How long was I out? Maybe two or three months... Sheesh
Anyway, I'm back on track because it's already summer vacation for me!
Though I still need to get back at my writing now and then apart from 1) Drawing 2) Making fan videos 3) Playing the Rubik's cube.
So, cheers!
The usual array of papers and scrolls on the ground irritated Sima Yi. Ever since his assistant Ai Xin left, things just get messier and messier. A servant tapped on the door and announced his presence to the strategist.
"Master Strategist," the servant respectfully called.
"What is it?" Sima Yi growled back. "Can't you see that I am busy here!"
The servant cringed. Sima Zhongda is known for his furious rage in an irked mood.
The servant swallowed to clear out a lump from his throat and said, "Lord Cao Cao wishes your presence in the throne room."
Sima Yi raised an eyebrow. Normally Cao Cao would call if he it concerns military business. He tapped his forehead. There aren't any campaigns raised yet apart from the defense against Shu. Could it be something else?
"Tell Lord Cao Cao I shall be there shortly," he bade to the servant. The servant bowed and left the room.
The march back to the capital is long and...
"This is boring..." she sighed quietly to avoid any looks. Ai Xin got bored of counting the trees they ride past.
She hardly knew any of the officers at present personally except for the face. But wait, there is still the other general, Xiahou Dun. Is it safe to get to know him more? He looked very intimidating at first sight.
"All this way for that?" Li Dian said, gesturing his hand backward. "Sheesh, Zhongda worries too much over his little assistant."
Xiahou Dun laughed, "Be reminded Li Dian, we are also sent there as reinforcements. But as always, Zhongda sends it too late."
"And speaking of the little assistant," Li Dian leaned over for a whisper. "She looks cute. What's her name?"
Xiahou Dun smirked, "Planning on screwing her?"
Li Dian shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe, or maybe not. Usually you're the one who screws the best concubines Lord Cao Cao gives you. I mean look at you! You're irresistible."
Ai Xin was just riding behind them with eyes wide with disbelief. She can't believe she's hearing this.
Purple robes swept against the ground. His black fan is raised to a formal height in front of his chest. The two heavily armed doormen standing in front of two big wooden doors bowed and pushed the doors open.
"You called for my presence Lord Cao Cao?" Sima Yi spoke with his head bowed in greeting.
Cao Cao sat on his throne. One hand held a cup of dark tinted wine. He was surveying the contents of the cup, swirling them into a clockwise direction and then counter-clockwise.
"Yes I did," was the Wei Lord's response. "Come closer Zhongda. Don't hide yourself in the shadow of the doors."
Sima Yi swallowed and moved a few steps forward. He was not much accustomed to these sunny halls as spending too much time in the stacked up windows of his studies.
Cao Cao took a sip from his cup and then set it down at the arm of his chair. "That's better. Now to business."
Sima Yi swallowed again. Why is this making him nervous?
"Is your lady assistant still working for you?" he asked.
Sima Yi nodded, "Yes. She is currently away from the castle."
"What can you recommend from her skills?" Cao Cao inquired.
Sima Yi blinked. Cao Cao is up to something. He looked at his fan and said, "I can only recommend two things. One, she has a brilliant and open mind. Two, very flexible and can easily adapt to any situation."
Cao Cao's lips curved to a smile. "Interesting."
"Are there any more questions you would like to inquire milord?" Sima Yi asked.
"Don't be in a rush Zhongda or you'll trip when I will tell you this," Cao Cao said.
Sima Yi could feel his toes curl underneath cover of his shoes. "What is it you wil tell me milord?"
"Under my command, your lady assistant Ai Xin, will no longer be under you. Instead, she will have a new superior."
It indeed shocked Sima Yi and he almost tripped. "WHAT!"
Cao Cao has anticipated the reaction beforehand. "I see enough potential despite the gender of being a lady. And wherever there are good and potential officers present, I will make sure to harness their prowess. It is not all on the mind, there are times you need to take action in fighting."
Sima Yi still can't get over the statement. Ai Xin will stop being his assistant? Then that would mean no more clean rooms or the joy of teaching?
"You need not to worry Sima Yi," Cao Cao said. "She will be trained under one of the best generals.
"Who, may I inquire?" Sima Yi asked. He hoped it was someone who he could easily talk to.
Cao Cao smirked, "My cousin, General Xiahou Dun."
Sima Yi's mouth fell to the ground. He was speechless.
On the other hand, Cao Cao had a victorious smirk on his face.
"Be sure to tell her. You are dismissed Sima Zhongda."
Days traveled later, Xiahou Dun's army had safely returned to the capital Xu Chang.
Ai Xin led her horse to the stables. She gave her horse a soft stroke on the head.
"I'll check on you tomorrow," she whispered.
"Hmmm, I see that you have taken a liking with your horse," spoke a smooth deep voice.
Ai Xin almost jumped out of her skin. Xiahou Dun laughed heartily watching the girl's reaction. He moved uneasily close to Ai Xin.
"I believe we shall be seeing each other more soon," he whispered. Moving away from Ai Xin, he gave a smirk before leaving the stables.
Ai Xin blinked and swallowed a lump. What was that about? And why is she blushing red?
She shook the thoughts away. She still needs to make a report to Sima Yi.
A knock on the door echoed at the dark room.
"Master Sima Yi?"
"Enter," came the voice. It sounded muffled.
Ai Xin entered. She coughed slightly. The room has accumulated dust through time. She held on her hand a full written report on what had happened back at Tian Shui.
"Master Sima Yi, is something wrong?" she asked, noticing the man's quietness.
Sima Yi paused his reading and looked up to the girl. There was some truth in Cao Cao's words. Ai Xin has potential, but can she even match the high standards of General Xiahou Dun?
"Ai Xin," he called in a soft tone.
Ai Xin had a dusty book in her hand. "Yes Master Sima Yi?"
"As much as I don't want to follow Lord Cao Cao's orders, but it must be done," he said.
Ai Xin waited quietly. She has an uneasy feeling about this.
"You're going to have to leave me for a while," he said flatly.
Ai Xin raised both eyebrows and answered, "I do not understand."
Sima Yi can't say anything else. "Just go and look for General Xiahou Dun."
"But-" Ai Xin uttered, still confused.
Sima Yi's tone raised up, "Just go!"
On the upper levels of the castle, there lived the high ranking generals and officers. At the end of the hall, a hand knocked on the door.
"Enter," came a dark, smooth voice.
The door squeaked open.
Xiahou Dun smirked at the visitor.
"Greetings Lady Ai, it seems that what I said before is true."
I never change with my style.. It's always short...
Looks like this sequel is going to be longer than the first.
Sounds fun? Okay!
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