Ok Ok, Moredohc here but first Disclaimer.
I Do not own anything here or am i doing a accurate historical representation. The game is owned by Koei and the story is inspired by the Romance of the three Kingdoms.
Again check the bottom for notes about my thoughts and opinions about this chapter.
Chpater 5 Xiong and Sun:
In the west of Yu province, the bustling town of Shouchun was filled with people selling their wares in their stalls and doing business in buildings. People were constantly travelling to and from their homes and places of employment on the streets. Large stone walls encircled the city, and soldiers were posted at their tops, ready with bows and arrows to defend both the residents and their lord, Yuan Shu.
Yuan Shu had a vast plot of property in the upper right quadrant of the city. There were four buildings, and the area was enclosed by modest walls tall enough to prevent anyone from climbing inside the house. The garden area would have the main building to the right of the entry, as well as two small cottages to the left, which would house the lord's armour and weaponry for combat. Yuan Shu's large mansion, where he lives with his family, issues commands to his soldiers, and manages political affairs, is just ahead. The long house had a garden bed in front and stood just two stories tall.
"Again!" Yuan Shu shouted in frustration, balling his fist, and hitting the table causing a loud thump.
Yuan Shu had just received a message from his officers that another supply cart was pillaged and the troops protecting it slaughtered. In his office was a calligraphy painting of him drawn by a famous artist that he commissioned hanging up behind him and opposite to the door. A burning incense was on his window still as the wind blew the calming smell into the room.
He was wearing a golden silk robe with royal purple cape wrapped around his neck. His face was one that spoke of arrogance and elitist, enhancing his image of royal lineage to all. On his desk was various scrolls of report and political disputes happening in his city.
"This is the fifth time this month!" Yuan Shu struggled to hold in his boiling frustrations. His supply carts were being raided frequently these past two months.
At the rate that he's losing, it wouldn't be long before Cao Cao and Yuan Shao demolishes his army, adding another failure onto his legacy. When Yuan Shu began to notice the disappearance of the supply carts, he thought that the soldiers he sent were only caught off guard so he made sure to remind his soldiers that failure to protect the supply cart would mean punishment.
This forced the soldiers to be more inclined to protect it from the raiders. Ensuring that his army got what they needed and instead of the bare necessities. After the first attack his supply carts were no longer reported raided and when Yuan Shu thought his supply routes were secure, another supply cart was raided, and his soldiers killed.
What was more infuriating was that no matter what he or his war advisors thought of, they couldn't devise a strategy to effectively trap and kill these bandits and any remains of a battle was cleaned up except for the bloodstains that seeped into the earth. Over time these attacks have been getting more frequent and as such, his army fighting against Yuan Shao and Cao Cao has also been losing territory due to the lack of supplies. So, as a last resort, he sent a notice to the head of the Sun clan, Sun Ce, to help get rid of these bandits.
The door to his room opened to reveal the young leader of the Sun clan, Sun Ce. After his father, Sun Jian, was injured during battle Sun Ce took up leadership for his clan and leaded them into glory and battle.
"Lord Yuan Shu, I am here to receive your orders." Sun Ce bowed.
Yuan Shu calmed down in front of Sun Ce. It wouldn't look proper for a royal leader like himself to be seen as aggravated.
"Yes Sun Ce. This mission is beneath of a man of your calibre, however in light of recent events it cannot be overlooked now." Yuan Shu inquisitively stated.
"I need you and your family to deal with the bandits that are raiding our supply carts. Because of them the strength that my grand army needs against Yuan Shao's and Cao Cao's army is forcing me to lose my military might. Whoever the leader of this group is, they are methodical and are organised, so I want you to kill or capture their leader and bring me their head." Sun Ce nodded at his lord's request.
"Very well then, I will gather up my retainers and prepare to crush these bandits." Sun Ce replied.
Yuan Shu hummed at him as he stroked his elegant mustache.
"Good. Now be quick. I cannot afford to lose against Cao Cao and my foolish cousin." Yuan Shu ordered with imperious tone.
Sun Ce turned to leave the estate. Outside the entrance of Yuan Shu's home, Zhou Yu, his sworn brother, is there waiting for him along with two guards with spears.
"How was your meeting my lord?" Zhou Yu asked as he bows. Sun Ce in response just shrugs his shoulders and smiles at his brother as all four start walking back to the inn that Sun Ce and his family were currently staying at.
"To be honest, Zhou, it wasn't too bad this time. Yuan Shu seemed kinda miffed but It was hilarious watching him try to act noble." Sun Ce snickered, causing Zhou Yu only rolled his eyes at his lord's antics.
"I can only imagine what a man like that have left to save face. But speaking of the meeting, what was it that lord Yuan Shu wanted?" Zhou Yu inquired curiously; it wasn't often that Yuan Shu would want his best fighters in his army to be sent to Shouchun for no reason unless it was a big matter.
"Something about bandits attacking the supply carts for months and that he wanted us to deal with it. Heck, even he agreed that it was a waste for us to go but he seemed rather certain that we can deal with this issue." Sun Ce answered with a shrug.
Zhou Yu listened intently from his lord and started thinking about the matter. They walked together in silence, letting the bustling city enveloped their entire being. During this stroll, Zhou Yu had ordered the two guards to seek and obtain further information regarding the supply carts from the scout teams. They were given a seal of the Sun family to legitimise their claim and as proof.
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu eventually arrived at the large inn, who hosted for nobles, and proceeded inside. There in the main lobby of the inn was a large room that was filled with chairs and tables for serving food and drinks. Sitting at one of the larger round wooden tables were Sun Ce's family members and retainers.
His younger sister, Sun Shang Xiang, his younger brother, Sun Quan, and his retired father, Sun Jian. These were his family members who came to help with whatever mission they were given. Once Sun Ce and Zhou Yu was spotted by Shang Xiang, she quickly jumped off her seat and started waving her arm in the air trying to catch both of their attention.
"Over here Ce, Zhou Yu!" She exclaimed excitedly to them.
Both men looked at Shang Xiang and only smiled at her rambunctious excitement. They proceeded to sit down by the table next to each other where the Sun family and their personal retainers gathered around. Accompanying them were Lianshi, Han Dang and Zhou Tai.
"How was the meeting son? Hope it wasn't too bad, Yuan Shu can be haughty at times." Sun Jian commented with a smile.
Sun Ce shook his head and was about to answer, however before he could Zhou Yu placed his hands on his shoulder.
"Sorry my lord but I believe that we should enjoy our meal tonight and then talk about what has transpired. We don't want to have everyone be burden with the mission when we are eating." Zhou Yu suggested. Sun Jian meanwhile close his eyes for a second before nodding his head in understanding.
"An excellent point Zhou Yu, then let us have a feast worthy for us tigers." Sun Jian boisterously said with a smile on his face. Everyone nodded and started ordering the best dishes this inn had.
Everyone began chatting around as they waited for the food to be delivered to their table. Needless to say, the Sun family were the loudest customers in the Inn. Their spirited discussions and lively laughter brought more life to the Inn for of elitist nobles. It wasn't uncommon for them to stay in Shouchun but those who rarely frequent and stay in the Inn, they could barely handle the noise the Sun family emitted.
"Hey Lianshi, after this mission do you wanna go shopping for anything cute here in Shouchun? I know a few places where we can go and buy some new accessories."
"I would like that milady. I also have a few places in mind where we can also eat after we finish shopping. There's this new restaurant that opened…"
"My lord, do you think I can have the opportunity to stand out in this new mission we've been assigned to. I feel like I haven't achieved anything noteworthy for a while."
"Hahaha. Han Dang, my old friend. There's no need for you prove anything. You're already a great warrior."
Soon their food had arrived. Plates upon plates of dishes had been placed upon their table filled with meat, salads, fruits and drinks to boot. The Sun family thanked the hand maidens and the cooks before digging in.
"hmm. The food is splendid as always. The way it melts in my mouth is exhilarating. What do you think Zhou Tai?" Sun Quan took a bite of his food.
"Hmm. Its good."
"Zhou Yu. You gotta try the drinks. They're sweet and delicious. I asked the hand maidens what were in these and they said natural fermented berries along with other various fruits." Sun Ce cheered with his sweet drink in hand.
"Wow… its really sweet. A bit too much for my taste but I can see the pleasure of drinking this." Zhou Yu took a small sip before eating his portion of food.
The sun had already set when the Sun family finished their large feast. Plates upon plates were stacked, making a small tower on the table and the diners. The Sun family were chatting amongst themselves about various topics, laughing and smiling with each other as they enjoyed these moments of connectivity. A handmaiden comes along to the table.
"Excuse me my lords, but do you now wish to drink some of our exquisite alcohol. I can assure you that many nobles consider our wine as the best Shouchun." The handmaiden offered. Everyone was fine with drinking wine to finish the night however, Sun Jian, Zhou Yu and Sun Ce disagreed.
"Hahahaha, thank you my dear lady, but that won't be necessary. Unfortunately, we have a something we have important matters to do discuss. However, should we ever come back to your fine establishment, then we will take the offer." Sun Jian, in all his charming charisma, promised.
The handmaiden nodded her head and started to take the mountains of plates back to the kitchen. After the table was cleaned up Sun Jian looked towards his oldest son and his sworn brother. Both in turn looked back and nodded at him. Standing up from his chair and turning his attention to everyone around the table.
"Alright, now that we had our fun at dinner, time to get to work. But let's head upstairs first, who knows who could be listening in on our conversation." Sun Ce stated leading everyone upstairs into his father's room as it was big enough to for everyone.
Before they could open it though, two of the soldiers that Zhou Yu from earlier returned to him and relayed all available information about the supply carts stolen. Zhou Yu thanked them and allowed them to rest and a day off tomorrow. The soldiers bowed their heads and left, allowing everyone to gather inside Sun Jian's room.
Inside the room was a bed in the right side, underneath a window where the moonlight reflected into the room and an armour stand on the left side of the room with a couch next to it as well. There was a little desk at the far end of the room with ink and scrolls on it, and a table in the centre of the room with a map already set on it, indicating different provinces and places. Candles can be seen on the desk and by the window illuminating a portion of the room.
Lianshi continued into the room and grabbed a new candles in the draws of the desk and illuminated it by using the already lit candle, placing it around the room as the night crept into the room.
Zhou Tai was the last to enter and close the door.
"Let's have a seat before we begin." Zhou Yu suggested.
Everyone nods and proceeds to find a seat around the room. Sun Shang Xiang sat down next to Lianshi on the couch by the armour stand. Sun Jian and Han Dang, as well as Zhou Tai and Sun Quan, sat on the ground by the table. Sun Ce, on the other hand, chose to sit on his father's bed, while Zhou Yu simply stood at the end of the table nearest to the door. Once everyone was situated and relaxed Zhou Yu started the meeting.
"To begin this meeting, I suggest that master Sun Ce first elaborate his meeting with lord Yuan Shu and give everyone a detailed description of the mission we were given."
Sun Ce slightly sagged his shoulders having to repeat the entire meeting himself but regardless he complied and gave everyone an exact description of what they were ordered to do.
"I see, lord Yuan Shu is right. This doesn't seem to be something worthy of us warriors of the Sun clan. Nor does It allow me to stand out as well." Han Dang's comment made everyone roll their eyes or shaking their heads at his antics.
"Worthy or not, it is still our duty as officers of Lord Yuan Shu's army to comply with this mission and complete it with success." Sun Quan put out.
"Still, I don't like working for Yuan Shu. He's always so prideful and haughty. Treating our clan however he likes." Sun Shang Xiang crossed her legs and leaned on her arm under her chin. She frowned and was obviously annoyed that they were ordered to deal with a bunch of bandits.
"Now, now my lady. You mustn't say things like that to the lord we owe our lives to. After all, if it wasn't for lord Yuan Shu, we would've been slain by Cao Cao and Yuan Shao." Lianshi soothed. Sun Shang Xiang just hummed in agreement but still didn't like how they were treated in her mind.
During the conversation about Yuan Shu's mission, Zhou Yu was arranging his thoughts and began mapping out on the table the regions and times where the convoys were attacked, and which were not. He put flags where they were attacked and got ink and a scroll to categorise the cart attacks on the days they happened. He next arranged the raids in chronological order to determine the frequency of the assaults. After Lianshi spoke, everyone in the room noticed Zhou Yu writing and pinning things on the map, allowing Zhou Yu to finish quietly.
A couple of minutes went by with Zhou Yu writing ink onto the paper scroll and marking the maps with pins. After he was done, he put aside the brush to the side of the table and looked up to see everyone looking at him or the map he finished marking. He cleared his throat.
"Forgive me for not paying attention to the conversation, I was just marking the attacks that had occurred as to help plan how to proceed."
"No worries, Yu, besides it was better for you to work getting our plan started then us bickering." Sun Ce smiled at Zhou Yu, who returned it kind.
"What have you learned, Master Zhou Yu?" Zhou Tai simply asked for the first time this night.
"It is best that I start from the beginning of when the attacks started." Zhou Yu then started guiding everyone's eyes towards the map.
"The first supply cart attacks occurred here, in the forest where the soldiers would usually rest before continuing their trek to the main were, however, ambushed without warning, and the supply carts were stolen. Suspicion and confusion began to arise as to whether the supply carts containing building materials would come, and as such, Lord Yuan Shu's scouts would find the region in the forest where combat had taken place." Zhou Yu paused to allow everyone to take in the information.
"This at first wasn't a whole ordeal, not until the attacks started to reoccur over the following weeks. The next supply carts that were raided was medicine and food, however, this raid didn't occur until the week after the first. Therefore, it was assumed from that point on it was bandits just raiding it repeatedly. However, if you look at the scroll I just wrote on, I organised the attacks in chronological order." Zhou Yu explained. Everyone leaned in to inspect the scroll and its contents and took the time to analyse the data given.
"The attacks, they've been increasing over time." Han Dang answered with a hand on his chin. Zhou Yu nodded at him.
"Correct, master Han Dang. Over two months the attacks started out slow but rose drastically and not only do the raids keep increasing there are several things to take note of as well. For example," Zhou Yu placed his hands on the pins on the map.
"Every single raid that has occurred, the soldiers stationed to guard them have also disappeared without a trace with the only evidence of there being battle was the blood splattered. Not only that but these 'bandits' haven't been able to be stopped by our forces either, suggesting that they most likely have skilled and talented warriors among them as well. And finally look at the locations that they have been raiding, it almost seems like they knew where we were going to do before we even did it." Zhou Yu pointed out the more important points of these raids to the others in the room. Everyone meanwhile was silently contemplating the information given.
"Are you saying that these may not be bandits but an enemy force attacking our supply lines?" Sun Quan asked. Zhou Yu shook his head in disagreement.
"It does seem to point to that yes. A third party attacking and disrupting our supply lines is the most logical assumption, however, I believe it to be something else. Unfortunately, I don't have enough information to know what that it is. At most, all I have is speculation." Zhou Yu stated in uncertainty.
"What do you believe it to be then, master Zhou Yu?" Lianshi asked, tilting her head a bit to the side. Zhou Yu meanwhile was silent for a moment before continuing.
"I believe that this may be a rebellion that is occurring." Zhou Yu stated simply. Everyone in the room was slightly shocked on what he said and waiting for him to elaborate.
"This is only speculation, the people who are effective at organising an operation of this scale would be a disciplined army with military training. Not some bandits who were just conveniently there. It could be another outside force that Cao Cao or Yuan Shao has recruited such as Liu Biao but I doubt that either of them came into contact with each other or else we would have been attacked by both sides by now." Zhou Yu explained. Everyone nodded at his explanation.
"So, what lead you to believe that it is a rebellion?" Sun Quan asked.
"How the attacks are being held out."
"The raids?" Sun Shang Xiang said in confusion. Zhou Yu nodded his head.
"Yes, in most reports it is stated that the only way for us identify that a battle took place was the bloodshed covering the immediate area, however know that this is purely speculation, but what if some of the blood shed was not the same amount as previous battles. Indicating that whoever is attacking the supply carts is also taking the soldiers prisoners as well." Zhou Yu speculated, however this got everyone to realise the possibility of this happening as it made sense given the current circumstances.
"Yes, a rebellion would occur under these circumstances. Yuan Shu's authority is waning and the officers under his command are starting to waver on their belief on him due to past failures." Sun Jian added thoughtfully.
"I would need to speak with some of the scouts about the area that they have discovered and have them tell me in great detail to reinforce this idea." Zhou Yu stated truthfully.
"Then what's the plan then? Knowing why these attacks are happening won't stop them." Sun Ce commented, crossing his arms.
"Stopping them isn't the only issue, we also have to make sure that they don't take the supply carts as well." Zhou Yu retorted.
A couple of minutes of silence went by, everyone in the room was thinking of a way to successfully pull this mission off by making sure that both carts weren't taken and are able to defeat the bandits as well.
"Um, why not just split the carts going two separate roads, that way if one of the carts does get taken away the other should be able to reach the army in time and we should be able to guard them as well."
Sun Shang Xiang plan surprised everyone in the room. Her brothers stared at her with shocked faces, Lianshi and Sun Jian just smiled at her in pride, Zhou Tai meanwhile only nodded at her plan and Han Dang just grumbled under his breath that she thought of this before him but was happy, nonetheless. Sun Shang Xiang just looked around the room seeing everyone's reaction and pouted.
"Hey, I know how to plan strategies too you know. It just that father, Ce and Quan are always doing it first." She responded indignantly. Lianshi comforted and applauded her lady.
"of course, princess. Your knowledge for strategy and planning are certainly on par with your brothers' and father's."
"So, Zhou Yu do you think that this plan would work? Personally, I think that this plan may do the trick against our opponents." Sun Jian asked, feeling proud at his daughter's growth. Zhou Yu pondered the idea before answering.
"This strategy could work. As Lady Sun Shang Xiang stated, this would allow us to ensure that one of the carts reaches the main army while also allowing us to identify who these bandits are if one of these attacks occurs." Zhou Yu expressed his approval.
"Then we have our plan of attack. We split into two different groups with both having their own supply cart, we take two different routes to the army and make sure to be ready of an attack when it comes. Also, nice going Shang Xiang. Knew you had it in you." Sun Ce praised his younger sister with a dazzling smile.
Sun Shang Xiang smiled with delight; being able to assist her family in whatever way was always her motivation for fighting, so being acknowledge by her brothers and father always made her feel proud.
"How do we ensure that the enemy stay? Both pathways lead into a forest, allowing for lots of potential ambushes and possible escape route for the enemy." Zhou Tai pointed out. Zhou Yu in response shook his head.
"I already have an idea of how to trap our opponents." Zhou Yu cryptically said. Sun Jian nodded and stood up from his seat, stretching his limbs and body.
"Now that we got the general layout for our plan, I believe that it is best for everyone to return to their rooms. It is getting late, and I want all of you to return to your beds and rest up. We have difficult days ahead of us, so it is paramount that we are at our best when we encounter these bandits." Everyone nodded and exited to their own personal rooms with different hopes for tomorrow.
The next morning, Zhou Yu had proposed to Sun Ce to convince Yuan Shu to delay the supplies for one day so that they could prepare to entrap these unknown enemies. After much convincing and debilitating, Yuan Shu agreed to the delay and add additional troops for Sun Ce to command.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yu was gathering eyewitnesses from the scouts that had discovered the battles and asked them to remember in detail of the scene. At the same time, he also had Han Dang and Zhou Tai prepare the trap as both retainers were stepping onto the carts and placed a barrel.
-Thump-!
"Careful Master Han Dang, we do not wish to ruin the plan prematurely."
"R-Right, sorry about that hehe."
Dan Hang rubs the back of his head meekly, facing away from Zhou Tai. They both stepped off the cart and made their way to the former Sun head, who was helping to manage the supplies onto the carts and briefing other soldiers and officers of their roles in this attack. Sun Jian notice their approached and nodded at them.
Around them soldiers were carrying barrels onto the two supply carts with care along with the medicine. Many of the common on lookers came to see while visiting the nearby medicine shop.
"Good job Zhou Tai, Han Dang. Thanks to you two the preparations are almost complete. All that is needed now is to assign roles." After Sun Jian explanations a loud clattering noise could be heard nearby the other cart.
A box of medicine was dropped, and its contents spilled and shattered on the ground and haplessly seeping into the ground or being soaked by the sun.
"Uhhh, sorry my hand kinda slipped." Sun Jian shook his head in amusement at his daughter's clumsiness and the stern talking that Lianshi was giving to her.
"Of course, my lord. If this help master Zhou Yu's plan to proceed smoothly then we are glad to be of service." Zhou Tai simply stated.
"you're telling me. if master Zhou Yu's plan is executed perfectly, which I've no doubt it will, then we will be recognised as great warriors among Yuan Shu's army. Hmmm, I wonder if I can stand out during this battle, if so then I'm sure it would bring fame to the Sun family as well." Han Dang prattled on.
"I'm sure that you will get your chance old friend but for now let us finish preparing for this." Sun Jian smiled at his comrades, believing that this will end well for the Sun clan.
"How's the preparations going Yu?" Sun Ce walked up to his sworn brother with a smile.
"Hello Ce. The preparations are going fine." Zhou Yu smiled back at him.
"We should be finishing it all up now. After that it's up to us to launch the plan."
Sun Ce nodded his head in agreement. They both looked over the two carts filled with medicine and oil. This would allow them to bait the presumed bandits towards the supply carts and be burnt once the oils are ignited. Unbeknownst to them, out in the in the crowd of people going about their day, Taylah was gathering information about the delay of Yuan Shu's deliveries and sees the oils being loaded up onto the medicine carts and the Sun clan and their retainers. She slips away back into the crowd and walks back to Tongquetai to report her findings to Hayden and Brendan.
"Hey…are you sure that we need to add explosive barrels onto the carts while being so near it?" Sun Ce voiced his concern.
"Its just a precaution, Ce. If we somehow lose the cart, we need a way to ensure that they don't have it." Sun Ce sworn brother appeased.
"You do know how much of a headache I have right now from dealing with Yuan Shu's incensing rants right? Once he heard we had explosives on the supply carts, he had harsh words to say." Sun Ce grumbled and massaging his temple with his finger, causing Zhou Yu to laugh.
"Thanks for taking the brunt of initial attack." Zhou Yu teased, causing Sun Ce to roll his eyes playfully with a smile.
"Next time, I'm going to order you to report to Yuan Shu to get berated." This made both of them to grin at each other from their playful banter.
"Hey you two. Don't just stand there. Come and help finish up stocking up the medicine." Sun Shang Xiang called over from afar with Lianshi eyeing her mistress as she carefully held a jar of medicine.
Both of them blinked before nodding their heads. Turning to each with a smile they proceeded to help, hoping that tomorrow will bring them great fortune.
Taking two separate roads that leads to Yuan Shu's bases and camps was a dangerous gamble because while the potential for success was there, whether it be information about the raiders or culling the head of the snake. The losses were also doubled if both carts were lost. The first cart was guarded by Sun Ce, Sun Shang Xiang, Zhou Yu, and Lianshi and the second cart was being protected by Sun Jian, Sun Quan, Han Dang, and Zhou Tai. both supply carts had a total of two-hundred soldiers.
"Hmm… it's been almost a day, and we haven't been attacked yet." Sun Ce pondered on his horse.
The rest agreed with this sentiment as they are halfway there to the camp. Zhou Yu meanwhile contemplated whether the bandits would attack right now. He looked around his surroundings and considered the path they were taking.
The path they chose were so that both carts were close enough together that if one of them were to get attacked, the others could come rushing over in about ten minutes or more. However, as more time passed, all the soldiers were becoming more paranoid and distrustful of their surroundings.
They were traversing a small dense forest where the first attack had been taken place. This was a primed place for an ambush, but as he looked over the area on his horse, he saw nothing that would indicate that a trap had been place. Remembering their path, there were a few more potential spots for an ambush but they were a bit more than past halfway to their destination, therefore this was the most optimal spot to do so.
"Maybe Lord Sun Jian and master Sun Quan have already encountered them?" Lianshi offered.
Zhou Yu shook his head in disagreement.
"No. as planned, if they encountered the enemy then they would shoot a firework arrow in the air. The distance between us shouldn't be too great at this point so we should still be able to see the explosion in the distance and race over there." Zhou Yu explained.
Earlier just before they left, Zhou Yu had offered a plan to use firework arrows and shoot it to the sky to signal the other cart that they encountered the bandits. This would give the other party the time to run over and capture or kill the bandits.
With Sun Jian and Sun Quan, riding their horses and keeping an eye out to their surroundings, they too were feeling the feelings of paranoia of their surroundings. Their path force them to traverse on a hill, forcing the horses to exert a large amount of effort to get the supply carts over. Once they finish the climb, they usually stop at the top of the mountain before resuming their trek.
Zhou Tai and Han Dang came running back towards the supply cart.
"Master Sun Quan, Lord Sun Jian. We have both scouted the surrounding area and seen no traces of any ambushes and traps." Zhou Tai spoke in his usual deep and gravelly voice.
"Hngh. It seems like they aren't going to attack us. Do you think the other supply cart might be the target?" Han Dang asked.
Sun Quan pondered the question as well as his father.
"Most likely. This hill is a perfect place for an ambush, but Han Dang and Zhou Tai had already surveyed the area." Sun Jian explained.
"This area is also difficult to set up a trap unless you had ample time to prepare." Sun Quan added.
Sun Jian smiled at his son's intellect and wisdom as the others nodded at the Suns' assessment. They continued their trek until they heard a loud bang in the distance. Everyone guarding the supply cart turned to look back to see fireworks shooting in the distance.
"Quick now. Han Dang with me. Quan, Zhou Tai. Make sure that you continue escorting the supply cart." Sun Jian ordered before he rode down the hill with Dan Hang following behind.
Sun Quan and Zhou Tai obeyed the former patriarch and continued onwards. They occasionally turned back towards the distance to see the forest, but it was too dense to make out anything. All they could see was the rising smoke emanating from within.
Sun Ce, Sun Shang Xiang, Zhou Yu and Lianshi are fighting against Hayden's militia consisting of half a thousand well trained men.
"Where did they come from?" Sun Shang Xiang exclaimed as she continued fighting off the soldiers.
Showers of arrows rained down upon them at the start, injuring a small portion of the troops. Then what followed were a bunch of soldiers pouncing them from the bushes and tree branches above. Clashing of steel followed but luckily, Sun Shang Xiang managed to fire a firework arrow to the air, creating a sparkle of light that was barely visible during the day but could be heard in the distance.
"Shit. They're hiding in the tree branches." Sun Ce grunted as he knocked out a soldier using his tonfas.
Zhou Yu spun his staff in a wide arc, knocking the soldiers surrounding him to the ground before using his staff as a leverage to kick a soldier down.
"Stay calm and remember the plan." Zhou Yu commanded.
He surveyed the battlefield and saw that the enemies outnumbered them and currently winning. It wouldn't take long for them to be routed. He hears a pained scream coming from behind him and sees a large red armoured soldier wielding a longsword, cutting down multiple soldiers at once.
"Wh-What is that?!" one of the soldiers exclaimed upon seeing the red armoured figure.
Many of their soldiers became paralysed at the sight and might of this large red warrior. The warrior sees Zhou Yu and charges at him, his longsword come baring down to split him in half only to be pushed by a barrage of arrows. Zhou Yu turned to his right to see Lianshi with her crossbow aimed at the red warrior.
"Those under my care will not be harmed." Lianshi voice was soft but there was a firm and resolute tone underneath.
"Thank you, Lady Lianshi." Zhou Yu nodded at her.
She nodded back and both focused their attention on the red warrior. The warrior looks at both with a tilting head before readying his blade. Meanwhile Ce and Shang Xiang were fending off the other soldiers trying to make their way to the supplies. Ce with his mastery of martial arts and tonfas and Shang Xiang with her grace and skills with chakras.
"Brother, I recognise some of these soldiers. They are Yuan Shu's men." Sun Shang Xiang let her gaze wonder around the battlefield and identifying many soldiers from her time fighting under Yuan Shu.
"I can see that sis." Sun Ce grunted as used his tonfa to block a sword coming down on his head and punched the soldier in the stomach, causing him to be blown backwards.
Sun Ce saw a glint in the corner of his left eye and turned to block a Nodachi blade coming at his neck with both tonfas. Being pushed back slightly from the force, he prepared himself into his battle stance to look at the new enemy before him.
"Well well well. You're the head of the Sun family. Sun Ce?" Hayden whipped his Nodachi to the side, creating a whipping noise.
"what's it to you? Want to take my head?" Sun Ce smirked as he faced Hayden.
Sun Shang Xiang pulled up next to him after dealing with the soldiers aiming for the cart. Hayden grinned at them both.
"Hmm. No. but I want something else from you." Hayden got into his battle stance, ready to take on both Sun siblings.
Hayden charged at them with a wide swing. Sun Ce met him head on and blocks his swing with his tonfas, creating an opening for Sun Shang Xiang. She dashes forward and slices at Hayden with her chakras, but Hayden pulls his Nodachi back and parries the attack, leading her in front of Sun Ce.
Sun Ce steps back, side stepping his sister and charges at Hayden with his tonfas. He grins as Hayden had difficulty against his flurry of close punches but was caught off guard when his attack was parried. Kicking Sun Ce away, Hayden lunged forward, attempting to skewer the tiger.
Sun Shang Xiang jumped up with her bow in hand and shooting at Hayden with a flurry of arrows, forcing him to back away. As she was falling, she holstered her bow on her back before bringing down her chakras on Hayden's Nodachi hard, making a small crater on the ground. She leaped back and pulled out her bow from her back and started shooting at Hayden with arrows from the quiver on her waist. Hayden deflects all the arrows and sees Sun Ce behind him. He turns around and takes a swing at Sun Ce with a wide arc forcing him back. A short stillness happened between the three as Hayden was now sandwich between the two.
"Give up and surrender." Sun Shang Xiang drew her bow at him with a fiery stare.
Hayden looked between the two, his blade still raised and his chest heaving from the exertion. He closed his eyes for a moment to calm down his breathing and looked at the both of them with a cold steel gaze.
"No."
Sun Ce and Shang Xiang furrow their eyebrows at him. They prepared to charge at him again but suddenly Lianshi was thrown towards Shang Xiang, causing both to fall to the ground with a yelp.
Sun Ce was surprised at the sudden intrusion before Hayden swung at him. he thrust his blade at him, but Sun Ce manage to dodge at the last second to the side with only a slice to his hips. He winces but powers through it. He charged at Hayden but his attempt was suddenly stopped by a red gauntlet punching his jaw.
"Argh!" Sun Ce went flying and crashing towards the tree.
Hayden looks at Sun Ce and seeing him struggling to get back up.
"thanks for that Igris." Hayden chuckled.
Igris nods his head and swivels his head behind him. He quickly deflected bolts of arrows aimed at Hayden's back. Hearing the clang behind him, he turned around and saw the beautiful lady with the crossbow.
"And thanks for that too, old friend." He turns his attention towards Lianshi.
"Go take the supply cart, I'll deal with her." Igris nods, his armour clanking as he jogs towards the supply cart.
Lianshi narrows her eyes at him and gets up with a limp from her battle with Igris.
"Stay down, I don't want to kill you." Hayden tries to soothe.
"I won't allow you to take those supplies. Not under my watch." Lianshi scowled.
"You're determined I guess." Hayden sighed as he readied his blade at her.
Lianshi and Hayden stood off with each other as the clashing steel continued around them. Smelling the iron of blood in the air, Hayden dashed forward. Suddenly an explosion knocked us both of our feet which was followed by a wave of heat behind him. Turning around he sees the cart engulfed in flames and his eyes goes wide.
"Igris!" Hayden shouted.
He looked around and searched with bated breath. A few seconds later, everyone who's attention was now on the burning cart, saw Igris casually walking out of the flames. Hayden breathed a sigh of relief.
"You good?" Hayden asked as he could see small embers burning off Igris's armour.
Igris, dusted off some flames on his sleek shoulder plate before confirming his status with a thumbs up. Hayden smiled at his guardian's wellbeing before turning around.
"Alright everyone. We're done here. Retreat." Hayden's voice carried over the sounds of the roaring flames and the clashing of steel. Many of Hayden soldiers followed his orders and fall back with practiced ease.
"Hey wait. Come back here." Sun Ce grunted, massaging his bruised jaw and crouching with his back resting against the tree.
"Wait Sun Ce, we must go. The flames are spreading throughout the forest and if we don't leave now, we'll be engulfed." Zhou Yu came and helped up his sworn brother. By Zhou Yu side was a bow and a few arrows in a quiver he picked up from a dead soldier.
Sun Ce growled in reluctance as Zhou Yu to carry him out of the forest. Lianshi meanwhile limps with an unconscious Sun Shang Xiang, however her leg is injured during her fight against Igris. The flames started to spread rapidly throughout the forest, creating smoke that worsened Lianshi's vision and draining her strength.
The spread was rapid with the explosion of oil covering the entire forest and burning everything it came into contact with. Both women conditions were getting severe the longer they were encased in flames. Lianshi tried searching for a way out but all she saw was flames surrounding her and her mistress with the scent of burning flesh. No, she wouldn't let her lady die here. She'll get her out even if it meant running through the fire.
"Over here lady Lianshi!" Lianshi turns her head to the left and sees Sun Jian holding out his arm towards them.
Lianshi carries both herself and her lady towards Sun Jian, but her injured ankle and the smoke is making it harder to push onwards. She struggles to move forward through the flames but suddenly a tree snaps and blocks their escape. Flames and embers were now in their way and the smoke started to grow denser and thicker every second.
"No!" Sun Jian exclaimed.
He looked around for any way to pass through but couldn't find any. Lianshi sees spots in her vision and her limbs and body started to give up every second in the burning forest.
"No. I can't give up." Her voice coarse and sore from the smoke.
Lianshi fell, dropping her lady and herself amongst the sea of flames.
"Forgive me…Lady…Sun…" Lianshi closed her eyes feeling her consciousness be claimed by the unforgiving flames.
Sun Jian watched in dread as Lianshi, and his daughter dropped in the burning forest in front of him.
"Shang Xiang! Lady Lianshi!" Sun Jian yelled out, hoping his voice could reawaken them before they were burnt.
His hopes were being snuffed out by the second as the flames continued to grow worse. As he looks for any way to save them, he sees multiple silhouettes through the flames.
"Igris cut it in half" A voiced rang throughout the flames.
The flaming tree was cut in half by a longsword to the shock and amazement to Sun Jian and others behind him. Hayden, Igris and a few more of his officers ran through the gap in quick succession before the flames completely engulfed them. Hayden carried both Lianshi and Sun Shang Xiang on his shoulders and those behind him were also carrying a few of his men as well as their own.
Everyone collapsed onto the ground along the people they were carrying. Sun Jian and the rest look on with shock and astonishment before shaking out of his stupor and tending to the casualties. Igris, the ever-stalwart guardian, stood between them and his ward. An eerie and tense silence permeated the area and the flames given to Igris from the burning forest behind him caused his figure to look increasingly intimidating.
"Igris. Its fine. Let them through." Hayden wheezed out.
The tension lingered on as Igris stood still as a statue. Sun Jian, Han Dang, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu waited until Igris gave a slight nod to Hayden's order and stepped aside. Sun Jian and the rest quickly took their own and quickly tended to their injuries. Sun Jian meanwhile looked at the red armoured warrior with intrigue then at the coughing 'bandits'.
"You there. I assuming you're the leader?" Sun Jian pointed at Hayden.
Hayden looked up at him with watered eyes from the smoke and winced from the stinging sensation but powered through it. He stood up exhausted and with the help of Igris, looked at the Tiger of Jiandong in the eyes.
"Yes, I am." His voice course, but firm.
Sun Jian studied his exhausted figure, his slightly burnt clothes, worn out armour, the soot on his skin and the burns on his body. He eyed him carefully and, unexpectedly, bowed to him with his fist forward.
"F-Father!"
"My lord!"
Those watching were flabbergasted by Sun Jian's actions.
"Thank you for saving not only the lives of my men, but also the life of my daughter and her retainer." Sun Jian expressed in gratitude.
Hayden was also shocked but just gently smiled at him.
"Think nothing of it, Lord Sun Jian. I only did what I wanted to. This was nothing more than my selfishness endangering not only myself but those beside me." Hayden expressed, with a shake of his head.
"Still your actions saved their lives and as such, the Sun family owes you a debt."
Everyone was shocked at this, even Hayden himself.
"Father, surely you can't be serious." Sun Ce retorted vehemently, looking at Hayden and Igris.
"I agree with Master Sun Ce my lord. They may have saved the lives of the princess and our men but that doesn't excuse their cases for the other raids." Zhou Yu calmly debated.
"Enough. These men have saved the life of our own due to our failure to protect them. You denying this is losing face." Sun Jian admonish them both.
Both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu flinched and looked away, finding some truth in his words. If Zhou Yu hadn't suddenly exploded the oil on the cart without warning the others, things could have gone differently, and they did save the lives of their own even though they had no reason to.
"Lord Sun Jian is right." Han Dang even agreed although with a heavy sigh.
Hayden was about to respond however in the distance he can see the fireworks going off. The loud booming noise and the sparkle of colours in the sky had distracted everyone attention, their heads turning towards the large hill. Sun Jian and the rest looked surprised that the other supply cart was being attacked and when they turned around to look back at the perpetrators, they were gone suddenly.
"Tsk. They know how to run away." Sun Ce muttered with a sigh.
"We need to immediately tend to our wounded."
"Are we not going to assist Master Sun Quan and Zhou Tai?" Han Dang asked with a surprised face.
"There's no point. Our horses are tired from having to run from one side of the province to the other and the troops here need immediate help. All we can do now is to hope that Quan and Zhou Tai can handle this themselves." Sun Jian elaborated.
Han Dang sighed and nodded.
"It seems like everyone gets their time to shine but me… uh us I mean my lord." Han Dang chuckled nervously.
Sun Jian and the rest just shook their head at him with a small smile. Sun Ce walked up to his father with a forlorn expression.
"Father…"
"We'll talk about this after we return Ce." Sun Jian said with finality.
Sun Ce nodded and had his wounds tended along with the rest. He watches as how his sister was drinking water and coughing violently from the smoke. Lianshi was still unconscious but from what he saw, there were many bandages and salves being applied on her body. He sighs and closes his eyes. Remembering the faces he fought today.
'Next time. I'll win against you.' In his mind he is already simulating his fight against Hayden.
Smack*
"Ow!" Hayden yelped and looked at his sister.
"What was that for?"
"That was for being an idiot." Taylah chastised him, wrapping bandages and medicine on his burns.
"You don't injure an already injured patient sis." Hayden winces.
"Not if that patient was purposely putting himself in harm's way that wasn't necessary." She retorted.
Hayden just stared at her silently and muttered in reluctant acceptance.
"That's what I thought now be quiet."
Hayden chuckles and sits there on the chair as she treats his burns. It's been a few hours since their double raid on Yuan Shu's supply carts and their encounter with the Sun Clan. Right now, they're in a camp in between Tongquetai and Shouchun. This is the main camp for their raids against Yuan Shu's supply carts. It's been two months since they started doing their raids and slowly but surely, Tongquetai is being rebuilt to its former glory.
"Who would've thought that they would use a fire attack on their medicine carts. Quite the bold move from them." Brendan entered the medic tent, Chuckling at Hayden's misery against their sister.
"it wasn't Yuan Shu's idea. Probably one of the Sun clan's strategists." Hayden pointed out.
"Well, it was a good thing that I found out their ploy during my investigation in Shouchun." Taylah smirked.
"Again, thanks for that sis." Hayden smiles at her and patted her shoulder.
Taylah beamed in pride at the praise.
"Luckily we have a strategist of our own to out maneuverer them huh?" Brendan smirked at Hayden.
"Eh. It was nothing." Hayden Shrugged his shoulders.
"It wasn't nothing Hayden, it was an amazing plan. Attacking both carts was risky but look how it paid off. We took one of the carts and the other burnt to flames." Taylah complimented with a proud smile.
They all smiled at each other, enjoying this warm moment. Hearing footsteps clattering hard against the dirt, the tent is quickly opened by a soldier as his face was exhausted and sweating.
"My lords, there's an emergency." He breathed out.
"Woah there. Breathe." Brendan calmed him down. Standing up from his seat and supporting the soldier.
The soldier nods, taking in a few deep breaths before continuing his report.
"Thank you my lords. I'm here to report a force heading towards Tongquetai."
The three siblings raised their eyebrows in surprised but narrowed them a second later.
"Who?" Hayden ordered.
"Lu Bu and his men my lord. Cao Cao has defeated them at Puyang and Dingtao and now they're headed towards Yu province and Tongquetai." The soldier finished and was later dismissed to rest.
"Lu Bu. The demon on the battlefield and the strongest warrior in the land." Hayden pondered with narrowed eyes.
"We have to go back immediately." Taylah suggested.
"Agreed." Brendan nodded and headed outside to ready everyone to immediately depart.
"Taylah, I want you to go first and shore up the defences. Lu Bu may have lost the battle against Cao Cao and his men but that doesn't mean that he isn't a danger even without an entire army at his beck and call."
Taylah nodded and left the tent after making sure that his bandages were on tight.
"Things are going to get hectic from here on out." Hayden looked out the tent, grasping his neck with an almost sinister and calculating look in his eyes.
Hello. Welcome to notes and post. Sounds nice right :D I'm joking. i won't be using that slogan but to my opinion on creating this chapter.
First of all was the introduction of the Sun family. Needless to say they aren't the most popular faction as their characters lack... feats and great strength but they make up in connections and familial bonds. This is what i wanted to portray as best as i could between the Sun family and their retainers. I try to make their interactions as natural as possible but hey if i didn't tell me why and i'll see how i can improve my dialogue between characters and how they should act.
Second was who i wanted to write in here for the Sun family. Obviously we had the main Sun family members except the mothers and other siblings and their retainers. To be honest, i wanted to add Cheng Pu here to add more conflict Between Zhou Yu and the old veteran but figured i go the easy route and write Han Deng in first. This was more of a demo to see how i write characters that wasn't my OCs. While it was easier since these characters are already established in game and book, it was still tricky for me keep them in character.
Thirdly, the confrontation between the Xiong and Sun as per the title. As you have read, I made their first contact a fight instead of surrender. As to why Hayden didn't try to negotiate with the Sun family, you can decide for yourself. Whatever it is, some have solid points and some that seems most likely due to what kind of character Hayden is.
Fourth, the fight scene. This was a short or test fight scene to see how i write fights. i'll leave it at that as this section is already long as.
Finally, last point. Lu Bu. hoh boy, Kinda fast huh. Well that is just how things go yknow but yeah. This here will be where i will try my best and see where i stand in my writing skills and where y'all can criticize the hell out of me because this will be my most worked on... maybe. Have to see in the future.
That's it. Anyways, thanks for reading all this and reading my cringe fanfic.