28 The intent to grab it all

Ousen PoV

After the battle of Bayou and the emergene of General KouRyu, the entire middle kingdom was buzzing with anticipation. For the past few years , the fragile peace that held on was broken now. All that was left for now a tiny spark to break out.

I believe it won't be long before a great war begins and with it shall come chaos. But chaos is good for my plan because it is not a misfortune, but a ladder to climb higher.

After the army returned to Kanyou , KouRyu didn't come with them which clearly gives the message he doesn't want to interfere. But I know that man . He is like the abyss. The more you try to understand him the deeper you sink in his strategies. He definitely is planning something. If I had someone like him, I would have ruled the entire middle Kingdom easily.

With his emergence , my path to kingship has become more difficult. I know my capabilities, and if I ever faced that man, I would not fight without making sure I outnumbered him 10 to 1 on a terrain of my choosing and with escape route if I still lose.

I looked at the map and sighed, probably for the first time in my life. The more I wait, the less my chances would be to act out. Just when I had a chance to grasp my dream, fate pulled a cruel trick. So I will do something that I have never done before in life.

I shall gamble without knowing my chances of victory.

Shouheikun PoV

This is quite problematic. I made a small miscalculation about Bayou battle. Although we heard about Riboku before, we didn't expect him to show up at Bayou. We lost the battle and our general, but to think we would actually win and destroy the Riboku army so utterly, It can be said to be a miracle.

Of course, that should be expected from the man who's said to produce miraculous victories as if they are nothing. But his appearance also posed a lot of questions. What is is his motive ? Why did he show up now and why did he fake his death ?

I fear this was just a prelude to what's about to come. I don't think he will try to take the throne or plot a betrayal. But his mind is like an abyss, you just can't see through him.

I remember my mentor Koshou sama once said something to me, " Hakuki was our leader not because he was the strongest or most cunning. He was the leader because only he was capable enough to see the future and command us accordingly. His presence was enough to quell any doubts or fears."

That same Hakuki was said to be impressed by KouRyu and claimed him to be as good as him when KouRyu just began his career. With time and experience, has he perhaps reached a new level?

Then something clicked in my mind. If he is that good, slaying Riboku would be childs play after he sprung that trap. But he still let Riboku go and just returned to his territory. Why is that? There must be a reason. I took a look at the map in front of me for a while and suddenly I realized it all.

I lost all strength in my legs as I grabbed the table to steel myself. I could only whisper, "what a monster indeed."

Narrator PoV

After winning the battle of Bayou , KouRyu army returned to Changan without any reports. The only message he sent to the capital was to Shouheikun and the king. Shouheikun then proposed to switch their target to Wei while the King Ei Sei didn't speak anything about the message.

There was a lot of gossips flying around and everyone could only speculate. Even Ryofui was baffled as he only got a reply from KouRyu about coming back to the court, " Northern Qin won't interfere in politics or war unless it has something to do with our lands." This all but declared Northern Qin as a separate entity but the king ordered to leave Northern Qin alone and to focus on the central plains.

* Flashback *

Ei Sei asked Shin with a huff," why did you want to talk privately with me even before reporting to court ? I can't show my favouritism for you when you are still a unit captain. This would also put you in danger Shin."

Shin grumbled and brought out a note from his pouch and offered it to his friend and replied," That guy gave me this note saying you should have a clear vision of things. He said this was emergency."

Sei took the note curiously and read through the contents. As soon as he finished reading, he tore the note in pieces and threw it from the balcony. His expression was unreadable and he spoke to Shin," never speak about this note to anyone, not even to Karyo Ten or Heki. I hope you didn't read the contents?"

Shin laughed sheepishly and replied," You know I can't read stuff well. I can barely write."

Ei Sei chuckled and replied," Thats actually good this time. If the contents of this note is known to others, we would lose our greatest chance of conquering China.

By the way, Since OuKi gave you his men, I'll make you tag along with Tou till next years battle. You must get used to your army."

Shin confusedly asked ," what battle ?"

Sei walked away without looking back as he replied," the battle to let everyone know, our intent to grasp it all."

*Flashback End*

NARRATOR POV

The award ceremony was held to honor the Bayou army. Shin became a 1,000 man commander and Tou was given the OuKi army. They both went towards the south west border of Chu . Xing Daorong, the upcoming general of Qin lead an army to support them while Qin naval commander Gan Ning tried to take Fuling from Chu but failed.

The battle of Yangtze River was a bloody one where 60,000 soldiers of Qin faced 80,000 Chu navy under Pang Tong. They were outmatched and about to lose a huge number but luck was on their side.

Yue Fei, great general of Qi attacked Guangling and Pang Tong chose to pull back without finishing them off. Gan Ning was ashamed and resigned from his post and he went missing after that. Last he was seen was on his ship heading North. Yue Fei also returned after Chu reinforced Guangling.

Zhao actually sent an envoy asking for peace but they were rejected by Ryofui. He claimed as long as KouRyu lives, Northern Qin is impregnable so Zhao can't attack them either way. They got an envoy from Han as well but this offer was accepted as Qin didn't have any desire for Han at the moment.

With the Qin defeat, other nations were now like hungry sharks and they started to prepare for an invasion but to their surprise, Qin would attack first and their target would be the key region of Shangyong. And with that , the war of the kingdoms shall begin anew.