Things since forging an alliance with him had been going smoothly.

The odd battle for regaining territory, regaining control over surrounding towns and cities. Each battle was hard, but it was all well fought in the end.

Tell of Zhang Xiu and his forces surrendering reached the upper echelon of Cao Cao’s army. The Lord himself and his officers had gathered round in the strategy room, with an audience of Zhang Xiu himself. A banquet they said, as a gesture of hospitality and good will.

Cao Cao took this opportunity, but in his wisdom, he saw it as a way to possibly gain advantage. But he went alone. And that soon turned against him.

Zhang Xiu had his forces siege an attack on Wan Castle, hoping to catch Cao Cao. But thankfully word reached base. From then on, the battle was fought. A clash of two armies. But one prevailed. Cao Cao was rescued, but at a cost.

Sacrifices were made for the cause, and you yourself picked up a significant wound.

Finally settled and back home in Xu, he retreated for the night, exhausted from the day’s events and the battle for survival. You knew him well, well enough to see that the toll of losses weighed on him. The loss of Dian Wei, and even his son… Not only that, but it was only recently he lost his father too. Via assassination.

Still nursing your wounds, you wandered to his chambers in the late of night. His room was lit by candle, a singular candle on his desk, which he was slumped upon. Rapping your knuckles on the doorframe, his attention was drawn to you.

“… I wasn’t anticipating visitors. Forgive me.”

Gone was the confidence of the Lord, replaced with a softer demeanour.