Three days after the Biantian Empire's retreat from enemy territory.
Night was quickly falling in the base camp, a few miles from the initial skirmishes. Several crackling fires roared to life as the last of the sun's rays finally disappeared from the horizon. Soldiers drank heartily and raucous laughter rang out. Soon, they were to finally return back to their homes, carrying an astounding victory along with them. A peaceful, yet cheerful, atmosphere, permeated every area except for one tent.
Wei Mudan slammed her hands down on the rich mahogany wood table.
"That old geezer did what?!" she spat out, her shoulders trembling lightly.
Jiang Cheng gazed at her coldly, his handsome face forever unchanging.
"He has already returned to the Imperial Palaces with a messenger, carrying great news of your victory," he replied, picking up the documents that had fallen from the table.
Wei Mudan sighed and slumped down on her chair wearily.
"The head. He has taken it, has he not?"
"To be precise, the messenger took it."
Wei Mudan's head whipped up as she sent a glare towards Jiang Cheng. "This general has no need for your imprudence."
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, but nevertheless, he bowed lightly. "This one is truly sorry."
"You are not."
"The Princess knows me too well."
Jiang Cheng said this with an emotionless face; a stark contrast from his appearance and words. Wei Mudan rubbed at her forehead with a calloused hand, several lines appearing on her face. Once again, this Emperor Father of hers seemed to have another scheme for her. The sly old fox of always had something up his sleeve.
A smirk grew across her face. If he wanted to play, then she'll play along. Her hand drifted slowly to the golden sword the Emperor bestowed on her before she left for war. The insignia of Biantian's ruling family, Wei, was carved on the sheath in a flurry of gaudy gold.
The weapon turning against its master. How amusing.
"We will prepare for all scenarios the Emperor shall throw at us. Be cautious, for we must be the oriole," she said, standing up from her seat. "Leave at dawn. We must not be late to the victory feast now, shall we?"
A small smile graced Jiang Cheng's face. He bowed deeply at the waist towards Wei Mudan. "Of course, Princess."
The two exited the tent.
A tall and muscular soldier waved them over, delight apparent on his face. "General! Come, sit with us!"
Wei Mudan sat on an empty log, Jiang Cheng standing behind her with a hand on his sword, partially hidden in the darkness of the night. The flickering flames lit up her face, casting warmth onto all in its reach.
The soldier who waved them over held out a bowl of soup.
"Here, you haven't eaten right?" he said, pushing the bowl towards Wei Mudan with vigour, causing the soup to almost spill over the edge.
Wei Mudan shook her head, flashing the soldier a small but grateful smile. After the battle, some of these soldiers had stuck to her side like puppies following their mother. If she squinted, she could even see the fluffy ears and tails sprouting.
The soldier shrugged and chugged the soup, soup leaking out of the corners of his mouth.
Dazzled by her performance, these soldiers finally ignored the prejudice inside their hearts and poured their full attention onto Wei Mudan. To them, the only way to properly describe their General was a Goddess of War, come to bless the army with many victories. That scene of Wei Mudan beheading the enemy general was far to glorious for them to ignore, burned into their memories.
Wei Mudan was quite grateful towards these soldiers, who decided to follow her wholeheartedly. After all, a General was nothing without their soldiers, and even then, only loyal soldiers would truly trust their lives with their Generals.
"Jiang Cheng. Spread the news," she said abruptly. Jiang Cheng nodded and disappeared from behind.
Between mouthfuls of soup, the soldier said, "What news? Are we going to claim the territory tomorrow?"
Wei Mudan's eyes flitted towards the soldier. "No. We are retreating back to the Imperial City."
A sudden thought crossed Wei Mudan's mind. "What is your name, soldier?"
The soldier froze, disbelief spreading across his face. Nearby chatter died down as more shocked faces turned around to stare at Wei Mudan. She had not asked for a soldier's name directly before; rather, they rarely held any form of contact with her.
The soldier placed down his bowl. "My name! My...uh...name is Li Wei."
Wei Mudan could definitely see the puppy ears now. She chuckled lightly. "Very well. Li Wei, you shall follow me from now on."
Those who show her loyalty, she will repay them in kind. Li Wei's own body seemed to tremble; his eyes held stars within as a huge grin split across his face. He thanked Wei Mudan graciously, bowing dozens of times before running off.
Wei Mudan looked at Li Wei's retreated back with an amused expression on her face. Was she that famous? Such a simple character; his every emotion was present on his face and body language. It was nice, but Wei Mudan's brows furrowed slightly. A person like Li Wei going to war…
His fate was to be killed. Slaughtered for the glory of the Empire.
Wei Mudan peered around the now-chattering camps. Every fifth face she saw was someone who had only just reached adulthood, or even younger. She shook her head. Now was not the time to think about these matters. Rather, she had to prepare herself for the journey back to the Imperial Palaces.
The old General was meant to be looking over her, assessing her every action and deciding if she was 'worthy'. Now he had left right after the initial victory, taking along with him the enemy General's head.
Jiang Cheng appeared by her side once more. He kneeled beside her and whispered in her ear, "The information has been spread. We prepare to leave at dawn tomorrow morning. Princess should get ready to sleep early."
Wei Mudan scowled. "I am not a child, Jiang Cheng. I will choose when I sleep."
"As you say, Princess."
Jiang Cheng was a promising talent she had recruited a few years back, at a festival held within the city. She had gone out in disguise, and caught sight of Jiang Cheng's potential. Challenging him to a chess match, she bargained wealth if he won, and his loyalty if she won. Still only a fiesty youth, Jiang Cheng had foolishly agreed to her bargain...or so it seemed. Wei Mudan knew what Jiang Cheng was searching for: an identity to hide behind.
So, she gave it freely to him in return for five years of complete and utter loyalty to her.
Whatever his motives were, whatever he was running from, she could ignore it for now. As long as it did not interrupt her plans, Jiang Cheng could be the abandoned son of the Emperor and she would not care. Being naturally curious and poking your nose in the Imperial Palaces often led to your nose being cut off.
Better to hide behind all the drama and observe from the shadows.
Wei Mudan drew herself up to her full height, her back arching gracefully like a cat's, stretching her sore limbs. Suppressing a yawn, she waved a hand at Jiang Cheng and retreated back into her General's tent.
"Good night, Princess," Jiang Cheng said softly, before disappearing from the shadows.