Chapter 16: Rumours

"Take these to Yang Song," said a man, pointing to some expensive goods.

"Zhang Lu's advisor?" asked another.

"Yes. Take these to him, and tell him this…" the first man proceeded to whisper into the other's ear. The second man nodded.

"Understood, Prime Minister."

XXXXXXXXXX

"Come on Ma Chao! You've got to win Zhang Fei!" screamed Yun Lu. The two duellists returned to battle after their short rest. A drink of water and a small clean up, and then they were ready.

"Take him down, cousin!" yelled Ma Dai. The duel took off once again as the two clashed their weapons.

"Yun Lu, you said you had a plan?" asked Ma Dai.

"I told you guys, just wait and see," replied Yun Lu.

Every time one of them attacked, the other would either block or dodge. Ma Chao glared at Zhang Fei before charging in for another attack. The two clashed at the same time and locked their weapons with each others. When it seemed neither could push the other over, Zhang Fei moved his leg and kneed Ma Chao in the stomach. It was not too hard, but it succeeded in pushing Ma Chao away and obtaining an advantage for Zhang Fei. Ma Chao growled at the hit. There was no time for words between them. Zhang Fei raised his snake spear to strike down at Ma Chao.

The blow never landed, for Ma Chao rolled sideways and in a crouching stance, aimed his spear at Zhang Fei's neck, a few centimetres away. Yun Lu just smiled at seeing her brother's power, making Zhang Fei flinch away from Ma Chao's threatening spear. He was about to drive his spear into Zhang Fei's neck, but Zhang Fei aimed a low swipe at Ma Chao's feet. Ma Chao dodged the attack, then lashed out again.

Yun Lu decided that it was time to put her plan in action. It was not much of a plan, but Yun Lu figured it would give Ma Chao a good advantage. When Ma Chao had been getting ready to fight again, Yun Lu had gone around and talked to the soldier. They knew what to do when Yun Lu gave them the signal. She went out to the front and screamed out nice and loud, "Ready??"

The soldiers heard her clearly and shouted in reply, "YES!"

"Three, two, one!" Yun left a nice little pause then... "MA CHAO!"

The soldiers replied with a "MA CHAO!"

"What the..." muttered Ma Dai before dazedly joining the chant. They all stamped their feet and clapped their hands in rhythm, all the while shouting Ma Chao's name.

Ma Chao was surprised, and elated that so many people were supporting him. His eyes never left Zhang Fei, and he sprung back into battle with new vigour. Zhang Fei managed to strife sideways, just in time to dodge Ma Chao's devastating strike.

"I have the whole army supporting me! You cannot defeat Ma Chao the Splendid!" called out Ma Chao with a grin, over the top of all the noise. Without waiting any longer, he attacked Zhang Fei again with powerful jabs and then a wide swipe which caught Zhang Fei on his right thigh.

"YEAH!!" screamed Yun Lu. "Great work Mengqi!"

It seems I'm helping!

Yun Lu strode towards the drummers, held out her hand for a set of drumsticks and began to thump the drums to the beat of the chanting. "You drummers are drumming way too softly. Play at this volume," ordered Yun Lu.

"Yes milady," replied the drummer.

Yun Lu looked out from where she stood with the now deafening drumbeats, at the scene in front of her. She grinned cheerfully, glad that she had helped Ma Chao. He had to win.

Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to face the tapper.

"Yes?" prompted Yun Lu.

"A messenger from Lord Zhang Lu has arrived and seeks Lord Ma Chao's audience ," replied the tapper, who was one of their fellow guards.

"Must it be Ma Chao? If not, he can come to me," replied Yun Lu. It was best that they do not disturb Ma Chao in a battle that he seemed to be winning. The guard nodded and departed, to return in short time with the messenger.

"Good morning...er, Lady Ma. Here is the letter that his Majesty, Lord Zhang Lu has sent," announced the messenger. He pulled out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Yun Lu. She plucked the letter from his hands and pulled it out from its envelope roughly. Her eyes widened for a short moment before turning her face into a frown. "What...?" uttered Yun Lu. She then called for her cousin.

"Dai, I think we should get Mengqi back here," suggested Yun Lu.

"Why? We'll ruin his chance of winning Zhang Fei," replied Ma Dai. Yun Lu gave her cousin the letter, and as his eyes scanned the words, his reaction was the same as Yun Lu's.

"I...I see. Right, go sound the gong then," ordered Ma Dai to the guard who had brought the messenger.

"Yes sir."

XXXXXXXXXX

"What happened?" asked Ma Chao, straight the point. He looked slightly irritated that his fight had been interrupted. The letter was handed to him and he read it silently.

To General Ma Chao,

Please return to the capital immediately. Cancel the battle and return with the troops.

Lord Zhang Lu,

Your commander.

"I wonder why he asks so…" said Ma Chao.

"Maybe it's because Zhang Lu is unintelligent," answered Yun Lu, she had distaste for the man. He was arrogant. But that wasn't the full reason. It was because he had no outstanding traits; therefore, Yun Lu concluded that Zhang Lu had nothing to be arrogant about.

"Now, now, you shouldn't be saying something like that. He is, after all, our commander," said Ma Chao, stressing the word 'commander' in reference to the letter.

"So, you're not going to listen to 'his majesty'?" asked Yun Lu.

"Depends what and why he wants us to retreat," said Ma Chao. "Quick, get me some ink and paper!"

.-

"Snap to, Dai!" said Yun Lu.

"You go get it then!" shouted Ma Dai in reply.

"He ordered you to go."

"No he didn't, he said you!"

"No, you."

"You!"

"YOU."

Yun Lu and Ma Dai paused with their finger pointed at each other as Pang De walked in with paper, brush and ink. He placed them in front of Ma Chao and shook his head disapprovingly at Yun Lu and Ma Dai.

"Yay!" Yun Lu and Ma Dai each latched onto one of Pang De's arms. "You are the best!"

"That's nice, but I think it's more like, you two are the worst," answered Pang De. "Placing me above you both."

Ma Chao laughed and said, "Always the efficient one, Pang De. They're so useless."

Yun Lu growled. Ma Dai narrowed his eyes. "Oi!" they both shouted in unison. Ma Chao waved it off.

"I have a letter to write." Ma Chao picked up the brush and dipped it into the ink.

"You have bad handwriting," muttered Yun Lu.

"…Shut up!" replied Ma Chao angrily, because his sister had just stated the truth.

Pang De sighed. "I'll write it for you!" Pang De took the brush from Ma Chao. "What do you want on it?"

"The usual introductions. And then write, 'It would be most appreciated if you gave me good reason as to why you want us to retreat, for retreating when we are at no disadvantage in a battle is very inefficient.' And then put 'from me', and I'll sign it off," ordered Ma Chao.

Pang De laid down the brush a moment later. "Done," he declared. "Now add you squiggle of a signature."

"Is it just me or is everything saying bad things about my writing," uttered Ma Chao, signing the letter off.

"I haven't yet," answered Ma Dai. "Yeah, it is quite a squiggle, I must say."

Ma Chao stayed silent, glaring at Ma Dai, before calling Zhang Lu's messenger over and handing him the letter. The messenger bowed and took his leave.

"I'm going to go end this duel!" shouted Ma Chao. He grabbed his spear and made his way back towards the battlegrounds.

"What do you want us to do when the letter arrives?" asked Pang De, just before Ma Chao left.

"Keep it till I come back. And if Lord Zhang Lu repeats his letter, repeat the reply." With that, Ma Chao departed.

It was nearing afternoon when Yun Lu's stomach growled. "I'm going to get some food," said Yun Lu and she got up from her chair.

"I'll come with you," suggested Ma Dai, but it really wasn't much of a suggestion because Ma Dai had already gotten out of his chair and followed his female cousin out.

"Could you two get me some food?" asked Pang De just as they left the tent. There was no reply so Pang De assumed he wasn't heard. He sighed and went outside towards the kitchens.

XXXXXXXXXX

After their afternoon meal, Yun Lu and Ma Dai sauntered back to the headquarters. They watched the duel a bit, chanting 'Ma Chao', but everyone seemed to be getting tired of it. When they did get back to the headquarters though…

"Ah, Yun Lu! Zhang Lu has sent three letter urging us to retreat since our first reply!" exclaimed Pang De who was rather frustrated.

Yun Lu grimaced. "Persistent isn't he?" asked Yun Lu. "Did he give us a good reason which Ma Chao requested in those letters?"

"No way. He just repeated his commands," Pang De showed them to the two.

Ma Dai scoffed and shook his head. "What, has he just decided to get us to retreat because he feels like it?"

"No, I don't think so. I think someone might have said something bad about us, to him. It's a common tactic these days, taking one's idiot of a commander to advantage," growled Yun Lu.

"That's possible. Someone could've released a false rumour to turn Zhang Lu against us," replied Pang De. "He's listening to the wrong people."

"Report! Zhang Lu has sent another letter. Shall we bring it in?" asked a messenger who had just arrived at the door.

Pang De let out a groan. "How many times must I repeat that letter?!" shouted an aggravated Pang De who thumped the desk with a fist. The messenger handed the letter to him and waited at the door. "It's different!" cried out Pang De. You could almost hear a tone of joy in his voice.

"Maybe he just worded it differently. Allow me," suggested Yun Lu before reading the letter out. "To General Ma Chao. If you are so intent on winning this battle, I shall give you one more day. Failure to win in this time limit will mean punishment. Or, you can come back to the capital this instant." Yun Lu looked up. "That bastard!"

"What to do…" asked Pang De with a sigh.

"This is more important than the duel. We should call Ma Chao back," said Ma Dai. "He's the one with the most authority here."

Yun Lu sighed in irritation. "So be it."

XXXXXXXXXX

"The duel has been carrying on for half the day! Zhang Fei's not too happy about these withdrawals. He wants a nice battle with no interruptions," said Ma Chao, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Who cares about that guy!" shouted Yun Lu in a dismissive tone.

"Chao, Zhang Lu wants us to win. Win as in take Jiang Meng Gate in one day!" announced Ma Dai.

"What?" Ma Chao read the letter. "That's not possible!"

"Zhang Lu isn't possible! If we go back now, he won't trust us because we've ignored his orders several times now. Now he's threatening us with punishment to force us back. He's pushing us into a corner here! We can't win a battle in one day, not to mention that you haven't even finished your duel!" Yun Lu jabbed a finger at her brother.

"Well, it's not my fault he's strong is it?" retorted Ma Chao.

"Hey, quiet you two," ordered Pang De. "Either choice will be bad for us," said Pang De.

What I want to do now is beat that Zhang Lu up from listening to corrupt people!

"There's also a third choice," said Ma Dai, a finger at his lip. "Submission."

"God no!" shouted Ma Chao. Yun Lu stayed silent because she was not sure. "We owe Zhang Lu! He took us in when we were chased out of our home by Cao Cao!"

"I'm sure we would've found someone willing to take us in if we looked hard enough," said Ma Dai. "After, there's Ma Chao if you take us in!"

Ma Chao looked at his cousin, to Pang De then to his sister. He let out a sigh. "I hate defecting, I always feel guilty and disloyal."

The room fell silent as everyone engaged in their own little thoughts.

I don't like defecting either…but would defecting now actually be a better choice?

"Report!" shouted a messenger who stood puffing at the door. "An enemy general and their strategist wish to see you, Lord Ma Chao."

"No one else?" asked Ma Chao.

"No, my lord, just the two."

"Very well, bring them in," ordered Ma Chao and the messenger dashed back out. "So it seems the enemy has come to negotiate. Pang De and Ma Dai, please keep the soldiers in order while I and Yun Lu meet our visitors."

The two men nodded and went outside. Ma Chao ordered servants to set up tables and tea for the meeting in his tent.

"Why do you want me to meet the visitors with you?" asked Yun Lu.

Ma Chao smirked. "Because you are my sister."

Yun Lu smiled, but she did not really understand the answer. She nodded anyway. "Right."

The voice of the messenger was heard outside the tent flap, and three shadows projected themselves on the tent fabric. The two generals appeared at the door.

"Greeting, General Ma Chao," greeted one of them. Yun Lu assumed he was the strategist for he held a snow white feather fan. No sane fighter would fight with something as docile as that. "I am Zhuge Liang," he said, then pointed to his companion who appeared beside him with a spear. "And his is Zhao Yun." One of Ma Chao's guards asked to take Zhao Yun's spear, which he did, and stood with it out of everyone's way. Zhao Yun nodded at both Ma Chao and Yun Lu.

"Am I correct that you are Lady Ma Yun Lu? I saw you fight Zhang Fei, you're valour is most impressive," praised Zhao Yun.

Yun Lu smiled at the compliment. She remembered him as the man who rode a white horse and had called out a warning when Yun Lu was approaching Zhang Fei from behind.

"Thank you, General Zhao Yun. I am glad you remember me," replied Yun Lu.

After all the formalities were exchanged, the four made themselves comfortable in their seats.

"Yun Lu, pour some tea for us," ordered Ma Chao.

"What!?" asked Yun Lu, clearly offended by such an order.

"You heard me," replied Ma Chao, his tone not changed. Although a smile could not be seen on his face, Yun Lu knew he was smirking inside. Yun Lu glared at him before breaking a fake smile. She would get him back for it someday.

"Of course, brother." Yun Lu poured some of the oolong tea into the four small tea cups. It had been a while since she had called him brother. It was always Ma Chao, Mengqi, idiot or dork…but rarely ever brother!

"This is some good tea," said Zhuge Liang after sipping some. "So, Lord Ma Chao, how's lif—"

Ma Chao raised palm. "Let's not take about my life, but about what you are here for."

"Ah, I am glad you do not like taking circles. Well then, let's get straight to the point. What do you think of Zhang Lu?"

"Good for nothing," commented Yun Lu nonchalantly.

"Yun Lu!" warned Ma Chao as he shot a glare at her. She looked away and stayed silent. But then she busied herself by watching the man in front of her, Zhao Yun. He was quite handsome. His long black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, but a few bangs refused to be restrained by the hair tie and they hung against his face. Zhao Yun noticed Yun Lu staring at him. He was used to it; pretty much every girl stared at him. Yun Lu felt awkward as Zhao Yun returned the gaze. They exchanged a smile, with Yun Lu who felt slightly embarrassed. She tuned back into the 'persuade Ma Chao to defect' conversation between her brother and the strategist.

"Zhang Lu may not be the smartest man alive—"

Zhuge Liang seemed to smirk at this and then fanned himself.

"—but we are in debt to him. He accepted us when no one else would, for Cao Cao was after us."

"And now he doesn't trust you anymore," stated Zhuge Liang. "Are you sure you should still serve a man who no longer has any faith in you."

He never did in the first place. He just accepted us because of Ma Chao!

"You know Zhang Lu doesn't trust us?" blurted out Yun Lu.

Zhuge Liang smiled and answered, "Rumours do spread fast."

Indeed they do, but not this fast right? We just got the letter with the condition that Zhang Lu set for us. This strategist came here almost immediately. Could it be possible that he was the one who let the rumour loose in the first place so that he could win us? So that he could persuade us to defect to their side?

Yun Lu started to glare at Zhuge Liang, but thought better.

I better not jump to conclusions.

"I most certainly do not intend to rebel, Lord Zhuge," said Ma Chao.

"I believe you, but the one who should believe you is Zhang Lu. Does this not prove that Zhang Lu is incapable as a commander? He is easily swayed by petty rumours. Lord Ma Chao, he is not worth serving. Serving him would only waste talented warriors like you," then Zhuge Liang added, "and you sister."

Aww, that's awfully nice for him to add me in.

Ma Chao smiled, somewhat sadly and sad, "And you wish for me to join you and serve Liu Bei."

"You will not regret it. Liu Bei is a man of virtue, right Zhao Yun?" asked Zhuge Liang.

"Yes, our Lord Liu Bei is virtuous, humane and insightful. He will never be swayed with just a rumour. He will seek for the truth first, and then make his decision," said Zhao Yun. "Join us, Lord Ma Chao."

"It doesn't look like I have a choice, does it?" Ma Chao looked towards Yun Lu, who nodded ever so slightly, meaning she thought joining them was good. But she kept thinking, was Zhuge Liang the man who had brought them to this situation?

"Oh no, we are by no means forcing you!" said Zhuge Liang in a suave voice.

"I'm sure…Well then, I guess," Ma Chao held out his hand. "I will join you."

Zhuge Liang took the hand. "Good, good, you are an intelligent man. I thank you for Lord Liu Bei."

Intelligent man!? Intelligent!? Oh god no.

Zhuge Liang continued to talk about Shu so that Ma Chao would understand their cause.

"Lady Ma," started Zhao Yun.

Yun Lu turned to him. "Yes?"

"Do you agree with your brother's decision?"

Yun Lu shrugged slightly. "What else can we do? We're forced into a corner. Your offer is like a way out of the corner. A chance."

A light laugh escaped Zhao Yun's lips. "A chance indeed. In Shu, everyone serves Liu Bei for a greater purpose than money and position."

Yun Lu raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Zhao Yun sighed. "Well, no…but most! Other warlords want power, they want to create their own new dynasty and start China afresh under their rule. But we fight to restore the Han. Trust me."

In the end though, everyone wants power, no matter what they say. At least that's what I think.

Yun Lu regarded at him silently before she spoke again. "That's good to know!"

Then, Zhuge Liang's voice declared the end of the meeting. "All of Shu will be most happy to welcome you."

Ma Chao stood up and placed his fist into his palm. Yun Lu performed the same salute. "On behalf of my men—"

"And one woman," interjected Yun Lu. Ma Chao nodded with a laugh.

"And one woman, I thank you," finished Ma Chao. Zhuge Liang nodded to acknowledge the thanks. Both he and Zhao Yun stood up.

"Allow me to escort you out," said Yun Lu. They filed out of the tent, though Yun Lu told Ma Chao to take a rest. But that was not the true reason. Yun Lu wanted to ask Zhuge Liang a question, without her brother's presence.

As they sauntered out of camp, Yun Lu decided to ask the question which was one her mind.

"Lord Zhuge…"

"Yes?" replied the strategist of Shu.

"Um, did you…please excuse me for asking this, but were you the one who was behind the whole rumour thing about Ma Chao rebelling?"

I am not going to get a straight answer to this if he is the culprit. Why did I even bother asking?

Zhuge Liang stopped and looked at Yun Lu in the eye. "Yes."

Zhao Yun looked at the genius questioningly, as if silently asking, "Why did you tell?"

"It was you," growled Yun Lu under her breath. She clenched her fist and was about to move it, but a cold grip wrapped around her wrist before anything could happen.

"Don't," warned Zhao Yun with a shake of his head. Yun Lu looked away as she met his hard gaze. She lowered her hand and felt Zhao Yun's hand leave hers.

"Sorry, my actions were despicable. Please forgive me," apologised Yun Lu, her head lowered.

I should not hate him for it. Instead, maybe I should thank him for giving us an opportunity to leave Zhang Lu. Tactics must be used in a war; Lord Zhuge was only doing his job.

"It's understandable," answered Zhuge Liang with a nod. "You may wonder why I told you the truth when I could have lied and saved us all the trouble."

Yun Lu watched him expectantly.

"Trust. We must trust each other if we are going to work together in the future. Therefore, I decided to tell the truth."

Yun Lu nodded with her hands clasped firmly behind her back when they continued their walk back to Shu camp. "I understand."

When they reached their destination, they exchanged farewells.

"I hope we will be able to work together in the near future," said Zhuge Liang.

"I too," replied Yun Lu, bowing to Zhuge Liang, then to Zhao Yun. "Same to you, Lord Zhao Yun."

They smiled at each other. Zhao Yun's look was quite different to the cold gaze she received from Zhao Yun when she felt the urge to hit Zhuge Liang. Right now, his eyes were cheerful and bright. Yun Lu decided that Zhao Yun could communicate with his eyes.

"Well, guess I should be leaving now!" said Yun Lu in a chirpy voice.

"See you soon, Lady Ma!" called out Zhao Yun with a wave.

Yun Lu returned the wave, then left, starting off with a walk before switching into a light jog back to camp.

Lord Zhuge wasn't as shrewd as I thought him to be. Maybe it was his persuasion skills. Nevertheless, I look forward to working with him. He seems like a real genius. Shu seems like an interesting place with remarkable people like Zhao Yun, the Dragon of Changshan…

Yun Lu shook an oncoming smile away.

Having charged out of a million soldiers, and with that pretty face of his…he probably has tonnes of women flocking over him.

Yun Lu sighed as she walked back into camp and headed towards Ma Chao's tent.

I wouldn't stand a chance.

A/N: Sorry for such a late update!! Lol, I merged chapter 16 and 17 in my notebook together to form this chapter. I cut away a lot of unnecessary crap, so yeah. =D

Thanks for reading, please review!!