act49side

<p=2>One day before the day of the full moon, Hour of Ssu</>

The aging general stands silently in the tent, like a brick on an ancient wall.

Behind him is the military map that he has drawn a thousand times in his mind. Before him is the faint silhouette of Baizao.

The rain of the heartlands is unfamiliar to one used to the sands of the frontier. The clouds hang low, suffocatingly so.

The general's thoughts drift away.

You are the new commander of Yumen, I take it.

You can call me Shuo. My responsibility is to assist you in military matters, as well as kung fu instruction for the soldiers.

I can take you around the base, if you'd like.

You don't remember me?

I saw your name in the imperial court's announcement... what do you mean by 'remember'?

Never mind.

I don't need a guide. I've served in Yumen before.

I see. Forgive my impudence.

It seems we are old comrades.

The memories tend to fade after all these years on the border. Forgive me, if I've caused any offense.

Memories faded, I see... interesting.

Get yourself warmed up. I want to spar.

You've had a long journey. You should rest; I would be happy to spar with you another day.

I don't need to rest.

I want to get some exercise before dinner.

We should go no further, General.

The supply lines and the troops' morale have been stretched to the limit.

We cannot afford to be reckless when fighting demons. To push forward would be very risky.

We're so close...!

It's already a remarkable victory, General.

The demons of the north feed on the fear in men's hearts... this is the first time I've seen a general press on without fear, even with the entire army's fate upon your shoulders.

There is nothing to fear!

These things have harmed our people, ruined cities and farms... I only wish we could have wiped them out in this battle!

Give me twenty years, I swear, I will see all the demons wiped out!

I have no doubt you will, sir.

I doubt anything under heaven could daunt you.

What about you?

You seem indomitable, invincible...

Have you ever been afraid?

Transfer?

My appointment to Yumen was for a hundred years. It's time to leave.

And the Sui Regulator didn't tell me anything about the personnel change? They are getting more and more out of line.

But why are you leaving now? Trouble is stirring in the northwest. We need you more than ever.

Perhaps our time together has made you forget...

I've never held any official position in Yumen.

Where are you going? Danyan? Michu?

I think I will be stepping away, fully, from my responsibilities.

Why?

Communications from the Candleholders watching the Tomb of Sui have become increasingly frequent. Its awakening approaches.

It would not be appropriate for me to shoulder important responsibilities at this time.

But Yumen is strong and well-equipped. It will perform its duty well, whether protecting Great Yan's northwestern border, or any other purpose.

Where are you going, after you leave?

The jianghu world is big. There are plenty of places to go.

...Report.

Have the scouts returned?

Not yet, sir.

And we have received no instructions from Baizao in the past three days.

The Sui Regulator should be communicating with Yumen, regardless of what is happening in the Tomb of Sui...

Send out messengers—

Sir! They're forcing their way in!

What is the meaning of this?

General Zuo.

It is most irregular to invade my tent like this, even for the military supervisory censor.

On whose orders are you operating?

The Grand Commandant has sent me to question you on the unnecessary delay.

Ridiculous!

Yumen has been on full alert since it received the order to mobilize. There has been no delay!

Have you forgotten that Yumen received orders to arrive at Baizao by the last day of July at the beginning of the year, but arrived three days late? What is this, if not a delay?

Yumen was struck by a Catastrophe at the beginning of the year, and the repairs took two months! The imperial court must have known—

Silence!

Hmph... I take responsibility for Yumen's delay.

Did you come to strip me of command, then?

You know the Grand Commandant thinks highly of you.

But it seems, now, that you do not trust the Grand Commandant.

Such words are inappropriate for a solemn place like this.

Kindly instruct Yumen to travel twenty <i>li</i> in the direction of the Tomb of Sui.

Yumen is already as close as it is allowed to be under standby. Why should we approach any closer?

The situation in the Tomb of Sui is yet unclear. Are you saying that Yumen should attack?

Your duty is to obey. There is no need to question.

What is His Imperial Majesty's will?

Are you questioning your orders, General Zuo?

I cannot abide such questionable orders!

If you will not accept your orders, then I must ask you to leave this tent.

How dare you!

Stop!

My presence here represents the will of the Grand Commandant.

All you need to do is obey. Even if His Imperial Majesty questions, he can find no fault in your actions.

The bestial Sui is awakening. War is inevitable. Do you still intend to defy orders and paralyze Yumen with inaction?

We are at a crisis. The lives of millions hinge on your decision—including your wife and son, who are still in the Baizao city.

How dare you?!

Not us. You, General.

According to the estimates of the Ministry of War, Baizao will be doomed as long as you continue to defy orders, and Yumen remains unmoving.

There is no time. We will wait here until you have come to a decision.

Does it look familiar?

It has changed, but it is still recognizable as the court that judges all matters under Heaven.

Why have you come back at this time, when you have not done so for so many years?

I have an appointment I cannot miss.

But you took the time to come to the Judicial Review Office. Did you want to see if your successors have disappointed you?

My views are insignificant. The Judicial Review Office should only think about not disappointing the people of Yan.

One of the deputy ministers resigned recently. It's a shame—you would have liked her.

I hope she didn't resign because she was disappointed.

Hard to say...

Do you still play the guqin?

Never forget the five sounds, for that they ensure proper virtue.' I have also been trying out new instruments recently.

I see... more pleasant than studying the Laws of Yan, I expect.