A stable hand took the full quiver from Cao Ren's hands as his colleague led Thunder Cloud into a stall. "Not much hunting to be done, was there?"
"You could say that." Ren had shot a couple of pheasants to roast over the campfire, but the main purpose of his trip had been something else entirely. His militia was expanding, picking up more and more troops from villages around the region. Farmers' sons took up arms, inspired by the discipline of the youth marching in Ren's name. Miscreants became weary of running from the law. Though unable to train every newcomer personally, Ren could entrust the task to his subordinates. And he could sneak away to tour his bases of operation, ensuring that all was proceeding to his standards.
Pushing both himself and his dutiful horse to their limits, Ren had visited four towns in as many days. He plodded into the house with visions of a long bath and an early bedtime, leaving Thunder Cloud to contentedly nestle in the hay.
Ren sank down in the tub, relishing the heat as it soothed his tired muscles. The specter of school loomed over the morrow, but he refused to let it concern him. Now was a time to bask in the pride of his accomplishments. Ren had slept in the rain with his encampments, waking at sunrise to lead the morning drills. He had labored alongside a gang of former bandits who were fixing up an old hideout for the purposes of storing supplies and sheltering men. He had inspected weapons, tested the marksmanship of those who desired the privilege of wielding bows, and reviewed the rules of conduct to keep them at the forefront of each soldier's mind. Ren's troops had also been stepping up, sustaining themselves with minimal dependence on the allowance he was able to provide. They hunted, foraged, and did odd jobs for local residents eager to help out those willing to stay nearby and prevent trouble from brewing.
This trip had been a test of leadership, not merely one of physical endurance. Though many of the new recruits had welcomed Ren with strict attention, others had sulked and dawdled and slacked off at any chance they could take. Most had buckled down to his satisfaction. A few had carried on through the drills and the drudge work until Ren banished them from service with the order to leave their uniforms behind. Smirks had faded from their faces as they slunk off in their loincloths and the others fought the urge to enjoy a good laugh at their expense.
Jade Blossom's voice cut through the steam of the bath. "Everything all right in there?"
Ren sat up with a splash, only then realizing that he had dozed off. "It's fine. I'll be out in a moment."
"Good. We wouldn't want you to turn into a prune."
A laugh. "I don't think that's likely."
"Maybe so. But if anyone could manage that, it would be you."
A grin spread over Ren's face as he dried off and dressed himself. There was nothing like a proper welcome home.
Master Pan took a long, slow march to the front of the classroom. He clasped his hands together, pausing momentarily before addressing the students. "This is a day of great importance to you all."
Cao Ren's mind raced. He had forgotten to compose an essay - or study for a test - or perhaps master was in the mood for an impromptu writing assignment to be finished in class. It had been a while since he last pulled that trick.
"Many years ago, you entered school with your minds akin to a blank sheet of bamboo. You spun the beads of the abacus as if it were a toy, and you turned the writing brush over and over in your curious hands. From this humble beginning, you built a strong foundation of knowledge. You learned to count, then to add, then to solve complex problems of mathematics. You learned to read, then to write, then to understand the timeless wisdom inscribed by scholars.
"As you see, you began your education as boys." The teacher made a grand gesture with his staff, then began to pace the room in measured strides. "Now you shall prepare to make your way in the world as men. Some of you will study in Luoyang to refine your moral character."
Chun, who had been blathering incessantly about the imperial university as of late, perked up at its mention. Ren cast an imperceptible glance down at hands he had stained with the blood of a bandit leader. Hands that had cut a human life short for the sake of saving more, but the teachings made no allowance for such circumstances.
"As to others, I am not so certain." Master Pan shot a look at the student known for rambling essays and associated tantrums, who reddened in response. He then turned his eyes to Ren. "And I must say that some of you have surpassed my expectations."
Now it was Ren's turn to flush as he wondered what master would say if he knew the whole of it. He had surprised himself as well. A desperate effort to stay out of trouble had led to an honest improvement at school. A more purposeful use of his leisure time had become an enterprise of its own. And the two were racing toward an inevitable point of collision.
"From here forward, expect to be challenged beyond what I have asked of you thus far. Nothing less will ready you for the rigors of university and career. Regardless of where your paths are leading, I expect the utmost effort from you all." Master Pan thumped the floor next to a scatterbrained student, causing him to jolt to attention. "Tong! Kindly compose a poem for us - in the classic style, of course - about that daydream you were entertaining just now."
Ren stifled a snort as his unlucky classmate took up the brush and got to work. A longwinded lecture and an inventive punishment for those that it bored into slacking - master was in true form today.
Cao Ren lay awake, staring at the slotted splash of moonlight cast through the shutters onto the far wall of his room. He and Chun had discussed their upcoming year of school on the way home, which had been more like Chun chattering away while Ren gave an occasional nod to show that he was still paying attention. His mind had been consumed with questions that only grew wings as the conversation continued - and, hours later, had no plans to let him sleep.
Chun, who had developed a certain savvy about careers in the labyrinthine hierarchy of government, had suggested that Ren become a junior clerk. He would track grain deliveries or tax collections or the allocation of funds, serving the public well by ensuring that all went according to procedure. The work earned a generous salary, and it might not keep Ren in an office for the rest of his life. He could find his way into a position like Father's, training the cavalry from time to time.
Even so, the thought of it left him cold. At the helm of his army, Ren was out making a difference with his own voice and his own martial skill. Out achieving results that were right in front of him rather than hidden away beyond layers of bureaucracy. Out where he had no chance of losing touch with that which had driven him to lead in the first place.
Ren wondered where Father had been at this point in his life. Their time together had been spent on training rather than talking, and it was far too late to change that. Yet there were ways to draw on the wisdom of those who had passed long ago. Ren slipped out of bed and padded down the torchlit hall to the chamber where the family shrine was kept. He placed fresh incense in the brazier and set it aglow, breathing in its spiraling scent as it burned. Before the tablet bearing the name of his father, Ren dropped his head in silent prayer. May I find the understanding to follow in your footsteps, and the strength to take that path as it leads me.