Disclaimer: I don't own Dynasty Warriors/ 3 Kingdoms.
A/N: The PC version of Rot3k 11 has a scenario editor. This what if? Scenario came into my mind while checking out the Chinese 3k forums with my trusty web translator. It's a two part story. Oh and the whole "Searching for a lord worthy to serve" in Zhao Yun's personal is the fiction. He historically wanted to join the Coalition against Dong Zhuo and now stuck with the commotion on Ji Zhou(His land) and Han Fu's annex which leads him to meet Liu Bei at Jie Qiao. And Zhao Yun has a weakness. He's not perfect either. How could he be perfect if he didn't liberate his ancestral land? He's the different to Sun Ce. How can Zhao Yun be perfect if he choose the hard way of life? Conscience leads to imperfection. That's his greatest weakness. He's too loyalty and too good to be a minority while taking careful steps in his life not crossing the line of tyranny. He already betrayed Yuan Shao, however nothing changed to his favor. He was too naive and historians don't even give a crap about Zhao Yun as are other people out there in the community who don't give a damn makes poor Zhen Ji cry a lot at her grave.
What If Zhao Yun Revives The Coalition? Part 1 of 2
Near Ji Zhou…
Yuan Shao's army left Luo Yang and return to Ji zhou where he awaits his next plan. The outbreak between the coalition lead to several distrust with the governor fractions. One such person in Yuan Shao's mind is Sun Jian. The fool presume he'll leave with an excuse while he learned the Tiger of Jiang Dong possess the Imperial Seal. The rest is the minority, but he and Cao Cao got into an argument on replacing Emperor Xian because he wasn't the late Emperor Ling's biological son and wanted Liu Yu to take the position in the throne.
"What a bunch of complainers and I'm the one who came up with the best plan to save the Han from that disgrace of a human being Dong Zhuo. Sun Jian dares lie to me about the Imperial Seal, since Liu Biao already have his men attacking him. I have one less problem to deal with than Jiang Dong trash," Yuan Shao said.
"Your Excellency, only you can put the coalition back together and bring retribution to the Han against Dong Zhuo," Feng Ji bowed.
"Indeed! The Yuan family has flourish for generations in courtesy with my great leadership to the Coalition!" Yuan Shao salute to the heavens when he praised.
"We don't fear Lu Bu! Wen Chou and I shall prove our might to the glorious Yuan army!" Yan Liang bragged.
"….." Tian Feng is at a loss of words. This is no time to be getting full of themselves. They must bring the coalition back together. If it wasn't for his lord's high ego, it could have gotten worst before.
"Tian Feng, remind me the privilege to continue serving me. Your wisdom is needed this time since Cao Cao will no longer advise me," Yuan Shao looked at Tian Feng when the strategist stare at him puzzled.
"Why of course, I will do my best of abilities to lead us toward victory. That is if the other guys aren't complaining of my favor…." Tian Feng glare at the other ministers who scoffed at him.
A few hours later, the scout arrive at the camp to bring the news to his lord on the situation in Ye. Yuan Shao is looking to station his men at Ye so he can expand the military in preparations for another campaign against Dong Zhuo.
"Lord Yuan Shao, word got out that Ju Shou and Xun Chen are discontent with Han Fu," the scout reported.
"Han Fu is governing Ye. He isn't fit to control such a prosperous city now that this is an opportunity. Men!?" Yuan Shao called his officers into the tent.
They all went inside to hear what their lord has to say. The figure Qu Yi is there couldn't wait to contribute this deed.
"As you all know, we're insuffience on supplies and there's this great city of Ye right before us. I will ask permission from Han Fu to use his city as a base of operations for our military. I only want one man to be the emissary," Yuan Shao scanned and sees one man come forward and bow to him.
"Allow me, my lord!" Qu Yi said.
"Qu Yi? Very well, you shall go to Ye as the envoy," Yuan Shao nodded. Qu Yi bowed and carry out his orders.
"My lord, you're not planning to set Han Fu up are you not?" Tian Feng questioned.
"Why not? He's pathetic. You know anyone in this province acknowledge Han Fu?" Yuan Shao glared at his strategist.
"There isn't anyone who look up to that man as their leader," Guo Tu said.
"Han Fu is incompetent, my lord," Feng Ji nodded.
"Besides Ye's defenses is impregnable. We should take it ourselves without force," Shen Pi crossed his arms grinning.
"Anyone else know why Ye is too good for Han Fu?" Yuan Shao cleared his throat.
"……" the audience speak no more to the matter.
"Yeeesss, now prepare our army to move to Ye as soon as Qu Yi returns. Oh and did my message to Gongsun Zan dispatched?" Yuan Shao ordered.
"Yes, my lord. The messenger already left earlier to Bei Ping," Tian Feng sighed.
"Good work! I knew I can count on you," Yuan Shao rubbed his beard.
Outside behind the tent…
Zhao Yun overheard the conversation to his surprise. He can't believe this all has been an excuse to make him more known through his reputation. Already he was the grand commander of the Anti Dong Zhuo Coalition and Zhao Yun was very late in the party. He just got recruited the moment he found Yuan Shao encamped at Bai Ma Kou thanks to Wen Chou.
"So, he's plotting to set up two governors against each other letting the latter surrender his city to Yuan Shao for protection…What a clever faker. This scheme must not go as fulfilled," Zhao Yun thought. He quickly went to his white horse and rides his way to Ye fast.
He only learn a few things about what happened at the Coalition. Why would the region lords quit so soon when there are still many out there who want to take Dong Zhuo and his hordes out of the Imperial Court? They can't replace the now Emperor Xian since that will cause even worst matters.
Inside Ye castle…
Han Fu been comfortable with his position and his family are living peaceful at the estate. He has less personnel in his ranks. Ju Shou, Xun Chen, and Xin Pi are his advisors. He already loss Pan Feng due to a duel against Lu Bu. Xin Ping and Zhang He are his only officers who lead the van.
"We need more officers, but who will do the task of hiring?" Han Fu said to himself. He went to the official and instruct him to bring his officers to the audience.
Later…
"Now I will like to hear your opinions on gathering talent into our ranks. If anyone has a good suggestion, speak," Han Fu said.
His officers exchange looks and they murmur. Xun Chen and Ju Shou are speaking to each other in secret.
"He's hopeless…" Xun Chen whispered.
"We can't continue to leave Ye like this. The city needs a competent ruler. Lord Yuan Shao is already planning to make his arrival at Ye," Ju Shou whispered back.
"Xun Chen, Ju Shou, what are you to whispering about? Do you have a suggestion?" Han Fu look at the two suspicious.
"Umm, we can write a petition and set it on the board across the marketplace. If anyone reads it they will gladly come into the castle looking to employ into our ranks," Xun Chen suggested.
"I know! How about a beautiful tournament bringing some of the toughest men to participate," Zhang He said.
"We don't have enough funds to make such things," Xin Pi glared at Zhang He.
Everyone nodded in shame.
"That's it? I can't think of what to decide…" Han Fu sighed.
"Because you're a horrible governor…" Ju Shou thought.
"After the Coaliton was dissolved, many lords return to their posts and are planning to expand their influence. I say why don't we concentrate on military reforms," Xin Ping advised.
"It worries me to improvise our military. That Lu Bu is such a demon out there! Oh Pan Feng…" Han Fu whimpered.
"That's why Lu Bu is all brawl, not brains you moron," Xun Chen thought.
"Heavens, this is pathetic, Xun Chen. Lets carry out our plot to remove him once Qu Yi returns," Ju Shou whispered.
"Certainly…" Xun Chen sighed.
Meanwhile at night…
Qu Yi begin speaking to the two ministers about the plan to remove Han Fu from his office and place Yuan Shao as the new Governor of Ji zhou.
"Lord Yuan Shao will be here tomorrow morning and the messenger to Gongsun Zan will arrive soon. If we can convince Han Fu to allow Yuan Shao to station his army at Ye, we'll carry out the plan to remove him. The other officers of his who aren't involve will have no choice, but to submit to the great Yuan Shao," Qu Yi said.
"Excellent, we'll be joining Yuan Shao shortly," Xun Chen grinned.
"Han Fu is till idiotic to find out about this, this shall be a quick annex," Ju Shou laughed.
However, Zhao Yun is already in Ye. He is hiding behind the bushes hearing the three men bad mouthing Han Fu's uselessness. No one found out about the plot? Well, Zhao Yun has seen enough and decide his best course of action. Enter the castle and request an audience with the Governor of Ji zhou.
At Chang Sha…
Sun Jian is furious of Liu Biao's actions. He had returned to Chang Sha after a struggling retreat from Liu Biao's army. His son is standing there crossing his arms next to Zhou Yu. His second wife Wu Guotai, the sister of his first wife, is carrying the newly born daughter Sun Shang Xiang.
"Listen my friends, we can't let this humiliation stood by! We shall depart in the morning and attack Liu Biao. Yuan Shu may already be thinking about attacking Liu Biao at the rear," Sun Jian said.
"My lord, I agree with you on the expedition, but is it a good idea to get Yuan Shu's aid?" Cheng Pu shrugged.
"After that excuse he brought up at Si Su Gate, I don't think he can be trusted anymore. You did serve him long ago," Zhou Yu said.
"You don't know half of it, Zhou Yu. Yuan Shu been using my father's credible for his own fame at the Yellow Turban Campaign," Sun Ce said.
"So in other words, Yuan Shu doesn't do much at Yellow Turbans and neither in the Anti Dong Zhuo Coalition. It was all your father's doings," Zhou Yu grinned.
"Huang Gai prepare to drill the troops with Han Dang," Sun Jian ordered.
"Zhu Zhi and I will take care of civil matters when you depart," Sun Jing said.
"Very well. My son and Zhou Yu will carry out the recruitments. I want some brave men to help my cause. We loss those who follow me on my quest to restore the Han from that traitor Dong Zhou," Sun Jian said.
"What should we do with this?" Wu Jing, who is Sun Jian's brother in law showed the Imperial Seal.
"That is something I must take it back to it's rightful owner. But, that fool Yuan Shao accused me of being a traitor to the Han when the seal was found," Sun Jian sighed.
"All that haughty numbskull wanted is the seal so he can get more people on his side!" Han Dang urged.
"I wonder if Lady Liu is proud of this," Wu Guotai rolleyed.
Zhou Yu passionately look at the adorable baby Shang Xiang and tickle her. She giggle and her brother look at her happily.
"We must not delay, now carry on tigers!" Sun Jian commanded.
Back in Ye castle…
Han Fu has no idea what is going to happen to his position. He playfully stir his drink and glance at the reflection. He sighed knowing this is a troubled crisis with Dong Zhuo still making a run for the country. Cursed himself for his indecisiveness, he waved at the attendant.
"Summon, Xun Chen into the audience," Han Fu ordered.
"Forget about him, I will like to grant an audience with you instead, Lord Han Fu," Zhao Yun voice took the governor by surprise.
"And you are?" Han Fu looked at him suspicious.
"Zhao Yun of Chang Shan," Zhao Yun announced himself.
"Chang Shan, Zhao? What brings you here? You're not one of us," Han Fu looked at the young man confused.
"I was recruited into Yuan Shao's ranks in order to participate the Anti Dong Zhuo coalition, but due to my late arrival, Yuan Shao's army hauled back to Ji zhou. Later, I overheard a plot that had something to do with you, my lord," Zhao Yun answered.
"A plot against me?! Why wasn't I notified by my ministers?!" Han Fu choked.
"Please hear me out, my lord? I will help you get through this with a counter plan," Zhao Yun begged.
"Sigh, go on. I'll follow your advice since my men can't be trusted anymore," Han Fu nodded.
And Zhao Yun tells Han Fu his plan. The only person who is secretly having talks with Yuan Shao is Xun Chen. Ju Shou decided to help him and they contacted Yuan Shao by meeting Gao Gan. Zhao Yun will try to lure Yuan Shao inside Ye once the gate is open.
"Lure him inside the city?! But what of his troops? What if they attacked Ye?" Han Fu glance at Zhao Yun troubled by the risk of this plan.
"I will threat Yuan Shao's life by forcing him to withdraw his army out of the city along with the conspirators," Zhao Yun answered.
"Even so, will the non conspirators cooperate?" Han Fu questioned.
"I will talk with Zhang He about this. As for the Xins, you should call them into an audience to question their suspicions secretly. We can't let this go noticed to the conspirators or disaster will strike in Ye. As for Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao tried to fool him into attacking Ye because of a false rumor about you plotting," Zhao Yun said.
"Very well, I will entrust you deal with those traitors. Can't believe Yuan Shao of all people would try to rob me after everything the lords depend on him into fighting Dong Zhuo!" Han Fu grunted.
"Yuan Shao, though, he's noble with so many ties, his greed can not be overseen. If Ji zhou were to fall into his hands, the people will suffer from a great lie. I will do everything to reverse this petty scheme," Zhao Yun bowed.
Han Fu nodded and the young squire left the audience. As he exit the castle, he finds Zhang He wandering the night at the street.
"Zhang He, may I have a moment with you? It's urgent," Zhao Yun asked.
"Ah, Zhao Yun. What are you doing here? I heard you were recruited to Yuan Shao," Zhang He said.
"Only to join the Anti Dong Zhuo coalition…" Zhao Yun said.
"You're too late. The last time you were late was went the Yellow Turbans tried to attack your town and threaten your mother," Zhang He glared.
"It went out of control, so it forced me to fight against the people who were suffering from the Ennuchs corruption even Emperor Ling doesn't do a damn thing about it and yet you joined the imperial force not realizing how much worst it became," Zhao Yun countered.
"And then Ding Yuan's army which was the closes had helped you aid against the turbans in Ji along with Zhen Yi. Tell me, old friend, why are you here? You're not here for a beautiful conversation for old times sake," Zhang He crossed his arms and stare at his rival.
"I'm here to request your help. Unless you're not one of the conspirators…" Zhao Yun sighed.
"Conspirators?! Oh no, I'm not scheming anything on Lord Han Fu. If it's about Yuan Shao visiting Ye, I have long waited to see his force. He's quite powerful indeed having lead the coalition," Zhang He look confused by Zhao Yun's words.
"Oh, so Ju Shou and Xun Chen didn't convince you. Good, I'm trying to reverse their plot to get Yuan Shao to take Ye and Lord Han Fu's position as Governor of Ji zhou. Thought you're one of them and now you had no idea about the plot," Zhao Yun said.
"Xun Chen and Ju Shou plotting to have Han Fu surrender to Yuan Shao? I thought they're welcoming him as his troops needed provisions to prepare for their campaign against Dong Zhuo," Zhang He lead against the wall of the building. They're near the market district.
"Zhang He, if you don't help me stop them, the people of Ji zhou will suffer. This is like betraying a member of the Anti Dong Zhuo coalition, where's the honor in that?!" Zhao Yun urged.
"Ok, I'll help you there, in exchange, you'll let me ride on your beautiful white horse," Zhang He chuckled.
"Can't you catch your own white horse? Sheesh, so here's the plan…" Zhao Yun moved closer to Zhang He so no one can hear them. He tells the plan accordingly along with Xin Pi and Xin Ping's involvement.
"Interesting..., but to make this succeed, we'll have to set our troops for an ambush. Then make a fake welcome ceremony. I will talk with the gate captains about this. When the time is right, the gate will close shut leaving Yuan Shao without his strongest men Yan Liang and Wen Chou. We don't want to put ourselves in front of their filthy appearances," Zhang He rubbed his chin thinking about what Zhao Yun told him.
"Give them credit. They're worthy adversaries to us," Zhao Yun smirked.
"Then I will go and convince Xin Pi and Xin Ping to help and talk with the lord. We must not delay, Zhao Yun," Zhang He said.
"Indeed," Zhao Yun nodded. The two went to proceed the plan. Zhao Yun glad that Zhang He understands the consequence behind the annexing of the city. Boy, if Zhang He were to join Yuan Shao as a full time officer of him, then Zhao Yun will have a long period of crossing swords with Junyi as enemies within the political confusion.
To be concluded in part 2