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Post by Zhang Yi on Apr 4, 2011 22:24:13 GMT
A diamond in the rough [/u][/center][/size] The early breakfast bell rang in the Lu home. It was surely time for the occupants to enjoy one of their three meals of the day. They had very little room for luxury when it came to food, they were quite a poor family. Meng's mother who now widowed because her reckless husband was attacked by a tiger while out on the hunt. The only upside to living in such poverty was that she had quite a talented soon, Lu Meng, who understood their situation and did everything he could to assist in bettering it..
This morning is quite strange, Meng thought as he gave out a sigh and stretched his arms from under his poorly woven blanket. The bell had woken him, twenty minutes too late, most of the food was gone, he knew this. His siblings were like scavengers, and whoever didn't get up in time had to face going hungry until the next eating bell. It was a very controlled, tight schedule. Meng sat up pushing the blanket down towards his feet, a beam of light that found its way through the ceiling illuminated the room, but also gave Meng another look at the less than ideal conditions he was living in, like it did every morning. He took a deep, dusty breathe and repositioned himself so that his feet were out of the bed and laying on the floor. Meng stood up and retrieved his apparel from the closet then proceeded to the living room.
Mother I will be going out to try and find some food for us, is that alright?
She gave him a slight nod and he proceeded to the door. On his way out he watched his siblings eating and his mouth watered. He licked the roof of his mouth and swallowed some spit as he grabbed his spear and proceeded out. Three feet outside of his house and he paused and thought, where was he to go? He left his home without a single idea of where he would be going, just knowing he would need to get some food, or at least money. Perhaps the city square could do him some justice? Ah yes, that would be the perfect place to go Meng gave another thought and moved along, for the last time from his long time home.
As the distance from him and the city square receded more shouts could be heard from merchants. The lush fragrances from freshly cooked fish and bread where everywhere. Meng stooped for a second and closed his eyes to take it all in. He seldom made the journey to the square but when he did he made sure it was worth while one. If only I was an official, I could have the perfect life! If only.. He continued walking until something caught his eye, a man, playing some sort of a game. His voice had a rough tone to it, but he seemed to be having fun anyway.
Come one, come all! Find the shell under the cup and I will double your wager in money!
Meng walked over immediately, he had one dilemma however, he didn't have any money to offer..
Excuse me good sir, could I perhaps wager my spear here?
The game master grinned in agreement and motioned his hand towards the cups. The shell sat onto of a smooth table, it had an elegant texture to it and its legs ended to form a tiger's head. This man obviously knew what he was doing. Quickly after the man shuffled the cups Meng picked the correct one, then again and twice more before the man was overcome with frustration.
What is this?!? Are you cheating, how are you picking the correct cup every time!
Meng grinned.
I just watch the shell, although you have been superb at mixing it, I used to play this game with my late father.
Quickly a crowd gathered around the game master and Meng. Everyone was astounded, although Lu Meng didn't realize why, he was just playing a game. He had a small pouch of money tied to his waist, maybe he could take that home and not wager it at all, perhaps he could wager his spear?
The spear he had was quite dull at the tip, the only use he could have with it now was cutting, not stabbing. Sweat accumulated under his hand as he thought of wagering it. The spear originally belonged to his father, but the wood that was getting dull and starting to curve slightly, making it that much harder to get precise cuts with. His mind was set, he picked it up and slammed it on the table.
Sir, I will wager this spear and my pouch of gold for that spear behind you.
The mans eyes widened, he licked his lips as he looked glared at the pouch of gold at Meng's waist. Meng however, felt quite uncomfortable that another man was staring at his waist and gave a slight cough which retained the man's attention.
Do we have a deal?
The man scratched the bottom of his chin with his hand as he thought, most likely of the risk and outcome. These gamblers were geniuses in their own right..
We have a deal!
The man turned around and lifted the spear carefully off of the hinges that held it to his caravan and placed it on the table. The metal glimmered in the hot sun, the wood was smoothed out for easy gripping, this would item would go for a high price in the black market. Meng grinned in agreement and so the game master started mixing the cups, this time Meng saw the man push the shell off of the table as he was doing it and stopped him in the middle of it. The mans eyes widened even more.
Excuse me sir you dropped something.
Three sweat drops ran from the hairline of the man and stopped in the middle of his forehead at one of his many wrinkles. The by standers and the man looked down to see the shell lying there on the floor, a women from the audience shouted out;
My god! He's won again! |
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Post by Tony Stark on Apr 5, 2011 0:25:37 GMT
It was a bright day, and Zhao Fai was dressed like he always did when not on duty; Standard, grubby cloth clothing. However, he did carry his two swords with him as he always did. The hard leather sheaths were each accented in their own way; the first had a large steel wolf in it, while the other had a large jade falcon.
He walked through Jian an among the peasants and the common folk as he always did. While the rest of the army was off fighting for Wu's expansion, Zhao Fai, being the new officer he was, has been commissioned to stay behind and look after the city. He could not complain; Fai enjoyed speaking with the people of Wu. Zhao Fai felt that by building personal relations with the people, he would be able to build a stronger bond between the Sun family and the people of Wu.
As Fai made his way through the streets, greeting and shaking hands with the occasional peasant as he went, he noticed a large group of people having gathered around a traveling caravan. Fai had seen these caravans before; they would dazzle the people with street magic, and rip them off of their money. Fai would know how they worked, as he knew a man who ran such a business when Fai lived in Jian Xia. However, the group that had gathered was much larger than normal.
Fai walked over and politely moved his way to the front, only to see a young boy in his teens winning what seemed to be quite the magnificent spear. Either this was a ploy to show that the game was beatable (only to bring more people in, thus winning more money), or this buy had a quick eye. Either way, the spear was quite magnificent.
"You've got quite the eye, kid. What do you need with a spear like that?"
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Post by Zhang Yi on Apr 5, 2011 1:14:37 GMT
Meng looked at the game master, whose face was now frozen in disbelief. He had been bested, and at something so simple as shuffling cups. The man quickly took a step back, whipping the sweat off of his forehead while he was at it. Meng grinned and picked both of the spears off of the table. The newer one was slightly heavier but none the less would fetch quite a price. He raised the spear up in his left arm and spun it in the air for a second and lowered it back once more.
That was quite fun, and I thank you, you were an excellent host.
The man mumbled as he drove all of the people away. They were bringing unnecessary attention to his caravan. The group moaned and mumbled as they slowly dispersed, Lu Meng however stayed. The main reason; to perhaps sell his newly acquired spear back to the man. That was before someone approached him and started a conversation..
Meng turned around to a man about an inch or two taller than him. The first thing he did was examine him from the feet up, he didn't look like anything Meng hadn't handled before, that was until he got to his face. The man's gaze was frightening, Meng automatically assumed he was in trouble, or perhaps this was a black market trader. Meng sighed a little as he took a cloth out from one of his pockets and whipped some sweat away.
Why thank you, I was hoping to sell it for some sort of money. I've been a little in the gutter lately when it comes to money. Its all the fault of the governor raising taxes.
He placed the butt of both spears on the floor and leaned them against the table of the now unseen game master. He was quite curious why a man would approach him, no one ever did. That was most likely due to everyone knowing of his families financial situation. It hadn't been the same ever since his father's death. He however always kept himself well dressed, to signify his desire for higher living. |
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Post by Tony Stark on Apr 5, 2011 2:11:54 GMT
"Yes, that seems to be the general consensus among the general public... He is only trying to protect his people, and he can't do that without supplying a military capable of protecting its people. Anyway... short on money you say?"
Zhao Fai reached into his pocket, and grabbed three gold coins. He handed them to the boy.
"Here, this should feed your family for the day, assuming you don't have 12 brothers and sisters."
Fai smiled a little as his poor attempt at a joke. He felt bad for the boy.
"So, you were just gonna sell it, huh? You don't fight at all?"
A boy with as quick an eyes as this one... perhaps his hands were just as quick.
"Are your hands as quick as your eyes, boy?"
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Post by Zhang Yi on Apr 5, 2011 2:34:57 GMT
The boy bowed his head and took the coins. Sure, this wasn't the most prideful or noble thing to do, but hey, Meng was trying to get rich even a few coins would help him get that much closer. He could use these for something else and feed his family with some of the gold he had made earlier with the game master.
Ah but if he paid a little more attention to fields and such, perhaps getting exports out he could fund his army off of that instead of taxing the lower class. None the less, thank you sir, such a noble thing to do, without even asking for a name? You must trust other very much. I for one cannot say I am of the same mindset.
He listened to the man's next comment, as he did he dropped the coins into his pouch, they clanged against the rest of the coins he had been carrying. He had already made so much money in so little time. He didn't have any idea how he was supposed to spend the rest of the day. Perhaps he could go and study at the local school, he had been a tad rusty in battle formations. When the man finally finished talked he responded quite quickly.
No sir, not twelve, more like six. Sadly, they do not share the same views as me. They have quite a one sided look at things.
Lu Meng turned around and reached for his new spear as the man continued talking. Did he fight at all? This was a question that was asked by strangers at every interaction with Meng. Someone always thought he was some kind of master warrior.
No better than my fellow man. I am no outstanding talent, although I do trek with my brother-in-law occasionally into Shanyue territory. It helps to know their movements and raiding patterns.
Meng slashed at a skinny tree nearby and cut it in half. He was not trying to show off, just test his new spear. In the current economy he would be lucky to see something like it again in his life time. He let out a slow sigh and leaned against the table, the game master was still no where to be found.
I wouldn't know, I don't judge my skill, I just train and read. I tend to sway from competition so unfortunately I couldn't tell you in a valid comparison. I can however hold my own against decent sized men. |
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Post by Tony Stark on Apr 5, 2011 4:05:51 GMT
Fai stood and listened to the teenager. He had already made so much money today off of that game, he seemed to be quite the hustler. Fai wondered is he did this often. And he was one of seven children? And he didn't fight very often... from the way he spoke, he seemed very non-confrontational.
"He also taxes the upper-class at the same rate as the lower class. The upper class just doesn't show it as much. Anyway... let us see just how quick your hands are."
Fai took out five coins from his pocket, and stacked them atop his thumb. Then, he flipped all five coins into the air. As the coins reached their apex and came down, Fai's hands darted through the air, picking each coin as it fell. He then opened his hands, and held three coins in his left hand, and two in his right.
"you're turn."
This boy seemed smart, so Fai wanted to see how he would handle this potentially embarrassing situation. He had the spear in both of his hands still, so the boy would have to react fast. As the boy attempted to catch the coins, Fai asked him another question.
"What's your name, boy?"
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Post by Zhang Yi on Apr 5, 2011 4:27:36 GMT
Ah so you say. I understand the rich like their money, and I don't blame them, I would too..
Meng watched as the man quickly grabbed the coins from the air. He was quite quick for a normal man. That would lead Meng to assume two things, this man was a trained military soldier or he was just like the game master and trying to draw Meng into another game. He hadn't seen this game before, although to be quite honest he thought they looked a bit silly grabbing coins out of the air in the middle of a square, but regardless he went along with it.
That was quite impressive, I'm afraid you have me beat. I am no animal and therefore lack the speed of a tiger. I can however compromise to accommodate the situation.
He watched carefully as the man stacked the coins back onto his thumb, his hand was steady, a trained swordsman. He knew this because he studied some men who had gone to war, and even those who hadn't. If you don't have the hang of it your arms tremble quite a bit, however even if you weren't a swordsman, your hands always tremble just a little bit in some way. Then the man quickly threw the coins in the air. Meng answered him as the coins began climbing slightly in altitude.
I am not a show dog, I don't perform tricks to other amusement there must be something you're getting out of this?
As the coins fell past Meng's eye level he quickly pulled the pouch from his waist and untied it, stretching it out so far it was as flat as a cloth, the coins landed on top of the others. There were a few of his coins that fell off as the other five landed, but that didn't bother him much, he caught the coins, thats all that mattered to him.
I apologize, I don't recall any set rules to your charade. I am Lu Meng, of Jian Ye, I walked here because I heard the revenue and trade was a bit better.
He bent down to pick up the other coins and closed the bag. He didn't plan on giving the coins back to the man now, not when he knew somewhat about him.
So, may I ask how the pay is being a swordsman, master.. Oh I didn't catch your name when we met, master ..?
He let off a grin, the man was working for someone. This was his chance to get out a little more information, so he knew at least who he was dealing with. He would be in a bad spot if it was a Shanyue soldier, although he didn't care much for bystanders getting hurt in a brawl. |
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Post by Tony Stark on Apr 5, 2011 4:38:46 GMT
As Lu Meng opened his pouch and caught the coins, Fai let out a loud, hearty laugh. This boy may not have the hands of a warrior, but he had the mind of a strategist. The boy had found a loophole and exploited it... Zhao Fai was legitimately amused.
"Lu Meng, you are an interesting young boy. Keep the coins, I don't need them back. I am Major Zhao Fai of the Wu military. The pay isn't extravagant, but then again neither is my way of life."
Fai looked the boy up and down, examining him. If his hands were as quick as his mind, Fai may just have found a diamond in the rough.
"I wanted to see which was quicker, I suppose, you're hands or your mind. Very interesting, it's rare to find quick minds like yourself in situations like this. Walk with me, your mind is intriguing."
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Post by Zhang Yi on Apr 5, 2011 4:59:27 GMT
Meng bowed to the man when he let out a laugh. He didn't know if he was making a fool of himself or not, he couldn't quite figure out the man's train of thought. He retied the pouch to his belt and looked up at the man as he began speaking. The man seemed to be testing him..
Thank you Zhao Fai. It is an honor to meet a high ranking military officer such as yourself, especially in a simple town square like this. I thought you generals were sticklers when it came to your work? Ah but your way of life must be better than some of the wealthier families who reside here correct?
Meng tried to pretend not to notice the man examining him. He was never one for too much attention, but now he was nervous that he was around a general of the government. Then a thought ran through his head; Damn! I mentioned the governor's tax raising, well here I go to the gallows!. He gave a slow gulp trying to keep it unnoticed, his mouth was awfully dry from the weather. Meng had been out here for quite some time now.
Like I said Master Fai, I am no more intelligent or able than my fellow man. I just seem to figure things out. What was it you want to speak about?
Meng picked up his father's spear and put it in his other hand and walked over towards the man and waited for him to start walking. He didn't know if he was to be led to an executioners block for bad mouthing the governor or where ever. He was however curious to find out.
[/blockquote] |
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Post by Tony Stark on Apr 5, 2011 7:14:10 GMT
Fai began to walk nowhere in particular. The boy seemed nervous, and Fai hoped it wasn't because he introduced himself as a military officer.
"I guess you could say my lifestyle is better because it is simpler. Much of the upper-class was born there, and they haven't had to fight their way to privilege and fortune. While some surely make more money than I, you might say that I appreciate what I have."
They continued to walk, and Fai greeted street merchants that he recognized and introduced himself to those he didn't. Fai then turned his attention back to the boy.
"I believe that you can learn much as a military official by knowing your people. I like to think that improving the public's relationship with the military isn't so much work as it is my duty. Even as just a Major, and despite my short time here in Jian An, I respect these people. They are my family. Anyway, enough about me. Tell me about yourself, your schooling, etc. I am curious."
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Post by Zhang Yi on Apr 5, 2011 15:58:57 GMT
Lu Meng followed the man as he spoke. He seemed to have a decent grasp on what he wanted his life to be like. Fai seemed to be familiar with all of the people here, he seemed quite popular. Meng imagined for a second how his life would be if he was in Zhao Fai's position. He smirked for a second as the man greeted another merchant and listened to him speak before replying himself.
Oh? The governor lets you go out and risk your life but doesn't pay you as much as possible? Doesn't sound like a man who values his officers much to me.
Meng had now calmed down quite a bit. He wasn't sure where they were going but if the man was interacting with this many people it was a good sign. Plenty of people had seen Meng with Fai so if it turned out he was killed others would know what had happened.
Yes, you can learn much from the people. I on the other hand find them boring and bland. They are the same in a way, whoever you are to talk to, like myself. I am just a peasant boy, i'm sure if you spoke with anyone else my age they would tell you the same.
He paused for a second as Fai ended the remained of his statement. He had only been in Jian An a short time? No wonder he seemed to enjoy it so much. He didn't know about the hardships soldiers had to undergo in battle, the hardships his father underwent at some point.
About myself? hmm, there isn't very much to tell to be honest. I hail from Jian Ye, I study at the local school and sometimes university. My father, a noble man, was once apart of the Wu military, as a simple soldier. I am not trying to follow the same path, it only led it to more problems.
Yes, more problems, his father would be gone for months at a time training with his battalion of fellow soldiers. His father explained it very well, poor conditions, old boots, it was like hell on earth. That didn't matter to Lu Meng much though, if it was so tough, quit, don't whine about it every damn day! He coughed to clear his throat and continued speaking.
Currently, I reside in a small shoreline shack in Jian Ye, a horrid thing really. It gets cold at night and hot in the day, like the desert, except indoors. I can't complain however, it gets the job done, at least i'm not spending my night scavenging in the streets. Now master Fai, tell me, have your blades had the pleasure to taste opposing blood?
Meng grinned as he spoke. He didn't know where this conversation was going, however he made enough money already today. If there was nothing a Major in the ranks of Wu could gain out of talking to him he would of taken his leave already. He wanted something, Meng had a few options as to what it was, although he didn't want to jump to conclusions.
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Post by Tony Stark on Apr 6, 2011 17:16:33 GMT
"If my life was at risk, I'd be dead by now. There really isn't as much unrest as you'd like to think, except among the riff-raff. Particularly the Ma Huang dealers and their buyers, but that's another story."
He listened to the boy speak of his family and his life. His father was part of the Wu military? Huh... He must not have been that high of a rank. Fai could only imagine that a family of 8 (assuming the father was dead) living in a shoreline shack had only the pension of an enlisted man. He talked about his education, which also wasn't anything special. Fai hoped he wasn't wasting his time with this boy. Maybe he wasn't the prodigy Fai thought he was after all.
Then, Meng asked Fai about his battle history. Had Fai's blades ever tasted blood?
"This one is Steel Wolf. He has tasted the blood of countless soldiers, ruffians, bandits, the like. Jade Falcon is reserved for commanding officers. Only one has had the guts to face me in one-on-one combat. He lasted 2 minutes. It would have been 30 seconds, but I like to put on a show sometimes. Helps raise morale. Now, you tell me... has that dull little spear of yours ever tasted blood? It is not something to grin about, boy. Until you see the life leave a thousand eyes by your hand, I don't think you will truly understand what it means to kill. It is not just that soldier's life you are ending; you are killing his friends. You are killing his wife. His son. His daughter. His parents. They might still be alive, but they will never be the same again."
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Post by Zhang Yi on Apr 7, 2011 2:23:56 GMT
Ah! I've heard about the armies crack down on the Ma Huang trade. I'm glad you have been informed on it, have you helped with it at all?
He smiled at the man. Meng was obviously being sarcastic about the army not paying him well, he was decently dressed and the way he threw out money showed even more. This gave Meng an urge to ask the man a question.
Tell me, what would it take to enlist in the army? Would I have to duel to a soldier, or perhaps debate a politician?
As he said that the man started talking about his two swords. Lu Meng was awestruck. Zhao Fai had obviously seen his fair share of blood shed. It was quite impressive, the way he told his small story. Lu Meng looked up at the sky thinking of how his father's death changed him and his family.
I respect you for that Master Zhao Fai. You are a good man. You mentioned something about my spear? I can show you if you are willing to find me an able soldier or two? Which spear did you want to see in action?
Lu Meng raised both of his spears to eye level showing them to Zhao Fai. He wasn't used to his new spear but he could probably use it decently, his fathers however was worn and torn but he had been using it all of his life. The choice was up to Zhao Fai. Lu Meng was ready whatever the outcome.
[/blockquote] (OOC: Don't really want to duel you, sorry for the short post :/ ) |
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Post by Tony Stark on Apr 7, 2011 2:44:41 GMT
Had he helped in it? Probably not the best thing for Fai's public image to mention that he actually helped supply a number of people with the drug.
"I suppose you could say that... and how do you enlist? I thought you just said you had no interest in the life of a soldier... well, if you wanted to be remembered, I would suggest going to either General Li Wang, Prefect Huang Gai, or even take your case straight to Sun Ce. If you can impress either Sun Ce or Huang Gai, they might be able to even start you off as an Officer. It's not my position to give out ranks."
There was something about this boy... he might not be able to jump right to General, but he was smart enough to be a Captain, maybe even a Major. If he stayed alive, he could have a very bright future.
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Post by Zhang Yi on Apr 7, 2011 3:08:16 GMT
Yes, I didn't until I realized what it could do to my personal way of life. If I was promoted to officer, or perhaps something along those lines, then maybe I could get paid enough to afford a nicer home. My mother can take care of herself since she didn't bother saving me any food anyway.
Lu Meng motioned for the man to follow him to a nearby bench where he sat down. He was still within speaking distance of Zhao Fai but at least now he could relax a bit. He leaned back against the solid wall. It was built out of an unusual material but Meng didn't mind it. Meng leaned his two spears against the wall and spoke once more.
Sun Ce you say? I heard his father was a good man, have you met him?
Meng stretched his legs as he watched the other citizens scurry around the town. If he joined the army he would be looked up to by these same people. He didn't really care much for them, and so, a look of disgust came across his face. He hated simple people, they're the reason the state was in chaos. It was their ignorance that caused the world's problems, they always needed something, always whined about something. Meng was very much the same except he went out and helped himself, he didn't sit around on his ass all day.
I guess if I get anywhere we will be fighting side by side on the battlefield then?
Meng remember stories his father told about battle. It was like go, a basic organized effort. The smarter side won, however there was no starting a new game when you lost like in go. If you were killed there was no coming back, and Meng understood that. The spoils of war were what really compelled him to want to enlist, he heard good things about it. There were stories about participating parties becoming madly rich from pillaging captured cities. Either way, Meng was interested in enlisting, there was nothing stopping him now. [/blockquote] |
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