Zhang Fei - Yìdé
Lu Bu - Fèngxiān
Liu Bei - Xuándé
Zhang Liao - Wényuǎn
Chen Gong - Gōngtái
Zhuyue stared at the ceiling as she listened to the crickets cut through the silence of the otherwise still night. She turned her head to look at the other bed in the room. In the dim flickering light of the candle, she could just make out Xiaolian's sleeping face. Her eyes moved back to the ceiling. It was time to move. She raised herself out of her bed as quietly as she could, not wanting to wake Xiaolian. She slipped out of her room with little to no noise, an art she learned when sneaking out of her home to go train when she lived with her father. She paused in front of her door after sliding it close and took a moment look at Dun's door. Should she tell him what was going on? No, what was the point? She didn't know what was going on herself. Whatever Pi wanted to speak with her about, she could do it alone. Moving quickly, she headed to the gates where Pi told her they would meet.
Pi was already there, he had a scowl on his face. Zhuyue approached him and before she could open her mouth to speak, he spoke up first.
"Took you long enough, they already left. We need to catch up."
"Who left?"
"You'll see soon enough, follow," was Pi's reply. He didn't give Zhuyue a chance to reply. He headed out of the gate, fully expecting her to follow. Zhuyue sucked her teeth in irritation. Despite every bone in her body telling her to ignore him and go back to her room, her curiosity was nagging at her and it was probably the driving force that made her follow after him.
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Zhuyue and Pi moved further and further away from Chuancheng. They kept stopping frequently. To Dun, it looked like they were tracking someone, but whom? He followed them in silence, being sure to not be seen by the pair. Whatever this was, it wasn't anything untoward. The two didn't even stay close to each other. That fact mildly stemmed Dun's anger, but not enough. Why didn't she tell him that she and Pi were going out alone in the dead of night together? Didn't she realize how that looked? And who the fuck did Pi think he was, approaching HIS woman without speaking to him first. At this point, there was very little that could stop him from beating the shit out of Pi, Cao's son or not. But first, he would find out what was going on between these two.
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Zhuyue had followed Pi mostly in silence but her curiosity and her irritation were getting to her. She didn't think they would be going this far away from Chuancheng. Pi had told her nothing about where they were going and who they were following. It was time to get some answers.
"What are we doing?" She asked when they stopped again. To her surprise, Pi was finally forthcoming with answers.
"We are taking care of a problem that you brought to us."
"What are you talking about?"
"When we first escaped Puyang, we were tracked quickly…a little too quickly. Something felt off," said Pi.
Zhuyue knew what he spoke of. He mentioned as much before and she remembered agreeing with him. Zhang Miao seemed to know exactly where they were. It was possible that he followed their tracks. They were moving as a large group and they could have left a path that could have been easily followed, but something in the back of her mind told her it was more than that. The ensuing fight pushed the thought to the back of her mind and her exhaustion after it made her dismiss the thought completely.
"I decided to look into it," Pi continued. "It turns out we had a traitor in our midst."
Zhuyue remained quiet as the pieces clicked together. So that was how they were found out so quickly. It made sense. The reason they were out here now made sense as well. They were following the traitor. But still, more questions remained. What did he mean by taking care of a problem she brought on them? Did he suspect her of being the traitor? Is that why he lured her out here, alone? So he could kill her without any interference from Dun and the others?
No, that didn't make sense. Why go through all of this? He could have just told Dun and have him handle it. Why go out of his way to do this himself? Also, it would be a big assumption on his part to assume she would lose in a one on one battle to him. There was a chance that she would come out on top and he would be killed. No. Even if he did manage to kill her, he would have to prove to Dun that she was the traitor which would be impossible. She doubted that Dun would let him go with murdering his intended without solid proof. No matter how she looked at it, it was a bad plan and Pi didn't strike her as the type of person that made poorly thought out plans. He didn't think she was the traitor…someone else was.
"Move," Pi said as he led the way through the path they used to get to Chuancheng. Zhuyue followed in silence. She didn't have to think hard about who the possible traitor was. In her mind and heart, she already knew. Instead, she was trying to deny what she knew to be true. She tried to come up with any other possible suspects to absolve Xiulan of guilt but no one else fit the mold. It was her. It had to be her. Why? Why do this? Hasn't she done enough? What did she have to gain by betraying them?
They stopped once more. Pi took a look at the sullen expression on Zhuyue's face, illuminated by the moonlight that splashed over them. She knew. She put the pieces together. Good. That would expedite this explanation.
"When I found out who it was, took measures to sabotage their attempts, which is why we weren't tracked any longer," Pi supplied. He held up a silk red cloth. "I found several of these tied on trees. I'm guessing she used these to mark our location."
With a shaky hand, Zhuyue took the cloth from him. It suddenly felt hard to breathe. There was a cocktail of anger and sadness stirring within her, both emotions fighting for domination.
"Why didn't you just kill her?" Zhuyue asked quietly as she rubbed the silk cloth between her fingers, her thumb rubbing against the dove embroiled on it.
"This is not my problem, it's yours. Why should I dirty my hands? You deal with it," Pi replied. Silence filled the air and an uncomfortable atmosphere surrounded them. He thought over his words. Perhaps they were too harsh. He decided to try again.
"She is…was…your friend, was she not? I do not know the full story, but she wronged you and the girl, did she not? She has more to answer for from you than I. You have the opportunity now."
Zhuyue looked at Pi in surprise. His sincerity was startling. She wouldn't have expected to hear such words from him.
"Besides, you have a modicum of my respect right now. It will increase or decrease depending on how you handle this situation. I'm curious to see what you will do," Pi continued.
"Like I care whether I have your respect or not," Zhuyue replied with a scoff.
"You should feel honored. Not many have it."
Zhuyue couldn't help but chuckle. Pi was an insufferable little shit but beneath that irritating exterior, he might be a decent person. She felt that he was truly going out of his way to do something for her. He could have easily taken care of Xiulan, but he was giving her a chance for closure.
"She moves slowly and sloppily. We should catch up to her soon. Let's move."
Pi's words rang true. It wasn't long before the came across a hooded figure sitting with their back against a large tree. The face was obscured but the figure had the frame of a woman. Pi leaned against a tree that had a clear view of the hooded figure making it clear that he wasn't going any further. Zhuyue would have to handle this on her own. She stepped out of their hiding spot quietly. The hooded figure was not yet aware of her presence. It looked as if they were sleeping.
"Xiulan," Zhuyue called. The hooded figure's head snapped up and revealed a small dagger that she had been holding, pointing it threateningly at Zhuyue. Silence passed between the two of them, broken only by the gentle rustle of leaves. Slowly, she stood, keeping the dagger pointed at Zhuyue. With her free hand, she pulled the hood from her head, revealing her face. There was little point in hiding her identity now.
"Why have you followed me? What more do I have to give to you? You have taken my sister, I have nothing left!"
Zhuyue stood motionless, the cloth still gripped between her fingers. She said nothing which made Xiulan feel nervous. Did she know? Was she here because she found out the truth? Xiulan knew that something had gone wrong which is why she chose to flee before they linked her to anything but it seems that she waited a bit too long to run away. Silence passed between the two of them once more. Xiulan began to feel anxious, finding Zhuyue's intense stare to be oppressive.
"I-I just want to leave. Why can't you let me leave?!" She exclaimed louder that she intended.
"Has everything since the moment I first met you been a lie, Xiulan?" Zhuyue asked, her voice soft and remorseful. Xiulan was taken aback by the question. She hesitated in her answer. It was hard to discern if Zhuyue did know that she was the traitor or if she simply saw her running away and decided to follow her. Her voice sounded so sad. Could it be that she still saw her as a sister, despite all that transpired between them? If that was the case, Xiulan could use that to her advantage. She can still make it safely out of this.
"No, everything wasn't a lie. I saw you as my sister. I loved you and appreciated everything you and your father did for us. I chose to leave because there is no place for me with you anymore. I did something unforgivable to Xiaolian and I can never forgive myself for it. Whenever I see her, I only see what I did. I know she will have a better life with you so I thought it would be best for everyone if I leave."
Xiulan wanted to pat herself on the back for how sincere she made herself sound. At least, she thought she sounded sincere until Zhuyue started laughing. It started out as a low chuckle. Barely audible at first. It steadily rose in octaves until Zhuyue was laughing loud and hard. The laugh lasted uncomfortably long for Xiulan. It was obvious that Zhuyue didn't believe her so it was time to come up with another plan. Perhaps she could stab Zhuyue while she was distracted and running away. It would be good to wipe that infuriating smile off of that bitch's face. Just as she decided on her next course of action, Zhuyue leveled her with a stare that made her stop dead in her tracks. That look made it seem as if she knew exactly what Xiulan was planning. It was at complete odds with the laugh and it disturbed Xiulan.
"I can't believe I didn't see it before," Zhuyue managed in-between chuckles. Her laughter slowly died down, ending with a loud exaggerated sigh. "How stupid was I?"
"That meek demeanor, the fear of men, your loyalty to me...I fell for it all...," She continued.
Xiulan shifted uncomfortably and looked to the ground. It felt as if an invisible force was bearing down on her. Perhaps it was the weight of her guilt that she was being smothered by. Her breathing quickened as it suddenly felt hard to breath. Her hand holding the dagger began to waver. She looked up to Zhuyue and saw a sight that made her blood run cold. In the time that she had known Zhuyue, she had never seen a look on her face like the one she had now. It was of pure hatred, anger, disgust. Xiulan swallowed hard, pushing past a large lump that had formed in her throat. She couldn't take this anymore.
"I-I-I...," Xiulan paused, struggling to get the fear out of her throat, but she couldn't help it. She swallowed hard once more and tried to speak again. Her voice came out as a whimper and she hated herself for it but couldn't stop it.
"So you were the one who unlocked the secret passageway and allowed Lu Bu and his army to invade us?" Xiulan nodded slowly in response to Zhuyue's question.
"How did you find out about the passage?" Zhuyue asked.
"Ling," she replied. Anticipating her next question, she continued. "We've became lovers not long after Xiaolian and I arrived in the Xiahou household."
She paused and adjusted her cloak to shield her body from the wind.
"I thought by being with him, I could escape the life of a servant...Then he was banished. He sent for me and told me that he was approached by Chen Gong...A way to get revenge on the Xiahou and the Cao family. He told me if I helped him, I would be rewarded, made to be his wife and no longer have to live serving the whims of others," Xiulan shrugged her shoulders slightly. "I accepted the offer," she concluded.
"You complain about being a servant? I never treated you like a servant...I treated you as a sister-" Zhuyue's word were cut off by Xiulan's bitter laughter.
"I cooked your food, I washed your clothes, I cleaned your home. I had to put up with caring for your pitiful father who treated me like dirt! I wasn't aware that was how a sister was treated," she spat.
"My father wouldn't have let you stay in the home unless it was under the guise of a servant. You know that. Once father became bedridden, I cleaned my own clothing and made my own meals. Did you somehow forget that? How fickle your memory seems to have become overtime, Xiulan. You seem to always portray yourself as the victim."
Xiulan didn't reply to Zhuyue's words. After a beat of silence, Zhuyue continued.
"Why were you so adamant in getting Xiaolian to be a servant? Why were you so against her being a warrior? You obviously hate serving others yet you would force your own blood into a life of servitude? I don't understand it. Explain," Zhuyue asked. Her tone was forceful, her anger laced in each word.
She shifted uncomfortably again and averted her eyes from Zhuyue's stare. "Because she knew the truth...," Xiulan finally answered after a long period of silence.
Her voice was meek, lacking the anger that she had previously. She finally took stock of the situation she was in. Zhuyue wasn't falling for her deception any longer. She saw Xiulan for what she was and came here not to stop her from running away but to make her answer for what she has done. The question was, would she carry out justice on her own or take her back to face justice? Either way, Xiulan knew that her life would soon be coming to an end. She felt defeated and suddenly so very, very tired.
"Explain," Zhuyue repeated.
"She knew what I had done to our family. That I betrayed them for a man who claimed to love me. She told you right? She told you everything. I know she did. I always knew that she knew. The way she would look at me at times...," Xiulan paused. She lowered the hand still holding the dagger. It felt so heavy now. There wasn't any point in trying to threaten Zhuyue with it. She couldn't take her in combat.
"I knew she hated me for what I had done. She wanted to become a warrior to get revenge on me for what I had done. She wanted to be stronger than me to make me pay. I knew it so I tried to stop her. If she was a lowly servant, what could she do to me?" Xiulan gave off a bitter laugh at the thought. "That was the plan anyway."
"Idiot," Zhuyue replied. Xiulan didn't react to the name calling. She kept her eyes glued to the ground as her feet.
"She loved you...she always loved you. She wanted to become a warrior to protect you. She wanted to take care of you so she wouldn't lose you like she lost the others. Your mother taught you to take care of your family, a lesson you chose to ignore but one that Xiaolian held close to heart," Zhuyue concluded.
Xiulan didn't respond. She didn't believe a word Zhuyue was saying but what was the point in debating it now? If Xiulan were in Xiaolian's shoes, there was no way she would let her get away with what she had done. Zhuyue could believe what she wanted, but she knew the truth.
Zhuyue held up the red cloth she had been holding. "Look," She commanded. Begrudgingly, Xiulan did as she was ordered. She lifted her head and looked at the red cloth that was barely visible in the moonlight that filtered between the tree leaves. She could see it enough to know what it was. Her eyes fell again.
"When I showed this to you, I told you that this was the last thing I had of a mother I never got to know. I told you about how precious this was to me, something that she worked on with her own hands. When they went missing, I was devastated. I asked you if you knew where they were but you told me you didn't. Now I find out that you have been using it to give away our position. Why use this? The last and only keepsake from my mother? Do you truly hate me so much? Or were you hoping that if found, it would be shown to me and I would recognize it and my loyalty would be questioned. Was that the plan?"
Xiulan did not respond nor did she raise her eyes to look at Zhuyue. The truth was it was a bit of both. She did hate Zhuyue. She hated her because she took for granted what Xiulan always wanted. Zhuyue despised nobility and hated being part of the ruling class. Xiulan watched as countless suitors would throw themselves at her and she would snub them, not deeming them worthy of her time. Meanwhile, Xiulan wouldn't even get a second look from those men as they were all above her and too wealthy to consort with a mere servant.
It was enough that she took something precious away from her and used it the way she did. If it also got Zhuyue to be accused as the traitor, all the better.
"No answer? It doesn't matter, we've wasted enough time. I found out what I wanted to know," said Zhuyue as she tucked the cloth away into her robe. Xiulan sucked in a deep breath.
"You are taking me back, aren't you?" she asked.
"Why would I do that?" Zhuyue asked. Xiulan was confused. Was this some sort of trick? She knew everything. Surely she didn't think that Xiulan believed that she would let her go now? No, she wasn't going to let her go she realized in alarm.
Xiulan's felt her head being yanked backward. It took her a few seconds to realize that Zhuyue had pulled her hair and forced her head back. Her eyes bore into hers and before she could react, she felt something pressed against her throat. A second later, there was a searing burst of pain on her neck. She found it hard to swallow or breath. She felt warm liquid spilling down her neck onto her chest. She tried to reach up to stop the flow but she felt more a new pain, this time in her arm. She needed to get Zhuyue off of her, but she felt so tired, so very tired. Her vision started to blur and she found it difficult to stand on her own any longer. Her body wouldn't obey her. The entire time, Zhuyue kept her eyes focused on her as she watched her life flow freely from her body.
"You had no qualms about betraying the people who took you in without a second thought. First me, then the Xiahou and Cao family? What could I expect from someone that betrayed her own blood? You deserve so much worse than this."
Xiulan tried to speak but all that came out were wet gurgles as blood filled her mouth. She weakly tried to reach for Zhuyue but felt her hand get slapped away. She couldn't move anymore. There was a darkness encroaching with the promise of swallowing her whole. She wanted to run away from it but she couldn't. There was no fighting so she succumbed, allowing the darkness to consume her.
Zhuyue stood and looked down to Xiulan's lifeless form. It shocked her at how little it bothered her to kill her. This was someone she once saw as family. Someone she once confided in all her secrets and swore to protect. The body of the woman at her feet no longer stirred those feelings.
Pi stepped out of his hiding place, he seemed pleased at the turn of events. Zhuyue didn't really care. This wasn't about impressing him. This was about righting a wrong she had let go on for far too long.
"Do you want to bury the body?" Pi asked.
"No, I will not help guide her spirit to the heavens. Let the animals have their feast tonight, if they can stomach such spoiled meat," Zhuyue said. With those words, she headed back along the path they had once came, back to Chuancheng.
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Dun had made it back to Chuancheng well before Zhuyue and Pi. Zhuyue didn't seem to be in a hurry to get back so that gave him plenty of time to arrive before them. He went over the events that transpired in his mind. From his vantage point, he couldn't hear anything being said between Zhuyue and Xiulan and was left to guess what actually transpired. It seems that Xiulan was trying to flee. For what reason, he wasn't sure. Zhuyue didn't seem too happy about that and she killed her. Dun knew that things between Zhuyue and Xiulan were bad, but he didn't think it was that bad. He needed to speak with her. She might not want to speak after everything that happened but he wasn't going to give her the option. There were too many things he didn't know and he had to get to the bottom of it.
Zhuyue walked back towards her room. She immediately spotted Dun leaning in the doorway of his room. His body partly in the room and partly out. She looked towards her room and thought of Xiaolian who lay sleeping within. She wasn't ready to face her just yet. Of course she would have to tell the girl what she had done, but not tonight. Dun stepped into his room, leaving his door open. Zhuyue followed and slid it closed behind her.
They stood inside in silence, staring at each other in the dim light cast by the candles lit around Dun's room. Zhuyue didn't know where to start, didn't know what to say so instead, she said nothing. Dun took a few steps toward her till he was right in front of her. Using his thumb, he wiped at a splotch of blood that had gotten on her cheek. As it had mostly dried, he only managed to smear it instead of wiping it off. There was something off about the way she looked. She seemed to be confused about whether to be sad or angry. Xiulan's death affected her in some way, but she seemed conflicted about how.
"I...-" She started but didn't get any further. Dun cut her off before she could get another word out.
"Save it," he said before pulling her into a kiss. She returned the kiss with fervor, happy for the distraction from what she had done and the consequences of her actions. The kiss became deeper and they only briefly broke apart for a gulp of air before clinging to each other desperately once more. Dun lifted her off her feet and she wrapped her legs around him. She felt her back hit something soft and surmised that it was his bed.
From then on it was frenzied movement from the both of them as they pulled their garments off of each other. At one point, Zhuyue could swear she heard the ripping of cloth but she couldn't discern who's it was or care at the moment. Laid bare before him, Dun took a moment to appreciate her naked form before climbing back on top of her. Not content to let him take control, Zhuyue fought against him for dominance. She became docile the moment he penetrated her, stealing away her virginity but that reprieve lasted only briefly. They were wrapped up in a passionate struggle. Much like the fights they had together so often, they fought for control until they found a rhythm in which they began to move as one. The night was spent with shouts of passions and moans of pleasure until they were left breathless in a tangle of limbs, drenched in sweat.
Zhuyue laid her head on his chest as his hands threaded through her silky hair.
"We shouldn't have done that...," said Dun. Zhuyue lifted her head off of his chest and looked at him, a frown on her face at the comment.
"I...wasn't good enough for you?" Dun nudged her until her head was laying back onto his chest.
"I should rephrase that. I shouldn't have done that...you come through my door covered in someone else's blood and the first thing I do is lay with you. Not exactly the best approach to that situation. That said, I don't regret it...and yes, you were good enough. More than good enough. Fucking amazing actually."
Dun could feel Zhuyue stifle a giggle. "I am glad that you did what you did. I needed it more than you know."
"We have a lot to talk about though," Dun said.
"I know," Zhuyue whispered, feeling the sobering reality piercing in through the euphoric bliss she was wrapped up in.
"Later though. Get some sleep now," Dun said. Zhuyue didn't need much prodding from Dun. Her body already felt drained from a day of travel followed by the events with Xiulan. She closed her eyes and listened to the rhythmic beating of Dun's heart, letting it lull her to sleep like a lullaby.
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"So it wasn't a trap? Cao Cao truly left?" Liu Bei asked in disbelief.
"Yìdé and I took some of the men and confirmed personally, brother. Cao Cao has packed up camp and fled," Guan Yu replied.
"But why? He had the advantage in forces. If he would have launched another assault on Xiapi, I am not certain we would have been able to hold out. He had to know that," Bei mused.
"Heh heh, that's the best part, brother," Fei began. "It seems that Lu Bu has snatched Puyang right from under Cao's nose."
"Truly?" said Bei. "It seems we owe Fèngxiān a debt."
"Hmph, I wouldn't go that far, brother. He didn't do it in consideration for us. It was a power play which happened to be fortuitous to us as well. Nothing more, nothing less," said Yu.
"So you say, brother. But I still feel indebted to him for his timing. I must let Master Qian know of this turn of events! Perhaps hearing such joyous news would do well to lighten his heart."
"How is he doing?" Yu asked. Even before Bei answered, Yu could tell the news was not good. Bei wore his heart on his sleeve and it was easy to see that his heart ached for Qian. He hadn't been in good health since the day he and his troops were caught in Cao's ambush.
"Not well," Bei answered with a frown. "He has been getting weaker as the days pass. The doctor surmises that he doesn't have much longer."
"What will become of Xiapi? Who will lead it?" Yu asked.
"I don't know...Cao killed his sons so he has no one by blood to succeed him. He also lost many of his top officers and advisors. He seems to be having trouble making up his mind about who would be a good fit to lead the people of Xiapi, especially after the war they were just embroiled in," Bei replied.
"You should lead, Xiapi!" Fei exclaimed. Bei eyes opened with alarm at his brother's words.
"Hold your tongue, brother!" Bei exclaimed. "That is not what we came here for. We came here to aid someone in need, not to gain new land. If someone were to hear you speak such things out loud, they would assume we planned this from the start and that our intention to help was not a noble one."
"Bah! If anyone doubts your noble heart, I'll pierce theirs!" Fei said as he thumped his chest with his fist. "Besides, I only speak the truth. You are the best person to rule, Xiapi and you know it! Tell him brother! Tell him!" Fei said excitedly to Yu who shook his head partly in amusement and partly in disapproval.
"Our opinions do not matter, Yìdé. What our brother says is true. If someone were to overhear you, it would cast a poor light on our brother. Hold your tongue on such matters."
Fei mumbled a few swear words under his breath but said no more on the subject. Bei placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and squeezed it gently.
"I appreciate your faith in me, brother," Bei began with a smile. "I know your heart is in the right place, but some things are just better left unsaid. We came to help Master Qian, nothing more. We have no need for personal gain, knowing we did the right thing should be enough."
Fei nodded. "I understand, brother. I won't speak of it anymore."
With a final pat on the shoulder, Bei bowed to his brothers and made his way to Tao Qian's quarters.
Bei entered the room. It hurt him to see the man's wasting frame as it lay feebly on the bed. Even without the doctor's telling him of Qian's condition, he knew the man did not have much longer. The stench of death clung to his skin. His final hour was rapidly approaching.
Bei kneeled beside Qian's beside. He was one of the rare few allowed to visit Qian in his personal bedchamber while he was in this state. He clasped Qian's frail hand in his own. He squeezed it gently, rousing the old man from his slumber. He looked to Bei.
"Xuándé, is that you?"
"It is, Master Qian. I have wonderful news for you. Cao Cao has retreated. Your lands are safe."
"Truly? Do you...do you speak the truth, Xuándé?"
Bei nodded and smiled. "It is the truth."
Qian let out a wheezing sigh. "That is one burden that...can be lifted from my weary heart. I have but one more. I...I have already asked so much of you, Xuándé but can you help me...just...just once more?"
"Of course, Master Qian. You need only name it."
"Mi Chu and Chen Teng...summon them here...quickly," Qian replied. Bei bowed and hurried off to do as he was told. He returned with the two men shortly, who bowed to their leader.
"Good...good..." Qian said. He lifted his frail hand up and Bei clasped it in his own. "Mi Chu, Chen Teng...you are here to bear witness... Xuándé, you said you would help me before I drew my final breath, I only need name...the favor...right?"
"Yes, Master Qian. If it is within my power, I will assist you in whatever way I can."
"I am not long for this world...I ask you...please, rule this district," Qian wheezed out. It seemed as if just the act of speaking took great effort.
Bei winced at the request. This again. In truth Qian has asked Bei to rule Xiapi several times since he had arrived. He did not tell his brothers this because he knew they would push him into taking the position. He did not feel right about taking the district from Qian, not when the only thing they originally sought out to do was aid him. How would other people view him? They may even say he caused Tao Qian's death in order to seize control.
"Master Qian, I told you before, this is one task I cannot do for you. There are so many others more worthy than I. Yuan Shu for example. He belongs to a family who rules and the highest offices of state were held four times in three generations of his family. The whole empire respects him, why not invite him to do this task?" said Bei.
"Because he is a venomous snake. We would be fools to invite such a viper into our midst. He is not a man of a virtuous heart. He is not a man of the people. You are all these things, Master Bei. Please, I beg of you, accept my master's offer. Hear his plea," said Chen Teng.
"I add my voice to the others," said Mi Chu. "This is a fertile district and it is well populated only a fool would turn such an offer down."
"Then call me a fool," said Bei. "For I cannot accept this offer."
"You...would deny me my dying wish, Xuándé? My wish to see my people left in the hands of one who would ca...care for them as I would?" Qian suffered a coughing fit as soon as the last word tumbled from his lips. Mi Chu went to his side immediately and offered him a cup of water that resided at his bedside table. They waited until Qian had settled down before speaking once more.
"The people here already know of your valiant deeds, Lord Bei. They already hold love in their hearts for you. If you were to ask the people who they want as a leader, it would be your name they cry. Please, I beg of you. Make my master's dying wish true and rule this district," said Mi Chu. He left Qian's bedside and stood in front of Bei. He stared the man in the eyes and dropped to his knees in front of him.
"I beg of you!" He repeated as he clasped his hands together and held it up to Bei, imploring him to accede to his plea. Chen Teng joined Mi Chu on the ground and begged Bei to accept Qian's offer. Bei could not believe what he was seeing. The sincerity of these men was startling.
"Please, Xuándé...allow me to die...a happy man," Qian said. That was it. Though he had turned Qian down several times, It would have been impossible for Bei to refuse any longer.
"Lord Tao Qian,,.I still feel that I am unworthy of your regard. Still, if you insist…then I shall carry out your wishes to the best of my ability."
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Zhuyue woke to find herself alone in Dun's bed. She wiped the sleep from her eyes and pulled the covers around her to stave off the chill in the room. Where had Dun gone? Deciding that waiting for him in bed would be pointless, she slipped out of bed and began looking for her clothing only to find them missing. What was she to do now? It was late in the morning, she couldn't run to the room next door and grab another set without being caught. Perhaps Dun had something she could put on?
She began searching through his room for spare clothing. She jumped at the sound of the door opening and moved to cover herself with her hands.
"I think we're well past that," Dun said with a cheeky smile. Zhuyue didn't reply but she didn't drop her hands either.
"What are you doing?" Dun asked, putting down bowl filled with water that he had been holding.
"Looking for something to wear. My clothes are missing. Where are they?"
"I sent them to be washed. You had blood all over them," Dun replied.
Zhuyue frowned as she recalled exactly what she had done last night. Xiulan was dead, by her hand and she felt absolutely nothing about it. She should feel something, shouldn't she? Despite the betrayal, she saw that woman as a sister. How could her feelings go away so quickly and easily? There should be some remorse in her heart but there was none. That thought disturbed her more than Xiulan's actual death. Dun pulled a cloth that he had draped over his shoulder and tossed it at her.
"Clean yourself up," he commanded. She caught the cloth and walked over to the bowl, aware that his eyes were on her the whole time.
"Must you watch me?" She asked.
"I already told you, we are past that. You're mine now, so what's the point of being shy?" He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her naked form. "Or must I claim you again to remind you of that fact?"
Zhuyue's body instantly reacted to the feeling of Dun's arms around her. She wanted more. Instinctively her body pressed into his and Dun let out a low chuckle that made Zhuyue shiver.
"It seems like you still remember, so wash," he said as he let her go to sit on the bed, his eyes still on her.
Her desire was replaced by annoyance. She couldn't stand the fact that he was acting so damn smug about it. Was he truly not as affected by her as she was affected by him? The very thought made her livid. She spun toward him and marched directly in front of him. She grabbed hold of his crouch and was surprised to find that he was indeed aroused. Dun watched this with a amusement written plainly on his face.
"I'll admit, when I said don't be shy, I wasn't exactly expecting this," he said as he swiftly knocked her off of her feet and pinned her to the bed. He kissed her passionately and she responded in kind. With a grunt he pulled back, breathing heavily.
"We have all night for that. Right now, I need answers. Wash, then we'll talk," he said as he placed one more brief kiss to her lips before lifting himself off of her.
Zhuyue remained on the bed for a few moments more willing her body to calm down. It made her feel better knowing that she wasn't the only one feeling this way. However, unlike her, he was much better at controlling it, it seems. She would have to work on that. She finally got off the bed and made her way back to the bowl and dipped the cloth in. She began wiping herself off while Dun watched in silence.
Once she was done, he pointed to a chair in the corner of the room.
"The servants had this ready for you in your room. Apparently they expect you to dress like a lady," Dun said.
Zhuyue walked over to the chair and picked up the garments. She made a face upon closer examination. It was the typical fare that a noble lady would wear. Elegant, and hard to move in. How annoying. There was nothing that could be done now, until her battle robes were cleaned.
"Before we speak, I need to see Xiaolian," Zhuyue said as she dressed.
"She's fine. She's with my mother. You speak to me first," Dun replied.
Zhuyue turned her back to him so he wouldn't see her sour expression. His eyes traced the silver patches of skin that lined her back. Reminders of the beating Yuan Shu gave her. He felt a familiar anger well up within him as the urge to drive his blade through Yuan Shu's gut surfaced. Zhuyue continued dressing, covering up the wound. It was out of sight but not out of mind. He wanted to kill that man. Zhuyue finished donning the new outfit and joined Dun on the bed, mentally preparing herself for the impending interrogation.
Dun waited until she settled beside him before he began his questioning.
"According to my father and the others, you told them that Lu Bu came through the secret passage in the inner courtyard," Dun began. Zhuyue nodded, confirming his statement. "You and Xiaolian were the only ones that saw this happen and Xiaolian left you to go warn my parents. I need you to tell me everything that you remember, from the moment you first saw them."
Zhuyue took a deep breath and launched into her tale. She began when she and Xiaolian were in the courtyard, preparing to spar because neither of them could sleep. She purposely left the fact that they had spoken before hand as it wasn't relevant to the story and she wasn't quite ready to reveal that just yet.
She recounted all the events of that night, from when she first spotted Bu and the others and how she tried to slow them down to running into the traitorous Miao and how she managed to narrowly escape their clutches. Dun listened in silence, his face neutral throughout the whole story. She stopped at the point in which she met his father as he already knew everything from that point on. Dun remained quiet for a few moments as he processed this new information.
"It seems, Xiulan ran away," Dun said after a brief period of silence. Zhuyue didn't even flinch at the mention of her name. She looked Dun in the eye and spoke.
"She tried to. I killed her," Dun quirked a brow, pretending to be surprised by this revelation.
"For simply running away? Even I have to say that's a bit harsh for a punishment," he remarked.
"I didn't kill her because she tried to run away. Had it simply been that, I would have just let her go…," Zhuyue hesitated. She didn't want to tell this story just yet but he was pressing her into it. What was the point in hiding it? She knew it wasn't because she felt bad at what she had done, perhaps it was because she was afraid of someone else noticing how little it bothered her.
"Going to elaborate on that for me?" Dun asked.
Zhuyue took another deep breath. "After you left, Xiulan attacked Xiaolian," she began. Dun's face immediately shifted into a frown. He truly did have a soft spot for the little girl. Zhuyue continued her account of the events. She told him about what Xiulan had did to her family, and how she had been having an affair with Ling and was leading Lu Bu's army to them as they escaped to Chuancheng. She even told him about her stealing the memento she had of her mother. After she had finished, Dun stroked his chin in thought.
"She deserved to die. No one will question what you have done, especially since Pi was there with you and can verify your story," he said.
"I know…," she replied.
"You regret killing her?" Dun asked.
"I don't feel anything. I don't feel anything about murdering a woman I once saw as my sister," Zhuyue replied.
Dun shrugged. "Why should you? She stopped being your sister the moment you found out her true nature."
"But I should still feel something, shouldn't I? How could my heart be so cold to someone I once loved."
"Tsk, you are wasting your time with stupid thoughts like that? She threatened that which you love. The moment someone does that, they are already dead to you. You already made peace with that fact. In your heart and mind, Xiulan died long ago, her body just needed to catch up with it," he replied.
In a twisted way, Dun's logic made sense. She did remember the intense sorrow and anger she felt when Xiaolian first told her what she had done. Since that day, she saw Xiulan in a different light. As the days passed on, she could feel them drifting further and further away from each other. It was as he said, she died in her heart long ago. That is why she couldn't feel anything when she killed her last night. She felt a sense of relief at this knowledge.
"There is one more thing…," said Zhuyue.
"What might that be?" Dun asked.
"I told Xiaolian I would ask you about adopting her once we were married,"
Dun shrugged. He could have guessed that Zhuyue would want to do that. The two had been joined at the hip since he returned. After finding out the reason why, he knew there was no way she wouldn't look after her.
"I suppose I have to since you killed her last blood relative," Dun replied in a bored tone.
"I planned to ask you that before I killed her," she replied flatly.
"I'm sure you did. Lunch should be ready. Let's join the others," Dun said as he stood.
"Shall we announce our intentions at dinner?" Zhuyue said standing up as well.
"Well aren't you eager? What's the rush?"
"I just want to tell her…I think she would be happy about it," Zhuyue replied.
"And I think you should probably let her know that you killed her sister last night. Might be good to get that out of the way before the hey we are adopting you thing."
Zhuyue frowned. He was right. She had to speak to Xiaolian about what happened with her sister. She wasn't sure how she would react to the story. Would she even still want to be adopted by them? The thought of her no longer wanting it filled her with unease. She didn't realize how much she wanted to have her as a daughter until that moment.
"By the way," Dun said breaking through her thoughts. "Going forward, we are sharing a bed."
"But…I can't, we aren't married…and I can't leave Xiaolian-"
"She's a big girl, she'll be fine by herself and we are married, as far as I'm concerned anyway. I don't need some bullshit ceremony to tell me that."
Zhuyue wanted to argue the point. She wanted to explain to Dun that just because he says something doesn't make it true. The world didn't work like that. In his eyes, they may be married but they weren't in anyone else's. She wanted to say all of this but she couldn't find herself to do so. In truth, she felt the same way. Even if tradition stated that a ceremony was the only way for it to be official, her heart told her that none of that mattered. She had already given her heart and body to him. She had already pledged her loyalty to him. What more could a ceremony do that they hadn't already done? So instead of arguing with him, she waved her hand at him dismissively and led the way out of his room to lunch. She had other things to think about, such as how she was going to break the news of Xiulan's death to Xiaolian.
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Chen Gong quivered in excitement as he reread the scroll clutched in his hands. This was it. This was what he hoped for. He finally had the means to get that whore's claws from around Lu Bu. Since they took over Puyang, she was always by his side. Her whispers of sweet nothings in his ear began to become so much more. She was now influencing his actions such as convincing him to spare those that should be made an example of. She and her father were also well taken care of, even better than the troops that fought under him. While Lu Bu seemed to be blind to the discontent of his soldiers, Chen Gong was acutely aware of it.
He needed to be rid of that woman and now he had the means to do it. There was something Gong noticed when Lu Bu first spoke of his failed battle at Chang'an, Diaochan seemed increasingly uncomfortable about the topic. Gong knew there had to be something she was hiding about that day and now he had proof. It seems that Diaochan abandoned his daughter and wife! Bu told Gong that he sent Diaochan to retrieve them but she was unable to find them but, it turns out that was a lie.
According to Gao Shun, his inside man in Chang'an, Lu Lingqi saw Diaochan the day of the attack. She was on her way to see her father when the fighting began. She heard murmurs of what had occurred. Her father had finally killed Dong Zhou. Lingqi was torn between fighting to her father's side and getting her mother and fleeing. She knew her father would be fine but the same could not be said of her mother so she decided to save her. Knowing that anyone associated with Lu Bu was being hunted, Lingqi had to remain hidden until she could find an opportunity to get to her mother in the residential area. When the opportunity finally revealed itself, she saw Diaochan doing the same thing, but for her father. According to Gao Shun, Lingqi says that at no point did Diaochan come to look for her or her mother. Unfortunately, the bridge was destroyed before Lingqi and her mother could escape leaving them trapped within Chang'an. They were found and hidden by Gao Shun who was currently making preparations to smuggle them out of Chang'an.
The news of his daughter and wife's safety would put Lu Bu's mind at ease, but more importantly, this would highlight Diaochan's treachery. Gong could hardly wait to tell Lu Bu the news. He gathered up the scroll and hurried out of his home only to nearly run into an irate Hao Meng.
"I hope you have a reason for being in my way. I have important information to share with Master Lu Bu," said Gong.
"Yeah well I have something for you to tell our mighty Lord as well," Spat Meng. At that moment, Zhang Liao had arrived.
"Meng, this isn't the way. Liao said in a calm tone.
"Your way will get us nowhere, Wényuǎn!" yelled Meng.
"Your voice is becoming increasingly vexing. Spit it out then get out of my face, Meng," said Gong with a sigh.
"The way Lord Lu Bu has been treating us is not right! He gives that woman and her father more honors than us. We who bled for him and put our lives on the line. What have they done? She spreads her legs and gets fine wine and food while the rest of us are left with scraps? I am not the only one that feels this way. Either something changes or we walk!" Meng said.
"Fine walk," Gong said with another sigh and a dramatic wave of the hand. "I'm sure we can have someone else fill those seats at the banquet."
"Banquet? What banquet?" Meng asked, confused.
"The one I was about to go speak to Master Lu Bu about putting the final touches on," He said waving the scroll he was holding in the air. Meng's eyes followed the movement, widened in surprise. "He is well aware of the discontent of his men and wanted to throw a banquet in their honor to show you that their efforts are not in vain. He was also going to lavish rewards upon deserving officers. However, it seems that changes will have to be made since so many plan to leave. Would you happen to have a name of all the ones we need to exclude from this event?" Gong asked as he tapped the scroll to his cheek in thought.
"N-no. No one is really going to leave. We...we just thought our words weren't being heard," Meng replied. He turned to Liao and bowed. "It seems you were right. We should have just been patient."
He turned to Gong again and bowed. "Please forget my earlier words. They were born of anger and were foolishly spoken."
Gong waved a hand dismissingly. "Already forgotten. Now shoo. I have a banquet to finish planning."
Meng bowed once more to both men and ran off excitedly to tell the rest of the men the good news. Liao waited until Meng was out of sight before speaking.
"Was there really a banquet?" he asked Gong.
"There will be now," Gong muttered. "I am actually glad you are here, walk with me," Gong said as he began his journey anew. He handed the scroll to Liao who unrolled it and read it. He stopped in his tracks after he got to the portion about Lingqi. He breathed in a sigh of relief at hearing that the young girl was safe. That relief quickly changed into anger at the thought of what Diaochan had done.
"Is this true?" Liao asked as he jogged to catch up to Gong. He rolled the scroll back up and handed it back to him.
"Hao Meng has no reason to lie and Lingqi's story lines up too perfectly with Diaochan's own accounts to be simply made up."
"You are going to tell Master Lu Bu," said Liao. It was a statement rather than a question.
"I am!" Gong replied in a giddy tone.
"What are you hoping to accomplish?"
"I am hoping to get that vixen's claws unfurled from our Master's mind. Surely you have noticed that she has...quite the effect on Master Lu Bu and it isn't in our best interest."
Liao frowned and remained silent. He knew that what Gong said was true. He knew it since they worked together under Dong Zhou. Lu Bu's infatuation with her led him to make questionable decisions.
"Your silence is answer enough. I trust that you will not stand in the way of my plans?" Gong asked.
"I will not," Liao replied as they made it to the door of Bu's home. They were escorted in by the guards to find Lu Bu wearing a beautifully crafted red cloak with a phoenix embroiled on it.
Lu Bu turned to acknowledge the arrival of the two men. He turned around to give them a good view of the cloak then turn back to face them, a smile on his face. "What do you think? Diaochan got this made especially for me," said Bu.
"Ah, I would expect no less for one with such impeccable taste as our lady, Diaochan! It truly encapsulates your virtue as a warrior, Master Lu Bu!" Gong fawned. Liao rolled his eyes at the display. He couldn't be like Gong and praise someone he despised. He preferred to remain true to himself at all times rather than speak with a forked tongue. He supposed that is why his true calling was that of a warrior and Gong's was that of a strategist.
"It does, doesn't it?" Bu said proudly. "What of you, Wényuǎn? What do you think of it?" Bu asked.
Liao grunted. Why did he have to ask him? He was sure it wasn't for him. He simply wanted Diaochan to hear how many people appreciated her sense of fashion. Pandering to her as always.
"It's fine," Liao said bluntly.
"Hmph," Bu grunt, clearly unhappy with Liao's response. "I don't know why I bothered to ask someone like you."
Liao felt a flash of anger at the remark. He refused to suck up to that little bitch. He now wished more than ever that Gong would show Bu the scroll so he could get his head out of her ass all the faster.
"My Lord, I am sorry to impose but we have some serious discussions to speak about." he said holding up the scroll. Liao brightened up slightly at the gesture, eager to see the results of this action.
"We aren't scheduled to have a meeting right now. I am spending time with Diaochan."
"Oh I know, My Lord and I wouldn't impose but we need to strike while we can. We managed to seize Puyang, but we need to keep pressing forward. Word has it that Cao Cao has abandoned his fight with Tao Qian. If we do not move quickly and secure more of the surrounding districts, Cao Cao will have a stronger foothold in Yan Province than we do. It would we easy for him to retake Puyang if we do nothing."
Bu grunted. He could understand Gong's reasoning. He looked regretfully back to Diaochan.
"Diaochan, you will have to wait a bit longer. This is important."
"I understand, My Lord," she replied with a smile and a gracious bow.
Liao didn't understand completely what Gong was doing. Why didn't he just tell Bu what he found out? Instead of raising an objections to his actions however, he remained quiet and followed along with the strategist plot. The three man sat down and began their meeting.
The meeting wore on. Usually, the consort of a leader was excluded from such proceedings if they were not generals under their command as a matter of security but, this was yet another rule Lu Bu bent for Diaochan. She listened with growing disinterest as the men droned on about plans to take over other districts within Yan Province. It didn't seem as if this meeting was going to end anytime soon and Diaochan was getting increasingly bored. She decided that she finally had enough and excused herself from the meeting.
Gong waited until a few minutes after Diaochan left to switch gears to his true intentions.
"My Lord, there is something I would like you to take a look at," he handed Lu Bu the scroll he had been holding as he spoke.
Lu Bu took the scroll and unfurled it. With a yawn he began reading it. His features shifted as his eyes continued to scan the words written. Once done there was a tense silence that filled the room. His eyes shifted up to Chen Gong.
"What is the meaning of this, Gōngtái?"
"You asked me to find your daughter and wife. I have kept my word," Gong said with a smile.
"Don't fuck with me. What is this about Diaochan? Is this true?"
"I believe in the validity of it but, to be completely sure, we would need to ask your daughter and Lady Diaochan personally," Gong replied.
Bu crushed the scroll in his hands. His eyes looked wild and his chest was heaving up and down as he breathed hard. He was the epitome of a dragon ready to breathe fire in Liao's mind.
"How soon can Hao Meng get them here?" Bu asked.
"I have already sent off instructions on the best way to smuggle them out of Chang'an and into Puyang. If he follows my instructions to the letter, they should be here within three weeks."
"I'm going to have a word with Diaochan," Bu growled.
"May I suggest you hold off on that, My Lord?" said Gong. Speaking to her now will only make her deny everything to save her own skin and without your daughter here to provide a counter-argument; it may be difficult for you to not take her at her word. Once she knows that we suspect her, she will try to flee with her father. I suggest waiting until your family arrives. I also suggest that you do not let Diaochan know that they are coming either. This information should remain between the three of us only."
Bu growled. He wasn't known for his patience. He wanted to confront Diaochan immediately and find out the truth but Gong's word held wisdom in them. He was torn, what should he do? He looked to Liao.
"What do you have to say about this, Wényuǎn?" Bu asked.
"I agree with, Gōngtái. With both of them standing before you, you can look both in the eye. It would be easier to find out who is telling the truth and who is lying."
Bu grunted. He didn't want to wait but they were right. It made more sense to do so. He had the sudden urge to kill something.
"Fine," he said and stood from his seat, nearly knocking it over.
"My Lord, before you go, there is one more thing," Gong said. Bu eyed him angrily. There was more?
"What?" He grounded out through clenched teeth.
"You should throw a banquet for your family's return. It would do well to welcome them with some festivities after the turmoil they had been put through. We could also use the banquet as a means to reward some of the men for their actions in taking over Puyang. A few of them are a bit unhappy and this would do wonders to raise their moral."
"Fine, you set it up. I don't have time for that nonsense. I'm going to go train," Bu replied and with that final word spoken, he left the room.
"Well I would say that went rather well, wouldn't you, Wényuǎn?" Gong said with a smug smile.
"You are truly a cunning man. How you do not cut the inside of your mouth with that forked tongue of yours is amazing to me," Liao replied.
"Ahahaha!" Gong laughed. "I'll take your scathing criticism as a compliment. Now if you would excuse me, I have a banquet to plan."
Gong bowed to Liao and walked off, a distinct pep in his step.