Author's Note:
It's been a while, yes I know, but I'm back! I have not logged into my account for quite some time so the new layout is very strange to me. But I recently discovered who has 'favourited' my story and signed up for update alerts. I'm so excited to see numbers other than '0' there! I will attempt to re-edit chapters 1-3 sometime, but I'll probably work on the next chapter first (so it doesn't take me nearly as long as it took me to push out chapter 3). Also before I thank my reviewers, I'd like to let everyone know that there is only one more chapter to Arranged Love, meaning Arranged Love will end next chapter. Now to the reviews.
Glayde: I noticed your name changed again =) Thank you for the nice compliment. Why is SSX running? It's because she couldn't stand living in Shu anymore... let's see if she's stopped in time though...
Someone: Well, even though you forgot to review the first chapter, it was still nice knowing that you read the fic! I'm sorry my updates aren't fast, but here is the next chapter!
ms. heartily: Thank you so much for the lovely compliment! It's been quite a while since I last wrote, so hopefully it is still up to par for you. Although it's been quite some time since chapter 2, (sorry!) I hope you will still enjoy it!
Mr. Liz: I love your update dance. SSX is also my favourite female character, although I'm very disappointed with Koei for changing her awesome weapons in DW 6 to crappy bow and arrows. I hope my story is still as fantastic as you say it is and thank you very much for the chocolate and flowers. Although the chocolates seem a little old.. and the flowers are now withered... but that's my fault for not updating earlier.
Jashi: Thanks for clearing up the spelling for Yue Ying!
kagomeandinuyasha4ever: Thanks for the compliments! I don't mean to make their relationship go down hill though... I hope this chapter helps pick it up a bit =)
Crazed and Confused: I love hearing when people get 'sucked in' when reading my fics. It makes me feel so wonderful. Thanks for the compliment!
Crirawen: Thank you! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter just as much!
Dearx: Sorry for the slow update, but here is chapter 3! I hope you love it just as much as you did for the past two chapters.
Alvsmoon: Thanks! I hope to write more too, but lack of creativity and lack of time is not a good combination.
Falke-ness: I'm sorry for making you not like Zhao Yun! I think he's an awesome character (in the game and in history). My portrayal of him in this fic is an attempt to show that he is very loyal to his Lord and thus would be quite cautious with anything dealing with his Lord.
Pink Babie: Thank you! Here is the third chapter.
army_kitten: Sorry for the very long wait. I'm a terrible person. But I do hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
Eearthbending: Thank you very much for the compliment and thank you for recommending this story to others. That was very nice of you!
Ganayrika: Thank you! Hope you enjoy this chapter too!
Xiao Qiao/ DW Master: Cliffhangers are fun to write =) Yes, I can be evil sometimes too. I'm not sure why... but I really like sad stories. They just seem more memorable to me. Which may be why I tend to write more sad stories than happy ones.
Gabrielle Lupin: Thanks! I think Shang Xiang and Liu Bei are a cute couple too! Although if really think about it, he still seems a little too old for her. I'm glad Koei made him good looking in the game though. Although (may sound a little contradicting) he looks a wee bit young in DW6. Haha, after saying that, it sounds like nothing quite satisfies me.
Adriannu255: You'll see if she likes her husband... =)
#1. LB/SSX hater: You know, I never quite understood why people bother reviewing a story they hate. If I don't like a story, I just stop reading it and move on to another fic. But, you're entitled to your opinions. I'm sorry to hear that you hate the pairing and you hate the first chapter. Hope you find a story that you do like.
cozmicomicollector: I'm glad you enjoyed the story thus far and I'm glad you had a laugh with the paranoid Pang Tong bit. Pang Tong seems to be a bit... 'kooky' to me after Koei's portrayal of him. He seems like a fun character.
fatihmehmet: Thank you and sorry for the long wait for the next chapter.
hallow santuary: Thanks! I hope so too!
stars-for-feet: Must be hard walking... but thank you and hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
Tendolover: Hope you didn't have to wait for long!
And here is the third chapter to Arranged Love: Accepting Fate.
Yue Ying used all her strength to push open the stable doors and tumbled onto the ground. "No…" She whispered softly when she saw no one in the stables. The hidden crack in the stables was revealed; somebody must have used it. "I'm too late…"
"Hurry Mei Li, I don't want anyone to see us." Voices whispered from behind Yue Ying.
She spun her head around, and was extremely relieved to see Shang Xiang and her entourage of maids with her. But when Shang Xiang saw Yue Ying, her mouth gaped open and she turned around to bolt away.
"Shang Xiang!" Yue Ying shouted, pushing herself up. She ran towards the door, but two of Shang Xiang's maids quickly blocked her exit. "Shang Xiang! Don't leave!" She screamed. "Lord Liu Bei needs you! He has been struck by an arrow and is heading back to the capital from the west." Her voice was breaking. It was too late anyway. If Shang Xiang wanted to leave, there was nothing to stop her. "Lord Liu Bei is dying... you must help pray for him..." Her voice was coarse and tears began to stream down from her eyes. I had failed you Lord Liu Bei. You had asked me to watch your palace, but I managed to let Shang Xiang leave… She thought. Yue Ying slouched onto the ground burying her face in her hands, feeling ashamed, guilty, and hopelessness.
"Pray? Praying will do nothing! He needs medical attention!" Shang Xiang's voice suddenly rang throughout the stable. "Mei Li, my bag!" She ran past Yue Ying and grabbed the lone horse in the stable's reins. The horse neighed and jumped up and down several times, trying to thwart Shang Xiang away, but she ignored it, and managed to climb onto its back, unsaddled.
"My Lady? Where are you going?" Mei Li threw the bag up to Shang Xiang as she was able to force the horse to gallop out of the stables.
"To save Lord Liu Bei!" Shang Xiang shouted back to her.
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
"Lord Liu Bei, please hold on a little longer! We're almost at a town! Oh gods, please send a miracle to us!" Zhao Yun prayed as he continued to gallop through the empty plains. For a while now, Zhao Yun watched helplessly as Liu Bei continued to slip in and out of consciousness, a good indication he was getting extremely weak.
Liu Bei's face was getting very pale and his lips looked almost white. "Liu…" he mumbled, "Shan…" as he began slouching to one side of the horse again, causing them to ride in a curved path. "My… son…" was all that he was able to mumble throughout the whole journey.
As they continued galloping, Zhao Yun began to see movement up ahead. He squinted and noticed a familiar horse. "Who could that be?" He mumbled to himself. As he neared, he was finally able to recognize the horse. It was the one that they had left behind because nobody could ride it. "Have you sent us a miracle?" He asked the heavens as he quickly looked up at the clear blue sky. When he looked back at the plains, he realized who was riding the horse; Sun Shang Xiang.
"How is he?" She shouted to him, but he ignored her. He had never trusted her before, what made her think that he trusted her now? Zhao Yun continued riding past her. Sun Shang Xiang had to force the horse to turn around and ride alongside with Hex Mark. "He doesn't look that well!" She exclaimed in surprise. Never in her life had she seen someone so ill.
Zhao Yun continued to ignore her, trying to outride her, but to his astonishment, she was able to keep up with him. She must have rode a horse before, being able to go so fast without a saddle. He thought. Must have been several times too. Very unladylike. She cannot be trusted.
"You must stop! Lord Liu Bei will not be able to make it to the town!" Shang Xiang shouted.
Zhao Yun glared at her. "Lord Liu Bei WILL make it to the town! May the heavens strike you for cursing your own husband's death!" He whipped Hex Mark to go faster, but it was evident that the horse was getting tired from traveling so long and with the extra weight.
"I can help!" Shang Xiang glared back, but he continued to ride, ignoring her. "You ignorant fool!" She shouted in anger when she couldn't bear his attitude any longer. Shang Xiang rode ahead of Hex Mark and stopped right in front of them, causing Hex Mark to stop as well, despite the fact that Zhao Yun tried to make him go faster.
"What the HELL are you doing?" Zhao Yun cursed. "You are going to kill Lord Liu Bei with your stupid antics!"
"YOU'RE the one who's going to kill him if you think he could last till you get to a town!" She spat back, jumping off the horse and trying to pull Liu Bei off Hex Mark and onto the ground, but Zhao Yun fought back, pulling Liu Bei onto the horse again. "Stop it!"
"You INSOLENT fool!" Zhao Yun continued to struggle with pulling back Liu Bei's body.
Upset, and completely impatient, Shang Xiang did the first thing that came into her mind; she bit Zhao Yun's hand. He screeched in pain as she dug her teeth into his skin. After a few seconds of unbearable pain, Zhao Yun released his grip on Liu Bei, allowing Shang Xiang to pull him off the horse and onto the ground. Shang Xiang quickly and delicately took off Liu Bei's armour and saw an arrowhead pierced in his chest. The wound was turning black and purple.
"The arrow is poisoned." Shang Xiang stated, pausing for a moment, shaking in fear. She had seen battle scars before, but she had never seen an actually wound.
"What do you think you're doing?" Zhao Yun jumped off his horse and pushed Shang Xiang away from Liu Bei roughly, giving her a bruise and forcing her to thump onto the ground.
"I… I… know how to bandage his wound!" She managed to stutter.
"Tsh." Zhao Yun scoffed. "Since when do WOMEN know how to do such things?"
"I read it in the books!" Shang Xiang defended herself. "You're going to kill him if you don't let me treat that wound now!" She tried to shove Zhao Yun out of the way, but she was not as physically strong as he was. "You have to let me help him!"
"My… wife…?" Liu Bei reached out and grabbed her arm. "Why…?" he was slipping into consciousness again. "are you here…?" He asked. His grip on Shang Xiang was so weak that his arm just fell to the ground.
"I'm here to help you." She whispered, wiping the sweat from his face with her handkerchief. "Shhhh!" She continued. "This is going to hurt a little." In one swift movement, she pulled the arrowhead out. Liu Bei groaned in pain.
"What have you done?" Zhao Yun rushed to Liu Bei's side.
"I pulled the arrow out! What does it look like?" She waved the arrowhead in front of his face, her hand full of Liu Bei's blood. "Hold this here." She grabbed Zhao Yun's hand and stuffed the handkerchief in it and placed it on Liu Bei's wound. "A… Apply pressure there." She said, still stuttering, afraid that she might have done something wrong. Shang Xiang had read a lot of books when she was back in Wu and when she had nothing better to do in Shu. But everything she read about dealt with military; from strategies, to swordsmanship, and even to medicine. She had a great deal of knowledge in all those areas, but since she was a girl, she never had any chance to actually put them into use. Although she knew what she was doing, she had never done it before. The fear of her first attempt was enough to make her stutter and worry.
"I don't trust you." Zhao Yun stated flatly. "You are not proper for a wife."
"You can insult me after we help Lord Liu Bei okay?" Shang Xiang opened her bag and dug through all her clothes looking for something. When she found another bag, she opened it and grabbed some of the leaves in it, and put them in her mouth. She quickly chewed on the leaves into little pieces.
"You were preparing to run away weren't you?" Zhao Yun's comment was more of a statement than a question.
Shang Xiang didn't say anything. She spat out the leave pieces onto her hand. She directed Zhao Yun to lift his hand off from the wound and then stuffed the leaves onto the wound. Liu Bei groaned again in pain. Next, she pulled out a long white bandage from her bag and with Zhao Yun holding Liu Bei in a sitting position, she began to wrap the bandage around his chest.
"What was that?" He asked, mentioning about the leaves.
"It stops the poison from spreading."
"I still don't trust you." Zhao Yun muttered.
After Shang Xiang had finished wrapping Liu Bei's wound with the bandage she gathered her clothes and tied up the bundle again. "There, now we have to take him to a real doctor." She began to stand up, but Liu Bei suddenly grabbed her hand.
"Don't leave…" He managed to say before falling into the empty void again.
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
"The gods love Lord Liu Bei very much." A man holding a wooden box said after he finished examining Liu Bei. "If the poison was spread any further, Lord Liu Bei would not have survived." He continued. "The heavens must be smiling down upon the Shu Kingdom. Lady Liu Bei, if you would please follow me, there are a few packages of medicine Lord Liu Bei must drink."
"Thank you, doctor." Shang Xiang followed the man out of the room.
Zhao Yun sat at the small table in the room as he watched Shang Xiang leave. He still didn't trust her. Liu Bei lay on the bed behind him, still unconscious. Zhao Yun poured some wine into his cup and drank it all in one gulp. He looked at the bundle on the table; the bundle that Shang Xiang was carrying when she came to help them. It was her bundle that she was bringing when she planned to run away from Shu. Zhao Yun wasn't sure whether he was relieved or not, since she didn't leave. As much as he hated to admit it, he knew that it was because of her that Liu Bei managed to survive, even if just barely. But he also knew that since she didn't run away as planned, it was most likely she'd be returning to the palace with them. "I don't trust her." He muttered, downing another cup of wine.
A groan came from behind him, which caused to him to get out of his seat and towards the sound. Liu Bei was awake and trying to sit upright in the bed. Zhao Yun quickly helped him up. "You shouldn't be moving so much my Lord."
"Where is my wife?" He asked, still half dazed. "I have to stop her from leaving me again." He slowly tried to get out of bed, but Zhao Yun forced him from doing so.
"My Lord, you are not well to be getting out of bed." Again? Did he mistaken Shang Xiang for Lady Mi? Zhao Yun thought to himself.
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
"It is a great relief that you are doing well, brother." Guan Yu patted Liu Bei's back.
"Yes, but the pain is still there Brother Yu." Liu Bei groaned.
"Those bastards! Whoever knew they would ambush us like that!" Zhang Fei scoffed as Yue Ying bandaged the cut on his arm. "They're getting smarter as the days go by, we must conquer their entire land immediately!"
"General Fei, you mustn't keep with these rash ideas. There must be planning and…" Zhuge Liang was cut off.
"Planning shmanning! All your planning did was nearly kill Brother Liu Bei!"
Zhuge Liang looked extremely offended, but he didn't bother speaking up again. Instead Liu Bei dismissed the meeting. "It's getting late, we will continue this meeting next week…"
"Next week?" Zhang Fei interrupted. "That long? We should commence our attack next week!"
"Brother Fei, we've been planning this for a long while now. All the generals and soldiers are weary, and I'm sure many of them would like to take a few days to rest. I know I'd like a few days to rest before we continue this." Liu Bei coughed, in an attempt to remind his brother that he was still wounded.
"Brother Liu Bei is right…" Guan Yu began, but was cut short by a knock on the door.
"My Lord," Shang Xiang's voice came from the other side, before the door swung open. She held a bowl of medicine in her hands. "I brought you your…." She stopped suddenly when she realized there were other people in the room. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know there's a meeting going on…" She turned around, about to walk away.
"No, no. It's fine, the meeting just finished." Liu Bei eagerly called Shang Xiang back.
"Good night, my Lord." The others said in unison before leaving the room. "Good night Lady Sun."
Once the last person left, Shang Xiang turned back towards her husband, only to find some of the hot medicine pour onto her hands. She winced in pain as Liu Bei rushed to help her.
"You didn't have to come here to give me my medicine."
You think I wanted to? Fu Ying made me come! All my life, I have never served a single person before, and here I am serving you right now! I'm the Princess of Wu! Whoever heard of a princess serving someone? Shang Xiang thought bitterly. "It is my duty as your wife to do so." She stated flatly, followed by a weak smile.
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
The next day, Liu Bei got up bright and early to spend some time with his son, but when he woke up, Shang Xiang was already gone and Liu Shan was still fast asleep. Liu Bei thought it to be odd for his son to still be asleep, when he distinctively remembered his son was an early riser, crying for attention every morning.
Feeling a bit groggy, he closed his eyes again almost falling asleep, when his bedroom door creaked open. "Who's there?" He demanded, annoyance evident in his voice.
"It is Fu Ying my Lord, Lady Sun sent me to bring your water basin and face cloth to you." The elderly woman announced as she stepped into the bedroom area. She placed the basin onto Shang Xiang's makeup table, and dipped the cloth into the warm water.
"Where is Lady Sun?" Liu Bei asked as he wiped his face.
"I believe she's with the Lady Zhuge Liang, taking embroidery and stitching lessons again."
Liu Bei nodded in approval as he handed the towel back to Fu Ying. He pushed himself off the bed and headed to his son's crib. Peering over the crib, he smiled at the sleeping figure. With one hand, he lightly caressed his son's cheek. "Does he sleep this well in the mornings now?"
"Well of course! Every morning Lady Sun lulls him back to sleep with her angelic voice. The little Lord Liu Shan seems to enjoy Lady Sun's songs very much. I think it's his most favorite time of the day." Fu Ying picked up the basin and headed towards the door. "If there is nothing else my Lord, I ask for my leave."
Liu Bei nodded as he continued gazing upon his son. Shang Xiang, he thought. I wonder if you'll make a good mother?
As the morning light poured into his room, Liu Bei decided to take a stroll in his gardens, something he hadn't done for a long while. Dressing in his most casual attire, a light green robe, he headed out.
Just as he turned the first corner into the biggest garden in his palace, voices flooded the area.
"I'm sorry mi'lady, but I really must go! Fu Ying will scold me again. Besides, isn't my Lady supposed to be taking embroidery and stitching lessons?"
"What's this? You're lecturing me?" Shang Xiang's voice was filled with displeasure.
"A mere servant such as I wouldn't dare!" Mei Li shot to the ground, a sword lay near her hands. "Please forgive me mistress, it will never happen again!"
Shang Xiang laughed as she helped her maid up. "Don't be silly Mei Li, I was only playing around with you!" Shang Xiang turned around to pick up her Sol Chakrams lying on the stone table. "Go back to work then…" her voiced sounded a little disappointed. "I don't want Fu Ying to scold you again… she comes back to me later on to lecture me." She scrunched her face in disgust. "I guess I'll stay here and train all alone… thank the heavens Yue Ying wanted to spend time with her husband today! I don't think I can stand taking anymore stitching lessons!"
"Oh, my lady, before I leave, Fu Ying would like to know what you like to have for lunch today."
"I don't know." Shang Xiang swung her weapon, pretending to hit an invisible target. "Surprise me with something delicious!"
"Yes my lady. And shall it be for two?"
"Probably not." This time she kicked the air twice before she swung her weapons again, moving her arms in a circular motion, as if it was a dance move. "It's been a few months now, and he has never ate a single meal with me. In fact, I've hardly seen him." She laughed slightly. "Kind of makes me wonder what kind of man he is. Am I so dreadfully ugly that he doesn't want to see me? Is he really shy with girls? Does he have a mistress? Or…" She giggled at the thought. "…perhaps he's gay?"
Liu Bei, he continued to stand around the corner, watching the two girls, arched an eyebrow at the comment. Him, Liu Bei of Shu, gay?
"But then again, a gay man couldn't possibly have such an adorable son." Shang Xiang finished as she continued moving gracefully with her weapons.
"But my lady, he is your husband, and you are his wife. Do you not feel any emotion to him? It is by the heavens that women shall forever serve her husband and…"
"I know, I know." Shang Xiang sounded exasperated. "But how can I feel any emotion for a man who only neglects me?" She sighed and paused momentarily. "I thought you had some chores to do."
"Yes my lady." Mei Li picked up the sword on the ground, and rushed towards the kitchen, only to realize that Liu Bei had been standing around the corner the whole time. She bowed her head in respect, and was about to greet him before he stopped her. Instead, he motioned for her to hand him the sword and be on her way. She reluctantly gave the sword to her new Lord, and feared for her lady. As much as Mei Li wanted to go and inform her lady, she knew she couldn't. Instead, she headed off to the kitchen.
Liu Bei silently walked towards Shang Xiang, who continued to flow with poise in her movements. Her back still faced Liu Bei, and herself unaware of his presence.
"I hate it here." She muttered, barely audible. She turned around and swung her Sol Chakrams roughly, only to find her weapons clashing onto the blade of the sword that Liu Bei held. She shrieked in surprise, sending one of her chakrams flying into the air. Liu Bei expertly caught it with the sword in his grasp. He held it towards Shang Xiang.
"I thought, perhaps, you would like a sparring partner." He smiled charmingly at her.
For a minute or two, Shang Xiang only stared at him dumbfounded, unsure of what to do. She recollected herself and a grin replaced her puzzled look. She carefully slid her chakram off the blade of his sword and took a step back with her right foot. She held her arms up, ready to attack. Once in stance, she eyed her husband carefully.
"Don't hold back just because I'm a girl."
He laughed, "Wouldn't dream of it." Slowly, he dragged his right foot back. With his left arm behind his back, he held the sword out with his right hand, ready to strike. "Ladies first."
"And don't underestimate me." She said as she swung the right chakram to the side of Liu Bei's neck.
In one swift movement, he easily blocked her attack with the sword. But before the two weapons clashed, the left chakram was already moving towards his right side. Just as the weapons touched each other, he jumped back, her left chakram narrowly missing him, but slicing the front of his shirt ever so slightly. Shang Xiang grinned. "Isn't rule number one to never underestimate your enemies?"
He smiled politely, "Perhaps it is in the books, m'lady. But I have fought many battles and I've seen many things. Underestimating your enemy is a flaw in any warrior, but overestimating your own abilities is worse."
"Perhaps, my Lord," She mocked. "you should remember that for yourself." She took a step backwards and began twirling her chakrams like a dancer twirling fancy fans to entertain men. Liu Bei watched her amusingly. Knowing that her opponent was fixated on the weapons instead of her, she suddenly rushed forward and tried to slash Liu Bei. Luckily for him, he reacted quick enough to dodge each one.
As Shang Xiang continued to advance at him, he continued to move backwards blocking each strike. After a moment of continuous failed strikings, Shang Xiang jumped back. "You can't keep defending, you know."
"Attacking isn't the only thing in a battle, you know." He commented, still smiling relentlessly.
"No, but you only can win if you attack." She thrust her arms back, pulling all the strength she could, she threw both chakrams towards Liu Bei like a boomerang.
Seeing her weapons fly towards him, his first reaction forced him arch his body backwards. The chakrams missed him and Shang Xiang expertly caught them back in her hands. Liu Bei straightened himself up.
"Your weapons are very unique Shang Xiang. I must admit, I have never seen anything like them before."
She smiled proudly. "Nor do many people know how to wield them." Again she threw the chakrams toward him. This time, he didn't arch his body backward, instead he rapidly swung his sword at one chakram and then the other, each time creating a loud metal clashing sound. Somehow the chakrams still boomeranged back to Shang Xiang.
"I must admit," he began. "I'm quite impressed by your strength."
"Flattering me won't let you win." This time, she threw the right chakram vertically at him.
Liu Bei held the sword horizontally in front of him with the palm of his left hand pressing against the flat part of the blade. As the chakram collided with the sword, he used his strength to push it back.
"Why do you only defend against me? Is it because I'm a girl?"
"No." Liu Bei positioned himself to his initial stance. "In a one-on-one fight, it is better to learn how your opponent attacks first. That way, you can easily pinpoint their weakness and find an opportunity to strike when they are most vulnerable. For example, I have learned a lot about your fighting style by defending and watching you."
She paused for a moment, not quite believing what he said. "Such as?"
"For one, there is a big difference when you're attacking from your right side or from your left side. You are more dominant in your right side, thus most of your strength is put on that side. When I attack, I will attack most often on your left side."
"You're wrong." Shang Xiang growled angrily. Although she did not have much real combat experience, she would not admit to having any faults in her battle strategy. As she pulled back her arms to swing both chakrams towards her husband, she purposely emphasized more strength on her left side to prove him wrong. Again, he expertly blocked both chakrams.
"Secondly, your core strength comes for your whole body and not just your arms. As a result, there are several times when you leave your body vulnerable as you try to put more power in your flying weapons. As your opponent, I can easily take you down before you can launch another attack."
Shang Xiang laughed. "My, my, dear husband, you think you've seen everything that I got?" As she finished, Shang Xiang began swinging her weapons in front of her in a criss-cross motion and furiously charged towards Liu Bei. In a brief moment, Liu Bei effortlessly swung his sword towards her, taking advantage of her lowered arm as it criss-crossed and Shang Xiang felt the coldness of his blade flat on her neck. She froze, unable to comprehend how he managed to do that in her rapid motion.
"Don't overestimate yourself." He stated flatly and pulled the sword away from her.
She stood there for a moment, unable to move. Fear written all over her face. Everything happened so fast that she didn't even know what had happened. Liu Bei took a step back and placed the sword on the stone table. He was about to turn and leave when suddenly Shang Xiang dropped to the ground in tears. His eyes widened in shock. The only thing that ran across his mind was that he had hurt her and accidentally slit her neck.
He rushed to her and crouched down, peering at her neck but saw no blood and no cut. "Shang Xiang, are you okay? I'm sorry for what I have done." Had he hurt her somewhere else during their spar?
She looked up at him, eyes swelling with tears and nose slightly pinkish. Angrily, and like a child, she pushed him away from her, causing him to fall backwards onto the ground. "Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong!" She shouted at him.
Liu Bei couldn't make sense of what was happening. Did she, Sun Shang Xiang, push him to the ground? And was she, his wife, yelling at him for no apparent reason? If Liu Bei had been any other man, he would have picked himself up and disciplined that unladylike wife of his until she knew exactly what it meant to be the wife of a great man. If Liu Bei had been any other man, he would have taken a bamboo stick and would have beat her until she begged for mercy promising she would never pull such an outrageous stunt again. If Liu Bei had been any other man, he would have taken one, two, or maybe even three concubines to show her her place. But fortunately for Shang Xiang, Liu Bei wasn't like any other man.
Liu Bei picked himself up and crouched down beside Shang Xiang again. He placed one hand on her shoulder and softly asked her, "Why are you so upset, my wife?" Still, unable to calm herself down, she swatted his hand off her and tried to push him away again. This time, however, he was ready for it and caught her hands in his. He pulled her close to him and held her in his arms. Still, Shang Xiang tried to push him away, but his strength was far greater than hers and she managed to no avail. Furious with the inability to do anything, she began swatting at his chest. She continued at this for a short while but when Liu Bei failed to react negatively to it, she stopped and buried her tear stained face into his chest.
He held her there for a long while as she continued to cry. Eventually, her sobbing desisted and her rapid breaths slowed. Liu Bei pushed her away slightly so that he could see her face. She looked up at him, eyes swollen, nose red, and cheeks flushed. "I'm sorry." She mustered out to him.
He smiled softly and brushed a falling tear off her cheek with his thumb. "Why were you so upset?"
Shang Xiang looked down, unable to face him anymore. "I don't know! I don't know why I was so upset. I just… I didn't like how you were making fun of me. And… and… and I didn't like you beating me after making fun of me."
Liu Bei put a finger on her chin and tilted her head up so that he could see her face. "I wasn't making fun of you, Shang Xiang, I was teaching you and giving you advice."
Shang Xiang's eyes scanned his face. She could see the sincerity in his eyes and knew that she had mistaken his intentions. And now, she had made an even bigger fool out of herself. Tears began flowing faster down her cheeks again. "Why are you being so nice to me?"
He smiled again at her. "Because we are husband and wife."
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
It was after that day, that Sun Shang Xiang began to feel differently about her husband.
Every morning just as the sun began to rise, Shang Xiang would wake from her sleep, crawl over her husband, careful not to wake him up to get off the bed. She would then proceed to quietly put on her morning robes and take Liu Shan in her arms to feed him before he started crying. After feeding him, she would rock him in his crib and sing lullabies till he fell asleep again. Afterwards, she would head to the kitchen and fetch a small basin full of hot water and a face cloth and take it back to her room. By the time she would return, the sun's rays would flood into the room, causing Liu Bei to wake up to the brightness. Shang Xiang would proceed towards the bed, rinse the face cloth and let Liu Bei wash his face. He would hand the cloth back to her and slip on his shoes.
Next, Shang Xiang would gather his clothes as he undressed out of his night gown. As she helped him dress, she couldn't stop herself from blushing every time she saw his body. His fine features, well toned and muscular body would cause her heart to beat a little faster. Of course, she would always hide this from him and he did not take notice of it while he finished getting dressed.
As if on cue, Fu Ying would knock on the door and bring in breakfast for them to eat. Some days, Shang Xiang and Liu Bei were able to eat together, but most days, he would tell Fu Ying to bring his share to his study where he would have to do his duties as the Lord of Shu. On those days, Shang Xiang would feel a slight pang of disappointment, but would never let Liu Bei know.
Following breakfast, Shang Xiang would hurriedly go meet Yue Ying for various lessons. This was, at first, quite a surprise for Ying, since it was well known to those living in the Liu household that Shang Xiang was far from anything like a lady. But eventually, Ying began to notice to differences in Shang Xiang's mannerisms and behaviour and caught wind that Shang Xiang had began feeling differently for the Lord of Shu. These lessons, along with Shang Xiang's changed mannerisms and behavior was definitely more lady-like and Ying was sure that Shang Xiang was trying to impress the Lord of Shu.
During her breaks while taking these lessons, Shang Xiang would often head towards Liu Bei's study or strategy room to take a peek at her husband through the open window as he read books or coerced with his strategist and officers. On one of Shang Xiang's trips, Mei Li caught her behind some bushes peering at her husband. Mei Li merely laughed at her mistress, saying that she was like a little girl who had just developed her first crush on an older man. Embarrassed, Shang Xiang forced Mei Li to keep it a secret, lest the heavens strike lightning on her and that she would never marry off.
Before dinner, Shang Xiang would often play with the little Lord Liu Shan. Ever since she began to take care of him, he had become quite attached to her. She had learned to love the child and felt like a mother to him. In addition, she felt that the more Liu Shan liked her, the more his father would like her too. In a sense, she felt that being closer with Liu Shan would mean being closer to Liu Bei since he was his beloved son.
During dinner, as they would sit with all the non-servants living in household, Shang Xiang would always pick all the food that Liu Bei enjoyed eating and place it in his bowl of rice. She had been observing him for a while now and knew which dishes he liked and even which parts of the chicken he liked. And if anyone else tried to get the chicken piece that he liked, she would smack their chopstick with hers and then take the piece. This often led to Zhang Fei making fun of both Liu Bei and Shang Xiang. In response Liu Bei would pick some food and place it in her bowl. Of course, he often did so as a common courtesy, but Shang Xiang always loved it.
After dinner, Liu Bei liked going into the gardens and rest there, often chatting with Zhuge Liang and Yue Ying or one of his officers. Sometimes he would ask Shang Xiang to accompany him and they would take quiet walks in the garden or look up into the night sky.
Right before going to bed, Shang Xiang would always sing lullabies to Liu Shan till he fell asleep as Liu Bei would watch or rock him. Then she would pour a cup a hot tea for Liu Bei to drink before helping him undress and put on his night gown. Afterwards, she would take off her clothes and put on her nightgown. As she did so, her back turned towards him, she would always wonder if perhaps he was watching her undress. This always caused her heart to beat a little faster and her face to flush a light pink in embarrassment. Some nights, as she undressed, Liu Bei would help her as he kissed her on her neck and shoulder. These were the nights she liked best. His hands would touch her soft skin, even in the most private parts, and this always sent tingles all over her body. He would then proceed to kiss her body and take her as his.
And this was how it was for several months before Liu Bei began another campaign.
"Shang Xiang," he began one morning as she helped him dress. "in 3 days I will be traveling to the Sichuan province. I don't know when I will be back."
"Oh." Shang Xiang replied, disappointment evident in her voice. Liu Bei turned around to face her. His eyes scanned her face as she faked a smile. "Please be safe and I will take care of the household while you are away." Shang Xiang continued knowing it was expected of her to say this.
Liu Bei gently took her chin in his hand. "Are you unhappy, Shang Xiang?"
Shang Xiang shook her head furiously. "Of course not, my dear husband! I am blessed to have such a strong and powerful husband!" She was unhappy. Of course she didn't want her husband to go to battle. There was always that chance that the heavens would decide it was finally time for him to ascend into the heavens. Shang Xiang was not ready for that. She was still so young and she had finally learned to love her husband. She didn't want it to be taken away from her so soon.
"Shang Xiang?" A tear suddenly fell from her eye.
"I am truly happy!" She shouted out as she quickly wiped the tear away.
Liu Bei sighed slightly. He brushed his hand through her hair before pulling her towards him. With one hand behind her head, he wrapped the other around her waist. She immediately wrapped hers around his and held him tightly, as if doing so would keep him with her forever. "I promise I'll come back to you." He whispered in her ear. She held him tighter and buried her face into his chest. He closed his eyes and stood there embracing her for a while, breathing in the flowery scent of her hair.
Over the past couple months, things had certainly changed between them. He remembered a time when he often found various excuses to keep him from going to their bedroom to sleep at night. He would frequently engross himself into his books and diplomats in the mornings to avoid having breakfast with his wife. He would keep himself busy until it was time for dinner and eat as fast as possible to avoid spending any more time with Shang Xiang. Following dinner he would return to his study and read books late into the night and then repeat the cycle. It wasn't as if he hated his new wife; in actuality, he was actually slightly afraid of her. Never in his life had he met a woman quite like her. She seemed very independent, opinionated, and too aggressive for a woman. He didn't like going back to his bedchamber because she would always have her handmaidens at the doorways and they were always armed with various weapons. The Lord of Shu did not like women like that. The Lord of Shu liked women who were calm, intelligent, well mannered, passive, and soft spoken. He liked women who supported him and relaxed him. He liked women who loved him for the man that he was, and not because he was the Lord of Shu. He liked women like Lady Mi.
Liu Bei knew that Shang Xiang was nothing like his first wife. He had loved his first wife and felt that no other woman would ever replace her and Shang Xiang would be no exception. His new wife was nothing like Lady Mi, so Liu Bei would find any excuse to avoid having any more contact with her. So he was very glad when it came time for him to campaign through various provinces. He would be away from her for several weeks, even months at a time, but after that one time, when she saved him from certain death, he knew he could not avoid her any longer.
He was indebted to her. Liu Bei could still remember the pain that shot through him as death was ready to take him. He only thought about his son and Lady Mi during that time, but when he opened his eyes and saw Shang Xiang crouching over him, fear written all over her shaken body, he knew that he might not make it back alive. So, as Shang Xiang pulled out the arrow in his body, he swore to the heavens that if he was able to live and see his son again, he would treat Shang Xiang as a true wife.
As Fate would have turned out, Shang Xiang was the one who had saved him. So, as he had swore to the heavens, he tried to make amends with his wife. It was a difficult process at first, since his actions of avoidance had become a habit. Until one day, he found her in the garden practicing weaponry. He did not like the idea of a woman wielding weapons, but remembering his oath the heavens, he forced himself to tolerate it, at least for the time being.
He would spar with her, thinking that perhaps giving her pointers would soften her fierce attitude, but it didn't help as her words were spat back to him during their spar. He had kept his composure throughout, but he knew that if this was what his wife was, he would not be able to tolerate it. She was too masculine for him to learn to love. By the end of the spar, he had had enough of her attitude, but as things had turned out, she would show a different side to her that was shocking to the Lord of Shu.
He didn't particularly enjoy seeing her cry so much, but he was glad to know that under that tough exterior, she had a softer side. Maybe, he had thought as he held her in his arms that day, he could learn to tolerate her. Indeed he did.
Shang Xiang began to show a more feminine side from that day on. Although for the first weeks or so, her actions were a bit awkward for her as she was beginning to learn to do various activities that were more ladylike. Then one day, all her handmaidens were dressed properly, no longer donning weapons. Liu Bei causally asked Yue Ying one night how Shang Xiang's lessons were coming along and Ying revealed that his wife had asked what kind of women the Lord of Shu liked. Ying laughed it off, mentioning Shang Xiang's new found eagerness to impress him.
Liu Bei very much enjoyed this different side of his new wife and found himself more willing to spend time with her. As more days passed, he began thinking about her more and more, spending most nights with her accompanying him on strolls in the garden or looking up into the night sky. Some days, he wouldn't even bother with diplomats so that he could spend more time with her. On those days, they would often play with Liu Shan or go to the river on the outskirts of the city to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Every night, she would help him into his night gown. Her soft touch would send strange sensations throughout his body. He watched her, as she undressed, taking in the beautiful sight in front of him. She was like a heavenly fairy with her milky skin, round curves and perfect figure. As he continued to gaze at this divine being, he found himself unable to resist the urge to touch her beauty. He would take her robes and slowly slip it off her shoulder, leaving a trail of kisses as it slid off. She would sigh softly, provoking him to continue. As her robes fell to the ground, his hand would wander all over her body, feeling the silkiness of her every part. Soon afterwards, he would turn her around to face him and he would see the delight in her eyes, but also the innocence as her cheeks would flush to a light pink. He loved this about her. No matter how many times they made love, she would always make him feel as if they were doing it for the very first time. Her eyes would lower and her lips would part slightly, inviting him in for a kiss which he never turned down. He would lean forward, pressing his lips onto hers. He would taste the sweetness of her, and be unwilling to part until she would push him away from her slightly so that she could help him out of his night gown. She would follow his lead and let the night gown drop to the floor, where he would lead her to their bed and make love with her. He was a gentle lover to her and enjoyed every moment he spent with her.
So, as he stood there, embracing her and taking in her flowery scent, he could feel a sense of sadness overwhelm him. He did not want to part with her, but knew his duties as the Lord of Shu. It could be weeks or months before the next time they would be together again and there was always that fear that perhaps he would not be able to make it back.
Shang Xiang looked into her husband's eyes and gave him a warm smile. "I will think of you every day and night and will be waiting for your safe return."
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
As Liu Bei got ready to leave for his campaign, Shang Xiang helped him put on his armor. She placed each piece on him carefully and slowly, trying as much as she could to delay his departure. They were silent, both unable to speak to each other and unsure of what to say. Shang Xiang bit her lower lip as she placed the last piece of armor on his shoulders. She didn't want him to leave, but she knew that that would be impossible. She looked into her husband's face and gave him a weak smile. Liu Bei, seeing the forlorn expression on his wife, brushed his fingers on her face. "You look as if you'll never see me again." He finally broke the uncomfortable silence between them.
Shang Xiang's eyes widened in shock. "No, no, no!" She shouted out, but realized that she had raised her voice and lowered it. "I just… I wish you didn't have to leave me." She finally poured out.
Liu Bei smiled at her and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. "Don't be so sad, Shang Xiang. I'll come back to you."
Shang Xiang smiled back and gazed into his eyes. Although the time together had not been long, she knew that she had fallen deeply in love with this man in front of her. And if anything were to happen to him, she didn't know what she would do. "My Lord," she began as she took something out from under her waistband. "I made this for you. It will give you safety while on the battlefield." She finished and handed him a handkerchief with two doves embroidered on it with the Chinese character for 'love'. The stitching was a little sloppy, but Liu Bei was happy to receive it from her.
"I will keep this by my heart." He said as he stuffed the handkerchief under his breastplate. "Here," He said as he reached around his neck. "Keep this safe for me until I return." He placed a pendant over her neck. She touched it lightly. "It is the crest of Shu." Liu Bei explained. "Let it always remind you of me."
As he finished, there was a knock on the door. "Brother, it is time for us to leave." Guan Yu's clearly announced through the door.
Liu Bei looked at Shang Xiang one last time before following his oath brother, leaving his wife. All Shang Xiang could do, was watch as the man she loved walk out of her life. Sharp pains stabbed through her as her heart felt like it was being ripped out of her chest. Her legs suddenly gave way and she collapsed to the ground. She bit her lower lip, trying to hold back the tears, but was unable to as they began to fall from her eyes. "I love you…" She whimpered between her soft sobs.
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
A week had passed since Liu Bei left to the Sichuan Province when Shang Xiang received a letter from Wu. It had been over a year since she had left her home in Wu and this was the first letter she received back. Although she had sent many letters to her brother, he had never written back. It came to a point that Shang Xiang had pushed the memories of Wu away and focused only on her duties to her husband. So when the letter from Wu addressed to her came into her hands, a flood of memories came back to her. Shang Xiang quietly headed back to her bedchamber where she lay the envelope on the desk and just stared at it for a very long time. She felt a mix of emotions upon receiving the letter; she felt excited to finally hear from Wu, but she also felt angry for not receiving anything until now. Another part of her was scared that reading the letter would break the peaceful bliss she was experiencing with Liu Bei, but another part felt relieved that her family had not forgotten about her.
Through her mixed emotions, Shang Xiang slowly and gingerly touched the letter, tracing each stroke on the envelope with her finger. At long last, she finally broke the wax seal on the back and pulled out the envelope. It read:
Shang Xiang,
Things are not well in Wu. Your mother is gravely ill and wishes to see you and her step-grandchild one last time before she ascends into heaven. A ship will arrive for you on the third day of the fifth month.
Lu Xun
Shang Xiang reread the letter several times. Third day of the fifth month? She thought. That is tomorrow! Again, she reread the letter several more times before finally putting the paper down. She quickly took out a sheet of paper from the desk drawer and began grounding the ink. After a moment, she took the quill and began writing a letter to her husband. If she had to leave the next day, it was very likely that Liu Bei would not be back from his campaign.
Once she finished the letter, she pulled out a hair piece from her head and placed it on top of the letter, to indicate that the letter was indeed written by her. Next she began a few clothes into a small travel bag, including some of Liu Shan's necessities.
"Mei Li!" Shang Xiang called out to her maid as she finished up, but when her maid did not come, she rushed out of her room. "Mei Li!" She called out again and soon her maid rushed towards her, bowing down in respect. "Yes, Lady Sun?"
"Mother is very sick. A ship will arrive tomorrow for me, so make sure you and the rest of the girls are ready to leave tomorrow." Shang Xiang replied as she hastened her maid along. "I have to get Liu Shan ready too."
In the corner of the shadows, Zhao Yun stood leaning against wall.
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
"My lady! The ship is here! We must hurry to the dock!" Mei Li called out to her mistress as she rushed into her bedchamber. Shang Xiang was bundling up the sleeping Liu Shan.
Shang Xiang nodded as she tied a knot to secure Liu Shan on her back. The two of them quickly rushed out towards the dock. As they stood at the pier, waiting for ship to come closer, they heard a sudden thud from behind them.
Quickly looking back to where the thud came from, she saw Zhao Yun with a stern look on his face, holding his spear upright. Zhang Fei stood beside him, holding his weapon in his hands. "General Zhao Yun!" Mei Li gasped, as she quickly glanced back to the ship coming towards them, praying that it would reach them sooner.
"Hand me the little Lord." Zhao Yun's voice was cold and distant.
"My mother is sick." Shang Xiang began, her voice quivering from fear for her mother's health and fear of Zhao Yun. "She would like to see her step-grandchild one time before she ascends into heaven."
"Return the little Lord now." He ignored her plea. This time, he was much sterner and anger flared in his eyes.
"Please," she begged. "We will be safe and return in a few days!"
"Shang Xiang!" a man's voice from the ship called as it neared them. Before the ship had even docked, Lu Xun had already jumped off the ship, running towards her.
Zhang Fei scoffed loudly. "Look at him; calling her by her name. They must have an intimate relationship." He gripped onto his weapon tightly and thrust it forwards towards them in an aggressive manner. "You had best return Brother Bei's son immediately if you wish you live another day."
"Shang Xiang, board the ship immediately, I'll take care of them." Lu Xun whipped out his twin blades, readying himself to attack.
"No!" Lady Sun cried. "You're all mistaken! General Zhao Yun, General Zhang Fei, I will return in a few days with Liu Shan. There is no need to fight!" She gripped onto Lu Xun's shoulder in an attempt to pull him back and stop this nonsense, but he did not move.
"Tsk. A married woman touching another man so intimately." Zhang Fei scoffed again.
"You leave me with no choice." Zhao Yun quickly rushed forward toward them as Lu Xun shouted for Mei Li to bring Shang Xiang onto the ship. Lu Xun crossed his twin blades in an 'X' formation to stop Zhao Yun's weapon from piercing into him. Zhao Yun pulled back, but Zhang Fei was already charging, forcing Lu Xun to defend again.
Taking advantage of the other two busy fighting, Zhao Yun again thrust his weapon again; this time, towards Shang Xiang. Just was Mei Li was pushing her towards the ship, the spear head came between the baby and Shang Xiang. In one swift movement, Zhao Yun managed to slice the cloth holding Liu Shan and fling the baby and cloth upwards.
As Zhao Yun caught the baby in his arm, Shang Xiang instinctively rushed towards him. Lu Xun, seeing her run towards the baby, blocked her path his arm. Unfortunately for him, since he was distracted, Zhang Fei's blade pierced into his right shoulder. He groaned in pain, falling onto his knees when Zhang Fei pulled his blade out. He was about to send the finishing blow when Zhao Yun stopped him. "Let them leave. We have the little Lord now, and that was all that mattered."
Tears suddenly flowed from Shang Xiang's eyes as she saw Lu Xun holding his wound in an attempt to stop the bleeding. "Xun..." She cried, crouching to hold him in her arms. "Oh Xun… I'm so sorry."
"My lady, we must leave immediately." Mei Li rushed her mistress, taking notice of the deathly glares from the other two men. She and Shang Xiang quickly helped Lu Xun back onto the ship. The crew took this as their cue to go and began heading back towards Wu.
With Lu Xun being treated, Shang Xiang rushed to the end of the boat with tears in her eyes as she watched her son get further and further away.
Next Update:
Chapter 4 (Final Chapter) – Destined Fate