Light and Shadow

30 - A Brush with Death

Yang Xiu watched the scene unfold from the far-left side of the room, he swirled the wine around in his cup with a bored expression as someone next to him continued to vigorously talk with his father. He paid the two no mind and scoffed bitterly as he took a drink from the cup. It was now empty, and he sat it down on the table with a sigh.

"Is something bothering you, Xiu?" Yang Xiu's father, Yang Biao, asked.

"No Father, I am fine," Yang Xiu replied, but the bitterness in his voice betrayed him. "I am just a bit tired. That's all."

"I see... At least try to stay for another half hour, since the banquet has just started." Yang Biao said with concern in his voice.

"Yes Father." Yang Xiu stated.

Cao Pi, Xiahou Dun, and Sima Yi laughed and clanged their glasses of wine together. The three were engrossed in conversation and appeared to be having a wonderful time; however, Cao Pi's mood appeared to sour when he quickly glanced to his left before returning his focus to his cup of wine and quickly finishing it off.

"Master Cao Pi," Sima Yi said groggily. "Is everything okay? You suddenly appear to be in a sour mood."

Sima Yi looked to his right, since he was seated in front of Cao Pi and Xiahou Dun and saw that Cao Cao and Xun Yu were sitting close together, with Xun Yu resting his head on the man's shoulder. They both appeared to be calm and Xun Yu appeared to be on the verge of falling asleep as Cao Cao had an arm wrapped around his waist. Sima Yi quickly returned his attention to the two men in front of him, waiting for Cao Pi's response.

"Yes, of course. I am glad that my father was able to emerge victorious over Yuan Shao's forces and that we can enjoy this wonderful celebratory feast," Cao Pi stated blandly. His mood changed for the better slightly as he thought of an idea. "We should have a drinking contest!"

"A drinking contest?" Sima Yi echoed nervously.

Cao Pi nodded.

"Count me in!" Xiahou Dun gushed excitedly.

"I'm glad that you are eager, General." Cao Pi replied. "How about you Sima Yi? Will you join us?"

Sima Yi frowned as the man gazed at him with pleading eyes. He felt guilty for considering declining the man's offer; however, as he thought about it a bit more, he figured that he could use this to bond with the two and potentially make friends. Reluctantly, Sima Yi nodded his head, and Cao Pi smiled happily. He called over a servant, who brought the three each their own quart of wine. Sima Yi gulped nervously as it was placed on the table in front of him, while Cao Pi simply smiled, and Xiahou Dun chuckled mirthfully.

"On the count of five, we will see who can drink a quart of wine the fastest." Cao Pi said excitedly.

Xiahou Dun and Sima Yi nodded in agreement, and the three began to count together. Once they made it to five, they each began to drink their quart of wine. Sima Yi barely drank any of it and already felt as though he was going to be sick. Xiahou Dun was the first one to finish shortly after they began, and he cheered excitedly to himself while Cao Pi and Sima Yi continued to drink theirs. It was obvious that Sima Yi was struggling, and Cao Pi soon finished his quart; however, Sima Yi still had a little less than half of his left. Nonetheless, he continued trying to drink the potent liquid, and nearly vomited on the two once he finished.

"I did it. Aren't you two proud of me?" Sima Yi slurred as his face turned a faint shade of red.

Cao Pi and Xiahou Dun nodded and clapped vigorously for him. Cao Pi even whistled, and Sima Yi laughed as the room blurred and moved around him. He felt like a fish trapped in a bowl, and he leaned forward onto the table. He then laid his head down on the table, sighing contently as the coolness of the table made contact with his forehead. Within less than a few minutes, he was sound asleep and snoring.