Disclaimer: I write this fic for fun and appreciation. I don't own Dynasty Warriors or Three Kingdoms. Koei doesn't own the history or Guanzhong's novel. Heck they're still loosening them and I write to reverse a couple of things I don't like.
A/N: I thought long and hard about making a sequel to my created scenario from Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires and here it is. Though, I'm more concerned about that one fic not updated for a long time now. Also there's that oneshot fic regarding to Ma Chao and Zhao Yun's 'companionship'…. Oh and at times I refer Lady Bian as Bian Ling, just so you'll know.
Warlords of Later Han
Chapter 1: The Waiting Game
The Han Dynasty faltered under the corruption of Dong Zhuo's regency. Yuan Shao formed the Anti Dong Zhuo Coalition until the coalition suffers internal strife forcing it to disband. Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao face off at the Battle of Changshan as the results became unexpected.
Zhao Yun led the reinforcements with the surprising aid of Taishi Ci and Lu Bu's defection. Yuan Shao's army suffers a huge blow losing half of its numbers while struggling to take Taishan Mountain from Zhang Yan who allied with Gongsun Zan against Yuan Shao.
The victorious Gongsun Zan army suffered a heavy price towards the end of their victory; their leader was slain by Wen Chou leaving the Gongsun family in peril. However, Zhao Yun succeeds Gongsun Zan and with the employment of Tian Feng, he is now the sole leader of the White Riders.
Meanwhile, Cao Cao attacks Xu Zhou after the death of his father Cao Song. Liu Bei was charged with the defense of Xia Pi. The period of long siege had exhausted the people of Xu Zhou since the massacre and some families of the victims were forced to leave Xu Zhou and move to Jing or join Yuan Shu's forces at Shouchun.
Cao Cao felt that he's leaving himself too vulnerable to Yuan Shu from the rear decided to make peace with Liu Bei leaving a vast memorial to the victims of the Xuzhou Massacre and returned home to prepare for war against Yuan Shu. In the midst of Cao Cao's army's retreat, word got out that Lu Bu, who left Jizhou to cross the Yellow River south, took Yan zhou from Cao Cao.
A frustrated Cao Cao stage a counterattack on this new threat only to suffer the same setback as Yuan Shao did at the Battle of Changshan. Lu Bu became victorious at Mountain Dingtao. To make matters worse, Liu Bei with the persuasion of Diao Chan, aided Lu Bu's forces against Cao Cao. Cao Cao was forced to flee to his new home at Xuchang with his remaining families.
Three years later, Sun Ce conquered Jiangdong for Yuan Shu, however, Yuan Shu was about to break his promise to Sun Ce, tarnishing Sun Jian's legacy….
At Jian An….
"I said I want to govern Lu Jiang after my debt to Yuan Shu been settled! Now he's declaring himself the Emperor of China and Liu Xun governing my home instead!" Sun Ce's upsetting mood fills the entire room with his father's friends and his own.
"He's only extending the inevitable, Lord Sun Ce! The people of Shun Chun are filled with refugees from Xuzhou and Yan after Cao Cao and Lu Bu's rampant. For one so irresponsible to weight all these burdens towards the people will lead to ruin," Lu Fan boldly urged.
"This does not surprise me to the slightest, Master Lu Fan. With the Imperial Seal in his gasp, he'd lose more control of himself. The capture of Jiang Dong has exceeded that limit," Zhou Yu said to Lu Fan.
"Both of your points were right on cue! I have a wonderfully irresponsible Lord! Now give me a round of applause!" Sun Ce nodded, acting hysterical over the whole thing.
"He's not my lord…" Zhou Yu scoffed.
"My services to Yuan Shu ends here, Bofu," Lu Fan blinked.
"Whatever…" Sun Ce walks into his seat on the war desk feeling no joy out of this.
"Young Lord, I urge you try and take this opportunity to stand against the traitor!" Cheng Pu pledged to the son of his best friend.
"Han Dang and I would agree," Huang Gai nodded.
A brief moment of silent leaves an eerie tension on Sun Ce. Cheng Pu calls Yuan Shu a traitor and yet, they helped Yuan Shu get into power.
"We're the traitors now," Sun Ce uttered.
Han Dang facepalmed, Huang Gai grunted and Cheng Pu let out a loud sigh.
"People are living in despotism against their will, Bofu," Lu Fan shot back.
"I had nothing to do with it," Sun Ce glared at Lu Fan.
"So where does that leave us?" Zhou Yu asked.
"Nowhere, I think it's time I consider retirement and talk with mother about it," Sun Ce crossed his arms remaining lax over the matter.
"Then the people of Jiang Dong are doomed, brother!" Sun Quan showed up with Zhou Tai after overhearing the news on Yuan Shu's proclamation.
"Are they my people, Quan? Here, you can lead those 'people' while I remain here as an observer. You know, being a hermit not so bad. Lu Fan, Gongjin and I can play Weiqi all day while you're at it," Sun Ce teased at his brother and gives him their father's sword.
"This is serious, Ce! I've heard about it from Yu Fan and the provincial supervisors here! Why aren't we deploying the troops?" Sun Quan's anger only raises more tension inside the room. Sun Quan felt even more insulted that his brother giving away the leadership to him so soon.
"Calm down, Quan. It's not the end of the world. Just the fact that we have an irresponsible Lord declaring himself a pretender and I'm here discussing it with the folks," Sun Ce shrugged.
"We're discussing his semi retirement also," Zhou Yu teased back at his best friend.
"Hey, take that back! Where were you when I needed you with Lu Fan as my strategist?!" Sun Ce gave a look at Gongjin.
"They're joking at the council," Han Dang shook his head disappointed.
Cheng Pu didn't leave his eyes on Sun Ce. After Sun Jian's death everything been passed towards his brother Sun Jing and then given to Ce after he made peace with his father's death. Cheng Pu has high hopes for Sun Ce, but there's some pressure shown from the Heir to The Tiger of Jiang Dong.
"Are we going to fight or are we going to let those people suffer, brother?" Sun Quan asked.
"We're still discussing it. Everyone wants me to attack the man who made me an official general and now that man broken my promises," Sun Ce explained to his brother calmly.
"I know you're upset with that, Ce. I stand with those who will fight, now as my Lord, you must accept it," Sun Quan demanded.
"….."
"His brother appears to be wise for his age, I'm impressed with both of Sun brothers," Lu Fan thought.
"Give me time to think about it. Look, I understand that Yuan Shu must pay, but I also must pay my own price. My loyalty and devotion to my father's legacy is taking a hit right now," Sun Ce sighed.
Several moments after debating during the council, Sun Ce calls it a day and went to pay a visit to someone who will be his most important person in his life.
At Ye…..
Jizhou had a brief moment of peace after the Battle of Changshan and Beihai. Zhao Yun is the Governor of Jizhou and the administration work is challenge of patience. With the guidance of the scholars and nobles, he had no trouble giving assignments to the granary. Also, Zhen Ji shows her support as a noble helping with smaller tasks that doesn't prosecute her racial status as a female.
Tian Feng meanwhile is planning the military expedition. They have to rescue the Han emperor from Li Jue in order to maintain stability towards the central government and the well being of the people. So far the drafting been positive, these new troops are being drilled under officers formerly served Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao. Taishi Ci is at the port of Bo Hai establishing a navy there. These are the first military administrations under Zhao Yun and that's the easy parts to deliberate.
And now the hard part, Zhao Yun's background is still being debated by his doubters outside. Who is Zhao Yun? Why did he succeed and not Gongsun Xu? Gongsun Xu is there serving him right now.
"Zilong, don't let it bother you. I miss my father, but those men don't care about how much my father suffered after what happened between Liu Yu and him," Gongsun Xu said while he and Zhao Yun are walking around the main town of Ye inspecting the public there.
"I'm more concerned of spies than the opinions of my doubters, Xu," Zhao Yun said. He feels so assuring of his new position. Liu Bei supporting him, Tian Feng supporting him and Taishi Ci is supporting him.
After returning from his visit with Zhen Ji's brother, he thought about clearing up his mysterious background. As complicating as it is, Zhao Yun wasn't born untalented. He never visit any of the fortune tellers, he make his own fortune. Zhao Yun is wise, but he can't tell anyone who his teacher was. He knows Liu Bei and Gongsun Zan's teacher like an idol who fought and defeated Zhang Jiao. But, the public opinion is, 'Zhao Yun is a nobody'. His father, he could only cringe to the past and his struggles with the military a decade ago.
"I'm surprised about Yan Rou joining us after all the trouble he did to take Bei Ping with the Wuwan. When will he come to Ye?" Gongsun Xu asked.
"Yan Rou is bringing the Wuwan chieftain here. We need to counsel with Tian Feng about one private matter that must be settled before saving his majesty at Chang An," Zhao Yun informed.
"What kind of private matter, Zhao Yun?" Gongsun Xu looked at him curiously.
"Do you know the Han loyalist Cai Yong?" Zhao Yun asked.
"Yes, father told me about Cai Yong. Wasn't he the renowned calligrapher of the Han?" Gongsun Xu said with surprise.
"The same guy I'm talking about. I'm looking into the condition of his daughter Cai Yan who is also called Wenji by the tribes. This is a matter discussed with Lady Zhen," Zhao Yun nodded.
"But that means war with the northern tribes!" Gongsun Xu stopped walking and Zhao Yun did the same to discuss with it.
"I want to avoid a war with them, but the situation regarding to Cai Wenji remains a priority. If we get Cai Wenji back into Han territory, all the doubters and remaining nobles will keep quiet," Zhao Yun explained it.
Gongsun Xu worries that this might create more problems. Hopefully what his father had failed, Zhao Yun will make it up to the mistakes his father wronged.
"How will Master Tian make up the situation? Cai Wenji to the soldiers, see her as just another woman," Gongsun Xu questioned the purpose of Wenji's fate.
"Start a war with Wuwan and the other tribes and we'll miss the opportunity to save Emperor Xian," Zhao Yun throwback the words of Tian Feng's warning.
"Then I hope we succeed in talking with the Wuwan chieftain and then it's the Xiongnu. If we convince the Wuwan into allying with us, it'll force the Xiongnu to give up Cai Yan," Gongsun Xu and ZhaoYun resume their walk through the street.
'I hope so…." Zhao Yun said. He can't go back his word with Zhen Ji. All she know of Cai Yan was the poem that secretly delivered into the Han territory a few years ago that foretold her loneliness and living in different ethnic customs. Zhen Ji's brother found out about it.
At the palace of Ye castle…
"My lady, why did you bother to tell Zhao Yun about Cai Yan?" Ziyan winced.
Zhen Ji didn't check her servant's uncomfortable look regarding to what happened earlier on the way here. Zhao Yun agreed to Zhen Ji's request to save Cai Wenji from her asylum in Xiongnu territory. It was not easy per say. Zhao Yun wants to restore the Han Dynasty and he will need the support of the nobles more so than the people. However, Cai Yan's tragedy is spreading and she can't bear to see a woman fated to such loneliness for a long time. So, the priority to saving Cai Yan can help give the nobles a different opinion.
"It's important for Zilong to understand tragedy from everywhere, not just the people. Both the rich and poor are suffering, I don't want those doubters seeing Zhao Yun on a one sided argument because of his background," Zhen Ji explained as to why she told him about it.
"You only pity Cai Yan because she's a poet and a woman," Ziyan gave her mistress an annoyed look.
"She's a very important woman. I'm wish I was as important as her because her words echoed with such refinement to tragedy and sorrow. Those are qualities to writing," Zhen Ji smiled.
"I think you're more important to me…" Ziyan sighed.
"You think? What am I to this land? Another beauty bound to get deflowered," Zhen Ji said.
"No wonder you made your mother frustrated right now. We're stuck in Ye doing woman things while the men continue to kill, steal, and lie," Ziyan grunted.
"It's the only way to escape a faulty marriage. My relationship with Zhao Yun remains a priority. You can leave me and return to mother. I thought about freeing you from slavery, Ziyan," Zhen Ji still not looking at Ziyan's face while checking through scrolls of petitions.
"You know I couldn't leave, I serve you now. We both left Mother Zhang, so speaking of what we're going to do, shall I check out the gossip around the palace?" Ziyan suggested her mistress.
"Anything on the nobles opinion, please do. Oh, one more thing, see to the people's opinion too. My time here is active. Petitions on farms, the Black Mountains threats, and heaven knows what else the council has to deal with kept me reading overnight. I think I'm becoming a real female official," Zhen Ji happily replied.
"I'll sing along the way there," Ziyan cheerily left for her duties.
"Singing…" Ziyan already left when Zhen Ji remembered the song they sang on the way here. "Now that she mentions it, I should start thinking up a song for Yun, but I want to train more with my martial arts."
There are so many options for her, but the one thing she's thinking about is finishing that lesson with Zhao Yun. Lately, she's been having difficulty learning to be hard to kill without resorting to killing. She wants to show the same virtuous mercy towards her foes as Zhao Yun did. The rule of war is kill or be killed. She's civilian, but now associate with Zhao Yun's military force.
"Lady Zhen, it's Zhang He, may I enter?" Zhang He requested his presence to Zhen Ji.
"Yes, you may. Why did you want to see me, Junyi? Zhao Yun is outside the town inspecting," Zhen Ji looked at Zhang He surprised.
"It's about him. You told him about Cai Yan….," Zhang He winced.
"Yes I did, he's going to save her," Zhen Ji boldly stated.
"He wants to save the Han. Cai Yan is an exterior matter that doesn't have anything to do with this war," Zhang He shakes his head distraught at her answer.
"So, what of it? The Wuwan and the Xiongu is a serious matter that leaves this country open for more conflict. To be honest, it has a lot to do with the nobles one sided criticism on Zilong. Saving Cai Yan might change that," Zhen Ji said.
"But, then we'll need to make a large ransom in order to get her back…" Zhang He sighed. "You do know our military resources aren't as huge since Zilong now the lord of this region."
"Are the other officers aware of this?" Zhen Ji gaze turned into a look of curious.
"Yes! Going to war over a woman?!" Zhang He started at her.
"Men…." Zhen Ji glared out the right side directly where the military barracks is stationed.
"Luo, it's serious! Cai Yan is just a woman while the Emperor is very important. He's still being captive by scoundrels like Li Jue and the other Dong Zhuo remnants! I do feel great pity for Cai Wenji, but this personal matter must wait, saving the Han Emperor comes first," Zhang He retorted.
"Without the nobles support, Junyi?!" Zhen Ji urged back at Zhang He.
"….., Zhao Yun isn't just dealing with the nobles, Luo" Zhang He sighed.
"Exactly, I've read the petitions. They doubt a lot out of his talent because of his mysterious background. These preposterous words about him irritate me to no end. I know him best since I was a little girl. He's not some mindless barbarian that Yuan Shao spreads his propaganda at Zilong since the war with Gongsun Zan started!" Zhen Ji said.
"You really think this will work? Then I must give a modest explanation on the next council," Zhang He prepares to leave the room until Zhen Ji spoke again.
"No, I will. It's time I reveal myself to the entire council that I'm one of his advisors to civil affairs now. No longer have they seen me as a little girl waiting to be bachelorette to," She's been dwelling at her home on her entire childhood getting resourceful with these things until now. It's time that the people descend to suffer from the purge of Han governmental discrepancy must be saved. Cai Wenji is one of them because the Imperial Army failed to secure people like her.
"My lady…, I hope you know what you're doing," Zhang He though as he follows her quietly without arguing her farther.
While they're walking out of her quarters, "Junyi, I know his majesty is more important than a Cai Yong daughter, but we must help our childhood friend prove he's more compatible of anything the nobles doubt."
Zhang He nods while thinking over the census. Beating Yuan Shao doesn't change the nobles' opinion on Zhao Yun. He didn't think this thoroughly because Yuan Shao was so powerful since before the coalition. It's not just Benchou's military might and acquisition of personnel that many followed, but that damnable background of his. Yuan Shao's officers are all Han loyalists with decent background including his own. What Yuan Shao has is the fatal flaw Zhao Yun had.
At Chen Liu…
"Chen Gong! I want to fight Cao Cao right now and take Xu Chang. This waiting is taxing!" Lu Bu shouted from the hall where his officers are also growing impatient except Zhang Liao.
Chen Gong at the room with the newly employed civil secretaries, Mao Jie and Sima Lang the brother of Sima Yi. They only agreed to join Lu Bu for civil and political reasons. Lu Bu should be lucky they're not with Cao Cao right now.
"Just wait alittle longer! Cao Cao isn't going anywhere without limiting the amount of enemies he's making. According to my spies, he's trying to get an alliance with Liu Biao to defend himself against Yuan Shu," Chen Gong called back.
"This waiting is looking bad for our troops…." Gao Shun sighed.
"Take careful considerations; Cao Cao is not to be underestimated. If Chen Gong says we wait, we will wait till the time is right. By the way, Lord Chen Gong, shall we proceed the rescue of the Emperor?" Zhang Liao said.
"Not yet," Chen Gong answered to Zhang Liao.
"Doing farms bores Lu Bu, Wenyuan. You know this, I know this, the whole of Lu Bu's army knows Lord Fengxian HATES politics," Gao Shun said annoyed.
"I know…" Zhang Liao glared back.
"Gongtai, it's fascinating how you can control such a beast while we allowed ourselves to work with him," Sima Lang said bewildered.
"Indeed, I know his personality better than anyone in this land, even Diao Chan. The guy still has A LOT to learn. Defeating Cao Cao isn't going to be enough to solidify his position…" Chen Gong nodded sadly.
"Besides that, the nobles have yet to abide the new governor out of intimidation. My word, Gongtai, will you allow a tutor for Lu Bu just so he can be more..." Mao Jie turns to see Lu Bu outside frighten the officials and sighed.
"I know, he'll learn as he listens to me at all times! Diplomatic affairs are the reason you two are being tasked here," Chen Gong smiled dandy.
"Very well, we'll do our utmost to stabilize Yan in his services," Sima Lang and Mao Jie bowed. They soon went to carry out civil duties with the officials.
Lu Bu furious presence shows while his chief advisor quietly scanning a scroll. Lu Bu cannot tolerate this waiting game so he begins to speak.
"Chen Gong, when will we fight? Cao Cao is hiding at Xuchang like a coward. He won't fight me to the death as a warrior! Li Jue is getting his lazy arse plundering at Chang An! We have the resources, we have a vast army! Let us fight!" Lu Bu's halberd slammed the floor giving Chen Gong a comedic look.
"Our attendants have been working hard to clean the floors, Fengxian. Calm down and look into our solution. Cao Cao will not be able to move his army until his surroundings are secure. According to our spies, he's trying to form an alliance with Liu Biao. It may cost him because of his notoriety at Xu Zhou. There were refugees from Xuzhou at Jing. Think about it. He's putting his entire force in peril if this alliance fails," Chen Gong informed his Lord. "That and we still need more personnel to stabilize our territory. You also have to act proper with these men I'm employing for civil services and the nobles."
"Meh, they're weak people, Chen Gong. Are they even worth my time and my ambitions for a land of might?" Lu Bu said.
"A kingdom isn't build by might alone," Chen Gong stated.
"HAHAHAAHAH! Look around us Gongtai! Every single opponent is looking for a challenge! They're building armies and strong men to face us! There's no room for the weak and useless," Lu Bu scoffed.
"You need the people's trust to build the strongest force this land will bow before your unequal might, my 'friend'," Chen Gong blinked.
"I want the strong, Gongtai. Don't make me have to force myself to deploy the troops to Yuzhou under any circumstances. Know this; I want Cao Cao's head so the land will know who is the strongest!" Lu Bu takes his halberd and stormed out of the room.
"Strongest or the dumbest, it's either that or the other, Fengxian. Cao Cao is trying to expose our weakness to politics…" Chen Gong let out a deep breath. A land of might is going to take some time to build.
At Xu Chang….
Cao Cao's men are surrounding the huge room with him sitting on his chair reading the letter from Liu Biao. It says that an alliance will be appreciated, but there's a price to pay. Liu Biao demands a hostage to serve him.
"Who does he think he is!? That lazy fool never once did anything for the coalition, let alone, he stays idle during the chaos living in luxury!" Xiahou Dun complained.
"It's probably about our stint at Xu Zhou. Somebody must be from Xu Zhou during the massacre is to be serving Liu Biao by now and proposed it," Guo Jia commented.
"Hmph…so be it. I got nothing to lose now. With this alliance our enemies have lessened," Cao Cao got up and prepares to pick a hostage for Liu Biao.
"But, Mengde!" Xiahou Dun blocked his cousin's way looking frustrated with him.
"I've made my decision. I've sacrificed so much to keep our families alive from that beast, Yuanrang. Step aside," Cao Cao ordered.
"Who are you going to send to Liu Biao? I'm not serving that worthless swine!" Xiahou Dun protested.
Cao Cao turns his deathly glare at Yu Jin. Yu Jin the first thing on his mind.
"What?! No...My lord I want to continue fighting for you!" Yu Jin begged.
"And run?" Cao Cao soundly phrased.
"But, we were losing at Dingtao and I escorted you with a horse!" Yu Jin remembers trying to save his lord from Lu Bu when they're retreating, but he never thought of staying behind to secure his retreat. He fled with him and the others had to fight their way out.
"I thought you would stay behind and guard my retreat. No, I will not send you to Liu Biao…." Cao Cao then turns back to Xiahou Dun, "Step aside, Yuanrang. I will not choose you to go either. You are my right arm."
"Yuan?"
"No"
"Li Dian"
"If he wants to work with Liu Biao temporary, but he's not what I had in mind," Cao Cao then passes through Xiahou Dun and turns to his other cousin.
"If you'd like me to be Liu Biao's hostage, I'd gladly accept for the stake of our current situation, my lord." Cao Ren bowed.
"No, you have your own family to look out, Zixiao. They are your walls…" Cao Cao walked pass Cao Ren and left the council.
Outside the hall, Xun Yu came forward, "I was the reason you lost your former home. You can take me to Liu Biao. He usually lacks a talent of higher caliber besides the Kuai clan, Cai Mao, Xiang Lang."
Cao Cao stopped him, "Not you, you are my Xiao He."
"….." Xun Yu grunted. He does not take the comparison very well. He is the best advisor to his lord and now had his lord's home loss.
"I'll be back," Cao Cao heads towards the quarters of Lady Bian.
Xun Yu let out a deep breath and thought hard on his failure, "You're not blaming me aren't you Mengde?"
At Cao Cao's estate…
Cao Zhi is just an innocent boy with a love for his favorite pi. Today he's learning to write with his mother. The first set of characters he drew is recognizable, but with this type of sloppy calligraphy, he's only a novice.
He show his writing to his mother smiling, "Ma?"
His mother looked at his writing and cherishes it. As he smiled adorably, they heard footsteps from the hall towards the room they are in. Cao Cao enters with his eyes set at the little boy who in turn look grim.
Cao Cao gaze at his most loved woman and said, "I see you've been teaching him how to write."
He didn't smile, nor is a time he should smile at the boy's rising talent because he's about to bring the bad news.
"Yes, are you here to provide him a tutor like you gave Pi?" Lady Bian's face appears calm as she awaits her husband's answer.
"He won't be studying here. I've made my decision on behalf of Lord Liu Biao for acquisition," Cao Cao said. Soon the atmosphere of the pair slowly glows eerie.
"What?" She does not know what he meant by 'acquisition'.
"I'm sending a hostage to Liu Biao as an arrangement for our alliance. He will study at Xiang Yang. Guo Jia will be escorting him to Jingzhou and finalize our alliance," Cao Cao explained the news to his starting wife.
"You're sending him away from me?" Bian Ling's voice raised looking worry.
"He's going to live in Jing for a while and study there," Cao Cao scanned his eyes on both his fourth son and his favorite wife.
"But, he's still a child growing up! What about Cao Ang?!" Lady Bian protested.
"Ang one of my officers who is going to help me through this difficult challenge. We're at war, Ling," Cao Cao called the guards at the hall and they came forward preparing to escort Cao Zhi.
"I'm willing to protect Zhi from harm whenever we're being attacked by that horrid beast," Lady Bian stood in front of her son before the guards came closer to the child.
Cao Cao let out his breath seemly pastured by his wife's refusal, "This is for Zhi's own good. Pi and Zhang are ready to learn war. Zhang already training melee combat with Dian Wei while Cao Pi acting as a leader to the sons of my officers. If Cao Zhi loves to write, then he might study aboard to become a literate figure."
"Aren't Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, Fengxiao, and Man Chong good enough to tutor Zhi?" Lady Bian shook her head as she continues to resist the guards.
The guards were soon allowed to use force on his wife and snatched Cao Zhi from her. The boy appears terrify and shout to his mother.
"Calm down, we'll be expecting great things from him when he goes to Jing. I assure you he'll be treated well in amidst the chaos…" Cao Cao wanted to comfort his wife, but she now burst into tears leaving a brief moment of silence.
When he prepares to leave with Zhi, his son speak up, "Pa do you not like me?"
Then he pause as his wife hold her breath covering her mouth in utter shock. Cao Zhi is just an innocent boy.
"Are you afraid, Zhi? If you are afraid, then you are weak. I don't like weak people," Cao Cao coldly answered.
"He's just a kid…" Lady Bian muttered.
"And kids rebound," Cao Cao said and then took Zhi's hand and left the room with him.
Bian Ling slowly felt to the floor shuddering and heartache. He took her favorite son away. Knowing her husband might one day bear her another child, she doesn't have the will to raise another child like Zhi.
Next Chapter: Emperor Yuan Shu
