Squad Leader Lee An (2)
Color is emotion, and at the same time, language. The tension and vibrancy red brings. The tranquility and calm blue holds. The warmth and joy yellow blooms. The emotions we feel upon seeing colors are instinctive experiences before language, and the human brain activates its emotional centers the instant it encounters specific hues. That's why we can read emotions through color and empathize with them in turn.
"Do we really need to lock the gates? It's not like we're a bunch of cowards cowering in fear from the Heishan bandits."
"W-what did you say?!"
"What was that?! Calling us cowards?!"
"A mere squad leader tired of living, are you?!"
The emotional colors of the Dong Commandery generals reacting to my words filled up with red, as if by prior agreement. To the Chinese, red is a color carrying good fortune and blessings. So their words should feel positive to me too—but they don't, which means my shell might be here, but my core is still thoroughly Korean.
"We know the enemy's main force is at Neihuang, and we can attack them there anytime. So why choose to hole up in the city?"
"Because our forces are woefully outnumbered, obviously! They have a full twenty thousand... Can't you feel how overwhelmingly disadvantaged we are, even by simple math?!"
I kept my composure amid the red wave's symphony of nothing but anger and excitement, continuing steadily.
"The fewer we are against a larger enemy, the more we need unconventional strategies over a head-on fight. You think barring the gates will make the Heishan bandits retreat?"
Absolutely not. Some would besiege the city while the rest plunder nearby villages to fatten their bellies.
"Or do you perhaps have some secret trump card to drive them off while we defend?"
"...Kh-hm!"
As I expected, they had no such sharp idea.
"If not, then please hear me out quietly."
Cao Cao proposed it, so we oppose? No thanks to that kind of opposition for opposition's sake, like the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy in World War II.
"If we move our army to strike Neihuang, even if that coward Yu Du heads for Dongmuyang out of fear, he'll have no choice but to turn back to Neihuang."
We ambush or outflank his returning army at a chokepoint and smash them. Done.
I looked to Cao Cao at the head seat and said, "My lord has already shown the right answer, yet you can't even swallow it straight and pile on emotional defenses out of fear—so aren't you giving a mere squad leader like me a chance to speak?"
You're the ones spouting such blockheaded nonsense, so even a grunt like me gets a shot.
I hadn't minced words, so the Dong Commandery generals, grasping my meaning straight, glared at me with faces flushed beet red.
"Jaon, I've heard your opinion well."
Cao Cao's Favorability has slightly increased.
"Clinging to city defense when we hold a perfect hand to seize the enemy's home base is the worst option. Excellent insight—you pierced right through the ragtag army's psychology and the war's core."
My words must have pleased her, as Cao Cao's maxed-out Favorability, with nowhere left to climb, was now trying to punch through the ceiling.
"However, Jaon. The generals' concerns in urging defense stem from Dong Commandery's base shifting from Fuyang to Dongmuyang."
If we think of Dong Commandery as a nation, it was like the capital moving from Fuyang to Dongmuyang.
"Dongmuyang is our army's foundation now. If it falls, the entire army is at risk. That's precisely what the generals fear."
Cao Cao's red eyes flashed.
"But how do we drive off the enemy by just cowering?!"
She rose, drawing her sword. Her momentum was so overwhelming that some generals bowed their heads, trembling.
"I accept Jaon's proposal. With two thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry, we'll strike Neihuang and crush Yu Du's army head-on!"
With Cao Cao's firm declaration, no further objections arose.
"If there are no objections, this war council ends here!"
At her words, Xiahou Dun, Cao Hong, and all the generals knelt as one, cupping fists and bowing. I did the same, and Cao Cao approached, whispering softly.
"Well said, Jaon. Your thoughts were my thoughts."
Her praise had me subtly curving my lips while keeping my head bowed. Praise really hits different—why does it feel this good?
"Now that you're squad leader, we need to assign you men. Come with me. I'll introduce you to my personal guard."
Enveloped in her rich orchid scent, I could only nod silently.
"Jaon is so reliable and wise—he'll make a fine match for you, sis."
Cao Hong, who had caught up close behind, grinned slyly with a teasing smile.
"Jaon is just..."
Cao Cao started to protest but soon sighed softly, sealing her lips.
"No, why should I tire my mouth defending to you? Think what you like."
Was it because such groundless teasing wasn't new? Cao Cao chose dignified silence over clumsy excuses.
"Where did that fierce momentum go—the one where you mercilessly beat to death those ruffians flouting the law with your Five-Color Staff?"
But Cao Hong's mischievous tongue showed no sign of stopping. She smirked at Cao Cao, curling her lips.
"Looks like even the great Cao Mengde is helpless before her man. It's been seven years since you passed sixteen—maybe it's time to settle down?"
"Cao Hong!!!"
"Eek!"
Cao Cao called her by her full name, not the intimate "Hong." Rage already flushed both her cheeks.
"One more flick of that loose tongue, and you won't live to regret it!"
Sensing Cao Cao's patience had hit its limit, Cao Hong turned to me with a serious expression, bowing her head.
"Sorry, Jaon. I showed you an ugly side."
"How could I take such sibling banter to heart? I'll just think of it as a light spring breeze passing by."
"Ho... Not bad with words, but that's not why I said it."
"Not why?"
"What happened at the war council."
Ah. That thing where a mere squad leader like me piped up?
"I'll put that aside too, no hard feelings."
"Hmm..."
Cao Hong eyed me, then glanced at Cao Cao. What? This weird vibe... Did I miss something?
"Sis, looks like Jaon really has no clue."
"Of course not... How would he know if we didn't say?"
Their secretive exchange. Is this what girls' talk is? I really don't get it at all.
I stared blankly at Cao Hong, and she began revealing the truth.
"Jaon. From your view, how does my relationship with sis look?"
"Well... Like blood sisters who can fully trust each other's backs, right?"
"Then, as someone that close to sis, would I truly not know about you?"
"...?"
What was this about? Wait... no way.
"Back at the council, all that hounding me and opposing my lord's idea—was that all an act?"
"Reaching the truth in that short time... You're sharp."
Cao Hong nodded with a faint smile.
"Me stirring up the council was all part of sis's scheme."
"What?"
"Before marching, it was to gauge the army's mood and see who might side with us."
So that's what was hidden behind it?
"I added my own touch. I'd gotten word that the Acting Military Instructor, loyal to us before, was mingling with the Dong Commandery faction. You know what factions are, right? Sis probably mentioned it."
I nodded. Acting Military Instructor... That must be Saha, the one who opposed right after.
"Because of his suspicious moves, I fleshed out sis's scheme. If Saha opposed us, I planned to seize his command right then. He's no longer a comrade on our path, and we can't keep overlooking his embezzlement forever."
Cao Hong cupped her fists respectfully to Cao Cao and requested, "Sis. As promised, I'll take over Saha's command."
"...Do it."
Cao Cao's voice carried a bitter edge, her reluctant acceptance plain.
"It's sad when a loyal man turns traitor, but a new loyal vassal has appeared by your side. Chin up."
Cao Hong glanced at me, emphasizing "loyal vassal." Cao Cao sighed softly, reverting to her usual self.
"Right. Rotten flesh must be cut out in time for new flesh to grow. It's a blessing to have a reliable kin handling the dirty work. Thank you, Zilian."
Her deep, clear red eyes turned to me.
"And Jaon. No need for long words after all that talk. I trust your ability and loyalty—come to my side soon. Squad leader is too small for you."
She smiled, then suddenly recalled something else.
"By the way, Jaon. Can you ride a horse?"
I can drive a car, though.