It was clear that the king had been amazed by Zhu Su's expertise. Plus, he found that Zhu Su also mastered many kinds of art such as literature, calligraphy, painting, and music. Indeed, when he still became Zhou Wang, Zhu Su was already notorious for his expertise, all Ming ministers and officials often praised him for it. As could be expected, his expertise immediately attracted the king. And more, since Zhu Su was actually a prince, his gestures when he spoke and behaved was different with the commoner, and without doubt, it was favored by the aristocrats - including the king.
"Mr. Su, speak honestly, you are such a mystery..."
"Pardon, Sire?..."
"Yes. You said that you are an insignificant wanderer. But I've met plenty of wanderers and hermits, and their manners are far different from yours. I am usually not very fond of them because of their nature, their free-spirited nature always makes them appear sloppy and sassy. But you, are different. You are not only well-mannered, you also have a pleasant aura."
Zhu Su gave a slight smile. "Many thanks for Your Majesty's appraisal."
"And... somehow I get an impression, that you are actually closer to us the aristocrats... True. Talking with you is like talking with an aristocrat."
The king's praise, to the contrary, made Zhu Su panic. Afraid of his identity being found out. "Ah, Your Majesty, you overvalue me... I don't dare... I, this lowly drifter, am like a meaningless little grass that can easily fall whenever the wind blows it..."
"That's right. I am more confident to trust you to occupy a high position, and even to locate you in the palace. A sassy, free-spirited wanderer can't carry out this task for certain. But I am positive, you will not disappoint me."
Thus, the king created Zhu Su to occupy the position as one of the royal physicians.
It was not the position of Minister of Health, but it was a high position after all. It was even not easy for Ava commoner to occupy that position. Ava King bestowed abundant money so that they could feast on celebrating this success. They were all very happy with Zhu Su's brilliant achievement.
"I am valued in a foreign country, whereas my motherland instead throws me away."
Gao Qing snorted. "Where we were born, it is not necessary that we will keep on staying there until death."
"True. My life in Ming has been over." Zhu Su looked at the sun that was shining brightly. "I am no longer Ming person, it all becomes my past. I am now a citizen of Ava."
Zhu Youdun looked at his father, made sure that he was not mishearing. "Fu Wang?! We... are we really going to change citizenship?!"
"Why not? Ava King highly appreciates us. Of course, we should be loyal to those who are kind towards us. I like Ava, I have no doubt in my mind to change nationality, becoming Ava person."
Zhu Youdun seemingly wanted to say something, but quickly changed his mind.
"And besides. Why should we be loyal to the country that has banished us? As part of the country we indeed must stand up for our country, however when the country can't protect us anymore, and instead makes us suffer, then for what reason we must still keep that loyalty? Does Ming protect us? Does Ming accept us to become a part of him? No." The wind screwed Zhu Su's hair and made it disheveled. "Ming doesn't protect us, doesn't accept us - and even, throws us away. I can't maintain my loyalty any longer towards the country which has abandoned me."
Gao Qing chimed in, "We have no other choice, Boy. We are oppressed by Fate. Do you think I want to become Ava citizen? No. But now I become Ava citizen automatically since I follow all of you. Sometimes, life is not a matter of will and hope. Sometimes, we have to accept reality."
"Yet more, I agree with Mr. Gao. I am tired... of always thinking of revenge. In some cases, taking our revenge will sacrifice innocent people. There are many ways to live a peaceful and happy life without taking revenge and seizing power. I... have no intention of becoming Ming Emperor, or Ming Prince, or something like that, not anymore."
The clouds covered the sun and turned the sky to be a little darker. Zhu Youdun took a long, deep breath. "You are right, Sir... and Fu Wang is right... we... must accept our fate... that our connection with Ming has been over. Farewell, Ming." He bit his lips.
Gao Qing patted Zhu Youdun on the shoulder in a fussy manner. "Hey! You only change your nationality, why on earth do you have to be such melancholy?! You should be happy because you're still alive, and your Fu Wang can occupy a high position as well! Huh, what the heck is the importance of nationality anyway?! It is the term Nationality which in fact separates us and makes us dispute each other. After all, we are actually all the same. We are all humans!"
***
Ava King introduced Zhu Su to the high officials.
"Starting from today, Mr. Su will be our royal physician. Mr. Su was once a Ming, but now he has become an Ava. He has brilliant talent, and I am glad that he is willing to help us advance our country. I believe, all of us will be able to cooperate in harmony."
Most officials immediately bowed down, hailed, "Your greatness is immeasurable, Your Majesty!" But unexpectedly, some officials showed a look of displeasure instead.
"Your Majesty, how can you trust a foreigner to hold such important and influential position in our country?"
"If you thought your former physician is bad, but after all, he is still our own person. Don't become a pro-foreigner and by then not respecting our own people!"
The king glared furiously at the man who just spoke. "Thura is a rebellious person, how can I instead keep such a rebellious official like him?!"
The official kept insisting. "But will it a big risk for you to trust a stranger whose origin is unclear?"