Within the walls of Xuchang, Cao Cao summoned another war council in the palace. The monthly court session with the Emperor had concluded. He listened to the reports from the ministers, as well as of the military status of his generals deployed in the south. However, what piqued his interest the most was news from Jing province.
The governor of Jing province, Liu Biao, was reported to be struggling with his failing health.
"Another scion of the Han slowly fades away," Cao Cao said, leaning his head into his hand. "It is the fate of those who had gotten comfortable in their idyllic way of life, ignoring the reality of war."
Xun Yu bowed, "If I may speak, Lord Cao Cao. Our spies have reported that there is rising unrest in Xiangyang commandery. Liu Biao has yet to proclaim who will take his place as governor."
Cao Cao chuckled, "And do you think Liu Bei will interfere to claim the land for himself?"
"If I may, my lord," Jia Xu added. "Even though Liu Bei is another scion from the Han, his principles will push him to not interfere with family affairs. He will most likely go along whatever Liu Biao's decision will be."
"When Liu Biao leaves for the afterlife, Liu Bei will have no one to protect him," Cao Cao said. "He will have no more place to run but south."
The warlord pushed himself up from his seat and raised his hand.
"We shall use this opportunity to begin our conquest for the southern lands. Not only will we take control of Jing province, but we will finally pin Liu Bei before he flees once more."
Both rows of ministers and military generals bowed in salute.
"Yes, Lord Cao Cao!"
As the council members dispersed from the hall, Xu Shu lingered for a bit in the back. His thoughts drifted to Liu Bei and his men. He wondered how they were faring now that there were rumors that they had acquired Zhuge Liang's service.
"Master Xu Shu," Jia Xu started, tapping the man on the shoulder. "Before you run off to do your duties, how about we go over and visit Master Fengxiao for a moment? I am sure he would be interested to know what transpired here."
Xu Shu stared at Jia Xu for a few seconds, determining the reason behind the request. Seeing no potential conflict in his schedule, he agreed.
"Of course, Master Wenhe."
Together, they departed from the palace and traversed through the streets of Xuchang. It was a clear sky, but a light breeze blew. The seasons are close to changing again. When they arrived at Guo Jia's residence, Jia Xu proceeded to loudly knock on the wooden gates.
They were greeted by a servant. He bowed in greeting, "Master Guo Jia advised me that he was expecting visitors. Please follow me."
Jia Xu and Xu Shu glanced at each other before following the servant further into the household. When they entered the receiving room, it smelled faintly of plum wine and blossoms.
Xu Shu saw an open pot of wine. He asked aloud, "Isn't it that Master Guo Jia was prohibited from drinking while he has yet to finish his treatment?"
"Take it easy, Yuanzhi," Jia Xu said light-heartedly. "I am sure that it's for us."
The wine-loving host made his presence known. His casual robes hung loosely around the thin body frame. He seemed to have improved since his return from the Bailang campaign. While physically tired, his eyes twinkled bright with vigor.
"Gentlemen, welcome," Guo Jia greeted his visitors with a lofty smile. "Please have a seat. Feel free to have some wine for yourselves. Consider it as my way of apology for not being able to attend the council session earlier."
Xu Shu shook his head, "But what about you, Master Fengxiao?"
Guo Jia approached them and placed a hand on each of their shoulders.
Guo Jia laughed, "Don't sympathize with me, Yuanzhi. I opened that pot just for you and Wenhe. Please, do not concern yourself about my health. I am following the physician's orders to get as much rest as possible. Mind you, I can be very strict with myself when needed."
They gathered around a circular table. The servants set out cups of wine and a platter of cured meat. Guo Jia eagerly nibbled on the cured meat, clearly trying to abstain from drinking the wine. As the men enjoyed the meal served to them, they opened discussions on potential courses of action for Cao Cao to pursue for the annexation of Jing province.
"The southern lands beyond the Yangtze river are currently ruled by the Sun family. The Little Conqueror Sun Ce had managed to stabilize the region so that it provided them enough provisions and natural security," Jia Xu said. "Unfortunately, he was bedridden with a mysterious illness when he attempted an assault in Xuchang."
Xu Shu added, "It will be difficult to penetrate their defenses without a proper foothold into Jing Province. How the Little Conqueror did it was because of the navy expertise and swift travel upstream. If we were to deal with them, we must start preparing a navy fleet as well."
Jia Xu finished his cup. "I like that idea, Yuanzhi. We are mostly infantry and cavalry after all." He glanced over to Guo Jia. "Any insights that you may offer, Fengxiao?"
Guo Jia used a single chopstick to swirl a cup of wine. He lifted up and inhaled the scent infused on the wood. "Before we move towards the Sun family territory, we must first establish a strong foothold in Jing Province. There is one obstacle that bars us from succeeding in the first objective. The one enemy that our lord should have dealt with when he had the chance."
It is the one name that harried Cao Cao since the beginning of his path to conquest.
Liu Bei.
"Lord Liu Bei had managed to acquire Zhuge Liang's services," Xu Shu reported. He clenched his fists. "With the current situation that Liu Biao's health is deteriorating, Zhuge Liang must have suggested that Liu Bei usurp the governor and take over the province."
"Yet you wonder why Liu Bei has not done such?" Jia Xu inquired with a knowing glint in his eye.
Xu Shu nodded, keen on understanding the situation. "Yes. If we were to follow the lessons of history, it would have been the most logical thing to do."
"That is because of Liu Bei's bleeding heart," Guo Jia replied. He lazily swirled the chopstick in his cup. "No matter how brilliant Zhuge Liang's strategies are, they will collapse without strong leadership."
Xu Shu glanced at Guo Jia. He recalled the initial reaction he received when he offered his services to Liu Bei. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were hesitant to the point of threats.
A servant entered the room and bowed to the men in greeting. "Master Guo Jia, I must apologize for the intrusion. Master Jia Xu, a carriage is waiting for you outside. General Xiahou Yuan said that Lord Cao Cao requests for your presence."
Jia Xu sighed and set down his finished cup of wine and then stood up. "It seems my schedule cannot afford any more tardiness," he said in a soft tone. "Guo Jia, do you mind if I bring this pot along for our lord to enjoy?"
"It will be my pleasure," Guo Jia said with a large smile. "Lord Cao Cao will certainly enjoy this blend."
As their customary practice, Guo Jia and Xu Shu accompanied Jia Xu out of the gates. A servant followed behind them carrying the pot of wine. Xiahou Yuan was waiting on horseback. He gave a respectful greeting to the intellectuals.
"Man, I wish I could get a sip of that delicious wine," Xiahou Yuan said wistfully. "I could smell it all the way from your doorstep, Master Guo Jia."
Jia Xu tossed a leather jug towards Xiahou Yuan. "Here's your portion to enjoy for the night, General."
Xiahou Yuan caught the jug and took a sip. He grinned with satisfaction. "Master Guo Jia's wines are always the exotic ones."
"I am pleased to hear that, General Miaocai," Guo Jia with a proud smile.
Jia Xu got into the carriage. He poked his head out of the window and said, "It's been a fruitful discourse, my friends. Until our next gathering."
Guo Jia nodded with a mischievous smile, "Of course."
When the advisor departed with his escort, Xu Shu turned to look at Guo Jia. He bowed. "Well, it seems I must take my leave as well, Master Fengxiao. I am honored to have learned more from you."
Guo Jia chuckled, "Before you go, Yuanzhi. Will you entertain me with one last discussion?"
Alerted with the sudden change in Guo Jia's tone, Xu Shu maintained his countenance to mask his surprise. "Very well. What is on your mind, Master Fengxiao?"
"How would you appraise the talents of your female rival?"
Xu Shu tilted his head. He responded with careful words, "Lady Ai Xin is a resourceful and clever woman. Her brilliant and quick analysis of a situation can change the course of a battle… if she were given that chance. Sometimes, I think that her kindness and dense persona masks her true nature."
He studied Guo Jia's face, an attempt to understand the strategist's motives.
But the man only flashed him a tired smile.
"And you find it safe to share an amicable friendship with a wild card like that?"
"I cherish every friendship I have earned," was the immediate reply. "It is rare to find gold in a sea of bronze."
"And it would be heartbreaking to lose precious jade to the sea," Guo Jia said cryptically. He flashed a kind smile. "Thank you for your time, Yuanzhi. I shall see you later."
Xu Shu watched as the fatigued Guo Jia returned to his residence. He pondered on their exchange of words.
What could the strategist be plotting this time?
After days of riding, Zhang Liao and Ai Xin arrived at the gates of the city. Ai Xin's eyes widened with awe at the height of the walls. As they entered through the gates, some soldiers greeted the general and the lady. Some of the citizens bowed in greeting to the familiar general, but eventually turned to whispers at the sight of Ai Xin.
Getting down from their horses, they walked the rest of the way towards Zhang Liao's residence in the city.
"Please go ahead inside, Captain," Zhang Liao said, handing over the reins of his horse to her. "I must personally report some messages to the city governor."
Was it to avoid further gossip from the townspeople that made the man decide to go on foot?
Not putting any more thought on the matter, she dismissed the concern. Ai Xin saluted, "Yes sir."
As the general turned around the next corner, Ai Xin turned her attention to the double doors. She pushed them open and pulled both horses inside. A stable boy ran over to meet her.
"Welcome my lady! Welcome to Master Zhang Liao's humble abode!" the stable boy greeted. "Please, let me handle the horses for you."
Ai Xin smiled and handed the reins to the stable boy. She took a good look around the square courtyard. It was littered with neatly trimmed rose bushes and a few plum trees. Despite the emptiness of the place, it felt homey. After spending some time admiring the courtyard, she made her way into the inner house.
She passed by an open room with a wide training mat. She poked her head inside to see more and saw a rack of weapons against the wall. The rack housed a pair of axes, some spears, and a longsword, most likely Zhang Liao's collected weaponry. However, what caught the woman's attention was a small knife in a separate holder.
Out of curiosity, Ai Xin stepped further into the room to get a good look at the knife. She reached out a finger to touch the knife.
The knife had an intricate golden handle, adorned with a single jade piece. A touch of familiarity rippled through her skin. She withdrew her hand from the weapons display and left the room.
As she made her way around the house, she noticed the waterlogged marks that were remnants of the great flood into the city. Following the path down to the patio, she entered through the open doors that lead to the living room. The smell of freshly steamed buns caught her attention at first. However, she was easily distracted with a slightly opened door at the corner of the room. Walking towards the door, she pulled it open and was intrigued to see an object covered in silk cloth. Reaching out and carefully pulling the cloth away, it revealed a qin.
Realizing she had left her own qin back at Xuchang and her need to practice, Ai Xin carefully pulled out the table. She ran her fingers through the strings and drew them towards a strum.
The qin was out of tune, but the silken strings were still strong.
"I don't know if I should be glad that I did not learn how to play that," a female voice uttered. "It reminded me so much of that deceitful woman."
What sounded like Ai Xin's own voice echoed in reply, "At least I was brave enough to try, Lingqi."
Who was Lingqi?
Ai Xin's attention immediately turned towards the sound of the footsteps creaking on the floor. A humble servant entered, carrying a tray of tea.
The Housekeeper bowed, "Greetings! I have prepared tea for Lord Zhang Liao's guest."
When the Housekeeper placed the tea tray down and took a good look at the visitor, he immediately fell to his knees.
"Lady Zhang, you have returned! Oh Heavens be praised!"
Alarmed at the sudden gesture, Ai Xin walked over to help the Housekeeper up. "Please rise, sir. I am not of the Zhang family name."
The Housekeeper wiped away the tears that formed on his eyes. "My apologies, young master. I… I never thought I would see you again…"
"Young master? I don't understand," Ai Xin questioned.
The Housekeeper nodded, noticing the clueless look on the lady's face. "You are Zhang Yixing, Zhang Liao's daughter, are you not?"
"Wha-? Huh?"
Something pulsated both in her heart and her mind.
The Housekeeper gasped, "So the stable boy's words are indeed true then! The lady has no recollection of who she is!"
Ai Xin's brows furrowed with worry. She clenched her fists. Everything suddenly became a confusing mess.
"I… I am Ai Xin," she insisted. Her inner conflict grew. Her chest felt tightened and her vision blurring. "How can I be General Zhang Liao's daughter?" she uttered in between shortened breaths.
The Housekeeper explained, "I was one of the long standing servants of Xiapi castle. It was my greatest honor to have served General Zhang Liao and his family before Lord Lu Bu's defeat. I owe the general my life when he offered that I continue my service in his household."
He knelt on one knee and saluted, "Now that you have returned. Let me pledge my service to you once more, my lady."
It was becoming overbearing for Ai Xin. Her fingers grasped against the back of a chair. She was breathing faster out of anxiety. Her vision was swirling with dark smoke.
"Captain Ai Xin, are you here?" came Zhang Liao's voice.
Unable to withstand the anxiety and panic overcoming her, Ai Xin fainted and fell to the floor.
The sound of droplets hitting the surface echoed inside a stony hall. Ai Xin opened her eyes and pushed herself up. She opened her mouth to let out a shout, but there was no sound.
'I must be dreaming,' she thought.
A bright light caught her attention further down the hall. There was the sound of the wind with laughter. She followed the light and sound, and found herself stepping into a green meadow. The sun shone brightly against the blue sky, a light breeze causing a mess of floating leaves.
Not far from where she stood, a small group of people had gathered. Curious, she walked towards them.
First, she saw an adolescent with ashen hair. She sat on the grass sharpening a small knife. She glanced over to Ai Xin's direction and simply smirked.
'Lu Lingqi…'
Beside the adolescent, sat a woman with light brown hair who was playing a zheng. The sound of her strums filled the air. Her face looked serene, clearly ignoring the garbled voices of two men beside her.
'Diaochan…'
There were two men. The first was a large man with thick eyebrows, his voice was brash and deep. She could feel a strong and proud presence.
'Lu Bu...'
The second man was shorter with a mustache. His tone was higher-pitched with hints of prolonged distress. He must have been arguing with the larger man for a long time.
'Chen Gong...'
A third man appeared from the west, carrying a pile of wood. He was accompanied by a woman with dark gray eyes. In her arms, she carried what seemed to be a hat and a scarf.
'There you are!' the third man called out.
'Father…? Mother…?"
'Where have you been, Yixing?' the woman with gray eyes spoke clearly.
Yixing…
The name echoed throughout the meadow. And from that first echo, came more echoes of clashing swords and various voices. Ai Xin covered her ears as the sounds overstimulated her mind. It was followed by the ground rumbling. Ice pierced from the ground, shooting upward and creating a barrier. The sky suddenly turned dark and the meadow disappeared. Silence ensued.
Ai Xin found herself alone once more.
Relieved at the silence, she turned her attention towards the ice in front of her. Without fear, Ai Xin reached out and touched the cold surface. She looked ahead and found her reflection staring back at her. Suddenly, the reflection smiled and pulled its own hand far from the mirror-like surface.
'Are you me, or am I you?' the reflection asked.
Without waiting for an answer, the ice glowed bright blue and exploded into fine dust.
Ai Xin woke up with a start. She could feel a cloth wrapped around her head. Her head still throbbed in pain, but it was more tolerable now. She sat up from the bed and pulled the curtains aside.
She was in a bedroom.
There was a table and a chair at the center of the room. Zhang Liao sat there reading a scroll. He was dressed down in his casual robes. A tray of food and tea was placed on the table, untouched. Hearing the movement from behind the translucent curtain, he set the scroll down and walked over.
"You had quite a fall, Ai Xin," he said. "You nearly broke the qin that the Housekeeper had been diligently taking care of."
Ai Xin pushed her legs off the bed. "I'm sorry, General…" she said weakly.
"It's alright," the man replied. He carried the tray of food, and placed it on her lap.
"Oh… is this chicken soup?"
"It has always been your favorite," Zhang Liao recalled.
Ai Xin sipped from the small bowl. She took a bite of a chicken tender and savoured the flavor. Relieved to feel warm food in her stomach."You know so much about me, General," she said. "I believe I deserve to know why."
Zhang Liao chuckled, "Unlike before… We now have the time and privacy to discuss, Ai Xin."
Zhang Liao watched the young woman eat her meal. Through time, he managed to salvage whatever mementos remained from the castle and transferred it to this small house. The happy memories of family bonding were tainted by the loss of war. However, the warrior stood firm with his resolve to continue to become stronger.
When he heard the clink of chopsticks on the tray, he turned his attention back to Ai Xin who had finished the meal.
"Remember our old game back at Guandu, Captain?" he asked.
Ai Xin nodded, "It was a mentally challenging game, General."
Zhang Liao chuckled, "Instead of me asking questions, I will leave it up to you to start."
He watched as Ai Xin's eyes lit with curiosity and uncertainty. There were so many questions that needed answers, but where could they start?
"General," the young woman started. "Can you tell me about… me?"
Zhang Liao poured some hot tea and placed the cup in her hands. "You can listen to me talk, but you must finish this cup."
Ai Xin sipped from her cup and listened intently to Zhang Liao's recount of events. From the time he met her mother, to their service under Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu. It corroborated with the journals and reports that Jia Xu had her read on her first few days in Xuchang castle. As the warrior continued his tale, Ai Xin felt a gush of excitement and clarity.
Everything was starting to make sense. Her nightmares of the demon beast was her subconscious recreation of Dong Zhuo's attempts in harming her. The guiding voices in her dreams were the voices of her loved ones and those who had been close to her. Visions of drowning or floating in deep waters, must have been the reflection of her attempted escape from Xiapi castle.
But there were more dreams or memories that she has yet to reconnect.
Although Zhang Liao did his best in recounting the stories, he saved the most heartbreaking one for last. As he reached the story of his wife's execution at Xiaopei, he continued on until their parting at Xiapi.
There was the sound of snapped chopsticks.
"Ai Xin…" Zhang Liao said in alarm. He immediately placed the tray down to the floor before the woman broke anything else.
Ai Xin bit her lip, and shook her head. "I'm sorry..." she muttered, tossing the broken bamboo towards the tray.
The woman pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them, turning into a ball. It was her mechanism to hide away her negative feelings.
Zhang Liao placed a hand on her shoulder. "Speak your heart, Ai Xin. Do not keep it inside," he advised.
"My heart tells me that I should be angry, General. Angry that I could not remember everything of the past. Angry that the very man we swore to serve was the same man who tore our family apart," she said in a faltering tone.
She clenched her fists and blinked away the tears from her eyes. "I want to feel hate, Father… Did you not feel it when Lord Cao Cao killed everyone?"
Zhang Liao sighed. How long it has been since he heard that voice address him as a parent. He carefully pried her hands away from her knees. His mind flashbacked memories of their once happier younger days.
"I did hate him," Zhang Liao admitted. "From the day I learned I will never hold my wife again in my arms."
Ai Xin raised her head. Her shoulders were shaking and her nose was watering from an impending breakdown.
"He knew that. And knowing full well of the threat to his life from my unbridled rage, he still faced me and offered me another chance to prove myself and hone my might."
He lifted his hand and brushed his fingers against Ai Xin's cheek. He gave a warm smile.
"While I continue to seek glory in death on the battlefields, I persevered long enough to be granted this reunion with my beloved daughter," he said.
Ai Xin could no longer hold back her tears. For the first time in recent memory, she cried.
Zhang Liao pulled her close to his chest. He recalled how Zhang Yixing stood strong for both of them on the day they heard news of Lan's execution. She did not mourn that time, because she believed she had to be strong for the both of them. Now, it is his turn to be strong for her.
"The anger inside you will flare, but I trust that you will make a sound decision with both your mind and heart," he spoke softly to her ear.
He held her tight, calmly waiting for her sobs to gradually die down to short sniffles. Ai Xin voluntarily pulled away, wiping her eyes and nose with her sleeve.
"I'm sorry, General," she hiccuped, feeling the catharsis from her sudden breakdown. "I stained your clothes..."
Zhang Liao shook his head. "There is no shame in shedding tears" he said. "Even grown men cry."
He placed a clean cloth in her hands. Ai Xin accepted it gratefully and began to wipe away her tear-stained face.
"Get some rest," he said while standing up. "I will see you tomorrow."
"Thank you, General," she replied with a small voice.
Zhang Liao closed the door and made his way down the hall. It was night time already. The silence of the courtyard was invaded by the chirping of the crickets. A half-moon lingered in the sky. He sat on a low bench and looked up to the sky.
If only Lan was by his side right now, his family would be whole again.
A far-fetched dream.
"I miss you, my love," he whispered, letting his tears fall freely.
Atop a hill that overlooks the city and the mountain beyond, Ai Xin stood and watched Zhang Liao arrange flowers in the shrine. Within the shrine stood two memorial tablets, while a small bowl housed two incense sticks burning with the wind.
Ai Xin read the names on the memorial. Ai Lan. Zhang Yixing. It felt strange to see the name of her past life etched in stone. A story that abruptly ended brought about by the chaos of the land. An empty grave.
Contented with the artistry of his work, Zhang Liao placed the flower vase in the space between the tablets. He stood next to Ai Xin when he noticed that the young woman was deep in thought. Her mood had improved from the sadness she displayed last night. The woman sensed his gaze and turned to face him. Her gray eyes showed an intensity different from the first time he saw her.
"Your eyes tell a story," he said.
"Zhang Yixing is dead," Ai Xin uttered, gesturing to the shrine. "She died in Xiapi."
Zhang Liao raised his eyebrows at the young woman, surprised with the sudden statement. "Enlighten me," he requested.
Ai Xin spoke clearly, "Zhang Yixing died when she fell into the Si river during the battle of Xiapi. The woman that Master Jia Xu and Master Guo Jia found in the brothel was Ai Xin. A woman who eventually became a soldier under Lord Cao Cao's army. She stands here now, in front of the mighty General Zhang Liao, paying respects to the memorial of his family."
Her voice did not waver as she maintained her firm stance.
It would be impossible for both identities to coexist. If she was to claim that Zhang Yixing is still alive, or claim to have complete memories of the past life, she would still be accused of being an impostor. It would strain so many relationships she had earned and treasured throughout her service in the army. Thus, came her absolute decision to continue the name she was reborn with.
Ai Xin.
Zhang Liao observed the woman in front of him. He pondered on her words and decision. It was an intelligent course of action, and crazy enough that it was reminiscent of her mother's tendency for the peculiar.
"I understand, Ai Xin," he said. "I thank you for your kindness and sympathy."
Ai Xin bowed, "I must thank you as well, General. For showing me the truth and helping me in my time of need."
Zhang Liao stepped forward and embraced Ai Xin. He pressed his lips against her forehead, a sign of their unique relationship. They may never know when will be the next opportunity for them to enjoy being father and daughter.
"You are your own person now," he said. "But know this. As your father, I love you always."
Ai Xin smiled and pulled away. "Master Jia Xu knew all along who I was," she said. The sarcastic strategist continued to honor his promise. "Then, no doubt Lord Cao Cao also knew?"
Zhang Liao nodded, "Our lord has a way of knowing things. While only a few knew what Lan looked like, it was rarer to know who Zhang Yixing was."
The statement shed some light to Ai Xin's uncertain situation. Her mother and her infamous trade.
"Take this," he said.
Ai Xin received the scabbard and pulled out the weapon. She recognized it as the ornate knife that was on display in the warrior's training room.
"Isn't this… her knife?" she asked.
"I am sure you would find better use for it," Zhang Liao said. "It was a birthday gift after all."
Ai Xin bowed, "Thank you sir."
The idea had not crossed Zhang Liao's mind, but it was a good suggestion. Before he could make his decision, he fished a small scabbard from his belt.
The sound of heavy boots clanking against the stone steps caught their attention. A soldier arrived, panting.
"Forgive my sudden intrusion, General Zhang Liao. I brought an order from Lord Cao Cao."
Zhang Liao stood tall to assert his position. "Speak," he ordered.
The messenger reported, "Lord Cao Cao is recalling all veteran generals to march towards Jing Province. You are to ride with Captain Ai Xin and rendevouz with General Cao Ren at Xinye County. Lord Cao Cao expects you to arrive with the main army."
Zhang Liao raised his hand to dismiss the messenger. He turned to the young woman and found her stand tall.
"Are you ready, Ai Xin?" he said. It looks like they would have to deal with the idea of adoption another time.
"More than ever, General."
After a few days on horseback, Zhang Liao and Ai Xin had arrived within the base castle at Xinye. Cao Ren who was left in charge of the defenses in the county had personally received them.
"You arrived earlier than expected, Wenyuan," Cao Ren said. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of Ai Xin. "Ah, Lady Ai Xin. It is a surprise that you are here as well."
"It is a delight to be able to see you again, General Cao Ren," Ai Xin greeted with a bow.
Together, they walked through the camp, Cao Ren briefly filled them in on the current events.
"Lord Cao Cao and the main army will be arriving later before noon. We are a day ride away from Fan castle where the Governor Liu Cong will hand over the seal of the province," Cao Ren reported.
"Until then, we have less than a day to regroup and be ready for another southward march," he concluded.
They stopped by the training fields. A soldier unit was doing drills of the eccentric kind. With precise arm swings and spins, they followed the lead dancer at the edge of the formation.
"Beautiful precision! I want to see more energy in the last step!" the lead officer cried out. He struck a pose.
"HURRAH!" the soldiers cheered when they uniformly posed with their knees bent and arms angled in a punching stance.
"General Zhang He!" Ai Xin called out over the chorused shouts of the soldiers.
"My lady! Oh how long has it been?" Zhang He cried with glee. Soldiers swore they saw butterflies appear out of nowhere. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed his unit to resume their rest.
The Butterfly General halted before Ai Xin and lifted the woman into a tight embrace. "I sorely missed you, my friend," Zhang He wailed dramatically. He glanced over and acknowledged the presence of Cao Ren and Zhang Liao.
"How was your journey, Wenyuan? Was it another fruitful retreat?" he asked.
Zhang Liao laughed, "Of course, Junyi. It always is."
Even Cao Ren was not spared from the lively energy. The way Zhang He held on to Ai Xin was enough to prove Zhang He's point of respecting the privacy between friends. "Do not forget to be at the gates when Lord Cao Cao arrives, Junyi," he reminded the Butterfly.
"I will be on time, General Zixiao," Zhang He replied cheekily in return.
Zhang Liao smiled, "See you later, Captain."
Finally left alone, Zhang He smiled giddy for the news. "I sense a metamorphosis in you, Ai Xin," he said. He poked the woman on the chest.
"Are you the Ai Xin that I know?" he asked testily.
Ai Xin knew the change of Zhang He's tone. Behind the light-hearted airs he puts up, Zhang He could dissect a personality with the right kind of persuasion. She did not remove his finger from her chest.
"Yes and always, Junyi."
Zhang He smiled, pleased with the answer. "As it should be," he said. He lifted his finger away from her chest. "Did you bring your qin with you? I heard from Lady Zhenji that you can actually play… That you had the greatest honor of performing for our Lord Cao Cao!"
"Oh… I haven't had the opportunity to practice," Ai Xin said. She tapped her chin. "I remember that I brought one with me from - hey!"
Zhang He grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the other side of the camp. "Where did you leave your qin, Ai Xin? We must waste no more time! First we must get you a beautiful new hairpin because the one you are wearing right now is unacceptable! Next! We must practice so that Lord Cao Cao will have a majestic entrance!"
Inside the city of Fancheng, a man in black and white robes stood waiting in front of the council hall doors. His head carried a scholar's hat, while in his hand he carried a white feathered fan. He quietly surveyed the people inside the room. They were all stiff with anticipation.
"Lord Liu Bei, it will be a matter of time before Cao Cao begins his campaign to the south. With the passing of Liu Biao and Liu Cong's succession as governor of Jing Province… It won't be soon for long before we will face battle again," Zhuge Liang spoke in his soft calm voice.
"I have listened to your counsel, Kongming," Liu Bei replied. "If your predictions are true that Cao Cao will not wait for the seasons to change, he would be right at our doorstep in less than a week."
They had dispatched an adviser to confirm the legibility of the claim that Liu Cong is surrendering to Cao Cao. The sound of footsteps running up the concrete flights of stairs alerted everyone to the entrance.
"I have returned with news!" the adviser reported in between panting breaths. "Governor Liu Cong and his entourage… has personally…. Rode out to meet with Cao Cao and his army… He has surrendered Jing province to the name of the Emperor!"
The conference hall burst into life with worried chatter amongst its members.
"That means Jing Province will be under the traitor's control!"
"Is this the end for us? Are we to submit to Cao Cao as well?"
Liu Bei raised his hand to calm the council. "Calm down my faithful advisers." He turned his attention to Liu Bei.
"What do you think we should do, Master Kongming?"
Zhuge Liang nodded and continued to fan himself. He spoke in a loud and clear voice, "We must venture further south at once and seek refuge with Master Liu Qi at Jiangxia Commandery. He may be our only hope of escaping Cao Cao's grasp."
"That is a good idea," Liu Bei said excitedly.
"However, if we are to make good time, we must leave the city with the army tonight," Zhuge Liang said. "We must be swift in our march so that Cao Cao's cavalry will not catch up with us."
The statement brought mixed reactions from the people in the hall. However, it was evident in Liu Bei's face that he would not approve of the suggestion.
"You expect me to abandon the people, Kongming. They need me," Liu Bei said.
"They will only serve to slow us down, Lord Liu Bei," Zhuge Liang explained. "You are too important to be taken prisoner by Cao Cao."
Zhang Fei interjected, "That Cao Cao thinks he can just take my brother's head? Well he will have to go through me first!"
"I second that motion," Guan Yu added.
"Cao Cao will burn this city to the ground to make a statement," Liu Bei said. "I will not let him take away innocent lives. We will bring the people with us."
Zhuge Liang shook his head. He retorted, "But my lord -!"
"We shall speak no more of the matter, Kongming," Liu Bei said sternly. He turned to his generals and advisers. "You and I will help the people migrate to the south. We shall ensure their safety from Cao Cao's army."
Zhuge Liang could only sigh inwardly. There was no point in persuading when the man is unmoving from his principles.
Liu Bei stood tall and announced with a raised voice,
"Here are my orders! Inform all residents of Fancheng that in three days, we shall march south towards Jiangxia commandery! No one shall be left behind!"
Everyone in the room put their hands together and bowed in chorus, "Yes, Lord Liu Bei!"
Zhuge Liang lifted his fan as he bowed to hide the disheartened curve of his lips.