Burning Ambition

2. Death to the Tyrant!

Time: 189 C.E.

"Cousin, you've got another letter from Liu Bei," Dun stated blandly as he put the letter on Cao Cao's desk. "I'm glad that you two get along so well, but this is the fifth letter this month. I'm tired of running back and forth with your letters."

"Very well, we'll hire someone specifically for carrying letters then." The governor nonchalantly replied.

Dun shrugged. It was better than him doing it, so he couldn't complain. He then exited the room to give Cao Cao some privacy as he read the letter. It read:

Dear Cao Cao,

I hope all is going well with you and your generals. Again, I must thank you for the kindness you have shown us, but it has come to my attention that another threat is rising. Have you heard that Master Yuan Shao is looking for volunteers to help him slay Dong Zhuo, the man who has taken over the Imperial Court and uses the Emperor to carry out his wishes? I was wondering if you planned on joining the cause. My brothers and I are already at the camp near Sishui Gate if you want to join. I hope to hear from you again soon, it gets quite boring around here.

Sincerely,

Liu Bei

Cao Cao examined the letter and noticed that something was scribbled out after the last sentence, but he thought nothing of it. Right now, he was feeling excited. Not only would he get the chance to help slay Dong Zhuo, but he would also get to see Liu Bei again. Immediately he bounded out of the room to try and find Xiahou Dun, so he could tell him the exciting news and mobilize a few troops.

"Cousin, you seem to be in a good mood." Dun stated in surprise.

"I have some wonderful news. You remember Yuan Shao, right? Well, he has put out a call to arms against Dong Zhuo, and this would be the perfect chance for us to try and get in the Emperor's favor. You see what I'm saying?" Mengde asked, purposefully leaving out the part about getting to see Liu Bei again.

Dun agreed that it was a good idea and they began to mobilize a few of their troops, about 10,000, to join the fight against Dong Zhuo. They immediately headed for Sishui Gate, and once they arrived they were greeted by Yuan Shao. Mengde and Yuan Shao bowed to each other, and Mengde asked to join the coalition; Yuan Shao gladly agreed since he brought so many troops, and Liu Bei, who just so happened to be walking around the camp, saw Cao Cao and ran over to him, embracing him in a hug.

"Oh Mengde, it's been forever since I last saw you!" Xuande exclaimed happily. "You look happier. How has life been treating you?"

"I take it you two know each other?" Yuan Shao asked with an air of disgust, watching as Cao Cao and Liu Bei nodded in response. "Cao Cao, I expected better of you than to befriend this commoner."

Mengde scoffed at Yuan Shao and walked away with Liu Bei so they could catch up.

"Ignore Yuan Shao, he's been like that since we were kids. And in response to your earlier question, I have been okay, nothing interesting. How have you been, Xuande?" Cao Cao stated.

"I've been good, a little bored, but good. Oh, I'm so glad you decided to come though, it's great to see you again." Liu Bei replied, he was ecstatic.

Mengde chuckled. "It's great to see you again, too."

Xiahou Dun watched as Liu Bei dragged Mengde off to go hang out and shook his head. He was glad his Cousin enjoyed Liu Bei's company, but he also wished he wouldn't be too friendly with him so it wouldn't cause complications in the future. Oh well, there was nothing he could do about it, so he decided to go about his own business.