This was the final sliver of darkness before dawn, the blackest moment of the night.
As the sun neared its rise, its light below the horizon struck the upper atmosphere two or three kilometers high, scattering the starlight. Yet the thin upper air couldn’t reflect that light through the dense lower atmosphere.
Thus, the earth was left with neither stars nor sunlight—a pitch-black void.
In that darkness, the sentries of Jiaxing City stood their posts diligently, eyes fixed on the distance.
Suddenly, a single light flickered into view. Then another, and another, until a string of lights appeared.
The veteran corporal, Old Wu, knew those were torches—a troop was approaching Jiaxing.
He spun around and kicked the young soldier beside him. “Someone’s coming! A force on the highway, friend or foe unknown. Quick, Little Hei—you’re fast—go report to the general!”
“On it!” Little Hei, the green recruit, bolted down from the wall, shouting as he ran, “General! General! Troops approaching outside!”
Soon, the news reached the gate’s commanding officer, who dispatched a rider galloping to inform the Jiaxing magistrate.
“What? Troops heading straight for the gate?”
The report hit the magistrate’s council hall like a thunderclap, sparking panic. Neither civil nor military officials kept their cool. Generals Wang and Zhao—whose chests had thumped with bravado earlier—now studied their teacups’ patterns. Magistrate Zhao jolted so hard his tea sloshed out.
“Friend or foe?” Despite his trembling voice, Magistrate Zhao cut to the chase.
The troops outside could be either, both plausible: foes meant pirates—after all, a village north of their territory had been hit, so pirates at the gates wasn’t far-fetched; friends meant reinforcements—two hours ago, Zhao Chong had sent General Zhao to Yangcheng Garrison for aid, and the timing lined up.
“Right, are they attacking pirates or our reinforcements?”
The hall stirred at the magistrate’s question. Yes, no need to panic yet—first figure out who’s out there. If it’s pirates, *then* freak out.
Reinforcements seemed likelier. The magistrate had sent for Yangcheng aid over an hour ago. Yangcheng was fifty li away—round trip, two hours fit perfectly.
“Ahem, uh, replying to the magistrate and esteemed officials… we don’t know if it’s pirates or reinforcements. The wall guards just saw a string of torches a few li out and shouted that troops were coming.”
The messenger flushed with embarrassment.
“What kind of sloppy work is this? Reporting without checking?” A few officials scowled.
“No, no blame here. Spotting someone and reporting right away ensures the city gets the news fast, giving us time to prepare—they did well. If they waited to confirm pirates or allies, it’d be too late!” Magistrate Zhao waved off the criticism, praising the guards instead. “I reckon it’s reinforcements. Timing fits—General Zhao left for Yangcheng two hours ago. Yangcheng to Jiaxing, that’s about right. Pirates? Unlikely. Word from Suzhou says they’re down to a few hundred scattered remnants. Any stragglers in our territory would be small fry—how could they attack Jiaxing?”
Zhang, the military clerk, stood to analyze.
“Agreed, I’d bet on reinforcements. Jiaxing’s no pushover compared to Suzhou. Plus, when pirates hit Suzhou, the magistrate bolstered our defenses. We’ve got over two thousand crack troops and strong generals, plus local constables—two thousand five hundred at least. Pirate scraps could raid a village, but hitting Jiaxing? Suicide!”
“Right, with reinforcements here, Jiaxing’s untouchable. Forget pirate dregs—even their Taolin stronghold couldn’t crack us!”
Officials chimed in, nodding fervently.
“Hmph, I’d rather it be pirates. My spear’s been itching for blood—perfect chance to quench it,” potbellied General Wang boasted, puffing out his gut as the consensus leaned toward reinforcements.
“Me too. My boys are chomping at the bit. Pirates show up, I’ll lead them out to slaughter—let ‘em stretch their legs. Otherwise, all that energy’s wasted on brothel girls,” lean General Zhao strutted, chest high.
“Enough guessing. Follow me to the gate—we’ll see for ourselves whether they’re friend or foe,” Magistrate Zhao cut in, halting the chatter with a wave.
“Magistrate, a gentleman doesn’t stand under a crumbling wall. You’re the head of this city—don’t risk yourself!” Zhang objected first, feigning concern.
“Exactly. Until we know if it’s pirates or allies, stay safe. Let the gate guards sort it out first—then decide.”
“No need to rush. We’ll go check. Your honorable self shouldn’t take chances—command from the yamen.”
“Right, leave the troops to us. Stay here and direct.”
Officials swarmed forward, pledging loyalty, urging him to stay put.
“No more persuading. At a time when Jiaxing’s survival hangs in the balance, how can I, its magistrate, hide in the rear? Even the emperor rides out when the realm’s threatened—am I, a mere magistrate, above that? Protecting this land and its people is my duty!”
Magistrate Zhao waved them off, resolute.
He glanced at the corner, where a fifty-ish scribe, Sima, scribbled furiously, and nodded with satisfaction.
“The magistrate braves danger for the people—a true model for us all. We’ll follow your lead!”
The officials rushed to flatter him.
