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Palace
Jun 4, 2010 2:05:41 GMT
Post by Zhuge Liang on Jun 4, 2010 2:05:41 GMT
The palace to the city of Pu Yang 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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colby
Full Member
I would rather betray the world, than let the world betray me
Posts: 216
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Palace
Jun 6, 2010 17:19:45 GMT
Post by colby on Jun 6, 2010 17:19:45 GMT
Lu Bu, the great warrior now found himself in Pu Yang. Cao Cao sighed.. he didn't really wish to be making peace with the man however his Emperors wish was his orders and therefore he found himself coming, his attempts would prove his loyalty to his lord.. plus an alliance or atleast a ceasefire between the two would keep the Han in power and happy aswell as making Cao Cao sleep a little better at night knowing that Lu Bu wasn't outisde preparing to kill him. The city of Pu Yang had grown since Cao Cao was here last, perhaps he shouldn't have unpredicted the man and humilated himself.
Cao Cao gently got off his horse, deciding to settle this feud on his own entering the mouth of the beast with only a few of his favoured bodyguards. Without a doubt Lu Bu would not be pleased to see him, however when push came to shove, the Emperors orders were orders. He stroked his beard one last time before presenting himself and his small amount of guards before the gate of Pu Yang, dressed in their blue traditional armours and robes.
"Cao Cao approaches, he seeks an audience with Fengxian.. governor of Pu Yang!"
A young messenger of Cao Cao shouts over the gate, hoping to be granted access.. knowing Lu Bu could be a bit of a stubborn bastard sometimes he laughed, rather enjoying the anticipating seeing the man once more.
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 14:59:42 GMT
Post by Lu Bu on Jun 7, 2010 14:59:42 GMT
Swimming with the fishes While the serpent waves his tongue With a belly full of splinters Now you see that I'm the one Tell me that you've seen a ghost I'll tell you what to fear the most
The meeting of two egos
Lu Bu's eyes widened in surprise at the announcement that Mengde was in Pu Yang to have audience. A smirk grew on the warrior-prefects face before he beckoned with his hand to an attendant to open the great doors of Pu Yang to give entry to who Cao Cao describes as the second most dangerous man in China, his own ego giving the number one spot to his own self.
"Cao Cao!" He chuckled with his loud and deep voice. "Forgive me, I was not expecting such a visit. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Guards were on duty as ever, watching Mengde intently from every direction. Even up on the balcony a few crossbowmen watched with eagle eyes, ready to raise their weapons and shoot down their target, but none truly believed the politician would attempt such a foolhardy thing.
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colby
Full Member
I would rather betray the world, than let the world betray me
Posts: 216
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 15:11:26 GMT
Post by colby on Jun 7, 2010 15:11:26 GMT
"He who makes a beast out of himself, gets rid of the pain of being a man."
An epic rivalry between the two brought them together, but fate or by duty. It didn't really matter.. each many believing they were the most dangerous. Clearly though Lu Bu being the man who was physically more dangerous. The guard presence didn't upset Cao Cao, he knew Lu Bu would much rather kill Cao Cao himself them allow his guards do it and merely laughed at such relics before unhooking himself from his saddle and jumping off his horse to go great the man with a head almost as big as his muscles.
"Ahh, Fengxian! How delightful it is to see you. I come with message of the Son of Heaven."
Cao Cao smiled, with the both of them consuming their true feelings for eachother. If such basic structures of humanity didn't exist you would expect to find these two at eachothers throats constantly. Cao Cao hadn't brought many guards, he doubted Lu Bu would try anything "funny". He looked around before whispering to his guard captain to look after his force before stepping forward with a gentle bow towards Lu Bu.
"Your lands have prospered under your rule i see Master Lu Bu, i wouldn't have expected any less of you."
Cao Cao laughed, allowing the man to lead the way to somewhere a little more quiet or atleast less populated to talk. Cao Cao had to endure for the greater good for himself, much like Lu Bu would have to do the same.. perhaps the Emperor was a wise man.. or a fool. It didn't matter, Cao Cao had his eyes upon something and would not cease until it was his. An alliance between the two deadliest in the land..?
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 15:26:47 GMT
Post by Lu Bu on Jun 7, 2010 15:26:47 GMT
Swimming with the fishes While the serpent waves his tongue With a belly full of splinters Now you see that I'm the one Tell me that you've seen a ghost I'll tell you what to fear the most
Let the... discussions commence?
Lu Bu chuckled at Cao Cao's comment about the lands of Pu Yang, he knew what was thought of him, and under the compliment lay a subtle sense of sarcasm. Fengxian showed he had grown more mature and diplomatic as he shrugged it off and begun a walk towards the inner areas
"I am indeed intrigued by your visit, yet speaking of the Emperor only entails one of two things from you Mengde. Either you want me dead, or you want me as a friend." He continued to walk for a few paces before stopping and again emitting a chuckle. "In fact chances are it is a mixture of the two."
He pushed on and through the next set of doors, giving way to a view of the inside of the meeting hall. A grand room with fine furnishings and the default large wooden table, built for many of Lu Bu's finest men to sit down and discuss the city and other important things of the world.
"Can I offer you some of our finest wine? Imported from the west if I am not mistaken." He filled up two goblets of the alcoholic beverage, placing them soon after in each hand and offering Mengde the one from his right.
Lu Bu took but a sip of his drink before he spoke up again. "So tell me Cao Cao, what do wish to speak to me about?"
Lu Bu raised his eyebrows slightly, giving off a less menacing look to his usual one. Indeed the very look of Lu Bu was far different from the days of Dong Zhuo. He wore armour, but far different to the kind of old, simplistic yet desirable, minimalistic, yet covering all the right places and all in all showed that the man they label as the greatest warrior ever still looked dangerous and toned even without the inches of metal he wore previously.
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colby
Full Member
I would rather betray the world, than let the world betray me
Posts: 216
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 15:43:03 GMT
Post by colby on Jun 7, 2010 15:43:03 GMT
The man that laid before him had clearly advanced, both physically and mentally. Most probably going through such a transformation due to his officers. Cao Cao bowed accepting the offering of wine, a tradition of lords to treat their guests to good company. The man had a different look about him but Cao Cao could see through the image, much like Lu Bu could see through him. No matter how he altered his images, deep down they were both snakes when it came to such things.
"A fine selection of wine, my friend."
He laughed, almost spitting out the wine from his mouth as he heard the comment about death. He didn't deny he wouldn't mind the man hanging, it'd be one less foe to deal with atleast.. however the Emperor did not comply with such things and therefore friends it would have to be.
"The emperor desires that the two great warlords of the East sort out their differences. He claims it to a dishonour for us to hold our childish grudge and therefore i come to you to settle this."
He smiled, they could always fight later. However there was no need to be fighting now. Lu Bu had a few lands in his sights clearly and Cao Cao much the same, their directions not yet ensnaring eachother. An alliance perhaps.. or a ceasefire. Cao Cao wasn't personally calling upon Lu Bu to fight alongside him or even with him, merely to agree to work together for the Emperor.. or atleast pretend to.
"We are thrown into chaotic times, the Han does not wish for two of the greatest to be bickering and i would have to agree. Fengxian, May i propose some sort of alliance?"
Cao Cao was only slightly more favoured in the court of the Emperor and was a very persuasive person. He could make or break Lu Bu if he wished, but at the moment he required the man on his side.. or atleast for them to put on a front to seem they were on the same side.. it didn't really matter. He smiled, dragging his elegant pale fingers through his beard before taking another sip of his wine.
"The trade between our regions can rejoice once again, your materials for mine and a prosperous future for us both? Something we would both be glad to see."
He laughed, of course there would alot of other things both Cao Cao and Lu Bu would be glad to see rid of however he was not going to speak of them in public. They knew eachother and their goals.. Lu Bu could see the positives and negatives of this deal and therefore it was up to him to make a decision. Cao Cao wasn't going to force it, it would only make matters worse between them.
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 16:08:05 GMT
Post by Lu Bu on Jun 7, 2010 16:08:05 GMT
Swimming with the fishes While the serpent waves his tongue With a belly full of splinters Now you see that I'm the one Tell me that you've seen a ghost I'll tell you what to fear the most
Diplomatic Tennis
Lu Bu saw through Cao Cao, like Cao Cao saw through him. Lu Bu's facade was of someone with manners and dignity, but even so his soul burnt like an undying fire with the embers spitting forward, wanting nothing more than to see the beared warlord in front of him disappear off the face of the living world, yet on top Lu Bu was composed and showed nothing of what he wanted.
Cao Cao spoke on talking about an alliance, with the concept that it would bring prosperity to the region and allow both to gain more riches and power. Yet Lu Bu could not help but wonder why Cao Cao had taken up the request by the Han, sure it was from the Emperor himself, but Cao Cao was far more selfish than he ever let on, and Fengxian knew he must be gaining something from him.
Then it struck him, his ancestory, his ability and his self confidence all pointed to Cao Cao wanting a high position within the Han, perhaps even he believed it should be him and not Li Jue or Guo Si as protector. Lu Bu's mouth turned to a smile as he realised these negotiations were far from over and the warrior had a little more room to move than first expected.
"Of course, it goes without saying." A good start for Cao Cao, making Lu Bu agree the deal, yet as Lu Bu's mouth opened once more, surely Cao Cao's heart sunk ever so slightly, knowing Lu Bu was going to try and grasp all he could from the deal. "and believe me when I say, I do wish for the same, regardless of our differences, yet I also believe this deal stands far more in your favour than mine, so i do have a couple of conditions."
He cleared his throat after taking a sip of wine and looked eye to eye with Cao Cao, showing clearly, without these conditions being met, discussions were all but over. "First of all I must talk about Bei Hei, someone whether it was Li Jue, Guo Si or somebody else entirely gave me false information about its ownership and status. I have taken control of it through diplomatic means, with Guo Hia still in control of running the city, however with me as its overwatch and benefactor. The means in which I gained control, you could say are a little messy, and if you help me sweep it under the carpet if it does come up, then I will be grateful."
"Finally I take it with me as an ally, the court will think incredibly highly of you, enough to perhaps earn yet another promotion and renown? I will help you get what you want, but I also want your support to help get me the support I deserve. The name of Lu Bu goes along way, but my reputation limits me, unless I had a helping hand from higher up?"
Lu Bu ended his side of the bargain with one last statement. "My conditions whilst sounding big, aren't by any means, in fact i was to demand more, but hell, I'm feel rather generous today." With that he gleamed with a small smile, happy he didn't do what others might, and merely accept.
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colby
Full Member
I would rather betray the world, than let the world betray me
Posts: 216
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 16:21:03 GMT
Post by colby on Jun 7, 2010 16:21:03 GMT
Cao Cao stroked his beard, the man didn't ask much. It was somethinf Cao Cao was willing to suffer beneath to gain what he wanted aswell as perhaps carving some sort of "friendship" between the two of them. You scratch my back, i'll scratch yours. Without a doubt Lu Bu was lying about the incident of He Bai, however Cao Cao was willing it to cover up for the man, after all Lu Bu would be a better governor then whoever had been in control at the time.
"Ahh, Li Jue and Guo Si."
He gently strokes his beard once more before tightening his eyes. Wishing for their downfall just as much as Lu Bu's. There would be a time to strike and without a doubt it would be nice to fight aslongside Lu Bu perhaps for once. He was willing to sweep it under the carpet, afterall Cao Cao's invasion of Xu Chang would soon be approaching and Lu Bu may have to return the favour.. though Cao Cao doubted he would slip up and allow such details to be slipped or even escape the mouths of his men or others.
"I shall provide this to the Emperor aswell as requesting to have your glory symbolized merely by rank."
Cao Cao responded. Gaining power was always nice, Lu Bu could potentially be wielded by Cao Cao for a while if things kept up. Cao Cao was willing to submit to a few conditions of the generous warrior. Gaining Luo Yang and a higher rank himself aswell as securing trade and an alliance with Lu Bu. A grateful day from the Gods who looked down upon the Cao family.
"Your terms are accepted and i shall see the the name of Lu is honoured by the emperor. I will ensure that not a single word is spoken about this incident at "He Bai" if it is, then clearly it was all a big misunderstanding and the terrible instructions of Li Jue and Guo Si should be blamed. Trade will resume immediately and i am glad to finally resolve this feud."
Cao Cao smiled, finishing off the last of his drink. Not wishing to out stay his welcome. A man of many faces was never one for sticking around for two long.. however a man of his word he would ensure Lu Bu's terms were met. He stood up bowing gently to the man.
"If there is nothing else you would wish of me, then i shall ride immediately back to my own lands before notifying The Son of Heaven of the grand news of our allegiance."
He laughed smiling, placing his cup down empty. Cao Cao understood what it meant to be trapped in a cage of a low rank and would put in a good word for his newly made "friend" Lu Bu. He wasn't to sure on the He Bai situation, Li Jue and Guo Si were terrible creatures however we would ensure they were quickly dealt with.. in good time.
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Palace
Jun 7, 2010 16:31:21 GMT
Post by Lu Bu on Jun 7, 2010 16:31:21 GMT
Swimming with the fishes While the serpent waves his tongue With a belly full of splinters Now you see that I'm the one Tell me that you've seen a ghost I'll tell you what to fear the most
The Python and the Cobra
Fengxian drank the last of his in similar fashion to Mende, noticing the man had decided to depart. Cao Cao had agreed and Lu Bu gave a nod of approval, the warrior perhaps being short changed, but nonetheless content for now with the proceedings.
Asking for anything else before he left, Lu Bu grinned and spoke up, just before Cao Cao leaving. "I have one more thing." This is where most would close their eyes and pray to the gods that their death was short and painless, but something else happened, instead of an oldschool Lu Bu attack came words with a hidden meaning and Lu Bu found them quite amusing to say. "Good health my friend, until next time."
Their feud was over for now and surely his words struck the meaning of 'you had better stay alive, because I want to be the one to kill you' more than what they sounded on the outside. Lu Bu had indeed ticked another box in a list of his abilities, now having a more sinister and devious edge than previous years, in fact the way he said it was almost... Mengde like.
Lu Bu bowed to Cao Cao before he too decided to leave the area, turning and leaving his guards to escort the soon to be high ranking Han official out of the palace grounds.
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Palace
Jun 8, 2010 12:38:03 GMT
Post by Lu Bu on Jun 8, 2010 12:38:03 GMT
"Bring me Chen Gong, I wish to speak with him."
Lu Bu ordered one of his palace attendants, moving his hand in a 'shooing' fashion. He had great plans for Bei Hai now it was under his command, but as needs must, Lu Bu could not personally lead the restoration process of its defences, so he would have to leave it up to his strategist and officer Chen Gong.
Leading in the serpent strategist, the attendant bowed before moving back to his usual position of near the door to greet any other visitors. Lu Bu stood up from his throne, moving to to Chen Gong's left, most notably towards the table in the room and taking a map off of it.
"There are no need for formalities right now Gongtai, I have an important job for you, come. He replaced the map onto the table and pointed his finger clearly in the area of Bei Hai. "I have left the administration of the area to its former, however as good as he may be with the people he seems to have little in the way of military ability and leaves the city vulnerable to the north, most noticably the dastardly Yuan Shao."
Lu Bu traced his fingers towards the northern border of the city and spoke once more. "You will need to optimise security on this front by any means you seem worthy and non-hostile to Yuan Shao. After all our forces may be growing, but we have yet to come close to matching his men in numbers."
He pointed then to a few pieces of higher land and finally the main road in and out of the city. "I suggest watchtowers on the higher ground for good vantage and along the road. You should limit what you do however, for I may need you back in Pu Yang. If you request help, I may be able to lend you someone."
With that Lu Bu moved away from the table towards his courtly throne and sat upon its comfortable seat. "So what do you say Gongtai?"
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Palace
Jun 11, 2010 0:27:27 GMT
Post by Chen Gong on Jun 11, 2010 0:27:27 GMT
Chen Gong bowed humbly and replied.
"I understand, my lord. I shall set out for Bei Hai now."
Gongtai bowed again and turned away from his Warlord. His cape billowed out behind him as he exited the palace, and soon left for Bei Hai.
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Palace
Jun 14, 2010 18:49:28 GMT
Post by Zang Ba on Jun 14, 2010 18:49:28 GMT
Scornful Remorse
It was only a couple months that Lu Bu’s fame brought several talented men out of Pu Yang and even in other countries to serve because of his famous skills in battle with the ability to drive fear into all men. He was just an untamed beast who’d leashed himself, ready to unchain whenever he pleases. As much as other lords of china tried to keep themselves occupied with other matters, one thing couldn’t be voided in their mind. And that was to put an end to Lu Bu before he gain enough power.
These were exact same thoughts that Zang Ba expect from every warlord in china. Since the Battle at Hu Lou Gate, many despise this man crafted by the very arts of war. Xuangao has only recently joined Lu Bu and constantly knocked heads with him on every discussion concerning the future of this kingdom. Most of the time it wasn’t Lu Bu to start the argument, but actually Zang Ba running his mouth off. Some say that it’s the gods blessing why he hasn’t found his head slit off by Master Bu, others say that Lu Bu rather like’s Zang Ba’s bravery for speaking his mind unlike others. Well regardless, he’s some what grateful that he’s still around to say his opinion.
As he sat in his room day dreaming out the window, he heard one of the servants make mention of Lu Bu conversing with the hero of chaos. Immediately Zang stood to his feet and made his way over to see what was going on, even keeping his butterfly swords incase today was the day he’d lose his life to Lu Bu for bad mouthing.
As he made it into audience from a side door he made himself visible for all those to see, but he didn’t announce himself and decided to rather hold his tongue for the sake of the counsel and to avoid causing disrespect in front of strangers. He only viewed who was there and made an occasional stare at his master to inform him that he was ready to be order when ever his lord needed him. Zang Ba was a stubborn man at times, but he was still loyal to his lord’s cause
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Palace
Jun 15, 2010 0:44:14 GMT
Post by Zhang Miao on Jun 15, 2010 0:44:14 GMT
NEW BEGINNINGS
Zhang Miao arrived outside of the Palace in Pu Yang thinking to himself that this here is his new beginning. He Got off his horse and walked towards the entrance. As soon as he entered felt the presence of power, and seen the source of it right in front of him, His new leader Lu Bu.
Not wanting to distrupt Lu Bu, Zhang Miao, Quickly went and found an area to sit and relax. Zhang Miao just sat looking around checking out the palace.
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Palace
Jun 15, 2010 12:00:45 GMT
Post by Lu Bu on Jun 15, 2010 12:00:45 GMT
Fengxian stalked the palace like a caged lion. He was trying to think of the way to get Xia Pi in his grasps without lessening his position within the Han. He was feeling especially devious that day and so he had a smile on his face, however unlike the soft and warming smile of a greet, all who saw him at that point saw the look of Lu Bu at his most dangerous - filled with ideas, confident and fearless - a look Zang Ba was witnessing right then.
Lu Bu gave but a nod to Zang Ba but his attention turned to another man sat down in the corner of the palace' main corridor. Fengxian rose a brow, curious as to who the person was and spoke up. "You there, for what do you present yourself here in my halls?" Lu Bu asked and turned his attention to Zang Ba with small turn of the head and beckoned him over with his left arm.
His eyes returned to Zhang Miao, a name Lu Bu had yet to know belong to the man. His piercing eyes seemed to peer into the soul of the man, searching for clues, whether he was an asset or worthless and so far the warrior leader could find little to dissaude him from making conversation, yet his attention once more turned to Zang Ba, though his eyes still looked at Miao ready for an answer when it came.
"Zhang Ba I want you to do something very important for me. The attendant will give you your orders." Lu Bu waves an attendant over who plods over, handing a letter to Zang Ba and returning to his post.(PM) "I've given you a very important role, so don't let me down."
Zang Ba would know not to read it out loud, or read it in anywhere but private, he didn't need telling so.
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Palace
Jun 15, 2010 21:11:20 GMT
Post by Zhang Miao on Jun 15, 2010 21:11:20 GMT
Zhang Miao was startled when he heard the voice of Lu Bu. Zhang Miao quickly stood up and made his way towards Lu Bu and when he was within a couple of feet he bowed and presented himself.
" Zhang Miao at your service, it is an honour to finally meet you my lord" Zhang Miao said with confidence.
Zhang Miao wanted to make a great first impression with Lu Bu. Zhang Miao would keep his head bowed waiting for a response.
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