Khan Bei’s Journey - A Rare Talent

Sun Jian, patriarch of the Sun family, was busy reading the reports of the uprising of the Yellow Turbans. Well aware of the dangers, Sun Jian was already making arrangements to leave soon after he had sent his own army north ahead of him. Imperial officials had already gathered in You province and were already at work there. Hopefully, they would’ve dealt with the upstarts before he got there.

While he was musing, news came from one of his soldiers: his eldest son, Sun Ce, was injured and was taken by his friend, Zhou Yu to a local doctor.

Like the Tiger he was, he pounced into action immediately and was guided to the clinic where his son was. Upon arrival, he was met with a strange scene.

The clinic's air was thick with the scent of herbs and the low murmur of Zhou Yu's hushed awe. Sun Jian, his heart pounding with a father's worry, strode into the room, his eyes immediately seeking his son. Sun Ce lay on a cot, his face sweaty but relaxed, a stark contrast to the frantic scene that had greeted Sun Jian upon his arrival.

The source of the calm was a man Sun Jian had never seen before. Young, perhaps no more than 25, yet his demeanor exuded a wisdom that belied his years. He moved with a deliberate grace, his hands hovering over Sun Ce's injuries, a soft, green glow emanating from his palms.

Sun Jian watched, transfixed, as the strange man's touch seemed to mend his son's wounds, the cuts and bruises visibly fading with each passing moment. An almost palpable aura of tranquility radiated from the healer, a gentle hum that resonated with the very essence of the earth.

Sun Jian, a seasoned warrior and a shrewd judge of character, recognized the power that flowed through this young man. It was not the brute force of a battlefield, but something more subtle, more profound – a connection to the life force that coursed through all things.

As Sun Ce stirred, the healer's hands withdrew, the green glow fading. His voice, stern yet laced with concern, broke the silence. "Impetuous boy," he scolded, "Your recklessness could have cost you your life. Be glad this wasn’t a real battle, or I would be trying to heal a corpse. Learn from this, and don’t cause any trouble to your friend here."

Sun Ce, chastened but relieved, lowered his head. "Yes, sir," he mumbled, trying to hide his shame from the eyes of his father and friend.

Sun Jian stepped forward, his voice laced with gratitude, "Sir, I am Sun Jian. Thank you for mending my son's injuries and I thank you for not being too harsh on my boy."

The healer turned, his gaze meeting Sun Jian's with a quiet intensity. "I am Khan Bei," he replied, "a humble physician. My duty is to be healer to the ill and, when necessary, a teacher for the foolhardy."

Sun Jian's eyes narrowed, a flicker of curiosity in their depths. "Your skills are far from humble, Khan Bei," he remarked, "You wield a power I have never seen before."

Khan Bei's lips curved into a wry smile. "The power to heal is a gift, Lord Sun Jian," he replied, "but it is also a burden. It demands responsibility, a commitment to balance and harmony."

Sun Jian's respect for the young healer deepened. He saw in Khan Bei a rare talent, a man whose wisdom and compassion were as potent as any weapon. If such a man were to aid him in the future battles, there was a chance he could reduce their losses.

"Perhaps," Sun Jian suggested, his voice thoughtful, "your skills could be of service to my family, to my cause. Would you consider joining my ranks, Khan Bei? Your wisdom and your healing touch would be invaluable."

Khan Bei's expression remained neutral, his thoughts veiled behind his calm demeanor. He had his own quest, his own purpose to achieve.

Sun Jian, his posture radiating authority tempered by gratitude, addressed the young healer once the room cleared. "Khan Bei," he began, his voice carrying the weight of a seasoned commander, "your skills are extraordinary. You possess a rare gift, one that could greatly benefit my cause."

Khan Bei, his demeanor calm and collected, met Sun Jian's gaze with a respectful yet unwavering intensity. "My lord is generous with his praise," he replied, his voice steady, "but my skills are merely a tool, a means to an end."

Sun Jian's brow arched, intrigued. "And what is that end, Khan Bei?"

A flicker of determination crossed Khan Bei's face. "To serve a lord who values balance and compassion, a leader who doesn’t seek only power, but also the well-being of his people."

Sun Jian's interest piqued further. This young man, despite his apparent humility, held strong convictions. He was not merely a healer, but a philosopher, a strategist in his own right.

"I strive to be such a lord, Khan Bei," Sun Jian declared, his voice resonating with sincerity, "I seek to aid the Emperor as a loyal subject to the Han, to bring peace and prosperity to the people. But the path is fraught with danger, and I need men of skill and wisdom by my side."

Khan Bei's gaze sharpened, a silent challenge in his eyes. "Words are easily spoken, Lord Sun Jian," he countered, "but actions speak louder. A true leader's heart is revealed not in times of peace, but in the crucible of conflict."

Sun Jian's respect for the young healer deepened. He recognized the test within Khan Bei's words, the unspoken challenge to prove his worthiness.

"Then observe me, Khan Bei," Sun Jian declared, his voice unwavering, "Watch my actions, judge my decisions, and then decide if my cause is worthy of your service. Within a fortnight, I will march with my army to quell the Yellow Turban rebellion in the north. If you were to follow us and aid us, the casualties would be lessened and more lives would be spared.”

A subtle smile touched Khan Bei's lips. He had found a lord who was not afraid of scrutiny, a man who was willing to be tested. The path ahead was uncertain, but Khan Bei was ready to walk it, his heart open to the possibility of finding a lord who truly embodied the balance and compassion he sought. If he proved worthy, perhaps he would aid him. If not, then he would ensure to find someone worthy of his skills… and his power.