The dim light from the candle fell like warm gold on the edge of the yellowed paper, illuminating only a tiny area of the map on the wooden table. One glance was enough to understand its frequent use, but extremely gentle handling. Carefully drawn routes, marked spots, and a thoroughly accurate terrain made it impossible to doubt the importance and accuracy of the information transmitted.
The dark, brooding eyes of the standing man carefully studied every new piece of information received from trusted scouts. Those people had risked their lives for news that could turn the outcome of wearing battles. Some, minor changes – well for any other they would not matter, but the scrupulous Wei Huan paid attention to every little detail. The man did not dare to even think about ignoring even a single leaf that had fallen from a tree on the enemy's territory.
He bore the burden of responsibility for many lives and had the duty assigned by the Emperor himself. He was to lead the troops to victory in the name of conquering new lands and joining them in the newly founded Celestial Empire.
The once weak and unknown this country (under the hand of the new leader who ascended the throne as well as the skillful general he assigned), decided to take a desperate step to rise.
The flickering flame shivered anxiously when a draft rushed into the tent and ran through the laid-out papers and neat stacks of books. Silent shadows trembled along with the light, stretching out and symbolically hiding the place of their camp on the map. Wei Huan noticed this but did not linger with his gaze for long. The gust of wind quickly died down, causing the twisted shadows to crawl back, returning everything to its previous state. The usual silence was broken only by the steps of a man.
– General.
– Come closer, Yu Ming.
The rustle of the man's clothes was heard at the moment when Wei Huan straightened up and calmly called for his friend. There was an unshakable steel in the dark eyes, but also a fatigue. It was rare for people of his age, which the supreme general showed exclusively next to his faithful comrade.
– Have you already received the report?
Jin Yu Ming stopped at the table, looking around at the newly marked points. He frowned, noticing the current markings on the map, and involuntarily tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword.
– Have they enlarged their numbers?
– Yes, – Wei Huan understood what Yu Ming meant, and therefore answered him immediately. – Many scattered tribes joined those already at war, but instead of uniting, they decided to take their positions. Wait a little more and we will be surrounded.
– I don't understand their logic, – Jin Yu Ming honestly admitted. – The enemy numbers are many now, but they continue to attack in small groups. They raid and retreat. What's the point of this? This game of cats and mice is useless against our army.
– Yu Ming, have you ever heard of a poisonous animal that injects poison into their victim and then slowly waits for it to die? – Wei Huan waited for the nod before continuing. – The same principle applies here. The natives have excellent knowledge of the terrain and, staying away from each other, can quickly change their campsite and disappear even in such an open space. The raids are carried out not with the desire to defeat us, but to weaken our soldiers.
– Do you mean tire?
Wei Huan confirmed his friend's words, pointing at the map:
– We have several camps. The central one is located at a distance from all others, but we cannot move forward because of the tribes' forces. Open space doesn't work to our advantage either. Any enemy camp can attack us. If we try to change our position, we will face resistance no matter which way we go. With this technique, they not only tire our soldiers but also undermine their spirit. Constantly waiting for a trap takes a toll on your nerves. Do you understand now?
– They... Are they injecting poison into us, waiting for critical tension?
Instead of answering, Wei Huan asked a completely unexpected question:
– When was the last time you heard warriors sit and sing around a fire?
Jin Yu Ming looked at his friend. The meaning of the general's words quickly came to him, and the man pursed his lips, looking away.
The moral spirit of the soldiers had already begun decreasing, and when this happened, no matter how strong the army was – it was bound to be defeated.
– What should we do, general?
– I am thinking about it, – Wei Huan carefully picked up the card, folding it to put it away. – However, at the moment we have one more important matter to attend to.
Yu Ming did not need any further explanations, because he already knew what his friend was talking about. In any case, they would not have been able to continue the dialogue because of the soldier who entered the tent. The patrolman who brought the urgent news to the general bowed.
– Supreme General! Apology for the intrusion. His Majesty has arrived and demands the immediate start of the ceremony, as well as your presence.
– Report to the Emperor that I am on my way.
– Yes, my Lord!
The soldier hurried away right after Wei Huan's words. The man himself did not dare to linger either. He picked up the sword from the table and left the tent with a hasty step. Jin Yu Ming silently followed.
The central camp, located behind a high mountain slope, was protected by a narrow gorge, the entrance to which was guarded by a specially sent group of soldiers. This place was currently the only safe point that could not be suddenly attacked from the outside. But the imperial army was also at a disadvantage here, because it could not launch an open attack at any moment. Behind the gorge, there were sprawling fields with grass scorched from the scorching sun, where it was not possible to shelter an army of thousands.
Wei Huan had no doubt that the enemy was deliberately waiting for their next actions, not doing anything, but only draining the moral spirit of the soldiers. However, the man was also well aware that the likelihood of an ambush was increasing every day, and he needed to come up with a new move as quickly as possible to safely get the people out and play the battle in his favor.
With a confident step, Wei Huan moved towards one the distant part of the camp, passing by many erected tents, extinct fires, and waving flags. The warriors on patrol, seeing the man, bowed respectfully, for they did not yet lose faith in the leader, who had repeatedly led them to victory.
Even now, Wei Huan had his head full of strategic moves and multi-step plans, which he was carefully thinking through, analyzing possible consequences and mistakes. The slightest miscalculation would lead to the inevitable death of his people, so Huan did everything to avoid unnecessary casualties. This always distinguished him from other generals who strived for victory at any cost. It was because of this that he was repeatedly condemned and ridiculed. This haunted him until one day he returned from conquered territory without a single loss on his part. Then many malicious whispers from behind his back and the nickname "stupid youth" that stuck to him died out. Drowned in respectful speeches from the soldiers who recognized him.
Unfortunately, it left Wei Huan in a complicated situation, which was why even during a short restless nap he continued to think about possible outcomes and acceptable options. He did not want to change his principles, but he understood that carnage could not be avoided.
The bright light of torches illuminated the entrance to the tent. Voices and hurried steps coming from inside made it clear that preparations for the ceremony were almost complete. With a deep sigh, the man pushed aside the thick fabric and stepped inside. The reflection of the golden jewelry almost blinded him, but Wei Huan did not allow himself to close or avert his eyes. He dropped to one knee, extending his arms in a respectful gesture.
– General Wei Huan has arrived by order of His Majesty.
Jin Yu Ming's voice did not come, for he remained outside. Few were allowed to participate in such ceremonies, led by the Emperor himself.
– Our faithful general does not need to be so official, – the voice sounded soft but adamant. – You may rise.
– This one thatnks His Majesty for his mercy.
Wei Huan quickly stood up, looking up. Now he could examine the altar built inside and the novices fussing around it, bringing the finishing touches to perfection. In addition to the Emperor and the Priest from the Temple of the Eight standing opposite, there was another person in the tent. But he stood with his back to Wei Huan, and therefore it was difficult to understand his identity. The clothing hinted at being a scholar, and the upright posture and graceful movements revealed a person of noble birth. His long black hair, groomed with a jade hairpin, fell below his knees. The unbearable desire to see this man's face grew with every passing moment. But Wei Huan had always respected the comfort of others, and therefore he tactfully looked away. The General only hoped that the mysterious young man did not feel rejected by his albeit short but intense gaze.
– Huan, do you think the Gods will be satisfied with these modest offerings?
The Emperor's gaze carefully examined the gifts left at the altar. There was no hidden meaning in his question; he took the ceremony very seriously, fearing to turn out discourteous before Heavens.
– Of course, Your Majesty. The Gods will hear you.
– This is a very important and responsible ceremony, our dear general. We have read your reports and understand the situation. It was our order that placed you in such a difficult position, which is why we decided that we should at least repay you with our presence here.
– Your Majesty, doesn't need to say any of that! You…
Wei Huan wanted to kowtow, but the Emperor stopped him, holding him by the elbows.
– We have just recently took the throne, – the monarch continued his leisurely monologue. – And hastened to realize long-cherished ambitions. For this, we needed a loyal and capable general, of course. Your achievements from an early age were outstanding, and it didn't take us long to notice them. It's just that by bestowing such a title on you at the age of seventeen, we placed an unbearable burden on your shoulders. We see that it wearies you a lot. That is why today, in this difficult moment, we want to pray to the Gods, so that they will grant us the strength to break through the enemy forces. The mercy of the Eight is limitless, but еру voice of the monarch should mean at least something to them, right?
– Of course, Your Majesty. – Wei Huan bowed his head gratefully. – The Gods always listen to our prayers. They grant us hope and justice in difficult times.
A weak smile appeared on the Emperor's lips. He lightly squeezed Wei Huan's shoulder before turning around and waved his hand, marking the beginning of the ceremony. The tent quickly emptied, and only the Head Priest and his assistants remained. The mysterious young man did not go anywhere either. Remaining in the same spot, he obediently knelt, and seemed to be intended to spend all the ceremony that way.
Wei Huan looked at him for a while longer before becoming completely absorbed in the ritual performed. Prayers to the Gods were heard in chants and desperate requests to grant strength for a thunderous victory over all enemies. Each of the Eight had their prayer, as well as a carefully selected offering. The Priest diligently chanted the words, paying due attention to each and every Heavenly Lord, but it was when addressing the Gods of War that the Emperor took the word.
Wei Huan peered at the faces of the gods carved on the golden engravings and could not help but think about the current situation. No matter how hard he tried, even at such a moment, he could not forget all his worries. His faith in the Gods was adamant, but he was not used to relying on miracles and considered such ceremonies more likely a soothing medicine than a true chance for a victory.
Five years had passed since the campaign started. The Celestial Empire tried to conquer enemy territories, and during all this time Wei Huan had never seen even the speck of divine help. He did not even hope for it. But the more deaths of his comrades and the innocent victims of people not involved in the war he saw, the more doubts arose in his soul.
What was justice in the eyes of the Gods? Did they attach importance to the quiet but sincere pleas of the common people? How could they pay no attention to the rivers of blood flooding the land?
Or... didn't they care about the lives of the miserable mortals at all?
Wei Huan closed his eyes tightly, driving away unwanted thoughts, when the sharp sound of a bell reached his ears. The ceremony was coming to its end.
Bitterness spread inside Wei Huan's heart. He allowed improper thoughts at such an important moment! How dared he even be so insolent? How dared he think about the indifference of the Gods right during a ceremony organized and led by the Emperor himself?
The man wanted watch the monarch who was currently filling the cups with wine-offering for the Gods, but his eye caught movement from the other side. Wei Huan's dark eyes met the stranger's gaze.
Unconcealed playfulness was visible in the golden halos, and fluffy dark eyelashes only emphasized the iniquity of this color. A straight thin nose, a slightly pointed chin, small ears: this man, without undue modesty, was as if carved from precious white jade by the hand of a skilled craftsman. The raised corners of the scarlet lips emphasized the already mysterious image with a veil of unspoken assumptions.
The young man's dark silken hair streamed over his shoulders as he bowed his head, politely greeting Wei Huan. The general froze for a moment. He wanted to respond but did not have time. Their wordless contact ended the moment the stranger turned away again.
The wine jug in the Emperor's hand was empty, and the monarch knelt, ready to bow eight times. Everyone present in the tent followed the ruler of the country through the last part of the ritual.
Each bow was accompanied by a special chime of the ceremonial bell. Even this aspect showed the difference between the eight Gods from each other.
When the last prayer was chanted, the rustling of ritual robes died down, and the strong aroma of spilled wine hung in the air. The ritual of the appeal to the Gods was officially ended. The tent got immersed in silence, diluted only by short-term gusts of wind, causing the edges of the thick fabric hiding the entrance to flutter.
Having completed the work, the Priest left and his assistants left. The Emperor lingered at the altar. Wei Huan did not want to distract the monarch from his thoughts, but he was forced to do this by the will of his conscience.
– Your Majesty, forgive this one for saying such things, but you need to return to the palace as soon as possible.
– Do you want to drive us away, Huan?
– This one won't dare!
The General made a kowtow, and the Emperor laughed quietly. He turned to his faithful subject, looking at him with undisguised recognition. The man standing in front of him was only a twenty-two-year-old youth, but even warriors hardened by many battles could envy his devotion and concentration.
– We understand your intentions, general. It is not safe for us to be here during such a precarious situation. Don't worry, we came here for the ritual and will leave the camp immediately, – The Emperor gestured to Wei Huan to straighten up. – However, first of all, we must complete the matter.
Light steps heard from the side made it clear to Wei Huan that these words of the monarch were not intended for him. The general looked at the bowed young man, not daring to interrupt the moment with an ignorant misunderstanding of what was happening. Any decision of the Emperor was not questioned, and therefore Wei Huan patiently waited for further words from a person unknown to him.
– I am glad to greet the Supreme General. My name is Yu Bing Han. I have been assigned to be your military counselor.
The dark-haired youth stood a few steps away from Wei Huan. The shadow of the altar, cast on the floor, spread out under the feet of the three men. Bing Han's gentle smile became even more visible as he took another step towards it.