A Clan Reunited [Liu Zhang]

[Guan Yu]

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"No religion, what I follow is my feet."

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”No psalms. As far as holy water goes; I would be the bath.

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Three Liu's were stronger than one, right? Liu Biao and Liu Bei had been reunited; he sat comfortably one the river -protected by the economic superirority of his relative. But now it was time to move, if Liu Bei couldn't seize relations also with Liu Zhang; a fellow clans man sooner or later fighting between the bloodline would commence. Like Liu Biao, Liu Zhang sat on rich land. Chengdu alone was a powerful city. Liu Bei had already been warned by Lady Yueying of the significance of the place.

"My lord, we're approaching Chengdu!"

A short beefy looking foot soldier warned Xuande before Xuande signalled back to warn Liu Zhang of the arrival of the Imperial Uncle. He hoped Liu Zhang was as welcoming as Liu Biao had been; this time fortuantly he had brought gifts. With two cities now under his command, he could afford to splash out a little bit. The foot soldier mounted up and sprinted forward several li to warn the garrison city of Chengdu of the imminent arrival of Liu Bei and his small force. It had been a long and tiresome journey. The long pilgrimage through Xinye, into Yongan country then a short ferry across the river into Jiang Zhou and finally further west until they found their footsteps tracing the ones of his distant Emperor. Many had forgotten the Han, but there was one thing the Liu clan could all relate with, the Imperial blood line.

Liu Bei's stomach churned with butterflies, what if Liu Zhang didn't like him? He dared not to think of ill thoughts and continued the short march. His fingers loosely wrapping themselves around the reigns of his horse to calm his nerves.

"For the former glory of the Han, O Lord will you not allow me and my clansmen to live in peace once more?"

Liu Bei questioned, he had been tested, beat down and pushed south from the ever war mongering forces of the north. Fortunate to escape with his life, Liu Biao took him in but it was make or break now..

The small diplomatic caravan that had been travelling for several weeks finally appeared in sight of the gates of Chengdu, the soldiers wept with joy. They cried for water and rest, but Liu Bei reminded them of the need to keep their manners; though Liu Zhang was a kinsman - he should be treated with the upmost of respect.

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[NPC Account]

Word had gone through the city almost like wildfire, that Liu Bei had come to Cheng Du. In the previous days before the arrival, Liu Jiyu and his officers held a council to determine the course of action they would take concerning Liu Bei. Some ministers had advocated welcoming him as an honoured guest, others wanted to turn him away. There were three particular individuals who were most vocal about this. Those three being; Huang Quan, Zhang Ren, and Yan Yan.

Each of them were totally against having Liu Xuande anywhere near the city, and proclaimed to their liege that he should be ejected out of the region entirely. In the council Zhang Ren explicitly spoke this,

"Liu Bei comes bearing gifts and promises peace, but this is only a ruse. He is full of guile and will try to steal your land from you. Bar all access to him in not only Cheng Du, but the entire region. He will do you no good if he stays here"

Yan Yan added in agreement, "Master Zhang Ren speaks truthfully my Lord. Already this Liu Xuande has usurped Jingsheng's land, and he is not even content with that. Instead he comes here trying to take ours."

Arguing had gone on throughout the council, and Liu Zhang was beginning to get visibly angry. Slamming his fist on the table he said, "Enough! This bickering is getting us nowhere. I thank you all for your opinions, I shall deliberate on them and the choice I make will be known to all of you in the morning. Whatever I decide, I hope you will support me. The coucil is dismissed, you may all go home."

All of the officers murmured to themselves as they left the council building, wondering what sort of action their liege would take. Although the three most vocal members of opposing Liu Bei had decided to meet in secret at Huang Quan's house. There they planned to persuade their lord that Liu Bei could not be trusted at all.

Huang Quan dismissed all of his servants, and the three began to meet in the inner apartments. Introducing his idea, Quan had said, "Liu Bei must not be allowed as a guest in Cheng Du. If our lord decides to meet with him, we must have a way to show him that such a thing is dangerous to do. For the good of our land, we will have to lie and deceive Lord Liu Zhang. Are each of you prepared to do so?"

Both Zhang Ren and Yan Yan nodded, and Huang Quan continued,

"Then we must set up someone for a fall. One of our most loyal servants should dress in garb that does not give him out to any one particular crowd. Arm him with a sharp dagger, and have him sloppily rush forward to attempt to assassinate our lord. Of course he will fail to do so, and we will apprehend him. Upon questioning, him he will say that he was hired by Liu Bei to kill Liu Zhang during the meeting so that the only logical avenue where the people could turn to would be Liu Xuande."

Producing a bag of money, Huang Quan resumed, "From there we will take him into custody. Give him this bag of money and allow him to retire in one of the outlying regions in comfort. We'll execute one of the many thieves that are already in the dungeons to produce a head, though we'll torture and mar his face before doing so, that way no identity can truly be given. This is a most opportune moment for us gentlemen. We cannot allow Liu Bei to set foot in Cheng Du. He is like a demon; attracting people to his side and corrupting them.

At this point Yan Yan began to speak, "I pray our Lord will make the right decision and not even invite Liu Bei in. Then we won't have to deceive him. But if his judgment falters, we must help him do the proper thing.

All three men finished their planning, and had gotten everything ready for the morning when Liu Bei was set to arrive. For them, that was the only option. Liu Bei would destroy Shu with his presence, and that was something they could not stand by.

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The following morning, all of the officers met outside the gate to see what Liu Zhang would do. He had decided in the night that it would be best for him to welcome his kinsman. His thoughts were that if he could not welcome family, how could he welcome any other person who wished for refuge, or even to serve him.

After everyone was assembled, they awaited Liu Xuande's arrival towards the city. Liu Zhang had ridden out to meet him, and it was this action that had confirmed to the three generals that Jiyu was going to welcome Liu Bei. The false assassin already had his orders, and things should work out smoothly for them.

Jiyu had called out to Liu Bei saying, "Welcome Liu Xuande, as your kinsman I welcome you to the city of Cheng Du. Refreshments have been made available to you. Will you and your party not stop to have some, and to speak with me of news you might have?"

[Guan Yu]

[

"No religion, what I follow is my feet."

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”No psalms. As far as holy water goes; I would be the bath.

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Liu Xuande and his company of men saluted become to the welcome party, waving both a emblem of the Liu family and also the crest of Liu Biao to signify the relations of kinsmen. Liu Bei had kept Guan Yu and Zhang Fei back at their cities; to ensure the defences were fortified as well to ensure neither of the warriors slipped up, Zhang Fei known for his hot-head. The small party was armoured well, but not enough to fight a battle; mere protection for the Imperial Uncle. By Liu Bei's side a few loyal advisors amongst them was Sun Qian and Jian Yong who Liu Bei hoped would bring peace between himself and Liu Zhang.

The valiant steed and its rider soon approached ear-shot in which Liu Bei signalled to his men to lower their weapons and to bow in honour of the man who had come out to greet them. All of them hit the floor on their hands and knees; like wimpering dogs they shed a tear and showed their respect not only for their elders but also for the warm welcoming. Liu Bei himself, dismounting his horse and lowering himself to the level of his men, kowtowing himself to the dirty before exclaiming.

"Several weeks I and this company have travelled, yet it has not been in vain! The kindness of my kinsmen is unmatched; please, My Lord Liu Zhang accept these humble gifts - though not much compared to your rich lands."

Liu Bei wept a little, several tears rolling down the mans face. His body ached from the riding of the horse and the fatigue was in all the mens eyes. In unison all of Liu Bei's men thanked Liu Zhang for his generosity and kindness during such times before a single man fled from the bowing ranks before presenting several sheets of silk, before returning to his knees before Liu Zhang holding them up high in offering towards the man. The only problem was, Liu Bei had no idea what Liu Zhang looked like; he merely presumed that the men who had come to greet him; were indeed his distant relatives.

"Long have I been seperated from my clan, but today finally I have been reunited; Your Excellency. If the heavens could've granted me a better bloodline, I would be amongst the Gods. I thank you, and thank you a thousand times again."

Once Liu Bei had finished speaking, he wiped the tears from his face and looked up. A sense of sincerity, tender love and care upon his face. He was gentle looking man, no fiercer looking than a baby panda. Could this man really incite so much contraversy?

One of Liu Bei's weaknesses was indeed his sense of awareness, often he would forsake the cruel deeds of others, being to caught up in the moment of things. It would be long before Liu Bei knew or at least represented that he knew of the plot against him.

"The journey has been long, my soldiers ache with exhaustion, hunger and dehydration - We are truly in your debt, your excellency."

Liu Bei responded, maintain his usual positivist attitude.

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[NPC Account]

"Do not be troubled. I am honoured to have one such as yourself come to visit me. Have your men rest and see anything that they may need to attend to. My troops will see to your safety while in the city. You shall not be harmed."

Placing his hand on Liu Bei's shoulder, he directed him towards the main gates of Cheng Du. And spoke again,

"All of my officers and officials have gathered here to see to your arrival, as well as many of the people of Cheng Du. I hope you will address them with your wisdom.

There was a dais set up outside the city walls with a table and refreshments that were placed out for Liu Zhang and his guest. With this raised platform, all of the people there would be able to see Liu Bei speaking to them. During this time, the three conspirators had already noted that their action was to be put in place. Much like the regular pleasantries given by other regional lords in welcoming a guest, this one was no different. The false assassin had his orders and knew when the opportune time to jump out would be.

It all rested on Liu Bei's actions though. Huang Quan and co. surely thought he would not turn down an offer to speak to the people, it would be unlike him they thought, and they presumed him to be someone who would not stand to lose face in such an occasion. It appeared to them their liege was making the entire episode easy for their desire in removing Liu Bei from their lands.

Of course Ren, Yan and Quan would have much rather seen Xuande dead, they realized that violating guest right would have put Lord Jiyu in a rather poor light, and that was something they could not have.

Still, the officers and officials, commoners and gentry alike were awaiting Xuande's words. They prayed he would say something favourable.

[Guan Yu]

Liu Bei hadn't expected such a welcome, stepping out of his peasent shoes and into the royal slippers. Still wiping the tears away he stood up beside his newly found relative; he thanked Liu Zhang once more - having no prepared a speech he was placed on the spot spontaneously. His troops were relaxed and put at ease, to drink, rest and to witness the master orator Liu Bei truly was. To be placed on the spot after such a journey was a sure test of Liu Bei's mettle. He dared not oppose his lord's wish and took up the task immediately.

A wooden raised platform had been erected, several hundred men and women were around but it felt like the whole word for Liu Bei. He gentle feet climbed the small steps onto the platform before his eyes scanned his audience. He blushed quickly; a pinkish red flustering over his face before he cleared his tired throat. What did these people want to hear? What were they interested in?

"Loyal and devoted citizens of Chengdu, you honour me all with your warm welcome. Mark this as a great day; the day the Imperial clan of Liu has been finally reunited."

Liu Xuande wept a little, clasping his hands to several close supporters who had come out to witness his speech. His short body strolling back and forth of the stage and his lower supporters could only look up and watch in awe.

"A wise man once told me, that a governors strength isn't in his fortress, nor his wealth but with his support of his people. Liu Zhang is unmatched; no other peoples in all of China are as welcoming!"

Liu Bei bowed towards the man, offering a huge compliment towards the man before noticing several generals around the man with sceptical looks upon their faces.

"I come not only as an ambassador, but as an ally, a friend and a kinsman. Too long has the Imperial clan been seperated; too long have wars, poor relations seperated us bot alas, your Excellency welcomes me."

Tears roll down Xuande's face; before he wipes them gently off his face with his robe before continuing.

"I extend not only my hands towards your people, but also Liu Biao's. Let there be peace, prosperity and nourishment! Let the rivers fill with our ships, let the stores fill with our grain and allow our summers to be filled with harvest, feasts and good fortune."

Liu Bei announced, with much compassion in his voice. Unlike most oratory, his sought the people - usually the lowest classes. Xuande grinned, the people seemed interested in what he had to say.

"Your excellency."

Liu Bei requested the man joined him in the center stage before whispering in his ear quickly, requesting permission for celebrations for the union of their clan.

[NPC Account]

Zhang had clapped his hands together as Liu Bei spoke, listening intently and taking in every word that was said. It was quite fortuitous that Liu Bei had come to visit him, promising peace. It was important that his people should stay out of the wars that plagued the rest of the land. Yi was a prosperous region, and fighting would destroy that prosperity.

However, there were things working in the background that Liu Zhang had no idea of. Once Liu Bei had finished his speech, there was quite a bit of commotion in the crowd, seemingly caused by one man who was now pushing himself to the front.

He ran quickly up towards the dais, and unsheathed a dagger from inside his robes. He was aiming to kill Jiyu. Fortunately it seemed the gods did not favour this, as he tripped on one of the steps and stumbled down.

In the meantime, guards quickly came up and escorted Liu Zhang to safety, while the stalwart heroes of Yi; Yan Yan and Zhang Ren quickly went to apprehend the would be assassin. They wrenched the weapon from his hands, and tightly gripped his arms holding them behind his back.

When he would not kneel, they forced him to. After the situation had gained control, Liu Zhang appeared from the midst of his troops and said to the man,

"What is the meaning of this? On such a serene occasion, why would you try and commit murder!?"

The man was defiant; as he had been instructed to do so. And did not say a word to Liu Zhang. Jiyu pressed him further to answer, and the man said,

"Lord Liu Bei, I salute you!"

Any further pressing would get no answers from him. So Zhang Ren and Yan Yan had taken him away to the prison, where he could be "questioned" more carefully. Huang Quan who was in charge of overseeing such matters had also joined them.

Meanwhile, Liu Zhang obviously looking flustered said to Xuande,

"Brother, you must be tired after this commotion. Please come with me inside the city where your men can rest, and we will be safer than out in the open."

After this event, Liu Zhang began to have his own doubts, especially with what the man had said. But dwelling on it further would do nothing, so he decided to keep himself busy in idle talk with Liu Bei in the inner compound. He'd find out from his officers once they got a confession out of him.

[Guan Yu]

Liu Bei was stunned at the events that had happened outside, it had all moved too fast for him. A man presented a dagger almost out of the blue; and when comprehended he swore his allegiance to Liu Bei? Surely this man was a maniac. The tought ran through his head, he didn't know the man personally, but couldn't help to take the action to heart. If Liu Zhang hadn't been so kind, Xuande's head too would also be rolling.

Liu Bei was lead to the inner compound before he spoke, he did not plea guilty or non-guilty until he remained calmly alone with Liu Zhang, by now it had come to Liu Bei's eyes that this was more than just a simple ploy. Somebody or several people were out to get him.

"My lord, I thank you for not decrediting me for another mans crimes. Though he plead in my man; his actions are not or my intent. I come to bring peace, not war. Take a closer look at the man and you will see he is not of my kind."

Liu Bei hinted towards the man, the dagger used was one of Liu Zhang's own. Liu Bei hadn't even been inside when the assassination attempt had begun. Also the skin tone of the 'assassin' was slightly darker then the men who had been marched from Xinye, though it was only subtle differences it did make Liu Bei sceptical about the mans decision to pull a knife out in public.

"I know not of this man, however his crimes are worthy of exile; if not maritial law my lord. He slanders not only my name, but yours also - my liege."

Liu Bei rested his tongue for a moment, pondering who could set a man up for such a thing. Before a young scholar behind them dressed in blue robes appeared, Sun Qian. He coughed gently before requesting the audience of his lord and Liu Zhang.

"Forgive my humble interupting, my Excellency however it has come to my attention that several officers beneath you do not appreciate Lord Liu Bei. Though it would seem terrible to question their loyalty to their lords orders and words I cannot help but to feel their burning stares upon my lords skin during his speech, and their eyes of content. I believe the very men you sent to interrogate this such criminal and actually plotting against our lord!"

Sun Qian spoke, clasping his hands to Liu Zhang and begging the man to at least consider his proposal. Liu Bei looked at Sun Qian with horror, as the situation escalated.

"Please forgive my offcers, my excellency. They're tired from the long journey.. Their tongues in disorder; their mind, restless."

Liu Bei apologised for the man who had spoke before him, glancing at him with eyes of discipline. Sun Qian couldn't help but to feel unappreciated.

[NPC Account]

"Lord Xuande, what you are suggesting is preposterous. Not only do the weapon smiths of Cheng Du not make daggers, but they do not even make swords. I have to have them imported from the north. Also, there is nobody in my armies who are issued with daggers, nor do we put markings on state issued weapons to begin with."

Such suggestions were perplexing to Liu Zhang. They did not seem to add up, especially with the conduct of the man showing his allegiance to Liu Bei, and now Liu Bei denying any involvement with him whatsoever.

He continued on,

"I also do not see how you could suggest his skin tone to be darker either. He looks very much the same as you or I. I suppose you did not get a good look at him, but he could have come from anywhere in China."

Suddenly Sun Qian; an official of Liu Bei's had appeared and made a subtle accusation that it was one of Jiyu's own officers. Liu Zhang was normally a very calm individual, but he placed his trust in all of the officers who had served him, and they had performed admirably, and were worthy of that trust. To have someone who knew neither Zhang himself, or any of the men under his command make an accusation about their intentions; it made Liu Zhang quite visibly agitated,

"First these inane suggestions, and now an accusation against my officers?! I will not stand for such things not only being said in my presence, but in my own house, after eating of my bounty?! I should have you kicked out at once!"

His face having turned red from anger, Zhang closed his eyes for a moment to calm down. His composure had now changed again, and calmly speaking to Liu Bei with all cordiality in his voice he said,

"Brother Liu, I apologize for that outburst but it had to be said. On account of our shared family name, I will not allow harm to befall you, but I think it is best that these proceedings end and that you leave Cheng Du for the time being. I will not ask you to leave right at this moment, but come the morrow you and your retinue must be gone. You will not be wanting for any supplies you will need on the return journey, but my hospitality only goes so far. We will proceed with our dealings some other time. Until then; good night."

With that, Zhang shook out his sleeves and indicated to the guards to direct Liu Bei and all those with him to their quarters. On the morning, they would leave and the matter that Liu Bei had come to discuss could perhaps be brought up at another visit... If such a thing could occur after this one.