18 Retrieving the Sun Dao Corps (1/2)

Copyrights by JaehaJack

This is my original work. All rights reserved. No parts of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems - except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews - without permission in writing from its author.

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

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Many said that after the royal tyrant's wedding, the Sun Dao corps would disperse to other divisions. The 7,000 men felt even more dispirited. Years of glorious victories under the tyrant were wonderful and so was their comradeship. The tyrant herself was even more humane than other generals except for her embarrassing behavior when returning home as if a suppressed beast was unleashed to bring chaos to the innocent.

But because of the ambush, the Sun Dao Corps' existence was in imminent danger. After escaping Han Ryu's persistent invitation, Wei Xia Ri and Cai Jin left for the emperor's court. Cai Jin remained standing with other nobles present in court when the general was allowed to stand before the dragon throne.

The emperor rested an arm on his throne before placing his chin on top of that arm's palm. Just when the day was bright and blue, a walking calamity came to visit.

”This General greets his majesty, the emperor.”

The emperor rolled his eyes, knowing full well about the purpose of a tyrant who suddenly became so humble. He knew her well enough to know she was up to something. ”Lift your head, General Wei. Forego the formalities. What is in your mind, cousin?”

When the general did so, a flash of rich red silk and golden embroidery wrapped around a man sitting of a dragon sculpted throne met her gaze. The ruler of the empire, him alone, could boast their wealth even in complete silence. His face, which was not as thin as when they first met, seem to have gained weight. Moreover, she could not help but notice that the emperor's eye bags disappeared and replaced with glowing skin.

”Then please forgive me, your majesty, because I will come about frankly. Please bestow me the tiger tally sent back after the ambush,” Wei Xia Ri bowed. The remaining men were from the original's own formed division and it meant they were her people. Her downfall may make it difficult but the emperor had always been lenient towards her. Given that he trusted her enough before, then probably today would be fine as well?

But this time, the emperor have been having relaxing times and could clearly think on the spot. Hawk-like eyes scanned her up and down, measuring her up. ”Why do you think that Zen should reinstate you back, General Wei?”

'Crap, is this a job interview?' Wei Xia Ri mentally groaned and then bit her lower lip. Good thing that she insisted to bow and could make expressions of irritation. Her face scrunched but then she decided not to show many emotions. Instead, the experienced modern world job seeker cleared her throat and smiled sensibly. ”This general was a commander before but now, I have learned. I will pursue leadership to lead my troops for the betterment of the empire. The ambush was indeed a heavy blow that has torn my brothers' spirits. My own had been reflecting since that day. If the wise son of heavens bestows me the tiger tally, I shall pull them away from the front lines so that we may start from the bottom once more by maintaining and promoting peace throughout the empire and our allies.”

'It was a mediocre answer but if it worked so far, it is going to be okay. Maybe next time, I need to work on my speech with little Jin's help.'

”Starting from the bottom after becoming a cavalry division that is on par with the imperial corps? Is cousin spouting nonsense? Must you know that he who thinks an inch but spout a yard will need a kick in the foot?”

Her plan to return to square one and fix the army's dilemma was indeed idealistic. But this was not the first with her people at least, just that they were in a different field. Wei Xia Ri persisted. ”A wise, foreign man once said something that inspired this general to believe in rebuilding the Sun Dao Corps. Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. This general begs for his majesty's consideration.”

The emperor, petty as he was towards this troublesome cousin, felt responsible for the loss of his men. They were people he invested in as well. General Wei has indeed demonstrated countless victories to defend the empire and even went as far as too volunteer to participate in the winter battle in place of the fifth prince, Zhong Lei. Despite the crown prince's disapproval for the General's blind faith and bias towards the fifth prince, the son of heavens himself had approved of it thus leading to today. If it had not been for his approval, the casualties would have been less, provided that the imperial corps under the fifth prince had been more equipped for offense and defense.

”Hmm,” he said and looked at her in silence. A face in deep thought shut the mouths of all the people in the courtroom.

Cai Jin's eyes kept darting back and forth from his wife to the most powerful sovereign of the empire then back to her again. The silence he gave when the general proposed a rash proposal indeed needed more time to think. 'General Wei, if it is only possible that I can stand by your side and aid you right now, I will.'

Just then, the emperor nodded. ”Eunuch Li, summon Minister Zheng who helps govern the ministry of war right now.”

A eunuch in a verdant green robe stepped forward from his right side to acknowledge the order before leaving. His eyes could not help but give the general a glance. He felt amazed by her new idea that should really never leave her mouth unless the tyrant was reborn and became a lady from a scholarly family. 'A general with so much experience should think better!'

It did not take long before the Minister of War arrived. A tall, muscular man who aged well into his mid-fifties walked in and greeted the emperor. ”His majesty, the emperor called for this subject?”

”Minister Zheng, Zen wants to consult you about General Wei's idea of restarting, how about you lend the youth an ear.”

Wei Xia Ri felt a sense of quick intimidation when the six feet tall minister turned his head towards her. But it was from muscle memory that made the body almost stagger back. 'Geez, how scary is this old man?'

Nevertheless, the general repeated her proposal while her eyes drilled into his as if trying to look into his head and see if the indifferent man would agree. He listened to her the whole time but not a muscle moved on his unsmiling face. As if he was an unmoving mountain.

”Minister Zheng, this would only be plausible when his majesty and minister Zheng would cooperate with me,” (JaehaJack) she added after mustering all the courage she could gather in her body.

”...” The minister of war let out a sigh and began to play with his long beard. ”Your majesty, General Wei, if I may share my thoughts, that is one excellent approach. It has never been heard of and certainly, it would incur different responses from the masses. It will not just affect our men but their families too.”

”I anticipated such an outcome. Your majesty, Minister Zheng, by taking back the tiger tally means my reinstatement. As for my men, I will allow them to choose whether to stay where they are or return to my side. The Sun Dao Corps might even be reduced to a battalion of at least 20 men.”

”Then General Wei is implying that we throw the medal away to satisfy your wish?” The emperor looked at her with a narrowed gaze.

”Your majesty, I only want to fix the problem that brought the grievance to my men. Revenge is now impossible because of ambassador Han and his team of envoys. To avoid the possibility of rebellion--”

”Rebellion--” The minister of war repeated in a surprised, loud voice. The emperor nodded knowing full well about the dissatisfaction that was slowly arising as soon as Han Ryu stepped foot into the empire's territory.