Avatar-The Mandate of Heaven

Satchiko voraciously slurped at the noodles, paying no heed to Mayumi's reminders about proper table manners. Unlike her refined sister, Satchiko had little patience for such trivialities as graceful etiquette, an expectation enforced relentlessly by their strict mother, Akahana. While Mayumi had grown accustomed to these standards, Satchiko remained wholly indifferent, preferring instead to devour her meal with mouth agape in unabashed enjoyment.

With an embarrassed sigh, Mayumi observed as the others at the round granite table quietly consumed their own portions, occasionally casting wary glances at Satchiko's insatiable appetite. Unlike the others, Satchiko had already polished off her third bowl of noodles.

In an attempt to shift the focus, Mayumi turned her attention to the general, who still wrestled with his own meal.

"I must admit, I've never encountered noodles paired with peanut sauce before," she remarked. "A peculiar combination, yet surprisingly delightful."

As they discussed the unconventional but flavorful dish of peanut butter stirred-fried noodles, Mayumi couldn't help but puzzle over the oddity of the Pai Sho board integrated into the round dining table. Its presence seemed out of place amidst the array of plates and utensils, a clutter that disrupted the harmony of the meal.

"This noodle dish may not be the height of culinary extravagance," the Judge of Honghai acknowledged. "But in the era preceding Roku's reign, coastal towns in the western Earth Kingdom embraced this humble yet satisfying creation." He then turned his attention to Mayumi's sword, inspecting its craftsmanship with a discerning eye and rubbing his hand over the steel itself. "A fine piece of workmanship, though I cannot help but notice the impurities within the metal."

"Indeed, our blacksmiths have labored tirelessly to fashion blades from inferior ores," Mayumi affirmed, impressed by the general's keen observation. "Our island lacks valuable resources, making it nothing short of a miracle that the swords wielded by our sisters are even serviceable. Though sharp, this weapon is..."

"Brittle," the general interjected, finishing Mayumi's sentence with uncanny accuracy. She nodded in agreement, acknowledging his astute assessment. Yet, she refrained from probing into how he had acquired such knowledge of blade properties. Understanding the quality of metal requires more than a mere visual inspection.

With a practiced motion, the Judge of Honghai sheathed the curved sword and returned it to Mayumi. Despite being impressed by its craftsmanship, he recognized it as a testament to Kyoshi Island's resourcefulness, a weapon born of necessity to compensate for the island's impure and challenging ores.

Meanwhile, Satchiko continued to voraciously devour her fourth bowl of noodles, punctuating her indulgence with a loud belch that unsettled the other diners. Despite the discomfort, Qibi Heli and Jang refrained from fanning the air around them, all at their superior's behest. It is almost comical how quickly the young Kyoshi Warrior had become enraptured by the peculiar stir-fried noodles, momentarily forgetting the earlier dispute. Enthusiastically embracing the novel flavors, Satchiko's passionate defense of the Avatar's honor had momentarily taken a back seat to her enjoyment of the meal, a testament to both its novelty and the necessity of conserving their dwindling rations.

Mayumi gently patted Satchiko's back as her sister choked on her food, a reminder of the enduring impact of hunger on their journey. With opportunities for sustenance scarce, every meal held a heightened significance. As she comforted Satchiko, Mayumi's attention was drawn to the general, who had just finished a painting near the desk. The masked figure moved to the side of the room, hanging the canvas among the countless masterpieces adorning the walls. The collection depicted a variety of scenes, natural landscapes and bustling cities, some more recognizable than others.

"Did you create all of these paintings?" Mayumi inquired, approaching the vast array.

"In a manner of speaking, yes," the Judge of Honghai replied, his gaze drifting over his creations. "My artworks serve as a chronicle of my past battles. Since my arrival in Ba Sing Se, I've had the freedom to indulge in this pastime. However, the rugged terrain around these parts doesn't always lend itself to remarkable scenery. Our skirmishes with brigand armies seldom provide the unique landscapes one might hope for."

Upon closer inspection, Mayumi noted that most of the paintings depicted ordinary Earth Kingdom cities or landscapes suited for large scale battles, fitting representations of the general's military identity. Upon noticing the portrait of upside-down temples near cliffs, the general expressed his thoughts to the Kyoshi Warrior. He belittled the original architects for designing such a vulnerable monastery, an easy target for pillagers. However, there is another painting stood out from the rest, not for its celebration of the Battle of Honghai, but for its depiction of giant lotus flowers with silver petals.

Curious, Mayumi leaned closer, prompting the general to offer an explanation of the extraordinary architecture. "Throughout the continent, there are cities that showcase the prowess of our builders. From formidable walls to opulent mausoleums, the wonders crafted by our people inspire envy across the ocean. Yet, for me, the city of Zaofu holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of a past life free from the horrors of warfare, a time when I immersed myself in the study of art. But now, it is the art of warfare that resonates most deeply with me."

"I suppose you hail from there," Mayumi ventured, her curiosity piqued. "Mainland generals such as yourself often shift allegiance, finding employment in other states. What prompted your departure?"

Jang grew increasingly uneasy as Mayumi delved into such personal matters. One wrong step, and the general could easily take offense.

However, rather than maintaining an air of secrecy, the masked general moved deliberately, making his way to a display of armor sets in the hall, most are standardized Earth Kingdom uniforms with various shades of green. But there are exceptions. His hand rested gently on a chest plate of rusted silver, a relic undoubtedly among the first acquired by the Judge of Honghai. Mayumi narrowed her eyes, a flicker of recognition sparking within her as she identified the distinctive armor as belonging to Zaofu's security force. Fishermen from her village often spoke of these soldiers as individuals clad in solid metal cuirasses. Those men and women are tasked with guarding the city's elite, who indulge in the luxury of imported Elephant Koi meat.

"I am and always have been a loyal soldier," the Judge of Honghai declared, his tone tinged with sentimentality. "Despite my current role as a Ba Sing Se general, I remain steadfast in my duty to Zaofu and its noble clan. In my youth, I was naive, unafraid of the looming threat that sought to engulf the city in conflict." He paused, his gaze distant, likely lost in a reverie. "As I faithfully served the city's noble clan, many others departed to carve their names in history. Little did I anticipate their return to a city of complacent fools, heralding the downfall of Zaofu as the matriarch held misplaced trust in a false champion. That champion was nothing but a paper tiger, and she was utterly humiliated."

Unaware of the general's backstory beyond vague tales of Zaofu's troubles from over two decades ago, the Kyoshi Warriors regarded the city as just another market for their island's prized commodity, the meat of Elephant Koi.

"You'll get used to it," Jang remarked of the general's enigmatic demeanor. "He delights in providing the most convoluted answers to the simplest questions."

Deciding to join them at the dining table, the Judge of Honghai brought with him a plate of fried meat for his own enjoyment. Behind the metal mask, he noticed Satchiko eyeing the dish with curiosity, perhaps intrigued by its aroma.

"This is Lychee Pork," he explained. "Of course, it bears no real lychee. Legend said that during the Earth Kingdom' most glorious golden age, a former emperor ordered its creation solely to indulge a homesick consort. The chef who invented this dish would return to his home village in the western lands, and so it became widespread until the tenure of Avatar Roku."

Despite its unassuming appearance, the crispy texture of the dish captured Satchiko's attention. Her father had once mentioned a similar dish, made from mainland farm animals not found on their island. She often wondered what it would be like to taste fried meat, an experience she had never known.

"Sister," Mayumi gently reminded, helping Satchiko to refocus. "Just finish your portion."

"But I'm still hungry," Satchiko revealed.

Upon hearing this, the Judge of Honghai offered to share some of the Lychee Pork. With plenty to spare on the plate, there is ample opportunity for Satchiko to try it. Despite the earlier squabble over Avatar veneration, the allure of tasting new cuisine and satisfying her still-ravenous appetite outweighed any lingering pride. After all, in the face of such tantalizing flavors, a momentary concession seemed inconsequential.

As Satchiko reached for a piece of Lychee Pork with her chopsticks, the Judge of Honghai posed a rather peculiar question, hinting at the unsettling truth hidden beneath the gilded exterior of the dish.

"Would you care to guess the origin of this meat?" his voice echoed through the metal mask, prompting Satchiko to furrow her brow in confusion as she pondered the question. Though annoyed by the unnecessary inquiry, she recognized the importance of treading carefully to avoid further offense. However, given the deep-fried nature of the dish, discerning the animal's identity solely by appearance proved impossible. Only by tasting the flesh could one ascertain its true source.

"Perhaps it's from a moo-sow?" Mayumi ventured, offering a plausible answer. "We don't have them on Kyoshi Island, but I've heard they're common farm animals on the mainland."

The metal mask remained silent, refusing to confirm Mayumi's educated guess.

"It is from a moo-sow, isn't it?" Mayumi pressed, growing slightly wary as she observed the subtle shifts in the demeanor of the officers and bodyguards. Uncertain of their unspoken message, she refrained from voicing her concerns aloud.

"This meat," the Judge of Honghai picked up a piece of Lychee Pork, scrutinizing it closely. "It comes from an animal, a creature not typically considered livestock, but is a type of swine nonetheless. They are known for their filthiness, their rapacious nature, yet their flesh is undeniably succulent, bringing pleasure with every bite. Those who find enjoyment in this dish experience something beyond mere culinary delight."

As the Judge of Honghai spoke so highly of the plate of fried Lychee Pork, Satchiko found herself tempted. Throughout her life, Kyoshi Warriors like herself subsisted primarily on a diet of fish and foraged ingredients. While seafood is plentiful, obtaining meat from livestock proved far more challenging. Like many children, she would occasionally climb tall trees just to bring back some small bird eggs for the stew. But in one unfortunate incident, she tripped from a tree branch and accidentally broke her father's arm.

However, before she could indulge her curiosity, Jang tactfully intervened. "It is not fitting for a distinguished member of the Ba Sing Se military to share a meal with common civilians," he cautioned. "Generals have their own private quarters, and the army dines in separate mess halls. It would not be proper for a mere civilian to partake in your meal."

Beneath his words lay an unspoken concern for assassination by food tampering, and there is a subtle desperation that tinged his voice. Mayumi surveyed the other soldiers in the room, noting their indifferent expressions or the wary glances directed at the naive girl who dared express interest in the suspicious dish of Lychee Pork.

As Satchiko reached out to grab a piece of the Lychee Pork, she was taken aback when Mayumi suddenly snatched her arm away.

"Big sis? What's the matter?" Satchiko asked, puzzled by her sister's unexpected intervention.

"It's probably not appropriate for us to continue accepting the generosity," Mayumi replied with a forced smile, thanking the general for the offer of free food. "Besides, my sister has already indulged more than enough. Any more would not be healthy for her."

Though taken aback by her sister's sudden intervention, Satchiko chose not to argue. Instead, she turned her attention back to the remaining peanut butter noodles, relishing their simple flavor with little regard for proper table manners.

"It's a shame, I consider this Lychee Pork a dish worth sharing," the general remarked, his mood concealed behind the metal mask. "There are few who still know how to prepare it, and I intend to pass on this dying recipe to future generations." With that, he tossed another chunk of fried meat into his mouth, chewing noisily.

Throughout the exchange, Mayumi's gaze lingered on the stamped parchment that bore Satchiko's recommendation letter. While the Judge of Honghai had officially approved it, requesting its return without causing offense proved to be a delicate task. Yet, the general showed little interest in addressing the matter, entirely absorbed in his enjoyment of the food before him.

"General, forgive my bluntness, but about my sister's letter..." Mayumi began, her voice hesitant as she broached the topic.

"It will be returned," the masked man assured, cutting off her inquiry. "But before we address that, I propose a game of Pai Sho."

As the other diners finished their meal, two soldiers promptly cleared the plates from the table, leaving only the Pai Sho pieces arranged in the center. Judging by the strategic placement of each piece, it was evident that the Judge of Honghai is a skilled player, a trait often associated with military leaders who used the game to study battlefield strategies.

"They say the spirits invented this game," the man in glistening steel remarked, his tone contemplative. "For us mortals, it serves as a measure of wisdom, albeit a superficial one."

"I know how to play," Satchiko interjected eagerly. "My father taught me before we left the island. He said it's a game of strategy and chance."

"Nonsense," the general retorted, his words sparking a flicker of irritation in Satchiko's eyes. "To believe that strategy and chance are intertwined in Pai Sho is to delude oneself. Each tile has its place in a coherent strategy. There is no room for chance. The player's decisions alone dictate the outcome."

Mayumi gently squeezed Satchiko's shoulder, silently urging her sister to rein in her impulses. Though tempted to rebuff the Judge of Honghai for his earlier remarks about the Avatar and his apparent belittling of their father, she knew it was wiser to choose a different approach.

"I'll take the first move," Satchiko declared confidently, surprising Mayumi with her sudden assertiveness. "My dad taught me how to play, and I'm confident I can give even him a run for his money."

Though Mayumi harbored reservations about her sister's motives, likely still unsettled by the general's earlier remarks, she decided to indulge Satchiko's youthful enthusiasm.

"Just remember not to flip the table if you lose," Mayumi warned. "That's a privilege reserved for mother, and I doubt even she would dare to do it here."

Outbursts of frustration were not uncommon among Pai Sho players, but such displays would be harder to justify in the presence of armed soldiers.

"Don't worry, big sis," Satchiko dismissed Mayumi's concerns with a confident grin. "Dad is the best Pai Sho player in the south. If he can outmatch those so-called grandmasters in Chin Village, then we're more than capable."

A slight chuckle from Qibi Heli hinted his amusement at the youthful energy, while Jang, the ever-serious lieutenant, simply shook his head at the apparent arrogance.

"I haven't lost a game in the last twenty years," the Judge of Honghai warned, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness that caused Satchiko to regard him with a mixture of surprise and skepticism. But even this formidable declaration failed to dampen her morale.

"Is that so?" Satchiko challenged. "Then let's see if you can keep that streak going!"

...

As Satchiko grimaced at the sight of her defeat, the Judge of Honghai swiftly cleared all the pieces from her side, signaling the end of their game.

Dejectedly, Satchiko rose from her chair, making way for Mayumi to take her place. Without a word, the general began rearranging the Pai Sho pieces, preparing for their next match.

"Your skill in this game is truly impressive, General," Mayumi remarked, acknowledging the masked man's undeniable competency. "But I couldn't help but notice that you're missing a piece."

Mayumi pointed out the absence of a Jasmine tile on the Judge of Honghai's side. While this technically went against the rules, the peculiar situation meant that the general himself was handicapped, lacking one crucial Pai Sho tile.

"Inconsequential," the Judge of Honghai replied impassively. "Losing a single piece won't hinder my ability to secure victory."

Mayumi couldn't help but sense the unwavering confidence in his words. Despite the disadvantage of missing a tile, she knew from observing Satchiko's futile battle that defeating the general would be no easy feat.

As the game progressed, conversation flowed between the players, punctuating the intense concentration required for each move. Mundane topics like food and trivial hobbies emerged as they deliberated their strategies. The Judge of Honghai even mentioned the Western Air Temple's giant Pai Sho board, reminiscing about his visit after the Battle of Honghai. He expressed a desire to return to the monastery solely to indulge in the novelty of the massive board game once more.

"I still remember the aroma of that butter tea and the heavenly taste of that fried tofu," the Judge of Honghai said, his tone tinged with sentimentality. "Who would have thought that those who swear off meat could make such impressive dishes."

Mayumi caught Jang's sigh, a subtle indication of his disapproval toward the general's openness about such trivial matters. Most military commanders wouldn't indulge in discussions about food, let alone attempt to engage civilians in a game of Pai Sho, a move that could draw criticism from the Council of Five. After all, public image is important.

As the game progressed and Mayumi strategically maneuvered her pieces, she managed to capture several of the general's tiles, albeit at the cost of sacrificing some of her own less valuable pieces. Throughout both this round and the previous one against Satchiko, the Judge of Honghai had demonstrated a cautious yet aggressive style, skillfully minimizing the consequences of his ambitious maneuvers while striking when a weak opening revealed itself. Yet, Mayumi found it difficult to pinpoint his exact strategy, which seemed to adapt and evolve fluidly, a trait reminiscent of the philosophy of Neutral Jing.

"I've noticed you frequently use vulnerable pieces as bait," the general remarked, his observation keen. "It's a common tactic that can yield significant results while mitigating losses, but I can't bring myself to endorse such a strategy."

Mayumi nodded in understanding, taking into account the possibility of the general's eccentric behavior, as previously hinted by Jang. It was likely that he was alluding to the ruthless practice of sacrificing lesser soldiers to gain an advantage over stronger enemies, a tactic commonly employed by military commanders in this chaotic era. In such times, the lives of the expendable were often traded to delay and weaken opposing forces, a grim reality of warfare.

"Unlike Pai Sho, every tile on the table to me represents hundreds of men, all of whom have placed their lives into my hands," the Judge of Honghai explained solemnly as he made his move, aggressively taking out a Blue Lotus tile that had been intentionally positioned in a vulnerable spot. Though Mayumi had controlled it, she knew that attempting to save it would come at too great a cost. "Being a soldier on the battlefield is difficult, burdened by the lives you've taken. But being a general is even harder, as you must be accountable for the lives of your soldiers and those of the enemy. To me, soldiers who die by enemy hands are no different from those who fall by my command."

"But there are circumstances beyond one's control," Mayumi countered, strategically maneuvering a boat tile into play. "Such as simply having bad luck."

"I disagree. There is no such thing as chance, only decisions. "The general asserted firmly. "A real battle is merely a Pai Sho board with a more complex field. Each piece moves according to the commander's mandate, with no room for illusions known as chance. To construct the most impeccable strategy, foresight and wise judgment are key. It all depends on whether one is willing to learn."

With a methodical precision, the general aligned a random tile with a Chrysanthemum, forcing Mayumi to lose another piece.

"Having said that, I do have one question for you, Kyoshi Warriors, if you don't mind," the general interjected, his inquiry interrupting Mayumi's deep contemplation of her next move on the Pai Sho board. "Since your beloved Avatar Kyoshi defeated Chin, are there rumors about where he dropped his sword? You are undoubtedly familiar with this tyrant, and I am interested to know if any of your people know the location of the blade."

Mayumi's focus shifted abruptly, her mind pulled from the strategic intricacies of the game to the unexpected topic at hand. Even Satchiko, typically absorbed in her own world, became alert to the unusual request from the man behind the mask, a request that seemed out of place, especially coming from someone seemingly fixated on a mere pastime.

"General, perhaps we should stick to the game at hand," Jang interjected, attempting to redirect the conversation back to the Pai Sho board. "I highly doubt these two would have any insight into such matters. Your hobby isn't the most riveting topic of discussion."

"Hobby?" Satchiko's tone was laced with a hint of offense as she glanced at the wall adorned with weapons, assuming the general was merely an enthusiast with a penchant for famous artifacts. "You're interested in the sword of Chin the Conqueror?"

The Judge of Honghai nodded, his gesture only serving to deepen Satchiko's suspicion. Without context, she struggled to discern his intentions. Given Chin's status as the greatest adversary of their people, anyone seeking to emulate his tyranny naturally became a foe in her eyes.

Sensing her sister's growing apprehension, Mayumi swiftly intervened to defuse the tension.

"No one knows its whereabouts," she admitted candidly, her attention divided between the conversation and her Pai Sho strategy. "Not our fellow sisters, not our parents, nor the village elders. In fact, I can assure you that even the folks of Chin Village seem to be clueless about the blade's fate. Frankly, considering Chin's mastery of Earthbending, one might question whether he even required a weapon."

"Weapons are not simply tools in battle," the masked general explained, his voice carrying a weight of conviction. "I am certain you understand that your sword means more to you than a mere piece of metal."

Once again, Mayumi reiterated that no one on her island had the slightest clue about Chin's sword, a response that visibly dampened the general's anticipation.

"A pity, for I have been searching for it for more than twenty years," he confessed, a hint of dejection seeping through his words from behind the steel mask. "That sword would have been a fine addition to my collection, even if I would never use anything other than a glaive in battle." With a strategic move, he positioned his final Pai Sho tile to checkmate his opponent, but nonetheless commended Mayumi's skill in the board game. As promised, he handed Satchiko's invitation parchment back to Mayumi, though he emphasized that a general of Ba Sing Se couldn't simply grant gate passes to just anyone. Since the older sister wasn't the one invited to the university, she might need to rely on her connection with Satchiko. "Be careful who you associate yourself with," the general warned. "Life may seem peaceful within the city, but not even the likes of us can halt those who operate in the shadows."

Rising from his seat, he gestured for them to leave the turret office. Satchiko and Mayumi followed cautiously, mindful of the guards accompanying them. Descending from the walls, they walked through the camp amidst the heavy chants of soldiers training tirelessly. As they reached the fortified gate, the sisters simply walked out, the general reminding them that his stamp of approval had limited effect in Ba Sing Se's bureaucracy. "The officials in the Agrarian Zone might show some leniency, considering I was the one who stamped the parchment. But beyond that, do not expect any further assistance."

"We will, General. Thank you for your help." Mayumi replied gratefully. "So long as my sister can access the city, that is enough."

As the Kyoshi Warriors turned to leave, the Judge of Honghai stopped them with a raised hand.

"I almost forgot," he said, his tone softening. "My soldiers found something while foraging the battlefield. It might interest you." An armored soldier with a basket helmet approached, handing the general a glinting object. With a practiced motion, the Judge of Honghai opened it, revealing a golden war fan.

Satchiko's eyes widened in recognition. "My fan!" she exclaimed, cautiously accepting it back from the general.

Aware that even this gesture might not be enough to earn the younger sister's trust, Mayumi thanked him on Satchiko's behalf.

"I commend you two for your courage," the general continued, his tone sincere. "While yesterday's skirmish may have been minor, it is not easy to face thousands of foes alone."

The reminder of their perilous situation caused both Kyoshi Warriors to visibly tense. Without intervention, they would surely have fallen to An Qing'en's blades.

"Why did you reject Liu Song as an apprentice?" Satchiko suddenly inquired, holding her metal fan protectively. "You obviously don't care about those Xiao Zhong soldiers. So why not teach him everything you know, so he can avenge his family?"

Before Qibi Heli could interject with the risks involved, the Judge of Honghai raised a hand, indicating that he wished to respond personally. After assuring them that Liu Song's grievance will be fulfilled, the general spoke to his heart's content.

"Amidst the fracturing realms beneath the heavens, millions teeter on the brink of peril. Throughout my travels across the continent, I have borne witness to it all. Our people, torn asunder by conflict, withering under the relentless onslaught of war. Yet, amidst this chaos, there are those who seek to etch their names into the annals of history, reveling in the tumultuous era we inhabit." The general's voice resonated with a solemn resonance, each word laden with the weight of years of experience. "In my lifetime, I have encountered countless warriors, ranging from the bold and brash youths to the steadfast and seasoned veterans. Yet, they all seem bound by the same shackles of self-interest, pursuing personal ambitions that will inevitably fade into obscurity. I have little patience for those who seek only to further their own aspirations. A general's apprentice is all too apt to stray from the path, abandoning their mentor's teachings for greener pastures."

He paused, his gaze piercing through the veil of time, searching for that one elusive quality that defined a worthy successor.

"I await the one who is truly deserving of my guidance, whose allegiance extends beyond the confines of personal gain, and encompasses the well-being of all under heaven. Their origin matters not."

"Well, the last apprentice decided to leave Ba Sing Se," Qibi Heli blurted, his tone edged with a hint of disdain. "That brat felt this city is unworthy of his ambitions and thought it was a good idea to set off and serve some king. But since this happened more than once, the folks in the Upper Ring have to put a stop to it, punishing generals who secretly accepted apprentices without permission."

Jang's touch on his colleague's shoulder was gentle, a silent caution to refrain from divulging too much of the past. The nomad soldier, ever mindful of the delicate balance between loyalty and ambition, understood the unspoken message. In the Judge of Honghai's eyes, investing in an apprentice only to see them defect to another state is a bitter prospect, a fate all too possible for people unbound by local familial ties. But there is another problem. For those well-versed in the annals of the Earth Kingdom, the cyclical rhythm of rising and falling dynasties painted a grim picture of eventual reunification, often through violent means. Such knowledge weighed heavily on the minds of strategists and scholars alike, serving as a constant reminder that fractured realms would one day be forcibly reunited. If Liu Song were to be accepted as the general's apprentice, his allegiance to his homeland would inevitably come into play. Should conflict arise between Ba Sing Se and Jian Xin, the defection of a skilled apprentice back to his native state would pose a grave threat, especially if he possessed intimate knowledge of the city's defenses and tactics.

"I fear my response may not align with your expectations," the general remarked to Satchiko, his tone tinged with a mix of regret and pragmatism. "You are still young, too idealistic. Perhaps I am indeed callous for not intervening more forcefully on behalf of the Jianxinese. But even if I were to flout every law of Ba Sing Se in pursuit of war, victory is far from assured."

Satchiko's confusion was palpable, her brow furrowed in puzzlement. She then reminded them how they easily destroyed a larger Xiao Zhong army just yesterday.

Sensing the tension, Mayumi attempted to steer the conversation away from sensitive topics, but Jang chose to address the matter directly, opting for simplicity in his reply.

"Do you grasp the sheer magnitude of the entire Xiao Zhong army? Twenty years of ceaseless warfare, generations of boys coming of age only to tread the same blood-soaked path as their fallen fathers. Should they invade Jian Xin, nearly every able-bodied citizen will be conscripted to the cause." With a somber nod, Jang ventured a rough estimate. If their unit were to face the entirety of the Xiao Zhong forces, it would pit three thousand against a formidable host of at least two hundred thousand battle-hardened veterans. Without the full backing of the Ba Sing Se military, such a perilous endeavor would inevitably lead to the annihilation of a lone army from the city garrison.

Satchiko's breath caught in her throat at the staggering numbers, the realization dawning upon her of the formidable strength held by a single state.

"I suspect such matters hold little significance for you," the general remarked, his gaze shifting subtly towards Mayumi. "Am I mistaken?"

Mayumi pulled her younger sister away from the conversation, eager to hasten their departure. With a respectful bow, they bid their farewells, their silhouettes gradually fading as they ventured further from the camp.

Left alone with his thoughts, the general and his officer observed the departure, silently acknowledging the valor of those who had fought against An Qing'en. For most, even attempting to halt thousands of Xiao Zhong soldiers to save a group of peasants is simply suicidal.

"Those two warriors possess remarkable skill," Jang stated. "It's regrettable that you do not see them as potential recruits."

"There's nothing glamorous in this," the general declared, his tone devoid of any hint to consider such a suggestion. "While your tranquil homeland may entertain such notions, I've witnessed enough in my lifetime to hold no interest in it." With a surprising gesture, he raised his hands in salute, the palm covering a closed fist, directed towards the departing Kyoshi Warriors. "May Lady Tian Hai guide them safely on their voyage. For their sake, may they never again be forced to tread the path of war."

As the warriors disappeared over the horizon, the general and his lieutenant turned back towards their base. A soldier with a basket-shaped helmet approached, presenting the general with a blood-stained meat cleaver. With a practiced motion, he retrieved a nearby rock and began to sharpen the blade, its edge already dulled from repeated use.

"I'll be preparing more Lychee Pork," the general announced. "Would either of you care for some?"

Jang and Qibi Heli politely declined the offer, masking their discomfort.

"A pity," the Judge of Honghai mused, his expression thoughtful. "You'd be surprised how delectable those creatures can be. Perhaps that Liu Song from Jian Xin would make a worthy addition to my personal chef's team, though he hardly needs more assistants."

Silent glances passed between the two officers. Jang, ever dutiful, respectfully reminded his superior of the potential arrival of General Liu, leader of the Council of Five. It wouldn't be fitting for the head of the Ba Sing Se military to be greeted in such a manner.

"He might come to discuss the Outer Wall map you discovered," the lieutenant suggested. "It would be wise to ensure the Jian Xin scouts' bodies remain intact. If possible, leave one alive."

The Judge of Honghai waved off the concern. "I'm certain Lao Liu would understand, given the circumstances. And since none of us have raised any complaints about the delayed salaries, I doubt he'd take issue with it." He cradled the crude meat cleaver protectively, his fingers tracing over the rugged surface of the blade.

The officers fell silent as their general departed. To serve under the Judge of Honghai meant tolerating his unorthodox behaviors behind closed doors. Yet, the loyalty of the officers and soldiers of the Jian'er is not solely borne from fear or obligation, it was rooted in the general's benevolence. Peasant recruits found solace in their improved rations, sparing them from starvation. Nomadic soldiers remained steadfast due to the fair treatment they received, with some even rising to officer ranks.

While the general's culinary preferences may be unconventional, he had the decency not to subject his soldiers to suspicious meat.

At least, not without informing them first.

End of Chapter Notes:

-Liu Song and General Liu might share the same surname. But just like real life, this does not mean the two people are automatically related.

-Tandouba is a Xianbei general who played a role in the transition of Sui to the Tang dynasty. He became a follower of Li Shimin in many battles during the unification war, and also sided him during the Xuanwu Gate incident. He is listed as one of twenty-four founding officials of Tang dynasty, with a portrait dedicated to him in the Lingyan Pavilion.

-The 'Lady Tian Hai' mentioned in this chapter is the canon Lady Tienhai, I simply changed the letters around. Inspired by the Mazu of Chinese Folk Religion, this figure holds significant importance in the Fujian province and beyond, prominently providing protection to seafarers. Just like Lady Tienhai, Mazu also possess guardian generals in the form of Shunfeng'er and Qianliyan.

-Lychee Pork is a famous dish from Fujian, created during the Tang dynasty. According to legends, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang tried to cure the homesickness of consort Mei, who originated from Putian of Fujian province. Considering the difficulty in transporting lychee, which is an export of Putian, the chef was ordered to create the dish. As a matter of fact, I initially did not believe the existence of this legend since it was discussed in real life.