Year 1052 of the Kun calendar.
It is called as such since the Kun family took power from the Jiang Sect. Both were always competing to get the power but in their last clash, the whole clan was destroyed. Leaving a single young boy that was thrown down a raging river.
His name is Jiang tubei, He is 9 years old. He is the sole survivor that got taken under care from a kind uncle. He showed him how to farm, hunt, fight, practically everything that Jiang knows is because of this Uncle Han.
They live in a small village where fishing is the primary source of income. The people that farm are in charge of feeding the village. The more Jiang grew up, the less fish there was and the soil grew dry. The harvests were sparse and there was almost not enough food to nourish everyone.
It has been 9 years since Jiang fell from the river, he has learned to love this village. He has not forgotten what happened to his parents. But he does not know what he can do to avenge them.
Bringing him out of his thoughts, his uncle Asks
''Jiang can you please head to the river and get water for our soup?''
''Yes uncle, I am heading there right now!''
Jiang brings 2 wooden bucket and walks for around 5 minutes, gathers water and stops to enjoy the scenery, it has always calmed him down when he felt frustrated. Taking the time to look at nature always helped him maintain his cool.
As he is about to head back he sees his best friend since he came here, Cho Meng. He always likes to compete in various competitions, it can vary from who can run the fastest to who can eat the most fruits in 5 minutes. Every time without exception, he wins.
''Hey Jiang, how are you doing? Doing another chore for your old man?''
''I'm doing good, yeah otherwise he won't let me hear the end of it,''
They both look at each other and then start laughing together, they both bid their farewell and leave.
After about 10 minutes of relaxation Jiang heads back to the village to see his uncle talking with what looks like a soldier. He heads closer to them and hears them talk.
''What? You can just take people to fight for you! We barely have enough hands to manage the land we have!'' says his uncle
''This is not up for debate. The emperor has ordered that we bring him as many young men as we can.''
''But-''
''No but. Bring them here now or there will be consequences. This is a direct order from this emperor, would you really dare disobey?''
''No sir...'' looking dejected, Uncle looks up to see Jiang right in front of him trying to give him signals but the soldier turns around and sees him.
''This would do a fine recruit! I won't leave unless I have 2 more. Consider this my generosity.''
Seeing no one moving, the soldier gives the signal to the others to start looking. They break doors if no one opens them, move everything around. Creating disorder. after a while you can see 6 soldiers bringing back two young men.
''Found them captain. One was hiding near the docks and the other tried to run as soon as he saw us.''
as Jiang looks at who got captured he sees his best friend and another man that he didn't know.
''Thank you, Mei, bring them to carriage. We can go back to the recruit camp.''