This story is a "choose your own adventure." Rather than reading it
through chronologically, start with chapter 1 and follow the instructions
at the end of every chapter.
Chapter 3
"Shu and Wu have proven their true natures when they destroyed our city," you say to her quickly and with a definite edge in your voice. "I am going to see Cao Cao, the one true ruler of China in order to offer my services to a man who will not destory entire cities in the name of peace."
You turn your horse and walk away from your home, the determination in your heart growing stronger with each step. As you round the bend, you do not look back at the mother who you know still stands upon the road, waiting in vain for her only child to have a change of heart and come back. "I promise you mother," you whisper under your breath. "When Shu and Wu have been obliterated, I will return."
Upon reaching Xu Chang, you are taken into the Imperial Palace under the "protection" of a dozen armed guards. After waiting almost an hour to enter the Emperor's courtroom, you are finally informed that the ruler will not be accepting any more guests for the day. "You will have to come by again tomorrow," a minister informs you.
You are quite disheartened that your request for an audience was denied, but you head for the front of the palace, again under escort, ready to try again the next day. Before you can reach the front though, a man stops the entourage and dismisses the guards. "I will take responsibility for this guest," he tells them. The man is a fierce looking warrior, with a patch upon his left eye.
When the guards leave, you are taken quickly to a room in the palace. Without introducing himself, the man says, "Quickly, tell me who you are." Unsure if the man can be trusted, you begin to explain your story.
"I was a General under the Imperial banner as the Han fought against the Yellow Turban rebellion. After our victory, I went back to Jing Zhou to live and take care of my mother, but several weeks ago the armies of Shu and Wu clashed near our city, destroying everything in their paths. I have come here to Xu Chang with an offer to join Cao Cao should he so desire my services."
The man thinks about what you have said carefully, eyeing you with his one good eye. Finally, he introduces himself. "My name is Xiahou Dun, I am one of Cao Cao's top Generals and in fact, I am his cousin. This is most opportune that I have been allowed to speak with you before you were dragged into the politics of this wicked dynasty."
You are shocked at the man's remark and make no attempt to hide it. "Do not get me wrong," he says quickly upon seeing your reaction. "I am completely loyal to Cao Cao - it is his ministers that I despise. One man in particular, Guo Jia, has been filling our lord's head with dangerous ideas and I believe that Cao Cao is being manipulated by this man of words."
"And what do you want with me?" You ask, not knowing if the man is to be believed.
"I have been plotting to take out this man, Guo Jia, and thus save our lord from his manipulations. His influence within the palace is strong though because he directly controls the treasury. I can only trust someone from outside with a mission of this magnitude."
Will you join Xiahou Dun in the assassination attempt on Guo Jia?
If you wish to join him, go to Chapter 7. If you wish to inform Cao Cao of his plan instead, go to Chapter 8.
Chapter 3
"Shu and Wu have proven their true natures when they destroyed our city," you say to her quickly and with a definite edge in your voice. "I am going to see Cao Cao, the one true ruler of China in order to offer my services to a man who will not destory entire cities in the name of peace."
You turn your horse and walk away from your home, the determination in your heart growing stronger with each step. As you round the bend, you do not look back at the mother who you know still stands upon the road, waiting in vain for her only child to have a change of heart and come back. "I promise you mother," you whisper under your breath. "When Shu and Wu have been obliterated, I will return."
Upon reaching Xu Chang, you are taken into the Imperial Palace under the "protection" of a dozen armed guards. After waiting almost an hour to enter the Emperor's courtroom, you are finally informed that the ruler will not be accepting any more guests for the day. "You will have to come by again tomorrow," a minister informs you.
You are quite disheartened that your request for an audience was denied, but you head for the front of the palace, again under escort, ready to try again the next day. Before you can reach the front though, a man stops the entourage and dismisses the guards. "I will take responsibility for this guest," he tells them. The man is a fierce looking warrior, with a patch upon his left eye.
When the guards leave, you are taken quickly to a room in the palace. Without introducing himself, the man says, "Quickly, tell me who you are." Unsure if the man can be trusted, you begin to explain your story.
"I was a General under the Imperial banner as the Han fought against the Yellow Turban rebellion. After our victory, I went back to Jing Zhou to live and take care of my mother, but several weeks ago the armies of Shu and Wu clashed near our city, destroying everything in their paths. I have come here to Xu Chang with an offer to join Cao Cao should he so desire my services."
The man thinks about what you have said carefully, eyeing you with his one good eye. Finally, he introduces himself. "My name is Xiahou Dun, I am one of Cao Cao's top Generals and in fact, I am his cousin. This is most opportune that I have been allowed to speak with you before you were dragged into the politics of this wicked dynasty."
You are shocked at the man's remark and make no attempt to hide it. "Do not get me wrong," he says quickly upon seeing your reaction. "I am completely loyal to Cao Cao - it is his ministers that I despise. One man in particular, Guo Jia, has been filling our lord's head with dangerous ideas and I believe that Cao Cao is being manipulated by this man of words."
"And what do you want with me?" You ask, not knowing if the man is to be believed.
"I have been plotting to take out this man, Guo Jia, and thus save our lord from his manipulations. His influence within the palace is strong though because he directly controls the treasury. I can only trust someone from outside with a mission of this magnitude."
Will you join Xiahou Dun in the assassination attempt on Guo Jia?
If you wish to join him, go to Chapter 7. If you wish to inform Cao Cao of his plan instead, go to Chapter 8.