Ch. 27

Disclaimer: "If I wasn't three feet shorter than you and completely lacking in physical strength, I would so kick your ass right now!"

Ling Yi stood outside Sima Yi's study, preparing herself for what she knew was a hopeless attempt. She had to try though; if there was any chance for her to save her master, she had to take it. She steeled herself and opened the door.

"I see we are forgoing the formality of knocking. Enter, Ling Yi." He spoke without even looking up from his scrolls. She stepped into the room and bowed. "You know why I am here, my lord." The strategist glanced up at her, eyebrows arching cynically. "Indeed. You're going to try and bargain with me, correct?"

"You always are." She said, bitterly. His laugh was cold and completely without mirth. There were few things in this world that could send a chill down Ling Yi's spine. Sima Yi's laughter was one of them. "Tell me, girl, what is it that you intend to offer me? What do you think you have that is worth the price of your charming master?" Her face burned as she said, "I have nothing to offer but myself, lord." There was a moment of silence before lord Sima Yi actually doubled over with hysterical laughter.

"You? And what would I do with you? I may be a deviant, but I have no interest in children, least of all little girls. You're not even an attractive child; all skin and bones, and such an unpleasant face. What on earth could have possessed you to come in here and offer me yourself?"

"My duty to my lord." She said simply. Lord Sima Yi leaned back in his chair, amused. "I'll tell you what," he said. "You're devotion to your master is touching. And moreover, you've genuinely amused me. It's been a dreadfully long time since I've had a good laugh, and to thank you for providing me with one, I'll do you a favor. I was planning on beating Zhang He for his little display of stubbornness this morning, but since I'm in such a good mood, I'll let you stand in for him this time. I'll expect to see you in the dungeon at midnight, or else I'll simply have to assume that you've turned down my generous offer. And I'm sure you can guess what happens to Zhang He then."

He picked up his scroll and began reading again. "Dismissed." Ling Yi left calmly and quietly, though she felt like launching herself at the man who so arrogantly abused her master. It would have done no good, however. Sima Yi was not a warrior, but he was far stronger than Ling Yi, who was not even an adult. She was mildly comforted by the fact that she had not completely failed; she had at least managed to save her lord from one beating.

I'm sorry for the delay in getting this chappie up, but I was grounded from the computer, so no typing for me. These last couple of chapters have been way short, but the next one will be longer, I swear. MEGA shout-out to Soukatsu, who was kind enough to do a fan-art for this fic! Go check it out on her homepage, and while you're there, see the rest of her awesome artwork! Next chapter, I'm bustin' out my secret weapon: the LOVE TRIANGLE! Thank you, and goodnight!