Before we start I want to give a shoutout to Warforge Master for their reviews of my Warriors stories in the past and for his great summaries as well. So thank you again for all you do!
Quick warning! This chapter has a M-rated love scene in it! You have been adequately warned!
Disclaimer: I Do Not own Dynasty Warriors, only my OCs. DW belongs to Koei and Omega Force.
Chapter 4 – The Man Who Ruled The Plains
A New Generation of Wei – Chapter 5
Meeting of Two Minds and Hearts
(Events based on Wan and Xiapi Castles)
With the Emperor now under his control, Cao Cao sent a clear message to his intent to rule the land.
However, many battles and enemies stood between him and total domination.
In Hebei, Yuan Sho had gathered a large army and now faced off against Gongsun Zan for northern China.
In Xu Province, Lu Bu had rebelled and seized Xiapi or himself leaving Liu Bei with little choice but to concede to Lu Bu.
In Yang Province, Yuan Shu's retainer Sun Ce took more land south of the Yang River on behalf of his patron lord. And then declared his independence in Wu.
Now in Northern Jing, Wan Castle was now under the lordship of Zhang Xiu, a former retainer of Dong Zhuo and had gathered a following of his own including Dong Zhuo's former strategist, Jia Xu.
Although Yuan Shao posed the greatest threat Cao Cao was not prepared to face him. So instead he looked to secure his flanks.
Targeting Wan Castle, he advanced against Zhang Xiu quickly overcoming his forces… but little did Cao Cao know he would be in for the fight of his life.
December 198
Despite the hot summer months before the cold winter came just as hard now. The snow in the region seemed never ending.
Some people took to the outside from time to time mostly children to play in the snow and return home to warm up.
However war stopped for no time nor season…
The soldiers of many warlords were forced to brave the sometimes-frigid temperatures for duty came first above all else.
Not even Lord Cao Cao stopped his campaigns for this cold weather and continued his march.
His target now was Zhang Xiu in Wan Castle, the battle had initially been going well. Cao Cao's Forces had been winning many victories against Zhang Xiu's Forces who had been retreating and were now desperate for victory.
With few numbers and supply Zhang Xiu nevertheless sent a call for surrender to Cao Cao saying he wish to invite Cao Cao to a small banquet to ease tensions between the two.
Little did Cao Cao know this was all a part of the plan…
Cao Cao enjoying himself in the quaint set up they had been going on was watched over by his s bodyguard, Dian Wei, a man said to be as strong as a bear and just as large.
Also with them was Cao Cao's nephew, Cao Anmin who only led a few of his own personal guard in the castle.
"I apologize for this modest banquet but with the supply with have now this all we could do. I thank you again for accepting my surrender Lord Cao Cao." Zhang Xiu said as he bowed to Cao Cao.
Dian Wei, a large and rugged man stood by his lord's side and shook off the advances of the women around him. All that mattered to him was protecting his lord with no distractions.
One of the maidens tried to pour more wine for Cao Cao but nothing came out.
"This will not do we have run out of wine. I shall have some more fetched at once." Zhang Xiu said as he left the hall. But not before stopping outside to listen to Cao Cao.
After Cao Cao enjoying himself turned to his nephew and said, "I hear there is a beautiful woman who lives here, is that true nephew?"
"Yes my lord, her name is Lady Zou. But… she is widow uncle and Zhang Xiu's aunt. Are you sure?"
"Yes, send her to me. I wish to see her." Cao Cao replied as Anmin left to retrieve the lady. A few moments later the woman wearing a white silk dress with black fathers adorning her dress. Her beauty worth the wait.
"I see…" Cao Cao and Lady Zou spent their time together intimately although it was quite evident in her look that she was almost… sad and unfulfilled.
"So… you are Lord Cao Cao, correct? The man come to take my nephew's castle?" Lady Zou inquired.
"Well as your nephew has surrendered that will not come to such an extreme of battle. I only want to bring peace that is all." Cao Cao answered her.
During this time she began to entertain Cao Cao and his few guests with a performance on her flute which she had on her.
Cao Cao's now thoroughly entertained and order his nephew to go and have him and Cao Ang, his oldest son escort her out of the castle and to Xuchang. A few of Cao Cao's guards then escorted the lady until she suddenly took out her flute and knocked out the two soldiers with her makeshift weapon. She then left Xuchang on her own terms. The reunion would never come to pass…
"Hmph, what a conceited man, he wins and sees me as a prize for his victory. Never again." Lady Zou said to herself as she took a nearby horse and rode to Xuchang.
Xiu was angry now, "Cao Cao… you may have this moment, but your days are numbered." He then continued running until he meet a man waiting for him.
This man was Jia Xu, his strategist, the man was short but of average height with a goatee and wearing a blue turban.
"W-will this do?" Zhang Xiu whispered to him. "It's better than nothing so it will have to. Now then let's get this party really started." Jia Xu replied as he snapped his fingers and assassins appeared from behind.
Realizing something wrong Dian Wei immediately went into a battle stance to protect his lord as Cao Cao did the same.
It was trap… and Cao Cao fell for it. The two fled through the castle halls which had been set on fire and even siege weapons were being used to stop one man from escaping.
"Arbalests? Zhang Xiu really doesn't want us getting away. I only hope Cao Ang and Cao Anmin are safe. Along with the fair lady in all this chaos." Cao Cao grumbled as he continued to run.
Cao Cao was now on the run for his life…
Outside Wan Castle
Since Zhang Xiu didn't have much supply only Cao Cao and a few invited guests were allowed inside the castle.
Although many protested this, Cao Cao showed no concern and accepted the surrender almost immediately little did they know there lord was fighting for his life.
A group of Cao Cao's retainers were speaking, that being Guo Jia, Xun Yu, Xun You, Man Chong and Xu Huang. Guo Jia's son Guo You, now 10 years old was accompanying them.
"I didn't expect Zhang Xiu to surrender so easily. His forces had only had few losses so I wonder what his reason would be?" Man Chong inquired to himself.
"It is possible he is surrendering to protect himself, with Lord Cao Cao, Yuan Sao, Yuan Shu and Lu Bu in his immediate area it would be a good decision on his own behalf, but you are right it is strange." Xun You spoke.
"Hm, what do you think my boy?" Jia asked his son. "What… me?" You replied surprised by hid father's sudden question suddenly everyone was looking at the young man.
"I am rather curious to hear it, what do you think of it Young Master?" Xu Huang this time spoke up.
You put a hand to his chin as he thought to himself for a few moments he then began to speak up:
"To be honest, it seems true. Surrender to the more favorable force, Yuan Shao is mighty but indecisive and haughty. Just as Yuan Shu is if not he being able to make his own decisions. So neither is an alternative."
"On top of that though, something about this feels wrong." You said as she paused doe a moment. "What do you mean, You?" Yu asked the question this time.
"Zhang Xiu's forces have only fought one-large battle, why surrender after one loss? Why not hold up in the castle and call for reinforcements by Liu Biao?" You continued to explain.
"Than what would do if you were Zhang Xiu, my boy?" The father asked his son.
"If I were him, I would use my smaller force to ambush my enemy and stall for time and ask Liu Biao for reinforcements and then pincer that enemy between my force and Liu Biao's men. But given Liu Biao's nature he would not advance any farther." You gave his answer.
The men were astounded, to hear such foresight from one so young. It seemed the phrase, Like father, like son was more than true for these two.
Guo Jia couldn't help though but feel his son's description sounded very plausible, in fact too plausible a scenario.
They recovered their answer when they saw Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Yu Jin and Xu Zhu running for them.
"All of you come quick, Master Cao Ang and Cao Anmin are in trouble. They say Zhang Xiu has rebelled and Cao Cao is being pursed by Jia Xu!" Dun replayed to them.
"And what of Dian Wei?" Jia inquired. "They don't know his condition but knowing him he's fighting tooth and nail to protect Cao Cao." Dun replied.
With this news in hand everyone began to mobilize to rescue Cao Cao. "I know this is hard to do my boy, but I must be going if someone is able to almost defeat Lord Cao Cao and overpower Master Dian Wei is someone very intelligent and dangerous. Tell your mother and be careful." Jia said to his son as he then raced off with his comrades.
A Few Hours Later
The battle had been hard-fought for, but Cao Cao's forces were able to defeat the coalition of Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu, using their own ambush strategy against them.
It seemed Guo You's prediction about Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao's strategy was right. Although Liu Biao never personally arrived on the battlefield his forces were led by Cai Mao his brother-in-law.
Even with all of this assistance they were defeated, and Zhang Xiu then actually surrendered. Even his strategist, Jia Xu after a long hard fight surrendered as well.
Although they were victorious, there was not without loss for Cao Cao's forces. During the initial escape, Dian Wei and Cao Cao rescued the isolated Cao relatives but in the chaos Dian Wei suffered severe injuries from an arrow attack but continued fighting on until the end of the battle where he finally passed away of his wounds.
Despite the assistance of Cao Ang and Cao Anmin, the great warriors injuries were too much for him to handle.
Despite the loss, Cao Cao showed little emotion as he didn't let his retainer's death visibly shake him even if the pain was felt by everyone else.
Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu would surrender Wan Castle and join Cao Cao's service. But there was still no rest for the warlord as a new threat emerged.
February 199
In the proceeding months following the Battle of Wan Castle, news arrived that Liu Bei was now facing the forces of Lu Bu at Xiaopei and found himself under siege.
Advancing to assist his new ally, Cao Cao split his army in two sending detachments lead by Xiahou Dun and Guo Jia to Xiaopei while Cao Cao and Liu Bei lead a large force to Xiapi Castle.
The counterattack was fierce and Lu Bu's officer Gao Shun was forced to withdraw after sustaining heavy losses along with the loss of another of Lu Bu's retainers, Cheng Lian who was killed by Yue Jin at Xiaopei.
Having lost Xiaopei, Lu Bu was forced to withdraw at Xiapi, and the Coalition Forces began a proper siege of the castle which has lasted for a few months.
Lu Bu's strategist, Chen Gong tried to convince his lord to listen to his strategies, but he seemed to care little for his own advisor and word had reached Cao Cao that many in Lu Bu's ranks showed signs of rebellion.
Even more news arrived when it was heard that Yuan Shu was unable to send reinforcements to aid Lu Bu when he was defeated by an army led by Guan Yu.
Now with no reinforcements and signs of discontent everywhere the battle only seemed to be on the breaking point all that was needed was a little push…
Back in Xuchang
As battle raged in Xu Province, life in Xuchang was peaceful with the threat of Wan Castle gone the city breathed a sigh of relief.
Guo You found himself outside once more with is friends after finishing his studies. They played outside the ever-continuing snow. It wasn't as cold, so they were all either building from snow or enjoying a good snowball fight.
"Hey, can we join you?" A voice called out the group looked up to see two young boys and a girl who seemed to be peeking out from behind a nearby building.
The group turned to look at them until Li Qian replied, "Jun is that you?" The boy who had asked before raised his eyebrows in surprise as the two approached and hugged each other.
"Qian, I haven't seen you in some time, are these some of your friends?" Jun asked him.
"Yeah, allow me to introduce you. You know about Cao Yan, but these two are ladies are Yu Qin, the daughter of General Yu Jin and Xiahouyi, the daughter of General Xiahou Yuan. This is the new guy I told you about, this is Guo You, his dad is Master Guo Jia, our lord's main advisor." Qian pointed out each one of them to the new group.
"So who are these three, Qian?" You inquired. "Oh right." He then looked to see the girl hiding around the corner.
"Hey, Ji are you still hiding its okay, they're all friends of ours. You can come out." Qian tried to coax the girl out and she appeared before the group for all to see.
She wears a blue and white dress with a blue ribbon adorned with a white camellia on her head. Her dress is very royal, but as member of the Xiahou clan it's to be possible she could affords it.
"This is Xiahou Ji, the niece of Master Xiahou Yuan, go on say hello to everyone." Qian insists.
She then looks back at everyone and now with a toy rabbit on her hands and putting it to her face she says, "H-Hello, everyone." Then puts her toy back up as a shield covering her face.
"It's nice to meet ya! How are you doing today Ji, I almost didn't recognize you." Xiahouyi was right in front of her relative's face and Xiahou Ji backed away in shock.
"Okay, Yi that's enough you're too loud so calm down." You says. "You got it!" She then backs up and then stands close to Guo You… for some reason.
"Well, if she's down I'd like to introduce myself, my name is Yue Jun, my father is Yue Jin, the fastest soldier in Lord Cao Cao's army. There's not a thing my father can't do… except help his own self-esteem." Jun mumbled the last part for none to hear.
Jun had his father's light-brown hair, and he was a little bit shorter than You but that didn't seem to dim his personality at all.
"My name is Xu Zhang, my adoptive father is Xu Huang, one of Lord Cao Cao's newest retainers. He is currently on campaign with them at Xiapi, as I'm sure many of our parents are." Xu said.
Everyone remained silent for a moment as they remembered; everyone here had a relative that was on the front lines at Xu Province. For a while all of them couldn't help but worry for there family and how the battle was going it had already been three months since the Siege of Xiapi began, the result could change at any second.
"What are we all worried about?" Xiahouyi spoke up, her energy as if it had never disappeared.
"All of our families are strong, intelligent and well-trained, there's no way they'll lose to a mindless beast such as Lu Bu." She reminded them.
Everyone seemed to cheer up, as they all smiled and nodded in agreement. But then…
Yue Jun then spoke up, "Besides I already know whose probably beaten Lu Bu by now, its my dad obviously. No one could beat my dad in doing something first on the field."
One disagreed, "Uh, sorry to break it to you but I think my dad, will beat Lu Bu. It's his goal to get revenge on him and Zhang Liao, he murdered my grandfather and I hope he gets his revenge on the battlefield."
Yu Qin tired of the petty squabble stepped in, "Why does it matter who wins, all that matters is that Lord Cao Cao's ambition is accomplished and if we have to go to the front lines one day to do that, than we all must work together. So enough petty squabbles."
Everyone listened to the young lady, who more or less sounded like a general at that point sounded off to everyone. Except for Xiahouji who was now hiding behind You after seeing Qin's furrowed brow.
After spending some time together many of them went home for the day when You say that Xiahouji was still by herself, she seemed to be staring off into space.
"Hey, are you okay?" He asked the nervous girl. "U-um, I'm kind of afraid of being alone, my friends or uncle take me home since I don't normally go alone. Can you um… walk with me to my home?" She asked as she put her stuffed rabbit behind her, a blush evident on her face.
Guo You's cheeks let off a small blush of his own but came to his sense and agreed to take her home for the night.
The two continued to walk and talk as he asked her, "So you didn't really say much, what do you think of your uncle's ability?"
Suddenly the girl started to smile slightly, "He's one of the greatest archers in the world… oh and uncle Dun is a great warrior to probably even better than Master Xu Huang even."
Ji seemed to be more cheerful when talking about her family which meant she loved them very much.
"If you had to go fight on the battlefield would you do it?" You asked her. She was surprised by the question she had always been stuck in Xuchang; her uncle was very protective of her, but she had always been curious.
But hearing some of the stories from her uncles and Lord Cao Cao, she couldn't deny she was scared of the battlefield. To thought of getting hurt or even worse the thought…
"You wouldn't be alone." You said to the silent Xiahou princess. She turned perplexed by his response.
"I'm saying you won't be alone on the battlefield, even when Lord Cao Cao personally joins the field his family and retainers fight with him. There bonds are a lot stronger than you think, they're family and will fight with each other." He said.
"So they all fight like family right? To help Lord Cao Cao be successful?" She inquired as she tried to understand.
You nodded as he finished, "Lord Cao Cao, isn't some ruthless man, he has emotions as well. I heard he cried when he heard his father was murdered and worried for Lady Bian when Lu Bu raided Yan Province."
Ji remained silent as if thinking. "I'll… I'll think about it." She replied as they made their way in front of the Xiahou estate she went inside before waving him off and saying goodbye.
As the sky still had light in it Guo you walked city to calm himself before turning in for the night when suddenly he heard music from… somewhere.
The music was faint but as he walked through Xuchang's main road the music got louder and louder until he could hear it more clearly.
It sounded like an erhu being strung and singing could be heard:
At fifteen I joined the army on expedition,
Only at eighty did I finally return.
On the way I met a villager:
"Who is left in my home?"
"See there in the distance is your home,
Among the pine, cypress, and graves piled high."
Rabbits enter through the dog hole,
Pheasants fly from the rafters.
In the parlour grows wild grain,
Upon the well grows wild vegetables.
I grind the grain for a meal,
I pick the vegetables for the broth.
Meal and broth are ready in an instant,
But I know not whom to serve.
As I step out and look east,
Falling tears soak my clothes.
Guo You looked around the corner and saw an older woman sitting in the middle of the open square space in between the buildings. She was dressed in white with black feathers as she finished playing she looked around to see You watching here.
She smiled at him to calm him, "Do not run. Who are you, what is your name?"
"I-I don't think you'd want to know my name." You replied. "Why would I not want to know the name of such a handsome young man?" She replied in kind. You was now blushing like crazy
"M-my name is Guo You." He answered her. The woman thought for a moment when she heard the name.
"Guo?" She said to herself. "Ma'am?" You said as he watched her.
"Oh nothing, your name reminded me of something that happened just a while back in fact." The lady replied
A Few Months Ago – After the Battle of Wan
The battle had ended and despite the loss of Dian Wei everyone celebrated the victory, even the defeated strategist, Jia Xu was invited.
After mingling among the partygoers for some time Guo Jia decided to take some time to himself as he looked outside the tent at the full moon outside, the snow lightly petting the ground now.
His glass then shook slightly in his hand as Guo Jia let out a slight cough. As he walked around the tent he heard music playing and saw a woman sitting by herself, putting on his best face as he approached her.
"Excuse me, my fair lady. Why are you here alone on this fine night?" Guo Jia opened with.
The woman stopped playing as she turned around to acknowledge who greeted her. She replied, "Is it truly a night so fine or one of faint light and coming darkness?"
Guo Jia was perplexed by the answer but worked from it, "One could say such a thing, but the opposite could be just as true. The night could be fine and a faint light though it may die may burn just as bright as before."
"I see, you live life with no regrets. No matter what time yours may end, you will leave your story to those you trust and those you love?" She inquired sagely.
"Yes, I will leave none behind. I will entrust that to which I could not do just yet. I know that my progeny will be one to find this land in peace and unite it." Jia answered.
The lady seemed satisfied as she made a smile, "Then perhaps before you depart this world I hear your name from such a handsome face?"
"My name is Guo Jia and you my fair maiden?" Jia inquired once more. This beauty… if not for his marriage it is quite possible he would have married her on the spot.
"I'm but a fair maiden, my name is Zoushi, but you can call me Lady Zou. I am pleased to meet you. You spoke of your progeny, are you married?"
Jia nodded to answer. "I see so you are with one who has joined you in love, while I live in black and white. I had hoped to be in the arms of someone for one last time. One who understood passion and love like the days of old. Before I left this world." She continued to speak.
Lady Zou now had her back turned as she looked to the moon, Jia still behind her dropped his cup then walked up behind her and put his arms around her from behind.
She then put her hands atop his and embraced him. "Very well, for one night let us be together in this moment. Let us be free this night… and many more." Jia answered, his breath in her ear.
"Very well. Please hold me close as if I shall disappear in but a moment." Zou said as she turned to face Jia.
The pair's faces then came closer as their lips came together and the two kissed for some time until they separated.
WARNING! M- Rated scene ahead you have been warned! If you don't want to see it skip to the next bold section that says: Scene Over.
Okay? You've been adequately warned.
Jia then grabbed her and picked her up bridal style as the two then went behind an old supply depot building deeper in the camp where no guards were patrolling.
The two continued their kiss from before as she put her arms around Guo Jia's neck pulling him in tighter. Guo Jia responded in kind by moving his hands sensually down her legs and lifting up her left leg putting her breasts up to his chest.
The two separated for a moment to breath until Jia asked, "Are you sure you wish to go this far?" The lady did not hesitate as she nodded in agreement and turned her back to Guo Jia. Her hands facing the tent as she stood there waiting for him.
"Please…" She said in a low-tone. Guo Jia then came behind her and then with both hands slowly pushed down her dress from her shoulders and showed her breasts fully bare to the strategist.
"You are wonderful, my darling." He said as he brought his hands to her chest and began to slowly knead them back and forth. Light moans escaped his new mistress' mouth as she began to lean back into Guo Jia's groin slowly as well.
"Thank you, my love." She replied as Guo Jia then began to increase the intensity of his hands. Lady Zou's voice then started getting louder and more enthralled than when they began.
Leaving one hand on her left breast, Jia then used his right hand to travel down her right leg and sensually make his way to her private area. He then began to rub over her front side slowly as she began to let out even greater moans.
"A-ah!" She let out a small shout as she bit down on her lower lip to prevent her voice from escaping clutching the tent in front of them to control herself. She could feel it, her essence slowly coming from her.
She then fell over from her orgasm as her butt was now sticking out at the young man before her, "Please… take me."
Guo Jia swallowed the lump in his throat, he had already known that his member was hard from before and it hadn't gone away, her sensual actions from before just now made sure it didn't go away.
Guo Jia then leaned her over as he then pushed her robe up past her hips and saw her bare for none but him in that moment. She was still wet from before and she looked ready… she wanted it, she wanted him. No one would have her, not even his lord.
Guo Jia then put his hands on her hips and putting his member in line with her entrance he slowly started to penetrate her as she let out small moans of pain, he was half way inside when he asked, "Are you okay?"
"Y-Yes, it is always painful, but I can deal with it. But you feel wonderful my love. Please go… all the way." She moaned as Jia then in one motion fully entered her. She then let out a loud moan of pleasure at the moment.
"You… feel… amazing, my love." Guo Jia said feeling the pleasure as her walls closed on his member inside her, as the two lovers looked at each other and kissed for a few seconds then released each other.
"I can feel it… reaching my deepest parts." She moaned out through the pain of the moment.
Guo Jia the began to pump inside of her as he reached around to fondle her breasts once more. Then Jia grabbed Zoushi's hands in his left one and pinned them together holding them against the tent as if to display his dominance in this situation.
Their session continued as Guo Jia began to speed up his back and forth with his new mistress which in turn made her moans faster and louder in the process.
It was during then that suddenly Guo Jia pushed down on the fair lady with her upper half now close to the ground and her lower half in the air, he continued to pump in her faster than before.
Lady Zou couldn't believe the vitality of this young man, not even her former husband was this energetic in his life. She felt like she was in heaven. That if not for this man, being with another woman and having children, she could live a normal life again. She could be in peace.
Guo Jia felt many things in the moment; pleasure, elation, love but in the back of his mind there was a tinge of disgust, he could hear his conscience berating him:
"Why fall for this vixen's charms, you have ones that love you do you not?! Why do this?!"
But in this moment… he didn't care. All he could feel was him and his Zoushi, the woman he loved right now and as she was possibly thinking. If he were not married now and with children, he would've married the beautiful goddess before him.
Before long Zoushi's moans turned to yelps of pure pleasure as his speed continued to increase his urges felt like a lion had taken a new mate and he was the new king. In that next moment Guo Jia let out his essence into her, with some trickling down her legs and dripping onto the ground.
The two collapsed as Guo Jia fell on top of her for a few moments until they came to and Guo Jia embraced her closely and tightly like she wanted, his essence continuing to trickle out.
Scene Over
In that moment nothing could destroy their bond, she was now his. She had no interest in warlords anymore, she only wanted peace. Now she had found it.
The two lovers looked upon each other, their sets of brown eyes stared at each other longingly as the pair kissed once more.
So began their affair, they did not care for what others may say. Their bond of love was something no one could replicate.
They went to a discreet house in the city and continued their love-making for hours into the night.
For these last few months, whenever Guo Jia could make time he would see her and the two would either stay together discussing the arts or they would make love.
For months, for years… his family never knew the truth. Not even his own son.
Back to the Present – Xuchang
Guo You continued to stare at the beautiful woman as she finally spoke up, "Tell me its starting to get dark out, why are you out here alone?"
"I was on my home from dropping off someone when I heard your music." You replied.
"I see. You heard me play and heard me sing, did you?" She asked. He nodded to answer her.
"Are you perhaps interested in learning?" She proposed to him as she reached out a hand to him. You was surprised by her sudden offer.
"I-I don't know. Do you really have the time for someone like me? You probably have better thing to do." You answered nervously.
"Stop right there. Who said you were wasting my time? I didn't so I insist. Come here I shall show you the basics of the erhu. Oh that's right my name is Zoushi, but for now you may call me Lady Zou, okay?" She tried to calm him.
You didn't know what to say to this beautiful woman before him. A woman whose beauty was something he'd never experienced before. How could he deny her? He took her hand and guided him inside her small home to a seat she inside and sat him down.
"Now then, to begin you must have good posture now sit up straight and take the bow in your right hand and place your left on the handle of the instrument in an underhanded grip." Zoushi instructed.
Guo You did as he was asked and held the two in the correct place as she continued her tutorial for him "Now then to tune it you must play in a fifth of an interval. Here, let me show you how." She then used her hands to guide him as she helped him play the two major tuning notes.
He noted that she was extremely close to his personal space he could smell a rather sweet fragrance from her, it was intoxicating in a way, but he had to pay attention and listen.
After doing that for some time she let go of him and he began to tune on his own, "Good, now with that out lets play some basic notes. Now do as I do." She instructed.
She began to slowly play the song from before but more slowly this time. When You made his first mistake it was obvious his note went higher than necessary.
"It's your first mistake, we all make them. Just try again, but alas it would seem I don't have that much time to teach you as I've been rather busy earlier today and must retire for the night." She said as she put up her extra Erhu.
"My Lady, do you really think I have a chance of being as good as you?" He inquired of her.
"You don't have to be like me, you are your own person. Do what your passions want to do. But… I would be keen to see you perform for me one day… alone. Teacher and student." She finished with. Her face was flushed for a moment until it went away.
Guo You couldn't help but let off a crimson blush at the woman before him was he most beautiful he had seen, besides the natural beauty of his mother of course but in some way… hers was more enchanting.
She escorted You from her home and the boy made his way slowly back to his house. He arrived home to be greeted by the smell of dinner and heard his mother.
"You, is that you?" Fenxia asked from the kitchen.
"Yes, Mother. I'm home sorry for being a little late." You answered her.
"Well its okay, it'll still take time. I'm making meat rice cakes tonight so be ready for dinner later. Oh and please go play with your brother, he's been asking for you for the last few hours."
"Yes, ma'am." You replied as he walked down the hall to see his and his brother's shared room. When he opened the door he was immediately glomped by his little brother, Guo Yi, who was now 7 – years old.
"Brother, come on lets play!" Yi said with excitement.
And so life continued in Wei, as Cao Cao's forces were besieging Lu Bu's Forces. All that would be left were Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao.
The realm of China is far from being united but in time the land would change forever…
AN#1 – Well then… welcome back? Ha-ha…? Wait! Wait! Before you take out pitchforks and run me through, hear me out okay?
When I first heard about Zoushi on the Koei Wiki and saw there wasn't much info to go off of I saw a chance to use this to my advantage and integrate her in the story.
Most accounts say she was Cao Cao's lover during Wan Castle and that she may have been killed in the ensuing riot in the castle by accident. But I decided to use that to my advantage to have her appear more fleshed out in this story.
In the novel she's one of the catalysts for the battle at Wan, so I used her for that initiating spark and before it went insane she found her freedom. So I gave her sense of a woman whose looking for real love among a world where warlords gather women for mostly pleasure although some were not like this.
As to Guo Jia's Out-of-Character nature with his love scene with her. I knew in the beginning I only alluded to his old days as a flirt and womanizer, but I never said he stopped.
If the beauty of such a woman is able to grab Cao Cao's attention perhaps she would even catch the attention of others. In this case Guo Jia after the battle. Her design in a way reminds me of Diaochan in a way and we all know how that went… but it won't be that bad.
But yes, as it stands Guo Jia, the father of our hero is having an affair with another and has been for months.
Now Guo You has meet this beautiful woman in person. What will happen in the future between the two? Stay tuned for future chapters!
AN#2 – I wouldn't be here without you guys! Remember to Favorite, Follow and Review! :)
AN#3 – Also as things stand I will need one more Guo You childhood chapter before he meets the last few of his Wei comrades and Xin Xianying before he goes to his first battle. So I hope you can be patient with me.
Also did you all see You's prediction come true? It seems the father is rubbing off on the son.
Summary of New Events
Guo You meets Yue Jun, the son of Yue Jin. Xiahou Ji, the niece of Xiahou Yuan. Along with Xu Zhang, the adoptive son of Xu Huang.
Guo Jia begins his affair with Lady Zoushi. Guo You meets her for the first time.
The Battle of Wan Castle occurs, and Cao Cao is victorious, although Dian Wei passes away from his wounds. Cao Ang and Cao Anmin survive although wounded themselves.
Cao Cao begins his campaign against Lu Bu and besieges Xiapi Castle with Liu Bei.