Warning: This chapter is long and oozes nothing but sap.
"Aww come on! What a whimpy throw!" Zhang Shao leaned against his spear, taunting his friends on the field. "And you call yourself a warrior? Man up! Whoa!" He abruptly threw his weapon up over his head as one of them brought their sword dangerously close to his face.
Zhao San laughed. "I would if I had the parts!" She swung her other sword around and sent him on the defensive. Shao laughed and lunged back with his spear. They fought, backed away, regrouped and threw themselves back into the action. It was just like old times, sparring and taking verbal jabs at each other.
"Don't forget me!" Ping shouted as he rolled between them. They flowed effortlessly into their usual pattern, attacking and dodging with precision that even seasoned soldiers found difficult. It felt good for San to get back into this kind of a rhythm.
A horn sounded in the distance and halted their practice. "That's Liu Bei's horn," Ping said. "I wonder if Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei have finally finished whatever plan they were working on."
"I'm glad Wei's home," said San. "I worried about what might happen to him after…"
Shao smacked her shoulder. "Yeah we know. C'mon, let's see what's going on in the castle."
The trio fell into place with the other soldiers, also answering the call. San's heart skipped a beat. Jiang Wei had returned home only a few days ago. She had sought him out almost immediately and demanded to know what happened with Wu and with Sun Yi's letter. He had assured her that no harm had come to him, as no one knew where he was holed up and Lu Ba couldn't remember where he and San had traveled from when they entered Wu. He did tell her that Wu had been working on their own problems in addition to the peace treaty, hinting that things were going quite well. She hoped that this announcement would have something to do with it. Almost a year had passed since she left Wu. She was itching for information on the people who had come to be her friends.
The courtyard was already packed with people. The three of them managed to worm their way towards the front. Liu Bei, flanked by his strategists, raised his hands to quiet the crowd. "My people, this is a glorious day indeed. As you know, Lord Jiang Wei has been working tirelessly this past year to cement a treaty with the Wu kingdom. We will finally have peace!"
The crowd cheered. Some of the people started jumping up and down wildly. San hugged her friends, who were grinning madly. A treaty! Finally, it had happened! This was truly something to be thankful for. She wondered what they had finally decided.
Liu Bei raised his hands again. "Yes, this is indeed a cause for celebration. The signing will take place in just a few days, as both kingdoms are eager to put past transgressions behind us. Both of my brothers will stay in Cheng Du while I am away, as will my son. My people, let us welcome in this new time of peace!"
The cheering resumed. San noticed Jiang Wei looking at them and beckoning them forward. The trio followed him up the steps. "Do you think he means for us to go with Liu Bei?" Ping asked.
"I don't know," San answered. She did not want to get her hopes up if that was the case. For one year, she had been forced to reduce her friends in Wu to memories. She refused to succumb to despair if she were not allowed to accompany the delegation.
Jiang Wei said nothing as he led them to the meeting room. Inside was just as chaotic as the streets had been. The five Tiger generals were seated at the table with Liu Bei, but many others were scattered around the room in their own discussions. Jiang Wei motioned for the three of them to join those in the center around the table.
"Alright, we can begin," Liu Bei said after everyone had quieted. "Men, we must plan this very carefully. Zhuge Liang, Jiang Wei, what do you suggest for this journey into Wu?"
"I feel that leaving Guan Yu and Zhang Fei behind will be sufficient protection, my lord," Jiang Wei said. "If you would feel more comfortable, one of us will also remain behind." He gestured towards Zhuge Liang.
The Sleeping Dragon stood. "Perhaps it would be in our best interest if I remained in Cheng Du. The strategists of Wu are rather hostile towards me. Jiang Wei, these negotiations have been your pride from the very beginning. I think it would be best if you journeyed with our lord."
"I agree," he said.
"Very well. Zhao Yun has also offered to accompany me into Wu, but one guard is hardly enough for this delegation. Any suggestions?"
San willed her hand to stay in her lap. What she wouldn't give to be able to go back to Wu! The scars on her back and the memories of what it took to get her out of Wu in the first place were not so easily forgotten however, and so she kept her hands down.
Jiang Wei scanned the room. "I have a few suggestions, if you are prepared to hear my reasoning behind them." Liu Bei nodded. "I have spoken with Zhao Yun and Lady Mei Li at length about this situation, and I believe the entire Zhao family should act as guards for your lordship. Lady Mei Li has expressed a desire to travel, and I believe the experience would be good for the boys." His eyes slide over to her. "As for Lady Zhao San, she has knowledge of the territory and could act as a guide alongside myself."
The other generals began to whisper amongst themselves. San was rooted to her seat. Was he really suggesting this?
"What about San's safety?" Ma Chao asked. "Would members of Wu likely attack her? I cannot believe that every person she came into contact with was friendly."
"To that, I suggest that Guan Ping and Zhang Shao go with her. They will remain by her side, and they played enough of a role on her last journey to have earned a spot among the guard. Lord Ma Chao, if you are concerned, perhaps you should go as well."
"I would welcome the chance," he answered. He turned to Zhao Yun, who was seated next to him. "Do you think we will need our entire companies?"
"No. I feel that half of them would suffice," the Little Dragon answered.
Jiang Wei nodded. "Lord Liu Bei, do you wish for more generals in your company? I am ready to make other suggestions."
He thought about it a moment. San held her breath. She was not convinced that this was all really happening right now. "No, I think that those you have suggested will do fine. We are on a peace mission, after all. The less threatening we appear, the more likely Wu will be to allow us safe passage to and from their lands." He looked around the room. "If we are all in agreement then, go and prepare yourselves. We leave first thing tomorrow and our journey will take a few days. I thank you all for your support during these times."
The meeting was over, but San couldn't move. This…this wasn't real. She would wake up in a moment and find that it was light outside and it was time to train and that she had to be careful because the twins may have set a trap…
"Ouch!" she yelped. Shao had pinched her arm hard in an attempt to snap her out of it. "What was that for?"
"Are you going to come with us, or are you gonna sit here all day in shock?"
Ping nudged her arm. "He's right. We have a journey to plan. And you need to start remembering details about Wu if you expect to lead us."
Jiang Wei came up behind them. "I have no doubt that Zhao San will remember the path to take." He gave her a small smile before disappearing out of the room.
Wu. She was going to Wu. Not to fight, not to kill, but to bring the peace she had tried to bring before. And that meant…
"Oh jeez, snap out of it, San!" Shao said. "Lu Ba's going to wonder what happened to you over the past year if you keep staring at nothing!"
San had expected a lot of things during the preparation and journey to Wu. She had expected the Shu delegation to eye her suspiciously, but they merely wished her luck as they bid her farewell. She expected to ride in the back with the rest of her family, but Liu Bei insisted that she stay in the front beside Jiang Wei to lead the group. She expected to feel elated at the thought of seeing her friends again, but all she could feel was nervousness.
Most of all, she expected to be greeted at the gates by an angry group of soldiers, displeased with the Shu intrusion and disgusted that she would return after she had fled. Instead, they were greeted by Lu Xun and Sun Quan with open arms and smiling faces.
As the group traveled towards the castle, San found herself riding next to Lu Xun. His aura burned as hot as ever, and she suddenly felt very uncomfortable. "My Lord Lu Xun," she managed to say after a moment. "I am glad that we were able to meet again under more pleasant circumstances."
"As am I, Lady Zhao." His smile bore no animosity, no hatred towards her at all. "I am sorry that you could not stay with us a little longer the first time, but I understand why you had to depart as you did."
"Sun Yi told you about her plan."
"I am very fortunate to have married a woman who rivals me in wit and strategy. She told me some of your ordeal. The rest, I guessed. It was a very noble act on your part."
"Thank you, my lord."
"It is I who should be thanking you. Without your help, this treaty may not have come to fruition."
She never got the chance to ask how that could have been. The group entered Wu to a crowd as boisterous as that of Shu. The people were not only welcoming their generals but welcoming the people of Shu as well. A few of them, San noticed, were pointing at her, no doubt asking what she could be doing among the delegation.
Sun Jian was standing on the steps to the castle, Sun Ce to his right and Zhou Yu to his left. Both of their wives were on either side of them. They, too, were smiling as the Shu members dismounted and walked towards them. San hung back with her family as Lu Xun, Sun Quan and Liu Bei met Sun Jian at the base of the stairs. The two leaders exchanged words and shook hands.
"I trust that there were no incidents during your journey," Sun Jian said, addressing the rest of the group. His eyes lingered on San for a moment before continuing onward. "I insist on some rest and refreshment before we sign this treaty. This excitement will tire us all out before we can so much as bring out the paper and ink."
"That would be most welcome," Liu Bei responded.
"Very well. I shall have my men escort your soldiers to places where they can rest. And I have no doubt that several of your members would like to speak to some of my household."
San watched the groups disband, with Wu soldiers and servants showing her people around the courtyard and into the castle. Jiang Wei and Lu Xun disappeared into the crowd, no doubt working on the final parts of the treaty. Ma Chao followed Liu Bei into the castle as his personal guard. Zhao Yun, Mei Li and the twins had vanished.
"Well, where to?" Shao asked San. "You know your way around here."
One of the serving women hurried over and bowed to them. "Lady Zhao San, the room you had before has been prepared for you. The adjacent room has been readied for your guards."
"Thank you," San answered. She recognized her as one of Sun Shang Xiang's servants. "Is it alright to wander around a little?"
"Of course." The woman bowed again and hurried off.
Ping was still taking everything in. "Curious…this place is so similar to Cheng Du that I would have thought we were home, were it not for all the red."
"Yet another example of how similar our two kingdoms are." San turned to find Sun Yi standing behind them. She had not changed a bit since she had last seen her. But the look in her eyes was no longer one of curiosity. It was one of longing. "Lady Zhao San, you have been missed greatly."
"Lady Sun Yi." The two women bowed to each other, laughed and embraced. San had missed her friend, but she hadn't realized the extent of it until they had come together again. They broke apart with twin smiles. "Your husband said he was pleased with the escape plan."
"Well, he would be a fool to not assume that I would learn a trick or two from him." She turned to San's friends. "Your guards? Or your trusted friends from home?"
Zhang Shao slipped into a well practiced bow. "Zhang Shao, son of Zhang Fei. I am very pleased to meet you, my lady."
"As am I, Guan Ping, adopted son of Guan Yu. We have heard much about you, Lady Sun Yi."
She bowed in return. "I wish San could have stayed with us longer so I could have said the same about you."
"Shall we leave the two of you alone?" Ping asked.
"No, I would actually like for you to join me. I have an errand to run, and I believe that you three would make the perfect companions. This will also be my chance to learn more about you gentlemen. Anyone who is a loyal friend of San is a friend of mine."
Shao grinned. "We would be honored."
The four of them walked through the courtyard. Yi talked as if San had never left, updating her on Wu's doings and guessing what might be hidden in the treaty. She questioned Ping and Shao about what it was like in Shu and how things had progressed since San returned home. San could feel some of her nervousness abating. Already she had been welcomed back like a long lost member of Wu. It was heartening to know that not everyone hated her for what she had done.
It took her a while to realize that they were heading for the gardens. Yi stopped suddenly, her head tilted to the side, listening for something. "Yi? Is something wrong?" San asked.
"Hmm? No, nothing is wrong. Something is, in fact, very right. I believe I just heard Lady Sun Shang Xiang's entourage walking down the stone pathway. Shall we investigate?"
"Lady Sun Yi, your voice suggests something rather devious," Ping said.
She smiled and batted her eyelashes at him. "My dear Guan Ping, I would never dream of such behavior." She and San led the boys down one of the side paths until they reached the hedges that surrounded the middle part of the garden. Lady Sun's serving women were gone, but she had remained on a bench in the center. Standing at the entrance was Liu Bei.
They hid themselves in the bushes to watch. Liu Bei hovered, unsure of what to do yet wanting very badly to go inside. Shang Xiang was staring at him, struggling with the very same dilemma. "Why doesn't one of them move?" San whispered.
"How do you plan something like this?" Shao asked in return. "He had to have known that he would meet her here at some point. You know how he gets. Every spring, he gets all emotional."
"Their first meeting," said Ping under his breath.
"She will make the first move. She wants this more than anything."
Sun Yi nodded. "I agree, San."
A few tense seconds later, Shang Xiang stood and walked over to Liu Bei. He remained where he was, petrified. She took one of his hands and gently guided him to the bench. He sat next to her, still unsure of himself. They watched as Shang Xiang took the final leap and leaned against his shoulder. He tensed, then relaxed, putting an arm around her shoulders. San could see their lips moving as they spoke to each other. None of them could make out what was being said.
Shao leaned back onto the grass and pretended to wipe a tear from his eye. "Ah, one happy reunion down, a million more to go. I didn't think that would ever happen."
Sun Yi stood and dusted herself off. "Their love runs deep. Something like that never fully disappears, even under circumstances such as theirs." She looked back down the path that they had been on. "Shall we keep going? My errand is not yet complete."
They resumed their journey, talking about what would happen now that Liu Bei and Shang Xiang were together in the garden and clearly still in love. They were undecided about whether or not Sun Jian would let his daughter return to Shu to live with her husband. San's own mind would not remain quiet. There was still one question she was dying to know but hadn't found the courage to ask. They had to know…surely someone here must know what had happened to him.
She was so wrapped up in thought that she almost ran into a tree. Sun Yi pulled her back before she could break her nose. "Ah, here we are." She handed San a note that she had been holding. "These are instructions that I was given."
San opened the paper and scanned its contents. Meet me under the tree when you get here. She recognized the handwriting. Her heart beat faster. Why had he asked Sun Yi to meet him here? And how did she know that this was his mother's tree? "Yi…?"
"My errand is complete. Perhaps you will allow me the use of your guards, Lady Zhao? I would be happy to show them to their rooms and send for them once we are ready to sign the treaty. And do not worry, my own guards are nearby. I will make sure it does not seem improper."
San could only nod. Sun Yi and her friends disappeared back through the garden as she sunk onto the bench. Memories came flooding back. Surely…there was no way this note was meant for her. And yet there was no mistaking it. When would he come? How would he know that she was here? Would he be angry or happy? How would he…
"San?" Her heart dropped into her stomach. That voice…it was the one that had plagued her dreams and haunted her thoughts for over a year. It was the one that she had wished over and over, every moment of every day, to hear again. And it was close. So close that she knew which direction to turn if she wanted to hear it again. Willing herself to remain calm, she stood and turned around.
Like Yi, he had remained unchanged in the year since she had seen him. His long hair was down past his shoulders, a hint of stubble covered his chin, and his eyes were bright as ever. He wore the same kimono she had seen him in before she left, the one he had been wearing the night he professed his love for her. The heaviness in her heart lifted as she looked at him.
He walked forward until they were only a step apart. They stared at each other, just like Liu Bei and Shang Xiang had before. She remembered her own words. She will make the first move. So she took that step, closed the gap and threw her arms around him. His own immediately rose to hold her close. The embrace made her feel complete, as if she had been missing something this whole time. She had spent the past year convincing herself to move on. She realized now that she never would. If she was forced to leave him again, it would destroy her. Lu Ba was the missing piece of her soul and now that she was whole again, she would never be able to let him go.
Something occurred to her and she abruptly backed away. "Ba, I'm sorry. Zhou Ying is probably…"
"She is up north, where she's been for six months now." His voice cracked. San could see that he was struggling just as much as she was.
"But…your marriage…"
"It never happened. Shall we sit down? I'm sure there is much that we need to discuss."
He took her hand and led her back to the bench. Warmth filled her cheeks as he sat next to her, their knees touching, her hands grasped in his. They each took a minute to compose themselves. "So," San said, "Zhou Ying is north?"
"Yes. I realized after you left that it would be a poor decision to marry her, even though I was ready to make her and our families happy. I told my father that it would be unfair to spend my days with her only…only to see your face every time I looked at her. I confided as much to Ying. She was hurt, inconsolable. But her father understood. She wed the son of a cousin to the Sun family and moved up north. By all accounts, she is doing well."
"Ba, I'm sorry that I disrupted your wedding plans. I feel bad for Ying."
"San, you risked everything for me. I know what was in those letters. Both Lu Xun and Sun Yi told me as much. No, they didn't read them," he said as he read her expression. "They guessed part of it and Jiang Wei confirmed the rest of it."
"I couldn't bring you back to Shu only for you to die."
He drew in a ragged breath. "A part of me died the moment I found out you were gone and what you were returning home to." San could picture it perfectly in her mind as he told her what had happened. Ba running down the stairs, knowing something had happened. Zhou Tai meeting his nephew on the stairs to tell him that she was gone. Lu Xun discovering what she had done and discussing what to do with his wife. Sun Yi explaining her actions to the Lu family and her husband.
"I'm sorry, Ba," San said when he finished. "All I wanted was for you to be with your family again. I couldn't see any other way."
"Tell me that Chan has not laid his hands on you." His voice was full of contempt, and the statement shocked her. "It has consumed my thoughts for almost a year. As soon as Lu Xun told me what was likely to happen to you, I nearly ran off after you. I…I'll never forgive myself if he's claimed you for himself."
San shook her head. "He married Xing Cai, as was originally planned. After Liu Bei whipped me, there was no way he could marry someone who was marked as a traitor."
"He what?" Ba's eyes were full of malice. "Liu Bei would dare harm you after all that you did for our kingdoms?"
"Be, please understand." Curse these tears, she thought. They must not spill over. "It was the only way to force Chan to give up his intentions. And no one beyond Liu Bei's closest friends knows about it."
"Its just…I cannot fathom why you would go through all of that just to make sure I was safe. I don't deserve-"
"Stop right there. You deserve to be with your family and to be safe just as much as everyone else in the world. I told you that I loved you. That has not changed. It was because of that love that I made the decisions leading to all of this. All I want, Ba, is to know that you forgive me." There, she had said it. She had asked the question she so desperately needed an answer to.
In an instant, Ba enveloped her in a strong embrace. "There is nothing to forgive, San. I should be the one asking for forgiveness. I let you wander into the dragon's mouth to be devoured and did nothing to stop you."
"I wouldn't have let you stop me anyway. It was something I needed to do."
"I can't help it. I love you, San. I wish I could take back what happened to you, that I could heal your scars and take away the hurt."
She smiled against his chest. "You already have."
A horn sounded in the distance. The broke apart, grinning madly at each other. "I guess the signing is about to begin," Ba said. "Would you accompany me to the meeting room, Lady Zhao San?"
She slipped her arm through his. "I would be honored, Lord Lu Ba."
It was not quite like the last time she had entered Sun Jian's hall. All eyes turned to them as they walked through the door and the whispering began immediately, but the tone had changed. Gone were the glares and the curses that had been sent her way before. They had been replaced with sighs and questions about what would happen to them next. They only grew louder as San and Ba parted, each going to sit with their families on opposite sides of the room. Zhao Yun and Mei Li said nothing as their daughter sat between them. Tong and Guang wasted no time in making kissing faces at her from across the table.
Once the last of the council members had entered the hall, Sun Jian stood to signal the beginning of the signing. "My friends, this is a glorious time indeed, the uniting of two kingdoms under a promise of peace. Lu Xun, Jiang Wei, please lay out the plan so that we may place our marks on it and begin a new era in China." Liu Bei, sitting on his right, nodded in agreement.
The two strategists stepped forward. Lu Xun placed a scroll on the table in front of both leaders. "My lords, our kingdoms share many things in common. Our territories are vast and our resources many. The lands are as rich in goods as they are in people. Our leaders instill loyalty and prove themselves worthy of our respect and trust. Even our goals mirror each other - a wish for unity and peace for ourselves and our people."
Jiang Wei bowed to Liu Bei and Sun Jian. "Our kingdoms are also rich in legends. Each of you commands warriors whose deeds are known throughout the land. On our own, we are each famed for having such talent among us. But when we share a legend, it gives our enemies cause to fear us. Warriors who stand united, no matter where they are from, go a long way in proving that we are more powerful when we work together."
"You propose a marriage then," said Sun Jian.
"We do," Lu Xun answered. "But this is not to be just any marriage. We will be bringing together two famed soldiers, one from each of our kingdoms. Part of their stories have already been laid in the history books. We believe that once the rest of it is written, the legend will give a warning to all who wish to oppose us."
"Each of their stories came together for a brief moment," Jiang Wei said. "To outsiders, it speaks of the strength of our kingdoms of Shu and Wu. We did not directly play a part in this legend, and yet those outside of us see this story otherwise. We believe that this match will do more than unite our kingdoms as allies. It will serve as a beacon of hope to others who are struggling in this time of chaos. It will be a guiding light to those who share our goals but cannot find ways to achieve them. We will become a part of the legend itself and go down in history as the two kingdoms who tamed the strife in China by first taming the strife within."
Liu Bei and Sun Jian both nodded. "It seems we are in agreement," Jian said. "Who are these two famed warriors that you have chosen to cement this treaty?"
The two strategists turned around and beckoned towards the crowd. San's heart beat madly as Zhao Yun stood from the table and made his way towards the front of the room. Lu Meng had done the same at his table. Mei Li put a cool hand on the back of her daughter's neck to try and calm her.
The generals bowed to their leaders. "My lords," Lu Meng said, "we have discussed this situation at length, and we are both in agreement that our children should join in marriage to mark this treaty."
"Zhao Yun?" Liu Bei turned to his friend.
"I echo Lord Lu's words," he answered. "I can think of no one better for my child to wed and no better place for her to flourish as she has under my care." He glanced back towards the table. "Zhao San, would you join me, please?"
"Lu Ba, would you do the same?" Lu Meng asked.
San willed her jelly filled legs to move as she walked towards her father's outstretched arm. Yun stood behind her as she tried to relax. Not even in her wildest dreams did she imagine this would happen. Her father placed a hand on her shoulder to give her strength and support. Lu Meng did the same for Ba on her right.
"My children," Jiang Wei said, "you have both earned the right to be here and to be together. But the choice, ultimately, is yours. Do we have your consent to mark this treaty with your marriage?
Lu Ba answered with a yes without hesitation. San could only nod her consent. She was afraid that if she opened her mouth, only nonsense would follow. Both of their fathers signed the treaty, followed by the two strategists and then the two leaders. As the ink was drying, Liu Bei and Sun Jian stood. "From this moment forward," Bei said, "may there be peace and prosperity between the lands of Wu and Shu!"
The room was suddenly deafening as people were jumping up and shouting. Some had rushed out of the hall to spread the news. Most of them remained, offering congratulations and setting plans in motion. San was afraid to move among all the confusion. She felt a hand slide into hers and looked up into Ba's eyes. "I can't believe this," he said.
She placed her free hand on his chest, right over his heart. It beat to the same excited rhythm that hers did. "I can."
Someone laughed next to her and pulled them from their reverie. Zhao Yun and Lu Meng were shaking hands and smiling like they were old friends. "Well, this is an ending that I never saw coming," Meng said.
"I feel the same," Yun replied. "I have heard that your strategies and fighting moves are like lighting when in motion. But how fast do you think you can plan a wedding, Master Lu Meng?"
"Oh, about the same speed as you, Little Dragon."
San looked over at Lu Ba, who was shaking with laughter. "What have we gotten ourselves into?"
He leaned over and kissed her forehead between laughs. "Only good things, I hope."
It had all come to this. All of the times she had questioned herself, she now had answers for. All of the times she had fallen, she now knew how to get back up and continue. All of the times she thought she was lost, her pathway was now illuminated.
Lu Meng and Li Tai had welcomed her into the family with open arms and open hearts. Zhao Yun and Mei Li had done the same to Lu Ba. Twice during Shu's stay, San had caught her mother and Li Tai sitting under that same tree, no doubt sharing stories about themselves and their children. Her father and Lu Meng greeted each other like brothers in the hallways. Sometimes, it felt like there had never been a journey at all. It felt more like the two families has woken up one day and decided to marry their children off to people they had known their whole lives. It made San laugh. Still, the memories of what it took to get to this point remained fresh in her mind. She doubted that they would ever completely go away.
The wedding had been beautiful. The Wu and Shu delegations sat amongst each other. The women of both households had managed to turn San into a vision of beauty. Lu Ba looked just as sharp, and she wondered who had gotten to him among the men to prepare him for his big day.
San's favorite part of the wedding had been the one detail that everyone noticed and at the same time, didn't notice it at all. As she took her place at the front of the room, she caught a glance of Lady Sun Shang Xiang's kimono out of the corner of her eye. Next to her was a swirl of green, not the red she had expected. San could tell that more wounds than her own were beginning to heal. She also noticed, before turning her attention back to Ba, that the princess's hand was not visible from underneath Liu Bei's. Perhaps another reunion was on the horizon.
A banquet had been prepared for after the wedding. It was just like San would have wished it to be. Both leaders we seating in the front. Sun Jian's wife, his sons and their wives were on his left. Liu Bei, with Lady Sun and Ma Chao on his right, looked like he belonged there. San was sitting with her new husband opposite them. Her parents were to her right, Ba's parents on his left. Guan Ping and Zhang Shao were seated at a table with Lu Xun, Sun Yi and Jiang Wei. It was a tribute to them that they were able to break so many barriers by simply sitting down together in a dining hall.
The meal turned to singing and dancing. The entertainment was just like it would have been in Shu. San didn't think the night could become any more perfect than it already was.
Towards the end of the night, the two Qiao sisters stood and asked to perform a dance that they had choreographed just for this evening. San noticed that her mother was becoming edgy. It was unlike her. "Mother, is everything alright?"
"Of course," she said, but she didn't look at her daughter. She was looking at the dancers, as if waiting for a sign.
The dance ended amidst a round of applause. But rather than return to their seats, the sisters raised their arms towards Mei Li. San nearly choked on her drink as her own mother stood and made her way to the center of the room. The Qiao sisters merely bowed to her. "What's going on?" San whispered to Ba.
He shrugged. "I have no idea."
"Listen and you will find out," Li Tai said from Ba's other side. Zhao Yun, now sitting next to San, gave her a wink before returning his gaze to his wife.
Sun Jian raised his hand to quiet the room. "Lady Mei Li, to what honor do we owe your presence up here?"
She bowed deeply. "The honor is mine, Lord Sun Jian, to be allowed up here with the wives of Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. I have an addition to the composition they have prepared for this evening. I request your permission to join in their song and dance this one time."
"By all means," he answered.
The three women had clearly met the day before to compose the song and dance. Each of them flowed effortlessly into a pattern of motions that joined both fighting and dancing. Age had not stunted their gracefulness. San silently wondered if the younger songstresses were watching and taking notes.
Xiao Qiao began the song. She sang of a young girl who had grown up with the world at her feet. She was a warrior with unparalleled skills and a battle cry to be feared. As the girl grew up, she craved adventure outside of her kingdom and went on a quest to find it. San had heard parts of it before. When she had been a child, Mei Li would make up songs to try and calm her down. She recognized some of those lines and couldn't help but smile. Xiao's part ended with the girl going off to war.
Da Qiao took over for her sister, singing about a young boy who grew up much like the girl before had. He won hearts with his charm, friends with his loyalty and awe with his fighting skills. He, too, craved adventure. His uncle tried to cure him of his desire, but in the end, he only wanted more. San glanced at Ba, who was red with embarrassment. Li Tai simply smiled. She wondered if either of them recognized the lines being sung. As with her sister, Da's song ended with the boy going off to war again.
Then it was Mei Li's turn. San thought she could have been singing about anything, and the room would have been captivated. Most of them had never heard her mother sing before. She was known throughout China for her voice. But the content of the song quickly caught San's attention. She sung of how the boy and girl met in battle and formed a friendship that neither side could understand. She saved his life, and he saved hers in return.
But the words were all wrong. San recognized most of the words from the song sung about her mother and father. It was her favorite one, written and performed the day they were married. Instead of the epic battle at the end, however, there was a scene of heartbreak when the boy and girl went their separate ways. Ba squeezed San's hand under the table. He may not have recognized the song, but he understood what it was about.
Mei Li smiled as she finished her portion of the song, spreading joy through her voice as the two warriors were reunited. The very last part was unchanged from the original. San closed her eyes as her mother's voice filled her ears, passing on the legendary status from mother to daughter as the song ended and the Qiao sisters joined in singing:
Through fire and death,
they held on to something
neither had ever known.
Through war and destruction,
they found each other and
helped discover their destinies.
Through strength and virtue,
they shared a love that
with live on until the end of time
when the winds blow no more
and the flowers fail to bloom.
A/N: Holy cow, people! We're finally done!
I started this story back in 2005 after enough people begged for a sequel to The Tigress's Song. I started it, became involved with other projects, then lost the story file. I lost it a second time after trying to rewrite it and almost decided to give up. But I hate stories that are unfinished. So I took my lowly twelve page file in a different direction to try and maintain some motivation and focus. Half a decade later, this is where it ended up.
I can't begin to tell you guys how wonderful its been to entertain you with this. Sure its silly and parts of it don't make sense, but that's one of the joys of fan fiction. Its not meant to be perfect. Just fun. And boy has this one been fun.
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported and loved this story. Special kudos to AngelEtty, who has stuck around since the very beginning, and Engelchan, who helped push me forward towards the end. You are all beautiful people and the reasons why I continue to write for this website.
See you all in the future!