In the city square, the marketplace is bustling with activity. The townspeople managed to slowly return to their normal lives even with the presence of the northern army. Some were in awe at the discipline the soldiers have.
Ai Xin walked alone in the city square. She had not asked Zhang He's help for her outfit at tonight's banquet, for she wanted to develop her own fashion sense. She lingered around the stalls that sell finer clothing and bejeweled accessories.
She was happy to have purchased a blue silk robe with matching sash. While waiting for the proprietor to wrap her package, someone stood next to her. Ai Xin could have sworn she felt an uneasy chill down her spine.
"That is a lovely choice of clothing," a soft female voice commented. "It would certainly match your hair accessory."
Ai Xin looked to the side. A brown-haired woman dressed in simple clothes stood next to her. The female warrior noticed the unnervingly calm gaze this brown-haired woman has.
"Thank you for the compliment," Ai Xin replied shyly. "There is an event that I must prepare for tonight."
"Are you attending the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Cao Cao?" the woman asked.
Ai Xin became wary of the woman's knowledge. She replied, "Yes, I am. Who are you?"
The woman smiled serenely. She introduced herself with a respectful bow, "I am Zhang Chunhua, wife of Sima Yi."
The name rang an echo in Ai Xin's mind. She remembered it being mentioned in one of the scholars' discussions. Another outstanding talent whose intelligence was said to match the likes of Zhuge Liang.
"I am Ai Xin. I am honored to make your acquaintance, Lady Zhang," Ai Xin answered. "How do you know of the event?"
"My husband is invited as well, but I don't think he is interested in attending," Zhang Chunhua replied with a sigh.
"Surely he has a good reason," Ai Xin said.
Chunhua shook her head. She then smiled towards the warrior, "I wish to get to know you more, Lady Ai Xin. May I invite you for some tea in my residence?"
Ai Xin subtly counted with her fingers the hours she had left before she started to prepare for the banquet. "I can spare an hour or two," she said.
"How delightful!"
Zhang Chunhua and Ai Xin walked towards the near edge of the city. She was able to get more information about Zhang Chunhua's family and this Sima Yi. They reached the wooden gates that lead towards the Sima residence. A servant bowed in greeting and welcomed them in.
The servant led them towards the empty tea room. Zhang Chunhua noticed that the room was recently used. There were leftover cups and a warm pot of tea.
"Please pardon us if you find the house a little messy," Zhang Chunhua said with a bow. "This is just a temporary residence before we go towards Xuchang."
"It's alright, Lady Zhang. This is a rather pretty house," Ai Xin commented.
A tall man with black hair entered the room. Upon seeing the two women, he immediately stopped in his tracks.
"Chunhua, you have returned," the man said with surprise. "And you brought a visitor."
"Husband, I didn't know that you entertained a guest," Zhang Chunhua said. "You could have called for me at the market."
The husband sighed and shook his head, "Chunhua, it's just another one of the Prime Minister Cao Cao's emissaries."
"In hopes of changing your refusal to attend the banquet, no doubt," Zhang Chunhua said sourly. She obviously wanted to go.
Immediately sensing the mood of his wife, the man tried to lighten up the air by changing the topic. "Who is your guest, my dear? It is rare for you to bring a female friend to our residence."
Delighted that her husband noticed, Zhang Chunhua replied, "This is Lady Ai Xin, a military officer under the very same Lord Cao Cao." Gesturing to her husband, she said, "Lady Ai Xin. Let me introduce to you my husband, Sima Yi styled Zhongda."
"It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Master Zhongda," Ai Xin greeted with a bow. "I have heard your name brought up amongst the scholars and advisers back at Xuchang."
Sima Yi smirked, "I do hope they speak good about my name." He bowed in return and extended an arm. "And it is my pleasure to welcome you in our household, Lady Ai Xin. There must be something about you that caught my wife's interest."
He glanced at Zhang Chunhua and caught her stern stare. He swallowed and uttered out, "Please, let me be the one to prepare the tea. I shall leave you two to chat."
Sima Yi gathered the cups and pot on a tray and left the room.
Zhang Chuhua turned to Ai Xin and gestured to the seat pillow. "Please."
Ai Xin sat on the pillow. It was comfortable. "I find it amusing that you have your husband follow you so easily," she said.
The brown-haired woman covered her mouth demurely to giggle. "I love him very much," she said. "He knows very well not to take advantage of it."
Ai Xin looked out to the viewing space from the tea room. "Your garden is very beautiful, Lady Zhang. You must have spent a lot to keep it so pristine."
"It's all a labor of love, Lady Ai," Zhang Chunhua replied. "Believe it or not, my husband has the green thumb. He grew those flowers over there."
Zhang Chunhua gestured towards the rows of rose bushes and peonies. The petals were vivid with life against the sun's rays.
Sima Yi returned to the tea room. A pot of freshly brewed tea and clean cups on a tray was placed on the table. Zhang Chunhua picked up the pot and poured over three cups. The sweet smell of jasmine emanated from the cup.
"A toast to a new friendship," Zhang Chunhua said, raising her cup.
The other two followed suit. In unison, they all sipped from their teacups.
"This is flavorful," Ai Xin exclaimed. "I have never tasted such perfectly brewed tea!"
Sima Yi smirked, "It is rightfully matched with my wife's cooking."
From a distance, there was the sound of boys laughing. It was followed by the sound of running on wooden boards.
"Oh, our sons have returned from their tutor," Zhang Chunhua said. She immediately rose up to her feet. "Please excuse me. I must make sure that they have their afternoon snacks ready. My lord, how about you keep our guest entertained?"
Sima Yi sighed, "Yes dear."
When Zhang Chunhua was out of earshot, Ai Xin noticed Sima Yi's sudden relaxation of shoulders.
"Finally some relief, Master Zhongda?" Ai Xin asked. She sipped her tea.
"Her presence can be subtly overbearing at times, but I have come to terms that it is a way she shows her love for the family," Sima Yi answered.
The gentle breeze cooled the tense presence in the air. Sima Yi eventually managed to relax into his seat more. Now, he could focus a little more with scholarly pursuits.
"If you don't mind me asking, Lady Ai Xin," he started. "How far is Lord Cao Cao from achieving his ambition for the land?"
Ai Xin set down her cup. It was a common question amongst the warlord's advisers, military officers, and the common people.
"In my opinion, Lord Cao Cao would have achieved his dreams for the land one way or another," she answered. "To what extent, would be dependent on the lifetime the Heavens have granted him and to what his successors could achieve after his time."
The man smirked, "A wise answer, Lady Ai Xin."
The lady chuckled, "How about you, Master Zhongda? What do you seek to achieve under Lord Cao Cao's command?"
The light-hearted conversation shifted as quick as a raindrop. Ai Xin felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up when she noticed Sima Yi's conniving smile.
"Power," he stated.
There was the sound of breaking flower pots and the cries of a servant. There seems to be some ruckus going on.
Chunhua's sharp voice was heard from a section of the house. "Zhongda! The boys are being unruly today. Please make sure they do not disturb our guest!"
"Excuse me, Lady Ai Xin," Sima Yi said, getting up to his feet. He gave a courteous bow and left the tea room.
Ai Xin obediently stayed in her seat, quietly sipping her tea. The brief personal conversation with Sima Yi had formed sufficient appraisal towards the man.
Another dangerously brilliant individual with a clandestine ambition waiting to surface.
She stood up from her seat to stretch her legs, and walked towards the open patio to appreciate the flowers. The sound of the bushes rustling increased her guard that made her step back.
A brown-haired boy with bright eyes jumped out from behind the bushes and ran up to her.
"Hi pretty lady!" a young boy with missing front teeth greeted her. "I'm Sima Zhao!"
Another older boy with black hair emerged from the bush and pulled the younger one away. "I'm sorry if my little brother bothers you, pretty lady. He thinks we're still playing hide and seek with Mama and Papa," he said.
Ai Xin stared at the two boys. The younger one carried Zhang Chunhua's looks, while the other one could pass off as a younger Sima Yi.
"Hello," she greeted.
"Look Shi! She has really pretty eyes like the old grandmother we saw a long time ago beyond the river," Sima Zhao chirped, pointing at Ai Xin's face.
Sima Shi stared at Ai Xin. His dark eyes suddenly lit up with realization. "You're right, Zhao," he said.
"Old lady with eyes like mine?" Ai Xin asked aloud. Who could they be referring to?
Sima Zhao nodded, "The old grandmother was really smart with all the flowers and plants. Papa said he learned so much about du-you from her."
Poison, she thought.
"Shi? Zhao? Where are you?" Sima Yi's voice called out.
Both boys immediately hushed.
Sima Yi entered the tea room and frowned at the sight of his two sons disturbing the lady. "Zhao, Shi, be respectful to our guest," he said. "It's bad enough that you put a servant in trouble for breaking a vase!"
"But we just met her!" Sima Zhao complained, clearly dodging the responsibility of his prank. "Can't we play with her, Papa?"
Sima Yi shook his head, "Go back to your room now before your mother reaches it. You know what happens if she doesn't see you eating your snack."
Resigned to defeat, the boys obeyed their father and skittered out of the tea room.
"I am truly sorry if my sons have disrespected you in any way, Lady Ai Xin," Sima Yi said with a bow.
"They mentioned that you have met an old lady who was well-versed with the art of poison," Ai Xin said. "When and where did you last see this old lady?"
Sima Yi carefully chose his words, "Where the river bursts from the land, where petals shower from the sky."
Hiding her annoyance for his cryptic message, Ai Xin took it as a test between intellectuals. She bowed, "Thank you for your information, Master Zhongda. At the same time, I must apologize that I have to take my leave. There is the banquet that I must prepare for."
"Chunhua has advised me to see you off," Sima Yi said stiffly. "Please, let me escort you to the gate."
When they reached the wooden gate, the servant opened it for them. Sima Yi placed a wrapped parcel on top of Ai Xin's existing one.
"My wife wishes for you to have this gift, as a token of her friendship," Sima Yi said. "She said that it will match the robes you have initially purchased this morning."
Ai Xin received the items and bowed, "Thank you very much for your family's hospitality, Master Sima Yi. I hope to be able to have collaborations with you in the near future."
"I am looking forward to that as well, Lady Ai Xin," Sima Yi said. "Be careful should you venture upstream towards the mountains."
Upon her return to her own quarters in the estate, Ai Xin was not able to find Zhang He. She heard from the servants that the Butterfly General was busy with the decorations of the banquet.
She unwrapped Zhang Chunhua's parcel and stared in awe. It was a beautiful girdle and sash. Determined to make the look work, she took it upon herself to apply everything she learned from her early days in Xuchang.
At sunset, a servant stood in front of the doorway. "Lady Ai Xin, the banquet is about to begin. Your escort is waiting outside."
Ai Xin carefully inserted the flower hairpin in between the knots of her hair. Another servant lifted the bronze mirror for the lady.
"You look extravagant, Lady Ai Xin," the servant exclaimed. "I am sure you will be the fair flower of the night!"
Ai Xin blushed lightly, "Thank you for your help. Let's hope I don't trip over this."
A carriage was waiting outside the estate, along with some of Ai Xin's personal unit soldiers. Upon seeing their leader, the soldiers saluted and assisted her onto the carriage. It was an honor for them to have escorted their now majestic commander.
After a brief travel to the next block, the carriage halted in front of Cao Cao's estate. They could hear the sounds of lively music and joyous chatter from within.
A herald welcomed her. "Lady Ai Xin, you're early! I must inform Lord Xiahou of your arrival."
"Oh, uhm, it's alright. I think I can go find him myself," Ai Xin said, masking her surprise at the general's gesture. "That won't be necessary."
"B-But my lady!"
Another voice spoke up, "Please respect the lady's wishes."
"Agh, Lord Zhang Liao!" the herald cried out.
Zhang Liao placed a tassel of coin on the herald's hand. "I will add a little bit more at the end of the banquet if you keep it silent."
The herald nodded once and bowed. "Please, enjoy the banquet."
When out of earshot, Ai Xin playfully nudged at Zhang Liao and teased, "Resorting to bribery my lord? Should I be honored?"
The man chuckled, "I don't want to be denied the chance to see my daughter dress herself up for another banquet."
Zhang Liao and Ai Xin walked casually down the hall, slightly deviating from the regular path towards the main function room.
"You carry your mother's beauty and grace," Zhang Liao said. "To think you used to prefer your hair short as a bowl."
Ai Xin smiled, "It's not like we could afford attending humane grand banquets back then."
Memories of Dong Zhuo's grotesque banquets had left a bitter taste in their memories. She was just a child yet already faced many a horror of abusive power.
"Good point," Zhang Liao chuckled.
They stopped behind one of the pillars that leads to the entrance of the main banquet hall. Zhang Liao looked over at Ai Xin. He reached out and adjusted the hairpin on her smooth dark hair. He carefully withdrew his hand.
"I shouldn't keep you any longer," he said quietly. "General Xiahou could be looking for you."
"But it's you who plucked me out of the front gate, General Zhang Liao. Doesn't that point to you testing General Xiahou's patience?" Ai Xin replied. "I am surprised that General Xiahou hasn't mowed down people yet, but does he not suspect our familial connection?"
The general chuckled, "If it comes to that point, let me be the one to explain to him."
"I will see you soon, my lord," Ai Xin smiled. She bowed to Zhang Liao and entered first into the hall.
Inside the main function hall, military officers and scholars of both northern and Jing province interacted through food and entertainment. A band played lively music that was accompanied by two rows of sultry dancers. In one of the open seating areas, Xiahou Yuan was with his other comrades socializing over food and wine.
"So there I was, caught in the pincer attack by the enemy. By a miraculous stroke of luck, the sun was on my side and I found a shiny silver shield. As the enemy archers rained their arrows, I hid under the silver shield and blinded my attackers long enough to grant an escape!"
"If you were not a great storyteller, General Miaocai. I would have called you out for that outrageous event in the battlefield," Yue Jin said. "I would know because I was right next to you at that battle."
Xiahou Yuan was about to retort when he saw his cousin march over. Xiahou Dun looked visibly pissed and worried at the same time.
"Hey Yuanrang, I thought you're accompanying Lady Ai Xin tonight?" Xiahou Yuan asked. He looked around with a hand over his eyes. "Where is she?"
Xiahou Dun grunted, "I sent an escort to pick her up from the gate."
Xiahou Yuan gasped, "And then?"
"When the escort returned with news that the lady was not there, I personally went there to check," Xiahou Dun hissed, restraining himself from raising his voice and making a scene. "The herald said he had not seen the lady arrive!"
Yu Jin scoffed, "Sounds like she has disrespected your invitation, Yuanrang."
Li Dian cocked his head and suggested, "Or maybe it's not the right time to ask her out."
"Don't be like that, Mancheng," Xiahou Yuan groaned. "Lady Ai Xin is a really nice woman. Maybe someone kidnapped her? She tends to be trusting towards strangers."
Li Dian shrugged his shoulders, "Or better yet, maybe General Zhang Liao knows where she is. Don't you all find it strange that he seems to know her more than the rest of us, yet claims he only met her on the day of the tournament?"
"There you go with your theories, Mancheng. General Zhang Liao is a likeable and trustworthy fellow," Yue Jin said. "I think you need more wine to simmer down."
Li Dian frowned. He finished his current cup in one gulp.
Realizing it was a mistake to get his comrades involved and gossip, Xiahou Dun muttered words of finding the woman and left.
Xiahou Dun made his way out of the hall to get some fresh air and cool his head. It was rare for Ai Xin to be late, but it was more common for her to get tangled into trouble. A glint of anxiety gripped at his heart. Just as he turned around the corner towards the hall that leads to the pond gardens, someone bumped straight to his chest.
"Watch it," he hissed. When he grabbed the shoulders and pushed the person off his chest. He immediately recognized her.
"Ai Xin," he uttered. He let go of her shoulders and shook his head.
The woman has dressed well for the occasion. Her blue and violet robes tied together with a golden girdle and white silken sash. She wore the hairpin that he had given her as well. What caught his attention was the way she swayed on the spot, slightly out of focus. He caught the distinct scent of wine from her breath.
Ai Xin looked up and grinned before bowing low. "Hello my lord," she greeted in a sing-song voice. "I'm sorry for making you wait."
"Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you," he asked, his voice strained between anger and worry.
She straightened up and raised a jug haphazardly towards him. "Look, I won this after chugging down three flasks of wine and shooting a perfect shot!"
Xiahou Dun didn't know if he should be pissed that she almost stood him up or be concerned that she might have made a fool of herself in front of men who could have taken advantage of her. He caught her wrist to stop her from falling over.
"Why in heavens' name did you consent to such a challenge? What would happen if you lose?" he asked.
"But I didn't lose, my lord," Ai Xin countered, pulling her wrist away from his grasp. She made a flimsy effort to fix her sleeves "The shot was on point that every participant had to consume an additional three flasks each. Now they are singing and brawling in the back end of the hall."
Xiahou Dun sighed. It was a known truth in the army that the woman can be dangerous when drunk. "You're inebriated, my lady. Let me bring you back to your quarters."
Ai Xin shook her head and thrust out the jug of wine. "No, I am not yet that intoxicated!"
Xiahou Dun shook his head, "If you think you can still be functional, I dare you to march your way back to your quarters."
"I will do that sir," Ai Xin said while wagging her finger. "But first, the wine has to go somewhere. Therefore, as a lady who intends to redeem her mistake of tardiness, I implore you to share this wine with me at a location of your choice."
She said with such clarity that Xiahou Dun couldn't help but laugh. He took the jug from her hand and clipped it to his belt. He held her hand into his, leading her down the hall. Maybe he could get her sobered up after a good walk around.
"As you wish, my lady. I am sure you have yet to see the rest of this vast garden."
"A stroll? I love strolls!"
At the eastern banks of the Yangtze, a Sun-Wu encampment had been set up. Sun banners accompanied by Zhou banners waved in the wind. On the main dock of the camp, Lu Su style Zijing stood with an escort of soldiers.
After gaining Zhou Yu's trust that Zhuge Liang's talent would be able to help them, the man was tasked with bringing the Sleeping Dragon to the Sun camp.
A lantern flickered in the wind and grew larger as it approached the shore. A small boat ferried a great name that would eventually be known throughout the land. One of the ferrymen got down from the boat and tied the stern to a wooden pole that served as an anchor. When the wooden plank was placed on the dock, a man who carries the white-feathered fan descended from the boat.
Lu Su bowed in greeting, "Master Kongming, I am glad that your night sailing was uneventful."
Zhuge Liang bowed in return. He said, "Your ferryman was skillful in avoiding the enemy watchtowers along the banks."
Lu Su gestured towards the camp, "Come. Grand Commander Zhou Yu patiently waits for you in the conference tent."
In one of the many guest rooms in the estate, Xiahou Dun selected the one with the best view of the river scenery. A tray of cups were made ready as well as a bowl of dried fruits. He poured wine over some cups. However, what caught his lady's interest was a qin near the patio.
Ai Xin, who had sobered up from their casual stroll, headed towards the instrument and took her seat behind it. She placed her fingers and deftly strummed a tune.
"I believe, I still owe you a private performance, my lord," she said.
He placed a cup on her hands. So time wasted for sobering up just to have another go.
"One toast, for our lord and his ambition."
They drank from their cups. Afterwards, Xiahou Dun refilled the cups.
Ai Xin raised her cup. "A toast to this beautiful night and the opportunity to spend it privately with you," she said.
As she finished her cup, Ai Xin set the porcelain to the side. She inhaled deeply as she placed her fingers on the qin. With a smooth exhale, she began to play a calming melody.
Xiahou Dun sat next to her. He couldn't help but feel happy being this close to her. He listened intently to her music. It was mesmerizing but haunting. Something stirred within him, a foreboding feeling of familiarity and mystery. He cautiously snaked his hand around her waist. It surprised him that she didn't stop playing nor shy away from him.
When the last tune ended, Ai Xin became more aware how close he was to her. She felt her heart beat faster. The boundary of commander and subordinate washed away. She could tell that Xiahou Dun wanted to say something but seemed lost. With a careful hand, she touched the side of his face.
"My lord?" she called out to him. "Is everything alright?"
Snapped out of his daze, Xiahou Dun focused on her lovely face. He confessed, "I never expected to fall for a beautiful and strong woman such as you, my lady. My heart races now that I am this close to you. It has become a challenge to say something without blundering."
Ai Xin restrained herself from flinching when his warm hand rested on her cheek. She tried her best not to stutter out her words.
"I… I have grown fond of you too, my lord," she murmured. "In fact, I enjoy spending time with you, even if it's a grueling military drill. The past months of separation had me miss your presence."
Her hand drifted down to his chest. She could feel his heart beating underneath layers of cloth and skin.
"You make me feel like I am someone real."
The hand on her cheek moved and rested behind her head. He gazed into her eyes and opened his mouth. Three simple words.
Giving in to the moment of desire, Xiahou Dun's lips pressed against hers. Through this act, he easily conveyed everything he wished for her to know about his feelings.
On her end, Ai Xin's mind was going into overdrive with ecstasy. Never in her wildest dreams did she think this was possible. All the times she tried not to look stupid, did he really notice? In response, she leaned closer to him, kissing back with more passion.
When they parted, Ai Xin felt his calloused hands slip through the folds making contact with her bare skin. His touch sent warm tingling signals everywhere. She kept her gaze at him, her breathing slowly gaining pace. Wrapping her hands behind his neck, she kissed him once more and pulled him down on top of her when they landed on the floor.
It wasn't books nor military drills that prepared her for this encounter. Rather, it was the fleeting lectures from courtesans that prevailed that evening.
It was past midnight when the party ended. The servants quietly sweeped and cleaned the hall, avoiding the drunken revelers who laid passed out on the floors and benches. In a separated pavilion, Zhang Liao continued to drink on his own. He gazed at the large orchids in charcoal-filed pots. He smiled to himself reminiscing the happier days.
"Didn't expect to see so many kinds of orchids here. Doesn't it feel a wrench of pain?" a raspy man's voice came from behind.
"An old wound that reopens once in a while," the general replied. "But I have learned to live with it."
The visitor sat next to Zhang Liao. He asked, "Mind if I join you?"
"Master Jia Xu," Zhang Liao greeted. In return, he served wine in another cup.
"Now's my chance to formally congratulate your success, General Zhang Liao," Jia Xu said, raising a cup to Zhang Liao. "It seems you have found what you are looking for."
"Heartwarming. But I must not rest for the war is far from over, Master Wenhe," Zhang Liao said while raising his cup to the man. "On the other hand, you should give credit to yourself for the plans you have laid out as well. Who would have thought a chance meeting would have led to this unconventional reunion."
They drank from their respective cups together.
Jia Xu sat on the bench and leaned back against the wall. His eyes wistfully staring ahead, "From a shy young lady to an eye-catching warrior… I never thought it possible after all that's happened. Apart from Lord Cao Cao, Master Fengxiao and I, who else knows?"
"Lord Zang Ba didn't believe at first until he tested her memory of the Puyang takeover. He swore silence out of respect to the lady's request to keep face," Zhang Liao said. "On the other hand, Li Mancheng continues to throw suspicious statements towards me. However, I feel the basis stems from a different motive."
The strategist laughed aloud, "You know, you could always break everyone's expectations and just announce that she will be your adopted daughter."
"I do not wish for more complicated matters, Master Wenhe," Zhang Liao said. He looked down to his now empty cup. "She is wise enough to know her limits and seeks counsel when needed."
Jia Xu poured more wine into Zhang Liao's cup. His tone dropped, "Her journey grows treacherous as the war continues. Aren't you afraid of losing it all again?"
There was a brief silence between them.
"I am."
It was a mix of rain and snow. Amidst the sound of howling winds, there was the distinct sound of clashing blades and cries of dying men.
She recognized the flags waving from a distance. A large contingent of cavalry readied to face them.
A tall man with a ponytail stood next to her. His great spear held with one hand. He pointed to the east with his free hand.
'General Gao Shun', her memory echoed.
She followed the direction and saw thin clouds of dust rising from the trees.
The wind blew up a dusty wave. When her vision cleared, she found herself in the middle of an arrow-ridden field. A wolf's howl was followed by a hungry growl from behind.
She turned around immediately to see another man cornered by a large wolf. Its left side was bloodied and decayed. Its teeth dripped with hungry saliva.
The wolf lunged for the defenseless man, knocked him down and plunged its fangs on his neck.
She opened her mouth to scream out a name.
Ai Xin opened her eyes. She was breathing heavily. She sat up to catch her breath and buried her face into her hands.
Another nightmare of a memory.
She moved her torso and immediately paused when she was aware of her nudity. She looked forward to seeing her robe across the other side of the room. Her alert level further increased at the presence of another body beside her.
Xiahou Dun.
Warily, she leaned close and her fingers brushed against the scar on his left eye. She held her breath and froze when the man stirred towards his side, hiding the scarred eye. She exhaled slowly in relief when she reassured herself he is real and not a dream.
What a wild night, she thought.
Her cheeks blushed lightly when memories of their trysts returned, pushing her nightmare to another corner of her mind. She drew her knees up to her chin and rested her elbows on them.
The whispers of love and affection had culminated into a unique relationship between them. Could she still blame the wine now that she was lying naked next to the man?
No, they were still kind of sober, she thought. Her body felt sore, but her heart felt satisfied.
She nearly jumped out of her skin when a warm hand stroked her bare thigh. She glanced back to see Xiahou Dun awake and staring at her with a concerned look.
"Is everything alright, Ai Xin?" he asked. "Did you have another nightmare?"
"It's nothing, my lord," she answered softly. She laid back down to his side.
Still sleepy to properly discern her tone, Xiahou Dun pulled her back into his arms. He nuzzled his nose on her hair and kissed her forehead.
"You are safe in my arms," he murmured. "I shall protect you."
Ai Xin closed her eyes, but her mind continued to be restless.
"Wake up, Yuanrang."
Xiahou Dun opened his eye. The carriage had stopped in the middle of a vast camp. He immediately gathered his senses when Cao Cao descended from the carriage. He straightened up from his seat and stretched his neck. His hands adjusted his eye patch and then descended from the carriage.
He along with Cao Hong and Cheng Yu accompanied the warlord towards the lakeside town where Cao Cao ordered the construction of a vast navy fleet.
The day was both windy and cloudy as the month passed by into autumn. It won't be long before Cao Cao begins his conquest toward the easter riverlands of Jiangdong.
As the party entered through the main camp gates, Cai Mao and Zhang Yun stood with rows of soldiers. They all saluted in unison.
"Welcome Lord Cao Cao!"
Cao Cao raised a hand in response. "As you are," he said. "Now, show me the progress of our naval forces."
The entourage walked along the docks. Cai Mao reported on the progress of the soldiers in terms of adapting to naval warfare, while Zhang Yun gave reports on the number of ships crafted as of the time being. On a highly elevated platform, the naval commander had prepared seats for a military drill. Cao Cao sat on the finest chair and watched as Cai Mao gave the signal.
Xiahou Dun listened to the rhythmic beats of the war drums. He watched as small boats filled with hay floated in the middle of the lake. Cai Mao waved a red flag up and down, giving a signal to fire. The sky was soon darkened with a rain of arrows.
In that darkness, the sound of knife slicing skin caught his attention. His wrists were tied in front of him. The texture of a silken cloth temporarily rid him of his vision. The blindfold was easily associated with the arrival of his rations ever since his imprisonment under the Lu Bu army.
However, instead of the smell of stew, his nostrils caught the scent of freshly-spilled blood. His body tensed when the wet surface of a knife pressed against his neck.
"Keep quiet and don't move," a soft whispered voice instructed him.
He complied. The knife on his neck withdrew. He heard the knife cut through the ropes. His hands are free. Keeping in mind that he was still unarmed and the allegiance of his savior unknown, he refrained from moving.
"Listen to me closely," the whispered voice spoke. "When the war drums start to beat, leave this camp through the south gate."
"You slew your army's own soldiers," he replied. "Your commander will punish you for treason."
"An order is still an order," the voice answered in return.
He felt soft fingers touch his skin and proceed to undo the blindfold around his eyes. He blinked a few times to adjust to the light and then focused towards his strange savior. His blindfold covered half the eyes of a quiet beauty with short hair. He watched as the savior turned her back on him and walked towards the exit, expertly avoiding the dead guards on the floor.
"What is your name?" he asked.
She ignored him and disappeared from the tent.
When the sound of war drums echoed around, it was his signal to escape. As he exited from the tent, fires raged around him.
"Xiahou Dun."
The naval exercise had ended. Cao Cao had dismissed the men to return to their duties. Only he, Xiahou Dun, and Xu Zhu remained. The latter was busy appreciating the placid waters reflecting the sun.
"Normally you would comment on badly executed military drills such as this one," Cao Cao mused. "What preoccupies your mind?"
"It's nothing, Lord Mengde," Xiahou Dun said briskly. He didn't feel the need to burden Cao Cao with something as petty as a memory of his failure.
Cao Cao nodded, not accepting the anwer. "As your lord and kin, you are permitted to confide in me, Yuanrang. You know very well that I never betray your secrets."
Xiahou Dun chuckled, "Even with matters of the heart, Mengde? How confident are you that you would not steal the woman I favor?"
Cao Cao raised his eyebrows and said, "Your affection towards Lady Ai Xin is an open secret in the army, Yuanrang. I prefer keeping your trust rather than running after a silly woman like her. After all, I must keep up with the rumored image of loving the beautiful wives of famous men. There is more thrill and excitement in that endeavor."
The man stood up from his seat and gave a warning look towards Xiahou Dun. He said, "What matters now is that this new paramour does not influence your judgment on military decisions. Many a great warrior's principle and discipline falls over the musings of a woman."
Xiahou Dun glanced at Cao Cao. He could tell that the warlord was keeping something from him.
"Is there something that I should know, Lord Mengde?"
Cao Cao chuckled, "Perhaps. I will merely advise should you have trouble with your relationship with her."
Xiahou Dun's brows furrowed. The man certainly enjoys his mind games.