Chapter 20: Two Gifts Open a Wider Road

Gao Yuan entered a small study. A rosewood bookcase stood in one corner, filled with books; a weapon rack in another held blades and swords. Wu Xiangbei sat erect in an armchair, wearing a blue-green robe and polishing a fine saber with white silk. Its dark blade bore faint patterns that spoke of exceptional quality.

“You came quickly.” Wu looked up, studying him with interest. At their last meeting he had noticed only the ambition in the young man’s eyes. Now Gao seemed even more formidable, sharp as a newly drawn blade.

Gao bowed. “I would not dare delay in relieving the general’s worries.”

Wu chuckled. “And the result?”

“I have fulfilled your trust. I killed Zhou Xing and Xu Mazi, the first and second chiefs of Blackwind Stronghold. The stronghold is under my control. I came to report the victory.”

Wu’s expression changed. He straightened. “This is no matter for jokes. Deceive me and I’ll take your head.” Hardened bandits had occupied that mountain for years; he found the claim hard to believe.

“Their heads are on my horse. You can see for yourself.”

Wu opened the window and called for Gao’s horse. An attendant brought it to the study. Gao removed and opened the sack; two heads rolled out. Though bloodied, they were plainly Zhou Xing and Xu Mazi.

“So it’s true.” Wu smiled coldly. “Hang their heads at the city gate.” The display would give the people they had robbed some satisfaction. The attendant took them away.

Wu’s voice softened. “You really did it. You’ve impressed me.”

“I was fortunate.” Gao gestured respectfully toward the horse. “Besides the heads, this chestnut is a rare steed. A fine horse belongs with a hero. I brought it as a gift for you.”

Two gifts made for a wider road.

Wu was surprised. He stroked the horse’s coat and examined its build and hooves. It lifted its forelegs and neighed loudly: a fine animal indeed. Wu laughed. “Excellent! You’ve been thoughtful.”

Beimang had given the horse to Zhou Xing to win him over. Sleek and healthy, it had been Zhou’s pride; he had cared for it more attentively than he did for a woman, but died before riding it many times. Gao had been reluctant to give it up, yet for his long-term plans it was worth using to pave his way. Wu’s expression showed the gift had struck home.

Wu patted Gao’s shoulder twice. “You killed Zhou Xing single-handed and took Blackwind Stronghold, removing a threat to Dangyang. That’s a great achievement. Stay in the city and I’ll make you a hundred-man commander. What do you say?”

He genuinely liked Gao. The young man could fight him for more than ten exchanges, had secured Blackwind without costing Wu a soldier, and, instead of growing arrogant, had brought a generous gift. The boy knew how to conduct himself—he really knew how! Wu had plenty of capable fighters, but few who understood people. Gao was young; with training, he could become a valuable lieutenant.

Under Great Wei’s military system the ranks were, from lowest upward: squad leader over five men and file leader over ten, both ungraded; troop leader over fifty, principal seventh rank; hundred-man commander, principal sixth rank; thousand-man commander, principal fifth rank; commander over five thousand, principal fourth rank; garrison general over ten thousand, principal third rank; great general over fifty thousand, principal second rank; and grand marshal over a hundred thousand, principal first rank.

To most people, a sixth-rank command was substantial. For a bandit to rise so many levels was a meteoric promotion. Gao felt a stir of excitement, then mastered it.

After careful thought, he bowed. “I’m honored by your favor, General. A hundred-man command would be a privilege, but I would rather remain at Blackwind Stronghold.”

Wu’s smile faded. “Wouldn’t the city be more comfortable than that broken mountain?”

“Dangyang guards the pass, while Mount Tanlang controls a dangerous route. Together they can support each other. The city already has many talented men; I might have little opportunity here. If I hold Blackwind and train its men, I can relieve you of that burden.”

The city had many comforts, but staying would put a collar around his neck. He could not build forces loyal to himself and would face restrictions everywhere. Gao wanted the command as a stepping-stone, not an end. Blackwind offered room to grow.

Wu narrowed his eyes. Gao’s argument had merit, but once released, the young man might be hard to bring back under control. At last he said, “If you won’t stay, go. Officially, however, there will be no more Blackwind Stronghold. It will be the 20th Patrol Battalion, under Dangyang. You’ll garrison Mount Tanlang and take full charge of its defense. I’ll give you a seal and identification token, and remove the bandit status from your men.”

Delighted, Gao bowed. “Thank you, General!” He paused. “And provisions, armor, weapons…?”

“Years of war have left me little to spare. Prepare those yourselves for now.”

Gao’s mouth fell open. “General, there are several hundred men. That won’t be easy.”

Wu raised an eyebrow. “Don’t plead poverty. Zhou Xing stole plenty of gold, silver, and jewels from the city. If you want supplies, bring the money here and buy them.”

Gao stared. So that was where the conversation had been leading.