At the training fields, Zhang Liao sat with his elbows on his knees on the grass under the shade of a large acacia tree. His halberds placed against the trunk next to a large pole blade. Beside him was Guan Yu who was sitting cross-legged beside the solemn man. They had finished an afternoon of sparring.
"You have improved, Wenyuan," Guan Yu said, stroking his beard. "I am actually glad to see that you are spending more time outside of your residence."
"The campaign against Yuan Shao draws near, Guan Yu," Zhang Liao replied respectfully. "I must fulfill my duties to Lord Cao Cao to prove that I am mighty enough to be his blade."
Guan Yu nodded. He had found Zhang Liao's company more tolerable. Perhaps it was the affinity of being a stranger entering a cohesive group of talented individuals. He recalled their chance meeting on the hillside. He felt honored to be the man's first confidant after the loss of his comrades at Xiapi. The older warrior could not fathom experiencing the darkness Zhang Liao went through.
"Humour me, Zhang Liao. Are the rumors true that you had an altercation with Lord Xiahou Dun over a recruit?" he asked. He was present at the tournament and had witnessed the victory of the sensational female soldier. However, he was disallowed by Guo Jia to attend Cao Cao's post-tournament ritual.
Zhang Liao wiped the sweat that had dripped down his brow. "There is no altercation, Yunchang," he replied. "General Xiahou and I had our reasons, but I must concede to Lord Cao Cao's decision and have faith in his promise."
Zhang Liao looked ahead. It was Xiahou Dun's turn on the training field. To locate the newest recruit was easy as the woman was the shortest among the tall men. As what he would expect, she was keeping up a lot better than before. He recalled the day he received Jia Xu's scroll from her. He thought he was suffering a realistic nightmare. Jia Xu's message only brought more confusion than answers.
You're welcome.
Guan Yu turned his attention to the training field as well. He was able to get a good look of the female warrior. "Is that…?" he blurted out.
Zhang Liao immediately cut him off, "No, Yunchang. She is not." Studying Guan Yu's confused look, he explained, "She carries the looks, but not the name. How she arrived here in the castle, I have yet to discuss with Master Jia Xu."
The man stroked his beard. "Do you consider this a blessing from the Heavens, Wenyuan?"
"I am not sure, Yunchang," Zhang Liao replied.
They let silence fall briefly between them. The sound of soldiers' chorus ringing in the air.
"I believe it is your turn to humor me, Yunchang," Zhang Liao said. He had an ulterior motive, apart from catching up with his friend. Cao Cao had specifically ordered him to carry out this task.
"And what is that, Wenyuan?"
"What compels you to stay, knowing that Lord Cao Cao wants nothing more than your pledge of allegiance to his cause?" the man asked cautiously. As far as he knew Guan Yu, the man is steadfast and loyal to Liu Bei. He would follow the sworn brother to the ends of the earth.
Guan Yu let go of his beard. He placed his free hand on to his knee and breathed in deeply, gathering his thoughts. "I truly appreciate Lord Cao Cao's favours of me. But my honor to the oath with my sworn brother prevails. When I have repaid my debt to your master, that is when I shall take my leave."
Zhang Liao let out a quiet sigh. He had truly enjoyed Guan Yu's company, but once again it was short-lived. He said nothing more, opting to enjoy the remaining time in the warrior's company.
It was the last day of military exercises before the march to Guandu. Ai Xin had managed to endure all of the general's strenuous tasks, to the delight of Xiahou Dun. His expectations were met when the woman was able to fight at par with some of the higher ranking soldiers. But it did not stop him from testing her skills with other weapons.
Xiahou Yuan was right that her skill with the bow was impeccable for a soldier of her rank.
The general had called her attention just as when the soldiers were dismissed for the day. Ai Xin returned to the field after putting away the weapons back to the armory. She found the man waiting by the entrance.
"General," she greeted.
The man was straightforward. "You will be transferred to General Zhang Liao's command during the Guandu campaign," he said. "This order is effective immediately."
Ai Xin's eyes widened with surprise. "You're not marching with Lord Cao Cao, sir?"
"I was tasked to hold the defense in Meng Ford - it is one of the last outposts before the city of Xuchang," Xiahou Dun explained. "Our lord has made his decision and I must comply."
Ai Xin twiddled her fingers, a habit she had formed to ease her anxiety. Her mind was racing, she had to find out if the rumors were true. "So it was General Zhang Liao who had picked my name as well?" she asked.
Xiahou Dun nodded. He had not expected her to be this chatty, but it was all in sync with Cao Cao's plans. Part of the warlord's promise was that she would be part of the campaign against Yuan Shao. Not only that, Cao Cao had planned to test Zhang Liao's loyalty and leadership in the upcoming war. Transferring Ai Xin to Zhang Liao's command would be hitting two birds with one stone as the crafty warlord would have fulfilled his compromise with the general as well.
However, Xiahou Dun also saw it as Cao Cao's way of not letting him get into nasty arguments with Guan Yu. The warlord was aware of Xiahou Dun's immense dislike towards Liu Bei's sworn brother.
"Do not be afraid of General Zhang," Xiahou Dun advised. "He is an honorable man and a great warrior. It will be a benefit for you to learn from him as well."
And a bad drunkard, she thought. After her initial meeting with the man, she had seen him frequently within the private drinking rooms with the famous Guan Yu whenever she passed by the area.
Content with the answers she had received, Ai Xin bowed in gratitude, "Thank you for your guidance, General Xiahou."
"Remember to watch your steps."
Xiahou Dun noticed the blush on her cheeks as the woman turned away, tripping up the steps. He chuckled and smirked. He still had no idea how the woman be klutzy when she had displayed remarkable balance in melee combat.
And probably miss the headache he wouldn't mind having.
It had been months since the start of Cao Cao's war with Yuan Shao. Even with the Yuan army's greater number, they had not been effective in penetrating the defensive Guandu fortress. The pressure now fell on Cao Cao's strategists to overcome the stalemate.
"You have taken quite an interest in that new horse," Zhang Liao noted.
"General," she greeted with a bow.
They stood near the stables facing the open castle gates. A few li ahead, the Yuan banners waved in the wind. They had managed to retake Baima and Yilang castles. It would be a matter of time before they march out again and break through the siege.
Ai Xin gently stroked the mare's mane. Cao Cao had been just in rewarding his men for valiant efforts in the battlefield. At Zhang Liao's recommendation, the warlord had granted the lady a gray mare for a steed. She had found a spare saddle and adorned it with an elegant strip of blue silk.
"She may not be as fast as Lord Guan Yu's Red Hare, but she is as precious as my blade," Ai Xin replied.
Zhang Liao was about to say something when a herald announced the arrival of supplies.
Ai Xin returned to her tent, watching as Xiahou Yuan escorted in new supplies from the capital. Her current superior, Zhang Liao, was conversing with the happy man who waved at her.
She had found Zhang Liao's company much more enjoyable. He had a familiar aura around him, but it would easily turn into awkward conversation when he would ask of her had heard more stories about the lonely warrior from the soldiers. Stories of his adventures serving various warlords such as Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu. Stories of his marriage to a woman so beautiful that Cao Cao had sought her only to executed for resisting the warlord.
Ai Xin remembered the one time Zhang Liao told her that the woman had her eyes.
A mere coincidence.
In their earlier skirmishes, the general had specifically instructed the lone female soldier to stay within earshot. However, he found it difficult to keep track of her as she would disappear in between the mess and just reappear alive with a bloodier sword at the end of a skirmish.
At least he did not need to worry about her capability to defend herself.
"I have heard that the enemy had sent out their two most powerful generals," Ai Xin said.
Zhang Liao crossed his arms. "You don't sound afraid."
Ai Xin placed her hands on her hips, and smiled. "With you leading the vanguard, General. I don't think there would be anyone mightier, even if it is Lord Guan Yu."
A brief silence fell between them. It was no secret that Guan Yu waits for the day he would return to his sworn brothers.
She sighed, "For all the favours Lord Cao Cao had given to the man, he still honors his oath."
"For a cunning and clever man, Lord Cao Cao still carries an acceptable level of goodness, despite what others would say," Zhang Liao said solemnly.
The positive news of Guan Yu's feat of slaying Yan Liang and Wen Chou, was short-lived when he was reunited with his sworn brother. Liu Bei, who had sought refuge in Yuan Shao's command after escaping Xuchang, was forced to fight along the nobleman's forces. To Guan Yu, he found it destiny to be reunited with Liu Bei and promptly announced his departure. But Guan Yu, did not leave without making a proper farewell, he left a letter in front of Cao Cao's chambers before riding out.
Ai Xin's reverie was broken when a newcomer stood a few feet away from her. She looked up and easily recognized her handsome visitor. She had seen him pay a visit once or twice in Jia Xu's study, requesting advice from the strategist on how to make himself more favorable to his father.
Jia Xu gave the simplest advice to the young man. "Obey and show your filial piety."
She immediately bowed in salute. "Prince Cao Pi," she greeted.
Cao Pi, the warlord's eldest son, had arrived at Guandu to assist in the reinforcements of his father's defense of the castle. His excellence in warfare and obedience to follow his father into battles had caught the captured the principles of the court.
"So you are the sensational soldier that had gripped the attention of not only the generals, but my father as well," he said. "Lady Ai Xin, am I correct?"
Ai Xin straightened up. "Yes, my lord." She could tell that Cao Pi's age the same as hers, and he carried a handsome face that would have won the hearts of many women. However, she felt her eye twitch in unease. She could not turn him away so easily. This is the warlord's son after all.
Although many a soldier had asked about her preferences, it was the presence of Zhang Liao nearby that shattered most of their courage. Now facing the son of Cao Cao, what could this man want?
She took a reactive step back when the prince had taken a step forward into her personal space. Her body tensed, ready to defend should the need arise.
"I simply adore women with exceptional beauty. Do not think that I had not noticed you during your time in Jia Xu's study," Cao Pi said in a cool tone. "After that chance meeting, I cannot ignore a mysteriously beautiful woman like you. Tell me, do you appreciate poetry?"
"I am flattered by your words, Prince Cao Pi. Perhaps, I can explore a few scrolls on poetry when time permits, " Ai Xin replied. She was quietly hoping someone, anyone could save her from this situation.
Cao Pi was about to speak when Zhang Liao's voice was heard over the camp. "Get into formation!"
Ai Xin took that as her cue. She stepped away and bowed once more. "I must go, Prince Cao Pi. May the heavens keep you safe," she said and ran towards the organizing troops.
A window of opportunity had presented itself to them when Yuan Shao's retainer, Xu You had defected to Cao Cao's side. The advisor had brought information of Yuan Shao's main supply depot at Wuchao. The information had brought up many ideas from Cao Cao, and it was properly guided by the suggestions of Jia Xu.
While Yue Jin and the others continued to maintain the defenses of Guandu, drawing in Yuan Shao's main forces, Cao Cao had tasked Zhang Liao's unit in escorting a fire engineer unit to setting the depot on fire.
The troops followed a small bypath and kept to the trees. They had intercepted a unit that was meant to be reinforcements for the defense of Wuchao. Under Zhang Liao's leadership, they were able to eliminate the enemy with no casualties.
"Major, let your men and the engineers take the enemy's armor and stash their weapons," Zhang Liao ordered. "I will take the rest of the unit to attract attention and draw out their defenses. You will lead the infiltration disguised as reinforcements and set fire from within."
"Understood, General!"
Ai Xin tied her hair into a bun and put on the helmet. The armor was big enough that she did not have to take away her own armor, but it added more weight to her step. It was heavy and it slowed her down. They just needed to reach behind the walls.
Reaching the clearing Zhang Liao's unit divided into two. The general had reformed his men in front of the main gate of Wuchao depot and yelled out his challenge.
Ai Xin followed Zhang Liao's major in escorting the engineers. They waited for the majority of the enemy defenders to come out of the depot's gates and engage with Zhang Liao and his men. When the coast was clear, the smaller unit infiltrated the depot, and the engineers dispersed. She followed an engineer through the main pathway when something tall had landed in front of them. Two loud swipes and a death cry resounded in the air. Ai Xin raised her blade in defense, she pulled up the helmet to get a better look at their threat.
"Do you honestly think I would not know your plan?" a melodious male voice spoke. The threat was a tall man with long dark hair adorned with a golden butterfly clip. His armor had butterfly detailing, but what made him deadly was the long sharp claws.
"I am Zhang He styled Junyi," the man introduced himself. He took strange offensive stance. "Are you ready for my beautiful dance of death?"
Ai Xin might have heard of this name during the liberation of Yilang castle. She had heard of his easily adaptability with many weapons, but never expected that he would utilize claws. Without another word, Zhang He charged towards Ai Xin. The woman immediately moved to a defensive position. Zhang He was faster than the normal man, maybe even faster than Xiahou Yuan. His flexible physique and long claws had enough reach to land three clean cuts on her forearms. In reaction, Ai Xin swung her blade upwards, conjuring an icy crystal that exploded in front of Zhang He, catching him off-guard.
"Magical tricks will not deter me from my prey," Zhang He hissed. He shook off the snow that had accumulated on his hair. "But you have done well to stay in one piece, warrior."
"Give me a moment. This armor is just too heavy," Ai Xin said. She unclasped and discarded the heavy armor, and loosened the bun, letting her hair fall into a ponytail. She felt lighter in her own armor and her vision clearer. She ignored the blood seeping down to her wrists. The man's weapons were too sharp to cut through twice the armor. If she would find her end in duelling with this man, she better give it her all.
Zhang He gasped with a dramatic hand to his forehead, "A woman in man's armor. And yet, she has danced as well as I! Oh woe is my predicament!"
Ai Xin was not sure if she was watching an act, or this was the real persona of the man called Zhang He. But she could feel that he was half-hearted in making another move. Maybe she could talk her way out of the situation. She had gathered enough information through listening in to conversations to create a political picture of their enemy.
"Are you… truly happy serving Yuan Shao, Lord Zhang He?" she asked. "How long have you kept your head bowed for a name who cannot see what the future holds?
"Lord Yuan Shao is an obstinate man," Zhang He said bitterly, the questions had triggered his unspoken hatred towards his commander. He fell to his knees, pressing a dainty hand to his forehead and sighed, "Had he heeded my beautiful words, he would not have to suffer this disgrace."
Ai Xin put away her sword and walked towards Zhang He, and sat next to him. If her superiors would see her now, they would never approve of her actions. She took the time to rip a portion of her sleeve and use it to wrap around the wounds. "I am sure Lord Cao Cao would listen to you," she said gently. "Maybe you'd find true beauty under his leadership."
Zhang He glanced at Ai Xin, appreciating her show of kindness. He glanced down at her wounded skin and pouted as if he had destroyed something precious. His attention shifted quickly as a deer when he felt a hot wind blow. His nose caught the smell of charred wood and grain.
Wuchao is burning.
Chunyu Qiong, the real commander of the base, ran outside of his tent. He saw Zhang He seated on the ground next to an unfamiliar soldier. "Zhang He, what are you doing sitting there?! Help me put out the fire!"
Zhang He stood up, and faced his comrade. "Wuchao burns, Lord Chunyu Qiong. We must make our choice now. Do you wish to hold on to the false hopes of the nobility, or will you take a leap of faith to find true beauty?"
"Quit your drabble, Zhang He. If you're thinking of defecting to our enemy, I will have to slay you," Chunyu Qiong shouted, raising his spear.
Zhang He's face darkened. "Send my farewell to our Lord Yuan Shao," he said.
Ai Xin pushed herself back on her feet, opting to not witness with her eyes the cruelty of Zhang He's methods. To hear Chunyu Qiong's dying cries until it faded to silence was enough proof to never toy with the man's bad side.
A shudder rolled down her spine. A memory of a man slain in front of her flashbacked in her eyes.
"My lady?"
She glanced to the side when Zhang He stood next to her. She saw the tips of his claws dripped with blood. She could feel her heart beat faster in anxious anticipation. Had she just made acquaintances with a man with a flair for the macabre?
Not wanting to linger with the flames, she asked quietly, "Shall I escort you to Lord Cao Cao, General Zhang He?"
"Yes," Zhang He replied.
The pair made their way out of the flaming garrison. Ai Xin could see Zhang Liao's unit waiting for her a good distance away. When they arrived, the first thing her superior did was place a hand on her shoulder. "So you managed to survive," he said.
Ai Xin bowed. She gestured to her companion. "I present to you, General Zhang He of Yuan Shao's army. He surrenders himself to Lord Cao Cao's banner."
Zhang Liao glanced at Zhang He, looking for any signs of a threat. Taking in Ai Xin's word, he turned to his soldiers and ordered, "Surrender your weapons. Soldiers, escort him back to the castle."
Before Zhang He let himself be led away, he turned to Ai Xin. "What is your name, my lady?"
"Ah… Ai Xin," the woman replied.
Zhang He smiled, "I hope to see you again, Lady Ai Xin."
At Guandu castle, Cao Cao was pleased with the outcome of the raid. Zhang Liao had proven himself once again, and it delighted the warlord to have received a talented individual in exchange for Guan Yu's departure. He stood tall, observing the surrendered officer before him.
"Zhang He Junyi," he asked. "Why have you come to me?"
"I seek perfection in the beautiful art of war. My servitude under the disillusioned Yuan Shao had brought nothing but continuous failures. I believe that I find that perfect beauty under your banner, Lord Cao Cao," Zhang He declared. "Let me be your radiant butterfly and I shall show the world the beauty of your power!"
Cao Cao glanced at Guo Jia who gave him a nod, to Jia Xu who gave him a shrug. "What say you, Private Ai Xin? Do you vouch for the man's honor and prowess?"
Ai Xin nearly choked on her own saliva at the sudden change of attention to her. She bowed deeply, "Yes Lord Cao Cao! I can attest that Lord Junyi is skilled, resourceful, and his beauty will strike fear in the hearts of your threats!" she exclaimed in response.
Jia Xu rolled his eyes, disapproving of her choice of words. Guo Jia stifled a giggle.
Cao Cao chuckled. He would probably never get tired of putting the woman on edge. "Rise, Zhang He Junyi, and welcome to my elite force."
With Wuchao burned to the ground, the morale of the Yuan army had plummeted below ground. The numbers of his vast army dwindled as soldiers deserted their posts to return to their homelands. Taking advantage of this disarray, Cao Cao had personally led his forces to charge Yuan Shao's castle, forcing the nobleman to retreat.
Making use of what remains of their supplies, Cao Cao had ordered for a celebratory feast for this decisive victory.
"The Yuan's false hopes of preserving the nobility are over," he declared, raising a cup of wine to his men. "This decisive victory cannot be mine alone, for it is you, my brave warriors, who had secured triumph under my banner."
Ai Xin sat with the other soldiers of Zhang Liao's unit, intending to give a congratulatory toast to their commander. When the man had arrived, Zhang Liao was showered with praises and multiple cups of wine.
A soldier said excitedly, "This sure brings a lot of good fortune our way, General."
"We will follow you anywhere, General," another one said.
While enjoying the festivities, Ai Xin wandered around the hall. She saw Cao Cao in conversation with his son, Cao Pi. Beside the prince stood a lovely woman who looked like a goddess that descended from the heavens. She passed by a group of soldiers and listened in to their gossip.
"I am so jealous of the Prince Cao Pi, he found himself such a beautiful wife!"
"Her name is Lady Zhenji," another soldier said. "She was said to be Yuan Xi's prized wife, but I guess if the man's dead, it doesn't matter right?"
Ai Xin shrugged her shoulders. At least that would put off any advances the prince had made on her earlier. She continued her wandering, until she managed to step out into the cool gardens.
The symphony of crickets and frogs gave her a sense of peace in solitude. She stared at the reflection of the night sky on the small pond.
"Alone again, Ai Xin?"
Ai Xin looked over to find Zhang Liao behind her. She gave a sheepish grin. "General… The men are celebrating your success. Shouldn't you be there with them?"
Zhang Liao shook his head. "I have said what needs to be said," he answered. "I am here to commend you for your efforts. You have proven well in fighting in the battlefield."
"I feel as if I have been fighting for a long time too, sir," Ai Xin replied. She looked at her newly changed bandages. "Maybe longer than I could truly remember."
"Are you sure you cannot remember?" Zhang Liao asked.
Ai Xin frowned, "Let's not go to that question game again, General. It scares me how you could tell what happens in my dreams without me sharing the whole story to you."
The man chuckled, "And I will say again that I believe those are more than just dreams, but memories."
"How could it be possible, my lord, for a person to hold another individual's memories or even an identity? Unless… I am who I am not?" she answered back in question.
When Ai Xin realized her voice was raised, she immediately stopped.
"Forgive me, General. I have overstepped myself," she said.
Zhang Liao had been listening intently, clearly hoping for some sort of breakthrough. "Do not worry," he said kindly.
"This is a more important news for you to hear. Lord Cao Cao is considering your promotion," the man said with pride. "He is pleased not only with your vast improvement in military warfare, but also with the smooth acquisition of Zhang He's talents."
The mood quickly changed from serious into a happy one.
"Oh… so does that mean… I will be able to handle a unit soon?" Ai Xin asked excitedly.
"You will still be under a general's command, to teach you the basics of maintaining troops," Zhang Liao answered. "But I do not think that task will be granted to me."
As quick as her happy face changed into an anxious one.
"Does that mean I will go back to General Xiahou Dun's command?"
Zhang Liao nodded. "Yes. But you will see me around more often."
"If General Xiahou doesn't double my workload," Ai Xin said with a sigh.
Zhang Liao laughed.
Ai Xin smiled with reddening cheeks at his laughter, but she liked how the general sounded. She turned away from Zhang Liao, and placed her hands on the rails. She leaned forward to look out to the sky.
The stars shone brightly that night. For each star that twinkles in her sight, she prayed it was a memory waiting to come back.