A Little Detour to Jiangxia
Shan Fu left the House of Water Mirror with troubled mind. he sighed for second, recalling how big the situation called for. Are we really ready for the invasion from Zhongyuan? Looking for the last time at this place in Longzhong area, Shan Fu spurred on the Hex Marked Stallion Di Lu leaving everything behind them. But in honesty, there is still uneasiness in his mind…. should he return now? As he was mid journey back to Xinye, he stopped the wheel and contemplate to himself, what should he do? The difference of power was too far…. Is not there any hope?
Shan Fu thus raised his head pondering as gazing afar…. There is Xinye, while the other part is …. Jiangxia. Shan Fu trying to put aside all the burden in his mind then decided his next destination.
XXX
The Naval Fortress in Jiangxia.
This place is the first defensive lines of Jingzhou from any possible invasion from the south of eastern river of Changjiang. Even though the Tiger of Jiangdong has already passed away, unfortunately her legacy in the Sun clan is still alive, and with such threat roaming on its southern border, one can not argue seeing the tense atmosphere of this place, though that did not lessened its function as a favorite city town transit for merchant along the river who trades seastern rivers specialties commodities. Unlike the other fortress at the border of Jingzhou like Xinye, Nanyue, Guzi, Xiakou and Hanshui; This Naval Fortress Jiangxia housed the main force of Jingzhou's navy with its fleet of 'Mengchongs'. This famed leather covered frigate class battleships the pride of Jingzhou rivals even against the Sun clan of the eastern river's navy who is said as the number one naval forces of this realm. And due to its strategic position with the main fortress of Jingzhou; Jiangling allowing them to support each other with the Jingzhou main army. This allowed Jiangxia to get reputation as the almost impenetrable naval fortress along the great river.
Though the security could not be underestimated, but the liveliness of this city was almost indistinguishable with a normal harbor city. When the situation demanded it, who would have thought that it could swiftly changed its role as a naval fortress?
Shan Fu stopped admiring this scenery and entered the city. "man… this fortress can not even compare with Xinye…!" Everywhere he sees, trading of goods and military preparation are conducted side by side. The liveliness and the business atmosphere might make people surprised if they know that the Sun clan invasion attempt never ceased here, albeit smaller in scale when compared to the last attempt which done simultaneously with Sun Ce's major invasion to Shouchun.
The liveliness of people trading goods around the harbor, the flourishing market atmosphere, exchange of goods and the people making preparation for battle are mixed together, even you can hear a sound of a child crying in this place…. A child's cries? Why is there a sound of child cries amidst this city? It felt out of place…. Shan Fu then looked for the source where the sound of child crying comes from.
The sound goes louder…. Shan Fu felt that he is going to the right direction.
There! A child was crying in the middle of the street, but damn! how could others ignored them! Those heartless bastard! Well sure they all looked busy, but how could they not stopped for a while checking at this child! Especially this little child seems to be some cute little nice girl!
Shan Fu tries to call her, but seems that she is content with crying, softly muttering and calling for her mom… Shan Fu tries hard to comfort her without looking like pedo or the usual case in Japan where pedophile crime is rampant (well… can't be helped….). Though admittedly, this little girl is really cute that he want to cuddle her a little bit or perhaps a lot. He tries so hard and using ginkang (a really mundane use of such sophisticated skill, well no less mundane compared to his previous usage to sneak around to the girls private chamber, rummaging around their cabinet and stole their panties…) to swiftly get some cute looking candies.
"Here… please don't cry anymore" Shan Fu smiled as he offered the cute looking candies…. By the way author…. Is not this the very same and typical modus operandi done by every pedophiles toward their victim? Won't this made him really look like a suspicious person? (Shut up) Also…. Placating kids with candies, the lollipop type…. Is not this indirectly making them to engage in oral action…. Not that I have perverse thought… but this girl is honestly… (I said shut up)
"Hummmhh..!" The little girl denied it as she shook her head, refusing it. Though it is very nice to see her stop sobbing. Shan Fu was kind of surprised. "Okaa-san said that I should not eat too much candy…" hell… I thought that the girl would said that she is not allowed to take something given to her by stranger…. Oh right, in the 2nd century, there is no case of pedophile, or food being tainted with drugs, narcotics, or even anesthesia from evil men…. What a peaceful time…. (sarcasm mode, narrator?)
This girl! D~aawww! She is really a cute and good girl! Shan Fu felt that he should not left her alone …. (once again, author…. This is such a suspicious act…. I think he should get away from her…) Shan Fu seeing her earnest look and act made him want to hug her… (see,…. This is too pedo) "Okay then…" Shan Fu did not erase his smile and asked "Little girl, may I have your name?" (Geez… this is such a pedo dialogue.. okay I shut up)
"….Riri…" The girl stopped crying and looked directly at Shan Fu.
"Riri-chan, right? why Riri-chan is crying?"
Because I am meeting a pedophile…. Sorry … self insert dialogue "Okaa-san… can't find her…."
"Ah." Shan Fu looked at her with compassion… she must have been separated from her mother and got lost in this place… if only this is modern era, he can just leave her to Police station, but…. Shan Fu sighed, not because he sees her as burden, but because he don't know what to do for her.
"Well then, why don't I accompany you to search for your mother." (pedo kidnapper scenario #1) Shan Fu said. The girl, Riri turned to him after hearing his suggestion…. She stared for a while trying to make a decision, but followed by her cute smile, she nodded and looked pleased.
"Um! Let's go look for mother….mister..?"
"Just call this onii-chan, 'Shan Fu'." Shan Fu smiled "Do you know where do you live?" (pedo kidnapper scenario #2)
"e… um…" seems that the girl look confused and about to cry, Shan Fu quickly comfort her feeling "don't cry, we can always ask Mr. pedestrian there or here."
"Thank you, Riri felt happier now." Riri face looked brightened.
And then, Shan Fu grabbed her hand and walked at her pace, while they are looking around. Feeling less restrained compared earlier, Riri gladly accepted him and did not refuse whenever Shan Fu gave her some snack and small toy to entertain her.
And this conclude the example of pedo kidnapper scenario #3.
XXX
It was almost late past noon.
Shan Fu had strolled around looking for this little girl; Riri's home or at least her mother. The girl seems that she really did not know, well can't blame her. the house looks almost the same and its lay out was a bit confusing. Even he had confused himself walking at the same path twice. Thankfully, this girl; Riri is not such troublesome girl. she was polite and obedient the whole time. She did not make any fuss or getting less patient, taking the stroll with him. Seems she start to enjoy this as if they are playing around. But Shan Fu was getting confused, it does not help that he did not know the mother's name. Riri only repeatedly called her mother's name as 'okaa-san.'
Well… the only thing he can do is to walk around the city until he coincidently met her or at least their presence stole other's attention and helped the mother to get informed. Well, honestly even Shan Fu started to enjoy this situation of calmly walking round side by side with a cute little girl beside her. it made him want to spoil her more (…aaand… ladies and gentlemen… this is the Pedophile)… almost forgetting his primary intention.
Somehow, another snack stall attracted his attention.
"Riri-chan, look! There is some interesting snack. You want some?"
"Umm!" Riri innocently nodded. But I think Shan Fu is enjoying this situation too much. He quickly ran with Riri to buy some.
"Here." He gave it to her after paying the peddler.
"Shan Fu-sama is really kind… you are pampering Riri…" Riri replied after speaking her gratitude. "Usually, it is always kind of lonely when mother is busy, many thanks."
"Riri…" Shan Fu felt uneasy looking at her. "don't worry, when we find your home, your mother and your father would be there for you."
"Riri…. Riri has no father."
"Eh?"
"Riri only has okaa-san. Father is no more… gone … when Riri was very little… I can not remember him…"
"Riri!" Shan Fu felt pity and hugged her…. this girl is really a good girl, she is very strong even though she is this little….. "Don't worry… we will find your mother. Because Riri is a very good girl."
"Um. Riri is always a good girl!"
"You BASTARD! GET AWAY FROM HER!" did you say something author? I know that Shan Fu is acting like a great pedo but… (nope, not me….)
As if forcefully awaken from his sleep, Shan Fu was shocked at the sudden yell directed at him. He release Riri and looked at the direction the voice came from. The boyish sounding voice who had not out of puberty… no, to be fair… it is much closer to a coarse girl voice. Shan Fu turned and seems to find the owner of the voice.
"You are?" Shan Fu addressed the girl with short hair, with a super boyish looks. She wield some kind of big blunt looking bludgeon. A girl with a big dildo? (dear narrator, please refrain from using too many sarcasm mode, signed -author- )
"It is not of your concern! Release that girl and slowly gave her to me!"
Shan Fu felt she is kind of suspicious with her threatening looks. But he calmly asked "why should I gave Riri to you? are you her acquaintance?"
"NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, FREAK!" she continues to shout.
Shan Fu felt irritated…. This girl, is she a kidnapper? Never seen such a brazen type previously "What if I refuse?" Shan Fu calmly asked although this might be taken as him provoking her.
"YOU! I KILL YOU IF YOU DON'T COMPLY!"
"See if you can." Shan Fu quickly grabbed Riri in his hand and swiftly retreat using his ginkang. "buhh~bye." Of the Thirty Six Stratagem, Retreat is the best tactics.
"Damn! he can use ginkang!?" The boyish looking girl quickly pursued him, as she also used ginkang, she rampage through with her blunt looking bludgeon and this cause some kind of loud noise and mess. Shan Fu shook his head in astonishment seeing such tenacity and reckless charge.
"Riri, are you alright?"
"U..Uhm."
"I see." Shan Fu swiftly looked for a safe place, but seems that he was about to get cornered… still, he placed her at the far dead end. "Riri, hide in safe place." Riri being obedient quickly complies and hide herself, while Shan Fu finally getting fed off being in pursued by this unknown vandal calmly waited for a while until her arrival here.
Shan Fu calmly stood as the boyish looking girl finally reached him.
"Now YOU ARE CORNERED! Give me that girl, you villain!" The boyish looking girl yelled. Shan Fu stared at her. the bludgeon hit the floor and smashed it.
"Hell no." Shan Fu shortly speak.
"You!" the boyish looking girl charged and try to hit him using the big bludgeon, Shan Fu notices the incoming attack silently avoided it. The impact and shockwave of the attack staggered him a bit. Shan Fu was dumbstruck for a moment…
"seems I really underestimated your attack." Shan Fu calmly spoke. That kind of power and strength can not be trivialized. "Fine then, I shall show you a bit."
XXX
Shan Fu rushed aggressively in melee combat, he did not gave his opponent; the boyish looking girl a chance to swung his bludgeon and he made her reach get narrower. Using simple palm and fist move to attack her; a move bit similar with self defense type kempo.
That bludgeon was kind of strong and sturdy weapon, but if you cannot swing it freely, its potential are wasted. Shan Fu being wise enough realize the weakness of this weapon type as he randomly attacked her handling. She could only use the bludgeon as means to defend herself.
"YAHHRHGH" The girl yelled as she tried to swung the bludgeon but hampered by Shan Fu's palm targeting her hand. Her hand felt like being numbed because of his repetitive attack. But the girl unwilling to give up charge at Shan Fu with body blow.
Finally some distance….
Shan Fu slowly lowered his stance of attacking. This was done to widen the gap when the bludgeon attempted to strike him. the boyish looking girl charged relentlessly, and Shan Fu following the flow of the attack was able to cleanly avoid the bludgeon attack, but suddenly….
"GUh!" Shan Fu groaned.
He looked below and noticed he was getting hit. The girl, knowing her attack would miss quickly kicked him in abdomen. "damn…" Shan Fu muttered. But quickly when he bounce around spun his leg behind, jumping and kicking to make some safe distance.
The boyish looking girl was about to deliver the next attack, but…. She felt her body getting heavy and unable to move.
"Its hurt, isn't it?" Shan Fu calmly asked. He stood after containing the pain in his abdomen. Looking down at the immobilized opponent.
"Damn… what did you do?"
"Well… a little trick perhaps." Shan Fu when he was attacked, he bounced and jumping back behind after kicking something as his jumping platform. The jumping platform is the girl's shoulder…. No, to be more exact her clavicles bone. It seems due to impact of Shan Fu counter kick and jump it cracked a bit… "But if you don't heal yourself…. I don't know what might happen."
"Kuhh…" The girl understand if Shan Fu was not empty threatening her… from the immense pain she felt.
"Now scram!" Shan Fu spoke.
XXX
Shan Fu walked backing her, but as he was about to make the next step… an arrow was released and stop at his feet as if warning him. Shan Fu felt stunned by this unprovoked move. Looking for a while at the arrow… someone is threatening me?
He slowly turned behind… that immobilized girl is not the one who released this arrows…. So the only possible answer is there is her companion acting as the hiding assailant….. Smiling for a bit.
Shan Fu quickly crouched down, pulling the arrow and hid it in him and swiftly ran.
Another *swish-swish* sound can softly be heard, Shan Fu quickly avoided the incoming attack from the sound it made. Shan Fu concentrated his mind at the sound in his ears and suddenly the sound of arrows flying through the air can be heard loudly as he ignored the other sound and noise.
The arrows shot and stabbed the ground, making pattern of the pathway he tries to avoid. The assailant seems to grow impatient, while Shan Fu tries to make calculation based on the shots targeting him. He made conclusion that there is only one attacking him from one static position. Which means the assailant was quite confident and did not think even to move away from his initial position.
Shan Fu's head slowly turned to where he located the hiding assailant before the assailant themselves notices. As the Zhuang Zi spoke. "Praying Mantis hunts for Cicada, while the Golden Oriole came from behind…." The assailant took the next aim, Shan Fu swiftly flung the first arrow which he had kept inside his cloth to the assailant direction.
From behind, Riri ran and revealed herself because Shan Fu told her to wait there and did not return, she become worried.
The arrow thrown by Shan Fu rapidly flies and shot at the assailant, but unknowingly the assailant due to the sudden attack, unknowingly released her grip at the bow and incidently released in arrows. From the sound it created, it was very different compared to her previous aiming.
"Oh no!" the assailant shrieked due to this blunder.
Shan Fu notices the trajectory and the difference in power was about to avoid it until… "Ah… Shan Fu-sama…" damn! if he avoided this attack, she will be targeted and he is not confident he can repel it so suddenly…. "Damn." he cursed and quickly shielded Riri fully with his whole body and hugged her.
"Riri-chan!" the girl who previously immobilized trying to force herself to stood up.
As the arrow about to come at them, another noise violently penetrating the air from opposing direction. Shan Fu fearing another assailant targeting them did not dare to look up and only tightening his hug over Riri's body.
*snap!* *stab!*
And only wind blows after the snapping noise and a sound of arrow stabbing ended silently. Shan Fu notices the strange tranquility and calmness of the situation tries to look up. the shooting ended. Seems that the assailant did not try to attack anymore and seems that the other also did not. Shan Fu look around to see the situation and notices it is already secure and let go of Riri from his hand.
Then, something caught his attention…. Two arrows. One snapped in two, while the other was straightly stabbing at the ground. Shan Fu tries to pulled it out, but to his dismay, he has great difficulty to do so… because it penetrated so deeply. He contemplated after he struggled and success pulling the stabbed arrow. He inspected it and notices it was normal arrow.
But then….
What kind of marksman would be able to pull of such stunt? The first assailant shot her aiming at him, but the other marksman seems to be trying to save him…. but more shockingly is the fact that…. If there any archer capable of doing such intricate shooting, more over… with such strong penetrating strength… her skill must be comparable to the skill of the legendary archer Hou Yi.
"Riri…!" A young looking mature woman was running at their direction.
Riri, noticing the owner of the voice exclaimed "Ah! Okaa-san!" she quickly ran at her and greet her mother.
Shan Fu quickly put aside the arrow which saved them and store it away. He notices that someone is coming at them, but seeing from Riri's reaction… it must be the mother… unknowingly, Shan Fu smiled… knowing that she was someone familiar… no to be precise, finally they found her… Riri's mom.
XXX
The mother and daughter hugged each others on this joyous reunion. It was such a touching moment, Shan Fu not wanting to be a bother was about to silently leave the scene however, the mother realize it and stopped him.
"You are.. sir, you have saved my Riri. I am greatly thankful." The mother bowed.
Shan Fu feeling uneasy by this treatment. "No, don't do this. I am just coincidently passing around and sees her getting lost." As Shan Fu finished speaking the words, another person, seemingly a young girl make her entrance. "Riri-chan? Are you hurt? I am sorry. Young Mrs., I am sorry for my lack of aptitude."
"Shishun, next time be careful. If not for this person Riri could get hurt." The young mature lady admonish her.
"My apologize." And this girl called Shishun turned to Shan Fu. Without lowering her caution, she faced Shan Fu and stared sharply at him "Sir, I felt gratitude. I am sorry for this misunderstanding." She quickly rushed to the boyish looking girl and tries to help her "are you hurt, Enya?"
"Not too serious. But…him…"
Shan Fu became quite surprised and confused by the sudden change of situation. wait…wait….wait… the boyish girl suddenly yelled at him, demanding him to give up Riri…. Then the sharp eyed girl seems to be the first assailant who aimed at him… wait, I thought that they are both…. Kidnapper….
The young looking mature lady smiled and explained. "Let me explain the situation. Seems that there is big misunderstanding here. My little Riri was lost previously hence I send my subordinate; Enya to look for her. She seems to misunderstand you of trying to kidnap my Riri."
Shan Fu was shocked beyond words… "… could that be she thought me as some kind of kidnapper or criminal …. While I, myself fearing that she tries to forcefully seize Riri there….. am trying to protect her and which only made each of us being hostile to each other."
Enya recovering a bit sullenly nodded, confirming his suspicion.
Hahaha…. Shan Fu uneasily laugh in disbelief…. He felt he lost most of his strength. And the continuation…. Due to escalating misunderstanding, that sharp eyed girl Shishun mistook the whole ordeal as Enya losing and Shan Fu about to took Riri for himself…. tries to threaten him.
"Oh well…" feeling lost of his strength, Shan Fu tries to walk away. "Well… at least the misunderstanding is remedied. I will go then…" But Shan Fu falls to his knees, surprising Riri and the mother.
"Shan Fu-sama!" "Dear sir!" both tries to help him.
"No, it is alright… I am just feeling tired." And somehow… he felt the whole situation get blurry.
XXX
Shan Fu were directed to Riri's mother house. He was served some tea and some refreshment. Riri closely clinging to him.
"I have never seen Riri being so close to someone." The young looking mature lady giggled. "You must have treat her very well."
"Shan Fu-sama is acting very kind… is he like father, okaa-san?"
"Ah!" Shan Fu looked shocked by the innocent words spoken by this adolescent girl, while the young looking mature lady looked a bit down. "I am sorry. I did not meant to… Riri told me that… she lost her father… I mean your husband quite a long time…."
Though it was kind of harsh, the lady did not look troubled at all.. "Indeed. Her father was lost long ago. Sometimes… we both missed him… that is why Riri does not have any father figure for her." The lady looked outside as if reminiscing something "Riri is a very good child. She never troubled me…. That is why although I was kind of lonely… I felt comforted with her presence."
"I am… sorry." Shan Fu felt he was getting intrusive.
"No please don't. You did not do anything wrong." Then the mature lady looked at Shan Fu directly and suddenly her smile arose. "say… Riri told me that you are kind…. Looking closely here… you kind of remind me of my late dearest…."
Shan Fu felt silenced. "umm… Ma'am?"
"Shion…. Could not you call me that?"
"Eh? But…" Shan Fu notices that she is using her own manna…. "But that is your manna how could I…."
"So I was already too old and ugly…. Even a young'un like you refuse to address me with my name."
"No! you are still plenty beautiful and alluring. Even I was struggling to stop myself being attracted to you." Shan Fu blurted without thinking.
Shion then goes *tee-hee* seeing his reaction. "Sorry, I was not trying to make you embarrassed… seeing a fine young gentleman like you made my heart race… it is as if my dearest was returning alive."
"Shion-san…" Shan Fu felt he want to facepalmed… this girl is at the same frequency with Tohka….
"But I was not lying… I might get attracted to you, seeing your heroic looks when you shielded Riri with your own body without any regard~." Shio winked her eyes at him, Shan Fu felt his heart jumped as if his life was one year taken away because of this act. She remarked previously that she is just an unattractive old lady…. Hell… even he almost get spellbound by her.
Everyone, I think we have reached conclusion. This Shion here is a very definition of MILF.
XXX
"Please excuse us of intruding." The two girls who Shan Fu partially knows as Shishun and Enya entered. Shan Fu asked out of concern "Both of you, are you already recovered? My apologize for being too rough."
"No, it is our fault for misunderstanding." Shishun stated as matter of fact while Enya silently scowl at him.
"So? What about it?" Shion asked them.
"We have ensure of the situation. regardless…" suddenly Shishun and Enya bowed to Shan Fu "please excuse our insolence act, Military Advisor of Imperial Sister Liu Yuzhou; Shan Fu Darren."
"As expected…" Shion grinned. "No wonder you looked reliable. Who would have thought that a respectable figure has bothered to come at such remote region for a visit. Imperial Uncle Liu of Jingzhou has spoken about you."
Shan Fu felt silenced…. These girls and woman… how could they know….
"I think I have really fallen for you, Shan Fu Darren." Shion giggled. "Wei Yan, Gan Ning… what do you think about him?"
"Really admirable. He was very composed and capable. No wonder Imperial Sister Liu Yuzhou's reputation continued to soar…. with an advisor like him beside her." This girl Shishun… seemed to be Gan Ning style named Xingba. While the other girl….
"Hate to accept it, Huang-Furen…" the other girl Enya spoke. " But he is skill do spoke of it, not like what he looks like. He can handle my attack as if nothing." And she seems to be Wei Yan style named Wen Chang.
"An archer like Gan Ning has trouble against you and even a fierce general like Wei Yan has difficulty against you." The lady 'Shion' or perhaps Huang Furen, contemplated…
Shan Fu finally understand… "I see know… This fortress of Jiangxia was reputable for housing the leather covered Mengchong fleets under the command of General Huang Zu. However … long time ago, this base boasted reputation almost fall into ruin when The Tiger of Jiangdong launched an invasion. If not for Huang Zu's three generals… perhaps this place would be history." Shan Fu smiled. "those girls are Wei Yan styled Wen Chang and Gan Ning styled Xingba."
The two girls clasped their hand in respect and acknowledged his words.
It's hard to find a good lord in this screwed up era.
"Then, Shion-san…. Those girls call you as Huang Furen…" Shan Fu smiled. "I heard in Jiangxia there is a famous archer whose skill compares to the legendary archer Hou Yi." Shan Fu then showed the arrow which saved him earlier…. "I thought it was just empty rumor… but seeing the skill myself do spoke of the truth of those rumor…."
And being both loyal and righteous is hard too.
Shan Fu then clasped his hand in respect and spoke. "Shion san….. no, perhaps I should call you with your respectable name… General Huang Zhong…. I felt honored to see you face to face. "
Although we were never given the chance to shine again… What opportunities we will have in the future?
We, the veterans are still the most useful ones!
Shion… no General Huang Zhong styled Hansheng remain unfazed by this greeting. But, her hand trembled…. Feeling her passion was once again rekindled by this fated encounter.
Because… Heroes only hope for recognition.
XXX
Huang Zu spoke;
"It would be best to have commanders who are not well known. And yet, they must be the most skilled. First, Gan Ning. Secondly, Wei Yan and Finally, Huang Zhong."
Author Note:
My condolence to the family of the victim of MH-370.
Reviews….
P4Nd0Ras: well yes. How surprising that you realize I foreshadow the Wu - Shu Alliance
Sohara Mitsuki: nope, Changbanpo is kinda far from now.
Enigma95: yep, Ducatti. Nope. Perhaps. Nope. Thanks. Sawa is Xu Huang; Nagi is Yue Jin, and Mao still Li Dian. Their personalities still the same, it is just because Karin is more important that they lack focus.
Fire lord 626: yep, yep. He is from the same world.
REVANOFSITHLORD: I will tell you. Shan Fu will never meet Karin. And I had not made any changes on this.