So I took a few Mary-Sue tests for Chen Xin to make sure that she hadn't gone to the dark side, and wadda ya know, she failed one test and passed three others... Hmn... What do you guys think? Does she seem a bit too good to be true?

Chapter 14: Taking a Greater Path

The War was over, for now.

And because of this lengthy intermission, Shizai decided to do something else for his life for a change.

The carriage finally stopped at the gates of An Feng. He slowly got off the carriage, and took her by the hand.

"Why the heck are we here?" Chen Xin asked, quite confused.

"There's something I have to take care of, and I'd like you to tag along..."

"Sure..."

The old man leaned on his favorite chair, perched on the roof of their home. He felt the sun's rays caress his weary arms. Before, calling him an old man was merely a joke between him and his eldest son, but now that Shizai wasn't around, Chen Tai could finally be honest with himself. He began to feel his joints strain, and began to feel back pains every now and then. Yes, he truly was getting old.

Her long black hair flowed down the sides of her shoulders as she watched him from the basement opening. Her face looked far from young, but her elegance still glowed as she smiled at her husband's relaxed form.

She bore him two children. The elder became quite an accomplished girl, considering how patriarchal this society was. The younger had passed his examinations and was about to become a minister in the local court. Considering that for many years Changan was the capital of China, Chen Wen was about to be granted quite a high office.

And because she'd been with him for so many decades, she knew her husband better than anyone. Chen Tai was growing fearful of his own swift aging. Indeed, to be fifty years old when the people you typically associate with are less than half your age is not very relaxing indeed... He wasn't young anymore, far from it.

He couldn't afford to hang around in bars like Guo Huai used to do... Now that Shizai had found two new friends of sorts: Shi Zuan and Yang Xin, and that both men enjoyed to hang out in a bar and drink to their hearts content, Chen Tai's age began to really hit home.

But now that the truce was in effect, it seemed that there would be hardly any reason for him to raise his spear nowadays. Domestic violence and crime were not tasks to be given to warriors and generals, no, they were tasks for guards and policing forces. The military would serve as a policing force in occupied territory only in times of war. There was no excuse for a general to be making certain if people were obeying the law (as long as they weren't doing anything extreme, such as killing people), if there was a policing force already in the area. Thus, it was time to rest.

"Xuanbo... It's getting a bit warm outside, isn't it? Would you like something cold? A cup of water, perhaps?" Li Hua asked, her wrinkled face turned into a smile as she beamed at him.

"Well, I suppose you're feeling lonely cooped up in the house, isn't it? Very well, let's go inside." Chen Tai smiled as they entered.

Li Hua and Chen Tai sat face to face at the dining table, and Chen Tai was the first to speak. "I must have worried you back at Tian Shui, didn't I...? Shizai told me that your first meeting was not pleasant... Because of me, right?"

Li Hua smiled. "That doesn't matter. You're hear now, and safe, with me. Such things shouldn't bring clouds to our day, right? Just enjoy the moment we're sharing now... For, for I..."

"For you what? What's wrong?" Xuanbo began to look worried.

"It's nothing..." She smiled. "I'm too old to afford the sorrow of worrying about you... Besides, you won't be donning your armor again when this fifteen year period is over, right? So I'll never be separated from you!" She laughed slightly, giving him a crushing hug.

"Darling..." Chen Tai's eyes were wide open. How long had she been holding in such bitter emotions? Was it right for him to keep this title of 'General Who Conquers the West?' What would happen to them both?... Was it selfish of him to continue serving the army?

With Xin by his side, Shizai prowled the streets. He seemed stubborn, as though he was frantically looking for something even if he didn't really know where it was. Chen Xin sighed, maybe the saying was right: men never ask for directions... "Shizai!" She spoke up, startling him a bit.

"Xin?"

"You're looking for someone, right?"

"How did you...?"

"Why don't you ask for the address instead of wasting time wandering around?"

"Fine..."

After talking to a few local patrol officers, Deng Ai found the information he was looking for.

He arrived at the house. Walking forward, he went to knock on the door.

Chen Xin noted his actions and expression. "Are you always this awkward when you meet new people at their homes, Shizai?"

"Quiet, you." He chuckled embarrassingly.

Chen Xin scoffed. "You're getting embarrassed, wimp."

"Hey, shut it!"

She gave him a punch to the arm. "Stand up straight and confident. You're more brave than that!" She hissed.

Then the door creaked open.

"Is lord Cao Bang at home?" He asked the woman in front of him.

"Cao Bang?" Xin mouthed the name, clearly confused.

Shizai was shocked to hear that he passed away. The man who helped him when he needed it most was gone. And now that man's widow and orphaned son stood before him, the pair trying to live off of whatever scraps that were left of Cao Bang's fortune, or lack thereof. Being a minor official hardly paid much, and now his family had to feel that pinch. (1.)

He couldn't let it stay like this. "Your husband helped me when I needed it most. Had it not been for him, I would be lost in this town. I wouldn't have had the chance to head back to Sima Yi's office, and I wouldn't have had the chance to help so many people, or meet my true teacher and 'father,' or fall in love with her. I would have had none of that... So I have to help you somehow."

The widow smiled. "To hear that he will be cherished by another family, that a simple favor he did for another helped that person's life is enough for me... My husband won't be forgotten, and thus he can rest in peace..."

"But I cannot be selfish and let you suffer. I will do something."

"Lord Deng Ai, that is not necessary..."

"Of course it's necessary." Chen Xin suddenly spoke.

Both her lover and the widow stared at the girl.

"It is said that 'you reap what you sow.' Your husband took the time to help a stranger, to help a young man who was completely lost and who truly needed it. He showed this boy a sense of compassion that he felt he lacked, and because of that this boy spread that compassion to others. Your husband reaped the seed of kindness, and thus it's fitting that you take some of that harvest for yourself as well." Chen Xin spoke seriously now, not caring if her words sounded corny or no, not caring about any of that. These had to be said, and if Shizai was too shy, she'd be the one to do it.

"I see..." Cao Bang's widow blinked.

"Here... Let me help you. Your boy, has he passed his exams?" Shizai asked, turning to the boy, who was rather short for a fifteen year old.

"Yes, he did... He got something in the mid eighties."

"That's actually not bad at all. With such high marks, I can definitely ensure that your son can get a job."

"Wait a second... How can you be so sure?" The widow asked, confused.

Shizai smiled. "Do you know who you're even talking to?"

The widow rubbed her chin. "Wait... Deng Shizai... You couldn't be!"

"That's right, you have the Commander of the Western Legion in your debt! Surely you have nothing to worry about!" Chen Xin smiled.

Cao Bang's widow smiled. "If you can help my son, then it is I who will be indebted to you."

But Shizai waved his hand. "Think nothing of it. Your husband helped me once, and now it is my turn to help you. After that there are no debts between us friends."

"Friends?" Cao Bang's widow seemed confused. "I hardly know you."

"In times like these, those who have helped each other can be considered friends." Shizai sighed as he began to think of what job he could offer her son.

And so Cao Sheng, Cao Bang's son, became a clerk for the new Magistrate of the town. And, thus, Shizai took his leave of that small place. Together, Deng Shizai and Chen Xin left that town...

To Ru Nan, where our story began...

Wine bottles littered the floor as the couple entered.

"Mother..." Shizai spoke, trying to talk to her.

A dark shape shifted restlessly in the house.

"Mom?"

"Son..." She muttered, approaching him.

"What the hell happened here?"

"You don't understand, how it's like... Ever since Shizai claimed victory at Shou Chun, people here have been treating me strangely... They laugh at the fact that I'm the mother of the Commander of the Western Legion. 'How can a drunkard like her be the mother of a hero?' They ask, and I hate it!"

Chen Xin stepped forward. "Ma'am..."

"Hmn?" Deng Ai's mother seemed confused. "Who is this woman?"

"I... Well, you may think of me as your daughter..." Chen Xin blushed slightly, looking away.

"You... You found yourself a lover?" Shizai's mother stared strangely at him.

Xin and Shizai found it difficult to look her in the eye. "Well, yes..." He replied.

"What do you mean, 'well, yes?!' Am I that embarrassing to you?!" She raised her fist threateningly.

"Of course not, Xin!" Shizai tried to calm her down.

"Quite a lively potential daughter for me, hmn?" The older woman smirked.

"Well, she speaks her mind far too readily, and she tends to have a fiery temper and a violent personality, but there is no other girl out there with the same sense of passion, loyalty, honesty, genius, or goodwill... I'll bet all my belongings on it..." Shizai smiled.

"I'm glad you finally found your soulmate." His mother smiled back.

Xin was too embarrassed to say anything, but Shizai smiled. "Me too..."

A year went by... After spending some time with her future mother-in-law, Xin went back to the Chen household.

Chen Wen passed his exams with the highest marks possible. It was certain that he'd get a job among the Wei royal court! Probably as a clerk, like how Zhong Hui started. But, knowing how Chen Wen was, as long as he didn't mess around, he'd be a lot quicker than Zhong Hui in his rise to greatness.

Shizai would often go from his residence in Ru Nan (as he bought his own home to live in the city, with his own money, thus letting his mother live alone as well) to Changan to see Xin and Xuanbo. With Sima Wang busy in capital Luoyang, Qiu Ben having gone to heaven knows where, and with Shi Zuan and Yang Xin spending time trying the beers from all the different breweries in Wei, Shizai only had time for her.

And then one day, Chen Tai decided to speak to Deng Ai personally.

"She's of marriageable age, you know."

"Shouldn't you not rush your daughter?"

"Well, throughout the land people have been questioning why Chen Xin hasn't married yet... Someone of my standing should have had his daughter married off a while ago, for any man would be willing to marry Xin, for the money, of course. But you're the only one she loves, and you love her... You're the only man I trust with my daughter, and, in order to spare the Chen clan's reputation, I have to have her get married... It's what you want as well, isn't it?"

"But what about her?"

"She... She didn't object when I talked to her about this, and I trust you, Shizai. Besides, if you put it off, countless women will start to pursue you with the intention of taking your money and title. After all, being the wife of the Commander of the Western Legion is a great honor that no young woman would refuse or give up. But Xin could care less if you were even a simple Private, and you'd care less if Xin came from a peasant family. You love each other, and in these times love is truly a rare thing... That is why... That is why I want you two to get married. All our problems will be solved, and the two of you will truly be united as one."

"But... Father... Xin never talked to me about something like this."

"Would you have brought it up if you had the chance?"

"No..."

"Then what makes you think she will?"

"What?"

"She doesn't want you to think of her as a whore or a lecher or anything... So she wanted you to choose. You just didn't feel ready, but now it's too late to hold back. It's now or never, Shizai."

"But..."

"This is the way of the times, and sometimes you must abide by them."

"Father..."

Chen Tai smiled. "Well, I'm sure you know this already, but, you have my eternal blessings... And I have only one condition."

"Yes?"

"I want grandchildren."

Shizai turned bright red. "Wha-? I..."

Chen Tai burst out laughing. "Xin had the exact same expression... But neither of you reject the idea. It's just too soon, right? I understand... Take your time with her... But now we'd better plan the ceremony."

"Yeah..."

Their big day came.

Yang Xin sighed. "Why is it that we can't have decent beer here?!"

Shi Zuan glared at him. "Keep it down, dumbass! You know Shizai and Xin don't drink!"

"Who ya' callin' a dumbass?!"

"You're being an idiot!"

Both men raised their fists, about to punch each other when Ma Dai showed up.

"Are the warriors of Wei this violent, even when a friend of theirs is about to be married?" He asked.

"Why are you here?!" Yang Xin gasped.

"Deng Shizai thought it would be a good idea for warriors of other nations to show up, apparently. That way we're able to celebrate this peacetime a lot better."

"I see..." A third voice mumbled in the distance.

"Sima Wang?! Is everyone just popping their heads in here?!" Yang Xin gasped aloud.

Chen Xin stood tall, her mother, her mother-in-law, and several old friends of hers gathered about. They chatted and laughed about old times, about recent rumors, but in the end Xin knew that none of her friends, not even her Maid of Honor, knew who her husband really was. Donning her veil, she let out a deep breath. It was known that some women would slip under a bridal veil and sabotage a wedding by posing as the bride, and she hoped that Shizai wouldn't be nervous or paranoid to doubt her. She was going to be his wife, there was no other.

Deng Ai sat with his back slouched. "You'll crush your suit!" The old man scolded him. But Shizai sighed. "I just feel so uneasy, you know?"

"Indeed... I can't say I've been in your shoes." Sima Wang smirked as he walked in the door.

"For a best man, you really know how to come in late."

"Regardless, I'm here, no?"

"True... Has everyone arrived?"

"Yes, even Generals Ma Dai and Lu Kang."

"Good... I've already had Xuanbo send letters of explanation. Since they're both old veterans and loyalists of their nations, there's no foul play suspected."

"Besides, they know what kind of man you are."

"Huh?"

"Don't you know?" Sima Wang smirked. "Your deeds among the Xiongnu are well known, and those kinds of rumors spread far. They know that you're a good man."

"I don't think of myself as a good man..."

"Then why would a smart girl like Xin choose a man like you if you were evil? If you were, your talents would merely be the greatest threat to China. You're a good man, Shizai, and she fell in love with a man of both benevolence and talent like you."

"Stop flattering me..."

"If the truth is flattery, well, that shows how damned our world is, no?"

"Hmn..."

Her feet pressed against the carpet as she walked closer to him, standing there in that glorious suit of his. She could see him clearly, with a slight red tint through the wedding veil, but he couldn't tell who was under it. He stared hopefully at the veil, praying that nothing happened and that Xin would be his.

She blushed slightly. Many girls would dread this day... They'd be married off to strangers, to people that they hardly knew well. Her mother was married off to a boy who she had practically just met, but Chen Xin had the fortune of marrying him. Heaven seemed so kind to her, and to him as well. In any other situation Shizai would be getting married to a pretty girl as a ploy to steal off his money, and to force him to father children with a woman whom he didn't love... But here was different. Here he was marrying the woman he loved, something few could cherish.

She finally reached his side, and the monk who stood beside them let Shizai take off the veil. The young man blushed with joy when he saw his bride... His Xin. (2.)

They held the ribbon between them, the knot that symbolized their union, and all those present cheered. The men of Wei were witnessing the union of two families: One that had been of a noble house for generations, and another who was just about to begin... Deng Shizai had achieved what his ancestors had not, and now that he was marrying Xin his line was about to become legendary...

As if he cared!

All he needed was her. Who gave a damn about the clan glory crap? His children would make names for themselves, like he had. There would be no special spoons given to them by bureaucrats who were using their clan as an excuse to steal money from. Deng Shizai intended for his sons to become useful, productive members of society, not worthless leaches who would take resources from their parents, from their comrades, or from their nation.

They kissed, and they all cheered. Today they would walk the same road... They had each other forever, and neither would ever be alone again, and they were one.

1. I'm sure we've all forgotten about Cao Bang back in Chapter 3, except for Deng Ai, apparently. This was a historical moment and I felt that it was quite touching, so I wanted to include it.

2. This word also sounds like the word for heart "Xin," but because Romanization can be so vague when it comes to Chinese, I didn't want Chen Xin's original name to have "heart" in it... After all, that tends to be rather awkward... Come to think of it, it honestly does fit her, as she's so passionate, like a beating heart.