Trinity
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
Disclaimer: I do not own any character in this fanfic unless otherwise stated. Lu Xun, Gan Ning, Lü Meng, and all other characters are copyrighted to KEOI Productions and are used for fan reasons only. Please do not steal or alter this fic.
Didn't realize the deadline for the fic was coming up soon! Phew! Oh well... this fic shall be done by then if I get on the ball. Again, I wish to thank you all of the wonderful comments; it makes my day! Okay, I'll shut up now, onto the fanfics! Okay, just a warning... this chapter lacks the three main characters. Just thought you guys would like to know what's going on with the other two kingdoms.
Chapter Five: Sign of the Trinity
Night seemed to offer dreamless sleep for those who knew what kind of war that was coming. Throughout the day and through the night, Lu Xun and his men constructed the booby traps throughout the land, too busy doing their job to feel the need for sleep. In the Wu capital, Lady Wu found it hard to sleep as well, as fear, more towards if the wedding plans would be necessary rather than in fear of her son's life, kept her wondering the halls of the castle. Three times she went to her son's room, to see it empty, but every time she smiled, just knowing that things would turn up okay.
To the north, Cao Cao eagerly awaited Sima Yi's arrival, slight fear of this unknown army gnawing on his sub conscious. He knew better than to rest easy, to think 'it's just Wu they're attacking'. But still, he was hesitant to bring his forces out, for reasons of his own.
And, to the west laid the third kingdom of Shu-Han, where the Imperial Uncle, Liu Bei ruled. Like Cao Cao, he also wished to unify China, but in the name of the glorious Han empire. Through struggles and hardships, Liu Bei found his land and capital, where he was now, listening to the report from his two bordering generals.
Huang Zhong did most of the speaking, allowing the messenger to say something every now and then, and his junior officer Wei Yan kept silent, as if eager for the old man to shut up so that he could go off into battle.
Like the lords before him, Liu Bei was alarmed when Huang Zhong said the size of the newly discovered army, nearly falling from his seat. "A million men at his disposal?! Impossible!"
"That's what I said! Hard to believe anything like that could be real, especially if it's coming from those sea-riding bucks from Wu!" Huang Zhong stated, raising his sword and prodding the messenger in the chest harmlessly. "I say it's a trap!"
"Not like it would be the first time..." Liu Bei pondered to himself, brushing his beard for a second before looking back at the messenger. "Have you seen this for yourself, soldier?"
Of course, the soldier dared not lie, speaking as calmly as he could, "Not with my own eyes, sir, but please believe us! I know it seems unreal, but if we had the time, Zhou Yu himself would have came to tell you this then me!"
Rather it convinced him or not was a mystery, as the Prime Minister finally spoke up, his words alarming his lord as he wore a deep look. No one could ever take Zhuge Liang's word lightly, and now was no different. "It's no ruse, for what he speaks is true. Had it been a ruse, then either Zhou Yu or my brother would have come to talk about it with us for themselves... he is correct, my lord."
That didn't lighten the situation any, as Huang Zhong's reply hinted, "One million men! That's an outrage; how can someone control an army that size?"
"It's possible," Zhuge Liang answered him, keeping a calm, cool manner before them. This annoyed both of the generals, but they dared not speak it aloud. He then looked to Liu Bei, crossing his arms politely. "My lord, what are your thoughts? Shall we aid them?"
There was no doubt what his answer is, "They would aid us if we were in the same predicament. We still have our alliance to look at."
Huang Zhong smiled, just as the messenger did. He held his sword up, to give his approval as well, "Then say that word and we'll drive those pirates out of our country, Lord Liu Bei! They'll regret ever stepping into this land!"
"Kill them all..." Wei Yan replied simply, also grinning.
However, Liu Bei then questioned Zhuge Liang, "What is your most humble opinion, Master Zhuge? You almost look hesitant."
All eyes lay upon the Prime Minister, as he lowered his gaze to concentrate. The messenger, as well as Huang Zhong and Wei Yan, were slightly alarmed at his response. "My lord, I don't think we should act so hastily. Though there is an alliance between us, there have always been problems in it. We should act, but only when it is opportune for us to do so."
Liu Bei made a motion, and the guards dismissed the messenger for the moment, just as Huang Zhong went to object.
"But if we don't act now," Huang Zhong pointed out. "Then they will crumble and this new force will get stronger!"
"I know this, Huang Zhong, however, they will not fall. We will act against this enemy, but just not immediately," Zhuge Liang replied, ending his argument as he turned his gaze towards his lord, to gain his approval. "They still wish for the Jing Province from us, as well as your wife. And though the size of the army is massive, one must remember 'quality over quantity'. We can used this new force to our advantage..."
This seemed to spark some interest in Liu Bei's eyes. "How so?"
"If the army is as powerful as it is massive, then Wu has no choice but to stay on the defensive. They are very conservative and it will defend better than offend against this new threat. Allow the enemy to weaken Wu until they have no choice but to come around to our terms. Tell them that you will only give them aid if we finally come to an agreement that the Jing province is ours and that your wife is to remain here. They will have no choice but to accept our demands, and should they retaliate afterwards, their army will be far too weak from the past fight to stand as much as a threat to us."
Zhuge Liang's plan seemed perfect, however, it was Huang Zhong who objected still, "But if Wu falls, then how are we to stand against the Wei?"
"I have not forgotten them, Huang Zhong, so allow me to continue..."
"What do you think Cao Cao will do about this?" Liu Bei asked, as he contemplated the idea.
Closing his eyes for a second, Zhuge Liang replied, "There is no doubt that Cao Cao knows the dangers of one of the army's falling to this new threat, so he, too, will most likely take arms against this new force, but at a price. They, too, will make demands, and most likely they will try to conquer Wu right after they had defeated the enemy."
"I can see that happening all too well, and if Wu falls to Wei, our alliance is dead and to face Wei after that will be a challenge..." Liu Bei sighed.
Now Huang Zhong caught on, once again moving his sword about, "Not if we don't give them time to recuperate! While the main force is in Wu, we can go to their capital and take them there!"
"My thoughts exactly..." Zhuge Liang replied.
The plan seemed flawless! By defeating this new enemy, they could bring the house of Han back in power and unify China once again! However, Liu Bei's reply as somewhat predictable to Zhuge Liang. "It would seem dishonorable though to do such a thing to Wu. We hold an alliance... I would be betraying them if I didn't send out troops immediately."
"My lord, our alliance is unstable, and it was from the very beginning. It will not be long before they take action to retrieve their lost territory, and should we go immediately to their aid, they will certainly try to do so." Zhuge Liang countered, his voice smooth as silk and his words persuasive. "It is not a question of honor anymore, my lord."
To anyone who knew Liu Bei, honor was always top priority to him. Lowering his gaze, he sighed, beginning to contemplate the idea. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan grew restless before him, eagerly awaiting orders. Finally, he answered, "Give me a day or two to think about it..."
"Of course, my Lord..." Zhuge Liang replied, taking a bow as the two generals stared at their lord, still waiting for orders. Zhuge Liang spoke for them, "What shall we do in the meantime, sir?"
"Huang Zhong, take Wei Yan and a few hundred forces out and guard the border, just in case should something happen before I come to a decision. Guard the borders well; within two days I will send out news to you." Liu Bei answered, eyeing the two generals now. "I'll trust you two to keep this invading force back should they move quicker than we expect."
"Yes my lord!"
And the two were off, leaving the indecisive lord and Zhuge Liang in their shadow. Waiting until they were out of hearing range before speaking, Huang Zhong remarked to his junior officer, "Don't tell anyone else, but I don't think I quite like that plan. Seems too dishonorable if you ask me. Can't really say that I like those whelps from Wu either... like a bunch of vultures gathering around and waiting for us to kill over so that they can have their land back. Better them fall then us I suppose."
Wei Yan only gave a nod, his mask revealing no emotions as he agreed with his senior officer. However, he could not complain, and he rather hoped a few of the new invading forces would show up, just to tear them to pieces. Huang Zhong could see it in his eyes, and he stopped the man, speaking to him in a hushed voice. "And you best stick to the orders, Wei Yan... no need for the both of us to be getting into trouble, especially now. I remember the last time you disobeyed orders, and this time I can't afford to stick my neck out further for you, otherwise we'd both be beheaded. Understand?"
What else could the general say? He said nothing, giving a grunt that Huang Zhong presumed to mean yes. He patted him on the back, mainly to annoy him over anything else, as they continued down the corridor and out of the castle. "That's a good boy! Don't worry, I'll save a few of them for you to pick off. Just don't go wondering too far out; who knows what they can do."
~*~*~*~
By the time that Sima Yi had arrived to the camps, it was in the dead of night. One could tell it was he who was on the black horse, ride through the gates with not so much as a whisper to the guards. He wore elegant clothing in the shades of violet, blue, and black, and though he did not look fit for battle, it was obvious just by looking at his pearly face that he was a schemer, a strategist to be remembered. He was even compared to the great Zhuge Liang of Shu! Yes, this same man had finally arrived, though he dared not utter a word, letting the clopping of the horse's feet brushing against the dried flatland be his announcement.
Like Zhuge Liang, he seemed to plan ahead, already plotting several courses of action to take before even arriving at his lord's camp. He went quite some distance before he was finally spotted by a general, and Xiahou Dun's voice was slightly bitter, "You're late, Lord Sima Yi. Lord Cao Cao's been wondering about you."
"Forgive my tardiness," Sima Yi began, dismounting his black steed to greet the general, standing many inches shorter than him and almost straining to see him eye-to-eye. "However, I was doing some important research of the stars."
"And not the enemy?"
To this, Sima Yi did not respond, but he bowed instead. "Where is our lord?"
"In his tent, waiting for you," Xiahou Dun replied, turning around and leading him to the brightly decorated tent that their lord kept in. The guards bowed and quickly moved aside as they entered, and the instant Sima Yi stepped foot into the tent, he realized the seriousness of the matter. Xiahou Dun caught his cousin a bit off guard, as the man nearly fell from the desk. "Cao Cao, Sima Yi has arrived."
The Wei lord rose his head, glaring at the bowing strategist with hinted anger, but he quelled it well, not allowing too much of it to seep to his words, "Sima Yi, I'm sure you are aware of this threat... I have my troops on stand-by for full out war, and I merely await your consent."
"That seems to be most wise, my lord... as I arrived to claim that we should go to war with this new enemy." Sima Yi stated, finally standing straight and addressing his lord properly. There was something odd about Sima Yi's behavior, Cao Cao noticed, as the man seemed to hint to walking outside. "However, we should hold back a bit and allow the Wu forces to test them, so they we can be properly prepared."
That earned a look from Cao Cao, as he narrowed his eyes, "You seem more eager for this battle than any other. Does this million-man army not threaten you?"
"It frightens me, my lord."
Xiahou Dun stated otherwise, "You seem calm about that matter."
And to combat that, Sima Yi turned to Cao Cao's cousin and replied, "Perhaps you should study the stars, sir. As well as you, my lord. That is why I have arrived late; I was studying the stars to see what this new threat could bring us."
Cao Cao gave a spat, slamming his hand down on his desk and making the strategist jump. "The invading force will be attacking the southeastern part of Wu's territory tomorrow, and you're wasting time gazing at the stars? I find it hard to believe that one such as yourself is an easy victim to such superficial things!"
He did not mean to anger his lord, and Sima Yi chose his next words with care. "My lord, I do believe that the Heavens leave stars in the night sky to send us messages and warnings of the future. How many times have we seen a star fall from the sky above a territory to signify a general's or a lord's demise? Long since I have studied the pattern of stars and time after time I've trusted what the Heavens sent us. Now can be no different..."
The glare that Cao Cao sent him was one that was skeptical. He was known for being deep into the supernatural himself from time to time, though he tried to hide that part of him. He would have further argued the case, if he didn't have that gut-wrenching feeling within him. "Is the moon out tonight?"
"It's in it's third state, my lord... you can see the stars clearly in an open area."
"Good... then show me why you trust the Heavens so much, Sima Yi. I wish to see for myself, and then I shall ask of your plan if your star-gazing ways convince me."
And what else could Sima Yi do? He gave a bow, and the three of them walked from the tent, walking under the late spring sky and finding the best spot. Cao Cao and his cousin stopped a few feet short from Sima Yi, who now turned his gaze to the sliver of the quarter moon. Within a few days, the new moon would take the sky, Cao Cao figured, and he watched as Sima Yi gained his bearings.
"Notice the brightest star next to the moon, my lord. That is the north star; that represents us for the moment, the kingdom of Wei. It's the brightest because we are the closest to achieving our goals of unifying the land under your rule." Sima Yi proclaimed, catching the smile that rose from Cao Cao's lips at the mention of that. He continued, pointing to the south of the northern star, "And you see that formation of stars there?"
It was Xiahou Dun who spotted it before his cousin, "The three stars aligned vertically to one another?"
"Correct."
"I see them... what is your point?" Cao Cao asked, growing slightly impatient.
After a moment's silence, Sima Yi began, "Since I was a child I studied war and the pattern of the stars of the Heavens, and a day or two ago, I noticed those three stars. At first, it did not startle me, but when I gazed towards the southeast, I noticed that, for some reason, there seemed to be a misty cluster, a miasma almost, and those three stars seemed to be dampened by its haze."
"I was star gazing that night too... I didn't noticed anything different." Xiahou Dun exclaimed with a skeptical snort. "But continue..."
"Do you star gaze often, Lord Xiahou Dun?"
It was a simple question with a simple answer. "I haven't the time to."
"Then, if you would star gaze as often as I do, then you would have noticed that the vertical pattern should not be in the skies at all tonight."
That seemed to have caught Cao Cao's attention, and he looked to the three stars again, as Sima Yi explained, "Those three stars can only be seen in the late fall and winter time; they are positioned in the wrong season and now, for some odd reason, they can be seen during the spring time. That itself is a sign from Heaven."
"Odd indeed... you've stated that the north star represents us as Wei. What do those three stars represent?" Cao Cao asked, his seriousness now ever so obvious in his deep voice. Xiahou Dun seemed to be catching on as well, as he turned his one eye back to the three stars.
"Your report from Wu states that the only generals stationed there are the two generals Gan Ning and Lü Meng and the young strategist Lu Xun, and that the only able men available counted only up to three thousand, correct?" Sima Yi asked, and as Cao Cao acknowledged that fact to be true, he nodded. "Then those three stars represent those three generals and their men, a star representing a thousand each."
Xiahou Dun pointed out, "What about the stars around them? They seem to be gathering around those specific three."
Wearing a rather grim look, the strategist replied, "The army of a million men of course... last night the stars were scattered about, though now it seems they are gathering in that general area. It won't be long before they surround those three stars and outshine them into nonexistence."
"So, in other words, soon those forces will fall, and we should expect to see those three stars fall to the southeast?" Cao Cao asked, his voice cold and void from life.
"But it's only three thousand men... if they fall, how would that effect the entire kingdom of Wu, or us, for that matter?" Xiahou Dun spat, disbelief filling his voice.
Still wearing a grim look, Sima Yi responded, looking directly at Cao Cao and his cousin and speaking in a tone that could not be taken lightly be anyone, despite their allegiance. "Those three stars represent many things, not just those three generals and their men. Those stars can also represent the three kingdoms. A trinity has appeared in the sky, and should one fall, then the other two shall follow until there are none left. If those forces fail, then Wu fails, and the enemy now has a place to stay, to keep its troops."
"And Wu would be the best place to keep such a force... the rivers grant them defense that we lack, and their offense will be many times the amount that Wu's. With greater defense and offense, they can easily begin a campaign to conquer Shu, and then, it would not be long before they launch a campaign to conquer us..." Cao Cao finished off, his voice trailing off in despair. The realization of the situation struck him like a blade to the gut, as he almost fell to the ground completely. Leaning on his cousin for a second, he lowered his gaze from the stars. "This new force must be dealt with, and immediately, otherwise, our country will fall."
Sima Yi gave a nod, "Exactly, my lord... I am sure that Liu Bei of Shu will realize the same thing, however, there has been no news of them taking action just yet."
"With their alliance," Xiahou Dun mused. "They would be the first to their aid..."
"I suspect that Zhuge Liang has a lot to do with their delay of help." Sima Yi spoke that name with venom, but continued in a civil tone. "There have always been problems between the two kingdoms, and this could be a way of creating a rift between the two. Though threatening, the arrival of this new threat can be taken to our advantage."
Xiahou Dun was curious, "How so?"
The strategist gave a grin. "Simple. Their alliance is based on the Jing Province itself, as Wu reluctantly lent it to Liu Bei until he gained his own territory. Now the Shu has been created, it's only natural that Wu wants their province back. Shu has yet to return it to them, and Sun Quan is growing afraid of Liu Bei's rising power and will soon take Liu Bei to be a threat to his kingdom if he expands any further."
"Sounds like you've been studying." Cao Cao remarked, crossing his arms and wearing a distant look, as if to be contemplating the situation. "Carry on."
"Shu's reluctance to join the war quickly seems to be a ploy to use this new threat to their advantage as well. They will refuse help to Wu until they are near certain defeat, and then they will only send aid if Wu agrees to let Liu Bei keep Jing." Sima Yi stated, trying his best to keep in step with his rival from Shu. "Only then will they join the war, and should Wu try to retaliate for their land after this new threat is dealt with, Shu could simply crush them, subjugate their land, then begin a campaign north to take our land."
It seemed expected, as Cao Cao asked. "So, as Shu goes to take over Wu after they defeat the enemy, we should send a force to Cheng Du and conquer Shu as soon as the main force reaches Jian Ye."
Oh, the grin that rose from Sima Yi's lips was priceless and fearful at the same time. "Precisely my lord."
"Seems like a settle plan... risky, but one that I'm willing to take." Cao Cao gave a nod of approval, and Sima Yi's grin got deeper as the lord turned to his cousin. "Rally the troops and gather as many forces as you can. I want the army to be split into two parts, one to head south to aid Wu, and the other to be put on stand-by."
His cousin gave a bow, "Yes my lord!"
"Sima Yi, compose a letter to Sun Quan telling him of our cooperation. Tell him that I will go there personally to guarantee that my forces will aid him to remove this threat from our country." Cao Cao ordered, answering the strategist's odd look. "I want you to be in charge of subjugating Shu should they try anything against Wu... even if they do not succeed, strengthening the rift between the two kingdoms would be good as well. But don't attack unless you are positively sure that they will try to attack Wu, understand?"
Giving a bow, the strategist replied. "Most definitely, my lord. I will suggest, though, that a few forces are to be left to guard Chang An, Xu Chang, and Luo Yang, should Shu try to send a force to either of those three places as well."
"Of course... do not think I will allow those three areas to be taken so easily." Cao Cao replied, and as the strategist took his leave, he looked to the stars alone, gazing at the three stars set vertically on top of one another. To think, those three stars could mean so many different things at once, yet, mean the same thing... "The trinity must remain intact... for the future of all three kingdoms, this is but a roulette."
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
Disclaimer: I do not own any character in this fanfic unless otherwise stated. Lu Xun, Gan Ning, Lü Meng, and all other characters are copyrighted to KEOI Productions and are used for fan reasons only. Please do not steal or alter this fic.
Didn't realize the deadline for the fic was coming up soon! Phew! Oh well... this fic shall be done by then if I get on the ball. Again, I wish to thank you all of the wonderful comments; it makes my day! Okay, I'll shut up now, onto the fanfics! Okay, just a warning... this chapter lacks the three main characters. Just thought you guys would like to know what's going on with the other two kingdoms.
Chapter Five: Sign of the Trinity
Night seemed to offer dreamless sleep for those who knew what kind of war that was coming. Throughout the day and through the night, Lu Xun and his men constructed the booby traps throughout the land, too busy doing their job to feel the need for sleep. In the Wu capital, Lady Wu found it hard to sleep as well, as fear, more towards if the wedding plans would be necessary rather than in fear of her son's life, kept her wondering the halls of the castle. Three times she went to her son's room, to see it empty, but every time she smiled, just knowing that things would turn up okay.
To the north, Cao Cao eagerly awaited Sima Yi's arrival, slight fear of this unknown army gnawing on his sub conscious. He knew better than to rest easy, to think 'it's just Wu they're attacking'. But still, he was hesitant to bring his forces out, for reasons of his own.
And, to the west laid the third kingdom of Shu-Han, where the Imperial Uncle, Liu Bei ruled. Like Cao Cao, he also wished to unify China, but in the name of the glorious Han empire. Through struggles and hardships, Liu Bei found his land and capital, where he was now, listening to the report from his two bordering generals.
Huang Zhong did most of the speaking, allowing the messenger to say something every now and then, and his junior officer Wei Yan kept silent, as if eager for the old man to shut up so that he could go off into battle.
Like the lords before him, Liu Bei was alarmed when Huang Zhong said the size of the newly discovered army, nearly falling from his seat. "A million men at his disposal?! Impossible!"
"That's what I said! Hard to believe anything like that could be real, especially if it's coming from those sea-riding bucks from Wu!" Huang Zhong stated, raising his sword and prodding the messenger in the chest harmlessly. "I say it's a trap!"
"Not like it would be the first time..." Liu Bei pondered to himself, brushing his beard for a second before looking back at the messenger. "Have you seen this for yourself, soldier?"
Of course, the soldier dared not lie, speaking as calmly as he could, "Not with my own eyes, sir, but please believe us! I know it seems unreal, but if we had the time, Zhou Yu himself would have came to tell you this then me!"
Rather it convinced him or not was a mystery, as the Prime Minister finally spoke up, his words alarming his lord as he wore a deep look. No one could ever take Zhuge Liang's word lightly, and now was no different. "It's no ruse, for what he speaks is true. Had it been a ruse, then either Zhou Yu or my brother would have come to talk about it with us for themselves... he is correct, my lord."
That didn't lighten the situation any, as Huang Zhong's reply hinted, "One million men! That's an outrage; how can someone control an army that size?"
"It's possible," Zhuge Liang answered him, keeping a calm, cool manner before them. This annoyed both of the generals, but they dared not speak it aloud. He then looked to Liu Bei, crossing his arms politely. "My lord, what are your thoughts? Shall we aid them?"
There was no doubt what his answer is, "They would aid us if we were in the same predicament. We still have our alliance to look at."
Huang Zhong smiled, just as the messenger did. He held his sword up, to give his approval as well, "Then say that word and we'll drive those pirates out of our country, Lord Liu Bei! They'll regret ever stepping into this land!"
"Kill them all..." Wei Yan replied simply, also grinning.
However, Liu Bei then questioned Zhuge Liang, "What is your most humble opinion, Master Zhuge? You almost look hesitant."
All eyes lay upon the Prime Minister, as he lowered his gaze to concentrate. The messenger, as well as Huang Zhong and Wei Yan, were slightly alarmed at his response. "My lord, I don't think we should act so hastily. Though there is an alliance between us, there have always been problems in it. We should act, but only when it is opportune for us to do so."
Liu Bei made a motion, and the guards dismissed the messenger for the moment, just as Huang Zhong went to object.
"But if we don't act now," Huang Zhong pointed out. "Then they will crumble and this new force will get stronger!"
"I know this, Huang Zhong, however, they will not fall. We will act against this enemy, but just not immediately," Zhuge Liang replied, ending his argument as he turned his gaze towards his lord, to gain his approval. "They still wish for the Jing Province from us, as well as your wife. And though the size of the army is massive, one must remember 'quality over quantity'. We can used this new force to our advantage..."
This seemed to spark some interest in Liu Bei's eyes. "How so?"
"If the army is as powerful as it is massive, then Wu has no choice but to stay on the defensive. They are very conservative and it will defend better than offend against this new threat. Allow the enemy to weaken Wu until they have no choice but to come around to our terms. Tell them that you will only give them aid if we finally come to an agreement that the Jing province is ours and that your wife is to remain here. They will have no choice but to accept our demands, and should they retaliate afterwards, their army will be far too weak from the past fight to stand as much as a threat to us."
Zhuge Liang's plan seemed perfect, however, it was Huang Zhong who objected still, "But if Wu falls, then how are we to stand against the Wei?"
"I have not forgotten them, Huang Zhong, so allow me to continue..."
"What do you think Cao Cao will do about this?" Liu Bei asked, as he contemplated the idea.
Closing his eyes for a second, Zhuge Liang replied, "There is no doubt that Cao Cao knows the dangers of one of the army's falling to this new threat, so he, too, will most likely take arms against this new force, but at a price. They, too, will make demands, and most likely they will try to conquer Wu right after they had defeated the enemy."
"I can see that happening all too well, and if Wu falls to Wei, our alliance is dead and to face Wei after that will be a challenge..." Liu Bei sighed.
Now Huang Zhong caught on, once again moving his sword about, "Not if we don't give them time to recuperate! While the main force is in Wu, we can go to their capital and take them there!"
"My thoughts exactly..." Zhuge Liang replied.
The plan seemed flawless! By defeating this new enemy, they could bring the house of Han back in power and unify China once again! However, Liu Bei's reply as somewhat predictable to Zhuge Liang. "It would seem dishonorable though to do such a thing to Wu. We hold an alliance... I would be betraying them if I didn't send out troops immediately."
"My lord, our alliance is unstable, and it was from the very beginning. It will not be long before they take action to retrieve their lost territory, and should we go immediately to their aid, they will certainly try to do so." Zhuge Liang countered, his voice smooth as silk and his words persuasive. "It is not a question of honor anymore, my lord."
To anyone who knew Liu Bei, honor was always top priority to him. Lowering his gaze, he sighed, beginning to contemplate the idea. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan grew restless before him, eagerly awaiting orders. Finally, he answered, "Give me a day or two to think about it..."
"Of course, my Lord..." Zhuge Liang replied, taking a bow as the two generals stared at their lord, still waiting for orders. Zhuge Liang spoke for them, "What shall we do in the meantime, sir?"
"Huang Zhong, take Wei Yan and a few hundred forces out and guard the border, just in case should something happen before I come to a decision. Guard the borders well; within two days I will send out news to you." Liu Bei answered, eyeing the two generals now. "I'll trust you two to keep this invading force back should they move quicker than we expect."
"Yes my lord!"
And the two were off, leaving the indecisive lord and Zhuge Liang in their shadow. Waiting until they were out of hearing range before speaking, Huang Zhong remarked to his junior officer, "Don't tell anyone else, but I don't think I quite like that plan. Seems too dishonorable if you ask me. Can't really say that I like those whelps from Wu either... like a bunch of vultures gathering around and waiting for us to kill over so that they can have their land back. Better them fall then us I suppose."
Wei Yan only gave a nod, his mask revealing no emotions as he agreed with his senior officer. However, he could not complain, and he rather hoped a few of the new invading forces would show up, just to tear them to pieces. Huang Zhong could see it in his eyes, and he stopped the man, speaking to him in a hushed voice. "And you best stick to the orders, Wei Yan... no need for the both of us to be getting into trouble, especially now. I remember the last time you disobeyed orders, and this time I can't afford to stick my neck out further for you, otherwise we'd both be beheaded. Understand?"
What else could the general say? He said nothing, giving a grunt that Huang Zhong presumed to mean yes. He patted him on the back, mainly to annoy him over anything else, as they continued down the corridor and out of the castle. "That's a good boy! Don't worry, I'll save a few of them for you to pick off. Just don't go wondering too far out; who knows what they can do."
~*~*~*~
By the time that Sima Yi had arrived to the camps, it was in the dead of night. One could tell it was he who was on the black horse, ride through the gates with not so much as a whisper to the guards. He wore elegant clothing in the shades of violet, blue, and black, and though he did not look fit for battle, it was obvious just by looking at his pearly face that he was a schemer, a strategist to be remembered. He was even compared to the great Zhuge Liang of Shu! Yes, this same man had finally arrived, though he dared not utter a word, letting the clopping of the horse's feet brushing against the dried flatland be his announcement.
Like Zhuge Liang, he seemed to plan ahead, already plotting several courses of action to take before even arriving at his lord's camp. He went quite some distance before he was finally spotted by a general, and Xiahou Dun's voice was slightly bitter, "You're late, Lord Sima Yi. Lord Cao Cao's been wondering about you."
"Forgive my tardiness," Sima Yi began, dismounting his black steed to greet the general, standing many inches shorter than him and almost straining to see him eye-to-eye. "However, I was doing some important research of the stars."
"And not the enemy?"
To this, Sima Yi did not respond, but he bowed instead. "Where is our lord?"
"In his tent, waiting for you," Xiahou Dun replied, turning around and leading him to the brightly decorated tent that their lord kept in. The guards bowed and quickly moved aside as they entered, and the instant Sima Yi stepped foot into the tent, he realized the seriousness of the matter. Xiahou Dun caught his cousin a bit off guard, as the man nearly fell from the desk. "Cao Cao, Sima Yi has arrived."
The Wei lord rose his head, glaring at the bowing strategist with hinted anger, but he quelled it well, not allowing too much of it to seep to his words, "Sima Yi, I'm sure you are aware of this threat... I have my troops on stand-by for full out war, and I merely await your consent."
"That seems to be most wise, my lord... as I arrived to claim that we should go to war with this new enemy." Sima Yi stated, finally standing straight and addressing his lord properly. There was something odd about Sima Yi's behavior, Cao Cao noticed, as the man seemed to hint to walking outside. "However, we should hold back a bit and allow the Wu forces to test them, so they we can be properly prepared."
That earned a look from Cao Cao, as he narrowed his eyes, "You seem more eager for this battle than any other. Does this million-man army not threaten you?"
"It frightens me, my lord."
Xiahou Dun stated otherwise, "You seem calm about that matter."
And to combat that, Sima Yi turned to Cao Cao's cousin and replied, "Perhaps you should study the stars, sir. As well as you, my lord. That is why I have arrived late; I was studying the stars to see what this new threat could bring us."
Cao Cao gave a spat, slamming his hand down on his desk and making the strategist jump. "The invading force will be attacking the southeastern part of Wu's territory tomorrow, and you're wasting time gazing at the stars? I find it hard to believe that one such as yourself is an easy victim to such superficial things!"
He did not mean to anger his lord, and Sima Yi chose his next words with care. "My lord, I do believe that the Heavens leave stars in the night sky to send us messages and warnings of the future. How many times have we seen a star fall from the sky above a territory to signify a general's or a lord's demise? Long since I have studied the pattern of stars and time after time I've trusted what the Heavens sent us. Now can be no different..."
The glare that Cao Cao sent him was one that was skeptical. He was known for being deep into the supernatural himself from time to time, though he tried to hide that part of him. He would have further argued the case, if he didn't have that gut-wrenching feeling within him. "Is the moon out tonight?"
"It's in it's third state, my lord... you can see the stars clearly in an open area."
"Good... then show me why you trust the Heavens so much, Sima Yi. I wish to see for myself, and then I shall ask of your plan if your star-gazing ways convince me."
And what else could Sima Yi do? He gave a bow, and the three of them walked from the tent, walking under the late spring sky and finding the best spot. Cao Cao and his cousin stopped a few feet short from Sima Yi, who now turned his gaze to the sliver of the quarter moon. Within a few days, the new moon would take the sky, Cao Cao figured, and he watched as Sima Yi gained his bearings.
"Notice the brightest star next to the moon, my lord. That is the north star; that represents us for the moment, the kingdom of Wei. It's the brightest because we are the closest to achieving our goals of unifying the land under your rule." Sima Yi proclaimed, catching the smile that rose from Cao Cao's lips at the mention of that. He continued, pointing to the south of the northern star, "And you see that formation of stars there?"
It was Xiahou Dun who spotted it before his cousin, "The three stars aligned vertically to one another?"
"Correct."
"I see them... what is your point?" Cao Cao asked, growing slightly impatient.
After a moment's silence, Sima Yi began, "Since I was a child I studied war and the pattern of the stars of the Heavens, and a day or two ago, I noticed those three stars. At first, it did not startle me, but when I gazed towards the southeast, I noticed that, for some reason, there seemed to be a misty cluster, a miasma almost, and those three stars seemed to be dampened by its haze."
"I was star gazing that night too... I didn't noticed anything different." Xiahou Dun exclaimed with a skeptical snort. "But continue..."
"Do you star gaze often, Lord Xiahou Dun?"
It was a simple question with a simple answer. "I haven't the time to."
"Then, if you would star gaze as often as I do, then you would have noticed that the vertical pattern should not be in the skies at all tonight."
That seemed to have caught Cao Cao's attention, and he looked to the three stars again, as Sima Yi explained, "Those three stars can only be seen in the late fall and winter time; they are positioned in the wrong season and now, for some odd reason, they can be seen during the spring time. That itself is a sign from Heaven."
"Odd indeed... you've stated that the north star represents us as Wei. What do those three stars represent?" Cao Cao asked, his seriousness now ever so obvious in his deep voice. Xiahou Dun seemed to be catching on as well, as he turned his one eye back to the three stars.
"Your report from Wu states that the only generals stationed there are the two generals Gan Ning and Lü Meng and the young strategist Lu Xun, and that the only able men available counted only up to three thousand, correct?" Sima Yi asked, and as Cao Cao acknowledged that fact to be true, he nodded. "Then those three stars represent those three generals and their men, a star representing a thousand each."
Xiahou Dun pointed out, "What about the stars around them? They seem to be gathering around those specific three."
Wearing a rather grim look, the strategist replied, "The army of a million men of course... last night the stars were scattered about, though now it seems they are gathering in that general area. It won't be long before they surround those three stars and outshine them into nonexistence."
"So, in other words, soon those forces will fall, and we should expect to see those three stars fall to the southeast?" Cao Cao asked, his voice cold and void from life.
"But it's only three thousand men... if they fall, how would that effect the entire kingdom of Wu, or us, for that matter?" Xiahou Dun spat, disbelief filling his voice.
Still wearing a grim look, Sima Yi responded, looking directly at Cao Cao and his cousin and speaking in a tone that could not be taken lightly be anyone, despite their allegiance. "Those three stars represent many things, not just those three generals and their men. Those stars can also represent the three kingdoms. A trinity has appeared in the sky, and should one fall, then the other two shall follow until there are none left. If those forces fail, then Wu fails, and the enemy now has a place to stay, to keep its troops."
"And Wu would be the best place to keep such a force... the rivers grant them defense that we lack, and their offense will be many times the amount that Wu's. With greater defense and offense, they can easily begin a campaign to conquer Shu, and then, it would not be long before they launch a campaign to conquer us..." Cao Cao finished off, his voice trailing off in despair. The realization of the situation struck him like a blade to the gut, as he almost fell to the ground completely. Leaning on his cousin for a second, he lowered his gaze from the stars. "This new force must be dealt with, and immediately, otherwise, our country will fall."
Sima Yi gave a nod, "Exactly, my lord... I am sure that Liu Bei of Shu will realize the same thing, however, there has been no news of them taking action just yet."
"With their alliance," Xiahou Dun mused. "They would be the first to their aid..."
"I suspect that Zhuge Liang has a lot to do with their delay of help." Sima Yi spoke that name with venom, but continued in a civil tone. "There have always been problems between the two kingdoms, and this could be a way of creating a rift between the two. Though threatening, the arrival of this new threat can be taken to our advantage."
Xiahou Dun was curious, "How so?"
The strategist gave a grin. "Simple. Their alliance is based on the Jing Province itself, as Wu reluctantly lent it to Liu Bei until he gained his own territory. Now the Shu has been created, it's only natural that Wu wants their province back. Shu has yet to return it to them, and Sun Quan is growing afraid of Liu Bei's rising power and will soon take Liu Bei to be a threat to his kingdom if he expands any further."
"Sounds like you've been studying." Cao Cao remarked, crossing his arms and wearing a distant look, as if to be contemplating the situation. "Carry on."
"Shu's reluctance to join the war quickly seems to be a ploy to use this new threat to their advantage as well. They will refuse help to Wu until they are near certain defeat, and then they will only send aid if Wu agrees to let Liu Bei keep Jing." Sima Yi stated, trying his best to keep in step with his rival from Shu. "Only then will they join the war, and should Wu try to retaliate for their land after this new threat is dealt with, Shu could simply crush them, subjugate their land, then begin a campaign north to take our land."
It seemed expected, as Cao Cao asked. "So, as Shu goes to take over Wu after they defeat the enemy, we should send a force to Cheng Du and conquer Shu as soon as the main force reaches Jian Ye."
Oh, the grin that rose from Sima Yi's lips was priceless and fearful at the same time. "Precisely my lord."
"Seems like a settle plan... risky, but one that I'm willing to take." Cao Cao gave a nod of approval, and Sima Yi's grin got deeper as the lord turned to his cousin. "Rally the troops and gather as many forces as you can. I want the army to be split into two parts, one to head south to aid Wu, and the other to be put on stand-by."
His cousin gave a bow, "Yes my lord!"
"Sima Yi, compose a letter to Sun Quan telling him of our cooperation. Tell him that I will go there personally to guarantee that my forces will aid him to remove this threat from our country." Cao Cao ordered, answering the strategist's odd look. "I want you to be in charge of subjugating Shu should they try anything against Wu... even if they do not succeed, strengthening the rift between the two kingdoms would be good as well. But don't attack unless you are positively sure that they will try to attack Wu, understand?"
Giving a bow, the strategist replied. "Most definitely, my lord. I will suggest, though, that a few forces are to be left to guard Chang An, Xu Chang, and Luo Yang, should Shu try to send a force to either of those three places as well."
"Of course... do not think I will allow those three areas to be taken so easily." Cao Cao replied, and as the strategist took his leave, he looked to the stars alone, gazing at the three stars set vertically on top of one another. To think, those three stars could mean so many different things at once, yet, mean the same thing... "The trinity must remain intact... for the future of all three kingdoms, this is but a roulette."