Dynasty Warriors: Strength to Change the Land
Chapter 14 of my Dynasty Warriors story, enjoy.
Reviews
AncientHeartlessKai: Thanks, glad you liked it; yeah, well, like he said, he knows a lost cause when he sees it, yup, getting closer. Well; I can't give anything away so, read on.
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors belongs to Koei.
Chapter 14: Cao-Cao Takes Control
The moment they joined with Yang Feng's army Cao-Cao's vanguard charged the enemy. Cao-Cao himself arrived shortly afterwards and joined his army to them too. The result was catastrophic for Li Jue and Guo Si and they were forced to flee back to Changan. Following the victory Cao-Cao accepted the reward from the Emperor and was soon made Prime Minister. Seeing the disreputable state of Luoyang and knowing of the majesty of one of his cities Xuchang, Cao-Cao told the Emperor about it.
"If we are to have a proper government; we should set it up there; the city is everything the capital should be." He explained. "I will have my men get to work repairing Luoyang; if you wish to make it the capital again once repairs are done, then we shall do so."
The Emperor; amazed at Cao-Cao's skill both in battle and in politics agreed. Many of those present also did and were eager to head for Xuchang. Yang Feng, Xu Huang and their men however did not leave, they instead swore loyalty to Cao-Cao and soon he was ready to resume pursuit of Li Jue and Guo Si. Cao-Cao sent out a call to arms; recruiting skilled officers and soldiers from all walks of life; from noblemen to simple commoners. Before long he also extended his territory and claimed Sili Province and half of Yong Province, taking Changan. Li Jue and Guo Si deserted it, taking their men with them, when they heard the size of Cao Cao's approaching army.
Cao-Cao decided now was the time to claim absolute victory over the duo and decided to finish them off. He set his army against Tianshui. Holed up in Tianshui Li Jue and Guo Si finally reconciled their differences, but they knew they could not fight Cao-Cao.
"It matters not." Said Li Jue. "We just need to hole up here; we have plentiful supplies. Let Cao-Cao's army stay here until hunger defeats them and they are forced to flee."
Guo Si smiled. "Indeed; we need only concern ourselves on having fun, especially with that whore we have in the dungeons."
Both men laughed at this but Jia Xu shook his head.
"Those who fail to plan, plan to fail." He stated seriously. "To just sit on the defensive is to invite disaster. We can defeat Cao-Cao, if we use the right tactics."
Li Jue waved his hand dismissively. "As if you would know Jia Xu. Cao-Cao's numbers are too great; we cannot win a straight out fight; better to starve the enemy."
Jia Xu sighed. "I'm offering you one last chance; take it and I will guide you to victory; fail and I will have no choice but to seek service elsewhere."
But they were not to be swayed and so Jia Xu left; seeking service with Zhang Xiu who was moving to take up residence in Wan Castle in Northern Jing. He had told the young woman of the escape route; he had tried to warn his former lords; but they refused to listen. So he made up his mind and left them to their fates.
Cao-Cao brought his army to Tianshui and set up camps, surrounding the castle on three sides; the north was unguarded. Concerned by this possible escape route; Cao-Cao sent a messenger to Liang Province; convincing Ma Teng; head of the famed Liang Cavalry; to join the battle; promising to reward him with Governorship of Liang Province. Ma Liang agreed and brought his army forth to block the northern escape and Tianshui was encased; as if in a sturdy barrel. Soon the war became a war of attrition as neither side would attack the other. Cao-Cao and his men attacked the castle; using archers and ballistae; Ma Teng did the same. But Li Jue and Guo Si's men maintained a stubborn resistance; while they spent their time drunk in the Castle's grand hall. Cao-Cao was in council with his generals and gave voice to his frustrations.
"Ma Teng's supply of food is almost gone." He told them. "As is our own; we must find some means to counter this stalemate and take this castle. Otherwise we will have to leave, this threat will remain."
However nobody had any plausible plan that would work. Guo Jia shook his head.
"Unless we receive some unexpected help; I don't see how we can get into the castle too attack it."
So it was that they found themselves at a stalemate; Cao-Cao, in an effort to break it, sent out scouts, hoping to find something that would aid him.
The rough, torn material of the blanket hurt against her bruises; but to Cai Wenji, it meant little. It was better than being naked she determined; she had torn the blanket up to fashion rough undergarments and a short rough dress which she had pulled on. After that she had begun to work; she heard the sounds of battle above and prayed she could find a way to the attacker; she would gladly surrender to them if they helped her escape this nightmare. But first she had to find the escape route; she searched the walls thoroughly. It briefly occurred to her, in the back of her mind; that Jia Xu might have been lying. But something about the way he said it made her feel that wasn't the case. Sure enough she found a weak section of the wall that slid inwards and she quickly followed the passage on the other side. She crawled out into blessed daylight and knew she was free. It was then she saw the soldiers; they were clearly the attacking army and seemed surprised to see her.
"Please." She begged. "I need help, I'm a prisoner of Li Jue, I've just escaped; I..."
The leader soldier of the group shook his head. "You'll need to speak to our lord, my lady. This way."
With that Cai Wenji found herself being escorted to the man whom she prayed would be her saviour.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.