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Post by Ma Chao on Feb 1, 2011 17:17:09 GMT
Sun Ce was more than pleased with Zhuge Jin's decision. The scholar's comment about 'giving Ce the words' was exactly what he was needed for. Zhou Yu was not only a scholar and gentlemen, but he was also a general on the field of battle. Other than the few men of intellect that Wu possessed, it had mostly war oriented officers.
"I have no doubt that you will rise above all expectations, Jin."
Ce sat back down and called over a few attendants that were waiting nearby. Their task was to set up the new officers in their respective homes.
"Please, do not worry your mind with such things as of yet. Get comfortable in your new home and then come see me. Then, we shall discuss your vital role in the kingdom."
Ce gestured to Jin as to follow his attendants. The men would take Jin to the officers's district of the city where he would have a home near Huang Gai and Lady Ulayne Umi.
**Once you are part of Wu, we can discuss further in our council.**
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Post by Zhuge Jin on Feb 1, 2011 17:19:23 GMT
With that Zhuge Jin bows to his new lord and departs out the door from which he came, confident he had made the right decision in who he chose as his lord.
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Post by Liu Feng on Feb 1, 2011 18:51:02 GMT
The young mystic entered Sun Ce's office and bowed as she should.
"Report, Milord, I have succeeding in constructing a modern fleet for our forces. The fleet is prepared for inspection whenever you so wish it."
((Ulayne has joined a force and completed a task, and so therefore is now Rank 1))
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Post by Ma Chao on Feb 2, 2011 15:51:29 GMT
Sun Ce was quite impressed, but not surprised. He could see the talent in Ulayne after her first sentence, the day she arrived at Jian An. An aura of strength and passion, mixed with her obvious intelligence, made her stand out among others.
"Excellent work. I would love to see your accomplishment, up close. My officials have heard stories spreading throughout the city. The people are beginning to believe we are the most powerful along the Chang Jiang and that, is good."
If the people were behind Wu with heart and soul, the city would grow even more. More conscripts, more output, and more happiness. Twas the signs of a strong leader and a growing kingdom.
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Post by Sun Yuan Ci on Feb 4, 2011 4:04:18 GMT
A summer day's breeze rest easy upon the city of Jian An. Sun Ce's forces had taken the city from brigands and the people were adjusting nicely to his peaceful rule. However, peace was not on the horizon. In the north, ambitions of the warlords circles around the Central Plains and armies rose to conquer. Not for the restoration of the glory of the Han Dynasty, but for personal clans.
In Jian An, the noble Sun family had a base. Sun Jian was a respected commander fell at too young an age. His life spanned mere decades, but his legacy remained. Sun Ce was proving to be an able leader, brash in military tactics but ever-vigilant of what was happening around him. The Tiger of Jiang Dong had given way for the talent of his sons to reside in the waves of armies they had at their command, and Sun Ce's was rising to prominence.
A small dust cloud rose from the west. Boats were docked along the East River, a band from Jingzhou had descended, riding through Yue and into Wu. With the death of Sun Jian at the hands of Liu Biao's army, an independent army from Jing was not to be trusted, and the leader of the band would respect that. He camped two hundred li outside of Jian An, and his meager force sparked fires with their leader as an envoy was sent into the city.
At the second watch the rider approached the gates. Passing into the city, he approached the offices where the Sun Clan governed. Parting with his blade, he entered and awaited audience as Bofu dealt with his commanders and dealt with standard procedures of governance. He was taken to a side room with one of the court officials, shared a conversation over a cup of tea with the man before being summoned.
He approached with a tall posture, halting in front of where Sun Ce sat, his advisors flanking him, and placed his hands at his side as he bowed.
"Lord Sun Ce, I come of behalf of my master Zhiyun who seeks an audience with the residing magistrate. My master is a servant of the arts of war, and with him is a small band of men at camp. He would be most pleased if you reviewed his army yourself, as he has stated before that both he and you are descended of the same line of the great tactician Sun T'zu. Though no bonds of brotherhood remain this day, he would like to honor you all the same."
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Post by Ma Chao on Feb 4, 2011 16:50:35 GMT
Sun Ce sat at the head of a long table which was set up in the audience hall of Lu Jiang’s government office. Normally, he would address envoys or visitors from his small throne. However, he had something planned for later in the evening or possibly the next day so the layout was different.
Sun Zhiyun’s envoy was ushered into the hall and showed to a seat near Ce. The visitor immediately got to business and informed the young lord that a warrior of supposed famed and skill was waiting outside the city. Ce was not about to rush outside, unprepared, to meet with someone as he did recently and almost paid the price with his life. However, his curiosity was sparked.
“Ready two thousand horsemen” he said aloud, immediately sending attendants scurrying to issue the orders.
Ce watched the envoy’s face closely as he issued the command. Should his leader have ill intentions toward the city, Ce would be ready.
The envoy was dismissed and escorted to the main gates. Sometime later, the gates would open again so that soldiers of Lu Jiang could exit.
Cavalry poured from the city like red wine from a cup. Eight thousand and four hooves crushed the surface of the earth sending a shockwave in all directions. At the head of the group was Sun Ce.
Horsemen began to surround Sun Zhiyun and his followers, encircling them entirely. Once they were in place, Ce rode forward to meet the warrior.
“You summon me personally from my city? I wonder exactly who you are that you expect such treatment.”
Ce was slightly aggravated after having to go to Zhiyun, as opposed to the other way around, but that was soon replaced by intrigue after looking the warrior over. Indeed, at first glance the man seemed to be of some worth. His build was that of strength and clearly he had made coin in the past. Either that or a lord had funded the man’s extravagant armor.
“Your envoy mentioned ties to Sun Tzu. Though I am skeptical of such a story, I will have my scholars look into the matter. Now, what else do you wish to discuss?”
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Post by Sun Yuan Ci on Feb 4, 2011 21:58:47 GMT
The young Sun Ce was known for many things. He was an accomplished spearman and horse rider, his feats of archery were hard to pass off as anything less than spectacular. As a leader who took up arms at the age of seventeen, he commanded his father's army with pure dedication to nothing but perfection, and his men saw and respected such idealistic leadership.
Such were traits of a hero. If there was but one fault in so glorious a man it was his patience. Bofu was a tough man who seldom allowed the pieces to fall as they may, instead always preferring to have a hand in where they landed. He could be brash and quick to make judgments that stuck, and that had caused him trouble in the past. However, a man of powerful resolve, he looked beyond troubled past and rode out to review the army before him.
"Ready two thousand horsemen," Said Sun Ce, his eyes' piercing gaze striking the envoy as he scanned the man for a response. The man was caught surprised, as an army was not needed for this task, but he supposed that a rising warlord should never take things for granted. If Sun Yuan Ci was an upcoming rebel rather than a hero who vanquished them, then a man of his ability would easily be able to slay Sun Ce in a camp outside fortress walls while surrounded by his own men.
The envoy took to the saddle, and rode beside Sun Ce and his large company as he led them to his master's camp.
~Zhiyun's humble camp~[/u]
While the envoy was inside the offices waiting for audience, Zhiyun and a few of his fellow riders took their bows and a quiver of arrows and rode out to the forest to hunt for sport. Dismounting at the entrance, the three men slowly trekked through brush and tree, their eyes wavering to and fro the horizon, scanning for movement.
Just then, the head of a deer came into view and immediately one of Zhiyun's companions notched an arrow and fired. The shot was straight but the bushes and hanging trees did not allow a clear path, and the deer scurried away in fright.
"Not bad," Spoke Zhiyun, "But always remember to take a moment. In war, in politics, in diplomacy, and even in the game of hunt, there is nothing that can be done in the one moment it takes to gather oneself. Behold."
Zhiyun himself drew an arrow. He held it at the ready with his bow, crouched, and waited for the deer to run a few steps farther. As it did, it passed through a small opening where the trees parted. In that moment, Sun Yuan Ci struck up, drew back the arrow with perfect form, and let it fly. Soaring through the air clearly, it punctured its target with lethal force,
The two men applauded and bowed, but their master bade them rise. They tied the game and returned to camp, where they drank wine and reminisced of a time when they fought together with Po Jin and the rest of the Sun Clan.
Before Sun Yuan Ci could finish his first cup, however, he saw the dust rise and felt the earth tremor. His eyes panned east, he saw the oncoming company of his envoy, Sun Ce, and the legion of horse accompanying him.
“You summon me personally from my city?" Sun Ce spoke, a slight annoyance to his demeanor, "I wonder exactly who you are that you expect such treatment.”
Zhiyun's face immediately slanted down, as he bowed his head low.
"Lord Sun Ce, you mistaken my intentions. I am worthy of your audience no more than a common weaver of straw," Sun Yuan Ci responded, "I simply assumed it cordial that a magistrate review an army should they set up camp near their city.
"It may be small, but my humble force is indee camped here at your post."
Zhiyun hoped this gesture would not insult the warlord. He was a man of little renown, and it was clear that Sun Ce had not heard of his tale, but it was also apparent that the young warlord was intrigued, as his eyes had been found circling the armor that Sun Yuan Ci donned.
“Your envoy mentioned ties to Sun Tzu." Sun Ce spoke, "Though I am skeptical of such a story, I will have my scholars look into the matter. Now, what else do you wish to discuss?”
"Your skepticism is both understandable and welcome," Zhiyun responded, "For such a claim even I would see as folly. My clan is descended upon the same line, our forefathers having close relation to the grand tactician. Though at this day, my father Sun Tung and honorable Sun Jian shared no blood bond, rather only a relation through centuries of books telling them so, and through the history of Sun Tzu's honor and skill."
Sun Yuan Ci spoke, leading Sun Ce into his camp where he poured two cups of wine, extending one to his guest should he welcome it.
"But you did not come to talk of heroes of past eras. You came because a man came to your courts and told you of a band of soldiers at your gate," Zhiyun said, bringing his cup to his lips and taking in two small gulps of wine.
"I am Sun Yuan Ci of Jingzhou. My clan has served with many brave men to rid the land of brigands and rebels who would seek to lessen the honor of the Han Dynasty. I am not like you, I am no hero of noble birth, but I am learned in strategy and warfare, and my humble army stands at the ready.
"I understand Liu Yong and his allies reside east of here, in Jiang Dong, and hold fertile lands against the emperor. I also understand you are preparing to do away with the likes of Liu Yong, and so I come to offer you my blade against these rebels."
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Post by Ma Chao on Feb 5, 2011 5:06:48 GMT
Sun Yuan Ci was not aware that just a few nights ago the young leader was ambushed by bandits and almost killed. Had it not been for his elite general, Huang Gai, he may not have escaped with his life. Gai had stern words for Ce about safety after the event and the cavalry force deployed was part of such precautions.
Ce listened to Zhiyun's response and it touched a nerve with the mention of Sun Jian, his late father. That wound had still not healed, but eventually he would have to let it go. He still had reminders of Jian in the form of the late leader's officers and it provided much needed support. Han Dang, Huang Gai, Cheng Pu, and others were with the Tiger until the end and they continued to serve the family line with undying loyalty.
Ce dismounted his steed when gestured to and he approached the fire in the center of Zhiyun's camp. He waited as Zhiyun disappeared into his tent to fetch some wine and cups. The fire was warm and Ce noticed some of the soldiers preparing their fresh catch. It actually reminded him of plans that he had later in the evening, an event that could be of some significance.
The young lord listened to Zhiyun's introduction and then his intentions. Sun Yuan Ci seemed well versed in speech and was eager to enter battle, making him one of the rare types who possessed a sharp mind as well as a strong body. As of late, Ce's force had gained two intelligent officers which, added to his powerful warriors, made for a strong combination. Zhiyun was correct about Liu Yong and Ce's coming campaign against him. Such a man could certainly be of use and Ce needed all the help he could get.
The campfire was not all that burned bright and Ce could see the flames in Zhiyun's eyes. It was not too often that skilled warriors appeared at one's door offering their service. Only a fool would turn down Zhiyun's service.
"You are correct about Liu Yong" he said, taking a sip of his wine.
"I fear even with your aid, Sun Yuan Ci, victory may be difficult to obtain. It has bothered me recently and I have been on edge while my envoy is away discussing matters with Yuan Shu."
Ce took another sip of his drink and soon he was talking to Zhiyun as if he already knew him. Maybe he did not want to confide in his his long time generals, letting them know that he was worried. He did not want to show them weakness so that they would never doubt his resolve. However, sometimes the burden and pressure was just too much to handle.
"I did not want to go and deal with all the bullshit involved with his new role as Emperor. His ego is unbearable, but I must admit if it were not for his help I may not control this great city. If he wishes us to find victory against Liu Yong, in the name of Cheng, then he will supply reinforcements."
Ce gulped down the rest of his wine and passed the cup to Zhiyun for a refill. He needed to forget that he still fought under Yuan Shu's banner. Zhiyun was correct that Ce was impatient and the sooner he could break away from Cheng, the better. He would attack Liu Yong without the aid of Shu, if he could, but it was just not possible. Ce had just over ten thousand soldiers and the eastern coalition had nearly three times that, if not more.
"Thank you for the wine" he said, drinking down the last of it.
He handed the cup to Zhiyun and nodded to the soldiers around the campfire before turning to leave. After mounting his horse, Ce turned to Zhiyun and invited them into the city.
"If your men wish to continue their feast here, that is fine, but they are welcome to come into the city as are you. Your offer of aid is accepted and you have a position in this army if that is what you want."
Ce ordered his men back to Lu Jiang and Sun Yuan Ci was free to do as he liked. The gates would be opened for him and his men when they decided to enter.
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Post by Sun Yuan Ci on Feb 5, 2011 8:13:06 GMT
Sun Yuan Ci listened as the young warlord spoke. Within him was a charisma that was hard to find, as Zhiyun had not seen such an untamable flame within a man before. He had met many men of wealth and power, but their ambition was driven by greed and corruption, he had not met a man who's power was driven so much by dignity and honor. Zhiyun, despite just meeting the man, found himself very much enjoying their first conversation.
Zhiyun's servants were near at hand, and they found themselves very useful as they came to and fro with the vase of wine, as the two men were lifting their cups tilted back at a quick pace, and the empty bottoms came into view often and fast as they soon found themselves beginning to feel their tongues loose.
Sun Yuan Ci himself was not drunk, and he doubted Bofu was, but between the buzz of the wine and the comfort of company, Sun Ce began talking about his situation much faster than Zhiyun had anticipated. Sure enough, offering his aid in battle, the discussion was unavoidable, but in their first meeting in a small camp, Zhiyun found himself honored with the young lords' trust.
Putting his cup aside, he decided to give word on his thoughts of the situation.
"Yuan Shu's banner is none I would seek to follow. I have heard he attained the Imperial Seal, and with it surely he seeks to position himself above the rest of the lords, but I cannot see him rising above any of the common regents of the Central Plains. You've served him long, and I beseech forgiveness if my words are insulting, but I could never see yourself serving a man such as he as a vassal for long."
Zhiyun stepped close as he talked, placing his arm on Sun Ce's shoulder and turning away from the soldiers. His men were loyal to him and to Jingzhou, but he was unsure of Sun Ce's men. They were a unit combined from those who served his father and those borrowed from Yuan Shu. Talking bad about the man to his own soldiers would assuredly be the end of him if he were not careful.
"If you would hear advice from so poor a man as me, I would tell you to honor any agreements you and your clan have to him and his ambitions. If you are to take Jiang Dong, then your power will wane above the common feudal lord, and then you would not need to answer any call he made. No hand of his could force you when he hasn't even a position in the Central Plains, especially with Xuzhou in such turmoil. As troubled as you may see it, your position is quite secure, you simply must settle back and see it from a different perspective, as most leaders tend to view a full picture but get absorbed in the negative lights."
Sun Yuan Ci released his grip of Bofu's shoulder and turned back around, facing his soldiers as they began to pick at the game.
"As for your current campaign, vagabonds are but vagabonds. Your leaders are able, and if you lend me a portion of your army, I promise you shall see Jiang Dong united."
As Sun Ce concluded their discussion, he mentioned rank. Zhiyun paused, and pondered as Sun Ce mounted and entered the city. The minor warrior had not offered to join Sun Ce's forces, neither did he necessarily recruit the man, rather offer him position. Sun Yuan Ci was unsure of his next move. For now, he simply did what he always had, offer to destroy those who came to be annoyances to the Han, but Sun Ce offered more, and Zhiyun was intrigued to say the least. However, Sun Yuan Ci wished to avoid military rank, and his decision would not be short of thought.
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Post by Boydie on Feb 26, 2011 20:16:03 GMT
Lord Sun Ce's force's had delivered a major defeat to the massive force's of Liu Yong who had out numbered Ce's force's 3-1. Ce had gained total control of Jian Ye, the largest city in the southeast and had moved his throne from Jian An to Jian Ye and left his credited, dependable General Huang Gai, Prefect of Jian An.
:<><><><><><><><><><><><><>:
It felt unusual and bizarre for the vanguard of the rear General to be seated on the throne were his Lord Sun Ce once ruled his land and people from. But there was a feeling of accomplishment and pride after becoming the new Prefect of Jian An and it was Gai's aim to keep Jian An as safe and efficient as when Ce ruled the city, if not better!
But that would be quite a task to accomplish now as Gai struggled to gain his baring in his new office. One of Gai's new advisor's strolled towards him and bowed and said softly.
"General. This would be the best time to call for your Officers and discuss up and coming event's." Gai lapsed. "Really?.... I mean of-course! Bring forth the Officer's under my disposal!" Gai clapped to rush off the adviser to fetch his General's at once.
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Post by Li Wang on Feb 27, 2011 2:13:35 GMT
Executive Officer Li Wang was the first to arrive before Huang Gai, and he was quick to salute the Vanguard General... Prefect? Both Li Wang though as his lips twitched into a smile and his arm dropped.
Executive Officer Li Wang, reporting as requested, General... Prefect? Which would you prefer I refer to you as, sir?... my Lord? Li Wang let out confusedly; Huang Gai certainly was in a strange position. And it also was strange for an officer as low ranked as Li Wang to be second in command of any military.
OOC: I've claimed the title of executive officer for Li Wang as Huang Gai would be the Commander and Li Wang is the next highest ranked military officer in the city.
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Post by Lu Dun on Feb 27, 2011 2:27:39 GMT
Lu Fei recieved Huang Gai's message at his home. He got up and walked over there. He remembered Huang Gia's courage and bravery at the battle.
As he entered the Goverment Office he aw Huang Gai and Li Wang waiting for him in the office. "Lord Huang Gai, its been awhile since we have seen each other, how have you been", He then turned to Li Wang, " and Li Wang we are going to have to talk at some other time. but that can wait what do you need of us my lord
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Post by Boydie on Feb 27, 2011 12:34:20 GMT
The Prefect of Jian An welcomed Officer Li Wang to the government office, the appearance of the office had not changed since Ce left and Gai was already happy with it's appearance. Gai signaled for Wang to sit cross him at the grand table after standard protocol's had been met, the table had map's of the city and province's cluttered across the table. Wang sounded baffled as he spoke.
General... Prefect? Which would you prefer I refer to you as, sir?... my Lord?
Gai thought for a second.
"Just call me Vanguard Prefect Huang Gai." Just then Lu Fei entered the office.
"Lord Huang Gai, its been awhile since we have seen each other, how have you been."
Gai stood up and greeted Fei with open arm's, he bellowed out.
"Ahh Lu Fei, you made it! Yes it has been while, not since the battle of Jian Ye I believe." Gai jestered for Fei to sit next to Wang. "Come come! Don't be shy, please be seated."
The Prefect of Jian An leaned on the table with both palms of his hand flat on the wooden table, towering over both men like a mountain. Gai's ruff voice spoke as both men listened closely.
"As you know, I am the new the Prefect of Jian An. I have the duty of protecting our city from any harm which come's to destroy it's peace. And you will be my tool's, without my tool's I am useless. We are the champion's of Jian An and will give sanctuary to our great city and allow it to develop and flourish under the rule of Lord Sun Ce!"
Gai stroked his silvered beard and spoke again.
"Now we must discuss your new position's in office I will be giving to you as Prefect of Jian An."
Both of the officer's face's lit up after hearing they will be both promoted.
"Li Wang, you will be a Tiger General of the force's of Jian An until. It is your duty to make sure all operation's with in and out the wall of Jian An run smoothly and all the troop's are up to my standard of protocol."
The giant turned to Lu Fei.
"Lu Fei, I know you have studied with the great's such has Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang. Now you will become a Tiger General. But I want you to become my top adviser too. We will create a strategy to make our city even greater than it is already!"
Gai paused...
"Are they're any objection's or question's?"
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Post by Lu Dun on Feb 27, 2011 16:48:49 GMT
Lu Fei took his seat near Li Wang, Huang Gai was telling them about his duties as a prefect. He told Li Wang he is being promoted and then he turned to Lu Fei and said,"Lu Fei, I know you have studied with the great's such has Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang. Now you will become a Tiger General. But I want you to become my top adviser too. We will create a strategy to make our city even greater than it is already!"
Lu Fei's face lit up when he was told he was going to be promoted and that the great Huang Gai was putting him as one of his top advisors. He then heard him say,"Are they're any objection's or question's?"[/color]
He thought for a moment and asked" Will Lord Sun Ce be making random inspections of the city?" he asked as he waited paitently
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Post by Li Wang on Feb 27, 2011 19:02:34 GMT
Tiger General Li Wang beamed as he heard of his promotion and the trust which the Vanguard Prefect and the Lord Sun was putting in him; it would be HIS responsibility to make sure the troops were properly drilled, HIS job to strike down bandits. I'd better make sure I have an army prepared if the pirates and bandits in Jian Ye decide to flee this way. Wang mentally soloquillized as he thought of Cheng Pu's recent report of bandits in Jian Ye. And does this mean you want me to oversee the Fitness Program? Wang asked, almost overlapping Fei's words. What does he want to talk to me about?
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