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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 13, 2011 20:36:26 GMT
The Xu Chang Palace stands at the centre of the great state city of Zhongyuan, also known as the Central Plains, and acts as the great monument for all of the region to see. The governor, ruler or prefect resides within the Palace quarters, and in times of diplomacy - sits at the fore of the great red carpet that stretches to the base of the throne. There he or she will greet and discuss matters of concern to their subordinates, or greet and recieve those on foreign business.
The Palace is heavily guarded.
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Cao Cao
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Post by Cao Cao on Jan 26, 2011 20:12:30 GMT
The two gate guards at the palace quickly ended their conversation as they saw Cao Cao walk briskly by, and then through, them. They tried to assume their "at attention" posture before Cao noticed their lack of disciple, and to their relief, Cao walked by in a haste without a word. They sighed, knowing that Cao did not typically accept any lapse in duties, even one as simple as sentry duty at his capital.
Cao, however, had noticed, and made a mental note to have a very meaningful discussion when the two guards. Just now though, he had more pressing issues at hand.
Yuan Shao had begun to make it perfectly clear that he was no longer Cao's ally, and with Lu Bu's recent treachery, Cao was surrounded by enemies to the north and the east. Further, he still had Li Jue and Guo Si to deal with, and his plan to rescue the Emperor so far was losing steam.
He sat on his throne, a great uneasiness obvious across his face.
"Something must be done, and fast. i do not enjoy being surrounded on all sides by men as unpredictable as Lu Bu, as powerful as Yuan Shao, and as uncouth as the rebels in the capital. Aids, fetch me my generals and advisors. Tell them that Lord Cao Cao is demanding a meeting now, this very day, in these very chambers to chart our course to settle the Empire."
(ooc: sorry, in a hurry...)
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Post by Lei Yong on Jan 27, 2011 17:57:49 GMT
It was a quiet ride through the gates of the city, as Wu Long and his son Wu Gan made their way towards Xu Chang. Long had set out on his journey with the hopes that he would find some sort of adventure in the city, being that it was the seat of power for the regional lord Cao Cao, and it was prosperous and large; always a good combination for adventuring. Gan on the other hand was not there to adventure, but felt it was his duty to make sure his drunken father didn't get into any sort of trouble as he always seemed to find himself in, even in a place like Chen Liu.
It was about noon when they arrived, and the city was already bustling and alive with people. Long could hardly retain his composure passing by various inns and taverns, eying the barmaids that were coaxing customers in. It was really only the glare that his son was giving him that gave him pause though.
However he soon dismissed the notion of his son being disappointed in him. He was his father, the son has no right to reprimand any of his actions. He quickly made up his mind and ignored the protests from his son, and after hitching his horse he headed straight into the tavern, and got himself seated at a comfortable table. Gan, shaking his head followed his dad in, but had no intentions of drinking himself. Sure he enjoyed having some wine with friends, but he wasn't with friends, and he was looking after his dad.
After both of them were seated, a rather buxom barmaid came to the table and asked if there was anything they'd like. Long obviously ordered a pitcher of wine, Gan declined drink but instead ordered some food; a bowl of rice, and some thin millet soup with pieces of chicken. Gan ate his food in a relatively short time, but what he had hoped for in this visit was just his father getting a drink and leaving. His expectations of course were low that this was going to happen however, as it turned to hours. Long had finished 6 pitchers of wine in this time and was already beginning to show the affects.
He pinched the barmaid's bottoms, not unusual in itself in this place though, so such an action paid him no mind. However there was one particular barmaid that another patron seemed to be attracted to, and he had taken great offense to Wu Long's pinching of her. So much so that he got quite visible in his anger as he stood up from his seat, his face a very deep red; combined from both his rage and the alcohol, and he picked up the table he was sitting at and turned it over.
He pointed at Wu Long, and shouted at him, "YOU IMPERTINENT JERK! HOW DARE YOU TOUCH TAN LIN HU!"
The oblivious Wu Long paid no attention to this shouting, until the man had come right close to the table but Wu Gan, ever the dutiful son he was, stepped in between the man and the table. He attempted to strike at Gan, but his movement was telegraphed and Gan being sober quickly counterpunched the individual, driving his fist towards his attacker's face and hitting him square on the nose. The man was knocked down, and his face was clearly messed up by such an action, evidenced by the blood streaming down over his lips and off his chin.
He wiped the blood off with his hand and screamed an unintelligible shout. His friends who were with him began to rush to his aid. Their numbers were able to dissuade Wu Gan, despite their drunkenness, but this was when his father began to get agitated. He stood up, placing his feet wide apart though his lack of balance was clear. He muttered some words as he drew his sword, "Whut? Whutzat? The city is like ah... ah... dog dung... ah... a great big WOMAN... Yeah, a woman... yeah..."
It clearly made no sense, but now that weapons were involved, the other party began to get visibly afraid. Wu Long stared at them hard, and staggered over to the man who his son had knocked over. The man began to think that Long was mentally unstable as he had his sword pointed at his throat. Long raised it as if to strike him with it, but then tried to bring his knee up into the man's mid section. It failed miserably and both of them fell onto the floor.
Wu Long however got up, and picking up his sword he again made a motion as if to plunge it into the heart of this drunken man who was so afraid for his life that he had soiled himself. However Wu Long did not kill him. He blew a raspberry at the man, and then chuckling to himself amid hiccups, he keeled over.
Gan was shaking his head with this whole encounter, and decided enough was enough. He picked up his father, and leaning him against his shoulders, he carried him out of the building to their horses waiting outside.
However, a barmaid had gone to get the city watch as soon as Wu Long had unsheathed his sword and they were now arriving...
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Post by Cao Cao on Jan 28, 2011 20:37:54 GMT
Cao continued to sit on his throne, casually fingering his mustache and murmuring to himself quietly. He was in deep contemplation, but the steady drumming of his fingers on his arm rest and the occasional "Quack" revealed that Cao was becoming impatient. His generals and strategists should have been here by now...
A noise in the hall alerted Cao, and he sat up, regaining his composure. A hungry look grew in his eyes, as all the plots and strategies he had been thinking began circling again in his mind. Surely, some of his top officers had been found finally, and they could begin making their plans for the empire. A small smile even began to curl at the corners of his lips.
Then he was frowning and confused. Two of the city watch were dragging an unconscious older man into his ante-chamber. Cao's first thought that was perhaps this man had been caught spying, or was a wounded scout, or maybe even a...
...and then the smell of alcohol overwhelmed Cao Cao as it pummeled his nostrils in wave after wine-filled wave. They two guards dropped the man onto the ground, to which the man sternly grunted in response. One of the guards then walked back into the hall, and brought forth a younger man, who's clothing and posture suggested that he was the son of a nobleman. Only a small amount of blood on his silk shirt, and the fact that his hands were bound behind him, told that he had seen some less-than-savory action this night.
The guard roughly brought the younger man towards Cao by his arm, and then pushed him roughly to his knees in front of the throne. The guard then kneeled himself.
Cao's anger began to bubble over. He had spent his day waiting for his council, and instead his guards brought him a drunk. He tried to keep his rage in check.
"Pray tell me...guard... why.....exactly... did you bring this drunk to me? Surely there are other... more appropriate... officials.. perhaps even ones who's job it is to deal with this sort of rabble?" Cao's teeth where clenching by this point, and the guard, if he was nervous before, was practically shaking now.
"My lord, these two men were the cause of a disturbance tonight, which involved the humiliation of your son, Cao Ang. I thought that it might be best to bring it directly to your attention first, Lord Cao."
Cao's anger subsided a bit. The guard had good reason, and had in fact risked his own position as a city watch by bringing these two to him first.
"I see." Cao's eyes narrowed as he considered what to do. he motioned for the guard to come close to him. He whispered, "What kind of disturbance are we talking about?". The guard whispered back the details of the event.
"Well, let's keep this quite, if possible, shall we guard? And I shall see to it that you are rewarded for your troubles." With a nod of his head, Cao dismissed the guard. The guard bowed, turned, and walked out of the room, bringing his partner with him. Cao sat in the room, looking over the pile of a man sprawled across the floor, and then looking over his son.
"You acted as any son ought to act and protected your father. I do not hold this against you. I am, in fact, a fair bit impressed with your actions. However, I cannot say the same of your father. Tell me, Wu Gan... can your father speak right now?"
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Post by Lei Yong on Jan 29, 2011 0:32:30 GMT
Wu Gan was quite taken aback when the city watch had arrived, and while he was quite reluctant to go with them, or even let his father be taken alone, he allowed himself to be bound and accompanied them to the city palace. It was one thing to go to a minor official, get reprimanded and leave, but being taken right to Lord Cao himself... Gan was worried that perhaps the person who had accosted them was someone of import and now they were going to be punished quite harshly.
Though everything seemed very tense at first, he noticed Cao Cao's composure despite looking agitated at being interrupted by a drunk man being tossed down into his room. Waiting quietly, Gan simply kept his eyes fixed forward until Cao Cao had addressed him. After which, he kept his eyes respectfully towards the ground and answered,"Lord Cao, my father is quite drunk. At the tavern he said some words that did not make sense at all to me. I do not think he is capable right now.
Wu Long however remaining on the floor of the throne room listened to all that was being said. He was drunk, but his understanding wasn't completely impaired. He attempted to push himself up with his hands, and managed to accomplish this task. However he muttered something strange, "Ugh, whut... ah... ah... the great big woman...the woman."
He was able to push himself up to his feet, and he placed them widely apart, but his upper half was still teetering back and forth. He looked at Cao Cao, and realized where he was. Something in him had changed slightly, and he spoke again, "The Master said, "Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue." The words were slurred together, but it was coherent and understandable.
Wu Gan was taken aback. He knew his father had memorized the Analects, as he had recognized the passage himself. But he had no idea his father had them memorized to the point that he could recite verses from it while being inebriated. He quickly realized he was gazing wide eyed at his father and his mouth was gaping. He quickly shut it, but said nothing. He waited to see if Lord Cao Cao would respond to this.
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Post by Cao Cao on Jan 29, 2011 19:28:02 GMT
Cao's eyes were narrowed as he examined Wu Long. Then a smile spread across his face.
"A man too drunk to walk, but still able to recite the Analects. And what an interesting passage for him to recite...."
Perhaps the humor of the situation had impacted Cao more than he realized, or perhaps it was because he had respected Wu Gan's actions, or maybe it was even that Cao was glad that someone had finally punished Cao Ang's behavior of spending his nights at the tavern. Either way....
"Wu Gan, what is it that you and your father do for a living?"
When it was confirmed that they were largely vagabonds, Cao nodded.
"Why don't we have the two of you stay here tonight in the guest quarters, and we shall resume this conversation tomorrow, once your father has regained his composure.
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Post by Xiahou Dun on Jan 29, 2011 20:00:44 GMT
He was late.
Extremely late, it had been many hours of passing before Yu Jin had actually decided to move himself towards the door of his residence, the messenger of invitation long gone. Maybe it was a misunderstanding of the event as a party or a feast, not an important meeting of political discussion. Scrambling to his feet, the general pushed past the servants of his house, silently implying an order to clean up the mess of volumes that he had left behind mid-study.
The art of poetry was still an aspect that he had failed to utilize to the farthest extent, and the literature of the philosophical was a rainbow that he could not touch. And as much as the sorrow of this depressing truth sought to destroy him, Yu Wenze was obliged to be thankful for the lord's never-ending orders that kept this mid-aged general going without a down.
At least the reputation that he held allowed him access through the streets without any trouble of traffic whatsoever, pushing through the otherwise heavily crowded and populated streets of Xu Chang while the people made way. Either his reputation, or the bone-crushing steed that carried him forth, Wenze did choose to believe it was the former.
The tawny horse screeching to a halt before the gates of the palace, the General of the Vanguard practically rolled off of his horse, straightening his armour out for the last time as he regained his composure before the bewildered guards of the portal.
"General! Lord Cao has been expecting you."
"The Hero of the Land seeks my counsel, the words of my considerate lips, the philosophy of my loyal heart. The strategist shall not falter from within me as long as Lord Cao stands."
Uneasy glances were exchanged among the three before Wenze realized the awkward air that his vain attempts at the verse had created. Silently shoving past the two gatekeepers without another word, his cheeks ever so slightly rising in temperature, the skyscraping figure strode through the dimly lit corridors of the palace in reviewing quietness.
I just need practice, that's all.
The general was awakened from his trance-like state of concern as the voice of the liege's servant emanated upon the announcement:
"The General of the Vanguard has arrived, My Lord... finally."
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Post by Lei Yong on Jan 30, 2011 3:04:17 GMT
Wu Gan nodded at the suggestion. He wasn't one to normally accept invitations like this, but with his father the way he was, it would perhaps be best to accept. So with that, he placed his hand around his father and helped him towards the guest quarters, directed by an official. His father mumbling strange things along the way, with the occasional verse from the Analects. Thankfully he passed out as soon as he was laid on the bed.
Meanwhile Gan had spent the night in relative solitude. He didn't need to sleep, and he figured his father was likely to get up in the night and not know where he was. So his being awake would at least help in some regards. Thankfully his father slept soundly through the night, and didn't even lose control of his bodily functions.
Dawn soon broke, and Wu Long lazily arose from the bed. He stretched out his arms, and gave a yawn. Rubbing his eyes, he noticed his son sitting at a table nearby. His head was facing down and he realized that his son was passed out. Long wasn't entirely sure where he was, but he figured they must have been in a safe place. He didn't even remember what happened the night before, apart from him drinking lots.
He wandered around the room a bit, and soon heard the call of the watch; it was eight in the morning. His attempt at trying to remember the night was soon interrupted by a maid. She asked him if there was anything that he could like, and being that he was feeling hungry, he asked if some food could be brought. But now he was really confused, especially since the majority of inns didn't have service like this. He quickly looked out the window in the room to see what part of the city he was in.
His reaction was definitely one of surprise; he had no reason to be where he was. Being in an area of the palace complex was not the most fitting place for him to be. He made a slight sound of horror at this, the noise of which woke up his son. Gan looked at him and said, "Oh father, you're awake. I hope you're not confused."
Long stared at him, and then said "Well my son, I am confused. Why are we in an area of the palace complex?" Gan shook his head with a smile and said, "You don't remember anything last night?" The look on his father's face indicated the truth of this statement, and so Gan continued, "Father, you got considerably drunk last night. Enough so, that another person at the tavern got quite annoyed with you. He attempted to attack you, but I knocked him over. He called his friends to him, and then you did something that was not very normal of you. You drew your sword and scared all of them, but didn't really hurt anyone."
Gan then paused for a moment to let his words sink in, after seeing his father indicate that he'd like him to continue, he started up once more, "You then made some kind of noise and stuck your tongue out at the man who accosted us, and I carried you out of the tavern. But the city watch was summoned there, and soon we were taken to see Lord Cao Cao. You said some pretty strange things while we were there, and then you quoted a passage from the Analects. I think Lord Cao Cao must have been impressed with what you said, and so he asked us to stay in the guest building until the morning, where we could continue the conversation."
Long slumped down in the chair nearby and silently spoke these words to himself, "Lord Cao...? I have been foolish then. To meet with someone like that, and I was drunk..." He shook his head, and then said, "Tell me, what verse did I recite?"
Gan answered him, "I don't remember the exact words by heart, as I have not memorized it like you have. But I think it went something like talking fancy and having a charming appearance are not really associated with true integrity."
Long realized the strong implications of what he said, and the auspiciousness of it. Perhaps now this could be an opening for him. Jumping up from the chair and laughing he said, "Did I really say that? Perhaps I'm not so foolish after all..."He stopped and reflected on this only slightly and then said, "Hurry, we must eat quickly, and then get cleaned up. I would like to meet Lord Cao Cao under more favourable circumstances than last night."
The food Long had asked for had soon been brought in, and both him and his son hastily ate it without any real conversation, and then they got themselves cleaned up from the dust and sweat of the previous day. Not being dressed in fine clothes is one thing, but meeting with someone and smelling like sweat is an entirely different matter.
After they had gotten ready, they made their way to the audience chamber, and announced themselves to the official and then waited for admittance.
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Post by Kong Ming on Jan 30, 2011 6:58:58 GMT
A Destined Meeting "To understand the heart and mind of a person look not at what he has already achieved but at what he aspires to."
Kong Ming finally arrived to his new destination. His face bore one of fatigue with the bags under his eyes. It was obvious he had been sleep deprived for a few days. He had a purpose, a mission to be employed. He was broke, hungry, and tired. As people passed him he scowled at them. He never realized how hard it would be to live on his own away from his village in the south.
His sword clinked back and forth on his armor as he continued walking towards the city palace in Xu Chang. He wondered who this Cao Cao was and what his plans were. He heard great things about the man yet everything he heard came from people that had never met him. Kong Ming decided it best to find out who the man was for himself.
He approached the first set of guards by the entrance to the city palace. The cool breeze felt great against his skin. His beard was neatly trimmed. It was obvious he took the time to make himself somewhat presentable. His armor however, bore smudge marks and scratches. Perhaps a hunting trip gone wrong on his way here? It was no secret that he was hungry due to his stomach growling every 10 or so steps. He turned towards the guards and gave a slight head nod. "Here are the necessary papers to see Lord Cao Cao." He said with his husky voice. He scowled at the guards or at least that is what it seemed like. His sleep deprived eyes could be interpreted as nothing but a scowl.
The guards allowed him to pass after showing the proper paperwork. He made his way through the necessary check points and eventually found himself before Cao Cao. At first he sized the man up and down. He must have looked like a man possessed from his bloodshot eyes. "Lord Cao Cao, my name is Kong Ming. I come from Yun Nan. I came seeking employment." Kong Ming said as he began stroking his beard. "If I may ask you a question or two. How would you define your ambitions lord Cao Cao? What is your plans to accomplish such feats?" Kong Ming asked hoping he was not overstepping his bounds. He was curious what kind of liege he would be serving before he began.
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Post by Cao Cao on Jan 30, 2011 17:06:14 GMT
During his sleep, Cao had thought over much. There was something about Wu Long and his son that struck Cao Cao as... well... as something that Cao hadn't decided yet. He was highly impressed by Wu Gan's actions, but there was something to Wu Long as well. Oh well. Today he would have a second look. He fell into a deep slumber, broken only by dreams of wars and battles. As the sun rose, Cao was already up and ready. He sat at his throne, expecting that his envoys must surely have found his officers by now. It did not take long for him to discover he was right. "The General of the Vanguard has arrived, My Lord... finally." As Yu Jin walked in, Cao saw that Yu Jin looked noble and regal as always, and also had a slight look of fear in him... also as always. Though he did well to hide it, Cao could see beyond his exterior. He was probably afraid that Cao would be upset that he had taken so long. He was right... "Ahhh, Yu Jin. I trust that you had no difficulty in finding the palace?" Cao began. Before he could get any further, however, the guards announced another visitor. Wu Long and Wu Gan walked through, looking much refreshed. "Good morning. Yu Jin, this is Wu Long, and his very noble son, Wu Gan. This.." here he indicated to his officer, "... is Yu Jin, one of the generals who has served me the longest. I trust you are ready to continue our conversation from last night?" He raised his eyebrow, the only hint that he was speaking partially in jest. Before Wu Long could respond, however, a guard came in, presenting to Cao Cao a seal and note. The guard whispered to him that a Kong Ming was coming. After regarding the paperwork, Cao understood that there had been a miscommunication in Chen Liu. "I have not summoned this man, and if he is using this as a means to meet with me, I would prefer to wait until I have my bodyguards with me. See him out." said Cao. The guard nodded, but then.... The doors burst open, and a barbarian walked in. A burly, strong body was adorn with scars and claw marks. Cao casually slipped his hand to his sword hilt, and the guard also did, though his was in a flurry. The figure stopped next to the other two, however. "Lord Cao Cao, my name is Kong Ming. I come from Yun Nan. I came seeking employment." Kong Ming said as he began stroking his beard. "If I may ask you a question or two. How would you define your ambitions lord Cao Cao? What is your plans to accomplish such feats?" Cao looked over his three guests. This was shaping up to be a busy day... (OOC: sorry guys, but I don't have time to further this post right now. Be sure to check your PM boxes, and also the private board. Also, if the three of you would like to RP back and forth a bit here, feel free. Cao has no problem sitting back and watching, so as to help him evaluate the men standing before him. Or, you can wait for me, whichever. )
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Post by Cao Cao on Jan 31, 2011 4:59:53 GMT
Unknown to any of the people inside the audience chamber, outside the entrance a guard had brought Cheng Qi within range to overhear the conversation.
Cao stroked his mustache and narrowed his eyes at Kong Ming. "Quite the set on you," chuckled Cao.
"Look at what we have here, guardsman. By my count, we have the four extremes in these men." The guardsman seemed unsure of what to say.
"Umm... sir?" he asked.
Cao motioned to Yu Jin. "Here, a man of class and dignity. His hands have become clean and delicate, and his main concern of late has become prose. A fine statesman to be sure."
"And here," he nodded his head to Wu Long, "a man who has seemingly lost his dignity, and yet knows exactly where to find it by heart. He could not walk last night, due to the drink... a feat which I have come learn is not uncommon... but he began to quote the Analects in his stupor, and extremely relevant passages no less. Truly, a man who is learned, but is unconcerned with the opinion that is held of him. The markings of a great strategist."
"His son, a man of dignity, yes, but also a man of action. He knows his place, and his duties, as a father's son. A man of loyalty who will risk himself to protect his liege. Whereas he cannot pick his father, he can pick his lord..."
He let his words trail off, but continued to look Wu Gan in the eyes...
"Which brings me to you, Kong Ming. A man who does not know his place, does not know his dignity, and yet, knows action. You are brave, and noble of heart. You know what is right and wrong, and you will let your actions show others exactly what is right. A trait needed for leading men into battle."
And now he turned back to his guardsman. "And do you know which is best, out of these four extreme?"
He paused, and the guard struggled for an answer. "Umm well.. sir, obviously... well, it is clear that it would be... ummm.. the.. "
"It is all of them. An empire cannot be carved out without all four pillars. We need the learned, the cunning, the loyal, and the brave. Now Kong Ming.." Cao stood and began pacing. "to answer your question, I am seeking to quell the wars and problems that have plagued the land these past years. People speak of the Han as though it has passed already, and all these warlords seek to install their own empire. I know the right course. I know what is just. Our Empire is still alive, and being held in the hands of those who do not know right from wrong...those who seek to use him for their own ends. It is my cause to save our Empire, save the Han, and bring these men back under the royal banner."
He stopped now, allowing his words to seek in. "That is my cause. How I plan to go about accomplishing that? It is only through the aid of my loyal officers. Their plans, their actions. How else could I hope to accomplish anything?"
"But, I have gone on too long. I believe that actions are better than words. I would like to prove myself to you, as I would ask that each of you further proves yourself to me. I will arrange each of you with the supplies that you will need, if you are each willing to perform a task for me. One, I think, that will show you that I am worthy of your loyalty, and one that will show me that you are worthy of wearing my colors.
I will ask that you leave now, and think over my offer. I will discuss the arrangements with my guard here, and if you decide to join my ranks, then please return here."
With that, he ended his long tirade, and sat back down, speaking quietly to his guard.
The second guard walked in, somewhat sheepishly. "Ah, my lord? We have another guest..." as he indicated Cheng Qi.
"I trust you overheard much of that? Then tell me, which type of man are you?"
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Post by Sam on Jan 31, 2011 18:08:27 GMT
When the guards at the eastern gate bid him enter, Cheng Qi walked over the drawbridge and towards the arch of the huge gates of the city, truely, they were befitting of a king's capital, their height could have rivalled those of the former Imperial capital Luoyang. Cheng walked on his head held high passing through the busy streets of Xuchang, projecting an aura of self-confidence. Qi didn't know what he was going to say, he hadn't really thought of such a menial thing, talking was a part of everyday life - why did it have to be difficult? As the Cheng and the guards approached the stairs to the palace, Cheng unbuckled his sword and threw it down at the base of the stairs saying to himself but loud enough for those around to hear, "Who has use for such a crude blade anyway?" It hit the flour with a heavy clang and Cheng proceeded on, deliberately quickening his pace slightly. Such suspicious actions were sure to keep the guards guessing his purpose. He enjoyed being awkward, it seperated him from the herd. * * * As the double doors into the palace came into view Cheng adjusted his garb, and brushed off some of the dust of his travels. He took a last breath of the clean outside air and stepped in after the guards, leaving his dust-ridden shoes behind the doors as a sign of respect. He was led into the main hall where there was a gathering of officers it seemed, with further observation Cheng noticed a man before them, of regal bearing dressed officially, of course it was Cao Cao. Cheng Qi pretended to observe the surroundings of the hall, walking gradually the width of the hall and back again seeming interested in the architecture. Really he was focusinghis hearing on what the man on the throne was saying. Without a doubt Cao Cao. Cheng stroked his beard with a grin, as Cao respectfully asked his guests to withdraw, who like him were offering their services, yet in the same respect, they were unlike him. They were asking to serve, Qi, was wanting to be asked to serve, not to be disrespectful to a hero such as Cao Mengde, but he can't just serve those who would allow anyone to jump into employment. That's why he didn't go to Liu Xuande. Qi could have some time alone with Cao; he wanted to understand his lord, and his lord to understand him, for them to value one another. For Cao to want a man like Cheng Qi to aid him. So when Cao called over to him, "tell me, which type of man are you?" It was exactly the question that Cheng had wanted. Cheng smiled and without any courtesy, looked down at his helmet, that he held in both hands now, and fiddling with the hanging hairs of the plume replied, "I belong to no type...I encompass much of them. My attributes are my stars, they are within my sphere, for me to pick and choose as time dictates." Cheng's eyes shot up and gazed upon Cao Cao and then looked around the room, as if to hint to Cao that he wanted them to be alone to talk, privately. Cheng put his helmet on the ground before him, and turned around with his back to Cao, waiting for the commands of his reaction, as he gazed along the walls at the many luxurous paintings.
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Post by Cao Cao on Jan 31, 2011 18:21:02 GMT
Cao took the subtle hint, and seeing that Cheng Qi had no sword, he said "My guards, please walk out my other guests, and see to their needs. If they stay, provide them with quarters. If not, please produce the proper paper work to allow them free leave. I hope to see you all again."
After they said their goodbyes, only Cao and Cheng remained in the hall. "So, Sir-of-Many-Stars, you have requested an audience? Please, if you would tell me your name, and your purpose?"
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Post by Lei Yong on Jan 31, 2011 18:47:05 GMT
A slight nod came from Wu Long. He was beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable with all of the people here. It's not that he was shy in groups, but more that he was shy when he was sober. His mind frantically thinking of a way to get out of the palace and look for a drink. It seemed his problem would never go away; something that he regretted deeply. However he took it in stride, and attempted to hide his discomfort, and he was fairly successful in doing so. All but the most extremely observant individuals, who were simply prying for this kind of information would be able to detect Wu Long's feelings of dread at being amongst such people.
Wu Gan however was quite excited at the prospects of being among such interesting people. And it was when Cao Cao began to address them personally that he began to feel a sense of pride grow within him. And the judgment that Lord Cao Cao had given of him only seemed to make him all the more willing to act like he was described.
Wu Long however was a bit embarrassed at his mentioning, but he was grateful of the praise given him. It was not something he was entirely used to receiving from someone who had such superior standing; being that Long himself was simply minor gentry, and owned a modest parcel of land which he rented out to receive his income. And then came the request; to accomplish some sort of task of proving their worth.
With this rather life changing statement, both Wu Long and his son were excited for entirely different reasons. Long's being that he could finally be away from the very formal setting, Gan's reasoning was that he was enthusiastic about starting on his duties.
They both made a respectful salute of placing their right fist in the palm of their left hand, and bowing their heads slightly. Then after leaving the palace and walking for sometime without saying a word, Wu Gan suddenly broke the silence as they made their way through the outer courtyard, "What do you plan to do father? Clearly you are going to obey Lord Cao Cao's request are you not?"
Long stopped his brisk walk, and turned back to his son, smiling as he answered him, "Of course I am going to respond to this calling. Why else do you think I came to Xu Chang?" Gan could not understand the meaning of these words however, so he was blunt with it and said, "I don't understand... Do you mean you getting drunk last night and causing trouble with your sword was a ruse? That all along your intentions were to meet with our Lord?"
Shaking his head and speaking through a light chuckle, Wu Long placed his hand on his son's shoulder and answered, "Well the most of what you say is correct. My getting drunk and causing trouble was indeed part of my intentions. However I did not expect to be brought to the palace, or even meet with Lord Cao. I had merely thought I'd be brought to some minor official, and I could impress him and work things out from there... But it seems the fates have other ideas for me. He continued walking again, and then continued with what he was saying, But enough of this talk now. Come Wu Gan, we have work to do. I plan to start up a school here in Xu Chang."
Wu Gan's face displayed one of shock at the revealing of his father's ambition. They were fairly close, but even Gan simply thought his father to be a lazy man with too much free time on his hands. Still, he was dutiful as a son should be, but now this revelation was utterly eye opening to him, and he slowly began to realize some of the methods to his father's madness. He trailed closely behind his father, as they finally left the main palace, ready to start on a new chapter in life...
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Post by Sam on Jan 31, 2011 19:12:01 GMT
Cheng listened to the rustling of armour and gartment, and the rushing of feet as the crowd departed the scene and once they were virtually alone, Qi turned to Cao and clasped his hands, introducing himself, "I am Cheng Qi, styled Fengyi, the second of three sons from Qiao..." Cheng quickly regretted mentioning his hometown, knowing he and Cao shared native homes, might throw of his purpose and mystery although Cao would have never knew Qi growing up. But sharing hometowns was a instant connection, maybe it wasn't so bad to let it slip early in their meeting afterall.
After a brief pause, betraying no anxiety to his minor slip up Qi continued, "I've wandered for a month, thinking how times have changed, there is no going back to the normal. An era of chaos is upon us, and am I wrong in hearing the saying," Giving a brief pause for emphasis on his coming words Qi said in a sterner tone, "'An able statesman in times of peace, but a trecherous villian in times of chaos...'"
The room seemed to go deadly cold, Qi picked up on this and quickly continued incase Cao reacted hotly, "...is what I hear of Cao Mengde." Cheng resumed fondling his beard and walked forward as he declared almost happily right to Cao's face, "And I would have you be no more than that exact saying."
He stopped walking and his arms lowered behind him, averting his gaze from what would potentially be a piercing stare from Cao Cao after a pause that seemed outstretched, he went on, "A villian you need to be seen as, my lord, to succeed...All the other lords of the realm, are 'villians' at heart, but none of them have the courage to do what is necessary."
Qi took a pause and a breath and continued, "You're probably wondering by now why I want you to be the villian. Why should Cao Mengde earn the scorn of the world? Well, my lord, the Han is dying - you more than anyone know this to be true." Qi took a deep breath and looked at the ground avertedly, "You want to form a new regime, that is necessary. You speak of restoring the Han, which would be with your new order. Impossible, it would be an entire rennovation of the dynasty, with you, and you alone guiding a meritless puppet, not to say the puppet doesn't have it's advantages..."
"Not to set you up as a Dong Zhuo, he had the same foundations, but lacked the ambition to go further, all he desired was the power, and luxury, of said power. You can be more, carry the weight of scorn of those faithlessly following a dying Dynasty, and forge a new era of peace, your era..."
Cheng quickly stopped there and stepped back, he bowed and said, "I fear I have said to much...excuse my frankness, my lord."
Qi awaited either rage or acceptance, from who he hoped to be assiting as a subject.
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