Zhuyue woke with a start as the carriage she was riding in jerked as it passed over uneven terrain. She noted her head was laying against something solid and warm. Raising herself up slightly she saw that she was laying her head against a lap. Startled, Zhuyue shot upright and pressed her back against the carriage wall. Big mistake as the wooden frame came into contact with her scarred back. She hissed in pain from the contact and pulled away from the wall feeling foolish for forgetting why she was riding in this stupid carriage in the first place. Cao had insisted she take his carriage to rest while he rode on horseback. She refused at first, stating that she wasn't some fragile doll that needed to be coddled. She could ride horseback with her injury. It would be fine. Her protest fell on deaf ears as Dun plucked her up as if she weighed nothing and tossed her inside with a few of the guards snickering around them as he did so.

Dun wouldn't let her out of the carriage and told her to 'shut up and go to sleep'. The entire situation pissed her off. She tried to exit the carriage but Dun wasn't having any of it. Every time she tried to leave, he would be there to push her back in. She eventually gave up and fell into a fitful sleep. Now it seems someone had snuck into the carriage with her while she was sleeping. Her eyes moved from the lap her head previously laid on to the face that owned it. Dun was looking back at her with one eye slightly cracked open.

"What are you doing?" He asked in a gruff tone.

"I didn't know who you were-" She trailed off. Dun closed his eye.

"Well now you know. Get back here," he replied closing his eye once more. Zhuyue didn't move from her spot. After a few moments noticing that he did not feel her warmth against him, he opened both eyes and looked at her, visibly annoyed.

"What is it now?" Zhuyue stared back into his eyes and held his gaze as she spoke.

"What are we doing? I mean what is this? I just want to know where I stand with you," Dun sighed. He didn't want to do this right now or preferably ever. He wasn't the type of person to express his feelings with words. That sort of shit was for poets and scholars. He was a man of action and he conveyed his feelings through it.

"You know what you are," He replied, not bothering to remove the annoyance that laced his tone.

"If I knew I wouldn't be asking you," She snapped at him, letting her own irritation flow through her voice. He couldn't help but smile a bit. He liked her fire even if it annoyed the hell out of him at times.

"You are my betrothed. That was the deal wasn't it?"

"That was the deal...but we are a long way from the eyes of my father and we no longer need to keep up the ruse. As I said to you that night, you only need to say you would marry me. I never really expected for you to do so. I would not force you into an arrangement you did not want," She replied, lowering her eyes from his. She didn't want to look into his eyes if he rejected her. If he agreed that he did not want to marry her, she fully intended to show him that she didn't care even if that may not have been the truth. To do that, she needed to avoid looking in his eyes any further. She didn't want anything to betray how she really felt. Dun folded his arms across his chest.

"Is that what you want?"

"What I want doesn't matter."

"No? Interesting. So you are okay with being just like those noble women you claim to hate so much then? Following the whims of others with no regards to your own wants?" Zhuyue's face contorted to a scowl.

"I am nothing like them!" Dun smirked.

"You sure? Your answer says something different," He asked while stroking his chin as if he was in deep thought. Zhuyue was incensed. Her hands were balled into a fist and she wanted to launch herself at Dun and punch him in the jaw. How dare he compare her to one of those weak nobles. Hasn't she proven herself? Didn't he see that she was just trying to give him an out? Not force him into marrying someone he didn't want to? Did he have to be such an asshole about it?

"I know what I want. I am trying to give you the option to get out of this arrangement if you don't want it."

"And I am asking you what you want," He said with a grin, thoroughly enjoying riling her up. She was so tightly wound at the moment. He knew she wanted to pounce on him. He saw her balled fist and knew that it wouldn't be long till she swung on him. They were so much alike in so many ways. They had short fuses and didn't like to be fucked with.

"I want you!" She screamed out, her anger getting the better of her. Her brain barely registered that she had just admitted her feelings to Dun but that was something to deal with at another moment. Right now she had a point to prove.

"Then shut up and lie back down."

The satisfied smirk he had on his face made her see red. He closed his eyes and dropped his arms, leaving himself open. Zhuyue screamed in frustration. Damn this man for making her confirm how she felt without doing the same. She was tired of him screwing with her and getting enjoyment out of it. She sprung forward as much as she could in the small carriage and swung at him, her fist aimed at his chin. Dun's eyes flew open and he grabbed her wrist just before she connected, that smug smile still on his face. He yanked her forward and grabbed her other arm before she could attack with that as well. Zhuyue growled and was fully prepared to yell at him when it was silenced by Dun's lips on hers. It was as if he sucked out the aggression she had from her lips and breathed in lust. Zhuyue moaned into the kiss and Dun dropped her hands. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he grabbed her rear, using it to pull her into his lap.

They broke the kiss in need of air, both breathing hard. Dun removed one hand from the firm grip he had on her butt and in an uncharacteristically gentle action, pushed back a strand of her hair that had fallen in front of her face behind her ear.

"I trust you have no more questions regarding what I want right?" He asked, staring into her eyes. She nodded in affirmation. He had conveyed everything he wanted from her in that single kiss. Her lips still tingled from the pressure and she found herself wanting more. She was about to lean in for another kiss but paused seeing a frown on Dun's face and his eyes staring past her. She twisted in his lap and hissed in pain at stretching the wounds on her back. Dun's eyes flickered to her for a brief moment upon hearing her hiss then back to whatever he was focusing on behind her.

"How long are you going to stare at us Mèngdé?" He asked. Zhuyue felt her face heat up in embarrassment. It seems that in letting her emotions get the better of her, she had forgotten where she was and allowed herself to be caught in public in a very compromising position. Zhuyue moved to lift herself from Dun's lap but felt his hands had moved to her waist and held her in place. She stared at him questioningly but he wasn't looking at her. His eyes were still glued to where she guessed Cao Cao currently was.

"My apologies, Cousin!" Cao responded sounding anything but sorry. "I didn't think I would catch you two having so much fun before you had your ceremony!" Cao Cao concluded. Dun stared at his cousin through one of the carriage windows. He could clearly see the amusement dancing in his eyes. It annoyed him.

"Mèngdé," Dun said in a flat tone, conveying his displeasure. Cao barked out a laugh in response. Dun let a growl rumble within his chest as Zhuyue buried her head into his shoulder. He didn't understand what she was so embarrassed for. If they were to be married, it was to be expected that they would do something like this. The only reason why he was annoyed was that he got interrupted yet again. He would be happy to be home where he could get some fucking privacy. Cao finally settled down in his merriment. It took entirely too long for Dun's liking.

"I just wanted to let you know that we would be arriving in Qiao soon. While I am loathe to pull you away when you are having so much fun I do have some things to discuss with you," Dun sighed.

"As you wish, Mèngdé. Give me a moment," Cao nodded, a grin still plastered on his face as he spurred his horse forward. Dun finally removed his hands from Zhuyue's waist and allowed her to slide off of his lap and back into her seat.

"Rest," He commanded.

"No," She replied simply. He shot her a look but she didn't back down.

"I am tired of resting. I've done nothing but rest since I was punished. I wish to ride along side you."

"Must you be so difficult?"

"Must you?"

Dun shook his head at her response and signaled for the carriage drive to stop the horses. The carriage slowed to a stop and he hopped off, Zhuyue behind him. He climbed back into the saddle of his own horse casting a glance at Zhuyue as she struggled to get on her own. He didn't move to help her. If she insisted on being so damn stubborn she could do it by herself. Zhuyue hadn't expected his help. She knew she would have to do it on her own and wanted to prove to him that she could. She hoisted herself up to her horse biting the inside of her cheek to prevent crying out in pain. She breathed a sigh of relief once she was fully seated on her steed. Her eyes caught Dun's and she flashed him a triumphant smile. He shook his head and urged his horse forward but she didn't miss the small smirk that he tried to hide.

"AAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGH," Another training dummy lie in splinters at Lu Bu's feet. He was furious. He hadn't seen Diaochan in over a week in a half. Dong Zhou kept her locked up, away from him. He wanted to take action against Dong Zhou. He wanted to mount his head on the tip of his halberd and walk through Chang'an with it before hanging it on the gates for all to see. He would have done it too but he was talked down by Dong Zhou's lackey Li Ju. Li Ju promised him that Dong Zhou would give up Diaochan and she would be his. So far it seems like that wasn't going to happen. He was seeing red and was more than ready to take matters into his own hands.

"Father?" Came a small voice behind him.

"WHAT?" He roared at the fool who dared to approach him. His hand gripped his halberd tightly and his eye wild with rage, he spun around to face the intruder only to see his daughter shrinking back from him. He wanted to reach out to her, to apologize but his anger was boiling out of control. He instead stared at her, trying vainly to control his anger. Lu Lingqi was afraid of her father. She had never saw such anger in his eyes before. He had never stared at her with such contempt before. Just another thing that changed since that whore had come into their lives. Lingqi's was afraid but she was a Lu. She would not let her fear conquer her even if it was of her father, the mightiest warrior in the land. She rose herself up to her full height and stared at him defiantly. If Lu Bu wasn't so angry at the moment he would have been proud of her, at present he was just annoyed.

"I-I wish to train with you father. It has been so long. Can we please train together?" She struggled to keep her fear out of her voice and hearing her speak to him so bravely helped to dissipate the anger he held just a little bit.

"It's not a good idea right now Lingqi. The anger I am feeling right now, I would hurt you."

"But father-" She tried to argue.

"I SAID NO!" He roared and she shrank back again, her previous courage lost. He didn't want to yell at her but it seemed to be the only way to get her to understand. It was probably his fault that she was such a willful child. He had taught her to not back down from anyone.

"My Lord, perhaps I could train her in your stead?" Bu's eyes shifted to Zhang Liao who was standing behind Lingqi. He bowed once Lu Bu acknowledged him. Lu Bu grunted his assent to his proposal.

"But father-" Lingqi started again but she was cut off by Zhang Liao.

"Lingqi, please come along," She casted another forlorn glance at her father before following Zhang Liao to the other end of the training grounds, dragging her cross halberd behind her. Liao stopped to face her, instead of his normal dual axes, he only carried one in hand. Lingqi looked at Liao then back to the area where her father was to see that he was no longer there. She returned her gaze to Zhang Liao and with a small voice she spoke to him.

"Do not take offense, Master Liao but I do not wish to train with you," She bit her lip and looked down to the ground where she kicked at the dirt with the tip of her boots. "I wanted to train with father."

"Ah, of course. I had originally thought you had the will to join your father on the battlefield someday. I see that I was wrong," Liao hoisted his axe onto his shoulder and started to walk off. He knew he wouldn't get far. Over the past few weeks, he had gotten to know Lingqi and he had learned very quickly how to push the girl's buttons. After three steps, she called out to him and mumbled an apology and requested that he train with her. Liao of course agreed.

Lingqi rushed at Liao. She was quick on her feet but she was still inexperienced. Her attacks were often sloppy but in the numerous times they have trained together she has improved greatly. Liao parries the attack easily and counters, tripping Lingqi.

"What was that, Lingqi? That was sloppy. You are better than that. If you aren't serious about this, I will leave," Liao said hoisting his blade back on his shoulder. She frowned and stood, dusting herself off. He was right, she was making stupid mistakes. The truth was she was distracted.

"I-" She hesitated. Liao and her father were...well she wasn't sure if they were friends. She wasn't sure if her father had any friends but she knew Liao respected her father. She decided to risk it. Perhaps he could give her advice. It seemed as if Liao was around for her nowadays more than her father was. She sucked in a deep breath and exhaled before starting again.

"It seems as if father only has eyes for one thing now," She said. She left the statement a bit cryptic but knew Liao would catch on. From the look on Liao's face, he did indeed.

"That isn't really either of our concerns," He responded.

"I know but-" She paused again. "Sometimes I feel as if he doesn't care about me any longer. Just...," She trailed off, leaving the word 'her' unsaid. Liao sighed. It was plain to see that Diaochan was leading Lu Bu around by the nose...or rather a lower part of the anatomy but it wasn't his place to speak. Lu Bu did not let his carnal pursuits get in the way of his quest for strength and that's all Liao cared about. Still, he couldn't help but see how it was affecting his daughter which, is why he offered to train her so much. She thought the world of Lu Bu and each day he pulled further and further away, consumed by his anger of Dong Zhou hoarding Diaochan all to himself. That woman has brought nothing but trouble since she arrived. It was plain to see to anyone who bothered to look with their brains instead of their dicks but none of this mattered to Liao. He was a warrior who was looking for a purpose. As long as she didn't get in his way or try anything with him, he could care less. It was a bit surprising however to see a warrior as mighty as Lu Bu taken in so readily by her. He understood Dong Zhou's weakness, he was an utter fool, but he always held Lu Bu to a higher standard. It was a bit disappointing to see him become so frantic over her.

"He still cares," He said simply. Lingqi did not look convinced. Liao sighed and tried again.

"I know he still cares. He has told me how proud he is of the warrior you have become," Lingqi perked up a little at this. What he said wasn't a lie. Lu Bu had told him before that he was proud of Lingqi and how far she had come along in her training. Granted it was a few months ago, but it happened. She didn't need to know all of the details. This answer seemed to satisfy her. She got back into her fighting stance no longer uncertain or sadden. She had a look of determination in her eye. Liao was very glad that little episode was over. He gestured for her to come forward and she obliged with a roar.

Zhuyue followed Dun to a large cluster of houses not very far from Cao Cao's own. They had just left Cao's domicile and she got a small taste of his family life. She knew that it was common for men to take multiple wives or concubines as it was their supposed right but Cao took that right to the extreme. The thought of it made her a bit sick. She couldn't help but wonder if Dun shared in his cousin's promiscuity. Zhuyue realized at that moment that she would be a jealous lover. Not that she was intent on keeping Dun to herself, even though she was but because she refused to be disrespected in such a fashion. If Dun insisted on taking another lover to his bed, she would end her and cut his cheating cock off before killing him too. Zhuyue didn't realize that her face had contorted to reflect her emotions until she heard Dun speak up.

"What the fuck is your problem now?" He asked in his usual gruff tone. She looked up to him, why would he think something was wrong with her? She didn't say anything did she? "Your face," He supplied answering her unspoken question. She smoothed out her features to one of impassiveness but it was a bit too late. He was still waiting for an answer.

"Lord Cao Cao is a...generous lover it seems," Dun let out a hmph.

"That's an interesting way of putting it, I would say he doesn't know when to pull out," She didn't expect that response and was unable to stop the laugh that escaped from her lips. He smirked.

"I swear, I asked him one time if his plan was to create his own army with his seed. Even though he just laughed it off I am still convinced he is trying to do it,"

She laughed again, harder this time and Dun just shook his head and let out a small laugh of his own. He could understand her surprise at seeing the vast number of children Cao but the truth was, she didn't even see half of them. She only got to see his six favorites. Sure Cao claimed he loved all of his children but Dun wasn't sure he even knew all of their damn names. There was just too many of them. He was in absolutely no danger of his legacy not being carried on in some way. The children he had at his home currently were the ones he saw the most potential in and they were the ones sired by his two favorite lovers, Lady Bian and Lady Liu. He made sure to take the two wherever he went and out of all the women he had, they were by far the most taken care of. Cao occasionally visited his other concubines and their children, but it was easy to see where his heart truly lay.

Zhuyue's laughter finally tapered off into an uneasy silence. Dun could see that something was still on her mind. He was finding that the more time he spent with her, the easier he found her to read.

"Spit it out," He urged a bit harsher than he intended. Dun didn't like secrets nor did he like beating around the bush. He would rather have everything out in the open to avoid issues later. To his surprise and approval, she didn't hesitate to voice her concerns.

"I just wonder how many of your women and children I will meet in your home," Dun raised a brow at this.

"Have you not been paying attention? If you were, you would have realized the answer to that question is none," He replied.

"Then I guess the question I should ask is how many women will I have to deal with in the future," Dun shook his head and let out an annoyed sigh.

"Again it seems you aren't paying attention. If you were, then you would know the answer to that question."

"Can't you just answer a simple question?" She asked fighting the urge to throw a dagger at his back while he wasn't paying attention.

"Stop asking stupid fucking questions and I would be more than happy to answer," He replied. She let out a frustrated growl. He was a vexing man.

"I'd kill them...and you." She replied and from her tone, Dun knew it wasn't just an idle threat. He should have been pissed at her. He should have stopped his horse, spun around and beat the shit out of this woman for suggesting that he couldn't have his right as a man to take multiple women if he wanted. However, Dun felt the exact opposite. He felt something closer to pride and possibly something akin to lust for her possessiveness and her refusal to be treated with anything other than respect. He wanted to tell her this. Tell her that he felt the same way. That he would slaughter any man that dared to even look at her in a lustful way. That he did not need another woman when he had everything he wanted in a woman in her. But he was not a man of words. He didn't know how to express such feelings so instead he just grunted, neither acknowledging or disputing her claim. He would let his actions speak for him as he has always done.

They weren't far from the Xiahou households now. Dun could already see Yuan and a few others waiting for him. Even from this distance he could see the huge grin on his face. Dun groaned inwardly already anticipating the badgering he and Zhuyue were going to get from Yuan. Dun reigned his horse a few feet away from Yuan and the others. His father and mother had come out to greet them as well as Xiulan, Xiaolian, Yuan's wife Lady Jiao and his sons Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba. Dun would outwardly grouse at the fact that they even bothered to come out to greet him but part of him was honored that they valued him so. He noted that someone was missing from this gathering but wouldn't mention it at the moment. Dun dismounted and assisted Zhuyue in doing the same. Two servants rushed forward and greeted the pair before leading the horses off to the stables. Yuan who had been waiting patiently sprung as soon as Dun turned away from Zhuyue.

"BROTHER DUN!" He exclaimed loudly as he grabbed Dun in a bear hug. Dun allowed himself to be hugged briefly by the other man. Yuan was the only person he allowed to do this. Anyone else who tried it would be killed on the spot. As much as he hated to admit it, he had a soft spot for his cousin and truly did see him as a brother rather than merely a cousin. Feeling the hug had been going on for much longer than he liked, he shoved Yuan away who didn't seem the least bit fazed as he turned his attention to Zhuyue. He let his eyes roam over her with a grin on his face. Zhuyue noticed that unlike Cao Cao, there was nothing lecherous about this grin, it was genuinely happy.

"Well? Come on, Brother Dun. Introduce us," Dun sighed.

"Why should I bother? I already know you know who she is. Mèngdé sent a missive explaining who she was," Dun replied, not in the mood to play this game.

"Not all of us were made aware as to the contents of the missive, my son. Miàocái said it would be best if you explained it," Dun's father spoke up. Dun looked to his parents and then to Yuan who's grin seemed to get impossibly wider.

"I wanted it to be a surprise," He said proudly and Dun could see he could barely contain his laughter. He wanted to punch his brother in the face. Truly. If his mother wasn't here, he probably would have but he did not like to show his more violent side in front of her. He had a soft spot for her, not that he would let anyone know that.

"Fine," Dun said through gritted teeth and shot Yuan a look that promised a beating later. "Mother, father this is Zhuyue. Zhuyue, this is my father, Xiahou Shan and my mother, Lady Ai." Zhuyue bowed to both of his parents.

"Honored mother, honored father it is my honor to be in your presence," They were about to return the gesture when Yuan interrupted once more.

"Brother Dun, don't you think you should explain to mother and father exactly who she is?" Dun gave him an icy stare before looking back to his parents.

"Zhuyue is my betrothed," He said, trying as best he could to keep the annoyance he had in from Yuan out of his voice when he addressed his parents. Lady Ai gasped and covered her mouth, her eyes wide as she looked over Zhuyue. She never thought she would hear the day that her son had willingly taken a wife! She thought that she would die before she got grandchildren from her first born son! Overcome with joy, she enveloped Zhuyue in a surprise hug and gave her a tight squeeze. Zhuyue hissed in pain from the contact to Ai's hands on her back causing Ai to draw back in confusion, worried that she might have hurt the girl.

"It is nothing you have done, My Lady," Zhuyue said hastily.

"That coward, Yuan Shu thought it would be best to make an example out of her and publicly punished her for calling out his cowardliness on the battlefield." After he spoke those words, Zhuyue noted a change in the atmosphere. Yuan was no longer smiling. His face took on a dangerous look. She didn't understand it, he barely knew her, why would he be angry at her being punished. Xiulan eyes went wide in shock as did Lady Ai, the unknown woman and her kids. Xiaolian was had a deep frown, she looked more sad than angry. Dun's father Shan seemed to be equally upset albeit with a lot less murderous intent than Yuan was currently radiating. Zhuyue wished Dun wouldn't have spoken so openly about what happened to her. She didn't want to cause anyone worry and what if her parents didn't see it the same way Dun did? What if they considered her to be a troublemaker. Even if Dun had already agreed to make her his wife, that didn't mean she didn't want to make a good impression with his parents.

"It seems you have much to fill us in on son. Come, let us talk over drinks," Shan said. Dun nodded in agreement. He could use a drink and he knew he would have to tell the story to his father. He didn't hide anything from him. He was a wise man and often sought his counsel on many things. Listening to said counsel was a completely different topic.

"And Jiao, Xiulan, Xiaolian and I will tend to Zhuyue's wounds. Ah, where are our manners? We haven't even introduced everyone here have we?" Lady Ai said as she smiled warmly to Zhuyue.

"Lady Jiao is the wife of my over eager son here," She says with a smile patting Yuan's back. "And these are their children, Heng and Ba," Jiao gave Zhuyue a light hug, making sure to avoid her back. The two sons bowed to her and spoke simultaneously.

"Hello auntie!" Dun shot Yuan a dirty look.

"You told them to say that didn't you?" Yuan didn't even tried to hide his guilt.

"But of course," He said, the grin back on his face. Zhuyue found it dizzying how quickly he seemed to change moods. At least Dun was consistent in his anger.

"Please, do not worry about me. My back is healing and I do not want you to go through any trouble on my behalf," Lady Ai tutted and took Zhuyue's hand.

"Nonsense, you are family. We look after our own," She said with a smile.

"Yes, please let my wife help you, Zhuyue," Shan added. "And later tonight, we will have a feast to welcome you to our family and to celebrate victory for the allied forces in battle,"

Zhuyue felt the expectant eyes of Dun's family on her. She couldn't say no even though she wanted to. This was strange new territory for her. She had never been treated so kindly before in her life with the exception of Xiulan and Xiaolian. This kindness was different however. She always felt that Xiulan and Xiaolian's kindness towards here was out of gratitude for her help on that day when they lost everything; Perhaps over time it did graduate to genuine kindness born out of care but Dun's family owed her absolutely nothing and they treated someone they had just met moments ago as if they knew her for years. Part of her felt as if she should be suspicious of such generosity. No one was this kind for no reason. At least that is what she learned when she played the part of a doting noble daughter. Another part of her desperately wanted to believe that this was exactly what it seemed like on the surface despite how foolish it seemed. They were a group of kind people that accepted her into their lives. She nodded and gave them a small smile decided to be a fool and believe. Zhuyue allowed Lady Ai to lead her off as she spoke animatedly about home remedies she had that would quickly heal any wound leaving the men to watch the women as they walked off. Once they were out of earshot, Shan, Dun and Yuan made their way to Yuan's home with his children following in tow. It was a well known fact he had the largest stash of wine out of all of them and he was always happy to share a drink.

"Where is Ling?" Dun asked. He noticed how his father tensed up at the mention of the name of his youngest son. Yuan let out a grunt.

"I am not sure," He father answered. Dun knew that wasn't the full answer so he looked to Yuan who was more than happy to supply him with the harsh truth.

"He felt that he had better things to do that to greet you," Yuan said bluntly.

" Miàocái!" Shan said admonishing him. He always tried to keep the peace between the three boys but it was a strained peace at best. Yuan's parents died from illness when Yuan was a young child. As his uncle, Shan took him in and treated him as his own son. Dun took to Yuan easily but Ling was a different story. Dun and Ling were never close as children. They would constantly get into fights over the silliest things, that of which Ling would never win. Shan always thought it was just boys being boys but as they got older, the divide between them only got worse. When Yuan got into the picture it got even worse seeing how easily he and Dun got along. When Dun and Yuan's martial prowess began to make itself known, things between the three got even worse. Ling always felt that he couldn't compare himself to the two and would keep his distance. That rift even trickled down to his parents whom he accused of treating Yuan more like a son then him. This was not true of course but Ling wouldn't have any of it. He mostly stayed away from all of them, choosing to only show his face when it was time to eat before disappearing once more. Dun disliked the disrespect Ling showed to their parents but at his parents' wishes, he refrained from beating sense into him. That didn't stop his tongue from taking up the fight however. He and Yuan were never shy about letting him know their discontent. Shan hoped that they would refrain from doing so at tonight's feast. That wasn't something he wanted to show Zhuyue.

"It's true," Yuan grumbled. Shan sighed and Dun waved a dismissive hand.

"It doesn't matter. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to show his face when he wants to stuff it later on. He better watch his mouth. I'm really not in the mood for it."

Shan sighed. This was going to be a long night.

Zhuyue spent the better part of the day with Lady Ai and the other ladies. Ai really was a sweet woman. Zhuyue couldn't help but wonder if her own mother was like that? A pang of sadness gripped her heart at the thought. She didn't know her mother as she died during childbirth. A fact her father loved to remind her of daily. Sometimes she would try to imagine what she was like as a way to deal with her father's cruelness. It occurred to her that the personality she conjured up in mind of her mother was very similar to what Dun's mother actually was.

Zhuyue was also happy that they didn't ask too many questions of her. Her relationship with Dun was unconventional and she didn't want to explain the particularities of it. She followed the women to the dinner walking awkwardly in the dress she borrowed from Jiao. Jiao was a bit more endowed than she was in the breast and butt department so the dress was a bit big on her. Zhuyue had to bunch the dress up just to walk and she was well aware of how bulky it looked on her. Her hunger won out on her discomfiture with the dress however. Zhuyue hadn't realized how hungry she was until the smell of the food wafted to her nose. When they arrived to the hall, she saw that Dun, Yuan and Shao were already seated along with Yuan's children. Jiao took her seat next to her husband and Ai did the same. Xiulan and Xiaolian took a seat close to Dun. Zhuyue hitched up her dress and took the open seat next to Dun. Dun watched with his mouth quirked up in amusement. She shot him a dirty look daring him to speak. Zhuyue noticed that there was a spot next to Shan that was empty. She wondered if someone was missing.

The servants came out with the wine first. Once all of the adult's cups were filled, Shan stood. He held the cup out in front of him with one hand while the other hand cupped the bottom of it and made a toast welcoming Zhuyue to their family and to their victory on the battlefield. Zhuyue felt embarrassed at the attention but graciously bowed her head towards Shan in thanks. They drank and the servants came around to fill their glasses once more. It was at this time that another man whom Zhuyue hadn't met previously entered the room.

"So I am not important enough to even wait for anymore? Shouldn't toast be made with all the family? Not just a few?" The man drawled before plopping down into the empty space next to Shan.

"Maybe if you showed up on time, you wouldn't be left out," Dun responded tersely to the new arrival.

"Oh my apologies, Dun but not everyone can just drop what they are doing to honor another one of your achievements. Some of us have more to do in our lives than to worship you," The man said in a cacophonous tone. "Besides, I am sure you had more than enough people here to lick your boots and stroke your ego. Isn't that right, Yuan?" He concluded, casting lazy glance at Yuan as he signaled for a servant to fill his cup. Zhuyue could see that Yuan's body had gone tense. He had the same look on his face when Dun had mentioned that Yuan Shu had publicly punished her. Who was this guy? Her eyes shifted from Yuan to Dun who was glaring daggers at the man. It seemed that Ling was in one of his moods today.

"Come father," The man said holding his cup up with one hand. Do the toast again. Let's hear how amazing, Brother Dun is," He said gulping down the wine before his father even had a chance to respond. He signaled for the servant to fill his cup once more. Shan sighed, this was deteriorating much faster than he originally anticipated.

"The toast is over, let's move on," Shan replied and signaled for the servants to bring out the food hoping it would distract them from their anger.

"No, Father I want to praise Dun-" He paused and his eyes fell on Zhuyue. He drank in her form with his eyes a few times before swallowing down his fresh cup of wine. He licked the excess liquid from his lips and the gesture made Zhuyue's skin crawl. So this was another one of Dun's brothers? Dun caught the lingering gaze he had on Zhuyue. He didn't have patience with Ling on the best of days and today was not a good day. He was worn from travel and still annoyed that Yuan Shu had gotten away with what he did and Dong Zhou still drew breath. If Ling kept it up, he would bear the brunt of his anger. Ai could practically see the steam coming from Dun's ears. She knew he would lose his temper soon. She tried to diffuse the situation.

"Zhuyue, we are being rude again. Forgive us. This is Ling our youngest son. Ling, this is Zhuyue, Dun's betrothed," She said with a smile. Ling seemed to sneer at the title betrothed but he didn't comment on it. He instead decided to comment on something else.

"How nice of you to still acknowledge me as one of your children, Mother," He replied as the food was spread out before them.

"Of course I do! " She replied somewhat defensively. "I love all three of my boys," That comment seemed to get under Ling's skin.

"You only have two sons," He hissed, acid dripping in his words. "That orphan isn't your child," Yuan shot up from the table, furious.

"That's it you little shit! I won't be spoken to like that. Are words all you have? I demand satisfaction for your constant insults," Ling gave him a lazy look before helping himself to the food before anyone else got a chance.

"I don't need anything but words for the likes of you. How much of a barbarian you are, acting like this in front of the people who took you in. You sure you want a savage like this as your son mother?" Yuan was shaking with fury and Zhuyue was sure that he was going to jump across the table and strangle him.

"Enough! You are all my boys. You will not do this now! Stop it!" Shan shouted rising from his seat. Yuan moved his eyes from his adopted father to Ling and back again. He wanted to obey but his anger was boiling inside of him, especially since that little shit was laughing at him. LAUGHING.

"Miàocái, you are being disrespectful to our parents. Sit down," Dun said, his voice was cold, detached. It sent a shiver down Zhuyue's spine. He had that eerie calm anger, the one he reserved when he was facing down an enemy on the battlefield. He had been quiet this entire time but it seems as if he was stewing in his own anger. Zhuyue was fully convinced that Dun would very close to killing Ling. She wondered if Ling knew that. If so, why would he test his luck like this? Did he think Dun wouldn't do it because they were related? At this point, she wasn't sure if that would be a factor to him.

"But brother-" Yuan began but Dun just shook his head cutting him off. Yuan grunted and banged a fist on the table, making his wife and adopted mother jump. He sat back down, the anger still evident on his face as Ling let out a pleased hum.

"Good Boy," Ling said before shoveling food into his mouth. No one else moved to get food, everyone still shocked by what just happened. "Sooooooooo-" Ling said with a smile that was anything but friendly. "Dun's betrothed huh?" He asked, his gaze focused once again on Zhuyue.

"Ling, don't," Dun said in warning. Ling ignored him.

"Interesting choice. You know he's a killer right?" Dun took several calming breaths in an attempt to calm himself down. It wasn't working.

"Ling, last chance. Don't," Ling smiled, finally acknowledging Dun.

"What? You don't want her to know you killed someone when you were thirteen simply because he made fun of your teacher? Shouldn't she know what time of vicious blood thir-" His words were interrupted by a loud crack. Dun's fist connected with his nose. Blood gushed from the broken snout as Ling fell backward wailing in pain.

"What the fuck?" Yuan cried in outrage. "Why do you get to hit him?"

"Because you would have killed him," Dun responded as he placed some food on his plate ignoring the wails of his brother. Yuan shrugged conceding to Dun's point and served himself as well. Ling was helped up by a few servants. He shoved them away and called Yuan and Dun a litany of profane words as they escorted him out of the dining area.

"Apologies, Mother," Dun muttered lowly before beginning to eat. His mother nodded numbly as she stared at the spot where Ling once sat, blood from his nose splashed across the remaining food on his plate.

The rest of the meal was spent in an uncomfortable silence.

Yuan Shao sat inside of his lavish home with a frown etched upon his face as one of his concubines massaged his shoulders. While he considered the campaign an overall success, there were many things that occurred which currently nagged at him. The first of which was Sun Jian. When the soldier had come to him to report that Sun Jian had found the Imperial Seal, he seemed to be sincere. He foolishly trusted the man and as a result he was humiliated.

Yuan gave an exaggerated sigh and another concubine rushed to his side.

"What is it, My Lord?"

"I am troubled by peasants my dear. They exist only to trouble me it seems."

"Is there anything we can do to help you, My Lord?" The concubine who had been massaging his back asked? Shao sighed.

"No, this is not something that can be solved by your little minds. Fetch me some wine," He commanded waving his hand to the concubine who first questioned him. She nodded and ran off while the other concubine began his massage again. Yuan Shu told him not to worry. He swore to him that he would find out the truth of Sun Jian and the Imperial Seal. That did not ease him though. His brother was not the most dependable person.

The concubine returned with a cup and poured his wine. Yuan Shao took a sip and relaxed. He would have to just leave it into his hands for the moment, there was nothing more he could do. Besides, he had another issue on his hands and that issue was known as Cao Cao. Just thinking of the man made him sneer. That commoner thought himself more clever than he. It was obvious! With every gesture, with every false smile Cao Cao always looked down on Shao. Ever since they were children. He should have been honored that he even had the honor of speaking to someone of noble blood, but Cao never acted that way. He never acted as if he was in awe just to be in Shao's presence as he very well should have. His association with Shao had opened doors but did he appreciate that? No! Cao always acted as if he deserved the attention. It always bugged him and now that they were adults and Cao's ambition only grew greater, he refused to accept it any longer. He would find a way to teach him his proper place if it was the last thing he would do.

"My Lord?" A male servant stood before him, looking at him with concern.

"What is it?" Shao snapped.

"I-I am sorry, My Lord! I was requesting your attention for so long but you did not answer. You look troub-"

"I said what do you what? Why have you bothered me?" Shao demanded, irritated that this mere servant managed to catch him so unaware.

"L-Lord Chenglei is here to see you. He begs an audience."

Shao contemplated this for a few moments in silence. Chenglei was a minor noble, one who he had met several times previously. They had a somewhat friendly relationship he supposed and it would look bad to turn him away even though he truly did not want to deal with anyone at the moment.

"Fine. I will meet him. Have him seated in the main chamber. Ensure that he is comfortable."

The servant nodded and ran off to do his master's bidding.

Chenglei waited patiently. Shao was certainly taking his time to greet him. This was poor manners for any noble but Chenglei would not complain. He knew that Shao's family was of higher prestige than his own. It would not do well for him to call out Shao's faults, especially when he comes begging favor. Shao finally arrived and Chenglei jumped to his feet. He folded his hand over his fist, held it in front of him and bowed low to Shao. Shao returned the gesture in a lazy bow, his face sporting a frown. It seems that Yuan Shao was not in a good mood. He hoped this would not work against him.

"To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" Shao made sure to stress the word unexpected to call out Chenglei's rudeness. Chenglei winced at the implication, knowing that currently things were not going well.

"My Lord, I realize that it was rather rude for me to show up so suddenly and without proper notice but please accept this as a token of my apology."

Chenglei signaled to the two servants he had brought along with him on the trip. The rushed forward with a trunk and set it down in front of Shao. Shao rose a brow and gestured for his own servant to open the trunk for him. The servant rushed forward and did so, revealing fine silks. He pulled up a few of the silks, letting the soft cloth glide over his fingers when he realized that something was hidden beneath them. He pushed the remaining silks aside and found the bottom of the chest filled with taels of gold and strings of pearls. Shao smiled, pleased. At lease Chenglei was not a complete fool. He returned the silks and closed the chest, summoning his servants to take the chest to his private quarters.

"Of course, Chenglei," Shao said with a smile. "Think nothing of it. It is my pleasure to receive you."

He gestured to another servant to serve Chenglei another drink.

"It has been a while since we last spoke friend. Tell me, how are you?"

"I am not well, My Lord," He answered before taking a sip from his fresh drink.

"What ails you on this day?" Shao asked.

"Peasants, My Lord. Those that overstep their bounds make a mockery of their betters and women who do not know their place," Shao nodded at his words. How odd that he had the same troubles as of late.

"I know your woes more than you think for I have had my own share. Please tell me what happened."

Chenglei recounted his meeting with some noble woman wench and how she disrespected him and said he was unworthy of her hand after beating him in battle. He explained the unfortunate events that occurred after he was thrown from his horse including being robbed and his servant running away from him. Shao listened to the tale growing incredibly bored. He wasn't sure what this had to do with him or why Chenglei even bothered to come to him with this issue at all.

"I went back to Lord Hui and he told me that he no longer had a daughter. That she had forsaken her name in favor of some barbarian clad in blue," Shao stifled a yawn through the man's story.

"Hui? Qin Hui?" He asked tilting his head in thought. Chenglei nodded. Shao stroked his chin. He recently had an arrangement with Qin Hui didn't he?

"What does this tale have to do with me, Chenglei? Why tell me this?"

"I need you assistance in exacting my revenge, My Lord!" Chenglei replied. "I beseech you, My Lord. Help me regain the honor that has been stained at the hands of these peasants!"

Shao waved his hands dismissively. Chenglei had a flare of the dramatic that rivaled his brother.

"By your own admission, she is a noble as well is she not? It was not a peasant that sullied your name. It not my place nor do I have the inclination to assist you with a slight to your pride at the hands of a mere woman you could not bend to your will or a servant that took advantage of your downed state and stole from you then ran away with his ill gotten goods."

"WAS a noble, My Lord," Chenglei corrected. "She dismissed her own name in favor of a barbarian. You do not fully grasp the injustice done to me. My servant did not steal from me. He was murdered! I do not have direct proof but I believe it was by the barbarian that took that wench. When I went back to the village I was told that my servant was led off by three men. They saw the barbarian steal my gold and overhead him ask about Lord Hui's daughter. My men and I searched for hours and we found remains of my faithful servant a few miles away from Lord Hui's home. He had been killed and left as food for the animals. The only reason we know the carcass to be him is this!"

Chenglei held out his hand and poured a few colored rocks into it. A few of the rocks were stained with blood. Shao recoiled.

"Get that away from me," Chenglei nodded hastily and placed them back into the pouch.

"My servant always collected these rocks and would frequently use them as markers when we traveled to unknown areas so we can find our way back in case something went wrong. Don't you see, My Lord? None of these rocks were on the trail we used to find him but they were all scattered about him. The barbarian must have known he was trying to leave me a trail and killed him for it."

"Or your servant never intended to leave a trail, tripped and twisted his leg and without any means to move he became food," Shao replied, unconvinced of Chenglei's conclusion.

"No. Believe me, My Lord, I know that is not the case. I feel it within the depths of my being. He would not have betrayed me. My weapon and my gold were not found on the remains either. Animals have no needs of such things so they would not have stolen it. It should have laid there with him along with these rocks."

"I understand why you are upset, but it seems you do not even know the name of this barbarian who has caused this slight to you. What help could I provide to you? Why would you even need me to provide any help to you? It seems like this is still an issue that you can handle on your own."

"It is because this involves you as well. Lord Hui informed me that her refusal of my hand was the final straw. He had been in contact with you regarding an arrangement for her marriage to your son Yuan Tan. With this barbarian stealing her away, he has denied you the possibility of receiving Lord Hui's lands and fortune. They will be returned to the government."

Shao perked up at this. He knew there was some sort of arrangement he had with Hui. He summoned his servant and commanded him to get the last correspondent he and the man had over said arrangement. The servant returned with haste and Shao's eyes read over the letter. Chenglei remained quiet as he did so. Shao's eyes widened when it fell on the name of Hui's daughter. He carefully rolled up the scroll and placed it gently on the desk he sat in front of. He templed his hands together and stared at Chenglei.

"The daughter, her name is Zhuyue?" Chenglei's face contorted in disgust as soon as he heard it. "Well, Chenglei, this does indeed seem to involve me. How gracious of you to bring this to my attention. I will assist you in avenging the slight on your honor, it is my pleasure to do so as there has been a slight on mine as well," Shao spoke with a smile. Chenglei stood and bowed.

"Thank you, My Lord. Please allow me to serve you in this endeavor. My pitiable service is all I can offer in exchange for this great service you are granting me," Shao nodded. He accepted his offer.

"Serve you shall. I will call on you when I need you. For now, please leave me. There is much I must think on."

Chenglei bowed once more and left Yuan Shao alone. Yuan Shao commanded his servant to bring him ink and a fresh parchment. He had a note to write to his dear friend Cao Cao.