TL: Part 2 of 2 of this heartwarming non-canon extra story.
Liu Bei POV
When Meng De finished, I couldn’t help but sigh. Honestly, I predicted that Meng De would do this but now that I’ve heard it myself, I couldn’t help but feel sad.
“Won’t you reconsider?” For some reason, this came out of my mouth.
“No, considering such things don’t fit my character.” Meng De said as she picked out another piece of meat from the bronze cauldron, “Ah, it’s not cooked yet. I was a little too impatient.”
When she finished, Meng De put the meat back in. I didn’t know what to say, and lowered my head as I placed a small piece of meat into my mouth. It was cold, but I still chewed on it and swallowed.
“Come to think of it, does Xuan De still remember what I said to you back then?”
“Eh?” My chopsticks which held another piece of meat stopped mid-air as I sank into thought, “Would you be referring to… That?”
I didn’t state it clearly but Meng De still nodded. A smile was still plastered on her face but compared to the ones I saw before, her smile now was devoid of any other emotions behind it and was just an ordinary smile.
Even if there were other emotions behind it, it would only be helplessness.
“Back then, I said that the only heroes in the world were you and me. But now, I see that I’m no hero at all.” At this, Meng De put down her chopsticks and rubbed her head, “Even if I am a hero, I am a hero that is about to step into her grave anyway.”
“…”
No, no such thing.
I very much wanted to say that, but under such circumstances, I did not have the resolve to say it. And so the words remained stuck in my throat as pangs of sorrow assaulted my heart.
“Xuan De, it’s fine. I’ve already prepared myself for something like this a very long time ago. Really, it’s fine.” Meng De continued to smile as she picked up the letter and threw it into the stove without looking at it, “Ben Chu has both ambition and capability so I was prepared to lose to her.”
“… Isn’t Meng De bitter at all?” I thought for a moment before I decided to ask this anyway. Meng De was supposed to achieve victory in this battle after all.
“Of course, if I said I wasn’t bitter at all, that would be a lie.” Meng De said and chuckled, “But the end has been set and I can only accept it. Anyway, Ben Chu’s victory will be short-lived.”
As she said so, Meng De placed her hand on top of mine.
“Meng De?” I was baffled by this and instinctively tried to pull my hand back but I didn’t expect that Meng De had quite a bit of strength and I couldn’t do so.
“Xuan De, Yun Chang and the rest are now in Xuchang. When this battle is over, bring your troops to Xuchang and seek her.” Meng De withdrew her smile and said very seriously and sincerely, “When you have reunited with your people, find the Son of Heaven and rule the world as Imperial Uncle. Issue a call to arms to the various feudal lords and take down Yuan Ben Chu.”
“Eh… B, but–”
“Xuan De,” Meng De clapped my shoulders as she bent down and looked straight into my eyes, “Of the 2 heroes who can save the world, you will be the only 1 left after I’m gone. And all I can do to help you is this.”
“But… Meng De!”
*Pa* *Pa*!
Just then, Meng De clapped loudly twice. My eyes widened, as did Meng De’s. Tears filled her eyes and seemed like they would stream down any moment.
I didn’t know what to say and only waited for Meng De to continue.
“Men! Send our guest out!”
*Gudugudugudu*
The cauldron was still boiling but I didn’t say anything. The soldiers outside parted the curtains, letting the sunlight shine in. And I had no choice but to walk out.
After I exited, I turned to look at Meng De and saw that she was still sitting behind the bronze cauldron and wasn’t looking at me. I wanted to continue looking but the curtains fell.
“Xuan De, what did Lord Cao Cao say?”
Just then, Yuan Rang and Zi Long came walking over.
I looked at the 2 of them and shook my head lifelessly.
“I see…” Zi Long nodded whike Yuan Rang put her hands on her hips.
“When you think about it, this fits Meng De more.” Yuan Rang said as she clapped my shoulders, “Imperial Uncle, don’t beat yourself up about it. Nobody can predict the outcome of battles after all. Imperial Uncle need only do as Meng De said.”
This fits Meng De more huh… I silently recited the words Yuan Rang said and nodded but didn’t say any further.
Thereafter, Zi Long and I exited the encampment. Along the way, we ran into several familiar faces. Not only did they not look at us with hostility, they even bowed deeply and saluted us. Perhaps to them, I am Meng De’s successor.
Honestly, receiving this sort of behaviour is even more unbearable for me.
“The devious hero of the present generation falls huh.” Zi Long said as she sighed when we left the encampment.
The fall of a devious hero. These words aren’t nice but they capture the situation well.
But is it really alright like this? Can history really go on like this?
Even if it can, my heart will be empty. How can the Three Kingdoms be the Three Kingdoms without Cao Cao? There’s no point without her.
“Zi Long.” I came to a conclusion and called out to Zi Long.
“Un?”
“I have a request for you which I hope that Zi Long can accomplish for me.”
“Un? What is it?” Zi Long frowned.
I stood there wordlessly for a long while before I sighed, “Something big.”
Meng De POV
*Shiku*– Hu… It was very cold the next day and the sky was dark. Even though it was still autumn, the cold was so bad I really didn’t feel up for battle.
It was so cold that I had to wear an extra layer at the behest of Miao Cai so that the cold plate wouldn’t stick to my skin.
This was our last battle already yet she still bothered about that.
“Are our troops in position?” I turned and asked Yuan Rand who was beside me.
At my 2 sides were my most precious and important generals who have joined me in this final battle. I’d already told them they didn’t need to come but they still did.
“My lord! Give the order!” Xu Chu who was on my other side pulled on my sleeve. She wasn’t very old but she exuded maturity at this moment. She was jumping up and down while she held her large axe, and didn’t seem sad in the least about this final battle.
Hmph, what am I talking about? There’s nothing sad about this at all.
Though I may end up being separated from my head in this battle, Xuan De still has his dream of saving the world so what regrets do I have?
As I thought so, I pulled out my longsword and pointed it straight ahead. Up ahead was Ben Chu’s troops. From what I can see, it seems like their numbers are 7-8 times of ours,
After a few skirmishes, not only did we narrow the gap, it actually widened. Looks like I really do feel bitter about this.
I was the one facing Ben Chu, yet I couldn’t win.
I then smiled self-deprecatingly, and took a deep breath–
“Charge!”
In the next instant, the thunderous sounds of my troops charging filled my ears. My mind went blank but my body still went through with the motions.
I raised my reins and rode at the head of my troops as we charged at the enemy. My generals were following close behind, and it seemed like they were even trying to overtake me.
Die–
The other side yelled out at the same time as we did. Their drums resounded in beat with the troops’ roars, making them seem ever more impressive and fearsome.
This is, this is probably my last battle right.
Yaaaaa– I yelled out as I charged into the enemy with my troops.
In the next instant, both sides clashed. But even from my position in the center, I could see that our troops were surrounded.
Our numerical disadvantage is so severe that even when we meet them head on in the plains, we are almost half-surrounded instantly huh.
Forget it! Yaa!
I threw out all stray thoughts and thought of myself as an ordinary soldier as I raised my blade and killed all surrounding enemies.
However, I was keenly aware that we were losing very quickly on every front even though I was embroiled in battle. Every time I killed an enemy soldier, my troops would get slaughtered. Every time I wanted to advance, my troops would get pushed back.
Only then did I realise how powerless I was.
Ah… Perhaps I should have surrendered then. But I really couldn’t say it in front of Xuan De.
At the very end, I wanted Xuan De to see my most confident self.
“My lord’s troops are being surrounded! Pull back our right wing!”
An unknown general yelled out at me. But my hands were full with killing enemies and I really didn’t have the leisure to bother about much else.
“Tell Yuan Rang and Miao Cai to save her!”
“Both generals are embroiled in the chaos and can’t pull out!”
“What about the others?!”
“We’ve lost all contact with them!”
After killing another 3-4 soldiers, I pulled up my horse and turned back only to find that I was deep in enemy territory. Hu Chi, Ren, Hong, and everyone else are all gone.
“Yaa!!”
*Neigh*~~
Wu!
All of a sudden, a nearby enemy slashed at my horse. I couldn’t dodge in time and fell off my startled horse.
As I fell to the ground, I saw the surrounding enemies closing in for the kill.
Ah, this is where I meet my end huh.
And so, I closed my eyes–
— Meng De, watch out!
In the next instant, I hit the ground and pain came from my head. I felt dizzy as well and realised that I wasn’t dead yet.
*Dang* *Dang*! *Ding*!
I slowly opened my eyes as the sound of clashing weapons filled my ears to see someone standing before me. This person wasn’t tall nor was he well-built. His figure was also unsteady but at this time, he seemed bigger than anything.
“Meng De, are you alright!”
That person yelled at me, and I found his voice very familiar. I blinked away the tears from pain and only then did I recognise who he was. Apart from some blood on his face and a set of plate armour, he didn’t differ much from when we met yesterday.
This person was someone very familiar to me.
“Xuan De!” I cried out in surprise, “Why are you here!”
I was very surprised and shocked at seeing the person before me, and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Not only that, Xuan De was actually smiling at me.
“Meng De never thought I’d be here, right!” He smiled as he continued to cut down the surrounding troops, “I ordered Zi Long to bring my troops to Xuchang, and gave my position of Imperial Uncle to Yun Chang so she can act in my place.”
“What are you talking about!!” I yelled at Xuan De as rage filled my heart, “What have you come here for! What good will you coming to my side do?! You have more important duties to fulfill!”
“So Meng De can make this sort of expression huh.”
Eh?
I was throwing my temper at him but he still smiled at me.
“But… Why?” I said as I looked at him with a frown. “Why, have you come here to find me?”
Hmph.
Swords, glaives and halberds filled my field of vision but all I could see was Xuan De’s dazzling smile.
And in his smile, I saw myself.
“Because you’re Meng De.”
!
When I heard Xuan De’s words, I couldn’t help but to take a deep breath. His words didn’t make sense and I didn’t know what he was trying to convey but for some reason, I felt very emotional. As I looked at Xuan De before me, tears began to fill my eyes.
“Meng De! Now isn’t the time to be sitting around.” Xuan De continued. The surrounding troops were increasing in number and it seems like Xuan De can’t hold them off for long.
… Xuan De you idiot.
“Eh? Meng De, did you say something?”
“No, nothing.” My heartstrings tightened and I leapt to my feet and stood beside Xuan De as I wielded my weapon.
Looks like we’re completely surrounded.
“Xuan De, since you’re already here, then be prepared to die with me!”
“I came here with that very intention!”
… Hmph.
In that case–
“Xuan De! Let’s charge!”
“Oh!”
…
Now that I think about it, this is probably the first time, and also the last, that I’m fighting by Xuan De’s side.
Sometimes I wonder, what would it be if Xuan De and I were just ordinary peasants in a countryside village?
But, we can’t help ourselves.
All we can do, is hope that we can meet in the next life.
TL: Part 2 of 2 of this heartwarming non-canon extra story.
Liu Bei POV
When Meng De finished, I couldn’t help but sigh. Honestly, I predicted that Meng De would do this but now that I’ve heard it myself, I couldn’t help but feel sad.
“Won’t you reconsider?” For some reason, this came out of my mouth.
“No, considering such things don’t fit my character.” Meng De said as she picked out another piece of meat from the bronze cauldron, “Ah, it’s not cooked yet. I was a little too impatient.”
When she finished, Meng De put the meat back in. I didn’t know what to say, and lowered my head as I placed a small piece of meat into my mouth. It was cold, but I still chewed on it and swallowed.
“Come to think of it, does Xuan De still remember what I said to you back then?”
“Eh?” My chopsticks which held another piece of meat stopped mid-air as I sank into thought, “Would you be referring to… That?”
I didn’t state it clearly but Meng De still nodded. A smile was still plastered on her face but compared to the ones I saw before, her smile now was devoid of any other emotions behind it and was just an ordinary smile.
Even if there were other emotions behind it, it would only be helplessness.
“Back then, I said that the only heroes in the world were you and me. But now, I see that I’m no hero at all.” At this, Meng De put down her chopsticks and rubbed her head, “Even if I am a hero, I am a hero that is about to step into her grave anyway.”
“…”
No, no such thing.
I very much wanted to say that, but under such circumstances, I did not have the resolve to say it. And so the words remained stuck in my throat as pangs of sorrow assaulted my heart.
“Xuan De, it’s fine. I’ve already prepared myself for something like this a very long time ago. Really, it’s fine.” Meng De continued to smile as she picked up the letter and threw it into the stove without looking at it, “Ben Chu has both ambition and capability so I was prepared to lose to her.”
“… Isn’t Meng De bitter at all?” I thought for a moment before I decided to ask this anyway. Meng De was supposed to achieve victory in this battle after all.
“Of course, if I said I wasn’t bitter at all, that would be a lie.” Meng De said and chuckled, “But the end has been set and I can only accept it. Anyway, Ben Chu’s victory will be short-lived.”
As she said so, Meng De placed her hand on top of mine.
“Meng De?” I was baffled by this and instinctively tried to pull my hand back but I didn’t expect that Meng De had quite a bit of strength and I couldn’t do so.
“Xuan De, Yun Chang and the rest are now in Xuchang. When this battle is over, bring your troops to Xuchang and seek her.” Meng De withdrew her smile and said very seriously and sincerely, “When you have reunited with your people, find the Son of Heaven and rule the world as Imperial Uncle. Issue a call to arms to the various feudal lords and take down Yuan Ben Chu.”
“Eh… B, but–”
“Xuan De,” Meng De clapped my shoulders as she bent down and looked straight into my eyes, “Of the 2 heroes who can save the world, you will be the only 1 left after I’m gone. And all I can do to help you is this.”
“But… Meng De!”
*Pa* *Pa*!
Just then, Meng De clapped loudly twice. My eyes widened, as did Meng De’s. Tears filled her eyes and seemed like they would stream down any moment.
I didn’t know what to say and only waited for Meng De to continue.
“Men! Send our guest out!”
*Gudugudugudu*
The cauldron was still boiling but I didn’t say anything. The soldiers outside parted the curtains, letting the sunlight shine in. And I had no choice but to walk out.
After I exited, I turned to look at Meng De and saw that she was still sitting behind the bronze cauldron and wasn’t looking at me. I wanted to continue looking but the curtains fell.
“Xuan De, what did Lord Cao Cao say?”
Just then, Yuan Rang and Zi Long came walking over.
I looked at the 2 of them and shook my head lifelessly.
“I see…” Zi Long nodded whike Yuan Rang put her hands on her hips.
“When you think about it, this fits Meng De more.” Yuan Rang said as she clapped my shoulders, “Imperial Uncle, don’t beat yourself up about it. Nobody can predict the outcome of battles after all. Imperial Uncle need only do as Meng De said.”
This fits Meng De more huh… I silently recited the words Yuan Rang said and nodded but didn’t say any further.
Thereafter, Zi Long and I exited the encampment. Along the way, we ran into several familiar faces. Not only did they not look at us with hostility, they even bowed deeply and saluted us. Perhaps to them, I am Meng De’s successor.
Honestly, receiving this sort of behaviour is even more unbearable for me.
“The devious hero of the present generation falls huh.” Zi Long said as she sighed when we left the encampment.
The fall of a devious hero. These words aren’t nice but they capture the situation well.
But is it really alright like this? Can history really go on like this?
Even if it can, my heart will be empty. How can the Three Kingdoms be the Three Kingdoms without Cao Cao? There’s no point without her.
“Zi Long.” I came to a conclusion and called out to Zi Long.
“Un?”
“I have a request for you which I hope that Zi Long can accomplish for me.”
“Un? What is it?” Zi Long frowned.
I stood there wordlessly for a long while before I sighed, “Something big.”
Meng De POV
*Shiku*– Hu… It was very cold the next day and the sky was dark. Even though it was still autumn, the cold was so bad I really didn’t feel up for battle.
It was so cold that I had to wear an extra layer at the behest of Miao Cai so that the cold plate wouldn’t stick to my skin.
This was our last battle already yet she still bothered about that.
“Are our troops in position?” I turned and asked Yuan Rand who was beside me.
At my 2 sides were my most precious and important generals who have joined me in this final battle. I’d already told them they didn’t need to come but they still did.
“My lord! Give the order!” Xu Chu who was on my other side pulled on my sleeve. She wasn’t very old but she exuded maturity at this moment. She was jumping up and down while she held her large axe, and didn’t seem sad in the least about this final battle.
Hmph, what am I talking about? There’s nothing sad about this at all.
Though I may end up being separated from my head in this battle, Xuan De still has his dream of saving the world so what regrets do I have?
As I thought so, I pulled out my longsword and pointed it straight ahead. Up ahead was Ben Chu’s troops. From what I can see, it seems like their numbers are 7-8 times of ours,
After a few skirmishes, not only did we narrow the gap, it actually widened. Looks like I really do feel bitter about this.
I was the one facing Ben Chu, yet I couldn’t win.
I then smiled self-deprecatingly, and took a deep breath–
“Charge!”
In the next instant, the thunderous sounds of my troops charging filled my ears. My mind went blank but my body still went through with the motions.
I raised my reins and rode at the head of my troops as we charged at the enemy. My generals were following close behind, and it seemed like they were even trying to overtake me.
Die–
The other side yelled out at the same time as we did. Their drums resounded in beat with the troops’ roars, making them seem ever more impressive and fearsome.
This is, this is probably my last battle right.
Yaaaaa– I yelled out as I charged into the enemy with my troops.
In the next instant, both sides clashed. But even from my position in the center, I could see that our troops were surrounded.
Our numerical disadvantage is so severe that even when we meet them head on in the plains, we are almost half-surrounded instantly huh.
Forget it! Yaa!
I threw out all stray thoughts and thought of myself as an ordinary soldier as I raised my blade and killed all surrounding enemies.
However, I was keenly aware that we were losing very quickly on every front even though I was embroiled in battle. Every time I killed an enemy soldier, my troops would get slaughtered. Every time I wanted to advance, my troops would get pushed back.
Only then did I realise how powerless I was.
Ah… Perhaps I should have surrendered then. But I really couldn’t say it in front of Xuan De.
At the very end, I wanted Xuan De to see my most confident self.
“My lord’s troops are being surrounded! Pull back our right wing!”
An unknown general yelled out at me. But my hands were full with killing enemies and I really didn’t have the leisure to bother about much else.
“Tell Yuan Rang and Miao Cai to save her!”
“Both generals are embroiled in the chaos and can’t pull out!”
“What about the others?!”
“We’ve lost all contact with them!”
After killing another 3-4 soldiers, I pulled up my horse and turned back only to find that I was deep in enemy territory. Hu Chi, Ren, Hong, and everyone else are all gone.
“Yaa!!”
*Neigh*~~
Wu!
All of a sudden, a nearby enemy slashed at my horse. I couldn’t dodge in time and fell off my startled horse.
As I fell to the ground, I saw the surrounding enemies closing in for the kill.
Ah, this is where I meet my end huh.
And so, I closed my eyes–
— Meng De, watch out!
In the next instant, I hit the ground and pain came from my head. I felt dizzy as well and realised that I wasn’t dead yet.
*Dang* *Dang*! *Ding*!
I slowly opened my eyes as the sound of clashing weapons filled my ears to see someone standing before me. This person wasn’t tall nor was he well-built. His figure was also unsteady but at this time, he seemed bigger than anything.
“Meng De, are you alright!”
That person yelled at me, and I found his voice very familiar. I blinked away the tears from pain and only then did I recognise who he was. Apart from some blood on his face and a set of plate armour, he didn’t differ much from when we met yesterday.
This person was someone very familiar to me.
“Xuan De!” I cried out in surprise, “Why are you here!”
I was very surprised and shocked at seeing the person before me, and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Not only that, Xuan De was actually smiling at me.
“Meng De never thought I’d be here, right!” He smiled as he continued to cut down the surrounding troops, “I ordered Zi Long to bring my troops to Xuchang, and gave my position of Imperial Uncle to Yun Chang so she can act in my place.”
“What are you talking about!!” I yelled at Xuan De as rage filled my heart, “What have you come here for! What good will you coming to my side do?! You have more important duties to fulfill!”
“So Meng De can make this sort of expression huh.”
Eh?
I was throwing my temper at him but he still smiled at me.
“But… Why?” I said as I looked at him with a frown. “Why, have you come here to find me?”
Hmph.
Swords, glaives and halberds filled my field of vision but all I could see was Xuan De’s dazzling smile.
And in his smile, I saw myself.
“Because you’re Meng De.”
!
When I heard Xuan De’s words, I couldn’t help but to take a deep breath. His words didn’t make sense and I didn’t know what he was trying to convey but for some reason, I felt very emotional. As I looked at Xuan De before me, tears began to fill my eyes.
“Meng De! Now isn’t the time to be sitting around.” Xuan De continued. The surrounding troops were increasing in number and it seems like Xuan De can’t hold them off for long.
… Xuan De you idiot.
“Eh? Meng De, did you say something?”
“No, nothing.” My heartstrings tightened and I leapt to my feet and stood beside Xuan De as I wielded my weapon.
Looks like we’re completely surrounded.
“Xuan De, since you’re already here, then be prepared to die with me!”
“I came here with that very intention!”
… Hmph.
In that case–
“Xuan De! Let’s charge!”
“Oh!”
…
Now that I think about it, this is probably the first time, and also the last, that I’m fighting by Xuan De’s side.
Sometimes I wonder, what would it be if Xuan De and I were just ordinary peasants in a countryside village?
But, we can’t help ourselves.
All we can do, is hope that we can meet in the next life.
