Chapter 564

Chapter 564

Despite the dire circumstances and calamitous tribulations to come, Du Min Gyu looked forward to meeting this latest challenge head on, namely keeping the five Supreme Families from quietly assassinating his future grandson-in-law.

A seasoned veteran of hundreds, if not thousands of battles, he well remembered the thrill of combat and rush of victory, and for many decades, he sought to relive his glory days as a military officer. Though his leg was crippled and largely useless, his mind was as sharp as ever, but despite his constant requests for assignment, the higher-ups, led by Colonel General Shuai Jiao, refused to give Min Gyu the chance he so desperately desired.

For good reason. Contrary to his beliefs at the time, his Dream Smoke addiction had left him addled, irritable, and easily distracted, which made for a poor commanding officer and an even worse supporting one. Looking back on it now, he realized his many public curses directed towards Shuai Jiao had been unwarranted and ungenerous, because Min Gyu had clearly been unfit for duty. In fact, despite not drawing a salary, he should have been stripped of his rank long ago, but he recently learned that Shuai Jiao had staunchly opposed it for several decades because he saw no need to trample over the reputation of a Hero of the Empire. When Yan and Dain dragged him to Shuai Jiaos hosted luncheon during new years a few weeks past, Min Gyu had offered the stately Colonel General his heartfelt thanks and apologies, but the magnanimous warrior refused to accept any and all gifts, save for the token string of coppers usually gifted to servants and peasants. You earned your rank, Shuai Jiao had said, treating Min Gyus gratitude as air. I merely did what was right.

Which was essentially the Colonel Generals storied history summed up in a single sentence. Much like his Northern counterpart Nian Zu, Shuai Jiao kept away from politics and alliances, and spent most of his career hunting Defiled, pirates, bandits, and rebels with ruthless efficiency. Unlike the other two Colonel Generals of Central, Shuai Jiao had been born into poverty and lived a modest private life, far from destitute but well below his station with the bulk of his salary donated to the coffers of various temples and monasteries scattered about the Empire. Even his hosted luncheon was little more than a token gathering, arranged and paid for by Marshal Yo Jeong-Hun for the sole purpose of reminding power-hungry officers and overzealous nobles of Central that Grasping Vine Shuai Jiao still lived, and they should temper their ambitions accordingly.

A selfless man with a brilliant mind, Min Gyu respected and even admired Shuai Jiaos ethics and accomplishments, but personally, he couldnt stand the uptight, sanctimonious prig, no matter how much he tried.

Shuai Jiaos continued refusal to assign Min Gyu any military duties didnt help much either, especially now that he was truly in good health and no longer addicted or even using Dream Smoke. When he brought up the matter of military assignment during that most boring and stifling of luncheons, the bald Colonel General shook his head and said, You are not yet ready, Lieutenant General. Reflect on your excursion to the Canston Winery, and you will understand why.

It irked Min Gyu to be spoken down to like a pupil in need of lessons, especially by a man three decades his junior, but Shuai Jiao had a point. The Canston Winery had been a failure on so many levels, and not just because his forces would have been wiped out if not for the timely arrival of several friendly Divinities. While the appearance of a Defiled Divinity had sealed the fate of Min Gyus expedition, their outcome had been bleak even before the crazed Ancestral Beast made her ghastly appearance, and the fault lay at his feet. Hed forgotten too much in the long years since he last served, and so much more had changed, but his mistakes at the winery were almost too numerous to name. One mistake stood out above all others, however, for Min Gyu should have sent scouts into the winery to assess the situation before committing his entire force like a hot-headed young bull, but after so many long years of inactivity, Min Gyu had been overeager to prove himself once again.

Now, he had another chance to prove his worth, but this time the stakes went beyond the revitalization of his once illustrious career. Should he fail in this task at hand, Min Gyu might well find himself at odds with not only Shuai Jiao, but also every other Colonel General of the Empire, including his current ally and camp commander, Nian Zu. Grateful as Min Gyu was to have earned Baatars trust, he knew he was no match for the sharpest military minds of the Empire, and if it should come to open rebellion, he and the Bekhai would find themselves crushed with little more than a whimper.

Though the odds were stacked against them, Min Gyu was determined not to let things get so far, and not just because he didnt want his precious grand-daughter to die an unmarried widow. Optimism aside however, their journey to the Central Citadel had gotten off to a rocky start, what with him being occupied with caring for Yans needs while she meditated in the Medical Saints meditation garden. Oh what a trial it had been resisting the urge to step into the grove himself, and the temptation had nearly done him in, but he held fast and stayed strong until it was finally time to leave. Past time, in truth, but hed forgotten to account for Bekhai obstinance in his down-to-the-minute plans. Were it not for his constant reminders that Rain needed them, Yan, Sumila, Alsantset, and Sarnai would all still be back at the garden, meditating without a care in the world while the amber-eyed rascal rode towards his imminent doom.nove(l)bi(n.)com

No, that was defeatist thinking, and Min Gyu would not allow himself to succumb to doom and gloom. Falling Rain was a child of miracles, so while his chances of survival seemed slim at best, if anyone could emerge whole from this, it would be him. Although Min Gyu lacked a personal army to lend to the cause and had been too preoccupied to make advanced preparations, he intended to do everything in his power to make sure the boy made it to the battlefield in one piece, and then everything else was in the hands of the Mother Herself.

Fresh and well-rested after several days camped at the peaceful Bekhai farms, Min Gyu spent their first day of travel in a state of heightened awareness. Not only did he have his personal guards report in every quarter hour, he also raised a cordon of buffeting Wind Chi about the boys carriage to ensure no Concealed assassins approached his position. That turned out to be a grave mistake, because with so many Experts and Peak Experts watching over the boy in secret and reporting back to different commanders, it was all but impossible to keep track of all the Concealed comings and goings around Falling Rains carriage.

This, coupled with the stress of the whole situation and his personal struggle to reacquaint himself with the rigours of command, left Min Gyu in a less than ideal state by the end of the first day. Although nothing of significance had taken place, the calm day helped him re-learn a valuable lesson of command, and that was to always conserve your resources, including the attentions of the commanding officer. While Colonel General Nian Zu was ostensibly in charge of this convoy, and the Bekhai contingent were under Major Alsantsets command, Baatar had personally entrusted his familys safety to Min Gyu, which, more than anything, spoke of the half-wolfs poor judgment. Regardless of his misgivings, Min Gyu intended to do everything in his power to keep the boy alive, but he would be of no use to anyone if he exhausted himself with his hyper-vigilant ways.

Thus, he approached their second day of travel with a different mindset, intending to leave Nian Zu to handle the day to day minutiae while Min Gyu himself waited on standby in case of emergency. Waking naturally at the break of dawn, he forced himself to relax and remain in bed for a few minutes longer, if only to enjoy what might well be his last moments of peace. Considering the strength of their foes, there was a decent chance that despite all their best efforts, the boy could have died sometime during the night. If this were the case, then there was nothing Min Gyu could do for him now, so there was no point rushing over to make sure Rain was still alive.

Instead, he lay in the dim darkness of his officers tent and took stock of his surroundings, finding Kyung conspicuously absent and another personal guard standing in his place at the front of the tent. One of Kangs boys, or perhaps a nephew or grandson, Min Gyu couldnt remember the exact details, only that he had blood ties to the boy in some way. Why couldnt he remember the boys name? A terrible sign of things to come if his mind was starting to slip, but was this truly a lapse in memory due to advanced age, or had he never bothered to learn the boys name in the first place? Thankfully, Kyung returned in short order and sent the guard away, and Min Gyu sat up the moment they were alone. What was that guards name? he Sent, hoping it would be an unfamiliar one.

Xiao Qi. Grandfather, Kyung replied, stooping to help Min Gyu onto his feet. Duan Xiao Qi.

Little Seven? What an asinine name, but then again, some people had so many children, a simple naming scheme probably made it easier to keep track of all the brats. Duan? I thought we were related in some way?

By marriage, Grandfather. Though the tent was almost uncomfortably warm thanks to the already lit braziers, Kyung took no chances with Min Gyus health and wrapped a thick, heavy cloak around his shoulders before helping him out of his nightclothes. Xiao Qi is the cousin of Du Kang Bins third Consort.

Who himself was the grandson of a second cousin, which meant Xiao Qi was barely a relation at all. Third Consort? Seven wives arent enough for Kang Bin, and now he needs consorts as well? No wonder his progress has stalled this last decade, its a miracle he even has time to eat and bathe. Still, blood wasnt everything, or even of importance, for family was so much more that mere relation. Kang Bin was family not because of blood, but because hed been one of the few who stayed loyal after Min Gyu declared Yan as his heir and Disciple, and loyalty should always be rewarded. How are Xiao Qis skills?

Lacklustre, but he works hard even without guidance. Coming from Kyung, this was almost a scathing reproach, implying Min Gyu had neglected his personal guards of late, most of whom were only here to learn from Great Teacher Du. Xiao Qis father tried to convince him to leave last year. The boy refused. Vehemently.

So chatty today. Chuckling to take the bite out of his words, Min Gyu let the cloak slide off his shoulders as he slipped into the robes Kyung held out for him. Youve been teaching the guards in my absence, I take it? Kyung hesitated briefly before nodding ever so slightly, and Min Gyu beamed in delight. Then there is nothing to worry about, for you are my most prized pupil and only grandson.

And damned if it wasnt true. The boy was fierce as any warrior, not quite a Peak Expert, but so very close, and he soaked up instruction like a dry desert soaked up rain. Cupping Kyungs cheeks in both hands, he took a moment to study this recently acknowledged grandson, with pride and guilt intermingling in his chest. It felt so strange to look back on his memories and see how hed neglected this poor boy, never treating him like the promising young man hed been, or even as a person at all, only a tool to be shaped and otherwise a silent guard at his side.

Kyung was there during those hard days when Min Gyus stomach rebelled and refused to keep anything down, and there during those long nights when chills and withdrawal kept him awake and ranting all night. The boy had never seen Min Gyu in his prime, yet still he revered him, a crippled, drug-addled fool who could do nothing but teach. That was the worst part, in Min Gyus eyes, because while Yan shared his Blessing, it was Kyung who inherited the essence of his teachings, a warrior who struck first, struck hard, and moved on to the next battle, leaving naught but destruction in his wake. How had he not seen this sooner? Is there anything you wish to do, grandson of mine? Min Gyu asked, his heart aching at how foolish hed been to be blinded by mere labels. Any dream you wish to pursue or ambition you hope to fulfill? A wife, a family, a career, a passion? Anything to help assuage this guilt...

Nothing Grandfather. This one is content as he is, serving at Grandfathers side. Though Kyungs words were intended to reassure, they weighed heavily on Min Gyus heart and made him worry for the future.

There will come a time soon when I am dead and gone, he said, and Kyung flinched in place as if hed been struck. You, on the other hand, still have many centuries of life ahead. What will you do then?

Whatever my new Master dictates.

Now it was Min Gyus turn to flinch, followed by a long, dejected sigh. Yan is set to inherit your Oaths. She already treats you well and sees you as a brother, so she will respect your wishes in the future. Should you have any requests, either now or after Im gone, you make sure to speak your mind, understood? And no more this ones anymore, use I in informal settings and with people of lower rank. Youre Du Min Gyus star pupil and grandson, so its time you behaved like it.

...Yes Grandfather.

Noticing the commotion, the soldiers and sailors were quick to scatter, save for those Min Gyu presumed had come in on the ship Rain was currently threatening, though how they knew they were the target was anyones guess. These fellows drew their weapons and... milled about, neither charging ahead nor moving to defend their ship and the precious cargo within, which was... curious to say the least. Orders from someone Scrying nearby, perhaps hoping Rain would dig his own grave? As for the boy, he sat on his quin and paid the ships and sailors no mind while patting the Guardian Turtles cheek to keep her in place. Its okay Ping Ping, the boy crooned, his quiet words so distinct on these otherwise silent plains. Well get you to the river soon enough. I just have one thing to take care of first, and then were good to go.

Private Falling Rain. So focused on what was happening before him, Min Gyu failed to notice the Justicars arrival, marching in from Nian Zus camp with a dozen Enforcers at his side. Eyeing the arrows and torches from behind his expressionless steel mask, the Justicar continued in a wry tone, When your Death Corps guard informed me of a crime in progress, I did not expect to find the culprit would be you.

I wouldnt dream of it, Justicar. Dismounting to salute as his rank required, Rain smiled and gestured towards the ship. The culprits are over there, on the Vast Distance. The ships name was painted in bright colours and bold characters on the hull and two sides, as per navy regulations, though as far as Min Gyu could tell, no crime had been committed just yet. Even if they intended to assassinate Rain, they had yet to act, which meant Rain had called the Justicar over far too early.

Strange that he would trust them still, even after they all but forced him to his death in Sinuji, but this was a matter for another time.

Evidently, the Justicar had come to the same conclusions Min Gyu had. And what crime have these sailors committed? Did they attack you?

No, but they probably intended to.

Have you any proof of your allegations? Written orders? An informant willing to swear an Oath?

Nope.

... The pregnant pause spoke for everyone present, even the soldiers under Rains command as they turned to gawk at their commander. Visibly repressing a laugh, the Justicar coughed and said, Then no crime has been committed, save for your own.

The Vast Distance has committed a crime, Im merely here to ensure they dont escape justice. Reaching into his saddlebags, Rain pulled out a stack of papers and brought them to the Justicar, explaining the contents of each page as he handed them over one by one. This is a copy of the ships manifest, from when it put in at SuiHua seven days ago. This is the harbormaster signing off on the delivery, tools and construction materials, mostly. Then, the ship was commissioned to deliver a shipment of food to the Northern Citadel. Here are those papers, as well as the loading documents and new manifest. The ship then docked in the Northern Citadel for three days, ostensibly to resupply, but instead they sat idle in the harbour with only a handful of people embarking and disembarking each day, according to the daily reports here, here, and here. Grinning like a fiend, Falling Rain handed over the last document in the stack and said, But early this morning, the ship left on first tide, carrying a shipment of, and I quote, personal effects, to be delivered to one nameless recipient in the Central Citadel.

...This was it? This was Rains grand reveal? Mother in Heaven, Min Gyu had failed yet again...

A most grievous crime indeed. Nodding at the boy as if everything made perfect sense, the Justicar continued, Tell your soldiers to lower their weapons. The Disciplinary Corps will handle things from here.

Would you mind if I escorted you down to the river? Gesturing at the Divine Turtle, Rain shrugged and explained, Shes thirsty.

So long as you and your men do not interfere with my duties.

With that, the Justicar set off with his Enforcers shouting for the sailors to drop their weapons and surrender into Imperial custody, while Rain fell in behind them, so proud of his work that even his quin seemed to strut his way down. Shaking off his disbelief, Min Gyu Cloud-Stepped over to the boys side before thinking better of it and raised his hands to placate the startled Enforcers who noticed. What a fine, dutiful grandson-in-law you are. Hmph.

Oh hi Grandpa Du. Shrinking back in the harness, Rain at least had the grace to look ashamed. To be fair, I never actually said I wasnt coming down to the river, just that I understood your concerns and that I didnt have to go with her every day. Today will probably be the last, since I doubt the same trick will work again.

Snorting in anger, Min Gyu glowered until he couldnt keep silent any longer. Well? What are you waiting for? A pat on the back and a kiss on the cheek? Explain.

With the ship? Oh, the ship-master violated Imperial Mandate. Seeing Min Gyu didnt understand, Rain smiled. Marshal Yuzhen noticed it before we left, that someone was pulling strings to keep the Vast Distance docked. Turns out, it was to deliver assassins here to kill me, but they screwed up. The ship-master had to write something in the manifest, or the harbormaster wouldnt let him out, so he claimed he was carrying personal effects. Problem is, the Legate mandated that all ships above a certain size were to make themselves available for military shipments, and military shipments only.

So? Plenty of military officers have commandeered ships to deliver personal effects in the past.

Yea, but they used their actual name and rank to do so, making it a legitimate military shipment. Shrugging, Rain explained, Im guessing some spoiled Imperial brat thought his Imperial Privilege superseded military regulations, and it probably does, but now hell have to send a representative to inform the Disciplinary Corps and lose face from taking such overt actions. Not a huge deal in my opinion, but by the time these assassins are released, my people will have memorized their appearance and well have pictures of them distributed to every soldier in camp, so this lot wont find it so easy to hide in plain sight again.

Not a huge deal? The boys opinion was utter dog-shit. For an Imperial Noble, losing a band of assassins was but a minor setback, while publicly losing face was proof of ineptitude, a far more grievous sin in many eyes. This blunder could set off a chain reaction as other families and factions took note of this disgraceful display, for now the lowliest Imperial Consort had bested a tried and true Noble in a game of wits. Still, no point letting Rain grow conceited, especially since it sounded like Marshal Yuzhen had done all the work. Carefully hiding his pride and amusement, Min Gyu shook his head in disbelief and said, You intentionally rode out to confront a ship filled with assassins with less than a hundred soldiers at your side. Why not tell me in advance so I can safeguard you, boy?

Er... Casting his gaze around as if in search of something, Rain frowned, then shrugged and whispered, I thought if you or the Colonel General disappeared from camp the same time I set out on my jaunt, then the assassins mightve lost their nerve and scattered to the winds. Same deal with more soldiers, so this was the best I could do. Thanks for your concern, but dont worry Grandpa. I didnt come out without making other arrangements.

As soon as the boy finished speaking, Min Gyu swept the area for Concealed Khishigs, but despite looking high and low, he found nothing amiss. Are you certain you have guards lurking about?

He is safe in my hands. Jumping at the sound of her voice, Min Gyu spun around to find the Medical Saints mysterious companion standing directly behind him. Take pride, Du Min Gyu, She Sent, her smirk coming in clear despite the dark veil covering her face. Your method of detection is unique and effective. It took several days to come up with a means to overcome it. A most interesting puzzle you presented me with, and for this, I offer you my thanks.

A few short days ago, Min Gyu had cautioned himself against ego, even while celebrating how hed uncovered these same guards, but now...

Perhaps circumstances were not as dire as he once thought. If nothing else, the presence of this mysterious warrior meant the Bekhai hidden depths were deeper than anyone ever imagined, so it was possible their ill-fated rebellion would do more than just whimper...

Assuming the worst of course. Hell, with this woman guarding him, Falling Rain might even make it back to Baatar in one piece, or breathing at least.

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