STATE OF ZHAO: Chuuzan
The return of Sei Chou and the Sei Chou army was met with a grand celebration. The army was praised as heroes. Chou Garyuu, who was in charge of managing the affairs in Chuuzan, had spread the word of Sei Chou's action in battle to the citizens of Chuuzan.
After the third day, the celebrations ended, and the people of Chuuzan were elated and returned to work eagerly. Even those who previously were on the fence about being ruled by Sei Chou, the celebrations and merriment swept them up, and they now wanted nothing more than to show their loyalty. With the link between Dai and Chuuzan becoming stronger, there was more work for the citizens.
As for Sei Chou, after the first day of celebration, he went back to work, having regular meetings with Chou Garyuu and Gyou'un. The three of them discussed their next steps and kept their Lord informed of any new updates.
"I'm now a General of Zhao." Said Sei Chou, on the second day of the festivities, a royal messenger came to Chuuzan with a message from the Zhao King. Sei Chou was promoted to the rank of General, skipping over the 5,000-man commander rank. There were a multitude of reasons as to why the royal court in Kantan allowed Sei Chou to skip a rank.
One being his achievement in the battle at Hau City, another being that he was a previous student of Great Heaven Rin Shou Jo and had the Rin family's backing. Many of Rin Shou Jo's relatives had positions in the Zhao court, and they all used their influence to ensure Sei Chou was made a General of Zhao.
But also… "I heard General Chou Haku put it more than just a good word for you." Chou Garyuu had a faint smile as he said that, recollecting the information. "Chou Haku had neither minced his words nor did he downplay your achievements."
Sei Chou's eyes widened. For him, it was an unexpected development, and he did not think Chou Haku would go so far for him. "I will have to thank the old man when I see him again." Sei Chou smirked. Even though he had not thought much of Chou Haku previously, he was not a person who would dismiss a favour done with sincerity.
"We've long since planned for the time when you became a General…" Gyou'un spoke next, "Yet, even with our estimations and knowing your ability, we did not think it would happen so quickly." Chou Garyuu nodded in agreement with Gyou'un's words. To become a General was no small feat; it was a lifetime achievement for many and more.
Yet, they knew Sei Chou was the exception to many things; the boy was only just past his 15th birthday, which was seven days ago. And now he is a General of Zhao; many other 15-year-olds were only just enlisting in an army, or still waiting a few more years to enlist.
"I agree, but we must take everything in stride and adapt to circumstances," Sei Chou replied before continuing, "Gyou'un, how many of the recruits do you believe are ready?"
"You want to head off to war so quickly after returning?" Gyou'un asked.
"No, not yet. The men need proper rest, and I want the people of Chuuzan to continue with their high morale, but I have the feeling that things are going to start heating up even more." Sei Chou replied, turning his attention to the map that showed the borders of Zhao.
"I am of the same opinion, Sei Chou. I believe after hearing of your exploits, the other Kingdoms will also try to search more fervently for their own young military Genius, either through increasing army numbers or by expansion." Chou Garyuu added, nodding his head, he could almost see Chu expanding both to the east and southwards.
"The current Zhao King, though I have not met him. Seems a man who can be swayed and is fearful of Qin's military power, with Ren Pa defending the west. He'll most likely see no other threat, riding the high morale from winning against Yan…" Sei Chou trailed off, his eyes focused on the state of Wei.
"He will invade Wei to take a castle and ransom it back for money and some favours." It was Gyou'un who finished Sei Chou's words. Knowing full well how the current Zhao King waged war, it absolutely angered the General. It had angered him when he served under Rin Shou Jo, and it angers him now, for something that soldiers spilt blood and fought so hard for… Only to see it ransomed back for favours and money.
"Besides what the King may or may not do, how many of the recruits do you think can be added to the army, Gyou'un?" Chou Garyuu asked, moving the conversation on.
"The majority of them are still a way off being combat-ready, but there are a few among them that have made great progress," Gyou'un paused before continuing, "Should a war happen in a week, they will only be good to defend. More time is needed before we can put them in live combat."
"Hmm, we shouldn't put them in if they're not ready. I would rather fight with fewer than a disorderly bunch who turn and flee at the first disadvantage." Sei Chou knew combat; he understood that fear could not be calculated, especially for soldiers who were heading into war undercooked.
"A good decision, Young Master." Chou Garyuu nodded in agreement. Before another topic was brought up and the three generals started another round of discussion.
…
258 AC
STATE OF ZHAO: Chuuzan
SEI CHOU POV
Becoming a General meant I could command up to 100,000 soldiers, but I wasn't so stupid as to attempt that. The logistics alone would be more than a headache, that's even before factoring in that I don't have that many ready soldiers. My current army stood at around 20,000. I commanded 10,000 personally, whilst Den Pou and the Jo brothers commanded 5,000 each.
All of them were equipped and drilled under Gyou'un and Chou Garyuu (when he had the time). There also were strategist, men who studied under Chou Garyuu, who worked alongside my army; it was a solid fighting force, all trained and had some experience in battle.
The days were busy and packed with work, but they were fun, even the paperwork that came across my desk, which reminded me so much of my past life. Business was booming, and things were going very well; the people of Chuuzan were happy seeing the silk trade making more money and their designs gaining more notoriety.
My rule was closer to modern standards than the standards of this era, which seemed to do wonders for my popularity; they were no doubt fearful that I would possibly be overbearing or cruel or whatever terrible nightmare they conjured. However, seeing the way I ruled it was better than they ever thought it would be.
They were allowed to live comfortably, happy and joyous. Which had an effect that I didn't quite account for, and that was their level of devotion. It bordered on fanatical, I could scarcely head out to walk the streets without being mobbed by grannies offering me a meal, women handing me handkerchiefs or men showing me their muscles begging to be enlisted in the army.
I did not know just where to level their devotion, and sometimes it made me think if Kisui and those Rigan guys went through the same thing.
"Hahaha, look at him go." I was pulled from my thoughts by the laughter of Fu Jin, as we watched Fu Tei, his son, playing with a new toy.
The proud smile on Fu Jin's face was infectious, and I felt myself smiling with him. It was both odd and amusing at the same time, watching a character who you only saw on manga pages as an adult, now being a toddler.
"I best be on my way, Fu Jin," I said, standing up from my chair. It was already late in the day when I had visited Fu Jin and his family, and now it was late into the night.
"Has the time really flown by so quickly?" Fu Jin said, looking out towards the window, seeing that the blue sky and bright sun had given way to the night sky and shining stars and moon.
"Yes, it is," Lady Fu entered with a faux chiding visage, which she struggled to keep because her lips were twitching to smile. "I will no longer take you away from your wife," I said, standing up before smirking towards Lady Fu.
"Just make sure the two of you make some babies." My smirk grew more amused as she blushed. Fu Jin was nodding his head vigorously back and forth.
"Bugger off." That was all Lady Fu could manage to say before I said my goodbyes to everyone and started to walk back home. I could've gone in a carriage, but it was a warm night.
Halfway home, I noticed something: "Someone's being very sneaky." I could feel someone watching my back intensely; they were trying to hide themselves, but I knew they were watching me.
Instead of confronting them, I decided to give it a few more days. I wanted to find out more information on the person who was spying on me.
….
A few days had passed, and I found out who the spy was, a woman with a white scarf and scarlet patterns on it. But instead of it being around her hand, hers was styled over the lower part of her face. Her attire made me recall a renowned clan of female assassins. Called the "Chiyou or Shiyuu".
There were only three states that had believed locations of where the Chiyou tribes were based: Qin, Wei and Zhao. I knew they held no allegiance to any of the Kingdoms; they were more of a religious entity.
It also made me curious as to who had wanted to get the jump on me. It would've made perfect sense for me to have believed it was Wei who sent the assassin after me, but there was also the meddling Qin, who could not be ruled out.
I smirked to myself as I reached my mansion, which was a Siheyuan, a traditional Chinese mansion. "I only hope she doesn't try to kill me in my sleep," I mumbled to myself, casting a subtle glance to where she was before looking forward and heading to my wing of the mansion.
The mansion was not fully complete just yet, but once it is, my commanders, generals and their families will all be moving in. I wanted my army to live together and eat together, as a way to build connections and create an even stronger bond. That was why my mansion was being built with such grandeur.
CHAPTER DONE
AN: The Chapter is shorter, but I wanted a slice-of-life chapter before we get back into the full swing of things again.
Hope you guys enjoy.