Blainey Poo
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Post by Blainey Poo on Jun 8, 2011 15:04:45 GMT
Everything was going smoothly. Lord Liu Bei was showing his real ambitious fire and officers were bolstering the ranks under Shu Han. Whether arriving in disgrace or honor, there was something about Master Guan Yu that always seemed to command the attention of the room; something Zhao Zilong could never hope to do. That aside, Zilong's heart sank at the sworn brother's lament. Maybe if he had arrived sooner with reinforcements we would have never lost any of Jing. There was no hate for Wu in his thoughts. This was war. Friends were just enemies with sheathed swords. They could unsheath those blades in the blink of an eye. Wu had unsheathed their blades. This was war.
Prefect of Han Zhong? The thought was more like a question on his breath. To Zilong he was a general. He led troops into hell and somehow hadn't been consumed yet. How was he going to run a city? The general made no moves to interject. If his Lord wanted him to till fields, he'd be the best tiller in China, this was no different. No prefect was going to compare to him. If this was his duty, Han Zhong would be the best province in the kingdom. A confident smile crossed his lips, till his lord spoke of traveling to Wu.
"My lord?" he asked in a near shocked voice. It was obvious the idea of him traveling to Wu was not a good idea to Zilong.
"I wouldn't advise you being our envoy to Wu without a guard with you. A group of trained guards is one thing, but my lord I would feel much safer if you had a true sword at your side. Someone like Master Zhang Fei or Ma Chao would suffice. We can't afford to lose the foundation of Shu Han." stated Zilong as rose from his seat, "Better yet, send Master Zhuge Liang to be our envoy. He was the one to incite Zhou Yu to war. He has experience in the kingdom of the riverlords. Even I would rather go in your place, my lord. You are of too high of value."
The more Zilong spoke it was evident he understood that his lord had made up his mind, and merely wanted to make sure that there were plently of other ideas on the table. It was made even more obvious by how quickly the general went to a knee bowing before his lord.
"Apologies. I did not mean to outburst or sound as if I was against your rule..."
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Guanqiu Jian
Junior Member
The Rebel Without a Pulse
If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.
Posts: 54
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Post by Guanqiu Jian on Jun 8, 2011 18:48:35 GMT
Bowing slightly in thanks to Liu Bei, He took a step back as He dealt with other matters, paying enough attention to hear and understand any orders given. It was an interesting plan, covering the cities most likely to be threatened and attempting to reason with the man-child who sat atop Wu's throne. Unlikely to work, but still a good plan. He had to suppress a grin at the idea of what would be coming if it failed.
Dipping his head slightly to show that He'd heard his task, He started towards Master Zhuge, stopping as He passed the only man in the room of comparable size to him. Noticing the forlorl look that seemed to cover his face, and the veritable aura of sorrow that radiated off the man, He reached out and thumped him on the back twice before speaking quietly "Why so glum? We've got a war to prepare for, If you feel like you've lost something, Fight and take back that loss." Nodding to himself at his words, He continued over to Master Zhuge.
As He neared the sagely man, He couldn't help but feel despondent. This man was no warrior, He was an advisor of some sort! Xian wasn't a fool, as many thought him to be. He understood that their was a large part of battle to be played beforehand, threw the plans and manipulations of men such as this, but it still galled him to work with those who didn't truly fight. Sighing as quietly as He could, He spoke to the man "Master Zhuge, I guess you'll be stuck with my men and I for the next while. I look forward to seeing what you can do to Wei if they decide to push their boundaries."
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Post by Guan Yu on Jun 8, 2011 19:15:35 GMT
Yunchang had been blessed, the failure in his eyes had been success; both within the eyes of the Sleeping Dragon and of the King of Han Zhong. Raised to his feet by the very man who had stood beside him in the Peach Garden all them years ago. So much had changed, but neither of them forgot nor disregarded the pact.
"My excellency, truly you are a virtuous soul."
Guan Yu said, his heroic voice now restored and with it his morale. His lord had an alluring sense of leadership - the flicker of his beaming face was enough for Yunchang.
"If my crimes are quashed, by the will of the Son of Heaven and the pious mind of Master Zhuge Liang; then it would be my honour to safeguard Xiangyang."
Guan Yu said, clutching his hands tightly, showing his appreciation for the generousity of both Master Xuande and Kongming.
"In honour of my brother, Xiangyang will be protected at all costs; as well as any neighbouring settlements."
Guan Yu replied; he had become fond of the lands of Jing and he was beyond pleased that he had been re-assigned to the lands himself and his men had fought and died for. He nodded, before dragging his fingers through his reddish beard. Understanding that his emotional upset had disturbed the atmosphere of the room, he stepped back to compose himself. At that very moment a man spoke up, a tall man.. comparable to Guan Yu. He knew not of the man's name or rank; perhaps a new recruit. Guan Yu smiled at the mans comment.
"My duty stands beyond my own desire, if I am to put my own personal objectives first - then I would jeophardise my lords safety and empire. To simply reach out and snatch it would violate my pillars of life, instead I shall await the Heavens to grant me revenge."
Zhao Yun spoke, for the protection of his lord. As much as Guan Yu agreed, he knew his lord was stubborn when it came relations. Xuande wasn't a brute and could easily be murdered; such a devastion would be a heavy cost for all of their hard work. Master Zilong was correct, Liu Bei couldn't risk himself not after everything they had accomplished. He sighed; acknowledging his lords stubborness. He would go alone. Guan Yu had become fond of Liu Bei's courage, he wasn't the strongest of men, nor was he adept in the art of war.. but that only made him stronger. He could compell the likes of the Sun Family and Cao Wei; through his personallity and good nature alone, something that Guan Yu would gladly lay his life upon the line for.
"I shall halt your plans no more then my brother. I depart for Xiangyang immediately."
Guan Yu announced, bowing gracefully to his lord. Before clasping his hands to Kongming, the mastermind behind the armies of Shu. On leaving the room, Guan Yu clasped his hands in good gesture to his old friend Zhao Yun; once connected through the safety of their lord.. now their paths split. Zhao Yun was to be placed north, Guan Yu to be sent to the center of China.
"Keep yourself alive.. but also my lord."
Guan Yu said, placing his hand on the shoulder of the young man. He had faith in the hot prospect. Unlike any of the youth of today, Zhao Yun was capable, strong and beyond all loyal. Yunchang bowed once more, wishing them all the best before leaving.
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Post by Zhuge Liang on Jun 9, 2011 0:25:39 GMT
Liu Bei was definitely on top of things, Zhuge Liang noticed as his lord handed out assignments to all of his best men. Guan Yu would continue his defense of Jing, Zhao Yun was sent to Han Zhong to keep an eye on the deceitful Sima Yi. Zhuge Liang couldn't help but be disappointed--Sima Yi provided a challenge. Zhou Yu was so easy to predict. The duo that was Lu Meng and Lu Xun, however, now those two were interesting. Lu Xun was so bold as to write Lord Guan Yu a false letter, allowing him to be attacked in a weak position. It wasn't the most elaborate of strategies, but Lu Xun made Guan Yu a fool, playing on his inexperience and youth to trick the God of War.
Hm, Kongming realized, perhaps Wu did provide a challenge for the intellect. Politics was politics, and fighting is fighting, but it was up to the very few strategists like Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi and Lu Meng who ultimately decided the fate of China.
After all, if Xuande had not approached the Sleeping Dragon three times in Xin Ye, would Shu even exist? It was egotistic thinking, but Zhuge Liang deserved some credit. What did Xuande say? Zhuge Liang had clocked out of the conversation but at the mention of his name the strategist came back. Prefect of Xin Ye, with Xian Ye? Who was Xian Ye? Ah, yes, Zhuge Liang saw, the brutish man who had only asked for a chance to kill in the battlefield. Why would Liu Bei even fathom hiring such a man? And the turncoat Zhi Da? Xuande had strange criteria, but it hadn't failed him the past. Zhuge Liang wondered, did Pang Tong smoke barrels of opium upon his hiring? Most likely so.
Xian Ye approached him with the signs of dissatisfaction, he probably wanted a post with the God of War himself or another legend like Zhao Yun. What a disrespectful grunt! Zhuge Liang had called upon the heavens themselves to turn away a Wei army 800,000 in strength and this brute has the audacity to sigh!?
He tried to act polite, he did, this Xian Ye, but Kongming was already seething with passive anger. "Don't be so foolish as to attempt to hide your displeasures from me brute, I can read you like an open book... and the displeasure is all mine, to be clear." Zhuge Liang scoffed, "Write me a poem and maybe I'll show you an ounce of respect; or can't you read and write?" Zhuge Liang chuckled, what was he going to do with this Xian Ye? Send him to the front lines to die most likely, as soon as war is declared on someone, if he didn't show some promise. Xin Ye was the crossroads of China, Wei to the North, Wu to the East, death could be arranged somewhere.
Guan Yu then began to talk in his deep voice, so commanding, that was a person who deserved Zhuge Liang's respect. Even in the hands of Xu Huang, Lu Meng, and Lu Xun; Guan Yu fought them all and lived to tell the tale. He was being sent to the recently captured Xiang Yang; that was good, it meant Zhuge Liang had someone to back him up if Wu and Wei decided to plan their dirty schemes again. Zhuge Liang was in Cheng Du at the time of the time, coordinating supplies, this time he would be near the front, commanding troops. Soldiers would die with a snap of his fingers and the fate of thousands would change with a whim.
Power: in it's rawest form, that was what was found on the battlefield.
Zhuge Liang moves from the side of Xian Ye, for he looked awfully short next him. "Friends, I wish you all luck in your assignments. I will leave for Xin Ye immediately. Master Guan Yu, we will see each other soon. Master Zhao Yun, I pray you luck, for you will be against a most deceitful man. Sima Yi will do next to anything to break Han Zhong, I assure you that."
He bowed, "And Lord Xuande, be ever vigilant in the lands of the Sun family. For their dishonor runs deep. Your brother can attest to that."
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Gong
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King of Hanzhong
Posts: 178
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Post by Gong on Jun 9, 2011 21:34:09 GMT
Liu listened to all the advice spoken by his council, but he was more touched by Zilong's plea for his presence to remain within Chengdu..he never had felt the loyalty from this warrior in true force, until no. He was a piece of finally crafted jade, too precious to place within a box but one you would never wish to be touched by another. Approaching him, the warm smile appeared upon his expression and his right hand placed onto his shoulder. "Do not worry for my life my General, I know that the Kingdom of Wu can be devious..but to murder someone on cause of peace they are not; I cannot simply sit here and allow those below me do everything...it is not how Shu was founded." Clasping his fists together, the King of Hanzhong bowed deeply to Zhao Yun and only hoped that he'd trust his life within the Red banner regions..this was not simply a mission of diplomacy, but one that Liu had to do to prove his strength. All the while he had been presented as a mere coward, always on the run from a far greater force. Not this new era, the air within the sky was different and through his age came a strange confidence in his own abilities. "I wish for you to remain safe and turn Hanzhong into the bastion of strength, I trust only you to do this.."
Nodding, Liu moved onto his brother Guan who seemingly took these orders into heart and refused to budge from doing anything but his best; it was nothing strange. "Brother, do not shame yourself so harshly; though it was an undesirable situation, I am merely thankful that you managed to survive. You are a pillar of strength to me.. Xiangyang is a rich city, but with your developing security of that region attempt to make it as mere restoration; we do not wish to show such threats to our Red brethren.." A small jest and pat upon the back was made to Guan, before Liu once again moved to his loyal strategist Zhuge..who seemingly did not enjoy the choice of company in Xinye. "Treat him well Zhuge, though strong he is still young and will no doubt learn from your ways.. I trust to fortifiy Xinye, I understand it is a small city but one that Wei will no doubt believe easy to over-whelm...with your mind and Xian Ye's strength working as one, it shall be an iron wall that Lord Cao will not be able to demolish."
Returning to his throne, Liu stood some way from it in order to make a final address to the council. From behind scuttled a minor official who placed a piece of scroll into his hand, it stated a new recruit that was fighting for the name of the Green Banner..it was the youthful warrior Ma Chao, son of the deceased valiant and most respectable General Ma Teng..it was another blessing, another strength to be placed before Wei.. "Ah, General Zhao..it seems you shall be accompanied by a third within Hanzhong; Ma Chao." A coy smile appeared upon Liu's visage, unsure of whether they would be placed as a good team, he knew that Zilong would teach the young soldier lessons that no barrack could externally teach.. "You may become some form of mentor to him, but be on your guard for he may have some intentions of revenge against Wei for the treating of his father.."
"Those of the council, your orders have been given and trust with you all from the heart to solidify the centre, though we have had some set backs..today shall be our chance to present to the world that the Green Banner is not to be tormented with; no longer shall we flea when the situation seems to be going our enemies way." It was a heart-felt message to each and everyone present within the council, treated as family and would be to share the victories. The celebrations would come later and the banquets would be arranged when the borders were fully secured, however, this time was not to raise the cup of wine. "We are all together in this, those who wish to speak with me can do so when they wish.. I do not want to waste anymore of your time, make haste to your positions and fortune be with you all."
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Blainey Poo
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Post by Blainey Poo on Jun 9, 2011 21:50:43 GMT
::Storm On The Horizon:: The words were kind, determined, and expected, but not what Zhao Yun had hoped to hear. In fact, the only reason he did not protest further was the events that followed. As Liu Bei addressed the council the general rose to his feet and returned the bow. His lord was going to Jian Ye alone. It was a heartrending thought, but it was the way of the world. Truth was in Lord Liu Bei's words: Shu had not been founded upon the idea of laziness. Zilong just nodded his understanding and removed himself from the council hall. Outside of the palace, waiting beside the general's horse was an envoy. He carried himself more like a soldier and wore the garments of a man who had seen battle. With a quick bow the soldier produced a scroll and knelt holding it up to Zilong. The general took it, thinking it to be the seals and such for his prefecture. This was not the case. After reading the scroll a few times over, he looked down to the soldier. "Rise. Is this true?" questioned Zilong in obvious disbelief. The soldier nodded. "Go to the barracks and round up my personal battlion of spearmen and cavalry. Have them made ready to ride to Han Zhong immediately. If raiders are attacking our supply lines we are working on shortened time. The demons of Wei seem to be able to go without rest!"The soldier ran off to do as he was told while Zilong retrieved the few papers and seals he needed to keep his prefecture legitimate. After a few hours the men were rounded up and were seen riding north out of Cheng Du. Han Zhong was there goal. The only hope on Zilong's mind was that Ma Chao could hold out for a time till he arrived. It would be a test for the young general.
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Post by Zhuge Liang on Jun 10, 2011 4:01:08 GMT
Zhuge Liang examined the rest of the room. Apparently not everyone else was happy with Xuande's decisions. Zhao Yun did not want Xuande to reenter the lands of the Sun Family, and who could blame him? Xuande was putting his life on the line, on the other hand--Liu Shan was still barely a teenager at the age of twelve. This meant that in the event of his death, Zhuge Liang would be entrusted as regent until Liu Shan was of age. How an unfortunately advantageous scenario. He smiled with required sympathy.
"My lord, I support your decision to visit Sun Quan despite the dangers, the only way for Wei to be beaten is for the union of Shu and Wu to be rejoined. However faraway such a prospect is, it is the only way. We have proven that at the Battle of Red Cliffs. Unfortunately it seems Sun Quan is easily infuriated, as his original motivation for war was Guan Yu's refusal of arranging a marriage. It is a trivial justification for war, I can't imagine all men of the south lands would sacrifice their lives for such a unjustified war."
The master strategist averted the gaze of Xuande. "Even I cannot predict what Sun Quan is capable of however, I trust you will take great care."
Xuande then talked of the newcomer, Xian Ye. "Well of course I don't like him, he walked off the street into the palace and you hired him. He must prove his worth like the rest of us have. I see nothing odd about that." Zhuge Liang turned and gave Xian Ye an undecipherable smile. Whether he should be thankful, or worried, was up to his interpretation. Xuande did merely what he always did, smile with his expression of understanding and compassion. Zhuge Liang mentally rolled his eyes as Xuande made his way back to the throne.
Their leader made his decision, and there was no appealing to him. Xuande ordered everyone in the room to report to their positions, and also added that Ma Chao was to be also be reporting to Han Zhong. That was good, Ma Chao was a stalwart defender. More importantly, he hated Cao Cao for what he did to his father Ma Teng (he killed him). Hate on the battlefield drove Ma Chao to sometimes do stupid things, like charging without orders. That ferociousness made him effective, like Wei Yan had been in settling down that Meng Huo of the Man.
Xuande dismissed them all, with a sigh Zhuge Liang gestured for Xian Ye to follow him.
Maybe by boat we'll travel, Zhuge Liang thought whimsically.
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Guanqiu Jian
Junior Member
The Rebel Without a Pulse
If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.
Posts: 54
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Post by Guanqiu Jian on Jun 11, 2011 0:18:38 GMT
Xian quickly broke focus with Zhuge, tired of the incessant blathering of an intelligent fool. It was clearly becoming obvious that this might have been a bad idea. Putting up with this one, He prayed that He could resist grabbing him by the neck and lifting him off the ground. Something told him, in the long run, that would be a very bad idea.
As the others spoke, Xian considered what He knew about Xinye, and that wasn't much. All he really knew was that it was part of Shu, and that was about it. Focusing back in on the conversation, He was just thrilled to hear that it was small. Oh joy of joys, a small target. Sighing, Xian straightened as Zhuge spoke again, actually listening to him for once. Interesting thoughts, but it didn't matter. Following Zhuge out, He only thought about how much fun this was going to be, if He survived to face Wei at least.
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jul 6, 2011 16:44:32 GMT
The Imperial Palace was in ruins. Its halls were torn down and replaced with larger complexes, and the throne room, which was still assessable, lay between open ground and constructed ramparts that would make up the fortifications of the inner city. The design was new, and Wei Guozhi had drafted it with the help of famed architects around the land. The palace was to have three main chambers on the lower floor, where large spiral stairs stretched up on the east and west where the upper floors would be created. So far the lower complex had been constructed, but the walls were plain and the ornaments that scattered such halls had been placed in storage away from the palace.
Guards situated themselves on the ramparts and within the halls, and messengers came and went as quickly as flies descending in the morning dew. Scouts, fashioned in green and black, gave reports on the situation around Yizhou, and messengers were sent to call for representatives of the local lords and generals. There was change to be had, there were raids to thwart and there were bandits to kill and time seemed to go on forever during the initial process of reformation.
It had moved on steadily now, but it had started of slow at first, and had not sped up until the final touches were being put piece by piece together. Wei Guozhi sat on the throne, or rather, what remained of it. He had taken the dragon embroiled plate away from its neck, and would have it switched for a black and gold two headed dragon which would come out from both of the chair arms. It was a symbol, a symbol that would tell his enemies and his people that he would stretch out across the land with both hands out, and he would grasp the Han, and he would save it.
And the gods laughed.
He sat staring at the council he had formed. Zhuge Liang would later control the council, but for now Zhuge Liang was away on business, and he needed scribes to write down his orders and have them delivered, so he left the council in the care of his relative, Xu Tao, an old man who had served Liu Yan before returning to the wilderness when his son took over. Now he served Guozhi, and together they had made changes to the political and military affairs of state.
"There will be a reform." He started, his voice low and easy to hear over the work of the builders constant thumping, "I wish for representatives to reach the Palace, so that new edicts can be given out. We have allowed Wei and Wu to raid us for too long, and it must end. The people suffer, our men die, and the world must know that the flames of the Han have yet to be extinguished, for they live on in us, and in our sincerity for the people of this land."
He paused to allow time for the scribes, and inside he doubted his wording. He had spent his life as a soldier, and he had wondered whether ruling was right for him after all. But fate had made him make his move, and so far the people had rejoiced in his governance.
"Should Ma Chao still wish it, I will give him military command of a regiment and have him thwart the feeble minded Sima Yi. I shall deal with Wu personally, but remember to send a message to them first. My younger brother, Wei Xiadi is perfect for such a mission. He may be young, but he is wise and he is firm."
He took a moment to drink stale ale and bread, and then wiped the juices that had streamed down his long black beard. "Zhuge Liang is to return to Cheng Du, but he is to leave a suitable candidate in Xin Ye. I will need his council as director of the state."
The scribes finished the letters, stamped a seal on the back on the closed parchments and hurried them to the safety and care of the messengers he had selected.
"Now go." he said, "and bring word back to me as soon as possible. There is much to be done."
And so there was, and meanwhile construction was to be continued, and the city was to be refurnished, and the market was to be increased and the trade was to bloom and flourish, and during it all the gods laughed, for this was only the beginning of what would become a saga of conflict known in the annuls of history.
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Post by Zhang Yi on Jul 7, 2011 19:18:43 GMT
Rumors were always told, and so when a rumor began to spread across the gullible ears of the people that Liu Bei was gone there was a sense of panic. People panicked, businesses panicked, even the soldiers. Who was to take charge of the now unified lands of Shu, better yet who was going to step up and fight Wei, who was to quell the tiger of Wu? People had questions, and just like people they looked for the answer in their superior, asking bosses, looking to politicians for a kind of relief, too bad there was no relief to be given..
The government of Shu had collapsed on itself after the disappearance of Liu Bei. High ranking officials dried out all of their resources and ran a far. Zhang Yi was one of the many smaller businessmen and lower ranking officials that had not abandoned ship, thinking that maybe just maybe there will be a new savior of the people.. and then the rumors started again.. A nightmare, the peasants called him, there was supposed to be a new ruler of Shu. Rumors didn't make him out to be too nice.
Of course this is just what Zhang Yi heard from one of the many complaining people, they were dissatisfied with the economy so they complained about some new leader trying to fix it. It disappointed Yi, how blind and gullible the people were, believing anything that they heard. Yi scoffed, 'the people are stupid', he thought as he leaned back into his chair. Although Yi was a very low ranking civil official he was now seeing the other side of the people who voted him into office...
"At least I was given a nice office space."[/color]
The office of Zhang Yi was small, it had a desk and two chairs one for Yi and the other for a guest, it had always kept him wanting more, he has always striven for a promotion of the sorts. Then an idea popped into his head, if Shu has a new leader perhaps he could somehow enter its ranks and become a high ranking general or minister. There was always fame for generals who won battles and he knew that his studying would pay off. This idea could go somewhere, and it was worth a shot, but he would have to wait until he was off of work first.
......
It was finally the time! Zhang Yi's work shift was over and he quickly bolted out of his seat, in his eagerness running out of his office he slammed the door and forgot to lock it. He knew he would not be coming back of course and continued running until his home was just in sight. The pace that Yi's feet were moving slowed, as he began seeing his clearer for every ten feet he covered, then his feet slowed again until he was walking just along the side of his home with his hands on his hips. His destination was clear, he was going to the shed in the back of his house, as he covered the dried grass on the side of his house his hands began to shake for he knew all that lied in the shed was armor and weapons.
He whipped his forehead of the sweat that was beginning to form, and quickly opened the door. There it stood, the armor he saved so much of his work money to buy, and the pike that brought back so many memories. The pike, he stared at it and began reminiscing about the visions he had of so many of his family members training with it, jabbing and slashing at thick summer air, it was his time to wield it, determined to make a name for himself. Yi quickly got equipped and left, leaving his home how it was.
Zhang Yi took a deep breath as he hastily made his way up the stairs of the city palace. He felt like they went on forever, it was just step after step. Then he stopped and there was silence. He stared at the large dark brown doors of the city palace of Cheng Du, then looked down at the group of guards that were standing around in front of the doors.
"I seek and audience with the new leader of Shu, I hear he lacks officers to command what little troops he has. Please show me to him.[/color]
Zhang Yi was not one to hold his tongue, and for right now he was focused on getting to Wei Guozhi. He needed an audience to be accepted, and to be accepted he needed to prove himself to the new liege. There were many things that needed to be done and the lack of officers surely put the new man at a disadvantage against Wei, especially since they had been raiding Shu since the former Liu Bei had disappeared.
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jul 7, 2011 21:27:06 GMT
Guards rotated their shifts frequently in the hot summer breeze, for their armour was heavy and cumbersome. Li Yui, a guard of no plausible authority, and the capital chieftain of the morning shift, led the guards on that summers day, the day where a new warrior would be fashioned and drilled for tasks beyond their own selfless comprehension.
"Come." He said, and looking back he had not spoken to just any normal man, but a legend, a fierce man who would eventually wield the pike that would thrust the ideals of Shu into the mouths of the states enemies.
"Wei Guozhi is in the barracks. My shift is over, so I shall escort you there if you like."
That walk had been long, a tired road that bended around the outer complex, where a large fort stood near high ramparts. It was the barracks, and Wei Guozhi could be seen in his war glory, with his spear and sword and shield ready and armed. It was the regent, and the troops were training.
(continuing in a separate thread.)
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Post by Liu Feng on Jul 16, 2011 19:48:33 GMT
A young and charismatic man rode into the gates of Chengdu, accompanied by a small retinue of Shu warriors. They rode north from the dangerous jungles of Nanzhong, and they had been riding for days. Finally, the young master, Liu Feng, dismounted his horse and walked straight into the gates of his father's makeshift palace. No one bothered to ask why Liu Bei's son would join him in his audience hall, well obviously not.
Feng walked into the audience hall with his spear at his side, bowing deeply before his father's seat of authority.
"Father, the barbarians are quiet. I am here to rejoin you and aid you as any filial son should do."
After a few minutes, a lone official came into the room to bring Liu Feng his next assignment. He nodded and set off immediately, determined to do his father proud at every turn.
((Liu Feng has joined Shu, obviously!))
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Post by Fei Wenwei on Jul 20, 2011 3:10:23 GMT
It was only half a day's journey to Cheng Du from Wenwei's post, and yet he had taken a day mulling over the fresh fields of the countryside. His horse Zhai, reliable as she may have been, was aged nonetheless, and needed to be rested halfway through the journey. Even now, as Wenwei approached the palace, her reins had to be held and Wenwei approached on foot by the horse's side, rather than atop Zhai's back.
But Wenwei did not mind. He knew his task was not of any particular priority, and had no other important deeds in need of doing. Stopping at the countryside gave him a splendid chance to taste the brews from the excess bounty of Sichuan. He made sure to simply sample, not drink. He had no intention of arriving at his destination in a stupor.
He stopped before a handful of guards, and immediately bowed, making sure he bowed low enough to seem respectful, in case the men in front of him outranked him. It was likely that they wouldn't ask for his own rank; as it was unimportant for the task at hand. Thus, there was little risk of embarrassment in finding that he, indeed, was their superior.
"I bring the latest logistic report from the Jiangzhou commentary," he said, holding out an envelope while still keeping his head low. It was untampered, but he knew the contents. Weather reports, astrological signs, recent executions, crime rates, taxation... anything that could even remotely be considered important. This also made the report a mundane process, which is why it was handed to him. It had still been turned in early though, what Zhai lacked in speed, Wenwei definitely made up for in efficiency. The report was meant to be handed in at the end of the month. Wenwei had finished it over two weeks early.
"If I may humbly ask, may I be given new orders? The magistrate has run out of tasks for me, and has recommended my temporary relocation to Cheng Du." He knew the guards couldn't give him orders, but he also knew it was outside of his authority to suggest he meet with anyone of any higher status.
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Post by {poisoned} Liu Bei on Jul 20, 2011 16:12:03 GMT
The guard at the gate simply nodded when Fei Yi had announced himself. He opened the gates, and allowed him into the palace. Therein an official quickly met him, and said, "Sire, I cannot presume to give you orders. I am a minor official in charge of bringing guests into the audience chamber. Unfortunately I cannot do so today, as there is no court being held at the moment. If you wish, I can bring you to the home of Lord Liu Bei, who is currently there receiving a guest, as well as the Prime Minister Zhuge Liang. They will definitely be able to help you in giving you new orders. If you wish to bring the report to them, feel free as well. Though it is fine if you leave it here, I will make sure it gets to the proper office and person."The official, motioning with his arm to follow, then said, "Please, follow me. I will lead the way to his residence."(Even though it says Zhuge Liang and Fang Dao, feel free to join in on the thread "Never Know What to Expect" located here.)
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Post by Fei Wenwei on Jul 20, 2011 20:48:01 GMT
Wenwei rose calmly, though the news was abrupt. Was he really to visit Liu Bei himself? Then again, he hadn't mentioned his own name... it was probably standard protocol. As the began to beacon for him, he had already convinced himself that he would meet with a mere proxy; after all, he was just a messenger right now. He nodded calmly, showing none of his surprise.
On his way out, Wenwei stopped for a moment and handed Zhai's reins to a nearby guard. "I am sorry, but I do not know where the stables are, and have been summoned elsewhere. I shall be back shortly, please take care of her." The horse neighed and nudged the guard affectionately. Wenwei chuckled, and turned back to the official. He had only been a moment, but he made a slight bow in apology for the detour.
He would not stop for personal reasons for the rest of the trip.
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