CHAPTER 9
The crowd erupted in cheers as slowly, streaking banners and battle-worn armors marched proudly through the massive West gates. The amount of people present were enormous, from the young to the old, from the shabbily dressed farmers to the high ranking nobles looking down from above finely furnished pedestals; all bowed down in respect and genuine joy, as soldier after soldier, stepped tentatively back in home territory and also, one by one, broke out into weary smiles. It was a time of joy for the people of Wu and truly, they were proud with the immense sacrifice and achievement that the Wu army had bestowed upon them. They had been victorious, against the notorious Wei empire; and though it was only a battle that they had won, it was as if the Divine Deity of War had chosen to smile upon them and confidence radiated from their entire being, be it soldier or not. What mattered was that the people of the sea had faced a dangerous threat with all the courage they had possessed and remained free. For they knew, that their loyalty would always, ALWAYS lie with the Sun family.
Finally, the supreme ruler of Wu, Sun Quan walked through the gates. His face was unlined and unmarred, liberated from the burden of decisions and war; at that moment, merely a man who loved and was loved by the people of the country. Zhou Tai, his ever alert head guard, scanned the crowded area with caution, but for once too, he seemed to have momentarily lost the concealed viciousness of one destined to protect. The scarred face of the massive man beamed in joy too as he allowed himself, humbly, to bask in the adoration of the people. Wu's key strategist, Zhou Yu followed behind in smiling silence. There was a certain calmness in him that made the maidens giggle in a heady rush and the people look on in awe.
Another boisterous cheer rose from the mass of people. The soldiers waved. Sun Quan laughed. Zhou Tai followed carefully behind. And, Zhou Yu…he looked up and graced them another tiny smile.
______________________________________________
The two Qiao sisters were indeed as lovely as their names preceded them. Wielding twin oversized fans, one a fiery red, another a calm sky blue, they danced and twirled like one - with not a step out of place. The older sister, Da Qiao, wife of Sun Ce and the princess of Wu, smiled enticingly, her large eyes still of innocence and unmarked beauty. The younger one, Xiao Qiao, not as worldly as her sister, blushed endearingly - but her beauty was a right of her own, unlike that of her older sister. With practiced ease, both sisters beguiled their expansive audience and as the last vibrations of the biwa and the harpsichord faded, all present exploded in appreciative applause. Bowing, they retreated to their seats and Sun Quan beamed with pleasure. They were the pride of the Sun family.
The other officers as well as the officials directly involved in the Battle of the Red Wall (Jade: "Battle of Chi Bi", Chi Bi = Red Wall) whispered of the continuing prosperity of Wu under the just rule of Sun Quan, second son of Sun Jian. They reminisced fondly over the days of the charismatic Sun Ce, oldest son. who attracted the support of people and talented generals alike through true compassion and the need to lead the people to sovereignty. They mourned his untimely loss but faced his death with quiet will, for the late lord Sun Ce could never tolerate tears. Zhou Yu, his closest friend grieved the most, but throughout the ceremony that marked the lord's final leave, he had been quiet and ambient. He had known the lord best and looking on, had shown no sadness. It was admirable…
Of course, many had also whispered that Zhou Yu, could never truly be loyal to Sun Quan…
"Where is Zhou Yu?" inquired Sun Quan loudly, noticing the absence of a strategist at the celebratory feast. "I have not seen him since our arrival back."
Generals looked at each other in puzzlement as they too, noticed but failed to voice an answer.
Gan Ning, seated close to the front, on the right of Sun Quan spoke out, "I met him on my way here earlier, my Lord." He bowed in respect. "He told me that you would excuse him from the feast." Then, bowing another time, Gan Ning sat down.
The large hall suddenly turned quiet. All waited to see the response of the leader, of the silently veiled insolence of their strategist. What they did not know, save a few, was the incredible burden Zhou Gongjin forced himself to carry. Gan Ning lowered his head. Opposite the ex-pirate, Lu Xun gazed on in curiosity. Huang Gai was unusually quiet.
Deep inside, Sun Quan seethed. He trusted the young strategist but in front of so many, what seemed like the authority of his position challenged, albeit by family, was inexcusable. In front of so many, he had to redeem his self-worth. Yet…
Standing abruptly, his mind a mess of conflicts, he announced, "Oh yes, I forgot. He begged permission for leave from me." Chuckling good-naturedly, he added, "With such gaiety and festivity, I must have forgotten such an insignificant request. Silly me…" Seeing their ruler redeemed, the unforgiving aristocracy and military officials gradually, continued the interrupted meal and entertainment, laughter once again prevalent, with music and wine flowing like an unending fountain.
From her seat, beside her sister, and closest to the emperor, Xiao Qiao bit her lip. Her husband had not been himself since he returned from the war. Usually amusingly indulgent, he had came and gone from their abode without much conversation, save for a brief exchange to relieve his destination for the night, and to fire rapid orders to the servants. Then, he had vanished, the soft fabric of his red garments disappearing behind the doors.
Da Qiao, understanding perfectly the many mood swings of her younger sibling, nudged her gently and shook her head. Then, slowly smiling, Xiao Qiao nodded and returned to the evening's itinerary.
Sun Quan's sharp eyes did not miss the short, voiceless exchange of the sisters. He understood, in a way, the tumult his young sister-in-law felt. Balling his fists, he cursed inwardly. 'Damn you Zhou Gongjin, I am ruler now…'
Then, as sudden as the anger had arrived, it left him, replaced by an indescribable sadness.
'Zhou Yu, can you not let go of the past…?'
______________________________________________
From within the shrine that housed the late emperors' ashes, Zhou Yu cleaned the altars methodically, sweeping imaginary dust with care and replacing the flowers that were not even day-old with fresh new ones. Gazing through gauzy cloths that were meant as curtains for means of keeping away inquisitive eyes, he saw the bright shine of the almost full moon, and heard the persistent calls of the night animals. Overcome by an eerie wave of tranquility, finally, Zhou Yu sat before the many worship plats of past royal ancestors, and touched his forehead to the floors.
"My Lords…" he started.
Then, turning to a particular mahogany plat to the right, on the second row, he uttered softly, "My Lord Sun Ce…"
"Do you know, we have won, my lord? We have crushed those impudent Wei armadas and they have fled, their cowardly tails between their legs. Of course, we could never have done it without your blessing…my brother…"
It was a monotonous conversation, but Zhou Yu felt peace. He had not wanted to join in the feast and now, his intention was still the same. It brought him tranquility - to talk to his childhood friend, and share his many triumphs as well as defeats with the man; though he knew, Sun Ce could never answer him, could never advise him then.
"Sun Ce, I still remember the time Wu first earned its victory… It makes my heart beam with pride every time I recall the fateful event. Don't you?"
Zhou Yu stepped closer. "You had the makings of an emperor then, and so many were proud of merely being your subordinates, myself included. We knew, we had chosen the right lord, the right person to bring us justice."
Reaching out long, slim fingers, Zhou Yu went on, "I remember the way you had looked then. You were magnificent! Just like young Lord Sun Quan today. He is quickly becoming your true successor, and quickly too, stepping out of the shadow you have so unwittingly cast upon him." He paused. "He is a great ruler, brother. He will go far in the future. I am proud of him, the way you have always been… Do not worry…"
Then, abruptly, he dropped his extended hand to his sides and walked away, a thoughtful expression on his face. "But, I have failed you in the end, my Lord."
Shaking his head regretfully, he confessed quietly, "I have betrayed you…"
______________________________________________
As if reflecting the mood of the Wei army, the night sky was a glum midnight. The atmosphere aboard the ship was one of silent brooding. But even if words were exchanged, they could never ease the feeling of agony. It was a horrible defeat. The Wei army, countless in their numbers, had been reduced to only about a third and too many of their ships had been destroyed.
With ice-cold eyes, Zhang He looked out to the black see, to the distance that was Wu.
'Someday…'
______________________________________________
Zhuge Liang quietly fanned himself in the luxurious room that was allocated for his short stay in Wu. His lord, Liu Bei smiled triumphantly. No words needed to be said.
Rising from his chair, Zhuge Liang kneeled, presenting the prize of success to his lord. From beyond the gardens outside, strains of music could be heard. Then, with casual assurance, Zhuge Liang merely said, "Lord Liu Bei…an overwhelming victory today. Tomorrow, we shall campaign for China…"
~~~~~
Um…this is a very late update. I hope it's alright…
Anyhow, WARGHHH!!! Having a writer's crisis here!! Halp!! I don't know how to go on… The problem is, I have the story in my head; I think I know what's happening, without the characters dictating my every word….I think I know who's doing who ^^;;…but I can't seem to write it all down. WARGHHHH!!
Gods, this is an embarrassing confession…
And now that that's out of my system, I'm going around this 're-meet' scene between Zhang He and Sima Yi in the next chapter. Hopefully, it comes out right… And hopefully, I don't deviate. Been doing too much of that lately?
Any ideas? I'd love suggestions. =D
The crowd erupted in cheers as slowly, streaking banners and battle-worn armors marched proudly through the massive West gates. The amount of people present were enormous, from the young to the old, from the shabbily dressed farmers to the high ranking nobles looking down from above finely furnished pedestals; all bowed down in respect and genuine joy, as soldier after soldier, stepped tentatively back in home territory and also, one by one, broke out into weary smiles. It was a time of joy for the people of Wu and truly, they were proud with the immense sacrifice and achievement that the Wu army had bestowed upon them. They had been victorious, against the notorious Wei empire; and though it was only a battle that they had won, it was as if the Divine Deity of War had chosen to smile upon them and confidence radiated from their entire being, be it soldier or not. What mattered was that the people of the sea had faced a dangerous threat with all the courage they had possessed and remained free. For they knew, that their loyalty would always, ALWAYS lie with the Sun family.
Finally, the supreme ruler of Wu, Sun Quan walked through the gates. His face was unlined and unmarred, liberated from the burden of decisions and war; at that moment, merely a man who loved and was loved by the people of the country. Zhou Tai, his ever alert head guard, scanned the crowded area with caution, but for once too, he seemed to have momentarily lost the concealed viciousness of one destined to protect. The scarred face of the massive man beamed in joy too as he allowed himself, humbly, to bask in the adoration of the people. Wu's key strategist, Zhou Yu followed behind in smiling silence. There was a certain calmness in him that made the maidens giggle in a heady rush and the people look on in awe.
Another boisterous cheer rose from the mass of people. The soldiers waved. Sun Quan laughed. Zhou Tai followed carefully behind. And, Zhou Yu…he looked up and graced them another tiny smile.
______________________________________________
The two Qiao sisters were indeed as lovely as their names preceded them. Wielding twin oversized fans, one a fiery red, another a calm sky blue, they danced and twirled like one - with not a step out of place. The older sister, Da Qiao, wife of Sun Ce and the princess of Wu, smiled enticingly, her large eyes still of innocence and unmarked beauty. The younger one, Xiao Qiao, not as worldly as her sister, blushed endearingly - but her beauty was a right of her own, unlike that of her older sister. With practiced ease, both sisters beguiled their expansive audience and as the last vibrations of the biwa and the harpsichord faded, all present exploded in appreciative applause. Bowing, they retreated to their seats and Sun Quan beamed with pleasure. They were the pride of the Sun family.
The other officers as well as the officials directly involved in the Battle of the Red Wall (Jade: "Battle of Chi Bi", Chi Bi = Red Wall) whispered of the continuing prosperity of Wu under the just rule of Sun Quan, second son of Sun Jian. They reminisced fondly over the days of the charismatic Sun Ce, oldest son. who attracted the support of people and talented generals alike through true compassion and the need to lead the people to sovereignty. They mourned his untimely loss but faced his death with quiet will, for the late lord Sun Ce could never tolerate tears. Zhou Yu, his closest friend grieved the most, but throughout the ceremony that marked the lord's final leave, he had been quiet and ambient. He had known the lord best and looking on, had shown no sadness. It was admirable…
Of course, many had also whispered that Zhou Yu, could never truly be loyal to Sun Quan…
"Where is Zhou Yu?" inquired Sun Quan loudly, noticing the absence of a strategist at the celebratory feast. "I have not seen him since our arrival back."
Generals looked at each other in puzzlement as they too, noticed but failed to voice an answer.
Gan Ning, seated close to the front, on the right of Sun Quan spoke out, "I met him on my way here earlier, my Lord." He bowed in respect. "He told me that you would excuse him from the feast." Then, bowing another time, Gan Ning sat down.
The large hall suddenly turned quiet. All waited to see the response of the leader, of the silently veiled insolence of their strategist. What they did not know, save a few, was the incredible burden Zhou Gongjin forced himself to carry. Gan Ning lowered his head. Opposite the ex-pirate, Lu Xun gazed on in curiosity. Huang Gai was unusually quiet.
Deep inside, Sun Quan seethed. He trusted the young strategist but in front of so many, what seemed like the authority of his position challenged, albeit by family, was inexcusable. In front of so many, he had to redeem his self-worth. Yet…
Standing abruptly, his mind a mess of conflicts, he announced, "Oh yes, I forgot. He begged permission for leave from me." Chuckling good-naturedly, he added, "With such gaiety and festivity, I must have forgotten such an insignificant request. Silly me…" Seeing their ruler redeemed, the unforgiving aristocracy and military officials gradually, continued the interrupted meal and entertainment, laughter once again prevalent, with music and wine flowing like an unending fountain.
From her seat, beside her sister, and closest to the emperor, Xiao Qiao bit her lip. Her husband had not been himself since he returned from the war. Usually amusingly indulgent, he had came and gone from their abode without much conversation, save for a brief exchange to relieve his destination for the night, and to fire rapid orders to the servants. Then, he had vanished, the soft fabric of his red garments disappearing behind the doors.
Da Qiao, understanding perfectly the many mood swings of her younger sibling, nudged her gently and shook her head. Then, slowly smiling, Xiao Qiao nodded and returned to the evening's itinerary.
Sun Quan's sharp eyes did not miss the short, voiceless exchange of the sisters. He understood, in a way, the tumult his young sister-in-law felt. Balling his fists, he cursed inwardly. 'Damn you Zhou Gongjin, I am ruler now…'
Then, as sudden as the anger had arrived, it left him, replaced by an indescribable sadness.
'Zhou Yu, can you not let go of the past…?'
______________________________________________
From within the shrine that housed the late emperors' ashes, Zhou Yu cleaned the altars methodically, sweeping imaginary dust with care and replacing the flowers that were not even day-old with fresh new ones. Gazing through gauzy cloths that were meant as curtains for means of keeping away inquisitive eyes, he saw the bright shine of the almost full moon, and heard the persistent calls of the night animals. Overcome by an eerie wave of tranquility, finally, Zhou Yu sat before the many worship plats of past royal ancestors, and touched his forehead to the floors.
"My Lords…" he started.
Then, turning to a particular mahogany plat to the right, on the second row, he uttered softly, "My Lord Sun Ce…"
"Do you know, we have won, my lord? We have crushed those impudent Wei armadas and they have fled, their cowardly tails between their legs. Of course, we could never have done it without your blessing…my brother…"
It was a monotonous conversation, but Zhou Yu felt peace. He had not wanted to join in the feast and now, his intention was still the same. It brought him tranquility - to talk to his childhood friend, and share his many triumphs as well as defeats with the man; though he knew, Sun Ce could never answer him, could never advise him then.
"Sun Ce, I still remember the time Wu first earned its victory… It makes my heart beam with pride every time I recall the fateful event. Don't you?"
Zhou Yu stepped closer. "You had the makings of an emperor then, and so many were proud of merely being your subordinates, myself included. We knew, we had chosen the right lord, the right person to bring us justice."
Reaching out long, slim fingers, Zhou Yu went on, "I remember the way you had looked then. You were magnificent! Just like young Lord Sun Quan today. He is quickly becoming your true successor, and quickly too, stepping out of the shadow you have so unwittingly cast upon him." He paused. "He is a great ruler, brother. He will go far in the future. I am proud of him, the way you have always been… Do not worry…"
Then, abruptly, he dropped his extended hand to his sides and walked away, a thoughtful expression on his face. "But, I have failed you in the end, my Lord."
Shaking his head regretfully, he confessed quietly, "I have betrayed you…"
______________________________________________
As if reflecting the mood of the Wei army, the night sky was a glum midnight. The atmosphere aboard the ship was one of silent brooding. But even if words were exchanged, they could never ease the feeling of agony. It was a horrible defeat. The Wei army, countless in their numbers, had been reduced to only about a third and too many of their ships had been destroyed.
With ice-cold eyes, Zhang He looked out to the black see, to the distance that was Wu.
'Someday…'
______________________________________________
Zhuge Liang quietly fanned himself in the luxurious room that was allocated for his short stay in Wu. His lord, Liu Bei smiled triumphantly. No words needed to be said.
Rising from his chair, Zhuge Liang kneeled, presenting the prize of success to his lord. From beyond the gardens outside, strains of music could be heard. Then, with casual assurance, Zhuge Liang merely said, "Lord Liu Bei…an overwhelming victory today. Tomorrow, we shall campaign for China…"
~~~~~
Um…this is a very late update. I hope it's alright…
Anyhow, WARGHHH!!! Having a writer's crisis here!! Halp!! I don't know how to go on… The problem is, I have the story in my head; I think I know what's happening, without the characters dictating my every word….I think I know who's doing who ^^;;…but I can't seem to write it all down. WARGHHHH!!
Gods, this is an embarrassing confession…
And now that that's out of my system, I'm going around this 're-meet' scene between Zhang He and Sima Yi in the next chapter. Hopefully, it comes out right… And hopefully, I don't deviate. Been doing too much of that lately?
Any ideas? I'd love suggestions. =D