Jia Xu - Wénhé
Cao Ang -Zǐxiū
Guo Jia - Fèngxiào
Xiahou Dun - Yuánràng
Cao Cao - Mèngdé
Guan Yu - Yúncháng
Zhang Fei - Yìdé
"H-Hi Xiaolian."
Xiaolian looked up from her studies to Xiahoushi. "Hi," she replied softly before looking back to her work.
"What are you doing?"
"Studies," Xiaolian replied without looking up.
"Why?" Xiahoushi asked kneeling on the floor next to her. "You are a girl. You don't have to do that."
Xiaolian shrugged her shoulders. "Lor-um...father wants me to."
Xiahoushi smiled. "I guess you haven't gotten use to it yet, huh?"
Xiaolian shook her head from side to side. Xiahoushi was right. The words father and mother still felt quite foreign on her tongue. Those were two words she had thought she would never have the opportunity to say to anyone again. She was only adopted a few days ago and she hadn't even gotten the chance to call Zhuyue and Dun by their new titles. They had to go fight for their lord and left Xiaolian in the care of Dun's parents...her new grandparents.
"You are so lucky. Lord Shan and Lady Ai care for me but they haven't adopted me. I...I am still an orphan," Xiahoushi said sorrowfully.
Xiaolian frowned. She was in Xiahoushi's shoes just a few days ago. She had no one to call mother or father. Even with people watching over her, there was a part of her that felt utterly alone. As if she really didn't belong anywhere. When Dun and Zhuyue adopted her, that hole that was inside of her was filled.
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Xiahoushi said as she rubbed the tears from her eyes. "I-I didn't mean to complain like that. My life is good, really. Anyway this is your happy day. I um...I made you something."
For the first time since the conversation began, Xiaolian noticed that Xiahoushi had one hand behind her back. She revealed the her hidden hand and in it was a bunny similar to the one she always carried, albeit with a lumpier body and misshaped button eyes. Xiaolian stared at the bunny curiously.
"I-I know it's not that good but I worked really hard on it. I-I wanted t-to give you something as a gift and to officially welcome you to our family. I-I um, uh I hope we can be good friends now."
Xiahoushi held the bunny out towards Xiaolian, her eyes pleading with her to take it. She was terrified of the gift she worked so hard on being rejected. Xiaolian took the bunny in her hands and studied it. It was crudely made and the craftsmanship was amateur. Near the ear, Xiaolian noticed a red stain. She rubbed her finger over the dark stain but saw that she couldn't get it off. She took Xiahoushi's hand. The girl let out a yelp in surprise at suddenly being grabbed. Xiaolian was able to easily determine the cause of the stain. Several of Xiahoushi's fingers were bandaged. She took the time and made this on her own. That explains why it was so poorly done. She did all of this just to be Xiaolian's friend?
Xiaolian released her hold on Xiahoushi's hand. Xiahoushi quickly hid the hand behind her back in embarrassment. Xiaolian stared at the stuffed bunny once more. She never really had a friend before, especially one that took the time to make her something. This ugly little bunny was a symbol of their friendship. It was a symbol of her first true friend. Xiaolian would treasure this gift for as long as she lived. She stood from her kneeling position with the bunny still clutched in her hand, her studies temporarily forgotten. She gave Xiahoushi a rare smile.
"Friends...thank you."
Xiahoushi returned the smile, relieved and happy that she finally found a way to call Xiaolian a friend.
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"Your humble servant presents, Jia Xu styled Wénhé."
Jia Xu walked into Cao Cao's war tent with a confidant swagger. He took a quick assessment of the generals that stood with Cao Cao. He heard of the battle prowess of many of them. It would bode ill for his plans to have them in the castle. He saluted Cao. Somehow he managed to make a mark of respect seem somehow completely disrespectful. Cao took note of the contempt behind the gesture but didn't comment on it immediately.
"My most humblest of greetings, Lord Cao Cao," said Xu.
"Spare me the false platitudes, why are you here?" Cao said cutting him off.
Straight to the point, Xu respected that. Fine, he wouldn't beat around the bush any longer. Xu straightened his posture and stared Cao in the eye.
"Very well, I am here as an emissary for my lord, Zhang Xiu. He wishes to surrender."
"But he does not come himself?"
"He wanted to, truly but he is too busy readying the banquet so I volunteered to come in his stead."
Cao rose a brow at the word banquet.
"Ahahaha, seems I skipped over a few details, my apologies," said Xu as he stroked his chin. "Lord Zhang Xiu wishes to hold a banquet in your honor to show his sincerity in this surrender. During this banquet, you two will be able to work out the details regarding said surrender," Xu finished, waving his hand nonchalantly at the last sentence.
"I take it you are not pleased with your lord surrendering?"
Xu turned his attention to the person that spoke to him. He didn't look like someone who should be in an army or anywhere near a battlefield. He was entirely too soft looking, resembling a posh noble more than a warrior. There was something about his eyes however, they held a certain guile to him. Could this be the ingenious strategist Guo Jia? Heh, he would like to pit his intelligence against this man to see who was the better strategist.
"I have no particular feelings on the matter. I live to follow my lord's will."
"Hmph, I will attend this banquet to accept Zhang Xiu's surrender," said Cao.
"Excellent, I will go on ahead to let him know that he can expect you. I'm sure you will find him to be a gracious host," Xu said with a sly grin.
"That remains to be seen," Cao replied. We will be along shortly.
"Ah, yes...there is something that I forgot to mention. In the spirit of peace, there are a few things we humbly ask of you, Lord Cao."
"You claim to surrender yet you are making demands?"
"Not demands, just humble request to ensure that this is a peaceful transition on both sides."
"Make your claims and I will decide whether I will adhere to them."
"Of course. The first request is that while we of course will not prevent you from bringing people to accompany you, we do request that you limit the number of people to only a handful. My lord is not very wealthy and while we would love to accompany everyone, we simply do not have the means to."
"You ask me to go into enemy territory with only a handful of people?"
"Not enemy territory, Lord Cao. Soon we will all be allies. You are also free to have your army stationed outside at the ready if you suspect that we will do anything untoward."
Cao stroked his chin as he considered this. This was obviously a set up. Even if he had his army set up on the outside, he would be vulnerable on the inside. To ensure his survival, he would have to chose his allies wisely.
"Very well-," Cao began.
"Of course I'm coming with you, right cousin?" Xiahou Yuan asked.
"And me," Dun added.
"Ahahaha...about that," said Xu.
Cao quirked a brow. Xu took this as a request to explain himself.
"The generals in your army are fearsome indeed. Their exploits are well known. To bring such distinguished warriors to a banquet of peace would appear as an act of aggression. You understand of course."
"Hmph. Very well. I will bring with me Cao Anmin, Zǐxiū, Dian Wei and Zhuyue. I trust that they aren't too threatening for your lord?"
The generals that Cao called stepped forward. Xu looked them over. The big one might be a problem, but it should be manageable. Xu flashed them a grin and saluted.
"That you so much for being so accommodating, Lord Cao. You have given us so much and it would be wrong to ask for anything else but..."
"You dare to ask for more?"
"It is egregious of me to do so, I know, but yes. I have to. As I mentioned before, this is a banquet of peace. We have no desire to fight you and we hope that you feel the same. We ask that you and your people do not bring any weapons. Weapons aren't necessary to eat after all."
"You ask a lot, Jia Xu."
"All for the sake of peace, Lord Cao."
"Fine. We will not bring weapons with us nor will we accept any further request."
"I have no more to ask for and I humbly thank you for your cooperation."
"Leave us. Tell your master that we will be along shortly."
"Of course," Xu replied saluting Cao. He headed out of the tent with a grin. His plan worked without a hitch. It was honestly surprising how accommodating Cao Cao was. He was usually known for his caution, but here he was throwing caution to the wind and doing everything he asked. Could it be because he had that much faith in the people he had accompanying him? Ha! He was a fool if he did. He had no idea just what was in store for him.
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"This is obviously a trap," said Yuan.
"Obviously," Cao concurred.
"Yet you plan on walking into it," Dun asked.
"I do," Cao confirmed once more. "The fact still remains that Jing Province needs to be subdued and Wan castle is the first step to doing so."
"So let's just fight them head on. What's the point of playing this game?" asked Dun.
A few of the generals nodded in agreement. They didn't like the idea of Cao walking into the enemy arms with such little backup. Guo sighed and placed a hand to his forehead.
"I don't like this idea, but I think I understand. If Zhang Xiu's proposal of surrender is sincere, we could take Wan without any bloodshed. This would save us on supplies and the possible casualties we would incur from storming the castle. That said, I don't think his proposal is sincere...especially with all the demands he has made. I expect that we will have to fight regardless."
"Zhang Xiu is a weak and indecisive man. He has been known to change his mind on important topics frequently. If I can talk to him, I might be able to...persuade him to truly surrender. If that fails, then the moment I step out of those castle gates, I want it to be under siege," said Cao.
Jia wore a rare frown on his face. It was clear that he did not have the confidence his lord did.
"Then it will be up to you four to keep, Lord Cao alive," said Jia.
"Don't worry, Fèngxiào!" said Wei pounding his chest with one of his large fist. "As long as I still draw breath, no harm will come to Lord Cao."
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Jia Xu dismissed Huche'er leaving him to go prepare his part of the plan. Everything was set. All that was needed was for Cao to bumble into their trap. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation, a grin on his face. He must admit, he outdid himself with this one. There is no way Cao Cao will escape Wan Castle alive.
At that moment, Zhang Xiu walked into the room. Xu's grin dropped. He knew that look on his face. This wasn't going to be news he liked.
"A moment of your time, Wénhé."
Xu plastered a false smile on his face and saluted him. "Of course, what can I do for you?"
"Well...I've been thinking..."
Here it comes Xu thought as his face dropped the facade to brace for the inevitable.
"...we should just surrender to Cao Cao."
There it is. Xu wanted to beat this man repeatedly with a blunt object. It was so frustrating how indecisive he was. This was the third time he changed his mind. Why was he ever working with a fool such as this? Xu took a deep breath and forced another smile.
"As you wish, my role is only to serve your whims...as ever changing as they are," Xu muttered the last part of that sentence under his breath.
" I mean I know you are confident that we can beat him, but have you seen the size of his army? They vastly outnumber our own! We can't win and it seems foolish to try."
"As you say," Xu replied. He saluted Zhang Xu. He wanted to desperately get away from this cowardly man. "Be sure to make the surrender a humble one to stay on Cao Cao's good side."
He didn't wait for Zhang Xiu to say anything further. He walked away quickly, leaving the man alone to ponder whether this was truly the right decision.
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Zhuyue roamed the inner garden of Wan castle. There were a great many areas that were closed off to them and it made her uneasy. She also wasn't happy that she, Ang and Anmin weren't allowed in the banquet hall with Cao either. How could they protect him if they weren't allowed near him? Luckily, Dian Wei was allowed to go with him. He was serious when it came to protecting Cao Cao so she knew he would be in good hands. Still, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling she had. Something about all of this was making her nervous. It felt as if everything wasn't as it seemed. Granted, they all expected this to be an ambush from the beginning, but so far nothing has happened. Everything seemed a little too normal. It was if they were putting up a false front to assuage their worries. This is exactly what confused Zhuyue. They had been here for so long and have been completely vulnerable. If they wanted to spring a trap, they could have done so long ago. So why haven't they? And where was that slimy Jia Xu? She hasn't seen or heard a peep from him since they got here.
"He's definitely not going to believe this!"
Zhuyue turned to the sound of the voice and saw Ang and Anmin talking animatedly with each other. They were coming from another part of the garden. Whatever they were talking about, they sure seemed pleased with each other.
"Oh, Lady Yue!"
Anmin saluted Zhuyue once he realized she was nearby. Ang followed suit and Zhuyue returned the gesture. It was weird hearing her name abbreviated but that was what her new family chose for her after she and Dun married. Correction, that is what her mother-in-law chose for her. Everyone else was fine with Zhuyue keeping her name but Ai insisted on Zhuyue following tradition and taking on a new name given by them. Zhuyue was now known as Lady Yue though she was still called Zhuyue by those close to her.
"You guys seem pleased," said Zhuyue. Anmin grinned in response.
"That's because of what I found."
Based on his attitude, it couldn't have been anything bad. Curious, she encouraged him to explain.
"A woman. Not just any woman, this one is beyond beautiful. Uncle will love her."
Zhuyue rolled her eyes. "You shouldn't encourage his lecherous nature. It'll get him into trouble one day."
"Oh you wouldn't understand," Ang began. "You're a woman. You have never had the opportunity to lay with a succulent beauty before. Trust me, there is no feeling like it in the world."
"I had no idea you were and expert on the subject, Zǐxiū," Zhuyue said with raised brow.
"A real man doesn't discuss his sexual conquest, it isn't proper," Ang said proudly. It was a bit too pompous for Anmin and he decided to bring him down a peg.
"Especially if all of your expertise comes between the legs of a brothel worker that you slept with once."
Ang's eyes widened as Anmin let his secret slip. He punched his cousin in the arm. "Seriously?"
Anmin only laughed in response to his cousin's frustration. Zhuyue was kind enough to hold her laughter in, but her face showed quite clearly that she was struggling in doing so.
"Forget the two of you. I'm going to tell father what I found," said Ang as he stormed off towards the banquet hall.
"It's what I found," Anmin corrected as he followed him.
Zhuyue decided to tag along just to ensure that Cao was well.
The three of them entered the banquet hall and was confronted by Zhang Xiu.
"Is something wrong?" He asked, a worried look on his face. What was he so nervous about, Zhuyue wondered.
"Nothing's wrong, we just wish to speak with my uncle," said Anmin.
"Let them in," Cao commanded. Reluctantly, Zhang Xiu stepped to the side and allowed him entry.
Zhuyue looked around the banquet hall. It seemed very empty for a supposed grand banquet in Cao's honor. In fact, there weren't any servants besides the two women flanking Cao's side and a third trying in vain to get Dian Wei's attention. It seems that Zhang Xiu was personally serving Cao, which was something unheard of for the lord of a castle to do.
"What is it?" Cao asked.
"Uncle, I have found the most beautiful woman," Anmin began excitedly. Cao looked at his favorite nephew intrigued. He and Anmin shared similar taste in women. If he was excited about his find, she must be truly exceptional.
"Tell me about her," Cao said as he shooed the two women from his side.
"My words could not adequately describe her beauty. You need to see her for yourself. Her name is Zoushi."
"Zhang Xiu, do you know of the woman in which my nephew speaks?"
"Ah...yes. That is...my aunt," Zhang Xiu replied. It was clear he was uncomfortable with this line of questioning.
"So she is still married then?" Cao asked, a bit disappointed.
"No!" Ang piped up. "I made sure of that. Her husband is no longer of this world."
"I see. Zhang Xiu, I wish to meet this woman," said Cao.
"What? But-," he paused. He couldn't think of a good reason to deny Cao this meeting. He only asked to meet her. It didn't mean he would do anything untoward. Then again, Cao did have quite the reputation for being a womanizer. Begrudgingly, he went to go fetch his aunt.
"He isn't happy about this," said Zhuyue.
"He has no reason to be angry. The woman is a widow, she's up for grabs now. Father can do whatever he wishes with her," said Ang as he sided up to one of the women his father had previously shooed away. The woman flashed him a coy smile.
"What Zǐxiū says is true, lady Yue. Besides, I doubt Zhang Xiu would want to disrupt the peace negotiations over a mere woman. How is that going by the way, uncle?"
"Well, there are a few more details we need to iron out, but it seems as if he is truly wishes to surrender. I am having more trouble getting Dian Wei to relax and enjoy himself."
As if on cue, Wei snatched his arm out of the hands of the third servant who decided to be brave and take a more forceful approach with him. He growled at her making her slink away from him. Cao sighed.
"See what I mean? Still, stay alert. I am not completely convinced that everything is as it seems."
They nodded in silence. Zhuyue was glad that Cao was at least still cautious but she felt as if he was letting his guard down a bit too much.
Moments later Zhang Xiu returned with a voluptuous woman by his side. She walked sultrily into the center of the room and bowed.
"Your handmaiden Zoushi bids you greetings, lord Cao Cao."
It was clear that Cao was smitten. His eyes was glued to the woman, his eyes roaming each supple curve appreciatively.
"I see my nephew was not exaggerating when he spoke of your beauty, Zoushi."
She gave him a coquettish smile. "You flatter me, lord Cao."
"I only speak truth," Cao replied with a smile.
Anmin grinned. "We should leave you two alone to get to know each other better."
"We're leaving already?" Ang said, disappointed. It seems thing had been going well with the servant.
"I'm afraid so, cousin. But perhaps the lovely lady could show you around the castle?"
The question was posed to Zhang Xiu but he barely registered it. He was glaring daggers at Cao and Zoushi who now sat beside him. He waved a dismissive hand and Ang happily put his arm around her shoulder, leading her out of the hall. Anmin followed after. Zhuyue was the last to leave. It was clear Zhang Xiu was pissed off. Was it really okay to leave him? She looked at Dian Wei. He was glaring at Zhang Xiu with the same intensity that Xiu was glaring at Cao with. At least Wei seemed to be aware of what was happening. She would have to leave it in his hands. Reluctantly, she left the hall as well.
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"I've changed my mind."
Jia Xu looked up from his drink to Zhang Xiu.
"About what, my lord?" he asked feigning ignorance. He knew exactly what it was, but after the annoyance he has caused him, he felt he earned the right to make him squirm a bit.
"About Cao, I want to go ahead with the ambush. That bastard has gone too far!"
Xu's brows scrunched together at this tidbit of information. Gone too far? What had Cao done to piss him off?
"What did he do?" Xu asked, his curiosity aching to be satisfied.
" Zoushi," he answered with a shaking clenched fist.
"He...did Zoushi?" Xu asked with a bewildered smile. "I think you better explain that a bit better."
"He courted her! A married woman-"
"Widowed," Xu corrected.
Zhang Xiu's eyes widened, his anger flared at the comment. "You think what he did was acceptable!?" He yelled as he pointed an accusatory finger at Jia Xu. Xu lifted his hands in surrender.
"I was merely correcting you. I never condoned the action. Forgive me for speaking out of place."
Zhang Xiu didn't comment on it anymore but there was a fury still burning within his eyes.
"I want to go ahead with the plan. How soon can you get our forces ready."
"Well, you told me you wanted to truly surrender to Cao Cao, so the men have already begun to dismantle the traps," Xu lied.
"No! Is there nothing we can do?"
Xu had to hold back laughter, the man truly looked panicked. Of course he didn't have them dismantle the traps. He knew that Xiu's fickle nature would eventually lead him to change his mind. He was having fun toying with the man but now was the time to get serious. If they were to catch Cao unaware, it was better to strike quickly.
"Don't worry about it, my lord. Leave everything in my hands and I will deliver Cao's head to you."
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"We should just ignore the summons," said Fei.
Liu Bei lowered the scroll he had just read aloud to his brothers.
"We cannot, Yuan Shao fights for the Han just as we do."
"This has nothing to do with the Han. It's a sibling squabble," he retorted.
Guan Yu stroked his beard as he listened to the two.
"We don't know that for certain."
"Everyone knows that. Rumor has it the two had a huge falling out and that they have been at each other's throats since. We shouldn't get in the middle of it. We have our own troubles."
"But we cannot just let Yuan Shu run around unchecked."
"Yuan Shao has a big enough army. Let him handle it himself."
"Quantity is a poor substitute for quality."
"That's his problem, not ours! Don't you remember how we were treated during the alliance against Dong Zhou? Even after all the work we did, we didn't get half the accolades the others got. He led that alliance and did he do anything to make sure we were properly rewarded. No! I say we leave him to rot!"
"Don't you see, brother? Him coming to us shows how he values us."
"It could also mean that everyone else just turned him down."
Bei sighed. He was getting frustrated with this conversation. He understood his brother's hesitation, but Fei simply refused to see his side of things. He looked to Yu pleadingly. Fei noticed the gesture and turned his attention to him as well.
"You've been quiet this whole time, Yúncháng. Tell us what you think," said Fei.
"I think we should do whatever our lord commands," he replied.
"Bah! You always side with him. I don't know why I even bothered," said Fei sulking.
"However, I do agree that this fight has nothing to do with the glory of the Han. It is just another attempt to get back at his brother for the recent battles. That said, it wouldn't hurt to have Yuan Shao owe us a boon for our assistance."
"At least you admitted it," Fei grumbled.
"Then it is settled. We will march to battle for Yuan Shao," said Bei.
Fei sighed loudly. He resigned himself to his fate but he wasn't happy about it.
"Fine, I'll go get ready."
" Yìdé, you won't be coming with us."
"What?!" Said Fei as he jumped to his feet. "Are you angry at me just because I didn't agree with you? You are looking to punish me? Don't do this brother! You need me by your side!"
"Peace brother!" Bei said as he stood. He placed a hand on his shoulder as he spoke. "It is nothing of the sort. I am leaving you here because we need someone to protect Xiapi while we are gone. I need someone I can trust."
"O-oh," Fei muttered. He felt incredibly foolish for jumping to conclusions the way he did.
"But brother, this means that you have to put aside your differences with Cao Bao. I cannot have you two at each other's throats while we are away."
"As long as he doesn't say anything stupid, he'll get to keep his head."
" Yìdé..." Bei said in a tired yet annoyed tone.
"Okay, okay. I'll be on my best behavior."
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Zoushi awoke from her slumber. She looked down to the sleeping face of Cao Cao. It was a very entertaining night. Part of her wanted to stay but she was suppose to be a woman in mourning. It would be improper if she was to be found slinking out of his room in the morning. Zoushi moved slowly as to not disturb Cao as she tried to slip out of the bed. He caught her arm before she could fully get away and pulled her back to him. They kissed and Cao's hands began to wander. It was clear that he was up for another bout of love-making.
Before it could progress any further, the sounds of shouting and struggling filled the air just beyond his door. Cao sat up and pushed Zoushi to the side. Before he could get out of his bed, a body crashed through the door sending fractured wood and splinters flying everywhere. Dian Wei soon followed after the body. It was clear he was the cause of its sudden entry. Zoushi screamed and attempted to cover herself, just as surprised as Cao by the sudden intrusion.
"My lord, we need to leave. Zhang Xiu has betrayed us!"
More troops flooded the hall. Wei turned his attention to them immediately, grabbing one by the head and slinging him into his allies. Wei rushed forward and grabbed two more, slamming their heads into each other. He dropped the now limp bodies and picked up on of their swords. He tsk'd at the weapon. It felt so small in his hands. This was definitely not his style but something was better than nothing.
Cao moved quickly to put his armor on. So Zhang Xiu has finally shown his true colors? Hmph, Cao had no intentions on dying here. He would escape this castle and regroup with his troops, then they would assault and take Wan Castle. He spared a glance to Zoushi. Did she know? From the panic look on her face, Cao guessed she didn't. He pondered taking her with him. She was a beautiful woman and exceptional in bed but he decided against it. She would only slow them down. His ambition was far more important than her.
Fully dressed, Cao picked up one of the swords of the fallen enemies cut down by Wei. It paled in comparison to his normal blade, but he would make it work. He cannot die here. His ambition would not end here. Wei turned to him. He had cut a bloody swath through their enemies and didn't look the least bit winded. He didn't bother to wipe the blood that was sprayed across his face as he looked at his lord with a steely determination.
"Curse them and their trickery! I'll protect you no matter what, my lord!"
Cao nodded. He could feel Wei's determination. This man would die before letting harm come to him. Cao was truly lucky to have such a dedicated bodyguard under him.
"Very well, my life is in your hands. We must escape Wan Castle and meet up with the others."
Wei pounded a fist against his chest and nodded. The two began to move through the castle. They were plagued by enemies every step of the way. Wei fought like a man possessed. Bodies were tossed haphazardly from Cao's path. True to his word, he didn't let anyone near his lord. The only thing Cao was in danger of was being splattered by blood.
Wei rammed his blade into the stomach of the last enemy. His victim looked up at him pitifully before life slipped from him. Wei scanned the floor and picked up a spear. He tested it's weight with a few swings before feeling satisfied. He looked back to Cao.
"Are you okay, my lord?"
Before Cao could answer the door on the far side of the room burst open. A single soldier staggered in. Wei readied his spear, expecting another wave of enemies. The soldier's movements were odd. He didn't even seem to notice the two of them there, let alone the slew of his fallen comrade that littered the floor. They watched him curiously as he took a few more steps further into the room before falling flat on his face. They could see a dagger protruding from his back. Zhuyue entered the room a few seconds after, yanking the dagger from his back. Her attention quickly turned to the two in the room. Cao could see her breathe a sigh of relief, though she tried to hide it. She saluted him. Her clothing and face were blood-soaked, much like Wei's. Based on her demeanor though, Cao could surmise that the blood wasn't her own.
"Glad I found you. We need to get out of here."
"You cleared the way?"
Zhuyue gave a snort of laughter at Wei's question. "I killed a lot of them to get here, but for every one I cut down, three took their place. We are vastly outnumbered. We have to retreat."
"Damnit, so we have to fight out way out huh? So be it. No one is going to lay a finger on, Lord Cao!"
"Wait," said Cao. Both turned their attention to him.
"Where is Zǐxiū and Anmin?"
Zhuyue looked around the room, just realizing that the two weren't present.
"They must still be on the other side of the castle."
"We have to save them," Cao declared. Zhuyue looked behind her. She could see the enemies coming towards them, stepping over the bodies of their comrades that she had cut down not too long ago.
Cao couldn't stay here. The longer he did, the more he put his life in danger. Zhuyue had a difficult decision to make. Cao wouldn't leave his son and favorite nephew, but he couldn't stay here. That meant someone else had to go find them. Wei couldn't leave Cao's side. Zhuyue knew he was a much better protector than she could be. That left her to take on the task. She knew very well that she might not survive this, but this was what she signed up for was it not? She only hoped the death part would come later...much later. She shook her head. She had no intention of just rolling over and dying.
"I'll go find them," she declared.
Cao hesitated. The three of them knew what this could mean, but they also knew that it was necessary. The enemies were just outside the door now. There was no more time for deliberation. Cao knew that he needed to survive in order to fulfill his ambition, no matter what. This decision however was made with a heavy heart.
"...This is not intended to be a suicide mission."
He didn't have to say anything else. She understood his thoughts. She wasn't keen on making it a one either so that was a request she would do her best to follow.
"Understood. Wei, would you do the honors?"
With a roar, Wei rush towards the enemies. His spear ripped into the chest of the first enemy. As the enemy fell on the floor, Wei kicked at the shaft, snapping it in half. He jabbed the now broken wooden pole into the neck of the next enemy. A third attempted to attack him with a sword but Wei was prepared. He grabbed his arm and broke it with little effort. He snatched the sword out of the soldier's now slacken grip and shoved it in his chest. Not missing a beat, he ripped the sword out and plunged it into another enemy.
Zhuyue stared at Wei in wonder. The man was a monster. For someone so big, he moved so quickly. It was fearsome watching him and she was happy he was on their side. Wei cleared her a path. She sprinted past the two of them to the far end of the hall. She sincerely hoped that Ang and Anmin would be together as she didn't relish the idea of having to search for the both of them separately.
Zhuyue entered a previously locked part of the castle. The winding halls were unfamiliar to her, but luckily she didn't have to look around. She could hear the sounds of battle not far from her. She followed it to see someone in the center fighting against a tide of enemies.
Zhuyue threw herself into the fray. She had the element of surprise on her side. She slit the throat of the enemy closest to her. Before he could fall to the ground she had already pounced on the second delivering the same treatment. She managed to do this to three more enemies before they realized they were being attacked on another front.
A soldier thrust his spear towards Zhuyue. A slow and clumsy strike. She kicked it to the side and threw one of her daggers into his throat. Another enemy was approaching her from the rear. She rolled forward and grabbed the dagger from his throat and spun around to face him. She used the momentum of her movement to throw the dagger at him. The force of the throw saw the dagger implanted into his skull. She laid back in time to avoid the swipe of a blade that would have taken off her head had she been just a second slower. Fortunately, her hand had landed on the spear she kicked aside earlier. To the sword wielding soldier's surprise, from her supine position she thrust the spear into his gut. He fell forward. Zhuyue managed to roll out of the way just in time to avoid being pinned under the now dead body.
Zhuyue kicked back up to her feet. There were still a few enemies left. She slipped her feet under one of the blades that littered the floor and kicked it up to her hand. She took a deep breath, bracing herself and charged in. The two of them working together made short work of the rest of the enemies until they were the last two left. Anmin was breathing hard by the end of it. He was clearly relieved to see Zhuyue.
"Lady Yue, good to see you. Where is uncle? Have you seen him? Is he okay?" Anmin asked in a flurry of words as he bent over out of breath. He wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his head.
"He's okay for now. He and Wei are trying to break out of the castle," Zhuyue replied while trying to catch her own breath.
"I guess this turned out to be an ambush after all," Anmin said as he righted himself.
" We always knew it was an ambush, we just didn't know when they would spring it," she replied as she scavenged the fallen for her daggers. "We were foolish, we should have stayed together. Where is Zǐxiū?" she asked as she cleaned them off and hid them back into the folds of her armor.
"With that servant from earlier, I would guess. We should move quickly if we are going to find him."
"No," Zhuyue began as she turned to face him. "You need to catch up with, lord Cao. His safety is paramount."
"Well yes but...I can't leave you to search alone."
"Hey I made it this far, have a little faith," Zhuyue said with a smile. Anmin seemed hesitant but he knew the importance of keeping his uncle alive.
"Okay, be safe. I'll see you soon."
Zhuyue gave him a quick nod before continuing on her way. Unfortunately for her, the situation got worse. Wan castle was now on fire. She now had to race against time to find Ang. The heat in this part of the castle seemed to rage the worse. It's vengeful flame consumed everything it touched with impunity. The sweltering flame seemed to be nipping at her heels as she ran. The only solace she had was that the enemies had mostly cleared the area, leaving her with few foes to fight.
Zhuyue paused to get her bearings. She rose the sleeve of her battle robe to her face in an attempt to block some of the thick smoke that surrounded her. Over the crackling of the fire, she could hear a woman crying. She ran towards the sound hoping to get a hint as to where Ang might be. She stumbled across a woman with her leg trapped under a beam that had fallen from the ceiling. With her was Ang. He was trying to save the woman but to no avail.
"Zǐxiū! We have to leave!" Ang looked up to Zhuyue at the sound of his name.
"I have to help her!"
Zhuyue looked down to the woman once more. It was the servant from the party. Her leg was pinned. Even with the two of them together, the chances of them lifting that beam were nil. They would have to cut her leg off to save her and she would slow them down. Something they didn't need with a fire raging around them. Zhuyue knew that what she was about to do would make Ang hate her, but it was better that he lived to hate her rather than die for a futile effort.
Zhuyue placed herself behind the woman. "I'm sorry," she murmured before sliding a dagger across her throat.
"NO!" Ang screamed. He lunged at Zhuyue, shoving her away from the dying servant.
"What did you do? WHAT DID YOU DO?!" he screamed as he held her in his arms. Her eyes rolled back as her life drained from her body.
"You have to find your father," Zhuyue replied. Ang wouldn't move. He clutched the woman tightly as if doing so would bring her back amongst the living. Zhuyue heard a loud crack overhead. Her eyes snapped up to see another beam ready to drop right above them. Zhuyue grabbed on Ang's shoulder.
"We have to run, the be-"
"Get off of me!" he cried out as he wrenched his shoulder from her grasp.
Another crack. They didn't have time for this. Zhuyue reached for him again, this time more forceful than the last and laid a hard smack across his cheek.
"Wake up! We are in enemy territory in the middle of a fucking blaze. We don't have time for you to get weepy over a woman you just met!"
Ang held his hand to his cheek. Her slap seemed to sober him. He opened his mouth to apologize but the sound of his voice was drowned out by another loud crack. Zhuyue didn't have to look up to see what it was. The beam had finally given way. She only had a split second to react. If she dashed forward, there was a chance she couldn't fully clear the beam. Her leg could get caught under it, pinning her and leaving her in the same situation as the servant she had just killed. Instead she jumped up and kicked Ang, propelling him forward out of the way of the beam and pushing her back just enough to avoid being crushed under it.
Ang was dazed by the sudden kick. When he finally got his bearings, he looked around and saw exactly why she had kicked him. He scrambled to his feet alarmed once he realized she wasn't beside him.
"Lady Yue! Zhuyue!" He cried out as he tried to peer over the fire and thick black smoke that wrapped itself around the fallen beam.
"I'm here!" she cried out as she got back to her feet.
"I don't see how to get you out. The flames are too strong!" Ang said as he looked around frantically. He was now fully aware of just how bad the fire was raging around him.
"I know, find your father. I will look for another way out!"
Ang was silent for a few moments. He knew as she did that there wasn't an exit in the direction she was trapped. She was trying to get him to save himself. Ang wanted to cry. After all this time how could he still be such a foolish little boy? Had he listened to her originally, she wouldn't have had to sacrifice herself for him. His father was right to not trust him with becoming his heir. He wasn't ready. He made a vow at that moment that he would change. He would be a man worthy of her sacrifice.
"I-I'm sorry," Ang said before running off to find his father and the others.
"So am I," Zhuyue whispered.
=#=
"There! The castle gates! My lord, we've almost made it!" Wei called back to Cao. Finally after circumventing the numerous traps placed within Wan castle, they had reached the exit.
They had to contend with a burning castle, arbalest, wind traps, fire breathing statues and several ambushes. Cao had no doubt that if Wei wasn't by his side, he would not be making it out of this castle alive. Seeing freedom at hand, Cao took the lead, eager to get away from Wan. He hadn't seen Zhuyue, Ang or Anmin and he feared that they may have fallen victim to some of the devious traps that had been laid out for them. This wasn't the time to think about that, however, he still had to focus on getting behind his own lines safely. He underestimated Zhang Xiu. That was a foolish mistake he can never repeat.
Cao stepped onto the wooden bridge leading out of the castle. Just past here was freedom. He paused sensing something amiss and hopped back just in time to avoid being skewered by spears being thrown from above. Damn them. He was so close and still they hounded his every step.
"My lord! Watch out!"
Cao turned around just in time to see the dozens of arrows flying toward him. His eyes widened. He wouldn't be able to avoid them all. His foolish mistake had taken a fatal turn. His ambition was going to end here. Cao saw a massive shadow engulf him. He looked up to realize that Wei's hulking frame was now in front of him. His arms spread open wide to ensure that Cao's entire body was blocked. Wei let out a grunt as the arrows pierced his flesh but somehow he remained on his feet.
"Dian Wei!"
The archers notched their bows ready to unleash another volley. If this struck Wei it would surely be the end of him. To Cao's surprise there seemed to be a commotion behind the archers which prevented them from launching their attack. Their attention turned to something going on behind them. Cao begin to see the archers falling one by one. They attempted to scatter to avoid being cut down. Cao got a glimpse of their savior as Anmin chased after the fleeing archers.
"Mèngdé!" Cao turned to see Xiahou Dun and Guo Jia riding towards him. They were pushing their steeds as hard as they could to reach his side.
Dun jumped off of his mount as soon as he was close enough and ran over to Cao's.
"Are you hurt?" He asked as his eyes scanned Cao frantically.
"Dian Wei is!" Cao replied with an urgent tone. Wei dropped to one knee feeling dizzy from the blood loss. He shook his head to loosen the cobwebs that had woven its way around his mind. The fight wasn't over. He needed to be clear headed. Guo Jia had arrived at their side. His eyes darting from Cao to Wei.
Wei summoned his strength. He pushed himself to his feet and pulled out one of the arrows he could reach from his back. He would not die here. He cannot die here.
"This? This is nothing! I'm just glad to see you're all here," he said. Dun looked at him. He could tell the man was in pain but was too damn stubborn to acknowledge it. The best thing for them to do was finish this fight quickly. He went back to his horse which Jia had brought over and unhooked Wei's axe from it. He tossed it to him and he caught it with one hand. His face split into a wide grin happy to feel the weight of his weapon once more. He whipped the blade at his back, shattering the shafts of the arrows in a single stroke.
"Now it's our turn, my lord." Wei continued as he rolled his shoulder. Cao could only stare at Wei in astonishment. Was he insane? The blows he took should have been fatal. How he was even still standing was amazing in its own right.
"You rash fool! You're too hurt to fight!" Cao admonished.
"Your path, my lord, must not be impeded by anything!"
Cao opened his mouth to dispute this but closed it once more. He was right. He had a path and he had to see it through, no matter what. The chaos would not be tamed otherwise. He nodded and for the second time today his heart ached. For the second time he had to ask one of his trusted allies and friends to lay down their life in the name of his ambition. It was a grief he would have to bear and bear it he shall if it meant that his goals would be fulfilled.
Jia frowned. This was the worst case scenario. Their forces had run against heavy resistance when they tried to storm the castle once they realized something was amiss. Zhang Xiu was better prepared than they originally anticipated and they took heavy casualties in the battle already. Wei was also badly wounded and Zhuyue and Ang were still missing.
"We have to retreat..."
It was hard to hear, but Cao knew Jia would only suggest retreat if there was truly no chance at victory. Anmin came running to their side.
"Uncle, everyone! I'm glad to see you well."
"You as well. where is Zhuyue and Zǐxiū? We need to retreat."
"Lady Yue went to find Zǐxiū. She told me to run ahead and get to you."
"I'll go after them," said Dun stepping forward. "The rest of you get Mèngdé out of here."
Before Dun could take a step, Ang came barreling around the corner, enemies hot on his heels. They dispatched them easily enough but it was further proof that they truly had no time to waste. They needed to leave as soon as possible.
"Where's Zhuyue," Dun asked the moment they had a chance to catch their breath. Ang avoided looking Dun in the eye. He couldn't face him knowing that Zhuyue lost her life due to his stupidity.
"I-I'm sorry. She...she sacrificed herself for me."
"Bullshit," said Dun. He turned towards the castle to head inside. Jia moved to block him.
"Yuánràng, you can't go."
"Get out of my way before I cut you down," Dun said. His eyes were wild, his hand gripped the handle of his blade tightly. Jia could see he was a hair away from snapping.
"If she were still alive, I would be helping you try to find her...but... Yuánràng...this isn't something Zǐxiū would lie about. We still have a duty to our lord. We need to him and ourselves out safely."
Dun stood motionless before letting out a loud cry that was a mixture of rage and anguish. Ang wanted to say something, anything but there was nothing that could be said at a time like this.
"We need to secure an escape route," Jia began. It was hard to move on after the news they had just received but he had to think of the many, not the few. There would be time to mourn the fallen later.
"Judging by the flames, I assume Zhang Xiu is hiding in the west. Curious that he hasn't come out of the castle to finish us off...He must have a reason for staying put. We should observe things before making a reckless retreat. Hmm..."
Jia turned to look back towards their front lines. It was quite a distance away and he and Dun had to carve a path through the enemy forces to get to the castle. On his order, their troops were holding their position. They already lost enough men during the first wave and Jia wasn't keen to lose anymore.
"There are three garrisons west of our main camp. I think we should scout them before we move any further to make sure there aren't any troops hiding in there."
Dun mounted his horse and turned to leave.
" Yuánràng, where are you going?" Cao asked.
"Scout," he replied simply before riding off.
"We cannot leave him alone. His anger will undoubtedly lead to recklessness," said Cao.
"I'll send others to scout out the bases with him. For now, we need to get you and Wei back to the main camp."
"I told you, I'm fin-," Wei began but Cao lifted a hand to stop him.
"We already lost someone dear to us today. I will not lose anyone else. We are heading back to camp to get your wounds immediate attention."
Wei frowned but nodded his head in agreement.
=#=
The fire was raging around Zhuyue. The thick black smoke coiled itself around her making it hard to breathe. She had to move. If she stayed here any longer she would die. She ran out of the room she was in and into the twisting unfamiliar passageways of Wan castle. The fire was getting increasingly worse. There had to be another exit. Her heart thundered against her chest from a mixture of adrenaline and fear.
The smoke made it hard to see but she pressed on. Her aimless running finally landed Zhuyue into a garden she hadn't been in before and unfortunately for her, it was a dead end. Was this it? Is this truly where her life would end? No. No! She didn't want to die so pitifully. Her eyes searched the area searching for something, anything that could get her out of the situation she was in.
Her eyes landed on the very thing that could save her. In the far corner of the garden, pointed at one of the walls was an abandoned arbalest. The walls were already weakened by the fire. If she could get the arbalest to shoot it's full volley into it, there was a chance it could create a hole for her to escape to the outside. She ran to the arbalest and tried to move the lever but it was jammed. That explains why it was abandoned. This couldn't stop her. She had to get it to fire somehow. She struggled with the jammed lever as much as possible. No matter what she did it wouldn't budge. The flames were closing in on her. This had to work. She began to kick at the lever.
"MOVE DAMN IT!" she screamed as she continued her assault. The smoke was burning her lungs and she was beginning to feel dizzy. She had to get out of here. She couldn't die here. As if responding to her demands the lever finally gave way, releasing the arbalest volley into the wall. Just as she suspected, it was enough to create a hole in the wall large enough for her to fit through. Eager to get away from the flames, she scrambled through but lost her footing on the way plunging her head first into moat that surrounded the castle. The last view she got to see was the water rushing towards her before her vision was covered by an inky darkness.
