A/N: Welcome back! The last time we saw Yuan, he just received a letter stating that Sun Ce had rebelled against the kingdom of Wu and sided with Yuan's uncle, Shu. The next chapter of Eyes of a Merc is upon us at last!
As you wondered what to do, you can only survey the contents of the letter you just received over and over. You certainly needed the moment of respite after continuously reading what might be the dumbest statement put to ink. After you had enough, the anger that initially dispersed from Diaochan's explanation returned with a fiery vengeance. You maliciously crush the letter the courier gave you and all but fling the balled-up letter in your hearth fire. You grab your Longswords and leave the Library as you head back outside.
"Lord Yuan. You were inside for a while. Is everything okay?" Lingqi asked.
You debate about lying but decided to be brutally honest.
"No. My cowardly tyrannical uncle is still alive, as well as the granddaughter of the man who nearly had me executed. Now I have to return to Wu, a kingdom I absolutely can't stand being in. So soon after I was last there only to murder Sun Ce. And I'm doing it for free, so it's a betrayal of my morals. While having a seemingly bottomless well of anger that I need to release at some point or else I'll do something I'll come to regret later deeply."
"I can't even begin to imagine how that feels, Yuan," Yueying spoke. "I'm grieving, but I don't think I can match an emotional spectrum of that scale."
"I wouldn't want you to, Yueying. Let's go to Wu and get this over with. I shudder to think what my uncle and Dong Bai are doing with the Imperial Seal in their possession."
You and Yueying are about to call for Red Hare and Hex Mark. Before you can do so, you hear a voice call for you.
"Cousin Yuan! Just a minute!" Luo calls.
"Cousin Luo. What's got you so out of breath?"
"Lord Cao Cao has relayed the information you told him to his court. He's willing to spare one of his generals to help you find Yuan Shu and Dong Bai."
"I'm genuinely surprised anyone would volunteer to help me, especially for free and for a selfless endeavor."
"Your assumption isn't lost on me, cousin. For a large amount of the court, you're correct. But when Lord Cao Cao mentioned your name in full, the man who volunteered didn't hesitate. I'll go retrieve him now, so please wait," Luo spoke.
She headed back to the palace to acquire your newest ally. You wonder who it could be. But as you think on that subject, another familiar voice calls for you.
Unfortunately for Yueying.
"Yuan. I'm surprised you're still here with how much you don't like being here," Xianying speaks to you.
"Well, Xian. We were on the way out, but Cao Cao has some aid that Cousin Luo is getting for us."
"Well, I hope there is room for one more."
"No. You cannot-"
"Yes, and I have a good reason, Yueying. I have received word from Sima Yi. I- My services as an advisor are no longer required."
"Sima Yi fired you? Why would he do that?"
"Here's the kicker. He and Lady Zhang are planning on separating their marriage. I can only assume the reason why I was let go was because of my backing from Lady Zhang. Since she and Sima Yi are separating, that means the court who was added by her are getting relieved of their respective duties."
Xianying then perked up. "But that's his loss because I know of a mercenary who understands and appreciates my tactical mind. Let me in on your faction, Yuan. I promise I'll carry my weight."
"Yuan."
"You may join us on one condition, Xian."
"Fair enough."
Xianying knew what to do. She turns at Yueying and bows.
"My deep apologies and condolences. I sincerely did not mean for Lord Zhuge to be killed by my advice, and I was out of line by bragging about something I did inadvertently. I know my apologies will not be enough to earn your forgiveness, but I hope to earn it during our cooperation in helping Yuan."
"You're correct, you're not forgiven. But if you behave yourself and are truthful in your words, then you'll earn my forgiveness. The apology will do. You may join us," Yueying accepted the proposal.
Xianying stood up with a confident smile. "Wonderful. Are there any other objections that I should shut down?"
"Yes." Diaochan surprisingly spoke up. "I understand Zhenji's relationship with Lord Yuan with them being close during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, but I don't know you. And Lord Yuan didn't tell me about you. So I don't want you to get any ideas regarding intimacy."
This is something she'll shortly come to regret.
Shockingly, Xianying merely chuckled at the verbal threat before getting in Diaochan's face. "You don't want this argument, Diaochan."
"And why not?"
"For starters, I've known Yuan longer than you have, been intimate with him for longer, and have the backing of the woman who he would be intimate with. The only thing holding that back is that she's the Empress of Jin. And where do you get off being territorial over Yuan after what you just did? Did you know that your thoughtless actions caused him to have nightmares for the first time since he became a mercenary?"
"That's not fair. Han Forces were after me," Diaochan attempted to defend herself.
Xianying scoffed. "There's no way you couldn't have beat them to the inn where you and Yuan stayed, especially if they were Han Forces. You have to know Shu better than them because when you manipulated Lady Lu's father to go on a mindless rampage, Shu was almost always the nearest kingdom. Who knows how many buildings and people he laid waste to because of the sweet nothings you slithered in his ears."
"I..." Diaochan started but couldn't get out what she wanted to say.
"On the subject of those Han Forces. They were after Yuan, were they not? So, you leave him alone without his weapons just made the scenario worse."
"I didn't mean to do that. It was just instinctive."
"Even so, with your track record for disloyalty, can you blame Yuan for thinking of the worst-case scenario? And if he trusts you, did he ever tell you about Wenji?"
"Cai Wenji? No, he did not..."
"Just as well, Wenji was a blight in his time as a mercenary. But he should tell you than I. He'll do it without rubbing it in."
"Wenji and I were intimate as well. Honestly thought of marrying her. She faked a pregnancy, and I called off the engagement after finding out. We haven't spoken since. She manipulated my wanting of a family to get me to stay in Wei. While I may be forgiving, abusing my dreams is a guaranteed way never to earn them," You say while bitterly recounting the memories you were forced to toss aside. "Last I heard, she got married to Dong Si."
"You may have Yuan's forgiveness, albeit with contention, but you'll find that I and Lady Lu's and Yueying's forgiveness isn't so easy to earn. Especially with who you are and what you have done before temporarily getting into Yuan's good graces. And let's not forget you're not in them anymore, so watch what you say and behave yourself. Is there anything else you wish to say to me, Diaochan?"
Diaochan merely shook her head, knowing that she lost the argument.
"Good." Xianying relaxed as she pointed behind you. "It seems the help has arrived."
You all turn to see the volunteer Luo was talking about. To your surprise, it's someone you already knew and befriended.
"Lord Zhang! You're the volunteer Cousin Luo mentioned?" You ask the one and only Zhang Liao for his temporary allegiance.
"But of course, Lord Yuan. I would never pass up the opportunity to travel and battle alongside the warrior who bested the Invincible Tyrant," Zhang Liao answered as you two shook hands.
You have nothing but the utmost respect for Zhang Liao. He too was a Yellow Turban during the Rebellion. His moniker was the Handsome Ogre due to his inhumane strength, infamously wielding a customized Ji with ease. You happily recalled your favorite memory with him before the Rebellion inevitably dissolved. When you were still too young to help but old enough to start learning, you wondered aloud if Zhang Liao could wield two Jis simultaneously with how strong he was. What you didn't know was that he heard you. In the next battle, Zhang Liao displayed his strength by doing just that. That moment remains one of the fondest memories of your time as a Yellow Turban. To this day, Zhang Liao still prefers to fight that way.
"Lord Zhang, I didn't know you were in Wei."
"Yes. I was sent here by Han Forces after the rebellion subsided. Cao Cao agreed to spare me if I worked for his army. Surely being of the same strength if not a little weaker than Lu Bu would warrant the position."
"Well, I will certainly have you, Lord Zhang."
"My thanks, Lord Yuan. Xiahou wished to travel with me, but we agreed only one of us should go. Now I have everything I need, can you say the same?"
"Can we say the same?"
Collective sounds of approval from the ladies.
"Fair enough. We're heading to Xiapi Province?"
"No, Lord Zhang. We have to head to Wu first. Sun Ce announced his allegiance with Uncle Shu, so he has to"
"Die. I understand. Then to Wu, we go. I'll get my horse from the stables."
"Cousin Luo, tell Cao Cao about Sun Ce's allegiance and my intentions with the news."
"Of course, Cousin Yuan." She hugs you. "Do be careful."
Luo then heads back to the palace.
You and Yueying whistle for Red Hare and Hex Mark. They both arrive in short order.
"Red Hare? I thought he was killed?"
"No, Lady Diaochan. He escaped Chang'an when you, Lord Yuan, and Father massacred the city. Though he only answers to Lord Yuan and me now."
"Xianying, you'll have to ride with Lord Zhang. Diaochan, you ride with Yueying, as Lingqi normally rides with me."
Diaochan goes to contest the seating but hesitates and silently complies as she gets on Hex Mark with Yueying's help. Xianying's words must've hit harder than you thought. When Zhang Liao returns, he helps Xianying up. The group is set.
"Alright, Red Hare. Take us to Wu. Hyah!" You command as he dashes in Wu's direction.
As you and your group of now six head to Wu in a mad dash, you felt Lingqi's hands start to roam torso as you ride Red Hare.
"Lingqi. Stop wandering," You firmly commanded her.
"Sorry, milord!"
"Obviously I care for you as Lu Bu's daughter, but do not risk the health of our professional relationship because of your personal feelings towards me. None of us know if we'll even survive this whole ordeal."
"With all due respect, milord, I refuse. As loving as Father was, he only cared for my strength as a warrior. Even though I have only seen you as either angry or tired, you are multiple times the person he was. And I will not stand for you pushing this opportunity away from you," Lingqi voiced despite Red Hare's divine speed that made any conversation difficult. "Why else do you only call me by my given name instead of Lady Lu like everyone else?"
"Everyone else is afraid of you and your family name, Lingqi. Even Lord Zhang, while not besting your father as I did, survived a battle with him with his intent to kill. I am not afraid. I'm the reason your father is dead, and you think that's an invitation to bring intimacy into this relationship?"
You're not angry per se, but slightly annoyed that she's pushing the subject. What reason have you given her that warrants this sudden behavior change? It seems like everything is driving you mad.
"You need it after what Diaochan did. I'm just trying to ease your pains, Lord Yuan."
You remain silent, letting what she said stew for a moment.
"We'll discuss this later. We're almost in Wu."
"Yes, milord. There are more pressing matters, but I won't stand idly by on this topic."
It's admirable, at least. As much as you don't want to have this conversation with Lu Bu's daughter, she had a good point. But there are too many factors right now. Two of them are currently traveling with you, and another might become single after a stint as the Empress of Jin. Who knows what would happen if you encounter Chunhua after. Or hell, even during this madness? No time to dwell on that, as you've just arrived in Wu once again. The six of you dismount your mounts and send them away after getting armed.
"Yuan," Yueying called for you. "Is there a plan we will be adhering to? Or is marching to the palace and slaying any who interfere the idea?"
The quintet looked at you since you're the band's leader.
"That would be the easier option, would it? But the last thing we need is getting the uninvolved hurt or killed. Especially if Uncle Shu ran roughshod of the kingdom before we arrived. Let's gather some information about Sun Ce's takeover before deciding on what to do next. Split into groups of two and spread throughout the towns. We'll meet in the center of town in an hour. Yueying, you come up with the groups."
"Fair enough. It'll be good to gain some context. As for the groups, Lord Zhang will go with Lingqi, I'll travel with Diaochan, and you and Xin can be the final group."
"Any objections?"
Everyone shook their heads, save for Diaochan who remained silent.
"Xianying and I will go North. Lord Zhang, you and Lingqi will go east. Yueying and Diaochan will go west. Do not fight if you don't have to. Save the violence for when we get to the palace if you can help it. Break!" The groups split off.
You and Xianying as per the plan head north. As you two traverse the towns, people start noticing you and frantically rush inside their homes. You couldn't put your finger on why. As you get deeper into the kingdom, you start seeing corpses, still-burning houses, and general destruction. It shocked you.
"Oh, my God," Xianying voiced her disbelief. "Yuan Shu's armies did this? This... is inhumane. And a man who supports is currently ruling Wu now? How does Sun Ce sleep at night during this madness?"
"Uncle Shu has done nothing but ruin the reputation that comes with the Yuan name. The Imperial Seal is cancer on his mental state."
"What are you doing here?" A civilian inquired, clearly tired of what has been happening. "Your damn uncle's forces terrorizing the kingdom in tandem with that traitor Sun Ce's sudden change of heart. Come to spit on us while we're already at our lowest?"
"What? No, I despise my uncle. He treated my mother, his sister, like garbage. I- we are here to kill Sun Ce. We just want to gain more information on the hostile takeover before advancing on the palace. I killed Yuan Yao a few days ago because of his allegiance to his father." You clarify which caused the citizen to relax.
He bowed as an apology. "I'm sorry, My Lord. After ascending to the throne, Sun Ce has practically abandoned the lowborn and left us for the wolves."
"Do you know anything about the takeover?"
He shook his head. "I'm sorry, but we are in the dark as you are, and whoever you have to help you."
"Perhaps we may be able to provide assistance on that front."
You and Xianying turn to see... Zhou Yu, Taishi Ci, and Zhou Tai.
Immediately, you draw the Sword of Honor to lunge it into Zhou Yu's throat as he worked with your uncle in the past before.
"Hold, Yuan! I know what you're thinking. I do not work for Yuan Shu!" He immediately defended as Taishi Ci and Tai prepped themselves to defend him. "Your anger is warranted. After Lord Sun rebelled against him, Ci, Tai, and I joined him. He's just as much an enemy to us as he is to you."
After a moment of thought, you look back at Xianying and see she had her Ji drawn, ready to battle with you. Easing the tension, you sheathe the Sword of Honor.
"If that's so, Zhou. Then maybe you can explain to us what happened during the takeover."
"Are you going to kill Ce?"
"Is that a problem?"
Zhou Yu remained silent for just long enough where you contemplated drawing the Sword of Honor again. Luckily, his answer proved where his loyalties lie.
"If that will secure the safety of the kingdom, then it must be done."
"Good answer. What happened here?" You ask him as the five of you walked on the path.
"It was horrible. Shu's brat of a son Yao was seen in the main city and before we could properly act, Ce... killed Sun Jian."
"Sun Ce killed Sun Jian?" Xianying asked, shocked and horrified.
"Yes. He abandoned his Tonfa for a Dazhadao and used it to stab his father through the chest. He had the guards throw Quan, Lianshi, Daqiao, and Xiaqiao into jail as well as the rest of the generals."
"So he's the only one in the foyers of the palace?"
"Yes. Ci and Tai colluded with me so we all could escape. Though I couldn't get Xia out of there with me."
"Why did he suddenly join my uncle anyway? Was the throne really the only convincing he needed?"
"In tandem with trying you to rush your approach in coming here."
"What?"
"Shu is convinced you aren't going to work alongside him, considering the relationship he has with his sister, your mother. But you are here even faster than he could have predicted. And if Xin Xianying is with you, that must mean you didn't come alone. That's fortuitous for us."
"You're right. Xian is with me alongside Zhang Liao, Lu Lingqi, Yueying, and Diaochan."
The three of them look at you in awe and horror.
"Yuan, I think you broke them. Hehehe," Xianying jokes.
"Lu Bu had a daughter?" Was the first question Zhou Yu asked you.
"Yes. She's a couple of years younger than me." You answered bluntly.
"And how did you gain the assistance of Zhang Liao?"
"Cao Cao knows of Uncle Shu's revolt with Dong Bai. He told his army, and Lord Zhang offered to travel with me to help deal with them. Lord Xiahou offered to come as well, but we agreed that only one of them was needed."
"You can add us to this band of warriors for now. We will stop Ce and free Wu from his tyranny and free our friends."
"Sounds like a plan. We're meeting with the others in roughly 45 minutes in the kingdom's center before marching to the palace to confront Sun Ce. If you are truly on board with joining us, meet us there."
They all nodded. "Soon, milord. We will reunite you with Lady Xiaqiao," Tai spoke.
"Thank you, Tai. See you soon, Yuan. We must see what additional information we can gather for the others."
The Wu Generals went back the opposite way you all walked.
"I wasn't expecting them to join us. But all's the better for us, right?"
"Yes. Let's try to gain more information and reassure the townspeople."
You and Xianying continue investigating while calming the townsfolk down, assuring them that you'll deal with Sun Ce. As you met up with the group, you got a more detailed explanation of what happened.
Sun Jian was the first to catch word that Shu survived and was ready to steel the army to defend the kingdom if Shu tried to feed his greed and invade Wu. He was also prepped to warn the other kingdoms about this. However, Ce convinced him to relent, claiming they'll be enough if he does. Sun Jian trusted his son's judgment and didn't but still warned his army and court. The day Yao was seen in the kingdom, Ce killed his father, threw his entire family, wife included, in the dungeons, and declared himself the new emperor of Wu. But morale quickly dissipated. Most of the army left after hearing of how Ce attained the throne. Only his supporters remain.
"They're not long for this world either." You say as the nine of you march toward the palace.
"I can't believe I'll be fighting those of my own kingdom," Zhou Yu said aloud.
"This isn't for the faint of heart, Zhou. We learned all that we could. Death is the only way to free the kingdom and give you a chance to rebuild," Yueying spoke the truth.
Zhou Yu looked distraught despite being told that.
You weren't in the mood.
You grab Zhou Yu by his silk top and slam him against the nearest wooden pillar.
"I can't speak for my group, but I will not stand for doubts, especially now. If you don't have the spine to face Ce and the rest of his soldiers, stay your ass back in the towns and wallow with the rest of the people. I am not leaving Wu until the court is freed and Ce is dead on the floors. Step up or stand back." You firmly warn him, letting him go and continuing before he can respond.
"My Lord. I think you took it too far," Diaochan voiced.
"But he is telling the truth, Diaochan," Yueying defended you. "The fact that none of us are from Wu but are the most adamant in freeing the kingdom from Sun Ce's tyranny is laughable."
"I admire the razor-sharp focus, Lord Yuan. This will not end well for Sun Ce if that's the attitude you're adopting," Zhang Liao compliments.
"We're almost there, milord. What's the plan while we close in on the entrance?"
Before you can explain the plan, Zhou Yu and the Wu generals catch up.
"My apologies, Yuan. I am deeply worried for Xiaqiao. I fear what Ce did to her after I failed to find her before my escape. I am willing to risk limb and leg to save her and stop Ce. I assure you."
"I understand, Zhou. We need a complete lack of hesitation for something as serious and sensitive as this. But now that you're in with us, it's good to see you wise up. As for the plan, I assume there aren't many soldiers loyal to Ce after he pulled this stupid stunt. We'll split into groups again and scour the palace. Find and free the prisoners. Slay any who oppose without mercy. They support Ce, but they are wrong. No ifs, and, or buts. I will head for the throne and slay Ce personally."
"Why not join us in the search?"
"Because I'm still sour over the last time I was here while not liking anyone in the court that much, present company included. The faster we get this done, the faster we can get out of here," you answer honestly, not in the mood for sugarcoating anything now. "Any other questions?"
General silence from the group is enough of a sign. You draw the Sword of Honor and Majesty.
"Fair enough! Have at it then!" You bellow to the group as you kick the palace doors down.
You see nine soldiers in the foyer. They see you, and before they have a chance to ready themselves, the nine of you kill them all in a collective stroke of your weapons.
"We'll split up now," you say as you head toward the throne room. "Best of luck, and be safe! Yueying you come up with the groups again!"
She complies without hesitation. You beeline for the throne room but are stopped by a gruesome sight. Bodies of Wu soldiers are strewn about the halls. The blood wasn't washed off, dried as if it were decorations. The sight made you pause. The amount of death that Sun Ce spread wasn't discriminatory. These soldiers have served the Sun Dynasty for who knows how long. All that was thrown away, and for what?
You know that you're not going to like the answer, no matter what it may be. But all this death made you stop to think. That nightmare was quite the premonition. Albeit not done by you, this gave the nightmare an air of legitimacy and realism. Is this the path you're going to walk? You shake your head violently in disbelief. You may be a killer, but you would never do something as heinous as this. This... is inhumane and sick. And this... made you angry.
Your resolve vigorously revived, you rush towards the throne room. You make it there and take a deep breath before opening the large doors. You push the doors open and enter, the room empty save for you. You walk slowly inside before looking around. A sight you thought you never see so soon catches your undivided attention. On the throne was the Imperial Seal.
"What the hell?"
You walk towards the throne to make sure you're seeing correctly. There it was, sitting on the Wu Throne. Was Yao lying to you this whole time? You find it as you pick it up to check for its inscription.
"Receive the mandate from heaven. Enjoy longevity and eternal prosperity. This is the real thing." You say, completely awestruck.
You wonder why your uncle had Yao spread that lie around. But before you think too hard about it, you hear footsteps. Deciding to place the Seal behind the throne, you do so fast before brandishing your longswords. And in he came.
Sun Ce.
"Quite a sight, isn't it?" He spoke. "An entire palace and kingdom to my own. It is all mine and mine alone."
Your grip on your swords tightens as you struggle to think of what to say. "How could you?"
It was what you came up with, a tone not of anger but shock and confusion.
"How could you stab your own father in the back after he would have given you what can essentially be the entire kingdom on a silver platter? Just for you to throw it all away."
Sun Ce took out his new weapon, a Longtou Dazhadao.
"I see I'm not the only one who had a change in weaponry," Sun Ce commented on your Odachi's absence. "The Tonfa isn't a weapon befitting an emperor. I don't expect you to understand, Yuan. You choose the life of a mercenary. Lord Yuan had a feeling you wouldn't see the truth. I will give you credit, I knew you would come, but you're here much sooner.
"You are a monster, Ce. The bodies I found in the halls-"
"They didn't see the vision that Lord Yuan had. No one in the court did."
"That's why you had them all imprisoned? Because they have sense?" You seethed the question out.
Ce scoffed at the insult. "They do not understand. But it's bigger than them, even Da. I don't plan on remaining loyal to your uncle and Lady Dong for much longer."
He preps himself for a fight. "I know you moved the Imperial Seal off of the throne. And once I deal with you, Shu and Bai will be next!"
Sun Ce dashed at you. You clash, an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. You overpower and knock him off balance. Before you can take advantage, he kicks you in the stomach, pushing you back while knocking the wind out of you, rendering the clash worthless. He wildly swings, and you move to dodge. Sun Ce predicted this and landed a solid kick to your chest, knocking you off your feet. You quickly get back and predict his continuing his assault. You swipe down with both Longswords landing directly on his Dazhadao, pushing him forward. You bash the pommel of Majesty against the top of his head and knee his jaw. Even though both strikes were clean, they only pushed him back a few feet.
"Hahahahahahaha. That's it!" Sun Ce exclaimed. "This is the warrior that killed the Invincible Tyrant!? Killing you will make for an excellent story!"
Sun Ce has officially lost his mind! This sudden revelation threw you off as you think of the bodies strewn outside those very doors his back was facing. You were scared. You found your hands quivering at the mere thought that this psychopath justified killing all those men. Those men had wives, children, and families!
Sun Ce was back on you as he swiped wildly with an overhead swing. You dodge at the last moment after snapping out of that fearful stupor, you dodge at the last minute. He swung at you again, and you blocked it. The force of the blow disarmed you of the Sword of Honor. You barely dodged the follow-up attack before jamming the pommel of Majesty against his eye.
"Damn it, my eye!" He yelled as you scrambled to regain the Sword of Honor.
You need to remove the Dazhadao from his grasp if you want any chance of killing this bastard.
"You're going to pay for that, Yuan," Sun Ce said darkly. "I need to kill you for my empire to last forever."
You say nothing in response but gulp audibly.
Deciding to go on the offensive, you dash at Sun Ce and swipe downward with Majesty. He blocks it, but you follow up with a swipe at his right arm with the Sword of Honor. You nick your target, and he instinctively retaliates with a kick you block by forming an X with your swords. The block was a success, but he pushed you back.
Overwhelmed with adrenaline, Sun Ce tries to punch you, but you shift Majesty's blocking position so the edges face him. His punch lands cleanly on Majesty's blade. Immediately taking this chance, you swipe with all your might with the Sword of Honor. You cleave off Sun Ce's right hand. He drops his weapon, and you kick the Dazhadao away from him as you reverse grip the Sword of Honor. You violently pull Majesty out of his knuckle before jamming the Sword of Honor into his chest. You push him towards the throne and force him to sit on it with so much force that the Sword of Honor blasts through the throne despite still being in his chest. You let go of the Sword of Honor, effectively leaving him stuck on the throne. You put Majesty into your left hand and started motioning to decapitate this treacherous bastard.
But before you can, Daqiao jumps in between you two. "Lord Yuan, please don't!"
"Lady Sun, move. This won't be pretty."
"Lord Yuan, don't stoop this low!" Diaochan yells her pleas. You go to look behind you, and when you do...
You feel a sharp pain in your side.
"Agh!" You scream as you feel a boot kick you forward.
You have officially had enough with this damn kingdom. When you recover, anger finally gets the better of you. You chuck Majesty at Sun Ce, and its pendulum blade flies like butter through Sun Ce... and Daqiao's faces.
You stand up and feel your side and notice blood. When you look at the two idiotic lovebirds, you see Daqiao clutching her Bladed Fans. How could she do this after everything Sun Ce did to her?
"How could she?" You hear Lianshi voice your thoughts.
"Sister... You were complicit too?" Xiaqiao voiced while choking up.
You were absolutely incensed. You march towards the bodies but feel a hand on your shoulder. You were not in the mood for sentimentality.
"Get your hand off of me!"
You push the hand away before grabbing Majesty and pulling it out of their faces before fiercely decapitating them in one swift motion. You throw off the blood coating Majesty before pulling the Sword of Honor out of Sun Ce's corpse and doing the same.
You wish it didn't end like this, but your hand was forced. You wipe off the blood that splattered on your face.
"So it's over. Ce is dead," Zhou Yu spoke.
"It had to be done, Lord Zhou. You saw the bodies," Xianying defended.
You go behind the throne and pick up the Imperial Seal. Everyone notices you holding it, as all conversation ceases.
"Is that the Imperial Seal?" Lingqi asked you, completely flabbergasted.
You silently nod.
"What is it doing here? I thought Yuan Shu had it?"
"I think he's been spreading that as a lie to stir chaos across the country."
"That makes sense in conquering provinces much easier. But this is the real thing, is it?"
"Yes. I found the inscription that Li Si wrote on it." You point to it, proving its authenticity. "It was sitting on the throne when I entered the room. Ce wanted to kill me and use the Imperial Seal to raise morale and rebel against Uncle Shu and Dong Bai. He was insane when we clashed. If anything, my killing him was an act of mercy." You all looked at the corpses of Sun Ce and Daqiao.
"Well done, Lord Yuan. With Sun Ce dead, the last of Shu's public supporters have been dealt with. Now we can prep to head to Xiapi Province and the Yellow Turban Temple," Zhang Liao congratulated you.
"Thank you, Lord Zhang. To all of you, I don't know if I could've done this without the group." You look at Sun Quan. "Well, Sun Quan. With your father and brother dead, you're now the Emperor of Wu."
"Yes. The circumstances of my ascension are unfortunate, but I must accept to properly rebuild."
"Good to hear."
You did the same thing you did Zhou Yu on the way to the palace to Sun Quan, pushing Sun Quan against the wall.
"Listen to me, Sun Quan. I'm saying this only once. Me calling you the new Emperor of Wu is not a gesture of good faith. You are the next in line, and I hope you're smarter than your brother. Because if I catch word that you are working with Uncle Shu? You'll be seeing me sooner than I did when I caught word that your brother was. There will be no words, bartering, or weaseling. You will die, and much like anyone who supported Sun Ce after he turned his back on China, they will too. I understand there is no love lost between the kingdom of Wu and myself, but you know now that I act in the best interests of China. And China's well-being and safety are more valuable than your life. Are we understood?"
"I understand." He complied. You let him go, killing the tension in one fell swoop.
"Good. We'll be taking the Imperial Seal too. We don't need Uncle Shu sending more troops to Wu to take it legitimately."
Sun Quan nodded in compliance.
"Good. Alright, let's get the hell out of here." You tell the group as you all leave the palace.
"Here, Yueying. You hold on to the Imperial Seal." You give her the seal.
The six of you look at the one item that tore China's political world asunder.
Then things got really out of hand.
You see a Chain Whip wrap around Yueying's neck, and she drops the Imperial Seal. You look at Diaochan, who is wrenching her Chain Whip before grabbing the Imperial Seal.
"I'll be taking this, you two-timing bitch," she seethed before glancing at you. "I loved you, Lord Yuan. I did. But you let the lies of these wenches pollute your mind. Especially that harlot in blue." She specified Xianying.
"How dare you, Diaochan. Your vindictive behavior only proves my point," Xianying commented as you all had your weapons drawn.
You've seen enough death for one day.
"Diaochan, this is not worth killing Yueying. She just became a widow. We need the Imperial Seal safe. I don't want to have to kill you. Hand it back and release Yueying. Please, Diao."
You call her by her pet name, which causes Diaochan to relent for a moment. But she reverted and tightened her choke on Yueying, causing her to gasp for air.
"You had your chance, Lord Yuan. But you have no sway over me anymore. I'm truly sorry," she said sadly as her expressions steeled.
"Diao, don't!" You plead.
Diaochan strode to kill Yueying, but before she could, you noticed a Jian violently thrust through her stomach, causing her to drop her Chain Whip and the Imperial Seal. Xianying grabbed it after she quickly stowed her Ji.
"Lingqi?" You ask to clarify.
She popped her head behind Diaochan. "Say the word, milord. I am ready. I felt this would happen the moment you revealed the Imperial Seal. Diaochan's expression looked like the world was in her grasp. Good of me to trust my instincts, eh?"
"Yes, Lingqi. Thank you. Did anyone pick the Imperial Seal up?"
"I have it, Yuan," Xianying revealed.
"And is Yueying ok?"
"She's passed out, but she'll survive," Zhang Liao told the good news.
"Good. Good." You repeated before looking at Diaochan, who was completely disarmed. "I'm sorry, Diao. I failed you, but you're too far gone. Lingqi, do it."
"At once, My Lord."
Lingqi pulled her Jian out of Diaochan before turning her around. In one swift stroke, she slit Diaochan's throat.
Failing to breathe as she fell to the ground, Diaochan looked at you. "I- I- I'm- I'm sorry. Mi- Mi- Milord. I-I-I love... you."
Those were her final words before the life finally exited her body. Diaochan was dead. You all stood in silence for a moment to take this in. You felt nauseous at the sight and like your head was being kicked in.
"Let's... get out of Wu into a town and find an inn." You command the group. They all complied as you all departed Wu as quickly as possible.
After doing so, you knew you couldn't sleep. Not after everything that happened today. You just sat on the provided bed above the covers, thinking about the nightmare. Then the bodies of the soldiers, Daqiao and Ce's corpses. And finally, Diaochan's dying body. If you go to sleep now, the nightmare will return with a chilling grudge.
You feel yourself dozing off, catching yourself before you faint. When you feel like you can't take staying up anymore, you fall forward.
But someone catches you.
"My Lord. I'm here." You hear her say. "I'm here for you. I will always be here for you," she says softly while holding you tightly.
All the tragedy that has befallen you finally takes its toll, causing you to break down.
"I... I can't do this for much longer. I... I just can't." You barely get out. "I'll go mad if I keep this up."
"Shhhhh, it's okay. China needs you, Lord Yuan. You're the only one who can stop your uncle and Lady Dong. Stay strong for me, Xianying, Yueying, Lord Zhang, and Lady Lu," the voice says, which confuses you.
This isn't Lingqi? Then who is it? You look up at the woman who's been comforting you. You couldn't believe your eyes. Her loving gaze, her motherly smile, her sultry eyes. It can only be one woman. One woman who, in your eyes, was impossible to call your own.
"Chunhua?"
A/N: Holy Shit!
I know the story has been getting dark, but this getting out of hand! If you don't know, Daqiao in the DW games is 17, Sun Ce is 26, and Zhang Liao is 27. Diaochan is 19, I believe. Yuan is 21. In his anger that finally tipped over, Yuan just killed a minor! Then shortly after watching Lingqi kill Diaochan after she almost killed Yueying. The group now has Zhang Liao, the Imperial Seal, and now apparently Zhang Chunhua, a lost love of Yuan's though she was married. We'll see what happens next, on the next chapter of Through the Eyes of a Mercenary!
Let me know what you all think of the Chapter with a Review or PM and I'll see you all later!