"Bullseye!" Sei Chou lowered his arm with a smile. The Zhao soldiers cheered loudly with an earth-shaking roar, seeing that the Yan soldiers had completely surrendered.
Sei Chou sent out more orders that the Yan soldiers are not to be pursued since the war had ended. Den Pou and the Jo brothers rushed to their Lord, checking if he was okay or if he had any injuries.
The young Commander only had a few cuts and bruises, none that would scar or leave marks. With his current strength, the wounds were superficial.
*FLASHBACK*
Chi Ketsu's number one bodyguard came charging at Sei Chou with troops at his back, shouting, "Enough of this, your struggle was admirable, but now it has become an eyesore. It's a pity you must die here, and now, if it were a different time, your talent would've bloomed."
Sei Chou did not reply; instead, he turned to his soldiers, "No matter what happens, continue to watch me, chase after me, should you feel like falling, watch my back. Never stop until you see all your enemies have perished!"
The soldiers nodded resolutely, and with a loud war cry, they charged after Sei Chou, cut a bloody line through the hundreds and thousands of Yan soldiers. No matter how many times a spear pierced their bodies, a sword grazed and sliced into their skin. Even when their horse was pierced, they continued to fight on.
Den Shu looked horrified, his face pale, at the strength shown by young Sei Chou in front of him and the soldiers backing him up. He took a deep breath, settling himself, "All I can do now is to halt you for a while longer, as my Lord escapes." He spoke solemnly, resigning himself to death. Only the hope that he would halt Sei Chou long enough for Great General Chi Ketsu to escape made him fight like a wild beast.
The men Sei Chou had gathered were all of the strongest he had taken with him to siege Hau City, Den Shu shouted a war cry his men followed after their leader.
The Zhao went on a bloody rampage, even greater than their previous charge. It was as if knowing Den Shu was their last resistance to the chance at killing a Great General had fired them all up further.
Sei Chou smiled and rushed at Den Shu, putting all his strength into his welcoming swings. The strikes were fast, precise and too heavy for Den Shu to contend with. Sending the man flying, towards where Chi Ketsu was, and looking directly up towards the Great General, he saw a shocked Great General's eyes for a split second.
Before the man disappeared in the sea of enemies, seeing where the Great General was planning to escape. Sei Chou ordered some of the men to shout, 'Great General Chi Ketsu died!' It was a simple tactic that would crush the morale of the Yan army when they noticed no more commands were coming from their Great General.
After giving a final order, Sei Chou also made his way to a nearby hill. Left of Hau City, it was the perfect vantage point that would give him a clear view of Chi Ketsu's retreat. A bow and a quiver of arrows were slung over his shoulder. Gyou'un, his martial teacher, had made sure he learned every weapon, and hunting had become a good way for him to get to know the army better when Sei Chou was still new in the Rin Shou Jo army.
Sitting atop his red hare, he watched as the Great General changed out of his personal armour and into that of a cavalryman. Pulling back on the bow, Sei Chou felt elated, his black eyes watching Chi Ketsu like a hawk, never leaving the man for a second.
Great General Chi Ketsu turned his head to look at Hau City, before his eyes landed on Sei Chou with wide eyes. He released the arrow, watching the arc before it pierced into the Great General Chi Ketus's back.
*FLASHBACK END*
*BACK TO PRESENT*
"Only 300 soldiers did not make it out, My Lord."
"The same for our unit, Young Master."
"That would put our number of losses at 600 from the initial 4,000." Sei Chou replied to both Den Pou and Fu Jin, all things considered, it would be a success, but for Sei Chou, the loss of 600 was saddening. Since it would mean 600 people would not be returning to their families and friends.
"The Yan, on the other hand, lost the majority of their army," Den Pou added, seeing his Master's melancholic look, "Yes, I heard the numbers are nearing 50,000 from their initial 80,000."
"At least that would put the Yan out of the framework for some time," Sei Chou replied to Den Shou before turning to Fu Jin, "Where are the Jo brothers?"
"He's speaking with the promising young soldiers we saw amongst the Zhao army." Den Shou raised a brow; surprise flashed in his eyes. "Oh, good enough to catch your eye, Fu Jin?"
"Since our Lord wanted us to scout and try to recruit any outstanding talents we come across, I thought, why not also in the midst of battle?"
"Good initiative, Fu Jin, now let's-" Sei Chou's words were halted as he turned his head to listen to the footsteps coming his way. General Chou Haku walked towards the group of three; the old man's wispy Fu Manchu moustache swayed with the breeze.
A kind elderly smile graced his face, "Supreme Commander, congratulations on not only defending the order of Zhao but also winning Hau City." Sei Chou gave a lazy smile and wave before he spoke.
"Haha," Chou Haku chuckled before replying, "Looking at how the battle went, command should've been handed over to you. Your talent to see opportunity is eye-opening even for an old man like me. To take and defend Hau City in the situation we found ourselves in, not only that, but killing Chi Ketsu and the leader of his personal guard, Den Shu… You showed both strength of the mind and body."
Chou Haku stepped forward and patted Sei Chou's shoulder, "I can see why the former Rin Shou Jo army follows you." Chou Haku glanced at Den Pou beside Sei Chou before focusing back on the young commander, "I believe one day soon, my previous words will be true."
"Your praise is an honour." Sei Chou replied.
Chou Haku stepped back before turning, "I've seen and fought with the three Great Heavens, saw how their might represented Zhao against all over states, and saw how everyone marvelled at the talent Zhao held. You are the same as them. Yet, the path is long, dangerous and not walked by the faint-hearted; many challenges from inside and out will face you. Never lose the light that shines bright in your eyes. I, Chou Haku , will be watching your career with great interest." The General exited with those words.
Den Pou and Fu Jin shared a glance towards one another, their lips twitching ever so slightly. Before a snicker sneaked out from Fu Jin, Sei Chou's eyes that had lingered on the now closed double doors turned sharply to his side towards the culprit.
"Oho, you find that funny, brother Jin, perhaps I'll tell Lady Fu about the pile of horseshit you fell in, wouldn't that be a funny story to tell, hmm, Fu Jin?" Sei Chou smirked smugly, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Fu Jin immediately saluted, "My Lord is honourable, magnanimous and graceful enough to forget and overlook such petty matters." Fu Jin knew if word got to his wife, she would never forget it.
"Hahaha!" X2 Den Pou and Sei Chou both laughed at Fu Jin's faux flattery and his plea, as they prepared to return home. Zhao, unlike Qin, didn't hold great ceremonies like Qin for victories in war, so there were no grand celebrations for victory in the capital.
Instead of that the army of Sei Chou would head to Chuuzan and hold their own celebrations there.
STATE OF WEI: Dairyou (Capital of Wei)
Crown Prince Kei Bin POV
The crown Prince of Wei did not know whether to laugh or cry; his body was shaking, but he did not understand if it was out of anger or happiness. The news that it was his son, Sei Chou, who had killed a Great General of Yan and displayed such levels of talent for the State of Zhao.
"To laugh or to cry?" He questioned himself; he had known, of course, that his wife would do what she did. Though he did not welcome the action with open arms, the Crown Prince was helpless in stopping it.
"Dammit!" He slammed his fist in frustration; only the main line had survived in the end. "Except one," Sei Chou was the only child of his that he could save; again, he did not know whether to laugh or cry. The single boy he had helped was now serving under another King, and state, but the boy was his own son and he was so happy that the child had so much talent.
The Crown Prince sighed and ran a hand through his hair before standing up and walking out towards his balcony and looking over the royal city of Dairyou.
…
In another part of the Royal Capital of Wei…
Shi Ei POV:
"You are happy." Warm dainty hands rubbed his chest as he leaned back into the lap of the love of his lap, a lamp burned night oil illuminating the finely decorated room. Shi Ei, the heir to Earl Shi, hummed in agreement to the words of Shi Kika.
"Remeber the person I told that I had met on the battlefield?" He asked, "Yes, Sei Chou, you said his name is. He's the only person you've talked about in any depth when you return from battle. You said the two of you fought evenly before having a conversation." Shi Kika answered remembering the person
"I just received word that he won against Yan, killing Great General Chi Ketsu of Yan, and taking one of their cities as well." Shi Ei spoke with admiration in his voice. Shi Kika's hands halted, she leaned her forward to loom over Shi Ei with an amused smile at her lips. "Ohh, you have a friend?" She said teasingly.
The eyes of Shi Ei twitched at the teasing, "Not a friend." He replied sharply looking to squash anymore teasing but his reaction did the opposite. Shi Kika's smile became a smirk, the amusement dancing beautifully in her eyes, "He is a friend." She spoke in a joyful tone lightly drumming against his chest.
Shi Ei decided not to reply, choosing to close his eyes but his lover would not let him off so easily, "Haha," her giggle sounded beautiful like the twinkling of bells. He loved her smile, her laughter and the joy that shone from her.
When her laughter subsided, Shi Ei wanted to hear it once more. Opening his eyes, he replied, "Not a friend." Shi Kika started giggling once more and he felt a smile grace his face seeing her.
….
STATE OF YAN: Kei
King Sho of Yan was shaking in barely concealed rage, the whole court was subdued and severe. Great General Geki Shin pursed his lips as he remembered being a young boy, the times when he would tour the state of Yan with the man called Military God, Gaku Ki.
Great General Chi Ketsu was an experienced man, with a well of knowledge and talent. A man who though could not hold his head as high as Gaku Ki but walk beside him, he was a pillar of the old military.
"And who is that Sei Chou?! Hm, I've never heard of him, no one informed me that Zhao had such a talent! Now with Chi Ketsu gone, where do we go from here!" King Sho's was worth, his eyes looking over the ministers of Yan like a hungered wolf.
"We've lost so many experienced troops and commanders! the opportunity of pushing back the border and standing tall once again has gone! We must defend! Pull troops back at once!" The declaration came and was met with resounding approval, Geki Shin looked on his eyes sweeping over all the vassals of King Sho of Yan before a grin made its way to his face.
Even though he had fond memories of Chi Ketsu, it did not stop him from seeing the profit that could be gained. And in his eyes there was much to profit from this.
…
STATE OF CHU: Shou Chun
"Shun Shin Kun, what do you make of this boy's capabilities, any credibility to the words or just a fluke?" The King of Chu asked his most trusted man, a person with so much influence in the world that it even rivalled the power of some Kings.
Shun Shin Kun dressed in elegant decorated silk robes, though he still wore his military boots. His outfit mirrored who he was, a man who both held high capabilities in warfare and military matters.
The Prime Minister replied, "I see no fluke, your Highness. I have simulated the battle, and I can see every step was planned by him. Ever since the first day of battle, possibly even before that. This kind of set up and execution, a military mind in a man with experience would be genius and deserve much praise but for a boy so young. It's truly frightening.
It also seems his martial prowess is nothing to scoff at as well, should I've found a boy like this in our Kingdom, I would've made him a General just based on his martial abilities alone and he's only 15." Shun Shin Kun paused for a moment before finishing, "Zhao has gained a truly tremendous talent."
King Kaolie of Chu nodded before ordering, "The amount of the standing army is to increase by 10,000 for every 100,000."
"By your word, Your Highness." Shun Shin Kun said, Kaolie turned to the other person who he trusted as much as his Prime Minister.
"Kou En, what are your thoughts on the matter?" The Great General of Chu, known for his martial prowess in such a strong and fearsome Kingdom, he and his army had clashed many times with Qin, Han, Wei and Qi.
"My King, we must expand and unite all of Chu, find generals with talent and start improving the infrastructure of the Kingdom." King Kaolie nodded, to the Tiger of Chu's words then smirked, "It seems you are to leave for the east then."
….
STATE OF QIN: A battlefield near Chou Hei
"Kokoko," The odd laughter of Great General Ouki sounded out as the monstrous bird laughed heartily. Ou Ki was a massive and muscular man with dark long hair, a three pronged goatee, and large red lips. His right arm was covered in tribal tattoos, multiple piercings aligned his left ear, numerous scars from a lifetime on the battlefield both his arms.
"It seems that Rin Shou Jo hid a gem away from us. I'm sure he had his reasons but I'm still a little angry that I did not come across this Sei Chou. Isn't it correct for me to be angry, Tou?" The monstrous bird turned to Tou, his trusted right hand.
"Sir! You are absolutely correct, My Lord." Tou replied with eagerness and a military salute.
Over the horizon were an array of Zhao flags, the most prominent of all of them being that of the Great Heaven, Ren Pa. Ou Ki's big lips curved upwards at the edges in a wide smile, "Guess, I should get the answers from one of the people most close to the late Rin Shou Jo."
"As expected of My Lord. What perfect reasoning!" Tou replied once more still saluting and speaking with the same amount of fervour.
Ouki moved forwards, his long crimson cape fluttered behind as his horse started to gallop forwards, the sun caught his massive shoulder guards and blue set of armour. In his right hand was his treasure blade, a massive decorated glaive. "Mmm… Well then…" Ouki said heading directly towards the flag of Great Heaven Ren Pa.
CHAPTER: DONE
AN: I will add the pictures for all the people talked about in the chapter. Hope you enjoyed the read!