Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors, it is property of Koei.
Reunion and Farewell
This was the moment he most looked forward to and most dreaded. Cao Pi stood in his new, much larger chambers, the room once inhabited by his father, waiting for his wife and son. Months had passed since he last had an audience with them, and now Cao Pi was greatly looking forward to seeing them again. However, the chancellor feared this moment as well. His wife and he had never really gotten along, and his son was so young that in the few short months Cao Pi had been gone, the young boy might have forgotten him. His fears would have to be addressed now though, as Cao Pi could hear the approaching footsteps, signaling the arrival of his wife and son. At the doorway a servant entered the room.
"Chancellor, Lady Zhen and her son Cao Rui request an audience with the Chancellor of Wei," the servant declared. Cao Pi cleared his throat before waving his had. The servant got the message and ushered the pair into his new room. Cao Pi's breath caught in his throat. Finally, face to face once again.
His son had grown, standing a few centimeters taller than before. His hair had grown out as well, Pi noticed. But as wonderful it was to see his son again, the person who really caught his eye was his wife. Called Zhen Ji by the servants and by his family, called Zhen Fu by himself personally. She stood over their son, wearing her some of her finest clothes, her hair done up intricately, rings of jade and amber worn around her delicate fingers. She was breathtaking to him, had been ever since he had seen her. His son's face lit up with happiness and he made to rush towards his father who had been absent for so long for the past months, but his mother stopped him. Holding her arm in front of the young boy, the new chancellor's wife bowed low to the floor, and after a brief moment of hesitation, his son also bowed low. Cao Pi stared at them for a long while. The full realization that his relationship with others would never be the same finally hit him. His son and wife never had those formalities around them before his new position. Just another change I'll have to get used to.
"Please rise my dear, there is no need for any such formality," Cao Pi said. Slowly, his wife and son rose up from their positions. His son, Cao Rui, quickly embraced him around the waist, chattering away.
"Father, I can't believe that you here! I started to think that you were going to die! That's what everyone else thought! I told that you wouldn't though! I said that you were going to come home!" his son spoke, speaking quickly and joyfully. Cao Pi had to smile at this sight. He never liked children much, and he was a man who hid behind false emotions constantly, however, his son was a person he could never falsify his affections for. Now that he had risen to the rank of chancellor his son was now of great import to his family and to the imperial court. However, something in his son's speech had displeased him.
"Rui, who was foolish enough to tell you that I was going to die?" Cao Pi asked his son quietly. The young boy opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by his mother.
"Rui, you must go to bed now. It's late and your father is tired. Do not burden him with silly rumors," Zhen told her son. Rui looked frustrated and looked pleadingly at his father, who laughingly shook his head. With a sigh, his son left the room, escorted by a servant. The husband and wife were alone now in Cao Pi's new bedroom. The man turned to face his wife, who was watching the doorway were there son had disappeared through.
"I must confess my love, you do not seem as pleased to see me as I thought you would have been," the chancellor said questioningly. He had noticed it as soon as he saw her again. In a fashion completely opposite from their son, his wife's face seemed to register only tiredness and a sense or wariness.
"You are mistaken my lord. I have only feelings or great pleasure at seeing you, my love. I am pleased by your ascension to chancellor my lord, and grieve for the late chancellor, your father," Zhen replied. When Cao Pi looked into her eyes, he saw the feelings he had noticed before had vanished. She looked at him with pride and adoration. Perhaps I am overthinking things. My mind is playing tricks with me. I am paranoid and tired after such an ordeal. Cao Pi pulled his wife closer to him, until their bodies were pressed against each other.
"I see, forgive me for doubting you, my love. After all the ordeals I have faced so recently I forget my manners and trust," he said apologetically. His wife smiled up at him.
"Please my lord, such apologies are nor necessary. As my husband, you may place me under as much scrutiny as you like," she said to him. He smiled down at her, suddenly distracted by their closeness. Away for so long… the feeling of having a woman close to him was almost alien. It has been a long time… Cao Pi pulled his wife down with him onto their new bed.
"I presume my lord has other ideas in mind, than just simple rest?" Zhen said to him with a tone that made his body tingle at it's sound. She always knew how to please him, how to arouse him. It was one of the many reasons that he had married her and took on no other. She could read his thoughts well to, he did have other things in mind. Despite his long journey, his five night vigil for his father, and the strain of constant running and riding as well as his new responsibilities and his stand-off with the imperial court, there were something's he could not put off. A man had needs, and he was lucky enough to have a wife who could respond to those needs. In a most pleasing manner, as well. His tiredness was forgotten as he was suddenly upon her. The night felt long to the both of them as Cao Pi relieved himself of stress and worry in the arms of the one he loved most. His need to sleep caught up with him eventually, and the young man fell into the pillows and cushions on his bed like a dead weight after the long hours he had spent intimately with his wife. Had he opened his eyes to peer at her before he slept, had he noticed her expressions before he fell off of her, he would have seen the tears slide down her face, and a look of sheer sadness cross her eyes.
Cao Pi awoke in the early hours of the next day, still exhausted, yet determined to stay conscious. He could not afford to sleep in, not the day after he received such important duties from the emperor. The court does not adjourn for quite some, so Pi spent most of his early morning praying to the heavens for his father's soul, which most court ministers would have approved of, in his family's altar, before practicing his calligraphy at his low desk in the chancellor's personal office. He was the type of man who would write for hours on end and enjoy it, consider it ideal, provided that he was not disturbed. However, such ideal thoughts were not appropriate for that particular morning, as Cao Pi heard a light knocking on the door.
"Enter please," Cao Pi said to the servant waiting at the door. The man moved quickly to find out who was the source of the disturbance for his lord and opened the door. The man came tottering back in.
"My lord, you mother and brothers are all requesting a presence with you," the servant declared. The chancellor stopped his writing, and sighed. This was bound to happen eventually.
"Send them in," Cao Pi said standing up to greet his family. The servant bowed low and left through the door, before reappearing with his family. His mother was at the head of the group, and his younger brothers Cao Zhang and Cao Zhi. Cao Xiong was not among them, most probably still resting in bed. The youngest of Lady Bian's sons was constantly sick, ruling him out as a potential heir to his father's rank and positions.
"Mother, third brother, fourth brother, how splendid to see you. I was expecting your arrival," Cao Pi said. His mother, eyes cold strode into the room, looking around, before throwing her eldest son a look of scorn.
"Zhihuan, you have usurped your father's position so soon after his death? Have you no shame at all! You never bothered to inform us, your family, nor did you discuss the matter of inheritance with your brothers!" his mother spoke quietly yet angrily at him. Cao Pi looked at his mother, expecting her response.
"Mother dear, this is what father decreed on his deathbed. The flames of the ship and wounds killed my beloved father, and he appointed me as his sole heir in his final moments. Would you have me disobey his orders?" he questioned. His mother visibly flushed and quieted down. Cao Zhi spoke up in his mother's stead.
"Second brother, regardless of your intentions, that does not excuse you from ignoring us. Father has passed on, and yet you only care about consolidating your power?" Zhi spoke angrily. Pi raised his eyebrows. His brother was being more direct and serious than he usually was. Zhi usually focused on writing his poetry, drinking, and womanizing. Yet Pi always knew to never take their father's favorite child lightly. However, before he could respond to his brother, his other brother interrupted.
"Mother, Zijian, second brother was surly looking out for all of our interests. He has never been greedy before this. We should trust him more," Cao Zhang said, causing Cao Pi to look at his third brother surprised. Ziwen, to get support from you? This at least, comes as a surprise.
"Third brother, elder brother has always held his own interests above all else. I thought you of all people would agree!" Cao Zhi said to his brother. This comment caused Cao Pi's blood to people. His brother Zhi was far more than just a mere pest. He always found a way to stand before him.
"Zijian, I am disappointed to hear you speak of me in this way. I have always had this family's best interests in heart. Have you stopped to think about my possible motives? No listen to me," Cao Pi cut off his brother before he could speak. "You never think these things through! You only question! But that's okay now. I have the power to change all this! I did not warn any of you of my ascension because time was of the utmost importance," Cao Pi said.
"Explain that, Zhihuan," his mother said. Cao Pi turned on her.
"Mother, I thought after years or being alongside father you would at least understand this situation. Our lands, our father's lands are in a highly precarious position. When father was still alive, the Han court and the generals of this land were kept in balance. The Han posed no threat to us. They had only the divine name and a decadent empire as a source of power. They were defenseless. Father was able to keep the court alive and strong but still under his control, and therefore they could not oppose us. But now, with father's death, all of this changes. The court and the emperor will use father's death to try to regain power. My swift action was the only plan master Jia Xu could think of in order for our family to retain power. Do you understand now mother? Brother?" Cao Pi questioned and finished his explanation. His mother looked at him, conflicted, while his brother still looked distrustful.
"Please, I no longer have time for idle talk such as this. Father's funeral will occur soon. You best prepare for it, mother, Ziwen, Zijian," Cao Pi said, dismissing them. His mother and brother Cao Zhang left without another word. His brother Zhi stayed back, looking as though he was going to speak.
"Yes brother? I told you, I have little time for idle chatter. Run along now," Cao Pi said almost tauntingly. Zhi's jaw tightened and he turned around swiftly and made for the door. Before he left, Cao Pi stopped him.
"Zijian, my dear brother, if you ever disrespect me in front of mother and brother again I will make things extremely unpleasant for you."
His brother looked at him, his face expressionless, but his eyes betraying a sense of fear. Satisfied, Cao Pi waved his hand signaling his dismissal. Zhi left the room and Pi's servant closed the door with a bow. When the doors finally closed, Cao Pi let out an exhausted sigh. The conversation had left him feeling very tired, more so than he previously. Perhaps I shouldn't have spent the night with Zhen… Stretching out his legs, Cao Pi rubbed his eyes and let out another tired sigh. He argued with his brother again. This time he went as far as to threaten him. In hindsight, it was probably a bad move on his part, but he really had no choice but to discipline his brother. He constantly infuriated him, even when the two of them were younger. Their father had protected Zhi back then, always sheltering his favorite son from the wrath of his elders, but now that his father was gone, Zhi had to get used to him being in charge. Pi needed absolute authority in order govern effectively. Having his brother second-guessing him and his claim was a bad start. Jealous of me perhaps? He always liked the attention he received from father. His poetry ensured him many supporters and friends. His brother was highly skilled and therefore as the son of an important and powerful warlord, he too was deemed important. His popularity might even exceed that of Cao Pi's. I shall have someone keep and eye on him. As his brother and superior I must keep him close to me, so to ensure that his thoughts are on loyalty to me only.
"My lord, another man has arrived to see you. He wishes to congratulate you on your promotion," his servant interrupted him from the privacy of his thoughts once again.
"Send him in," Cao Pi said again, now a little irritated. Why am I suddenly being harassed by people right and left? But at the sight of the man at the doorway, Cao Pi's face cracked into a small smile.
"Boren! I didn't expect to see you!" Cao Pi greeted his best friend, scrambling to his feet. At the doorway stood Cao Pi's distant cousin by marriage, and best friend he had since the two met. Xiahou Shang stood tall and proud and his face to broke into a smile at the sight of his friend. However, instead to walking forward to greet Cao Pi, the young man fell to his knees, and kowtowed to his friend.
"My lord, your humble servant Xiahou Shang bears gifts to bless your great promotion, most esteemed lord," Xiahou Shang spoke, his voice loud and highly official. Cao Pi stopped short of his friend and gazed at him with irritation. Trust Shang to joke about such serious matters. Like his uncle and Cao Pi's uncle, Xiahou Yuan, the young man was highly accomplished, but preferred to relax and joke, rather than take things seriously.
"Boren, rise this instant! Your false flattery insults my pride. There is no need for such formalities between us," Cao Pi said. Shang rose to his feet and gave a short bow towards Cao Pi before smiling and speaking.
"Zhihuan, it's been so long. There is much you must tell me, but for now, I have brought some wine for us to drink and contemplate over," he said casually. Grape wine? He too, knows me very well. Setting down the drink, Cao Pi watched at Shang poured the win into two cups, proffering one to Cao Pi before serving himself.
"The time we spend together right know will be short. The funeral is bound to start soon, isn't that right my lord?" Shang asked his friend.
"That is correct," Pi said with a sigh.
"I forgot to say, my great condolences for your father's death. It is a great loss," Shang said. Cao Pi frowned into his cup.
"I would rather not speak of that man right now. I will no doubt be forced to recount numerous tales of my father to those lords and general outside. In the time we have, let me tell you what has just transpired," Pi said. As Cao Pi recounted his morning, Xiahou Shang listened with interest, not stopping him.
"Lord Cao Zhang agreed with you? That is cause for concern. The two of you have never gotten along, ever," Shang said. Pi nodded. Before the two could speak anymore, there was another knock on the door, and a servant entered.
"My lords, the procession is waiting for you outside," he said. Cao Pi nodded and stood up. Without a word, the two men left the room and walked slowly towards the outdoors. As the servant had said, a large procession lay in wait for him, holding his father's coffin of jade and gold. As Cao Pi passed through the crowed, he received bows, pats on the back, brief hugs from those immensely close or else immensely strong enough to pull Cao Pi into their hold. He even saw a few kowtows at him. Cao Pi walked until he reached a small throne-like chair next to the patch of earth his father's casket would be buried in. Beside him stood his wife, his son, and his brothers and sisters, those younger and those older. Even his brothers in ill health, such as Cao Xiong and Cao Chong had arrived. The initial ceremony was quite normal, with added poems written by his father himself. The time came for Cao Pi to give his final speech to his father, before he sent him to the heavens. Cao Pi stepped forward, robed in all white and spoke.
"Father, throughout my life, I have always revered you. You appeared to me as one of the great warriors of old, greater than even the legendary Bai Qi! You displayed honour, courage, strength and care throughout your entire life. I have and will always respect you for the wisdom and vision that you had shown this most unworthy world!" and with this, Cao Pi fell to his knees and kowtowed towards his father's coffin. At this, all others present fell to their knees and did the same, genuine tears of sorrow falling down their cheeks. Cao Pi looked around at the crying procession. Strangely enough, father touched the hearts of each of his men. I will this in genuine tones father, I have a long road ahead of me to match you… As Cao Pi rose from his kowtow, he caught sight of the emperor, sitting on a throne. He alone did not kowtow towards the coffin, his face fearful and shocked. Catching Cao Pi's eye, he hastily lowered his gaze and did not look up again until the end of the ceremony. At this time, the emperor rose and left, not turning back. He did not speak at all, until he reached the altar of his ancestors, a room forbidden to all other men. Once he entered the room, he fell to his knees before the altar and began to sob. He spoke, his words angry and fearful at first, before they changed to tones of hate and malice.
"How dare that insolent wretch Cao Pi force me to attend the funeral of his cursed father. Ancestors, I am glad that he has finally died! This world should grieve for such a man, and yet before me today, I saw many bold warriors and clever minister shed tears and bow before this man's grave! And now his son has gained power! He seeks to use me too, just as his father did! Oh ancestors, I have spent much time looking for an answer. But now I see only one path for me! I will kill this Cao Pi and ring his family to ruin! Ancestors, the revival of the Han is near!
Well, another chapter bites the dust of fanfiction. Thanks for reading everyone, please leave a review if that takes your fancy.
Cao Zhang and Cao Zhi and Cao Xiong were all brothers of Cao Pi, full brothers born of Lady Bian.
Cao Zhang is Ziwen.
Cao Zhi is Zijian.
Cao Xiong is really ill.
As with most families in ancient China or early China, brothers were viewed as rivals most of the time.
Xiahou Shang is Boren. He and Cao Pi were great friends in real life, though their relationship took a turn for the worse.
Emperor Xian normally doesn't attend funerals. That explains his outrage.
Many emperors would pray to their ancestors for guidance.
