Xiahou Dun – Yuánràng
Yue Jin – Wenqian
Guo Jia - Fengxiao
Cao Pi – Zihuan
Cao Chong – Cangshu
Shi Huan – Gōngliú
Li Dian – Mancheng
Cao Cao – Mèngdé
Man Chong – Bóníng
Xiahou Yuan - Miàocái
Xiahou Dun looked out the window with an annoyed grunt. He could see the orange sky bleeding into a dark blue signaling the encroaching arrival of night. He had been holed up in his library for hours, pouring through scroll after scroll trying to find any information on wedding ceremonies. He had inherited the library from his parents and swore they would have had something on it. All he had managed to find however was tons of useless information on outdated traditions that he had absolutely no intention of following. Those scrolls currently littered the floor of the library, a temporary destination before Dun set them alight. No point in carrying trash with them when they went to Chenliu.
Dun stretched, his shoulders making an audible pop from the action. He let his eyes gaze to the piles of scrolls he threw haphazardly on the floor. Somehow this turned into a cleaning session. Not really what he had in mind. He could admit to himself that he now regret turning down the offer of help to search for the documents when it was offered.
"Looks like you have been busy."
Dun looked up to the front of the library to see Guo Jia standing at its opening.
"Fengxiao. What are you doing here?"
"I just came back from a meeting with Lord Cao," Jia began as he stepped further into the room, trying and failing to avoid stepping on any of the scrolls that sat in his path. "Thought I would bring you the latest report from Chenliu while I was out and about."
Jia toed one of the scrolls out of the way to reveal the one below it. It was face up and he was able to see its contents. The scroll spoke about the proper way fondle a lotus foot. Jia's eyes shifted back to Dun, mischief dancing in them. "Do you want this or shall I just add it to the pile?"
"Depends, is it something I need to know or is it more useless shit?" Dun deadpanned.
"To the pile it goes then," Jia replied with a grin as he flicked his hand up and tossed the scroll he held over his shoulder to join the others on the floor."
Dun nodded, appreciative that he did not have to suffer through another useless report and turned his attention back to the pile of scrolls on his desk. Plucking one from the pile, he unfurled it and spread it out before growling and tossing it over his shoulder to join the others on the floor.
"It is a good idea to do a bit of cleaning before we move. No sense in bringing clutter with us," Jia said conversationally before bending over to pick up a scroll on the floor. This particular one detailed the proper way to prepare tongzi dan. He made a face at the thought of the dish and let the scroll slip from his fingers back to the pile below.
Dun merely grunted in response.
"Curious time to do it though," Jia continued as he picked up another scroll, this one about the varied uses of urine.
"No time like the present," Dun grunted out.
"So true, but to forsake your guest to clean? Curious."
"They can entertain themselves. They don't need me," Dun said carefully, wary of where Jia's train of thought was going. Jia was an extremely perceptive man.
Jia hummed in response before leaning against a wall close to Dun's desk.
"An odd group you have joined together. One curious thing I noticed about all them—"
"That they are all going to Chenliu? Big deal," Dun said gruffly hoping to redirect Jia's train of thought, though he knew the endeavor would likely be pointless.
Jia let out another hum and tilted his head to the side as he gently cupped his chin in thought.
"I suppose that is true, though Lord Cao Pi and Lady Zhenji are both there and they are not going—"
"Zihuan comes by to visit Cangshu all the time," Dun interrupted once again.
"So you had a get together for those of us that are going to Chenliu—"
"I didn't have anything. They just showed up."
"But it is not for all of us who are going to Chenliu. For example, I do not recall an invite," Jia continued, ignoring Dun's denial.
"I told you, I wasn't having anything. They just showed up."
"And your own brother is conspicuously absent—"
Dun sighed and turned to face Jia. He wasn't going to let it go. He might as well hear where he was going with this. It was usually entertaining to see how his mind worked. Jia took Dun's silence as permission to continue. He gave him a small grin before proceeding.
"And then there is Shi Gōngliú."
"What about him?"
"Well perhaps I should say the young woman that seems glued to his side."
"What about her?" Dun asked with a tinge of annoying, wishing Jia would just spit it out instead of drawing it out.
"She is Cao's daughter."
"Is that so?"
"Oh it is. I wondered why Lord Pi requested for Shi Gōngliú to go with us. Now I know. I do wonder what he gets out of this little arrangement, but I suppose that is a mystery for another day."
Dun sighed. How did you even know that was her?
Jia scoffed and gave him a look that made it clear he was offended at his question.
"I would be a poor vassal had I not known the children of the lord I served."
"Mèngdé himself hasn't even noticed that she switched with her servant."
"Yes, well our Lord has much too many things on his mind to remember each and every one of his offspring."
Dun rolled his eyes. "Right."
"You have managed to get me off track however, I only brought up Lady Hua to prove my point that your collection of guest is suspicious."
"Do you mind just spitting it out Fengxiao? I am busy."
"Such impatience. I do hope you are not like that in the bedroom."
Dun narrowed his eyes at Jia causing him to chuckle.
"We all know that your dear brother is abysmal at keeping secrets. That would explain his absence; because it is quite clear you are doing something that you do not want Lord Cao to know. There is also the fact that everyone here happens to be a couple. If I had to deduce, I would say you are holding a secret wedding for all of them."
"A bit of a reach there on such flimsy evidence, don't you think?"
"Well there was also the fact that Mancheng loudly complained that you would not let him and Xiaolian get married."
"That idiot big-mouth!" Dun hissed.
"Ahahahaha Just kidding, but thank you for confirming what I suspected," Jia said with a fox-like grin.
"You bastard."
"I beg your pardon. I can assure you, both my parents were married well before I was conceived."
Dun let out a sigh of annoyance.
"So Mancheng really wasn't complaining?"
"No. Though he does look like someone stole his last meat bun. Pray tell why you will not let him join in on the festivities?"
"He is marrying my daughter. My ONLY daughter. There is no way I will let it be clustered together with anyone else. She's been through so much shit. I want to give her something special. Something all on her own. She deserves that. Also…perhaps I am not quite yet ready to let her go. Just need a little more time."
Jia gave another thoughtful hum but said nothing more.
"So, you managed to sniff out what was going on. What are you going to do with that information?"
"Do? Should I do something with it?"
"There are other ways to get confirmation rather than confronting me about it, so you must want something."
"Ahahahaha, very astute of you, Yuánràng. I merely wish to join in with you all tomorrow."
"Join in how?" Dun asked warily.
"Why in the ceremony of course! "
"No."
"Oh come now, Yuánràng—"
"I don't even want to do the ones I am doing now and you want to add yourself into it?"
Jia smiled. "I am curious how you were talked into doing this at all, but that is for another day. I have to insist that you let me join."
Dun let out a frustrated sigh. "Why? Why can't you wait? Isn't she important to Mèngdé? He will probably insist on a formal wedding."
"I have no doubt he will and we shall go through that ceremony when the time comes, but since the opportunity has arisen, I would like to join our lives together as soon as possible."
"I still haven't heard a why."
"So true. To be honest, I don't have a real reason other than I want that woman to be my wife as soon as possible. I am quite taken with her and the idea of calling her mine consumes me. Then there is also the consummation of marriage to consider…" Jia let the sentence hang in the air, his lecherous grin supplying the rest of it for Dun, not that he needed it.
Dun studied Jia for a moment. His mask was up and as impenetrable as ever. He hadn't expected Jia to give him the real reason so he wasn't offended with the obvious lie he supplied, but he did think there was some truth to his words. He did seem consumed with her. In all the years he knew Jia, he had never seen him react to a woman the way he saw him react to Cai Yan. Jia seemed like he was content to be the eternal bachelor, but here he was, asking him to join his life to another. He wondered what it was about that woman that managed to ensnare the tactician in such a way.
Dun sighed. "I honestly never thought I would see the day you would get married. Almost doesn't seem real."
"Ahahaha, I felt the same way on your wedding day. The rough and gruff Yuánràng. What poor woman would be able to put up with your surly attitude long enough to bear you children."
Dun leveled him with a glare, but did not disagree. He couldn't. The truth was the truth.
"So will you? Allow us to join that is."
With a resigned sigh Dun replied.
"Whatever. It isn't like adding one more will do much. But you have to help me find something about performing the wedding ceremony."
Jia's mask slipped for just a moment and a genuine smile broke through. Just as quickly as it came, it was gone, mask firmly back in place and his true intentions hidden behind it once more.
"Is that what you have been looking for? I can get that from the palace. It will take a bit to make a copy, but I should have it within a few hours."
"Serious? That would be great. I am tired of looking through this crap."
Jia nodded as he pushed himself from the wall he was leaning against and righted himself. "It is the least I could do. I will be back as soon as I can."
With no further words between them, Jia departed.
=#=
'What a curious morning this had been.' Xu Shu thought as he watched the servants running around the courtyard, prepping for the day's event.
Shu had awoken with the intent on finishing up his packing for their move to Chenliu when Cao Chong had disrupted his peace. The minute he saw that mischievous grin, Shu knew he would be in for something curious and Chong had not disappointed.
First, he had him pouring through scrolls about wedding ceremonies with him and Dun. They seemed to want only information on the actual ceremony and what made the marriage valid in the eyes of the heavens one's ancestors. A curious request as he did not know why any of them would need this information so urgently. Neither Chong nor Dun would grace him with the answer; he was merely told it was necessary. Shu was serious about his vow to serve Dun so he asked no further questions and searched earnestly for what they requested.
Having successfully found the information they sought, Chong and Dun thanked him and a baffled Shu was left to return to his room to continue his packing.
It was a scant few minutes later that a servant came calling to Shu once more. He was being summoned by his lord Dun. Curious as to what he could want as he just saw him a few moments ago, a perplexed Shu followed the servant to their lord.
"You helped so you should be a part of this to, but what you see here, you keep to yourself." said Dun.
Shu had no idea what he was talking about or what he would see, but he agreed anyway. It was an order from his lord and he would obey.
Shu watched as servants bustled back and forth in the main courtyard. The curiosity was burning inside of him as he observed this, but he remained silent. He would find out soon enough.
"No questions?"
Dun asked from beside him, though he did not look at him. His eyes were trained on Zhuyue and how she gave out orders to their servants. She could try to deny her lineage all she wants, but in moments like these, it came out and a good thing too. He didn't want any part in organizing this spontaneous ceremony. If he could find a way to get out of doing the ceremony bindings he would. He considered asking his brother. But he knew he couldn't keep a secret, especially one as big as this one. He would be much too tempted to tell Cao just to see his face contort the way it did when he was upset and turn that funny shade of red.
Shu started upon hearing Dun's voice. He had been sitting beside him so silently and he was so focused on the going-ons around him, he forgot for a moment that Dun was even there.
"It is not my place to question."
Dun gave an annoyed sigh.
"Do you make a habit of just doing what people say without question?"
"Only for my Lord. That is what I am supposed to do is it not? I am sorry; you are the first Lord I have officially served."
"Perhaps for some," Dun grunted out. "But that isn't how I do things. If you have a question, ask. Knowledge is power. The more knowledge you have, the better you can serve. Also, it isn't like I am infallible. I'll make a mistake once in awhile. If you saw that mistake and chose not to say anything to me, I'd be much more pissed than you questioning me. Not saying I will always answer or always listen. I am a stubborn bastard. I am aware of this and trying to do better, but I will try. So if you have a question ask it."
"Okay," Shu replied quietly as he absorbed Dun's words. "Well then, permit me to ask who is this ceremony for and why?"
"You'll see soon enough," Dun replied with a half shrug.
Shu struggled to keep his face neutral at the evasive answer and chose another question.
"Would I be correct in assuming you are the one who will perform the ceremony?"
"You would," Dun replied with an annoyed sigh.
"Why?"
"They asked me to and I was coerced into agreeing."
"But why ask you? We are not currently in Chenliu. Shouldn't such request go through Lord Cao?"
"You're right. It should. But they do not want him to know for various reasons."
Shu thought on Dun's answers before speaking once more.
"So this is for Lord Chong and Lady Jun."
Dun inclined his head towards Shu.
"How do you figure that?"
Lord Chong and I have developed a friendship. He has made me aware of the difficulties he faces with his father regarding Jun. "
Dun only gave a non-committal grunt in response. Knowing Dun as he did, Shu knew that was just as good as verbal confirmation that his guess was spot on. He now understood why he was told to keep his mouth closed. According to Chong, Cao was adamant about keeping Chong from marrying Jun due to her background. He would have honored the request to keep silent regardless, but knowing who was involved made me even more determined to do so.
Shu asked no further questions, content to watch the servants bustle to and fro as they threw together an impromptu ceremony. Despite having such a short time to get everything ready, they managed to make the inner courtyard look rather nice.
=#=
Shu sat up a little straighter when he noticed the first guest arrived. He rose briefly to salute Yue Jin. Jin returned the salute after paying proper greetings to Dun. Returning his attention back to Dun, Jin spoke.
"Thank you again for doing this for us, Master Yuánràng."
'Us?' Shu thought as he finally took note of the people standing behind Jin. There was a mousey sort of girl who was blushing and had her gaze focused solely on her feet. Behind the girl was an older man with a stern face. He spoke up after Jin.
"Yes. Thank you, My Lord for allowing my daughter and her intended to take part in this ceremony. Your kindness knows no bounds."
Dun gave a shrug. In truth it was simply because Yue Jin had been at the right place at the right time. Jin had arrived while they were still in the midst of planning the impromptu wedding. They had just decided to move the ceremonies to the following day to allow the servants to throw together a proper feast and to allow Dun time to research exactly what had to be done when he arrived. He had been looking for Dian to see if they could get a quick sparring session. He had been so busy helping his future wife and her father that he had been lax in his training. Once he found out what was going on, he had begged, actually begged Dun to allow him and Hien to join the ceremony.
He explained that after paying for Hien's bride price and setting aside fund needed for their new home, Jin found that he was rather low on funds. As it stood, they would not be able to afford a ceremony for some time. This was the perfect opportunity to have the ceremony as soon as possible. Jin dropped on his knees in front of Dun and the others and asked him to grant him this boon. He swore to never ask for another and vowed that he would serve him to the end of days. Dun was shocked enough that he could do nothing but agree. It was clear to see his desperation.
"Yue Wenqian is a valued warrior. I could hardly turn him down when he asked for this favor. There are few more deserving than he."
Jin's eyes widened at Dun's words. He bowed his head quickly again and saluted.
"Thank you, My Lord."
Dun waved a hand. "You have thanked me enough." Truly he had. He lost count at fifty the day before.
Jin nodded his head quickly.
"It's Hien, right?"
The girl seemed to somehow turn a darker shade of red at merely being addressed. She quickly nodded her head, but did not look up to Dun. Dun rose a brow as he observed the timid girl for a moment before continuing.
"My wife is with the other women. You should go with them to get ready."
Dun gestured for a servant and one hurried over, dropping to their knees in a bow. "My Lord?"
"Take her to the other women."
The servant nodded quickly. "T-Thank you, My Lord," Hien stammered out, risking a look at Dun before quickly dropping her gaze once more. Jin quickly took hold of her hand and gave it a small affectionate squeeze before letting her go to follow the servants.
=#=
Shu had watched the exchange in surprise. He was so certain that Chong was the one to be married, but it seems he was wrong. Why hadn't Dun corrected him he wondered?
After ensuring that Hien's father had been seated, Jin made his way back over to Shu. Dun had gone off to prepare himself for the upcoming ceremony.
The two men stood next to each other in silence, watching the coming and goings of the servants as they put last minute touches on everything.
"Oh, I have not offered my congratulations. My apologies and congratulations," Shu said suddenly, breaking through the silence between the two.
"Thanks," Jin said with a nod of his head.
And that was it. The conversation dropped off as abruptly as it had started and the two men found themselves engulfed in silence once more.
"Yo! Wenqian!" Li Dian called out in greeting.
Jin looked up and offered a half smile to his best friend, happy to see him in better spirits. Dian had arrived shortly after Jin had gotten Dun's approval. When Dian had found out what was going on, he wanted to jump in on the wedding craze as well. Unfortunately, Dun shot him down rather painfully in front of everyone. Dian seemed a bit forlorn after that and Jin hadn't gotten a chance to speak with him since.
"Doing okay?"
"Heh, yeah," Dian replied while rubbing at the back of his neck. "It was stupid of me to ask. I should have known he would say no. That's his only daughter, you know? Of course he would want something special. I just got caught up in the moment."
Jin nodded in understanding.
"You haven't spoken to Yuánzhí," Jin said as he inclined his head to the man in question.
Dian cocked his head to the side in confusion before he looked toward where Jin indicated.
"Oh!" Dian replied, startled at Shu's presence.
"Oh man! I didn't see you there. Err, where you always there?"
Shu saluted Dian which he hastily returned. "I was, but no worries. You were speaking to Wenqian and I did not want to interrupt."
"Man, I did not see you there at all. You are really quiet!"
Shu scratched his cheek with his pointer finger, seemingly embarrassed.
"I have heard that said quite a few times."
Dian gave him a smile before focusing back on to his best friend.
"So. Ready to make Hien your wife?"
Jin nodded solemnly and Dian could only shake his head at him with a bemused smile.
"You seem so calm. I don't think I'll be like that when it is my turn."
"You'll be fine."
"Haaah, I doubt it," his body bending into a slight defeated slouch. "Some days I wonder if Xiaolian wants to even marry me, then she'll pop up and say something some crazy cute like asking how we consummate our marriage. That girl keeps me on toes so much I swear I have no idea what I am doing half the time."
Both men stared at him, their mouths slightly ajar in shock. Fear suddenly crept into his spine. Was Dun nearby? Had he heard that? With great trepidation, he slowly turned around to see that they were still alone. Dian let out the breath he was holding, his whole body sagging in relief.
"Don't scare me like that," he chastised.
"Sorry, it's just…she doesn't know?" Shu whispered.
"Apparently not," Dian replied with a frown. "I am desperately hoping she asks Lady Zhuyue because I really don't want to have to explain it on our wedding night.
Both man nodded in agreement.
"So, Yuánzhí do you have yourself a lady too?"
Shu's eyes nearly bugged out of his skull, fear etched on his face. His head quickly whipped back and forth, his eyes scanning the area in search of something. He sighed in relief, not finding whatever it was he was looking for.
"No. I don't," his words coming out as part hiss, part whisper. "Please do not mention such things in front of my mother. I do not want to have to deal with her trying to set me up again."
"Uh…okay," Dian replied, as he fought to keep the goofy smile that kept trying to appear on his face.
The three men changed the topic to the impending move to Chenliu as they waited for the ceremony to begin.
=#=
When Guo Jia arrived he suspected he would be confronted by Zhuyue. What he did not expected was to be accosted the moment he step foot in their home. Paying a quick greeting to Cai Yan and directing her where to go, Zhuyue grabbed Jia by the arm and practically dragged him away.
"Well?" she said once she had gotten him far enough away from anyone able to hear their conversation.
"Well good morning to you, my dear Zhuyue. How is this morning finding you?"
Zhuyue narrowed her eyes, clearly not amused.
"Your curiosity is no excuse for being rude, dear sister."
She gave an annoyed sigh, but relented.
"Good morning dear brother. You are getting married?"
Jia gave a dramatic sigh. "My dear sister, your subtly as always is akin to a tiger in the market."
"And your ability to avoid answering questions is like a snake slithering in the grass."
Jia chuckled. "Well played."
"Will you answer my question now?"
"Of course I will, lest you harass me till you get the answer you want. In short, yes. I am."
"You can't just say yes I am. How did this happen? The notorious womanizer is suddenly getting married?"
"I take offense to that odious title," Jia sniffed in displeasure. "I would prefer a lover of women."
Zhuyue rolled her eyes but did not argue the point. She would not let Jia distract her from the main topic. "This is sudden."
"To you, my dear. We have been so busy with getting ready for our impending move; I had been remiss in informing you that I asked Lord Cao for her hand."
A flash of hurt crossed Zhuyue's face. Besides Dun and Yuan, she was closest to Jia and truly did seem him as a brother. It hurt that he did not share such important news with her.
Jia frowned at seeing the look on Zhuyue's face. He took her hand in his own. "I am truly sorry, sister. It was not intentional."
Zhuyue pulled her hand away and schooled her face to one of impassiveness.
"It doesn't matter," she muttered.
Jia sighed and took her hand once more. "It does. I'll tell you what. To make up for it, I will tell you the true reason why I wish to join with Cai Yan."
"Go on then," Zhuyue replied trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
Jia took a deep breath, not use to being so open.
"I never expected to still draw breath. It is thanks to you my nosey little sister that I do. I had given up on many things in life. Joining my life to anther was one of them. Now that I have that opportunity, I wish to do so as soon as possible. I guess you can say I am almost afraid that my good luck will run out and I will lose this opportunity."
"You won't, you are fine now."
Jia chuckled. "I know. I won't die to my ailment, but we are at war. A spear in the gut can kill just as easily as any ailment could, better even. I have wasted so much time living as if I had one foot in the grave. Now I do not want to waste anymore time. That is the truth."
"I understand," Zhuyue replied with a smile. "And I am happy for you."
"Thank you. Now I have to ask a favor of you. Cai Yan, she does not know many people. In fact, she seems to only speak to Lady Zhenji. Would you befriend her? It would mean a lot to me to have two women who mean the most to me become close."
"That isn't a problem. She seems tolerable from when I spoke to her."
Jia chuckled. "Tolerable. The highest of compliments from you."
Zhuyue smirked. "Indeed it is. Well, let me go off to help my new sister get ready."
Zhuyue pulled her hand from Jia's own and left to return to the other women to help them get prepared.
=#=
The time for the ceremony had finally come. The couples gathered before Dun with the modest audience watching them. Many traditions were eschewed for this impromptu wedding, but not one couple complained; even as Dun charged through the ceremony in his usual gruff demeanor. When he found announced them bound together before the heavens and their ancestors, there were only smiles abound.
"Can't believe we pulled that off," Dun muttered as the servants bustled around them, serving the food for the feast to celebrate the numerous unions.
"But it was worth it," Zhuyue replied with a smile as she looked at all the happy couples. There wasn't a frown to be found; well there was one. Shu looked absolutely miserable and she could only guess it was because Madame Xu was nagging Shu about his current single status.
"Debatable," Dun groused.
"Oh come on. You can't look out at everyone here and tell me it wasn't worth it."
Dun gave her a look that told her that he most certainly could, but Zhuyue was not fooled by her husband's grouchy demeanor. If he truly felt that way, he wouldn't have agreed to do the ceremonies in the first place.
"Mèngdé is going to find out," said Dun.
"He won't," Zhuyue assured him.
"He will," he insisted, his eyes falling Qinghe. He thought it was a terrible idea to have her involved, but both Pi and Chong insisted on having their younger sister apart of the ceremony.
"He won't find out from her," Chong said, inserting himself in their conversation.
"Because you promised her red bean paste?" Dun scoffed at the very idea. "Sorry but I don't think that is a solid enough deterrent. Mèngdé could promise the same thing to get her to tell him everything."
"You underestimate our little sister's love for red bean paste," Pi replied with a mirthful smile. "Truly, do not worry about her telling father. He would have to actually interact with her for him to get any sort of information out of her. The only person she would possibly tell would be mother and she already knows."
"Why didn't Bianshi come if she already knew?" Zhuyue asked.
"She wanted to be here, but coming would have raised too much suspicion with father. He actually takes note of her absence, despite the many women he busies himself with," Pi replied, a hint of bitterness in his tone.
"Enough talking, food is here. Let's eat so you can all get out."
"Husband," Zhuyue admonished though it was through stifled laughter.
"I agree with Yuánràng," Jia began. "I for one am quite looking forward to consummating my marriage over and over and over again."
His new wife Cai Yan, now styled Wenji, could only blush prettily at her new husband's words and silently hoped it wasn't just idle boasting.
At the word consummate, Xiaolian's head popped up.
"How?" she said in an unusually strong voice, causing everyone to cease all conversation and look at her. Jia recovered quickly and tilted his head and gave her a fox-like grin. "How what, my dear?"
"Consummate," Xiaolian replied.
"Oh for fucks sake, Xiaolian."
"Now now, Yuánràng. If this poor girl feels the need to ask uncle Fengxiao for information you two obviously have cruelly denied her, I feel it is my duty to tell her. Excellent person to ask the question by the way, dear Xiaolian, I am rather versed in the topic."
"Fengxiao," Dun growled in warning.
"What?" Jia asked, the very picture of innocence sans the grin that only grew wider on his face.
"Enough," Zhuyue said with an exasperated sigh. "Xiaolian, you could have just come to me. We will talk later, okay?"
"Promise?"
"Have I ever lied to you?"
Xiaolian did not hesitate to shake her head no.
"Then we will speak later tonight okay?" Xiaolian nodded and Zhuyue turned her attention to the corner of the room where Dian had slinked off into to hide from Dun and Zhuyue's wrath.
"You can stop cowering Mancheng."
"I wasn't cowering—"
"Merely inspecting to see whether the servants cleaned the corners then, were you?" Chong asked in amusement.
Dian grumbled and retook his seat, but the peace did not last for long.
"MOTHER!" Shu exclaimed loudly, shooting to his feet.
All eyes turned to him and he immediately felt embarrassed for losing his temper. His mother was a force of nature when she was focused on something and currently she was focused on getting him married as soon as possible so she can get grandchildren.
"H-have you met Gang?" he asked as he gestured to Hien's father.
"What are-"
Before his mother could say another word, Shu bowed quickly to Gang and offered him his seat. The flustered man, not wanting to offend anyone took the pre-offered see and Shu gratefully took his. Madame Xu glowered at her son for a moment before remembering her manners and properly greeting Gang.
"What a shit show," Dun muttered.
=#=
While the newlywed couples enjoyed their celebratory feast, Cao Zhi was thrusting and panting atop a courtesan. Her eyes were squeezed shut as she endured his efforts, wishing that he would finish already.
With a final jerk of his hips, Zhi came and he flopped onto the courtesan who let out a pained grunt from the sudden weight thrown atop of her. She struggled to suck in air as she bore his weight until he thankfully rolled off of her. Immediately she sat up and hurried to the edge of the bed, desperate to get away from him. Tenderly she put a finger to her lip and winced in pain. He had split her lip earlier and though the blood dried, the pain remained. She looked down to her arms and legs and could bruises already forming. Pity for her drawing the short lot and being stuck with having to service him.
"I deserve better than this."
'Great. Now I have to listen to his whining,' She thought to herself. It was always the same with him. He would come in, beat on the women to let out his frustrations before giving them a pitiful rut then he would whine about his lot in life and how unfair everything was. She remained silent, content to let him just whine as she only listened to him with half an ear as she began to dress.
"I should have the most beautiful woman on my arm. Not some homely whore," he continued.
She gave no reaction to his words, use to his insults. This was the fifth time she had been with him and it was the same all the time. For someone who was supposedly so great a poetry, you would think he would come up with more innovative insults.
"—But I will get my revenge. I will make sure his rule fails."
'Well this is new,' she thought as his words that she had been ignoring floated back into her consciousness. 'Who is he speaking about? His rule? Does he mean his father? Or his brother? Probably his brother. He usually complained about how unfair it was that Cao Pi was made successor over him.'
"—You will pay for taking what is mine. I won't stop till I have my revenge and you are broken and beaten beneath me Pi. And when you see that I have won, that I am the better son, only then will I grant you a slow and painful death you miserable fool."
He was mumbling to himself now and his mumblings made a chill run up her spine. He sounded like he meant it. This wasn't an idle threat.
"Hey you."
She bolted upright, surprised and a little terrified to suddenly be addressed.
"Y-yes, my lord?"
"Get out."
She bowed her head, gathered the rest of her clothes and hurried out. Moving as fast as her feet could carry her, she headed to her room to finish dressing. She would need to speak to Jun. Despite her no longer being a courtesan, she still visited the girls and slipped what taels she could to her friends. She had to tell Jun what she learned today. She could pass it along to her man and he could tell Cao Pi. Dressed and resolved, she hurried out of the brothel to the home she remembered Jun telling her she currently resided.
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Things had finally settling down and the food was served. The group was having pleasant conversation when a servant begged their forgiveness for interrupting and informed Jun that she had a visitor. Jun excused herself and followed the servant out only to return a few minutes later looking rather pensive.
"My Love? What's wrong?" Chong asked. He wanted to go by her side, but without his chair he was stuck.
Jun wrung her hands and looked between Chong and Pi.
"A friend of mine had told me some rather disturbing news. I thought it best she tell you directly."
Chong's brows furrowed but he nodded and signaled the servants to help him to his chair. Once seated, Jun took her place beside him to wheel him out, but she did not move.
"Jun?" he questioned.
"Lord Pi, would you be able to accompany us as it has to do with you?"
"Lord? I am your brother now, am I not?" Pi asked as he stood. Zhenji stood as well to accompany him and Pi did not dissuade her.
"I-I did not want to presume."
"Well you have my permission to address me as such."
Jun gave him a small smile. "Thank you…brother."
"Well? Lead us to this friend of yours."
Jun nodded and led the group out of the room.
The remaining guest looked at each other, each pondering who this friend was and what disturbing news they held.
=#=
Chong, Pi and Zhenji found themselves face to face with Jun's courtesan friend. She looked worse for wear making them think she was beaten trying to escape with the information she held.
"This is Fen," Jun announced as she left Chong to stand by the woman's side. She gave her a nudge and nodded her head towards the three.
Fen bowed. "My Lords," she said politely, idly noting that this would be a rare meeting with a noble that didn't wind up with her being on her back.
"I am sorry to disturb your evening but I heard something tonight that you must know."
"Get on with it," Pi said as he folded his arms.
"Brother, be kind. She was injured. We should see to that first."
Fen smiled. She knew this was Chong who had spoken. Jun had described him to her enough to know him by look if the chair wasn't enough of a giveaway. Cao Cao certainly did make handsome sons. She had to begrudgingly admit that even Zhi was a handsome man.
"I am fine, my lord. It hurts, but it isn't something I am not use to."
"You are a courtesan," Pi stated suddenly, not unkindly, more like a fact.
"I am," she nodded wondering how he figured it out. Did he beat his women to? Fen looked at the woman at her side. She was breathtakingly beautiful, but there was a hint of danger in her eyes. She wouldn't allow herself to be hit. Not without hitting back.
Chong also did not seem surprised by this revelation, likely coming to the same conclusion at the same time as his brother.
"This has to do with one of your…guest, I imagine?" Chong asked.
"Yes," Fen confirmed with a nod of her head. "Your brother."
"Which one?" Pi asked.
"Lord Cao Zhi."
Both brothers exchanged a look before returning their gaze to Fen.
"What did he say?"
Fen shifted uncomfortably and wrapped her arms around herself.
"He always talks about Lord Pi. He speaks often about how much he hates him."
"He goes to a courtesan and spends his time talking about me. A pitiful man indeed."
Fen bit her lip to keep from speaking out. She wanted to agree, but she knew her place. She was a whore. Whore did not bad mouth nobles, even if they were miserable bastards.
"Please continue Fan," Jun encouraged.
Fan nodded. "I usually ignore Lord Zhi's…rants, but this time was different. He had never said he would kill you before."
Pi's brow rose incrementally while Chong looked thoughtful.
"What exactly did he say? Word for word?"
Fen told them what she could remember, shivering again as she repeated the words, the look of pure malice on his face flashing in her mind once more.
"Hmph," was Pi's only response once she finished.
"I-I am sorry if this was a waste of your time. I just thought you should know what your brother was saying about you. He seemed so angry. Angrier than anytime I have seen him before."
"It wasn't a waste of time,"Chong replied.
Pi regarded his brother's demeanor. He was thinking hard about what he had heard. Clearly he did not find this to be an idle threat.
"Those bruises. Did he give them to you?" Zhenji spoke up, stepping towards the girl.
Fen nodded and cast her eyes down, embarrassed to be seen in such a state by such a beautiful and strong woman. Zhenji's very presence made her feel pathetic.
Zhenji turn to look at Pi.
"My Lord, can we help her in some way?"
Pi knew Zhenji saw herself in Fen. The abuse she took at the hands of her deceased husband seemed to be reflected on Fen. She put herself in this woman's shoes and did not want her to suffer at the hands of men any longer.
"I did not come for a reward, my lady," Fen said softly, her head still bowed. "I did what I did because I owe Jun. She has always taken care of us. I am happy where I am."
Zhenji frowned at this answer but nodded her head.
Pi dug into his robs and removed a pouch of taels. He dug inside and removed three pieces and handed it to her. Her eyes widened as she looked at the taels, she reached for it then paused and pulled back, suddenly remembering the words she had just spoken.
"Take it," Pi ordered. "Your information was valuable and as such you should be rewarded for it and your loyalty.
Fen hesitated no longer. She took the taels and bowed.
"Thank you, My Lord."
Pi did not acknowledge her thanks. He held out his arm to Zhenji , which she immediately took, and led her back inside, leaving Chong and Jun to finish up with Fen.
"Will you be okay getting back on your own?" Jun asked.
Fen nodded. "I will be. I can't believe he gave me so much," Fen whispered to Jun, though Chong could clearly hear her.
"Make sure to hide it when you get back."
"I will," Fen said with a resolute nod. "If I hear anything else, I will let you know."
Jun nodded. Fen gave her a quick hug and bowed to Chong before hurrying off.
"A loyal friend you have," Chong remarked once she was gone.
Jun nodded. "We came to the brothel at the same time so we became friends. They told us our friendship would never last because most women were at each other throats in a bid to sleep with the wealthiest noble."
She gave a bitter laugh. "The dream of a whore is to become a courtesan to a wealthy noble you see. It is what we aimed for. So many were willing to do whatever it took to attain that goal. A girl was even poisoned who caught the eye of your father lord Cao. They knew of his penchant for women and hoped they would be the next one he took home. Fen and I swore we would never do that to each other and if one of us made it, we would go back and help the other."
"Did they ever find who poisoned the girl who caught father's eye?"
Jun shook her head. "We are quite adept at hiding the wicked things we do."
"You aren't one of them anymore," Chong said as he took her hand.
"But I was one of them. That history…my experiences; they do not just go away. You married a whore. You tied your life to a whore. You deserve so much better than me."
"Enough," Chong said in a firm tone silencing her depreciating words. "I will not have you disparaging my wife any further," he added with a small smile.
"I knew what you were before I took you as my wife. You are a beautiful, caring and loving woman who looked past a broken man and saw someone that still had worth. I will not have you think of yourself as anything other than that."
"My Lord," Jun whispered, tears prickling her eyes.
Chong brought her hand to his lips and placed a small kiss on the back of it then another and another, each one lingering a little longer than the last. "Let us skip the rest of the feast. I need you Jun."
Jun nodded as she wiped away a tear that slipped down her cheek.
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Cao Pi and Zhenji returned to the others. Pi could feel the questioning eyes on him, but he did not say a word. Finally Zhuyue spoke up.
"Is everything alright?" she asked, a question everyone wanted to know.
"An insignificant rodent snaps its jaws at its betters," Pi answered.
Glances were exchanged amongst the other guest as they tried to decipher the meaning of his words.
"Careful, My Lord," Jia said, a half-smile playing on his lips. "Rodents, as insignificant as they all still can carry the sickness within them and wipe out even the mightiest of men. Do not ignore the threat they can bring."
Pi regarded Jia with a raised brow, his mind briefly wondering exactly what he knew. "I will take your words to heart."
A servant bustled into the room once more and whispered something to the Master of the house.
"It seems that your brother and his wife have decided to forego the rest of the feast," Dun said once the servant had hurried off.
"A novel idea," Jia said with a smile. "We should do the same," his eyes roaming over his new wife. "We do have a long night ahead of us after all."
There were murmurs of agreement amongst the newlywed couples, each ready to consummate their relationship.
One by one they stood, paying respect to their host and bidding farewell to each other. Before anyone could leave however, Cao Pi spoke in a commanding tone.
"Enjoy yourselves tonight, but tomorrow my father must be made aware of what is coming. Expect a council to be called tomorrow."
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Cao Cao listened in silence as Shi Huan relayed what information he knew regarding the Wu and Shu alliance.
"Do you trust this source?" Cao asked Huan once he was finished.
Huan, Chong and Pi had decided it was best to lie to Cao about how he obtained the information. They felt otherwise It would lead to too many question which may lead Cao to take a closer look at the imposter Hua.
"Yes. With my life."
Cao nodded.
"Is your contact still with Wu? Could we get more information from him?"
"Unfortunately, no. He does not stay in one area for very long. He has moved on."
"Is there any way of getting in touch with him? Such information should be rewarded."
"I already handled that father," said Pi stepping forward and saluting as he spoke.
Cao regarded his son for a moment before returning his gaze back to Huan.
"You told Pi before me?"
"Yes, My Lord. Only because he was the one who suggest I get in contact with my cousin who was currently in the lands of Wu. He told me to report directly to him if he found out anything."
Cao looked at Pi again and nodded in approval. "Excellent foresight to do so. Without this knowledge, we would have been caught unaware."
Pi merely bowed his head in acknowledgement.
Cao's gaze looked out to the rest of the generals who watched him with rapt attention.
"It seems we will be going to war against two armies. Suggestions?"
"We attack Shu before the alliance is made. They are weak and disorganized. They will be easy to take down. Then we turn our attention to Wu," said Jia Xu.
"That could work, but if they have already formed an alliance, we risk leaving our back exposed to an attack from Wu while we are dealing with Shu," Jia replied.
"We could go after Wu first," Xun You suggested. "I have heard that Sun Quan is nothing like his brother or father. He spends his days drowned wine and women. An attack against them when their leader is so weak could only be in our advantage."
"Sun Quan may be a louse, but someone has been governing Wu. They are currently flourishing despite him. I think you will find taking on Wu will not be as simple as you think," said Ju Shou.
"And what do you think Man Bóníng? You have been silent thus far. I wish to hear your opinion."
"Hmm? Oh," Man Chong scratched his unruly hair and gave a salute. "Um. We should write to Sun Quan."
All eyes stared at Man Chong, most in disbelief, some in amusement.
"Oh yes, he will quiver in fear at our sternly worded letter," Jia Xu said with a roll of his eyes.
Cao raised his hand to get silence of the snickers that followed Xu's comment.
"Explain, Bóníng."
"Well. We send Sun Quan a letter demanding he surrender to us. He of course won't, not when they have an alliance in the works, but it would throw them off. We can demand that they meet us at a location of our choosing and when they think are ambushing us, we turn the tables around and rout them."
Those looks of amusement and disbelief turned into gazes of appreciation. Man Chong's plan was not a bad one.
"But wouldn't that tip them off that we know about their alliance?" You argued.
"Not necessarily. It is inevitable that Lord Cao will go to war with Wu as they are the largest force left standing between us and quelling the chaos of the land. It was bound to happen sooner or later," said Jia.
"I think this could work," said Shou with a thoughtful hum. "We meet them on our terms. We will have time to learn the lay of the land, set traps, whatever. They will of course try to infiltrate our forces and we should allow them. Let them think we are unaware, lure them in and when the time is right and they are firmly in our web, take them down."
"So we play dumb? Best not to let our soldiers know then. Only the generals in this room should be trusted with the deception," said Xu.
"Yes. Every general will have to take personal care to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity."
Cao nodded and stood from his throne atop the dais. "We will go to this plan. I will tell them that he has six months to come to a decision. In the meantime, we will train our forces and ready the place where we will do battle. Prepare yourselves. We go to war!"
There was a resounding roar from his generals; the excitement and anticipation of battle buzzing through them. Cao nodded in approval and dismissed the group, but held Dun back. He waited until the hall emptied before leading him to one of the private meeting rooms."
"Are you ready to leave?"
"We are," Dun replied with a nod.
"Good. Do so immediately. The travel time will take away from your training and I do not want your group falling behind any more than necessary."
"We'll have our people ready. Don't worry about that."
Cao nodded in approval. Dun saluted, prepared to leave to tell his people the news when Cao stopped him.
"You had a gathering yesterday."
Dun gave an impassive shrug despite the flare of panic he had internally. "Going away party."
"But Pi was there and he isn't going with you. Also your brother was not there. Nor was Zhang Kǒngmíng and Lingqi."
Dun rose a brow slightly. It was impressive that he had that much information and disturbing that he watched him so closely. He would be happy to get from under his watchful eye, though he knew he would never truly escape it. The only good thing is that if he was reading Cao well enough, he did not know what the gathering was truly for. At least he knew his servants were loyal. Any info Cao gathered was from someone on the outside looking in.
"Miàocái passed because he was still packing. Didn't listen to me when I said to do it early so he has to rush now. Zihuan wasn't invited. He invited himself. He still remembers and is very fond of his brother. He comes over to visit him more often than not and when do you know Kǒngmíng to go to any gatherings if it wasn't ordered."
Cao chuckled at this. It was true that both Liao and Lingqi were not really party people. They mostly kept to themselves and stayed as long as was polite before fleeing to the quiet of their home.
"I was just curious as to why I wasn't invited to your little gathering."
"Like I said, going away party and spur of the moment thing at that. Zhuyue wanted to do something to remember the place that had been our home for so long. It just happened. Didn't want to bother you with something so small."
Cao nodded accepting this explanation.
"I won't take offense at my exclusion then. I do expect to be there when your daughter marries though."
"Of course," Dun replied.
"Go on then, cousin. I imagine you still have much to get ready before you leave."
Dun saluted and headed out, relieved that they had gotten away with their crazy mass wedding. With a heavy sigh, he headed home. They had much to do to get ready for the upcoming battle against Wu and Shu.
A/N: Maaaybe don't google tongzi dan at work :D
