.” “This unworthy one has never once even recalled you.” (lying) (With a lonely smile) “To demand the enemy general’s wife as a condition for surrender—today of all days, I have lost all respect for you as a human being.” “I came to save my husband and the people of the city.”

(She sat up sharply on the bedstead, stared fixedly at Genghis Khan, and stiffened her body like an object. A heart that had resigned itself, recklessly casting everything aside. (Sharply) "Genghis Khan! Triumphant Genghis Khan! Go on, do as you please with this body that has cost hundreds—no, thousands—of lives! Well? Why don’t you take me already?"

(Closes her eyes.)

Genghis Khan: “What—” He strides toward the bedstead—then freezes in place, daunted by the Lady’s resolve. A suffocating pause. The Lady firmly closes her eyes and remains utterly still, waiting for Genghis Khan to attack.

Genghis Khan (A suffocating silence. (Intense soliloquy) My retainers perceived my feelings and made this arrangement. I took advantage of it to seize this opportunity I had long sought. But I couldn't do it. Such a thing—I couldn't do it. (Lost in thought. (Suddenly shouts at himself) Hey! "Genghis Khan!" "You've gone mad!" "Wasn't war your one true love?" "Didn't you pour every drop of your youthful blood into desert sands churned by warhorses?" (His eyes dart to the wall map and he lunges forward) Ah! (Draws sword and traces map) Isn't this deep Mongolia—where Anu, Kerulen, and Ugusu rivers flow—the very plain where your father Yesugei Baghatur first kindled his ambitions? "This is your love." "This is all you are." "Steel yourself, Genghis Khan!" (Suddenly boisterous) Hahahaha! War! War! I am war incarnate! "So long as I wage war, I remain righteous." "Khulan! Let me tell you of war!" "Listen—this Genghis Khan bears an iron brow!"

“I have the edge of a sword!” “There’s more—I wield the spear’s edge!” “I have a heart of stone.” “Now, strike!” “Thus do I brandish my sabre-whip, drink the dew, and fly toward the enemy like the wind—”

Trying to distract himself, he summoned all his strength and performed battle gestures like a sword dance. Lady Khulan stared blankly as she watched.

Genghis Khan: Ah—I’m too distracted. Useless! What the hell! (With renewed force, making grand gestures) Where I, Genghis Khan, advance—not a blade of green grass nor a lamb’s pelt shall remain intact! “If I loose an arrow from five hundred fathoms in wrath—five hundred men fall! From nine hundred fathoms—nine hundred perish!” (Suddenly noticing, he gives a bitter smile) “Well… that’s what they say about me out there.” “Now then—off to sleep.”

With childlike cheerfulness, he awkwardly sat down at the tent entrance and hugged his knees.

Genghis Khan: Ah, what a fine moon.

The beauty of the moon shining over the desert evoked what I'd heard travelers call the distant eastern sea.

(A long silence.)

Khulan (While staring at Genghis Khan from the bedstead, half-rising): Genghis Khan! "Why did you summon this unworthy one here?"

Genghis Khan: “No one knows this heart of mine.” “No one knows it.” “Only the roaring waves of the Orkhon and Tamir Rivers—with their silver scales—know of it.” “Hmm?” (Noticing Khulan’s question) “Why did I call you here?” “Ha ha ha ha! That... you’ll know by morning.” “I will stay here and protect you all night long.” “Trust in Genghis Khan and sleep soundly.”

The ferocious tiger beside the bedstead suddenly emitted a tremendous growl.

“How terrifying!” “Please take this tiger away.” “But for this unworthy one, perhaps even this tiger is safer than you, the desert tiger.”

Genghis Khan: “When the moon shines, this one remembers its homeland mountains and howls.” “Muqali!” “Isn’t Muqali here?”

At the tent entrance, the giant Muqali appeared. Genghis Khan: "Ahahahaha! Muqali, the one interrupting our 'wedding night' is this heartless Lord Sun Khan here." "Take him away." Muqali brandished his long whip, approached the tiger, and struck the floor with force. Muqali: "Out with you! Begone!" "Lord Sun Khan of the Naiman!"

(The whip howled.) The ferocious tiger, enraged, bared its hostility as if to leap at them. Genghis Khan (quietly rises and approaches): Lord Sun Khan! With a single white-eyed glare, the tiger rose gently and followed Muqali out of the tent. The moon grew ever brighter.

Genghis Khan (returned to the tent entrance and sat on the floor): “Hahahahaha! To this Genghis Khan, the tiger in my heart toward you might be far more fearsome than that Lord Sun Khan.” “Oh, Khulan, there’s nothing to fear.”

He sat hugging his knees and gazed intently at the moon. From somewhere drifted the sound of soldiers playing their fiddles. Lady Khulan raised herself on the bedstead and stared fixedly at Genghis Khan with a look of wonder. A long silence stretched on. A choked fiddle melody.

The pale moonlight bathed the entire stage; the moon began its slight descent.

Genghis Khan (muttering to himself): "I wonder how many years have passed since then." "Do you remember?" "Back when my father, Yesugei Ba’atur, was still alive, my home and yours were separated by just a single forest." Lady Khulan listened with a look of surprise. Genghis Khan: "Hmm, what was that forest called again—what did they call it, that forest?"

Khulan sharply turned her head away and did not answer. Genghis Khan: "You know that forest—the one with three big trees standing right in the middle? Did you forget?" Khulan (curtly): "I have no recollection." Genghis Khan: "Hmm... Could you have forgotten that forest? But I remember it well." Khulan (unwittingly drawn in, low voice): "Black Cloud Forest—"

Genghis Khan (slapping his knee): “That’s it!” “Black Cloud Forest! Black Cloud Forest!” “Don’t you remember the stream that ran along the edge of that forest?” Throwing herself onto the bedstead, Lady Khulan remained silent.

“You’re quite forgetful, aren’t you? You know, that river where I used to chase the flock of sheep and take them to drink water. The banks were thick with water plants, and in early spring, the water was bone-chillingly cold—I remember how on moonlit nights, that stream would shine like a silver belt, visible from our house windows. How nostalgic…”

Khulan continued her cold silence. Genghis Khan (suddenly bursts into laughter): “Ha ha ha ha! That’s right—you used to come to that river carrying a bucket to fetch water, didn’t you?” “Then—you know—one time you let that bucket get swept away in the river—” Khulan (striving not to engage yet unwittingly drawn in): “It was not a bucket.” “It was a sheepskin bag.” Genghis Khan: “No—it was a bucket.” Khulan: “No—it was a sheepskin bag.”

Genghis Khan: “Was that so? When the current swept it away, you stood on the bank sobbing quietly. You must have been about ten then. That’s right—I was seventeen that spring. That forest and stream must still remain unchanged. I’d like to go back.”

Lady Khulan let out a faint sob. A long time.

Genghis Khan: "Ah! I remember now! At that time, I jumped into the river and grabbed that floating sheepskin bag—" Khulan (raising her face, tears glistening on her cheeks): "Yes... still wearing your shoes—"

Genghis Khan: That's right! "Then you—soaked through as I was—said how ridiculous I looked crawling out of the river, and laughed with eyes full of tears." "The crow that was just crying is already laughing. Ha ha ha ha!" Khulan (now fully drawn in): Speaking of crows... do you remember when we went to take a crow's nest on the hill behind this unworthy one's house?

Genghis Khan: "A crow's nest?" "No, that was a sparrow's nest." Khulan: "Oh, don't be absurd!" "It was a crow." "You declared you'd chase them away and brought out your esteemed father's bow—" Genghis Khan: "Ah, right!" "Crows, crows—that old man gave me an earful back then." "Crows are sacred birds in Mongolia, you see." Khulan (now fully immersed in reminiscence): "So much time has passed since then—such things happened too." "Do you remember?" "Once when you came hunting with your brother Qasar and stopped by my father's house for water—"

Genghis Khan: "There was such a thing?" "Hmm... When was that again?" Khulan: "Um—you know... It was the year when the caravan first arrived from Samarugut."

Genghis Khan: "Hmm—that was the year after a rare mirage appeared in the Kadaan Desert, drawing crowds from afar." Khulan: "Yes, that—at that time you declared you would make this unworthy one a birch cane—"

Genghis Khan: “That’s right! I remember, I remember. It was a hot summer day—no, a scorching one. Riding on Qasar’s shoulders—that rascal—as I tried to snap off a high branch, I got a thorn stuck in my hand.” Khulan: “Yes, this unworthy one made such a fuss, borrowing a needle from my mother to remove it for you.” Genghis Khan: “And you licked the wound for me afterward, didn’t you?” Khulan: “Do you remember?” Genghis Khan (staring at his finger): “Remember? How could I forget? Even now, I see the color of that sunset sinking beyond the desert.”

Intermittent strains of a kokyu sounded. A pause. Genghis Khan: “And what I can never forget—no matter how hard I try—is that when my father Yesugei Baghatur was attacked by the Tayichiud, you were the one who saved me in that desperate hour between survival and ruin.” “For three days and nights you hid me in a cart piled high with wool—stood watch over me—” Khulan: “The Tayichiud soldiers kept thrusting their swords into the very wool where you lay concealed—this unworthy one’s heart nearly stopped each time.”

Genghis Khan: What was even more comical was after those Tayichiud bastards left your Sorganshira estate—since they couldn't find me no matter how hard they searched. I finally crawled out of the cart and—no! I ate and ate! After all, it was on the third day I'd gotten any food at all. Ah, that mutton back then was truly delicious! I still haven't forgotten it. Khulan: Oh yes—that's right. You just ate however much you pleased, you know? This unworthy one worried so terribly your stomach might rebel—Hohohoho.

Genghis Khan: “Ah, you laughed!” “Ah, you laughed!” Khulan laughed. I finally made Khulan laugh! Ah ha ha ha ha! (Suddenly coming to his senses, he calmly gazes at the moon.) Hmm... What in the world am I saying? Ah, the edge of the mountains yonder had begun to pale faintly. “Today I will cross that pass and invade Naiman territory.” It had already been over two months since departing from Karakorum. Both people and horses showed no sign of fatigue. “It’s fortunate—hmm,yes.”

He decided to keep a camp diary.

Muttering to himself, he took out a notebook from the breast of his military uniform and read on in silence by the moon's light endlessly.

Khulan’s sobbing, grown sentimental from reminiscence, intensified. Genghis Khan continued reading intently, as though nothing reached his ears.

A long, long time passed. As night ended without any of her feared outcomes materializing, Khulan finally comprehended Genghis Khan's true intent and let out a quiet sob before lying down on the bed. The moon had fully descended, and beyond the desert, the early Mongol dawn began its first stirrings. Where there had until then stretched a sandy plain as far as the eye could see, the waters of the Orkhon River started glimmering into view.

Genghis Khan (suddenly noticing the dawn’s light but not turning around): “Ah—dawn breaks.” “The first morning of our Naiman campaign.” “How utterly joyous!” “Khulan—I became that shepherd boy again last night—stood guard over your body like watching my flock through till morning.”

Khulan (sitting up in bed): “Lord Genghis Khan! I have come to understand your true intentions. Not knowing the depth of your heart, this unworthy one intended to stab you—” (drawing the dagger from her bosom and attempting to plunge it into her own chest) Genghis Khan (rushing over and knocking it away): “What are you doing! If you were to die, my purpose would be lost. Come—dawn has broken. I will have Muqali escort you now, so please return to the city.”

Khulan (steadily gazing at Genghis Khan): “This unworthy one’s heart... is filled with shame.” “No—my husband Jamukha’s feelings toward you also fill me with shame.”

Genghis Khan: “No—when you say that, I’m the one who falters.” “I’m the one who should feel ashamed.” “I’ll confess—at first, I never meant to send you back untouched.” “But when we were alone in this tent... I realized I must become something greater.” “No—I discovered that I already am a greater man.” “It was you, Khulan, who showed me this truth.” “For that... I thank you.” “Muqali!” “Muqali!” (Muqali appears at the entrance.) “Escort Lady Khulan back to the city.”

Muqali: “Understood.” Khulan (as if only now realizing, lingering nostalgically, reluctant to part): “Then... I pray you subjugate the Naiman without mishap.” “Never again shall I have the honor of meeting you.” “In secret, I shall pray for your success.” With a nod, she departed dejectedly, escorted by Muqali.

Genghis Khan (struggling to hold back from pursuing her yet inevitably running to the entrance): "Khulan!" "Live well." "Give Jamukha my regards." (He watched intently.) A long while. (With cheerful soliloquy) "Ah... This was right." "Now everything's resolved." "Now my heart lies unclouded." "All that remains is to seize the basins of Anuo, Kelulian, and Uertusha—the three rivers—and return triumphant to Karakorum." "Today marks the first dawn of that hegemonic undertaking."

“Hey!” “Mr. Tayang Khan of the Naiman!” “Come out!” (called the tiger)

The stage was filled with a dazzling golden morning sun. It was a beautiful morning. In response to the voice, a fierce tiger came running in. Genghis Khan, seeming unable to contain his joy, grabbed the tiger by the ear and slapped its cheek with an open hand. Genghis Khan (to the tiger): “How about that? I’m impressive, aren’t I! Ha ha ha ha! What a great feeling! I feel refreshed! How about that? You’re impressed, aren’t you? Ha ha ha!”

He thrust his fist into the tiger’s mouth and did similar things. A giant tiger leaped at Genghis Khan like a cat. Genghis Khan rolled around with the tiger, now on top, now underneath, roaring with ceaseless laughter as if the tent were too small for them. He roughhoused with the fierce tiger like an infant.

Elder Jebe came running in.

Jebe: "Oh! Tayang Khan is here—" Genghis Khan (lying on his back beneath the tiger, still playing around): "Hey there, old friend!" "What fine weather." "Shall we head out?" "At least grant me one satisfying war."

Jebe: “What about Lady Khulan?” Genghis Khan: “She’s already gone back.” Jebe: “Then—at last—to the Naiman Country—”

Genghis Khan (sprang up vigorously) “Right! We march!” Jebe: “Understood.”

Jebe brought out a gong from a corner, stood at the tent entrance, and struck it resoundingly. Outside the tent, sudden commotion erupted—the clatter of weapons, the neighs of warhorses, the thud of hooves, the barks of Mongol dogs. In the lead was his brother Qasar, followed by Khubilai, Subutai, the page Balatimu, and a multitude of other staff officers—all heavily armed—who charged in and formed ranks before Genghis Khan. Simultaneously, as soldiers ran about clattering to dismantle the tents, beyond the Orkhon River the Khangai Mountains glowed in the morning sun, transforming the entire stage into a wide plain.

Genghis Khan (putting on the helmet offered by his page, fastening his armor’s torso section, and briskly completing his military attire): “Now then—today we take the Khangai Mountains!” “You bastards must be itching for a fight.” (In a sort of roll call) “Qasar’s hands—all ten fingers are poisonous snakes; Jebe’s white hair is a hedgehog; Khubilai’s chest is an iron shield.” “Subutai’s legs are renowned in enemy camps as those of a stag that races a thousand leagues!” “Today, at last, it seems we’ll have something resembling a proper army.”

Wangke'er (peeking out from between someone's legs): “Commander!” “You ain’t forgettin’ this humble lump, are ya?” Genghis Khan: “Hmm, there was a slug.” “Ha ha ha ha ha! That hump o’ yours puts even camels to shame!”

Everyone burst into laughter. Genghis Khan’s white horse was led forth by Jelme. Genghis Khan casually leaped on. A clarion trumpet call resounded. The army across the entire stage surged with vigor.

Genghis Khan (draws his sword on horseback and advances!)

Amidst the clamorous din, the fierce tiger let out a prolonged roar. Wangke’er tumbled off his horse time and again.

Curtain.

Act III, Scene 1

Jadarankh City - the scene at its city gate. Before a heavily fortified gate of stone piled high: a desert citadel encircled by a moat and built with towering stone walls. The same moment.

The many refugees from the Prologue, Act I craned their necks and watched intently toward Genghis Khan's distant encampment.

Man 1: “So—it seems Lady Khulan never returned last night after all.” Man 2: “She sacrificed herself for us tribesfolk. What a pitiable thing!”

Woman 1: “When I think of what that gentle Lady must have endured in Genghis Khan’s fearsome encampment—”

Man 3: Lord Jamukha has gone completely mad. "Oh! Even here we can hear the lord’s enraged shouts." Man 4: But when you consider the lord’s anguish—it’s no wonder he’s like that. Man 5: He lost to the army. "To have even his wife taken... He’s truly got no way to save face now."

Woman 2 (pointing into the distance): “Look! Look! In Genghis Khan’s army, they’ve suddenly started dismantling their tents! Are they leaving in haste?”

Man 6: “Oh! It’s true!” “It seems they’ll finally lift the siege of this city and march on Naiman.” Man 1: “Yeah!” “Then we’re saved!” Woman 3: “Huh?” “Is it true that we have been saved?” “Ah, thank heavens!” “Thankful—!”

The crowd leaped up. Everyone embraced each other in wild jubilation. Some, overcome with emotion, wept tears of joy. Man 7: Ah! Lady Khulan approaches. “Ah! Isn’t that Lady Khulan returning over there, accompanied by that giant man?”

Man 2: “That’s right. The Lady! Oh! The giant man’s parting ways over there—turning back alone!” “Hmm, he escorted her all the way to the castle gates.” The refugees cried out in unison: “Lady Khulan!” “She’s our lifesaver!” “The one who spared the Jadarankh Clan from annihilation!” As their shouts echoed, Taichar—the lord’s brother—stormed from the city gate, face twisted with rage. Taichar: “What? The sister-in-law’s returned?” “Spent a night in the enemy general’s camp without a thought for Brother’s feelings—tsk!” “What face could she possibly show now?” “No—I want to see that face myself.”

Khulan appeared from stage left like a sleepwalker and, seemingly unaware of the crowd, attempted to enter the city gate. At her appearance—as if possessed—the crowd stood dumbfounded and silently parted to make way. Taichar (suddenly grabbing Khulan’s arm): “Sister-in-law!” “You’ve dared commit such a disgraceful act.” “How dare you show your face here?” “Well—Brother has been waiting eagerly.”

He violently dragged her into the city. The crowd of refugees, eager to express their gratitude, continued pressing forward, each grasping at Lady Khulan’s sleeves and robe hems as if clinging to salvation. As they passed through the city gate, gold merchants with servants carrying their luggage and a Khwarazmian Muslim missionary came tumbling out in haste.

Merchant (looking back at the city): “What a tragedy.” “Thanks to that person’s intervention, we’ve all been spared—but Her Ladyship’s fate now...” Servant: “We’ve no leisure to mind others’ affairs.” They had managed to leave the castle for the first time in a month. They needed to reach the neighboring village quickly and secure provisions. What a dreadful ordeal they’d endured. Never again would they suffer through such Mongol tribulations.

“Having been caught up in the fighting, we endured a month straight out of a nightmare.” “No—a ferry battered by storms. When you look back later, even this becomes a tale to tell for a lifetime.” “Whether we shall meet again or not... stay well.”

He bid farewell to the merchant and his servant, then withdrew while casting a final glance back at the city. The merchant and his servant, forgetting even to return the courtesy, urged each other on and scrambled away in disarray.

Curtain.

Act III, Scene 2

The same as Prologue, Scene 2: the main keep's great hall within the castle. Everything as previously described.

Lord Jamukha, who had spent the night pacing about the chamber without sleeping, tore at his hair, shook the great sword at his waist, and paced back and forth with a fearsome expression. Two or three maidservants had gathered in a corner, trembling in terror.

Taichar’s voice (approaching from the upper right of the front balcony): “Hey! Why’re you rats trailing behind? Vermin! I’ll hack you to pieces!” While scattering the refugees, he dragged Khulan inside. Khulan lifted her chin defiantly and stood before her husband Jamukha. The maidservants rushed toward her—“Ah, My Lady!”—but fled in panic when Taichar shot them a glare that screamed “Get lost!”, scurrying out of the room.

Jamukha (glaring fiercely at Khulan): “Taichar, you get over there.”

Taichar entered the upper part of the balcony. Khulan stood with her head bowed. Pause. Jamukha (backing away frantically): “Why have you returned, Khulan? Why have you returned?” “How dare you stand before me like this?” “You’re no longer the you of yesterday!” “To the enemy commander Genghis Khan—” (Trembling palely) “Listen here, Khulan. Without understanding my heart, how could you commit such audacity?” “You may take joy in being the city’s substitute and find solace in becoming its people’s sacrifice—but I—this I—damn it!” “Say something!” “Won’t you say anything?!”

He grabbed Khulan’s shoulders and shook her but suddenly recoiled, releasing his grip. Jamukha (hysterically): “Disgusting! Did Genghis Khan embrace those shoulders?! Ah—using my wife’s body to beg mercy from the enemy—where am I to take this... this torment?!” Khulan (coolly): “You misunderstand.” “Though I did spend the night at Genghis Khan’s encampment, he never laid a finger on me.”

Jamukha: “What? He didn’t lay a finger on you?” “Not a single finger?” “Ha ha ha ha! Wh-who would believe such nonsense?” “Listen well, Khulan!” “Even having lost castle and people alike, I thought I still possessed you! Yet defeated in war, even you defiled—ah, what course remains for me?!” Khulan (desperately): “I beg you hear me!” “Please believe this unworthy one’s words.” “Genghis Khan showed me every courtesy as an enemy general’s wife—truly, nothing transpired.”

Jamukha (pushing Khulan away): "Adulteress!" Khulan (sneering): "My, what are you saying?" "For one who is supposed to be lord of a castle to become so flustered over a mere woman—isn't that rather unbecoming?" Jamukha: "Enough! Be silent, adulteress!" "You've made me taste suffering worse than death!" "You there! Don't you dare move!" Impulsively, he drew his long sword. Khulan: "Oh my, have you gone mad?" "With such a mindset, no wonder you've been defeated by Genghis Khan like this. Ah, how pathetic—"

Jamukha: "Enough! Then let me go mad!" "If it's madness, so be it!" "What?" "What? Ah, I see now!" "So it was you—you'd been yearning for Genghis Khan all along!" "No—it's that you're infatuated with him!" "Ah, of course!" "You've been waiting since long ago for a night like yesterday's, haven't you?" (Maddened by jealousy) "Speak!" "Are you thinking of Genghis Khan? Are you pining for Genghis Khan? Say it!" "Say it!" "You refuse?" "Then take this!" (He slashes down without warning)

Khulan (pressing her deep wound and staggering, her face dreamlike). (Pause) —Genghis Khan...!

Jamukha: “What the—!”

He delivered another slash. Khulan smiled warmly and collapsed. As Jamukha stood dazedly looking down at his wife's corpse, the distant sound of advancing trumpets arose, and the tribespeople's clamor celebrating the city's surrender swelled.

From the balcony, far beyond in the mountain passes, white banners could be seen swaying faintly as they climbed in a long, continuous line. Jamukha stood unsteadily, as though his soul had left him.

Taichar came running in.

Taichar: Brother! “At this very moment, Genghis Khan has audaciously entered the castle alone.” (Noticing Khulan’s corpse) Ah! Brother! “You’ve slain Sister-in-Law—?!”

Jamukha: “What?” “Genghis Khan...?” (With fervor) “Is he trying to mock me even now?” “Very well!” Taichar: “Brother—it’s the one who killed our sister-in-law.” “You bastard!” “I’ll slice you into mincemeat!” Taichar faced toward stage right and waved his sword in signal. Five or six garrison soldiers armed with spears and drawn blades emerged stealthily, hiding in the shadow of the balcony’s partition to form an ambush. Jamukha and Taichar exchanged hurried glances, snatched the banner hanging on the partition to shroud Khulan’s corpse, then fetched the tall two-panel embroidered screen from behind the throne and laid it sideways over her body to conceal the remains. As the two men waited tensely, Genghis Khan—the supreme commander resplendent in battle regalia—entered briskly through the lower door, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Genghis Khan (cheerfully): “Hey there, Jamukha.” “My apologies for tormenting you all these years—ha ha ha ha!” “There’s something I absolutely had to confess to you—that’s why I turned back alone mid-journey and spurred my horse here.” Jamukha: “Hmph. After crushing me so thoroughly, you still aren’t satisfied? Now you want to spit in my face too?” “Dare you laugh right to my face?” “Go on—laugh!” “Laugh at me!” (Advancing menacingly)

Taichar drew his sword slightly from its scabbard and braced himself, ready to strike at the first opening.

Genghis Khan (calmly): “I’m the one who came hoping you’d laugh at me. I came here wanting you to spit on this face. After you hear me out, laugh all you want—just listen. This past month must’ve been hard for you defending, but attacking wore me down too. Every report of your city’s suffering cut through me like a blade. Surrounding this place was never my true aim from the start.” “I wanted to strike straight into Naiman lands, but my Four Generals and the rest—convinced I still nursed some old grudge over Khulan against you—dug in their heels about slaughtering Jadarankh first. I’m no god either. I used their loyal posturing to try grasping at the love for Khulan that’s burned in my chest these long years. That’s what last night’s surrender demand was about.” (Self-loathing intensity) “Demanding another man’s wife for a night—” (Planting both hands firmly before Jamukha) “Jamukha! I was wrong! Forgive me! Last night in that moonlit tent—seeing Khulan’s eyes, cold as ice after throwing herself away for husband and people—this man called Genghis Khan looked filthier than mud-caked straw sandals. Uglier than maggots.” (Inner voice) How could this wretch lay a finger on Khulan’s godlike heart and body? (Beat) When dawn’s first hues brushed the Khangai ridges, daylight broke in my soul too. I lost to Khulan.

“Jamukha!” “You are a fortunate man.” “To have a wife as remarkable as Khulan—from the bottom of my heart, I’m truly envious!”

Jamukha and Taichar hung their heads and listened intently. Genghis Khan: “Jamukha!” “I simply couldn’t leave like this.” “I’ve come before you like this—hands pressed to the ground—to apologize from the depths of my heart.” “Please forgive me.” “Come now—please forgive me.” Jamukha and his brother stood dumbfounded. Genghis Khan rose cheerfully: “Ah! Now I feel purified.” “As if all filth within me had been washed away.” Then with boyish innocence: “So then—Jamukha! I’ll crush the Naiman and swing by on my return!” “When that time comes—you and Khulan must feast me royally together!” “I swear it!” “Well—see ya!”