Mong smiled. “Thank you, Your Eminence. I must say, that is the last thing I expected to hear. It would be an honor.”
The Emperor nodded and turned to Wuya. “I see that you have found the white jade swords.”
“Yes, Sire,” Wuya replied, standing. “Two were found secured to the saddle of the horse Tonglong rode here. The third is the one Tonglong carried. The armor was rather in need of a thorough cleaning.”
“Bring the swords to me.”
“As you wish, Sire,” Wuya said, and he gestured to the solders flanking the door. They approached the Emperor.
The Emperor rose and took one of the swords. He held it out toward Mong. “Take this as proof of your status as the new Southern Warlord, and of your commitment to me.”
Mong approached the Emperor, bowed, and took the sword.
The Emperor held out a second sword toward Xie, and Xie stood. “Take this, comrade, as proof of your status as the new Western Warlord, and of your commitment to me.”
Xie bowed and accepted the sword.
“You may be seated,” the Emperor said, and Mong and Xie sat down, as did Wuya. The three soldiers returned to flank the door.
The Emperor gripped the third white jade sword and held it high. Long could tell by the jade’s pattern that this was the sword that Tonglong had used against Ying.
“I am the Northern Warlord,” the Emperor announced. “I will wear this sword as a symbol of that role. This is also the sword that took the life of a brave young man called Saulong, better known to many of you as Ying. Let it be a constant reminder to all of the ultimate sacrifice he made saving my life.”
A few of the bandits cheered, and the Emperor continued, lowering the ceremonial weapon. “There are actually four white jade swords. I saw Tonglong with them inside the bowels of the Shanghai Fight Club. Do any of you know what has become of the remaining one? I believe Tonglong may have given it to the Eastern Warlord.”
“I think he did, too,” ShaoShu said. “I saw the Eastern Warlord carrying one around when I was in Shanghai.”
“Very well,” the Emperor said. “I will have this verified. It makes sense for him to have one. Now”—he turned to Long and the other Cangzhen warrior monks—“months ago, most of the kung fu temples in our great nation were destroyed as a result of the paranoia that was put in my mind by Tonglong and the deceased General Tsung—the Leopard Monk. They convinced me that these powerful centers of warrior prowess were a threat to me, and I approved their destruction. Now I find I owe my life to a group of very special young warrior monks. I want to honor them for what they have done for me personally and, more importantly, what they have done for all of China.”
The Emperor paused and looked at the young heroes before him. “Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok, and Long—because of the contributions you have made to China’s history, and because of the contributions I expect you will make in the future, I hereby dub you the Five Ancestors. Your names will become legend. Rise.”
All five rose and bowed. Despite himself, Long felt his face flush with pride. He glanced at the others, and saw the same dazed glow about their faces.
“Likewise,” the Emperor said, “the name of your temple brother, Ying, shall live on. Long live the memory of Saulong—the Vengeful Dragon!” Again he raised his white jade sword high, and the room erupted with cheers.
The table quieted, and the Emperor said, “So tell me, young warrior monks, what do you plan to do next? Let us start with you, Fu.”
Fu shrugged and looked at Sanfu. “I don’t know, sir, but whatever it is, I will be doing it with my father.”
Sanfu beamed.
“Very good,” the Emperor said. “What about you, Seh?”
“My answer is much the same as Fu’s,” Seh replied. “I will follow my father, Mong. I suppose we are moving to Hangzhou because of his new title. I look forward to it. I have never been there.”
Mong nodded his appreciation to Seh, and the Emperor turned to Hok, gesturing for her to speak.
Hok looked at her mother. “I will remain with my mother, Bing. She and I have already discussed what we hope to do next, and that is to reunite with my father, Henrik, a Dutch sea captain. My sister, GongJee, will accompany us.”
“Hey, can I go with you, too?” Malao asked. “I love boats!”
Hok looked at Bing, and Bing smiled. “If you wish, Malao. I believe Charles might be in search of a first mate, once we get him a new boat.”
“Oh!” Malao said, turning to Charles. “Do you think I would be good enough?”
Charles laughed. “You have potential.”