Licking the Lotus Stamen

Wan'er permits herself a modest smile, and says, "I made this translation myself." She then assumes a formal, upright posture, and recites:

"Tomorrow morning I will make an outing to Shanglin Park,
With urgent haste I inform the spring:
Flowers must open their petals overnight,
Don't wait for the morning wind to blow!

...Will you tell me, Ambassador Buana, what meaning you find in this poem?"

I feel a moment of panic, for I do not fully understand. But my duty is clear. "I find the poem beautiful. But could you explain to me what is meant by 'spring'?"

Wan'er and her attendant exchange a surprised look, and Wan'er laughs again. "Please pardon me, Ambassador, for I had forgotten that you come from lands far to the south. In Srivijaya, the sun always rises and sets at the same time each day, does it not? Here, it is different."

Yes; I have seen that this is so. Wan'er continues:

"Here, we have what we call seasons. The days grow longer, as they are now. Then they grow shorter again; the sun diminishes in strength; the plants and flowers go to sleep. Then the days begin again to grow longer, and the flowers will bloom once more. This we call 'spring'. It is an endless cycle."

There is something familiar in this. I answer "I have read of Yin and Yang."

Wan'er gives me another quick smile, in which I believe I see respect. I am emboldened to continue.

"Esteemed Madame Shangguan: the cycle of seasons you describe must surely be decreed by Nature, and wise men have said that Nature is beyond the reach of the power of men. But in the poem of the Empress, she commands the flowers to bloom. Her authority must be incomparable!"

Wan'er and her attendant are both clearly delighted by my answer. For the first time, a smile crosses the face of the attendant. Wan'er says,

"Ambassador, you have shown insight. Her Majesty will be highly interested in your response. Tomorrow you shall expect a summons from her."

She and her attendant rise, and I rise with them, bowing respectfully. The door opens, and I see Hao waiting outside to accompany me back to the dining hall. Then Wan'er speaks again.

"Ambassador, perhaps the day will come when I may show you poetry that I have written myself." She smiles ambiguously. My heart is pounding because of the possibility that I may see the Empress tomorrow. But I am somehow moved as well by these words of Wan'er.

Today the sun came early, and it shines already with considerable heat, reminding me of my distant homeland. I am sitting in the central room of our quarters, looking at an intricate wood carving of a peacock amidst other birds in a forest. I am also impatiently waiting for a summons from the Empress.

The sun is nearing its zenith when Hao arrives. My men and I are ready, dressed in our formal attire. We begin our procession through the streets of Luoyang.

The stupendous walls of the imperial palace rise in the distance, looming larger with each step. In my memory I am calling up the image of the Empress from yesterday. Her skin is very pale. In my land, the people have skins which are brown like polished wood. The faces of the Chinese look delicate to me, luminous like the moon.

In only minutes now we will pass through the gates of the palace. Hao is informing me that the Empress has decreed a special assembly to honor our delegation. I strain my ears, hoping to hear him speak of licking the lotus stamen. Inside my robes, my cock is hard.

The palace looks mountainous as we walk the last few paces to the gate, where we are enveloped in delicious coolness as we enter the shade of the gateway. Inside, all is silent and we hear the echoes of our footsteps as we walk the hallways.

Now, once again, we enter the great hall of the court. I strain my eyes to see the Empress, and she is there, seated upon her throne. We are escorted to a position very near the platform upon which she sits. It is not yet proper for me to meet her eyes. I gaze at her throne, which is golden like everything else in this stupendous chamber, and her arms are supported by two golden dragons. Her robes are brilliantly colored, yellow with purple trim, a band of scarlet at her waist, embroidery and beading everywhere. Her headdress rises above her head with a flourish of tiny golden birds, in a structure cunningly interwoven with her black hair. On either side of her there are beautiful female attendants in robes of purple and green.

My men and I assemble, and Wan'er emerges from behind the group of women on the platform. She walks to the edge and speaks in her own language to the many people who fill the hall. Then, in the same tone, she addresses us in Srivijayan:

"Her august majesty, the Empress Wu Zetian, welcomes to China the representatives of the tranquil and prosperous empire of Srivijaya, and wishes to bind these two proud societies closer in fraternal partnership." Wan'er looks into my face. "Ambassador Buana, please take one step forward."

I step forward and wait expectantly.

The Empress speaks to me. Each phrase she speaks is translated by Wan'er. I know that now is the time that I may look into the eyes of the Empress, She looks into mine as she speaks.

"Esteemed representative of Srivijaya: I have listened with interest to the proposals of trade which you have conveyed from your sovereign. My advisors are satisfied that these proposals will serve the interests of both empires. But I am the Empress. I must consider other facets of this relationship, beyond the merely commercial. Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa has chosen you to be his voice in my court, and I have looked upon you and found favor with your dignified bearing, and your refinement of mind. I wish you now to give obeisance to my rank as Empress and as a woman." At this point, the Empress rises to her feet.

My eyes dart to Hao for guidance. He gestures urgently toward the platform, so I walk slowly to it and ascend four stairs, falling to my knees as I reach the top so that my head does not rise above that of the Empress. Shuffling on my knees, I take two steps forward toward her, and she walks to stand directly in front of me. Very slowly, she begins to unfasten the front of her robe.

I know that many men would feel uncomfortable or ashamed to do what I am about to do, with hundreds of people looking on. For me, it is different. At this moment, I am no longer Buana the ambassador. I am Buana the man, and I feel very keenly that I am about to satisfy a need that I have carried with me throughout my life. I have taken many women as lovers, but I felt that something was missing. My cock is very hard now. I am glad for the many eyes upon us.

I look up into the Empress' face as her fingers work the fasteners on her robe. Her eyes look directly into mine. Her face is quite pale; perhaps she has colored it subtly with some cosmetic. There is a tiny, exquisite golden flower upon her brow. Her lips are red. Her mouth is relaxed and expressionless, but her nostrils are flaring and her eyes have a fixed quality that lets me know that she is excited.

She is parting her robe now! I can see the hair on her mound. She bends her legs slightly, putting her weight on the balls of her feet, and parts her thighs so that I may see her cunt lips. I lean forward so that I may smell her. I hear her intake of breath. She is waiting for me to lick her, but I want to smell her first. I can feel the tension in the great hall.

She smells strong and sweet. I am aware of the insistent throb of my cock. I lean forward to lick the inside of her right thigh. Her juice has dribbled out there a little -- how exciting! I can feel her impatience, and am glad for it -- it is like a piquant spice that will heighten her enjoyment, and mine. I drag my tongue along the other thigh, closer and closer to her cunt.

The Empress' legs are trembling. She thrusts her pelvis forward insistently. With the very tip of my tongue, I trace her opening, feeling how slippery it is, how easily it yields to my light probing. I move upwards toward her clit, but I do not touch it; I swirl around it in a wide circle that is becoming a spiral. Yet I know that soon I must suck it, I cannot resist its carnal allure.

Her hips are moving now, first little involuntary contractions, but now becoming more assertive. I wish I could put my hands on her thighs, on her buttocks, but I must show restraint and only use my mouth.

My tongue travels once again down to her opening, and this time I allow it to slowly penetrate her, plumbing her depths. She groans with pleasure. I suddenly feel the pressure of her hands on my shoulders, pulling me close. I remember what this means.

I begin to slowly thrust my tongue in and out of her as if it were a cock, and each time I withdraw it, I drag it upwards until it I almost reach her clit. Then I plunge it more forcefully inside her. Her wetness and her fragrance have increased; she is like a flower, and I am the spring that is making her bloom. She is groaning continuously now, bucking with her hips, and forcing my face hard against her with her hands. This is too exciting. I am losing my self-control.

With both hands, I seize her buttocks with an iron grip, as I part my lips wide and take her clit into my mouth. The lotus stamen! I suck it hard as I swirl my tongue around it. I feel her hips struggle violently, trying to move in rhythm, but I have captured them with my hands. This is so beautiful. It continues on, growing more exciting from moment to moment. I hear her cry out in ecstasy -- everyone in the hall hears it. Inside my robes, I ejaculate.

I prostrate myself now before her, showing deep homage. After a few moments, I feel her hand in mine, and she lifts me up once more to a kneeling position. I hear a collective gasp from the onlookers. She favors me with a warm, spontaneous smile, and returns to her place on the throne, fastening her robes again. Again I allow my gaze to seek hers, and I am rewarded with just the hint of a smile this time before she breaks eye contact. I know that it is now time to retreat the way I came and rejoin my men. They are respectfully silent with their eyes kept forward.

I shall never forget this day. Wan'er makes a brief announcement in Chinese, and then Hao indicates to me that it is time for us to leave the hall.

We are making our way through the streets again, returning to our quarters, when we hear shouting and disturbance from further down the avenue. Soon members of the Imperial Guard hurry past us on horseback, headed in the direction of the shouting. Then others follow. Hao succeeds in stopping one of them, and converses with him briefly, before the rider hastens on.

We are approaching now a large crowd of people. I am on the outskirts of the crowd, peering over the shoulders of people, trying to see what is going on. Then I see Commander Li. His face is rigid and impassive. He is surrounded by imperial guardsmen. People in the crowd are shouting from time to time. They sound angry.

One of the guardsmen is shouting now at the people, and they are shouting back at him. I recognize him as the one who sent the people home on the evening we first entered Luoyang. More and more guardsmen are arriving, and the people continue to shout. I cannot find Sang - I would like to ask him what they are saying. Then I see Hao not far from me, straining to hear what is being said. The guardsmen are now riding down a side street with Commander Li in their midst, as the people in the street shout after them. I place my hand on Hao's shoulder and ask him urgently to explain what has happened.

He turns to me soberly and says, "Commander Li has been arrested." Then he is silent once again.

My men and I are sitting silently in the central room of our quarters. There is no one here with whom we can converse in our own language, no one who could enlighten us about what is going on. We can only wait.

The day goes on and on, the sun is reluctant to set. It is finally twilight when Hao arrives at our quarters with a summons from Shangguan Wan'er. I hastily assemble a small contingent of my men, and we accompany Hao back to the palace. My men are asked to wait in the courtyard, while I am escorted back to the small room where I met with Wan'er last night. Shortly she joins me, this time without her attendant. The door closes behind her, and we take our places at the table.

"Esteemed Ambassador Buana," begins Wan'er with gracious formality, "the Empress has found favor in the the Srivijayan trade proposal. The agreement shall be concluded as proposed, and the necessary documents shall be prepared and sealed in the morning." I incline my head in deep appreciation.

"However," she continues, "the Empress wishes the ambassador to remain in Luoyang for one week, to enjoy our hospitality and to become better acquainted with our culture. She believes that the relationship between her empire and that of Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa will benefit from such greater familiarity."

"I will be honored to accept Her Majesty's offer," I reply.

Wan'er's bearing and posture relax now. Her expression is cordial. "Do you wish to ask any questions about life in China, as you have observed it?"

I do have a question, but I know I should not ask it. A diplomat should not presume to inquire about internal matters in the land where he is an official guest. Yet my heart is agitated and difficult to master -- I think that my encounter with the Empress has somehow changed me. I proceed with caution:

"Esteemed Madame Shangguan, I have travelled for many days in the land of Empress Wu, and I have encountered gracious hospitality at every turn. I wish to express my gratitude for all the Empress has done to provide these comforts, and," (here I am most careful to moderate the tone of my voice and the expression upon my face) "for the efforts of her subjects whom she has sent to assist me."

I pause for a moment, and Wan'er is watchful, waiting for me to come to the point.

I continue. "One person who has been of particular service to me, providing vigilant security and wise counsel, is Commander Li."

Wan'er's eyes widen just perceptibly as she digests this information and its implications. I think I may trust her to forgive any indiscretion on my part. But I am taking a risk. I have committed myself now, and I must journey a little further down this road.

"Madame Shangguan, we both know that rumors may arise out of nothing and then race from tongue to tongue. But may I know whether Commander Li has somehow fallen into disfavor with Her Majesty?"

Wan'er waits to answer, as she casts a glance my way that seems gently appraising. Finally she speaks.

"Ambassador Buana, the life of the court is very complicated. In the past, I myself have fallen in and out of favor with the Empress. The Empress does not form friendships the way that common people do. She is responsible for the greatest empire the world has ever seen. Her decisions affect millions of people, and their children, and their grandchildren who have not yet been born."

She pauses, and seems to be considering whether to continue. Then:

"Many people seek the favor of the Empress. Her favor can mean great wealth and privilege; her disfavor can mean exile or death. Members of the court compete for her favor, and I believe that occasionally crimes may have been committed by courtiers who seek to profit from it. But I will also say that in this capital city, the truth is never obvious. Only over time is it possible to see that one man's tale is a verity, while the other man has presented a malicious lie in the garment of noble truth."

Now she is silent. I understand that she will not answer my question directly, but she has told me much nonetheless.

After a few more seconds, I see a flicker of emotion cross her face, the tell-tale sign of an affecting idea. She speaks once again:

"Ambassador, if you will forgive me for saying so, you were very audacious today with the Empress."

I raise my eyebrows; I think I know what she means, but to be certain, I will wait for her to say it in the open.

"You touched her with your hands. You did not show proper respect."

I can feel my face redden. "I humbly apologize," I reply. "I allowed myself to be ruled by my passions."

I see Wan'er's eyes gleam for an instant, perhaps at some secret joke. "You were fortunate," she says. "She found it exciting."

I think it best for me to remain silent just now. My experience as a diplomat has not prepared me adequately for this situation. I watch as a smile slowly spreads across Wan'er's face.

"Her Majesty now has a strong interest in you, Ambassador. That is why she has asked you to remain for a week." She pauses to clear her throat. "Some men claim that the Empress is unsuited to rule, because she is a woman. Or," (again I see a little mischief in Wan'er's eye) "because she seeks satisfaction of her sexual urges. But she has brought China to greatness and the people are satisfied. May I recite for you another poem which I have translated into your language?"

I bow gallantly. "Of course."

"It is by the poet Cen Can:

Together we officials climbed vermilion steps,
To be parted by the purple walls.
Our procession, which entered the palace at dawn,
Leaves fragrant now at dusk with imperial incense.
Grey heads may grieve for a fallen flower,
Or blue clouds envy a lilting bird;
But this reign is of heaven, nothing goes wrong,
There have been almost no petitions."

I nod in appreciation.

Wan'er continues:

"Some government officials place the greatest importance on propriety. They follow the rules with great care and are as dependable as the cycle of day and night. And yet, such men did not bring China to her present summit of greatness. The Empress has a gift; she knows when the time is right to follow her passions. That is why she forgives you for the use of your hands on her today in court. She recognizes that same talent in you. She will meet with you again tomorrow in the afternoon."

"I will be honored."

"Hao will call for you when it is time." She begins to rise from her cushions, and I begin as well, but Wan'er reaches out to place her hand on my shoulder, indicating that I should stay seated. She moves around the table, kneels beside me, and kisses me, very slowly. It is very arousing. Then she slowly rises, walks to the door, and opens it. Outside, I see Hao waiting for me. Wan'er speaks to him softly in Chinese, and then she is gone. Hao escorts me to where my men are waiting, and we make our way back to our quarters.

Sang is gone. He did not sleep at our quarters last night. One of the men came to me and asked if there is some trouble with him. I told him not to worry, but I myself am worried. The situation in Luoyang seems unstable. I have decided that I will not mention this to our Chinese hosts. I do not wish them to consider Sang to be a security problem. It is possible that he simply met a woman and wants to spend time with her, although it seems contrary to his Buddhist ways. We are staying longer than we had planned; I hope that Sang will simply re-appear and all mysteries will be explained.

The sun has struggled all the way to its apex, and finally Hao has come for me. I had never imagined that a day could be this long. A small contingent of my men have been waiting with me, and now we proceed once more to the palace, which shimmers gigantically in the heat. But inside, it is cool. My men are sent to amuse themselves in the courtyard, while Hao leads me up several flights of stairs to a room I have not visited before.

It is the most opulent bed-chamber I have ever seen. There is a giant bed, with a silk canopy of brilliant gold. Curtains of the same golden silk billow in front of large windows which look out upon Luoyang. It is a stunning view.