It always seemed that the hardest fought battles led to the most exciting feasts. As soon as the sun went down that day, torches and lamps were lit and hundreds of soldiers from rivaling kingdoms came together in celebration of the Yellow Turban's defeat. In the center of all the hubbub was Yuan Shao, proudly watching over his men as they finished last minute preparations and began the feasting. He was sitting at the head of a long table and was soon joined by Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Liu Bei. Although there was no sign of the rebel army, Yuan Shao said a few words and the camp erupted in cheers and laughter.
They had feasted for nearly an hour without any sign of the black and white soldiers. "I wonder why they have not appeared yet," Yuan Shao said to his fellow leaders. Cao Cao made a grunting noise from across the table.
"I knew there was something devious and untrusting about them," he grumbled. "We went to their camp earlier today and found nothing but a pack of wild rabble. I fear you made a mistake in allowing them the opportunity to join with you, Lord Yuan Shao."
Sun Jian let out a laugh. "Is that because you were rejected by them, Lord Cao Cao? I noticed that several of them didn't seem to happy to see you there."
"I had negative encounters with some of them several years before," he answered. "It seems that they still hold worthless grudges. As I said, they are not to be trusted."
"I would not be so sure," Liu Bei said, pointing to the other end of the camp. Noise erupted once more as a mass of people entered the camp. There were cheers as the black and white soldiers made their way towards the head table, led by the eight regional leaders. They all stopped before the table, bowing to the leaders already seated.
"We apologize for our late arrival, my lords," Zhang Rui said. "We still wish to join in the feasting, with your lords permission, of course."
Yuan Shao stood. "We would be honored if you would join us in celebration, Leaders of Jiang, for without your aid we might not have had the opportunity to feast tonight." There was a great cheer from the others at this. "Please, my lords, have a seat and begin." The eight bowed again and seated themselves nearby, among the other officers from the kingdoms. Cao Cao noticed the Lady Yang Xing sit near Zhao Yun and Jiang Wei, talking and laughing with them. He looked to Cao Pi, who acknowledged his father and continued to keep a close eye on her.
Liu Bei, however, noticed another man staring at her. Ma Chao was seated a few places down from Yang Xing and was watching her and the other leaders. It seemed as if he was trying to place where he knew her, but it was clear from his expression that he remembered some of the others. He hoped Zhao Yun would make a point later of reintroducing them, as he said he would.
After another hour had passed, one of the other leaders, Pang Qui, stood and addressed Yuan Shao and the others. "Well, I must say that I have been to some pretty impressive feasts before, but this one may have outdone them all." There was cheering for a few moments before he motioned for quiet again. "What a treat this is for us, to be able to sit among people once counted as enemies and share a moment as friends. Lords Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Liu Bei, it is a great honor to be able to sit among such talent and nobility. We leaders of the Jiang Provinces would like to thank you for such hospitality." There was a groan from the black and white soldiers, but laughter as well, for it was a good natured groan. Pang Qui turned behind him and motioned to Ling Mao and Yang Xing, who were making faces at him. "I don't know how many of you know about the talents of those of Jiang. But one talent that some possess in vast amounts is that of dance. Untraditional as it is, there are some men among us that dance better than most women I've seen. If they are willing, I would like to give as a gift to you Lords a dance from these two."
There was a roar of laughter from the rebel soldiers and some egging on as well. Yang Xing and Ling Mao tried to politely refuse until Yuan Shao stood. "Well, my lord and lady, it looks as if you have no choice in the matter now. I, for one, would greatly appreciate a dance native to your province." The others began to cheer and echo him until, at last, the two rose. The other six leaders, who were now laughing, took out drums and a variety of other instruments as Mao and Xing moved to a clear area in front of the head table. There was silence for a moment as each took a warrior pose and mentally prepared themselves.
It was an explosion as the drum beats came fast and furious. Both warriors began to dance in a fury of fighting motions in perfect time to the beat. Each danced separate from the other for a few tense moments until a final drum beat stopped them. Both were now stationary and standing on one leg, perfectly balanced. Then one of the leaders began to play a flute, during which Yang Xing began to move again. She danced over to Ling Mao and gracefully began to circle him. Mao remained on his foot until a fury of drum beats came again and he began to dance wildly in Xing's circle. The beats stopped again and a string instrument began to play. Now it was Mao who circled around Xing in a dance of his own while she remained still on her toes. When he had finished, he gently reached out and took her hands. They turned to each other in a rather suggestive pose, which got a few jeers and laughs from the men. Then the music exploded again with all the instruments playing together. The two dancers spun, flipped, jumped, came together, and repeated. There was an absolute fury in the air and the soldiers began to clap in time to the beat. The dancers spun around and around and around until at last, there was a ferocious beat and the dance stopped. Xing and Mao were back in the same positions they had begun the dance in, but were now facing each other with their hands clasped together.
The crowd roared and applauded as the two panted and laughed with the rest. They turned to bow to Yuan Shao and the others, who were all looking rather impressed. Yuan Shao stood again, still clapping. "Splendid! Absolutely marvelous! I think I am in agreement when I say that you had the whole camp captivated. I have seen some beautiful dancing in my day, but now I can say I have witnessed the dances of Jiang. What a gift indeed!"
"We are glad you enjoyed in, my lords," Ling Mao said, still trying to catch his breath. "It is a dance not often performed. We only do it during great feasts among our people in Jiang. This is the first time we have both done it for those outside our lands."
"What an honor then," Liu Bei said, also standing. "May I ask what the dance is called?"
Yang Xing answered. "It is called Fury's Awakening, my Lord. Before our lands of Jiang were founded, the native tribes of people would have this dance performed before battle to energize them and prepare them. It was typically done by two men, as there were no women on the battlefield. Now it is performed after battles in recognition of the men that gave their lives fighting, and is often performed by two women. It is considered an honor to be taught the dance and more so to perform it."
"Well, we are glad that you showed it to us," Sun Jian said, echoing Liu Bei. "A sacred danced passed down from generation to generation is a rare gift indeed, and I am also honored to have witnessed it." The two dancers bowed again and returned to their seats amidst cheers and thanks from the soldiers. Although before sitting, Yang Xing picked up a bowl and threw it at Pang Qui, causing laughter and a curse from Qui's end of the table. As they sat, another group of soldiers pulled out drums and instruments of their own and the crowd watched some of them do sword dances and such, common entertainment after a large battle.
Only one person had remained silent throughout the entire dance. Ma Chao now had his eyes fixed firmly on the two dancers. He knew who Ling Mao was immediately. In fact, he was the man Chao had left in charge of Jiang Tong after his father had died and he himself had left. It made him glad to know that the capable leader was alive and well. But Yang Xing had surprised him. When he saw her dance, he immediately remembered who she was. Memories of his visits to Jiang Si with his father came back to him, including those of Xing. Their last visit had been right before Cao Cao came, and both Ma Teng and Yang Shui had been concerned about his arrival. He remembered sitting with Yang Xing while their fathers spoke of it. Ma Chao himself had been the one to suggest to her that she act like a servant when the leader arrived. He had heard stories about Cao Cao and his treatment of women, and he didn't want anything to happen to Xing.
Now here she was again, a stunning young woman who had taken up her father's province and duties. She reminded him very much of his father's friend in mannerisms and even speech at times. He knew that he should say something to her, at least find out if she remembered him. But she was now deep in conversation with Zhao Yun and Jiang Wei again, and Ma Chao felt out of place. He picked up his wine cup and said nothing to anyone about it.
As the feast came to a close, Yuan Shao stood once more and the camp got quiet. "My people, I would first like to thank you all for everything you have done over these past few days. None of us could have celebrated such a feast without all of your hard work and dedication to the Han." The men cheered and banged their plates and cups together. Their leader raised his hands and they quieted again. "I would also like to personally thank the eight Leaders of Jiang for their contribution once more. Last night, I made you all a proposal to join with me and my army and help restore the Han and rebuild China. I hope you have spoken to your people and are ready to respond."
The rebel soldiers quieted and looked nervously at their leaders. The eight rose and Zhang Rui stepped forward. "Yes, Lord Yuan Shao, we have spoken to each and every one of our soldiers and asked them. Each has been told that, now that the fighting is over, that they may return to wherever they wish. Should they choose to align themselves with you or the other lords seated with you, then they may do so. However, the eight of us must politely decline your invitation, although it is much appreciated and we were honored to be asked. Each of us that stand before you has suffered much hardship in our own homes. Now we wish for nothing more than to return there and rebuild what has been lost."
Yuan Shao was clearly disappointed. However, Zhang Rui had worded his response so well that he could not dispute what was said. "So be it. Return to your homelands if you so desire. And any of your men who wish to follow me now are more than welcome to join with my army." He turned to address the rest of the crowd. "This feast has ended. Return to your tents and enjoy the rest of the night. We begin our return to our homes tomorrow. I bid you all a good night."
Huang Su let out a sigh of relief as the men began to depart. "Well that went over better than I thought it would."
"I hear ya there," Pang Qui echoed. "I was afraid Yuan Shao was going to say something else. Nice talkin, Rui."
The aged man smiled. "At least this ordeal is now behind us. We should return to camp with our soldiers and leave at first light tomorrow. I know we are all eager to return to Jiang Si at the very least." The others nodded and began the trek back to camp with a mass of very happy soldiers in tow.