CHAPTER 10
Though the beauty of the falling cherry blossoms that swirled and floated gently to the ground was famed to rival even those of the Jade Emperor's gardens, Zhang He, a lone figure, hidden almost, amidst the many pink dotted trees that decorated the expanse of Wei castle grounds, was impervious and seemed more occupied with a tiny fern that had somehow managed to miss the hawk-like eyes of the head gardeners and flourished even among the choke of cherry blossoms.
His mind was far away…away from the calm nature that slowly enfolded around him and away from the pressing summons of the lord that had brought him to the castle in the first place. Then, his thoughts were a whirl of emotions and countless scenes that seemed to replay themselves seamlessly, as if he was audience to a theatre that was his life, to that very day. Strangely, though he had not reflected much on the occasion, the scene of his first day at Wei seemed to constantly resurface, among the jumble of many other more important, more significant ones and he pondered on it, wondering at the same time, if another - a very interesting other, one that had caught his attentions lately - had arrived at the kingdom under similar circumstances. He thought too, of the doomed battle not too long ago, and of the vicious personal battle that had transpired between him and a particular boyishly handsome general and reflected musingly. He could not help but smile secretly at the brief meeting with the dark, beautiful one before the battle at Chi Bi and frowned almost immediately at what a seemingly harmless indulgence could have affected his otherwise flawless performance in war. Recounting the fiery battle, he too reflected upon the strange glitter in the Wu strategist, Zhou Yu's eyes as claws met sword and shook his head slightly to banish the odd, worrying feeling that had begun to rise in his heart.
It was not him; to ponder overly much at the matters of heart, or to question the accuracy of a warrior's instinct that had been honed blade sharp, long before the day he took the claws, to faultless perfection; he chastised lightly. But admittedly, he allowed, the was no hiding the strange sensation that had settled, unknowingly, in the deepest recesses of his heart, as he gazed upon the arrogant, purple-clad man who seemed a permanent attachment to Wei castle, and to Lord Cao Pi, recently. Idly, he wondered, if the beautiful younger man was somehow consort to the ruler's ambitious oldest son's desires - for it was well-known Lord Cao Pi favoured all things beautiful - and the irrational anger that came swiftly with such thoughts surprised, and unsettled him.
Zhang He gritted his teeth painfully, leaning back against the large comforting trunk, and feeling the rough dusty bark against his silken back. Indeed, it was not him to have such thoughts; and unconsciously he flexed his long fingers, imagining, feeling the comforting familiarity of smooth, golden claws. Closing his eyes, the heavy lashes leaving dark crescent imprints on his alabaster skin, he immersed himself in imaginary battle.
War, ugly as it was, beautiful as it was, had never failed him. Even as they lost, and the agony that consumed was unbearably painful, it had never, ever, failed him. With raging passion, it offered solace from the complexities of the world, just as beauty offered a mask that shielded the imperfections of the world.
Zhang Junyi, allowing a moment of indulgence, smiled peacefully.
______________________________________________
Sima Yi snapped the scroll he had been studying shut without much relish, the dark, somber mood of the castle affecting his concentrating and his otherwise, good disposition. Cooped up in the dusty, musky Scroll Room, as Secretary of Literature, he felt like a tiger trapped in a cage much too small, much too common, to hold such a powerful and magnificent creature, and snorting, disgusted, at the sparsity of such…ordinary…furnishings, he longed, desperately, for the known feel of a war table, and of the familiar touch of brush again velvety animal skin, as he planned and perfected the army's every strategy, every move, down the path of victory.
Pacing restlessly, he looked out through the tiny crack of light streaming through almost closed windows - preferring, always, to work in near darkness - and abruptly, he was overwhelmed by the desire to enjoy the calm breeze he felt wafting through, and to settle his disturbed mind.
Sima Yi knew, of the conditions in the castle, especially in the obvious black rage of Cao Cao that left no officer even momentary tranquility, after such humiliating defeat; but his detachment from the entire issue was the furthest thing that crossed his mind at that moment, as his eyes trained unexpectedly on a familiar figure. Squinting harder, the man - he was quite sure it was male - seemed to disappear again amidst the trees. Scorning his current obligations, he left the musty room without much consideration and hurried into the gardens.
His heart, normally calm and immovable, was beating with an irrational urgency that even he could not explain.
______________________________________________
"Lord Zhou Yu?"
The man intent at the desk looked up momentarily and frowning, beckoned for the woman to enter; then returned to his scrolls.
"Lord Zhou Yu…"
Sighing at the unavoidable interruption, the young tactician of Wu stood up resignedly, to face the petite woman society called his wife. Then, the unforgiving features on his face softening slightly, he voiced, "What is it, Xiao Qiao?"
"Ah…um…" Xiao Qiao fumbled, a little flustered at her husband's hard gaze. "I…I…was wondering how you were doing." She paused, and shifted the tray she was carrying. "You have been locked up in here for so long…"
"I have informed you that I would be busy for the afternoon…"
"Ah, yes…but it is such a beautiful day…" Xiao Qiao gazed outside longingly.
Shaking his head, Zhou Yu interrupted, "One does not have allowances for such folly, even more so for a person in my position. To waste precious time is a sin, when our land still remains unfree, and countless others, still suffer. You of all people should be aware of that, my dear wife."
Blushing at his soft reprimand, the young woman nevertheless smiled understandingly, though her heart longed to shed tears, and lifted the tray, displaying an array of colourful, attractive delicacies. "Then, my lord, would you at least eat? A mind is like a cart without wheels when the stomach is unfed."
Zhou Yu chuckled at her unique reasoning, taking the tray and placing it carelessly on the smooth, polished tabletop. "I will eat it later…when the cart feels that it has lost a wheel," he promised. "Now, go."
"But, Lord Zhou Yu!"
Placing firm hands on her slim shoulders, he steered her gently to the massive teak doors. "Leave me, my lovely wife. I have to plan."
Glancing first at the forgotten tray, then at her husband's unyielding face, she walked out reluctantly. Her large eyes could hardly contain the dam of tears that threatened to spill, and she did not want her husband to see her sorrow. She had understood his obligations long before she married him, and now, even as he shut her so cruelly from his heart, and from his life - no matter how temporary - a general's wife would proudly hold on to her honour, and to her place in the family - to follow her husband, and to serve.
But as the doors clicked shut, she heard his calm voice call, "I will be out for dinner."
Xiao Qiao hurried down the corridor to the kitchens, her mind already a furious whirl, planning the evening's dishes, mentally thumbing her memory for her husband's favourites. To her husband, time was precious. To her as well, his time was like a rare gem.
She would take full advantage of it.
______________________________________________
Desperately, he searched. But for Sima Yi, the trees seemed his only companions. He was disappointed.
'Perhaps your eyes are failing you, Zhongda. Maybe you have been cooped up in that blasted room for far too long.'
He clenched his fists painfully, aware of his foolishness, yet unwilling to accept it.
Angry, Sima Yi turned to return the scroll room, his heart burning and his thin lips a straight, frustrated line.
'Forget it, Sima Yi. Forget it.'
For a person who always chased after what he sought, and pursued with predatory intensity his most yearned desires, Sima Yi was beginning to feel an invisible wall in his path, that no matter how high he climbed, or how hard he tried to break through its steel-like bricks, it refused to crumble - just like the illustrious general he had fallen for.
For Sima Yi, he was beginning to feel he was chasing an impossibility.
______________________________________________
Zhang He's eyes slowly fluttered open, and he gazed upon the powdery gray sky.
"Lord Cao Cao is waiting…" he commented without much care.
Reluctantly, the lanky general pushed himself from his resting place, and turned to attend to what he could predict would be an extremely thunderous meeting with their liege.
It was too bad really, he mused. The high commander had such a wonderful voice when he was compliant. Hurrying from the cherry blossom gardens, he consoled himself with the probability that maybe…maybe the other would be present.
Quickening his pace, Zhang Junyi, his mind in a rare moment of heady indulgence, failed to notice the figure that came straight at him.
______________________________________________
Sima Yi felt the impact, even before he collided into the surprised Van leader.
Exclaiming, he fell backwards and struck the ground with a painful slap to the back, as the tall general, a natural dancer, flipped gracefully and landed a few feet away, without sound, nor injury. Trying to compose himself, Sima Yi looked down in embarrassment, refusing to even gaze upon the general's face, and bit his lip. Mentally, he swore.
'Fool! Fool!!'
At that very moment, Sima Yi longed to simply fade away.
______________________________________________
It was the mysterious, beautiful one.
Surprise shone in his features; but when the other, not as adept in the art of acrobatics as he was, fell to the ground, he immediately cursed his negligence and rushed forward. Seeing the younger man on the ground, an undignified position for one so beautiful, his heart ached oddly, and Zhang He longed to take him into his arms, and soothe all hurt away.
Instead, he extended an arm, almost shyly, in aid.
______________________________________________
The pale hand that offered help surprised Sima Yi, as he half expected the Van leader to turn away in disgust and leave him be. Such help only served to strengthen the strange warmth he felt for the general.
His mind momentarily blank, Sima Yi steeled his heart courageously and looked up.
______________________________________________
Zhang He regarded the young man in front of him with interest. His heart softening inexorably, he understood, instantly, the man's need for salvaged pride and let the help extended drop quietly to his side. Without his claws, and the armor he usually wore, Zhang He did not realize the disturbingly attractive sight he presented. Instead, Junyi was preoccupied with the stray tendrils framing the other's face, immaculate bun knocked loose by the fall with the headdress lying forgotten by his feet. Yet, what attracted him most was the silent pride the man carried unconsciously around him. That, and the most unusual, piercing violet eyes he had ever seen a man - or anyone for that matter - possess.
'This man would go far some day. Very far.'
Bowing, as dictated of custom, he said, "I am sorry." He leaned closer. "Did I hurt you?"
'I would like to see that day.'
Widening his eyes in surprise, the young man could only dumbly shake his head.
'No. I do not merely want to see. I would like to be by his side when that day arrives.'
The strange notion disturbed him.
______________________________________________
Salvaging the last remnants of his dignity, Sima Yi rose unsteadily to his feet. The knowledge that Zhang Junyi was concerned, and unhesitant to offer help warmed him and gave him courage.
"It is I who must apologize, my lord general. It was my clumsiness." There was a pause as the Va leader continued to stare, as if expecting more.
Undecided, Sima Yi hesitated for the barest of time. Then, boldly, he kneeled.
"General Zhang He, I am Zhongda."
~~~~~
Ok. This chapter took a long time to finish. I think, on average, I wrote about a sentence a day or something.
The problem was, at the beginning, one part of my brain was screaming, "Make them meet! Make them meet! You sure have procrastinated enough already!!!"
Then my other more perverted part was saying, "Yeah, too long! Make them do something more! Make them do something more!"
Then, of course, as always, in situations such as these, they turn to me simultaneously and ask, "What happens in between?"
Actually, I considered letting Zhang He and Zhou Yu meet more intimately first (as in without thousands of soldiers on both sides hanging on intently to what their generals have to say to each other), before the scene with Sima Yi but I think my brain was on strike then and the chapter just refused to materialize (nevertheless, thank you so much for that suggestion).
Well, this is the result after much bickering. It wasn't what I originally planned, but oh well…
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Though the beauty of the falling cherry blossoms that swirled and floated gently to the ground was famed to rival even those of the Jade Emperor's gardens, Zhang He, a lone figure, hidden almost, amidst the many pink dotted trees that decorated the expanse of Wei castle grounds, was impervious and seemed more occupied with a tiny fern that had somehow managed to miss the hawk-like eyes of the head gardeners and flourished even among the choke of cherry blossoms.
His mind was far away…away from the calm nature that slowly enfolded around him and away from the pressing summons of the lord that had brought him to the castle in the first place. Then, his thoughts were a whirl of emotions and countless scenes that seemed to replay themselves seamlessly, as if he was audience to a theatre that was his life, to that very day. Strangely, though he had not reflected much on the occasion, the scene of his first day at Wei seemed to constantly resurface, among the jumble of many other more important, more significant ones and he pondered on it, wondering at the same time, if another - a very interesting other, one that had caught his attentions lately - had arrived at the kingdom under similar circumstances. He thought too, of the doomed battle not too long ago, and of the vicious personal battle that had transpired between him and a particular boyishly handsome general and reflected musingly. He could not help but smile secretly at the brief meeting with the dark, beautiful one before the battle at Chi Bi and frowned almost immediately at what a seemingly harmless indulgence could have affected his otherwise flawless performance in war. Recounting the fiery battle, he too reflected upon the strange glitter in the Wu strategist, Zhou Yu's eyes as claws met sword and shook his head slightly to banish the odd, worrying feeling that had begun to rise in his heart.
It was not him; to ponder overly much at the matters of heart, or to question the accuracy of a warrior's instinct that had been honed blade sharp, long before the day he took the claws, to faultless perfection; he chastised lightly. But admittedly, he allowed, the was no hiding the strange sensation that had settled, unknowingly, in the deepest recesses of his heart, as he gazed upon the arrogant, purple-clad man who seemed a permanent attachment to Wei castle, and to Lord Cao Pi, recently. Idly, he wondered, if the beautiful younger man was somehow consort to the ruler's ambitious oldest son's desires - for it was well-known Lord Cao Pi favoured all things beautiful - and the irrational anger that came swiftly with such thoughts surprised, and unsettled him.
Zhang He gritted his teeth painfully, leaning back against the large comforting trunk, and feeling the rough dusty bark against his silken back. Indeed, it was not him to have such thoughts; and unconsciously he flexed his long fingers, imagining, feeling the comforting familiarity of smooth, golden claws. Closing his eyes, the heavy lashes leaving dark crescent imprints on his alabaster skin, he immersed himself in imaginary battle.
War, ugly as it was, beautiful as it was, had never failed him. Even as they lost, and the agony that consumed was unbearably painful, it had never, ever, failed him. With raging passion, it offered solace from the complexities of the world, just as beauty offered a mask that shielded the imperfections of the world.
Zhang Junyi, allowing a moment of indulgence, smiled peacefully.
______________________________________________
Sima Yi snapped the scroll he had been studying shut without much relish, the dark, somber mood of the castle affecting his concentrating and his otherwise, good disposition. Cooped up in the dusty, musky Scroll Room, as Secretary of Literature, he felt like a tiger trapped in a cage much too small, much too common, to hold such a powerful and magnificent creature, and snorting, disgusted, at the sparsity of such…ordinary…furnishings, he longed, desperately, for the known feel of a war table, and of the familiar touch of brush again velvety animal skin, as he planned and perfected the army's every strategy, every move, down the path of victory.
Pacing restlessly, he looked out through the tiny crack of light streaming through almost closed windows - preferring, always, to work in near darkness - and abruptly, he was overwhelmed by the desire to enjoy the calm breeze he felt wafting through, and to settle his disturbed mind.
Sima Yi knew, of the conditions in the castle, especially in the obvious black rage of Cao Cao that left no officer even momentary tranquility, after such humiliating defeat; but his detachment from the entire issue was the furthest thing that crossed his mind at that moment, as his eyes trained unexpectedly on a familiar figure. Squinting harder, the man - he was quite sure it was male - seemed to disappear again amidst the trees. Scorning his current obligations, he left the musty room without much consideration and hurried into the gardens.
His heart, normally calm and immovable, was beating with an irrational urgency that even he could not explain.
______________________________________________
"Lord Zhou Yu?"
The man intent at the desk looked up momentarily and frowning, beckoned for the woman to enter; then returned to his scrolls.
"Lord Zhou Yu…"
Sighing at the unavoidable interruption, the young tactician of Wu stood up resignedly, to face the petite woman society called his wife. Then, the unforgiving features on his face softening slightly, he voiced, "What is it, Xiao Qiao?"
"Ah…um…" Xiao Qiao fumbled, a little flustered at her husband's hard gaze. "I…I…was wondering how you were doing." She paused, and shifted the tray she was carrying. "You have been locked up in here for so long…"
"I have informed you that I would be busy for the afternoon…"
"Ah, yes…but it is such a beautiful day…" Xiao Qiao gazed outside longingly.
Shaking his head, Zhou Yu interrupted, "One does not have allowances for such folly, even more so for a person in my position. To waste precious time is a sin, when our land still remains unfree, and countless others, still suffer. You of all people should be aware of that, my dear wife."
Blushing at his soft reprimand, the young woman nevertheless smiled understandingly, though her heart longed to shed tears, and lifted the tray, displaying an array of colourful, attractive delicacies. "Then, my lord, would you at least eat? A mind is like a cart without wheels when the stomach is unfed."
Zhou Yu chuckled at her unique reasoning, taking the tray and placing it carelessly on the smooth, polished tabletop. "I will eat it later…when the cart feels that it has lost a wheel," he promised. "Now, go."
"But, Lord Zhou Yu!"
Placing firm hands on her slim shoulders, he steered her gently to the massive teak doors. "Leave me, my lovely wife. I have to plan."
Glancing first at the forgotten tray, then at her husband's unyielding face, she walked out reluctantly. Her large eyes could hardly contain the dam of tears that threatened to spill, and she did not want her husband to see her sorrow. She had understood his obligations long before she married him, and now, even as he shut her so cruelly from his heart, and from his life - no matter how temporary - a general's wife would proudly hold on to her honour, and to her place in the family - to follow her husband, and to serve.
But as the doors clicked shut, she heard his calm voice call, "I will be out for dinner."
Xiao Qiao hurried down the corridor to the kitchens, her mind already a furious whirl, planning the evening's dishes, mentally thumbing her memory for her husband's favourites. To her husband, time was precious. To her as well, his time was like a rare gem.
She would take full advantage of it.
______________________________________________
Desperately, he searched. But for Sima Yi, the trees seemed his only companions. He was disappointed.
'Perhaps your eyes are failing you, Zhongda. Maybe you have been cooped up in that blasted room for far too long.'
He clenched his fists painfully, aware of his foolishness, yet unwilling to accept it.
Angry, Sima Yi turned to return the scroll room, his heart burning and his thin lips a straight, frustrated line.
'Forget it, Sima Yi. Forget it.'
For a person who always chased after what he sought, and pursued with predatory intensity his most yearned desires, Sima Yi was beginning to feel an invisible wall in his path, that no matter how high he climbed, or how hard he tried to break through its steel-like bricks, it refused to crumble - just like the illustrious general he had fallen for.
For Sima Yi, he was beginning to feel he was chasing an impossibility.
______________________________________________
Zhang He's eyes slowly fluttered open, and he gazed upon the powdery gray sky.
"Lord Cao Cao is waiting…" he commented without much care.
Reluctantly, the lanky general pushed himself from his resting place, and turned to attend to what he could predict would be an extremely thunderous meeting with their liege.
It was too bad really, he mused. The high commander had such a wonderful voice when he was compliant. Hurrying from the cherry blossom gardens, he consoled himself with the probability that maybe…maybe the other would be present.
Quickening his pace, Zhang Junyi, his mind in a rare moment of heady indulgence, failed to notice the figure that came straight at him.
______________________________________________
Sima Yi felt the impact, even before he collided into the surprised Van leader.
Exclaiming, he fell backwards and struck the ground with a painful slap to the back, as the tall general, a natural dancer, flipped gracefully and landed a few feet away, without sound, nor injury. Trying to compose himself, Sima Yi looked down in embarrassment, refusing to even gaze upon the general's face, and bit his lip. Mentally, he swore.
'Fool! Fool!!'
At that very moment, Sima Yi longed to simply fade away.
______________________________________________
It was the mysterious, beautiful one.
Surprise shone in his features; but when the other, not as adept in the art of acrobatics as he was, fell to the ground, he immediately cursed his negligence and rushed forward. Seeing the younger man on the ground, an undignified position for one so beautiful, his heart ached oddly, and Zhang He longed to take him into his arms, and soothe all hurt away.
Instead, he extended an arm, almost shyly, in aid.
______________________________________________
The pale hand that offered help surprised Sima Yi, as he half expected the Van leader to turn away in disgust and leave him be. Such help only served to strengthen the strange warmth he felt for the general.
His mind momentarily blank, Sima Yi steeled his heart courageously and looked up.
______________________________________________
Zhang He regarded the young man in front of him with interest. His heart softening inexorably, he understood, instantly, the man's need for salvaged pride and let the help extended drop quietly to his side. Without his claws, and the armor he usually wore, Zhang He did not realize the disturbingly attractive sight he presented. Instead, Junyi was preoccupied with the stray tendrils framing the other's face, immaculate bun knocked loose by the fall with the headdress lying forgotten by his feet. Yet, what attracted him most was the silent pride the man carried unconsciously around him. That, and the most unusual, piercing violet eyes he had ever seen a man - or anyone for that matter - possess.
'This man would go far some day. Very far.'
Bowing, as dictated of custom, he said, "I am sorry." He leaned closer. "Did I hurt you?"
'I would like to see that day.'
Widening his eyes in surprise, the young man could only dumbly shake his head.
'No. I do not merely want to see. I would like to be by his side when that day arrives.'
The strange notion disturbed him.
______________________________________________
Salvaging the last remnants of his dignity, Sima Yi rose unsteadily to his feet. The knowledge that Zhang Junyi was concerned, and unhesitant to offer help warmed him and gave him courage.
"It is I who must apologize, my lord general. It was my clumsiness." There was a pause as the Va leader continued to stare, as if expecting more.
Undecided, Sima Yi hesitated for the barest of time. Then, boldly, he kneeled.
"General Zhang He, I am Zhongda."
~~~~~
Ok. This chapter took a long time to finish. I think, on average, I wrote about a sentence a day or something.
The problem was, at the beginning, one part of my brain was screaming, "Make them meet! Make them meet! You sure have procrastinated enough already!!!"
Then my other more perverted part was saying, "Yeah, too long! Make them do something more! Make them do something more!"
Then, of course, as always, in situations such as these, they turn to me simultaneously and ask, "What happens in between?"
Actually, I considered letting Zhang He and Zhou Yu meet more intimately first (as in without thousands of soldiers on both sides hanging on intently to what their generals have to say to each other), before the scene with Sima Yi but I think my brain was on strike then and the chapter just refused to materialize (nevertheless, thank you so much for that suggestion).
Well, this is the result after much bickering. It wasn't what I originally planned, but oh well…
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.