I got the writing bug. Eek. Nonetheless, this is my third story so...I hope y'all will enjoy it!

The Grace of the Phoenix Assassin

Chapter 1: Loyal Beginnings

The year is 208 AD and China has been emerged in a war between a few powerhouses struggling for control. There was the northern campaign of Wei, led by Cao Cao and his group of brave and strong generals. Then there was Wu in the South East, guided by the waters of the YangTze and the youngest son of the great Sun Jian of Jiang Dong, Sun Quan. Both of these prominent leaders had successfully placed a name for themselves across China, but there was one man who was quickly catching up to them. This man was Liu Bei Xuan De, who fought with the hope of restoring the Han to its former glory. A descendent of the great Liu Bang, Liu Bei gathered the most loyal and bravest warriors into his cause for a better world. It was also what attracted one of the most sought after strategist in the world, Zhuge Liang to join him in his fight.

But things were getting difficult for Liu Bei and his men, Cao Cao had chased them out of Jing Zhou and the group was now residing inside Xia Kou. With enemies in the North and the East, Zhuge Liang devised a plan by allying themselves with Wu. The great naval battle as it had been called by both empires had been in planning for months and both sides were getting nervous towards the final outcome.

"I would like to send noblemen Chen Zhen to be our emissary to Wu." Zhuge Liang spoke out at the early morning meeting. Eyes were shot directly at him, some surprised, others confused at this decision. To many of them, Zhuge Liang was young and inexperienced as a war tactician. Some earned his respect from the outcomes of Chang Ban, while others were still on the fence towards this twenty seven year old man.

"Master KongMing," Liu Bei sat on a make shift throne at one end of the room, "Did you not request to help lead us during the battle?"

"You are mistaken, my Lord." He bowed, "I have some things I would like to personally tend to before heading to Wu. I believe sending noblemen Chen will ensure our alliance with Wu will stay healthy, as he had great relations with the prior Sun clan before the fall of the Han Empire."

"I believe Master KongMing knows what he needs to do." Pang Tong turned towards the rest of the generals, "Unless anyone has a problem?" There was no answer.

"Very well. My trust is put with you Master KongMing."

"Thank you, my lord. I will personally handle all matters."

When Liu Bei disbanded the meeting, Zhuge Liang took this chance to get close to his lord. "May I speak to you in private, my Lord?"

"Of course." They waited for the room to clear. "Is there a problem?"

"I am afraid I have a favour to ask of you." He straightened the sleeves of his robe.

"What is it?"

"Do you remember my niece?" he asked, Liu Bei pondered for a bit before answering.

"Little Yue Ting? She came with your wife when we arrived in Xia Kou. Did she not arrive in town again yesterday night?"

"Your memory amazes me, my lord. Yes she had just returned last night. My wife and I have been sending her across the safer parts of China, to teach children who have been affected by war. Yue Ting loves to teach and travel."

"What great character of her! How old is Yue Ting now?" he beamed like a child.

"She will be eighteen years of age by this winter."

"At the age of marriage, are you asking me to find a suitor for her? Why not my brother YunChang's son? They are very good friends if I'm not mistaken." Zhuge Liang let out a small laugh.

"The crown prince of the Guan family is surely too good for someone as plain as Yue Ting."

"Silly, if A Dou was not just a child, I would request her hand in marriage to him."

"You jest, my Lord. I was actually wondering if Yue Ting may accompany noblemen Chen and his wife to Wu. She has never been around the Jiang Dong area and she would surely benefit from it."

"I do not see any harm in it, as long as Zhen does not mind."

"I will speak to him about it. Thank you my lord, I am in your debt."

"Then keep in mind about my nephew Ping then." He laughed. Zhuge Liang escorted Liu Bei out to the halls and kept his head down while the man left to return to his chambers. He watched him turn the corner and gave a satisfactory nod, he had chosen the right person to serve, Liu Bei was a true leader because he always had everyone else in his heart.

"Master Zhuge." A messenger ran up to him once Liu Bei had left the premises. "Noblemen Chen is waiting in your study."

"Does he know the matter of the meeting?"

"I have told him what you instructed me to say."

"Very well. You are dismissed." The boy turned to run off but was called back suddenly. "Go find my niece Yue Ting. She is resting in the guest suites. Tell her to come see me immediately."

"Is that all?"

"Make sure she comes alone." He dropped a coin in his hand.

On the other side of the area, various maids were knocking on a door frantically, pleading for the inhabitant inside to answer. "Please, you must awake now. The sun has already shone for a long time, Lady Huang." Huang Yue Ting opened one of her eyes and let out a growl. She had arrived in Xia Kou no less than ten hours ago and by the time her Aunt Yue Ying let her go to bed, the sun was already rising. This was why she missed deciding her own schedule, she could sleep whenever she wanted, eat whatever she wanted, do whatever she wanted. Now that she was back in a noble environment, her manners were the only thing people cared about.

"FINE." She jumped out of bed and opened the door. The maids jumped back in fear, not being too familiar with Zhuge Liang's precious niece. "Hand me the pan." She stuck her arms out.

"Lord Liu has instructed us to tend to-"

"Hand me the pan." She repeated. Yue Ting did not like to wake up early. She did not like to wake up period. The maid handed off the pan and watched the door slam shut right after. "You may leave." She shouted to them, hearing their footsteps tatter on the floorboard like scared mice. Yue Ting took the pan of water and set it on the table. Whoa. She stepped back at her reflection. "No wonder they were so scared." She sighed. She had two small eye bags and her hair was strewn all across her face. Putting her hand in the lukewarm water, she lowered her head towards the pan and gave her face a good splash. It was a good start to getting ready.

By the time she was finished, her hair was in a lopsided bun and she pulled her blue hair ribbon tightly around it, wrapping the long strings around her ponytail. She dressed in her finest orange dress and stepped out to take a deep breath of fresh air. Yue Ting closed the door to her room and turned around in surprise. "Holy!" Her mouth was wide open to finish the sentence when a palm was firmly placed on her lips.

"Naughty." Guan Ping grinned, his large hand almost engulfing her entire face. He pushed his hand in on her face a little, forcing her to bend back a bit. "That's not the way a noble should talk."

"Like you'd know." She scrambled and pulled his hand off. "How'd you know I was in Xia Kou?" Guan Ping leaned on the pillar with his arms crossed.

"When my father and mother began their, 'You know son, you are at the age of marriage.' Speech." He mimicked the strict voice of his father. Yue Ting let out a groan.

She had first met Guan Ping a year ago when they were being hurried out of Jing Zhou after the death of Liu Biao and the oncoming onslaught from Cao Cao and his army. Ping had been personally put in charge of protecting Zhuge Liang's wife and niece. The three of them had a harsh time escaping but with Yue Ying's strategic mind and the courage of Ping and Yue Ting, they were allowed to be reunited with their family and friends in Xia Kou. Ever since then, Ping and Yue Ting shared a special relationship that no one could explain. Thus, every time Yue Ting was in town, the wedding rumours were stronger than usual.

"So how long are you in town this time?" Guan Ping asked, the two of them walking towards the main gates. Yue Ting shrugged.

"How long was I here last time?"

"About a week." She eyed him.

"Are you sure you don't secretly like me?" she teased.

"Hah!" Ping snorted, resulting in a slap across the arm. "I just missed playing checkers with you, I always won." Yue Ting sneered.

"That's because you cheat." Guan Ping prepared his retaliation but was interrupted by a small boy with a message to Yue Ting.

"Guess you have to go see your Uncle."

"Yeah, we didn't get to talk much yesterday. I was heading to his home anyways." She turned to Ping, "I'll go find you when I'm done."

"Always wanting to be with me," Ping grinned, "Are you sure YOU don't secretly like me?"

He was answered with a slap.