165 A dead man doesn't fight back

 Lui Xian sat quietly in his tent. His orderly had delivered some communiques from Tangun and from the forces in Chenxi. He had also just been handed a document from Shipao. Sipping his tea, he took in the logistics of what was happening where.

New reparations division heading to Chenxi, the bulk of the forces who had freed Chenxi, heading this way, three packs of Blades already on their way, and now information which surprised him. Commander Zhang, that insufferable, arrogant leader, had finally softened and was in talks with the leaders in Shipao Province. It seems Second Master had laid some plans in place which forced his hand and now he was attempting to save face.

Lui Xian smiled. Events were beginning to unravel and soon, men would be able to go home. He thought wistfully of home. A villa deep in the farming lands of Liú, surrounded by gardens of the enclave he controlled. The rice growing on the hillsides and the wines..... His mouth watered and he longed to taste that sweet taste only the soils of Liú produced. He thought of his wife and daughters. They must have grown since he last saw them. How long was it now? Three years? Four? he'd lost count.

His mind drifted and slowly, his eyes closed, drifting off into a comfortable sleep, filled with bees buzzing, blossom forming and the sounds of his children shouting, "Da, Da, wake up!"

He woke with a jolt. His orderly was gently shaking him, "Sir, Sir, Wake up. Come see what has just arrived. We didn't even hear them come and they evaded all our guards."

A slight figure walked into the tent, covered in dust and scars. She wore animal skins on her feet and leather on her body. There was a bundle over her shoulder and Lui Xian noticed two very sharp looking, curved blades at her waist.

She smiled that smile only someone who outsmarts can, and bowing in recognition of his rank, she said, " Twenty four Blades reporting for duty."

He looked at her again. Her face was deeply scarred. There were scars on her neck, arms and legs. Her hair was wild and her eyes, wilder. He flinched involuntarily. She smirked, "Many apologies, Sir," she said with a slight bow, "I am told I have that effect on people."

"Um, yes, right, where are my manners. Please, come in, sit down. Tea?" he was flustered beyond measure. His thoughts had been floating around memories of a

the demure lady of the house caring for the children and the surrounding lands. He awoke to find this wild woman who's eyes harboured death and destruction, carried out with the greatest of pleasure. 

"I think it would be better if someone could point us to where you want us to set up our beds and then perhaps meet us in the map room? We are keen to begin but we need to have clear ideas about the layout of Tangun itself".

"Oh, yes, of course. Please forgive me. You startled me and it is taking me a....." he trailed off, unable to continue. An orderly entered and Lui Xian sighed with relief.

" Can you take this," he paused not knowing how to proceed, "this lady and her fellow Blades to a suitable place for them to set up camp?"

"Oh course Sir."

"And orderly,"

"Sir?"

"Bring them to the map room, and have snacks and a fresh tea brought in."

"Sir."

With that, the orderly gestured for Xin to follow which she dutifully did, still sporting the mischievous grin of knowing she had seriously unsettled the General.

He was further unsettled when he saw the rest of the Blades; all big men, heavily scarred. Each had their knives at their belts and they stood around the woman like a protective shield. It was then, he saw the only really familiar face, Captain Băo. He stood next to the woman, with an arm around her waist. He had pulled her tight to his side, and she was giggling. He hadn't realised they were, together?

Băo stepped forward, releasing the woman. Bowing courteously, "Good day General. I am Captain Băo, leader of the Blades, and this is my wife, Xin.

Lui Xian was stunned. "Your wife?" he stammered, "is that wise? I mean.." he panicked as he looked at her and realised his presumption, " I mean, um, Captain, help me out here. Your wife?"

Băo laughed and turning to Xin, "she is indeed very special to me and to all the men in her pack. They will defend her with their lives, but they also know she is far more dangerous than all of them combined and her kill rate exceeds most soldiers. She is known by her pack as Ma. I am Pa, and this," he gestured to a very tall man, "is Bro." We do not use names, it is safer that way."

Băo looked down at the map on the table, "Is this Tangun?"

"Er, yes, yes," Lui Xian regained his composure and as they moved towards the map, he watched as they absorbed the information. He answered questions as they came and then watched as they deferred to the woman and her decisions.

"Alright then. Malicious ghosts and death squads as per Chenxi. We need a small party to locate the prisoners and what presence there is around them. Also, do we have information on patrol routes?" se looked up at Lui Xian, "That was very successful at unsettling the enemy. I think if we hit tonight..."

The planning continued with Lui Xian standing there, answering questions and listening to plans which frankly, made his hair curl.

He poured himself some tea and say down in the corner of the room.