"Speaking" = Narration (DW7 Narrator)
(" ") = In- game messenger/officer speaking
( ) = In - game message
Disclaimer: I Do Not own Dynasty Warriors, only my OCs. DW belongs to Koei and Omega Force.
Chapter 3 – Starting to Divide
A New Generation of Wei – Chapter 4
Imperial Glory
(Events based on Imperial Escort in DW9)
After the campaign to Xu Province and after successfully driving off Lu Bu, many of Cao Cao's forces found a time of respite in this ever-chaotic world.
Guo Jia finally home from the campaign in the east was greeted immediately by his son, You and wife, the latter carrying their youngest in her arms.
"My lord, I have heard nothing but great news of your campaign against Tao Qian, it is unfortunate he escaped." Fenxia lamented.
"It's nothing to worry about Tao Qian means nothing in the grand scheme of things, with him gone our lord has begun his first steps to expansion." Guo Jia answered.
"Congratulations, Father!" You cheered for his father. With that Jia lifted his son into his own arms and held him high up.
"And thank you for believing in me my son, and look at you… how have you been today, Yi?" Jia said as he began to coddle at this youngest.
Yi began giggling as his father continued to baby-talk the toddler in his wife's arms. Taking the baby himself he then asked his son, "Have you been studying those manuals I left you?"
"Yes, Father." You answered pointedly. "Good, but remember those who graduate from manuals alone will never truly learn, you must always remember that okay?" Jia reminded him.
You nodded. "Now then, I'm quite famished, what's for dinner tonight, my dear?" Jia asked his wife
"We're having Beef stew with roasted vegetables; I already have it over the oven I'll call you when its done." Fenxia replied as she walked off back to the kitchen.
"Sounds great, I can already smell it, I'll never tire of you cooking my dear." Guo Jia replied.
"Now then, lets go to the living room and wait on your mother." Jia said as he, You and Yi waited in said room.
"So You, how have you been without me here?" The father inquired of his son. "It was different without you around, but I understand why." You answered.
Guo Jia had a puzzled look on his face, "I see… do you really know why I'm doing all this fighting?"
"To stop all the fighting I know you have to fight as well, but even then it doesn't stop only more continues." You answered his father.
"Yes, but it is more than that my son besides fighting; if Lord Cao Cao united this land on the backs of nothing but those who have sacrificed their lives it will mean nothing in the end. A kingdom made of bone." Jia replied back.
Guo You could only make a sullen face at his father's reply. "Lord Cao Cao wishes to end this chaos, through understanding and reason only then can the people begin to heal, and the land can find peace." Jia continued.
You continued to ponder on what his father said when they both heard from the kitchen, "Everyone! Dinner is ready!" Fenxia said.
The three men then entered the small dining room and saw bowls of steaming stew on the table. Plopped down to eat the small family of four had dinner together in quite some time.
However this short respite was soon to end with most great news…
A Few Days Later
The day was normal in the Guo household, Jia and You, the father helping his son study while Fenxia was with Yi in his room.
A knock on the door interrupted the quaint silence, Guo Jia opened the door to see it was Xun You and Xun Yu.
"Masters Xun Yu and Xun You, is something the matter?" Jia sked his fellow strategists. Yu answered first, "Yes in fact one could say it's a sign from the Heavens."
Guo Jia's eyes widen at the way Xun Yu informed him of the visit, "So he has called for Lord Cao Cao to assist him? Yes, this is the greatest thing to occur for our lord."
Fenxia hearing the conversation walked over to her husband's side, "My love, will you be leaving again so soon?"
Jia's face then formed to a look of sullen frown as he looked upon his family, "I understand we haven't been able to spend much time together but if we stay idle this chaos will not end and neither of them will know peace."
Guo Jia finished as he looked to their two children who Fenxia stole a glance at as well.
"I understand, but please be safe for their sake if not my own." Fenxia finished letting go her worries as she gave her husband a kiss on the forehead as he left to meet with Lord Cao Cao and the rest of the army.
Guo Jia's POV
As the three left Guo Jia's residence the central palce was not far off as the men could that nearly all of Cao Cao's main retainers were gathered together.
"My Lord is it true? The Emperor has implored your help?" Jia inquired of his master. "Yes, he sent a messenger informing us that Guo Si and Li Jue have begun fighting amongst themselves for control of the capital and control of the Emperor." Cao Cao replied.
"I see, but I can't imagine that others will not attempt to take this chance and do the same as us. Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Lu Bu and others will use this chaos to take the Emperor for themselves." Guo Jia reminded them.
As the men were still conferring on a strategy to save the Emperor, a messenger was suddenly heard, "Report! Report!"
Everyone turned to hear the scout's report; "My lord, Dong Cheng's Forces are struggling to hold back the coalition of warlords trying to kidnap the Emperor, he requests immediate reinforcements, or the city will fall."
"Hmph, I never expected that some of them would join together to stop us just to kidnap the Emperor, tell us who is currently seeking the Emperor?" Cao Cao inquired.
The scout continued, "Yuan Shao's vanguard is camped south of Shisui Gate and is readying to face any enemy that approaches it is lead by Zhang He and Tian Feng. At Hulao Gate is Yuan Shao's main unit he is trying to sail from Ye to the mainland."
"That's not all Yuan Shu is said to be advancing towards Xuchang from Hefei and his vanguard has advanced as far as Wuguan Gate, they are led by Yuan Yin. Lu Bu's Forces are said to be stationed at Guandu, but it seems he has gotten into some in-fighting with some of Yuan Shao's men."
Cao Cao was not surprised, with word that the Emperor was looking for protection he knew that his enemies would begin to move ahead.
"I see this is the perfect opportunity to both rescue the Emperor and test our enemies. Any other news?" Cao Cao continued to listen.
"Yes my Lord, one of our spies has reported that Li Jue's men are lying in wait at Yangren Caslte waiting to ambush the Emperor's carriage." The scout finished the last of his reporting.
Just as Cao Cao was about to respond another messenger arrived, "Report! My Lord, Yang Feng of the White Wave Bandits has risen up at Wuguan Gate as is fighting against Yuan Shu's Yuan Yin, but he requests reinforcements if he wishes to break through for the Emperor. Also a large group of rogue bandits are lying on the road east of Xuchang, they're said to be in possession of some of Luoyang's imperial treasures."
Cao Cao, his eyes closed as he listened as he absorbed all the information he had heard formulated a plan to save his Highness.
"I see, men hear my orders!" Cao Cao announced as his retainers and soldiers stood at attention.
"Cao Ren, Cao Chun, Wang Zhong and Ren Jun shall head for Wuguan and assist in its defense; after that split into two. Ren and Chun shall gather at Xiang Castle to face Yuan Shu. Zhong and Jun shall advance with Man Chong to Wan Castle and rendezvous with Yang Feng's Forces."
"Ah thank you for this opportunity my lord, I have an old friend in Yang Feng's ranks I assure you he'll join us after this." Man Chong reassured his lord.
"Xiahou Yuan, Dian Wei and Xu Chu. I want you three to go to Guandu and force Lu Bu to withdraw from their without their leader, the rest of his men will withdraw."
The three bowed in acknowledgement and raced off to the defense Guandu Castle.
"Xun You, I want you to scout out the area around Yangren and eliminate Li Jue's ambush troops." The silent strategist simply bowed silently and walked off to complete his orders.
"Yue Jin and Li Dian, you two shall join Master Dong Cheng in reacquiring the stolen treasure from there head south towards Xiang Castle and rendezvous with the rest of our forces to face Yuan Shu."
"Liu Yuan, Cai Yang; I want you two to head for Shisui Gate and head off Yuan Shao's main unit, I along with Dun and Cao Hong will reinforce your position. It is imperative that Yuan Shao not breach the gate." Cao Cao finished.
"At once my lord, that haughty noble will never reach Luoyang." Liu Yuan replied in earnest. "As a former member of Dong Zhuo, I know that gate's weak points inside and out, none shall reach it!" Cai Yang too sounded off in earnest.
The two rode off north to set up a forward defense of the gate as their lord was now forming up to face off against his old friend, but now in this land of war friendship and bonds were hard to come by.
Guo You's POV
After Jia left to meet Lord Cao Cao at the central palace to discuss how about to rescue the Emperor.
Fenxia and her sons were still inside as the army left for its battle to save the Emperor, a battle that would change everything in the land whoever could use his authority to their whim.
Guo You was quite curious he had heard only bits and pieces but wanted to know the truth of what was going on.
"Mother, I know the Emperor is important but why must Lord Cao Cao rescue him himself?" The boy inquired of his mother.
"Lord Cao Cao believes in the Emperor's strength and if the "nobles" Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu take the Emperor, they will use him. Lord Cao Cao wishes to restore the Han to its glory and create a land of peace. Only by having the Emperor can he begin that process." Fenxia answered her son once more.
You could only tilt his head in confusion as he thought on his mother's answer. "Mother is it alright if I walk around the city for a little while?"
Fenxia always was a worrisome mother she feared for her children's safety and in this time of war it only heightened.
"Very well, but just for a little while there is going to be a battle close to the city so please be back in a reasonable amount of time, okay?" Fenxia pleaded with her son.
You smiled as he left out the house and into the city center, even though a battle was still going on many of the people were still out and about knowing that Cao Cao's army was protecting the city and the province.
"Did you hear Lord Cao Cao is going to rescue the Emperor! The Han might be saved!" A female civilian said.
"I fought the Yellow Turbans years ago that taught me the Court was broken I don't if it can be saved." An elederly man replied.
"But even so Lord Cao Cao can do it, he's already beaten a monster like Lu Bu, people like Li Jue and Yuan Shao are nothing to him." A younger male citizen spoke up.
Guo You could only listen as he heard some of the peasants conversations on the state of the land.
He continued on his way listening to people when suddenly he bumped into someone and he fell backwards.
"Hey, watch were you're going next time!?" A female voice said in frustration. "I-I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention…" Guo You tried to finish but as he looked up he saw a young girl about his age with black hair and slightly tanned skin wearing a blue-hued ruqun blouse and skirt.
"Who are you?" Guo You asked the girl "You know it's only nice to give your own name before asking someone else's?" She replied.
"O-Oh yeah, my name's Guo You are you are?" You answered. Suddenly the girls eyes sparkled with excitement.
"W-wait are you the son of Guo Jia, Lord Cao Cao's main strategist?" The girl asked again this time getting into You's personal space.
"Y-yes that's true I guess." You could only sweat in nervousness as this girl was now in his face.
"Oh my gosh, he's the greatest strategist in this world, I've always wanted to meet him, but bully for me he's out on the battlefield." The girl said in sadness.
U-um, by the way who are you?" You asked the girl. "Oh yeah sorry, my name's Xiahouyi. My dad is Xiahou Yuan, the greatest archer in the land, no one's better than my dad when it comes to a bow!" Xiahouyi answered.
"You father's Xiahou Yuan, then that means you're also related to Xiahou Dun, one of Lord Cao Cao's cousins right?" You inquired.
"Yep, that's right uncle Dun also the greatest warrior in the land, no one even comes close of course except my dad!" Xiahouyi finished her answer.
"Yi, Where are you?" Another female voice could be heard this more refined. Soon another three people came around the corner.
"Oh Qin, I completely forgot you guys." Xiahouyi replied as she sheepishly rubbed the back of her head.
"Hah, you'll get in trouble one of these days because of it, what if you get hurt?" The same girl inquired.
"Now Qin, she's got just fine isn't she I told you she would be. She gets into trouble a lot, but she mostly comes out fine, like I always say." A rather tall young boy replied.
"Yes, Qian is right. No need to be so stiff Qin as long as she's alright its okay." Another boy spoke.
Ignoring her friends Xiahouyi grabbed You's arm and dragged her before her group of friends, "Hey everyone this Guo You, Guo Jia's son. Who would've known right?"
"What's that suppose to mean?" You thought to himself
"Ah so you're the son of the former womanizer, huh?" The girl named Qin spoke up.
"Hey, my dad used to be like that when he was young, but he has my mother so that's just slander at this point!" You said defending his father.
"Hmph, it doesn't matter its in the past. His plans help Lord Cao Cao to end this chaos, so he's fine to me. But if he even does flirt in my presence…" Qin tried to finish but the boy Qian stepped in between them.
"Okay, lets play nice were all on the same side right? Let's just get along okay?" Qian said trying to bring the two to peace.
The two begrudgingly shook their heads in agreement and stopped their petty argument.
"Oh that's right my name is Yu Qin, my father is Yu Jin, one of Lord Cao Cao's main generals in the army." The refined girl made her full name known.
"My name is Li Qian, my father is Li Dian, he's very sporadic at times but his predictions always seem to hit home so if he says something's bad its probably true." Li Qian introduced himself.
"My name is Cao Yan, my father is Cao Ren, our lord's cousin. My father is second to none in defense, no one can breach his formations." The boy said proudly of his father.
"You already know my name, but my father is probably one of the greatest strategists too, although I can't say that maybe Masters Xun You and Yu couldn't also be a match for him." You replied honestly.
"Wow that's really honest saying that your father not the best in the world." Xiahouyi was quite surprised.
"Of course it is, its called modesty, you could learn to be a little bit more modest yourself. You always go off on your crazy adventures." Yu Qin reminding the girl of her antics.
"So I don't in trouble all the time like Qian and Yan said." Xiahouyi replied. However, the two boys could only sheepishly scratch the backs of their heads at that remark.
"WHAT?! You guys think I'm stupid or something ?!" She screamed. "N-no, its just you seem to attract trouble to you that's all." Yan tried his and at calming the situation.
"Well it's no big deal, I'm fine. But um… would you guys like to play for awhile… together?" You asked the group.
The group turned to the boy as they heard him, "I've mostly been coped up at home studying for a long time so I just want to get some fresh air, so do you want to?"
The group do nothing but smile and all of them began walking among the town playing hide and seek and other games, but as the sun started to set all of them left to go home.
When suddenly a call was heard, "Everyone! Lord Cao Cao has returned, and the Emperor's carriage is here!"
Everyone nearby lined the main road into Xuchang as a large procession proceeded inside with the Emperor's carriage and his guards in front with Lord Cao Cao and his retainers following behind him with is army.
"So the Emperor is here in Xuchang, I wonder what'll happen now…?" You thought to himself as saw the passing glimpse of the Emperor in his carriage. The young man was hard-faced, the frown upon his brow was evident.
After the procession was done everyone headed home as Guo You did the same he went inside, "I'm home!"
"Oh my, looks like I made it just in time." A familiar voice said.
"Father!" You said with excitement as he rushed to his father and hugged him. "Ah your back You I was almost starting to worry." Fenxia said.
"Sorry mom, I almost lost track of time, but I met some new friends today and it was really fun too!" You informed his parents.
"Oh, some new friends you say I would really like to hear about this." Guo Jia asked his son with a smile on his face. His mother too carried one as the entire family gathered for dinner that night as You began to go on about meeting his new friends.
"Youv;e finally started my boy, the more people you'll meet the more you'll see of this world. I can only hope that peace comes in time." Guo Jia thought to himself.
"*cough, cough*" Guo Jia then let out small cough. Everyone stopped as they heard this one sound in the room.
"What its just small cough it shall pass, not then son continue…" From there the conversation restarted.
But this was no small thing, as this was the start of something big for both father and son…
AN#1 – Here's the next chapter for my Dynasty Warriors story I hope you enjoy and hope to see you next time.
Next is Chapter 4 – The Man Who Ruled The Plains, this is the tipping point, What will happen fins out next time in the Battle of Wan Castle!
AN#2 – Remember to Favorite, Follow and Review! I wouldn't be here without you guys! :)