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Chapter 1
¤Discussion in the Peach Garden¤
¤Emperor Bao Counters¤
¤The Artist of Shangxia¤
" Brother, do you not see the chaos that the rebels bring? They are multiplying quickly, and soon will be enough to bring down the emperor himself! "
" Calm yourself, brother. We would have to deal with them slowly, for to attack recklessly will for surely bring our deaths. "
Yun Qiu glanced at his distressed sibling, who looked off the edge of the cliff with angry eyes. Smoke billowed from a small village, a gigantic mass of men and women alike with bronze dragon helmets mounted on horses surrounding it, yelling loudly and declaring their victory. If one could look closely enough from the cliff, one could notice the severed bodies that littered the ground, blood seeping slowly from open wounds.
Yun Dong watched with horror as the survivors were chased down with horses, and if they weren't stomped on when they'd been caught up with, a well placed sword ensured their death. After rounding up the rest of their members, the invaders galloped away, brandishing their weapons. He turned his attention towards his brother, who watched with indifference, his usually sharp green eyes tired and glazed. He didn't understand why his brother was acting this way. A village was being taken right before their eyes, yet he watched as if it were nothing. How was it that he could do such a thing? He shook his head before turning back to the view.
" Yun Dong, I have decided that we shall stop this rebellion. " Yun Qiu suddenly said, before lifting himself from the ground. He glanced upwards behind him, to see a gigantic peach blossom tree tower over him, loose pink petals drifting his way, a few stubborn flowers clinging to the withering branches. Down the tall hill the two brothers sat on, a beautiful forest of peach trees grew, all very old and tall. It was about time that they were going to loose their petals. " We have only tried to stem the flow, but I feel that we should put an entire end to it. "
" I just do not understand, " Yun Dong mumbled, " They appeared so suddenly that no one noticed for a time. But, here they are, terrorizing the country and crushing those who stand in their way. "
" No one even knows what their intentions are, or who their leader is. " Yun Qiu added. He rested his hand on his sibling's shoulder, " Come, I know where they will strike next. "
Yun Dong stood, picking up a long spear, two meters in length. It had a white body with a wispy blue tassel under the blade. Yun Qiu's spear was alike to it, though his spear head was a longer broad blade, with a small blue tassel on one of it's edges. Both had their ebon hair tied back, along with blue headbands.
" They will be moving on to this province's capital, Shangxia. We will cut them off from the side. Their leader shall be vanquished. "
" It is evident, Emperor Bao, that we should send your Imperial Generals to defeat these fools. You should not let something as little as a rebellion bother you. " said chief advisor of the Emperor, Jiang Ming. " Do these peasants believe that they can overthrow the Emperor? Hah! That is nonsense. "
The old man in beautiful robes embroidered with golden dragons and a silver hair piece clasped in his long, graying ebon hair said in response, " Yes, Jiang Ming. I shall send four of the kingdom's greatest warriors. " With a wave of his hand, he sent Jiang Ming to retrieve them.
Bowing before taking his leave, Jiang Ming took brisk steps out of the Emperor's chambers, a small smile curving his lips. He passed many servants, all bowing before him as if he were the Emperor himself. Jiang Ming was admired greatly by many, especially by women, who adored his beautiful face. Men were envious of the strength he possessed. He had helped the Emperor in greater times of need, and he was successful wherever he was needed. He used to be a good strategist for the Emperor's army, but a new youth had replaced him a good five years ago.
Sighing, he walked outside of the chambers, entering a large garden. Fall had already begun its work on the trees, and all shared the same crimson foliage, some with a slight touch of gold. Curved wooden bridges stretched across clear babbling streams, golden orange fish swimming about and dodging the smooth rocks that were scattered along the water swiftly. Tall yellow willows gently brushed their leaves against the ponds, gently rippling the surface. A lone pavilion of white stone stood alone on its own little circle of land, a gigantic peach blossom tree towering over it and spreading its branches over the roof. A thin wispy line of steam rose from it.
Jiang Ming crossed the red bridge that led to the small building, his robe billowing out like fleeting clouds behind him as a soft wind commenced. He dropped onto one knee before the steps of the pavilion, inclining his head, long dark brown hair falling over his shoulders.
" Lord Huangfu Song, Emperor Bao Jin has ordered me to tell you to help crush the rebellion. You are one of the Imperial Generals, so you must be inclined to agree? "
A man in his later twenties sat at a stone table, his black hair up in a bun, with two long locks falling over his ears. His lean face was finely sculpted, murky brown eyes set into his features with slightly tinted lips. He wore white robes. He was sipping tea, a chess board set up on the table. His expression was solemn as he moved his red pieces about the board quickly, as if he did not think of what he was doing. His opponent, tactical and strategical Imperial General Lu Xun, studied the board silently, before looking over to the steps that Jiang Ming kneeled.
" Jiang Ming, you need not be so formal. Come, have some tea. "
Jiang Ming glanced up, his stormy gray eyes meeting chestnut brown ones. Lu Xun was the youngest of the Imperial Generals, being seventeen. His face resembled the smooth, beautiful surface of jade, a youthful feminine touch added to it. He was always dressed in battle garb, his twin mandarin coin blades always nearby. He was always recognized easily by the unique silver helmet he wore, looking almost completely different without it, as he did now. His ear-length black hair brushed against his face softly, a few stray strands hanging over his eyes. He enjoyed playing chess, often pretending to be an amateur to bring opponents off guard, and then finish off with an unexpected victory. He was usually with Huangfu Song, who had requested that the boy become an Imperial General after witnessing Xun's battle skills.
Bao Jin's chief advisor hesitated on the thought of standing up and talking to the two generals so casually. Lu Xun was only a youth, and it was only natural that he didn't care too much for formalities. As he passed the thought around his head, balancing it out between his consciences, Lu Xun called out to him again.
" Jiang Ming? "
" Y-Yes, General Lu Xun? " He watched as the young man beckoned him with a hand, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
" Being a general, I command you to come join us! "
Jiang Ming finally stood, praying that he wouldn't be seen. He strolled calmly towards the chess table, taking a seat at his own side of the square table.
" Now we may resume our game. " Huangfu Song mumbled quietly.
" I suppose we will have to start another? "
" Why should that......" A few clicks of chess pieces being moved were heard, followed by a snicker.
" Checkmate. "
Huangfu Song stared with disbelief at the chess board, his eyes gazing at each red piece, and then the black pieces. He glanced up to see Lu Xun smiling. He exchanged looks with Jiang Ming, who was also struck with surprise. Huangfu Song bowed his head, sighing.
" I suppose I should never challenge a tactical and strategical genius to chess. "
" Quite right! " Lu Xun added, smiling proudly. He then turned his attention towards Jiang Ming. " Now, you were speaking of the Jin Huang Long(1) rebellion? "
" Yes, Emperor Bao Jin requests your aid, seeing as you're two of his best Imperial Generals. He would like a response as soon as possible, as to whether you are willing or not. "
Huangfu Song nodded, a pensive expression taking over his features. " They are multiplying quickly, and we will definitely need the help of Cao Xiu and Shui Chun. But, we agree to this task, do we not, Lu Xun? "
" Of course! "
Jiang Ming led the two to the Emperor's chambers, all three bowing low before the ruler of the country, who sat on a beautiful golden throne elevated on a dais, which faced southward, a set of stairs north, east, and west of the throne. Bowing forty paces away, they were called ten paces forward, the three graced with utter generousity. Bao Jin stroked his long beard thoughtfully as Jiang Ming explained Lu Xun and Huangfu Song's answers.
" Ah, I do suppose that you will need the assistance of the other Imperial Generals, no? Both Cao Xiu and Shui Chun are in Shangxia. You will have to bring your troops there to meet them. Are you ready to leave now? "
" Yes. " said Lu Xun and Huangfu Song in unison, each nodding once.
Bao Jin inclined his head once. " Prepare your troops. Set off as soon as you are done. Please, stop this rebellion before it goes beyond our reach. "
The two generals bowed deeply, clasping their hands together. They prepared more than ten thousand infantry soldiers and horsemen, also bringing a few hundred archers. Huangfu Song took with him his broad sword, and Lu Xun his coin blades. They mounted their own horses, both an elegant white stallion. They left with haste, and rode off through the Emperor's province to Shangxia, galloping quickly through the rice fields.
As if the Heavens decided to prove him wrong, a small party of mounted men dressed in rags suddenly appeared. They brandished swords and daggers menacingly, and with just their appearance one would be afraid. Their faces had been unshaven for a long period of time, long black beards waving everywhere, and their hair was in messy, tangled strands. Their teeth were clenched, and they growled and yelled savagely, in an attempt to scare the two twin brothers.
Yun Dong was quite surprised, but Yun Qiu managed to collect himself clumsily, although he himself was also startled of the sudden arrival.
The leader of this pack of travelling thieves, named Fu Si, smirked and with a slight nod, the others barred the twins' path, with no way to escape.
" I am Fu Si, leader of the Crimson Rags. It would be best for you to surrender your valuable belongings before we behead you!! " growled he, and he thrust his broad sword in the air.
Fu Si's best warrior Zhou Hua, stepped forward, holding his staff level with Yun Qiu's head. " You! Did you not hear his orders?! "
Yun Qiu smiled, and began trying to stifle a laugh. He wasn't able to hold it, and burst out with a quiet chuckle. Yun Dong glanced at his brother with concern, not understanding why his brother laughed with amusement. Weren't they currently surrounded by bandits?
" Hmph, your arrogance will be your downfall! "
And with a single ram, Zhou Hua was killed with a spear to the head. Everything was silent for that moment, like the first morning of winter, when all that could be heard was hollow wind. Fu Si was most shocked, his eyes widened, his mouth gaping open.
Said Fu Si to Yun Qiu, " You uncultured swine!(3) I shall teach you a lesson! "
Yun Qiu only smiled, twirling his spear about his head in a show of skill, Zhou Hua's body falling to the ground. " Perhaps it will be I who will be teaching. "
" Hah! I think not! "
Fu Si kicked at the flanks of his horse, moving it forward. Yun Qiu whirled his horse in the same direction, breaking through the crowd and leading Fu Si to a better battle ground. Fu Si was very angry, and wasted no time to attack, stabbing his broad sword forward before Yun Qiu had begun to turn around. Not checking if he had even gotten his target, Fu Si cried out in triumph.
" You teach me a lesson?! Bwahaha!! Such a fool you are! " Fu Si grinned, displaying his small set of rotten yellow teeth.
Those were Fu Si's last words, as at that very moment, a spear quickly entered and exited him within seconds. His eyes bulged, and blood gurgled from his mouth, streaming down his beard and neck. With a grassy thud he fell to the ground, blood slowly puddling around him.
The rest of Fu Si's followers had all seen the death of their leader, and they galloped away as fast as their horses would take them, just passing a young man who was running towards Yun Dong. He carried a white parasol, and under his other arm was a little sandalwood box that had a tiger design, along with a few scrolls of paper. His hair was the darkest of ebon, and shoulder-length, a portion of it up in a bun. His eyes were light brown and slightly small, his cheeks and lips slightly tinted with a touch of red. He wore simple clothing, nothing more than the ordinary shirt, pants, boots, and a black belt, everything but that a different shade of earthly colours.
" Please accept my thanks!! " cried he, " You have disposed of the Crimson Rags! "
As Yun Qiu joined his brother, Yun Dong asked, " Why is this of great importance to you? "
" Why, is it not evident? Those men are murderers and thieves, and while I was around these plainsthey jumped out and threatened me until they saw you coming. But now my town and I will not have to worry about them ever returning! "
Both brothers nodded in understanding. Then, Yun Dong inquired, " May we ask of your name? "
" Certainly! My name is Sima Ce, artist of Shangxia. I have also some skills of battle, though I am afraid that is nothing compared to what you are capable of. " Sima Ce bowed before Yun Dong and Yun Qiu, thanking them and praising them happily.
" Shangxia, you said? " Yun Qiu asked curiously, exchanging looks with his brother. " Sima Ce, I am afraid that your hopes are too high for Shangxia. The Jin Huang Longmay be attacking it in a few days! "
Sima Ce's joyful grin turned into a frown. " How is it that you came by this information? "
" The Jin Huang Long is aiming for the land's capitals, and from where we saw them last Shangxia was the closest to them, I suppose that they will be entering the Pang Province soon. "
Sima Ce clenched the hand that held his parasol, and would've cracked it in half had he not realized what he was doing. His face held anger. " I will accompany you! I must, for it is my home! "
Yun Qiu and Yun Dong discussed this with each other for a short time before agreeing, though warning the artist that he had to be very careful. After Sima Ce agreed to that, he was introduced to the twin brothers, whom he could hardly tell apart. He rode with Yun Dong, the two conversing merrily, Sima Ce learning more of the twins and vice versa. The journey was much more noisy, as Sima Ce talked often of the plans he had for the rebels, and of how he worried greatly for his parents that resided in Shangxia.
" I hope that they will leave, for father cannot fight. He is only a calligraphist, and my mother a gardener. " Sima Ce mumbled miserably, eyeing his little sandalwood box sadly.
" Worry not, " said Yun Dong, " we will defend Shangxia. "
" But....But what if we are too late? "
" We then must hope that we will not be. "