Disclaimer: I don't own Dynasty Warriors/Sanguo
Romance of the Dynasty Warriors Pairings 2
Chapter 12: Zhou Tai and Sun Shang Xiang
Post Yi Ling….
"My lord, we search the entire province, but did not find your sister's where about," Bu Zhi said.
"Our morale been low since we suffered countless attacks from Shu and Wei. Cao Pi is sending envoys for his terms with us. Should we continue resisting Cao Pi and abandon our search for the princess?" Zhuge Jin asked.
"…." Sun Quan stress himself from a headache after listening to his ministers
Zhang Zhao stood besides him on the left and one of Sun Quan's wives Lady Bu to the right. Generals Zhou Tai, Xu Sheng, Quan Zong, and Sun Shao are standing to the right of the red carpet where the ministers stood the opposite side.
"We had a stunning victory at Guan Ling, it would be wise to take advantage of Wei's defeat then we'll discuss on how we'll find Lady Sun Shang Xiang," Xu Sheng suggested.
"My lord, it's your call. Shall we continue searching your sister or commence a counterattack against Wei?" Zhang Zhao said.
Sun Shang Xiang is all that Sun Quan has left in his family. Losing his father and brothers felt like losing one part of himself, but losing his sister can totally destroy his whole image.
"Dear, I know this has become irritating, but even I am concern of my sister in law," Lady Bu said.
"I can't believe she run away from me…" Sun Quan thought.
Suddenly, a man rush into the audience and bow to Sun Quan in front of his throne.. What is it this time?
"My lord, the envoy from Wei army has arrive," the man reported.
Everyone murmur as the react in the audience is mixed with opinions. Cao Pi must be desperate with his defeat at Guan Ling to send his envoy here for a reason.
"Escort the envoy into the castle," Sun Quan ordered.
"But, your majesty, Cao Pi doing this to drag ourselves in this difficult solution," Bu Zhi said.
"We must endure it…" Zhou Tai said.
"Huh?" Bu Zhi turn to the face of the silent warrior, wonder what a mere brute know of politics.
"We'll continue to endure Cao Pi's begging, in the meantime, request to continue searching for Shang Xiang, my lord," Zhou Tai said.
The envoy arrive inside the castle with three men and one of them is holding a scroll. That scroll could be Cao Pi's written on it.
"Greetings, King of Wu," the Wei messenger bowed.
"What does Cao Pi want with me now?" Sun Quan asked.
"He sends you a letter about his thoughts on your internal problems in Wu," the Wei messenger went forward to give the scroll to Sun Quan.
Sun Quan reads the letter quietly and Zhang Zhao peaked abit of what is written and his eyes grow wide with shock. Sun Quan's teeth squeeze hard showing a sign of frustration and agony. This Cao Pi is a man to provoke people easily, just what the hell does he know about his sister and why does that matter to Cao Pi.
"Ugh!" Sun Quan almost tear up the scroll, thankfully Zhang Zhao snatch it and read with interest.
"What does it say, my lord?" Bu Zhi asked.
"He's satisfied with our solution in Wu and ask us for their help in searching for my sister. But, that is not all…." Sun Quan glare at his brother in law.
"If Cao Pi finds Sun Shang Xiang, he'll use her as a ransom, forcing us a solicitation with Wei…" Zhou Tai answered.
"It doesn't matter, we'll succeed in finding your sister!" Xu Sheng urged.
"Leave it to us your majesty," Sun Shao said.
"No, you two shall remain here, I shall go search for Sun Shang Xiang alone," Zhou Tai sighed.
"Alone?" Sun Quan looked at Zhou Tai.
"Recently, there are rumors of a suspicious camp at Nan Hai. We did not go there to investigate it yet, but now it's a good time I'll go to Nan Hai on an inspecting task," Zhou Tai informed.
"My sister could be in a camp? Does that mean she's raising an army?" Sun Quan chocked
"It's probably an abandon camp since the last Shanyue War," Zhang Zhao assumed.
"The report doesn't lie. She must be in there raising an army, but for what purpose?" Zhou Tai said.
"You don't think she's…" Lady Bu gasped.
Zhou Tai nodded and Sun Quan grew more stressful of the matter, this is unbelievable.
The Wei envoy is still here and the messenger smirk and decide to reveal his lord's last words to the Wu sovereign.
"Emperor Cao Pi wishes you to invite him on the grand party tribute the death of Liu Bei. Wu is always welcome because we still believe you are our partner in chaos. We also preparing for the Anti Shu Campaign. Do not forget his terms or there will be consequences regarding to your missing sister," the Wei messenger announced.
"Get them out of here!" Sun Quan ordered.
He indeed had enough listening to his most dispensable rival's words. Furthermore, if the solution gets out of hand, rumors of a renewal alliance with Wei will surface.
"Thank heavens, Shang Xiang didn't settle in Wei territory we shall be able to find her in Jiao Zhou," Zhuge Jin said.
"But, if she is raising an army, then it looks like her intentions to start another Shanyue War is inevitable," Bu Zhi said.
"Do not temp me to bring up this matter! I want my sister back and refuse to attack my sister despite the barbarians she's leading!" Sun Quan slams his hand on his throne.
"Proceed," Zhou Tai bowed.
"You have your orders, Zhou Tai. Go to Jiao Zhou and bring my sister back," Sun Quan said.
Outside Jian Ye…
After the Wei envoy left, Zhou Tai prepare his horse and rode to the city gates. He thinks about that night with his lord where he reveals his feelings for the princess.
Flashback…
Sun Quan and Zhou Tai drank with merry during a feast. Sun Quan almost going to pass out from drinking too much, but Zhou Tai can still hold his mind on the alcohol system. After that, Quan begin to speak.
"Shang Xiang, it's my fault that she runaway from home because of me," Sun Quan whimpered.
"Do not feel so guilty about it. She made her choice…" Zhou Tai said.
"But, she's my only sister. Whatever happens to her…" Sun Quan was cut short when Zhou Tai grinned in front of him.
"I assure you, Zhongmou that your sister is the toughest female I ever met, since when she was little. I watched her everyday the same time I watched over you, my lord," Zhou Tai said.
"Will she be alright without us?" Sun Quan asked.
"Precisely," Zhou Tai nodded.
"It was a mistake to have her a part of my plan to taking Jing zhou. What sick bastard uses his own sister as a tool to his ambition?" Sun Quan shakes his head.
"That all the past, my lord. We got Jing zhou, so that matter is no longer an issue," Zhou Tai drank another slip of his wine.
"But, still…she left me…" Sun Quan drank his cup slowly.
"You know what, I thought about this for a long time, and now I'll tell you everything I see in your sister the moment you arrange her marriage to Liu Bei," Zhou Tai cleared his throat and announce his confession.
"Tell me, what do you see in my sister my best friend?" Sun Quan listened to his longest serving General.
"When she married to Liu Bei, I felt my heart was stolen from fate itself. But, upon watching her leave with Liu Bei, my eyes turned from passion to sorrow. I should have stopped you from allowing it to happen, but part of me understand you're doing this as a plot," Zhou Tai said.
"It's suppose to be a plot kept in secret, but regret not telling her the whole truth about it…" Sun Quan said.
"You're going to hate me for this. I really love your sister, the moment she grew into a woman, and I felt in love with her. The little flower is now an astonishing rose covered with the bright light of the Sun. I do not know what she truly feels in me, does she love me after all those years on her childhood? Am I being looked as a mere chauffer to her?" Zhou Tai said.
"You really love my sister? Why didn't you tell me that before I had that marriage arranged?" Sun Quan gasped.
"Because it is not my place to get involve with your political matters, also, you never allow anyone within Wu ranks to marry your sister. I felt, Shang Xiang was just a trophy and not the girl I always watch over. She not a kid anymore," Zhou Tai explained.
"Forgive me, my friend. I was a horrible brother…" Sun Quan apologized.
"Shang Xiang is still wandering at Yang Zhou. It's possible she raising an army against you," Zhou Tai said.
"Must I fight my own sister to end our suffering?" Sun Quan troubled by that unconvinced theory, worries him a lot.
"That will never happen. When I find her, I'll persuade her to disarm the army and return to Wu peacefully," Zhou Tai finished his wine and stood up looking determinate.
"You will bring her back, Zhou Tai? But, what if she resist?" Sun Quan glanced at his friend.
"She won't, because there's one weakness to her independent behavior. It's common her relationship with Gan Ning was intense," Zhou Tai smirked.
"You can't be serious! Shang Xiang had a relationship with Gan Ning?!" Sun Quan look shocked.
"It's suppose to be a secret because of Gan Ning's popularity in our army, but now he's dead and his death will force Shang Xiang to give up her free will," Zhou Tai said.
"I can't believe it. Knowing Gan Ning's profile, she could have almost end up…end up…" Sun Quan started crying.
"She sure made a lot of trouble with this scandal. Proves her immaturity to the Sun family is irrelevant. That's why you shouldn't have gained Xingba so much profit to his merits when his bad habits polluted my rose," Zhou Tai said.
"He's already dead, Zhou Tai," Sun Quan presumed.
"Yes, but Shang Xiang doesn't believe that. That will be her greatest downfall," Zhou Tai coldly stare at the cup.
Flashback ends….
Indeed, the death of Gan Ning really is a huge factor to getting her back to Wu. Gan Ning's popularity brought Shang Xiang some happiness after the kidnapping plot. It was the most secretive relationships in Wu with romantic folklores spreading, but to Zhou Tai, it's a bad seed that only makes matters worst to his rose's future.
At Jiao Zhou…
The trail is distance, he just passed Jian An and is at the canton province of Jiao. There are still so many Shanyue relatives living here and across the seas are islands which his lord has not yet decide to conquer them to further expand Wu.
There are a group of farmers he saw at the fields across the road. It makes him proud to see Wu's people in prosperity.
"Good day, sir," the farmer bowed.
"Have you been well?" Zhou Tai asked.
"Yes, the harvest here is plentiful for the season," the farmer said.
"Excellent, I'll report to my lord about this later," Zhou Tai said.
The trail continues to Nan Hai where Shang Xiang's hidden camp resides.
Nan Hai…
After months of building her military strength, it's time to show the world a new power is rising. She'll prove that women can be rulers and create a dynasty for diversity. If this succeeds she will make the grand history of civilization.
"Queen," a random warrior bowed.
"Are my troops well prepared?" Shang Xiang asked.
"They're ready whenever you command us, my lady. Your ladyguards are in the front row as you request," the warrior said.
"I feel so energic today! The enthusiasm of raising my own army just like my brother Bofu did when he conquered Wu," Sun Shang Xiang praised.
"My lady, give use the order to move our. Only you can give our tribe a better life after living in the shadows of your brother's greed," the warrior demanded.
"Just a moment, I want to see the strength of my troops," Shang Xiang walked out of her seat and went outside where the training grounds is locate.
When she view the number of troops, her ladyguards, Shanyue infantries, elite archers who once served her brother's army, and a few horsemen. She only lacks heavy weaponry and navy because those things need a higher fund of production. She won the hearts of the Shanyue tribes, thanks to her charisma and people often consider her Queen of Shanyue.
It's enough to start attacking a city. If there is one least defended city in Wu, then it's Gui Yang. She'll capture Jing first before she invades her brother's city. It will be nice to persuade Lu Xun to join her, but that's a greater challenge.
"My lady, there is a stranger in front of our gates the guards reported," another warrior reported.
"Who could this stranger be?" Sun Shang Xiang thought.
At the gate…
When Shang Xiang walk towards the gate entrance, Zhou Tai slowly emerge his face starting at his rose. Shang Xiang look at him annoyed.
"Princess…." Zhou Tai spoke a quietly tone.
"I'm a queen now. So address me as The Queen, or 'your' Queen. Have you come here to defect from my brother's side?" Sun Shang Xiang waited for a quick response.
"I come here to bring you back, my lady. Your brother and his entire family are worried sick about you. Our men fought and died during the aftermath of Yi Ling to search for you. We search for you almost every year until the rumors about this place you inhabit came into Wu," Zhou Tai said.
"I'm not coming back! Return to my brother and tell him to prepare for the worst of me," Shang Xiang snarled.
Zhou Tai chuckled; this is what he expect of his beautiful rose. She loves the tough talk persona and acts high like a devoted leader. If only she was promoted Queen of Wu instead of Sun Quan's wife.
"Well then, perhaps shall we have a drink for old times sake, Shang Xiang?" Zhou Tai requested.
"I'll grant you a moment to chat with me at my throne, but I have no interest in talking about returning to my brother. Guards escort him inside," Sun Shang Xiang said.
At Sun Shang Xiang's throne…
"So, Wu won a battle against Wei at Guan Ling and Zhang Liao died moments later at Wei," Sun Shang Xiang said.
"Indeed, Cao Pi's horrible leadership cost the death of Wu's most fearsome opponent. But, there's more, he nearly try to capture Jiang Ling, but Zhu Ran's defense tactics gave enough time for Lu Xun's reinforcements to arrive. That makes two to zero for Wu against Wei. No matter how many troops Wei has, Wu is unconquerable," Zhou Tai took a slip of wine. Sun Shang Xiang laughed so hard at Cao Pi's faults.
"That's incredible for you guys to manage against Cao Pi's wrath twice. His father must be spinning in his grave by now," Sun Shang Xiang sighed.
"You heard about Liu Bei's death didn't you?" Zhou Tai assumed.
"No, so he died soon afterwards. Xuande, the least I can repay him for my debt is thanking him the way he treated me during the marriage," Sun Shang Xiang said.
"I see…" Zhou Tai hide his dark expression on the matter.
"So my brother continues to have wars against the late Liu Bei's army, is he not?" Sun Shang Xiang asked.
"No, but he's thinking of reviving the alliance, however Cao Pi continuously send envoys to your brother begging a long term alliance and offer us half of Shu's lands if we help them conquer Shu. However, that doesn't concern me, what a matter is that you're safe. We all thought you must be at Wei territory. Cao Pi planned to capture you as a ransom," Zhou Tai said.
"Oh, what makes you and everyone at Wu think I runaway to Wei? That place is too crowdy to settle for a private estate. Over here is much better and the lands are free living close to the southern seas," Sun Shang Xiang drank her wine glaring at Zhou Tai.
"Nanmans could have invaded your privacy…" Zhou Tai said.
"All taking care of. I'm the Queen of Shanyue, not even the Queen of Nanman can stand a chance against the will of the Sun," Shang Xinag boldly said.
"You never changed since you were little," Zhou Tai thought.
"Well, I have enough drinking, feel free to make yourself at home till you leave tomorrow for Wu," Sun Shang Xiang said.
"Wait, there's something I wanted to tell you before you go," Zhou Tai put his hand on Shang Xiang's soft skin.
"What's that?" Sun Shang Xiang stares at Zhou Tai coldly. He's just her brother's secretary to her eyes and no personal feelings felt inside her when he touches her.
"It's Gan Ning…" Zhou Tai said.
"Gan Ning? How is he faring?" Sun Shang Xiang sat back down her chair and glanced.
"Pretty much the heroic general he is now. People of Wu starting bring folklores about him after Yi Ling," Zhou Tai drank another slip of wine looking at Shang Xiang's glance. The rose still appear clean, as it has a thorn, because of Gan Ning.
"Then, he finally achieved his goal as a real hero, I'm proud of him," Sun Shang Xiang smiled.
"So was Ling Tong, he too shares the same admiration," Zhou Tai added.
"So, what's Gan Ning up to right now? Was he at the battle against Cao Pi?" Sun Shang Xiang grew more excited of the topic, but Zhou Tai remain dark and quietly answer her question.
"He's dead…" Zhou Tai answered.
"That's a joke. He might be playing dead with his pranks…" Sun Shang Xiang cut short of her sentence when Zhou Tai repeat himself.
"He's dead…."
"Is he really dead? Or do you have proof?" Sun Shang Xiang became annoyed of this.
"I was there that night and saw him killed while I killed his killer," Zhou Tai said.
"This really must be a joke! There's no way Gan Ning got killed that easy!" Sun Shang Xinag urged.
"His killer was an excellent archer…." Zhou Tai explained.
"That's no true, your telling me lies!" Sun Shang Xiang shouted.
"I never lied to my lord, admit it Shang Xiang. That necklace you wore on your neck belongs to Gan Ning. You should be pleased he fought an died for you," Zhou Tai stand up off his chair and walked closer to Shang Xiang.
"No…." Shang Xiang begin to shard tears.
"He died for you…" Zhou Tai whispered, holding his rose close to him. The thorn stuck into Zhou Tai's heart like a drop of blood interprets Shang Xiang's tears.
"Forgive your brother, Shang Xiang. He gave Gan Ning a respectable funeral and Ling Tong took Gan Ning's place," Zhou Tai said.
"Forgive him? You expect me to forgive my brother after everything he done?!" Her guards could hear Shang Xiang anger tone, but she dismissed them before the chat started.
"You can do whatever you want when you return to your brother. He still loves you and so were your nieces and nephews. Do you really want to abandon them or remain a misfortune forever by weeping over Gan Ning's death day by day," Zhou Tai said.
"…."Shang Xiang still cried.
"Don't weep for him anymore. Gan Ning doesn't want you to live in misfortune," Zhou Tai release his gripe on her and stared.
"But…" Shang Xiang could not accept the fact that Gan Ning died. He shouldn't have died that easy.
"Don't weep for him…" Zhou Tai raised his tone.
"….."
"You are very strong, Shang Xiang. You're my beautiful rose, since you were little, I called you my little flower," Zhou Tai embrace Shang Xiang closer.
"….."
"You grew fast in learning how to fight with Sun Ce and know the solution to tactics with Zhou Yu. I stayed at Sun Quan's side, but always watch you grow up. It's from here, I felt in love with you…" Zhou Tai confessed.
"You…love me…" Sun Shang Xiang stopped crying as she gazed at the dark warrior.
"Absolutely… my personal feelings don't lie. I waited patiently for years till finally your brother decided to have use get married once you return to him. He understands you want to start a family of your own, a live happily like you used to when you were little. I don't want to see you being a misfortunate beauty overwhelming Gan Ning's death," Zhou Tai said.
"Why? Why all of sudden you and my brother wanted control my life too many times?! My mother's illness was a dud, but now she passed away after that kidnapping plot," Shang Xiang shouted.
"No, you got it all wrong. Your brother made a mistake and wanted to make it up by having me as your husband. I beg you for the sake of your brother's happiness and yours, marry me," Zhou Tai said.
"You're just a mere chauffer to my brother, a brute with no class!" Shang Xiang utterly refused.
"I was promoted when your brother became King. Had a steady wealth if you call that class, your highness," Zhou Tai intimidated her.
"And still following my brother's orders like a zombie, how can I love someone like you?!" Sun Shang Xiang shook her head.
"It's for your own good, Shang Xiang. Don't value your life by raising these barbarians to wreak havoc the people of Wu," Zhou Tai urged.
"These people were the origin of our kin, how long shall my brother continue to look down upon the very heritage we're made of!?" Shang Xiang slammed the table knocking the wine off spilling it over.
"Only the uncivilized…" Zhou Tai resume his drinking.
"You can't force them to be civilized. It does not answer with power, but virtue!" Shang Xiang swear she'll lock Zhou Tai up as a prisoner, but her anger remains controlled.
"Virtue…" Zhou Tai scoffed, "Like what happened to Gan Ning and Liu Bei?" The moment he finished his sentence, Shang Xiang slapped him so hard in the face.
"Please leave…." Shang Xiang muttered.
Zhou Tai slowly move away from Shang Xiang and straighten up his sword and bowed to his rose.
"The slap doesn't change my feelings for you. If you still refuse to return to your brother, then let this be known, I will not be held responsible for what happens to you whether it's on the battlefield or duel. You brought yourself in this," Zhou Tai walked out of her throne.
Looks like a war has just been declared, but is Shang Xiang ready? She felt that much pain upon Zhou Tai's words. She looks vulnerable now and cried softly alone.
Outside Shang Xiang's camp…
It worked pretty well for Zhou Tai. Shang Xiang was left a vulnerable simple woman, no longer the proud tomboy, but a misfortunate woman loss in loneliness. It has to happen, because she's pursued true love.
Zhou Tai gets on his horse and take one last look at the camp. It already late at night and he'll be returning to Wu during the morning. If Shang Xiang decides to shallow up her pride, she'll return to Wu and marry him. Well, it's better than death itself.
Next Pairing: Zhang He and Zhen Ji. (Zhen Ji arc begins!)
