CHAPTER 4
Zhang He stepped out of his tent and looked up at the bright sky, languidly fastening the golden phoenix claws that matched the similarly burnished gold of his twin peacock headdress. It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining lazily and not a cloud to mar the breath-taking view. Walking amongst the many similar beige leather tents that dotted the natural crevice, which was their encampment, he inclined his head slightly as soldiers, young and not so young, bowed and greeted the famed general with respect. A hint of a smile touching the soft luscious lips, he in turn bowed as he saw the form of a trusted comrade.
"General Xu Huang…" Just then, noticing the other with the righteous general, he bowed again. "General Zhang Liao…"
Two pairs of eyes swiveled round and immediately, one broke into a friendly smile while the other raised his eyes questioningly and an uncertain smile, albeit with no malicious intent, played nervously on his mouth. Zhang He, watching the conflicting reactions his comrades displayed mentally chuckled, quite amused and ornately pleased with the effect he garnered so early in the morning.
"Junyi…" Xu Huang beamed. Then drawing Zhang Liao in a familiar tug that had him stumbling unseemingly forward, he started, "Junyi, you must know Wenyuan…"
"Yes, my friend. We have sparred," Zhang He smirked.
Laughing too at the memory of their duel at the battle at Hu Lao gate, Zhang Liao agreed, a glint in murky brown eyes, "Yes, I remember too. The mighty Zhang He… Ah, it was unfortunate there was no real end to that little spar. Though…" He continued jokingly, "I think the slew of snow must have impaired my vision, and effectively affected my performance."
Zhang He gave another graceful laugh, covering his seductive mouth teasingly behind his hands, in a way that made the tall, mustached general stare, even for just the shortest of moments. Zhang Liao had not been present at the General Zhang He's appointment ceremony and only then, did he get a closer look at the famed 'beautiful' officer and was instantly awed by the graceful demeanor in which he carried himself.
In a display of respect and an honest offer of companionship, Zhang Liao unabashedly lowered almost to his knees and with all formality introduced, "It is with utmost pleasure and honour that I, Zhang Liao, be of your acquaintance, General Zhang He."
Executing a flawless sweep in response, Zhang He replied quietly, "The honour is all mine, General Zhang Liao."
Grinning openly, Xu Huang looked at both the former adversaries, now subordinates of Lord Cao Cao. It was good Junyi was beginning to open up to the other generals. The younger man was actually beginning to worry him. Clapping both heartily on their backs, he cheerfully announced, "Good! Good! Now that that is done, we should get a move on. Lord Cao Cao has called for a meeting. Main tent." Then, whispering conspiratorially, he continued, "I do not think he would tolerate delay…"
Zhang He let out a soft gasp at such scandalous thoughts and hurried forward. Spotting a badly concealed snicker behind a harried cough, Zhang Liao cleared his throat and followed suit.
Beaming to the sky, Xu Huang almost skipped. It was a beautiful day.
And Wei would be triumphant.
______________________________________________
"Dismissed." Cao Mengde's deep baritone rang commandingly as a wave of blue armor raised, saluted and, with discipline, made their way out.
Zhang He, a frown that drew both perfectly arched eyebrows together, stayed behind. He did not move from the corner where he leaned against a heavy teak table and from the darkness of his resting place, he watched the orderly line as steadily, the large tent purged itself of its contents, and returned to the tranquility of silence. He watched, unnoticed, Cao Cao as the man sighed tiredly, rubbed his temples and slowly stepped up the raised platform that was his working desk. He settled down and reached for a scroll.
Stepping out of the shadows, Zhang He voiced concernedly, "My Lord?"
Cao Cao's head shot up with a start, flushing at being caught unaware so easily.
"My Lord worries about the battle…" It was a statement, rather than a question.
Cao Cao remained silent, his face expressionless. It was preposterous for the high commander to show any emotion but courage, and confidence, and now, it was no different.
Sensing the grimness of the liege's mood, Zhang He offered nonchalantly, "However, Wei would never lose."
"And how would you know," he demanded, rousing from deep silence. "What makes you so sure, I am curious."
"I do not. Unlike my Lord, I am no strategist, merely a warrior," he bowed. "Nevertheless, Wei will still triumph. Whatever the consequences, it will merely be the stumbling stones in the pathway the Gods have paved for Wei's success, your success."
Cao Cao merely raised his brows. He was not one for insincere praises.
However, the outlandish general - tall and graceful, ardent lover of beauty, valiant victor of many battles - kneeled, saying, "Whatever the consequences, I lay my life in your hands, my Lord. I do not wish to die so soon. Wei will always be victorious."
Finally laughing, Cao Cao said, "You are arrogant, General Zhang He. And far pass the boundaries you promised never to overstep. But…" He let out a short bark of laughter. "My generals will not perish in such shame, before Wei finally conquers China. I accept your offer gratefully."
Zhang He only inclined the luxuriously glorious head in respect.
______________________________________________
Sima Yi heard, then saw the brief, but meaningful exchange between the mighty Cao Cao and the beautiful Zhang He, as Cao Pi, a storm of armor and cloak swept into the tent. Following behind in the young master's wake, he was quiet, careful to speak only when spoken to; but his light thread hinted at an immense pride and the slightly arrogant tilt of his head belied an almost frightening intelligence. Walking past the tent flaps, he immediately noticed the tall, glorious General Zhang Junyi. How could he not; when the very form that stood so casually by the side overshadowed the lightly veiled menace exuded from the Wei ruler's being to scream unholy attention. All thoughts immediately flew out of his mind and Sima Yi nearly stumbled, managing to quickly regain himself; and stared once again.
He was magnificent. Utterly, breath-stealing magnificent. In his trademark left-shoulder armor, soft kid shoes, mysterious blue sash-waist belt, and twin claw gauntlets quietly gleaming murder, it was as if pure loveliness had finally decided to take form and of all mortals, had chosen him. He let out a soft gasp of awe and blushed almost immediately when the general turned, and stared straight into his eyes. His blush deepened.
'Sima Yi, you fool!'
Immersed in a heated discussion, the two Caos were lost in a world of their own - of tricks and strategies and soldiers; and Sima Yi could only wait helplessly as under the intense scrutiny of Zhang He, he fell deeper and more hopelessly into infatuation.
______________________________________________
Zhang He noticed the young man behind as soon as they entered the tent. He was one of sharp hearing and had known of their arrival moments before they stepped in, recognizing Lord Cao Pi for his heavy thread, accompanied by another lighter, more cautious unknown one. He had never seen this person before - he must be new. But, oh the Gods, never had he expected one to be so beautiful.
As Zhang He looked, secretly in the dimness of the tent, he saw that there was nothing ordinary about the other. Though only a subordinate of the lord's son, he carried himself in a manner that spoke assurance, and commanded respect. From the thin closed lips to the smooth alabaster skin and down to the long delicate fingers, the man was, in so many ways, exquisite. Gazing at his deep violet eyes, burning though shrouded in minimal light, Zhang He longed to gently tilt the man's head back and gaze deeper into the mystery and intrigue he kept deep in his heart. His eyes traveling up to the deep purple headdress that completely hid his hair from admiration, he wanted to run his fingers through the length of his hair that, he was sure, was as beautiful as its owner. Looking at the crisp, albeit finely made, purple robes, Zhang He irrationally wanted to be the only one to see him in simpler robes, in lesser formality, to see more of the real person that made this man so irresistible to him. Zhang He caught himself when, as if sensing his appraisal on his self, the man shifted and uttered a soft gasp of indignance. Shaking his head in self-mockery, Zhang He smiled and boldly stared the man in the eye.
Drowning in violet eyes that reflexively widened in curiosity, Zhang Junyi's mind whispered: 'Gods, help me…'
______________________________________________
In the kingdom of Wu, villagers and city folk alike rushed out in inquisitive gaiety at the mini procession that marked the return, or arrival, of an official. Banners of green marched proudly along the streets, their bearers possessing of equal pride although exhaustion clearly shone from weary faces. Many exclaimed and gasped as they, for the first time, laid their eyes upon one of the famed Tiger Generals leading the orderly march, General Zhao Yun. In a simple but tasteful carriage somewhere in the middle of the line, the man within took in everything with gracious black eyes and behind a snowy white fan, his mouth thinned in iron determination.
At the Zhou abode, a servant loudly announced, "Zhuge Liang has arrived…"
Rising unhurried from his position from his desk, the brown-haired man closed the tome he was reading and in a cultured voice answered, "Let him in."
The stubborn raise in the man's head went unnoticed by both slave and master as the beautiful head of the mansion thought, 'For Wu…'
~~~~~
One complaint: I am now officially Jade34. Wah~
*folds shirt sleeves in true Sima Yi-like anger* NOO!! I will prevail… I shall fight for my right to be the one, the ONLY, moss green composite with (probably) billions of organisms crystallized within that mortals find so appealing, thus paying HIGH for me- *anger quickly dissipating like deflated balloon* (mutters) 34…of all numbers 34…
^^;;
As you can see, I've been quite harassed over the Jade34 issue. And 34 isn't even flattering. Couldn't it have been 33 or 44 or 3 or 4 or anything but 34. I just had to be the 34th Jade. Great. And I can slowly feel my worth sliding (as a piece of rock, mind you). But in true Jade fashion, this will probably be forgotten in say, 5 minutes time, and hopefully I'll be able to come up with a nice OOC chapter sometime soon. I truly admire those who spurt out nice, hilarious OOC chapters effortlessly. I worship…WORSHIPPP…
And to the other Jades, if you so happen to read this, I'm really sorry if my complaining has insulted anyone in any way. I just like to complain for the sake of complaining; it's like water and air to me. Heh~ Ask anyone who knows me…
Sima Yi: For once, Jade speaks the truth.
Zhang He: Whatever my future beloved thinks, I agree mindlessly.
Both proceed to give starry-eyed stares at each other.
Jade: Excuse meee…? Goodness, I'm disgusted with you both.
Zhang He stepped out of his tent and looked up at the bright sky, languidly fastening the golden phoenix claws that matched the similarly burnished gold of his twin peacock headdress. It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining lazily and not a cloud to mar the breath-taking view. Walking amongst the many similar beige leather tents that dotted the natural crevice, which was their encampment, he inclined his head slightly as soldiers, young and not so young, bowed and greeted the famed general with respect. A hint of a smile touching the soft luscious lips, he in turn bowed as he saw the form of a trusted comrade.
"General Xu Huang…" Just then, noticing the other with the righteous general, he bowed again. "General Zhang Liao…"
Two pairs of eyes swiveled round and immediately, one broke into a friendly smile while the other raised his eyes questioningly and an uncertain smile, albeit with no malicious intent, played nervously on his mouth. Zhang He, watching the conflicting reactions his comrades displayed mentally chuckled, quite amused and ornately pleased with the effect he garnered so early in the morning.
"Junyi…" Xu Huang beamed. Then drawing Zhang Liao in a familiar tug that had him stumbling unseemingly forward, he started, "Junyi, you must know Wenyuan…"
"Yes, my friend. We have sparred," Zhang He smirked.
Laughing too at the memory of their duel at the battle at Hu Lao gate, Zhang Liao agreed, a glint in murky brown eyes, "Yes, I remember too. The mighty Zhang He… Ah, it was unfortunate there was no real end to that little spar. Though…" He continued jokingly, "I think the slew of snow must have impaired my vision, and effectively affected my performance."
Zhang He gave another graceful laugh, covering his seductive mouth teasingly behind his hands, in a way that made the tall, mustached general stare, even for just the shortest of moments. Zhang Liao had not been present at the General Zhang He's appointment ceremony and only then, did he get a closer look at the famed 'beautiful' officer and was instantly awed by the graceful demeanor in which he carried himself.
In a display of respect and an honest offer of companionship, Zhang Liao unabashedly lowered almost to his knees and with all formality introduced, "It is with utmost pleasure and honour that I, Zhang Liao, be of your acquaintance, General Zhang He."
Executing a flawless sweep in response, Zhang He replied quietly, "The honour is all mine, General Zhang Liao."
Grinning openly, Xu Huang looked at both the former adversaries, now subordinates of Lord Cao Cao. It was good Junyi was beginning to open up to the other generals. The younger man was actually beginning to worry him. Clapping both heartily on their backs, he cheerfully announced, "Good! Good! Now that that is done, we should get a move on. Lord Cao Cao has called for a meeting. Main tent." Then, whispering conspiratorially, he continued, "I do not think he would tolerate delay…"
Zhang He let out a soft gasp at such scandalous thoughts and hurried forward. Spotting a badly concealed snicker behind a harried cough, Zhang Liao cleared his throat and followed suit.
Beaming to the sky, Xu Huang almost skipped. It was a beautiful day.
And Wei would be triumphant.
______________________________________________
"Dismissed." Cao Mengde's deep baritone rang commandingly as a wave of blue armor raised, saluted and, with discipline, made their way out.
Zhang He, a frown that drew both perfectly arched eyebrows together, stayed behind. He did not move from the corner where he leaned against a heavy teak table and from the darkness of his resting place, he watched the orderly line as steadily, the large tent purged itself of its contents, and returned to the tranquility of silence. He watched, unnoticed, Cao Cao as the man sighed tiredly, rubbed his temples and slowly stepped up the raised platform that was his working desk. He settled down and reached for a scroll.
Stepping out of the shadows, Zhang He voiced concernedly, "My Lord?"
Cao Cao's head shot up with a start, flushing at being caught unaware so easily.
"My Lord worries about the battle…" It was a statement, rather than a question.
Cao Cao remained silent, his face expressionless. It was preposterous for the high commander to show any emotion but courage, and confidence, and now, it was no different.
Sensing the grimness of the liege's mood, Zhang He offered nonchalantly, "However, Wei would never lose."
"And how would you know," he demanded, rousing from deep silence. "What makes you so sure, I am curious."
"I do not. Unlike my Lord, I am no strategist, merely a warrior," he bowed. "Nevertheless, Wei will still triumph. Whatever the consequences, it will merely be the stumbling stones in the pathway the Gods have paved for Wei's success, your success."
Cao Cao merely raised his brows. He was not one for insincere praises.
However, the outlandish general - tall and graceful, ardent lover of beauty, valiant victor of many battles - kneeled, saying, "Whatever the consequences, I lay my life in your hands, my Lord. I do not wish to die so soon. Wei will always be victorious."
Finally laughing, Cao Cao said, "You are arrogant, General Zhang He. And far pass the boundaries you promised never to overstep. But…" He let out a short bark of laughter. "My generals will not perish in such shame, before Wei finally conquers China. I accept your offer gratefully."
Zhang He only inclined the luxuriously glorious head in respect.
______________________________________________
Sima Yi heard, then saw the brief, but meaningful exchange between the mighty Cao Cao and the beautiful Zhang He, as Cao Pi, a storm of armor and cloak swept into the tent. Following behind in the young master's wake, he was quiet, careful to speak only when spoken to; but his light thread hinted at an immense pride and the slightly arrogant tilt of his head belied an almost frightening intelligence. Walking past the tent flaps, he immediately noticed the tall, glorious General Zhang Junyi. How could he not; when the very form that stood so casually by the side overshadowed the lightly veiled menace exuded from the Wei ruler's being to scream unholy attention. All thoughts immediately flew out of his mind and Sima Yi nearly stumbled, managing to quickly regain himself; and stared once again.
He was magnificent. Utterly, breath-stealing magnificent. In his trademark left-shoulder armor, soft kid shoes, mysterious blue sash-waist belt, and twin claw gauntlets quietly gleaming murder, it was as if pure loveliness had finally decided to take form and of all mortals, had chosen him. He let out a soft gasp of awe and blushed almost immediately when the general turned, and stared straight into his eyes. His blush deepened.
'Sima Yi, you fool!'
Immersed in a heated discussion, the two Caos were lost in a world of their own - of tricks and strategies and soldiers; and Sima Yi could only wait helplessly as under the intense scrutiny of Zhang He, he fell deeper and more hopelessly into infatuation.
______________________________________________
Zhang He noticed the young man behind as soon as they entered the tent. He was one of sharp hearing and had known of their arrival moments before they stepped in, recognizing Lord Cao Pi for his heavy thread, accompanied by another lighter, more cautious unknown one. He had never seen this person before - he must be new. But, oh the Gods, never had he expected one to be so beautiful.
As Zhang He looked, secretly in the dimness of the tent, he saw that there was nothing ordinary about the other. Though only a subordinate of the lord's son, he carried himself in a manner that spoke assurance, and commanded respect. From the thin closed lips to the smooth alabaster skin and down to the long delicate fingers, the man was, in so many ways, exquisite. Gazing at his deep violet eyes, burning though shrouded in minimal light, Zhang He longed to gently tilt the man's head back and gaze deeper into the mystery and intrigue he kept deep in his heart. His eyes traveling up to the deep purple headdress that completely hid his hair from admiration, he wanted to run his fingers through the length of his hair that, he was sure, was as beautiful as its owner. Looking at the crisp, albeit finely made, purple robes, Zhang He irrationally wanted to be the only one to see him in simpler robes, in lesser formality, to see more of the real person that made this man so irresistible to him. Zhang He caught himself when, as if sensing his appraisal on his self, the man shifted and uttered a soft gasp of indignance. Shaking his head in self-mockery, Zhang He smiled and boldly stared the man in the eye.
Drowning in violet eyes that reflexively widened in curiosity, Zhang Junyi's mind whispered: 'Gods, help me…'
______________________________________________
In the kingdom of Wu, villagers and city folk alike rushed out in inquisitive gaiety at the mini procession that marked the return, or arrival, of an official. Banners of green marched proudly along the streets, their bearers possessing of equal pride although exhaustion clearly shone from weary faces. Many exclaimed and gasped as they, for the first time, laid their eyes upon one of the famed Tiger Generals leading the orderly march, General Zhao Yun. In a simple but tasteful carriage somewhere in the middle of the line, the man within took in everything with gracious black eyes and behind a snowy white fan, his mouth thinned in iron determination.
At the Zhou abode, a servant loudly announced, "Zhuge Liang has arrived…"
Rising unhurried from his position from his desk, the brown-haired man closed the tome he was reading and in a cultured voice answered, "Let him in."
The stubborn raise in the man's head went unnoticed by both slave and master as the beautiful head of the mansion thought, 'For Wu…'
~~~~~
One complaint: I am now officially Jade34. Wah~
*folds shirt sleeves in true Sima Yi-like anger* NOO!! I will prevail… I shall fight for my right to be the one, the ONLY, moss green composite with (probably) billions of organisms crystallized within that mortals find so appealing, thus paying HIGH for me- *anger quickly dissipating like deflated balloon* (mutters) 34…of all numbers 34…
^^;;
As you can see, I've been quite harassed over the Jade34 issue. And 34 isn't even flattering. Couldn't it have been 33 or 44 or 3 or 4 or anything but 34. I just had to be the 34th Jade. Great. And I can slowly feel my worth sliding (as a piece of rock, mind you). But in true Jade fashion, this will probably be forgotten in say, 5 minutes time, and hopefully I'll be able to come up with a nice OOC chapter sometime soon. I truly admire those who spurt out nice, hilarious OOC chapters effortlessly. I worship…WORSHIPPP…
And to the other Jades, if you so happen to read this, I'm really sorry if my complaining has insulted anyone in any way. I just like to complain for the sake of complaining; it's like water and air to me. Heh~ Ask anyone who knows me…
Sima Yi: For once, Jade speaks the truth.
Zhang He: Whatever my future beloved thinks, I agree mindlessly.
Both proceed to give starry-eyed stares at each other.
Jade: Excuse meee…? Goodness, I'm disgusted with you both.