Dynasty Warriors: Ambition and Temperance
Chapter 10 of my Dynasty Warriors story, sadly short as I don't really know much about the Chinese wedding stuff and additionally, found this difficult to write somehow and I think it shows. But still, hopefully it's alright, enjoy.
Reviews
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Shadow390: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, as I said, takes inspiration from DW8's Wei Hypothetical route, so yeah, he wins that one :) Well, there are still two more major battles that have to happen after all. Well, I did my best, hope it works :)
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors and its characters belong to Koei.
Joys of Matrimony
There was much gossip and cheerfulness around the whole of Xuchang. Many people were talking about the major event that would be happening that day, The Imperial Chancellor, Cao-Cao, would be getting married.
That wasn't all, the part that really surprised and excited people and was the main topic of conversation was just who he was getting married too. The late Lord Cai Yong's daughter, Lady Cai Wenji. Cao-Cao's own officers were doing what they could to aid in the preparations and seemed to find the upcoming event quite joyous. Even the normally stoic Xiahou Dun was seen smiling from time to time.
One person however was not so happy and was currently venting that displeasure to Cao-Cao.
"You are sure about this now, father?" Cao Pi queried.
Cao-Cao shook his head as he considered his wedding clothes, making sure they were perfect. "I fail to see what it is you are trying to imply, my son."
Cao Pi glared. "This, woman. Do you really think it appropriate; or have you forgotten..."
"I have not forgotten anything, son. Do you know what your mother's last words to me were?" Cao-Cao replied, his tone becoming dangerous. "Find happiness again...and I have."
Cao Pi tensed at that but then sighed. "The example this will set, not for me...but for my brothers. What of Zhang, or Zhi?"
Cao-Cao said nothing else however and Cao Pi could see his words had no effect, so, muttering to himself, he left.
Meanwhile, in her own chambers, preparing for the wedding, Cai Wenji was nervous, more so than she had even been in her life. The wedding was due to start soon and she was finding herself fretting over every little thing.
'I, oh no, what do I…?' She pondered worriedly.
Her biggest fear came from her unwanted memories; she recalled her horrific time in Li Jue and Guo Si's captivity. How she had been cruelly raped; that was her biggest disappointment, the one thing she couldn't offer to the man she loved.
She tried to reason with herself. 'Lord Cao-Cao already knows about that; he asked me to marry him, knowing about that.'
All the same her mental turmoil continued. Seeing this, the two ladies helping her get ready shared a look. Zhenji and Wang Yi could both see how troubled Cai Wenji was.
Zhenji spoke up first. "You really need to relax; you know. This is supposed to be a happy occasion."
"I...I just..."
"Come now; there's being nervous, then there's this...you can overcome this, remember just who awaits you." Zhenji remarked.
Wang Yi sighed. "It can be scary; especially as it might bring up the past, but weddings are days for new beginnings, remember that."
She bit her lip, recalling how Wang Yi lost her husband. She felt silly having those worries, compared to the losses that woman had suffered. Still the words emboldened her and she was ready. Soon she and Cao-Cao would meet, for the wedding ceremony to begin.
Following the ceremony as they rode in the carriage which took them throughout the city, through the waving crowds all cheering, Cai Wenji couldn't help but smile widely.
'My fears seem so distant now.' She thought in amazement. 'I am now married, to the man I love, I; we are...looking forwards, to a new future, one we will forge together.'
Even as she thought that, she turned to Cao-Cao. He turned to, smiling at her.
"My Lady; rest assured, I spend every waking moment, doing what I can to make you happy."
She too smiled and nodded. "As will I, be doing for my Lord. Let us forge our new future together."
He nodded; the two of them overjoyed beyond words as the carriage began returning to the palace for the wedding feast to begin.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.