Three months after the campaign at Chibi, the alliance between Sun Quan and Liu Bei simmered down. It was due to the failure of successfully defeating Cao Cao's massive army. Even though the warlord retreated north, he left behind a sturdy defense of Jiangling and Fancheng. It would not take long before Cao Cao prepared for another strike southwards again.

Despite Zhou Yu's best efforts to keep Liu Bei within reach, his rival Zhuge Liang managed to implement a strategy that ensured the safety of his lord. They had situated themselves westward of Jing. A fortified camp was established to launch their campaign to the riverlands, while keeping a foot inside the province to watch carefully the movements of the two territories.

Under Sun Quan's command, Zhou Yu pulled back his men to Chaisang to reinforce against any advances from Nanjun. Along with the other military advisers, they began preparing for another campaign to push back Cao Cao's presence from their lands.

In one of the lonely pavilions looking out to the Yangtze River, a lady was sitting under a tree appreciating the view and sounds of the river. Her light hazel eyes observed another person below her, busy gathering wildflowers from the grassy area.

The ambient sounds were disrupted by the entrance of jingling bells and heavy footsteps.

"Good day, Lady Zhou Ying," Gan Ning styled Xingba saluted. "Your old man sent me to fetch you."

The strategist's daughter, Zhou Ying, turned to face Gan Ning. She replied, "My bodyguard has not yet returned from her task."

Gan Ning scratched the back of his head and stretched. He said, "What's her name again? I only remember that she looked like a ghost."

"Her name's Ai Xin," Zhou Ying answered defensively. "She's reserved around nosy people like you, but she is an able bodyguard!"

Gan Ning scratched his chin. The name sounded familiar. He lowered his voice to a whisper, "So are the rumors true that she's from the north? I've heard stories of a really pretty lady who could make men fall down on her feet."

Before Zhou Ying could dissuade Gan Ning's curiosity, the woman in question returned with a basket full of wildflowers. She was dressed in plain robes and light leather armor. Her short hair held back with a simple half-ponytail. She recognized Gan Ning's presence and bowed.

"Lady Zhou, General Gan Xingba," the warrior greeted briefly.

Gan Ning waved as a gesture for acknowledgement. The bodyguard straightened up. Gan Ning noted the oddly calm aura. He could not put his finger as to what kept the woman in a moody silence.

"These are the best wildflowers I could find to add to your collection, Lady Zhou," Ai Xin reported. She placed the basket at the noblewoman's feet and retreated a few steps back.

Zhou Ying smiled and stood up from her seat to inspect the produce. "Very good job, Ai Xin. These flowers will certainly make my mother smile once we are able to arrange them in the guest hall."

The convoy departed from the pavilion with Gan Ning leading the march. They went through the hilly forest, halfway on their path towards the town. Inside the carriage, Zhou Ying and Ai Xin sorted through the flowers by species. Once they were done, the flowers were wrapped with cloth and placed inside a satchel.

"I think there are some stems that I could replant in the garden," Zhou Ying said.

The carriage suddenly halted, causing the two ladies to nearly fall off from their seats. They heard a soldier outside shouting.

"AMBUSH!"

The carriage door was opened by a soldier. "Lady Zhou! We must flee - AAGH!"

There was the sound of cracking behind the soldier, and he fell forward with an arrow on his nape.

"Ah!"

Zhou Ying's frightened cry was immediately hushed by Ai Xin's hand on the lady's wrist. The bodyguard placed a finger over her lips, instructing the lady to calm down and stay quiet. Zhou Ying watched as Ai Xin pulled out the bow and strapped the quiver of arrows on her waist.

"Stay here," instructed Ai Xin. She jumped down from the carriage and immediately fired an arrow towards the first enemy she saw. She fired a few more precise shots into the trees. After a careful sweep of the surrounding area, she turned towards the carriage.

"We must start moving, Lady Zhou," the warrior said in a hushed tone.

Zhou Ying got down from the carriage and stayed close to Ai Xin. She pulled the strap of the satchel over her shoulder, not wanting to leave her flowers behind. The sound of Gan Ning's bells was enough proof that the general was still alive and doing well to defend his charge. He had just cleared the remaining bandits of the first wave.

"General Xingba!" Zhou Ying cried out.

The pirate general turned around and grinned. "Glad to see you are safe, Lady Zhou," he said. When he glanced towards the armed bodyguard, he gave his orders,

"Take my horse and get the hell out of here. I will draw their attention to me."

Zhou Ying stayed close to Gan Ning while Ai Xin fetched his horse. The female warrior gently tugged the reins of Gan Ning's horse and brought it over to Zhou Ying.

"Get on, my lady," Ai Xin said.

Zhou Ying got on to the saddle and Ai Xin followed suit sitting behind her.

"Stay alive, General Xingba," Ai Xin said, before leading the horse away from the battle scene.

"Don't you worry about me," Gan Ning said. "Go! Go!"

The horse galloped away into the woods. Zhou Ying held on to the horse's mane, keeping herself small enough to avoid being hit. Out of all the times she ventured out, she had never encountered an attack from Sun Quan's enemies.

As they continued down the path, they could hear the sound of more galloping behind them.

"Catch the woman! Our leader says that we could pay a high price for her capture!"

Zhou Ying felt the reins slip into her hands. She could hear Ai Xin's voice behind her ear.

"Hold on to the reins and guide the horse to stay on the path, Lady Zhou Ying," Ai Xin instructed. "Whatever you do, you must continue forward until you see the watchtowers."

"Wh-What are you planning, Ai Xin?" Zhou Ying asked in a frightened tone.

Ai Xin did not reply. She had already drawn her bow, and with a twisted angle of her torso, and began shooting towards their pursuers. A small frown etched on her face when she recognized the armor their enemies wore. They were one of many reconnaissance units under Cao Cao's command.

When one rider managed to catch up with them, he pulled out his sword and jabbed towards Ai Xin. Anticipating the attack, Ai Xin used the curve of her bow to deflect the jab and used an arrow to strike into the man's wrist. The rider roared in pain from the attack and fell off his horse.

Another pursuer came up from the opposite side, this time carrying a spear. Using the length of the weapon, he aimed to strike the horse's hind. The successful attack caused the horse to neigh in pain and crash forward, sending its riders off its back.

Ai Xin held on to Zhou Ying and used herself to break the fall. She winced but hid her pain. She immediately released Zhou Ying from her grasp, pushed her ward ahead, and rolled away as a spear jutted to the ground. The warrior managed to get back up to her feet in a smooth movement. She pulled out the spear from the ground and used it to knock the rider off his horse.

Without giving her opponent time to recover, she used the spear and gutted it through the man's exposed neck. She quietly steadied her breath as she watched the short glimpse of realization in the pursuer's eyes. She pulled out the spear and carefully stepped backwards, keeping watch for any more pursuers.

A few minutes passed and no one came for them. That's when Ai Xin lowered her spear and inspected her victim. She used the tip of her spear to push away the cloak and revealed a Cao emblem etched on the armor. Her suspicion was right. Raising the spear, she plunged the blade through the emblem, drowning the mark with blood.

When she heard a soft groan behind her, Ai Xin attended to her charge. She found the strategist's daughter upright, sitting on her heels. There were a few bruises and cuts on her robes, but otherwise, alright.

"Are you alright, Lady Zhou Ying?"

Zhou Ying appreciated the concerned tone from Ai Xin. "A little rattled, but I will be fine," she said. She bent over to take a peek of the corpse.

"Oh…" she gasped, looking away in time.

Ai Xin sighed. They seemed to be in a safe time right now, but it was better not to let her guard down. She helped the noblewoman up on her feet, and said, "We must not linger here. There might be more coming around for us."

"You are right."

The sound of galloping hooves spiked up Ai Xin's alertness. She immediately faced the direction of the sound and pulled up her bow, readying to shoot. When she saw the Zhou flag wave in the air, that was when she only lowered her bow.

"Zhou Ying!"

"Father," Zhou Ying cried in relief. "I am safe!"

Zhou Yu got down from his horse and immediately checked on his daughter for any injuries. After clearing her of any major mishaps, the grateful father held his daughter tight.

"Thank heavens you're alright," he said. "Your mother and I were worried when Gan Ning took a long time to return."

The strategist looked over to his daughter's bodyguard who quietly saluted him. He noted the odd silence that looked troubling. He released his daughter from his embrace and took a few steps forward to survey the area.

Ling Tong, one of the military escorts, walked up to them and looked around. He found the dead enemy on the road. It was a clean execution, no doubt it was Ai Xin's handiwork. "Where the hell is that pirate anyway?" he asked aloud.

"Are you summoning the Great Gan Ning of the Bells?" a loud boisterous reply echoed from down the road.

The pirate general emerged into view, riding a horse. He waved his blade in victory as he led the surviving caravan towards Zhou Yu's party. The sound of his belt of bells jingling to the pirate's tune.

Zhou Yu gave Gan Ning a thankful greeting. He said, "I have no doubt in my mind that you are capable of defying the odds, General Xingba. However, you must forgive me for being impatient. Do you have any information as to who could be behind this attack?"

Gan Ning's jovial look turned serious. He unclipped a bag from his saddle and tossed it to the ground. The contents spilled, revealing the emblem of Cao. He said, "They were Cao Cao's men, Commander Zhou Yu. They must have been patrolling close ever since they set up camp there at the border of Nanjun."

"This is dangerous news," Zhou Yu said. "They could be sending spies to monitor our movements."

Ling Tong scratched his chin and mused, "If they have been scouting for a long time, they must have thought they could take Lady Zhou as hostage. But luckily, Lady Zhou has me to protect her!"

"You can't even protect yourself from her bodyguard," Gan Ning sneered. "Took you days to recover from that humiliating hit to the crotch."

Zhou Yu sighed as the two rivals hit each other off with throwing insults again. He glanced over to see Zhou Ying in conversation with Ai Xin. He observed the lady warrior's countenance. He would want to believe that there's nothing that held her back in executing her duties as a soldier, but now that a dilemma arose.

He wondered how far could he push back the walls towards her true self?

The waves lapped gently on the shore. She could smell the earthy scent of wet soil.

Everything was a blur when that burning pillar fell in between. She remembered diving into the water and breaking through the surface to hold on to a broken plank. She could feel her chest burning inside from the smoke. A light blue glimmer shone in front of her. It felt warm, and inviting.

She must be going crazy or was this death beckoning for her?

Memories of a shore with a setting moon, to a small campfire underneath a starry sky. Her world whirred into the middle of a blood-soaked field, arrows rained upon her surroundings. Finally, it settled with a small candle-lit room.

She could hear voices behind the door. Two female voices and one strong male voice, arguing.

"Please Father, is it not your teaching to extend kindness to those in need?" cried a small voice.

There was a prolonged silence.

"The moment she exhibits the desire to harm you or anyone we care about, it is over."

The scene shifted to that of a well-lit study. He sat behind his desk, writing on the scrolls - communication with the various outposts. He looked up and acknowledged her presence. His eyes fell on the offering on her outstretched hands.

"You have cut your hair."

'"I have severed everything that kept me rooted in the past, so that I can finally move forward to another life."

"Very well."

A perfectly executed lie.

The crickets were humming their tune tonight.

Ai Xin opened her eyes as she roused herself from her meditation at the patio. The night spring air carried the cold breeze from the north. Her heart felt heavy for a bit, blurred cheerful faces withered away with the wind. She was still in the process of picking up the pieces of a shattered mirror.

Her attention shifted to the sound of a breaking branch. She stood up and turned around. She bowed in greeting.

"Lady Zhou Ying, you should be in bed at this hour," Ai Xin said.

Zhou Ying shook her head. She sat next to Ai Xin and gazed up to the sky. She said, "I couldn't sleep, not with what happened earlier. Neither have I thanked you properly for protecting me."

The news of the attempt on Zhou Ying's life spread like wildfire in the small town. Her mother was frantic, her siblings had sent messages of concern towards her welfare. Despite not being sanguine-related with the Sun family, the Zhou family name was perceived as royalty as well by the Sun-conquered territories.

Ai Xin looked down to her hands and folded them on her lap. "I must oblige to fulfill my duty to protect you, Lady Zhou Ying."

The kind-faced Zhou turned to Ai Xin. She gestured towards the warrior and said, "For the longest time you stayed by my side, I still feel as if I do not know you yet."

Ai Xin listened carefully to Zhou Ying. She could see the concern in her eyes. She had merely spent a few months, what difference would it make.

"Only my father knows of your true origins, and I know that you are still apprehensive in sharing about your past to me. But I want to know you better, as a friend. I want you to know that you are not alone here in the riverlands," Zhou Ying implored.

"Your father was wise enough to make use of me," Ai Xin said. "But one should be cautious in those who one sees as a friend. What if the enemy is closer than you would call family?"

"Don't go spouting the Art of War on me, Ai Xin," The young woman smiled, "Do you not miss the warm feeling of those who hold you dear?"

Ai Xin was silent for a good while, reflecting on those words. She conceded to her benefactor's kindness.

"I do miss it."

Zhou Ying nodded, "Thought so."

She stood up from her seat and placed her hands on her waist. "I know this will sound sudden, but I must insist this upon you. From now on, you will call me Zhou Ying."

"But, my lady…"

"I command it."

"Yes… Of course Lady- I mean, Zhou Ying."

At the northwestern region of the land, Cao Cao launched his campaign to conquer the rest of the region to solidify his hold over the northern lands of the river. The leader of the famous Xiliang cavalry, Ma Teng, had attempted to take over Xuchang during Cao Cao's campaign in the south. However, the abrupt return of Cao Cao's army caused the Xiliang warriors to retreat west.

In the main camp, Cao Cao assigned his new strategist, Sima Yi to implement the plans, with Jia Xu keeping watch. The wistful master strategist stood in the middle of the camp, observing the new brilliant mind command the troops with ease.

"The tenacity of our lord's army, and their high morale from our campaign at Chibi. It was wrong for Ma Teng to make threats against Lord Cao Cao," Jia Xu said.

Sima Yi approached Jia Xu and bowed in greeting, "Master Jia Xu. I have come to you to report that we will be able to push through towards the Xiliang capital within the next week. Apart from that, Lord Cao Cao will arrive with the main forces in the next two nights."

Jia Xu chuckled, "As expected of you Master Sima Yi. Carry out whatever you need to do. I'm just here to watch and take notes… and report to Lord Cao Cao."

Sima Yi unclasped his hands and nodded. He glanced to the side, watching the newly promoted lieutenants take charge of formations among the ranks. "Master Jia Xu, if you may spare me some of your time."

"Hm?" was the only response.

Sima Yi spoke softly, "Have you heard of our new colleague, the lady of Lord Zhao Ang? I have yet to fully comprehend Lord Cao Cao's decision to recruit a woman in this charge."

Jia Xu shrugged his shoulders, "Emotions can be a powerful weapon, among those, anger and vengeance…"

"But what of grief?"

Jia Xu frowned. "Grief can also be powerful but heavy. For the case of our lady in question, she has become a sort of amalgamation that… when left unchecked… can be led into her own destruction."

The older strategist gave Sima Yi a light pat on the shoulder, "And sometimes, being the strategist, you will have to be the one to help carry this unseen load."

Sima Yi bowed once more, "Thank you for your wisdom, Master Jia Xu."

Jia Xu nodded and walked off to another direction. He made sure to keep his own emotions in check. No matter how victorious Cao Cao was in his conquest, the bitter sacrifices at Chi Bi left many to suffer in silence. While he kept the image of the wistful old man, he could not help but feel the loneliness of playing on his own at weiqi.

Dawn broke from the horizon. The Zhou lady stepped her clean shoes over the sandy ground. Despite being given permission to observe the generals engage each other in the sparring field, she never thought she would stand there on her own.

Immediately, Zhou Ying turned around and faced her companion who had carried with her two bows, and two quivers filled with arrows.

At the insistence of her lady, Ai Xin conceded to teach Zhou Ying the way of the bow. She was granted access into the barracks weapons shed to retrieve arrows and training bows. If the Zhou princess must learn, she will have to start from the bottom like any rookie soldier.

Ai Xin bowed in greeting to her lady. "I hope you had a good breakfast, L-... Zhou Ying," she said. It will take some time to get used to calling the lady by her own name.

Zhou Ying giggled. It amused her to see the usually composed soldier stutter. "I did. And I made sure that I would still be light enough for whatever planned running you have in mind."

She watched as Ai Xin did an inspection of the targets, pulling out whatever remaining arrows on the straw dummies. Zhou Ying felt a warm gush of air behind her, and before she could turn around to see who it was…

"Hey, Zhou Ying," a chirpy voice greeted her from behind. "I never thought you'd be an early bird."

Zhou Ying looked to the side and bowed, "Lady Shangxiang. A pleasant morning to you as well."

Sun Shangxiang, the younger sister of Sun Ce and Sun Quan, grinned widely, "So I heard from the other servant girls that this new bodyguard of yours is pretty strong like my own bodyguards."

Zhou Ying raised her eyebrows, wondering where the Sun princess had gotten the information. "You seem excited about Ai Xin, Lady Shangxiang," she said warily.

"How could I not be when there is the prospect of a good challenge?" Shangxiang asked in a lively tone. "Can I meet this Ai Xin?"

Just in time, Ai Xin had returned from her task of setting up the targets. She noticed the Sun princess and bowed with respect.

"Lady Sun, Lady Zhou," Ai Xin greeted the Sun princess with a bow, completely shifting back to her bodyguard facade.

Sun Shangxiang placed her hands on her waist and bent over to get a good look at Ai Xin. She pouted, "Something looks familiar with you. I just can't put my finger on it."

Ai Xin straightened up and matched Sun Shangxiang's stare with her own. "Perhaps it is our resolve to raise a sword and defend ourselves, and not let men always be the savior," she said.

Sun Shangxiang smirked, "Oh, I like those words. However, there's something else that bothers me. It's as if… I have crossed blades with you before."

A flash of a memory of the barren hills of Shouchun. The sound of an arrow hitting the metal blade of the famed halberd.

"I doubt it, Lady Sun," Ai Xin answered flatly.

"Well, like I said to my brothers and to my father," Sun Shangxiang sighed. "I would remember better if my weapon clashes with my opponent. Therefore..I challenge you, Ai Xin!"

Ai Xin glanced over to Zhou Ying, waiting if her master would allow the request. Zhou Ying simply nodded.

"You have my permission," Zhou Ying said.

Like the princess status that she is, Sun Shang Xiang's handmaidens brought out a cart full of varied weapons. It was an array of weapons light enough for a woman's grip. However, the level of lethality was what made Zhou Ying worry.

Zhou Ying's eyes widened with concern. "L-Lady Shangxiang. I thought it would just be using blunt weapons or wooden swords!"

Sun Shangxiang laughed heartily, "There's no thrill in playing safe, Zhou Ying. You really need to get out more."

Then she turned to Ai Xin, she noticed that the quiet warrior carried a look of interest at the arsenal.

"I want to see if the rumors are true, Ai Xin. That you are more than just a pretty face," Sun Shangxiang said aloud. "Feel free to choose among my collection."

Ai Xin made her way to the cart. She acknowledged the presence of Sun Shangxiang's closest confidant and bodyguard, Lianshi. The woman and her famed bosom gave a nod.

"May I request that you hold back your true strength, Ai Xin," Lianshi whispered her request. "I do not wish for Lord Sun Quan to worry over his sister's welfare."

"I am not foolish to engage in reckless behavior. I will simply teach her a lesson on weapon adaptation," Ai Xin answered. The warrior selected a guandao from the cart. She gave it a few test swings. She inhaled the morning dewy scent of grass and felt the quiescent calm before battle. She walked towards the training circle and moved into position.

The majestic sight of using the guandao. The twirls and footwork, leading to a strong electrifying kick.

"Whenever you are ready, Lady Sun," Ai Xin announced.

At the sound of clapping wood, the sparring began.

Sun Shangxiang charged towards Ai Xin and leapt to deliver a high jump kick. Ai Xin raised the handle of her weapon to block the foot. Sun Shangxiang's attacking foot landed on the wooden handle. Displaying her athleticism, Sun Shangxiang propelled herself off from the handle and landed a few meters back.

"You got some sturdy defense there, Ai Xin," Sun Shangxiang commented.

Ai Xin flashed a smug look and charged towards the Sun warrior. Not allowing Sun Shangxiang to raise her defense, the bodyguard charged. Skidding the blunt edge of the guandao along the ground, Ai Xin shoveled up a wave of dust towards Sun Shangxiang.

"H-Hey!" the princess cried out in surprise.

Sun Shangxiang raised her weapons in front of her, blocking the dust from getting into her eyes. When she heard the swing of the blade coming down on her, the princess somersaulted away. Getting up on one knee, Sun Shangxiang threw one chakram towards Ai Xin.

"Getting a little reckless, Lady Sun," Ai Xin said. She swung the polearm that deflected the chakram down to the ground with timed precision.

She lunged towards Sun Shangxiang and in a feint, she managed to knock the remaining chakram away. With her opponent disarmed, Ai Xin raised her weapon and swung down with controlled strength. The gust of the guandao's momentum settled the dust, revealing Sun Shangxiang defenseless with the blunt edge of Ai Xin's blade resting precariously on her shoulder.

Acknowledging her defeat, Sun Shang laughed and pushed the blade away from her shoulder. She stood up with renewed vigor. She pointed at Ai Xin and said,

"You really are good, Ai Xin. I haven't had that much fun because my brother wouldn't allow me to spar with some of the male generals. But now I find someone stronger than me. I guess that gives me more reason to train harder!"

Ai Xin bowed, "Thank you for your praise. A warrior must utilize all resources within his environment."

Sun Shang Xiang smirked, "You speak like a true warrior. Keep that guandao as a reward from me. Until we have another opportunity to spar again, Ai Xin. I will have no doubt in my mind you will be the first I shall invite!"

With those parting words, Sun Shang Xiang beckoned to her entourage and they left altogether. Lianshi briefly turned around and mouthed a word of thanks.

The sun had finally peaked out from the east. It wouldn't be long before the other generals started taking over the sparring fields, displacing them.

Ai Xin bowed apologetically towards Zhou Ying,. "Forgive me, Lady Zhou Ying. We did not follow our schedule for the day."

Zhou Ying shook her head, "There's always later or tomorrow, Ai Xin."

The younger woman couldn't help but voice out her observation. "It is rare for me to witness a warrior make use of defensive maneuvers, and I noticed… that you held back."

Ai Xin gripped on to the guandao. She replied, "We could have ended up hurting each other, and I do not wish to have Lord Sun Quan's wrath upon me."

"I see," Zhou Ying's voice trailed off. Then her curiosity spiked again with another question, "Have you really… slain many from where you came from?"

Ai Xin carefully placed the guandao on the ground. She closed her eyes in an attempt to ease her heart. She did her best to calmly keep her voice from cracking. "My life isn't as sheltered as yours, Lady Zhou. To always be on the run, not knowing where to go."

Zhou Ying felt sympathy for her friend. She bent her knees and sat on her heels beside the warrior. She said kindly, "That cannot be said right now. You are with friends who will treat you like family."

Ai Xin could only give the innocent Zhou a small smile. She said, "Thank you."

In one of the many forts that established the border of Cao Cao's territory, the largest of them all was in the city of Nanjun.

"I bring a report!" a messenger cried as he fell to a knee in salute. "Our latest reconnaissance and attempt to take a hostage had failed. The entire unit was wiped out by the enemy general Gan Ning."

The overall commander of the base at Nanjun was none other than Cao Ren. He acknowledged the messenger's report and dismissed him. He walked over to the large table that carried the map of Nanjun and the riverlands. He quietly moved a piece near a caricature of their base.

"Our enemies have proven themselves sturdy defenders. But knowing that they too hold the name of a conqueror, they cannot sit still for long. They would want us out of their necks as soon as possible," Cao Ren uttered. He looked up and observed the keen faces of his seasoned sub-generals and lieutenants.

"Prepare yourselves for a possible attack. Keep the men alert for battle," he issued his order.

"Yes, Commander Cao Ren!"

As part of Sun Quan's plan to restrict Cao Cao's army from further progressing southwards, Zhou Yu had taken up the lead of his army in an attempt to drive the opposition from Nanjun. With his army, they had managed to successfully relieve the nearby villages closest to their borders of Cao control, establishing a supply chain that would help boost the defense of the county.

There was a buzz of high morale and activity in their latest camp. Zhou Yu had recently received reinforcements in the form of infantry and cavalry from Sun Quan. They knew that they were up against a formidable opponent. A master of defensive battle, Cao Ren. As Sun Quan's other generals had taken up posts in the nearby castles, Zhou Yu made his own preparations.

The largest castle of Nanjun that served as Cao Ren's base was located in an advantageous geography. Zhou Yu knew it would be a challenge for terrain alone was already against them. Thus, it was discussed in the current council of officers that Zhou Yu will serve as a decoy to draw attention of Cao Ren's main forces. This would allow the small detachment of troops led by Gan Ning and Lu Meng to attack from behind.

At the break of dawn, warhorns echoed across the battlefield, signaling the start of their siege. It was followed by war drums that beat to the march of the soldiers towards the enemy castle. As the marching army reached the midway point that was enough to gain momentum, Zhou Yu raised his weapon and directed towards the gate.

Zhou Yu urged his men. "Forward men! Do not falter in the charge! We must keep their eyes on us," he ordered.

"CHARGE!" His cavalry cheered behind him.

Atop the gates of castle Nanjun, a soldier ran up to Cao Ren, carrying a sealed wooden box the size of arrows. He gingerly placed the box on an elevated table next to Cao Ren. The soldier announced, "General Cao Ren! I brought to you the specialized arrows you had requested!"

Another soldier used his sword to cut open the rope seals that covered the box.

Cao Ren himself pushed the lid open. Inside the box, contained only three arrows. The arrowheads were resting in a ceramic bowl of sweet smelling, honey-colored liquid. A strange set of arrows purchased from the weapons merchant of Nanjun, who also claimed to have bought it from another craftsman.

An archer from the wall announced, "Commander Cao! We have sighted the enemy commander, Zhou Yu! He is at the forefront of a cavalry charge heading west!"

Cao Ren knew that it would be a matter of time before they would make a turn towards the west gate of the castle. With bow in hand, he looked over the wall to locate his prey. His eyes caught sight of Zhou Yu's long hair that flowed in the wind.

"Disturb their formation with arrows at your mark," Cao Ren ordered. "Bring them closer to our walls."

The bow captains echoed the command to their respective units. "Archers, on line!"

The entire southern wall was filled immediately with the archers of two rows, poised to unleash a thunderstorm of death.

"Ready!"

"Aim."

Cao Ren himself picked up the first of the three special arrows. He pulled back the arrow against the string and steadied his breath.

With his strength, he knew he could hit Zhou Yu at the current distance. But they would need him closer should they want a more precise strike.

"Fire!"

A row after row the archers fired their arrows towards the enemy. Cao Ren himself had aimed towards Zhou Yu with his first special arrow.

Down below, Zhou Yu was screaming orders to his men, "Evade their arrows!"

As his men scrambled for cover with their shields, Zhou Yu expertly maneuvered his horse through the chaos.

Cao Ren knew he was only a few inches away from hitting his mark. He picked up the second arrow and composed himself. His archer unit managed to coax the incoming calvary into the prime range of lethal aim. When he once again located Zhou Yu, he released the arrow.

Who fell into whose trap?

Zhou Yu held his left arm. He could feel the burning pain throughout the rest of his body. His eyes caught sight of the honey-colored trail that seeped from his wound. Alarmed at what it could be, Zhou Yu immediately pulled the arrow out. The honey-colored liquid oozed out, followed by bright red blood gushing. His grip over the reins loosened, causing his horse to flail in response to the arrows that pierced the animal. Zhou Yu fell off and crashed to the ground.

"Commander!" It was the voice of Lu Su.

Zhou Yu could feel his world whirling like the wind. He was too weak to make a tourniquet over his own wound. When Lu Su arrived at his side, only then was he confident enough to let down his guard and collapse against the older man's arms.

At first glance, the wise old Lu Su knew that his lord had been severely wounded by some poison. He immediately tore off a long strip of cloth and tied it above the arrow wound, and another strip of cloth to help staunch the bleeding. With their commander injured, it would be difficult to push on forward with the plan due to crashing morale.

Lu Su called up for messengers to have his orders relayed.

"General Lu Meng shall assume command. Proceed with the pincer attack as planned, then pull back to a retreat. I will escort Master Zhou Yu straight to the capital. A camp will not be enough to treat him."

"Orders heard," the messengers chorused, and they dispersed immediately to relay the message to the rest of the attacking army.

Lu Su gathered the rest of Zhou Yu's scattered men and rearranged them into a shield to protect their commander's retreat.

The defense was sturdy and smooth. Cao Ren could not help but feel pride and redemption of his past failures. He had done well to listen to the lectures of Jia Xu and Guo Jia in strategy and warfare.

"Hmph, we have seen through their pincer attack," Cao Ren observed. His second generals and lieutenants were efficient in routing the attacking army leading them to disarray. It wasn't soon for long that there were white flags scattered, signaling a mass retreat.

Cao Ren watched as the Zhou flags disappeared in the distance. He raised his sword to confirm the victory, which was heralded by cheers from his men on the walls.

"Send word to Lord Cao Cao of our victory today. Inform him that the enemy commander Zhou Yu has been gravely injured," Cao Ren ordered to one of his scribes. He then gave further instructions to the rest of the soldiers to begin the clean up and provide apt burials for the fallen.

As night fell, Cao Ren took the liberty to go back to the nearby town for a short respite. It was one of the towns nearest his base camp, and was receptive to Cao Cao's army due to Cao Ren's intervention. He had managed to win the favor of the town through the provision of a sturdy defense against the smaller rebellious groups of the mountains.

The general made his way towards the smithing shop, where he could see the blacksmith cleaning his tools as the shift had ended.

"Master blacksmith," Cao Ren greeted. He placed a small sack of gold on the table. "A token of appreciation for a highly useful tool you have provided me."

The blacksmith could only grin as he took the gold. "I am pleased to know that you have put the arrows to good use, my lord," he said. "However this payment will stay here until that old hermit comes down from the mountains."

"A hermit who crafts powerful weapons," Cao Ren remarked. He liked the idea of having such a talented individual serve Cao Cao's army. "Would you be so kind as to tell me where this hermit lives, blacksmith?"

The blacksmith shook his head and replied, "Forgive me, Lord Cao Ren. Even the town does not know the man's name. We would only be alerted of his presence with the enticing smell of sweet licorice from the tavern."

"Perhaps that is the only clue I would need," Cao Ren said. He said his goodbye to the blacksmith and left the shop.

Lu Su's cavalry escort was swift. They bypassed many camps and villages, knowing that they had one of the best physicians at Chaisang. He could not keep the anxiety and worry away from his mind. As long as their commander Zhou Yu was still breathing, he could still face Lady Xiaoqiao's wrath.

"Just a few more, hold on, Commander Zhou," Lu Su uttered under his breath. He had sent his fastest riders ahead to alert Sun Quan of the situation.

At Zhou Yu's residence in Chaisang, Zhou Ying had immersed herself in her studies to keep her worry over her father at bay. While it had been weeks since his march, she would idle at times at the castle wall, watching for any signs of his return.

But today, she had just finished a tiring training session on the bow with her bodyguard Ai Xin. Who knew she would need to work on her arms?

A servant ran up towards them, disrupting the session. He knelt and bowed in salute. "Lady Zhou Ying, I bring news that your father is arriving, a messenger has reported that he is gravely injured."

Ai Xin had never seen her lady be emotional yet serious at the same time. The young Zhou princess began barking orders that reflected the true image of a fiery tiger.

Get the physician. Send word to Lord Sun Quan that they would need the finest healers from his service to come to Chaisang.

There was no time for change of clothes or for formalities. Zhou Ying could feel that her father needed her. She had the gates open and had the watchers keep on a lookout for the flags.

"Lady Zhou! I see Master Lu Su leading the escort!"

"Get a stretcher ready!"

Lu Su, on horse, escorted a carriage into the compound. Soldiers immediately got off their horses and assisted in releasing their commander from the carriage.

Ai Xin watched as the men lifted Zhou Yu in unison, and laid him on a stretcher as gentle as they would to an infant. The man was pale as the moon. Her eyes caught sight of the wound and the skin surrounding the bandage. The commander's suffering has yet to reach its peak.

Zhou Ying knelt beside her father, attempting to wake him up. "Father? Father, can you hear me?"

Zhou Yu opened his eyes to see his daughter beside him. "My little bird," he whispered.

Zhou Ying could not hold back her tears. She held on to his hand, and said, "Father, I am here. Please stay with me. Our doctors are waiting for you."

Zhou Yu could only smile before falling back to slumber. It took every effort of his being to see his daughter. Oh, how it pained him to witness her crying.

"Please, send someone to tell my mother that she has to come here," Zhou Ying ordered.

"Yes, Lady Zhou!"

Ai Xin quietly watched from the distance as Zhou Ying accompanied the attendants in ushering her father into the house. She stayed outside the door to the quarters of her master, keeping watch of the surroundings. She listened intently to the whispers of how the lord of the house was shot by a poisoned arrow by the enemy, and how the wound looked as if it was defiled by a beast.

A small, wry twist of her lips formed.