The Dawn of a New Journey

As the first rays of dawn stretched across the tranquil village of Heishan, Zhang Wei was already afoot, his every step a testament to the determination that now coursed through him. It was a day he had both eagerly anticipated and silently dreaded, the day his life would pivot onto a new, uncharted course.

With measured strides, Zhang Wei made his way towards the village's training ground, a place where he had spent countless hours honing his martial skills. This time, however, it wasn't for the routine sparring or drills he had grown accustomed to; it was the beginning of a chapter that held a different kind of training, one that would forge him into a soldier under the banner of General Li Feng.

Li Zhen, his trusted mentor and guardian, walked in quiet tandem with him. Zhang Wei had insisted that no one accompany him to the training grounds, wanting his farewell to be a solitary affair, untainted by the weight of goodbyes. But Uncle Zhen, the paternal figure, had his reasons for disregarding Zhang Wei's wishes.

With concern etched across his features, Li Zhen ventured to ask the question that had been gnawing at his heart.

"Zhang Wei, have you made all the necessary preparations? Do you have all you need for this journey?" His voice was tinged with both worry and a touch of reluctance, for he knew that today, he would be bidding farewell to the boy he had raised as a son.

"Uncle Zhen, everything is in order. I'll acquire what I need along the way, including fresh clothing and any other essentials. You've prepared me well for this moment," Zhang Wei reassured his uncle with a confident nod, his determination unwavering.

They continued their journey to the training ground, the weight of unspoken words lingering in the crisp morning air. In the silence between them, the promise of Zhang Wei's future and the uncertainty of their separation hung like a heavy shroud.

Outside the training ground, the morning sun casts a warm glow upon the assembled figures. Zhang Wei and Li Zhen had reached their destination, and standing there, waiting for them, was Captain Xue. His stern countenance softened briefly into a welcoming nod as they approached.

Captain Xue, with a courteous nod, extended his hand to Li Zhen.

"I am Captain Xue," he introduced himself.

"Li Zhen, Zhang Wei's uncle. It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain. Thank you for the opportunity to be the guide for my nephew," Li Zhen shook Captain Xue's hand with a warm smile.

"Zhang Wei has shown great promise during his short time with us. We're fortunate to have him join our ranks," Captain Xue's eyes held a trace of admiration as he glanced at Zhang Wei.

"Uncle, Captain Xue, we should not delay. General Li Feng is waiting," Zhang Wei, feeling a mixture of pride and melancholy, interjected.

Just before the moment could linger too long, the air seemed to shift with an air of authority as General Li Feng made his entrance. His presence commanded attention, and with a few measured strides, he joined the small gathering.

"Captain, please escort Zhang Wei to the appropriate quarters. We shall have some matters to discuss," a courteous exchange of greetings followed, with General Li Feng addressing Captain Xue.

"Come, Zhang Wei. This way," Captain Xue acknowledged with a nod, and his gaze shifted to Zhang Wei.

The moment of parting had arrived. Zhang Wei turned to face his uncle one last time, his heart was heavy with a mix of anticipation and sorrow. He had requested that their farewells be brief, and his uncle, understanding the sentiment, honoured that request with a smile and a simple nod. It was a bittersweet acknowledgement of the road that lay ahead.

With that final exchange, Zhang Wei steeled himself for the journey that beckoned, taking his first steps alongside Captain Xue into the heart of the training ground. It was the beginning of a new chapter, a journey into the unknown, leaving behind the life and family he had known in Heishan.

Captain Xue led Zhang Wei to a group of soldiers who were all set for their journey to the capital. He gestured toward two figures among them.

"Zhang Wei," he said. "Allow me to introduce to you another notable figure within our ranks."

Sergeant Chen was a tall man, lean and sharp-eyed. He had an air of quiet confidence around him.

"If the general hadn't introduced them to you, well here is Sergeant Chen. He is not only a skilled strategist but also our Master of Archery. He seldom misses his mark, I tell you that."

"A pleasure to have you join us, Zhang Wei," Sergeant Chen nodded at Zhang Wei, a small smile playing on his lips.

"And this," Captain Xue continued, gesturing to the other man, "is Lieutenant Wang."

Lieutenant Wang had a round, friendly face and a perpetually jovial expression. He seemed like the kind of person who could find humour in any situation.

"Ah, our newest recruit! You're in for quite an adventure, young man. But don't worry, we'll take good care of you," Lieutenant Wang gave Zhang Wei an enthusiastic pat on the back.

Zhang Wei couldn't help but smile in return. These two seemed like characters in their own right, and he had a feeling they would make the journey to the capital a lot more interesting.

Zhang Wei then noticed the soldiers packing items into the horse-drawn carriage and the various preparations underway. Before he could inquire about it, Captain Xue addressed the situation.

"Zhang Wei," Captain Xue explained. "Unfortunately, we don't have enough horses for everyone. We'll be using the carriage for some of us, while others may need to walk and change shifts. I apologize if it seems like we're half-assed troops of soldiers."

Zhang Wei observed the soldiers bustling around again, packing various items into the horse-drawn carriage. It seemed like they were making the best of what they had, but there was something off about Captain Xue's apology.

"Captain Xue," Zhang Wei began. "There's no need to apologize. Your troops are well-prepared and equipped. I can see that you've made the most of the resources available."

"You have a keen eye, Zhang Wei. General Li Feng places great importance on preparation and discipline. We might not have enough horses for everyone, but each of our soldiers is armed, and every horse and cart is well-shielded and armoured. Our troop may not be the largest, but we're certainly among the best equipped," Captain Xue chuckled a glint of pride in his eyes.

Zhang Wei nodded, reassured by Captain Xue's words. It was clear that General Li Feng's troops were not to be underestimated. Their preparations spoke volumes about their commitment to their mission.

Captain Xue ordered Zhang Wei to put down the small bag he had brought.

"We'll be overseeing some last-minute preparations," he explained, motioning to Sergeant Chen and Lieutenant Wang. "You'll be travelling light. Just ensure you have what you need."

Zhang Wei nodded and complied. Captain Xue's orders were clear, and Zhang Wei quickly placed his small bag inside one of the carriages as instructed. He turned to step away, and as he did, he noticed a hand extending from within the carriage. Curious, he looked at the person inside.

The young man, around looked as if he was the same age as him, offered a friendly smile as Zhang Wei approached. It was clear he was a recruit, and Zhang Wei couldn't recall seeing him before. Zhang Wei greeted him with a nod and a curious expression.

"You're a recruit too, I assume?"

"Yes, I am. Though I joined a couple of months back actually. I've heard about your sparring match with Captain Xue, and I can't believe I missed it. I was busy tending to the horses for this journey," the man nodded enthusiastically.

"No worries. I'm Zhang Wei. It's nice to meet you," Zhang Wei chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease with the friendly newcomer.

"Zhang Wei as in Wei for name?" the man asked and immediately introduced himself as well. "I'm Goh Hong Yi. Hong Yi is fine. Looks like we're the only two recruits here."

"Oh no, Li Zhang Wei then if full name. I'm just used to introducing myself like that," Zhang Wei corrected him.

Before Hong Yi could share more, Captain Xue, who had overheard their conversation, interjected.

"That's right," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "About the two of you being the only recruit, I mean. General Li Feng values quality over quantity. He saw something in both of you, and that's why you're here."

Hong Yi couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance at Captain Xue's words. He offered a grateful smile and nodded in acknowledgement.

As Captain Xue spoke, the preparations around them continued. The other soldiers bustled about, making sure everything was for their journey to the capital. Zhang Wei and Hong Yi exchanged a glance, a sense of anticipation and camaraderie growing between them.

Zhang Wei knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one filled with challenges and opportunities. As he watched the soldiers around him, he couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead, and he knew he wouldn't be alone.

With a final nod to Captain Xue, Zhang Wei and Hong Yi joined the others, ready to embark on their journey to the capital and the adventures that awaited them there.