Dynasty Warriors: Melting the Ice

Chapter 12 of my Dynasty Warriors; enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors and its characters belong to Koei.


Chapter 12: The Inevitable Conflict

Much had changed; Cao-Cao had consolidated his power and even expanded it. He had learned of a conspiracy against him, which led him to act and soon all but two of the conspirators were slain. Of the two that remained, they were both outwith his domain, with armies of their own, Ma Teng and Liu Bei. With Ma Teng currently not moving, Cao-Cao took a gamble and attacked Xu, Liu Bei and his forces scattered. But Guan Yu, having formed an agreement with Cao-Cao, had become part of Cao-Cao's forces.

'But only until he finds out where Liu Bei is...Then he plans to leave.' Cao-Cao noted ruefully. 'A truly honourable man.'

Despite all this and despite concerns that Sun Ce might be building ambitions of his own, while the rest of the warlords lady quiet, Cao-Cao decided to turn his attention North. An insulting letter from Yan Shao's officer Chen Lin had been delivered and Cao-Cao had been enraged.

The letter had insulted Cao-Cao himself, but that wasn't what enraged the man, it was the insults to his ancestors. Nevertheless he knew better than to let his emotions rule him in battle and instead of quickly calling his army together, he called an assembly of his officers to discuss what to do.

Once they had assembled Cao-Cao made his announcement.

"We face grim times it seems. Yuan Shao has recovered, he is done stalling and prepares to march upon us." Cao-Cao remarked. "He brings a vast army, from all the lands of Huabei he has conquered. This will not be easy, but face him in battle, we must. Otherwise he will overwhelm and destroy us and this chaos will continue."

Jia Xu then spoke up. "Yes, we must also remember that Sun Ce and Ma Teng pose threats. Yuan Shao is our main enemy, but we must watch our backs too."

"I believe our best chances are to have Lord Li Dian and Lord Yu Jin aid in the defence of Changan and to have Lord Xun Yu and Lord Cao Ren defend here." Guo Jia announced. "Then we can consider who is going to fight Yuan Shao and the rest can strengthen our defences in our other domains, we must maintain order even while away in battle after all."

There were murmurs from the assembled officers and Cao-Cao smiled.

"I agree Guo Jia, very well. We will follow your suggestion...As for the battle against Yuan Shao, I already know where I will fight him." He replied. "I will lead our main forces, along with Xiahou Dun, Xu Zhu, Cao Pi and Jia Xu, we will set up our base at Guandu. Xiahou Yuan, take Wei Xu and Song Xian to Baima, Xu Huang, Zhang Liao, led your forces to Yanjin."

They all stood and bowed, Cao-Cao continued issuing instructions to other officers too, namely those who would be defending other key areas around his territory.

The army was soon preparing for the upcoming battle, as it did so, Cao-Cao heard footsteps approaching him and a soft voice.

"My Lord."

He turned, startled. "Lady Wenji, what are you doing here?"

She shifted slightly, before replying. "I wish to come with you."

"What, no, I cannot..."

She shook her head. "Please my Lord, I must, I can fight...This is, going to be probably the most dangerous battle yet, I know that. But I cannot sit idle, you have helped me so much, please, let me do something for you in return."

Cao-Cao sighed. "My Lady, this is not...You do not owe me anything and..."

"I must do this, please." She pleaded.

Cao-Cao tensed, wrestling with his emotions, he couldn't fathom why Cai Wenji wished to go out onto the battlefield, but she remained insistent.

In the end he gave up. "Very well, but you are to stay with my forces, understand."

Nodding she smiled. "Yes My Lord, I will."

So, together they joined the rest of the army and finished getting ready before marching out, the battle with Yuan Shao awaited.


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