The Ode after the Battle of Red Cliff

On Winter, at the year 1082, on the 7th days of the eleventh month during the full moon, Mister Su (Dongpo) walked from the snow lodge back toward Linggao. Two guests accompanied him as they crossed over Huarong valley. Frost and dew had already fallen at this season, the leaves had shed from the trees. Their shadow lays on the ground as they are gazing the bright moon. They looked around, delighted by the panorama and sang for each other as they walked around.

After several steps, Mister Su sighed, "I have guest yet no wine. And even if I had them, there is no food to go along with it.

The moon is white, the wind is gentle. But how can we still enjoy such fine evening?"

XXX

Having heard of Cao Cao's lost in Red Cliff, warlords everywhere rise up trying to stir up trouble using this opportunity thinking that this defeat has severely weakened them, as conflicting news about her conditions were circulated. And this situation spiralled out of control as many of her loyal ministers, retainers and officers are all busy to secure the situation.

Outside of Xiakou naval base of Jiangxia, at Liu Qi's main camp...

A sly looking man has boarded here, and the whereabout of his arrival has been informed to the young master of this place who is now also the sole legitimate successor of Jingzhou province. And that young master; Liu Qi immediately accepted his arrival and even going as far to welcome him himself accompanied by his aide de camp; Yi Ji.

"Greeting, sir! Welcome to this place, honorable ..." Yi Ji on behalf of his master voiced his welcome.

"Not honorable. I, Jiang Gan am just a simple man who has seen where the wind has blown and tries to act on and make a profit from it." Jiang Gan replied in meaningful tone.

"It's daylight out. With the news of Cao Cao's loss being known, who wouldn't act on such opportune and flee from sinking ship?" Liu Qi asserted. "Please come inside, i hope you bring us good news."

XXX

Meanwhile, aboard the single ship sailing against the upstream of Changjiang river...

"Escorting Jiang Gan to Xiakou and negotiating with the only remaining successor of Jingzhou; Liu Qi..." Xun You sighed, recounting the mission she had just accomplished. "Who would've thought for such run-about task..." Xun You stared back at the vanishing Xiakou thinking to herself "That young Master of Sima clan is indeed shrewd."

"No one would've expected it either." Wen Ping who stood beside her said "Everyone thought that he is our insider at the Sun clan, as everyone knows that Jiang Gan is a native to Eastern Region, even close to the inner cliques of the Sun clan themselves."

"While everyone attention was concentrated to him, our real insider can act freely without being noticed. Yes, even i did not expect it either... that Jiang Gan was actually just a front while someone else was already planted deep inside the Sun clan's court." Xun You look amazed. "No one would've expected that such key person in Sun clan actually work for our favor. Pity that he did not have time to shine in this stage."

"Patience and Perseverance... and wait for the opportunity to come arise." Wen Ping nonchalantly mentioned "Jiang Gan maybe greeedy and shameless, yet he lacked the ambition like he possessed. This zealous man however was even more merciless than Jiang Gan that he won't hesitate to soil his own hand as long as he achieved his ambition."

"So you know him, then General?" Xun You turneed to Wen Ping "about this Hua Xin fellow?"

Wen Ping look quiet before he talked.

"Though known as mild mannered and friendly fellow, He has reputation of being opportunistic, cunning and ambitius. He paid little care about name and friendship as long as he get his due." Wen Ping thus explained, making Xun You contemplating.

"A matress severed in half along with friendship. That man Hua Xin will have no qualm in abandoning his former lord... even less his own emperor." Xun You quietly muttered in grim face which made Wen Ping look confused.

"Huh..!?"

"No, it is nothing general Wen Ping."

XXX

At the Jingzhou's capital of Xiangyang...

Two person are facing each other, playing a session on a game of weiqi. For a while, they are fully immersed in playing as each of time silently placed their weiqi's stone marker on the board in turn. In the eyes of master, each turns are played fiercely as neither have any intention to yield to each other no matter how casual actually they are look like now. For a moment, as the game session goes on, there is only the noise of stone marker collided on the board as it was being placed and there is no visible expression on each players surfacing. This situation keeps on going for turns and turns of the game session, until...

"You know... I did not expect that you will be my consolation prize after losing the battle of Red Cliff, my past advisor." Karin suddenly speak in the middle of playing

"Lord Cao, to be honest i never had any intention to work for you. So i don't really appreciate being called as your consolation prize." The girl who is playing this game against Karin non-chalantly replied with sullen expression. "As you know, the only reason i even considered working for you in the past was because..."

"That man." Karin calmly added. "Yet I do appreciate it though, for your return."

For a moment there is awkward silence shared between them, as the girl look quiet while still holding the weiqi stone marker, undecided where should she make her next move. She then decided where she should place, and nonchalantly speak again while thinking about other matter.

"That thing which young master Sima said... was it really true?" the girl asked again. Karin nodded quietly, without showing any expression. "It wasn't just another baseless rumor?" Karin looked gloom, as she looked away. The girl herself seeing Karin's expression felt that her question was answered. Her hand stopped moving as she is about to place another weiqi stone marker. Tears looks like welled up on her eyes as if her whole body shakking.

"It's really pathetic, really." That girl once again said, after calming her heart turmoil. "Both of us."

"It's like we had something in common between us." Karin consented. "I was being too complacent... no we both have, which is why they can cunningly outwit us, and beat us in this game."

"... even when Yue was still alive, i did not ask too much." That girl added "I was already happy seeing them together, even though deep inside ... i admit i always envious seeing them being close together and i was left alone like an outsider when there was three of us."

"Yeah... Now, seeing them beating us throughly..." Karin said, after making her move. "I felt like a fool."

The girl felt speechless seeing Karin has honestly become frustated. Looks of regrets and anger showed up in her expression, and feeling of displeasure as they continue playing this game, making her to be careless and made a wrong move. When Karin realized this mistake, she look regretful yet her pride was withholding her from asking her opponent to fix her mistake, as she let the games goes on.

The girl who played this session of game of weiqi as Karin's opponent, sighed in dismay and slowly shook her head seeing Karin's stubborness. It is like both of them are reprimanding each other. It is like she was at loss whether she have to laugh or to lament in sorrow.

"You know, Karin-san... "

Suddenly that girl said in friendly casual tone, unlike her usual formal attitude which she never fail to use whenever she is around Karin. This change made Karin look stupefied as she know this girl before her is known to be serious and courteous. Yet they never shared friendly and close relationship as this girl only opened her feeling to that man.

"A man named Shan Zi Dao once said to me while playing weiqi... he said that 'A wargame session and weiqi have so much in common, and both of them can be won either by wits or even luck.'"

Karin look stunned seeing the charming and friendly expression which this girl ever only shared to Kazuto was now used to her.

"That is why, victory and defeat is common sight in battlefield." She added "As long as you survive, you can always return back the favor later..." The girl looked up, revealing a refreshing smile. "So why do you look so depressed about it?"

"Alas, Jia Xu... you have really opened my eyes." Karin was stunned, and she felt moved... as her expression softened seeing they both had comforted each other; freeing each other of their heart burden. They then shared joyous laughter.. as the final move are made, and the game is now come to conclusion.

Followed by a sigh after seeing the result of the session of weiqi they just played, Jia Xu.. no, Ei declared.

"There are so many able talented men in this whole realm..." and Karin looked on her, Ei with expecting thin smile.

"So, Lord Cao... no, Karin-san." Ei added in friendly smile, followed by her kneeling before Karin with a clasping hands

Who said that only the Crouching Dragon and the Fledgling Phoenix are the amazing one?

XXX

One of the guest replied, "Today at dusk, I cast a net and caught a fish with large mouth and fine scales. It resemble a pine river perch. But where can we obtain some wine?" Mister Su went back and ask his wife who replied "There are two gallons of wine which I have been keeping for some time in case you should ever need it."

So they took along the wine and fish and traveled once again below the Red Cliff.

The river flowed ferociously, the cleaved banks rose a thousand chi. The mountains was high while the moon look small. The water level had fallen, rock protruded. Asking to himself; how long has it been since my last visit? The scene was no longer recognizable!

XXX

Mutinies broke out across Cao Cao's territory, even at the northern province. Claiming themselves as the supporter of Liu Xie (Emperor Xian Di of Han) with propaganda to return the Heaven Mandate to its righful place, these rebel forces who usually kept under control now dares to act after the circulations of uncertain rumor of Cao Cao's fate after her loss at Red Cliff.

There are some suspicions that this mutinies and uprising were incited by the surviving Imperial Girdle Cabal who planned to set up another coup attempt, having learned their lesson after their failed coup attempt during the battle of Guandu previously when they were exterminated by Jia Xu.

As they say, before the battle one must use diplomacy, psychology, strategy and also... assassination!

At Xiakou, inside the main building...

"Cao Cao may lose this battle, but that doesn't mean she doesn't take account of that possibility and had no plan for it." Jiang Gan revealed as he drove the concealed Yuchangjian dagger right toward Liu Qi's back. The young master of Jingzhou himself was startled by the sudden assailant. "You are just too naive, young master of Jingzhou." Jiang Gan continues as he kept his grip "even more so than both your father and your brother."

Yi Ji who accompanied their meeting was shocked as he was helpless in the sudden incident, he rushed outside calling for help as the guards entered and surround this place. Seeing their master's life in peril they quickly acted on it.

Though he was sent as assassin, Jiang Gan was never a warrior nor someone with martial prowess, allowing him to be quickly subdued. Yet, somewhat seeing that he has no way out after accomplishing his mission, He was strangely look composed and even at peace.

Because even as a cog in wheel, he had become a driving force allowing for the next set of event to play out...

"With your death... the Sun-Liu alliance will severely weaken as they started fighting over the legitimacy of Jingzhou's succession." Jiang Gan declared.

Liu Qi was severely wounded, and Jiang Gan know that whatever treatment he will had, it will be too late. The wound will surely weaken this boy and his life will be numbered, enough to cause dispute between Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu.

"The loss at Red Cliff sure is disastrous to us, but it isn't like what Guandu did to Yuan clan. The Cao clan sends their regard." Jiang Gan close his words, knowing that he had fulfilled his role, allowing a curtain to be drawn for him.

XXX

"As the Crouching Dragon says... Underestimating enemy is indeed a fatal weakness" Sima Yi explained to Cao Cao, as she elaborating the detail of her assasination plan to Cao Cao. "Who would've thought that while that Zhuge Liang was turning her attention to Youjiangkou and Zhou Yu turning her attention to Nanjun and Jiangling... we would turn to Xiakou while recouping our loss?"

"But, what if he survive? It seems to me that Liu Bei had such a devil's luck."

"Wouldn't be" Yi said confidently "I'm sure by the time they realized it, it'll be too late. Just like when the Malaria are spreading too fast, they will not expect that young master of Jingzhou suddenly dies because of illness, not because of the assassination attempt." Yi added as she laughed. A favor has been repaid.

"Precisely. Nice going, Zhongda." Cao Cao praised. "I am grateful to receive these consolation presents you graciously given to me."

"I am glad to see you become energetic again, Mengde." Zhongda smiled seeing Karin wasn't depressed anymore. "Everyone said that Cao Mengde is scared to death of Zhou Gongjin after losing the battle of Red Cliff."

"Losing ? ridiculous!" Karin scoffed, looking serious. She looks offended after Erika stated the matter of fact of the surrounding rumor spread to the whole realms. "That Zhou Yu was only lucky! It was only because of sickness that i was forced to burn my ships and forced to retreat. It is out of all reason for Zhou Yu to take credit for herself and claimed that she won!" Karin slammed her fist to the desk, making everyone look taken back seeing Karin has returned to her vigorous state, like when Yang Xiu was still around. Deep down they felt elated that she had regained her spirit and become the old Cao Cao again.

"I want to return the favor and let Zhou Yu ate her words back and challenge her right now ... however i am not stupid." She looked disappointed. "Unfortunately this baseless rumor has grown quite a trouble in the capital of Xu which would be too much for poor Keifa to handle alone." Karin sighed "Thereby i need to return to Xudu and personally handle this matter myself. Meanwhile, i will make arrangement for everyone, and gave authority to handle the situation to their discretion in my absence."

Xun You then speak on behalf of Cao Cao, regarding each generals deployment. With troubles are brimming everywhere and now that the balance of three faction were adjusted between them, Cao Cao can't afford to be careless as she was forced to place many of her key personages to held and guard territory which held strategic position in the upcoming conflict. It seems that Cao Cao has learned something from her loss at Red Cliff... as some of deployment were given a considerable thought like the deployment of Zhang Liao at Hefei and...

"I will handle Xiangyang, then..." Cao Ren exclaimed after seeing Xun You's deployment plan. Two of Cao Cao's most capable general holding two strategic positions in the upcoming conflict against the Sun clan...

"Either Liu Bei or Zhou Yu will be your opponent, sister Zixiao." Karin gladly remarked "How do you think about this plan? Are you excited in anticipation or afraid with my nasty idea?"

"Ha, how ridiculous!" Cao Ren scoffed "Leave Xiangyang to me and have no fear, Mengde!" Cao Ren confidently declared, drawing admiration from everyone on the display of her courage and confidence,

"Zhou Yu may rules over the water, however in land..."Cao Ren coldly added "she is just a fish out of the water!"

Extracted from Chen Shou's Record of Three Kingdoms (San Guo Zhi) on the biography of Cao Ren styled Zixiao:

Cao Ren took part in the invasion of Jingzhou and Cao Cao made her the General who conquers the South and stationed her at Jiangling (Nanjun) to defend against Wu's General Zhou Yu.

XXX

Mister Su then lifted his robe and leapt, making his way among sharp crags , parting overgrowth crouch on rocks shaped like tigers and leopards and climbing up trees twisted like horned dragons, pulling himself away from precarious nest of falcons and peering down at the hidden palace of He Bo; leaving his guest away behind.

As he suddenly shouted in agony, the plant and trees rustles; mountain resounded with echoing valleys. Wind arising and water in turmoil. Mister Su was silenced and sad. astonished and frightened; trembling in fright as he withdraw. He returned back aboard and had the boat steered at the mainstream of Changjiang, letting it adrift to their resting.

XXX

Back at Sun clan's main city, Chaisang...

Though they have gained a miraculous victory at Red Cliff, the atmosphere around Jiangdong wasn't as uplifting as one would expect after achieving such unexpected result. Everyone look somber and there were only minimal preparation to commemorate the victory and they were set in preparation for the upcoming conflict as they realized even winning Red Cliff doesn't won them new set of land or territory to reinforce their situation. Though morale was set high, everyone doesn't share the happiness commonly found to an army drunk in their victory.

This was because their lord; Sun Ce was fatally wounded post the battle of Red Cliff and forced to be bedridden. At this moment, authority and controlled have been turned to Sun Quan hence not much of change which upset the chain of commands even among the veterans officer and retainer who served the Sun clan. Yet, though not much have changed ... one could felt the pain which Renfa endured seeing Sheren's suffering.

Even if the person herself tries to kept it secret while maintaining a cheerful outlook, both Renfa and Kazuto can easily seen through her weakening condition from her pale complexion as they come for a visit.

"Oh! My cute sister and my future brother in law! Finally you come to see me" Sheren smiled, though even in her weak condition. "How terrible that you both have forgotten about me until now!"

Both Renfa and Kazuto doesn't even want to retort to Sheren's selfish pouting, knowing that she was making a farce not to make both of them worried and feeling guilty.

"I hope you both are bringing me something nice!" Sheren complained, trying to sat herself on her bed, but both Kazuto and Renfa quickly prevent her. She then meekly complies, knowing that it would make them feel bad if she is being stubborn.

"No alcohol, Sheren." Kazuto firmly insist, as Sheren was busy rummaging the gift. But Renfa stop him, as she silently shook her head to Kazuto which he silently accept. As Renfa let Sheren had a bottle of Sheren's favorite alcohol.

"See...~, Zijing? My cute Renfa is very understanding! Unlike you." Sheren complained, praising Renfa "Sigh... I think it is too much giving Renfa to you! If only she wasn't my own sister i will marry her myself! Be grateful, Zijing that i leave her to your hand! You should kneel and say that you are grateful to me!"

"Yeah... you are right. Just be well for now, Sheren." Kazuto only blankly said, with no expression. Renfa wasn't even provoked by the usual jest. Instead,she look upset and ran from this room as she was unable anymore to held her tear seeing her sister condition. "Ah, Renfa-!" Kazuto was about to prevent her, but Sheren held his hand... preventing Kazuto who want to follow and pursue Renfa.

Seeing, Sheren's firmly held him and her eyes look serious, he relent and given up.

"So what is it now? What are you planning from now on?" Sheren calmly ask, Kazuto look taken back was trying to pretense an ignorance, but before any words escape from his lips, Sheren continue.

"I am no fool, Zijing... or was it Kazuto?" Sun Ce smiled mischieviously "Cao Cao was released on purpose. Whether it is yours or that Zhuge Liang's fault doesn't matter now." Kazuto was at loss on how should he answer this question, yet Sheren doesn't look offended or angry. Neither that she held him in contempt, as she gave a calm smile to him.

"I understand, i will not pursue this matter anymore..." She sighed in acceptance, with her straight forward stare. "Though you must've more sincere reason... unlike that little girl who loves to use that innocent facade in front of you."

"I can't disclose it too much, but please believe me Sheren..." Kazuto bow over, looking in sorrow "I never had any mind to put you in harm, I never wanted anyone even Renfa to be hurt."

"I know." Sheren sighed. "Seeing how you shielded Renfa without any regards to your own safety, who would doubt about your sincereness? This wound... it was my own decision, even Meirin knows about that. I acted on myself without thinking, because i am concerned about my sister and my future brother in law safety."

Kazuto was dumbfounded, he was at loss... feeling that it was inappropriate to say anything.

"No, it wasn't just about that... I did it because of my own selfishness." Sheren timidly added, an act which doesn't befit her usual act.

"Why do you insist on making me as Renfa's husband?" Kazuto suddenly ask with confounded look. "There are so many better and much more suitable men for her... also considering the importance of her current position..."

"I did this not just in consideration of the Sun clan's legacy... even for once i want to think about my sister happiness." Sheren sighed. "No matter how unfair it was, no matter how painful it was to giving up my beloved one...~" Sheren shyly turned her face away, avoiding Kazuto who just become baffled.

"Since i saw you shielding Cao Cao at Shouchun, i was sincerely falling for you... yet at the same time i resent you for picking Cao Cao instead of me, the little Conqueror... Heaven is unfair, why did not you stand beside me... why isn't it you who stand beside me after my mother died? It ... It is really unfair that it was Cao Cao who hog your existence... " Sheren bitterly revealed. "Though Meirin and everyone always stand with me, nevertheless they were always struggling over to keep up and follow me from behind, ... while i always need someone who can stand beside me... as a support."

Kazuto was taken back... he was at loss. For a second, it is like Sheren was also crying when she is pouring her heart content. After she was calmer and controlled herself again, she turned to Kazuto...

"Tell me, Kazuto... so i will not die in regret..." Sheren pleas "Can my sister... can Renfa held on the legacy left by our ancestor?" Her hand firmly held Kazuto's hand, before...

"To tell you the truth i always resent that you didn't consider me and instead picked Renfa as the master you want to serve." She continue in annoyed looks which for a moment doesn't bother Kazuto. Because the weight of the question burdened him more than the playful pout Sheren had.

Kazuto was pondering how he should answer this question. Should he tell everything he know about the future of the Eastern Wu which Sun Quan will establish in the future or should he kept it a secret; denying her last wish. Kazuto took a sigh before starting.

"Sun Quan have the quality of what it takes to be an emperor. But the path wouldn't be that easy..." Sheren become quiet attentively listening with serious expression seeing Kazuto finally relent to her selfish wish.

"The stalemate of three power will be reached, and after Liu Bei conquer the four southern prefecture of Jingzhou, the only way to face Cao Cao in the future as she still held the reins of this empire is to continue and prolong this fragile Sun-Liu Alliance." This for a moment made Sheren look a bit disappointed.

"Liu Bei has the support of Jingzhou people after seeing her benevolent rule and for not abandoning the people of Jingzhou when she flees from Cao Cao's invasion. While Sun Quan benefit from resources of Eastern River Region and the Jingzhou's territory we conquer from Cao Cao after she withdrawn. - A win-win situation for both sides, mutually benefitting for each other- A negotiation can then be brokered and bargained to form a strong bond; not just self seeking alliance."

Kazuto continued nevertheless because he noticed that Sheren had comprehend what he tries to implies even without explicitly mention it, no matter how she disdain what method they will have to take to achieve it. Because they both realize... even after her humiliating loss at Red Cliff, Cao Cao is still more powerful than either Liu Bei and Sun clan.

Hence, the weaker two of the three must support each other against the powerful!

"I see..." Sheren finally came to quiet acceptance.

"Though you harbor a hidden goal in your mind, nevertheless your role is still needed by Renfa, and for her happines, i am willing to play demon and disregard all your petty scheming behind us for setting that foolishness in Red Cliff" Sheren bitterly add "Hate me if you want, because as a sister i don't want Renfa to experience that same feeling of jealousy i felt in Shouchun."

Kazuto now was cornered and had no place to refuse her plea.

"so I plead to you, Kazuto... neither as your master or friend... but as someone who once had feeling for you, I want you to take care of Renfa and Meirin, especially Meirin..." Sheren sighed. "Though she might not looks like it, she wasn't really strong and always forcing herself... i am worried that she might gone too far which in the end will leave her miserable in deep regret."

"Leave it to me... but please at least get more rest..." Kazuto looked worried, which Sheren only sadly returned his concern with a pained smile because she already know it herself that not even that miraculous doctor could do a wonder on her because she already knew that she already used up all of her time. And it was only matter of time that when a curtain shall be drawn as a conclusion to her role.

Yes...

Because as she close her eyes in this lonesome bed tonight, she know that her flower will not last tomorrow, as it has withered after blossoming into a fine flower. It was such a short nostalgic moment, yet its remaining fragrance will last for eternity...

Whilst a way was paved for new seedlings to blossom for the next generations to come.

Men laugh at my folly in burrying fallen flowers, but who will bury me when I lay in dead?

The day that spring takes wing and beauty fades, who will care for the fallen blossom or dead maid?

In my bitter feeling, i recount those verse...

XXX

Withering flower groves and spring's fading hue are gone...

Oh, too soon! Far too soon they come, passing on...

Weathering not the morning sleets and the wind by evening blow

Tears of rouge falling down as fair petal spills...

Bid me to stay, drinking as I can't defy...When will again in the morrow?

Ah, as alwayslife is beset with sorrow... like the endless Great River, rushing to the east!

- Night sounds; a segment of Happy Reunion, Li Yu

XXX

By then it was almost midnight, everyone was fell in silence.

Suddenly, a solitary crane flies toward them across the river coming from the east, with its wing tracing cartwheels in the air. It seemed dressed in white jacket over black gown, letting out a long piercing cry -'caww'- as it swept past their boat, heading toward west.

XXX

With many of Cao Cao's main forces were spread thin across her vast territories trying to stabillize situation, Cao Cao was forced to turn her whole attention to her internal problem and postpone any plan for conquest in the future, allowing her enemies and rivalling warlords every where to use this opportunity to grow and cultivate their own power before the next round of their clash is started.

At the Imperial Capital of Xu...

Keifa had finished the meeting with Ma Teng discussing about the Xiliang's army's allegiance and more importantly his own allegiance in this current situation. The discussion turned pleasantly between them as Ma Teng had firmly reaffirmed of his position as a loyalist, and that he had convinced Keifa that he and his Xiliang army will remain as Prime Minister Cao's ally and continue his role as the shield of his majesty. Seeing that this discussion has turned well for both of them, Keifa then invited Ma Teng in a lavish banquet.

"I see... i am glad that Prime Minister Cao is safe and healthy even after such hardship." Ma Teng look genuinely relieved. "Minister Xun, let me raise another toast for Prime Minister's health and fortune! May she lived and continue her role for the well being of this realm! Long Live the Emperor! Long Live the Prime Minister of Han!" Ma Teng continue his toast, as wine was quickly expended for his pleasure while her adopted daughter looked concerned that in his lightening mood he forgot to keep his drinking under control.

"Father, you've drink too much." Pang De tries to remind her.

"Don't be silly... (*hic) ... I can drink even more (*hic) ... This is for Prime minister (*hic) another toast, Minister Xun..."

"General, i think your daughter is right..." Keifa sighed, seeing Ma Teng stubbornly continue to his merriment. Indeed it is relieving news that Karin was safe and healthy from surviving the loss at Red Cliff. So it is no wonder that some people take it to the extreme when they want to express their delight of hearing such news; even Keifa herself came to nightless sleep for the past following days due to her anxiety and concern when she heard the disaster her lord faced at Red Cliff.

XXX

Extracted from Chen Shou's Record of Three Kingdoms (San Guo Zhi) on the biography of Ma Liang styled Jichang:

Ma Liang style named Jichang was a native of Xiangyang. She had four siblings and together they all possessed both talent and fame. The villagers often said "Of the Ma family of Five changes, the one with white brows is the most talented." There was white hairs in Ma Liang's eyebrows which explains why she was referred as such.

Though they all have reunited, it is time to continue planning for the future whilst everyone were distracted with each attention were directed on their own problems. That was the thought shared even within Liu Bei's minister and strategists at this emergency council.

"Lingling, Guiyang, Changsa and Wuling..." Ma Liang explained "On the other hand is Nanjun, Jiangling and Yiling."

"That is correct." Zhuge Liag calmly asserted "Will Gongjin's plan to conquer Nanjun be faster than our plan to take the Four Southern Prefecture? That is the important question." Zhuge Liang remarked as she inspected the deployment map around Southern Jingzhou. " Now, it will be a race of time between us. With the conquest of Jiangling fortress as it finishing line."

Hinari calmly walk, pointing to the different marker.

"Gongjin will begin by occupying Yiling to check on us, so we must repay the gesture by occupying Youjiangkou. Because this place will be an important point for all our future conquest." Pang Tong explained, while another fellow; a young male look confused.

"What is in Youjiangkou that we need to conquer it at all cost? " this youthful looking male is Ma Su, the younger brother of Ma Liang. To this day since the battle of Red Cliff began, he had acted under Zhuge Liang's instruction.

"Silly little brother. You read a lot yet you fail to notice such small thing." Ma Liang reprimand him.

"With Yiling and Nanjun conquered, they will enclose our position if we leave them alone; even if we get hold of the four prefecture of Changsa, Lingling, Guiyang and Wuling, cutting of all possible transportation line from in and out of Jingzhou. Hence the only possible place left for us to occupy and reverse the situation is here, in Youjiangkou." Zhuge Liang asserted as he kindly explained to Ma Su who is quietly digesting this explanation. "Occupying both Nanjun and Youjiangkou will give us strategic position, to plan for the future giving us upperhand against our enemies; whether they are 'Cao' or 'Sun'."

Indeed.

As Shuri said, this place Youjiangkou held important strategic position as these place decides the fate of most Southern Jingzhou even after it repeatedly changes ownerships. After this place were occupied and conquered by Liu Bei's army, this place; Youjiangkou will be renamed as Gong'an.

"Plan for the future...? could it be..." Ma Su look taken back, finally realizing the whole plan these three fellow strategist had already shared in their mind.

"That is correct." Shuri softly gave an ominous smile as she calmly declared to everyone here. "The second phase for the Great Longzhong plan..."

Destroy Liu Zhang, Conquer the Riverland and Establish the Western Kingdom!

XXX

A short while later the guest left and mister Su fell into a slumber, dreaming of two Daoist clothed in feather fluttering about. As they passed Linggao, they greeted me and asked,

"Did you enjoy your journey at the Red Cliff?"

When I asked their names, they merely looked down without answering; which made me exclaimed;

"Oh! Now I understand! Last night, wasn't it you who called me out as you flown around?"

The Daoist looked back at me and laughed.

And then, suddenly I was awakened. I rushed out to open the door, looking outside but find no remains of their trace.

XXX

On the other hand...

Even in Hebei the situation is no different, the barbarian tribes which is usually kept under control by Cao Cao were instigated to rebel after hearing the rumor of Cao Cao's disastrous loss at Red Cliff. A group of Wuhuan tribe went renegade. However...

The situation now seems to be under control as they are already surrendering to an army sent to supress their rebellion. Seeing this achievement, even the commanding officer can't help but voiced her praise to her subordinate officer.

"Impressive results, my advisor... you have everything under control." While the adressed advisor remain indignant, the commanding officer did not share that thought.

She looked amazed that all the rebelling tribe was easily subjugated without them lifting a single spear nor loosing a single arrow, because the barbarian tribes are caught in their internal disputes which keep them fighting amongst themselves.

"I hear another uprising in the west..." The commanding officer mischieviously inquired to her advisor. "So, Same condition as before?"

"Ay, as the Art of War noted; the greatest feat is not by fighting our enemy." The strategist finally replied after keeping her silence. "But to conquer them intact."

"It is good to be confident, but..." The commanding officer calmly replied "Our next opponent will not be this easy, you know."

"Then, I, Jia Xu will do everything in my power to support your empire, Cao Pi. "The strategist smiled in hearing her commanding officer remark, as she suddenly stated to raise her bargain.

"Both our enemy; Sun and Liu proclaim themselves as the Light , naturally…"

The strategist made a bold declaration, taking this indirect question and gesture as a direct challenge adressed to her.

After the Light…Here comes the Darkness!

Author Note:

And so, here is the conclusion to the Red Cliff arc of this fanfic. See you again at the Next arc; Liu Bei entering Sichuan/ The King of Hanzhong arc.

...is what i want to say, but... as you already know i felt burned out writing this fanfic based on Koihime, and i am more inclined continuing my isekai fanfic. The only reason i continue this for the 3 chapter is just to properly finish it seeing that i already prepared it long ago so i will have no burden left when i fully focus on my isekai fanfic. So bye now.

I dunno whether i will still want to continue this Rise of Heroes; Heroes of Romantic Legend howevver here is a bit of snippet on the future event:

Xing Daorong is here! Liu Bei! You are just a rebel!

Yunchang and Hansheng... they are both a formidable warrior!

I dismounted from my horse in front of everyone to welcome you, is that enough to honor you my advisor? - Renfa

No, my lord. Until your presence and influence extend toward the whole mountain and rivers of this realm, it will never be an enough honor for this Lu Zijing. - Lu Su

If Heaven already have Zhou Yu, why must there be Zhuge Liang?

A marriage bond will surely reinforce the Sun-Liu Alliance against Cao Cao.

The Splendid Ma Chao... what an astounding sight.

Please observe, before you is my gift to show my sincerity. - That rat faced man, Zhang Song unveiled the massive map. - This map fully transcribe all of the roads, rivers and mountain; all natural geographic conditions, including military fortresses, outposts, granaries. I hoped that this little gift will greatly serve for your future conquest...Because what i am giving you is...

The Riverland.