"Master Jiang Gan!" Zhou Yu greeted with open arms. "How long has it been since we have last seen each other? I do remember we used to pull off pranks on our old teacher after class."
Jiang Gan stepped into Zhou Yu's embrace like old friends. He said, "Ah, but I do remember it quite well. Poor Master Li had to spend an afternoon sweeping off dead crickets from the lid of his favorite wine pot."
"I have brought some gifts from my travels," Jiang Gan said. "I hope that you and I can enjoy a pot of really good wine tonight while we reminisce about the good days."
Taking it as her cue, Ai Xin stepped down from the boat while carrying a small expensive looking pot of wine to serve as a gift. She followed Jiang Gan through the middle of the soldier line.
Zhou Yu motioned Jiang Gan to follow him. "Come, let us go back to my quarters. You can rest there while I will have a meal prepared."
One of the soldiers accompanying Zhou Yu nudged his companion. "The visitor must have a lot of money to afford a handsome servant," he snickered.
Ai Xin kept her gaze straight, ignoring the chatter from the soldiers. She had pulled her hair into a bun and dressed in a servant's garb. She had painted over her brows to make them thick enough to look like a man. She hid her knife in the folds of her girdle, and wrapped a thick cloth around her waist to hide her feminine curve.
She reactively stomped her foot on a soldier's shin when he tried to touch her. Her eyes flashed a cold death glare. It elicited chilly whispers of fear among the soldier line.
"A scary handsome servant…"
The Wu commander proudly showed-off his generals drilling the soldiers to Jiang Gan's entourage. They stepped into the war conference tent where the delicious smell of roasted chicken made their mouths water.
"Bring out the wine! I must celebrate a heartfelt reunion with an old friend," Zhou Yu announced.
As the man of the house took his seat on the platform, servants entered carrying trays of the finest cuisine.
Two women entered the section of the tent. The older woman has light brown hair, adorned with floral clips implying her status. This was the younger of the famed Two Qiaos - Xiaoqiao. Her robes were shades of orange with golden floral patterns. She carried in her hands a pair of large fans.
The second woman, Zhou Ying, was younger than Ai Xin. She inherited her father's dark hair, and mother's bright eyes. Her hair was braided and coiled in knots adorned with more flowers. She wore a light red robe with pink floral prints. She carried an ornate qin.
"Let me introduce to you my lovely wife, Xiaoqiao and equally beautiful daughter, Zhou Ying," Zhou Yu said. "While my sons are fulfilling their learnings in the scholarly arts and war, the ladies of my household bravely face the harsh camp life to provide me comfort."
Xiaoqiao and Zhou Ying bowed in greeting.
The strategist's wife spoke, "Welcome Master Jiang Gan! When I heard that my husband is entertaining an old classmate, it is a must that a wife should make sure there is entertainment! Therefore, allow my daughter and I to entertain you with a dance."
Ai Xin kept behind Jiang Gan. She observed the adolescent make her way towards an open section and prepared her instrument. When the first chord was struck, Xiaoqiao opened both of her fans in an extravagant display.
"As this is a grand celebration, for every segment of my dance, Master Jiang Gan must finish one cup of wine!" Xiaoqiao announced.
Ai Xin pursed her lips. She was unsure of Jiang Gan's tolerance for wine, but had a hunch that he would fare worse than her. She kept her face stoic while ruminating the possibility that Zhou Yu knew that they were coming. He was pulling all the stops to prevent Jiang Gan from persuading the commander to defect through the art of distraction.
She wondered if she was assigned as the back-up plan in case Jiang Gan would fail?
Xiaoqiao twirled with the music. Her fans swayed to the beat, sending light gusts of wind to blow away the heat of the alcohol. For every pose she struck, a servant poured wine over Jiang Gan's empty cup.
As the music and dance continued, Jiang Gan partook in wine - cup after cup. When Xiaoqiao finished her decadent dance with a awe-inspiring pose, Jiang Gan had voluntarily consumed a whole flask of wine. He stood up and clapped in applause.
"That was a magnificent display, my lord and my lady!" he cried out in happiness. "I have never witnessed anyone dance so beautifully to a majestic song."
Zhou Yu laughed, "It brings me joy to see you enjoy yourself, Ziyi." He turned to his wife and daughter. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence, my lovely wife and daughter."
"Enjoy the rest of the evening, my lords," the women replied.
Xiaoqiao and Zhou Ying both bowed and left - finished with their task for the night.
Just as Zhou Yu was about to offer another toast to Jiang Gan, they were intruded by a burly, sun-tanned man. He wore his armor that proudly showed off the scars of his muscled biceps. His grayish-white hair pulled back into tight braids, implicating his years as a warrior who had gone through multiple generations of service.
Huang Gai styled Gongfu, stomped his foot on the floor, causing a small earthquake inside the tent. It caused some of the servants to cry out in panic. Jiang Gan was also taken aback that he almost fell back from his seat, only to be aptly supported by Ai Xin.
"You've drank too much, Master Ziyi," Ai Xin hissed. "Get yourself together."
Jiang Gan mumbled, "I still don't see why Cao Cao would refuse such a beauty… I wonder if the older sister would be the same."
Ai Xin wanted to slap sense into Jiang Gan, but was denied the opportunity when the impending argument exploded in front of them.
"You dare interfere in a moment of joyful celebration, Gongfu?" Zhou Yu said threateningly.
Huang Gai pointed at Zhou Yu with his spear and hollered, "How dare you waste our resources for such an insignificant occasion! If Lord Sun Ce or Lord Sun Quan were here, he would have disrupted this gathering like I had."
"Don't you dare insult Lord Sun Ce!" Zhou Yu roared back. "You must be reminded that Lord Sun Quan has assigned the position of Grand Commander to me and you must abide by that appointment!"
Two more veteran generals entered the tent, Cheng Pu and Han Dang. When they saw that Huang Gai had raised his spear against Zhou Yu, Han Dang immediately tackled Huang Gai to the ground. He exerted his weight to pin the man down.
Huang Gai yelled, "Get off me, Han Dang! I will not allow our so-called commander to continue this lascivious gathering!"
"What in Heavens' name were you thinking, Gongfu!" Han Dang berated the man. "This is no time to be inciting ideas of rebellion!"
"I've been biting my tongue ever since that privileged brat was trusted by our Lord Sun Quan," Huang Gai answered back. "But now, no. I will not allow him to use his vile words to send us all to ruin!"
Cheng Pu frowned and smacked Huang Gai at the back of the head, "Don't you dare mention words of betrayal. Our Commander will not be merciful."
"Is that why you are intruding, General Gongfu?" Zhou Yu asked. "Even the slightest mention of treason warrants death by our military law. I should have you executed."
The heavy word caught the attention of everyone in the room. Even Jiang Gan, who was still drunk, managed to sober a bit by the gravity of the situation. So there was apparent conflict in the Wu camp.
Han Dang loosened his grip over Huang Gai. He bowed his head, "Commander Zhou Yu! General Huang Gai may be brash and rude to you this evening. But let me plead for his life," he said. "He has served the Sun family for many generations, it will be a waste to lose him over such a trifle matter."
"Oh, that's the longest I have heard of you speak, General Han Yigong," Zhou Yu said. He let out a laugh, as if the anger was dissipated so easily. He sat back on his seat.
"I am a merciful commander," Zhou Yu said. He waved his hand, "While it is true that General Gongfu has contributed much for Wu's safety, I shall spare him from execution. Instead, he shall bear the brunt of fifty lashes."
"Just fifty? Why do you think me a weakling, you spineless ingrate?" Huang Gai retorted. "I will be happy to receive one hundred instead!"
"Then so be it," Zhou Yu said. "The moment General Huang Gai touches the central campgrounds, begin at once. Let the clothes on his back be melted away by his own blood. He must finish one hundred lashes even when he passes out from pain."
Cheng Pu and Han Dang both had looks of relief on their faces. "Thank you, Commander Zhou Yu."
Soldiers encircled Huang Gai. Han Dang and Cheng Pu bowed to Zhou Yu before escorting Huang Gai to have his punishment meted out.
Silence fell into the tent as the tension slowly eased away. Zhou Yu raised his cup and was about to offer a toast when he was cut off by the pained cries of Huang Gai.
"Tsk, such a weak old fool," Zhou Yu said. He glanced at Jiang Gan's position. "How are you holding up, Jiang Ziyi? Perhaps we can continue drinking in my private quarters?"
"The noise is quite bothersome," Jiang Gan said in a drunken tone. "But I must laud you for doing what was required. You are the Grand Commander of this fine fleet of soldiers after all! There is no room for scheming traitors!" he declared.
Ai Xin helped Jiang Gan up, but he eventually brushed her off. "I can do this on my own," Jiang Gan slurred. "Go wait outside."
"As you command, Master Ziyi," Ai Xin assented. She stepped back and allowed the rest of the escort Jiang Gan out with Zhou Yu.
When Jiang Gan disappeared with Zhou Yu to the commander's private tent to continue their drinking, Ai Xin followed the rest of the servants towards their own tents. She stopped when she heard another argument from a short distance. It was familiar, so she sneakily made her way and hid behind a crate.
It was Zhou Yu's wife and daughter, arguing inside their shared tent.
"Father did what!" it was the worried voice of a female.
"Calm down, Zhou Ying," another woman spoke. "General Huang Gai stepped out of line. Wh-Where are you going?"
Zhou Ying left the tent, carrying with her a box. She walked briskly towards a direction deeper into the camp.
Ai Xin's eyes lit with curiosity. There was something suspicious about the whole situation after all. Taking a chance at determining Zhou Yu's motives for a shallow reason to harm a decorated general, Ai Xin discreetly followed Zhou Ying out through the enemy camp.
She was pretty sure Jiang Gan could make himself sober enough to do whatever must be done.
After a short walk, escaping the attention of the patrolling soldiers and ranked officers, Ai Xin finished trailing Zhou Ying in front of a large tent. Ai Xin noticed the strong scent of blood coming from the area.
A tall man with a hardened face emerged from Huang Gai's tent. He stopped at the sight of the young Zhou lady. "Lady Zhou, why are you here?"
"Lord Kan Ze," Zhou Ying greeted. "I have come to see if General Huang Gai is alright. I brought some medicine for him."
Kan Ze let out a laugh. "Ever kind to old men like him," he said. "He's mighty and well to receive your audience. Go on ahead."
The man named Kan Ze bowed to Zhou Ying and immediately left for what seemed to be an urgent task.
Ai Xin crept closer to the tent, keeping to the shadows of the crates beside it. The smell of blood tickled her nausea, but she kept her gag reflex in check. She drew out her knife and made a slit on the tent high enough for her small frame to fit through.
The general kept his living quarters simple. She crept through the floor quietly as a mouse until she found safety behind an ornate wooden screen. She could see Huang Gai lying on his stomach. His back was recently cleansed from blood. Some of the wounds were still open and bled slightly.
In front of the man, the Lady Zhou Ying set down a box of medicinal paste. She tilted her head to see if Huang Gai's awake enough to notice her.
The man groaned from his position, but still managed to turn to face his visitor.
"Lady Zhou Ying, what brings you here?"
"How are you, General Huang Gai?" Zhou Ying asked. "I heard how my father treated you. I was worried."
"It had to be convincing, my lady," Huang Gai said. "Or else that weasel Jiang Gan wouldn't fall for the ruse."
Zhou Ying's eyes widened, "No wonder Father acted so harshly that it was so unnatural of him. He would never lose his cool even when drunk."
"He should be lauded for being a great performer," Huang Gai chuckled. He rested his head against the pillow. "And to have you check on me, was his way of discreetly saying sorry."
Zhou Ying smiled, "It pleases me to know that you are alright, General Huang Gai. Out of the four of the late Lord Sun Jian's retainers, you're the one with the most humor."
Huang Gai could only nod, for laughing would split open his wounds. "You better go now Lady Zhou. Your father would get worried."
Zhou Ying nodded. She stood up and made her way out of the tent.
Still behind the wooden screen, Ai Xin stayed put - processing the information she had gathered. Was the extravagant banquet and Huang Gai's punishment all part of a greater plan? How far has Cao Cao played into Zhou Yu's schemes?
What plan could she form to counter this scheme?
When she heard snoring from behind, Ai Xin determined that Huang Gai had finally fallen asleep. It prompted her to take her leave and return to the initial area. She only hoped that Jiang Gan would be sober enough to carry out the original plan of convincing Zhou Yu to defect.
But it seemed to be a far-off reality now.
As Zhou Ying exited from the tent and met up with her escort, they made their walk back to the grand commander's quarters. Not wanting to lose her navigator in the camp, Ai Xin followed discreetly. She had to think of a way to make Jiang Gan's departure as urgent. The faster they return to Cao Cao's camp, the better their odds of winning in the campaign.
When the strategist's daughter reached the perimeter of safety in her father's quarters, she dismissed her escort back to their patrol.
"Thank you for accompanying me tonight," she said. "Please, return to your duties."
The soldiers bowed and left. Keeping to the bushes, Ai Xin was distracted with her thoughts. She wasn't paying much attention to the area that she tripped on an exposed root. She cried out in surprise as she tumbled forward into the pavement.
"Ooof!"
Zhou Ying turned around, alerted by the sound. She found a servant face planted on the ground. She ran over to help the servant up.
"Are you alright?" she asked worriedly.
Ai Xin spat out some of the dirt, but kept her eyes closed. "Y-Yes. Wh-who am I talking to?" she asked in a fake masculine voice.
"I am Zhou Ying, daughter of the Grand Commander Zhou Yu," Zhou Ying said. "Do you need water to rinse the dirt in your eyes?"
"N-No, the sting will go away. I am in a hurry Lady Zhou," Ai Xin said, turning her face down. "Master Jiang Gan could be looking for me."
Zhou Ying raised her eyebrows. "Oh dear, I think your master may have gotten himself drunk with my father. But I can lead you to him until the sting goes away."
"Forgive me for burdening you, Lady Zhou," Ai Xin said. "I shall wait here until my master has awakened."
"Very well," Zhou Ying said. "I am on my way to check on my father after all. I must tell him of General Huang Gai's condition."
When the sound of footsteps were gone, Ai Xin opened her eyes and looked forward. That was a close one. She knew that once someone recognizes her eyes, it will be over.
Where Zhou Ying had entered, Jiang Gan had appeared from another exit. He found Ai Xin standing idly on the courtyard. He waved at her hastily.
"Come! Come now, we have no time to waste!" he said, briskly walking over to her. "We must return to our lord immediately!"
"About time…" Ai Xin hissed back.
Together, they made their way back to the boat and set sail.
Inside Zhou Yu's private chamber, the man looked pleased at the evident missing scroll on his desk. He had made sure to feign sleep-talking and keep himself alerted of Jiang Gan's movements in his own room. When he heard the man's footsteps creaking over the wooden floor, Zhou Yu knew that Jiang Gan had taken the bait to steal the false message he drafted.
"Still the drunkard teen I have parted ways with," he muttered proudly to himself.
"Father?"
Zhou Yu turned around to see his daughter bowed in front of him. "Ying, how are you still awake at this hour?"
Zhou Ying straightened up. "I heard what happened to General Huang Gai and went to see him. When I found out the reasons behind his unjust punishment, the worry was lifted."
"How is General Gongfu?" Zhou Yu asked.
"Laughing like the lashes were nothing," Zhou Ying answered. "He even managed to tickle a funny bone."
Zhou Yu smirked, "As expected from the late Sun Jian's most stalwart general. What else bothers you, my dearest girl?"
The question prompted Zhou Ying's memory. She asked, "Have you seen Master Jiang Gan, Father? His poor clumsy servant was looking for him."
"No, in fact, he was gone when I woke up from the couch," Zhou Yu said. "Come with me, let us go look for that servant."
When the father and daughter arrived at the courtyard, the servant was nowhere to be seen.
Zhou Ying tilted her head, "How odd. He said he would wait here."
Zhou Yu frowned, "Perhaps Jiang Gan has found him and taken him away. A master should look after the welfare of his subordinates after all."
"Why did Master Jiang Gan leave so quickly too?"
"He has his own master to return to," Zhou Yu answered. "We shall now see if our efforts in this theatrical performance has borne fruit."
The upstream journey was swift when the waters were calm. Sunrise slowly peeks by casting the clouds in golden-pink waves of colors. Aboard the boat, Jiang Gan was pacing restlessly. Ai Xin sat on one of the seats and leaned her head on her hand while her arm rested on the rail.
She had inquired for Jiang Gan's input if he was successful in persuading Zhou Yu. However, he shrugged her off with a response.
"No need when I found something more important!"
He returned to pacing forward and backward on the boat.
"Ease yourself, Master Jiang Gan," Ai Xin advised. "You might fall off the boat with that pace."
"Of course," Jiang Gan said. "It's just… I can't believe it that we are in cahoots with traitors!"
"Lord Jiang Gan, we have arrived at our midway checkpoint," the boatman announced.
As the boatman guided the vessel to shore, the party expected an empty camp. However, it was occupied by someone else.
A quaint flag was written with a brush. Beside that flag, a man with a wide-brimmed hat was lazily fishing. He did not move when the boat reached ashore and its passenger disembarked.
Jiang Gan approached the man and read aloud the words written on the flag. "From flames comes a new world.."
The man with the hat tilted his head up. His face was covered, only his eyes with dark circles under them revealed. "What do you think that means?"
"I believe it means that the land must go through the fire of chaos, and when its ashes the victor of war shall rule with peace," Jiang Gan said. He bowed, "I am Jiang Gan styled Ziyi."
"A sagely interpretation, Master Ziyi," the man answered. "I am Pang Tong styled Shiyuan."
"Pang Tong Shiyuan," Jiang Gan repeated. His eyes widened with realization, and remarked, "Can it be you are the famous Pang Tong Shiyuan, one of Sima Hui's students, the one they call the Fledgling Phoenix?"
Pang Tong chuckled, "Well, I didn't expect that you would know that much Master Jiang."
Jiang Gan threw his hands up in the air and said, "How could I not know? They say that if you have the Sleeping Dragon or the Fledgling Phoenix to serve you, you will win the Mandate of Heaven and achieve rule over the land."
The man knelt to Pang Tong's level and held on to his hand. "Come and sail back with me, Master Pang Tong. I implore you to use your talents under Lord Cao Cao's banner, and I am sure he will reward you with things beyond your imagination!"
Pang Tong let out of a laugh. "Well, isn't that a nice sounding idea? I get to meet the Hero of Chaos in person!"
On the ship, Ai Xin watched the exchange with a wary eye. It felt too convenient. She too had heard of the Fledgling Phoenix from Xu Shu's tales. She resumed her servant persona when the two men boarded the ship once more. She set out two cups on the table and poured wine into them.
"One for you and one for your guest, Master Jiang Gan," she said.
In his excitement, Jiang Gan shook his head and placed another cup on the table. He said, "Let this not be the time for secrets Lady Ai Xin, let me have this honor of introducing you one of the wisest men in the land - Master Pang Tong Shiyuan, or better known as the Fledgling Phoenix!"
Ai Xin instinctively poured wine into the extra cup. Was that meant to be for her?
Jiang Gan looked at Pang Tong, and said, "Master Pang Tong, this fine lady is in fact Lady Ai Xin, one of Lord Cao Cao's rare warriors. It was said that she has defeated one of Liu Bei's finest warriors - the Little Dragon Zhao Yun - with mere words!"
Pang Tong pushed his hat up with a hand to get a good look at Ai Xin. "Hello Lady Ai Xin!" he greeted jovially. "That's quite a reputation you managed to build there."
"The pleasure is mine, Master Pang Tong," Ai Xin said with a sweet smile. "Let's just hope you don't find yourself at the end of an arrow."
"How subtle," Pang Tong chuckled, picking up the threat the woman posed. "I like this persona more than the clueless servant you made yourself to be. I get excited at having to use my wits to keep myself alive."
Ai Xin glanced over to check on Jiang Gan. The man was busy perusing the scroll he stole from Zhou Yu's desk, analysing its contents intently. He still didn't say a word about it to her. She sighed and shook her head. She dipped a cloth into the water and used it to wipe away the manly make-up from her face.
"I will take you up on your challenge, Master Shiyuan," she said, turning her attention to the Fledgling Phoenix. "I am willing to test my level of foresight with you."
"By all means!" Pang Tong said.
It took the rest of the day to reach their home camp. As Jiang Gan's party reached docks and disembarked, they were immediately escorted by soldiers towards Cao Cao's tent. Ai Xin had excused herself to check on the new gear she had commissioned the blacksmith to do.
She stepped out of the blacksmith's corner in her new gear. The metal finish glistened against the setting sun. She affixed a new hairpin through her ponytail.
"Your new armor looks great on you," she heard someone comment.
Ai Xin looked up from her position and a wide smile etched on her face. She straightened up and threw her arms around the newcomer.
"Xu Yuanzhi! When did you get here?" she asked excitedly. "How come I didn't see you?"
Xu Shu smiled sheepishly, carefully prying the lady away from him. He inserted his hands into the folds of his coat. He answered, "I was here for a few days when the first skirmish was underway. When I was informed that you returned sick, I thought of helping out."
The glee in his eyes dulled a bit when he continued, "So I went to your tent, but I didn't know you were staying with someone else."
Ai Xin noticed the blush on his cheeks, and she reactively blushed. There was a certain tone in his voice. Was he keeping something else aside from their friendship?
"What bothers you, Yuanzhi?"
The man did his best not to fidget. "Nothing," he said through gritted teeth. "I would be a fool to insist there is."
Their conversation settled in an awkward silence. Ai Xin turned away from him, letting out a long sigh to relieve tension. "Maybe we could catch up with a few rounds of weiqi later? I still have to report to Lord Cao Cao."
"Ah, of course. I am sure our master will be interested in what you have to say," Xu Shu said.
"What will you be doing for the meantime?" she asked.
Xu Shu flashed a calm smile. "I heard that a certain Pang Tong has arrived to camp with you," he said. "That alone is worth investigating."
In the commander's tent, Cao Cao sat on his chair. His fingers tapping on the armrest impatiently. When a soldier announced Jiang Gan's arrival, Cao Cao remained unmoved to hide his excitement.
Jiang Gan entered, walked up to the aisle and knelt, "Greetings, Lord Cao Cao."
Cao Cao leaned forward expectantly. "So tell me, have you convinced Zhou Yu to join us?"
Jiang Gan shook his head, "I plead for patience with what I have to say, my lord. I was not successful in convincing Zhou Yu to join us. However, I gained something more from my brief expedition."
Cao Cao smacked his fist on the armrest, becoming pissed at the statement.
"Then pray tell me what have you found that supersedes your first promise to me, Jiang Gan?" Cao Cao asked testily.
As if on cue, Pang Tong entered the tent in his jovial gait. He stopped next to Jiang Gan and used his staff to support his respectful bow.
"Lord Cao Cao," he greeted.
"Who is this stranger, Jiang Ziyi?" Cao Cao asked.
Jiang Gan straightened up and gestured to Pang Tong, "My lord, let me introduce to you one of the greatest intellectuals of our time. This is Master Pang Tong Shiyuan, the Fledgling Phoenix. His sagely wisdom is said to be at par with the likes of Zhuge Liang. It is my pleasure to have managed to convince him to serve your cause, my lord."
Cao Cao studied Pang Tong closely. Pang Tong simply smiled through his eyes.
"Why do you hide your face, Master Pang Tong?" the warlord asked.
Pang Tong chuckled, "Unlike you my lord, I was not blessed with handsome features. However, the Heavens have instead granted me immeasurable wit and intelligence. I am sure that my foresight will be of great use to you."
"Hmph, so I have heard," Cao Cao said, convinced with the wordplay. "It piqued my interest to be in the presence of a wise man."
Pang Tong bowed, "Such a great honor to finally come face to face with the Hero of Chaos."
"The pleasure is mine," Cao Cao said. "Tell me, Master Pang Tong. What sagely advice can you offer so that I may efficiently strike down the proud Zhou Yu?"
Pang Tong used his staff to motion outside. "As soon as I entered your camp, I could already tell that your men suffer from sickness of the humid marshlands. It didn't not help their resolve when they had to go through rigorous navy drills in order to adapt to fighting above water."
He tapped the end of his staff on the floor. "Therefore, I wisely suggest that your ships be chained from side to side. The combined weight of ships rowing as one will provide stability over water. That way, you can bring out the fullest fighting potential from your cavalry and infantry."
Cao Cao nodded, "Your strategy is sound, Master Pang Tong. That will certainly improve the performance of our men."
"Seeing that you can recognize the talent of men such as I, I am willing to offer one more service to you, my lord," Pang Tong said.
"Pray tell what is that?"
"Seeing that Jiang Gan has failed in convincing Zhou Yu personally, let me be the one to incite further distrust among Zhou Yu's men," Pang Tong said.
Cao Cao stroked his goatee. "You seem to be reading my mind, Master Pang Tong. However, I am known to always carry an air of suspicion over such assumptions. Therefore, I must ask you. What drives your motivation to sow discord?"
"In case you haven't heard of recent happenings in the Wu camp," Pang Tong said with a casual shrug. "The grand commander Zhou Yu was very rude towards the Sun's veteran generals. He practically subjected the great Huang Gai into ridicule and meted out one hundred lashes as punishment for speaking up."
"Can you vouch for his words, Jiang Ziyi?" Cao Cao asked Jiang Gan.
Jiang Gan nodded, and responded, "Yes my lord. I have witnessed with my own two eyes how Huang Gai barged into the tent and threatened Zhou Yu."
"Such vital information," Cao Cao said. "We must capitalize on this event. If Master Pang Tong could instead persuade Huang Gai to defect, all the more it would shatter the Wu forces' morale."
Pang Tong chuckled, "That is what I am intending to do, Lord Cao Cao! You truly are a master tactician!"
Cao Cao was silent at first, but ended up letting out a hearty laugh. "You have my permission, Master Pang Tong. Take this token and present it to the dock guards so that they will loan you a small ship for your mission."
Pang Tong received the token and inserted it in the folds of his robes. "Thank you, Lord Cao Cao. I pray to the Heavens that they will smile upon your victory against Zhou Yu and the Wu forces."
When Pang Tong was escorted outside and out of earshot, Jiang Gan shuffled closer to Cao Cao's seat and his voice dropped close to a whisper,
"I have discovered more pressing news, my lord. It seems that our recent loss against Wu was intentional."
The scholar produced the incriminating scroll from his robes and offered it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao took the scroll and opened it. His eyes read through each word carefully. When he was done, he dropped the scroll on the table.
"So, Cai Mao and Zhang Yun had been secretly in communication with Zhou Yu," Cao Cao said. "They were waiting for the right opportunity to kill me in my sleep and send my head to Zhou Yu."
"They thought they could lie about their intentional loss of the previous battle," Jiang Gan said. "But this is incriminating proof that they were just following Zhou Yu's plan all along."
Cao Cao frowned. He gave no further thought and ordered his soldiers, "Bring Commanders Cai Mao and Zhang Yun here. Make sure that they are bound. Beat them into submission if you have to."
Ai Xin managed to reach the commander's tent after having to excuse herself from many people wanting to talk about her expedition. She stopped near the entrance to see Pang Tong emerge from the tent.
"Leaving so soon, Master Pang Tong?" she asked.
Pang Tong tapped his staff expectantly. "Everything seems to be going my way, Lady Ai Xin," he said. "I am quite enjoying this long-term game of ours."
Their conversation was cut by the sudden appearance of a major leading his soldiers sprinting towards the docks.
"Capture Cai Mao and Zhang Yun immediately!" the major shouted.
Ai Xin frowned. She had a gut feeling that the ruckus may be connected to that scroll that Jiang Gan found. She turned her attention back to Pang Tong. The Fledgling Phoenix was pleased with sowing seeds of suspicion all around.
"Your move, Lady Ai Xin," he said.
"A difficult situation," she admitted. "We will overcome this, Master Shiyuan. Just wait and see."
Pang Tong nodded, "I shall say my farewell to you now, Lady Ai Xin. Perhaps we can cross minds once more in a different battlefield."
"I shall look forward to it. Please, do not forget our agreement," Ai Xin said. She bowed to the Fledgling Phoenix and waved at the guards to continue their escort. She turned her direction back to the commander's tent and quietly made her way inside.
Just as Ai Xin had stepped into the carpeted floor, she immediately moved aside when she heard the complaining voices of Cai Mao and Zhang Yun.
The soldiers unceremoniously dragged the two commanders into the tent and forced them both on their knees before Cao Cao. Before Cai Mao and Zhang Yun could voice out their protests, Cao Cao had already thrown the scroll in front of them.
"Do you think I would not be a fool for not figuring out your hidden plans, Cai Mao? I have survived many an assassination attempt because I knew they would come," he said in a threatening tone.
Cai Mao kowtowed and kept his face looking down. "Lord Cao Cao, we swear on our lives that we would never turn our swords against you. This is all but Zhou Yu's plan to divide the army!"
"Please, Lord Cao Cao, spare us," Zhang Yun pleaded. "We are true to our word. We have no correspondence with Zhou Yu!"
Jiang Gan pointed at the scroll. "Don't lie to our lord. The proof is all here. These are your words to Zhou Yu!"
"Or they are Zhou Yu's lies," Ai Xin finally interjected. She walked down the aisle and saluted, "Surely, Lord Cao Cao is sharper to discern the words of a proud man writing to himself."
Cao Cao paused. He stared at the woman in front of him. He recalled his adviser's request to have another sound mind infiltrate the enemy camp. His anger slightly abated, he gestured to Ai Xin.
"Have you even read the contents of the letter, Lady Ai Xin?" Cao Cao asked. "How sure are you that these two mongrels kneeling in front of me are not traitors?"
Ai Xin pressed a fist into her palm and bowed, "I have not seen the contents of the scroll, my lord. It seems Master Jiang Ziyi is so keen on hoarding all the glory to himself. However, I am here to make sure he doesn't make a fool of himself."
Jiang Gan wanted to rebut, however was held back by Cao Cao's raised hand.
"It is laudable that you always provide the most interesting views. However, even I must question your claims," he said. "You are now treading dangerous waters to vouch for their innocence, Lady Ai Xin. Are you willing to put your life on the line for accused traitors?"
Ai Xin could hear the mumbling cries from Cai Mao and Zhang Yun. She looked at Cao Cao and kept a calm countenance.
"Yes, my lord. I am quite aware of what is at stake," she said with a straight face. She knew she did the right thing, but at what cost on her end?
"Very well. From this point forward, your name and life are tied to their fates. Should they commit treason against my army, you will be the first to feel the sword's wrath," Cao Cao smirked.
"Understood, Lord Cao Cao," Ai Xin said.
That look of determination, of confidence, stirred him. Cao Cao turned his attention to the two officers on the floor.
"You are lucky to have a prized warrior save your skin, General Cai Mao and General Zhang Yun," he said.
Before Cai Mao and Zhang Yun could react to their miraculous rescue, Cao Cao said aloud,
"The commanders Cai Mao and Zhang Yun's loyalty must be proven in front of everyone. If their loyalty to me is true, they will accept the punishment of twenty five lashes and be demoted to secondary generals. Send word to General Yu Jin to report to me after the punishment is meted out."
He let the gravity of his words fall on everyone in the tent.
Cai Mao and Zhang Yun's words were reduced to accepting the punishment as a form of mercy.
"Thank you, Lady Ai Xin! Thank you, Lord Cao Cao for your mercy and graciousness!"
"Take them away and make sure every lash is heard until the farthest watchtower," Cao Cao said with a wave of his hand.
Down at docks, Pang Tong surrendered his token to the soldier. The soldier bowed and went ahead to pull in a boat for the man. Pang Tong sat on a stool, watching the waters and humming a tune.
"Like a thief in the night, you are leaving without saying hello to a friend? What can you say for yourself, Pang Tong Shiyuan?"
Pang Tong looked up from his position. He grinned from behind his mask, "I was wondering where I could find you, Xu Shu Yuanzhi. I guess I don't have to try."
Xu Shu looked at Pang Tong. "Do you think I did not catch on with what you are trying to do, Shiyuan?" asked. "Chaining the ships is the worst idea ever."
Pang Tong chuckled, "I'm just doing my job, Yuanzhi. The master of the downstream asked for a plan to win, I gave my opinion. The master of this camp asked for a way to help his men, again, an opinion."
"You should have stayed true to your word when you declared that you will pledge allegiance to Lord Cao Cao," Xu Shu said.
"Well, well, well," Pang Tong said. "That's something I haven't seen in you for years, Yuanzhi. A sense of self-confidence. But, it seems you have become questionable in your morality for believing in your lord."
Xu Shu shook his head, "You're wrong, Shiyuan. My defeat at the Battle of Xinye merely opened my eyes that there is much for me to prove. Lord Cao Cao gave me that chance, and I will not waste that opportunity."
With the boat finally ready, Pang Tong boarded the small vessel. He knew that Xu Shu would not stop him from leaving.
"Well, if you changed your mind, Yuanzhi… You could always come with me and we'll look for a more honorable master who will actually listen to our opinions," Pang Tong said. "Right now, you're on the losing side if everything went according to the plan."
With a strong push from the oar, the boat started to drift downstream. Pang Tong waved at Xu Shu.
"See you later, Xu Yuanzhi! Don't foolishly play around with fire!"
When silence settled in the tent, Cao Cao could easily tell that another argument was going to begin. For the sake of amusing himself after a stressful dealing, he leaned back and watched it unfold.
Jiang Gan frowned, "It was a foolish choice to have you accompany me to the enemy camp, Lady Ai Xin."
Ai Xin frowned, "Well, I wasn't the one who ended up like a drunken fool playing into Zhou Yu's hands. Clearly your eyes are blurry thinking that you could actually take on Lady Xiaoqiao's drinking game."
When their argument was reduced to throwing insults and poetic rubbish at each other, Cao Cao caught sight of Ai Xin discreetly drawing her blade. He banged his fist on the armrest and said aloud, "Enough!"
Both arguing sides fell silent, and glaring daggers at each other.
"Your efforts in the expedition to the enemy camp are recognized. You have both contributed and wagered your lives on the decisions made today. Keep in your minds now that both of you are still under my employ. Set aside your anger towards each other."
"Yes, my lord," they both spoke in unison.
"You are dismissed. Return to your duties."
Ai Xin and Jiang Gan both bowed and left the tent.
Cao Cao set out two empty cups and poured wine over them. He picked up his own and took a sip. He listened for the footsteps that drew near and stopped at his side. The smell of fresh flora mixed with the taste of his wine.
"A fine sequence of events, my lord," a smooth voice spoke.
The warlord chuckled, "Everything is as you said…"
He watched as slender fingers picked up the cup of wine and tilted on rosy lips. His bright eyes burned with vigor despite a gaunt face.
"Guo Jia."