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Post by Lei Yong on Apr 6, 2011 5:46:27 GMT
With a cool composure, Shun had interjected himself once more. It seemed he was directing the conversation, but that was never his intentions. It simply happened due to his nature. He responded to Z’s statement, but did so while addressing the officer. ”Sir, she is with me as well. I can vouch for her. Regardless, there are always people who perhaps have not had formal training to start. But that is a virtue actually. When they enter into the army, they can become exactly what the army wants them to be, without any prior misunderstandings or improper training techniques. I believe this to be true with Zhong Gou here. If you would include her in this recruitment, I’d be most appreciative.”
He turned and gave a nod of encouragement, and also for her to play along with the scheme. Remembering what she had said with just seeing the palace, he figured that any kind of fight would either not turn out good, because of distractions. But he was also concerned for her safety. She was still rather young, and the recruiting officer was a rather strong and skilled man, despite the ease that Shun had shown during the fight, it really was not easy for him. The officer was a veteran, and was likely now limbered up after the skirmish. If I fought him now that he’s warmed up, I’d have a much more difficult time. She is quite lithe, but I don’t know if it would be a good idea… I hope she follows my lead.
Meanwhile Ping was absolutely ecstatic. He was going to be serving alongside Shun, and he got off fairly lightly for the insult. On the other hand though he was feeling quite sorry for it as well, but at least it spurred things to action. He turned to look at Z again, and he got all fidgety… Growing up with the Wu Huan tribes, he had not really known many women to be so fair looking. Hardiness was considered to be a better quality on the steppes, but after migrating to China he began to see wonders he had not really dreamed of. Of course there were always women in his life who he thought were attractive, but that had increased exponentially in China. He frequently stammered when speaking to them, and he wasn’t exactly a charming individual. It was hard for him to even just become friends, with such formal speech. Shun kept telling him that one day he’d get over his shyness. It was just a phase in his life that had not passed fully. He desperately wanted to believe it. But he figured he would be the same for the rest of his life. Still though… He had at least managed to speak to her. Oft times he couldn’t even get any words out at all. He smiled at what Shun was planning though, if she followed along, he’d get to spend more time amongst her. Maybe that will help me overcome my fears... She seems just as shy as me. Oh Shun, you are a tricky devil. But that’s why we're friends.
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Post by Zhōng Gôu on Apr 7, 2011 2:33:00 GMT
To Gou's relief, Zhang Shun stepped in one more time. Hearing what he said, though, surprised her. Was he actually going to let her tag along? Despite not knowing anything about her? Call it motherly instinct, but that wasn't always the best idea... But then common sense stepped in and told her she was more than obviously a rookie who couldn't fight against him, so if anyone was in danger than it would have to be Zhong Gou herself. Traveling around with two men she had only just met? Who were stronger, faster, and more skilled than she was? That was madness.
However, she wanted to get into the army to serve her lord. If need be, though she had no proof at the moment, at least she had her horsemanship skills. While she couldn't practice swordsmanship well alone slashing at a tree or tall grass, she was always able to better her riding. She had been galavanting through fields and forests on horseback for as long as she can remember. Riding had become second nature to her, and at least that was the one thing she could boast about. That and, well... tracking, but that was for an entirely different time.
"Oh, yes! If you would, please~!" She flashed a bright smile toward the officer, stepping slightly closer to Shun and Ping. Tao followed after her, now moving to push at Shun's shoulder with his nose before snorting and resting his head on Z's tiny shoulder, her body leaning slightly before she managed to straighten herself up again. She reached up to ruffle his mane to keep him from moving around anymore. He could always manage to get himself into some sort if trouble.
[Short response is short. D:]
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Cao Cao
Full Member
Hero of Chaos
Posts: 159
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Post by Cao Cao on Apr 7, 2011 4:36:06 GMT
"Well then..." said the guard, acknowledging them, " the offer remains the same. Here is a seal that will allow you to be presented to Lord Cao Cao in Wan if that is your desire. Otherwise, you may head to the barracks and settle yourselves until he arrives." He handed them the seal, and explained how to get to the barracks.
"Perhaps I will see the three of you on the battle field someday, and I will have a chance to redeem myself, by claiming the most enemies!" He smiled at them as he prepared to leave. he waited just a moment to see if they had any more questions.
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Apr 25, 2011 17:23:17 GMT
The land sprawled out in folds of green and red. Blotches of vines and flowers sprinkled in distant patches as trees swarmed around their enclosures - Keeping them safe from the bitterness of the autumn winds.
Small twigs and sticks fell loose from the ancient trees, and the scene exploded in colour as the company of men made their way up from the depths of the great hills. They had travelled far and wide, passing the xuzhou mountains that had stretched for as far as the eye could see. They had even went south – where the terrain was settled and moist – ready for the next harvest to commence. The great riverbeds and rivers jotted in and out of the valleys whilst birds and other animals of the world beckoned for the heat to return.
They had travelled and they had seen it all. But nothing had replaced their love for Zhongyuan, for the land of the hills and the trees, where the open plains stretched out like a great blanket. Xu Chang was the pinnacle of all central states. It's walls were the largest, its width the thickest – it was the central point for all lovers of Zhongyuan, for all lovers of what Cao Wei had created and achieved.
Jia Xu was not a man to admire men, but Cao Cao was someone even he could not deny. The man's ambition, his charm, his power. To him, it was as intoxicating as any ale or spice on the black markets of the under city, and it had all started so....poetically as well.
But the memory had faded with time. The thought of the long gone battles of Wan were but distant memories as they came upon the great gates.
The city watchmen knew of Jia Xu, and although they nodded curtly before opening the door he could see their disdainful eyes reproach him. He had done a terrible deed, and that he had not forgotten.
He had killed Dian Wei.
“How long will I suffer for what I did?”
He moved to the inner palace, where gardens lay on each side of the grand entrance.
“How long will I suffer?”
Thoughts of that battle returned to him as he walked up through the grand opening and into the Palace. The throne room would be further up, and he noticed almost immediately the statue resurrected for the death of that fallen bodyguard.
“How long?”
A guard approached him, and he nodded curtly before stepping aside.
“I would have words with you guard.”
He spoke firmly, diverting the man’s attention to what mattered, “I would speak with Lord Cao Cao. I have some troubling news that must reach his ears immediately.”
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Cao Cao
Full Member
Hero of Chaos
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Post by Cao Cao on Apr 25, 2011 23:19:55 GMT
The guard brought Jia Xu to Cao Cao. "Jia Xu. You have troubling news?" Cao twisted his finger around his mustache and slightly tipped his duck hat. He respected Jia Xu's abilities, but deep in his heart he would always hold a bit of resentment for the man. It was his fault that his most beloved bodyguard had been forced to sacrifice himself. But, better to have such a skilled man working for him, than against him. (Welcome back steve. )
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Post by Wei Guozhi on Apr 27, 2011 14:16:13 GMT
(Sorry for the delay. I needed a finalised report of the event before I could bring you your 'troubling' news)
Jia Xu had mused over the intel he had received for hours. Taking scraps of parchment and penning thoughts or ideas that had originally come to mind, as he had waited – he replaced his words with new ones, and was finally content with the reports as he was brought forth before his master.
“I'm afraid a new threat has arisen.”
He cleared his voice, and allowed a moment to see the reactions of the fellow ministers. Although he himself had bore the majority of the new kingdoms military weight – he knew that the envy, suspicion and outright hatred still with him would affect his commands. He could only hope that Cao Cao would feel as passionately about this new threat as he did.
“We all know of the events regarding Yuan Shu, no? Well I am afraid a similar event is taking place, right now.”
He retrieved the scouts report, and then pulled out a small note from inside of his robe. It was bloody.
“This was written by one of my scouts in Chang'An before he was captured and killed. I do not know how he went about getting it here, but I know the writing style of this man and I know it not to be fake.”
He laid the note out on a table, and then cleared his voice. He had hated being the bearer of bad news, men often whimpered or worried when dire news was given – and that had always irritated him. Surely it would be better to simply deal with things than it was to ponder them.
“According to both of these reports, Yuan Shu handed the Imperial Seal to Lu Lingqi, as a betrothed present in uniting their armies, unfortunately it did not work so well – Yuan Shu was slain and Lu Lingqi returned with the seal to her father, Lu Bu. Now, according to the scouts, Lu Bu sent messengers to Li Jue and Guo Si, these messengers had gifts, wagons of grains, some silk, and a carriage of gold with a prize inside. We are still not certain to what length these were but...it was suspicious enough for me to contact my spies within Li Jue's territory – and it seems that Lu Bu has offered the Seal with a carriage of gold to Li Jue. We are not sure why, but it would seem to me that Lu Bu wishes to solidify his position with reinforcement from the West. My scout mentioned a note as well, something about Lu Bu intercepting a message meant for Li Jue, from Guo Si. I again know no details, but it was written and so – it was said. I suppose my liege, the real problem lies with Li Jue, who has already started to flaunt new imaginary power with the backing of the seal. It is only a matter of time before he declares himself the new \Emperor, and if he does that – then he will have no use for the current Emperor on the throne.”
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Post by Cao Ren on Apr 28, 2011 15:43:57 GMT
As the years passed, the young son of Cao Cao grew older, finally becoming a 'real man'. Most of the time he spent with training inside the great city of Xu Chang. Improving his fighting skills was the only thing he could do in those years after all, as he was pretty much just a prisoner behind the impenetrable walls of the Wei capital. He was condemned to live his life here. And it was all thanks to that Jia Xu.
Cao Ang frowned as he looked at the mirror in his room in the palace. He was about to beat it, to break it just as any other mirror he saw. But as he raised his arm to deal the blow to this mirror, he looked at his hand, saw the bandage made of silk and lowered it again. He stared at the scar in his face which was inflicted to him by Jia Xu in the duel years ago at Wan Castle. It reminded him of his haughtiness in the battle when they attacked the city. That day, he was just about to fritter his life. That day was the reason for him being 'imprisoned' in Xu Chang. It was for his protection, his father said after losing some family members and his trusted and beloved bodyguard.
Cao Ang was not allowed to participate in any further campaigns. Every time he asked, his request was denied. There was absolutely no chance for him to gain experience in combat. But in his eyes, the time has come to finally change this. Once his father would leave this world, it would be him to lead the forces of Wei. He had to prepare himself for this day.
With his new intentions, Cao Ang left his room and immediately headed for the throne room. The guard at the door blocked the way. "Make way! I have come to see my father!" Cao Ang said, almost shouting at the guard. "I am sorry Master Cao Ang, but our lord has an audience" , the guard replied. "So? Who is it?" The guard hesitated. "Who?! Say it already!" "It is...Master Jia Xu." Cao Ang made a step backwards. His eyes were wide open. "J...Jia Xu?" "Yes! He said he had news for him! Troubling news!" Cao Ang was shaken and confused. He could not believe what he had just heard. "Jia Xu...he...should have killed him..." "Master, this is not the place to question your father's decisions." "You just shut up!" He turned around and walked through the corridor. He turned left, went a few steps forth and then pushed himself against the wall. He started to breathe rapidly. "Jia...Xu...this man...what happens...?" , he mumbled as his body slowly slid down the wall. His bottom reached the floor and he bent his legs and put his hands on his head, shaking it slowly. "Wan Castle...how could he forgive this man...for this outrageous deed...he killed my cousin...he killed his bodyguard...and he almost killed me. And now this man serves as an advisor to my father. Of all men,why does he have to be our strategist..." , he thought as he gazed into space. "I still can't believe how my father could have employed this man..." Cao Ang then stood up in a slow pace, holding his head. He felt giddy and closed his eyes. The memories of Wan Castle were burnt inside his mind. His father had forgiven Jia Xu. But Cao Ang had not. And he was not sure if he ever could.
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Post by Sam on Jun 6, 2011 1:57:25 GMT
The game has not yet started Xun, plus you're an historically allied officer so you can simply start in Wei and bypass the recruitment process.
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