The Peace Ambassador from Eastern Wu (Battle of Changban part 7)
The Commentaryof Mao Zonggang on Romance of Three Kingdom (Sanguo Yanyi) noted;
"It was said that Zhang Fei's shout repulsed Cao Cao's army. But, would Cao Cao have been awed had not Guan Yu has lauded Zhang Fei's strength previously? Furthermore, Cao Cao suspected an ambush when Zhang Fei -with horse poised and sword leveled- met her at the bridge. But would Cao Co have been so cautious had not Kongming previously struck fear onto her with two fire attacks?
XXX
The confrontation on the Changban bridge come to stand still.
At this moment Zhang Fei alone was still standing on the broken bridge staring at the other side of the river where Cao Cao's forces surround her with fire, smokes and flying ashes separating them, but it is not enough to made them exchanging glance against each other.
Beside, even if Zhang Fei wore threatening expression with glaring eyes and resolves to die here… she was greatly worried right after Karin made that bold declaration…. Because she admitted that this Cao Cao who has accustomed to deception in her whole life…. Managed to seen through of her bluff. The fire attack was indeed only served as distraction, and it was never enough to entrap Cao Cao's elite army. Hence they prioritize in fleeing and avoid direct clash of army.
Karin looked satisfied that Zhang Fei did not react, it is as if indirectly confirming her deduction on this trick. Her lips rose in smile of triumph… indeed it is hard to deceive someone like her who is said as warrior poet who take pleasure in appreciating aesthetic talent. If this place was really intended to ambush her, many soldiers would already be stationed in the forest and Yu Jin's barrage already dismissed that possibility. Beside, The earlier arrows shot was too few as if only reliant on its accuracy and precission.
Hence, the easier way to conclude this situation is that Zhang Fei only intended delay her march until preset time where Liu Bei finished in evacuating the Jingzhou's refugee to another place, which surely is not Nanjun. But…. Her ally in Xiakou (Liu Qi).
"Quite amusing … indeed that Zhuge Liang fellow is really admirable to think up this kind of trick hidden in her sleeves… even as desperate move." Karin coldly asserted "The first lesson from Master Sun's Art of War… All warfare is based on deception, hence…. When it is real, make your enemy believe it as feign. On the other hand, when it is false, make them believe it as real." Karin calmly gave her lecture as she herself studied Master Sun's Art of War "Two consecutives ambush, so it is given for us to instantly thought that another ambush was prepared and that this time is real to take us down. Which is why we are quite restless after the fire ambush in Xinye and Bowang slope." Hearing this Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren was quite embarassed and lowered her face. "However, having familiar with her way of setting ambush (twice)… it sure hard for this Cao Mengde to fall victim to her wile again this time."
Perhaps if Liang made pretense of being helpless she might have better chance?
After all, it is easier to regard solid as empty rather than empty as solid.
Zhang Fei for a moment dropped her façade by almost letting go of her viper lance from her firm hands, but she quickly captured it before it falls…. Alas it was too late because for Karin this moment of flash was enough to get the answer she need.
"My victory then." Cao Cao this time take over the chain of command directly and put everyone under her direct order. Zhang Fei looks bit displeasure that she was bested in this mind games, but this only steeled her resolve to guard this place "Building makeshift bridge or preparing emergency pontoon bridge is not so difficult and won't take us for long…" and there is not even the necessity to drown chariot as makeshift bridge to cross the river.
Zhang Fei swung and brandished her viper lance and pointing it toward Mengde with do or die resolve "Tohka-neechan….. live on for RinRin's share …" While Cao Cao smirked seeing that Zhang Fei is at the end of road and has run out of idea and bluff left in her mind.
"Prepare to attack…." Cao Cao declared "There is no reason to be afraid of mere 20 soldiers on her command."
XXX
However, before her hands was lowered down…. Someone comes, no several person walked slowly and show themselves coming from the direction of the forest where RinRin stood to guard it from anyone passingby.
"No, we have dismissed them all." she said, and seeing this, made Karin reluctant to issue the order to march.
Nah, even her mind was befuddled and raced in confusion seeing her unexpected entrance here…. She hesitate and finally retract her hand, stopping everyone from making a move…. because she is intrigued what made her show her face again…. That Imperial Sister Liu Xuande!
"…May I ask you, Imperial Sister?" Karin calmly asked as if conversing with a friend "You do know that I am looking for you, yet you foolishly show your face here?" Tohka walked and patted on her little sister's shoulder… as if expressing her grateful and trust to her for standing here….
Zhang Fei turned to her, looking regretful and says "Tohka nee-chan…. Gomen…. RinRin has failed your trust." Tohka smiled calmly to her and pat her head.
"You've done well… everyone has departed safely.." Tohka pet her head and turned to Karin who is mounting atop her stallion "now, let your elder sister end this." She thus clasped her hand as if welcoming a close acquintance and respectful guest from afar "Is not that right, Lord Cao?"
Both are smiling with hidden intention behind them… which made Aisha quite nervous as she tries to warn Tohka to be careful, however Tohka only asked her to put her confidence on her. which Aisha understandingly nodded.
"Precisely." Karin mused, but she quickly announced. "Yu Jin! Xiahou Yuan! Zhang He! Zhang Liao!" she called her elite generals, who quickly accept her calling. "Prepare your bow! Hold fire and aim at that Liu Bei!" hearing this command, they quickly went with bows and arrows, spreading their position to surround Liu Bei who is on the other side of river. Yunchang quickly move forward to protect her sister from the worst and the threat with glaring looks.
However, Tohka did not show any reaction and unfazingly asked. "Having resolved myself to save my dear little sister, you think I would be afraid Lord Cao?" Tohka smiled thinly as they both judged each other reaction "beside…. I am not that foolish to come here without any preparation myself." As she spoke of it, someone gave a warning shot… passing through and stopped before Karin's horse….. it was Huang Zhong's arrow who hide in the forest and climb atop the tree for better vantage point (well she was like primordial sniper).
"What an archery…" Karin spoke her amazement seeing this. While everyone looked bewildered. "But still, I think it is pretty stupid to expose yourself for danger. A clever man…. (also man of noble) would never below a falling wall."
"My wall is still standing firm, even if they are small… but enough to protect me who is standing beside them."
"Hahaha!" Karin laughed having listened to such amusing rhetoric. "indeed! Indeed! However is it worth your life to risk on it?" Karin fumed as she end her laughter "though you are standing beside a firm wall, but you back are cornered to it….. without anything left open to let you flee from this predicament."
"Indeed. I have exhausted all my means to escape from this predicament, my back was cornered to the wall…. But what is the use if I have to break it down just to for my own safety then? Would not it ruin the building and crushed us who live inside it? like this empire….filled with termites threatening the pillars and foundation (yeah, I know what I am writing. No concrete foundation in this era, so shut up)."
Karin shook her head in amazement, part of it mocking her belief "You fool! Just for a single soldier you risked your own life!?" Karin looked wrathful seeing this fellow foolishness "I don't think that brilliant mind of yours (Kongming) fail to notice the foolishness of your stubborn way?"
"Indeed, it is as you say." Tohka smiled as she answer, no looks of regret "I still have the chance to directly march to Fortress Jiangling and conquer it myself making two fronts against you (Liu Qiu in Xiakou and Liu Bei in Nanjun; dividing Jingzhou into two part of south and north)… but…" Tohka turned to Zilong and Yide who had resolved to surrender their life for her success. "I don't think that worth too much for me…. To make me abandon those who trust in my foolish ideal."
"Fool… what a fool you are, Tohka…. Don't you realize the importance of your role ?" Karin was speechless, but she smiled in seeing her resolve. As if understanding of her reasoning.
"Is it wrong, Karin-san?"
"No…. that is why I consider you as an equal…. No, my most frightening opponent." Both of them then shared the sentiments … as they both brandished their respective arms of wars… and this time Tohka wielded her two artifact Qinglong-Fenghuang… these two weapon which Zhao Yun has bet her life to deliver it to Tohka crosssing death and life in Changban slope….. while Karin solemnly brandished her darkened scythe halberd and the Sword of Heaven Artifact in other hand imbued with bluish color on it.
Seeing that this seems the end for them… Shuri looked regretful on this sight and spoke of her feeling thinking that this is the last moment in her life. "My apologize… Imperial Sister, I have failed you."
"No, Shuri-chan…. Your tactics and strategy… it was a wonderful sight… to behold! I feel honored to see it myself, it was my fault… that I have made you come to this predicament…. Your brilliant mind is without peer! A talent once in a millenia! Indeed, as you say that we can easily besiege Nanjun with numbers, fooling them to think that the refugees are the soldiers and force them to submission…. However, it was my undecisiveness that led us to this lost…. everything was this Liu Bei's fault."
"Imperial Sister…. Even though… even though I had failed you greatly…. You still hold such belief in me!" Shuri softly cries with brimming tears in her eyes. "Hawawawawa! Imperial Sister, I feel honored to serve a noble fellow like you…. a benevolent ruler whom this era has waited for!" Shuri wiped her tears and look embarassed her childishness…. "This short chance in this unworthy life to serve you even for a bit…. I have no regret left!"
"Nice words, advisor darren!" Aisha spoke with bright smile as if accepting this situation with heart content "To die here altogether is not to bad I guess…" Aisha spun her guandao and produce a frightening noise. "Advisor darren…. it was my honor to know you even for this short moment…. If there is regret left…. I wish for us to share my feeling …. " Aisha turned to Shuri and brightly spoke "My name is Aisha….. that is my manna…. Though it might be quite late…. From now on, please call me as 'Aisha'." With brilliant smile.
Sei looked sullen "You are really devious, Aisha…. Taking all the tasty chance…. Who would have thought that this Aisha is such a sneaky character." She playfully spoke which made her blushed angrily in protest "You think you are the main character or what to steal this moment?"
"SEI!"
"Joking." Sei cooly spoke as she also unleashed her newly retrieved Qinggang blade on her two pronged spear's tips blaring frighteningly in bluish solid ray which made everyone looked frightened inside "Advisor-darren…. please remember my name it is Sei!" as she brandished and point them threateningly before the Cao Cao's army.
The adult rinrin…well, Zhang Fei it is…. still using her fantasy move shouted cheerfully not wanting to be left out. "RinRin-NANODA! Don't forget about RINRIN-NANODA!" She complained seeing everyone seems to forgot about this so called Master of Peach Garden artist and her blazing moment is stolen by their show of friendship (Relax…. RinRin-chan…. You still have part when recruiting Yan Yan…. Also Fan Jiang and Zhang Da :D remember their name right? ) "muu….~ everyone is being unfair! Why you all left out RinRin-Nanoda!" well thinking about it, it is quite bizaree for adult RinRin still acting like spoiled kid, but they are shared personality… so meh….
"Fufufu…" "Hahaha…" everyone laughing although they know that this is Bolivian army ending scene which is worse than Mexican stand off. They laugh and felt amused seeing RinRin's reaction …. Which lighten this heavy atmosphere.
Shuri who previously was a bit depressed (mind you she is always so full on herself because everyone even Kazuto back then praised her as genius kid… for her ages… not because she is Kongming…. This is a fact only known recently to Tohka :P) looked amused and unknowingly smile. "Everyone, I am sorry for failing you here…. But…. I feel glad that we can be close to each other…. This days after leaving my abode….. it was the happiest moment to my life" btw shuri is lying, her happiest moment in her life is her and hinari monopolizing Kazuto who at that time seeking refuge in house of water mirrors with Ei-chan and Yue-chan playing make believe family household with Shuri acting as spoiled genius daughter (but not annoying as Lisa Simpson…. Well maybe cute little maggie who shot the mafia when homer was cornered and outnumbered in stand off) "even it was short…. I am glad we have such intimate relationship" the loner and introverted Shuri-chan spoke with brightened expression btw Sei was about to make manzai about Shuri using perverted lesbian innuendo by using 'intimate' as choice of word. But Aisha seeing it was inappropriate and ruin the mood quickly covered her mouth with her hands from behind which met quite resistance but she finally given up…. fortunately she did not troll
"My name is Shuri…. Please call me 'Shuri' from now on, everyone." Shuri with looks of acceptance spoke of it.
Tohka looked pleased seeing this scene which she can not help but laugh to herself in amusement "It felt like we become sisters…. No perhaps we even surpass that bond…. We are much more intimate to each other than ever" btw historically Liu Bei was quite gay…. In his closeness to siblingship that the three brothers of Peach Garden oath are said that they are inseparable that they shared everything between them even meal and sleep in the same room (dunno if this gay or not) but…. Fortunately for our (me, the author, the narators and our readers) sanity…. That they are all girls so it is not gay, but sexy because girls sharing beds is cool. "Is not that right everyone?" With smile and nodded between them as they reply Tohka says "From now on, please call me also as Tohka… there is no need for formality for our relationships which even surpass close friends and sibling"
This sight was very stunning and shocking to everyone here who felt the their bond was very fitting model for show of loyalty, integrity, propriety, righteousness, honor, filial, kindness and love to each other. That though they know that they are enemies to each other clasped their hand in show of respect and admiration … knowing that they are before death door. Some of them was moved deeply that even if they are enemies, they shed tears to see it themselves… a sentiment even shared by Huang Zhong who nodded and gave respecting gesture by clasping her hand and that she set aside her bow.
There is no feeling can be said to express and describe this moment, not even the heroism of Jing Ke before she depart and sang a song which made everyone comes to tears on seeing her heroism.
The ashes and fire , smoke and mist flown like flowers petal, this brough them to nostalgic memory that the three sister once shared but now… fortunate enough that they can share this moment together….quite poetic justice, amirite, everyone?
"""""Though from different names and family, though we don't share the same bloodlines….. we are all here together vowed right here and right now…., that we all here… shall share a bond inseparable even more than blood siblings… and that we promise and we here take an oath….that we will live in harmony, and help each other even to bitter end regardless of what kind of difficulty and danger that we shall face… to serve the state and save the people! We don't ask to share same day of birth, same month of birth and same year of birth in our life, but we merely ask heaven to let us die in the same day, same month and same year with each other!"""""
Tohka, Aisha, RinRin, Sei and Shuri all recited the passage deeply without difficulty as they flows from the lips freely as if they ever memorized it before, no…. it was because they already shared the same feeling…. That they know what they want to say in this final moment…. Even before seeing death altogether, they haven't forgotten the value of propiety…. Because a hero does not leave this world in sloppy attire and manner.
"May heaven guide us all who are even closer than sisters for the path of righteousness and guide us away from the unrighteous way!"
The stunning imagery, the heroism that moved their heart…. everyone felt envious….. seeing them accepting death like homecoming. Huang Zhong who hide unknowingly cries in tears…. Seeing this heroism they showed uncaring of the danger…. And this feeling was shared by everyone here…. Not knowing what to say, beside utmost admiration…..
Karin was left speechless, that she unknowingly dropped her sword feeling deep impression to this sight. Indeed this is the heroes way! The Way of Heaven! The scene which she longed to see…. Though there is feeling of resentment that she lost it partway in her conquest to pacify this whole empire…. Feeling of sadness and nostalgia of lost one…. Swirling in her memory…. That there is a unbearable pain in her heart she felt right now….
"Who would have thought…." Karin muttered to herself…. seeing this…. She was reminded how contrasting they are even though they both recognized each other as fellow rival who strives for the same aspiration… that they ended up as bitter enemy to each other….. The resentment for her unfair life…. To life in identity crisis as Xiahou Cao or Cao Cao, as the descendant of eunuch from the corrupt muddy water faction, the hardship to reach her goal alone, knowing that she had to betray even her feeling for the greaters good…. Living in contempt, slander and suspicions…
But most unbearable pain…. Is for her to experience a losing arm…. Someone whom she can really open her feeling to honestly. Not as Xiahou Cao, and not even as Cao Cao…. Really, what did she do wrong that she had to life in this lonely feeling and unrecoverable pain?
Her heart often asked to heaven above.
Why do she had to made encounter when separation is this painful?
Is it the way of heaven?
Dong Zhuo, Chen Gong, Lu Bu, Yuan Shu, Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao…
What is the meaning of this world we had fought for to fulfill our ambition then? We thought that we fought for the sake of common people…. but how much blood that we have shed and how many died for our so called noble aspiration?
We spend our whole life fighting to struggle to win the world and this empire…. Us, ambitious warlords who stand to the call… aren't we all just fighting here to fulfill our hunger and ambition which even more frightening than a wild beast? Today I want to ask whether we are human or just a beast moved by their own ambition and desire…..
Heroes or Villains….. Emperor or Tyrant…..
Suddenly she felt that those title before her eyes are meaningless …. All under heaven…. But in the end…. what shall be left for her? What is the meaning all of her past suffering and her accomplishment today then, … when there is no one can share and put solace to her feeling? Only loneliness, and the unrecoverable pain remains now… and the feeling of resentment between her and the dear heaven above who had toyed with mortal's life and fate.
Now, seeing this scene herself…. that feeling grows bigger… we are not so different, Imperial Sister…. Then why do you have that firm bond sealed in peach garden oath when I have to experience this suffering and lose the only person I trust most….?
A feeling that she is afraid to admit… because it would break the only thing supporting her fragile mind and frail emotion…. And that faint beliefs that keeps burdening her. the only thing left between her and that lost fellow…. That childish promise they had before they part ways….
Heaven….. why do you always resent my path?
And finally, there is sudden clearance and her mind feels enlightened by what Tohka showed to her in the last heroism that they showed…. Something that made her different… no matter how they actually resembled each other in their path.
"They say…. A loyal retainer would willingly sacrifice his own life and die for their lord, but never there was a lord who would risked his own life for a mere retainer." Karin spoke, and sighed after seeing it herself…. with look of satisfaction of finally grasping the meaning and reaching an answer she is always looking for. "Tohka…. Is this your way of employing men?"
Admirable…. Simply stunning and worthy of respect…. Never was before I know this kind of sight…. Surpassing even the word of sagely wisdom. It was simple and crude… but there lies deeper meaning on it upon gazing it herself of this moving heroism….
Finally,
Karin raised her hand and clasped…. In respecting gesture…. A show of submission seeing her superior way in nourishing the vast flowing passion nature! A will to move people's heart and mind…. superb! Simply superb! Tears flow from her eyes as she for the first time acknowledge her lost to Tohka.
"Ah… Imperial Sister…no, Tohka…. Finally I understand your way of leadership!"
XXX
Karin thus continue…
"In honor of this exquisite sight that I felt nothing but heartfelt admiration to you…"
Karin spoke, feeling amused after feeling enlighted by this moving sight of Xuande's way of leadership. She declared, "I will give you quick and painless death…. In honor of this sagely wisdom."
This is the time to finally end everything… they all thought so, as if giving final respect to them…. And that this is the time to put an end to everything… everyone swore inside their heart that they will never forget this feeling swirling inside. A fitting end to heroes… who faces their end of life.
Weapon raised, while they are waiting impatiently for the time when the makeshift bridge or pontoon bridge prepared to let them cross freely and finally put an end to this war…. And let the empire enjoyed the peace they had longed for.
Dead silence… as if a solemn funeral to sent of the heroes….
"Wait Mengde!"
Suddenly… someone calls from behind when Karin was about to make her call. Everyone eyes were set on her…. counselor Sima… they all thought, but there is a pale expression in her face as if there is distressing news that can not wait to be relayed to her lord.
Zhongda quickly rushed her horse right to Mengde and whisper to her… everyone wore questioning looks, even Tohka and the others….. no one can guess what made Mengde stopped her call and this frightening scheming Zhongda looked restless in delivering news.
"… distressing news…. There are Presences of Sun clan's naval fleet around the southern Jingzhou river!" with such short message, Mengde who understand tens after learning from one quickly grasped what the content of the message…
Nanjun, fortress Jiangling was not just being contested by her (Mengde) and Xuande… there is the third party who also has the same intention of conquering that fortress…. Someone tries to precede her move …. The third meddlesome party…. the Sun clan of the Eastern River Region!
Praying Mantis hunt for the cicada, but the golden oriole cames from behind!
Karin looked visibly shaken by this news…. So that Divine Fire, No Failure in Fire Tactics has made her moves! That Fair Sister Zhou; Mei Zhou Lang! she gritted her teeth… should she ordered a pull out? Before her…. Tohka was right before her hands… and if she does not finish her off today, she will remains as an annoying headaches for her….
But to lose Nanjun now….. would only made her suffer unwanted set back, beside…. That Fledgling Phoenix has not finished in persuading the four prefect of Lingling, Guiyang, Wuling and Changsa… who would have known whether those four prefect would made a front with the Sun clan to oppose her later when her holding in this province is not that strong? she has not won the populace here in Jingzhou… and who would have known whether that Liu Cong would allied himself with Liu Qi in Xiakou?
Damn…. Could this be another of Kongming's trap? She coldly stare at Shuri (who look oblivious but concealed in her calm composure and cold atmosphere)…. Damn…. she got me bad…..
She has put me in a difficult predicament…. To lose Liu Bei now would made her regret it surely later, but to lose Nanjun…. It would made her conquest facing obstacle…..
"Mengde… no, Karin." Zhongda spoke sternly "Please decide hastily. Make your decision… or we will regret it if we are too late."
"….Erika… sometimes I feel that man can only plan but success always depend on heaven… today even though I know it….. I am sure whatever decision I made today… will only made me end up in regret."
Terse but chilling, her enlightened acceptance made Erika appreciate her difficult position as the Prime Minister of Han…. No, even as Cao Cao Mengde. Erika placed her hand in her shoulder, indirectly showing that she respect any kind of decision she came to …
"Today… I thought that I finally become reached the Mount Tai… but who would have thought that my mountain is not high enough to reach the sky?" Mengde finally accept this .. sometimes everything does not go according to a plan…. Erika sympathize with her as she nodded understandingly….
"Scout?" Karin called for their presence and not for long they came to her reporting that another path was found some distance from here to directly reach Nanjun with strong and wide bridge placed on it. Nodding for this new discovery that reached her ears… she looked back toward Tohka and others direction who still stand on Changban bridge.
"Everyone, prepare to pull out. We shall move away from here and on the way to new path." Karin turned her back on Tohka who looked bewildered and confused "Follow me right to Nanjun, fortress Jiangling!"
As they are about to left, Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Jie speak privately near Karin after approachingly…. Who knows what they are talking about however….
"Do as you please." Karin coldly spoke "Sima Fa says; A soldier in action need not to obey each of her lord's order." They both clasped their hands to express their gratitude but Mengde merely waved her hands as if allowing them to do as they please now.
""We pray for your success!""As they spoke, Karin led most of her army to advance and march along the river avoiding this place… everyone was too perplexed and confused to react by this sudden act…. Why would that million soldiers and thousands generals left them peacefully without raising arms of war?
Suddenly everything comes to still, and silence….. before anyone can grasp what made this sudden moment…. Their arrival and departure was too sudden that the previously crowded Changban plain become emptied at once…..it was as if that numerous army was never here before and their presence previously are but illusion.
"Hahahahaha…." They looked confused and sees each other…..not knowing what to say or express…. It was just too sudden…. That they easily lose their strength even for standing up that they fall down and sat on the bridge. It is certainly weird….
Not even Kongming understand the sudden changes in Karin's heart.
XXX
"We are still here you fool!" Xiahou Ba shouted. She was still here with about 5000 or 6000 cavalry troops on her force. "You think we would easily let you slip between our hands? Xiahou Jie! Prepare for…."
"RAAAAA" Xiahou Jie's temper exploded. After previously being toyed by RinRin and was forced to remain in order because of Karin's presence who valued discipline he was forced to endure his feeling.
Xiahou Ba was too shocked seeing her relatives's leeroy jenkiness….. THAT FOOL! She screamed in her mind! Seeing Xiahou Jie riding his stallion recklessly. Indeed he had the chance with his muscle armor… but does not he realize that their opponent are someone whom they need to use wits to defeat against them?
"Leave this to RinRin!" Zhang Fei announced as she call her stallion and ride jumping over the broken bridge and crossing the river! As they both landed and clashed against each other, each blows of metal weapon clashing to each other. Xiahou Ba was momentarily distracted but she realized the priority of action.
"Everyone help Xiahou Jie and surround this fellow!" Xiahou Ba declared and the elite soldiers follows her advance from behind, and they rushed toward Zhang Fei … however Zhang Fei who is accustomed to this easily repel each of their thrust and pursue Xiahou Jie who is using this chance to ran and recover his energy and gather his breath before fighting again.
"COWARD! DIE HERE!" "SAYS WHO!?" both their shouts responded each other battlecries, and the clash of weapon and the soldiers who tries to help Xiahou Jie was easily avoided as if there is nothing stopping her gallop as she control her beast in this battle.
Aisha and Sei want to help however Tohka stopped them, stating that she trust RinRin and compared to before… it is less of her worry because….for RinRin; fighting against this opponent was no different from….
RinRin easily thrust her viper lance which finally managed to get through of her opponent defense and cornered her into exhaustion as her beating did not stop even for a moment to let him catch some breath…. Realizing that this opponent was no easy one!
"Soldier, assist me!" Xiahou Jie declared and quickly several riders approach their fight and from all sides surround RinRin's position. With spear, swords and halberd brandished they deliver their blow and thrust their arms of war against RinRIn. "CHARGE!"
Weapons comes from all sides surrounding her without allowing her to easily repel them like before, but RinRin does not show any worry and easily spun their movement, and calmly jump from her warhorse allowing those murderous tools to miss their target….while amazement struck those riders.
"""WHAT!?"""
"YOU POMPOUS FOOLS! YOU THINK THAT ENOUGH AGAINST THIS ZHANG YIDE OF YAN!?" in simple movement aided with ginkang, she does a mid air spinning kick and dismount them all with the help of her trusty viper lance to sweep them off and slays them all. their body were trampled by her war horse as it continue pursuing Xiahou Jie who looked her with glaring eyes as if burning.
"FUCK YOUR SORRY ASS!" "ANOTHER FOOL HEAD MINE TAKING!" the exchange blows followed by their loud yell…. While all observer was sent into shock…. While they can not believe what they say when one of them easily decapitate their opponent head and hung them high on their arms of war to show of their victory…. They are thrown into disbelief… of the vulgarity this shown before them….
Only Tohka who showed calm expression as if already expecting this result from their clash against each other as she solemnly declared in flat tone… while differet expression shown between each of their sides.
"….Fetching items from her own pocket."
XXX
It was as if they lose it all…. Xiahou Ba looked startled seeing her relatives's head hung on RinRin's viper lance…. And even when Xiahou Jie's head thrown beside her legs she still can not believe that her distant relative died in vain… well partly it was his own fault, because he act like a jerk and leeroy jenkins…
But, to think that there is someone who easily killed Xiahou Jie who is proud of his strength and bravado… he was like a stupid hulk without brain…. But no one can easily fight a wild beast except by dominating his power….
Who is she really? Her mind raced…. Should she bear the shame and follow Cao Cao….? It was a humiliation….. how could she face it….? they were just some 5 or so people … to retreat out of fear…..
(well Tohka, RinRin, Aisha, Sei, Shuri, Shion…. Technically six and btw what a pity Sui can not experience this moment where they reinforce their friendship even more than Yujo in Yugioh where Anzu gave a smiley face marker on their four hands… or five…. Poor Sui, always missing out and spazing herself during important moment….HAHAHAHAHA)
Xiahou Ba then was about to make decision before a messenger warned her of something they saw from behind.
"General Xiahou Ba! Emergency news! The Sun clan's ground force has landed and crossed Changban slope! They are now moving behind us with frightening speed"
XXX
That sudden news which Mengde known for long from Zhongda finally reached them here.
Xiahou Ba was shocked. However using her knowledge she learned and experienced she has as field officer under veteran generals under Cao Cao's command made her looked composed. She easily control herself from the shock and ordered her cavalry (and from Xiahou Jie's) to be under her command.
"They try to take us from behind, I say we shall take them afront!" Xiahou Ba rode back as she led her elite cavalry against Sun clan, and it was seen that from banner it was no small time soldiers under Eastern River Sun clan…
First is the banner of 'Lu' , which mean that famed Great Merchant of Eastern River was leading them.
Second there is the banner of 'Ding', which mean that new face general Ding Feng was also involved.
Third there is the banner of 'Xu', another new face general Xu Sheng involved in them.
Counting carefully from their advancing troops they numbered no more than at least three thousand (3000) strong men and only wielding sword as their armament.
Having this information from closer sight and report from scouts, Xiahou Ba began to underestimate this opponent. Seeing that her troops doubled their numbers which is 5000 to 6000 elite cavalry.
This however would proven later as a grave mistake…. Because the leading in command of the vanguard is in the hand of Ding Feng.
XXX
Tohka and Shuri was just newly informed by someone of the arrival of another force intending to reinforce them and helped them against Xiahou Ba's elite cavalry. Having known that this friendly force is from the Eastern River Sun clan, Tohka and Shuri glance to each other with difficult expression as if never expecting this sudden change of situation… it is asking whether Shuri planned this reinforcement from Eastern River Sun clan whom they known to be hostile to the late Imperial Uncle Liu Biao of Jingzhou.
Shuri however shook her head, which made Tohka anxious but…. Being saved by them…. Felt not that bad… it is good to be alive and survive this difficulty… Heaven still care for them…. She thought to herself…
"My utmost gratitude…. I never expected of Sun clan's intention to reconcile during such distressing moment." Tohka clasped her hand to express gratitude. The messenger merely smiled seeing her reaction "I, Liu Bei is indebted for saving my life."
"No need for formality, Liu Darren." the messenger plainly smiled "this Zhou Tai of Dangyang troops is merely doing her duty." She returned the gesture with respecting act and cupped her hand. "Please wait until we chase them away and see our commander." Zhou Tai rose as she wished to join back with the troop… as she was sent here because she was known as the fastest and courageous in solo action "My superior is also anxious to see you."
XXX
"We are greatly outnumbered but those northern invader are nothing compared to us!" Ding Feng roused them to fight by inciting their morale… she often put the troops in peril to force them to fight seriously hence even if they only wield crappy weapon (in ROTK XI, sword is the basic weapon that in such case…. You just surrender lah…. No fight, wasting troops and money) and greatly outnumbered….
But in the future, with the same number she managed to chase away the invading Wei troops led by Sima Zhao with her barely armed infantry at her aging age… a brilliant feat which made the Sima sibling wasting the opportunity to subjugate Dong Wu after the demise of Emperor Da of Wu (Huanglong).
The difference of morale was too great and the tactician in Ding Feng's force opted the tactic to divide the enemy troops and conquer them, making them losing their momentum of outnumbering the Eastern River's army.
And the glaring difference between their force are how most of Xiahou Ba's cavalry has spent most of their energy on forced march to subjugate the whole area in Jingzhou hence as the Sun Zi's Art of War noted…. They are also losing their standing and advantage after their energy started to diminish after long continous expedition without enough resting for them.
Beside the Eastern River's morale were bolstered because this is their opportunity to stand against the mighty northern army of Cao Cao. And this starting battle how could they lost it? soon… the difference in number is meaningless because the battle has gone for too long which Xiahou Ba decided to pull out and withdraw from this place and follow Mengde to Nanjun.
Seeing the battle started to goes on their favor, the Easter River army push them out and not losing the chance when an opening were made. Troops started to pull away and the eastern River army still wanting to fight and was about to pursue them until Ding Feng gave the order.
"Don't pursue the enemy too far. After several distance from this place, let them away."
As the enemy thinned out and finally they get rid of them all, it was then the battle finally stopped. The eastern river soldiers was stopping their march and arranged themselves in line waiting until their commander came to them.
Tohka was stunned by the sudden arrival of this unexpected reinforcement. There is anxiety she felt in her bosom…. It was something that whispered that it was someone she knows long ago returning here to fulfill his promise….
Could it be…? Could it be….?
The anxiety for her was unbearable… even when Ding Feng and Xu Sheng finally came forward to represent the high ranking commander of this fleet… there is something bothering her mind… as if a feeling of meeting someone who she is familiar to.
"Nice job everyone…. I am glad that we are not too late to help." That familiar voice…. it piqued their interest…. Everything seems to fall for them, in the disbelief as they start to recognize his voice… the voice of this so called Great Merchant of Eastern River.
"Who would have thought that the northern invasion come at such frightening speed?" the familiar face and looks as he came closer…. Everyone was too shocked to react…. Staring at his smiling face…. A familiar face which they thought they would never see again…."I felt guilty for arriving too late for everyone here."
As he stood right before them… cooly and calmly walking as if nothing to their bewildered expression that everyone shared, as they even forgot to close their mouth agape in shock while some even widening their eyes seeing him now standing before them with dandy rich man looks and giving them a greeting as he slowly walked and overseeing the situation…. some of them even looked shocked and muttered the name he had before when they familiarize with each other.
It was like seeing an old friend coming from afar that they even comes near to tears when he smiled at them. But they burst in tears and joys, even gasping her mouth as their eyes weren't playing tricks on them.
"My Lord; Sun Quan's military advisor Lu Su is here…. To fulfill a promise to a friend." As he spoke of it calmly… Tohka, Aisha and RinRin's mind returned to that day…. When that fellow who recommend Zhuge Liang to them gave his partways word….. it was as if that day was just happened yesterday.
If you really believe a fool like me…. I promise that one day I will return with the help you needed during your most despairing moment.
For a moment, Tohka, Aisha, RinRin, Sei and Shuri were moved by their emotion….. because they know him very well…. They softly muttered and speak for themselves… with tears on their eyes…
"Advisor, you really remember your promise!" but most of their brightened expression was because… they never expected today at the most direst moment they ever faced… will be the reunion…. Nostalgic feeling rose among the girls… But Lu Su only smiled at them politely with imposing cool air on his looks….
This time, he explain more of the intention of his arrival offically before the Imperial Sister Liu Xuande in representing his lord and acting as the official ambassador for the Eastern River Sun clan.
"Imperial Sister…" Lu Su spoke with stern and formal gesture… government to government even though their situation felt relaxed "The Eastern River Sun clan wished to offer a friendship to you."
That is right…. the battle has not ended. It merely began to greater extent.
XXX
Extracted from Chen Shou's Record of Three Kingdom (Sanguozhi) on the biography of Lu Su styled Zijing:
(After hearing of his advice) Sun Quan thus dispatched Lu Su. He arrived at Xiakou and heard that Cao Cao was already heading for Jingzhou, so he doubled his paces from day till night. By the time he arrived at Nanjun, Liu Biao's son; Liu Cong already surrendered to Lord Cao while Liu Bei was hurriedly running away, crossing the Great River and heading south.
Lu Su then managed to caught up with them at Changban, Dangyang.
Author Note:
Next chapter is the final chapter of this Changban arc. … all was set before the Battle of Red Cliff arc.
Tsun: good luck then. Because Adult Kokoro Katsura have quite interesting backstory. Alas it was tell not shown.
Hahaha…. You tell me. I almost given up this fanfic for having to spent two chapter to flagellate Sei and RinRin (And I never really liked them both, though I often amazed and admired at Zhao Yun and Zhang Fei feats in ROTK and Ravages). And these succession months was no good for business that distract my attention to care more for my work. Fuck, really…. Changban should have finished during sin cia, and Red Cliff before qingming…. But oh well.. at least I can still continue this fanfic even for awhile at spare times.
San : what? Well I doubt it. in Shuri and Hinari event in Shin Koihime , they never showed rivalry sooo it is impossible (and yeah I know what I am saying)
Fire Lord 626: short answer go to gelbooru or danbooru.
While long answer; beside RinRin the artist also illustrated adult RiRi (Shion's daughter) as voluptous beauty and Tanpopo as adult who has bazongaa! And;…. I consider them important disregarding they are official or not.
Enigma95: though Renfa is willing to share, Hinari knows that she has less chance against devious girl like Renfa. hence she hates her…
Well she will survive at least…. And nope I don't plan to follow shin koihime musou gi end, I had done it in Rise of Heroes, so there is no reason to repeat that banality in this new part of fanfic… be creative lah…. It ain't fun to use the same old trick…. The readers is not that stupid, and it is great insult to underestimate the reader's intelligence. Hence I try to give them something that I had not even planned beside rough planning but basically I will make two ending whichever official it depend on you (assuming I did not given up this fanfic)
First ending is the harem ending; stay at this world ending where the world is finally at peace.
Second is returning back to own world bringing all the girls with you and starting romantic comedy which one should I confess lol scenario.
I write both of them and depend which one you like you pick …. No fuss no muss… everyone happy and I am happy.