My first step into a different fandom in so long. Forgive the historical incorrectness in this chapter; it was either enjoying writing the story or getting it historically perfect, so I chose the former, but it's only going to get worse, ahem; better.
Hopefully this isn't too painful a read for anyone!
Victory was simply guaranteed. After all, with such a brilliant strategist as myself leading our army; there was no chance of anything save complete success. Not even mentioning that Shu lot; they were not even close to being worthy opponents after Zhuge Liang's demise. Perhaps we should have slowed things down a touch for them, you know; made things a little fairer.
Although, everybody with even a touch of logic residing within their heads would understand that the battlefield was no place for pity.
The officers looked exhausted, but content with my – sorry, our – victory. The soldiers were talking quietly amongst themselves, but all fell silent and stood to attention as I approached.
Good.
"Lord Sima Yi, if I may compliment you on how successfully the battle went today...?"
"You may, I suppose. And yes, it did go quite well. The plan was impeccable, if I do say so myself. It would have been difficult even for you imbeciles to mess it up."
A soft laugh sounded behind me, trailing down over my skin much like the sensual caress of a lover. I had to wonder if his laugh had that effect on everybody, or if I was just particularly unfortunate in that respect. It made me want to shiver, even though it wasn't cold.
"You did beautifully, my lord."
"Thank you, Zhang He."
His bow was low and graceful, ending with a flourish and a warm smile. Around me, I could feel rather than see the soldiers' smiles; despite his, at times, odd behaviour, there was something about Zhang He that was calming.
"Don't allow yourself to get too complacent just yet. We're not finished yet."
"Wu?" The slight lilt made the word a question.
"Indeed. Until they have been defeated, our power base will not be secure. Though, I don't expect that they will prove to be much of a challenge. Idiots, the lot of them. They are nothing compared to us; we will crush them like insects into the ground."
Footsteps beside me, crunching heavily on the rocky ground. All the surrounding soldiers fell into a deep bow. Cao Pi, complete with wife.
"My, my. You really do treat this army as your own. Perhaps, now that the fight is over, it is a good time for me to tell you to remember your place."
Cao Pi is a capable enough man. A decent enough ruler. Yet, this means little when I know that I could run his army much better than he ever could.
He is a competent enough ruler for me to pledge my allegiances to, but that does not mean I do not resent him. There is only one reason I remain loyal to him, yet that one reason is enough to keep me here.
When he dies, this army will be mine.
"Yes, Lord Cao Pi."
He brushed the apology (of sorts) away with a flick of his wrist. "As usual, though, you are right. Wu needs to fall, and we can... aid them in their demise. I hope you're prepared for this, Sima Yi. This fight is perhaps the most crucial."
Another wave of the hand. I was beginning to wonder if I was his strategist or his servant.
"You are dismissed. Perhaps you should retire and prepare."
Even without being able to see it, I knew that my smile was thin.
"I am always prepared. Lord."