So this was supposed to be finished before the holidays, but you know how it goes! I think 2013 might be the year When the Winds Change ends. If I keep on schedule that is. I promise not to take another 7 years to finish it nor another 7 to write more.

Also I was told by a fan that I seemed to have "forgotten" some characters. Mainly Lu Meng. Well...the point is...I could never remember him when I played the games and therefore never added him to the story. Sorry for those Lu Meng fans out there. I don't dislike him...he just never made an impression on me. Then the same fan had to mention Zhou Tai...

Anyhoo...I am replaying DW3 which started this whole thing and it has given me inspiration to work harder so I will.

Please enjoy this chapter!


It was late in the year. A time when other kingdoms may feel the chill from the mountains, ice and snow covering the ground. But so far here it had kept away, the sun still high in the sky and lending its warmth to those who ventured outside for the day. Zhou could not be any happier with that fact. Some years he may have complained about the lack of changes between seasons, but right now he was more concerned about keeping someone from the chill and soggy weather that may creep in. He behaved, or tried to, and didn't think he was hovering too much, or appear over anxious. Xiao on the other hand may have a different opinion. She was polite enough to not utter too many complaints about the extra attention he was giving. Extra attention that sometimes bordered on paranoia on her condition. She felt much better than she had at the beginning. Right now the only difference she felt is the extra weight around her middle.

Uncomfortable thoughts were far away from either's mind right now as they sat together, silent, no words needing to be said even as their heads were bowed close to one another. They had spent an unknown amount of time like this. Minutes. Hours. It didn't matter to either. Zhou softly kissed the bridge of Xiao's nose before moving to her lips. Xiao had once said if she was ever in love she would maybe even just be together without saying a word. For as often as they talked there were still those times when silence spoke more words between them.

Zhou's hands went to her growing stomach, the small bulge now noticeable under the gowns she wore. A smile came to Xiao's lips as he leaned down and softly kissed her stomach. All their worries, all their fears, how they would be, what this would change...they seemed to be for naught. It came much more naturally than either expected.

As Zhou once more changed his position to rest his head upon her lap she instinctively reached down to softly stroke his silky hair. He had teased her he would take advantage of her attentions like this as often as he could for soon there would be little room on her lap. She had laughed at him at the beginning, before her stomach had begun it's swelling. Now she wondered just how large she would become.

As she continued her delicate touch he reached up once more, his fingers carefully gliding down the bump that was their child.


Da watched the intimate moment from the window, her hands gripping the draperies that hung on the side. She was confused on how she felt. What she saw made her want to smile, cry, and even frown. She shook her head even as Ce placed his hands on her shoulders. "What's wrong, my blossom?"

"I...can't believe I'm feeling this way." She shook her head again, almost as if doing the motion a couple times would rid her of what she was thinking. "I...I'm...jealous of Xiao..." Speaking the words hurt her more than she thought. She had never felt this way and it was dreadful of her to feel this way towards Xiao. Her sister didn't deserve that horrible emotion aimed at her.

Ce lightly kissed the top of her head. "I highly doubt you can accomplish that. You just think it's jealousy."

"Then what else would it be? What other feeling would make me feel as I do? That I wish to be in her place."

"You want to be in Zhou's arms?" Ce attempted to lighten the atmosphere. He had noticed a change in Da's mood since the announcement of Xiao's pregnancy. On most days she was over joyed for her and would often fawn much attention upon her sister to make sure she was comfortable. Then there were times that a sadness crept into her eyes. He knew what it was. They had talked about it so much even Zhou teased them about wanting to create a miniature Wu army of their children. He could only imagine what it must feel like to her seeing her sister carrying a child before she had.

She turned to swat him. "Don't be ridiculous! There is only one man's arms I wish to be in."

"What's his name? I think I need to tell him to leave my wife alone." He grinned, happy she didn't remain silent.

"Ce!" She laughed, receiving a kiss from him.

He wrapped her in his arms. "It's not jealousy. It's want...need. We have been waiting for the Heavens to grant us the miracle those two received. But if you want to know the truth, if I am forced to wait because another couple have been blessed I am glad it is them. They deserve this happiness."

"You are right, my love." Da held on to him tightly, feeling as his hug grew stronger.

There was a short silence as they each were in their own thoughts when Ce spoke some quiet words. "What if I held another banquet?"

"You do think grande, don't you?" Da couldn't keep the smile from her face, remembering years ago how he had ideas to hold banquets just to celebrate his love of her.

"Is there something wrong with that?"

"No. But what if...we had something simple. Perhaps a family gathering?"

Ce gave another laugh. "You think that's simple?" He could almost feel her blush as he still held her in his arms.

"Well, I meant...more of a..." She stammered, having not given thought to the fact how large the Sun family was when she mentioned the idea.

"It is actually a very good idea. Siblings, their significant others, children...not quite a small gathering, but something for us. All of us. It has been awhile since we have all been together in such a casual setting." He kissed the top of her head once more as they both gazed out the window, the two parents to be still sitting together in the gardens. "And it's very good timing I do believe."


"This is ludicrous!" Quan glared at Xun even as the younger man simply stood there indifferent. He felt as if he had just lived through this same scenario only recently. "Of all the stupid, idiotic things!"

"You did place her in the same situation." Xun had to point out. After he was forced to "talk" to Shang about her relationship she had come up with this brilliant idea that perhaps Quan should receive some advice about his relationship with LianShi. Of course Xun had been volunteered to approach the subject.

"That is different!" Quan insisted.

"Is it?" Xun really didn't feel like tormenting his friend as much as Shang wanted him to. There really was no need. But truthfully when someone needed advice is when they rarely seeked it out. A few careful words could never hurt.

"Shang is a child who knows little of relationships."

"You are not allowing yourself to see who she really is. She is not the innocent infant you keep wanting to paint her." Xun hated to be the one to tell Quan these facts. Facts that obviously made the older brother uncomfortable considering the look on his face he had about now. But they were facts that needed to be said. "Perhaps it is true that she is not fully knowledgeable in the relationship category, but it hasn't exactly been a topic she was interested in. Now though it is only natural and it would be wrong of us to stop it. Instinctively protective as we may be."

"Why must you be so convincingly correct?" Quan heaved a sigh.

"I do not believe I am correct all the time." Xun was quick to disagree.

"And what will you tell Shang when she asks what words of wisdom you imparted to me?"

"I will tell her the truth. That you were stubborn as usual and would not listen to what I would say and simply changed the subject to her." Xun shrugged. "Then the two of you can handle the situation further if you care to."

"My relationship with LianShi is none of her business."

"Lady Bu and she are friends. It is only natural for her to be curious."

"If it was any of her business then the two of them would have talked and she would know anything she wanted."

"I would guess they have talked to one another. You may not want to know the details of those discussions."

"Now you have me worried."

"Ask Lady Bu."

"That is something I may just do."


Every so often when Zhou wasn't around Da would sit in Ce's study and read while he did his paperwork. It was almost as if he needed company to accomplish any of it. Today his mind did not seem to be on it. His attitude was a bit bewildering and Da couldn't come up with any other word but "sulking". She couldn't remember ever seeing him this way and she wondered what it was about.

After what seemed to be a very long hour she put aside her book and came to stand in front of his desk. She didn't say anything, waiting for him to finally look up. She gave a tilt of her head, but when he looked back down she crossed her arms in front of her. "Alright." She broke the silence. "What is going on you are not telling me?" When he didn't answer she narrowed her eyes. "And if you're worried about bad timing, don't be. If you wait much longer it'll be beyond bad."

She highly doubted the words she spoke was what made him answer. Or maybe they were. Either way he stabbed at the paper in front of him with the calligraphy brush. "Mother won't come to the picnic."

During their planning for a simple family gathering it had been decided while the weather was still pleasant a picnic was the best idea. Personal invitations had been given and most were returned with enthusiasm. Except apparently from Lady Wu. It was very common for her to not appear at public affairs, but Da was a bit surprised she had refused a family get together. "Did...she say why?"

"No. Just one of those vague answers about how some day I may understand." He looked up into Da's eyes. Perhaps hoping they held the answer. "I was just hoping she would and now I don't really feel like attending myself."

"Lord Sun Ce you will attend that picnic!" It was the tone of what Shang liked to call the "imperious Da". She couldn't fathom why Lady Wu declined the invitation, but she wasn't going to allow Ce to skip out as well. She knew this would be good for everyone. "If you do not I'll bring everyone in here!"

"To my study?" It was the best thing he could say. He hadn't expected this flare of anger from her. But he was upset himself over his mother's refusal to join the family.

"To our suites if I have to!" She kept her arms crossed over herself and tilted her head up in the snobbish way he couldn't help but be enchanted by.

"Ci was right. You are a very difficult woman."

"I'm glad you both agree." She leaned over the desk to kiss him lightly. "I can be very convincing as well. So don't think for one moment that you will miss this family picnic."

Ce didn't know whether to laugh or let his mood remain grumpy over his mother's decision. He just didn't know why she refused and it bothered him. He wanted her there. To see all the siblings together. To see Xiao very pregnant. To meet her first grandchild, Kuang's son that had been born a few months ago. To see all this and more. But she had refused. Why?


"What's taking you so long, sister? Come on, faster!" Xiao's new attempt to skip down the hallway wasn't as much as a skip as it used to be, but the spring was still in her step and she moved quicker than she looked she could accomplish as she joyously made her way in front of Da.

Da may have to shake her head. Months into her pregnancy and her sister still acted the same as always. Bouncy, hyper, and enjoying the world much more than anyone she knew. Her new robes were tied high above the growing stomach, hiding how big she may actually be with the flowing material that matched the sleeves. It was all flowing and waving around as Xiao continued her mad dash down the hall way. "Xiao, wait!" As her sister skidded to a halt Da caught up to her, catching something falling from her hair. "Look. Your ribbon is about to fall out."

"Huh? What?" The words came out even as she giggled, letting her sister retie the errant ribbon. "Thank you! What would I do with out you?"

"You are being quite silly today." Da made sure everything was in order, even repositioning the bow on her sister's dress.

"I'm so excited for this picnic. It will be utterly lovely seeing everyone!" She clapped her hands together. "Kuang and his family have traveled down to see us and you know their son was born just a few months ago. And Quan is bringing Lady Bu even though he doesn't want anyone to make such a big deal out of it. And maybe we'll finally meet Shang's secret admirer!" She was about to spin around, but suddenly stopped. "Oh!"

Da's eyes widened in surprise as Xiao placed a hand on her stomach. "Are you alright?" Her voice went up an octave in worry.

Xiao gave her a smile. "I'm fine. The baby is just moving."

"Moving?" Da simply stood there as Xiao took one of her hands to place next to hers.

"Mhm. Feel? Mistress Huang says this happens. It kinda scared me the first time." Xiao laughed as Da jumped back feeling the movement under her hands.

"That's...amazing..." Da was in awe.

"Isn't it? You should have seen how excited Zhou was the first time I showed him." She smiled taking Da's hand in hers as they continued their walk down the hallway at a slower pace. They walked this way in happy silence for a short while when suddenly a frown came to Xiao's face. "Oh no...it's raining..."


Ce turned as soon as he heard the commotion at the doors. He shouldn't have been surprised when he saw everyone entering the room. Leiyu, Huang, Ling, and Qing lead the way carrying all sorts of baskets and other things. It wasn't long before they began rearranging the future to make room to spread out blankets and rugs on the floor.

He knew what this meant and who to blame. Da didn't even bother to hide her smile as she came up to him. "Never defy the Lady Sun." She stood on tiptoe to kiss him.

"Woe the day I do." He returned the kiss, having a difficult time remaining angry at her.

"If you haven't noted it is raining." Zhou decided to add as he and Xiao entered behind Da.

"Details." Da waved a hand. "I am not postponing this gathering for the weather."

"I think it's lovely!" Xiao gave her opinion before running over to help the maids and manservant set up. Zhou was close on her heels taking away anything he deemed too heavy for her even as she puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.

Ce took a chance to glance out the window to make sure Zhou's words were true as more people entered the room. Quan, LianShi, Shao, Song...The biggest commotion came from Kuang's entrance as he proudly held forth his son. "Well, Uncle Ce! Meet your nephew Sun Tai!"

It had come as bit of surprise, but joyous none the less, when it had been discovered that Kuang's young wife had been pregnant while they had attended the wedding of Zhou and Xiao. According to a letter from Kuang it had been a surprise even to the couple. Just a few short months later they were welcoming their son into the world. It made the alliance formed by their marriage even stronger.

Giving a laugh Ce hefted the baby in one hand even as the young mother gave a small startled sound. Kuang pulled his wife closer to him. "Don't worry, love. Ce handled me and Shang the same way when we were tiny."

"And look how we turned out!" Shang couldn't stop the comment as she entered with Xun following. This caused the room to fill with laughter.

"Worry when Zhou wants to hold the baby." Ce gave a smirk.

"HEY!" Xiao turned around, a frown on her face.

"Whoa!" Kuang took in the sight of her condition, obviously surprised. "When did this happen?" His wife clapped her hands excitedly.

"Obviously we have to learn better form for announcements being sent out." Da couldn't remember if any announcements had been sent out to inform certain individuals of the Lord and Lady Zhou's happy occasion. She still had much to learn about formal details.

"The baby should arrive for the Dragon Boat Festival." Xiao announced proudly.

"We are overjoyed for your happiness." The Wei girl told her as she and Kuang came over to the picnic set up in the middle of the room, leaving Ce with the tiny infant.

"Here you are, Lady Sun." Ce gently put the baby into Da's arms, the boy gurgling with a happy noise. "Perhaps good fortune will rub off on us." As she looked up at him he leaned down to kiss her.


"So you never answered me earlier." Xun came to sit next to Shang as the indoor picnic continued, occupying most of the day. Da had been right when she had said it would be good for everyone. The family had needed this time together. To catch up and remember they were a family even with every thing going on. Food was consumed in copious amounts. There was never a shortage of laughter. And little Tai was never for a lack of attention. But there was still the small detail of why Shang had come to ask him to join her. "Where is he?"

Shang sealed her lips in thought, watching as a game of Mah Jong was being set up. "He couldn't come."

"I figured that. But did he leave or...?"

"Ya, he left. Took his crew for some reconnaissance mission they were given." She rolled her eyes. "Not like I didn't expect it...I just...I like adventure, that's the way I am and always will be - he told me before he left. Not that I didn't expect that comment either." She shrugged her shoulders. "In one way I'm not sure what I expected. A relationship like the sisters have? I don't think so. I'm not just going to stay home while my brothers go off to fight. They raised me like a warrior, and that's exactly what I'm going to be. I guess relationships don't really fit in that kind of decision."

"You might be surprised." Xun could almost have guessed the words she had spoken. She seemed to be alright, but any relationship no matter how big or small affected you somehow. "Your brothers are warriors as well and they have found relationships to fit that. It just may take more time."

Shang made a funny sound. One of annoyance? Of uncaring? It was hard to tell. "I think I'll back off of personal relationships and watch my brothers make fools of themselves for awhile." Her normal crooked grin returned. "And Quan is doing enough for all of us. You can almost hear what he's been saying. - Once I hold your hand, I will never let you go. - " She gave a snicker as LianShi replied with unheard words.

"You have interesting ways to amuse yourself." But Xun couldn't help but find amusement in her antics. The couple had been off in their private corner for most of the day almost as if they were trying to stay away from any attention that may turn their way. Even if staying away actually brought them that unwanted attention.

"I miss you so much, I can't sleep at night." Shang continued. "I know you will never leave me, because we are fated to be one." She gave another snicker.

"I really do not think that is what Quan would be saying." Xun had to include his thoughts. "I'm sure they are more than likely discussing how to keep you in line."

"Psh, ya right...Why don't you tell me what he might just say. You and your fancy words."

"I strive to be a strategist, not a man of love. The words are different." Xun caught her gaze, a hardness building in them.

She raised an eyebrow surprised. "It's just a bit of fun. You can't say you never have thought of such words."

"Have you?"

"I was obviously spouting the silliness, now wasn't I? If I can I'm sure you could!" Both of their attentions turned to the couple in the corner, lost in their own world as the rest of the room continued in their merriment. Shang couldn't help but let out another giggle. "Happiness is the only thing that I feel whenever you are near me. Without you, my life would never be the same. People can call me selfish, but I can never let you go."

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."

"Even if I'm surrounded by thousands of people, the only one I see is you."

"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul."

Shang paused at the words spoken, turning to look at Xun, surprise upon her face. "Now that...is what I was talking about."

"Are the words fancy enough, Xiang?" Xun met her gaze.

Shang opened her mouth to reply, but they were interrupted by the presence of Shao and Song who were staring at them in shock. "Master Lu! I never knew you felt that way about Lady Shang!" Song had her hands clasped to her chest.

"Huh? Wha...? OH NO no!" Shang waved her hands at them. "It's nothing like that! We were playing a game."

"A game?" Shao looked at her dubiously.

"It's a long story." Xun replied, not even showing a hint of embarrassment.

"It sounded positively romantic." Song gave her opinion.

Shao took her hand in his, giving a smile. "I'll show you something romantic." His words made her blush.

"You two better behave before you give certain parents heart attacks." Shang warned as they laughed.


"So was the small family gathering a success?" Ce's hand softly stroked the dark sheen of hair that Da was carefully brushing until she gave up and handed him the brush. He smiled, letting the brush slowly go down the lengths.

"I do believe it was." Her eyes were set forward to the setting sun outside their window. Evidence of the picnic still around their room even with the efforts of the servants to clean it up. "Didn't I say it was a good idea?"

"That you did." He continued his efforts to brush out her hair. "Do you feel still your pangs of jealousy over your sister?" He used the word even though he never meant it, simply using it as she had. He had seen how often she was handed little Tai during the afternoon and how she took care of him with little complaint even as his nursemaid was nearby.

"I think those are long gone." She was silent for a bit, bowing her head. "I was thinking that perhaps the Heavens are correct with withholding a blessing to us."

These words stopped his work and his free hand went to one of her shoulders, gentle in touch. "Why do you say that, my blossom?"

"As I watched Kuang and his wife and my sister with Zhou I...have realized that you are still very much the center of my world. I'm not sure I'm ready to have a conflict of that. Not when I have so very much more to learn about being Lady Sun." She took a deep breath, her hand reaching to rest on his that still was upon her shoulder. "I have reflected upon your mother's decision to not attend and not only do I have a small inkling of her feelings behind them I also came to realize that it was wrong of me to force the picnic upon you. To invade the privacy you needed. I made many wrong decisions today."

"You invading my privacy is the least you should worry about." His lips brushed her hair. "It was the best decision of the day. Left alone my thoughts may have turned quite dark. Your interruption was exactly what was needed." He put the brush down on the vanity top, freeing his hand to push aside her hair so his lips could lightly caress the side of her neck before coming to whisper by her ear. "And I watched you with Sun Tai. There are some ladies you question whether they could handle children. I am rather positive Lady Sun fits perfectly with the title Mother."

"I love you, Lord Sun Ce." She whispered the words.

He lifted her into his arms. "If those simple words are all there are to describe what I feel...I love you, Da. You are my first and my last."


I hope everyone enjoyed this random chapter. It was kind of a filler. More fun in the next chapter I promise!

Remember to leave a review please! And Happy New Year to everyone!