AN: All right, here we go, third chapter! Since this is the 2nd part of the Chang Ban incident, it'll start right off from where the last chapter ended. If you forget where we were, go back and read the last sentence or so.

Disclaimer: Too lazy to write one… sue me if you want.

This chapter is brought to you by Dynasty Funhouse. This show's got it all. Men going to jail, vanishing pants, potty mouths, burning libraries, and Sima Yi getting angry. What more can you possibly want from an educational program? Please visit them at the Dynasty Warriors section under rated R fics.


Chapter 3


"So, we finally meet Lady Yulan," he cooed softly, purring so quietly at the end that only I could hear.

My heart pounded faster, both out of fright and excitement of this new enemy. A pair of dark eyes, danced playfully as they gazed into mine. A long, straight nose and high cheekbones set on a slender face. A small, delicate smile pursed into a mocking smile. His long, dark hair was kept up by an elaborate hairpiece, set on a high ponytail, the ends flowing freely to his waist. The shorter locks of sleek black hair fell to both sides of his delicate cheeks, framing his fair face.

I stared at him, dumbstruck and speechless. I didn't understand. How could someone so fair, so gentle in appearance, be the one that will end my life? I felt a sudden surge of anger and hate form upon my chest. Sharply, I turned my face to the side, no longer wishing to face him, not even realizing that he could've easily killed me with those heavy golden claws of his. My cheeks burned a scarlet color for I could still feel his heated gaze set upon me. Slowly, I turned my head to face him again. My eyes, burning with the flames of hatred and rage stared into his.

"General," I spoke calmly, "Kill me now for that is your mission. Do not drag this moment on any longer for I do not fear death but I refuse to be taunted by your mocking words."

My voice ran smoothly, without a stutter, without a pause. I prayed he would not see through the lie I had just told. Of course I feared death, it would be foolish not to.

He seemed taken back by my words, his head cocked to one side, his eyes forming a confused expression. But that left as soon as it came, his mischievous eyes and lighthearted smile soon reappeared on his face.

"Why, I haven't the slightest clue what you mean My Lady!" he answered in a silky voice, flashing a smile. "I never had the intention of ending your life!"

I continued to stare at him, a frown upon my brows, the plain words of confusion written on my face. I had not the slightest idea of why he wouldn't kill me. Surely Cao Cao wanted everyone dead. But why was he sparing my life…?

Terrible thoughts came to mind out of fear and desperation. What if I was to be captured, captured alive? I would be able to escape death now but only to endure hours if not days of torture. I could feel my fear growing. It stirred in my stomach, flowed in my blood, ready to swallow me up. But I could not show fright. Not to him, not to my enemy.

"My Lady," he began, seeing the distressed look upon my face, "like I have said before, I am not going to kill you." He continued, raising his voice for everyone to hear, "I am letting you go."

Puzzled expressions appeared on the faces of the people and his soldiers as well as mine.

"I hope this is not some trickery of yours." I replied, my words harsh, my tone icy.

"I assure you it is not My Lady. I am a man of my word."

"Then why?"

"Because I did not receive any direct orders to kill you, My Lady," he replied, his gaze not set on me but on the peasants. "Never did the Grand Lord request the death of you specifically. So, I will take it that he does not want you dead."

"You have such a clever way of words, General." I answered mockingly, "Now are you sure that wonderful Lord Cao Cao of yours will not blame you?"

I regretted those words as soon as they escaped my mouth. Nurse had always scolded me on my sharp tongue and sarcastic comments. I hoped dearly he would not be angered by it and change his mind.

He made no answer. Instead, he commanded his troops to gather the people and assemble outside. Then, when everyone had left, he turned to face me, managing a smile, so sweet, so innocent, so pure. And without a word, he turned and exited the courtyard, leaving me speechless.

I, too, soon joined the company outside. Stepping back once into the wide-open area of the hill, I was at first blinded by the sudden rays of sunlight. It seemed as if gloomy clouds had loomed over the yard foreshadowing danger. But now leaving the courtyard, the clouds of misfortune have passed and the gleams of hope and protection now shine upon us.

Striding over to where the peasants huddled, I rested my hand on an elderly man's shoulder, my eyes kind and encouraging, hoping my presence would calm their worries. Then hearing my name being called, I turned to see him approaching us, brushing away a silky strand of hair from his face with one hand and leading a horse with the other.

"A gift," he spoke softly, handing the rein to me, "for your travels."

I felt the brush of his warm hand and the cold metal of his claws brush against my skin as I took the rein from him, nodding a smile, my silent thank you. Offering his hand, he helped me mount the tall steed.

From my new position, my eyes scanned the surroundings. It was so still, so motionless. The once horrendous site of screams had now died down to an eerie stillness.

"Shall we go now, My Lady?" asked the elderly man, approaching me.

Nodding, I took one last look at the handsome general and his troops before pulling the rough rein, guiding the horse to travel southwards.

"General, please! If you let her go, Lord Cao Cao will be furious!"

Pulling the rein firmly to the side, I was able to turn the horse around, redirecting myself to look upon the man that had just spoken. Judging from his uniform, he was no more than a mere private. Yet his heart contained such courage for a low ranking soldier that he dared speak up.

"Please general," he spoke again, his voice shaking, "please reconsider th-"

"Silence, you fool." He finally answered with an irritated tone.

"General," I too, speaking up, "it is still not to late if you wish to change your mind."

"I live life with no regrets, Lady Yulan. My decision remains unaltered."

"Very well general, if that is your decision, I will bother you no more. But before I depart, I wish to know your name so I may one day repay you for your kindness in our time of need."

His eyes flickered teasingly and a smile appeared on his fine face. "Your compensation is not needed, My Lady," he spoke lightheartedly, "but my name, you shall be given. It is Zhang He, My Lady. Zhang He of Hejian."

"Thank you, Lord Zhang He. I will never forget what you have done for me and for my people." And without looking back at him for the last time, I redirected the white steed onto our route and departed. How I had hoped we would meet once more. Not on the battlefield. Not with slain bodies piling around us nor weapons in our hands. But somewhere where war does not exist, in a place where the celestial forces guide us in an ever-peaceful harmony. Little did I know how foolish this thought was, that we would not be able to become acquainted as better friends but only bitterer foes.

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AN: Hope you had fun reading. I know I promised that I'd update sooner but I guess I lied. There's just so much work these days to do. Thanks for reading and please, send me a review. When will the next chapter be updated? Who knows but don't expect it to be anytime soon.

Just to tell you, the flashback's not done yet. Yeah, I realize it's dragging and slow but bear with me, I'm that kind of writer.