Chapter Two:
Cheng Du
Outside of the gates of Cheng Du, the walls seemed to loom high over the villagers head. Yan could hear them whispering amongst one another if it was truely safe to enter. No one knows what kind of man Liu Zhang is or how the citizens are themselves. Feeling almost like outcasts, they all had second thoughts on planned on returning to their burned down home. It was then Chao Yan spoke up and angrily threw words at them.
"Do you really wish to return to a life of poverty with no rich soil what so ever along with your homes burnt to the ground with no valuable possessions either! None of you, nor I or my son, Pei, know what this city is like! Why not take a daring step forward into a world that is such a mystery and find out what great potential it holds and what could be awaiting you in the near future! Reconsider your decision and enter with me and my son and together, we shall take our first steps towards a new life and start anew!"
This stirred everyone. Everyone was nodding their heads and some even cheered. Inspirational words from a man who was in the same state as them, yet he had the figure and ambition to become a great leader. Why wasnt he one now? Little do they know, Chao Yan was on his way to becoming a leader among men, and show the world what it means to fight with valor and honor. Of course though, Chao Yan wasnt the only one who was fighting to help end the peoples suffering. Later, Chao Yan would meet a man of great respect and virtue.
"You! You there!" an armed man yelled with soldiers beside him. Marching up towards Yan, he demanded who he was and why were these people standing infront of the castle gates. Chao Yan explained thoroughly of what happened and told him that they need a new home in order to survive. Touched, the man acknowledged his story with great emotion and ordered the soldiers to help the people into the city.
"Thank you lord." Chao Yan thanked, as he dropped to one knee with one hand in the palm of the other. "May I ask the name of the one who has saved an entire village from dieing in the wilderness?"
"My name is Zhang Ren, officer beneath Liu Zhang, ruler of Cheng Du." Zhang Ren smiled gently towards Chao Yan and pleaded for him to stand. It took awhile before Yan stood and thanked him once more, giving his name so he wouldnt go around as anonymous. Yan was relieved that his village was accepted and that they could finally live in peace... for now. He knew it wouldnt be long before war reached the outer walls of Cheng Du.
Inside of the city, the villagers that came with Chao Yan and Pei gasped in awe at the sight of the city. It was bussling with many people to and fro with shopping carts on the side of streets happily conversing with customers who were yelling over others trying to get the better deal. The trees were blossoming and the grass was much greener here. It was as if they had entered through the gates of heavens and found a place to stay forever. Chao Pei let out a laugh of joy as he looked over and grabbed the hands of an elderly woman who was smiling as well. Such emotions were exchanged between the people, it nearly brought them to tears of happiness. The children giggled and ran about strangers whom they had never met and were greeted most politely by older people. The adults even came to love the city at first glance, as they began to converse with shop keepers and were amazed at the prices of many of their items.
"Lord Zhang Ren..." Chao Yan spoke suddenly.
"Yes Chao Yan?"
"I was hoping if it was possible for me to speak with your lord, Liu Zhang?"
"I am sorry Chao Yan. He is quite busy at the moment with domestic affairs. It should be awhile before he is able to see anyone. However I will keep you informed when the time arises for you to meet with him. Surely you dont mind?"
"Not at all." Turning, the two bowed to one another as they then went and departed from one another into opposite directions. Feeling a rush of happiness, he went to go join the others as they enjoyed themselves around the city streets. It wasnt long before Yan got caught up in the excitement and he too was laughing with those he knew quite well. It was only a matter of time though, before he, alone with his son, would leave their friends in order to finish the rest of their plans. This is why Chao Yan wished to speak with Liu Zhang to see if he was able to recruit some of his soldiers for his worthy cause. Maybe if he was lucky... perhaps some able generals would come along to and help.
Inside of the palace however, Liu Zhang had not been working on his 'domestic affairs'. He was looking over the battlefield of the oncoming army of Liu Bei, the so called 'Man of Virtue'. Liu Zhang was fustrated and couldnt come up with any plans but stay within the castle walls. But he wouldnt let him anywhere near the gates, so he thought of sending out officers and soldiers to drive them away. But one thing pondered his mind though. Why was Liu Bei attacking? It wasnt long though before Zhang Ren came through the doors of the strategists room. Liu Zhang was speaking towards the strategists that surrounded the middle table while Zhang Ren stood there to let them finish. "Liu Bei cannot win if we ask our neighboring lord, Zhang Lu for help! With him helping us defend Cheng Du, we cannot lose!"
"But Lord Liu Zhang... I am afraid we already tried asking Zhang Lu in a previous battle for help. I do not think he will approve of this by a simple message. We also do not have any gifts to bear him. Alas we are without allies this coming battle. We are to rely on sheer numbers and strategies, and I have already a few to lay down. If you are willing to listen my lord?"
"Of course! Please speak your mind and fill me in with what strategies you have. Anything that will ease my mind..."
"Lord Liu Zhang! A man by the name of Chao Yan wishes to see you."
"I am busy Zhang Ren... please tell the man to come back later."
"But..." Zhang Ren didnt want to go back on Chao Yan's word. Only thinking of one way to get Yan his meeting with Zhang... and it was this. "... He is a new recruit! He wishes to join the ranks of your army and show his valor and might!" Feeling horrible for lieing, his head hung low and his eyes glued to the floor. Liu Zhang however smirked slightly. What splendid luck this was... With Liu Bei attacking, Zhang can have another warrior on the field to help fight.
"Very well then Zhang Ren! Send him in right away and we can get started and plotting out are ambush parties!"
"Ambush parties my lord? What do you mean by that?"
"Yes! Did you not hear the news? Liu Bei has come to attack Cheng Du under the peoples will! He has many good soldiers and with this new recruit, Im sure that we will have a higher success rate on driving the enemy away!" Liu Zhang then waved his fingers at Ren dismissing him from the council room. Oh how the guilt began to build up onto his shoulders. Not knowing Chao Yan for more than a day and already he considered him a good friend. Now... he had sent him off to battle just so he could converse with his lord.
"Oh heavens... what have I done?"
Outside, Chao Pei was walking around the streets of Cheng Du admiring its beautiful structures. The palace itself struck him in awe. Chao Pei was very much into structures and the way they are built. Once he had helped build a temple in the Jiang Dong. He was very much praised for his help that they offered him gold and gifts, but he denied happily. Saying he did not need their gifts to notice their gratitude. Walking along, Chao Pei bumped into a man on accident. He turned around with his head already bowed. "I am sorry Sir.. please forgive this foolish boy."
"Come now! It was not your fault seeing as I had been standing here admiring the tree's and their lovely petals. It is me who should be apologizing oh young lord." the stranger said with his head bowed. The man was just about the same height as Chao Pei, with whiskers that extended towards his jaw line, his eyes were a careful pair as their gleaming orbs shifted this way and that. The man looked as if he a strategist but was dressed in peons clothing.
"Dear sir! May I ask what your name is?" A bit intrigued by the man, Chao Pei couldnt resist but blurt out this question. All he could think of was trying to get him to join his father's quest in order to end the suffering. The man responded happily.
"I am Tian Fei of BeiHai, son of Tian Gong." The two exhanged greetings as well as their goals in life. Chao Pei was very interested in what Tian Fei wanted to become. An officer. An officer of an army where he could be respected and spread his family's name through the land, but it was a worthless cause. His father died along mother as well as his sister disappearing one day while she was out at the market. She was never seen again. Chao Pei however decided to help him with his task so long as he could his father's. Agreeing, a jolt of excitement sent Pei into a cheer.
However, Chao Yan, whom scaled the steps that led atop the castle walls, was staring off into the plains. Off in the distance, he could see the faint smoke of his burnt down village. Such hatred he had felt for those who kill for fun and amusement. Not having the will to stare on any longer, he turned away only to realize that Zhang Ren was walking up the stairs, step by step. Ren seemed out of breathe and the look on his face made Chao Yan frown in disappointment. Just by seeing his expression, Yan knew that his request was denied without a moments hesitation. It wasnt until Zhang Ren spoke up saying his request was accepted and that he come to the palace right away. Bewildered and suprised he followed Ren back towards the palace where he would soon find out that becoming a soldier to the Zhang army isnt what he had in mind...
