A/N: Hey all. Sorry this one is late. Things have been crazy lately. I imagine things are crazy for everyone right now. I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. Disclaimer, this chapter might be a bit slow. It is a bit of a catch up chapter and that is because there will be a lot going on in the next chapter. I hope you all enjoy.

Li Dian – Mànchéng

Yue Jin – Wenqian
Jia Xu – Wénhé
Zhang He – Jùnyì
Zhao Yun – Zǐlóng
Cao Cao – Mèngdé
Xun Yu – Wénruò
Xiahou Yuan – Miàocái
Xu Shu – Yuánzhí
Xiahou Dun – Yuánràng
Zhuge Liang – Kǒngmíng
Yuan Shao – Běnchū

Cao Chong – Cangshu
Cao Pi – Zǐhuán
Cao Chong – Cangshu
Cao Ren - Zǐxiào

* Yamen – Where the magistrate stood in judgment of criminals. A court and jail all in one.

Jia Xu let out a heavy sigh as the gates to the largest city in Liaodong came into view. Gongsun Kang was somewhere behind those gates and he wasn't looking forward to making his acquaintance.

Xu looked at the backs of the two men that rode before him. He was happy when Li Dian and Yue Jin offered to join him and he was even more grateful when Cao Pi allowed them to go; Now he just had to ensure that he didn't get them all killed.

"Mànchéng, Wenqian," Xu called out.

Both men slowed their horses and looked back to him.

"To ensure we don't all die pitiful deaths in the prime of our lives, I suggest we discuss a plan."

"You really think Gongsun Kang will attack you?" asked Yue Jin

"If he has decided to ally himself with those bothersome Yuan brothers then yes," Xu replied.

"So what's your plan?"

"I think our best option is to have someone wait out here. I doubt they will allow us to waltz in with our weapons in hand. Whoever we have waiting on the outside can hold onto them and bring them to us should we need them."

"But how are we going to get word out to whoever's outside that we need them?" asked Li Dian.

Xu gave a shrug. "I suppose we'll have to rely on our martial prowess to take on the guards unarmed, steal one of their weapons and make our way to one of the guard towers to call for a rescue."

"That plan doesn't sound very reliable, Master Wénhé," said Jin.

"Wait, that was serious?" Dian asked as he scratched his head. "I thought he was joking."

Xu tsked. "It is amazing how much the unintelligent cannot spot a clever and well thought out plan when they hear one."

Both of them gave Xu a look that let him know under no circumstances were they falling for his bullshit. Xu couldn't help but crack a smile, despite the seriousness of the situation.

"All right, all right. I concede that it is not the best of plans—" he began as he raised his hands in surrender.

"—but what do you expect me to do in such short time without being able to survey the place we are walking into or knowing next to nothing about the person that I am meeting? You should be grateful I came up with a plan at all to be honest."

"I suppose so. I haven't come up with a plan," said Jin.

"Me either," Dian admitted.

"Exactly, so if you would be as so kind as to not criticize the only plan available that would be great. Now, who is going to come in with me and who will stay outside with the weapons?"

"If Wenqian doesn't mind, I would prefer to go. I would go stir crazy just waiting out here."

"I have no problem with that," Dian replied.

"Very well," Xu said as he handed his chain and sickle to Dian.

Dian reached for it, but Xu pulled back. "Tell me Mànchéng, do you have any gut feelings on how this is all going to go."

Dian face scrunched up as if he was concentrating on something. After a few moments he let out a breath and shrugged. "Nope, sorry; not feeling anything."

"Honestly, what good are you and your silly premonitions if they don't work when I need them to?" Xu said with a scoff as he thrust his weapon into Dian's hands.

"They aren't premonitions," Dian protested with a frown as he took the weapon. "They are gut feelings and I can't just get them whenever I want. It just comes to me."

Dian lost track of how many times he has had explained this to people and more often than not, when he did they wore the same expression Jia Xu was wearing now- skepticism. By this point, it was beginning to get a bit frustrating.

"It's not a bad thing that Mànchéng doesn't have any feelings one way or the other. It just means that our fate is our own. I would be more worried if he had a bad feeling," said Jin as he handed his hookswords over to Dian.

Dian gave his friend a grateful smile as he accepted his weapons. He could always count on Jin have his back.

Xu rolled his eyes. "Whatever, I prefer to make my own luck anyway. Let us get on our way and Mànchéng, do make sure you keep an eye out for our signal. I would hate for you to be napping while we are calling for assistance."

"Why would I be napping?" Dian asked, slightly annoyed at the implication that he was anything less than diligent when it came to doing job, but Xu did not bother to reply to the question. He instead stirred his horse forward moving ahead of the pair towards the gate leaving Jin and Dian to follow behind him.

The minute they were close enough, the guards drew their weapons.

"Halt!" One of the guards called out.

The three men stopped as they were told. Xu discreetly looked up and could see that archers within the guard tower had their bows trained on the trio, just waiting for them to make the slightest wrong move.

"State your business!" the guard demanded.

"I am Jia Xu. I come on behalf of my Lord Cao Pi, son of Lord Cao Cao to speak to with your Lord Gongsun Kang."

The guard lowered his weapon and the others did the same. He made a gesture to one of the guards in the watch tower. The guard nodded back and disappeared out of view.

"Dismount," the guard commanded.

Xu and the others did as requested.

"We have been expecting someone to come…we will let you in, but you cannot take any weapons with you."

Xu lifted his arms. "I am unarmed." The guard stepped forward and personally checked to ensure that Xu's claims were true. Satisfied he went back to his post.

"You are allowed to pass," the guard said as the gates behind him began to slowly open inward to allow them access.

"Exactly what did you mean by expecting us?"

"You'll find out when you speak to Lord Kang," he replied.

"Fair enough," Xu replied as he stepped forward. Yue Jin moved to follow behind him, but found himself blocked by one of the guards.

Jin frowned and his body tensed slightly. It looks like this wasn't going to be as easy as it seemed.

"Only one!" the guard shouted as he pointed his weapon threateningly at Jin.

"Come now, you expect me to go into unknown territory with no weapons or no one at my side?" Xu asked calmly as he moved back to Jin's side.

The guards looked uncertainly at each other.

"He is unarmed," Xu continued. Surely you can allow me this small concession."

The guards looked at each other once more. "Fine, but only one of them," what Xu deemed to be the head guard replied.

He tipped his head in thanks to the guard and motioned for Jin to follow him. Jin cast a look back to Dian who gave him a reassuring nod. Jin returned the gesture and followed behind Xu who already was heading through the gates.

"So far things are going as expected," whispered Xu once Jin was at his side.

Jin did not have time to reply as they were approached by another guard.

"I will take you to m'lord," he said. Without waiting for either of them to respond, he turned and walked ahead. With little choice to do much else, Jin and Xu followed behind him.

They were led to the largest house within the city which was quite modest if you were to compare it to a grand city like Xuchang.

"In," the guard said as he pointed towards the open door.

Xu lead the way through with Jin following silently behind and the guard following after him.

"Wait," the guard commanded before walking through a door off to the side of the room.

"Friendly bunch of people," Xu muttered.

"Are things still going according to plan?" Jin whispered.

Xu gave off a disapproving tut. Was Jin really doubting his haphazardly thrown together plan again?

"You know, I never took you as the cranky sort," said Xu as he crossed his hands in front of his chest.

"I'm not being cranky. I am only asking because I want to know if I should be calmer in this situation. I feel really on edge right now."

"Even with the best laid plans things can go awry. If your instincts are telling you to be prepared it would be best for you to heed them for both of our sakes."

The side door slid open once more and in walked Gongsun Kang. He was clad in a purple and red robe with gold armor atop it. His hair was tied up into a red mao with two purple ribbons streaming from either side of it. In Xu's opinion, he was an utterly unremarkable looking man. Following behind Kang were two guards carrying a chest between them.

"We have been so popular as of late," said Kang as he settled into a chair at the opposite end of the room; his guards placed the chest a few feet before him.

"No one cared about out little corner of the world here," Kang continued. "But suddenly we are quite popular. So popular in fact that Cao Cao sends a messenger to me. So tell me messenger. What does Cao Cao want with me?"

'Right to business then,' thought Xu. He could respect that. He liked a man that got to the point and didn't prattle on about useless things.

"You may be aware of the fact that My Lord has been at war with the Yuan family."

"A war we want no part of," Kang interjected.

"If you speak truly, then my request should not be one that you object to. Two of Yuan Shao's sons have fled to your lands. I am not sure whether they have come to you seeking sanctuary or if they hide in your lands without your knowledge. Either way, we seek their heads and ask for your assistance in this."

"The men you speak of have indeed come to me seeking sanctuary," Kang began as he shifted in his seat.

"But as I told you, we wanted no part of this war. Liaodong is small and we enjoyed the anonymity that our size has given us. No one cared about us and we remained neutral as a result. By just coming here, those brothers brought the war to us. We can no longer remain neutral. A choice had to be made."

Xu tensed. He knew Kang's next words would decide their fate. Worst case scenario? Kang will state his allegiance to Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi and that would mean Xu and Jin would have to die. Xu's terribly thrown together plan would have to be put into action and they will have to fight for their lives to get to Dian and their weapons. Xu looked around the room. There were three guards in the room along with Kang himself. Four versus two…perhaps those odds weren't so bad; though it was two unarmed men against four armed men which would make things significantly more difficult. Xu allowed his gaze to shift to his companion. It seemed Jin was of the same mind if his current stance was any indication. Both men could do nothing except wait for Kang's words to confirm their fate.

Kang nodded his head to the guards that carried in the chest. They moved forward and both Jin and Xu reflectively took a step back. The guards did not seem to pay any mind to them. Instead they moved back towards the chest, hefted it up and carried it towards Xu. Xu watched with great interest as they placed the chest at his feet and moved back to their original positions.

"Please, open it," said Kang.

Xu nodded his head to Jin who immediately stooped down to open the chest. He flipped the lid to reveal the severed heads of Xi and Shang nestled within the box. Xu looked down to the brother's faces petrified with looks of equal shock and terror. Out of all the scenarios Xu could have pictured, this was not one of them. Kang giving them permission to hunt the brothers in his lands? Possibly; Kang siding with the Yuans against Cao? Probable; Kang killing the brothers himself? Never even crossed his mind, but what a pleasant surprise it was.

"From the smile on your face I take it that Cao Cao will be pleased with this offering?"

"Most pleased," Xu replied.

"Good. I am not foolish enough to go to war with a man like Cao Cao. I hope this gift will show him that myself and the people of Liaodong only wish to serve."

This declaration might have shocked Xu more than the heads.

"You wish to form an alliance with Lord Cao?"

"I am no fool. I know that Cao Cao deals in absolutes. I am either with him or against him and I have no desire to be against him. I only hope that he will allow me to keep ruling Liaodong. I know Liaodong and its people trust me. I can ensure that Liaodong will continue to prosper as it always has under my leadership."

"I will relay your words to my Lord, and while I cannot speak for him I can say that I do not believe he will find issue with your proposition," said Xu as he nudged the lid closed with the tip of his boot. He grew tired of seeing Shang and Xi's pathetic faces looking up at him.

Kang gave Xu a nod. "Then I await his official word on the matter eagerly. You are free to stay here and rest before you get back on your way. I can see that your ally waiting outside our gates is let in."

"I thank you for the generous offer, but I must decline. We must bring this fortuitous news to our lord as soon as possible."

Kang nodded in understanding and Xu and Jin saluted him. With the formalities out of the way, they were free to leave.

Xu lead the way out city with Jin lugging the chest behind him. Dian, who had been waiting near the gate for them was visibly relieved to see both of them unmolested.

"I take it things went well?" he asked as he approached them and assisted his struggling companion with the chest.

"Better than that I should say," Xu replied.

"So we have permission to search for them?"

"No need. They are in that chest," said Xu as he pointed a finger towards the chest.

Dian's eyes looked down to the chest. He shook his side of it as if expecting to hear whatever part of them that was in there rolling around from within.

"They are in there," Jin assured him.

"Wow," was all Dian could say.

"Indeed," Xu concurred. "We must make haste back to Lord Pi. He should be most pleased with this news.

=#=

"Your brother seems…displeased," said Zhao Yun as he struggled against his bindings to bring his chopsticks to his lips. He failed in his attempt causing the food to fall back into its bowl.

They were currently stopped at an inn. Xiahou Yuan and Yun were sitting across from each other in one of the rooms eating their meal together. Xiahou Dun and Shi Huan were to be the third and fourth occupants in this room but both men were currently out. Directly next door to them was Cao's daughters. Though they could not hear exactly what was being said, the wailing coming from there told them it wasn't anything pleasant.

"Yup. He is eager to get back home to his wife and children. He's got a new kid he hasn't even met yet, you know? I understand his frustration. I got a family I want to get home to as well."

Yuan paused as he realized the carelessness of his words. He was speaking so nonchalantly about his and Dun's family when Yun might have had a family of his own. One that he was now ripped away from.

"Zǐlóng…do you have a wife? A family?"

"No," Yun replied. "So I cannot truly imagine how either of you feel."

Yuan let out a breath of relief and Yun was puzzled by this. Why would his answer garner such a reaction?

"Hey, let me help you with that. Must be annoying to eat with your hands all tied up like that," said Xiahou Yuan as he leaned over and loosened Yun's bindings.

Yun watched him with great suspicion, disbelieving that his enemy would care how comfortable he was when eating. In fact, he was surprised by the meal he got. He had expected to be given a piece of bread and water, just enough to sustain him, but no he was given an actual meal.

"You would loosen the bonds of your captive?" Yun asked as Yuan settled back into his seat and picked up his own bowl to resume eating.

"Well you gotta eat and I'm sure as shit not feeding a grown man."

"Most people wouldn't care if their captive could eat or not. It's most likely that death awaits me anyway."

"I'm not most people…and death only awaits you if you want it to. The choice is entirely yours. Just ah…don't tell my brother I did this okay?" Yuan said with a wink.

Grateful for the extra mobility, Yun dug hungrily into his food. Dun and Yuan had by no means starved him on this trip, but it had been a long time since he had such a filling meal. A meal made from real animal. He paused as the thought entered his mind. It threatened to turn his stomach and he had to fight the urge to keep his food down. That was in the past. He didn't have to deal with that anymore. He took another bite, this time savoring the taste and enjoying the meal as much as he could for it could very well be his last.

"Your kindness is appreciated but I fear it is a bit foolish. I could take this opportunity to run away."

"Nah," Yuan replied.

"Nah?" Yun repeated in confusion.

"I don't believe you would do that," Yuan clarified. "You are an honorable sort. You wouldn't take my kind gesture and just spit on it like that.

Yun lowered his head and continued to eat. Yuan was absolutely correct. He wouldn't do that, but how could he know for sure? How could he rely on the honor of men? He did once before and received a rude awakening that taught him to not doubt that even the most virtuous man could house a heart of evil.

"I fear you may be too trusting," Yun muttered.

"What's that?" Yuan asked as he looked up from his bowl.

"Nothing," Yun replied.

The two ate in silence, only broken when Yuan let out a satisfied burp at the end of his meal.

"Not as good as home, but not bad."

Yun did not reply as he was still finishing up the remains of his own meal.

"Hey, Zǐlóng, I gotta ask you something that has been bugging me for awhile now. What happened to you? There's like…a shadow in your eyes. You seem so…I don't know…defeated maybe? It's a stark contrast to that proud warrior I met years ago."

Yun would concede the fact that Yuan seemed like a decent man, but he was not ready to put his trust in him or anyone else for that matter. Yuan was right, there was a darkness he carried within him since he learned the truth about his former lord, but it would be a darkness he would carry alone.

Yun placed his bowl down and rested the chopsticks across the top of it as he was now finished with his meal. He held out his arms to Yuan.

"I am finished eating. Please tighten my bonds."

Yuan got the hint. Whatever was eating at Yun, he wasn't going to share. So Yuan did as he was asked and the men sat in silence.

"Fucking brats."

They could hear Dun's grousing on the other side of the door before he opened it.

"I take it you finished checking on the ladies," Yuan asked, perking up at the arrival of his brother.

Dun's annoyed huff was answer enough to Yuan who couldn't help but laugh.

"So what is their problem now?" he asked.

"What isn't their problem?" Dun replied. "They aren't content to drag this trip out as long as fucking possible, no, they must whine that food and rooms aren't up to standard."

"Even Cao Hua?"

"No. That kid's alright. She doesn't complain at all. Life must be hell with those two as siblings. I swear, I think Mèngdé only asked us to do this because he was sure we were the only ones who wouldn't kill them on the way. They are damn near unbearable."

Dun could feel Yun's gaze on him and he realized he had been speaking ill of his Lord's daughters in front of an enemy. He frowned as he returned Yun's stare. Yuan looked between the two.

"Ah don't worry about it brother, Zǐlóng's cool. He won't say anything. Besides, you didn't say anything you wouldn't say to Mèngdé himself."

Dun broke his gaze to look at his brother. He seemed to accept his words as fact evident from the slight nod he gave him.

"Shi Huan said he prefers the last watch. You mind going first or should I go?" asked Dun.

"Nah, I got it. You get some rest."

Dun nodded to his brother once more.

"See you in a few hours."

Dun gave a grunt in response as he placed himself in a corner of the room. He rested his back against the wall and lowered his head. Yun knew from past experience that even though Dun looked asleep, the slightest noise would wake him up. Yuan stood and stretched. He wasn't eager to watch over the sisters but he figured it was best to get it out of the way as soon as possible.

Once Yuan left the room Yun moved himself to another corner of the room opposite Dun. There was no point in thinking about escaping. He wouldn't get very far bound and weaponless. Huan entered the room, and placed himself in front of the door. Yet another barrier Yun would have to get past if he wanted to escape. What they probably didn't realize was that he had no desire to do so. He was more than prepared to meet his fate with Cao Cao. Closing his eyes, Yun drifted off to sleep, hoping that the faces of his former comrades that he couldn't protect would not haunt his dreams again this night.

=#=

Zhang He listened silently as Zhenji regaled him with the tales of the events that unfolded after they parted ways. This was the first time they had some time alone since they rescued her and he wanted to know everything that had happened. He was quickly beginning to regret that decision. He knew her life would have been difficult, but he had no idea of just how difficult. Listening to her tell her story now only served to make him feel powerless that he was not there to help her.

"I'm so sorry, my Butterfly," he said sadly once her tale was done.

"There is no need for you to be," she said softly as she took his slender hands into her own.

"I know you would have been there for me if you could have been. I do not blame you in the slightest for what I had to endure. Besides, what I went through was far less than what you went through. To be betrayed in such a way…"

"But you should be angry with me. You have gone through so much and I rescue you only to put you through more heartache," Jùnyì said with a sigh as he pulled his hands away from her own.

Jùnyì stood and turned his back to her. He lowered his head and pressed a hand to his head as he pondered how tell her what he had done to ensure her safety.

"What do you mean?"

Jùnyì let out a sigh and turned to face her. He folded his arms across the chest and lowered his eyes feeling unworthy to gaze upon her.

"I have betrayed you, My Butterfly," he began. "You spent most of your life serving the whims of a terrible man. I promised to save you from such hardships when instead I have thrown you into the jaws of another…"

Zhenji was finally beginning to understand what he was so distraught about. How silly her dear friend was to think she would be angry with him about that. Jùnyì was a kind man, but he was a bit overdramatic at times. Zhenji couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her. Jùnyì looked up in confusion which only made Zhenji laugh a little harder.

"It feels like ages since I have heard your charming laugh. I wish I could share in your joy, but I am afraid I have no idea why you are laughing."

"I am sorry my dear friend. I did not mean to laugh," Zhenji said as she covered her mouth with her hand to try to stifle the giggles that still slipped past her lips.

"I do not mind that you did so. I am merely curious as to why?" Jùnyì asked; his beautiful face scrunched up in confusion.

"I guess I found it funny that despite being as close to me as you are, you still see me as they do; A naïve woman."

"Butterfly, I do no such—"

"Then why do you think I would be so foolish as to not assume that my rescue comes at a price?" she asked cutting him off. "I know who I am Jùnyì…what I am. You torment yourself for the deal you made to save me when I am grateful for it."

"How can you say such a thing? Are you not tired of being passed from one man to the other?"

"Perhaps I should be…perhaps I should be appalled, but I am not. On that battlefield faced with death I thought over my life. I thought I was ready to die. I thought that death would be a sweet release from the torment that I had endured. But when I saw Lord Pi and his men…I realized how much I wanted to live. I wanted my husband dead and I wanted to live, no matter the cost."

Zhenji looked up to Jùnyì. "It shocked me to have these thoughts. He is my husband but I wanted him dead. I did not want to die because of him. I can only imagine what you think of me. How ugly I must seem to you."

"You are not ugly," Jùnyì replied.

Zhenji laughed again. "You are a poor liar, my dear friend. It is okay…I understand. You like beautiful things...and you have just found out that my beauty is only skin deep. There is no need to spare my feelings."

"I am not trying to. I truly do not find you ugly. Had you given up on life, I would have. It is a gift granted to us by the heavens and no one should take it for granted. The urge to live and to thrive amongst such ugliness; what is more beautiful than that?"

Zhenji lowered her head. Jùnyì's words sounded so good to her. She had been feeling so horrible for the dark thoughts she had been having that hearing him say that she wasn't bad for having those made her want to believe that his words were true.

Zhenji shook her head. "You always had such a way with words, Jùnyì . I wish I could see the beauty in life as you do."

She flashed him a weak smile.

"I grow tired of this talk. Please tell me, who am I to go to? Will I be a wife or a concubine? I must say I do hope that it is a wife. The thought of being a concubine does not appeal to me much," she asked switching the topic. She didn't want to think about it anymore. She wanted to push it out of her mind and forget. She was alive. That was all that mattered.

"Lord Cao Pi," Jùnyì replied.

"Lord Cao Pi? Son of Cao Cao?" she asked, remembering her first encounter with him. He was such an intense man. The way he looked at her felt as if he was peering into her very core. She shuddered from the thought. He was a very handsome man, but he seemed so cold. Would this marriage be the same as her last?

"The very same," Jùnyì confirmed.

"I am slightly relieved to hear that it would be the son and not the father. The way Lord Shao spoke of Lord Cao made him seem like quite the deviant. Though I must say, after our first meeting, Lord Pi seems a bit…unapproachable. Is he a kind man?"

Jùnyì could hear the hopefulness in her voice and while he wanted to allay her fears, he just didn't know enough about Pi to do so. He wanted her to go into this with eyes wide open so the best thing to do was tell the truth.

"I do not know, My Butterfly. I have not been with Lord Cao for long and this campaign was truly the first time I have spoken to Lord Pi. I have not seen him treat his men as cruelly as Yuan Shao and his sons had, but I do not know if that is simply because I haven't been around or if it is because he is a decent man."

Their conversation was cut short by the arrival of the man in question. Pi announced that he was entering only seconds before stepping into Zhenji's tent. His eyes narrowed as he caught sight of Jùnyì or more accurately, the close proximity of Jùnyì and Zhenji.

"Get out," Pi commanded.

Jùnyì frowned at brashness of Pi. There was truly nothing uglier than jealousy. Still, Jùnyì remembered the arrangement they had and despite dreading this moment, he knew it would be coming soon. So reluctantly Jùnyì said a brief farewell to Zhenji and bowed to Pi before stepping out of the tent to leave the two alone.

Zhenji stood and bowed to Pi.

"My Lord, I am glad you are here. I did not have a chance to formerly thank you for rescuing me."

"Are you truly glad that I am here?" he asked as he walked past her and sat onto her bed. Pi caught a flicker of annoyance on her face which was quickly replaced with a demure smile.

"Of course I am," she lied. "You are my savior."

"You lie and it annoys me."

Zhenji looked taken back by this. She was right when she said that Pi could see into her. He saw through her fake smile that had beguiled so many before.

"I-I do not lie, my lord. I am truly glad to see you."

Pi gave a bored sigh. "Another lie from your lips. How very disappointing you are."

"Disappointing?" she said with genuine surprise.

"When I saw you on the battlefield, I thought I saw a spark of something in your eyes. Something I found…attractive, but here you are acting like a common courtesan whispering lies to me and giving me false smiles. It's disappointing."

This had to be a trap. In all of her life, Zhenji has never met a man that wanted to hear her true opinion about anything. They enjoyed the honeyed words that she spoke and the lies that she wove. She just could not believe that Pi was any different.

"I...," she hesitated. What if it wasn't a trap? What if Pi really was a different kind of man? He certainly seemed like no man she has ever met before.

Pi stood from the bed and gave Zhenji one last look. She was beautiful, but otherwise she was just like every other woman he has ever met; utterly boring. He no longer had any desire to have her. Perhaps his father would enjoy her. He began to head towards the exit of her tent, disappointed and annoyed at the time he had wasted.

"You are supposed to wait until a lady invites you in before entering her tent," Zhenji said suddenly.

"Excuse me?" Pi said as he looked over his shoulder to her.

Zhenji wasn't sure if she should keep going. She never dared to speak in such away to her husband, but Pi looked at her expectantly and she couldn't help but continue.

"You entered my tent without waiting for me to invite you in. It was rude of you. Please do not do it again."

Pi turned to fully face her. "So you aren't quite as boring as I thought."

"Please do not do it again," she repeated.

Pi moved forward until he was standing in front of her. He reached up and gently touched her cheek.

"If I take you as my woman, there is no reason for me to wait before entering your tent."

Zhenji shivered at his touch. She reached up and placed her hand over his and pulled it away from her.

"I am flattered that you would consider me in such a way, but I am a married woman and this is inappropriate. Despite my feelings for my husband, I cannot disrespect him in such a way."

"Ah yes…your husband," Pi said as he let his hand drop to his side. He retook his seat upon her bed.

"You may want to sit," Pi said as he motioned to a spot next to him.

"I would prefer to stand if you do not mind. May I also point out that it is rude to sit upon a lady's bed without her permission?"

Pi shrugged obviously not bothered by her irritation to his lack of decorum.

"Your husband is dead.

Pi delivered such devastating news in such a blunt fashion. Had she been in a loving marriage, such news delivered so crudely would have devastated her. However, their relationship being that it was, Zhenji felt nothing but relief. Her legs suddenly felt weak. She took the previously offered seat next to Pi and let out a shaky breath.

Pi watched her silently for a few moments. Should he have delivered the news a bit more gently? They were married for a few years, of course she would feel sadden about his death. He was so eager to stake his claim on her that he did not take the time to consider her feelings regarding this news. Perhaps he should console her now?

"I…am sorry," Pi struggled to say. In all honesty he wasn't sorry at all. He did not care for anyone in the Yuan family. To him, they were all useless plagues that needed to be wiped out.

Zhenji let out a humorless laugh. "Now you are the one that lies."

She was absolutely correct. He wouldn't bother to deny it.

"You are right. I am not sorry. They were an obstacle in my father's path and needed to be eliminated. I only said it because I thought perhaps I was a bit insensitive with how I delivered the news of your husband's demise," Pi said with a sigh. He hated admitting his faults. Despite Chong telling him quite the opposite, he felt doing so only served to highlight his weaknesses.

"Even though he was an enemy, I should have considered your feelings when delivering this news to you."

Zhenji looked at him and gave him a soft smile; a genuine one. "That is kind of you to say."

Pi had to admit, she had a beautiful smile. "I will leave you alone with your grief."

"But I feel no grief," she said quickly.

Pi was surprised by this assured response.

"But not a moment ago you looked absolutely devastated."

"You mistake relief for distress, my lord. My hus—no…not my husband. Not anymore. Yuan Xi was a horrid man. He treated me cruelly. As I am sure you remembered he tried to have me killed by sending me into a war he knew I would not survive. I am ashamed to say that his death only brings me relief and joy…not sadness."

"What bold words you speak to a man that seeks to make you his wife," Pi said with a smirk.

"You told me you did not wish for me to speak lies, my lord," she replied.

"Indeed. I am glad you are taking my words to heart. You will make an acceptable wife."

"I look forward to it, my lord."

"Is that the truth?" Pi asked with a raised brow.

"It is," Zhenji replied with another genuine smile.

=#=

Zhuge Liang looked down to his scroll he had just finished working on and gave a nod of approval. He looked over to Xun Yu whose calligraphy brush hung precariously close to the bamboo strip he had been working on while his eyes stared off into space. Liang put his own brush down and made his way over to Yu whom was so distracted that he hadn't even noticed his presence.

"Perhaps it would be best if we stopped for today."

Yu jumped in surprise at the close proximity of Liang's voice. The brush flew out of his hand, but not before leaving a black streak across Yu's bamboo strip effectively ruining his work. His head snapped to where Liang was once sitting then to where he was currently standing now. Liang watched all of this with his normal stoic visage but inwardly, he felt amusement in seeing Yu's flustered reaction. Liang tucked his arms into the sleeves of his robe while he waited for Yu to regain his composure.

"Ah, Master Liang," Yu began as he popped up and hurried to retrieve his brush. He winced noticing the mishap left a black smudge on the ground and hoped that Liang hadn't noticed it as well. "You startled me."

"I am surprised I was able to do so considering I made no effort to hide my footsteps when I made my way over to you."

Yu replaced the brush into its pot and kept his eyes firmly focused on it, too ashamed to look the great strategist in the eyes. "My apologies, Master Liang. I was—"

"Distracted?" Liang supplied.

"Yes," Yu confirmed abashedly.

"Wénruò, when you asked to become my student, I accepted your request because I saw great potential for growth in an already brilliant mind. However, since doing so, you have been unfocused and undisciplined."

"I know, Master Liang. I am so sorry that I haven't been focused as of late," Yu said with a sigh.

He began to pace the length of the room, giving circulation back to his legs that had been crossed for hours and giving his mind time to explain his lack of focus to his teacher. Liang's eyes followed him, waiting for the inevitable explanation.

"My mind has been on my family as of late," he said as he finally stopped and turned to face Liang.

"It has been so long since I have seen the face of my wife…the faces of my children. How much have I missed not being with them? Sometimes I wonder, was this cause worth leaving them behind? Since I have been here, we have accomplished nothing and I have seen some atrocities that will haunt me for the rest of my days. I just can't help but wonder…was this a mistake?"

Liang remained quiet for a few moments as he considered Yu's words. He un-tucked his hands from within his sleeves and folded them behind his back instead.

"Why did you leave your family? Why did you choose to follow Lord Bei?" Liang asked.

Yu sighed. I heard stories about Lord Bei before I met him. The peasants spoke highly of him. They called him a man of the people; a man of virtue who truly cared about what was best for the land and best for his fellow man. I was in awe of him before I ever met him. When I finally did meet him…ah that meeting changed my life! I couldn't in good conscience continue to follow a man like Cao Cao. My path lay with Lord Bei…at least so I thought."

"Tell me…what has happened that has made you change your opinion?"

Yu hesitated. He couldn't tell Liang the atrocities that happened before he joined them. Doing so would surely make Liang desert Bei and if that were to happen, Bei would have no hope in bringing peace to the land.

"Your words and your actions are in contrast to each other, Wénruò," said Liang.

Yu frowned in disappointment. He never considered himself to be easy to read, but here Liang was reading him as easily as the bamboo scrolls that lay unfurled on their desks.

"Even now you will not tell me what has made you change your opinion about Lord Bei because if I learn of it, I may find myself compelled to leave. Am I correct?"

Yu did not reply so Liang continued on.

"Deep inside, you still believe Lord Bei to be the best choice for this land. Whatever doubts you may have had in the past, believe in him now. Know that I will not allow him to divert from the path of righteousness again."

Yu looked at Liang and he could see the sincerity in his eyes. He truly meant it and Yu wanted desperately to believe it.

"Do you trust in my words enough to continue to follow Lord Bei, Wénruò."

"I-I want to," Yu admitted.

"Then please…continue to support him…support me. Together I am sure we can bring the peace to this land that is desperately needed."

Yu sucked in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He gave Liang a nod in agreement.

"I will continue to stand by your side, Master Liang. I thank you for helping me with this."

Liang nodded. "Get some rest. We will resume our studies tomorrow. I expect you to be more focused than you were today."

Yu saluted. "I will be. Thank you again, Master Liang."

Liang watched Yu leave. He hoped that Yu would be true to his word and become more focused though he couldn't help what wonder what initially shook his faith in Liu Bei. When he first arrived he noticed tension between many of the generals and the soldiers. Since his arrival, things have gotten better, but he wondered exactly what this man had done to cause such a rift between his forces.

"My Lord," Yueying announced before entering.

"Perfect timing as always, My wife," Liang said with a smile.

Yueying bowed her head graciously she paused upon seeing the black smudge on the ground and gave a tut of disapproval. She would have to clean that up later.

"I have brought you some tea. She looked around and noticed that Xun Yu was not there.

"Wénruò has left already?"

"Yes," he confirmed as he took a seat and accepted the tea she offered from him. "Come, sit with me. Take the cup that was meant for him."

Yueying obliged her husband. The two sat in silence for a few moments, sipping their tea. It was a peaceful silence they often enjoyed with each other. They didn't need to fill the space with empty words, just being in each other's presence was enough.

"My dear, tell me…you never liked Lord Bei. You said there was something about him that rubbed you the wrong way. Exactly what is it about him that you do not like?"

Yueying was surprised by the sudden question.

"Well…I just do not believe he is as virtuous as others believe. Something about him…something about him makes me wary. He reminds me of a garden snake hiding between blades of grass. You cannot see him strike until it is too late."

Liang gave a thoughtful hum as he took another sip. "Perhaps there might be something to your words."

Yueying was again surprised by her husband. This wasn't the first time she had voiced her concerns about Liu Bei, but it was the first time her husband properly acknowledged him. Did he find out something about him?

"Do you still plan on serving him?"

"I do," Liang confirmed.

Before she could open her mouth to protest, Liang raised a hand to stop her. "This land is sick. The chaos has poisoned it. It would be wrong for us to stand by and watch it descend into further despair while we sit idly by. Lord Bei may not be the man he portrays himself to be, but he is still useful. He is a vessel…one we will use to stop the chaos and heal this land."

"You believe he will follow your guidance without question?"

"He has so far. If I continue to prove my worth to him, he will undoubtedly adhere to my way of thinking."

"And his sworn brothers?"

"They will fall in line as well. There is no doubt that things have improved since we have been here. I am sure they see that as well. I do not believe that anyone is eager to go back to how things were before."

"I will follow your lead as I always have, my lord."

"Though you do not agree with me."

"I would never say such a thing aloud, my lord."

Liang smiled. It was a cheeky answer, but he wouldn't expect anything less from her. Despite her disagreement, he knew that no matter what, she would stay by his side though it all.

"I thank you, my wife. Please continue to support me in the days to come."

"Of course, my husband. I will be by your side always."

=#=

Finally after an arduous journey with perhaps the most annoying women he ever had the misfortune of knowing they had arrived at Xuchang. Dun had to do everything in his power to not spur his horse on and gallop away from everyone and head home. He promised to deliver these harpies safely and he was a man of his word.

"Hey brother, why don't you head on home?" asked Yuan.

"We aren't done yet," Dun replied.

"Miàocái and I got it," Huan called out from behind them.

Dun wanted to take them up on that offer, but he couldn't let them shoulder his responsibility for such selfish reason.

"Zhuyue has waited this long, she can wait a little longer."

"You sure, brother?"

"I'm sure. Let's get this done."

-At the Palace-

As promised, Yuan, Dun and Huan delivered the girls to the castle. Cao Hua hesitated to leave the carriage, but she was coaxed out by Huan after assuring her that all would be well if she would just follow his plan. Reluctantly she disembarked and followed her sisters to greet Lady Bian. Huan remained back to keep watch of Zhao Yun who watched the encounter with mild interest. Lady Bian greeted Cao's daughters warmly but received a cold shoulder from all except Cao Hua. Qinghe hid behind Bianshi until they were escorted away by servants.

"It seems Lord Cao enjoys putting me in compromising situations," Bian said with a sigh. She was relieved the greeting was over as quickly as it was and she was already planning to stay out of their way as much as possible for the duration of their trip here.

Dun and Yuan gave each other a side glance. They both knew exactly what Bian was talking about, but neither wanted to put themselves in the middle of those two. It wasn't the first time Cao had put Bian in an uncomfortable situation and they were certain it wouldn't be the last.

"Ah! Qinghe! You've grown so big," Yuan remarked as he stopped down to get a better look at the little girl. It was a clear effort to steer the conversation to a lighter topic and it seem all parties involved agreed with the idea.

Qinghe ducked behind her mother once more and hid her face within her robe to hide from him. She peeked her head from behind her mother briefly to stick her tongue at him before hiding her face once more.

"Aww don't be like that," Yuan said with a pout.

Bianshi smiled a little at the interaction between them. "I am so happy to see that everyone arrived safely. You must be eager to get back home."

"I am," Dun confirmed.

"I understand," Bianshi said with a nod. "I wish Zhi would have come to greet you but…I guess he was busy," she said with an uncomfortable laugh.

Dun remembered Cao Zhi. He was an insufferable little brat. He made Pi look downright cuddly and that was before he became the mildly approachable person he currently was.

"Zijian is here?"

"He is," Bianshi said with a bright smile.

Dun looked down to his brother. He saw him make a face which told him that his thoughts echoed his own. Of course neither would speak ill of him in front of his mother.

"Odd for Mèngdé to suddenly summon him here," Dun said as he rubbed his chin.

"It is not so odd," Bianshi said somewhat defensively. "He is also his son."

"Of course," Dun replied with a slight nod. Bianshi didn't see it, of course she wouldn't, but Dun knew something wasn't right. What the hell was Cao Cao up to now?

"I do wish that he and Chong would get along better though."

"What do you mean?" Yuan asked as he stood, abandoning his attempts at getting Qinghe to play for now.

"They have been going at it since he arrived," Bianshi said sadly. "To get away from the turmoil Chong has been visiting your home more and more as of late," she continued as she looked at Dun. "He is probably there right now. They had a particularly bad argument earlier."

"Guess I'll see him when I get home," Dun said as nonchalantly as possible. "We still have other business to attend to. Take care, Bianshi."

Both men said their farewells and Bianshi did the same as they headed back towards the carriage where Huan and Yun waited.

"So the yamen next?" Huan asked once they arrived. Dun gave him a nod and Huan returned it and left the brothers alone as he prepared to leave.

"What do you think that was all about?" Yuan asked as he watched Huan get everything ready.

"Not now," Dun murmured well aware that while Yun acted as if he was not listening, his head was cocked slightly towards them. Dun doubted that what they were speaking about was anything of great import that would hurt Cao in any way, but there was still no reason to air their dirty laundry in front of him.

Yuan didn't seem to understand Dun's hesitation, but he was content to follow his brother's lead.

-At the yamen-

It wasn't long before they reached the yamen. Before they could even dismount from their horses, the magistrate was scrambling out of the building to greet them.

"It is an honor to greet the both of you," the magistrate said as he bowed low to the two men. He knew who these two men were and how close they were to Cao Cao, he would prostrate as much as possible to remain on their good side and thus remain on Cao's good side.

"We have a prisoner for you—" Dun began.

"Of course!" the magistrate said quickly.

"Don't cut me off," Dun warned. "As I was saying, this is an important prisoner. Ensure he is watched after closely," Dun said as he nodded his head towards Yun.

"My apologies," the magistrate said as he bowed his head humbly. He raised his head to look up to Yun. He didn't know him, but then again he didn't know many of the prisoners that are brought to him. He didn't care to know them. As far as he was concerned they were all scum and didn't need to be remembered.

"I will ensure that he is watched over closely," the magistrate confirmed.

"That doesn't mean he should be treated like shit," said Yuan. "Treat him well. I'll be coming by regularly to check on him."

Yun seemed to be surprised by Yuan's sincerity, but not more than the magistrate. He stared at Yuan with open bewilderment.

"I-I see. I will ensure he is given…respect? Yes, respect," the magistrate said as if the word was something foreign to him.

Yuan frowned. He wasn't convinced by the magistrate's assertion that he would look after him. He leaned over to Yun and whispered.

"Look, if they treat you badly in there, you let me know and I'll sort it out."

"Why?" Yun asked with obvious confusion prevalent in his tone.

"What do you mean why? I promised I would, didn't I? Yuan replied with a smile as he gave the man a good natured clap on the back which pushed him slightly forward towards the magistrate.

Yun gave Yuan one more glance. He truly didn't know what to make of the man. He seemed like a good guy, but how could he be when they were enemies? He couldn't trust the men he called friends, ho w could he trust someone that he once fought against?

"I will make sure he is watched and taken care of," the magistrate said with a bit more assurance than before as his men led the puzzled Yun away.

Dun gave him a slight nod eager to be done with this business and finally get home to his family.

"See that you do," said Yuan as he gave the magistrate his best imposing stare.

"Of course! Anything for Lord Cao and his people."

"We're done here, right?" Dun asked. All this posturing was getting on his nerves. He wanted to leave.

"Yeah, we're done," Yuan replied. "Let's get out of here."

The brothers and Huan left the yamen and the magistrate behind. The more distance they put between themselves and the yamen the antsier Dun seemed to become.

"This is where we part ways," said Shi Huan after a few minutes. "That is unless you want me to come over for dinner now."

"You still insist on carrying on with this ridiculous delusion?"

"I figured that maybe I might eventually wear you down."

Dun tsked at Huan's comment. He was a pain in the ass, but a tolerable one.

"I'll let you know."

"Good enough for me," Huan replied with a smile.

"I'll see you two later."

He saluted both men and headed on his way.

The two brothers traveled together for a short while longer until they approached the path that would divert and lead them to their separate homes.

"Give everyone my love," said Yuan. "I'll be by tomorrow to see the newest member of the family."

Dun nodded. "Do the same for me with yours."

Yuan nodded and gave his brother a wave over his shoulder as he stirred his horse down the path leading to his home.

Dun urged his horse on to a gallop. As he got closer and closer he felt his anticipation grow. He had to calm himself down once he reached the gates of his home. He didn't want to seem over eager. How much of a different man he has become. In the past he would have never pictured himself as a man giddy to simply be home with the people he called family. It amazed him how much he changed and it amazed him even more how he couldn't picture a life without them.

Dun dismounted and walked his steed up to the gate. He was greeted warmly by his servants. He handed off the horse to one of them as he continued onward into his home. He was constantly fighting the urge to smile now. He wondered who would greet him first when he entered.

To his surprise, no one. Not one soul came to see him. As Dun moved through his home he grew more and more disappointed with each step. Where the hell was everyone?

Dun pulled a servant to the side. "Where is everyone?"

"Welcome home, My Lord," the servant replied with a bow. "They are in the inner courtyard my lord."

Dun quickly moved on to the area in question. He was surprised to find Chong playing a game of Go with someone he had never seen before and Jun sitting at a nearby bench cuddling an infant child.

Chong was the first one to notice him. A devious smile crossed his lips.

"We have a visitor, Yuánzhí. You should welcome him in place of Zhuyue since she is not here."

Xu Shu turned around and saw Dun eying the inner courtyard. He stood and approached him immediately catching Dun's attention.

"Greetings," he said with a respectful salute. "Can I help you?"

Dun eye glared at him for a few moments before looking past him to Chong who was barely holding his laughter in.

"Who the fuck is this?"

Chong could not hold his laughter in at that point. He let out a hearty laugh in response to Dun's question so Dun decided to ask Shu instead.

"Who the fuck are you?"

Shu was definitely taken aback by Dun's brusque nature. He took a moment to consider Dun's anger. Why did he seem so hostile towards him? Then it hit him. Dun walked in unaccompanied. There is no way the servants would have allowed a stranger to randomly walk into the home; Chong's apparent delight at the situation also added credence to the only possible explanation. The man standing before him was Xiahou Dun, Lord of the very home he just welcomed him to. Chong had just made him foolishly question the owner in his own home.

"M-My apologies," Shu said quickly with a salute. "I did not realize who you were," he said as he cast an annoyed glance back to the still cackling Chong.

"That doesn't answer who the fuck you are," Dun replied. "It is the third time I'm asking and I won't ask again."

"Ah cousin Yuánràng, you are as grumpy as ever," Chong said as he wiped an unshed tear from the corner of his eye.

"That poor fellow is Xu Shu styled Yuánzhí, son of dear Madame Xu."

"Hmph," was Dun's reply as he looked over Shu again with an appraising eye.

After a few intense moments of scrutiny, Dun gave Shu a nod and walked past him.

That was it. Shu was left a bit bewildered by the whole experience, but he had to hope that the silent nod was a good thing.

Dun made his way towards Jun and the baby making sure to give Chong a good whack in the back of the head as he passed by.

"You are hitting a crippled man?"

"I'm hitting a dumbass," Dun quipped back.

Chong smirked. That was one thing he liked about Dun. Even after his life changing injury, his attitude towards Chong has remained consistent.

"Please forgive him. He is a terrible prankster," said Jun as Dun approached.

"You know I never pay any attention to him," Dun said as he came to a stop in front of her and folded his arms across his chest.

"So…did you two have a kid while I was away or is that—"

"Your son," Jun said with a smile as she held him up to him.

Dun took a step back and shook his head. "Just came back from a long day of travel. I don't want to touch him with all that on me."

Dun looked down to the sleeping face of his new son. "He looks like her," he said as he stared at his scrunched up little face.

Jun smiled. "He has your eyes though."

"Huh," Dun said as he looked at son once more silently trying to will him to open his eyes so he could verify her words.

After a few moments Dun forced his eyes to break away from his sleeping son's face.

"Where's Zhuyue?"

"Madame Xu wasn't feeling well so Zhuyue took her to go lie down," Chong offered.

"She okay?" Dun asked as he turned around to face him.

"I think so," Chong said with a nod after casting a quick glance at the frowning face of Shu. "She is just getting older and can do with a few more naps."

"Gonna go check on them," Dun announced as he headed across the inner courtyard and re-entered the main house.

Just as he approached the room where Madame Xu stayed, the door slid open. Tottering out of the room was Chong. Chong looked at Dun curiously with one finger in his mouth and his head tilted slightly to the side.

"You forgot me already?" Dun asked as he stood just a few feet from his son.

Hearing his voice seemed to strike something in memory. He tottered over to his father only to stop in front of him and raise his arms expectantly. Dun grinned, but instead of picking him up, he rustled his hair instead.

Zhuyue, realizing that her son had exited the room popped her head out to look for him. Her eyes widened in surprise the minute they laid on Dun.

"You're home…" she said with a soft smile before running into his arms.

"I'm dirty and smell," Dun said as Zhuyue wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

"Like I care," she replied as she pressed herself as close as she could against his armor. Dun returned the hug, leaning down to bury his nose into the crook of her neck to inhale the scent he hadn't had the pleasure of smelling for so long. They stayed together like that for awhile, only breaking apart when Chong tugged on Zhuyue's robe to get her attention.

"Where's Xiaolian?" he asked as he kept his arms hanging loosely on her waist.

"Visiting Xiahouji," she respond as she leaned her forehead against his. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too. Can't wait to show you how much."

Zhuyue grinned.

"We better get you cleaned up quickly then. Go to our room. I'll have the servants run you a bath and fetch you when it is ready," she said as she picked up the squirming Chong.

"Sounds good," Dun said as he place a kiss on her forehead and ruffled Chong's hair once more.

Dun headed towards their room and was surprised to see that Chong and Jun were passing through the hall towards the exit..

"Please let Zhuyue know I gave your son to her handmaiden."

"Uh-huh…Where are you two off to in such a rush?"

"Back home," Chong replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "It is getting late and I am sure you want to spend some alone time with your family."

"Last I checked, you were family," Dun said as he folded his hands in front of his chest.

"I meant immediate family," Chong corrected.

"Suit yourself," Dun with a shrug. "I do want to talk to you about something though so be sure to come back around."

Chong looked momentarily surprised by the offer.

"You are usually trying to kick everyone out. You actually want me to come back?"

"I only kick out annoying people."

"You call me and everyone else for that matter annoying."

"Tch, you are crossing over to annoying. Come by later and quit bitching about it."

Before Chong can protest or question any further, Dun walked off leaving him and Jun behind.

-Later that night-

"You really did miss me," said Zhuyue in a breathless voice as she wrapped one leg around Dun's own.

"We aren't done yet," Dun said in a low rumble as he pulled her closer to his side.

Zhuyue let out a soft laugh. "Three times in a row and you are still ready for more?"

"I have a lot of time to make up for," he replied as he turned his body towards her and began to place kisses against her forehead.

"You don't have to do it all in one day. We'll have time to make it up."

"Hmm, I suppose," he said somewhat disappointed.

"Don't pout," Zhuyue said teasingly.

"Not pouting, shut it woman."

She laughed again. "I really did miss you."

"And I missed you, but it seems like you've been keeping busy."

"Have I?"

"Taking care of our children, inviting random men to live in our home—"

"He is not a random man. He is Madame Xu's son."

"What's his deal?"

"I don't know just yet," Zhuyue confessed. "He seems…I guess the best way to describe it would be lost? He doesn't seem to have any plans as to what to do with himself. Before he came here he seemed to just be floating by with no real end goal at all."

"Tch, reminds me of someone."

"I know…me too. I don't think he is quite as bad as Ling though. Perhaps he just needs a kick in the right direction."

"Well if he is going to stay here, I'll sure the hell will be happy to administer that kick."

"I thought you might say that. He is a good fighter and has a head for tactics. Perhaps he could be persuaded to join Mèngdé."

"Hmph, I'll check him out and see if he is worth the effort."

"Mmm," Zhuyue hummed in agreement as she pulled herself from her husband's side. She slid out of bed and walked over to a table close to their bed. Dun kept his eye glued to her naked form as she poured both of them a cup of rice wine and returned to bed with it.

He sat up and accepted the cup downing it in one gulp as Zhuyue gingerly sipped her own.

"Mao," Dun suddenly said.

"What?" Zhuyue asked after swallowing down some of her wine.

"For our son," he replied as he lifted his eye from the empty cup he had been staring into.

" What do you think of the name Mao?"

"Xiahou Mao. I like it," Zhuyue said with a smile before taking another sip.

"Jun seems to be quite enamored with him."

Zhuyue gave him a sad smile. "She and Cangshu have been trying to have a child, but to no avail. I think she is drawn to Mao because he is the son she may never have."

"Hmm. I heard from Bianshi that Zijian is here."

Zhuyue nodded as she finished her wine.

"She also said that he and Cangshu haven't been getting along lately."

Zhuyue nodded again as she licked the wine remnants from her lips.

"Cangshu won't say much about what is going on, but Jun tells me much. He is cruel to his brother. Seems to take joy in reminding him of his condition. He also has been putting Jun down as well. He openly calls her a whore and though Chong tries to defend her, he isn't respected. His condition…it affects more than his ability to walk. No one seems to respect him as a man anymore."

Dun shook his head. "Just like when people said I could no longer be a warrior after losing my eye. To some if you aren't whole, you are nothing."

Dun lifted his eye patch just enough to scratch the skin beneath it. It was as if speaking about it suddenly made it itch.

"I suppose Cangshu will have to prove to everyone just as you did that he is still a man; That he can still accomplish much even in his state."

"I don't know if that would be enough. He practically led the defense of Xuchang when it was attacked before and Mèngdé just gave all the credit to Zǐxiào. I think for people to see him differently, he needs to be put in a position of power again; he needs to show everyone what he can do, despite his condition."

"But Mèngdé will never do that will he?"

"No," Dun confirmed. "He won't. If I know Mèngdé, he probably wishes that Cangshu had died that day. Hell, probably in his fucked up head Cangshu is dead."

Zhuyue frowned. "If his own father won't give him a chance, what hope does he have?"

"He has to get from under him. As long as Cangshu stays under Mèngdé's thumb, he will never be able to truly establish himself. To Mèngdé, Cangshu is a dirty little secret that he wants to forget about. You should see how he reacts whenever the two interact. Mèngdé always seems to just want to get away as soon as possible."

"I wish we could help him," said Zhuyue sadly.

Dun only hummed in agreement. The two sat silently for a few minutes before Zhuyue took his empty cup from his hands and moved to get out of bed once more.

"More wine?"

"I would prefer more of you," Dun answered honestly.

Zhuyue grinned and deposited the cups on the floor beside the bed.

"Well I do feel well rested now," she said as she crawled across the bed with the grace of a panther before pouncing on him.

Dun grinned and flipped her so that she was laying beneath him. Pressed against her thigh, she could feel that he was already rock hard. He wasn't lying, he was ready to go. Sleep seemed to be the last thing either of them was going to get tonight.

=#=

"You have returned. I hope it is bearing good news," Cao said as Pi came before him.

"I would not have shown myself if it wasn't," Pi replied.

"Hmph…as full of confidence as you are, I cannot wait to hear what transpired."

Pi signaled to Li Dian and Yue Jin. They brought the chest before Cao and opened it. Had he not been accustomed to the stench of death, the smell that wafted out of the chest would have knocked him off his feet. Instead, Cao ignored the foul smell and stared down at the petrified faces of the sons of a man he once called friend. That was it. With their deaths, the Yuan family line was at an end.

"And with the stroke of a blade, a bloodline has ended," said Cao as he waved the gruesome sight away.

"Part of me feels pity that it was I who ended it. I once considered Běnchū a dear friend. Yet he placed himself as an obstacle on my path. If I were to balk at such a challenge, would I deserve to lead this land from the chaos that engulfs it?"

Cao looked Pi in the eyes. "It is choices like this you will have to make, my son. Will you be willing to sacrifice even those you once saw as friends for the betterment of the land should they try to impede you? Can you steel your heart to accomplish such a pitiable task?"

"I can," Pi confidently responded.

"Hmph. It is easy to proclaim such things when not truly faced with the situation."

Pi frowned. Still after everything he has done, his father could only seem to find fault within him. Was there nothing he could do to get his approval?

Cao's eyes remained on Pi. While the younger Cao attempted to keep his face neutral, Cao could perceive the slight tension in his face; from the tight pressing of his lips to the narrowing of his eyes. He was being much too hard on him. Pi truly has improved in his eyes and he should acknowledge him for it.

Cao stroked his chin as if to give his next words some thought.

"Still I am not acknowledging your accomplishments. You told me you would handle both brothers and you did so. That should not be ignored. You are to be commended for an admirable job."

Pi was slightly surprised at the sudden change from admonishment to praise, but he maintained his mask of indifference as best he could.

"The credit for this is not mine alone. I could not have completed this task without the aid of Wénhé, Mànchéng and Wenqian. If praise should be given it should be extended to them as well."

It was Cao's turn to be surprised. Pi use to be so standoffish towards his fellow generals and now he was praising him. His growth was exceptional and Cao truly couldn't be prouder. He would make a capable heir. There was only one more test for him to pass, but that test would come later.

"I see," Cao replied with a smile. "Well the four of you shall be recognized for your part in bringing us one step closer to quelling the chaos in the land."

"There is more, father," said Pi.

"Oh? What more could there possibly be?"

Pi looked back to Wénhé and gave him a nod. Wénhé stepped forward and saluted his lord.

"Gongsun Kang wishes to ally with us; provided he is allowed continue ruling over Liaodong."

"Now this is a surprise," Cao remarked as he stroked his chin once more. "I sent you to slay two men and not only do you accomplish that but you bring me news of an alliance as well. I will have to have Liu Ye regal me with the tale of how you managed to accomplish such a feat later. Truly, I am impressed."

"There is one more thing, father," Pi said as Xu stepped back after saluting more.

"More?" Cao asked with one of his eyebrows quirked upward. He couldn't imagine what else there could possibly be.

Pi turned to a solider close to him. "Retrieve Dian Wei. He should be waiting just outside."

The soldier saluted and hurried off to do what was requested. Within a few moments, Dian Wei entered closely followed by the woman Pi charged him with watching over. Cao watched her every step intently; his eyes roaming over every luscious curve. She was a stunningly beautiful woman.

"You have brought me a gift as well?" Cao asked as the woman did a graceful bow before him. His mind was already racing with the ways he would have her tonight.

Pi however stepped in Cao's line of sight, blocking the enchanting woman from his view.

"She is Zhenji. I wish to marry her."

Cao felt instant disappointment at hearing those words. So his son wanted this little beauty for himself. What a shame. He rose from his seat and made his way over to them. He shooed Pi out of the way so he could get a better look at her and reluctantly, Pi stepped aside. Cao's eyes searched the length of her body once more as he began to walk slowly around her.

"You went to battle and happened to find this pretty little flower in the midst of it?"

"Actually I did," Pi said as he tried to keep the irritation he felt over the way his father was eyeing his future wife out of his voice as much as possible.

"She is the widow of Yuan Xi."

"Yuan Xi? Such a beautiful woman the wife of such a beastly looking man…and now my son takes you for his own. Do you not resent him? The murderer of your husband daring to lay claim to you? Tell me Zhenji, do you truly want to marry my son?"

"Father," Pi said in a low angry tone. He knew his father might try to hit on Zhenji, but to try and dissuade her from marrying him? That is a bridge too far.

Cao didn't seem to care for Pi's objection. He merely raised a hand to silence him as he waited for how Zhenji would respond.

"You called my departed husband a beast. I could not think of a more accurate name to describe him for he was a beast for the entirety of our marriage. Lord Pi saved me from that beast and I am forever grateful. I look forward to being his and his alone," Zhenji said with a bow of her head.

"Ha! A good answer from you future wife," Cao said with a smile. "Congratulations on the prize you have managed to pluck for yourself on the battlefield my son. It looks as if we will have much to celebrate when we return home. Speaking of, I see no reason to remain here any longer. If you can pull yourself away from your little beauty here, could you inform the troops that we should be ready to leave within the next few days."

"Of course, father," said Pi as he saluted. He gestured with his head for Zhenji to follow him and she obeyed unbeknownst to her that Cao's eyes were glued firmly to her rear as she walked away.

Once they were away from prying ears, Pi stopped and turned to Zhenji.

"You spoke such honeyed words to my father."

"I spoke the truth to your father," Zhenji corrected.

Pi stared at her for a few moments before moving his eyes to gaze into the distance. She seemed sincere, but her words just sounded too perfect to his ear. Women like her knew exactly what to say and when to say it; he knew this from his mother. She had a silver tongue and knew how to expertly use it when it came to his father. Pi always swore that when he decided to wed, it would be to a woman who didn't use flowery words to woo him, yet here he was, practically entranced by this siren and her song. So much for thinking he was too smart to fall for such things. Perhaps he should give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she wasn't just telling him what he wanted to hear. Maybe her words were truly sincere at least that is what he hoped. Time would eventually tell what kind of woman Zhenji was.

All of this thinking was starting to annoy Pi. It felt like a waste of time to ponder such frivolities. His father gave him a task and he should complete it.

"Hmph, let's keep moving," said Pi. He did not wait for her to response before he starting moving forward once more.

Zhenji nodded and obediently followed behind him.

=#=

-A week later-

"You're here early, Xiahouji."

The girl jumped at hearing her name from such a masculine voice. She looked up to see Dun staring at her with his one eye. He wasn't smiling, then again she could probably count the times on one hand that she had actually seen him smile in her entire life. It was his way and she was beginning to get use to it.

"H-Hello cousin Dun. Oh! No! I-I mean uncle. Sorry, I keep forgetting."

"It's been awhile since my brother has taken you as his child. Still not use to it?"

"Oh…no…um…I am?"

Both of Dun's brows quirked in response to her uncertainty. Xiahouji seemed to notice this and she covered her mouth fearing she said something wrong.

"You don't seem too sure about this," Dun pressed since it didn't seem as if Xiahouji was going to proceed with her explanation without some goading.

"I-I'm sorry. I am so grateful that f-father has taken me as his own, but for most of my life, you were only my cousins. It is a hard habit to break. I-I'll get better! I promise!"

Dun frowned. She sounded like a scared child that had just been chastised and wanted to do anything to appease the one who disciplined her. He wasn't trying to make her feel bad, but somehow all conversations with her ended with him feeling like a bully.

"It's alright, Xiahouji. I get it and I'm sure brother and Jiao both know how much you appreciate them taking you in."

"T-thank you," she replied with a sigh of relief.

"So, what are you and Xiaolian getting up to so early in the morning?"

"Nothing!" Xiahouji said in a suspiciously high voice.

Dun's brows rose once more.

"Exactly wh—"

"Good morning father," Xiaolian interjected, cutting off Dun from whatever he was about to ask Xiahouji.

Dun turned to his daughter who just entered the room.

"Xiaolian, good morning. Was just asking Xiahouji what you two had planned so early in the morning."

Xiaolian wanted to know that answer too. This was the first time Xiahouji had called on her so early. She looked at the girl and could see that she looked as if she was about to pass out. Whatever she wanted from Xiaolian, she obviously didn't want Dun to know.

"Etiquette lessons," Xiaolian replied.

"Etiquette lessons? For what?"

"I am going to be a wife, father. I need to learn what to do. Xiahouji took lessons so she can teach me."

Dun's face twisted into one of annoyance at the mere mention of his daughter becoming a wife. He knew it was coming and he knew it was something he had to accept, but he was still having a difficult time to do so.

"Come, Xiahouji," Xiaolian called to her while gesturing towards the exit.

Xiahouji was all too happy to get away from the inquisitive eye of Xiahou Dun.

"G-goodbye uncle!" she called just before hurrying out.

Xiaolian opted for a simple wave before following after. Dun watched them go feeling as if there was something off about the entire thing.

"My lord? Lord Chong has arrived."

Dun sighed at the servant's message. "Don't people sleep in anymore?"

"My Lord?"

"Nothing," Dun said with a wave of his hand. "Escort him to the tea room."

The servant bowed and went to retrieve Chong and Jun. Dun headed over the tea room to await his guest. He let out a yawn as he waited. He would still be warming his bed alongside his wife, but he decided to get up and get some exercise in. Something he was now regretting.

"Ah, cousin. I finally caught up to you."

Dun turned around to see Chong being wheeled towards him dutifully by Jun.

"Hey Cangshu."

"You look perturbed. What's wrong?"

"Xiahouji came by a little while ago. Never saw her come around this early before. Can't shake the feeling that Xiahouji and Xiaolian are up to something."

"Come now Yuánràng, those two? What nefarious plot could you truly see them up to?"

"I didn't say anything about nefarious," Dun snapped. "I just said they were acting weird; Xiahouji especially."

"I always thought that girl was a bit weird to be honest," Chong said with a shrug. "There is no way someone can be that docile. Must be an act, right?"

"Tch. Stop being an idiot. She isn't acting. That's just the way she is and that's not what I'm talking about anyway…just forget it. Like you said, what could they possibly be doing?"

"Exactly. I knew you would eventually see the absurdity of your worries. Let us talk of more interesting topics such as whatever it was you wanted to speak to me about."

"Hmm," Dun hummed with an idle nod. It was probably about time they had this conversation. Truthfully they should have had it a long time ago, but he was a bit preoccupied with being reacquainted with his wife.

"I will be outside until you need me," said Jun as she moved to excuse herself from the room to give the two of them privacy.

"Thank you, my love," Chong said clasped her hand briefly. She squeezed his before exiting the room and closing the door behind her.

"So…what's the deal with her? It's kinda obvious you are in love with her and I doubt any other woman is going to put up with your ass. When are you going to marry her?"

Chong frowned, the topic still an unpleasant one for him.

"Apparently never," Chong replied sadly. Father will not give us his blessing."

"Mind telling me why?"

Chong shifted in his chair uncomfortably. He looked towards the door knowing that Jun was right outside of it and leaned forward speaking in a lowered tone.

"Father doesn't think she is worthy of being my wife because of her previous…occupation. He even saw fit to throw the fact that he slept with her in my face."

"Damn," Dun muttered.

"Indeed," Chong agreed with a frown. "I already bring him enough shame. Marrying a former courtesan would just add to the pile of disappointment that is me so he forbade it."

"Your father is an ass."

"Yes he is," Chong agreed once more.

"Sorry, Cangshu."

"For what? You did nothing wrong."

"I guess I'm just sorry you have to go through that shit. Despite knowing Mèngdé as I do, I do not understand why he does the things he does."

Chong shrugged. "I have accepted my fate. There is no point in dwelling on it. Anyway, you are trying to avoid the topic at hand. What did you want to talk about? I've been wracking my brain all week trying to figure it out."

"Have you now?"

"I have. So much so that I came here every day for a week hoping to get an answer, but found myself rebuffed each time as you were…indisposed."

Dun gave a grunt of acknowledgement. "Zhuyue and I had some catching up to do."

"For a week?"

"Like you wouldn't do the same if you were away from Jun for over a year."

"True enough," Chong said with a nod. "So I wised up and decided to come when I knew you would be training and it seems my intuition paid off. Since I have finally caught you in what is most likely a brief respite, care to tell me what you wanted to speak with me about?"

"You are impatient, aren't ya?"

"It is a shameful flaw of mine. I detest not knowing. Now would you kindly stop procrastinating and tell me what this is all about?"

"I dunno, kinda fun seeing you squirm," Dun replied with a grin.

Chong glowered at Dun as a light knock rapped against the door.

"Enter," Dun commanded with a widening smile at the obvious irritation Chong was feeling.

A servant slid the door open, bowed and entered to serve the pair tea. They both remained silent as the servant worked. Chong's fingers tapped against his leg impatiently as he waited for the servant to be finished.

Finally the servant finished his task and left the pair alone once more. Feeling that Chong had suffered enough, Dun decided to finally tell him why he wanted to speak with him.

"So," he began. Immediately Chong sat up in his chair at full attention. Dun inwardly chuckled at this.

"I heard about what has been happening between you and Zijian—"

Chong let out a dissatisfied huff. "THAT is what you wanted to speak with me about? How utterly boring."

"Disappointed?"

"Very. Of all the topics I thought you would speak to me about, I didn't think it would be about something so mundane."

"You consider what your brother is doing to you and Jun to be mundane?"

"I consider Zijian to be mundane. He is a spoiled brat that gets his kicks from picking on others. Always had always will. There is no point in dwelling over it. We mostly ignore him and his blustering is mostly toothless."

"So you are happy with the way things are?"

"Zijian is annoying, but he is the least of my concerns. I have other issues to contend with."

"Like Mèngdé?"

Chong sighed. "This talk is all pointless. There is nothing that can be done."

"But that is exactly what I wanted to speak with you about. Doing something about it."

"What are you talking about?"

"You are in a shitty situation, I want to help you out of it."

"I…I don't understand."

"I am talking about hiring you and Jun as caretakers for our children. Zhuyue will be returning to the battlefield and we can't expect Madame Xu to be around forever. She is getting older and her health seems to be declining. We want someone we can trust with them."

Chong's was bewildered by this. "What makes you think I would be a good babysitter?"

"You're right. I doubt you would be worth a damn and to be quite honest I am really hiring Jun and not you, but since I know you two are always together like flies and shit, I figured I might as well go through you to get to her."

"Thank you for referring to us with such colorful imagery."

"You're welcome. Zhuyue tells me how Jun is with the kids. They love her and she loves them. I think it will be a good match and we don't expect you to do this for free. You will have a place to stay and we will pay Jun for her services."

"I don't know if you noticed, but your home is getting a bit cramped as it is," said Chong.

"It is, which is why we are moving. Zhuyue is still young and we plan on having more children. There's also the fact that Mànchéng will be moving in when he and Xiaolian get married."

Dun seemed to shudder slightly upon mentioning the upcoming nuptials of his daughter. It would be obvious to any keen observer that Dun was still not wholly comfortable with the idea.

"Still don't like the idea?" Chong asked.

"Not one fucking bit," Dun said with a sigh. "But I have to deal with it. The point is we need a bigger place for our growing family. Of course, while the home is being built, you two are welcomed to stay here so Jun'll be close to the kids. You'll be sharing the space for a bit until we move, but it shouldn't be too bad considering you two only have a room now."

"You and your wife certainly don't know how to let things go."

"Oh?"

"Come now, you think I don't I know what this is about? I spoke with something similar with Zhuyue recently. She asked us to stay as well and we refused. I told her that doing so wouldn't be wise since father would cut off the support he was giving us and suddenly here you are offering Jun taels for taking care of your children. You two are just determined to try and solve a problem that isn't yours."

"I am determined to find someone to care for my children you suspicious little shit. Is your pride so big that you can't accept an offer that would benefit you and your woman? You can ignore the shit going on at the palace, but what about Jun? How is she handling all of this? Can you see past your own damn pride to think about what would be best for her?"

Dun rose from the pillow he had been sitting on.

"Do whatever the fuck you want. The offer is there. I would suggest you pull your head out of your ass and think of Jun instead of just yourself."

Dun slid the door open much harder than necessary and stormed out of room. A few seconds later, Jun re-entered the room.

"Is everything alright? Master Yuánràng seemed quite upset."

"It is because I am a prideful idiot," Chong said with a sigh. "Tell me my love, what would you say to being hired to care for Yuánràng and Zhuyue's children when they were off fighting their little war for father?"

"Why do you ask me this?"

"Apparently it has been noted that you are good at taking care of children…especially the foolish prideful ones such as myself. They would like to hire you—"

"No," she answered quickly cutting him off.

"No?" Chong repeated in surprise. "You did not even take a moment to consider it."

"I take care of you. I do love spending time with the little darlings, but I could not abandon you."

"And I do like you taking care of me, but your life should not revolve around me. Besides, once Zǐhuán returns, much of my time will be spent with him. What will you do with all your free time then, hmm?"

"Well…"

"There is also that fact that taking them up on their offer will give us the opportunity to get from under my father's thumb."

Jun's eyes widened slightly when he said this. She spoke her next words carefully, afraid to dare to hope that what he was saying was what she had been wishing for months now.

"You mean…we would move out of the palace?"

"Yes. Away from my father, away from Zijian."

"W-would you want that?"

Chong sighed. "I want you to be happy. Tell me…would this make you happy?"

Jun lowered her head as she contemplated her answer. She already knew what she wanted, but she wasn't sure what Chong wanted and she wanted to make him happy.

Chong could see her hesitation so he thought he would nudge her along in the path he already knew she wanted.

"We are already here most of the time. Living here wouldn't be much more of a difference."

"I…I would miss Qinghe terribly."

"As would I, but we can visit her."

Jun bit her lower lip. She clasped her hands together debating if she should say the words that were hanging on her tongue. She finally decided to be honest with Chong and herself.

"They are your family...I know this and it is terrible of me to say, but I hate living there."

"I know," Chong said with a frown.

"Forgive me."

"Nothing to forgive. I suppose we should let Yuánràng and Zhuyue know of our decision."

"Are you sure you are okay with this?"

"I am," Chong said with a half smile. "I certainly won't mind not seeing my dear brother on a daily basis."

Jun let out a soft laugh. "Nor would I."

=#=

"Th-thank you for your help," said Xiahouji as she and Xiaolian exited the Xiahou family home.

"Your father is scary."

Xiaolian could have argued that Xiahouji is scared of most things, but she decided to remain quiet. She knew her father could be abrasive at times and sometimes put people off. Instead, she decided to find out exactly why she was woken up so early by the timid girl.

"What's going on?"

Xiahouji stopped walking suddenly and turned to face Xiaolian. She grabbed her arms and spoke in a pleading tone. "I need your help!"

"Why?" Xiaolian asked as she tried to pry Xiahouji's fingers from her arms but was surprised to find that her thin fingers had quite the grip.

"He's here!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"Who?" Xiaolian asked as she finally managed to successfully pry Xiahouji's fingers from her arms.

"Master Zǐlóng!" Xiahouji replied in a dreamy voice that did not go unnoticed by Xiaolian.

"Zǐlóng?" Xiaolian repeated softly as she searched her memory for the name. It came to her almost immediately and that was mostly because Xiahouji mentioned several times how grateful she was to him for his part in her emancipation from her captors.

"I overheard father last night. They must have captured him during their last battle. He went to visit him in the yamen! I need your help Xiaolian! If he is a captive there I must free him like he freed me!"

Xiaolian stared at Xiahouji blankly. Was this girl out of her mind? She wanted to free a captive? Was she even comprehending what she was saying? Did she take a minute to think what the consequences of her actions would be? From the hopeful look on Xiahouji's face, Xiaolian knew the answer was a hard no. She abruptly turned and began to head back to her home.

"W-where are you going?!"

"Home," Xiaolian replied flatly.

"But Zǐlóng—"

"Is the enemy," Xiaolian replied as she turned to face Xiahouji again. "Can't free him. Can't get into the yamen. Even if we could, freeing him would get us in trouble; would get your father in trouble. Lord Cao would be angry. Don't be stupid."

Her piece said, Xiaolian turned once again and began to head home.

"Wait! Wait!" Xiahouji cried out as she ran after her.

"You can't expect me to just leave him there. He saved me. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here."

"Kidnapped. Different from being captured in battle. Don't be stupid."

"I thought you would help me! I thought you were my friend!"

"Don't be stupid," Xiaolian repeated once more before walking away leaving a now sobbing Xiahouji alone.

=#=

"You are looking well," remarked Zhuge Liang as he accepted the tea Liu Bei offered to him.

"I am feeling well…and our forces are doing well, both thanks to your influence," Bei replied.

"I only give mere suggestions," said Liang after taking a sip of his tea. "It is your will power that make these men follow you and it is that same will power that pulled you out of that dark place you were in before."

"You say that, but I know I couldn't have done it without you."

"You humble me with your words, My Lord, but please do not forget your own role in all of this. You are our leader and it is your decisions that make or break this army. It is because of this that I must speak with you today."

"What do you mean?" Bei asked as he set his tea cup aside.

"We are doing well," Liang began as he put his own tea cup down. "Our numbers are increasing and they are receiving the training they need, but tell me where do you plan to lead the army next?"

"Well…I think we should keep recruiting as many people as possible; anyone who is as fed up with the chaos that has swallowed this land as we are. Then I think we need to go after one of the main sources of that chaos…Cao Cao."

"I see. While I do agree that going after Cao Cao is imperative, I do not believe it should be our second step."

Bei frowned. "So you would let Cao Cao continue to gain power unchecked?"

"I would advise caution. It is not just numbers that are on Cao Cao's side. He has talented officers as well. To be able to truly oppose him, we need to train our troops and gather many talented officers to our side."

"I suppose that makes sense," Bei said, though the look on his face showed he wasn't exactly happy with this plan.

"I also believe it would be imperative if we sought allies," Liang continued.

"I don't know," said Bei. "Our last few alliances did not bode well for us."

"It might be because of the people you sought as allies," Liang replied. "There is also the fact that you probably relied too heavily on your allies. This time, when you ally with another warlord, it will be as equals."

"That is why you want us to recruit more talented offices," Bei mused.

Liang nodded, glad that Bei was able to follow his logic.

"Your words seem sound. I can find no fault with it," said Bei. "Tell me, who would you us ally with?"

"I have some ideas," said Liang as with a knowing smile.

"I trust you fully, Kǒngmíng. We will follow whatever path you lead us."

Liang smiled. That was exactly what he wanted to hear.