Disclaimer: Doesn't apply, blah blah blah, you get the idea.
Chapter 5
Though growing up in the center of the love and care of others, I somehow felt out of place, differentiated from them. It was an estranged feeling, not knowing how or why, only knowing I was different. Through this, I continuously strived for uniqueness, to put myself above the other ladies and madams, and their finer idea of femininity. And I suppose that's why, I put oh so much effort to prove myself, for respect and approval from men.
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The sky above us shone a smoky gray. A humid breeze danced around us, indicating perhaps later showers. Other than signs of rain, the day was cool and fine, perfect for an archery lesson. But somehow, with my luck, I was instead confined in the prison of my own garden and home, a hostage of my strict Nurse. One way or another, though I tried my hardest to conceal it, she discovered the cut on my arm which I had inflicted upon myself. Not wanting to upset her even more than she already was with her usual complaints, I made up the lie of it being a result of my own clumsiness during my sword practicing. I realized by doing this, I had put some of the blame on General Zhao who accompanied me during these practices. I really never intended for any fault to be placed on him but telling Nurse I myself had caused the slash across my arm was definitely not an option.
Oh how she had reacted when she found out! "Tsk tsk tsk," she clucked like an old hen, while cleaning the gash on my arm. "Look at this." Raising my arm in front of me, she demanded I look at my wound. "Not even properly cleaned and wrapped! Don't you know you could die from an infection?!"
"Well, it's hard to suitably clean and wrap something to your standards. Especially with only one arm to use!" I replied, cringing slightly at the pain.
She let an annoyed sigh, finished winding a clean cloth around the cut, picked up her needlework and continued complaining. "You are just so much trouble, you know. And at the full-grown age of seventeen too! Why, your sister didn't give me half the amount of trouble as you give me now! My goodness, seventeen! Why, your sister was already married and carrying her first child by then! And look at you! Running around the soldiers camp like a wild child, playing with those dangerous things when you could be practicing your embroidery or musical skills! But no, you have to go practice those nasty weapons! And look what you've done to yourself! If you're lucky, this'll heal in a month of two. If not, it'll become infected with all sorts of filthy things.
She continued babbling but I managed to ignore her. I suppose after being with her and her never closed mouth my whole life, I've acquired the skill of listening to what I only want to hear. Everything else passes by as a long slur, unimportant and no need to pay heed to.
"Are you finished?" I replied, feeling a bit annoyed at this point. Her words needed not to be listened to but the continuing buzz of agitating words was a nuisance.
"No, and you better listen to this because I know you've been ignoring me for quite the time now."
I pouted, unhappy with the fact she has caught on with my little secret. I decided to listen, feeling it was in my best interest. Actually, it was more in fear of her endless squabbling if I didn't.
"As long as you're hurt, I don't want you going near that sword of yours. And that goes for any of those dangerous things as well!"
"But-!"
"But what? Don't tell me you can't go a few months without the urge to do something stupid. No, is no.
"Oh, you're impossible!" I cried out of frustration.
"What? I really don't see how giving up fiddling with that nonsense for a hundred days or so is so hard!"
"You don't get it! These things need to be practiced continuously! You cannot just throw it aside and then pick it up again!"
"Oh really, now who taught you that?"
"General Zhao… but that's not the point!"
"Oh so when I tell you these things, you completely ignore me like it was a bunch of nonsense. But when General Zhao says it, you take it as if it was the order of the Emperor!"
I rolled my eyes and kept silent. Now I would be in for a lecture.
"So how come you can throw aside your needlework but not your sword?"
"Because making designs on a piece of silk cloth is useless. It's not like you can accomplish anything with a needle and some fancy embroidering work."
"Well I think that sword of yours is more useless! Think about it Yulan… when the time comes, hopefully not to far from now, when your father finds a suitable man for you, you're going to have to-"
The whole harangue was long, tiresome to listen to and could frustrate the living daylights out of anyone. So needless to say, I lost our verbal fight and the punishment, well here I am.
My body, sore from the constant sitting position I had been in for so long, I stood to stretch my aching limbs. Wandering around, I surveyed everyone else in the garden. Nurse was in the shade, sewing away at probably her second handkerchief this week. A few of the handmaidens were scattered around the garden, whispering and gossiping to each other. And the rest, two servants, standing by the gateways leading out, busied themselves with a conversation.
Strolling around aimlessly, I managed to catch a fragment of the two's conversation as I walked by.
"Have you heard?"
"No, what?"
"They said a ship has docked at the harbor. There were so many soldiers, must've been someone important aboard."
That managed to catch my attention. I bent down by a flower bed, not far from them, within listening range, pretended to take interest in the colorful petals and eavesdropped attentively.
"So how do you think was on that ship?"
"Well…"
"Come on, out with it."
"Well, keeping this between you and me," his voice dropping to a hush, "I heard from one of the guards that they've been expecting an important visitor for about two weeks now. Some kind of political figure or something like that."
I had heard enough. Rising, I requested them to prepare a carriage for me. They returned after a short period of time, informing the carriage was prepared and out front.
"Please inform the driver to bring it to the back. That would be most convenient." All was ready, well, except for one thing.
"Where are you going, Yulan?" Came the imposing voice of the overlarge hen.
She would be a difficult obstacle to overcome and persuade. So there I was, thinking of the obvious dilemma that posed before me.
"Should I tell her the truth?" I debated to myself. "No, no, that would be just plain stupid. She would refuse for sure."
"Well maybe she'll take pity and let you go," spoke another part of my conscience.
"Don't be a fool, that last thing she'll do is pity me."
"So what should we do?"
"Hold on, I'm thinking!"
"All right, all right."
"Aha I got it!"
I turned around to face her, wearing the sweetest possible smile I could manage. My cheeks dimpled as my lips curved upward but at the same time still concealing my rows of straightly aligned teeth. If I had dared to let her catch even the slightest glimpse of an open-mouthed smile, I would receive yet another lecture of my improperness in behaving like a lady.
"Why have you forgotten Nurse?" I spoke in such a sweet voice that it was as if each word had been enveloped in a coat pure honey.
"Forgotten what?" she replied, raising a brow in suspicion.
"Why today's the day I get my autumn robes fitted by the tailor! Don't tell me you've forgotten!"
She halted her embroidering and squinted her eyes slightly, a sign of deep thinking. I stared at her nervously, hoping all would go according to plan. She finally broke out of her trance and replied curtly, "Ah yes, I remember now. Today is the day, isn't it?"
I gave a happy nod and kept smiling.
"But," she continued, "That does not explain why you are going out. The tailor is to come here to get the measurements to avoid the trouble of us having to go to home. That's what separates you from the commoners.
"Oh, well you see Nurse, I thought it would be so much better if I make the trip to his shop instead."
"Oh really, and why is that?" she questioned suspiciously.
"Why don't you remember what happened last time when I needed new gowns for spring? That man who came to retrieve my measurements became so nervous that he backed up into the shelf and knocked down that priceless vase! And it was a gift from the dear Lord Liu Biao too!"
I knew immediately that bringing up this oh so not very fond memory for her was a clever move. I could still clearly remember the rampage she had went on after it had occurred. I truly do pity that poor man. The vase was not exactly priceless but Nurse had enough of a tantrum to have literally scared the man to death.
"Yes, I certainly do remember that," she replied, her bottom lip curving thinly, obviously still annoyed at the man after all this time. "Very well Yulan, you may go to avoid another one of these "unfortunate" incidents but be back before sunset. Do you understand?"
I gave a calm response to conceal my true excitement that my plan had actually worked and proceeded to walk with the utmost grace out to the carriage.
"To the market, My Lady?" asked the driver as I stepped in.
"Oh of course not," I replied briskly, "We're going to the Tower of Meeting."
The Tower of Meeting was by no means an actual tower but just an elaborate name given to an elaborate building used to conduct serious businesses and issues between Lord Liu Bei and his many advisors and generals.
We arrived in a short period and I immediately noticed that it was indeed more heavily guarded than usual. Before the driver departed to conduct his other businesses, I sternly ordered him to inform no one of my visit here, especially not Nurse. He agreed, though reluctant and probably imagining inside his head a screaming Nurse, waving her arms around angrily, intimidating him with absurd threats if she ever finds out.
With the same graceful posture I had used to leave Nurse's presence, I approached the door to the courtyard and waited for its two door guards to let me in.
"I am here to see Lord Liu Bei." I said with a commanding tone.
They exchanged looks and finally one replied, "I'm sorry My Lady but the Lord Liu Bei has give the order that no one may enter the tower."
"But I don't understand."
"I'm sorry My Lady but those were his strict orders and I dare not break them."
I gave a heavy sigh of defeat, realizing it was futile to argue with a man and his duties and turned to leave. It was obvious that whoever was inside was truly someone of great importance.
Just when I began to ponder my next course of actions, a familiar voice called to me. I turned hastily and saw a familiar young general approaching me.
"General Zhao!" I exclaimed, my spirits immediately rose at the sight of him.
"What brings you to the Tower of Meeting, Lady Yulan?" he asked, smiling politely.
"I was hoping to speak to either Father or Master Kongming." I replied, pouting slightly, "but it seems that strict orders have been give to prohibit anyone from entering."
"Hm, I see." he replied, his handsome face still containing hints of a smile. "Was there anything urgent you needed to speak about to Lord Liu Bei?"
"Oh no, it was nothing important." I replied innocently, "But I am most curious about why there has been such an increase of guards here.
"Well I could quench that curiosity." he replied, smiling again, "But I will need you to come with me, if you don't mind that is, My Lady."
I happily obeyed his request and followed him down to the bed of a wide river.
"Do you know what this is?" he asked, staring at the sandy water.
"It is the Chang Jiang, is it not?" I replied confidently.
He nodded and raised his ram to point in the direction of the horizon. "Do you know what lies on the other side of this magnificent river?"
Again I gave my answer with the utmost confidence. "Tis the kingdom of Wu."
He turned his gaze onto me and replied, "And that is where our visitor is from."
I was at first confused about how our visitor could have been the actual Wu kingdom but then realized he must have meant an official of Wu.
"Who is he?" I asked.
"His name is Lu Su and he is an important figure in the court of Sun Quan."
I remained quiet for a small period of time and then began again. "He has come to form an alliance with us to fight Cao Cao, hasn't he?"
General Zhao turned to gaze at me with a look of sheer astonishment but remained silent for secrets such as this should have not even have been exposed to minor officials and to think me, a woman, knew of such a plan.
I chose to not return his gaze for I was afraid he might question from whom I had heard such secrets. Instead, I looked out to the horizon which would eventually lead to the beaches of Wu. The sun, burning in its red fury, was slowly setting against the violet sky. Soon, the pale softness of the crescent moon will rise to the heavens and gaze upon us. Would this be a sign that Cao Cao's tyranny would also fall and in its place will rise again the glorious empire of the Han?
We stood there, silent and motionless until he finally suggested returning. I agreed and allowed him to accompany back to the Tower of Meeting.
It must've been fate or some extreme act of luck for once we reached within a close range of the tower, I immediately spotted Lord Kongming and the Wu official stepping out the tower's front steps.
He was an average man based on looks with nothing extremely unique in his appearance. Strangely, he was clad in a set of dark blue and black robes in contrast to Wu's usual preference for red clothing.
From where I stood, he seemed to speak a few inaudible words to Lord Kongming and then finally stepped onto a large carriage and departed for what must have been his living quarters.
I immediately approached Master Kongming after the man had left, hoping to have a chance to speak with him.
"Lady Yulan" he exclaimed, wearing a pleasant smile, "what brings you here? Should you not be home for supper at this time?"
"I was hoping I could speak to you about something, Master Kongming." I replied.
"Oh? Well then I won't let your trip here be futile. Let us speak inside." With that, he brought me into a private chamber and beckoned me to sit.
"So what was the 'something' you wished to speak to me about?" he asked, motioning his fan to create a comforting, cool breeze.
"It- it's about that man." I replied softly.
"Oh?" he replied curiously. "And what is it that you wish to discuss with me about Lord Lu Su?"
"He has come to discuss about an alliance between us and Wu against Cao Cao, hasn't he?" I blurted out hastily.
Master Kongming's face suddenly looked stern and halted any movements with his fan. "Yulan, a lady such as yourself should not be involved or even questioning such matters." He spoke gravely.
I looked onto the layers of robes which covered my legs, my eyes downcast with disappointment and replied weakly, "Yes, I know."
"But I'm glad you've taken such an interest in our kingdom's situation," he began again, with a lighthearted tone, "And seeing how you are my student of sorts, I will let you onto a little secret." He replied pleasantly with a small wink.
"What you have said is all true and if all goes well, a strong alliance will be established between the Sun and Liu families. However, in only a matter of seven days will Lord Lu Su be returning to Wu. I shall have to go with me."
"But why?"
"Well, currently, the Wu court is torn between the sides of for and against an alliance with us. Sun Qian, the trusted advisor of the now deceased Sun Ce leads the side of domestic advisors in favoring an alliance with Wei instead. I'll have to go and 'convince' them that an alliance with us is the wise choice." He replied, winking again.
"Oh but with you gone, I'll have no company other than that old hen!"
He chuckled loudly at my nickname for Nurse and replied, "Be on your best behavior now."
"Its easier said than done Master! She's so frustrating!"
"Well if you do, I may be able to convince your father to let you come and see the Wu kingdom."
He nodded and then began with a stern tone. "Mark my words Yulan, from this day forward, Cao Cao's power will only decline into oblivion."
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AN: Well it's about 11:38 right now and for some reason beyond my control, I'm typing up this piece of crap that I wrote a month ago instead of studying for my Chemistry midterm which I'm bound to fail.
One other thing I wanted to clear up, as you can probably tell from reading five chapters of this incredibly plot-less fic, its about just as exciting as watching your grandma clip her toenails. Maybe not as disgusting but definitely just as boring. Now why do I use this poor excuse of a literary writing to torture you, you may ask. Well today's your lucky day because I am here to enlighten your minds.
First off, My Story was not written to contain much action. So those who are reading this and expect 'hack, slash, flying severed limbs', I just you go read something else right now because you'll find none of that here. The sole purpose of this fic is actually to… EDUCATE! *dramatic piano music plays in background followed by some screaming* Yes yes, you heard me, I wrote this junk to educate you. Why you ask? Well it seems not many people truly understand the Chinese culture. That would explain why we have fics with blue eyed characters and women running around on the battlefield. Well actually I lied, the sole purpose wasn't to educate you. I actually wrote this because I was bored beyond my mind and was a giddy and not as sarcastic or wise fourteen year old. Don't feel bad, I guarantee that you're not the only victim to my sarcasm and corniness.
So remember kids, stay in school, don't do drugs and don't use that winking smiley on AIM because it looks disturbingly seductive in a very wrong way.
P.S. If you want to make me a happy but still wonderfully sarcastic person, visit my website.
(You're going to have to check my profile for the link. FF.net won't allow me to show it here. *mumbles something inaudible*)
And sign the guestbook. That makes me happy too.
[Edit] I've given up
reading the fics of others due to lack of interest
and the absurdness of certain ones. If I were to give an honest, thought out
criticism for my review, I'm sure it'll leave more than enough people agitated
and foaming at the mouth due to anger. But if you are willing to accept honest
criticism, submit a review to my fic and ask for one
and I will gladly do you the favor. However, I do have a policy for my service.
Review Policy
1) For every chapter you review for me, I will do the
same for you.
2) If I have less chapters than you because I'm a
lazy, procrastinating bastard, I'll do my best to make my way to your later
chapters.
3) My reviews will be honest to a fault so please, don't bitch about how its mean or picky.
4) Give me a little time to read and come up with a
review, I am a busy person.
**I'll still be reading further updates for the fics that I'm currently reading. I just won't be looking into new fics.
