257 BCE
STATE OF ZHAO: YE CITY
DEN POU POV
"...He really did?" Den Pou asked, after his body went stiff for a moment. His eyes turned away from the horizon and back to Jo Rin, who nodded with a slight smirk. The war with Wei had come to an end, and Zhao reinforcements were coming to relieve the army. Soon they will be back in Chuuzan to rest and recover.
Jo Rin nodded, "He did, the Young Master spoke of taking the northern region." Hearing the words of Jo Rin, Den Pou turned to the man's twin brother, Jo Shou. The man was as stunned as Den Pou was, and there was no doubt that this was Jo Shou's first time hearing it.
"To take the northern region…" Jo Shou said with a faraway look in his eyes, "And he didn't add that he wanted to take it for the king?" The words were treasonous, and should any loyal to the royal family of Zhao hear it, there was the serious possibility that each of their limbs would be torn apart.
Jo Rin shook his head but said nothing further; they could not know if the walls had ears. There were spies loyal to the royal family in the army, even as they carried out what Sei Chou called 'Pest control' many times over. There were still some that slipped through the net.
"Hmm, we will not speak further on this… Let's bring it to Lord Gyou'un and Chou Garyuu. After their verdict, we will naturally plan our steps," Den Pou said, the twins nodding in agreement.
With that, the three of them left the room. Den Pou sighed lightly as he saw the moonlight. "Any day now, and the reinforcements will be here." The Zhao royal court was sending many armies to secure the border and defend against future invasions from the Wei.
"Well done, Den Pou. Those old bones of yours managed to go the extra mile." His young master placed his arm over his shoulder and spoke with a bright grin. Den Pou looked at the reason he fought, the reason why his Lord Gyou'un continued to ready himself for the inevitable wars that he would soon be fighting in. It was all for his reckless young master, who could not sit down for a second.
"Hmph," Den Pou huffed, "If I am so old, why do you continue to try and give me a heart attack with every new reckless plan?" Den Pou replied.
Sei Chou's grin widened, his hand patting his shoulder. "Because I know my soldiers, Den Pou." He couldn't refute that; the previous war with Wei had proven that Sei Chou's movement of the army was second to none, that his planning was frighteningly accurate.
To the point that the younger man managed to plan every single move the Wei army would take.
"I almost died, you know?" Den Pou shot back as they began to walk to where the soldiers had taken residence in Ye City. Sei Chou's eyes searched over his body in faux worry, "I see no injury, has old age made you forget your own body…" Before taking his army away and hitting his palm with his fist. "I get it, you've now become so senile. Your brain can't keep up with your body."
"Damn you," Den Pou started to chase after Sei Chou, who ran off laughing. Den Pou oddly found himself laughing as well, before they both stopped and started walking together in silence.
Until Sei Chou spoke once more, "But truly, Den Pou, thank you. I'm proud to call you one of my commanders." The words, though small, were major in the effect they had. The sincerity and genuine appreciation made him smile. It was times like this that made him truly follow Sei Chou.
"Your plan was excellent, young master." Den Pou replied earnestly.
"Not so perfect, Ba Tou and Tai Ro Ji lived to see another day." Sei Chou replied after clicking his tongue.
"You can't get them all. Besides, who's to say it was not fate that allowed them to survive? There's always a next time." He replied.
"I'm not so sure about that." Sei Chou said doubtfully before smiling and heading off to check up on the soldiers he had not had time to yet; his young master would always check on the soldiers, even going as far as to know each of their names.
It was another special aspect that Sei Chou had, one that made Den Pou even more appreciative.
Three days passed, and then the Zhao, led by Great Heaven Ren Pa, came to relieve them. The first day the Ren Pa stepped into Ye City, a huge banquet was held by the Great Heaven, who proclaimed that Sei Chou was his own foster nephew.
On the second day, Sei Chou had a meeting with Great Heaven Ren Pa and his four heavenly Kings and the day after that, they packed up to return to Chuuzan.
The fame of Sei Chou reached every corner of the world; no one in the middle plains knew his name now. And Den Pou knew they would all be ready to defend themselves against any invasion headed by Sei Chou.
It started to seem that Zhao had started to recover from the tragedy at Chou Hei at the hands of Qin; the deep wounds were beginning to fully heal.
…
STATE OF ZHAO:
SEI CHOU POV
After leaving the frontlines, I decided to take a detour and head for Dai. I wanted to see how the city was doing since it sat close to the border of the Xiongnu. And regularly had to defend against their incursions.
The citizens of Dai gave a hero's welcome, and the Rin family welcomed me and the army graciously. It was not my first time being a guest in Dai, but ever since the passing of Rin Shou Jo, I had not had the time.
My position as commander of the Wei border was handed to the legendary Ren Pa and his four heavenly kings, and it was now up to them to decide what to do with Ye City and the surrounding regions. Though I assumed he would be annoyed that no great battle would find him.
As it did not seem likely that Wei would call for another war with Zhao, especially after successive defeats. The wiser decision would be to halt all wars and lick your wounds before trying once more. But this was the Warring States, and there were many reasons as to why a Kingdom would go to war.
Now, Zhao could raise fresh soldiers and prepare them for future invasion. I believed that the Qin would be making a move soon, though not towards Zhao. Great Heaven Ren Pa had staunchly defended the western region before leaving command to a General named Koku You.
I knew nothing about Koku You, other than that he was beheaded by Kyou of Qin. There was also General Chou Rai, who decided to join Koku You to defend the western border against a future Qin invasion. I also received a royal summons from Kantan, the King of Zhao, who wanted to meet with me in the new year of 256 BCE.
I could guess the title he wished to hand me; there was only one reason the King of Zhao wanted to meet one of his most prodigal Generals. However, I didn't want the title just yet. My words to Shi Ei were not false, and I wanted to take the Northern regions of Zhao.
"I need to find a way for the King to let me rest…" I sighed.
….
257 BCE
STATE OF ZHAO: DAI
Fu Jin POV
"Is there another banquet to be held?"
"Yes, Lord Sei Chou."
"Again? Surely these funds could be better spent?"
"The city wants to celebrate your achievements." Fu Jin heard his Lord huff at the words of Lord Rin, the current head of the House Rin. The man smiled helplessly, showing both his palms, practically saying, 'There's nothing I can do?'
Fu Jin remained silent, watching the byplay as it was not his time to speak at all. "Fine," Sei Chou grumbled, But this is the last one, and to make sure the food supply is suitably filled afterwards, I would despise myself if the city of Lord Rin Shou Jo's family had to suffer any plight."
The man smiled brightly at Sei Chou's words, "It will be done, Lord Sei Chou." Watching the man exit made Fu Jin think about what had just happened. He wondered silently if there was anyone in the world who would turn down a lavish banquet, just because he feared that the people would not have enough to eat weeks and months down the line.
It was crazy, but so endearing.
"Hey, why're you so silent?" His lord asked him.
"Just thinking," Fu Jin would not tell him what he was thinking about, because he knew Sei Chou would just tease him endlessly.
"About what?" replied Sei Chou.
"Fu Tei and my wife." Fu Jin easily replied, Sei Chou only side-eyed him, showing that he did not fully believe his answer but did not question him as to why he lied.
"Missing them? Even I miss Chuuzan, the warmth of my bed and even the work those two slavedrivers put me through." Sei Chou replied, making Fu Jin chuckle.
"How can you make missing your wife and child the same as missing your bed?" Fu Jin replied in amusement.
"I know it's not the same… but the sentiment… I guess?" Sei Chou replied uncertainly, and Fu Jin only chuckled more before continuing the conversation. "Your wife and child, I can't even put it into words."
"Well, I truly fear for you should Lady Fu ever ask for a poem," replied his Lord, standing up and smoothing out the wrinkles in his robes.
"I'll have you know my wife loves my poems; she says they're romantic and gracious to her ears." Fu Jin replied with pride.
"Hah, not a chance."
"How would you know, my Lord, you have yet to take a wife?" Fu Jin shot back, aiming below the belt. A mischievous grin was on his face as he saw Sei Chou stutter in his step.
"You win." Sei Chou replied, holding both hands up. This was one of their pastimes, going back and forth; it would've been usual to those who had never seen the Sei Chou army and only heard about it. They would've had the image of hard-faced military soldiers, who do nothing but frown and scowl in anger. Yet, that could not be further from the truth for the Sei Chou army.
They were doing what they all loved, following a person who was destined for greatness. So, how could they not smile?
"My word, what a beauty?" Fu Jin heard his Lord before he saw him. Sei Chou's head was turned, and Fu Jin followed his eyes. True to Sei Chou's words, the woman's beauty was ethereal.
"Yes, Lady Chun is the jewel of Dai." Den Pou, who strolled through the city mansion, replied easily.
"She looks familiar." Sei Chou said once more, as if he was trying to remember a face that he had seen a very long time ago. It was then that Lady Chun walked across the courtyard, red camelia flowers in hand, she bowed towards Sei Chou and said.
"My Lord, for you."
"Thank you, can I know your name?" From where Fu Jin was stranding he could see something akin to recognition in the eyes of Sei Chou, as if he had realised something. But Fu Jin did not know what it was, turning his head back to the smiling dark brown-haired woman.
"My name is Chun Li."
CHAPTER: DONE
AN: Next chapter might be a bit late. My Laptop charger blew out, and the new one I ordered was wrong. But it is what it is. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I know it's a bit slower, but we will soon ramp up the pace again!