(I can't believe I'm saying this but) much thanks to my DW-fanatic brother who provided me with lots of background info and the like. So, please, Read (and enjoy) and Review!
(( Disclaimer )) I do not own Dynasty Warriors
Five Days
Chapter I: It's simply diabolical
The Lady Zhen sat in front of the vanity, being tended to by her handmaidens as she stared at her seething reflection. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly, draining much of her frustrations along with it. Men, she thought in mild disgust, glowering once more. She had been tired and occasionally frustrated with the dominating male company she was subjected to. Once again, they had shown their foolishness. Well, one of them did. What both infruriated and saddened her the most is that it was the one - the only one - who mattered. She inclined her head as a rap on the door was heard. She distractedly made a vague gesture at one of her maids to answer the door. Half-expecting it to be her husband, she spoke when she sensed her visitor was close enough.
"Surely you didn't come to apologize, My Lord. You're above such things." Zhen Ji spoke softly with a faint scoff – an open expression of disgust while her eyes softened.
"My Lady," A different voice answered, strangely delicate and soft; definitely not Cao Pi. "Lord Cao Pi is still in the study, but soon enough, he will come groveling at your feet for forgiveness upon the realization of his mistake." A laugh. "I should know. I heard him berating his strategist for that incident at dinner."
Zhen Ji smiled and looked over her shoulder; the smile hid the mild disappointment she felts upon realization that it wasn't her husband after all. "Ah yes, I did call for you, didn't I?" She gave a dainty laugh. "Leave us." The Lady ordered her maids. When they had gone, she picked up a hair brush. "Enter, Zhang He. And leave the formalities at the door." She smirked at him and held out the brush.
The graceful general smiled at her. General Zhang He is not only one of the top generals of Wei – despite his… appearance – but is also the Lady Zhen's friend. He had found more comfort in her camaraderie than with the other generals who were convinced that Zhang He was a woman trapped in a man's body. But who are they to know any better, she had comforted him, they're men who only knew of battle and nothing of refinement and hold no appreciation of splendor. In fact, she prefers his company even when out shopping; both her body guard and her shopping companion. Her maids can be very tedious, approving of anything the Lady Zhen approves. Zhang He, on the other hand is an excellent source of opinion for topics ranging from strategy to which drapes to use in the palace interiors. In fact, he's also her spy when it comes to meetings that she is not allowed to participate in, being her the only woman in a company whose majority is composed of chauvinistic males.
Laughing, he took the brush and ran it down the empress' silken hair which was as beautiful as his own. "My lady, do you not have your maids for this job?" He teased lightly.
Zhen Ji pouted at him playfully. "It takes one whohasknowledge of delicate matters to take care of another who does, correct?"
The general laughed again, "Touché."
"So what is it that you were saying about my husband scolding his own strategist?" She looked at him through the reflection.
"Ah," He pursed his lips in amusement, "Quite simply put, it seems that Lord Cao Pi felt the need to blame somebody for his mistake."
"It was his fault," She grumbled.
"My lady shouldn't scowl like that. It's quite frightening." He scolded.
"Hush," Zhen Ji admonished, "What else?"
"Well, when I passed by the door, Sima Yi was telling Lord Cao Pi that he'll think of ways that will win back the Lady's favor…"
"You mean he can't do it himself and others must think of ways to help him." Zhen Ji snapped and stood up, startling Zhang He. She walked over to the balcony and gazed at the darkening horizon. "He's so tactless…" She murmured, shutting her eyes briefly as a sigh escaped her. In a tone of supressed emotions, "A simple apology isn't that hard to say, is it?"
Zhang He placed the brush down. "My lady, if you would just let me finish…" He smiled, "I had thought it would be quite amusing to watch as I doubt if neither knows anything about wooing a woman properly - especially one such as yourself. In fact, your husband seems to be aware of this and dismissed his strategist's plans. I think I know whowill beasked next; no matter how reluctant he is, I think he'll do it, after all, he did say he'll do anything. I could help you, my lady, into getting Lord Cao Pi to realize that he must do this himself. The hard way, of course."
"You mean I sit back and enjoy, watching my dear husband with his attempts?" Zhen Ji inclined her head, raising an eyebrow.
"I hope it wasn't too bold of me to say," The general quickly apologized, "I just thought the more Lord Cao Pi does these things, the more my Lady would realize that he was telling the truth when he said he'll do anything. Although you must give him a chance, I think he may be uncomfortable with this and it will test his resolve. Which should be good enough proof that he didn't mean what he had said."
Zhen Ji paused and brought a hand up to her carefully rouged lips as she heard the general's last words. Did he really say that? It was absolutely tempting, "My poor husband... It's simply diabolical," She laughed.
She smirked at Zhang He, "And what's in it for you?"
The general mocked a gasp and brought a melodramatic hand to his chest, "I only wish for the lady's happiness." He paused thoughtfully, "And an opinion about this lovely tunic I saw in town the other day. Which reminds me, I also saw an exquisite gown that is simply to die for; it's meant for you and only you to wear. I've already made arrangements for that article. Men around here need some distraction every now and then."
(( A/N )) Heh. Next chapter will involve a flash back and Cao Pi's side of the story. Anyway, don't forget the Review!