I

  At Suanzao in the tenth month, the wind already carried a chill.

  Li Yan crouched on a large boulder by the Yellow River, watching the turbid waters roll eastward, a reed stem between his lips, blowing a mournful tune.

  "Brother Horse," he said to the old nag grazing beside him, "how much mud do you reckon the Yellow River carries away each day? If we scooped it all up, how many houses could we build? How much land could we fertilize?"

  The old horse snorted and continued grazing.

  Li Yan sighed and spat out the reed stem.

  He had arrived at Suanzao three days ago.

  Heading north from Xu Province, he had originally planned to visit Yan Province, but on the way he heard that the regional lords east of the Pass were gathering at Suanzao for a covenant, planning to march against Dong Zhuo. Such a grand spectacle—he couldn't miss it. So he changed course and came.

  When he arrived, good heavens—a sea of people.

  Thirteen regional lords, each with their own troops, banners blotting out the sun, camps stretching for dozens of li. Some wore crimson uniforms, some brown leather armor, some green robes—a riot of color, like a market fair.

  Li Yan mingled with the crowd, looking this way and that, like an idle fellow out to watch the show.

  "Make way! Make way!" A troop of cavalry galloped past, nearly running him over.

  Li Yan agilely sidestepped and muttered, "What's the hurry? Off to be reborn?"

  The leading captain glared at him, ignored him, and continued onward.

  Li Yan dusted himself off and resumed his stroll.

  First, he went to Yuan Shao's camp.

  The盟主's camp was indeed imposing—laid out like a small city, with a towering gate and fluttering banners. Two rows of guards stood at the entrance, armor gleaming, backs straight.

  Li Yan viewed it from a distance and didn't approach.

  He knew he was now a "fugitive"—Yuan Shao was still looking for him, mainly for the jade tokens, but being caught would be trouble regardless.

  Next, he went to Cao Cao's camp.

  This one was much simpler. The camp was built according to the terrain, not追求 grandeur, but its layout was rigorous, hinting at military strategy. Soldiers were drilling, their shouts shaking the heavens—clearly an elite force.

  Li Yan crouched on a slope and watched for a while, then nodded. "Cao Mengde knows how to train an army."

  Finally, he went to Sun Jian's camp.

  The Changsha army's camp was the liveliest. Soldiers gathered around campfires, drinking and laughing boisterously, with no discipline whatsoever. But Li Yan noticed that these soldiers had a light in their eyes and scars on their bodies—clearly battle-hardened veterans.

  "Brother," a burly man with a thick beard approached and handed him a bowl of wine, "where are you from? Have a drink!"

  Li Yan took it and downed it in one gulp. "Thanks. From Xu Province, here to watch the show."

  "Watch the show?" The man roared with laughter. "This is some show! Thirteen regional lords against Dong Zhuo—the biggest spectacle in centuries!"

  "Yes," Li Yan wiped his mouth, "but I reckon this alliance..."

  "What?"

  "Won't last three months." Li Yan said.

  The man was taken aback. "Why?"

  "Too many agendas." Li Yan pointed at the various camps. "Look—Yuan Shao wants to be盟主, Cao Cao wants to make his name, Yuan Shu wants to line his pockets, Sun Jian wants revenge... Each has their own agenda. How can they accomplish anything?"

  The man stared at him for a long moment, then suddenly clapped him on the shoulder. "Brother, you've got insight! Come, another drink!"

  Li Yan drank another bowl.

  They chatted and became acquainted. The man was Huang Gai, courtesy name Gongfu, a veteran general under Sun Jian. When he heard that Li Yan was a Jianghu wanderer skilled in martial arts, Huang Gai's eyes lit up. "We need men! Brother, why not join us? General Sun loves heroes—he doesn't care about background!"

  Li Yan thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I've nowhere else to be."

  And so he joined Sun Jian's auxiliary troops, was issued an old set of leather armor and a ring-pommel sword.

  That night, he lay in his tent, listening to the soldiers' snores, unable to sleep.

  The seven jade tokens in his robe pressed against him.

  He touched the tokens, then the seal of the County Commandant of Anxi that Liu Bei had given him, the sword from Taishi Ci, the fragment of Sun Jian's ancient blade—quite a collection he'd gathered on this journey, but the road ahead only seemed more uncertain.

  Where should he go? What should he do?

  He didn't know.

  First, he'd watch this grand drama unfold.

  II

  The next day, the covenant ceremony.

  The thirteen regional lords assembled on a high platform and swore a blood oath. Yuan Shao stood at the forefront, resplendent in brocade robes, a long sword at his waist, his bearing stately and dignified. Cao Cao stood to his left, his expression solemn. Sun Jian stood to his right, his tiger eyes blazing.

  Below the platform, tens of thousands of troops stood in formation, utterly silent.

  Li Yan, squeezed into Sun Jian's ranks, craned his neck to watch.

  Yuan Shao unrolled a silk scroll and read aloud in a resonant voice:

  "Dong Zhuo affronts Heaven and defiles the earth, extinguishes the state and slays the sovereign, pollutes the palace, slaughters the innocent... Shao and the others have gathered righteous soldiers and come together to face the nation's calamity. Let all of us in this covenant unite our hearts and strength, fulfill our duties as subjects, and harbor no second thoughts. Should any violate this oath, may both Heaven and Man join in his destruction!"

  His voice was powerful, carrying far into the distance.

  The troops below shouted in unison: "Attack Dong! Attack Dong! Attack Dong!"

  The sound shook the wilderness.

  Li Yan shouted along with them, but inwardly he thought: Well spoken. I wonder how much will actually be accomplished.

  After the ceremony, the lords entered the tent for council.

  Li Yan, as a mere soldier, naturally had no right to enter. He crouched not far from the tent and chatted with some veteran soldiers.

  "Old brother," he asked a toothless老兵, "do you think we'll really make it to Luoyang?"

  The老兵 grinned, revealing a dark gap. "Like hell! I've been a soldier for twenty years. I've seen this kind of alliance three times. Always much thunder, little rain. In the end, everyone goes home."

  "Why?"

  "Why?" The老兵 lowered his voice. "The officers want promotions and riches. The soldiers just want to eat. Who actually wants to fight to the death?"

  Li Yan nodded. "Makes sense."

  Just then, heated argument erupted from within the tent.

  The voices were loud enough to be heard outside.

  "My troops should be the vanguard!" It was Sun Jian's voice. "My Changsha sons are willing to lead the charge!"

  "Elder Brother Wentai is brave, everyone knows that." Another voice drawled slowly. "But the matter of the vanguard requires careful consideration."

  This was Yuan Shu.

  "What is your esteemed opinion, Elder Brother Gonglu?" Cao Cao's voice interjected.

  "I wouldn't dare call it esteemed." Yuan Shu said. "I merely think the vanguard needs both wisdom and courage. Sun Wentai is brave, certainly, but..."

  He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear—he was implying Sun Jian was brave but not wise.

  Silence fell within the tent.

  Li Yan listened outside, smiling coldly.

  They hadn't even started fighting, and already they were at each other's throats.

  In the end, Yuan Shao made the decision: "Sun Jian's troops will be the vanguard. Gonglu, you are responsible for supplying provisions. Ensure they are delivered."

  "I obey." Yuan Shu's response betrayed no emotion.

  The council ended. The lords returned to their camps.

  Sun Jian emerged, his face dark. Huang Gai greeted him: "General, how did it go?"

  "We got the vanguard." Sun Jian gritted his teeth. "But provisions are under Yuan Shu's control... Hmph, that bodes ill."

  Huang Gai frowned. "What do we do?"

  "What else can we do?" Sun Jian laughed coldly. "Fight! Show them what we're made of!"

  He strode away.

  Li Yan watched his retreating figure and felt a flicker of admiration.

  This Sun Wentai was a true man.

  A pity that true men in chaotic times often died young.

  III

  A few days later, the army marched toward Hulao Pass.

  Li Yan rode his old horse, following the auxiliary troops. The old nag seemed to sense they were going into battle; it perked up and stopped eating tree bark.

  "Brother Horse," Li Yan patted its neck, "you're being cooperative today."

  The old horse snorted.

  The army moved slowly. The thirteen lords, each with their own thoughts, waited for one another, covering less than thirty li a day.

  Li Yan had nothing to do but look around.

  He noticed that Cao Cao's troops were the most orderly—marching in good order, not disturbing the people. Yuan Shao's troops were the most ostentatious—banners waving, drums and music filling the air. Yuan Shu's troops were the most luxurious—even their supply carts were trimmed with gold.

  "Profligate," Li Yan muttered.

  They marched all morning. At noon, they rested.

  Li Yan crouched by the roadside, gnawing on dry rations, when he overheard some soldiers nearby.

  "Did you hear? That Lady Cui from Ji Province is now in charge of our provisions!"

  "Which Lady Cui?"

  "The legitimate daughter of the Qinghe Cui clan, named Cui Yan. They say she's as beautiful as a celestial maiden, but her methods are thunderous—they call her 'Cui the Thunderbolt.'"

  "A woman in charge of provisions? Can she handle it?"

  "Don't underestimate a woman! I heard that within three days of taking office, she investigated a dozen corrupt officials and recovered tens of thousands of shi of grain! Now the entire Ji Province officialdom trembles at her name!"

  The corner of Li Yan's mouth lifted involuntarily.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Cui the Thunderbolt? The nickname was rather apt.

  He thought of that woman who had negotiated so calmly at the Luoyang Ghost Market, who had bandaged his wound in Cao's camp, who had said at the pavilion, "The tea is kept warm."

  She was in Ji Province now, probably very busy.

  He wondered if she still remembered him.

  As he pondered, urgent hoofbeats sounded from ahead.

  A scout galloped toward the central command tent.

  "Report—! Dong Zhuo has sent his great general Hua Xiong with five thousand Liang Province iron cavalry. They are already before Hulao Pass, challenging us to battle!"

  IV

  Hua Xiong had arrived.

  Li Yan had heard the name. A fierce general of Liang Province, Dong Zhuo's trusted man, wielding a large blade, with valor unmatched by ten thousand men.

  The lords received the news and held an urgent council.

  As a mere soldier, Li Yan, as usual, had no right to enter. But he had his ways—he climbed a nearby tree and peered through a gap in the tent flap.

  Inside, the atmosphere was heavy.

  Yuan Shao sat in the host's seat, his expression dark. Cao Cao, Sun Jian, Yuan Shu, and the others sat on either side.

  "Hua Xiong challenges us. Who dares to meet him?" Yuan Shao asked.

  A general stood up. "This general, Bao Zhong, is willing to go!"

  Yuan Shao nodded. "Good! I give you three thousand精锐. You must slay the enemy general and seize his banner!"

  Bao Zhong accepted the order and departed.

  Li Yan watched from the tree and shook his head.

  He had seen this Bao Zhong. Tall enough, but his footsteps were unsteady—clearly a man weakened by wine and women. Going against Hua Xiong? Courting death.

  Sure enough, in less than half a shichen, news of defeat arrived.

  "General Bao Zhong engaged Hua Xiong, but before three exchanges, Hua Xiong cut him down with a single stroke!"

  Uproar in the tent.

  Another general stood up. "This general, Yu She, is willing to go!"

  "Granted!"

  Yu She departed.

  Another half shichen.

  "General Yu She fought five exchanges with Hua Xiong and was cut down!"

  Dead silence in the tent.

  A third general stood up—it was Pan Feng, a general under Han Fu.

  "I'll go and cut down Hua Xiong!"

  Pan Feng hefted his great axe and went out.

  This time it took a little longer, about the time for an incense stick to burn.

  Defeat was reported again: "General Pan Feng fought ten exchanges with Hua Xiong and was cut down!"

  Three generals slain in a row!

  The tent was utterly silent.

  Yuan Shao's face was ashen. "If only my top generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou were here! If either were present, why would we fear Hua Xiong!"

  His words lacked conviction.

  Li Yan, watching from the tree, could see clearly—Yuan Shao's hands were trembling.

  Just then, a voice rang out:

  "This young general is willing to go and cut off Hua Xiong's head, presenting it before the tent!"

  Everyone turned to look.

  Standing at the corner of the tent was a man: nine feet tall, with a two-foot-long beard, a face the color of a red date, lips like cinnabar, phoenix eyes and silkworm eyebrows—an imposing figure, awe-inspiring.

  It was Guan Yu.

  He stood behind Liu Bei, silent until now.

  Yuan Shao asked, "Who is this man?"

  Gongsun Zan replied, "This is Guan Yu, the sworn brother of Liu Xuande."

  "What is his current position?"

  "He follows Liu Xuande as a mounted archer." Gongsun Zan said.

  Snickers arose in the tent.

  Yuan Shu even slammed the table and stood up. "Do you mock us, that we have no great generals? A mere archer dares to speak wildly! Throw him out!"

  Cao Cao hastily intervened. "Gonglu, calm your anger. Since this man speaks boldly, he must have courage and skill. Let him try. If he cannot prevail, there will be time enough to punish him."

  Yuan Shao hesitated. "If we send an archer, Hua Xiong will laugh at us."

  Cao Cao said, "This man's appearance is far from ordinary. How will Hua Xiong know he is an archer?"

  Guan Yu also declared, "If I cannot prevail, I am willing to have my head cut off!"

  Cao Cao warmed a cup of wine and handed it to Guan Yu. "Brave man, drink this cup to bolster your courage."

  Guan Yu took it but did not drink. "Set the wine aside. I shall return shortly."

  With that, he lifted his blade and left the tent.

  Everyone in the tent exchanged glances.

  Li Yan, in the tree, his eyes lit up.

  This Guan Yunchang—what spirit!

  He slid down the tree and quietly followed.

  V

  Outside the camp gate, Hua Xiong was hurling insults.

  "You rats east of the Pass, you only know how to cower! Is there not one among you who dares to fight me?!"

  The Liang Province troops roared with laughter.

  Guan Yu rode out, saying nothing, and charged straight at Hua Xiong.

  Li Yan hid behind the gate, watching intently.

  Guan Yu's horse was fast; before Hua Xiong could react, the blade was upon him. The Green Dragon Crescent Blade sliced through the air with a sound like a dragon's roar.

  Hua Xiong was startled. He raised his blade to block.

  Clang!!!

  A thunderous crash.

  The two blades met; sparks flew in all directions.

  Hua Xiong felt his hand go numb; his blade nearly flew from his grip. He was horrified: This man's strength is immense!

  Before he could react, Guan Yu's second stroke arrived.

  This one was faster, more ferocious.

  Hua Xiong barely managed to parry, but his horse staggered backward several steps.

  The third stroke.

  This one, Guan Yu delivered with all his might.

  The blade flashed like lightning, rending the air.

  Hua Xiong could no longer defend. His blade was knocked away, and the edge caught him in the neck.

  His head flew into the air.

  Blood gushed like a fountain.

  The Liang Province troops were stunned.

  Guan Yu reined in, bent down, picked up Hua Xiong's head, and turned his horse back toward the camp.

  From the moment he rode out to the moment he slew the general, less than ten breaths had passed.

  Behind the gate, Li Yan watched, his heart surging with excitement.

  Such blade-work! Such spirit! This is truly a man who can stand against ten thousand!

  He suddenly recalled his master's words: "When martial arts are perfected, it is not about exquisite technique, but about overwhelming spirit. One stroke, and mountains and rivers change color; gods and demons are alarmed."

  Guan Yu had achieved it.

  Guan Yu returned to the central command tent and threw Hua Xiong's head to the ground.

  The wine was still warm.

  Silence filled the tent.

  Yuan Shao's eyes bulged. Yuan Shu's mouth hung open. Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed.

  Guan Yu's expression did not change. He returned to his place behind Liu Bei and stood there, as if he had merely taken a short stroll.

  "Excellent! Excellent!" Cao Cao praised repeatedly. "A true tiger general!"

  Yuan Shu's face was dark, but he had nothing to say.

  Yuan Sha coughed dryly. "Reward... reward one hundred taels of gold and ten bolts of brocade."

  "Thank you,盟主." Liu Bei accepted on Guan Yu's behalf.

  For the moment, the storm had passed.

  But Li Yan knew the seeds had been sown.

  Yuan Shu's jealousy, Yuan Shao's suspicion, Cao Cao's admiration.

  In chaotic times, talent was both a treasure and a curse.

  VI

  That night, Sun Jian requested to lead the vanguard, advancing straight on Luoyang.

  Yuan Shao approved.

  Sun Jian returned to his camp, mustered his troops, and prepared to depart.

  Li Yan, as an auxiliary, had to go as well.

  Huang Gai found him. "Brother, this will be a hard fight. Are you afraid?"

  "Afraid of what?" Li Yan grinned. "Lose my head and it's just a bowl-sized scar. Eighteen years later, I'll be a hero again."

  "Good!" Huang Gai clapped his shoulder. "I like your spirit!"

  The army marched.

  Sun Jian's force numbered fifteen thousand, all battle-hardened veterans, their morale high.

  Li Yan rode his old horse, following the troops. He glanced back at the lords' main camp—brightly lit, with music and revelry.

  "Brother Horse," he murmured, "what do you reckon those big shots are doing now? Drinking? Listening to songs? Scheming how to line their pockets?"

  The old horse snorted.

  Li Yan smiled. "You find it boring too, eh?"

  They marched for a day, then made camp to rest.

  Li Yan was assigned to night patrol. Carrying a lantern, he wandered the camp.

  The night was deep; apart from the sentries, most were asleep.

  He reached the edge of the camp and suddenly heard sounds in the distance.

  He crept closer and saw several figures in hushed conference by the edge of the woods.

  "...the provisions have already been cut off. In three days, they'll be completely exhausted..."

  "...the matter Yuan Gonglu promised..."

  "...once Sun Jian dies, the Jiangdong army will fall into chaos..."

  The voices were low, but Li Yan had sharp ears. He caught every word.

  His heart sank.

  Yuan Shu was cutting off Sun Jian's provisions!

  This was murder by proxy!

  He quietly retreated, his mind racing.

  Should he tell Sun Jian?

  If he told, he would alert the enemy. If he didn't, Sun Jian's army might be annihilated.

  As he hesitated, hoofbeats suddenly sounded.

  A scout galloped into the camp. "Report—! Dong Zhuo's troops have been spotted ahead! The leading general is Xu Rong!"

  Sun Jian was roused and came out of his tent in his robe. "How many?"

  "About twenty thousand! They are setting an ambush in the Liangdong area!"

  Sun Jian's face changed drastically.

  Liangdong was the only route forward, a treacherous terrain easy to defend and hard to attack. Xu Rong setting an ambush there meant he was waiting for Sun Jian.

  "Order the troops! Full alert!" Sun Jian commanded. "At dawn tomorrow, we break camp and take a detour!"

  But it was already too late.

  VII

  At dawn the next day, Sun Jian's troops broke camp and prepared to take a detour.

  They had marched barely ten li when shouts of battle erupted from all sides.

  The ambush was sprung!

  Xu Rong led twenty thousand Liang Province troops, encircling Sun Jian's force completely.

  "Fell into the trap!" Huang Gai roared. "Protect the general!"

  The melee began.

  The Liang Province troops had the advantage in numbers and were waiting at ease. They soon gained the upper hand.

  Sun Jian led his troops in desperate charges, left and right, but could not break out.

  Li Yan, in the thick of the fighting, wielded his ring-pommel sword, fighting and retreating. He didn't want to die needlessly, but he didn't want to see Sun Jian's army annihilated either.

  As he fought, he suddenly saw a youth surrounded by several Liang Province soldiers.

  The youth was about ten years old, holding a short sword. Though hard-pressed, his gaze was stubborn, and he fought desperately.

  It was Sun Ce, Sun Jian's eldest son.

  Li Yan sighed inwardly.

  This child should not die here.

  He charged over, his blade flashing, cutting down two Liang soldiers. The remaining three saw him and attacked together.

  Li Yan, instead of retreating, advanced. His figure was like the wind; before anyone could see his form, his blade flashed in all directions.

  Three screams, and the three fell.

  Sun Ce stared at him, wide-eyed. "You..."

  "Don't talk. Follow me!" Li Yan grabbed him and dashed toward the woods.

  More Liang soldiers pursued. Li Yan fought as he retreated, protecting Sun Ce, cutting a bloody path.

  When they reached the woods, they were temporarily safe.

  Sun Ce gasped for breath, looking at him. "Who are you?"

  "One who cannot stand by and do nothing." Li Yan said. "Where is your father?"

  "Still in the battle!" Sun Ce cried urgently. "I must go back to save him!"

  "Going back would be suicide." Li Yan held him back. "Wait here. I'll go see."

  He crept back to the edge of the battlefield.

  The situation was grim. Sun Jian's force had suffered over half casualties and was compressed onto a hillside. Sun Jian himself, covered in blood, still fought on.

  Li Yan surveyed the terrain and noticed the western side was weaker.

  He retreated to the woods and said to Sun Ce, "Come. I'll take you to your father."

  They circled to the western side. Li Yan used his old trick—grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it into the air, and while the Liang soldiers blinked, charged.

  This time, he used all his strength.

  His short knife struck like a viper's tongue. With each stroke, a man fell. Sun Ce, following behind, cut down two as well.

  Finally, they fought their way to Sun Jian's side.

  "Father!" Sun Ce shouted.

  Sun Jian saw his son and was heartened. "Ce'er! You're safe!"

  "Thanks to this righteous man!" Sun Ce pointed at Li Yan.

  Sun Jian looked at Li Yan and clasped his hands. "Thank you! May I ask your honorable name?"

  "A man of the Jianghu does not leave his name." Li Yan said. "General, there's an opening to the west. You can break through."

  "Good!" Sun Jian nodded. "Soldiers! Follow me and break out!"

  The remnants gathered and charged westward.

  Li Yan led the way; Sun Jian covered the rear. Finally, they broke out of the encirclement.

  When they counted their numbers, only a little over three thousand remained.

  Sun Jian looked up at the sky and sighed. "Heaven does not aid me!"

  He looked at Li Yan and clasped his hands again. "This righteous man's great kindness, Sun Jian will not forget. If you ever come to Jiangdong, I will repay you handsomely."

  He took a fragment from his robe—a piece of his ancient blade—and handed it to Li Yan. "This is a token of my Sun family. Whoever holds this, the sons of Jiangdong will treat with courtesy."

  Li Yan accepted it. "Thank you, General."

  "What are your plans now, righteous man?" Sun Jian asked.

  "Wandering the Jianghu, making the world my home." Li Yan said.

  Sun Jian nodded and asked no more.

  The remnants regrouped, preparing to return to the main camp.

  But Li Yan took his leave.

  "Take care, General." He clasped his hands. "I'll be going now."

  "Take care, righteous man." Sun Jian returned the salute.

  Li Yan mounted his horse, took one last look at the shattered battlefield, and turned away.

  His old horse seemed to sense the tragedy of the battle and moved quickly.

  When he had gone a good distance, Li Yan looked back.

  Sun Jian's troops had vanished from sight.

  In this battle, Sun Jian had been defeated.

  But the campaign against Dong Zhuo had only just begun.

  VIII

  Li Yan did not return to the lords' main camp.

  He followed the Yellow River eastward, planning to visit Yan Province.

  After a day's travel, as dusk fell, he rested by a small stream.

  He lit a fire, roasted some dry rations, and stared at the flowing water, lost in thought.

  On this journey, he had seen too much life and death, too many schemes.

  The lords' campaign against Dong Zhuo was, in principle, a righteous cause. But in reality? Yuan Shao wanted to be盟主, Cao Cao wanted to make his name, Yuan Shu wanted to line his pockets, Sun Jian wanted revenge... each with their own agenda.

  With such a coalition, could they succeed?

  He didn't think so.

  As he pondered, hoofbeats sounded.

  A troop of about a hundred cavalry approached from the west, flying the banner of Cao.

  Their leading general saw him and reined in.

  "Are you Li Yan, the righteous man?"

  Li Yan's heart tightened. His hand went to his knife hilt. "I am. And you are?"

  The general dismounted and clasped his hands. "I am Xiahou Dun, courtesy name Yuanrang. General Cao requests your presence."

  Cao Cao?

  Li Yan frowned. "What does General Cao want with me?"

  "I do not know." Xiahou Dun said. "The general only said that I must bring you."

  Li Yan thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I'll go."

  He had nothing better to do, and he was curious what Cao Cao was up to.

  He followed Xiahou Dun to the Cao army camp.

  Cao Cao's camp was twenty li from the lords' main camp, set up separately—clearly a deliberate choice to maintain distance.

  In the central command tent, Cao Cao was reading a book.

  When Li Yan entered, he set down the book and smiled. "Righteous Man Li, still well, I trust."

  "Greetings, General Cao." Li Yan clasped his hands. "May I ask why you summoned me?"

  "Sit." Cao Cao gestured. "Have some tea."

  They sat facing each other.

  Cao Cao personally poured the tea, his movements unhurried.

  "I heard that you were in Sun Wentai's army and helped him break out of the encirclement and save his son." Cao Cao said. "Your chivalry is admirable."

  "I simply could not stand by and do nothing." Li Yan said.

  "Simply could not stand by?" Cao Cao looked at him. "Or did you have other intentions?"

  Li Yan's heart stirred. "What do you mean, General?"

  Cao Cao smiled. "No need to be tense. I'm merely curious—with your abilities, why do you not choose a wise lord and render meritorious service, instead of wandering the Jianghu?"

  The same question again.

  Li Yan sighed. "I'm too used to the free life. I chafe under constraints."

  "Truly?" Cao Cao stared at him. "Or could it be that you look down on the heroes of this chaotic age?"

  The question was direct.

  Li Yan was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "General Cao, may I be so bold as to ask: in this campaign against Dong Zhuo, do you fight for the Han dynasty, or for the realm?"

  Cao Cao's gaze sharpened. "What do you mean?"

  "If for the Han, then you should honor the Son of Heaven and purge the court of malign influences." Li Yan said. "If for the realm... then the Han may or may not be worth preserving."

  The tent fell silent.

  The candle flame flickered, casting shadows on their faces.

  After a long moment, Cao Cao laughed. "Righteous Man Li, those words are treasonous."

  "In chaotic times, what is 'the way'?" Li Yan also smiled. "I'm merely curious what you truly want, General."

  Cao Cao stood and walked to the tent entrance, gazing into the night.

  "What I want," he said slowly, "is peace under heaven."

  "And after peace?"

  "After?" Cao Cao turned back. "After is after. We'll deal with it then."

  Li Yan nodded. "I understand."

  He understood. Cao Cao cared about the process, not the outcome. Or rather, the outcome didn't matter; what mattered was what he could achieve in the process.

  "Righteous man," Cao Cao walked back and sat down, "I ask you again: are you willing to stay?"

  Li Yan shook his head. "Your goal is the realm, General. My goal is the Jianghu. Our paths differ."

  "Different paths need not preclude friendship." Cao Cao said. "If you ever change your mind, the gates of Yan Province will always be open to you."

  "Thank you, General." Li Yan raised his cup.

  They drank together.

  The tea finished, Li Yan took his leave.

  As he reached the tent entrance, Cao Cao suddenly said, "I hear that Lady Cui is making her mark in Ji Province. Do you know her?"

  Li Yan's step faltered.

  He turned and looked at Cao Cao.

  Cao Cao's smile was meaningful.

  "I know her," Li Yan said. "An old acquaintance from Luoyang."

  "Oh?" Cao Cao raised an eyebrow. "Just an old acquaintance?"

  "Just an old acquaintance." Li Yan said.

  He turned and walked out of the tent.

  The night wind was cold, blowing against his face, clearing his thoughts.

  Cao Cao mentioning Cui Yan—was it a test, or a warning?

  He didn't know.

  Nor did he want to know.

  Chaotic times were like a chessboard. He was merely a spectator; he didn't want to enter the game.

  But could he really avoid it?

  He didn't know.