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Post by Wei Guozhi on Jan 14, 2011 19:08:43 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 Sam on Feb 2, 2011 19:25:36 GMT
As Cheng Qi listened intently to the warlord's replies, he wasn't impressed, the simpleminded reactions, surprised remarks and so open and ready for the whole thing to unfold just right there. This was supposed to be a major accomplishment for Cheng, yet he felt insulted by how easy this man - a warlord was to win over, by all means Cheng head should be seperated from his body, any other warlord would order so.
Cheng fiddled his beard as he paced slowly back and forth looking at Zhang with a deepened expression and blackened eyes, "Somethings are not for the vassal's ears to hear Lord Zhang..." Cheng was of course meaning all the attendants and guards in the room. "You would be in quite a dangerous position if such ideas got out, jealous opportunists could rise here and there, hearing that you and Lord Cao could potentially be doing this, and if no agreement has yet been made something could go amiss..."
Cheng eased his movement and his expression returned to a more pleasant one and finally answered Zhang, "To answer your question though Lord Zhang, The limits are endless, wealth, rank, meriotous opportunities, thhe ability to put your mark in the annals of history, and not to mention the ability to serve the Emperor of the Han." Cheng was well confindent that Li Jue and Guo Si would meet their end shortly, he'd love nothing more than to tear into them with his own blade - just for the satisfaction of ridding the country of their foul presence.
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Post by NPC Account on Feb 2, 2011 19:38:18 GMT
"Oh, right... of course." Zhang Xiu said, startled by Cheng's revelation. He nodded to the attendants and guards, indicating that he wished for them to leave.
"Cheng Qi, I understand that Cao Cao is preparing to march on Li Jue and Guo Si. It will only be then that Cao will have saved the Emperor, and only then that serving one will mean serving the other, right?" Zhang said with a small, believing that he had somehow gained the upper hand in this conversation by pointing out a flaw in the envoy's logic.
Zhang Xiu's desire to be desired was strong... so strong that he almost wanted to accept the offer now. Liu Biao had made it clear that he was less interested in Zhang Xiu's dealings than Xiu had liked. Zhang Xiu wanted to be important to his lord... he wanted to be useful. Cao was certainly a man who made use of his officer's talents... but it was an awful risk. Cao may not amount to anything. Li Jue and Guo Si might outright kill him!
"Please tell your lord that I am intrigued by his offer, and that I wish to meet again to discuss it, but only after he has saved the Emperor. Until then, I will do my best to persuade Liu Biao to not interfere. Is this.." and here he lost his sense of strength and composure. "Will that be to Lord Cao Cao's liking?" He asked, genuinely worried that he may have lost his opportunity.
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Post by Sam on Feb 2, 2011 20:01:32 GMT
Smirking deviously at the comment about serving the Emperor, who could fathom the man's mind at this point except Lord Cao himself? Cheng had big plans for Wei, and he was going to lead his Lord down a road of success, but one that would cause much controversy. "You're right Lord Zhang, an error on my part." Qi remarked with a slight chuckle.
Seeing Zhang stumble upon the trail of his own thoughts, amused Cheng slightly, as he struggled to regain himself. Cheng finished, "It would be a more appropriate time Lord Zhang, I will pass your words onto Lord Cao, from which we will arrange another meeting." Cheng bowed and turned to withdraw when he said quietly, "Word of this must be kept secret, we don't know who has ears around us..."
"Farewell Lord Zhang let fortune favour you over these next few months." Cheng performed a sweeping bow and departed, rehooking his sword and taking up his staff he mumbled in a low tone, "This wretch will amount to nothing unless he accepts the path that has been laid out before him." Then giving his responses more thought as he marched away Qi thought, "I wonder why he lost his composure so inconspicuously...all I can do is report back...a disappointing outcome to say the least." With that Cheng rode back to Xuchang to report to the Lord of Wei.
[Sub-plot initiated]
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Post by Sam on Feb 28, 2011 0:10:16 GMT
The battle at Luoyang had been swift, the Wei army had all but crushed the disorganized forces of Li and Guo, who had fled back west to their holdings in Yong Province. Cao Cao had claimed Luoyang as his own and more importantly, secured the Han Emperor, now his true bid for power in the land was at hand. It was now time to revisit a familiar site.
As soon as victory was well established and the Wei army had entered Luoyang, Cheng Qi had taken leave of Wu Long and his Lord Cao, leaving the transfer of authority in Luoyang in their hands. Without any orders Cheng had taken liberties and forged an Imperial edict in the name of the Emperor and had rode south, for Wan. The edict was a suger coated order to surrender for Zhang Xiu.
On the way he contemplated the experience in battle, although he never had to see so much bloodshed personally, the battle was much small bouts and outmaneuvers in itself. The victory was secured so easily simply because Li and Guo's units rebelled against each other and ripped themselves to shreds. It wasn't much of an experience for Cheng, he needed more.
Arriving at Wan, Cheng took note that not much had changed in terms of organization and the landscape was unaltered, it hadn't been two months since he was last in the same spot. This time his purpose was the same, but the means different. This time, he would have a more blunt approach.
With the Imperial edict tucked securely in the large sleeves of his robe Cheng approached the eastern gate of Wan, and dismounted as he drew near shouting, "An Imperial envoy is here to see Lord Zhang, open the gate!" A false title, but it assisteded the falseness of his claims at hand in audience. Cheng was back, and there was no doubt in his mind that Zhang Xiu would remember him once they laid eyes on one another again.
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Post by NPC Account on Mar 1, 2011 20:58:13 GMT
Zhang Xiu had heard the news of Cao Cao's victory at Luoyang, but no fool was he. Governor the lands of Wan he ensured his position was secure both politically and military wise. Cao Cao was a demon, truly a hero of these times. The man who had once spoke to Zhang Xiu approached the gates, waving a fresh edict around. Like his uncle Zhang Ji, Zhang Xiu was no fool. Cao Cao's treachery was becoming widely known, but he stood on no firm ground to go prancing around his orders.
"My lord, the envoy of Cao has returned and exclaims to hold an Imperial Envoy that demands your surrender!"
Exclaimed on of Zhang Xiu's closest advisors, kowtowing down and weeping a little in desperation. The advisors were quickly summoned for an immediate meeting to come to a swift decision on what they should do. The situation was explained within minutes before the Governor questioned his loyalist of advisors to assist him in making a decision.
"My Lord, Cao Cao's armies are strong and vast; now with the Emperor is under his control we should submit to him to avoid further bloodshed and to avoid the same fate as Li Jue and Guo Si's armies."
Zhang Xiu stroked his chin, almost reluctant to follow the advice of the man who had spoken first before another brave politician stepped forward without remorse and spoke out.
"Cao Cao's armies are nothing but rabble - comprimised of un-trained and unloyal men. Li Jue and Guo Si were defeated due to their failure to co-operate, your Excellency. We sit on the fortified defensive town of Wan; Cao Cao finds himself pincered from all sides. Yuan Shao, to the North. Lu Bu, to the East. Li Jue and Guo Si, to the West and finally my lord. Cao Cao is in no position to make such demands from you, and has seized the Emperor against his will. If you give in this demon Cao, you forsake your uncle's will and his loyal service beneath Li Jue and Guo Si; I beg you reconsider, My lord!"
The man finished, clasping both his hands. Zhang Xiu was blown away at the mans proposal; he didn't know whether he should punish the man for speaking out, or exalt him for his input. The room soon broke out into argument; neither side willing to speak above the other. After several minutes of arguments; the court was silenced with a loud sounding gong before Zhang Xiu studied the man who had spoke for a moment before concluding his decision. The man nodded stroking his face with displeasure that the ally who had so recently allied him had betrayed him.
Several minutes later Zhang Xiu and several armed forces appeared at the wall, Zhang Xiu looked down at the man; expecting the worst but hoping for the best. Plans were in place depending on the decision Cao Cao had made.
"News has reached me that Lord Cao Cao has seized Luoyang and with that also the Emperor?"
Zhang Xiu bellowed down at the messenger, providing little hospitatlity to the man who had come to seek an audience. The reality was too true between the two forces, Zhang Xiu had been a fool to even accept the mans alliance.
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Post by Sam on Mar 1, 2011 22:47:13 GMT
Cheng had been patiently standing by his horse awaiting permission to enter, the delay on the gateman's part was out of the ordinary, last time he had quickly ushered Cheng in. Cheng waited kicking his legs against the stones on the ground lightly, keeping life in his legs, standing a distance away from the base of the wall.
After a lengthy wait Zhang arrived, but not with an open gate, he had mounted the city wall with armed guards. Cheng was amused to say the least, and thought to himself "What a change. A month has given him some strength in that block of flesh and bone he calls a head."
Sheltering his eyes from the glare of the sun with his hand Cheng observed the many guards that had took position on the wall and clasping his hands before him and asked ironically as he greeted Zhang with a chuckle, "Lord Zhang I trust time has treated you well this past month?"
Remounting his horse Cheng called up to answer Zhang's question pointing at the warlord and with subtle mockery in his tone said, "It seems to me that Zhang Xiu, warlord of Wan has had a change of heart. When I last met you you were a grovelling mess, eager for peace between yourself and Lord Cao. Now armed guards!" Cheng let out a laugh and petting his horse's head continued, "I haven't gave you enough credit! What's with the guards? Do we live in a time when a lone scholar can storm a walled town? Oh Zhang, oh Zhang how you amuse me."
Then as he continued he took on a serious tone is his voice looking up at Zhang finally answering his question, "News has reached you correctly. Lord Cao annihilated Li and Guo in a single engagement." He gave a slight pause now to allow that awful truth to ring in Zhang's head for a few moments. "As such he has acquired a reasonable amount of resources. Lord Cao has secured the eastern capital, and of course as you heard...." Cheng smiled as he continued on informing Zhang of the recent victory, "His Majesty, the Emperor in his benevolence has graciously accepted Lord Cao as his guardian."
Cheng adjusted his posture in the saddle and changed the topic, leaving the details scarce to allow for Zhang to only assume what happened to the fearsome armies of Li and Guo, and how they lost possession of the Emperor so easily. "You've probably already guessed my purpose Lord Zhang. So I'll be blunt. A month ago you said you would surrender to Lord Cao and aid him how you can after he had saved the Emperor. Now the Emperor has been saved, you requested this second meeting. Now by command of the Emperor it is time. " Cheng finished remarking, "Who'd have thought so soon huh? Haha!"
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Post by NPC Account on Mar 2, 2011 10:25:40 GMT
Zhang Xiu studied the man who stood so bravely upon his horse as he spoke the words that stunk so terrible as they drifted off his tongue. Cao Cao was still in a dire position, though Zhang Xiu had disgraced himself for submitting to the snake before; he would not be such a fool again. Better to die in honour, than to live in shame.
"Do we live in a time, where tyrant after tyrant must opress? Please, speak as equals in the audience of your lord; but speak as vermin below my walls. Traitor."
Zhang Xiu bellowed at the man, heckling him with all the insults he could fathom. Though he had been a fool to place his trust is Cao Cao, he could ultimately redeem himself. Wan was a defensive stronghold, Cao Cao - if he was the military genuius he claimed to be knew no war of attrition would work here.
"Cao Cao has not saved the Emperor, merely enslaved him into his twisted his regime. You words of propaganda twist the truth; but you are nothing but a one-eyed oaf who closes and opens his eyes to what he sees. Let Cao Cao know that him and his puppet Emperor hold no authority in my lands and if he wishes to condemn me for my crimes of justice; let him come and take me alive."
Zhang Xiu finished, many advisors and warriors around him took heart in his bravery. The man had overcome a hurdle of bravery lately but now was a fighter. He had forsaken honour, friends, duty and above all else himself. Several advisors stopped, whispering into Zhang Xiu's ear before the man continued.
"Li Jue and Guo Si were once my friends, I recommended Cao Cao to save the Emperor not to exploit him. Not only has Cao Cao betrayed me and my people, but he also has betrayed China with his crimes against the Han."
The man paused for a moment, before drawing his sword, running his eyes up the blade before finally pointing it at the man and exclaiming.
"Begone! My archers grow restless of your wretched tongue. Let Lord Cao Cao meet you upon your horse, rather than in the ground - treacherous ilk!"
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Post by Sam on Mar 2, 2011 11:20:19 GMT
Cheng absorbed the abuse with a look so cold it could pierce the very wall which Zhang stood on a tear it asunder with potential rage. But, Cheng wasn’t in a position to make the situation any worse than all it already was, but he could take back to Lord Cao justification, justification for war. Now by commanding the Emperor, Cao Cao controlled the lords of the realm, how dare this cur speak so mightily?
He responded to the insults with a cold breath, ”A tyrant, Zhang.” Cheng’s voice was filled with contempt and covered with vicious intent, “A tyrant? So soon, and Lord Cao’s already been called a tyrant! Laughable, but it is not without substance. I have always been outspoken and in this kind of environment I can finally be myself.”
Cheng seemed to rise in his saddle as he commented harshly, ”Let me educate you. Since time began order has been found and lost. Now lost, the land eagerly slides into division, not even a fool can miss it. With unity comes division, with division comes unity. Do you think you can contend with the will of my lord in this instance? You fall so short on so many points compared to my lord, other than outright barbarity. Foolhardy barbarian, lesser men cannot contend with the will of their superiors!”
Let these men of yours hear this; a swift surrender will shape their lives, while prolonged resistance will claim them. Taking a stand against forces beyond their control, do you not value your life Zhang? You could accomplish something worthy of historians of future times to mention if you served the right lord – Cao Cao. But if you fall from that path there is no recovery for you or your clan.
Cheng swung around his horse and looking over his shoulder shouted, ”Don’t waste those arrows on the herald of your doom, save them for the coming storm. Against the powers that are rising all around, do you think this single city will house you forever? Wash your neck Zhang! The executioner is coming.” With that Cheng kicked his steed and sped off to report, Zhang’s bravery had an admirable impact on him, not respect for his courage but amazement at the degree of his stupidity. Who he wondered had spurred on Zhang Xiu’s change of heart in regards to submission?
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