14 Prelude to the great Battle

I was sitting in my study going through some financial reports while there was a knock on my door. "Come in" I said without looking up. A tired Zhang Liao entered my office and sat down with an exasperated sigh. I looked up asked," Is it done?"

Zhang Liao nodded while gulping down some water and replied," All the barbarian's have left Anding. We have taken control of the defenses but they are in shambles. Anybody could take back Anding with a medium sized force. I would recommend not focusing on Anding for now and Watch out the Bayou entrance. Zhao has been moving their troops there for a while and it seems they are gonna send that guy of all people."

I sat straight and asked," So its Lu Bu they are sending. You have gotten all the commander names? Is there Anyone called Riboku there? And what about RenPa? I heard he had a falling out with the king."

Zhang Liao nodded and spoke," RenPa has somehow escaped and the force that was sent to capture him was beaten. He seems to be moving towards Wei with his troops. Regarding the Zhao army, there is indeed a general named Riboku in the Zhao army. But judging from the activities in the Capital, they'll send both Ouki and Kyou with more than 100,000 troops. Lu Bu has also around 120,000 troops."

I smirked and replied," There will be at least 200,000 troops. Their main target is me after all. They plan to take out all 3 of us with this move. Ouki and Kyou also would have realized this by now, so we might be called upon as well."

As if in accordance with my words, KaRin walked in and spoke," It seems your self appointed elder sister has sent a letter to you. She seems to think there might be a trap and asked you to gather as much troops you can and be ready to move. She also mentioned something about this being an important campaign for her so she insisted on your presence but you should move only if it's an emergency ."

I gave out a sigh and spoke," well, you heard the lady. Send Zhuge Liang to take over reconstruction of Anding. Bring Lu Meng here for defense. You, Zhao Yun and KaRin come with me. And tell Han Xin to take his troops and go to Hongnong, But don't press forward under any circumstances. Wei still has Xu Chu and Jia Xu. And mobilize my whole army, we are going to play outside for a change."

Everyone had a grin hearing this and moved out immediately. I looked towards the ceiling and spoke," You found any suspicious activities in Town, Diao?"

Diao Chan jumped from her hiding place and patted her clothes before reporting," There has been some unknown people coming in along with refugees. All of them have been taken for interrogation. What do you wish to do with them? "

I smiled and asked," Have you heard about the story of the snake hiding in the grass? The person who is plotting this is like that exactly. He is circling me, trying to find an opening. The moment I let down my guard, they will strike. From now on, gather all the surveillance corps, make sure they track all the suspicious people and their activities, but don't catch until they show their true colours. By my calculations, it should be about time."

Diao Chan nodded and jumped out through the window to which I just smiled helplessly. Well, the stage has been set, its time to face the strongest warrior. To be honest, I'm not sure if I could beat him in a duel. Only way I see is for both Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao to tire him first and then I swoop in. It's cowardly but practical. What worries me though is, If I save Kyou and beat Houken, how will that alter history. System only said they can calculate the changes only after they are made. So I'm gonna have to wing it I believe.

Ouki PoV

There is a certain unrest I feel about the upcoming battle. Zhao is making too much noise and spreading news too much. When someone talks too much about attacking your front, you must pay attention to your back because that's where you will be attacked. We have arrived near the Jiameng Pass and about 5-6 days march away from Anding where we will meet the Zhao army. Our information says they are sending 120,000 troops, but I, like Kyou believe that they would send more. She has already asked young KouRyu to assist us if things go wrong. Her affection for the boy was quite something that she refused to involve him unless things don't work out. He is an interesting boy, to say the least.

A newbie who acts and thinks like a veteran general, plays the most unpredictable of tricks and attacks the weak point of the enemy without any mercy to snatch away victory. His battle against Sima Yi was the beginning for him, and I can see him surpassing the likes of Bai Qi or Koshou. His vassals are also monsters beyond imagination. Specially the two spears named Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao. To be honest, even I wouldn't stand a chance against both of them together, and KouRyu is way more stronger, not to mention his mind that holds so many strategies and precautions for any situation. I would have enjoyed fighting against him, but he seemed to avoid me. No matter, I'll see him at the battlefield. KoKo KoKo Ko Nfufu

Kyou PoV

At long last, I have come to the threshold of my dream. One more castle, and I will make my promise to Ouki sama true. I have taken 99 castles already, and after this, I can get married to Ouki sama and have my own family. Ever since childhood, I have tried my hardest to catch up to him. But he waited for me, he remembered our promise. It was time to make it a reality. But there is a hint of restlessness that has been on my mind. I ignored it at first, but it kept growing. Knowing Zhao, they would not try to invade Qin so soon after Choyou, But they not only raised whatever they could muster, they sent that monster of all people. I have faith in my strength, but even I don't believe I could beat him. Probably not even Ouki sama could. If there is someone that could achieve it, it would be KouRyu.

I never really understood his thoughts. If you try to read through him, all you would find is overwhelming confidence and sheer genius. It's as if he never doubts his ability to win, even when everything goes against his plans. The way he comes up with strategies to turn the opponents tactics against them, it seems that all things are reversed and twisted. It feels as if all the tactics and strategies are forbidden and everything is fair game. Even after all these battles, there is very little known about his battling style due to his unpredictability. After the battle of Jiangxia, I told him I see him like my own little brother and he could count on me always.

We met once, a long time ago. He was a little kid travelling with his parents and I was just a servant of the Ou family. Despite that, he was very kind to everyone. He shared his food with me and some other servants and watched us with a brilliant smile. I never had the courage to go after my dreams before, but seeing his kind smile, I somehow found courage to go for it. I hoped to see him again, but when we met, it seems he didn't remember me. But he was still the kind boy I met long ago. I promised myself I would look after him . But it seems I'll be the one counting on him again. I hope this doesn't turn out to be a trap to bait him like before.

Zhao border, Ganmon

Today was an auspicious day for Zhao citizens as for the first time after Choyou, Zhao decided to take revenge against Qin, and leading that Army was none other than Lu Bu of the three great Heavens. The legendary warrior who drove an army of 100,000 Xiongnu by himself and his mighty halberd. Riding atop the majestic Red hare, wearing his battle armour, he looked like the god of war personified.

Riboku watched him with respect as he rode out behind him, thinking Zhao could finally rise again. After all, Zhao people don't say," Among men Lu Bu, among horses Red Hare." for nothing. This time, Qin will pay the price for their brutality, because they will face the most brutal warrior of the 7 Kingdoms. Thus, the Zhao army marched towards Bayou under Lu Bu who led a 200,000 army to conquer northern Qin.