(no subject)
I.
The moon was just the barest curve of light in the midnight sky.
Zhou Yu stood near the small fish pond in the elaborate courtyard, head tilted upwards, observing the night sky. The slight shift of wind blew several strands of his inky black hair across his pale cheek.
He didn’t move at the sound of quiet footsteps behind or the sudden voice that interrupted his quiet contemplation.
“Lord Zhou Yu.”
Zhou Yu turned to look at the man who was bowing respectfully, eyes lowered. It was one of the soldiers he had sent to patrol and gather information from areas outside his immediate influence.
He motioned for the man to straighten with a gesture, “Any news?”
“Chancellor Kong Rong has broken the siege at Duchang.”
This caused Zhou Yu to straighten, fixing his gaze directly on the man before him, “Go on.”
The man bowed once more in acquiescence, “As you predicted before, my lord, the Chancellor’s supplies had been running low and they were getting desperate. According to inside sources, a general serving under Lord Kong Rong rode out with a small escort, breaking through the enemy lines. They brought back thousands of reinforcement troops from Liu Bei of Pingyang and successfully broke the siege.”
Zhou Yu’s brow was slightly furrowed as he took in the information, “Just one general?”
“Yes, my lord.”
Zhou Yu allowed his interest to show, “Do we know who he is?”
“Taishi Ci of Donglai.”