Dynasty Warriors: Melting the Ice

Chapter 10 of my Dynasty Warriors story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors and its characters belong to Koei.

Chapter 10: The False Emperor

In the time that followed; things seemed to calm down slightly. Order had been restored to Xu and Cao-Cao continued his constant striving for efficient government. During this time however, Cao-Cao and Cai Wenji were becoming more and more aware of the strange feelings they were starting to develop around each other.

Both of them tried to hide it however; both out of respect to Bianshi and also both felt it was the wrong time. The land was still at war after all. It was shortly after a hunting party with the Emperor himself that Cao-Cao called an assembly of his officers.

Shortly after the hunting party, Ma Teng had returned to Xiliang and Liu Bei, at the Emperor's bidding, also returned to Xu. Cao-Cao was not worried about this however, feeling the two of them were useful allies, at least for the moment and was confident enough in his own strength, should they become enemies.

Once all his officers had assembled Cao-Cao began to speak.

"We stand on the brink...battle seems ready to threaten us again. Angered by what happened at Xiapi and, in his words, for holding his son's wife hostage, Yuan Shu is readying himself to stand against us. He is also officially declaring his intentions to become Emperor...having already declared the end of the Han and the beginning of the Zhong Dynasty."

Shaking his head, the now recovered, eye patch wearing Xiahou Dun scoffed. "That pompous fool really has an overinflated opinion of himself."

Cao-Cao just nodded.

It was clear there was more to come however. With the others listening intently, Cheng Yu stood and bowed.

"Lord Cao-Cao, I bring urgent news from the North." He said quickly. "Gongsun Zan has fallen, what men of his survived have scattered. Apart from Liaodong, which poses no threat to him, Yuan Shao has conquered all lands north of the Yellow River."

Cao-Cao had anticipated as much. "So, it has happened at last...I knew it would only be a matter of time..."

Cao Ren spoke up at once. "My Lord, this places us in a difficult situation. Yuan Shu to the south, Yuan Shao in the North, if they both decide to attack..."

"That would be dangerous, thankfully there are, extenuating circumstances which make such an alliance impossible." Guo Jia replied. "Namely, the two hate each other, they would only turn to each other for help in extreme desperation, plus, we have allies we can call upon, to surround Yuan Shu."

Cheng Yu finished the statement, realizing. "Which would make any attempt of his to reach Yuan Shao fruitless."

"Should we focus on Yuan Shu first...Yuan Shao has more land, more troops, greater officers..." Cao-Cao replied. "He may still need to recover from his battle with Gongsun Zan, but..."

"You worry too much my Lord." Xun Yu spoke up.

He stepped into the middle of the room, bowed and then looked around at everyone gathered.

Then he focused his gaze on Cao-Cao and spoke.

"In my opinion, Yuan Shao loses on ten points, and you win on ten points." He explained.

"Yuan Shao delights in ceremonies and decorum, while you prefer the natural and unaffected, thus you have the advantage in method. Yuan Shao acts in antagonism, while you consider the larger picture, thus you have the advantage of legitimacy. Yuan Shao's laws are lax, while your rule is strict and disciplined, thus you have the advantage of good governance. Yuan Shao appears tolerant but is grudging at heart, appointing only those close to him, while you are stern but perceptive, employing men according to their talents, thus you have the advantage of understanding. Yuan Shao ponders much but is irresolute, while you decide and act promptly, thus you have the advantage in planning. Yuan Shao is preoccupied with reputation, while you treat all men with honour and sincerity, thus you have the advantage in virtue. Yuan Shao cares for those nearby but not those out of sight, while you pay attention equally to all, thus you have the advantage in humanity. Yuan Shao listens to slander, while you discern the truth clearly, thus you have the advantage in perspicacity. Yuan Shao confuses right and wrong, while you make your regulations and standards clear, thus you have the advantage in administration. Yuan Shao craves glory but is blind to military principles, while you emerge victorious even when outnumbered, demonstrating uncanny leadership, thus you have the advantage in warfare. Yuan Shao loses in these ten ways, and Your Excellency has the advantage in these ten ways. Although the battle has not yet been started, I think that victory and defeat have already been decided"

Silence followed Xun Yu's words for a length of time.

Finally Cao-Cao laughed.

"Well spoken Xun Yu." He remarked. "So be it...we shall focus on Yuan Shu first...that man will regret his arrogance and treason...Ready our army, We shall strike forth at once. Send word also to Liu Bei and Sun Ce, they shall take part in this too."

At once they hurried to follow his commands; with messengers being sent rapidly to Sun Ce and Liu Bei in order to secure their aid in the upcoming battle.

Cao-Cao made no secret his displeasure of Yuan Shu's actions and was certain, with this triple alliance being formed, effectively surrounding Yuan Shu, his time was done and things were going to end badly for him.

He would be remembered from here on only in ignominy.

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