Chen Gui – Hànyú
Yue Jin – Wenqian
Xun You – Gōngdá
Liu Bei – Xuándé
Xiahou Yuan – Miàocái
Xiahou Dun - Yuánràng

Bu's forces had returned. The troops looked dejected; it was easy to see they had come off of a crushing defeat. Yan wrung her hands nervously as her eyes scanned the crowd. A breath of relief escaped her lips as she saw the man she had been looking for. Gao Shun walked alongside the other generals into the palace. He looked no worse for wear but the scowl he wore on his face that told her he was not in a good mood.

It didn't matter what his current feelings were at the moment, she needed to speak to him. Yan made her way to the entrance slowly. Every bit of her wanted to run into his arms but she suppressed the urge. When she arrived in the main hall, what she saw was not what she expected. Her estranged husband was laying into his advisor Chen Gong.

"YOU SAID THE PLAN WOULD WORK BUT WE ARE THE ONES WHO HAD TO FLEE!"

Gong sighed. He did not enjoy being berated in the middle of the palace main hall in front of the other generals and servants. Lu Bu could have at least had the decency to do this in private.

"My Lord, we lost because our men were fatigued. I told you that we should rest before battle, but you insist-"

"SO YOU BLAME THIS ON ME?" Bu interjected, taking a menacing step closer to Gong who took a cautious step back. He had no illusions that Bu would squish him like a bug if he so chose.

"I am merely saying that if you were to heed my advice, we would have fared better in the battle."

"ALL I HEAR COMING FROM YOU IS EXCUSES. FAIL ME AGAIN AND IT WILL BE YOUR LAST TIME."

Gong sighed again, this time heavier than the last. He knew he wasn't in the wrong but he also knew that arguing wouldn't get him anywhere.

"Yes My Lord. Forgive me."

Bu stalked away angrily right in the direction Lady Yan was standing.

"Why are you here?!" He barked at her. Yan could feel her knees shaking in fear as he glared down at her.

"I-I came to welcome you home, Lord Husband."

"Hmph," was the only reply he gave her before stalking past her. Yan swallowed heart and placed a hand over her chest. Her heart was beating wildly. He was truly a terrifying man.

Slowly, the other generals began to filter from the hall. Some offered their words of sympathy to Gong before leaving

"Mother," Lingqi said softly as she stepped toward her mother. The demure behavior she was displaying was unsettling to Yan. She was use to her daughter being so fierce and full of life. That battle must have been a terrible thing. She wanted to speak to Shun but her daughter was also important to her.

"Oh, Lingqi…what happened? You look dreadful."

"I-," she paused and bit her lip. She didn't want to tell her mother that she had failed in her first real battle. She couldn't bring herself to verbally admit that she failed her father.

To her relief and dismay, Zhang Liao came to her rescue.

"The enemy outnumbered us but Lingqi performed admirably. I'm sure she is just tired from the battle."

He saved her again. The first time was from that odd man using an attack she had never seen before and now from having to admit her failure to her mother. Zhang Liao was always looking out for her. Why did he do it? It can't be just because he was her father's subordinate. None of the other generals ever went that far for her. Most of them seemed content to just pretend she didn't exist. She wanted to know the reason but she was afraid; afraid that he would tell her that it wasn't because he actually saw her as a person and respected her. She was afraid that his only reason for the compassion and concern he showed her was due to her father being his lord. She didn't want to face such a dismal reality so she kept silent and just held her hopes close to her heart.

Lingqi nodded in agreement to the excuse Zhang Liao had made up, grateful for the save.

"It is as he said, mother. I am sorry, but I am going to rest now."

Yan studied her daughter's face for a few moments. She felt as if there was something she was hiding but she didn't press her. To be honest, she couldn't deal with whatever was bothering her at the moment. She had her own problems she had to deal with.

"Yes, go get some rest," she looked Zhang Liao. "Thank you for looking after her."

"Of course, My Lady," Liao replied.

Lingqi gave a short bow to her mother before leaving to head to her quarters. Liao watched Lingqi leave, pondering whether he should follow her. After a few moments hesitation, he turned on his heel and left the palace deciding it would be best for Lingqi to be on her own for now.

The palace hall emptied leaving Yan, Gao Shun and a handful of attendants. Yan looked to Shun, and took a deep breath. She wrung her hands together and swallowed hard. Gao Shun moved to leave the palace but Yan's stopped him.

"L-Lord Shun, would you please accompany me to the garden?"

Shun looked at her with a frown. His eyes darted to the servants before focusing on Yan.

"My apologies but I am weary from battle, My Lady. I need rest."

Yan frowned. She couldn't outright say that it was important that they speak with each other. There were too many eyes and ears present. It would raise too many questions.

"I understand, Lord Shun. I apologize. It is foolish of me to bother you with something so trivial just after you arrived. I was just eager to show you the peonies that you so looking forward to blossoming. They have finally begun to bloom and I thought you might want to see them as soon as possible."

Shun cocked his head in confusion as he studied Yan. Her words were confusing. He never spoke about something as trivial as peonies blooming…that meant that there was something else. He had to think about how she said the words, not the words themselves. Something was wrong. Something she needed to speak with him about immediately. Yan was trying her best to look calm but the time he had spent with her taught him how to look past the fake mask she wore. Her eyes darted back and forth nervously and when she didn't think anyone was looking, she would wring her hands together.

"They've bloomed already? Perhaps seeing them would gladden my heart after such a defeat. Please take me to them," Shun said playing along with her ruse.

Yan nodded quickly and spun on her heels, leading him to the garden. She had to keep telling herself to walk slowly, to show that there wasn't a rush. Just two people going to look at flowers in bloom. The walk seemed to be agonizingly long to the garden and more than once she had to stop herself from breaking into a run. When they finally arrived, she led him over to the area where the peonies were planted. Her lie had a kernel of truth to it. The peonies had indeed begun to bloom. She noticed it on her walk earlier that morning. It made for a convenient cover story now.

The peonies happened to be in a portion of the garden that was fairly isolated. They could talk freely here if they used hushed tones.

"We shouldn't be doing this so openly," Shun hissed in a whisper. "Me seeing you just after battle? That is something a man would do with his lover. If Lord Lu Bu found out-"

"I'm with child," she whispered, cutting him off. Shun stood there frozen as he stared at her. Unconsciously, she placed a hand to her stomach, feeling the small fetus that had not truly taken form just yet.

"I-you-wh-wha-what?" Shun stammered out.

Yan sighed. She knew exactly how he felt. She was a stuttering fool when she first learned that she was carrying a child as well.

Shun remained silent for a long time. It wasn't the comfortable silence she was use to having with him. This one felt so oppressive it was almost stifling.

"Please say something," she pleaded.

"The child…why tell me?" he said with a scowl on his face. Yan was taken aback by the sudden change. "Shouldn't you tell the father of this news? "

Yan felt her eye well up with tears. Her vision began to blur and she pawed at her eyes to stem the flow before they could truly fall.

"I-I am telling the father!"

Shun's demeanor wavered slightly at seeing her cry. He didn't want to hurt her but he was hurting himself. How cruel was it for her to tell him that she was having a child she knew very well he could not claim. She was Lu Bu's wife. They had to have been together far more times than she and Shun have. This…what she was doing…it was just plain cruel. And to say that it was his was a step too far.

"Why?" Shun asked, his voice wavering as his clenched fist shook. "Why are you doing this to me? There is no way you can claim that child is mine. You are Lu Bu's wife. You have warmed his bed far more than you have warmed mine. That child…it can't be mine."

"But it is!" she exclaimed a bit too loud. Quickly, she clamped a hand over her mouth and looked around to ensure that no one had suddenly started paying attention to them. Once she was confident that the coast was clear, she continued.

"I haven't warmed my Lord Husband's bed in…," she sighed realizing just how pathetic what she was about to say was. "I can't remember. He doesn't touch me, he doesn't look at me. He rarely acknowledges my existence at all. I am nothing to him. You are the only one I have. You are the only one I have been with. You are the father of this child."

"You, what you are saying is true?" Shun asked taking a timid step towards her. He wanted to reach out to her but refrained from doing so as to not draw attention to them.

"It is true. Please, believe me, my love. You are the only man I have laid with in months. This child is yours."

Shun felt a wave of excitement from this news, but it was quickly overtaken with a sense of dread. He was happy that the woman he loved carried his child but that also brought along its own set of problems. When Lu Bu found out about this, they were both as good as dead.

"This is bad," Shun said, letting out a weary sigh. Yan's eyes looked as if they were going to water once more so Shun quickly amended his statement. "I am happy that you, the woman I love hold my child within you…but you were never mine to take. When Lu Bu finds out…," he stopped short of finishing the sentence but he didn't need to. She knew full well what he was going to say.

"What are we going to do?"

"I don't know," he admitted and he hated himself for it.

He had no answers to give to the woman he treasured so dearly. He put her in a terrible position simply because he couldn't hold himself back and now because of his selfish actions, her life was threatened. He should have kept his distance. He knew better than to give in to his baser needs but he couldn't. Even as he lamented his actions he wanted to hold her in his arms and kiss her. He wanted to feel her warmth against him as he comforted her. He wanted to put his hand on her stomach and feel the life they had made together.

"Let me think…I will find a way to protect you, I swear."

Yan nodded slowly wiping at the tears that had begun to fall once more. She hated how emotional she had gotten lately. It felt as if she cried at the drop of pin. She had to get herself under control. She wasn't showing just yet so she could hide it from Lu Bu and the others for a while longer, but if she kept up her odd behavior, she would wind up giving herself away.

"No one else knows about this right?" Shun asked.

"Only the doctor who told tended to me. He thinks the child is Lord Lu Bu's."

Shun frowned. It might be necessary to get rid of the doctor. The man hadn't done anything wrong but he didn't need any unnecessary information getting out.

"Let me think," Shun repeated. "Keep this to yourself until then."

Yan nodded feeling like a weight she had been carrying around had been lifted from her shoulders, at least slightly. Shun bowed to her and walked past her; his mind reeling from their conversation.

Yan sighed heavily and let a hand rest at her stomach once more. Her eyes moved to the peonies as she thought. She never intended on Lingqi being an only child. She wanted to have another child once Lingqi didn't need so much attention. Unfortunately, it was around that time that Lu Bu had sought comfort in the arms of other women. She always wondered if he was showing his discontent for giving birth to a daughter instead of a son. She considered this child to be a gift from the heavens but it came at a price. It wasn't from the man she married but from her illicit affair. This sort of thing was allowed for a man but taboo for a woman. There was no doubt in Yan's mind that Bu would kill them the moment he found out. The entire situation made her anxious, but she had no choice but to put her faith in Gao Shun.

"What an interesting conversation I stumbled upon."

The voice made Yan jump. She spun around in time to see an old man supporting his steps with a cane made of wood, stepping from behind a tree. He moved to stand beside her, one hand folded behind his back while the other gripped his cane as he gazed at the peonies below. He had a pleasant smile on his face which was completely at odd with the aghast look Yan currently had on hers.

The man stood beside her silently as he enjoyed the flowers. His slightly hunched form put all his weight upon his cane seemingly confident in its ability to support him. He didn't speak another word after his initial sentence. The suspense building up within Yan was reaching its boiling point. No longer able to contain herself, she spoke up, wanting to get to the bottom of this.

"What conversation?" she asked. She knew it was futile but there was always a chance he stumbled into the conversation when it was in its final stages. There was a chance he heard nothing at all and there was nothing to be worried about but even as she thought it, she knew it to be wrong. The smug look he had on his face told her that much. He held all the pieces and he knew it.

"Why, the conversation you had with Gao Shun, of course," he replied in a pleasant tone.

For a brief moment, it felt as if Yan's heart had stopped. It wasn't until her heart began to hammer against her chest in sheer panic that she realized she was still alive. She tried to speak but her mouth felt entirely too dry and her words would only come out in odd wheezing gasps. If the man noticed, he didn't make any mention of it. He kept his eyes glued to the peonies with that same infuriating cordial smile on his face.

"Ah, from the fact that you are gaping like a fish, I suppose I wasn't suppose to overhear that conversation, was I?" The man asked as he turned his head to look at Yan. She immediately turned her head and lifted her hands to her cheeks in an effort to cover her face. Even if he already knew the truth, she felt so exposed by just being seen by his eyes.

"W-who are you?" she finally managed to get out.

"Oh, forgive me. I haven't introduced myself."

The man fully turned to face her. He was much older than Yan, possibly old enough to be her father's age. His black hair had turned gray long ago. While he wasn't dressed in the finest robes, she could tell that they weren't of shabby quality. His beard and thin mustache were also neatly trimmed and his hair was tied up so perfectly that not a single hair was out of place. Despite his age, he had an air of confidence that he exuded that made Yan feel as if she had already lost whatever battle had begun between them.

"My name is Chen Gui, stylized Hànyú," he said while bowing to her as much as he could with the support of his cane.

"You work for my husband?"

The man gave off a good-natured chuckle. "I guess you could say that. After all, I doubt they would let me in here if I didn't, right?"

Yan frowned. Why wouldn't he just come out and say what he wanted to say. Why was he beating around the bush so much?

"You haven't run off to tell my husband yet so you obviously want something from me. What is it?"

The old man smiled. "You are a perceptive young lady. I do want something from you in exchange for my silence. Before we get to that, I want to know confirm something. You aren't particularly fond of your husband, are you?"

"That's-" Yan began but stopped herself. Her initial reaction was to say that his words weren't true but she knew that was a lie. She slept with another man and is now carrying his child. How could she even pretend that she was still fond of him? Still, she didn't want to admit such a thing to this stranger.

"Your silence is answer enough," Gui said as he examined her with eyes that had experience well beyond her years.

"What would you say to the possibility of getting rid of your lord husband? It would mean a chance for you and your new love to raise your child without fear. For your daughter to not be sent off to marry a man you do not approve of and to rid the world of a monster."

Yan let out a gasp. Was she hearing this correctly? This man was suggesting killing her husband? How utterly bold he was to come before his wife with treasonous words!

"You dare speak of this to me? I will make sure my husband has your head!"

The old man chuckled. His laughter fueled Yan's anger.

"You cheat on your husband then get angry when someone wants to get rid of the man you so obviously no longer love. You are a confusing woman, Lady Yan…then again I suppose all women are."

"Telling your husband about me would mean telling on yourself. Besides, you have no proof that I am trying to depose of your husband, but in a few months, I'll have proof that you have slept with another man," Gui continued as he pointed the tip of his cane in the direction of her stomach.

"Are you sure you want to play this game, young lady? I assure you, you will not win. I have been playing much longer and I am vastly superior at it than you are."

Yan's emotions were in utter turmoil. She wanted to cry, she wanted to scream and she wanted to laugh. Her mind was having trouble deciding which to go with so she instead she stood frozen as she absorbed his words, leaving her numb and unable to do anything about her rapidly deteriorating situation.

"Now, now, I have no want to harm you or your unborn child. It is only Bu we are after. You have to know he is an evil man and that justice will be coming for him soon. Cao Cao is on his way here with his army. An army that Lu Bu could not dream to match in terms of size and skill. The questions is do you want to be free from the shackles he has bound on you or do you want to be dragged down along with him?"

Yan remained silent for a long time. Gui did not say a word during this period. He let her think. He let the words he spoke sink into her so she could truly weigh her options. Finally, Yan looked up to him, her eyes focused and full of determination.

"Not just me."

"I'm sorry?" Gui said, he still had a smile on his kindly aging face.

"I want my daughter and Gao Shun to be spared from my husband's fate as well."

"You are not exactly in a position to be making demands, young lady," Gui replied.

"I think I am in a better position to make demands than you want me to believe. You obviously need my help with something, that is why you have come to me with…with this proposition. You need help with something that only I can do."

Gui let out another chuckle.

"You are much more shrewd than I gave you credit for, young lady. I will spare your daughter, I cannot promise safety for Gao Shun."

"Then I will not help you. It is all of us or none at all."

For the first time in the conversation, Gui sighed.

"You over-estimate your importance, young lady. Our plan would work much easier with you there, this is true, but it isn't truly important. I could just as easily throw you to your husband's mercy and achieve a similar effect. He would be angered that you cheated on him. He would kill you and one of his best generals. The anger would impede his judgment and the death of a general would weaken his army. I've already told you; do not play this game with me."

Yan began to freely cry, the dam holding back her emotions shattering all at once.

"Please, do not take away the man I love. Do not take away this child's father. I would do anything you say, anything. Just please, spare him."

Gui sighed for the second time today as Yan's hands clutched the sleeve of his robe tightly, tears streaming freely down her face. With a free hand, he patted her on the shoulder.

"Now, now, stop it. I can't stand to see such a pretty young lady cry. Fine, I will spare your lover but you must do everything I say without fault."

"I swear it, on my life," Yan managed to get out between sobs.

"Fine, fine. For your first task, I need you to get back in your husband's good graces."

Yan's body instantly tensed up as she thought of what that might entail. She began to feel nauseous at the very thought of him touching her again. Gui could read her body language easily. She truly despised her husband.

"It is necessary for my plan to work. You need to have him trust you…he needs to think of you as indispensable."

"That will never work. He no longer cares for me," she said as she wiped her tears from her face with the sleeve of her robe.

"You now have a secret weapon," Gui said with a conspiratorial smile. She looked at him in confusion. She had no weapon she could use to get Bu to look at her the way he once did.

"Your child."

"But it isn't-"

"You need to sleep with him again. He is a man like any other and will not turn down a woman offering herself to him. Once you have rekindled your relationship, let him know about the child…tell him it is his and he will treat you preciously. After all, in his mind, you will be carrying his legacy."

Yan did not like this plan and Gui could see it.

"I cannot do that, Shun will-"

"Shun will not say anything to you because you still are Lu Bu's wife. He has the right to take you whenever he wants. He will not blame you because you are just doing your role as his wife. Just let him know that your heart is still with him and all will be fine on that end."

Yan wasn't completely sure about that but she decided to leave it alone. What he said was true. She still was the wife of Lu Bu and even though he no longer took her to his bed, he always had the right to do so. In fact, Shun thought that he had already been doing so all this time.

"I don't want him to take my child away from me," she whispered as she put her hand to her stomach, the second major concern she had slipping past her lips.

"He will not get your child. He will be dead long before it is born or soon after. Do not worry. It is important that you have his ear, for the safety of your daughter, your unborn child, your lover and your self, will you do this? Can you do this?"

Yan sucked in a deep breath. Her hands were trembling and she felt as if she would vomit, but she swallowed her nausea down and nodded.

"I can…I will."

"One more thing, do not tell your lover about our deal. Despite his…indiscretion with you, he remains loyal to Lu Bu. If he knows what we are planning, there is a chance he will turn on us. When all is said and done and there is no one left to serve, we will turn him to our side, do you understand?"

Yan hesitated for only a moment before nodding in agreement once more.

=#=

Lady Gan dressed herself with shaking hands. Lu Bu had just paid her a visit and he was especially brutal. It seems he lost his battle against her lord husband and he sought to take his anger out on her. Her lord husband; the thought made her laugh bitterly.

It seems she was the only one that hadn't known about Liu Bei's indiscretions. After confronting several of their servants, she finally learned the truth about Liu Bei's other woman. It hurt to hear how beautiful she was and how in love they seem to be when they were together. But nothing compared to the pain she felt when she learned that he took that woman with him while she and their child were left behind.

Why did he have to lie to her? Why couldn't he have just told her the truth? It was a man's right to have as many women as they wanted. She knew that and understood it but he told her he wasn't like that. He swore to her that she would be the only one the day they swore themselves to each other. She foolishly believed it and now her heart was broken, torn apart by lies and broken promises.

If Gan had to be honest, she hadn't been happy in a long time. She was a simple girl from a simple town. When she first met Liu Bei, he was a simple man; a weaver of mats and straw sandals. He was humble and kind and he wasn't the type of man that would ever tell a lie. Things changed when he met his sworn brothers. He and his brothers made a vow to change the land for the better, to look out for the people that had been forgotten during this chaotic war. She was so proud of him but scared. Scared that he would get hurt or die from constantly fighting in this war; scared that he would change from being the gentle man he once was.

Their quiet and simple life was thrown into chaos. She rarely saw him and when she did, she saw the slight shift in his personality. The horrors of war had left its mark and he wasn't the simple man she once knew. While he still had the same ideals, his personality shifted to match the scope of his newfound ambition.

When he moved them into the castle in Xiapi, she didn't like it. She was a simple girl and was use to the simple life they use to have. To suddenly be thrown into such an extravagant life was too much for her. She tried to adjust to it but it was hard for her and she knew Bei could see that she was having difficulty with the change. He tried to make things better for her, but she missed their small simple home and nothing he could dull that ache for what they once had. After awhile he stopped trying. He threw himself into his tasks and they drifted apart. Gan thought their relationship would soon be over but they got a second chance in their precious son, Tan.

For awhile, things had gotten better. Bei was elated to have a son. He doted on little Tan and while things were still a bit rough between them, it was clear he was trying to work things out with her. That all changed when Lu Bu arrived. Lu Bu…Gan had never hated someone before in her life but she hated that man. With every fiber in her body she hated him. He brought the woman that cut the final thread that held their relationship together; He defiled her just to spite her husband. He made a life she already disliked utterly detestable.

She could no longer deal with the life she was given. It was a life she didn't ask for and a life she didn't want. Even if Liu Bei were to return, would things be better? She had become the other woman. Diaochan seemed to be the one that held his heart now. She would still be left with the shame Lu Bu had given her and the emptiness Liu Bei had foisted onto her. She would be left to deal with her unhappiness on her own just as she had to in the past.

Tan began to cry. Gan, now finished dressing had picked him up.

"Don't worry, love. Everything will be okay."

She bundled her child up and exited the room. A few of the guards nodded to her as she passed. She didn't acknowledge them. She knew it wasn't their fault, but part of her felt bitter that no one came to help her. They all just looked at her with looks of equal pity and disgust. She couldn't stand that look, especially since she saw it looking back at her whenever she glanced in a mirror. Moving carefully, she headed to castle battlements. She had learned the guards' rotation the last time Lu Bu went off to battle with her lord husband.

Gan stood atop the battlement walls. She wouldn't have long before a guard would be here. She took a step forward and peered over the edge. She never had the courage to actually look over the wall before, the height always scared her. It seemed so silly now that she thought about it. The view was actually quite beautiful. There was sound coming behind her. She wouldn't have much longer. Swallowing hard, Gan climbed onto the battlement walls. She picked this spot especially because pieces of the wall had crumbled and allowed her to scramble up with relative ease. She clutched Tan close to her chest as she tried to maintain her footing atop the wall. Gan looked down to her son with a loving smile and began to sing to him for the last time. Her voice cracked as a tears began to stream down her cheeks.

The guards had arrived now. They called out to her and moved to pull her down. Before they could reach her, Gan pushed off the wall. She could feel the air whipping by, ruffling her robe and causing her hair to fly wildly behind her.

A myriad of thoughts and feelings filtered through her as she descended to the ground below. While in truth, it only took a few seconds, it felt a like an eternity to her. She could hear Tan crying and she begged his forgiveness. It was selfish of her to drag him into her problems but she couldn't leave him behind for Lu Bu. He made comments to her about taking Tan for his own and that made here more afraid than anything else he did to her. It was better this way, it had to be. Her thoughts went to her mother and father. She wished she could have said goodbye to them. Briefly she thought of her husband. Would he miss her? Despite everything, she still cared for him. With her last thoughts, she hoped he would be able to make the world he dreamed of. Gan closed her eyes and let gravity pull her to the ground below.

=#=

"Again," Dun said as he rotated his arms to work out the knots that had built up in it from overuse.

Panting, Dian held up his hands in surrender before bending over and placing them on his knees.

"H-hold on, I need a break," he looked behind him to Yue Jin who was laying back on the grass behind him.

"Wenqian, you take over."

Yue Jin quickly shook his head no from his spot on the ground. "I'm still tired from my turn."

Both men then looked to Xiahou Yuan who also shook his head no and held up a jar of what they suspected had to be wine. "I gave up a long time ago. C'mon brother, that's enough for tonight. You aren't going to get past that blind-spot in a few days. It's going to take time."

Dun tsked in annoyance. He knew what he brother said was true but he was impatient. He needed to get back into fighting shape. He heard the jokes from Bei's forces when they thought he wasn't listening. They gave him the title Blind Xiahou. They called him washed up and said he had no worth as a warrior any longer. Breaking three of the noses of soldiers stupid enough to say it when he was within earshot at least made them more careful about what they said around him, but he knew they were still saying it behind his back. The only way to permanently silence them was to show them that he was still a capable warrior.

He had been training daily to that end, but progress had been slow. At this rate he won't be able to take part of the next battle. The thought of it just infuriated him more. Slinging his podao over his shoulder, he stalked over to where his brother sat. Just as Yuan was lifting the jar of wine to his lips, Dun plucked it from his hands.

"I need this more than you," he said before walking off to his tent.

Yuan frowned at the loss of his wine. He looked to Jin and Dian. "Do we have anymore wine in camp? I don't want to have to go back into Xiaopei to get another jar. I hate dealing with those stuck up bastards."

"You don't like Liu Bei's people?" Dian asked. Jin sat up hearing the question curious of the answer as well. He had a long blade of wheat that he was chewing on in his mouth. Dian grinned at the sight; he wondered if Jin knew just how much he looked like a country boy with that thing in his mouth. Jin noticed the grin and cocked his head in confusion at his friend.

"Have you ever actually spoken to them?" Yuan asked, capturing both men attention once more. Yuan didn't wait for them to answer before continuing.

"They worship the ground Liu Bei walks on and there is no logical reason for it. That fool hasn't earned anything he has gotten. So far, everything has been handed to him. Xu Province? Given to him by Tao Qian. Holding Xu Province when the moron got it stolen from him? Us. Tell me, exactly what has that vagrant accomplished on his own?"

Yuan watched as Dian and Jin tried to think of the answer seriously. He let out a laugh seeing their eyebrows scrunched up as they thought earnestly about the answer. Yuan stood and dusted himself off.

"Don't strain yourself trying to come up with anything. The answer is nothing. He talks all high and mighty and looks down on others who don't follow his so called ideals, but he hasn't really accomplished anything. It's all bullshit." Yuan let out a yawn and scratched the side of his stomach. "I'm gonna go look for more wine. Later."

Jin and Dian saluted Yuan and he returned the gesture before heading off. Jin lay back on the grass and looked up to the sky. Night was falling. He was grateful that he had already done his watch for the day. He didn't really feel like doing much of anything. Dun really worked the hell out of them today.

"What do you think of Liu Bei?" Dian suddenly asked, cutting through the comfortable silence that had built up around them.

"I don't," Jin replied. "If he's Lord Cao Cao's enemy, then he's my enemy. If he's Lord Cao Cao's ally, then he's my ally."

"You're a pretty simple guy, huh?" Dian said with a smile.

"There's no need to let personal feelings get in the way of something like this, right?"

Dian let out a laugh. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"What about you? What do you think of him?"

"I don't think he's very honest guy," Dian replied after thinking about the question for a few minutes.

"What do you mean?" Jin asked finally removing the wheat from his mouth.

"It's kind of like what Master Yuan said. He and his people say a lot of things…like about how benevolent Liu Bei is, but I feel like there is something under the surface. Something that he tries to hide. If pushed against the wall, he would show his true self and…I think it would be pretty ugly. I prefer a guy that's honest about himself, you know? Like Lord Cao Cao. He isn't perfect and he knows it. He isn't afraid to show his dark side. He embraces it. You know what you are getting with him. With Lord Liu Bei…it always feels like there is a mask. I guess it is kind of hard to explain…" Dian trailed off and scratched his cheek with his index finger.

"I understand. If you say there is something off about him, then there must be."

"Hey you shouldn't just take my word for it, I could be completely wrong."

Jin shook his head as he stood and stretched his arms to the sky. After hearing a satisfying pop he put his arms down and looked at Dian. "I don't think you are. You usually aren't wrong about stuff like this and I trust your word."

Dian blinked in surprise then smiled Yue Jin was really a simple guy but that was what he liked about him.

"You're a good guy, Wenqian. C'mon-" Dian stood and leaned closer to Jin and whispered. "I have some wine hidden away. I'll share some with you," he finished with a smile.

Jin nodded and smiled and the two walked off together.

=#=

Dun had just fallen asleep when he was awoken by a rustling sound just outside of his tent. His hand grabbed the hilt of his podao he had resting beside him as he listened to the tent flap rustle when the intruder stepped inside. Whoever it was, they weren't trying to conceal their presence. He opened his eyes and turned his head to get a look at the figure that entered. What he saw made him sigh. Sitting up, Dun picked up the wine jar he stole from Yuan and shook it. It was empty. It seems he had too much to drink if this is what he's dreaming about.

He laid back down and turned over, closing his eyes intent on forgetting about this cruel dream.

"Nothing to say?"

Dun frowned. Now his dream was talking to him? How utterly cruel. He didn't reply, hoping that eventually his dream would turn to something a bit more pleasant. He could hear the person moving closer to them until they were right next to them. He could feel movement beside him and he quickly grabbed the arm reaching toward him and flipped the person onto the bedding beside him.

Dun studied her face. She looked just like he remembered her. Unable to help himself, his hand released the wrist he had been holding to trace her cheek with his finger. He hadn't had a dream like this in a while now. Why was he suddenly thinking about this?

"I missed you," she whispered.

She still said the same things his dreams did. Dun frowned. Of course she did. It wasn't real after all. Why did he even allow himself to hope?

"Go away," he muttered moving his hand from her face.

"Excuse me?" she asked, cocking a brow in surprise.

"I don't feel like having this dream right now so fuck off."

"Dream huh?" Moving quickly, she climbed atop Dun. He didn't move to stop her.

"Let's make this a good dream then…" she said as she took his calloused hands in hers and guided them to her waist.

He stared at her allowing her to do what she wanted. He didn't know why he indulged this. It would only end with him being alone. It always did. Perhaps he allowed it because he missed her. He so desperately wanted to talk to her again, to train with her, to touch her, to kiss her, to make love to her.

"This can't be real…" he muttered as he squeezed her waist, his fingers digging into her flesh. His hands slid up and she hissed in pain and quickly moved his hands back down. Dun wanted to ask what that was about but she spoke first.

"Why can't it be?" she asked while she slowly opened the top of her robe revealing the thin chemise she wore beneath.

"Because you're dead," he muttered bitterly as his eyes watched her intently.

"Not quite so dead, husband," Zhuyue said softly as she let her robe fall off her shoulders revealing her creamy olive skin.

Dun flipped them over putting Zhuyue on her back. She let out a surprised gasp from the sudden shift but didn't fight back.

"Finally convinced that this isn't a dream?" Zhuyue said with a smile as she cupped his face with her hand.

"I don't care if it is anymore," he replied as he took of the rest of her robe and ran his hand over her body enjoying the feel. He couldn't believe how much he missed this, missed her. Even if this was a dream, he intended on enjoying it to the fullest.

Dun wasted no time burying himself in her. Zhuyue didn't complain, wanting him just as badly as he wanted her. They moved together in a dance that was so familiar but one they hadn't performed in so long. Everything was exactly as he remembered it, her touch, her smell, her moans, it was all there and while he thoroughly enjoyed every inch of it, a small part in the back of his mind knew that when he woke up and she would be gone. This thought spurned his actions more, taking them to a climax over and over again until his body couldn't move any longer, utterly exhausted.

Zhuyue let out a chuckle beside him, her voice laced with fatigue.

"I guess you really did miss me," she breathed out as she clung to him, their bodies sweaty and aching pleasantly.

"I don't want this to end," he replied as he held her closely enjoying the warmth of her body against his.

Zhuyue kissed his chest. "I would love to go again but I don't think I can move much more than this."

"I don't mean the sex…I mean you…I don't want you to leave when I wake up."

Zhuyue's head popped up and she stared at him in disbelief.

"You still think this is a dream? You lose half your brain along with your eye?"

Dun blinked in surprise at the insult. That sharp tongue was very much Zhuyue. The thing is, in his dreams she was always nice to him…overly sweet actually. It was one of the things in his dreams he always thought as odd since he fell in love with her rebellious personality, her sharp wit and her even sharper tongue.

"Zhuyue?" he asked in confusion.

"We just had sex I don't know how many times and you weren't sure who I was?" She sat up with an annoyed look on her face. Dun sat up as well, his eye searching her face in confusion. Was this really her? He reached out to touch her face once more and she smacked it away in irritation.

This was definitely his wife, but how? Overwhelmed, Dun pulled her forward in a tight hug. She tried to pull away from him but he wouldn't let her go. He squeezed her tightly, his eye squeezed shut as his brain tried to make sense out of what was happening.

"H-how?" he managed to croak out.

Zhuyue finally stopped her struggling realizing that he was serious.

"Heavens, what type of fool did I marry?" though her words were biting, her tone was anything but. He felt her wrap her arms around his neck as he hugged him back.

"Tell me everything," he demanded.

"Gonna let me go first?"

"No," he replied.

Zhuyue let out a little giggle that was so much more girlish than she normally was. It was an odd sound coming from her but not one that Dun hated. He turned her around so that she was sitting on his lap with her back was against his chest. He rested his chin on her left shoulder and she leaned back against him enjoying the feeling of being enveloped in his warmth.

Zhuyue began to tell her tale. She started with when she escaped from the burning castle in Jing to her run in with the forces of Wu. She told him about her meeting with Madame Xu and how the old woman saved her life and how she saved hers in turn. She talked about her meeting with the pompous noble and his spoiled daughter, as well as the suspicious merchant and her meeting with Xun You. Zhuyue had felt as if she were talking for hours but through it all, Dun listened quietly, never once interrupting her.

Finally Zhuyue got up to her arrival at Xiaopei.

"We stopped in a town for rest when we heard about the battle that happened here. They said Cao was leading a force for a big push to take the province. I figured you would be part of the army coming here so I told Gōngdá that I wanted to come here and wait for you. He agreed to come with me since it was his intention to serve Cao Cao as well. We rode non-stop to get here and well…that's it," she concluded. She purposely left out the parts about her being sick. She didn't want him to worry, not when they had just found each other after so long.

"So this was done by Wu?" Dun asked as he gingerly touched the stitched wound on her side. She nodded in agreement.

"What happened to this Madame Xu?"

"Gōngdá sent her to Xuchang in the carriage. Paid for extra guards to make sure she got there safely."

"It seems I owe this Gōngdá my thanks. I'll go pay my respects tomorrow."

Dun let out a sigh and nuzzled his nose into the crook of her shoulder before kissing her there.

"So you are real…"

"Do you seriously still doubt that?"

"Just coming to terms with it. We had a funeral for you…I had to say goodbye to you, but here you are…alive," he kissed her shoulder again. "You should've gone back to Xuchang. Xiaolian misses you. She hasn't been the same since you've been gone."

"I miss her too. I wanted to go back but we were closer to Xiaopei and…I had to see you…."

He nodded understanding the sentiment completely.

"You got…a little plump…," he muttered as his hand rubbed her slowly expanding stomach. He winced feeling her elbow ram into his abdominal.

"Hold your tongue, husband. It is only because I haven't had the chance to train much lately. I'll get back in shape soon enough."

"Calm yourself woman," he said as he pushed her elbow forward to give himself some relief. "I didn't say it was a bad thing. You could use some meat on you."

Zhuyue rammed her other elbow into his stomach causing Dun to grunt in pain.

"You want to lose your tongue along with your eye it seems; speaking of…What exactly happened to your eye?"

He sighed; he knew this would come up eventually. It was a bit hard to miss.

"I got shot with an arrow."

"Shit," she said softly and turned in his lap so she could look at his face. She moved her hand to take off the cloth he had wrapped around it. He grabbed her hand and stopped her.

"Don't."

"Why?"

"I don't want you to see it."

"Why?"

Dun didn't reply. Why didn't he want her to see it? Perhaps because it was admitting a weakness? It was a weakness he didn't want her to see. Dun wasn't a vain man, but he felt that this made him look hideous. He didn't want her to look at him in disgust. Zhuyue moved to take it off once more but he stopped her.

"Let me see," she implored. Dun sighed once more and let his hand dropped. She removed the cloth from his eye and stared into the socket that was once his eye. The area just below the eye was split, sundered from the arrow just before it pierced into the eye ball. It was healing but the wound was still fairly fresh and Zhuyue was greeted with the sight of pinkish-white flesh. The eye itself had to be completely removed as damaged as it was. It was like looking into the depths of a dark cavern with reddish walls of flesh. It was hard to see much else in their limited light. Dun turned his head ashamed.

"The person that did this, does he still breathe?"

"No," Dun growled out as he remembered ramming the spear through both of his eyes before dealing the final blow. "But it was Ling who ordered it." He added as an afterthought.

"So I still have someone to kill…good."

"Not if I kill him first," he muttered.

Dun closed his eyes. It was good to hear that she wanted to avenge him but she shouldn't have anything to avenge. His carelessness caused this situation and it wasn't a mistake he planned on making again. His good eye flew open when he felt something soft touch the lid that covered his empty socket. He saw Zhuyue pulling back from him, a serene smile on her face.

"You have no idea how much I missed you," she said softly.

It didn't disgust her? She still looked at him the same way she always had. A strange feeling suddenly gripped him. It was something he had felt before. That inexplicable tightening in his chest that was accompanied with a warmth that was foreign to him when first met her but it was something he was more than familiar with now. He didn't think he would ever feel it again but here it was. Dun looked into Zhuyue's eyes. He wasn't an overly religious man, but when he got back home, he intended on paying respects to his ancestral shrine for bringing her back to him. They have truly given him a gift that he could never repay.

"I think I have an idea," he replied as he tied the cloth around his eye once more. Once done, he wrapped his hands around her waist.

"I'm glad you chose to come here first," he murmured before laying her down against the bedding once more, his fatigue completely melted away.

"Don't tell me you're ready for another round?" she said with a smirk.

"I hope you didn't intend on getting any sleep tonight," he replied seriously.

"I actually did, silly me."

"Too bad. I have no intention of letting you go anytime soon now that I have you in my arms again."

"Hmm, lucky for you I have no problem with that."

"Like you had a choice," was Dun's reply before claiming Zhuyue once more.

=#=

Zhuyue awoke to a particularly bad bout of nausea. She barely had time to throw on an outer robe and make it outside of their tent before completely emptying her stomach. She spat out the foul remains which lingered in her mouth with a groan. At least Dun wasn't here to witness this.

"What's wrong with you?" Zhuyue grimaced at the gruff voice coming from behind her. She thought Dun wasn't there to witness it but apparently she was wrong.

"Nothing, just had an upset stomach," she replied as she turned around to face him. Dun had a frown on his face as he studied her. She gave him a smile but he wasn't buying it.

Dun looked to the ground then to her. "That's a lot of vomit for just an upset stomach. What's wrong with you?" he repeated his voice sterner.

Zhuyue sighed. He was going to make a big deal about this. "Aren't you suppose to be on watch now?"

"I switched with someone else, quit changing the subject. What is wrong with you?"

"I just haven't been feeling well lately," Zhuyue replied as she walked past him to get back into the tent.

"How long," he asked as he followed after her.

"It isn't that serious; don't make a big deal about this."

Dun grabbed hold of her arm and forced her to face him. His jaw was set, his eye narrowed.

"I swear woman if you don't answer my question…"

Zhuyue relented with a sigh. "I don't know, awhile."

"Get dressed," Dun said as he let her arm go.

"Why?" she asked as she eyed him suspiciously.

"Xiaopei. There is a doctor who lives there. I was taken to his home when I lost my eye and now I'm taking you to him."

He actually didn't want to go to a doctor when he lost his eye. He usually took care of his own wounds though he never had anything quite as bad as this. He didn't know the first thing on how to care for an injury of this magnitude and he was forced to seek professional help. The doctor did an efficient job and gained Dun's respect.

"It's really no-," Zhuyue began but her protest was cut short.

"This isn't up for discussion, Zhuyue. Get dressed."

"Can I at least clean myself first?"

"Fine, but make it quick."

With a huff Zhuyue got her belongings together and washed in the nearby lake. Much to her annoyance, Dun was waiting for her when she was done and without wasting any time, he took her into Xiaopei.

Before long, they arrived at the doctor's modest home. He personally greeted them the moment he caught sight of Dun.

"Master Dun, It is so good to see you again. Is your eye bothering you?"

"It's fine. We are here for her," Dun replied as he put his hand on Zhuyue's back and pushed her forward. She stumbled forward a few steps before regaining her footing. She looked over her shoulder at Dun with a glare. Why exactly did she miss him again?

"Oh? What seems to be the problem young lady?" The doctor asked in a friendly tone."

"It's not-" Zhuyue began but was cut off by Dun.

"Zhuyue," he said warningly.

She sighed. "I haven't been feeling well lately,"

"I see, come in, sit down and tell me exactly what's wrong."

Zhuyue followed the doctor further inside of his home with Dun pulling up the rear. He listened to her give an explanation of her symptoms to the doctor and found himself getting increasingly angry. How could she not think that this was a problem? What an infuriating woman he chose to fall in love with.

"I see," the doctor replied after Zhuyue finished her account of her symptoms. "I'll have to examine you to determine exactly what is wrong."

He stood and motioned towards the back of his home towards a bedroom he usually used for patients that came to him rather than waiting for a house call. Zhuyue nodded and stood as well. The doctor looked at Dun.

"I'm guessing this is your wife, correct?" Dun nodded in response.

"I thought so! Would you be joining us?" Dun nodded once more but before he could take a step forward, someone called for him from the entrance.

The three of them turned to the newcomer who had been escorted inside by a servant. It was Liu Bei. Dun looked at the man with a frown. Why was he suddenly here?

"Ah, so it is true that you were here," he replied as he saluted Dun. Dun eyed him suspiciously for a few seconds before returning the gesture.

Liu Bei bowed his head to the doctor who returned to the greeting. His eyes fell on Zhuyue and he studied her for awhile feeling as if he had seen her before. Dun stepped in front of Bei's line of sight, not pleased with his lingering eyes.

"What do you want?"

"Oh," Bei replied in a bewildered tone, suddenly snapped out of his thoughts.

"We got word that Cao Cao would be arriving at any moment. I was about to go to the camp to meet with you but heard from my men that you were here."

Dun nodded to his words. He looked back at Zhuyue. He didn't want to leave her but he still had a duty to perform. Zhuyue seemed to sense his hesitation.

"I'm not a child, go. I'll be fine."

He nodded and headed to the doctor. He placed a pouch in his hand as payment for services.

"Take care of her."

The doctor nodded and smiled. Dun cast a final glance to Zhuyue then headed off. Liu Bei lingered behind, his eyes falling on Zhuyue again as he tried to recall where he saw her before but was interrupted by Dun's gruff voice.

"I'm sure you have better things to do than to stare at my wife."

"Ah, yes…m-my apologies," he managed to stumble out, feeling embarrassed at being caught.

So that was his wife? Why was she here? She wasn't here when Dun first arrived. He didn't even know Dun was married. He swore he saw here somewhere else before but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

The two men left leaving Zhuyue and the doctor alone.

=#=

Zhuyue was poked and prodded as the doctor ran a battery of tests on her. Just as she was about to tell him she had enough, he informed her that he completed his examination. The doctor smiled warmly at her. Feeling irritated from the constant testing, she didn't return the smile.

"Well, my lady, there isn't nothing wrong with you at all. In fact, I would say this is time for celebration."

"What are you talking about?"

"You are with child, my dear," the doctor replied with a smile.

Zhuyue stared at him blankly. She couldn't have heard that right.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"The heavens have gifted you and Master Dun with a child!" he explained excitedly.

Zhuyue continued to stare at the doctor as she tried to process what he had just told her. She knew this was a distinct possibility but she had no idea it would be coming this soon. Zhuyue sat in silence for a long period of time. The doctor remained quiet as well giving her the time she needed to adjust to the news. Her stomach had actually begun to swell as of late but not by much. She thought she had simply gained a little weight. She had been eating more lately.

Zhuyue wrapped her arms around her body feeling suddenly extremely ill. She and Dun hadn't spoken about this. Would he expect her to cease fighting and bear all his children? Would she wind up becoming the pretty little housewives she never wanted to be?

"Are you having another bout of illness?" The doctor asked finally breaking his silence when he noticed that Zhuyue seemed to go pale.

Zhuyue looked to him, suddenly remembering where she was.

"No...I'm fine," she lied.

The doctor nodded but she was sure that he didn't believe her.

"Master Dun gave me too much for the treatment." He handed the pouch Dun had given him to her. "I've taken the payment from my services out of here. Please give the rest back to him."

Zhuyue looked at it and shook her head. She pushed the hand holding the pouch back into his direction.

"Keep it, but I have a favor to ask."

The doctor gave her a questioning look.

"Do not tell my husband that I am with child."

His eyes widened and he was ready to protest but Zhuyue raised a hand to stop him.

"I…I want to tell him on my own. Please. If he asks, just tell him it was just a normal stomach illness. I swear to you I will tell him, I…I just need time."

The doctor sighed and lowered the hand that held the pouch.

"If that is your wish, my lady. But before you go…," he turned from Zhuyue and went to the a wall lined with small cubby-hole like shelves with various herbs and other things within it. With a practiced hand, the doctor pulled out several of the herbs and placed a measured amount within a cloth. Once finished, he tied the cloth up and went back over to Zhuyue.

"This should last you for a week. Brew it into a tea every morning and every evening. It will help with your nausea."

"Thank you," she said gratefully as she took the tied bundle from his hands.

"If you are still here when the week is over, come back to get more, I will not charge you for it as I have already been paid."

Zhuyue gave him a weak smile and nodded.

"And you will not tell him, right?"

The doctor sighed. "I will not, but you need to tell him as soon as possible…unless…he is not the father?"

"He is!" Zhuyue exclaimed a little louder than she intended. "There is no other…I just…I just need time to think about things before I let him know."

The doctor nodded. "Do not wait too long. You are already starting to show. You can pass it off now as simple weight gain but that won't be possible in the very near future."

She nodded in response.

"I know…I will tell him soon, I swear it."

The doctor nodded and gave her a pat on the shoulder. "Be well, my dear. If you find that the herbs do not work, come see me as soon as possible."

She nodded and thanked him and was escorted out of the home by one of his servants, her mind in a bit of a daze.

Zhuyue made her way out of the city of Xiaopei. She barely took note of the going ons as she did, so absorbed in her thoughts as she was. She didn't know what to make of the news she received. Should she be happy about this? Most women would be. It was considered an honor to hold the legacy of ones husband within them. That was a woman's role after all. But that wasn't the mentality that Zhuyue had. She wasn't even sure if she wanted to be a mother, not if it meant that she could no longer be a warrior.

Why was being a warrior even so important to her? She had already proven that she wasn't weak, hadn't she? Wouldn't it be okay to just be a pretty little housewife? The very idea made something itch within her brain. It irritated her to even contemplate that way of life. She couldn't see her self sitting at home as the doting wife knitting and doing housework while her husband fought. She wanted to stand by his side while he fought to change the land. She wanted to be one of the people who fought and bled to tame this chaos and make a world for their children to live in.

No, the role of housewife wasn't for her…but it was a role that might be forced on her. She looked down to her stomach. It was a small little bump, barely noticeable and easily hidden under her robes. It was hard to imagine that a life was growing within there. This child was going to change her life and that change could possibly be for the worse. Would she hate it for doing that to her? No, she couldn't. It didn't ask to be here. That was the doing of her and Dun. She couldn't take out her anger on it.

Zhuyue's looked around and found that her feet had brought her back to the camp. Had Dun finished his meeting with Cao Cao yet? They needed to speak but she wasn't exactly enthusiastic about the impending conversation. She knew it was a bad idea but she wanted to hold it off as much as possible. She still needed to come to terms with everything. She should probably head to tent where the meeting was being held. She needed to present herself to Cao Cao and the others. They needed to know she was alive if Dun hadn't already told them.

Zhuyue tilted her head up to the sky. The sun hung high in a sea of blue, blanketing everything it's light touched with its warm glow. In the center of her view, within the brilliant light Zhuyue saw a small black dot. She tilted her head curiously and noticed the dot coming closer. Her mind became alert and she dodged to the side just in time to miss an arrow imbedding in the ground where she stood only seconds ago. Every muscle in her body tensed. Where they under attack? She looked to the sky but there were no sounds of battle or any other arrows and no one besides her seemed to even notice the original one. After doing one last visual sweep of the area she cast her glance down to the arrow. To her surprise there was something tied around the shaft.

Zhuyue pulled the arrow from the ground and unfurled the parchment coiled around it. Her eyes scanned the words written with in. Most of it had nonsensical terms that she did not understand. Amongst all the gibberish, one line stood out. The last line written seemed added hastily as the writing was a bit messier than the rest. It read: 'The beggar's spotted dove tried to fly with clipped wings. Both dove and its child now flies high within the heavens.'

On the surface, the line was just as confusing as the rest but for some reason she couldn't explain, it made her a bit sad. Whatever this was, she knew that she was not the intended recipient. It would be best to take it to Cao or Jia. With that thought in mind, Zhuyue headed to the war tent.

=#=

"We cannot attack any sooner?" Liu Bei asked.

Cao Cao folded his arms in front of his chest as he glared at him. Liu Bei seemed to think he had some sort of say in what he does. This was something that Cao needed to rectify immediately.

"Are you telling me how to command my forces?" Cao asked with his left brow raised in question.

"You dare speak to my brother like that?!" Fei spat as he took a menacing step towards Cao. In response Dun, Yuan and Xu Chu stepped protectively in front of Cao.

"I suggest you call your dog off before he is put down," Cao said.

Bei sighed and put an arm on Fei's shoulder to pull him back. Fei growled but allowed himself to be pulled back. Seeing Fei back off, the three men took a step back as well.

"I meant no disrespect, Lord Cao Cao. Many of us are eager to go home to our families. We only wish to drive out Lu Bu as soon as possible."

"And your idea of doing that is to take an army that marched from Xuchang to here and put them directly into a battle against a well rested adversary that is fortified behind a wall? I doubt Lu Bu will make the same blunder you did and come out from the safety of his walls."

"I-I…," Bei paused and lowered his head. Cao's words stung and he was at a loss for words as a result. What Cao Cao said made sense but that didn't diminish the want to go to Xiapi as soon as possible. He could only imagine the people suffering under Lu Bu's rule. In the corner of his eye Bei could see Fei shrink back. Fei knew the error was his but it was his brother than received the tongue lashing for his stupidity.

Bei felt a hand wrap around his arm and he turned his head to see Diaochan's dainty hand clutching his arm. She flashed him a comforting smile as she gave it a gentle squeeze. He put his hand over hers and gave her a small nod, thankful that she was there to support him. Cao watched the exchange mildly intrigued. Who was this woman Bei had at his side? She was beautiful, much too beautiful for a man of Bei's caliber.

"We will defer to your judgment, Lord Cao," Bei said. He hated having to swallow his pride and kowtow to a man like Cao Cao but he needed him. His pride was a small price to pay for the safety of the people who put their trust in him.

"Hmph," was Cao's response. Liu Bei folded much easier than he expected. This is exactly why a man like this could never rule this land. He had no fangs.

"This woman…who is she?" Cao asked as he cast another glance to Diaochan.

Immediately Liu Bei stood protectively in front of Diaochan. Cao's salacious nature was well known among many people. While Cao has never taken a woman that belonged to another man, Bei didn't want to take any chances.

"She is Diaochan. She is my-," Bei paused. What was she to him? He never really took the time to define the nature of their relationship. She was more to him than just a mere concubine but he could not marry her.

"She is my love," Bei finally said. It would be enough to let Cao know that she was off limits.

"Your love? Such honeyed words. She is very beautiful and I can see you are quite smitten. Be sure to hang on to such a rare jewel such as that," Cao said with a smile.

Diaochan gave Cao Cao a coy smile. She bowed her head. "I don't deserve such kind words."

Bei frowned and pushed Diaochan behind him. He didn't like how comfortable Cao was getting with her.

"My Lord," interrupted a guard who stepped past the tent flap. All present turned to look at the guard who saluted.

"I know you said that you didn't want to be disturbed unless it was an emergency but this is important. You won't believe this but-"

He was cut off by someone entering behind him.

"It's no fun if you announce me. I won't get to see their faces," said Zhuyue as she pushed past the guard.

The looks on their faces was everything she could have hoped for. Even Cao stared at her with his mouth dropped open in surprise. The only one that didn't look surprised was Dun which was a given since he was the first to be made aware of her return.

"Zhuyue! Is it truly you?!" Yuan exclaimed loudly as he hurried to the woman.

"It's me," she confirmed with a smile. When she was away from all of them, Dun and Xiaolian occupied her thoughts but upon seeing all of them, she realized just how much she missed them as well.

Yuan grabbed Zhuyue and pulled her into a bear hug.

Zhuyue felt herself being crushed by the bear hug. Normally it wouldn't have been a problem but Zhuyue felt a sudden fear for the life growing within her as there was a lot of pressure being applied to her stomach.

"Get off! Get off!" She cried out as she struggled to wiggle free. When Yuan moved too slow to release her, she kneed him in the crotch.

Yuan groaned and dropped her. His hands immediately going to rub the wounded area.

"Yup, that's my little sister," he said through a pained laugh.

Zhuyue winced. She felt horrible about what she did. She couldn't believe she reacted like that. She knew that Yuan meant no harm but she felt fear for her child. Subconsciously her hand went to her stomach. She rubbed it lightly hoping that it was okay.

Jia stepped around Yuan's crouched form to Zhuyue and gave her a smile. It wasn't one of the whimsical smiles he usually wore. This one was a genuine smile from the heart.

"It is truly good to see you again. I was devastated when I thought we lost our little sister," he said as he pulled her into a hug, much gentler than the one Yuan had given her.

Li Dian was the next person at her side. He nudged her shoulder and gave her a smile.

"I knew you were still kicking. Glad you finally came back to us."

"Did you really know?" she asked.

"Yup," Dian replied proudly.

He felt a sudden pain in his arm. It took him a few seconds to realize that he was punched. He looked over to the assailant to see a frowning Yue Jin.

"Why didn't you tell us? We were all so saddened by her death. You could have at least told Master Dun!" he scolded.

Dian lifted his hands in defense.

"Woah, wait, well um, yeah I guess it would have been a good idea to say something but I thought it would be better if she just came back and surprised everyone you know?"

"No," Jin replied still frowning.

"Enough," Dun cut in. "In case you all forgot, we are still in the middle of a war council. Catch up later."

"There is no need to be so heartless, Master Dun. She is your wife, isn't she? Don't you want to greet her as well?" said Xun Yu with a soft smile.

Dun eyed him. He honestly didn't get why Cao Cao kept this guy around. He was infatuated with the Han, he was extremely soft and equally annoying. At least his cousin didn't seem quite so irritating. From the brief conversation he had with Xun You, he seemed to have a pretty level head.

"No," Dun replied bluntly.

"Hmm, Such dedication to the rules, we should all follow Master Dun's example," Yu Jin said with an approving nod.

"Zhuyue," Cao said in a tone that easily showed his authority. Zhuyue and the others immediately stood at attention. She saluted Cao.

"Yes, My Lord?"

"Come," he commanded.

She stepped forward to him. Cao eyed her for a few moments. She didn't get what he was looking for and she found herself wanting to squirm under the intense scrutiny. After a few moments he nodded and pulled her into a hug. Zhuyue smiled at the brotherly hug and returned it. It was rare for him to display such affection in public and she felt incredibly honored by it.

"You gave us quite a scare. I expect a full report as soon as this meeting is over."

"My apologies, My lord. I'll be more than happy to tell you everything whenever you are ready."

He nodded and indicated with his head for her to stand to the side. She saluted and moved to her normal place next to Dun.

=#=

Bei watched this unfold with surprise. This woman was certainly very popular. The way they spoke about her seemed as if she was more than just Dun's wife. They treated her as an ally. It was then that it hit him. He remembered who she was. That was the woman from the battle of Hulao gate. His brother had gotten into some trouble with her handmaids and she jumped to their defense. So she married Xiahou Dun huh? He looked to his brother Fei. From the scowl on his face Bei was certain he remembered her as well.

The rest of the meeting proceeded without further incident. Zhuyue wasn't one hundred percent sure what was going on. She could figure out that they had allied themselves with Liu Bei but she wasn't exactly sure why. She probably should have asked Dun last night but talking about war was the last thing on her mind when she saw him. Now, however, she had plenty of questions. One of which was why their former enemy Jia Xu was with them. He stood next to Guo Jia, his sharp eyes roamed over everyone constantly. When their eyes met, he averted his gaze almost immediately. Zhuyue could understand why. He was the man that nearly orchestrated her death after all. Even if he didn't do it deliberately, he was still the man responsible for it.

She wasn't sure how she felt about Xu being on their team now. Perhaps with time she could accept him but as it stood, she didn't trust him. Her eyes moved from him and scanned Bei's people. She remembered his two brothers from the battle of Hulao gate. The new addition was Diaochan. That girl really got around, didn't she? From Dong Zhou to Lu Bu and now Liu Bei. She certainly kept herself busy.

Diaochan could feel eyes on her and looked up to see Zhuyue glaring at her. Immediately she cast her eyes down to her feet. This is exactly what she was afraid of. She could tell from that hateful glance that she recognized her. It seems that her companions thought she was dead. Diaochan couldn't help but bitterly wish that she stayed dead.

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Bei saluted Cao. This meeting did not go the way he wanted. Cao refused to advance his army and he refused to tell him when he would do so. He seemed content to make them move on his timeline and there wasn't a thing Bei could do about it. He was after all the one begging for aid. He couldn't very well look a gift horse in the mouth.

"We will await your word," Bei said.

Cao nodded but did not return the salute. Bei frowned and signaled his people to leave the tent. Cao waited for a few moments to ensure that Bei and his people had left before he addressed his men. He gave out orders to several of his generals on how he wanted the camp to be secured and supplies allocated. Having received their orders, the generals left and the generals that remained were those of Cao's inner circle, Jia Xu, Li Dian, Yue Jin, Xu Chu and Xun You.

"Zhuyue, I believe you have a tale to tell, but it is not one I am willing to hear without food and drink. We have to celebrate your return after all," Cao said with a smile.

"My Lord, I'm not worthy of such a celebration."

"In that case, I am actually using your return as an excuse to throw a feast. The men could use something to raise their morale. Many are understandably a bit nervous to fight against a warrior of Lu Bu's caliber. Does that make you feel better?"

"Actually, I think I liked it better when I thought it was for me," she replied with a wiry smile.

"Then next time just accept when someone is trying to do something nice on your behalf," Cao retorted with a smirk.

"Ah, it's good to see you haven't changed a bit, My lord."

Cao gave a good natured scoff at this. "You've hardly been gone long enough for me to change. But I'll take it as a compliment. We shall hold the feast tonight. Be sure that you are there, you are after all our guest of honor."

Zhuyue smirked and saluted Cao. "I am honored….oh!" Remembering the arrow she took it out where she had hidden it in her robe and handed it to him.

"Someone shot this into the camp. I thought I should show it to you."

Cao took the arrow from her and unfurled the note. His eyes scanned over in silence. After a while he rolled it back up with a nod.

"Yes, I was waiting for this. It is a communication from one of my men within Xiapi. It is an update on events going on within. I'll have to review this later in greater detail. There is nothing that needs to be acted on immediately. It will hold till tomorrow. For now though, we feast."

=#=

Zhuyue was impressed by how quickly Cao Cao managed to get the feast thrown together. She passed the time catching up with her comrades and before she knew it, night had fallen and the feast would soon be underway. She had been avoiding Dun for the majority of the day and to her great relief, he had given her space and allowed her to catch up with the others. Currently she was passing the time by speaking with Guo Jia.

"That was quite the entrance you made," Jia said with a smile.

Zhuyue smirked and gave him a slight shrug. "I think I could have gone a bit more dramatic but I decided to keep it simple."

He let out a good natured chuckle.

"Kneeing Miàocái in crotch was keeping it simple?"

Zhuyue winced as she remembered what she did to him. She truly did feel sorry about it but she felt an unnatural fear for the child she was carrying. Something clicked in her brain and she just had to protect it.

"I didn't mean to," she said with a frown. "It was an accident…I just-," she cut herself off. She couldn't explain exactly why she reacted the way she did. Doing so would reveal a truth she hadn't even revealed to Dun.

"He was hurting your stomach right?" Jia asked.

Zhuyue's eyes went wide and she snapped her head in his direction. Jia had that same whimsical smile he always had making it difficult to discern exactly how much he knew.

"Your hand went to your stomach the minute he released you," he explained as he tilted his head thoughtfully to look at Zhuyue.

"Now the question is, why exactly would you need to protect your stomach?" He said as he tapped his chin with his finger.

"My guess is that it is because you are-"

"Shh!" Zhuyue hissed. Jia only smiled in response.

"So my guess is right then?"

She nodded slowly. There was no point in trying to hide anything from Jia. He was too damn observant.

"How did you know?" she asked in a low tone.

"Well, besides what I mentioned before, I spoke with Gōngdá. He mentioned that during your travels together you seemed to be frequently sick. You tried to play it off most of the times but there were times you couldn't hold it back. He also mentioned that you seemed to have to relieve yourself a lot."

"Ugh, that big mouth assh-"

"Now, now," Jia lightly scolded. "He only told me because I made him. After seeing how you reacted with Miàocái I had my suspicions. I made him tell me if there was anything odd about you during your trip to confirm them."

Zhuyue let out a groan. Jia really was too observant for his own good.

"You aren't happy about this?" he asked softly.

Zhuyue sighed.

"I don't know how I feel about this."

"I imagine Yuánràng is happy though, right?"

Zhuyue remained silent. She didn't want to tell him that she hadn't revealed the news to him yet. Jia was as sharp as ever and could suss out what she had been trying to hide from him by the look on her face alone.

"He doesn't know…," he stated rather than asked. Zhuyue shook her head in confirm that he did not. It was Jia's turn to groan.

"Zhuyue-" he began.

"We never really spoke about having children before. What if he expects me to become a housewife? I'm not made for that kind of life. I don't want to be the type of woman that just sits as home and sees her husband off while he goes to war. I want to help build a future for this land with my own hands."

"Silly girl," Jia said as he shook his head. "You already have a child or have you forgotten?"

"Of course I haven't forgotten about Xiaolian! But that is different. She is older."

"She is still a fairly young child that would benefit from a mother at home, is she not?"

"Well…yeah I guess so…maybe…"

"And has Yuánràng ever asked you to cease being a warrior to care for her?"

Zhuyue didn't answer. There was no point. She knew that he already knew the answer to that.

"Then why do you think it would be different now? I cannot truly speak for Yuánràng because I am not him, but I can say from what I know about him, he doesn't seem the type to want a woman who stays at home and dotes on the children. If he did, I'm sure he would have gotten married long ago. I doubt he would suddenly try to change you."

Zhuyue sighed once more. She hoped Jia was right but she couldn't be sure until she spoke to Dun herself.

"Just do me a favor, when you finally do tell him, which needs to be soon, don't tell him I know. No man wants to find out that they are the second to know about something like this."

Zhuyue nodded in agreement. She could see the wisdom in his words.

"Hey! Quit taking up all my little sister's attention for yourself,"

Yuan said loudly as he came to Zhuyue and Jia's side. He threw an arm around Zhuyue's shoulders and gave her a good natured shake. Zhuyue was relieved that he didn't seem angry after her earlier assault.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Jia said with a smile. "I only wanted to see if she would give me preview of her tale. I am really quite interested on how she managed to escape a burning castle. Unfortunately, she refuses to tell me a thing," Jia said with a mock pout. The moment Yuan turned his attention from him to Zhuyue, he threw her a discreet wink.

"Ahaha to be honest, I wanted to find out the story too," Yuan said with a guilty smile that made him look much younger than what he was.

"Well that and I wanted to know what was up with you and Brother Dun…," his smile had dropped almost as soon as it had come into a frown.

"I don't get it, I thought out of everyone he would be the happiest to see you here but he didn't even so much as bat an eye when you walked past that tent flap. And to make things worse, you've been making the rounds and speaking with everyone but you two haven't spoken to each other once. What's up with you two?"

"That's because I said all I had to say to her last night."

The three turned to see Dun walking towards them. It appeared that he had overheard their conversation.

"Wait, so you were here since last night and didn't say anything to me?" Yuan asked with a furrowed brow. He looked a bit hurt by the implication and it made Zhuyue feel terrible.

"Don't blame it on her," Dun replied as he folded his arms across his chest. "I wouldn't let her leave the tent."

"Why not?" Yuan asked as his mood suddenly shifted to indignation.

"Think about it and you'll figure it out."

Yuan did think about it and when he reached the answer his face contorted in disgust.

"Ah, yup okay…don't need to hear about that."

Jia on the other hand laughed. "My, my, Yuánràng, I didn't know you had it in you. Unlike Miàocái here, I don't mind details so feel free to tell everything."

"I'm not telling you shit you pervert," Dun replied.

"And here I thought you were finally getting interesting. How disappointing," Jia retorted with a grin.

"Like I give a shit about your opinion," Dun said in a bored tone.

Zhuyue couldn't help but laugh. This was so very familiar. It made her feel like she was home. It had been so long since she heard the banter between her comrades and it stirred up nostalgic feelings within her. She was truly happy to be back.

A servant interrupted the group to inform them that the feast was beginning.

"Well, let's go," Yuan said.

"Go on ahead. We'll catch up," Dun said as he put a hand on Zhuyue's arm to hold her back.

She suddenly felt a bubble of emotions well up within her. He wanted to ask about what happened at the doctor. She wasn't sure if she was ready to tell him the truth yet.

"Alright," Yuan replied with a shrug. "Don't take too long. I want to hear this story."

"Well?" Dun asked as he watched the two men walk away.

"Well what?" Zhuyue responded automatically. Her mind was preoccupied with trying to decide whether to reveal the truth to Dun or not.

"I didn't marry a stupid woman, Zhuyue. Stop acting like one."

Zhuyue gave an irritated sigh. He wasn't giving her enough time to think and she felt as if her back was against the wall.

"It was nothing. Just some nausea."

There was no escaping this. Zhuyue knew she would have to tell Dun eventually. She understood this in her head but her heart was a totally different matter. When she opened her mouth to answer him, the lie easily came out instead. The fear of being forced into a life she didn't want kept her from telling Dun the truth. It was stupid, she knew that but her irrationality was currently overruling her common sense.

"Nausea," he repeated skeptically.

"Yes. Just nausea. He gave me some herbs to brew in the morning and night to relieve some of the symptoms."

"It can't be cured?"

"It will go away in time," she lied. She felt terrible for doing so but she just wasn't ready to tell him the truth.

Dun studied her for a bit. Zhuyue tried her best to maintain a neutral expression. The tension building between them was becoming thick and oppressive. Zhuyue felt that if he kept this up much longer she would break.

"Hey guys, hurry up. We are waiting for the guest of honor!" Dian called out to them.

Zhuyue was immediately grateful for his interruption.

"Coming!" she replied a little too happily. She hurried off in the direction Dian waited and she was relieved when Dun did not stop her.