[Three Kingdoms] Longing (Cao-Guo)

Qianqian means that one's heart is still not satisfied.

Cao Cao sat upright behind the desk, holding a cup as he smiled and sighed. "Since Fengxiao first came and went with me, we have spent more than ten years together in the army. We rode side by side and shared tents and seats. We understood and cherished one another, and never once suspected each other. ... Only Fengxiao can understand what I mean. Yet here, in this lofty hall with so few people, my heart is still unsatisfied. I wonder if Fengxiao can offer any insight?"

Guo Jia smiled without answering, understanding perfectly well: Cao Cao was speaking not of his ambition to rule, but of personal feelings. After the banquet ended, the wine steward turned back at the entrance to the Chancellor's residence. Seeing Cao Cao gazing at him with earnest expectation, he said, "Your heart already knows the answer. Why ask me?"

Cao Cao felt a surge of joy and tried to read Guo Jia's expression. He saw him walking at ease, composed and untroubled, with only a smile in his eyes, like rippling water.

A word of caution before reading: Cao Cao and Guo Jia are primarily based on their portrayals in the 1994 Romance of the Three Kingdoms series. Other characters have been adjusted. The plot draws on Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Records of the Three Kingdoms, but may depart from history as the story develops, and includes original fictional details. The bond between ruler and subject, and between kindred spirits, is central. Both have wives and children, and their feelings may deepen much later in the story. Please don't view them as an ordinary romantic couple. Consider yourself warned: if this is not your thing, please don't read!

The writing is amateurish and mostly for my own enjoyment. Updates are very slow, and this may be abandoned.

Theme: Trying for a happy ending