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Post by Taishi Ci on Jun 8, 2010 4:40:30 GMT
"I think Ren's solution would be the easiest and more importantly safest way to get the emperor. I personally think that Cao Cao is not worried about Yuan Shao so we don't need to talk about him right now. Jie, reconsider Ren's strategy, think it over again and you will see that it is the smartest move."When Ci finished that, he gulped down a glass of wine. He put the cup down and waited for a response.
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 8, 2010 4:58:39 GMT
Jieming nodded and thought over the idea. Of course Cao Ren's solution was a better one, but it seemed obvious to the warrior that Li Jue and Guo Si would expect such. They would not leave in such threatening circumstances. Also, Jieming wanted to be sure that this became a joint operation. If Cao Cao alone did it, he could then take control. Not that Jieming disliked Cao Cao or anthing, but he didn't want any regional lord to control the Emperor. Only if there was a weak coalition could the Emperor wind up with the real power.
"You are right, forgive my lack of wisdom. I am quick to take the field against those that would use the Son of Heaven for their own personal gain, and though the safety of the Son of Heaven comes first in my heart, my vision was clouded. I only hope we can think of something better than waiting until General Li and General Guo leave the city. Any ideas?"
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 8, 2010 13:48:47 GMT
"I do have an idea inspired by your previous suggestion. Maybe internal contacts within Chang An can muster together a lethal uprising, a rebellion against the corrupt court, one could say. If only they received proper support, they would be able to force the emperor to flee due to the necessary safety of the Son of Heaven. The rest of the armies could be camping a few miles away from the city before ambushing the retreating troops and ideally wiping out both vile men."
Cao Ren realized that he was still holding his trident. Placing it silently leaning against the nearby wall, he then grabbed the cup of wine and drank out of it once more.
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 8, 2010 14:01:40 GMT
Jieming nodded slowly. That actually could work, but he was worried Li Jue was more likely to just seal the Emperor in a back-chamber than actually move him for his safety.
"Perhaps that could work."
Jieming shifted in his seat, awaiting a reply from Taishi Ci. He wondered how to start such riots without endangering too many people, but it seemed likely Li Jue would slaughter rebels now, rather than flee from them.
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Post by Taishi Ci on Jun 8, 2010 20:18:30 GMT
"Sounds good to me. Though I have one question, where will the Emperor be taken when we rescue him? Who shall watch over him while we fight them?"
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 8, 2010 20:26:10 GMT
Jieming nods slowly.
"There must be someone virtuous and honorable in the Imperial Court that we can entrust with the Emperor's safety. Although I have never met him, I have heard brilliant words about both the Imperial Tutor and the Warden. I think we'd have to start with them."
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 8, 2010 22:49:56 GMT
There we go. None could really speak against Cao Cao's amazing ideas. Zixiao was simply a messenger for the plan, what would soon be executed and successfully managed to the benefit of the land... that is, the land other than Li Jue and Guo Si. Those two traitors would suffer to the full for their wrongs, and ideally more than the full; if there was anything beyond ruthlessly killing them.
"But before we consider the topic on who will protect the Son of Heaven, we must discuss how we will start the inner uprising. Someone who can be certainly trusted, of course. Any ideas on who would dare to risk their lives in such a task?"
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Post by Taishi Ci on Jun 8, 2010 23:06:47 GMT
"I would be honored to put my life on the line to see those traitors heads on poles. Do any of you mind me doing this task?"
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 8, 2010 23:14:11 GMT
So, Taishi Ci himself was volunteering for the task? Honestly, Cao Ren was doubtful of this. Would the young man be able to succeed in such a mission, especially when he wasn't really involved in the internals of Chang An at the moment? Sure, he was quite well-known in these areas, but then would he be able to reach far enough for a rebellion in the capital?
"I wouldn't risk a life of a man such as you for now. I would rather people like us join in the bigger move to rescue the emperor ourselves. And how exactly are you going to head into the capital anyway? It won't be easy at all trying to disguise yourself.
"I would ideally have been thinking of somebody already working or residing in Chang An. What do you think, General Gongsun?"
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 9, 2010 0:15:12 GMT
Jieming didn't want Taishi Ci to go either, nor did he wish to go himself. Jieming wanted to lead his force to fight Li Jue and Guo Si's men, in the name of the Emperor.
"As I said, the Imperial Tutor and the Imperial Warden are known as true loyalists. They would likely be able to help if we could get through to them. Although there are also many throughout the land who are more skilled in stealth and causing uprisings than we warriors are. Perhaps, Lord Cao, you can ask your Lord if he has any contacts in Chang'an that can be trusted?"
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 9, 2010 0:28:57 GMT
"Indeed I shall, General Gongsun."
A contact of Cao Cao? Very well, it shall be to their advantage even more then. Any man closely affiliated with Master Cao will benefit them greatly more than it would benefit the rest of the allies. Cao Cao's plans of ambition were fitting in perfectly like pieces of a well-built puzzle, flawless and without a single problem or misjudgment. Coincidence that Gongsun Jieming had suggested it, maybe, but it might have happened to be that Mengde's influence had led him to say it.
"There is no time to lose. Pardon me, but I shall take my leave immediately. Unless there is more that should be said, of course."
Zixiao quickly eyed both of the men as he spoke.
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Post by Taishi Ci on Jun 9, 2010 5:22:24 GMT
"I think for now we are good. We always could try to have another meeting if more needs to be discussed. You should make haste Lord Ren and get to your lord quickly!"
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 9, 2010 13:31:19 GMT
"Understood. Farewell, General Gongsun and General Taishi. I hope we meet again in the future, not as enemies, but as good allies."
With that, Cao Ren pushed himself out of the chair before bowing and grabbing his trident. Wheeling around, he hastily moved as he rushed out of the tent, his two followers close behind. The training soldiers all turned to look at him once again, but Zixiao didn't mind. They were leaving on peaceful terms; why would the men attack him? It was simply out of curiosity. Moving past the guards easily, as Gongsun Jieming hadn't given a command to kill Zixiao, Cao Ren soon arrived at the site where they had left their horses behind.
"So be it..."
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 10, 2010 7:14:06 GMT
Not only did the soldier of the Gongsun Jieming army not attack Cao Ren, some of them waved or smiled goodbye to him as he left. They were glad that their master was finally planning to do something about the capital, as he always wished to do. Back in the room, he was still talking to Taishi Ci.
"Do you think this plan will work, Lord Taishi? I am worried that the capital may not be placed in the right hands if we are not careful..."
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