Dynasty Warriors: Melting the Ice

Chapter 1 of my Dynasty Warriors story, sequel to Strength to Change the Land, second story in my Cao-Cao/Cai Wenji trilogy, a story that is a long time coming, anyway, enjoy.

Disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors and it's characters belong to Koei.


Chapter 1: Moments of Calm

Following the conquest of Tianshui, the defeat of Li Jue and Guo Si, the warlord Cao-Cao had spent time securing the lands under his control. Due to the still lingering instability in the region, Cao-Cao had yet to secure any control over that specific region, but he had people there pacifying the land at the moment.

'It has been a difficult journey, and it's nowhere near finished yet...' Cao-Cao reflect as he sat in his office. 'What happens next is something that we must consider carefully, especially as my forces continue to grow.'

He had recruited many new soldiers and more officers, military and civil, however he knew, throughout the land there was still chaos and the people were desperate. What was needed was strength, and that was what he had to provide.

Deciding that he would have to determine his next direction soon, he stood from his chair and left the office, sending word to two of his advisors to talk and form their plans. He soon met with Guo Jia and Xun Yu.

Bowing Guo Jia greeted him first. "My Lord."

Nodding Cao-Cao pondered briefly. "We have much to discuss; before we can determine our own plans, we must know the plans of others. We hold the Emperor in our protective custody and have Luoyang, Xuchang and Changan under our control, but still...that's only the first step."

"I agree, prominent and important though each city is, and indeed the Emperor himself, that isn't everything." Guo Jia replied.

Also nodding Xun Yu agreed.

So, with all of them sitting down, Cao-Cao got right to the point.

"So, I must know the state of things in the land, what do we know?"

Clearing his throat Xun Yu began to explain. "Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are continuing to fight each other. Yuan Shao holds the advantage, in addition, perhaps fearing he would join Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao attacked and defeated Zhang Yang."

"So, Yuan Shao now holds Bing Province too...he's nearly conquered all the land North of the Yellow River." Cao-Cao surmised.

Nodding Xun Yu continued. "Yes My Lord, in addition, Zhang Xiu and his forces, the last remnants of those who once served Dong Zhuo but who have now gone their own way, have occupied Wan Castle."

Cao-Cao pondered this, stroking his beard. "Interesting, well, that's something to keep an eye on."

The strategists agreed and continued to pour over the map, using coloured plaques to indicated different armies, all to illustrate the changes they were discussing.

Narrowing his eyes at Xu Province, Cao-Cao queried. "What of Tao Qian...I still have much to settle with him."

Guo Jia shook his head. "I am sorry, my Lord. But Tao Qian is dead."

"So, my vengeance for my father's death is denied." Cao-Cao snarled.

"I'm afraid so, My Lord." Guo Jia replied; shaking his head. "Upon his death Tao Qian bequeathed the lands of Xu to Liu Bei."

Cao-Cao sighed and knew there was no point on dwelling on it, he'd just have to be ready for the new situation that had been presented to him now.

Standing up he spoke swiftly to the two strategists.

"Very well; spread the word, I want all our armies to be prepared and ready to act at a moment's notice." He ordered.

Both bowing the duo left to do just that. Meanwhile, Cao-Cao left his dwelling, heading out into the city. He observed his surroundings as he did so, watching the people around him.

Ever since he had taken charge of Xuchang, the discipline had improved immensely and crime had drastically fallen. He had done his utmost to emulate this in the other cities under his control. It was then he spotted someone in particular. It was Lady Cai Wenji.

'It was thanks to her that I was able to conquer Tianshui, but...' He reflected. 'The poor woman suffering greatly at the hands of those animals...She...'

He couldn't help but feel sympathy for her; and a strange other sensation too.

He was startled by this. 'What is this...what am I...could, no, that is ridiculous, besides, I shouldn't think that way.'

He had a sneaking suspicion as to what the thoughts he had just pushed away were. But he had to remind himself, he was married, he shouldn't be having thoughts like that.


End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.