A/N: Yo bro! Watszup?
Qiu Huan: It seems readers may not like that title given to me. I know Huangfu Song's death is unfair, but he committed it HIMSELF! Ain't my problem if he gives me a title! Sometimes you are mean!
A/N: What gives? I wanna make it different y'know. Anyway, you're not gonna be in this chapter.
Qiu Huan: Why? Who's gonna be in? Master Dun?
Ming Ling: I LOVE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES! ^_^
Qiu Huan: (slaps his forehead) Oh brother!
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Chapter 12: Missing Equipment
There's a small peaceful village located not far from Cai. This village serves as a perfect resting area for those who wish to travel to the northern cities and with facilities such as shops and inns, it attracted a lot of travelers.
In a particular tavern found in the eastern section of the village serves the best wine in the county. Thus, this place attracted a lot of customers. At the corner of the tavern, sat a young girl about five feet, around the age of 20. Unlike other women in town who wears silk dress and tiaras, all she wore was a dark purple cape, light blue chest armor along with a simple garb, and also a short sash with iron armlets and light armored boots.
Nearly everyone present drinking at the tavern looked at her while others murmur to one another. Mostly women would wear dresses and cloth garbs in towns, but this particular woman wore differently. She looked like a soldier in everyone's eyes. But, the only thing that fascinated everyone was her trusty bow gun kept by her side. Such weapons were rarely seen in the prefecture. Ignoring everyone, she continued drinking her wine and enjoyed every single drop.
"Yet another year is over," the girl with a pony-tailed hair said. "That makes three years I haven't seen him"
After for a while, boredom filled her mind. She counted the days over and over again. One more day left, she thought. Her journey will last for one more day, then she will finally arrived in Xu Chang, the capital of the Wei empire. While thinking of all the hardships that made her to get this close to Xu Chang, she sighed and prepares to leave the place. She climbed on her white steed and ride slowly to the northern gate.
"What a peaceful town" she said while looking at the daily activities being taken place around her. While she's closing towards the exit, she caught sight of young girl around the age of twelve looking very daze and lost. She then rode up to the young female.
"You look lost. Can I help you?"
"Oh, um..I am actually looking for something. I sort of lost it"
"What did you lose?"
"Er..actually I lost my weapons" the girl replied shyly.
"A young girl like you carrying weapons? What kind of weapons?"
"My twin red fans! I lost them when I spent a night here. What am I going to do?"
"What is your name young one?"
"Xiao Qiao! I'm a native from Wu" answered the girl.
"My name is Ming Ling. Pleased to meet you. You must be very adventurous to travel here all the way from Wu"
"It's normal. But anyway, I need to find my fans fast! Can you help me look for it?"
"Of course. It's been a while since I helped someone" Ming Ling answered.
The two separated and began their search. Both of them asked various people around whether did they see such particular items. Their questions were unable to be answered. Not long during the search, Ming Ling managed to catch up a gossip about thieves and bandits being discussed among the people. It is said that recently there are various types of belongings been stolen from customers who spent their nights at local inns.
"My wife's been sobbing all day! Those darn thieves stole my wife's jade which was given to her by her mother!" one said.
"Of all the items, why must they steal my hunting equipment!? I'll starve for another two days!" bellowed another.
"Um, excuse me. Can you tell me who these thieves are?" Ming Ling butted in the small group of disappointed men.
"How the heck should I know? All I heard was they are mostly bandits than thieves" replied a broad man with an angry expression on his face.
"I really don't know who those thieves were. Actually, no one does!" said an old man while others nodded their heads.
Ming Ling felt disappointed and left the group. She asked nearly everyone, but none provide her the information she desires. After an hour or so, she headed back to the tavern, feeling tired after searching.
"Xiao Qiao is not going to be very happy. I hate it when I'm unable to help someone" she said to herself while gazing at the sunset. "I guess it will take two more days for me to reach Xu Chang".
After a brief moment, a short man hunching his back approaches Ming Ling. He wore green robes with a funny looking hat and holding a staff. White cloth can be seen covering his mouth.
"Well now, you seem a bit down lately" said the man.
Even though his mouth is covered, Ming Ling could hear him well. "You don't look like a person from around here, aren't you?" Ming Ling asked the man while staring at him.
The man laughed. "You are good. Yes, I'm not from around here, neither are you young girl"
"You are not bad yourself. What do you want?"
"I've been eyeing on you earlier. You wish know the group of bandits which stole that little girl's belongings, right?"
"Yes. If you know who those bandits are, please tell me"
"Mind if I sit down?" asked the man.
"Well, of course" Ming Ling replied while offering him a seat.
"Now, I've heard of such bandits like this. If I'm not mistaken, they call themselves the 'Tiger Troupe'. But I'm not sure if those are the bandits who stole that girl's belongings"
"It's well worth a try to find out. But they could be anywhere by now. How can I find them?"
"I heard a rumor yesterday that there's one abandon army camp way to the east of this village that's been occupied by a group of unfavorable people to the society. Others say that those people might be thieves"
"Wow, thanks a lot mister. I'll go and find it out!" Ming Ling smiled.
"Well, it's good to help. I guess I've spent enough time here. I must be going back to Cheng Du" the man said as he move up to the exit.
"Wait" Ming Ling stopped the man. "I'm just curious, why did you provide this information to me only? You should report to the local authorities about this"
The man smiled. "It is of little use to report it to local authorities since China has been divided into three kingdoms. Who can they trust nowadays? I told you this information because you seem capable enough"
"Anyway, thanks a lot mister! I would forget your deed!" Ming Ling waved to the man. The man nodded his head back and walked off to the opposite direction.
"Oh bother, I've forgot to ask for his name. Anyway, I need to find Xiao Qiao. She will be pleased to hear this" Ming Ling said as she exited the tavern and searched for her little friend.
Soon, both Xiao Qiao and Ming Ling caught up one another at the village center. Xiao Qiao still feel disappointed as usual. She still has no information regarding her equipment.
"Still no luck Ming Ling. What am I going to do now?" Xiao Qiao said with anxiety.
"Don't worry! Guess what information I have found!"
***
A soldier came approaching the short man who was earlier at the tavern. He was in full battle armor carrying a spear. He rode towards the man and dismounted.
"Lord Pang Tong, Zhuge Liang is needed of you. Please return to the capital immediately" the soldier greeted.
Pang Tong wasn't surprised as he turned and faced the soldier. "Sha Moke, I knew it was you. It's about time too. I dislike being in Wei territories for a long period. Let's go"
The two officers mounted their own steeds and rode off to the west direction.
"What does Kong Ming wishes to see me about?" Pang Tong asked Sha Moke.
"Lord Zhuge wanted to discuss of Shu's next battle plans against Wei. Are you familiar with the Wei army's new officer?"
"I've heard of him and his activities in Nan Xiang and Xia Pi. He seems like a person who is not to be underestimated with. But in the end, Shu will eventually find a way of disposing this new rookie out of Wei ranks" Pang Tong said with a giggle.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
A/N: Looks like someone's out there to get ya!
Qiu Huan: You think I'm afraid!? I, Qiu Huan shall give my life to Cao Cao and serve Wei no matter what!
Pang Tong: (appears magically) Good for you.
Qiu Huan: Huh? Who said that!?
A/N: Ain't me. You must be drunk!
Qiu Huan: It seems readers may not like that title given to me. I know Huangfu Song's death is unfair, but he committed it HIMSELF! Ain't my problem if he gives me a title! Sometimes you are mean!
A/N: What gives? I wanna make it different y'know. Anyway, you're not gonna be in this chapter.
Qiu Huan: Why? Who's gonna be in? Master Dun?
Ming Ling: I LOVE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES! ^_^
Qiu Huan: (slaps his forehead) Oh brother!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Chapter 12: Missing Equipment
There's a small peaceful village located not far from Cai. This village serves as a perfect resting area for those who wish to travel to the northern cities and with facilities such as shops and inns, it attracted a lot of travelers.
In a particular tavern found in the eastern section of the village serves the best wine in the county. Thus, this place attracted a lot of customers. At the corner of the tavern, sat a young girl about five feet, around the age of 20. Unlike other women in town who wears silk dress and tiaras, all she wore was a dark purple cape, light blue chest armor along with a simple garb, and also a short sash with iron armlets and light armored boots.
Nearly everyone present drinking at the tavern looked at her while others murmur to one another. Mostly women would wear dresses and cloth garbs in towns, but this particular woman wore differently. She looked like a soldier in everyone's eyes. But, the only thing that fascinated everyone was her trusty bow gun kept by her side. Such weapons were rarely seen in the prefecture. Ignoring everyone, she continued drinking her wine and enjoyed every single drop.
"Yet another year is over," the girl with a pony-tailed hair said. "That makes three years I haven't seen him"
After for a while, boredom filled her mind. She counted the days over and over again. One more day left, she thought. Her journey will last for one more day, then she will finally arrived in Xu Chang, the capital of the Wei empire. While thinking of all the hardships that made her to get this close to Xu Chang, she sighed and prepares to leave the place. She climbed on her white steed and ride slowly to the northern gate.
"What a peaceful town" she said while looking at the daily activities being taken place around her. While she's closing towards the exit, she caught sight of young girl around the age of twelve looking very daze and lost. She then rode up to the young female.
"You look lost. Can I help you?"
"Oh, um..I am actually looking for something. I sort of lost it"
"What did you lose?"
"Er..actually I lost my weapons" the girl replied shyly.
"A young girl like you carrying weapons? What kind of weapons?"
"My twin red fans! I lost them when I spent a night here. What am I going to do?"
"What is your name young one?"
"Xiao Qiao! I'm a native from Wu" answered the girl.
"My name is Ming Ling. Pleased to meet you. You must be very adventurous to travel here all the way from Wu"
"It's normal. But anyway, I need to find my fans fast! Can you help me look for it?"
"Of course. It's been a while since I helped someone" Ming Ling answered.
The two separated and began their search. Both of them asked various people around whether did they see such particular items. Their questions were unable to be answered. Not long during the search, Ming Ling managed to catch up a gossip about thieves and bandits being discussed among the people. It is said that recently there are various types of belongings been stolen from customers who spent their nights at local inns.
"My wife's been sobbing all day! Those darn thieves stole my wife's jade which was given to her by her mother!" one said.
"Of all the items, why must they steal my hunting equipment!? I'll starve for another two days!" bellowed another.
"Um, excuse me. Can you tell me who these thieves are?" Ming Ling butted in the small group of disappointed men.
"How the heck should I know? All I heard was they are mostly bandits than thieves" replied a broad man with an angry expression on his face.
"I really don't know who those thieves were. Actually, no one does!" said an old man while others nodded their heads.
Ming Ling felt disappointed and left the group. She asked nearly everyone, but none provide her the information she desires. After an hour or so, she headed back to the tavern, feeling tired after searching.
"Xiao Qiao is not going to be very happy. I hate it when I'm unable to help someone" she said to herself while gazing at the sunset. "I guess it will take two more days for me to reach Xu Chang".
After a brief moment, a short man hunching his back approaches Ming Ling. He wore green robes with a funny looking hat and holding a staff. White cloth can be seen covering his mouth.
"Well now, you seem a bit down lately" said the man.
Even though his mouth is covered, Ming Ling could hear him well. "You don't look like a person from around here, aren't you?" Ming Ling asked the man while staring at him.
The man laughed. "You are good. Yes, I'm not from around here, neither are you young girl"
"You are not bad yourself. What do you want?"
"I've been eyeing on you earlier. You wish know the group of bandits which stole that little girl's belongings, right?"
"Yes. If you know who those bandits are, please tell me"
"Mind if I sit down?" asked the man.
"Well, of course" Ming Ling replied while offering him a seat.
"Now, I've heard of such bandits like this. If I'm not mistaken, they call themselves the 'Tiger Troupe'. But I'm not sure if those are the bandits who stole that girl's belongings"
"It's well worth a try to find out. But they could be anywhere by now. How can I find them?"
"I heard a rumor yesterday that there's one abandon army camp way to the east of this village that's been occupied by a group of unfavorable people to the society. Others say that those people might be thieves"
"Wow, thanks a lot mister. I'll go and find it out!" Ming Ling smiled.
"Well, it's good to help. I guess I've spent enough time here. I must be going back to Cheng Du" the man said as he move up to the exit.
"Wait" Ming Ling stopped the man. "I'm just curious, why did you provide this information to me only? You should report to the local authorities about this"
The man smiled. "It is of little use to report it to local authorities since China has been divided into three kingdoms. Who can they trust nowadays? I told you this information because you seem capable enough"
"Anyway, thanks a lot mister! I would forget your deed!" Ming Ling waved to the man. The man nodded his head back and walked off to the opposite direction.
"Oh bother, I've forgot to ask for his name. Anyway, I need to find Xiao Qiao. She will be pleased to hear this" Ming Ling said as she exited the tavern and searched for her little friend.
Soon, both Xiao Qiao and Ming Ling caught up one another at the village center. Xiao Qiao still feel disappointed as usual. She still has no information regarding her equipment.
"Still no luck Ming Ling. What am I going to do now?" Xiao Qiao said with anxiety.
"Don't worry! Guess what information I have found!"
***
A soldier came approaching the short man who was earlier at the tavern. He was in full battle armor carrying a spear. He rode towards the man and dismounted.
"Lord Pang Tong, Zhuge Liang is needed of you. Please return to the capital immediately" the soldier greeted.
Pang Tong wasn't surprised as he turned and faced the soldier. "Sha Moke, I knew it was you. It's about time too. I dislike being in Wei territories for a long period. Let's go"
The two officers mounted their own steeds and rode off to the west direction.
"What does Kong Ming wishes to see me about?" Pang Tong asked Sha Moke.
"Lord Zhuge wanted to discuss of Shu's next battle plans against Wei. Are you familiar with the Wei army's new officer?"
"I've heard of him and his activities in Nan Xiang and Xia Pi. He seems like a person who is not to be underestimated with. But in the end, Shu will eventually find a way of disposing this new rookie out of Wei ranks" Pang Tong said with a giggle.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
A/N: Looks like someone's out there to get ya!
Qiu Huan: You think I'm afraid!? I, Qiu Huan shall give my life to Cao Cao and serve Wei no matter what!
Pang Tong: (appears magically) Good for you.
Qiu Huan: Huh? Who said that!?
A/N: Ain't me. You must be drunk!