He stood over a rather large field, watching as men sparred left and right, simply as a part of their training.  As he observed them, he felt satisfied; these men he had raised since day one of their gathering had never looked better.  One day, surely, they will be able to showcase their immense growth on the actual battlefield.

Just then a messenger approached from behind and called out to Jian.  He turned to answer his call and glanced at the lowered head of the younger lad.  ”My lord,” he began, “there is one who requests an audience with you.”

Jian arched a brow.  Someone was here to see him?  Unexpected, indeed. “Very well, lad.  And who may this one be?”  he asked, curious.  The boy kept his head down as he answered. “Lord Cao Cao, mi’ lord.”  Jian rubbed his stubbled chin as he recalled the memory of this lord.  Yes, the name was indeed familiar to him as he has heard it a handful of times during his days serving under Yuan Shu.

But what could this lord of the north possibly want with one such as himself? Jian dismissed the messenger, but not before requesting another favor.  ”Call my son, Ce, out as well.  Tell him that I would like for him to meet Lord Cao Cao.”

With that, Jian left the training grounds and immediately headed towards the building where Cao Cao awaited his arrival.  Perhaps I should change into a more presentable outfit, he thought.  But to get out his light armor and into a more casual outfit would take time. Time that he did not want to keep any of his guests waiting.

Alas, he entered the large room as another messenger announced his arrival to the waiting lord.  It was not at all hard to find Cao Cao as the color of his clothing greatly contrasted with the palette of his surroundings.  ”Cao Cao!” Jian greeted, calling out to the other.  ”A surprise it is to see you.”  He gestured to the chair behind the man.  ”Do have a seat and make yourself comfortable.”  Jian still had not an ounce of an idea what the lord could possibly be here for, but he figured once they were all comfortable, he would surely let Jian know.

Ce hadn’t given much thought to the sudden commotion that had erupted throughout home; he had been busy trying to stave off a round of boredom. He had gotten so bored he had even considered finding Zhou Yu and asking him what the hell was that whole deal on poetry or classics. Whatever. He had settled on deciding to find Zhou Tai and see if he wanted to have a drink or two—Zhou Tai wouldn’t mind his company—but a boy almost falling over into his room derailed that plan.

“What’s the hurry?” Ce asked, raising an eyebrow.

“My lord! Your father, lord Sun Jian would like you to go him!” the boy replied hurriedly, bowing.

“What would my old man want?” Ce wondered this time and on point the young boy answered again.

“He would like you to meet Lord Cao Cao!”

Now that caught his interest. Why would Cao Cao be all the way over here? What could he want with his old man? Not needing to ask anymore question he gave his thanks to the boy and quickly made his way toward his father. That boy certainly wasn’t lying; Cao Cao was indeed here in their home.

“You wanted to see me, old man?” Ce finally said.

As the Tiger of Jiang Dong had offered him a seat—to which Cao Cao bowed his head politely to—he chose to do otherwise. Shifting a hand to raise his palm defensively, the revered general declined Sun Jian’s offer, partially because he didn’t intend to stay long; however simple pleasantries were unneeded, especially when the conversation dealt with an on-coming war. If Sun Jian was not going to join—let alone take his side as he aimed to do, then he could not waste his time failed preparations.

“I will not keep you long,” he mentioned immediately, giving an excuse as to why he did not seat himself. Cao Cao was not a patient man. If he wanted something, he’d strive for it, not wait until it fell into his lap. He would work for what he wanted, and he would do so for as long as his health and overall lifespan permitted. “I came to ask—” He began, however the abrupt appearance of a particular tiger was rather unexpected… Though it did pique his interest and shift his thoughts. The Little Conqueror… His title said it all. If Jian was unwilling, then surely his son would attempt to sway him otherwise. “Ah, the son of the Tiger.” He stated simply with Sun Ce’s arrival, a small, uncharacteristic smile briefly gracing Cao Cao’s lips. He, however, averted his attention thereafter to look back to Sun Jian. “A tiger he may be. I see he is worthy of such a title.”

“However, I would like to ask for your assistance.” His arms came to shift behind him; fingers lacing together against his lower back as his eyes bronze eyes closed briefly. “As subjects loyal to the Han and the emperor, I wish to assure his safety.” A momentary lapse of silence followed thereafter; eyes snapping open abruptly to scan his surroundings and the men before him.

“I’m well prepared—however, I’m certain the Yuan family is as well.” He confirmed, nodding his head before continuing, “I wish to secure Hebei, again, to assure the Emperor Xian’s safety. The capital has already been relocated to Xu for his own protection. Without the threat of Yuan Shao pressing south, I’m quite certain he will be able to rest soundly.”

Old friends fighting… What a pity. Was it really necessary?

Well, yes. It was, actually.

Yuan Shao controlled the Hebei region; just north of Cao Cao’s claimed territory over the Yellow River. For quite some time, both warlords stood in the way of the other’s ambition and ultimately stagnated progress. Whatever  superficial friendship they had in the past was vanishing, and now that Yuan Shao’s desires were in the way of his own, Cao Cao needed to cut him down. With Emperor Xian under his protection, that amongst many other things was made possible. 

Unfortunately for Cao Cao, however, his forces were… Well, not up to par with Yuan Shao’s massive army. He was confident regardless, but he wasn’t stupid. An extra pair of capable hands would do him no harm; in fact, he welcomed them at this point, just so long as they could be trusted. There was no greater insult than to be betrayed in such a way, especially when the demand for manpower was so crucial for his success. Although Cao Cao currently had the upper hand with most of the territory to the south of Yuan Shao, as mentioned, he was lacking in number. Thus, he traveled south for assistance… If he’d be graced with it, of course.

Approaching the gates of Jiangdong, Cao Cao dismounted his stallion and jumped to the ground. The small unit he approached the city with stayed behind, though he remained safe with the few trained soldiers in indigo garments trailing behind. Unfortunately, one of the very few men he trusted whole-heartedly needed to remain behind, and so Cao Cao’s very life was put in the hands of more common soldiers… Well trained common soldiers, mind you.  Regardless, it was for times like these that he realized the need for bodyguards. He’d have to hire some in the near future.

Stepping forth into the Wu capital, the dark eyes of the ambitious warlord immediately headed for the central building; ascending steps lined with armoured soldiers holding dozens of waving crimson banners. He did not dawdle, nor did he once pause to in his quest to seek an audience with Sun Jian. He had a mission to complete within a very limited time frame. He could not afford to waste any time.

Once at the peak of the stone-carved staircase, he paused before two sentinels. With protected heads and hidden faces turned and staring down upon him, Cao Cao lifted his head and spoke aloud. They desired a reason to allow him to proceed any further, and that he’d give them. Guarding spears were lifted and allowing his entrance into a structure dressed in loud-coloured silks and golden ornate fixtures; all of which contrasted his much darker, conservative state of dress. He was starkly out of place; a man so cold in such a warm, welcoming environment.