East of the River: Home of the Sun Clan

FUTURE

An era of division was about to begin in Eastern Han Dynasty China. An eight-year-long feud between two sibling noblemen had recently ended with the death of one of them, which allowed many to hope that the chaos was now at an end: those that knew the political situation knew that the worst was yet to come.

Two men of the south - a tall, handsome man called Zhou Yu and a short, unimpressive gentleman called Lu Su - left the scene of a barely-diffused incident and retreated to Zhou Yu’s home so that they could talk. Both were dressed in statesman’s robes, but their concerns were military.

I’ll say it again, Gongjin: for a moment there, I thought it was all for nothing! Lu Su chuckled as he followed Zhou Yu - whose style/courtesy name was Gongjin - into his living quarters.

And I’ll say this again, Zijing: it was a moment of weakness, Zhou Yu replied. It isn’t the first, and it won’t be the last, I accept that… but enough. We need to talk.

But I thought that was what we were going to talk about, Lu Su replied uneasily.

No, Zhou Yu said. That was merely a prompt for me to speak with you now. You and I, we’ve often discussed the future of the south: now we must do so seriously, for we are the men that will shape that future.

Lu Su grinned and laughed dismissively.

Stop it, Zijing, Zhou Yu scolded.

Stop what…? Lu Su giggled. I’ve no rank to speak of! What future am I shaping…?

You have my word as your friend, Lu Zijing: I will fight for your recognition as a pillar of this fine new state that we’re building, Zhou Yu replied. Your kindness toward me cannot go unrepaid.

…The state that you speak of is not so much a state as an idea at the moment, Lu Su suggested. Jiangdong is still badly underdeveloped, and apart from a fine military it-

That will quickly change, Zhou Yu insisted. Even with all of the threats that we face, that will change. Even though Lord Sun is… not himself… after having to abandon his campaign in Jing Province to deal with this new threat from the regime in Lujiang Prefecture, that will change. Even after what we have just witnessed, that will change.

Are you talking to me or yourself…? Lu Su joked.

Zhou Yu was not sure: he had known the charismatic Sun Ce - the son of the hero Sun Jian - for a decade, and the two were more like brothers than friends. Shackles of servitude had been replaced by the pressures of leadership, but the chaos that had enveloped them since their youth was unending, and the latest military and political developments had strained Sun Ce’s nerves and temper to their limits. The future of the state of Jiangdong in southern Yang Province was far from secure, and the efforts of thousands of men over fifteen years of nationwide conflict was potentially at risk as new warlords emerged and new boundaries were drawn.

*************

ACT I: THE TIGER OF JIANGDONG

1

…A force to fight a… a ‘nationwide peasant rebellion’…?

The words were part of the mass of bewildered murmurings that could be heard around the public noticeboard in the town of Fuchun, which was located in Wu Prefecture, Yang Province in the southeast of China. Few could scarcely believe it, but the words were true: the Han Empire was now enveloped by chaos caused by the rise of a popular sect called the ‘Way of Peace’ and the beginnings of militant action by the million-or-more followers of that sect, action that was gradually being dubbed the ‘Yellow Turban Rebellion’.

What should I do? another voice asked: the question was echoed across the small crowd. The noticeboard carried a call to arms that had been issued by the court in the Han Imperial capital Luoyang: its significance was impossible to overstate.

As always, the world as a whole was enduring change. The vast Roman Empire to the west of China was entering the fourth year of rule by Emperor Commodus, an era that is seen by many scholars as the beginning of the end; in the Parthian Empire to the north of China, Vologases IV was into his fourth decade of rule over a nation that was very stable by contrast. The Chinese Han Empire had enjoyed some trade with Parthia and was looking to trade with Rome, but that was now a faded dream. Two decades of corrupt government had weakened the incumbent emperor Ling, and after a failed military campaign against the warrior-tribal Xianbei Empire on its northern border, famines and economic mismanagement had finally pushed many of the desperate people to their limits and inadvertently forced them to seek salvation in the ‘Way of Peace’.

What can anyone here do? was another question that was being asked, although it was thought rather than spoken in most cases. The southeast region of the Han Empire was far from the wealthiest, but it had its share of strong and tenacious people: they had to be. Rain battered the land nigh-on unendingly, and vast, hostile marshlands lined the banks of the winding Yangtze River that bisected the country and gave part of the region another name: ‘Jiangdong’, or ‘East of the River’. Other, smaller rivers caused further natural division, and the constant threat of the pirates that all but ruled those waterways was a permanent pressure on the exhausted and under-resourced administration. But the situation was made all the worse by the social divides between north and south.

Let the northerners sort it out, it’s their problem, was another common sentiment. The capital and the influential nobles were mostly - if not all - based to the north of the winding Yangtze River, while the south suffered industrial underdevelopment and general neglect. It could still be said that there was an administrative framework in what was known to the capital as southern Yang Province, but opportunities for advancement would almost certainly mean a move to the north.

A low-ranking official left his place of work and walked to the noticeboard for the second time that day: he had made a decision that would affect not only the rest of his life, but the entire country for the next nine decades. He was a man of strong features, whose past had seen as much combat as it had affairs of the state; that man was Sun Jian, and his chosen ‘courtesy’ or ‘style’ name - a name by which friends past and future would better come to know him - was ‘Wentai’. Like most men of his time and culture, he wore a full-length robe, had straw sandals upon his socked feet and had his uncut hair - which no one willingly parted with as part of their belief in the sanctity of all gifts given by their parents - wound into a ball and secured atop his head: he preferred a small cloth turban for covering, but this day he was wearing a square black cap over his hair. Nothing about his attire was unusual, but he drew stares nonetheless because of who he was.

What should I do first…? Sun Jian whispered as he stared at the fateful words on the board.

"…Forgive me, but… it’s Mister Sun Jian, isn’t it…?" a man asked.

Sun Jian turned to the man that had spoken - a handsome, imposing man in smart robes - and smiled politely.

That sounds like quite a difficult task, I think, Mister Sun… quelling these bandits and cultists, the man continued.

Oh, I expect that enough people will respond, and the numbers will make a difference, Sun Jian said surely.

"Will you respond, I wonder…?" the man prompted.

I am nearly thirty years of age, and have yet to make my mark on this world, Sun Jian replied. I have answered the call to quell pirates that threatened a small part of the east; why would I not answer the call to quell traitors that threaten all of us along both sides of the Great River that divides the land…?

Well put, the man said. But you’ll never get any sort of valuable commission on your own; you’ll need to find a noted general or some other figure of fame, and fight under their banner.

Actually… I know just the person, Sun Jian replied. The problem is- …Actually, I realise that I am being rude in not asking your name, sir. I think that I should do that before we go any further.

With that said, Sun Jian bowed slightly.

I am as much at fault! the man said as he returned the bow but lowered himself even further than Sun Jian. My family name is ‘Cheng’, name ‘Pu’, styled ‘Demou’, originally from Beiping. I am not surprised that you were hesitant in being cordial: a man with your reputation for bravery, a true ‘tiger’, bowing to me… I am a happy man today, Mister Sun!

A man should always be polite, and I am sorry that I failed in that, Cheng Demou, Sun Jian insisted. "And please, call me Wentai: today, we are colleagues, and brothers-in-arms."

You want my help…? Cheng Pu realised.

I can tell just by looking at you that you are a man of strong stature and charisma, and such men will inspire others, Sun Jian suggested. Oh, you might know a bit about warfare, you might not: we’ll fix that!

The man you spoke of, that you’d be fighting under, Cheng Pu prompted. Forgive my bluntness, but I hope that it’s someone impressive.

Commander Zhu Jun, Sun Jian revealed.

"C-Commander Zhu Jun…? …One of the three overall commanders of the campaign???" Cheng Pu exclaimed.

Actually, it humbles me, Sun Jian chuckled. The thought that I was recommended by Commander Zhu as an ‘essential asset’ for the expedition: he had said that he considered me a friend of sorts when we last met, but-

Wait… wait, but then why were you hesitating? Cheng Pu wondered. You’re a man that doesn’t hesitate when faced with pirates, so why now?

The enormity of it, Sun Jian confessed. "Pirates are one thing; a popular uprising is something else altogether, and like it or not, it’s a popular uprising. Very popular in the north… very popular. We’d be fighting the people."

But it is, nonetheless, an anarchic act of treason by a villainous cultist that warps the minds of the weak, Cheng Pu suggested. It must be ended.

But we two alone cannot do this, obviously, Sun Jian said. We need a militia, and quickly. The ‘Yellow Turbans’ will not wait for us to sort ourselves out.

Nor will Commander Zhu, Cheng Pu replied dryly. Forgive this statement, Mister Sun, but I hear that he’s a bit of a pedant… I’m not too fond of pedants.

No, he’s just… well, no, maybe you’re right, Sun Jian conceded. Anyhow, we should get a notice up, and-

As the two had been talking, Cheng Pu had noticed another man watching them.

That fellow there, Cheng Pu interrupted. What do you think…? He’s built like an ox… a titan, for certain, and doubtless useful!

Sun Jian turned to look at the tall, swarthy man that Cheng Pu had spotted: the man immediately lowered his gaze and turned to walk away.

"Wait, wait!" Sun Jian said as he ran to the man with no care for the etiquette of the day.

The swarthy man stopped, turned, and faced Sun Jian with humility that contrasted with his imposing features. He bowed politely, and said, Mister Sun Jian, is it not.

Sun Jian had to catch his breath and was briefly unable to reply.

…What might your name be…? Cheng Pu asked as he reached the two men.

Huang Gai, the swarthy man replied. I mean… uh… family name, ‘Huang’-

You’ve no need to be so formal with us! Sun Jian wheezed. I must be more tense than I thought to have been breathless just now… I’m Sun Jian, but call me ‘Wentai’… this is Cheng Pu-

But you can call me ‘Demou’, Cheng Pu interrupted.

…I’m honoured to meet you both, Huang Gai said as he made a low, humble bow. My style name, if I have a right to one, is ‘Gongfu’.

Your countenance is odd, if you don’t mind me saying, Cheng Pu prompted.

I… am a very lucky man to be in such good company, Huang Gai replied. Like the two of you, I am an official… but very, very lucky to be so.

Are you a local man…? Sun Jian asked.

No, I came here from Lingling a few days ago, Huang Gai said.

Ah, Lingling: all but part of Jing these days, Cheng Pu noted. I don’t think you know of me, but I gather that you know of Sun Wentai.

Yes, I am aware of his brave exploits against the pirates, Huang Gai said with some reverence. It is my hope that I can also do good service. I’ve been loitering around this sign since it was put up, wondering how I can ever be of help… I’ve read the military texts, but I’ve never seen a battle, really.

Yet you have the countenance of a man that’s known suffering… I’ve seen it before, Cheng Pu suggested. Your ‘Huang’ line… is it any relation to Huang Zu of Jiangxia…?

Are we not all descended from or related to one person or other…? Huang Gai chuckled miserably. But no, I’m descended from a senior administrator in Nan County. My family moved to Lingling, but when my father died, well…

After a few moments of awkward silence, Sun Jian coughed deliberately and said, Well, if I am truly descended from the great Sun Tzu as some of my clan like to suggest, it didn’t get me that far, friend Gongfu! I still need to do something myself, do I not…? I can see you’ve worked hard for what you have: that means you’ve earned every bit of it, and should be proud, more proud than men like Yuan Shao of Ru County, who had it handed to them. What do you say to my asking you to help me and Cheng Demou rid the land of some cultists…?

"Mister Sun Wentai will have us fighting under the banner of Commander Zhu Jun, no less, Cheng Pu reported. That will get you to where you deserve to be."

…Forgive my bluntness, but… can just the three of us volunteer our services to Commander Zhu…? Huang Gai replied. I would think that we need to find some other men to fight with us… if that isn’t a pedantic point.

"It is, Cheng Pu chortled, but I’ll forgive you, just this once. No, Huang Gongfu, I think you’ll find that we’re not going to have any trouble finding help…!"

Cheng Pu gestured toward a group of local men that were watching the newly-formed friendship with growing interest.

"…Let’s start with them!" Sun Jian said with newfound cheer.

A few hours later, Sun Jian, Cheng Pu and Huang Gai were sat in a tavern with two of the men that they had approached, drinking rice wine. Some of the other men were sat at nearby tables, enjoying their own refreshments and alternating between private conversations and eavesdropping on the discussion between their five appointed leaders.

…So you really don’t have a style name…? Cheng Pu said as he looked at one of the two men, who was a swarthy man dressed in weathered clothes.

Nope, the man replied. S’at a problem…?

No… no, I mean, if you don’t have one, and don’t want one, I suppose there’s nothing wrong with that, Cheng Pu said uneasily. But what do we call you…?

The name I’ve got; the name I gave you, the man said bluntly. "Zu Mao."

Zu Mao, I think we shall argue the point no longer! Sun Jian chuckled.

"Thanks," Zu Mao grunted.

…So you can fight, Mister Zu Mao…? Huang Gai asked politely.

Said I could, Zu Mao retorted. Look, here’s how it is: I’m a man o’ my word, I always give everythin’ my best. No, I’m not a lucky sort that comes from good stock, but I’m a man o’ my word, and I guarantee that I’ll always watch your back, guard your front, and fight your fight until it’s won. If that’ll do, then we’re done.

Huang Gai coughed awkwardly and said, Indeed.

Sun Jian’s gaze turned to the other man, who was also possessed of a strong build and features, but wore well-kept robes and carried a well-maintained sword at his side.

"Mister Han Dang… or if I may, Han Yigong," Sun Jian prompted.

You’re famed in these parts, Sun Wentai, Han Dang replied. I feel strange talking to a man that’s as crazy as you are.

"I beg your pardon…?" Cheng Pu said irritably.

Oh come now, is it not reckless at the very least, what Mister Sun did…? Han Dang chortled.

"Brave, I think," Cheng Pu suggested.

Sun Jian scratched the side of his head and hummed thoughtfully.

You’re thinking about it now, aren’t you…? Han Dang teased.

"Thinking about what…?" Huang Gai wondered.

Sun Jian is renowned amongst these parts for taking down a whole lot o’ pirates, Zu Mao chuckled hoarsely. "Charged them headlong, he did, all by himself, and started pointing in all directions, shouting things like ‘You men, from that side!’ and ‘Now! From that side!’ to make them think they were surrounded."

Was that really what you did…? Cheng Pu asked as he looked at Sun Jian, who nodded sheepishly. Cheng Pu frowned and said, "You’re going to get yourself killed, doing stupid things like that, Wentai. Why under Heaven did you do it…?"

I didn’t have anyone to help me, Sun Jian admitted. There were only a few of them, and I thought, ‘Why not?’

"And you’re the boss, Zu Mao chuckled. This’ll be fun, I reckon."

Fortunately, Cheng Pu said, Gongfu and I are both versed in stratagem… so we shouldn’t need to resort to suicidal behaviour. I know I said that I detest pedants, but… there are limits to how undisciplined a man should be. What were you trying to prove…?

That I’m worthy of my ancestry, for one, Sun Jian confessed. "To be told you’re descended from greatness, perhaps the most respected strategist in history, and then you stare into the water, and the man reflected back at you is… … …I need to know that I tried to be a great man, at the very least."

Every man that was listening fell silent.

Well put, Zu Mao declared after a thoughtful silence.

The Yellow Turbans are a menace, Cheng Pu said sternly. We need to put an end to them… but promise me, Wentai, that you will not throw yourself into the tiger’s mouth in the attempt…?

No fear of that, Sun Jian said with a smile. "I am the tiger. And I’m going to devour them all."

The men were inspired, and they cheered as one.

*************

2

Sun Jian returned to his home later that evening, wracked with a sudden sense of guilt. His decision to volunteer his services to the rescue of the Han Empire had not been made lightly, but at the same time, the decision had been made alone, and now he had to explain his decision - and the motivations behind it - to his family.

"Father!" Sun Jian’s eldest son shouted as soon as he saw the sullen patriarch enter the living quarters. The boy ran toward his father, stopped short, and immediately started to throw punches at the empty air between them. The two enjoyed a short bout of mock sparring before the youth - Sun Ce - hugged his father tightly.

…I need to speak to the family, Ce’er, Sun Jian ordered.

Sun Ce nodded eagerly and went to the sleeping quarters to summon his mother, Lady Wu.

What is it, Husband…? Lady Wu asked as she entered the living quarters; she had with her the second son of Sun Jian, who was two years old. She was an attractive woman, and she had a strong presence that was born from the need to support her brother when their father died without leaving them with a reliable source of income. Lady Wu was the matriarch in every sense, and Sun Jian showed her a degree of private deference for that same strong, supportive nature that she now focussed towards him and the family they were raising together. This did mean, however, that the family they were raising would be very, very different from what was the norm at that time.

I’ve… made a decision, Sun Jian said as Sun Ce returned and took a casual seat near the entrance to the sleeping quarters. I… have decided to-

"Oh, Husband, no, Lady Wu scoffed. You signed up, didn’t you, to fight those cultists… so how many is it, then, exactly…? I have heard that there are thousands of them, maybe as many as a million; how do you intend to face them alone this time…?"

No, no! Sun Jian insisted. I’ve actually put a militia together this time.

"Well that’s something, I suppose," Lady Wu grumbled as she wiped the baby boy’s face; the oblivious child laughed happily.

"Can I go and fight…?" Sun Ce asked eagerly.

"You’re nine! Lady Wu scolded. Save that nonsense for when you’re at least five years older! Who’s supposed to keep things here…?"

Sun Jian frowned and said, Your brother-

"No, he can go with you, Lady Wu insisted. If nothing else, he’s level-headed… he’ll maybe stop you from doing something reckless."

Sun Ce laughed involuntarily, while his father was suitably awkward.

This ‘militia’… how big is it? Lady Wu prompted.

Sun Jian smiled sheepishly and said, I promise, it’s a few hundred already; I’ve met four men, four really good, decent, honest, courageous men that have really helped me inspire people to-

Abandon their families and go off on some mad, suicidal mission to kill a load of heretics, Lady Wu interrupted. Why under Heaven is this not being done by the army…? Why do they need bands of ordinary men like you?

"I’m not ordinary," Sun Jian said with sudden seriousness.

…Sorry, Lady Wu sighed sadly. I… I did not mean to belittle you; it’s just that I worry, for us all. We’re not wealthy… we can’t afford any more trouble.

To answer your question, the army is underfunded and inadequate… a sad sign of how bad things have got, Sun Jian lamented. "This whole region- nay, the whole country is badly run, and if I’m honest, I’m surprised that we haven’t seen something like this sooner… I’m doing this to stop it now before it spreads to the south and endangers us. Anyhow… the fact that I even had to go it alone against those pirates says enough about the state of things for some years, now… there were no soldiers for the people to ask help from then, either."

"No… only good people, like you, Lady Wu said soberly. After a pause, she smiled and added, You’re far from ordinary, Husband. You’re quite amazing, in fact, and I’m sure that you probably could defeat them all on your own."

"That’s right, he could! Sun Ce proclaimed. You’ll get them all, Father! One day, I’m gonna be brave and strong, like you, and get them old pirates!"

"Listen to him, Lady Wu snickered. Another one looking for a hero’s early grave, and he isn’t even ten."

Sun Jian was morbidly silent.

…Sorry, Lady Wu said quietly. How long do you think you’ll be away, you and your new friends…?

A few months, now that I come to think about it, Sun Jian replied miserably. Are you sure that your brother shouldn’t-

I said that he should go, and I think that he should; we’ve all got to do what we can against these dangerous heretics, right…? Lady Wu suggested. Off you go, then, Husband.

I’m not going yet! Sun Jian chortled. No, we set out in a few days; tonight, I must gather a few things… but in all, we’re going to need supplies, weapons, armour-

"My goodness, this is well-planned, isn’t it, Lady Wu chuckled. I’m already a little less worried."

And two of the men that I’ve found, they’ve read books on warfare as well, Sun Jian explained further. So that’ll be three of us at least that know a bit about strategy. I mean, it was a ‘bluff’ strategy that I used to scare the pirates, and that worked, so with all of us working together… we can win easily.

I should like to meet these men, Lady Wu said.

Uh… yes, perhaps that might help to reassure you further, Sun Jian replied hesitantly. But, uh… just one thing, my lady…

Sun Ce awaited his father’s request to his mother amid awkward silence.

Go and play, Ce, Lady Wu ordered, and Sun Ce retreated.

Forgive me for saying this, Sun Jian murmured, but-

Don’t be rude to them…? Lady Wu giggled. I am not a fool, Husband. I am well aware that I am a fortunate woman indeed to be married to a man that allows me to speak my mind, even when he’d rather I didn’t. I am aware that I must be the dutiful wife in unfamiliar company… have I not done so before…?

Always, Sun Jian recalled. Forgive my asking such a thing, for you’re right, you’re no fool.

Your new son is strong, like Ce, Lady Wu said as she wiped drool from the side of her child’s mouth. He dribbles a lot, but I imagine that’ll stop when he’s older.

Dada! the child squealed.

…Hello, Sun Jian chuckled. Well, he seems smart enough, as well.

I wonder, Lady Wu said, if we can risk thinking about his adult name yet.

Ce was fine, and I don’t agree that it’s bad luck to plan ahead, Sun Jian replied. I think that we can go ahead and call him something if we wish.

You’re his father, so it is your choice, Lady Wu said.

…‘Quan’, Sun Jian declared. Let’s call him ‘Quan’.

Mm… a powerful choice, if I guess you right, Lady Wu giggled.

We’re blessed to have two strong sons already, Sun Jian said. May we have more.

"… … …Well, it’s me that has to give birth to them, so I can’t expect you to understand, Lady Wu sighed. I think I might be pregnant again, actually, so you may get your wish sooner than you thought."

Sun Jian’s smile faded, and he said, Ah… well, in that case, it would be wrong of me to leave you, so maybe I could-

Have you, or have you not, already sent a letter to your friend Zhu Jun, telling him that you’re on your way…? Lady Wu asked.

…I have, yes, Sun Jian admitted sheepishly.

Well, then there are no ‘maybes’; you’re on your way northward, Lady Wu declared. I have help, so do not fret.

But your brother could-

I already said ‘No’! Lady Wu chortled. "All I have to deal with is some small, rowdy children… there’s a big, rowdy man that needs watching far more, I think."

…Alright, Sun Jian conceded. But I am sorry that I didn’t consult you, at least.

You did the right thing, Lady Wu insisted. If these men are as decent as you say - and I believe you, you’re a good judge - it would not have been sensible to mess them about, and tell them that you needed to ask your wife’s permission. You acted quickly. Now you should start preparing to leave. We’ll be fine.

Sun Jian looked at Quan, smiled, and said, He’s got your eyes.

"I thought he had yours, Lady Wu retorted. Ce certainly has, and no mistake. He’ll follow your path… so make sure you give him a decent one to follow."

I shall, Sun Jian promised. This is the beginnings of our path to better things.

Sun Jian then knelt at his desk and focussed on some minor official matters. Lady Wu retired to the sleeping quarters, and silence descended for several minutes.

…Father, what’s up with these ‘Yellow Turbans’…?

Sun Jian sighed miserably, lowered the cloth letter that he had been reading and turned to his son Sun Ce.

"I’d ask Mother again, but she said I should ask you last time," Sun Ce continued.

…Alright, Sun Jian said. I suppose it’ll be useful for you to know; after all, this might go on for years.

Years…? Sun Ce exclaimed. But you said that-

I know what I said, Sun Jian interrupted. Now listen, and listen well. The Yellow Turbans are a cult. They go against everything Confucian that I’ve raised you to believe in. They are doing things that are deliberately offensive to the emperor.

…Like what?

Sun Jian coughed awkwardly and said, You know your ‘Wu Xing’?

Fire nourishes earth… an’ water… rusts metal…? Sun Ce replied.

There’s a bit more to it than that, but it’ll do for this conversation, Sun Jian chuckled. But for the sake of the future, Ce’er… study harder.

I will, Father, Sun Ce said apologetically.

The Han are represented by red, and fire, Sun Jian continued. Additionally, the colour yellow is-

The imperial colour! Sun Ce said excitedly.

…Yes, Sun Jian replied.

Oh, uh… sorry I interrupted you, Father, Sun Ce said.

It’s fine, just this once, Sun Jian replied. Now, as I was saying, my son… yellow for the Han is as inauspicious as it is auspicious when used by these cultists.

I hate cultists, Sun Ce grumbled.

So you should, Sun Jian said. We’re trying to advance, and such backward groups are going to drag us down. The people that follow them are probably mostly just angry at the government and not proper cultists at all, but that’s someone else’s fault, not the emperor’s… I’ll get to that.

Okay, Sun Ce said. So why is yellow double-bad?

…I don’t think that’s how I put it, Sun Jian chuckled. "But anyway… first of all, Wu Xing dictates that earth - signified by yellow - is nourished by fire, so part of the cultists choosing yellow is because of that."

…I get it, Sun Ce said.

Good, Sun Jian replied. "Secondly, yellow must never be worn above the head by anyone other than the emperor. The cult’s leader has told everyone to do exactly that, though… which is why they’re called ‘Yellow Turbans’, because that’s what they’re all wearing deliberately to-"

That’s treason! Sun Ce exclaimed.

It is, Sun Jian replied. "But it’s worse than normal treason. When Wang Mang usurped the Han over a century ago, he would never have done this. To have the normal people wear yellow isn’t just a call to get rid of the emperor; it’s a call to get rid of the empire, of everything we know and understand. It’s a call to give all of the power under Heaven to everyone, not just the emperor."

…What’s wrong with that? Sun Ce whispered.

I… admit that it probably doesn’t sound wrong to someone your age, Sun Jian replied awkwardly, "but it just is, alright…? I want to see people’s lives get better, but that isn’t what the ‘Way of Peace’ will give us. They’re a cult, and so they’ll bring in something loosely based on Taoism, something twisted that will suit the leaders, but not anyone else. But it’s the government’s fault for making these fanatical idiots seem-"

Sun Ce laughed at his father’s words.

…Hush, my son, Sun Jian pleaded. I’m being serious.

Sorry, Sun Ce replied. S’just that you calling ‘em ‘idiots’ is funny.

That’s what they are, Sun Jian said. "But when they go from place to place ‘healing the sick’ and spreading that stupid poem, telling people that getting rid of everything that’s held this country together for the last four centuries or more is a good thing, they’re not just stupid, they’re dangerous. If we don’t stop them, there will be chaos: no one will till the fields, tend the cattle or brew the wine, and there will be famine. They’ll ransack everywhere, which means there will be no shops, worthless money, no law; the pirates and bandits that already make things so difficult will be even more dangerous. The Wuhuan, the Qiang, the Northern Xiongnu or the Xianbei - or maybe more than one of them - will sense our disorganisation and invade, and there won’t be an army to stop them, especially if the Southern Xiongnu that currently live alongside us decide that we’re weak and turn on us too. And if they bring in the nonsense they believe in, most of the people will realise they made a mistake and try and get rid of them… leading to another war almost straight away."

"Dumb cultists, Sun Ce grumbled. I won’t ever listen to ‘em, Father."

That is very sensible, Sun Jian replied. Anyway, that’s the explanation you wanted about who I’m going to fight. Was that all…?

How is it the government’s fault? Sun Ce asked.

…I’ll try and make this quick, Sun Jian sighed.

Shouldn’t I ask? Sun Ce said.

You’re right to ask, and… and I promised that I’d answer, Sun Jian replied. The government is currently run by some corrupt people. They… don’t help. Money doesn’t reach places that need it, and that makes people angry. That’s… that’s all that I should really say, I think.

Alright, Father, Sun Ce murmured. I’ll go now.

Thank you, Sun Jian sighed.

The conversation between father and son had left both with more questions than answers and a shared sense of unease.

*************

3

Over the next two days, Sun Jian divided his time between his mundane civil duties and the new, more exciting task that awaited him. On the day of departure, Sun Jian had readied his 1,000 men as best he could and assigned them to his lieutenants Huang Gai, Han Dang and Zu Mao. He wore tired, inexpensive armour and a plain battle helmet that would have rendered him indistinguishable from many of his men had they not been partnered with a vibrant red scarf that he wore around his neck for luck.

I’m not sure that I should be acting as ‘adviser’ on this campaign, Cheng Pu said with sudden doubt. I know that I am a little versed in warfare, but-

You’ll be the brains, Sun Jian insisted. He then turned to his stoic, hard-featured brother-in-law, Wu Jing, and said, I can’t interest you in a front-line role, my respected brother-in-law…?

My sister asked me to keep an eye on you, Wu Jing replied. I’ll act as your second, so I can do that.

"Aiee… I am so very, very humbled," Sun Jian sighed.

In more ways than one! Cheng Pu joked. Shall we order the troops to start moving?

No… I want my family to see me off, Sun Jian replied. I want everyone to have a moment with their families, if that’s possible.

A lot of these men don’t have families, Cheng Pu suggested.

"…A lot of these men don’t have heads, either!" Wu Jing chuckled.

Some of Sun Jian’s recruits had little hair on their heads or none at all, a sign that they had been given a common form of ‘capital punishment’ - removal of their hair in lieu of actual execution for some serious crime.

Do not judge them harshly, Sun Jian pleaded.

I am aware that a lot of soldiers are former convicts, Brother-in-law, and that they render fine service to atone for mast misdemeanours, Wu Jing promised. So long as they fight alongside us and defend their country, that’s all I care about. I was merely jesting, just as Mister Cheng does when he implies that my sister is the master’s hand in your family home.

Cheng Pu laughed and said, Would I do that…?

Wu Jing smiled dryly.

So where are we going? Han Dang asked.

Southern Yu Province, of course, Cheng Pu replied tersely.

The Turbans are all over the place, ‘Demou’, Han Dang said. What do you mean by ‘of course’…?

…I suppose that did sound pedantic, Cheng Pu said with a sigh. Sorry, my friend. Commander Zhu is based there, and the worst of the threats to the south come from Yu Province. We might go further north if we defeat them there, to Yingchuan, or maybe west, to Nan County in Jing Province.

It’s unbelievable that they’ve managed to entrench themselves in Jing, Yu, Ji, Yan, Xu, Qing and Yòu, Huang Gai said. Only the far northwest is spared, then.

They’re in Central Province as well, but there’s a ring of defence works around Luoyang, Cheng Pu explained. And yes, I… I worry. Though I have little love for northern politics, my ancestral home is on the frontier.

Beiping, near where I hail from, Han Dang noted. You must’ve seen a lot o’ the Wuhuan when you were up that way too.

You had it worse in Liaoxi, Yigong! Cheng Pu chuckled. But yes, I saw a lot of incursions… and little or nothing done about any of it by the-

I… I only narrowly avoided a very similar conversation to the one we’re about to start, but with my nine-year-old son, Sun Jian interrupted. Can we just do what we’ve been asked to do, and do the politics later?

It’ll have to come up sooner or later, Wentai, Cheng Pu suggested.

Later, then, Demou, Sun Jian insisted. My family’s coming to see me off.

Many women and children were approaching: Sun Jian walked to his own family and said, I’m glad.

You look amazing! Sun Ce exclaimed as he looked at his father’s armour.

…In this tatty stuff? Sun Jian chortled. Oh, well, I suppose you’re young, and the sight of any army is impressive.

Be careful, Lady Wu said as she struggled with the excitable Sun Quan. "That’s all I came to say… be careful."

I will be, Sun Jian promised.

Lady Wu smiled slightly, turned and retreated without waiting to see or speak to her brother.

"Ayah… is she already going? Wu Jing complained as he hurried to Sun Jian’s side. I was in the middle of-"

Go after her then, Brother-in-law, Sun Jian said. Perhaps she has last-minute instructions for you.

Wu Jing grimaced and ran after his sister.

…Are you really so impressed…? Sun Jian asked as he looked down at his eldest son.

When I’m older, I wanna be a general, Sun Ce replied. "I’ll beat up cultists, pirates, bandits… anyone."

…I’d not say ‘anyone’, but I’m proud of your spirit, Sun Jian chuckled as he wiggled his son’s cloth turban.

Hey! Don’t do that! My hair might fall out! Sun Ce exclaimed.

You’d better go, then, before I do it again, Sun Jian said. Go on… I need to get my men ready to go.

…Goo’bye, Father, Sun Ce replied.

Wu Jing was returning to the departing army; he was visibly uncomfortable, and he was obviously looking forward to a short dialogue with his feisty nephew Sun Ce.

…Go on, son, Sun Jian said.

Sun Ce required more prompting before he finally followed his mother: he ran past his uncle Wu Jing without stopping.

"Ayah… does no one care what happens to me?" Wu Jing sighed as he reached the sombre Sun Jian.

He’s upset, Sun Jian replied. Shall we…?

Yes, let’s get going, Wu Jing agreed.

The two men returned to their small army, unaware that Sun Ce had decided to turn around and watch his father’s final retreat. Cheng Pu had prepared a horse with a mostly-white coat for Sun Jian to ride: he mounted it and prepared to make one last horseback address to his small army.

"I hope that every man that had family to say their farewells too has had their chance, Sun Jian began. We’ve got a long journey ahead of us, and although our enemy is not as fearsome as it could be, it will still be many months before we can come back to our homes. But rest assured, this will be a battle fought together: I have as much chance of coming home as any of you, because I intend to be right out there with you."

Wu Jing shuddered at the words.

"I know that we had the odd man decide not to go because the enemy is ‘the people’, Sun Jian continued. Yes, it is… but they’ve been muddled by lies, taken in when they were scared and angry. Our job isn’t to kill everyone, okay…? Our job is to pacify the land. Our job is to stop those that need stopping, and help those that need helping."

The militia listened silently and carefully.

"We’re going to cross the Great River and go through Lujiang Prefecture, Sun Jian continued. After that, we’ll go west and cut off the enemy advance to the Great River from Runan. Our first objective isn’t to save the northerners: it’s to protect our own homes. What we do after that is up to the Yellow Turbans and how much they want to come down here; hopefully, they’ll take one look at our marshlands and realise that we’re doing them a favour."

Some of the men laughed.

…Not bad, Zu Mao whispered as he pondered Sun Jian’s rhetoric.

Cheng Pu brought his horse alongside Sun Jian’s and said, We should get going.

I know, Sun Jian replied quietly; he then turned his gaze back to his militia and asked, "Are we ready…?"

The reassured men spoke as one, yelling, "Yes, Commander Sun!"

Sun Jian smiled, raised his sword, and shouted, "For the Empire!"

The militia hollered their accord, and the journey out of Fuchun began. Sun Ce watched with a mixture of fear and awe, whispering, There goes my father…!

The small southern militia started its long and wearisome journey to Yu Province, a region that sat between Yang Province and Capital Province, where Luoyang was based. Because the army was small, there were not as many of the logistical problems that affected large forces: for one, there was a small baggage train, which would be easier to defend. Secondly, sourcing new food and places of rest was easier for a small army; and thirdly, managing problems such as morale - a factor that could be the make or break of the most numerically-superior or better-equipped force in a heated battle - was easier, as a personal relationship with individual soldiers and officers was easier to cultivate. Sun Jian and his new friends were blessed with the ability to inspire and forge friendships with their men, primarily because they saw them - or, at the very least, treated them - as equals; it was no surprise, then, that the force that arrived at the southern bank of the Yangtze River was enthusiastic, driven, and like a large family that would fight the enemy and protect each other with equal vigour.

Beautiful, Cheng Pu sighed as he stared at the vast, divisive Yangtze; the commanders were enjoying a brief rest period while scouts surveyed the area and men set up a temporary camp under Han Dang’s supervision. Heavy rain was battering the army and the river, so there were few men that shared Cheng Pu’s strange observation. Sun Jian, Wu Jing, Cheng Pu and Huang Gai were on horses, but Han Dang and Zu Mao had opted to travel on foot like the rest of the army, and the latter - who was stood next to Sun Jian’s horse - was extremely irritable.

…Have you never seen the river or somethin’, Mister Cheng…? Zu Mao grunted as he wiped rain from his face.

Of course I have! Cheng Pu retorted. It’s just that I-!

Are we going t’go downriver a bit, now, or are we gonna just go straight across? Zu Mao asked.

…We’ll need more boats or boat trips than I planned for, Cheng Pu replied. Our force grew as we travelled… we’ll need to…

The distracted Cheng Pu turned his horse and rode away from the riverbank; the ground was far from stable, and horse and man alike were struggling.

Imagine the strife the Turbans’ll suffer if they get this far, Zu Mao chuckled.

That’s a valid point, Huang Gai said. If I were a Yellow Turban general, I wouldn’t be trying to come into the Jiangdong region from here. I’d want to take southern Jing and cross at a place like Xiakou, or take Guangling to the east and cross to-

S’a good job you’re not with ‘em then, else they’d win, Zu Mao snickered.

Huang Gongfu is quite right, Sun Jian said as he observed the riverbank on both sides of their position. They need to take established crossings, like Hengjiang, Wulin, Xiakou; they’re not in a position to do that right now, so if we slow them in Runan, prevent them getting into Jiujiang and Guangling to the east and Jiangxia to the west, then we’ve as good as ruined their chances of crossing the Great River.

And if we lose, reinforcing Qu’e, Moling, Ba Qiu, Red Cliffs and other places will stop their advance and give the commanders a chance to turn things around, Huang Gai suggested.

…You’re quite the thinker, Huang Gongfu, Sun Jian replied. I’m fortunate to have such well-rounded men on my team.

Huang Gai smiled modestly, clasped his hands together and bowed slightly, saying, I only strive to do my utmost, Lord Sun.

"…Call me Wentai, for goodness’ sakes, Gongfu… we’re friends, Sun Jian chortled. He then turned to his brother-in-law Wu Jing and said, You’re quiet."

I’m enjoying having nothing to be concerned about, Wu Jing replied. We have a wonderful little army, four good lieutenants, over a dozen good captains, and a trouble-free journey over the Great River awaiting us! That’s all auspicious.

I hope it rains less up north, Zu Mao grumbled. Or can that horse swim, Mister Sun?

Sun Jian looked down at his horse’s legs and said, Am I sinking?

Not yet, Zu Mao replied as he shook his right leg. I’d rather be on a horse, in a ways, but then again, maybe not.

…We should’ve gone to Wuhu and crossed, Huang Gai said. Crossing here is-

"We should go east to Wuhu, Cheng Pu announced as he returned to the gathering. There’s no danger of the Yellow Turbans being anywhere near here, and we need to make an organised crossing."

Great minds think alike, it seems, Sun Jian chuckled. Alright then, we’ll go to Wuhu as soon as we’ve rested… it isn’t far. Do we need to leave men here in signal towers to watch for incursions, do you think…?

Cheng Pu and Huang Gai voiced simultaneous agreement that scouts and guard towers would not be necessary.

…I’d like t’see someone light a warning fire in this rain, anyhow, Zu Mao said.

Within two days, Sun Jian’s army crossed the Yangtze River and began their journey west through Lujiang Prefecture in northern Yang Province. Han Dang and Zu Mao were now on horses as well, and the men had taken the opportunity to replenish their supplies in the port towns.

Isn’t this area riddled with bandits, Demou? Huang Gai asked.

They’ll have called a truce with Administrator Lu Kang, Cheng Pu replied.

The Yellow Turbans’ leaders aren’t professional crims, they’re preachy loons, Zu Mao suggested. "They’ll want all the bandits to stop fighting and pray and ‘reflect on their souls’ and all that, which don’t sit right, I’d have thought."

Quite true, Cheng Pu said with a smile.

So we’re safe, Sun Jian supposed.

I’d say so, Cheng Pu replied. As Zu Mao has already said in a sense, no proper bandit wants religious fanatics to win a war between people and state; the laws that would follow would be harsh and unforgiving. If anything, we’ll probably get some volunteers if we’re spotted.

They’d be appreciated, Sun Jian said.

…So long as they don’t ‘revert to type’ on the way back, Wu Jing suggested.

Sun Jian would receive a few volunteers, but as the border with Yu Province loomed, every man started to wonder if they were right to be voluntarily adding their presence to the growing chaos. Most stayed on the march, however, and Sun Jian crossed into Yu Province with a force that was still in excess of 1,000 men. He would need every man, because the Yellow Turbans in Runan Prefecture alone reportedly numbered in the tens of thousands, and their local leader, Bo Cai, was almost as charismatic and inspiring as Sun Jian. In fact, two of his lieutenants, Liu Pi and Huang Shao, were quickly becoming as well-known for their skill as leaders, warriors and recruiters, and that made the battle for hearts all the more difficult.

*************

4

Sun Jian’s small army encountered its first Yellow Turban contingent before a rendezvous with Zhu Jun could be achieved: the Turbans outnumbered them by at least three-to-one, but the majority of their infantry was poorly-trained and driven solely by frustration. Their leader, Liu Pi, had heard of Sun Jian and was making an attempt to turn the new force back with a show of strength before it could threaten the Yellow Turban efforts in northern Runan.

Blimey, Zu Mao exclaimed as he observed the peasant army. S’all sorts amongst that lot. Do we have a plan?

They’ve commandeered that village over there as a base, Cheng Pu said as he pointed northward. The people don’t seem to be too happy about it, which is a good thing of course. Our main aim is to push them away from us and simultaneously rescue those poor people.

We’ll split our forces, then, Sun Jian decided. Huang Gai, Han Dang: you’ll take half of the men and make a show of strength here, while Cheng Pu, Zu Mao and I go and-

Ayah! You’re off already! Wu Jing cried. Send your officers to the village and hold here! Swap the orders! You can’t-!

I’m not going to let the enemy retreat to the village, Sun Jian said. I’m the commander, and that will reassure the-

"Ayah! Fool! Reckless, death-seeking fool! Wu Jing sobbed. My sister will-!"

Forgive me, Brother-in-law, but… I order you to say no more, Sun Jian said sternly. I’m going, and that’s that. Cheng Pu, Zu Mao: let’s prepare.

Huang Gai and Han Dang followed their own orders and led a small group forward to distract the Yellow Turbans while their leader readied his team.

What’s the matter with these southern men? the Yellow Turban officer Liu Pi wondered as he watched Huang Gai and Han Dang’s battle with his front-line infantry. I was hoping they’d come across the river to join us… not fight us! Why would they love the empire so much?

Liu Pi’s subordinates were uncomfortably silent.

They’re good, Liu Pi noted. You see it too: why couldn’t they be on our side???

Liu Pi’s subordinates remained silent; Huang Gai and Han Dang’s small militia was carving through the infantry with painful ease, and defeat was a definite possibility.

…I need to rally them, Liu Pi murmured. After a few moments of thought, he decided to use the infamous sixteen-word mantra that had been passed down by the founder of the ‘Way of Peace’, Zhang Jue: that small yet memorable statement had been the instrument of recruitment for the sect, and it might, Liu Pi mused, be the saving of the day.

"…Han’s mandate has passed!" Liu Pi screamed. His subordinates knew the words as well as they knew the backs of their hands, and they immediately joined in with Liu Pi’s recital.

"Yellow Sky, soon here!" a larger group of Yellow Turbans bellowed.

What the-! Han Dang exclaimed.

"In this renewing year: prosperous all, at last!"

The words were being carried across the ranks of the Yellow Turbans with alarming speed, and they seemed to be doing the desired job of restoring their resolve and making them act as one. The effect on Sun Jian’s forces was the exact opposite: the sight of thousands of people uttering the same words as a toneless, synchronised drone was disconcerting and demoralising.

"Han’s mandate has passed! Yellow Sky, soon here! In this renewing year: prosperous all, at last!"

The words were repeated over and over by the intimidating mass of Yellow Turbans.

"They’re possessed! one of Huang Gai’s men cried. They’re possessed by a demon… or a god!"

"Stay calm! Please, stay calm!" Huang Gai said as his men started to falter.

"Damn them! We need to keep them busy for Lord Sun!" Han Dang despaired.

…Interesting, Sun Jian said as he watched the baying horde of Yellow Turbans. But why are our men so disturbed? Don’t armies chant things anymore?

It’s what they’re chanting, and that they’re not an army as such, Cheng Pu suggested. Watching an army chant simple curses is one thing; watching an organised rabble of ordinary people - just like you, only with no experience of battle to speak of, and some of them women and boys at that - saying the things that they’re saying…? Tell me it doesn’t make you feel strange.

…Alright, yes, I admit that it upsets me, Sun Jian replied. But we have a job to do, and that’s that.

You’re a fool… a fool! Wu Jing whimpered. "How can you ride through them? Look at them! Listen to them!"

That’s precisely why I can ride through them, Sun Jian retorted. Are we ready?

…Yes, Cheng Pu replied.

Right, then! Sun Jian said. "Forward!"

Sun Jian led his men in a sudden, swift - and some might have said ‘suicidal’ charge at the right flank of the larger Yellow Turban force. The gambit worked: many of the Yellow Turbans were relying on their chanting for strength in the face of fear, and Sun Jian’s force was able to stun the peasant army and pass through them with next to no resistance. The smaller Yellow Turban force around the village was far enough away from the main army for the morale-boosting efforts of Liu Pi to mean nothing, and they quickly scattered when Sun Jian’s small vanguard of horsemen rushed at them at great speed, hollering cries of support for the Han Empire as they did so.

Well done, all! Sun Jian said as his men coalesced. Now the village is safe.

I bet they feel lucky that they don’t live in a walled city, if only this once, Zu Mao noted. The Yellow Turbans’d’ve been mad to try and hold a tiny village of thatched houses like this one.

It would have ended up being burned to the ground, one way or the other, Cheng Pu supposed. You’re right, Mister Zu; just this once, they might be grateful for their sorry lot, even though that’s what started this mess in the first place.

Enough of that, Demou, Sun Jian sighed.

Grateful villagers started to gather at the entrance of their home; Cheng Pu looked at the weary, relieved people and smiled sadly, saying, I just hope we restored their faith in order; all we can hope is that the wretched, insatiable thieves in Luoyang learn some sort of lesson and-

"Enough, Demou, Sun Jian pleaded. Find some good men to stay here and manage the locals against any stragglers from the enemy army; the rest of us will pincer them and force them to retreat."

Cheng Pu nodded obediently and rode away to find reliable men amongst the infantry.

So now you want to attack that army of heretics head-on, Brother-in-law, Wu Jing complained.

Here he goes, whining again, Zu Mao grumbled.

Let him speak, Sun Jian said. Go on, Brother-in-law: state your case.

Rushing at them blindly just seems like madness to me, Wu Jing explained. Isn’t there some other way?

Like what? Sun Jian proposed.

…Fine, Wu Jing sighed. You can rely on me to fight. My ‘whining’ is not from cowardice, but from concern for your well-being. I’ll protect you if I must.

Some of the villagers were starting to approach the militia to thank them for their relief efforts: Sun Jian turned to face them and said, "Go back to your homes! Your safety comes first, and we cannot defend you if you are among us! Save your gifts and words of thanks for later, if at all: what we do, we do for the good of everyone!"

"Bless you! Bless you, sir! the elderly village chieftain cried. Come, everyone! Let’s go back! But bless that man! Bless him, and bless them all!"

Many villagers yelled words of thanks and blessings to Sun Jian’s men as they retreated. Zu Mao smiled and said, You certainly know what to say, Mister Sun Jian. Ever thought of becoming a Magistrate, or an Administrator?

I just want this nonsense to end so I can go back to Fuchun and be with my family, Sun Jian replied.

Not looking for adventure anymore, then…? Zu Mao teased.

Sun Jian smiled and laughed.

Liu Pi cursed involuntarily when a messenger brought word of Sun Jian’s pincer attack on his forces.

"Why are they aiding the criminals in Luoyang??? Liu Pi cried. Do the men of the south know some wealth and comfort that I’ve not heard about???"

Should we ask help from Brother Huang? one man asked.

No! Liu Pi retorted. "We need no help, Hè Yi! Heaven is with us! We will fight back, and we will show these men that joining us or dying are the only options that Heaven has left for them! Forward! Push them back!"

"That’s it! Push them back!"

Sun Jian had finally found his calling. He was filled with pride as he commanded his militia to press forward against the larger ‘Yellow Turban’ force that was now beginning to falter. Huang Gai and Han Dang rode into the fray, lancing and swiping the more aggressive acolytes and shooing the timid peasant workers that had been convinced that they should join the rebellion.

"Go home, you fools!" Zu Mao bellowed as he rode into a large battalion of Yellow Turban infantry and swiped at the air with his sword.

"Death to the heathen!" one defiant Yellow Turban officer shouted; Zu Mao was almost pulled from his horse as a rush of the braver Yellow Turbans assaulted his position.

I’d better go and help him, Sun Jian said to his emotionally-drained brother-in-law Wu Jing.

"You’re mad!" Wu Jing complained, but he knew better than to expect that his words would have any impact on Sun Jian’s decision.

"Get away, all of you!" Sun Jian cried as he rode into the rabble, slashed at the acolytes with his sword, and rescued Zu Mao. Wu Jing followed with a small group of horsemen and aided his brother-in-law and commander as best he could.

Thanks, Zu Mao panted as Sun Jian escorted him back to the front lines.

The militia were now pushing forward with full strength, having been inspired by the reckless charges of their commanders.

"Heathens! Liu Pi cried as he watched his followers’ resolve collapse. We must chant our master’s words again! We must do something, else…!"

Should we ask help from Brother Huang? Hè Yi asked for a second time.

…No, Liu Pi replied. We’ll have been pushed back by the time he got here anyway. We must move back, and let these heathens think that they’ve won. But our day will soon come! Let no one think otherwise!

Liu Pi’s followers were no longer sure.

Han’s mandate has passed! That is true enough! The signs are everywhere! Liu Pi protested.