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Post by Shen Ha on Jul 3, 2011 6:53:49 GMT
Zhang Liao found the reception in the Imperial Palace of the Han Dynasty to be painfully unbearable. He had assumed the meeting would be brief, and he would report to Mengde as he planned before departing Xuchang to return to his post at Hefei, and patrol his new castle. However, with Sima Yi’s departure, Cao Cao’s flank was filled with the could-hearted deviant Jia Xu, and together their words were twice as cruel and manipulative than Zhang Liao imagined.
However, Wenyuan couldn’t speak up for his lover. He was torn between his longing for Sun Shang Xiang, the Wu princess, and his duty to Cao Cao, the Prime Minister of the Han. He was wearing shining gold mail and vibrant purple robes, and everyone could see him clearly as the finest dressed man in court, but he felt unseen as Cao Cao and Jia Xu bombarded Shang Xiang with hostilities.
It was as Zhang Liao feared. He did not want the Wu princess to come to Xu Chang. Despite how friendly Cao Cao can appear, he was ruthless in strategy, and he saw Sun Shang Xiang as a pawn to his schemes. Zhang Liao did not think he planned to hold Sun Shang Xiang captive, though he was sure Jia Xu taking Sima Yi’s role as chief adviser tilted the scales to favor such a dishonorable approach.
“My lord!” Zhang Liao broke his silence with a striking audible, his words rising to a volume he did not intend to reach. “Your words, your tone, they hide your intentions. You seek to hold the sister of your most powerful enemy against her will in the capital of your power.”
Zhang Liao spoke, rising up to stand next to Sun Shang Xiang. Everything within him wanted to reach out and embrace her, to hold her up strongly in a time of weakness, but he maintained himself strong in the court of his officers and lord.
“Do you truly believe this has any good in store for your kingdom, my lord? She has said she wishes to help us hinder Liu Bei’s rise, and we can take her word on that. From here, the best route would be for her to return to her brother’s side, where she can put words in his ear that lead him to the direction we wish to go.
“She will give Sun Quan council that helps us. We can be allies with our enemies if we use her allegiance properly. But to hold her against her will should do nothing but spark conflict with the Southlands we’ve not seen in years.
“Twice I’ve sent Sun Quan from Hefei, and I prepare for thrice, but how many times can a man suffer defeat before he conjures the right tactic? Zhu Ran, Lu Xun, Lu Meng; these men have combined for an imposing group of advisors, and though I am ready to face them in battle, I’d much rather see no red banners from the horizon while I gaze atop my new tower.”
Zhang Liao fell to a knee and bowed his head before Cao Cao. His heart turned as he realized that he was also bowing before Jia Xu.
“My lord, I plead for you to reconsider. I leave for Shouchun as soon as I am done with court here, and I would like to escort the lady Sun back to her lands in the south, if you would allow it.”
Zhang Liao prayed his lord would heed his council. But he feared deeply that the stem of Jia Xu’s trickery had been planted, and his words would fall on deaf ears that had already made up their mind.
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jul 6, 2011 15:39:39 GMT
(finishing this thread as Jia Xu because I can....nuff said)
Jia Xu smiled as the conviction returned to his lords words. It had all been so smooth, to ridicule, to annoy, but in the end Sun Shang Xiang had not broken, and although he did not trust the woman, nor like her for that matter, he did find himself respecting her, if not for her elegance, than for her ability to withstand the onslaught of reprove that she had delivered to her.
"Very well."
He turned to his lord, bowed and then turned to the now kneeling Zhang Liao, "She was sent away from Wu as a peace cow, why would they take her back? To keep her would be to entice rivalry, or even war between Shu and Wu? As simple as this matter is, I do not know it will spark as well as you two seem to believe. Sun Quan would not wish to fight Shu, their agreement in logicalities is to keep Cao Cao at bay, why sacrifice all they have gained for a woman?"
He paused for a moment, deliberating the scenario and then turned to his lord, "My lord, this seems like a waste of time. Rather then send her back, would it not be."
He stopped then, and turned to Sun Shang Xiang. He had an idea, though he wondered if morality would allow him to perform such evil within the presence of her beloved Zhang Liao.
"There is one way to fuel the fire, but it is not pleasant."
He straightened his robe and turned to look at each of the men and women present, "Strip Sun Shang Xiang, and beat her. Whip her and beat her, so that she is truly in pain. Then have southland doctors come, along with northern doctors and let it be known that we retrieved her by way of boat floating up from the river. Sun Jian and Sun Ce believed in reputation and family honour, they would not allow such a thing go unattended. Sun Shang can go to Wu herself and preach about the horrors, but what is worse publicly than to be shown to the world as a broken, beaten slave to Shu?"
He stopped and faced Sun Shang, "Of course this would ruin your own reputation, people would pity you, and you would lose your elegance and your beauty, but....you would get the war you desired, because reputation and honour is all that precedes us after we are gone, and Sun Quan wouldn't want to have his family name tarnished by the likes of Liu Bei."
He stopped for the last time, and sighed, "But this is a cruel punishment for a woman so eager to receive reprove. So I cannot morally condone such an act, but if she returns to Wu....there will be no peace for us. Sun Quan cannot hope to gain our support, nor can he hope to fight Shu."
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Post by Sam on Jul 7, 2011 3:06:08 GMT
It had hit him so fast, faster than usual. Cao stumbled backwards blindly, and with a searching hand found a seat. He located the correct side and fell back onto it. He threw his head back, it felt to him as if it helped the pain, it didn't, it just felt somewhat more comfortable that holding it up. He spoke aloud, waiting for his doctor, "These things really piss me off."
Cao's personal doctor, always kept on hand in his residence was led in by one of the attendants, he bore a bowl of water, and a pill in one hand. "I'm here my lord." "'Bout time, my migrane and I were just getting a bit too familiar, I thought things were going to get serious!"
Cao's hanging hand raised and outstretched for the pill, the doctor placed itin his palm and Cao hurled it down his throat without hesitation and sat forward, still bracing his forehead. "Water." The doctor handed the bowl into Cao's freehand, who took it in both hands and poured the full contents into his mouth in a hurry, pushing the pill down easier and relieving the bitterness of the taste. Most of it missed it's target and soaked his beard and ran onto his robe, he cared not.
Cao shook the remnants of the cool water over his face - what was left. His eyes remained close, but the pain steadily withdrew and he could once again open his eyes pain free. He shook his head and stood once again, rubbing his eyes with his palms, and running his hands down his face and across his beard he flung the excess water to the floor.
The King's eyes showed obvious signs of relief, like a man who had raised out of a good sleep fully ready for the day ahead. Finally he could hear the damned conversation in his ears again!
He regarded the words of his general Zhang Liao and his minister Jia Xu closely. He stroked his half-soaked beard and replied first to Zhang Liao.
"I have no doubt you'll have them running with their tails between their legs again Wenyuan. If they had such able strategists they would have taken Hefei back when you had less than five thousand men and our defeat at Red Cliff was still fresh in the minds of our soldiers. How better can they fare now that you have an army at your back, and fear in their hearts?"
Responding to his proposal Cao quickly said, without need for consideration, "Motion denied. I will not let Miss Sun walk free." His eyes flickered with change, threateningly as he spoke now to both Zhang and Lady Sun. "I will not have you two straddling each other at Hefei. I suggest remember your duty Wenyuan, the only thing you should be riding should be your steed and wielding - your sword, not your dick against the Sun's. Such acts do not bode well for you, your ties with this woman should be severed unless chance grants us peace in the east."
"Until then she will remain here, until I find a use for her in this whole business..."
Cao took a brief pause, and turned with a sour face to Jia Xu's suggestion, "Hell no! I'll be damned if I beat this girl! She's so young and so fine, I will not ruin her life, it is not often you come across a women as bold and as involved as this. I do not doubt your ploy's effectiveness, but I will not resort to such a beastly act." Satisfied with that he moved on, exploring the nature of Jia Xu's concept.
"However, I do like where Wenhe is coming from...How do you feel about that type of ploy, it could work, but I couldn't bring myself to do such a thing. Have you any thoughts in this area Miss Sun?"
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Post by Shen Ha on Jul 8, 2011 4:59:25 GMT
The Prime Minister appeared to be of bad health. This was dire news for all. He had spent his life establishing the foundations of a dynasty. Despite commanding the Kingdom of Wei through the Han, nobody believed the false curtain that Cao Cao employed. He was the power of the country, and the emperor was merely his puppet. Cao Cao controlled the courts and the armies. Prime Minister, King of Wei, he was the most daunting man in China, and it appeared his illness was not subsiding.
Zhang Liao did not know Cao Pi very well, but his role in the civil war was about to take a giant swing if his father’s illness would not surrender.
However, Zhang Liao’s concerns were also on Sun Shang Xiang, perhaps more-so than his lord Cao Cao. He had proposed to send the princess of Wu back to Sun Quan and use her as a pawn to get the southern lord to maneuver at their will, rather than hold her hostage and beckon his armies to advance. Zhang Liao, not Cao Cao, would be the shield against this force, which reports said was already massing in Jian Ye. Zhang Liao, not Cao Cao, fought them before, and sent them back. Because of this, Cao Cao thought nothing of a third invasion being planned. Perhaps he over-valued Zhang Liao’s ability as a general, as much as it pained Wenyuan to believe.
“My lord, Sun Quan has grown in cunning and ability, and those who surround him are twice as able as those who led the previous attacks!” Zhang Liao wanted to say. The words hid beneath his tongue like poison, but for whatever reason, he could not spit it out, and he remained silent.
And then the opportunity was all but lost. Cao Cao would not be dissuaded. His heart sank as he spoke about their affairs sharing a dance beneath a bed sheet. His eyes darted sharply to Jia Xu, with a glance proving he loved the man not.
“Has Wenhe filled your ears with the whispers of spiders, as this deceitful cur has so often done?” Again, Zhang Liao could not speak his mind. The words stung sharply in his mouth, but he did not bleed them out into the hall. Cao Cao knew, and anything Wenyuan would say to him would be a lie, and Cao Cao could sniff out deceit like a hunting dog could a stag. If he knew, and Zhang Liao still drew breath, it was not as he feared. Nothing good would come from denying it. All that was left to do was put it aside.
At least he agreed not to beat her and frame the dishonor on Shu. His lord was not beyond reason.
“It would appear all that is to be said has been said.” Zhang Liao wanted to frown, but his lips flattened to an emotionless line. “If this is the path you choose, my lord, I must return to Hefei and look toward weathering the coming storm. Until next time, Prime Minister, it has been a pleasant stay.”
Zhang Liao bowed low his head and spun around, giving Sun Shang Xiang a saddened glance and he passed her. He felt the weight of the eyes of every official in the hall looking over him as he exited, and not even his golden mail could protect him from the dishonor he’d been dealt by both Jia Xu and Cao Cao. Sun Quan was launching a great invasion. It was said that the fires of their camps could be seen clear as day from the top of the Bronze Spire, and that the waters from the south were turning the black of war.
This invasion would be the death of him. Zhang Liao felt it to be true.
But it was never death that startled Zhang Liao. He’d lived many years beyond his death at Xiapi and gained many honors from serving Cao Cao. Death is but death, what is so daunting of it that should make Wenyuan quiver at night and withhold him from slumber?
Outside, his loyal bodyguard Shen Ha approached him with a bow.
“I will be returning to Hefei today,” He said to Shen Ha, “Now, actually. You will remain in Xuchang to be of whatever service to my lady Shang Xiang as you can. She has guards, but none I can trust as I do you. Serve her as you’ve served me so valiantly, as I shall see you rewarded.”
“I wish for nothing more than to ride against Sun Quan beside you again, general.” Shen Ha responded, “But if this is your command, I shall see no harm comes to the lady of Wu.”
Zhang Liao reached out and placed a hand on Shen Ha’s shoulder, smiling politely, then lowered his head and walked away. He was gone within the hour, travelling to Hefei with his small guard.
Shen Ha himself entered the throne room silently, making his way close to Sun Shang Xiang’s side without moving himself from the great crowd, so Cao Cao would only notice him by looking carefully, but even so, he was doing nothing suspicious. He was Cao Cao’s loyal soldier, performing his duty given to him by his commanding officer.
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Post by Xiahou Dun on Jul 12, 2011 16:14:11 GMT
you were always the one giving I WAS ALWAYS THERE TO TAKE IT I'LL NEVER MAKE IT WITHOUT YOU i'll make it my last standThe time had not come. The age of renaissance was yet to hit the one-eyed kirin, and it never would. Rebirth? Ha. Man only aged, waned toward his demise, a downhill ride from the beginning of his life. It was only his duty to dig his claws into the slope and attempt to slow down the fall. And it was Xiahou Dun's duty to dig in deep as the foot of the mountain loomed before his eye.
For all he promised in loyalty, for all he swore in lifelong service to Cao Mengde, Dun wanted to see his lord die. He wanted to witness the death of his master only a moment before his own, just to assure himself that his duty was done under a banner unifying the land in azure blue.
His body felt heavier than ever, the armor that he had donned for the past twenty-nine years now weighing down on him like the straining corpses of ten thousand fell beasts. And yet only his blade, the trusted weapon that took the lives of so many famed men... Xu Rong, Bian Rang, Qiao Rui, and that bastard Cao Xing... it felt ever so light, hanging by his thigh, the violent fang his only comfort.
His journey came to a halt before the twin doors of the throne room. A couple of monotonously expressed guards leaned in to heave open the massive gates, but Xiahou Dun waved them relieved of their duty. His own hand slowly crept forth, the sweating palm of his scarred grasp resting upon the cold, metallic surface of the gold-imprisoned portal.
His fingers trembled. Could he do it?
"What use am I...?" The thought rang in his head like the ear-piercing sound of the gong. What was the real purpose in returning now? He had dedicated his life to Mengde's will, and as he now ventured to return into his lord's arms, he felt that for the first time he might be working against his master's longings.
It was an era of new men, new strength, new strategy. He was old school, outclassed. It was only suitable for him to have been discarded into the civil ranks of the structure.
A tear rolled down the side of his right eye and dropped to the floor. Maybe it was time that he stood for himself, to work for his own benefit for once as he enjoyed the luxury of the kill for the final time.
"Yes, yes... FUCK IT ALL!"
The doors swung open as if forced by a powerful gust of wind, slamming into the walls and revealing among the sudden havoc a one-eyed kirin, in all his glory.
but now i'm afraid it's too late TO SAVE AGAIN
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Post by Adam on Jul 12, 2011 19:29:40 GMT
Sun Shang Xiang
The youngest of the Sun siblings sighed within herself, her frustration and humiliation becoming an unbearable burdon. What was once meant as a selfish, but mutual helping hand in removing a common enemy - Shu, soon turned to bite her on the backside. Little had she done to deserve such words, little had she done to deserve such ridicule, yet she was forced to endure it, endure and try to ignore, which in itself was quite a chore; to an extent this rhyme was becoming a bore.
Eyes flashed between men, one insult after the next, mixed in with their own knowledge of what Wenyuan and Shangxiang had been up to. The union of the two had quickly became well known throughout that audience hall and the girl found it impossible not to blush and turn her head away from Cao Cao and Jia Xu. Shang Xiang had wanted to bite back, but she resisted the urge, the time was not right to interupt as the three men spoke in turns amongst themselves, largely as if the princess herself was not present.
Then it came, Zhang Liao spoke up in her defence, issuing his own suggestion that she be escorted south, back to her home. Joy, pure joy ran through her veins at the sound. Her eyes slowly turned back towards the men and she nervously waited for the response, a smile once more to enhance her beautiful features through hope.
Features crumbled beneath the following reply and the female of Wu looked desperate for the return of good fortune, something that was being consistently being dragged away from her since her arrival in Xu Chang. "I-" Her words came out quiet, hushed at the words of Zhang Liao, who looked ready to once again defend his lover, but at that moment she expected a vicious response, he produced one of the most submissive moments she had heard from his voice; he had conceded.
Eyes filled with disbelief and shock at the reality of what Liao was doing. He bowed and turned, giving only a sorrowful look to her before he passed and exited the building. Her eyes loomed down to the ground, tears forming as her last bastion of strength quickly faded from her body. Not even a word to her, only a look; he should have done more. Two paths formed in her head and she blindly chose one as either utter despair or complete rage overtook her.
"You-" Her words moved through her lips as her head still bowed down towards the ground. Soon though her posture improved and her face turned back up, tears showing along with an almighty frown. "You're loving this, right? I bet nothing gets you off more than bullying a defenceless girl in your audience hall? Fine, but I'm not rolling over, because you are acting with no rights."
Morally she was in the right, unlike the powers of Wei, surely they must realise it? If not she was sure to remind them of why she was there and just what that meant.
"I came here of my own free will, to aid you. Escorted with fewer than the average of my own men and guarded over by your own. No spy am I, and if I were bad I must be, for not once have I been out of sight of a Wei soldier in all my time in Shou Chun or Xu Chang." Her tone was irritated, perhaps even angry. "You do not threaten me when my job was that of an envoy and you certainly do not threaten me when my offer was aid."
A step forward was once again met with a Wei guard moving a weapon, this time it fell in front of her, a spear as it turned out. Angrily she pushed the wooden polearm away and spoke directly to the guard. "Do not point that at me again..."
Attention drew once more to Cao Cao and her eyes delved into his, the fire within brighter than it had been in her recent memory. "You claim to act in the best interest of this country - high morals for a man who turned his back on his childhood friend for personal gain, yet you would see a potential ally practically imprisoned, perhaps even beaten to a bloody mess?"
Her tone was disrespectful and so she calmed it down for her next notion and she wiped tears from her eyes before she added. "You won't kill me, I'm worth far more alive than dead. I will remain here in Xu Chang, but at my own decision and until we decide the course of action." Her eyes grew angry once again for her last addition. "...and if one of your officer's mention my name in the same vein of a common whore, I won't hesistate to slit their throats myself." Spoken like a true Sun.
She crossed her arms and stood her ground, a step closer to Cao Cao than had ever been during their discussion and it would be hard to knock her back down off her high ground. Her eyes never left Mengde's and nor did she give a bow, her adrenaline and her speech had given her a positive and to her she felt like she was speaking within Jian Ye and not in Xu Chang.
A tight rope she walked, but her spirit was well known and had a feeling even the primeminister of the Han would be somewhat entertained and happy to see it as such, if only mixed in with his own annoyance at her tone. [/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Sam on Jul 12, 2011 20:34:51 GMT
Cao Cao stood upright, and endured all that the Princess of Wu threw at him. She of course spoke from her heart so what she said was naturally true to her. Wrong in terms of facts, but perhaps true to what information she had been spoon fed by the Sun's when living south of the Yangtze. The Central Plains was a stone throw outside of the Southland, but information can be twisted while being relayed even that short of a distance, whether it be for poltical or personal reasons, it would serve the Sun clan well to villify Cao Cao.
The world had done so ever since his rise, he was the common enemy of the country, well those with ambitions of their own, whether they would deny it or not. Sun Quan and Liu Bei, hypocrites. Both of them.
Cao broke the Princesses abuse, even justified as it was with a bellow, "Enough!" Cao was throroughly irritated at the image of himself, the focus on his wrong doings alone, whether it be a simple act of defence or not. The good of Cao Mengde far outweighed the bad, he didn't get in the position he was in the way his two rival King's would have the world think.
"Enough. What shit did they feed you in the comforts of your palace, princess? Must everyone see me as the villian, huh?" He turned at lash out at the chair he had so recently been reeling on, sending it crashing against the floor with a kick.
"Morals, you talk of morals. What good did Yuan Shao ever do me while he sat in majesty in He Bei? Huh? I in turn gave him rank and the favour of the Emperor, for nothing! Yet I'm the one in the wrong! Was it not my duty to the country to remove such an arrogant piece of shit when he proved incapable of crushing me at Guandu?"
"With an army over double my size, he failed to seize opportunity after opportunity! It is not I, who betrayed my childhood friend. It was he who betrayed himself. The idiot should be where I am today!" Cao huffed in frustration, as he turned his back, long buried memories of Yuan Shao resurging. They were indeed fast friends, and it pained Cao to never see the man after the battle - before his passing. One of such promise to fall so easily, for all his flaws to take hold at those crucial moments. A pity for one so great, so renowned to crumble to nothingness after one battle. Benchu... "I acted for the good of the court." Cao reassured himself.
Unbeknownst to the indomitable spirit of the King, a tear had escaped his left eye at the meeting of such memories and thoughts of Yuan Shao and the grief of his death; He looked upon his chair that he had knocked to the ground and sighed as he turned back to face Shang Xiang he waved off the guard who had advanced and he returned to his watchfulness.
The King's tone softened once again, his initial annoyance quelled at upon physically lashing out, "When we're you ever defenceless princess? You've just been concealing your claws out of ceremony...We are all armed with a three inch tongue are we not?"
Cao moved to remind the lady, "I wouldn't have you beaten. I couldn't bear it. Lest you didn't hear me the first time."
A lightbulb illuminated in Cao's mind as a course of action, a temporary usefulness for the princess while she stayed in the capital. "With my nephew Xiu, commanding the capital guard, I find myself in need of a chief attendant. Are you willing to win my favour princess?"
It was a move Cao had to make, lest his opinion fall. He was reluctant, but he could not just let a tongue lashing like that fall aside in the presence of his most senior retainers. She would have to bear this insult and he the pain of demeaning her so, not that it did entirely. Waiting on the King day and night, his personal servant essentially, some would kill for such a job. Especially pretty women, who wanted royalty brought to their houses being so close to the King of Wei, Cao was notorious for having dozens of football teams worth of children. Not exactly what Cao Xiu did though, he was more of a personal guard, now he was so on a much higher scale, charged witht he defence of the palace at Xuchang.
At that moment Xiahou Dun burst in, menacingly. Cao's eyes moved to the door and his heart was filled with both joy and sorrow, as he had not seen his cousin Dun since before Hanzhong - and the fall of Xiahou Yuan. Cao moved forward but quickly stopped, keeping distance from the wrath of Dun, which seemed strange. The guards didn't know what to do, to act in defence or do nothing. Cao was worried for some reason, a slight fear was upon him, "Cousin?"
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Post by Adam on Jul 13, 2011 0:26:04 GMT
Sun Shang Xiang
Adrenaline raced and worry crept in, least not because her mind realised her grave position. Should the ruler of Wei deem her outburst far from acceptable, her life could quickly turn from bad to worse; the once unlikely option of Jia Xu could become a stark reality, yet such fury did not manifest from the Prime Minister, instead his words were harsh, but somewhat fair beyond his tone.
Her options revolved around pain and possible death, to the far less dangerous option of staying in Wei, both were not favourable to Shangxiang, but life and security she would be forced to choose over. Her face turned ever so softer, but still retained its strong willed edge, her feet took a step back and overall it seemed Cao Cao's retort to her anger filled reponses had worked to quench her flames.
The mockery and humiliation of being the chief attendant for her brother's greatest enemy was sickening, but she would be deemed a true hypocrite if she spoke such thoughts aloud, for it were not only the day previous that the great demon of Wu, Zhang Liao and the Princess made love, a pairing perhaps even less favourable in her brother's eyes than her becoming a servant.
A sigh escaped her lips as she dropped her hard edge. "...and if I disagree?" She wasn't really going to disagree, she knew she had little choice than to accept. "If I do agree, how will you even trust me? Your strategist himself accused me of being a common spy."
Slowly her head lowered as her arms crossed slightly in front of her stomach. Her eyes crept shut for a brief couple of seconds and in that time she wished she could return to Wu, to forget about what she was after, go back in time to before she had even gone to Shou Chun and met Zhang Liao.
That name, Zhang Liao. Half of her loved him for how he made her feel, the other hated him because of where she was then; possibly a servant for Wei and he barely spoke a word in her defence.
She was within Mengde's grasp, a mere second or two from giving up her freedom for a temporary role in Wei when bursting through the main door came the infamous figure of presumably Xiahou Dun. Her eyes scanned his, noting the eyepatch, taken at Xia Pi in the battle against Lu Bu.
Given time perhaps Shang Xiang would return to her more strong ways, perhaps the interuption would work against Mengde, it was one to ponder as the princess looked on with wonder. [/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Xiahou Dun on Jul 13, 2011 4:11:15 GMT
you were always the one giving I WAS ALWAYS THERE TO TAKE IT I'LL NEVER MAKE IT WITHOUT YOU i'll make it my last stand A soft sigh escaped his lips as Xiahou Dun realized the consequences of his unfitting introduction. The suspicious gaze of Mengde met his own, and Dun quickly cast his line of sight toward the ground of the chamber, shame on his blushed expression. His outstretched palm swiftly withdrew to the comfort of his side. Alas, it seemed that the overly dynamic nature of the kirin would remain with him until his last days.
He raised his eyes once more, this time not in defiant pride, nor anger, but in a scanning glance at the figures present in the room. He noticed, apart from the puzzled shape of Mengde, Zhang Liao, Jia Xu, and, most unexpectedly, a woman. A woman? Just any woman? The garments and style that defined her custom and origin were quick to betray her past. Or were they?
It was foolhardy to immediately suspect that the lady was of southern origin, and yet it would be extremely rude and out of his place to throw a direct inquisition of his suspected accusations. It was highly possible that she was, after all, one of Mengde's personal waiting maids or one of his "closer" circle, a party of company that only his authority could even dream of collecting.
Realizing that his enduring silence would only serve to strengthen the discomforting sensation existing in the air, Xiahou Dun proclaimed his excuse for the circumstances.
"I beg you to forgive me for the rude interruption," he began, presuming that the scene set before him had been continuing on for some time before his entrance. He was about to step aside and allow room for the conversation to proceed, but the presence of the woman oddly triggered his nerves. Possibly, no, certainly, it bugged him to crawl before a female. It was inappropriate and demeaning to his own name, however significant the lady was to any of those present.
Even Cao Cao.
But what could he say? The situation had become more dire than he had intended, and all because his brain didn't work as well as the old days. Within the space of a millisecond he racked his aging head for every possible excuse in the world, and it came to be that he was fucked.
"Oh shit." The words barely escaped his lips before he saw the world before him spinning, then fade away into darkness, his body following soon after in shock as it collapsed in a near lifeless heap upon the floor.
but now i'm afraid it's too late TO SAVE AGAIN
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Post by Sam on Jul 13, 2011 17:12:09 GMT
The King tilted his head with a happy smirk, "Then you'll be quite the most fortunate spy in this day and age. Rarely do I let outsiders near me, let alone work for me personally."
"I trust you enough to know that you won't do anything stupid Princess, you're not of Dong Cheng's or Ji Ping's ilk." Reminding the Princess of those who last had their trust proved false, Cao had his intentions for proposing such a course of action of course. By being with him for the better part of the day Cao was schooling her in his ways, hopefully making her realise the burdens he bears first hand and his true stance in the world; rather than the villian he is portrayed as in hostile lands.
Perhaps with that understanding she could appreciate Cao Cao as a person and realise that is where her truest of intentions lie within her heart, in aiding him in uniting the land. The consequences should she prove false could be dire, but it was worth an honest shot.
Agents of Shu and Wu, Cao knew were in no small number in his lands, this would be to his advantage to have the wife of Liu Bei and the sister of Sun Quan seen in his personal service. To place further doubt in the hearts of Sun and Liu.
Something was troubling Xiahou Dun, the veteran general had faltered inr ecent years some might say, he was no longer what he used to be. It was a harsh truth that the years had not been kind to Dun lately. He was younger than the King, yet his age had caught him. But Cao was still very fond of this man, they were very close, probably soon to be even more so with the death of Yuan.
Cao shook his hand "Think nothing of it Dun, you startled me is all." Any further talk was cut short however with the faltering of Xiahou Dun, him collapsing so suddenly.
Cao cried out in anguish and quickly moved to Xiahou Dun's side followed by about half a dozen soldiers who forgot their duty, his heart pounded as he cried, "Dun! For fuck sake! Doctor!" Cao's personal doctor was all the medical aid they had in his residence, and he rushed out in a flurry, more confused that anyone else. He thought Cao had a relapse in his migranes and had brought another pill ready. Cao noticed that and yelled in frustration, "Not me you idiot!" The doctor spun around desperately, what he was going into the back again for neither he or Cao Cao had any idea.
"I will not lose another cousin this year!" Cao held up Xiahou Dun's wrist and checked the pulse - it was still pounding at a lively rate, Cao wiped the sweat from his head, and wiped it down his robe. He then dealt Dun a resounding slap to the kisser, trying to wake him. It was useless. "...Shit." Cao raised one hand and starting biting his nails, sitting there ineptly, waiting for someone to make a decision.
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Post by Adam on Jul 14, 2011 1:23:24 GMT
Sun Shang Xiang
Lu XiuSkin crawled and mind fought against conflicting ideas at the prospect of being a glorified servant to Cao Cao. It was no rank befitting of a princess, but it did have its own merits; it would provide her with shelter from the harsh realities of war, preventing her from imprisonment or worse. It was a tough decision to make and the longer she took to respond, the less likely it would be positive. Time did not bode well for Mengde.
*CLANK*
From witnessing the figure of a once mighty warrior, she saw the figure fall to the ground; like the great pheonix faling from grace into the sea. Her eyes widened and her body froze, unable to exert the necessary energy or willpower to act. Time was against Cao Cao and indeed potentially Xiahou Dun, but time also healed and after an awkward few seconds she took steps forward, frowning and feeling the authority she held come to the very fore of the room.
A doctor arrived and left as quick as either action if timed, and without such a professional at the forefront of such an event the King of Wei was struggling. At the sound of the slap, Shang Xiang bolted forward, ducking down to her knees and grabbed for Cao Cao's hand, trying to be as gentle as she could, but also with enough force to make her stance known before she even spoke.
"He could have concussion, Lord Cao Cao, forgive me." She warned and apologised for her authoritive stance.
She turned her head and left Cao Cao to wallow in his disbelief and anguise and in turn she once again showed another edge to her blade.
"Someone get me a pillow, some ice and drag that doctor back out here." Words spoken like a true member of the Sun family.
She moved to the other side of Dun, placing fingers on the man's face, prying open the eyelids and checking for reactions, anything she could use to tell if he was well or not and to what degree. "Can you hear me?" She spoke, then blew softly on the eye, followed by a couple of clicks of her fingers. She noticed a twitch, slight, but enough for her to feel somewhat relieved.
"-Okay! Okay!"
Sounds of the doctor once more hit the room as a guard dragged the man in. The guard in question was Lu Xiu, someone of notable background; high prestige in military affairs in Wei, guard of Sun Shang Xiang during her time in Xu Chang and amazingly of all son of the notorious Lu Bu. None knew of his heritage in the room, for he feared if they did, his life would be cut short, much like his father's. He held no bones against the man who ended the life of the great warrior, which was why he kicked up no fuss.
Lu Xiu piped up and demanded words from the doctor, who only seemed to shrivel up at the pressure on him. "Well speak man!"
Words seemed to do well as soon the doctor allowed Sun Shang Xiang to stand back up, but even so what was suggested by the Princess was deemed well enough for the time being. Perhaps it was her empathy at the situation, a distant but still true memory of how she felt when times were bad, perhaps it was purely her kinder nature taking ahold, but she walked over to Cao Cao and lightly her hand moved to his back, friendly in its manner and calming.
"It doesn't look serious, likely a head injury or a lack of sleep, food or something else along those lines. He needs rest and plenty of it, I'll see that he looked after."
Her words would strike intigue, she had not openly accepted the invite of Cao cao, but her spoken voice hinted towards it. Would she really lower herself to work for Wei? Or was she merely being friendly in a bad situation? [/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Sam on Jul 14, 2011 3:17:41 GMT
Cao Cao stood and turned, confusion reining over him mostly. This year was awful, he lifted his hand and peered at it. He examined his aged skin, his hand coiled before him at the realisation, but soon shut tight in a fist. His head lowered, as Sun Shang Xiang took control of the situation behind him. Already she took the lead as his subordinate.
It did not make the King happy, for the pain of reality was upon him, he suddenly felt older. Perhaps it wasn't just Huang Zhong's blade and bow that felled his cousin, Yuan. Time was running out.
All those that had helped him reach his position since his true recognition during the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the campaign against Dong Zhuo, now twenty years on, all were old, dulled and wearied by time. The prospect of losing them all made the King miserable.
Outside of Cao's thoughts a host of aid was swarming to the fallen Xiahou Dun. Cao couldn't think about it, he tried to ignore it, space himself from the thought of losing Xiahou Dun. He and Yuan were foremost of his friends, and family, they had stood beside him since the beginning. So much pain came from losing Yuan...He couldn't bear to lose them both, time was indeed cruel.
His grief was interrupted by the comfort of the Princesses touch. Her slendour arm set itself upside his back. At the touch comfort fell on Cao, but in an instant the illusion vanished.
Cao's manner fell to earth, no longer was he high and mighty, he felt broken. He returned to himself, the lady spoke words of comfort and he nooded, but they offered little comfort or relief to the weight in his heart, wearily he spoke, his speech coming slowly and more faint in apology, "F-Forgive me for my harshness earlier..."
Cao said no more, he smiled weakly and without even looking back for fear of anything he couldn't bear to see. He bore himself away very ponderously from the princesses comfort, his hands raised to his head and removed the pin from his hat, he let it fall of the table in the centre of the hall; and then unknotting the bow an his chin, he let his hat loose, the rustle of the beads signalled it's descent as he dropped it to the table with a faint thump.
Haggardly, the King departed to the seclusion of his private rooms, with no other word or command. He couldn't stay there, be there. Xiahou Dun's life was in the hands of the Princess of Wu and those around her, Lu Xiu, Jia Xu, Xun Yu.
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Post by Guo Huai on Jul 15, 2011 1:46:25 GMT
Guo Huai coughed a wheeze from the back of his horse, doubling over and bobbing to the rhythm of 'Silk's heavy stomps on the ground. He was an incredibly huge horse, a foreign import from a far western land beyond the mountains, and was considerably more powerful than many of the Chinese variations he'd seen before.
Pulling himself back up to compose himself, Guo Huai looked around in silent amazement at the city of Xuchang. Merchants were shouting everywhere, whilst swarms of people shot like schools of fish throughout the cobbled streets in front, to the side and behind the gargantuan steed. A few people even looked on in wonder at the horse and the officer seated upon it. Guo Huai was wearing light armour, just in case trouble decided to come knocking during the month travelling. Guo Huai had only brought two fellow lieutenants with him - he didn't want to be held back by troops or any other people for that matter. He was here with the sole purpose to see Cao Cao, the man who he had been serving all of his career. He was here to apologize for Yuans death.
Cao Cao was understandably in grief about Xiahou Yuan's death, which had happened just a few months before. Whilst Guo Huai had never really taken much of a liking to Yuan before his unfortunate demise, he felt guilty due to the fact of him falling ill previous to the battle itself. If Guo Huai had been there, he may have been able to help Yuan enough to keep the general alive, which would in turn not put Cao Cao in such misery.
Guo Huai sighed a wheeze as he dismounted from his horse in front of the large gates in to the emperors section of the castle. Leaving Silk with an awestruck captain at the gates, Guo mentioned his name and was reluctantly let through up the stairs. He wasn't famous enough to be known over the Wei kingdom yet, so many didn't even know Guo's name when he mentioned it. Regardless, he had been granted a private audience with Cao Cao, who had expressed interest in seeing his fire spinning art anyways, of which Guo Huai was happy to comply.
Walking down the richly decorated hallways of the Imperial Palace, a pretty little servant girl, about the age of 16, immediately ran over to Guo Huai, inquiring about what his purpose was. Guo Huai looked down his nose in disapproval at the servant, silencing her immediately.
''I am here to see our lord, the King of Wei. Show me to him immediately'' Guo Huai said, his voice resonating with authority... that he didn't have. The servant girl, however, looked scared enough and nodded quickly, walking briskly down the hallway and to the left in to a larger corridor. Guo Huai walked fast behind her, his light armour clinking slightly as he did so. Guo Huai walked with a slight limp, and kept on coughing in tiny intervals. He still had not got over his illness from all those months ago in Hanzhong; the disease had spread from his throat, all the way down in to his chest and possibly his lungs. Even small things like speaking and breathing hurt Guo Huai's chest, and he became out of breath incredibly quickly during his pursuit down the corridor. All of a sudden the girl stopped and opened a door for Guo Huai, who took a few seconds to compose himself. Pulling his arms above his head to sort out the bandana, it pulled viciously on the warriors chest and ribs, forcing the man in to a fit of coughs. He doubled over, as the servant girl immediately got under Guo Huai's arm with an incredibly worried expression on her face.
''Are you okay, sir?!'' She said frantically, patting his back to try and help the coughing. Guo Huai pushed her away firmly, stopping himself from coughing that husky cough any more. He straightened up and gave one last disapproving glance over to the girl before going in to the room. ''Of course I am fine. Go and do your little cleaning duties, girl.''
Walking in to the room, it had the slight scent of petals. It was a grand hall with rich decorations of velvet and the softest silk. Bringing his eyes down from the walls and ceiling, Guo Huai immediately noticed a group of officials gathered around in a crowd, surrounding a fallen man on the floor. Before he knew it, Guo Huai found himself sprinting for the crowd, pulling officials out of the way by their robes and dropping to his knees.
Well, it wasn't as he expected. Guo Huai had expected it be his lord on the floor, but it was the renowned general Xiahou Dun instead. Looking up at another famous face, he looked in slight awe at her beauty. Her face was delicate, and her hair was the most beautiful shade of brown that Guo Huai had ever seen. Then he realized who she was, and he found himself bowing his head and bringing his fist and palm together in respect for her. He knew when to respect his elders.
''Lady Sun. It is a pleasure to meet you'' Guo Huai said frantically, then looking up and going back to normal. ''What in the name of Heaven has happened here?!''
An official next to her immediately answered, Guo Huai's face relaxing a little bit. Xiahou Dun wasn't dead, thank the Heavens. Looking down at the fallen officer, Guo Huai pondered for a second whilst there was complete silence before standing up and addressing the whole room.
''What are you all waiting for?! Get this man to a place of rest as soon as possible! We don't need medicine, what he needs is to calm himself down and rest it off, and to discuss whatever he needs to tomorrow.'' Guo Huai yelled at the officials, who scattered immediately like a group of chickens who were about to be fed. Within a few second, Xiahou Dun had been taken out of the room and off to Cao Cao's residence to rest until he was capable of interacting again.
Guo Huai let out another cough that had been growing inside of him, doubling over from the pain that had shot through his stomach. He tried his best to straighten up and address Lady Sun, however he could not stop coughing and found himself doing so for a few more seconds before he could even look up. Finally he got himself together again, bowing his head to the beautiful lady and then looking at her in the eye.
''It has obviously been a stressful day for you, Lady Sun, as evident by everyone's faces.'' Everyone who had been in there looked like shit, and it was clear something had gone on previous to Guo Huai's entry. What, he could never imagine. He turned to Shen Ha and eyed the bodyguard suspiciously. ''Please escort our honored guest to her personal quarters, where she may have some time to herself.'' Guo Huai said firmly, with a rare edge of kindness to his voice. He turned to Sun Shang Xiang. ''My lady, I am sure everyone will be feeling much better after a good nights sleep and some personal time. I am sorry that we had to meet this way, but I look forward to maybe being able to give you a proper welcome tomorrow.'' He bowed his head as the Lady and her bodyguard made their way out of the room, leaving Guo Huai there in the hall by himself. Exasperated and in a slight state of shock, he looked around once more, gave a small cough and walked out to go to the officer quarters to relax after the month trip and todays sudden events.
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Post by Cao Ren on Jul 17, 2011 19:33:33 GMT
(OOC: A little bit late I suppose...)
"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 Ren bowed after his lord had spoken his words.
"Thank you my King. But I think it would be better to leave now. My troops are waiting outside of the city and await their orders. I have no need to rest."
He made a small pause before continuing.
"Again I have to thank you for your kindness. I shall leave now and not disturb you anymore. Goodbye, I wish you all the very best my King."
Then he turned around and left the Imperial Palace.
He was relieved after leaving the palace. All the things he had feared did not come true, he was still alive, was not punished. It was quite the opposite, he was entrusted with the defense of Wancheng. Cao Cao did not seem to have lost his faith in his vassal Cao Ren. Ren had to make sure that this was justified. He approached the stables and was given back his horse. He stroked it, sat on its back and turned towards the city gates. Taking a long breath, he spurred his horse and rode out of the city.
Farther away, Yu Jin spotted Cao Ren riding towards their camp.
"The General is back! Quickly, demout the camp at once!" he shouted and the soldiers immediately started to work. Yu Jin crossed his arms as he watched Cao Ren approaching the camp. He was quite happy about this. If Cao Ren had been punished for his failure, Yu Jin would have been sure to be the next. It pretty much played into his hands.
"Greetings, General! Everything's alright?" Yu Jin shouted as Cao Ren was entering the camp. Ren dismounted and approached Yu Jin. "It seems so. Our king has assigned us the task to defend Wancheng from the enemy forces. We should move out as soon as the soldiers are ready."
The two watched as the camp slowly faded from the plains of Xuchang. "So... w-what did our king say about my failure?" Yu Jin stuttered after a while. "Nothing. It was an... awkward moment, to be honest. You are expecting punishment because you think you perfectly know your ruler, but then he says that everything is alright and acts as if nothing happened. I fear something's wrong with him...", Cao Ren answered thoughtfully. "But he did say that he forgives you and you should continue to maintain your reputation." "I guess it's my lucky day then..." "Probably. But Lord Cao Cao will surely keep an eye on us. We must certainly do our best if we want to be in favor with our king. If we fail again, he will replace us."
It took a while until the camp was finally finished. But as the soldiers removed the last remnants of the camp, Cao Ren and Yu Jin went to march on Wancheng.
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