That night was a glorious banquet with many tabled filled with food and drinks all around. Mitsuko was the last to arrive as the banquet was just getting started. The room holding this event was decorated lavishly with many beautiful women dressed in formal wear serving each of the generals present. It was similar to the first banquet she experienced in the army. However.

'Lady Mitsuko, over here.' Wu Zi waves at her while yelling to get her attention. He, Zang ba and Pang Tong got a table for them and they were a couple of extra seats available. Mitsuko smiles softly before walking towards the table.

'Ahh there she is, the woman of the hour.' Zang Ba announces as Mitsuko took her seat next to Pang Tong.

'indeed, if it wasn't for our lady and our men we probably wouldn't have take the castle with as little casualties as we did.' Wu Zi states as pang tong chuckles. Mitsuko awkwardly rubbed the back of her head. She wasn't used to praise like this. Even though she liked to be praised for her work she still wasn't sure on how to take it. Especially how she heard tales of how people would become arrogant on praise like this. She wants to try and get a middle ground.

'Thanks but I couldn't have done it by myself.' She responded attempting to be humble as she started to eat a meat bun.

'Hey, what's with that no need to be so humble.' Zang Ba replied with his mouth full of food. Spraying his food rather than eating it.

'I know that you like Lady Mitsuko but please try and not be too generous with your food if you wouldn't mind.' Pang Tong did his signature chuckle as Zang Ba covered his mouth in embarrassment and swallowed his food.

'Sorry. But still you don't need to be so humble about your accomplishments especially recently.' Zang Ba laughs as he plants a flask of wine in front of Mitsuko.

'C'mon, relax and take a drink. You deserve it.' Mitsuko stared at the flask for a moment, she remembers what happened last time she tried alcohol, the aftertaste that soiled her tastebuds. She hesitated to take it, fearing what the taste would be like again.

'Oh what's this? Could it be that lady Mitsuko…can't handle her liquor still?' Zang Ba teased her. Mitsuko growls softly at this. She really should've considered trying to drink some more in her private time to make sure she could at least tolerate it.

'Is that anyway to speak to your commanding officer?' LingQi asks appearing behind Mitsuko who startled everyone as she spoke.

'Ahh, my apologies my lady. I guess I'm still not quite used to you being my superior.' Zang Ba apologised however Mitsuko wasn't going to let him get off the hook that easily.

'Despite your insistence in doing so?' Mitsuko smirks as she remembers how Zang Ba pledged his allegiance to her. She was surprised to have a friend like Ba was willing to serve her. Not that she was complaining. The more the merrier she thought to herself.

'Hey as I said, someone needs to watch your back.'

'Oh so now are you saying we're inadequate to our lady now?' Pang Tong chuckles as Wu Zi glares at him from the seat next to him on the right hand side.

'Hey hey it was just a joke ok? Quit ganging up on me.' Zang Ba was flustered making everyone laugh as they continue their meal. Mitsuko internally thanked lingQi for the assistance. She noticed as she reaches out for another meatbun she's still standing.

'Hey LingQi why don't you join us?' Mitsuko offered. She was surprised to hear that from her. Would she not prefer to relax with her own subordinates?

'Are you sure? I wouldn't want to intrude.'

'Nah don't worry you won't be intruding. We'd be glad to have you around.' Pang Tong reassures her.

'Indeed, it would be an honour if you would join us.' Wu Zi also states. LingQi was still hesitant in responding.

'Then I would be happy to join you.' Ling Qi responded, taking the empty seat next to Mitsuko. Pang Tong smirks under his veil as she sat down, pleased with the way things were going. As they proceeded to eat and having some general small talk LingQi glances all around her and sees that everyone including Mitsuko is enjoying themselves. It made her feel something she never really experienced before, she wasn't sure of what it was but she knew she liked it. That much was certain. Ever since she met Mitsuko her life has drastically changed. Every time they would be separated LingQi yearned for them to be reunited as soon as possible. Before Mitsuko it would just be her and her father. Even then her father would need to deal with important matters, so it would just be herself. She still remembers the first time she met her back all those years ago when her father was first brought to the imperial capital by talks with Dong Zhuo. As she waited outside the palace for her father to exit she spotted Mitsuko as one of the guards.

The first thing she noticed about her was her eyes and how…captivating they were. She found her interesting, not just because of her unique position but there was something about her that drew LingQi towards her. She wanted to know more about her, who she was, what she was like. More than anything else, she wanted to say hello. Though something chained her back and prevented her from accomplishing this simple task. As luck would have it they would meet again as she enrolled into her fathers forces though they wouldn't have a proper conversation until the night before they attacked Puyang castle. She remembers accidently attempting to strike her as she startled her during training. It was not the introduction that LingQi desired for in the slightest. She found that just simply talking with Mitsuko relaxed her, even so than training does under the blanket of the night. Especially recently. She doesn't know why but lately when Mitsuko is around she feels that her some of her shackles are destroyed and she's able to actually enjoy herself a little more. Being the daughter of the strongest warrior in the land had a certain image to maintain.

Her mind quickly returns to when they first arrived at the imperial palace before promptly being interrupted by Zang Ba yelling.

'Hey that was my chicken!'

'Well as your new commanding officer I don't think you proved yourself to deserve this. Besides this is payback from last time!' Mitsuko responds.

'That was ages ago!'

'it was still mine!' As the two argued LingQi couldn't help but giggle at this sight. She never would've imagined that she would be in this position but she's glad that she got to experience something like this at least once. LingQi wasn't aware of this but Pang Tong has been keeping a close eye on her, examining her closely to see where she is. Satisfied with her progress Pang Tong returns to his drink and joined in on the fun. As the night progressed the party became livelier than ever. More officers that Zang Ba personally knew came over to the table and socialised more with Mitsuko's circle and introduced themselves. Pang Tong watches Mitsuko closely to see how she reacted. He was pleased to see her more confident talking to strangers, it could very well be the atmosphere of the party helping her out but it is still a good development. Even LingQi got involved in socialising. Feeling satisfied he got up from his seat and decided to go out for some fresh air. He feels something tug on his right sleeve.

'Hey you oK?' He turns around to see Mitsuko grabbing his sleeve. He chuckled at this.

'Yeah don't worry, I'm not going to run on you your anything, I just want some fresh air for a while. I'll be back shortly.' Hearing this Mitsuko lets go but still asked something.

'Do you want me to come along to? Don't have to go yourself you know.'

'Hey Mitsuko, Shi Huan here wants to hear the tale about how you took down the cavalry!' Zang Ba yells to her with his arm around the neck a rather young looking officers face without any facial hair.

'It seems you're required elsewhere. I'll be fine don't worry. Besides I'm sure Lady LingQi would prefer your company and not be the only lady present among them.' Pang Tong chuckled as he walked outside as Mitsuko somewhat begrudgingly returns to the table sitting next to LingQi once again. Pang Tong exits the inner castle and feels a cool breeze brush past him. He walks along the outskirts in close proximity to the castle walking on wooden flooring with the moon shining brightly. He chuckled to himself as he was satisfied with how things are panning out.

'Excellent things are proceeding as expected. Mitusko's GuanXi is already growing along with Zang Ba's defection is giving other officers doubts which is all that is needed. After all two officers with some recognition lend their aid to her, it gives the others another option, a choice a few I believe will take. With that in mind, Xia Pi will soon be ours. My lady I wonder, did you notice of lady LingQi's expression? Once she breaks her chains completely she will be a most valuable asset to you. Hehe part of me is now getting a little excited for the future.' Pang Tong heard some footsteps behind him which stops his train of thought. He chuckled knowing who full well it is.

'My, my it's a pleasant evening for a stroll isn't it lord Chen Gong?' Pang Tong stops in his tracks and turns around. Indeed it was Chen Gong in his formal robed attire with a red scroll in his hands. He furrows his brow at Pang Tong who is unaffected.

'You may dispense with the pleasantries hermit.' Chen Gong announced

'My lord?'

'Do not think I haven't been noticing what you've been doing with that serpent woman.'

'Really now? Do you mind explaining that to me I'm afraid I'm a little lost.' Pang Tong feigned ignorance to see how much he knew. The atmosphere suddenly gotten cold as the two strategists stare at each other.

'I see what you've been doing, I hear the whispers you speak into the ears of the other officers. Coercing them to be under her command to expand her influence. Using your mediocre strategies to help her and her forces survive. Even going so far as to try and coerce lord Lu Bu's daughter to your side. All while being in the shadow of the serpent. You attempt to fan the flames of rebellion.' Chen Gong accused with a rather disgusted expression on his face.

'Hehe I see you've taken an interest in my lady and our forces. Excellent, I was beginning to think you wouldn't be interested.'

'I am not interested in her, she alone is not a threat. You though are another matter. I cannot have you whispering of rebellion in times like these.'

'Oh really? While I appreciate the thought of me being a threat to your and lord Lu Bu, dismissing Mitsuko is a grave mistake indeed.' Pang Tong chuckled, this time more deviously as he shoots a glare at him.

'Hmph, with you out of the picture she will be easy to eliminate?'

'Eliminate you say? I believe you tried doing that before when you sent our forces on our own for the flanking force.'

'A necessary sacrifice for the army should the need have arrived.' Chen Gong responded immediately.

'Indeed…or a way to get rid of us without your direct involvement, after all you could've just blamed it on oversight and everyone would've believed you. However that didn't work out for you did it?' Pang Tong chuckled which made Chen Gong clutched his scroll tighter out of anger.

'How did you actually foresee the reinforcements?'

'I have some…resources that I used. Hehe besides I actually didn't do anything about that, my Lady Mitsuko actually come up with the strategy herself.'

'Is that so? Well no matter.'

'Ahh but it does matter.' Pang Tong interrupted him abruptly.

'You try to eliminate who you feel is an enemy and yet you know nothing about her and focus your attention on me instead believing I am the true threat. After all, all I am is a hermit with just mediocre strategies right?' Pang Tong chuckled.

'Watch your mouth. Remember who it is you are addressing, I am Chen Gong the official strategist of Lord Lu Bu the mightiest warrior in all the land!'

'I see and how is that going for you then?' Pang Tong casually remarked.

'Well we have recently captured the castle didn't we? Thanks to MY strategies.' Chen Gong announced attempting to make Pang Tong feel inferior by his lack of rank.

'Indeed and I do congratulate you for that, it was thanks to your decision to put our forces in the flanking force allowing my Lady Mitsuko to expand her GuanXi and prove just how strong she is. You really are a generous man lord Chen Gong.' Pang Tong did his signature chuckle as he saw Chen Gong got noticeably infuriated with him. How dare he mock him, does he have any idea who he is talking to? Who he is planning to rebel against!?

'Silence! I will not tolerate your mocking any longer.'

'Mocking? My lord I assure you I wasn't mocking you, I do mean my thanks. After all if it wasn't for you constantly going out of your way to undermine my lady I would not have a chance to put my strategies into action. The flanking manoeuvre, the Sun family reinforcements. If it wasn't for you my lady would not have a chance to shine. So I truly thank you.' Pang Tong casually laughs as Chen Gong almost reached his boiling point however when he saw a looming shadow sneaking behind him getting ever so closer armed with a spear. He smirks

'Oh? This is the first time I seen you smile this night, might it be anything to do with lord Hao meng behind me trying to strike me down?' Hao Meng stopped the attack in his attack and stepped back. Chen Gong was also shocked by this, how…just how did he anticipate this!?

'You seem surprised? Hehe, let me tell you a little secret my lord. You may have your eye on me at all times but I kept a close eye on everyone. I observed that lord Hao Meng normally rides a horse into battle and normally walks more slowly. I also noticed that he is a mouth breather so judging by that I can only imagine that you sent him an order while you kept me busy and he made his way here as soon as possible. But because he's more of a leader and not that much of a fighter his stamina isn't the best so he can't conceal his breathing when he does some moderate physical activity. His loyalty to lord Lu Bu is admirable, some may say he's loyal to a fault which would make sense for you to use him. As you know someone like Zhang Liao wouldn't do anything as treacherous as this. Though I'm sure what I just think is nothing compared to your master strategy, I am positive you wouldn't think of using such a…mediocre strategy to eliminate me now I'm sure.' Pang Tong casually takes out his flask and takes a quick drink. Chen Gong was infuriated however he kept it cool still having his arrogant smirk on his face as he knew he had nowhere to run.

'Hmph, you can insult me all you like by treating me as nothing more than a nuisance. However this castle will be your final resting place!'

'Before you sentence me to death you may want to look to your right.' Pang Tong interrupted him just before he gave the order. He wondered what he meant, so he looked to his right and saw spikes on the end of a primitive polearm. He suddenly hears monstrous breathing behind him. His eyes widened as he spotted the weapon inches from his face, the fear caused his heart to beat quicker, his breathing erratic. As he attempted to look behind him Pang Tong stops him.

'No, no. Look at me, you've been doing a good job of it so far.' Chen Gong gaze returned to Pang Tong who looked and acted so carefree and casual and yet a sinister aura surrounds him.

'My lord you may have observed me for a while but you have no idea what I am truly capable off, what resources my lady has at her disposal. However, I have confidence that our forces aswell as my lady herself will thrive. So with that in mind, if you do still want to execute me I will not object. Though I will warn you, I'm not sure my companion will let you and Hao Meng live. Ultimately though the choice is yours.' Pang Tong did his signature chuckle as Chen Gong could feel the smirk behind his mask.

It wasn't only the lingering death behind him that made him feel the very fear that prevented him from moving. Pang Tongs gaze, he never knew anyone like him. He knew he was a threat but he never expected this of all things to come from him. He was just a hermit, a wanderer who joined the Serpent on some mad fluke…yet he knew there was so much more to him than that. He believed no normal man, no strategist should've anticipated this so far ahead. And now he was giving him a choice for them both to live or die, Chen Gong knew that he knows what his decision will be. Yet he still wanted to give it to him, he will not forget this. Or forgive. He grew determined to make up for this insult to him, to show him and the world that he is the greatest strategist of the land!

'…Let him go.' Chen Gong announced. Hao Meng stood his ground and pulled his weapon away from Pang Tong. The two strategists walk off in opposite directions. As they passed each other Chen Gong whispers to him.

'This isn't over.'

'Hehe of course it isn't, I will be waiting for your next move.' Pang tong replied. Chen Gong meets with Hao Meng without issue and walk together in the opposite direction, disappearing into the night. Pang Tong walks up to the reptilian that lingered behind Chen Gong.

'How did you know I was friendly?' Diamondback questioned.

'If you wanted to kill me you wouldn't have let me notice you.' Pang Tong replies.

'Besides, judging from your appearance I believe you may know Dodomeki and Gyuki right?'

'How do you know of them?' Diamondback asked, shocked that he knew of their names.

'We have met before, they do seem rather…distant.' Pang Tong chuckled.

'Indeed. Though I initially had the intention of saving you as you were loyal to my lady I did not expect you to be a strategist of this level, they did not mention you.'

'Really? After all we been through?' Pang Tong feigned hurtfulness in his voice. Before casually laughing moments later.

'Well no matter, you seem more…proactive than the other two though I must say.'

'They have their reasons and I have mine.' Diamondback stated simply.

'Just out of curiosity, why did you come out here when you knew the enemy would attempt to assassinate you?' Just then an arrow flew in front of Diamondback's face from the right side. He looks in the direction and he saw a dark but faint silhouette of a human on the inner castles wall. Pang Tong waves his large fan around and the silhouette disappears.

'I was adequately prepared if Chen Gong was desperate enough to try something like that. Though I wanted to confirm even though he's outmatched if he would still like to become my enemy, this failed attempt at my life is his answer.

'I see. You really are an asset to our lady's forces.' Diamondback bows respectfully.

'Oh please stop, you're going to make me think a little more highly of myself.' Pang Tong chuckled and extended his hand out.

'Pang Tong.' Diamondback looked at it for a moment before completing the handshake.

'Diamondback.'

'Why Diamondback?' Diamondback reached behind him and pulled off a heavy layer of wool like material to reveal his bright azure diamonds.

'Hmm, interesting. Well Diamondback let us both use our abilities to assist Lady Mitsuko in her endeavours.'

'Indeed!'