Death Wish

11.Questions

I made a few changes in previous chapters nothing that will really change the plot but will make it more understanding! Please re-read the end of the last chapter(chapter-10 babysit) because I changed it and its important for the plot!

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"Why do you think the Turks want to take over China?" Bao asked Lee and Jo who were standing opposite to her at the desk studying the map of the Turkish empire called Seljuk.

"The they declared war on us when the Emperor refused to give them control of the silk road, so I believe they want to expand their Empire which now stretches to Mongolia and control the silk road and trade routes", Lee said pointing at the silk road on the map.

"I agree with that theory", Jo added.

"So their last attack in China was  received in the East?,"Bao said starting to walk around the tent trying to think. "And their army settled and now have control of the East?", she added.

"That's exactly what is happening, we need to make sure they don't go further in China", said Lee looking through one of General Wei's books in the treasure box.

"Any suggestions how we could do that?" Jo said letting out a whooping cough.

"Jo I told you to rest until you get better leave the work to me and Lee, we need you healthy so after battle you can  treat us and the soldiers!" Bao said in a stern tone.

Jo smiled, happy Bao cared for his health and well being. He went to the wooden bed and lay there watching Bao and Lee work, he then suddenly remembered something that was bothering him.

"Is the Crown Prince still coming to the camps?" Jo asked out of the blue.

"Yes, why do you ask all of a sudden?" Bao answered puzzled by Jo's sudden question.

"Just wondering", he replied covering himself with the white bedsheets.

Bao eyed him suspiciously but shrugged it off, she headed towards her desk and took out a map of China and began studying the travel routes from where they were in the north to the east.
She noticed that the capital city was in between the north and east. The Turks first attacked the North then attacked the East.

"Lee have the Turks ever attacked the capital?" Bao asked hoping his answer would prove her new theory.

"They've only raided it by destroying homes and starting fires", Lee replied.

"That's it! Their next attack  must be the capital! It has to be I mean they only attacked the provinces surrounding the capital!" Bao exclaimed in delight knowing her theory was right.

"You're right they must plan on taking over the capital and overthrowing the the imperial family".

"Now that we know this how do we prevent them from entering the city?"

"We can't just attack, we need a good unexpected moment to do so, it says so in this book", Lee said frantically waving the book in Baos face.

"That's true,hmmm....I know! We will need a spy who knows the Eastern Province well and obtain information for us, then we will work from there", Bao suggested getting paper to begin planning.

"I like it! Actually I know a guy his name is Lan he was recruited from the East we can have him go investigate what the Turks are up to".

"This is great, bring him here immediately!"

Lee left the tent to go fetch Lan. Jo sat up from the bed and looked up at Bao. His face was full of worry, Bao was concerned at his sudden expression.

"Brother Jo why is it that you look so troubled?" Bao asked.

"Nothing....so about the Crown Prince is he actually coming here like to stay or...?" Jo's voice had a tone of nervousness.

"The messenger said for a visit not so sure how long, why do you keep asking? This is the third time what are you scared of?" Bao asked in suspicion.

"Just curious,no special reason".

Bao had a puzzled face at Jo's sudden questioning, she simply shrugged it off thinking it was nothing once again.
After a while Lee returned with a short young man following him.

"Ru Lan at your service", Lan said bowing to Bao.

"Please sit", Bao offered the stool opposite her desk.

The young man sat opposite  her, he looked to be quite young only about fourteen making Bao feel guilty that such a young boy was at war,  when he sat down he gave Bao a wide cute smile which made her feel even more guilty as the young boy had so much innocence which will be ruined by a bloody war.

"Lee tells me you are from the Eastern province, how well do you know it?" Bao asked the boy.

"Like the back of my hand! Me and my father always moved around the East we never settled anywhere so I know all the routes and ways to get around the place!" Exclaimed the Boy in excitement.

"In that case you won't have a problem in doing a very important job for me?" Bao smiled loving Lan's enthusiasm.

"Of course not! Anything for you General!"

"Great, I will need you to go to the East to investigate exactly what the Turks are up to there, since it will take long for your return you are to write us secret letters with an old magician trick".

Lan nodded enthusiastically as Bao continued to speak.

"Here is the special ink and paper you are to write to us whatever you find out on this paper, it will disappear as soon as you write".

"And of course Lan we will have an older solider to accompany you", said Lee.

"You are to stay in the East until we contact you otherwise", Bao said handing a bag to Lan.

"What's in here?!" Lan asked peeking in the bag.

"Its all the things you will need for your trip, here put the special paper and ink in the bag", Lee said.

"Thank you so much older brothers! Fang Lan will not disappoint you!"  Lan bowed smiling hysterically.