13
Character Age: 13
Date: 245 BCE
Location: Qin Kingdom, Xianyang Palace
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First Steps in the Capital
As I passed through the massive walls of the capital, my mind was a swirl of conflicting emotions. The guards walking alongside Sho Bun Kun moved silently, their presence adding to the gravity of the moment. I had left behind the peaceful life I shared with Zhi Yong and Shin to step into this whirlwind. Yet deep down, I knew this journey was a matter of destiny.
When the colossal palace gates opened, I felt no excitement. "The old me would have been awestruck by such a grand palace," I thought. But now things were different. I was no longer a simple child; I had gained experience through battles and matured both physically and mentally.
"If I resemble him, my fate is already sealed," I thought. "But the real question is: should I risk my life for this King? If he cannot convince me, I will never pledge my loyalty to him."
---
The Palace Atmosphere
Walking through the palace, its vastness and grandeur felt more burdensome than impressive. All eyes were on me. Guards and servants scrutinized my face, and I overheard their whispers:
"He looks just like the King… How is this possible?"
Sho Bun Kun gestured for me to continue, his face etched with seriousness. This was no ordinary task. "This man's eyes are always calculating," I thought. "But is he truly working for the King, or does he have another agenda?"
---
First Encounter with the King
Sho Bun Kun led me to a grand hall, where a young figure sat on a magnificent throne: King Ei Sei. It was my first time seeing him, and the first thought that crossed my mind was, "So young, and so alone…"
When Ei Sei's gaze met mine, an instant silence enveloped the room. This was no ordinary stare; his eyes reflected determination, ambition, and perhaps a trace of pain. He was the first to break the silence:
"Sho Bun Kun, is this the person you brought?"
Sho Bun Kun bowed deeply and replied,
"Yes, Your Majesty. This young man may hold a significant connection to you. He is Piao."
Ei Sei straightened in his seat, examining me from head to toe. Then, with a calm yet resolute tone, he said,
"You resemble me to an incredible degree. Is this mere coincidence, or is it fate? That is why I called you here."
Remaining composed, I carefully responded,
"If there is truly a connection between us, it is your duty to explain it to me. I am here, but I am still unsure why."
---
Ei Sei's Purpose
Ei Sei smiled faintly at my words, his tone unwavering:
"The fate of Qin does not rest on me alone but on every individual in this kingdom. My role, however, is to unite them and bring this land together. I want to unite the fragmented states of China because peace and order can only come through unity."
His words reminded me of Zhi Yong's dreams and visions, but Ei Sei's aspirations were grander and more encompassing. Even so, accepting such lofty ambitions wasn't easy. Bowing slightly, I replied,
"Your words reflect a great vision, Your Majesty. But do you have the strength to realize it? Qin is divided by internal strife, and outside, massive enemies like Zhao, Wei, and Chu await."
Ei Sei's face grew serious as he met my gaze.
"Strength doesn't come solely from swords or armies. True strength lies in the ability to hold a nation together. If the people believe in my dream of unity, no enemy will stand in our way. However, to achieve this, I need capable individuals like you."
---
Piao's Doubts
His words struck a chord, yet my doubts lingered.
"If a King is the embodiment of a nation, does this King truly represent Qin's future?" I wondered.
I addressed him directly:
"Your Majesty, is my resemblance to you mere coincidence, or is there another reason you brought me here? I need you to be honest with me."
Ei Sei took a deep breath before responding:
"I'll be truthful, Piao. Your resemblance to me could serve as a shield for my position on the throne. However, I do not see you merely as a tool. Someone as talented as you could help me realize this dream."
---
The Final Decision
His explanation left me somewhat satisfied. Ei Sei was not just a ruler; he was someone who understood people. But I wasn't entirely convinced yet. Rising to my feet, I looked at him with determination:
"Your Majesty, if you want me to work alongside you, you must first prove something to me. Your dreams are grand, but you must show that there is genuine resolve behind them. If you expect me to risk my life for these dreams, you must earn it."
Ei Sei wasn't surprised by my words. Instead, a smile spread across his face. "You're right, Piao. My words mean nothing without actions to back them up. I will show you this resolve."
---
Conclusion: The First Step of Destiny
This encounter was merely the beginning—the first step toward shaping the future of Qin. Ei Sei's words lingered in my mind. "Can this King truly unite China?" I wondered. Yet, a part of me believed his vision could become reality.
"I will not be a mere spectator to destiny in this world," I told myself. "If this King can guide me on this path, then I will support him."
Ei Sei left an indelible impression on me as a figure who could intertwine our fates. This story had just begun, but how it would end was entirely up to us.
Evening Silence
The day had transitioned into evening. The sky, painted in shades of gold and purple, cast a serene light through the window of the castle chamber, adding a sense of calm to the room. Yet, this calm was only surface-deep, overshadowed by the stacks of papers, reports, and ledgers piled on my desk. Amid the overwhelming workload, one thought kept running through my mind: "It would take a miracle to finish all this."
Shin was beside me, lending a hand—a rare sight since he usually despised this kind of work. However, as he grew into a more strategic leader, he refrained from complaining. Still, the discomfort on his face told me everything. Suppressing a chuckle, I thought,
"Seeing Shin this patient is a rarity. But he's truly hopeless at this kind of task!"
---
Thinking of Piao
As Shin and I worked, my thoughts drifted to Piao. "I wonder how he's doing?" His absence left a void that felt even larger in moments like this. Although I knew the original story of Piao's journey, the dynamics of this world were different, making it hard to predict his current situation.
For a moment, his determined face flashed in my mind.
"He will undoubtedly become one of the strongest figures in Qin," I thought. Yet, his absence weighed heavily.
"Brother," I muttered to myself, "I hope you're safe."
---
Unexpected News
At that moment, a guard's voice echoed from the other side of the door, speaking hurriedly:
"My lord! Piao-sama has returned!"
My heart skipped a beat. "Piao has returned? So soon? But why now?" As these thoughts raced through my mind, I noticed Shin's head snap up, his eyes filled with both excitement and concern. Without needing to exchange a word, we both rushed to the door.
---
Racing to the Gate
We moved so quickly that I caught glimpses of the guard's startled expression. Shin and I must have unintentionally displayed the full extent of our strength in our haste. Breathless, Shin shouted beside me,
"Piao! Let's go see him!"
When we reached the gate, we didn't notice the curious stares of the soldiers around us. All I could focus on was finding out Piao's condition.
---
Seeing Piao
And then I saw him. Piao stood before me, strong and confident as ever, but his face showed signs of exhaustion, and a wound on his arm caught my attention. While the injury wasn't severe, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "He's not gravely injured like in the original story. That's a miracle," I thought. Yet, I was eager to learn what he had been through.
Shin, less composed than me, stepped forward with concern etched on his face and shouted:
"Piao! What happened to you? What's with that wound?"
Piao slowly lifted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. Yet, behind that smile, I could sense the weight of fatigue.
"Calm down, Shin," he said, catching his breath. "It's nice to see you both so worried, but I don't have the energy to explain everything right now."
---
Listening to Piao
Piao's words calmed Shin down slightly, but I couldn't hold back and stepped forward myself.
"Piao, it's a relief to see you like this. But at the same time, I'm worried. You need to tell us what happened."
Piao took a deep breath, glancing briefly at the wound on his arm before speaking in a calm yet resolute voice:
"I will explain everything. But first, you need to know this: my return is not without reason. Things in Qin are about to become even more complicated."
His words altered the expressions on both Shin's and my faces. Piao's return wasn't just a reunion; it was the herald of an approaching storm.
---
Conclusion: The Beginning of a New Era
Piao's return reunited us, but it also marked the start of what felt like a challenging new chapter. The determination in his eyes reflected a deeper connection to Qin's fate, but I could also sense the burden it placed on him.
As I pondered, "What do we do now?" I waited for Piao to share his story. Tonight wasn't just the return of a brother—it was the beginning of a narrative that would shape our destiny.
Date: 245 BCE
Location: Kai City, Castle Lord's Chamber
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The Map Given by Piao
Piao pulled a small map from his pocket and handed it to me. On the map was a marked point. I quickly scanned it; the location was near my territory. However, what struck me most was that it was a place I had intentionally avoided—a bandit village. As I examined the map, the seriousness on Piao's face intrigued me.
"Zhi Yong, we need to go here," Piao said. His tone was resolute but carried a trace of unease.
I looked at the map again. "Why is this place so important?" I wondered. Somewhere deep inside, I had a feeling that someone significant—possibly Ei Sei—might be hiding there. However, I couldn't let that thought show. Appearing like a seer might make others uneasy. So I calmly asked,
"What's there, Piao?"
---
Piao's Evasive Demeanor
Piao didn't answer directly, instead replying curtly:
"You'll find out when we get there. Let's not waste any more time. We need to leave immediately."
His urgency made it clear how critical this was. But considering Piao's condition, I couldn't allow him to move in his current state. His arm injury, though small, could lead to serious complications. Taking a deep breath, I stood up and looked him in the eye.
"Hold on, brother," I said firmly. "You're not going anywhere in this condition."
---
Shin Intervenes
Shin stepped forward to back me up, giving Piao a stern look.
"Zhi Yong's right," Shin said in a serious tone. "You can't go like this. Your wounds are still healing. Now's the time for you to rest."
Piao retorted, his frustration evident:
"But I have to go! This place isn't just important to me; it's critical for Qin's future!"
His determination gave Shin pause, but I couldn't waver. As a leader, my duty wasn't just to make the right decisions but to ensure the safety of those I cared for. Stepping closer to Piao, I spoke in a calm but authoritative voice:
"We'll go, Piao. You'll stay here and recover. That's an order, brother."
---
Calling the Chief Healer
After saying this, I turned to the door and called out:
"Wang!"
One of the guards waiting outside promptly entered, bowing.
"Yes, my lord," he said.
"Go immediately to the chief healer. Have him tend to Piao's injuries and assess his condition. This is an order. Also, ensure Piao is not allowed to leave the castle under any circumstances."
Wang bowed again. "Understood, my lord," he said before swiftly exiting the room. Turning back to Piao, I softened my tone slightly:
"Brother, your safety means everything to me. Stay here and rest. Shin and I will go and find out what's happening there. Until we return, you are not to leave the castle. Is that clear?"
Piao, his face filled with reluctant acceptance, nodded slowly.
"Fine," he said in a begrudging tone. "But be careful."
---
Preparing the Elite 300
With Piao's agreement secured, I exhaled deeply and turned back to the door. This time, I called out more forcefully:
"Han!"
Another guard entered swiftly—this one the leader of the elite 300. Standing tall, he saluted confidently.
"Yes, my lord," he said.
"Gather the elite 300 immediately. We move out at once," I ordered. My urgency was mirrored in Han's expression as he nodded sharply.
"Understood, my lord. The unit will be ready," he replied before hurrying off.
---
Swift Preparations
It took only half an hour to organize everything. The elite soldiers were swiftly equipped and ready for battle. The clanging of steel echoed through the castle as swords were sharpened, armor donned, and supplies gathered.
Shin stood beside me, watching the activity. The seriousness in his eyes reflected his understanding of the mission's importance. Smirking slightly, I said,
"Shin, this one might be a bit tricky."
Shin, with his characteristic seriousness, replied,
"Zhi Yong, tricky or not, we're here to survive and make Qin strong. Whatever it takes, we'll do it."
---
Piao's Final Words
Before setting off, I returned to Piao's room one last time. Standing outside the door, I called out:
"Brother, we're leaving. But remember—stay safe, no matter what. Promise me you won't leave this castle until we return."
Piao's voice came from inside, carrying a mix of sarcasm and concern:
"I promise, Zhi Yong. But I'm curious what you'll find when you get there."
---
Setting Out
With that, Shin and I, along with the elite 300, were ready to depart. This mission, which could shape the future of Qin, was only the beginning. Yet, deep within me, I felt that this journey would open the door to a new chapter in our lives.
"This world isn't just about surviving," I thought. "It's about making history. And that history starts here."
Date: 245 BCE
Location: Kai City, On the Road to the Bandit Village
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Departure from the Castle Gate
The castle gates creaked open, the heavy sound of iron and stone reverberating through the air. It marked the beginning of our mission. Before me, my elite unit of 300 soldiers stood in perfect cavalry formation. Each soldier was disciplined, alert, and ready. The determination in their eyes bolstered my confidence as their leader.
Shin sat beside me on his horse, sharing the responsibility of leading this elite force. His resolute expression conveyed that he understood the gravity of our task. Turning slightly, I nodded toward him and said:
"Shin, you understand this isn't an ordinary mission, don't you?"
With a serious tone, Shin met my gaze and replied:
"Of course, Zhi Yong. This mission isn't just about us—it's about Qin's future."
---
Setting Out
Leading the soldiers, Shin and I urged our horses into a gallop. The cavalry followed, maintaining a flawless formation. Despite the weight of their armor, not a single soldier faltered or made unnecessary noise. This unit had been trained under my command—not just physically, but mentally, to face the harsh realities of war.
The wind lashed against our faces as our horses' hooves thundered across the ground. The silence among us reflected the understanding of the grave challenge ahead.
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Arrival at the Bandit Village
After an hour of travel, we reached the entrance of the bandit village. Surrounded by crude wooden fences, the village consisted of scattered, ramshackle huts. Even from a distance, I could see shadows moving within. The bandits were unaware of our arrival—yet.
I pulled my horse to a halt, and the soldiers behind me stopped in perfect unison. Shin slowed his horse and turned to me:
"Are we ready, Zhi Yong?"
"Always," I replied calmly. I dismounted and turned to address my unit. All eyes were on me as I began to speak.
---
The Command
"Comrades!" I called out in a strong voice. "This is a bandit village. These people are a threat to Qin's future, and we will end that threat here and now. Remember, not a single bandit leaves this place alive!"
A wave of determination spread across the soldiers' faces. But I wasn't done. I raised my voice further, emphasizing:
"However, there's one thing you must remember. If you see a small child wearing a chicken costume, you will ignore them. You will not touch them. That is an order!"
For a moment, there was a stunned silence. Then, the soldiers responded in unison:
"Understood, my lord!"
Shin raised an eyebrow as he stepped closer to me and asked in a low voice:
"A chicken costume? What does that even mean?"
His question made me smile slightly.
"You don't need to know, Shin. Just do as I say and pay attention to it. You'll understand why it's important when the time comes," I replied.
---
The Plan
Turning back to my soldiers, I gave the final instructions:
"You will enter the village in small groups. Each group is responsible for clearing its designated area. Your goal is to be swift, silent, and efficient. Once your targets are neutralized, regroup at my location. Report any complications immediately."
This would be another test of the discipline and efficiency of my elite force, but I had full confidence in them.
---
Shin's Preparation
Shin dismounted and drew his sword, inspecting it carefully. His face was more serious than usual.
"Zhi Yong, we must be careful this time. This may look like a simple bandit village, but we can't underestimate anything," he said.
I nodded.
"You're right, Shin. But remember, this is our duty. If we're to fight for Qin's future, we need to eliminate threats like this from the root."
Shin smirked, sheathing his sword.
"Understood. Let's get started."
---
Final Preparations
At the village entrance, my soldiers broke into smaller groups and moved into position. Shin and I prepared to advance toward the center of the village. The air was heavy with tension, as if the entire world was holding its breath. The wind had stilled, and an eerie silence enveloped the area. Deep down, I felt that this mission wasn't just a simple raid—it was the prelude to something far greater.
"This is just the beginning," I thought. "If there's truly something significant in this village, it could change the course of our story entirely."
Raising my voice, I commanded:
"Let's move!"
With those words, my soldiers began their advance, and Shin and I took our first steps into the bandit village.
Date: 245 BCE
Location: Bandit Village, Dilapidated Hut
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The Final Hut
Shin and I arrived at the last section of the bandit village, where a crumbling old hut stood before us. Its walls were riddled with cracks, and its door barely clung to its hinges. As I scanned the area, a faint smell of charred wood wafted through the air—someone had recently lit a fire here. Something about this hut didn't feel ordinary.
I slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside. My eyes were immediately drawn to the figure seated in the corner. I recognized him instantly. "I knew who would be here," I thought. Before me stood Ei Sei, the young King of Qin.
---
Shin's Reaction
Shin entered the hut behind me, his gaze landing on Ei Sei. His face twisted with confusion, and he took a step forward, shouting:
"Piao? What are you doing here?!"
Ei Sei raised an eyebrow at Shin's outburst and slowly stood, taking a few steps toward him. Shin, still convinced it was Piao, began noticing subtle differences. When he saw no sign of the injury on Ei Sei's arm, his confusion turned to anger.
"You're not Piao," Shin said, his tone hardening as his hand moved toward his sword. But a single glance from me made him pause. "Zhi Yong, who is this?"
---
Ei Sei Introduces Himself
Ei Sei, unbothered by Shin's hostility, spoke calmly:
"You're right. I'm not Piao. I am Ei Sei, the King of Qin."
Shin's anger momentarily gave way to silence as he processed the revelation. But his frustration quickly returned.
"The King? Then why isn't Piao here?! Why are you here instead of my brother?!"
Ei Sei allowed a small smile to play on his lips.
"You're direct. That's good," he said in a measured tone. "Your loyalty to your brother is admirable, but let's talk first."
---
My Response
To defuse the tension, I stepped forward and offered Ei Sei a respectful bow.
"It has been some time, Your Majesty," I said. "I am Baron Zhi Yong. I trust you remember me."
Ei Sei studied me for a moment, then nodded slightly. His expression held both recognition and approval.
"Yes, I remember you, Baron Zhi Yong. I've heard about the agricultural innovations you've brought to Qin. You also presented me with a meaningful gift during my coronation."
Smiling, I replied,
"That's correct, Your Majesty. But our presence here is due to an entirely different matter."
---
Piao's Condition
As Ei Sei listened, his face grew more serious. He inclined his head slightly and spoke:
"I assume your presence here is because of Piao. I believe he sent you here to ensure my safety."
I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. But first, I want to update you on Piao. He is deeply loyal to you and was willing to risk his life to protect you. However, he was injured and is currently recovering at the castle. That's why Shin and I came in his place."
Ei Sei's expression tightened with concern, unable to hide his worry.
"Piao… Is he hurt badly? He's strong, but even he…"
Taking a step forward, I replied calmly:
"Your Majesty, I know my brother better than anyone. He always does what's right. However, because of his injuries, I couldn't allow him to accompany us. He's resting now and will fully recover soon. But don't worry—he wanted to ensure your safety above all else, and that's why we're here."
---
Ei Sei's Gratitude and Resolve
Ei Sei took a moment to process my words before speaking, his voice filled with sincerity:
"Piao has always been someone I could rely on. Knowing that he's resting and recovering eases my mind. And I'm grateful that the two of you came in his place."
Shin, though still on edge, seemed to relax slightly at Ei Sei's calm demeanor. Stepping forward, he asked:
"Your Majesty, if you're here, does that mean this village holds something important? Why would you risk being in such a place?"
Ei Sei met Shin's gaze, his expression unwavering.
"This village was once a stronghold for those who oppose Qin's unification. I needed to ensure it was neutralized, and I wanted to see firsthand the challenges we face in uniting the land. But I also had another purpose—a message that only someone like you could deliver."
---
The Next Mission
Ei Sei turned to me, his gaze steady.
"Baron Zhi Yong, Qin is entering a crucial period. The unification of China requires more than just military victories; it demands trust, loyalty, and strategy. I have identified key figures across the land who could either aid or hinder this mission. Your next task is to reach one of these figures."
My mind raced as I absorbed his words. This mission wasn't just about eliminating threats; it was about laying the groundwork for Qin's future. I replied firmly:
"Understood, Your Majesty. Whatever is necessary for Qin's future, I will ensure it is done."
Ei Sei's eyes softened slightly, and he nodded.
"Then let us begin this journey together. The fate of Qin rests on not just my shoulders, but on those who believe in this dream."
---
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
The meeting with Ei Sei solidified the gravity of our mission. This wasn't just about a bandit village—it was about the future of Qin and the steps we needed to take to achieve unification.
As Shin and I left the hut with Ei Sei, I couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose. The road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with allies like Shin, Piao, and Ei Sei, I knew we could overcome them.
"This is just the beginning," I thought. "If we succeed, we won't just survive—we'll create a legacy that will shape the world."
Date: 245 BCE
Location: Bandit Village, Dilapidated Hut
---
Shin and My Rivalry
As Ei Sei continued speaking, I couldn't help but laugh at the confident look on Shin's face.
"Puhaha!" I laughed openly. "You? The greatest general of Qin? Don't make me laugh, Shin! I'll be the greatest general the world has ever seen! Hahaha!"
Shin turned to me, frowning. "I'm serious, Zhi Yong! I'm working hard to be the best!" he said, though I could see his confidence waver slightly.
Ei Sei watched our banter with a faint smile, but the atmosphere quickly turned serious. I wiped the grin off my face and listened closely. From outside, faint metallic clinking and the sound of footsteps reached my ears—danger was approaching.
---
Trouble at the Door
Suddenly, the noises outside grew louder. Voices mixed with the sounds of swords and armor. I glanced out the hut's cracked window. In the distance, I saw the banners of an insurgent force. Their numbers were significant. Now it was clear why this village was strategically important—they intended to trap Ei Sei here, cutting off any escape.
Shin immediately drew his sword and looked out the window.
"Who are they, Zhi Yong? Enemies?" he asked sharply.
I nodded. "Yes. Rebel forces. They're here to trap Ei Sei."
Ei Sei approached the window and, seeing the banners, spoke in a calm but determined voice:
"They are Cheng Jiao's troops. He'll stop at nothing to take my throne."
Just then, the sound of galloping horses reached us, and my elite unit of 300, led by Han, halted in front of the hut. Han dismounted and quickly approached the door.
"My lord, our forces are ready. We've surrounded the area and have positioned ourselves far enough to prevent them from completely blocking our escape. Awaiting your orders," Han reported.
---
The Man in the Chicken Costume
As I spoke with Han, a shadow moving on the hut's roof caught my attention. I looked up to see a man dressed in a chicken costume watching us. It was the very figure I'd warned the soldiers about earlier.
Shin noticed him too and exclaimed,
"What the…? Is that a chicken?!"
The man leaped down from the roof and approached us quickly. His eyes betrayed a mix of cunning and nervousness. Bowing slightly toward Ei Sei, he said in a slightly mocking tone:
"Hey, you're some kind of king, aren't you? You look pretty royal."
Shin immediately grabbed the man by the collar and demanded in a harsh voice:
"Who are you?!"
Raising my hand, I stopped Shin before he could escalate things. The man adjusted his collar nonchalantly and said:
"My name's Tu Ge. I know everything about this village and the land around it. If you're a king and want to get out of here alive, I have an offer for you."
Ei Sei examined Tu Ge carefully and asked in a composed tone:
"What kind of offer?"
---
The Secret Passage Proposal
Tu Ge pointed toward the western side of the village.
"There's a hidden passage just beyond the forest. If you take it, you can escape the rebels. But my services come with a price."
Ei Sei raised an eyebrow.
"How much?" he asked calmly.
Tu Ge's eyes glinted as he replied,
"Gold. I'm risking my life here, so I deserve proper payment."
At this, Shin's expression hardened again.
"Gold? This man is saving you, and you still want gold?" he shouted.
Tu Ge took a cautious step back but maintained his composure. Ei Sei stepped closer to him and spoke firmly:
"I can't give you gold right now. But if you lead us through the passage and I regain my throne, I'll ensure you're rewarded handsomely."
---
The Decision and Preparations
Tu Ge considered Ei Sei's words carefully before nodding.
"Fine, we have a deal. But if you break your promise, you won't need to worry about seeing me again—because I'll find you," he said with a sly smile.
Ei Sei didn't seem fazed by the threat. He nodded slightly, his eyes showing confidence.
"I'll keep my word."
With that, we quickly gathered our forces and began moving toward the western passage. Tu Ge led the way, and we followed closely. The rebels were still attempting to breach the defensive perimeter set up by my soldiers, but our priority was to ensure Ei Sei's safe escape.
---
The Path Forward
As we moved through the dense forest toward the hidden passage, the weight of the mission settled heavily on my shoulders. Every step we took felt like the prelude to something much larger.
"This is only the beginning," I thought. "If Ei Sei's life holds the key to Qin's future, then this battle is just one of many we'll face to secure it."
Turning to Shin, I spoke softly but firmly:
"Stay sharp, Shin. We can't afford any mistakes now."
Shin nodded, gripping his sword tightly. "Understood, Zhi Yong. Let's finish this."
And with that, we pressed on, the weight of Qin's fate driving us forward.
Date: 245 BCE
Location: Qin's Forests, Former Summer Residence of the Qin King
---
Exiting the Passage and Entering the Forest
As Ka Ryo Ten—formerly known as Tu Ge—led us through the hidden passage, my 300 elite soldiers moved silently and cautiously. The chaotic sounds of the bandit village had faded completely into the distance. The passage was narrow and dark, but it was clear that Ka Ryo Ten knew it like the back of his hand. At one point, he stopped, turned, and spoke with a sly grin:
"See? I told you. The rebels would never think of this passage. They're probably still busy laying traps in the village."
Shin, who was walking behind him, grumbled at his relaxed demeanor:
"You sure became chatty once you took off that chicken costume."
Ka Ryo Ten smirked at Shin, responding mockingly:
"Relax, big guy. If my help is keeping you safe, you could at least thank me."
Shin opened his mouth to retort, but I raised a hand to silence him.
"Quiet," I said in a calm but firm tone. "We're not safe yet. We need to seal the passage and manage our forces carefully."
---
Sealing the Passage
At the end of the passage, I stopped and surveyed the area. To prevent the risk of being followed, I decided to destroy the entrance. Turning to Ka Ryo Ten, I explained the plan:
"This passage is no longer an advantage—it's a liability. We can't let the rebels use it to follow us. We'll seal it here."
Han immediately sprang into action, directing a few soldiers to pile stones and wood to collapse the passage.
Shin, standing nearby with a dissatisfied expression, remarked:
"Destroying the passage is a good idea. But defending this narrow space would have been more effective."
Shaking my head, I replied:
"You might be right, but it's too risky. Our priority is to get King Ei Sei to safety. Closing the passage will buy us time and make it harder for them to pursue us."
Shin, though not entirely convinced, sheathed his sword and nodded in agreement.
---
The Journey Through the Forest
After sealing the passage, we advanced into the forest. The narrow trail we followed was flanked by steep mountains, creating a natural barrier. While this provided some protection, it also made the area ideal for ambushes.
At one point, Ei Sei stopped and turned to address us:
"This trail leads to the summer residence of a former Qin king. It's a place long forgotten by most, but it will offer us temporary refuge."
His words seemed to ease the tension among the soldiers, but I remained vigilant. "We need to check the area thoroughly," I thought. Turning to my troops, I issued a clear command:
"Stay alert. Report any sound, movement, or shadow immediately. Everything here could be a threat."
Han repeated my order loudly for the entire unit:
"You heard him! Eyes open, everyone!"
---
Leaving the Horses Behind
As the trail narrowed further, it became impossible to continue on horseback. Shin noticed this first and grumbled:
"Do we really have to leave the horses here? We've been moving so quickly; this will slow us down."
Ka Ryo Ten interjected, casually placing his hands behind his head:
"Leave the horses. The path is so narrow, you'll all tumble down the cliffs if you try riding through. Besides, if you want to keep a large group like this unnoticed, forget the animals."
Reluctantly, Shin dismounted, glaring at Ka Ryo Ten.
"Remember this, Ten. If this path turns out to be a trap, I'll find you first."
Ka Ryo Ten chuckled mockingly.
"Sure, big guy. If you find me, make sure to thank me first."
I didn't engage in their banter, instead securing my horse to a tree.
"From here on, we need to be even more cautious," I said. "If we're forced to fight, the narrow trail will limit the enemy's numbers."
---
Arrival at the Summer Residence
After nearly three hours of travel, we emerged into a wide clearing. The trail ended at a large, ancient estate surrounded by towering mountains. It was the former summer residence of a Qin king, and its strategic location made it easy to defend. Ei Sei scanned the surroundings and spoke:
"This place was once important to the Qin kings. Now, almost no one knows about it. It's the perfect spot for temporary shelter."
Han swiftly deployed soldiers to secure the perimeter, while Shin remained cautious. Approaching Ei Sei, he bowed slightly and asked:
"Your Majesty, is this place truly secure, or is it just a relic of the past?"
Ei Sei replied calmly:
"It's a refuge, but I can't promise it's entirely safe. For now, it's our best option."
---
The Weight of the Past
As the unit settled in, a brief silence returned. Sitting on a nearby rock, I surveyed the area. Ei Sei, Shin, and Ka Ryo Ten were scattered, each discussing various concerns with soldiers.
"This is a resting point," I thought. "But we can't escape the reality of war. Our next move will determine the course of the larger battle."
Shin approached me, his tone serious:
"Zhi Yong, this place might buy us some time. But if we're going to win this war, we'll need more than just a safe spot."
Nodding, I replied:
"You're right. But every victory starts with being in the right place at the right time. For now, that's all we need to focus on."
Shin gripped his sword and bowed his head slightly. In this struggle, everyone understood their role. But the most critical task still lay ahead: continuing to fight for Qin's future.