Act 2: Bribing for Power

Scene 3: Bribing the Powerful

Prelude to the Main Tune: Breaking the Formation – (The painted-face role, An Lushan, enters wearing archer’s garb and a felt cap)

In times of disappointment, I grieve in vain that my horns have not yet shown; in sorrow, I fall deeper into the net. My rebellious heart is hard to bend, my fierce spirit like a thousand-zhang wall that hides the sky? I must endure for a while.

“My belly hangs below my knees; my strength is a thousand jun. I am full of schemes and courage surpassing the crowd. Who says the dragon of calamity is content to crouch like an inchworm? When the rivers and seas are overturned, it will startle the world.” I, An Lushan, am a man of Liucheng in Yingzhou. My mother, Ashide, went to the Yazhuo Mountains to pray for a child. Returning home, she gave birth to me, and so I was named An Lushan. At the time, the tent was filled with radiance, and birds and beasts cried out and fled. Later, I followed my mother when she remarried An Yanyan, thus taking the surname An. I enlisted under the command of the Military Governor Zhang Shougui. He said I bore an unusual appearance and adopted me as his son. He appointed me as a Pacification Commissioner and sent me to campaign against the Xi and Khitan. For a moment, relying on my bravery, I rashly advanced and was utterly defeated, fleeing back. Thanks to Governor Zhang’s leniency, he did not execute me but sent me under guard to the capital for judgment. I arrived in the capital yesterday, with fortune or misfortune unknown. Fortunately, I have a sworn brother named Zhang Qian, who works in the household of Prime Minister Yang. Yesterday, he bribed the escorting officer to loosen my bonds temporarily. I asked him to pull strings, and the gifts were accepted. He told me to wait here today for an answer. I must go and see. (Walks) Alas! I, An Lushan, am also a hero—how could this be the end of me? Thinking of it fills me with rage!

Main Tune: Brocade-Wrapped Path – A reckless dragon or snake, I meant to overturn rivers and seas, but instead became a waterless turtle in a jar; hateful that a cage traps a hero for a time. Had I known losing the army’s orders would bring execution by military law, I would rather have died on the battlefield than suffer bonds and chains. Suddenly, I stumble and fall. Relying on a night’s bribe of gold, I escape the trap. Heaven must have intended to give me life—how could I be broken halfway for nothing?

Arriving at the Prime Minister’s mansion, I wait here for Brother Zhang. (The clown, Zhang Qian, enters) “The emperor’s brother-in-law holds the highest rank; the prime minister’s servant equals a seventh-rank official.” (They meet) Brother An has arrived. The Prime Minister has accepted all your gifts and orders you to enter for an audience. (The painted face bows) Many thanks for your help, brother. (Zhang) The Prime Minister has not yet come to the hall; wait a moment in the waiting room. “Relying on the hand that manages state affairs within the cabinet,” (An) “to save the man who failed at the frontier.” (They exit together)

Prelude to the Immortal Melody: Magpie Bridge Immortals – (The painted-face role, Yang Guozhong, enters with attendants) Glory and fame shine in the imperial capital; favor links me to the imperial clan; brothers and sisters all bask in the emperor’s grace. I sit alone in the Secretariat, wielding great power; see how the scorching might of my authority dazzles all.

“State affairs are all in my grasp; the highest seats of the three dukes and eight ministers are supremely honored. When I return to my private mansion at dusk after court, countless officials wait below in reverence.” I, Yang Guozhong, am the elder brother of the Western Palace’s Imperial Consort. I hold the post of Right Prime Minister, with the rank of Minister of Works. I share in the sun and moon’s brilliance, wielding the thunder’s commands. (Smiles coldly) To exhaust luxury and indulge desires—nothing more than seizing the moment for pleasure; to accept bribes and hold power—truly the power to turn heaven around. Retire, attendants. (The attendants acknowledge and exit) (Yang) Just now, Zhang Qian reported that a frontier officer, An Lushan, having lost his chance in battle, was sent to the capital for execution. He specially presented gifts to my mansion, begging for a pardon. I think victory and defeat are common in military affairs; a momentary failure in battle should be excusable. (Laughs) To spare him would also be to cherish talent for the court. I have ordered him to come for an audience; we shall see. (Zhang appears secretly and greets him) Zhang Qian reports: An Lushan waits outside. (Yang) Let him enter. (Zhang) I obey. (He exits briefly, then leads in the painted face, dressed in blue clothes and a small cap; Zhang says) This way. (An kneels and advances to greet him) The guilty officer An Lushan kowtows to Your Excellency the Prime Minister. (Yang) Rise. (An) As a condemned prisoner, I should kneel to report. (Yang) Zhang Qian has already told me your purpose. Now, state the circumstances of your crime in detail. (An) Hear me, Your Excellency: I followed military orders to campaign against the Xi and Khitan—(Yang) Rise and speak. (An stands)

Immortal Melody: Thrice Sobered – Relying on bold valor, I charged into battle, advancing invincibly. I did not foresee the barbarian troops encircling us at night; facing their blades, I was left with an empty bow. (Yang) How did you escape later? (An) At that time, I cut a bloody path and burst through the siege. Alone on horseback, I narrowly saved myself, hoping only to record my minor merits to offset my crime. Who would have thought that today, I would face punishment! (Kowtows) I beg you to show mercy and grant compassion.

Same Tune, Variation – (Yang rises) Speaking of losing troops and damaging the army, this concerns the great law. Though I oversee the court’s affairs, how dare I act arbitrarily? Moreover, the penal code is already fixed and hard to change; I fear I lack the power to turn the tide. (An kneels and weeps) If Your Excellency the Prime Minister would rescue me, this criminal could live! (Yang laughs) Even if my words could be heeded and my plans adopted, and I held a little power, the workings here are not easy to explain. (An knocks his head) I rely entirely on Your Excellency to decide! (Yang) Very well. Tomorrow, when I enter court, I will act according to the circumstances. Taking this opportunity, I can open the net and loosen the ropes to save your life.

(An kowtows) I thank the Prime Minister for his great kindness. Let me repay you like a dog or a horse. I take my leave now. (Yang) Zhang Qian, escort him out. (Zhang acknowledges and exits with An) “Eyes watch for the flags of victory; ears listen for good news.” (They exit together) (Yang muses) I think An Lushan is a low-ranking frontier officer with no prior merit. Today, he faces the death penalty. If I specially save him, it will surely arouse the emperor’s suspicion. (Laughs) Ah, I have it. The other day, Governor Zhang’s memorial mentioned that he knows six barbarian languages and is skilled in all martial arts, fit to serve as a frontier commander. I will instruct the Ministry of War to use this as a reason to memorialize the emperor, summoning him for a personal test. Then, I can seize the chance to obtain the imperial decree. Would that not be perfect?

“Arrogant power and will have always been heroic,” (Lu Zhaolin)

“A thousand moods and countless threads in an instant.” (Wu Rong)

“Heap up gold to buy off punishment,” (Li Xianyong)

“Why not secretly recommend and still accomplish public affairs?” (Du Xunhe)