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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 2:08:40 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 8, 2010 2:08:40 GMT
Cheng Liu had a look around the audience chamber while he was waiting it reminded him of Xiang Yang although it was perhaps a little less grand. Still he observed the difference in style between Ba Shu and Jing. He was glad not to be kept waiting long however and turned to greet lord Liu Xuande. He bowed low before his masters relative keeping his eyes fixed on the floor.
"It is kind of you to ask Lord Xuande, my lord i well and enjoying this time of peace fleeting though i suspect it will prove." Cheng Liu responded deciding to get the pleasantries out of the way. He quickly moved to sit down in the indicated place he was pleased to see Xuande was doing him some honer, his reputation for curtsy was at least not exaggerated he was pleased to see.
"My lord wishes me to extend his best wishes for your health and for me to express his great pleasure to have an imperial relative like yourself near by. He has heard of you quest to free the land from this state of chaos and disorder and restore imperial power. He wished me to express to you also that he shares this goal with you." Cheng Liu said trying to think of how best to say what he wanted without it being as clear as black and white. He guessed his lord and Xuande had a few different idea but he wanted to express that they shared the same overall objective and ideology.
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 2:29:30 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 8, 2010 2:29:30 GMT
"I too am pleased to have a relative as my neighbour. I must visit Liu Jingsheng the next time. I would very much like to see him." Idle chitchat, though it did mean something it was not exactly the way Liu Bei liked to speak. But speaking with formalities was the easiest way to speak on even terms with two individuals who had never met before. But then the topic seemed to shift ever so slightly. To one not versed in political finery, it would seem like a general statement, but things are not always as they appear.
Liu Bei could begin to guess what was being said. Liu Biao had impressive men in his service that he would send such a glib speaker. He was impressed with Cheng Liu, though he did not wish to express it explicitly. Surely there were other men in the country who could speak as well as he?
Xuande slowly stroked his beard, and nodded ever so slightly. Not wanting to be outdone in such fluent speech, he mused what he was going to say, and then he spoke up, "I understand what you are saying. Liu Jingsheng must have great aspirations for the future of the land. If the both of us share the same objective, then who can say the empire will not be restored?"
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 5:07:38 GMT
Post by scholar on Jun 8, 2010 5:07:38 GMT
Xīn Shìjiè Fēnliè was dazed and confused, a spy? him? This was some huge misunderstanding. Before even being able to ask the man that dragged him into the Palace what his name was he left to get Lord Liu Bei.
Well... that's one way to meet him...
But then it seemed like the entire room shrank and everything suddenly became bleak. Would Liu Bei believe that he was trying to gain access to him in order to properly serve him? Or should he play the part of a spy and try to work that angle? The possibilities raced through his mind.
At least with the meeting I'll have time to collect my thoughts
Xīn had a habit of talking to himself when totally alone. Xīn then remembered the letter he put in his robs, taking it out it was in several shredded pieces, but with time he would be able to properly reconstruct it. If he can do that, then he might finally be able to both be able to find a lord and earn some trust. How he was going to earn that would take quite a show. In any case, he was in the Palace now, and that's all that matters.
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 13:56:57 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 8, 2010 13:56:57 GMT
Cheng Liu looked down smiling, it was clear to him that Liu Bei knew now the game was played. Of course it was not like it was a competition he was coming to see that Xuande indeed had a lot in common with his own lord. Even so Cheng Liu could not resist carrying on in this matter, ever testing. It to see imperial relatives doing well no matter what station they were born at.
"I am certain that Jingsheng would be very happy to welcome you if you ever decide to visit him Lord." Cheng Liu said meaning every word in truth there was no need for any animosity between the two relatives. Being neighbors did not have to make men enemies agreements could always be found. There were after traitors enough that needed to be put down.
"I could not agree more my lord the restoration of the an dynasty and the Emperor are of the most pivotal importance. My lord would look forward to working toward this very goal with you." he said knowing Xuande would understand the meaning of his words. He was glad he had made the trip here it was turning out to be very, interesting.
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 15:47:53 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 8, 2010 15:47:53 GMT
Zhang Qin was riding along the winding roads in the mountains of the eastern riverlands, the moon glowed brightly in the sky and the stars were lusterful, looking up he felt a relaxing breeze of peace. As they made their way out of the mountains they spotted the city of Yong'an in the distance, Zhang Qin pointed with his whip and said, "Not much father now." The unit felt a sense of relief, knowing that they could put up for a rest shortly. They rode on at a quickened pace, rather than going in to report at this late hour, Qin sent his men back to the cities barracks to rest and have doctors treat the three that were hit with arrows. He himself went into a tavern and had a meal, and then drank himself to sleep. * * * On the morrow Qin woke up and rinsed himself with water provided by the tavern and then paid his tab and left to report at the palace. He picked up some fruit as he walked through the market and tucked in to a couple of apples as breakfast. Reaching the stairs to the yamen, put the stalks of the apples in the hands of an puzzled guard and wiped his mouth. Adjusting his bandana to be straight, he made his way to the gate, where the guards permitted him passage. Working his way into the audience chamber he saw Liu Bei meeting with a scholary looking gentlemen and made a u-turn on his heel rather than interrup what appeared to be an important conversation. Qin instead headed into the back where he saw Guan and Zhang chatting. Greeting them with clasped hands and a bow he announced the details of his mission. Guan sighed and said, "You could have made yourself a little less noticeable. What if someone recognized you? Lord Liu would be put in a terrible fix if they found out you ended up here." Zhang Qin had been forced into being an outlaw with Dong Ping after Dong Zhuo took the authority over the throne, as their commandaries were contested by rising regional lords. If they still where they were at that time, they'd be having a good fight with Lu Bu right now. Knowing that he had a number of felonies to his name Guan could do nothing but expect that Li Jue and Guo Si would have access to a record of Zhang Qin in the Imperial archives. Guan then said after absorbing how Qin had went about his mission, "All we can do is report to Big Brother." Zhang quickly broke in and said that Lord Liu was in a meeting, "Yes he is," Guan replied "with a envoy of Liu Biao, a man who could be involved in this if they took note of your escape route." Qin lowered his head and said nothing. Turning to Zhang Fei, Guan said, "Yide we have to see Big Brother."Guan led Zhang Qin into the main chamber, instead of halting the conversation he merely stood to one side with Yide and Zhang Qin, their gazes set away from the Cheng and Liu, waiting.
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 19:47:19 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 8, 2010 19:47:19 GMT
As Liu Bei and Cheng Liu were talking, Xuande had noticed out of the corner of his eye, that his brother and Zhang Qin come into the audience chamber. Something important must have happened in the capital, otherwise Guan would have waited until Liu Bei was done. But rushing this meeting was not something that could be done.
He was glad that things were going so smoothly, but the formal speaking was beginning to get to him. However he pressed on for the sake of it, and spoke concerning the matter and said, "Yes, that would be most excellent. I suppose we should formalize it, and make it official by putting it in writing?"
He again looked at Guan and Zhang Qin out of the corner of his eye. They were being patient, but Yunchang had a concerned look on his face. Not wanting to bring any worry to his guest however, Bei bit the tip of his tongue and hid his concern for the time being.
-----------------------------------------
Yang Zhi had noticed that Guan and Zhang Qin had entered into the audience chamber. He chuckled to himself slightly thinking that lord Xuande was becoming most popular recently. He walked over to them, when he noticed that something was wrong.
He stopped and made a salute, and then said quietly to them, so as not to arouse any attention"Something went wrong at the capital didn't it?" So blunt and direct, but Yang Zhi was never one for fancy speech. At least he knew when to keep silent though.
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 20:58:17 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 8, 2010 20:58:17 GMT
Cheng Liu nodded in agreement with Xuande, he was glad things had progressed so well his lord would no doubt be pleased with this news. There was of course more to talk about still but it could wait. After all with there lands so close together there was bond to be interest later when it came to control of specific cites. Still it was something that could wait and be sorted out later, for now they were just agreeing to friendly relations and perhaps to deal with there common enemy's men like Li Jue and Gou Si.
"I agree my lord let us place this in writing so that our people may feel assured of the good relations between your self and Jingsheng." Cheng liu said calling for parchment and a quill to be brought.
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 22:02:36 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 8, 2010 22:02:36 GMT
An official quickly came with the desired items, and placed them on the table between the two men. Then he rushed back to what he was doing before. Liu Bei had begun thinking about the finer terms of what would come up later. This was simply a peace agreement, brought about because of the good will between two relative leaders.
To keep up appearances, and not to show his thoughts of his brother entering the room, he looked down at the parchment, and said with a slight chuckle, "Do you want to draft the document up, or should I?"
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 23:07:17 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 8, 2010 23:07:17 GMT
Cheng Liu was beginning to get the feeling that Xuande was agitated. He hoped he was not keeping him from something else important. He took the offered quill it would not do to force a lord of the land to act like a common scribe. Besides being a cautious man he wanted to make sure he knew how the document was going to be worded.
"Allow me lord, it would not dream to impose on you the duty of a commoner. I shall hand you the document before i leave for you to sign then take it to my lord." He stated before getting down to business and started to write. it would be a lengthy document as imperial politics dictated.
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Palace
Jun 10, 2010 5:25:18 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 10, 2010 5:25:18 GMT
He laughed slightly, and then said
"I have done enough work myself that writing a document would make me feel like a commoner. But as you wish, I shall not impose."
Liu Bei then began to watch intently on the words that Cheng Liu wrote on the parchment. For one, it would take his mind off of the goings on in the capital for the moment. It also allowed him to read what was being written at that moment, as watching individuals write was something that Liu Bei enjoyed to do.
(Sorry for the short response. I'm not exactly sure how to flesh this out more.)
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Palace
Jun 10, 2010 20:45:54 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 10, 2010 20:45:54 GMT
Cheng Liu finished penning the document and handed it to Liu Bei to sign he had made it vague since they still had more details to discuss later but it covered there setting up peaceful relations. He placed the Quill down and made another bow it seemed his work was done here for now.
"Is that all Xuande or shall i take my leave?" He asked he had sense before something was up. If Liu Bei wanted to tell him he could his lord would doubtless find out eventually anyway.
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Palace
Jun 10, 2010 23:09:03 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 10, 2010 23:09:03 GMT
((Seeing as though Liu Bei is away for five days, it's not right too have that long of a wait, so I'll reply in his stead for the time being.))Liu Bei raised from his seat and clasping his hands replied softly, "Governor Liu is no doubt eagerly awaiting the results of your mission, so I wouldn't dare detain you any longer. If however you wish to remain for the rest of the day before resuming your jouney home, I will have put a your disposal a suitable accomodation at the guesthouse." Xuande signalled to his attendants and they proffered a bag, in which would be placed the document for safe delivery. He afficed his seal of office to the foot of the document, verifying it's authenticity and handed it, sealed and ready for transport to Cheng. Then speaking to Cheng Liu, he said, "It was a pleasure to meet you Master Cheng, please convey my respects to the Governor, and let him know we can conclude this friendship more formally in the future." Then raising from his mat Xuande bowed to the envoy and bid him a respectful farewell, after which he retired to his chambers claiming he had stomach cramps, signalling to his brother's Yuncheng and Yide to hold for the time being, and recieve any callers in his stead. * * * Zhang Qin nodded to Yang Zhi and the two stood side-by-side after all their destinies were linked as one. Guan Yu stepped forward and addressed Cheng Liu apologetically, "My Big Brother doesn't usually leave his visitors unattended, something must be troubling him." Then gesturing towards the exit he walked at a comfortable pace with Cheng. As they reached the foot of the stairs leading to the compound Guan took Cheng Liu to the side, away from anyone who may hear he spoke in a serious tone of importance, "Something has come up that may affect your lord I am ashamed to say. But I wouldn't dare speak of it unless you are willing to hear me out frankly." Guan stood, awaiting the response, he was being direct and had maybe put Cheng Liu on the spot and was seeming a little confrontational but there was no other way he could bring the matter up before the envoy left the city.
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Palace
Jun 11, 2010 16:10:06 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 11, 2010 16:10:06 GMT
Cheng Liu grasped the bag containing the document he would not have to take it to his lord to sign before they had it copied and sent to Xuande. It seemed to him that there business was competed. He had enjoyed his visit and he could see nothing here to concern his lord but much that would interest him.
"I fear i cannot stay but i am certain that my lord will be very eager for a face to face meeting with you Xuande. He has always believed that family are very important." Cheng Liu said standing and making a bow to the Governor before he retired to his quarters. He smiled politely at the attendant and was on his way out before he was stopped by General Guan. Perhaps he was about to find out what all the excitement was about.
"Please general do not fear to speak frankly, I an my lord are now friends of your master Liu Xuande please tell me what is this matter you feel concerns us?" Cheng Liu asked keeping his voice down it was tell how much the servants knew and got the feeling this was a matter or a sensitive nature.
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Palace
Jun 12, 2010 0:34:30 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 12, 2010 0:34:30 GMT
Guan sighed as he confessed, "Lord Liu recently ordered my lieutenant Zhang Qin, to head north to Chang'an to gather news on how the court was coping under the rebels Li and Guo. He got back with the news alright, but did so rashly. Serving Imperial Uncle Liu, Zhang knows his duty to the Emperor and took a chance in going to the capital."
Guan sighed again as he continued on, getting to the point. "Zhang directed hostilities directly to Li Jue, he was tailed out of the capital by an armed unit and they know he came south. I can only offer Governor Liu a warning, being that they saw Zhang head south there are only three who can concern Li Jue. Liu Yan, the Imperial Uncle and your lord. Three kinsmen who could cause Li Jue problems in his control over the throne."
"Zhang Qin met a Warden in the service of His Majesty who was fleeing Li Jue and Guo Si's tyranny. Zhang spoke of this man highly and indicated that he seemed to have the ambition to bring the traitors to justice. Should your lord ever head north, have him seek out this warden, he goes by the name of Wei Feng. I feel as though he could help us in supporting the Han, if such an idea is in your lord's mind." Guan awaited Cheng's reply.
((Rushed reply, but I need some shut eye.))
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Palace
Jun 15, 2010 0:25:33 GMT
Post by Liu Biao on Jun 15, 2010 0:25:33 GMT
Cheng Liu paused to consider all that lord Guan had told him. He felt a sense of worry and excitement war within him. Zhang Qin's actions seemed risky scaring Li Jue so early was perhaps foolish. On the other hand he had located a new ally and proved once more the good intentions of Liu Xuande. Truly he was of the same mind and blood as his own lord. In truth in his place he might have done the same. The temptation to march on Chang An and free the emperor was great for all loyal lords.
"My thanks for trusting me enough to tell me this. I am certain my lord will act on this intelligence he will want to locate this loyal Han minister and assist him. I think you did the right thing but you have perhaps made an enemy of Li Jue. If he tries to destroy your lord i trust you will remember that you have an ally in Jing Zhou." Cheng Liu said deciding to return the mans trust.
"In truth we already knew some of this. Li Jue tried to order my master to attack Liu Xuande in return for a higher rank. He refused of course but he may be trying to coerce more lord to do the same. In fact he seems to have an avid interest in capturing your vassal Zhang Qin. I suggest you take extreme caution, not all men are as loyal to family and country as Liu Jingsheng." Cheng Liu warned him. He was a servant had brought his horse so moved to mount.
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