Other Fan Fiction ❯ A Gentler Form of War ❯ I'll drink anything... ( Chapter 2 )

A Gentler Form of War

 

Part 2

 

Disclaimer: I do not own, nor did I invent, any of the characters found herein that one would see in Dynasty Warriors or the Three Kingdoms novel. Minor characters are my own invention.

 

Warning: This fanfic contains graphic depictions of lesbian sex, along with implied heterosexual sex. I've aged the Qiao sisters a little bit, since Xiao looks especially young in the game. My apologies if you were looking for lolicon, but you won't find it here.

 

A Final Note: Anyone who's read Three Kingdoms will know that this scenario is pretty much totally implausible, not to mention that the characters could be construed as acting OoC. For the sake of variety, I've retained the character's DW personas, touched up with some ideas gleaned from the book. Since this fic is basically a vehicle for lesbian sex between the Dynasty Warriors females, please ignore such discrepancies as timeline or individual temperament. You don't know for sure if these girls weren't lesbian, you weren't there, were you? :P

***

 

 

Sun Shang Xiang watched intently, standing besides her brothers, Ce and Quan. Her regal ceremonial robes flowed in the gentle breeze, the vermillion straining to become one with the sunset. Her elaborate headdress, bejeweled and tasseled with gold and phoenix down, rested upon a brow that radiated a serenity she did not feel. She gripped her chakram tightly in front of her.

I wish Da or Xiao were here with me, she thought. Hell, I wish I'd had a chance to fuck or even just get licked by one of them. I can't believe they're coming…

 

Sun Jian strode up and stood beside his sons and daughters. Even though he had passed the leadership of Wu onto Ce after his injury at Ji Ling, he remained a force to be reckoned with and everyone revered him. His hand rested easily on the pommel of his tiger blade as he gazed out from the great dais towards the city gates.

“Wei will arrive first,” he said plainly. He turned to look at his sons. “Ce, where is your wife?”

The elder Sun boy shrugged. “Da and Xiao elected to remain back in Shang Xiang's palace. Can't say as I blame `em, since ol' Cao's gonna be so close.”

“Indeed.” Sun Jian said darkly. Wu had gone to war with Wei over the Qiao girls, once Kongming revealed a poem Cao Cao had wrote expressing his desire and intent to possess them.

Sun Jian looked at his daughter and smiled. “You look as radiant as ever, my child!” he said proudly. “And soon, Liu Bei will arrive and you will be reunited with your husband.”

Shang Xiang smiled at the thought. She did love the lord of Shu very much, in fact. Indeed they had consummated their marriage, although Shang Xiang still preferred making love to women. She hoped one day to bear Liu Bei's child, an heir that would one day unite their great houses and end the chaos of the land forever. Not even Cao Cao could stand against the united realms of Shu and Wu.

This was a secret desire, however. She knew that her marriage to Liu Bei had been a political machination that went horribly wrong from Wu's point of view. If she were to bear Liu Bei a child, then the future rulers of Wu would bear the Shu dynasty name. Certainly her family would find this notion intolerable.

So as far as her father, brothers and Zhou Yu were concerned, she merely liked Liu Bei.

She thought of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao again. Against her will, she found herself thinking of making love to one of them and grew uncomfortably moist. Her great headdress seemed to weigh heavily on her, something it did not normally do.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the drummers and trumpeters lining the mighty walls of the city. She recognized the music immediately.

Wei approaches.

“Here we go, folks.” Sun Ce said, stepping forward slightly. He held his hand aloft, giving a signal to the guards.

Slowly, the great gates of wood, iron and bronze, intagliated with the tiger motifs of the Sun family began to swing open. Though nearly half a mile away, one could clearly make out the massive doors and hear the march of tens of thousands of men.

Shang Xiang's keen eyes could pick out individual figures now- people on horseback, riding slowly forward towards the palace. Music accompanied their approach. Drums thumped, cymbals clashed, water flutes warbled on the breeze, all playing a tune unmistakably similar to the Han Imperial anthem.

Cao Cao's arrogance! she said to herself as the entourage approached.

The riders were fanned out in a triangle. Cao Cao rode at the point, holding his head high. Behind him rode a paige, carrying the battle banner of the Han Prime Minister's office- golden goblet and silver axe, suspended from a long cherry wood pole. To his right and left rode the two men who made up the huben, Cao Cao's Tiger Guard- the enormous Zhu Xu, whose great girth and blank face belied his ferocity on the battlefield, and Dian Wei, whose prodigious strength allowed him to carry and swing his great battle axe one-handed.

The Xiahou brothers, Dun and Yuan, both generals of great renown, rode behind, along with Cao Ren. All three were cousins of Cao Cao, loyal to a fault and totally dependable.

Sima Yi came next, the great strategist who fancied himself a match for Zhuge Liang. Shang Xiang could see something in his eyes she did not like- a burning ambition and ruthlessness that even Cao Cao did not have. It was somehow evil. Beside him rode an officer resplendent in lavender and pink silks. His long brown hair was pulled up in a single ponytail. It was not unlike that which Sun Ce or Lu Meng wore, but somehow it seemed all the more effeminate on this man. Shang Xiang knew of Zhang He's reputation as a fearsome fighter, but still she could not restrain a smirk. She hoped that he wouldn't accidentally be assigned to the women's quarters.

Zhang Liao and Pang De rode next, quiet and dignified. More than any of Cao's generals, the armies of Wu had learned to respect and fear these two. Zhang Liao had defeated Wu at He Fei, very nearly taking Sun Quan's life in an ambush. The only warrior Zhang Liao respected was Guan Yu, whose strength and nobility inspired him. Pang De, as always, was quiet and solemn, not unlike Zhou Tai. In his silence one sensed a quiet confidence, a sure sign he was not someone to be trifled with.

Xu Huang followed Pang De and Zhang Liao, seeming to constantly scan the crowds around the entourage, as if looking for an ambush or a trap. Even while at ease he gripped the haft of his long-hafted battle-axe menacingly.

Behind this entourage, a small distance back, came Cao Cao's heir, Cao Pi, and his wife, Zhen Ji, sitting on two palanquins. If it was possible to look more haughty or arrogant than Cao Cao, these two somehow managed it. Zhen Ji had been married to a son of Yuan Shao, until Cao Pi met her at the battle of Guan Du and stole her away.

Shang Xiang had to admit, they made a perfect couple. There was a distant and egotistical coldness about the two of them. Cao Cao burned with passion, Cao Pi and Zhen Ji betrayed nothing except disdain.

And she was beautiful. Surely this woman was as lovely as Shang Xiang remembered her. Her long, dark hair was piled elegantly atop her regal head, her pale skin gleaming white even in the orange of the setting sun. Her rouge-dabbed lips were full and attractive, the lips of a woman who used her sexuality as a weapon and never lost.

Shang Xiang instantly disliked her, but also felt a great desire welling up within her. As she looked at Zhen Ji's body, she knew she had to take her, to feel the woman's curves beneath her hands, to revel in her wet heat…

“Shang Xiang, are you alright?” asked her father's voice, pulling her from this reverie. She looked at him quickly, wondering what he had seen.

Sun Jian put a hand on her shoulder, looking concerned. “You look flushed in the cheeks, are you unwell?”

“I... I am fine, father,” she said in what she hoped was a reassuring tone. “I am just slightly nervous about the presence of so many of our foes.”

Sun Ce smiled, obviously guessing the actual cause of his sister's state.

Sun Jian shook his head. “There is no cause for concern, daughter. They are here to negotiate, not to make war.”

Make war… she thought. A war certainly awaits the women of Wu.

***

 

Cao Cao's entourage rode up, the great prime minister gazing at his hosts. Inwardly he fumed at having to look up the dais at the Wu family, but there was nothing to be done about it at the moment.

Sun Ce stepped forward and bowed his head in respect for the guests. His family and attendants did likewise. Cao Cao led his own people in a bow. Shang Xiang noticed that Cao Pi barely nodded and Zhen Ji merely looked away.

Arrogant bitch. You will pay…

“Welcome, Lord Mengde,” began Sun Ce in a loud voice. “You and your family honour us with your presence.”

Cao Cao nodded. “You honour us as well,” he replied. “The future peace of the realm is assured with men such as you leading the way.”

Ce bowed again. “We have constructed a pavilion for you and your men, prime minister. As agreed, the women in your entourage will enjoy the hospitality of my sister, Shang Xiang, in her private palace.”

Cao Cao nodded. “As you say.”

Shang Xiang could see Zhen Ji discussing something with Cao Pi, obviously displeased. Shang Xiang harboured no doubts that the northern woman was expressing displeasure about having to stay with the uncouth daughter of the Southlands.

“If you will, Prime Minister…” Ce said, gesturing towards the grand palace.

Cao Cao nodded and with a wave beckoned his entourage to follow him. The men of Wei followed while Zhen Ji's attendants carried her toward Shang Xiang's palace. Cao Pi's wife was obviously highly annoyed. Not that Shang Xiang really cared. She was going to seduce that woman and harboured no doubt that if Zhen Ji was flustered this would be easier to accomplish.

She nodded to herself and headed for the palace.

***

 

The sun had set nearly two hours before and Shang Xiang had yet to see any sign of Zhen Ji. The Wei princess was seemingly cloistered in with her attendants in her assigned quarters. Shang Xiang was well aware of how opulent those quarters were, they were some of her favourites. However, she did not doubt that Zhen Ji would find something to complain about.

Shang Xiang walked down a hallway, deep in thought. She was looking forward to the pleasures this great summit would bring, but also understood how serious her charge was in the scheme of things. She was lost in thought when she heard a squeal and was nearly tackled to the ground from behind.

“Shang Xiang!” chirped the high-pitched voice gleefully.

Shang Xiang laughed and tumbled to the ground, rolling over and embracing the younger Qiao sister, who beamed down at her.

“There you are,” she said warmly, always enchanted by Xiao's innocent nature. She took the rosy-cheeked girl's face in her hands and kissed her lips warmly. Xiao melted into the kiss and returned it, her newly mature body pressing against Shang Xiang's with an ease and familiarity both women loved.

“You get prettier every time I see you,” Shang Xiang said softly, smiling up at the girl. Xiao's honey-brown hair, normally pulled back in a cute bun or ponytail, was spilling down over her shoulders, gleaming in the moonlight through the windows.

Xiao beamed and rubbed her breasts against Shang Xiang's, who thrilled at the feel of Xiao's silk shirt caressing her skin. Xiao was less experienced than Da Qiao as a lover, but made up for it with her raw enthusiasm. Xiao had even secretly confessed to Shan Xiang that she and her husband, Zhou Yu, had only ever made love once, on their wedding night over three years ago. This pleased Shang Xiang deep inside, meaning that she was Xiao's principal lover. She knew how deeply Xiao Qiao felt about her husband, who was indeed a great man, but like her own relationship with Liu Bei, lovemaking was obviously not the primary consideration in their marriage.

“It's hard to believe you're eighteen now, my dear.” Shang Xiang said, he hands tracing lazily down Xiao's back to her behind.

Xiao smiled. “I know. It's hard to believe you and I have been…” the girl blushed for a moment, still reluctant after all this time to say what was on the tip of her tongue. “That you and I have been doings things for nearly as long as I've been married.”

It was true. A mere month after she had married Zhou Yu, Xiao Qiao had burst into Shang Xiang's bedchambers, sobbing. She told Shang Xiang that Zhou Yu never seemed to have time for her, let alone make love to her. Did he find her that unattractive already?

Shang Xiang consoled the devastated girl, pointing out that her husband was a very busy man- chief strategist of the Wu Kingdom, companion, advisor and virtual bodyguard of her own brother, Ce, great lord of the Sun family.

Xiao Qiao's bleary, red-rimmed eyes looked up at her, wanting to believe. Shang Xiang smiled and sent a servant to fetch something. She stroked the girl's long hair until the servant returned, bearing a parchment with Zhou Yu's personal seal on it.

“You know that your husband is probably the best-educated and talented man in Wu, right?” Shang Xiang asked.

“Yes…” sniffled Xiao.

“And his poetry- is it not held throughout China to be divinely inspired?”

The younger girl nodded.

“Then listen to how he writes about you.” Shang Xiang said grandly, unrolling the scroll and beginning a recitation. Indeed it was a poem Zhou Yu had written about his wife, the most beautiful woman in the land and how he adored her. Xiao Qiao's eyes shone as she listened, Shang Xiang's clear voice lending the reading a melodic quality.

The poem spoke of her beauty in terms both metaphorical and frank. Xiao blushed furiously as Shang Xiang read aloud the verse concerning her breasts. She turned crimson at the mention of her enchanted grotto. She failed to notice Shang Xiang herself starting to squirm somewhat uncomfortably as she continued reading.

“What does `treading the arrow” mean, Shang?” asked Xiao Qiao, her eyes sparkling.

“Erm,” Shang Xiang said, clearing her throat. “It's an alchemy metaphor, darling… a sexual one.”

“Oh,” said Xiao, looking somewhat embarrassed. “I'm afraid I don't know the Tao.”

“Take heart, Xiao!” Shang Xiang said, relieved to be putting down the scroll, the reading of which had made her uncomfortably moist. “It means that Lord Zhou certainly thinks about you in those terms. So inspiring is his love for you that the poem became known all over China. Why, it is even said that old Cao Cao used it as a model for his own poem about you and your sister, `The Bronze Bird Tower Rhapsody'.”

Xiao Qiao's mood changed from enthrallment to revulsion at the mention of the Lord of Wei. She shuddered. Shang Xiang quickly realized her mistake and hastened to correct it.

“But you have nothing to fear! As long as my brother is Lord of Wu and Zhou Yu is our strategist, Wei will never have to surrender you to that old lecher.”

Xiao Qiao smiled.

“And,” Shang Xiang whispered quietly but firmly, “you have nothing to fear as long as I am around to protect you. I love you fiercely and will defend you unto the death.”

“Oh, Shang Xiang!” cried the younger girl, throwing herself joyously into Lady Wu's arms and knocking her back to onto the bed. She beamed happily down at the older girl and kissed her enthusiastically. Shang Xiang's breath was caught in her throat, a shock of sensation running through her.

Xiao Qiao pulled back and smiled again. “You always make me feel better, Shang! You always know how! True, I'm still not making love to my husband, but now I understand his sacrifice! How can I thank you?”

Still somewhat shocked, Shang Xiang simply stared up at the girl. She dared not move, lest Xiao Qiao realize how incredibly wet and aroused she was. Xiao continued to pin her to the bed, oblivious to the effect her body pressed against Shang Xiang's was having.

“I… you…” Shang Xiang sputtered.

Xiao suddenly unstraddled her and sat on the edge of the bed, letting out an exaggerated sigh of dismay. Shang Xiang unsteadily got up and knelt behind Xiao, letting out a somewhat exasperated sigh of her own. “What bothers you now, sweetie?”

“I don't know.” Xiao Qiao said despairingly. “It's embarrassing, Shang.”

“Oh, I see,” Shang Xiang said slyly. “You're horny.”

Xiao blushed again. “Maybe. But it's hard to talk about.”

Shang Xiang nestled up behind Xiao and wrapped her arms around her. “Xiao,” she said quietly, “you can always talk to me about anything, and you know that. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. C'mon, let it out.”

Xiao took a deep breath. “You're right, Shang. I am horny. And… well…” she held up a hand for Shang Xiang to inspect. “I'm just no good at doing anything myself! My hands are so tiny and I know so little! I just don't know anything! What am I supposed to do while my darling Zhou Yu is busy?”

Shang Xiang smiled and took the delicate, pale hand in her own. “Darling, you may lack experience, but that can be fixed. Did you like lovemaking?”

Xiao squirmed and blushed. “Yes… I mean, it hurt a little at first, but…” she said in a small voice.

“Then that's most of the battle over. You just need practice. With Zhou Yu away so much maybe you need to take a lover.”

Xiao Qiao went pale. “I could never! I mean, another man…”

“I never said anything about a man, Xiao.” Shang Xiang said quietly.

Xiao Qiao turned and looked at her. “A woman? Is that not a betrayal also?”

Shang Xiang smiled. “Do you resent your husband having concubines?”

Xiao shook her head. “Of course not.”

“Then why should it matter if you take a lover? Especially for so specific a purpose?”

The sensibility in Shang Xiang's words dawned on Xiao. She turned to look at the older girl, her hand still in Shang Xiang's. “Could you… show me? I trust you…”

Shang Xiang gently placed Xiao's hand on her breast, her heart fluttering and her breath trembling. The younger girl shyly moved her hand back and forth. Shang Xiang quietly waited while the girl experimented.

“I've… never been with another woman…” Xiao said quietly.

“It's okay, honey,” Shang Xiang cooed. “I'll show you everything.”

***

 

Shang Xiang writhed and ground hard, squirming her slippery pussy against the girl beneath her. Xiao heaved and moaned in pleasure, her hands roving up and down Shang Xiang's back. Shang Xiang loved the similarities between the two sisters- they way they moved, the rhythm of their bodies, the way they both ground to the left…

Xiao squeaked and arched her back, mashing her pussy against Shang Xiang's with all the force she could muster. Shang Xiang ground and thrust hard, fire pulsing through her body as the orgasm took control. She let out a guttural moan and felt herself cumming, her pussy's sticky fluids flooding out and bathing Xiao's. She faintly heard the younger girl cry out as she felt her lover come against her. Stabbing lances of pleasure emanated from her clit as it rubbed against Xiao's.

She collapsed, exhausted, spent by the exertions of mutual pleasure with her lover. Xiao's arms wrapped wearily around her and they kissed, their tongues probing and wrestling. Shang Xiang loved the feel of the soft body beneath her. There was no more pleasant or fulfilling sensation than that of a sensual woman.

She smiled down at Xiao, who giggled and winked. She thought back to that very first night that they had made love- the young girl, so unsure but so willing to learn. To this day Xiao retained a wonderful innocence about her, whether on the battlefield or in the bedchamber. Shang Xiang teased her a little, leaning up and grazing her nipples back and forth across Xiao's. Xiao purred and licked her lips sensuously at the stimulus.

“I love you, Shang…” she whispered as she drifted off to sleep.

Shang Xiang had wrapped a tiger-striped robe loosely around herself and ventured out into the hall. She wandered aimlessly, lost in thought about what she must do in the days to come.

There was a sudden rush of wind and a sound behind her. She whirled around, ready for combat. She was stunned to see an old sage standing there, his long white robes covered in symbols of the Tao. His white hair stood straight up from his head and a blue tattoo surrounded his eye. He stroked his beard thoughtfully.

“So, the young lord Ce has you gathering intelligence for him…” the ancient man mused. “So willingly does the sister do his bidding? The loyalty of the Sun family is known far and wide, with good reason.”

“Who are you, old man?!” Shang Xiang growled, her hand reaching for a halberd that adorned the wall of the hallway. “Answer me or I'll slice you in half!”

The man seemed unperturbed by her threat, continuing to observe her. “Sun Shang Xiang, daughter of Sun Jian and wife of Imperial Uncle Liu Bei; she is renowned for her love of battle and all things martial.”

Shang Xiang advanced, halberd leveled at the intruder. “I await your answer, intruder…” she said menacingly.

The old sage showed no concern. “My name is Zuo Ci, but I am of no consequence. What matters are your actions over the next few days, yes?”

“What do you know of my task? How did you get into my palace?” Shang Xiang demanded, the tip of the halberd pointing at his tattooed eye.

The old man smiled again. “I come and I go as I might. I observe and seek to find the righteous, those who should rule the land.”

“Look elsewhere, old man! I am a woman and will not rule!”

“Is that so?” he mused, obviously enjoying their conversation. “So were you to bear Liu Bei a child, are you saying you would not be the power behind the throne?”

Shang Xiang had heard enough. This man, regardless of who he claimed to be, knew enough to be a threat. She thrust forward with the halberd and then swung around in a great arc, trying to separate his head from his body.

But he was no longer there.

“A fierce blow, to be sure. Undoubtedly you would have knocked my grey head off, were you able to master yourself and balance the inner forces…”

She whirled around to face her antagonist, who stood there impassively, stroking his beard.

“I do not seek conflict,” he said in a soothing tone. “I seek out those who can rule China and bring peace to the land.”

“So you say,” Shang Xiang said, her skepticism obvious. “But what has that got to do with you showing up unbidden and unannounced in my domicile? Would not my brothers' palace better serve your needs?”

Zuo Ci smiled again. “The men of the Three Kingdoms… for the next fortnight they will posture and espouse grand designs and plans, engaging in sterile polemics. Only Kongming understands the true nature of China's future, and even then he has cleaved to a man who cannot achieve this grand design.”

Shang Xiang's lovely breasts rose in fury. “You say the Lord of Shu is weak?!” she hissed, readying another strike.

“I am saying that Liu Bei alone cannot achieve his desired ends. His virtue and well-meaning are beyond refute. But without the guidance of Kongming and the keen blades of Yide and Yunchang, he is adrift, helpless to fulfill his destiny.”

“Who, then, in your inestimable opinion, sir, can achieve this great design?” she growled.

He smiled. “Mengde has the ability, but his personal ambition controls him. The needs of mother China are a mere second in his estimation.”

“That leaves my father and brothers. Do you come here to tell me that maybe the Sun family is destined to rule China?”

Zuo Ci smiled again. “I as yet know little of your clan, I must admit. What I do know is common knowledge across this land. You are said to hail from Great Sage Tzu, lord of martial philosophy and advisor to the Supreme Ancestor. Your father is the mighty Tiger of Jiang Dong, a renowned warrior. Ce has become a great conqueror, unifying the six districts of the Southlands and bringing your ancestral homeland of Wu back into the fold. Quan, the youngest brother, seeks to surpass father and elder brother, to make his name known and gain their approval. What do you seek, warrior-daughter of Wu?”

“I want what any loyal daughter wants and no more.” she replied, never taking her eyes off him. She could not believe she was holding this conversation. Why had she not called for her guards? Had he bewitched her? She felt no alien compulsions, she seemed to be in control of her body and faculties.

“And what would that be?”

“I wish for the name of the Sun family to be known, nay, renowned across the land, echoing with eternal glories. I wish to fight alongside my father and brothers, to make men tremble at the mere mention of my name and to bear great and mighty heroes who will stand astride China like gods.”

Zuo Ci nodded thoughtfully. “And to accomplish this, all you must do is kill the gods that currently walk the lands. Do you fancy yourself a god-killer, another Ma Yuan? Do you have such confidence in your blades that you would face Yunchang in battle?”

“If my family needs me to, so be it. I do not fear death!” she said levelly. This was true, for she knew full well that no mortal alive was a match for Guan Yu in combat. To die at his hands, even though it meant defeat, was a worthy end for any warrior.

“So I see. You fear only ignominy. You are brave, my child; bordering on brazen, even foolhardy. You say your brother Quan seeks recognition, and yet your own desire flames brighter than-“

“Why are you here?!” she demanded loudly. “I grow weary of your banter! Tell me now or suffer my wrath!”

Zuo Ci chuckled. “Of course, of course. Please forgive a rambling old man. I yearn for conversation is all, and young people seem to have no time for it. Perhaps Kongming and Yunchang would be willing; they both know the Tao and are learned of the Spring And Autumn Annals…”

“The point, sage! Make yours before you feel mine!” she said angrily.

Zuo Ci sighed. “Very well then. As I said earlier, the men of China have gathered for this vaunted meeting and will accomplish little or nothing. You women, however… you have all been asked to gather intelligence for your respective lords.”

“They… all…” Shang Xiang said, somewhat undone by his statement.

“Of course, my dear.” Zuo Ci said reasonably. “Do you think Kongming would pass up such an opportunity? Do you think Mengde would?”

Shang Xiang blushed, embarrassed to have not seen this simple truth before. “Why do you tell me this? If you think so highly of my husband and Kongming, should you not visit Yue Ying or Xing Cai?”

The sage shook his head. “Worthy women, both of them. Intelligent and dedicated, but neither can see beyond their own lord's interests.”

“And for some reason you think I can?” Shang Xiang asked carefully, sensing that she was approaching the reason behind his visit.

“Indeed, as only you can.” Zuo Ci said, nodding. “Your position is unique, is it not? A daughter of Wu, married to the great and virtuous lord of Shu. What are you going to do?”

Shang Xiang did not answer immediately. Was the old man speaking in rhyme on purpose? Was this some method of confusing her?

“You do not know, do you?” mused the sage. “You intend to follow your brother's plan, with great personal zeal, yes? Not that I blame you, of course, the women you seek to seduce are the greatest women of the land.”

Shang Xiang flushed angrily. She was not embarrassed by her proclivities, but this sage's recitation of her innermost thoughts made her feel exposed and vulnerable, a feeling she hated.

“I do not judge, Lady Wu,” he said soothingly. “In fact, I have come to help- for I see that China's true hope lies not in the negotiations of men but in the understanding of women.”

The halberd remained pointed but the tip wavered. “And how is that, old man?”

“The women of China come together as enemies but will leave with a common heart. A love of China shall eventually overcome your regional loyalties. China knows only suffering from these great and glorious wars of your houses. The Han is dead and almost gone. What does China care of your lords and houses if it does not know peace?”

“China will never know peace if Cao Cao rules!” she snapped, revolted by the thought of the usurper becoming the next emperor. “Wu would never submit to such a tyrant!”

“Wei's future is not Mengde, but his son, Cao Pi.” Zuo Ci said with a certainty that one could not doubt. “And Lady Zhen is his wife. If you are to wield any influence over Cao Pi, you must find common ground with her.”

“That bitch?” Shang Xiang said doubtfully.

“Zhen Ji cares not for Wei, only for herself and how history will remember her. If she would be loved rather than feared, then she must allow her heart to be melted.”

Shang Xiang drew a breath and took a chance. She lowered the halberd. “Very well, sage. How should I accomplish this?”

Zuo Ci smiled and reached inside his belt, drawing forth a small object. Shang Xiang's eyes went wide. It was a vial, seemingly carved from a single, great ruby. It was carved with sensual designs, women entwined across its surface. He held it out for her to take.

“A rare and precious elixir, that.” Zuo Ci said as she examined the vial. “A single drop will destroy inhibitions and enhance desires.”

“A potent weapon.” Shang Xiang said quietly, turning it over in her hand.

“No, daughter of Wu- not a weapon, a tool. For it is no use to you if you give it to others and do not use it yourself.” Zuo Ci said sternly.

“If I use it myself, what advantage do I have over my foes?” she demanded, perplexed.

“You are at a disadvantage if you do not use it,” chimed the sage. “For in the throes of divine passion, driven by this elixir, the other women will gain understanding of each other and you will be left behind. Did your own brother not tell you to use every means at your disposal?”

“He did.” Shang Xiang admitted.

“My only loyalty is to China, Lady Sun.” Zuo Ci said, a small note of respect entering his tone. “Your position is unique, the opportunity to bring peace to the land in the palm of your regal hand. I humbly ask that you take it.”

“I have one last question, old man.” Shang Xiang said finally.

“Of course.”

“How do I know you are unbiased, as you so easily claim to be? How do I know this is not part of some complex plot by Kongming or Mengde to trap myself and my family?”

Zuo Ci laughed. “Fair enough. First, your husband would never allow Kongming to resort to so dishonourable a tactic. The Director General would not live out the night if General Zhang Fei thought he was using his beloved daughter in some sex-scheme…”

Shang Xiang laughed. There was no denying that. She eliminated Zhuge Liang and Shu as possible conspirators.

“As to Cao Cao, if you wish to determine that I am not one of his spies, merely find a way to let it be known that Sage Zuo Ci is nearby. I assure you, his reaction will prove I am not in his employ.”

Shang Xiang nodded. “Very well, sage Zuo Ci of no allegiance except China. I shall ponder your words. If I see the wisdom of them, I shall employ your plan. Even if I do so, though…” she pointed her halberd at his crotch. “You are not welcome back in my palace unbidden. Appear in such a manner again and you shall only ever find employment as a eunuch hereafter.”

Zuo Ci nodded and disappeared in a rush of wind.

***