Gong
Full Member
King of Hanzhong
Posts: 178
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Post by Gong on Jan 31, 2011 17:49:12 GMT
The years had been harsh, the spirits surrounded the Furen of the Dong family so freely and a constant reminder of what she had lost; her father..her brothers..her sisters..her uncle..her grandmother.. She was the only one left to continue the memory of the being she adored, she prayed every moon to thank the Heavens for keeping her husband safe. Li Ru. The man now she shared devotion with, the other was a man she viewed as brother; Lu Bu. To her, he did not murder her father, but was placed a puppet by the true perpetrator of the crime..Diao Chan. Looking out of the window across the coastline of Xiapi, Furen held a fan within her hands lightly relaxing her features with a gentile breeze; the thoughts of the woman encroaching on her memories. A tear rolled and began its journey down her cheek, the grip of the fan tightening as the constant reminder of what she had forcefully lost was present in the vacinity..having power, taking advantage of all; one day, one day.. Suddenly the fan she was holding yielded and broke the main frame within her grasp. As it was allowed to fall into pieces upon the ground, an attendant spoke of the council being currently called. Could she stand across from Diao and act civil? Yes, for the sake of her future, the memory of her father, the name of her husband and the respect for Lu Bu...she had to...
Repressing the memories and hurt that she suffered, Furen made a quick change in attire to take on the appearance of a proud Matriarch.. At such a young age to be Furen, the Matron without any heir to guide, as of yet. As the phoenix hairpins were placed into her hair, Furen could feel the presence of Dong Zhuo take hold; the anger and hate, it serged to bring confidence.. No more tears, she was the daughter of a Demon..the Tyrant of Tianshui, no, of the Land; and not even such as Diao, or even Lu himself could hold the strength within. Appearing from her room, Furen was unware whether her husband would be present for he had been so busy as of late..many people believed him dead, not to mention those who were happy in the ignorance that they had put a halt to the Dong family; forgetting about one heir... The feet carried confidence and fire, without escort she came towards the doors of the Council chamber. She filled the part of Matriarch, her stature now blessed with power and the appearance of a woman who had everything and refused to give the past a chance to disperse. "Announcing, Wife of Minister Li, Dong Furen!" Wabbled the officials who announced each arrival, whether guest, foe or sub-bordinate. In her own right Furen could match the knowledge of any man present, thus her appearance. One side of her allowed her presence simply because the fact she was unaware if Li Ru would place an appearance; if so, she was here on behalf..if not, then she would stand behind her husband. "My Lord, I came with haste after hearing your wish for council."
The tone was soft, though it did not lack in fire. She kowtowed to Lu Bu as one of inferiority would, she could already see that perhaps gone were the days she'd refer to him as 'Brother'...without Dong Zhuo, they no longer had that bond, or so she believed, maybe Diao purged that from him?.. Something that differentiated Furen from her father, she knew when she must act as the loyal subservant; Dong Zhuo being famous for his disobedience... Glancing quickly to those present, the Daughter of the Tyrant recognised those of merit who once bowed to her father, happily noticing that the one she secretly had a vendetta against was not present..
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 31, 2011 19:13:20 GMT
Lu Bu had remained in silence as the council was called. All member,s misnsisters and officials had arrived, save for Li Ru and a few of his trusted warriors. It did not matter, the majority of the vote he had alleged was present, and so the council could begin alsmost immediately.
“Welcome.”
He started with a stern voice, his eyes peering down on all who had come to the assembly. He secretly thanked Chen Gong for his words and his quick hand, for without – the council would not have been established so promptly.
“I have called everyone here for a reason, please – enough with the ceremonies.”
He spoke of course to the act of kowtowing, an act his once adopted father had took great pleasure in receiving. But as he was now the leader, he thought such acts a waste of precious time, time he could spend among able bodied men planning their future.
“We have travelled far, and as treacherous as our journey has been, we stumbled upon this grand city, where we have regrouped and grown.”
He cursed himself inside for lack of better vocab, but smiled when Chen and the other ministers smiled. After all, he was not bowed to because of his insight, or because of the books he could recite. It was because no man in arms could compete with him and his steed.
“Our men have undergone their training, our ministers have had time to establish their plans. Now let me hear each of your suggestions, for the fate of the empire rests now in your capable hands. I am but a warrior, a man of steel – but without your precious insight how will I know which way to swing my blade, and at which enemy to call friend or foe.”
He wasn't as stupid as many had thought, but he loved the idea of being looked down on. It was also a brilliant opportunity to see which of his ministers shined, and which...did not.
After he had spoken, he turned his attentions to Zhang Liao, who he had seen kowtow humbly before his ex minister, Zeng.
“I hope your allegiance has not faltered. You serve me because I am the greatest warrior alive, not because of my 'humble' appearance.”
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Post by dongyan on Feb 1, 2011 8:02:31 GMT
"Master Zhang."
Chen Gong had nodded to Zhang Liao when the warrior talked to him but his eyes widened in horror at seeing Zhang Liao's blatant show of support for Ba Zeng. How much did Zhang Liao know? Too little and thus could be explained away or enough that this was an act of folly?
"L... Madam Dong."
Chen Gong bowed to the daughter of the tyrant out of civility and out of respect for the imposing impression she made. Would she prove as difficult a rival as Li Ru? He would soon see.
Smiling whenever Lu Bu glanced at him, reassuring himself as much as reassuring Lu Bu, Chen Gong had whispered to one of the servant's for his needs and now had what he required in front of him. With a cough and standing up, Chen Gong glanced around the room.
"Thank you General. My plan has three parts, the first of which is stating the obvious but I find that such things can be easy to overlook. We have a base but we must keep it strong, we must improve it, we must train the troops, ensure they are equipped and so on. Now we have a base, logistics will be easier but most not be neglected."
Chen Gong put eyes to the floor now, this could be awkward for some of the ego's.
"Our officer core is highly skilled and loyal, few could hope to match the strength and leadership of Zhang Liao or the wisdom of Li Ru, let alone that of the General. However we need numbers and we must seek to recruit officers to our ranks, it will increase our lieges prestige and give more options for the future."
Unrolling a map, Chen Gong quickly looked up to see which ego's may have been offended before his eyes dwelled on the map.
"There is only one reasonable choice of expansion in the short term and we should take it. Lord Cao Cao and Lord Yuan Shu are both too powerful at this point in time but Bei Hai is a land we can take, expanding our resources and giving us an opportunity for the future, flanking Lord Cao Cao and giving a link to Lord Yuan Shao, either to attack or to work with. We should send envoy's to Governor Kong Rong, if we can gain his support then seizing the province should prove easier and further our lords prestige. If he should oppose or prove difficult... well he is no match for our army."
It was with a weary shrug he said the last part. Now he turned completely towards the General, he could not see what the officers were doing. He had to hope they would not undermine him, in his hand he held Cheng Qi's recent proclamation.
"We should also look to plan for the future, who do we fight and then build alliances around that. I think General that the best course of action in the medium term is that we should go north and face Cao Cao. Despite this proclamation's recent praise of you, he is an enemy and can not be trusted to maintain a friendship for long, if he seizes control of the capital then his political power will be extremely dangerous."
Chen Gong took a deep breath, looking his lord in the eyes. Nearly there, if Chen could just nudge his lord to support the plan before the others took to countering it. Particularly Ba Zheng.
"Send envoy's to Lord Yuan Shao, he will be our neighbour if we take Bei Hai and would be able to support us if we put aside the past. With his aid, we can hit Cao Cao from the east, the south and the north in coordinated strikes. Then we can protect his south while he deals with Gongsun Zan and we, with our noth protected, can strike west or south as the situation requires before avenging yourself on the man who attempted to kill you. Once we have Yuan Shao's support, we can look to build up other alliances around the goal of defeating Cao Cao but it will be important to make that first alliance and get that stepping stone in place."
With that, Chen Gong inclined his head and sat back down, stroking his goatee and waiting to see what would happen next.
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Post by Zhang He on Feb 1, 2011 12:51:37 GMT
Zhang Liao stood back and listened to Lu Bu his eyes watched Lu Bu at all time but he could still feel the looks people gave him for humbling Ba Zeng, especially grand strategist Chen Gong but Chen Gong was a traitor himself and to give such a look to the most loyal warrior was stupid in Zhang Liao's eyes.
Being lost in his own thoughts he had missed what Lu Bu was saying but he soon addressed him, he questioned where Liao's loyalty lies, of course they were with Lu Bu. "My loyalties will always lie with you, however i do not serve you because you are the greatest warrior alive." Zhang Liao paused and looked around to see everyone else in the room. "I serve you because you are the only man who can bring peace to this land, and for that, you have my blade." Zhang Liao bowed then infront of Lu Bu but stood back up as the strategist began to lay out his plans he listened carefully and thought about the consequences of each plan. Taking Bei Hai would mean being a threat Yuan Shao and a bigger threat to Cao Cao, maybe the fact Yuan Shao and Cao Cao are friends may lead them to attack us at Bei Hai or worse Yuan Shao attacks Bei Hai and Cao Cao strikes Xia Pi. The other option is to attack Cao Cao directly but their overwhelming force would crush Xu even with Zhang Liao and Lu Bu.
He rubbed his chin and took a moment to think some more... Yuan Shu has a bigger army than us but only one capable general, Ji Ling. Killing him would destroy the moral of their entire force and an easy victory could be had from there even with lesser numbers. Liao waited for Gong to finish speaking before adding his bit. "Sir, attack Bei Hai would mean we could be attacked by Yuan Shao and Cao Cao at the same time. I am totally against it. Even with an alliance it does not change the bond Shao and Cao holds. If we do we risk losing all our land. I suggest attacking Yuan Shu, Shou Chun is a rich land and could help us greatly, it also allows us to take Ru Nan giving us a clear shot at the capital, however Ji Ling needs to be taken care of first, i suggest either sending Ba Zeng or his bodyguard to assassinate him or in battle sending Hua Xiong to seek him out and duel him, if you chose option one it will give master Zeng a chance to clear his name, i he defects, i will personally seek him out and bring you his head."
With that, Zhang Liao bowed and looked at Ba Zeng for a couple of seconds and then sat down at the table. He poured himself a drink and waited for the response of Lu Bu and Chen Gong.
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Post by dongyan on Feb 1, 2011 13:40:22 GMT
Chen Gong made no indication of what he thought about Zhang Liao's declaration of loyalty. He had no wish to been seen as a flatter or to embarrass his lord.
Chen Gong listened patiently to Zhang Liao, his fingers running through his beard but clearly surprised by the idea of murder, his eyesbrows rising high. Biting down the urge to instantly object, Chen Gong waited patiently, only glancing at Lu Bu once as the former magistrate wondered what his lord felt about Zhang Liao's involvement of Ba Zeng.
Finally, Chen Gong seized the chance to speak, standing up again, his voice taking a pleading tone, his hands on the table.
"General, assassination of a man like Ji Ling might bring us a quick victory if you follow such a path, I'll grant that. It would however also blacken your name amongst the gentry and the scholars, making recruitment of skilled officers difficult and handing a propaganda advantage to your enemies. In the long run, it would alienate us from everyone around us. If attacking Yuan Shu is the path you choose, a duel would at least gain prestige the victorious warrior and serve the purpose just as well."
Straitening up, Chen Gong composed himself and his voice took on it's usual neutral tone.
"Yuan Shu's forces may not be as skilled as our own army and have a far less skilled leader but it would be foolish to underestimate them none the less. Particularly given some of the men who have served Yuan Shu at one time or another. We would have to send most of our our army south if we are to have any hope of completing the task quickly. If we advance south, we take on a man of considerable political influence if the attack stalls and opening up Xia Pi to attack from the north before we can reorganise our forces. Even if we succeed, we risk both ending up involved in southern wars, unless we prepare the ground properly with Liu Yong and Sun Ce and a northern attack anyway."
Chen Gong glanced at Ba Zeng as he continued.
"If we go for Bei Hai, we have an easier opponent and a chance of support within the area. Yes it would put us up against Cao Cao and Yuan Shao but that is why we would play the political game. Cao Cao has grown faster then his old friend and ambition will sour that relationship, your envoy can play on Yuan Shao's ambition and fears. If that succeeds, we can also seek alliance with Yuan Shu, to protect our south, and Zhang Xiu to the west to encircle Cao Cao."
Chen Gong sighed, now for the bit he hoped would never happen.
"If Yuan Shao rejects our appeals then we go to Cao Cao. We can't trust him long term but he is ambitious and conniving, if he sees an opportunity to betray a friend for gain, he will do so. We gain his friendship, we again seek alliance with Yuan Shu and seek to work with Gongsun Zan, then either work with Zan and Xiu against Cao Cao or work with Cao Cao against Zan depending on where things fall."
Once again, Chen Gong sat down.
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Post by Zhang He on Feb 1, 2011 14:02:05 GMT
Zhang Liao watched Chen Gong stand up, clearly he did not like his plan. He sat back and watched him taking some more sips from his drink. Chen Gong dismissed his plan straight away, making up some rubbish about politics and name tarnishing. Typical of Chen Gong. Angry began to build up inside Zhang Liao as he ridiculed his plan completely then came up with complex and elaborate plan that would never work. He wanted to side with the enemy, but was it his enemy? He stood up and slammed his first on the table...
"Tarnish our name? Yet Lu Bu has slain Ding Yuan and Dong Zhou and we allow a traitor to be our strategist, yet we are still able to boast an army that includes Zhang Liao, Gao Shun and Hua Xiong, do you not think your plans through? You seemed keen enough to betray your master, you cannot dare talk to me about blacking our name!"
Zhang Liao took a deep breath and composed himself to speak with Lu Bu.
"Master Bu, attacking Yuan Shu would be the best option I assure you. As you know, Yuan Shu holds the imperial seal, if we can use Chen Gong's political and propaganda knowledge we can out that he is going to declare himself emperor and we are fighting or the emperor. As you are both aware that master Cao has control of the emperor it will be doing him a favour, he gets to keep his troops and he wont attack as we are doing it in the name of the emperor, so Xia Pi will be safe. I still believe assassination is the best plan for Ji Ling, he will slay alot of our troops and it would be much more efficient i we can take him out before the war. This will then mean his troops will be passed to another general, no doubt he will be incompetent."
He turned his attention back to Chen Gong.
"You seem keen to side with Cao Cao, being an ex general of his, is there something your not telling us?"
Zhang Liao smirked as he sat down and mumbled "Once a traitor always a traitor"
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Feb 1, 2011 14:26:24 GMT
“Good, good.” He smiled eagerly as he spoke, before taking a glass to his lips. “This is very good.”
He nodded gently to himself, musing the ideas before speaking again. He knew he had spent too much time sitting idle that he could no longer afford to remain stagnant. But which plan was the greater one, and how much insight was prescribed in each of the proposals given? Those were the questions he desperately sought an answer to.
“It is good to drink among such talented men, but alas I fear my uselessness grants me no favour.”
He laughed aloud, stumbling on his own merits as he downed glass after glass. As happy as he was, inside he felt belittled and distraught. He could not see which path to take, and the confusion only aimed to aggravate his already stale mood.
“I hear words, but I see no foundations behind them. Why O heaven, was I born with such meagre talents.”
He couldn't restrain from the outburst, and he chuckled quietly to himself before composing himself in a manner befitting a ruler.
“Ahhh....My bad.”
He leaned back, and was about to speak again when an unannounced visitor appeared. The man seemed old, almost frail – but stood with him was a majestic aura that sparkled and revitalised life.
“Guards. Who is this man.”
Lu Bu pointed his finger, and guards appeared, “How did he get in here.”
The old man bowed low, and his frail state rebuked the guards who had come to escort him away. “My liege lord, I seek nothing more than to say my piece? Why punish a man whose crime was only not to talk?”
Convinced, Lu Bu had the guards leave, and the old man walked steadily to the council area.
“Then maybe you can help me in my dilemma. You see, Chen Gong wishes to expand north, and take bei hai – whilst Zhang Liao proposes to move south, into Shou Chun. But alas I am of no talent to decide, so if your crime was not to speak – then speak freely, and help me in my dilemma.”
The old man smiled, bowed his head, and sat in the centre of the meeting, between the ministers and the lords.
“I take a neutral perspective, and so I sit here.”
He re-arranged his robe, settled himself and then closed his eyes. After a few minutes of silence, he opened them again, and turned to Chen Gong.
“Chen Gong is devious, with tricks for almost any situation. But he lacks careful planning, wishing only to further his own merit and gains. An able tactician, but no saviour of the realm.”
Nodding, he then turned upon Zhang Liao and laughed, “Zhang Liao has no resolve to his words though. To attack Shou Chun is to invite the tiger into your lair whilst absent. It would only lead to your demise if you proceeded with this proposal. Instead.”
He paused again, turning once more to Chen Gong and bowing, “Master Chen Gong is correct in his evaluation. To attack Yuan Shu is to provoke his cousin, Yuan Shao – and whatever ill resides between Cao and Shao will be strengthened. It would be best to ignore Yuan Shu at present, for he has little interest in the north, instead – take Bei Hai and secure your own territories. Build a fort south of the city for the future, and concentrate all of your efforts to the north. Cao cao is bold, but he is not stupid – to attack this region would be to invite death and destruction upon his army. He would not succeed. Better yet, befriend the man, for soon he will be able to help you with Yuan Shao, assuming of course his own ambitions don’t plague his better judgement.”
With that, the man bowed, and Lu Bu – shocked and horrified, stood to defend his advisor’s. But no rebuke was to be given. The man had spoken plainly, and for once, Lu Bu had understood the man's meaning.
“Very good.”
he laughed again, but this time not through misery but through joy. It seemed he had found many able strategists to work with. “Please, let me hear what ministers Chen and Liao have to say. This may seem...boring, but it is in fact educational to a warrior.”
(ooc: sorry for the crappy post. I'm rushing because I don't have lots of time before I need to go out.)
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Post by dongyan on Feb 1, 2011 14:52:15 GMT
Chen Gong was clearly rolling his eyes at Zhang Liao's claims, first on the blackened name and then on the questions about Gong's loyalty. If not for Lu Bu's witterings then the old man's surprise entrance, Chen Gong might have responded with considerable contempt.
Chen Gong poured himself a drink to calm himself down, only vaguely listening to his lord. The old man however grabbed Chen Gong's attention, first for the aura and confidence to come, the second for his amusing choice to place himself. Chen Gong made no sign of concern or being insulted, trying to seem calm and unaffected.
Chen Gong was intrigued by what the man said, slowly sipping his wine and composing his thoughts. He could respond to Zhang Liao's insults but it might make Chen seem a lesser man if seen to continue it.
"The Venerable one is right to suggest building a fort to our south and I would maintain we should build alliances in future months to further our security. I believe Cao Cao is too untrustworthy to ally with and too strong already to leave unopposed for long, I would rather fight him first. However our venerable stranger's plan could easily work, as long as we gain one ally to the north out of Yuan Shao or Cao Cao, we can manipulate future events in our favour."
Chen Gong turned to the old man and bowed.
"You know my name Venerable one but am I at a disadvantage since I do not know yours."
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Cao Cao
Full Member
Hero of Chaos
Posts: 159
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Post by Cao Cao on Feb 1, 2011 15:00:53 GMT
Cao Cao's envoy had at last arrived in Xia Pi. He knew that his lord and Lu Bu had been enemies, and he was very frightened on thinking about how Lu Bu would treat him. Lord Cao had assured the envoy that Lu Bu was not a brutal and rash as rumor would have one believe, but that did very little to settle his fear.
He approached the gate guard, who immediately sprang into action upon seeing Cao Cao's colors.
"Good sir, I am here on a peaceful, diplomatic mission. I am unarmed, and only request a meeting with your lord Cao Cao. Please tell him it is important, and will benefit Lu Bu as much as Cao Cao if he will hear it. I will late while you relay this message to him."
One guard was sent, but the other stayed, his eyes focused on the envoy and his hand hovered near the hilt of his sword.
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Feb 1, 2011 16:03:00 GMT
The old man stroked the few grey whispers on his chin and smiled. “I am known by a variety of names.” He started, “But the one I have come quite attached to would be Zuo Shi.”
He turned back to Lu Bu, and removed himself from the mat he had sat himself on. “But I dare not stay where I am not wanted.”
he turned to leave, but was checked by guards. “You cannot leave me!” Lu Bu exclaimed, and, lifting himself up, he brought himself to stand between Chen Gong and Zuo Shi. He clasped both men on the arm, and smiled. “I must further implore your aid. With two such men, who need I fear in the world. A devious tactician and an able scholar. Should either of you go, then pray the heavens strike me down – for I am only a soldier with no foundations without either of you.”
Zuo Shi smirked at the response, and bowed his head. “Then permit me to guide these youths.”
he laughed, and Lu Bu smacked him on the back in pleasure. Then, he turned to Chen Gong and moved over to his right, so that he could sit by the ministers. Lu Bu returned to his throne and gazed ahead at Zhang Liao.
“You are a great warrior.” he mused, smiling, “Do not trouble yourself with politics, like me – I doubt we're cut out for it.”
He laughed in triumph, before a guard appeared detailing the arrival of a guard. Zuo Shi was the first to burst out laughing, and everyone turned an eye upon the deranged man.
“It shows weakness.” He muttered in response, and continued his laughing.
“How so?” Asked Lu Bu, but before an answer could be given the envoy was brought forth, and Zuo Shi smiled only more at the envoys blatant fear of the monster, Lu Bu.
“Let the envoy say his piece.” Zuo Shi stated, turning to his lord, “And then we will speak more. I am...intrigued as to what this man has to offer your lordship.”
Pleased, Lu Bu returned to his table, had wine brought forth and had the envoy sit down.
“In your own time, envoy of Cao.”
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Gong
Full Member
King of Hanzhong
Posts: 178
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Post by Gong on Feb 1, 2011 23:35:47 GMT
It seemed the Council had begun, for which Minister Chen spoke first and surprisingly the only being to acknowledge her existence; for even Lu Bu did not place such attention upon her presence..more was placed onto the servants around him. Furen knew that Officials would become rivals, even the closest of friends parted ways when thrown into the arena of politics. However, she found herself agreeing with all that Chen spoke of, it was a coherent plan and the strategist spoke the truth. The eyes slowly glanced to the map and as he suggested to take Beihai under control, Furen could feel herself nod in agreement and was soon to speak until the General Zhang bellowed his voice..the plea of loyalty, could he not read the hidden message? Such foolishness, the warrior had now made himself vulnerable to criticism and rumour; such was a powerful thing..no matter how much of a rebuttle her made..
As the eyes gazed from the Strategist to the General, the Tyrant's daughter noticed on matter, they both took the incarnation of a child. As if siblings had came across a disagreement, it was embarrasing to see such internal strife occur in the early stages of a Kingdom's establishment; if this were the prophecy of their future, then they might aswell place the blade to their throats now. Another chance to speak, only hoping to place herself within the attention of the Court..but once again the two men advanced to each others throats, it had become unbearable and through a matter of seconds Furen had closed her eyes. If were two sons they would have been punished and the consequences heavy, nevertheless..they were grown men, without their Mother's present they would revert to childish behaviour..
As the eyes were opened, in hopes that their words would become silences to finally give her the chance to speak of the ideas that she foreseen, another voice spoken from the shadows. An elderly gentlemen who gained respect swiftly and, as Lu Bu, desired the knowledge of the Strategist and the General. However, as the dutiful Matriarch, Furen did not allow expression to be read and simply enabled the anger she was beginning to feel rise from her feet; to which would no doubt consume the heart. After all, she was the daughter of Dong Zhuo and his rage was inherited, the outspoken manner a mere gift that he had blessed her with..a sharp tongue and one who feared not even the likes of the Master Lu...
Furen had waited for the reference, on question of loyalty the mention of Lu Bu's murder of Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo was placed into the Council by the General..did he not see her? Was the Matriarch truely invisible to this foolish man of war who knew nothing of the Courts?.. Within, Furen suffered to shrill towards the General that it was not the Master Lu who took the life of her father..but that of the woman he supposedly loved, Diao Chan..
It seemed that this day would not be given for Furen's voice, as the announcement of an Envoy from the Blue banner had arrived and thus ending the Council for a breif moment to deal with this new matter. She only hoped that perhaps, just a single glance from anyone, would acknowledge not only her existence but the fact her mind was as good as any man within the room...if not, Furen would be forced to embody the Tyrant they believed to be dead; and on the leave of the envoy, she would finally have her word..... Cao Cao?! Such an envoy, her Clan believed eradicated and she had not yet made it known of her life being spared..would the man on behalf of Master Cao recognise Furen to be the surviving offspring of Dong Zhuo?.....
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Cao Cao
Full Member
Hero of Chaos
Posts: 159
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Post by Cao Cao on Feb 2, 2011 0:10:31 GMT
"Lord Lu Bu, I... I apologize for the interruption. I shall be brief," The envoy's face cracked, causing him to pause. He closed his eyes and steeled himself. Upon opening them, he found that he COULD look at Lu Bu without soiling himself.
Fighting off his fear, he maintained eye contact with Lu Bu and did not look away.
"Not so long ago, you and my lord were at ends. Through your actions, and the actions of Xu Rong, you were able to turn my lord away in combat. It was an embarrassment that my lord shall not forget. However, you then did the world a favor! You rescued the Emperor, and the Empire, by cutting down the traitor Dong Zhuo. Were it not for you, that wretch of a beast would still be ravaging all of our people."
The envoy broke eye contact with Bu, and looked around at the faces of those around him.
"Surely, you gained heaven's favor with that single action. Now, Lord Lu Bu, my liege is trying to make sure that your actions have not be in vain. The traitors Li Jue and Guo Si, through backstabbing and scheming, were able to force you out of Chang An, and now the emperor is again in the hands of those who would do him wrong. My lord is bringing his army to bear against these rebels, in an attempt to once again free the emperor."
He turned back to Lu Bu.
"He requests that, if you are willing, that you aid him in this righteous assault. If not in terms of men or supplies, then at least in giving it your blessing for success, and allowing the attack to proceed uninterrupted."
By looking around the room, he saw that this request was not going over so well with some of the officers in the council. He began to get nervous...
"Lu Bu, warrior worth a thousand... it is true that Cao Cao fears you. And rightly so. You have proven time and again that you are unconquerable on the field of battle, and even against all rumors and accusations, my lord knows that you are much more than you appear. His primary concern is getting a truce with you. He wants to ask that you allow him to make this attack, and, if it is your wish to conquer, to aim your sights elsewhere for the time being. He requests that you read this before you decide."
He produced the declaration of war that Cheng Qi had written, and kow-towed, holding it out in front of. He waited, with baited breath and eyes closed, to see what would become of him.
Oops... he thought.
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Feb 2, 2011 0:30:51 GMT
Lu Bu instinctively turned to Zuo Shi as the envoy relayed his message. He had heard many similar speeches whilst in the service of the 'big' dong, and although his heart melted at the flattery, he was not foolish enough to believe the words so easily.
“Good. Very Good.”
Lu Bu smiled at the speaker, and nodded, permitting Zuo Shi to rise and address the audience.
“See why we needn't fear him? Already has he come, bearing flattery to our lord.”
The audience nodded, but Lu Bu sat undecided. He had liked the envoy, for one reason or another, and could only interject as Zuo Shi aimed to push the envoy out.
“The man speaks plainly to me. I like that. Cao Cao is right to fear me, and his goals coincide with ours, why need we harm the envoy.”
“Because, Cao Cao does not fear you.”
Lu Bu paused, and turned a weary eye to the envoy.
“Cao Cao needs to secure his flank and rear, to play one side against the other. He requires the co-operation of both Lu and Yuan to achieve such things. Cao Cao's is far from strong, he is actually weak.” Zuo Shi paused for breath, and turned to the envoy directly.
“But you are right, we needn't kill the man. We don't wish war either, less we wish to be consumed by the vary nature we belong too.”
At that, Lu Bu stood up, and was about to inquire further when he was silenced by Zuo Shi.
“But the envoy has insulted Dong Zhuo, and his relative.....is present.”
Lu Bu turned eagerly, and it was then that his heart sank at the sight of Dong Furen. She had maintained her presence throughout the council, and yet no word had been ushered from her chapped lips.
“So your intention is not friendship, but to instead have me go against my own sister!”
His anger suddenly overwhelmed him, and Zuo Shi – realising what he had done, threw himself to the floor, pleading for the lord to calm himself.
“Never!” Lu Bu grabbed his halberd and threw himself at the Envoy. But the blade that was to meet the envoys neck was deflected, a sword lodged between both persons and held by a smooth, yet firm hand. It was Lu Lingqi.
“Father.” She stated, her arm trembling against her fathers strength, “Please don't go killing the envoy. That won't help our designs....will it?”
Lu Bu, frustrated, gave in and returned to his seat. Zuo Shi cowered away, having learned of his lords temperament. Then, Lu Lingqi turned to the envoy and sighed. “You better leave. Take word to Cao Cao that we will honour the agreement, but that we have no resources to supply him for the expedition. I would offer you refreshments, but if you value your meagre existence...i'd suggest you better move along. My arm could not withstand my fathers blow again”
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Post by iwonderwho on Feb 2, 2011 0:43:13 GMT
There was news buzzing about of a new warrior contemplating employment in the ruthless ranks of Lu Bu. The mans name and origin was unknown for quite some time, the most that was known about him was his witty use of his spear. Soon enough more and more information surfaced about the man, until soon enough a name popped out. The name was Gao Shun and he was said to have some sort of war skill and minor relations to some of the officers already in listed in Lu Bu's army and possibly Lu Bu himself. These were however just rumors and Shun was hearing more and more of them and so his story started that faithful day in a crowded Xia Pi market center where Shun was seated at a table enjoying the outdoors.
He was reminiscing upon the days as a laundry man where he would scrub armor for hours on end, oh the days. Those however were just things of the past, no matter how much training he got from making clothes clean, he knew his journey began as a warrior and it should end as one.
Chatter was heard once more surrounding Shun and it was beginning to pester him. He couldn't use his name in public without people accusing him of being a traitor for considering to join the tyrant of the man Lu Bu.
Did you hear of the man considering joining Lu Bu?
Those words crossed Shun on numerous occasions and he was quite amused at how poor of a reputation the man has in his own city. He quickly stood up picked up his spear and walked out, heading towards the government office. He had of course mad a reservation earlier to join Lu Bu, it was time to meet with the man and enter his ranks.
Shun walked up to a elegant building with a red roof, he immediately knew this was the play he was suppose to meet Lu Bu, so he calmly walked in. He noticed some troops from Xu Chang, clad in blue armor, something interesting was happening here but he decided to ignore it and walk on by. Shun approached an official and spoke to him for a while.
"Excuse me countryman, where would I find Lu Bu?"
The man quickly examined the man, seeing him an able general escorted him into the room where Lu Bu was and then just as quickly left them. Gao Shun looked at the group of men and decided to speak.
"Where is Lu Bu? Tell him Gao Shun has brought undergarment bearing the scent of a meadow of roses as a gift. My greatest respect to the man and I am here to seek employment."
And he waited.
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Gong
Full Member
King of Hanzhong
Posts: 178
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Post by Gong on Feb 2, 2011 1:03:01 GMT
The eyes closed once more to hear the words of the Envoy, such flattery this youth had presented to the Master Lu; did Lord Cao truely believe this of her brother?.. Furen could not help smile at the slander placed upon her father's fresh grave and could sense within the court that eyes would be placed upon her. Yet, the daughter of the for-mentioned Tyrant did not expect the outburst of Lu Bu, who was quick to protect the honour of her name. A swift glance, something within her heart faltered and finally Furen could feel the warmth that past made forget... All this time she made herself believe that woman had changed him, but?.. Perhaps this was the Heavens way of allowing the words to be spoken before the Envoy, who no doubt feared for his life after the Lu daughter moved to the fore. "I must praise Lord Cao's intelligence, for the claim that the Dong's have been eradicated; yet, did you see the figure within the shadows?"
Upon the spirit came, the confidence that was brought with being the final surviving Dong and Matriarch to what would be remembered as a legacy of Tyrants and demons from the Nether Realm. "Was it not my father placed with the responsibility of eradicating the Eunuchs who began the corruption of this Realm?.." The tone of her voice was strong, the authoritarianism of her father reaching to anyone who was close; showing that Furen was indeed her father's daughter. "Pray tell, envoy, recall the history of which your Lord carries his name. Was his grandfather not the infamous Eunuch, Cao Teng?" Furen's eyes did not place upon the Envoy, merely resting forward as if all of this was no matter to her.. "I must praise the Honour of this Lord Cao, for having come from the source of which the corruption was made." A sigh...
"Was it not my Father who removed an unowrthy Emperor from the throne, once he had seen his talents could not aid the people of the Empire?" Furen finally made eye contact, with a short step forward..the rage clearly beginning to rise. "Prey tell, Envoy, was your Lord Cao when my Father was facing the corruption face-to-face?.... Within his chambers taking a daliance into his carnal desires of the female flesh.." As filial as ever, Furen was not one to allow slander cross her father's door, especially as most Ancestors had their demonic ghosts that they adored..simply because they brought the family prosperity. "I shall praise your Lord Cao, Envoy, for his naivety in believing the Era of my Clan is dead; for we breath with the strength of the Dragon and shall not be thrown asunder.." Taking a breath, the Matriarch turned to the Council and wished to view who dared speak in the Envoy's favour..all of which had served her father. Yet, within the privacy she would bless the Heavens for the show that her Brother Lu gave..it gave her strength and perhaps promise that she was of worth and significance.. "One day I wish to share wine with this Lord of the Blue Banner, indeed a character to fear.."
Furen's eyes trailed to Lu Bu himself, the first time she had set eyes upon him since entering the Council. Her eyes told more than any words expressed, not only of sibling love but of thanks for being the first, and no doubt only, to come to her aid..even if it was not asked, or possibly needed.. Furen could feel that perhaps she had not lost all of her family...
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