The Weight of the Political Struggle
The question was tricky to parse. Was Lord Pingyuan simply asking which side held the advantage in this political struggle, or was he probing the moral right and wrong of the conflict itself? It wasn't easy to tell. Yet from the moment the conversation began, it was clear he already believed this struggle was necessary. That meant the first interpretation was closer to the truth.
I recalled the current situation between both sides according to the intent I had interpreted. I didn't know every intricate detail, but from what I'd heard from Lord Pingyuan and his retainers, along with the rumors circulating through Handan, I could make a reasonable assessment.
'Looking at the situation right now, Lord Pingyuan clearly holds the upper hand.'
Lord Pingyuan was rallying public opinion through his capable retainers, centered around the Five Heroic Guests who were like his own limbs. Chui Yan, known as Lord Pingyuan's Eyes, was drawing in the hearts of the people using the arts of Yin and Yang. Feng Qi, called his Mouth, was meeting with King Xiao and influential nobles to persuade them. And Gongsun Long, referred to as his Feet, appeared at every event held by Lord Jianxin's faction to disrupt them.
Gongsun Long's performance stood out in particular. He spouted the kind of irrefutable sophistry unique to the School of Names, obstructing Lord Jianxin's campaign speeches. He was also well-versed in legal interpretation, and true to his background in the School of Names—which excelled in litigation—he had achieved remarkable success in court cases as well.
And what about Mao Sui, the chief retainer? He served as the overall person in charge of Lord Pingyuan's personal security. In the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, assassinations were common enough that the term assassin had entered everyday language. The chance that Lord Jianxin's side would send assassins was extremely low, of course. Still, it would be foolish to grow complacent and neglect protection.
Anyway. Thanks to the dazzling activities of the Five Heroic Guests, the prevailing sentiment among both the common people and officials was that Lord Pingyuan was the better choice. It was unlikely that Lord Jianxin's faction would simply sit back and take this beating. However, at this moment, Lord Pingyuan's simultaneous, multi-pronged surge was fiercely overwhelming them. The contrast between visible offense and defense was stark.
The Three Talented Scholars under Lord Jianxin were certainly outstanding individuals. After the Battle of Changping, it was largely thanks to their efforts that the reeling state of Zhao had been somewhat restored. Still, in my view, compared to Lord Pingyuan's Five Heroic Guests who had left clear marks on history, the Three Talented Scholars seemed to lack that same impact. I suspected their abilities fell slightly short. From the start, even the leader of their faction, Lord Jianxin, was considerably lacking when measured against Lord Pingyuan.
I didn't ponder it for long before answering.
"I believe Lord Pingyuan will be able to reclaim his position."
A soft chuckle. "Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease, young lord. But we must not let our guard down. Though it's unlikely that Lord Jianxin's side will target you over this matter, one can never be too certain."
"You speak wisely."
"In that sense, taking in retainers was a good decision."
It was unexpected praise. I'd been a little worried about whether it was appropriate to take in retainers while living as a hostage.
"Still, I am somewhat concerned. At first glance, she doesn't seem particularly suited for protection duty."
Lord Pingyuan's worry was entirely understandable. Even in this world of Romance of the States where women could join the military, men generally possessed greater raw physical strength. As a result, most female generals rose through command ability or strategic and tactical prowess rather than martial might. Given how widespread that perception was, and with Jing Ke's slender build rather than the burly frame typically associated with generals, it was only natural that Lord Pingyuan found her unconvincing as a bodyguard.
As someone who knew history, I understood that her courage and swordsmanship made her more than qualified for the role. But Lord Pingyuan did not. This was a form of information asymmetry.
"Please don't worry. I'm not one to boast about my eye for people, but her skill is genuine."
§ While Ji Dan was having a private audience with Lord Pingyuan.
In the inner courtyard outside the quiet chamber where they had entered, two people stood facing each other. They were the ones guarding the places their respective masters had left. Mao Sui, Lord Pingyuan's bodyguard, and Jing Ke, Ji Dan's bodyguard. Since they held the same role, they didn't exchange words, but they were assessing each other through posture, breathing, and bearing.
"Hmm…."
Mao Sui let out a meaningful sound. In truth, when he had first heard about Jing Ke, he thought Ji Dan had made a mistake. He believed that if it was Ji Dan—who had persuaded even Lord Pingyuan—he would have firmly rejected any random hanger-on. Yet even taking that into account, the rumors about Jing Ke circulating in the area were far from favorable.
Just as even Lord Pingyuan, whom Mao Sui served, had once committed an irreversible blunder, everyone makes mistakes. While ordinary people might be forgiven, the mistakes of those who lead others also burden their subordinates. After all, they had failed to prevent the situation in advance and had not corrected their master's error.
That said, Mao Sui was not Ji Dan's subordinate. Still, he had decided to extend the goodwill he felt toward him. If that woman fell short of his standards, he would make her realize her place and have her leave on her own. The position of bodyguard was that important—a role directly tied to one's life.
'But… look at this one?'
The Jing Ke that Mao Sui observed was different from the rumors. A mere wanderer who begged for food and had never once held office? That didn't seem right. The aura he sensed from her was anything but ordinary. Her upright posture radiated spirit, and her sharp presence conveyed a readiness to draw her sword against anyone, at any time. She was a talent worthy of being called a hero. That was how Mao Sui saw Jing Ke.
Yet there was no smoke without fire. The bad reputation clinging to her must have some basis. If he gathered all the information and reached a rational conclusion, it meant Jing Ke had been hiding her true capabilities all this time.
'Either she possessed ability but concealed it, or the lords she approached previously lacked the eye to recognize talent. One of the two.'
Having analyzed this far, Mao Sui turned his body toward Jing Ke.
When one stares at someone, the other naturally notices and looks back. Just as Mao Sui had been observing Jing Ke, she had also been watching him.
"Mister Mao, finished sizing me up?"
"Hahaha, what a bold little greenhorn."
She wasn't quite there yet, but this was Jing Ke—the woman who would later behave as if no one else existed around her, giving rise to the idiom impudent and unrestrained. Even facing Mao Sui, the protagonist of the "pearl in the bag" story, she showed not the slightest sign of intimidation.
"Don't you think staring so intently from our very first meeting is crossing a line? I may act a bit rough, but I'm still a woman of marriageable age, you know?"
Mao Sui had never stared at her overtly. In fact, most people probably wouldn't have even realized he was analyzing her. After all, this was the man who had concealed his presence so well that he had even fooled Lord Pingyuan's Eyes. Yet Jing Ke had seen through him instantly.
Mao Sui raised his evaluation of her by one level.
"Very well. I acknowledge it. Now I understand why the young lord took you in as a retainer."
"Hmph."
Jing Ke had little experience receiving recognition from others. Aside from Ji Dan, almost no one had properly acknowledged her. So when someone of Mao Sui's caliber offered praise, her shoulders naturally rose with pride. Seeing that, Mao Sui's evaluation dropped back down a level. That was only natural.
Even so, his overall assessment of Jing Ke remained favorable. There was only one thing that still bothered him.
"Are you any good with that sword?"
Mao Sui asked while looking at the long sword hanging at Jing Ke's waist. No matter how important analytical ability and quick judgment were for a bodyguard, they had to be grounded in martial strength. Without it, a bodyguard was nothing more than a meat shield.
At Mao Sui's question, Jing Ke snorted as if the idea was ridiculous and placed her hand on the hilt of her sword. She slowly drew it, revealing the blade as she released a surge of fighting spirit.
"Want to test me? I don't mind."
But this time, her bravado rubbed Mao Sui the wrong way.
"Heh heh. You still think you're some street thug. You are the young lord's retainer and bodyguard. You should recognize your duty and act accordingly. You're still too young, too green."
The shoulders of Jing Ke, who had been brimming with confidence just moments ago, shrank slightly. She couldn't find any words to refute him. After all, she had practically forced her way into becoming Ji Dan's retainer. If she couldn't even fulfill her role, even someone as shameless as Jing Ke would feel embarrassed.
Retainer. It wasn't merely a place to eat and sleep without working. It was a stage for advancing one's career by demonstrating one's abilities. Jing Ke reminded herself of that once more.
Watching her attitude change, Mao Sui spoke with a hint of satisfaction.
"I see some signs of reflection."
"Ugh… I know that much, at least."
"But you're still far from enough."
Jing Ke, who had been boldly talking back until now, kept her mouth firmly shut.
"Therefore, learn from me."
"Huh?"
"When you are apart from the young lord, follow me. I will teach you how a retainer should behave and what it means to be a bodyguard."
Mao Sui keenly felt the need for a successor. Since he served Lord Pingyuan at the closest distance, he knew that the time remaining to his master was not long. Thus, he needed someone to carry on the legacy. Just as Lord Pingyuan saw Ji Dan as the one to succeed the Four Gentlemen, Mao Sui intended to raise a successor who would serve that very Ji Dan.
"Of course, I don't need to tell you that you'll have to come in disguise so your identity isn't revealed, do I?"