Hello all. I know this is crazy late. Sorry about that. Had a pretty crazy summer. Hope you all are having a safe and fun summer and I hope you enjoy the next chapter. Thanks for your patience!
Yuan Shang – Xiǎnfǔ
Yuan Xi – Xiǎnyì
Yuan Tan – Xiansi
Shen Pei – Zhengnan
Xun Yu – Wénruò
Xiahou Dun – Yuánràng
Xiahou Yuan – Miàocái
Li Dian – Mànchéng
Guan Yu – Yúncháng
Xu Shu – Yuánzhí
Liu Bei – Xuándé
Zhang Fei – Yìdé
Man Chong – Bóníng
Shi Huan – Gōngliú
Jia Xu – Wénhé
Guo Jia – Fèngxiào
Zhuge Liang – Kǒngmíng
Guan Yu - Zǐlóng
To kill a snake you must cut off the head. It was with that thought in mind that Cao Cao marched his army to Liyang. Yuan Shao's oldest son Yuan Tan was stationed there and since Shao failed to pick an heir before his death, many thought the role of heir to the Yuan family would default to his oldest son. It was a solid logic in principle, but, as Cao would soon find out things weren't quite as cut and dry with the Yuan brothers.
Bravely Tan faced Cao in battle. His decision to fight quickly showed that there is a thin line between bravery and stupidity. Cao's forces easily overwhelmed Tan's own forcing him to retreat back to the safety of Liyang's walls. The fight took less than a day. Such a crushing defeat played heavily on the morale of Tan's surviving men. They suffered catastrophic losses and if changes were not made, Tan would lose the war before it truly began.
-Within Liyang-
"What are we going to do?"
Tan did not reply to his advisor; he chose instead to pace the length of the room as he nervously pulled at his hands. He was so very close to death; that blasted archer nearly put an arrow right between his eyes. Had he not ducked in time, he would surely have been dead, instead only his mao suffered an untimely end; he really liked that mao too…damnable archer.
Tan's eyes wandered over to where his mao sat with the arrow still impaled in it. Better his mao than his head. Tan shuddered at the thought. He was no stranger to battle but this wasn't a battle, it was a slaughter. They had no chance. Even though he was no longer on the battlefield he could smell the stench of blood in the air. He could still see the anguished faces of his soldiers as they were decimated in front of his eyes. If they hadn't scarified themselves for him, he surely would have lain dead beside them.
"My lord, what are we going to do?"
Was this what his father felt in his last moments as he went up against Cao? Would he endure the same fate? He did not want to die. He wasn't ready to. Had his father felt the same way? What should he do? Should he run? Would Cao allow him to? No of course he wouldn't. Cao isn't a man. It was made clear today that he was a demon; a demon after the souls of the Yuan clan.
"MY LORD!"
Tan shot an angry glare at his advisor. He did not appreciate the sudden interruption to his thoughts.
"I am sorry for shouting, My Lord," the advisor said with a bow. "I have been calling you for quite some time but—"
"Out with it!" Tan snapped. "What do you want?"
The advisor cleared his throat and bowed once more. "What are we going to do, My Lord? We sustained massive losses and while our walls are holding for now, they will not hold out indefinitely. A decision must be made."
Tan let out a groan. Why was this happening to him? Why didn't Cao attack Shang? Shang…just thinking of his younger brother made Tan's blood boil. That little shit was trying to usurp him. He was the oldest! By rights their father's legacy should belong to him!
"Perhaps we should retreat," another of Tan's advisors suggested.
"No," Tan replied sharply. "If we retreat, I will have even less of a leg to stand on in the battle against Xiǎnfǔ as rightful heir to father's legacy."
"If we are dead you will have no legs to stand on, my lord," the advisor responded.
Tan glared at his advisor. He knew he was right, but to hear him state it so bluntly rubbed him the wrong way.
"Fine, we will request aid from Xiǎnyì—"
"He is stationed too far away," a third advisor interjected. "We will all be corpses by the time he arrives. There is also the fact that he does not have enough forces to challenge Cao Cao."
"So what do you suggest?" Tan asked angrily. He was quickly growing tired of his advisors.
"The only option we have is to request help from Lord Shang—"
"You expect me to beg him from aid when he tries to take what is rightfully mine?!" Tan asked incredulously.
"He is the only one close enough to help," said one advisor.
"And the only one with enough forces to stand up to Cao Cao's own," said another.
Tan balled his hands into tight fist. He could feel his nails digging into his skin but he did not care. He could not believe he had to beg his younger brother of all people for aid.
"There is no reason why you cannot simply take the forces he sends and turn them against him later," said another advisor, cutting through Tan's thoughts.
Tan perked up suddenly at this suggestion. He could do that, couldn't he? It would be poetic to defeat him with his own troops. Tan's eyes drifted to his skewered mao and he fought to suppress the shudder that threatened to course through him. It would be good to put the fear of death in his overly cocky younger brother.
With a resolute nod, Tan slammed his right fist into the open palm of his left hand.
"Send a messenger out to Xiǎnfǔ immediately requesting troops. We will grovel before him now and after Cao Cao has been defeated, I will defeat him and assume my rightful place.
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-A week later, Ye, Yuan Shang's palace-
"I come on behalf off Lord Tan. He is currently under siege by the villain Cao Cao. The very same man that slew your father—"
"Ah, yes right there," Shang said in a dream like voice as one of his concubines massaged his shoulders.
Tan's messenger frowned. He had come to Shang, at great personal risk to himself, with dire news regarding his brother and he seemed to not care at all. The messenger cleared his throat loudly effectively drawing Shang's attention.
"My lord, do you understand the severity of the message I am relaying?"
Shang gave a bored yawn.
"Yes, yes. My dear older brother Xiansi has gotten himself into trouble and he sent you to beg me for assistance."
"He did not send me to beg—,"
"And that is where he went wrong, wouldn't you agree? Especially after he had the audacity to challenge me over succession of our father's legacy knowing full well that father favored me! That is why his most trusted advisors chose to side with me and not him!" Shang yelled as he jabbed a finger in the direction of Shen Pei and Pang Ji.
It was rare display of anger from the normally jovial Shang. It was so striking that the messenger was rendered speechless after it.
"So," Shang began, having regained his calm demeanor as quickly as he had lost it. "Why don't you try again, but this time, ask me the way I should be asked."
The messenger was taken aback by this request. His eyes shifted over to the others in the room but he would find no answers nor any reprieve from the humiliating task set before him. The messenger was well aware of the importance of the task he was sent to complete. He could not fail this task for the sake of his pride. It was with that thought in mind that the messenger dropped to his knees before Shang and bowed low.
"Lord Shang, I beg you on behalf of Lord Tan that you send reinforcements to his aid."
"Good boy," said Shang with a smug grin. "As to my dear brother's request for aid, I'm afraid the answer is no."
The messenger's eyes shot up to Shang in surprise. "W-what? But I've done everything you've asked!"
"That's true, you have and because you did everything I asked, I won't have you killed as I originally planned."
The messenger's face showed clear alarm at Shang's words and it made him laugh.
"You shouldn't make faces like that," said Shang in-between his laughing fit. "None of the ladies would want you if you make faces like that."
"My lord, please!" the messenger begged. "Lord Tan will die if you do not help."
"Good riddance," Shang replied bitterly.
"He is still your brother! Has all love between you two truly been lost? What would Lord Shao say if he knew what you were doing?"
Shang frowned. The mention of his father made his resolve waver. He probably wouldn't be pleased to know that Shang chose not to help his brother when he could have. Still, Shang was hesitant to give Tan aid. The sting of his brother's refusal to accept him as the rightful heir to their father's legacy was not something that could be easily ignored.
"My lord if I may," Shen Pei began as he bowed to Shang.
Shang gave a small nod and Pei bowed his head once more.
"I understand your hesitation in sending aid to your brother. His crimes are not easily ignored, but I think in this case, you must cast your anger aside. If Cao Cao defeats Lord Tan, he will assuredly come for you next. It would be best to work with your brother to defeat Cao Cao. Afterwards, you two can settle the matter of succession."
"I'm sure your brother would be very grateful if you helped him," chimed in Pang Ji. "He may even be grateful enough to stop his foolish claim to your father's legacy."
"Hmm," Shang hummed as he considered the words of his advisors.
"He would!" the messenger cried out. "And even if he didn't, his people would! We would be eternally grateful to the man who saved us!"
"That so?" said Shang with a lopsided smile. The idea of being hailed as a hero by Tan's followers appealed to him. His brother could hardly keep up his foolish crusade for succession if there is no one to support him.
"Return to your master. Let him know that help is on the way," Shang declared.
The messenger thanked him profusely and ran out of the hall. He wanted to return to Liyang immediately with the good news.
"I must advise caution," said Pei once the messenger was out of the hall.
"What do you mean? You just told me to send help to him!"
"Yes, and I still agree with that course of action," Pei replied. "But I do not think you should simply send your troops to him."
"I don't understand," said Shang with a frown.
"I believe what Zhengnan is trying to say is that you shouldn't send your troops to your brother without a trusted general," said Ji.
"Correct," Pei confirmed. "We wouldn't want him taking your troops and turning them against you in the future."
"That's a good point," said Shang with a nod. Shang waved to his concubine and bid that she returned to her massage. He needed to think and he thought best when he was comfortable.
The concubine resumed her ministrations. Shang closed his eyes feeling pure bliss from her fingers as they kneaded out the tense muscles in his shoulders. After ten minutes of internally deliberating on this dilemma, he reached a conclusion.
"In that case, I will lead them. If I send someone else, brother may tempt them away from me. It is best if I go. There is no one I trust more than myself."
"But my lord, what of Ye?" asked Ji.
"Zhengnan will rule it while I am gone," Shang replied. "I trust you will let nothing happen in my absence."
"I will die before so," Pei replied with a bow.
"Good. Then I better go prepare for our march. I can't wait to see the look on brother's face when he sees me," Shang said with a grin as he headed out of the hall.
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-A week and a half later, Liyang -
"What. Was. He. Doing. Here?!" Tan thought to himself as he ground his teeth together; his eyes boring a hole into his brother's back as he spoke to the troops.
Since he arrived he has been acting like some sort of savior and what was more annoying is that his troops were lapping it up!
"Well! The troops morale seems to still be up, consider the crushing defeat they suffered under your leadership," said Shang as he walked over to Tan having finished his pep talk with the troops.
Tan had to hold himself back from strangling his brother after the disparaging remark.
"Why are you here?" he asked through gritted teeth.
"You needed troops, did you not?"
"I need troops, not you," Tan spat back.
"Oh you would have loved for me to send my troops to you, wouldn't you? I am no fool brother. I will not have you steal my men from me and try to usurp me later on."
Tan's fists were shaking. That was precisely what he planned on doing. How could he have possibly known? It must have been Shen Pei. There was no way Tan would believe that Shang was smart enough to discern his plan without the advisor whispering in his ear.
"I have no intention of stealing your troops," Tan lied. "I only wish to fend off Cao Cao's attack. There is no reason for you to stay."
"How could I do such a thing after you begged me to come—"
"I did no such thing!" Tan said with a snarl. Shang, however, did not seem to be paying any attention to him.
"Besides I am already here," he continued. "There is little point in me leaving now. We will stand together against Cao Cao."
"And then after?"
Shang smiled in place of an answer and walked away leaving a fuming Tan behind.
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"The war between Cao Cao and the Yuan brothers is intensifying," said Xun Yu.
He was addressing Liu Bei's war council. Thought it might be hard to call it a proper war council with only a handful of generals and one advisor.
"Let the fools kill each other, no business of ours," said Zhang Fei in a gruff tone.
"It is our business," Yu replied. Fei sneered feeling that Yu was purposely being confrontational.
"Why do you say that?" asked Guan Yu. He could feel the anger rolling off his sworn brother and wanted to stem any problems before it had the chance to arise.
"Once Cao Cao beats the Yuan brothers, he will turn his attention to Master Liu Biao and he does not have enough forces to fend off Cao Cao's attack."
"But why are you so certain they will lose? Yuan Shang went to reinforce Yuan Tan, right? Perhaps—"
"They will lose," Yu said, cutting Liu Bei off. "The war hasn't been underway for long and Cao Cao already managed to have a decisive victory against Yuan Tan. Even with Yuan Shang coming to aid him, I can guarantee that they will lose. Cao has superior forces and mark my words, he will win this battle."
"So what do we do?" Bei asked with a slight frown.
"We need to be proactive," Yu replied. "We still have time. While Cao Cao is distracted, we should prepare ourselves for his attack."
"I'm guessing you have a plan," said Guan Yu.
"I do," said Yu with a nod. "But I must admit, it is not without its flaws."
"Doesn't hurt to hear it out," said Bei. "What it is?"
"I have heard rumors of a strategist. I believe he would be an invaluable addition to our forces."
"But you are our strategist. Why would we need another?" Bei asked in confusion.
"I am not ashamed to say that while I am a competent strategist, I am far from perfect. Having another strategist of equal or better skill can only benefit us. This strategist in particular I have heard is quite frankly brilliant."
"If he is as good as you say, what's he doing just sitting this war out? Why hasn't anyone else recruited him?" asked Fei.
"From what I have heard many have tried, but he is very particular about whom he serves. He will not follow anyone he does not find worthy. I am certain once he meets our virtuous leader, he will have found his master at last."
"You flatter me," said Bei with a small bow of his head. "I will do my best to convince him to join our side. Where can we find him?"
Yu winced. "That's the problem. He is a recluse. I do not know exactly where he is. I only know that he is north of here."
"And we are supposed to just wonder around until we stumble across him?" said Fei in a tone that did not hide how ridiculous he found this plan.
"I am afraid so," Yu replied, non-pulsed by Fei's negativity. I only know that he resides in Wolonggong for sure."
"Wolonggong…that isn't far from here. It is a day's journey," said Bei as he rubbed his chin.
"Precisely. Even if we do not know exactly where he is, it would be little effort for us to track him down. I think it is at least worth a try."
"I agree with you. Tomorrow we shall set out to Wolonggong to find this strategist. I am eager to see if he is as talented as you make him out to be."
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-A week after Shang's arrival-
With his army well rested, Shang called for his and Tan's combined forces to attack Cao Cao. The attack was in the dead of night and Shang hoped to catch the warlord and his forces unaware.
With the light of the moon and a few torches, their forces charged forth towards Cao Cao's camp. Cao Cao, however, being a man who has used the tactic of night raids himself, was prepared for such an attack and had guards posted all around the camp. The Yuan brother's forces were spotted long before they arrived to the camp giving Cao's forces enough time to assemble a defense against the surprise attack.
When Yuan's forces did arrive, they were greeted with the furious attack of a one eyed general. Xiahou Dun led his forces into battle throwing the Yuan sibling's forces into disarray and giving his own army more time to mount together the rest of their defense.
Originally when Dun set out into battle, his intention was to give his forces time to muster a counter attack, but with every swing of his sword, Dun's purpose changed. He wanted this war to end. He wanted to be by his wife side as she gave birth to their third child. He wanted hold his new child in his arms and enjoy the moment of welcoming their new family member into their home with his wife and two children. In order to do that, these men needed to die. With that sole thought consuming him, Dun cut a bloody swath across the battlefield, heading straight towards the Yuan brothers.
As focused and as deadly as he was, Dun was putting himself in a bad position. He was pushing deep into the enemy's forces in his attempt to get to the Yuan brothers. Once their forces regained their senses and surrounded him, he would be in a dire situation. Dun's younger brother, Xiahou Yuan saw this and he immediately rode out with the intention of saving his older brother.
Riding as if a demon nipped at his heels, Yuan rode furiously to his brother's side. For any unlucky foe that dared to be in his path, they were introduced to Yuan's rod. It didn't take long for Yuan to reach his brother's side.
"Brother! You are too far out!" he cried once he was within range.
Dun spun around, his face a picture of confusion and anger. His brother's words took purchase in his bloodlust laden mind. With a clearer mind, his eyes swept over the battlefield and he quickly realized the position he put himself in. Dun cursed his stupidity. He was old enough and had been in enough battle to know better than this.
"We have to get out of here," Dun said to Yuan.
"No shi—"
"Watch out!" Dun cried as he dove in front of his brother.
Dun could do nothing but grit his teeth and bear the pain as the arrow that was aimed at his brother's back sunk into his left arm.
"Brother!" Yuan shouted as he saw the arrow sink into his brother's shoulder. With a snarl, he whirled around Dun and released the arrow he already had notched. It sailed towards the assailant burying itself in his throat.
"Brother, are you okay?" Yuan asked as he quickly notched another arrow and let it fly towards an enemy he thought was getting too close.
"I'm fine," Dun grunted as he snapped the shaft of the arrow and threw the broken half he held in his hand to the ground. Removing the arrow from his arm completely would have to wait until they were safe.
"Let's get out of here," he said as he readied his sword in his right arm. It was fortunate that his dominate arm wasn't the one hit. He planned on making his enemies pay for his injury on the way out.
"I got your back," Yuan replied as he readied his bow once more.
Hearing his brother's confirmation Dun rushed forward into the throng of enemies that began to surround them. As the brothers fought their way out; Cao's army had enough time to mobilize and were fighting their way in.
Now being assaulted from two fronts, Shang and Tan began to panic. It was becoming increasingly clear that this was not a battle they could win. Shang retreated first, leaving a flustered Tan behind as he fled back to Liyang. Tan cursed his brother's cowardice and tried to regain control of his forces.
As time ticked by, Tan became frustrated with his inability to gain full control of his army. He finally became aware of what Shang had undoubtedly already figured out long ago; the morale of his troops had fallen too low and instead of looking like trained soldiers, they looked like lost children running around the battlefield attempted to flee an overwhelming enemy. There was no longer any hope for them in this battle. The only recourse left to them was to flee and fight another day. Begrudgingly Tan decided to abandon the battle. He ordered the forces he could still control to retreat while Cao's army was distracted by the ones running about like headless chickens.
The distraction worked. Cao ordered his men to handle the forces in front of them rather than give chase to the enemies fleeing them. Dun and Yuan continued to fight through the throngs of enemies that surrounded them to get back to the other side. While Dun and Yuan were currently holding their own, fatigue would certainly come into play eventually.
"Master Yuánràng! Master Miàocái!" Came a cry from a particularly thick group of enemy forces.
Before either man could make a move their enemies were suddenly and violently thrown backwards. Standing in the center of the carnage, covered in the viscera of his fallen foes was Li Dian. His face was the picture of worry as he shouldered his weapon, the blade of his wheeled halberd still whirling after its last attack. It was clear he fought hard to reach them.
"You two okay?" Dian asked as he jogged over to them.
"Yeah…thanks for the assist," said Dun.
Dian heard Dun's words, but his eyes were focused on the broken arrow jutting from his shoulder.
"You're wounded."
"I'm fine," Dun said quickly. "Let's hurry up and get back to our forces."
Dian looked as if he had something more to say, but Dun cut him off.
"The quicker we get back to our side, the faster I can get this taken care of. Don't worry; it's just a flesh wound."
Dian nodded. "Yeah…yeah you'll be okay. I can feel it. Okay then, let's go."
The three charged forward in a mad dash back to their army. By this time, more of Cao's forces had joined the battle and the remaining enemies were being easily routed.
"Running into enemy lines…That was rather reckless," commented Zhang Liao after he and Lingqi who now had a clear path made their way to them.
"Think of lady Zhuyue. If you died here she would be left alone," scolded Lingqi.
Dun frowned. He already well aware of the folly of his actions and didn't need to be reminded.
"I know," Dun replied with a grimace.
"Fooled me," said Yuan with a frown.
"You are no better," said Lingqi as she shook a finger at him. "You were just as reckless as Yuánràng was. You have a wife too or have you forgotten?"
Yuan bowed his head low. He looked every bit like a child being scolded by his mother. "Sorry," he muttered as he kept his eyes glued to the ground.
Dian made sure to avert his eyes from Lingqi to avoid facing her wrath.
"And did you plan on leaving Xiaolian alone so soon after asking her to marry you?"
It didn't work.
"I knew it would work out," Dian said with a crooked smile.
The look on Lingqi's face told Dian quite clearly that she wasn't buying his answer.
"Since when did you get so bossy?" Dun asked with a frown.
"Lady Zhuyue asked me to watch out for you guys to make sure that you make it home. I take the task she has given me very seriously."
"Evidently," Yuan grumbled.
"I think they understand their mistake, Lingqi. If your words did not get to them that arrow in Yuánràng's shoulder certainly should have."
Dun grunted. Liao's words drummed up the pain he had blocked out while fighting. Being reminded of it again made the wound flare up and shoot an arc of pain down his arm. Dian could see Dun's face twitch slightly in reaction to the pain.
"The battle is over, right? We should get back to camp," said Dian. He knew the wound on Dun's shoulder wasn't bad but thought it would be best to get it taken care of sooner rather than later.
"Agreed," said Liao with a slight nod of his head.
With that said, the group made their way back to the camp. Bloodied, tired and injured but still alive.
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"Master Yuánràng, can I come in?"
"Yeah," Dun replied with out looking up to the entrance of his tent.
His eye was instead focused on the broken arrow still jutting from his arm. He managed to get his armor off and was ready to take care of the wound but was having trouble taking the arrow out without doing further damage.
Dian entered Dun's tent. He could see his armor strewn on the floor of his tent haphazardly.
"Need help pulling that out?" Dian asked as he saw Dun feeling around his wound.
Dun let his hand dropped and he looked up to Dian.
"Why did you run after us?" Dun asked.
"You really need to ask that?" Dian replied with a tilt of his head.
"I asked the question so apparently I do."
Dian gave a small sigh and shifted his weight to his right leg and crossing his left leg in front of it, the toes of his boot pointing towards the ground.
"Well…you are my father no—"
"Don't call me that," Dun cut in quickly.
Dian gave him a crooked smile. "You can fight against it all you want, but it is the truth. When Xiaolian and I marry you will be my father."
Dun tsked in annoyance. "Well you haven't yet."
"Even so, as far as I am concerned, you are family and I will look out for my family."
Dun could understand his sentiment. He respected loyalty and though he already knew Dian was a loyal man, he was seeing just how strong the depths of his loyalty ran. Of course he had no intention of letting him know that he was beginning to actually like him as a match for his daughter.
"You are really sappy, you know that, Mànchéng?"
Dian chuckled and ran a hand through his messy hair. "Yeah I know. So about that wound…"
Before Dun could reply, Yuan entered the tent.
"Brother—oh hey, Mànchéng, what are you doing here?"
"Came to see if Master Yuánràng needed help with his wound."
"Huh, guess we had the same idea."
"I don't need help from either of you," said Dun.
"Then why haven't you pulled it out yet?" Yuan challenged.
"I think he was trying to figure out the best way to take it out without causing more damage," said Dian.
"Shut up," Dun grumbled. That was precisely what he was doing and it annoyed him that Dian saw through him so easily.
Dian chuckled. "Well it seems you are in good hands and don't need me around. I'll see you two later."
Dian gave a quick salute to both men before heading out of the tent.
"Quality time with your new son, huh? That's sweet."
"Shut up," Dun said once more.
Yuan chuckled and made his way over to Dun. "So, ready for me to help you pull this out?"
"I take care of my own wounds."
"Bullshit. I've seen Zhuyue tend to your wounds plenty of times."
"That's different," Dun replied grumpily.
"I'm sure it is. She probably kisses all your boo boos to make it all better. Sorry but I can't give ya the same service but I can make sure you don't make that wound any worse than it already is."
"Like I said, it isn't necessary—"
"Brother…I feel like shit that you got that injury because of me. Let me do this…don't make me beg."
Dun sighed. "You are not going to drop this until I do, right?"
"You know me so well."
Begrudgingly Dun turned so that Yuan had easy access to his shoulder.
"Just hurry it up. I swear you are like a child sometimes."
"Are you this moody when Zhuyue tends to your wounds? If so, I don't know how she deals with you," said Yuan as he probed the area around the wound with a finger to determine the best way to pull it out.
"Zhuyue talks a lot less when she's tending to my wounds."
Yuan wrapped a hand around the broken arrow shaft and braced the other on his brother's back. He began wiggling the arrow out of the wound. Dun could do nothing but grit and bear it until Yuan was finally able to fully wrench the arrow head from his shoulder.
With nothing to stop its flow, blood began to seep from the now open wound. Yuan quickly picked up a cloth Dun had beside him and pressed it to his brother's back to stem it.
"Shit," Dun muttered as he grabbed a wine jug he had near him and took a drink. He let the contents pool in his mouth for a few moments before swallowing it down in one big gulp. The alcohol was stronger than the wine he normally drank and it burned his throat on the way down. He lifted the jug to his brother who accepted it with his free hand.
Yuan removed the cloth from the wound. It was already stained a dark crimson from its short time spent stanching it. Yuan pour out some of the jug's contents onto the wound and Dun hissed as the alcohol seemed to bubble and sting the torn skin. Yuan quickly replaced the cloth and drank down the remaining contents of the jug.
"You know, if you keep getting wounds like this, Zhuyue is going to think you're ugly."
"Shows what you know, she's not a woman that turn her nose up at that sort of thing."
"Huh…lucky you. Jiao freaks out whenever I come home with a new scar. She always thinks it is a life threatening wound even if it is nothing more than a scratch.
Dun chucked and shook his head. He could picture Jiao panicking at the sight of one of Yuan's wounds. She was a good woman but didn't have the stomach for things like war and blood.
"Hey hold this. Gotta get another cloth. This one is pretty much done."
Dun awkwardly reached behind him and took hold of the cloth. Yuan hurried out of the returned a few minutes later with a fresh cloth and dressing for the wound.
The brother's were silent as Yuan prepared the thread to sow up his wound. Yuan's hands suddenly stilled and before Dun could ask him why he stopped, his brother spoke up.
"Why did you take that arrow for me?"
"What kind of stupid fucking question is that?" Dun snapped angrily.
Yuan frowned. Dun rarely got angry at Yuan, truly angry. He could count the amount of times it has happened on his hand. So when Dun is legitimately angry at him, Yuan can usually tell right away. This was one of those times. Yuan's question set his brother off in a way he hadn't expected, but he was truly happy for. Even though he thought he understood what the anger meant, he had to ask him; he had to be sure.
"You would have died…if it was more to the right or if you didn't turn fast enough to take it in the arm…you could have died and it would have been my fault. Like Ai and Shan said I'm not really your brother. It would be stupid for you to die for me."
"Where the hell is all of this coming from? Have I ever treated you as if you were anything less than my brother?"
"Well no but—"
"But nothing!" Dun said angrily. "YOU ARE MY BROTHER and I would do anything to save my idiot brother, even if it means my own death. Understood?"
"Y-yeah," Yuan said softly. "Sorry about that. I was thinking about Ai and Shan…had a dream about them and it drummed up bad memories."
"I don't want to ever hear that shit again. Ai and Shan are fucking idiots. Don't start letting their stupidity drag you down. You are my brother, my only brother and I will always look out for you."
There was a moment of silence between the brothers; both of them processing the conversation in their own way. For Yuan, it was validation. He knew Dun cared about him, but to hear him speak with such conviction, it cast any doubt he had out of his mind. Even if Ai and Shan didn't want him, he knew that Dun always would.
"You know…I would die for you too," said Yuan he finished preparing the needle and thread for the stitches.
"Tch, I know. That's why you ran out there after me like an idiot."
"Says the idiot who ran out there first. What were you even doing?"
"Being an idiot just like you said," he replied with a sigh. He rolled his shoulder and winced immediately regretting his actions.
"I was thinking about Zhuyue. Thinking that she would be giving birth to our child and I wouldn't be there for her. At that moment I needed to end this battle so I could be by her side. Unfortunately my emotions overruled my logic and I forgot wars don't work that way."
"Huh…can't wait to tell Zhuyue this story."
"Do that and I'll kill you."
"Pfft like I believe you after you said you'd die for me."
Dun growled in annoyance. Why did he have to open his big mouth? He was getting so damn soft as he got older. It was getting on his nerves.
"I can still beat the shit out of you without killing you."
"Heheheh fair enough. My lips are sealed. Now let's get this wound sown up."
=#=
"This is pointless," griped Fei.
As per their plans, Bei, Fei, Yu and Xun Yu set out to find the genius strategist. As predicted by Fei however, their search so far proved fruitless. They had asked every inhabitant they could find in Wolonggong and they were no closer to finding the strategist than they were when they arrived over a week ago. As time stretched on, Fei became increasingly irritable and while they rested at a small run down tea house, he decided to let them know exactly how he felt.
Xun Yu sighed. He truly hated any time he had to admit that Fei was right, but he was right. This was taking much longer than he anticipated and as time waned on, he was beginning to wonder if the strategist was worth the effort they were putting in. Surprisingly, Liu Bei did not seem to be of the same mindset.
"It is true that we have spent much longer searching for this strategist than we anticipated with little success, but I'm not quite ready to give in yet. Wénruò strongly believes that he would be a boon to our cause and I trust Wénruò's judgment."
"Is it really worth this much trouble brother?" asked Fei? "Truly how much of a difference can one man make? Besides, you have me and Yúncháng here beside you. With the three of us together, who can stop us?"
It was very hard for Wénruò to stop himself from pointing out that since he had met the trio they have lost a significant number of battles. If he was a superstitious man, he would have believed that a curse surrounded them with the ill fated luck they seem to have.
"Brother," Bei said as he placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "For the sake of bringing peace to this land, isn't it worth doing all that we can? Remember, we do not fight for ourselves. We fight for the people and for peace. For that goal, I don't think we can turn our nose up at any option."
"That was well said."
Bei's group looked over to the voice that had interrupted their conversation. Sitting nearby was a man hunched over his table with a forest green hood pulled over his head shielding his face from view.
"This was a private conversation," said Fei sourly.
"Brother!" Bei scolded.
He stood and humbly saluted the man. "Please forgive him. He means no offense. He is just a little over protective when it comes to me."
"No offense taken," the man replied as he gave a small salute back.
"It is a bit disconcerting to speak with you when your face is covered. Do you mind revealing yourself to us?"
The man hesitated for a few seconds before pulling down his hood and revealing himself to the group. He had a boyish face with just wisps of hair in place of a proper beard.
"Can I ask your name?" asked Bei.
He stood and respectfully saluted Bei and his group. "I am Xu Shu, styled Yuánzhí. I hope you will share your name with me?"
Bei saluted Shu. "I am Liu Bei, styled Xuándé. These are my sworn brothers—"
Bei gestured to Guan Yu who stepped forward stood from his seat and saluted.
"I am Guan Yu, styled Yúncháng."
Bei then gestured to Fei for him to introduce himself.
"I see no reason to introduce myself to this kid," he said with a huff.
Bei sighed. "This is my other sworn brother Zhang Fei, styled Yìdé. Forgive his wild tongue. He is a good person, truly. It just takes him a while to warm up to strangers."
Fei grumbled at his brother's description of him.
"Allow me to introduce myself," said Xun Yu as he stood from his seat. "I am Xun Yu, styled Wénruò. We seek a strategist known to live here in this area. Do you him?"
"I do," Shu replied.
"Yeah right. No one else seems to know him but you do?" said Fei.
Shu regarded him in silence for a few moments before shifting his attention back to Xun Yu.
"I understand your sworn brother's skepticism. I am sure I do not look like anything special. I am however, not a liar. I studied under Master Kǒngmíng for a time."
"Kǒngmíng? So that is his name?" asked Bei.
Kǒngmíng? Why was that name so familiar? Xun Yu knew he heard that name before. In truth he swore he heard Xu Shu name before to but he couldn't quite place it.
"That is his style name. He is given name is Zhuge Liang."
Xun Yu's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open at the mere mention of his name. That name. He definitely knew that name. Zhuge Liang was said to be one of the greatest strategist who ever lived. Xun Yu had studied many scrolls written by him. He knew the strategist that lived out here was exceptional but he had no idea it would be him.
"The Sleeping Dragon," he blurted out. "The Sleeping Dragon lives out here…"
Shu gave Xun Yu a look of surprise. "You came out here looking for him and did not know who it was that you sought?"
"Details were frustratingly scarce," Xun Yu admitted with a frown. "I only knew an exceptional strategist liked in seclusion here. No one would even provide his name."
"I am not surprised. Master Kǒngmíng values his privacy. The people here respect and understand that so they wouldn't reveal any information about him to strangers."
"But you did," Fei butted in. "Why are you so forthcoming with information?"
Shu frowned. He understood Fei's skepticism but he was rudeness was starting to annoy him.
"As I said before, your sworn brother's words were well said. To hear him speak about his hopes for peace for this war torn land…it compelled me to speak with him. It is rare to meet a man with such valor at times like these."
"You honor me with your words though I am not quite sure I deserve them," said Bei.
"Forgive me, but I must ask…aren't you a renowned scholar in your own right?" asked Xun Yu.
Shu gave him a sheepish smile. "I am a scholar but to call me renowned might be pushing it a bit."
"Nonsense," Xun Yu replied. "I have seen much of your work and I say that the title fits."
"Our strategist speaks highly of you, Yuánzhí. As you know, we seek to bring peace to the land. If I am not mistaken, this is a goal that aligns with your own. I would be remiss if I did not ask if you if you would join our cause?"
Shu sighed. "You seem like a virtuous man and I would love to join you, but I am afraid I cannot. There is something else that I must do."
"More important than peace in the land?" Fei barked. "You call him virtuous and say you agree with his words but run the minute you are asked to help achieve that peace!"
"Brother, that is enough," said Yu.
"Am I wrong?!" Fei asked angrily.
"Brother, enough. We cannot force him to join us," said Bei.
Shu frowned. "I am truly sorry. I truly would like to join you, but what I have to do…to me it is more important than peace in the land."
Fei sucked his teeth loudly and waved a dismissive hand towards Shu.
"At the very least," Shu continued. "I can show you how you can get to where Master Kǒngmíng and his wife are staying."
"There is nothing we can do to convince you?" asked Xun Yu.
"I am sorry, but no," Shu replied with a shake of his head.
"That's fine. We humbly accept your offer to lead us to Master Kǒngmíng," said Bei.
"And I am sure things will go considerably better if you are there to introduce us," Xun Yu added.
Shu frowned once more and they already knew the next words out of his mouth wouldn't be ones they wanted to hear.
"I am afraid I cannot do that. I am already quite behind on my own journey. I can only show you the path but you will have to walk it yourselves."
"And that would be enough for us. Please lead on," said Bei.
=#=
Cao Cao was not happy. The war he was winning so handily was now at a standstill. Cao seemed to have been a little too effective in his battle against the Shao brothers as they were too terrified to step foot outside of Liyang. Cao tried to breach Liyang's walls with the same zeal he used in battle, but he quickly discovered that Liyang was a formidable fort.
After four failed assaults on Liyang, Cao realized he had no choice but to wait the brothers' out. Yuan Shang foolishly only brought troops, not supplies and with Liyang forced to accommodate the additional people, Cao was betting that they would run out of food faster than normal.
Days turned to weeks and weeks turned into months and the only thing that changed was the morale of Cao's troops. War was already a stressful endeavor. Add that stress to that which comes after being kept from your family from an elongated period of time with no end in sight and it is a recipe for disaster. Cao had to make a decision and he knew it. It was with this thought in mind that he called a war council with his advisors.
"We can't keep going on like this," said Xun You.
"Tell me something I don't know," Cao replied with a grimace.
"Well then, what's the plan m'lord 'cause the men are getting restless. They want to either fight or go home," said Jia Xu.
"Has it truly gotten that bad?" asked Cao.
"I'm afwaid it hwas muh word," said Man Chong.
Cao narrowed his eyes as he watched Chong take another huge bite out of a meat bun he had been eating. "I'm sorry Bóníng, is this meeting interrupting your lunch?"
Chong swallowed. "No, no it's fine."
"I swear I don't know how someone so smart can be so stupid sometimes," said Xu as he swiped at the remaining meat bun in Chong's hands sending it careening to the floor.
Chong eyes looked longingly at the remains of his bun now decorating the tent floor. His head snapped towards Xu's direction and he was about protest the rude actions when he caught sight of Cao's vexed face in the corner of his eye. It didn't take him long to realize he had committed yet another social misstep. He saluted Cao making sure to bow as low as he could.
"My apologies, my lord. I was already eating when you called this sudden meeting and I thought no one would mind if I just had a little bite—"
You nudged Chong in the side to get his attention. Once he had it, he gave a slight shake of his head letting him discreetly know that he was going down the wrong path.
Chong apologized once more. "I mean I am sorry, my lord. I meant no disrespect and it will not happen again."
Cao let out a tired sigh. Chong was eccentric, but his brilliance cannot be denied. His skill with traps was second to none. For talent such as his, Cao was willing to indulge the occasional odd behavior.
"We have gotten distracted from the topic on hand," said Cao, steering the conversation back to their current stalemate with the Shao's.
"What do we do? We cannot wait them out indefinitely and I refuse to leave without a victory," he continued.
"But I think leaving is exactly what we should do," said Guo Jia as he stepped forward and saluted Cao Cao.
"I understand that our men are restless, but that is not enough of a reason to leave and throw away all that we have achieved thus far."
"I agree and I am not suggesting that you do so. The men need something to do so I suggest we give them something to do while achieving your goal."
"Explain," said Cao as he folded his arms across his chest.
"We shift our attention to Jing—"
Xu perked up at the mention of Jing. "Ah, so you are going with my idea, Master Fèngxiào! But I told you I wasn't sure it was feasible—"
"Would someone care to explain this clever plan to me?" said Cao with a hint of impatience.
"My apologies," said Jia with a smile. "Wénhé knew you desired Jing province, so he worked tirelessly until he found a way that we can procure it relatively effortlessly."
Xu waved his hand dismissively. "Master Fèngxiào is giving me entirely too much credit. Most men have a price. I simply sought some within Jing. Turns out, Liu Biao's second born is such a man."
"Really?" said Cao as he stroked his chin. "He is willing to betray his own father?"
"Yes. Luckily for us and unlikely for his father, he is not the most filial son."
"What does he want?"
"He wants a comfortable position where he holds power over others, but not do any real work…oh and taels. Mustn't forget the taels."
"Tch, so he is a man of such little ambition? No matter. There is use for men like that; They are easy to control and easier to mold."
"Ah, there was one other thing he wanted. He has a bit of a pest problem and asks for our help in getting rid of it for him."
"Liu Bei," said Cao with a sneer.
"The one and only," Xu confirmed. "While all this sounds good in theory, as I have told Master Fèngxiào, it is impossible since we are already in the middle of a war."
"A war that is currently in a stalemate," Jia corrected. "And I believe that our absence from here will only turn things in our favor."
"I'm not seeing how us taking pressure off of them is a good thing," said Cao.
"I am sure you have heard the saying the enemy of my enemy is my friend? Well in this case, we are that enemy. Before we came along, Yuan Shang and Yuan Tan were in the middle of a succession dispute. Us attacking Yuan Tan has inadvertently drawn the two together," Jia explained.
"So you think that by us stepping back, they will resume their fighting?"
"Oh it's a very plausible plan if done correctly, my lord," said Chong. "Allow them to destroy each other from within and we simply eliminate whoever remains…of course it is a subtle trap and many key factors must be in place for such a plan to work."
"Those factors are in place as we speak," said Ju Shou as he saluted Cao.
"On Master Fèngxiào orders, I have been working with Gōngliú to sow the seeds so of distrust between the brothers. Having worked under Yuan Shao for so long, I have a good idea on what ticks each of them off. During this stalemate Gōngliú has been stoking the fires between them and I am certain that when we eliminate ourselves from the picture, that flame will become a raging fire."
"So, we solidify our alliance with Liu Biao's by sending that little rat and his pack scurrying once more and when we return to Liyang it will be ours for the taking?"
"Yes, my lord," replied Jia.
"It will give the men something to do as well…" Cao rubbed his chin once more as he thought over all aspects of this plan. Finally resolute he stood from his seat and with an authoritative tone he spoke once more.
"We march for Jing Province at first light."
=#=
"Drink more, father," Liu Cong urged as he held the cup up to his father's lips and tipped it so the water could flow easily into his mouth.
Liu Biao drank what little he could, but was soon reduced to a coughing fit spitting out some of the liquid and blood onto his son's robe.
"I'm…I'm sorry, my son," he wheezed.
"Think nothing of it, father," Cong said softly as he set the cup down.
Biao sucked in a ragged breath and gave Cong's hand a weak pat.
"You…you are a good son. To watch over me so diligently in my time of illness. I can't…I can't believe that your brother has not come to see me."
Biao went into another coughing fit, wracking his already frail body in unimaginable pain. He looked to the hand which he used to cover his mouth and saw blood splattered on it. It was so much more than last time. He knew he wasn't long for this world. He wiped the blood hand on the front of his robe then used the sleeve to wipe any remnants of blood that remained on his lips.
"You have sent your brother the word of my condition haven't you?" Biao wheezed. "You have told him that I need to see him?"
"I have father," Cong lied, his eyes staring unwaveringly into his father's unfocused own. "He hasn't sent word back and he hasn't come. I am not sure why brother is doing this."
Biao sighed. "I…I wanted to see him…just one…last time."
Biao closed his eyes. For a moment, Cong thought it was the end but he could still see a gentle rise and fall of his father's chest and hear the rattling sound of his breath as he forced his lungs to inhale. His eyes fluttered open slightly and he looked at Cong once more.
"I…I am not long for this world. I will join…join our ancestors. Tell your brother…tell him that I entrust Jing to him…I trust him…to…to…"
Biao fell silent sans one last rattling wheeze as he took his last breath; his head slumped to the side and his eyes rolled into the back of his head leaving only the whites of his eyes visible in the slits that remained stubbornly open.
Cong looked down to his father, not with sadness but with anger. He doted on his father in his final weeks but who was it that he always asked for? Qi, Qi, Qi! He was never good enough for him. In his father's eyes, he always walked in the shadow of his older brother. Cong stood from his father's bedside and gave him a withering glare.
"Good riddance, old man," he muttered.
He turned away from his father and went to the water basin near the bed. He dipped his hand in and pulled it out, quickly sprinkling the dripping water onto his face. Satisfied that it looked authentic enough, he returned to his father's bedside, took hold of his hand and began to wail loudly.
As predicted, Biao's closest men and attendants entered the room. Cong turned to them, giving them a good view of his "tear soaked" face. Spotting the tears of Biao's son told them all they needed to know. Their beloved lord had passed on. Several of Biao's servants joined in with Cong's crying, their tears however were genuine.
"My lord," said one of Cong's advisors. "I know this is a difficult time, but what did Lord Biao say about who was to succeed him?"
Cong released his father's hand and dabbed at his face with the sleeve of his robe.
"He named me his successor."
The advisor seemed a bit skeptical and he made his skepticism known. "Truly? I seem to remember him mentioning his desire to have your brother succeed him—"
"Look at this!" Cong shouted catching the attention of the others in the room as he held up the blood stained spot on his robe. "I sat with him in his final moments! It was me who has been at his side since he fell ill. Tell me, where is my brother? Father saw whom was by his side at his darkest time and he has rewarded that loyalty accordingly. Do not belittle my father's final moments!"
The advisor quickly bowed and asked for forgiveness.
Cong sighed and did his best to seem fatigued. "I must ask for forgiveness too. I should not have raised my voice in such a manner. My father's death has devastated all of us."
The advisor nodded. "It has and it speaks volumes that you can still find the strength to be forgiving in such a time. Once again, please forgive me and know that I will gladly serve you as I have your father."
"Thank you," Cong said. "I hate to ask this of you, but can you please begin the preparations for my father's funereal? I…I do not think I have the strength to do so now."
"Of course, my lord."
"Thank you. I will reach out to my brother. Hopefully he will deign to find our father's funeral important enough to attend."
The advisor nodded but said nothing. The frown on his face said everything that needed to be said. Chong walked out his father's room and made his way down the hall. He had to keep telling himself to not smile and give himself away but it was so hard not to do so; after all, everything was going according to plan.
=#=
Liu Bei let out a heavy sigh as he rolled up the scroll.
"Bad news?" Fei asked.
"Master Liu Biao is dead, isn't he?"
Though it was framed as a question, it was clear that Zhuge Liang wasn't truly asking. He seemed to already know the answer. Even so, Liu Bei would oblige him for the room's other inhabitants.
"I'm afraid so," Bei confirmed.
"Damn," said Yu with a frown.
"My lord, we should immediately begin preparing to leave," said Liang.
"Leave? For what?" asked Fei with a little more anger in his voice than necessary.
The truth was that Fei was jealous. Since they had recruited, or perhaps the more apt description would be begged, Zhuge Liang to join them, the two had been inseparable. There were times Liang even stayed the night in Bei's room with him. Before, the only people besides Bei's wife who had done this was his sworn brothers. Now this man had come and taken the spot previously inhabited by them and it did not sit well with Fei at all. Yu held a bit of resentment towards Liang as well, but unlike his brother he was a bit more discreet with showing his dissatisfaction.
"With Master Biao's death there will come a wave of change. It would be best to leave before we get swept away with it."
Fei rolled his eyes at Liang's metaphor. "Bah! What the hell are you talking about? We aren't' at sea! Everything has been fine so far."
"But nothing remains the same. With every action there is a reaction and mark my words, Master Biao's death will bring a negative reaction to us."
"Do you get what you are asking? You are telling us to up and move our families. We have only just set roots down!"
"I know and I am sorry to cause a disruption, but I would prefer uprooting your families now to avoid turmoil later."
Fei threw his hands up. "Bah, I cannot talk to this man. You tell him brother! You tell him we aren't leaving."
"I have to say that I do agree with Yìdé in this, Kǒngmíng. My child is only a few months old as is brother Yúncháng's child; and Brother Yìdé's wife is heavy with child. To ask us to suddenly pack up and leave when we have no proof that anything will change…it is too much to ask."
Liang bowed to Bei. "Of course. Forgive my impertinence. Please excuse me."
Without any further word Liang left the brothers and returned to the home provided to him by Bei. Liang's wife, Yueying was surprised to see him back considering that he spent the last few days with Liu Bei.
"Husband…I am surprised to see you home."
"Yes. My apologies for being away for so many days, it was necessary to get a feel for our new lord."
"And? What is your opinion of him?"
Liang gave a soft sigh as he sat down. Yueying poured him a drink which Liang readily accepted.
"He is naive and thinks with emotion rather than logic…but there is potential in him. If he would follow my counsel I believe the heights he can reach are unimaginable."
"But he is not following your council, is he?"
"No. He is not," Liang replied with a frown. "But like a child who learns the consequence of touching an open flame so too shall Lord Xuándé learn what happens when you do not heed my counsel."
"You speak as if trouble is on the horizon."
"It is my dear wife and I must ask for your support."
"As always, I am here for you."
"And I appreciate that, dear wife. We will have trouble ahead and your support will be invaluable. Come closer, I will tell you what I need from you."
=#=
Zhuyue adjusted her child's position so it could suckle from her breast better. The infant hungrily drank and Zhuyue couldn't help but think of the joke Dun had made when Chong was first born. She felt a pang of longing as she thought of her husband. It was a foolish hope, but she thought he would be home in time for the birth. Not only did he not make it, Dun wasn't sure when he would return.
Her new son squirmed in her arms letting her know he had finished. Zhuyue covered herself up and lifted her child to her shoulder to burp him.
"Mother."
"Come in, Xiaolin," Zhuyue replied as she gently pat her child's back.
Xiaolian entered the room with Chong in her arms.
"Everything okay?" Zhuyue asked.
Chong immediately reached out for his mother upon spotting her, but Xiaolian held him back. Unhappy with being denied, Chong began to cry. Sparked by his older brother's tears, the newborn began to wail too turning the once quiet room into a cacophony of cries.
"Enough! Both of you!" Zhuyue scolded as she rubbed the back of her newborn in an effort to quiet it down.
Chong balked at his mother's sudden outburst silencing his bawling at once.
"Xiahou's don't cry," Zhuyue said in a softer tone as the cessation of Chong's cries and her coddling eventually led to the newborn's own cries ceasing as well.
Chong looked as if he was ready to cry again at any moment but dared not do it in front of his mother lest he get yelled at once more. Zhuyue sighed, seeing the look on her eldest son's face. With a free hand she cupped his cheek.
"You are the oldest male, Chong. You have to be a big boy and watch after us until your father returns home. You are a big boy right?"
"Big boy," Chong repeated.
"Good. So no more crying, okay?"
Chong nodded and Zhuyue released her hold on his face and he turned into the comforting arms of his sister to be pampered just a little longer.
"Any messengers come by today?"
Xiaolian shook her head, her face mirroring the sadness that Xiaolian felt. So there was still no word from Dun or Dian. Zhuyue couldn't help but have respect for the women who were always made to sit at home and wait for their husbands to return from war; the anticipation, the fear, the worrying, it was driving her crazy.
"My lady," called one of Zhuyue's handmaidens from the door Xiaolian had left open when she entered. It was clear she was doing everything in her power to not squeal at the sight of the new baby.
"I was just checking to see if you needed anything."
"Yes, I do," said Zhuyue as she stood. She carefully placed her now sleeping son onto the bed and fixed her robe.
"I need you to stay with the baby."
The handmaiden was clearly taken off guard by this request. Not because she was asked to look after the child, she had watched Chong many times before. What puzzled her was why Zhuyue was asking her to watch the child when she was suppose to stay in the room with her newborn for the three month bonding period.
"I don't understand, my lady."
"I need to get out of this room," Zhuyue explained.
And she truly did. She could feel herself going stir crazy being locked up in the room. When she had Chong, it had been different. Dun had been by her side and he kept her company most of the time. Now? Now all she could do was worry about her husband and the others and it was driving her mad.
"But you can't leave. It has only been one—"
"I am aware of the time," Zhuyue said, cutting the protest of her handmaiden off. "I am still going."
Zhuyue stretched, checked her robe once more and headed to the door only to be blocked by her handmaiden.
"My lady, you cannot leave! Madame Xu told me to make sure you didn't leave! It is tradition that you stay with the baby for three months."
"Madame Xu is not my mother," Zhuyue said in a tone that came out entirely more childish than she intended it to be.
"And I don't put stock in silly traditions and superstitions. Nothing disastrous will happen if I leave the room for a while and I trust you will not let any harm befall my child, would you?"
"I would die before I did," the handmaiden answered quickly.
"Good," Zhuyue said as she gently ushered the handmaiden further into the room and out of her path. "I won't be gone long. I just need some fresh air and to stretch my legs."
The handmaiden wanted to argue the point more but knew that once her mistress made up her mind, it was impossible to change it. Resigned to her fate, she bowed to Zhuyue.
"I will wait for your return."
"You can watch him too," said Xiaolian as she foisted Chong into her arms.
"My lady!" the handmaiden protested as a squirming Chong tried to wiggle out of her grasp.
Unfortunately for her, Xiaolian had already dashed out of the room to follow behind her mother.
"I can't believe you ditched your little brother," said Zhuyue once Xiaolian had caught up to her.
"Says the woman who ditched my new baby brother."
"Tch, brat."
Xiaolian gave her mother a coy smile. Being called a brat reminded her of her father. She missed him and Dian…she hoped they would come home soon.
"ZHUYUE."
Zhuyue visibly winced at hearing her name. She didn't think Xu would catch her quite so quickly. She turned around and saw the elderly woman rushing towards her.
"Madame Xu, you shouldn't rush about like that. It can't be good for a woman of your age."
"Don't you mind my age young one. What you need to mind is where you are and that isn't with your newborn!"
"Xu, I needed to get out of that room for awhile. I feel like the walls are closing in on me. Surely just a little walk won't harm anything."
"But tradition—"
"Xu, am I traditional in anyway? Truly?"
Xu sighed. "You certainly do march to the beat of your own drum…"
After a few moments of thought, Xu walked past Zhuyue and Xiaolian towards the exit. She paused and turned back to look at them. "I have to pick some things up from the market and I would appreciate the company."
Zhuyue smiled and made her way over to Xu with Xiaolian right behind her.
The trio didn't make it very far. Just outside the gates to the Xiahou residence they spied a suspicious looking man in a hood loitering around the home. The moment he noticed them, he began to head in their direction. Zhuyue immediately tense up. She had no idea who this man was and what was worse, she was currently weaponless. Xiaolian placed herself in front of Zhuyue and Xu ready to defend them if necessary.
The man stopped a few feet away from the trio. He pulled down his hood and Xu gasped. For a moment she was rooted in place, unsure if the man she saw before her was truly who she thought it was. It had been so long since she saw him, but she still knew him; she still knew her son.
"Xu, do you know him?" Zhuyue asked upon seeing her reaction.
Xu swiped at a tear that rolled down her cheek and nodded. "He is my son. He is my Fú."
"Mother…I am so happy I finally found you," said Shu.
He took a few cautious steps toward her not wanting to startle Xiaolian in anyway. Xiaolian stepped aside and Shu hurried to his mother and the two embraced.
"Oh my sweet Fú! I have been so worried about you," said Xu through her tears.
"And I have been worried about you," Shu replied as she rubbed her back comfortingly.
"Perhaps it would be best if we go back inside," said Zhuyue.
Shu pulled away from his mother and bowed to her. "My apologies. I did not mean to be so rude. I am Xu Shu styled Yuánzhí—"
"Xu Shu?" Xu asked in surprise as she wiped her eyes. "You have changed your name?"
Shu winced. This was not a topic he wanted to speak about in front of a complete stranger. Zhuyue seemed to sense his discomfort.
"Xu, I am sure he has traveled far to get here. We should let him go inside and rest and perhaps get something to eat."
"Oh…oh of course. Come in my dear."
Xu led the way back into the estate and before long the group was sitting down with drinks in hand.
"I thank you for your hospitality," Xu said as he bowed his head and gestured to Zhuyue with his cup.
"You are the son of Madame Xu. I can do no less for you."
"May I ask how the two of you met?"
"Your mother saved my life," Zhuyue began. She went into the tale of how she and Xu first met.
Shu listened quietly taking mental notes from her tale.
"So that is why our home was pillaged and burned," Shu stated after she had finished her story. "I went there first in search of you and was disheartened to find our home like that."
"How exactly did you find her?" Zhuyue asked.
"In truth, I was found. I received word from someone by the name Xun You. It said that mother was in Xuchang. I did not believe it at first and headed to our old home. When I saw its burned out husk I was distraught; I feared the worse. I remembered the message from Xun You and headed here immediately."
"Master You kept his word," Xu said with a smile.
"Mind if I see that message?"
"Lady Zhuyue!" Xu exclaimed in surprise.
Shu placed a hand on his mother's own and gave Zhuyue a knowing smile. "You are a wise woman to not accept anything at face value."
He fished inside of his robe and produced the message he received almost a year ago. Zhuyue accepted the rolled up message and unfurled it and let her eyes scan the writing within. She had seen enough of tactical scrolls You had written for Dun to recognize his handwriting.
Zhuyue rolled the message back up and gave him a satisfied nod. "My apologies for questioning you. I have my family to look out for."
"You have absolutely nothing to apologize for and I must thank you for taking care of my mother Lady Zhuyue. If something had happened to her in my absence, I don't know what I would have done."
"I owe her my life and she has done far more for me than I have for her."
"Oh Lady Zhuyue, you are too kind," said Xu as she gave Zhuyue a warm smile and squeezed her hand.
"Mother, I wish to catch up with you more and tell you about everything I have learned while I was away, but I am weary from travel."
"Oh, of course son. I was so excited to see you that I had forgotten that you had traveled far to find me. Zhuyue," Xu said as she turned her attention to the woman in question. "I know this is a lot to ask of you, but would it be okay if my son stays the night?"
"No, mother. Lady Zhuyue has done too much already. I cannot impose any further."
"It wouldn't be imposing, Yuánzhí. We have the room."
"Then I would be a fool to turn down your hospitality. Truly, I thank you for all that you have done, but please know it will only be for a few days till I can get myself established."
=#=
-A few weeks later, Jing Province-
"I thank you for welcoming us Lord Cong," said Cao.
The new lord of Jing Province had invited Cao to a banquet the minute he had heard his army had arrived in Jing. To his advisor and generals, it seemed like a wise move to avoid war, but the truth was that this meeting had been planned well in advance. Cong was ready to hand Jing to Cao on a silver platter as long as he fulfilled his end of the bargain.
"I thank you for accepting our invitation," Cong replied.
"I trust you know why I am here."
"I do and I would hope that we can resolve this without bloodshed."
"That depends entirely on you," Cao replied.
"Jing province was my father's legacy to me. It would be a disservice for me to just hand it over to you."
"I would only rule it in name. The day to day running of the province would still fall on to you. Your family has helped this land prosper and kept it stable for years; I have no desire to change that. My only aim is to unite the land under one ruler and end the chaos. Certainly that is a goal that you can support, isn't it?"
"It is…and I accept your proposal," said Chong.
Audible gasp could be heard in the room from some of the advisors. One quickly stood from his seat and banged a fist against the table.
"I cannot abide by this! Your father rejected Cao Cao's deal and the minute he is dead you just give him everything?"
"Tell me, Lord Cao. What would you do if we decide to not accept your proposal?"
"My army surrounds your city. They will attack and take it by force and when I win, because make no mistake I will win, Jing will be ruled by someone of my choosing. The land your father worked so hard to maintain will go by someone who will undoubtedly not care for it the way you do."
Cao spoke in a calm and matter of fact tone. There was no doubt that what he was saying was exactly what was going to happen. It was chilling for the advisors to hear Cao speak of their fate in such a cold manner, but it also helped them understand exactly what they were up against.
"So tell me, which among you wish for me to reject this proposal?"
This time, his advisors remained silent, which is exactly what Cao was expecting.
"So once again, I formally accept your proposal…but there is a problem. My father has let Liu Bei reside in the northern part of our land. I doubt he will accept your rule willingly."
"Leave Liu Bei to me," said Cao.
=#=
He was right. Damn it all Zhuge Liang was right. Cao's army was already bearing down on them and they had little time to evacuate. He had no idea how they were going to flee and even as he was trying to coordinate the peasants that pledged to join them and the soldiers that remained with him. What frustrated him more than anything was that Liang was no where to be found.
"My lord, the peasants are ready to move, where are we going?" asked one of his soldiers.
Bei was at a loss for words. He had no idea where to lead them."
"Soldier. Lady Yueying is waiting at the gates to town. I need you to assist in gathering everyone there. She will be leading the army to safety. Please follow her lead," Liang ordered.
The soldier nodded quickly and hurried off to pass along Liang's order.
"Kǒngmíng! Where have you been?!" Bei asked. His voice was panicked, his eyes wide with uncertainty and fear.
"I was preparing for our departure," Liang answered in a calm tone.
"Preparing? But we only just found out that Cao is on his way."
"But as you may recall, I advised you before that we should prepare to leave."
"But how could you have known? I don't understand"
"Does that really matter right now, my lord? Your people are looking to you for guidance. Though my wife will lead the army to safety, you will need to be at the front of the army. It is important that your men see you at the head."
"Okay…okay," Bei said with a nod. It was clear he had more questions but he understood what his priority had to be.
"It is important that our soldiers surround and protect the untrained peasants and it is equally important that we move quickly. We cannot stop for anything lest we get caught up in a battle we cannot win," Liang continued.
"What will you be doing?"
"I will organize our rear forces then join you once things have been settled."
=#=
They were traveling at a frenzied pace. According to reports, Cao's army was right on his heels. Bei felt frustrated that again they were forced to flee. Will they ever have a land to call their own? One they did not have to live in constant fear of losing?
"Brother!"
Bei twisted in his saddle to see Zhang Fei, Guan Yu and Zhao Yun riding toward him at a furious pace.
"Brother!" Fei repeated once they were closer. "I am glad to see you safe!"
"And I you!" Bei replied. "Where have you been?"
"Forgive us brother, the minute we heard about the attack, I ran to my wife and child to see to their safety."
"I did the same," said Fei.
Zhao Yun had given an account of what he had been doing but Bei did not hear him. He yanked on the reigns on his horse, pulling his steed to an abrupt stop. The horse nearly threw him off from the sudden action but Bei managed to remain seated. Fei, Yu and Yun stopped as well and while they were confused at his sudden stop, they were even more confused at the wide eyed look of fear that Bei wore on his face.
"Brother, what is—"
"My wife! My child!" Bei cried out, cutting off Fei in mid sentence. "In my own cowardice I fled without them. Oh heavens damn me! Damn me for my stupidity!"
"Brother…" Yu muttered. He couldn't think of anything else to say.
There was a moment of silence amongst them. No one knew what to do at that moment.
"What is going on?" Yueying demanded. "You have brought the army to a complete stop."
If Bei heard her, he didn't acknowledge it. He held his head in his hands and cursed himself once more.
"What is his problem?" Yueying demanded. She understood that her husband saw potential in Bei but she wasn't so easily impressed and as of this moment, her opinion of him was not improving.
"Silence woman!" Fei spat angrily. "His wife and child…he has lost his wife and child…"
"Lost? How is that possible? We haven't been attacked."
Her question was met with silence and it did not take her long to figure it out. This was the man her husband wanted to support? One that saves his own skin and forgets his wife and child? This was no man at all in her eyes. This was a coward.
Zhao Yun clutched the shaft of his spear tightly. He could feel anger burning within his very core. This was the man he swore to serve? A man who would save himself over his own family? And the rest of them…these were the men he considered to be comrade in arms? Instead of doing anything to help their lord they sat around and lamented his loss with him? He felt sick; sick of serving such unworthy men; sick of the innocents paying for the cowardice and the foolishness of their lord.
Resolved, Yun turned his horse around.
"Zǐlóng, what are you doing?" asked Guan Yu.
"I go to rescue Lady Gan and Lord Shan. They do not deserve to die—" Yun shot Bei a glare before he spoke his next words. "Not because of him."
Before anyone else could say a word, Yun stirred his horse into a gallop heading back to the very place they were fleeing.
=#=
Lady Gan hadn't been feeling well as of late. The birth of her son Shan took a lot more out of her than anyone anticipated. While she has been getting stronger, she still felt weak and spent most of her time getting bed rest.
Liu Bei visited her and their son on occasion, but his duties usually kept him away from her. She did not mind. She understood his responsibilities when she agreed to be with him. The times he did visit she truly cherished and she knew that Bei cared for his family.
It was because of this mindset that Gan was completely taken by surprise on the day Cao Cao attacked. She had been sleeping when everyone was preparing to leave. She was a very heavy sleeper and though there was a lot of commotion and clamor going on outside, she slept through the majority of it. What woke her up was the sound of Shan's cries.
As Gan fed Shan, she became aware that something was going on in the town. She felt a tinge of fear in the pit of her stomach, but she repeatedly told herself to not worry because if something bad was going on, Liu Bei would come to her. Gan tried to make out the shouts of people barking orders but it was hard to tell what they were saying. Everything was fine. It had to be. Bei hadn't come to her so it had to be fine.
The commotion eventually began to die down and with it her fear. She could feel the tug of sleep pulling at her once more. It was a tempting lure, but she was tired of sleeping. Instead she thought it would be good to take a walk with Shan and get him and herself some fresh air. She readied herself and Shan and headed outside for a walk. It felt as if it had been a long time since she had been outside. Her legs felt leaden and her body felt sluggish. Despite wanting to go for the walk she knew she wouldn't be able to do so for long.
Gan walked down the dusty town road with Shan in her arms. She was startled by the eerie silence that surrounded her. Gan began to realize that as long as she had been outside she hadn't spied another person around. It was almost as if the place was abandoned. That familiar fear in the pit of her stomach swirled to life once more. What was going on?
Gan moved further into the town. She felt completely drained by this point, but her feet seemed to move on its own. She had to find someone here. She found herself in the town market. It wasn't as large as some of the markets in the bigger cities but it was always bustling with activity. Today however, it was silent. There was no one in the market. The rundown stalls were left empty and the only thing moving in the area was the dust being stirred up by the wind.
Gan's legs suddenly felt weak. She stumbled over to a nearby stall and placed her hand on it to hold herself up. They were gone. Everyone was gone! But where was Liu Bei? Why hadn't he come to get her? Shan began crying again. Gan slid down the side of the rickety stall and braced her back against it. She tried to comfort him but he refused to be consoled.
"Shan, please stop…please."
Tears began to spill from her eyes as well. This was too much to handle. For the town to be abandoned must have meant something terrible had happened. If this was true, she just could not understand why Bei hadn't come to her?
Gan was unaware of how long she sat by that stall. Eventually Shan had stopped crying but she was only dully aware of it. Her mind was broken. She couldn't understand how Bei could have left her and the only thing she could do was try to rationalize his reasoning.
The thunderous sound of hooves reached Gan's ears snapping her out of her stupor. It was still a long way off but they were rapidly approaching. Naively she wanted to believe it was Bei; that he had come back for her, but she knew the truth. Whatever the people of this town had run away from was coming and she and Shan were the only ones left to face the danger.
Gan thought of running. It was a foolish thought. She knew she wouldn't get very far. She was already exausted from the walk she had done and she was well aware that even if she was in good health she wouldn't very far on foot versus soldiers on horseback.
The sounds of hooves were getting closer. If this was to be her end, she would do it on her own terms. Gan forced herself to her feet and started heading towards the well in town. She will not be captured by the enemy and used as a pawn nor will she give them the satisfaction of killing her. Finally arriving at the well, Gan looked down to her son in her arms. The sounds of the horses were so close now. He could hear a few men shouting orders to search the town. She didn't have much time.
"I'm so sorry Shan. Please forgive your mother. I love you. I love you so much."
Gan kissed him on the head and with shaking arms moved him towards the mouth of the well.
"STOP!"
=#=
Zhao Yun was close to the town now. He prayed to the heavens that he wasn't too late and his efforts weren't in vain. Yun entered through the southern entrance of the town. He knew Cao's army would be entering through the north. Unfortunately, the home in which Gan and Shan were staying was closer to the northern entrance than the southern one. Yun readied his spear fully expecting to encounter resistance.
Yun's eyes scanned the surrounding area. He didn't see the enemy but he could very well hear them. He was certain he would encounter them soon. He only hoped he would find Gan and Shan before the enemy did.
Yun was nearing the town well. He spied Gan and Shan and to his horror she had her hands outstretched over the well's opening with Shan dangling precariously over it.
"STOP!" Yun cried out.
Reflectively Gan pulled her arms and Chong to her chest and held him protectively against her. To Gan's surprise she saw the familiar face of Zhao Yun and she cried out in joy. Bei hadn't forgotten about her! He sent Yun to come rescue her.
"GET DOWN" Yun yelled and Gan did as she was told, ducking down as low as she can without hurting Shan.
Yun's horse sailed over Gan, Shan and the well and right into a throng of Cao's soldiers. Shan whirled his spear around and whipped it into them. They were thrown backward from the mighty blow and Yun quickly turned his horse back towards Gan.
"Hurry! We have to go! More will come."
Yun held his free hand out to Gan and she was about to reach for it but she suddenly drew it back.
"What are you—"
"You cannot fight with both of us with you. I will only slow you down."
"I can fight with both of you! Come, quickly!" Yun urged.
Gan shook her head. "Tell my love that I knew he wouldn't forget me…tell him that I am sorry that I could not see him again."
"Lady Gan, please—"
With the last of her strength Gan shoved Shan towards Yun forcing him to take him. Once he was safely out of her arms she spun around and flung herself into the well. Yun dropped his spear and reached for her only managing to grab the sleeve of her robe. Gan looked up to him, tears in her eyes. The sound of fabric tearing could be heard, but it was quickly drowned out by the sound of approaching soldiers.
"I love you Shan."
Those were Gan's final words; her final thoughts were of her son and her love for him. The robe tore and Gan let out a scream as she plummeted into the black depths below.
"NO!" Yun shouted, but it was already too late. Shan had begun crying. It wasn't certain if he could sense what just happened or if Yun's shouting startled him.
She was gone. Yun held up the remains of the torn robe he still held in his hand. He failed. He failed to save her, but at least he can save her son. Yun took the torn robe and fashioned it as a sling and tucked Gan into it. Once he saw that he was secure he retrieved his spear he had dropped, which luckily had landed against the well saving him the effort of dismounting. The enemies had arrived. Shan was still crying, but there was nothing Yun could do to comfort him.
Yun readied his spear and let his eyes sweep over his foes. No archers. He could make a run for it. It was the best solution as he did not relish the idea of fighting with Shan tied to him. Yun charged forward and whirled his spear towards his enemies. Predictably, they dodged backwards away from the attack and Yun took this opportunity to turn his horse around and charge back towards the southern entrance.
Yun could hear the enemies behind him. They were quickly gaining on him and Yun knew that he would have to fight. He readied his spear once more and as soon as the first enemy came close on his right side, Yun thrust its point directly into him sinking the blade into a space between his rib cage. Another attack came from Yun's left. He leaned back just in time to narrowly avoid a blade passing overhead. It came dangerously close to Shan, but luckily the child remained unharmed. Yun wrenched his spear, which was still impaled in the man on the right, back causing its shaft to smack into his enemy's solar plexus. This winded the man giving Yun enough time to dislodge his spear from the first enemy, whirl it around and thrust the tip into his neck.
Yun quickly pulled the spear back. The second enemy had fallen off his horse, landing in a heap on the dusty road behind him along with the first. Yun spurred his horse to move faster. The horse whinnied loudly and tried its best to comply with its master. More enemies approached. Yun turned his spear so its blade was facing behind him and thrust backwards right into the path of his approaching enemy. He missed his foe, but he struck its horse in the neck causing it to tumble forward, throwing its rider forward.
Another rider was approaching and Yun was preparing to meet his attack when his horse let out a loud neigh before tipping forward throwing Yun off. Yun suddenly felt weightless as he was tossed into the air. Shan was screaming at the top of his lungs now and Yun knew he had to do everything in his power to protect him. He turned as best as he could in the air and tucked his body to provide a protective barrier around Shan. He landed hard and felt the air forcibly eject from his chest as he crashed against the ground. To his relief, Shan was safe, but his horse lay twitching behind him, blood spilling out of its neck from an arrow that was now lodged in it.
Yun cursed. It seemed as if an archer was with them after all. He forced himself to his feet and readied his weapon to defend himself against the approaching enemies. Behind him he could hear the sound of an approaching rider. Yun feared that he was being attacked from multiple sides, but to his relief it was an ally. Hu Zhong, one of Bei's generals that had served under Zhao Yun saw him heading back towards the town and decided to follow him.
"Master Zǐlóng!" Zhong called out. "Master Zǐlóng are you okay?"
Yun quickly removed the sling containing Shan and handed to Zhong.
"Take him," said Yun.
Zhong hesitated.
"TAKE HIM!" Yun urged.
Obediently, Zhong took the sling and put it around his neck. It was awkward and it made moving his weapon arm difficult. He wouldn't be able to fight like this.
"I'll distract them," Yun declared as he turned to face his enemies. "Get him back to his father."
"But what about you?" Zhong asked.
"Go! Do not make Lady Gan's sacrifice in vain."
Zhong eyes widened. So Gan was dead then? Reluctantly he nodded in agreement to Yun.
"It has been an honor fighting by your side," said Zhong. With a heavy heart he rode away, leaving Yun to face his enemies alone.
Yun picked up his spear that had fallen from his hands when he fell from his horse. He took a deep breath as his enemies surrounded him. This was most likely going to be his final stand. At least he would die with his weapon in hand. At least he would die knowing he saved at least one innocent person from the so called virtuous Liu Bei.
Yun charged forward, ready to meet his fate. He clashed with his first enemy, his spear slapping aside his sword and swiping the blade across his enemy's throat. Quick as lightning, he thrust his spear into the stomach of the second enemy before pulling back and thrusting the butt of his spear into the stomach of a third. He doubled over and Yun flipped over him, using his exposed back as a surface. The man was forced closer to the floor and the minute Yun was back on his feet he thrust the tip of his spear into the back of the third enemy's neck.
Calvary was approaching now. This would be harder to fight against. Two attacked simultaneously with spears Yun was forced to defend as they had the advantage of height. Two more horsemen were already approaching. They attacked with spears as well, but unlike last time, these two did not attack simultaneously. This gave Yun something to work with. This time instead of blocking, Yun used his spear to parry the first enemy's attack sending his spear into his approaching ally. Stunned at causing the death of his ally, the first enemy was slow to react giving Yun and easy kill.
The first two cavalry that Yun faced had turned around and was attacking Yun once more. He turned to face them and was prepared to guard against their attack when he felt an explosion of pain in his back leg. Yun immediately knew he had been shot by an arrow. How careless he had been to forget about the archer. Yun dropped to one knee and just barely managed to block the oncoming attack. He tried to force himself to his feet but three arrows landed on the ground in front of him stopping him in his tracks.
"I don't want to kill you, Zǐlóng so just relax."
The voice was familiar but Yun could not place it. It didn't matter, he had no plans on complying. Yun tried to force himself to his feet once more but felt a heavy weight press down on his shoulder. He looked to his side to see a massive battle axe on his shoulder.
"Surrender and we will spare your life," came another voice, this one directly behind him.
Yun did not listen. He would die on his feet, not on his knees. With blinding speed he snapped his spear upward and smacked the blade off of his shoulder. He rolled onto his back and flipped himself to his feet with great effort and great pain. Now on his feet and facing his enemies he could see that he was face to face with five of Cao Cao's generals. Closest to him was Xu Huang with Li Dian, Yue Jin directly behind him. There was a third man he wasn't familiar with. He was unnervingly beautiful for a man and wore massive claws on both hands. Directly behind the four men mounted on a horse with an arrow trained on him was Xiahou Yuan. Yun knew them four of the five men from the brief time they fought together. They were competent fighters and if Yun attempted to fight them, he knew it was a battle he would not win.
"Look, Zǐlóng. I owe you a favor. Please don't make me kill you."
"I have no intention of joining Cao Cao," Yun replied.
"I don't recall asking you to," Yuan replied.
"Then we agree that there is no purpose of taking me alive. Allow me to die with my weapon in my hand."
"I don't want you to die at all," Yuan replied. "I told you I owe you a favor and I don't repay favors with death."
"You speak of a favor…what favor could I possibly owe you?"
"According to my daughter you saved my life."
"Xiahouji…" Yun whispered.
"She would never forgive me if I killed you so please don't make this difficult for me."
Yun remained silent for a few tense moments. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking from the passive look on his face. Finally Yun threw his spear to the ground and surrendered. Yuan let out a breath of relief and dismounted from his horse. He made his way to Yun's side.
"Sorry about shooting you. I doubted you would have listened if I asked you nicely to stop killing our men."
Yun did not reply, but this didn't seem to bother Yuan in the least.
"I'll see that your wound gets looked and I'll do whatever I can to ensure that you are treated well, just please surrender."
Yun looked into Yuan's eyes. He could see the sincerity in this. He meant what he said. It was actually refreshing to see someone who spoke the truth. Yun thought of Xiahouji. If he went with them, would he see her again? What a strange thought…why did that suddenly pop in his head. Did he want to see her again?
"Will you surrender, Zǐlóng?" Yuan asked again. It was clear Yuan's allies were getting antsy.
With a soft sigh, Yun released his hold on his spear, letting it fall to the ground below.
