Dynasty Warriors: Strength to Change the Land
Chapter 1 of a Wei-Centric Dynasty Warriors story, enjoy.
Disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors belongs to Koei.
Chapter 1: Plots against a Tyrant
In the year 189 AD, the Han Dynasty was embroiled in serious conflicts. In 184 AD a religious man named Zhang Jiao formed the Way of Peace and an army that became known as the Yellow Turbans, they rebelled against the corrupt central government but were swiftly put down and their leaders eliminated. However five years later the Emperor died and Emperor Shao ascended the throne; however a man then came to court. That man's name was Dong Zhuo. He arrived at the capital and soon took over as the Emperor's Regent and Grand Commandant. He then deposed Emperor Shao and put Emperor Xian in his place. To ensure Emperor Shao would be unable to counteract this action Dong Zhuo secretly had the young Emperor poisoned. He then began a reign of tyranny, ruling through fear and trepidation. When not engaged in acts of terror he sated his appetite for fine food, wine and women. So it was that, towards the end of the year, after putting down a rebellion against him led by Ding Yuan, he held a large amount of power, more than any other single warlord. He enjoyed his life of luxury; leaving the affairs of state in the hands of two of his officers; Li Ru and Jia Xu. He also put two of his best military generals in charge of his own guards, Zhang Liao and Lu Bu, both defectors from Ding Yuan's army. He also gained a new lady in his court, one he was completely enraptured with; a young woman named Diaochan.
Reflecting on all of this; Wang Yun, Diaochan's adoptive father, sighed sadly. He feared greatly for the future of the Han, and more importantly, his daughter. He was lost in thought and did not realize one of his servants was approaching him until the young woman spoke.
"My lord." He jumped, startled and turned to face her. "Your guests are here." She informed him.
He let out a breath and nodded. "Thank you."
He had called several court officials in the capital to meet with him; he had taken care to ensure his guests were not loyalist of Dong Zhuo. He entered the hall and took his seat at the head of the room. All his guests had taken their seats and bowed respectfully when he came in. Wang Yun took his seat.
"Sit up, my friends." He said; after they had straightened up he observed the guests carefully.
Finally he was satisfied that none of Dong Zhuo's confederates had managed to sneak into the meeting. He straightened up and decided now was the best time to begin to share his concerns.
"Everyone; we have a serious situation; Dong Zhuo has taken over the government and perverts the state and justice." He paused. "I have called you here because we alone, do not bend the knee to that tyrant and all wish to stop him. But we must try and think of a plan, something to put a stop to the tyrant once and for all."
Silence followed Wang Yun's speech as each official looked at each other; all aware now of why they had been called forth.
Each court official looked at each other, waiting for one of the others to speak. Finally however, one man, tired of this charade spoke up.
"You all talk and posture, but you fail to act." The man said; "The matter is simple; why, Lord Wang Yun, would you have me pretend to try and get close to Dong Zhuo, if not to take advantage of it at a moment like this."
All eyes turned to the speaker; he was dressed in an indigo blue outfit with a cape; his hair and pointed beard was black as were his eyes. Wang Yun stood up.
He stepped down from the dais and approached the speaker who was now standing up. "Cao Cao; are you certain that Dong Zhuo trusts you enough for this…plan of yours to work?"
Cao Cao nodded. "I believe he does; as for my plan, I simply need to get close enough to slip a blade between his ribs, but it must be strong, and long enough to penetrate his body."
The lords murmured at this; for they knew it would be no small feat, Dong Zhuo was immensely fat. While the blade didn't need to be capable of running him through, it would need to be long and sharp enough to pierce the tyrant's heart. Wang Yun had the answer.
"You are right Cao Cao, I have a special blade; just too short to be considered a sword, but long and sharp enough for the task." He stated, "The Seven Star Sword, a great treasure, and the perfect tool for this task."
Therefore Wang Yun bade his servants to retrieve the weapon.
Once the weapon was brought forth Wang Yun presented it to Cao Cao and spoke.
"Will you, Cao Cao, bring an end to Dong Zhuo for us, and deliver our hopes?"
Cao Cao bowed, accepting the sword. "I will, Lord Wang Yun. I shall leave at once."
Wang Yun nodded and Cao Cao left the dwelling. Outside he met up with two men who served under him; both with black hair and beards with indigo blue clothing; their names were Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan; cousins of Cao Cao.
"We have work to do." He informed them. "Meet me in front of the palace, Dun, go and get our weapons, we may need them. Yuan, come with me."
They both bowed and carried out their instructions as they headed for the palace. Cao Cao belted the Seven Star Sword to his waist and prepared himself, ready to carry out his task, he was determined, no matter what happened, to slay the tyrant Dong Zhuo.
End of chapter and of story, enjoy.