Recommended Listening: [Yi Bo Yuntian – By Digital Crafter & Shang-Feng Yang]
At some point, Sun Ce had been distracted. The current affairs of the court seemed to fall far in the back of his mind for now he couldn't tear his gaze away from his sworn brother.
Under the lantern lights hung high on every pillar in the court hall, he noticed Zhou Yu's focused yet delicate features. It was strange how the Chief Strategist was fluid like water, still like the night sky and graceful like the moon, but his mind was cunning and sharp.
His skin was pale like snow, and his deep crimson eyes like blood held so much more than what he showed on the surface. He seemed to command something both dark and enticing in one breath.
Were the rumours true? That the feared Gongjin ate the heart of a demon in his youth to gain extraordinary power?
It intrigued Sun Ce to no end.
How could a man like Zhou Yu be so beautiful yet dangerous at the same time?
And Zhou Yu was no oblivious fool to the way Sun Ce was staring at him. Without even turning to look at the young warlord, he discreetly reached under the table and took his hand gently.
'Focus, sweetheart,' Zhou Yu murmured internally, but outwardly, squeezing Sun Ce's hand was enough to remind him to pay attention to the discussion.
Sun Ce felt an unnatural spark spiral through him. Zhou Yu's touch was cold, yet so familiar. He almost didn't want their contact to break, but his sworn brother pulled away afterwards.
'He touched me…' Sun Ce thought to himself, feeling the spot where Zhou Yu touched him ache.
The young warlord was only taken away from his thoughts when Lu Xun came forward.
"One force rides under the Wu banner to join the Northern coalition," Zhou Yu stated, clasping his hands behind his back. "The second force advised by us will secure the escape channels and ensure that Dong Zhuo cannot retreat South or corrupt the river routes."
Sun Jian nodded thoughtfully. "Was that the reason you brought along your own troops? It seems you had everything well thought out and planned in advance. You have little need for this council."
Zhou Yu saw no reason to answer or explain himself.
"A strategist does not wait for the hour of chaos to begin planning his moves," Lu Xun spoke, approaching the map and laying down markers near Xuchang province, Wan, and the Han River. "If we station our fleet along the Han river, we choke Dong Zhuo's escape. If the coalition marches from the north and we from the southeast, we squeeze Luoyang in a vice."
"If we control Hulao Pass," Zhou Yu added, his gaze directed at Sun Jian. "And the natural eastern gate to Luoyang, we'll deny Dong Zhuo any reinforcements. We can mask our fleet's movements under the guise of transport vessels to avoid suspicion.
Zhou Yu had fought this battle a hundred times over by now. He knew every tactic and intention of the enemy and Dong Zhuo always navigated the battle of Hulao Gate with the same strategies.
Zhou Yu had the upper hand as always; hence, he was certain that their forces would achieve victory.
Even many of the generals murmured in agreement, impressed by the joint tactics of Zhou Yu and Lu Xun.
But there was Sun Jian still held his scepticism, folding his arms. "And if the Lushan rift stirs while we're divided?"
Zhou Yu's expression darkened. "Lushan is my task alone. Lu Xun will lead the naval fleet to choke Dong Zhuo's escape. The Northern coalition is under Yuan Shao's command, but he shares my strategy and will follow through."
Sun Jian's gaze narrowed. "So you have convened with him already."
"I believe the Chief Strategist was right to do so." Sun Ce intervened, holding his father's gaze steady. "We have much to thank him for since he convened with Yuan Shao on our behalf, Grand General. It has saved us time and resources."
Sun Jian, disgruntled, clenched his fist on the table. "Very well. But Lushan is not a matter that can be dealt with alone; I insist that Sun Ce accompanies you, Chief Strategist."
Having Sun Ce in the midst of devilry was the last thing Zhou Yu ever wished for; in fact, it was never part of his wishes to begin with.
What sense was there in keeping his distance all these years if Sun Ce was going to be shoved right into the hands of the very demons that Zhou Yu was trying to protect him from?
Beside him, Sun Ce noticed his sworn brother's hesitation. Zhou Yu was no doubt completely opposed to the idea. But why? Did he truly not believe him capable at all?
"I will deal with Lushan alone," Zhou Yu repeated, his hands clasped more tightly than before. "Demon energy is no trifling matter that can be handled by those with inexperience. It would do more harm than good to expose anyone other than myself to its nature."
Sun Ce turned to his father. "Grand General, Lushan was placed under my charge after its predecessor had been lost to the rift. As its lord, I must be a part of the investigation and solution."
Zhou Yu didn't take well to that. He cast a sideway glance at the young warlord, knowing full well how stubborn and persistent Sun Ce would be.
"Sun Ce will accompany you," Sun Jian insisted again. "Your word holds value but not law here, Gongjin."
And that was true. Whatever he advised as a strategist would be considered but not set in stone. Sun Jian held the final decision in every matter.
"As you wish, Grand General," Zhou Yu agreed, his hardened gaze cast downward.
There was a beat of silence in the court hall before one of Sun Jian's most trusted officers, Huang Gai, spoke. "This strategy is risky… but it has teeth. This strategy can work well if we coordinate with the Yuan and Wei forces."
"Then it is settled." Sun Jian stepped back, striking a gold-hilt dagger in the middle of the map. "Lu Xun will lead the naval fleet and I will lead the Wu forces to seize Hulao gate." His gaze flickered to the young strategist. "Do not disappoint your mentor, boy."
"He will not." Zhou Yu advocated confidently.