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About four years ago, the Yellow Turban Rebellion came to an end with Zhang Jiao's death. No more Yellow Turbans would appear in this land.
Like hell.
The leaders were dead, but the peasants who had once gripped their scythes backward hadn't forgotten the taste of blood. They scattered in all directions and started rampaging in loose-knit bands. They had banded together to kill local magistrates, plunder granaries, and seize others' possessions—the pleasure of it all had awakened in them. Their behavior was just like that of the Xiongnu.
People are the same everywhere they live.
The bandits never stopped coming. At least in Bing Province, within the reach of our forces, no bandits dared to show their faces. Partly because of me, but also because after the Yellow Turban chaos, refugees had flooded into the province. They built villages, cleared land, and with the soldiers' help, constructed mountain forts to protect themselves from bandits.
"We will defend ourselves!"
The refugees who settled in Yunzhong, Anding, and Shangdang gradually grew in number. According to Hou Cheng, the young men there were even going around saying they wanted to join the Lü Bu Army. It should properly be called the Bing Province Army, but the people of Bing Province had started calling it the Lü Bu Army before long. What kind of precedent was this? But as time passed, I found myself unable to deny it outright.
Ding Yuan helped a lot, but now I'm the one draining resources from the barracks. Whenever I ran into Ding Yuan and he sniped at me, I couldn't help thinking, maybe I should just do it. He even stops me from going out to suppress bandits.
The past four years. Aside from routine patrols every three months, call-outs to repel bandit raids had dropped off sharply. Because the bandits had decreased? No. Their tactics had only grown more cunning and insidious.
All the idiots like Zhang Wu Jiao who charged straight at us are dead.
The bandits still alive in Bing Province knew exactly how monstrous the Lü Bu Army was. So they focused their raids on the fringes of Bing Province, places we couldn't easily reach. Their leader's name was Zhang Yan. After Zhang Wu Jiao's death, he had gathered the remnants, dubbed themselves the true Black Mountain Bandits, and united the mountain thieves under him.
Jinyang Fortress had issued warrants for his arrest, but his forces were stronger than expected. He was good at fleeing, his nickname was Black Swallow for his agility, and the moment he heard I was coming, he'd turn tail and vanish.
Four years. No, nearly five now. We monitored our patrol routes meticulously, yet the Black Mountain Bandits showed no signs of disappearing. It felt utterly different from the days when bandits sprang up like bamboo shoots no matter how many we killed. It was as if someone was continuously creating more Black Mountain Bandits—their numbers swelled day by day.
I couldn't shake the suspicion. The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became. Someone. Was deliberately nurturing the Black Mountain Bandits. It sounded insane, but...
Bing Province, Jinyang Fortress Barracks.
"Damn it, does this make any sense?!"
Song Xian was jumping up and down in rage.
"It's an edict. Calm down."
"General, this is insane. Utter nonsense."
Wei Xu thumped his chest and pointed at the order lying before us.
"Orders have come down, so we follow them."
"Can you believe Grand General He Jin issued something like this?"
"I can't, but an imperial envoy from the court wouldn't forge an edict."
"But...!!"
"It's the imperial will. No choice."
Imperial edict. Not just any order—an imperial edict. The two clamped their mouths shut, but their dissatisfaction lingered.
"An order to the Governor of Bing Province is an order to us as well. Soldiers obey their superiors."
"We know. But..."
Even Hou Cheng let out heavy sighs.
"We've worked so hard to wipe out bandits all this time, and instead of praise...!"
"It's not just about rewards. If word of this gets out...!"
"The Black Mountain Bandits will run even wilder."
All three vented their fury at me, but they knew as well as I did.
"You okay, General?"
"I'm fine."
Their anger was mine by proxy.
"Damn it, what is this? Telling us not to attack the bandits' forts and bases?"
"You know what they're calling themselves these days? That Swallow bastard's going around bragging about being the true Black Mountain Bandits or some crap."
"Might as well call themselves super Black Mountain Bandits or extreme Black Mountain Bandits. Damn it, aren't there any other mountains besides Black Mountain? Those bandit scum... Hah."
The order we received was simple.
Do not take the initiative in suppressing the Black Mountain Bandits.
Bandit suppression prohibited. Exercise restraint, it said, but it meant don't do it at all. It defied all common sense. Like telling police not to catch thieves, or prosecutors not to indict gangsters.
Why would the court forbid suppressing bandits? They'd gone all out against the Yellow Turbans, so why let the Black Mountain Bandits be? Were they planning to let them form something like the Seventy-Two Blackwood Forts, turning them into a force of outlaws resisting the government? The answer was simple. Such absurdity only happened when someone stood to gain money or power.
"General, you think someone in the court took bribes from the Black Mountain Bandits?"
"Sounds plausible."
Thinking piecemeal, it had to be kickbacks.
"Bandit blood money flowing into the eunuchs' empty pockets in the court."
The Black Mountain Bandits were thieves and a criminal syndicate. If you saw them as gangsters, they'd bribed central political heavyweights to secure their turf. The Black Mountain Bandits operated across Bing Province, Ji Province, and the northern part of Sili Province where the capital Luoyang lay. Raiders traversing the Yellow River basin.
"They must've slipped money to the high and mighty in the court."
"Handing over their plunder to those nobles. Even to eunuchs with enough pull to issue imperial edicts."
"...Bitter pill."
A soldier shouldn't think that way, but...
"I've heard the court was rotten to the core, but I didn't think it was this degenerate."
Sometimes, the thought crept in.
Should I just topple it?
No matter how little I knew about ancient China, I knew a dynasty that didn't last wasn't going to. Even with scant historical knowledge, that much was clear.
It's doomed anyway.
The one that aided Joseon during the Imjin War was the Ming, not the Han. A dying nation. It could collapse now, no surprise. Someone might even be dreaming of a dynastic change. I wasn't aiming for the throne myself, but maybe I could put someone there. Even if it meant dyeing the Yellow River red. If necessary—
"..."
I steadied my breathing. Calmed my rage, regained my peace of mind. A tower built on blood was but a castle in the air.
"Did Governor Ding Yuan take money too?"
"Can't say for sure."
"Who knows? He might not have taken directly from bandits, but maybe from court officials who did."
While I pondered, the three deputies had started suspecting Ding Yuan himself.
"Ding Yuan taking eunuch money? General, we have cause now. Let's go confront the Governor."
"Let's do it."
I stood up.
"Huh?"
"W-Wait, General. What did you just say?"
The three panicked and blocked my path.
"We need a straight answer from Governor Ding Yuan. Is he abandoning the Black Mountain Bandits because of the edict, or is he colluding with them?"
"N-No! Calm down!"
They'd been raging moments ago, but now that I was moving, they tried to hold me back.
"General! It's just speculation! He could just be an old man jealous of a young general's glory!"
"Right! We've left him be this long because he's sincere about Bing Province!"
"That's exactly why."
What did this land of Bing Province mean to him?
"If we find proof he's colluding with the Black Mountain Bandits—"
"I'm back, General."
A man entered, helmet like a lion's mane, thick beard. A figure as imposing as any general, rivaling even Song Xian, Wei Xu, and Hou Cheng—in fact, surpassing them. Yet just past thirty.
"Zhang Liao, you're here."
"Yes. Wen Yuan has arrived."
Zhang Liao. Courtesy name Wen Yuan.
"Governor Ding must have kept you busy entertaining him."
"He's tied up greeting the high officials from the court."
"Did you find out who it is?"
"I know he's one of Grand General He Jin's men, but his face was covered, so I couldn't confirm."
"One of He Jin's... "
"If there's a distinguishing feature."
Zhang Liao traced his beard long on both sides with his hand.
"A man with a beard like this."
"...Could it be."
Somehow familiar.
"Didn't that guy say he was from Yunzhong Commandery?"
That same time, a side chamber in Jinyang Fortress's government offices.
"Come in, Adjutant Zhang. A high official graces us."
"I pay my respects to the master of Bing Province."
Governor of Bing Province, Ding Yuan, welcomed the man in deep red official robes. His build was solid with muscle that even the robes couldn't hide.
"I need to speak privately with Adjutant Zhang from the court, so all of you withdraw."
At Zhang Yang's gesture, the attendants and servants lining the room quickly vacated the chamber.
Click.
Ding Yuan picked up a bottle of liquor.
"It's been a while. Zhang Zisu."
"Call me Zhang Yang like old times."
The man, Zhang Yang, received the cup politely with both hands.
"How are things at court?"
"The situation is dire. He Jin is pushing to kill Jian Shuo, and the Ten Attendants are ready to mobilize the Western Garden Eight Commandants against him if need be."
"Western Garden Eight Commandants..."
"Does Lü Fengxian still not know? That he was nominated for them."
"No need for him to."
Ding Yuan sneered as he poured his own cup.
"Sending an illiterate barely able to write his name to the center would be a humiliation for this Ding Jianyang who brought him into the army."
"...Taming him with the sword."
"Failed. Hate to admit it, but he's no blade I can wield."
Ding Yuan shook his head.
"But in these chaotic times, even the stiffest bamboo burns and snaps quick."
"Why not leave him in Bing Province?"
"..."
Ding Yuan glared at Zhang Yang through wrinkled eyes, but Zhang Yang leaned in and whispered.
"My lord. Thanks to you sending me to Jian Shuo, I've carved out a decent position at court."
"A man who's risen to Adjutant speaks humbly."
"Without your backing, how could I have climbed this far? It's all your grace."
Zhang Yang bowed his head briefly from his seat.
"Hm."
"I can't repay that debt with my own strength, but I can provide a thread. I'm at that level now."
Zhang Yang pulled two silk envelopes from his bosom.
"One is a letter from Grand General He Jin, whom I serve."
"Can an adjutant privately serve a Grand General like that?"
"The court's already split and feuding—what does it matter? Ha ha. The letter contains various official matters."
"And this one...?"
"Likewise, from Grand General He Jin."
Zhang Yang carefully offered the sealed envelope.
"A secret missive."
"..."
"Read it here, and give me your reply for the response. Then burn it."
"Very well."
Ding Yuan tore open the envelope without hesitation and checked the contents.
"..."
His fingers trembled holding the letter.
Zhang Yang silently lifted his cup, waiting as Ding Yuan read it all and gathered his thoughts.
"Is this truly real?"
"He Jin is the Emperor's uncle by marriage. Blood matters little. His sister is the Empress Dowager."
"..."
"And he needs warlords. Even among the Western Garden Eight Commandants led by Jian Shuo's Ten Attendants, some side with He Jin. The Yuan clan's Yuan Benchu, of the Three Excellencies' noble houses."
"Yuan Benchu..."
Ding Yuan scowled.
"Is this his idea?"
"General."
"I know. Outwardly, the conciliatory policy embracing the Ten Attendants has only bred the Black Mountain Bandit flood. Even if..."
"Even if massive rebellions erupt near the capital Luoyang and elsewhere."
"...The warlords profited from the Yellow Turban chaos. He wants to recreate that? With our hands?"
Our.
"General...!"
"Good idea. But one problem."
"What problem...?"
"To carry this out, we'd need to move troops, but unfortunately, all the soldiers in this Jinyang Fortress are gripped tight by some mad bastard."
"..."
Zhang Yang mouthed silently: Lü Fengxian.
"I know. That it's because of my shortcomings. But how could I foresee this?"
"Then, why not delegate?"
"Delegate?"
"It doesn't have to be your soldiers."
"..."
"If you permit it, I can—"
Both men fell silent at once.
Bam—!
The chamber door burst open violently, and one man stormed in trailed by several deputies and maids.
"General! You can't do this!"
Thud, thud.
Not even a dozen grown men clinging to his pant legs could stop the robed man.
"Well, if it isn't General Lü."
Ding Yuan greeted the man—Lü Bu.
I knew the face.
"Isn't that Zhang Zisu?"
"Zhi Si now. Long time, Fengxian."
Zhang Yang. Not exactly a childhood friend, but from a similar neighborhood.
"Heard you got a court recommendation and went into service. As a cavalry adjunct or something?"
"Lü Fengxian."
Ding Yuan glared at me.
"Show respect to Adjutant Zhang. Adjutant, forgive him. General Lü doesn't know much about court ranks..."
"It's fine. I'll tell him."
Zhang Yang rose leisurely and stood before me.
"I'm an Adjutant now."
"...Adjutant Zhang Yang?"
"Don't get the wrong idea—it's a fairly high post. Still the same as ever, Fengxian."
Zhang Yang sighed with a hollow chuckle.
"If you meet another adjutant, your current rank might get you called rude, so watch it."
"...My apologies, Adjutant Zhang."
"Fine with me, just not with others."
That meant mind your manners.
Zhang Yang and I had once suppressed bandits together ten years ago. I stayed in Bing Province; he went to Luoyang with Ding Yuan's recommendation. Ambitious, but not one to abandon righteousness entirely. At least not back then. Not until our last battlefield together.
"You've made it. Congratulations."
"...You, hah. Never mind. Yeah, dealing with those court vultures is worse than facing you."
Zhang Yang waved it off.
"Right now, the Governor and I are discussing confidential court matters. Is it urgent?"
"I heard the Adjutant brought an edict halting Black Mountain Bandit suppression."
"Yes."
"Is it true?"
"...Fengxian."
Zhang Yang furrowed his brow.
"I'm the imperial envoy bearing the edict. Do you deny the Emperor's will?"
"Is it truly the Emperor's will, or those around him?"
"Has this fool lost his mind?!"
Ding Yuan pointed and advanced on me.
"Daring to question the imperial edict! I've indulged you till now, and you finally cross the line!!"
"Just came to check how far that line of not suppressing bandits goes."
I said lightly.
"The line."
I stepped forward one pace.
"How far does it extend?"
He flinched. Ding Yuan halted.
"I hope you don't cross that final line."
Two paces between us.
"Will you?"
One more step from Ding Yuan, and I could reach out and grab his throat.
"I just came to ask. Like poking bandit hives we've hunted before, or..."
The distance held, but I stepped closer first.
"Telling us to sit idle while bandits steal crops tended for months with blood and sweat, kidnap women and children."
Neither Ding Yuan nor Zhang Yang were oblivious. They were forcing my hand, so they'd notice.
"Is deployment banned by imperial edict?"
"...Not quite."
Zhang Yang lowered his voice.
"Bing Province has long earned glory suppressing Black Mountain Bandits. The Emperor knows this well."
"..."
"But don't chase them into other provinces or venture too far."
"No meddling?"
"Twisting the edict like..."
"Governor. The order."
I turned to Ding Yuan.
"The Bing Province Army obeys the Governor of Bing Province, so issue the command to the troops."
"...To the Bing Province Army Overall Commander, Cavalry Adjutant Lü Bu."
Ding Yuan ground his teeth and gave the military order.
"The Bing Province Army shall suppress Black Mountain Bandits within Bing Province borders. Do not leave the province without permission."
"I obey."
I cupped my fists and bowed lightly.
"Oh, one thing."
Before turning, I looked at Ding Yuan squarely.
"The mountain paths are treacherous these days. Many request road maintenance."
"..."
"After rain, earthworms abound. Step on one, it writhes. Travelers say this."
I smiled lightly, tensing my neck.
"Stepped on it, and it wasn't an earthworm—it was a viper's tail."
"..."
"Take care, Adjutant Zhang. The mountain paths are treacherous."
With that, I left the chamber. I felt their glares on my back, but could only head to the barracks with bitterness lingering.
"He's changed."
"...Insolent bastard."
Ding Yuan's hands shook.
"Adjutant Zhang."
"Speak, my lord."
"Mobilize some of your private troops. I have my own hidden guards; unite them and convey we'll obey the order."
Ding Yuan took the secret missive and tossed it into the brazier to burn.
"Mengjin Port, was it?"
"Yes."
"It'll burn bright soon enough."
Whoosh.
"By Black Mountain Bandit hands."
The burning missive turned to ash, rising past where the man stood, fluttering out into the open air.