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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 8:32:06 GMT
Post by Splash on Jun 6, 2010 8:32:06 GMT
Riding his horse into the city, Zhang Fei looked around at the large city, scratching his beard with a nod of approval. A nice city indeed, there was much Liu Bei could do here. Behind him rode his two aides, Huo Li and Bai Yan. Each of the three men were still fully dressed in thieir armour as they had just left the training grounds on the outskirts of Yong An. With Huo Li's help with the cavalrymen training and Bai Yan's new formation, the troops of Yong An were shaping up to be quite something different from the usual volunteer fighters Zhang Fei had seen enlist under Liu Bei's service over the years.
Scratching his arm, Zhang Fei displayed his mastery over horses by bucking the beast forward without using the reigns. Revolving his right arm up and dowm from the shoulder, Zhang Fei's muscles were still a little sore from all the work he had been putting into the miltary lately. Rest was getting less and less, sometimes waking up to find his eyes still open, not knowing when had actually fallen asleep. Letting out a small yawn, Zhang Fei and company dismounted from their horses and handed their reigns over to the Palace guards allowing them to guide their steeds to the stables. Seeing as it was Zhang Fei and his aides, the guards quickly stood at attention and bowed to the men.
Walking tall and full of confidence, Zhang Fei nodded to the guards as he was given entrance to proceed further. Taking the shortest path he could remember, Zhang Fei and his aides quickly made it into the audience chamber. Seeing his Lord atop of the center chair made the man smile and let out a gruff chuckle. Bringing his hands up in a warrior's salute, Zhang Fei bowed his head slightly while his aides gave the same greeting save bowing ther heads much more lowly. In a very gruff and rough voice, Zhang Fei spoke. "Yide greets my liege!"
If they were given permission to raise, Zhang Fei and company would raise their heads and move on closer to Liu Bei on the right side of the audience chamber. Talking while he walked, Zhang Fei wasted no time in getting to the point, making sure people were paying attention to him by making use of his loud voice. "The fifth regiment and the new cavalry recruits are showing good progress! I'd say they're just about ready to see some real combat."
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 21:18:25 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 6, 2010 21:18:25 GMT
Stepping down from the dais once more, Xuande hastened to greet his younger brother. He bade them raise, and then spoke to Zhang Fei, "Ah, Yide it is good to see you. Currently we have the magistrates of the surrounding counties of Yong An here as guests. Yunchang has already escorted them to the dining hall." He stepped closer to Zhang Fei and then spoke again, "Have the fifth regiment join yup with Yunchang's battalion and see to the security of the city. I do not want any harm to come to our guests. After that, come join us in the dining hall."
By now Xuande had changed, and made his way towards the dining hall to greet the guests. Music was playing, and they were being entertained by dancing girls. Taking care not to be noticed right away, he went towards his cushion, and stood there, motioning for the dancers and musicians to stop. He then spoke in a clear voice saying, "Gentlemen, I bid you welcome to Yong An. I have prepared some meager entertainment for you, I hope you will enjoy it. Though I did not call you out here for just a banquet. As I have been posted here by the Imperial court, I wish to get to know all of you. If there are any problems in your counties, I ask that you let me know immediately. We are going to make Yong An a great place, but to do that, I need the help of all of you. Anyways, you have heard me ramble enough." He stopped, and then gave the motion for the food to be brought in. "Now we shall eat."
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 23:37:02 GMT
Post by scholar on Jun 6, 2010 23:37:02 GMT
Xīn Shìjiè Fēnliè thought about entering Liu Bei's palace, but contented himself to simply observing the clouds above him. Liu Bei knew he was part of his faction so there was no need to appear before him until summoned. Or at least Xīn hoped he did. He had sent a letter some time ago, to be honest Xīn didn't know if it ever even made it to him.
The wind felt nice and Xīn closed his eyes. Xīn grasped his Jian at his side when he heard someone approach, but relaxed when it was revealed just to be a guard.
I wonder when he'll make his move...
Some time passed, the clouds had shifted a great distance across the heavens. He stood up, placed his cap across his head and began walking to the Palace.
Summons take too long.
Slowly however he backtracked and thought to himself "What if lord Liu Bei never received the letter?" It would be very foolish to go up there questioning why it's taking so long for him to be summoned if there was no reason for it to happen at all. Xīn rewrote the initial letter and walked to Palace with the new letter in hand. Hopefully if it's delivered in person then everything will be well.
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 2:48:01 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 7, 2010 2:48:01 GMT
After a time, the meal was complete and the guests were discussing among themselves ways to improve Yong An. Liu Bei with his hand bade them all be silent, and then said
"Gentlemen, I have a plan. What that entails, is creating better irrigation ditches for the farmers. They can be much more prosperous if they did not have to always work on their irrigation. I have already dispatched an officer to begin doing so in Yong An. When it is complete, we can standardize the plans so that everyone in the surrounding areas will have the same efficient irrigation channels."
He stood up, and like he always did when he was speaking with great feeling, he paced between the two rows of guests, and spoke again.
"We also need to increase commerce. Our tradesmen have quality goods that are not available anywhere else in the world. If we can make our production greater, then we can meet with the demand for the goods. But we also need to expand our domain. With Yong An alone, we cannot do much. The empire is in turmoil, and I wish for something to be done. If only my strength were greater..."
He stopped once more, and motioned for Yunchang to come nearby, and he spoke to them for the final time, "But enough of that. It is late, and lodging has been prepared for all of you in the palace. The servants will show you to your rooms."
He stayed there, and whispered to Yunchang, "Brother, I have need to know of dealings in the capital. Send one of your men there to keep tabs on what is happening. Have him report back anything that is of importance."
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 3:14:58 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 7, 2010 3:14:58 GMT
Guan Yu standing attentive at the banquet to the right of Xuande, the banquet was uneventful as nothing out of the ordinary happened. Guan waited until, on his Lord's command the guests had dispersed and recieved his instructions with great interest as he ran his fingers through his long beard.
After a moment of thought Guan replied, "Zhang Qin will be fit for the assignment, I will send him this instant. Let the dark clouds enshrouding the north vex you no longer brother." Bowing respectfully to Xuande withdrew from the chamber, Guan Yu headed for the gate to the yamen, where Zhang Qin had been posted after accompaning the functionaries in their arrival.
Guan called him over and asked him to walk with him. As they walked down the main street Guan spoke, "Lord Liu, has a mission to entrust to you. One of vital importance." Zhang Qin listening intently asked for details. Guan replied quietly, "Secretly take an light cavalry unit to Chang'an, find out what you can on what's going on in the north, be cautious and do nothing to offend our Emperor." Zhang Qin accepted the assignment with enthusiasm, and Guan said placing his hand on Zhang's shoulder, "Good luck my friend, come back with a full report."
Zhang bowed in respect and got the essential equipment ready that hour. Quickly assembling fifty Cavalry and fifty Scouts he gathered supplies for the journey and bade Guan Yu farewell, telling him to assure Lord Liu of his success. He shot out of the north gate and headed to Chang'an.
Guan Yu headed back to the yamen where he informed Liu Bei of the events, "Zhang Qin has departed for the capital on your orders, we should expect a report in the coming month" Guan then stayed by Xuande in a state of respectful attendance.
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 6:53:16 GMT
Post by Splash on Jun 7, 2010 6:53:16 GMT
Nodding his head, Zhang Fei then scratched his beard roughly for a few seconds with his left hand. "So that's where second brother (OOC: replace with Guan-xiong if the three did not swear the peach garden oath) is. Alright, I'll take care of that right now!"said Zhang Fei with some enthusiasm in his voice.
From behind him, Bai Yan stepped forth and bowed deeply and lowly, seeking permission to speak. "Bai Yan greets milord." said the scholarly looking man. "If my liege has no issue, allow Yan to secure this task for General Zhang."
Looking over at Bai Yan, Zhang Fei raised his eyebrow and spoke, very direct to the point. "Hey! Old Yan, what's the meaning of this?" Though Zhang Fei's voice carried with him no anger, his voice had none the less risen from his usual speaking voice.
Turning towards Zhang Fei, the middle aged man spoke calmly and composed, indifferent to Zhang Fei's words. "Such a tasks does not require Yide-xiong to attend to personally. Rather, Yide-xiong should greet the magistrates with my liege."
Rubbing his nose and snickering a little, Zhang Fei gave Bai Yan a little nudge on the shoulder. "Tch! You really never were one for social events huh Old Yan. Fine if Big Brother says you can go than you can go." Turning his head slightly over to Huo Li, Zhang Fei pointed his finger and spoke sharply at the young man. "But you're coming with me kid!"
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Being a man of a bigger and more muscular frame than most people, this effect only seemed to be enhanced even more as Yide put on his good robes. Dressed head to toe in light brown robes with a light blue set overtop, Zhang Fei looked everybit as scholarly as a man with a full rough and dangerous could look. His beard and hair drastically constrasted the civilized clothes he wore. This coupleds with the false rumours of his blundering reputation probably caused most others to look down on him. Those who actually sit down and have a conversation with Yide will know otherwise. Walking into the dining hall with Huo Li right behind him, The young man was dressed in fine green robes with his blade hanging to his side. Neatly tied hair, the young man looked every bit like a scholar as he would a young hero.
Walking right up to the center, it looked like he had arrived a little late after returning to get ready, bathing and changing into clothes suitable for a banquet, not the drilling arena. Putting his hands up, Yide grasped his hands in a warrior's salute and bowed slightly to his big brother, then gave the same greeting gesture save the bow as he scanned around the room. The young man beside him quickly followed suit . Seeing Guan Yu, Zhang Fei immediately walked over to the empty seat reserved for him and put his hands up,l clasping them palm over fist in a warrior's salute. "Second brother! How have you been?" Huo Li immediately followed as well albeit his salute contained a small bow in it as he greeted his superior. Taking a glance around the room, Zhang Fei's voice was much different from before, it seemed like he actually knew how to keep his voice at indoor volumes at the right time. This was no place to make a fool of himself or embarass his big brother and liege. Unfortunately for Yide, history will come to remember him by his little trick, perhaps it had worked too well? "It looks like big brother has gathered a lot of support in this area already. Oh, befre I forget, the fifth regiment are finished with the training. They've met up with your battalion outside. Old Yan's leading the regiment so you got nothing to worry 'bout."
Finally taking his seat, Huo Li stood attentively behind Zhang Fei with his hands behind his back, expressionless and indifferent to the events around him. Taking the kettle of wine on his little table, Zhang Fei poured himself a small glass of the finely aged Nu'er Hong and drank it in a single gulp. Looking up at his lord he seeked permission to speak. "Brother, we need more investment in the military. We're running low on arms, spears and pikes. The drilling grounds are also getting crowded, we need larger camps too." Looking up at the gathered men, Zhang Fei knew these would be the their potential valuable sponsors in these tough times.
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 7:31:19 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 7, 2010 7:31:19 GMT
Seeing Zhang Fei, Guan stepped away from Liu Bei for a moment and respectfully offered a low bow, then putting his hand on Yide's right shoulder, and all smiles replied, "It nice to see you made it," and continued hypothetically, "I thought you'd fell drunk on the journey here...Elder brother has been waiting for your arrival."
Turning back to Liu Bei and in response to Zhang Fei's proposal put forth his opinion on the matter, "Brother Yide is right, our armed forces grow by the day, without living space, fighting is liable to break out. Perhaps my proposal will meet your approval." Guan paused for a brief moment and continued on, "The various counties could perhaps each hold a garrisoned number of troops as a local as well as universal defence force. Along with our main army here we could reinforce key point where necessary as well as draw units from inactive garrisons. It will also relieve some soldiers of worry, in caring for their families in their home towns, which could strengthen the will of the people to serve brother at this early point."
((Liu Bei will reply once he sleeps off the day's hours. And now I too will pass out from lack of sleep...))
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 8:01:53 GMT
Post by Splash on Jun 7, 2010 8:01:53 GMT
Grinning widely, Zhang Fei let out a loud and hearty laugh, though a little lower in tone than usual, otherwise his voice may have echoed through the dining hall. Puting his hand on Guan Yu's shoulder as well, Zhang Fei was glad to see that his second brother was doing well. It had been some time since he had seen either brother, spending more time on the training grounds than sleeping and eating combined. To more effectively train the men, Zhang Fei had divided them into different smaller groups that he trained at different intervals of the day to accomplish more. "Hahaha! I wouldn't get drunk without you and big brother, at least not before we celebrate our arrival here first!"
Listening to his Second Brother's words, Zhang Fei's brows wrinkled as he let his throughts run wild, trying to forsee the prospects of his brother's plan. If there was one good thing about Zhang Fei's loud voice, it was that it usually caught the attention of most people. Perhaps that is a good thing though as Zhang Fei dislikes repeating himself. "I agree with you Second Brother, that is a great idea! For the main force, I have another idea, I want to divide it into Four Corps... We create military facilities for each of the Four Corps and place them at strategic forts around the the province. We might have just settled here in Yong An, but we must look to expand our forces in the near future. When that time comes, a single force is messy, hard to organize. It'll be harder to see where we need to deploy troops."
Waving his hand for a guard to come over, Zhang Fei had the guard bring in a large map of the middle kingdom placed overtop of a large canvas and stand behind Zhang Fei and Huo Li. Huo Li promptly stood aside while Zhang Fei stood up and pointed to the Yong An region. "We should look to build roads and open trade routes with Han Zhong. Some people still doubt Big Brother is of imperial lineage. If we can take Han Zhong we will legitmize him more in the eyes of the people. We should look to build relations with Liu Biao to the south, he's from Imperial household to, he'll probably help us out if we offer him something in return. I'd say he's looking to take control of Jing Zhou, we should send expenditionary forces to Xin Ye."
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 20:48:17 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 7, 2010 20:48:17 GMT
(Sorry for taking a while to respond. I enjoy my sleep.)
Listening to Bai Yan speak, a slight nod came from Liu Bei, and he laughed a little and then said "Yes Bai Yan, I would not force you to meet with the magistrates. You can see to the troops instead."
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The magistrates had all made their way to their quarters for sleep, and Xuande remained in the dining hall with his two brothers. He listened intently to their proposals about creating more living space for the soldiers. He closed his eyes, and envisioned the buildings and training grounds, and nodded his head in approval. He spoke and said, "I agree, more lodging for the troops is a great idea. If they are in their own villages, defences will also be stronger for they would be fighting for their own families. We can start the work on this right away."
Though Zhang Fei spoke rather loudly, and with a chuckle Xuande said, "Hush Yide, you're going to wake up the entire city. But what you say is right, we'll have more success in smaller; tightly knit units." It was then that Yide had the map brought out, and Bei listened intently. But realized something that would be a bit of a problem... Han Zhong. It would be a good place as any to have control of, but then comes the issue of having an irregular territory to defend, as well as trapping his clansman to the south west from expanding. He spoke up once Zhang Fei was finished and said, "Roads to Han Zhong? That itself is a great idea, but taking it is something entirely different. If we do, we'll cut off Liu Yan to the south, and that would possibly force his hand into attacking us. We are still not very large, and I would not risk provoking him. But the prospect of Xin Ye is a good one. From there we have ways to make inroads throughout the country; Wan and Jiang Xia respectively. For now, let's focus on that."
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 21:09:08 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 7, 2010 21:09:08 GMT
It was clear to Cheng Liu immediately on entering Yong An that the rumors were true. The city was clearly prospering and the people seemed filled with a healthy devotion to there lord which spoke much of Liu Bei's wealth of character. It must be true that he was of the imperial blood line a lost relative of the Emperor and by extension his own master Liu Biao. He was starting to understand why he had been sent on this mission such a man must indeed have the self same desire as his own lord. God know there were few enough men left in the empire that would uphold the honer of the Han dynasty the traitors that seem to multiply in the shadows had come out of hiding and overran the Han.
He made good time on his way to the palace only stopping to greet a few people on the way in his usual good natured sort of way. He soon found himself in the palace courtyard the guards having let him in after he explained his business to them. He dismount and left his horse with Liu Bei stable master and headed in the palace to discharge his duty. He hoped he would not be kept waiting long, but he did not want to interrupt Liu Bei if he was busy either. He headed for the mans audience chamber to request a face to face meeting.
"Excuse me would you please tell General Liu that Cheng Liu emissary of his imperial relative Liu Biao is here to see him." He said unstrapping his sword and leaving it with the guards, he doubted it would do him good if Liu Bei's reputation proved false anyway.
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 21:39:02 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 7, 2010 21:39:02 GMT
The courtier bowed and then said, "Master Cheng Liu, Lord Xuande is in council with his brothers, but I don't think you will be forced to stay long. Please wait inside the audience chamber for a moment, and I will have him come to see you." The man bowed again, and after leading Cheng Liu to the audience chamber, made his way to the dining hall. He stepped quickly and made a bow to Liu Bei saying,
"Sire, an emissary from Jingzhou has arrived. He says his name is Cheng Liu and he is sent by your relative Liu Jingsheng. Will you go to meet him?"
At this, Liu Bei turned to face the man giving him the message and said, "It is late, but I will go to see him right away." Then looking to his brothers he said, "Yunchang, Yide, feel free to stay here and discuss more of the topic at hand if you wish."
Flicking out the sleeves of his robes, he hastened to the audience chamber, and went to the dais and motioned for the guest to sit in the place of honour. He then spoke saying, "Welcome, Master Liu. I hope Liu Jingsheng is well. What news do you bring for me?"
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 22:04:07 GMT
Post by Zhao Yun on Jun 7, 2010 22:04:07 GMT
Many days had passed since Zhao Yun had taken up his few belongings and set out from his post under the command of Gongsun Zan to meet up with the virtuous man that the populace seemed so starstruck by, and the journey had, at times, been more difficult than the man could have anticipated. Yong An was clearly a greater distance from his origin point than many of Zan's maps indicated, and the roads meant to take him there were more often than not ruined from natural occurrences. Those small complaints had only been a hindrance at worst, however. The real problems were those bands that lurked the countrysides, seeking whichever opportunity they received to rob and raid. While Zhao Yun had dealt with them, they surely didn't assist with the speed of his arrival.
Nonetheless, there was no need to consider now whether or not this was his best decision. Zhao Yun had arrived at Yong An. As he passed through the busy pathways that led through the cities, sitting atop his horse, those citizens that turned to glance and him and even those that didn't wore expressions indicating everything from content indifference to joyous anticipation. If these people were any indication of what the city ahead of him would bring, Zhao Yun had just found his new home.
He rode up to the gate, quickly indicating to the guards, with a wave of his hand, that despite the fact he was covered from head to toe in armor and keeping a spear close at his side, he meant no aggression towards the city. After explaining his situation to those guards, he was permitted entrance into the city, but informed that Liu Bei was already meeting with an envoy. Agreeing to wait, Zhao Yun turned his horse over to a young man at the stables and began to peer around the city, trying his best not to be intrusive. Still, he didn't travel too far, content to stay close enough that when it was time to meet with the protector of this city, he wouldn't be too far away.
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 0:08:21 GMT
Post by Splash on Jun 8, 2010 0:08:21 GMT
Though Zhang Fei spoke rather loudly, and with a chuckle Xuande said, "Hush Yide, you're going to wake up the entire city. But what you say is right, we'll have more success in smaller; tightly knit units." It was then that Yide had the map brought out, and Bei listened intently. But realized something that would be a bit of a problem... Han Zhong. It would be a good place as any to have control of, but then comes the issue of having an irregular territory to defend, as well as trapping his clansman to the south west from expanding. He spoke up once Zhang Fei was finished and said, "Roads to Han Zhong? That itself is a great idea, but taking it is something entirely different. If we do, we'll cut off Liu Yan to the south, and that would possibly force his hand into attacking us. We are still not very large, and I would not risk provoking him. But the prospect of Xin Ye is a good one. From there we have ways to make inroads throughout the country; Wan and Jiang Xia respectively. For now, let's focus on that." (OOC: No worries, I don't mind waits because I have a lot of active RPs in different places ) Zhang Fei scratched his beard and cleared his throat a little before he took downed another cup of the wine. "Sorry Big Brother..." Lowering his voice down to a more suitable indoor volume, Zhang Fei's voice still carried it's gruff and rough tone. "Glad you agree brother, I'll get Old Yan to work out the details later. Me and Second Brother can take charge of a Corp each. That leaves two more..."Rubbing his beard, Zhang Fei put his right arm onto his knee and leaned forward to observe the map of the middle kingdom closer. "Liu Yan's belongs to the Imperial Household, he won't attack us without reason besides terroritory expansion. I say we go offer him protection from the northern frontier while he establishes himself in Shu. The Emperor needs us, we ought to go rescue him." Zhang Fei's last words were spoken with a small grin, though it was hidden by his wild beard. Zhang Fei had seen just how useful the Emperor can be... If they got the Emperor into his Big Brother's hands, the virtuous Liu Bei might be able to change the Imperial Household for the better. Mumbling some inaudiable words though, Zhang Fei continued to stare, glancing towards the ceiling without tilting his head every few seconds. Clapping his hands together once, Zhang Fei regained the light in his eye as he readied himself to speak. "No matter, if Big Brother wants go to Xin Ye for now that's fine. Even if Liu Yan tames Zi Tong they don't have any way of crossing the mountains to us, we're defensively sound if we can maintain relations for now..."Huo Li leaned over and whispered a few words into Zhang Fei's ears, causing Zhang Fei to look at the young man with a 'who do you think I am' kind of look. "Tch! Don't worry I was getting to that, I'm the one who though it remember?" Taking another cup of wine, Zhang Fei let out a small burp and wiped his mouth. "If Big Brother wants to move into Xin Ye instead, we should also take Jiang Zhou. It's a defensive stronghold that'll block our Capital from Liu Yan. Plus, if relations ever fall out we'll have a direct march on his Capital. We should claim it for ourselves as soon as we Can. I'll march into Xin Ye with the kid and Old Yan. Second Brother should move to claim Jiang Zhou, Liu Yan won't be looking to start a war with us yet... especially not with Second Brother guarding Jiang Zhou. Of course, we have to make a quick decision, Liu Yan's advisors are probably advising the same thing.""
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 1:13:09 GMT
Post by scholar on Jun 8, 2010 1:13:09 GMT
Xīn Shìjiè Fēnliè was about to enter the Palace when someone from Chu went on past him. Xīn was at a loss as what to do, he paced around the courtyard. There were guards guarding the palace, as there were in every palace or residence of a lord. Simply walking up to them and saying "I'd like to offer my services to lord Liu Bei" doesn't seem like the right way to approach him. He looked at the carefully worded re-written letter he had wrote just hours before and suddenly found it irritating. Xīn tore the fine cloth to shreds and tucked the remnants in his robe.
"Personal Approach is perhaps best..."
Xīn went up to one of the guards and inquired about the man that went by him. If he was not an important person then Xīn would surely convince the guards to allow entry into the Palace. However his suspicions were proven valid as it was a personal envoy from Liu Biao of Jing to discuss matters of various importance. In simple thinking the envoy is meeting with Liu Bei to discuss a possible friendship between the two domains, and perhaps preparing an agreement to restore the Han dynasty in this time of chaos by making their way to Li Jue and Guo Si's lands.
The more Xīn thought about this the more frustrated he became. Offering your services to a man meeting with an envoy which may well set the policy of the entire domain doesn't seem very intelligent. With that Xīn contented himself to wait a while before trying to gain access with Liu Bei.
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 1:38:50 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 8, 2010 1:38:50 GMT
Yang Zhi was patrolling the perimeter of the palace, when he noticed a youth tearing up what looked to be a letter, and then approaching a guard. The fellow had some awkward behaviour, and so he walked right up to him and grabbed the youth by the scruff of the collar and said, "You seem like a spy to me... With your suspicious activity. First pacing the courtyard and then tearing up that letter, then asking the guards a question."
Without hesitation, Yang Zhi dragged the youth into the palace, and passing by the audience chamber he took him to a secluded room. He opened the door, and inside it was somewhat dank. There were no windows, save for some thin slits in the wall to let light through. The only furnishings was a poorly made wooden crate. He hustled the boy into the room, and then said, "I'm going to get my liege. He will determine whether you're a spy or not." With that he closed the door, and barred it tightly, securing it with a heavy padlock.
He briskly made his way into the audience chamber and saw that Xuande was in a meeting. Not wishing to disturb him, he would wait until they were finished speaking.
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