Chapter 35: The true definition of a Monster
I was watching the bustling streets from my balcony. The cacophony of voices, the smiling people, the shenanigans of mischievous children- all of these things made me feel I have truly accomplished something. Even in such a chaotic and brutal era, I have managed to build a safe haven.
I heard some footsteps shuffling around and knew who there without even looking. A smile crept into my face and I pretended not to notice it, as I felt two little bodies jumping on me from both sides.
I elegantly moved and grabbed the two troublemakers by their clothes, then brought them up to eye level. With an infuriating grin I said , " Oh my, looks like you two haven't learned the lesson from last time, Taiyang and Yueliang."
My 8 year old son grunted adorably, while my 7 year old daughter tried to act pitiful and said, "But father, you are supposed to be having dinner with us. Mom told me and Taiyang to call you."
I laughed and asked, " And that needed you two to sneak attack your dad?"
Taiyang started moving around so I put them down. He then spoke with a determination, " Next time I'll catch you old man!" To which I bonked his head with a vein popping around my forehead, " Who are you calling old , you little brat ? You want another spanking session with your mom ?"
Taiyang immediately changed his tune, "Of course father. You are in the prime of your youth, looking more handsome than the king and with a beauty like mom…"
Bonk!
"Ow, what was that for?"
" Stop using these flattery techniques on me. Do you think I don't know your routine?" Yueliang cheered from the side, " Yes Dad, beat him more. I saw him today flirting with the daughter of our gardener."
I raised an eyebrow and looked at my son who averted his gaze. " Isn't the daughter like 20 years old?" I asked Yueliang.
"Yes Dad! he said such shameful things that even made her blush and run away."
" Well, I can't say I blame him." I shrugged. "He is my son after all, he has my charming looks. It's natural to inherit my skills as well."
Yueliang looked betrayed as she tried to refute, while Taiyang gave a smug grin to her. Our conversation was stopped by by cough . We looked up to see both Karin and Diaochan standing there with amused expressions.
Karin looked at Taiyang with a kind smile and said, " So that's what you were doing instead of training ,huh?" making him instinctively cover his butt.
Diaochan walked close to me pinched my waist with a gentle smile and said, " You are encouraging him instead of punishing? Have you been also using these skills of yours outside?"
I ignored her line of questioning and simply pulled her to my chest and replied, " Do you want me to try them on you, my lovely wife?" making her blush and struggle.
" Dad, you are scary." Yueliang commented from the side. " Only you can turn mom into a shy girl even when she's angry."
Karin, who was admonishing Taiyang, also chimed in , " Your dad can indeed charm any woman. It's lucky he is busy with his work, otherwise you would have more moms, Yueliang ." She then asked me, " Have you already talked with Yotanwa about 'that'?"
I sighed as I picked up Yueliang despite her protests and replied, " She is prepared. She will have to be the last line of defence in case they break through the pass." We walked towards the dining hall to enjoy our last family dinner in a while.
War council, Changan
I looked around the room with a smile and started speaking, " The war that I have waited for so long has arrived. It is time for us to enter the stage again ." which was met with cheers from everyone.
Zhang Liao laughed and spoke, " Finally, some fun! It's been boring just scaring away the barbarians. They now run whenever they hear our horse hooves."
Zhuge Liang, as calm as ever asks me, " Who would be going with you, my lord ?"
I became serious and started breaking down my plan.
" I'll take 120,000 soldiers to defeat Ousen. There should be 100,000 soldiers in north to secure borders and cities. The 80,000 remaining soldiers will move once I return to Qin.
I'm taking Zhang Liao, Zhuge Liang and Han Xin.
Karin, and Zhao Yun , You will have the 80,000 standby. Act accordingly to the situation.
Bai Feng, You will take the guardians of the north through the mountains and observe Hangu pass. OBSERVE, not fight , unless absolutely necessary. It's a huge battle, so be very careful of sneak attacks.
Zhang he, you will be the one holding the north. Be very cautious. No matter the bait, as long we hold the gate, nobody can break through.
Yotanwa will take the mountain army and reinforce the throat of Kanyou, in case of accidents.
I have also contacted someone who's been keen on getting revenge against Chu. He will be the last trick prepared for any remaining surprises."
Zhuge Liang smiled and asked, " You never mentioned anything about your plans against Ousen, my lord."
I grinned wickedly and replied, " I'm gonna do something I have been wanting to do for a while."
Karin laughed nervously and asked, " Please don't tell me you have one of those crazy reckless plans again?"
I looked offended and replied, " I feel hurt , darling. I was actually going to do the opposite. I'll draw them into a field battle, then just smash them head on." I looked towards Han Xin , " I just want to get the rust out of my body and fight like Moubu, so you and Zhuge Liang will command 100,000 . Me and Zhang Liao will take 10,000 cavalry each and go on a rampage."
Zhang Liao grinned savagely, " Whoever kills the most enemies gets 100 jars of wine, like before?"
I replied with a laugh, " Of course."
At this point, the newest addition to my entourage, spoke up nervously, " Umm.. Great General Kouryu sir, would it be alright to just fight them head on ? General Ousen is definitely not a foolish general. He served under Grandpa to hide his ambitions, so he might have some sort of trap planned."
I looked at him and smiled, " Oh my bad. Almost forgot about you Mouten. Do you want to observe the battle from HQ with Zhuge Liang, or go out there with Han Xin ? You'll need some more muscle to keep up with me and Wenyuan."
Mouten was surprised and asked, " I can choose?"
I replied with a shrug, " You said you wanted to learn from me. So you must have an idea what kind of general you want to be. So choose accordingly and learn the basics in battlefield. Maybe you'll find something new about yourself."
I then spoke calmly, " There's a reason I am fighting separately and in a different manner, more like your dad. Hid idea is actually not wrong. In front of true monsterous strength , strategies can indeed become useless. But you have to possess such strength. "
I then smiled, " And that is what I'll show you for your first lesson, my dear little disciple, what having real strength means."
Mouten PoV
Crushing enemies with overwhelming strength, And that's what he is exactly doing - I thought to myself as I watched with shock , how easily the 30,000 army of Han was utterly destroyed by 2,000 cavalry led by General KouRyu and Zhang Liao.
That's why father always gets angry when anybody mentions the strength of General KouRyu. He feels mad that someone so strong physically would rather use stragies and tactics than using sheer strength to crush enemies.
There were rumours that my dad challenged Master, and he was beaten easily. I can see why. If my dad is a tiger among men as one of the strongest warriors in China, My master is a ferocious dragon, who just can't be compared to anyone .
I watched quietly as about the remaining half of the 30,000 enemies decided to flee in front of 2,000 cavalry. Yet even in retreat, they were being slaughtered mercilessly, making it a hell on earth for them.
Old gramps spoke with shock , " So this is the might of the strongest man?"
I laughed and replied, " To be honest, My master has never said he is the strongest man physically. Everyone just assumes it because in his duel against Lu Bu of Zhao, He somehow almost killed him despite being never famous for his strength before. He said it's because of that Lu Bu underestimated him that night, and almost paid the price for it.
But master himself told me that Lu Bu is the strongest physically for now . He even sent a letter to master saying he will come for a rematch soon."
Poor Gramps was too shocked to hear this shocking news.
A rider came towards Me and commanded, " My lord has asked you to get ready for march again with your army. You will scout out ahead while our army will follow. "
I asked surprised, " So soon ? Didn't he just finish a battle?"
The rider just laughed and said, " Because this is a big event that all the kingdoms are paying attention to, so my lord wants give them a nice big show. You should know this war is just a big diversion, the real war will start once we attack Ousen directly."
I understood what he was planning finally. He wants to force them into action by crushing the armies here quickly. I just hoped the King of Qin has prepared enough for what's coming.
I nodded and left to gather my army , ready to play my part. I won't disappoint the man I admire the most.
Ousen PoV
For the past few days, Qin has stopped attacking forcefully like before. perhaps they realized the futility? No, it was something else. I could feel the silent tension from them, as if they are waiting for something, or someone.
I looked at the map and grimaced. " So, you have come to take charge of this battle, KouRyu?" I stood up and got an ornate box out. Inside was a few glass vials of bluish purple liquid .
" I hate using tricks like this . But against someone like you, I don't mind using everything within my reach, old comrade. That's how dangerous you are." I praised.
I started writing down my instructions to prepare my troops for next wave of attacks. I have 300,000 soldiers under me. Without even Chu and Han , I can defend these lands. But I wouldn't mind making use of them to thin out my enemies.
I called Makou to give him the instructions, and he left immediately to fulfill them . I walked out to the balcony and watched the busy city preparing for a war.
I looked at my son , who followed me here. I had my doubts about him, about his mother. But right now, that doesn't matter. He is my legacy, and he will accompany me as I fulfill my dreams.
Han Xin PoV
I gave out orders to my soldiers to get ready for tomorrow when we're reaching Qin base. I felt a strange excitement and determination. My lord has decided to give me this grand opportunity to command the main army.
So, I will present him with a beautiful victory. I shall prove my strength to him and all the kingdoms who dare make an enemy of him.
I looked at the man in question, who was explaining something to his disciple.
" He really is taking this as an educational tour" I muttered.
All of a sudden, I heard the sound of an arrow coming and instinctively yelled, " Watch out, my lord! "
Everyone was surprised at the sudden attack . But they were more surprised when they looked at the man who was targeted.
The arrow stopped a feet away from his face. He caught the arrow between two fingers without any trouble, and nonchalantly continued explaining strategies to his disciple who was also dumbfoundedly looking at the scene .
Heh, What a monster indeed! One that I'm proud to serve and die for.