out from under &; han dang
Β Β Β Han Dangβs voice had been one of few to cut through all of the red and bring a little clarity. Ce could see why his father valued Han Dang so much, and how easy it was to depend on the man. Perhaps one of the other things they had in common were that Yigong and Bofu would have valued Sun Jianβs input in any way possible.Β It was why, in this moment, Ce didnβt fling whatever he was holding in Han Dangβs direction and he finally paused, chest heaving up and down.
Β Β Β The man agreed that, yes, they were idle for much too long. Yuan Shu would only bring them so much safety, and the House of Sun would go absolutely nowhere. This couldnβt be what Han Dang wanted either. Ce had to consider all of his options, even if he was sure that his brother and sister would happily follow whatever Ce said was going to happen. The most appealing option overall had been one location: Wujun.Β
Β Β Β Wujun was the land of his forefathers, and if Ce was going to lead the House of Sun, he wanted to begin from there. It was only naturalβ¦and he would need everyoneβs help, from Han Dang to his sister. Ce would lead the charge but everyone would do their part, and theyβd be home where they belonged. But firstβ¦
Β Β Β βHan Dang, we have few options. Unfortunately, kicking Yuan Shu in the teeth isnβt one of them,β Ce said, his hands resting on his hips before he shook his head and then proceeded to pace, βBut we need to get out of here. Itβs been years and Iβve gone nowhere. I have given almost everything to Yuan Shuβwe have given almost everything, and he does nothing, that lousyβ¦β
Β Β Β "Almost everything," the cautious warrior pointed out, hand lifting to tap the pad of his finger against the side of his head, as if to suggest for the enraged tiger to use his head. That was one thing Yuan Shu couldn't take from him; his mind and soul. Ce just had to figure out what he wanted to do--something strategic, something that would make him noticed.
Β Β Β "Use what you still have," he suggested. Of course, Han Dang was no strategist, but he knew well of making use of what he did have. For him, that was strength and unbending allegiance. That was what made him of use. "--Take what is yours, my lord. Your father didn't leave you empty-handed." The seasoned warrior bowed his head at the mention of the late Sun Jian. His passing had been a tragic one, and something that Yigong frequently beat himself up over knowing full well that he could have done something to prevent it. If he'd only listened to that gnawing, gut instinct--
Β Β Β "The future does not belong to his generation," he re-directed his own train of thought, speaking after Yuan Shu, but inadvertently of Sun Jian and himself as well, "don't let him have it."












