To Find a Lord: Honor of the Sun (Open)

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

NOTE: This topic is not with Ai Rui but with Dao Jiang, Ai Rui's best friend.

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Dao Jiang could hardly believe that he was now walking into the territory of his former lord's son. He knew what he was asked to research Cao Cao, but he knew what Ai Rui truly wanted. He wanted a lord worth serving, and Jiang hoped that Sun Ce would prove to be such a lord.

Dao Jiang could only look out for those who could give him information about Sun Ce, but he had no idea who to look for. He knew Huang Gai was still around, but he had no idea where the great general had gone to now. For that matter, Huang Gai may not even speak to the deserter Dao Jiang. He needed to find someone who didn't know him, but he didn't know who that could be.

With no idea who to look for, Dao Jiang decided to roam the city and listen in on what others were saying until he found someone worth talking to.

[Ma Chao]

Sun Ce had been back in the city for only a few days. The armies of Wu had conquered all of Jiang Dong and they were now free of Yuan Shu and Cheng.

A young advisor, who was taking documents to Sun Ce was passing through where Dao Jiang was. He had the figures for the losses taken from the campaign. In order to prepare for future excursions, they would need to know what state the army was in.

The advisor, named Lin Ming, tripped over a small rock and dropped some of the papers onto the ground.

"Damn."

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Dao Jiang notice a man in a rush pass by him. Poor sod. he thought know how painful it was to rush. just as the thought crossed his mind the man tripped. "Ah, hell!" he said realizing that he couldn't just leave the guy.

Jiang walked over and picked up the papers the guy dropped. "Look, you gotta slow down or you'll hurt yourself," he said holding out the papers for the man to take. "Rushing around only leads to your downfall. You're obviously in a hurry and this little bump slowed you down. What's more, you could have lost these papers for good; that's no doubt have been bad.

After handing the man his papers Jiang bowed before him "Name's Dao Jiang.

[Li Wang]

OOC: This is not Li Wang, but rather his best friend Dailai Ba.


A certain young Major by the name of Dailai Ba happened to be on his way to visit with his best friend and superior officer, the Commander General Li Wang, when he noticed a mini drama beginning to unfold in the form of two men exchanging documents. He recognized the one who tripped as one of the Sun clan's army advisers, but he could tell the other man was not from around here; his garb was of a different style than most in Jian Ye... Well, I guess I kind of stick out here as well Ba remonstrated, referring to his dark skin; he was, afterall, a native of Yun Nan, far to the West and South.

Ba was overcome by curiosity and found himself drifting closer as the man's foreign (to Jian Ye) accent let itself be known; Ba was curious to find out where this man was from.

Excuse me, sirs, but may I be of assistance?

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

OOC: Sorry Ryan, but Mikey's waiting on this thread to finish so he can start another with Ai Rui and Dao Jiang.

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Dao Jiang turned to the man who joined in the conversation. He was obviously one of the "barbarians" he'd heard tale of. "Hmm? Well, I think our friend here may have all he needs; but I could certainly use some help. Of course, you need to know about the affairs around here to be able to help me out. Jiang gave out a hardy laugh. Was he really about to ask this barbarians opinion of Sun Ce? Well it certainly wouldn't be biased if he got an answer.

"See," he began while looking between the two men. "My friend's asked me to come here and inquire about the lord of this land. He desires to know what motivates Sun Ce and why people are drawn to him. He has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge y'see, and I'm a big enough fool to put my neck on the line for it. If either of you two can give me your opinions on the matter, I'd be deeply obliged."

Dao Jiang knew he must look like a fool, but it was a matter he had to get to eventually. Mengzhong was expecting him, and he had to hurry.

[Li Wang]

Dailai was slightly amused as the foreigner (Now look at me, the pot calling the kettle black) gave a nearly imperceptible double-take at Zangzhuo's Nanman features. The man certainly was the adventurous sort to come all the way to Jian Ye just to hear an opinion of Sun Ce. Zangzhuo took only a moment to consider his reply to the man's query:

"I'll not lie to you, stranger, my liege, Sun Ce, is primarily motivated by ambition for greater authority. But do not let that cloud your judgement! All men within his realm are equal in the eyes of the law, and justice is tempered with compassion for the wronged. The lands under my liege's protection are peaceful, and no citizen of this land is taken advantage of by any soldier or officer on pain of death. Just as in every land, there are some who would prefer another official to rule them, but the common consensus is one of love and respect for Sun Ce. Zangzhuo paused here as he looked over the stranger.

By the looks of you, I'd say you and your friend are looking for a worthy lord to serve. If that's the case, it's my duty to inform you that all who fly the Red Banner are well taken care of, and each of our abilities are utilized to the fullest. I know not who your friend is, but if he is as capable as you seem, I'm almost positive there is a place in our forces for the both of you. Zhangzhuo smiled as he extended his hand to shake. I'm Lieutenant General Dailai Zangzhuo, by the way. A pleasure to meet you...? He had not realized that he did not know this man's name until he was halfway through his introduction, and thus felt a little silly.

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Jiang smiled at the man's response. Anyone would proclaim the greatness of their own lord. He had been honest and said the Sun Ce was driven by ambition. Mengzhong would hate this. He was a man of benevolence and ambition held little weight in his world.

Dao Jiang started when the man extended his hand. He slapped his hand hard into the other man's. "I'm Dao Jiang, the White Demon they call me in Luo Yang." The seven-foot man clad in white demon armor. "It's always good to make new friends, no matter what side of the battle you're on!"

"In truth, I don't ask what the guy's up to; I just do what he asks. He's proven to me that his judgement is best and I just go with it. I just know it's my job to learn what I can about Sun Ce." It may not have been entirely truthful, but Jiang knew it was best he maintain some level of secrecy. He wasn't sure if Mengzhong wanted it known that the Guardian Dragon's son was searching for a lord to serve. "I thank you for your honesty. If there is anything else you can tell me without betraying your lord's trust I'd appreciate it."

[Li Wang]

"I've told you all I feasibly could, my friend. The only thing I can add is that you must not mistake me when I mention Sun Ce's ambition; he is ambitious, yes, but not at the expense of the people, and he has no designs on the Imperial throne. He merely wishes to unite this land in peace as the head of the feudal lords, or so my close friend Commander General Li Wang tells me- oh, pardon, I forget you're not from here, the Commander General Li Wang has become one of Sun Ce's top advisers recently. If you were to await his return from Xiang Yang, I'm certain he could tell you more of Sun Ce's character. Dailai grinned; he liked this guy, and hoped that one day they would meet again... hopefully on the same side.

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

"Perhaps I shall, it should be worth the wait." Dao Jiang began. "After all, my lord is quite capable of tending to himself. I've never bested him in battle, and I've seen him run off entire bandit hordes alone. He's no man of great strength, but of brilliant cunning."

Dao Jiang's rambling stopped. "I ask that when your Commander General return, you send him my way. I'm sure he's the man to talk to." Dao Jiang began to take his leave and head toward an inn. "I'll be there for a while, waiting."

[Li Wang]

OOC: Sorry about that, Ryan through a twist in the Jian Ye palace (if you haven't already read )
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A couple of days later, a messenger was dispatched to the inn Dao Jiang was staying at. Li Wang had heard much from Dailai Zangzhuo, and had resolved to talk to the man.

Dao Jiang,

I, Commander General Li Wang, humbly greet and welcome you to the city of Jian Ye. I believe you spoke with my good friend Dailai Zangzhuo the other day, and he has told me quite emphatically that it would be wise to attempt to recruit you. To that end, I would venture to meet you myself rather than send a message, but I'm afraid that a recent skirmish with rebels has left me bedridden as I recover from my wounds. I would still like to speak with you however, so if you could be so inclined I would ask that you come speak to me at the palace. I have left explicit instructions for the guards to allow you in. I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely, Li Wang, Commander General

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Dao Jiang read the message thoughtfully. Commander general? That would mean he likely knows me. This could mean trouble for me. I risk much to attend such a meeting, but I owe it to Mengzhong.

Dao Jiang made his way to the palace. He'd been involved in the ruckus in the city a few days ago, and decided to prolong his stay due to it. There was one word in the letter that bothered Jiang: recruit. This might have meant the commander general had no desire to consult with Jiang about his request and was only interested in gaining a new blade for the army.

As Jiang approached the palace, he introduced himself and was escorted to Li Wang's room. "Commander general? I'm Dao Jiang. I'm here on behalf of my friend, Ai Rui. He has asked me to learn what I can of the lords of the land."

[Li Wang]

Today, Li Wang was not the impressive figure he normally was. His leg was in a sling, and his armor lay piled in a corner of his room. Two guards remained at the door for his personal protection. And after considering Dao Jiang's massive frame, he decided that he'd be glad of those guards if the giant attacked for any reason.

Ai Rui? Could he possibly be related to Ai Jin of Luo Yang? Li mused only partially to himself; he had not been around during Ai Jin's time, but one of his guards had:

"Sir, Ai Jin perished fighting Dong Zhuo, as was his first son. Rumor out of Luo Yang is that the third son was killed during the evacuation of Luo Yang and that the second is now hailed as Luo Yang's guardian. His name, however, varies from tale to tale, though the most common appellation is "The Ai boy".

Li considered this for a moment, then considered Dao Jiang.

Dao Jiang? I'm Li Wang, Commander General and also Sun Ce's brother-in-law. I would be happy to answer any question you might have, but first I must ask you one of my own. This 'Ai Rui,' is he the same son of Ai Jin who is now residing in Luo Yang?

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Dao Jiang nearly frowned at Li Wang's question. it wasn't the question that upset him, but the fact that he slipped up and gave away his friend. Mengzhong hadn't actually sent Jiang here, he'd done this on his own. Now he may be causing problems for his friend.

"I suppose it is a matter that can no longer be kept secret. I am here on the part of Ai Rui, son of Ai Jin. His father's training shows prominently within him, though they are far from the same sort. While his father was a leader well adapted in the arts of war and peace; the son is a force of his own, cunning and mighty."

"Though, they do have a great trait in common: they both desire little more than to protect Luo Yang." Even as Jiang said this he knew it would be hard to understand. "Though their final idea is the same, the two would react in different ways. Ai Jin would stand, leading volunteers against war around Luo Yang. Ai Rui would find the best way to end the war before it damaged Luo Yang further.:

Jiang had hoped Li Wang's question had been answered satisfactory. "So, Commander General; what can you tell me of your lord? I believed the son of the tiger was a fine place to start."

[Li Wang]

I see... Li murmured as he pondered this; this Ai Rui seemed to genuinely wish an end to the chaos.

I'm choosing to trust you, Dao Jiang. However, should you betray this trust, I will personally hunt down and slay you myself. Li stared into this giant's eyes; he meant no malice, but he would brook no betrayal of his lord.

My lord is primarily motivated by an ambition to become the chief warlord of this land. By doing so, he hopes to end the chaos. He is brash on the field of battle, true, but he always at least listens to the words of his advisors, often following through with the same advice. He does wish to avenge his father, but he is willing to put the people before himself, and for worry of Lu Bu he restrains himself. He is an honorable man, and, outside the battlefield, always conducts himself in an honorable manner.

Li did not know if he'd answered this man's question satisfactoraly, but he was prepared to extrapolate should he request it.

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Dao Jiang smiled. "That's some courage you've got there, and I've heard exactly what I needed." Jiang admired Li Wang for the risk he was taking here. "My friend shall know no more than your lord's aspirations and his treatment of the people. Those are the traits he weighs men by."

Jiang looked over the commander general. "Should the forces of Sun Ce ever find themselves troubled, send word and I shall come to your aid. Until next we meet." Jiang gave a bow and began to leave the room. That was all he needed to tell Ai Rui, but Mengzhong would have the final decision on the matter. Jiang could only wonder if his efforts had been in vain.