45A/N: Hey everyone, guess who finally returned to the land of the living!
On a serious note, my apologies that I haven't updated in more than a year; the past year was just…horrible. Series of tragedies had hit my family practically nonstop and it was a very painful and depressing year.
I have anxiety and depression which is just absolutely perfect by the way. Everything has been crap and I'm pretty much struggling with life and I'm not in the best of health too.
I'll be updating again albeit slowly since I am in the process of getting better and hopefully things will get better for my family too.
It really makes me happy though that even though I haven't updated, I still get readers and some follows and favs . A huge thank you from me for that! You have no idea how happy that makes me.
Anyway I've managed to gain some motivation again and made the next chapter! Ugh I reread my fic and the typos I never noticed before just grinds me. Sorry about that :P Anyway hope you enjoy the next chapter!
DW belongs to Koei.
Chapter 14 – Not alone, A new beginning
"Today's the day!" Lijuan Ai jumped up in bed, her head pounding a bit at the sudden movement making her wince but looked up to see a smiling Li Shu Long and a worried Xiu Ling.
"Did you have to wake me up like that?" Ai groaned as she fell back on her pillow. Both women went to her side.
"Are you all right Ai?" Xiu Ling questioned, brown eyes showing concern.
"A bit of a headache, I was startled out of my mind after all." Ai replied dryly as she glared at Li Shu Long, whose smile has yet to falter.
"Sorry Ai, I tried to stop her." Xiu Ling said, apologetic. Ai simply smiled and waved it off.
"Well, today is your wedding day after all. We're here to help you prepare, Cai Wenji and the other girls will drop by later." Shu Long reminded happily. Ai blinked at them then it dawned to her and her eyes widen.
"Oh my god! I'm getting married! Today!" Lijuan Ai instantly felt butterflies in her stomach and she suddenly felt a bit nauseous. "I think…I'm…" Her hand flew to cover her mouth.
"Calm down Ai, everything will be fine. Relax." Shu Long assured as Xiu Ling began rubbing Ai's back comfortingly.
Ai swallowed. "Right, right…I'm getting married…"
"Repeating it isn't really going to change anything."
"Shu Long." Shu Long giggled at Xiu Ling's tone.
"Sorry Ling." Xiu Ling turned back to Ai, who looked a bit pale, no doubt due to nerves.
"There really is no need to be nervous Ai; today is the day that Lord Xiahou Dun and your self will finally become husband and wife." She said happily. Ai, despite her sudden nerves, couldn't stop the smile that came to her lips.
"It will be a new beginning for you both and there is no doubt in my mind that you will have a wonderful and happy marriage." Shu Long said warmly, Ai looked at her.
"Shu Long…are you-"
"Don't worry so much all right?" Shu Long continued to smile. Ai sighed but nodded.
"Now then, it's time for breakfast and afterwards we'll help you prepare for the wedding." Xiu Ling informed clapping once as Ai got up, stretching. Her thoughts drifting, the past few days has been hectic
"Ai. Ai? Hello?" Ai blinked as Xiu Ling waved her hand in front of her.
"Ah yes. Breakfast. Right." Xiu Ling looked at her in worry as Shu Long looked at her.
Ai could vaguely hear Xiu Ling and Li Shu Long talking behind her but she was too preoccupied with her thoughts to bother listening.
The last few days have been hectic and, despite how fun it was in between, stressful. A part of her was wondering how she got through it but she remembered quickly how she was surrounded by people she consider family and friends.
How did someone like her get to be so fortunate?
'I wonder how…they're doing…' Ai thought suddenly before shaking her head, brows narrowing and lips turning into a frown. 'What am I thinking? I shouldn't bother with such thoughts especially about them. They have been nothing but cruel to me, they treated me less than human and made me suffer…so why am I thinking of them now of all times?' Ai sighed. The thought of her so called birth family left a bitter taste in her mouth, a part of her wanted to see them just to see how their doing…she honestly shouldn't care but she wondered what has become of such despicable people like them especially in this times.
'I wouldn't be surprise if some of them somehow ended up dead…' she thought a bit morbidly, how she wanted them to suffer just as she had suffered in their hands but even so, a part of her really did wonder how they were and though inhuman they were to her, they are unfortunately her family and had brought her into this world and if it weren't for them then she wouldn't be where she was now. She could still remember how they often told her that someone like her would never be happy or would ever belong.
'And yet, here I am…' she thought distractedly.
"Ai, watch out." she distantly heard Li Shu Long's light warning, however it was too late and she ended up colliding with someone, she fell back but stopped as a large hand took hold of hers. She blinked and looked up.
"Yu Jin…I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention, thank you for catching me." She stood straighter with his help.
"Is something on your mind Lijuan Ai?" he questioned, his expression calm and firm as always but she could see some concern in his eyes. She inwardly smiled at this, Yu Jin was a very strict man and many fear him yet Ai enjoyed his company and conversations with him are quite enlightening.
It's quite ironic really, the first time they met was…well, Yu Jin wasn't fond of her. It was mainly due to her attire and appearance, he had thought that she was using her wiles to get what she wanted since Cao Cao and the Xiahou men seemed to indulge her and often lets her do what she wants which wasn't really all that bad and was more for their benefit but Yu Jin didn't like how she was.
The tension between them often set others on edge until that one day that Ai got angry at Cao Cao and the others and she had lashed out at that one arrogant officer that insulted her, it was quite the sight and had cemented some fear into the men that Ai was not just a pretty face.
It didn't sit well with Yu Jin and confronted her a few days after when she was alone and what a confrontation it was.
Lijuan Ai lost her temper and Yu Jin also lost his temper. The confrontation was explosive and very vocal, Cao Cao and the others would have intervened but hearing how furious Ai was plus Yu Jin, who is known to be a strict yet frightening man, especially since said man was never seen this furious before…well, they valued their lives too. Many had decided it best to leave the vicinity and hope that no one would be found dead at the end of it.
The two clashed and not only in words but ended up crossing blades, the two sparred and even though Yu Jin had Ai beat in strength and not to mention height and reach but Lijuan Ai had speed and cunning plus quite used into fighting against men especially those bigger and stronger than her. The spar lasted awhile until both grew tired not only from fighting but from arguing. They were yelling at each other as they fought and in the end both ended up drained and exhausted, mentally and physically. They had been at it for hours.
Once both had simmered down, their tempers calming. Both felt ashamed and embarrassed, during their yelling matches Ai, due to being appalled by his accusations, had lost it and screamed at him that she was in fact a virgin still and have never bedded a man, thankfully everyone had vacated the area and was away from hearing range. Now that both were calm, both were red and stammering as realization sunk in on how humiliating and childish they were acting.
Regardless, they talked and a lot of things had been brought to light. Yu Jin was ashamed of his accusations and apologized, Lijuan Ai also apologized for all the things she said in her fit of anger. Both looked at each other, looking haggard as they sat on the now messy training ground.
They laughed, the situation had somehow suddenly felt silly and Yu Jin couldn't stop the laughter that burst out of him. It had felt…good.
When Cao Cao and the others came back, they were shocked and utterly speechless to see Lijuan Ai and Yu Jin sitting together having tea and some snacks, talking as if they were old friends, despite both covered in bandages in a few places. They were so very confused and the two new friends found it humorous though Yu Jin found it amusing how jealous Xiahou Dun tends to get when he and Ai would spend time together.
Despite how humorous their reaction was to the two's new found friendship, Cao Cao reaction to the sight of the training grounds was not pretty, he was obviously shocked at first but once he gained his composure, he let loose on Lijuan Ai and Yu Jin, completely forgetting that the two were at each others throats hours ago with their rare but deadly tempers that had even him running. The two accepted the scolding since it was their fault after all, it had amused those that witnessed the scolding as both Ai and Yu Jin kept their heads down in shame. It was a rare sight.
Out of everyone in Wei, Yu Jin is without a doubt one of her closest friends and the only person who knew most of her secrets besides Cao Cao, hell, not even he knew of her…purity. After having blurted that out to Yu Jin, she felt that other secrets couldn't be so bad to tell and in turn Yu Jin had found a close friend and confidant in Lijuan Ai. It was a close friendship that up to this very day has boggled the minds of many in Wei.
"Ai?" Ai blinked, she looked to see concern was now prominent in his features. She inwardly sighed, she really needed to get herself together and not let her thoughts drift.
She smiled, "I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind right now." she assured. Yu Jin nodded hesitantly, he noticed the two women behind Ai, they bowed and went ahead of them leaving them alone; though the woman from Shu was pulling the other one along, both whispering with each other. Ai blinked owlishly, not expecting the two to leave so suddenly but a part of her was glad, she felt like she needed to talk with Yu Jin about her thoughts and now that she thought about it, they hadn't been able to spend time together lately due to how busy and crazy the days have been lately, she was either mostly with Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, Liu Bei or with Li Shu Long and Xiu Ling.
Ai felt guilty. She must have made Yu Jin feel lonely, he would never voice it out but she had a feeling.
"Do you want to talk?" she looked up at him, he smiled at her. Ai felt her eyes water a bit and an emotion of guilt and sadness rose within her. She didn't want to make it seem that she only talked with him just to confide her problems but…
She really needed her close friend right now.
"Yes." He grew alarmed at the sight of her watery eyes.
"Come." He held out his arm which she took and the pair walked off, even as Yu Jin felt the slight tremor of Ai's body. He didn't say a word.
"I'm sorry." was the first thing Ai had said as both sat down out in the gardens, where a table and chairs were set out. There was also some food there and Ai wondered if Yu Jin had planned this ahead to spend time with her.
He looked at her before smiling. "There is no need for apologies." He assured as he took a sip of his tea. Ai swallowed; her eyes still in the verge of bursting into tears.
"It's all right Ai, you need not hold back." And Lijuan Ai burst into tears. All the stress, the emotions and everything just became overwhelming. Ai had thought she was fine but hearing those words from Yu Jin, her best friend had made her realize that she was far from all right.
"I'm such a terrible person Wenze…" she sobbed, she felt him sit beside her and rub her back. She then went and told him everything; the emotions she had kept bottled inside, about Lady Huang Long before and after (not mentioning of Huang Long being a god or Shu Long's gift) of how she felt so selfish, how she felt towards her so called birth family and the darks thoughts she had, the incident at Wan Castle, the stress of the wedding, the fear that she would not make a good wife and mother and that the marriage might fail, how she was a terrible friend for not spending time with him and so on. So many things she kept in were brought up.
"I think that you are too hard on yourself Ai." Yu Jin spoke after giving her some time to breathe and calm herself. He looked up at the peach trees, its petals falling. "You are human, it is normal for you to have such feelings. You try so hard to help everyone that you forget about yourself. You always do your best to be perfect in everyone's eyes and you don't realize that you have been exhausting yourself. You have reached your breaking point when you realized that getting married will truly make you vulnerable to your partner." Ai looked at him, eyes wide.
"I…"
"Growing the way you have, you had no choice but to be strong in order to survive. You learned to rely only on yourself and no one else." He turned to her. "But now, you are with family and friends; you may not realize but everyone is worried about you. We can see the heavy burden you carry and we know that eventually such a weight will became too much to bare."
"I didn't…want everyone to worry." She whispered, looking down at her hands. These hands that she could remember were once covered in numerous cuts, bruises and dirt as a child. She looked up as she felt Yu Jin place his hand on her shoulder.
"You do not have to shoulder everything by yourself Ai; we are all here for you. No matter what, we are here to support you. You are not alone. Not anymore." Ai froze, the words echoing in her mind and Ai raised a trembling hand to place it over Yu Jin's, he took hold of it and squeezed it back in assurance.
"I didn't realize…"She closed her eyes. "I told myself that as long as the people I held dear were happy then I am happy but…" she opened her eyes and smiled forlornly. "Coming here to Wei…falling in love…it has been hard for me and I hesitated, I was insecure and I was afraid. A part of me still feels that I am undeserving of such happiness and that this may all be just a dream."
Ai looked away as she frowned. "I didn't realize it at that time since I was so happy that Dun asked me to marry him. I felt truly elated but after a while my thoughts began to get away from me and I began to panic. I hid it, making sure no one would see especially since everyone seemed so happy and excited about it." she sighed. "Dun was worried that he wouldn't be good enough for me, but what if I'm the one not good enough for him? I'm just an abomination, so much that her own family didn't hesitate to treat worse than dirt and use her for their own selfish gain!" Her first clenching as her voice grew loud as she spoke.
"Ai!" she jumped startled and looked at him. His expression was calm but Ai could see a storm brewing in his eyes. "Never talk of yourself like that again. Am I clear?" Ai nodded and she realized that she had almost caused her hands to bleed at how hard she was clenching her fist, the nail marks on her palms stung a bit.
"I'm sorry…I…I didn't mean to go off like that…I know I should move on, It's been years after all but sometimes…the memories just kept haunting me when I least expect it." she whispered.
"You have to let it go Ai; we are all here to help ease such burdens, no doubt it isn't easy but we all must move on. But never forget that this is your home now, you belong here and not in a cage. And there is no doubt in my mind that Lord Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun and everyone here will say the same."
Ai smiled. "I know…"
"Perhaps it would also help you if you were to confront your birth family after all these years." Ai froze at his words; feelings of dread, fear and uncertainty flaring up instantly. She had thought about it numerous times but often just as quickly as it came, she hastily pushed them aside. It was a dark part of her past that she vehemently wished to forget.
"Perhaps…" was all she could say.
"Do not worry, should the day come, never forget that we are here. We will be with you every step of the way." He assured, his eyes showing his determination.
Ai felt warmth envelope her and felt her chest lighten. She closed her eyes as a tear fell but this time, of happiness and relief.
"Thank you Wenze…I am truly blessed to have you as a friend." Yu Jin smiled.
"And I feel the same way." She smiled, they both sat there enjoying the silence when they heard a small rumble, successfully breaking the heartfelt moment. Ai's face flushed as Yu Jin let out a sound from the back of his throat which eventually turned into chuckles and then laughter.
What a way to break the tense atmosphere…
Ai was mortified, her face burning in humiliation. "Stop laughing, it's not funny Wenze!" her hand flying to her stomach. Then another rumble came, only a bit louder. Yu Jin's laughter stopped, Ai blinked then she giggled and soon broke into laughter.
Yu Jin coughed with cheeks slightly pink. "Shall we have breakfast then?" Ai looked at him, he looked back; both staring at each other in silence before they burst into laughter.
If anyone passed by and saw these two, they would think they had both lost their minds. At the moment though, neither cared if they were seen or heard.
Ai stopped in the corridor nearing her room, arm still hooked around Yu Jin's. She could hear Li Shu Long and some of the girls inside, talking excitedly about the preparations and the wedding. She felt anxiety rise in her and her stomach doing flips again.
"Ai?" she looked up at Yu Jin and gave a weak smile. He chuckled.
"Nervous?"
"It's obvious isn't it?"
"It is natural. I assume the nerves have increased tenfold since our lord decided to make it a large celebration."
"…I tried to tell him not to make it so…extravagant. I'm quite certain all of China is aware of my wedding." He chuckled at that as Ai huffed.
"And I'm certain Xiahou Dun feels the same as you?"
"Yes, he tried but it seems he is powerless against Mengde. He is quite a force when he wants something." Ai mumbled.
"Shouldn't you be going in?" Ai tensed. Yu Jin sighed. "Ai."
"I know…I just…this is a once in a life time moment. Going through with this means a large change in my life, there's no going back and-"
"Are you changing your mind? Do you doubt your feelings as well as Xiahou Dun's?"
"No! I love Dun, more than anything…and I know that he loves me too." Lijuan Ai's reply was instant. Yu Jin smiled.
"Then there is nothing to fear." Ai looked at him, her expression softening.
"You really are too good to me." He chuckled.
"Hmm. I'm glad you think so."
"Now if only I can get you to show this side to other people." She said playfully.
"I'm afraid that will not be happening any time soon or in the future." Ai pouted. Yu Jin smirked.
"You should consider yourself fortunate. You are the only person alive to ever survive an 'encounter' with me and became a close friend." Ai rolled her eyes.
"You have high standards Wenze."
"You passed those standards didn't you?"
"Not without blood, sweat and tears." His gaze softened.
"It was worth it." she looked up at him and smiled softly.
"Yes…very much so." a comfortable silence settled between them.
"How are you not afraid of me Lijuan Ai?" he said in a low voice suddenly that Ai almost missed it.
"Why should I be?"
"You know why." Ai scowled.
"Wenze, you are a strict and intimidating man, one who feels strongly about discipline and honor. There is nothing wrong with that. Many fear you but many respect you as well. It's everyone else's fault if they are too afraid to approach you and try to befriend you."
"Ai…"
"You'll always have me too Wenze, I may be getting married now but I will always be your best friend. Don't hesitate to talk to me all right?" Yu Jin sighed but smiled.
"Of course, Ai." Her eyes narrowed.
"Promise?"
"I promise." Both chuckled, Yu Jin began to walk, pulling Ai along. She had tensed a bit but relaxed.
"I shall be seeing you later then." Ai nodded and slowly let his arm go but before Yu Jin could turn away; Ai went and wrapped her arms around his waist, embracing him tight. His arm went around her shoulder; he was a bit startled at her sudden embrace but returned it.
"Thank you Wenze…thank you." She whispered softly, He closed his eyes and sighed as they stayed like that for a moment before both pulling away.
"You had better go." Ai nodded, she smiled at him before going in. Yu Jin could hear their excitement as she entered. The door closed and he sighed again before turning to walk off.
"Yu Jin?" Yu Jin turned and bowed.
"Lord Cao Cao." Cao Cao shook his head.
"None of that Wenze. Walk with me." Yu Jin straightened and nodded. The two men walk in comfortable silence and not long ended out the patio.
"Thank you."
"My lord?" he blinked in surprise.
"We are close to Ai and yet even I, her sword brother, could not completely ease her burdens. I am glad that you have made her realize before it became too much and destroyed her." Yu Jin closed his eyes.
"I promised myself that I would watch over her, what kind of friend do you think I am?"
"A friend in love." Yu Jin froze, eyes snapping open.
"My lord, I…"
"No one else knows but myself." Yu Jin relaxed and sighed. "You hid it very well and it helped that many are intimidated of you to look to closely into your friendship with her. I did however notice the change in you when you were with her."
"Xiahou Dun is truly fortunate…to have the love of a woman such as Lijuan Ai."
"She loves you too, Wenze…just not in the same way as you do." Yu Jin sighed again. He has been doing that a lot lately.
"I know and I'm fine with that…Lijuan Ai has become someone irreplaceable in my life. I will continue to love her, be it as a friend, a brother or whatever she needs. I will be here for her."
"You are fortunate as well…she has many people in her life now and yet, you are the only person she has shown this side of her. I can understand Xiahou Dun's jealousy of you."
Yu Jin smiled sadly. "He shouldn't be. He has her and will always will." Cao Cao looked at him.
"When did you start falling for her?"
"I'm certain you remembered our confrontation?" Cao Cao scowled.
"How can I forget? I'm fairly certain everyone was aware and not to mention how you both completely obliterated the training grounds. I didn't know whether to be shocked or furious." Yu Jin coughed.
"My apologies, my lord." Cao Cao waved him off.
"Its fine, all in the past…continue." Yu Jin nodded.
"You could say I was impressed, no man especially a woman had the guts to actually glare at me, and much less yell at me. Add the fact that she was able to keep up with me as we crossed blades, she was no ordinary woman. She is something else and I found myself attracted to her." He smiled. "I suppose it also interested me more when she was neither afraid nor intimidated of me. There were few times in the past that I was often startled when Lijuan Ai herself would come looking for me just to enjoy my company." Cao Cao listened; he didn't show it but just seeing Yu Jin's expression. He knew he had fallen for Ai hard and he couldn't help but pity the man.
"But I already have a wife and child, so I ignored the attraction I felt but…" he sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Our friendship grew and so did my feelings…an attraction that grew into something stronger. I stopped myself and told myself that I should distance myself from her; I couldn't let her know…But I couldn't hurt her that way, just trying it once and I saw how it had upset Ai…I couldn't do it."
'So that's what that was…' Cao Cao thought as he recalled a memory of Ai, coming to him looking so upset. She didn't say anything and simply stayed with him, reading some of his scrolls but even he could see how she wasn't completely focused into it. It was a long time ago but Cao Cao couldn't forget it since he never knew the reason why she was like that, it had bothered him but decided not to ask Ai since a day after that she was back to being happy so he let it go.
"I cherished our friendship and I knew she did too. So I hid my feelings and I told myself that I would continue to watch over her and be there for her as a close friend."
"She has really changed you, hasn't she?" Cao Cao spoke after a while.
"Yes…she has."
"As her sworn brother, I thank you once again, for caring and watching over her in a way that we couldn't."
"She deserves it. She has done so much for us…it is only right that we look after the person who would do so much for our sake." Cao Cao looked at him.
"You are a good man Wenze." Yu Jin nods, closing his eyes.
"It's beautiful." Lijuan Ai breathed as she softly touched the delicate and beautiful, gold and silver embroidery on the traditional red wedding cheongsam dress with large sleeves and trail. The large gold phoenix crown looked heavy and expensive. Ai was almost afraid to wear it all…
'Mengde…you really went overboard I think…' Ai could almost feel herself sweat just thinking about how much he spent. She knew he was wealthy but still…
"Now let's get you dressed." She looked up and nodded at Xiu Ling, she had looked at the other girls and they looked positively beautiful, all garb in red and all ready.
Ai was silent and let the other girls chatter fill her ears as she let them dress her. Li Shu Long was the one to fix her hair and put on her head piece while Xiu Ling and Lianshi were the one to put on her make up.
"You are making us a bit nervous with how quiet you are Lady Lijuan Ai." Ai blinked as Lianshi spoke.
"My apologies, I am a bit nervous. Don't mind me…hearing you all talk helps calm me down." Ai assured but her fingers were twitching ever so slightly due to her nerves.
"Don't worry Lady Lijuan Ai; the wedding will turn out perfectly." Da Qiao assured. Ai then remembered that the two of them were already married.
"How is it…being married I mean?" she asked the sisters. Both girls smiled.
"It's wonderful! Knowing that you will forever be with the person you love and the he will love you forever!" Xiao Qiao cheerily replied.
"Being married to Lord Sun Ce is amazing. There are ups and downs to it but as a whole, I wouldn't change it for anything. Just knowing that he would always be there to love and protect me makes me happy and as his wife, I will love and do my best for him in turn." Ai stared at her, Da Qiao giggled. "I suppose you will understand it once you are already there."
"I suppose…" Ai replied hesitantly.
"Don't think too heavily on it, too much stress and you'll fall ill." Xiu Ling scolded lightly; she lightly touched Ai's cheek and forehead, surprising her. "You don't seem to be falling ill but you are pale. Do you want me to get you anything?" Ling fussed. Ai blinked before smiling.
"No. But thank you for your concern, mother." Xiu Ling blinked as the other girls giggled.
"Ling's mother instinct knows no bounds." Shang Xiang teased. Ling blushed, realizing what she had just done.
"I-I'm sorry, I got carried away."
"It's fine though now we know that you're ready to be a mother. Lord Sun Jian will be delighted, let me know when the wedding will be, better yet when you'll be having little cubs." Ai teased as Xiu Ling's face burned while the others laughed.
"All right everyone, that's enough. The ceremony will begin soon, so let's finish up." Lianshi spoke up, clapping to get their attention. Xiu Ling sighed in relief as some chuckled.
"You are ready." Li Shu Long announced.
"You look amazing Lady Ai!" Cai Wenji said in awe as they all looked on in marvel at Lijuan Ai. Ai smiled, her cheeks flushing a bit.
"Thank you for your help everyone. I really appreciate all of you for coming here." All smiled at her. Just then knocks came from the door.
"That's our cue; we'll see you out there." Li Shu Long said before embracing her which Ai returned. The other gave their blessings before leaving and in walked Master Hua Tuo, much to her surprise, garb in formal attire for the wedding.
"Father!" Hua Tuo stared at her though, his expression softening and his eyes glistening.
"My dear, you look so beautiful." Hearing those words made Ai's shine with tears. Master Hua Tuo took her hands in his.
"I…Thank you…I didn't know you were coming…I thought that you-"
"Wouldn't make it? Hah! And miss my daughter's grand wedding? I don't think so." Ai let out a watery chuckle.
"Now, now. No crying or you'll mess up all the ladies hard work." Ai nodded smiling as she lightly dabbed her eyes with a cloth.
"It seems only yesterday that I meet the scrawny little girl with curious gold eyes, who was following me as I went to gather herbs in the mountains, despite her messy appearance, I could tell that she was special and still is. And look at where she is now."
"Father…Thank you. That time, you could have easily sent me away but instead you called me and ordered me to help you pick herbs, you made me your assistant and took care of me. You have changed my life, I would not be here today nor would I be able to care for many if not for you…Thank you for all you have taught me. I will be forever grateful." Ai bowed and Hua Tuo felt happiness and pride fill him.
"And I thank you for having an old man such as myself a part of your life Lijuan Ai." Ai sniffed as she stood smiling. "Now come, it is time." Ai nodded as she hooked her arm onto his, the doors opened and they walked out.
Ai kept her gaze ahead as they walked the halls towards the grand hall. Her heart threatened to beat right out of her chest, she could practically hear it resonating on her ear and she wondered if her father could hear it too.
"Are you ready?" Hua Tuo spoke as they stood in front of the large double doors.
Behind these doors was her new future, a life to be with the one she loved. She was nervous but she believed in the love they had and in the words and support of her friends and family.
Ai took a deep breath and spoke, "I am ready." Hua Tuo nodded and the servants opened the doors, Ai's vision saw red and she was awed at how gorgeous the grand hall looked. It was decorated in red and gold, everyone was dressed in formal attire and all looked a sight to behold.
She looked and her heart skipped a beat to see Xiahou Dun, he was dressed in a red cheongsam with a Black silk coat decorated with dragon robe. Their eyes met and Ai was almost brought to tears at the emotions of deep love in his eye that was directed at her and only her.
"He is waiting Ai. Go." Hua Tuo whispered, Ai straighten and slowly walked, all marveled at the sight Ai made. As she walked, her eyes only remained to Dun's and only his. She could distantly hear everyone's awe as she walked pass.
"You look absolutely breathtaking." Xiahou Dun breathed as she reached his side and he took her hands to his.
"Thank you. You look remarkable as well." Dun chuckled and they turned to Cao Cao, who was to wed them. He was looking at the pair with happiness and smiled at them.
'We would get through this…together.' she smiled brilliantly at her soon to be husband.
This was a new beginning for Lijuan Ai and Xiahou Dun.
The wedding ceremony was a blur to Ai, they performed the formal rituals, she could have sworn she saw Father Hua Tuo cover his eyes with his sleeve and much to her amusement and Dun's exasperation, saw Xiahou Yuan sniffling but claimed he was 'sweating through his eyes'. Then afterwards the celebration began. She and Dun were showered with blessings and congratulations.
"I am so happy for you two!" Yuan exclaimed as he sniffed. "I never thought I would see that day that Brother Dun would actually find a woman and get married!" Dun groaned a hand going to his face as Ai hid a smile behind her sleeve.
"Dad! Stop crying!" Ba nudged him beside him was a snickering Cao Pi and Cao Ang.
"I'm not crying! I'm sweating through my eyes…" many chuckled at this as Dun sighed and Ai giggled. "What? A man can't sweat through his eyes nowadays? You heathens." Everyone laughed, Ba groaned face falling to his hands in embarrassment, Pi patted his shoulder in sympathy before turning to Ai, smiling.
"Congratulations Auntie Ai. I'm happy for you." Ai smiled and pulled him into an embrace and kissed his forehead.
"Thank you Zihuan."
"Congrats Auntie! You two finally tied the knot!" Ai chuckled as she pulled away from Cao Pi and accepted Ang's embrace. "Now if only I could find a girl like you for myself."
Cao Pi snorted, rolling his eyes. "That will be the day."
"You're one to talk; you don't have a girl either."
"It's because I'm not looking. She'll appear in my life eventually." He replied calmly, Ang laughed.
"Oh yeah? When you're old and grey?" Pi raised a brow and opened his mouth to retort.
"Boys." Ai warned, she just knew an argument was about to happen and she wasn't going to tolerate that, not on her special day.
"Sorry Auntie." The two said in unison, Ba grinned.
"Ah I see…you both want a woman like Auntie, one that will easily keep you both under her thumb." Ba stated. Ang and Pi stared at him before looking at each other and nodding. Ba blinked.
"Uh guys? What-Gyaa! Ow! Ow! Leggo!" Ba yelped, flailing as the two each grabbed his cheeks and pulled hard. Ai and the others close by laughed at their antics. "Waaaaiiii ma cheekss?!" Ba whined, trying to the stop the two from further stretching his face.
"Can I call you mommy now?" Pi and Ang stopped tormenting Ba, much to his relief, to see a grinning Xiahou Mao.
"Yes, you can."Ai chuckled.
"Mommy!" he cheered cheekily and raising his arms towards Ai for a hug, the others had to laugh.
"Brat. You're an adult, act like it." Dun grunted as Ai laughed, as she accepted the hug.
"Don't ruin the moment Dad, you have no idea how long I've been waiting for this and I'm a teen. It's acceptable to be childish still." Dun glared at his grinning son. His attention shifted as Cao Cao approached them.
"Never thought I would see the day Yuanrang, I'm glad." Cao Cao spoke, placing a hand on Dun's shoulder. Dun smiled at him, nodding.
"Thank you Mengde…though I still say that you went overboard with the whole thing." Dun grumbled as Cao Cao smirked; he turned to Ai and softened.
"You are a sight to behold Ai." Ai smiled serenely.
"Thank you brother…for everything." She went and embraced him which he gladly returned.
"You watch over Dun, he can be reckless and stupid when his temper gets the better of him but he loves you and will always protect you." He whispered. Ai nodded.
"I will." With that they pulled away. Cao Cao turned to the guests as he grabbed a cup of wine.
"Now then, let us enjoy this joyous occasion! We shall all feast and be merry til the crack of dawn while the happy couple shall celebrate in private!" Cao Cao announced, raising his cup in the air as everyone cheered and laughed some hooting. Both Ai and Dun's face flushed red.
"Mengde!" Dun exclaimed. He didn't need to announce that! Cao Cao was too crass sometimes.
Ai waved to the towns people as she and Dun were in a carriage, they were to stay in Luoyang for their honeymoon courtesy of Cao Cao. The people all looked so happy and excited, she could hear many yelling their congratulations and blessings towards them and Ai couldn't help but be happy about that.
"In this chaotic world, you have brought a small measure of sunshine in my life. I hope that you will always be by my side." Ai turned to Dun surprised at his sudden heartfelt words, her eyes softening as he smiled softly at her. "I never expected to have a family of my own. I promise to give my life in order to protect you if need be." He promised.
Ai felt her heart jump to her throat, while the promise was touching; it had also lit a spark of fear in her but she inwardly shook it off, she reached and took hold of his hand.
"As your wife, I promise to do my best for you, stay by your side no matter what and support you in whatever path you choose to take. So please…don't ever leave me." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and nodded.
Lijuan Ai would make sure that his promise will not come to pass.
Luoyang Castle
The trip to Luoyang was, fortunately, peaceful but nonetheless exhausting.
Ai felt nerves kick in as they both entered their room. She began to remove the pins and holding up her hair, thankfully the Phoenix crown was removed before with help from the servants. Knowing what was to come had Ai easily brush aside her exhaustion.
She was nervous as this was to be the night that she would give herself to Dun.
'W-What do I do?' Ai mentally fretted. She looked at Dun and blinked in surprise to see him, looking away. By the tensing of his shoulders, she could see him looking nervous too. It had helped ease her as she realized that she wasn't the only one nervous of this whole thing.
"Um…" Ai started, Dun looked at her and she blushed, looking down. She waited and only looked up when he gently took her hand and began to guide her to bed. She gripped his hand tighter; he paused and looked at her.
"I…I've never…uh…" she stuttered, trying to let him know. Though the widening of his eye seemed to confirm that he understood and he smiled at her, elated at the thought that he would be her first and no doubt last. He gently pulled her close to him, wrapped his arms around her.
"It's all right Ai, I'll be gentle." He whispered as he gently kissed her forehead making her blush. Ai nodded nervously, she closed her eyes as she felt him continue to trail kisses on her, his lips found hers which she returned wholeheartedly as she absentmindedly felt him untie her robe and said robe slipped delicately from her shoulders to reveal her milky smooth flesh. Her nerves forgotten as feelings of pleasure and love overwhelmed her senses.
End of Chapter 14
Done! I didn't write any lemon since I am not really good at it so just use your imaginations ok? By the way DW 8 empires is just so awesome, inspiration kicks in and ideas just floods my brain and gets me so excited! :D
Yu Jin, I really like the guy and along with Zhu Ran, Xun Yu and Fa Zheng, became an instant favorite! I was on a roll with this chapter and the whole Yu Jin bit just came out of nowhere! I surprised myself too lol. I love the guy and I just had to put him in the fic! Honestly though when I played DW 8 extreme legends and played the Wei parts, I instantly felt for him. He seemed kinda lonely to me you know?
I pretty much just skipped the actual wedding rituals, I did some research on it and there just seems to be too much going on for me to write it all. It's a bit of hassle so sorry. :P
I made the chapter long to make up for not updating for a long time. So I hope you enjoy this chapter and I gotta say that it's a bit emotional, I guess my mood kinda got into it too. :P I'm a bit of a mess right now but gotta keep moving forward!
Again I would appreciate some reviews to let me know what you think plus it really helps motivate me to keep going. Thanks again to all my readers and for those of you that kept coming to read my first ever fic! Til next time!