Disclaimer: I Do Not own Dynasty Warriors, only my OCs. DW belongs to Koei and Omega Force.
Chapter 4 – The Man Who Ruled The Plains
A New Generation of Wei – Chapter 6
Meeting of Minds and Hearts – Part 2
(Events based on the end of Xiapi, Yuan Shu Campaign and Guandu)
After a month(s) long siege of Xiapi Castle, Lu Bu's days were numbered. Guo Jia and Jia Xu had devised a strategy to use a flood attack to destroy the morale of Lu Bu's forces and destroy the castle gates in the process.
After the flooding began, chaos erupted in the ranks of Lu Bu's men as many of his men and generals such as Hou Cheng, Song Xian and Wei Xu defected and joined Cao Cao, capturing the rampaging beast and his famed horse, Red Hare. Alongside him being captured were Chen Gong and Zhang Liao. Lu Lingqi, Lu Bu's daughter ran from the battlefield, and was not found among the countless dead.
In the end Chen Gong and Lu Bu were executed despite offers of mercy to serve Cao Cao, but both denied, and both met their fates.
Zhang Liao on the other hand was spared and later joined Cao Cao's ranks as a new officer, including Zang Ba, a fellow friend of Zhang Liao.
After the battle Liu Bei's land was returned to him and in return for all the help Cao Cao had given him, Liu Bei and his men entered Cao Cao's service.
But a dragon is never meant to serve another for too long…
June 199
After the death of Lu Bu, Cao Cao was still beset by Yuan Shao in the north and Yuan Shu in the south, still he could not rest on his laurels as he prepared for the next possible confrontation.
His chance for that arrived when he received most shocking news from a messenger…
"My lord! Yuan Shu has declared himself Emperor of his own dynasty and is raising troops in Shouchun!" The messenger relayed.
"Hm, this is most unnatural, I did not expect Yuan Shu to be so desperate, but to call himself Emperor while His Highness still lives is most peculiar." Cao Cao thought out loud his advisors and other generals around him. Guo Jia, Xun Yu, Xu Huang, Zhang Liao and others were gathered around the warlord.
"It is very much out of character for Yuan Shu, but he may have done it receive attention to his cause but to justify he would at least need some sort of proof to imperial lineage." Xun You said.
"If I remember correctly, Sun Jian was said to have found the legendary Imperial Seal during the Battle of Luoyang when Dong Zhuo was alive, it's quite possible Sun Ce traded the relic for troops, that is why he's recently went independent in Wu territory." Guo Jia spoke next.
"I see, but still to use such a lame excuse as the Imperial Seal as your justification to call yourself Emperor speaks to his ego." Zhang Liao joined in after Guo Jia finished.
"Yes, as things stand Yuan Shu has given us a golden opportunity that we cannot afford to lose. Send out the word, all warlords are to destroy the false Emperor Yuan Shu in the name of the Han Dynasty!" Cao Cao ordered.
The messenger ran off to send the message to all the available warlords that would rally too the call of the Han government.
Liu Bei, Sun Ce and surprisingly Yuan Shao joined the call and raised their arms against Yuan Shu. Although Yuan Shao wouldn't personally take the field, he some of his best officers, such as Zhang He, Lady Zhenji and Xin Pi to assist in the coalition efforts.
In Xuchang
Preparations were being made in Xuchang for a supply unit to head for the front line, but at the same time, a rather impatient and curious young man planned to sneak aboard.
Guo You despite being a rather patient young man by many was now-a-days getting very impatient. He remembered back to one day he was talking with his father after the campaign against Lu Bu.
A Few Months Ago
"Father, can I ask you something?" You asked his father.
"What is it young one?" Jia answered his son. "C-Can I go to the…" You didn't even finish before his father responded.
"No, you may not come to the battlefield. We have had this conversation before haven't we?" Jia replied.
"But Dad, I want to know what it's like out there, how can I be ready one day when I haven't seen it?" You tried to argue back.
"Look son, I know you want to have some experience, but battle is unpredictable, and I don't want you getting hurt. Besides, if your mother knew you snuck out with me to the battlefield. I wouldn't around here much longer." Jia answered.
"Dad, Mom's not a going to kill you. Just to the main camp, please?" You tried begging one last time.
"Ugh, no and that's final." Jia answered his son with a bit sterner voice. You gave up asking and walked away but this was not the end. Not by a long shot.
Back to Present
If this was the only chnce he had to get a possible look on the battlefield then he had to take it.
"I just have to not be recognized that's all. Well hopefully this works." You said as he snuck behind the supply wagon when the captain had his back turned.
You jumped into the wagon and lifted the sheet on top of him as to hide himself from the men.
Little did the young one know a another have the same idea in mind…
In Ji Province
Further north a young girl was in her home studying when her father came to her.
"Xin, I'm heading out for the battlefield to help in the fight against Yuan Shu, be good while I'm gone." Xin Pi said to his young daughter.
"Yes, father I understand." She obediently replied as she continued her studies. But deep down she wanted to learn more than just from books she wanted to see what it was like on the field itself.
As they say, "seeing is believing." Xin hatched a plan to hide herself in the supply caravan and travel to the battlefield with the army on its way to the field.
Northern Yang Province
Most of the army had already been deployed and was out fighting Yuan Shu's Forces against Yang Province and Wu. Slowly the forces of the false Emperor were being driven back.
Having lost Jianye, Yuan Shu begun to feel the pressure mounting and since his chance to seek help from Yuan Shao failed his cause seemed to be over before it even began.
But as of right now, our focus is in the Coalition main camp back at Dingtao…
Dingtao Main Camp
You left the wagon and got out quietly as he looked around to see if the coast was clear. Checking that it was he exited and began to walk around. All around there were soldiers patrolling the castle and many of the civilians were actually still mingling about.
"I guess they feel safe knowing Lord Cao Cao is here. Besides after so many victories I would think the people are happy with our lord." You said to himself as he walked around the small city.
He decided to climb the castle walls to see a better view of the field and see if he could catch a glimpse of the battlefield. But as he ascended the stairs, he came upon an even more beautiful sight, a young girl was on the ramparts as well overlooking the field.
Her long flowing black hair caught You's attention as the girl then turned around to the sound of his steps coming from behind, now seeing her from the front he was even more enamored by this young woman.
She seemed to be close to his age as she was only a bit shorter than him. In her hair was a tied golden-white ribbon. She was also wearing a blue gown with white accents along with a light blue cloak over it. Her face carried a certain charm and wisdom behind it.
"Who are you?" The young girl asked You. "My name is Guo You; son of Guo Jia and you are my lady?" He asked in return.
"I am no lady, not yet. But my name is Xin, Xin Xianying. My father's name is Xin Pi, one of Lord Yuan Shao's advisors." She answered.
"I see, so your father works for Lord Cao Cao's old friend. Tell me something though." You began to speak.
"Yes?" Xin replied. "Do you think Yuan Shao truly has what it takes to rule the land?" You inquired the young girl.
The young lady seemed to think for a few moments as she turned back to look at the fields around them.
"I… do not think Yuan Shao is capable." She replied honestly. "Why is that?" You inquired.
"For as much as Lord Yuan Shao attempts to be a leader he cannot take multiple points at one time, he is very indecisive when the time calls for it. My father once told me of his experience with our lord at Hulao Gate, when the time came to finally smite the tyrant Dong Zhuo, he hesitated and refused to advance saying the capital was in flames, so they could not." She explained.
You listened carefully to the young lady; she was unique in her own way with both beauty and intelligence, if she was training as well…
"You are quite learned, I'm shocked really." You said in reply to the young girl's answer. "Many including my father call me a sage for my words, but I am no sage just a girl who likes to read and write in her past time, but…" She stopped seemingly wanting to say more.
"But what?" The young man asked. "I want to be more than studious, I want to help my father end this chaos with my own two hands and with my mind as well, but such a dream is still far off." She answered.
You thought for a moment as the young girl's troubled face she was showing entered his mind and lingered for some time longer than it normally should.
"Than you must forge ahead." You replied. Xianying turned to face the young man, "What do you mean?"
"I know one day will come when Yuan Shao and Lord Cao Cao will come to battle each other over Hebei, but even when one cause ends another can be taken up. Lord Cao Cao fights for a cause not for himself but for the sake of the people and those that fight for him. He wishes to see the land united under a belief of reason and strength." You began to speak.
"Lord Cao Cao, can he truly see a land like that in his time?" Xin inquired. You stood still for a moment before he replied, "I don't know, we only live for so long in this world before we leave it, but I know in my heart that Lord Cao Cao has what it takes. I believe he too would also welcome you as well."
"Me?" She asked a look of astonishment on her face. "Yes, when the time comes I'll join my father on the field one day and put my ability to use for Lord Cao Cao's cause, you must believe in your own ability and strive forward."
After You finished speaking the two could only stare at each other. Surprisingly it seemed both looked as if they had found something in common.
A want to end the conflict, though admirable and noble was the same as everyone in the land. But underneath both had a sense of understanding, mercy and intellect to add on. Not to mention for You he couldn't help but admire the young girls looks.
He blushed as the two continued to stare at each other, then Xin did the same a the two then looked away from each other in embarrassment.
The two continued to admire the fields from the walls for quite some time until they headed down when they both realized at the same time. "Wait! I forgot I snuck here! What'll I do?!"
"Huh? Wait, you snuck in here too?" Both said the last few parts in unison. "I cane in on the Wei supply carts." You said.
"I too came in on out lord's own supply train." Xin replied in kind. There thoughts of worry were soon to turn to shock when the heard two voice yell out:
"Young Man/Lady, you are in very big trouble!" Guo Jia and Xin Pi yelled respectively at their children.
"I mean honestly to sneak in through the supplies, I should've known you'd do something like that." Guo Jia scolded his son. "Be lucky your mother doesn't say anything to your disappearance and doesn't tear me limb from limb."
"Young lady I'm very disappointed in you. Sneaking in behind my back, I know you wish to learn but remember your brother's need you at this time, so please think of them next time?" Xin Pi lectured his daughter.
"My apologies, Master Xin Pi for any trouble." Guo Jia apologized. "No, it is no problem. They're only curious neither are hurt so in some sense I think we shall all be fine… I hope." Xin Pi replied in kind.
The battle had ended hours ago. The false Emperor defeated, and reports claimed he was now ill and with no allies.
Yuan Shu would later die of natural causes in 199.
Back In Xuchang
After returning from Yang Province, both father and son were on their way back home in the city, making it home and opening the door they were greeted by Fenxia who didn't seem to notice anything.
"Dear, I'm back from the field. I saw You on the way home and we decided to come home together." Jia said as he tried to greet his wife.
"Why are you shaking, my love?" Was Fenxia's reply. The two men stood still; had he been shaking the whole time?
"It's still just a bit cold is all, I'm fine." Jia answered when suddenly he began to cough loudly.
*Cough! Cough! Cough!*
"Father, are you okay?" You said in concern for his father. "I'm okay my boy just a cough it'll pass with time." Jia answered.
"Now then, shall we partake in a little culinary expedition? My dear, I'll help you tonight, You go check on your brother, then you can go and play with your friends." Jia told his son.
"Yes, sir!" You ran off to go check on his younger brother as the husband and wife began preparations for dinner that night.
You started to walk about Xuchang again when he could hear the sounds of others, upon further inspection it sounded like two people training. Rounding the corner, You looked to see it was Xu Zhang and another boy about the same age.
"Hah!" A loud voice boomed as the two clashed with their wooden weapons, the newcomer seemingly pushing Zhang back further until he relented and was tossed back.
"Ugh, as always Lian, you are just as strong as your father. You and your brother may be just as great as him one day." Xu Zhang said as he picked himself up.
"No, my father is warrior in his own class, he has always told us to reach the pinnacle of true might on our own by our own hands" Lian replied as the two then put away their model weapons.
"Xu Zhang, how are you?" You decided to make his presence known to the two warriors-in-training.
"Ah, You it's nice to see you again, How've you been?" Zhang asked. "I'm fine, I heard your father did excellent in the campaign against Yuan Shu." You replied.
"Yes, he faced off against Zhang Xun of Yuan Shu's forces, my father says he was an admirable warrior and died as one as well." Zhang replied.
"I do not believe we are acquainted yet. I am Guo You, son of Guo Jia. You are?" You introduced himself.
"I am Zhang Lian, son of Zhang Liao and I have a borther named Zhang Hu as well. You said you are Master Guo Jia's son correct?" Lain inquired.
"Yes, that's right." You replied in kind. "I must say, my father has nothing but praise for the strategies your father holds, if not for your father's idea of a flood attack at Xiapi. The battle would've been much bloodier." Lian explained
"I don't think that's true, besides it was also Master Jia Xu I heard that first came up with the strategy to flood the castle, my father only led a catapult unit to smash the walls was all. They worked together to stop Lu Bu, that's all." You replied in kind.
"Humble and gracious, you do remind me of your father." Lain said with a smile on huis face.
"My father being humble, at times… gracious though I like to believe it so. He is a man who lives in the moment, but sometimes it scares me when he does. Life can ended so quickly and so young as well." You said in slight sadness.
"Do not worry You, I'm sure your father has many more years ahead of him." Xu Zhang replied.
"True, my father is just about to reach his thirties, so he still has many years ahead." You's smile returned.
After speaking for a little bit longer, the trio went their separate ways. You walked the streets again as many people were still out and about mingling in the streets peasants shopping, soldiers out for a drink and ladies gossiping.
The city had experienced great gains in the years since Lord Cao Cao came to power and ran the city effectively and with the Emperor here it now became an epicenter of activity.
But You wasn't always for the hustle and bustle of the big city, he sometimes preferred a calmer and more peaceful environment. So as he continued through the city he turned to head home when he bumped into a taller woman.
"Ouch, I'm sorry I wasn't paying atten…tion?" You went quiet as he looked to see an older woman inf front of him nursing her behind.
"It's okay young man, there was no harm. Are you okay?" The lady asked as she gestured with her hand out.
You then picked himself off the ground then turned to bow to the elder before him. The woman was gorgeous like many of the maidens he had met in his small lifetime.
She was beautiful with the same long flowing black hair much like Xin's, but she wore a golden headpiece with blue jewels in place of the bow Xin wore instead. Her look was a solemn one, but she carried an air of tranquility in it. A small smile adorned her face as well.
"My apologies again though, I should've paid attention." You apologized once more. "And as I said, no harm done." The lady replied.
"My name is Guo You, and who would you be madam?" Yu asked the for her name as he bowed in respect.
"Hmm, I wonder should I give you my name?" She replied in a teasing voice. You was caught off guard for a moment but calmed himself.
"I'm curious now, I simply wished to apologize to the beautiful woman I almost harmed. Can I not learn it?" You decided to put on a little charm he learned from his father's ways in talking to ladies both his age and older.
"My, my; are you trying to flatter me?" The lady inquired. "Perhaps, I'm just curious, and besides you are beautiful in my honest opinion." You replied as he spoke with a small blush on his face while giving a small smile.
The maiden had a tinge of pink appear for split second, but controlled herself, "Very well, you win. My name is Dushi, but you can also call me Lady Du as well." The lady finally gave her name.
"Lady Du, it truly is a beautiful name for such a beautiful maiden." You replied. "My, you are a charmer aren't you?" She replied in kind.
"I like to think I learned from my father. He was quite the ladies man in his youth, though it sounds like most of them were unsuccessful since my father is married after all." You explained.
"Your father taught you, he sounds like quite the character. I wonder what kind of person will you be in time?" She said teasingly with a small smirk on her lips.
"Then let's make a promise, when I grow up to go to the battlefield one day, I promise to either visit or write to you about everything that happened would that work?" You proposed.
"That sounds rather nice, it would be different to hear from someone. It's quite lonely sometimes in the palace. Many of the others spend time to themselves or trying to curry favor with Lord Cao Cao." Lady Du explained.
"Wait, what did you say?" You said in a slight panic. "Oh, I may have forgotten to mention but I live in the palace here in Xuchang, I'm one of Lord Cao Cao's new consorts." She answered.
"Oh, um… I think I should go." You tried to leave when the older woman grabbed his sleeve stopping him from running.
"Why are you scared? Just because I said Lord Cao Cao's name are you scared something will happen if you're seen with me?" She inquired.
You replied nodding his head with panic in his face.
Lady Du could only laugh as she watched his response, "Who do you think he is, someone who just kills someone else because someone talks to a maiden? You children have the wildest imaginations. Ha-ha-ha." She laughed softly as You somewhat calmed down.
"You don't have to stop, but just to placate you if I ever do get your letter I will hide them from him, so he doesn't get any ideas. Now go on, its getting late." Lady Du said as she dismissed him.
You ran home and dinner was finally ready. Tonight was sautéed chicken with vegetables. As dinner went on Guo Jia decided to inquire his son on certain topic: girls.
"So You, have any ladies caught your eye or have they caught you?" He teased his son with a smirk on his face.
You suddenly blushed a great crimson as he now had to relive the memories of all the beauties he had seen in his young life. There were many:
"Well I've met the daughter of Master Yu Jin, Lady Yu Qin. I also met, Master Xiahou Yuan's daughter and niece, Xiahouyi and Xiahouji." He listed off all the ones he meet that were his age.
"Oh my, I'm jealous now my boy. I was lucky enough to even meet one girl in my lifetime, but I'm happy I did find the one although it take some convincing to prove it to her." Guo Jia replied as he stared back to Fenxia, who looked away with a blush on her face.
"But really my boy to have met so many maidens in such a short time is quite impressive. What about that girl from Dingtao? Her name was Xin Xianying I believe it was?" Jia inquired to his son.
You was then silent when he heard the name of the beautiful young girl from Ji Province. If his words couldn't come out. Then the blush on his face was all the answer his parents needed to know.
"Oh my, it seems our little boy has gotten his first crush." Fenxia teased her son with a large smirk on her face.
"Big bro, you've got a crush on someone?!" Yi joined in the fun.
"W-What? I ever said anything like that! I just met her the other day!" You said obviously flustered.
"It's okay son, were happy for you, who knows maybe she's the one for you?" Jia teased his son once more as the boy continued to blush.
"Argh! Leave me alone!" You put his head down and his arms under him as he pouted out of their sight.
"Oh my, look what we've done. Besides its time for bed anyway. Honey, will you help me?" Fenxia asked her husband.
"Coming, get ready now you two off to bed. You, before you go I want to tell you something very important." Jia said as You stayed at his seat.
After washing the dishes, Jia came to sit back down with is son to discuss something important, "Starting in the next few months, you'll training in marital arts and continuing your studies as well. That means…"
"I get to choose my own weapon?!" You replied in excitement. He had been studying so much for the past few years and now he could finally begin his martial arts training.
"Yes, after I have some more time and things have settled down we shall pick out your weapon and you will meet your trainer for the first time. Now then off to bed with you." Jia finished as his son left for bed.
The time for father and son didn't come so soon as word of the great showdown had finally reached Cao Cao…
Yuan Shao had been seen gathering his large army and he was marching towards Xuchang from Guandu.
November 200
Many months had passed since the battle against Yuan Shu, and now the battle with Yuan Shao for northern China and possibly the nation was about to unfold.
However, before the battle word reached Cao Cao that Liu Bei in Xu Province had rebelled against Cao Cao and made an alliance with Yuan Shao, but Cao Cao calmly responded to the threat and took care of Liu Bei's Forces. In the process he received the services of the famed warrior, Guan Yu for the time being.
With Xu Province pacified, Cao Cao moved his own army north to face off against his own friend.
In Xuchang many soldiers and officers were saying goodbye to their loved ones, as with such a battle many would not be coming back at all.
Guo Jia said his farewells to his family his condition seemingly better as his cheerful demeanor never seemed to waver, but his cough still stayed with him.
But before he left he met with her…
Zoushi's Home
A knock came to Zoushi's door as she knew who it was. She opened the door and greeted her love with a kiss on the cheek.
"I heard all the ruckus, so the nobleman is coming is that right?" She inquired of him.
"Yes, he is moving rather slowly though as he is truly one to make slow decisions on his own. Which means…" Jia said his tone making the mood obvious.
"No, join me when you return. For now just hold me again." Zoushi said into his ear as she held him in her arms. Guo Jia picked her up and the two kissed passionately for some time until Guo Jia had to leave for the field.
At Juan Castle
Cao Cao's men had gathered at Juan to give out their council as to the situation at hand.
"My lord, Baima and Yanjin have fallen! Wen Chou and Yan Liang are now occupying them. Most of Yan Province seems to have fallen but Master Cao Hong is holding out in Liyang Castle, but Yuan Shao's forces are growing in number." A messenger relayed the news and then withdrew to head back to the field.
"So Yuan Shao is serious this time around, now is the time for us to gather our forces and show out intellect and bravery." Cao Cao said to his officers as they gathered around.
"Yuan Shao may have talented men, but with such a large army I'm sure it's taking quite a bit of supply to feed and resource them." Jia Xu pointed out.
"Yes, but at the same time we must reclaim Baima and Yanjin, that should blunt Yuan Shao's momentum and make him focus forward." Guo Jia spoke up as well.
"Not only that but I hear that the Heishan Bandits are very discontent with Yuan Shao's rule, perhaps I could convince them to join us?" Man Chong joined in.
"I also hear that Yuan Shao has a Mid-Point base across the river in Ye that is sending him reinforcements. Allow me, Yue Jin and Li Dian to take that castle and stop them. After that we shall pincer Yuan Shao between the main unit and us, my lord." Yu Jin spoke sternly as he brought up his own plan.
"Very well then all of you have your goals, let us go and win this battle and secure the north!" Cao Cao cheered as his men mounted and moved out.
The battle was long and hard fought but in the end with the loss of his best generals, his supply depot and the many defections that plagued his army Yuan Shao was defeated and taken into custody by Cao Cao's forces. Even his daughter-in-law Lady Zhenji was taken in by Cao Pi, Cao Cao's now eldest son.
His sons, Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang all fled towards the mountains with the remnants of their forces with the help of the Wuhuan, a tribe of hillmen who lived near Mt. Bailang in Northeastern China, specifically Mt. Bailang.
But for now, Cao Cao and his men celebrated their victory and their victory banquet was filled with nothing but cheers and laughter.
Guo Jia was seated with Xun Yu and Xun You as the three drank and ate together they were speaking about the previous battle.
"Those siege tactics you used were spectacular, Master Xun You. I never expected to you to be such an expert in such little time." Jia complimented the young tactician.
"No, it was a simple job to do, I simply needed to work with my allies, but I must say that Guan Yu is a man to be feared. It's a shame he fled with his brother during the battle though." Xun You replied.
"As for you Master Guo Jia, are you okay? You look slightly pale." Xun Yu brought up his concerns.
"He is right Master Guo Jia; you haven't been looking so good since the Yuan Shu campaign have you told your family?" Xun You asked.
"I fear they may already know, but not its extent, I wish I could be there for them for a little longer, but it seems the light of my star is starting to dim." Guo Jia replied.
"The two Xun family could only look in worry for their fellow strategist as he seemed to be suffering silently.
"But… I will not leave any regrets behind. I have done all that I can to help build the foundations for Lord Cao Cao's conquest, but I guess I just wanted to get my hands dirty one last time so that you all could build from it." Guo Jia replied.
"I see, to think you outsmarted me again." A familiar rogue-like voice could be heard. Jia Xu and Man Chong had joined the trio at their table hearing everything.
"To think I didn't have the foresight to see this develop, I'm still lacking it seems." Man Chong replied in a dreary tone.
"Jia Xu, thank you. I know that you all will support our lord and build onwards for his ambition in my place. But until I've meet my end I will live life to its fullest, but before then I have a favor to ask of you, Master Xun Yu." Guo Jia turned to the strategist.
"Yes?" Xun Yu asked. "I wish for you to instruct my sons further in the ways of war, and Master Man Chong?" Jia asked the expert defender.
"Yes, what can I do for you?" Man Chong inquired. "Can you ask Master Xu Huang to help train Guo You in combat please. I don't think I'll have the strength soon to hold my staff for much longer." Guo Jia proposed.
"I would be honored to teach your sons." Xun Yu bowed to Guo Jia. "You can consider it done; I'm sure Xu Huang will be happy to receive a protégé of his own." Man Chong did the same.
"Thank you, all of you." Guo Jia in a slightly tired voice. Cao Cao seeing his strategist's condition allowed him to go back to Xuchang and be with his family. His condition was stable for now, but it was obvious his illness was starting to catch up.
April 201
Just a year after Guandu a sense of stability had returned under northern China with Cao Cao at the helm. A sense of peace and normalcy had returned, and the people seemed content and happy with their lives.
Today was the day Guo You would choose his personal weapon he would bring out to battle and he would be under the tutelage of Xu Huang, who was one of Lord Cao Cao's best warriors.
Xuchang Training Yards
As Guo You arrived he saw he saw that Master Xu Huang and his son Zhang were waiting for him at the yard.
"Master Xu Huang, I wanted to say that it's an honor to be training under you." You bowed to the mighty warrior.
"When I heard word from Man Chong I couldn't deny the request and I had been looking to look to find my son a new partner besides Lian to train with as our foes will fight in many different styles, so I thought this was the best way to do just that." Xu Huang explained.
"I see then thank you for putting up with me Zhang. I hope to not disappoint you." You bowed once more to the young man.
"It is not necessary; I hope we may one day fight on the dame battlefield and hoe our might together." Xu Zhang did the same gesture as the two walked back over to an armory where Xu Huang was standing.
"Now then Young Master, find a model weapon in here you believe will best fit your purpose in combat." Xu Huang said as he opened the armory and a number of weapon models made from bamboo were shown.
Everything from swords, spears and other arms were displayed in the room. Nunchaku, and other exotic weapons littered the walls.
But among all of these one caught the eye of Guo You, a staff that looked almost like his father's, he felt a sense of familiarity with the weapon after seeing his father practice with it. He grabbed the weapon and held it in his hands for a few seconds until he made his decision.
"Master, I think I'll stick with this Gùn staff as my choice." You made his decision before his mentor.
"I see so you've decided on the path of the staff, its one of the four original weapons in martial arts although basic if used correctly it can be a very deadly weapon. You've made a great choice my student. But I sense another reason as well, perhaps a sentimental one as well?" Huang deduced.
"Yes, my father uses a staff just like this. Although I want to be a strategist for Lord Cao Cao, I know I'll have to a great warrior in my own right. So, please my lord… teach me." You said a stern but serious look on his visage.
"Very well, I can see your martial spirit burn inside of you but know that I will not be a lax teacher so prepare yourself!" Huang replied as he took out a model of his own great axe from the armory.
So began Guo You's long 7 – years of training under Xu Huang, a man who would be considered one of Wei's Five Generals and his protégé would be one of Wei's New Generals under Cao Pi.
He also along with is brother studied and was further tutored by Xun Yu in ways of strategy and tactics as well.
Throughout the years You's progress was showing, he built up some muscle and he began to not rely upon the use of just military manuals and started to show some unorthodox strategies in his lessons.
Overtime he was joined by many of his friends; eventually Zhang Lian, Yu Qin, Yue Jun, Xiahouyi, Xiahouji, Cao Yan and Li Qian joined in their own respective training regimens.
Cao Cao began to notice that some of the new students were much like there masters:
Guo You was both a strategist but was becoming a great warrior in his own right.
Yu Qin under the direction of her father was just as stern and stout-hearted as him in conduct and battle.
Yue Jun just like the pair before were just as eager and decisive in combat. Jun always wanting a go at something first. A sign he would one day be in the vanguard just like his father.
OF course, the last pair was Zhang Liao and his son, Zhang Lian who both were nearly the spitting image of the other in terms of ability one could almost mistake for the other in terms of capability.
Although Zhang He didn't have a protégé of his own he was just as busy helping the others in their training. But something told Cao Cao he would have his own student in the future.
Cao Cao and his son, Cao Pi were overlooking the training of the next generation and posed a question to his son.
"Pi, I want to know if I should ever fail to unite the land and these five were gone. Would you be able to conquer the land with this new generation by your side?" He inquired to his son.
The son answered confidently. "Of course, with their talents and abilities as well as their other comrades in the front lines, if should the need arise I must be the one to unite China under our rule."
"I see." Was all Cao Cao replied with as the two left the training yard to the rest of the trainees.
This process continued on until it was time for Guo You's first battle with some of his new comrades.
August 207
The time had come Cao Cao finally decided to eliminate the last remnants of the Yuan Clan that was hiding in the mountains of Hebei and end any future threats once and for all.
For this campaign, he would bring along some new officers those being Zhang Lian, Cao Yan and… Guo You.
"My first battle, I'll be fighting alongside mt father as well. I hope he'll see my progress." You thought to himself as he readied himself one last time.
He had his own Luan staff in his hands, wearing his new clothes. He was now wearing a form fitting robe with a white partition on the right side tied together with a belt to hold it together.
After final preparations the army left Guandu and traveled north to Mt. Bailang to put an end to Yuan family once and for all…
AN#1 – For reference:
- Guo You is wearing Guo Jia's DW9 DLC costume without the hat.
- Zhang Lian is wearing Zhang Liao's DW8 costume
- Cao Yan is wearing Cao Ren's DW5 costume
So Guo You's first battle against the Yuan family is coming up and he is fighting with some of his new friends and comrades as well. Many will be appearing later so they will all get their turn in the spotlight.
As well we all know what happens at the end of this battle, so who knows how it shall go?
For now though we being the campaigns of Guo You and the Next Generation of Wei show what they're capable of.
First to Mt. Bailang!
Guo You also met Zhang Lian, the son of Zhang Liao. More importantly he meet Xin Xianying and our hero seems to have taken quite a liking to her than many of the other maidens he's met. Who knows that future is in store for these two?
AN#2 – I wouldn't be here without you guys supporting me! Remember to Favorite, Follow and Review! :)
AN#3 – As for the poll, since there were few votes on the topic I'll leave it be for now and comeback to it at a later date.
But don't be afraid to make your opinion in the review section.