East of the River: Home of the Sun Clan sample (Act I) -- T. P. M. Thorne
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“We must move back, and let
these heathens think that they’ve won. But our day will soon come! Let no one
think otherwise!”
Liu Pi’s followers were no longer sure.
“Han’s mandate has passed! That is true enough! The signs are
everywhere!” Liu Pi protested. “Why else would the emperor call on this band of
robbers and pirates to save him? Where is his army? These men will soon see
that, and they’ll hear from the local people, and they’ll think again! When we
meet again, it will surely be as allies! Next time, they’ll wear yellow scarves
and fight at our side!”
There were a few murmurs of agreement, but for the Yellow Turbans, the
day was lost.
The battle was all but over: Han Dang led the last charge and ensured
that he gave his all while the other forces consolidated and Cheng Pu ordered
more men to go to the nearby village and reinforce it against further attack.
“And just like that, we won,” Zu Mao sighed as he watched the last few
skirmishes with Sun Jian.
Sun Jian examined Zu Mao’s forehead worriedly, and said, “You got a bit
beat up there, my friend. Try and be careful.”
“This from a man like you…!”
Zu Mao said with a hoarse laugh. “But… you have my gratitude, and my life’s
service, Mister Sun Jian… not many’d risk their life for mine… one day, I hope,
I’ll be able to do the same.”
“Okay, but only if you live,”
Sun Jian joked as he turned to mount his horse.
“Ayah… you want to join the battle again!” Wu Jing realised as he
approached Sun Jian. “Let your men do it! Stay where you are!”
“Relax, Brother-in-law,” Sun Jian chuckled. “I’m just making myself
visible for my men; the day’s won, and I’m quite satisfied that I’ve done
enough.”
Once the Yellow Turban army had retreated completely, Cheng Pu stopped his horse alongside Sun Jian’s to report his feelings on the battle.
“Did we do okay, Demou?” Sun Jian asked.
“We lost about a dozen men, I think, maybe a bit more than that, and of
course we had injuries,” Cheng Pu reported miserably. “It might have been worse;
we killed a lot more of them than they did us, but I suggest we use stratagem
next time, since they’re led by a slightly smarter head than I expected.”
“Agreed; I don’t want to lose any more men if I can help it,” Sun Jian
said as he turned and looked at the nearby corpses of some of the men that he
had lost in this first battle with the Yellow Turbans.
“Sorry, but… such is war,” Cheng Pu said plainly. “You’ll see worse if
you have the intention of making this type of thing your life.”
“True enough,” Sun Jian sighed. “Right, let’s see what they have for
us.”
“I’ve sent scouts, to ensure the way is clear,” Cheng Pu explained. “As
soon as they report back, we can advance on their camps and push them
northward.”
“Very good,” Sun Jian replied.
“…Can I suggest something…?” Cheng Pu said suddenly.
“Yes, of course, Cheng Demou! Go on,” Sun Jian prompted.
Cheng Pu laughed nervously and said, “Do you have to wear that scarf?”
Sun Jian touched the bright red scarf that he wore around his neck and
said, “It brings me luck. Why should it be a problem?”
“…It makes you stand out,” Cheng Pu suggested.
“And that’s a problem, is it…? Won’t men recognise it and run…?” Sun
Jian joked.
“You’re mad,” Zu Mao said with
laughter.
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