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Post by Zhuge Liang on Jun 4, 2010 2:02:21 GMT
The palace to the city of Chang'An is located in the central plaza of the cities perimeter. Here you can request for an audience with the Emperor and his immediate advisors. 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. There are also two wings and a royal apartment structure located near the Palace to help house guests and lords.
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 5, 2010 22:47:29 GMT
Five mounted riders approach the gates of the Imperial Palace slowly on horseback. At the head of the horsemen sat a man clothed in white robes over his armor. Three of the riders seemed to be guarding the robed warrior, their armor gleaming in the hot sun of the Chang'an morning. One of the riders carried a banner with the symbol for Heaven clearly depicted in calligraphy.
The young leader of the riders raised his hand and they halted as they approached the guards of the Imperial Palace. He nodded to another of his companions, a charming young man robed in green. The charming man, unlike the other four, carried no weapons or armor. He approached the guards and spoke as representative of his leader. He bowed with all of the courtesy due to the guards of the Imperial Palace.
"My Lord, Gongsun Jieming of Ru Nan, would like to request an audience with the virtuous Son of Heaven or one of his exalted advisors. With the tyrant Dong Zhuo vanquished, Lord Gongsun would like to receive insight from the wise Imperial Family on how to best protect the great Han Empire."
The diplomat waited for a response. If asked, the leader of the warriors would surrender his weapons, and submit to a search, as would two of his guards. The other guard would watch the horses.
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Post by Emperor Feng on Jun 5, 2010 23:48:14 GMT
As the party approached the entrace to the Imperial Palace, the patrolling guards were changing and to present them was the Captain of the Guard, a large man who had clearly rose the ranks through brute for than anything. Listening to the diplomats words, the Captain's eyes traced to the 'leader'; he wondered why he could not speak for himself..was he not before the home of the Son of Heaven? Slightly shaking his head, the guard turned to face those operating the gates to open for their guests and also inform the powers that be that they were here. "You may pass through, however, His Excellency is attending external affairs; General Li Jue shall recieve you."
Stepping aside the Captain allowed the group entrance, they would be met by the Elite guard who would remove their steeds and place them within the stables nearby. Before letting them fully through, the Captain leaned close to the diplomat..his voice but a whisper. "I advise you not to censor anything about the 'tyrant Dong Zhuo'; I'm sure your leader shall understand my warning..for the wound is still fresh to Lord Li." It was clear that this being was not of the stock that Li Jue personally stationed in Chang'an, who would simply allow them to stumble into the lair insulting the very man who Li fought for. Saluting their entrance, the elite guard approached and offered to escort their mounts into the stables as they were met by a contingent of officials; who would take them to the main audience chamber.
Once in the chamber, it's architecture of the finest quality as the silk drapes covered the walls and the Dragon Throne situated to the back of the hall; yet, it was clear that more work was needed for Chang'an to match the gloriousness of Luoyang before the fires. On a raised dai, that had been moved into the hall especially for the General, Li Jue was presented and gazed upon the men that came before him. There was a sense of arrogance about him, it was understandable for being the guardian of the Emperor. "Master Gongsun Jieming of Runan presents himself before you Lord Li-" A gesture swift by the General to halt any further words, stroking the beard as he observed his guests. Mats were brought for each man of Gongsun's contingent and servants treated them handsomely; offering refreshments. "You hail from Runan? What brings such a man before the Empire's heart?" Li's voice bellowed, a true servant of the deceased Dong Zhuo, yet it had a forced tone of respect for Gongsun; wishing for him to speak the reasons of his journey to the Capital...
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 6, 2010 0:01:01 GMT
The leader of the men frowned slightly as the green-robed diplomat relayed to him the guard's response. Jieming did not know whether he could trust Li Jue to speak for the Emperor accurately. He had little faith in Dong Zhuo, whom he had previously fought, and therefore had trouble with the idea that Li Jue was in control of the Emperor.
As the white-robed warrior entered the palace, and was placed in the presence of General Li, he bowed low before the General. He too displayed all the courtesies due to a General, though he had no gift to give. When asked, he finally opened his mouth to reply to the powerful General.
"Lord General, it is an honor to be in your presence and to be received by the virtuous servants of the Son of Heaven. I only regret that my meager means have provided me with no gift worthy of giving to His Majesty. The purpose of my travel is, however, quite simple. As a mere servant of the Son of Heaven, I cannot presume wisdom or knowledge of what would be best for the Empire. For this reason, I would only like to ask if there is anything that the Imperial Throne might wish for my small force stationed in Ru Nan to accomplish in order to best protect the sacred ground of the Han Empire."
He nodded and waited patiently for a response after his short speech. Jieming's voice filled the hall, though he spoke firmly rather than loudly. His every word was spoken with conviction, though he stressed certain words such as "honor", "virtuous", and "servant". His two now unarmed guards and his green-robed diplomat stayed silently behind him.
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Post by Emperor Feng on Jun 6, 2010 0:28:02 GMT
Pondering on the information given to himby this Gongsun fellow, Li Jue took great pleasure in hearing adjectives roll from the General's tongue to his ears; also, the addition of such a low bow put him in a good humour. Shifting his weight within the dai, an official approached and placed a parchment into Li's hand. The words angered him a somewhat, dropping it to the floor with a heavy sigh emphasised this. However, something came to mind as the noise of the scroll echoed within the silence, a coy gaze now presented itself to Gongsun; and it was directed straight into his eyes. "Indeed your loyalty is taken into great consideration and His Excellency's heart fills with pride that so many continue to support the Empire of his ancestors."
Taking a minute to clear his throat, Li began to stroke his beard once again. "The court has been informed of a certain being who needs to be shown the judgement of the Empire, a being that turns his back upon the Emperor; insulting all that the our beloved Empire stands upon. To the Northern borders is situated the city of Beiping, the stronghold of Governor Gongsun Zan; he refuses to pay tribute to the Emperor. You see the newly established Capital needs more work, however, the taxes upon the realm have risen to do so; a reaction from the past that we cannot forget." A quick diversion, the fierce eyes observing the judgement most people place upon his former Master.. "Bestowed upon you shall be a military decree to bring the traitor forward and for a reward, you shall be given the position as Governor of all the man's estate. I hope you are capable of this?" With a simple gesture the official scribes began to write upon a parchment, creating the decree with which Gongsun Jieming would be given military powers to remove Gongsun Zan and act as his replacement.
"Indeed, the Empire needs the money to retain the prestigeous ancestoral shrines, something close to the Emperor's heart. This blatant ignorance towards our Majesty cannot be permmitted, don't you agree?" The tone strengthened towards the end, Li Jue testing whether this man would perform such a tas; not knowing if they were related or not. "We desire this Governor placed under judgement; whether you do it by force, or through words is of no concern to me." As the General awaited a reply from Jieming, the Imperial scribes began the grinding of the ink sticks to form the thick red liquid that would be used to press the Seal of the Emperor onto the decree; making it authentic...
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 6, 2010 1:05:55 GMT
The honorable warrior found it hard to hide his displeasure at the task granted to him. Zan was not only from the same distant clan as Jieming, bearing the same family name, but he was a friend of the Runanese warlord. In fact, Jieming had served in Gongsun Zan's army during the battles against Dong Zhuo himself. This visit had taken a turn for the worst, but Jieming still attempted to play off the information he was being given.
"Ah, Lord General, the distance between Beiping Commandery and the capital is great. I am confident that Lord Gongsun was merely being careful not to allow his tribute to fall into the wrong hands. Had he sent tribute during the treacherous reign of Lu Bu, the tribute would certainly have gone to Lord Lu's coffers, not the Empires. Perhaps Lord Gongsun is unaware of your own virtuous deeds and good-hearted service to the Son of Heaven. Also, in my humble estimation I would think it dangerous to engage such a powerful man militarily, and throw the Empire into the chaos of war so quickly, would it not?"
He paused, hoping Li Jue was following and accepting his logic.
"I will go to Beiping and personally convince Lord Gongsun to begin sending tribute again. I am sure that once he hears of all the work that needs doing in Chang'an, whatever faulty reasoning he is currently using will be shattered and he will see the error he has made. Would it be acceptable to the Imperial Throne if I was to convince Lord Gongsun to send tribute to the virtuous Son of Heaven again, rather than deposing him and adding to the chaos? Besides, he is greatly feared by the barbarians to the north, and is a valuable buffer to protect the capital from their frequent attacks."
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Post by Emperor Feng on Jun 6, 2010 1:56:52 GMT
Li Jue did not fully take a liking to the responce that Jieming seemed to purge into his presence. "Or shall we allow our Empire be viewed as if it would simply kowtow to those who turn their backs upon us?" The tongue was sharp and tone fierce, but the annoyance was calmed by one of the officials scornfully looking upon the General; reminding him that his actions were for the benefit of the Kingdom..the land..the populace, instead of some feign honour that he wished to create. Letting an elongated sigh escape his lips, the General acknowledged Gongsun's plan with a simple nod. "Indeed your path seems a way clad with peace. I shall halt the Imperial Decree of military influence, this shall give you the time to journey to your clansman and investigate the reasons to why no tribute has been given. If the stubborn Governor does not yield the tribute, then the Imperial Decree shall be placed in motion. Does this not seem fair to you Master Gongsun?" Leaning forward, it was clear that this position of Li's was not negotiable, allowing him to sort the council of the Beiping Lord and to persuade him to re-establish the payments to the Empire..otherwise his office would be removed.
"There shall always be a man who can place fear into the Northern tribes bordering Beiping, so this reasoning is void. Furthermore, we have some of their clansmen within the Imperial Court and many ties with them to our officials." Another scornful glance from the official who continued with the decree, not wishing to stop-and-start with something. Taking a deep breath, the General shifted within the dai; moving his large from to the opposite side and reclining as if he were the main power within the Imperial Palace. "Is there anything else you wish to put forward to His Excellency before you leave for your business in Beiping?"
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 6, 2010 2:36:19 GMT
Jieming bowed low to Li Jue, thanking him.
"Thank you, Lord General, for choosing the path of peace. I will do my utmost to persuade Lord Gongsun that it is safe to re-establish tribute to the virtuous Son of Heaven."
Jieming gave Li Jue a sort of smile before answering the General's last question.
"It would be a great honor to have my name even mentioned to the divine ears of the Son of Heaven. I hope that you will pass on the message that I will do anything in my power to aid the Son of Heaven as he carries out Heaven's will in this sacred land."
If there were no other questions or problems, Jieming would bow politely before exiting and riding off towards Beiping with his guards. He would, of course, first reclaim his weapons from whoever kept them safe for him while he was granted audience.
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colby
Full Member
I would rather betray the world, than let the world betray me
Posts: 216
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Post by colby on Jun 6, 2010 14:19:55 GMT
The large carriage doors opened, revealing a blue robed man with a traditional wooden hat upon his head, with a simple robe belt around him. He exited the carriage before climbing up the stairs. Cao Cao, they called him. A man who had rised through the ranks since a young age he had always been in the favour of the emperor, no matter how much power he had gained he had never turned against his ruler. Serving in the Yellow Turban rebellion and assisting at putting down the treacherous Dong Zhuo. After assisting the Emperor countless times now it was Cao Cao who had come to ask for assistance, it was rare to find Cao Cao in a situation.
He pounded up the stairs, alongside two of his strongest guards. Li Jue and Guo Si were known tricksters and Cao Cao didn't support them and requested the Emperors company, not theirs. A messenger went ahead infront to warn the others inside of Cao Cao's presence, though told to hold his tongue on what he had come for. Offering had been brought for the emperor, food, gold and other valuables from the lands of Chen Lio that the emperor had granted Cao Cao recently.
They eventually reached the top of the stairs, Cao Cao waited patiently before being granted access, the journey had been a long one however he was a loyal servant of the Han, wishing to maintain discipline and structure to the lands.. atleast for aslong as possible. The day was young with the sun climbing the sky, second by second. Cao Cao smiled, streching his arm over his eyes to shield them from the bright rays before having a casual laugh with his guards.
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Post by Emperor Feng on Jun 6, 2010 15:23:31 GMT
Gongsun Jieming had come to Chang’An to seek the service and the guidance from his emperor. But he would reach only the first ornate sanctum, before being turned and sent away on ‘official’ business. Li Jue could only have imagined the general’s frustration at being discarded, but as he always said – in war, all is fair.
As Gongsun began to turn, Li Jue contemplated the idea of removing Gongsun Zan, - who, in actuality was no fraud to the state, he was what Li Jue considered as a poisonous nettle that poked the ambitious sides of Guo Si and Li Jue alike. If this Gongsun Jieming was capable of defeating Gongsun Zan, then the Northern provinces would be secured for them, and that thought sent a shiver of excitement along the man’s spine.
“That is all. I shall speak personally with the emperor and proclaim your deep desire to help his majesty’s cause.”
He bowed gently, showing only a curve and dip of his head at the generals passing. It would be an interesting development.
As Gongsun left, a messenger came through to the first ornate sanctum, declaring the arrival of the provincial lord Cao Cao. Now Cao Cao was a man that Lu Jue had feared, and as he gazed passed the guard he could see the faint outline of the generals cloak marching beyond. He would be there soon, and that thought sickened him. He was the most powerful lord in the Zhongyuan region, but his defeat against Lu Bu was still high on the councils walls.
“Greetings Cao Cao.” He bowed low, and tried to avoid the glare that was sure to come. It was known already the tension between these two lords, the only lie keeping them frome ach others throats were the imperial guards standing nearby, men trained to kill for fun and men who listened not to Cao Cao, or to Li Jue – but the emperor directly.
“The emperor will receive you now. Please come through and state your business. Though – I hope you have better news to report. Your dealings with Lu Bu have not gone unheard.”
He chuckled as the doors opened, and stood before them both was the long red carpet that met the feet of the Emperor himself.
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colby
Full Member
I would rather betray the world, than let the world betray me
Posts: 216
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Post by colby on Jun 6, 2010 15:40:37 GMT
Cao Cao glared at the man, cursing inside his teeth at the man.. he would have his justice soon enough, but for now Li Jue was merely a lesser man who would always be nothing more then a failure. He laughed before bowing to the man, hiding his true intentions before his wide open positive face before entering the room where the Son of heaven was, alone. His guards remaining outside, not to offend the emperor or to provoke trouble.
Cao Cao slowly paced inside, removing his shoes and remembering his upmost manners for the man. Before kneeling down and bowing to the Emperor.
"Emperor, I Lord Cao Cao have come to you today bearing gifts however i come to you with great distress..."
Cao Cao never really was a man to open up and admit his fears or his weaknesses, he kept his head low, not a single lie within his speech. He had served the emperor well for his years of service and would continue to do so. His tributes were outside, his guards would bring them in after he left, not willing to disturb the Emperors peaceful enviroment.
"I come to you in a time of great upset in our land, many of us still standing beside you and the upheavel of control. However something upsets me, Mi'lord. Luo Yang, since Dong Zhuo's betrayal.. our city has diminished and crumbled into poverty and worse. Every since a young man i worked within the walls of Luo Yang, serving my Emperor and my city and to find the people and the city in such a state makes me disconcerted."
He said raising his head up, emotion in his face and eyes. His pale skin wrapped with his blue robes, Luo Yang once was a city of greatness. Now after Dong Zhuo it had crumbled to something of weakness. With the new government in place nothing was being done, not leadership controlled the place and the people were to suffer. Cao Cao believed he had proved himself in Chen Liu and was willing to prove himself worthy for Luo Yang, potential also creating a safety pathway for the Emperor into his own lands and away fro the gruesome duo of Guo Si and Li Jue.
"I ask merely to abdictate Luo Yang into the hands of someone who can restore it to its once greater glory."
He said finally bowing his head and gulping with emotion, his back firmly arched. He was a strong supporter of the emperor, never showing any intentions of betraying the man or attempting to. He did not wish to overthrow the Emperor of even offend him, rather to save the man and return justice and unification to the lands. The lands would be divided soon enough, however the people of Luo Yang didn't need to suffer from the wrath of the long deceased Dong Zhuo. Cao Cao hoped the Emperor would understand, he stayed awaiting the mans reply.
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Post by Emperor Feng on Jun 6, 2010 16:24:20 GMT
The Emperor gazed at the sight of the two generals standing side by side and smiled. It was rare to see such people together and united – but he could slice the tension with a knife, and that realisation dawned on the young emperor.
“You wish to take more from the hand that feeds you.”
He turned to his advisors that lay across the red carpet. His council had always consisted of two lines, one red and one blue – and on each line he had advisors of diplomatic and military affairs lined up. He waited patiently for their stamp of approval, and sighed when they shook their heads in rejection. He wanted Cao Cao his rights of honour, but he was also concerned with the man’s prowess as of late.
“It is not your ability that the council doubts Lord Cao Cao, but instead the circumstance in which you provide yourself with.”
He beckoned for the advisors to discuss, something he hated them doing but which was important to the style of the empire.
“Let them discuss your claim, and then I shall decide your fate, lord Cao Cao.”
The men bickered, and one of them turned abruptly to Cao Cao, his face scowling, “This man lost to Lu Bu and incites war – he will be our downfall. Let Li Jue commandeer Luo Yang – he has proven himself countless times in the past!”
“Outragous!” The second man was of the opposite table, and expressed his disbelief by standing, “The Cao family have been a part of a royal line of ministers for generations, and he is even related to Cao Song! He is truly the man to heed this blessing. Dong Zhuo has ruined us! Let this man be the governor to bring us back!”
The two stared at each other, until the hand of the emperor rose and they retreated back to their positions. “Then I declare a compromise.”
His ministers looked at their emperor, their faces uncertain. “This is a conditional offer. Resolve your differences with Lu Bu, and gain the support of the royal families in Luo Yang. Should you meet these conditions, then I hereby appoint you ‘Imperial Protector’ of the Han, with the fief of Luo Yang as your reward. Fail me however, and you will be a shame to your kinsmen.”
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colby
Full Member
I would rather betray the world, than let the world betray me
Posts: 216
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Post by colby on Jun 6, 2010 17:09:56 GMT
Cao Cao allowed the men bicker amongst themselves, not interupting and joining in he wasn't a man to dishonour himself with such things. He listened quietly, awaiting his outcome. He did not consider biting the hand that was feeding him, however his Emperor would decide his fate. Quietly waiting for his judgement to be provide, eventualy the Emperor emerged infront of him. Offering a compromise to Cao Cao to resolve his difference with Lord Lu Bu and to gain the support of the royal families in Luo Yang. Two conditions that would push Cao Cao, however something he was willing to agree on.
"Your wish is my command, i shall not dishonour you!"
Cao Cao said, counting his blessings. He had asked for alot and it hadn't be provided completely in his hands; being a man of ambition however it only inspired him me. He would complete both of these tasks and raise the sails of Luo Yang once more and earn the rank of "Imperial Protector" nothing something he had came for but he wasn't going refuse it. He bowed again, in honour to his lord.
"If there is nothing else, then i shall take my leave my liege."
Cao Cao said bowing gently, keeping himself facing the man before leaving picking his shoes up before exitting the room with mixed feelings. He hadn't got what he came for.. but perhaps his lord was correct. He brushed it aside, there was much work to be done. He smiled. He was not going to fail.
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Post by Gao Shun on Jun 6, 2010 20:01:57 GMT
Approaching the gates of the Imperial Palace are two men on horseback One of these men is dressed, rather uncomfortably, in the regal attire of a dipomat from the south. The other man is far younger and far smaller, he seems far more happy to have reached the Emperor's palace. These two men are Gao Shun and his loyal retainer, Cao Xing. As they near the gates of the mighty Imperial capital, Gao Shun looks up towards the top of the gate and calls up to the guards atop it:
Friends, we come in peace, I am Gao Shun and this is my friend Cao Xing. We come as representatives of Lord Liu Biao and seek a brief audience with the Emperor.
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Post by Emperor Feng on Jun 6, 2010 20:42:32 GMT
The Imperial guards looked to their new guests, it was clear they had made the journey from the Southland and proclaimed they come on behalf of Liu Biao; Governor of Xiangyang and Jiangxi. It seemed strange to them that one of the Imperial Clan would not make the effort to present himself before the Emperor, instead sending two vassals. A guard stood forward and gesture for the Palace gates to be opened for their Southern visitors. An official rushed to meet the two before they could advance further into the Palace grounds, holding the crest of the Emperor; a respectful bow was given. "Greetings our Southern brethren, our gracious Son of Heaven is currently dealing with internal affairs of this newly established Capital. Please, pardon such absence. The General Guo Si is awaiting your presence, as representative of His Excellency."
The guards had informed the staff within who approached the gate, word had swiftly reached the ears of both Li Jue and Guo Si; the latter deciding to deal with the visitors..after all, the clansmen did not appear thus making it a suspicious visitation for the two Generals. As escort, the official lead both Gao Shun and Cao Xing into the inner-compartments of the Palace that held many quarters and administrative offices. To the main hall they were lead, where recieving guests was most common. Upon a raise dai, placed before the Dragon Throne, was Guo Si; a man of a large physique and strong in appearance. He wore the robes of high office and reclined in comfort, as if he too were part of the Imperial clan. "Your honourable Lord Guo, the vassals of Imperial clansmen Governor Liu Biao have arrived; Master Gao Shun and Master Cao Xing." Allowed entrance, Guo did not speak first, a sense of arrogance floating around him; he awaited for them to speak their reasons for this visit to the Capital...
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