The Company

Chapter 23: The Green Wood Comb

The year 186 AD.

Zhou Jin held her twin brother's lifeless, bloodied body in her arms, tears streaming down her face like rain.

How could this have happened? She had only wanted to climb a tree to pick some fruit—how could she have been so careless as to fall? And her brother, trying to save her, had hit his head on a large rock when he fell... just like that... just like that, he was suddenly gone?

Why had Heaven taken her praised and accomplished brother instead of her, the mischievous one?

Zhou Jin sobbed uncontrollably. Though she was only twelve this year, she knew well that the entire Zhou family's hopes had rested on her twin brother. And he had lived up to those expectations, gaining considerable renown at a young age. Everyone said the Zhou family truly lived up to its centuries-old legacy as a great clan, and this generation promised to be even more illustrious than before.

But she had destroyed it all.

Zhou Jin clung desperately to her brother, trying to call him back, hoping he would open his eyes as usual, smile at her with gentle tolerance, ruffle her hair, and reassure her that she needn't worry about anything because he was there.

But he never woke again. She clearly felt his body grow cold in her embrace, then slowly stiffen.

"Little Jin, this isn't your fault..." someone whispered softly in her ear.

How could it not be her fault? If not for her mischief, how could her brother have died saving her?

The person remained silent for a long time before sighing quietly and saying, "Little Jin, even if it weren't because of you, your brother wouldn't have lived long anyway..."

Zhou Jin jolted awake and turned to look at the person crouching beside her, demanding sharply, "Teacher, what do you mean by that?"

Beside her was the tutor her father had hired to educate her brother. He was quite young, barely over twenty, always dressed in the same set of dark black robes throughout the year, with delicate features and a gentle demeanor. Zhou Jin didn't know his full name and simply called him "Teacher." Because she had been mischievous since childhood, her father had sent her to study with the tutor alongside her brother, hoping to calm her down for a while.

Since the accident had occurred at night, the servants who usually attended them hadn't yet discovered it. Only this teacher had suddenly appeared. Zhou Jin found it puzzling, as the teacher usually stayed around the study and shouldn't have been in the inner courtyard. Seeing that the teacher didn't answer but only looked at her with pity, she held her brother tighter and pressed, "Teacher, what exactly did you mean by what you just said?"

The teacher's gaze softened as it fell upon her brother, tinged with a sorrowful nostalgia. He spoke slowly, "Your brother was fated to die young at the age of twelve. So, regardless of the cause, even if he hadn't died saving you today, Heaven would have taken him tomorrow or the day after."

"I don't believe it!" Zhou Jin was overwhelmed with grief. She knew the teacher must be trying to comfort her—how could anyone's fate be predetermined? "If only... if only I had died instead..." Zhou Jin wiped the blood from her brother's face, tears falling helplessly.

"Silly child..." The teacher shook his head, sighed deeply, stood up, and turned to leave.Zhou Jin gazed at the face in her arms that was nearly identical to her own, when a thought suddenly rose from the depths of her heart: "Master, do you think... do you think I... I could live in my brother’s stead?"

The master turned around, looking at her with surprise.

Summoning all her courage, Zhou Jin looked up at the teacher who had taught her to read and write, and spoke earnestly, word by word: "My brother gave his life for me. Would it not be right for me to live in his place?"

The master bent down again, patted her head pityingly, and sighed softly: "Child, you will regret this. Disguising yourself as a man is not as easy as the storybooks make it seem."

"No! I will persevere!" Wiping away her tears, Zhou Jin resolved that no matter who tried to dissuade her, she would not change her mind. She had lived without pressure before because her brother had shouldered all the responsibilities. She was only meant to grow up carefree, and according to the family’s arrangements, marry into an alliance that would strengthen their ties—this was the fate of the Zhou family’s daughters. But now that her brother was gone because of her, she must be prepared to take on the family’s burdens in his place.

Perhaps moved by her determination, the master thought for a moment, then took a comb from his robe, loosened her braids, and carefully styled her hair into a boy’s topknot.

"Master..." Zhou Jin bit her lower lip, wanting to say something, but unsure of what words to use.

"Child, I give you this Liuqing Comb. If one day you wish to return to being a woman, use this comb to style your hair once more..." The master pressed the comb into her hand, then smiled at her. "You look so much like your brother."

Zhou Jin gripped the comb tightly, its teeth digging into her palm, but she felt no pain at all.

From this day on, there would no longer be a Zhou Jin in this world—only her brother, Zhou Yu.

II

The year 190 AD.

Sun Ce casually tossed the chopsticks, scattering the game pieces, then looked up with a smile at the young man in blue robes sitting across from him.

The youth was the same age as him—both in the prime of their sixteen years—but his frame was slimmer. The blue robes fluttered slightly in the night breeze passing through the hall, making him appear even more frail and delicate.

Sun Ce frowned imperceptibly. He knew that the Zhou family head had passed away the previous year, and the entire burden of the Zhou family now rested on the shoulders of this young man before him. More than once, he had privately sighed over the other’s difficult situation, but as their acquaintance was not deep, the words that came to his lips remained unspoken.

The Zhou family of Lujiang was an eminent lineage. Zhou Jin’s great-grandfather, Zhou Rong, had once held the position of Imperial Secretary, her grand-uncle and his son had served as Grand Commandant, and even the recently deceased family head, Zhou Yi, had been the Magistrate of Luoyang. The Zhou family was a generations-old scholarly household, and the young man before him was of impeccable pedigree—a noble scion envied by thousands.

Sun Ce knew his own background was not lacking. His father had fought pirates, suppressed the Yellow Turban rebels, and was considered a notable figure. Though his father held the post of Governor of Changsha and had been appointed General Who Breaks the Caitiffs by Yuan Shu, he was not a general officially recognized by the Han court. Moreover, his humble origins meant he was often looked down upon by the scions of great families and could not win their trust. His father was frequently described by those people as "frivolous and cunning"—hardly a term of praise.Just when his family could no longer gain a foothold in Shouchun, the young master of the Zhou family went alone to his father and had a late-night talk by candlelight. Shortly after, his father suddenly relocated the entire family to Shu County, instructing him to get along well with the other party before leading troops to campaign against Dong Zhuo.

Sun Ce, having grown up under his father’s deliberate cultivation, naturally understood that the Zhou family’s protection was not merely about providing them with a five-courtyard residence to live in. More importantly, due to the Zhou family’s closeness, the attitudes of other aristocratic families’ children toward him had also changed.

It was like a circle he had never been able to blend into suddenly developed a crack, and he could now squeeze his way in. In recent days, whether it was hunting, poetry gatherings, pitch-pot, or cuju, they had all invited him along. This truly overwhelmed him with favor, for it did not just mean he could join in the fun—it also allowed him to connect with higher-ranking figures, which held immense benefits for both his father and his own future development.

“Your turn.” A clear, resonant voice rang out, as melodious as the sound of a zither.

Sun Ce snapped out of his reverie and realized that his Owl Chess Piece had been subtly surrounded by his opponent’s scattered pieces without him noticing. He considered several breakout strategies but felt that all escape routes were blocked. Unless he had extraordinary luck and rolled several “five whites” in a row—allowing him to freely eliminate the opponent’s key pieces—he was doomed to lose.

“When the owl prevails, call for the five white rolls.” The young man in blue robes smiled, picked up the teapot beside him, and refilled both their cups, filling the room with the fragrance of tea. “Brother Ce, will you toss the Chopsticks and concede, or will you keep striving?”

Sun Ce had never been one to admit defeat easily. He made a few more desperate throws but ultimately watched helplessly as his Owl Chess Piece was captured. He sighed and said, “Brother Yu’s strategy is truly ingenious. I admit defeat.” This was no mere flattery—he had been at the Zhou residence for over half a year and had played countless games of Liubo chess with this young man, yet he had never won even once. People often said that playing chess was like deploying troops in battle, and it seemed he still had much to learn.

Zhou Jin observed the dejection on the young man’s face across from him and noted with satisfaction that, although his expression was dim, his eyes burned with unyielding determination. It seemed he had not bet on the wrong person this time.

Zhou Jin was sixteen years old now, but to be precise, she had died four years ago.

Yes, her brother had been buried under her name, while she had taken her brother’s place and lived on.

She had initially thought that impersonating her brother would be full of flaws and easily exposed. Yet, she never expected that the Liqing comb left to her by her teacher would actually transform her into a boy. Moreover, combing her hair once more would revert her back to a girl.

Such a miraculous comb, and her teacher had given it to her without a second thought. When she wanted to seek answers from him, he had already departed without a word. Left with no choice, she quietly guarded this secret alone.

After that night four years ago, she fell seriously ill. Although her physique and mannerisms differed slightly from her brother’s after her recovery, everyone attributed it to grief over the “sister’s” passing, and no one noticed anything amiss.No one knew she stayed up all night just to catch up on the historical texts her brother used to read. No one knew she practiced the qin until her fingertips bled to match her brother's skill. No one knew she gritted her teeth through horse stance training and heavy sword practice, all to earn the same praise of "accomplished in both literary and martial arts" as her brother... No one knew how she forcibly reshaped herself into the perfect scion of an aristocratic family, nor did they know the immense personal cost she paid in private.

Even her parents never noticed their proud son had been replaced. Even she herself began to believe it was truly her brother who lived on, while she had already died.

She thought this life would continue—bitter and difficult, but bearable once accustomed to. Yet she never expected her father to fall gravely ill upon hearing of Emperor Ling's death, passing away shortly after.

Her father had been the family's pillar. With his sudden departure, the entire clan's burden fell upon her shoulders.

She was only fifteen then, but saw the world more clearly than anyone else.

When their tutor taught her and her brother in the Zhou household years ago, he had vaguely compared their era to the chaotic end of the Qin dynasty, calling it an age of decay and turmoil. Back then, she didn't understand his meaning, but the profound sorrow on his face made her remember his words. As her mind matured over the years, comparing various historical records, she had to admit their tutor's insight was sharp—they had truly entered turbulent times.

Thus, slogans like "Restore the Han Dynasty" seemed mere pretexts to her. The Han was already finished. If the Zhou family's small boat wanted to avoid capsizing in the stormy seas of chaos, it must rely on a larger vessel.

So she chose Sun Jian.

Whether in courage or strategy, he was capable of becoming a regional hegemon. As for status differences, she could help with that. "Are kings and nobles born to their stations?" She had no ambition to compete with the warlords—she only wanted to preserve her family.

Yet if anyone asked her real reason for choosing Sun Jian, she couldn't answer.

Perhaps it was that chance encounter in the suburbs, where she saw the vibrant young man galloping past on a spirited horse, leaving a deep impression. So when considering supporters, the first name that came to mind was the Sun family.

Well, she told herself it was for the bigger picture. A stable power needed not just a perfect leader, but also a worthy successor. For instance, Liu Biao of Jing Province was a hero of his time, but his sons were mediocre.

But... Zhou Jin emerged from her long contemplation, gazing at the incomplete Liubo board before her.

Playing Liubo required skill, but also luck. And Sun Ce, it seemed, truly lacked precisely those two words: luck.

Sun Ce picked up a scattered piece from the board, pursing his lips. "Who told you to be a scattered piece? Brother Yu, why can't a scattered piece become the Owl Chess Piece?"

"Why not? If the Owl Chess Piece is incompetent, it's only natural for a scattered piece to proclaim itself the Owl." Zhou Jin understood Sun Ce's metaphor perfectly, curling her lips elegantly.

Sun Ce's eyes lit up, brimming with laughter. "Then let's continue! The new rule is: we only win by completely eliminating the opponent's pieces!"

"..."Sun Ce noticed a flicker of annoyance in the eyes of the youth who always pretended to be mature, finally seeing a glimpse of his true youthful nature. Smiling, he reached out and ruffled his hair, saying, "Don’t always keep such a stern face. Smiling a little won’t make the sky fall."

Zhou Jin stared at him blankly. The pressure and warmth on her head were no different from what she remembered deep in her heart. If not for the self-control she had honed over the years, she might have burst into tears right then.

It had been so many years since her brother passed away... no one had treated her like this since then... Zhou Jin lowered her head, afraid that the other would see the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Hey, hey! It’s your turn! You’re not going to back out, are you?" Unable to see the youth’s expression, Sun Ce grew a bit uneasy.

A faint smile tugged at Zhou Jin’s lips as she raised her head again. "No, I won’t regret it..."

Three

The year 191 AD.

Zhou Jin stood at the courier station, watching the figure on horseback ride into the distance.

Who would have thought that Sun Jian would be so easily assassinated by a hidden arrow, his life cut short like a shooting star in his prime...

Luck, sometimes, truly was a crucial part of one’s strength. For the first time, Zhou Jin questioned whether her investment had been wise. But thinking of Sun Ce’s unwavering gaze as he departed, she gritted her teeth and resolved to persevere.

She had said she wouldn’t regret it, so she wouldn’t. Straddling two boats was never a stable decision, and with the turbulent times already raging, she didn’t want to be swallowed by the waves so quickly.

Only when the distant figure had completely vanished from sight did Zhou Jin withdraw her gaze. But as she turned around, she froze in shock, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Master?"

It had been five years since she last saw her master. He still wore the same dark black robes, his appearance unchanged, his face still bearing that warm, gentle smile.

Zhou Jin hurried forward to greet him, overjoyed. She had changed—if this had been five years ago, she would have rushed into his arms without hesitation. But now, as the eldest young master of the Zhou family, she merely bowed with perfect etiquette, her every movement flawless and beyond reproach.

"Master, what brings you to Lujiang?" Zhou Jin tried to contain the joy in her heart, but she couldn’t hide the smile in her eyes. She gestured for her master to follow her into the courier station to talk. Only then did she notice the ten-year-old beggar boy beside him, his face smudged with dirt like a little mud monkey.

"Just passing through," her master replied with a smile, following her inside.

Since it wasn’t mealtime, Zhou Jin ordered a pot of tea, remembering her master’s fondness for it. As for the little beggar who had sat down with them, after a moment’s thought, she asked for a plate of pastries for him. In these war-torn times, tea and pastries were luxuries, but since Lujiang had yet to be touched by the flames of war, daily life was still manageable. The waiter quickly brought the tea and pastries. The little beggar curled his lip, disdainful of the plate of pastries that didn’t look very fresh, but he said nothing. Wiping his hands, he picked up a pastry with his chopsticks and began to eat.Zhou Jin couldn't help but glance sideways, for she could tell this little beggar moved with remarkable elegance—not something an ordinary family could cultivate. Perhaps this was a child from a ruined household, she thought, her compassion swelling as she ordered another plate of pastries for the child.

Personally pouring tea for the elder scholar, Zhou Jin ventured to inquire, "Master, have you come from Xiangyang? Any news to share?" Amidst the raging war, information traveled through tangled paths, often indistinguishable from falsehoods—even the soldier bearing news of Sun Jian's death couldn't accurately recount the battle report. Noting the elder's arrival via the official road to Xiangyang, Zhou Jin mustered the courage to probe.

The elder understood Zhou Jin's intent and smiled faintly, taking a sip of tea before responding, "Sun Jian's death... was a case of 'guilty of harboring the jade'!"

"'Guilty of harboring the jade'?" Zhou Jin was taken aback. She had assumed Sun Ce fell to a hidden arrow while pursuing Huang Zu, never suspecting an underlying conspiracy.

"When Sun Po-Lu was stationed south of Luoyang, he retrieved the Heirloom Seal of the Realm from a well," the elder recounted vividly, as if he had witnessed it himself. "It must have been cast there by the seal-keeper during Zhang Rang's rebellion, when the emperor was abducted and his retinue scattered." Though doubts lingered, Zhou Jin found herself drawn into his narrative.

"Could it be that Uncle Sun didn't surrender the Heirloom Seal of the Realm to Yuan Shu? Did Yuan Shu then plot his murder?" Zhou Jin phrased it as a question, yet she already knew the answer. No ruler could tolerate disloyalty in their subordinates. Concealing the Imperial Jade Seal signaled ambitions of usurpation—a blatant declaration of intent in an era where the fallen Qin dynasty's power vacuum had sparked fierce contention among warlords. Such overt ambition inevitably made one an example to others.

Zhou Jin sighed inwardly. Sun Jian, a formidable hero of his time, was undone by his lack of strategic advisors. She had once hinted at caution, but he refused counsel and reaped the bitter consequences. Lost in these thoughts, she missed the strange expression that flickered across the elder's face and failed to notice him pressing a bundle at his waist, his features etched with complexity.

It had required no effort—merely a swap amid the chaos. The long-lost Heirloom Seal of the Realm was finally back in his hands, so why did he feel such emptiness?

The object remained unchanged, yet the person who had once accompanied him... was gone... Truly, things remained, but people had altered...

No... if one were to be precise, the Heirloom Seal of the Realm was no longer whole—a corner was missing, repaired with gold, so it could hardly be called a perfect return...

The elder drained his teacup in one gulp and rose. "Xiao Jin, I must go. Entrust this child to your care—she's from Lujiang, ran off on her own whims, truly ungrateful."

Zhou Jin hurriedly stood to detain him, wishing to ask about the Liqing comb, but how could she broach such a matter in public?

The elder seemed to anticipate her question yet offered no reply, merely smiling and waving as he turned to leave.

Zhou Jin felt a pang of unease, struck by the profound loneliness and desolation in his retreating figure—a sight that tugged at her heartstrings.

"Hey! These pastries are awful—I want better ones!" a brash child's voice piped up from behind. Zhou Jin looked down into the watery, wide-eyed gaze of the little beggar, who barely reached her chest."What's your name? Whose child are you? I'll take you home." Zhou Jin's tone wasn't particularly pleasant either. Initially thinking the girl had lost her family, it turned out she was just a runaway brat. She recalled her own twelve-year-old self—reckless and impulsive, ultimately hurting the person she cared about most in this world.

The little beggar shrank back at Zhou Jin's tone, rubbing her grimy nose as she timidly replied, "My surname is Qiao. You can call me Xiao Qiao."

The year was 194 AD.

"Young master, it's time to rest for a while." Xiao Qiao refilled the tea on Zhou Jin's desk, pursing her lips slightly in discontent. Since being left with Zhou Jin, she hadn't returned home, merely sending a note to her father to inform him of her whereabouts. Surprisingly, her father hadn't objected upon learning this. Later, she found out that when she initially ran away, her father had mistaken her personal maid for her, so the news hadn't spread.

Perhaps her father had been angry and disowned her as a daughter. But Xiao Qiao didn't feel sad; she found life with Zhou Jin far more thrilling than the confined existence at home.

After all, her young master was the renowned Zhou Lang, celebrated throughout the land for his beauty! Just gazing at him daily was endlessly pleasing to the eye, not to mention that her young master dedicated his days to planning for the welfare of all under heaven. Xiao Qiao, who had just begun to understand matters of the heart, simply couldn't resist such a perfect being.

Zhou Yu lifted his head from the piles of documents and, seeing Xiao Qiao's infatuated gaze, couldn't help but massage his temples in frustration. "Xiao Qiao, it's very late. You should go back and rest first." Although the girl had changed into men's clothing and willingly stayed by his side as his attendant, Zhou Jin didn't dare treat her as a mere servant.

This was the treasured daughter of Lord Qiao! Who knew how Lord Qiao had raised her—how could he not rush to take his runaway daughter home? Was it really acceptable to leave her with a strange man for years without any concern? It seemed best to find an opportunity to send Xiao Qiao back. Otherwise, as the girl grew older—he hadn't paid much mind to a ten-year-old child at first, thinking it harmless to keep her by his side. But three years had passed, and if he delayed further, it wouldn't be good to hinder her marriage prospects.

Zhou Jin shook his head dejectedly, feeling that he had aged rapidly over the years. At just twenty, an age when most people were in their prime, he already felt his heart was riddled with scars. He suddenly thought of marriage... If he hadn't taken his elder brother's place to survive, he would likely have married long ago, staying at home to serve her husband and raise children, living a monotonous life.

"Young master, how is the grain collection going?" Xiao Qiao didn't obey the order to rest but instead walked behind her young master and began skillfully massaging his shoulders.

"It's sufficient for now, but it's only a temporary solution." Zhou Jin set down his brush, relaxed his body, and closed his eyes briefly. After Sun Jian's death, the troops he had led were reclaimed by Yuan Shu, who refused to hand them over to Sun Ce, forcing him to recruit soldiers on his own. But how easy was it to recruit soldiers? Sun Ce had just gathered a few hundred men when he was attacked and nearly lost his life. Later, Yuan Shu promised him the post of Governor of Jiujiang but appointed someone else, then promised him the post of Governor of Lujiang but again appointed another.

After several such incidents, even Sun Ce's loyalty to Yuan Shu was worn away. Moreover, Sun Jian's death was shrouded in suspicion, and Yuan Shu's stubbornness and intolerance left no room for others. Sun Ce had long harbored the idea of building his own army. But to recruit soldiers, he needed military provisions to succeed; otherwise, it made no sense to expect horses to run without feeding them.Zhou Jin's uncle Zhou Shang happened to be serving as the governor of Danyang at the time, so Zhou Jin naturally came to assist Sun Ce in gathering provisions. Despite her family's objections, she resolutely sold off most of the Zhou family's farmlands and properties, and through various efforts, finally managed to procure two months' worth of military rations—enough to tide them over this difficult period.

Xiao Qiao stood behind Zhou Jin, and from her vantage point, she could clearly see Zhou Jin's exceptionally handsome profile. Illuminated by the candlelight, it appeared as sculpted and peerlessly elegant as a statue. For no apparent reason, she felt her face grow warm, and her grip unconsciously tightened.

If a melody goes astray, Zhou Lang will turn his gaze.

At a banquet last year, Xiao Qiao had witnessed a young lady deliberately play a wrong note just to make Zhou Yu glance back at her. At that time, still young and naive, she couldn't comprehend such feelings and had secretly laughed at the young lady's ulterior motives. But if it were her now...

"Ouch! Xiao Qiao, do you have some grudge against me?" Zhou Jin shrugged her shoulder and turned back in confusion. Since when did this girl develop such strength in her hands?

"Hmph!" Xiao Qiao let out a light, defensive snort and preemptively interrogated, "Young master, why are you so good to that Sun fellow? Even if he's your sworn brother, isn't this going too far? Selling properties and land, owing favors—all just to gather provisions for him?" Xiao Qiao questioned with such self-righteousness that it seemed as if the Zhou family's assets were naturally under her management.

Zhou Jin replied earnestly, "I have high hopes for him. He will become the ruler of the realm." In truth, even she couldn't fully articulate it at times—perhaps she was transferring the affection she had for her brother onto Sun Ce.

She knew very well what she was doing and had no regrets whatsoever.

Xiao Qiao was left speechless with frustration. Was there anyone else who would exert themselves so wholeheartedly for another? In her view, her young master was brilliant and mighty—even leading troops into battle would be first-rate. Why must he support that big oaf? He could perfectly well raise his own banner and revolt! Why regard that person as more important than himself? The more Xiao Qiao thought about it, the angrier she became. Blending with an indescribable irritation, she ignored what Zhou Jin was doing and pounced on her, raining down a flurry of punches.

Zhou Jin caught Xiao Qiao's hands, feeling her headache intensify. Why was this girl becoming harder to manage as she grew older? Already nearly fourteen, she still acted like a child. Who would dare marry her in the future? And Zhou Jin didn't want her to remain unmarried for life...

As for Sun Ce... Sun Ce would also marry someday... Zhou Jin's mind flashed with that handsome face, and she momentarily froze, losing her grip on Xiao Qiao. The latter tumbled directly into her arms, and the two tangled together on the soft couch. Just then, the door was pushed open.

"Brother Yu, about the military provisions... Uh... You two..." Sun Ce's voice trailed off abruptly. He stood there dumbfounded, unsure whether to leave or stay.

Xiao Qiao struggled to get up from Zhou Jin, calmly straightened her disheveled collar, snorted through her nose, and turned to walk out.

Sun Ce was utterly stunned, never having imagined that Brother Yu and his personal attendant shared such a relationship. However, he also knew that among the upper nobility, relationships of the "cut-sleeve" or "shared-peach" variety were hardly uncommon. Still, witnessing it firsthand today—and with one of the participants being his own Brother Yu—the impact on him was considerable.Zhou Jin was completely unaware that the earlier scene could be misinterpreted by others. In her mind, it was merely playful banter with a child who hadn't yet grown up. However, it was time to send Xiao Qiao home, as further delay might harm the girl's reputation. While thinking this, Zhou Jin sat up and casually straightened her appearance with natural grace.

Sun Ce found himself spellbound by the lingering blush on the handsome youth's face, unable to tear his eyes away no matter how he tried. He had long known his sworn brother was peerlessly handsome, but in the dim candlelight, there was an indescribable charm that made his heart race wildly.

When Zhou Jin looked up and noticed Sun Ce staring intently at her, she coughed lightly and said, "Brother Ce, we've secured approximately two months' worth of military provisions, so there's no need to worry for now."

Only then did Sun Ce realize his reaction seemed inappropriate. Deflecting awkwardly, he changed the subject: "Brother Yu, I have undergone the capping ceremony and received the courtesy name Bofu. You may address me as such."

"Bofu..." Zhou Jin paused momentarily before recalling that Sun Ce was slightly older. She herself would soon undergo the capping ceremony.

"Brother Yu, have you considered what courtesy name you'll take?" Sun Ce asked with a gentle smile.

Meeting Sun Ce's intense gaze, Zhou Jin felt momentarily dazed, her heart pounding rapidly. She realized she wanted him to call her by her true name...

"Jin," Zhou Jin replied with an elegant curl of her lips, "My courtesy name will be Gongjin."

AD 196.

Zhou Jin halted her steps and turned to face Sun Ce, who had been following closely behind. A bitter smile touched her lips as she said, "Bofu, you needn't see me any further."

Sun Ce stared at his dearest friend, pressing his lips into a tight line as he suppressed his anger in silence.

Zhou Jin sighed, recognizing this was the most restrained version of the usually expressive Sun Ce she would see. What he likely wanted most was to openly break with Yuan Shu immediately.

But they couldn't afford to do so yet.

Zhou Jin signaled to the servant behind them, who continued ahead with her uncle Zhou Shang's carriage, leaving the two alone to bid farewell. Xiao Qiao had been personally returned to the Qiao family two years prior, and Zhou Jin sometimes missed the spirited girl's presence.

Frowning in contemplation, Zhou Jin felt she had exhausted all necessary words during last night's drinking session with Sun Ce. Yuan Shu's replacement of her uncle Zhou Shang with his cousin Yuan Yin as the governor of Danyang clearly indicated his displeasure with their clandestine support for Sun Ce. Sun Ce was no ordinary man who would remain subordinate to Yuan Shu forever, but currently, lacking troops, horses, and provisions, he couldn't afford an open confrontation.

Seeing the perpetual faint smile absent from the young man's face, replaced by furrowed brows on his account, Sun Ce's heart ached with remorse. He chastised himself for being inconsiderate - Gongjin was undoubtedly the most reluctant to depart at this moment, yet here he was needing comfort from his sworn brother instead.

Suppressing his helplessness deep within, Sun Ce managed a strained smile: "Gongjin, take good care of yourself. When we meet again, I expect to see you looking healthier!" Perhaps due to constant strategizing and worries, his sworn brother always appeared slender and pale, as if a strong breeze might carry him away.Zhou Jin heard Sun Ce's teasing and knew he had come around. Her worries slightly eased as she gave a sincere, nodding smile.

Raising her head to look at Sun Ce's sharply defined face, Zhou Jin could no longer see the youthful innocence that once lingered between his brows. Standing before her now was a battle-hardened general who had weathered storms of bloodshed and made decisive judgments in slaughter. Like a sharp spear, even standing simply, he exuded an aura of one who could take on ten thousand foes.

She should have known all along—the person she chose was not wrong. A trace of admiring smile appeared at the corner of Zhou Jin's lips.

Why had she taken notice of him back then? Zhou Jin fell into reminiscence. No, it wasn't him initially, but his father... and the faint shadow of her elder brother she could find in Sun Ce.

She knew her brother was dead, yet she couldn't stop herself from seeking traces of him in others. Had her brother lived, he might have walked this thorny path to kingship, but she could not. She lacked the boldness, the courage, the... ruthlessness.

The main reason was that deep down, she remained a woman, even after disguising herself as a man for ten years. Her decision to support the then-youthful Sun Ce after Sun Jian's death evolved from being in a dilemma to unwavering commitment, then to wholehearted admiration, and finally to devoted service.

Though still young, Sun Ce had already earned the world's praise: "Heroic and outstanding, fiercely auspicious beyond his era, discerning the extraordinary, aspiring to dominate the Central Plains." His frivolous and impulsive nature mirrored his father's exactly. She only hoped these rough edges would gradually smooth with time's tempering, ultimately achieving imperial greatness.

Everything was progressing as she had predicted, yet there was one thing she had never anticipated despite all her calculations—her own feelings.

Zhou Jin carefully concealed the admiration and longing in her eyes, gathering them bit by bit before burying them deep in her heart. She was not Zhou Jin now, but Zhou Gongjin.

What Sun Ce needed was not the young lady of the Zhou family who couldn't show her face, but Zhou Gongjin who could stand by his side offering strategies, serving as his right-hand man. And this, actually, was not bad.

Her aspirations had changed too—no longer just seeking the Zhou family's self-preservation.

Her ambitions had shifted. She hoped to see him ascend the throne, overlooking the world, witnessing the people's deliverance from this apocalyptic suffering.

And she would remain by his side.

As Zhou Gongjin, never with regret.

IV

AD 199

"What... what are you saying?" Zhou Jin's fists clenched tightly beneath her sleeves as she asked in disbelief. Even with enemy troops at the city gates, she wouldn't have lost her composure like this. But hearing the most inconceivable words from the person she valued most made it impossible to maintain calm.

Sun Ce looked at Zhou Jin in surprise, finding nothing wrong with what he'd said—wasn't he just helping Old Qiao propose a marriage? "Weren't you two very close back then? I thought you refused all those other marriage proposals over the years because you were waiting for Xiao Qiao to grow up!" Sun Ce grinned mischievously. "I used to think you, Gongjin, were into that 'cut-sleeve, share-peach' business! Turns out it was all about warm fragrance and rosy sleeves!"Zhou Jin's nails dug deeper into her palms. She knew she ought to say something, yet no words would come.

Three years ago, she had rejected Yuan Shu's offer and instead requested to be appointed as the magistrate of Juchao County. While Sun Ce was conquering territories and establishing his own domain, she pretended to take up her post in Juchao but secretly crossed east to Wu, reuniting with Sun Ce. He personally welcomed her and appointed her as General of the Establishment of Might. Last year, after Yuan Shu's death, Sun Ce promoted Zhou Jin to Central Protector of the Army and nominally assigned her as the Grand Administrator of Jiangxia. Over these years, Zhou Jin assisted Sun Ce in capturing Wan City and seizing Lujiang Commandery, laying the foundation for Sun Ce's burgeoning empire.

Throughout this time, the two shared a common ideal, strategizing for the realm and fighting side by side on the battlefield, nearly inseparable. Sun Ce had never married, and Zhou Jin accompanied him with a subtle, unspoken hope. At first, she felt somewhat fortunate—he disdained those reclusive noble ladies and even encouraged his younger sister, Sun Shangxiang, to practice martial arts. Last year, when Cao Cao attempted to arrange a marriage alliance, Sun Ce pushed Cao Cao's niece onto his younger brother, Sun Kuang. He wanted no deep entanglement with Cao Cao and utterly scorned the idea of exchanging marriage for political gain.

Yet the more he acted this way, the more her unrealistic desires swelled. She had imagined more than once: if the day came when the realm was unified and she revealed her true gender, what expression would Sun Ce wear?

But ideals remained ideals—reality was always cruel.

She had even prepared herself for the day Sun Ce would announce his own marriage, but she never expected him to personally arrange one for her.

Seeing Zhou Jin lost in thought, Sun Ce patiently persuaded her. Thinking his sworn brother was merely shy, he racked his brains for reasons: "Forming a marriage alliance with someone of status like Elder Qiao in Lujiang Commandery would greatly benefit the Jiangdong Army. Our foundation is still shallow; we must rely on external support. With this connection, future negotiations will be easier."

Unwilling to use his own marriage for gain, was it acceptable to use hers? Zhou Jin lowered her gaze, hiding the disappointment and pain in her eyes.

Then, she heard her own reply. "Alright, I understand."

Hadn't she vowed to support him, without regret? But now... she was beginning to regret it.

Zhou Jin sat in the room, staring blankly at the overwhelming red decorations. After agreeing to the marriage with Xiao Qiao, she frequently visited the Qiao residence—partly to act the part of a good husband-to-be, and partly to avoid Sun Ce.

Marriage... the concept felt so distant. She had thought she would never marry in this lifetime, let alone become someone's husband...

The power of the Liuqing Comb could truly transform her into a man or restore her to womanhood... Clutching the comb in her hand, Zhou Jin felt increasingly conflicted, especially in this room filled with bridal accessories. The vibrant wedding dress on the clothes rack felt both dazzling and enviable.

She... she also longed to wear it just once...

Once this thought emerged, it sprouted like a tender shoot. No matter how hard she tried to suppress it, she couldn't uproot this longing from her heart."It... it should be fine to just try it on for a moment..."

Xiao Qiao had gone out for a spring outing at the invitation of a young lady from another household, leaving the courtyard empty. Zhou Jin was currently in the side chamber, where servants wouldn't enter without announcing themselves first.

As if bewitched, Zhou Jin found herself unable to resist. She stood up, her fingers brushing against the wedding dress. The soft texture at her fingertips broke her last shred of restraint.

Removing the square scarf used to tie her male hairstyle, she combed her hair with a liuqing comb before carefully, almost reverently, putting on the wedding dress. Then she saw a face in the bronze mirror that was both familiar and strange.

The person in the mirror had loose hair and wore a bright red Wrapped Robe with wide sleeves and a fitted cut that accentuated her perfect curves. Having not worn women's clothing for ten years, Zhou Jin had never realized her figure could look so beautiful.

Only her plain face didn't match that of a bride.

Zhou Jin sat down at the dressing table and opened the layered cosmetic box.

Applying lead powder, rouge, forehead yellow pigment, drawing eyebrow ink, coloring lips, painting dimples... Zhou Jin meticulously applied her makeup. Though she had never done this before, she remembered watching her mother go through this ritual every morning. She worked with such focus and devotion, as if she had practiced it countless times in her heart.

When Zhou Jin finally regained her senses, she was completely stunned by the face in the bronze mirror.

So this was Zhou Jin.

If she had followed the conventional path, this was what Zhou Jin should have looked like.

Instead of stopping, Zhou Jin somewhat clumsily gathered her loose hair into a hanging cloud bun, leaving a few light strands framing her face that made her appear even more ethereal and charming. Finally, she inserted a gold-inlaid hawksbill hairpin with peacock design and tied a five-colored tassel in her hair.

"The Book of Rites states: 'The groom enters the chamber and personally removes the bride's tassel'... Xiao Jin, when you marry someday, remember to wear a five-colored tassel in your hair! Only your husband can remove it..." That year, during the tutor's lesson, her elder brother had flipped to this passage in the book and turned to tease her with a smile.

Staring at the two swaying five-colored tassels, Zhou Jin remained lost in thought until a soft exclamation came from the door. She instinctively turned to look, then paled in alarm.

Sun Ce? Why was he visiting the Qiao residence at this time? Zhou Jin hastily hid behind the screen, her heart pounding violently, unsure what to do.

Hurried apologies and the sound of the door closing came from beyond the screen. Zhou Jin couldn't tell whether she had been recognized, but when she emerged from behind the screen and saw her reflection in the bronze mirror, she couldn't help but smile wryly.

Even she barely recognized this face, let alone anyone else.

However... Looking at the five-colored tassel that had fallen during her hasty retreat, Zhou Jin sighed silently and began taking down her hair bun and washing off the makeup.

Dreaming—once was enough.

No matter how beautiful the dream, one must eventually wake up.

Sun Ce left the Qiao residence with his head lowered, thoroughly embarrassed. He hadn't seen Gongjin for days, thinking he was enjoying his pre-wedding vacation. But today, some urgent military matters required consultation, so he had come directly to the Qiao residence.

He just never expected to intrude upon such a fair maiden.Who would have thought... that little girl from back then had grown into such a beauty... Sun Ce privately envied his sworn brother's good fortune, but never expected to encounter Xiaoqiao returning home the moment he stepped outside. She wore a lake-blue jacket and skirt, her hair styled in a lily bun, where her dark tresses were divided into several strands and combed forward and backward, blossoming like lily petals. The effect was strikingly charming and refreshing to behold. Sun Ce instantly recognized her as the little girl from years past, but if this was Xiaoqiao, then who was the person he had accidentally stumbled upon earlier?

Xiao Qiao never expected to encounter Sun Ce. Hearing his unexpected question, she was momentarily taken aback before letting out a delicate laugh. "General, what you saw must have been my elder sister. She couldn't resist trying on my wedding dress out of curiosity."

Sun Ce's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't given it much thought earlier because he assumed it was Xiao Qiao he had seen - naturally, he wouldn't entertain any improper thoughts about his sworn brother's woman.

But now... recalling that fleeting glimpse of breathtaking beauty, Sun Ce felt he had seen her somewhere before, experiencing an indescribable sense of familiarity.

After further consideration, he reasoned that since she was Xiao Qiao's own sister, she must closely resemble her. No wonder he had felt that way.

Yet, something still felt peculiar...

Tilting her head, Xiao Qiao observed the shifting expressions on Sun Ce's face. A thought crossed her mind, bringing a smile to her lips. "General, my elder sister remains unmarried to this day."

Sun Ce understood her implication. Remembering that unforgettable face, his heart suddenly raced wildly.

"Husband, the night grows late. You should rest soon." Xiao Qiao entered gracefully, carrying a bowl of soup.

Zhou Jin rubbed her slightly aching temples and set down the military report she had been holding.

Xiao Qiao knew what had been troubling her husband these days, and she couldn't hide her resentment. "What is brother-in-law thinking? After defeating Liu Xun, Yuan Shu's former subordinate, and capturing Wancheng, he doesn't return. Then he attacks Huang Zu, Liu Biao's governor of Jiangxia - we could understand that, knowing he seeks revenge for his father. But then he goes to attack Yuzhang and accepts the surrender of its governor, yet still doesn't come back? How can he bear to leave you alone managing this massive mess of the Jiangdong army?"

"It's not exactly a mess," Zhou Jin replied with a bitter smile. She knew Sun Ce's recent behavior was unusual, but she couldn't pinpoint the reason. It seemed... it seemed to have started after Sun Ce married Da Qiao...

Zhou Jin's heart filled with bitterness. Though much time had passed, the memory still pained her. After Sun Ce accidentally saw her in women's attire at the Qiao residence, he hastily arranged his marriage to Da Qiao. Within days of the wedding, he led troops away and hadn't returned since.

Had he noticed something? Zhou Jin recalled Sun Ce's thoughtful gaze before his departure, feeling increasingly agitated.

Enough of this. Next time we meet, I'll just confront him directly, Zhou Jin resolved silently.

Though Xiao Qiao felt her husband was no longer as affectionate as in their early years, she didn't mind excessively. She was no longer the child who would run away from home after arguments with her father - her noble young lady's temper had gradually softened. In these times, mutual respect between husband and wife was considered traditional virtue. Moreover, her husband never glanced at other women. If she had to find fault, it would be that her husband treated Sun Ce too well.

So well that it sometimes made her jealous.

"Xiao Qiao, why don't you go keep your sister company," Zhou Jin said lightly, clearing her throat to bring Xiao Qiao back to the present.

"Very well." Knowing her sister had been melancholy lately, Xiao Qiao didn't argue. Still, she hesitated to leave immediately - she couldn't shake the feeling that while her husband was physically present, his heart was elsewhere.Zhou Jin didn't notice Xiao Qiao's strange expression, frowning as she looked at the battle report on the table, her heart filled with worry. Chen Deng, the governor of Guangling, had been recruiting Yan Baihu's remnants in an attempt to rebel in Wu Commandery, and Sun Ce had once again led troops to suppress them. Although Sun Ce's presence made quelling the rebellion as easy as lifting a hand, Zhou Jin couldn't suppress her unease, her temples throbbing incessantly.

"Husband, what's wrong? You don't look well!" Xiao Qiao reached out to steady Zhou Jin, who instinctively pulled away, her sleeve brushing past the table and catching the liuqing comb.

A crisp sound rang out as the comb fell to the floor.

Both women froze, staring blankly at the liuqing comb with one broken tooth, a shadow of foreboding passing through their hearts.

A broken comb tooth was an extremely bad omen.

Outside the screen, a guard rushed in, exclaiming urgently: "General! Terrible news! Our lord has been ambushed in Dantu!"

Zhou Jin felt the world spin around her, darkness clouding her vision. For a moment, she couldn't hear anything Xiao Qiao was shouting.

Zhou Jin sat silently in the mourning hall, her eyes stinging from the overwhelming white everywhere. She didn't know how long she had been keeping vigil here, only aware of people coming and going, cries rising and fading, but her soul seemed to have already left this place.

Upon receiving the news that day, she had ridden hundreds of miles through the night to reach Dantu, managing to see him one last time.

He was already gravely wounded and delirious, taking a long time to recognize her. He merely held her hand and struggled to utter one word.

"Owl Chess Piece."

She understood his meaning, just as she had always understood him over the years. He was entrusting her - if the Owl Chess Piece falls, then scattered pieces can become the Owl Chess Piece.

He wanted her to inherit his Jiangdong army, but she couldn't. If she had truly wanted to, would leadership have fallen to him back then? Then who could become this Owl Chess Piece? Could she promise to support another as she had supported Sun Ce?

"Gongjin..." A young voice came from beside her. Zhou Jin looked up dazedly to see a young face that vaguely overlapped with Sun Ce's from ten years ago.

"Gongjin, you need to rest. You mustn't collapse." Sun Quan's brow was full of worry. He had long known of Gongjin's close bond with his elder brother, but never imagined the grief would be this profound. The person before him had become so haggard and thin as to resemble a Specter, looking as if a mere gust of wind could blow him away.

"Gongjin... Before elder brother passed, he instructed me: for internal affairs, consult Zhang Zhao; for external matters, consult Gongjin..."

Zhou Jin shuddered, her unfocused eyes suddenly sharpening as she immediately pushed herself up from the ground. But having knelt for so long, her legs felt alien to her. Fortunately, Sun Quan was nearby, preventing her from collapsing awkwardly.

"Gongjin... you... please accept my condolences..." Sun Quan finally spoke what was in his heart. The profound sorrow emanating from this person was so oppressive that merely witnessing it was heartbreaking.

"Don't worry." Zhou Jin finally stood up, standing straight and tall. "In leading Jiangdong's forces to decisive battles between armies, contending with the heroes of the realm for supremacy, you are not equal to Bofu. But in employing the worthy and capable, ensuring all officers give their utmost to protect Jiangdong's safety, Bofu was not your equal."

"Gongjin..." Sun Quan heard this, momentarily uncertain what to feel."With the turmoil in the Central Plains, we possess the forces of Wu and Yue, secured by the three rivers—sufficient to calmly observe the outcomes." Zhou Jin spoke slowly, word by word, her voice hoarse from exhaustion. "Rest assured, I will assist you well."

A single promise became a lifelong commitment.

"I am only Zhou Yu, styled Gongjin, Grand Commander of Eastern Wu."

In this world, there was no longer Zhou Jin—only Zhou Yu.

Five

Two thousand years later.

While organizing antiquities, the Boss discovered a green-bamboo comb missing one tooth in a box tucked away in a corner, then sank into distant memories.

Yes, this comb—he had given it to a little girl back then. A girl who wanted to live in place of her elder brother.

The Boss traced the patterns on the green-bamboo comb with his fingers. In those days, during the Three Kingdoms period, he had been full of enthusiasm. Whenever he found a reincarnation of Fusu, he would take them under his wing to nurture and guide. Even Zhou Jin, who was unrelated, had her wish fulfilled when he gave her this comb.

But that sentiment gradually faded over the passage of time. He could no longer bear watching the children he had raised with his own hands die before his eyes, one after another. So eventually, he preferred to watch from afar, ensuring that Fusu of each lifetime grew up healthy, avoiding meetings as much as possible.

No meeting, no acquaintance.

No acquaintance, no understanding.

No understanding, then no longing...

The broken tooth of the comb was severed cleanly, like a severed bond.

The Boss had always felt that Zhou Jin was both similar and dissimilar to himself.

They both harbored a deep-seated wish to help someone achieve dominance. Yet, in the end, Zhou Jin devoted herself entirely to fulfilling Sun Ce's legacy, while he was more selfish—wanting to find that person again.

Yes, later, out of concern, he went to see her once more. Then, that person returned the comb to him, saying she should never have kept it from the start—that she should have resigned herself to living as a man from the very beginning...

"Eh? Boss, this comb is quite beautiful! What a shame it's missing a tooth!" The Doctor, who was helping tidy the storeroom, noticed the Boss lost in thought and leaned in for a closer look. "What material is this comb made of? The carvings are so delicate and exquisite!" Having spent so much time in the Dumb Shop, the Doctor's eye for antiques had sharpened. Just by its lustrous sheen, he could tell it had been frequently handled and polished. Smooth as fat, warm as jade, with a hue resembling amber—it was clearly an artifact from a bygone era.

"...This is a green-bamboo comb, made from bamboo. It's crafted from Yin Mountain bamboo, cultivated for centuries in ancient times. The surface green layer is retained and carved into patterns, known as green-bamboo carving," the Boss explained plainly, casually placing the comb into a brocade box. "But with a tooth broken, it can no longer be used."

(End of Chapter)