Lu Su's Estate (Lu Xia)

[Xiang Yu]

The sluggish journey south had been hard on the young ruler, and he had paused just before the great city gates of Jian Ye to dab away the sweat that furrowed against his tightening brow before entering its complex design. It had been weeks since he had left the security of his hometown in Chen Liu, but he had come with a purpose, a meaning – one beset not by the troubles of war or its antiques but by the act of diplomacy and friendship itself.

He had transversed the many mountains across the south to greet a man of renown, a man of skill. He came for Lu Su, a man who had recently proclaimed allegiance to no man, but who would welcome the act of diplomacy or friendship should they be worthy of such skill. It pleased him, and although he wondered why he travelled such lengths for a single man he knew inside that the decision was probably the right one.

He looked back as he walked, taking note of the buildings and his men. He was pleased that Zhang He had urged to follow him, for in the end Cao Cao did not mind the young man’s company. The journey had taken time to complete, and he had enjoyed many of the nights spent with the few agents he had deployed. It was the only time he could sit back and enjoy the splendour of social life, and he turned to his generals as friends in such times of need.

It was rare, but he had grown fond of the few men beneath him, and he was forced to remind himself of their troubles when he reached the first restaurant. He ordered them all fresh meals and drinks, supplements to help keep their composure for when they would be introduced to Lu Su and his allies. Soon, he thought to himself, soon he would meet this Lu Su.

He finished his refreshments and ordered his agents to stay behind. Then, with only Zhang He at his back he followed the path to the estates. He came across Lu Su’s, a house decorated with the finest materials within the region and offset only by the rich fabrics and banners that all regional house owners owned in these provinces. It was an interesting sight to behold, and Cao Cao took a deep breath before approaching the house. He did not know to whom he would speak, but he had bowed his head curtly to each attendant he saw, before patting a man on the shoulder.

“I am Cao Cao.” He said, “And I am here to see Lu Su.”

[Zhang He]

They had traveled a great distance, all but for one reason. Zhang He did not begrudge that fact, it was not his place to question his lord's orders, nor did their purpose seem to be lacking in worth. The warrior had heard of Lu Su, a man of brilliance and talent, who would prove to be a great benefit if he was allied with Cao Cao. Zhang He had insisted that Cao Cao bring him along, he would prefer the governor to be under his own eye.

Though the circumstances of his service to Cao Cao shamed him, Zhang He could not help but see his new lord as the silver lining of his failure to protect his former charge. Cao Cao was a charismatic leader, brilliant in strategy and swift with the blade as well, wielding all of the tools at his hands with beauty that Zhang He could admire. It was clear that he was destined for greatness, and Zhang He intended to be with him every step of the way.

There would not be a second great failure.

The group reached a restaurant, dining and drinking at their lord's command. Cao Cao had been kind as well as wise, treating his soldiers as friends when the situation allowed it. The treatment was foreign to Zhang He, but not unwelcome.

Once they were finished replenishing themselves Cao Cao ordered the others to stay behind, only taking Zhang He to stay at his side. Pride swelled in the warrior's chest, it pleased him greatly to be so trusted by his lord. Zhang He remained silent as they reached the residence of Lu Su, his function was as a guard to Cao Cao, nothing else.

[Lu Xia]

The guards at the gate of the manor grounds watched as Cao Cao and his trusted general approached. One quietly opened the gate for them to pass through into the courtyard, while the other stood at attention. Lu Su had heard that Cao Cao was entering the city, and made all preparations necessary for the expected visit. He knew full well the reason for Cao Cao's presence, and while it wasn't yet considered, he would entertain his guest until a decision was properly made. At the main door to the grand manor, there stood two armored guards, who greeted Cao Cao and his general, Zhang He.

"Our master Lu Su welcomes you, Governor Cao Cao. He is waiting within, if you would follow the maid."

And at that, a simply dressed young woman came forth, holding a tray with cups of water. She stood in the doorway, bowing her head in respect and silence, and offered them the refreshment. The girl would then lead them inside and through the main hall. The interior was grand and luxurious, as one would expect from someone with great wealth. Artwork of fine craft, fabrics of fine material, and the best architectural work were all part of the wonder of the place. It wasn't long before the maid led the two guests out to the center garden, placed in a courtyard at the middle of the house. There, seated comfortably on his favorite cushion by the fish pond was Lu Su. He watched them, almost in a wary fashion as the Governor and his general approached. Clever to size up even his guests, Lu Su was certainly no fool. After a moment's thought, the host greeted them.

"I bid you welcome to my household, Cao Cao. Since you came into the outskirts of Jian Ye, I have made ready for your visit."

Lu Su looked then to Zhang He, who seemed to prefer the silent bodyguard role. He raised a brow, looking him over, the usual reaction to the flamboyant general.

"I welcome you as well, General Zhang He. Please, both of you, make yourselves comfortable."

Lu Su gestured to the other cushions around the low table, now offering a small smile of friendly demeanor. He then motioned for the maids to bring forth more refreshments. One maid brought a tray of tea, another brought a tray of well prepared dishes, including poultry, meats, rice and vegetables. After placing the trays down before their guests, the maids quickly left the three in privacy.

"Surely you both are in need of fine foods... I cannot imagine that a tavern on your way was very hospitable."

Lu Su smiled more now, it seemed he was becoming more comfortable. But unknown to them all, Lu Xia watched them from the balcony above. She looked down, dressed in her finest of blue, as her father had advised her this afternoon. Her eyes graced over Cao Cao first, more warily than her father had done. Then she watched Zhang He, curious instead of cautious, however. They appeared both to be quite capable and respectable men, and did not show any signs of ill will towards her father. Still, Lu Xia would only feel comfortable at her father's side. When most would dismiss their daughters, Lu Su did not mind his own's presence even in most important matters. The young lady would make her way downstairs and quietly enter the courtyard. She came to her father and stood beside him, not saying a word, but still keeping her eyes on the two guests. Lu Su smiled brighter and greeted his child, still addressing Cao Cao and Zhang He.

"Ah... There you are. Guests, this is my daughter, Lu Xia. I trust her presence here, and so shall you."

[Xiang Yu]

[[Sorry for the delay. I’ve been so busy recently with real life/my mother that I’ve struggled to find time to do posts.]]

Cao Cao could not argue when Lu Xia was presented to the guests, and he bid her a fond bow as he took a seat in offering of peace. He looked back, and smiled. He would not remain here for long, for his journey would send him further south before he would return back to the safety of his hometown.

He did not mind the presence, and had even taken comfort in the bond between the father and his daughter. He longed to see his own sons once more.

“Please.” He motioned, breaking his thoughts, “who am I but a man in the house of another. I have no qualms with the guests you present, or for the reason of their staying. I am honoured to be received so courteously Lu Su, but I will decline the invitation of food, for my time is more precious then the luxuries you bestow yourself with.”

He took his seat, straightening his back and gazing ahead at the pair before him. He had declined the array of foods, though his hand moved over to the goblets of wine that were presented. He had enough time to drink.

“But to business. I have travelled days to see you, and wish no extra time spent filling a belly that will survive. I seek your guidance master Lu Su, that is all.”

He smiled for a moment, and then turned his head to Lu Xia. She was wearing full blue dress and stood as an ornament beside her soaring father. He was proud, even if he had no daughter worthy of such credit himself, he was happy to see such a bond exist. He bowed his head.

“The country is in ruins.” He started, sipping more wine, “but I will rise above the chaos that will ensue, if only those of talent would come to my cause.”

He bid his head, and nervously awaited the questions that would surely follow. He remembered back to Jiang Wei and the events that transpired, and he swallowed a lump of doubt as he raised his eyes to those around him. If only they would see what he could see, they would all follow him. A pity that some would forever remain blind in the endless sea of war and corruption.

[Zhang He]

The presence of Lu Su's daughter was enough of a surprise on its own, but the sight that followed was even more so. Zhang He, a man who greatly appreciated anything of beauty, found himself stunned at the image that moved to join them. He hid his reaction well enough, not wishing to complicate the process that Cao Cao was attempting to complete by coming off as disrespectful and rude.

Zhang He took a bow as she reached them, remaining silent as his lord spoke. It was almost unheard of, a man allowing his daughter to sit in on meetings of political importance, but Zhang He held no desire to see it any other way. Indeed, he found the grace of Lu Xia to be something that he would sooner have for himself. It was not his place to admit these thoughts, or even allude to them, nor was it his place to speak even to begin with.

Following the example of his lord, Zhang He did not take part in the meal offered to them. While Cao Cao sipped at the goblet of wine in his hand, Zhang He kept his free, preferring a clear mind over clouded judgement. He drank only if his lord permitted it, and his lord only permitted it if he felt completely safe in the circumstances that surrounded them. The general took a seat next to his lord, his thoughts split between the meeting and that of the beautiful Lu Xia.

[Lu Xia]

Lu Su chuckled at the refusal of food, but the acceptance of wine from his guest. He noted that Cao Cao's guard, Zhang He, was abstaining from all refreshment with a stoic mask. He did, however, notice the general's eyes fall on Lu Xia. Lu Su dismissed the thought however, it was time for business, as Cao Cao stated. The governor would continue by speaking his piece, explaining the reason for his visit. Lu Su's eyebrows raised slightly. He had heard rumors that Cao Cao planned his own regime, but to hear it personally was somewhat surprising. Still, he listened, and when Cao Cao finished, he was silent for a few moments in contemplation. After only another minute, Lu Su spoke.

"Governor Cao Cao..." He began, his attention focused entirely on the man, nothing else.

"You tell me that you plan to rise above this chaos? To pave your own path for others to follow?"

Lu Xia watched the two men while her father addressed Cao Cao inquisitively. She found the prospect of a governor planning to form control over the land... Intriguing. It was rather far fetched, of course, but such wasn't impossible, from the state of things. But as interesting as the subject was, Lu Xia couldn't help but notice Zhang He's gaze in her direction. She'd been trying hard not to look back, the man was indeed something unique to see, as rumored. But... He was handsome, beautiful, even. So very strange, yet enchanting. Lu Xia took care to be subtle when looking at him, as to avoid any comment. Though the other two were wrapped up in their own world, so it would be easy.

She didn't wish to give her admiration away, so Lu Xia quietly took her leave, bowing out to Cao Cao and her father in respect. She would watch from afar, but this business was not her own. And something about Zhang He struck her at odds...

"Well, Cao Cao... I must admit, this is a very serious matter. You are planning something that most men only dream of. And any other man you might have visited would throw you out at the very mention of it. But..."

Lu Su's expression was hard to read, though it gave the impression that he was more studying Cao Cao's own, than anything.

"I am not any other man. You've shown great promise in the past, and thus you've earned my respect."

Lu Su folded his hands on the table, regarding Cao Cao with a more curious look.

"You are known to be a strong warrior, but there is much more to being a strong leader. You must have the people's love. You ask for my help? I will give you my support, on one condition. By joining you, I most certainly will make enemies, ones that even I cannot keep at bay. But my concern is not for myself. I ask of you, Governor Cao Cao, to take my daughter under your wing. Train her in combat, if you like, she's shown promise in her own right."

[Xiang Yu]

(I am so sorry. I have explained before my situation but my mother got worse before she got better. By next Saturday I’ll be back fulltime for sure, but I should be able to do a few posts before then.)

---

Cao Cao could only nod at the response Lu Su had given. He had not spent too long looking at the woman, or rather – the daughter, before Lu Su had come to the conclusion that she should make herself useful under the wing of a much stronger dragon, and of course – Cao Cao had no qualms with accepting the service of a woman. His only regret was having failed in his idea of capturing the moment, and before he could respond he felt the tension rise behind him.

Zhang He had shifted uncomfortably, something hard to notice but distinguished only by the shift of the cushions beneath his feet. He turned, though he did not usher any words to the young general beside him. He could tell already the spark that would form, and he smiled softly as he turned back to accept Lu Su’s conditions.

“I am forever in your debt.” He smiled again and then clasped his fist within his other hand. “A prodigy and daughter to Lu Su is always welcome within my chambers. Let our union bring peace and prosperity.”

He turned to Zhang He as he finished the goblet of wine and picked up his things, “It is time for us to leave, but I entrust Lu Xia to your care Zhang He. I am not a blind man, but should anything happen to her whilst under your watch you shall bare the responsibility for it.”

He had never really understood why fathers allowed their daughters to fight, and yet he did not doubt this woman’s potential or ability in combat. She was sleek, agile yet beautiful – and he wondered if he had finally captured his own political Zhen Ji. He smiled.

“If you could bring your daughter to us.” He turned back to Lu Su as he spoke, bowing, “Then we will begin our journey back north to Zhongyuan. I am afraid I cannot stay any longer, the times are pressing lord Lu Su and I fear that my people need me. We will allow ample time for the preparations to be made, and we have carriages should your daughter request one.”

He bowed again, and then stood before the man he had come to please. He was happy, even if time was now running thin. He did not know the state of the north, though rumour had reached him that Yuan Shao had grown very powerful over a very short period of time.

[Zhang He]

Lu Su's acceptance was not entirely surprising to Zhang He, Cao Cao was a persuasive man, one that was easy to follow. The conditions of his support, on the other hand, were much more surprising. Zhang He's eyes darted to the direction where Lu Xia had last been seen heading almost instinctively, though he did his best to keep the reaction subtle. Lu Su wanted his daughter to be trained in combat, stating that she showed a good deal of promise.

Perhaps, if Cao Cao agreed to these terms, Zhang He would offer himself to be the girl's mentor. Of course, Zhang He would wait until a more private time between him and his lord was available, he would not speak of such things in front of the girl's father.

Cao Cao accepted Lu Su's terms, wearing a cheerful disposition at the new acquisition to his growing forces. It would be beneficial to have such a man's support, and Zhang He was well aware that Cao Cao, and indeed all of the Han, needed as much support as possible during these hard times.

The lord turned to Zhang He, informing him that it was time for them to leave, as well as mentioning that Lu Xia would be under Zhang He's watch. The general bowed his head slightly in response.

"I will protect her as I would you, my lord."

Such promises could be considered superfluous, but Zhang He believed it to be necessary to state just how dedicated he was to Lu Xia's protection, especially around the father. It would not do for Lu Su to suspect Zhang He of incompetence.

Zhang He bowed to Lu Su in unison with Cao Cao as the lord gave reason for their hasty departure. It was just as well for the general, there was much to be done.