Year 236
As many of Wei officers are captured, they are slowly converted to the Nanman's side. The war took many lives of several generals, but all Nanman great generals passed away peacefully, most notably King Duosi who governed Cheng Du fairly during his tenure.
The Wu kingdom, having very little gained during their alliance had to be content and sit back as Nanman northern expedition went underway. A full scale river invasion occured from central China plains towards Wei territory in year 236. King Meng Huo was there personally to lead the assault.
The city of Ye was first to fall under the combined might of 100,000 forces consisting of pikemen, cavalry and flame towers. From then on the forces split into two. Jiang Wei leading a small detachment to the west to take the small city of Jin Yang. Snow has begun to fall and progress was slow yet Jiang Wei pressed on towards Ji and also succeeded in outsmarting its defenders while Guan Suo's rampage on the eastern cities remain unstoppable.
With the war drawing into a close, the chief strategist sought audience with King Meng Huo. The outcome of the meeting is the appointment of King Meng Huo as Emperor of Nanman.
Half a year later, with the last Wei stronghold captured, Cao Rui was executed and the Wei is no more on year 237.
One month later...
Guan Suo stood in front of a grave site with his friend Jiang Wei at Xiang Piang.
"He was always there for us, planning, scheming and encouraging. Yet we never knew he was ill," Guan Suo reminiscenced.
"Aye, his teachings were valuable, such workrate unequaled. Our nation has lost a great person." Jiang Wei concurred.
"I will rely more on your from now on, good friend."
"As will I." Jiang Wei replied as he took a deep breath. There's still much to be done.
"It will be over soon." Guan Suo muttered. He looked tired.
Shrieks of laughter broke the silence and both men saw six children with makeshift toys running and having fun. Both could not help but overhear the children's conversation.
"I will be Guan Yu! The God of War!", a tall boy with a broom gestured, his face painted red.
"And I will be his sworn brother, Zhang Fei! My loyalty knows no bounds!" a slightly obese lad bellowed.
"I am Zhao Yun! My valor is unequaled!" the third youth swung his wooden stick around, pretending it was a lance.
"I may be old, but my aim is second to none!" the boy who claims to be Huang Zhong stated proudly.
"I am Ma Chao, my horse is the fastest in the land!" the fifth boy shouted as he a rode a broom while waving a wooden sword.
"What about me?" the sixth cried, having no idea who to be.
"You're not very strong are you?" Guan Yu spoke.
"Look, he's going to cry again!" Zhang Fei pointed out.
"Don't worry, you can be Liu Chan, I will protect you!" Zhao Yun spoke out.
"I don't want to be Liu Chan! Wahhhhh!" the sixth boy started to cry.
By then Jiang Wei is already behind the crying boy and the other five grew silent, afraid they may be punished.
"Shhhh, don't cry. You can be Zhuge Liang, the Sleeping Dragon." Jiang Wei whispered as he knelt down and placed his hands on the boy shoulders.
"Sniff, is he powerful?" the sixth boy stopped crying.
"He is the wisest man among them. The Five Tigers of Shu need the Sleeping Dragon to lead them all." Jiang Wei answered confidently.
"Ah, that's right! He saved the city of Xiang Yang!", Huang Zhong exclaimed.
"So tell us what to do, strategist!" Ma Chao demanded.
"We should attack the farms now!" Little Zhuge commanded after regaining his confidence.
"Yay, let's go everyone!" they all ran in a huff, eager to start another adventure.
"Hahaha! Well played!" Guan Suo laughed at the exchange.
"Thank you." Jiang Wei grinned.
"Jiang Wei, let's swear our brotherhood in front of Zhuge Liang."
"Huh? Why the sudden?"
"My resolve is weakening, but together we will be stronger. Let the Sleeping Dragon in heaven be our witness!" Guan Suo declared as he drew his sword.
"Alright, let's." Jiang Wei did the same and crossed his sword with his friend.
The two sworn brothers fresh off the conquest of the Northern Wei turn their attention to the southern Wu which had fortified themselves after long period of peace, preferring to let Nanman subjurgate Wei. Preparations have to be made, strategies drawn and supplies transported for the Southern Campaign. It was inevitable. Wu must fall.
-End of Chapter 12-
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