My wife, Ailing, blocked me from stabbing the Hun. Another question popped out in my mind. I didn’t
understand why she would stop me. But I could see it in her eyes, there was anger. So I asked her what
happened to her.
She told me that since she was all alone taking care of our child, she began to become lonely and
depressed. She had to wake up alone, worrying how I was or if I was still alive. Everyday felt like years when I
wasn’t there with her. She was craving, craving for my existence around her. Then, on the day when the Great
Wall was completed, she was really excited to see me again. Her hopes were so high but only for her to be
disappointed as I didn’t come back. She thought I died but she heard from the other villagers that I was rich and
famous. She cried and cried until her eyes had no more tears. But then, a local villager, Runxu, who was a Hun,
went to her and comforted her. Eventually, Ailing fell in love with him as she had already lost faith in me. She
was happy with Runxu as he was a nice man. One day, the Chinese soldiers went to our village and found out
there was a Hun. Without knowing the reason, they just killed Runxu. She was terrified and angry that she
wanted revenge. A revenge that every Chinese person would remember forever, that would even pass on in
history. So she decided to help the Huns to plan for their war.
I felt sorry and it was somehow my fault that she became like this. I wanted to help her and let her
forgive again! I would do anything for her! But I guess it was too late now. I felt her anger and loneliness as she
stabbed me with her sword. I fell on the floor, weak and dying. But when she stabbed me, I could also feel her
happiness as she finally took revenge. I was happy for her but at the same time; I also disregarded the fate of
China. I let my countrymen down. I saw the Huns entering the territory of China right before my world went
blank.
When I was enjoying my fame, I didn’t realize what was actually happening. I was too focused on my
money, my power, my popularity, and my properties. I had forgotten about my family. I had forgotten about my
duty as a father, which was to always protect my son when he was in danger! I had forgotten everything that
meant the world to me.
Regrets are all I have left. Regrets that will haunt me, forever. I regret helping the emperor built the
Great Wall. I regret promising my wife that I would be back home as I made her think that promises are meant
to be broken. I regret accepting the emperor’s offer as it made me greedy and selfish. I regret not being able to
save my child’s life, I’m such a failure as a parent.
No matter where I am, I gained my reputation, a bad reputation and forever I shall be remembered for I
am Dingbang Dun, the warrior who failed to protect his country and his family.
* * *