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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jun 19, 2011 14:40:08 GMT
Jia Xu had been the landowner of a village that no longer existed. He had levied troops, gathered the summer crops for peasants and helped distribute taxes fairly between his neighbours. He had grown rich and powerful and happy, and now, he did nothing.
Nothing except walk the plains of the world, travelling from one town to another in an endless march for victory, wealth and for reputation. For hermits, or social strategists and preachers (for that is what all robed men were, preachers) reputation meant everything. It was the light to the Roman’s stars, the crystal in which legend could be told and repeated.
And it was that hope of reputation that brought him within the service of Wei at Xu Chang. He had heard many things of the lord residing there, but like with all things, he had to pick the truth away from the lies, and in the end he could not decide which was true or false, so he relied simply on his rune sticks.
And they told him that Cao Cao would offer him fame and glory and death and he was excited.
But that had been years ago, and he had yet to gain fame or glory as he lay within his chambers. He had resided within the palace walls, learning new scriptures passed down by Sima Yi, who now led forces in the west whilst the east remained safe beneath Wei rule. No wars came for him that year, and no fame.
Though he hoped for fame, he knew his responsibilities. He left his room after having prepared and went to the inner sanctum of the palace, where his lord would reside in a throne of gold.
He did not bother to speak, for Cao Cao would know of his presence beside him. Instead, he gazed wearily at those who came, his rune sticks never far away from his hand, where he would flick and throw the die, reading their inscriptions.
"Any news sire." He finally said, turning the gaze from the rune sticks up to his master.
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 21, 2011 8:07:04 GMT
Cao Ren looked up as his lord told him it wasn't his fault that most of Jing has fallen to the enemy. He still did not dare to smile, although he wanted to in that moment. He then was raised by Cao Cao to his feet.
"I thank you for your kind words, my King. But please, do not take any blame. Even if the plan had failed, it would have been my duty to hold Xiangyang at any cost. I did get overconfident and thought we were victorious. I had not seen the possibility of a counter attack by Guan Yu", Cao Ren said, looking on his feet.
He took a breath and slowly began to calm down.
"This is but a small setback, but you have also earned more merit. You held Guan at bay with less than half his men and dealt him a wound, no longer is he invincible in the eyes of the world. We'll avenge our humiliations at Hanzhong and Jing in due time."
"I thank you...", Cao Ren said. His voice was more cheered up, but one could still hear his regret. It may have been a small setback for Cao Cao. But for Cao Ren, it was still a neglect of his duty.
"That is why I have placed Wancheng in your hands. Please do not feel anymore sorrow, for it is nothing that cannot be repaired, land can be retaken, troops replaced. But I would have been inconsolable if I had lost two of my most dearest vassals, friends and kindred."
Perhaps his cousin and lord was right. He'd just have to get over this loss and look into the future. Now, the heartland of Wei had to be defended against the southern ravages. Cao Cao's trust in Cao Ren seemed to be unshaken. Cao Ren was sure that this would help him greatly in overcoming the defeat in Jing.
"I'm glad you're well cousin."
"Thank you my King", Cao Ren said as they walked towards the residence. He was glad that his cousin was well, too. But he did not want to say this. He just put up a small smile, something that he had not done for a long time. At least not in Cao Cao's presence.
"When do you want me to leave for Wancheng? I want to attend my new duty as fast as possible. We cannot lose more time in the war against Liu Bei", Cao Ren asked.
"I am not sure if Master Niu Jin can hold the city for long if there was an assault by Guan Yu."
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Post by Sam on Jun 21, 2011 22:43:55 GMT
((Huzzah, it's post time.)) It was late at night but Cao Cao was no longer ready to sleep, there was many to talk to and much to discuss, and he was still dressed, so why not? While he was speaking with Cao Ren after a long parting, Xun Yu was announced, "Bid him enter, Wenruo is always welcome."To Cao Ren he replied smiling, "I doubt Guan Yu will trouble us, it is Zhuge Liang we must keep an eye on, for he is in Xinye. Wan is safe to the west however, with Sima Yi harrassing the Shu army in Hanzhong, they are very much preoccupied. Guard the south well, if Zhuge comes forth I'll avenge our losses at Bowang, Red Cliff, and Hanzhong all at once.""If you would prefer to return to Wan now, then I give you leave. But leave not weary, by all means stay the night, Wan is only a days ride from this city, you can set out leisurely cousin."Cao noticed int he corner of his eye, Jia Xu. He said as he turned, "You're up late Wenhe. There is much to discuss, your absence earlier today at court was very incovenient, there was a matter that requires more than my opinion."Cao turned to Ren and said, "If you are to depart soon dear cousin then please, go and get some rest, pass my regards to Yu Jin and tell him he is forgiven for his lapse in loyalty. Have him strive to maintain his respectable reputation in my ranks. Pray we meet again soon." Cao bowed to his cousin. The attendant who had announced the general was still there. To him Cao ordered, "Go and set up lights in my study, I have matters to discuss with Wenhe and Wenruo that have no place in the open halls of the palace." The attendant went away to do as he was bidden. ((After your next posts, I will make a new thread for the conversation in the study. Sorry for the 'hasty' post, but it's been a hectic day and I'm exhausted.))
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Post by Xun Yu on Jun 22, 2011 0:44:15 GMT
Hearing of the approval to enter the palace, Xun Yu entered the palace to the corridors to bow to his lord. He then looked up to see Jia Xu near him and bowed. "I apologize for not seeing you, Wenhe." he said to Jia Xu with a worried look on his face. "I thought I was purely alone."
He then turned to face his lord to hear his further instruction.
((It's alright Cao, you have a life))
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jun 22, 2011 1:33:20 GMT
Men would often come as quickly as they would leave in such turbulent times; men flocked to the halls of their lords and masters, spreading the distance rumours that would eventually be tossed into the web of truth or lie, and so he felt little need to heed the words of Xun Yu. After all, he had not come for wenruo, or in fact for Cao Cao, but because the rune sticks had told him to do so, and so there he was, late in the night – awaiting news or orders from the shadowy confines of the room.
Of course that did not mean he was not regretful. He had missed plenty of opportunities in his tardiness, but there had been reasons for his absences, there had been excuses...something had told him no, and he had followed the sense blindly, like a moth seeking light, but now...now was right and right would lead him to the promises of glory and death and redemption.
"I am sorry." He finally said.
He wasn't. Or at least he did not believe so as he said it, but the formalities were important, even if he did neglect to consider the man 'lord' as proper protocol suggested.
"I shall accompany you to the study, Cao Cao. I am eager to know of the news."
He unrolled his robe to rise as he turned an eye to Xun Yu, a famed strategist and advisor to Cao Cao. He nodded to the man yet ushered no words, for they were not yet friends. They both served the same council, as did Sima Yi – but rivalries had always existed, and nobody had shown a fondness of his own superstitions and rune sticks.
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Post by Adam on Jun 25, 2011 19:06:23 GMT
It had been the perfect night and she had slept like a log. Her actual hours asleep had only been a mere few hours, but when her eyes blinked open she felt great, tired but great. She had gotten dressed quickly but well in the haste of her late awakening. It was that day when she would face Cao Cao once again and lay down her plans on how to break up the proposed alliance of Sun Quan and Liu Bei. It was time for her to put her moral values to the test and now with Zhang Liao taking her heart, it was put in even more trouble.
'Be professional Xiang, be professional...'
She demanded to herself when she bowed to the incoming General Zhang Liao. The front she then had to put on was perhaps the hardest thing she had ever had to do; she wanted to run to him, be striken with that crush she used to feel when someone came into her life like he had, but she was unable to, only able to show subtle signs of her affection inbetween hiding behind a facade of titles, politics and diplomacy.
Their memories were short-term, drawn to the fateful night the two finally brought themselves together in the most beautiful but controversial fashion imaginable, yet they were needed for another job entirely. The princess composed as she could be was led inside the private halls of Cao Cao, a place they could talk without the interference of anyone but the most trusted in the Wei camp. Her clothing taste seemed impeccable and her face glowed with ever present beauty.
"I bring great news, for both of us, Lord cao Cao." She spoke as she neared, a smile on her face. "It seems communications between Shu and Wu, whilst initially sound, have since broken down within quicktime. This comes direct from one of my most trusted messengers."
Her head turned back after a slight dip of her knees and another bow for respect, looking to make sure Wenyuan had indeed followed them into the hall.
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Post by Sam on Jun 26, 2011 17:53:07 GMT
Cao Cao had been waiting, rather impatiently at that for Sun Shang Xiang and Zhang Liao. He wanted to get something of a structured proposal this time, and trusted that he would, since Jia Xu had revealed that the two had been passing the gravy during the night. He thought irritated him, but if it was harmless then good for them.
Both Jia Xu and Xun Yu were present now, ready to help the King in getting to the bottom of this visit. No doubt the princess was in a better mood than the day before, Cao was pretty much the same, the difference was that this time he wouldn't be as soft and let the conversation get no where. They were waiting in the King's halls in his own quarters within the Han palace. No one was seated, yet.
Shang Xiang entered before Zhang Liao, an interesting new development. Cao heart softened as he saw the princess made up beautifully once again, and he repeatedly beat the shit out of himself inside his head for having that weakness. The lady spoke first, claiming 'great news' was about to be told, and the heart of the King sang Ode To Joy, until that news was given. He replied, his disappointment clear.
"If you speak of the border raids, miss. I have already received word of such events, and they are not new. They have been taking place since Liu Bei entered Shu. These are petty occurances which accomplish nothing but keep things the same."
Cao sighed and shook his head, letting a smile creep onto his face. "Unless your news was something else entirely?"
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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 26, 2011 18:00:57 GMT
As quickly as it started, the dream had ended. Zhang Liao did not sleep long, but as soon as his eyes opened, his heart sank. The fears he forsook the night before crept into his mind like a wretched demon, and his loyalties returned. Would Cao Cao have found out? Zhang Liao sent his most trusted bodyguard to protect her, and he had an incident with Xiahou Ba, Cao Cao’s nephew. He didn’t exactly cover his tracks when he knocked on her door when the moon shone with the stars.
He stood up and took his robe, wrapping it around his waist. He looked gently as Sun Shang Xiang. The fear he did not have the night before was within him now, but his feelings for her were still potent. He leaned in and kissed her softly.
“We have business in the Imperial Palace today, both of us,” He said. “After that, I depart for Shouchun by the evening. It would be wise if you returned with me.”
He spoke nothing of their night before, only of their duty. Wenyuan hoped this was not actually him, and that it was merely the fear of Cao Cao speaking for him. He wanted to embrace her and stay, but he stood up and left.
Returning to his estate, he disrobed to take a warm bath, where he sat in the water for seemingly hours. It would be no easy task, hiding their emotions from Cao Cao the night after consummating them. But he would have to, or he would be swiftly reminded how cruel his lord could be, even to a loved one as Zhang Liao.
When he finally ended his bath, he stood and returned to his quarters to dress. He would remind Cao Cao that he was a loyal general of unparalleled power by his demeanor and his outfit. He wore gold and blue robes, and over them was a thin silver ringmail coat. He had a sash of gold with blue trimming that hung over his right shoulder and fell down, across his body, to the left side of his belt, covering some of the ringmail in a look of elegance. He combed his hair back and trimmed his beard. He left his sword where it lay, beside his bed, and departed.
He met with Sun Shang Xiang outside of the palace entrance, where he saw her fear within her as well. He looked at her with a gentle stare, hoping to reassure her, but as the doors opened and they began to enter, there was not a single glance shot her way by the loyal Wei general.
As Sun Shang Xiang spoke, Zhang Liao clapped his hands together a few times and addressed his lord.
“So the tiger and the dragon are at odds.” Wenyuan said. “This is grand news for us. It should be a simple thing to tear their alliance apart. And, my lord…”
Zhang Liao fell to a knee, the candlelight shimmering off the bright décor of his robes and armor brilliantly.
“The Bronze Tower has risen in Hefei. A castle unlike any Sun Quan has ever tried to take. Shouchun, the last rampart in defense from the Southlands, lies secure. I return tonight to scan the Bronze Spire myself, and oversee her defenses until the day I die.”
Zhang Liao spoke as he always had, with loyalty and fire. If Cao Cao heard anything that set him to doubt Wenyuan’s resolve, he hoped now those would wash away with the new-moon’s tide.
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Post by Adam on Jun 26, 2011 23:40:14 GMT
The imposing figure of Cao Mengde was something else entirely. Unlike the great warriors of the land, Shang Xiang had no true method of knowing what would progress in their meeting; whether beneficial, or if her great niggling doubts would grow true. Beyond all doubt she was of the Wu clan, a beacon of bravery, courage and charisma, but even so she was in another's realm, a creature that may just be more than she could bite off.
Unlike Zhang Liao she had no one to turn to in that hall, no one she could call a true ally, one that would back her up no ends, save her from danger and prevent any wrong doings, instead she was a young princess, swimming in an open ocean of metaphorical sharks; one wrong move and she was finished.
The words of the King of Wei drew her disheartened attention and her eyes and body language told the picture. She had hoped it would be news that would ease the burden of the meeting, quench the thirst for information and action for Mengde and allow the Princess of Wu time and place. Instead her eyes drew up to the ruler's own, disappointed with herself and drew away as a sigh escaped her lips.
"No." Came the hushed tone of her voice, nerves and the feeling of unbearable pressure weighing her once stalwart personality down.
Wenyuan, it was Wenyuan's fault. No, it was theirs, hers, oh she couldn't find the real blame. Her plan was to think things over during the night, that walk was meant to clear her head, instead she ended up putting a foot into the jaw of Xiahou Ba, the proceeding time was meant for contemplation, but through sheer tiredness and of course that fateful meeting, she was left in an awkward position yet again.
Her figure was not of the real Sun Shang Xiang as her dipped head showed signs of submission and a lack of belief. Her family would be sickened to see the sight of a speechless SSX, stuck for words, stuck for ideas, stuck for a way out. Then something changed. What once showed the signs of a fading tiger, rose and teeth barred ready for a kill. What was once injured, turned feral and tipped with that level of confidence she had always been renowned for.
"Lord Cao Cao, if I may. It were I that approached you for help on the matter, and thus far I cannot help but think you expect me to have all the answers? I mean no disrespect, but call it femal intuition, but we're not going to play ball the way you may wish." She took a step back, but in no way showing her previous submission, instead she raised her hands from beside her, signaling towards the fine halls. "This realm is your's, the man they call 'The Hero of Chaos'. Little in the way of information I can give, however a personal act of revenge from me, links in well with perhaps your greatest enemy, Xuande, and my unrest and irritation with my homeland bodes well for your plans with Wu. I can do little else than beg your pardon for my tone and beseech to you that my coming here is as useful as you wish to make it."
Her head bowed yet again, showing her apologies for her blunt tone, and she finalised her speech before returning to a regular stance. "If I am of use, then I will aid however I can, but if no use you see for me-" It was then, a moments movement of her eyes that gave the game away. They flicked away from the eyeline of Cao Cao and moved to her flank where General Zhang Liao would be, before they returned and her final words were spoken, though their meaning now became somewhat redundant. "-I will return to Wu with no regrets for trying."
Would she return to Wu? Her eyes gave the game away and if Cao Cao was as cunning as many suggested then even the strong words of the Sun clan's brightest star, would once again play into the hands of the Wei lord.
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Post by Sam on Jun 27, 2011 0:38:46 GMT
Zhang Liao came forth with what seemed to be more of a sponging of what was to be some incoming attention directed at the Wu princess from the King. Cao was indeed happy with Liao's words.
"Great, now that is great news...but I wouldn't have you defend it until your dying day, I would much rather you be sitting in a dukedom of your own, in peace, free of the troubles of the land. In a new age of unity. With a miracle we may both find such comfort before the end." Cao smiled and raised Wenyuan to his feet, the man didn't need to offer such courtesy all of the time, although this one was probably to deflect the first round of the loaded gun. Success.
"Your loyalty is not in question Wenyuan, but I'm most pleased to see your devotion has not diminished."
The King of Wei watched the young lady buckle under the pressure of his words once more, just when he thought she had got used with him. She had long enough to the day prior, to adjust to being in his presence, perhaps it would take longer than he thought.
This wasn't the daughter of Sun Jian he had heard a distant tale of, this was a frightened child. Then it happened. It came as no surprise to the King of Wei that she finally managed to walk beyond that line which she had drew out for herself - the one she had been hiding behind. Their eyes met in what would be seen as confrontation.
Cao endured her bluntness with subtle joy behind his aggressive demeanor. When she had let it all out, Cao clapped and made a move, small deliberate steps to the right as he looked at her, he laughed faintly, and almost shouting spoke. "And there she is. It took you long enough to introduce me to the Sun Shang Xiang. Fiesty."
Cao laughed again, as he passed Zhang Liao on his little walk-around he stopped clapping, he could tell Zhang Liao had washed prior to his arrival, but the smell of sex still lingered, confirmation was all Cao needed to know where he wanted to go with this. "It took a demon to release the tiger I see."
He made his way back to his side of the hall, and standing once more before Jia Xu and Xun Yu he spoke bluntly, ignoring whatever feelings he had for Liao and Shang Xiang for the meantime, "You think me a fool? You jest of going back to Wu." He walked towards the princess, almost with intimidation his goal, but stopped shy of her and leaned in slightly. "But you don't want to really do you?"
"If all you have told me so far is true, then by returning to Wu you would be betraying all I have placed some degree of trust in, yes?"
He leant in closer and hardening his tone, almost whispering he said pulling away even as he drew closer, "History has shown my tolerance for betrayal..."
He drew back turning away from the princess. He spoke as he walked back in the direction he advanced, his tone leaving the dark. "It has been a long time since I have heard that nickname." He switched the subject quickly, it was diverting him from the topic at hand.
Cao turned and once again looked in the direction of Shang Xiang and Zhang Liao, "I don't expect you to have all the answers. But I expect some, because you are on the verge of wasting my time with your lack of explanations. So far we know you have quarrel with those in Liu Bei's employ. You are treated with little respect from your older brother. Yet we don't know what you plan to do. You apparently came here with a plan to cripple Shu and Wu. Yes no plan or as much as proposal has so much as skimmed my ears."
Cao's tone relaxed as he brushed his mustache with his forefinger on his right hand. "I would use you Miss Sun if I knew how. In what capacity are you willing to do whatever it is you want to do?"
"You may not know all the answers, but I don't know all of the questions either to find the answers you must know. So I ask another, what do you propose to do to get your revenge?"
Cao paused for a moment and spoke another, "What would you have me ask, to find out how you plan to help me and I you? What do you want to gain from being here?"
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jun 28, 2011 13:30:54 GMT
How this turns out is up to Cao Cao. I'm playing Jia how I see him, and from how I acted in the meeting is shown here. I am not fond of Sun Shang, and at this point Jia Xu is too weary and cautious to show respect. "Such idiocy." The words flickered though the morning dew that had settled beyond the castles chambers. The speaker an advisor and minister to Cao Cao, a speaker of suggestions and ideals. "You came with nothing, princess warrior, and expect what? Our favour?" He had been there the entire time, listening with open ears as those about him spoke their pieces. Zhang Liao, a brave man, a dangerous man, had honoured his duty, and for that, and for his services at He Fei, Jia could do no more than to tip his head in awe and in respect, for truly – this specimen showed the most prowess. But Sun Shang Xiang had done nothing, she had earned nothing and she came with words that meant nothing and actions that proved nothing. "Please, enlighten me Sun Shang." He moved from his own chair, situated back in the shadows, and moved out into the light, where the cracks in the walls and the windows to the side and the lanterns above glistened their eternal glow for all. "Please, do. For the picture I have pictured is not one to smile at." He brushed his robe down as he finished and turned to his lord. He bowed once, and then realised how rude he appeared, but it did not matter – Cao Cao was foolish to lessen his heights for beautiful women, but then Cao Cao had always been weak to beauty. It was a sin, an evil necessity that existed – and if Jia Xu had any true power he would have purged it with his own blade. It was a pity that he had none. "You come with our finest general, Zhang Liao – you beseech our great lord Cao Cao, and you offer what? A threat that you may return to Wu? Please....please do." He motioned a hand to the door, whilst smiling, "But if you leave these doors, then I may have to suspect that your true intention is that of a spy....and I dare not say what happened to the last spy I caught." Everyone had known of whom he had spoken off, for the man had been beheaded and put on public display for a week, until rot drove the peasants away in hordes. "But I may be wrong, and you may be of use, but like my lord – I would ask that you show it. Stop with the pointless riddles, you came to use...remember? We did not seek you out, we did not fight to find you, and to be honest I would not miss a single hair on your body should you be slaughtered. But I fight for Cao Cao, my life is his – my mind is his, and I speak the evil truths that no others dare, for unlike mortal men I do not fear death. If I am to be killed for speaking the truth than so be it, but you....lady Sun...deserve no reputation. You deserve nothing, for you offer...nothing." He sighed then, and sat back in his chair. He had wanted to rage and rant, but he found exhaustion consume him like a bad winters cold. It enveloped and embraced him, and in the end he flicked his wrist to suggest that he was done. "Prove yourself useful, or leave....but if you leave..." He stopped himself there, and simply smiled. It would be a long day.
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Post by Adam on Jun 30, 2011 13:14:14 GMT
I know it just feels like we just pissed away our history And just today, I looked at your picture, almost hate to say I miss you self consciously, wish it didn't end this way But I just had to get away, don't know why I don't know what else to say, I guess I'm- A level head was everything under such pressure. It sounded like the very walls of the room were speaking against her, closing slowly around her and blocking out any other sound. It was an enormous ask from the two men, who wanted ideas, opinions and actionplans from the princess and in return only threatened of what the repercussions would be if she did indeed try to leave Xu Chang. Any other person in her situation would have likely dissolved and sealed their own fates, but Xiang held her nerve, at least for the time being.
Eyes darted from the king of Wei to his own slimey strategist, her annoyance at the righthand man plainly obvious for him to see. He reiterated what Mengde had said and the idea of leaving was quickly turning less and less wise. There was in fact some degree of fear to her mind, but she refused to show it, her light frown giving off an air of confidence and spirit still.
It was for the reason coming that Shang Xiang had never been used often in diplomacy outside of Wu, she found it hard to switch from a princess of her kingdom, to a guest in another and Jia Xu's words were raising her anger levels considerably. Her body jolted forward, looking as if she was going to react physically to his verbal attacks. She managed only a movement of her body, not even a footstep before she saw the guards around, ready to strike her down if she made a wrong move; it was enough to bring her back to reality.
Irritated with her inability to react in any other way than using her mouth, her head turned away and towards the floor, an effort to cool down. "We need to plant something on Liu Bei, whether it is an accusation, or better yet give evidence that it happened." He words were perhaps surprising, as instead of biting back she began to help plan, her words far more focused now then ever before on the subject. "It'd have to be something my brother holds in high regard"
"Jing would be our greatest target, it houses many of Shu and Wu's top generals, it has a long history and if we make the right noises and I back them up, my brother is sure to believe me. All we need is the right combination, the right direction and the right ideas."
It was a start, enough to appease Cao Cao she thought, but she still had to reply to a certain strategist. Her head turned back to him and her words "As for you, as you see I potentially offer much. I offer the ability to spark war amongst your two enemies. You forget I hold ties to both kingdoms in a way unique to anyone else. What I bring to the table is hard to finalise, hard to grasp and unlike a fire attack it takes even more time and understanding to accomplish. If you see yourself as a strategist, then embrace the challenge, for I am not one, I only hold the initial ingrediants."
Surprised herself at her lack of real abuse towards the man, but she had to rein back, or else suffer an even greater hole to which she would have to dig her way out of. Right at that time? Well it was yet to really understand where she was; she believed she was in higher importance after he recent words to where she was previous, but she still had the niggling feeling they would want more.
"Lord Cao Cao." Her head drifted to him once more and she bowed. "You may use me in whatever capacity, but I must stress I aim to injure Shu and not my homeland. Whilst I may jeopodise our defences somewhat with my actions, I will only aim for Shu, they are my true target."
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jun 30, 2011 18:11:20 GMT
He had seen the hesitation, and he had bathed in gold for the few seconds that it had lasted. He had seen the guards, thought of their long swords and their short axes, and for a moment he had almost jumped for joy, eager to point the finger and call the few words that would rip her limb from limb. But then she steadied herself, her breathing returned and she gazed at the floor, muttering words beneath her heated breath.
It was then, at that moment, that Jia Xu had smiled genuinely for the first time. The world is a test, he thought, and secretly he had hoped she would pass it, but it had only just begun – and he doubted she would keep her resolve as the next lashing took place.
"You were a peace cow, no?" He started gently, a question that indeed required no answer – for the answer was known to every human alive.
"You married Liu Bei, and the attempt to harm Shu then died, for you left and Liu bei grew happy and old and sincere, and you grew love and happiness, or are all of the reports and messages wrong?"
He looked at his lord, hoping he would allow him to finish his piece.
"Then you are harmed, mentally or physically, and you come to my lord and you tell him to strike your enemies. You tell him that you are not to harm your homeland, and yet you plan for us to sow the ties of war among your very people, your family, your mother."
He paused deliberately, "Your goal might be Shu, but child, for that is surely what you are.....what do you expect to happen? Do you think Shu and Wu will wage war because of you, a woman who will not even return to her homeland? Do you think no spies exist, are there no messengers and spies in any of these regions and provinces, is your presence really hidden?"
He laughed then, and returned to his old mocking self. It had been a long time coming, but no princess warrior would turn the tide of a war, even if Shu and Wu fought – what concern was it to those of the North.
"You say you can make Wu and Shu fight each other, you say you can help re conquer the region your family and husband helped us lose, but I cannot help but feel suspicious. Surely, if you were so powerful, why pick to strengthen Wei? How could we trust that you wouldn't sow the seed sof war for them to kill us? Would that not suit you, your homeland and family better....if your own family discarded you, and if your own husband had abandoned you...then why on earth would I care what you claim to be capable of doing."
He leaned back in his chair, almost shadowing himself back within the shadows that lingered in the depths of the chambers corners, but he would hear and he would see, and in the end that was all he needed. Now...now it was up to Cao Cao. The lady had spoken twice, and both times she spoke, in all truthfulness, pure bollocks. She had failed to explain how those seeds would grow to war,s she had failed to explain why she hated them both, and instead all she proclaimed was her self-importance and her skill for diplomacy, things that for a woman did not truly exist. She was a peace cow that was thrown away from Wu and discarded by Shu, and should Cao Cao fall for the wicked words spoken by an open legged whore, then Wei surely was not the kingdom where legends would unfold and where glory and reputation would be earned.
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Post by Sam on Jul 1, 2011 2:49:59 GMT
Jia Xu had spoken plainly, and unleashed a volley of abuse in Sun Shang Xiang's direction, Cao was annoyed, but also happy. Happy that he didn't have to, that Jia Xu put forth the words which Cao didn't wish to say.
The King neither cast eyes upon his advisor nor reprimand him for his words. He spoke truthfully in all honesty, a trait Cao encouraged in his officers; rather the servant than the liege to speak out of line. Cao didn't have any intention of impeding Jia as he plowed into the princess. He forced himself to not rise to her defence.
Cao stood still as Jia Xu cast his points and views before him, looking beyond the conversation, his head raised gazing forward, as if only half listening, he maintained silence as they exchanged words. Only when he was directly dragged back into their quarrel by the princess did he speak again, irritatedly.
"You stress the point that you aim to injure only Shu, yet we still don't know the reason as to why."
Cao's right hand raised to his brow, as he massaged either side of his temple with his finger and thumb, dealing with the feelings of year long recurring headaches. The King groaned slightly as light throbbing shook the area between his ears, signs it was coming back, as the headaches did every now and again, even more so this year. An onhand servant quickly disappeared from sight to retrieve a prescription.
Cao spoke finally, his eyes closed under the growing pain, he maintained an official presence blanking his discomfort out.
"Like Wenhe..." Cao said gesturing blindly towards Jia Xu, for the princess to know who he was referring to, as she would not have known him by his courtesy name. "...I remain somewhat skeptical."
"I doubt very much that your brother thinks not that you are in my kingdom. This could reflect badly on me, perhaps a cause for another failed attempt to seize that which belong to the north?" Cao hinted towards Hefei of course as well as the other bazzilion failed invasions since Red Cliff, now eleven years later, after that resounding victory and wave of momentum, did Sun Quan really think he could overcome the eastern defences? In recent years he was thrashed by three commanders and less than one-thousand men.
Cao wasn't about to point out however that by destroying Shu, the princess would be effectively stabbing her own family in the back also, whether Sun Quan realized it or not, there was a reason Zhuge Liang and Lu Su fought so hard to maintain the alliance.
Cao's judgment was being clouded by the pain in his head, he couldn't think straight and his thoughts started to lose focus. It was fucking happening again he thought, and it still alluded him why. Where the hell was his medicine, he longed for the rustling of his attendants gartments to announce the arrival of his pain relief.
He tried his best to finish up, but with clear diffulty in doing so as his volume had lowered significantly, "Jing has been the target of everyones attention for more than a decade. Help us begin some understanding, share with his your thoughts miss. A fire attack requires a lot of planning, discussion and timing. If this matter is far more elaborate than a battle-changing strategy then let us begin discussing it as we should be..."
Finishing he gestured almost frantically to Jia Xu with his freehand to continue, as he waited for his attendant. Focussing on managing his discomfort, his head fell further back and he seemed faced the corner of the ceiling, his eyes still closed behind his hand.
Zhang Liao was unusually quiet he thought before the pain become too much to do anything but listen, rather than think.
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Post by Adam on Jul 2, 2011 14:26:00 GMT
I know it just feels like we just pissed away our history And just today, I looked at your picture, almost hate to say I miss you self consciously, wish it didn't end this way But I just had to get away, don't know why I don't know what else to say, I guess I'm- Eyes moved from the lord of Wei back to Jia Xu and already that that time she looked once more out of sorts. If anyone had the ability to pierce her mind's defences it was that man and once more he showed his worth, knocking her down several more pegs than she could afford.
"You were a peace cow, no?"
"You married Liu Bei,-
Words sent her back in time and she remembered the better times for a change and yet no smile rose to her face, only saddness. It hurt her to know the man she aimed for was also so sweet and kind, or moreso once was. Her motives were just that however, selfish and exaggerated, a case of a princess throwing her dummy out of the pram, but could she even afford to back down from her claims? No.
Verbal attacks proceeded from both parties and she was forced to listen to them all, ridiculing her and subtly disecting her. If given the chance to leave and live, she would have jumped at the chance, but she was far too scared and worried about what would happen if she did try such a risky feat, that the idea had long since been squashed in her head. Likely if her feet touched the outer grounds of the palace at that time, she'd never see the light of day again.
Cao Cao spoke and she did not see the need to respond to the character onslaugt of Jia Xu's; wisely she let it slip, though he would have to be partially responded to shortly, for he raised some interesting questions.
"I doubt very much that your brother thinks not that you are in my kingdom. This could reflect badly on me, perhaps a cause for another failed attempt to seize that which belong to the north?"
"It is true, time bodes unwell in our direction, but still we have time before he thinks too ill. I had sent a messenger before venturing towards Xu Chang with reports I were to move to Jing. It should give us time." Shang Xiang had done well once more, at least in the respect of keeping her cool and she spoke well.
The Hero of Chaos spoke again, but this time his voice changed, pained was it and probably due to his well reported migraines he suffered. Whilst he wanted answers, the knowledge of his pain did put her off; her empathy causing her eyes to soften in minor worry.
Composure took the front after only a second and again she spoke, trying again to find more direction, to give something for the two men to lay off her. She needed something, anything that could stop the likes of Jia Xu and Cao Cao from thinking her as a waste and more of a use. "There is due to be a banquet in Jing later in the year and if it were up to me, I'd make full use of it."
A nice bit of information to start her off, but she was not through there as she showed her more cunning side. "Before I passed the river into Shou Chun it was brought to my attention that Liu Bei still speaks of me and as I have not seen him since the Shu days, he would no doubt personally seek me out should I partake in the event." She paused only briefly, collecting herself. "It would be easy to convince my brother too; he dislikes the thought of me being around Xuande again and I can play on the big brother attitude he brings."
She had a potential time and place already, no doubt she had thought of it in the back of her mind and in truth she could even imagine the scene, she could already imagine what she would do. Her face showed her distance as she thought, her eyes drifting to the floor.
"Wei puts a mask on, one of care and understanding. Shower my brother with gifts before the time comes and he is sure to turn his back on the alliance that has held the land in balance. Shu will lost Jing to Wu, Wei will gain land in the north through the chaos and I-" She thought about it. "-I will get what I want: revenge and my father's land back."
She crossed her arms and turned her head to Jia Xu. "A mere spy does not think so deeply in ruining an alliance, no? Though I am sure you can help improve this idea of mine, or revolutionise it, I only wish you support me, rather than think of me as only a woman."
// Nearly broken through my severe writer's block. Hope this is starting to form a better direction. [/right]
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