Copyrights by JaehaJackThis is my original work. All rights reserved. No parts of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems - except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews - without permission in writing from its author.
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fict.i.tious or are used fict.i.tiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
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Many said that after the royal tyrant"s wedding, the Sun Dao corps would disperse to other divisions. The 7,000 men felt even more dispirited. Years of glorious victories under the tyrant were wonderful and so was their comradeship. The tyrant herself was even more humane than other generals except for her embarra.s.sing behavior when returning home as if a suppressed beast was unleashed to bring chaos to the innocent.
But because of the ambush, the Sun Dao Corps" existence was in imminent danger. After escaping Han Ryu"s persistent invitation, Wei Xia Ri and Cai Jin left for the emperor"s court. Cai Jin remained standing with other n.o.bles present in court when the general was allowed to stand before the dragon throne.
The emperor rested an arm on his throne before placing his chin on top of that arm"s palm. Just when the day was bright and blue, a walking calamity came to visit.
"This General greets his majesty, the emperor."
The emperor rolled his eyes, knowing full well about the purpose of a tyrant who suddenly became so humble. He knew her well enough to know she was up to something. "Lift your head, General Wei. Forego the formalities. What is in your mind, cousin?"
When the general did so, a flash of rich red silk and golden embroidery wrapped around a man sitting of a dragon sculpted throne met her gaze. The ruler of the empire, him alone, could boast their wealth even in complete silence. His face, which was not as thin as when they first met, seem to have gained weight. Moreover, she could not help but notice that the emperor"s eye bags disappeared and replaced with glowing skin.
"Then please forgive me, your majesty, because I will come about frankly. Please bestow me the tiger tally sent back after the ambush," Wei Xia Ri bowed. The remaining men were from the original"s own formed division and it meant they were her people. Her downfall may make it difficult but the emperor had always been lenient towards her. Given that he trusted her enough before, then probably today would be fine as well?
But this time, the emperor have been having relaxing times and could clearly think on the spot. Hawk-like eyes scanned her up and down, measuring her up. "Why do you think that Zen should reinstate you back, General Wei?"
"c.r.a.p, is this a job interview?" Wei Xia Ri mentally groaned and then bit her lower lip. Good thing that she insisted to bow and could make expressions of irritation. Her face scrunched but then she decided not to show many emotions. Instead, the experienced modern world job seeker cleared her throat and smiled sensibly. "This general was a commander before but now, I have learned. I will pursue leadership to lead my troops for the betterment of the empire. The ambush was indeed a heavy blow that has torn my brothers" spirits. My own had been reflecting since that day. If the wise son of heavens bestows me the tiger tally, I shall pull them away from the front lines so that we may start from the bottom once more by maintaining and promoting peace throughout the empire and our allies."
"It was a mediocre answer but if it worked so far, it is going to be okay. Maybe next time, I need to work on my speech with little Jin"s help."
"Starting from the bottom after becoming a cavalry division that is on par with the imperial corps? Is cousin spouting nonsense? Must you know that he who thinks an inch but spout a yard will need a kick in the foot?"
Her plan to return to square one and fix the army"s dilemma was indeed idealistic. But this was not the first with her people at least, just that they were in a different field. Wei Xia Ri persisted. "A wise, foreign man once said something that inspired this general to believe in rebuilding the Sun Dao Corps. Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. This general begs for his majesty"s consideration."
The emperor, petty as he was towards this troublesome cousin, felt responsible for the loss of his men. They were people he invested in as well. General Wei has indeed demonstrated countless victories to defend the empire and even went as far as too volunteer to partic.i.p.ate in the winter battle in place of the fifth prince, Zhong Lei. Despite the crown prince"s disapproval for the General"s blind faith and bias towards the fifth prince, the son of heavens himself had approved of it thus leading to today. If it had not been for his approval, the casualties would have been less, provided that the imperial corps under the fifth prince had been more equipped for offense and defense.
"Hmm," he said and looked at her in silence. A face in deep thought shut the mouths of all the people in the courtroom.
Cai Jin"s eyes kept darting back and forth from his wife to the most powerful sovereign of the empire then back to her again. The silence he gave when the general proposed a rash proposal indeed needed more time to think. "General Wei, if it is only possible that I can stand by your side and aid you right now, I will."
Just then, the emperor nodded. "Eunuch Li, summon Minister Zheng who helps govern the ministry of war right now."
A eunuch in a verdant green robe stepped forward from his right side to acknowledge the order before leaving. His eyes could not help but give the general a glance. He felt amazed by her new idea that should really never leave her mouth unless the tyrant was reborn and became a lady from a scholarly family. "A general with so much experience should think better!"
It did not take long before the Minister of War arrived. A tall, muscular man who aged well into his mid-fifties walked in and greeted the emperor. "His majesty, the emperor called for this subject?"
"Minister Zheng, Zen wants to consult you about General Wei"s idea of restarting, how about you lend the youth an ear."
Wei Xia Ri felt a sense of quick intimidation when the six feet tall minister turned his head towards her. But it was from muscle memory that made the body almost stagger back. "Geez, how scary is this old man?"
Nevertheless, the general repeated her proposal while her eyes drilled into his as if trying to look into his head and see if the indifferent man would agree. He listened to her the whole time but not a muscle moved on his unsmiling face. As if he was an unmoving mountain.
"Minister Zheng, this would only be plausible when his majesty and minister Zheng would cooperate with me," (JaehaJack) she added after mustering all the courage she could gather in her body.
"..." The minister of war let out a sigh and began to play with his long beard. "Your majesty, General Wei, if I may share my thoughts, that is one excellent approach. It has never been heard of and certainly, it would incur different responses from the ma.s.ses. It will not just affect our men but their families too."
"I antic.i.p.ated such an outcome. Your majesty, Minister Zheng, by taking back the tiger tally means my reinstatement. As for my men, I will allow them to choose whether to stay where they are or return to my side. The Sun Dao Corps might even be reduced to a battalion of at least 20 men."
"Then General Wei is implying that we throw the medal away to satisfy your wish?" The emperor looked at her with a narrowed gaze.
"Your majesty, I only want to fix the problem that brought the grievance to my men. Revenge is now impossible because of amba.s.sador Han and his team of envoys. To avoid the possibility of rebellion--"
"Rebellion--" The minister of war repeated in a surprised, loud voice. The emperor nodded knowing full well about the dissatisfaction that was slowly arising as soon as Han Ryu stepped foot into the empire"s territory.
Wei Xia Ri took a breath to calm herself. Hearing the big man react like that startled her midway. However, those hard times of being stuck in the study to gather intel and learn about this world should not be brought to waste! "I already lead meetings and collaborations and handled diplomacy issues. Even theft, customer complaints, possibilities of lawsuits, and more! How much more is trying to strike a conversation and proposing to two authorities!"
"Pragmatically speaking, that is an incident that ought to be partially prevented."
"General Wei, partial prevention does not equal peace," the emperor shook his head. The general was making sense so he spread open a scroll and began writing. The tip of the brush lightly dancing across the paper as he formed his thoughts while listening and a.n.a.lyzing the general"s words.
"This will just be the beginning, your majesty. Please give this general a chance to make up for the Sun Dao Corps" losses and my mistakes."
"You say it is just the beginning, does General Wei have another thought in mind?" The minister of war also started to consider.
"Pulling them away from the front lines to make us start performing duties focused on our citizens would help distract them because of the busy schedule."
"That is a good proposal, then what will we do to those who will be left behind?"
"Other generals have their autonomy and would soon develop plans for prevention when thinking of the possibilities that arise from the diplomatic negotiations happening, your majesty," Wei Xia Ri concluded.
"Eunuch Li," the emperor said and opened his palm. The eunuch automatically pa.s.ses him a small wooden box. When it was opened, a tiger shaped fu made of metal with jade eyes were placed. Without any further second thoughts, the emperor began, "Zen shall bestow General Wei Xia Ri the tiger fu. Will you honor your words and strengthen your allegiance to the empire?"
Wei Xia Ri had a stomachful of b.u.t.terflies. Nevertheless, the soldier kneeled to accept the tally. "I swear my allegiance to the empire that no harm may come our way. And if so, I shall face the obstacle with all my might, your majesty."
"Very well. Zen trusts your loyalty." He began his speech.
Deep inside, a sigh of relief overcame her. "All those hot soldier semes really did me right! The hot, nii-chan knights deserve praise! I hope Cai Jin does not have any work after this."
Fortunately, the case was quickly briefed and then closed. With a slight bow, they began to walk away, moving backward in coordinated steps and never turning away from the emperor until the door was shut. "So many formalities," she thought and stretched her spine. "Ah, it"s so achy!"
"Wife," a voice called with a tap on her head. She turned around and faced the most refreshing man just from his voice alone.
"Hmm, call me that again?"
"It might not be too convenient right now," Cai Jin responded, embarra.s.sed.
Before Wei Xia Ri could retort, the old minister"s voice was heard, "General Wei, you did well. you must have suffered back there to return like this!"
Just a while ago, he was stoic and looked as if he was in a bad mood. . . but who knew that he was as loud and open like Elder Jin? Wei Xia Ri grinned. "Minister Zheng is too generous with his compliments."
"No, you deserve it you Wei brat!" He guffawed. "It was great seeing you once again, brat. Then excuse me!"
Watching his back walk away, it took many steps before he actually looked smaller. "Wow, he is a very big guy," she began as they walked down the steps.
Cai Jin agreed with a nod. "That man had protected his comrades a lot. I believe he also saved your father and grandfather at least once."
"Elder Jin mentioned. I am very grateful to all of you for believing my strange idea," Wei Xia Ri smiled.
"General Wei," he suddenly said. Now that they were alone, he dropped the "wife" part making Wei Xia Ri a bit disappointed.
"What is it?" to sway her mood, she looked at him who was facing the sunset. The golden rays tanned his milky white skin and made his obsidian gaze glisten. His loose hair also looked dazzling as the sun"s rays were reflected on it like a halo. And then the wind blew letting her catch a whiff of his refreshing scent that of aloe vera and green tea. He was somehow even dressed better and aesthetically looked good with the background of mountains and hundreds of historic houses lined around the tall mountain.
"If I had a camera, I will capture this moment!"
But while she was daydreaming, he spoke with a sad tone, "Are you going to tour the empire to avoid the possible confrontations?"
Wei Xia Ri shrugged. "I might."
Cai Jin looked around and saw that they were alone on the steep stairways. Not an imperial guard could be seen so he moved forward and cupped one side of her face. "I see."
Looking at his face, Wei Xia Ri felt confused as to why he was down. Shouldn"t he be happier that the cat was going away and he could play? "What are you so worried about? I can have mother move out of the Cai residence to our place you know?"
"No, that is not it."
"Then is it a kiss?"
Cai Jin blushed. She was too forward! "N-no, not that."
"Hmm, I"d rather much prefer that though," Wei Xia Ri smirked. Without any words, she led him by the wrist to take a few more steps down until they were eye to eye. "Come closer," she whispered to his ear.