Imperial Reunion

[Guan Yu]

"So it has come to this.."

Liu Bei brushed himself off, removing his legs from his tiresome steed dropping down onto the turf of Liu Biao with a steady thud, inhaling the free southern air. The man was known for his prosperous lands his firm generals and his hold upon the river. An influential character from the imperial family. Liu Bei smiled, the sun was between harsh and gentle; it burnt but it healed at the same time. He turned his attention to the palace, leading a few advisors who had volunteered to keep him company to finally meet the man who had the same blood running through his veins.

The town was glorious, it boasted energy. The people hustled around working, commuting, producing. Liu Biao was the center of trade. Most likely how he avoided combat, Liu Bei grinned as several young children gathered around him. Recognising him from folk tales screaming 'Xuande, Xuande' over and over. The tales were often overexaggerated, well at least in Liu Bei's mind - but nonetheless he had been pushed through task after task, it was nice to finally have both feet firmly on the ground - rather than living day after after wondering if it was his last.

Liu Bei felt welcome at last, the people down here were much more.. well caring. The north had too many troubles to even consider politeness or other peoples feelings, down here everyone smiled or waved and helped eachother. Liu Biao was a relative to be proud of, Xuande's heart was warmed. Several days away the story was different, no doubt his isolated lands had heard of the wars of north. Liu Bei held information and not only this was a renowned kinsman.

Xuande gracefully bowed before several guards, presented a letter of summoning to them, signed by the Governor himself before they stepped aside and apologised humbly. Liu Bei bowed back again with a smile on his face before entering the palace.

Liu Bei wondered what Liu Biao was like, he had heard stories; but never met the man. Stories were misleading, but he couldn't help but feel a little anxious. If Liu Biao didn't welcome him and if they didn't get on there wasn't many other places Liu Bei could retreat or reside. Cao Cao wanted Xuande dead, much the same from Lu Bu and Yuan Shao. Gongsun Zan would welcome him back, but Liu Bei was isolated from him. Ma Teng cared little for the man, Yuan Shu thought of him more like a pest. The Sun clan of the south were too tied down with their own trifles to even spare a thought. Liu Bei shoke his head; as an imperial uncle he inhaled his confidence placing his left foot first and allowing all movements from then to come comfortably.

"My lord, I am Liu Xuande, of Hebei country.

He announced after entering and kowtowing himself as low and possible several times to show his humble offerings.

"I am nothing more than a simple sandal weaver, but please forgive my simple life and poor composure. I come to you as one of the imperial clans men; you and I both share the family name of Liu."

He announced, still bowing up and down; both smiling and weeping a little. The man that sat before him also had rather large earlobes as well as valiant and rich robes. It was no lie that Liu followed the same bloodline; it was more than likely one of the reasons many of the warlords wanted him quashed.

"I have long wished to travel to the south and meet my fellow clansmen, but long has the treacherous demon, Cao Cao, blocked my path. But now, finally I have finally made it and I wish to offer my keen services and offerings to you, My lord!"

Liu Bei bowed down lower, weeping even more, wiping his tears in gratefulness every now and again before his advisors presented several sheets of silk before the Governor before him. He kept sniffing whilst hold his hands above his head, showing his honour towards the man before him.

[NPC Account]

Liu Biao had just finished his rounds when the declaration came. It spoke quickly of minor troubles, and then ended with the arrival of his clansman, Liu Xuande, who Biao had long been anticipating to see.

He had been ordered to come from Xin Ye, a small provincial city to the north, a keeper between his own prosperous region from the hands of Cao Cao. Liu Bei was grateful enough to receive shelter, regardless of the dangers it would later impose.

When Liu Bei was announced, Liu Biao suddenly felt his age creep upon him. It was not the weather that chilled his bones, or the youth of the man that forced his skin to wrinkle. It was the majestic aura that loomed ahead that curbed the man's ambitions, and set him stumbling to his feet.

“Please.” He replied, his voice strained in despair, “Do not bow to me in ceremony.”

He hastened to the man's side, lifting him up and giving him a hearty embrace. The two shed tears of joy before returning to their seats, where refreshments were delivered with haste.

“The journey must have been a treacherous one.” Liu started, gazing ahead. “I should have come to meet you personally. Please forgive my ignorance, but my strength fails me.”

He reminded himself why he had called the general to him, and brought forth his two sons, Liu Zong and Liu Qi.

“These are my sons.”

He pointed to them, who in return said nothing. One was older than the other, but weak and of a timid nature. The younger was healthy and full of character.

“You must hear my plea, dear clansman.”

he had the brothers removed, and the eldest sulked wearily of the situation looming ahead. The nation should be his, by right of tradition – but even he had become aware of his half-brothers ambitions.

“My eldest is the natural heir to my nation, but he is timid and weak. The youngest, who shows character and good health, should be the heir to be. But how can I break tradition, it would only serve to ruin their bond and bring civil strife to my people.”

The older man sighed, his heart heaving with each breath he took. He gazed ahead aimlessly, sipping at wines laid before him.

“If only I had a son, or brother...like you.”

He recalled Liu Bei's endeavours, and could only stare in awe at the man before him. “Tell me.” He eventually said, “What would you do in my situation. Who would you give the kingdom to. But....even if that within itself is concluded, there are other matters that worry me, but alas – I feel I have no one to share such burdens with. My sons are too young, and my wife cares only for the reputation and wealth of the Cai family.”

[Guan Yu]

"Reunited"

Liu Bei smiled, several tears rolling down his face as he was lifted up by the man, hand and hand they told tales to eachother. Liu Bei told him of the wars in the north, the brave heroes and his journeys here and Liu Biao shared much the same - old folk tales of the south. He was ever gracious for the hospitality of the kind man, the stories had been true and no heart could ever doubt the sincerity and intergrity of Liu Biao.

"My lord, you paint me too well. Like i've said before i'm nothing but a mere sandal maker."

He laughed, now sitting down with him. Though they'd only just met, Xuande felt closer to this man than a childhood friend. He nodded and laughed, drinking round after round.

"No! Please do forgive me, it is my fault for not making it here sooner."

He smiled, Liu Biao was aging though he remained in good humour and spirit. His sons were then brought forth which posed a dilemna for Liu Bei. He paused for a moment his face turning serious.

"My lord, i'm nothing but a mere governor. I do not know your sons like you do! To allow me to make such a decision would be ridiculous when a man of your knowledge and wisdom could make such a better one."

He bowed low before the bow, asking for forgiveness. He had heard of the troubles of Liu Biao's heirs before. If he granted the throne to his eldest, he was weak and showed little potential. The younger was stronger, but allowing him to get into power would more than likely allow the takeover by the Cai's.

"My lord, please drink. I'm sure the problem will resolve itself over time. Lord Cao Cao, though a fiend resolved his heir problems through trials, perhaps you should attempt the same?"

Liu Bei suggested, smiling gracefully; still trying to avoid the question. He would've personally selected the older son - though he knew the authority the Cai family held. He collected his thoughts and tried to stray the thoughts of the old man away from his sons.

"Though I come to you in reunion, I also come to break bad news, my liege."

His eyes turned serious, as an ambassador of the north he would need to warn Liu Biao of the impending war on the south.

"Lord Cao Cao holds no secret to his ambitions, having been personally in his company he speaks of his conquests. Though he may seem a man of the emperor he is far from it, my lord."

Liu Bei cried weeping a little bit more, remind Liu Biao of the thousands who had died at his hands just getting here.

"Once Cao's belly has devoured the north, his eyes will turn south, to you my lord. If we submit to him, we turn against the Han."

Xuande pleaded, trying to disupt any sort of image Liu Biao had with the man to solidify the defences against Cao. Though Cao's ambition had not be clarified, Liu Bei knew it too well. Yuan Shao and Lu Bu were the only men hold him back from the North. Once he had conquered the Central Plains; it was the south then onwards.

"My lord, I ask only you allow me to protect the path from the north to your lands; if Cao Cao wishes to launch an assault against us. I will meet him with my blade personally."

Liu Bei spoke with sincerity, each word has its truth or several truths. Though he would combat against Cao Cao, he also needed to expand. It was no lie that without land he couldn't even try to fight against the Hero of Chaos. He ended his case towards the man, bowing his head gently to see what he made of it.

[NPC Account]

Liu Biao had sighed at Liu Xuande's response. It was clear that the general would pay no heed to the civil strife, and for what it was worth – he could actually understand why. He would gain no friends from siding with either of his two sons, and so it was left to him, and the witch he had called his wife.

“Then you are doomed.”

He swept a tear to the side, and before he could explain further a noise echoed from behind one of the back curtains before a woman presented herself. It was Lady Cai, Liu Biao's wife, and she stood as a pearl to the empire as she gazed eagerly over the two Liu's.

“I'm not disturbing anything am I.”

Liu Biao shook his head, feigning a smile, and then sulked. Lady Cai came to the table and sat herself down, facing Liu Bei.

“I won't keep you. I just thought I'd inform you both that my son will be holding a congratulations party soon. I would be honoured if you especially could attend.”

Then, as soon as she had arrived, she upped and left. Leaving Liu Biao sulking in the corner. He looked up, eyes resd and fresh with tears. “She will force Liu Qi into power, and break tradition. She also...”

He wanted to say more, but stopped himself. He could not know for sure who lurked behind closed doors. “You should go. I will call for you again when perhaps I can be of more use. As it stands, you're doing a fine job protecting Jingzhou from those of the North. But....remember.”

he stood up to bid his kinsman farewell, “Do not provoke those of the north. I have never had issues with Cao cao or his ilk. He has no justifyable reason to mvoe against me. Protect Xin Ye well, and be sure to help its people from fear.”

With that, Liu Biao bid his goodbyes and left. Lady Cai, who – was waiting outside,e scorted him to their private chambers, where she turned upon him.

“You know, Liu Bei would do you no good being here. If he provokes Cao Cao, or any of the other lords, your name would be tarnished. Perhaps It would be better to send him south, where he can produce little results and be away from those with power.”

Liu Biao nodded to his wife, but had refrained from giving the order. He would wait until they met again before deciding such a drastic change.

[Guan Yu]

Liu Bei bowed to the man understanding his strife or at least trying to, he was trapped in a deadlock. Liu Bei had been through pain and suffering; but he had yet to choice a sucessor nor did he have to select between two. To defy his wife, or to follow his instinct. Liu Bei wanted to speak up, but his rank and position in society did not let him. He bit his tongue upon the entrance of Lady Cai, the mother of the youngest son. No doubt; doing all in her power to ensure her heir was the only heir. Liu Bei kept quiet, showing his respects to the woman he kowtowed a little.

"Such an honour! I shall attend this to the honour of your generosity, my lady. my lord."

He announced happily to the woman, and then turned back to Liu Biao who looked uneasy, like a blade was driven into his back. Liu Bei sighed heavily as he pleaded his troubles to him. Liu Bei comforted him. Liu Bei remained with a smile upon his face; though he could feel the pain of the man, if he got involved only worse troubles would come. The woman left soon after, and Xuande took another sip of his drink, finishing it to not be rude of leaving such a hospitality. He listened carefully to Liu Biao's words of distress.

"Your story is one of great trouble, if there is anything I can assist you with. Please do not feel afraid to ask Imperial Uncle Liu Bei."

He smiled, clasping his hands one last time; before nodding at the mans conditions for the possession of Xinye, he agreed. It would not be logically to attract the attention of Cao Cao; at least not yet. Xinye was weak and unprepared no match for the armies of Cao Cao.

"I will serve you to the best of my ability, my lord Liu Biao."

He said, before also bidding the man farewell before he outstayed his welcome. It would seem the house of Liu Biao was under siege by the Cai family. Liu Bei had long known of the troubles of Liu Biao and his demanding wife, if she couldn't get her way, she set her brother Cai Mao upon the culprits - a man Liu Bei had no intentions of upsetting but he couldn't help but feel sympathy for the old master and his youngest son.

"O cruel world, why bring hardship to one as virtuous as Lord Liu Biao?"

He questioned in his head as he left the chambers where he had the meeting. No doubt the Lady would be discussing the fate of Liu Bei behind closed doors.