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Palace
Jun 4, 2010 2:01:25 GMT
Post by Zhu Jun on Jun 4, 2010 2:01:25 GMT
The palace to the city of Xiang Yang is located in the central plaza of the cities perimeter. Here you can request for an audience with the current prefect. The palace consists of a throne room, a kitchen, an open audience chamber, a council area and an upper landing where rest rooms are located.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 2:05:15 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 6, 2010 2:05:15 GMT
A warm comfortable breeze blew off the Han river and down across the large city that was known as Xiang Yang. Toward the center of the city where a robed man stood on a high balcony of the provincial palace overlooking the city far below and the river in the distance. His robes where of a light blue mixed with gold clearly of a fine make, they were expensive but also comfortable they seemed to almost match the nature of there owner. Liu Biao of Jing was a calm very un warlike man who played the part of the statesman and politician he had been born to be well. It was just unfortunate he had been born into there times where war ravaged every area of the the great nation of Han. The duel sword strapped to his left side looked totally inappropriate on him or next to his robes he looked more like he should be holding a feather fan of a book. Of course appearances could be deceptive and given the right reasons anyone could take up arms to defend themselves or those they cared about.
Governor Liu Biao drew in a deep breath of warm river air as her gaze fell on the people far below him and moved next over to the north where he knew the cites of other feudal lords lay even if he could not see them. He let out the breath as long worried sigh his breath catching at the back of his throat. His fair hands clutched at the railings and he appeared outwardly calm and collected as he knew he must for the benefit of all those that followed him. He only wished he could fool himself in the same manner.
"This is not how it was meant to be." he said at least with a shake of his head. He had been assigned here as a governor to look over the people and collect and send tax's to the Han Emperor Liu Xian in far away Lou Yang. He had not intended when he took the position to be turned into a warlord to have to face imminent thread of battle every day to have to defend his rich lands for jealous rivals and attacks others just to have the strength to defend himself. It was not a situation he had wanted but it was what he had been throw into none the less. He wondered some times if the heavens where just cursing him for some sin he had committed in his past, certainly it sometimes felt that way. He had been forced to change a lot in recent years from the young man he had used to be who looked forward to a quite life in a peaceful and wealthy province. He had changed not only in perspective but physically he was stronger now with better muscles that had ever been before.
"Ah...." He said sighing again loudly knowing that up here he could do so to his hearts content no one would hear him. It had all gone wrong because of Dong Zhuo he had abused the Emperor and cared nothing for the power of the imperial family. Liu Biao had used to think blood meant a lot but the traitor Dong had proved imperial blood was spilled just as easily all knew the fate of Liu Bian. Now there was no going back even after the death of that foul man. The other lords had started to plan against each other and now none would rest until they were left standing alone with total victory. The pebble had started a avalanche and now it was too late for him, he would go with it or be buried under it.
Already he had faced Sun Jian in battle when the traitor came to steal his fair lands of Jing. He suspected none of the other lord had predicted the result they thought of him as nothing but worthless bureaucrat that they could push him around like they did Emperor Xian. This had not proved to be the case, he was not frail of mine or body and strategy was a better weapon than any sword. Sun Jian now lay the dead the first man that had underestimated the power of the imperial blood flowing threw Liu Biao's veins. He had come threw adversity and proved that even the strongest warlord could fall before a politician like himself. He had not enjoyed the battle even the victory he did not celebrate death only the peace that transpired as a result. However the battle had proved something else to him, war could be used to bring peace, because of the battle against Sun Jian, Jing province was now was peace and order free form the chaos that plagued other lands. If he could repeat what he had done here in other lands then the world might know law and order again under the imperial family. God knows it was up to him alone now, the Emperor was powerless and Liu Yan and already proven he was not up the task. It would be up to Liu Biao to save the emperor and the people of this land from chaos. He would show them all that he did have a back bone let the others underestimate him, he would show them how wrong they all were.
"After all i am Liu Biao and this is Xiang Yang, the city of Liu Bang founder of the Han dynasty. What was before will be again." he said to himself speaking into the wind off the river his dreams flowing from his lips and into the sky where he hoped the heavens would hear his noble ambitions and smile on him for a change. For truly from this city his great ancestor had struck down the white serpent and made this land his own. As a result he created a peace that lasted for 400 years if he could do all that a man born as a peasant than what could Liu Biao accomplish. If only he could find men to assist him, for alone he knew he could only fail. He no longer feared the other warlords even men like Sun Ce who no doubt wished him ill and held him responsible for the death of his father. No he refused to fear such men, he would instead crush them for fueling the war that ravaged the land and betraying there oaths to the Emperor. He would do it for the people of there lands, with them out of the way he would bring order and peace they so needed.
Stepping away from the balcony Liu Biao headed for the public audience chambers of his palace. He had hidden away from his duties brooding for long enough it was time to get back to his job running this province. Although it hardly seemed like the challenge it used to be now with his new goal clear in his mind. In part he hated himself for doing it knowing it could lose of life, but he could not surrender to do so would ensure the down fall of the Han, he would not allow that not even when all life left his body. He soon found his way the the audience chamber and climbed into his high throne to preferred for he long day ahead.
"Show them in." he said speaking to the guards who stood watch in front of the great doors. Once they threw them open his advisers would enter and well as anyone who had come to see him. He put on a smile and got ready to get down to the task of rebuilding the empire.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 13:58:49 GMT
Post by Shen Fei on Jun 6, 2010 13:58:49 GMT
Shen Fei stepped into the palace of Xiang Yang. It was a magnificent building with gold littered about giving it the royal air that a palace would and should have. Meeting a servent of the splendid Liu BIao - the one who had slain the traitorous Sun Jian - Fei requested an audience with Liu Biao immediately. "Excuse me, I am interested in meeting Lord Liao Biao. Please inform him that an officer is interested in joining him."
Although Shen Fei felt nervous, she was positive that Liu Biao would take her mind and bow in so that she could assist him in his quest to quell the chaos in the Empire. Men like Cao Cao didn't interest Shen Fei, they were all corrupted - they didn't really care about the people, all they wanted was wealth and power.
Although the servent didn't tell her to follow him, she followed him anyway. The servent stopped at a grand, golden door. He stepped inside and shut the door. She stood outside of the dooor, anxiously awaiting the inevitable arrival of the news.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 14:31:06 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 6, 2010 14:31:06 GMT
The morning business in the court of Jing was fairly retinue, crop yield and tax figures as well as an assessment of his armed forces. They were important details and although Liu Biao could leave them to one of his officers he preferred to handle it himself. They were after all what he had been sent here to do not wage a war. Well you could never chose you own path and he was quite capable of doing both anyway. As he was looking over a list of commerce figures he noticed one of his servants approaching from the main doors.
"My lord A young lady by the name of Shen Fei is outside the doors, she is requesting a meeting with you. Ah she does not have an appointment." The old servant said making a bow and then stepping back. It was just his job to deliver the message not have a discussion with his lord about the matter. Liu Biao decided to just see her right away he was not in the middle of anything more important anyway. It would be best not to be rude and keep her waiting he gestured for the guards at the main door to let her inside. He was always eager to meet new people of talent anyway it was one of his many passions.
He drew himself up in his chair and melded his expression into one of benign interest. His counters moved into the sides of the hall where they had desks set up so they could continue there work. Of course he suspected they would be paying more attention of his guest for the next few moments.
"Show her in." he said waving a robed arm as his guards blocking the now open door stepped to the side and thew a salute welcoming Shen Fei to the court of Liu Biao imperial relative. If nothing else Liu Biao look the part, a tall hansom man well dressed.
"Welcome to my Court Shen Fei, what bring you here today?" Liu Biao said greeting her with a smile his voice as strong and commanding as tsar. It did not matter what everyone else thought of him he went his own way always. He could well guess why she had come but he wanted to give her a chance to tell him herself her fate was in her own hands as much as everyone else.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 15:03:09 GMT
Post by Shen Fei on Jun 6, 2010 15:03:09 GMT
After being allowed into Liu Biao's main hall, Shen Fei strode in, trying to look as impressive as possible in the presence of a God on earth. Shen Fei needed all the confidence she could muster to face this magnificent person.
"Lord Liu Biao," she began, "I have travelled here to Xiang Yang to offer my meager services to you. I... wish to assist you with what little power I hold in my hands. I hold knowlage of battle strategies and am competant with the use of a bow." She paused for a second to think of what she would say next.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 15:08:52 GMT
Post by Cao Cao on Jun 6, 2010 15:08:52 GMT
Gan Ning walked up to the palace after a long trip on the sea. Gan Ning was the greatest pirate in the world or so he thought. He made his way up the steps of the palace and turned to the two pirates that escorted him.
"Protect the ship and gather supplies just in case we need to seek a new ruler although i don't see how anyone could turn the greatest warrior in china down."
He had spotted a woman following what appeared to be Liu Biao's servant, he decided to follow both of them but not sneakily, he walked normally, chest out and dropping his shoulders with a little lean back now and again. They walked through a door and he spotted Liu Biao on his throne, he quickened his pace and made it into the court room.
"Liu Biao, i am here. My name is Gan Xingba. I am the greatest warrior these lands have ever seen, and yes, i will join you to save you the embarrassment of begging me to join your ranks. I shall not let you down." He spoke to Liu Biao in a cocky and arrogant way showing him no respect.
He moved close to shen fei, he put his thumb under her chin and his index finger just below her lip. He moved his hand to stroke her face with the back of his hand. "Your face is soft." He said to her whilst stroking her face. He turned and gave a wink to Liu Biao.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 15:21:42 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 6, 2010 15:21:42 GMT
Liu Biao smiled broadly at the fair words of Shen Fei. At present he was indeed in great need of brave warriors and strategist to assist him with the great purpose he had undertaken. He was not served by as many renowned warriors are some other lords although this had not stopped him defeating men like Sun Jian. So the addition of a skillful warrior or strategist was an event he would welcome with open arms. He understood well the desire that drove them, it was the same one that fueled him to restore the Han dynasty and bring an era of peace and stability to the land. It was just a shame that for every loyal man and women there seemed to be 2 or more traitors.
"If this is the case then i am pleased to meet you Shen Fei and i extend to you an gratitude of my court for your loyalty." he said grandly some of his advisers nodding in agreement or just in respect for his eloquence it was hard to tell. Of course he would have to ask for a simple test of her skills first, it was not that he did not believe her just he was curious to see them first hand. Besides not everyone was as trustworthy as himself, a fact he had learned painful over recent years. "May i ask for a single demonstration of your skills Shen Fei?" he said clicking his fingers to bring a pair of servants into the room
One of the man was carrying a standard bow used by the Jing Zhou army the other man was carrying a large wooden target stand with a bulls eye painted on the middle of it. He left the target stand at the end of the hall near the front doors a good hundred yards at least from where Shen Fei was standing. The other man handed her the bow to use with a single arrow. It was a show of good faith handing her a weapon in the presence of Liu Biao, perhaps another test too a Less obvious one.
Before she could fire however another man burst threw the door way clearly without an appointment. The guards moved to stop him but Liu Biao raised a hand to stop them. He found the mans attitude not insulting but actually fairly amusing. It was clear he was quite full of himself but Liu Biao thought he could sense that that was mostly put on. Still to make such a bold claim and man must be good, in fact Liu Biao had heard of the fabled Gan Ning most feared pirate along the Yang Zi river. It was said that everyone sailing along the river fled in fear at the sight of his brightly colored sails. You did not get a reputation like that without being a mighty warrior. He was certainly in need of such men and he was more than willing to put up with his attitude it might do well to have some to liven the place up a bit, never let anyone say Liu Biao does not have a sense of humor. He looked careful at Shen Fei a smile playing on his lips again and he wondered how she would react to his blatant flirtations.
"Gan Ning I'm sure some of my men would love to have you hanged as a pirate. However those that would adviser me so are fools." he said smiling as a few of his advisers gasped, he hoped they could take a joke as well. "You are also welcome here and so is your sword. Anyone willing to serve the Han in our time of need will more than make up for any past misdeeds. Besides i hear you have caused Liu Yao and a few of my other foes quite some anxiety." he waved a servant off to fetch some wine since it seemed he was entertaining quite some guests now in his audience chamber, the man would fetch some chairs as well no doubt.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 15:42:58 GMT
Post by Gao Shun on Jun 6, 2010 15:42:58 GMT
A massive man walks through the palace gates of Xiang Yang, carrying a mighty sword almost as long as he is tall. This man has come to Xiang Yang after many years of service to various lords, however no for the first time he truly wishes to make a land his home. This man is Gao Shun, the feared warrior from the North. Following the defeat of Dong Zhuo many had thought he would join the mighty Lu Bu in Pu Yang, however he had long known that General Lu Bu was nothing more than a ravenous beast, with no true hopes for the land, only for himself. Here in Xiang Yang he heard there existed a virtuous relative of the Emperor who would work to set things right for the people of this land.
Laying his spear at the entrance to the audience chamber, Gao Shun marvels at the beauty of the chamber as he walks in. Dong Zhuo had of course had a grand palace, and this one did not surpass it, however it was still awe inspiring. Before him he sees two warriors, one man and one woman, who apparently had arrived before him. Standing in a stiff pose he waits in the rear of the Chamber for Liu Biao to address him.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 15:48:19 GMT
Post by Shen Fei on Jun 6, 2010 15:48:19 GMT
As Shen Fei was speaking to Liu Biao, she was rudely interuppted by the doors being thrust open; by a scruffy pirate with spiky hair. Before she knew what was going on, the priate was speaking to Liu Biao in an extremely rude and cocky manner. After he had finished his rather rude comments, he clutched Shen Fei's chin. Shen Fei had identified him as Gan Ning, a pirate who had apparently given Liu Biao's foes grief. Although she was impressed with Gan Ning, Shen Fei didn't appreciate men touching her skin and telling her it was soft.
"Excuse me, Master Gan Ning," she said politely while edging away from the ill mannered pirate, "I do not appreciate people that touch me, nor people that try to impress me with their so called 'strength'." At the end of her comment, she smiled faintly at Gan Ning.
Turning back to Liu Biao, Shen Fei resumed her conversation with him. "A demonstration of my skill? Very well then, Lord Liu Biao." She took the bow (and arrows), strung it, and drew it. Once she had done that, Shen Fei pointed the arrow right at Gan Ning's head. She chuckled a little bit to herself, this was indeed vey amusing to Shen Fei - one who hadn't experienced such fun in a long time.
In addition to all that was happening right at that moment, turning to Gan Ning allowed Fei to observe that a tall man with a huge sword was standing in the corner of the room. Clearly he had business with Liu Biao, although Shen Fei ignored his presence in the room.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 16:19:23 GMT
Post by Cao Cao on Jun 6, 2010 16:19:23 GMT
Gan Ning smiled at Liu Biao, his words were good enough to please Gan Ning. "Very well, i shall serve you." He said to Liu Biao and gave him a little nod. He felt Fei push away from himself, she began to talk to him but he didn't listen much he caught abit of her comments but not much. Gan Ning let out a great laugh at the comment from Fei. " Sorry love, i don't need to impress anyone. I am Gan Ning isn't that impressive enough?" He folded his arms and began to stare at her even when she aimed her pathetic bow at his head. He let out a sigh and began to adress her stupidity. "... You do relise that if you shot that i would catch it before it hits me, the bow is a cowards weapon, however deadly, very deadly. You are in the presence of a true warrior, show me you skill." He stepped aside to let her shot her bow and ignored the man who had walked in.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 16:44:07 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 6, 2010 16:44:07 GMT
Liu Biao watched with interest as Shen Fei and Gan Ning both started to show off a little. he wondered how Gan Ning would react and was not surprised when he offered to let her shoot him. I't was reckless of course but what else would one expect from a man like Gan Ning. He was not something you should tie down with a leash but who should instead be unleashed against the enemy. Liu Biao understood this so allowed them to get on with it although he would stop them before they went too far. he did not want any blood spilled in his audience chamber there would be time for that later and had plenty of targets for them without adding each other. Still he doubted they would take it that far they just needed to learn a little respect for each others skills.
Instead he caught the eye of the man who had just walked into the room behind them. It seemed nether of them had noticed him yet too intent on each other at the moment. He thought the man look familiar he searched his mind for the answer. He was saved from the embarrassment of not knowing when one of his servants ran up to him holding a letter and whispered in his ear. "Gao Shun is here to see you my lord as you requested." Liu Biao reached out and took the letter seeing it was the one he had recived shortly before. He nodded and the servant steeped again. He took in a deep breath preparing his well rehearsed oratory voice he used in such situations.
"Greeting Gao Shun i am of course expecting you, do come in." Liu Biao said from his throne gesturing for the new commander to enter into the hall. He looked down at the letter the one he had received earlier from the man asking to enter his noble services. he was glad a former officer of Dong Zhou could have a change of heart and once again serve the Han. Of course many that served that traitor had not done so willingly, it was a bad situation for everyone.
At about the same moment some of his servants returned with a sew bottles of rice wine and chairs for those that wanted them. This was Jing Zhou a land still enjoying peace and Liu Biao wanted to make a point of that to all three of them. One day the rest of the land would be hoped be the same.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 16:52:44 GMT
Post by Gao Shun on Jun 6, 2010 16:52:44 GMT
Gao Shun quickly turned away the offer of a chair and some rice wine. He did not wish to drink, abhoring alcohol himself, and chose to kneel before Liu Biao. He had heard much of the might and virtue of Liu Biao and had come quite a distance to see this descendent of the Han and to possibily serve him if he felt that Liu Biao would make a good Lord for him. With his characteristically neutral face, Gao Shun looks at the ground, not wishing to make eye contact with a mighty lord of the South such as Liu Biao. However he did begin to speak in a very committed and submissive tone of voice.
Lord Liu Biao, I have come here to Xiang Yang for one simple reason, to learn if you are a lord worth serving. Already you have impressed me with your hospitality, though I myself do not drink alcohol, I am happy that you would offer gifts to those who would come to seek your audience.
Simply put my lord I wish to offer you my spear and my strength to aid you in the revival of the Han. I had previously served Dong Zhuo but not as a matter of my own choice. I am truly thankful that his stench was rid from the Earth.
Gao Shun continues to hold his kneeling bow, hoping to show his reverence to a Ham royal family member.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 17:11:13 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 6, 2010 17:11:13 GMT
Liu Biao looked thoughtful as he studied Gao Shun, an interesting man indeed. He had heard he was one of Dong Zhou's feared commanders along with Zhang Liao and Lu Bu, looking at the man before he could well believe it. He could not exactly put his finger on why but the man seemed to exuded a quite sense of competence and skill. He did not doubt that his spear could change the flow of future battles in his favor. If such a man would serve him and the Han he would make great use of him to fulfill his own purpose and restore his family to what it was before this age of warlords. It would take time, effort and great cunning but Liu Biao was patient and he thought that just maybe he had found another of the tigers of the land. It seemed the heavens had answer his prayers indeed today to have three such people appearer in his audience chamber in a single day.
"I believe that a single man, a single spear can change the world Gao Shun. However with all of us gathered here today, it cannot be a coincidence. It will be a difficult time ahead for us all, but i give you my word my resolve will never falter so let your spear never falter either and perhaps we can indeed change this world for the better." he almost felt like getting up off his throne and getting down to meet them but that would not be great show of dignity for such a lord. He smiled again instead accepting a glass of wine, he took a sip but did not drink much. He would drink properly only in victory until then his mind must be clear.
"Serve me and if you find me an unworthily lord you are free to leave me at any time. I would gladly accept your spear and your might into my service to restore the Han dynasty." He said pausing for a moment as his thought turned to Emperor Xian a prisoner in his own palace. It brought rate feelings of rage to his mind, it was an indignity and betrayal that he would not stand idly by and watch.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 18:04:25 GMT
Post by Gao Shun on Jun 6, 2010 18:04:25 GMT
For the first time since entering the chamber, Gao Shun was truly pleased with his choice of taking on Liu Biao as his lord. This man was a rare breed, the sort few could ever hope to equal, and Gao Shun would serve him as long and as well as he could. There would be no turning back, he would restore the Han with Liu Biao.
Rising from his bow but still averting his eyes from those of his lord, Gao Shun calls for his spear to be brought to him by one of the Palace servants. After it is brought to him he places it at the feet of Liu Biao and says:
My lord I place my spear at your feet swear to you and the Han my filial service as a warrior under your command. I only hope that you shall accept me as such.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 21:49:29 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 6, 2010 21:49:29 GMT
It was obvious to Liu Biao that Gao Shun had made up his mind at last. The man's loyalty was almost legendary so Liu Biao was glad to have won over such a fine warrior to his side. He always enjoyed meeting with the finest the land had to offer so today had been a great day in his book, one he would no doubt remember for a long to come. While the rest of the world sat back and underestimate the men of Jing Zhou he would lead them out and destroy the traitors of this land one by one. He knew who they were the men that would betray the emperor and take power for themselves that would stirr up chaos just for there own pretty gains. With such warriors now on his side he had a great chance to stop these men and resort order before un told thousands of innocents died for no good reason.
"I accept your spear and your service Gao Shun, i would be honored for you to serve me as a general of the Jing Zhou army." Liu Biao said standing and picking up the spear. he put his other hand on Gao Shun's shoulder to lift him to his feet. He might look week dressed in his robes but Liu Biao had a surprising strength. He handed Gao Shun back his spear smiling in pride to meet much people.
He shared many characteristics with his family including Liu Bei and Liu Yan and one thing they had in common was like the tyrants of the land they were willing to also be humble as well before the great talents of the land. Liu Biao knew he had to show strength and humility in equal abundance and now was the time to be humble as well as wise.
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