A week has passed since Lu Bu's army suffered defeat at the hands of Cao Cao at Dingtao castle. They retreated towards Xia Pi castle currently in the hands of Lord Liu Bei after being bequeathed to him by the late Tao Qian. However during their retreat their numbers started to dwindle due some of the soldiers as they felt the army had no hope of winning. The morale of the army was low after their defeat however the soldiers were rejuvenated as they saw Xia Pi castle in their sights. That night they camped with the castle in sights while Lu Bu alone entered the castle to enter negotiations with Liu Bei under the advice of Cheng Gong.

Lu Bu's forces needed to regroup and replenish their forces to recover their morale and take the battle to Cao Cao once again. However in order to do that they would need a land of their own once again to train their soldiers more effectively and have fields to farm under lord Lu Bu's name. They were in no position to have another battle with Cao Cao and with morale low Chen Gong didn't find their chances in battle with another warlord particularly high. Which is where Liu Bei comes in the picture.

Liu Bei a warlord with a big heart cared for the people. Perhaps too much so. He was unable to refuse aid to those who needed it which made him a good target for the beginning of Chen Gongs long term strategy. The castle of Xia Pi was a stronger one compared to the likes of Puyang. When they replenish their troops and morale they will take the first opportunity they have to usurp the land for Lu Bu's forces.

That night LingQi woke up in the middle of the night to train. She always did this as a daily routine however after their defeat she trained twice as hard. She took the loss personally since her father was the head of the army and she wanted to do everything within her power to help him. She thought it was her duty as her daughter to do anything but. However as she's traversing through the camp tents she spots Pang Tong and who she guessed was Wu Zi. She had a few questions directed about the...unique strategist ever since their defeat. She marches up to their position.

'I see...well I must take my leave now, you have given me much to think about.'

'Of course my apologies for wasting so much of your time.'

'Please there is no need for apologies however farewell for now.' He walks past him a few steps before recognising LingQi not far.

'My lady.' He bows respectively before walking past her. LingQi reciprocated as Pang Tong looks behind her and waves at her.

'Ahh how are you this rather beautiful night my lady?' He questions as he stretches his arms to his side.

'I wish to ask you something.' She replies preferring to get straight to the point.

'Hehe I suppose you do, I had a feeling you would sooner or later.' He chuckles to himself.

'You knew all along Cao Cao had a plan in place didn't you?'

'...Yes.' He admits. In which LingQi consumed by anger grabbed his robe and lifts him up with one hand.

'Then why didn't you say anything sooner!? We could've come up with a counter strategy or something. We...we could've done something and win that battle!' She yells at him, infuriated by his rather selfish decision. Her father could've won that battle if he knew what was going to happen. Despite this Pang Tong kept his cool.

'Even if I did the outcome wouldn't have changed.'

'How so?'

'We both know Chen Gong is a capable strategist, he also knew that Cao Cao had some sort of scheme lying in wait.'

'Then...why...?'

'Why weren't we victorious? Hmm I'd prefer not to tell you this now but sometimes you have to listen to things that you don't like.'

'Tell me what?'

'If it wasn't for your father leading the army the battle would've had a different outcome.' He responds. LingQi looked at him with confusion, what was he talking about.

'What do you mean by that?'

'Do you think Chen Gong didn't try informing him of his strategies? Did you think that he didn't know what was going on? Quite the opposite is true actually. The problem is that unfortunately your father does not seem to want to listen to him.' LingQi starts to give in to her frustration and anger, she grabs one of her double bladed halberds with her free hand and holds it close to his face threatening her.

'You dare to insinuate my father is unsuitable to lead!? Isn't it the job of a strategist to help their lord!?'

'Hehe indeed it is...however how can strategists do that if their lords don't let them? How can a blacksmith forge the strongest weapons without the right tools?' Pang Tong questioned LingQi in his usual casual tone.

'I'm not saying he's unsuitable to lead however we can't help those that can't help themselves the same way a teacher cannot teach a student who is unwilling to learn.' LingQi gritted her teeth as she looks to the side, she knows deep down that what he says makes sense but still...this was her father he was talking about. It was hard for her to believe that her father Lu Bu, the mightiest warrior the land has ever known could be outwitted. He was the best man that she had ever known, it can't possibly be his fault...he can't have a flaw like what he's insinuating...right?

'But you know that already don't you? I appreciate a loss like that can be hard on you however it would be wise to not let it get to you. Besides it's not the worst thing in the world, I'm sure the experience helped your father realise the importance of strategy and how invaluable Chen Gong will be in his immediate future.' Pang Tong chuckles to himself despite being in this situation. LingQi eventually releases her grip throwing him back slightly. She sharply turns around and starts to walk away defeated, gripping her cross pike tightly. However she stops suddenly after taking a few steps.

'Tell me something...you think my father is nothing but a brute that lusts for battle don't you?'

'Of course not, I think your father has the heart of a warrior who has his place on the battlefield and is having trouble...adapting to his new position so to speak. Not to say he is a brute of course but after being a warrior for so long to suddenly leading an army to achieve your dreams will have a few...setbacks but in the grand scheme of things, he'll feel right at home in his new position as grand commander and defeat everyone who gets in his way.' He responds which LingQi didn't expect him to reply like that. Still part of her was still furious with the circumstances and at him directly due to his refusal to inform him but she can't exactly disagree with his words either.

'I see...' is all she could say as she couldn't muster up any words towards him so she starts to walk away again before Pang Tong speaks up.

'I do understand why you may not trust me completely but I assure you I'm not plotting against you or your father. However there is one thing that you should take to heart.'

'And that is?'

'Don't let your blood hinder you. By all means take pride of your bloodline but don't believe that you must be restricted by it since your life is yours to command and only yours.' He advises her as LingQi nods respectively however she didn't understand what he was saying.

'I'll...take that under consideration...if you'll excuse me I have other matters to attend to.' LingQi stated as she walks off as Pang tong chuckles to himself again seeing her walk away.

'Ah you poor girl unaware of the chains that bind you from reaching your full potential. I'm sure you'll break them in due time however as I'm sure Mitsuko would like that a lot. I believe you may prove invaluable to her in the future as both a military asset...and a good companion. Ah well we'll see what happens in the future shall we? Haha'

The next day the gates of Xia Pi opened as Lu Bu's forces were greeted with open arms much to their delight. Negotiations between Lu Bu and Liu Bei were a success, under the guidance of Chen Gong Lu Bu used the fact his army's vulnerable position aswell as recent hostilities with Cao Cao o convince Liu Bei to take them in and in return they would be willing and able to fight Cao Cao with him as Liu Bei needed as much help as he can get to halt his ambitious conquest.

Lu Bu's soldiers quickly made themselves home occupying numerous facilities to sleep and the officers were provided personal quarters even Mitsuko, much to the distaste of Liu Bei's soldiers. They don't question the decision of their lord however they don't fully trust these foreign soldiers that owed their allegiance to another lord. They thought that Lu Bu and his army would abuse their lords benevolence. Nevertheless they didn't speak up and left members of the other army alone. Besides as long as they can help take down the tyrannical Cao Cao they can stay where they want.

A month had passed. Finally the opportunity that Chen Gong and Lu Bu were waiting for appeared. Word had reached Liu Bei that a warlord by the name of Yuan Shu in the central plains had declared himself emperor using the golden imperial seal that only the emperor himself has the possession. This angered Liu Bei due to his royal lineage to the Han Empire. He saw Yuan Shu as a threat to the people, using the imperial seal to his own selfish desires for power and fame. Yuan Shu is not even of noble descent yet he talks about being the emperor when he only just wants to obtain more power? Despicable!

Shortly after hearing this Liu Bei gathered the majority of his army from within the province and started to prepare for war. Liu Bei decided to not involve Lu Bu in this affair since this is something he should do alone. However there is the possibility that Cao Cao could invade Xia Pi in his absence, though he couldn't let Yuan Shu have free reign and manipulate the people for his own selfish ends. He called upon Lu Bu to negotiate for his forces to defend Xia Pi in his stead, which Lu Bu agreed which Liu Bei sighed a breath of relief like huge weight was lifted off his shoulders.

The next morning Liu Bei's army was fully formed and ready to go to war, the army waits for him outside of the castle however he along with his sworn brothers bid farewell to Lu Bu who was accompanied by Chen Gong and Zhang Liao who developed an honourable rivalry with Guan Yu.

'Now master Lu Bu, I leave you in charge.' Liu Bei bows his head respectively towards him who simply nods in response. Guan Yu turns towards Zhang Liao and smiles while he strokes his beard.

'Zhang Liao, when I return let us share a drink together.' Guan Yu respected Zhang Liao's honour and valour in combat. However Zhang Liao couldn't even look Guan Yu in the eye knowing what will happen shortly after they left. Even though it goes against his honour he is still loyal to Lord Lu Bu first and foremost.

'Farwell...master Guan Yu.' Was all Zhang Liao could say as the sworn brothers mount their horses and begin to approach their army to begin their march towards the central plains where Yuan Shu took refuge. When they were out of sight Chen Gong turned towards Lu Bu with a mischievous smirk on his face.

'They're gone now...are you ready?' Lu Bu didn't reply and started to walk back towards Xia Pi as the gates are opened. The majority of troops already occupy by their forces however a small garrison force led by Jian Yong one of the most loyal officers that Liu Bei has in still in the castle with a handful of troops to support the defences however they are nothing but a small rabble of insects compared to Lu Bu's army.

'This land is yours my lord, yours for the taking! We will fight all the way to the end!' Chen Gong states knowing Liu Bei's forces are not nearby at all as he catches up to him.

'Now to seize the land for master Lu Bu' Zhang Liao declares as the gates close behind them.

'This time tomorrow this impenetrable castle will be ours, I'll send the messengers at once to inform the officers and the soldiers to attack the remaining garrison at dawn for complete control. This will give us time to prepare the defences should any retreat and inform Liu Bei of our actions here. This is the first step at conquering the land my lord!' Chen Gong informed him as Lu Bu stayed silent but had a wicked smirk on his face as he envisioned the land under his rule.