Motu Proprio (The King and the Neko) - Volume HaiYin

The Passing of An Empire

Captain You Qi was at the end of his endurance limit. But for the sake of the General hell bent to get back to the city capital, You Qi bent his head down and crouched over his galloping horse. He slightly dug his thighs and calves tighter onto his saddle as he followed Gu Hai's riding form.

It has been four days since they received news from the capital Guanyi, located near the center of the esteemed Wanqiang Empire. The birds which carried the news reached them several hours after the happenings in the capital, and You Qi had immediately prepared Gu Hai's way home, even ignoring Gu Hai's order to stay and work with the interim general, to continue the campaign. You Qi figured that if he had only a last opportunity to serve his General, his friend, it would be to make sure Gu Hai gets home safe for Emperor Gu Wei Ting's funeral.

Besides, everyone in the organized forces have a protocol to state events. Once official news of the Emperor's death reached them, the Royal Highway would have been activated, clearing and securing the path through major roads between Chuaibei and Guanyi where Gu Hai and his company would travel, inns reserved for the First Prince's use, changes of steeds and carriages readied for them.

No one expected Gu Hai to cut the travel time in half and attempt to reach the capital in five days. You Qi thanked the stars he chose to exercise insubordination at a time when it was truly needed, as he had to send out a lot of birds to carry the message that Gu Hai would need the change in steeds sooner rather than later. You Qi hadn't seen the General grieve for his father but he was sure the General would be enraged if he got delayed with poorly planned logistics.

A mere hour after they received Second Prince Bai Luoyin's message, First Prince Gu Hai and company were making their way back to the capital on snow-covered ways over water and land. They didn't stop for sleep, only doing so when they rode in carriages over relatively flat terrain. But even You Qi didn't dare to sleep on horseback, not with the speed Gu Hai set, though it was a point of pride for the captain that he has yet to discharge some of the dozen riders who made up their company, all Captains that served with Gu Hai. If there was a way to become Gu Hai's Kingsguard when he becomes Emperor, You Qi and current company would be the first to join, but alas for them, the Army is their life and the privilege to become Kingsguard is reserved for Captain-ranked Palace Guards.

So You Qi and the other Captains with him are making this a final tribute to Gu Hai as their General. Once he ascends, the Army wouldn't be his only concern. It would be up to You Qi and the rest to finish what Gu Hai started in the Army.

You Qi reined in his thoughts as he also reined in his horse to a slow trot, espying a scout up ahead, along with a troop of soldiers who would've prepared camp for them. Once they reached the camp set up on cleared ground beside a flowing river, they didn't waste time, immediately dismounting and tending to personal needs. You Qi had already assigned one of the captains to accompany Gu Hai at all times, as the First Prince spent time with the newly met troops, graciously accepting their condolences before he would be respectfully left alone in silence.

You Qi busied himself checking the new steeds, assessing the sturdy thoroughbreds will enable them to  reach the hamlet Suzhai by nightfall, where a carriage waited for them, the last carriage ride before another hard riding tomorrow on horseback on a final push towards the capital. The captain went to fetch Gu Hai as soon as the camp leader informed him that lunch is ready to be served.

He found Gu Hai resting underneath a winter-barren tree by the river, sitting on a jutting tree root. His royal robes, helmet, armor, jodhpurs and boots all showed signs of wear, but the First Prince still cut quite a figure as he looked at the distance.

"General? Food is served now." You Qi intruded into whatever thoughts Gu Hai had. The First Prince merely nodded in acknowledgment and followed the captain into the tent set up as a mess hall. Both guests and hosts would dine together, though it would be a light and quick lunch with a slightly subdued atmosphere, in deference to the First Prince.