"Good gods," a voice from my doorway exclaimed, though it seemed to lack the tremendous amount of surprise that usually accompanied that particular expression. "What have you done to your chambers, Qiao Mixun?"

"What?" I said absently, tying up the last of my clothes in a tight bundle. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Zhang He enter my room, delicately weaving through my things, strewn on the floor, to get to me. His figure cast a lean shadow upon me for a brief moment before he settled gingerly on the edge of my bed.

"Has the assault already started? It looks quite like the aftereffects of a minefield here."

"Oh, haha," I sighed, tossing my package aside. "This is ridiculous."

"I'll say; I hope you don't carry this sloppy little problem of yours when you go to Jianye-"

"Not this," I waved away my colossal mess impatiently. "This. This fake defection business."

"Still griping on about it? I thought a good night's sleep would help you ease your way into reason. Though I can see, now, that I was wrong," he added quickly, watching me as I flopped down onto the floor, groaning.

"Why can't anyone else do it?"

"You heard Master Guo Jia. He specifically chose you for the job. You can't deny his reasoning was superb-"

"Oh, right, the great and stupendous Master Guo Jia," I frowned. "With his magnificent schemes and fantastic smolder -"

"Yes, he is quite pleasing to the eyes, isn't he?"

"Zhang He!" Despite myself, I snorted. He, too, laughed quietly. "Really, though, I'm just not sure…"

"Don't doubt the plan, Mixun. While you may have your own issues with him, I can assure you that, when it comes to schemes for the kingdom of Wei, Master Guo Jia is all work, and very little play."

"It's not the plan," I shook my head. "Despite his annoying attitude, I know he didn't just do it to spite me. Though," I added in a sulky undertone. "I'm sure some of it was meant for that latter reason."

"Then what is it?" Zhang He asked, pointedly ignoring my ungracious jibes at the young but inexplicably revered strategist. I, too, let them go for the timebeing, finally caving into the root of the problem: one I had long avoided facing completely.

"Well - what if I do something wrong? What if it blows up in my face?" My shoulders slouched forward and a heavy breath escaped my lips as I hung my head; hearing myself say it caused a quick spurt of reactions in my body, as though it were finally admitting defeat. "I don't think I can do this."

"Nonsense," Zhang He, who was usually the first to offer words of comfort in troubling times, said so with uncharacteristic briskness. "You and I are on the same boat, Mixun. In a manner of speaking, at least."

"Oh, I see. Have they also put you in exile? Perhaps to Chengdu, this time?" I replied sourly, knowing this was not the case. "Are you off to be a fake envoy to Liu Bei?"

"No," he said simply. He knew that, by making more snippy remarks to counter my own, we would only end up in a heated argument that could only be resolved by one's head falling off the shoulders it had once been attached to. It was good, then, that Zhang He was the master of the unperturbed nature. "What I meant to say was that you and I both have Wei's interests at heart. Would you not agree? Will you not concede to the bigger picture?"

"That being?"

"Our lord's conquest, of course. We swore an oath: do all we could to further our empire in the name of our emperor. Or," he added, cocking an eyebrow at me. "Perhaps you, as Master Guo Jia implied, are just here for the - what was it? Scenery?"

"You know me well enough. You know that all I have ever wanted for our kingdom is for it to see the end of this warring period in the eyes through which a victor might look."

"Then," he shrugged. "That is all. The desire to help our cause will ensure your success in this long and admittedly terrifying task."

"You could have done without the "admittedly terrifying" part."

"Also," he said, ignoring me once again. "I believe you would find it a source of satisfaction, to know that you have proven Master Sima Yi wrong. Or - perhaps, I am mistaken," he added quickly, seeing me seethe.

"Sima Yi," I huffed. "Our gracious lord strategist. How dare he call me untrustworthy-"

"Careful, Qiao Mixun," Zhang He smiled slightly. "It looks like you've frothed at the mouth a little…"

"Regardless of the outcome of this horrible chore, I vow to myself that I will not rest another day, in this life or the next, until I break his nose."

"You know," my companion observed, his voice carefully aloof. "You may want to try not shooting death threats at everyone you meet in Jianye. We may be enemies, but I'm sure not even our lord would enjoy the idea that the Wu think of us as officers raised in the military like barbaric wolves."

"I am not," I frowned. "A barbaric wolf."

"I know," he soothed, diplomatic as always. "I only mean that, to the untrained eye - or, rather, ear - you may sound… Rather savage."

"I'm terribly angry, Zhang He!"

"And rightfully so - I would be, too, if someone were to question my loyalty to Wei. However, one, especially a lady, must encounter anger with dignity."

"What," I moaned, passing a hand tiredly over my face. "Does that even mean?"

"It means you must, at all times, attempt to keep your cool and not," he said, with pointed emphasis. "Try to gouge their eyes out."

"Not even I have ever done anything so crude."

"Good. Never attempt to," he said breezily. "In fact, it would be good if you chose to spend your time with some beloved relations of yours."

"I know of none," I frowned.

"The Qiao sisters," Zhang He shook his head. "Your cousins?"

"Ah, yes."

"Perhaps you could attempt to learn something from them."

"Attempt to - it sounds like everyone, including myself, has very little faith in me."

"So prove them, and yourself quite wrong," he replied simply. "You know I'm rooting for you."

I found myself with nothing to say; I looked up at the man, seated at the edge of my bed, also regarding me with a curious, unreadable expression. His lips were turned up slightly, as though he knew of something - or, in fact, many things - that I did not. It was at this moment that I felt a great rush of affection for him. My time in Wei constantly ingrained the motto of isolation; it was hard to find any form of peace or warmth within the territory of Luoyang. It was a strict, unspoken policy to avoid any form of downtime, and officers came and went, at times, without a word to each other, as they were so engrossed in matters of state that they did not have time to discuss any other daily matters.

It was in Zhang He that I found a great sense of solace. As generals more inclined to military might than tactics, we shared a level of affinity, despite our obvious, and, at times, glaring differences. Furthermore, he had no intention of adjusting to the stringent nature at which the Kingdom of Wei operated; in fact, he seemed hellbent to change it. He was the unlikeliest of allies, in my case, but also the most trustworthy of friends.

"Thank you, Zhang He," I said after a moment's emotionally charged pause. He eyed me briefly.

"I fear you sound as though you might cry."

"Don't be ridiculous," I said, my voice bringing itself back to its normal level of volume and sharpness, even though, it seemed, I had been about to do just that. "How could I possibly cry over you?"

"I was under the clearly incorrect presumption that you might find yourself me," he feigned hurt. "I clearly see now that I was quite wrong in assuming that. I shall not attempt to do so again."

"Here we go again, with your ever-present inclination towards dramatic exits."

"Interesting, I was just on my way out," he smiled, taking this as a cue to leave me to my packing; he knew that I had, somehow, resigned myself to this duty, despite my obvious resistance. "As you were, Qiao Mixun."

"Yes, general," I mock saluted. He laughed before loping out of my room, slowly shutting the door behind him. Before he did so fully, however, he took the opportunity to stick his head through a crack, ensuring that, through his words, we would at least not leave on bad terms, no matter that it was just a form of amusement for us.

"Good luck, General Qiao. The fate of Wei rests in your capable hands."


Having been tasked to depart early the following morning, I decided to allow myself one day to imprint Luoyang into memory before I left for a good long time. I first made my way to the mess hall, which was, as usual, quiet, save for the occasional cough and dull thwack of wooden chopsticks being placed resolutely down onto the table. I contemplated having a meal, but it was too early, and, even if it were not, I would not have found the stomach to take in anything; it seemed that, since the war council of the previous day, every part of my body had been infused with lead, making it impossible to fully function.

I tried for the gardens, which were not much but small pockets of grass and bowing trees, with, perhaps, a stone bench or two. Not one to pretend I understood the calling of the wind and the earth, I only lingered for a short time, just enough to stare up at a mango tree and blow away a speeding mosquito or two. As nothing more held appeal for me, I quickly exited, instead treading back and forth through halls that held either chambers or council rooms, peeking into each that were opened. However, after encountering Master Guo Jia, who attempted to strike another annoying conversation, and, almost immediately after, Master Sima Yi, who was conversing with his second son, the young Lord Sima Zhao and, therefore, was in already a bad enough mood without my help, I decided to avoid war council rooms altogether.

It was because of this that I found myself almost forced - though not unpleasantly - to head towards the training grounds. It was not empty, which was what I usually aimed for when I visited, since I had no desire to be observed and, thus, criticized. At the center of the ring of sand were two figures, constantly in deadlock. I approached, cautiously, avoiding the grain and dust flying around with their movements. It seemed as though they were caught in a sparring duel that was about to come to an end.

Not wishing to disturb them, I stood by, watching; both of them had excellent form; though one was quicker and struck with more power, the other made up for it with calculated precision and foresight, thus causing most of the combative impasses.

The former noticed me first; with a start, he disengaged from the last of their countless deadlocks.

"General Qiao," he straightened up, only to incline his torso in a bow anyway. I followed suit, nodding.

"Master Yue Jin," I greeted; then, to his companion: "Master Li Dian."

"What brings you here, Qiao Mixun?" The latter asked, though not unkindly. "I heard you were on a top secret mission to Wu."

"Isn't it interesting how top secret apparently gets around rather quickly?"

"This is the Kingdom of Wei; people have little else to do but talk of their work. Master Guo Jia was not at all modest in recounting the details of his intricate plan," Li Dian smiled. "Of course, he shared it with me, and mentioned, with great but inexplicable pride, your involvement in it."

"Why would he have told you?"

"He asked for my opinion," Li Dian said slowly, and it needed no more explanation. His intuition was a hot topic among the military; some people had actually considered asking him for his help in gambling affairs. Though I never really believed it, I could not deny his appalling ability to predict the general outcome of any battle. It was because of this that I asked.

"And? What did you tell him?"

"Everything a strategist wants to hear, of course: that their plan will be an ultimate success."

"Is that what you really think?"

Li Dian assessed me for a long time, pretending to contemplate his answer. However, I knew he would not tell me anything, which only further confirmed that this would, in some way, cause me much grief.

"Yue Jin," Master Li Dian said suddenly, shifting the topic. The other man, quiet for the last few minutes, looked up, obviously jarred out of being ignored. "How about a bite to eat?"

"No, thank you," Yue Jin answered solemnly. "But I'd be willing to accompany you, in any case-"

"No, no, that's fine. A walk, then? You'll join us, Qiao Mixun?"

"Er-" I started, but did not really have much of a say; already, Li Dian swept ahead, looking mysteriously pleased. Yue Jin shrugged, then nodded at me, signaling that we might as well follow.

"But General Qiao," Yue Jin began, and I snapped my head towards him. "What about your batallion? Surely, you will be back with us soon?"

"In the meantime, my men will be assimilated with Lord Zhang He's unit." I pointedly avoided the second question, knowing there was no definite answer, in any case.

"Would they be offering you troops while you are in Wu, then? Would they accept you into their army?"

"Er-" I said, for the second time. The truth was, I did not know what would happen to me; it seemed like the plan hinged too much on my acceptance, and there was no alternative route that considered what would happen if I were not. Not for the first time today, I felt the urge to seek out Master Guo Jia and shake him.

Yue Jin, perceptive of my heightened state of discomfort, quickly shifted the topic. "Li Dian mentioned you would be departing tomorrow morning. Are all your affairs set?"

"Yes, though I never had much to settle, in the first place," I smiled slightly, and he returned the favor. "I'll be going to Wu with not much to me."

"It may be difficult to face you in battle, I realize now," Yue Jin said suddenly, as though the thought had struck him like lightning. "I have yet to test anyone's true caliber in this kingdom, save Li Dian's; he always manages to do his best, even in the training grounds. The other generals seem somewhat hesitant to strike. Perhaps it is because…" he trailed off, then shook his head out of it. "Please, general, when we meet, don't hold back!"

"Wha - oh, of course," I blinked rapidly, unsure of what else to say.

"Calm down, Yue Jin," Li Dian interjected, after quite a bit of silence on his part. "Haven't you ever considered that the reason why you usually win spars is because you're that good?"

"Impossible," Yue Jin said with finality. Li Dian turned to me, rolling his eyes in amused exasperation. He slowed his pace, allowing his friend to overtake him and, after a short but considerable distance, fell into step with me instead, still shaking his head.

"I've tried every method for pulling him out of his insecurities. I'm not entirely sure what to do anymore. You wouldn't happen to have any ideas, would you? If it's not his worth, it's his skill, and if it's not that, it's-"

But I was not immediately able to find out exactly what it was, for Yue Jin had stopped and stiffened so suddenly that, if I had not pulled Li Dian back, he would have run his friend over. Curiously, I peered over Yue Jin's shoulder to see what the sudden hold-up had stemmed from.

It was not difficult to spot, as it came in the form of a woman seated underneath a low hanging cherry tree, her figure slightly bent as she drew her ear close to the gold-gilded harp that lay upon her lap. A small smile played upon her lips, just as sweet as each note she plucked from the strings. She did not seem to notice us, so engrossed in her work.

I turned to Li Dian, who was watching Yue Jin's expression with an air of amusement; clearly, this was his reason for wanting a late afternoon stroll. I rolled my eyes, equally, or even more entertained.

Men.

I did not really know who to observe, for both subjects seemed rather interesting to me. It was clear that Master Yue Jin was rendered both immobile and speechless at the sight of the Lady Cai Wenji, whose presence was commanding in its own accord. However, since the latter was too absorbed in her own activities, and her observer would do nothing but, I decided that this was a dead end we either had to depart from, or do something about.

"Ah, Master Li Dian," I said, rather loudly. it was amusing to note that Yue Jin did not start, but merely stared on, his mouth slightly agape. "Don't you think it's quite warm out?"

"Wha - oh, yes, General Qiao, so warm - yes, indeed," the good thing about Li Dian was that he cottoned on rather quickly, thanks to his intuition or whatever that was.

"I daresay we could use with a bit more fresh air, don't you?"

"Why, yes! How about we step outside?"

"An excellent idea!" I was close to shouting now, which made the fact that neither of the two seemed to snap out of their own little bubbles a little alarming. Lady Cai Wenji, however, though not looking up, stopped playing, which only told me that she must have been listening. "Shall we?"

"Yes - of course, Yue Jin," Li Dian, too, was practically yelling, though his volume dipped here and there from the strain of trying not to laugh. "Yue Jin-"

When his friend did not move, Master Li Dian took two fingers and prodded the other forward; however, his force was not clearly measured, for Master Yue Jin stumbled forward, nearly falling to his knees. At this, Li Dian could no longer hold itin, and succumbed to mirth. Lady Cai Wenji, her curiosity probably reaching its limit, lifted her head. I began to shout again, this time, towards the harpist.

"Oh, Lady Cai Wenji," I waved unabashedly at her. "We didn't see you there! I'm sorry; did we disturb you?"

Li Dian could do nothing but laugh and clutch at his stomach.

"We were just passing by and thought we could use a bit more air," I plowed on. "Would it be all right if we joined you?"

I could see her shoulders shaking delicately; she was laughing, too, though not as offensive as Li Dian's chuckles had become. I took this as assent, and headed into the garden. Li Dian composed himself long enough - though not very well - to drag his friend in, and Yue Jin spoke for the first time since he had laid eyes on Cai Wenji.

"No, wait, I have - I have - things to do -," he protested, trying to break free of the other's grip. Li Dian, however, was resolute, and marched him towards us.

Another silence followed, in which Yue Jin could do nothing but stare at his shoes, and Cai Wenji glanced at each of us with a level of amused confusion. Finally, I decided to, once again, break the silence.

"Are you composing, my lady?" I asked; my throat had gone slightly raw from the shouting. Lady Cai Wenji nodded, her delicate fingers brushing against the hilt of her harp. "Would we be so bold as to request to hear it?"

"I'm afraid it's not finished, Lady Qiao," she smiled. "But I would be happy to let you, once I have completed it."

"You must share with me the secrets of your inspiration."

"Oh, but there is inspiration everywhere. For instance, this afternoon, I have spent my time musing over the possibility of love during these times of chaos…"

She blushed; so did Yue Jin. Li Dian had quieted down now, but looked somewhat uncomfortable at the topic. I could sympathize; romance was not really my strong point. Possibly the only other person who might understand that was Master Guo Jia, though his was more of a focus on licentiousness than actual love, and I had no desire to be around him when either topic arose, in any case.

"Thus,' she continued, her voice much quieter now. "I have created a melody that rings true with those who experience the tragic hope of seeking love during war."

"I look forward to hearing it," I replied. "So, I think, does Master Yue Jin."

"Most especially Master Yue Jin," Li Dian added helpfully.

I chanced a glance at Yue Jin, whose face was covered in a shroud shaded a violent red: a symbol of either his utter embarrassment at having two tactless companions, or a warning sign that he might explode. Or, both. Perhaps, both.

Probably both.

"Thank you, my lady," Lady Cai Wenji inclined her head slightly. "And… thank you, Master Yue Jin."

This last show of gratitude, she said rather softly. She would not make eye contact with him as she did me; it was clear, by that, and her faintly flushed cheeks, that there was a level of reciprocity that either of the two were too blind to notice. Indeed, Yue Jin could see nothing past his mortification at being placed in a very awkward situation, and did nothing but nod stiffly at her, then turned on his heel and stumbled silently out of the garden. Li Dian followed him, once again looking like he was ready to start rolling on the floor.

"Er-" I said, now alone with Lady Cai Wenji, and, thus, completely at a loss. "I'll… leave you to it, then."

"You are most welcome to stay, my lady."

"No, I should - yeah, I should… go. I… I have some packing to do. Things to… pack," I finished lamely.

"Oh, I see." She plucked absently at a string. "Then, before you go, General Qiao, please allow me to wish you a safe and fruitful trip. My prayers are with you."

My lips twitched, suppressing a frown. Was it customary for everyone to know? As though reading my mind, Cai Wenji explained.

"Master Guo Jia mentioned it yesterday evening."

"I gathered as much," I replied sullenly. "But, in any case, thank you."

"You are welcome, Lady Qiao. I hope you rejoin our forces soon."

Feeling that there was nothing more to be said, I quickly and quietly excused myself, and exited in the same fashion. Of course, it was funny when it all started, this little experiment of embarrassing one of Wei's star officers, but it always seemed to zoom out and circle back to my pending mission. Shaking my head, I hastened my pace to rejoin Master Li Dian, who was currently receiving a barely-controlled earful from a flustered Master Yue Jin.

"Calm down, Yue Jin," Li Dian sighed, though, for all his carefree tones, he could not hide the fact that he was taking three progressive steps back away from his friend. "Listen, if it was anyone's fault, it was Qiao Mixun's -"

"Hey," I interjected. "You started this with your mysterious walking and garden visiting-"

"Yes, but you can't prove that was really what I meant to have happen- look, that's not the point!" Li Dian waved our rising argument away. "My point is that you really need to pull yourself together, my friend!"

"What?" Yue Jin said through uncharacteristically gritted teeth. "What are you on about?"

"You're so insecure all the time; we had to do something."

"Anything but that, Li Dian!" Yue Jin cried. "How could you - when you know - how embarrassing…"

Rendering himself temporarily speechless, Yue Jin merely shook his head, his fingers crumpling into fists from time to time.

"Hey," I stepped in again, though, this time, in a tone far less aggravating. "You know she probably feels the same way, right?"

"No," he whispered mournfully. "How could she? She is radiant, while I'm - I'm…"

"You're not that dark," I said soothingly. "And I don't see why that would matter-"

"Short."

A pregnant pause ensued and bloated between us, and I felt something like an egg crack open over my head and ripple its contents down my spine. I felt wrongly embarrassed, but it was more likely because Yue Jin's face was shifting from scarlet to a deep, eggplant purple.

"Well," I compared his, and my height. He only came up a few inches over me, and most of that was the elevation of his hair. And, while I did not consider myself particularly short for a woman's stature, it was true that, compared to the male anatomy, I was a bit lacking; by extension, so was he. I did not dare mention this, even though, by the way he agonized at a space a little bit above the crown of my skull, he, too, noticed our height similarity. "You're not short. Well, I mean, I don't think you are."

"See?" Li Dian sighed. "See, Yue Jin? Stop picking on yourself for things you can't change, and it's not like Lady Cai Wenji cares how tall you are-"

"Why? Has she spoken to you about me?" He asked quickly.

"Well, no…" Li Dian rubbed the back of his neck, somewhat at a loss. "But I'm sure it's not something she really gives much thought about."

"How could she not notice?" Yue Jin hung his head in defeat. "I am not worthy of her."

"There you go again, with your low self-esteem-"

But Master Yue Jin seemed to not have heard; he was already walking away, ducking through the halls, his posture defeated. Li Dian cast me one look of apology.

"I'm sorry, I'll have to go after him; it was my fault, after all."

"As much as it was mine," I sighed. "Please apologize to him for me as well."

"I will. I'll take my leave now; if we don't cross paths again before tomorrow, then, I wish you luck once again, general."

And we were back. "Thank you, Master Li Dian."

With a quick wave, he darted off towards the retreating back of his friend. I watched them go until they turned into another hall, then, once again, found myself alone. I rubbed my eyes, suddenly allowing the fatigue to wash over me. I wondered, in my constant struggle against this ploy, if I would have been much happier as a court lady, just as Cai Wenji was. I could compose poems about flowers and trees, and sing songs about love in the time of war…

I shuddered. I could not decide, at this point, what I would much rather have done.

Unable to figure out any other place I would want to visit, I took the slow walk back to my chambers. However, when I arrived, I was greeted with the painfully recurring presence of Master Guo Jia, who was leaning casually against the wall next to my door. I pursed my lips.

"What do you want?" I said ungraciously. "I've more things to pack before you ship me off, and I don't fancy another round of let's mess with Qiao Mixun's head."

"On the contrary, I am purely here on business," Guo Jia raised a delicate eyebrow. "Shall we?"

I studied him for a long time; indeed, he was good-looking, with his sharp features and lean stature. However, this time, he did not carry the excessive amount of overconfident with which he had approached me the day before. He looked more grim, and there were noticeable dark circles under his eyes: a sign that, since our encounter, he had not slept. Even the small smirk he offered me seemed lackluster as he raised a hand lazily towards my door.

Deciding there was no threat of being pestered to death by this side of the strategist, I nodded, and he helped himself through my doorway. If he was as astounded as Zhang He by my mess, he did not show it; he made for my desk with clear determination. However, he chose not to sit, but instructed me to do so.

"Er," I said, settling down. "Is this a last minute briefing, or something?"

"Of sorts," Master Guo Jia replied, his voice much quieter. "I'll need you to get a brush, please, Qiao Mixun."

"A… hair brush?"

He shot me a patronizing look, and I cottoned on. Hastily, I stood and grabbed a brush and a pot of ink from my cabinet, as well as a short roll of parchment.

"Now," he said, even before I could set up my materials. "Write this exactly as I say it. Don't deviate. Avoid errors, please."

"What-?"

"My dear cousins," he began, in a flat, monotonous tone. "I write to you in the hopes that this letter finds you well in secrecy. My service in Wei has proved unsatisfactory - why aren't you writing, Qiao Mixun?"

"I'm sorry," I said, my brush still dangling over the ink pot. "What is this for?"

"It's for your cousins," he said, letting out a heavy breath. "In Wu?"

"Why would I need to write to them?"

"To let them know that you're coming, of course."

"Why?"

"Good lord, General Qiao," he snapped, so unlike himself. "I think I might stay here all night answering your questions."

I expected him to make another lewd comment, but he did not incline. I realized that there was no point in asking, or prodding, or talking at all. I dipped my brush into the ink and allowed him to dictate, while I struggled to keep up.

"My service in Wei has proved unsatisfactory, and I have seen the error of my ways. Thus, I ask that you plead my case to the Lord of Wu, the honorable Lord Sun Ce, that I may meet with him upon my arrival in Jianye. It is my wish to serve as a general in his ranks; but, should my request be denied, I only hope that he might welcome me without persecution into the lands of his forefathers, that I may live the rest of my days in peace, under the protection of his kingdom." He stopped, allowing me to scribble. "Have you got it all? Good; sign it, please."

"What is this for?" I asked as he took it up and read through it.

"It's to make sure you're not shot down when you enter the city," he replied, trying to inject a little humor into his voice; he failed, and, thus, stained the statement an even darker shade. I shifted uncomfortably.

"I see." I watched him roll it up, seal it, and slip it into his pocket. "Master Guo Jia, are you all right?"

"What do you mean?"

"You look a little ill-" I trailed off as he cleared his throat.

"I'm quite fine, thank you," he answered, looking at me directly in the eye, though his expression was unreadable. This was the other side of him I had not seen often; the dedicated man who sacrificed his own mind and health constantly to ensure our victory. It disappeared, however, or was quickly and well concealed as he straightened up, another shadow of a smirk crossing his face. "You don't mean to say you've come to care for me now, Qiao Mixun? Perhaps you've gone sentimental, and would like to confess?"

"Oh - get out," I shook my head, pointing to my door. He let out a breathy laugh, following my orders.

"Suit yourself, my lady. But remember that you only have until tomorrow to say what you will. After that," he shrugged, seeing himself out, still speaking with his back to me. "Well, we won't be seeing each other for a very long time, now, will we?"


Author's Note: Right, so Aimee made another really filler-y chapter to not rush things and it turned out to be a new-people-centered kind of chapter. Sorry! I had to.

I know Cai Wenji and Yue Jin are probably the farthest thing from canon, but I had to, because the Find the Beauties stage was so amusing, and I just needed some really lame, brief foreshadowing about love and war.

So I know I've been so bad by drawing it out, and, so, I promise that Wu will make an appearance in the next chapter. If this is too slow for you, just tell me, and I can try to pick up the pace a little. I just didn't want to leave Wei without a little more exposition!

Again, please R&R! Your comments and messages are much appreciated, and I love hearing (and talking to, when I get the chance) from you guys! :)

Best,

Aimee