Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors. Dynasty Warriors is owned by their respective owners.
Tong Gate. The gateway towards the province of Yan, Ji, and Yu. A vital pathway that was an important checkpoint of safe waterway trade routes of the Wei River. The rumors that passage had been secured by the lord Brian Miller passed through the lands at a remarkable pace. From Sun Quan, who was smiling brightly as he ordered his subordinates they had a new task, to Mi Tong, who was helping the lord's advisor with some minor issues in the new capital.
Celebrations and cries of victory echoed in the air of the allied nations of that lord. It was one step closer to an era of peace, and Brian's followers knew that. They had chosen to believe the man's words and deeds, and now they fully believed that a long-awaited era of peace was within reach.
However, none of those feasts were as grandiose as the festive ambiance in the recently conquered Tong gate castle. Brian's soldiers were drinking to the heart's content, finally being able to let loose after holding themselves back for this battle. Citizens of surroundings villages came to take a look at the end result and came to pay tribute to the new lord of their lands. Brian made certain to reassure them all he had no bad intent. With those farmers and common people came the additional reward of new battlefields he could choose from.
But any of that could wait for another day as he had bigger worries to worry about. Eight officers still had to be recruited, and he doubted it would be that easy as the Wei officers had been. Ma Chao was a stubborn warrior; Ma Dai followed his lord everywhere; Huang Zhong was too loyal and lastly, communication with Wei Yan would be almost impossible. But even if the odds were minimal, he had to try it.
As he was walking through the fortress with Azeil, a little absent-minded as he was thinking about the recruitment, a familiar voice shook him out of his state. Turning around, he saw that Xiahou Dun's gaping wound was covered by the simple black eyepatch he was known for, as the officer stared at him. ''I..I am sorry if I startled you, Lord Brian. Do not fret. I just wanted to talk.''
Brian looked momentarily surprised before he grinned and responded, ''Don't worry about it. I was just spacing out. Besides, just because I got startled, doesn't mean I fear you, Master Dun. How could I fear a friend?'' He asked sincerely.
It was this time Xiahou Dun to be surprised before he smiled and said, ''I expected nothing less from the man I acknowledge as both my friend and my lord.'' He looked to the path his lord was following and quickly deduced what his lord was spacing about. Turning in the same direction as Brian, he said, ''Let me accompany you. Whatever it is on the battlefield or in your other daily battles, you can always count on my strength.''
Brian simply nodded to that statement, ignoring the bond message in his hud yet again as they walked towards the prison cells of the castle.
~30 minutes later.~
It was supposed to be a simple conversation. Just as he had done a dozen times, a simple talk to turn his former enemies into allies. The Wu forces in the first battle had probably been the most difficult - mostly Shangxiang - but never had it been difficult or stressful. Even Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang weren't acting threatening after the battle.
The tension Brian felt in the room was anything but simple. Eyes that still believed in a one-sided justice glared at him intensely, even despite the fact Zhao Yun, Xiahou Yuan, and Xiahou Dun were standing as bodyguards at Brian's side. ''Do not think you have won this round. You might have defeated me, but justice will always prevail,'' Ma Chao commented.
Zhao Yun looked confused before Brian sat down and asked, ''What is the definition of justice in your eyes?'' Ma Chao looked confused as Brian continued, ''You see, in war, there is no justice. There are just two sides fighting against one another, one eventually called the victor while the other is the defeated. So, if there is no justice between two equal groups, what does this justice you fight for stand for?''
''Are you just here to belittle my justice?'' Ma Chao asked before he answered, ''My justice stands for the safety of my people and my land, and my spear will face anyone who will threaten it.''
Brian closed his eyes as he responded, ''If only I could believe your words.'' He gave the golden officer a sudden, judging stare as he added, ''You see, I am a well-informed man. I like to see the bigger picture. After all, only after seeing every angle, thinking about every opportunity, and listening to every rumor, you can make the correct judgment. Let me tell you what those rumors told me,'' Brian continued.
He poured a bit of water from a nearby urn in his glass just for additional drama, and started, ''In the past twelve weeks, your armies have been spreading the borders towards Luo Yang by quite a bit, leaving nothing but destruction and turmoil behind. I have received reports of your troops regularly moving on the borders of Chang'an as well. If this is the justice you speak about, then allow me to show you true justice.''
Ma Chao looked shocked, just as the other officers, as he asked, ''Do you fight for justice as well?''
''Justice; benevolence; wisdom; peace. Call it what you want, but in the end, I fought for a greater good. A good that will raise this land and its people to a stable height, where people do not have to become bandits just to survive.'' Brian stood up and added disappointingly, ''However, I have no need for a soldier who still seeks revenge. If you wish to join my side, throw away your desire to kill Cao Cao.''
''But he killed my family. You can't expect me not to revenge them,'' Ma Chao countered.
Brian looked disappointed as he stood up, let out a calm and deep breath, and shouted, ''You imbecile! Is revenge the only thing on your mind?! You are a lord! People put their trust in you and will listen to you, and you have these strong and dependable officers at your side, and you waste that all for revenge?!'' Turning around, he shifted his attention to the one-eyed officer and the blue dragon and commanded, ''Prepare for public execution. There is no room for revenge in this ambition of mine.''
Xiahou Dun was momentarily perplexed, but Zhao Yun seemed to realize his lord's intent almost immediately as he asked, ''How many?''
Brian turned to the other prison cells and announced, ''You have until tonight to decide whenever you wanted to die for an unless vengeance or life to see an era of peace. Whenever you choose, it is your choice. I will vouch for your protection and safety in my army. Choose wisely,'' Before he left.
~That evening.~
''Untie him and let us alone,'' Brian commanded to the guards who had escorted the chained Ma Chao in Brian's tent. He wasn't certain why the Splendid wanted to talk to him, but he was certain Ma Chao was no match for him. His guards understood him as they unlocked the chains, and walked out of the tent, leaving the two warriors alone. ''You wanted to talk. Sit and begin. I am listening,'' Brian started as he sat on the ground.
Ma Chao sat nervously as he asked, ''You told me my revenge is in vain and I should forget about it. Yet, you are not allied with Cao Cao. Why would you stick your neck out for a man like him? Why would you not let me return my family's honor by killing him?''
''Your father was a victim of war, just as the soldiers had been during our fight. If you want your vengeance, why would I not allow the wives and children of the soldiers who have died during that battle to come here and have their revenge as well?'' Brian asked. As Ma Chao looked nervous, the young lord took a calming breath and answered, ''Because it would not solve anything. Revenge is hate and hate is emotion. Emotions are just as contagious as the vile diseases that torture this land. Give a man a smile and a compliment, and he will be happy for days. Give a man a bad-mouthing, and he will beat you up for it. Now, do you wish to bring more hate into this world? Do you wish for your children to continue fighting the cycle of hate, or are you planning to show them an era of peace?''
There was a moment of hesitation visible in Ma Chao's eyes, but eventually, he conceded and said, ''Very well. I will concede this path of vengeance of mine and I hereby pledge my loyalty to you and your ambition.''
''Welcome at my side, master Ma Chao. Follow m,.'' Brian said as he walked out of the tent. Not much later, he could add the other officers to his rank as well and he could focus his attention past Tong Gate. More precisely, to the east, to the city of Luo Yang.
Three days had passed since the recruitment of the Tong Gate forces. Brian's army had moved steadily towards Luo Yang when a concerning report reached his ears.
In the east, near the city of Xia Pi, Yuan Shao's forces had been decimated by Lu Bu and the former nobleman was forced to join the beast of chaos. Meng Huo and his wife could escape, but it was unknown where they currently resided or went to.
There had been a few skirmishes between Tong Gate and Luo Yang, but nothing really concerning in Brian's eyes. No, his concern was that he was receiving no message while riding through the gates of Luo Yang. ''Brian, is something the matter?'' Liu Shan asked as he rode alongside his friend.
''I am just wondering why it is so quiet in here,'' Brian answered as his eyes checked the houses on both sides of the roads. ''A few days ago, Cao Cao was still here, and now, the entire city seems to be deserted.'' A sudden concern filled his mind as he stopped, turned Hex Mark around -to the surprise of his officers and followers- and loudly commanded, ''Sima Yi, Lu Su, Zhuge Liang, Fa Zhang, Jiang Wei, take a squadron and investigate this city. Search for hidden troops and possible ambushes. Cao Ren, Xiahou Dun, Xing Cai, Zhao Yun, I need a defensive line on the east and south gate! Everyone else, prepare for an upcoming battle!''
''Yes, lord Brian!'' Multiple voices responded as they moved as quickly as possible. Zhuge Liang moved to the armory; Lu Su secured the inner walls; Sima Yi checked the barracks; Fa Zhang inspected the welcoming room; Jiang Wei secured the garden that connected to the east and lastly, Brian himself checked the throne room.
''There has definitely been someone here recently,'' Shangxiang said she followed Azeil to a corner of rotten food once they were in the throne room. ''I think they left approximately two days ago.''
''Then we should have heard about it from the scouts. Why haven't we heard anything from them about this?'' Sun Quan asked worriedly.
There was a moment of sudden realization in Brian's eyes, and the rest of his officers and entourage seemed to realize that almost immediately. ''Lord Brian?''
''We haven't received any information about it because they were not our scouts,'' Brian answered as he walked to the balcony of the palace, just in time to witness strange fires burning on the outer walls while receiving a notification that the next dual was about to start. ''Mobilize all forces to the inner walls! Sun Quan, go to the armory and assist Zhuge Liang. Shangxiang, take Lianshi and assist Zhao Yun and Cao Ren at the south gates! Liu Shan, take master Zhang Jun and Ma Chao and assist Sima Yi and Fa Zhang! Move!''
''Yes, My lord!'' All officers shouted, immediately moving to the appointed areas. With a whistle, Brian called forth Hex Mark and charged through the palace towards the first destination of battle.
''Lord Cao Cao, the preparations are complete. Please give the order to advance,'' A young advisor asked with a deep bow as he waited for instructions.
The hero of Chaos's eyes were as threateningly unreadable as ever as Cao Cao commanded, ''Very well. Everyone, I am counting on you. Charge the city and decimate our enemy!''
Five messengers immediately left the main base to spread the order to the officers, who were eagerly waiting for the long-awaited action. Cao Yong bowed to his lord and walked away. However, just before he ventured out to the battlefield, he turned to two large bodyguards and said, ''Master Dian Wei, Master Xu Zhu, please keep lord Cao Cao safe.''
''You can count on us. Not a single enemy will get past us!'' The enormous Xu Zhu responded confidently with his cudgel resting on his shoulder.
''Yeah, you can leave this to us. Go and make our lord proud,'' Dian Wei grinned just as confidently as his battle-ax rested on his broad shoulder.
''Thank you. I will do my best to claim this victory as quickly as possible,'' the Young advisor responded as he turned back, called forth his horse, and rode towards his own squadron.
~Near the east gate.~
''Our ambush units started their attack, Master Cao Shang!'' A soldier reported to Cao Cao's son as the other messenger just left.
''Perfect. Their morale should be pretty low right now, so we can finish this battle quickly. Move in and subdue them!'' Cao Shang commanded, fully picturing the enemy falling before his.
''Yes sir!'' his subordinates roared. In just mere seconds, his entire army charged into the city, ready to decimate the enemy into submission or worse. He already could hear the shouts of victory and the praising of his father echoing in the back of his head.
*Bam!* Suddenly woke him out of his thoughts as the ground shook from an immense impact at the east gate entrance. Screams of agony from his men could be heard as they landed on the ground, some more fortunate than others. As the cloud of dust was lifted away by the calm breeze of the afternoon, a single man stood at the gates wielding a large twin pike.
With a loud and clear voice, he shouted, ''My name is Brian Miller! Anywho dares to pass this gate has to go through me! Retreat or meet your end!''
As some of the soldiers helped the other tumbled stand, one of his subordinates walked towards the enemy commander and responded, ''The enemy commander thinks he has what it takes to beat us? Let us show him the strength of Cao Cao's army!''
A small grin appeared on the young commander's face as Cao Shang's subordinates charged in on him. This is going to be easier than expected. Cao Shang thought. That thought was a fatal mistake. With an attack that was too quick for his eye to catch, the enemy commander slashed through the enemy assault with one clean hit. As some of the soldiers suddenly saw their superiors falling lifeless on the ground, they instinctively took a step back. And that was the third mistake.
With a terrifying calmness, the commander walked forward, straight towards them. Some of the soldiers awoke from their momentary fear and charged on, only to be swiftly dealt with. A sidestep dodge with an upward strike sent a soldier flying. Two soldiers tried to stab him, only for him to slam both thrusts to the ground and turned his weapon 90 degrees, slashing both soldiers with the sharp edge of pike through their stomachs.
As both soldiers fell to the ground, Brian continued his terrifying calm approach towards Cao Cao's son. ''Do not let him get any closer! Archers, shoot him!'' Another captain commanded. That was mistake number four.
Brian's movement was sudden but precise. Not a single move was wasted when he threw his twin pike in a crossbowman's chest. Before anyone could wonder what happened, he already dashed forward, two blades that were originally on his back held in his hands. A quick thrust and the first bowman found himself at fate's mercy. An arrow was fired but dodged by crouching as Brian severed someone's leg, and impaled someone's stomach at the same time.
One after another, the soldiers fell defeated on the ground, none able to leave a dent or scratch on the enemy. A few soldiers were thinking to be smart and charge towards the castle gates while Brian was distracted, but they were killed by unexpected arrows to the head. ''Are you alright, Lord Brian? Do you require any help?'' Huang Zhong asked.
The enemy commander turned around and wanted to answer, thus providing an opening for Cao Shang. With everything he had to give, he thrust his sword to Brian's chest. *Tang!* a loud metal sound could be heard before a heavy-intense pain struck the back of his leg. Despite the sword in his calf still present, he turned his upper body to stab the commander in the side. That was his last mistake as Brian dodged the attack swiftly as he pulled his sword out, swept Cao Shang from his feet in his moment of uncontrolled momentum, and slammed him with a mixture between fist and hilt to head first to the ground.
As his consciousness slowly faded away, he heard one last unhearable command and lastly, the echoing of iron falling onto the stone. Sorry...father. I... failed.. were his last thoughts as he passed out.
~At the inner gates.~
''All forces, continue the attack. We need to keep them distracted until master Cao Shang has infiltrated through the east,'' A young lady's voice commanded.
''I hope he breaks through quickly. Our forces will not be able to hold this pressure up for long,'' Xu Yi commented worriedly. ''I also thought the enemy would be more demoralized by our ambush units, but their defense is still solid. I wonder if they anticipated our strategy. I wish we had master Guo Jia with us right now.''
''Leave those sorrowful thoughts for after the battle. For now, let's join the...?'' Cai Wenji wanted to respond, only to fall silent when she noticed a horse rushing towards her and Xu Yi.
The messenger who rode on top of the horse jumped off, ran as quickly as he could to the two officers, kneeled down, and reported, ''Master Cao Shang has been captured! Our army at the east gate has surrendered!''
The young strategist looked shocked as he asked, ''How?! Who beat him?''
An unexpected voice answered his question. ''Ah, that must be our lord. Sorry about that, but Master Cao Shang never really had a chance against him. Don't worry though; he probably made them all surrender.''
''Which you should do as well if you don't wish any more bloodshed,'' Xiahou Dun added threateningly.
''Master Xiahou Dun?! Master Xiahou Yuan?! You two dare to turn your blades against your own family?!'' Xu Yi asked in disbelieve.
''If that is what takes to finally knock some sense into him, then I'll bear the burden of that task. Now, stand down or face us!'' The one-eyed officer announced threateningly.
''Then we will stop you,'' Cai Wenji responded as she prepared herself for battle. Perhaps her harp was not the best of weapons against her opponents, and perhaps they were far stronger than her in combat. However, she just couldn't let them threaten her lord, who she was loyal to.
~Outside Cao Cao's main base, one-hour later.~
How or where it all went wrong, Dian Wei and Xu Zhu did not know. How the enemy had seen through Cao Yong's strategy, they did not even dare to ask. But what their job was, they knew all too well. ''Nobody enters this base while I am here!'' Xu Zhu roared, slamming his cudgel on the ground. The opposing soldiers did not even dare to step closer.
''Nobody is welcome beyond this point!'' Dian Wei roared as he slammed the tip of his axe on the ground, intimidating every enemy soldier who wanted to pass him. All except a few, who eagerly stepped forward in the name of their friend and lord. Of course, he himself stood there as well, admiring the willpower of those two well-known bodyguards.
''Impressive valor. Even in face of defeat, you do not back down or show signs of fear,'' the enemy commander spoke. ''I wish I had the privilege to meet you both under different circumstances.'' Grabbing his twin pike from his back, he roared, ''Now, show me every bit of strength you possess!''
With a great leap, Brian's twin pike clashed with Dian Wei's axe. The giant bald man slipped backward but held his own as he completely stopped Brian's momentum. With the ferocity of a tiger, he pushed his head forward, both their heads clashing in a battle of power. Just as the warriors pushed each other back, other officers followed the attack, giving Dian Wei no time to take a breath. This time, Zhao Yun and Jiang Wei continued the offensive.
Zhao Yun's barrages in combination with Jiang Wei's stabs did not help Dian Wei at all, and just as he had finally found the rhythm of their combination and wanted to counter, Brian descended on him with two swords. Dian Wei tried to grab Brian's head, but Brian stepped in and elbowed him to the face. A follow-up kidney punch and forward kick made Dian Wei flinch and stagger. But he had no time to catch his breath as Shangxiang unleashed her wheels onto his guard. He could block them two times but felt his movements restrained by the third block. As he took several hits from the tigress princess to his body, he tried to break from Zhang Chunhua's strings.
Eventually released from the hold, the bodyguard didn't even have the strength left to keep his footing. ''I...Will..Not..Let..You..Through!'' he shouted as pulled his last bit of strength in his guard.
An arrow crashed into his arm, momentarily distracting him from the real threat. Two figures placed their hands on his chest at that moment, swept his legs from the ground, and slammed in against the stone-tiled floor. ''You fought well. Now sleep.'' the enemy commander's voice echoed before he lost consciousness.
''Dian Wei!'' Xu Zhu shouted as he pushed Xiahou Dun and Yue Ying away. ''Do not dare to touch my friend!''
Brian slammed his Pike against Xu Zhu's cudgel as he responded, ''Do not worry. Your friend will be nursed back to health by my best men and given proper treatment. I am not here to harm your lord, Xu Zhu, but I am here to make him submit to my demand. Let me through and I promise you will not regret it!'' Brian tried to convince as he pushed Xu Zhu away.
Before the giant man could retort, Xiahou Dun stepped alongside Brian and added, ''You must have noticed as well that Cao Cao has acted weird in the last couple of months, Xu Zhu. Let us pass and we will knock him back to the lord we all admired.''
''Are you not here to kill lord Cao Cao?'' Xu Zhu asked carefully. ''How can I believe you?''
''You can't, yet,'' Brian answered honestly. ''My words mean nothing to a man I have never meant. But the fact most of your forces are just captured or being treated right now should tell you I am not a man who asks for unnecessary bloodshed. If you wish to stop me, I will be your opponent. If you believe me, I will welcome you into my army.''
Xu Zhu shook his head as he answered, ''No, I will not abandon my lord. I cannot let you pass me.''
Brian sighed before his expression turned serious and responded, ''Very well. Here I come!''
Xu Zhu didn't know many things. However, he knew one thing at that very moment. So strong. The giant fat man thought before an open hand slammed him unconscious to the ground.
~Fifteen minutes later.~
Bodies of the dozen lay scattered on the floor, some past saving while others were just out cold. As some of Brian's men checked vital signs, tried to save the critical ones, and tied the unconscious ones, Brian had a different objective in mind.
Cao Cao panted heavily as he leaned with his last remaining energy on one knee and his broken sword, his eyes starring at the spear pointed towards him, with several commanders in front of him. The one who pointed the spear towards him was Ma Chao, the enemy commander just behind him while Xiahou Dun and Yuan stared slightly worried at the facedown.
''Go ahead and kill me,'' Cao Cao whispered as he kept his eyes on the warrior who had devoted his entire being for vengeance against him.
Ma Chao's eyes glared with killing intent at the Hero of Chaos as he responded, ''No matter where we may find ourselves, my hatred for you will never change.'' His spear shot forward and shot just passed Cao Cao's cheek over his shoulder into the ground. ''However, in order to achieve peace, I can not let my justice be influenced by vengeance any longer. If I don't stop this cycle of vengeance now, it will never stop,'' Ma Chao said as he pulled his spear back and walked away.
Xiahou Dun and Yuan let a deep sigh of relief as Brian walked forward and started, ''So this is the Hero of Chaos? What a wasted nickname for such an incompetent fool.''
Those words seemed to ignite something in Cao Cao as his eyes finally showed some signs of emotion. ''You dare to belittle me just because you defeated me once?''
Brian grinned mockingly as he answered, ''No, I belittle you because you are no longer a man worthy of that nickname. You were probably one of the few heroes who could unite the land under one rule, yet here you kneel before me, not even able to defend yourself against my insults.'' Brian slammed the tip of his pike down on the ground as he shouted, ''Where did all that ambition of you go, Cao Cao! Are you telling me you got scared by the people around you or by this little turmoil? Are you telling me this scared the man whose ambition was to rule the land!''
None of Brian's officers could even a single word, as they had never heard him shout like that. There was tension in the air, but it was not a tension that was frightening. It was a tension that was confusing. Cao Cao's eyes stared at the commander with a mixture of anger and confusion as he asked, ''How do you know me that well? Who are you really, Brian Miller?''
Brian smiled as he answered, ''I am just a simple man, Cao Cao. I do not have the talent to rule a country, nor the ambition to do so. I am simply here to guide the talented people to their tasks and end this time of poverty and turmoil. I plan to make a name in history not by being a conquerer but by being a guide. I wish for the people to be independent and enlightened, not ignorant and fragile. I do not care if they are smart or strong, but as long as they set their goals and do their best to reach them, that's all I want.'' Cao Cao fell the weight of Brian's stare as Brian crouched in front of Cao Cao and whispered, ''I know a common architect who has built a small town into an enormous city. I know a common bandit who became one of the finest additions to my kingdom in just mere months. I knew a man who was held back by vengeance, and in just days, he learned that was not the way. So let me ask you this, Cao Cao. If that much ambition lies in these simple men, what ambition lies in you?''
Main Menu of Brian Miller. Officers Info:
* Equipped weapons:
- Swallow's Fury (Rank 4 Shallow swords).
- Crushing Blade (Rank 4 Twin Pike).
* Equipped skills:
- Defense boost + 16.
- Attack boost + 17.
- Mighty Roar +18.
- Accuracy + 12.
*Selected animal:
- Tiger.
- Hex Mark.
* Lvl 64.
* Leadership Lvl 99.
Camp management:
- Barracks lvl 22.
- Teahouse lvl 25.
- Merchant lvl 23.
- Barracks lvl 32.
- Training grounds lvl 12.
- Farm lvl 7.
- Academy lvl 6.
- Stables LVL 8.
Total acquired officers: 236/816.
Total fame acquired: 3900/8000.
Bonds with playable characters:
- Sun Shang Xiang, bond maxed out.
- Lian Shi, bond maxed out.
- Lu Su, bond maxed out.
- Sun Quan, bond maxed out.
- Xing Cai, bond maxed out.
- Fa Zheng, bond maxed out.
- Liu Shan, bond maxed out.
- Zhao Yun, bond maxed out.
- Jiang Wei, bond maxed out.
- Sima Yi, bond near completion.
- Yue Ying, bond near completion.
- Zhuge Liang, bond near completion.
- Zhang Chunhua, bond near completion.
- Xin Xianging, bond halfway.
- Xiahou Yuan, bond two-thirds.
- Xiahou Dun, bond two-thirds.
- Zhang He, bond two-thirds.
- Cao Ren, bond two-thirds.
- Ma Chao, bond one-third.
- Huang Zhong, bond one-third.
- Wei Yan, bond one-third.
- Ma Dai, bond one-third.
- Cao Cao, minimal.
- Dian Wei, minimal.
- Xu Zhu, minimal.
- Cai Wenji, minimal.
Slowly but steady, the numbers in his menu began to grow. The bonds began to fill, and his list of allies grew in size. Although minimal, his speech had apparently awakened something in Cao Cao to return a bit of passion and ambition that he was known for. Dian Wei and Xu Zhu joined their lord almost immediately, and seeing a bit of that fire returning in their lord's eyes, the other officers and soldiers quickly joined Brian's side. But with that good news came bad news as well.
Although he had expanded the trade route from Chang'an to Luo Yang, he knew it was not enough for his buildings and the Tongquetai. However, he was already at six battles, and both his men and he himself felt the tiredness in their bodies. Besides, there was something else lurking he normally didn't need to pay attention to or ever had to in the games.
The winter season was coming, and it would be near impossible to move further without the necessary equipment. Thus, Brian decided to leave the front lines after a six battle campaign and arrived in Jin Cheng fourteen days after the battle of Luo Yang.
The news their lord would return safe and sound with new allies lifted the people of Jin Cheng's spirit even further. Thus, when Brian passed through the newly impressive gates that were made in his absence, he couldn't help but be slightly shocked how the people had exceeded his expectations of a welcome yet again.
''This is an impressive welcome,'' Cao Cao commented softly as he rode behind his new lord through the gates of Jin Cheng.
''Have your senses become dull, Cao Cao?'' Sima Yi mockingly asked, not holding back now that they were equal in status.
''Dull?'' He asked as he turned his eyes on his former advisor.
''Yes. Dull. If you call this an impressive welcome, your senses have become dull. This ambiance is nothing compared to everyday life here. Stay a week here and you will see for yourself what you have been missing,'' Sima Yi said as he rode forward, already knowing what he was going to do next.
''Perhaps you have wilted a little, but I am certain, in due time, you will blossom like never before. You are just like this city. Once a small town that fell in the nothingness of war and now a beautiful flower in the warm sunshine of the future,'' Zhang He commented as glamorous as ever as he took as much spotlight as possible in the welcome.
Cao Cao stared in front of him, to the man he had sworn loyalty to. Then he looked around him, his eyes crossing the sight of a little girl who was smiling brightly at him, to the evergrowing buildings that stood far and wide, to the perfectly stoned roads, that had remained perfectly clean even despite this many people living here. ''If you don't mind, I will show you around the city. There are some lovely places that can lift one's spirit back to full.''
Cao Cao nodded as he responded, ''That would be helpful. Thank you, Zhang He.''
At the front, Brian smiled, his worries during the travel slowly being evaporated by what he saw. His city was looking healthy and in the distance, the skeleton of the new palace began to appear. His people looked healthy, strong, happy, and full of life. Jong Go once again stood in the crowd, his daughter at his side smiling proudly. I am glad everyone is doing alright. Brian thought as he continued to ride forward. However, although he had thought the welcome had reached its peak, a familiar face appeared and completely went above his imagination. A man who sat in a golden chair on a platform, carried by a dozen servants until they stopped on the other side of the large plaza. Unlike last time, there were no curtains to hide behind, meaning the face of the Emperor was for everyone to witness. And witness the people did as the sounds died down quickly.
Why are you here? Brian wondered as he stepped off his horse, his officers immediately following his example. The Emperor walked off his platform as his servants, including Mi Tong, kneeled down with their hands entwined in each other, their faces facing the ground. Wait, I remember this event! I know what to do here. Brian thought as he stepped closer to the Emperor, slowly brought himself to the ground, and positioned himself in a similar position as the other servants. Once again, the officers who followed him followed his example in their own way.
''At ease. I am here to celebrate your return,'' The Emperor started. His face was as calm as the weather on this sunny day.
''But your highness. The danger to your person...'' Brian responded as he referred to the reason they needed his disguise back at the party.
However, before he could finish that sentence, the Emperor signaled him to stop with a simple gentle hand and answered, ''With you and your army here, I feel perfectly safe.'' With a gentle smile on his face, he asked, ''Please, will you all stand for me? I wish to look into the eyes of these heroes.''
As asked, Brian and his men rose to their feet. The Emperor looked calmly at the other commanders and the people around him before he shifted his eyes back on Brian and asked, ''These brave warriors... these beautiful people...They are your strength, aren't they, Brian Miller?''
Brian smiled contently as he answered, ''My strength and my treasure. Therefore, as my Emperor, they are your strength, and your treasure as well.''
It seems that was what the Emperor wanted to hear as he responded, ''I am truly blessed to have you at my side.'' He stepped a bit closer as he added, ''Use your strength to lead this land into a new age, prime minister Brian Miller.''
It took Brian a moment to realize, but when he finally did, he placed his fist in his hand in front of him, bowed his head, and responded, ''I will, your highness.'' And that was all Jin Cheng had to hear as the festive ambiance started once again.
Nine months since the arrival of the Emperor.
It had barely been two weeks since Brian's return to Jin Cheng when Zhuge Liang came with an interesting idea. It was one thing to discuss different new strategies, but it was another to use them in combat. Thus, the idea of a mock battle arose as a conversation subject. One week later, two armies stood opposed to each other, several strategists ready to use their new strategies in combat.
Upgraded juggernauts, wooden oxes, ambushes, catapults with harmless ammunition, and more were used to their fullest potential. Although Brian himself hardly participated in it, he had greatly enjoyed the spectacle, just as the soldiers and spectators, who enjoyed the battle from the cliffed sidelines.
The mock battle with Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi remained a subject for days, and random citizens praised both strategists for their cunning strategies and insights in the battle whenever the outcome was. Many more such battles stood on the horizon yet to come, but Brian's mind was focusing on something different.
The worries he had during the trip back to his city were not all about the city or the missions in his HUD. No, one of the worries that tormented his mind was about certain officers of his.
Lian Shi had learned about Xing Cai's confession shortly after the Chang'an feast and apparently, she had taken it as her duty to learn the young lady everything about being a concubine. Zhang Chunhua and Yue Ying both showed signs of affection, one more direct while the other was more strategically playing it. The words Zhang Chunhua used as her bond-level increased even further were still floating clearly in his mind. You are like an impregnable fortress...What can I do to make you do as I say? But it wouldn't be fun if you drop your defenses too easily...I'll take my time and have you come to me. He repeated in the back of his mind as he remembered the many times he escaped her clutches. The women who tried to seduce him - including the library woman -, the few times he found strange notes and realized it had been Zhang Chunhua and the many meat buns she gave him as a way to win his heart over with her culinary talents.
Although Yue Ying was less direct, she too showed more than just kindness towards him. She was one of the many chefs in the army, and she would personally make sure her lord was eating well enough in these stressed times. At one point, she would even go so far as to feed him personally, while one of her feet would playfully stroke his leg.
The problem was that those two women were married to Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi, and Brian wasn't the type to go behind a friend's back. Especially not when both officers trusted him completely, judging from their bond levels. Thus, just as the afternoon passed and the evening started, he stepped into the academy, ready to face them about the matter. The answers were not what he had expected.
''Thank you for sharing those concerns with me, but I was well aware of my wife's feelings towards you. I married lady Yue Ying for her wisdom and virtues, not for her to be mine. If you can fill a void in her that helps her further in the path she wishes to walk with me, then I can only thank you for your involvement,'' Zhuge Liang spoke calmly.
''So you are really okay with it? I do not want this to become something that will be a problem. I value you too much as a friend and strategist for that,'' Brian said honestly.
''You do not have to worry about that, my lord,'' Zhuge Liang responded as he smiled gratefully to his lord. ''Perhaps you are not aware, but just as my wife, there is a void you fill for me as well. I am not certain what happened with Liu Bei that changed him so much, but he was no longer the virtuous man who I could stand behind. Even the cooperation with Sima Yi ended in a failure as there stayed something behind that even our combined wisdom could not fill. I was hopeful when you recruited us, and now, my entire hope lies in your talent. I am entrusting you with my ambition for benevolence.''
Your bond with Zhuge Liang has been maxed! Zhuge Liang learned the support skill Rouse Protect! Appeared in Brian's HUD if he wasn't already aware of the beauty in those words and the honest expression on the Sleeping Dragon's face. ''Thank you, master Zhuge Liang.''
With an overflowing heart of happiness, Brian continued to the next officer he had to face. Please be in a good mood. Please be in a good mood. He wished for as he entered the almost empty classroom. All of his students had left, and Sima Yi was just cleaning up the studying material before leaving when he noticed his lord. ''Good evening, lord Brian. Here to inspect the quality of my teachings?'' Sima Yi asked good mooded.
''Not really. I have full confidence that your lessons are top-quality and it shows. The teachers you appointed and taught are slowly raising to the overall knowledge. It will not be long until the knowledge of the people will be enlightened and we enter an era of enlightenment.''
Sima Yi smiled as he responded, ''Indeed. I cannot count how many imbeciles we have eliminated, whenever it is by sword or teachings. This land is growing steadily towards perfection. Once that goal is realized, there is only one thing left to do; laugh loudly at the world.'' Your bond with Sima Yi has been maxed! Sima Yi learned the support skill Rouse recovery. Appeared for the second time in Brian's hud but he had no time to fully spectate it as Sima Yi asked, ''If you did not come for inspection, what is then the reason for your visit?''
Brian looked nervous as he answered, ''It is about your wife. I believe she tries to seduce...Or kill me? I am not truly certain yet, to be honest,'' He confessed.
Sima Yi's eyes looked troubled as he asked, ''And you came to tell me this because?''
''Even the best of minds sometimes need a second opinion to come to a conclusion,'' Brian answered with a wry smile. ''As both a friend and a scholar, I felt it was your right to know before I would accept or decline her feelings.''
''I understand, but it is not like I have any saying in here. Unless she truly wants to kill you, I have no business in her personal affairs.,'' Sima Yi gave him a confident grin as he added, ''So this is a problem you will have to face alone. Good luck, lord Brian.'' With a theatrical laugh, he walked out of the classroom, leaving his lord alone in the classroom.
That went better than expected. Brian thought as he walked out of the Academy door into the cold air of his city. Darkness came early in the cold months, but with the many lights still burning in the city, the darkness wasn't a problem in the slightest.
What to do now? I don't have to eat if I am not hungry, and I don't have any appointments. Feels weird to have nothing planned. He thought as he walked further into the town. Wish I had this much free time tomorrow. He thought as I already knew by his HUD what day tomorrow would be: his birthday.
Although he had celebrated a few birthdays during his time in this world, he had never considered if anyone knew his. His name and appearance were the same -only in his younger years-, but he doubted his birthday would be the same as well.
A momentarily thought went back to his previous life but he decided to quickly forgot it before it would make him cry. Instead, as he walked to his home, he paid a visit to the stables, where his animals stayed if they were not by his side.
''Prrr.'' Azeil purred as Brian scratched him from top to bottom.
''You never change, don't you?'' Brian whispered before he added, ''Be nice to the keeper, okay? I know he smells fishy sometimes, but that's just because Ranger really likes fish.'' Azeil slapped his paw forward. ''Sorry, sorry! That was a bad one. I deserved that one.''
Brian stayed a moment longer with Azeil before he went to Hex Mark and his other horses, who were running through their pasturage. Seven different horses, from the regular ones Walnut, Mahogony, Birch, Chestnut, and Maple to his two unique horses Hex Mark and Shadow Runner. He wanted to say good night to Ranger as well, but the falcon was rather roaming the skies than staying in his habitat.
He paid one last visit to the teahouse - where he drank together with Lu Su and Liu Shan- before he called it a night. Apart from the Emperor and a few guards, his house was empty. His fiance was assisting Sun Quan in expanding the trade route, and Lian Shi promised her lord she would protect both to the best of her capabilities. And somehow, Xing Cai had also stayed behind, although he was not certain why yet.
Thus, he had slept alone for over a month now, and tonight would be no different. As he drifted away to the world of dreams, the evening passed to the night, and a new day started. It was a day he would never forget.
Author notes:
So this was chapter 12 of A Game of Ambition.
We finally have met and recruited the Hero of Chaos and the Splendid. If you couldn't tell, I am not much of a fan of Ma Chao. The way he speaks about justice while switching sides easily and wanting vengeance against Cao Cao. It just didn't really fit my taste. That's why I actually loved Warriors Orochi 3, where he does a similar action as in this story. The event with the Emperor was a movie from the Hypothetical route of Wei. It felt really fitting to add it here, so I just went for it. I wanted to add the battle with Lu Bu, but I recently realized Xia Pi is a long way east from Luo Yang, so we just have to wait.
Please take your time to leave a review behind: I always wonder what people like or dislike about the story and what they want to read. It really lifts my spirit as well, so let me know what your thoughts were. With everything said and done, I hope to see you legends in the next one. Beyor out!