Disclaimer: I don't own any of them. If I did I'm sure I would be thrown in
jail for tormenting them.
Author's Note: Yes, all three of my computer's have a virus. A friend is allowing me kindly to allow me to post this on their computer. I'll answer e-mail as soon as I can figure out how much damage has been done.-nat
Chapter 11
Sun Shang Xiang paced along the marble floor. How could he do this to her? Chocolate eyes smothered as they caught sight of the delicate porcelain teacups aligned delicately along one wall. Even here within her private sanctuary the man dictated how she would led her life. Fleeing to her bedchamber she buried her face in a pillow. How had her life turned to this? Her eyes' focus went to her dressing table. There lay the letter her father sent earlier, pristinely white against the dark brown grain of the wood.
Why does he hate me so? First she hadn't been allowed to fight. It had been a struggle to even find anyone willing to go against her father to teach her weapons. Of course, all her brothers had been expected to master at least one weapon from an early age. The only reason she had learned to fight was because she had bribed Sun Ce into it.
Her father had never seen her even lift her chakram. Maybe that was way he thought her incompetent enough to not allow on a battlefield? Sure, she understood his reasoning, he wanted to keep her safe - but this political marriage was too much for her to even rationalize.
With shaking fingers she picked up the portrait that Sun Quan had painted of their mother. She knew without a doubt that her mother would have never allowed her life to become a bargaining chip. True, all she remembered of the woman was a sense of warmth and safety, but she would have not treated her own daughter like spun silk when she had been a warrior herself.
Kissing the portrait, she put it back in its place. There was work to be done.
***
Sun Ce rolled his eyes as his father continued discussing strategy. The talks had been going on for hours now. Who needed strategy? He was Sun Ce and he had the whole Wu army to back him up. Give him two tonfas, and he could take over the world.
He went back to fiddling with his chopsticks, offering a silent prayer that something would happen to end the extremely dull lunch meeting. Come on Zhou Yu, love you, but you can be so long winded!
It would take a miracle to redeem this meeting. The large wooden doors slammed open. Sun Ce's head snapped up. Who could be insane enough to try to provoke pop?
Outlined by the light shining through the now open large intricate carved doors, stood his sister.
Sun Shang Xiang wore her usual outfit, the one that used to make her governess proclaim she would never be wed. As far as he knew, her wedding dress would be the first dress to ever touch her skin. Instead of anything remotely feminine, she wore his cast off pants and a shirt that had long since grown too small for him. Her auburn hair was artfully arranged on top of her head; long corkscrew curls hung down to frame her face. It was the only request her father had ever insisted she comply with completely. Well, before he had run off and married her to Liu Bei.
"Hello father." Her voice was low and husky.
Is she coming down with a cold? Doesn't matter. Either way his sister would liven things up. Sun Ce leaned back in his chair. After so many years of being her teacher, it was easy to spot the set of her chin that indicated she was serious.
"Hello daughter." Sun Jian looked up. Sensing something wrong with her, his brow furrowed. "Did you see your wedding gown?"
"Yes father, I did. That's why I came here, to speak with you about it." Her smile was a little too big, and showed way too much of her white even teeth.
Nope. She hasn't forgiven pop yet. What does she have up her sleeve?
Sun Jian's eyes darted towards his only means of escape, the door that Sun Shang Xiang now stood in front of. "We will talk about the details later. The dress can be altered as you see fit. After all, it is your wedding."
A gleam entered her eyes that made Sun Ce shudder. At least this time the look wasn't centered on him. He remembered all too well the time he had forgotten to feed her nightingale while she was off visiting their mother's relatives. It had taken hours to get the pins out of his ass.
"But father, I thought I would show you my improvements. Hitori! Mei!" Two of her bodyguards rushed in, carrying a large blindingly white dress covered in yards of silk and lace. "Let's start with the train, shall we?" Her smile showed all her teeth.
Yep, sis was in a rare mood that would make Lu Bu look like a pussycat in comparison.
Holding a dagger in one hand, she sliced the train off the dress in one loud rip. "Since I'll be rushed to the bridal bed by that old man, I wouldn't be needing this. If it takes too long to get to bed, Lord Liu Bei just might die from age."
"Sun Shang X-"
She raised a hand, silencing the man. "Father, I do believe you said I could do whatever I wanted to the dress." Pausing, she grew thoughtful. "I wonder how long before he grows tired of me? Has he not had other wives before me? They do tend to die off a lot, don't they? And I heard this rumor that he even gave one of his generals his favorite wife to do with as he wished for a whole week." She sawed at the dress until most of the skirt fell off.
Sun Ce blinked. His sister wouldn't be able to even stand without everyone getting a good eye full.
"Since I'm to be Liu Bei's bought whore, we might as well let everyone see the goods so they can get in his good graces early."
"Sun Shang Xiang!"
If she could have, Sun Ce was sure his sister's eyes would have shot out streams of fire. "Oh I know father. You worry about my lack of experience. Perhaps your loyal generals would assist this innocent maiden with that?" Walking around the table she stopped behind Lu Xun. Leaning over the chair she caressed his chest. "Perhaps someone with as little experience as myself?"
The young strategist spit out the tea he had been drinking. "What?" He stared down at the hand as though Shang Xiang would rip his clothes off and have wild sex with him at any moment. "What are you talking about?"
Sun Ce snickered. He wasn't sure which Lu Xun was surprised about. The fact that everyone knew he was still a virgin, or his sister's hand lovingly making little circles along his chest.
"Lady Sun!" The young strategist grew pale, and his eyes began to drift back into his head.
Shang Xiang shrugged. "Oh well, perhaps someone older?" She turned to Huang Gai. "You helped raise me after my mother died. Would you like my maidenhead? After all that would be a just reward after standing beside my father for so long." She batted her long eyelashes at him.
Sun Ce's eyes grew huge. He didn't think his sister had it in her to tease the old general like that. No one could think of the last time that Huang Gai had looked at a woman, much less shown any interest in bedding one.
The reaction was interesting. The old man turned as red as the color of Wu. The flush went along the patches of his head that were shaved and disappeared into his armor. Could a man actually blush throughout his whole body?
His sister shook her head sadly. "No answer? Maybe someone a little bit younger?" She started in the general direction of Gan Ning.
"Don't even think it." The man leapt from his chair and ran behind Sun Jian before Sun Shang Xiang could draw near.
Never seen the pirate move so fast. You would think sis had a disease.
The woman gave a laugh as she crossed her arms across her chest. "Perhaps the generals of Wu aren't as brave as they would like to think if a simple princess can make them run like children?" One of her auburn eyebrows was arched upwards.
Sun Ce couldn't help it. He began howling with laughter.
A sparkle entered Sun Shang Xiang's eye as she winked at him. She went over to Lu Meng, straddling him before he could escape. "I must admit that a woman enjoys an intelligent, yet powerful man." Lu Meng grew pale. "Come now. Wouldn't you enjoy being my lover until I am wed?" She took his hand and placed it on her breast. "The women claim you're a generous lover. Won't you show me of what they speak?" She drew closer to him. Lu Meng's jerked away from her as though she were a rare poison, staring at her with mouth agape in astonishment.
Sun Ce gasped. His sister had gone to far. Pop's going to kill her. He might have let her get away with words, but not the part with her putting his general's hands on her body. Sun Ce shoved himself out of his chair and raced over to his sister, but his father was already screaming.
"Sun Shang Xiang!!!" Their father's face was red.
"I'm just practicing for the life you've forced me into." Her chipped words rang in the room.
"Lord Liu Bei is a man of honor!"
"And that's what you said about Dong Zhou!" The room grew silent as Sun Shang Xiang turned and marched out of the room.
***
Xiao Qiao peeked out of her hiding place. The rumors were running amuck. Sun Shang Xiang was fighting with her father. When Sun Jian wasn't happy; no one was happy. And it wasn't that the Sun family was made up of moody raging people. Well maybe just a tad bit of that. It was just that Wu had at its head a family man. The feeling of family wasn't just contained to the blood relations either. Everyone was made to feel as though they were a long lost cousin. All of that feeling was gone right now. Currently a dark cloud seemed to envelop the city, waiting for the right moment to allow the downpour to begin.
While a little fight was nothing to get a girl like Xiao Qiao down, her new friends' apparent distress was. Sun Ce was really angry about the whole thing. While she would have gone to the princess anyway, she would admit that the information Sun Ce had given to her made her task even sweeter. A young woman who wanted to snare a man like Zhou Yu did have to have some kind of advantage after all. Now that she knew what exactly turned her future husband into a pile of mindless goo she was bound to put it to good use, right after she helped calm down Lady Sun of course.
The sounds of breaking pottery seemed to have slowed to a trickle. Either the princess was finally calming down, or she had smashed everything breakable in her room. Now was the time to make her move. Xiao raced down the hallway and into the princess' bedchambers. Before she could reveal herself, she heard voices.
"The plan is dangerous Shang Xiang. I beg of you to reconsider."
Xiao recognized the first person; only her sister could use such a soothing tone of voice.
"Dangerous or not, I will not marry some old man."
That could only be the princess.
"But you could die." Her sister's voice held a tint of panic to it.
Oh! This sounded serious. Xiao poked her head out. Seeing both the women's backs she continued to eavesdrop-err listen carefully.
"And I'll take the risk if I don't have to marry that old man." Lady Sun threw her hands up into the air. "He's old Da! How would you feel if you had to marry him? At least my knot head brother is somewhat attractive, and close to your own age."
Da stamped her foot. "But I'm not madly in love with your brother either and you don't see me plotting to get away from him."
Xiao rolled her eyes. Her sister wasn't interested in Sun Ce? He wasn't a bad looking guy. Da was so stupid. Of course, Ce wasn't as nice looking as Zhou Yu. No one was. She covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.
"And what if he can't perform?" Lady Sun apparently only got a nasty look from her sister because she added, "What if I have to spend my life with a man who ignores me or smells bad or who's more sadistic than Dong Zhou?"
Xiao watched as a shudder passed through her sister. Luckily, the pig had never laid a hand on them during their brief capture. Lady Sun had so many good points! It was time to help out the princess. "She's right." Xiao stepped out from behind the drapes.
"Xiao, how long have you been there?" Da looked extremely guilty.
"Not long. I just think she's right. We don't know who this Liu Bei guy is. He could be horrible." Xiao walked over to stand protectively beside the princess.
"Do you know what she has planned?" Da crossed her arms across her chest. "If you did you might think differently."
"Nope, but as a member of her family I have to help her no matter how dangerous the idea." Sun Shang Xiang beamed at her.
Her sister slapped one hand to her forehead. "She'll get us in trouble."
"Tell me the plan. Between the three of us we can beat up anything." With a flourish she opened one of her fans.
Da's glare should have turned them all to stone. "She wants to dress up as a soldier so that she can get to meet Liu Bei. If she doesn't like him-"
"When I don't like him," Sun Shang Xiang broke in.
"Sorry, when she doesn't like him she intends to get one of Wu's generals drunk and sleep with them. Then we're to get her father. The wedding will be called off, and she'll have a husband she can tolerate." Her sister tapped her long fingernails against a dresser.
Xiao bounced up and down. "That's brilliant! Wow! You're as smart as Zhou Yu!"
Da glared at her sister. "And more than likely the whole idea will get us killed because Shu will be insulted by the whole thing. Not to mention that Lord Sun could always have his general beheaded."
"But it's for true love!" Xiao smiled happily.
Her sister sighed. "Xiao, she's not in love with anyone. She's just not keen on marrying Lord Liu Bei."
"Da's right." A blush spread over Lady Sun's face. "I'm not in love with any of the generals, but I think there might be a few I wouldn't mind becoming friendlier with. Besides, father couldn't send me away to a strange land if I wasn't a maiden. Plus, he couldn't kill the general if he was valuable enough."
"It's a great plan!" Who would have thought that the Lady Sun was so smart?
"Why am I the only one worried about war?" Her sister walked to the window and sighed. "We're doomed."
*** Lord Cao Cao, the hero of chaos sat in his throne room pondering how on earth he was going to explain to all his wives that he needed to go into battle yet again. Women just weren't as easy to get along with as in the old days when they knew their place.
"My lord."
Cao Cao turned to the voice, irritated to see that it was Zhang He. Hadn't he requested that he not be disturbed? "What is it general?"
Sweeping a bow, the elegant officer smiled. "I know you requested to not be disturbed my lord, but a messenger was captured earlier today. Apparently Shu and Wu's alliance is to be permanent. There will be a wedding between Lord Sun Jian's only daughter and Lord Liu Bei."
"Damn! Is there anyone who is near either kingdom?" Cao Cao got up from the throne and began to pace along the marble floor.
"It appears that the ceremony will be held within the borders of Wu, alongside the lands of Shu. There are a few generals located around the area, but none are closer than a ten day ride from there to my knowledge."
Cao Cao paused, straining to remember if any of his men had recently been sent to spy in the area.
"Tut tut Lord Cao Cao, I thought you would leave the planning to me." The voice came from the shadows but it could only be one person.
"Yes Sima Yi, I do recall saying that. Do you recall if any of our men are within the region?"
"As a matter of fact, there is a small group there." The strategist waved his fan slowly, a smile lingering on his face.
"And what would you recommend they do?" Strategists were in some ways as bad as women. They always had to be stroked the right way to get them to reveal their master plans.
"Send the band we have now to attack their camp in a midnight raid. It will demoralize their troops and allow one of my other plans to come to fruition."
"Another plan Sima Yi?" So now he's not including me in plans?
"Not anything major my lord. I was planning on telling you later on this evening, but since it appears to have come to light I will gladly tell you. I recently planted one of our people within the Shu camp. She has already begun sowing chaos and discord within the camp. Even now she pulls Zhuge Liang away from his duties, and he is the major threat of Shu. Without him, Shu only has charisma and good warriors, which as you know can always be defeated by guile." The strategist bowed.
Cao Cao pulled at the end of his beard. "A sound plan. Go ahead and begin." As Sima Yi turned and walked away, Cao Cao's eyes went to Zhang He who's face remained in a schooled into a look of complete boredom.
**
The Wu kingdom was in trouble. Sun Shang Xiang was known for one thing above all else, her stubbornness, which she had inherited from her father's side of the family. Lu Xun had known her for a short time, but he knew the Wu princess would not stop until she had what she wanted. It was apparent that she did not want to marry the Shu lord. A foolproof plan had to be made to stop her from breaking up the Shu alliance.
Sun Jian loved his daughter, but thought her too frail to rebel openly against him in front of another kingdom. Sun Quan believed his sister would behave for the honor of the Sun family. Only one person understood the true nature of Lady Sun, and he had finally found that person.
"Sun Ce! I must talk with you." He raced down the marble hallway to his leader's first-born son.
The little emperor waved at him. "Yeah Lu Xun?"
"Excuse me sir, but there is something I wish to speak to you about." How did one go about telling their leader that their sister was about to start a war on purpose? The man gave him a lopsided grin, the one that made people gravitate towards him. Encouraged by the smile, Lu Xun continued. "You know your sister will try at least one last attempt to stop the wedding directly beforehand, correct?
"Yea, sis does have a long memory when it comes to stuff like that." His commander's eyes seemed to glaze over, and a wishful smile swept his face, as though fond memories of his sister's stubbornness were washing over him.
Was there a single person who didn't adore Lady Sun unconditionally in the whole Sun tribe? "May I suggest something then my lord? No one is closer to the princess than her personal guards. Could they perhaps be persuaded to inform us if she would try anything?"
Sun Ce chuckled. "Not likely. They're all completely loyal to her."
Lu Xun felt the blood pound through his body. This was his chance to finally prove he was just as good a strategist as the legendary Zhou Yu, and not just some child with tendencies to be a pyromaniac. "Why not replace two of her guards with men of your own choosing then?"
"Yea right. Knowing the mood she's in she would try to seduce them." His lord snorted, as though finding the whole idea amusing.
Grasping for any idea Lu Xun quickly added, "Then what if she believed they were not men at all, but women?"
A twinkle of humor entered his leader's eyes. "Hmmm, that's actually not a bad idea. Yo! Zhou Yu!"
Lu Xun winced. Was he always to stand in Zhou Yu's shadow?
The strategist in question glided up the hallway. "You screamed my lord?" He smiled at both of the men.
"Lu Xun has this great plan to dress up some men as women so they can keep my sis from starting a war."
"Indeed?" Zhou Yu arched one perfect eyebrow. "I admit, it seems like a brilliant plan."
Lu Xun felt himself grow warm. The great Zhou Yu had just complimented one of his plans!
"There is one problem. Who exactly will dress up as women?" Zhou Yu fashioned his eyes on the young strategist.
Sweat began to form and slide down his face. "I- well I hadn't thought that fair ahead."
"Doesn't matter," their lord interrupted them. "Zhou Yu and you look female enough to pass easily." Out of the corner of his eye, Lu Xun watched as Zhou Yu raise that same raven eyebrow again. "After all, it will take someone smart to stop sis' plan. Anyhoo, you and Lu Xun go find some dresses and get all dolled up. I'll have you in her guard by the end of the night."
Lu Xun's stomach dropped to the floor and began some extensive exercises. "What?! But my lord!"
Sun Ce beamed. "No need to thank me Xun. It's a great plan."
"But my lord!" This plan had to be stopped! There was no way he was ever wearing a dress!
Their leader shook his hand. "No time to talk, I have to hurry up and catch sis before she starts killing people! Night guys!" With a wave, Sun Ce walked off in the direction of Lady Sun's private chambers.
"But! But!" This was crazy! This had to be a nightmare!
"Do not worry Lu Xun."
He turned to the older strategist; he had known the man would be able to come up with something to get them out of this. After all, he was sworn brother to Sun Ce! His heart slowed its eradicate beat considerably. "Oh thank you! I know you'll find a way to talk him out of it."
Zhao Yu smiled brightly. "Why would I do that? I meant that you would make a very pretty girl."
His jaw gaping open, Lu Xun watched as Zhao Yu walked away muttering something about a nice dress to compliment his coloring.
**
Answers to Reviews:
Ramza: I warned you about the poem in advance. Ma Chao has poor taste in poems. Zhuge Liang isn't perfect. Wait till you see who he ends up with. I must admit this just might prove I am insane.
Yukira: You need to get more sleep. If Ma Chao doesn't win over Lady Yang soon then I think I just might have to hurt the both of them. Considering Ma Chao doesn't know a thing about women though---he's going to need more than just Liu Bei's help. Yue Ying isn't exactly going to turn against her husband. There will be something coming up that will divide them though.
Gingivere: Red Hare is evil. I still remember the thing rearing me off in DW3 the first time I played. *growls* Glad you like Wei Yan. I can't wait to see his wife's reaction to him joining Shu. Ugh. There is a reason he wears the mask, his wife is one of them. It protects him for her hitting him over the head.
*cough* I admit I'm taking huge liberties with Wei Yan. He's a little more rough in the other story. He does get overlooked a lot. Then again I always went for the Tarzan types. As for not being a bish- well, one does wonder what he looks like under that mask. Does he wear it for a reason? Or does he just wear it so he doesn't have to look you in the eye while he tears your instetines out? Hehehe, don't worry about your sister. I'm sure there's at least one oddball she likes somewhere down the line.
Actually, I modeled Ma Chao after one of my ex's. Nuff said.
SSX is going to make things interesting for Liu Bei. Actually, soon you'll see just how 'eager' Liu Bei is for this wedding. In other words not at all. I have the next two chapters ready. Just can't put them up because they need to be typed and I only get five minute intervals to the net one the weekend until all comps are fixed. Yuck.
Yes, there are now three Wei Yan fans. With things working out the way they are soon he might have a whole fandom. Though I admit I would be truly terrified if we ever numbered as much as the Zhang He/ Zhou Yu/ Zhao Yun fans.
Before I forget I LOVE the mini comics with Wei Yan in them, especially the elephant one!
ShizumiII: Actually have not seen Yue Ying in Kessen but I heard she was very annoying. I take it you're a Wei Yan fan since you had to check it out since he's in it. Hurray! There are now four of us! I heard a rumor that Wei Yan never actually rebelled in history, but I've never verified it. Heck, I'm not a historian. I wouldn't know where to start to look for the info. (Surprisingly enough I do know a spell dating back from the 1100's that is supposed to allow you to see faeries. Never tried it out though.) Wei Yan helps you out a lot in DW3. Matter of fact, that was one of the reasons I started liking him. Well that and because he was always such a bugger to beat when you were fighting against him.
Sun Shang Xiang is SCAREY. Or at least I like to write her that way. She drives me crazy with her cocky attitude at times. Actually Zhuge Liang does turn out happy in the end. But think of it from his point of view, some freak is moving in on his territory, plus Zhuge Liang IS the smartest man alive at the time, right. TO be smart and surrounded by people not quite as smart must take its toll. Some days I beat he just wants to start screaming at all of them. Though he does adore them. He'll be in a better mood soon. You know what some people say about moods. Sometimes you just need a good- err gee can't say that here.
Maiden of Water: SSX is up to no good. Please send all your support to the poor male generals of Wu, especially her two brothers and father. ^_^
Chunsa: Silly silly Ma Chao. I hope someone can show him how to be a romantic. Glad you got the fourth ending. Actually the dance was kinda frightening. Jiang Wei is adorable. To be honest I like his voice this time around, and I love the dragon gauntlets. He'll be showing up soon. I think if I can drag him away from his books. * lights a fire under his chair* Glad you do. I won't be able to review until I get this whole virus thing settled, but as soon as I do I'll go back to reviewing. I'm so far behind!
Kaibadragon: You like them together? Hurray! We might have five Wei Yan fans then! *takes out noisemakers* Wei Yan's death might come up or might not. I truly haven't decided yet. He's too busy lobbying for a love scene to worry about killing Zhang He and overthrowing Jiang Wei. Well he better start worrying about Zhang He. Zhuge Liang is under a lot of stress. I mean he's trying to take over a kingdom. He's used to people following his orders. And he's missing something from his love life which I won't mention *cough*sex*cough*. So give poor Zhuge Liang a break. Besides from what I read he really thought Wei Yan should have been killed, and later on they became friends. Rome wasn't built in a day. As soon as he finds out that Wei Yan doesn't want to do anything to his wife-err wait-okay cheese wiz let me think about this.
Author's Note: Yes, all three of my computer's have a virus. A friend is allowing me kindly to allow me to post this on their computer. I'll answer e-mail as soon as I can figure out how much damage has been done.-nat
Chapter 11
Sun Shang Xiang paced along the marble floor. How could he do this to her? Chocolate eyes smothered as they caught sight of the delicate porcelain teacups aligned delicately along one wall. Even here within her private sanctuary the man dictated how she would led her life. Fleeing to her bedchamber she buried her face in a pillow. How had her life turned to this? Her eyes' focus went to her dressing table. There lay the letter her father sent earlier, pristinely white against the dark brown grain of the wood.
Why does he hate me so? First she hadn't been allowed to fight. It had been a struggle to even find anyone willing to go against her father to teach her weapons. Of course, all her brothers had been expected to master at least one weapon from an early age. The only reason she had learned to fight was because she had bribed Sun Ce into it.
Her father had never seen her even lift her chakram. Maybe that was way he thought her incompetent enough to not allow on a battlefield? Sure, she understood his reasoning, he wanted to keep her safe - but this political marriage was too much for her to even rationalize.
With shaking fingers she picked up the portrait that Sun Quan had painted of their mother. She knew without a doubt that her mother would have never allowed her life to become a bargaining chip. True, all she remembered of the woman was a sense of warmth and safety, but she would have not treated her own daughter like spun silk when she had been a warrior herself.
Kissing the portrait, she put it back in its place. There was work to be done.
***
Sun Ce rolled his eyes as his father continued discussing strategy. The talks had been going on for hours now. Who needed strategy? He was Sun Ce and he had the whole Wu army to back him up. Give him two tonfas, and he could take over the world.
He went back to fiddling with his chopsticks, offering a silent prayer that something would happen to end the extremely dull lunch meeting. Come on Zhou Yu, love you, but you can be so long winded!
It would take a miracle to redeem this meeting. The large wooden doors slammed open. Sun Ce's head snapped up. Who could be insane enough to try to provoke pop?
Outlined by the light shining through the now open large intricate carved doors, stood his sister.
Sun Shang Xiang wore her usual outfit, the one that used to make her governess proclaim she would never be wed. As far as he knew, her wedding dress would be the first dress to ever touch her skin. Instead of anything remotely feminine, she wore his cast off pants and a shirt that had long since grown too small for him. Her auburn hair was artfully arranged on top of her head; long corkscrew curls hung down to frame her face. It was the only request her father had ever insisted she comply with completely. Well, before he had run off and married her to Liu Bei.
"Hello father." Her voice was low and husky.
Is she coming down with a cold? Doesn't matter. Either way his sister would liven things up. Sun Ce leaned back in his chair. After so many years of being her teacher, it was easy to spot the set of her chin that indicated she was serious.
"Hello daughter." Sun Jian looked up. Sensing something wrong with her, his brow furrowed. "Did you see your wedding gown?"
"Yes father, I did. That's why I came here, to speak with you about it." Her smile was a little too big, and showed way too much of her white even teeth.
Nope. She hasn't forgiven pop yet. What does she have up her sleeve?
Sun Jian's eyes darted towards his only means of escape, the door that Sun Shang Xiang now stood in front of. "We will talk about the details later. The dress can be altered as you see fit. After all, it is your wedding."
A gleam entered her eyes that made Sun Ce shudder. At least this time the look wasn't centered on him. He remembered all too well the time he had forgotten to feed her nightingale while she was off visiting their mother's relatives. It had taken hours to get the pins out of his ass.
"But father, I thought I would show you my improvements. Hitori! Mei!" Two of her bodyguards rushed in, carrying a large blindingly white dress covered in yards of silk and lace. "Let's start with the train, shall we?" Her smile showed all her teeth.
Yep, sis was in a rare mood that would make Lu Bu look like a pussycat in comparison.
Holding a dagger in one hand, she sliced the train off the dress in one loud rip. "Since I'll be rushed to the bridal bed by that old man, I wouldn't be needing this. If it takes too long to get to bed, Lord Liu Bei just might die from age."
"Sun Shang X-"
She raised a hand, silencing the man. "Father, I do believe you said I could do whatever I wanted to the dress." Pausing, she grew thoughtful. "I wonder how long before he grows tired of me? Has he not had other wives before me? They do tend to die off a lot, don't they? And I heard this rumor that he even gave one of his generals his favorite wife to do with as he wished for a whole week." She sawed at the dress until most of the skirt fell off.
Sun Ce blinked. His sister wouldn't be able to even stand without everyone getting a good eye full.
"Since I'm to be Liu Bei's bought whore, we might as well let everyone see the goods so they can get in his good graces early."
"Sun Shang Xiang!"
If she could have, Sun Ce was sure his sister's eyes would have shot out streams of fire. "Oh I know father. You worry about my lack of experience. Perhaps your loyal generals would assist this innocent maiden with that?" Walking around the table she stopped behind Lu Xun. Leaning over the chair she caressed his chest. "Perhaps someone with as little experience as myself?"
The young strategist spit out the tea he had been drinking. "What?" He stared down at the hand as though Shang Xiang would rip his clothes off and have wild sex with him at any moment. "What are you talking about?"
Sun Ce snickered. He wasn't sure which Lu Xun was surprised about. The fact that everyone knew he was still a virgin, or his sister's hand lovingly making little circles along his chest.
"Lady Sun!" The young strategist grew pale, and his eyes began to drift back into his head.
Shang Xiang shrugged. "Oh well, perhaps someone older?" She turned to Huang Gai. "You helped raise me after my mother died. Would you like my maidenhead? After all that would be a just reward after standing beside my father for so long." She batted her long eyelashes at him.
Sun Ce's eyes grew huge. He didn't think his sister had it in her to tease the old general like that. No one could think of the last time that Huang Gai had looked at a woman, much less shown any interest in bedding one.
The reaction was interesting. The old man turned as red as the color of Wu. The flush went along the patches of his head that were shaved and disappeared into his armor. Could a man actually blush throughout his whole body?
His sister shook her head sadly. "No answer? Maybe someone a little bit younger?" She started in the general direction of Gan Ning.
"Don't even think it." The man leapt from his chair and ran behind Sun Jian before Sun Shang Xiang could draw near.
Never seen the pirate move so fast. You would think sis had a disease.
The woman gave a laugh as she crossed her arms across her chest. "Perhaps the generals of Wu aren't as brave as they would like to think if a simple princess can make them run like children?" One of her auburn eyebrows was arched upwards.
Sun Ce couldn't help it. He began howling with laughter.
A sparkle entered Sun Shang Xiang's eye as she winked at him. She went over to Lu Meng, straddling him before he could escape. "I must admit that a woman enjoys an intelligent, yet powerful man." Lu Meng grew pale. "Come now. Wouldn't you enjoy being my lover until I am wed?" She took his hand and placed it on her breast. "The women claim you're a generous lover. Won't you show me of what they speak?" She drew closer to him. Lu Meng's jerked away from her as though she were a rare poison, staring at her with mouth agape in astonishment.
Sun Ce gasped. His sister had gone to far. Pop's going to kill her. He might have let her get away with words, but not the part with her putting his general's hands on her body. Sun Ce shoved himself out of his chair and raced over to his sister, but his father was already screaming.
"Sun Shang Xiang!!!" Their father's face was red.
"I'm just practicing for the life you've forced me into." Her chipped words rang in the room.
"Lord Liu Bei is a man of honor!"
"And that's what you said about Dong Zhou!" The room grew silent as Sun Shang Xiang turned and marched out of the room.
***
Xiao Qiao peeked out of her hiding place. The rumors were running amuck. Sun Shang Xiang was fighting with her father. When Sun Jian wasn't happy; no one was happy. And it wasn't that the Sun family was made up of moody raging people. Well maybe just a tad bit of that. It was just that Wu had at its head a family man. The feeling of family wasn't just contained to the blood relations either. Everyone was made to feel as though they were a long lost cousin. All of that feeling was gone right now. Currently a dark cloud seemed to envelop the city, waiting for the right moment to allow the downpour to begin.
While a little fight was nothing to get a girl like Xiao Qiao down, her new friends' apparent distress was. Sun Ce was really angry about the whole thing. While she would have gone to the princess anyway, she would admit that the information Sun Ce had given to her made her task even sweeter. A young woman who wanted to snare a man like Zhou Yu did have to have some kind of advantage after all. Now that she knew what exactly turned her future husband into a pile of mindless goo she was bound to put it to good use, right after she helped calm down Lady Sun of course.
The sounds of breaking pottery seemed to have slowed to a trickle. Either the princess was finally calming down, or she had smashed everything breakable in her room. Now was the time to make her move. Xiao raced down the hallway and into the princess' bedchambers. Before she could reveal herself, she heard voices.
"The plan is dangerous Shang Xiang. I beg of you to reconsider."
Xiao recognized the first person; only her sister could use such a soothing tone of voice.
"Dangerous or not, I will not marry some old man."
That could only be the princess.
"But you could die." Her sister's voice held a tint of panic to it.
Oh! This sounded serious. Xiao poked her head out. Seeing both the women's backs she continued to eavesdrop-err listen carefully.
"And I'll take the risk if I don't have to marry that old man." Lady Sun threw her hands up into the air. "He's old Da! How would you feel if you had to marry him? At least my knot head brother is somewhat attractive, and close to your own age."
Da stamped her foot. "But I'm not madly in love with your brother either and you don't see me plotting to get away from him."
Xiao rolled her eyes. Her sister wasn't interested in Sun Ce? He wasn't a bad looking guy. Da was so stupid. Of course, Ce wasn't as nice looking as Zhou Yu. No one was. She covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.
"And what if he can't perform?" Lady Sun apparently only got a nasty look from her sister because she added, "What if I have to spend my life with a man who ignores me or smells bad or who's more sadistic than Dong Zhou?"
Xiao watched as a shudder passed through her sister. Luckily, the pig had never laid a hand on them during their brief capture. Lady Sun had so many good points! It was time to help out the princess. "She's right." Xiao stepped out from behind the drapes.
"Xiao, how long have you been there?" Da looked extremely guilty.
"Not long. I just think she's right. We don't know who this Liu Bei guy is. He could be horrible." Xiao walked over to stand protectively beside the princess.
"Do you know what she has planned?" Da crossed her arms across her chest. "If you did you might think differently."
"Nope, but as a member of her family I have to help her no matter how dangerous the idea." Sun Shang Xiang beamed at her.
Her sister slapped one hand to her forehead. "She'll get us in trouble."
"Tell me the plan. Between the three of us we can beat up anything." With a flourish she opened one of her fans.
Da's glare should have turned them all to stone. "She wants to dress up as a soldier so that she can get to meet Liu Bei. If she doesn't like him-"
"When I don't like him," Sun Shang Xiang broke in.
"Sorry, when she doesn't like him she intends to get one of Wu's generals drunk and sleep with them. Then we're to get her father. The wedding will be called off, and she'll have a husband she can tolerate." Her sister tapped her long fingernails against a dresser.
Xiao bounced up and down. "That's brilliant! Wow! You're as smart as Zhou Yu!"
Da glared at her sister. "And more than likely the whole idea will get us killed because Shu will be insulted by the whole thing. Not to mention that Lord Sun could always have his general beheaded."
"But it's for true love!" Xiao smiled happily.
Her sister sighed. "Xiao, she's not in love with anyone. She's just not keen on marrying Lord Liu Bei."
"Da's right." A blush spread over Lady Sun's face. "I'm not in love with any of the generals, but I think there might be a few I wouldn't mind becoming friendlier with. Besides, father couldn't send me away to a strange land if I wasn't a maiden. Plus, he couldn't kill the general if he was valuable enough."
"It's a great plan!" Who would have thought that the Lady Sun was so smart?
"Why am I the only one worried about war?" Her sister walked to the window and sighed. "We're doomed."
*** Lord Cao Cao, the hero of chaos sat in his throne room pondering how on earth he was going to explain to all his wives that he needed to go into battle yet again. Women just weren't as easy to get along with as in the old days when they knew their place.
"My lord."
Cao Cao turned to the voice, irritated to see that it was Zhang He. Hadn't he requested that he not be disturbed? "What is it general?"
Sweeping a bow, the elegant officer smiled. "I know you requested to not be disturbed my lord, but a messenger was captured earlier today. Apparently Shu and Wu's alliance is to be permanent. There will be a wedding between Lord Sun Jian's only daughter and Lord Liu Bei."
"Damn! Is there anyone who is near either kingdom?" Cao Cao got up from the throne and began to pace along the marble floor.
"It appears that the ceremony will be held within the borders of Wu, alongside the lands of Shu. There are a few generals located around the area, but none are closer than a ten day ride from there to my knowledge."
Cao Cao paused, straining to remember if any of his men had recently been sent to spy in the area.
"Tut tut Lord Cao Cao, I thought you would leave the planning to me." The voice came from the shadows but it could only be one person.
"Yes Sima Yi, I do recall saying that. Do you recall if any of our men are within the region?"
"As a matter of fact, there is a small group there." The strategist waved his fan slowly, a smile lingering on his face.
"And what would you recommend they do?" Strategists were in some ways as bad as women. They always had to be stroked the right way to get them to reveal their master plans.
"Send the band we have now to attack their camp in a midnight raid. It will demoralize their troops and allow one of my other plans to come to fruition."
"Another plan Sima Yi?" So now he's not including me in plans?
"Not anything major my lord. I was planning on telling you later on this evening, but since it appears to have come to light I will gladly tell you. I recently planted one of our people within the Shu camp. She has already begun sowing chaos and discord within the camp. Even now she pulls Zhuge Liang away from his duties, and he is the major threat of Shu. Without him, Shu only has charisma and good warriors, which as you know can always be defeated by guile." The strategist bowed.
Cao Cao pulled at the end of his beard. "A sound plan. Go ahead and begin." As Sima Yi turned and walked away, Cao Cao's eyes went to Zhang He who's face remained in a schooled into a look of complete boredom.
**
The Wu kingdom was in trouble. Sun Shang Xiang was known for one thing above all else, her stubbornness, which she had inherited from her father's side of the family. Lu Xun had known her for a short time, but he knew the Wu princess would not stop until she had what she wanted. It was apparent that she did not want to marry the Shu lord. A foolproof plan had to be made to stop her from breaking up the Shu alliance.
Sun Jian loved his daughter, but thought her too frail to rebel openly against him in front of another kingdom. Sun Quan believed his sister would behave for the honor of the Sun family. Only one person understood the true nature of Lady Sun, and he had finally found that person.
"Sun Ce! I must talk with you." He raced down the marble hallway to his leader's first-born son.
The little emperor waved at him. "Yeah Lu Xun?"
"Excuse me sir, but there is something I wish to speak to you about." How did one go about telling their leader that their sister was about to start a war on purpose? The man gave him a lopsided grin, the one that made people gravitate towards him. Encouraged by the smile, Lu Xun continued. "You know your sister will try at least one last attempt to stop the wedding directly beforehand, correct?
"Yea, sis does have a long memory when it comes to stuff like that." His commander's eyes seemed to glaze over, and a wishful smile swept his face, as though fond memories of his sister's stubbornness were washing over him.
Was there a single person who didn't adore Lady Sun unconditionally in the whole Sun tribe? "May I suggest something then my lord? No one is closer to the princess than her personal guards. Could they perhaps be persuaded to inform us if she would try anything?"
Sun Ce chuckled. "Not likely. They're all completely loyal to her."
Lu Xun felt the blood pound through his body. This was his chance to finally prove he was just as good a strategist as the legendary Zhou Yu, and not just some child with tendencies to be a pyromaniac. "Why not replace two of her guards with men of your own choosing then?"
"Yea right. Knowing the mood she's in she would try to seduce them." His lord snorted, as though finding the whole idea amusing.
Grasping for any idea Lu Xun quickly added, "Then what if she believed they were not men at all, but women?"
A twinkle of humor entered his leader's eyes. "Hmmm, that's actually not a bad idea. Yo! Zhou Yu!"
Lu Xun winced. Was he always to stand in Zhou Yu's shadow?
The strategist in question glided up the hallway. "You screamed my lord?" He smiled at both of the men.
"Lu Xun has this great plan to dress up some men as women so they can keep my sis from starting a war."
"Indeed?" Zhou Yu arched one perfect eyebrow. "I admit, it seems like a brilliant plan."
Lu Xun felt himself grow warm. The great Zhou Yu had just complimented one of his plans!
"There is one problem. Who exactly will dress up as women?" Zhou Yu fashioned his eyes on the young strategist.
Sweat began to form and slide down his face. "I- well I hadn't thought that fair ahead."
"Doesn't matter," their lord interrupted them. "Zhou Yu and you look female enough to pass easily." Out of the corner of his eye, Lu Xun watched as Zhou Yu raise that same raven eyebrow again. "After all, it will take someone smart to stop sis' plan. Anyhoo, you and Lu Xun go find some dresses and get all dolled up. I'll have you in her guard by the end of the night."
Lu Xun's stomach dropped to the floor and began some extensive exercises. "What?! But my lord!"
Sun Ce beamed. "No need to thank me Xun. It's a great plan."
"But my lord!" This plan had to be stopped! There was no way he was ever wearing a dress!
Their leader shook his hand. "No time to talk, I have to hurry up and catch sis before she starts killing people! Night guys!" With a wave, Sun Ce walked off in the direction of Lady Sun's private chambers.
"But! But!" This was crazy! This had to be a nightmare!
"Do not worry Lu Xun."
He turned to the older strategist; he had known the man would be able to come up with something to get them out of this. After all, he was sworn brother to Sun Ce! His heart slowed its eradicate beat considerably. "Oh thank you! I know you'll find a way to talk him out of it."
Zhao Yu smiled brightly. "Why would I do that? I meant that you would make a very pretty girl."
His jaw gaping open, Lu Xun watched as Zhao Yu walked away muttering something about a nice dress to compliment his coloring.
**
Answers to Reviews:
Ramza: I warned you about the poem in advance. Ma Chao has poor taste in poems. Zhuge Liang isn't perfect. Wait till you see who he ends up with. I must admit this just might prove I am insane.
Yukira: You need to get more sleep. If Ma Chao doesn't win over Lady Yang soon then I think I just might have to hurt the both of them. Considering Ma Chao doesn't know a thing about women though---he's going to need more than just Liu Bei's help. Yue Ying isn't exactly going to turn against her husband. There will be something coming up that will divide them though.
Gingivere: Red Hare is evil. I still remember the thing rearing me off in DW3 the first time I played. *growls* Glad you like Wei Yan. I can't wait to see his wife's reaction to him joining Shu. Ugh. There is a reason he wears the mask, his wife is one of them. It protects him for her hitting him over the head.
*cough* I admit I'm taking huge liberties with Wei Yan. He's a little more rough in the other story. He does get overlooked a lot. Then again I always went for the Tarzan types. As for not being a bish- well, one does wonder what he looks like under that mask. Does he wear it for a reason? Or does he just wear it so he doesn't have to look you in the eye while he tears your instetines out? Hehehe, don't worry about your sister. I'm sure there's at least one oddball she likes somewhere down the line.
Actually, I modeled Ma Chao after one of my ex's. Nuff said.
SSX is going to make things interesting for Liu Bei. Actually, soon you'll see just how 'eager' Liu Bei is for this wedding. In other words not at all. I have the next two chapters ready. Just can't put them up because they need to be typed and I only get five minute intervals to the net one the weekend until all comps are fixed. Yuck.
Yes, there are now three Wei Yan fans. With things working out the way they are soon he might have a whole fandom. Though I admit I would be truly terrified if we ever numbered as much as the Zhang He/ Zhou Yu/ Zhao Yun fans.
Before I forget I LOVE the mini comics with Wei Yan in them, especially the elephant one!
ShizumiII: Actually have not seen Yue Ying in Kessen but I heard she was very annoying. I take it you're a Wei Yan fan since you had to check it out since he's in it. Hurray! There are now four of us! I heard a rumor that Wei Yan never actually rebelled in history, but I've never verified it. Heck, I'm not a historian. I wouldn't know where to start to look for the info. (Surprisingly enough I do know a spell dating back from the 1100's that is supposed to allow you to see faeries. Never tried it out though.) Wei Yan helps you out a lot in DW3. Matter of fact, that was one of the reasons I started liking him. Well that and because he was always such a bugger to beat when you were fighting against him.
Sun Shang Xiang is SCAREY. Or at least I like to write her that way. She drives me crazy with her cocky attitude at times. Actually Zhuge Liang does turn out happy in the end. But think of it from his point of view, some freak is moving in on his territory, plus Zhuge Liang IS the smartest man alive at the time, right. TO be smart and surrounded by people not quite as smart must take its toll. Some days I beat he just wants to start screaming at all of them. Though he does adore them. He'll be in a better mood soon. You know what some people say about moods. Sometimes you just need a good- err gee can't say that here.
Maiden of Water: SSX is up to no good. Please send all your support to the poor male generals of Wu, especially her two brothers and father. ^_^
Chunsa: Silly silly Ma Chao. I hope someone can show him how to be a romantic. Glad you got the fourth ending. Actually the dance was kinda frightening. Jiang Wei is adorable. To be honest I like his voice this time around, and I love the dragon gauntlets. He'll be showing up soon. I think if I can drag him away from his books. * lights a fire under his chair* Glad you do. I won't be able to review until I get this whole virus thing settled, but as soon as I do I'll go back to reviewing. I'm so far behind!
Kaibadragon: You like them together? Hurray! We might have five Wei Yan fans then! *takes out noisemakers* Wei Yan's death might come up or might not. I truly haven't decided yet. He's too busy lobbying for a love scene to worry about killing Zhang He and overthrowing Jiang Wei. Well he better start worrying about Zhang He. Zhuge Liang is under a lot of stress. I mean he's trying to take over a kingdom. He's used to people following his orders. And he's missing something from his love life which I won't mention *cough*sex*cough*. So give poor Zhuge Liang a break. Besides from what I read he really thought Wei Yan should have been killed, and later on they became friends. Rome wasn't built in a day. As soon as he finds out that Wei Yan doesn't want to do anything to his wife-err wait-okay cheese wiz let me think about this.