Cao Cao
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Hero of Chaos
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Post by Cao Cao on Jan 31, 2011 20:48:27 GMT
"Yes... you have spoken frankly," Cao stated flatly. He stroked his mustache, and only a flare of his nostrils revealed that Cheng's words had struck a cord.
He paused for a moment, considering how to proceed.
"I have not heard that version since... well.. since the elder Qiao said it to me himself," he began, his voice an even tone. He took his hand from his mustache, and began rubbing his thumb across his fingers, so that his hand almost became a fist.
"Most men, you see, are ignorant and have only heard the more...," he paused again. ".. the more flattering accounts. And those who have heard the true form... Well. Their cowardice, in the guise of wisdom, prevent them from admitting to it."
He stopped moving his hand, and stared directly at Cheng Qi. He had decided.
"What you say, Cheng Qi, boarders on insulting. Words like those you have spoken, cast about at random, can do far more damage to a man than any army. I say boarders, however, because when spoken in the proper company..." he gestured to the empty room, ".. they ring with a certain truth. And with that truth... the form of your true purpose in coming here. Tell me, what truth do you see in the other lords of the realm? And tell me, with things being as they are, what things may come in the near future. I would like to see just how bright your stars shine in these areas..."
He paused again, allowing Cheng Qi a moment to gather his thoughts. Cheng's brashness and brazen truth had impressed Cao greatly. If he was as insightful about the other rulers ,and on charting the course of the warfare that was about to engulf the realm, then Cao would have great need of this man.
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Post by Sam on Jan 31, 2011 21:47:41 GMT
Cheng heard Cao out and smirked, Cao understood him, that was exactly what he wanted out of this visit, "For this reason it was why I desired to be alone." Cheng looked upward and sighed, "The other lords I am sure know the Han is doomed, otherwise they are unworthy of whatever seat of power they are sitting upon, being so blind. The Yellow Turbans, Dong Zhuo, and now Li and Guo, vicious attacks against the rule of the realm can only be traced back to the dynasty itself. Like all great dynasties, the Han is due for it's end and another will rise."
Cheng took a moment to look Cao in the eye and continued on, "A time of division is upon us, every warlord in every corner will fend for themselves, only those with the means and ambition to survive will outlast the rest in a contest for power."
Cheng looked squarely at Cao accompanied by a long pause in his words. "As for my opinions of the other lords, Yuan Benchu of Jizhou and Yuan Gonglu of Nanyang, are in it for the fame and to enhance the prestige of their own house; they may appear fearsome prancing like ruthless tigers but they are really deer, wrapped in fierce coats, in the end they will amount to nothing."
"Lu Fengxian, a warrior without equal, yet with all that self-righteous might he cannot simply through lives away recklessly forever, worry yes, for he is powerful a true tiger, but like the Yuans he cannot last with such contempt for all but himself in the end he'll be taken." Cheng paused and gave a swift stroke to his beard, and continued with his judgement, "Sun Bofu, relies too much on the reputation of his father. Yet with such a weak foundation is sits in a strong position and attracts many a talented man into his services. He'll be more of a liability and a pain than a threat of great worth. In addition at the present he is young and unschooled, he can be ignored for now."
Cheng then tapped his chin thinking of a way to say his next thought, he decided and said, "From my observations of the lords. I can see two who will amount to something, two who have promising futures. Liu Xuande of Xinye, is benevolent and rules with a soft touch, right now he is in a difficult position, but the people still stand by him never straying in their loyalties, he is a cause of concern and he and the other hero will be in standing for domination and will lead the new regime. Xuande and you my lord are the only two that have prospects. The other lords are flees ready to be brushed aside at your command; you have the ambition, the cunning, the talent and followers for such a bid for power." Cheng paused and nodded as he said, "That is my purpose, to help you realize yourself sooner than later, to seize the inititive. You must begin your preparations and strike out for what is left of this worlds order - The Emperor..."
Cheng sighed, he couldn't believe he was advising such a thing, he had opposed Dong Zhuo for so long, yet here he was giving the advice of a traitor, to the man who had fought the wrongs of Dong Zhuo. "...Take the Emperor into your custody, use him as your validation to contend for power and honey your commands. Take the fight to Li and Guo and seize this golden opportunity, before someone else realizes it is there."
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Cao Cao
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Hero of Chaos
Posts: 159
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Post by Cao Cao on Jan 31, 2011 22:45:10 GMT
"It is exactly as I myself have thought. Truly, Cheng Qi, you are my Gan Wu," Cao exclaimed. "I have a need, but I have not found a man with the talents to perform this task. Perhaps you, Cheng Qi, with your ability to see into people and speak the truth, would do me the honor of performing this action, and in doing so, join my cause? What do you say?"
(OCC: PM is sent with details).
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Post by Sam on Jan 31, 2011 23:33:25 GMT
Cheng smiled on the inside, he had found the leader for him and his brothers. One who recognises talent. Cheng sweeped up the trim on his robe and dropped steadily to his knees and with clasped hands proclaimed, "When the Lord extends the invitation personally, you know he is a wise one and your services are not misplaced. Your trust and favour will not be in vain, my liege..." With that he bowed in obeisance.
"Consider the task done, I'll draft one immediately."
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Cao Cao
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Hero of Chaos
Posts: 159
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Post by Cao Cao on Feb 1, 2011 0:25:41 GMT
As Cheng Qi left, Cao stood up and stretched. He walked to the entrance of the audience hall and regarded his guards. any more?
They shook their heads. "No sir." "Good," Cao said. He quickly walked through the halls, not taking the time to appreciate any of the splendor around him. He approached his private study, and knelt in front of it. He took out a piece of parchment and began writing.
After a very long while, he finished, stretched, and stood. There was a knock on the door behind him. The guard who had seen Wu Long and Wu Gan out was standing before him. "My lord..." he handed Cao Wu Long's proposal. Cao read it, and after pausing to give it thought, tucked it away in his ornate desk. 'Please make sure that this message gets to Zhu Jun. On your way, please express to Wu Long that I like his proposal, but such a large project needs much more careful consideration than we can provide it at this exact moment. My liege... the guard nodded and left.
Cao took out another piece or parchment. The words To Do: were written across the top. It read: Send messages to officers: X Announce going to war with Li Jue and Guo Si: X Get inside help: X Feed Duck: Prepare defenses: Get Truces: "Half's not bad for one day's worth of work," said Cao. "but not bad isn't good enough."
He walked to the quarters belonging to his tiger guard captain, roused him, and said We're going to Pu Yang. Get ready quickly. Cao himself readied his travelling gear, packed food and rations for the trip, and made his way to the stable.
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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 5:49:17 GMT
Having been successful in his trip to Pu Yang, Cao returned to his palace in Xu Chang. The travel had been rough on him and his bodyguard, so Cao gave his guard leave for a day. He then made straight for the bath, telling any and all who approached him that they would have to wait until tomorrow.
While soaking in the heated water, Cao's mind reeled at the position he found himself in. Here, he had the ability to reunite the empire, under his banner. He could save the Han and be remembered for the rest of history.
Such thoughts gave him a rush.
The course of the empire could be determined when he awoke however. Now, it was time for sleep.
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Post by Sam on Feb 1, 2011 23:58:10 GMT
Cheng Qi had submitted the edict to Cao Cao which was being copied and spread to various key points around the country, most importantly those around and in Cao Cao's lands.
Now Cheng had another mission to attend to, he armed himself with his sword and dressed regally in a clean robe, and set out for Wancheng.
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Cao Cao
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Hero of Chaos
Posts: 159
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Post by Cao Cao on Feb 3, 2011 23:03:09 GMT
Lord Cao had been in council for many days now, speaking with his officers on what was to come..
It was time to stop the talks, however, and proceed to action. He met with his officers one last time. Cheng Qi had spoken to them and gotten the lust for war in their hearts. Now, it was time to bring them to the battlefield. He issued commands to all of his leaders, and took his own army into Chen Liu.
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Post by Guan Suo (Zeffy) on Mar 9, 2011 0:02:17 GMT
Zhang hurriedly walked towards the palace gates, hoping he would find his father there. His armour clanked as his legs moved him at a brisk pace, far outpacing anything moving on the street at the time. He approached the palace and looked over the grand building. The architecture and material of it was simply marvelous.. Truly his father had employed skilled workers. He smiled and opened the doors and walked inside the building.
Once inside, he shouted aloud, not really caring who didn't want to hear him, "Could somebody point me towards Lord Cao Cao?"
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Cao Cao
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Hero of Chaos
Posts: 159
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Post by Cao Cao on Mar 9, 2011 3:28:56 GMT
"I am here, my son" said Cao, stepping up behind him. "I trust all went while? After your report, I believe that it may be wise to began readying your troops again. We are preparing to move against Zhang Xiu soon." Cao bowed to his, and began walking towards his throne, awaiting Zhang's report.
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Post by Sam on Mar 9, 2011 9:26:59 GMT
Having been to Wan twice, the first bore little fruit and the second hurled that fruit into a furnace; it hadn't went as well as it could have with Zhang Xiu's change of heart. His third visit wasn’t going to be for negotiations, after the humiliation of having such a minor warlord speak down to him Cheng was in a mood for battle. He had come to the palace to inquire about just that.
Striding into the palace and passing the guards without a question he entered the grand hall where his king dwelled, well who he regarded as his king. Upon entering he noticed that his lord was in audience with a young lad, lessening his stride he angled around the room to the right as to not distract his lord. He listened as he walked towards Cao and his lord’s throne.
His lord was going to bring this boy to battle? He must be a worthy son Cheng thought to himself, as he took an attentive stance at the base of the steps to the throne; he waited for Cao Zhang to report before he began speaking of the coming battle and tiding he had brought, he figured it would be appropriate for his lord’s son to hear them since he was to, from what Cheng could tell, to be riding to battle with them.
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Post by Guan Suo (Zeffy) on Mar 9, 2011 22:41:37 GMT
Zhang shifted nervously. He did not have much to tell his father. After all, he was only roaming the land for a short time. There were some rumors, however...
"Yes, father, all is well. I regret not having anything to report to you, besides that many people speak very highly of you, though I doubt you hadn't already known that. If you require me to, then I shall march to battle with you.. To prove my worth." His ears detected faint sounds of footsteps, and he looked about to see a man walk into the room. By his mannerisms, him not walking too fast as a messenger should, or too slow as if frightened, he figured the man to be one of his father's officers, possibly a higher-ranking one. Zhang stood still for the time being, this man might have something to tell his father..
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Cao Cao
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Hero of Chaos
Posts: 159
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Post by Cao Cao on Mar 10, 2011 19:18:50 GMT
"Hmm. I see," said Cao Cao, somewhat saddened that his son's adventure had been less than fruitful. "Well, all is well then, and I am glad to have you home." He smiled at his son, and placed his hand on his son's shoulder. He briefly considered giving his son a hug, but after a moment, he removed his hand and took a seat at his throne.
"Cheng Qi, how was your journey?"
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Post by Sam on Mar 11, 2011 11:29:50 GMT
Observing his lord's reluctance to embrace his son when they had finished their brief catch-up, Cheng thought was because of his presence, his lord wasn’t the kind who would want to show vulnerability in front of those he ruled over inspiringly.
Having been addressed Cheng bowed low in respect and greeting to both father and son, then sighed prior to his reply, ”Less than delightful my lord. Zhang has broken faith.” Cheng sighed as he continued, ”I was rash, and responded to his change in character recklessly, he has no intention of surrendering.” Continuing in a lower register Cheng said, ”He brought up his old friendship with Li and Guo, he might call for aid, in which case we can round them up and knock all three of them down in one fell sweep, but someone is advising him on these matters...” Then raising his voice to a more general level Cheng bowed as he said ” I urge you send the army to annex him immediately before he amounts to something.”
Taking a measure of seriousness out of his brow and tone reported, ”Yet not all news I bear is ill my lord. General Zhang returned from the north earlier, we have an ally in Yuan Benchu – however temporary, he promises to send military aid to support our attack on Wan. Even if the traitors in the west do support Zhang Xiu he cannot stand for long and with his lack of obedience we have justification to put the powers granted to us by the Emperor to use.” Then he reiterated as he finished with a bow, ”Haste my liege, haste. I pray you, make the disposition.”
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Cao Cao
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Hero of Chaos
Posts: 159
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Post by Cao Cao on Mar 11, 2011 20:41:04 GMT
"It is exactly as I have thought," said Cao with a smile on his face. "We need to make this a spectacle, don't you think Cheng Qi? Zhang Xiu is a coward and weak. He will speak against us while he feels he has the protection of his walls. As long as he believes that the rebels and Liu Biao will aid him, he will continue to over step his bounds."
Cao rose, looking at Cheng Qi to see if he agreed with his evaluation. "By making a large display of force, and physically cutting off any chance for allies to come to him... the man should fold to us. It is my plan that we should bring our legions to his door, and intimidate him into surrendering. We may not need to shoot a single arrow. Of course, if we do... it will be convenient that we will have our army with us."
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