Whenever you would try and reminisce or recall the sequence of events that happened next, a haze always descended on the tapestry of your memories. You remember flashes.
Seeing the crazed and enraged Ge Maiyu racing into the burning manor of her ancestors.
The anger.
The wail of dismay you let out upon seeing Lu Lingqi collapse next to you, dagger bedded in her upper back.
The anger.
The shouts of Pi Lei, Yi Cao and others as they dashed into the garden and helped you up.
The anger.
The sheer wave of relief you feel, hearing Lu Lingqi splutter and cough, her eyelids flickering.
Elation over finally getting your hard earned revenge. Disappointment that it ended so quickly.
The agony of repeating the wails of Dappled Cloud over and over. The black pit in your gut you feel knowing your beloved companion, the loyal steed who carried you to many victories... the last gift from your father, perished in such a way.
Anger at Ge Lang. Anger at Ge Maiyu. Anger at the lot of them.
Getting placed on a horse and taken back to Xinshen. Exhaustion overtaking you, sweat beading and mixing with blood. Trying to ignore the pain from your injuries.
The sensation of utter
contempt you feel for Chu Yan, and your annoyance you granted him such a swift death. How
dare he attempt to lecture you in such a nonsensical, preening way? What
right did a murdering, thieving cur like he have to attempt to take any kind of moral stance?
Ge Maiyu daring to spit out those words. Calling you a villain. You, of all people. A villain? You are not so humble to admit that all your deeds done over the last days, weeks, months, seasons have been towards heroic ends and goals. What villainy did she speak of? Certainly nothing compared to the machinations and plotting of her clan. How dare she?
How dare
any of them?
You were Liang Shu.
The Soaring Hawk.
Saviour of Xinshen.
Avenger of your father, Liang Qi.
Bringer of righteousness.
Hero.
How dare she continue to spew such lies to you from those wicked lips of hers? All you had ever known of her, all she had ever said to you were nothing more than falsehoods upon falsehoods, even now, at the end.
How dare her contemptuous grandfather orchestrate all this corruption and disorder and death and misery, and for what means?
How dare fate not allow you your full, desired,
earned end over Chu Yan and the Ge? You had it all planned out, somewhere in a darker, shadowy recess of your mind. You would make them all suffer and
burn and
scream until you were satiated. This was too quick, and for all you knew, some of the Ge still lived. Ge Maiyu had seemingly chosen to toss herself on the pyre rather than face your judgement, but the rest... And Chu Yan, your brave, valiant, strong, wise father had been bested by a foolish jester of a man?
The heat of the moment had allowed reason to take over from your emotions and desires. It was practical and sound logic to drive your blade through his heart whilst he was helpless, to finish this whole affair in a single thrust, but you had earned
so much more, you
deserved more.
How can getting your revenge and achieving your objectives still have you feeling so
hollow?
How dare them.
How
dare them for hurting Lu Lingqi.
How dare them.
=====
You find yourself, sitting on a stool in the hall of Xinshen's administration palace, giving your full and detailed report of the skirmish. Everything is told, from bandits waving your banners slaying villagers and farmers, to the Ge's own household guards and militias attacking you, to the death of Chu Yan and the actions of Ge Maiyu. Your words are spoken almost automatically, your voice low. You desperately try and clear your mind, and give the gathered assembly and council a mask of calmness and professionalism. The prefect and his staff are here, as are your friends, retainers and adjutants. You can't let any of them know what you are thinking. You do feel a strong sense of relief and gratitude that apparently Lu Lingqi's injuries were not life threatening, her armour blunting most of the blow, and she was whisked away to the care of the county's best physician. If she had died there in such a disgraceful manner, you would never have forgiven yourself.
You occasionally wince instinctively, as a physician to your right applies ointments or treatments to injuries and bandages cuts as you address the council. To your left, a young maid uses a wet cloth to wipe your forehead and face of the sweat, mud, grime and the blood of Chu Yan.
"That is all." You conclude your account, as the last of your cuts is bandaged up, and the maid adjusts your robes to a more presentable state. "I can only apologise that I was unable to bring the villain Chu Yan, or any members of the treasonous Ge clan back alive for the Prefect's judgement. For that, I ask forgiveness." You give a solemn bow to Zhang Xiu, who has sat quietly, listening.
"My thanks, Commandant Liang Shu." Zhang Xiu replies simply and curtly. There is something odd about his expression that you notice. His features seem torn, as if he is hiding something, or withdrawing some information.
"It is through my own reckless actions that I believe that unnecessary risks were taken, and Chu Yan was unable to be captured."
"Nonsense, brother! You are a true hero!" Zhu Fang stands up with a shout. "For you to personally drive your blade into the heart of that scum Chu Yan, not only have brought peace to the spirit of your father, but you have proven yourself as a man without measure!"
"Oh, to hear the news that uncle has been avenged, such sweet words, dear cousin!" Liang Da exclaims. "At last, that villain who caused such agony to our clan has been brought to heel! It is only fitting that you struck him down in such a way, a way that will go down in the annals for sure!"
Zhang Liao gives a slight nod. "Chu Yan was the lynchpin of the Heishan coalition. With his death, and their recent defeats, then it is only a matter of inevitability before their alliance collapses utterly."
"We should capitalise on this immediately!" Gongsun Ye speaks up. "The manuals of war suggest that a weakened foe must be pounced upon before they recover. I humbly suggest we take a contingent of cavalry and strike them hard and fast, to complete our victory!"
"I'll lead the charge myself!" Zhu Fang offers boisterously. "No need for you to do more, Liang Shu! You should rest, whilst I finish off those damned brigands."
"I believe that I should also command a force here. I have experience in raiding these bandit encampments." Zhang Liao also suggests.
"Garharhar! Alright then! Guess we'll have to see who can take the most merits, Zhang Liao! Let us carve through whatever outlaw chiefs and bosses are left, and create a mountain of their heads to appease all those they murdered!"
Huan Jue, the Imperial Army captain who Zhu Fang had convinced to lend you aid, takes his chance to speak up. "Now that the brigand leader has been dispatched, it should not be too much effort to restore order to this county at long last. I shall soon return to the camp of General Lu Zhi to continue our war against the scarf clad rebels who have risen up in defiance of our great Han. Any and all volunteer forces willing to take up arms in this noble and just cause shall be greatly appreciated and commendated."
You hear a few words and affirmations and nods. The one in the council who is nodding most enthusiastically at this, you notice, is none other than Zhu Fang.
"If I may, there is something I do not understand." Xu Jian raises a hand to his chin. "The Ge clan have enjoyed wealth, prosperity and influence in the county for four or five generations at least. What...what exactly drove them to do such a thing? To corrupt the local offices, to manipulate the other gentry clans, to consort with bandits... What did they have to gain, what goal did they have?"
"Their machinations have gone undetected for years." Yu Zhong speaks up, at last, sleeves crossed together. "I fear that this is a problem endemic to the world at whole, not merely contained in our local county of Xinshen. Whatever the goals of the Ge were, however, they were able to bring discord to the land, but also brought us all together like this, for which we should be grateful. After all, is it not true that it is only in hard times that the true character of men can shine? Each man here has been granted an opportunity to perform great deeds for the Han and were given a chance to show their true ability, all thanks to this little insurrection." He smiles proudly. "As for everything else, well, we do have Ge Dejun squatting in one of the county cells, right? A preening ignoramus he may unfortunately be, but if we are lucky, he may be privy to some of his family's designs."
You give Yu Zhong a nod. "Yes. I very much would like to see Ge Dejun."
Perhaps something can be salvaged to satiate you. "Prefect Zhang, before we proceed with other matters, I advise that Ge Dejun is brought before this council, and a court is held."
The prefect lets out a rather pained sigh and a tut, standing up and shaking his head. He rubs his forehead with a grumble, before speaking. "There has regretfully been...an incident. Commandant Liang, not long after you lead your forces out of the city... Well..."
For the first time since you met him, Zhang Xiu seems utterly unsure of himself, troubled and perturbed.
"What is it, Prefect?" You ask him, standing up yourself. You speak with raised voice, and authority befitting your new rank. "Is there something the council must know?"
Sighing again, Zhang Xiu looks to you with a frowned face. "It would perhaps be easier to show you, Commandant Liang. We shall adjourn this meeting for now, I suggest everyone get whatever rest you can, and prepare your men." He flicks his cape. "Commandant Liang, if you would like to follow me? Hmm... perhaps Yu Zhong, Zhang Liao and Zhu Fang would like to accompany us?"
Giving unsure expressions to your friends, you wait until all others leave the chambers of the hall, before you follow the Prefect, having no idea what he wanted to show you, or what to expect.
==
You find yourself in a part of the administrative palace you had never been before. You are lead down, down past storerooms and cellars and servant's quarters, down again until you reach the dimly lit prison of Xinshen. A stench of mildew and damp hay and human leavings assault your nostrils as a guard leads your party into the cramped cell area of the jail, as well as the unmistakable aroma of fresh blood. The corridor is cramped, with a few cells lined up on either side, each of them full. Most of them are occupied by the gangs of louts and troublemakers and Heishan agents that Lu Lingqi had rounded up over the last month, and a few jeers are heard as you pass them by. You immediately notice something is wrong. There are sprays of claret blood all over the floor, and the furthest cell is wide open, and empty aside from a bed of hay.
"What happened here, Prefect Zhang? Where is Ge Dejun?" You ask. "Wait, did he somehow escape?"
Zhang Xiu rubs his temples, and moves to one of the cells. "You." He extends a finger to one of the fellows inside, a rag clad individual with a broken nose and a few teeth missing - gifts granted by Lu Lingqi, you imagine. "Tell Commandant Liang exactly what you told me. Now, quickly."
The captive spits at the floor, and pushes past his fellow prisoners before pressing his face to the bars. "Heh, alright. Well, like I said before, not that long ago some kid with a long beard and a bow comes in here. He takes his bow and fills all the guards with arrows, one after another, before they can even grab their swords." He says to you, with an ugly smirk. "Me and the lads all cheer and ask 'im to free us, but he ignores us all and goes to the last cell. He busts it open and drags out that posh prick who had been tossed in there just before. Still has his nice fancy robes on and his hair all neat and everythin'! The guy with the bow has him by the arm and pulls him out and away. By the time the shift change for the guards 'appens, they've long gone!"
The captive criminal lets out a chuckle as you step away, looking back to Prefect Zhang Xiu with a shocked frown.
"Ge Dejun... Ge Dejun has escaped?" Escaped under
his watch. "Then the person who killed the guards and rescued him was... it was..."
"Taishi Ci! You bastard!" Zhu Fang roars, punching the cell bars so fiercely that those prisoners within scream and withdraw to the far walls. "I knew, I KNEW that he couldn't be trusted! Zhang Liao!" He pokes him rather hard in the shoulder. "Didn't I tell you that the long bearded dastard wasn't to be trusted?! Look at what he's done! The villain!"
Zhang Liao clenches a fist. "To see such an able and skilled individual perform such misbegotten acts, all to save an unworthy master... it is quite a pity."
"A pity?!" You shout, "He's murdered guards, and aided in the escape of a criminal, a traitor! He's as guilty as those dogs locked up in that cell, if not more so! The real
pity is that he is not here so I can't ring his treasonous neck myself!"
"Rest assured, Liang Shu." Zhang Liao looks to you, and speaks with the conviction only he can muster. "Should my path crosses with Taishi Ci once more, I promise you that he will not survive."
"We need to search the city at once!" You order. "They cannot have gotten far. Someone here in Xinshen must be harbouring and hiding them!"
"Worry not, I already have trusted men searching every house, barn, manor, shop and tavern in the town." Zhang Xiu says softly, trying to soothe and calm you. "Should they still be within the walls, they shall soon be found. However, I fear during the time this incident happened, a fresh wave of refugees poured in each of the city gates. Had the fugitives used that opportunity, I am afraid to say that they may easily have fled the town unseen..."
Yu Zhong tuts and tsks. "I suppose the pockets of the Ge do run deep to arrange such a rescue, either that or the man had other motives for saving Ge Dejun. Either way, what of the rest of the Ge supporters in the city, and Dejun's adjutants and companions? Could they be a part of this, or know where Taishi Ci may have taken him?"
"All were being interviewed by Jia Xu or others at the time. They could not have helped, and all genuinely seemed as surprised as we were when they found out." Zhang Xiu explains. "Besides, it seems all are honestly ignorant of any machinations or conspiracies, aside from those related to the Cuan and Huo clans, the client families and inlaws to the Ge who are still under some suspicion."
You punch a wall so hard your knuckles start to bleed. "Ge Dejun has actually managed to escape? I cannot believe this!" You wail. "Are none of their vile family ever going to receive the public justice they truly deserve?"
"Calm down, Liang Shu." Yu Zhong says to you. "Their name will forever be worse than mud, I can promise you that. History will remember them for the scheming fools they truly are. Besides, Ge Dejun was an ignoramus and a fop, I strongly doubt he was aware at all of his grandfather's ploys and goals. We'd have learned little from him. Someone like him also lacks the imagination, will and talent to actually make any great plans for himself. Once the coin he has no doubt promised this bearded mercenary of his runs dry, then he'll be naught but food for the dogs and crows before long."
"Yeah, don't let this dampen your victory, Liang Shu! C'mon, you should be celebrating!" Zhu Fang grabs you by the shoulders, hoists you up for a second, and shakes you. "So one little snake crawled away, who cares? Chu Yan is dead! You've won! WE'VE all won! Once we finish the job, we can celebrate, and drink until we puke! So, don't act so mopey, it's not like you."
You give them both slight smiles, as Zhu Fang sets you down. "You are both right. Perhaps I just need a bit of rest."
"Once this bandit affair is over and done with, all living conspirators will face the full hammer of the Han justice system." Zhang Xiu says to you, reassuringly. "Ge Dejun will not escape for long. All nearby counties and commandaries will be told he is a fugitive."
You do let out a sigh of relief, and find your blood cooling a little. "That is good to know. Well, this is unfortunate, but we cannot let this be a set back. We must maintain morale, and await our enemy's next move. Hopefully, they collapse once news of Chu Yan's demise reaches them, but in case they continue to march, we must be prepared."
"On that note, you should probably mind your own injuries until you recover, and take a chance to get some respite." Yu Zhong suggests, as your group starts to depart the dingy jail.
"Yeah, and I bet you'll want to check up on Lu Lingqi too, right, brother?"
"That I would, Zhu Fang. That I would."
==
Xinshen's head physician, Ru Fei, had been ordered to prioritise the recovery and care of Lu Lingqi over all else. You had been told to put faith in the old doctor's abilities, and he had even served as a tutor and master to your own young physician. Still, as soon as you are able to, you make your way to her quarters, and patiently wait until you are permitted entry. Finally, finally her maids permit passage to her chambers. There, lying in her bed is Lu Lingqi. She is pale, and her hair loose. Bruises and cuts caused by Ge Maiyu still mar her features. Strange smells of incense and herbs waft from a bubbling pot on a fire, stirred occasionally by the old surgeon.
"Lu Lingqi..." You softly exclaim, bending down next to her bed.
She lets out a splutter, before opening her eyes, turning her head slowly to look at you. "Hey. Wow, you look terrible, Shu." She says, weakly but with a faint strength to her voice.
"Thank heavens you are alive... I really thought..." Tears well in your eyes. "If anything had happened, then I do not know what I would do. I am so, so sorry, this is all my fault for being reckless..."
"Shut up, Bird Boy. Shut up! Ngh!" With a groan, she sits up a bit in the bed. "Don't talk like that, and wipe your eyes. I am a warrior, remember." She lets out another cough. "It is only right for warriors to get hurt in battle, and obtain scars. Looks like I finally have one or two to show off...!"
"But...but Lingqi, you could have died...I really thought that something awful had happened, and I never ever wanted you to be hurt... If you died, then I would have never forgiven myself, and I would have blamed myself until the end of my days."
She frowns at you. "Did you...ow...did you forget, Shu? This is what I wanted! To be a real fighter, to be free to make my own choices, and my own mistakes! If I did die there, then I'd have died
happy, because I'd have died saving
you! Don't say such foolish things..."
"Seeing you lying like this though, in pain, I can barely stand it. There has to be something that I can do!"
"The physician says I will be fine soon. Apparently an injury like that would have paralyzed or crippled most, or at least cause severe damage, but he expects me to make a full recovery soon. I'm made of sterner stuff, see!" She forces a grin. "Sorry, Shu, looks like you're stuck with me, and you're going to have to put up with me for a while more!"
You wipe your tears with your sleeve, as she raises a hand with a grunt to touch your cheek. "That...that is amazing to hear, truly! Just please promise me you
will rest and recover, and do not even think about doing anything heroic until the doctor says so, Lingqi." You give her a smile. "No more tossing shields or diving in front of me until you feel better, understood? That's a command!"
"Ooh, a command, eh? Yes, lord commandant, sir!" She weakly smiles, teasingly, "You better stay safe yourself, then. If I'm here lying in bed, then there's no last second rescues for when you inevitably find yourself in mortal peril once more! If I find out you do anything too risky or foolish then I...I...I...ow. Ungh."
"I promise I won't be too dashing or daring without you to witness me, my lady."
"Har har. Still got that cheek of yours, Bird Boy..." You see some colour return to her cheeks, as she lays back, smiling.
"Lady Lu, your medicine is ready." A maid calls, bring forth a steaming cup. You wrinkle your nostrils as you are ushered away from the bed. Whatever it is, it smells
vile.
"Ugh. Do I have to?" Lu Lingqi whines. "That stuff tastes awful..."
"Come, come, my lady, I told you that you need eight doses of this daily to ensure a full recovery. " The elderly physician, Ru Fei, says, following the maid and wagging his finger. "Just because you possess an unnatural constitution, that does not mean you invincible. Drink it whilst it is hot, or the tincture will lose its potency."
She cringes at it, poking her tongue out at the physician. "Unghh. No, I'd rather not. It stinks!" As the maid brings the cup to the bed, Lu Lingqi shuts her eyes and turns away.
You can't help but smirk. She can be just as immature as Liang Zhen, sometimes, despite all her bravery and posturing.
"Oh, the brave Lady Lu Lingqi finally meets her match!" You fold your arms and quip, teasingly. "The peerless warrior, brought low by a cup of medicine! I thought she was dauntless and had courage without peer, but it appears I was mistaken! Pity...such a pity...!"
A puppy like growling noise comes from her, as she turns around and glares at you. "S-shut up, Liang Shu! Don't mock me like that! I will show you I'm not scared!" She snatches the cup of warm medicine from her maid, and with no hesitation, quaffs it down.
You give her a satisfied grin.
Her face goes red and her eyes slowly widen. Her features contort as a reaction to the taste. "Ptew...ptew..." She splutters, her tongue poking out again, "Blech... S-such a cruel man you are, Liang Shu... Blech... tricking a bedridden lady into doing such a thing!"
You cannot help but let out a genuine laugh. "Physician, if Lady Lu ever hesitates again when her dosages are due, be sure to summon me at once! I will not leave until the lady has drunk every last drop!"
"If I knew you...ugh...knew you were going to torture me, I'd have let Ge Maiyu hit you!"
The both of you share laughs, and by the time you are ushered out to let Lu Lingqi get some rest, you feel a degree of tension and the weight of some stress has been taken off of you.
==
"Hey, Shu!" The ever boisterous voice of Zhu Fang shouts out, moments after you leave the company of Lu Lingqi. He immediately looks you up and down. "Harhar, you look like shit! Keep up the look, soon everyone will call ME the handsome one! Gar har!"
"I must look worse than I thought if
that comparison is being made." You give him a dry smirk. "Anything I can help you with, Fang?"
He chuckles. "Heh heh, good, you're smilin' again at least. I'm just here to volunteer to escort you back to your office, "Commandant!" Going to make sure you actually get some rest."
"An escort is not required, however I would appreciate walking and chatting with a friend." You say to him as you set off through the palace.
"Great, because I need to tell you to leave the rest of the fightin' to me, Zhang Liao, the others...but mostly me! You can rely on me and trust me, Liang Shu!" Zhu Fang says to you as you walk the corridors. "If any of those thugs dare to come any closer to Xinshen, I'll send 'em packing with one swing of my axe! You don't have to do everything yourself, remember."
"I certainly would not want to deny you any chances for glory or meritorious deeds, my friend. If anyone deserves chances to prove yourself, it is you for sure. I would never have gotten far at all, I do not think, had we not met at that byroad last year... Our lives truly changed after that fateful meeting."
"Yeah, and that brings me to something, Shu." Zhu Fang suddenly stops in his tracks. He gives you a look that is extremely serious, as serious as the one he had when he admitted his feelings for Liang Zhen, your youngest sister. "Once this is finally done with, once we bring peace to Xinshen, drive away those bandits, and have a damn good celebration, then there is something that I have decided I will do."
"What's that, Fang?" You ask, curiously.
"I finally know what I want to do! I am going to follow Captain Huan and join the Imperial Army, along with any of the lads who want to join me! I've already fought alongside them before in a few battles, and I feel like I can make a
real difference, you know? It's like what Yu Zhong said earlier, these times cause men to find their true selves and show their true characters. All over the world, those Yellow Turban bastards are rebelling! Countless people, INNOCENT people are dying or losing their homes. It's like what is happening here, but so much bigger. Captain Huan has already said General Lu will ensure I get a rank and that I will be given an opportunity to prove myself. You already have so many opportunities, such as joining Ding Yuan or Dong Zhuo or whoever else, so this might be my chance!"
"Is this...is that what you actually want, Fang?" You wonder.
He gives you a nod. "I want a chance to prove myself, Liang Shu. Prove I'm not just some strongman from a small village, prove I'm not just a brute...or a thug! I want to show everyone I can be something more! I want to prove I'm worthy enough to call you my brother!"
"You've already done that, at least." You give him a reassuring smile, "I am more than proud to endorse you and Liang Zhen and call you brother, and who can doubt your skills on the battlefield?"
"Well, I need to prove it to myself, at least. I have thought about this quite hard, Shu, put some time into it. Maybe I could just return home or even follow you wherever you go, but if I have a chance to not only make a real difference but also really make a name for myself, I need to take it!"
You are quite surprised, and also impressed by your friend's convictions and determination. He seems genuinely serious about this, and it seems like he has already made up his own mind. You have yet to make your own decision about what you want to truly do once this bandit problem is fully quelled. On one hand, having Zhu Fang at your side wherever you go will present to you immense advantages that go without saying - a trusted warrior and loyal and capable leader of men as your second will be useful regardless of where you go and what you do. On the other hand, denying his own desires may be costly in the long term, especially as he seems absolutely so determined about this. Besides, even if he leaves your service temporarily, your bonds of friendship are not so easily severed, nor is his engagement to your beloved youngest sister. Having him as a distant ally could prove useful, as well.
How do you react to this news?
[] Refuse to allow him to go, remind Zhu Fang that he is your retainer and he is sworn to you.
[] Disappointed, try and persuade him to rethink this and not to be too rash or hasty.
[] Neutral, whatever Zhu Fang does is up to him, his life is his to live.
[] Supportive, tell Zhu Fang that whatever he decides to do, you will support it however you can.
[] Encouraging, truthfully you think this is a beneficial outcome, you will even write a letter of commendation of Zhu Fang to General Lu Zhi, and allow him to take as many men with him that are willing.
==
Late that day, as the sun begins to dip, painting the spring skies a canvas of oranges and pinks, a report from Cao Xing and your other scouts arrives. The bandit coalition, after some hesitation, has resumed its advance south through the county. Soon, they have made three camps just north of the city, just on the outskirts beyond your own encampment. All soldiers and guards are withdrawn beyond the city walls, all remaining farmers and peasants outside are ushered inside, and both gates are shut tight. The city of Xinshen is fit to burst, full of soldiers and civilians and refugees alike, far beyond its capacity. It is starkly clear that if the bandits intend for a long siege, you lack the supplies to last for too long. Still, no movement comes from the three camps, not even any raiding attempts on the nearby farms and fields. As the sun continues to slowly set, a calm sense of unease begins.
"Persistent bastards." You mutter under your breath as you stand atop the north wall of the city, gazing out over the plains to the camps in the distance. The walls of Xinshen are not particularly high or thick, being only a county city, and you cannot help but wonder if the bandits intend to storm them.
"Ah, Liang Shu, there you are." The familiar tones of Yu Zhong call out, as your advisor approaches. "Goodness, you look terrible. I thought you were told to rest?"
"Yu Zhong," You give him a nod, "How can I rest when our enemies continue to advance on us, despite every set back? Even with Chu Yan's head hanging on the city gate, they keep coming."
The strategist gives a chuckle. "Still thinking of the here and now? I am already looking far ahead at the future, Liang Shu. This rabble will soon be dealt with, do not concern yourself too much with the last gasps of a dying dog."
"I suppose this will be our last battle here then, Yu Zhong."
"Indeed. After the battle, I shall take some time to gather my belongings and sort out some affairs, before I ride south. I intend to cross the river, and head for Luoyang." He explains, smiling somewhat. "The last wave of refugees brought with them rumours that his Imperial Majesty has made the wise decision to make a decree offering full amnesty for all Partisan families and clans. Apparently, there is a dire need for talented scholars, and a fear that learned men will join this Yellow Turban Rebellion. I would be a fool not to waste this opportunity, Liang Shu."
You open your mouth, but he immediately interjects.
"There is nothing you can say, my friend, that will sway my course. This is my destined path, this is all that I desire. The corruption of Ge Lang and the banditry of Chu Yan...these are just a tiny reflection of the true quagmire, like a drop of rain reflecting a great sea. Everything I have learned here, every leverage I have, I will use to gain myself a position in the capital city."
"Quite ambitious. You are of course, correct, there is far more work to do beyond Xinshen."
"Indeed, Liang Shu. Talented men like us can thrive in times of woe. It would be shameful for us to ignore the call, especially after all we have done so far. All the fame we have, we must use to help us sway the world. We are fated to walk a long path, a difficult path, but that is the price one must pay for ambition."
"Are we truly in such dreadful times, Yu Zhong?" You turn to look to him with a frown.
"The people cry out for heroes, Liang Shu. It is said it is inevitable that this land will one day be divided, that the Mandate will seek another. Should that happen in our lifetimes, we must be prepared to act. I dare not suggest we live in an era of disaster, but if we do, then men like you and I can perhaps thrive."
You scowl at his choice of words. "Thriving in disaster? I do not hope you will not be the next to call me a villain, Yu Zhong."
He laughs, patting you on the shoulder. "Haha! Of course not! However, dear Ge Maiyu
does have quite a way with words, does she not? It'd be a shame not to use them and allow them to get discarded to the dusts of time." He adjusts his sleeves. "But let us not get too ahead of ourselves. You are of course, right. We do still need to think about the present, whilst our lives are still in danger."
Giving him a nod, you look back out at the plains. "What do you suspect they will do next?"
"Chu Yan being dead makes this a little easier to predict." He says, proudly. "With their figurehead and schemer decapitated, their cohesion will be holding together by a mere thread. I truly suspect they will have one last gambit, one last act of desperation left, one last attack to justify all their losses."
"So they will besiege us?"
"Not quite. Thanks to Lady Lu Lingqi's efforts, and of course my own, we already know of their last gambit."
Of course, the agents Lu Lingqi rounded up. They planned to cause a riot in the city, set fire to armouries and barracks, cause confusion at night and throw open the city gates. Not only had this ploy been uncovered, but you had given Yu Zhong permission to work on a counter measure...
"If they go through with their plan, we are prepared, then?"
"Yes. I checked up on a few things earlier. The brief downpour we had was thankfully not enough to dampen our efforts. The Heavens smile on the heroic. Auspicious indeed!" Yu Zhong waves a finger.
"Of course, we could just take advantage of their lack of cohesion and morale that is surely low." You say to him. "We merely need to take out one of their camps, I imagine, before the rest topple and flee. A concentrated charge on their weakest point will utterly destroy them, I am certain of it."
He nods, but lets out a sigh. "You are correct, of course, but that's not quite as
fun, is it? Liang Shu, we have won enough battles with daring charges and cavalry movements. Let us show the world we are capable of truly clever schemes, too? Just like Zhang Liang of old! I implore you, allow me to use my preparation to deliver you a glorious, final victory, at no expense to your own troops! Once I unleash my plan, it will be a perfect time to run down the rest and crush their camps. Let this be my gift to you, Liang Shu - and by granting me this chance, you will be doing me many favours yourself."
What do you do about the bandit camps?
[] Entrust this to Yu Zhong's plan. He is prepared and seems confident. Use all your hard work to reverse the final schemes of the Heishan bandits, and counter them spectacularly.
[] There is no need for fancy tricks and ploys, you are tired of all of this. Surely, by now, the bandit coalition is close to breaking, you just need to give them one last shove. Have your forces storm their weakest camp in force, and knock them out, one by one.
[] You worry there is some other scheme or ploy at play here, or further trap. Prepare Xinshen for a conventional siege, and be patient.
Everyone says you should rest...should you really listen to them?
[] You can rest when this is done. You will command the troops from the front as you always have. How can you rest when victory is at hand?
[] You will lead the troops, but you will remain in the back away from the fighting unless you really are needed. You cannot risk further injury or exhaustion at your moment of triumph.
[] Perhaps you really should rest and recover. Entrust all of this to Zhu Fang, Yu Zhong, Zhang Liao and the rest. Trust your friends and officers to finish the job for you.
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