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Post by Mikey on Feb 2, 2011 1:34:00 GMT
Ba Zeng contemplated the other lord's suggestions. As more and more commanders flooded into the throne room, Lu Bu seemed ever more stressed and overflowed with decisions to make. Chen Gong spoke first with a masterful plan, he spoke of a strong base in Xia Pi, making friends with Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao, and pincering Cao Cao from three sides. Such a plan wasn't a plan at all, Ba Zeng scoffed, it was a dream. Never to be realized. And although Chen Gong could make it sound good on paper, it could never be executed.
It was Zhang Liao's turn to speak. The general had already surprised Ba Zeng with his incredible show of respect, and subsequent disrespect shown to Lu Bu. Ba Zeng was curious why Zhang Liao wasn't killed on the spot, but the situation was amusing anyhow. In the future, if the need ever rised, Ba Zeng could alienate Zhang Liao rather easily, building on this very meeting.
Zhang Liao was proficient enough with battlefield tactics, Ba Zeng wagered, but with the political atmosphere in China? Perhaps not, the general spoke of attacking Yuan Shu, even sending Kao Ba to assassinate Ji Ling. And as elated as Kao Ba would've been, neither he, nor Ba Zeng served Xu after today. A siege would require a three-to-one ratio of men anyhow, and Lu Bu's current forces couldn't even break even with Yuan Shu's.
Regardless, there was another factor to consider, Yuan Shu's cousin: Yuan Shao. If Lu Bu was belligerent to either one, the other would rush to aid the one being attacked. In such a plan, an alliance with Yuan Shao would never succeed, and only aggressive actions would come from the north.
The plan was destined to fail, and if Lu Bu's forces sustained massive casualties whilst doing it, Cao Cao had an open shot to Xia Pi. In what would end the future war before it had even began.
Ba Zeng came to a conclusion: Yuan Shu was a better as an ally, and not an enemy at the moment. Yuan Shu was the only other warlord in China to rebuke the Han, and create his own empire. In reality, Yuan Shu was the only lord who would even fathom the idea of allying with Lu Bu.
Chen Gong stood up again, and revealed many flaws amongst Zhang Liao's plan. Even adding in the thought that scholars would pan Lu Bu for taking such a bold action. Ba Zeng considered himself as an scholar, and decided he would've applauded such an action; as stupid as it was.
Zhang Liao stood again, defiant, he yelled -- to which Ba Zeng payed no mind. Yet General Liao even went as far to mumble a clearly audible: "Once a traitor, always a traitor." Ba Zeng clearly hid a laugh at that.
Ba Zeng was leaning against a column, enjoying the sight of Chen Gong and Zhang Liao's back-and-forth when an old man appeared. Ba Zeng raised an eyebrow. Lu Bu, clearly frustrated even asked the old man to resolve his dilemma. The old man wove words as if he were a poet rather a strategist. He then weaved together a plan which resembled something of the overall outline of what Ba Zeng had been picturing up until that point -- but the plan also had no substance, no exit strategy. Not even mention of war with Cao Cao. If Lu Bu were to survive and be a competitor of the Central Plains, there had to be war with Cao Cao.
Zou Shi, the old man revealed his name to be, then dealt with a envoy from Cao Cao. The resulting fiasco was so sudden and violent that it required the intervention of Lu Lingqi, who so skillfully and gracefully blocked her father's halberd from dismembering Cao Cao's envoy.
Ba Zeng made sure that the guards escorted Cao Cao's envoy from the throne room before he spoke. He leisurely walked forth from his column and inspected the map:
"Fengxian, if I could perform my final duty..." He pointed to the new empire of Xu.
"The Empire of Xu is fledging, yet holds much promise. All of you are very talented," He looked at nearly everyone in the room, even Lu Linqi, whom he held much respect for, "To be blunt, the safest way of expansion is into Bei Hai.
The territory is lightly protected by that pacifist Kong Rong. If either he can be persuaded to give up diplomatically, or ran over with pure military -- Bei Hai is fertile land to be conquered. Either way, we must consolidate our position on the coast before we can actually become a contender for the Central Plains.
Attacking Yuan Shu would only evoke the wrath of Yuan Shao. We would then be caught into a small box surrounded by enemies. And Xu's existence would be quite short-lived. Yuan Shu is also, our only potential ally. Although he was involved with the coalition years ago, he is also the only other rouge warlord in China"
Considering Yuan Shao as a potential ally is a ludicrious idea," Ba Zeng looked up to Lu Bu, "It was, after all, you, Fengxian, who destroyed his coalition at Tiger Trap so many years ago. Not to mention mostly everyone in this room. We've probably left a bad taste in his mouth since then."
Ba Zeng paused for a moment, and inspected the map. "Hmmm...
Your next target after Bei Hai should be Pu Yang. Pu Yang's resources and possessions are few. Cao Cao would have to move in men from his other provinces, which would give us ample time to prepare for them. Not to mention, his vendetta against the rebels Li Jue and Guo Si. He will be too busy rescuing the Emperor in the west. In the coming weeks, he will be a ripe target."
He then pointed to Wan.
"Zhang Xiu has no love for Cao Cao ever since he moved into Xu Chang. If you can show Zhang Xiu that you can beat Cao Cao's army at Pu Yang, he could be convinced to join your side. That's as good as it gets however," Ba Zeng reiterated, "Having Yuan Shao attack Cao Cao from the north is a dream never to be realized. Yuan Shao is much to busy contending with the Gongsuns over He Bei to be worrying about what is occurring in the Central Plains."
Ba Zeng took a step back from the table and bowed. His final task was completed.
"Farewell to all of you." He glanced at Lu Bu, who moments ago had threatened Ba Zeng with death if he had stayed any longer.
The Mastermind stood upright again, and promptly left the castle. Where the winds took him now was anyone's guess. Completed Subplot: The Master, The Mistress, The Mastermind
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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 1:36:53 GMT
The envoy had not known that Lu Bu had a member of Dong's family in his court. How could he? I do apologize to the lady, for I did not mean the insult to include her. Further, as you yourself, Lu Bu, are the one to have slain him, I must wonder why you take such offense, as surely you must have felt that my words rang true, lest you would not have killed Dong Zhuo.
He realized he was taking an awful risk, so he moved quickly to another topic.
It is true that Cao's family includes the Eunuch Cao Teng. However, Cao Teng was not a member of the 10, nor did he associate with Zhang Rang or the others. Any wrong doing of his that you can find, young Dong, would be the first. Further, young miss, it was my lord Cao, along with Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, who removed the Eunuchs... not Dong Zhuo. Your father arrived only after the deed had been done. I am sure Lu Bu can verify this. He shot a glance at Lu Bu.
"I will take my leave, and my lord thanks you for this agreement. I hope that our next meeting may be on better terms."
He performed a kow-tow, and prepared to leave unless he was addressed again.
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Gong
Full Member
King of Hanzhong
Posts: 178
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Post by Gong on Feb 2, 2011 2:45:01 GMT
If her life was not known, then what did the Realm believe of her husband? Was he too dead to world outside this city?.. Such a life could have been easy to fade out, into the rural areas where ignorance was a bless and the gifts of Heaven would be granted; into obscurity they could have lived. The Envoy spoke with confidence, surprising when a few moments ago he had been trembling with fear and even when Lu Bu launched for his throat..he did not flinch. Before any rebuttle could have been made, the words Furen placed where thrown into the dust and placed shame upon her.. Taking a small breath she was glad that Li Ru was not present, how could she had faltered in such a way? Could she had sullied her name so easily?.. "As a Matriach, we are seen as 'young miss'? Such education..." Turning a blind eye Furen knew that such an incorrect form of address was pitiful to pick up on, especially as her own knowledge had been corrected; though, perhaps, it was the history that Dong Zhuo wished his daughter to see. To see the hero from the clouds and view only him as the God of the Realm..
She was thankful for the man she knew nothing more but the name of, Ba Zeng, though an idea could be formed that himself, Lu Bu and the mistress had some kind of altercation. Did this Master Ba know the truth? Watching him leave, Furen could see the source of evidence against Diao Chan vanish; she had to find him before he disappeared into the vast area of this land.. Could he be the saviour to bring justice to Furen's father?.... "..Master Ba---" She did not finish, unaware that he would even hear her.. There had to be away, she had the wealth to employ beings well enough to find him; or so she hoped.. "A wound has been opened, allowed all to view. Shame placed before me, thus I shall withdraw to savour my dignity for this short while... However, before I retire..."
This was the time, stepping forward the woman gripped to the final chances of this Council to have the shame forgotten, or pehaps pushed to one side. No doubt the Minister Chen no longer saw her as the wife of the rival, but merely a simple wife? Such respect Furen had for him, perhaps never to be reciprocated after one foolish mistake?.. "I place faith in the strategies of both the Minister Chen and Master Ba, we cannot risk the two-prongued offensive from the two Yuans; not if we wish to take our first chance at taking flight. I wonder if to gain an alliance with the Yuan clan, Noble Yuan of the North and Lord Yuan of the South; thus, protecting two flanks. We can always evaluate our position in due course of whether is a worthier ally."
A sweeping gesture was made to the Minister Chen and the direction to which Master Ba had made his exit, then the Tyrant's daughter looked to the General Zhan and inclined her head. "I must apologise not to place faith within your ideals this time, however, we are indeed young and foundations must be made to secure our fate." The tone had changed from the previous authoritarian, to the manners of Furen's mother.. Soft and gentile, while having the respect given to a woman of lower social status.. "Take to Beihai, allowing the Kingdom to recieve ample harvest for Agricultural growth. Minister Kong shall be one to impress through intelligence and indulgence into scholarly matters; I wish to suggest our Minister Chen for such an endeavor. The first step with this man should not be intimidation, instead focus upon how you can easily counter his words. Furthermore, it is well known that Minister Kong does not have a liking for the Master Cao; on many occasion he had outwardly disagreed with him." Another breath, as the mind wondered onto the other matters spoken over the course of the Council..it seemed the significant matters were attended to and, she felt, reasonably dealt with.
"Master Cao shall be no worry for he has spread himself thin, fortunately he has not become favoured as he wished; Master Zhang of Wan, Master Ma of Wuwei and even perhaps the ambitions of Noble Yuan can easily curve his threats." Turning to face Lu Bu, the Matriarch could not help but force a frail smile to the words spoken.. "Even perhaps the comrades of old, Master Li and Master Guo, could be placed as mere peons to place Master Cao as a mere fly, than a monster of significance." Clasping her hands together, Furen bowed deeply to Lu Bu not as the sister to her brother; but servant to master..after all, was it not what she was now?.. Another breath..
"One last matter, before I retire.. Once I called you Brother, now I call you Lord. Indeed, many shall come forward as the Envoy praising the death of my Father and place suspicion within your mind." The Tyrant's daughter were focused upon Lu Bu, sometimes they drifted to his youthful daughter who she had yet to fully have the pleasure of knowing. Her feet slowly trailed to the centre of the hall, placing her directly infront of Lu; gesture to the guard, the sword was her desire. "As you have witnessed, suspicion can be put so easily; from Minister Chen to General Zhang..then thrown back. Such should not be tolerated internally, it shall weaken us." Slowly the hairpins holding up the long hair were removed and dropped to the floor, just infront of Furen's feet..eyes remained locked upon Lord Lu. "For forgiveness of my shame by the Envoy and evidence of my loyalty; to show that it is not you who I blame..."
Sword into hand, the hair fell loose and was taken by the left hand...one more glance at the silken black locks that she took so much care of, for hair was the gold of a woman; it was an important matter to every female youth. Suddenly the blade's edge was pulled across the strands of her hair, cutting at shoulder length; a drastic measure, especially when Furen's hair had been grown to reach the small of her back. Such devotion, the supplication of the ancestoral women still retained its power... The sword was dropped to join the hair upon the ground, crushing the precious hairpins that once kept the long locks within the head-dress. Furen made to her knees, swirling the long sleeves out of the way and leaving her unhindered to bow infront of Lu Bu; head placed to the floor. "I wish my Lord longevity with the decisions he may make." Perhaps a sign of weakness from the Dong Matriarch, but after all she was a mere woman in comparison and taught by the Consorts of the Imperial Court of the traditional behaviour adopted by 'virtuous' women.
"I bid fortune to you Master Chen, and safety to General Zhang.." In turn Furen clasped hands and bowed in respect of their higher standing within the Council and Kingdom. Another blow to the already suffering woman, however, there would be the time that she would rise above all and take on the spirit of her father; it just had to take time.. With all pleasantries taken care of, Furen retired from the council...
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Post by dongyan on Feb 2, 2011 11:24:36 GMT
Chen Gong had suppressed his innermost desires and had not opposed the envoy's very entrance. He nodded at Zuo Shi and uneasily smiled as Lu Bu attempted to buddy up the old and the young advisers.
Leaning back, Chen Gong took to enjoying as wine as events unfolded. The envoy, to be fair, had spoken well but Chen shook his head, only a little but enough to be noticed, at the idea of aiding Cao Cao against Li Jue. At first, he had been pleased at Zuo Shi's intervention but when he brought in Lady Dong, Chen Gong quietly swore.
He remained seated as Lu Bu lost his temper, patting poor Zuo Shi on the back, mutual rivalry giving way to similar despair. As Lady Dong defended her father, Chen Gong simply put his head in his hands. He only looked up when Ba Zeng spoke and departed.
"Farewell Minister Ba."
Perhaps, without having been brought back into the meeting by Master Ba, Chen Gong would not have paid such attention to Lady Dong but he was gratified by her words and gave her smile. He looked away as she cut her own hair but silently acknowledge the gesture.
"Madam Dong, your beauty pales only to your wisdom. Such support as you have given me today is most helpful."
Finally, Chen Gong got to his feet and approached his master and the daughter. His smile went and though his tone was gentle and his words as soft as he could make, Chen Gong kept a step or two away from his Master. Just in case.
"Lady Lu, thank you for your quick reactions or disaster may have been upon us. General, your filial concern for Madam Dong is of great credit to you but you must be prepared for these, surely unintentional, insults to Madam Dong. Your actions against Dong Zhuo is one of your greatest political strengths, it will be used by those seeking your friendship and by your officers in diplomacy. No insult is meant towards her, I'm sure of it, and she will have to keep silent about her father in future or your political standing will be undermined."
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Feb 2, 2011 15:32:52 GMT
Xia Pi had stood as a monstrosity when they had first arrived. He had recalled its thick walls and its mountainous terrain, both structures perfect to hold onto and defend. He had lost many men claiming the city, and had stood at the south gate fighting for an entire day before retreating back to his own encampment. The next day, a white flag was holstered, his enemies were executed and as promised – the people were spared plunder and rape. For a city so hard to consume, and so easy to defend - It was a shame that such things could be fallen from civility, for it was obvious that he had yet to establish the true order of things.
“I bid you a safe journey.”
He spoke to the envoy, whose appearance had quickly changed from one of fear to one of bold words and actions. He had liked the change, though refused to admit it publicly.
“I have heard enough.”
He turned upon his advisor’s and warriors, grabbing their attention with one swift motion of a hand. They assembly fell quiet, and he turned a lustrous eye to Dong Furen as she bid her farewell. He would not stop her, for surely her shame was more prominent then that of his own mis-doings.
“I have decided.” he then started, turning to Chen Gong and nodding, a gesture for what was to come. “I have listened to everyone’s proposals, and although I am saddened by the loss of my once filial advisor, Ba Zeng – I feel I must spend no time mourning the loss of the past. Instead, I hereby appoint minister Chen Gong as Chief Advisor of the state of Lu, and Xu Shi as personal secretariat to the Chief Advisor. May you both bring prosperity and longevity to our small state of Xu.”
Bowing low, Lu Bu rose to have officials produce the honorary titles, wines and seals for the coming ceremony. Then, he smiled and looked at the assembly once more.
“I know what you say sis true Chen Gong. To be honest, I do not regret killing that beast, but his daughter is like an angel – come forth from all of the chaos to bring light upon her family’s name. It sis a shame she never realised her fathers true form, for if she had – she would never have come to serve me. She relies on the false words of her father to keep her dignity intact. Until I am stronger....until I can make a true name for my men and advisor’s – how could I let her be belittled by the likes of some peon in blue colours.”
He sighed as he had finished, and returned to his seat. He watched the brief exchange of titles, seals and wines, and then had all of the officials announce their titles and bow to their new ranks. Lu Bu did not join in the ceremony.
“But the problem has been resolved. She was shamed for speaking false, the envoy left with his head and we seem to have a truce with Cao – something I'm not all too opposed too. But, we have little left to discuss here, so the council is adjourned. I will have messengers write to you all regarding the new appointments and tasks awaiting you. If that is everything, you may all go.”
He waved his hand, and most officials left the room. He did not know if one or two would stay behind however, to place strong words into his hungry ears.
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