Finally!! Believe it or not, people, I have returned from my retirement! lol, Okay, maybe 'retirement' is a strong word... And I WOULD apologize profusely for not updating this story in MONTHS like I do with every chapter, but if I kept doing that, it would probably get pretty boring. But you see I do not forget about this fanfic! I know I've kept alot of people waiting this time, so I'm ready to make amends and do absolute justice to this chapter. I'd like to thank everyone for their reviews, and even if I didn't get a chance to get back to everybody, I did read them all, and I appreciate your reading my work. So, without further ado, I give you all Chapter 27!

Enjoy.

"Would you care to join our hunting party this afternoon, Lord Sun Ce and Master Zhao Yun? Nothing would do us greater honor than gleaning from your limitless skills."

Sun Ce and Zhao Yun were on the border of the Xu Chang hunting grounds along with Zhang Liao, Cao Ren and none other than Cao Pi himself. The three Wei dignitaries were all saddled up and set to enjoy an evening of hunting game when Zhang Liao made the request of his two newest associates.

It had been nearly two weeks since Ce had first arrived at Xu Chang Palace. And even though he couldn't exactly describe his stay as pleasant, he found that nearly everyone he'd met was hospitable and respectable. He had forged many useful connections, and had made several- if the word was suitable- friends, such as Zhao Yun, of whom he had grown fond. Zhang Liao, he was more wary of, but he knew he was a man to be looked up to, and valued his company. Overall, Ce would have been passing a very comfortable two weeks if it hadn't been for one thing... but there was no use dwelling on that now.

He was grateful for Zhang Liao's consideration, but as much as he liked hunting, Ce didn't feel up to it at the moment. Just when he opened his mouth to politely decline the invitation, his eyes met Cao Pi's, and he caught an almost resentful look pass across the latter's face before he looked away.

That changed his mind.

"Yeah, I'd like that, Master Zhang," he heard himself saying, as he stared down Cao Pi coldly. Even though it had been less than a week since they'd been formally introduced, there was something about the heir to Wei's throne which Ce didn't like.

He barely registered the sound of Zhao Yun accepting beside him as the thoughts ran through his head.

"Very well, then," said Cao Pi indifferently. His voice had a sleek, uninterested tone to it as he addressed Ce. "I look forward to the hours ahead. I trust you lords would like your horses fetched from the stables?"

Rather than allowing a servant to wait on him, Ce volunteered to visit the stable himself. He offered to bring Zhao Yun's roan horse for the latter as well, which he consented to, albeit quite bewildered at this uncommon form of generosity.

"Better this than staring that prick in the face," Ce fumed, as he strode towards the stables. He knew he was being too harsh with his judgement of Cao Pi. But in that short moment, the young prince had wounded Ce's pride, and it would take more than a bit of time before Ce was fair on his opinion of the young man.

Upon reaching the stable, he flung open the door- and stopped short.

Da Qiao stood mere feet from him, a heap of hay in her arms. She'd looked up, startled, to see who could have entered the stable in such a haste, and when she beheld him standing there, she froze, too.

A painful second later, the silence between them broke.

"Good afternoon, Lord Sun Ce," Da said tightly.

Their rapport had been somewhat damaged ever since the fateful incident about a week ago which- ironically- had taken place in this very stable. And since then, aside from polite, silent nods of acknowledgement in the halls, they had barely communed.

"Afternoon," Ce replied after a pause.

Da abruptly turned her back to approach a good-sized palomino and begin to feed it.

For a second, Ce had forgotten why he was there. Then his memory returned and he went up to his horse, untying him and letting him out of his space. He was just about to do the same to Zhao Yun's, when Da spoke again, taking him aback. She hadn't engaged in conversation with him for a while now, after all.

"Are you looking forward to tomorrow night, Lord Sun Ce."

Even though it was a question, it had been spoken in a declarative sense. It was almost indifferent.

For a moment, Ce didn't understand her query. Then he realized she was talking about the ball- Cao Pi's coming-of-age ball, or whatever it was called. But although that event was to take place tomorrow, it had quite slipped Ce's mind, he was a little abashed to admit to himself.

"Yes. I think I am."

Truth be told, Ce wasn't sure he was all that eager to attend the ball. He just felt that he could no longer trust Da with his real feelings. He was certainly aware that this ball was the reason he was even in Da's presence today, and, perhaps more importantly, the reason his father had sent him to Xu Chang. But he hadn't a clue as to how it would turn out.

"That is good to hear. I feel the same myself."

"Hm."

Da turned, curiosity etched in her face.

"Are Lords Cao Pi, Cao Ren and Zhang Liao heading somewhere? It looks as though they are."

"Yeah," said Ce.

"Indeed? And where to? Lord Sun Ce?"

"Yeah," Ce repeated, who didn't really know what he was saying. She looked especially lovely today, with her flowing hair loosely bound, her green eyes flashing, her pale skin tinted bright rose at her cheeks...

Ce shook his head jerkily. Da looked puzzled at his behavior.

"I- I mean," he attempted to mend his mistake, "Yes. Yes, they are. I mean, we are. I'm actually going with them. We're hunting. Master Zhao Yun's coming too."

Da raised her head higher.

"Oh, I see. I wish you a fruitful outing, Lord Sun Ce."

She turned away again.

Ce just stood rooted to the spot. What had he come for again?

"Oh, yeah," he muttered inaudibly.

Freeing Zhao Yun's roan, he left the stable without giving Da a backward glance.

"I must admit, I am most eager to host my coming-of-age ceremony tomorrow night. What say you, Lord Sun Ce?"

Apart from half-inclining his head, Ce gave no sign that he heard the Wei heir.

Dusk was settling over Xu Chang, and the five of them were about through their hunting party. The game they had caught had been good. Ce received considerable praise for his archery talents and gave reasonably generous ones as well- to the ones who deserved them. Their energy spent, the group was heading back to the palace, as it would not do to spend overlong hours just before the most essential day of Cao Pi's life.

"We have, by all means, done well this evening," remarked Zhang Liao after the uncomfortable pause that had ensued. "Lord Cao Cao will be pleased to permit such game to the kitchens. So will the cooks, I shouldn't wonder."

They laughed heartily.

"I am sure Lord Cao Cao has much to be pleased with. Especially since his heir attains complete manhood in a matter of hours," said Zhao Yun, warmly if not altogether respectfully.

"I thank you for those kind words, Master Zhao Yun," answered Cao Pi, though his tone did not encourage his words much.

"And you were certainly right about Cao Cao having plenty of reasons to be pleased about," said Cao Ren unexpectedly. "For aside from being a great ruler, my cousin is very blessed with his luck for acquiring beautiful women."

Zhao Yun was confused.

"I am afraid I don't follow you, Lord Cao Ren."

He exchanged a puzzled look with Ce, whose attention had suddenly been caught by Cao Ren's last words. He had looked up at the aged general, his breath held back, his ears open and intent.

Cao Pi looked strangely annoyed, Zhang Liao embarrassed. Whatever Cao Ren had said certainly shouldn't have been, judging by their reactions.

Cao Ren, meanwhile, was laughing grimly.

"Don't you, young Master? Although my cousin is now 'engaged' to one of the most famed beauties of the land, he is still not content. No, according to him, no great man must be so easily satisfied. For Cao Cao has now set his heart on possessing the lovely Lady Da Qiao's younger sister as well as herself."

A cold sweat broke across Ce's forehead, and he gripped his horse's reins tightly.

"What d'you mean? I thought he wanted to wait till she was old enough?" he asked, not bothering to conceal his concern.

Cao Ren didn't feel it important enough to ask Ce how he knew of his cousin's marital plans.

"Oh, he did," he replied casually, nonchalant of his nephew's now furious face. "But that was months ago. He has since decided that he would like to wed both sisters jointly- and sooner than later. The Lady Xiao Qiao is a beauty herself, I am told."

"But he's never even seen her before," Ce tried to reason. "I mean, he wouldn't just marry someone just because he thinks she's cute, would he? Not if she's to young for him?"

Cao Ren laughed again. He seemed to have no objection to derisively mocking his cousin. It was clear to Ce and Zhao Yun that he did not approve of Cao Cao's actions at all, however the two may be related.

"He's seen her sister, Lord Sun Ce, and surely you will understand that anyone whose sister is as striking as that cannot be too far behind themselves."

"But what if she-"

"I think," interrupted Cao Pi icily, "that we have discussed this matter enough, my lord Uncle. Wouldn't you agree, Lord Sun Ce?"

And here he glared at Sun Ce, with such cold anger in his young face. Ce knew his own features held the same sentiments as he defiantly met his glare.

Zhang Liao was anxious to settle the cold animosity between the two lords.

"We simply must be getting back to the palace, my lords, lest the game spoils."

He took the lead of the party and started his horse off to a trot.

Ce and Cao Pi finally broke their ferocious stare and followed.

As they rode on in silence, Zhao Yun drew nearer to Ce, positively bewildered.

"What was that all about?" he muttered, puzzled.

Ce could only shake his head in disbelief. If what he had heard was true, if what Cao Ren had said wasn't simply out of pure spite...

He couldn't let it happen. He couldn't. He must never let Xiao Qiao down, he couldn't allow her life to take such a terrible turn. He thought he could afford to wait a bit, but he had no idea that Xiao had so little time. And Da Qiao? Could he accept her getting married so soon? But he must not think of that now... his sworn brother's happiness should mean more to him than his own.

He had to write to Zhou Yu the moment he reached the palace.

Yu-

I know you won't believe a word you're about to read, but that isn't going to help anybody, and trust me, there's nobody here who doesn't need help. YOU might just take that sentence in the wrong way, since all YOU ever do is pretend you know everything there is to know when really you're just

--

Listen Yu,

Everything right now's in a mess. Of course, if you just thought for ONE MINUTE that maybe coming here with me could be a bit more important than staying and 'fulfilling your dreams of being a worthy strategist', NONE of this would have been happening, but

--

My dearest and only Sworn Brother-

I trust this letter finds you well as it leaves me. You may notice I do not sound like the Sun Ce you are used to, but 'tis simply due to the fact that I am surrounded by the most eloquent of speakers. I sincerely pray that you may aid me in escaping a most disgusting, despised predicament in which I am currently trapped, and

--

Ce banged his fists on the table in frustration. Reaching forward, he crumpled the bit of parchment and tossed it towards the dozens of others he had attempted to complete. This wasn't a laughing matter, nor was it too hard. How was he to break all the news to Yu? This was the most trying stage of his sworn brother's life. Yet he simply needed to know the truth. Ce knew that Yu would have wanted him to inform him about anything he found out regarding Xiao- and maybe even Da, for that matter. It was Ce's duty to relay all that he knew to him.

Taking a deep breath, he pulled out yet another scrap of parchment. He knew he could write this calmly enough not to alarm Yu, or make him go through what he was going through right now.

Zhou Yu,

I know you're going through the most important process of your life right now. I know this is what you've been working for for over five years. But you've got to know something I've known ever since I got here. Yu, Da's engaged to Cao Cao. She's here. And if he has his own way, Xiao will be too. I've seen her, Yu, she's fine. Better than fine. But she's so lonely... And she has no idea of all this yet. She's still in love with you, I swear she is. We're the only ones who can help her, Yu. She doesn't want this any more than we do. I don't know about Da, but I can't let Xiao suffer something she's dreading. I would never ask you for this if I wasn't already helpless. But it's not just that. You have more right over her than me. This is your job, not really mine. I'm sorry for interrupting your trial. You know that this is the first time I'm asking anyone to help me, Yu. Please, brother, help.

Sun Ce

--

Ce rolled up the piece of parchment, sealed it, and summoned a messenger, instructing him to deliver the message to Lord Zhou Yu of the Wu Kingdom at Jian Ye Palace. He made the young messenger swear that he would hand the letter to him, and him alone.

Once the boy had given his solemn word, saluted Ce with a certain kind of admiration on his youthful face, and quitted the room, Ce turned towards the window. He stared at the moon for a moment, then passed a hand over his eyes, feeling pained. Why was this so hard?

But it wasn't just the events of the day that was wearying the beloved Wu heir. He also had... an absurdly cautious feeling about the coming ball....

"I am pleased to find you well, Xiao Qiao."

"Thank you, Papa."

"Have Hui and the rest of the maids been doing their duty?"

"Perfectly, Papa."

"And you have no need for anything?"

"None at all, Papa."

"Hm."

Xiao Qiao was standing before her father after being summoned to him in his rooms. Qiao Xuan had just returned from his journey and had wished to see his daughter before departing again. There was more to his intent than to be merely reassured of her health, however. He wanted to examine her 'progress'.

Xiao did her best not to give anything of Ce's visits away. She was certainly glad Ce hadn't come to see her today! Imagining what would have passed if he had almost made her giddy with fear and amusement. But her efforts paid off, as her face betrayed none of the thoughts which were rushing through her head.

Qiao Xuan went on looking Xiao over. She stood before him very still and poised, as she had been taught to do. Her stare was steady and her hands were held behind her back. Yes, she had matured wonderfully. She would make a most suitable bride for... however... he must never inform her of his plan yet.

Clearing his throat, he began another question.

"Xiao Qiao," he started, then stopped. She was listening. But he had to do it carefully, or else she would know. "Xiao Qiao, how would you like to be with your sister again?"

Needless to say, her face suddenly lit up. Unknown to him, her heart had started to beat wildly at the idea.

"I would like to, very much."

Like to very much! That was a hideous understatement. Truth be told, she would be beyond overjoyed. There was hardly anything that could make her happier. So excited was she, she even dared to ask her feared father a question in return.

"Will I see her then, Papa? Is she coming here?"

She could barely hold in her eagerness.

Qiao Xuan was relieved. So she had not caught on.

"We shall see. But you will be together again, Xiao Qiao."

"When?" she asked, her eyes shining.

For a moment, she thought Qiao Xuan almost smiled. But a second later, she was sure she'd imagined it. Her father's face was as impassive as ever.

"Quite soon."

Xiao curtseyed low to him in gratitude, not bothering to suppress her grin. She was going to see Da again. She was going to see her sister again!

Sis!!

"May I leave now, Papa?"

"Yes, you may."

She almost danced out of the room.

Qiao Xuan sighed.

"Very soon," he said softly.

Ce stayed seated in the sidelines of the Banquet Hall as all the rest of his companions took to the dance-floor with their lovely partners. Cao Pi's Coming-of-Age Ceremony was shaping up very well indeed, if Ce was honest with himself. As much as he disliked the Crown Prince, he was forced to inwardly give him some credit: he was carrying off the event admirably.

Not only that, but even the Hall itself was most grandly decorated- even more impressively than ever. The ceilng sparkled, the walls shone, and the ground was as spotless as ever.

When the ball had only just started, he and all the other guests, specifically all the dignitaries invited for the Gathering Ceremony two weeks ago, had begun by mingling with each other and talking of the ball, their excitement, the Wei Royal Family, their kingdoms, battle strategies, that sort of thing. Ce had been able to socialize well enough at this point, and everyone was quite impressed with his manner, intensity, laid-back nature and good looks.

Afterward, Cao Cao made a short speech about how proud he was of his first-born, and how he had complete confidence that he would complete his work most nobly once he ascended the throne. This was followed by Cao Pi making a formal speech of his own about how pleased and honored he was that all his guests were present on this auspicious day, and how he would strive to never disappoint his father and so on and so forth.

The admiring audience applauded both father and son most enthusiastically, and then, of course, Da Qiao was exhibited once again, in almost exactly the same way that she had been two weeks ago, except that this time she needed no introduction. Most people were very eager to feast their eyes on her again, and sighed and gasped as she made her entrance even though they'd already seen her. And though Ce seemed indifferent to it all, due to the fact that he was telling himself that it was all part of Da's new life and shouldn't affect him, he couldn't help but feel a burning, white-hot sensation in his body at the way Cao Cao presented his seemingly 'beloved' fiance. Was this how Da would always be looked at henceforth? Why was Cao Cao showing her off like a trophy he had won? Zhen Ji was also a most beautiful woman in her own right. Why then didn't Cao Cao extend the same treatment to her? Why was she allowed to preserve her beauty and dignity and keep them to herself? Ce didn't like it one bit. In fact, he hated it.

Once Da was allowed to quietly retreat back to Cao Cao's side, the dinner feast began. The dishes, which were set on gold and silver platters were very mouthwatering and sumptuous, as always. Ce did enjoy all the varieties of meat and desserts, as well as the way they were laid out for all the esteemed nobles.

When they were all seated and fed and watered, toasts to the Royal Family were made. Some of them were befitting, while others, Ce thought, were a bit too exaggerated. Nevertheless, he raised his silver goblet and drank to their health, however sparingly. He was not an ungrateful young man, and he knew that Wei was doing a very efficient job at lodging and attending to the needs and pleasures of numerous other officials. They were most gracious and concerned hosts, and had depth of mind as well as matter. Therefore, he took his hat off to them... or would have if he wore one.

Then, after about an hour of conversing with those who were seated on the same table (in Ce's case, Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao, Zhang He and Gao Shun), dozens of couples rose to their feet at the timely commencement of the dances.

This was the first time discomfort stole over Ce during the Ceremony. Up till then, he was more or less enjoying himself, bearing up well at the very least, but now he grew restless and agitated as, one by one, all the occupants of his table, save for himself, excused themselves to waltz either with loved ones, or with new-found acquaintances.

Oh, it wasn't that he was conscious or left out. Certainly not. For there had been many a noble young lady eyeing him with interest from afar that night, hoping he would approach her, smoothly ask for her hand and sweep up with her to the dance-floor. But he wouldn't. No beauty would inspire him to initiate- or maybe even follow- this act of romance that night.

His wandering eyes swept over numerous rotating pairs before finally spotting Da Qiao.

To his surprise and mild bafflement, she was not dancing at all, but standing near the other side of the hall, in conversation with Zhen Ji. He watched the ladies carefully for a while. They didn't display any form of camaraderie, but more of a polite, cordial sort of relationship. Ce knew that it was the best any young, beautiful girl could do with respect to a foreboding woman like Zhen Ji. He even suspected that the slightly older lady resented Da for obtaining a higher position among the elites than herself.

Suddenly, Ce experienced a strange, hollow feeling in the pit of his stomach. Sure, the distinct, ill-boding sensation he'd had earlier hadn't yet worn off (Ce doubted it would till the night was over), but, as he continued watching Da, he knew that this was something different. How was she coping with all this? So many changes Da had gone through in her life! How did he know for certain that she was truly happy? His heart would have melted for her if she was but the same as she used to be-!

Was it possible that he had misundersood Da all these days? Maybe... just maybe... it was...

But then the memory of over a year came back to him. The sound of Da's voice as she uttered those awful, unforgivable words about his family and himself rang clear in his ears. She had hurt his pride, and he could never forgive it. He was not in a position to forgive it- Da had done irreparable damage that day. How could he be sure that she'd changed?

With a slight shudder, Ce tore his eyes away from her.

All he could do was fervently hope for Yu to receive his letter on time. Perhaps all would not be well even then, but it was much better than nothing.

He wondered absent-mindedly why Cao Cao allowed his newest, prized possession those few minutes of privacy while he himself gladly kept to the dance-floor with his first wife. He wondered if the resigned look on Zhao Yun's face was caused by the fact that his dance-partner was not the Lady Xing Cai, whom Ce knew he secretly yearned for. He wondered whether Xu Zhu would ever stop loading himself with the barrels of wine in the corner, or if Dian Wei would ever station himself more than ten feet away from his master. But most of all, he wondered when he could return to Wu, back to his home, back to where he felt he belonged. He missed his family and his people, and even though he wasn't homesick, he would have given anything to escape the drama he'd managed to get himself into.

So immersed was he in his thoughts, he didn't even notice the young lady slowly walking towards him, isolated in his corner, away from the general public. It was only when she quietly cleared her throat that he looked up, bewildered.

He had to blink several times to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.

Da Qiao was standing before him, quite alone, and more importantly, quite flushed, even though she didn't look tired in the least.

Ce remained seated, not out of disrespect, but pure astonishment.

"Lady Da Qiao," he acknowledged after a second, wondering incredulously why she had sought him. She hadn't deigned to speak to him for days, or even ask for his company, so why should she be doing so now?

Although he waited, Da didn't reply to his formal greeting.

Ce, now growing slightly concerned at her rising color, shifted his gaze from her face to her body- and got the second tremendous shock.

Da's fingers were twisting together.

Ce's breath caught in his throat. Could it be? Could she really and truly be displaying the most familiar habit? A habit which he hadn't seen her perform for a year? He knew that movement, could recognize it anywhere. Da was nervous. Nervous!

He looked back at her face, a new gleam in his green eyes. She was an even brighter shade of scarlet than before, and her breathing was irregular.

Ce opened his mouth. He had no idea what he would say, but before he could say it, she finally spoke, startling him yet again.

"Lord Sun Ce," and her words gushed out in the most stirring whisper, as though they'd been shut up for years. Ce's chest contracted. His heart unfolded, as though awakening for the first time in a lifetime.

But no, Da certainly wasn't finished there. "Lord Sun Ce," she said again softly, her eyes larger and lighter than he'd ever seen them.

Ce had already made as if to prise himself out of his chair, just when she whispered it.

"Would you like to dance with me?"

And there you have it! Da's finally initiated a big step with Ce!

1. But what's he gonna say??

2. Will he accept her?

3. If he does, will all go well?

4. Why did she ask him to dance, anyway?

5. Could it be a trap??

6. What about Xiao?

7. Will Ce's letter reach Yu on time?

8. Will he see her position fit to abandon the last and most valuable stages of his education?

9. Why does Ce have such a weird, dark feeling about this ball?

I'd like you ALL to try and answer these questions in your glorious reviews! I hope I get even more of them this time. And to find out if all your answers are correct, please stay tuned to this story for my next updates!

Seeya!