Thank you heaps L-chan, Yue1234, Silent Ninja, Dia, AmenoMuakumo and of course, the lovely Ying for your reviews! It was great to hear your thoughts ^0^
Anyway, this chapter is dedicated to the lovely Zhou Ying. Thank you for all your reviews and suggestions, I feel that I am steadily improving (though slowly, as I am a slow learner ^0^). You've mentioned some time ago that you wanted to read about how the party actually got to He Fei Castle. Well, I kinda lied when I said that I'd put it in Zhou Yu's perspective (as my plan got shuffled round and round), but hopefully, this is what you wanted and answers all your questions!
Disclaimer: Don't own. And by the way, the position of the characters, the events that happened and the geography etc are in no way accurate reflections of what really happened in history so please bear in mind that this story is based entirely on fiction and my imaginations.
Inspirational Song: 第十行星 (The Tenth Planet) by F.I.R.
Unheard, Unseen, Untouchable – The Illusion of Happiness
Sun Quan's Perspective
Being the second sibling in the family, in one word, sucks.
You're never in the limelight, and you're forever destined to second place. This is even more so when you grew up in this warring era.
My older brother Ce's skill in the martial arts is beyond superior; his tonfas acting as both his sword to attack and his shield in defence. Since long ago I watched with admiration as he slowly honed his skill, unifying the smaller tribes around the boundaries of our kingdom, expanding the might of Wu. He truly was the Little Conqueror. Being the only daughter, my younger sister Shang Xiang will always be the apple in my father's eye. But I guess since mother has passed away, Shang Xiang has been outnumbered by male company; her childhood spent learning martial arts with the other rising Generals has helped developed her phobia of dresses and other pretty things girls her age usually indulge in. To me, her manliness is, at times, somewhat terrifying, but in my father's eyes, there is absolutely nothing Shang Xiang can do wrong.
Being second on the other hand, doesn't give you any advantages either way. Whenever I do something worth mentioning, most likely Ce has already accomplished it, and no doubt faster and more effective than I was. Moreover, whatever Shang Xiang did, my father would praise for ages after. I only get a "Nice try Quan. Try harder next time".
Life just isn't fair.
Speaking of which, the Gods sure did not play fair as they took the Lady Xiao Qiao away from us. The day that Lady Xiao Qiao disappeared was…surreal. I kept expecting her to turn up unexpectedly, a cheeky smile on her face, fooling us like her infamous pranks on Gan Ning and Ling Tong. In all honesty, I was never close with the Ladies Da and Xiao Qiao. Not that I had the opportunity. Their controlling father prowled around their vicinity, scrutinising each passerby as if they were a commodity in the market. Their fan club, consisting mainly of pages and soldiers in the palace and later, even several of the Generals, followed them like stink on a warthog. Shang Xiang was their shadow. She would do weird, girly things that I never seen her do in her life. She was now a frequent visitor to the bath chambers, and once, she was even seen in a dress! But access to the girls was really cut off when my brother, Ce and his best friend Zhou Yu started courting the girls.
Zhou Yu.
I've always respected and envied the guy. He got on so well with Ce, even better than me, his own brother. The two connected mentally almost as if they shared a mind. Their jokes were something that I fail to understand, even now. Their moves would complement each other seamlessly on the battle field, impressing their enemies before Ce's tonfa or Zhou Yu's sword would end their lives. I must admit I felt…left out. It would seem to me that they would talk of their bright future, the glorious future of Wu, and I would forever remain as Sun Ce's younger brother, the second son of Sun Jian.
But it's what they say: beauty attracts beauty. Everyone knows that once The Little Conqueror and The Beautiful Warrior express interest in a lady, that's the end of the story…unless you happened to be a certain formidable Lord in the Northern Territory, then you're an exception. We didn't automatically jump to the conclusion that Lord Cao Cao was behind it, God no. The mighty Heavens sure did not make it that easy for Zhou Yu; they wanted to ridicule him for as long as they could.
The Lady Xiao Qiao, or Xiao Qiao as I've started calling her thanks to Shang Xiang's influence, had said that she was going down to the market place. That was normal. The markets in Jianye were famous for its liveliness and selection. The Qiao sisters caused quite a stir in the town as available bachelors formed great lines in the hopes of catching a glimpse of these beauties. I remember Father ordering Ce and I to escort them around the central township during their first few days in the palace. No doubt it was their father's plan to try and merry us up. Anyway, the actual sightseeing lasted, what, twenty minutes. The remainder of the time was spent hiding from the wave of crowds wanting to talk to the Ladies. What I've learnt about the Ladies is that they are very comfortable, or at least, accustomed to such public attention. Their flawless diplomatic smile never wavered as wealthy landlords right down to the peasants and beggars came to shake their hands. They defined elegance and emitted such aura of grace that I have never seen before. But I guess my standards weren't set very high, what with Shang Xiang being the benchmark.
Even though Zhou Yu was very reluctant in letting Xiao Qiao out of the palace walls on her own, especially after their failed trip around the kingdom, but like she said herself: she was not a child, she was capable of taking care of herself. Moreover, Xiao Qiao was well-known in the area and she would still be within the central township so we had thought that nothing would happen to her, that no one would dare harm her in any way while she was within the walls of Jianye.
How wrong we were. How wrong we were, indeed.
As the sun sleepily drifted behind the distant mountains, darkness slowly engulfed the ruby red sky. The palace was usually quite as our normally lively inhabitants – the Lady Xiao Qiao, Ce, Shang Xiang, Ling Tong and the pirate had ventured down to the market to mark the celebration of the springtime harvest. By sundown, the eerie peacefulness was starting to feel bizarre and Zhou Yu was getting impatient and anxious, his eyes compulsively darting towards the main gate. After a while, the slight commotion told us that Ce, his newly married wife Da Qiao, Shang Xiang, the pirate, Ling Tong and Lu Xun had came back from the market, the very market Xiao Qiao had set off to hours ago. There was no sign of her. This really didn't go down well with the normally composed strategist. He paced around frantically, muttering to himself.
At first, we were not all that worried. Even though the Lady Xiao Qiao appeared distant at first, we slowly started to see the innocent and almost child-like charm underneath. One day she was as sombre as Shang Xiang when someone beats her in a mock battle, another day she's up and about, pranking Gan Ning. I guess this mischievous side to her could be considered very captivating. Well, for Zhou Yu it certainly is. We had thought that curiosity may have led her to wander off, but she'll be back in no time so no harm done.
As minutes turned to hours, tension really started to thicken. When the gong in the temple rang for the third time, Zhou Yu could no longer sit still, he had to go down to the market to see for himself. Ce, Da Qiao and Shang Xiang accompanied him of course. Father was also very concerned for Xiao Qiao, opting to tag along with the concerned party. Anyone could see how inappropriate and ludicrous that suggestion was! Not to question the safety of our kingdom, but it just wasn't right for the Emperor and founder of the mighty Sun dynasty to venture to the place of the commoners! I stopped him of course, voicing my concerns. But before I know it, there I was, saddling my horse, taking his place.
The commoners all rushed to greet us, concerned at what would bring five members of the royal palace to the market of all places, at this peculiar time of the day. The stall owners were all packing up their stalls or counting the earnings for the day. As we approached, they would bow deeply, eager to please us in any way.
Zhou Yu was very…to the point. All he was concerned about was his young wife. Without stopping for formalities, he progressed to interrogate the crowd brave enough to venture towards him. After four pointless rounds of interrogations, the stall owners shaking in their shoes as the high ranking Wu officer barked questions after questions, the old owner of the sweets stall by the river came forward, head low and shaking in a respectful bow.
"I-i-if I may say something, Lord Zhou Yu, the L-l-lady Xiao Qiao came to my humble stall not long before sunset. She purchased a bag of my red bean rice cakes, my lord."
"Then what? Did you see what happened to her? Did she mention where she was going?" Zhou Yu pressed on, pulling the frightened old man by the front of his robes. I have never seen him so distressed, his voice sounding strangely unfamiliar with the distinct edge of anxiety.
"I-I-I don't know my lord, I swear! The Lady Xiao Qiao went down by the river, and she stood there for a while, talking to a strange man I have not seen before. As I made my way over to ask if I could help her, I had to serve another customer. When I was finished, she was no longer there! I swear that I am telling the truth, my lord!"
Zhou Yu paled immediately at this turn of events. The old man made gagging noises as Zhou Yu's hold on his robes tightened as he thought carefully through his words.
A simple trip down to the markets had turned into foul play.
Da Qiao stepped forward, her hand resting on Zhou Yu's, preventing him from inadvertently strangle the poor man to death. They exchanged a look, and she shook her head subtly. Turning to the old man, she gave a small smile. "Please kind sir, did you happen to see what the man looked like?" She asked, the kindness in her voice prompting the man to continue.
"Thank you Lady Da Qiao, but I'm afraid I did not get to see him in detail. But from his build, he was definitely no scholar, that's for sure. I did find something unusual though…"He held up a plain blue fabric. "This was found at the spot the Lady Xiao Qiao was last seen, by the river."
Zhou Yu's eyes narrowed as he pinched the fabric in between his thumb and fore finger. The cloth looked as if it was hastily torn from the sleeve of inexpensive robes usually worn by peasants. I have to say that I myself rarely see anyone donned in such attire in the palace, even the servants. Surprising me, he put the fabric against his nose, closing his eyes as he took in the scent. His eyes opened in an instant, burning with fury, his teeth clenched.
"Sea salt and gun power. The guy is a pirate!" He spat, "Call Gan Ning. We need to fight fire with fire."
Then with quick orders from my brother, all ports were sealed off. Both incoming and outgoing ships thoroughly checked by the imperial guards before their take off. With Gan Ning's help, it was not hard to track the vessel.
In total, by the next morning, the royal jail house acquired sixteen more inmates. Zhou Yu personally questioned them all, not resting once even as the morning dragged on, the inmates' loud screams echoing off the stone cell walls as his blade mercilessly dug into their flesh. I guess rage can be a good remedy for fatigue.
From their sweat and pain blotted faces, all sixteen convicts unanimously confessed that a well dressed Northern scholar had visited them a few months prior. He had asked them to make a special 'delivery', one that required the assistance of their leader. Since their negotiation was kept confidential, they were only told to keep an eye out for the imperial guards, and wait for their leader's return which was due in the next couple of days. This meant that instead of living in the fine Wu palace, the six of us set up camp in that dingy ship; ready to give the man the biggest surprise of his life as he returned. Ling Tong and Lu Xun joined not long after, with a message from my father wishing us all the best.
After the fifth day of pointless waiting, I started to wonder why I was even a member of the search party anyway, it's not like I was even close with Xiao Qiao! It was a real chore, waiting in that pathetic excuse of a ship. Gan Ning didn't seem to mind at all, I guess he felt at home. I shudder to think what I'd do if I became a pirate in the next life. I guess stench and poverty were regular acquaintances that hovels like these seem pretty comfortable.
But what surprised me was the Lady Da Qiao. Even though she was dressed in plain peasant robes, she still couldn't conceal her nobility and class. She would not say much. Standing by the tiny window, her eyes scanning the cerulean wasteland, her hands would remain interlocked in front of her, her mouth mumbling silent prayers. Zhou Yu sat on the dirty cabin floor, his eyes alert, hands ready on his sword, listening for any signs of movements. Ce would hover between the two, unsure what he should say or do. It was the first time I have seen him so lost for words, so lost in uncertainty. Shang Xiang, Lu Xun, Ling Tong and the pirate sat together, chatting quietly to break the tension.
Finally, we saw a boat in the distance. First a speck amongst the vast ocean, then steadily becoming bigger. We all stopped what we were doing, Ling Tong and Gan Ning shutting up for once.
As the boat collided with the wharf gently, a shirtless brute that would make Gan Ning a gentleman in comparison jumped onto the wooden dock. As he strolled aboard his ship, we could distinctly see the ripple of muscles in his toned arms, decorated with scars and tattoos. From my peripheral vision, I could see Ce moving in front of Da Qiao, hiding her from view as Lu Xun moved and shielded my sister. Zhou Yu's hand twitched on his sword, bloodlust evident in his stance. Well, if my wife was touched by that brute of a man, I definitely would not be too thrilled either.
As the brute yanked the door to the cabin open, we raised our weapons, ready to strike. He had not even stepped into the threshold when a flash of brown hair told us that Zhou Yu had closed in on his prey. With his sword against the thug's neck, Zhou Yu quickly apprehended the man, his sword twitching in his hand, hungry for the other man's blood.
And the remaining days passed in a blur. Back in the dungeons of the palace, we had strung the brut upside down by the ankles with his lackeys as blood rushed to his head and oozing out of the multiple wounds all over his body. Zhou Yu had never struck me as the sadistic type; it really contradicted with his refined features. Shang Xiang helped with the interrogation in the beginning until Lu Xun carried her out; she had collapsed at the sight of so much blood. Da Qiao calmly stood next to Ce, despite my brother's numerous pleads for her to leave, her expression veiled as the angst-ridden Zhou Yu tortured the brute, careful to balance the man's life with his vindictive pleasure.
After the brute could tell that his promised reinforcements had failed him, he succumbed to the pain. He had confessed everything. The well-dressed Northern scholar had entrusted him with delivering to the Northern Lord, a precious cargo. She was a girl no more than seventeen, her light brown hair like freshly harvested barley, but as smooth as silk. She was said to be the pinnacle of beauty. As soon as he saw her, by the sweets stall, he was sure that she was the one. Her petite body hidden by the long, custard cream dress; her long hair up in a tall pony tail, a few loose strands framing her gorgeous face. She was so defenceless as she crouched by the river, her fingers lightly dipped into the cold stream. As he approached her, the gravel from the riverbed crackling, she jumped up, a dazzling smile on her lips.
"I knew you would come, Zhou!"
Shock crossed her features for a split second and he wrapped a black cloth he had prepared earlier across her face, her small hands tugging hopelessly against his coarse robes. In the back of his mind, he heard the sound of fabric tearing as the medication started to take effect. Her hands dropped to her sides, the crinkle between her brows eased as her eyes closed and her whole body slumped. Seeing her vulnerable, sleeping face, her soft body against his own, he fought the urge to abandon the mission and take the girl for himself. The thought of the promised gold checked him. Then he carried her off, his lackeys swarming in as eager customers attracting the attentions of the stall owners, into the safety of the boat he prepared earlier on and sped away towards the Northern seas. The journey there was said to be unbearable. Although the cold seas tore at his weather beaten body, it was his desire for the sleeping girl that haunted him, as he ran his hand about her pristine body.
At this Zhou Yu's face contorted to the most terrifying expression I've ever seen, his sword out of the scabbard in a quick flash, the brute's head swiftly departed from his body. Da Qiao's knees finally caved in, her head just inches from the cold ground when Ce took her into his arms, carrying her off to their rooms. Although the sight of the blood frightened her, I could tell that it was the thought that this beast had violated her unconscious little sister which had truly repulsed her.
The next few days were by far more productive. Zhou Yu remain shut in his study, calculating the quickest and most effective way to retrieve his wife, now that he knew where she was and the danger she was in. Then the strangest search party consisting of Zhou Yu, Ce, and surprisingly, Da Qiao and Lu Xun embarked to the Northern Territories. Although Father and brother had begged Da Qiao not to go, for it was unsafe at the very least for a woman with very little prior combat training to venture out to He Fei Castle of all places, but still she did not relent. It was her precious little sister's life on the line, so she felt that she must do something. Ce had to agree in the end. It would have been a death sentence for her right there to remain behind while her sister and beloved were in harm's way. I cannot help but admire my sister-in-law. The more times I have spent with her I am deeply amazed by her grace, compassion and courage. It truly was very touching what she would do for her little sister.
I can also tell that Shang Xiang is furious that Lu Xun is also a member of the search party while she is forced to stay behind. I don't know much about the boy, except when Zhou Yu praises his commitment to learning, but I know that he was very close with Shang Xiang. Almost too close for my liking. The two were each other's shadows! I know that his swordsmanship was also admirable, as both Zhou Yu and Ce would give him pointers at training, but he has never stepped foot on the battlefield! Perhaps we'll have to wait to see if his training paid off. I just hope that he doesn't come back in a stretcher, or worse, a body bag. But the mission was reconnaissance by nature, there shouldn't be many opportunities for swords to be crossed. Well, we had hoped so anyway.
Anyway, the four then set off on their mission, and we waited in the palace, praying for a happy ending.
It would seem our prayer went unanswered.
It's been just over six months since Xiao Qiao's terrible ordeal, and still, she remains like a statue, moving only when Da Qiao and Shang Xiang carries her to the bath chambers, where she would shriek, bite and cry. Believe me, we have had a lot of casualties just making sure she was clean and fed. Once, it had seriously gotten out of hand. Xiao Qiao had pulled out Da Qiao's hairpin from her head and attacked her older sister with it. The white tiles in the bath chamber were covered in pools of red by the time we charged in and it was around then that Ce started seeing red. After barking some quick orders, Ce and Shang Xiang took the injured Da Qiao to the medics while Xiao Qiao locked herself in her room. By the time Zhou Yu kicked down the door, Xiao Qiao was hanging from the bed sheets wrapped around the ceiling rafts. It was lucky that Zhou Yu was a quick thinker. Grabbing Xiao Qiao's fan hanging from the wall, he threw it with precision and it sliced through the sheets, releasing the near suffocating Xiao Qiao, who had to be drugged for the remainder of the night.
Another time, Xiao Qiao attempted to end her life by biting her tongue, and Zhou Yu stopped her just in time…by putting his hand in her mouth. It was safe to say that the saying 'to bleed like the rivers' was not an exaggeration that night. Even so, Xiao Qiao would not relinquish her hold on him, her teeth tearing through his flesh, and it was only until Ce stepped in and forcefully removed her did we managed to get Zhou Yu bandaged up. It was seriously one of the most disturbing nights of my life, seeing Xiao Qiao's mouth covered in Zhou Yu's blood as she continued to cry and scream.
After all they have been through, how could she forget about him? How could she bear putting him through all this pain, both psychological and physical?
The ironic thing was afterwards. Even as his beloved bit open his hand, Zhou Yu continued to murmur to her in his soothing tone, proclaiming his never dying love for her. It was only when he saw that Ce had hurt Xiao Qiao while trying to free him, her white cheeks coloured with faint bruises from Ce's hold did he raise his voice and struck my brother. Ce was shocked to say the very least. So were the rest of us. Zhou Yu had not only stuck his sworn brother, but the Lord of our Kingdom! Was he asking for an execution? But I have to say that I was even more shocked when Ce actually restrained me as I lunged at Zhou Yu, dismissing the guards who had form a circle around Zhou Yu. I can't believe it! What is wrong with everyone!
It has been just under three weeks since that night and still, Zhou Yu's hand remains heavily bandaged up. I'm guessing he'll carry a scar for the rest of his life. How cruel, for the Heavens to continuously remind him of who had caused him so much pain. Still, he would not leave her side, unless absolutely necessary, as he waited unwearyingly for her to wake up from this nightmare.
Tonight was no different; her distant screams could be heard even though we were confined in my father's study. All the Generals were present as Zhou Yu was to give an account of what happened in He Fei Castle. This is the first he had spoke of the events that day, the first time we could pry him away from his distressed wife. As he continued in his monotonic tone, we could see that his mind wasn't really at the meeting with us; he was more concerned about his wife, screaming her lungs out in the adjacent wing.
After he had finished his recollection of how they had found her unclothed in the Lord Cao Cao's private chambers, I stood in awe, my mind slowly processing his words. Her scantily dressed state and her mental meltdown could only mean one thing…
Geez…and I thought my life sucked!
My father cleared his throat, and all eyes were on him.
"Well this explains a lot of things. I am very sorry, Zhou." He shook his head gravely. "Anyway, you said that you made contact with the Lady Zhen Ji didn't you?"
"Yes, my Lord. The Lady Zhen Ji defied her husband, the Lord Cao Pi and helped us escape. It was only with her help that we were successful."
Father nodded his head, his brows contracted. "Well it makes sense now; I had thought it was a bit sudden."
Zhou Yu's eyes narrowed, comprehension flickering in his eyes. "I don't understand, my lord. Has something happened to her?"
"Yes." My father suddenly looked more aged than ever in the candle light, the crinkles between his brows more prominent. Pinching the bridge between his brows, Father spoke with a tone of melancholy that was rarely expressed to our rival Kingdom. "Our ambassador in the Wei Kingdom has just reported the untimely death of the Lady Zhen Ji, apparently from sickness, but now we know that there may be more than meets the eye. She was most likely executed as a traitor."
Zhou Yu nodded his head gravely, his features void of any expressions.
"My lord, if I may interrupt?" Huang Gai came forward, bowing. My father nodded his head, urging him to continue. "I have just come back from Chang Ban, and on my journey back, my troops heard some curious rumours. They say that around the same time as the announcement of the Lady Zhen Ji's bereavement, the northern troops announced the death of the Lord Zhang He, who had apparently taken his own life. If my sources were correct, he was in the campaign against the rebels in the outskirts of the Northern territory at the time."
Immediately the Generals began to whisper amongst themselves at this strange news. I had only seen the Lord Zhang He once in my life. I was taken aback by how lithe and elegant his moves were and how refined his speech was. He did not strike me as the type that would suddenly commit suicide. Perhaps this warring era has finally taken its toll on him. Death has finally caught up with him.
"This is indeed curious. Nevertheless, it is good news for our kingdom." My father sighed, rubbing his tired eyes. "Lord Zhang He was an exceptional warrior and a definite threat to our army. Lady Zhen Ji was also remarkable on the battle field and her presence increased morale. I believe the might of the Wei army would be severely discounted, but we must act prudently. Let us see how the Shu Kingdom will respond before we make our move."
"Yes, my lord." The Generals responded in agreement.
Sensing the close of the meeting, Zhou Yu stood up immediately and started making his way back towards his wife.
"By the way Zhou, our ambassador was approached by the Lady Zhen Ji's personal servant before his departure. He was asked to bring this to you." My father stopped him, handing over a small handmade silk pouch. Everyone craned their necks as Zhou Yu shook its contents out onto his palm.
It was a small white shell. Xiao Qiao's 'treasure'.
Zhou Yu closed his eyes and his hands tightened on the shell. He looked close to a break down again and Ce quickly rushed up and put his hands on his shoulders, steadying him. Murmuring quiet words of comfort, Ce lead Zhou Yu back towards his and Xiao Qiao's chambers.
"What the? A shell?" One of the Generals scoffed as he too, hoped it to be one of the exquisite jewels owned by the royalties in the Northern Territory that we have heard so much about.
"Seems to be going around," Huang Gai's booming voice interjected, "for I heard that the remains of Lord Zhang He was also holding on to a shell when the servants found him in his tent."
"Curious, indeed."
Later that night, after Xiao Qiao had fallen asleep, I saw Zhou Yu wonder into the imperial gardens, his straight brown hair blowing behind him, his footsteps echoing in the silent night.
What was he doing in this late hour?
Instinctively I followed him, careful not to disturb him as he stood by the lotus pond, murmuring to himself.
"…Lady Zhen Ji, a thousand apologies and a thousand thanks. I am eternally in your debt. For all that you have done: saving Xiao from that god awful place and giving me a second chance, I thank you. Words cannot express my gratitude. I pray that in the next life I will be able to repay your kindness."
He lit a candle and gently placed it on a lotus leaf, watching it drift lazily in the current.
"May you rest in peace, Lady Zhen Ji."
Ha ha, I unintentionally made Quan a pompous brat! Love it! I was quite reluctant to write in his perspective at first (can you tell that he's not one of my favourites?) but it just kept getting more interesting. I must admit that I too, am the middle child, so most of Quan's whinges are actually based on my own pathetic whining!
A bit random, but I recently had some of the red bean rice cakes (Anko-mochi) mentioned in the previous chapter and it was o-so-delicious! I totally recommend it next time you wander to Asia (it is not a Japan specific delicacy as I have tried some in Taiwan once and it was YUMMY to the max) ^0^. I felt like Xiao as I scoffed it down! Sigh, now I am just waiting for my Zhou Yu to sweep me off my feet ~~
*looks around*
No takers?
Ouch for me.
Totally unrelated to anything but…has anyone seen how Zhou looks in DW7? Personally, I don't dig it….at all. Sigh. Does he (and Ce) have to look so angry? I much prefer him in DW5! I'm starting to get used to him in DW6 (Leggings…seriously!) but still, the femininity in his features in 7 was going too far I think! Ce in 6 made me squeal like a little school girl! I have to say he's got me! Da looks amazing in 7! Fingers crossed Xiao will look good!
Can't wait for the release!
BTW, reviews would be great!