Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors. Dynasty Warriors is owned by their respective owners.
Five months since the Emporer's arrival. The city of Jin Cheng.
It had been a month since Brian had left his city for another conquest. Two small battles before the battle of the Wu Zhang Plains started, and one more liberation battle before the duel in Chang'an began. The parade that was organized for Brian's return was as glorious as ever, a little too much to his liking, but well-received by his newest companions.
Xiahou Dun looked confused as he was just as warmly greeted by the city folk as the other senior officers, while Zhuge Liang looked intrigued, and Sima Yi looked very pleased. His new officers all had a unique reaction to the warm welcome while his older officers were used to it. Although they knew the people were glad to see them, they also knew most of that love went to the man they all served.
After the long parade and an evening feast, everything turned back to normal. A normal lively city with plenty of trade, work, and development. The new resources from other towns and cities made possible by the new trade routes were immediately put to good use, further helping the development of the city. But it wasn't Brian's city that was the center of attention in the upcoming important conversation.
Mi Tong sat uncomfortably at the side, sipping the tea one of the housemaids had provided while the Emperor was carefully thinking about Brian's briefing. Azeil was playing in the garden with Shangxiang acting as a fully domesticated cat, and Hex Mark was resting in pasturage specially designed for him and his companions. Eventually, the Emperor opened his eyes, turned his brightly-blue colored eyes on Brian, and asked, ''Is there any possibility Chang'an can be restored to its former glory?''
Brian shook his head in denial as he answered, ''Perhaps we can, but by the time it is back to that state, you will be long gone, your highness. If you wish to build it back up quicker, we need every man we can miss, which means we can't unite the land nor defend our borders for the warlords who are still a threat to us.''
The Emporer took a sip from his tea for its calming effect, progressed the situation once more in his mind, and turned his eyes once again on perhaps his only real friend. With a different emotion, he said, ''Perhaps that is true, but how else do you expect me to keep the people united? Chang'an was the city of power, richness, authority, and the symbol of this land.'' A relatively long pause continued before his eyes shot open. With a hopeful gaze, he set his eyes once again on Brian. What are you...oh shit... Brian suddenly realized.
In four months, Brian had changed a worthless and small town to the pinnacle of his strength, development, and benevolence. Compared to every other current city in the country, there was none shining as brightly as Jin Cheng. It precisely that reason the Emporer asked, ''Lord Brian. Would you be in interested being the lord of the new capital of this land? With your guidance, I am certain we can elevate Jin Cheng to the same state as the former Chang'an. No, I am certain you can ascend it to even greater heights than my former home.'' His gaze almost burned through Brian's eyes as he added, ''I know I am being selfish, but I need your help one more time. Please accept my selfish request, lord Brian.''
The room turned awfully quiet. Not by the request, for the Emperor was known to make requests. Not because of the way he asked it, or any impoliteness. No, it was the opposite. The Emporer, a title that many deemed equal to a god, was bowing forward in his request as a token of utmost respect. Never before had an Emperor bowed to anyone else, yet today was different for Brian had been different than anyone else. He was more than a servant or a loyal knight. He was a man who had treated him differently from the very start. He was a friend.
~The next day's evening.~
The construction of the Tongquetai has started. Process of completion; 1%. Read in Brian's Hud as he rested in one of the baths in the bathhouse. That 1% was nothing more than the discovery of an architect who was willing to gamble his legacy on it.
Not that Brian could care about that as he had other things to worry about. His campaign of five battles, with two important duels, had increased in difficulty quite quickly. Normally, one would experience that in the battle, but for the young lord, it was displayed in his HUD, warning him of the trouble that was about to come. Starting with 1,2x difficulty, it quickly rose to an eventual 3,6x difficulty. An increase he felt firsthand as the battle with Xiahou Dun could have gone either way if he didn't have a Rage Gauge left. So the safety number of battles for a level 46 is five. I am not sure if that is many or few...
The sound of approaching footsteps snapped him back to reality. Two voices echoed through the empty hallways, two very familiar to his memory. ''To think the library would be done so quickly. Master Jong go is a true master of his craft.''
''Yes. Thanks to him, our lord's wish for benevolence and unity of the land will be accomplished even earlier,'' The prodigy responded as he stepped through the entrance and noticed the one he spoke about in the large pool-like bath. ''Lord Brian, my apologies for barraging in like this!''
''I hope you don't mind if we join you?'' Liu Shan asked as he stepped into the bath, his naked attire slowly being covered by the disturbed waters. I really have to get used to this no fucks given about prude mentality. To think Ancient China was this advanced in this aspect. And what is with all the perfectly formed six-pack?! He added enviously.
''Of course, it is not a problem,'' Brian answered as his daily routine of alone time to further explore his HUD and missing his other world's family came to an end. The memory of his parents, his younger brother, the few good friends he lost due to this strange transportation to a familiar yet unknown world, without really knowing if he could ever return. Despite being a landlord, and fighting in one of his favorite games as a playable character, that was eventually what he wished for. But knowing that was not a possibility yet, he focused his remaining alone time on the unknown details of his isekaied privileges. Or mainly its secrets, as the weapon attributes were still a mystery to him. Whirlwind, Frenzy, Jubilation, and more of those unknown terms required his utmost attention, thus making his bath time the perfect moment to explore those unknowns.
Brian listened with pleasure to Liu Shan's stories and adventures while they had been on their campaign to unite the land, his many lessons with Delan, Mi Tong, and Jong Go shaping the young lord to be a vital member of the everyday society. A big sigh and a few brushes confirmed Ding Mao hadn't been quite kind to his daily training routine, but apparently, it had been paid off as Liu Bei's son spoke with much more confidence.
After accepting Liu Shan's request to join in on the next campaign to spend more time outside the safe zones of the city and see the world, Brian walked through his own city towards his next destination. ''Good evening, lord Brian! Will you be joining us in the eating contest this evening?'' A random citizen Brian recognized asked hopefully.
''My apologies, but I am afraid I still have to check the Academy and Library on their progress. Don't eat yourself sick,'' Brian answered with a smile as he walked towards his next destination.
''No promises. Good luck with the inspection, my lord!'' The younger man shouted as he ran towards his own destination, ready to fill his stomach with some simple baked pies. One moment, everyone is hungry. The next one, we have food in spare to hold a feast and an eating competition. How did this go so easily, and why hasn't anyone done this before? He wondered as he continued to stroll towards the library. Perhaps it was a money problem? According to my treasure sum, we are doing pretty well but I am not sure how that stuff is handled. Delan is in charge of the finances and he is doing an excellent job so far. Brian tried to reason before his doubts and uncertainty wavered and he added, I should probably ask him how he is achieving this.
The path towards the library and the adjacent academy wasn't that far, but to Brian's surprise, it was still a half-hour walk from the bathhouse. Considering how both facilities were still in the center of his city, it was this that truly illustrated how large his city had become. None of that mattered though as he entered the Library, and saw the beginning of what later would be known as the National Library of China. Meng Da and Li Hui, two former enemies recruited back in Tianshui were responsible for the growth of the giant library, and they made certain not to disappoint their lord.
Although the library wasn't even a month yet, there were already plenty of books and scrolls on the wooden shelves. Although the quality of those scrolls and books were left negotiable, the woman who was in charge of storage made certain they were in alphabetical order. ''Good evening, my lord. Can I help you with anything?'' The young woman asked graciously.
''Yes, you can. Could you escort and teach me how everything works in here?'' Brian asked politely even if he could demand it easily.
''I am honored by your request. Please follow me,'' The young woman said as she stepped away from behind her counter and started the tour. According to the experienced Librarian, Jong Go had taken the expansion of the library into account, meaning the reason the library was so isolated meant expansion would be possible. ''And here we have the history section. I am afraid it is currently lacking in the source material, but I hope in time it will be filled with interesting information.''
Brian smiled as he responded, ''Perhaps in time, we are part of that source material. For now, let us focus on the present though. You still have much to show me.''
The Liberian stared seductively as she asked, ''Are you still talking about the tour, my lord? Or is perhaps something else you referring to?''
Trust me, you don't want to go that line. Nice try though. Brian thought as he answered, ''The tour is just fine.''
After another half hour - in which the female Liberian continue to lose control of reason and tried to listen to her instinctual urges despite the few people who were present- Brian made his way towards the Academy. Damn, how horny can someone get in a library? I thought it was well known I was dating. It seems marriage is the only real viable way to say you are taken. He let out a chuckle as he added, Well, normally it would be.
He still didn't know the rules that lay around marriage and concubines, but he knew there was a lot more possible than in his previous life. What exactly was possible he continued to wonder as he entered the academy building. Unlike in the library, voices could be heard as he entered through the entrance. ''You imbeciles, it is not that difficult!'' Sima Yi shouted. Brian looked into the room, where several people were sitting at the wooden desks looking terrified while they truly tried to write what was written on the board. Hope they can hold out until they have learned it. I can imagine Sima Yi can be quite a difficult teacher.
Just as he continued to the next room, he heard a loud unanimous response. ''Sorry, sir! We shall do better, sir!'' Once a soldier, always a soldier. Brian thought with a chuckle as he continued to the next room.
The rooms of the academy were large enough, but Jong Go and his daughter were only responsible for the skeleton of the academy. Thus, most rooms were still empty, many still waiting for the horde of furniture to arrive. The ones who were in charge of that were the Sleeping Dragon and his wife, Zhuge Liang already talking to some of the craftsmen about delivery issues. ''I see. I will send some additional transport carts with you. Also, it is not a problem if the delivery has been slightly delayed, as long as the quality is guaranteed.''
''Thank you for your kindness, Lord Liang! I'll report it immediately to my masters!'' The craftsman responded as he bowed so deeply he could hit the ground and marched out of the room without a moment to waste.
''Are there any problems with the furniture?'' Brian asked curiously, not at all worried they wouldn't be delivered.
''Of course not, my lord. It seems everything is going well, although we had some trouble with the wood supply for some of the chairs. The trade route to Nanzhang is still incomplete, and Nanzhang is usually the number one trade route considering wood supplies. We should suffice with the wood resources from our surroundings and Long You for now.''
''But we need to secure that trade route if we plan on expanding our wood supply,'' Brian filled in the unspoken. ''It seems a battle against the Great king Meng Hou is inevitable,'' He sighed.
Zhuge Liang shook his head as he responded, ''It is not Meng Hou who we should be careful of, my lord. The latest rumors indicate the Great king of Nanzhang could not unite the tribes of Nanzhang and joined under the warlord Yuan Shao's banner.'' His eyes caught the sight of one of his students as he added, ''My apologies, but it seems I am needed.''
''No problem, master Zhuge Liang. I am very thankful that you are willing to help me with this. It is one step closer to my ambition to enlighten the people of this country, whatever they are my current enemy or not,'' Brian responded.
Zhuge Liang looked pleased as he said, ''I see. You have the talent to claim the world for yourself, yet you are pushed forward by true benevolence even despite that. People like you are needed to unite the land. I hope you continue to count on me to assist you in that ambition.''
Your bond with Zhuge Liang is strengthened! Appeared in Brian's HUD, but he had already seen that in his bond menu. At this point, he knew there was a special cutscene with each third of the friendship bar, and it was just waiting and looking forward to what his allies would say.
As Zhuge Liang left, Brian's heart was still warm by those words. These moments gave him the extra motivation to move forward, for the body count of the many was not something easy for the heart. Pain, blood, hunger, diseases, and all trouble you could expect from a real Ancient China were present, and those obstacles and disasters didn't make it any easier to see this world as a videogame. His officers and allies were talking about him as a lord of Virtue, Benevolence, Talent, and one who could reach the heavens. But he felt different.
The bodies that flew away with each Musou continued to torment him, each body shaking his belief this world was a videogame even more. The blood that colored his surroundings red during a Rage Mode painted his nightmares in a dreadful goo. The last sounds of a dying breath echoed through the silence of peace. If he didn't continue to tell himself this was a game, he would break under the pressure he had become something frightening.
Perhaps that was the reason he was trying so hard to help the people around him and finish the projects as quickly as possible. That was why he wanted to train his men to fight, and to make certain no more would succumb by the hands of war. Under the cover of Benevolence and Ambition, it was nothing else but Selfishness.
Moving forward through the rest of the Academy, those thoughts quickly left his mind. Instead, he was positively surprised by the layout, size, and future possibilities about what he found. Classrooms the plenty and there was an additional section where theories could be shared and discussed. There were anatomy & medical rooms for Hua Tuo and his students; a room specially made for Ethics and political teachings, where Kong Rong was teaching several important officers as part of his sentence. There was an experimental room for new inventions, and it was precisely there Yue Ying was organizing the layout.
''Careful with those boxes. There is fragile equipment in there. Place that equipment in the corner over there,'' She continued to pilot as Brian walked in.
The soldiers took note, lay their boxes down, and saluted in the stance crammed in by the might officer of Wei. Yue Ying turned around in surprise at those actions and was visibly pleasantly surprised by Brian's visit. ''At ease, men. Continue with your tasks,'' Brian ordered before he turned to Yue Ying and said, ''So this is going to be an experimental room. To think they would follow my suggestions so precisely.''
Yue Ying smiled as she responded, ''As expected of you, my lord. If I didn't know any better, I would believe you are capable to look into the future. Although that is not possible, you will definitely go far. That's what I see in you. Supporting and assisting you is my duty, and this place will definitely be a great help to that. Let's overcome these chaotic times together.''
Your bond with Yue Ying is strengthened! Flashed before Brian's eyes, but again he didn't pay much attention to the text as he responded, ''Indeed. And when that time comes, we can enjoy this life as it is meant to.''
''I am looking forward to an era like that,'' Yue Ying said smilingly before a loud bang made her turn around in concerned shock. ''Careful with that equipment! It is breakable!'' As Yue Ying continued to coordinate the auxiliaries, Brian walked out of the room onto his next destination.
A half-hour later, he walked out of the Academy, visibly pleased by what he had seen. Although there was still plenty left to be done, the future school held promises for in the future and would certainly be a vital part of his selfish ambition.
Just as he was about to head home, another familiar voice drew his attention. ''Good evening, my lord. I am glad to see you actively so late at day but are you making certain you do not catch a cold?'' A female voice asked with experienced calmness.
Brian turned around to see Zhang Chunhua standing in a beautiful dark purple robe, her light brown eyes staring deep into his soul. ''I am thankful for your concern, but I am doing perfectly fine, lady Zhang.''
The brunette responded with a smile as she said, ''I am glad to hear that. I am starting to take a liking to you, so it would be a shame if you would perish before I had my fun with you.'' To say that with such an innocent smile...Scary! Brian thought as he tried to hide his thoughts with a poker face, trying to ignore the next bond increase message in his HUD.
''I'll be looking forward to that,'' he responded instead, continuing the conversation as if nothing had been said. ''Anyway, I hope you are enjoying my city. Most of the facilities are still in process of completion, but in a month or two, most should be done.''
''It suffices for now. However, I hope you understand that this city is never done. If you truly wish to reach that ambition of yours, you'll have to strife for better and better each time until either your life ends or your name will be remembered for all eternity,'' She commented calmly as she walked with him through the city. Despite that innocent smile though, her mind was in overdrive to set a plan in motion to make him succumb to her, both in body and mind.
Seven months after the Emporer's arrival.
Two months had passed since Brian had returned to Jin Cheng, and two months had passed since the start of the construction of Tongquetai. The foundation for the palace had been made, but the young lord and his advisor quickly realized the resource supply would not hold out. Even the framework would require at least four times the amount of wood that they could acquire in a year from their current trade routes, let alone the eight times limestone amount. The lands of Nanzhang and Zhao had plenty of those resources to spare, but unfortunately, they were as unstable and unpredictable as Sima Yi's mood swings. Thus, trading with them was near impossible, and they required a different approach.
The trip from Jin Cheng to Di Dao took two days, and the trip from Di Dao from Chang'an took another seven days, showing once again that leaving the naval transport in Sun Quan's hands had been a terrific idea. With open arms, the younger tiger welcomed his lord and his fellow officers in the former capital, most of his men carrying the goods from the horde of just-docked ships.
''I am glad to see you all in good health. I hope my ships provided a pleasant trip,'' he asked just before he noticed some of the pale-white faces of the ordinary forces.
''We had some seasick on board, but nothing too severe. They should be well in a couple of hours.'' Brian answered as some of his men were hugging the ground like a long-lost lover.
''Very good. We have prepared a feast for your return this evening, so it would be a waste if they could not join it,'' Sun Quan explained before he threw his arm around Brian in a brotherly way and added, ''Now, come and tell me about your journey and your adventures. I am certain you have a lot to tell me.''
However, Brian stopped his friend in his tracks, said, ''Just a second.'' and whistled in a practiced amplitude to his ship. The younger tiger wondered why before the answer came running and flying to their lord. Azeil had finally come out of his shelter to stop at Brian's feet, and the falcon Ranger happily landed on Brian's shoulder.
''A falcon?'' Sun Quan asked bewildered, not even daring to come close. Falcons were known as misanthropic animals, or easily said, really shy of people. The hunters of Wu who normally took care of the food supply called them uncatchable. Sometimes, they even attacked the hunters if they came in their territory, but never came one close to taming them. Not until today, where it was again his good friend who showed him miracles were still possible. ''To think you could tame such a beast. How did you tame it?''
Brian softly tickled the bird on its belly - receiving a strange response that could be interpreted as either happy or absolutely confused - and answered, ''I found it stranded on my way to the riverbanks three weeks ago. One week later, he just follows me everywhere. I was afraid Azeil would eat him, but they seem to hit it off pretty well.''
''First a tiger, now a falcon. What more are you going to tame?'' Sun Quan asked as he tried to pet the falcon as well. If only I knew the answer to that.
''Time will tell. Anyway, now that they got used to the area and people, I will let them enjoy themselves.'' *Phwt!* he whistled, both beasts instantly running and flying their own way. ''As you said, we got much to catch up on.''
~That evening.~
It was clear in Brian's eyes the men who had stayed behind in Chang'an were in more need of a feast than his own men. That is, watching them getting so drunk and dancing so wildly even Zhang He was amazed by their utterance. That said, the former Wei officer gladly joined in on the festive ambiance, together with Liu Shan and Xin Xinyang. Sima Yi, Lu Su, Jiang Wei, Fa Zheng, and Zhuge Liang were discussing ferociously at the tables, only for their wives to bring them drinks and calm them down.
Xing Cai was at the far end of the table, where she was drinking most men under the table while chugging one beer -or whatever that alcoholic drank was called- after another back. Xiahou Yuan tried to join in and outlast her, but he was clearly outmatched in that category.
While many of his officers did not actively join in on the feast, they still enjoyed the ambiance. Xiahou Dun, Cao Ren, Zhao Yun, Sun Quan, and Brian himself sat at the side of the feast, watching the party unfold. Two of the well-known officers were still missing, and Sun Quan could tell Brian was nervous to meet at least one of them. ''Fearless in front of a thousand enemies, yet you tremble to the fear to confront a single woman.''
''As any wise man would,'' Xiahou Dun responded, slightly intoxicated by the booze. ''One moment, they can be as calm as the night, and a moment later, they are out for blood.'' Is he talking about Cai Wenji, Zhen Ji, Wang Ji, or all of them? Brian wondered, the shift of thoughts momentarily stopping the trembling.
He didn't know why he was feeling so nervous. Ever since arriving in this world, he hadn't really felt a moment of true nervousness. As Sun Quan said, even in front of a thousand men, his body did not waver to the challenge. But now was different.
The battle was not in the act of conquest of ambition. The battle was an act of love, and a step Brian had no experience in whatsoever. No dating gaming had ever prepared himself for this, and although he had been with a few girls, none of them he could call his wife. Thus, in a world that still felt fake, this would be a first. And that was definitely frightening.
''Perhaps a drink could ease your tension a bit, my lord?'' Zhao Yun offered.
The young lord shook his head as he answered, ''No, I am afraid to screw up. If I drink, I would definitely screw up,'' while his mind brought up old memories of his friends telling him what happened during the party the previous evening in the next morning, - which he had no memory off -.
Just as some of his officers were laughing or insisting that he drank some, a voice Brian was waiting on interrupted their laughter. Turning around, his eyes met with the eyes of the one he was waiting for, as well as her bodyguard and one of his lovers. ''Good evening, my lord. I hope you have been doing well,'' Shangxiang said graciously in a simple but elegant red robe dress.
Sun Quan slapped Brian on his shoulder - waking him up once again from the critical hit- leaned to him and whispered, ''Good luck, brother.''
~Five minutes later.~
Three and half weeks it had been since Shangxiang was sent to Chang'an to inform her older brother of the upcoming campaign to the east and north alongside her bodyguard. Thus, it had been around twenty-two days that Brian had not seen his lovers. Even though he was surrounded by people who cherished and adored him, it wasn't the same without his lovers at his side, but it opened up an opportunity. The blacksmith Brian usually visited was normally one who would only create weapons and equipment for battle purposes. However, just this once, he made an exception and created one of the finest rings he had ever made. That ring was currently hiding in a place hidden, Brian keeping a close eye for it not to fly too far away.
Finally far away enough for the feast, Shangxiang turned to her lover, spread her arms wide, and asked, ''What are you waiting for, dummy? I haven't seen you in three weeks. I missed you, so kiss me already.''
Those words in combination with her expression broke every bit of nervousness Brian had, and with a smile that held nothing back, he answered, ''Before that, I have a question to ask you.''
Shangxiang raised an eyebrow from both curiosity and impatience as she responded, ''If you don't let me wait too long.''
Brian smiled again, turned his head upwards with his fingers to his mouth, and whistled. A specific whistle as only Ranger flew towards him, landing perfectly on his outstretched elbow. As his lover was flabbergasted by Brian's new companion, he softly pulled something from the beast's claw, petting him once as he explained, ''Honey, this is Ranger. Ranger, this is my soon-to-be wife.'' Turning to Shangxiang, he added, ''At least, if you want me as your husband.''
Proposing on one knee was, according to Delan, not something originally done in a proposal, nor were proposals normally that romantic since there was always a political reason behind them. But in Brian's eyes, it was still special.
Shangxiang was happy, yet did not fully understand the purpose of the ring her soon-to-be husband held in front of her. ''Why do you offer me a ring? Do not get me wrong, I think it is beautiful. I just don't understand why.''
Brian took Shangxiang's left hand into his own as he answered, ''In faraway lands to the west, there are civilizations which use this ring as a symbol for eternal love and devotion towards one another. It goes around the fourth finger since there is a vein there that is said to go straight to the heart. It is only a symbol, but it is the best gift I can give you at the moment.'' Turning his eyes to match hers, he finally asked, ''Sun Shang Xiang, will you marry me?''
~Ten minutes later.~
Happily and loudly, Shangxiang danced at the wildfire as many joined in their lady's ambiance. Sun Quan and Brian drank together as now official family, and his other officers congratulated them with sincere happiness. Seeing their lord happy filled them with joy as well, especially since it was not war or chaos that was now the subject of the day, but love.
There was, however, one pair of eyes that looked slightly worried. Not in regards to the marriage, but to another feeling that pierced through her chest and mind like an unblockable arrow. She needed a shield stronger than the one she owned herself, resulting in memory reappearing in her mind, and her chest growing tenser. Even with the alcohol coursing through her veins, that feeling did not waver one bit. Unlike the other two times, now the barrier that was her nervosity was crumbled down, and she could truly tell him how she felt.
Thus, when she had called her lord in private, she started, ''Right! I've drunk all I can! I'm my father's daughter! Get drunk and I'm a different person! I can finally tell you how I've felt about you since the day we met!'' She took a deep breath as she calmed down and started, ''Your strength and swordsmanship are strong, yet comforting and warming. You are benevolent to your followers, and forgiving to your enemies. Serving under you has calmed my fear and anxieties for these worrisome times, and it has strengthened not only me but also my friends and my lord. You are truly a one-of-a-kind man. A man who has stolen my heart.''
As Brian continued listening - half of his brain trying to process the information while the other one was just malfunctioning to yet another critical hit- Xing Cai continued. ''I'm not familiar with the position of a concubine, nor familiar with the concept of becoming a lover, but I will gladly become yours and learn that along the way if it means that I can spend as much as time as possible with you before this life ends.''
Author Notes:
This was it for chapter ten of A Game of Ambition. I came to a standstill battle-wise in this chapter, but I needed some development on characters and overall story before continuing to add new characters. I wanted to focus on the bond levels specifically, for some of these lines are just incredible. When I heard them for the first time in the story, I just melted. The next chapter will be packed with battles, for we will advance to Tong Gate, Luo Yang, and perhaps even more. Stay healthy and until next time! Beyor out!