Clouds of dust and smoke rose up in the air. A procession of civilians and carts were being escorted by cavalry and foot soldiers. Atop a small hill, Zhuge Liang observed the slow march. It was as he predicted. After Liu Cong handed over the seal of the province to Cao Cao, the warlord had dispatched a vanguard cavalry to begin the pursuit.
"Ah! Cao Cao! Cao Cao and his army are coming!"
"Our progress is slow, Master Kongming," Liu Bei said.
Zhuge Liang nodded in agreement. "It has been three days since we have left the city. The civilians are not used to a continuous march. We have already lost many elderly people to thirst and hunger."
Liu Bei's face turned gloomy. "What have I done? I only sought to save them. Instead, I led them to their deaths by this march," he said. "Their blood is on my hands…"
"Now is not the time to be gripped with sadness, Lord Liu Bei," Zhuge Liang snapped. "The decision has been made, we must accept the consequences of our actions."
Just when things are about to take a turn for the worse, another messenger arrived.
"Lord Liu Bei! I bring terrible news! We have lost sight of Lady Gan and her entourage!"
Liu Bei's eyes widened with shock before twisting into rage. ""AAAARRGGHH, DAMN YOU CAO CAO!"
He started to march downhill when the white fan blocked his path.
"LET ME THROUGH! I MUST SAVE MY SON!"
Zhuge Liang stood his ground. "You will end up submitting your life to Cao Cao's hands. Please let me handle this, my lord."
Liu Bei glared at Zhuge Liang. The Sleeping Dragon maintained his calm. It was difficult to ascertain what the man could be thinking. Resigned to the consequences of his emotional decisions, Liu Bei got on to his horse.
"Go, do what must be done, Master Kongming," Liu Bei pleaded. "We must try and save who we can."
Zhuge Liang nodded once. "Go on with Master Sun Qian to the front of the march and hurry, Lord Liu Bei. Lord Liu Qi should have his ships ready to meet us by the docks. I shall do what I can to stall Cao Cao's pursuit."
Liu Bei nodded once, then rode off along with his guards.
When Liu Bei was out of earshot, Zhuge Liang began dispatching messenger after messenger to the various generals. He sent a messenger to Guan Yu to ride ahead downstream with Red Hare to rendezvous with Liu Qi's fleet.
The sounds of fighting were drawing near. The Sleeping Dragon watched as the civilians attempted to march faster out of the fear of being overrun by the impending enemy cavalry.
"Master Zhuge Liang! I have relayed your orders to General Guan Yu," a messenger returned.
That was all he needed to hear. He gathered all the messengers and gave them one last message to relay.
"Send word to all unit commanders," Zhuge Liang said. "Abandon the defense of the civilians. The priority is to ensure that Liu Bei reaches the Han river dock. Anyone who falls behind defending civilians, will be abandoned to their fates."
The Sleeping Dragon was about to descend from the hill when he noticed two horseback riders making their way against the flow of the march. He squinted his eyes and noticed that it was Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun.
It did not take long for the strategist to deduce that both men took it upon themselves to rescue Liu Bei's family.
While Cao Cao personally led his seasoned generals and tacticians in pursuit of Liu Bei and his army, those equal to Ai Xin's rank were left in charge of rounding up the refugees and soldiers who had given up in their attempt to flee.
"Escort them to the nearest town. We shall not tolerate any more dissenters. If they fight, put them down the swiftest way possible," she ordered her soldiers. "Scout unit, go ahead and check the next camp."
She guided her horse through a recently raided area. It was one of the villagers' camps that defied surrender to Cao Cao's army. Hence, they paid the price with their lives. The stench of death and decay was mixed with smoke from a recent fire attack. Ai Xin blinked away the tears when the acrid odors stung her eyes.
"There are no signs of survivors, Captain!" a scout reported.
The swiftness of Cao Cao's elite cavalry was truly formidable and frightening.
"Let's go then," Ai Xin said.
As they made their march out of the camp, the troops heard the distinct sound of an infant's cry.
"Captain, over there!" a soldier reported.
They followed the sound until they stopped in front of a body-littered camp square. A barely alive woman was holding a cloth bundle in her arms.
Ai Xin got down from her horse and knelt down to the woman's level. Dust and ash had stained the woman's porcelain like skin. Her hair disheveled and unruly. The warrior tore a strip of cloth from her robe, dampened it with little water that remained and used it to wipe the woman's face. Underneath all the grime, Ai Xin knew who she found.
The woman is Lady Gan, one of Liu Bei's wives. A humble woman known for her beauty and grace. Ai Xin had a fleeting memory of seeing the beauty during their brief house arrest in Xuchang.
"Always running. How cruel it is to be left behind," she muttered to herself.
She leaned closer to the woman and called out her name, "Lady Gan."
Lady Gan stirred from her weakened position. "Who… Who are you?" she asked in surprise, her breathing labored. She had been exposed to the smoke for too long. "Please… I beg you to bring… my Lord Liu Bei's son to safety…"
She attempted to carry the bundle up towards Ai Xin. The warrior relieved the woman of her burden.
"Even if the child will be surrendered to Lord Cao Cao?" the warrior asked calmly.
"He… He has abandoned us," Lady Gan wept. "Oh, Ahdou… Oh, Ahdou…"
Ai Xin had the bundle secured in her arms when Lady Gan had lost all strength from despairing. The warrior quietly witnessed as the beauty's life passed away before her eyes.
It was followed by the infant's cry. Ai Xin glanced down and gently stroked the boy's cheek. She pulled the cloth down further and saw an expensive looking jade necklace around the boy's neck. The jewel bore the Liu insignia.
"Poor child, your father left you and your mother has gone ahead," she muttered.
After a few minutes of silence, Ai Xin pushed herself back up to her feet. She called for the rest of her soldiers.
"Carry the lady and drop her body into the nearest well. Afterwards, destroy the roof over the well," she ordered.
"Yes, Captain!"
A small detachment of soldiers carried the body away to do Ai Xin's bidding. Meanwhile, Ai Xin laid the bundle down to rearrange the baby's swaddle. Thankfully, the boy had not soiled his swaddle cloth or it would add to the already putrid smell of the environment. She hummed an old lullaby to put the boy to sleep.
"AAAGH!"
The female warrior looked up immediately when she heard the sounds of dying men. The remaining soldiers had established a defensive line between the attacker and Ai Xin.
"Step away from my lord's family!" a strong-willed male voice commanded.
Ai Xin picked up the child and had to do a slight tiptoe to see over the soldier line. Her eyes caught sight of shining armor and the well-known headband.
The Little Dragon, Zhao Yun Zilong.
"Courage, men," Ai Xin said aloud to her soldiers. "You are elite soldiers serving Lord Cao Cao. Do not let the Little Dragon's fame shatter your resolve."
The soldiers cheered in unison as they raised their spears towards Zhao Yun, "HAH!"
When Zhao Yun heard Ai Xin's voice, it surprised him to find a woman commanding soldiers with dignity and respect.
"Who are you, warrior?" he asked aloud.
Ai Xin answered with the same intensity, "I am Ai Xin, an officer under Lord Cao Cao."
"You… You are the lady warrior from the battle at Xinye," Zhao Yun said.
Ai Xin could feel her mouth twitch. So this must be what the generals meant by being known throughout the land. Even the enemy officer recognized her. She shook away the thoughts from her head and focused on the problem at hand.
There was only one reason why Zhao Yun would willingly brave through fire and blood to reach this place.
And that reason was in her arms.
She raised her voice loud enough for him to hear. "I have Liu Bei's son in my arms. Lady Gan has been buried in the best place I could think of. Is there still a reason why you dare go behind enemy lines, Lord Zhao Yun?"
Zhao Yun held tightly to his spear. The answer was obvious. "I have made a promise that I will protect Lord Liu Bei and his kin. Therefore, I demand that you return the child to me or you shall face my spear!"
"Don't make me laugh," Ai Xin scoffed. With a free hand, she pulled out her knife from the belt and teased it over the bundle.
"Do you think you are in a position to make such demands?"
Zhao Yun's eyes widened in fear. Even if he were to throw his spear, it would not be fast enough and run the risk of injuring the child. Realizing that he was on the defeated end, he lowered his spear.
"What would you have me do?" he asked.
Ai Xin half-expected that Zhao Yun would attempt to fight back, but was placed at ease when he decided not to. She had to take some steps forward to get a better look at Zhao Yun. She immediately noticed the familiar scabbard strapped to the warrior's waist. There was only one explanation as to how Cao Cao's prized Qinggang Sword had fallen into Zhao Yun's possession.
Xiahou En was slain by this man.
As quick as her observation, Ai Xin had come up with a plan. She pocketed the knife when she felt the bundle squirm. Not letting the baby distract her, she let the boy grab on her little finger.
"The life of a scion's son has a hefty price, General," she spoke casually. "I wonder how much you are willing to ransom him back."
Zhao Yun gritted his teeth. Immediately, he detached the Qinggang sword from his belt and tossed it to the ground. "I surrender the Qinggang blade that I have earned from slaying Xiahou En," he said.
Afterwards, the Little Dragon tossed his spear next to the sword. "As well as my beloved Dragon spear that has won me countless duels against brave warriors."
At Ai Xin's gesture, soldiers broke from the line and collected the weapons. With a silent command, the soldier pulled the sword halfway from the scabbard and the famous blade glistened blue. The other soldier held the spear, it was impressive and well-cared for as well.
"Such wonderful weapons, but that is not even enough to cover a quarter of the ransom," Ai Xin said. "Perhaps, you can add something more?"
Zhao Yun swallowed hard when he caught her gaze. He could tell that there's something dangerous about the woman's aura.
"To have disarmed me by mere words, you are no ordinary warrior, my lady," he said, ignoring the heated flush of his cheeks. "But if you desire my body…"
Ai Xin sighed, "While I do appreciate that you find me attractive, General Zhao Yun. That is not the point I am trying to make."
"Oh," Zhao Yun responded awkwardly. Was that a subconscious statement?
It elicited a snicker among the soldiers. Ai Xin's personal unit knew who the lady fancies. They immediately silenced and stood straight in line when the lady officer cast an icy glare towards them. This encounter will be retold again and again in many stories over wine.
"They say I have this luck of finding people with talent. And the Emperor values individuals with talent," Ai Xin started. "General Zhao Yun, your prowess in the battlefield has made your name known throughout the land. Liu Bei is defeated in this battle. Why bother to continue serving him, when you can prove your valor under the Emperor's name?"
"That is because the traitor Cao Cao holds the Emperor captive. To serve under the Emperor is to fall into Cao Cao's control. I cannot serve a dishonest and unjust man," Zhao Yun affirmed. "Lord Liu Bei is the true hero who will restore the Han dynasty to glory. His leadership and benevolence will rise and defeat Cao Cao."
Ai Xin expected that Zhao Yun's loyalty would be unwavering. She looked down at the infant who had fallen asleep. She carefully tucked the boy's tiny hand back into the swaddle.
"On second thought, a more interesting idea just occurred to me. You go back to your master. While I will walk away with the child and raise him under Lord Cao Cao's protection," she said. "Surely, Liu Bei will not even care for his first born son."
It would have been a brilliant plan indeed, to have a Liu descendant in their presence would be a great political tool for Cao Cao's ambition.
The man fell down on his knees. He kowtowed until his forehead hit the dry ground.
"I beg you, Lady Ai Xin!" His voice was stretched with desperation.
A short silence fell between. Ai Xin quietly weighed in her options. She could have the general captured and presented to Cao Cao. He could be a great addition to the army, but it was most likely the warrior will refuse to abandon Liu Bei and seek execution instead.
That would have been a waste of talent.
But if she were to let him go, he would owe her a tremendous favor that she could take advantage of in the future.
She let out a long sigh. The possibilities are endless, but she has to decide now.
"Make way," she said. "I will approach the man."
One of her lieutenants looked startled, "But my lady!"
"The general is an honorable man. He understands now what it means to be defeated by me," Ai Xin replied.
Carrying the child in her arms, she walked towards Zhao Yun. She knelt down and carefully laid the sleeping infant on the ground, an arm's reach away from Zhao Yun.
"It is clear that you will do everything out of loyalty to your lord. Hence, it would be a futile effort to convince you to switch sides in these circumstances," Ai Xin said.
She stared at him and voiced out her thoughts, "Think long and hard, General. If saving the boy is a worthier cause, what more if you are to lend your strength to the one more capable in ruling the land."
Zhao Yun glanced up. He tried to discern the meaning through her eyes, but he was met once more with that mesmerizing gray gaze. Did she just grant him a chance to leave with his life?
Ai Xin stood up and retreated to her soldier line. A soldier ran over to her side, handing over her recurve bow and a quiver of arrows. They knew what it meant when the lady would resort to her bow.
"Before we part ways, General," she said. "I must let you know that I currently stand a few levels away from General Xiahou Yuan's mastery of the bow."
Zhao Yun took that as the signal. He grabbed the bundled Ahdou in his arms and broke into a sprint. If what she said is true, then the lady warrior can shoot him down before he could even take another step.
He wondered why she didn't shoot him at close range. Is this a favor he would owe in the future?
Ai Xin stretched her arms for a bit, strained from holding the bundle for a long time. When she could feel her extremities limber, that was when she pulled her bow and took aim. She frowned at how easy Zhao Yun was making himself a target for her. The Little Dragon made no attempt in running in zig zags or hiding behind walls.
She knew that her dilly-dallying would put a good distance between her prey. But it was her way of giving the warrior another chance to leave the place. Ai Xin had managed to defeat him after all.
"Time's up," she muttered.
Letting out a calm breath, she let go of the string. Zhao Yun should have ran enough distance to force himself to slow down for breath. However, instead of slowing down, he had reflexively tilted his head to the left. The arrow zipped past him, the steel arrowhead cutting his cheek.
She lowered her bow arm, in awe. Only a hero of Zhao Yun's level could narrowly evade a marksman's arrow.
"Truly a great warrior," Ai Xin praised. She looked among her men and sighed in relief, "Imagine if we have to face him with his weapons. We would surely be at a disadvantage."
The men could only agree.
When the danger of the first arrow had passed, that was when Zhao Yun decided to slow down to a jog and looked back. There was a look of relief when he saw that Ai Xin did not reload her bow. He used the opportunity to bind the infant securely in front of his chest before setting off once more.
Zhao Yun may have passed through the first trial on the path to safety. He has yet to make his way through Cao Cao's massive army with nothing but his bare hands.
"Send word to the front lines to watch out for the enemy general Zhao Yun," Ai Xin instructed half of her scouts. "The man may run into the battle unarmed, but he will find a way."
She retrieved the Qinggang sword and attached the scabbard to her belt. Taking the Dragon Spear in her hands, she did a few poses with the weapon. It produced an awed response from her troops. A mischievous thought passed her mind. She tossed the spear towards a lieutenant.
"Parade the spear around and spread the rumors that the Little Dragon has abandoned his weapons and surrendered to Lord Cao Cao," she ordered. "Let's hope the false message would affect the enemy morale. While one sends the truth of the situation to Lord Cao Cao."
"Yes, my lady!"
Pleased with the outcome of the encounter, Ai Xin returned to her horse.
"Now, let's go back to town."
As they passed through the camp, Ai Xin paused briefly by the broken well. She plucked a wilted flower and placed it against the stones.
"Your son was given a chance to live a comfortable life. His fate rests in Heavens hands," Ai Xin said aloud, thinking that Lady Gan's spirit lingered for a bit. "Rest now. May you be happier in your next life."
At the banks of the river, Cao Cao's vanguard had managed to catch up with the retreating Liu Bei army. They had managed to overcome Zhang Fei's threat at the bridge with sheer bravery. The morale of the men had not wavered for they were led by Zhang Liao.
The resolute warrior raised his axe forward and cried out, "Forward and create a blockade! Liu Bei shall die today!"
Guan Yu, who was waiting for his sworn brother, stood along the dock. The long-bearded general would hold the line to keep his brothers safe.
"No one shall hinder my brother's way to safety!" he declared.
Wielding the Green Dragon blade in his hands, Guan Yu swung his weapon. The wind impact sent men flying backwards. When Zhang Liao halted a few meters away, Guan Yu made his challenge.
"Once again, we are given the chance to cross blades," Guan Yu said aloud. "For my Lord Liu Bei's safety. I shall not be defeated by you, Zhang Liao."
Zhang Liao stepped forward. "We shall see once more, who is the better warrior, Guan Yu. Come and face me!"
Although they had exchanged blows numerous times, it was always a new challenge between the two seasoned warriors. Guan Yu swung his guandao, attempting to land hits. However, Zhang Liao's morale was higher. When opportunity presented itself, he mustered strength to deliver a strong lightning-strike kick that sent the long-bearded man back down to his knee.
"Your fighting spirit burns with such intensity, Zhang Wenyuan," Guan Yu commented. "What has changed?"
"I have found another purpose to continue my path as a warrior," Zhang Liao replied. "And with that purpose, I move forward with more confidence in my strength."
Moving forward to prove his point, Zhang Liao was about to take on Guan Yu while his defenses were down.
"YUNCHANG!"
Liu Bei had arrived.
Quickly adapting to the situation, Zhang Liao changed his focus towards Liu Bei. "Finally, you have shown yourself!"
Pivoting on his left foot, Zhang Liao changed course and charged towards Liu Bei. His onslaught caught Liu Bei unaware.
"Your head is mine!" roared Zhang Liao, swinging his weapon towards Liu Bei.
When the axe fell, it was blocked by a jagged spear.
"Grr, do you really think that you could land a sword against my brother?!" Zhang Fei cried out. He had arrived just in time to save Liu Bei. "You can't beat all three of us like last time!"
"I shall prove you wrong."
Unfazed by Zhang Fei, Zhang Liao exerted more pressure with his other axe. Feeling the shifted weight from his opponent, Zhang Liao locked the spear between his axes. Then used Zhang Fei's weight against him, flinging the man towards Guan Yu.
"You truly are a formidable warrior, General Zhang," Liu Bei said. "But I will not fall here. Not today!"
With his twin swords at hand, Liu Bei charged forward and engaged with Zhang Liao. At their brother's advance, both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei followed suit.
"AAARGGGH!"
Zhang Liao gripped the handles of his axes tightly. Today, he shall prove to the enemy why he must be feared in combat. He moved like a flowing river, deflecting and parrying off blows delivered by his opponents.
Feeling his fighting spirit rush throughout his body, he delivered a sweeping strike. A strong whirlwind appeared and drove the sworn brothers back. He managed to hold off three powerful warriors at the same time. The ecstatic adrenaline rushed through his veins.
Liu Bei had fallen to his back. To protect their eldest brother, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei formed a defensive line between their lord and Zhang Liao.
"You are all defeated, yet still managed to run to Liu Bei's aid," Zhang Liao observed. "You never did know when to give up."
Guan Yu was visibly breathing heavily. "No matter how many times we are struck down, our faith in our Eldest Brother is enough to regain our strength and fight again."
Liu Bei managed to get back on his feet, "More enemies are coming," he said. "Where is Zhao Yun?"
"General!" a voice shouted.
The sight of a white horse caught everyone's attention. The defeated sworn brothers thought that it was Zhao Yun who had finally returned. However, their hope was in vain when they saw it was a Cao soldier carrying Zhao Yun's spear.
The rider announced aloud, "The enemy general Zhao Yun has surrendered his spear to Lord Cao Cao! The enemy general Zhao Yun has surrendered his spear to Lord Cao Cao!"
As the soldier rode past, brandishing the spear to the frontlines, the rest of the Cao army soldiers were cheering as they continued marching forward toward Liu Bei.
"Impossible!" Zhang Fei cried out.
A Liu soldier arrived. "My lords! Master Zhuge Liang sent me to tell you that we must board the ships now!"
Without another word, the three brothers turned their backs to Zhang Liao and continued their flight.
"One day, I shall strike all of you down with my blade!" Zhang Liao shouted aloud.
The Cao infantry finally caught up with Zhang Liao who had stayed in his position. They continued marching towards the southern direction. When Cao Cao, on his horse, halted beside the warrior, the man saluted in greeting.
"Forgive me, Lord Cao Cao," Zhang Liao said, bowing his head. "I failed to bring you Liu Bei's head."
Cao Cao stayed on his horse, gazing forward. "Yet, it is satisfying enough to just watch his spirit crushed before our eyes."
"Is it true that the Little Dragon has surrendered to our side?" asked Zhang Liao with curiosity.
"No," the warlord replied. "He has escaped, but is struggling to find his way out of the situation he placed himself in."
"But I saw the messenger carrying the weapon. That was his Dragon Spear," Zhang Liao said, his interest piqued. "Who is the warrior that managed to defeat Zhao Yun?"
Cao Cao glanced at Zhang Liao and laughed, "The only warrior brave and foolish enough to use wits over a sword. It was her plan to have the spear paraded to the frontlines."
Zhang Liao could not help but smile with pride. He was glad that his daughter was safe from the encounter against a powerful warrior.
Cao Cao noticed the smile, but said nothing. The warlord was content for now that his spur-of-the-moment decision had borne positive results. He pulled at the reins to coax his horse forward.
"We ride southwards to Jiangling county to secure our control over Jing province," Cao Cao said. "Let us go."
With another stroke of luck, Liu Bei was able to escape from Cao Cao's grasps. As the retreating fleet moved downstream towards Jiangxia, Liu Bei ordered one small boat left behind, hidden among the high stalks of reeds. He hoped that Zhao Yun would be able to find it.
As the Han descendant stood on the dock, he patiently watched the sun set over the river. It had been a day since their arrival at Jiangxia. He was accompanied by his sworn brothers and a minister, Sun Qian.
It was bad enough that there were rumors that Zhao Yun had defected to Cao Cao's side. The situation turned worse when the warrior's spear was paraded to the frontlines.
He wanted to believe that Zhao Yun would stay loyal, but it was a difficult idea to hold on to.
Zhang Fei crossed his arms and huffed, "We are wasting our time here, Brother. That Zhao Yun is as good as gone."
"Have faith, Yide," Guan Yu chided Zhang Fei. "Zhao Yun's will is not broken easily. He shall persevere the same way we shall persevere."
Liu Bei sighed and looked down at his hands. "Maybe he has given up along the way or died in the path…"
The warlord stood up from his seat and was about to start walking back when they heard a distinct shouting from the waters.
"Lord Liu Bei! Lord Liu Bei!"
Liu Bei looked forward. His eyes searching for the sound. "That sounded like Zhao Yun…"
Guan Yu placed a hand over his eyes to block the rays of the sunset. "Someone is aboard a ship and heading here. It looks like… It's Zhao Yun!"
"Zhao Yun?!" Zhang Fei echoed back. "Heh, Zhao Yun's alive!"
The small boat reached the dock. After Zhao Yun disembarked, carrying Ahdou in his arms.
"I have returned with your son, Lord Liu Bei!" Zhao Yun called out.
Zhang Fei threw his hands in the air. "What a miracle!" he exclaimed.
"We were all under the assumption that you had surrendered to Cao Cao's army. Your spear was paraded before Cao Cao's frontlines," Guan Yu said.
Zhao Yun shook his head vigorously, "I would never betray my lord Liu Bei! That was but a ploy by one of Cao Cao's officers!"
When Liu Bei stood in front of Zhao Yun, the tired warrior carefully presented the bundled infant to the leader.
"I have returned with your son, my lord," Zhao Yun said. "However, I must ask for forgiveness that I was too late to save Lady Gan. The enemy was able to bury her properly."
Liu Bei lamented, "Oh Zilong, you have been through so much suffering."
He took the small bundle from Zhao Yun's arms. The Liu insignia reflected the red hue of the setting sun. As Liu Bei watched the shine fade away, his eyes darkened like a whirlpool of hate.
"Because of this thing, I nearly lost my most loyal warrior," Liu Bei growled in anger.
In a fit of anger, Liu Bei tossed the bundle to the side. By quick thinking, Sun Qian was able to catch before the boy impacted the ground. The act elicited horrified looks from the people around him. Sun Qian let out a sigh of relief.
Zhao Yun's eyes widened when Liu Bei grabbed him by the shoulders. The dark look on Liu Bei's face suddenly disappeared.
"Come, join me in the carriage, Zilong. You must be exhausted from your perilous journey," Liu Bei said.
"O-Of course my lord," the warrior stammered.
Zhao Yun got onto the carriage with his master. He would never forget the anger-filled look on Liu Bei's face. His thoughts raced back towards the lady warrior and pondered on those boggling words.
Was it all worth it?
At Jiangling county, the city governor hastily made preparations to receive Cao Cao and his army. It took a few days before the city and its inhabitants were able to settle down with the presence of the northern infantry and cavalry.
By virtue of his position as Prime Minister of the Han, Cao Cao was housed in one of the finer estates in the city, and it also became the center of his operations. He called for his generals and advisers for a brief war council regarding their next steps towards conquest.
At the end of the line of higher ranking officers, Ai Xin was visibly the odd woman out at the end of the line. She had some idea as to why she was called along with the rest of the generals. She watched as the defector Cai Mao received Cao Cao's orders to be the commander of the navy fleets.
"Liu Bei may have escaped from my grasp once more, but this is still a resounding victory for we have annexed Jing province," Cao Cao said. "The fertile lands and vast forests will serve as the foundation for our conquest against the Sun-controlled lands of Jiangdong."
The gathered warriors and advisers raised their arms in victorious cheer. They fell into silence when Cao Cao raised his hand.
"As our men were about to grow weary from the march south, a brilliant ploy executed by one of the army's rising stars in strategy has born fruit and must be recognized," he said. "To see Liu Bei's morale crushed is a satisfying sensation."
"Lady Ai Xin, please step forward."
Ai Xin felt a light hand on her back push her forward. She nearly tripped on her feet, but managed to regain balance. Doing her best to ignore the judgmental stares, she walked with her head held high towards the center front of the hall. She bowed in salute.
"Lord Cao Cao," she greeted.
"You have continuously proven your worth with each battle, Lady Ai Xin. And you have managed to retrieve one of my precious swords - the Qinggang blade from the hands of the enemy," Cao Cao said.
Taking it as her cue, Ai Xin presented the weapon to Cao Cao. The warlord pulled the blade out of the scabbard and the blue shine of the metal elicited an awed response from the audience.
Cao Cao took the sword from her hands and brandished it in the air. "For the longest time, you kept yourself in the background, quietly sharpening your wit and skill in battle,"he said. "However, today… The elite warriors shall recognize and respect your name."
He sheathed the sword back into the scabbard and handed it back to Ai Xin.
"General Xiahou En's death has been avenged by your defeat of the enemy general, Zhao Yun," Cao Cao declared. "Your respect for my sword shows your loyalty to me. Therefore, it is fitting that you carry my blade."
It was probably the greatest honor that she would ever receive. It took everything not to fumble up this great moment. She received the weapon reverently and immediately attached it back to her belt.
Cao Cao smiled genuinely, "Expect a rank promotion coming your way, Lady Ai Xin. When we make our advance towards Jiangdong, you will lead our men to victory."
Ai Xin saluted, "Thank you, Lord Cao Cao."
She bowed once more and then walked down the aisle. She caught the subtle cues from Zhang He who managed to allot a space for her to stand on.
"In the coming days, we must first appease the counties so that we will gain their trust," Cao Cao said. "For now, you must rest and train the next day for our future battles to come!"
In another estate beside the one that Cao Cao resides in, the warlord had given it to his highest ranked generals to stay in. Receiving a message from one of the scribes, Ai Xin found herself exploring the estate under the invitation of her commander.
A servant greeted her at the door, and escorted her towards one of the many rooms.
"This is such a big place," Ai Xin said to herself. "The southern lands are so rich in resources to have afforded this much wealth."
The servant stopped in front of a door and opened it for her. "This is your new room, Lady Ai Xin," she said. "I will now go and fetch your personal belongings." With a bow, the servant left.
Ai Xin's eyes widened when the servant left in a hurry. "Wait, what? I thought I was just invited for a look around?" she cried out, trying to halt the servant.
A different but recognizable voice responded to the query. "Our lord deems it too modest for his sword bearer and new lieutenant general to stay in a camp outside the castle."
"General Xiahou!" Ai Xin squealed in surprise. The man came out of the door.
Xiahou Dun grunted, "Don't act too surprised now, Lady Ai Xin. I am taking you with me to tomorrow's dinner banquet at Lord Mengde's residence."
"There's a banquet tomorrow?" Ai Xin stammered, distracted by her unpreparedness. "I don't think I have the right clothes for the event!"
"You have a day to do whatever ladies have to do to become pretty," Xiahou Dun replied in retort. He pulled a wrapped parcel from his robes and placed it on her hands. "A token of appreciation from me," he said hurriedly. Without wasting another second in her presence, he walked briskly away from the area.
Ai Xin's fingers curled around the parcel. Carefully, she undid the knots and then peeled the wrapper open. She stared in awe at the golden shine of a new bejeweled hairpin shaped like lilies.
"... Did he just ask me out on a date?" she uttered in disbelief.
A light blush rushed to her cheeks. Not wanting to disappoint her commander, she should probably ask for Zhang He's help again.