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Palace
Jun 15, 2010 2:32:56 GMT
Post by Huang Zhong on Jun 15, 2010 2:32:56 GMT
Huang Zhong rose to his feet when he was bade. He was somewhat surprised at his lord's humbleness; not many rulers would insist on breaking protocol, but salute to one as if they were flesh and blood. Nonetheless, he returned the salute, and gladly accepted the seat when it was offered. His weary legs thanked him as they finally got to rest, his throat and tongue indebted as he washed away the dirt of the road with soothing warm tea. He was glad that he finally had a moment's reprieve after such a long journey, to sit and talk a while with his new lord; he had the feeling moments such as this would be rare in the future.
"To swear fealty to the Han is by no means a bad trait; one should be thankful of the bounty they have provided the people over the years. However, even the most plentiful of harvests rots over time, and I fear you are correct in saying that the Emperor's power is indeed waning, much like a melted candle."
Huang Zhong took a sip of his tea as his lord spoke of the conquest of the province of An Ding, and the soon to be Tian Shui. So, his lord was taking the initiative, and taking territories. This meant that the other lords would no doubt react and begin to do the same. The era of the Han had officially ended with these acts, and the new era of chaos would begin. While a bit saddened, a part of Huang Zhong's heart also felt a bit of warmth. This was his calling. The open battlefield was calling to him, beckoning him to come forth. The old man suddenly stood, bowing to Ma Teng in a salute.
"If that is the case, my lord, I request that once my men have had the chance to properly rest, that i be allowed to move to An Ding to make preparations. I believe from there that i can move to take another city; allow me to prove myself through action!"
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Palace
Jun 15, 2010 10:09:38 GMT
Post by Zhu Jun on Jun 15, 2010 10:09:38 GMT
A sigh left his lips as he nodded in agreement to the Veteran's words, how true they had become and his own actions spoke more than they could discuss. The regional lords rose taking territory after territory, even he had nearly gained two provinces within his, and yet some still proclaim to be fighting on behalf. Have the Empire not got an Imperial army? Why do they need the arrogance of man to do it on 'their behalf'? It befounded the Govenor, that still they were not honest with themselves. He was grateful for what the Empire had given him, to that he would be eternally in debted to them; but, what was the biggest return than placing peace upon the land that gave them the title of Son of Heaven?..to allow the younger generations retain this factor and pass upon their knowledge to others... "How true your words are master Huang." With a sip of tea to wet the palate, Teng noticed the change in persona and smiled to the eagerness of his heart to face what could come next. It was a good plan, to have such an experienced man stationed in Anding; surely the townsfolk would benefit from such.
The Archer showed no signs of old age as his words boomed within the Governor's heart, allowing him to feel content about those who have already placed their trust into him; though his office was a small count..they were reliable and fiercesome. No tricks they wished to play, for life had delt them too many. Indeed many proclaimed of their cunning strategists, yet, he believed he had something that no other ruler had... "I agree with your words Master Huang, for the people of An Ding are in need of good leadership. You shall be placed head of the authority within An Ding, for within I see much from you." It was no word of a lie that Teng did trust too quickly, but it seemed to be well placed. Furthermore, he truely believed that one had to trust others in order to move forward..such a word had been thrown to the ground, without trust the corruption was allowed to constrict and destroy. "We must act quickly my brethren, for I foresee something I do not wish to happen; to be placed against a wall of territory in the jurisdiction of others. Cao Cao to our East and Liu Yan to our South." Another sip of tea, there was concern upon his face. "I am sure you are aware of this Govenor Cao, one I contemplate many times. He has taken Luoyang into his grasp and no doubt has his eyes set on Chang'an; a city I too wish to become under our banner. However, I refuse to place an attack on this city while the Emperor remains there; to persuade him to move the Capital back to Luoyang. Then with one sweep I can rid this world of beings such as Li Jue and Guo Si."
The Govenor had thought about this plan, to place the Emperor within Cao Cao's possession.. "Indeed it could be placing a knife aimed to my chest by doing this, however, by each day the Emperor is drained from his own power; soon he shall become obselete." For Teng it was hard to speak of, becoming somewhat choked; not only that he spoke of such about the ruling house but also because the youthful nature of the Son of Heaven..he was a man who cared for the younger generations as his own, to think that one day one of his clansmen could become tossed between 'guardians' as the young Emperor had.. "However, there is the city of Han Zhong which would open a path for us. But, I fear this would lead to ridicule from our friend Governor Liu Yan; one whose ambition could fill each cloud a thousand fold. His intentions are to take the region of Ba Shu into his embrace, I do not know if I could place a move such as that towards one I view as a friend within this world." Already the Governor had placed council upon Huang Zhong, seeing him too as friend not sub-bordinate. Taking a sip he would listen to what the Veteran had to say upon this subject and it was clear the words would be heard, taken into account and most likely acted upon. He knew he could not do anything alone and giving chances to the many was how this land needed to be placed, allowing others to take the merit and not solely on the Lord who they served...
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Palace
Jun 16, 2010 23:56:41 GMT
Post by Jiang Wei on Jun 16, 2010 23:56:41 GMT
A chilly, if firm breeze whipped and weaved throughout the streets leading up to the palace, carrying echoes of distant bartering and tempers momentarily unleashed. For Wei, this was his first taste of another city, TIan Shui had been home for what felt like 19 solitary years, comforting, yet confining at the same time. Uncommon faces and social interaction were quite different from what he had grown accustomed to back home. With the grand palace stood a few hundred paces to his front, the length of his arduous journey was becoming ever more apparent, even for one so youthful as he. His heart beat, he could feel it, beating stronger with every pace and louder too, ricocheting inside his mind. Pausing momentarily, he relaxed his hands, wriggling his fingers through the chilly breeze, as if to release tension. A firm tug on his breastplate, it was secure and hardy, glancing up and down, the dust on his boots was rather apparent but there was little time at hand for that. Placing both hands upon his helmet, ensuring a snug fit, weapon slung over his slender back, he took one deep, unnerving breath and began his ascent up towards the onlooking guards.
A look of surprise was to be expected from the palace guards, however Wei noticed they seemed not to care much for who approached, remaining confident in their duties. He knew the protocol, weapons were to remain outside, entrance would not be permitted otherwise. "Name.... reason" spoke the larger of the guards, his coarse tone barely distinguishable. Glancing at the same time, in one swift movement, from bottom to top of the newly arrived individual.
"I am Jiang Wei of Tian Shui... I wish to speak with the lord Ma Teng about offering my services." Wei stood, as if to attention, yet with weapon loose. Motioning to one side, the guards stepped back, releasing another coarse grunt. His weapon was steadily handed over, no issues, a smooth transaction to being at the mercy of those who awaited beyond the motionless doors. With a tainted creak, the doors seemingly floated half open, before coming to an abrupt, if pre-calculated position. Stepping over and into the threshold of the inner palace throne room, ahead of him sat two figures, cast aback upon their respective seats. They appeared deep in thought, however their was no untoward sign of conflict. A brisk approach was in order, Wei did not wish to simply stand, statuesque, in awkward silence, dead center of the room. Advancing at the sound of ceasing doors, Wei bowed to the lord at a respectable distance, lowering his ahead... "My Lord, I am Jiang Wei of Tian Shui, I am here to offer you my service."
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Palace
Jun 17, 2010 10:36:40 GMT
Post by Zhu Jun on Jun 17, 2010 10:36:40 GMT
Before the Veteran could place a responce to the Governor's words, the youthful voice echoed in the hall and interrupted the train of thought. However, Teng did not show any sign of annoyance for the words that was spoken rung in his ears and placed a smile upon his face. Not only had another come to his gates for servitude, but one from Tianshui; which was the exact residence he was currently at lock with to gain. Gesturing for a serving maid to come to Jiang's aid, to serve him with every whim he desired, the Governor rose from his raised dais and inclined his body to bow to the youthful figure. "Greetings Master Jiang, indeed the Heavens have blessed me twice. This is General Huang Zhong, a seasoned Veteran of substanced surpassing that of Yue Fei's archery mentor, Zhou Tong." Chuckling, Teng placed himself back within his dais and looked the young warrior over, there was something promising about Jiang and it made the Governor happy that he came to join his forces.
"I'm sure you are aware of the dealings I'm currently having within your homeland?" Taking a sip of the tea that was on a small table beside him, Teng had a mat that was made from soft material so Jiang would not be sitting upon the hardened floor. "It brings joy to me to hear you wish to serve within our forces. Tell me Master Jiang, what expertise have you been trained in? For example, I am of Wuwei stock, the Qiang being my clansmen; thus, I am well versed in the art of the cavalier. My brethren General Huang on the other hand, is one of infantry and specialises in archery." Once again, the Governor gestured towards the Veteran with a proud smile upon his expression; to both arrivals Teng felt himself lucky this day..knowing great sacrifices would be maid within the mountain Temples in thanks for such worth coming into the Kingdom...
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Palace
Jun 17, 2010 11:18:42 GMT
Post by Jiang Wei on Jun 17, 2010 11:18:42 GMT
With the kind words of the Lord still echoing around the room, Jiang advanced steadily towards the mat, he did not mind sitting on any floor, however the gesture was a welcome one. Planting one arm down as balance, he sat, cross legged, placing his helmet upon his lap. A puzzled, yet at the same time worried look, ever apparent upon the young warriors defined face.. "My Lord, what dealings are these with Tian Shui? I have traveled long, for this is the first time I have ventured so far north. I had spotted tracks, fresh ones too, a couple of days prior to our meeting, however I could not tell their destination."
With the palace room dwarfing the young man, Jiang felt secure in his choice of servitude, Lord Ma Teng appeared generous and trusting, yet not too much as to make him a fool. A confident tone was apparent even when relaxed, a warming smile breaking the ice, making conversation less.... personal. Taking a much needed breath, Jiang ran his fingers through the sleep inducing material, whether it was him or the mat, he could not tell, but was tired for sure. "My specialty lies as an infantryman, through the use of my trident, a 3 pronged spear, for which I have trained since my earliest days of memory. I am no master of the horse, nor the bow, yet I would not be incompetent in either of these fields." Upon finishing his sentence, a casual lean to his right hand side followed, grasping with a feather like touch, Jiang picked up and took a brief sip of tea, for he did not wish to miss the Lords reply.....
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Palace
Jun 17, 2010 12:09:44 GMT
Post by Zhu Jun on Jun 17, 2010 12:09:44 GMT
To the Governor, the youthful Jiang was a welcomed attribute, for the region of Wuwei was becoming more and more cavalry focused which did not always play to ones advantage; he needed infantry, such as Jiang, more than ever to expand into the mainland. However, Teng was not sure how such a youth would take the news of that the Lord he wished to serve was at this very minute attempting to take his homeland under his wing. "Master Jiang, my General Wei Yan and Officer Chen Zen are currently absent. They have been placed with the mission to bring your homeland, Tianshui, into our embrace." Another sip, simply to allow Jiang Wei make an accurate thought of the report. "Furthermore, I set out to the small vacinity of Anding to gain their territory; it was a disheartening sight. I fear much for the townsfolk and could no longer bare the sufferings they had from my clansmen, the Qiang. With me as a cloak, they can live within the secure knowledge that the Qiang would not pillage their already dwindling crop from now on." Looking to the ground, it was clear something had touched him from the visit to An Ding. "That brave man, Sima Hong, he saw the fate placed before him..wishing to yield but could not through the pride of his ancestors; he rushed for me, on his own. Through defence I felled him, but those who are stationed within Anding shall never forget him. I gave the youth a burial fit for a noble, allowing his elder family exempt from taxation and placed a shrine within his honour." It was a strange proclamation, for the Governor did not truely know the Prefect Sima Hong, but still gave him more than what anyone would give a 'foe'. However, the compassion within him and adoration for the courage would not allow him to sully him; showing the court such a beating heart within the War experienced exterior.
"Master Jiang, we shall welcome you as brethren for we strive to advance as a single entity." It was true, Teng was becoming known for having his force fight as a family instead of seperate sections; believing that solidarity would increase the strength of all under their banner. Furthermore, it maybe odd for Jiang to here the continuous references to the Kingdom as 'ours' instead of 'his'. Before he could continue, an official rushed into the hall and placed a parchment into the Governor's hand, the words were clear and the message obvious to a being he know of well. "Yet, I believe we cannot rest for long. Within this letter is a call to the arms in Luoyang to ride this realm of the General Li Jue, who is currently the self-proclaimed Regent General and 'guardian' of the Emperor. Recently his dealings have placed His Excellency within the confides of the Emperor." Looking to the Veteran, who knew of his position, would truely understand the words that would come next. "We shall aid the Inspector Cao Cao."
Taking a breath, along with a short sip of the warm tea, Teng thought upon how to truely send military aid to Cao..he was a man that the Governor respected, but knew full well of his true intentions. "General Huang, you shall command the force we send. I did, at first, intend for my son Xiu to accompany you however, we have a youthful talent before us." Gesturing to Jiang, the Governor seemed to place trust within the new recruit for success; all those under his banner gained faith quickly..however, it was justly given and placed chance for fair progression. "Master Jiang, you shall follow General Huang to Luoyang with your men. This way we have representation, however, ridicule may occur for I am not in person; the reasoning is." Teng rose from his dais and gestured for the maid to take away his cup. "I believed that Cao will invade Chang'an, however, he has not thought upon the Emperor's safety. I, from Anding, shall set up a small excursion force to aid the Emperor to withdraw from the Capital. Though I respect the man, I also know his dealings and therefore shall not allow myself to have a wall placed against us; he wishes to take Chang'an. I city that if taken by him shall lead us to a disadvantage for the future. I shall contact a friend of mine, the Imperial-in-law to transport His Excellency to Luoyang; placing Cao as the Inspector. Leaving Chang'an open for us. Finally, the General Li would simply chase after the escort and into the trap of Luoyang.. We shall have made a pincer while gaining a city." The Governor had shown much thought of this matter, while showing a cunning not usually given credit to Generals..or those of the Qiang either. He only hoped that having the Emperor under his wing would be more than a distraction to Cao for the banner of Wuwei to gain Chang'an; a city well known for its excellent strategic defences.
Looking upon the two men, a coy smile crossed his lips..believing that these two would show the strength from this far away North Kingdom. "General Huang, prepare the men to leave tomorrow. Master Jiang, you shall be given the time to rest from your journey and a small feast be given to your honour so that you are ready." Teng believed in taking care of his officers, allowing Jiang to rest and be well fed before the upcoming battle. Gesturing to the serving maids, they rushed to prepare the sleeping quarters for the two men, while one was placed in charge to bring the finest cuts of meat for both Huang Zhong and Jiang Wei.. Ones that were usually set aside for the wealthy, yet, no one truely knew that Teng was known for sharing it amongst not only his officers and soldier, but the populace of Wuwei...
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Palace
Jun 17, 2010 20:32:55 GMT
Post by Jiang Wei on Jun 17, 2010 20:32:55 GMT
Family, something Jiang had grown fiercely loyal to, at that moment, he wanted little more than to simply be accepted amongst the ranks. The news of Tian Shui rang heavy in his heart, momentarily eclipsing all rational thought, the recent passing of his mother bringing back memories pushed to the far cracks of his mind. Tian Shui was, although his home, somewhere he had not wished to return anytime soon, the opportunity to travel to new places with one so experienced as Huang rarely came about. It was the chance he needed, a testing, proving chance, something that allowed him to concentrate on the positive. A slight smile began to creep out, one side of his mouth flickering. Lord Ma Teng had treated him very well indeed, a secure, warm feeling had bloomed inside."My Lord, the news of Tian Shui saddens my heart. I thank you for your honesty... you have to proven to me that my decision to come here was a correct one. Although I have left many friends behind, I know the current leadership of Tian Shui would not risk the safety of their populace." Taking a sip of his now more mild tea, he gathered his thoughts momentarily, running things over in his mind, before focusing upon master Huang.
Huang, a man who eyes told a thousand stories and whose body would undoubtedly tell a thousand more. A commanding figure in his own right, a true battlefield marvel and an expert in his field. The opportunities to learn from one such as he were borderline limitless. He waited patiently for Huang to finish his tea, glancing harmlessly between the two figures above, he bowed to each respectively before turning focus to Huang. "Master Huang, I would be pleased to accompany you on our mission to Luo Yang. I have traveled long, yet I cannot turn down the more than generous offer from our Lord. Allow me and my men, if you would, to rest no more than a few days, for we shall then be ready once more to make tracks." There was little else that could be said, Jiang would have plenty of time during the march to discuss whatever, for Huang was surely not shy of conversation, or tales to tell...
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