Disclaimers: Don't own, don't sue, don't ask, don't tell. Xiu Soi I do own
Chapter 4
Sun Ce whistled as he spotted two of the greatest leaders of the times; Cao Cao along with his blue armada and Liu Bei with his trusted army. The other regional lords heard about the banquet and wanted to see the Falling Star for themselves.
He then saw Liu Bei with his young strategists, his sworn brothers and Zhao Yun, and Cao Cao along with his son Cao Pi, Sima Yi, Dian Wei, Xu Zhu, Zhen Ji and Zhang He. This party is gonna be hot and wet…hot with tension and wet with blood.
Lu Meng and Lu Xun looked at the guests that were arriving.
"Master…This does not look good…" Lu Xun said as he eyed the regional lords that brought their 'regalia'. If so much as a fight breaks out, Wu would become a major battlefield and China will witness a battle like never seen before…"
"I know, that's why we have to make certain that everything goes according to plan" Lu Meng answered. At least, he hoped it will…
Liu Bei looked around as he was accompanied by Zhao Yun, his brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang.
"Is this event a little…risky on the part of Wu?" he asked himself
"I thought only you and Cao Cao would be the guests!" Zhang Fei mutered. "It's a little bit overcrowded"
"It is indeed a huge risk that Wu is taking" answered Zhuge Liang. "Yet, it is also a golden opportunity. If the Falling Star is indeed true, then the other lords may back down or submit…the Sun Family would hold a position of influence and power, as they are backed by divine hand."
"But if the Falling Star is true…what then my lord?" Zhao Yun inquired.
"All the better, for I have yet to match wits with someone so ethereal." Zhuge Liang smiled at the challenge, if there was one.
Cao Pi scoffed. "You don't believe in all this foolishness, do you father?"
"Of course I don't. But I can't wait to see what they have cooked up this time. This is the chance to debunk all rumors of a 'divine hand'! If we do disprove it, then the people that went to favor the Sun family because of the Falling Star will detest them and will curry in our favor instead."
"So this is all about turning the public favor…isn't it, father?"
"You are learning"
Sima Yi smirked. "Yet what if the Falling Star is true? Should we not convince her to join our cause?"
"Of course we will Sima Yi" Cao Cao said, with a finality in his tone as they approached
the castle.
"But what if we convince her to join without disproving her? Then the influence will work on our side…and it is certainly harder to disprove her claim than to entice her to join. What say you, my lord?" Sima Yi suggested.
"Hmm…you have a point there Sima Yi. Let's just decide when we see her."
Cao Cao urged his horse faster. He wanted it done and over with.
Sun Ce paced around, anticipating the night. He was excited! So much tension…they should get out in the battlefield!
Then someone knocked on his door. It was Zhou Yu.
"Ce. It's time."
The banquet hall was filled. The tables were arranged in a U shape with Sun Ce at the head, along with his brother and sister, Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai. The other parts of the table were filled by Liu Bei, and Cao Cao, along with their respective officers.
"Hmph. I'm sure that this Falling Star is nothing but a fraud. Zhen Ji scoffed as she scanned the crowd for the Two Qiaos, whose beauty was said to have, if not matched, bested hers.
"In due time my dear. I will know beauty when I see it" added Zhang He as he watched, excited.
Zhen Ji rolled her eyes at the narcissistic officer.
It was finished. Soi smiled as she held the dress. This will knock them off their socks! She had already instructed her back up musicians on the music. She went to get ready.
"I'll blow them out of their ancient little minds!"
Just before it all started, there were some opening remarks from Sun Ce, blatantly asking them to cease and desist and that there would be no use for violence for it would ruin the night and the party.
There was a welcome dance by the Two Qiaos, in which every man in the room became fixated to, seeing that their beauty was not the least exaggerated.
"I have to admit, they are beautiful!" Zhang He commented as Zhen Ji rolled her eyes yet again. Men!
Even Cao Cao and Cao Pi couldn't take their eyes off. "The Two Qiaos" Cao Cao started, "are very beautiful indeed…"
"What is this father? Do you now covet them so?"
Cao Cao looked at Cao Pi "Well, don't you?"
"They are magnificent" Zhuge Liang commented as he saw the cloths and the fans wave around.
"Yes they are" Liu Bei agreed. "Watching them has calmed my soul"
"And made the wine taste better!" Zhang Fei added.
As the dance ended, the Two Qiaos bowed and got out of the dance floor. Sun Ce gulped as he was about to announce and introduce Soi.
Why am I nervous? It's not as if the name of Wu itself is in jeopardy! Well…it actually is. We'll just fight…well…that girl can be so unpredictable! Just like my sister! If she keeps acting the way she is…I don't know what to do!
"As you've all known, we've thrown this marvelous party in her honor…the part that everyone is waiting for…may I present, Xiu Soi, the Falling Star." He announced and braced himself for the surprise. They all stood up to give respect as Sun Ce finished. The door opened and everyone looked anxiously.
And not even the gods nor the stars could brace him, or anyone for that matter, for the sight that greeted them.
Xiu Soi entered nervously yet confidently. She wore the white dress that Shang Xiang gave her that morning…except that it did not look like that dress anymore.
She had cut it in half, separating the lower from the upper torso. Her stomach showed and the upper torso was tied just below her busts. There was a scarlet cloth that was sewed just below the bust line so she used this to tie the V-neck together, robe-like and gave a discreet view of her cleavage. She also removed the sleeves, so it bared her arms that was laced with white bracelets and arm band, all made from beads.
The lower skirt was also tied robe-like at the center, although she had two killer slits that reached her hips. The skirt was low and was resting on her hips. The dress also had shiny beads sewed on strategic places, making an impression that she was glowing.
She wore straw sandals, yet it was also laced and beautified by white and red beads. To compensate for her lack of sleeves, she sewed herself a see through shoal. She wore long bead earrings, a red bead choker and white beads that were woven through her boy-cut hair. She clipped a single white lotus on the right, almost backside of her head.
She placed light make-up to highlight the blush of her cheeks and some balm to smoothen her chapped lips. Okay, that wasn't make up, but it had to do!
She looked at everybody's dropped jaws and smiled serenely. Hehehe…it worked!
She held her white beaded fan and elegantly walked
"Beautiful…" Zhang He murmured as she smiled. She took his breath away. He considered marching up right there and there to pledge his undying allegiance to the Falling Star, yet his feet were rooted in place.
Zhen Ji raised her eyebrow as she saw that her Lord Cao Cao and husband Cao Pi were not bothering to hide the fact that they were staring. She looked at the immoral bitch. She just showed some skin! Where's the beautiful in that?
"Zhao Yun, you can close your mouth now…"
"Same to you Zhang Fei" Zhao Yun retorted as his eyes never left the Falling Star. "This is the one that fell from the heavens…"
Lu Meng chuckled as Lu Xun looked at Soi intensely. "I think you should wipe that drool off you face my apprentice"
"She's so beautiful master…I can't believe that's the Lady Xiu Soi…"
"Of course you can't. Lady Xiu Soi never bothered to beautify or take care of herself, as a lady should. Now she did and shed that boyish disguise of hers…I personally think that her beauty is a gift from the heavens. What you're seeing right now my boy is Lady Xiu Soi at her best."
Sun Ce couldn't believe it. What a pretender! She should be awarded for best performance or something…He could see that mischievous glint in her eyes.
Zhou Yu, on the other hand, was scandalized. Why was she showing so much skin?
Shang Xiang, Xiao and Da Qiao couldn't believe their eyes. She was so different! And that dress, in Xiao's opinion, was beautiful! Da found it too revealing while Shang Xiang did not comment at all , too shocked to do so.
She strode elegantly to his side and bowed to everyone. "Good evening everyone. May you have a nice time"
They all bowed and thanked her as they resumed their seats once again.
"How do you like it? Broke all the traditions in your world, no?" Xiu Soi
"Is that how people in your world dress like for a party?" Sun Ce asked quietly, annoyed.
"Yes. Some of them come half-naked. You should see for yourself sometime, it's quite funny" She said casually as Sun Ce looked at her disbelievingly.
"Lady, I suggest a change of clothes are in order…" Zhou Yu whispered discreetly.
"Don't worry, this is completely normal" she answered as she drank from a cup of tea, yet she tried to hide the fact that she was trembling due to Zhou Yu's proximity. She could feel his warmth on her ear and smell old parchments and ink. It was nice
"Everyone is looking at her…and I don't like it. It's like they're gonna eat her or something" Gan Ning mumbled.
"Of course! They're men! I know what's going on their minds Lady Xiu Soi, it's best if you follow what Lord Zhou Yu says…" Lu Xun whispered.
"I have nothing else to wear except my gray attire and other clothes that are not fit for the party. You should've informed me sooner so that I could've prepared properly and could have avoided a spur of the moment creation such as this."
Sun Ce slapped his forehead. So this what it was…revenge for not telling her.
She smiled as she saw Ce caught on. "Now you have to go through this night with me like this…they like it and would be enraged if you so as much dismissed the Falling Star so early"
"I guess I will have to" Sun Ce said as he grinned evilly at her. "You still have a performance to attend to"
"Bring it on. I'm prepared" Xiu Soi retorted, even though she was nervous.
As Sun Ce stood up to announce her performance, Lu Xun leaned over her ear and whispered. "Do not fret my lady…I'm sure you will do well. I have been looking forward to this night and would love to hear you sing…although I do disapprove of the attire for it…endangers your being, please believe me when I saw that you are incredibly beautiful in it…and you took my breath away"
Xiu Soi's heart leapt at the comment and looked up to thank Lu Xun when she saw that he had already turned his back on her and walked back to his seat beside Lu Meng.
"You look red my boy…and I do not mean your clothes" Lu Meng said as Lu Xun sat beside him, looking down and embarrassed.
"I…told her what I felt master. I wanted to reassure her because she looked so scared because of her performance…and I am a bit angry at her for wearing that dress in front of so many men…but I couldn't stay angry at her and complimented her instead…"
"But who are you to get angry at her? Who are you to tell her what she could wear or do? Are you her brother? Husband? Lover?"
Lu Xun's cheeks became red as he heard the last two. Yet his eyes looked sorrowful. "Sadly…I am none of those. I am no one in her life"
Lu Meng patted him on the shoulder. He felt sorry and was sorry for being too harsh. "Don't dive in too deep Lu Xun…"
Soi was looking at Lu Xun. In the few weeks that passed, aside from the Qiao sisters and Shang Xiang, one that kept her company constantly was Lu Xun. She talked about strategy and the cities with him, and the officers and compared literature from both worlds. When she was still in prison, he often visited her along with Gan Ning or Ling Tong. But he never failed to come everyday.
She couldn't help but feel guilty. She felt that she was the source of Lu Xun's unhappiness. What's wrong? Did she say something?
As Sun Ce finished his announcement, she stood up. Okay…time to do this. She sat at the chair that was prepared for her, in the middle of the room where everyone can see. The musicians took their places behind her with their instruments. She had to improvise, seeing as the only instruments that were available were ancient ones. But, as long as they got the melody line correct it was okay…she had to choose and easy yet simple song.
"Good evening again, ladies and lords. The piece that I will be singing came from my world…I did not compose nor create it. It's a love song. But this is one of my favorite songs and although it was hard to teach the musicians the melody line in such a short notice—she looked pointedly at Sun Ce—we managed and was able to adapt perfectly with the instruments.
"Ladies and Gentlemen…this is my song…"
The guitar-like instrument strummed and started a slow melody. The other followed and placed everyone at ease. Everyone held their breath as Soi looked at them and smiled. She sang.
The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
Lu Xun looked in her eyes and felt the words of the song stab through him
Emeralds from mountains thrust toward the sky
Never revealing their depth
Shang Xiang thought it was great while Sun Ce whispered. "She's good…"
And tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
Zhao Yun closed his eyes and opened them again, looking at her. That song…is for her
I'll be captivated
I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above
Zhang He felt his breath leave him
And I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
And I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
Zhou Yu smiled as he looked at a beaming Xiao Qiao
Rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
"I find this song…nice" Xu Zhu commented as Dian Wei nodded.
You're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive not dead
Cao Pi smiled and looked at Zhen Ji. Sorry Ji…I can't tell you that yet
And Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache, that hang from above
Sun Ce's eyes darted to Da and he saw that Da was also looking at him.
And I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
Soi looked ar Lu Xun
I've been dropped out, I'm burned up, I've fought my way back from the dead
I've tuned in, turned on, remembered the things that you said
She looked at Zhou Yu who was looking at Xiao Qiao. Lu Xun knew with just the look in her eyes.
And I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
Soi looked at Zhou Yu as he and Xiao Qiao smiled at each other
And I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
She watched painfully asXiao snuggled close to her husband.
The greatest fan of your life
She saw the pure happiness on both their faces.
…greatest fan of your life…
As everyone cheered, whistled and clapped, Soi bowed. Lu Xun knew. From the pained look in her eyes that she managed to hide from everyone.
She was in love with Zhou Yu.
After the song, Soi excused herself. She went to the balcony and cried her heart out. She was in love with a married man. Why does love have to hurt? Why does it have to?
Back inside, Zhen Ji openly scoffed. "That song can be sung by anyone. It did not prove anything. It did not prove that she is divine or whatever! This is a fraud and a waste of time."
"I agree. The lady should give a performance that only she can do. Why, our Zhen Ji plays notes that brings generals to knees!"
"I'd like to see her beat that" Zhen Ji smiled smugly.
Sun Ce wanted to wring the woman's neck. Lu Xun stared at them with disgust while Zhou Yu braced himself for a confrontation. Just then, Soi entered, sensing the tension, stopped and looked at them, puzzled.
"Lady Xiu Soi" Sima Yi bowed. "Allow me to make your acquaintance. I am Sima Yi, the strategist of Wei. We were just discussing…about the performance that you gave us. Although it was nice, it was…ordinary"
Zhao Yun gritted his teeth. What was ordinary about that? He had never heard the song nor the style of music before!
"But sir," Soi replied placidly "surely you're not asking me to perform another number? The musicians had only time to master one song and—"
"Forgive the interruption my lady, but being a gift from the heavens, which you undoubtedly are, we have figured that you could give us a spectacular performance that would be a legend… even without the aid of musicians. If you cannot then…"
Soi saw what was coming and smiled. That son of a bitch! I'll give him what he wants.
Sima Yi smiled. If she backs out, perfect. If she says yes…I will be hard to please.
Zhen Ji smiled. She knew that Sima Yi was one of the people that was hard to impress.
Zhuge Liang eyed Sima Yi. How bold. Sima Yi is intent on disproving her claim…and he set a trap for her. If she said no, Sima Yi would show everyone that she was a fraud…If she said yes, she would have to impress all of us without musicians…
"Alright, Master Sima Yi. I will acquiesce your request". She went to the dance floor and smiled at everyone. Seeing a worried Sun Ce, she winked at him and started singing.
Think of me
Think of me fondly when we've said goodbye
Everyone stopped in their tracks as they looked as her, singing in acapella.
Remember me once in a while, please promise me you'll try.
Lu Xun has never felt such force and gentleness from a song before. The Two Qiaos were dumbstruck.
When you find that once again you long to take your heart back and be free
If you ever find a moment spare a thought for me.
"What do you think now" Zhang He whispered as Zhen Ji glared at him.
We never said our love was evergreen
Or as unchanging as the sea.
But if you can still remember
Stop and think of me.
Taishi Ci and Lu Meng looked at each other. She was the one that they heard the other day!
Think of all the things we've shared and seen,
Don't think about the things which might have been.
"Ethereal…" Liu Bei murmured.
"I agree, my lord. I have never heard anyone…who possesses the same enchanting way of singing such as her…"
Think of me,
Think of me waking, silent and resigned
Cao Cao smiled. No doubt about it….she is from the heavens!
Imagine me
Trying too hard to put you from my mind.
Recall those days, look back on all those times,
Think of the things we'll never do.
There will never be a day when I won't think of you!
"She's so good…and she told us she didn't know how to sing!" Ling Tong said as Gan Ning merely nodded.
Flowers fade, The fruits of summer fade,
They have their seasons so do we.
But please promise me that sometimes
You will think...
Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhf me!
She stopped and smiled. She bowed as they all stood up, clapped, cheered and whistled.
Lu Xun looked at Lu Meng. Even though she was in love with Master Zhou Yu…
"Master"
Lu Meng looked at his apprentice. "What is it my boy?"
Lu Xun bowed "I beg of you. Please train me hard…to the best that you can. So that I may a man worthy of Lady Xiu Soi's affections."
Sounds of cheering, even if it was so overpowering, could not drown the determination in Lu Xun's eyes.
Author's notes: Ouch! Now the love triangle is established. Sorry, I kinda fell in love with Yui's maiden of Seiryu outfit from Fushigi Yuugi. Soi's dress here was based from hers, with little alterations. And my thanks to http/ I got the lyrics of "I'll be" from their. And thanks to Edwin Mc Cain for a wonderful love song! And for the creator of the Phantom of the Opera…I cried like a baby in the ending! Thank you to http/ for the lyrics of "Think of me". Soi sang it like Christine did, and there will be3 an explanation the next chapter! Thank you for the reviews! Comments, suggestions, fan mail (as if) are always welcome! Ja!