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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 14, 2011 19:04:01 GMT
Here is where the governing body of the city resides. He or she will recieve and call for their advisors and officers when in doubt, or seek out foreign relations to those across their borders.
A goverment office isn't very well protected, however, this is subject to change if specified by it's controller.
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Post by Ma Chao on Jan 27, 2011 5:25:03 GMT
The sun was shining bright in the day sky, but it would soon have competition as another star began to burn. This star, however, was fueled by ambition.
Sun Ce was standing upon a balcony which overlooked the bustling city below. His armor was gleaming from the sun and the warmth he felt upon his skin was replicated within his heart. Finally, he had started the long journey which would eventually end with one banner ruling all of China. That kingdom would be Wu and Ce would do whatever necessary to attain his goal. He had already traded the Imperial Seal, the item that most likely cost his father's life, to Yuan Shu in exchange for soldiers. It was a most precious jade dragon and men would have easily killed one another for it, but it meant nothing to Sun Ce. He cared not to rule China in his head, like Yuan Shu, but in reality instead.
"Father, I wish you could see me now" he thought.
The people below were looking up to see their new lord. He seemed to possess an aura of strength and it began to radiate out into the city. With the presence of Sun Ce and knowing that Yuan Shu was an ally, the people felt more secure. They would sleep well tonight and so would their leader.
Thoughts of the past occupied Ce for hours and slowly day turned to night. Finally, he decided to close the chapter on that part of his life and begin to write the next. He left the balcony and moved to his private quarters for some much needed sleep.
Lu Jiang was like a stellar nursery, more stars would be born and it was only a matter of time before Wu was unmatched.
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Post by Liu Feng on Jan 27, 2011 17:42:14 GMT
It was on this fateful day that an unusual woman by the name of Ulayne Umi approached the gates of Jian An's government office. She was escorted by a handful of older men, each armed with the curved swords of a naval soldier. As the young mystic rode up to the gates of this bustling city, her highlighted hair shone blue as if to contrast directly with the red light of the setting sun. Dressed as usual in the ceremonial plates of a naval officer, Ulayne approached the guards of the government office and bowed politely.
"I am Hai Xiangli of Wu, under recommendation from the Wu Naval Academy to serve the Sun family. May I seek an audience with the young Lord?"
With that the odd mystic hands the guards her documentation, basically letters of recommendation from her instructors speaking highly of her knowledge of texts and innate skills. These letters of recommendation are written as if for a minister, despite the fact that she is dressed as a soldier, and they mention only that she has many "odd and useful other talents", refraining from mentioning anything about her possible mystical talents.
The oddly-haired woman also hands her old curved sword over to the most loyal of her father's friends, knowing that she likely cannot carry it into an audience, but that she also cannot lose such an important sentimental artifact. Her father's friends had only promised to guard her on her journey to Sun Ce's realm, a journey she was almost sad to have finished, but they would likely be returning home if Sun Ce accepted her employment.
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Post by Ma Chao on Jan 27, 2011 18:54:48 GMT
Two guards were stationed at the entrance to the government office and they both noticed Ulayne Umi with her entourage. The gleam from her armor and the eye catching blue in her hair, as well as her apparel, drew a lot of attention. The banners of Wu were red and most all soldiers in the army had robes, plumes, and armor of that color. It really mattered little to Sun Ce and it just made Umi stand out even more than normal.
The visitors were all armed so the guards immediately moved forward a few steps and halted them. One of the men had a standard issue sword, but the lead guard had a spear. It was that man that addressed Umi and her crew.
"What business do you have with Wu?" he stated, quite firmly.
The other guard had his hand upon the hilt of his sword, just in case. However, a moment later Umi produced documentation from a naval academy along the great river. The lead guard looked it over carefully and then scanned Umi up and down. It was quite an impressive recommendation, for a woman.
The young lady handed her blade over to the men with her and was correct in doing so. She would not be able to enter the government office armed. Because of her gender the guards were not going to feel her body for hidden weapons. Sun Ce could handle himself, if necessary, and various other soldiers were stationed throughout the building if anything were to happen.
"You must remain here."
The lead guard raised his hand to make sure none of Umi's men were trying to follow and he ordered the other guard to watch them. He brought her through the set of gates which seperated the building from the rest of the city. There, ahead, were the doors to the audience hall where the young lord of Wu held court.
The guard pushed the doors open and the remaining light of the day burst into the hall. There, upon his seat of power, was Sun Ce. He was expecting Zhou Yu to arrive, but instead a lovely lady clad in armor appeared.
"My lord, this is Hai Xiangli of Jiang Dong. She has here a document that verifies training in naval warfare and a recommendation to serve Wu. I thought you would like to see it."
Sun Ce waved the guard forward and took the document from his hand. He studied the recommendation for a few minutes and then folded it, putting it under his chestplate.
Ce had heard stories of a beautiful woman in blue who had been helping the people of Jiang Dong. Even some of his own soldiers recalled seeing her once or twice, but no one ever approached. Rumors were that she could be some sort of witch and the men were worried about being cursed. Speaking to the people though, it was clear that she was seen as a hero in their eyes.
"Quite impressive" he said, rising from his seat to move toward her.
"So you wish to serve Wu?"
The young woman was very attractive, as the stories had portrayed her. Sun Ce circled around her, looking over a person that could eventually hold the secrets of Wu. She would have to prove herself though, to become such a person. It would be a difficult path for her, but certainly not because of gender. Instead, she had to compete with great minds such as Zhou Yu, Zhu Zhi, Zhang Hong, and Lu Su.
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Post by Liu Feng on Jan 27, 2011 21:05:13 GMT
It appeared as if Ulayne had coached her father's friends beforehand, and none of them stepped forward to enter with her, allowing her to enter alone. The one to whom she had entrusted her father's blade held it tightly though, knowing that the weapon represented her memento of the most important person in her life. He would not be the one soldier to lose it.
As the young mystic entered the court of Sun Ce, she bowed low before the Lord of Wu, her hair falling almost to the ground. When she rose, she made sure to push her hair behind her ears before responding to Sun Ce's question.
"The Sun family has long protected those living upon the southern banks of the Chang Jiang," came Ulayne's initial reply. "When I decided to find a worthy lord to serve, the fishermen in Wu almost unanimously mentioned your name. Your father was a great man, and his defeat of the tyrant's general Hua will be remembered in the annals of history for time to come."
She spoke in a kind voice, clearly with a Jiang Dong accent, but there was a certain firmness in her words. Her dark eyes focused upon the young Lord to whom she was offering her service.
"I am quite attached to this region and to the river which defines it. What better way to do my duty than to serve the son of our hero the Tiger of Jiang Dong?"
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Post by Ma Chao on Jan 27, 2011 22:14:00 GMT
Sun Ce listened to Ulayne speak of Jiang Dong and the people with such passion that it made him proud. He could only imagine how well she would do within the kingdom if she focused such energy on her duties. Though she was dressed in armor, it was clear that Ulayne was more of a tactical officer. Her recommendation from the naval academy had stated that she possessed keen eyes for strategy. Such skills would play an integral part of any naval battles that may occur in the future.
Sun Ce, or Bofu to people close to him, addressed his new officer after she had finished. Attendants that were hurrying around the hall stopped and gathered to welcome Ulayne to Wu.
"I can only hope to achieve the fame and honor that my father had gained. Your loyalty to this region and to Wu will bring joy to his heart in the afterlife."
He waved to a few of the attendants and they immediately moved to aid Ulayne. They would accompany her to a small home in the military section of the city. The officers all had their own quarters and the soldiers lived in the barracks near them.
"I gladly accept you into Wu, Hai Xiangli. Please now, go and rest. Get comfortable in your new home and then come back to see me. I have a lot in mind for you."
Sun Ce gestured to Ulayne to move with his attendants. She was now a part of Wu and could move freely in any part of the city or government buildings. After other officers were accepted into the ranks of Wu, Ce would decide who would take what post in his kingdom.
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Post by Liu Feng on Jan 28, 2011 0:30:44 GMT
The young mystic once again bowed low, the tips of her highlighted hair barely scraping the ground.
"My Lord," she said firmly as she bowed before Sun Ce of Wu.
After rising from her bow, Ulayne was ushered away by attendants who brought her to her quarters in the military section of the city.
The young girl chose the most barren and likely the cheapest of the quarters, particularly uninterested in lavish, and invited in her father's friends to bring in her belongings. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she didn't own much. She filled the walls of the small room with maps of the Jiang Dong area, and stacked the few books she owned on the small desk. She made sure to place the book of wizardry to the side, and covered with a blue cloth. Her father's friends left, after returning her belongings and her father's curved sword.
Only a few moments later, a guard entered the room, asking Ulayne if she needed anything. Ulayne looked at him quizzically, not realizing that she'd be served while she worked for Wu.
"Oh no, I'm fine," came Ulayne's reply, "Just inform me when the Lord calls for my aid or when there is a task to be completed."
With that, Ulayne shut her door and began to settle into her new place.
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Post by Boydie on Jan 28, 2011 21:06:47 GMT
Huang Gai marched with a certain bluster towards the two guards taking heed of the Government Office. Both became on edge as Gai stopped right next to them. Gai inspected both men closely, one of the guards felt a cold sweat come over him. But both men stood strongly erect. Huang Gai proudly said to the guards.
"I see both of you are highly disciplined! Very well done! Both of you are an example of how highly I like my soldiers trained!
Both guards bowed low has Gai paced past them. The giant was in full armor with his prized helmet under his colossal right arm. His belt holds his Double-Bladed Halberd, this was unusual of Huang Gai because he usually welds a mace. Gai had just came from the barracks after a long and hard training program with his troops.
Two other guard watch over Lord Sun Ce's quarters. Huang Gai maneuvered towards and asked the guard captain politely if he could enter.
"I'm here to expatiate my up and coming duty's with Lord Sun Ce."
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Post by Ma Chao on Jan 28, 2011 23:40:32 GMT
The two guards outside of Sun Ce's personal quarters immediately stood at attention when Huang Gai approached. They would not want to be caught slacking while watching over the young lord's room, especially by Gai who took such things very seriously. Lashings and possibly even death could follow, if the great general of Wu wished it.
Although Gai could enter without permission, he still asked and was let in. There, sitting at a large table, was Ce and he was studying maps of the region. He still had his armor on because of training earlier in the day, but his helmet was off and his long black hair hung down to his shoulders. He looked up and saw a most familiar sight.
"Ah, Gongfu, you have arrived" he said, raising quickly to his feet.
Ce moved toward his father's most trusted companion and reached out his hand. He took Gai's hand and they exchanged a firm handshake, followed by a man hug. If there was one person whose knowledge and wisdom was cherished by Ce, it was Gai. He was like a second father to him.
"I see time has done nothing to your famed strength" he said, shaking his hand out slightly due to the grip of his general.
Ce gestured to Gai and the two moved over toward the maps laying upon the table. He pointed out two key objectives and the two discussed them at some length.
The two objectives in mind were cities under the control of Yuan Shu and Liu Yong. (COUNCIL)
"Gongfu, please get some rest as we have much to do. I have arranged for you a home just outside, inside the officers district. Come back and see me soon so that we may continue our discussions."
With that, Sun Ce walked with his great warrior over toward the door. He knocked once and the doors opened immediately. Gai could leave, but if he had more to say it would be no problem.
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Post by Boydie on Jan 29, 2011 13:39:00 GMT
As the doors opened, Gai turned to his respected Lord. He had been impressed with objectives in which Sun Ce hoped to achieve. Gai thought to himself.
" I see that Ce has been well-educated by his father. I see the ambition in his eyes......Just like his father."
Ce reached out to shake Gai's hand and Gai gladly took it, he applied the same amount of pressure from when the first time they shook all those years ago, to display that he isn't getting any weaker with age any time soon. The giant spoke and looked deeply into Ce's eyes.
"I still see the Great Lord in your eyes......Farewell my Lord, if you ever need me. Please, send for me."
Gai bowed low and departed from the majestic quarters and he followed closely the attendants to new his brand-new cormorant in the officers district.
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Post by Zhuge Jin on Jan 31, 2011 17:21:47 GMT
Zhuge Jin had begun his journey many day's previous and had now finally arrived at the city of Jian An. His horse had worn out over the journey and Zhuge Jin was happy that soon both of them would be able to rest. However before he could rest the thinker and scholar would need to discover for sure that the Wu kingdom would be those who he wished to serve. He wished to be sure he was not wrong in thinking of who he would serve for he was a loyal man and would not desert his lord should he take on a leader.
Stepping forward before the halls of the kingdom of Wu in his beautiful blue silk robe, Zhuge Jin smiles and awaits an audience with Lord Sun Ce.
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Post by Ma Chao on Jan 31, 2011 23:17:47 GMT
Two guards greeted Zhuge Jin at the gates of the government office. They could see clearly that Jin was a man of intellect by his demeanor and attire. It also did not look like he had a weapon, so they opened the gates to let him through.
"Welcome to Jian An. Our lord, Sun Ce, is in the main hall" one of the guards said, pointing straight ahead toward two large doors.
As Jin moved to the main audience hall, he noted another set of guards stationed there. Seeing as how he was already admitted, the doors were opened immediately and in the distance was Sun Ce.
The leader was sitting upon a chair which could hardly be called a throne. Still, the hall of Jian An was not a total eye sore. There were lavish red and gold drapes hanging from the second floor and a multitude of military weapons hanging on racks throughout the room.
Behind Sun Ce was a large painting of his late father. It depicted Sun Jian in full armor with his famed sword in hand.
The leader of Wu took note of the new arrival and welcomed him to the city. He then waited for Jin to speak, revealing his intentions in Jian An.
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Post by Zhuge Jin on Feb 1, 2011 0:45:46 GMT
With a stern look upon his fact Zhuge Jin enters into the council chamber of the city of Jian An. Looking around the young scholar notes the state of the chamber, with its beautiful design which still manages to not be over the top, something few rulers know how to do properly and which surely reflects well on Lord Sun. However Zhuge Jin would truly discover today what Lord Sun was worth as a leader.
With a smile on his face Zhuge Jin marched up to the throne of the Lord and bowed low to show his respect for the young lord. In his blue silk robe the scholar prepared to make his address to Sun Ce:
Greetings my lord, I am Zhuge Jin, I am a scholar from a land to the Northwest and I have come to learn about your beautiful kingdom of Wu. I wish to serve a worthy lord and I have come to learn if you are truly a lord worthy of my devotion.
Are you lord Sun Ce a man worthy of the services of Zhuge Jin?
Zhuge Jin awaits the response of Lord Sun Ce with anticipation.
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Post by Ma Chao on Feb 1, 2011 2:33:58 GMT
Sun Ce nodded when Zhuge Jin began his introduction and he listened as the new arrival mentioned the beauty of Wu. It was true, the southlands were a sight to behold. Then, Jin questioned Sun Ce's worth and the young lord grew slightly aggitated. That was one thing that always hung over his head and caused much grief. He was always lost in the grand shadow of his late father.
"Come" he said, raising from his seat and gesturing to Jin.
Ce was adorned in normal attire, absent his armor. He had already trained with his elite soldiers earlier in the day and removed the protective gear for something much more comfortable. It was actually odd to him that the normal clanking of armor was not echoing out within the hall.
The two moved over to a sliding wooden door and Ce pulled it open. There, gleaming under the glorious sun was the city of Jian An. Below, the people went about their daily routines feeling safe and secure. In the distance, soldiers could be seen training in the barracks and out further were the fields.
"Yes, Zhuge Jin. Would the likes of Zhou Yu, Huang Gai, Lu Meng, and Han Dang follow me if I were not worthy?"
Ce was looking at Jin when he spoke, but then he turned to look at the city again. He thought of what to say next, but he was never much for words. His words were usually exchanged on the battlefield and that was even more reason for having Jin who would add to the great intellectuals of Wu. Ce had great generals, he needed more brilliant minds.
"The Sun family has protected these lands for a long time and I plan to do the same. My father ruled with honor and virtue. If you cherish such things than Wu is worthy."
The young leader, of only 21 years, walked back toward his chair. He was really missing Zhou Yu right now who would have won over Zhuge Jin within seconds, but Ce's sworn brother was away handling other tasks.
"I can only offer you a position within my ranks and maybe then you can see my worth with your own eyes" he said, now standing in front of his seat.
Ce would not be insulted if Jin wanted to leave in search of another lord and then return when he found all others unworthy of his service. That would, of course, be the case after all.
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Post by Zhuge Jin on Feb 1, 2011 15:18:30 GMT
With a smile on his face Zhuge Jin follows Sun Ce. Looking out upon this beautiful city of Jian An, with her people seeming happy and free, Zhuge Jin could not help but be impressed by the wisdom and youthful exuberence of lord Sun Ce. This man was truly a mighty leader and the list of able officers he rattled off was certainly impressive. Lord Sun Ce may be young, however he was certainly able as well. Zhuge Jin continues to look out upon the city, knowing soon Wu would need to expand if it were to survive these trying times. For that the Lord of Wu would certainly need able minds to devise strategies and to help with the administration of his cities. Zhuge Jin was confident he could do both.
As Sun Ce mentioned his father Sun Jian, Zhuge Jin thought of all he had heard of the Tiger of Jiang Dong. Jin thought of the skill and the benevolence that the Tiger had brought forth upon this world and how sad it was that it had been so swiftly extinguished. The tragedy of it was sadly that Jin would never have the chance to serve that great man. He would not allow the chance to pass to serve his heir. Zhuge Jin obviously had made up his mind. Turning toward Sun Ce, the light of Jian An still reflecting on his blue silk robe, Zhuge Jin said:
Lord Sun Ce, I see you for the leader that you are and I shall endeavor to serve you to the very best of my abilities. You seem to be a man of few words but rather of action. I shall give you the words to reflect those actions my lord. What do you wish me to do now?
Zhuge Jin kneels before his new lord as he awaits a response.
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