Disclaimer: I don't own crap. Wait a minute; did I just say that Dynasty Warriors and Three Kingdoms is crap?
A/N: You know, the Cao Family continues to make Zhao Yun, Ma Chao, Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, Zhuge Liang, and the rest of Liu Bei's officers look very bad and antagonized….Especially Ma Chao who is trying to be the good guy here…yet he's helping the Qiang against Han Chinese….
Kingdom Under Fire: Stallion Fury
Chapter 12: Zhong Yao's Humiliation
At Mei…
On one peaceful afternoon, Zhong Yao decided to go to Han Zhong as an envoy to improve relations between Zhang Lu and Cao Cao. He's looking very good with his position as a governor and his wife born him a son. He's very satisfied with his household, his raising family, and his deeds. All that wealth was solidified from the service of Cao Cao.
"My contribution, my talents, our clan is rising!" Zhong Yao smiled speaking poetic so his men can listen.
"Born in a scholarly family, I am so proud of! Heaven let the Zhong clan shine!" Zhong Yao glanced at the sky praising.
"Why are scholars involved in military?" One soldier whispered.
Then the other soldier turns to Zhong Yao's carriage. Their boss continues lecturing his poem proudly. This is a diplomatic mission and they weren't assigned for battle. Zhong Yao claims himself to be the missionary of peace that's why his successes in goodwill show how his words brought the entire army to disarm. If you show goodwill with foreign hostilities, they'll change their behavior and improve their relationship with their adversary.
"Well, they're educated and can teach us a thing or two about welfare," the other soldier replied.
"To Establish Peace, we must show our people our lord's dignity!" Zhong Yao raised his voice louder from the carriage.
"Why do we need a scholar to lead our troops? What kind of military leader our lord is?" the first soldier whispered back.
"Lord Cao Cao is the most talented man of our time. His poets were the reason people like him were enlisted into his services. Now that Zhong Yao is the administrator of Chang An, I find it difficult for our military position to keep such a grand city from fallen into the hands of barbarians…" the second soldier sighed.
"Why can't someone military control our army? He's just a teacher who should be teaching kids how to read and write," the first soldier turns to see the same scholar who is commanding the envoy to Han Zhong. It's sad for the soldiers to see the laziness of their entire force after the Battle of Chi Bi.
"Because they're simple minded compare to scholars?" the second soldier assumed.
"That's biased, General Xiahou Dun may not be perfect, but he's like a war god who can lead an army and know what needs to be done. General Xiahou Yuan is a raiding monster. Zhang He is most well known who crushed Gongsun Zan's white riders. Simple minded my ass!" the first soldier scoffed.
"You know what's funny? Scholars get the influential women while we just get dirty whores. I wonder if that is accurate. My wife doesn't know anything about politics and war, but she knows how to cook, speak, and farm," the second soldier chuckled as the two men resume their attention directly at the journey to Han Zhong.
"Lord Zhong Yao had a beautiful wife who is scholarly educated. His sons could easily become smart when they grow up. Lucky bastard…" the first soldier grumbled.
"The generals may have better wives than us. But, I can't be so sure…" the second soldier rubbed his chin thinking.
"It doesn't matter, scholars get the best women," the first soldier shook his head depressed.
"Then don't get married no matter what. Sooner or later, you'll get the right woman," the second soldier advised.
The first soldier nodded and their boss continues the endless poetry. This is what it's like working for Cao Cao. Well, it's still the closes to bring peace to the country. But does peace really exist or it's just an excuse to raise another tyrant?
At Ye….
Zhen Ji returns from a safe trip at Zhong Shan. The attendants bow to her when she enters her house to find her son sleeping soundly on the bed. Cao Rui will be two years old in three months. She'll have her brother visit to celebrate her son's birthday, but first she'll notify her husband when he returns.
"My lady, while you were away, Lord Cao Pi sends you a letter," the female attendant gave the letter to her ladyship.
"You may go. Xin Xianying go to the royal kitchen and bring me some tea," the attendant leaves while Xin Xianying went to the kitchen.
Now alone, Zhen Ji reads the letter her husband wrote from Xu Chang.
"My flower, you may have grown impatient with my return. There are some bothersome matters I must attend; also I'm going to find who is more suitable to be our son's tutor when he comes of age. Let this be our goal to raise our son into a great prince, my love. As for our leisure time, I have some new things you'll be satisfied when I return…my love."
"What new things he'll show me when he comes back?" Zhen Ji thought. She knows her husband's creativity in lecture arts, but also other activities.
A few minutes passed by and her servant returns with the tea. As she takes the cup from her servant, she sat down her chair and look through her books for something to read.
"Is that letter from Lord Cao Pi?" Xin Xianying asked. She reads the letter seeing how well one of the top poets in the country writes it.
"He continues to astonish his father's friends and co workers. The noble women were dazzle by his handsomeness and words. It's like he's rising himself into a powerful man," Zhen Ji said as she found one book she decided to read and flip the page.
"How do you feel about this?" Xin Xianying forced the question on Zhen Ji's feelings.
"He's just like his father. I'm glad that worked out well for him. So, I respect that development, on the contrary, I feel humble to my husband's current influence," Zhen Ji told her servant with honesty. It's not like, she's crazily happy of her husband. Well for someone who first met her in a weird twist when she tried to break up with Yuan Xi after the Bei Ping incident.
"Judging by this letter, he loves you so much, my lady. You two are so perfect for each other," Xin Xianying placed the letter back on the desk and stood firm to watch her lady reading.
"Enlighten how we share something in common…." Zhen Ji said sarcastically. As she continues reading, her servant chuckled and decided to read with Zhen Ji.
"There's something I don't quite get it, my lady. Why are you calm with Guo Wang being close to him?" Xin Xinyang questioned.
"Who could possibly be the lord's eyes and ears," Zhen Ji dodged the question and flip the next page.
"My lady, you're the one he truly loves…" Xin Xianying frowned.
"Oh how irrelevant! Check this paragraph out, Xianying. I read that part many times and it still ire me how delusional men write these kinds of romance stories where women were just used and then commit suicide because they were blinded by love! Such short term relationships in stories are tepid. Women were often portrayed simple minded and sex appeal in writings. Cai Yan beat those bastards with her own writings showing a woman's true feelings towards the chaotic eras!" Zhen Ji complained and shows her the paragraph where the damsel in distress died at the near end of the story and the antagonist reigns at the end leaving a sad fate for the hero.
"The hero never wins in the end….I know, that's so sad," Xin Xianying agreed.
"It gives us the thought that the damsel could not be saved because it's impossible…..impossible my arse!" Zhen Ji flipped the last few pages furiously
"Why don't you write a story about the hero who saved the damsel at the end," Xin Xianying suggested.
"Men wanted to read about women who are just beautiful and could only agree with their husband's opinions without critique and follow them dependently. There is no such thing as independent women….we remain silent through the politics of men as their eyes and ears, never dare oppose them or reject them," Zhen Ji sighed.
"Like a fish that can't get out of the water…." Xin Xianying simply putted.
"Xin Xianying, while I'm glad things are working out with my husband and he's getting more popular from within the imperial court. I don't share his views, I wanted to disagree with him, but will he listen? He'll only listen to what he agrees and my advice doesn't have the thought he shares," Zhen Ji closed the book and put it down on the desk and face towards her younger friend.
"Why wouldn't he agree with some things you'll say?" Xin Xianying asked.
"Because, it doesn't suit his influence…." Zhen Ji gave a dissatisfying glare at her.
"Ah…" Xin Xianying got up off the chair, giving space for her lady to leave the desk.
"So, shall we go out and watch me ride my horse? I'm hoping to go out and have a chat with Cao Zhi when he shows up," Zhen Ji returned to her calm and honor mood mentioning the younger Cao brother that gives Xin Xianying a troubling thought. She's nice to Cao Zhi where as Cao Pi picks on him.
"Certainly, my lady…I shall send the attendants to watch Cao Rui," Xin Xianying bowed.
"No, that's ok. The guards will be watching the palace till we come back at night," Zhen Ji denied.
Zhen Ji soon ordered the two guardsmen to watch the front and if Cao Rui is crying, they should inform the attendant to tend the child. The women went out again.
Meanwhile near Chang An…
Ma Chao's army stationed a few miles from the old capital. Mei is south of where they are just a mile away. The Pride of Xi Liang send scouts to monitor the current situation in the city and send another to Mei. He could draft some men into his ranks and expand his military before he meets Cao Cao's powerful forces. But, there is no time for that, his father and brothers are being held in the enemy's hands. Cao Cao should know better than to reject his father's claims.
"Mengqi, your decision depends on uncle's life and my cousins. If we attack in directly without seeing through what our enemy is planning….." Ma Dai stopped and his cousin still staring at the east, his hot blooded temper consume his peace of mind. Beyond that, he's angry.
"Cao Cao is a very crafty man. The damage will be devastating if we take one direct hit from where ever that guy is planning. There are some of the best men he has, but our cavalry shall be put to test this instant. Do not forget that we must be together to win this war," Pang De analyzed.
"But, can we win, Pang De?" Lady Yang never hides her fears because this is gambling everything they have and put it at stake in this battle to save her father in law.
"They loss to the Sun family at Chi Bi. People are talking about it everywhere," Ma Yun Lu crossed her arms giving them a little inspiration from a major battle. She brought her female Qiang warriors who all will fight for her.
"Chi Bi is a battle across the Chang Jiang, but here we're battling in favorable territory for Cao Cao's men," Ma Dai remarked.
Everyone thought about what Ma Dai said. It should be granted, the battle is on land where their tactics can be effective. But, to overcome a larger force they need a well planned strategy that can reduce the enemy's size to their favorite.
"It won't make any different, our cavalry is superior to any obstacle in our way. Cao Cao has seen the strength of the mighty Xi Liang Cavalry. It's one significant mistake for having me work for him," Ma Chao said.
"But, Cao Cao still has many troops, a wide arrange of talent, and heaven knows what else that man got in his possessions," Pang De said as he glance at his favorite weapon. The challenge is greater than expected but he won't falter, that's a coward's sustain.
"The bigger they are, the harder they'll fall, Pang De," Ma Chao remarked.
"Brother, I'm worried about father, Xiu and Tie. But, we have to come up with a plan," Ma Yun Lu said giving a concerning look.
And just when the group is about to make arrangements, a scout from the south rode his way to Ma Chao's army bringing the good news.
"Ma Chao, I found an envoy approaching towards Han Zhong. The person leading the envoy is Zhong Yao," the scout reported.
"Zhong Yao! It all started with that man pasturing my father to an alliance with Cao Cao, giving him an official rank as Governor of Liang and General! If that was a way for Cao Cao as an excuse of peace, then he'll be the first to be dealt with before we take advantage of Chang An's defense," Ma Chao cringed and turns to his horse.
"Ma Chao, I don't think you should take the blame on Zhong Yao first. He's a respectable scholar well devise of calligraphy. Please reconsider attacking him when he's on a diplomatic trip," Ma Dai protested.
"Never, anyone involved with this alliance scheme shall pay for confining my father and brothers! We ride now to spoil Zhong Yao's fun!" Ma Chao rallied.
"Let's go, men!" Han Sui ordered his men those who were still not satisfied on risking their lives against Cao Cao.
The Xi Liang Cavalry ride south from Mei to reach Zhong Yao's location.
Meawhile…
Zhong Yao is still chanting his poem and now is singing praise to the heavens. The soldiers continue to mumur about the defeat at Chi Bi and why Cao Cao even taking all responsibilities of the imperial court without Emperor Xian's consults. Maybe now they know that Cao Cao is the real power behind the Imperial Court while Emperor Xian is a puppet. They feel bad for the emperor, but to fear Cao Cao is to respect the minister's accomplishments in stabilizing the central government ever since the Yellow Turban Rebellion and Dong Zhuo.
"The whole army says Cao Cao is the greatest hero since he thwarted Yuan Shao and now the troops are having doubts after what happened at Chi Bi," the first soldier said.
"He may be the greatest hero, but I don't like his antics. Still won't forget about the Xu Zhou massacre," the second soldier said.
"Men, once we settle good relations with Zhang Lu, we'll be going to Yi Zhou for Liu Zhang. Peace in the land is almost at our gasps and the world will vouch for Cao Cao as the greatest hero in China," Zhong Yao raise his hands up the sky like he's really idolizing his hero.
"Why the hell did we lose at Chi Bi? This still doesn't make sense…." The second sighed.
"The Sun family really has a way to prove they're an independent fraction more competent than the Yuan fraction. Now do you get it?" The first soldier looked at the second soldier who makes a grunt sound.
He doesn't care if those barbarians of Jiang Dong wanted to oppose Han, they're just prolonging the war to make life worse for those being manipulated by the Cao family and their loyal followers.
"For the love of heaven, why don't the Prime Minister just get on with it and dethrone the Han Dynasty!!?" the second soldier hollered.
"Watch your tongue, soldier! Anyone speak ill of the Prime Minister will be punished," Zhong Yao scolded.
"Hmph…." The second soldier turn away from his boss and grumbled.
The army resumes after their comrade's commotion. But, as they head on to the other road, the sounds of tremble was coming from the west flank and a small shake erupts on the ground.
"What?...Something shaking the ground!" the first soldier was the first to alarm the solution.
"I can feel the rhythm trembling. It must be hordes of horses coming towards us…..look!!" The second soldier pointed his finger to the direction west from their destinations.
Zhong Yao turn to find out where that noise is coming from. Scanning the west flank a group of horsemen charging directly to their way and the smokes of dust grew wider and wider.
"Oh my goodness….those horsemen are from Ma Teng's force…" Zhong Yao spoke softly that can be a mumble and hard to hear. Those riders from Ma Teng are the most dangerous cavalry in Guanzhong. Could they be heading to Chang An or…?
"My lord, what should we do? They're coming towards us!" The first soldier asked turning to his lord who gaze in a shocking way.
"Hold your positions! All units shuffle to wall formation!" Zhong Yao commanded.
"I don't like where this is going one bit," The second officer whispered.
The Xi Liang Cavalry numbers grow when the rest of the horsemen spread out into wedge formation. Ma Chao appears moving faster into the middle of the formation as its center and the aura of the furious horseman sonar towards Zhong Yao's gaze.
"Zhong Yao!" Ma Chao shouted.
"T…that's Ma Chao!" Zhong Yao became bewilder of the surprise appearance of Ma Teng's eldest son.
"You lied, Zhong Yao about the alliance and I'm here to give my answer to your so called 'hero'!" Ma Chao shouted in a more hateful tone.
"What are you talking about?!" then Zhong Yao turned to his men, "What on earth is that man talking about?!"
"I think he said, he's pissed off at you…." The first soldier shrugs.
"I hate my job!" The second soldier became irritate and shudder before the Xi Liang cavalry gets a distance close to the line of initial conflict.
"Archers, fire the Xiliang Cavalry to slow down their movements!" Zhong Yao ordered.
The archers are summoned and they fire those wooden picks darting them 100 yards towards the incoming hostile forces lead by Ma Chao.
"Hahahaa, I don't recall you being an accomplished military commander, scholar! Prepare to feel the Fury of the Silver Stallion!" Ma Chao arrogantly remark.
"Ma Chao, I think Zhong Yao never knew Cao Cao had confined uncle!" Ma Dai said.
Ma Dai's concernment didn't stop Ma Chao from holding back the assault on Zhong Yao's envoy. The arrows barely stopped their charge and when one horseman comes near the archer from the top side of Zhong Yao's unit formation, the formation breaks and the archer gets hit by the trample running over him. The battle ignites!
"I hate my job!!! First Chi Bi, now this!! I'm getting out of here!" The second soldier tried to escape while the first soldier protected Zhong Yao from the enemies ramming through infantry defending the envoy.
For an hour, the Xiliang Cavalry wiped out almost every single man trying to get away or fight back even if they're being overpowered by the immeasurable offense of the cavalry. The tremble sound faded when Ma Chao's army halted after surrounding Zhong Yao with the remaining soldier who was defending him.
"That was too easy," Han Sui scoffed.
"But we're getting started, Sui. This is the beginning of that revolution you dreamed of since the beginning of the crisis," Cheng Yi grinned.
Ma Chao came through the two along with his remaining family and stare at the terrified Zhong Yao.
"Why? Why are you doing this, Mengqi? This is an envoy to emission Han Zhong's Zhang Lu!" Zhong Yao winced. The loss lives of his men turn out pointless to the confusion of Mengqi's sudden insurrection.
"So you can tell Zhang Lu the same lies you told my father so that Cao Cao can put him in confinement at another place? I don't think Zhang Lu is interested in getting in bed with that sadistic manipulator. I've finally learn that Cao Cao breaks peoples promises!" with that, Ma Chao threaten his spear near Zhong Yao's throat, but the soldier parries it in retaliation.
"I won't allow you to kill the administrator! It's the penalty to murder!" the first soldier retorted.
The term murder made the Pride of Xiliang laugh out arrogantly. Lady Yang overheard it and came rushing to her husband.
"Mengqi, that's enough…." Lady Yang pledged.
"Murder, me? So what you're saying is that what Cao Cao did was justified? Confine my father after we offered a damn truce! And now killing a political thug's henchman makes me a murder?! Hahahaha! What's your name boy?!" Ma Chao demanded.
"I'm Guo Huai and this man here is innocent! He may have been responsible for the alliance, but he's not the deceitful type," Guo Huai announced.
"I've seen too many deceitful men from Cao Cao's ranks, what makes you think this weakling isn't one of them?" Ma Chao glared at Guo Huai not taking that as grain of salt.
"Isn't it obvious, he's a calligrapher," Guo Huai simply putted it
The drift winds echo through the silent, the two stare at each other for a minute long. The phrase fuel Ma Chao's anger to another level. Could Zhong Yao be the kind of guy who double cross people to safeguard his position like Cao Cao was doing?
"My father was double crossed! There is no justice to robbing my father's decision to annul the alliance! And now I told you what happened, you are coming with me as a hostage this time and this Guo Huai our prisoner of war!" Ma Chao turned to his men and order the two men bind.
"No…just no…." Zhong Yao shook his head sadly towards the unfortunate outcome.
"Fear not, Master Zhong, we'll get out of this. It's probably the brute's plot to form a ransom in exchange for his family being held…." Guo Huai words bring little re for the captive calligrapher.
Ma Chao's men dragged the two and the entire army prepares to march to Chang An. Taking the city with little effort by capturing Zhong Yao is going to be a huge shock through the land.
"I'm innocent!" Zhong Yao screamed.
"I can't believe we're doing this…" Ma Dai sighed.
Next Chapter: Tong Gate Conspiracy Act 1