We rush back to General Wu's tent and Tian XuWen meets us there after getting called by Qin Luo's assistant. The crackling of the oil lamps are the only sounds present in the room... The key turns and everyone holds their breath, finally that awaited click comes, opening the secret compartment's lock.
No gold or maps, no secret jewels or cherished items... Not that I would have expected any of those to begin with. A simple letter comes out under the light.
XuWen comes closer and Qin Luo twist his hands nervously as they wait for me to open it... An imperial seal hovers upon us, meaning that whatever's written inside will inevitably be impactful on the days ahead.
The first words already leave me with a dry mouth as I try to read it out loud
-"Should General Cai fail to comply with the ordered dissolution of Ying ChangLai's command and refuse to give away his whole belongings, remove him discretely. The consolidation of military authority must not fall into her hands, she needs to lose all support and be sent back by any means, frame her if needed.
Ying's fate will be dealt with subsequently, upon full isolation and distrust for us to gain the upper hand and secure our position. All inquiries regarding this order must be suppressed if it were to come to light, we can't risk loosing The Court and the Nobles support during this delicate time.
Keep this document for it will come useful later on after Ying will be revealed as a traitor to the nation."-
I exhale for quite too many seconds, not knowing where to start. Just a sheet of paper and yet it's this heavy... The future of this political war lies in between these brush strokes.
The first to speak is General Tian -If this spreads, the army will devour itself and war will be as good as lost-
-But what if it doesn't? The men will think that General Wu acted alone and will never discover who actually dyed their hands with Cai Lao's blood, how anything that comes from the palace must not be trusted... General Cai's death will be in vain. This could be the key for removing the emperor from his throne- I say, still trying to visualize any possible outcome.
-You're not supposed to be here and we'll Lai'Er- mutters Qin Luo -The Emperor wants you both dead, upon hearing of General Wu's execution he will come for you... He literally ordered to frame you, who knows what will happen now-
Tian XuWen nods -Yes and that's not all, if we make this public... Then you are automatically a traitor, killing a man who was following orders... Nobody will follow you anymore, all the past accusations toward you will be perceived as real-
I look down, starting at those black lines -Whether we burn it to save face or parade it around to show their ill intent, we lose either way-
We stand around the document as if that itself was a horrific being, perhaps it is... Th embodiment of distrust, the chain binding us down against our will.
As all three of us are lost in thoughts, shouting breaks through the tent walls -There's a fight and by the sound of it it's a big one- sighs annoyed Qin Luo -Let's go settle that quickly so we can focus more on this matter later- I say as I quickly hide the letter in a drawer so I can grab it again later, I wouldn't risk to carry it with me outside and have it be discovered.
...
Two squadrons have turned on eachother near the rations tent. Some men barged in to avoid damaging the food and instead for dragged in the fight, allowing it to expand more and more. Accusations and fists are being thrown all around and blade clashes like rain, storming around the camp.
One side is yelling my name with fervor while the other is portraying General Wu as a martyr.
General Tian and Luo try their best to suppress it but nobody listen anyway, I storm forward and rise my blade , slashing the sky with red flames -Fall back, NOW!-
Some men obeys while others stop moving just out of fear, but their eyes full of disdain are aiming toor my throat.
-We won't be led by a killer!- a shout comes from somewhere in the crowd
-Miss Ying is the only reason we're alive you idiot! If you so hate her then go and fight in her stead the next time!- replies another
-She only knows to hide and play the hero last minute, she's clearly a traitor along General Cai, that's why Lord Wu had to kill him!- one side scream -General Wu was framed, he didn't kill anyone, stop spouting nonsense you bustard- says another -Her powers can't be denied, that's a sign from the heavens!-
I tighten the grip on my sword, wanting to step forward and put an end to this useless talking, but a louder shout than the others stop me -If she won't step down, we'll elect a new General. A REAL one!-
-Yes, we'll form a new Army on our own!-
A movement catches my eyes are the back of the vast sea of people in front of me, a black shadow running out from Wu's tent
-The Letter...!- Qin Luo immediately covers his mouth before saying anything more as I throw him a deadly stare
-Go and check the situation, quickly- I tell him -I'll deal with the men here, you and see what that soldier was doing inside the tent-
Qin Luo, who the men didn't really care about right now, disappeared in an instant and I faced the men again -You want a new General? If I am not enough then elect someone who's better than me and General Cai before-
The men looks at eachother, not sure what to say so I rise my sword higher -Beat me for this position you desire so much, each one of you can try... Actually, come at me all at once for all I care!-
Nobody moves, some men gulps down afraid, other shoot me death stares but don't dare to come forward -Well? What are you waiting for? Y'all were so eager for a fight just moments ago! If someone feels like they can beat me them be my guest, but untill then... You march under MY command!- I shout one last time and leave.
I can feel the eyes piercing holes through me as I make my way back toward the Generls' tents...
Qin Luo storms out and stops right in front of me shaking his head -Lai'Er... The letter...- his face pale and cold sweat dripping down his neck.
-What about the letter?- I ask for only us to hear
-It's gone-.