Chapter 243
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Chapter 243
Despite its spacious, silk-lined interior, Zian grew weary of the confines of his carriage hours ago, the pride and satisfaction from this morning long since faded. Jostling as he bounced and rolled over the stone-paved road, he stared out into the distance to ease his nausea, willing the sun to set faster and put an end to this torturous, prolonged day of travel. Hed thought himself so clever and capable by manipulating events to his advantage, but once again, hed underestimated Falling Rains cunning and resolve.
It all seemed so simple, the plan naturally coming together without effort. Mothers spies kept him informed of events happening in Sanshu, though he cared little for reports regarding reform, reconstruction, or redistribution. In the past, hed left these matters for Mother to deal with, lacking her patience and tact for diplomacy. Whispers and favours traded during clandestine meetings, half-truths and hidden-threats in every word and gesture, hed much rather meet his enemies with sabres in hand on the field of battle. Alas, diplomacy and spy-craft were indispensable tools for these games of power, and after experiencing firsthand how an expert like Yuzhen wielded them, he was determined to master them.
Therefore, when he learned Rain had taken Jester Wang and a few dozen other former Butchers into his retinue, Zian put aside his surprise and did everything he could to suppress the news. Not to protect his rival, no, Zian intended to take advantage of this gross misstep. Rain was no ignorant savage, he wouldnt risk associating with possibly Defiled bandits unless there was an equally significant reward, and what would be more rewarding than finding Yo Lings hidden treasury? Imagining decades of plunder and loot was enough to make even Zian salivate in spite of the inherent risk which came with it.
Hindering the Great Hero Rain, Unrivalled beneath Heaven was merely a bonus. The arrogant bastard, to hear people tell it, Rain and the Bekhai were the only warriors of note in all of Sanshu. Never mind Zians seven consecutive duels, no, they wanted to hear about some slave girl getting a lucky strike against some demon or how Rain led a thousand soldiers to victory against twenty times their number. By the Fathers contorted testicles, the odds got worse every time Zian heard the story yet Rain still prevailed through sheer pluck and courage. It was a travesty.
Enough whining. Focusing his thoughts, Zian went over his plans once more in case he missed something. Should word spread of their discovery of Yo Lings treasury, not only would they be forced to turn over all their findings to the Empire, but theyd be forced to deal with every merchant and noble whod ever suffered a loss at Yo Lings hands. Easy to imagine how theyd come clamouring for reparations, insinuating Zian had embezzled all manner of lost, priceless treasures. Lack of proof wouldn't matter, nor that Yo Ling clearly spent a massive fortune to arm his Butchers. Not even an Oath would convince the world his hands were clean. Rumours and hearsay would spread with the wind, negatively impacting his reputation and risking the chance of less scrupulous individuals capturing him for interrogation.
Then again, if you do not enter the tigers den, then how can you capture the tigers cub?
Of course, none of this mattered if Zian wasnt there to find the treasure. With every tongue in the city wagging about the power of Gerel, Tursinai, and Tenjin, blatantly blackmailing the Bekhai was nothing short of suicide. Even with Jukai protecting him, Zians chances of survival were slim to none if those three Bekhai experts were determined to take his life. Although hed left a secret will detailing his findings as insurance, it wasnt a life-saving measure, only a life-avenging one and he treasured his life too much to risk it in such a reckless manner. Instead, he used his hard-learned lesson from Yuzhen to his advantage: keep quiet and let your enemies unveil their secrets to you. Instead of outright threatening Rain, Zian kept close watch on the Bekhai, intent on travelling with them under the guise of safety and solidarity.
And it was a resounding success.
Sort of.
Though he wanted nothing more than to call a halt to the days journey, he had no intentions of giving Rain a chance to escape. The crafty bastard was no fool, feigning his departure three days past and leaving Zian waiting in the plaza for hours. Thickening his skin, Zian returned to his borrowed residence to resume waiting, and now, his patience and tolerance were rewarded as they set out together. The majority of the Bekhai contingent rode in wagons at the convoys rear while Rain led the way with his roosequin-mounted escorts, ostensibly scouting ahead for danger but in all likelihood seeking to leave Zian and his peers behind.
Ah, his peers, the sole fly in his ointment. After joining with the Mothers Militia and Dastans retinue, the Bekhai grossly outnumbered Zians half-strength retinue almost ten to one. To keep from being murdered in the wilds, he brought his Society peers into the plan to even the odds, though it meant splitting the treasure even further. Sang Ryong and Jin ZhiLan shared his enthusiasm, but Han BoShui was oddly uninterested in the whole proceedings. In fact, Zian suspected BoShui only agreed to come along because hed been in his cups, red-faced and reeking of vomit and alcohol as he nodded along with whatever was suggested.Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)
How far the mighty had fallen. . Rising from clan outcast to clan successor under the tutelage of Major General Han BoHai, BoShuis skills were undeniable, a former contender for the number one talent in the north. Now, all his hard worked was for naught with the Shrikes death weighing heavily on him, the two rumoured to have been closer than most siblings. More often drunk than sober of late, Zians one-time rival seemed determined to drown his sorrows or die trying. Worst of all, after uncovering the whole truth of the Shrike and how she was abandoned by her Clan to her monstrous Master after taking part in a Purge, Zian found no pleasure in BoShuis misery. Its no wonder BoShui fell behind the other talents of his generation after dominating them for so many years. Losing his beloved cousin to the Confessor was bad enough, but to kill her with his own hands...
Whatever the circumstances, there was nothing Zian could do. They weren't friends, and so long as BoShui followed along with his retinue, he saw no immediate harm in letting the Han successor drink himself into a stupor. The thought of alcohol set Zians stomach to churning, all of a sudden made keenly aware of his choppy environment. Enduring as best he could, he placed his head half out the window to better feel the fresh air passing by, and just in case he needed to vomit.
Perhaps he should have a word with BoShui. His failures reflected poorly on Zian, regardless of his decision to quit the Society. Deep in thought, Zian nodded at his companions before clasping his hands to greet their host, Rains betrothed, Sumila. To his left was Warrant Officer Huu, his twin wives (lucky bastard), and Tong Da Fung. The rabbit-girl sat with ZhiLan, chatting away like the best of friends while the slave girl handed out bowls of rice and broth. Her skin still glistening with sweat, she was a rare beauty, her bronzed skin and luscious lips igniting his desires. Rain seemed blessed by the Mother in more ways than one, surrounded by gorgeous women at all times.
Scenting the food, their little party was soon surrounded by a small pack of animals, led by a pair of bear cubs running straight into Rains lap to beg for scraps. A massive wildcat larger than most dogs took a seat right next to Zian, staring him down and licking its jowls. Though he wouldnt fear the creature with weapons in hand, it was unnerving to have it breathing down his neck as he ate.
Was this all a scare tactic? Wear him down with the long carriage ride, shock him with the slave and unknown warriors skills, threaten him with the voracious birds, and then terrorize him with this wildcat? Glancing at the animal out the corner of his eye, he watched it lean in closer and closer as time moved on, fighting the urge to fight, run, or cringe. He was Situ Jia Zian and he would not be intimidated by this... kitten. Soon, the creature was only centimetres from his neck, its hot breath brushing his cheek as it started to growl, emitting a deep, resonating rumble from its chest.
Perhaps it was time to rethink his decision to join the Bekhai hunt for treasure. Though he intended to abandon his place as Situ Clan heir, he was still the son of a magistrate, and a wealthy one at that, with no real need of more gold.
Jimjam, leave Zian alone. In response to Rains harsh tone, the wildcat yowled in protest, displaying a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. After huffing in displeasure, Jimjam padded over to headbutt Rain in the chest, transforming from a ravenous murderer to harmless pet in the blink of an eye. Amazed by the sudden change, Zian choked on his soup, sputtering and coughing for a good minute before catching his breath.
Falling Rain, a worthy rival indeed.
After finishing their delicious meal of succulent deer steak and wild mushrooms, Rain cleared his throat and moved in close. I have a proposition, he said, glancing at each of them in turn. Ive someone in my employ who can lead us to Yo Lings secret island. Now, in the interest of mending fences, Id like to extend an invitation for you to join us. We split what we find 50/50 and never speak a word of it to anyone. Hows that sound?
Taken aback by Rains sudden honesty, Zian glanced at his companions. ZhiLan and Ryong indicated they would follow his lead, while BoShui couldnt be bothered to even shrug, gulping down wine like a man dying of thirst. Turning back to Rain, Zian pursed his lips. 50/50? I think not. We have four Warrant officers against your three. Our retinues count twenty former Captains and Senior Captains, eight former Majors, and a former Colonel, while you have one Lieutenant Colonel, one former major, and two senior Captains. Since were bringing more elites, we deserve a larger share. 80/20 in our favour.
Ha, no. Shaking his head, Rain countered, Doesnt matter how many former officers you have, theyre all subordinates. Dont insult my intelligence and tell me youre gonna give them an equal share. On the other hand, we have three current officers who outrank you. The hateful savage, emphasizing his recent promotion. A senior captain outranked a Third Grade Warrant Officer, but was only equivalent to a Second Grade Warrant Officer. Tally it up and we have six officers versus your four, so it should be split 3:2 in my favour. Plus, he added with a smirk, You need me or youll never get to the island. I dont need you, I only need your silence. Id prefer to buy it, but-
Oh? Making open threats now are we? Youre welcome to try buying our silence with steel and blood. Zian sneered. Youll find it more costly than you can imagine.
Zians declaration was met with a chuckle. So confrontational. I was going to say, I dont necessarily have to loot the island anytime soon. The Butcher Bay Bandit hideout has been hidden for fifty years, and I expect itll remain hidden for another fifty. I could come back anytime and youd be none the wiser. Extending his hand, Rain looked Zian in the eyes. 50/50, no one talks. Deal or no deal?
Inwardly scowling, Zian cursed himself for a fool. In his overwhelming greed and thirst for adventure, hed overlooked the simplest of solutions. All Rain needed was patience and he could keep all the spoils for himself. Even if Zian revealed Rain was sheltering former Butchers, nothing would come of it. At worst, Rain would be forced to execute the bandits after forcing them to reveal their secrets. Hell, with the stories of Gao Qius valiant last stand against Yo Ling, public opinion might even side with Rain. The people loved their folk heroes and former bandits turning against their Defiled comrades to defend the Empire sounded like something lifted straight out of a drama. Stifling a sigh, Zian shook Rains hand. Deal.
It seems he was a long way from mastering the art of diplomacy.
Chapter Meme
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Chapter 243
Despite its spacious, silk-lined interior, Zian grew weary of the confines of his carriage hours ago, the pride and satisfaction from this morning long since faded. Jostling as he bounced and rolled over the stone-paved road, he stared out into the distance to ease his nausea, willing the sun to set faster and put an end to this torturous, prolonged day of travel. Hed thought himself so clever and capable by manipulating events to his advantage, but once again, hed underestimated Falling Rains cunning and resolve.
It all seemed so simple, the plan naturally coming together without effort. Mothers spies kept him informed of events happening in Sanshu, though he cared little for reports regarding reform, reconstruction, or redistribution. In the past, hed left these matters for Mother to deal with, lacking her patience and tact for diplomacy. Whispers and favours traded during clandestine meetings, half-truths and hidden-threats in every word and gesture, hed much rather meet his enemies with sabres in hand on the field of battle. Alas, diplomacy and spy-craft were indispensable tools for these games of power, and after experiencing firsthand how an expert like Yuzhen wielded them, he was determined to master them.
Therefore, when he learned Rain had taken Jester Wang and a few dozen other former Butchers into his retinue, Zian put aside his surprise and did everything he could to suppress the news. Not to protect his rival, no, Zian intended to take advantage of this gross misstep. Rain was no ignorant savage, he wouldnt risk associating with possibly Defiled bandits unless there was an equally significant reward, and what would be more rewarding than finding Yo Lings hidden treasury? Imagining decades of plunder and loot was enough to make even Zian salivate in spite of the inherent risk which came with it.
Hindering the Great Hero Rain, Unrivalled beneath Heaven was merely a bonus. The arrogant bastard, to hear people tell it, Rain and the Bekhai were the only warriors of note in all of Sanshu. Never mind Zians seven consecutive duels, no, they wanted to hear about some slave girl getting a lucky strike against some demon or how Rain led a thousand soldiers to victory against twenty times their number. By the Fathers contorted testicles, the odds got worse every time Zian heard the story yet Rain still prevailed through sheer pluck and courage. It was a travesty.
Enough whining. Focusing his thoughts, Zian went over his plans once more in case he missed something. Should word spread of their discovery of Yo Lings treasury, not only would they be forced to turn over all their findings to the Empire, but theyd be forced to deal with every merchant and noble whod ever suffered a loss at Yo Lings hands. Easy to imagine how theyd come clamouring for reparations, insinuating Zian had embezzled all manner of lost, priceless treasures. Lack of proof wouldn't matter, nor that Yo Ling clearly spent a massive fortune to arm his Butchers. Not even an Oath would convince the world his hands were clean. Rumours and hearsay would spread with the wind, negatively impacting his reputation and risking the chance of less scrupulous individuals capturing him for interrogation.
Then again, if you do not enter the tigers den, then how can you capture the tigers cub?
Of course, none of this mattered if Zian wasnt there to find the treasure. With every tongue in the city wagging about the power of Gerel, Tursinai, and Tenjin, blatantly blackmailing the Bekhai was nothing short of suicide. Even with Jukai protecting him, Zians chances of survival were slim to none if those three Bekhai experts were determined to take his life. Although hed left a secret will detailing his findings as insurance, it wasnt a life-saving measure, only a life-avenging one and he treasured his life too much to risk it in such a reckless manner. Instead, he used his hard-learned lesson from Yuzhen to his advantage: keep quiet and let your enemies unveil their secrets to you. Instead of outright threatening Rain, Zian kept close watch on the Bekhai, intent on travelling with them under the guise of safety and solidarity.
And it was a resounding success.
Sort of.
Though he wanted nothing more than to call a halt to the days journey, he had no intentions of giving Rain a chance to escape. The crafty bastard was no fool, feigning his departure three days past and leaving Zian waiting in the plaza for hours. Thickening his skin, Zian returned to his borrowed residence to resume waiting, and now, his patience and tolerance were rewarded as they set out together. The majority of the Bekhai contingent rode in wagons at the convoys rear while Rain led the way with his roosequin-mounted escorts, ostensibly scouting ahead for danger but in all likelihood seeking to leave Zian and his peers behind.
Ah, his peers, the sole fly in his ointment. After joining with the Mothers Militia and Dastans retinue, the Bekhai grossly outnumbered Zians half-strength retinue almost ten to one. To keep from being murdered in the wilds, he brought his Society peers into the plan to even the odds, though it meant splitting the treasure even further. Sang Ryong and Jin ZhiLan shared his enthusiasm, but Han BoShui was oddly uninterested in the whole proceedings. In fact, Zian suspected BoShui only agreed to come along because hed been in his cups, red-faced and reeking of vomit and alcohol as he nodded along with whatever was suggested.Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)
How far the mighty had fallen. . Rising from clan outcast to clan successor under the tutelage of Major General Han BoHai, BoShuis skills were undeniable, a former contender for the number one talent in the north. Now, all his hard worked was for naught with the Shrikes death weighing heavily on him, the two rumoured to have been closer than most siblings. More often drunk than sober of late, Zians one-time rival seemed determined to drown his sorrows or die trying. Worst of all, after uncovering the whole truth of the Shrike and how she was abandoned by her Clan to her monstrous Master after taking part in a Purge, Zian found no pleasure in BoShuis misery. Its no wonder BoShui fell behind the other talents of his generation after dominating them for so many years. Losing his beloved cousin to the Confessor was bad enough, but to kill her with his own hands...
Whatever the circumstances, there was nothing Zian could do. They weren't friends, and so long as BoShui followed along with his retinue, he saw no immediate harm in letting the Han successor drink himself into a stupor. The thought of alcohol set Zians stomach to churning, all of a sudden made keenly aware of his choppy environment. Enduring as best he could, he placed his head half out the window to better feel the fresh air passing by, and just in case he needed to vomit.
Perhaps he should have a word with BoShui. His failures reflected poorly on Zian, regardless of his decision to quit the Society. Deep in thought, Zian nodded at his companions before clasping his hands to greet their host, Rains betrothed, Sumila. To his left was Warrant Officer Huu, his twin wives (lucky bastard), and Tong Da Fung. The rabbit-girl sat with ZhiLan, chatting away like the best of friends while the slave girl handed out bowls of rice and broth. Her skin still glistening with sweat, she was a rare beauty, her bronzed skin and luscious lips igniting his desires. Rain seemed blessed by the Mother in more ways than one, surrounded by gorgeous women at all times.
Scenting the food, their little party was soon surrounded by a small pack of animals, led by a pair of bear cubs running straight into Rains lap to beg for scraps. A massive wildcat larger than most dogs took a seat right next to Zian, staring him down and licking its jowls. Though he wouldnt fear the creature with weapons in hand, it was unnerving to have it breathing down his neck as he ate.
Was this all a scare tactic? Wear him down with the long carriage ride, shock him with the slave and unknown warriors skills, threaten him with the voracious birds, and then terrorize him with this wildcat? Glancing at the animal out the corner of his eye, he watched it lean in closer and closer as time moved on, fighting the urge to fight, run, or cringe. He was Situ Jia Zian and he would not be intimidated by this... kitten. Soon, the creature was only centimetres from his neck, its hot breath brushing his cheek as it started to growl, emitting a deep, resonating rumble from its chest.
Perhaps it was time to rethink his decision to join the Bekhai hunt for treasure. Though he intended to abandon his place as Situ Clan heir, he was still the son of a magistrate, and a wealthy one at that, with no real need of more gold.
Jimjam, leave Zian alone. In response to Rains harsh tone, the wildcat yowled in protest, displaying a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. After huffing in displeasure, Jimjam padded over to headbutt Rain in the chest, transforming from a ravenous murderer to harmless pet in the blink of an eye. Amazed by the sudden change, Zian choked on his soup, sputtering and coughing for a good minute before catching his breath.
Falling Rain, a worthy rival indeed.
After finishing their delicious meal of succulent deer steak and wild mushrooms, Rain cleared his throat and moved in close. I have a proposition, he said, glancing at each of them in turn. Ive someone in my employ who can lead us to Yo Lings secret island. Now, in the interest of mending fences, Id like to extend an invitation for you to join us. We split what we find 50/50 and never speak a word of it to anyone. Hows that sound?
Taken aback by Rains sudden honesty, Zian glanced at his companions. ZhiLan and Ryong indicated they would follow his lead, while BoShui couldnt be bothered to even shrug, gulping down wine like a man dying of thirst. Turning back to Rain, Zian pursed his lips. 50/50? I think not. We have four Warrant officers against your three. Our retinues count twenty former Captains and Senior Captains, eight former Majors, and a former Colonel, while you have one Lieutenant Colonel, one former major, and two senior Captains. Since were bringing more elites, we deserve a larger share. 80/20 in our favour.
Ha, no. Shaking his head, Rain countered, Doesnt matter how many former officers you have, theyre all subordinates. Dont insult my intelligence and tell me youre gonna give them an equal share. On the other hand, we have three current officers who outrank you. The hateful savage, emphasizing his recent promotion. A senior captain outranked a Third Grade Warrant Officer, but was only equivalent to a Second Grade Warrant Officer. Tally it up and we have six officers versus your four, so it should be split 3:2 in my favour. Plus, he added with a smirk, You need me or youll never get to the island. I dont need you, I only need your silence. Id prefer to buy it, but-
Oh? Making open threats now are we? Youre welcome to try buying our silence with steel and blood. Zian sneered. Youll find it more costly than you can imagine.
Zians declaration was met with a chuckle. So confrontational. I was going to say, I dont necessarily have to loot the island anytime soon. The Butcher Bay Bandit hideout has been hidden for fifty years, and I expect itll remain hidden for another fifty. I could come back anytime and youd be none the wiser. Extending his hand, Rain looked Zian in the eyes. 50/50, no one talks. Deal or no deal?
Inwardly scowling, Zian cursed himself for a fool. In his overwhelming greed and thirst for adventure, hed overlooked the simplest of solutions. All Rain needed was patience and he could keep all the spoils for himself. Even if Zian revealed Rain was sheltering former Butchers, nothing would come of it. At worst, Rain would be forced to execute the bandits after forcing them to reveal their secrets. Hell, with the stories of Gao Qius valiant last stand against Yo Ling, public opinion might even side with Rain. The people loved their folk heroes and former bandits turning against their Defiled comrades to defend the Empire sounded like something lifted straight out of a drama. Stifling a sigh, Zian shook Rains hand. Deal.
It seems he was a long way from mastering the art of diplomacy.
Chapter Meme
Chapter 243Despite its spacious, silk-lined interior, Zian grew weary of the confines of his carriage hours ago, the pride and satisfaction from this morning long since faded. Jostling as he bounced and rolled over the stone-paved road, he stared out into the distance to ease his nausea, willing the sun to set faster and put an end to this torturous, prolonged day of travel. Hed thought himself so clever and capable by manipulating events to his advantage, but once again, hed underestimated Falling Rains cunning and resolve.It all seemed so simple, the plan naturally coming together without effort. Mothers spies kept him informed of events happening in Sanshu, though he cared little for reports regarding reform, reconstruction, or redistribution. In the past, hed left these matters for Mother to deal with, lacking her patience and tact for diplomacy. Whispers and favours traded during clandestine meetings, half-truths and hidden-threats in every word and gesture, hed much rather meet his enemies with sabres in hand on the field of battle. Alas, diplomacy and spy-craft were indispensable tools for these games of power, and after experiencing firsthand how an expert like Yuzhen wielded them, he was determined to master them.Therefore, when he learned Rain had taken Jester Wang and a few dozen other former Butchers into his retinue, Zian put aside his surprise and did everything he could to suppress the news. Not to protect his rival, no, Zian intended to take advantage of this gross misstep. Rain was no ignorant savage, he wouldnt risk associating with possibly Defiled bandits unless there was an equally significant reward, and what would be more rewarding than finding Yo Lings hidden treasury? Imagining decades of plunder and loot was enough to make even Zian salivate in spite of the inherent risk which came with it.Hindering the Great Hero Rain, Unrivalled beneath Heaven was merely a bonus. The arrogant bastard, to hear people tell it, Rain and the Bekhai were the only warriors of note in all of Sanshu. Never mind Zians seven consecutive duels, no, they wanted to hear about some slave girl getting a lucky strike against some demon or how Rain led a thousand soldiers to victory against twenty times their number. By the Fathers contorted testicles, the odds got worse every time Zian heard the story yet Rain still prevailed through sheer pluck and courage. It was a travesty.Enough whining. Focusing his thoughts, Zian went over his plans once more in case he missed something. Should word spread of their discovery of Yo Lings treasury, not only would they be forced to turn over all their findings to the Empire, but theyd be forced to deal with every merchant and noble whod ever suffered a loss at Yo Lings hands. Easy to imagine how theyd come clamouring for reparations, insinuating Zian had embezzled all manner of lost, priceless treasures. Lack of proof wouldn't matter, nor that Yo Ling clearly spent a massive fortune to arm his Butchers. Not even an Oath would convince the world his hands were clean. Rumours and hearsay would spread with the wind, negatively impacting his reputation and risking the chance of less scrupulous individuals capturing him for interrogation.Then again, if you do not enter the tigers den, then how can you capture the tigers cub?Of course, none of this mattered if Zian wasnt there to find the treasure. With every tongue in the city wagging about the power of Gerel, Tursinai, and Tenjin, blatantly blackmailing the Bekhai was nothing short of suicide. Even with Jukai protecting him, Zians chances of survival were slim to none if those three Bekhai experts were determined to take his life. Although hed left a secret will detailing his findings as insurance, it wasnt a life-saving measure, only a life-avenging one and he treasured his life too much to risk it in such a reckless manner. Instead, he used his hard-learned lesson from Yuzhen to his advantage: keep quiet and let your enemies unveil their secrets to you. Instead of outright threatening Rain, Zian kept close watch on the Bekhai, intent on travelling with them under the guise of safety and solidarity.And it was a resounding success.Sort of.Though he wanted nothing more than to call a halt to the days journey, he had no intentions of giving Rain a chance to escape. The crafty bastard was no fool, feigning his departure three days past and leaving Zian waiting in the plaza for hours. Thickening his skin, Zian returned to his borrowed residence to resume waiting, and now, his patience and tolerance were rewarded as they set out together. The majority of the Bekhai contingent rode in wagons at the convoys rear while Rain led the way with his roosequin-mounted escorts, ostensibly scouting ahead for danger but in all likelihood seeking to leave Zian and his peers behind.Ah, his peers, the sole fly in his ointment. After joining with the Mothers Militia and Dastans retinue, the Bekhai grossly outnumbered Zians half-strength retinue almost ten to one. To keep from being murdered in the wilds, he brought his Society peers into the plan to even the odds, though it meant splitting the treasure even further. Sang Ryong and Jin ZhiLan shared his enthusiasm, but Han BoShui was oddly uninterested in the whole proceedings. In fact, Zian suspected BoShui only agreed to come along because hed been in his cups, red-faced and reeking of vomit and alcohol as he nodded along with whatever was suggested.Follow current novels on novelbin.comHow far the mighty had fallen. . Rising from clan outcast to clan successor under the tutelage of Major General Han BoHai, BoShuis skills were undeniable, a former contender for the number one talent in the north. Now, all his hard worked was for naught with the Shrikes death weighing heavily on him, the two rumoured to have been closer than most siblings. More often drunk than sober of late, Zians one-time rival seemed determined to drown his sorrows or die trying. Worst of all, after uncovering the whole truth of the Shrike and how she was abandoned by her Clan to her monstrous Master after taking part in a Purge, Zian found no pleasure in BoShuis misery. Its no wonder BoShui fell behind the other talents of his generation after dominating them for so many years. Losing his beloved cousin to the Confessor was bad enough, but to kill her with his own hands...Whatever the circumstances, there was nothing Zian could do. They weren't friends, and so long as BoShui followed along with his retinue, he saw no immediate harm in letting the Han successor drink himself into a stupor. The thought of alcohol set Zians stomach to churning, all of a sudden made keenly aware of his choppy environment. Enduring as best he could, he placed his head half out the window to better feel the fresh air passing by, and just in case he needed to vomit.Perhaps he should have a word with BoShui. His failures reflected poorly on Zian, regardless of his decision to quit the Society. Deep in thought, Zian nodded at his companions before clasping his hands to greet their host, Rains betrothed, Sumila. To his left was Warrant Officer Huu, his twin wives lucky bastard, and Tong Da Fung. The rabbit-girl sat with ZhiLan, chatting away like the best of friends while the slave girl handed out bowls of rice and broth. Her skin still glistening with sweat, she was a rare beauty, her bronzed skin and luscious lips igniting his desires. Rain seemed blessed by the Mother in more ways than one, surrounded by gorgeous women at all times.Scenting the food, their little party was soon surrounded by a small pack of animals, led by a pair of bear cubs running straight into Rains lap to beg for scraps. A massive wildcat larger than most dogs took a seat right next to Zian, staring him down and licking its jowls. Though he wouldnt fear the creature with weapons in hand, it was unnerving to have it breathing down his neck as he ate.Was this all a scare tactic? Wear him down with the long carriage ride, shock him with the slave and unknown warriors skills, threaten him with the voracious birds, and then terrorize him with this wildcat? Glancing at the animal out the corner of his eye, he watched it lean in closer and closer as time moved on, fighting the urge to fight, run, or cringe. He was Situ Jia Zian and he would not be intimidated by this... kitten. Soon, the creature was only centimetres from his neck, its hot breath brushing his cheek as it started to growl, emitting a deep, resonating rumble from its chest.Perhaps it was time to rethink his decision to join the Bekhai hunt for treasure. Though he intended to abandon his place as Situ Clan heir, he was still the son of a magistrate, and a wealthy one at that, with no real need of more gold.Jimjam, leave Zian alone. In response to Rains harsh tone, the wildcat yowled in protest, displaying a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. After huffing in displeasure, Jimjam padded over to headbutt Rain in the chest, transforming from a ravenous murderer to harmless pet in the blink of an eye. Amazed by the sudden change, Zian choked on his soup, sputtering and coughing for a good minute before catching his breath.Falling Rain, a worthy rival indeed.After finishing their delicious meal of succulent deer steak and wild mushrooms, Rain cleared his throat and moved in close. I have a proposition, he said, glancing at each of them in turn. Ive someone in my employ who can lead us to Yo Lings secret island. Now, in the interest of mending fences, Id like to extend an invitation for you to join us. We split what we find 50/50 and never speak a word of it to anyone. Hows that sound?Taken aback by Rains sudden honesty, Zian glanced at his companions. ZhiLan and Ryong indicated they would follow his lead, while BoShui couldnt be bothered to even shrug, gulping down wine like a man dying of thirst. Turning back to Rain, Zian pursed his lips. 50/50? I think not. We have four Warrant officers against your three. Our retinues count twenty former Captains and Senior Captains, eight former Majors, and a former Colonel, while you have one Lieutenant Colonel, one former major, and two senior Captains. Since were bringing more elites, we deserve a larger share. 80/20 in our favour.Ha, no. Shaking his head, Rain countered, Doesnt matter how many former officers you have, theyre all subordinates. Dont insult my intelligence and tell me youre gonna give them an equal share. On the other hand, we have three current officers who outrank you. The hateful savage, emphasizing his recent promotion. A senior captain outranked a Third Grade Warrant Officer, but was only equivalent to a Second Grade Warrant Officer. Tally it up and we have six officers versus your four, so it should be split 3:2 in my favour. Plus, he added with a smirk, You need me or youll never get to the island. I dont need you, I only need your silence. Id prefer to buy it, but-Oh? Making open threats now are we? Youre welcome to try buying our silence with steel and blood. Zian sneered. Youll find it more costly than you can imagine.Zians declaration was met with a chuckle. So confrontational. I was going to say, I dont necessarily have to loot the island anytime soon. The Butcher Bay Bandit hideout has been hidden for fifty years, and I expect itll remain hidden for another fifty. I could come back anytime and youd be none the wiser. Extending his hand, Rain looked Zian in the eyes. 50/50, no one talks. Deal or no deal?Inwardly scowling, Zian cursed himself for a fool. In his overwhelming greed and thirst for adventure, hed overlooked the simplest of solutions. All Rain needed was patience and he could keep all the spoils for himself. Even if Zian revealed Rain was sheltering former Butchers, nothing would come of it. At worst, Rain would be forced to execute the bandits after forcing them to reveal their secrets. Hell, with the stories of Gao Qius valiant last stand against Yo Ling, public opinion might even side with Rain. The people loved their folk heroes and former bandits turning against their Defiled comrades to defend the Empire sounded like something lifted straight out of a drama. Stifling a sigh, Zian shook Rains hand. Deal.It seems he was a long way from mastering the art of diplomacy.Chapter Meme
