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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 14, 2011 19:09:08 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 NPC Account on Feb 1, 2011 16:21:08 GMT
An envoy arrived at the small city gates of Xin Ye, which, although in the possession of Liu Biao's territory, was handed over by regency to Liu Xuande. The envoy dismounted his horse, readied a parchment and proclaimed the arrival of an armed escort led by Liu Biao himself and his son, Liu Zong. It read: 'Prefect Liu Bei. Lord Liu Biao, accompanied by his son, Liu Zong, ride day and night to meet you with haste. He requests for refreshments to be ready and for you to receive him upon entry of Xin ye borderlines. This is a matter of great urgency, for the fate of the empire rests in this meeting.' Then, the messenger turned and fled in the distance, and soon, a cloud of smoke began to rise in the air behind him. It seemed Liu Biao had arrived, and with him – came great distress and worry..
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Post by Guan Yu on Feb 1, 2011 18:45:23 GMT
Liu Bei received the envoy at the gates, appearing on the walls after being warned of the approaching figure. The escort was armed, which alerted Liu Bei - no doubt Liu Biao had something that had caused such distress, Liu Bei bowed to the envoy before assessing the situation. With little option he ordered the gates opened and he mounted up to meet the man. Liu Bei was accompanied by his brothers Zhang Fei and Guan Yu would ride side by side with him. The oath of the peach garden applied at all times.
The large crowd of dust was moving at a speed usual of a simple visit; Liu Bei stroked him face before preparing himself for his lord. The visit seemed rush; he pondered. It was no doubt something relying to his wife and his heirs.
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Post by NPC Account on Feb 1, 2011 20:06:26 GMT
As Liu Biao arrived, he was greeted personally by Liu Bei, and brought forth into the opening of the city. There, in front of everyone – Liu Biao dropped to his knees, grabbed Liu Bei's hands and begged. A tear streaming his already shattered face. “I beseech you.” He whelped, and then turned to his eldest. “Take pity on my son, and look after him until after I have passed, for his life will be taken if he remains with me any longer. I beg you...take him into your care!” His escort dragged him back to his feet, but still he protested. Then, the guard whispered something, and Liu Biao suddenly jerked awake at the message. He decided to drop it, and the two walked through the city without much to say. Liu Biao's head had slumped between a pair of shaggy shoulders as he thought, and then....he turned, his eyes, though fresh with tears – seemed suddenly alive, and he smiled. “Yes...I did not come just for Liu Zong's sake.” He produced a scroll from his robe, dabbed the dust and grit from its handle and then rolled it out onto his arm. “Feel free to read this, but first.” He put the scroll to the side, and a guard took it from his grasp, “first we must drink and rest.” He bid his hand to the open council chambers, for that would be the only place suitable for such a discussion. “There is war to be had.”
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Post by Guan Yu on Feb 1, 2011 20:19:40 GMT
Liu Bei was shocked at the state of the man, he was an emotional wreck. Liu Bei lowered himself to the mans level; begging him to say such things.
"My lord! Please!"
He announced weeping a little at the sight of him, the two Liu's crying and weeping beside eachother. Biao instructed that Liu Bei should look after his eldest, at first Liu Bei was hesitant however his lord insisted there was no other option, finally Liu Bei accepted.
"I shall take good care of your son, my liege."
He announced kowtowing himself towards the young master before turning back to Liu Biao; before listening to him. He didn't come only for the sake of his son? Liu Bei's eyes widened, before he could question a scroll was placed upon the table; he insisted they should drink and rest. Liu Bei ordered be drinks poured for the both of them.
Xuande finally lead the man into the council chambers; the two of them entered before Liu Bei whispered to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to remain outside; they agreed and stayed outside - though Zhang Fei seemed eager to eavesdrop. From within the council Liu Bei made sure his master was well and in good health before the drinks arrived on a small tray of a servant, who was immediatly dismissed.
"A long journey; no doubt a wise man like you deserves a drink for his virtuous efforts in this word. To Lord Liu Biao!"
Liu Bei announced, lifting his cup and striking cheers with the man before taking a warming cup of alcohol; as it seaped down his throat. He almost spat out his wine at the words of the man; what could he mean? He didn't question. War? Liu Bei had become rather reluctant of war, he had grown through his prime fighting and now settled in the southlands he enjoyed the peace and tranquility.
"Lord Liu Biao, why else do you come to Xinye; if not for the sake of your eldest son?"
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Post by NPC Account on Feb 1, 2011 20:53:00 GMT
Liu Biao smiled as the wine was poured, and listened to Liu bei's warming announcement, before being startled and led astray by his own words. Good, he thought, and smiled. “War.” he repeated, and turned an eye to his son. “To be honest, my eldests is weak, but he is the rightrul heir.” Liu Qi bowed his head and turned away in shame. He knew his brother was superior, but refused to denounce himself before his father. “But civil strife is not my worry right now. My health is not what it once was, and my enemis have taken the opportunity to test my resolve. As virtious as I may be called, it seems people still wish to see harm befall me.” he had the scroll laid out, and the scroll details a plot of territory, and a city surrounded by other regions and borders. The city Liu Biao pointed too was Yong'An, and then he flipped the scroll round to see a message that had been written on the wooden planks. 'My Liege lord Liu Biao. Civil unrest has been ever present within Yong'An, and yesterday, the prefect declared war against you and your 'ill' begotton kin. I implore you to send an army imediately and wipe these Han ursurpers from the face of the planet. I, Wang Li, beesech you to send Liu Bei of Xin Ye, for he has no home to call his own – and no merit to claim his own. Its is only fair for the new governor of Xin Ye to do this on your behalf.” Liu Biao passed the scroll over and nodded. “Wang Li lies, but the opportunity cannot be missed.” He turned to his son, who stood up and left the room. “Trust is, you need to leave Xin Ye.” He shed a tear at the threat, and went to reach for the mans arm, “My wife has plotted against you. She is convinced you mean to bring harm upon us, and will no longer listen to my pleas. She calls you corrupt, wicked – and has invoked rights to the military through her relative, Cai Mao. I fear I am no longer in control of the state. Please, take this assignment – even if Wang Li plans to set you up. It is a fate far better than the one that awaits if you stay here. You cannot deny an order to visit the capital if I am away, it shows disobedience and justifies their attack on your family....but if you ever go to Xiang Yang without me with you....I fear for your safety.” He wept freely, and passed the drink to another. He had no desire to drink on this day, and instead turned his attention back to Liu Bei. “Please. Take Yong'An, and get in contact with our kinsman, Liu Zhang – although young, and of a feeble nature. His province is rich and prosperous, he must be an ally, less we all be consumed by the greedy war mongers that I am now married too.”
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Post by Guan Yu on Feb 1, 2011 21:04:39 GMT
Liu Bei wept at the hardship he had brought to this man; before clasping his hands in generosity.
"Why do you defend me, my lord?"
He questioned, a simple shoe weaver couldn't compare to one of his noble status, he couldn't thank the man enough for his sincerity and care. The man was correct; Liu Bei had been meaning to move sooner or later there was one problem..
"I will not betray your genorosity, my liege."
Liu Bei nodded still clasping his hands shaking them and weeping, defying his wifes order, standing against the Governor of Yong'an. He shook his head in shame, before looking at the man.
"Liu Biao, I govern your lands of Xinye; with warriors such as Zhao Ziling, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei we stand little chance against the more populated structure of Yong'an. I ask you not to reconsider but merely reinforce my troops a considerable amount. I will ensure our victory there and declare everything that is mine, beneath your Excellency as well as taking the capital punishment of death if I so fail my task."
Liu Bei pleaded, Xinye was a small settlement with only a handful of warriors even more worrying very few of them were veterans. Yong'an outnumbered them. Even with a decent strategy they'd still struggle. It wasn't an impossible battle; but if Liu Biao could sneak them some reinforcements the battle would be secure.
"I honour your service and I shall follow your orders, I will prepare immiedatly for war if that is your will; your excellency."
Liu Bei announced, having been granted governor of Xinye he owed a huge debt to Liu Biao which he held heavily upon his heart, Xuande swallowed his drink fiercly. It would be a race of time, if Liu Bei could take Liu Biao's target of Yong'an quick enough and meet Liu Zhang; there would still be a chance for Xiang Yang and all of Liu Biao's estates from civil unrest.
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Post by NPC Account on Feb 1, 2011 21:17:49 GMT
Liu Biao nodded to the man's request, and had Liu Qi brought back into his care. “Of course.” He then stated, and ordered for his son to deliver a piece of parchment with some ink. “Here is a declaration, supporting the move. When you're ready. Station your troops outside of Xiang Yang, and wave a green flag. That will be the cue.” He finished writing the note, handed it to his son and had him get a messenger to deliver it back to the city. “We will double your army in numbers. But, I dare not send more.” he nodded his head and stood up, “if I permit you any more, Cai Mao may try and sabotage the unit and force them to betray you. Better I send my own personal regiment for this war.” With that, Liu Biao bid Liu Bei his farewell and went to leave, “Unfortunately this meeting cannot last much longer. I am required back in Xiang Yang. God knows what devious plans my wife have put into actions since I left.” he smiled as gently as he could, shed a tear for leaving – and then walked away. His escort followed him out. [Part One of Sub-Plot complete]
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Cao Cao
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Post by Cao Cao on Feb 2, 2011 19:13:06 GMT
An envoy finally reached the gates after his long journey. The blues of his lord showed clearly that he was here to represent Cao Cao. He held a parchment in his hands as he approached the guards.
"If the virtuous Liu Bei will have me, I come bearing news about the Emperor, on behalf of Lord Cao Cao."
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Post by Guan Yu on Feb 2, 2011 21:58:25 GMT
Liu Bei was pleased to hear that Lord Cao Cao had sent an envoy to visit him personally, after the meeting they had shared in the plum garden, Liu Bei had found out that Cao Mengde knew of his ambitions, that he only saw Liu Bei as a threat towards his own ambitions; within an instance Xuande fled before Cao Cao could try to execute him. Since then he had moved south to avoid the conflict between Cao Cao, Lu Bu, Yuan Shao and the other warlords of the north.
"Liu Xuande, I understand you bare news from Cao Mengde about the Son of Heaven?"
Liu Bei asked the enovoy politely, bowing his head and smiling to the man.
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Cao Cao
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Post by Cao Cao on Feb 2, 2011 23:53:27 GMT
'Lord Liu Bei, first, I present you with this..." the envoy held out the declaration of war that had been written by Cheng Qi.
"It will show that my Lord Cao Cao plans on embarking on a righteous attack against the rebels that hold our emperor. Knowing that you act as a filial son should, my lord trusts that you will want to help in any small way you might be able to, to save our father, the emperor."
The envoy bowed his head, hoping that his lord had been correct in his assumptions.
"My Lord recognizes that you have fallen on hard times. He would like to offer an alliance with you, and have you join in a coalition to save the Han. Please think this over, and hopefully, together you and my lord will be able to create a beautiful, peaceful realm."
That was the message, as Lord Cao Cao had instructed. The envoy did not know what kind of a man this Liu Bei, so he kept his head bowed until he was spoken to.
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Post by Guan Yu on Feb 3, 2011 6:26:40 GMT
Liu Bei questioned the thought of assisting Cao Cao; before stroking his face. A coalition? What like the pathetic one that had been formed to crush Dong Zhuo? Li Jue and Guo Si were traitors yes, but no more than Cao Cao himself. However if he didn't help he'd only make himself more of a mortal enemy towards the man. He kept in thought for a while, understanding his task for Liu Bei.
"I have no personal feud with Liu Jue or Guo Si; though the Emperor is of my distress there is little I can do in my small residence. I doubt my lord Liu Biao will offer much assistance either."
He felt hardship come over him, he wept a little before the envoy, unable to uphold his duty towards the Han due to lack of troops, provisions and strength.
"I thank his Excellency for his kind offer to join such an coalition but; there is little I can assist with currently."
Liu Bei replied, knowing Cao Cao was still stuck in a stranglehold, assisting him with killing Li Jue and Guo Si would only make him stronger, something Xuande wasn't going to do. However Liu Bei handed several gifts in a caravan to be sent back to Cao Cao in Xu Chang as a reward and support for his cause. If Liu Bei could've supported him currently he would, however times were tough, troops were the shortest and therefore he couldn't allow Xinye to become weak.
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Cao Cao
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Post by Cao Cao on Feb 3, 2011 15:07:42 GMT
"I understand, Lord Liu Bei, and Cao Cao will surely be pleased to hear that you support his cause, in heart and spirit. May the heavens smile upon you and yours," said the envoy. He received the gifts with a smile, and departed.
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Gong
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King of Hanzhong
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Post by Gong on Feb 27, 2011 14:34:10 GMT
The time of such visit was something that no one could have planned, the administration of the Green Banner was expanding and taking the first steps in taking flight. It was something they all invisioned, but there were some who believed it to be a mere tale that such a weakened foe could gain the strengh over the realm; yet, many of worth circulated through the Lord Liu's administration thus giving him a strong start for influence. The Lady Huang was surprised that her husband had not flocked to these halls and gained a considerable reputation, a reputation that would over-shadow anything her talents would provide. But, perhaps, this was a mere sign to establish herself within the Shu administration and thus when her husband arrived...he would be the one to work for his name, being forced to confess he was the 'husband of the Lady Huang'...
Her hands felt the aging architecture of the halls to the administration centre, they teld so many stories of the past that it could be impossible to become fascinated with. Closing her eyes, the Lady Huang could not help imagine the turmoil and joy that they had experienced; however, a small boute of sorrow was felt as she had still not heard of the arrival of her son... As the eyes opened, the face remained hidden via the use of her veil and yet, the robes were still respectful to her family and remained loyal to the image of the 'perfect wife'.
Taking to the guards who patrolled the doors to which she wished to enter, the Lady Huang kowtowed to them as a woman of no status and of course..to the fact that the Lord Liu Bei was becoming a major influence in the affairs of the realm. "I hail from Xiangyang, the Lady Huang daughter of Official Huang Chengyan, Niece to the Lord Liu and Lady Cai......wife of Master Zhuge..." The heart bled, having to confess such a thing and so openly was an action that she could no longer be proud of. The teeth gritted and the fist clenched to the anger this very being brought to her. Nonetheless, matters had to proceed and the Lady Huang's disopistion returned and the gentile tones continued to flourish. "I am here on matters of state affairs, pray tell that the Lord Liu has time available for my council?" The Lady Huang only hoped that the reference to Liu Biao and Lady Cai would gain her the privilege to seek audience with Liu Bei, after all they were related through marriage. Fortunately for Lady Huang, her mother was Lady Cai's sister and they had become quite close over her life..yet, shamefully, she had not had the opportunities to spend much time with the Lord Liu of Xiangyang. Though perhaps it was the way things must be, her father was close to Liu Biao, while the daughter came close to confidant to the Aunty she adored and admired....
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Post by Guan Yu on Feb 27, 2011 14:54:26 GMT
A young man of the court clasped his hands for a second before bowing gently then leaving the room to request the audience of his lord, within seconds the man returned allowing the woman entry in Liu Bei's quarters. The doors quietly shut behind her; and she entered where the young Imperal Uncle currently called home. Xinye, it wasn't much but it was more than enough. A beautiful town filled with beautiful people - Lord Liu Biao's kind genorosity had lent the region to Liu Bei.
"Please! Take a seat Lady Huang, you are most welcome here."
Liu Bei bowed his head, clasping his hands in joy to finally meet the renowned wife of the Sleeping Dragon. He nodded to her, remembering his manners and offering her the best seat that he could offer her; being humble he had little interest in expensive interiors and the pillows, tables and even the desks were only of basic design. Lord Liu Biao was a close friend of Liu Bei's by now, they had met and bonded within the first meeting; Liu Bei safeguarded the Northern entrance to the southlands with his own life and men and in return Liu Biao allowed him lands and refuge from Cao Cao, Yuan Shao and Lu Bu.
"You hail from Xiangyang? such a beautiful city is it not? My lord Lord Biao is a master at the Art of Governing; is he not?"
Liu Bei laughed heartily before drinking some tea and clasping his hands once more happiness, he was always enthusiastic, but you could never hate his overenthusiasm; his kind face and gentle face had some sort of unparralleled allure to it. Liu Bei grinned, rolling up his sleeves a little to stop his large robes getting dirty.
"What brings you to my small humble town, Mi'lady? Are you on business of my lord? or merely inspecting me?"
He jested a little, but had complete reassurance everything was fine with relations between him and Biao. He had kept to the conditions granted and Biao's son was tightly looked after within the ranks of Xuande; safe fromthe lurking eyes of Lady Cai. Lady Cai was a woman who Liu Bei knew he would struggle with. Liu Biao was approaching his later years, and sooner or later he would fall. Lady Cai despised Liu Bei denouncing him as a weak fool who would bring the end to the southlands; the woman would much rather side with Cao Cao.
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