Chapter 2 Before the Battlefield
Zhang Ming ate a great deal. When Master handed out the Steamed Bun he laughed at me: "Ahua, with that little frame of yours, you still eat quite a bit."
Master was a fat old man. He used to work in the rear kitchen of a big restaurant and had excellent cooking skills.
"But today I can only give you two Steamed Bun. The General is attacking the city. The food all goes to the soldiers first."
These nights the higher-ups were discussing the war. The torches in the central tent stayed lit all night long.
The wild game piled in the corner was several days' worth—what Zhang Ming had brought yesterday.
"I am going to the battlefield."
Zhang Ming's eyes were very bright. Over these days he had grown taller, and his shoulders broader.
The realm was split in four. It was a good time to win merit. The General came from humble roots but had real guts. If he could take Dayan City ahead, he would be a local overlord.
No soldier did not want to earn merit. Zhang Ming was the same.
Before he left, Zhang Ming gave me a Short Blade. The edge was uneven. The hilt was wrapped in gauze. Camp weapons were all accounted for. This blade he must have ground himself.
Women here were not allowed to carry weapons. I put the blade away and thanked him sincerely.
Zhang Ming looked a little unhappy instead: "Call it repayment for those Steamed Bun."