You readers are gonna hate the hell outta me for this. I know everyone
hates late updates, but when there are examinations and other activities, I
really don't have a choice. But I won't give up that easily just for this
small mishap. Roll on!
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Chapter 14: Xiao Qiao Encounters the Three Armies
'Borrrriiinnnggggg!' wailed Xiao Qiao.
It has been an hour since she had sat on that large boulder sank deep into the earth. The clouds told Xiao Qiao that afternoon had arrived and still not a sight of Ming Ling could be seen.
The only forms of moving life were the passing birds which landed next to her and gave a stare of bewilderment. Xiao Qiao giggles and patted the birds as they flew away to the northern direction.
'Dear Da...' Xiao Qiao imagined herself writing a letter. '..life sucks big time when you're sitting on a boulder like a buffoon without doing anything!'
Xiao Qiao gave out a loud sigh and lay down on the boulder staring at the passing clouds.
While Xiao Qiao is counting the fifth cloud that passes by, the earth beneath her gave a small tremble. She stood up and looked around for any sign of movement. Hopefully it's Ming Ling and her twin fans, but when she turned her head to the western direction, she adjusted her vision to catch sight of a small group of horsemen galloping rapidly towards her direction. Xiao Qiao makes haste and hid herself behind the large boulder to play safe just in case it was anyone out of the ordinary.
The horsemen halted in front of the large boulder where Xiao Qiao was hiding. Her heart was beating fast. The conversation among the horsemen was heard loud and clear as Xiao Qiao's ears could bring. She peeped out to see who those horsemen were.
Xiao Qiao's face turned to horror when she took a glimpse of the blue colored banners those horsemen was carrying.
'It's...it's the Wei army!'
True enough, Xiao Qiao recognized those blue colored uniforms those horsemen were wearing. She could also see that the small Wei squadron was lead by three generals. The army consists of about 30 men.
'We have traveled this far from Cai. What could this piece of terrain be any use to us?' sprung out a general's voice from the pack.
'This terrain as you spoke of showed nothing convincing for an attack on Shu. All I see was an abandon military camp over there' another voice came, much broader. The general is pointing to the northern direction. 'Furthermore, that camp has been left unused since the battle of Bai Ma slope'
'Generals' came another voice, which this time it sounded a bit younger than the previous two. 'It will be our downfall if we don't use this land as our advantage in attacking Shu. That wretched Zhuge Liang is witty yet a cunning one. So far no one is able to outdo his intelligence. From what I've heard, even strategies like Xu Shu and Pang Tong weren't a match to him'
The other two generals said nothing.
'Yue Jin, Man Chong, don't you see? This land has a strategic setting which we can use as our advantage. We must use that abandon base as our base now. The Shu forces have no choice but to go through a small forest in order to reach that base. We'll burn the forest down while the Shu troops are in it!'
'That may be true, but for a person like Zhuge Liang, he won't be that stupid to move his troops into a forest' Man Chong replied.
'Do not worry, I have my way of forcing Zhuge Liang's troops into the forest. Come, let's not waste anymore time. Let us explore the perimeters of this land' the other general exclaimed as he and the Wei troops rode off north.
'That Qiu Huan does seem confident' Yue Jin whispered to Man Chong.
'Perhaps a little too confident'
The sounds of the galloping horsemen fade away which gives a sign for Xiao Qiao that it is safe to come out from her hiding. Xiao Qiao swept her brow showing the impression that it was a close escape from her greatest enemy undetected.
'I just hope they wouldn't back track' Xiao Qiao thought for awhile. 'To play safe, I'll find another spot to rest and wait for Ming Ling at the same time!'
The young Wu native walked for about 2 li until she reached a shady tree. Xiao Qiao manages to climb up on one of the branches and lay down. The view from the branch also caught sight of the abandon camp which would be easier to spot Ming Ling.
After yet another ten minutes, the earth began to rumble again. Xiao Qiao stood still to cease any movements of herself to check whether the Wei army had returned. But when the pack moves closer, she saw that the soldiers weren't carrying Wei banners.
'Look! A tree! We'll rest there for the moment!' a voice came from the pack that gave an order.
The pack halted their steed directly under Xiao Qiao which gave her a shock. Fearing of being discovered by those soldiers, Xiao Qiao manages to stealthy climbed onto the second branch of the tree. The pack's banners gave away their identity when Xiao Qiao analyzes them.
'Shu soldiers? Here?' Xiao Qiao whispered.
'We've searched most of these whole plains! Where could that dimwit have gone!', a general voice out in anger.
'Yan Yan, calm down. We haven't searched the whole area yet' came another voice.
The broad face general by the name of Yan Yan looks at the others in a dissatisfying view. His face was all sweaty and disappointed.
'What is Kong Ming thinking? Lei Tong, what does our strategist sees in that boy?'
'Zhuge Liang is a man build up from many talents' Lei Tong answered. 'He must have his reasons for entrusting that boy to the Imperial Uncle'
'What's so great about that Jian Shun!?' Yan Yan retorted. 'He's just a mere soldier trained for only 7 months! We've been trained under Liu Biao once for years and now Shu. Base on military experience, I'm far more capable than him!'
'I never underestimate Zhuge Liang. You know that. Everyone in Shu knows that. Yan Yan, just give in a little more patience and see the final results'
'Hmph! All right, I'll take your word for it. That Kong Ming has a mind of a devil sometimes. You do remember how he apply his plans on conquering Cheng Du back then from our former lord'
'A genius I must say. Anyway, let's continue on with our search. The western part of this area is still foggy in our minds'
'Yes, let's do that' Yan Yan replied as he gave an order to the soldiers to move out and headed towards the west direction.
Once again as the sounds of galloping fades away, Xiao Qiao climbed down from her hiding.
'What's all that about? First Wei, then Shu. I wonder what they plan to do in this terrain anyway.' Xiao Qiao said.
*
The clouds were slowly mobilizing across Xiao Qiao's face as she looked up, knowing that yet another hour had passed and still no sign of Ming Ling. It was a surprise that she was back on top of the large boulder earlier under the sun, rather than on a branch under a shady tree. She gave out a disappointing gesture.
'Stupid termites! Wonder why such creatures exist!' she bellowed as she scratches her right arm.
Then, suddenly yet again the familiar rumbling noises of the ground came to her ears.
'Not again!' she groaned as she leaps back behind the boulder. 'Who is it this time? Wei again, or Shu!?'
Xiao Qiao guessed it right. Another pack of horsemen were galloping heading for her direction. Just like the previous Wei army, this army stopped in front of the large boulder.
'Just exactly what are we doing in this area? What's the commander-in-chief thinking?' came a soldier's voice.
'He told us to scout this area. He said this area might contain resources that our army needs' another voice replied.
Something then sprung up to Xiao Qiao's mind. Those voices that she heard from the cavalry were familiar to her. She then took a peep at the banners they were carrying. They were red, bearing the symbol of the state where she comes from. Xiao Qiao emerges from hiding and greeted the cavalry.
'Ling Tong! Ding Feng!'
'Lady.Qiao!?' a general by the name of Ling Tong answered in astonishment. 'What are you doing here?'
'This can't be! Isn't our commander-in-chief informed about this?' Ding Feng continued.
'You officers worry too much. Just like Zhou Yu' Xiao Qiao boasted.
'I think it's best that you followed us back to Jian Ye where your sister is' Ling Tong.
'Wa...watitaminute! I haven't finished here just yet!' Xiao Qiao protested.
'What do you mean? Just exactly what are you doing in this county?'
'If they find out I lost my fans, Zhou Yu's gonna kill me!' Xiao Qiao thought. Xiao Qiao hastens her mind for a good excuse. 'Listen, err..I'm supposing to rendezvous with my other troops. The meeting was supposed to be here'
'What a relief! We thought you were alone!' Ling Tong voiced out.
'At least you were with some soldiers. But where are they? Aren't they supposed to be with you? If I ever found out those troops were slacking...'
'Er..no, no! I ordered them to scout a route back to Cai' Xiao Qiao replied hastily.
'Lady Qiao, you ARE on the path back to Cai. It's just behind you' Ling Tong pointed.
'Are you alright? You are not lost aren't you?' Ding Feng asked, looking suspiciously.
'Oh.really? Em..of course it is! I guess I'm in the blues again. I'll wait...for my troops here then. Thanks again for your help generals!' Xiao Qiao replied, giving them a fake smile.
'Lady Qiao, I think you should follow us back to Jian Ye. Ling Tong will round up your troops and meet with us. Where did you station them?' Ding Feng said.
'Er...no, no! You see, my troops were....scattered to scout the route. So, it's impossible for Ling Tong to round them up. No need for the burden. You all can continue your patrol and I'll wait for my troops here. We'll up on the path to Jian Ye then'
'Are you actually sure about this?' Ding Feng asked with anxiety.
'Positive! Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself, really!'
'Really? Then where are your twin fans by the way?' Ling Tong asked.
'My, aren't you nosy Ling Tong. I said I can take care of myself!' Xiao Qiao shouted.
'Yes, but I'm just curious of..' Ling Tong stuttered.
'No buts! You must have more confidence on your officer. I'm okay. There are no beasts here except for harmless birds! I'll catch up with you all'
'Are you really sure about this?' Ling tong asked again.
Xiao Qiao could feel her anger increasing whenever Ling tong questioned her. 'I think Zhou Yu will be very DELIGHTED when I tell him about your lack of confidence on your officers!'
'Ok. Ok! We'll get..moving then!'
Both Wu generals speed off without further questioning. When the hoofs of the horses fade away, Xiao Qiao breathes a sign of relief. The two officers were close in detecting her true intentions about losing her equipment.
She remembered well when Zhou Yu gave Xiao Qiao a stern warning about looking after her weapons. She really hopes that Ming Ling arrives not too late with her twin fans so she could join the Wu cavalry and headed back to Jian Ye.
Little did she realize that a rider appeared within the horizon. As the stalwart looking rider approaches, a wave was greeted to Xiao Qiao. Xiao Qiao grew a wide smile and waved back at the rider.
'Ming Ling!' Xiao Qiao shouted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Again I would like to apologize for my late update. Please R&R!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Chapter 14: Xiao Qiao Encounters the Three Armies
'Borrrriiinnnggggg!' wailed Xiao Qiao.
It has been an hour since she had sat on that large boulder sank deep into the earth. The clouds told Xiao Qiao that afternoon had arrived and still not a sight of Ming Ling could be seen.
The only forms of moving life were the passing birds which landed next to her and gave a stare of bewilderment. Xiao Qiao giggles and patted the birds as they flew away to the northern direction.
'Dear Da...' Xiao Qiao imagined herself writing a letter. '..life sucks big time when you're sitting on a boulder like a buffoon without doing anything!'
Xiao Qiao gave out a loud sigh and lay down on the boulder staring at the passing clouds.
While Xiao Qiao is counting the fifth cloud that passes by, the earth beneath her gave a small tremble. She stood up and looked around for any sign of movement. Hopefully it's Ming Ling and her twin fans, but when she turned her head to the western direction, she adjusted her vision to catch sight of a small group of horsemen galloping rapidly towards her direction. Xiao Qiao makes haste and hid herself behind the large boulder to play safe just in case it was anyone out of the ordinary.
The horsemen halted in front of the large boulder where Xiao Qiao was hiding. Her heart was beating fast. The conversation among the horsemen was heard loud and clear as Xiao Qiao's ears could bring. She peeped out to see who those horsemen were.
Xiao Qiao's face turned to horror when she took a glimpse of the blue colored banners those horsemen was carrying.
'It's...it's the Wei army!'
True enough, Xiao Qiao recognized those blue colored uniforms those horsemen were wearing. She could also see that the small Wei squadron was lead by three generals. The army consists of about 30 men.
'We have traveled this far from Cai. What could this piece of terrain be any use to us?' sprung out a general's voice from the pack.
'This terrain as you spoke of showed nothing convincing for an attack on Shu. All I see was an abandon military camp over there' another voice came, much broader. The general is pointing to the northern direction. 'Furthermore, that camp has been left unused since the battle of Bai Ma slope'
'Generals' came another voice, which this time it sounded a bit younger than the previous two. 'It will be our downfall if we don't use this land as our advantage in attacking Shu. That wretched Zhuge Liang is witty yet a cunning one. So far no one is able to outdo his intelligence. From what I've heard, even strategies like Xu Shu and Pang Tong weren't a match to him'
The other two generals said nothing.
'Yue Jin, Man Chong, don't you see? This land has a strategic setting which we can use as our advantage. We must use that abandon base as our base now. The Shu forces have no choice but to go through a small forest in order to reach that base. We'll burn the forest down while the Shu troops are in it!'
'That may be true, but for a person like Zhuge Liang, he won't be that stupid to move his troops into a forest' Man Chong replied.
'Do not worry, I have my way of forcing Zhuge Liang's troops into the forest. Come, let's not waste anymore time. Let us explore the perimeters of this land' the other general exclaimed as he and the Wei troops rode off north.
'That Qiu Huan does seem confident' Yue Jin whispered to Man Chong.
'Perhaps a little too confident'
The sounds of the galloping horsemen fade away which gives a sign for Xiao Qiao that it is safe to come out from her hiding. Xiao Qiao swept her brow showing the impression that it was a close escape from her greatest enemy undetected.
'I just hope they wouldn't back track' Xiao Qiao thought for awhile. 'To play safe, I'll find another spot to rest and wait for Ming Ling at the same time!'
The young Wu native walked for about 2 li until she reached a shady tree. Xiao Qiao manages to climb up on one of the branches and lay down. The view from the branch also caught sight of the abandon camp which would be easier to spot Ming Ling.
After yet another ten minutes, the earth began to rumble again. Xiao Qiao stood still to cease any movements of herself to check whether the Wei army had returned. But when the pack moves closer, she saw that the soldiers weren't carrying Wei banners.
'Look! A tree! We'll rest there for the moment!' a voice came from the pack that gave an order.
The pack halted their steed directly under Xiao Qiao which gave her a shock. Fearing of being discovered by those soldiers, Xiao Qiao manages to stealthy climbed onto the second branch of the tree. The pack's banners gave away their identity when Xiao Qiao analyzes them.
'Shu soldiers? Here?' Xiao Qiao whispered.
'We've searched most of these whole plains! Where could that dimwit have gone!', a general voice out in anger.
'Yan Yan, calm down. We haven't searched the whole area yet' came another voice.
The broad face general by the name of Yan Yan looks at the others in a dissatisfying view. His face was all sweaty and disappointed.
'What is Kong Ming thinking? Lei Tong, what does our strategist sees in that boy?'
'Zhuge Liang is a man build up from many talents' Lei Tong answered. 'He must have his reasons for entrusting that boy to the Imperial Uncle'
'What's so great about that Jian Shun!?' Yan Yan retorted. 'He's just a mere soldier trained for only 7 months! We've been trained under Liu Biao once for years and now Shu. Base on military experience, I'm far more capable than him!'
'I never underestimate Zhuge Liang. You know that. Everyone in Shu knows that. Yan Yan, just give in a little more patience and see the final results'
'Hmph! All right, I'll take your word for it. That Kong Ming has a mind of a devil sometimes. You do remember how he apply his plans on conquering Cheng Du back then from our former lord'
'A genius I must say. Anyway, let's continue on with our search. The western part of this area is still foggy in our minds'
'Yes, let's do that' Yan Yan replied as he gave an order to the soldiers to move out and headed towards the west direction.
Once again as the sounds of galloping fades away, Xiao Qiao climbed down from her hiding.
'What's all that about? First Wei, then Shu. I wonder what they plan to do in this terrain anyway.' Xiao Qiao said.
*
The clouds were slowly mobilizing across Xiao Qiao's face as she looked up, knowing that yet another hour had passed and still no sign of Ming Ling. It was a surprise that she was back on top of the large boulder earlier under the sun, rather than on a branch under a shady tree. She gave out a disappointing gesture.
'Stupid termites! Wonder why such creatures exist!' she bellowed as she scratches her right arm.
Then, suddenly yet again the familiar rumbling noises of the ground came to her ears.
'Not again!' she groaned as she leaps back behind the boulder. 'Who is it this time? Wei again, or Shu!?'
Xiao Qiao guessed it right. Another pack of horsemen were galloping heading for her direction. Just like the previous Wei army, this army stopped in front of the large boulder.
'Just exactly what are we doing in this area? What's the commander-in-chief thinking?' came a soldier's voice.
'He told us to scout this area. He said this area might contain resources that our army needs' another voice replied.
Something then sprung up to Xiao Qiao's mind. Those voices that she heard from the cavalry were familiar to her. She then took a peep at the banners they were carrying. They were red, bearing the symbol of the state where she comes from. Xiao Qiao emerges from hiding and greeted the cavalry.
'Ling Tong! Ding Feng!'
'Lady.Qiao!?' a general by the name of Ling Tong answered in astonishment. 'What are you doing here?'
'This can't be! Isn't our commander-in-chief informed about this?' Ding Feng continued.
'You officers worry too much. Just like Zhou Yu' Xiao Qiao boasted.
'I think it's best that you followed us back to Jian Ye where your sister is' Ling Tong.
'Wa...watitaminute! I haven't finished here just yet!' Xiao Qiao protested.
'What do you mean? Just exactly what are you doing in this county?'
'If they find out I lost my fans, Zhou Yu's gonna kill me!' Xiao Qiao thought. Xiao Qiao hastens her mind for a good excuse. 'Listen, err..I'm supposing to rendezvous with my other troops. The meeting was supposed to be here'
'What a relief! We thought you were alone!' Ling Tong voiced out.
'At least you were with some soldiers. But where are they? Aren't they supposed to be with you? If I ever found out those troops were slacking...'
'Er..no, no! I ordered them to scout a route back to Cai' Xiao Qiao replied hastily.
'Lady Qiao, you ARE on the path back to Cai. It's just behind you' Ling Tong pointed.
'Are you alright? You are not lost aren't you?' Ding Feng asked, looking suspiciously.
'Oh.really? Em..of course it is! I guess I'm in the blues again. I'll wait...for my troops here then. Thanks again for your help generals!' Xiao Qiao replied, giving them a fake smile.
'Lady Qiao, I think you should follow us back to Jian Ye. Ling Tong will round up your troops and meet with us. Where did you station them?' Ding Feng said.
'Er...no, no! You see, my troops were....scattered to scout the route. So, it's impossible for Ling Tong to round them up. No need for the burden. You all can continue your patrol and I'll wait for my troops here. We'll up on the path to Jian Ye then'
'Are you actually sure about this?' Ding Feng asked with anxiety.
'Positive! Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself, really!'
'Really? Then where are your twin fans by the way?' Ling Tong asked.
'My, aren't you nosy Ling Tong. I said I can take care of myself!' Xiao Qiao shouted.
'Yes, but I'm just curious of..' Ling Tong stuttered.
'No buts! You must have more confidence on your officer. I'm okay. There are no beasts here except for harmless birds! I'll catch up with you all'
'Are you really sure about this?' Ling tong asked again.
Xiao Qiao could feel her anger increasing whenever Ling tong questioned her. 'I think Zhou Yu will be very DELIGHTED when I tell him about your lack of confidence on your officers!'
'Ok. Ok! We'll get..moving then!'
Both Wu generals speed off without further questioning. When the hoofs of the horses fade away, Xiao Qiao breathes a sign of relief. The two officers were close in detecting her true intentions about losing her equipment.
She remembered well when Zhou Yu gave Xiao Qiao a stern warning about looking after her weapons. She really hopes that Ming Ling arrives not too late with her twin fans so she could join the Wu cavalry and headed back to Jian Ye.
Little did she realize that a rider appeared within the horizon. As the stalwart looking rider approaches, a wave was greeted to Xiao Qiao. Xiao Qiao grew a wide smile and waved back at the rider.
'Ming Ling!' Xiao Qiao shouted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Again I would like to apologize for my late update. Please R&R!