A low horn blast sounded, fleeting. They dared not blow it for long.
A blizzard raged outside. The snow was ankle-deep, making it impossible for the warhorses to run. Everyone had to dismount, trudging unsteadily through the snow while leading their horses and carrying their gear forward.
Old Li walked beside Zheng Xiu, making small talk.
He asked about Zheng Xiu's family background.
Old Li was clearly the type to get chummy right away—a wily old army veteran, slick as they come.
It only took a three-li march for him to get the "full story" of Zheng Xiu's family background.
Zheng Xiu said his name was Zhang San. His parents had died young, leaving him and his older sister to depend on each other. Before enlisting, he ran a small business that barely kept them fed.
Aside from the name, the rest of the story wasn't a lie.
When Old Li heard the name "Zhang San," he nodded emphatically. The corner of his mouth twitched, and he praised, "A fine name."
