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Palace
Jun 21, 2010 20:43:09 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 21, 2010 20:43:09 GMT
Lin Chong laughed to himself when he saw the doors open, talking quietly in his mind he said, Yong An has become quite popular recently. This will be good news to give to Lord Xuande when he returns.. He arose to welcome the newcomer, giving a general welcome, but as usual grew anxious when the young man dropped to one knee. He bade him stand and then said,
"It is a pleasure to hear those words master Ding Feng, though I kindly ask that you do not bow to myself. I am merely a steward to Lord Xuande. However as you have expressed your wish to join, in Liu Bei's stead I accept you into our service. You will receive access to the war council and also a stipend. Do you have any questions that you would like answered?"
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Palace
Jun 21, 2010 21:12:07 GMT
Post by Splash on Jun 21, 2010 21:12:07 GMT
Bringing his hands up he clasped him in a warrior's salute and walked through the doors while Bai Yan and Huo Li gave the same greeting save their low and respectful bows. In unison the two greeted their Lord with three words. "Greetings my liege." If the two were given permission to enter, they would following Zhang Fei into the room standing behind him as Zhang Fei spoke. "Hahaha, don't worry 'bout me Big Brother. It'll take a lot more than some measley poison or spear to put your Third Brother six feet under!"
Turning his head a little to shift his gaze towards Huo Li and Bai Yan, he nodded to them to spoke. "Old Yan, Kid, get the doors and take a seat." The two men nodded in compliance and walked to the doors before gently closing them. During this time, Zhang Fei took a seat in the top right corner of the room; his usual seat. While his Second Brother was his Big Brother's righteous and honourablle right hand man, Zhang Fei was content with being the one to take the brunt of their forces' bad reputations. Reputation was a thing Zhang Fei gave little regard for. Most of the world knew him as a strong brute, and he liked it that way, he liked giving his enemies... less than pleasant surprises. With the doors closed, Zhang Fei sat down slowly, careful not open his barely healed wounds. Perhaps it was the special treatment that his Big Brother had gotten him, or perhaps it was from his own consitution, but after spending over a week doing nothing but sleeping and eating, his wounds were looking a lot better than before.
With a solemn and stoic expression, Zhang Fei began to speak with a calm and and serious tone, a tone he reserved in private for only the closest of his comrades and friends. "Brother i want to discuss our next course of action, I didn't think so much would happen while I was out of commission. I see that Liu Yan has taken Jiang Zhou. I had thought the rest of your Imperial Clansmen were indecisive men, but this made a quick decision to take Jiang Zhou. Liu Biao to the south is not wasting any time either. I think now is a good opportunity to take Wan. At the same time we should dispatch a force to pacify Jiang Xia. Jiang Xia may be the shield of Jing Zhou. But with our current holdings we will soon be trapped by the terrain around us and that other Imperial Clansmen of yours to the south. If we take Jiang Xia we can force him to head south and then to the east, away from our territories. What do you think Big Brother?"
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Palace
Jun 21, 2010 21:44:14 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 21, 2010 21:44:14 GMT
Liu Bei nodded for Bai Yan and Huo Li to enter, and watched as they closed the door and Zhang Fei taking a seat. Walking towards his own seat, Xuande placed himself from across his brother. He listened intently to his plan, although there were other things that had already been set into motion. Though the way Yide was speaking, he was content and believed his brother to be doing fine.
Stroking his beard ever so slightly, his thoughts reigned in on that one word... Wan. That was the key. He waited for Yide to finish speaking, he waited for a bit longer and breathed for a little bit longer, thinking about Wan. He then said,
"Wan is the key brother, you are correct in that. It opens up our routes of expansion much better. Though there are goings on in the capital which must be dealt with first. Regarding the south however, Liu Jingsheng and I are allied, and I will leave the south to him. But I must bring attention to your previous idea of building roads into Han Zhong. You have suggested it, and I have thought about it while you were recuperating. For the moment, until the period that the physician has prescribed you, I would like you to concentrate on building these roads."
He stood up, and walked to the map that was in his room nearby. Pointing to where Han Zhong was, he said,
"Han Zhong will bring us great trade wealth, and will also allow us another route of moving our armies. If you can get the roads completed and safe in good time, this will bring in more funds to concentrate on our other objectives."
(Splash, make sure to check out the war council thread. And do you have MSN? We're having a mini-council on there at the moment. It'd be nice to have you there as well.)
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Palace
Jun 22, 2010 21:52:03 GMT
Post by scholar on Jun 22, 2010 21:52:03 GMT
After waiting several hours Xin sought out Master Lin and found him conversing with another man, after observing for a few moments he determined this other man was similar to himself in that he was a newly recruited man for Lord Liu Bei. Xin then approached without any fear or doubt towards Lin Chong.
Excuse me Master Lin, I would just like to restate my loyalty to you and Lord Liu Bei. If there is any way I could help you or Lord Liu Bei please tell me and I will do so.
Xin remembered about the campaign Lord Liu Bei was on.
I would like to join Lord Liu Bei in his campaigns to promote order and stability to the north, if you would allow it.
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Palace
Jun 22, 2010 22:02:44 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 22, 2010 22:02:44 GMT
Lin Chong looked at both the men in front of him, Ding Feng and Xin Shijie Fenlie, both rather young still. Lin Chong was not ready to send them into battle just yet. He placed his hand on his chin, and then turning to Xin he said,
"Well, I do not wish to send you into battle just yet, and I could not presume to know Lord Xuande's orders. How about the both of you go to Xin Ye, the city was recently added to our control and you should reassure the people there, and perhaps improve trade and farms."
His mind also went to Liu Biao of the south, and remembering that he spoke of it as well,
"Also, our Lord Xuande has allied himself to Liu Jingsheng. Having a presence in Xin Ye to welcome him and prepare a banquet would be important as well. Both of you may go as soon as you will. Ready your troops to supplement the garrison that is already there as well."
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wu
New Member
Posts: 5
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Palace
Jun 23, 2010 16:04:31 GMT
Post by wu on Jun 23, 2010 16:04:31 GMT
"Very well" Ding Feng proclaimed, all his worries disappearing. He walked confidently outside to the guards and collected his sword and shield without a word with the guards. He went outside to find his men cheering him on, he mounted his nearby horse and called out to his men, "Brave men before me, you have served me all this journey from the waters of the Jiang Dong to Xin Ye and now to Yong An, I hope you will follow me as we serve Liu Bei together, now, we march to Xie Ye!" The men all cheered and the coloumn began to march.
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Palace
Jun 23, 2010 20:15:21 GMT
Post by scholar on Jun 23, 2010 20:15:21 GMT
Xin simply nodded his head and followed Ding Feng in leaving Master Lin's presence. But unlike him he had no things to carry, nothing to speak of at all. Silently and almost without uttering a single word Xin departed to Xin Ye long before there was even a stir surrounding the city and troops. Waking up one morning an unemployed man, spent the evening as an accused spy, and finally became an officer by the end of the day, all in all it was pretty eventful and Xin hoped to see many more just like it.
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Palace
Jun 27, 2010 2:52:26 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 27, 2010 2:52:26 GMT
This post is related to this post by Zilong and will be continued there.Zhao Yun's fear was realized quickly, a town near the border had noticed the distant glow of torches, alarmed they alerted the Magistrate who relayed the information to Yong'an within an hour. In Yong'an, since the battle of the Central Plains, Guan Yu had been lying dormant in the west, as Prefect of Yong'an. This particular night however unable to sleep Guan had been reading by the candle light. A commotion erupted outside the mighty general's residence, he quickly put down his text, a servant quickly informed him of the mob of officials outside. Guan dressed more appropriately and went out to see what the fuss was about. Seeing many officials and officers he said, "You must have a good reason for disturbing me at this late hour." The officials bowed and reported: [Officer] "A town on the western border has reported the presence of enemy activity. There is a camp set and the number of torches gives the impression of large numbers."[Guan Yu] "I'll deal with this myself."[Official] "No General what if it's too large a force? Better to inform Lord Liu then make a move."[Guan Yu] "Waiting for my brother's consent to move could only jepordize our position! I don't plan on letting the enemy get the momentum"[Official] "But General it could be a trap."[Guan Yu] "Enough!"The officials and officers fell silent as Guan Yu ordered men to be readied. He donned his armour and took up his great blade. Mounting his horse he headed to the gate. The officials there were assembled, offering one last protest they said, [Officials] "Best to wait for Lord Liu's word General, you should not blunder into an enemy position yourself."[Guan Yu] "This blade crushed the Yellow Turbans, obliterated Dong Zhuo and saw to Li Jue's defeat. What can Liu Yan do to me? Or anyone for that matter? Be quiet and save your head."The officials too frightened to speak further withdrew as Guan assembled the army. Going with him were: Instructing Zhang Qin and Dong Ping to assume temparory control of the city and sent a messenger to inform Liu Bei of the potential advance of Liu Yan, Guan rode out to the scene of the 'enemy troops.'
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Palace
Jun 27, 2010 21:32:10 GMT
Post by Zhao Yun on Jun 27, 2010 21:32:10 GMT
Zhao Yun was a man of his word, so after meeting with Shimazu the previous night he decided to move towards the city of Yong An. Guan Yu was to be awaiting his arrival and possibly even the Imperial Uncle.
Zilong left his soldiers back at the camp and approached the city alone. He had no fear of any treachery as Liu Bei and his men were known to be one of the most honorable forces.
He dismounted his steed and greeted the gate guards.
"Good day to you. I am hear to meet with Guan Yu, Prefect of Yong An."
Zhao Yun would hand over his weapon if necessary and awaited to be summoned or escorted to meet with Yunchang.
***This happens after meeting with Shimazu, I did not feel like waiting***
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Palace
Jun 27, 2010 21:41:05 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 27, 2010 21:41:05 GMT
Guan Yu had returned by dawn he ordered the troops back to the barracks. He headed to the yamen where the officials were their discussing Guan's move. He entered and ordered,
[Guan Yu] "Prepare a feast we'll be having a guest shortly."
{Official] "What happened General?"
[Guan Yu] "No time, prepare the feast, I must rest."
Without another word Guan Yu left the chamber, leaving the officials to their duty. They went about preparing the feast.
Back at his residence Guan ordered one of his attendants to ride to Xinye and ask Xuande to attend the festivities, the man departed shortly. Then Guan removed his armour and caught himself some shut eye - uneventfully.
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Palace
Jun 28, 2010 22:23:50 GMT
Post by Zhao Yun on Jun 28, 2010 22:23:50 GMT
Location: Front Gate
Zhao Yun stood patiently at the gates of Yong An. It seemed Guan Yu was sleeping and was not available to meet with him.
Zilong would wait for a few minutes longer and then move towards Cheng Du. He would return back after, hoping to meet with Guan Yu and Liu Bei later on if they were currently unavailable.
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Palace
Jun 28, 2010 23:48:25 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 28, 2010 23:48:25 GMT
((Sorry never noticed your last post Zilong, must have been while I was doing mine. I'll get to a reply now.))
Guan Yu woke up early in the morning, stretching to try and stretch out the lack of sleep he had that night. He was a military man, born into war he was used with restless nights and went about the mundane tasks, rinsing his mouth, washing his feet, relieving himself and the likes. He put on his official robes and hat and went to conduct the usual business of a prefect: paperwork, court and of course more paperwork.
Upon reaching the yamen he was met by a petty officer who was usually posted at the gate of the city he said,
[Soldier] "There is an lone unfamilar warrior requesting entry at the gate...should we let him in?"
[Guan Yu] "Everyone is welcome, simply have him hand over his weapons, why need to clarify it with me? Surely you've seen Zilong before?"
The soldier mummered, "Yes sir...yes sir..."
In fact, the soldier had not seen Zilong before, he joined the army when Liu Bei came to take office in Yong'an, he left eager to glance upon the great warrior.
Upon reaching the gate the soldier ordered the guards to let the warrior in, they relieved him of his weapon and the soldier led him to the yamen to meet Guan. The feast was all but ready.
Guan Yu was waiting with a Dong Ping, Zhang Qin and Wu Yong, leading the body of officers and officials in the city. Saluting Guan greeted the warrior, "Zilong, brother i'm glad you could make it today, Lord Liu has not yet arrived but he'll no doubt behere shortly." Guan Yu signalled to the entrance of the palace, "Please..." Indicating for Zilong to join him at the feast.
Taking their positions in the grand hall. Guan Yu assumed the position to the right of the host's chair (vacant for Xuande's arrival) and ushered Zilong be seated in the one to the left. The officers and officials took positions down each side of the aisle.
Servants flocked the hall every man having his own personal attendant, all that was missing was Xuande, and once he arrived the feast would begin.
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Palace
Jun 29, 2010 0:17:08 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 29, 2010 0:17:08 GMT
Liu Bei had made his way at the head of a procession from Xin Ye, as soon as he received word from Guan Yu that Zilong had arrived in Yong An. He had hastened at once, taking with him only a small escort and leaving Lin Chong and Yang Zhi in guarding his capital.
The journey was uneventful, passing along the roads and through the mountains towards Yong An, and just as the sun was beginning to arise he could see Yong An in the distance. The city would no doubt already be awake and ready to start the day, and Yunchang would have already made preparations for the banquet to meet with Zhao Yun the night before.
He motioned for his guard to quicken their pace, and before long they had arrived in Yong An, welcomed by troops and officials. He gave them a nod as acknowledgment and continued on his way towards the palace. The gate guards opened the doors for him, and he headed straight for the stables, leaving his horse to the grooms there, and his guard to disperse amongst the garrison for the time being.
He quickly made his way up the steps, when an official came to him and said,
"Lord Xuande, Zhao Zilong has already arrived, and they're waiting for you in the dining hall. Appropriate clothes have been made available for you to change into quickly."
Bei consented and went to his former chambers when he was at Yong An. He dressed quickly, and made his way to the dining hall. He nodded to all the officials, and quickened his steps to be seated. He made his seat, and another nod gave his approval to Yunchang, indicating that the feast could be served. He then turned to Zhao Yun and said,
"Ah Zilong, it is good to see you. As soon as I received word, I made my way here as quickly as possible. I hope you were not waiting long. How goes your travels over the years since serving Gongsun Zan?"
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Palace
Jun 29, 2010 0:53:31 GMT
Post by Zhao Yun on Jun 29, 2010 0:53:31 GMT
Zhao Yun nodded at the guard and handed over his spear. He then followed the soldier into the city of Yong An.
Guan Yu had every right to disarm Zilong as he was still an unaligned warrior and the times were very turbulent as of late. The Turban rebellion had broke out only 16 years ago and even after it was subdued, many other regional lords vied for power. The land had been plunged into war for quite some time and one such as Liu Bei would be important to the future of China.
The guards led Zilong to the palace where a grand feast was prepared in his honor. He certainly did not expect such treatment, but it was more than welcome. There was no doubt that he had not enjoyed such a meal in a long time, if not his entire life, so it would be memorable.
He looked ahead and there was Guan Yunchang in all his glory. The general’s green robe was made of expensive materials and his beard looked extra shiny. Zhao Yun wondered if the Blue Dragon was around, but only to look at and not be on the receiving end of.
“Yunchang, it is a pleasure to meet with you again” he said, bowing low to the famed warrior.
Just as Zhao Yun moved toward the table, he noticed Liu Bei enter into the palace with his entourage. He quickly bowed to the Imperial Uncle and responded.
“I have not been waiting long, Xuande, and Yunchang has been a most gracious host.”
Zhao Yun moved to his appointed seat and waited for both Liu Bei and Guan Yu to sit. Once seated, he then continued on with the rest of Xuande’s question.
“It is unfortunate about Lord Gongsun’s demise, but there was no stopping Yuan Shao’s advance. Afterwards, I thought of serving the so called noble, but he did not seem to inspire me quite like you did years ago. Your aid, along with Yu and Fei, made it possible to overcome the enemy.”
Zhao Yun was of course speaking of the wars against Dong Zhuo and his ilk.
He took a sip of wine after it was poured and awaited a response from either of his two old acquaintances.
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Palace
Jun 29, 2010 1:16:23 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 29, 2010 1:16:23 GMT
Liu Bei seated himself, and after the course was served he drank some wine and listened to Zhao Yun's answer, contemplating the deaths of a man who had been his friend. Not only was he dead, but so were his children and his wife and concubines. A shame that things came to that, but multiple times he had warned Gongsun Zan not to anger the court. Of course once Benchu declared himself emperor, none of that really mattered. He continued on eating the course provided, waiting for Zhao Yun to finish, and then He then spoke again,
"You speak too highly of me from those days. We merely did what we had to, to the best of our abilities. You performed admirably, and while I had to leave, I longed to see your skills once more. It has brought me great joy to know you have come to visit me here in Yong An."
A servant had come to clear the plates, but had left the wine. He did not drink deeply, but merely wet his lips, and then he continued,
"I hope you will stay, for soon I am going to present myself to the new emperor. He has proven himself to be more than capable, and I will aid him as best as I can in restoring the dynasty. I would like it if you would be by my side along with Yunchang and Yide, like in the old days."
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