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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 14, 2011 18:58:02 GMT
Here is where the governing body of the city resides. He or she will recieve and call for their advisors and officers when in doubt, or seek out foreign relations to those across their borders.
A goverment office isn't very well protected, however, this is subject to change if specified by it's controller.
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 26, 2011 19:52:06 GMT
Lu Bu strode through the city as the sun sank beneath the vast ocean that sprawled out across the east. The lights jumped on open air, dancing across the horizon as the hour of the first watch daunted on the soldiers minds. It had not been long, he recalled, when they had besieged the city and killed so many valiant warriors. He had remembered the sun, and how it had not dared show its face, nor would the heavens bestow upon them guidance on their impending victory by lighting their path. Instead they had fought in storms and winter gales, clinging to what humanity resided within them to push forward and continue. Now, the city and the heavens seemed at peace. Diao Chan was safe, tucked between silk covers and on a bed of posh wood. His ministers all bid leverage to his court, and humbled him with their strategies – his soldiers trained, whilst administrative officials recruited and expanded. It all seemed substantial and impressive, but he found no peace in the justice he had created, no tranquil in the warring states.
Whatever the times, he could not bare prolonged peace with ease. He was one for war, for battle. He turned slowly from his mount, catching a glimpse of the moons ray reflect his apparition from the flowing currents of the nearby river. It resembled a majestic warrior, a tall, sprawling god of a man, wielding a large halberd and sat upon a steed taller and greater than any city wall. The image puzzled him, but he withdrew from seeking the implorement of his advisers, knowing their kind to be too suspicious to judge. Instead, he wheeled his great horse around and headed back to the office he had set up.
It was a tall structure, though smaller than the great iron-clad walls that strengthened the generals position. Inside, large carved wooden tables spread out, with a red carpet leading to the base of a wooden chair. In front, another set of tables had been deployed, with wine and other delicacies displayed. It was a simple lifestyle, and the main section of the office was indeed his 'throne' room. In the back, only two rooms were built, one for his consorts and another for his wife, Diao Chan.
He had also born a daughter by Diao Chan, who he believed never truly recuperated after the birth, a fighter and able spokeswoman. She was named Lingqi, and was often found patrolling the state when he himself was absent. When he entered, he tended to his wife and daughter, and then perched himself readily on the chair he had made for himself. With his halberd close at hand, he gazed ahead through the night, thinking of the journey he had carved to reach his current predicament. Oh how he longed for battle once more...
[officers, or civilians under Lu Bu's army may post here to seek an audiance.]
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Post by Mikey on Jan 27, 2011 5:23:18 GMT
Ba Zeng sat idle at a large table in the less-than-majestic governor's office of Xia Pi. It was not too long ago that Ba Zeng had witnessed Lu Bu charge his way into this very building and killed everyone inside it. That day Ba Zeng had walked in triumphantly, he basked in the spilt blood, and truly believed that Lu Bu would be his ticket to greatness. Yet, even the best-laid plans of schemers go awry. All because of one woman... and her curves.
Ba Zeng's face cringed at the thought of her: Diao Chan. Ba Zeng and Diao Chan had once had a strong friendship, she was a beauty in Dong Zhou's court, everyone adored her. Ba Zeng cursed himself, being brought back to reality -- it would only be a couple of days before he would either be executed or ousted from Xia Pi. How could the deceiver be so deceived by one of his own accomplices?
Lu Bu, Lu Bu was always the ace in the hole. From an early start, Ba Zeng realized, Diao Chan obviously recognized that controlling Lu Bu would ultimately decide who lead the new nation. It was because of this blunder that would have to abandon all that he had been working to this entire time. The thought strained him, he rubbed his temples, nothing mortified him more than death. Ba Zeng lifted his head just enough to see Lu Bu lounging on his hand-carved throne. Ba Zeng knew Lu Bu all too well: smart, volatile, and at the moment -- bored. A terrible combination.
An image of his head on Lu Bu's halberd, speared as a trophy entered Ba Zeng's mind. A shiver went down his spine.
Ba Zeng was so in trance that he couldn't hear a man calling his name. On the third time, Kao Ba peeked Ba Zeng's attention enough to draw him from his musings. Kao Ba was Ba Zeng's bodyguard, and sworn siblings since the Battle of Tiger Trap, where on multiple occasions both saved the other from certain death. Ba Zeng liked to keep Kao Ba around because of his personality, he never seemed to question, or even care, about the decisions Ba Zeng made -- he just followed regardless. Perhaps it was the joy he garnered from Ba Zeng's misfortunate adventures, and subsequent adrenaline gained from keeping Ba Zeng alive.
Kao Ba stood on the red carpet, a black cape draped over his shoulders, and a hood covering his head. Light leather armor covered his entire body, Ba Zeng took solace in the fact that his bodyguard remained dutiful even in the most secure surroundings. The other ministers at the table softened their voices, and when Kao Ba didn't sit, the ministers soon received the message and carried their conversation into another room.
It probably wasn't the best move to distance himself from the other ministers, but Ba Zeng was on thin ice as it was. Ba Zeng sighed and gestured across from him, "Take a seat."
"What's the situation, brother?" Kao Ba asked in a soft voice, whilst finally sitting down. In the court, Kao Ba always drew attention, not because he was an unusual guy (though he was) but because of his beak mask that resembled a bird's in an uncanny way.
"You look like a raven." Ba Zeng smirked, he was poking fun at Kao Ba because of the lack of conviction he had put on the word 'brother', as if their oath was something less than a bond of brotherhood. Though in truth, both of them knew that in the end, they would die protecting each other if Lu Bu had ordered their execution that very second.
"Raven's are intimidating." Kao Ba retorted, not deterred at all. Ba Zeng stared at his beak for a while, remembering why it was there. It would be strange for anyone to dress up as a raven in their free time, but for Kao Ba, it was to hide a disfigured face. At Tiger Trap, Kao Ba had disengaged from the front lines to take a chance at killing Yuan Shu.
Yuan Shu's officer, Ji Ling, had cut Kao Ba off from his lines and captured him momentarily afterward. Intent on torture, then death, Ji Ling cut off Kao Ba's nose in front of Yuan Shu for his entertainment. Ba Zeng's unit attacked Yuan Shu's camp, not because of Kao Ba, but because of the supply storage they had in the vicinity.
Nevertheless, Ba Zeng claimed he had rushed to Kao Ba's aid, and why wouldn't he say otherwise?
A minister told a joke at another table, and Ba Zeng's eyes lit up, aware that he was lost in his thoughts. He leaned over the table closer to Kao Ba, looked to his right and left to make sure no one was in ear shot -- Lu Bu, a good measure away wasting his day on his high chair drinking wine. Ba Zeng whispered, "Diao Chan is trying to get Lu Bu to kill me." He said this with an incredulous tone, as if he wasn't sure himself.
Kao Ba's eyes squinted underneath his bird mask. "You sure?"
"I'm usually this paranoid, but she's got me wondering. I need to go confront Lu Bu." Ba Zeng rose from his seat, intent on walking down the red carpet when he stopped beside Kao Ba adding a note: "Tonight, front gate, be ready to leave the city disguised."
Kao Ba groaned a 'Mhm', "Pi Qua Quan can pass as a farmer. As famous as a general he was in Goguryeo..."
They both chuckled a little at that:
"We can hide in the hay." Kao Ba said afterwards, Ba Zeng immediately frowned.
Ba Zeng kept his composure as he walked down the velvet red carpet, as he reached the appropriate distance he bowed a little to show respect to his lord. And although Ba Zeng and Diao Chan had exchanged harsh words in the past few days, Ba Zeng wasn't sure what Lu Bu thought of him. So:
"Lord Lu Bu, may I have a word?" Ba Zeng's tone of voice indicated he wanted a private audience. Related Subplot: The Master, The Mistress, The Mastermind
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 27, 2011 9:21:09 GMT
The night had settled before him, replacing hues of light with a blanket of enshrouding doubt. Ba Zeng, his most trusted officer, was a traitor. He had not been able to confirm it for sure, but he had aroused the suspicions of Diao Chan, and that alone was enough for him to lead an investigation into the man's background and purpose.
If the man turned out to be a traitor, he would have the man's head cleaved off and hung on the city walls. But he secretly hoped that would not be the case. He lacked men of insight, and although cruddy in his designs – he knew Ba Zeng to be committed to his outwardly duties to the realm. He sighed.
As the night gradually passed, he felt himself doze off to the sound of the enchanters morning melody. It was always refreshing, if not somewhat intoxicating to hear. As the first morning watch approached, he gathered his things and sprawled them out in sequence. His ministers started to assemble within the chambers of his court. Able advisor’s to the left and able warriors to the right. Ba Zeng stood in the middle of the left, his bodyguard and champion sitting close at hand.
Lu Bu himself remained in his own seat, the endless night having worn down the man's senses with liquor and pleasantries. Lu Lingqi stood beside her father, her gaze piercing as the assembly chartered the months taxes and revenue expenses. It was all boring, and the only thing clouding the generals mind was Ba Zeng's impending treachery. Lu Lingqi, having heard of her fathers dilemma, had advised him prior to the assembly.
“If.” She had started, “Ba Zeng seeks a private audience, whereby he tries to over justify his own merits and diminish the suspicions of mother, then it is clear where his loyalties lie.”
Pleased, Lu Bu had agreed to his daughters proposal, and he feigned ignorance by drinking when the assembly had gathered. After the initial discussion, Ba Zeng approached him, bidding his head low and asking for an audience.
Lu Bu smiled at his man, and turned to his ministers.
“Dismissed.” He flicked his hand, and the court was adjourned. “Please, do not bow in ceremony. You and I have been through much, how can I expect you to bow when it is thanks to you that the General Dong is dead.”
He laughed, and Lu Lingqi moved to intercept the bodyguard.
“Matters of the state are beyond the minds of lesser beings like us. Let our masters discuss in private, whilst we soldiers drink in the next room.”
She waved her hand, and hoped the officer was not stupid enough to decline the invitation.
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Post by Mikey on Jan 28, 2011 5:35:13 GMT
The court emptied at Lu Bu's request, Kao Ba rose from his seat with haste, not wanting to be caught behind slower ministers on the stairs, when Lu Lingqi appeared in front of him. He recoiled, not being able to utilize his peripherals beneath his raven-mask, he had not been aware of Lu Lingqi's presence. She threw him off guard. Women soldiers made Kao Ba tense, this woman soldier was Lu Bu's daughter. Mentally, Kao Ba rolled his eyes, he had to notify Pi Qua Quan of their escape plans and to prepare for the worst.
Kao Ba would be in even a worse position if he had refused Lu Ling Qi. Perhaps Lu Bu had sent her to intercept him... was Ba Zeng correct about Lu Bu's suspicions?
Nevertheless, appearances were the most important thing to keep composure in these times. Ba Zeng had taught Kao Ba -- body language was a key principle in empathy and mind reading. To show Lu Lingqi that he was pleased with her proposal, his eyes shown brightly with joy. A thought occurred to him to appear just a tad clumsy to convey the opinion that he was somewhat harmless. To accomplish this, Kao Ba gave a small whisper, 'Oh!' and seemed to just remember his mannerisms in time, and tilted his head to Lu Linqi -- though it was obvious she wouldn't care either way.
It then looked like as if he remembered something important he needed to take care of:
"Of course...! I just-" he turned around jumbling his words and seemed to be fiddling with something with urgency underneath his cloak, "I.. need to send a message." He suddenly turned again and extended his arm, from his hand a petite black raven launched itself with a caw, tied to his foot was a tiny piece of paper.
The guards looked around, bewildered, wondering where the raven had been conjured from.
"Fly Fuxi..." Kao Ba said in a softer, more coherent voice.
Ba Zeng had requested that Kao Ba's messenger raven, Fuxi, had accompanied Kao Ba to the palace today. Kao Ba had asked why, but when Ba Zeng gave the response, he was interrupted by Pi Qua Quan -- who was intent on telling a story at the time. Fuxi was trained well, and was small enough to fit hidden on Kao Ba's person without being too obvious. Kao Ba's cloak, after all, was at least double what was required to keep his body hidden.
Kao Ba turned again, embarrassed, "Sorry, personal issues... let us go then!" He motioned for Lu Lingqi to lead the way to the other room, where the alleged drinking party for soldiers was being held, and hoped 'personal issues' would lead Lu Lingqi to the conclusion that he did not want to talk about the contents of the note.
Pleased with Lu Bu's calmness and positive response to him, Ba Zeng took his time to sti down at the table in front of throne. He even took the liberty to pour himself some wine and drank a particularly elongated sip. In reality, Ba Zeng was plotting his next move. A game of words -- yet also a game of life and death. Lu Bu did not love and share the same bed as Ba Zeng as he did with Diao Chan. In this way, Ba Zeng was at a disadvantage. Still, it had seemed that Lu Bu had liked Ba Zeng's company, perhaps the trust he had earned during the their time together still had meaning.
Perhaps... it was the only advantage Diao Chan had yet to dismantle.
Ba Zeng laid the wine cup back down on the table and sighed. It was a tired sigh, meant to convince Lu Bu that Ba Zeng was exhausted, stressed, as if something of mentionable magnitude was bothering him. Ba Zeng had thought to himself carefully, Lu Bu was probably already aware that it was recommended to be suspicious of Ba Zeng from Diao Chan.
Hmm... Ba Zeng thought to himself, maybe it was best to start with small talk:
"Thank you Fengxian," Ba Zeng chuckled when Lu Bu mentioned the dreadful Dong Zhou. "I've just been so stressed recently, we haven't had a chance to talk." Lu Bu had seemed comfortable enough to be informal with Ba Zeng, so Ba Zeng responded mutually relaxed.
"Please Fengxian, share some wine with me. It just occurred to me that we never toasted to your new empire." Ba Zeng took the initiative to pour another glass of wine and placed it in front of Lu Bu. Ba Zeng was carefully calculating every muscle movement in his body, trying to be as fluid and calm as possible. He had been completely genuine, why would Lu Bu deny some wine?
Related Subplot: The Master, The Mistress, The Mastermind
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 28, 2011 20:35:17 GMT
Lu Bu could only remain silent as Ba Zeng spoke, preferring to hear the mans plea before giving in to the wine he had poured himself. He downed it, refilled the goblet and then placed it down on the table. A souvenir. It was clear then that an impending change was to occur, and being the hardy man that he was, he dared not mask his change of temperament to someone as insightful as Lord Zeng. So the change came gradually - starting, like with all things, with but a subtle gesture, a nod – and then generally escalated outwards.
He turned himself, yawning slightly as he regained his composure. His eyes, that had once been alight with life, now glazed over and pierced the man's soul, showing only the darkness that so many men had come to respect and fear. His body, now tense, tore away at those nearby as he sat in his own world of haste.
“Your head.” He eventually said, slowly, yet deliberately, “Is going on a long journey. What use has liquor got?”
Lu Linqi watched intently as the raven was set free, and turned only an eye to its direction before turning back to the warrior with a false smile on her face.
“A beautiful creature, the raven.” She commented, reminding herself to have troops sent in the direction of the raven at a later time. “A pity I collect their feathers.”
She laughed, and together with the bodyguard. Entered the rear chambers where wine was placed in handfuls. She sat by the door leading out, and poured herself as much wine as she could stomach in any single sitting. Then, she turned to her guest, and offered the same.
“So...how long have you been serving Ba Zeng exactly? I remember seeing you around....not that you're difficult to spot, with that mask on your face.”
She downed her goblet, refilled another and did the same again.
“I guess it doesn't really matter. I assume you know why you're here.”
She turned her eyes gradually to the soldier, and she could feel the tensions suddenly break loose. Its pleased her, that even with all these new developments, certain things would 'always' remain the same. “May I ask you one thing though.”
Guards steadily blocked the door to the chamber, and another pair came close to where Lu Lingqi was sat. “What is really going on between Ba Zeng, Diao Chan and Lu Bu. Rumour speaks of a triumvirate, but I think not. You must realise my father isn't as foolish as he lets on?”
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Post by Mikey on Jan 29, 2011 2:29:07 GMT
Kao Ba noticed Lu Lingqi watch his raven with wondering eyes. She commented on collected raven's feathers, and Kao Ba replied mischievously, "Don't get any ideas."
He followed Lu Lingqi without hesitation, thoughts raced through his head, but ultimately he kept his composure. Lu Lingqi would not kill him, for Lu Bu would want the pleasure himself, and would not send his daughter to do so. Kao Ba had been in the rear chambers before, he immediately knew an exit - a window covered by a thin translucent linen which lead to the outside. His eyes looked at it just for a second, and he hoped to himself that Lingqi did not notice.
Trying to cover his mishap, Kao Ba picked up a goblet and drank carefully, his beak just allowing his mouth to connect with his cup. He turned as Lu Lingqi asked her first question, to which Kao Ba replied genuinely. His demeanor changed subtly. He did not want to play the game of charades that Ba Zeng wished him to abide by.
"Ba Zeng and I attended the same academy in Xu Chang." He paused collecting his thoughts, and sizing up the new arrival of guards. Maybe he was a bit cocky, but he was sure he could dispatch all four of the guards. As for Lu Lingqi, she was a woman, and seemed to be unarmed. And though whilst Kao Ba's dual sai was attached to his hips, they were hidden under the shadow of his cloak.
"During the Iron Whale war, we killed many together, and became like brothers, and since you seem curious about the mask, allow me to enlighten you," His voice became deeper and more stern as the tension grew between them, Kao Ba took another gulp of wine, "At the battle of Tiger Trap, I tried to assassinate Yuan Shu, but one of his trusted officers, Ji Ling came to his rescue. I exchanged only two blows with Ji Ling until the situation became futile, I surrendered..." Kao Ba grew quiet, paused, then; "Then he cut off my nose for Yuan Shu's amusement."
Kao Ba touched the tip of his metal beak, "and now I have this metal one, I fashioned it myself into the likeness of a raven's beak....
A raven is a bird of prey..." he left his last statement linger until Lu Lingqi spoke again.
Kao Ba did not listen to what she said next, because a pang of pain suddenly hit him where his nose once was, and he remembered his scream when Ji Ling placed the knife to his face.
A blood curling scream.
Kao Ba's thoughts froze, he blanked out, he couldn't hear, he didn't think. A moment passed like this and then Lu Lingqi's voice shattered the spell, she was questioning. Perhaps it was her tone that broke Kao Ba's state. She asked about a possible triumvirate. Kao Ba didn't understand, wasn't that the idea all along? It was all Ba Zeng talked about. Perhaps Lu Bu hadn't had a place for Ba Zeng in his empire after all, and that the original plan was to be rid of him. Kao Ba didn't like this.
Lu Lingqi wanted the truth, Kao Ba would oblige her, as angry as it would make Ba Zeng to be speaking with someone so close to Lu Bu like this - Kao Ba did not like to beat around the bush would people.
"When Ba Zeng and Diao Chan first conceived the idea to have your mother tempt your father's interest, they agreed on the triumvirate template for the new kingdom. Between Ba Zeng, Diao Chan and Lu Bu, the three would control Xu.
Your mother and Ba Zeng always treated your father like a puppet. Though in recent years Fengxian has shown his intellect to be more mature than when your mother coaxed him into ruthlessly murdering Dong Zhou. Not that Ba Zeng is any more innocent." He chuckled. A kingdom made in treachery would be haunted by it.
"It seems your mother has deemed Ba Zeng to have fulfilled his usefulness." Kao Ba did not care whether his comments angered Lu Lingqi or bothered the guards in the room. If anything, the young woman in front of him probably basked in her mother's controlling ways. "I assume your parents have already confronted you on ways on how to deal with Ba Zeng. Trust me, he has had the best intentions of serving Xu, Diao Chan has made that excruciatingly hard for him. Your mother doesn't want anyone else controlling Fengxian. No one else whispering in his ear..."
He took a pause, then slowly sat opposite of Lu Lingqi,
"It seems to me that Ba Zeng has two options: step down and hold his tongue, and let his years of advising your father amount to nothing. A scenario where your mother and father alone would rule Xu. Though whether Fengxian is truly calling the shots, or whether it's your mother's coaxing ways, is something to be decided...
Or: Ba Zeng could leave the city, and not risk execution. I'm curious Lingqi, what would you do in his situation?"
Ba Zeng did not respond Lu Bu's last question, not fully knowing it's meaning. Perhaps the wine was affecting his thinking, his cheeks flushed with colour, and he remembered why he never usually drank alcohol in large amount; he was a light-weight.
He rubbed his temples and tried desperately to collect his thoughts into cohesive sentences. "Fengxian..." He started but didn't know where he was going. He paused.
Umm...
"I don't think your wife likes me," he started again, then took another gulp of the ever-increasingly-appealing wine. He rubbed both of his palms over his face and seemed stressed, he faced Lu Bu again, "Fengxian, I just don't know what you want me to do, I feel cornered, threatened..."
Diao Chan beat you... a voice said in his head.
Ba Zeng's demeanor changed drastically from his cool collected self into something of a breakdown. A pity you chose the alcohol. The voice chimed again, amused.
Related Subplot: The Master, The Mistress, The Mastermind
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Post by dongyan on Jan 29, 2011 18:34:18 GMT
They finally had a home again, Chen Gong had finally been able to give his elderly mother and his young daughter a place to live without the worry they would be forced to move in the morning. Ever since that cursed Cao Cao had lured him out of his comfortable, if minor, post as a magistrate, Chen Gong had lacked a place of his own. Dongjun had always felt a place where he was biding his time and it had proved to be the case.
The time under Lu Bu's army had been... educational for a man more used to working in a city. The constant moving about, living not in a house but in an army encampment at times and wondering if today might be the day where things fell apart... It had not been easy. Chen Gong had enjoyed the work aspects of his new life, helping his lord plan the future but it had been a strain on the health of his mother. Fleeing from Yuan Shao had brought things to a head and there had been a quarrel in the Chen household but now, as he listened to the sights of his daughter's laughter, Chen Gong knew that part of his life was over for now.
Quietly, he slipped a brown cloak over his shoulders to guard against the cold and left his new quarters, heading towards the Government Office. As Chen Gong walked, he couldn't help but note the little signs that showed the fight there had been in Xia Pi, a necessary sacrifices to his ambitions.
His ambitions... The thought made Chen Gong glance to the Northwest where the traitor Cao Cao's administration was. Till now, he hadn't had the resources to do anything about such a plague on the world but now, with a base, he could make Lu Bu become powerful enough to destroy Cao Cao. Of course, that depended on Lu Bu, would his liege lord prove cooperative?
His walk over, Chen Gong was standing in front of Xia Pi's government office. Running a hand to check his beard and moustache were nice and smooth, glancing down at his grey robes to check he hadn't got it dirty, Chen Gong was ready. Nodding at the guards, Chen Gong addressed them.
"I am Chen Gong and I seek an audience with the General."
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 29, 2011 21:38:40 GMT
Lu Linqi followed the man’s gaze from the table to the window and then back. She had made out that she had not seen, offering a smile instead to help settle the air. The palace was after all her back-garden, and whatever he had found she had probably found first.
“Don't worry.”
She resisted the urge to touch the beak as she spoke, instead deciding to just sit and stare, following the tip down to it's oval base and then back up again. He had looked strange at first, but she had understood why he had taken the face of a raven to hind behind. In the end she thought it suited him, and she failed to comment further as she listened to his tale
“It instigates fear, or worry at the very least.”
She made the comment out loud,and had only a second to check herself before giggling. Then, she turned a weary eye to the guards, nodding disapprovingly, “I don't need you here.”
“But...”
“No buts.” She turned back to the warrior, her eyes sympathetic to her cause, “You wouldn't bring harm upon an unarmed lady, would you?”
She laughed again, and forced by an order the guards had to leave. When the room was empty, she picked her goblet back up and reviewed the story the man had told her about Yuan Shu and Ji Ling.
“You know. Yuan Shu is stationed in Shou Chun – just south of here.”
She looked at the table, placing her goblet as if to pin-point Xia Pi, and then drew a line with her finger to the counties south of Xuzhou and into Huainan.
“To be honest, I have always respected Lord Zeng. He has hsis issues, as we all do...but there is something about the man that pleases me.”
She turned cautiously, and then just gave up...”My father believes Ba Zeng is plotting against him. Maybe my mother is wrong to suspect him, I do not know. But I do not feel this is right.”
She revealed a hidden blade, and slapped it on the table, “Guiards and a hidden weapon. I'm sure you're clever enough to put two and two together, now lets go to Lu Bu and prevent this tragedy from happening.”
She grabbed the mans arm and moved....
Lu Bu could only laugh at how Ba Zeng presented himself. He had threatened to kill the man, and instead of running, or fighting, or hell – even laughing, the man bowed low and almost pleaded for his life.
“I never thought you'd plot against me.” He said, “But then I never thought you'd fear Diao Chan's influence over me either.”
He grabbed his Halberd, levelled it to his shoulder and rose before the bowing Zeng.
“I will say no more, or do no more. Diao Chan has said very little, but what she has said is indeed true. For a man who considers themselves worthy, you take it upon yourself to plan and plot everything. Without my consultation, or even knowledge. My men do things I am unaware of, you have messengers assigned to your own personal guard. I am the ruler here, I was the one who slaid dong zhuo, helped re-establish the empire. I was the one who sought Liu Bei, and...I was also the one who defeated that puny scion and forced him south. These achievements were not your doing, and yet....still – I am unaware of things within my own chambers.”
he sighed heavily, and turned. A guard approached, explaining the arrival of an old friend, Chen Gong.
“Chen.” Lu Bu muttered back to Zeng, “Now he consults me. He advises me. Why won't you.”
He turned to bid the guard approval of Chen's coming, and turned back to Zeng briefly.
“But I shall say no more. Fate has bestowed you life, and I am still in your debt for the aid you have brought me. So go, if it is something more you seek, then go and seek it. I have no need for men whose ambitions par to my own.”
ooc: I was tired, I think it'll be easier if we just conclude the story mikey. If you stay in Xu, my next reply will be a good one, if you decide to leave as I currently understand it, then my next post will hate you!
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Post by Mikey on Jan 30, 2011 4:05:44 GMT
( OOC: Don't spoil it for me Steve! ) Ba Zeng laid his arms in front of him on the table, defeated and tired. He had prepared a long elaborate way to try to convince Lu Bu to deny Diao Chan attendance in war councils, but he didn't have the urge to anymore. Lu Bu grabbed his halberd, Ba Zeng saw him as a different person. He was no longer the man with the halberd, but the man behind the halberd.
Now, more than ever, Ba Zeng respected Lu Bu. He merely nodded his head as Lu Bu spoke. He was fierce, yet forgiving. The suspicions were unraveling to be exactly what they were -- a pot of boiling water running out of it's steam. Ba Zeng looked up to Lu Bu and smiled.
"Fengxian, in a way you were my ambition. I wanted to put my mind to work, whatever way I could, I put my tactics in your hands, together we destroyed armies. More so, I thought we could control you -- Diao Chan and I. Wang Yang thought the same when he was involved. It was not to be. You're no fool Fengxian, you're not the puppet we thought you were." Ba Zeng smirked, times change, so do people.
"But now," Ba Zeng sighed, "Diao Chan has driven me away, the love that binds you two is unbreakable, and I have enough humanity inside me to not fight it anymore. Whatever her intentions are Fengxian," Ba Zeng leaned in closer, for he truly believed his next words, "She can't control you anymore -- the way we did back then."
Ba Zeng began to collect himself again, his emotion poured out over the table, the colour diminished from his cheeks, and he dared not drink any more wine. "As for this fictitious plot against you, there are no rampaging rebel armies in the country side, there are no assassins bearing down from the ceiling, and you aren't dead yet." Ba Zeng shrugged, the only plot he had ever conceived was against Diao Chan, not Lu Bu. Even now, those plots seemed useless.
From within his sleeve Ba Zeng produced a small bound scroll, he presented it to Lu Bu: "My resignation letter, tenure immediately. I wrote it three months ago -- so some of the clauses may be obsolete.
As for Xu, Fengxian, you are still a friend of mine, and I will not tell you how to rule; for I have already done enough of that. You still have Chen Gong and Li Ru, they are able strategists..." Ba Zeng agreed at this, though whether their capabilities were more than Ba Zeng was not certain. Ba Zeng slowly nodded solemnly.
The Mastermind bowed his head once more, for he had nothing else to say to Fengxian.
Kao Ba was pulled into the throne room after Lu Lingqi stunned him with a display of honesty. They were in time to see the unfolding scene, Kao Ba, speechless. In a way, he expected such a conclusion.
The dutiful servant, he kneeled to the two men in front of him, and awaited the final response.. Related Subplot: The Master, The Mistress, The Mastermind
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Post by dongyan on Jan 30, 2011 8:46:21 GMT
Chen Gong had waited patiently at the door and nodded appreciatively when the guards waved him in. Unaware of what was going on in front of him, he simply advanced towards his lord, stopping at the table nearest to Lu Bu, that seemed an appropriate distance from his lord.
Taking off the brown cloak and placing it on a spare chair, they grey robed advisor glanced around, his eyes narrowing with suspicion on Ba Zeng. Something seemed to have happened but what? Had Lu Bu been persuaded by Ba Zeng to do something? If he had, Chen Gong hoped it would not be too late to alter his lord's plans if need be. Had their been a row he could exploit?
Bowing before Lu Bu, Chen Gong spoke humbly.
"Thank you for seeing me General, I hope the timing was not inconvenient."
Turning his body towards Lu Bu's daughter, Chen Gong bowed to her as well. Less out of respect, more out of safety, always a good idea to have such a person on his side. His tone was pleasant and his stern features expressed a smile.
"Lady Lu, it is always a pleasure to see you."
Then he turned to Ba Zeng and Kao Bao, his face again stern but this time he didn't bow, simply nodding to both of them.
"Minister Bao, Master Kao."
Chen Gong was not going to rush into this, he wanted to see what was unfolding before he reacted.
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 30, 2011 11:06:26 GMT
Lu Bu stepped away from Ba Zeng, and took to taking the Halberd from his hand and placing it back onto the sheath that stood taller than the table. He doubted he would need it now, and simply looked down on the general, watching him plead his case and hand over a scroll of resignation, to which he paid no heed too.
“I am at a loss of words.”
He had never really expected it to end like this, but then, he wasn't ever sure that it'd have turned out any different, even if Diao Chan had not been involved. There had always been something strange about Ba Zeng, he was a man that sought something Lu Bu did not, and although the two had never really spoken about it – it had always been there, lingering in the furtherest parts of their minds.
“Burn the letter.” He eventually said, after a brief pause. He could see that Chen Gong had arrived, and in return to the man’s opening he bowed gently in response. Lu Linqi smiled, yet offered no words of gratitude.
“Then leave.” Lu Bu dared to look back at Ba Zeng, and then mused at why exactly Lu Lingqi had even arrived with the soldier.
“I have no use for you any more. It seems we're destined to part way, and I fear...”
he looked to his halberd, then smirked, “That if you stay much longer, I may accidentally part your head from your shoulders. So go. I have no interest in hearing of my past record achievements, nor do I feel enlightened by being told that I am no longer a puppet. As...perhaps I never was the puppet to begin with.”
He turned to Chen Gong, smiling in a manner that only the two of them could understand. After all, he had spent endless nights discussing the words of Diao and Zeng to the advisor, hearing his plans and decisions from behind closed doors. Maybe, to the eyes of the nation – Lu Bu was a puppet, but those who knew him would soon realise that, that was not entirely true.
“And as for you.” He gazed back at Lu Linqi, “Why are you here, did you honestly think i'd just charge head in.”
he laughed, but the session had eased Lu's thoughts, and she returned to her duties elsewhere, giggling in the distance. Then, Lu Bu turned to Chen Gong, ignoring the remains of the two men who no longer sought refuge within his kingdom.
“Worry not, brother. How could you inconvenience me.”
He poured himself a glass, and bid his advisor to sit with him, “After Dong Zhuo was slain, I have had the pleasure of meeting able strategists and warriors. I wish I had the insight to see all that you can, but I fear that I am but a soldier, destined to bring heroic deeds only in the midst of battle.”
He gazed back to Ba Zeng, who had yet to move, “It is a shame some have decided to go their separate ways, but alas – it is the will of the heavens, or at least that is what Diao Chan often tells me.”
He was not so sure if heaven ever displayed its will. But he wasn't one to argue the thought out loud. “Call for a meeting, right here, right now. I need to know what options are available to me, with enemies in the north, south and west – we must get ourselves prepared.”
He turned his attention one last time to Zeng, “Maybe as a parting gift, you could offer one last piece of advice.”
Maybe he would, or maybe he wouldn't. Zeng was odd in his ways, but Lu knew that whatever he did say would soon be counteracted, and he needed to assess himself who, out of all of his advisors – would become his top official.
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Post by Mikey on Jan 30, 2011 19:16:59 GMT
Ba Zeng averted his gaze from Lu Bu, almost as if he were embarrassed. "Minister Chen," Ba Zeng acknowledged as the advisor took a seat beside him. Ba Zeng withdrew his resignation letter; for Lu Bu had no intention of reading it. And for some odd reason, Ba Zeng felt that he did not want Lu Bu to read it's contents anyway. For all has already been said.
Ba Zeng was about to leave when Lu Bu one final last peice of advice. The Mastermind thought about it, and only nodded in agreement. Even now, he saw through Lu Bu, and the hidden meaning. Lu Bu meant to find his new advisor by seeing who could match up with Ba Zeng's intellect. In a way, Ba Zeng was flattered, but couldn't help but felt used.
The man certainly couldn't complain, not after the years of his life spent controlling other people. Ba Zeng turned and waved Kao Ba off, dismissing his loyal bodyguard.
Kao Ba rose, paused and then turned to leave, his large black cloak shadowing his movements. At the end of the carpet, a small black raven named Fuxi returned from his journey, cawed very loudly, and hid it self amongst the enveloping darkness of Kao Ba's cloak.
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Post by dongyan on Jan 30, 2011 21:06:19 GMT
Chen Gong had been expecting such a confrontation to come, the discussions with Lu Bu had kept the adviser well informed, but such a change was still a shock. Chen Gong used the time the General used talking to others to focus his mind on the important opportunity, if Ba Zeng was gone then he could become chief adviser if he played his cards right.
Suppressing the urge to smirk, Chen Gong bowed and gratefully took the seat near to Lu Bu. On given the instructions, Chen Gong nodded and asked for some writing equipment. On being given them, Chen Gong rolled back his sleeves, to ensure they didn't get any spills on them. As he wrote, he carefully mused, deliberately keeping it sincere.
"It is difficult General to always tell what is fated by the Heavens and what was decided by human nature. You are more then a mere solider, more then a warrior and that is why we have followed you when you did not have a base. Now we have a home, your officers will lend our meagre talents to seeing you rise to where you belong."
Chen Gong finished with the written summons and handed it to a nearby servant.
"Take this to the clerks to copy and send those copies to the officers."
That done, Chen Gong leant back, his mind going over his own plans, a last check before the meeting ahead. They, he, had to get this right or lose this opportunity.
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Post by Zhang He on Jan 30, 2011 22:57:23 GMT
Running through the town at full speed Zhang Liao didnt stop for anyone, he occasionally slowed down to dodge the odd person who didn't see him coming. He would have taken his horse but to rush through town on a horse could be disastrous for either him or a towns person.
Liao had received word that Lu Bu was planning to kill Ba Zeng for treason, Zeng being one of the masterminds in the Xu force, it would be stupid to execute him. Liao wanted to defend his case but ultimately would stand by Lu Bu with what ever decision he made. Zeng was a loyal servant and served Xu well.
He had reached the main palace, he stood at the bottom of the concrete stairs and looked up at the door way hoping he wasn't too late. He removed his and walked up the stairs nodding his head to all the guards he passed. "Sir, Lu Bu would like an audience with you" A guard said to him as he entered the palace. "Certainly" He replied.
Liao sighed a slowed his pace, he was obviously too late. Zeng must be dead otherwise he would have passed him on his way out. It was a sad day for Xu. He bowed his head out of respected and continued to walk, he lifted his head after a few feet and looked up at the door, he took a deep breath and composed himself but suddenly the door opened, it was Zeng's bodyguard. Liao peered into the room and noticed Zeng still alive, he breathed a sigh of relief. He had noticed everyone was looking at him and realised he was standing there like a plank, "Uhh..."
Liao walked into the room and looked to see everyone faces. "Master Kao, Mistress Lu, Master Chen..." His eyes the fixed on Zeng, he walked forward and dropped to one knee and bowed infront of him to show respect for him. "Master Ba." Liao said and stood up "Its good to see you." He bowed again and walked over to Lu Bu. "Master Lu, you wanted to see me?" He bowed to Lu Bu but he remained standing as he did so, unlike the bow he gave Ba Zeng.
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