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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 11, 2011 3:29:55 GMT
A rider passed the games of Xuchang with great haste, hardly slowing his horse as he entered the streets. He carried a message, for Cao Cao and nobody else. He was told to speed to Xuchang and get it in Cao Cao’s hand as soon as possible. The writer of this letter clearly wanted Cao Cao to digest its content early, before his arrival.
The rider didn’t even dismount his horse to ascend the steps leading to the palace. He took his orders literally and left no room for doubt from his commander. Such was the discipline of Wei soldiers.
Finally at the arch beneath the entrance to the Imperial Palace, the rider dismounted and made way down the halls to meet Cao Cao. He sat next to the emperor, just getting word from the guards of the messenger’s arrival. The rider bowed right before the steps leading to the throne, quite closer than most messenger’s would, and presented Cao Cao the document.
Zhang Liao had no idea on how the message would be received. He would not know until the following day, as his envoy with the lady Shang Xiang was on the road as Cao Cao received the message.
That day eventually came. The sun rose with the arrival of Zhang Liao and the Wu envoy. He did not say much as they rode into Xuchang, the city Shang Xiang would most likely recognize as the prize Sun Ce died dreaming to take. They made their way to the palace and entered according to diplomatic standards. The Wu envoy followed closely with swords at their sides, though Zhang Liao hoped not to hear the steel ring as they drew them.
“My lord Mengde,” Zhang Liao said, dropping to a knee at the base of the hall, “It has been too long. Shouchun is yours, its defenses remain strong. I have with me Shang Xiang of the Sun clan, who rides to meet you as a diplomat in the time of a ceasefire between kingdoms.”
Zhang Liao stood, stepping back to allow Sun Shang Xiang the floor.
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Post by Sam on Jun 11, 2011 17:10:43 GMT
It had been a long night for Cao Cao, he had been drinking for the better part of it. But one of Cao Cao's many talents is to manage his drink once in his system to only mess up everything but his enjoyment at the time of drinking. He was on duty regardless of the hangover, and for the better part recovered he was. Between saying goodbye to Sima Yi and drinking with Ai Rui and Xun Yu, the King of Wei had consumed many a goblet of wine at the banquet. He sat upon the throne massaging the sides of his dome with his fingers. The halls of the court were all well cleaned in the early morning, not a trace of the banquet, 'cept Cao Cao's behaviour. Cao Cao had received Zhang Liao's message the day prior, but after what happened last night, it was not the best day for him to meet the envoy, but what's done is done he thought. He hadn't thought much of the purpose of the message, spending the majority of the day with company, but he did wonder why Sun Quan would send a child to act as the envoy. Perhaps it was that Cao was known for having a soft spot for women, yet his own sister, seemed silly to send his own little sister so far abroad without good reason. The King's thoughts were interrupted when the arrival of Zhang Liao was announced. The court hall fell to silence as the great general was bidden to enter by the lord of the Wei, the reigning Emperor sat in silence his head bowed. The hall-filled silence went on even after the general was ushered, waiting. The assembled officials and the Emperor were all eyes on the general when he strode in with the envoy, his recent victory had raised him to the status of a hero in the nation as the two years had went by since the incident at the Xiaoyao Ford. Cao watched the general enter and offer obeisance, with joy in his heart. It had been a long time since he last saw Liao, one of his most respected commanders. Cao cleared his throat before greeting the general in turn, "General, you need not keep such a distance. It has indeed been too long, but in those years apart you have done more than your share. Your victory of late holds the entire country in awe, please come forward and receive my respects."Cao pushed himself to his feet, the headache of his hangover had eased significantly with the arrival of Zhang Liao, as if seeing an old friend was like a sweet remedy of nature. He took up a seal of command in both hands from his desk as he got up and walked forward slowly. An attendant next to the Emperor unrolled a scroll which he read aload saying: "In recognition of General Zhang Liao's recent feats of both might and cunning, His Majesty and the King of Wei confer upon the General the rank of Imperial Protector, and the titles Prefect of Shouchun and Guardian of the East. His stipend shall be increased to accomodate his new status and honours. Thus is decreed." Cao advanced bearing the seal in his hands. "Imperial Protector, please accept your new seal of office." The King got on both knees in respect and proffered the General his new seal with both hands, ready for him to take and accept. The Emperor sat uneasily throughout the whole affair as higher rank was bestowed upon the King of Wei's confidants. ((I will deal with the diplomacy following this, as it's payday and this is to grant now.))
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Post by Adam on Jun 11, 2011 18:13:47 GMT
Sun Shang Xiang; that girl from Wu, daughter of Sun Quan, known for her fiery nature and ability with the bow. She headed for Wei for something that seemed to alien and bizarre that her men that protected her were left unable to believe it. She'd gone to Shou Chun after using her influence to force the usual envoys out of contention for the job and it was only through a heated discussion with her brother that he finally let go of the protective reins on her and allowed her to go.
The journey was intoxicating, not in the sense it was ill thought of, or addictive, but more so in the respect of how it dulled her senses; time passing effortlessly away and her thoughts transcending into something overtly vauge and periferal. What she had spoken to Zhang Liao about in the time they spent together were thoughts and messages she could not quite link back to, not through amnesia, but because of her surroundings; Xu Chang.
She'd made it, unharmed, in good health, but the closer she had got the more fearful she had become. It had been the most pressing of issues for her; to hide such a weakness from Zhang Liao, the one who she had impressed. Xiang couldn't turn back in any manner, it was impossible, for Zhang Liao was expected with Shang Xiang through a messenger; if she did turn back it would be damaging to the Wei general and even though enemies they remained in colours, she had grown to admiring the man too much to hurt him in such a way.
The escort took her through her up the steps of the palace inside and once more she felt in a dream like state. Her adrenaline over-exceeding what was natural, was once again sending her general abilities into shock. Several times she was spoken to, but her answers were slow and distant, as if a great weight was held on her mind, and in fact it was.
The palace was grand, she remembered noticing as her eyes scanned forward to see the full and intimidating picture before her. Without realising until that moment she was stood in the main hall, Zhang Liao in front had since fell to his knee in respect and the king of Wei had spoken to him. Xiang fell to her knee in haste, fearful at how long she may have been stood there, she had to control herself and fast if the hero of chaos wasn't to swallow her whole.
- - - - -
"Ce, Shang Xiang has really come along. She thinks she can beat you!"
Sun Jian spoke, Ce only grinning back as his eyes fell on the young tigeress. The two siblings had a great relationship, Ce often practicing his swordsmanship with her, teaching her whatever he could, but still the girl couldn't beat him, not get even close.
Ce spoke to her. "I don't get it Xiang, I beat you time and time again, but you keep coming back for more... and you claim me and father are the most fearless in the land?" He smiled at her, giving her a compliment. "Come on then Xiang, come give me your best shot if you want to fight." He proceeded to back his compliment up with his challenge, sword unsheathed and waiting in the garden of Chang Sha.
- - - - -
Her head was bowed throughout the promotion of Liao, her own thoughts taking precedent over what was currently occuring elsewhere. She'd have been upset for several minutes in any other position, but within moments of raising her head back to look at the scene unfolding in the real world, her mind refocused and strengthed, as if the old words of her brother as children were spoken at that very moment.
Presuming she was given the floor after the new protector of the Han had accepted his prestige, Xiang would push her fist into her other hand, signaling respect to the Wei ruler. Her hands still shook gently, as could be expected from such a high profile meeting, but her voice commanded respect and charisma, much like a member of the Sun clan.
"Lord Cao Cao, it is with great honour I bow before you. Sent to Shou Chun to check upon the ceasefire, I have since looked to the imperial capital for a more fulfilling journey." She blushed slightly and lowered her head down in a minor way, out of her own confusion at her visit more than anything else. "I know not what I come to offer, nor what it is you may wish from my visit, in truth the daunting thought of being here before you has played on my mind."
Her voice had the hallmarks of tinted fear, enough for both the king of wei and presumably the demon of Wu to pick up on. It was dangerous to show weakness, but Xiang had no answers to why she was there, Zhang Liao had even told her she had nothing to offer and now she wishing she had listened to his wise words.
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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 11, 2011 18:45:22 GMT
Zhang Liao remained knelt a few feet away until his lord Cao Cao applauded him, and beckoned him closer. Zhang Liao wanted to smile greatly, but he kept his emotions in check. Cao Cao was a dear friend to him, and he cherished serving the man from the day his life was spared at Xiapi to the day he patrolled the walls of Guandu Castle as Yuan Shao’s machines aimed to tear them down, all the way to this day. He was born a simple man who was recognized for martial talents, and his service of Ding Yuan had guided him to Dong Zhuo when Lu Bu killed his father and absorbed command.
He hated Dong Zhuo, but had not the courage and dishonor Lu Bu had to betray and kill him, despite the evil deed being for the greater good of the country. He was left serving a vagabond when Lu Bu was forced to flee the capital, and his sword was used to betray Liu Bei and steal Xu Province while he was away. Zhang Liao was like an eagle with a clipped wing, and he could hold no head high in service to Lu Bu.
It was when he was defeated that he was able to strike against him. “Lu Bu, O’ coward! Death is but death, why are you scared at it!” He said to the most fearsome warrior China had ever seen. Zhang Liao spoke such words true. He was not scared at the premise of death. He had lived a life much unlike one a warrior dreamed of. He’d betrayed two lords and followed a rebel. No man he killed in battle served the Han ill, but he did. Death was all he deserved. Lu Bu looked back at Zhang Liao’s words, betrayed, but said nothing to him, only continued to beg Cao Cao for his life. Indeed Cao Cao would have gained a fearsome tiger if he had allowed Lu Bu to surrender, but he was not so easily corrupted, and Lu Bu was killed.
Zhang Liao hung his head when Cao Cao approached, welcoming the end of his life, but Guan Yu had him spared. Since then, he fought for Cao Cao. The man was labeled a villain and a traitor, the emperor thought worse of him than Dong Zhuo, and his list of enemies grew before he systematically defeated them all. But Zhang Liao saw Cao Cao in a different light. He was the Hero of Chaos, the one man who rose while all other faltered. He served the Han with strength when it was weak. He had the Han more powerful than it was for decades, but Liu Bei, the scion of the Imperial Family, convinced Sun Quan to fight rather than surrender, and impeded the restoration of the Han. All the land saw Liu Bei a hero, but in truth he prolonged the suffrage of the Han Empire and the country for years upon years.
Cao Cao had spared Zhang Liao and given his life as a warrior purpose. He loved the man. His life belonged to Cao Cao.
“My lord, the Prime Minister, is too kind. I pledge fealty and swear an oath to serve as Imperial Protector to the best of my abilities, until the armies of the Southland tread north the Chang Jiang nevermore.”
Zhang Liao said, saluting and bowing to Cao Cao. He took the seal with pride.
Matters moved on as Sun Shang Xiang took the floor. However, Zhang Liao’s heart sank as she spoke. She hadn’t listened to a word of warning he gave her. As the lady spoke, stating that she had nothing to offer as an envoy of Wu, he feared for the response of Cao Cao. The Prime Minister was a painfully busy man. He had a kingdom to run, and Emperor to supervise, and campaigns against two rebel kingdoms to prepare. He would be furious if this is truly what diplomacy Zhang Liao had come to him with.
“Truly my lord sparks an imposing audience for the lady,” Zhang Liao said, quick to come to her aid, “She forgets already what she had offered!”
Zhang Liao called his men forth with the gifts Sun Shang Xiang offered him. The men of Shouchun had no use for jewels, but perhaps Cao Cao would see beauty in the gems of the south.
“The envoy of Wu wishes good will between our kingdoms during this ceasefire. She has brought magnificent jewels and gems before you, my lord, and also some of the south’s finest wines. I hope this donation pleases you, my lord.”
Zhang Liao looked to Sun Shang Xiang in the corner of his eye, hoping she had the time now to calm her nerves. He had worried how she would react in the presence of the most powerful man in China, and now he hoped the worse had come to pass.
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Post by Sam on Jun 11, 2011 20:28:27 GMT
Cao Cao raised himself, and patted Zhang on the shoulder with a smile, as he accepted his seal. He was happy to hand on such an important position to one of his top generals, as his abilities were key to maintaining order, and his actions had kept the morale of the kingdom steady in times of late.
Cao loved seeing his officers flourish, there's was nothing more satisfying that knowing you have in your service men of such ability.
Turning to Shang Xiang, Cao found himself facing both the sister of one enemy and the ex-wife to another, to believe that such a being could have cemented the odds against him even more, another reason for Wu and Shu to cement their alliance.
Her reply made Cao smile, Zhang intervention saved her from the King's initial estimation, which was surprisingly good. It was good in the sense that people still feared him, despite his recent setbacks, rather than them making him a prime target for a momentus advance.
The gifts of which Zhang spoke of were lugged into the room by soldiers, one soldier opened a bag for Cao to take a look. Reaching into a bag of gems, Cao grasped one in his fist and drew it out of the bag. Examining a red stone the size of his palm, he remarked plainly, "A beautiful stone, truly a great gift. It is nice to see that Sun Zhongmou thinks of me in every instance."
Putting the stone back in the bag he continued, "One day he seeks my friendship, while on another he would seek my head? Is this not true?" Cao moved his arms behind him and clasped them.
Speaking to Shang Xiang still Cao explained, "Your brother is very inconsistent. First he makes peace and the foundations of a friendship, then he would push Xuande to seek my head huh?"
"It is no mystery of what your brother hopes to achieve. He wants to sid on the sideliens while me and Liu Bei wear down. Whichever side wins your brother makes a gain."
"I hear that he has mended relations with Liu Bei following our three-way conflict in Jing, while at the sametime he seeks peace with me? Does he want Jing or Hefei? Seems he can't make his mind up soon enough." Cao said with a laugh.
Cao put out his hand gentlemanly to raise the girl to her feet, "But enough talk of war and conflict, for you seek peace. You need feel no fear, I am still but a man. Why is it that when sent to Shouchun, you wish to see me, far away in Xuchang m'lady? Anyone else your brother could have sent would have been happy enough to simply stick to orders."
Cao thought Sun Quan had chose wisely in who he sent, chances were that if it had been a regular envoy, Zhang Liao and Cao Cao both would not have responded the same.
In fact Cao Cao gave her a second chance to explain her purpose simply because she was a woman, one of great beauty. If it were a man he would have mocked his nervous act, but Cao Cao like in his youth still had a soft spot for women, one of the weaknesses of his character one could say. It was because of women that he failed at Wancheng, and was so soundly beaten during the night and lost his friend Dian Wei.
Cao's problematic headache from the morning had all but passed on in the presence of Shang Xiang. Women, the cure to all his problems, a lack of a heir was not one of those problems.
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Post by Adam on Jun 12, 2011 3:17:40 GMT
//I was out town tonight, got in 45mins ago and churned this out. Forgive me if its not as good as normal, or if any ideas veer off or anything like that. Blame the alcohol anyway
Shang Xiang expected the worst at her words, much like the Wei General Zhang Liao it seemed, as quickly he came to her safety, stalling the ruler of Wei for several very important seconds, enough for the girl to regroup and think. It was then that she came up with the means for her safety, the only thing she could give under such circumstances, other than the small gifts she had already given.
Those gifts were brought in and inspected by the King of Wei, who noted the beauty of the gems, but then proceeded to ridicule her brother, a common trait for members of Wei it seemed, but it was to be expected. It was true Quan did not seem to know which way to turn his eyes, but that was not through inconsistency, it was through unfortunate circumstances; Jing was rightfully Wu's, whilst Wei remained the greatest threat to their safety.
"I cannot disagree with you Lord Mengde. My brother seems to want a lasting peace, but no doubt has already trained his eye on regrouping forces to one day lay attack in your lands, but that can presumably be turned both ways, as I no doubt suspect your famously cunning mind thinks in similar fashion." She firstly tried to counter Cao Cao's argument against her brother, but slipped in a subtle compliment, hoping the man was vain enough to take it
She took the King's hand and rose to her feet, bowing her head politely and responded once more. "Believe me or not, I want to help you break up the relations between my brother and my former husband." A revelation obviously not known by her brother. "I was treated with hostility in Shu and I am treated like a child in Wu."
She wasn't giving an offer as such, but her words would surely perk the ears of Cao Cao, especially with the potential they showed. He had the leverage over someone so close to both lords of his two rivals, it was potentially the perfect position he could be in if worked well. The large question loomed however, just how far would she go to get her revenge, how far would she go before she realised helping Wei was a bad idea if Wu was ever to progress.
Her free hand brushed through her hair uneasily, she understood the power her words had and she felt horrible to have given such personal information away, but with Zhang Liao close by and the need to be seen as useful rather than just a sister of Wu, or worse still more useful as a prisoner, she needed to say something honest and important to show her real position and thoughts.
"I do not know what effect I could have, I am but one person and I do not know Xuande's thoughts of me as of late, nor if he holds me in enough regard to even give me the time of day, my brother likewise sees me as his little sister to protect..."
Her dangerous talk was put in more perspective at the end of her comments, showing her returning lack of confidence in the halls of Wei, she was treading the thin wire of moral balance and safety with uncertainty.
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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 12, 2011 3:44:42 GMT
Zhang Liao was glad to see the young lady recover from her early confusion. He did not blame her for tripping on her words in this situation. The Imperial Palace was grand and glorious, gold and crimson banners fell from every direction. There were nobles and officials and generals and soldiers numbering in the multiple hundreds around her. Not to mention this was the palace of Xuchang, the military capital of the Cao Wei Kingdom, the very one Sun Quan would sacrifice great lengths to be inside of right now with an army. Here she stood, at the epitome of glory, standing before the Prime Minister, a man who survived multiple assassinations against him and conquered over half of China, killing off any man fool enough to call him an enemy.
And his greatest enemy was Shang Xiang’s brother. This was no simple task, speaking to this man; this was a moment she would remember for the rest of her life. Because many people in her current position regarded this moment as their last. Lucky for her, Cao Cao was in a good mood. Her cheerful presence and charming demeanor pleased him.
She went on; making Zhang Liao happy to see his intervention had given her the time she needed to gather her thoughts again. Like entering a warm bath, she settled in after find it overwhelming at first entrance. Zhang Liao listened, but not very attentively. This speech she made now for a formality, a stencil approach to warm up any receiver of an envoy.
But she followed it with a shocking statement.
"Believe me or not, I want to help you break up the relations between my brother and my former husband."
Zhang Liao turned with surprise as the lady spoke of her ill treatment between Shu and Wu. As she concluded her ‘diplomacy’, Zhang Liao took the floor, briefly.
“Something tells me Sun Quan did not send you here with that message directly,” He joked, “Perhaps he chose the wrong person so serve as his diplomat. But this benefits my lord’s kingdom greatly. Word has reached us that Sun Quan and Liu Bei have settled their dispute over Jing, which surprises me, seeing as Sun Jian died trying to claim Jing and Liu Bei stole it from you in a manner I am akin to, serving Lu Bu for much of my career.
“Word has also found ears that tell Guan Yu has even forgiven Lu Meng, the man who betrayed him and tried to kill him. I wonder if Wei is so imposing to dismiss such hatred in the south for one-another, why does the lady Sun Shang Xiang find such comfort here?”
He did not ask in a mocking way, but rather truly curious. The country was against them but she seemed to be aligning with them, against her very brother.
“Do you have any idea on how you could help us make enemies out of our allied enemies?”
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Post by Sam on Jun 12, 2011 4:24:48 GMT
Cao listened to the girl intently and accepted the compliment gladly, "'All warfare is based on deception' Miss Sun, I would trust your brother to know that too, of course our current peace will be short lived, for the ambitious must also be bold."
Cao Cao listened to her with a faint smile until she dropped the bombshell which darn near knocked him on his ass, his brows went up in shock and the already faint smile faded away. No doubt the whole hall of ministers too was as bewildered as much their lord. He found it difficult to find a response at first in his head, he needed a little time to recuperate.
"Well now I know why you needed to come to the capital..."
After hearing Zhang Liao Cao mustered a reply in the form of a joke him, flustered as he was, "Since when the the world turn upside down? Or is it just my age catching up with me and dementia setting in?"
Turning his head aside from the young woman he called over his shoulder, "Excuse us Your Majesty. Ministers remain here for a time." The Emperor did not respond, but simply shuddered inside as the King spoke to him indirectly, deathly afraid.
Cao led her hand-in-hand towards the entrance of the hall, it gave him a brief time to gather his senses again which had scattered at the sledgehammer-like purpose of Shang Xiang's visit. As well as leaving the many ears of the court behind.
"Wenyuan, come, you deserve to be here for this." Cao led the two of them down the stairs of the palace, which was no short time, it took a good minute to be free of the steps. He took them down a sharp left into a very narrow alleyway. Coming to an archway into a small but luxury garden.
As you cleared the archway you could see before you a small man-made pond that was outstretched like a small river across a small grass-covered courtyard dotted with flowers both rare and common. There was a small stone path set in place among the green grass, leading to a bridge of two-spans in length that crossed the stream that ended at the pond. On the opposite side of the bridge was a small stone table surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers, set next to which was a bench fit for three and two accompanying arm chairs of marble.
The area was walled off on three sides, one of those being the entrance, the third was open at an angle that allowed the light of the sun to shine through the open-topped garden for the right amount of shade and light. A small distance away from that opening was a small house.
Cao led them into this place which seemed very dreamy considering they were inside a city. This was a place for quiet relection in an out of the way place. Cao led them slowly across the bridge allowing them to adjust to the hazy glare of the sun.
The King returned Shang Xiang the freedom of her second hand as he made way for her to be seated. After she was seated he occupied one of the stone arm chairs.
Finally Cao spoke, "Here there are but three pairs of ears. This kind of thing cannot be spoke of even in a hall of my own loyal officers." Noting indirectly that it was a mistake to say such a thing in the presense of so many.
Cao leant forward and said with an uninetentional chuckle, "You're full of surprises Miss Sun. A beautiful, shy fairy from the south bearing gifts of value at first. I was not prepared for any of that you just laid on me."
Cao spoke ahead brushing his long beard as he leant back in his seat, the top was rounded so he had no trouble in finding comfort. "I don't even know how to respond, even with time to think."
"I don't know all the details of the goings on down south, but this was not the outcome I saw of those. I thought you left Xuande of your own free will in attempt to seize his son for your brother? Again for Jing?"
"You speak of your brother seeing you as someone who needs protected and Liu Bei as not openly caring. How exactly do you want me to see you? Right now I'm stuck with intriging and confusing." Cao joked.
There were many questions, but Cao didn't want to just throw them all at once at the poor girl, she seemed all ready under enough pressure of an inner conflict that she had only just unleashed to other ears, unfamiliar ones at that. He would get the details before swinging for the main question if she didn't grant the answer of her own accord.
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Post by Adam on Jun 12, 2011 12:28:25 GMT
The low hushed talking in the palace gave Shang Xiang only a small hope of not being heard by only Cao Cao and Zhang Liao. No doubt there would be an ear present that would rush a message to Jian Ye about her words, though with an easy look around she thankfully saw no one of obvious ill intent, though it would be hard to be sure. If she said the prospect of someone spreading her words south didn't worry her at that moment, she would be telling the biggest lie she ever could
Zhang Liao first spoke, amidst Shang Xiang's near-retraction of her words. "I- err- didn-" She was cut off however by the man, possibly by his realisation she was close to taking everything back and reaffirming her loyalty to her brother's cause, something which had obviously been cracked open with her words, the Wei men quick to prevent the repair from happening.
There would be no rest for the girl as sooner rather than later she was held by the hand and pressed to leave the halls in exchange for a more private area to talk, thankfully she realised Zhang Liao too would be present. Her head wanted to think over what she had said, but unintentionally or not, Cao Cao was doing everything to prevent her from going back on her word, her eyes looking over the beautiful scenary and magnificant building the palace was. It all fell perfectly in place once they got to the magestic end place, where she sat down on the bench offered by Cao Cao, her hand freed.
Her head lowered at Cao Cao's words, she hated the picture that was painted of her, of her activities in Shu and her return to Wu. They were twisted to sound preplanned and meditated, but in fact she was the victim of much and her eyes shown it as they rose to look at Cao Cao, her head still dipped slightly, showing her pain at remembering.
"All of was with my life in Shu, contray to the stories I hear whenever the subject arises, I was not under constant guard and Xuande never feared death when around me. We were happy. The problem was people didn't like me having an opinion and in stirred a few feathers in my time, feathers that held more authority than I first realised." She gave the vague account of her time and concluded it. "I was framed repeatedly as a Wu-loyalist wanting to destroy Shu from the inside out, of course he believed me to begin with but eventually it was too much even for him to look past. I was threatened with a last chance and I was then preyed upon; blackmailed I left Shu and in the weak state I was, I tried to take his son Liu Chan with me."
She recalled her bad times and what followed were the memories of what happened prior to that; of how Wu embraced her back with overbearing security, at first fearful Shu would try and end her life, which in turned developed into a general pattern for her life thereafter. Where once she held a sword, she was forced to wield the pen. "My brother feared a backlash on me from Shu and had me guarded for over a year without fail. Since then i have been a mere member of his court, organising Jian Ye and having only minor input elsewhere."
Cao Cao's last question was yet to be answered, and Xiang gave a thoughtul look before proceeding with it. "I don't know how you should see me." She sighed and raised her hands to her face, wanting to hide her grief as guilt filled up inside of her, due to her words against what should be her greatest enemy.
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Post by Sam on Jun 12, 2011 16:28:56 GMT
Cao Cao's heart softened all the more as the young lady recounted her tale, "Oh? So my reports didn't come with all the details. Blackmailed by your brother, was this a part of another one of his schemes to get his hands on Jing? Or does he not just like you being with Xuande?"
Cao went on being honest, "Xuande is not of the kind to hold personal grudges, though my arch-enemy he has strong qualities I cannot ignore, I respect the man a great deal. He's like an old friend but the times and our ambitions keep us at a distance, like Liu Bang and Xiang Yu of old we are." Cao smiled.
"Judging from what you say, your brother seems to be wanting to keep you away from Liu Bei for whatever reason. I have a feeling it is somehow related to Jing, even with your newfound peace with Shu, you will not hear the end of Jing. Quan will not be content until he has wrestled it entirely from Shu's hands, and until then you will never be permitted to be free."
"If you pardon me from being frank, in this day and age women are disposable, normally capable of very little, they seclude themselves from the affairs of the state because of tradition. You are truly a rare find, not often is it that a aristocratic lady like yourself desire to participate in the reforming of the country. Truly it is a great thing."
Cao was beating around the bush a bit, he wanted the girl to loosen up before getting to the purpose of this privacy. He wanted her to feel comfortable in his company before he asked about what she meant by her words in the court. She had already impressed him, being this open to him, a complete stranger, they ahd never met beforehand.
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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 12, 2011 17:47:17 GMT
Zhang Liao blushed a bit, and hung his head in shame when Sun Shang Xiang stuttered and stepped back as he asked her his questions regarding her words. Apparently he had taken her words to mean more than she intended, and he placed her in a difficult situation because of it. She was already exposed and vulnerable, and despite him trying to help her, he might have stepped where he shouldn’t have by speaking out before.
Cao Cao took her by the hand and led her out, and Zhang Liao couldn’t help but swell his heart with rage as he saw his lord leading Sun Shang Xiang away from him, when he himself brought her before him. But he dared not speak.
Lucky for him, Cao Cao called for him to follow. They walked for what seemed to be an eternity until Cao Cao led them to a private garden. The smell hit Zhang Liao with an immediate pleasure, and the sight was one of beauty few would behold. As Cao Cao walked ahead to a private place to meet, Zhang Liao leaned in to the lady Sun.
“Forgive me, my lady,” He whispered, “I did not mean to pressure you in front of Mengde. It is just that my soldiers have lived for years fearing the return of Sun Quan, and the villages of Hefei are still battered from battles years ago. When you spoke earlier, I saw time to give my people what they needed: rest, and recovery. I meant you no harm, I let my own dreams guide my words.”
He placed a hand on her back and led her to Cao Cao. He did not know why he found it needed to personally guide her so, his hand seemed to act on its own, separate from his mind, as he placed gentle hands on her.
Hoping Cao Cao and Shang Xiang alike would think nothing of it, he let his hands fall to place at his sides when he stood by Cao Cao.It was a private meeting between the three, and Cao Cao obviously had a trick or two prepared.
“My lord speaks accurately. Jing is war-torn, but no matter who rules it: your brother or Xuande, it will change nothing. So long as Jing is in between the three kingdoms, it shall suffer. Sun Quan aims to acquire it because it was his father’s dying battle to take it, and it is the home of the Sun Family. Rightfully it should be yours. But Liu Bei wants it to secure his position in Yi. If Sun Quan had it, Liu Bei would be more isolated and all Sima Yi would need to do is launch a southern campaign and Liu Bei would be finished.
“And so long as Sun Quan is the ruling entity in Wu, you do not see yourself propelling to more than a figure of the court. I do not see Sun Quan losing his kingdom through betrayal, and he is too smart on the battlefield to allow himself so near to death again, so I wonder how many years Wu shall see Sun Quan at its helm. A shame, as I would joy to see you reach your dreams.”
Zhang Liao spoke softly, basically thinking aloud, giving refreshment on the current situation in Jing and Wu. He still was unsure what the coming moments would bring, and he simply wished to guide the princess in to whatever message she was planning to give.
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Post by Adam on Jun 12, 2011 23:13:00 GMT
She had been led away from the palace, hand held and led by the ruler of Wei, Cao Cao. In the midst of their travel they'd left the palace interior and moved to the surrounding gardens, to a secluded area where privacy could be used for the meeting. At some point Xiang's head turned as if expecting Liao's words, as for a brief minute her hand with cao Cao was released and the whispered voice toughed her ear.
She had no ill thoughts of Zhang Liao, in fact she found herself slowingly slightly at the feel of his touch, only realising her possible predicament a second or two later. Her big eyes turned with her face to look up to his own and she gave a smile, reassuring him of her still friendly nature towards him, though as her head turned back she looked uneasy, uneasy for the simple fact she was worried about just how quickly she was warming to him.
Cao Cao showed her to her seat and replied to her words, though not long after he had spoken, Shang Xiang had to interject. "Lord Cao Cao, you have the wrong end of the stick, Quan was not the one who blackmailed me, it was from within Shu. I thank you for your compliment and it is perhaps for those qualities that Shu wanted me away from Liu Bei, perhaps my less womanly qualities got in people's way?" She didn't like correcting such a figure, but she wanted to the right picture painted of her and her brother.
It came to Zhang Liao to speak the next words and his final words should worry the King of Wei as they teetered on the verge of damaging for the mindset of the so far co-operating SSX. Her eyes lit up with something less than impressed and her head slowly turned to his direction, a frown etched to her brows. It seemed she was going to scream the house down at words suggesting Wu would be better off with Sun Quan dead, in fact surely one or both of the men would think the potentially very helpful girl was to rethink her plans.
Her eyes touched Liao's and she wanted to shout at him for his words, to put him back in his place at what was right and wrong to talk about; having had a father and brother die before their time being the main focus of her anger. It was then that her face turned soft once more, the anger that once threatened to tear apart the meeting subsided and instead she let out a soft chuckle.
"I would never wish my brother's removal from power, no matter how irritating he can get." She spoke softly, a far cry from what she looked certain to sound like only a second earlier. "As you say I am unconventional for a woman, but a woman I remain, even should my brother fall from power, it would never come to me to take over and an heir would most certainly be even more cautious with my position in the em-"
Shit. Her mouth remained open at her blunder, the secret of Quan's plan to announce himself as Emperor was not something she had wished to say, it wasn't something she should say, but yet she had given the first two words to it and it didn't take a genius to work it out. Her reaction spoke volumes and there was no point trying to cover up, all she could do was see the reaction she produced and hope it was either already known, or not as big of a deal as she thought it might be.
"I've said way too much already..." She seemed truly disgusted with herself as she hunched over on the bench, pressing her hands to her face and waited the looming response from Cao Cao, fearful at a backlash at her, but fearful more at a backlash at her brother; if that happened she'd never forgive herself.
She'd really put her foot in it this time.
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Post by Sam on Jun 12, 2011 23:49:05 GMT
Cao replied to Shang Xiang quickly, "My mistake miss, in that case I think it was not you personally that alarmed the officers of Shu, perhaps it was just a distrust of your brother. Jing again, remains a big factor."
Cao Cao quickly shot Zhang Liao a glance, he had spoken too bluntly and actually revealed his plan all along. Cao wanted Sun Quan to capture Jing, in doing so he would limit Liu Bei tremendously and keep a leash on Zhuge Liang's plans for the north. not to mention getting Guan Yu the hell away from the capital.
Lady Sun joined Cao in an shared irritation at Zhang Liao's last remarks it seems as Cao noted her displeasure.
Shang Xiang's reply leaved had the Kings jaw on the table, he threw back his head in a laugh at the slip. "Ho ho ho. So Sun Zhongmou seeks to ascend the throne?" Cao laughed some more, but stopped wiping his damp eyes with his sleeve he said still saying goodbye to the laughter.
"My apologies Miss Sun, I couldn't help myself. So Sun Zhongmou wants to be Emperor. How reckless, but I won't stop him. It makes me happy, congratulations Miss Sun, you're going to be a royal princess."
Cao Cao's laughing was of joy. If Sun Quan was going to ascend the throne and proclaim a new dyansty then would watch Liu Bei smash the young warlord of the south. It was perfect he wondered if this was Shang Xiang's plan.
He decided to simply ask now, it was as good a time as ever, "You said back in the court that you desired to break apart the fragile bond of Shu and Wu. How exactly did you plan to do so? This is huge and will see them fall out all the more, if you have a follow up plan."
"But that brings me back to what I originally wanted to ask. Why exactly do you want to break apart that alliance?"
Cao Cao was all the more eager to learn after these new developments, needless to say he was ina very happy mood thus far.
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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 13, 2011 0:21:16 GMT
Zhang Liao recognized the lady’s irritation at his rambling. He did not mean to say she would desire for Sun Quan to be relieved of his command, as she was his sister. In truth he was simply commentating on the current situation, where she was stuck to a role of a figurehead, and he felt she knew that ascending beyond that would be difficult while her brother ruled the Southlands.
He also looked to Cao Cao, who met his glance with disapproval as he spoke of the situation in Jing. He had served the man long enough, and it seemed that his thoughts on the matter matched Cao Cao’s ambitions. He understood immediately, and nodded his head slightly to his lord, putting the situation in Jing beneath his tongue.
“Of course, my lady,” Zhang Liao said as she spoke of her brother. He let her continue speaking, and listened intently as she bit her tongue. But enough of the word escaped. Empire. Cao Cao was quick to catch it as well, and immediately began applauding the discovery. He went on to laugh, and commented on the situation in a mocking way. Zhang Liao frowned as he did so.
“It is bold, but it is smart. My lord, the Prime Minister, controls the Han, it has been so for years. He holds the highest title a man can hold, lest he himself be the emperor. Sun Quan wishes to rise in power, gain respect from those who call my lord an enemy, and make a statement.”
Zhang Liao pondered for a moment before speaking again.
“I do not see it ending well for any of our kingdoms. Liu Bei has proclaimed himself King of Han Zhong and, while once a wondering leader of men, he’s stationed himself strongly in Yizhou. If Sun Quan proclaims he is emperor, Liu Bei shall follow, and his people will endorse him as the scion of the Imperial Han family,” Zhang Liao looked to Cao Cao, “Which would make you the last supporter of the Han. An interesting turn of events that would be, for so many have spoken untrue of that regard.”
Cao Cao asked the guest of what she said before, about the relationship between Wu and Shu. He was curious as well, ever since leaving Shouchun, what she sought from Cao Cao. It was appear this was the matter she wanted to bring up, but both Zhang Liao and Cao Cao were left guessing at the strength behind her words. He turned his attention to Sun Shang Xiang, awaiting a reply while his minds swarmed around possible outcomes, unsure of whether or not he was even on the right track.
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Post by Adam on Jun 13, 2011 1:27:55 GMT
The girl had her hand clasped to her face, disbelief at how she had so easily given away her brother's secret and as Cao Cao laughed her heart sank more. Her heart told her to get up and leave, to abandon whatever foolish thing she was trying to do and look to limit the damage she had already made against Wu, but yet her head told her otherwise, making sure she understood it would be unwise to leave only part way through a meeting Cao Mengde obviously enjoyed and wanted to progress; if she rose up and walked away like she wanted to, then there was no telling what the King of Wei would do.
Her hands loomed lower down her face, rubbing along as they fell to her mouth, dispair on her eyes, unable to find the same humour Mengde could. Shang Xiang felt her head pound in agony, unable to keep track of where she was or what she was doing in the exact details she'd have liked, little did the two men know how much they were hurting her and pressing her into a corner that she was worried she may never escape from.
"I...-" Clearly the effects were showing, she needed time and space but they were unrelenting in their questions, but rightly so, her reasons and thoughts complex and often misleading, but she was trying her best. "I don't want Liu Bei to have any say on what my people or I do. Shu treated me bad, worse than I dare say for fear you understand the true extent of my selfish reasonings"
Shang Xiang spoke, but not in any strong manner, her words came out weak and submissive, unlike the tigress that had spoken so strongly to Zhang Liao. Her hands moved to a crossed position over her chest and her hands rubbed and fidgeted over her skin nervously as she remembered more of her time; dark times. What had happened remained a mystery, even her brother and other family didn't know and she seemed unwilling to divuldge more.
Sounding a little stronger in voice she added. "I know my reasons seem strange to you; potentially I could screw up my country's entire future through helping Wei... but is there no other way I can get my revenge? All I want is for them to realise how much they hurt me."
Emotions were dangerous, Cao Cao would know that and should be very wary when it came to trying to work out a plan with Sun Shang Xiang. She wasn't mentally unstable, but whatever haunted her from Shu seemed to affect her and lessen that strong-willed persona that so many seemed drawn to, indeed still she remained with her arms crossed, looking uncomfortable with the discussions.
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