A/N: Thanks to everyone who responded to the questions asked in the last chapter. Based on the feedback from here and A03 I am going to add Musou attacks to the story.

By the way, anyone see the trailer for the next Dynasty Warriors game? I'm excited for it :D

Thanks for reading and enjoy this chapter.

Cao Cao - Mèngdé
Xiahou Yuan - Miàocái
Xiahoushi - Xiahouji

The mere sight of Lu Bu caused Zhuyue's heart to beat wildly in her chest. The man exuded power. Not just power but murderous intent. Even from where she was standing, she could feel it rolling off of him in waves. Why the hell was he here? She knelt down out of sight and turned to Xiaolian.

"You have to go and wake the others. Quickly!" she whispered in a hurried tone. Xiaolian hesitated. She could sense the unease in Zhuyue. Whatever was outside was bad, very bad. She didn't want to leave her alone to face whatever it was, even though she knew there was very little she could do to help.

"Something is not right here. He shouldn't be here," Zhuyue hissed. Her mind was racing. Where did they come from? It looked like they came from the storage room, but that is always sealed isn't it? There has to be a secret passage there. Damn Dun for not telling her about it previously. Someone had to have opened it from this side. She didn't even realize the panel keeping it sealed had been taken off. She peeked through the opening once more to see that Lu Bu and Ling were joined by a beautiful, yet dainty woman that looked familiar to Zhuyue and Chen Gong. That traitorous bastard! So that was how they got in. He was the inside person. But it couldn't have been just him. She hadn't seen Chen Gong come near the home at all today so someone from within Dun's household had to have aided him. They need to root out the other traitor, but that didn't matter now. What mattered was slowing them down enough so the others could get away.

It was at this moment, Zhuyue realized that Xiaolian hadn't budged. She looked down to the girl to see her small face twisted with worry. It was clear that she knew something bad was going on and she was afraid of leaving Zhuyue to face it alone. Zhuyue schooled her expression and gave Xiaolian a reassuring smile. She hoped it was convincing because she felt anything but confident at the moment. When she spoke, she made sure to keep the panic out of her voice this time.

"There are men out there, none of ours. It is very important that you go and wake the others, Xiaolian. Most likely, these men mean to do us harm because they know the bulk of our army is away."

Xiaolian opened her mouth to speak but Zhuyue cut her off. "I will be fine. I promise you. I'm just going to delay them so you will have enough time to wake everyone up. I will join you as soon as I am able. Listen, Xiaolian, this is very important. I think someone has betrayed the Xiahou family. They came through the storage room and that door has always been sealed."

Xiaolian nodded. Since they first arrived, that storage room has always been sealed. She always wondered what was in that room and asked Dun about it once. He told her that if she had time to wonder about that then she wasn't training hard enough. She never brought the topic up again.

Zhuyue continued, "When you go, avoid everyone. Only speak to Lord Shan or Lady Ai. Tell them exactly what I have told you. Do you understand?"

Xiaolian nodded her head quickly. Zhuyue smoothed back a few strands of hair that fell in front of Xiaolion's face. She felt horrible sending a child out alone into the unknown, but she needed to stay here and slow them down if she could. Right now, the only way they could get into the city was through the main house. The door Zhuyue and Xiaolian were currently hiding behind was the only entrance to the main house from the inner courtyard. She had to slow them down here if they had any chance of escaping. A noise from within the inner courtyard grabbed Zhuyue's attention. They were beginning to move. She had to act fast. She reached inside one of her hidden pockets and pulled out a hidden dagger. She slipped it into Xiaolian's hand and gave her a light shove in the opposite direction.

"Go!" She hissed as she turned her back to her in search of something to seal the door with. Xiaolian hesitated for a fraction of a second before sprinting to her feet and running as fast as her little legs could carry her. She had to believe that Zhuyue would be safe. She promised her after all. Zhuyue hasn't lied to her before and she hoped that she wouldn't start now.

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Lu Bu emerged from the musty storage room into the inner courtyard of Xiahou Dun's home. He took in a deep breath of fresh air as he took in the surroundings of the area around him. The night was still. It amused Bu that it was in complete contrast to the havoc they were about to reap on the unknowing residents of Puyang. The only thing that could make this moment better was if Dun, Yuan and Cao were home at this very moment. He owed them for what they pulled during Cao's failed assassination of Dong Zhou and for ganging up on him at Hulao Gate. No matter, he would console himself with taking over this city and slaughtering their families. After that, he won't have to go looking for them for vengeance, they will willingly come to him.

Diaochan emerged from the storage room and took her place next to Lu Bu. She was glad to be out of that cramp, dank tunnel they used to gain entry into Puyang. There were many places Diaochan would rather be, but she would not voice her complaints. She had to show her worth to Lu Bu. Truthfully, she has been terrified of letting him out of her sight. She had a probably irrational fear that he would discover what she and her father did back in Chang'an. The guilt has been gnawing at her constantly, like a festering wound. She wanted to confess to him the terrible thing they had done but, she was sure that if she did, she nor her father would survive the encounter. After all, they did leave his only child to an unknown fate with his enemies. They weren't even sure if she still drew breath. No, she would remain silent for as long as she could. Perhaps she could give him a child...a boy. It was a horrible thought. To replace his first child with a new one but Diaochan was desperate. She did not want to lose her life nor did she want to lose the man she had fallen in love with.

"Are you sure you want to come, Diaochan? You could wait back at the camp." Diaochan gave Lu Bu a warm smile. His concern for her always warmed her heart.

"No, My lord. My place is at your side, always." Lu Bu studied her for a few seconds before nodding in affirmation to her statement. The tender moment was ruined by the sound of Ling's voice.

"I did my part, Lord Lu Bu so you'll do yours right? You'll kill them? You'll kill them all right?"

Lu Bu scowled. He truly disliked this man. It was plain to see that he was a craven and it was exactly that type of man Bu did not respect.

"Ask me again and I will add you to their body count." Ling held his hands up in surrender.

"Now now, Master Lu Bu, there is no need to get so angry," said Chen Gong as he emerged from the storage room behind them.

"He is not doubting that you are a man of your word, he is merely anxious to get revenge on the family that spurned him," Gong concluded. Lu Bu seemed to be pacified by this and nodded.

"It'll get done. Shut up about it," he replied.

"Yes, of course! Thank you, Lord Lu Bu!" Ling said quickly, stopping just short of dropping to his knees and groveling at Bu's feet. Bu gave a grunt of acknowledgement.

"Let's get this over with," he said, suddenly wanting to maim someone after having spoken to Ling.

"Yes, lead us to the gate so we can lead the rest of our men in," Gong chimed in.

"But what about killing my-"

"Ah ah ah!" Gong interrupted Ling. He glided over to Ling's side and threw an arm over his shoulder, clapping down harder than necessary. "Master Lu Bu will get rid of that pesky family of yours, but we need to take over Puyang first. If we go straight for your family, someone may run away amidst the confusion and warn the others. Once we control Puyang, we can gather everyone you want killed together and do it publicly!"

Ling rubbed his chin as he considered this. Gong saw that he had him on the hook and decided this was the time to bring him in.

"Why, if you wanted instead of Master Lu Bu killing them, you could be the one to deal the final blow. Just imagine it," Gong said as he gestured to the empty space before them as he painted the scene in his imagination.

"Your cruel father and mother, bound and gagged on their knees before you as they stare up at you helplessly. You hold their fate in their hands and with one swift movement from you, slash!" Gong made a sudden chopping motion with his hand, causing Ling who had been immersed in the fantasy to jump. "You end their pathetic lives with one stroke. Far better than Master Lu Bu merely slaughtering them in their sleep. This way, you get to see the whites of their eyes. They get to look you in yours and know that it was you! The one they formerly casted out that came back and bested them!"

"Yes...YES! That is much better. Yessss," Ling hissed in glee. "I like that plan much better."

"Excellent," Gong remarked as he inwardly chuckled to himself at how simple it was to manipulate Ling.

"But-" Ling interrupted, causing Gong's cheery smile to quickly shift into a scowl. If Ling saw it, he didn't seem to care about it as he continued with his statement.

"We should at least kill everyone in my Brother's household. Otherwise they could alert the others."

"But of course. That was the plan, after all." Gong said, regaining his smile as he waved his hand dismissively, acting as if that was his idea all along.

Diaochan couldn't help but frown at the conversation. They spoke about killing innocent people so nonchalantly. What's worse, they were putting the dirty deed in her Lord Lu Bu's hands. Why must he further stain his hands with blood?

"My Lord," she said in a soft whisper. Lu Bu looked from the two men at Diaochan. She placed a gentle hand on his forearm and leaned close.

"Must you be the one to kill them? Must you be the one to stain your hands?"

"My hands are already stained, Diaochan. Doing this won't make them any dirtier than they already are...though I detest killing those that can't fight back," He looked towards Ling and added. "Usually."

"If you don't like doing it then wh-," she began only to be cut off by Lu Bu.

"Because I am tried of being led by fools weaker than I am. It is beyond time that I take my destiny in my own hands," Bu replied as he looked down to his calloused hand that he now held out in front of him. How many lives had he taken with this hand, all on the whim of others. He will never kill for someone weaker than him again. All decisions will be made on his own from now on. He clenched his hand into a tight fist. It all starts here, on this very night.

"I am the mightiest warrior of the land. If anyone should rule, it should be me. I will never bow down to any man again," he said as he looked at Diaochan. "I am going to do what I have to do to, Diaochan. If you don't have the stomach for it, go back now."

Diaochan frowned. Lu Bu's answer did not please her. She didn't like to think that he considered innocent people merely as obstacles to be trampled on along his path. She thought him a better man than that and found herself disappointed that he seems to have more of his adopted father's tendencies than she originally thought. Still, she believed that deep in her heart, she loved him and despite his faults, she would stay by his side. Perhaps she could help steer him towards a more compassionate side, change him into a better person.

"No, My Lord. I told you, my place is at your side. No matter what."

Bu cupped her cheek briefly. She leaned her soft cheek into his calloused hand and smiled. He pulled his hand back slowly and looked towards Gong and Ling who were now watching them.

"What are you looking at?"

"Oh nothing. Nothing at all, Master Lu Bu. We are merely awaiting your order," Chen Gong said with a wry smile.

Lu Bu looked to the door opposite the storage room then to the one on the far side of the courtyard.

"Which one leads to the main house?," he asked, addressing Ling.

"The one over there," Ling replied, pointing to the door on the far side of the inner courtyard.

"So what's over there?" Bu asked, nodding his head towards the door opposite the storage room they currently stood in front of.

"The servant quarters," Ling replied.

Bu grunted his acknowledgement and began making his way to the servant's quarters. The others followed him. They eased the doors open silently allowing the moonlight to spill inside, washing over the sleeping faces of Dun's servants.

Bu nodded towards the sleeping servants and a few guards that had accompanied them through the secret passage moved forward on his unspoken command. The first soldier covered the mouth of his victim whose eyes shot open. She looked at the man, and flailed in panic as he ran his blade across her throat. Her struggling ceased almost instantly, her hand clawing weakly at the soldier that held her down once more before falling to her side listlessly. The other soldiers followed suit, snuffing out their lives with ease.

Diaochan felt sick at the display. She felt numb as she watched the first victim's eyes dim as her blood spilled from her. Her heart ached at the cruelty she was witnessing. These people didn't do anything to deserve this. She turned her head and stared out into the inner courtyard, no longer able to stomach the grotesque scene. Part of her hoped that Lu Bu would come comfort her but he did not. She glanced up at him and saw that his face was emotionless as he surveyed the work of those under his command. This was a different man than the one who took to caressing her during the night as they made love. The man that treated her as if she was the only thing that mattered in the world. This man was cold and cruel.

The soldiers finished the work swiftly. Diaochan was glad that they covered their mouths so she couldn't hear their screams. She took a deep breath of the night air and resisted the urge to turn around and see the caranage that was left behind. Lu Bu led the way to the door leading to the main house. Ling sprinted in front of him.

"Please, My Lord, allow me!" he said gleefully. Diaochan didn't like this man before but she truly detested him now. How could he be so excited about what was happening here? She understood that he had issues with his former family but those people, those people did nothing to him!

Ling moved to pull the door open only to discover that it wouldn't budge.

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As soon as Xiaolian left, Zhuyue's mind went into overdrive. She needed to think of a way to slow them down. They seemed to be speaking among themselves for the moment but she knew that wouldn't last very long.

She spied exactly what she needed. The panel used to seal the door was propped up against the wall beside her. She went to pick it up and nearly fell backwards from the weight of it. It was a lot heavier than it looked. She bent her knees and with a grunt lifted and slid the panel over the door as quietly as she could.

Panel in place, she felt relieved that that would slow them down at least a little. Eventually, they would break it down but by the time they did so, she would be long gone with Dun, Yuan and Cao's families in tow. Zhuyue pushed a few pieces of furniture in front of the door for good measure and turned on her heels. She ran to the entrance of the main house. She felt terrible that she hadn't woken any of the servants but they were on the other side of the inner courtyard. She would have had to walk past Lu Bu and the others to get to them.

She stepped out of house and walked briskly towards the stables. With practiced hands, she quickly saddled her horse. Before she could mount it, a voice called out to her.

"My Lady?"

Zhuyue spun around to see Zhang Miao. She remembered seeing him at some of Cao's war strategy meetings. They seemed to be close friends. He was wearing civilian robes and didn't look to be carrying any weapons on him. That put her at ease but only slightly. She was still wary of him, especially since she knew that someone had betrayed them.

"What are you doing out here so late at night, My Lady?" He asked. He glanced at the newly saddled horse then back at Zhuyue with a frown.

"Are you going somewhere?"

"You are...," she paused as she struggled to recall his name. "You are Zhang Miao, right?"

He smiled. "I am honored that you remembered me, especially since we only spoke once."

"Why are you here?" Zhuyue asked, ignoring the obvious attempts at flattery.

"I promised Lord Cao that I would look after his family while he was away. I am merely patrolling to ensure that everything is well."

"This is not Lord Cao's home. Why are you here?" She asked again, her tone cold.

"Lord Dun is family of Lord Cao. It is only natural that I would look after his family as well," he says, flashing Zhuyue a congenial smile.

His words should have put her at ease but something within her told her to not relax just yet. Miao's eyes drifted to the horse once more.

"I know it is not my place to ask but, where are you headed to, My Lady? It is late at night and while Puyang is relatively safe, a woman should not be out on the streets alone at night."

Zhuyue scoffed at this. "I am not your typical woman. I will be fine. I just wanted to visit my future family. I promised Lord Dun that I would watch over his parents and being so distracted, I neglected to check on them today. I just want to ensure they are well."

"Ah, such a thoughtful wife Lord Dun has picked out for himself! But it is curious that you go for a friendly visit while dressed in full armor in the dead of night...," Miao mused.

"I was training and I didn't have a ch-," Zhuyue stopped herself. She owed no explanation to this man. She was feeling increasingly uncomfortable with his presence. "It is none of your concern why I am in full armor or where I go at what time," she replied icily.

Of course...What you choose to wear is no business of mine. However, while I know you are capable of taking care of yourself, it would reflect poorly on me if I let you travel alone. Please, at least allow me to accompany you," Miao replied in a strained voice. His patience was wearing thin.

This conversation was beginning to take much too long to Zhuyue's liking. She turned her back to him and prepared to mount her horse. "I appreciate the offer but truly, I do not require your company. It is a short ride and I will be fine," she replied tersely.

"It seems you have forgotten your place as a woman. You are speaking to your better with such a untamed tongue!" Miao replied. The former friendliness he exuded was all but forgotten.

She felt a familiar anger bubble within her core. She wanted to put this bastard in his place. She understood the way of the world but she refused to abide by its rules. If you wanted respect from her, it had to be earned.

She spun around with the intent of confront Miao but was met with a sucker punch instead. Completely unprepared for the hit, Zhuyue was stunned. She felt dizzy and staggered, falling against her horse. Her beast was the only thing keeping her on her feet at the moment. She shook her head, trying to shake the cobwebs that wove itself around her mind. Miao did not give her a chance to recover. He hit her again, then again, sending her to her knees.

To Miao's surprise, Zhuyue was still conscious. He briefly considered continuing his assault but decided against it. Who knew how long that would take? He silently cursed listening to Chen Gong's advice about not bringing a weapon. If he had done so, this could have been easily taken care of. Chen Gong was adamant that he looked as inconspicuous as possible. Well since it was Chen Gong's fault that he couldn't finish this quickly, he would let Chen Gong be the one to deal with her. Presumably, she would just die like the rest. He hooked his hand under her arm and wrenched her to her feet. Zhuyue stumbled forward, still dazed from his hits.

Zhuyue's head throbbed and she had the taste of something metallic in her mouth. She didn't know where he was taking her, but she wouldn't make it easy for him. She made herself deadweight, making him have to struggle to drag her to their next destination. She used the time to clear her mind. Her rage was flaring wildly within her gut, like a forest fire that could not be contained. She was angry at herself for letting her guard down enough to allow him to get that cheap shot off. She was going to kill this man. She was going to kill him slowly and enjoy every second of it.

Her mind felt a bit clearer and she flicked her eyes up to see where they were headed. They were heading back inside of Dun's home. Her fuzzy thoughts tried to tell her something. Tried to warn her that something was very , very wrong. She tried to push through the haze that fogged her mind and figure out what her instincts were screaming at her. Her eyes widened. The traitor. He was the other traitor. He had to be. She knew that something was off about him being around here this time of night. She cursed herself silently again for letting her guard down around him. She should have known better.

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Xiaolian's bare feet padded loudly against the wooden floor as she ran through the main house towards the entrance. Her mind replayed everything that Zhuyue said. Someone betrayed them. She couldn't understand why. Dun was a hard man but he was never cruel to those that worked under him. He was a better master than Qin Hui, so why betray him? It didn't make sense to her.

She reached the door and hesitated. It was hard for her to leave Zhuyue. She knew it was important for her to do so but she still couldn't shake the worry that scratched at the back of her mind. Zhuyue would be okay, she promised. She hasn't broken a promise yet so she wouldn't now. Resolved, Xiaolian slid the main door open and slipped out of it, not bothering to close it behind her. It was a bit frightening for her to be out so late at night on her own. She only saw past Dun's estate at night when the others were with her.

This was no time to be afraid. Zhuyue needed her. She wouldn't let her down. Clutching the dagger Zhuyue gave her tightly, she took off in a sprint, running in the direction of Shan and Ai's home. It would be a long run but she was quick. No matter how far, she was determined to make it.

She moved quickly through the barren road towards Shan and Ai's home, pausing only to get her bearings. She did her best to ignore the fear that coursed through her small body even though every shadow made her jump and every sound had her scurrying to find a hiding spot.

Xiaolian could see Shan and Ai's home looming in the distance. She was so close now! She put all her strength into running at her top speed. The faster she got there, the better it would be. Her chest and legs burned from the exertion but it was well for it. Their home come came closer and closer within reach. It wouldn't be long now. She was almost there.

A noise in the distance made her halt her steps almost immediately. No, don't be silly. There isn't anything thing there, she chided herself. But the noise came again. It sounded like footsteps, approaching her direction. She panicked and hid behind a nearby cart. She waited and listened while she tried to control her heavy breathing. The rhythmic pattern of footsteps came closer and closer. Finally, its owner came into view.

It was a man, wearing casual robes. Xiaolian squinted in the darkness to get a better look at his face. He didn't look familiar. He looked as if he was heading towards Dun's home. Should she tell him what's going on? Perhaps he could help Zhuyue. She moved to exit her hiding spot but froze as she remembered Zhuyue's words: ' When you go, avoid everyone. Only speak to Lord Shan or Lady Ai.' Xiaolian slipped back behind her hiding spot and waited for the man to pass on. She wouldn't let Zhuyue down.

Once he passed and she was in the clear, she broke off into a run, heading straight for Shan and Ai's home. Chest heaving, she weakly pounded her small fist against the door as she sucked in breathes of air. There was no answer. Frustrated, Xiaolian pounded as hard as she could, silently pleading that someone would answer. She finally got her wish. She could hear the panels that blocked the door being moved. After a few moments an agitated servant slid the door open, lantern in his hand. He looked down to Xiaolian with furrowed brows and moved the lantern closer to her face to get a better look. Finally remembering who she was, he opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Xiaolian pushing past him.

"H-hey!" He cried out and ran after her. Xiaolian weaved her way through the familiar home straight to Ai and Shan's bedroom. She has actually never been inside of it but she knew of its location. She dropped to her knees in front of her door and banged on it. The servant's eyes went wide with horror.

"What are you doing!? Stop it at once!" He grabbed Xiaolian and yanked her back. She squirmed in his grip and cried out.

"Lord Shan! Lady Ai! Help!" This stunned the servant as he never actually heard Xiaolian speak before. He was under the impression that she was a mute. The momentary shock allowed her to wrench free from his grip. She banged on the door again with fervor. Shaking out of his stupor, the servant grabbed her once more and began to drag her out of the house. Before he could get far, the bedroom door opened. A sleepy eyed Shan stood in the doorway, a frown etched on his face as he quietly took in the scene before him.

"What are you doing? Let her go." Shan commanded. Though sleepy, his voice still held authority in it. The servant stared at Shan dumfounded. She opened his mouth to defend his actions but his rebuttal died on his lips after noticing the glare Shan had leveled him with.

Xiaolian wiggled out of the now slack grip of the servant and moved to stand in front of Shan. Shan placed a hand on Xiaolian's head and stifled a yawn.

"Why are you here so late, Xiaolian? Where is Zhuyue?," he asked. By this time, Ai had emerged from the bedroom rubbing her eyes sleeply. Even Xiahouji was pulled from the comfort of sleep by the sudden clamor. She peeked from around the corner to watch the scene unfurl.

Xiaolian looked to the servant and hesitated. Zhuye said to not speak to anyone but Ai and Shan. While it was true this man was a servant of their household, Xiaolian wasn't sure if he was to be trusted. Shan noticed the hesitation and followed the path of her eyes. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the servant who made himself scarce quickly. Once he was out of sight, Xiaolian spoke quickly, wringing her hands feverously as she did so.

"Zhuyue told me to come. I ran here. There are men, bad men. I don't understand it all. But she said to tell you."

Xiaolian struggled to remember everything that Zhuyue said. It was important so she had to remember. She felt frustrated at her frazzled memories. She was so scared that she forgot everything that was told to her. She took a deep breath and thought back. Was that everything? Was that enough? The mixture of confusion and shock on Shan and Ai's faces told her that it wasn't.

"W-what are you talking about, Xiaolian?" Shan asked. Xiaolian's brow furrowed. Did she say it wrong? How could she say it better? She hated speaking, it always made her feel uncomfortable to speak to anyone outside of her close knit circle of people she trusted. Sure, Shan and Ai were always kind to her and she did like them. However, they weren't inside of that bubble. Currently, only two people resided in that bubble and it was Zhuyue and Dun. She took a deep breath and tried again.

"Zhuyue...she sent me to you. There were people in house but they didn't come from the normal way," she paused. "The storage room! Zhuyue said they came through there and they want to hurt us. She told me to wake everyone so I ran here. Zhuyue is alone and needs help!"

That had to be it. They had to understand now. Xiaolian hoped so. Shan's eyes became more alert as he registered what she was saying. They have been infiltrated? Damn it! Someone must have seen that the bulk of Cao's forces were gone and decided to take advantage of this opportunity.

"Ai, Xiahouji, put something on quickly. We must leave. Xiahouji jumped at the sound of her name. She didn't know that Shan was aware of her presence.

"Take only what you can carry, nothing unnecessary. Be quick, both of you!" Shan barked out.

Ai nodded quickly and ducked back into their bedroom to prepare. Xiahouji quickly ducked back down the hall to her room to do what was told. Shan called for a servant. He paced the length of the room as he waited for one to arrive. No one outside of the Xiahou family knew of the secret passage so that meant that one of their own betrayed them. Could it be that Dun, Yuan or Cao had been captured? No, that does make any sense. Someone would have sent notification if that was the case. Even if they were, he knew they would choose death over betraying their family.

That left only one other option. It seems there was no depths of depravity Ling was unwilling to cross. Shan knew that Dun, Yuan and Cao would die before giving away any secrets but Ling had a grudge with his former family. He would have willingly given up such information to their enemies. Perhaps he should have killed him when he had the chance, still, he couldn't bring himself to kill his son. Even though he casted him from his family, Ling is from his blood, a spawn from his loins. Shan cursed himself for his weakness. It was his soft-heartedness that could have very well put them in this predicament.

The servant who had opened the door for Xiaolian was the one who answered Shan's summons. Reflectively, Xiaolian shied back from the servant, a frown on her face. The servant bowed his head to Shan, noticing Xiaolian's reaction but deciding it was best to not outwardly acknowledge it.

"Get the horses ready immediately...and have someone bring me my armor. Be quick!"

"Yes, My Lord," the servant responded, bowing his head to Shan before scurrying off.

Moments after, Ai came out of the room, wearing very plain traveling robes. Shan nodded to his wife. Though he did not tell her exactly what was happening, she understood that they were going to need to leave and she wore something inconspicuous. Shan hugged his wife tightly. She froze within his grasp for a moment before returning the hug. She didn't like this. It was almost as if he wanted to hold her one last time.

"You must take the girls and ride to Miàocái's home. Wake his family and take them with you to Mèngdé's home. When you get there, speak with Zǐxiū. As the oldest, Cao should have entrusted certain secrets to him," said Shan.

Ai knew better than to question what exactly those secrets were. Instead, she asked the question that weighed most heavily on her heart.

"You are not coming with us?"

"No, Zhuyue is along going against heavens know home many enemies. I need to help her and delay the enemy as much as possible so you can escape," Shan replied.

Ai wanted to dispute this. She wanted to tell Shan no, and that his place was at her side. She already loved Zhuyue like a daughter but chances were she was already dead. Why should she have to lose her husband as well? It was a selfish thought, she knew but she couldn't help having it. She has been with Shan for so many years, the thought of losing him was an unbearable one. Though she wanted to say all of this, she knew her place. Instead she swallowed down a sob and nodded her head solemnly. The servant arrived to inform them that the horses were ready. Shan gave Ai a kiss on her forehead.

"We will see each other again, my wife. Be strong," said Shan. Ai nodded once more and gave him a weak smile. Shan sent her and the girls on their way.

"Hurry with my armor!" Shan commanded. The servant nodded hastily and ran off. It has been years since he donned his armor and many more since he has swung a sword. Still, he was a formidable warrior in his day and he was sure that despite being out of practice for years, he was still able to hold his own. He only prayed to the heavens that his efforts would not be in vain and that Zhuyue would still be drawing breath when he arrived.

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They stumbled back into the main house and Miao shook her roughly.

"Which way to the inner courtyard?" This question confused Zhuyue. How could he not know the way to the inner courtyard? Wasn't he the other traitor? The one who unsealed the storage room? No, now that she searched her memory, she hadn't remembered seeing him at all near this home. That means he wasn't the only one. There was another traitor amongst them.

By now, Zhuyue's mind was much clearer. Beside that sucker punch, his hits hadn't been anything she couldn't handle. However, to ensure that he wasn't aware of exactly how lucid she was, she put on a bit of a performance whenever he struck her. The moment he let his guard down, she would pounce and make him pay for every strike he leveled against her.

Miao repeated his question brought the back of his hand against her cheek, the silent room echoed from the sound made by the collision of skin on skin. Zhuyue slurred and let her head loll to the side to give the impression that she was dazed. Inwardly, she braced for another hit which he predictably delivered after shaking her in an attempt to get an answer. He was getting frustrated, good. It was a small penance for the abuse he was doling out. She had no intention on making this easy for him.

Miao shook Zhuyue again irritated with her silence in effort to get her to speak. Stubbornly, she refused. He hit her again and again but still she maintained her silence. Not to be daunted by her lack of assistance, Miao began the task of dragging her from room to room until he found what he was looking for. Zhuyue made sure to put all the strain on him to slow down his search as much as possible. It was a temporary solution, however. Soon she would have to act.

All too soon, they reached the passage leading towards the door to the inner courtyard. She had to act now. Perhaps when he moved to clear the doorway of the clutter she had left, she could attack him while he was distracted. Zhuyue could hear the faint sounds of whispers. They seemed to become louder and louder and if she wasn't mistaken, more hostile with every passing second.

"Sneaky girl, you found out about what was going on and was fleeing to save your own neck hmm?" Miao said as he pushed her down to her knees.

Zhuyue didn't reply. It didn't matter to Miao. He needed to let them in. Before he could even make another move, the door before them exploded open. Zhuyue managed to turn her head just in time to avoid the wooden splinters that showered them. When she turned to face the door once more, standing in the midst of the shattered remains of the door was Lu Bu.

Zhuyue's eyes roamed slowly in horror at the remains of the door. Her eyes were glued to the irritated, chiseled face of Lu Bu. Zhuyue could feel his anger rolling off of him in waves. It was stifling just being in his presence. In a strange way, Lu Bu reminded her of Dun. During the duel he had with Hua Xiong, she recalled feeling a similar murderous aura emanating from him. But Lu Bu...his aura was so much darker. It scared her and she wanted so badly to avert her eyes from him but she could not. Was it fear that froze her in place? Perhaps awe? Regardless of what it was, Zhuyue knew without a shadow of a doubt that if she attempted to fight Lu Bu one on one, she would die.

Lu Bu looked down to her then to Miao who was holding onto both of her arms from behind. Lu Bu leveled his halberd at both of them.

"You were the fool that was suppose to meet us?"

"Y-yes, My Lord. My name is-"

"Shut up, worm. Why was the door barred?"

"Th-that would be because of this one here," Miao answered. With his knee placed firmly in the middle of her back, he pushed her forward as he held her arms back. She winced at the pain and grit her teeth to smoother the sounds of her screams. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of hearing her cry.

"Only a coward blames his failures on another," Bu replied as he eyed Zhuyue. He had a feeling he saw her somewhere before, but he couldn't quite place where.

"I-I," Miao paused. He wanted to dispute Bu's accusation of cowardice but the look on Bu's face told Miao that it would be the last thing he would ever do in life. He swallowed his rebuttal and pride and bowed his head in shame.

"I will not fail you again," Miao said. Lu Bu tsked, he knew Miao wanted to say something but he lacked the spine to do so. He was surrounded by weaklings. The very thought disgusted him.

By this time Ling, Gong and Diaochan had joined Bu inside of the home. All eyes fell to the two people standing before Lu Bu with a varied reactions.

Gong was surprised and annoyed that Dun's intended was dressed in full armor and apparently knew enough about their plans to attempt to bar their entrance. That brought the question to mind, who else had she told? Did her attempts stop at barring the door or did she get a chance to do something more before Miao caught her? Depending on the answer to this question, it could prove quite troublesome for them in the future. Gong frowned and decided he would keep this to himself for the time being. He will question her once Bu and everyone else was out of ear shot. No need to stir fear within them. It was imperative that morale reminded high for this mission to be a success.

Ling had decidedly different thoughts. He rubbed his hands together as if he was a man who had just gotten an early birthday present. His former brother's intended was on her knees before him. Oh what fun he could have with this. How angry would Dun be if he violated her and sent him her defiled body, covered with his seed as well as anyone else who wanted a turn. His brother never did like to share so he could just imagine how enraged that would make him. Oh yes, he would ask Lord Lu Bu to keep this one alive so he could play with her with everything was said and done.

Diaochan's thoughts drifted between anger and fear. This was the woman she had fought at Hulao gate. The woman who called her those terrible names. She wanted Bu to slay her right there as revenge for looking down on her. She remembered the hit that woman made with startling clarity, not just the physical hits but the emotional ones as well. In that moment, she made her feel like trash. She made her despise herself. Diaochan didn't consider herself a petty person, but she wanted revenge. She placed a hand on Bu's arm.

"My Lord, this woman...I know her. She was the one who assaulted me in Hulao Gate."

Bu's nostrils flared as he looked from Diaochan to Zhuyue with pure loathing. At that moment, Zhuyue did what could be considered perhaps the dumbest thing she has ever done. She laughed. She laughed hard and loud.

"Oh Princess, we meet again!" Zhuyue teased through her laughter. "I see you upgraded from that fat slob you were spreading your legs for before. Good choice. At least he's better looking."

Though she spoke the words confidently, her mind was screaming at her for her stupidity. Why the hell was she provoking Lu Bu. Lu FUCKING Bu? Was she trying to get killed? Apparently so. Perhaps her disgust with Diaochan won out over her common sense...at least that is what she was telling herself.

Diaochan raised a dainty hand to her mouth and let out a squeak of shock and horror. Bu's eyes narrowed and he growled and raised his halberd, ready to end her life right then and there. Zhuyue lifted her head with a smirk and awaited the blow. She would face her death like a warrior. To her surprise however, her savior came from an unlikely source. Ling rushed forward and waved his hands in front of Lu Bu.

"No! No My Lord, please do not kill her," Ling cried.

"Get out of my way or die with her worm!" Bu growled.

"She will pay for what she did against your beloved, I swear! She is my brother's intended. It would drive him mad to see something he owns defiled. I will make her beg for death and send her defiled remains to my brother. It would be a far worse blow then just killing her! Please, trust me!"

"I don't give a shit about any of that. She hit Diaochan, she's going to pay with her life."

"No, My Lord," Diaochan interrupted. All eyes turned towards her.

"She embarrassed me. Made me feel like less of a person. I want her to feel the same humiliation I felt before she dies. It is what she deserves."

Bu blinked as he stared at Diaochan in surprise. He had never heard this gentle woman be so vindictive. Whatever this woman said to her, it must have really gotten under her skin. He frowned, unsure how to feel about this development but lowered his halberd in acquisition to her request.

"Fine," Bu replied.

Zhuyue burst into another round of laughter. This time it was purposely done. She would much rather die than endure what that bastard Ling had planned.

"Wow, the princess has claws. I must have really pissed you off. Kudos to you training him so well by the way. He seems very obedient," she said as she inclined her head in Lu Bu's direction. Bu growled and raised his hand to strike her but to his and everyone else's surprise, Diaochan beat him to it.

"You deserve everything you have coming to you, you vile woman," Diaochan said. She turned her back and grasped her hand, rubbing it vigorously. She wasn't used to hitting things with her hand and it hurt her much more than she intended. From behind her, she heard Zhuyue laugh again.

"I'm going to make you pay for that one princess," said Zhuyue. Diaochan did not reply. Instead she walked over to the other side of the room, near the door leading further into the main house.

"Yes well, before you do...whatever you are going to do with her, I would like to question her. Please do keep that in mind before you begin your...fun," said Gong. Not waiting for a reply from Ling, he continued.

"I believe that we made a bit more noise than we intended coming into the house. It is possible that others in the house may be alerted to our presence. We need to do a quick search of the home and move out quickly to secure the main gate and let in the rest of our forces."

"But wait! What about the rest of my family? You have to kill them first!" Ling protested.

"Your family will die, rest assured, but we need to get our main army in first. If we don't, this is over well before it has truly gotten underway." Gong replied in an aggravated tone. Didn't they just go over this? How short was this moron's memory? Ling's constant whining was grating on his nerves. He was so focused on the small picture. Did he have the inability to see the bigger picture? Normally he wouldn't waste his time dealing with such a short sighted man, but desperate times call for desperate alliances.

"Miao, are your forces ready? Once we begin our assault, everything needs to go off without a hitch," said Gong.

At this time, Miao had (possibly unconsciously) given Zhuyue's arms a bit of slack. If she wanted, she could move a bit more freely now. Her mind whirled through the possibilities of this new development. She needed to get away from here as soon as possible but there were too many obstacles in the way, one of them being the mighty Lu Bu. If this was going to work, she had to cause enough of a distraction so that she can make her escape.

"Yes," replied Miao. Once we arrive and I give the signal, my forces will charge the gate. They are already in po-ugh!" Miao's words were degraded into a pained grunt. Zhuyue had thrust her head back and straight up into Miao's crotch. Reflectively, he released Zhuyue's arms and hunched over as he cupped his injured member.

Arms now free, Zhuyue didn't miss a beat. She pulled out two daggers hidden within her armor and jabbed one into the legs of both Ling and Miao respectively. Ling howled in pain at the sudden attack but before he could do anything else, Zhuyue, who was now on her feet kicked the blade deeper into his leg then landed a hard kick to his abdomen, sending him flying straight into Lu Bu.

Bu and Gong watched stunned at the speed in which Zhuyue moved. Bu was shaken out of his stupor by the feeling of Ling's body colliding with his. With a growl, he tossed Ling to the side sending him sprawling unceremoniously to the floor. He felt mildly impressed by this woman but surely she didn't think she was going to be able to get away from them, did she?

Apparently she did because now she had focused her attention Miao. Miao had managed to pull out the dagger she stabbed into his leg but she replaced it by burying another dagger into his other leg. He grunted in pain and grabbed for Zhuyue who ducked under the swipe and slipped behind him. She delivered a kick to the small of his back and sent him tumbling forward to Lu Bu who caught him with an outstretched hand wrapped around his throat.

He sneered at the pained face of Miao and applied further pressure to his throat. Such a pathetic maggot. He should just end his existence now. Gong seemed to read his master's mind...or perhaps it was the shift in coloration in Miao's face.

"My Lord, may I remind you that it is bad form to kill an ally...no matter how moronic they are...especially since we still have use for him."

Bu tsked and tossed Miao to the side right into Ling. Ling, who had just managed to stand back up, was thrown back to the floor from the impact with Miao landing roughly on top of him.

Bu's eyes went back to the spot where Zhuyue stood only to find her no longer there. His eyes searched the room and landed on her standing behind Diaochan with one of her arms wedged behind her back and a blade pressed into her throat. The murderous aura around Lu Bu Intensified as his hands clasped his halberd tighter. Zhuyue felt the urge to shrink back but she stood firm and stared into his eyes defiantly.

"Relax, big boy. You may very well kill me, but I'll take your princess with me if you do," Zhuyue said as she pressed the blade deeper into her pale throat, causing a red bead to slither down it. Diaochan let out a pained whimper and Lu Bu relaxed his stance slightly. Zhuyue had no doubt that he would be ready to pounce on her the moment an opportunity presented itself.

"You are going to die," he said. It wasn't a taunt, it was a pure and unadulterated truth that Lu Bu planned on making come to pass. Zhuyue gave him a cocky smile and replied.

"Not just yet."

She began to move backwards into the hallway, pulling Diaochan with her, making her a human shield. Her memory of Dun's home allowed her to traverse the path with little issue. Lu Bu followed slowly, his footsteps menacing.

"You are a bit to close, oh great warrior. I feel a bit unsafe. When I feel unsafe, I get nervous and well, my hands shake when I am nervous."

To demonstrate, Zhuyue's hand twitched upwards causing another sliver of blood to slip down Diaochan's throat. She whimpered and Bu froze. His chest was heaving and he struggled to contain his rage. His eyes bore through Zhuyue as he watched her continue to pull Diaochan with her. He waited for a few seconds until they were a decent distance from him before following.

Eventually, Zhuyue led them outside. The cold night air tickled the areas where her skin was exposed around her armor. She hadn't realized it until now but she was sweating profusely. Lu Bu truly scared the shit out of her and she wasn't really sure if this gamble was going to work. It seems his care for the woman she currently held hostage was more than just a fleeting thing. Perhaps she could use that to her advantage.

Zhuyue pulled Diaochan to the horse she had saddled earlier. She saw her weapons which fell during her confrontation with Miao. Zhuyue released the arm she held behind Diaochan's back and commanded her to pick them up.

"Let me warn you, if you try anything stupid, I will slit your throat and take my chances with your man."

"You won't get far," she retorted. He will hunt you to the ends of this land for what you have done to me.

"You let me worry about that. Look, I don't have any desire to kill you. You can get out of this alive princess. Just pick up the weapons and hand them to me and you live. Try to run or attack me and you die. Simple."

Diaochan hesitated for a second then slowly reached down with Zhuyue moving slowly as well behind her. She picked up the weapons and stood back up just a slowly and handed them to her. Zhuyue took the weapons and hooked them back onto her armor. She looked at the entrance to Dun's home to see a livid Lu Bu followed by an annoyed Chen Gong, a limping Ling and Miao and several of their soldiers.

"She's going to try to make a run for it on her horse. Shoot her once she does," commanded Gong.

One of the soldiers nodded and discretely notched an arrow into his bow.

Zhuyue reached around the side of Diaochan and tugged her whip from her side. She moved backwards till her back was touching her horse and clicked her teeth twice. Her horse whinnied and dropped down to a sitting position. Zhuyue removed the dagger from Diaochan's neck and wrapped her whip around it instead. She yanked Diaochan down to the floor and hopped on top of her horse, leaving Diaochan kneeling besides it. She tied her end of the whip to the saddle and clicked her teeth twice once more making the horse rise, pulling Diaochan up along with it. Diaochan grabbed at the whip which was now chocking her. Zhuyue adjusted the whip, giving it a bit of slack, allowing Diaochan to stand firmly on the ground. Diaochan sucked in breaths of air but before she could try to take the whip off, Zhuyue had spurred her mount forward. Diaochan was forced to jog next to it in order to avoid being choked.

The archer raised his bow to shoot. Lu Bu stabbed his halberd into the ground and faced the archer with a stare that nearly made him defecate on the spot.

"The bow, give it to me now!"

The archer quickly relinquished the bow to Lu Bu who notched the arrow and took aim. Zhuyue was in a full gallop now and Diaochan could not keep up. She was being dragged alongside the horse. Even if he did hit Zhuyue, the horse would continue to drag Diaochan. Both targets would be out of his range soon. He had to make a choice. He let the arrow fly. It soared through the air with a low whistle before it pierced its target. The whip snapped upon impact with the arrow and Diaochan was free. Her body rolled to a stop and Lu Bu tossed the bow down and went to her side.

Chen Gong watched the scene with a disapproving grimace. It would have made more sense if Bu would have shot the Zhuyue. Now that pain in the ass was going to warn the others. This plan was falling apart and it was all because of the incompetent idiots surrounding him. His eyes narrow on Diaochan as she cried into Lu Bu's arms while rubbing her neck as he cradled her gently. Her presence causes entirely too much problems. Lu Bu will always be distracted as long as she was around. He had to find a way to get him away from her or at least make her lose favor with him. Otherwise his attempts at making history remember his name will be over before it can truly began.

Chen Gong looked to Ling and Miao and gave a tsk in disgust.

"Miao, we are on very limited time now. We need to get to the gate."

Miao nodded pathetically and limped forward. Gong sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. This was going to take forever. Truly, why did someone of his genius have to be surrounded by such morons. At least he had the foresight to leave Zhang Liao patrolling the perimeter of Puyang. If Zhuyue tried to escape, she would have to go through him.

He would be damned if he lets this perfect plan be spoiled by one foolish woman.

=#=

Zhuyue heard the whip snap as the arrow struck it. She didn't need to turn around to see what had happened. It seemed her gamble paid off. Lu Bu chose to save his lady rather than kill her. Of course, the next time Lu Bu saw her, Zhuyue was certain she would be murdered with extreme prejudice but that was something to worry about later. For now, she had to catch up to Xiaolian and the others. She spurred her horse faster, wondering exactly how much time she truly had.

She was almost to Shan and Ai's house when she saw a rider coming at her full speed. The rider in question was Shan decked in full armor. Zhuyue waved her hands to get Shan's attention and motioned for him to turn around. She saw relief on Shan's face who nodded in acknowledgement as he followed her instructions.

Zhuyue slowed her mount allowing Shan to catch up to her. Once he did, she increased her speed once more. She shouted over the thundering hooves of their steeds.

"We need to get out of here! Where are the others?"

"I sent them ahead to Miàocái's home. After that, I instructed them to go to Mèngdé's home. Zhuyue, what is going on? I got the gist of it from Xiaolian but-"

"Lu Bu is here," Zhuyue replied with a grimace. Shan's eyes went wide. Of course he knew the name of the greatest warrior in all the land. Why? Why was he here?

"Ling, Chen Gong and Zhang Miao have all betrayed us. They have forces waiting outside of the gate and forces from within. They are going to take over Puyang. We need to get out of here before it is too late."

Damn it, so he was right. It was Ling. He was surprised about Chen Gong's involvement as well as Zhang Miao's. Miao was a close friend of Cao's, why betray him?

They breezed by Shan and Ai's home and headed straight for Yuan's. With hope, they would catch the others there. Shan was distraught. He should have just killed Ling. He was just as responsible for this mess as Ling.

They rode the rest of the way in silence. When they arrived at Yuan's home, they discovered that the others had already came and hastily left. Zhuyue breathed a sigh of relief. That meant they were already on the way to Cao's home. This was good. They were well ahead of the others, unfortunately, with Miao's forces on the inside and Bu's forces on the outside, them leaving seemed like an almost impossible task.

Quickly, Shan and Zhuyue made their way towards Cao's home. Something seemed a bit off to Shan. How had Zhuyue survived? She went up against the mighty Lu Bu. While he had heard tales from his son of how competent a warrior Zhuyue was, Shan was certain that she couldn't stand toe to toe against a monster of a man such as he. How exactly did she escape? He didn't want to mistrust Zhuyue but she was relatively new and since she and Dun had not gotten married yet, she was not part of the family and had no ties to them. She had no reason to risk her life in helping them yet she had. No one was that magnanimous. He couldn't afford to be blind any longer. Such a decision got them into this situation in the first place. He had to ascertain her motivations.

"How did you escape?" Shan suddenly asked over the clamor of hooves. Zhuyue looked in his direction and gave him a wry smile.

"While your former son was discussing the benefits of raping me versus killing me I stabbed him in the leg. Well that is the short version. I'll be happy to tell you the long version once we are safe," Zhuyue replied.

Shan was not satisfied with that answer, the disapproval was easily readable on his face.

"You doubt me," Zhuyue stated. Shan did not respond but Zhuyue didn't need him too. It was easy to see that he didn't.

"I see. I would doubt a mere woman who claimed that she came face to face with an enemy like Lu Bu and lived to tell the tale," Zhuyue frowned as she spoke. "Unfortunately, there is nothing I can say to prove my intentions to you. Mistrust me if you will but I will get you and your family out of here alive. I make this promise as long as my body still draws breath. I couldn't face him again otherwise."

She spoke with such conviction that Shan couldn't help but smile. He knew exactly who she was referring to. She said she couldn't say anything to prove her intentions but she was wrong, she just did.

They arrived at Cao's house and dismounted. They were immediately greeted by Cao's servants and ushered inside. It seems they were told to expect them. As soon as they were securely inside, the servants worked quickly bordering up the entrance. They went into the main hall to find all the families gathered together. As soon as Ai laid eyes on her husband she rushed to his side, overcome with joy to see him alive and well.

"What's the situation?" Came a cold voice from beside her. She turned to see Cao Pi standing in full armor next to her. His calculating gaze piercing her as he waited for her response. She found this interesting. As the oldest, shouldn't Ang be the one asking this? She looked around for him but did not find him. It didn't matter in the long run. They all needed to hear this information. Zhuyue spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

"We have been betrayed by Chen Gong, Zhang Miao and Ling. They have forces lying in wait from within Puyang and just outside of it-"

"How many troops?" Pi interrupted.

"I'm not sure. I didn't exactly have time to question them while they were trying to kill me," Zhuyue snapped.

Pi scoffed at her reply but didn't say anything further.

"There is something else. Lu Bu is with him."

"At hearing this name, Pi's eyes widened marginally before returning to their original position. He knew the name Lu Bu. It was hard not to know who he was. This was quite a sticky situation they were in.

"I tried to slow them down, but unfortunately, it wasn't much. They are already on their way to the main gate to let in the rest of their forces."

"Then we need to leave while avoiding the main gate," said Ang who had entered the room.

"Everything all set, Zǐxiū?" asked Pi. Ang seemed to be a little annoyed that Pi was questioning him but he didn't comment about it outwardly. Instead, he nodded in acknowledgement and bade the group to follow him.

Ang led them to Cao's private study. From within, he revealed a hidden door leading to a dark passageway.

"This will lead us out behind Puyang. From there, we can take cover in the woods."

"Going into the woods will buy us some time, but we cannot stay hidden there. They will notice we are missing and search for us," said Pi.

"I'm aware of that, but we cannot move quite so swiftly with such a large group. Especially with those who aren't use to travel," Ang replied.

"We will make due," Zhuyue interrupted before Pi could reply. He was right, it was a large group as Lady Bian, Lady Liu, Lady Ai and Lady Jiao brought their ladies in waiting with them. There were even a few children in the group. Truthfully, it was going to be damn near impossible to move such a large group but they couldn't exactly leave anyone to their deaths could they?

"Make due? Don't make me laugh," Pi retorted. Your compassion will get us killed. We need to thin the herd as much as possible.

"I wasn't aware that the son of Cao wasn't capable of providing an escort against a meager force. If we run into anyone, it wouldn't be anyone of the same caliber as Lu Bu. Surely someone of your talent could manage that," Zhuyue replied sweetly. Pi's eyes narrowed on her before he broke out into a smile and shrugged his shoulders.

"Have it your way then," he relented. She called him out and he had no choice but to rise to the challenge. He still thought the plan was utterly insanity, but he refused to let her look down on him as a coward.

After gathering a few supplies, they set forth within the tunnel. Zhuyue felt someone grab her hand. She rubbed her thumb across the tiny fingers of Xiaolian to comfort her. She knew why she had been nervous. Xiulan was one of the ladies in waiting for Lady Bian. It seems they have been seeing more and more of Xiulan lately. She was always coming to the Dun household on some order of her new master. Each time, Xiaolian would hide from her, not ready to face her sister quite yet. Now that they were in this situation, confronting her would be inevitable.

They continued down the cramp, dark path. They could feel a cool breeze coming from up ahead. They were almost to the exit! Cao's sons rush forward and in a combined effort, they pushed the boulder blocking the exit out of the way. Zhuyue released Xiaolian's hand and rushed forward with her weapons in hand to scout the exit.

Luck was not on their side. Hearing the sudden rumble of the rock being moved caught the attention of the man patrolling the outside of Puyang. Zhuyue found herself face to face with Zhang Liao.