Powerful, beautiful war steeds, having drunk their fill of water, were beating their hooves on the ground, ready to rush faster than the wind under the skillful leadership of the charioteer.
Behind them could be seen a cart with an open door. It was comfortable, but not distinctive among the other wagons. Vigilant soldiers guarded the people standing nearby, not daring to relax even in a well-protected camp.
The Emperor was preparing to depart, and therefore the safe escort of his cart was a matter of utmost importance. They were supposed to set out before dawn, but the monarch decided to stay for a while longer to say some last words to his faithful subordinate.
– We don't doubt your abilities, Huan, but this boy is really smart, – said the monarch, looking right into the calm eyes of the general. – He is from a poor family, but was able to earn enough money for education, and quickly became the best not only in his school but in the entire capital. His mind is sound, wise, and flexible. We personally read and estimated the essay he wrote during the state exam. Don't dismiss his ideas just because he is young.
The Emperor touched Wei Huan's shoulder, expressing his support.
– Once, you too were known as a "stupid youth" though you managed to prove the opposite.
– Your Majesty, this one will follow your wise advice, – the man bowed. – But as Supreme General, I dare not make any mistakes. Please allow this one to weigh all the details and drawbacks.
– The result is important, Huan. But Yu Bing Han is only your weapon. So whether you use it or not is up to you. However, we will be waiting for good news in your next reports.
The true meaning of those words engraved itself into Wei Huan's consciousness, not allowing him to look up until he heard the quiet slam of the door and the voice of the charioteer.
The neighing of horses cut through the silence of the night and an inviolable order was given to the soldiers.
– Defend the Emperor until your last breath! Once you reach the gates of the Capital, return immediately!
– Yes, General!
The trained warriors bowed and followed the cart with a well-trained march. Wei Huan did not follow them with his gaze. He had to deal with an important and unpredictable "problem" sent to his tent.
***
The quiet singing of birds, coupled with the brightening sky, marked the slow onset of dawn. The usual silence of the night gradually dissolved into the sounds of the early morning. The howl of the wind coming from the gorge resembled the echo of an enemy bugle, not allowing the soldiers to forget about their position.
Wei Huan, who was about to enter the tent, froze and listened. It didn't take him long to recognize the whistling of the wind through the crevices. Time spent in these wild lands taught him to distinguish natural sounds from those produced by men.
Before sending his people into battle, Huan thoroughly studied many things: the terrain, climate, routine of ordinary people, their combat powers, and strengths of the enemy forces.
Wherever the Emperor sent him, first of all, Wei Huan calculated all kinds of fortunate opportunities and unpredictable possibilities of misfortunes. He never thoughtlessly rushed into battle, which greatly angered many. The heated youthful blood, which was supposed to show the young man his place and teach the harsh reality on the battlefield had never burned as the envious people wished.
Frankly speaking, Huan was sure that even the Emperor did not like his excessive vigilance, but the monarch never raised such a topic, allowing the general to develop his strategic habits further on. As long as he brought victories, that was enough.
A weak gust of wind entered the tent, extinguishing the last dying candle. A thin stream of smoke rose into the air, emitting a pleasant aroma. The young man standing at the table noticed this but did not turn around to the general. The youth continued to look at the stacks of documents and piles of books. He neither touched anything nor tried to pick up or read. He only interestedly studied materials that were not covered from the eyesight.
Wei Huan watched the stranger with caution, but could not resist his presence in any way. After all, that was a person appointed by the Emperor, and the disrespect shown to Yu Bing Han, albeit indirectly, offended the monarch of the Celestial Empire. Wei Huan could not allow this... as well as could not allow an outsider become a witness to the secret military information.
– I asked Commander Jin Yu Ming to provide you with a separate tent, – said Wei Huan, approaching the table. – The soldiers will carry your things there, so you can get settled right away.
– Thank the general for his concern, but this is unnecessary, – Bing Han's thin lips curved into a half-smile. – You shouldn't have burdened the commander over such a trifle.
The piercing golden eyes once again examined the map, held together by wooden beams and tied with ropes on the sides. It was a simple map of the area and the nearby surroundings. Wei Huan deliberately did not make notes on it, being wary of information leakage, and therefore kept all the reports in hidden places. The maps he drew were hidden as well.
Each message was turned into a new drawing with additional marks from scouts about the changes in the formation or movement of the enemy army. Thus, a man could at any time view all positions in someone else's strategy, compare them with the initial steps, and even find certain patterns. All these tricks served him as faithful support.
– I understand your distrust of me, General. And I'm not asking you to reveal any of the military secrets.
Some time passed before Yu Bing Han's calm voice broke the silence. Wei Huan did not attempt to speak to him, so there was a minute silence inside the tent, interrupted by sounds coming from outside. The soldiers woke up and began their morning routine.
– I want to help. You won't lose anything if you listen to my advice, right? – Bing Han turned to the man standing not far from him. – You don't even need to show me the locations of your camps. Let this one observe the current situation as if he were one of the resistance.
– You may have a look, – Wei Huan continuously looked into Bing Han's eyes. – But what will an incomplete picture give you?
– Oh, believe me, I like to play my games without anyone's handouts. You have painted your picture, let me start mine from scratch. I have no doubts that your current stable position is dictated by a skillful balance of forces. You are well protected, but you are afraid of an unexpected blow from the side, so you are thinking about the right attack strategy, right?
Wei Huan did not show his surprise or, on the contrary, approval of the youth's resourcefulness. He took out the required map and revealed it to Yu Bing Han. As he requested, the only marked positions visible on the paper were those of the resistance forces. Having received no answer, the young counselor only smiled knowingly and leaned slightly over the map, studying it. It didn't take him long to reach his verdict.
– I can assume that with your talent and knowledge, you will be able to win, but it will take a dole of time. However, with my help, it would be much faster.
– Is that so? – Wei Huan crossed his arms over his chest. For some reason, he wanted to smile, but he restrained himself. – And how long will it take me alone to do this?
– About four months.
– And with your help?
The man watched as Yu Bing Han straightened up and carefully tucked a strand of dark hair behind his ear. In his every movement, there was an amazing grace that not every noble lady or sophisticated young man could show. This youth was like a painting: enchanting, alluring, bewitching. If one wrote poems praising the true beauty, then the poem would be dedicated to Yu Bing Han.
– One and a half.
Hearing the frivolous words thrown out so simply and shamelessly, Wei Huan could not help but laugh quietly. Even though this man had an incredible appearance, this did not give him the right to behave so brazenly and shamelessly.
Yu Bing Han clearly did not understand anything about military strategy but decided to show off his knowledge. He did not feel uneasy throwing such boastful words in the face of the Supreme General. Shameless!
– Master Yu, this is a military camp. Lives are at stake here. If you don't understand these things, you'd better leave this place as soon as possible. I will personally apologize to the Emperor.
– This one offended you.
– This one amazed me.
Wei Huan looked at the young man coldly, taking the card and folding it. His abrupt actions showed unspoken thoughts. It was worth immediately understanding that Yu Bing Han was just a smooth-talking scholar, not a great strategist.
Having never been on the battlefield, he might have thought it was all fun. Due to that he said the first thing that came to mind.
Wei Huan understood that he mustn't be angry about this, but, driven by the current circumstances, he lost his temper.
Bing Han watched the man, who was poorly hiding his temperament, for some time, and then he noticed something in the corner of the tent and said quite casually:
– Since you wished me to leave the camp, I'll obey. But may I ask of you a favor first?
– What do you want?
Wei Huan did not want to turn to the young man, but his subsequent words shocked the general so much that he could not help but look at Bing Han.
– Play a game of wéiqí with me.
In some unimaginable way, this man who appeared managed to amaze, surprise, anger, and discourage Wei Huan. It only took Bin Han the time of one burnt stick of incense to cause such a storm of emotions.
***
When Jin Yu Ming entered the tent, urgently summoned by Wei Huan, he didn't expect to see his commander sitting opposite the new military counselor playing weiqi.
Moreover, he was not at all prepared for the fact that a man who had always been restrained and controlled his every emotion would frown so much while looking at the board.
Deciding not to disturb the people absorbed in the game, Yu Ming quietly walked closer to look at the chequers. Just one glance was enough for him to feel cold jitters running down his spine. The man gripped the hilt of his sword tightly and exhaled sharply through clenched teeth.
– This is…
Yu Bing Han did not react in any way to the man who appeared, but Wei Huan gave an order filled with impatience and tension:
– Call all the commanders. Arrange a meeting. At once.
The man didn't need to repeat twice. Jin Yu Ming, who understood the entire situation, immediately bowed and, without further ado, quickly left the tent. The remaining people in it continued to look at the weiqi board with different expressions on their faces.
Bing Han was calm. With a gentle smile, he looked at his black chequers, slowly taking sips of cold tea. Wei Huan still seemed to not believe in what had just happened. His gaze slid from one figure to another, as if making sure of the reality of the picture before him.
A game was played on the board in which Yu Bing Han not only thoroughly accurately reproduced all the positions of the enemy army marked on the previously seen map. He also quietly forced Wei Huan to show where he had placed his troops.
The final point in their confrontation was a clever trap that drove the thoughtful general into a dead end.
Wei Huan could have sat like this for a long time, but the playful voice drawing out the words forced him to look up.
– General Wei, – Bing Han twirled the empty porcelain cup with his long fingers before placing it on the table. – Do you agree now?
He slowly clasped his fingers together to rest his chin on them and squinted slyly. Golden eyes sparkled with satisfaction and hidden thoughts.
– Now can I... tell of the strategy that will bring you victory in a month and a half?
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Wéiqí (go) is an abstract strategy board game for two players in which the aim is to capture more territory than the opponent by fencing off empty space. The game was invented in China more than 2,500 years ago and is believed to be the oldest board game continuously played to the present day.