Confused, Ying responded ‘What’s wrong? Are you hurt?’ ‘No, I’m just…I’m just thinking about
something,’ answered Zhen who was staring at the ground, obviously in deep thought.
The next morning, a deep horn sounded throughout the village, waking those who were sleeping and
alerting those who weren’t. Zhen’s family got to the town hall as soon as they could, much like the others. A
dozen soldiers on horses –– judging from the emblem, rebels –– were gathered there. A soldier rode forth and
took out a scroll before reading the content out loud.
‘
Ever since Khan took over our kingdom, we have been living under the tyranny he oppressed on us.
Anyone who opposes him is to be tortured before decapitated. We must overthrow him and return the kingdom
to its rightful owner who will bring peace and wealth to us. Every capable man is to join our army against the
oppressor. Please step forth and register your name here, the attack will begin within this month.’
‘
I will fight for the kingdom, father,’ said Zhen firmly ‘It is time for me to contribute to my country and
family.’
Zhen followed the other to-be soldiers to register his name before anyone could oppose him.
‘––
but you could be killed!’ exclaimed Ying as she held Zhen by the arm with both hands.
‘
It’s my honor serving the country even if I die defending it,’ replied Zhen ‘If you would excuse me, I
have to leave tonight to reach the base in time.’
‘
But ––’
‘
No more buts, Ying. I am sorry…I really am,’ said Zhen while holding Ying’s hands in his.
Looking Zhen straight in the eyes, Ying uttered, ‘but I love you, Zhen.’
‘
You should know better than anyone that this violates my marriage. I am to be married in a month,’
responded Zhen shortly after turning his gaze to the floor.
‘
It’s an arranged marriage, it’s not fair,’ replied Ying, ‘you know deep within your heart that you love me,
don’t you, Zhen?’
‘
Whether I like it or not, it is my duty to serve my country and honour my family,’ answered Zhen before
turning away and walked out the house, into the unknown and sorrow that laid ahead.
‘
Get a sword from the blacksmith in that house over there,’ a soldier told Zhen who followed his gaze and
saw a brick house with dense black smoke pouring out of its chimney. The house was filled with all kinds of
tools and weapons while one particular sword caught Zhen’s attention, a sword with a very familiar emblem, an
eagle holding a sword with its claw. Intrigued, Zhen walked closer to the blade and examined the emblem again.
Then it hit him, it was very similar to the mark on his arm which had been there for as long as he could
remember.
‘
Arr…I see that you are interested in this sword. It is said to be the lost blade of the great General Zhu
who died defending his country and family,’ the blacksmith paused for a moment ‘actually, if you are interested
in it, you can have it as your weapon.’
‘
That would be my honour. I appreciate your gift,’ replied Zhen gratefully. Eager to discover the truth,
Zhen rushed back to his tent, undressed his armour and held the sword next to his arm. Much to his surprise, the
mark matched the emblem perfectly.
‘
Is it a coincidence? It must be. Father told me I got this mark from falling down a tree when I was small.
I must ask him for the answer.’
Determined to find out the truth, Zhen sneaked out of his tent that night. He rode home as fast as his horse
would allow, bringing with him a stomach full of questions. Without stopping to rest, Zhen soon arrived home.
‘
Mother? Father?’ yelled Zhen while searching through the house frantically, ‘Ying?’
‘
What happened, Zhen?’ answered her mother as she rushed out of a room. ‘Why are you back?’
‘
Where’s Ying? Is she at her place?' asked Zhen quickly.
‘
Ying disappeared the day after you left,’ answered the father who just came out. ‘What happened?’
‘
Disappeared?’ Zhen whispered to himself.
‘
Is anything wrong?’ asked the mother.
‘
What does this ––’ asked Zhen as he pulled out the sword, ‘have to do with me?’
‘
Zhen ––' said his father slowly, pausing for a second, 'Where did you get this?'
‘
I got this from a blacksmith in the rebel army. This is said to be the blade of general Zhu which has an
emblem on it that is the same as the scar on my arm. Do you have an explanation for that?' questioned Zhen
without pausing for a breath.
'
I think it is time for you to learn the truth anyway ––' replied the father after taking a deep breath, ‘We are
not your birth parents, Zhen. We found you and your dead mother lying next to the Great Wall during the war
twenty years ago when you are still a baby. We believe your mother sacrificed herself to protect you from the
fall.
You probably got the scar since you hit the hilt of the sword. We decided to raise you up as our son. The rest
you know.’
‘
Why didn’t you take the sword?’ asked Zhen doubtfully.