|
Post by Wei Feng 魏讽 on Jun 6, 2010 20:50:53 GMT
Warden of the Emperor
Storming into the palace by his lonesome, Zijing entered the palace harboring an aggressive demeanor. He had recently been shocked by what had been occurring within the city, and had been made aware of the negative image that had been bestowed upon the people. He held the severed flag of the Emperor, stained in the blood of those that Zijing had killed earlier. He had so far avoided the troops that had been sent after him, that he was good at, but he needed to get to the heart of it.
This was a complete outrage. Pillaging in the Emperor's name was blasphemy, and Zijing was certain that this instance was a recurring one. His bloodstained hidden blade ready for a strike in case aggression happened, Wei Feng was by all means prepared to confront the tyrants that plagued Chang'an with their governorship.
Powerfully forcing the door to an ornate sanctum open, Zijing was an angry flash in the eyes of those inside the room. He did not hesitate to show his expression, as he demanded an explanation from the officials that substituted Li Jue.
"Where is the fool?! What kind of blasphemy is this?! Your dastardly soldiers have stolen from the people that they are to protect! And in the Emperor's name they have ravaged the people!
Holding up the severed flag of the Emperor, many in the room gasped as Zijing angrily stated the conditions of the city. Wei Feng was aware that this argument would not end well, but something had to be done. Something had to be done.
|
|
|
Post by Gao Shun on Jun 6, 2010 21:04:13 GMT
Though he knew Guo Si from his time in the service of Dong Zhuo and had been quite disgusted by many of his actions, General Guo Si was now one of two men with the Emperor's ear, considering few could speak to the Emperor without their permission. With this in mind Gao Shun bowed and directed Cao Xing to do so as well. After handing their weapons to the nearby guards and resuming this previous stances, Gao Shun looked to Guo Si and said:
General Guo first of all the Imperial Clansman Liu Biao wished for me to send his appologies that he himself could not come, due to the fact that he is at this time attempting to strengthen trade in the Southlands.
Nonetheless he very much wished to show the Emperor that we in Chu do still have only the strength and will of the Han at heart. In that spirit as always we prostrate ourselves to the Emperor and his servants and wish to inquire as to whether the Emperor has it in his benevolent will to provide us any sort of guidance both for myself personally or my lord Liu Biao as to what sort of move we should next make for the good of the Han. There have been talks of rebels in the city of Chang Sha recently and though in this matter I do not speak for my lord, I believe and I think lord Liu Biao would also believe, that we are best in place to stop these rebels from presenting a problem to the Imperial Han. Therefore I hope that the Emperor will grant us, in his all knowing guidance, that we may crush these rebels and return Chang Sha to the fold of the Han.
I know that you General Guo, as a close confidant of His Excellency, will surely know the Emperor's Will on this matter.
With that Gao Shun awaits a response from Guo Si.
|
|
|
Post by Emperor Feng on Jun 6, 2010 21:09:02 GMT
Wei Feng:The courtiers were stricken with astonishment as the lone figure rudely burst into the grand hall of the Palace, the Emperor happily sat upon the throne as the others bade his whims; the Imperial mentor was currently teaching the young Son of Heaven on the history of their lands. General Li Jue was present, Guo Si was currently dealing with business of his own. Turning to face the figure, the eyes gazed to the torn flag that seemed covered with blood; the eyes raged as this man spoke fiercely of crimes made against the throne. Rising, the General was first to act, using his frame to shield the Emperor's eyes; the Imperial mentor standing aside, sensing that something would go array..a thing he did not wish to witness or become part of."So it was you who murdered a small unit of men that serves to protect the Son of Heaven?" The ears of the young Emperor were touched, they sparked up and shifted in order to see the scene more clear; and there it was..the flag of his clansmen's Empire tainted in blood. With a gasp he halted back into the throne, Li gestured for the doors to be sealed shut; the snake would be cornered and smoked out of this world..now within the General's talons. "My Majesty, your eternal faithful servant bows before you. This treacherous being felled a few of the men who were sent into the city for tax collections; many of those who witnessed this act identified that your 'warden' was the perpetrator." The words were taken into heed by the Imperial Guard as they moved into position to protect the Emperor, their stance against the young man who stood before the Court with the soiled flag. Indeed the Emperor Xian had fear for the General Li, one that could influence him to act in any way, he could not simply brandish the dear Warden into a conviction. Waving his hand for Li to stand aside, the youthful eyes of Xian focused upon the raging flames that seemed to burn within Wei's eyes. "Warden speak with truth, do not taint your words with anger. Are we not brethren? Please, calm your being and explain your presence." Words said eloquently for a young man, though he had the highest education; the voice soft, yet it placed a fear for something that could happen.. He had witnessed too much bloodshed over the months and did not wish to see such hatred to manifest within the Palace itself...-------------------------------------------------------------- Gao Shun & Cao XingGuo looked upon his former comrade, who seemingly deserted his deceased master and turned towards a line of the Imperial clan; such a fox! Nonetheless, the matter had to be attended to and listening intently the General nodded in acknowledgement. Rising from the dai, he descended towards Gao and presented a faithful smile. "Brother, it has been too long since we last spoke, do not treat me as one of rank; did we not fight together many moons ago?" Chuckling, the General personally lead him to a comfy mat and had servants come to his, and Cao Xing, for anything they wished; it was clear he was going to make this visit as comfortable as possible for them..whether genuine or not."You speak like a true diplomat Brother Gao, the years within the Southland have been good to you." Moving back to the dai, Guo thought more upon the matter..indeed it was a significant proposal, to dispel certain bandits? It was harmless enough. Gesturing, the Imperial scribes took to work and began to create the decree of Military power for Liu Biao as they spoke; yet, the destination of such Military power was not placed..yet. "Tell me Brother, for the Court wonders, near the vacinity of Changsha is a young fellow by the name of Sun Ce; has the Governor Liu thought upon this matter? What if he pressed objection to this move as a form of threat to his jurisdiction?" There was concern in his voice, however, hidden was something deep..a mysterious suspicion of the Governor to take more land within his mouth and turn the teeth towards himself?...
|
|
|
Post by Wei Feng 魏讽 on Jun 6, 2010 21:27:12 GMT
Zijing's eyes sparked with rage as he coldly stared his adversary in the eye. It seemed that the General attempting to wiggle his way out of the situation with lies and deceit. Wei Feng was certain that both General Li and his officials knew every last detail regarding the inexcusable behavior that soldiers within the city displayed.
It seemed that the Emperor; the one whom Zijing had sworn to protect was now a participant of the conversation. The tyrant had tried to avoid it, but such an event was unavoidable. Before his only lord, Zijing knelt on one knee, looking him in the eye with a now calmer demeanor. This was the very occurrence that Li Jue had tried to prevent by shielding the Emperor, and Wei Feng would capitalize with honesty.
"My Lord, Li Jue's men have been pillaging the city for their own personal gain. I have been witness to such an incident, and I do confess to the killing of city troop."
Shifting his eye contact to the "General," flashbacks of the ravaging soldiers coursed through Zijing's troubled mind as he continued his explanation.
"There was reason for my actions, of course. I could not stand by as the soldiers physically abused a family of harassed peasants, and so I had to act. But there is more."
Rising from his kneeling position, Zijing noticed the expressions on the faces of those surrounding him. He had successfully built the tension inside the room. Faint gasps were heard as Zijing once again returned his attention to his Lord before completing his explanation.
"They ravaged the peasants in Your Majesty's name."
Once again raising the flag that he had been carrying, Zijing eagerly awaited the response of all in the room. Though still present within him, the rage that he had once expressed had slightly diminished with the corruption now exposed to the Emperor.
|
|
|
Post by Gao Shun on Jun 6, 2010 22:21:28 GMT
Though Guo Si was doing his best to hide it, Gao Shun could clearly ascertain that the general disdained him quite a bit and was attempting to lure him into some sort of trap. The mention of the Sun boy was obviously meant to dissuade both Gao Shun and his lord from taking Chang Sha. Gao Shun was confident that Guo Si would not attempt to do anything to harm him, at least not for now. With that in mind he gestured for Cao Xing to return to Chu.
Turning back to Guo Si, Gao Shun rises once again to his feet. Smiling towards the General Gao Shun says:
General Guo, the fact is that we will not be taking any area bordering upon that controlled by Sun Ce. However if he were to attack or be threatened by our rooting out these traitors to the Han, would that not expose him as someone who wishes to go against the Han himself.
Thus this would strike down two birds with one stone. Not only would we dispense with one group of rebels against the Han, we would reveal another.
|
|
|
Post by Emperor Feng on Jun 7, 2010 0:43:47 GMT
Gao ShunTaking a deep breath, to think of the matter, Guo could see the stubborn nature within the General before him; such arrogance had placed in him since his desertion. The scribe finished the decree, but had yet to fill in the destination in which Liu Biao's men would be given permition; for the hand had been raised. "It is a region that the young Sun's father had governed many years, successfully I might add. Was it not one of your esteemed Lord's men to fell the poor man down at his prime?" Further thought was done and Guo Si could see no harm in amusing Liu Biao with just one more city, if things became worse action would have to be taken. Thus, the gesture was made and the Imperial scribe placed 'Changsha' into the decree, who placed the seal upon the parchment for true authority to take Changsha into Liu Biao's jurisdiction. "One thing to remember before you return with the Imperial writ. We are yet to recieve a tribute from your honourable Lord Liu, please remind him that because he is an Imperial kinsmen that he is not exempt from the taxation; thus, if we do not recieve promptly..he shall be treated with the same manner as Governor Gongsun, a man who has turned his back upon the Empire." A coy smile appeared upon Guo's lips as the parchment was handed to Gao..it was a small threat, though had much consequence; however, it may have been aimed more at Gao than his Lord... "If you have no other business here, then I shall permit you leave Brother."------------------------------------------------------ Wei FengThe Emperor sat aghast to the allegations to his 'guardian', though the expression of Li Jue was rather sour; as if taken a bite from an unripe fruit. Taking a deep breath to calm his rage, the General turned his attention upon the Son of Heaven. "Your humble servant could do no wrong." The young Emperor's eyes flicked from Li and then to Wei, he was unsure of who to believe; there was the Warden, who was a friend and known for honesty..however, comparing to Li Jue, the fear over took the Emperor into silence and thus making him coil into his throne."The men were sent to collect the usual tax from the people, there must have been an misunderstanding and this mere Warden caught flight. He did not justify his actions to the Court and simply flet the scene!" He had be beguiled, the Emperor was sitting straight and accepting the words of his General..the Court was not informed and the Warden, who officially held little rank compared to Li Jue, had simply taken the law into his own hands...something that his status did not permit. "G-General Li, is, is correct. Wa-Warden, why take our laws into y-your own hands?" The eyes did not wish to believe in Li Jue, yet they were forced; the voice stuttered out of fear. Wei was not given a chance to answer the Emperor's question, the General gestured for the Imperial guard to make their move; descending upon the Son of Heaven they begged he leave the hall. "Your Excellency, do not toil your business with such a mere Warden, go attend some business that will benefit our people; they need you most.." Turning back to look at Wei, it was clear that he had stepped over a line that Li was willing to tolerate. "I shall deal with this, personally." Emperor Xian yielded, only wishing he had the strength to speak up, however he was still very young and the fear placed within him over took. But, nodding to the Warden, the Emperor did not take the Imperial Mentor with him; hiding behind the arras that hung near the Throne..he would aid Wei Feng to escape Li Jue; timeing this would be crutial.As the Emperor left, the General turned to his victim, the snake coiling around its foe to watch it squirm before the inevitable death. The Imperial guard moved around the Warden at Li Jue's whim, their weapons were poised. "What proof do you have of this, other than a blood stained flag? Hah! Your tricks shall not beguil our Majesty, I have his true interest at heart; it was I who saved his family from the flames of my predecessor, not you. State the evidence you have that my men were at fault and you, simple Warden, plan to take my office so you can have your cruel way with the Emperor?" Fire blazed within Li Jue's eyes as he stared to Wei Feng, these two were soon to clash..though if the Warden made the wrong move, it would be his blood that too stained the flag in his hand. However, the Imperial Mentor managed to move undetected, the arras being hung enough from the wall to have his nimble physique slowly move to behind the Warden..he'd be able to open the door, alarm those outside and upstart a rush into the hall; thus causing chaos but also giving Wei Feng an escape route..
|
|
|
Post by Gao Shun on Jun 7, 2010 2:06:21 GMT
With a bow, Gao Shun takes the writ and departs the palace chamber, retrieving his spear along the way. With a smile he mounts his horse and departs the imperial capital, headed back to Xiang Yang.
|
|
|
Post by Wei Feng 魏讽 on Jun 7, 2010 2:37:52 GMT
Unsurprised by Li Jue's intimidation of the young Emperor, Wei Feng could understand the situation, and himself returned a nod to the Emperor in understanding. With the Emperor out of the picture, Wei Feng's first priority now was to keep himself alive.
This outcome had long been considered by Wei Feng on his way to the palace, but he had only a vague idea of how to deal with it; escape. The Emperor was escorted away from the chamber, but not without giving his friend a meaningful nod. Zijing knew that it meant something, he had become familiar with the way that the Emperor communicated when unable to speak, and this instance was not out of the ordinary.
He had blocked out all of the speech, counter-arguments and accusations that had been made by the General Li, surveying the whole room. He searched for something, anything that stood out. Still he noticed nothing, and concluded that open combat was inevitable. Moving his head left and right, Zijing noticed the shocked expressions on the faces of many, and the desperate look that the Emperor showed. Dropping the flag that had served as weak evidence, Zijing replaced it with the hilt of his Jian sword. Arming the other hand with an activated hidden blade mechanism, Zijing was battle ready.
"I will plead with you no more General, it has come to my attention that your skill in cowardice and deceit is unmatched, and your reign will not last."
Gripping the hilt of his sword even tighter, Zijing raised his blade, leaving his off-hand by his side for safety. Noticing that the young Emperor's attention was actually directed behind Wei Feng, Zijing realized that his tutor had suddenly disappeared as the Emperor was escorted out. Hesitating to turn his head to confirm the possibility in fear of their ploy being discovered, Zijing kept his attention directed at the aggressive looking soldiers and the now threatening General Li Jue.
"Mark my words General, I will be as a ghost, and haunt you to the ends of the Earth. You will fall by my hand!"
Nodding without turning his head toward the tutor that he prayed was behind him, Zijing charged alone, sword raised to his side, bracing himself for what was to occur, a mix of flamboyance, bravery, recklessness and careful calculation.
|
|
|
Post by Emperor Feng on Jun 7, 2010 3:33:59 GMT
The words were useless, Li Jue did not care for this being any longer and now sort his eradication from being the thorn within every plan he formed. Explanations would not be needed to the Emperor, he would understand that this 'traitor' would not soil the names of those who were 'loyal' to him. As the men listened to Wei's testament, the Imperial mentor had managed to reach the door; he had no eyes, his ears had to take over..the timing would be detrimental; knowing that if the Warden's life was taken, it would be him that would be punished. Not only by the Emperor, but also to be found hiding behin the large curtains; Li Jue would seek his death to clean out any rumours from spreading.
Li Jue laughed at the movement to present the Jian, this man was making it too easy for him; surrounded by Guards there was no chance he would close the gap between them, before a guard planted the fatal blow upon his being. "Using a blade against me, is as if acting such against the Emperor!" The guards poised, ready for the attack, believing the threat of those around him would enable him to desist. The mentor knew it was not the time to move as silence covered the room, until his ears heard the swift movement of the Warden..he was charging to Li Jue! Now!.. As the guards circulated Wei, placing themselves infront of the General Li, the mentor hurled himself onto the double doors of the hall. The noise halted the soldiers, some being open for an attack by Wei Feng.
Li Jue looked up and could not see who abruptly opened the gates, when suddenly a shreak came from the Imperial Mentor; who now layed in a pile upon the ground from using too much force on the gates. "Quick!! Imperial soldiers have turned against our General Li! Protect him at once!!" The General heard the words, the false proclomation; this was planned!.. Shouting for down the false words, the soldiers within the hall turned into panic as a rush of Imperial Guards flooded the hall and began to attack those who were supposed 'traitors' attacking Li Jue. Among the chaos, the Imperial mentor rushed to his feet and made for the Warden, ducking here and there to avoid any slashing of the swords.
"Warden Wei, your life is far too important to risk here; come, the Emperor has planned your escape." It was becoming a bloodshed within the hall, Li Jue could not contain the mens confusion and stood their in astonishment; not being able to forsee such an event...whoever caused this, would surely pay the price. By hand Wei was pulled by the aging mentor, emploring him to make quick of his escape. They would reach the gates, when paying his attention on the safety of Wei that he was struck by a spear to the side; as the blood rushed from the wound..down the mentor fell. "You must leave, do not try to seek the Emperor yet; remember, timing is crutial.. Now go, there is one of the Emperor's finest horses waiting for you outside the Palace grounds; you shall not be stoppedd..the Emperor's men have been stationed there, they await your arrival.. Now, go!--" The life from the mentor vanished, as a battle axe missed its intended target and place the fatal blow upon the Imperial mentor.
Li Jue bellowed a roar that none of the soldiers could apprehend, in fear they coiled and dropped their weapons; the bodies of soldiers surrounded them. "Fools! You have fallen into a trap!! The traitor has been allowed to escape! I shall punish those who do not recieve his body!!" The men scrambled to the order, rushing from the hall they went left or right; never forward.. The search for the Warden was on, Li Jue remained in the hall to have the mess cleaned up and to make sure the Emperor was not informed of this occurance; only that, Warden Wei had been 'delt' with.
... The Mentor's last words had truth, when Wei Feng would reach the Palace gates there men where stationed holding the reigns to a fine breed; from the Emperor's private pick of horses. With it a note, the order was to read this note when far from the city; the Emperor showing some cunning beyond his youth...
[When acknowledged, the letter shall be sent via PM]
|
|
|
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 7, 2010 3:59:11 GMT
Zhang Qin riding like the wind for two days reached Chang'an with his one-hundred mounted followers he told his fifty cavalry troops to take position in a stretch of trees to the south of the capital, and be ready for anything, his signal was a shrill whistle...
Zhang tied on his bandanna and affixed his breast and back plate and wristguards under his war gown. After which he slung his bag and pouch around him and mounted armed with his spear. He called to his fifty scouts, each with a sword at their side, and headed to reconnoitre around the city.
He was surpised to find the army manning the walls vigilantly and the gates heavily guarded, he proceeded toward the gate. As he got closer he heard a commotion inside the city - the movement of troops. Growing curious Zhang rode forward to the guard, who semmed agitated and on edge, as if they were waiting for something or someone.
Zhang Qin dismounted and slung his spear on his saddle as he approached the guards, he directed his followers to dismount and follow his lead. Approaching the guards guiding his horse forward. Zhang Qin saluted the guards with a breif bow and clasped hands and made up a story to allay suspicion, "I am Tai Ming of Shandong, hoping to have the privilage of seeing the Imperial city personally. Being from Qing Province I have never had the opportunity before. I ask permission to enter your fine city." Zhang through his false sense of ignorance ignored commotion in the distance of the city limits and pulled out false identification papers, which he handed, smiling to the guards. He hoped for the best, which was granting of entry, that is if they don't ask about the fifty guards...
|
|
|
Post by Wei Feng 魏讽 on Jun 7, 2010 5:01:22 GMT
A sigh of relief was made by Zijing as his assumption of assistance from the Emperor had been confirmed. He had slain several men in that close encounter, using his Jian blade and Hidden blade in co-ordination with each other. Panic had without a doubt been triumphant within the room and afflicted many with its' grip. General Li, as expected had responded erratically to Zijing's miraculous escape from his cornered position, as panic slowly begun to take hold of him as well. The tyrant's true character slowly exposed itself as he demanded Wei Feng's immediate execution with death as punishment for failure. The latter was greatly indebted to both the Emperor and his servant, who proceeded on to give Zijing the Emperor's own instructions. Wei Feng was greatly relieved by the fact that some still remained loyal to the empire. These and only these types were the select few men that Zijing truly placed his trust in, and this incident only affirmed that trust. But now was not the time to think of such things, as he was brought back to his senses by the cry of his aging companion. He had been struck in the side in an attempt to protect Wei Feng. Having reached the palace courtyard, the surrounding area was dangerous. The sounds of shouting and the clanging of arms and armor could be heard as Zijing eased his wounded companion to the ground. Receiving the instructions from him, the sounds seemed to grow nearer, as Zijing noticed a soldier's shadow on the ground, its' battleaxe high in the air. Crimson red blood splashed onto Zijing's face as the axe came down upon the doomed Imperial tutor, who now lay lifeless. Placing his hand on the hilt of his Jian blade, Zijing, in a flash felled the murderer with one clean horizontal strike as he rose and unsheathed his blade. Three more were arriving. Three more dead, lifeless victims of tyranny.Having dealt with the vanguard of one of the search parties, Zijing sprinted at full speed to avoid the whole party of possibly hundreds of men. Doing as the tutor instructed, Zijing hurriedly rushed to the Imperial stables where he was indeed met by a group of friendlies, a group of the Emperor's own men. Supplies were provided, along with a note, all of which were stashed away in the steed's saddlebag. Now was not the time to read and plan. Now was the time for action and escape. The pursuing force was close at hand, and begun to close in on Zijing's location. At the instruction of those who had met him, Zijing mounted one of the Emperor's steeds, thanked those who had aided him and made haste through the city in the direction of the southern gates. Around every corner it seemed that men were searching, stationed only to be either avoided or cut down by the escaping Wei Feng. A stand on the soldier's behalf was impossible when pit against the staggering force of Zijing; a man on a mission. Much blood was spilled one that day as he struck men right and left with his blades. Hiding inside their houses, citizens of the city looked up to Zijing atop his magnificent steed as he fought his way through, gleams of hope visible in their wide eyes. Some even assisted Zijing as best they could with pitchforks and tools of the like. Wei Feng was the admiration in people's hearts, the light in the darkness, and they did not hesitate to show it. More and more blood was splattered within the city until the very roads were stained blood red and were littered with the corpses of many. This was not completely the work of Zijing, as many of the peasants had taken the opportunity to take out their frustrations on the soldiers. The time had come to rise up and fight the tyranny. Gruesome skirmishes followed as several peasants repaid the debt they owed to their "messiah." Less than an hour later, one could follow the gruesome blood trail to find a lonesome horseback warrior, riding swiftly and calmly out the city gate, its' garrison now lying in awkward positions, heaped onto railings and severed in many places. The hooves of the steed had been dipped in blood, and left crimson red tracks where it trotted. Reflection. Reminisce. Mourning.Bringing his steed to a stop, Wei Feng turned around to give the city a final glance before riding out into the sunset horizon, making haste to lose the pursuing soldiers before nightfall. "I shall return, My Lord, Li Jue will be destroyed once and for all."There was much to be done...Note: Hope you don't mind the godmod, just had to to emphasize all that Zijing had done for the people . This riot in Chang'an may add something for Gongsun Jieming to do. Feel free to do a Li Jue reaction post if you wish, or send in pursuit troops
|
|
|
Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 7, 2010 16:01:01 GMT
As the Warden made his daring escape, one of the "peasants" who carried a hooked spear approached him. A bearded man, it was none other than the former rebel Liu Pi, now a loyal captain in the service of Gongsun Jieming. In Jieming's frustration at the task given to him by General Li, he had left Liu Pi in Chang'an to evaluate whether General Li truly cared for the people, or was merely another Dong Zhuo. The answer to that, as shown by this riot, seemed obvious.
"Warden," the bearded man began, "I know of someone who would offer ye protection. General Gongsun of Ru Nan left me here in Chang'an to find the truth, and he won't be resting until he acts on it. He has just gone to Beiping to seek the advice of his kinsman, if'n ye head there he would protect ye, and help ye protect the Emperor."
Sadly, Liu Pi saw Li Jue's men coming and was forced to slip off. He wanted to follow the Warden to make sure he took the advice, but he had no chance to get near the Warden without drawing attention to him. He soon lost track of the elusive Warden and concentrated on escaping the city himself. Luckily, with his gruff appearance, he passed quite easily as a mercenary guard, and left the city with a convoy headed towards Beiping. If the Warden didn't bring the news to Jieming, Liu Pi would have to do it himself.
|
|
|
Post by Yuan Shao on Jun 7, 2010 17:20:03 GMT
The tell-tale entrance of an esteemed individual could be felt throughout the court, even though none-such person had arrived. The air got thick with ego and tense with... tension.
Whatever.
Yuan Shao entered the city at this point, and immediately he was heralded by imperial aides. He handed them a piece of parchment, detailing a specific case that needed to be brought up to the emperor; the wanton ways and waste of Gongsun Zan.
Shao handed the aides another piece of parchment, detailing how Zan has been spending imperial funds on building himself a great tower within his city, that served little purpose but a pleasure palace. Sure, some of the numbers were fudged, but the emperor was not nearly intelligent enough on the treasury to notice the discrepancies.
He brought his honor guard with him as he moved through the city, 50 of his most loyal men surrounding him at all times. He knew this city was still owned by the traitors Guo Si and Li Jue. However, they were court officials, and declarations of their true intent were not acceptable at this point.
Instead, Yuan had to out-maneuver them. He planned on using his imperial name (The Yuan's have been important to Chinese nobility for decades) to get a meeting with the emperor, and get his blessing to crush that pest Gongsun Zan in the north.
He awaited outside the palace for the Emperor's decree for the meeting with him. He knew it would come. The letter he sent to the emperor was laced with flattery and promises of return on investments. He would win the emperor the best way he knew how; flattery.
|
|
|
Post by Emperor Feng on Jun 7, 2010 19:02:00 GMT
Guan YuThe guards suspicion had become sparked as the stranger thrusted parchments into their hands, stating he was here upon a mere 'vacation' to view the new Capital; there had to be more? The Captain of the guard, who had been making his rounds of inspection, gave an unconvinced look to this 'Tai Ming'.. Gazing upon the parchment, then to the man himself, the Captain raised an eyebrow as he stood before them. "State your true business within the Capital." Passing the documents to the guards next to him, the Captain was nudged by a peon who pointed to the 50 mounted troops that stood behind him. This Captain would not be made a fool of, he knew the punishments that Li Jue and Guo Si handed out to those who failed in their jobs; it was something that he did not wish upon him, or his family. "If such is a mere whim to visit the Capital, then prey tell, why have you brought an entourage of 50 armed cavaliers?" Clear to anyone, the two Generals, Li and Guo, had stepped up their security; these guards were there men and not to be fooled..a quick explanation that was feasable was needed, otherwise some trouble would arise for him...----------------------------------------------------- Yuan ShaoThe guards moved quickly to honour their visitor, it was the first time that Yuan Shao had 'graced' their presence within the newly established Capital. However, they were concerned for his safety; for he was the leader of the Coalition against Dong Zhuo..the very man Li Jue and Guo Si were loyal to; even in death, they remained faithful vassals. The guard was raised, those within the Palace grounds were informed that the distinguished Yuan had wished entrance for an audience with the Emperor. However, the report reached General Li Jue, a man who ordered all visitations by those requesting to see the Emperor made to him; never to Guo Si. Though, Guo did not see this as a problem, it meant he could sally off to the desires of procrastination in the Imperial garden. As the gates were uponed from Yuan to enter the Palace grounds, he would be met by a contingent of officials that held the regalia of high rank. "Our Govenor Yuan, how you grace us today. However, after an incident where a Warden rebelled and attempted to take the life of our Excellency, General Li has forbid any audiences with His Majesty until he knows the Palace is secure again. You shall be recieved by General Li himself within; please, we shall escort you."The official did not mind the temperament of Yuan, he had been a witness to the terror that Li Jue could place upon the people; something far worse than he could imagine. Stepping with haste, Yuan Shao was taken to one of the halls beside the main hall; as it was still under preparation from when the Warden lunged into attack..rumours were placed into the populace about this being who 'went to attack the Emperor', no one else was the wisest..no questions asked. Within Li Jue sat upon a raised dais, awaiting the presence of Yuan Shao..it entertained him that throughout the past, it was he who out ranked the arrogant Yuan; though, their influence was high in the court, so the past would not be placed in their presence today. Smiling as the figure of Yuan entered his presence, the General had him placed as an honoured guest; serving maids before him for each whim of his. "Ah, Govenor Yuan, I hope you had no qualms when travelling to the Capital. What brings you to these halls today?"
|
|
|
Post by Yuan Shao on Jun 7, 2010 19:26:58 GMT
Yuan begrudgingly moved with the aides, a few of his personal guards walking with him towards the dias, and then stopped. Yuan did not. He moved with grace, for such an elderly man. His eyes darted around, and he made small motions with his hands that sent his guards around the room, checking for any sort of traps, though he doubted it. Li Jue would understand.
He did not stop at the foot of the dais where normal people of China would. No, he moved directly to the dais and sat opposite of Li Jue, showing that he considered himself just as renowned as the man whom he had defeated not but a short time hence. Shao pulled a piece of paper from his sleeve and set it in the middle of the dais.
Within was a detailed, and unaugmented version of the Zan's expenditures, and a short write-up about his Ivory Tower that Zan has constructed, and a battle plan, rudimentary of course, that outlined a course of attack that would result in the fewest deaths on either side of the engagement.
Shao wasn't taking Li Jue lightly, and he didn't expect this man to either.
"Li Jue. I know we've had our... transgressions, in the past. I know I defeated you alongside Dong Zhuo years ago. You know it was required, that many was a tyrant.
Today, we should meet as equals, and understand why I am doing what I'm doing.
For too long Gongsun Zan's been a horse-bound hermit with little in the way of brains nor brawn. The man has done little to help the emperor and has done even less to help himself. He is a terror for the north and relations with the tribes in the north has never been worse. I've sent my vassal Yan Liang to try and broker a better relationship with them, but I fear that the damage Gongsun Zan has done is far outranking that.
I have already drawn up plans on what to do with Bei Ping after his removal, and although I do not directly call for his death, if he were to not survive this engagement, I would not be upset. However, should he somehow survive the ordeal, I suggest a post in the central plains where he may rule or at least govern something, as he is a good political figure, just a bumbling moron."
Shao's eyes were bloodshot, and he looked somewhat gaunt, though obviously still built like a brick shit-house. The man was not to be trifled with, even in his declining condition, and he still had a few good years left in him.
Maybe.
|
|