15 'A Danger'
[Qing County Yamen, Caizhou]
It's noon, and the quiet and lone county is preparing for the night- The farmers returning towards their homes in the valley, the women in groups returning from the Mountain; laden with wood and baskets on their backs.
The small county is already engulfed with the talks of the tragedy, wondering about the safety of the Royal Prince- fearing that, if something happens to prince they wouldn't be able to sustain the plight of Court; given their situation as powerless countrysiders.
For this momental crowd, the County seems to be alive for some time, as the returning crowds flock around the small shops near the County Yamen's path, the only standing building of the Jin government after Yun's mansion.
The scenario is not gloomy as it was at Yun's place- but, the effect of yesterday's tragedy can be seen throughout the Yamen's courtyard-
Filled with wounded and injured soldiers, it seemed like a small medical camp, at least if seen from a modern viewpoint.
Zhang brought Yun to stay here, his sisters accompanied with the whole 'house' of Yun, but most stayed at the hilltop mansion of Yun- keeping care of the majority of wounded soldiers.
The Yamen, looking more like a Garrison; was surely seeming to be one of a big town- with the elite soldiers marching at patrol over the gates and entrances- it was a never seen situation happening for the County people; who just knew it as judicial building till yesterday.
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"Commander Zhang-", one of the standing Liuentenents spoke out, "We have lost our Fifty-six soldiers in this skirmish- the lives of many survivors are dwindling; and without a shelter under the night sky, would sure make the conditions worst."
"What?" Zhang slammed his fist on the wall next to him," Didn't you get any help from that Magistrate?"- he exclaimed furiously.
"Ah...That Old man says he is merely able to hold our stay overnight, he doesn't has any adjustments to get any carts or transports available for so many injured to send back to the capital.", the Liuentenent replied.
"That Old Man!-", Zhang responded furiously, "-Fine! I will deal with him later; For now, Make sure as much as injured soldiers get a shelter inside the Yamen and mansion.", He ordered.
The Liuentenent rushed out of the room to commence the order, and as he departs- A person quietly enters the room through one of the windows.
"Shan Ge! How are you here-", Zhang asked the intruder- who was now panting with exhaustion.
The Intruder, took his veil off- and a sweat-dripped face endorsed with exhaustion came out.
It was Chen Shan, the director of spies in the commision- His family was one of the prestigious families in the north which had a fame in gathering intel for the Jins and Songs; But, after the formation of the commision in Caizhou- He was taken in as the director of the whole spies' networking around North.
For many times, his intels have helped the 'Xijin Army' to defend the north frontier- which was almost everytime remained scouraged by Mongol and criminal gang raids.
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"-What happened?", Zhang asked again- as Chen gulped down the whole kettle full of tea kept on the table.
"Something big happened-", Shan spoke with his breath going uneasy- "A part of Khitan's army has made it to south!"
"What???"- Zhang responded; his eyebrows going up with the heat of the surprise.
"Few days earlier when I was stationed in Beizhou, we tackled a Mongol raiding army going towards east- but as we pinned them down, a part of the raiders took chance to move South."-Shan explained,-"Now,They are looting and burning down every village they are passing, and I suspect they aim for our granaries in Western Caizhou and starve us out."
"No way- our granaries are already moved to east last month, it can't be the reason.", Zhang moved his hands on his forehead- "But wait, if they really aim to do what I am thinking of just now- We are going to be doomed."- Zhang responded with a worried face.
"What you are thinking of, that even I don't know about?", Shan asked with a curious face.
"It's our well-gaurded secret.", Zhang replied-" But don't worry, they won't risk to get past us being dragged slow by the loot. They would definitely find some alternate routes."
"Speaking of routes, That troop is already a village far from our position.", Shan continued- "They seem to camp there as for now; but they are risking it with their daring- Afterall, it needs a tough risk to camp in the vulnerability of Capital Army's reach."
"Hmm, You got a point.", Zhang nodded.
"You should better keep a check their movements for the moment and be safe; For now, It seems I have to recon their positions and check my provisions- Afterall, I don't have a number of soldiers here in Qing."-Zhang sighed with sadness.
Shan nodded.
He immediately vanished out from the room hearing the orders, and this vanishing out meant two things- He is a swift person having a grip on the Lightning skill, and he has a knowledge of the 'Sneaking skills', exclusive to their family of spies.
While Shan rushed back from the same window he had entered, Zhang remained fell into a sea of worries and thoughts.
He was here to save his sister and the Imperial Blood- He didn't really had enough men to face the force of a Mongol army; his troops were just a small cavalry detachment- nothing more, nothing less. More to that, the yesterday's tragedy had already taken many lives of the Elite men in his detachment- leaving his manpower more cut short.
Getting reinforcements was another option for him, though he can only get it a day after summoning- not to mention the mighty Xijin army is still pinned down in the north, And taking away troops from Caizhou; would be a fool's idea to enforce.
But, the only advantage he had- was his Black Knights' cavalry was well trained and disciplined; not like the raiders who had a different uncohesive approach.
And if added more:
I think you guys forgot the person from the future- 'RSK'.
:)
