"You stay in this cramped little space?!" Zhang He cried in surprise. "A woman of achievement should be given a larger quarters!"
The Butterfly General had arrived to celebrate Ai Xin's promotion to lieutenant major. But he was greeted with a more dismal state of room. The woman had fallen back to the habit of leaving piles of opened scrolls inside. She was lucky that Xiahou Dun had not yet returned from his post.
Ai Xin was rolling the scrolls and organizing them. "You caught me at a bad time, Junyi. I am in the middle of fixing these scrolls."
Zhang He looked around. "But where are your own personal items?"
The woman pointed to one side of the room. She had an armor stand and a weapon stand. Beside the stands were two chests, one for clothes and the other for her personal items. "Everything I owned are in that corner."
Zhang He sat on a chair, aghast at the situation of his newfound friend. "You deserve more than this, Ai Xin. Why are you not requesting to up the standards of your living?"
"Because I don't need extravagance," Ai Xin answered. "I have a bed, a place to eat, and a place to groom myself. I think that's enough."
"But to me, you would need a bigger space to put all of your thoughts in," Zhang He said. "How about I will do you a favor, I will request Lord Cao Cao to allow you a room nearer the castle library. So that you would not have to collect dust here."
"That won't be necessary, Junyi!"
Zhang He had made up his mind. "I will not have beauty be marred by a mess. We shall hold a grander celebration of your promotion and house-warming tea party!"
He stood up and sauntered off.
The woman could not believe that Cao Cao would grant Zhang He's request so easily within the day. Zhang He had returned in the late afternoon and helped her pack everything for the move. Since Ai Xin had little personal items, it was a quick transfer from the little room in the barracks to her new quarters inside the castle.
Zhang He burst through the door and gave a tour of the place. "Isn't it beautiful, Ai Xin? It has a perfect view of the gardens!" He twirled in delight while exclaiming beauty.
Ai Xin had to admit, she appreciated the change. It was a larger room than her previous one. The new quarters provided enough privacy by separating the bedroom from the main lounge which would serve as her study, dining, and entertaining guests. She carried her chest into the bedroom and placed it at the foot of her bed.
"Oh, we must certainly find you new clothes as well," Zhang He said cheerfully as he placed her clothes chest against the wall. He opened it without her permission and sifted through the lady's robes. "You won't be just a mere private anymore. You must also be a lady ready to entertain Lord Cao Cao's whims!"
Overwhelmed by Zhang He's excitement and uncertain of her willingness to entertain 'whims', Ai Xin could only laugh. "Oh Junyi. Do you really think I would have time for such activities?" she asked.
"But of course! If you have time to do your scholarly pursuits, then you should have time to shop for yourself," Zhang He replied. He folded the robes neatly and replaced them inside the chest. He walked over to Ai Xin and squeezed her cheeks with giddy.
"How about we go to town tomorrow afternoon?" he said.
"Sure Junyi," Ai Xin said. "Maybe you can help me pick out really good hanfus."
Zhang He gave her a playful smirk, "Oh I would love to see how I can elevate your beauty, Ai Xin."
After thanking Zhang He for his generous assistance, the general happily left, proud of having done a beautiful work of art. Ai Xin left her room to explore this section of the castle. She eventually found herself walking down one of the familiar routes towards the library, with the intent of returning her borrowed scrolls. The new location of her quarters had shortened her travel time greatly. As she passed by a private study heading back, she heard someone call out her name. She took steps back and peeked into the open room.
"Oh, Master Jia Xu," she greeted.
Jia Xu was having his supper in the study. He gestured to the extra food on the table. "Come and join me for supper, Ai Xin."
Ai Xin bowed in thanks and entered the room. She found the study messier than ever. The walls were stacked to the ceiling with scrolls. She took her seat across the man and partook in the meal.
"Are you up for another game of weiqi?" the strategist asked.
Ai Xin smiled, "I will try my best to defeat you this time." She fetched the board from under one of the tables.
Amused at his protege's eagerness to engage in the intellectual game, Jia Xu had effectively secured her time for a chat.
"How far have you gone with your task?" Jia Xu inquired, while placing the first white piece on the weiqi board.
She placed a black piece on the board. "I am still in the process of figuring it out, Master Wenhe," she admitted.
"The allure of military prestige and access to knowledge does not satisfy you?" Jia Xu asked curiously. He placed another piece on the board.
"No, I seek more than that," Ai Xin replied.
"What is it that you seek?" Jia Xu inquired.
Ai Xin paused, taken aback by her master's question. She pondered on her answer as they continued their game. She reflected on her most remote memories of the village she woke up in.
The water was cold against her skin. She could feel herself shiver as she crawled her way towards shore. She did not know where she is. When her hands felt dry land, she laid her face against the grass, succumbing to sleep.
"Hey, can you hear me?"
"Yes," she mumbled.
"Hey, do you have a name?"
She looked to the side and saw a patch of mugworts on the grass.
"Ai… Xin…"
The sound of stones hitting the board continued. Ai Xin had focused enough to initiate countermoves against her master. Even when Jia Xu had continuously cornered her pieces, Ai Xin had found a way out.
"I seek answers to my past, that will help me understand my identity. When I piece the puzzle together and assert my true self, that will be the pinnacle of my quest," she said as she placed the last black piece to secure her win.
Jia Xu looked over the board. He smirked, "You have beaten me."
Ai Xin smiled in return. "This is just one game, Master. I would have to beat you a hundred different times before I can consistently win against you."
"And weiqi is just one game," Jia Xu said. "You have yet to beat me in xiangqi."
"We'll get to that soon, Master Wenhe."
They both share a genuine laugh. As the junior, Ai Xin cleaned up the board.
"Master Jia Xu, how is Master Guo Jia's health?" she asked lightly.
Jia Xu's mood changed immediately. "So you noticed," he said.
Ai Xin tapped her temple. "You taught me to observe, and I have been. Master Guo Jia has been pushing himself too much."
The woman opened up the purse that she had tied to her sash. She pulled out a small parcel. It was the last of the herbal medicine she had acquired from the Manfu shop.
Jia Xu raised an eyebrow which was followed by a laugh. He had not expected that she would be able to acquire a second pack. "If I had not found you any sooner, you may as well make a living being a thief," he said with a chuckle. "Have you done your readings as to what concoction should be made?"
Ai Xin nodded. She produced a scroll from the purse and placed it on the table. "I fear his health would fail him before your return from the Wuhuan campaign. I was hoping you could be the one to convince him to rest, Master Wenhe," she said earnestly.
Jia Xu picked up the scroll and read it. He was pleased with the output.
"Your kindness can be a weapon, Ai Xin," Jia Xu said. "But a tricky one to wield."
Ai Xin gave him a lopsided smile. Amused to listen in to another one of the old man's random tangential lectures.
"Let me impart with you some wisdom, my student. Never stop making happy memories of who you are today. Your journey is still long, find people you can trust and you will never be left alone."
He leaned back in his chair. "As for someone like me, solitude is my true companion."
The following afternoon, Zhang He and Ai Xin had a great time. They browsed through the wares of the city tailor and they were able to select a few hanfus that had matched Ai Xin. With the money she had earned from her salary, Ai Xin secretly made the purchase before Zhang He would pay ahead of her.
"You are no fun if you do not let me pay, Ai Xin," Zhang He said with a pout. He had offered to carry the wrapped parcel for the lady.
Ai Xin shook her head, "You have already done so much for me, Zhang He. But how about I make a deal with you?"
"Oh I am listening."
Ai Xin pointed to a small stall that caters to parlor games. "If you can scoop more fish than me, I will let you dress me up for a day, with make-up included."
The stall owner opened his arms. "Welcome my lord and lady. Would you like to try your luck in catching some fish?"
Zhang He gave a tassel of coin to the owner. "It will be a competition between me and the lady."
The shop owner grinned. "A test of friendship, I see! Very well." He pulled out two paper nets and two bowls filled with water.
"Now this is a delicate kind of net," the owner explained. "It must take great skill and accuracy to catch fish without tearing it. You may continue catching fish for as long as your net does not break."
Zhang He took his position on one side, and Ai Xin took her position across him. At the signal of the owner, the two friends patiently positioned themselves and wait for the right moment to scoop the fish.
Ai Xin's net quickly skirted the water and was able to scoop a fish. She immediately tossed the fish in her bowl.
"You're going to need faster reflexes if you want to beat me, Zhang He," she taunted.
Zhang He smirked. After analyzing Ai Xin's display of technique, he perfectly timed his scoop, catching two fish at once in the net.
"Two in one, I bet you to surpass me," Zhang He challenged.
The owner stared in awe as Zhang He and Ai Xin continued surpassing each other in the number of fish. He could not believe the dexterity and control that they have! However, in Ai Xin's last scoop, the paper net finally gave way, and the fish swam free. Zhang He decided to stop as well, as it would no longer be fun if his companion would not be competitive with him.
The stall owner counted the fish in each bowl and reported the results. "The winner is Lord Zhang He with twenty fish in contrast to Lady Ai Xin's eighteen fish."
"Looks like you win the deal, Junyi," Ai Xin said with a smile as they departed from the stall and made their way back to the castle.
Zhang He gave Ai Xin a nudge. "You didn't have to intentionally lose for me, you know."
"I got reckless and excited," Ai Xin replied. "Besides, I would want to see how beautiful you can make me, Junyi."
"Oh, but I do have the right event to showcase my work!" Zhang He said. "The wedding!"
"Whose wedding?"
It would be Cao Pi's wedding to his soon-to-be wife, Zhenji.
The wedding was held in Cao Cao's personal residence in Xuchang. Although Cao Cao would want to throw a grand wedding for his eldest son, he assented to Cao Pi's request to make it a more private affair. But that didn't stop the father from inviting a considerable amount of guests including the ranked officers at his command and close ministers.
After the formal ceremonies and public acceptance of Cao Pi and Zhenji's union, Cao Cao began his role as the host of the night's banquet.
"Let us begin the night with noise to dispel evil and ill omens!"
Strings of firecrackers exploded along the street, creating noise to ward away misfortune. When the smoke had cleared, Cao Cao had signaled for the entry of food to be served to the guests.
On top of a platform, a local band started playing lively music. Alluring courtesans filed into the halls, providing entertainment through dance and song. Wine was flowing and food was plenty, completing the mood of the celebration.
"I feel ridiculous," Ai Xin muttered. She felt like a walking doll in her hanfu. Her hair was pulled to a bun and adorned with jewelry. Zhang He had painted her face, accentuating her eyes and lips. When the man presented her a mirror, Ai Xin found herself face to face with a beautiful stranger.
"Nonsense, Ai Xin. You must believe that you are beautiful because you truly are," Zhang He said, proud to show off his handiwork to the partygoers. "But of course, Zhenji outshines you," he added in stride.
As they traversed through the crowd, Ai Xin accepted compliments left and right from those who recognized her. Zhang He walked proudly beside her like a peacock fanning his tail feathers.
They found an unoccupied table and took their seats. They were served dinner by the waiters, and wine by the waitresses. As they ate their meal, Ai Xin was looking at the direction of the newlyweds. Zhang He was right, the Lady Zhen was breathtaking. Beside the bride, Cao Pi carried a devilishly handsome look.
They would have beautiful children, she thought.
Ai Xin focused back to her meal when Cao Pi looked at her direction, avoiding the prince's gaze. She hoped he would forget about their conversation at Guandu. She sipped the wine and was pleased with the taste. She noticed that someone else had occupied another seat at their table.
"Who's that fancy lady beside you, Junyi?" It was Xiahou Yuan. He glanced at the lady and gasped, "Well, well, well! If it isn't the Lieutenant Ai Xin, you look pretty today," he complimented.
Ai Xin blushed and bowed her head in gratitude. "Thank you for your kind words, General Xiahou."
Zhang He beamed with pride to hear Xiahou Yuan's approval. "I have prepared the lady well for this wonderful occasion!"
Xiahou Yuan grinned, "I'd like to introduce you to my son, Ba. But I don't think you'll approve hanging out with a kid."
"I am sure he and I will be great friends, General," Ai Xin replied.
"If I were you, don't linger around too late, especially when the other men start getting drunk with wine. They might mix you up with the courtesans," Xiahou Yuan cautioned.
"I will keep that in mind, thank you sir," Ai Xin said. She had no intention of staying long either.
Xiahou Yuan grabbed a cup of wine and stood up. "See you around, Junyi. I hear someone calling me to a drinking challenge!"
Zhang He waved goodbye to the departing general. When he heard a familiar tune being played by the band, Zhang He got up to his feet. "Do you dance my lady?"
Ai Xin shook her head immediately. "Oh no, I don't. I fear I would trip over especially in this tight skirt," she said. The last thing she wanted was a nasty fall forward and mess up her new clothes.
"Well, I must outshine these dancers and teach them the proper way of dancing with beauty and grace!" Zhang He said. "You be careful now!"
He got up from his seat and took his leave of Ai Xin.
Satisfied with her participation in the event and heeding Xiahou Yuan's words, Ai Xin rose from her seat and discreetly made her way towards the exit of Cao Cao's estate. She had emerged from the crowd and was about to make her way towards the gates when her path was blocked by a drunken minister.
"Why do we have a runaway courtesan?" he slurred. He waddled his way towards her and attempted to grab her bosom.
Ai Xin stepped back in reaction, narrowly evading the minister's heavy hands. She was about to grapple the man over, when she felt a firm grip pull her away. The minister had attempted to grab her again, but tripped on his own feet and fell forward onto the floor.
The woman was dragged by the hand all the way past the gates. Ai Xin finally found her footing and planted her feet on the ground, wrenching her hand away from the firm grip. She looked at her 'savior' and was surprised to see that it was Xiahou Dun.
"G-General! You've returned!" she exclaimed. When did he arrive? How did he find her in the middle of the crowd?
Xiahou Dun huffed, "You look like you needed help."
"I can very much defend myself, sir. I was able to grapple and throw the man down," Ai Xin defended.
Xiahou Dun maintained his serious facade. "I doubt that. You walk like a duck in that outfit."
Ai Xin pouted and retorted, "At least I am a pretty duck." She looked away blushing, realizing how stupid her statement was. "Besides, I'm returning to the castle anyway."
"Let me escort you back," Xiahou Dun said. It wasn't an offer.
The woman did not refuse. She couldn't go against the whims of this officer for there was sound reason. Together, they started walking down the path that led to the castle. They passed by the lantern lit roads, until they reached a large bridge that crosses a calm river.
Ai Xin stopped walking, opting to take a moment to appreciate the scenery. Xiahou Dun, noticing that the woman had halted, stopped as well.
"Are you tired, Lieutenant?" he asked, concerned.
Ai Xin shook her head. She leaned her elbows against the rail, staring at the reflection of the sky against the surface of the water. The moon peeked through the clouds, lighting up the river.
"Isn't this pretty, General?" she asked softly.
Xiahou Dun looked over and observed the lady's features. He immediately looked away, resisting the temptation of physical infatuation. He was accustomed to seeing her in a dirty mess, but still she attracted his attention. Now that the woman stands prim and proper before him, it was harder not to look away. His conscience berated him for accepting such thoughts. He crossed his arms and leaned his back against the rail.
"Zhang He did remarkable work on you," he said. "I never thought you had what it takes to dress like a decent lady."
Ai Xin took it as a compliment for Zhang He, but a jab at her self-confidence. She chuckled, "I did not expect it either, General. Zhang He's concept of beauty has so many paradigms." She pushed herself off the rail and twirled back to the center of the bridge, striking a pose reflecting Zhang He's influence.
"But to hear praise from you, would give the highest boost to Zhang He's morale," she said, mimicking Zhang He's flamboyance.
Xiahou Dun rolled his eye and sighed. "Don't even think of pulling such postures during the exercises, Lieutenant. I will have you demoted for insubordination."
Ai Xin dropped her arms immediately. "Yes sir," she said in a whiny tone.
They continued their way back to the castle, their conversation jumping from his boredom at the outpost to the focus on the campaigns that Cao Cao intended to execute. Upon entering the castle floor, Xiahou Dun had insisted on escorting her all the way to her room.
Ai Xin stopped at the door and turned around. She gave a deep bow to Xiahou Dun and straightened up. "Thank you, General, for your time and company."
Xiahou Dun looked to the side, the glimpse of her bosom irritating him. "I shall see you in the training fields tomorrow, Lieutenant. Have a pleasant evening." With a wave, the general turned around and made his way down the corridor.
When Ai Xin was sure that the man was out of earshot, she immediately entered her room and slammed the door shut. She grabbed the nearest pillow within her reach and squealed into it. She was surprised at being able to stay true to herself for the entire event. But what astounded her was that she was able to feel comfortable in the general's presence.
How embarrassing it was to have a crush on her superior.