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Palace
Jun 4, 2010 2:04:00 GMT
Post by Zhu Jun on Jun 4, 2010 2:04:00 GMT
The palace to the city of Yong An 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 5, 2010 17:50:38 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 5, 2010 17:50:38 GMT
"It's been a while since I've found a place to settle down. This will do quite nicely." Liu Bei strode into the palace area. Looking at everything, he noticed it wasn't exactly grand, but that didn't bother him in the slightest. He finally had a permanent place to realize his ambitions. Though he was surrounded by family members to the south west and south east, he was determined to expand his holdings and rescue the Emperor.
He soon found his way into the audience chamber, and noticed some civil servants were working on petitions that had come in. These were petty things, such as minor peasant disputes so they didn't need to bother him with it. He made his way up to the raised platform, and took a seat. He then flicked his sleeves, and motioned for an attendant to sound to the city that the audience chamber was now occupied, and the gates to be opened for anyone who had an issue, or pay a visit to come forth.
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Palace
Jun 5, 2010 19:20:56 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 5, 2010 19:20:56 GMT
About an hour and a half after Liu Bei had entered his new home, Guan Yu following shortly after with a body of cavalry, arrived to settle down in their new residence. It had been many years since they had been forced into a wandering state with no where to set down their load, after the flogging of the Inspector in Anxi county, and now here they were.
Covering the length of the land in less than ten years, as practically exiles without homes. Finally amnestied for the flogging of the Inspector, Liu Bei was given office in the distant city of Yong'an and had considerable manpower at his disposal.
Guan Yu had been out and around the various towns outside the city limits, informing the residents of the change in host. Returning from this he found himself surrounded by strong walls and a sizeable city, a fitting place to start.
Yunchang dismounted from his steed which he put in the charge of his cavalry. He proceeded alone ascending the steps to the yamen. Walking with an air of self confidence, he quickly reached the palace gates, walking straight past the guard he entered the main hall, where Liu Bei was seated surrounded by a large body of officials. He propped his Guandao against the outer wall and continued on.
Guan strode past the officials and headed straight for Liu Bei who was looking rather content in his raised seat of authority. Yu walked to the foot of the stairs and kowtowed to Liu. "My Lord, the surrounding towns accept your authority. I come especially to report that the townships that accomodate your new office are ready for their first meeting with their new Governor." Guan stayed kowtowed respectful and proud of his lieges advancement.
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Palace
Jun 5, 2010 19:59:06 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 5, 2010 19:59:06 GMT
Xuande had noticed his retainer, and friend who was as close to him enter into the audience chamber. He rose quickly to meet him, and listened intently with what he had to say. Though when Yunchang had bowed, Bei had bent down and grasped him by his hand saying, "My friend, you do not need to bow to me. We are as brothers you and I."
Upon raising up Guan Yu, Bei then put his hands behind his back and clasping them together he paced back and forth ever so slightly. The townships wish to meet with me... I suppose I should send Yunchang to collect their elders and bring them here. He stopped pacing, and turned to face Guan Yu. Looking up at him, he said "Yunchang, please escort the magistrates of the townships to the palace. I shall meet with them at once." He then went up the steps to the raised platform, and seated himself again. Then he spoke, "After that, we will begin on making plans to make the area more prosperous than it already is."
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Palace
Jun 5, 2010 20:33:50 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 5, 2010 20:33:50 GMT
On recieving his Lord's order Guan, bowed and accepted the assignment, "I'll round them up ready to be recieved at the afternoon court." With that Yu bowed and departed leaving a swift breeze in his wake.
Taking up his Guandao he sped down to the troop of cavalry, to which he proclaimed, "Lord Liu desires to meet the local functionaries under his jurisdiction, split up and relay the news to the various counties, that the magistrates in charge are to attend the afternoon court session. Depart and return swiftly. I'll prepare the reception." The troops bowed returned Guan's steed, and mounted their own and sped off to the various counties dotted around outside the city.
Yunchang mounted his horse, and set his halberd in the saddle. As he rode to the garrison mustered forty soldiers and ordered them to purchase snacks and wine at the market, and then to split into four groups and set up the refreshments on the roadside a mile from the north, south, east and west gates, ready to recieve the various officials as escorts into the city.
Then Guan set himself the task of patrolling the four gates, to round up and lead the officials into court, as well as keep an eye on the bustling city markets.
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Palace
Jun 5, 2010 22:58:59 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 5, 2010 22:58:59 GMT
Liu Bei quickly gave an order to the officials to prepare the audience chamber for many guests, as there would be a banquet that evening. The refreshments on the road would simply be that; refreshments. He also ordered for food to be distributed to the populace of Yong An.
Now that they had scurried off to get things ready, Xuande had begun to think of what he was going to say to address the crowd of people that would inevitably show up. He would have to reassure them that Yong An would continue to be a stable place to live. What can I do that would reinforce this? though Liu Bei. Perhaps some public works projects would be in order. Strengthen the walls, expand the markets, create places of learning. Is this what would make the people of the area happy?
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Palace
Jun 5, 2010 23:23:30 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 5, 2010 23:23:30 GMT
Over the course of four hours the soldiers assigned to the gates of the city led in the numerous county magistrates of the area. Some nine of them, each with their clerks and the village elders. They assembled in Yong'an where they were met by Guan Yu who dismounted, and bowed, "Thank you for coming, Lord Liu awaits your presence in the prefectural complex. Follow me please." Guan mounted and proceeded towards the yamen where the party dismounted, Guan sent the soldiers back to their homes. He bade the visitors wait at the gate, leaving a lieutenant to keep them company.
Guan headed into the main hall once again, waiting were two rows of officials, he proceeded towards the throne at the head of the room, where he bowed and proclaimed, "Brother, the magistrates and village elders of the nine counties of Yong'an are all assembled outside the gate as ordered, they await your instruction." Guan stood attentive head lowered and hands clasped before him awaiting Liu Bei's reply.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 1:58:23 GMT
Post by Hue Ran on Jun 6, 2010 1:58:23 GMT
The short, respectable, and tiny figure of Hue Ran walking in front of his men would make most people laugh and joke. The small man standing at barely 5'6" looked like a dwarf next to his towering men. Each man had nearly 3 inches on Hue. However the men walking behind him respect the man leading them so well that none of them would even think to snicker. Each man had fought with Hue for many years, they travelled rough seas, tall mountains, beautiful valley's and peaking plateaus.
The man leading the men lifted his hand and the men stopped with no hesitation. When Hue looked back each man nodded and directed themselves to the neighboring forests. Hue continued on however. He continued walk into the city. This was Yong An. The home of the respected Liu Bei, hopefully the honorable Liu Bei.
Honor was everything, if one lacked honor, one lacked everything. Perhaps it was a flaw, but either way he would never sacrifice the philosophy. His father taught him that honor was what should rule a man. Hue would never forget.
The guard at the gate snickered softly at the small figure coming up to him. It annoyed a little but Hue was used to it. He was small he accepted this, but he was still deadly.
"I wish to meet the one that people call Lord Liu Bei."
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 2:25:09 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 6, 2010 2:25:09 GMT
The guard was stoic, and looked Hue Ran up and down. Someone that short was uncommon among Liu Bei, as he was accustomed to having rather tall men follow him. But Lord Xuande was not one to judge men based on their height. What mattered were their words and actions. After contemplating this, the guard then spoke to him saying, "If you wish to meet Liu Bei, you need to leave your weapons and men at the gate. Your weapons will be looked after, and your men will receive any refreshments they require. After that, you may proceed to the audience chamber."
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 2:43:51 GMT
Post by Hue Ran on Jun 6, 2010 2:43:51 GMT
"You will find I am unarmed and my men are staying in the forest. They will be able to take care of themselves so you would be best to leave them alone. I told them to stay on edge. Thus for anyone who wonders to close to them with weapons will find themselves in trouble. However without my order they won't kill anyone."
Hue continued to walk forward, not even glancing at the guard.
"Anyway I wouldn't need weapons anyway," Hue said under his breath so that the guard wouldn't be able to hear him. Of course it was true, but he didn't want everyone on edge. He wasn't here to kill, if he was he would not have left his men in the forest. No death wasn't his way today. He wished peace for all men, however some are impossibly stupid.
He continued, but this time he observed. Outside the walls of the city he saw much farmland and many farmers. Here as he looked around he saw smiles. These people are in the middle of war, but yet they are able to laugh and smile. This Liu Bei must be a very good man. Or perhaps Hue was fooled. He would find out quickly.
Being lead into the castle by the guard he was led into the Audience room. There he saw a man. He knew not if it was Liu Bei. Either way it was a man who held himself like a ruler. Hue bowed softly to be polite and then stepped back to introduce himself.
"Lord Liu Bei, I am Hue Ran from Cheng Du."
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 2:52:45 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 6, 2010 2:52:45 GMT
Liu Bei was pondering to himself when Yunchang had entered, informing him that the elders and magistrates had arrived. He kept silent for a few moments, when a newcomer appeared in the audience chamber. He had an air about him that was different from others, what Xuande noticed the most was his bright hair. For a youth, this was uncommon amongst Chinese peoples. However he wasn't going to bring this up right away.
He arose to meet the man and said, "Arise, Hue Ran of Cheng Du." Bei then looked closely at his face and his clothing. Nothing out of the ordinary, though his eyes were not common for a Chinese either. But like his thoughts about the youth's hair, he kept it to himself as well, and did not give any hint whatsoever of either of these thoughts. He then spoke again and said, "Hue Ran of Cheng Du? I have not heard of your name before. Do you have a reason to be requesting an audience with me today?"
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 3:13:49 GMT
Post by Hue Ran on Jun 6, 2010 3:13:49 GMT
"You ask me why I am here. I am here for the same reason I hope you are here. I have not been in China for a long, long time my Lord. Even without having my presence here I can feel the people's suffering. Lord Liu Bei, people suffer everyday, every minute. However there are places in the world where such suffering doesn't happen as often as it does here. Place where people smile all day long, where people aren't afraid to go outdoors. Places where people can be regular people without the fear of another man taking advantage of them. I don't claim to know how best to get that result, but my Lord, I know I can help get us there. Use me like you would use any of your other vessels. I can kill quickly, but more then this I can advise. I have seen much in my years my Lord. Some would still call me young, but though my body is young, my mind knows alot of things. I can be of help. I can unite this land under your hand if you, but let me help."
Hue got to his feet, though most of the people in the room smiled as they compared him to Liu Bei it didn't bother him for once. Though they see height Hue can do many things that would turn that smile upside down.
"My Lord........ I only wish to help. Even from far off places I heard of your greatness, I know I am of not greatness, but I am intelligent, I am strong, I am swift. I am willing. You command great respect here, not because they fear you, but because they love you. I want to help you spread that love for as far as possible."
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 3:27:35 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 6, 2010 3:27:35 GMT
Liu Bei began to think for a moment as he always did, Hmm, he talks a lot, and says some grand things. Though what he says is true, a world of peace is a good thing. I should accept his offer, but I cannot do so without a test. He then made his way back to the dais and seated himself. Stroking his beard he calmly said, "Very well Hue Ran. I thank you for speaking highly of me, and I shall accept you into my service. Though I cannot do so blindly, so I ask you to do one thing that you may prove yourself to me." Liu Bei looked slightly past Hue Ran and then spoke again, "Magistrates and elders have come to visit. I would like to have something being worked on for them to observe. If you will get your men to help the citizens with their irrigation ditches, and make them better so that they will not have to stop and work on them all the time, I would appreciate it."
Then turning towards Yunchang he said, "Brother, please send our guests into the dining area. The servants have prepared our meal." He arose again, this time to head to his private apartments to change quickly. "Make sure they are entertained with music and wine, I shall be joining them shortly."
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 3:45:49 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 6, 2010 3:45:49 GMT
Yunchang had been standing to Liu Bei's side during the newcomers introduction and stood arms folded listening, thinking to himself, "This man speaks of big things, but foreigners have brought nothing but trouble to our land. I'll wait for results before I pass judgement..."
Liu Bei's order was quickly recieved, Guan bowed and replied, "Let you think of it no more brother, it shall be done." Walking out of the room, Guan past Hue Ran who he said, "The best of look to you on your assignment, let you serve our lord well, I hope his trust in you is not misplaced." Leaving swiftly he reached the gate where he addressed the assemblege of magistrates, "Lord Liu conveys his invitation to the banquet hall, please follow me." Calling over a soldier he instructed him to inform the chefs to bring out the food and wine, and he sent a group of five soldiers into the city to search for attractive women to entertain the guests with song and dance offering a reward for service.
Content with his orders Guan proceeded to lead the guests to the place of the feast, waiting for Lord Liu he stood attentive.
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 3:51:59 GMT
Post by Hue Ran on Jun 6, 2010 3:51:59 GMT
"We shall begin on the irrigation ditches as soon as possible. However I ask that once we are done with them that you grant me time to go see my families graves. It has been long sense I have seen them. I wish to tell them of my journey."
Hue bowed once more before he headed out of the audience room and ran towards the door. The guard that had escourted him into the audience room was trying his best to keep up with Hue. The man however just seemed to get further and further behind. Hue made it outside of the gates and raised his hands to his mouth.
He let out a loud and sharp whistle. A whistle that would go just far enough for the watchmen to here it. Then his men would come within moments.
Hue sat down against the wall as he waited. The guard finally made it, panting so bad Hue thought he might need to take him back to Liu Bei.
"You are faster then anyone I have ever met in my entire life. How do you run so fast for so long?"
"I trained my body and mind to allow me to stretch my limits and in doing so now I barely even have those limits anymore. I can run for hours without getting tired. Can fight for days with my arm getting heavy. I can much that you cannot do because I was taught how too."
"Please would you be willing to teach me."
"My Master once told me that it was not his choice whether I was to be taught or not, it was the heavens. He sat then and there and prayed. He talked to something, however I never could tell it is was a God or not. I never knew. However I upheld that view, I cannot train anyone without the Gods themselves declaring it so."
The guard just looked at Hue shaking his head in understanding. Just as the guard was about the talk Hue could hear footsteps and alot of them. His men began to appear out of the forest and start running towards the city. The guard noticed that Hue had heard it before him and still wondered.
"Don't worry you would never understand anyway."
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