Chapter Seven: The Military Attendant

Outside the encampment, Sun Ce and Jiang Wen stood waiting. With little else to do, Jiang Wen observed the soldiers nearby, admiring their gleaming armor and imposing air.

“The young general may enter,” the messenger said, clasping his fists.

“Brother Changsu, my father and the generals are in council right now. Remember not to speak out of turn,” Sun Ce said with a gentle smile. Jiang Wen followed him into the tent.

Sun Jian sat in the seat of honor. Sun Ce entered and bowed.

Sun Jian smiled faintly. “Bo Fu is here. Who is the young man beside you?”

“He is a friend I have recently made, and I believe he is talented. I thought to introduce him to you, Father.”

“Oh?” Sun Jian narrowed his eyes at Jiang Wen. “You two stand aside for now. We’ll discuss this after the council.”

“Sun Jing, continue what you were saying,” Sun Jian commanded.

Sun Jing clasped his fists and spoke: “Brother, I believe our army should advance first and seize Hulao Pass. Since Yuan Shu has promised provisions and troops, our rear is secure. With our army’s strength, we can hold Dong Zhuo’s forces at Hulao Pass. The other lords fear Dong Zhuo, but if we win a great victory, the rest will surely join the battle, and when the Emperor rewards his heroes, our army will claim the highest honors!”

Sun Jian considered this and nodded. Cheng Pu stepped forward, saying, “General, I agree with the Middle Captain. We should march first, and we can also request more men and supplies from Yuan Shao.”

“Very well. Huang Gai!” Sun Jian called.

“At your command!”

“Send word to Yuan Shao immediately—request five thousand elite cavalry, twenty thousand infantry, and fifty thousand bushels of grain.” Sun Jian stood. “Our army will set out at noon. The rest of the commanders will follow orders.”

“Yes, sir!”

Sun Jian’s army would move first, deploying only thirty thousand men. They had recruited ten thousand during their stay at Lujiang. But Dong Zhuo in distant Luoyang had a force of two hundred thousand! To send thirty thousand against two hundred thousand, whether by tactics or circumstance, was surely a doomed venture.

Jiang Wen quietly watched Sun Bofu’s expression—he showed no trace of fear, only eager anticipation. Jiang Wen could not help but marvel: truly, he deserved his reputation as the Little Overlord who once swept through Jiangdong with only a few thousand men.

When the generals had all gone to await orders, only Jiang Wen, Sun Ce, and Sun Jian remained in the tent.

“Bo Fu’s recommendation…” Sun Jian beckoned Jiang Wen forward. “Come, come—step closer.”

Jiang Wen walked slowly to Sun Jian, facing the distinguished general, who studied him in turn, smiling. “If I recall correctly, Ziming mentioned a young man—was that you?”

“It was indeed.”

“Do you realize that war is no child’s play? It is not won by a few words from a young scholar. You may be talented, but I cannot give you real authority yet. Aside from the generals’ objections, you have no experience leading troops—I won’t let my men become the laughingstock of empty talk.”

“But I have never doubted my son’s judgment. If your rank is too low, you may resent me for not recognizing your worth.” Sun Jian stood. “So, I appoint you as Military Attendant. Are you willing?”

“I thank the general for his trust!” Jiang Wen bowed deeply. He had only hoped for a modest position where he could secure his livelihood, and the post of Military Attendant exceeded his expectations.

“Enough,” Sun Jian waved his hand. “No need to kneel. Bo Fu, you prepare as well. You both may go.”

“Congratulations on your promotion, Brother Changsu!” Sun Ce laughed. “We’ll work together from now on—I hope you’ll lend me your help. We’re about to march, so I won’t keep you, but if I find time, I’ll certainly pay you a visit!”

“If you visit, it will bring honor to my humble abode. Now, please excuse me.”

“Farewell.”

The Military Attendant received a monthly stipend of four hundred bushels, ranking below the Middle Captain and serving under the Grand Steward. Though the post held no real authority, it was not a minor position.

Jiang Wen had expected at most to be made a minor official, but he was pleasantly surprised at such a high rank.

From a distance, Jiang Wen caught the aroma of chicken soup, and his appetite stirred. He hurried into the tent, where Tao’er was cooking soup, and Lü Meng sat nearby, gazing longingly at the bubbling pot.

“Master!” Tao’er ran over excitedly and grabbed Jiang Wen’s hand. Lü Meng withdrew his gaze and smiled, “What rank did you receive?”

“Military Attendant.”

Lü Meng clapped Jiang Wen’s back. “Congratulations, Brother Changsu! Come, the soup is ready—let’s enjoy it together.”

“Brother Ziming must have had his eye on this soup for a while!”

They all laughed.

Tao’er’s face was radiant with joy, as she bustled about in excitement.

Jiang Wen took a sip of the chicken soup—it was truly delicious. He glanced at Tao’er, “Don’t just stand there—come eat with us.”

“No, master, you are now an esteemed official. If I, a servant, dine with you…”

In ancient times, authority was sacred. Jiang Wen remembered the strict social hierarchy. “Brother Ziming, would you mind if my page joins us?”

“Mind? This soup is too good to waste—come, eat with us!”

Tao’er took up a bowl and chopsticks and joined in at once.

“Don’t touch that drumstick—it’s for the master!”

With an official post, Jiang Wen now had his own tent. As he and Tao’er entered, she continued to smile.

Jiang Wen studied his page, a girl disguised as a boy. Though her figure was hidden, her face was delicate, her eyes lively and bright, and her features remarkably pretty—a true beauty.

“We’ve celebrated already, but why are you still so happy?” Jiang Wen began tidying the bedding, only for Tao’er to snatch it away. “Master, don’t do a servant’s work!”

Tao’er laughed, her voice melodious. “Of course I’m happy! I’m glad I didn’t choose the wrong person. I once thought we’d have to wander the land, always playing dead to survive, but now you’re a Military Attendant… This tent feels like a real home.”

Only the two of them remained in the tent. For a moment, Jiang Wen watched Tao’er, who grew flustered and blushed, looking away. “M-master, is there something you need?”

Jiang Wen replied, “Oh, I just meant we’re about to march again. You don’t need to make the bed—I was only tidying up.”

Tao’er regained her composure, glanced at Jiang Wen, and quietly arranged the bedding.

Huang Gai bowed to Sun Jian. “General, Yuan Shao says your request for troops and supplies is too great. It will take ten days to dispatch them.”

“Good!” Sun Jian nodded in satisfaction. “Army, advance!”