The capital of the Celestial Empire greeted the brave soldiers with silent tired glances and unspoken questions frozen on the pale lips of people exhausted by hunger and fear. The common people, who did not understand the plans of the great Emperor, looked at the marching army as if at a pack of wild wolves. Other people's loud goals were far from those who only wanted to live in peace.
Wei Huan did not dare lower his gaze or bow his head, but his hands clenched the reins until they rattled. He understood the feelings of people for whom the sprouts in the fields were much more important than the expansion of state borders. For them, the furious policies of the Emperor seemed to be the lust for power and self-satisfaction. The taxes spent on feeding the army caused nothing but sorrowful lamentations.
Wei Huan wished he had a right to somehow show his disrespect and doubts, for he was one of the pawns in the hands of the Emperor. With their help the ruler carried out his long-term plans.
On the other hand, Yu Bing Han, observing the skinny and impoverished people, looked indifferent and calm. He showed neither bitterness, nor guilt, or regret. However, there was no trace of disgust or hostility on his face either, and therefore it was not possible to understand what this handsome youth was thinking about.
The next one, a little further away from his faithful friend, Jin Yu Ming, watched Bing Han. He knew what was going on in Wei Huan's soul, but he could not split the adviser, no matter how hard he tried. He developed the habit of studying people as soon as he began serving in the army as a scout, and the habit remained even after receiving the rank of captain.
Yu Ming was never mistaken in his conclusions and often helped Wei Huan catch traitors and spies, but Yu Bing Han aroused ambivalent feelings in the commander from the moment he appeared. He never allowed himself to be doubted, but it was precisely this excessive correctness that alarmed him.
Repeatedly, Jin Yu Ming tried to share his conjectures with Huan but restrained himself, because he remembered the fate of his friend and his sad loneliness for the good of his homeland.
The presence of Bing Han was a salvation for the general and Yu Ming understood this, not wanting to upset Wei Huan with unsubstantiated assumptions. Still, the cautious general trusted Bing Han, so for the sake of his sworn brother in arms, Jin Yu Ming also continued to believe in the integrity of the counselor, suppressing the disturbing forebodings that arose.
After all, he is only a mere mortal. And human beings make mistakes. Besides only the Eight are given the ability to see the true face of a person.
***
The sound of the footsteps echoed off the magnificent patterned walls of the throne room; the reflection of gold, standing out against the background of mahogany, sparkled in the military uniform polished to a shine. Painted vases and elaborate canvases were a delight to the eye, the intoxicating aroma of incense spread throughout the room, and jade figurines of divine animals took their proper places near the imperial throne.
On the long sandalwood table were carefully arranged all the things the Emperor needed: every book, every wooden plank or brush expressed the constant balance prescribed to be observed by the Eight.
– Your Majesty, General Wei Huan has arrived at your command and expresses his deep respect.
– Military Counselor Yu Bing Han also greets His Majesty and wishes him health and long years of reign.
The bowed men did not see the face of the monarch, but they heard him slowly descending the stairs to come closer.
– Rise up, – he ordered in a voice filled with pride. – Such faithful subjects as yourself, who brought us so many wonderful victories, should not bow their heads.
– Thank His Majesty for his mercy! – the voices of Wei Huan and Bing Han merged in simultaneous gratitude.
Wei Huan was the first to look up at the man for whom he spent many years on the battlefield, not seeing the trouble happening in the capital. The Emperor smiled sincerely, and the general quietly clenched his hand into a fist, suppressing his uninvited thoughts. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't block them.
Seeing that Huan was not going to start a conversation, Yu Bing Han politely folded his palms and allowed himself to be the first to speak:
– Your Majesty, have you received the reports?
– Yes. We have already ordered to strengthen the defenses at the southern towers, as well as to increase the number of patrols.
– His Majesty is wise, -Bing Han smiled. – May I ask His Magesty to allow me to join in strengthening the defense of the palace and the capital walls?
The Emperor condescendingly moved his hand to the side, as if opening up unlimited possibilities for the young man.
– Certainly. Also, take care of the secret passages. They must be repaired as soon as possible. Leave only one spare in case of unforeseen circumstances.
– Yes, Your Majesty.
Emperor still stood smiling, but Wei Huan, who was carefully listening to the dialogue, could no longer remain silent. The monarch was an intelligent and careful man, so Huan still saw him as a reasonable leader capable of correcting the plight of his people. Now he was going to give him such an opportunity and sincerely hoped to hear prudence in response, for it was beyond his strength to believe that all these years he had followed the tyrant.
Wei Huan bowed deeply, thereby attracting attention to himself, and said decisively:
– Your Majesty, may this one speak freely?
– What is it, Huan?
– Thank His Majesty for his mercy, – the man touched the hilt of his sword with his palm, looking up at the Emperor. – This one begs His Majesty to allow him to try negotiate peace with the Supreme General of the southern Kingdom.
These words instantly forced the Emperor to change his expression. The smile disappeared and coldness appered in his piercing brown eyes. The man put his hands behind his back, lifting his chin to look down at people. Wei Huan persistently held that imperious gaze, showing complete determination to stand his ground.
– Huan, you understand perfectly well that a battle with the southern lands cannot be avoided. When we appointed you as a general, we set a goal: to seize all territories for the glory of our Celestial Empire. You swore us to do this.
– I don't go back on my words, but if we can make the southern lands the vassals of the Empire peacefully, wouldn't that show His Majesty's wish to get victory with little blood?
The Emperor, who was slowly moving up the stairs, stopped, as if pondering the words, but then continued on his way. The plea was left unanswered. Wei Huan understood the difficulties and contradictions this conversation could create, but he did not stop. He knew better than anyone that the angry, hot blood of the southern people could not be pacified so easily by forcing them to surrender, but he did not want to abandon this option.
– The Imperial Army is strong and we have repeatedly returned victorious. – Huan continued. – If the ruler of the Southern Lands weighs everything correctly, he will understand that they cannot break through the defenses to the Capital and defeat us within the walls of our home.
– Your Majesty, General Wei says reasonable things. – Yu Bing Han suddenly bowed down, deciding to break into a conversation.
The Emperor calmly looked down on the Military Counselor from the heigh of his throne.
– Oh, and why do you think so?
– First of all, after long conquests, the ranks of our warriors have noticeably decreased. Their places were taken by young and inexperienced soldiers who had not hardened their weapons in fierce battles. If we release them onto the battlefield, we will suffer meaningless losses that we will not be able to replace so quickly. – Bing Han began to explain his reasons. – In addition, a period of cold weather is coming, and therefore it will become more difficult to feed the army. And it is also not possible to raise taxes – the people might rebel.
The young man looked at the man sitting imposingly, continuing to share his thoughts and reasonable suggestions:
– If General Wei starts negotiations with the Southern Lands, we can take advantage of this moment to strengthen the defense of the Capital and prepare the soldiers. The attempt at peace gives us extra time that is worth taking advantage of. If submission were the outcome, it would be a fine occasion for a feast in honor of yet another victory of His Majesty. – Yu Bing Han allowed himself to smile at the corners of his lips. – However, if the barbarians decide to attack, we will give them a fitting rebuff. This one asks His Majesty to consider the request.
Wei Huan looked towards his Counselor with approval and warmth. He had always been a straightforward and zealous thinker regarding war, but Bing Han had a more flexible approach to such issues, trying to find weaknesses in other aspects, and conveying them with facts and cunning alternatives. Their personalities were very different, but the balance they made together fit amazingly into the teachings of the Eight.
After listening to his subordinates, the Emperor sighed quietly, shaking his head.
– En, Huan-Huan... Sometimes we sincerely regret that we gifted you such talented minion. We'd better left it within the walls of the Palace, don't you think so?
Yu Bing Han bowed politely, to which the monarch waved his hand, wordlessly ordering his subject cease formalities. The pause lasted for quite a long time, while the monarch was thinking over Bing Han's monologue.
– We give you our permission for negotiations. Wei Huan, you must report every demand of the other party. Yu Bing Han, you are in charge of strengthening the city's defenses.
At the same time, the voices heard were filled with determination and undisguised relief:
– His Majesty is wise! We thank His Majesty!
After speaking with the Emperor, Wei Huan and Yu Bing Han almost immediately left the throne room. They discussed nothing other than the current military situation, as well as the Emperor's desire to hold a ceremony for the Eight, which the general and Counselor were required to attend. Until this moment, Huan was forbidden to take any action regarding the negotiations, which did not suit the man, but he tactfully remained silent. The ritual was scheduled for the evening, so Bing Han was able to convince Wei Huan to wait a few hours. Eventually, rushing into such a delicate matter would not bring a positive result.
At this point, the young people went their ways. Yu Bing Han decided to check the layout of the secret tunnels leading to the palace in advance, and Wei Huan took the opportunity to go out into the city.
Leaving behind his military uniform, he dressed in a simple gray hanfu and quietly left the chambers allocated to him. The man's thoughts were filled with the mournful faces of the exhausted peasants, which he could not simply forget. Since the beginning of the military expansion, Wei Huan rarely returned to the "heart" of the Celestial Empire. Being practically cut off from what was happening, he knew little about the circumstances in which ordinary people had to live. That is why he wanted to see everything from the point of view of a boy who grew up in the family of a low-ranking officer, not through the eyes of the mask of a fearless general.
***
When Wei Huan was leaving the palace, he knew that he would not see the happy faces and cacophony of joyful voices filling the streets, but he was completely unprepared for the reality that opened before him. Death on the battlefield was a natural and accepted fact that young soldiers agreed to voluntarily. But they did it not only for the sake of the Emperor's ambitions but also for the hope of a better future for the common people. The logic was simple: great power provides great opportunities. Rich resources allowed to reduce taxes and ensure a comfortable life. Expanded territories reduced the needs and replenished food supplies. All this was understandable but unexpectedly turned into irreparable losses.
The Emperor tried to look into the future but neglected the present. The sacrifices of today should have paid off for further posterity. The monarch took but also gave, and this was a real, clever loophole that allowed him to comply with the prescribed laws of the Eight without taking sin on the soul.
Balance.
Harmony.
War and Peace.
Now there was a war, but His Majesty's plans extended far ahead.
This thought made Wei Huan stop in the middle of the street, intermittently inhaling the foul smell of decaying corpses. Emaciated, exhausted, and impoverished residents would from time to time fall dead in the streets. And their bodies left to rot under the burning rays of the sun.
Some of the Imperial Soldiers patrolling these places threw the corpses into carts and took them away somewhere, but in most cases, the peasants themselves, who still had strength left, took away their once acquaintances, friends, and relatives to bury them outside the city walls.
When Huan was returning with the army, they walked along the main street, which is why they did not see the terrifying sights hidden in the gateways, causing vomiting and making the limbs go numb.
The only thing that was now holding Wei Huan back from showing emotions was his trained self-control. He spent many years in battle, which is why he was able to cope with the anger and regret growing inside. However, his heart, being neither of stone nor steel, bled and ached.
– Come back! Come back now!
An alien voice, high and cracking, attracted Wei Huan's attention, distracting him from his dark thoughts. The man looked around, noticing the movement on the opposite side of the street. A small group of boys, thin, but tall and agile, were chasing someone no less nimble and agile. The teenagers had the stones in their hands, which they periodically threw, trying to hit the runner. But the said kid successfully dodged.
Wei Huan frowned and hurried to catch up with the hooligans. He intended to stop the bloodshed and the appearance of another corpse on these dirty streets.