The Final Day of a Hero [Sima Yi]

[Sam]

Cao Cao had done very little since the night he heard about Zhang Liao's death, he had been bedridden both with grief and the weight of his age. His household staff had never ceased their eyes, ever watchful for the King had suffered numerous seizures from recurring nightmares for the past week; but those seemed to be the least of his problems as his headaches had returned and didn't go away easily, but became more frequent and painful and required higher doses of counter-medicines.

Cheng Qi had been watching the progression of his lords health mostly from the shadows, a silent watcher, utterly miserable - though he scarcely let his feelings show, they generally escaped in form of sighs.

Cheng Qi had many sleepness nights for the past week or so, and had spent much of his time in the King's residence, caring for him through the nights while he was unable to find sleep. The King's life was nearing it's conclusion and it pained Cheng that he could do nothing to alter such things.

For he now was also living on borrowed time, time borrowed from the doctors constantly guarding his lord from his health problems. Cao Cao was the only one keeping him alive. The servants of Wei couldn't tolerate this man, hewas high in the favour of the King, but he had no love from the man's heir, nor did he seek it. The moment Cao Cao was proclaimed dead, his own life may soon draw to a unnatural end.

On this particular night, Cao Cao had suffered another shooting pain beneath his scalp and had to be put out with a heavy dose of drugs, just to find any sleep. For the first time in his nearly three decades Cao Cao was no longer the master. Cheng Qi hated that fact, the fact that the one man he looked up to was losing his grip on survival. The man who had evaded death on so many an occassion, Puyang, Wan, Huarong, the Wei River to name some.

Cheng Qi sat relaxing on the floor, leaning against the side of his lord's bed, a couple of documents lay beside him, he was reading another under the light of a candle on a bed-side table. It was one of those sleepless nights again.

He was reading a document detailing Sun Quan's advance into Shouchun and the subsequent advance of Shen Ha to Er Ba Zhen to meet the Wu army. Sun Quan's timing couldn't be better... Cheng flicked through the document, ten-thousand elite troops of Wu were in on the attack, led by Sun Quan himself. The boy is learning... Cheng Qi had personally assigned sixteen-thousand troops to Hefei to hold off the attack, with the recent battle against Ma Chao and the chance of another battle, all they he could spare was some unseasoned northern troops from He Bei, likely not the match of Sun Quan's elites.

Cheng Qi threw down the document with the others and stretched his legs outward. Just then his lord stirred, and he turned his head back to look. His lord's head rolled over to the side and opening his eyes, he saw Cheng Qi. He spoke wearily with much effort and ailed breathing, "Fengyi. What time is it?" Cheng turned and knelt by the bedside and replied softly, "It's still the middle of the night m'lord, get yourself some more sleep." "Zhongda?" "Not yet..." Cao nodded softly and closed his eyes once again and was once again sleeping within moments.

Cheng Qi turned around and sat back down again, he set his head back on the side of the matress and without realising it dozed off into sleep of his own.

* * *

Cheng awoke into silence. He stumbled to his feet and gathered his bearings. His lord was still asleep, judging by the light coming through the shutters the sun was fresh in the sky, but it was raining with little clouds to see. He stretched his arms with a yawn and staggered to the door - still just waking up.

He had slept heavily and soundly, an attendant addressed him, "Morning master Cheng, we are about to wake the lord would you like a drink?" "Yes, but don't wake the King, let him sleep." The attendant quickly produced a cup of water from a tray she was carrying, Cheng took it from her small hand and quickly gulped it down, and handed the cup back to her.

He proceeded down the hall, readjusted his official robe for more comfort, he wasn't wearing a hat, and hadn't washed in days, bags of exhaustion were under his eyes as he left, as he passed down the corridor leaving the residence he called to a serving girl, "Any word from Sima Yi?" "He called earlier but since you were sleeping we did not dare let him in."

Cheng passed the arch and strode through the reception and banquet hall, and came outside the residence, and said to one of the guards, "Go and summon General Sima now.", a guard broke off to do so; while Cheng left the cover of the eaves of the palace and walked into the fresh rain, and let it wash his face. From where he stood, he could see a vast rainbow spanning over one corner of the city.

He soon retreated into the residence to take up his official hat and tidy himself up a bit, while he waited for Sima Yi. Who following his victory at Qishan had been recalled at the King's request. Cheng knew why, but he kept that reason between himself and the King. Cao Pi had also been summoned. Zhang Liao would have also been summoned, if he was a live and there wasn't an army bearing down on the eastern front.

Cheng Qi took up a seat in the reception hall to wait for Sima Yi's arrival after he had dressed himself up in a fresh attire. This was the day, the day he felt it would all end, he had a gut feeling that Sima Yi was here just in time. Cheng was inwardly depressed for upon Cao Cao's death, his hour glass could also run out at any moment...

[Sima Yi]

While the capital of the Han Dynasty at Xuchang was in turmoil under the powerful rule of interim regent Cheng Qi, who had taken over rule of the kingdom Cao Cao established as he battled his illness, Sima Yi was thriving in the west. The east was shattered by the rumors of an ailing Mengde and Cheng Qi’s hard rule and Zhang Liao’s death and Sun Quan’s war. In the west, Sima Yi was being paraded a victorious hero. His enemies, be they Ma Chao the Stalwart or Kang Ren the mute bandit, he defeated them.

Sima Yi had just returned to Chang’an the victor of a bloody battle along the ridge of the Ye valley and the mouth of the Han River. The tactical deployment of his men left his enemy to go nowhere but forward, into the jaws of Sima Yi’s army, where he crushed them. Upon returning to Chang’an, he lessened the country by one evil marauder. He rewarded Kang Ren for aiding him in battle and punished him for being a criminal both in one day. Unfortunately for the mercenary, the punishment outweighed the reward he received.

However cruel the treatment was, the man was a bandit who openly admitted rape and murder before the Imperial General of the West. Sima Yi took his head, and even then thought the man was likely smarter without it. What a fool he was. His people cherished him as a hero for that as well. He was the bane of Shu and the slayer of bandits, a conquering hero and unrivaled general. At least, that’s what his people called him. He did not shy from the people’s popularity. As he was called back to Xuchang, he ordered his banners raised high and large over Wei and Han banners as well. He would not hide his arrogance, even from his king.

However, due to his recent success in defeating both Shu and Kang Ren, Sima Yi decided that he needed a stronger guard. Sima Shi wasn’t a great warrior but a stout mind. He was also Sima Yi’s eldest son. Zhongda needed a great warrior who would give his life for his commander. Sima Yi didn’t want his son to give his life defending him. Deng Ai was soldier enough to fit Sima Yi’s needs, but he was a commander, not a bodyguard. In battle, Zhongda needed Deng Ai fighting on the fronts, not standing a horse beside him barely outside their own camp.

So Sima Yi asked Deng Ai who his greatest soldier was, and told him to bring the warrior to the throne. Zhongda’s men were in the palace and they were prepared to march toward Xuchang in full armor with banners raised. Deng Ai walked in to see Sima Yi in his black helmet with his gold helmet and sword sheathed across his lap. The man next to him was a whole foot taller than him, and just as much wider. His shoulders were massive, and in armor, he looked a giant. He had two swords sheathed at his side and held a large spear in his hand.

“Step forward and tell me your name, warrior.”

Sima Yi held out his hand and the man came to the throne. His face was large and brown, and he had a large and messy beard. His forehead was rather large and his brow was thick. He was not a handsome man, but everything about him said that he was a mighty warrior.

“I am Tzu Zhang.”

He spoke in a deep, raspy voice. Sima Yi applauded, and motioned for the men behind the throne to come forth.

“Mighty Tsu Zhang, do you pledge your life and loyalty to your lord Sima Zhongda?”

“I do”

“Then I have a gift for you. May armor and skull crash before the might of you and this, and may never a man with ill will towards me come close so long as you wield it.”

The present was a mighty weapon. It had a thick wooden shaft and a heavy iron ball at the bottom end, one that could crush a man if thrown with enough force. At the top of the shaft, the blade was made to go in two separate paths. One blade was a large axe-head that protruded from the side and the other was a trident spear blade that came out the top of the shaft. It was a trident battle axe, far too heavy for Sima Yi to even lift, but as Tsu Zhang took it in his large armored hand, he spun it about like it was a mere walking stick.

Sima Yi feared nothing if this man was to be at his side.

Within the hour, the men left Chang’an and made way for Xuchang, the Han capital. Sima Yi was summoned by Cao Cao himself. I am to be rewarded for my victory against Liu Bei, of course. No other course of action would make sense to summon a commander from his post.

Upon arrival, his honor guard entered with him. He made for the palace with only Tsu Zhang, and Sima Shi, for his finest general Deng Ai was sent back to the frontlines to hold his camp and his general Hao Zhao remained in Chang’an to see to the defenses.

Cao Cao seemed to be a ghost in Xuchang. Nobody spoke of him like they did only a year ago when Sima Yi was sent off to Chang’an. He was a hero and a legend, while now he heard nothing of him. When he entered the palace, he motioned toward the guards.

“Bring me the regent Cheng Qi. Tell him Zhongda has arrived in response to the Prime Minister’s summons.”

“I am sorry, General Sima, but Cheng Qi is asleep and not to be bothered.”

“Who are you, puny guard, to waste my time?” Sima Yi spat back. “I have enemies at my gates and under my very heels in the west! I return to the capital to see my beloved lord only to find the kingdom is run by a man who oversleeps and refuses to see honored guests.”

“I mean no offense, sir, but it was requested-“

“Save your insolence, fool, or you will have trouble finding a new head without the ability to see or breathe.”

Sima Yi turned and stormed off, hearing the whimper of the guards behind him. He was furious. It had taken a couple days to march to Xuchang and it would take a couple more to return. How long before the next Shu attack?

Under a request of his new guard Tsu Zhang, Sima Yi and his two men made for a wealthy tavern in the palace district to enjoy some wine while they waited for Cheng Qi to wake. Simply thinking of the current situation made Sima Yi feel the need to chug a full cup. From the other side, a group of bards were singing:

“A bear there was, a bear, A BEAR! All black and brown and covered in hair!”

Sima Yi knew the song. He hated it. Sighing heavily, he was delighted when a man bore the seal of Wei and summoned them to the palace. Sima Yi stood and made sure he had not stupefied himself with wine too much, and made for the palace again.

When he saw Cheng Qi he immediately noticed a strange look upon his face.

“Cheng Qi, it has been too long. It seems you have gotten your wish. With me gone from Xuchang, our lord hears only your voice instead of both of ours. I trust you’ve gotten you way in everything without my voice to dissuade the Prime Minister?”

He spoke in jest with a smile. In truth, as much as Sima Yi and Cheng Qi had disagreed with each other over the years, they were still quite friendly. When they were younger they were both simple advisers who fought their tongues against much more favored ones such as Guo Jia, Xun Yu and Jia Xu. Now, with them dead or aging, they were the favored minds of the kingdom.

“On to business, old friend, what have I been summoned for? Has my lord heard of my victory against Ma Chao, and my slaying of rogues in Chang’an?”

[Sam]

"...Take the Emperor into your custody, use him as your validation to contend for power and honey your commands. Take the fight to Li and Guo and seize this golden opportunity, before someone else realizes it is there."

"It is exactly as I myself have thought. Truly, Cheng Qi, you are my Gan Wu," Cao exclaimed. "I have a need, but I have not found a man with the talents to perform this task. Perhaps you, Cheng Qi, with your ability to see into people and speak the truth, would do me the honor of performing this action, and in doing so, join my cause? What do you say?"

Cheng sweeped up the trim on his robe and dropped steadily to his knees and with clasped hands proclaimed, "When the Lord extends the invitation personally, you know he is a wise one and your services are not misplaced. Your trust and favour will not be in vain, my liege..." With that he bowed in obeisance.

Cheng Qi woke with a start, returning to the present. He was slumped uncomfortably in a chair in the reception hall of the King of Wei's residence. Initial confusion reigned until he realised he had dozed off into a dream. He sat up and leant forward rubbing his eyes with the palm of each hand.

Then he remembered the dream, and saddness grew on him again a feeling the experience of the dream had removed. It had been twenty-five years since he had heard those words, words from the day he joined the King of Wei.

Cheng Qi gripped either chair arm and leant back, almost as if in agony. His time alone was short lived however as a guard approached him, "Master, Lord Sima is here." Cheng Qi relaxed his hands and leaning forward again, getting up on his feet, and moving towards the entrance of the hall, left the memories behind.

Coming out of the residence he saw Sima Yi, looking as grand as ever, dressed to fit his new honours, he wasn't the man Cheng had known from months prior. His recent commision had been received happily he judged. He met Sima with a bow from the waist. Cheng addressed him not as a general, but as an equal; of the whole court there was only Sima Yi and Jia Xu who he could be considered as getting along with, "Zhongda. Well met, apologies for the lack of reception this morning, I had a late night."

Cheng chuckled at Sima Yi's remark and stroking his beard replied, "Very true. With you out on the western front, I no longer have opposition worthy of my concern." It was meant to come off as a compliment, he and Sima Yi both had egos to please. Cheng motioned for Sima Yi to enter, with a command, "Your guards may wait outside, our business is not for their ears."

As they entered the hall, Cheng replied to Sima Yi, "He has heard of the victory at Qishan, I think I speak for him when I say that he hopes that all of these battles won't be as bloody. But the defeat of Ma Mengqi, is definately commendable." Cheng Qi led Sima Yi to a long table in the hall, on which was a fine-detailed box, bearing Imperial seals. Cheng Qi walked over to it.

"Our lord has made a gift of this to you." Cheng's hand moved and rested on the top of the box, to prick Sima Yi's curiousity. He then took it in both hands and without making Sima Yi bow to receive it - as was custom, he simply passed it on to him. It was a position that Cheng wanted, but he knew that Sima Yi deserved it, and it wouldn't harm him to have a friend in high power. In the box was a newly carved seal of a new office, the Prime Minister of Wei.

Cheng Qi had this seal carved a couple of weeks prior, after convincing a reluctant Cao Cao to create the office, anyone with half a brain - nevermind Sima Yi would be able to tell that this was Cheng Qi preparing the move to dispose the Han Dynasty.

"Congratulations my friend."

[Sima Yi]

”My lord Mengde,” Sima Yi said with a cordial and respectful tone, but with a thunder to his voice that demanded an audience. It was a voice mixed with authority and respect that Cao Cao commanded, and Sima Yi’s was all that and more. Perhaps that is why the Prime Minister called him to his council more often, and slowly began leaning on him with dependency. He had noticed when he and his colleagues of tactical minds were giving their advice to Cao Cao that oft times Sima Yi would remain silent as Xun Yu and Jia Xu and Cheng Qi gave their words, but Cao Cao would make no decision without turning an eye to Sima Yi, offering him the floor. It was a simple gesture, but it made Sima Yi feel appreciated, and that was one quality Cao Cao had that most of the warlords he crushed did not have: Great judge of talent and respect for those who deserved it.

“You have conquered all of the central plains and Xu province. You have crushed Yuan Shao to the north and gained He Bei. You have played Liu Biao like a harp and conquered his lands in Jing with his passing. Ma Teng and Ma Chao roared loudly but fell silently in defeat, and Liangzhou is yours as well..”

Zhongda addressed the current state of the kingdom. Cao Cao’s great defeat at Red Cliff was not enough to deter him from his unification of China. In defeat in the south, he saw victory in the north, and now the Chang Jiang made a border. All north of it was his. He was uncontested in power, but the following months would tell the tale of his victory or his short comings. In the south, Sun Quan amassed his power and strengthened himself as a true threat, while Liu Bei stationed his armies in southern Jing while he himself was in Yizhou.

The council was silent around him. To his left sat Cheng Qi and across the round table was Jia Xu. To his right was Cao Cao, who had his arms spread wide over a map of the country. Sima Yi took a quill pen and shaded over all the lands as he addressed them as conquered. Soon the northern half of the map was covered. Cao Cao had more land under his hard control than the Han Dynasty ever truly had. But even then, the southlands and Yizhou could oppose him.

“Liu Bei is not a man to be underestimated, as you know. We cannot offer battle to Sun Quan so long as he can use his rivers to defend him, less we offer another naval battle and risk a catastrophic Red Cliff all over again.

“However, Jingzhou shall offer us a stage to launch our attack. Liu Bei sits in the southern county of Jing, but he does not sit still. He is in Yi Province under the protection of his distant brother Liu Zhang of the imperial family. We have armies launched on Han Zhong and soon enough the western seat of power shall be set around Han Zhong and Chang’an. If we act before Liu Bei, we can launch an invasion into Yi and conquer the last of our enemies swiftly. With Yi, we can turn on Jing and roll Liu Bei up as one does a carpet. A two pronged attack from Xiangyang and Yi would see his end, and then we would have two paths into the Southlands, one of which being quite drier than the mighty Chang Jiang.”

Zhongda stared at Cao Cao, who had his eyes fixed on the map as Sima Yi prevented the path he advised to take. Cao Cao made no response, despite the animate desire within his loyal adviser to take it as wise and act thusly.

It was not Cao Cao, but Cheng Qi, who spoke next.

“Attack Liu Zhang? No, we shouldn’t waste our resources on such a fool. He will fall soon enough after our other enemies bow before us. Sending troops to make a grave at Yi would be a criminal waste of life.”

“If we do not attack Yi, then Liu Bei will-“ Sima Yi spoke, but his voice was drowned out.

“Liu Bei will do what? Attack Yi? Steal the province of his imperial brother? No, Liu Bei is too virtuous of a man to turn steel on kin and turn stolen land into a home. We have been away far too long, my lord. Much has changed in the capital on the home front while we have been making war. The proper course of action would be to turn home after Han Zhong and secure our power from within. Sun Quan will push at us soon, and we can send him back and launch an invasion on his battered forces then.”

As Sima Yi thought out a course of action to take in rebuttal, his attention was shattered as Cao Cao spoke at last.

“Cheng Qi, your words are one with my desires,” He had said the like so often, but rarely had Sima Yi heard them. None could deny Cao Cao was a man of cunning, but much of his success could be credited to his skilled advisors. “We will return to Xuchang after taking Han Zhong, and to strengthen our borders.”

It was only months later that word was received that Liu Bei had taken Yi. Despite this setback, Sima Yi had a wide smile when he heard. He was correct, and Cao Cao would know he had been correct.

---

Sima Yi bowed politely and smiled as Cheng Qi addressed him. I have heard rumors of his harsh rule, but here stands nobody but an old friend, and his courtesy has not ailed him these past years.

Zhongda nodded at his command and turned to tell Sima Shi and Tsu Zhang to leave them to each other’s company, and followed him into a private quarter, passing the guards who were posted outside.

“I do not deny the battle gained me not my most glorious victory, but it was tactically sound. We made camp between mountains and rivers and offered a line of soldiers. There was nowhere Ma Chao could approach but from directly in front of us. Had it not been for the weather, we would have sent him back sooner, but his cavalry did away with my infantry. Nevertheless, it was Ma Chao who fled the field, and Wei banners who marched forward towards Han Zhong.”

Cheng Qi nodded and went on to present a fine box trimmed in gold and bejeweled along the rims and the top. Cheng Qi held on far longer than Zhongda desired, but when he received the box and opened it, he was confused. His brow cocked, mixing curiosity with pride.

“I’ve seen a seal like this before,” He said at last. “One much like this one was given to our lord Cao Cao by Emperor Xian, though his highness did not give it to Cao Cao so much as Cao Cao forced it upon himself. Tell me, Cheng Qi, is this not the imperial Seal of Office for the Prime Minister?”

He looked up to Cheng Qi, but could read the response on his face.

“Cao Cao is the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, and his son Cao Pi shall assume the title by inheritance. I feel as though this seal has more implications and ramifications than the one that was previously handed to me, does it not?”

Sima Yi drew close to Cheng Qi. Their privacy in this room was secure, but he was concerned nonetheless.

“Cao Cao is ill. The whole country knows it. Is this move your doing, or does Cao Pi give the order as well?”

In truth, Sima Yi had known this moment was coming, though he wasn’t expecting it so soon, nor was he expecting to receive such an honor. Cao Cao was the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty and Sima Yi was now the Prime Minister of the Cao Wei Empire. Cao Cao, the Duke of Wei, had no authority to give out a seal to the office of Prime Minister. With each day the Han was dissolving more and more into Cao Wei. This seal would ultimately spell their end.

[Sam]

It was true that Sima and Cheng were often at odds. Their advice often being very unsingular, yet despite this lack of unified stand; they did both serve Cao Cao's ends at times where their individual advice was heeded. The King of Wei knew what he liked and his judgment calls were some of the descisions that got him where he was.

The matter of Liu Bei seizing Yi at the time of his move into the Riverlands to support his kinsman, was only a matter of time. Sima Yi represented the removal of that chance, the chance that Liu Bei would succeed, to catch Liu Bei off guard and catch Liu Zhang and he both unawares. Cheng Qi on the otherhand thought that move too hasty. Liu Bei's rise to power was something Cao Cao had been fearing from the day he met the man.

Cheng Qi knew that by allowing Liu Bei to seize the Riverlands unhindered by the forces of the north, he opened up the issue of Jing once more. For by conquering the districts of Shu, Sun Quan would come a knocking for Jing once more. He had no doubt that Sima Zhongda would eventually appreciate his ploy, however risky. It was a chance that Wei needed to make another definitive move.

Back in the present, Sima Yi approached Cheng Qi on a personal level, business flopping momentarily. Cheng smiled, "Indeed Zhongda. It is in the likeness of the Prime Ministers own seal, but it is not his own." Cheng Qi looked down into the box in Sima's hands, gazing upon the seal. The intention is plan to see, Zhongda will have no doubt realised.

Servants rarely entered the hall, the doors to the outside had been closed and the corridor down into the private quarters was not easy to hear from save the entranceway, which was not often covered by traffic, Cheng knew this from his observations, being here for a long time. He spoke freely, although noticeably, the projection of his voice decreased, "Who would dare to implicate you? And give you trouble Zhongda?" Cheng was more than confident, even if people were disgusted by the move, what would - could, they do?

On top of that Sima Yi had word of Cao Cao. Cheng head slumped downward, and raising his hand and scratching his brow spoke, "I have failed my duty as a servant. Word has leaked?" He sighed. "That's no good."

"I can conceal the truth no longer." Cheng Qi, knowing this was a safe zone spoke without heed to others, anyone dared leak this information? They'd die, simple. "Our lord is indeed ill, but I fear ill is not the right word." Cheng grew uneasy, the thought of Cao's death had constantly been making him feel uncomfortable, both in body and mind. "Dying, would perhaps fit it better. Though I hate to say it."

"It is only this illness that allowed for that office to be created. I-I..." Cheng closed his eyes, and took a moment for himself and then disgusted with himself, forced his words out. "I took advantage of our lords ailments. He can't seem to concentrate very well, so I seized the opportunity to prepare for the succession."

"So no, Cao didn't give the order. I recommended you to fill the office," He gestured to the new seal and then continued, "...after I 'persuaded' our lord. If persuaded is what you can call it." Cheng Qi, felt like shit for what he had done. "Young Master Pi has no idea either. I haven't even informed him of his fathers condition..."

So much wrong rolled into one little inconvinient package. Cheng Qi made an attempt to explain himself. "This move, I have decided all on my own. I've took too many liberties." Cheng Qi bowed his head in shame, "I send out the summons late. The Young Master won't get here in time to see his father off."

"Then he'll no choice but to accept what will be his father's wish. Remove the Han." Cheng Qi had waited for this day for too long, a fresh start. The Han had outlived it's usefulness, as had the authority of the Emperor.

Cheng Qi was implicating the Cao clan through manipulation, but he deemed it necessary. Cao Cao's voice would be followed by his servents, not Cheng Qi's, he may have the power, but he wasn't King, nor would he ever be. A remourseful Cheng Qi ended with, "For my crimes I will surrender my own office, when His Highness passes. I can't bear to continue to serve, when I have wronged my liege. I am no better than a beast."

[Sima Yi]

The seal was large. Larger than any he’d before owned, and larger than any officials in the Han had. Cao Cao’s was just as large, but he was also the most powerful man in the world. It was silver, though Sima Yi doubted it was made of silver. For being as thick as it was, it was surprisingly light. Even in the wooden case that held it, it was no burden on a single hand to lift. A phoenix with a grand wingspan spread out across the seal, with a crest around it. For being a seal of office, it had a great amount of detail.

A seal for a Prime Minister from the Prime Minister. Cao Cao is not giving up his office, he’s stretching beyond his powers to give me my own. The Han was coming to an end and all knew it. It would not be Cao Cao, but Cao Pi to take the throne, and while Cao Pi was Liu Xian, Sima Yi would be Cao Cao.

He had never taken his gaze from the seal as Cheng Qi spoke of his lord’s illness. He merely laughed at Cheng’s woe and spoke to deter it.

“You’ve failed in no duty, master Cheng.” He said, finally bringing his eyes from the seal to his friend, “The people have far too much to speak about during this war. Cao Cao has left the public eye for long enough for suspicion to present itself and nothing against it has been said. They presume, and they presume correctly.

“Besides,” He chuckles, “Cao Cao knew of Zhang Liao and the Wu girl sharing a bed before he was even inside her, I believe. It is a different time in war. No secret is safe, not even a rice farmer’s. But the news of our lord is troubling nonetheless. You and I would be far different people had it not been for him. I will cry when he dies, I think.”

Sima Yi spoke with much emotional gravity behind his words, but his voice was stoic and his face was empty. Cheng Qi stuttered as he spoke of the appointment of Sima Yi as Prime Minister. His lords death was troubling him quite a bit. Cao Cao was very close to Cheng Qi and Sima Yi, but only Sima Yi could say the same about his son. Cao Pi loved Sima Yi as a part of his family, but Cheng Qi never took him into his heart like he did the man’s father.

“Your moves were right. Succession is tricky business, and if not done correctly and swiftly the right opportunities can vanish as fast as they present themselves.”

Cheng Qi spoke on. Sima Yi listened intently and nodded as he followed. He had not expected his return to carry such a defining moment in it, but truly the coming days would be vital to movement of Cao Wei and the Sima clan alike.

“The Young Master won't get here in time to see his father off. Then he'll no choice but to accept what will be his father's wish. Remove the Han."

The man is pure evil, but genius was never one to discriminate against the righteous.

“The proper moves have been made. The day of the Han has seen its dawn, and now we shall rise on a day anew.”

Sima Yi reached forward and placed his hand on Cheng Qi’s shoulder.

“You have a friend and ally. But I cannot take all the credit and honor that will come with your ingenuity. Cao Pi has not been in command and will come into leadership of a country. He will not be prepared. As Prime Minister, I would name you and I his regents until he is ready to rule without our help.

“If you disagree, then I will dissuade you later tonight. For now, I’d very much like to see my lord before he is gone.”

[Sam]

Sima Yi's eyes had seldom left the details of the seal, since he had been handed it. Cheng Qi had took note of that, the man was obviously pleased with his new commisson, so much so that he had failed to produce any thankful words. The man seemed to have enjoyed his recent rise to power, it had all happened so quickly, from a simple advisor, to the Western Commander, now to one of the two most powerful Wei seats an officer could hold.

Sima Yi offered reassurance, which seemed genuine enough. It hadn't been long since Cao Cao fell ill, a matter of two weeks, and already people were talking. That didn't please Cheng Qi one bit. Knowing of Cao Cao's death in advance could give some bold offcials time to plot, but that was not something Cheng Qi trusted Sima Yi with; they were potential political rivals.

THe officials in the court could have been waiting for an opportunity like this for years. Al the scoldings, the arguments, embarrassments and outmaneuverings, all the games Cheng had played over the years, might finally bite him in the ass. The new King would not protect or defend him, they had never been close. Cheng Qi had thought that Cao Pi's inability to outshine his brothers was a sign of weakness, then stepped in Sima Yi. Sima Yi guided Cao Pi down the right path, leading to him winning the bid for succession.

Sima Yi's comforting words gave Cheng Qi a little hope in his potential problems with the soon-to-be King, but it wouldn't be enough to save him from any other hostility. Only if Cao Pi held Cheng Qi in the same regard as his father would save him; and Cao Pi was nothing like his father for tolerating this kind of man.

"You have a friend and ally." The words offered comfort enough to dispel the thoughts from Cheng's mind. He dropped thinking about his fate and instead moved on, back to the topic and hand. "The Young Master has been waiting for this day to arrive since the question of succession came up. I doubt he will be ill prepared." As I could hope.

Cheng Qi's brow frowned as, letting Zhongda's hand fall from his shoulder, he moved off, and lead him towards the archway and the end of the hall. "I appreciate your support Zhongda. But alas, my time is up. Never again will I hold sway over the lord which leads us now; such a position is yours, near at hand."

Cheng Qi led him through the arch and down the lit corridor, to the King's room. "But, we will speak of this later. For now you meet our King." Cheng led Sima Yi before the room, and halted a moment, giving him time to prepare himself.

By now the palace maids had woke Cao Cao to a degree in which he could be now, the night had worsened the old ruler's health. He couldn't sit up on his own, being measurably weak all over, and his breakfast was only partially consumed.

Cheng Qi led in Sima Yi, and the sight of his lord laying there, gnawed at his heart. Walking over to the bedside he set himself down on his knees close to Cao Cao and said softly, "My lord, Master Zhongda is here." Cao made a motion and tried to bring himself up, but failed to do so. It broke Cheng Qi's heart, not even under the fires of Red Cliff was his lrod so helpless.

He helped his lord to raise slightly, pulling up his pillows to prop him up. He wasn't sitting, but he was no longer flat. His arms lay at his side seemingly helpless. With a dry command, the King sputtered with effort, "Leave us, Fengyi." Cheng Qi bowed and with one final look at Sima Yi left the room.

Outside he staggered, his heart feeling the weight of reality, he took refuge against the wall. Heart pains. However brief they were, he knew why they were there. He slumped down against the wall, and sitting in the hall, he waited for Cao and Sima to command his return, he would very much hate for his lord to pass without him being there.

Back in the room, Cao Cao lay, propped up to a small extent so he could at least see Sima Yi. He waited, intending for Sima Yi to move close and sit beside him. He spoke with heavy breaths and noticeable slowness, "Zhongda." The King's mouth was dry, and lips were flaked with exhaustion, despite him only just waking up and having a drink. His eyes were heavy and his jaw hung loose.

"Zhongda. It's all went wrong. Why did you leave?" Ever since Sima left the capital to go west, Sun Shangxiang and Zhang Liao had developed a relationship, and subsequently Zhang Liao was slain. Xiahou Dun had collapsed spontaneously, and now Lu Xun and Sun Shangxiang had been reportedly killed via Cao Cao's command.

Cao's lip quivered at the reminder of how he had handled Zhang Liao's death. Tears welled in his eyes. No fair trial, no interrogation, nothing. He had sent the young princess to her death as well as Lu Xun. Two young souls killed in cold blood without question, and Zhang Liao. Oh, Wenyuan... He never spoke any of these thoughts aloud. "How am I to find peace?"

[Sima Yi]

Sima Yi would have to be a fool to overlook Cheng Qi’s unusual behavior as the discussion of Cao Pi turned up. He had known Cheng for most of his career under Cao Cao, for he was always by his lord’s side. He was always quick with a silver tongue and always stood brave before any enemy, be him defended by a quill or sword.

For the first time, I’ve seen what Cheng Qi looks like when he is frightened. Sima Yi was a man of ambition, and though his ascension had been prolonged and delayed time and time again, he had taken the proper measures to assure he would one day stand where he stood now. He was not the man Cao Cao leaned on primarily, because Cao Cao was too wise to trust entirely on one mind. Rather, he held a strong division of colleagues that offered him advice. When one had died or proven himself to be incompetent, it took no time at all for Mengde to find a replacement. His eye for talent was uncanny, and his regions were stretched wide enough to find the brightest minds in his lands.

Though he had never held the highest rank or responsibility with Cao Cao, he saw to it that he would with Cao Pi. From a young age he befriended the prince and served as his tutor and council. Cheng Qi had not. He is usually so sure of each move he makes politically. I wonder why Cheng Qi never stabilized his career by serving Cao Pi as he did Cao Cao. Sima Yi knew Cheng Qi was very close with the greatest of Cao Cao’s sons, Cao Chong. Perhaps the young prince’s death had served him ill, and he never could look at Cao Pi with the proper respect after seeing the man that would have been all Cao Cao was and more. Sima Yi couldn’t deny that Cao Chong would surely unite the land given what Cao Cao would hand him after his death. Cao Pi had a fighting chance to do so, but even Sima Yi had his doubts.

Knowing Cao Pi was not likely to unite the land, Sima Yi also figured he would die before the glory of Wei was accomplished. He put himself in a position of power while also grooming his sons to take his role when he was dead. Sima Shi was a brighter man than Sima Yi was at his age. Sima Shi would take over after Sima Yi’s death with all he created and become a great hero. This much Sima Yi was sure of.

But before he died he still had much to accomplish. He had just now attained the power he needed to begin his plans, so each step he took would need to be twice as light and thrice as sure-footed as before. Sun Quan often saw the political scope of the country as a game. A “Game of Thrones,” he often called it. If the civil war was a game, then you were either a player or a playing piece. So long had Sima Yi been a piece to the game, serving his purpose only when Cao Cao moved him and used him. Now, Sima Yi was a player in the game.

“We shall speak more on this matter later, Cheng Qi,” Sima Yi said to his friend as Cheng Qi assured his political days were coming to an end, “I will not see such a mind as yours taken from its rightful place until I was sure it was all but used up. You have many years until sanity leaves.”

Why am I trying to save him? He is an old friend, yes, but in the future he may detriment my plans. Better to keep a retired friend than see brotherhood turn to rivalry and create a political enemy. Sima Yi could not place it, but he would still rather have Cheng Qi with him when Cao Pi deposed the emperor. If anything, his iron will of mind would help stabilize the empire while Cao Pi came into his throne. The emperor had been a Liu since Liu Bang’s conquest and coronation. It would take the people some time to accept a Cao emperor, especially one who was great grand-son to a mere eunuch. Cao Cao came to power entirely through his own merit, which was commendable, but in the Game of Thrones, that was a weakness both Sun Quan of the Sun clan and Liu Bei of the imperial family would try and exploit.

Swallowing all this and digesting it as he followed Cheng Qi to his lord’s chambers, his mind was entirely wept clean of all political distress when he saw his lord bed stricken. He couldn’t look away enough to even salute Cheng Qi off.

“Zhongda,” His lord barely managed to release from his mouth.

“My lord,” Sima Yi returned, hastening to the bedside and kneeling before it so Cao Cao wouldn’t need to speak loudly.

“Zhongda, it’s all went wrong. Why did you leave?” Because you ordered me, my lord. Sima Yi held his tongue. When he last saw Cao Cao, he was healthy. This illness was tearing at his mind and turning him insensible. “How am I to find peace?”

“My lord has never seen peace, so long as he lived. The only peace he knew was after the smell of death was fresh in the air and he sat victorious atop his great stallions after battle. That’s all the peace he needed. Not peace everlasting, only victory.

“Your servant stands vigil over the west. Liu Bei may try and try again and a third time as well, but he will never break your western border. The Bronze Spire stands in the east, and so long as it stands, Sun Quan will never break your eastern border. Find peace in knowing the kingdom you established is now immortal.”

[Sam]

Cao Cao nodded sadly, accepting Sima Yi's view to some extent. He let a faint sigh escape his lips. "I dreamed of unification. For many years I have toiled to fulfil that dream, and now I realise that it will remain a dream."

Cao recalled Red Cliff, now eleven years ago, the fires of his defeat stillf resh in his mind, "I was so close. So close at Red Cliff." If only I had heeded the advice of my counselors, and was not so eager for victory. "Never again will I see the world at peace; or gaze upon the beauty of our land."

"Your words offer me comfort where I hope. I hope that all I have worked to for will not be lost." Cao's cold hand moved with a tremble and took hold of Sima Yi's, Cao looked at Sima in the eyes. "Do you remember our talk before you left?" Sima had spoke of the future, before he had left to take charge of the west, that future was now near at hand.

"The mantle will soon be past, it is time for the next generation to bear the banners. My son, Pi, is crown-prince, and so he shall be." Cao held Sima's hand as tight as he could - which wasn't very tight anymore, to show his earnest plea. "Please, support him, and guide him forward. So that one day he may write the concluding chapters of this war, and as one, you may visit my tomb, one day, years from now and bring tidings of victory and peace. Promise me..."

Cao Cao had more to say but he first wanted the confirmation, only then would he discharge his final order to the man. The man he knew could both save and destroy his house.

Cheng Qi sat in the hall, anxiously picking at his nails. These past couple of weeks had saw them recede gradually, until their was no nail to bite, nor pick at. He was contemplating what was going to happen once it happened, once Cao Cao died.

If his delay would make Cao Pi hate him all the more, how would Liu Bei and Sun Quan react to his political moves? If they found out, he would become a sworn enemy as Cao Cao had, and Cao Pi will. No matter how hard he thought, all he could see was cold steel in his future, the cruel bite of metal.

What is left for me but an unnatural end? All my years of service, no one but Mengde has understood me. He embraces my quirks, which others would have me killed for. How often does one find a lord of such patience and understanding? Cheng Qi bowed his head, the more he thought about it, the more he grew weary and depressed.

[Sima Yi]

Sima Yi frowned and nodded. My lord seems to have accepted the death of himself and his ambition alike. I wonder which is a sharper sting to a man like Cao Cao.

“A dream? No, Mengde. What you have accomplished is beyond what any man before you has. Our country torn by civil war, it was Cao Cao who rose amongst the chaos and restored the Han,” Though not even you would know it is the very men you trust the most who would shatter that as well, “You’ve won countless battles and seated men of competence in seats of power to see your dream realized.

“Heaven is far away, but it is seated comfortable and high,” Sima Yi smiled, “And you shall see your sons take up your dream and see its realization. The country will be united under one banner, and it shall be your army that unifies it.”

But will it be your banner? Sima Yi remembered how grand it looked when his army charged from out the forest at Nanzheng. The banner of Cao Wei was large and high, but the Sima standard was larger and higher. Cao Pi was his friend and investment, and he’d do no betrayal to a friend, but it would take more than a plea from a friend to have him lower his crimson-black banner below the blues of Cao Wei.

“Do you remember our talk before you left?” Cao Cao struggled to get out.

“When I last left, my lord was healthy and alive as the day he rose against Dong Zhuo. I would never forget that day,” Sima Yi said in response. “Cao Pi is beyond able. He is not his father, but then, Cao Cao is a man seen once in a thousand years. His son shall take the mantle his father wore and see his armies to the field, to victory, that much I promise.”

Sima Yi strode closer. He could see the very grasp death had on his lord tightened, and he could hear Cao Cao’s voice get quieter and quieter with each spoken word. There was something else he needed to say to Zhongda, but he could barely stay alive long enough to tell it.

“Is there anything else you shall have from your humble servant, my Prime Minister?”

---

Outside Cao Cao’s chambers, Sima Shi and Tsu Zhang stood attendance to a throne that sat a child, without Cao Cao seated beside him. It was a threatening sight to see, and all who saw it were fearful for the future. But they didn’t know what Cheng Qi had planned. Not even Sima Shi knew what Cao Cao’s finest minds were about to do.

Cao Cao would die tonight, and there would be a grand funeral for him, but after the vigil ended and lords and ladies and commoners alike saw the Hero of Chaos off, a battle would begin. Could the young emperor Liu Xian stand strong against Cheng Qi and Sima Yi? That would be as likely as Cao Cao turning back time in his deathbed and reversing the results at Red Cliff. In no less than a week, the throne would warm to the robes of a new emperor.

[Sam]

Never again will I see my officers, my son, my men...my land...

Cao nodded to his long time advisor and intimate friend Zhongda, accepting his words of promise. "I will take those words to heart Zhongda, let you never forsake them."

The King then addressed a final matter to Sima Yi, "He is an odd one, but a rare one also. I know Cheng Qi and my son are not fond of one another. I would have you advise Pi, whom I know you are close with, being his teacher, make use of him nonetheless, he is loyal and true, though different in his methods. He has served me well, and I would hate for his career to end at my own son's hand."

The King took a deep breath and felt a cool, chilling air shoot through his body forcing a weariness on him, turning his head back away from his side and Sima Yi his right hand raised and attempted a gesture, servants at the door summoned Cheng Qi back in.

Cheng Qi sitting in the hall, had drilled one particular nail as far back as he could bite in his anxiety, blood trinkled forth from the wounded finger. Then came the summons, a serving boy walked over and bid him see his lord. Cheng got up in an instant and strode into the chamber, wiping the blood on his robe as he entered.

The qi coins hanging from his sash heralded his entrance. He paid Sima Yi little attention but did spare him a momentary glance, just to confirm he was indeed still here. He strode over to his King and coming before the bedside with a kneel he bowed. "Fengyi, we have spoke by day for many years, to you my heart is clear. I have only one last request." Cheng bowed his head. "Promise me you will support my son."

Cheng kept his head bowed. "I will do my best, my lord." "No, promise me you will." Am I to lie to my own lord? Cheng raised his head, and looked at his lord, "If Prince Pi can tolerate myself, then I will aid him with all years I have left. If however his lordship's son cannot, then I will not hinder his rule and retire." Cao Cao shook his head and looked to Sima Yi. It is up to you to fix this.

"So be it..." Cao sighed. Cao looked away from both men, and commanded to the room, his servants on hand at both doors, waiting. "Support my son. Sima and Cheng are to guide him down the right path and assist him in finding his footing. You will both advise him on the matters of the empire, where he still has much to learn."

"My servants, you will forever be in the care of my son, and I would have you remind him of these words at times in which he may forget them. Masters Sima and Cheng are pillars of the empire, ever wise and perceptive. Should one fall the other will prosper, but the empire will fall around the one."

The servants and Cheng Qi both bowed. The King sighed and closing his eyes said, "I can finally see Miaocai again, Fengxiao, Wenyuan, my father...I can finally apologize to Sun Shang Xiang, Lu Xun, Yuan Shao, Dian Wei and my enemies. No more war...only peace." His body was sweating, but he was cold all over. Cao Cao seemingly drifted into a wakeless sleep. It was over.

Cheng Qi witnessed it all, his eyes had never strayed. He leant in and tilted his head. He stood up and proclaimed with sadness in his tone, "His Lordship is gone." He leant in and bowing over the body, placed a kiss on his lords forehead, "Find peace at last, Mengde." Cheng bowed, and turned away. The servants of the King's household bowed.

I had yet to tell him so much. Cheng offered no comfort to those around, for him the grief was all on him. He left the room, proud, but his shoulders soon sunk as he turned into the corridor. I may soon follow him. Cheng wandered back out into the main hall where he had spoke with Sima Yi, and where he would soon do so again. The door was still closed and the room was utterly vacant He unhooked the sword at his side and raising the scabbard in hand he unsheathed the sword and looked at the greatness of it. The sword that put down Li Jue and Guo Si. Destroyed Yuan Shu, vanquished Lu Bu. Demolished Yuan Shao. Sent Ma Chao to disaster. Never again will it be wielded with such greatness... He stabbed the sword into the head of the table, before the main seat, and slumped into the right hand chair, looking at the weapon.

The empire cannot be without a ruler for a single day. Now onto the succession.

"Already the world seems less bright."