A/N: I don't know if anyone is still reading this. I know I take a long a long time between updates and for that I am sorry. Real life gets in the way and I don't have much time to write. I will try to get them out as soon as I can, but it may take some time. Thanks for your patience.
Zhuge Jun – Bóyáng
Xun Yu – Wénruò
Pang Tong – Shìyuán
Xu Shu - Yuánzhí
Cao Cao – Mèngdé
Xiahou Dun – Yuánràng
Zhang Liao – Wényuǎn
Li Zheng – Siqian
Li Dian – Mancheng
Guo Jia – Fèngxiào
Jia Xu – Wénhé
Lu Meng – Zǐmíng
Lu Su – Ziyu
Pang Tong - Shìyuán
"The answer is no!" Xiahou Dun roared in a way that would have made many piss themselves on the spot; but the young girl standing in front of him only stamped her foot in defiance, took a deep breath and very uncharacteristically screamed her reply.
"YES!"
Dun growled and she growled right back. Zhuyue watched the two exasperated, but not yet making any moves to get between them. If they got any louder though, she would have to intervene lest they wake the children from their naps with their foolishness.
"You are staying here Xiaolian and that's final!" Dun continued.
"No!" was her reply.
"Tch. You think acting like a brat is going to change my mind?"
At that moment, Li Dian arrived to bid farewell to Xiaolian. Just days before they were set to travel to Jinyin and Chenliu, Dian received an urgent message to return home. Reluctantly he made preparations for the trip and the day had finally come for him to leave. If the look of worry on his face was any indication, it seemed he had caught some of the shouting match between Xiaolian and her father.
"What's going on?" Dian asked Zhuyue when he reached her side.
Zhuyue heaved a sigh and shook her head as she folded her arms just below her chest.
"You are what happened," she replied.
"Me?" Dian repeated in confusion.
"She asked us if she could travel with you when you went to go visit your family last night. The two of them have been arguing ever since."
"W-what?" Dian stammered out in surprise.
"So you didn't know about it? This isn't an idea you two cooked up together?"
"No," he answered honestly. "She didn't say anything about coming with me."
"Interesting," Zhuyue muttered before standing up and walking over to her family. Somehow their argument had devolved even further while she was talking to Dian and now training swords were involved.
"What are you two doing?" She asked as she stared at the two of them.
"She challenged me," Dun replied with a frown. "If she beats me, she gets to go with the dumbass."
Zhuyue looked at Xiaolian and could see the determination on her face as she stood ready in her stance to fight.
Zhuyue sighed and snatched the sword out of Xiaolian's hand. Xiaolian looked at her mother in shock and anger, surprised at the action. She eyed her accusingly. So she was on her father's side as well?
"Don't fight a battle you cannot win," Zhuyue said in response to her accusatory eyes. She gave her head a gentle pat and smiled softly.
"Good. Talk some sense into this girl," Dun said as he lowered his own sword."
"No, Lord Husband, I am afraid it is you who needs sense talked into them."
Dun regarded Zhuyue in silence, his face set in a frown.
"You are being ridiculous. If this is the only way that you can listen, then I will fight you on her behalf."
Dun scoffed. "And you think you can beat me, wife?" Dun replied.
"Better chance than she has," Zhuyue replied.
"Lady Zhuyue, Lord Dun," Dian called out.
"Just sit over there dumbass. No one is talking to you."
Dian frowned. Dun was growing a bit too comfortable with that nickname.
"I know that no one is talking to me, but this has everything to do with me. If someone is going to fight on Xiaolian's behalf, I would like it to be me."
Dun's brow quirked up. "Oh? You think you can take me?"
Dian looked at Xiaolian and gave her a smile before returning his gaze to Dun. "I have to. There is an amazing reward waiting for me if I do."
He could hear Xiaolian scoff in the background and mutter something under her breath. He just knew she called him a weirdo and was probably furiously blushing right now. It warmed his heart that she wanted to go on this journey with him. He didn't even think that such an option was possible, but now that it was he desperately wanted it and would go through Dun to get it if need be.
"Give him the sword, Zhuyue," Dun commanded.
Wordlessly, Zhuyue handed Dian the training sword, but he did not take it.
"Actually, mind if I use a training spear? I'm use to fighting with a bit more range than a sword."
"Of course. When I beat your ass I don't want you crying that you had a disadvantage."
"Heh…you are taking this pretty seriously," he said as he picked up the spear and tested its weight by twirling it around in his hands. It was light. Much lighter than what he was use to, but he could make it work.
Zhuyue stepped off to the side next to Xiaolian who was watching the pair intently.
The two men sized each other up before dropping into their fighting stances. The air went still as neither man moved a muscle and then in an instant, that all changed. Dian sprang forward, thrusting his spear at Dun.
Dun blocked the initial attack, and Dian followed it up with a flurry of thrusts. Since the training spear was lighter than his normal weapon, he was able to move much faster than normal. The same however, could be said for Dun. Dun kept pace with Dian, blocking each strike with relative ease.
No longer content with being on the defensive, Dun switched to offense. He blocked Dian's next attack, but before Dian could attack again, Dun grabbed hold of the spear shaft and yanked it forward before Dian could yank it back. Predictably, Dian was pulled forward; unpredictably, Dian used the momentum to levy a front kick to Dun's abdomen.
The kick connected and Dun let out a grunt of pain. Dian hopped back and went on the attack once more, but Dun had already recovered. He parried the strike and countered with an attack of his own. Dian blocked Dun's heavy overhand strike, the shaft of the spear vibrating in his hands from the collision. Dun did not let up. He continued his offense with two more overhead heavy strikes. Dian blocked, his arms tingling from the vibration of each hit.
It was time to turn things around. Dian dodged Dun's next attack and jammed the butt of the spear into the ground. Using it as an anchor, he pushed himself off the ground for another kick but to his surprise and dismay, he heard the distinct sound of wood splintering before completely cracking and sending him careening to the floor.
Dian quickly rolled to his feet and looked at the remains of the spear with a frown. He shouldn't have blocked Dun's attacks. There was no way that wood was going to hold up to the power he puts out. Dian adjusted the dull spear tip he was still holding in his hands so that he could wield it like a dagger. He did not prefer close range combat, but he could manage it if necessary.
Dian sprang at Dun once more, his opening attack was an horizontal arc slash. Dun blocked the attack signaling the start of a long dance between them. Dian was relentless in his attacks; continuously slashing his makeshift dagger at Dun and Dun blocking each attack. Dian suddenly switched up his tactics, ducking low to make a swipe at Dun's midsection. Dun hopped back out of Dian's range and followed up with an attack of his own with a forward thrust that Dun knew Dian could not move fully out of the way from in time. Dun's attack struck true and had that blade had an edge, it would have went clean through his shoulder. Luckily for Dian, the dull blade merely prodded him and while the force behind Dun's attack would bruise, it wouldn't be much worse than that.
"Shit," Dian muttered as he stepped away from Dun and put a hand up to his shoulder. He pressed lightly against where he had been hit to gauge the damage. He then looked at the hand he was using to hold the broken spear. It was aching for the duration of their last bout and he could see why. The broken wood had cut his hand, leaving multiple scrapes across his palm. He ran a finger along the cuts wincing as he did so. Relieved he dropped his hand. There weren't any splinters. He really hated splinters.
"Looks like this is your match," Dian said in resignation.
"I wasn't expecting you to come after me with that broken spear," Dun remarked.
"Wasn't the brightest idea in hindsight," Dian replied.
"No it wasn't. But I understood the feeling behind it."
Dian did not respond, disappointed that it wasn't enough to win the bout.
"Well that match was entertaining enough. I'm satisfied."
Dian nodded with a frown. His eye shifted over to Xiaolian who had also been frowning. He wondered if she was angry that he had lost. He really would have liked it if she were able to come with him.
"Should get that cut cleaned up before you leave," Dun said as he nodded a chin towards Dun's hand.
"Y-yeah. I will."
"If even a hair is harmed on Xiaolian's head, do not return, because I will kill you."
Dian's head snapped up in surprise.
"Wait…you mean—"
"Not repeating myself," Dun replied.
"T-thank you, Lord Dun! I swear on my life no harm will come to her."
Dun waved him off and made his way back over to the main house. Zhuyue fell in step with him and snaked her arm around his.
"Thank you, father," Xiaolian's soft voice came behind him.
Dun paused and looked over his shoulder to her. It didn't matter that Xiaolian wasn't his child by birth, she was still his little girl and seeing his little girl officially as a woman was a hard thing for a father to do. Zhuyue pulled her arm away, giving him freedom to make his way over to Xiaolian. Dun stood before her, looking down to the girl he had raised since she was little. His heart ached at the thought of letting her go, but he knew that it was time. She would always be his daughter, but it was time for the next phase in her life. He placed a hand on her head and affectionately mussed her head the same way he always did when she was younger. Neither spoke. They both understood the gesture and what was in each other's hearts. Xiaolian offered her father a rare smile and he replied in kind. Finally he released his hold on her and went back over to Zhuyue leading her back into the main house.
Dian watched them go, a goofy smile on his face. He hoped that he and Xiaolian would one day grow as close as Dun and Zhuyue.
=#=
Zhang Liao and Lingqi
"Are you prepared to leave?" Liao asked as he entered their temporary bedroom.
Lingqi looked up from the bundle she had just finished tying.
"All set," she replied as she gave the small bundle a soft pat. It was a short trip so she didn't have to pack much. Just a few sets of small clothes and extra traveling robes.
"Good. There is one issue that needs to be addressed, however."
Lingqi straightened at Liao's tone. He sounded serious…well Liao always sounded serious, but he seemed especially so today.
"What is it?" she asked.
"A horse."
To Lingqi's credit, she managed to stop herself from outwardly showing the emotion she currently felt. Just the thought of her Red Hare no longer in her care threatened to break her composure. Instead she faced her husband head on and gave him a knowing nod.
"We don't have another. Perhaps I can just ride with you? If we do not wear armor, it will not overburden him."
"That won't be necessary," Liao replied.
"What do you—"
Before she could get her question out, Liao walk out of the room. Confused, Lingqi followed after him.
"Where are you going?" she called after him, but he did not reply, instead leading her outside.
Emerging from their home, Lingqi was greeted with a sight she did not believe she would see for a long time.
"Red Hare…but how?!"
Lingqi ran up to the steed and stroke its side. Recognizing its owner, Red Hare moved its head and bumped it against her. Lingqi giggled and gave into the horse's silent demands and stroked his head.
"The taels from Xiahou Yuánràng."
The hand she had been using to pet Red Hare stilled and, she turned to her husband.
"What? No! Those taels were supposed to be used to take care of our servants and to fund our new home."
"I know," Liao replied as he moved to stand next to her and began to stroke Red Hare's flank. The horse allowed it, even enjoying it as his tail swished in appreciation. It was so odd to see. When Red Hare was under Lu Bu's care, much like its owner, he was unapproachable. Only Lu Bu and Lingqi were allowed near. Under Lingqi's care, it has become much gentler; reserving its known ferocity for battle, much like his current owner.
"When the servants heard what you had given up for their sake, they insisted on using some of the taels to get Red Hare back.
"But…I don't understand. Why would they do that?"
"It seems they are as fond of their mistress as I am," Liao said as he pulled her away from Red Hare and into his arms.
"I don't know what to say."
"You could tell them thank you, but I do not believe they expect it."
Lingqi nodded. She would say thank you to all of them and one day she would find a way to repay their kindness.
"I am guessing we still have enough to move?"
"We do and we have a bit to tide us over, though it won't be any elaborate meals for a while. Only enough to get us by."
"I can live with that," Lingqi smiled with a soft smile, feeling happier than she had in months.
=#=
-Zhuge Liang and Xun Yu-
"I can almost see the questions churning within your mind, yet you do not give voice to your concerns."
Xun Yu adjusted himself in his saddle, a thoughtful look on his face. Liang knew he was choosing his next words carefully. Xun Yu liked to plan out everything he did, even something as simple as conversation. Wanting to be prepared is an admirable trait, especially for a strategist, but flexibility was also essential and it was something Yu lacked. When things did not go according to plan, he tended to get flustered and that frustration would lead him to inaction. He hoped this excursion would help him develop his ability to think on the fly a bit more.
"I know you have much on your mind. I did not want to bother you with such mundane thoughts," Yu finally said after painstakingly choosing his words to ensure he did not offend Liang nor give voice to his own shortcomings.
Liang sighed lightly. Yu was stuck in his ways. He had a brilliant mind, but bad habits that were proving difficult to break.
"An unasked question benefits no one. Knowledge is only gained when the question is asked."
Yu remained silent, no doubt thinking carefully for his next reply. Liang saved him the trouble.
"Do you think I offered to mentor you because I thought you knew all there was to know? I could see the potential for growth within you and wanted to aid in that. That growth cannot come merely from watching me. You must also seek to find answers to that which plague your mind."
Yu gave Liang a wry smile.
"I think you give me too much credit, Master. My questions are hardly worth note. It would only satisfy my curiosity."
"Sometimes the smallest detail could aid you in unknown ways. Ask your questions."
"Very well…I was just wondering why Lady YueYing and Master Bóyáng did not join us."
"We had only just returned from our last journey. I thought it best to give them rest," Liang replied.
"Oh. I thought it was to have someone watch over Lord Bei while we were away," Yu replied honestly.
Liang looked at Yu and he could see the man visibly flinch at his gaze, afraid that he had overstepped his bounds.
"There is also that," Liang answered before turning his gaze back to the road ahead.
Liang did not need to look a Yu to know that he breathed a sigh of relief. Silence stretched between them once more before Yu decided to speak up once more.
"Do you think he will join us?" After all it was nothing short of a miracle that Liang had joined them; to get yet another genius to back their cause? Lightening rarely struck the same place twice.
Before Liang could answer, he spied a woman standing beside a broken cart further down the road. She seemed to catch sight of them as well as she frantically began to wave them down for help. Liang slowed his steed and Yu followed suit. His eyes glanced at their surroundings, noting the high grass that surrounded them on both sides.
"This doesn't feel right," Yu whispered.
"Indeed," Liang confirmed.
They were closer to the woman now. She made her way over to them, a look of relief on her face.
"Oh please! Please you must help me!" she cried.
"What happened?" Yu asked. There was no true concern in his voice. Liang knew he only asked to keep the ruse going so he could properly assess the situation.
"My horse ran away and the wheel from my wagon broke," she said gesturing to the broken wagon. "My husband went to find the horse, but I haven't seen him in so long. I have been waiting and I am afraid. Please help me!"
"You come to us so willingly. Are you not afraid that we are bandits?" Liang asked.
The woman seemed startled by the sudden question. She hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Y-you are both so well dressed. How can you be bandits?" she replied.
"There are eight men hiding," Yu said loudly enough for the men hiding within the tall grass to hear.
"I counted eight as well," Liang confirmed. The woman looked between the both of them, panic in her eyes.
"Best we slay them all. We would not want this rabble causing trouble for innocent travelers later on," said Liang as he glanced out at their surroundings again, his eyes picking out once more where each bandit lay in wait.
There was a slight rustle in the grass. It seems one of the bandits found Liang's words a bit disconcerting.
"Agreed," Yu replied as he drew his scepter.
Liang simultaneously drew his feather fan, his eyes still fixed on the area where the bandits still lay in wait.
The woman looked between the pair and had to hold back a laugh. They may have sniffed out their plan, but look at the weapons they intended to fight with? What damage did they intend to do with that? It was laughable. Her initial intuition was right. These two were soft scholars, easy marks.
"Alright boys, no point in hiding anymore. They know you are out there. Let's just take em' for all they got and be done with it."
At her signal, the bandits began to pop up out of the grass, revealing themselves. Sneers on their lips as they brandished their weapons, an attempt at intimidation that would have most definitely worked on the average traveler.
"Ha! He's so scared he's praying to the heavens," one of the bandits remarked as he pointed his blade towards Zhuge Liang.
Indeed, Liang's eyes were closed and his mouth was moving, but it was not a prayer he was speaking. Liang's eyes flew open. The incantation complete, he pointed his fan towards the cluster of bandits that stood a few feet away from him, still in the cluster of tall grass.
They felt the earth beneath their feet rumble. Before they could react a powerful geyser of air erupted beneath them, launching them into the air. Liang swiped the air with his fan quickly, a tornado of air shooting forth and striking the still airborne bandits. The force of the tornado hit the bandits hard and sent them flying with deadly speed.
Aghast, the bandits on Yu side watched as their comrades hurtled back to the ground, one by one; each body that rejoined the earth accompanied by a chorus of shattering bones that echoed loud enough for even them to hear it at their distance. Had any of the bandits survived, they wouldn't be able to move.
"W-what was that?" one of the bandits asked in horror as the last of their allies smashed against the ground.
One of the bandits did not care to know what had just happened. He was only interested in self preservation. This thought firmly in mind, he turned and ran, but he did not make it far. While they were focused on Liang's attack, Yu was free to set up his own. They were surrounded by a four scepters, identical to the one he held in his hand. These scepters were linked by crackling lightning, which the fleeing bandit had just run into. The cry he let out alerted the others to him and their predicament. They could do nothing but watch as the lightning violently shook his body, effectively cooking him in front of them. The smell of burnt flesh invaded their noses, causing at least one of the bandits to vomit on the spot. The bandit's body finally fell free from the cage, leaving nothing but a charred smoking husk behind.
Horrified, the remaining bandits looked for an escape but quickly found that there was none. They did not have long to lament their misfortune because Yu activated the second half of his trap. The lightning sparking between the scepters began to fluctuate wildly before turning inwards to their captives. The lightning then rose up, a deadly pillar of light and energy shooting through each of the men. The lightning crackled loudly drowning out the bandits cries as the pillar lifted them into the air before dispersing and dropping their charred remains on the ground below.
The woman who attempted to lead them into the trap could only look on in horror as her friends died one by one. Her mind screamed at her to run, but her body refused to obey. Both Liang and Yu's eyes fell on her and her mind pleaded with her once more to flee. She attempted to move her legs only for them to completely give out beneath her, dropping her to her knees.
"S-spare me! Please!" she sobbed.
"Tell me, Wénruò, what do you propose we do with her?"
Yu's eyes fell upon the woman who was now shaking in fear. His heart clenched. He never did like to see a woman in distress.
"She poses no danger to us on her own," Yu replied.
"So you would have us let her go?" Liang asked calmly.
"Yes," he confirmed. Yu could see the woman look up to him with hopeful eyes.
"I see," Liang replied.
"So I am free to g—"
Her hair that lay limply on her shoulders suddenly flew backward as if she had been hit with a strong breeze. Her words were cut off abruptly and a second later, a thin rope of blood circled her neck before rolling down her neck in thick waves to the collar of her robes, dying it a dark crimson. The woman's frozen eyes stared accusingly at Yu before she her head slipped clean off of her neck and hit the ground below with a thud, no sound escaping her any longer.
"W-what!"
Yu looked around for the assailant, there had to be someone else around. He could spy no one and he had to admit the conclusion his mind had come to just moments before, but refused to acknowledge. The assailant was none other than his master and traveling companion, Zhuge Liang.
Slowly Yu's eyes turned to Liang to find that he was still looking at the fallen woman, a blank look on his face as he held his fan close to his chest, just below his chin.
"Master…what have you done?"
"It is quite clear what I have done, is it not?"
So he didn't deny it. IT was truly him. Why? Why? WHY?
"Why?!" Yu shouted aloud, giving voice to the question that began to repeat in his mind over and over.
Liang turned his gaze from the woman to Yu.
"Because it was for the greater good," Liang replied.
Yu stared at him in disbelief. It was clear he either didn't understand or agree with his words. Liang went on to explain.
"Do you honestly believe we were the first victims of this woman's ploy?"
"She could have been forced to act as a lure for these bandits!" Yu argued.
"Yet she only showed fear after the others had been killed."
Yu did not look convinced. Liang spoke softly, trying to coax Yu into the correct answer.
"Think back to when we first met her. She was far enough away from them to alert us to danger had she been coerced. Instead, she tried to draw us in. When she realized we had discovered her trap, think of her demeanor. There was no hint of apprehension from her; instead she urged them on."
Yu could not argue that point. Every word Liang spoke was truth.
"Still…what more could she do? The men she worked with were dead. We could have let her go."
Liang sighed and gave Yu a look of disapproval.
"I am surprised you hadn't realized it yet, despite me giving you the answer."
Yu frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
"She was at the very least the brains of their little group, Wénruò."
"W-what? How do you—"
"Think, Wénruò! Use your logic, not your emotion."
Yu wanted to retort, but he held his complaint instead. He tried to force himself to see whatever it was that Liang claimed he missed. They sat in silence for a period of time. It was difficult for Yu to separate his emotion from the situation. He truly hated to see women be hurt. Finally, it hit him.
"They moved on her word."
"Correct," Liang said, his voice calm despite the long wait he had to endure for Yu to reach the conclusion he had long ago.
"If she was their leader, there is a chance she would just get another group and do the same thing as before."
"Now you see it clearly. Tell me; knowing what you know now, did I act incorrectly?"
"As much as it pains me to say, no. There might have been countless other victims after us if you didn't."
"It was a harsh judgment and not one I readily like to use, but for the great good; for the people she had to be stopped."
"For the greater good," Yu repeated.
"It is for that very reason you still serve Lord Bei, is it not? Despite the…questionable things he has done? You know as well as I that his leadership is for the greater good of the people and this land.
Yu felt himself inwardly cringe upon being reminded of his acceptance of Liu Bei's crimes. Liang was completely correct. Despite knowing of what Bei had done, he turned a blind eye to it because of the greater good. This was even more true since Zhuge Liang had joined with Liu Bei. Yu could feel his loyalty to Liu Bei wavering. He was unsure if he had what it took to truly lead the land. The moment Liang joined, Yu's worries were completely assuaged. With Liang acting as a guiding hand, he knew he could put Bei back on the correct path. Liang could do what he himself could not. He would get control of his unruly drunken brother, he would ensure that Bei adhered to the virtue and honor he claimed to have. Liang would ensure that this land would be led to an era of peace. For that, Yu would ignore Bei's past crimes. He would swallow the doubt and the anger he sometimes felt as a result of his choices. To do anything less would be hypocritical.
"I understand," Yu replied.
Liang nodded. He believed that Yu truly did understand.
"We should hurry along. We are late for our meeting."
=#=
Hours later, the pair arrived in town. Luckily they faced no further opposition on their way and were able to arrive in relative peace. This was a small blessing for Yu as the earlier events still weighed heavily on his mind.
Liang ignored the stares of the town's residents as they made their way, his eyes scanning for something in particular. He halted his mount, his eyes falling upon a small shop.
"There," he said as he pointed his chin in the direction of the small shop.
Yu followed his gaze to the shop in question. The shop seemed to be manned by only one person and it had only outdoor seating available. There were two tables there and one was already occupied.
"We will meet him there. Get us a seat and I will tie up the horses."
"You don't need to do such a menial task, Master. Allow me," Yu insisted.
"It is fine, Wénruò. This is not a bother. Please, wait for me at the shop."
Reluctantly, Yu slipped off his horse and handed the reins to his master. Liang gave him a nod before urging the horse forward and leading them both away.
Yu gave a nod to the shop's owner as he sat down on the bench at the vacant table. The owner hurried over to him, bowing with a friendly smile as he asked him for his order.
Should he order tea or wine? What would be appropriate for this meeting? As he mulled over his, decision a man wearing green robes that seemed a bit too big for him and frayed at the edges, slid onto the bench on the opposite side of him at his table. He rested a large fan which looked to be attached to a staff against the table and turned his attention towards the shop owner.
"Wine, please," he ordered in a sleepy tone.
The owner squinted at the strange man, trying to discern details of his face which was impossible due to the oversized hat and mask he wore. The only thing he could see was his eyes which looked unusually sharp as they stared back at him. Feeling vulnerable under his gaze, the owner nodded and hurried away before Yu could protest.
"Excuse me," Yu said once the owner had scurried away.
"Hmm?" he replied as he shifted his gaze to the man sitting across from him.
"I'm sorry, but I am meeting someone here. You will have to sit somewhere else."
The man gave a cursory glance around before returning his eyes to Yu.
"There's nowhere else to sit."
"Yes, but as I said before, I am meeting someone here so you cannot sit here."
"I only see you."
"He will be here soon," Yu replied tersely.
"Perhaps you were abandoned," the man offered.
"I was not abandoned," Yu hissed. He was becoming increasingly annoyed with this intruder.
"Are you sure? I still haven't seen whomever it is you claim that you are waiting for."
Yu opened his mouth to deny his allegation when it dawned on him that the man was correct. Where had his Master gone? It should not have taken that long to tie up the horses. Yu stood up from the table and looked in the direction Liang headed in.
"Oh, so you are giving me the table?"
The man said as he looked up at Yu, his large hat hiding his eyes from Yu's view.
"I suppose I am," Yu murmured as he moved to leave.
"What shall I tell this mystery person you are waiting for?" he called out after Yu.
Yu halted his steps and turned back to the man.
"What?" Yu asked, not sure if he had heard him clearly.
"What shall I tell the person you are waiting for? You know, in case they show up?"
"That won't be necessary," Yu replied with a frown.
"Well how would they know you ran off looking for them?"
"What makes you think that I am going to do that?" Yu asked just as the owner returned with a jug of wine and two cups.
"Want some?" the man asked as he gestured towards the wine? Yu shook his head so the man shrugged and filled up a cup.
Yu watched him intently, suddenly curious to see the face hidden beneath the mask. The man tilted his head to the side as he examined Yu.
"Is there something on my face?"
"Your mask," Yu remarked.
"Haha, so it is. Come, sit. Have some wine and wait for your friend."
"No thank you," Yu said after being reminded of his purpose. "I should go look for him.
"But he told you to wait here for him. You should obey his wishes."
"I know but—" Yu paused and stared at the man with newfound scrutiny.
"How do you know what he told me?"
"Do you trust your master so little?" the man asked as he ran a finger over the rim of his cup.
"Who are you?"
"Come now, I heard you were bright. Surely you have figured it out by now, haven't you?"
Yu sucked in a breath. It had to be the one they were here to see. The fledgling Phoenix, Pang Tong. He had been so dismissive of the man, yet he was a genius on par with his master. Yu immediately dropped to his knees and saluted.
"Forgive my ignorance and rude behavior, Master Pang Tong."
"Now, now, no need for all that," Tong said gently.
"I need to repent for my rude behavior," Yu asked, keeping his head down.
Tong sighed. "What you are doing is making a scene. I usually avoid being the center of attention."
Yu looked up and indeed the pair at the other table as well as the owner was staring at them.
"My apologies," Yu mumbled as he returned to his feet and slid back onto the bench.
"You are a pretty intense guy," Tong remarked as he slid the cup of wine over to Yu.
Yu only frowned in response as he took the cup and drank deeply from it, completely draining it.
"I see you have met my pupil."
Yu straightened and returned the now empty cup to the table upon hearing Liang.
"So I have," Tong replied nonchalantly.
"And what do you think of him?" Liang asked as he sat on the bench next to Yu.
"He seems very intense…rigid and doesn't follow directions very well. He isn't very observant either—"
Yu winced at the scathing review. He understood that Pang Tong was a man to be respected, but who was he to judge him so harshly?
"—But he doesn't seem to be completely hopeless. With your guidance, I'm sure he can become something special."
"I thought the same. Pang Shìyuán allow me to formally introduce you to my student, Xun Yu styled Wénruò. Xun Wénruò, meet Pang Tong styled Shìyuán."
"It…is an honor to meet you," Yu replied stiffly. It was hard to muster up much politeness after that harsh critique.
"Haha, is it truly? It certainly does not sound like you believe that."
"Do not mind him, Shìyuán. I'm guessing you know why I am here?"
"Oh, I have heard some whispers in the wind that might have given me a hint as to why you would seek me out."
"And your answer?"
"Oh I dunno. I would love to join you, but my son needs to find a wife. I Haven't been able to find a suitable match for him."
"What a coincidence, I have a sister that is in need of a husband."
"Oh?" Tong said with a chuckle. "I didn't know that."
"I'm sure," replied Liang not believing him in the slightest.
"So it's a deal then?"
"You would be okay with your son marrying my sister, sight unseen?"
"Why would I be opposed to my son marrying into such a prestigious family?"
"The feeling is mutual. I assume you have no problems with her being older than him?"
"No. In fact my son seems to prefer it that way."
"Then we are in agreement. We will have to set up a meeting between the two then we can work out the details of the ceremony."
"And since that problem is solved, I suppose I have some free time on my hands."
"Which means—"
"Which means I can join you and your merry little band," Tong confirmed.
Yu listened as Liang continued their carefully crafted conversation until it all faded into meaningless sounds. He no longer cared to decipher the meanings behind their words. Were they doing this because he is here? Were they not allies? It annoyed him that they did not trust him nor that they saw him on the same level. At that moment, his mind went back to his time with Cao's forces. Before the incident with Liu Bei, he was respected amongst Cao's forces. Cao Cao would respect his counsel; Guo Jia and the others always spoke with him as an equal. He wasn't constantly tested and questioned. Yet he left all that behind for Liu Bei…for his cause. He left all that behind for a man whose virtue he was no longer assured. Did he make the right choice?
Yu berated himself almost immediately for this line of thought. Why were such treacherous things coming to mind now? Liu Bei is the right choice. He is. He had to believe that. He threw everything away, his career, his family, his honor. Yes Liu Bei has faltered in the past, but he had a guiding hand now. He would be the man Yu thought him to be. He had to believe that the man he swore to follow was worth it. He could not doubt himself, not now.
"Wénruò!" Yu's eyes shot up to see both Tong and Liang looking at him, the latter wearing a frown.
"Yes, Master?" Yu asked in confusion.
"Did you not hear me calling you?" Liang asked.
"No, Master. My apologies…I was…in my own head."
There was a soft chuckle from Tong, but he said nothing more. Liang studied him for a few moments before lifting his cup.
"We were about to drink to Shìyuán joining us."
"I'm afraid I already beat both of you to that," Tong said as he gestured to his empty cup.
He stood, picking up his fan that was propped against the table in one smooth motion and adjusted his hat.
"Since I will be traveling with you, I have a few things to take care of first. See you here in the morning?"
Liang nodded and Tong returned the gesture before walking off.
"I suppose we should get lodging for the night," Liang said as he stood. "This town is much too small for something like an inn, but I met a kind couple that offers shelter to weary travelers. Their home is just down the road. It should not be hard to find. I will talk to them about staying for the night, will you take care of this bill?"
"Yes, Master," Yu replied softly. Liang stared at him for a few moments more, but left soon after without speaking a word. Yu looked down to his still filled cup, the liquid still and inviting.
'This was the right choice. Do not doubt yourself.'
Yu blew out a breath and hoped his thoughts would become reality. He grabbed the cup and quickly downed its contents before getting up to pay the bill.
=#=
The visit to Jinyin and Chenliu was complete. It was decided that their forces would reside in Jinyin. It was a much bigger area that could accommodate all of them and closer to the city like environment they were currently used to. With Chenliu only a few days away, it would be easy to govern both from Jinyin.
With all that behind them, Cao Cao led them on a different path, not far from Jinyin and Chenliu. The true reason behind Cao joining them was slowly being revealed and it had everyone on edge.
Guo Jia's eyes shifted from the path ahead to the carriage he rode alongside. Cao had the curtain drawn so Jia could not see inside, but he knew he was there keeping a close eye on the chest of taels, silks and other baubles that rode with him.
Jia smiled. It was rare that Cao did not let anyone know of his plans. Jia was excited to see exactly what he had in store for them and how it involved the Xiongnu.
"I take it that smile means you know what is going on?"
Dun asked as he maneuvered his horse till it was alongside Jia's.
"On the contrary, I have no idea what his plans are. I only know it involves that chest of goodies and the Xiongnu."
"The who?"
"A nomadic tribe that usually reside in the mountains of Ding Province."
"So what? Mèngdé is hoping to buy their service?"
"That is a possibility, albeit an unlikely one."
"Why unlikely?"
"The Xiongnu are not particularly noteworthy. In fact, their leader, Liu Bao has gone out of his way to avoid any sort of conflict with Lord Cao. Such cowardice would not catch our Lord's discerning eye."
"Then what the hell are we doing here?"
"That is the question, isn't it?" Jia replied with a grin. "I for one am most excited to find out the answer to that query. Though if you want to cheat and find out early, you could certainly ask Cao Zhi. He might know"
Dun's nose wrinkled at the suggestion. Zhi was currently riding with Cao in the carriage. In Dun's opinion, it was the only thing making him currently tolerable. He was out of sight and out of mind.
Jia laughed, already knowing what Dun's answer to that suggestion was going to be.
=#=
Cao's group met the Xiongnu at the base of the mountains. Zhuyue was glad they didn't have to traverse up the mountains with their horses. She looked to the snowy trail leading deeper into the mountains and suppressed a shiver. She wasn't a fan of the cold and in her opinion it was more than cold enough for her where they were.
She looked over to Dun who stood stoically at her side. She wanted to snuggle up to him in an effort to get some of his body heat, but that would be impossible right now. Whomever they were here to meet was now approaching them and everyone was tense. Not the best time for cuddling. Part of her wished there was a fight so she could at least do something to warm up. Her turned her head slightly to see Jia who was standing next to her, opposite of Dun. His eyes practically dancing with delight as he watched the Xiongnu cautiously approach them.
Cao Cao stood a few feet in front of them. Close enough to get to him in case there was danger, but a respectful enough distance that the leader of the Xiongnu would not get nervous. Normally Dun or Yuan would be beside them along with Dian Wei, but today that spot was reserved for Cao Zhi. He invited himself on this trip and was an insufferable brat the entire time. He complained about seemingly everything and always tried to lord his status above them. It was unclear what his purpose on the trip was, but it certainly wasn't to make people more endeared to him.
"Cao Cao," said the leader of the group as he eyed the man standing in front of him.
"Liu Bao," Cao replied.
Liu Bao saluted Cao and Cao returned the gesture.
"Did you bring what we agreed on?"
"No time for pleasantries I see," Cao said with a smile. "That's fine with me. I have kept up my end of the bargain. Where is she?"
Bao regarded him in silence for a few moments before signaling to someone behind him. A hooded figure timidly broke away from Bao's other forces and moved to stand next to him. Once beside him, the figure pulled down the hood to reveal her face. The visage revealed was that of a beautiful young woman with soft features. Zhuyue heard a sharp intake of breath and was shocked to discover it came from Jia. His eyes were fixed on the young woman as her light brown eyes gazed up to Cao Cao and she bowed.
"It is an honor to see you again, My Lord," she said.
"It is good to see you as well, Cai Yan," Cao replied with a smile.
"Cai Yan…" Jia repeated in a whisper that only Zhuyue heard.
Cao signaled to his vassals and they lifted the chest between the two of them and set it down in front of Bao.
Bao signaled to one of his tribesmen and they stepped forward and opened the chest. After examining its contents for a few moments, he looked back up to Bao and nodded. Bao gave a nod to Cai Yan and she bowed her head to him before moving to Cao Cao's side.
"Our business is concluded," said Bao.
"So it is," Cao replied. "Not that I am complaining about your decision, but why did you agree to let such a jewel slip from your grasp? She was your concubine, was she not?"
Bao frowned as he looked at Cai Yan. Her eyes were cast downward as they often were in his presence and he could practically feel the sorrow emanating from her. Cao was right, she was his concubine, but he could never enjoy his time with her. Whenever they lay together, it was clear she only did so out of obligation. She never laughed, she never smiled and she rarely spoke. After a time, Bao stopped going to her completely; content to leave her to her sorrow.
"Does it matter?" he replied gruffly. "She is yours now."
"Hmph," was Cao's reply as he turned his back to Bao with a flourish of his cape as he guided Cai Yan to the carriage.
He offered a hand to help her into the carriage. She graciously accepted and went inside.
"Zhuyue," Cao's voice called out.
Zhuyue tore her eyes from watching the Xiongnu as they prepared to leave to him.
"Yes, My Lord?"
"You will ride with her."
"Wh-" she paused, halting the question she had on her tongue. The Xiongnu was still present and questioning her lord in front of them was not something she could do.
"Yes, My Lord," she said with a salute.
"Lingqi as well," he added.
Lingqi's head snapped up at the mention of her name.
'Me? Why me?' she thought as she looked to Zhang Liao, but his stoic gaze was focused on the Xiongnu, ready to spring into action in case they decided to do anything untoward.
"Y-Yes, My Lord."
It was rare Cao ever called on her and for some reason, it made her uncomfortable whenever he did. He was never cruel to her, in fact, he has always been relatively kind, but the blood of her father was still on his hands. Even if her father was not a good man nor a good father, he was still of her blood. It was hard to forget him and the cruel fate he suffered at her current Lord's hands.
As commanded, Zhuyue and Lingqi went over to the carriage and got inside. Zhi was clearly upset with the sudden travel arrangement changes, but he knew better than to argue this point with his father. As Cao had taken Zhuyue's horse, he was left with Lingqi's. Zhi approached the massive beast and immediately stopped in its tracks when the beast swung its head towards him and let out an angry snort. Zhi made an attempt to reach for Red Hare and it gave another warning snort while stamping its hooves angrily.
"What is wrong with this stupid horse?" Zhi complained.
"Red Hare does not respect the weak," Liao replied as he dismounted his own horse and went over to Red Hare to calm him.
"Are you insinuating that I am weak?" Zhi asked angrily as he glared daggers into Liao's back.
"I am merely stating that Red Hare only respects the strong. If he does not allow you near him, he does not see you as such."
"Step aside. I will mount that damn horse."
"I would not suggest—"
"STEP ASIDE!" Zhi barked loudly enough to get the attention of everyone that travelled with them.
Full focus on them now, Liao stepped back to watch this unfold.
"Will you not stop him?" Jia whispered to Cao who sat aside Zhuyue's horse with a frown.
"No, I think a bit of a blow to his ego would be a good thing."
"Well lucky for us then that the Xiongnu tribe had made such a hasty retreat. This is going to be embarrassing. Entertaining, but definitely embarrassing," Jia replied with a grin.
Zhi attempted approach Red Hare with more confidence than before. If it respected strength, he only needed to show it strength to get it to obey him. Red Hare stomped its hooves and gave an angry snort in warning once more, but Zhi ignored it. He dove for the horse's reigns but missed as Red Hare reared back on its hind legs. Liao yanked him out of the way of Red Hare's powerful hooves, saving him from a nasty fate.
Embarrassed at his failure, Zhi yanked his arm out of Liao's grasp and unsheathed his sword.
"This stupid horse tried to kill me!"
He took a menacing step towards Red Hare who snorted angrily, ready to meet the threat head on.
"Take another step and I will be forced to end you."
Zhi wanted to turn his head to glare at Liao, but felt the cool steel of one of Liao's Ji's pressed against his throat. One wrong move and he would be beheaded.
"Y-you dare?"
"Zhang Wényuǎn, as stupid as my son is, I would rather he not be killed right now."
'Stupid? Did his father just refer to him as stupid?' Zhi thought in alarm.
"I have no desire to kill your son, Lord Cao, but I cannot allow him to harm Red Hare."
By this time, Zhuyue and Lingqi had exited the carriage. It was hard to ignore the commotion that had been going on.
"He will not do so. Please sheathe your weapon."
Liao nodded and removed his blade from Zhi's neck. Zhi's body nearly sagged under the release of tension, but he refused to show weakness.
"Zhi, that command was intended for you as well."
Zhi hesitated for a few moments, before doing as his father commanded.
"Now, please explain to me exactly what you are trying to do?"
"YOU changed the traveling arrangements, father. I am merely trying to follow your command."
There was anger in his voice and shame. The sting at not being able to mount the mighty Red Hare in front of those he one day hoped to command was clear. Cao felt no pity for him. His stupidity brought about his shame. He would not assuage his ego nor would he accept his redirected anger.
"Remember to whom it is you speak, Zhi."
There was something chilling about Cao's tone. So much so that it made Zhi shudder involuntary. He had of course seen his father angry before, but it was never directed at him. He watched with pride and awe at the power his father's presence could wield. To have that same anger turned on him; it was something he hadn't expected, despite witnessing it so many times before. Zhi always thought he could withstand his father's ire had he ever need to; today showed him that he could not. He felt painfully ashamed at the fear coursing through him now and his inability to taper it.
"Wényuǎn, am I correct in assuming that you are able to ride Red Hare?"
"To be honest, I have never attempted to do so before."
"Well, I think now is the time to try."
"He will allow it," said Lingqi. "You are worthy."
Zhi bristled at the words, but he said nothing, desperate to keep his father from casting his gaze on him once more.
Liao nodded. He gave Red Hare a few pats. The horse let out a pleased whinny. Taking that as a sign of approval, Liao mounted Red Hare and to his surprise, he allowed it. Lingqi smiled, pleased to see it.
"Very well. Let us be off."
At Cao's words their party moved out. Zhi scrambled to mount Liao's horse and follow behind the rest of the group.
=#=
Zhuyue felt a jerk as the carriage lurched forward. They were on their way. She looked across to the woman who sat opposite of her and found her staring right back at her.
"I know horses do not tolerate an inexperienced rider, but one that did not respect a strong one is new to me," Cai Yan remarked.
"Red Hare is not a normal horse," said Lingqi. "His…former master was a powerful man and he raised him to be the same.
"Oh. Who was his former master?"
"A fool," Lingqi replied sullenly.
Yan could hear the sorrow in her voice. It was something that sounded all too familiar with.
"It doesn't matter who his master was. His current master is strong which is why Red Hare allows her to ride him with no problem," Zhuyue interjected, attempting to move the topic off of Lingqi's father.
Lingqi gave her a small smile. "It is only because I have been with him since I was a child. I still have a long way to go in terms of strength."
"Strength...," Yan repeated. "So you are not Lord Cao's concubines?"
"No," Lingqi said in a half squeak.
"Definitely not," Zhuyue said with a shake of her head.
The two spoke at the same time, but the message was the same. Not only were they not Cao's concubines, they seemed to detest the very idea of it.
"Oh…"Yan replied. She was a bit confused as to who these two women were.
"N-not that there is anything wrong with that," Lingqi added quickly. She belatedly realized her strong denial might have come off as rude to this woman who most likely would wind up as one of Cao's concubines.
"No. I would imagine being Lord Cao's concubine is a position of honor. He is a man of great ambition. My father greatly respected him as do I."
"Uh…yeah," Zhuyue agreed. That was a strange response. Was she not meant to be Cao Cao's concubine? If not, why did he pay such a hefty sum for her? Who was this woman?
"We have not been properly introduced. My apologies. I was so curious about the horse I forgot my manners. I am Cai Yan."
"Zhuyue and this is Lingqi."
"Lady Zhuyue, Lady Lingqi, It is wonderful to meet you both. I did not know there would be other women here. I must admit I am grateful for that."
"But you knew Lord Cao was coming for you?" Zhuyue inquired.
"Yes. Though I must admit, I did not truly believe he would have remembered his promise. I had resigned myself to my fate. I was truly surprised when I learned he had come for me."
"Promise?"
"Yes," Yan confirmed with a nod. "Lord Cao promised my father he would always look out for me. I thought it was something just said in passing. A kind word between friends, but Lord Cao truly did mean it. I am forever grateful."
"I see," Zhuyue replied.
Despite Cai Yan graciously answering her questions, Zhuyue still had a few more. Why would Cao promise to look after her? Who was her father? Zhuyue looked to Cai Yan. She wanted to ask her, but she could see sadness in her eyes. Despite saying she was grateful for Cao keeping his promise; there was a sorrow that seemed to weigh on her heart. Zhuyue did not feel like it was her place to pry. The three of them fell into a compatible silence, each with queries weighing heavy on their minds.
=#=
"This is it," Dian said sullenly. He had stopped his horse the moment they crossed the border into Chengshi County. The place where his cousin currently lived; the place where his uncle was killed.
Xiaolian maneuvered her horse to Li Dian's side.
"I haven't been here since my uncle died," Dian continued. "I pretty much left to join Lord Cao right after everything happened."
Xiaolian reached over and took hold of one of his hands and gave it a light squeeze. Dian looked over to her and smiled.
"I am being silly, aren't I? It isn't as if I am going to see his ghost or something," he said with a laugh that had no mirth in it.
Xiaolian remained silent, keeping her grasp on his hand as he worked through his emotions.
"Okay…I'm okay. Let's go see my cousin. It will be good to see him after so long."
Xiaolian released her grip on his hand and Dian gave her a sheepish smile. "I already miss holding your hand."
"Weirdo," Xiaolian muttered as she spurred her horse forward. Dian let out a laugh and followed after her.
=#=
By the time they had reached Dian's cousin's manor, night had fallen. He was grateful that they had managed to reach it when they did because he dreaded the idea of camping out with Xiaolian. Not because he did not want to, but because he knew it would be absolute torture having to control himself while in such close proximity to her. Luckily, they had managed to avoid that the entire trip thanks to inns and kind people offering them refuge in thanks for them helping out with odd chores.
Dian looked up to the manor. A wave of nostalgia hit him as memories of his childhood came flooding back. He spent most of his childhood here. It was good to be back, despite it missing such an important figure in his life.
Dian announced himself to the guards and he was instantly recognized. They saluted his return and he returned the gesture with a smile. He dismounted, but before he could help Xiaolian off of her horse, someone came running out of the manor.
"Cousin! Is it really you?" Dian gasped as he hurried over to Li Zheng. He grasped his forearms and Zheng returned the gesture.
"Haha, it is cousin. It is good to see you," Dian replied with a bright smile.
The two embraced briefly before pulling apart.
"Let me introduce someone to you," Dian said as he went to Xiaolian's side and helping her dismount.
Zheng watched the encounter with interest.
"Xiaolian, this is my cousin, Li Zheng styled, Siqian. Siqian, this is Xiaolian. My wife-to-be."
"So this is Xiaolian? It is an honor to meet you. I feel as if I already know you from all the letters Mancheng has written."
Xiaolian looked up to Dian. She was curious exactly what he wrote about her. She returned her attention back to Zheng.
"Hello."
"Haha, just as shy as you said," Zheng said with a warm smile. "You both must be tired, come inside!"
Zheng led the way back into his manor and the pair followed after him.
=#=
It was the morning after their arrival. Zheng was the perfect host ensuring they were well fed. He entertained with stories of Dian as a child and the trouble they use to get up to as children. It was enough to make even Xiaolian crack a smile or two. When it was time to retire, they were escorted to comfortable rooms where they could sleep the weariness of travel away.
Now Dian and Zheng sat at a table with breakfast in front of them. Xiaolian was still asleep, unused to traveling for long periods of time. Zheng ate, occasionally making small talk, but Dian barely touched his food. While he was happy to see he cousin, he knew he had been summoned for a reason.
"Is the meal not to your liking?" Zheng asked. "I told them to make what I remembered to be your favorites."
"Siqian…why am I here?"
Zheng sighed and placed his chopsticks beside his plate.
"I was honestly hoping I had a bit more time before we got into this."
"Sorry," Dian replied with a wry smile. "The anticipating is killing me."
"I take it you haven't spoken to anyone in the family lately?"
Dian frowned and dropped his eyes.
"It wasn't a condemnation cousin. I know your relationship with them. I was just wondering exactly where I needed to start."
Zheng sighed and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath before opening them again and beginning his tale.
"This have been rather difficult lately. Though the taels you send have been immensely helpful, taking care of everyone in our family is becoming burdensome. The coffers father had left for them are nearly empty and we will run out of taels soon. We need to figure out a solution."
"That's easy. Cut them off."
Zheng frowned.
"Mancheng—" he began.
"No, Siqian. Just because uncle cared for them does not mean such an onus should fall to us as well. They are adults and are capable of working. I say we make them do it, or do you intend to take care of them for the rest of your life?"
Zheng's lips pressed together in a thin line as he contemplated Dian's words. He knew what he was saying was correct, but that did not stop him from feeling bad about the entire situation.
"They do not have any practical skills, Mancheng and they are use a certain lifestyle—"
"—A lifestyle that can no longer be maintained. I have given up enough to care for them; me living in barracks all these years is proof of that. I am going to get married soon and even though I will be living in their home, I cannot expect her family to care for me. I need to pull my weight too and show that I can care for their daughter. Don't you want to have a family too? You always said you did, but you are denying yourself because you are caring for a bunch of lazy adults."
Zheng remained silent. He could not deny Dian's words.
"It is time to let them fend for themselves, cousin. Of course we can still be there if they need help, but the burden should not be on us entirely."
Zheng sighed once again. "Do you have a plan on how to do this?"
"Well…not just yet," Dian said with a small laugh as he scratched the back of his head.
"Ask Lord Cao."
Both men jumped to see Xiaolian standing in the doorway. She crept in so quietly they hadn't known she was there or for how long.
"L-Lady Xiaolian! D-Did you sleep well?"
Zheng asked, his voice a high pitch as he was clearly flustered at her sudden arrival.
"Yes," she replied as she took a seat next to Dian.
"Good Morning," Dian said with a smile. "Hungry?"
She nodded and Dian called for a servant to bring out some food for her. As they waited, Dian spoke again.
"What did you mean ask Lord Cao?"
Zheng leaned in a bit, interested in hearing her answer.
"Father said Lord Cao needed people to help settle Ye."
That was it. The only explanation she offered.
Dian thought for a moment. She thought to use his family for the task of settling Ye? It was a good idea, but they did not have experience in caring for a land. They would need to be taught. Perhaps their servants and retainers could do the task of teaching them. Oh he could just imagine the looks on their faces at the notion of orders from those below their station.
Zheng brows furrowed. "They would be a good idea, except they wouldn't know how to work the land or do whatever is necessary to help it get settled."
"Then they can learn," Dian replied quickly. He was completely sold on the idea now that he had thought about it. Get his mooching family out of his hair and knock them down a peg. A win-win for him.
"We have over fifteen hundred retainers and servants. They can teach them."
Zheng stared at Dian as if he had lost his mind. "You truly think they would take orders from them?"
"They have no choice. Learn and survive or be homeless. Things cannot stay the way they are."
"You have gotten such a fire in you cousin. I could not fathom such harsh words spilling from your lips in the past."
"Harsh but true words cousin."
Zheng was right. Dian had changed. He never spoke out against his family. He always suffered in silence. He could not say with certainty what the catalyst for his change was. Perhaps it was simply being around a family that was considerably less dysfunctional than his to realize just how badly he was being treated.
Silence followed as the servant brought out Xiaolian's food. She began to eat, unbothered by the tension hanging in the air.
"Do you think Lord Cao would even go for this?"
Dian shrugged. "We won't know unless we ask. Should I ask?"
Zheng lowered his eyes as he contemplated his options. It did not take him long to reach a decision. Dian was right. Things could not stay the way they were.
"Yes."
Dian smile. "Then I will ask as soon as we return."
Zheng gave him a strained smile. It was hard to feel happy in this moment. The thought of such a burden being lifted from his shoulders brought him joy, but he also knew there would be a ton of issues that would go along with it.
"Do not worry, Siqian. I have a feeling it will all work out."
"Truly? Or are you just saying that to make me not worry?"
"Truly," Dian replied with a confident smile.
Zheng smiled back, this time a true smile. "Then I shall put faith in that. He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat again, uncaring that his food had now cooled a bit.
"Eat up. After we finish, we can head out to go visit them."
There was a soft clank as Dian's chopsticks hit the table. Xiaolian and Zheng turned to him to see the hand that had been holding the chopsticks still hovering in the air and his face frozen in terror.
=#=
"Why do we have to do this?"
"They are your family, Mancheng. You should see them once in awhile."
"Why?" he groused sounding every bit like a petulant child.
"Because I have had to suffer their presence for years and I want to pay back my torment to you just a bit."
Dian's mouth dropped. "That's just cruel!" he said once he finally regained his wits after his cousin's admission.
Zheng chuckled. "Cruel, but fair cousin."
Dian continued to complain, clearly still unhappy with this arrangement.
"How do you manage to deal with him, Lady Xiaolian?" Zheng asked with a wry smile.
Xiaolian shrugged in response. She did not have an answer for him. In truth, this was the first time she had seen Dian act this way. He was normally an agreeable person. It made her curious as to how bad his family could really be.
=#=
Awful. Absolutely awful.
Xiaolian had been curious to meet Dian's family. She wanted to meet the people who manage to make such a mild mannered man so surly. She was fascinated that they were able to shift his mood so dramatically and wanted to know if his reaction was justified or overblown. It did not take long for her to realize that his reaction indeed was warranted because his family was utterly and truly awful.
When they first arrived, they treated her like a servant. In their minds because she did not wear gaudy clothing or was surrounded by ladies in waiting, she could not have been anyone of note. They looked down on her immediately and insulted her looks to their face. They were especially vocal of her scar which saddened and angered her.
Once they found out who her father was and realized she was someone of standing their attitudes changed completely. They sucked up to her, fawned over her. It was disgusting and managed to piss her off more than when they were insulting her.
To make matters worse, some of them began hitting on her; right in Dian's face. Even after Zheng had informed them that Xiaolian was to be Dian's wife, they did not stop their pursuit of her. Their actions pushed Dian a bit too far and their visit was cut short by Dian knocking one his cousin's who had attempted to touch Xiaolian's hand out cold.
They cursed Dian and condemned him from his actions. Not a word of rebuke was spared for the still unconscious cousin. They apologized to her not for his actions but for Dian's! Xiaolian couldn't take it anymore. She called them idiots and told them they did not deserve Dian. They were surprised at this; Surprised that someone of such standing spoke on Dian's behalf. No one was more surprised than Dian. Xiaolian wasn't very forthcoming with her emotions so any show of her true feelings toward him delighted Dian. Zheng took that time to announce their plans to make them independent. They begged him to reconsider, but Zheng merely shook his head and told them it was time for them to stand on their own. Zheng also informed them that for all of these years, Dian had been the one chiefly supplying the taels so they could maintain their lifestyle. Previously they were not aware of this fact. Dian had requested that Zheng kept it a secret. Zheng wanted them to understand what the person they treated so terribly did for them.
When they left it was an awkward silence. They were stunned by the revelations and realization that they would actually have to work for a living. No words of apologies were ever offered and Dian hadn't expected any. He told them that after today, they would not see him any longer and Xiaolian was grateful for that.
Zheng rode back with them as far as the border of his land. He tried to convince Dian to stay one more night before setting out, but Dian wanted nothing more than to be away from that place. He bid his cousin farewell and promised he would speak with Cao as soon as he could and he and Xiaolian were on their way.
Because Xiaolian was an experienced rider, they made good time. Before nightfall, they had arrived at the inn they stayed at two nights ago. Tonight however, the inn only had one room, which meant Xiaolian and Dian had to room together.
Xiaolian entered the room after having bathed and found that Dian had moved his bedding into one corner of the room, her bedding on the opposite side. Dian was already laying down, his back to her. Xiaolian quietly moved over to her bedding and began to gather it up.
"I'm sorry," Dian said suddenly causing her to still her hands.
"I'm sorry for the way my family acted. For subjecting you to that," he clarified. "I understand…" he paused and sucked in a deep breath. "I understand if you no longer want anything to do with me."
Xiaolian did not reply. Instead she resumed her tasked of gathering up her bedding.
"I will say you made me really happy when you stood up for me. Thank you for that."
Xiaolian remained silent as she completed her task. Once finished, she moved it across the room, right next to Dian. He stirred, surprised by the sound and turned to look at her. For a few moments his eyes darted from the bedding she had begun to lay out once more to her.
"What are you doing?" he finally managed to ask.
"Fixing it," Xiaolian replied.
"B-but why are you over here?"
"I want to."
Dian swallowed loudly. She wanted to sleep next to him? They had never been in such close proximity to each other in such an intimate setting before. He had a hard enough time keeping himself from kissing her every time he looked at her. This was going to be impossible.
"I…I don't think this is such a good idea."
Xiaolian did not reply. Instead of answering him, she had finished laying out her bedding and crawled on top of it. Once settled she snuggled close to him. Shocked by this sudden moved, Dian jumped up as if he had been burned by fire. He moved away from Xiaolian and stared at her with a pained look in his eyes. Xiaolian frowned and sat up. She lowered her head and squeezed her eyes shut so the tears that were threatening to fall wouldn't come.
"So it is true."
"T-true? What's true?" Dian stammered as he tried to get his racing heart to calm down.
"I am ugly."
"WHAT?" Dian exclaimed loudly, the sudden shout causing Xiaolian to jump.
"What are you talking about?" Dian said in a calmer tone as he kneeled before her.
"Your family. When they first met me…they said I was ugly."
Dian grit his teeth. The anger from before returning. He wished he did more than punch one of them. They all deserved a sound beating for the way they spoke to her.
"They are idiots," he said through gritted teeth. The only thing they are attracted to is teals. They wouldn't know beauty if it slapped them across the face."
"But it is true. I am."
"No. You are not," Dian said a bit softer as he took one of her hands in his. "You are the most beautiful girl I have ever met."
"Liar."
"I am definitely not lying," he replied with a small smile.
"Then why run?"
Dian hesitated. Should he tell her the truth? He could see her eyes searching his. She needed to know. She needed to know that the real reason why he jumped away from her. Anything less would break her. It would affirm those cruel words from his family and the words she had told herself for years after she got her scar.
Dian sucked in a deep breath and tried to steel himself for what he was about to say.
"I want you. I want you so bad it honestly is driving me mad. I have to constantly fight the urge to touch you; to kiss you. If we sleep next to each other, I don't think I will be able to hold back," Dian said with a nervous chuckle. He wasn't sure how Xiaolian was going to react to his admission. At best she would just call him a weirdo. At worst, she would think he was some kind of pervert and never want to be alone with him again.
"Oh," was Xiaolian's reply after a painfully long silence. She nodded her head and stood. Dian thought she had gotten up to move her bedding, but she shocked him by beginning to untie her outer robe.
"W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Dian shouted as held her hands to halt them.
Xiaolian cocked her head to the side in confusion.
"Undressing."
"I…Yes I can see that, but why?" Dian replied, extremely flustered by her nonchalance.
"You want me."
Dian's brain stopped working temporarily at her words. How can she say that with such a straight face? If it wasn't for the light blush that dusted her cheeks, he would think he was the only one being affected by this.
"Do you understand what you are saying, Xiaolian?"
She nodded.
"And you are offering yourself to me…just like that?"
Xiaolian nodded again.
Dian sucked in a few shaky breaths and stepped away from her.
"No. There is no way you know what you are saying."
"You want to make love to me," she replied flatly, annoyed that he thought her so ignorant.
"Shit," he muttered. She did know. So why? Why was she so nonchalant about this?
"Isn't this your first time?"
She nodded.
"How are you not nervous or scared or excited?"
"I am."
Dian scoffed. "Could have fooled me."
Xiaolian looked down, her fingers fiddling with the ties of her robe.
"My stomach feels fluttery," she said softly.
Dian let out a chuckle. "Yeah. So does mine."
They both stood in silence, not looking at each other. It was Dian that finally broke the silence between them.
"You don't have to force yourself to do this. I'm being stupid. I can control myself."
"Wasn't forcing," she replied with a shake of her head. "I…I want to."
"Xiaolian…"
"I am scared, but I trust you."
"You can't say stuff like that in front of a man who is barely holding on, Xiaolian."
So Xiaolian said nothing else. Instead she finished undoing the ties of her robe and let it fall to the floor around her ankles in a heap. Dian sucked in a sharp breath as his gaze followed the garments descent before returning his eyes to Xiaolian's own. Her blush had deepened and she was fidgeting under his intense gaze. Dian took one hesitant step forward. When Xiaolian did not flee he took another step, more confident then the last and took her into his arms. He kissed her, softly, relishing in the feel of her soft lips against his own.
The kiss gradually became more demanding. Dian pulled her flush against him as he greedily claimed her mouth as his own. Breathless they pulled apart and Dian smiled down to her. Her face was completely flushed and that nonchalant look she normally wore was replaced by one of pure desire.
"Y-yours," Xiaolian stammered as she tugged on his robe.
He complied and undid the ties to his robe and shrugged it off his shoulders, leaving him in his inner robe just like her. They were both still completely covered, but this was still the most he had ever seen of her. One of the barriers that had barred him from getting close to her was gone and with it, the fragile restraint he had held on to, to stop himself from ravishing her.
"If you want to stop, now would be the time, Xiaolian. I don't think I can hold back anymore if we go any further than this," Dian said. His voice was low and husky; the sound made Xiaolian shiver.
In response, Xiaolian stood on her tip toes and kissed him. Dian reacted immediately, wrapping his arms around her waist to support her and deepening the kiss. There was no way he could stop now. This kiss had sealed his fate. Their kiss gradually became wilder, more passionate. Dian broke away from her lips to trail kisses along her cheek and down to her neck. He pushed her inner robe off her shoulders to plant kisses along her shoulder. He could feel Xiaolian shudder beneath him with each kiss and it only spurred him on.
Dian's hands found their way to the ties of Xiaolian's inner robe. He deftly undid the ties and let it fall to join her outer robe. His kisses continued, moving further down until he was just above the thin camisole that concealed her breast. His hands reached up and squeezed her breast through the thin garment eliciting a delightful moan to slip from Xiaolian's lips. The sound shot through him, making him harder than he has ever been in his life. As if knowing exactly what effect her moan had on him, Xiaolian reached down and grabbed hold of him through his robe. Dian hissed from the contact and called her name.
Her small hands began to tentatively run up and down his length, getting familiar with its feel. He called her name a few times more, speaking it as if it was a beautiful prayer. It was heaven, pure heaven, but such bliss was not long lasting. Dian suddenly felt someone shaking him. This was confusing as he and Xiaolian were the only people in the room. The shaking became more insistent and Dian found himself getting more and more annoyed.
"Mancheng."
That was definitely Xiaolian's voice, but it wasn't coming from the Xiaolian in front of him. She looked up at him with innocent eyes, her hands still stroking his length. He wanted to ignore the shaking, ignore the disembodied calling his name, but the tugging at his consciousness would not be ignored and he could feel himself being pulled away from the beautiful reality before him. Suddenly he could no longer feel Xiaolian. Her image became fuzzy and the room around them began to dim. Within seconds she had completely vanished, the room around him had become black and Dian soon found himself in a space of pure emptiness.
He opened his eyes to see a blurry image before him. He blinked a few times to clear the image and he could see a fully clothed Xiaolian looking down at him, lit by the lantern in the center of the room. Dian groaned. It was a dream. Of course it was a dream. How could he be so stupid to think it was real?
Xiaolian gave Dian a few moments to get his bearings. He sat up with a groan and scratched his head. He was still ridiculously hard and he had to subtly adjust himself so Xiaolian would not see it.
"Xiaolian…is everything okay?" he asked with his voice thick with sleep. He avoided her eyes, unable to look at her after the dream he had just had.
Xiaolian cocked her head to the side and he could see she was frowning. "You said my name."
'Fuck' Dian thought to himself.
"I did?" he asked as he rubbed at his eye.
"A lot," she added. It was clear that his calling of her name woke her up.
'FUCK!'
"O-oh, really? Weird. Did…Did I say anything else?"
She shook her head and he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Sorry about that. It's okay though, nothing to worry about."
Xiaolian did not look convinced, but she did not question it any further. She instead stood and went back to her bedding on the other side of the room.
Dian sighed as he watched her go. So he must have fallen asleep before she came back from her bath. That dream felt so real. He had to seriously get a grip.
Dian stood and adjusted himself again.
"Hey, I'll be back in a bit okay?"
Xiaolian nodded before laying down and turning her back to him.
Dian breathed a sigh of relief that she wasn't questioning him about any of this. It was embarrassing enough to know he just had a wet dream about her. For her to call him out on it would have been terrible. He gathered up a few things before slipping out of the room to go find a very cold lake to jump in.
=#=
"All alone, My Lady?"
Cai Yan looked up from the flicking bonfire she had been staring at to Guo Jia. He wore a charming smile as he sat at the edge of the log she had been sitting on.
They were halfway back to Xuchang and had decided to make camp for the night. The others were getting their tents set up and securing their camp site leaving Cai Yan alone.
"I am only waiting for my tent to be set up, then I shall retire for the night."
"Well I am glad I have a few moments to talk to you before sleep takes you away. I am Guo Jia, styled Fèngxiào."
"It is an honor to meet you, My Lord. I am Cai Yan."
"A beautiful name for a beautiful woman," Jia said as he took her hand into his own and kissed the back of it.
"Such honeyed words roll off your tongue with practiced ease."
Jia let out a soft laugh as he released her hand.
"That it does and rarely do I truly mean the words I speak…but in this case, they were spoken in earnest."
"Then I gladly accept your compliment, Lord Fèngxiào."
Jia smiled. "What instrument do you play?"
Yan looked taken aback. "How do you know I played an instrument at all?"
"Your hand," Jia explained. "It is calloused at the tips, typical of one who plays stringed instruments."
She looked down at the tips of her fingers illuminated in the firelight. She rubbed her thumb and forefinger together feeling the rough pad that had developed from years of plucking the guqin.
"That is an amazing observation in such a short period of time. You are an extraordinary man."
Jia let out a chuckle. "I am not quite so extraordinary. Merely observant."
Yan shook her head. "Many men have paid me a visit today. Each has taken my hand as you have, but you are the only one who picked up on that."
"Many men?" Jia's eyes scanned the camp, his eyes picking out potential would-be suitors that would have approached Yan.
"It seems your beauty has been recognized by many. In my attempt to give you a moment to yourself, It seems I might have put myself at a disadvantage."
"I would not say that," Yan said with a shy smile. "After all, you hold the honor of being the longest man I have spoken to."
"Oh? Then I take heart that I still have a chance," Jia said with a chuckle. "So tell me, My Lady, what instrument do you play?"
"I play many, but I favor the guqin."
"Has it been long since you have played?"
Yan nodded with a frown. "They did not allow me to have such frivolities. The Xiongnu are very practical people. They only keep with them what they need."
Jia listened intently, making a mental note to himself. From there, the conversation between the two flowed naturally until interrupted by Cao Cao.
"I see you have found Cai Yan, Fèngxiào."
"Yes, My Lord. My Lady had the graciousness to allow me to keep her company while her tent is prepared."
"Well as loathe as I am to interrupt your little get together, your tent is ready Cai Yan."
"Oh, thank you Lord Cao," she said with a bow of her head. Cai Yan stood and turned to Jia.
"It was a pleasure and an honor speaking to you. I hope we have the chance to do so again."
"Yes, remember, you owe me a performance on your guqin."
She giggled softly. "Yes. Once I get a new once, I will make good on my promise. Good night."
Cao watched Yan walk away before addressing Jia.
"I see you wasted no time getting to know Cai Yan."
"Yes," Jia replied with a smile as he watched her duck into her tent. "She is quite lovely."
"She is," Cao replied.
The tone Cao used made Jia pull his eyes from her tent to him.
"No worries, My Lord. I know my place. I will not encroach on what you have already claimed."
"I have claimed nothing," Cao corrected.
"Oh?" Jia said, not hiding the excitement in his voice at this news.
"That does not mean I give you permission to go after her," he replied. "She is not a mere conquest to be taken and forgotten."
"No…she is not," Jia agreed.
It was Cao's turn to look at Jia. It was rare to hear such a serious tone come out of the man. His voice was always light and had a playful edge to it. The only time he ever got serious was when they were in a difficult battle.
"So she is not to be your concubine…exactly why have you paid such a hefty sum for her? Not that she is not worth it, but what is in it for you?" Jia asked, ignoring Cao's gaze upon him.
"When I served under Dong Zhou, her father, Cai Yong and I became friends. He was a brilliant man; a talented astronomer, calligrapher, historian, mathematician, musician, politician, and writer. The man was quite frankly, amazing. I learned much under him. In return for imparting his vast knowledge to me, he asked that I look after his daughter should anything happen to him. I am merely keeping that promise."
"I see."
"Even if I hadn't made the promise, to let a talent such as Cai Yan to languish in the hands of those Xiongnu barbarians would be a waste. Like her father, she is a talented calligrapher, musician and writer. Such a talent should be shared with the world, not hidden away."
"I agree wholeheartedly."
"Feel free to be friendly with her if you wish, but remember my words."
"They will not be forgotten," Jia said softly, his eyes fixed now on the flickering bonfire in front him.
Cao studied him, curious of his change in demeanor. He honestly expected Jia to laugh at Cao's words and give up on the prospect of perusing her. As much as a womanizer Jia was, he understood boundaries. If Cao Cao said something was off limits, he respected it. This time was different. He wasn't laughing and from the look in his eye, it was clear he wasn't planning of moving off. He was seriously considering it. Could Cai Yan truly be the woman to finally rein Guo Jia in? That would be a sight to see. Cao would sit back and observe for now.
He turned on his heel, his cape swishing in the wind as he headed to his camp. To his dismay, his son waited in front of it. He honestly had enough of Cao Zhi's antics for one day.
"Father, allow me to apologize for my behavior earlier."
Zhi practically ambushed him the moment Cao drew close.
"We will talk about it in the morning," was Cao's response. He did not feel like thinking about this.
He entered his tent and Zhi followed. Cao let out an annoyed sigh as Zhi launched into further apologies. His son clearly could not read a room.
"Is that all?" Cao asked in a bored tone once Zhi was done.
"No. The apology was not the only thing I wished to speak to you about. I wish to take Cai Yan as my wife."
Cao regarded his son with newfound interest. His brows rose slightly in surprise at the sudden declaration.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, father. I have had the chance to speak with her and I can tell she is a lady of refinement. She would compliment me well as a wife."
"I see."
"So do I have your approval?"
Cao's thoughts went to Jia for a brief moment. It was clear he was quite taken with Cai Yan as well, though he had not come out and said it.
"No."
"No?" Zhi repeated in surprise.
"No," Cao confirmed. "She has only just gained her freedom. I have no desire to snatch it away from her so quickly. Court her if you wish. If she is receptive to your advances and tells me that she wishes to marry you, I will allow it."
Zhi's face contorted into one of displeasure. "Why should she get a choice in the matter?"
"Because I said she does. Now leave my tent before I deny you completely."
Zhi frowned, but browed. "Yes father."
He slipped out of his father's tent and looked towards Cai Yan's. It should not be a problem to make her his. What woman would not want the honor of being his wife? It was such a bother to have to go through the effort thought. He wished his father had just given her to him as he asked. No worries, she will be his wife before long.
=#=
Li Dian struggled to keep himself from fidgeting as he waited outside of Cao Cao's audience chamber. He always felt a little nervous when speaking to Cao Cao and this time he was going to be asking him for a substantial favor. It didn't help that he didn't particularly like the people he was helping either. Seeing them again was an absolute nightmare and only reminded him why he originally stopped visiting them.
"Lord Cao will see you now."
Dian pushed thoughts of the dreaded trip out of his mind and went inside. He saluted Cao Cao.
"My Lord."
"Mancheng."
Cao looked…irritable. This was going to be harder than he thought. He stamped down the nervousness welling up within him and cleared his throat before speaking.
"Thank you for seeing me, especially since you have only just returned."
"Yes. I have not had a chance to rest since my return and I still have a few more meetings before I can. If you understand that, then spare me this pointless fluff and tell me exactly why you requested to speak with me."
Dian swallowed hard. He considered telling Cao never mind and trying again when he was in a better mood, but something told him that would just piss him off even more. He needed to power through this, for good or ill.
"I understand you need to hands to help settle Ye. I wish to offer my family for the task."
Cao's brow hitched slightly in surprise. "Is that so? Tell me Mancheng, why are you volunteering your family?"
"Because they are struggling. My cousin and I can no longer support them. We thought it best if we help them learn to stand on their own."
"Is it not a son's role to care for their parents, Mancheng? I am certain that what you earn from me is more than enough to handle that. Tell me, Mancheng, do not have a filial devotion to your parents?"
Dian lowered his eyes. He was trying to avoid going down this road. He did not like his family, but it was a rare fact that outsides knew. He kept his contempt for them inside and played the role of the dutiful son. He never disrespected them or bad mouthed in front of others; a shame they never returned the same respect.
"It is because of my love for them that I wish this. I'm humble and timid and my contributions are lowly, but the rewards I've received are too high, so I should have my entire clan join me in service so that I'll feel more deserving of the rewards. Besides, the chaos hasn't ended yet, so it's better to keep them close to better control the Empire."
"You come to ask a favor of me and you do so by lying? A foolish way to go about it," Cao replied.
"I—wha?"
"How long did you practice that little speech of yours, Mancheng?"
Dian nervously scratched the back of his head. He wasn't exactly sure how Cao knew, but it was clear that he knew. There was no point in lying anymore. It was clear at this point it would do more harm than good.
"Honestly? I've been working on it the entire trip back."
"I figured so. It was a good speech and it is very convincing, but you yourself gave the truth away."
Dian's eyes widened. "How?"
"You may not have noticed, but the entire time you spoke of them, your fist had been balled. Strange reaction for someone that feels so fondly of the people he is speaking about."
Dian lifted his still balled fist and looked at it in amazement. He never noticed that he did that. Was it an unconscious response?
"I…I am sorry for deceiving you, My Lord. In truth, I do not like my family much. I cared for them as long as I have out of obligation."
"Hmph...Now you speak true. I respect your devotion to your family despite your dislike for them. It is true that I need hands to settle Ye, if your family can assist in that, they will be adequately compensated."
"Thank you, My Lord."
"Tell me, are they skilled?"
Dian winced. "Not particularly…"
Cao frowned and Dian spoke quickly to try and explain.
"They had the benefit of being cared for all of their lives, but I am sure they can learn if they are forced to and it won't be so bad; while they are unskilled, their attendants are not."
"Exactly how many people are we talking about, Mancheng?"
"Um about three thousand?"
"You have been caring for a household of three thousand all this time?"
"Well I am not alone. My cousin has assisted."
"Yes…Li Zheng, was it?"
Dian nodded.
Cao suddenly let out a bark of laughter. "Perhaps you are more of a devoted son that you thought, Mancheng. I do not know many that would care for three thousand people they do not like."
"Yeah, I guess so," Dian replied with a half hearted chuckle of his own.
"Your family will be used to help settle Ye,"
"Thank you, My Lord," Dian replied relieved. He wasn't sure which way it was going to go for a minute there and he was glad that Cao agreed to his request.
Cao raised a hand to indicate he was not done.
"I believe I have the perfect person to watch over them and ensure they do an adequate job; Yu Wenze."
Dian suppressed a shudder. His family was in for pure hell if he was overseeing them. He almost felt bad for them…almost.
"I trust that is not a problem?"
"None what-so-ever," Dian replied probably a bit too quickly.
Cao's lips quirked up into a smile. He knew Yu Jin's reputation, he was a hard person to serve under, yet he also knew that Yu Jin's methods got results. If Dian's family was as pampered as Cao thought, they needed a firm hand to whip them into shape and he could not think of better to do the job.
"I am also promoting you to General Who Destroys Barbarians."
"Huh?!" Dian exclaimed in surprise.
"I was actually having quite a bit of difficulty trying to figure out how I would get Ye settled. War has devastated that province and it isn't exactly an opportunity many would jump at, especially if they are already settled. You have saved me a considerable amount of headache. There is also your past accomplishments to consider. You have done well these past few years and should be rewarded appropriately."
"But, this doesn't feel right. I came asking you for a favor—"
"Yes, you did, but it was me whom you did the favor for."
Dian looked as if he wanted to argue the point again, but Cao held up his hand again.
"I have other meeting to get through and less patience than I had at the beginning of this meeting. We are done here."
"I—uh…yes, My Lord. Thank you for everything."
Cao waved Dian away, signaling the end of the conversation. Dian saluted and left, a bit dazed yet relieved with how the meeting went.
=#=
-A Year Later-
Things had been blissfully peaceful. It was almost enough to make one forget that they were still embroiled in a time of chaos.
Cao Pi's marriage to Zhenji was coming soon. It promised to be a big event and it would be the last all of Cao's generals would celebrate together in Xuchang. Dian and Xiaolian had opted to postpone their own nuptials until they moved to their new home. Xiahouji, wanting to get married at the same time as Xiaolian opted to wait as well.
In a surprise to everyone, Yue Jin declared his intentions to get married as well. As it turns out, he had fallen madly in love with the daughter of a bun maker, which explained his sudden obsession with meat buns. Like the others, he would wait to marry her until they moved to their new home.
Zhuyue found herself with child once more. She hoped for another girl, but had a feeling the Xiahou curse of having only boys would rear its head once more. Zhuyue was not the only one expecting. Her sister in law, Jiao was with child as well.
Things were good. Chaos still thrived in the land, but in their little bubble, the wei forces knew peace. Unfortunately, that fragile bubble would soon be popped shattering their illusion of peace and their world be embroiled into chaos once more.
It was Cao Cao who popped the bubble. The needle? His declaration that training amongst the forces was to be increased. He usually only did this when a plan for war was in the works. They still had time, but time was a fragile and fleeting thing. Soon they would all be thrown back into the chaos.
=#=
My dwelling is often covered by frost and snow,
The foreign winds bring again spring and summer;
They gently blow into my robes,
And chillingly shrill into my ear;
Emotions stirred, I think of my parents,
Whilst I draw a long sigh of endless sorrows.
Whenever guests visit from afar,
I would often make joy of their tidings;
I lost no time in throwing eager questions,
Only to find that the guests were not from my home town.
Cai Yan rested a hand on the still vibrating string of the recently plucked guqin. She looked up to her sole audience member with bated breath, waiting for their review.
"Be my wife."
"Well that certainly is the first time I have received such a response from one of my poems."
"That was rather abrupt, wasn't it? To be honest I surprised myself. This is very unlike me."
"Oh? I think it is very much like you. You try to hide your true self under a smiling mask, but I can hear the melody of your soul. It is beautiful and it is kind."
He coughed and turned his face from her view to hide the smile that came unbidden. "I suppose it was your turn to surprise me with something I have never heard before."
"I only spoke the truth, as I imagined you did."
He let out a soft laugh. "I suppose I should give you my true opinion on your poem. You have waited ever so patiently for it after all."
She remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
"That was beautiful…but so sad. Is that from your time with the Xiongnu tribe?"
She nodded with a sad smile on her face as she rested the guqin beside the bed. "My time with them was…painfully lonely. I would always get excited whenever visitors came to trade, hoping that I would find someone that came from a life similar to my own. Each time, I found myself disappointed as they only seemed to interact with other nomad tribes.
Suddenly, Yan found herself wrapped up in strong arms. She sighed softly as she buried her face in his chest and breathed in his scent. His very presence soothed her soul. They stayed like that, for a long while; A comfortable silence blanketing them. Yan's hand moved to his chest, her hands idly drawing patterns against it.
"Would you prefer that I write happier poems?" she asked suddenly.
He pulled away and looked down to her with a smile.
"I would prefer that you write what is in your heart."
She smiled at that answer. "I think my next poem will be a bit happy."
"Oh?" he replied teasingly.
"Yes. To reflect all the happiness you have given me, Lord Fèngxiào."
"Mmm and what happiness would that be?" Jia asked as he allowed his long thin fingers to trail down her neck causing her to shiver.
"You brought me that guqin and allowed me to play music once more."
"Mmhm," he said as his lips began to leave a trail of kisses where his fingers once touched."
"And you are always supporting me and comforting me," she continued, though it came out a bit breathless as she began to feel the effects of his gentle ministrations.
"Ah," he replied as his hands now brushed lightly over the curve of her breast before slipping down to her waist so he could untie her robe.
"You are going to war soon, aren't you?"
His hands stilled and he pulled back and looked at her questioningly.
"Lady Zhenji told me that Lord Cao had been talking to Lord Pi about it. He intends to start a war with the forces of Wu in the south."
Jia smiled. "It seems Lord Pi and Lady Zhenji have grown rather close if they engage in pillow talk."
"Of course, they are to be married soon. Why wouldn't they be close?"
Jia shook his head, the smile still on his face. He never told Yan about his training of Zhenji so she could be seen a worthy in his eyes. After all, it wasn't his story to tell.
"Oh nevermind me. To answer your question, yes. War is on the horizon, but not just yet."
Yan frowned. "And when it comes, you shall go."
"But I will return."
"Will you?" Yan asked as she searched his eyes seeking the truth of his words.
"I shall. After all, I have a beautiful woman waiting for me."
"I would not be content to simply wait for you. I would rather be by your side."
"If you were by my side, I think I would be distracted with all the thoughts of the naughty things I want to do with you," he said as he slowly pushed her to the bed.
"Answer me true, Lord Fèngxiào. When you asked me to be your wife, did you mean it?" she said as she allowed herself to be pushed down onto the bed.
Jia pressed one last kiss to her neck before pulling back. He propped himself on with one arm, hovering just inches above her as he stared into her eyes.
"I never had any intention of having a wife or continuing my line. I knew I was destined to die young. I could feel it, my illness, slowly killing me. It wouldn't have been fair to have a wife and children only to leave them to fend for themselves."
"I had no idea—"
"No one did. I intended it that way. I resolved myself to making my name for myself as a strategist and indulging myself of all of life's pleasures for as long as I still breathed."
Yan reached a hand to stroke his cheek lovingly, sadness evident in her eyes.
Jia chuckled and took hold of the hand that cupped his cheek and placed a kiss to the back of her hand.
"There is no reason to hold such sorrow in your eyes. This tale has a happy ending. You see, while I had resigned myself to my fate, the heavens had not. I met my dear little sister and she saved my life."
"Sister?"
Jia smiled fondly at the thought of Zhuyue. "Not by blood, but she is my sister all the same. Her father had the same illness as I. She recognized the signs as she saw it throughout her life with her father. It was thanks to her that we caught my aliment in time. I have never felt better."
Yan smiled. "I am relieved to hear that. I have grown quite fond of you. If I were to lose you now—"
Jia placed a soft kiss upon her brow before pulling away again and looking into her eyes.
"Sometimes I question if this is all real. If I am truly still here. I feel as if I should be dead. My ambitions left incomplete with no one to carry on my name."
"You are still here…with me," Yan said as she cupped his cheek once more.
"I am and I wish to make the most of it. So to answer your earlier question, yes. I do mean it. With every inch of me I mean it. With this new time that I have been given, I want nothing more to hold you close. I want to have children to carry on my name; to have a family that I have yearned for so long but thought impossible. Cai Yan, be my wife."
Yan smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I will," she whispered as she pulled him to her, their lips touching in a soft kiss sealing a promise of a future together.
=#=
-The next morning-
Cao was surprised to get a request for a meeting so early in the morning from Guo Jia. He was even more surprised when he arrived with Cai Yan at his side. Cao's servants had served their tea before excusing themselves and the three sat down; Cao behind his desk, Jia and Yan on the other side.
"I am surprised to see the two of you together. Rather I should say I am surprised to see Fèngxiào at all. As of late he has been rather scarce. Unless it is for work, I would not hear tale of the man. I guess I now know the reason why."
"Have I been keeping Master Fèngxiào from work? He has been so kind as to help me with my poetry as of late."
"Poetry, huh?" Cao remarked as he took a sip of his tea.
"Yes, have you heard some of his work before? He is quite good."
"No. I haven't. In all the years I have known him, he has managed to keep that particular talent hidden away," Cao said with wry smile.
"My skill pales in comparison to yours, Cai Yan," Jia said before taking a sip from his own cup.
"I do seem to remember that you are very talented with poetry," Cao remarked as he set his tea cup down.
"You honor me, My Lord," Cai Yan said with a bow of her head and a small smile playing on her lips.
"It is good to see you smile again. I am almost reminded of the past; sitting with your father talking for hours on end while you sat off in a corner reading with a smile on your face."
Yan smiled sadly at the mention of her father. Though it has been long since he has been gone, her heart would always remember the burden of his loss. Jia longed to reach out to her to comfort her, but he knew it would be impossible to do so now. Instead he sat quietly listening to the two as he sipped his tea.
"Yes. I remember those times as well. They were some of my happiness," Yan replied.
"He had quite the library. Some of those books were quite old if I remember. Did you lose them all in the war?"
"I hate to admit it, but yes. The only comfort I have is that I memorized about four hundred or so."
Cao's eyes widen in surprise. Had he heard correctly? "Memorized?!" He blurted out.
"Yes?" Yan replied cautiously, unsure if she had said something wrong based on Cao's reaction.
"That is amazing! May I ask that you record those memories for the sake of the world to come?"
Yan's face lit up almost immediately. "You would allow me to do so? Oh, what a happy day!"
Cao chuckled. "I ask you to do a favor for me and you ask as if I have done a service for you. You are an interesting woman, Cai Yan."
Yan lowered her head to hide the blush that bloomed prettily on her face.
"It is a favor to me, My Lord. My father would be heartbroken to know that such works would be lost. To be able to bring them back gives me a chance to honor my father."
Cao smiled. "As you say, Cai Yan."
"My Lord, forgive me for asking after you have already done a generous favor, but I must ask another."
"As I have said, you are doing the favor for me, it is only right that I return the favor to you. Ask and if it is within my power, you shall have it."
"I wish to be married."
"I can arrange that," Cao said carefully as he chanced a glance at Jia. His face wore his normal unburdened visage.
"I believe my son has mentioned that he is quite fond of you," Cao continued.
"That is…very flattering," she said with a forced smile.
"As if I would let him have you," Jia said with a smile.
Cao turned to look at Jia, but his gaze was on Yan and Yan alone.
"You know, I had a speech planned to ask for your hand and you beat me to it."
"I am sorry, my love. I could wait no longer. You can still give your speech if you wish."
"No. No. No need. As long as the message gets across, I have no complaints."
Cao watched the two interact. He might has well have not been there. It was clear they only had eyes for each other. He had never seen Jia act in such a way with any woman. He never looked at them the way he was looking at Yan. His smile was never as true.
"I worried that you would see Yan as a momentary distraction," Cao began as he inserted himself into the bubble of love they had surrounding them. "But I can see that is not the case."
Jia gave Cao a genuine smile. "What can I say? It was love at first sight. As silly as it may sound."
"I do not think it is silly at all," Yan remarked with a smile.
A knock on the door interrupted them. Cao bade them to enter and Jia Xu walked in. He saluted Cao and Jia.
"My Lord, Master. My lady," Xu greeted. "Am I interrupting something?"
"No. This particular meeting is over. Congratulations are in order. I have just given my blessing for Guo Fèngxiào and Cai Yan to be married."
"Is that so? Well, there won't be a dry eye in the brothel at this news," said Xu mused.
"I am sure you can comfort them in their moment of sadness," Jia said as he stood and offered a hand to Yan which she graciously accepted it.
"Thank you, My Lord. You have done so much for me."
Cao smiled at Yan. "I am merely glad to see you happy. Fèngxiào, we have a meeting. Do not forget."
It was Jia's turn to smile. "I shall only walk her to the door, My Lord. I will not be long."
With that, Jia led Yan out the room.
=#=
"Where have you been?" Cao Zhi said with a growl the moment he saw her. He stomped up to Cai Yan and grasped her arm harshly, causing her to wince in pain.
"My Lord," she said as she struggled to pull her arm from his grasp. He only tightened his grip and pulled her towards her door to move out of the sight of the inquisitive servants that had stopped to watch them.
"Where have you been?" Zhi repeated, his tone harsh.
"My Lord, you are hurting me."
"Then answer the question."
Yan gasped, her arm throbbing in pain. This would bruise. She was sure of it.
"She was with me," came Zhenji's voice from the doorway. She had heard the disturbance and decided to come check on Yan. Once she entered the room and saw what was happening, she was glad she did.
She sauntered into the room and rapt her flute across Zhi's knuckles causing him to cry out in pain and release his hold on Yan.
"You dare?"
"I do," she replied defiantly.
After her own experiences, Zhenji had little tolerance for abusive men.
"You think just because you are to be the wife of my brother you have the right to strike me? You think he will be able to always save you? When I take over for my father—"
"I hardly doubt that will happen," Zhenji replied, cutting Zhi off in mid rant.
"You little bitch—" Zhi growled as he took a few threatening steps toward her.
Yan moved in step with him and hopped in front of Zhenji to shield her from the irate man.
"Please, let's not go any further with this. You asked where I was and now you know."
"He has no right to even ask where you were, you do not belong to him," Zhenji said from behind Yan. She had no fear of Zhi. She knew his bark was worse than his bite.
"I have plenty right. I have been courting her for a year now and she will be my wife."
Yan's brow furrowed. "I hadn't realized you were courting me."
Zhi's mouth dropped open in shock at this admission. He quickly recovered.
"Are you stupid? Why do you think I have been wasting my time with you?"
"I wasn't sure," Yan answered truthfully. I thought you just needed company.
Zhenji let out a laugh which only served to anger Zhi further.
"I have been courting you, you moron. You are lucky I still deem you worthy to be my wife."
"I'm sure she would rather pass on that "honor"," Zhenji said with a scoff.
"I wasn't talking to you," Zhi hissed as he pushed past both women to exit the room.
"You will meet me in my father's audience room. Do not keep me waiting long."
He glared at Zhenji before disappearing down the hall.
Zhenji sighed. "I do not know why you indulge that little man."
"He is Lord Cao's son. I did not wish to spread ill will after all Lord Cao has done for me."
"That is a foolish reason if I ever heard one. Lord Cao told you to come to him if you had any problems. HE is a problem."
Yan sighed. "You are right of course. He will not be a problem for much longer though."
"Oh?" Zhenji asked as she arched a brow.
Yan smiled dreamily as she spoke. "Lord Fèngxiào asked me to be his wife."
Zhenji smiled. "I never would have thought someone would be able to tame that flirt. You are impressive."
Yan shook her head, a smile still on her face. "I think you give me too much credit."
"I don't think you give yourself enough," Zhenji replied as she turned to leave the room.
"He is probably waiting for you. I'm sure you do not want him to come back and throw a fit. Best if you go see what he wants."
Yan gave a knowing nod and sighed. It was probably best to get this over with.
=#=
Yan arrived at Cao's audience chamber once again to find Zhi waiting outside for her.
"Took you long enough." He hissed.
He grabbed hold of her hand and pulled her forward as he opened the door to Cao's room without announcing himself.
Cao looked up from the map he had been reviewing with Guo Jia and Jia Xu, a frown on his face.
Jia also wore a rare frown as he eyes focused on Yan and Zhi's clasped hands. Yan tried to shake Zhi loose, but he only held on tighter. Jia Xu only watched the scene with a grin. He knew this was going to be entertaining to say the least.
"Father, I must speak with you urgently."
Cao straightened himself up and folded his arms across his chest.
"What is it?" he asked as he looked between the two.
"Lady Cai Yan has agreed to be my wife," Zhi replied.
"Doubtful," said Jia.
Zhi shot a glare at him. "This does not concern you. Leave."
Jia did not budge an inch. He merely gave Zhi a fox like grin that seemed more deadly than pleasant.
Xu stifled a laugh. Zhi was like a little dog that like to yip at everyone's heels and just like a little yipping dog, he was often ignored.
"I have no time for your games, Zhi," Cao said with a sigh.
"This is no game, father," Zhi protested.
"She does not even look as if she wants to be in your presence," Cao remarked and indeed, Yan quite unhappy to be at his side and holding his hand.
"She is just nervous."
"More like disgusted," Xu replied with a scoff.
Zhi squeezed her hand in response and it was this that made Jia's blood boil.
"My Lord, I am trying to be an ever dutiful servant, but if your son continues this behavior, I will no longer be able to maintain my composure."
"Oooh, keep pissing him off little prince. I would love to see Fèngxiào blow his top," Xu goaded.
"Wénhé, be silent. Zhi, let her go and be gone from my presence," said Cao. He was beginning to get annoyed. His son was nothing but an annoyance at this point.
"But father."
"Enough. Fèngxiào, Wénhé, leave."
Both men saluted Cao and headed out of the room. As Jia passed Yan, he took her free hand in his own and attempted to pull her along with him, but Zhi held fast, angered that Jia would even dare to touch what was his.
"Let her go Zhi," Cao commanded.
Reluctantly, Zhi released his hold and Yan gratefully moved closer to Jia. He put an arm around her waist and led her out of the room.
Zhi watched all of this unfold, hate boiling in his eyes.
"He oversteps his bounds, father!"
"No, you overstep yours," Cao replied. "Just this morning, Fèngxiào and Cai Yan came to me requesting permission to be married. I granted it to them."
"But how could you!? I told you I wanted her."
A child. At that very moment, Zhi sounded like a spoiled child. One that had gotten his toy snatched away.
"And I told you that she would have to come to me with the request to be your wife. She never did so. She made it quite clear that Fèngxiào was the one she wanted to be with."
"That bitch."
"Enough, Zhi. You are only embarrassing yourself and me."
Cao sighed. "I now remember why I sent you away. You are not ready for the right to rule. You are too selfish. You focus on frivolous things and you see everyone as being beneath you. You are not the one to succeed me. Your presence only showed me that your brother is the correct choice…my only choice."
"Father you can't mean!"
"I do. Pi shall be my heir. You can go back and live your life as you chose, so long as it is out of my sight. Bring any shame upon the Cao name and I will disown you. Now be gone from my sight. Your very presence irks me."
Zhi was left stunned. He stood unmoving as he stared at his father, unable to believe what he just heard. Annoyed that Zhi was taking so long to leave his presence, Cao called for his guards to remove him. It was a shame. He had so many children, but there were so few of them that had what it takes to succeed him. Was it his fault for not being a more hands on parent? If only Cao Chong hadn't been injured. He was the best and brightest of his sons. Cao sighed. There was no point in lamenting the past. What was done was done and cannot be changed, no matter how much one may wish it. Cao Pi would be the one to inherit his will…for good or for ill.
=#=
"I thank you for meeting me," said Zhuge Liang.
"I should perhaps be thanking you," Lu Su replied. "It is an honor meeting someone of your stature. You as well, Master Pang Tong."
Pang Tong waved a dismissive hand as he untied the gourd of wine at his side and uncorked it. He put the gourd to his lips and tossed his head back. Lu Su gave him a wary smile before shifting his gaze to Xun Yu.
"And you are Xun Yu. I have heard much about you."
Xun Yu saluted Lu Su. "I have heard much about you as well. It is an honor to meet you."
Su nodded. "Allow me to introduce you to my student, Lu Meng, styled Zǐmíng."
Lu Meng immediately saluted the three men in the room. "It is an honor to be in your presence, Masters."
Zhuge Liang and Xun Yu saluted Meng back Tong merely inclined his head towards him.
"You may be wondering why Zhuge Ziyu is not here. I thought it best to speak to you without him here."
"You wish to make your decision without being influenced by someone you may think would support my cause. It was a prudent decision and one that I respect."
'Zhuge Ziyu? This was the first time Yu heard that name. He was obviously some relative of his master, but he wasn't quite sure of the relation. His master hadn't told him he knew someone within Wu. Yu frowned. There was so much he did not know. Liang seemed fine with keeping him in the dark about a great many things.
Su nodded. "I am glad it will not be a problem. Ziyu has informed me that you have a plan."
"I do," Liang replied with a nod and he proceeded to outline his plan for the three kingdoms.
Lu Su and Lu Meng listened intently, taking in every word. Once he was finished, Su and Meng looked at each other before returning their gaze to Liang, a smile on Su's lips.
"I can see why Ziyu wanted me to speak with you now," Su began as he folded his arms in front of him.
"I had a similar plan myself. Originally I thought to unite the land between My Lord Sun Quan, Cao Cao and Liu Biao. After Liu Biao's untimely death, I reorganized my plan to only include Lord Sun Quan and Cao Cao. Oddly enough, Zǐmíng and myself were talking just the other day that splitting the land in three may prove to be more stable. I thought to include Liu Qi in this plan as he seemed to be a wise a fair ruler from what I have heard."
Liang remained silent. It did not surprise him that Liu Bei wasn't even up for consideration in Su's mind.
"You speak of your Lord Liu Bei over Liu Qi…I have to admit, this confuses me a bit. Not to speak ill of your Lord, but I cannot see why he would be your choice over Liu Qi."
"That is understandable. My Lord has not sought to make a name for himself. He merely does what he can for the people of this land."
"That isn't entirely true," Su replied. "He has made a name for himself, but it isn't a very good one."
"He is known as a coward," said Meng in a gruff tone.
Su gave an awkward laugh. Meng was ever the honest one, sometimes to a fault.
"I might have put it a bit differently, but the sentiment would still be the same. Your Lord is known as someone that turns tail and runs when things get too rough."
"That is an unfortunate view you have of our Lord, and an untrue one."
'Is it though?' Yu thought to himself. As long as he has been with Liu Bei, running seemed to be all they did.
"Our Lord has fled from time to time, this is true and I will not argue the point. But it was not cowardice that made him run. He understands that he is needed to survive in order to help bring peace to this land. Dying foolishly accomplishes nothing."
Su hummed thoughtfully.
"Last I checked, Liu Qi fled as well; from his brother. He wasn't even being attacked at the time," Tong said. All eyes shifted from him, but he seemed to go back to his drink after saying what he wanted.
"Say we take you up on your offer and ally with your Lord Liu Bei. How would we be sure that he would not turn tail and run if we were in battle together against Cao Cao?"
"My Lord is a man of honor and virtue. He will not turn his back on an ally."
"I have to say, Master Liang, I do not have faith in your Lord. I believe he needs something to tie him to us to ensure that he does not flee."
"What do you propose?"
"Lord Sun Quan has an unmarried sister. She is…a bit wild, but I believe she would be a good wife to him. If they were to get married, I would feel a bit better that Your Lord Bei would not abandon his new family."
"That…could be arranged," Liang replied.
"Well then. I suppose we have ourselves an accord. Of course I am not the final say. I will have to bring this before my master Zhou Yu. If I cannot convince him, there is no way this is even going to get off the ground."
"I trust you will be able to see the wisdom in our plan."
Su smiled. "I will try to not disappoint. Again, it has been an honor meeting you all," Su said as he saluted. Lu Meng followed behind his master and saluted the three again.
They saluted in return, Tong joining in this time and Su and Meng took their leave. Once they were gone, Yu turned to Liang.
"Do you think he will be able to convince Zhou Yu?"
Liang sighed. He honestly was not sure. He hoped word of Liu Bei's virtue outweighed word of his faults, but it was clear that was not the case.
"He will," Tong answered as he stood and stretched.
"How can you be so sure, Shìyuán?" Liang asked with a slightly raised brow.
"Because of you," he replied as he adjusted his hat on his head which had moved out of place during his stretch.
"He has no respect for Liu Bei, but he has respect for you. The man was practically giddy at being able to sit across from you. He won't be selling Liu Bei, he will be selling you. Tch, surely you know that will probably be the consensus of many who join us going forward? I know it was my reason for joining."
Yu wanted to be shocked at Tong's bold words, but he could not be. If people knew Liu Bei's history, it was hard to place absolute trust in him. His own loyalty hinged on his Master being there. While Liu Bei was the leader in name, Yu knew who would really be running their army.
"I have no idea what you are talking about, Shìyuán. I serve Lord Liu Bei, as do all of us," Liang replied.
"Uh huh. Sure," he replied not believing it in the least.
"Let us not talk about such things any further. The walls may have ears. We need to be on our way to tell our Lord he will be getting a new bride.
"Let's hope he keeps this one alive," Yu muttered to himself.
