To Fix the Future

"Come with me, Zhang Wei. I have something to show you," General Li Feng nodded, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. 

As they walked through the bustling training ground, soldiers who had witnessed Zhang Wei's victory couldn't contain their admiration. They patted him on the back, offered words of praise, and spoke of their excitement at the prospect of having such a skilled young warrior among their ranks. Zhang Wei was humbled by the warm reception, their camaraderie evident in every congratulatory word.

It didn't take long for them to arrive at the general's quarters. The building was a modest structure, built of sturdy wood and designed for practicality rather than luxury. It had a rugged, no-nonsense appearance, befitting the commander of a troop of battle-hardened warriors.

Inside, the quarters were simple but functional. A large table dominated the centre of the room, covered in maps and strategic documents. Shelves lined the walls, holding weapons, scrolls, and various tools of war. Trophies and mementoes from past campaigns adorned the room, testaments to General Li Feng's long and distinguished career.

The general gestured for Zhang Wei to take a seat at the table, which was flanked by two chairs. He settled into one of them, his posture commanding yet relaxed. There was an air of gravitas about the room, a sense that important decisions were made within these walls.

General Li Feng leaned over to a nearby shelf, his fingers deftly retrieving a weathered, framed photograph, or rather, a painted picture. He handed it to Zhang Wei, who observed the image with curiosity. The photograph depicted a group of young soldiers, standing proudly in front of a banner bearing their troop's emblem. Their faces were filled with a sense of camaraderie and youthful enthusiasm.

"These were my comrades," General Li Feng began, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Back when we were your age, full of dreams and aspirations. We joined this troop, trained together, and fought alongside each other on countless missions. We were like brothers."

He pointed to different individuals in the photograph, each with their own story.

"This is Captain Xue, the man you sparred with today. He and I have been through thick and thin together. And here's Sergeant Chen, now a respected strategist, and Master of Archery. Over there is Lieutenant Wang, who's known for his unshakable courage."

As Zhang Wei gazed at the photograph, he noticed that many of the soldiers were smiling, and some had their arms around each other. It was evident that they had shared not only the rigours of training and battle but also moments of laughter and companionship.

"But life in the troop can be demanding," General Li Feng continued, his tone growing sombre. "We were often away from home for extended periods. Many of my comrades faced hardships in their personal lives. I, too, made choices that I now regret."

He paused, his gaze fixed on the photograph.

"I lost my family, Zhang Wei. My wife couldn't bear the constant separation, and I wasn't there when my son was born. By the time I returned, it was too late. My marriage fell apart, and I lost them."

General Li Feng's voice carried the weight of those regrets, and Zhang Wei could sense the deep sorrow he still harboured.

"I vowed that no soldier under my command would suffer the same fate. That's why I'm in search of young warriors like you, who can carry on our mission and protect this kingdom, while still having the chance to build a life outside of battle. I don't want them to make the same mistakes I did."

With that, General Li Feng reclaimed the photograph, his eyes briefly clouded with memories of a past he couldn't change. It was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the line of duty, and the choices that could shape a warrior's life beyond the battlefield.

"Zhang Wei," General Li Feng started again, his voice steady and authoritative. "I'm not one to mince words. Your performance in the spar today was impressive, to say the least. You possess a rare combination of skill, agility, and quick thinking that I believe will be a valuable asset to my troop."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in.

"Like I said that night, I have a proposition for you, one that I hope you'll consider seriously. I would like you to join my troop as a warrior under my command. You'll receive rigorous training and become a part of a close-knit team dedicated to protecting the kingdom and its people. In return, you'll have the opportunity to hone your abilities, and learn from seasoned veterans, and, of course, we will contribute to the safety and well-being of your village."

The general's gaze bore into Zhang Wei's, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt.

"This is not a decision to be made lightly, and I understand that you have responsibilities to your family and your village. You have till tomorrow morning and if you choose to accept, you'll be committing to serve the kingdom and its people. I believe you have the potential to be one of our finest warriors, Zhang Wei. The choice is yours."

Zhang Wei nodded in acknowledgement and took his leave from General Li Feng's quarters, the weight of the conversation still settling in his thoughts. As he stepped outside, the figure of Captain Xue greeted him, a warm and appreciative smile on his face.

"Congratulations on your performance in the spar," Captain Xue began, extending his hand in a gesture of camaraderie. "You fought well, and we could use more young warriors like you in our ranks."

"Thank you, Captain Xue. It was an honour to spar with you," Zhang Wei accepted the handshake, gratitude in his eyes.

"Did the general happen to mention his ex-wife during your conversation?" Captain Xue's expression turned thoughtful, and he lowered his voice slightly.

"Yes, he did. But I thought it was a private matter," Zhang Wei was taken aback by the question but nodded cautiously.

"It is, for the most part. Only those close to the general, like myself, are aware of the details. I asked because I wanted to share a different perspective with you," Captain Xue gave a knowing smile.

As they walked together, Captain Xue began to explain the events that had transpired in General Li Feng's past.

"You see, the general's failed love life wasn't entirely his fault. He once requested to be relieved from duty to be with his wife during her pregnancy. He wanted to watch over her, to be there when their child was born. But the troop's situation was precarious, and the men weren't experienced enough to lead a mission. The general, being a man of duty, couldn't bear the thought of sending his comrades into a potentially deadly situation without his guidance."

Captain Xue sighed, the weight of the past evident in his words.

"So he chose his duty over his family, believing it was the right thing to do. And that choice led to where we are now."

He turned to Zhang Wei with a sombre expression.

"Even today, the general's priorities lie with the troop's happiness and safety. That's why he's so eager to have you join us. He sees the potential in you, not just as a warrior, but as a person who can balance duty and personal life, to make the choices he couldn't."

Zhang Wei absorbed Captain Xue's words, realizing that General Li Feng's motivations ran deep, and his desire to offer young warriors a different path was rooted in his past regrets and sacrifices. It was a revelation that added new layers of understanding to the general's character and the significance of the offer he had extended to Zhang Wei.

"Until tomorrow morning, then. We'll be setting out early, around dawn. I hope to see you among us," they arrived at the gate of the training ground, and Captain Xue bid Zhang Wei farewell with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Captain Xue. I'll give it some thought," Zhang Wei nodded in acknowledgement.

With that, they parted ways, and Zhang Wei made his way back to the Heishan town hall. His thoughts were a swirling tempest as he contemplated the monumental decision that lay before him.

Was he ready to leave behind the only home he had ever known? He thought of his village, his family, and the simple life they led. The faces of the people he'd grown up with flashed before his eyes, and he wondered how they would fare without him. They had always depended on him, especially since the attack by the bandits. Could he leave them behind?

What about Auntie Lanxin and Xiao Mei? Images of their tear-streaked faces from last night haunted him. He had sworn to protect them, and the thought of abandoning them now gnawed at his conscience. Would they be safe without him by their side?

But then there was Uncle Zhen. The man who had raised him, trained him, and given him purpose. Would Uncle Zhen understand this decision, or would he see it as a betrayal? Zhang Wei had always followed his uncle's guidance without question, but now he was contemplating a path that diverged from the one his mentor had laid out for him.

What did it mean to become a part of General Li Feng's troop? Zhang Wei knew it meant leaving behind the simplicity of village life for a world of uncertainty and danger. He would be surrounded by seasoned warriors, far more experienced than he was. Could he truly measure up to their expectations? What if he failed?

And then there was the question of the past. The darkness that had surged within him during the battle with the bandits frightened him. What if that darkness resurfaced? What if it consumed him entirely, turning him into a weapon of destruction? He had glimpsed that abyss when he had almost killed Ren Jiahui. Could he trust himself in the company of others, or was he a danger to those he might come to call comrades?

As he walked, Zhang Wei's thoughts circled like a hawk in search of prey, swooping down on each question, each consideration, and each doubt. The weight of his choice pressed upon him, a relentless burden that demanded resolution. And in the quiet of the early morning, Zhang Wei couldn't help but feel that the world was holding its breath, waiting for his decision to tip the scales one way or another.