Free to live Chapter 3: Cao Cao and The Vow
Silently, the small group headed toward the Wei encampment. Zhen Ji led, with Diao Chan within arms reach. The dancer had a tentative smile. She felt free just being away from Lu Bu’s reach. She was worried about the half-dozen bodyguards she had brought with her. Zhen Ji had implicitly instructed them to say that they were her new bodyguards, which they had already assumed seeing their master's proximity to the lady. News spread quickly among the all-female group. They gave knowing looks at the leaders of the group. Zhang Liao was alert, expecting an ambush from their former master at any moment. They were heading for an array of campfires to the East of the castle. They reached a clearing and were greeted in a most friendly manner.
“Halt! Who goes there?” A soldier called out to them.
“So this is the woman who sent us that message and she helped you escape? And this warrior protected you from Lu Bu?” Cao Cao said, mentally examining the story recalled to him by his general. He looked from the dancer to the warrior searching their eyes for untruth.
“Yes, my lord,” Zhen Ji said, from a bowed position. She was flanked by Diao Chan and Zhang Liao, with the female bodyguards arrayed behind them.
“That certainly speaks well of them…” Cao Cao said, thinking out loud. “I could most definitely use a brave and powerful warrior, but what should I do with this lovely young woman?” Zhen Ji’s eyes looked at him imploringly, while the dancer visibly shook. “Yes, Lady General?”
“I would ask that she be placed in my care, because of the kindness she has shown to me. We have taken a vow of sisterhood and vowed to live and die together, My Lord,” Zhen Ji begged meekly. Cao Cao looked at his general and the dancer curiously. Two single, beautiful women in his court and he could not have either of them. However, just having them in his court would add prestige and he did not approve of forcing women into something. His son, Cao Pi, had learned that lesson when he had tried to force himself upon Zhen Ji. He lived, but shook in her presence from then on.
“Your request is granted,” Cao Cao said. “Zhang Liao, you shall participate in the battle and serve under Xiahou Yuan. Lady Zhen shall remain behind with Diao Chan.” Cao Cao would take no risks on the chance of a false defection. Xiahou Yuan could keep an eye on the general, while he trusted Zhen Ji to keep an eye on the woman. What harm could one woman do? (Apparently, she did enough to convince Lu Bu to kill his adoptive father, Dong Zhuo.) Would she get someone to turn on him? What was this vow about? Those were questions for a later time… He had a battle to fight.
After they were dismissed, Zhen Ji and Diao Chan bid Zhang Liao farewell as he was going off with Cao Cao to introduce himself to Xiahou Yuan. The six female guards remained close to the two women, protectively. They managed to get to Zhen Ji’s personal tent without incident. Five of them grouped up at the door, while Ji Jia continued on with the ladies. Upon entry into the tent, however, the nervous silence ended.
“Lady Zhen?” A young woman with a sword stopped pacing the tent and looked at the Wei general in absolute surprise. Tears began to form in their eyes as she tackled Zhen Ji. She latched her arms around general’s waist and was nuzzling her nose into the woman’s neck. Diao Chan could tell that this woman was a bodyguard in Lady Zhen’s service, but she was getting a little to cozy with the woman for her comfort! Struggling with the joyous bodyguard, Zhen Ji noticed Diao Chan’s look of jealousy. She wiggled out of her grasp and tried to explain herself as the extatic girl attempted to resume the snuggling.
“This is Cao Wu, ‘my little sister,’” She began, focusing solely on Diao Chan. “I rescued her as an orphan from becoming a concubine for a cruel lord. She’s rather loyal.” As Cao Wu reattached herself to her waist sobbing, she added: “Extremely loyal.” Then, the bodyguard noticed the two new women standing in the tent. The tears had stopped immediately.
“Who are you?” She asked, curiously from Zhen Ji’s waist. Diao Chan noticed her blue clothes with pants and sleeveless top.
“I am Diao Chan and this is my personal bodyguard Ji Jia.” The two bodyguards circled each other for a moment, sizing each other up.
“She’s a bit on the short side…” Ji Jia said, while fanning herself.
“Well, I think you’re cute!” Cao Wu burst out. Ji Jia’s eyes widened as she was squeezed in a death hug. “I really like your dress.”
“She’s strong though…” Ji Jia gasped out. Zhen Ji and Diao Chan laughed. Things would be interesting among their small band. “I suppose it would be prudent to introduce you to the rest of the bodyguards.”
The short-haired girl brightened even more and hooked her arm in the red-clad woman’s. Ji Jia managed a smile. They almost looked natural together. Two odd ends coming together. Diao Chan raised an questioning eyebrow. Zhen Ji just smiled.
“Those two make an interesting pair,” Diao Chan mused.
“Them? What about us?” Zhen Ji said with mock surprise.
“A dancer and a musician; what else could make more sense?” Diao Chan said, while moving in for a kiss. Their lips met in the first kiss for hours.
“You know when you put it like that, how can I argue?” Zhen Ji resumed the kiss. A giggle from the tent flap caused them to jump. They both looked over and saw Cao Wu peering into the tent with Ji Jia pretending to scold her, smiling. Then, a stomach growled. Diao Chan’s eyes widened.
“I guess I’m hungry.” Cao Wu blushed. They sent for food.
During dinner, Cao Wu persisted in interrogating her big sister’s new girlfriend. She kept asking silly questions and eventually popped out a serious one, keeping Diao Chan off guard.
'Maybe the ditzy act is just a ruse…' Diao Chan thought. Occasionally, the short-haired woman would flash Ji Jia a winning smile and then the woman would jump in her chair. 'But how shamelessly she flirts with my bodyguard is convincing. However, Ji Jia isn’t taking shots at her like she does when guys try to pinch her bottom. Curious…'
End Chapter 3
So is it getting good? Stick around for the next chapter. Just so you know, this is still part of a flashback. I'm sorry if I didn't make it clear.
I'm sure you're wondering: "Are all the women lesbians?"
My answer: "If they're significant or interesting and will be around for more than a day... yes they will be."
Review if you're cool. I'm off to fight another battle! Thanks!
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