East of the River: Home of the Sun Clan sample (Act I) -- T. P. M. Thorne

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“…Brilliant,” Zhu Jun chuckled. “This is easily the fastest, least costly rout that anyone could have expected. You’re naturals, and could certainly chase these fools down without anyone looking over your shoulder.”
“You are most kind,” Sun Jian said as he bowed slightly.
“All that’s left is Nan County, now,” Zhu Jun continued. “I was hoping that you might join me there, Wentai. Is that something reasonable to ask…?”
“I will go where you feel I am most needed, Commander Zhu,” Sun Jian replied.
“Very good; I expect nothing but victory, then!” Zhu Jun chuckled. “The Heavens are with you; truly, you are the progeny of Sun Tzu, for it can be nothing else!”
The group exchanged bows, and Zhu Jun retreated with his entourage.
“That’s an incredible compliment,” Cheng Pu noted.
“He complimented us all,” Sun Jian replied.
“You’re a rising star, Mister Sun Jian,” Zu Mao suggested.
“Oh, nonsense…!” Sun Jian chortled. “You all know how it is: we’ll get some rice, perhaps a bit of silk and gold, if we’re lucky; officials with contacts, and the commanders, of course, will get the real rewards. I’m doing this because it’s the right thing to do-”
“And it proves who you are,” Zu Mao suggested further.
“…That too,” Sun Jian admitted. “…Yes, that too. But enough of this: their rear guard has retreated, and our scouts are returning, which means we’ll get a full report on possible traps and ambushes. Once we know the road is clear-”
“It’s on to the west, to Nan County,” Cheng Pu noted.
“All of you are free to turn back if you feel that is too far from home,” Sun Jian said kindly. “I feel that I owe a debt of gratitude to Commander Zhu for offering me this opportunity, but-”
“S’an opportunity for us all, Mister Sun Jian,” Zu Mao interrupted. “Consider me a barnacle on your backside until this is done and dusted.”
Sun Jian laughed at the notion.

“I’d describe myself in less derogatory terms, but I’m with you as well,” Cheng Pu chuckled.
“As am I,” Huang Gai said. “I want to do my part.”
“I’m looking forward to being a part of ending the chaos,” Han Dang agreed.
“And I’m not letting you out of my sight,” Wu Jing scolded.
Sun Jian laughed again, and said, “Our path is set then, gentlemen! Soon, we’ll be going to Jing Province!”

There would be one last battle in Yu Province before the inevitable move west: Liu Pi and Huang Shao had been followed by scouts, and the Han commanders were keen to bring an end to their resistance before reallocating their forces elsewhere. Sun Jian’s men were assigned to the task, and they journeyed to the hills that now served as Liu Pi’s base. Once a small camp was established, Sun Jian and his officers travelled to the foot of the hills to reconnoitre.
“It occurs to me that we’ve fought the leader of this lot quite a few times before,” Han Dang said.
“We have,” Huang Gai replied. “Liu Pi and Huang Shao were commanding the men we fought on the way to Yingchuan.”
“So defeating these two is important,” Han Dang suggested.
“Defeating… but not killing,” Sun Jian said. “Let’s not make any more martyrs.”
“But if they don’t surrender, we won’t have a choice,” Han Dang proposed.

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