You're Not The Same Anymore...

[Yuan Shao]

Yuan Tan was not like his father. Well, he was, and that's what scared him the most. His features were almost exactly the same, inheriting the same facial structure and facial hair as his father. However, he remained clean shaven.

Like his father, his hair was also white, though his was at a much younger age. His fathers had been black as day, but his had been turned white early on, a defect in his genetics they would say thousands of years in the future. For now, he chalked it up to the relationship that he possessed with his father.

Since his birth, Yuan Shao had been an absentee parent to Yuan Tan. He never really took the time to raise the boy, until he saw that he was growing to be a strong and independent man. And that's when he took notice. After years of alcohol and drug abuse, Shao finally had one of those moments of clarity and decided that he needed to be a father.

And like those moments of clarity, it was all but a moment. Within a week of 'deciding' to be a 'father', he hit Tan for the first time, breaking his arm. The boy was 15, and he didn't understand. It was hushed, and no one heard. Tan broke his arm riding a horse, they told everyone. Even Tan told people that; he had no idea that disobeying his father then and there could've radically changed his life.

Time went on, and now Tan is a general in his father's army. He is loyal, and he is great at what he does; he wields two swords, one shorter than the other and much thinner, used for stabbing and parrying blows, a larger cleaver type swords used for hacking and slashing at enemies.

He was in the palace this day, sitting at a table near the throne, when his father walked in from inspecting the troops. He was obviously sober, as he walked stiffly, his hand holding his back slightly as if it were extremely difficult to be standing straight.

Tan immediately walked over, and attempted to help his father. However, he was met with scorn, an unbridled look of rage upon his father's face. His father pushed him, and Tan, not expecting it, was splayed across the floor unceremoniously.

His father did not apologize. No, he only stared deeply at Tan.

"It's a shame. You're a shame."

Tan was awestruck. The air escaped his lungs in a quick blast as the words were uttered by his father, who moved towards the throne, grabbing at the long pipe that he used to smoke the opium balls he had become addicted to years before.

He watched in awkward silence as his father burned through another ball, and then with abject horror as his father had a small spasm before finally relaxing, his eyes opening and staring down at the prostrate Tan.

"Why are you laying on the floor, son? Stand up, there's no need for that here."

[Wen Chou]

Wen Chou's feet planted themselves on the gravel of the road at the base of the palace stairs. It was a strange feeling, returning from leave, and them immediately trying to escape what was once your beloved home. Wen Chou could not take another step, if he did so he would be running away from the family he was sworn to serve. Something was quite odd about Lord Yuan.

Something was out of place...

And though the prospect of re-entering that palace was terrifying...

Wen Chou knew it was something he must do. Yuan Shao being intoxicated or not. The steward boy was already awaiting Wen Chou, the boy, probably not even fifteen, was holding the reins to his horse. Wen Chou shook his head.

Instead he turned around, took a deep breath of the last few minutes of fresh air he would have, and started back up the stairs.

What the general heard was disheartening. Yelling, scolding. Someone landed on the floor hard. Wen Chou appeared once again the threshold. On the floor was Yuan Tan.

"Lord Tan!" Wen Chou exclaimed, he had sworn to serve the Yuans, and his lord's son on the ground - possibly hurt - was not kosher with the loyal general.

But then Wen Chou saw his lord above the son. The sudden realization hit Wen Chou then. His lord had pushed down his son in a fit of anger. People tend to act differently with the use of Opium, Wen Chou knew this, and Tan would most likely be terrified by his dad.

Wen Chou walked solemnly towards the child. Yuan Shao was not right, not at this moment. The boy was only fifteen years old, and very impressionable. Despite being a general in the army now, it was mostly only in name. Wen Chou had a similar experience in the war academy. It made his life quite difficult.

Wen Chou knelt down next to Tan and placed his hands on the boy's shoulders'.

"Get up son..." Wen Chou whispered to the boy, but avoided eye contact with Yuan Shao.

The lord was smoking more opium. A deadly habit picked up years ago, but not nearly as bad. The drug had turned Yuan Shao into a twisted shadow of himself. The glory and glamour had dissipated sometime in the years now... Now what was left?

It was heartbreaking;

For Yuan Tan,

And for Wen Chou.

"Why are you laying on the floor, son? Stand up, there's no need for that here." Yuan Shao's voice was calm, relaxed.

Wen Chou looked up at the sudden change of mood. The drugs had run its course, and his lord had reverted back to his relaxed self. It was a bittersweet moment.

[Gryffin]

As Yuan Shao's sad display came to a close, Guo Tu observed from a doorway. He had meant to confer with his lord about their plans for Gongsun Zan, but had stopped in his tracks when he heard Yuan Tan crash to the floor. Since then he had stood in the doorway and watched. He had watched Yuan Shao berate his son. He had watched Wen Chou enter and help the lad up. He had watched Yuan Shao recover from his fit. As he watched, Guo Tu saw many things. He saw the hurt in Tan's eyes. He saw the widening gulf between father and son. He saw Wen Chou's reaction to the incident. In all of this, Guo Tu saw an opportunity. He quietly entered the room, giving a sidelong glance at Yuan Tan and Wen Chou, and approached Yuan Shao. He leaned over to his lord and whispered into his ear, taking care that the two other men in the room didn't overhear.

"My liege...I worry about your son," he began, "Look at his eyes. I see malice forming behind them. He means you harm. I fear he will try to take your throne..."

Many would agree that this might not be the most scrupulous of stances to take, but Guo Tu was hardly known for his scruples. The opportunity he saw was for no one but himself.

[Chunyu Qiong]

A rider bearing the standard of the Yuan army came upon the palace steps. There was little time to deal with formalities, he prayed that the lords assembled here would forgive his impudence for being so hasty. There simply was no time, what with Chunyu Qiong being in the mountains with a scant handful of men and close to the lands of the Gongsun clan.

He dismounted and came running up to the palace doors. He spoke hurriedly with the guards, indicating it was urgent he be admitted to see Yuan Shao. The doors opened and he bolted inside.

"Mi'lord! Mi'lord!"

He saluted quickly and began to relay the situation, "Generals Yan and Chunyu are in the mountains by the Ji prefecture. General Chunyu requests permission to mobilize on the Gongsuns of Youzhou, what are you orders sir?"

Meanwhile, the other riders had met up with the unit commanders under Chunyu Qiong's command and had mustered to meet with the two generals in the mountains.

[Yuan Shao]

Yuan Shao watched as Wen Chou went to his son as he pulled from the opium pipe, smiling at the two as they seeming interacted. He had a demeanor of pleasantry on the outside, but in the inside he was in turmoil. He realized that he was alienating his son by shifting his withdrawal anger against him, but he couldn't help the way he acted sometimes.

That was, until Guo Tu came up and spoke directly into his ear.

He grimaced at the thought of the betrayal from his son. He knew it couldn't possibly be true, but what if it was? There was always the chance... No. There was no way. But there had to be precautions taken.

"We convene a council of war in but a few hours. I want every general and every adviser in attendance.

Everyone who is anyone in my army must be here. We march on Bei Ping in but a few days, and I want the plan ready for everyone's departure. As it stands, Yuan Tan shall lead the expedition."

He relaxed a bit again, before standing, shakily, walking down the steps from his throne. By this time, Yuan Tan had finally pulled himself up, and into a kneeling position to honor his father. He stood after his father got to the bottom of the stairs, but no apology was issued.

Shao walked to the planning table, and stood, over looking the map. Tan took a position to the right of the table, and also stared at the battle map.

It was time to plan the downfall of the White Horse General.

[Wen Chou]

Wen Chou stood there, waiting for something to happen. Then, as the storm began to calm, a snake slithered into the room. Guo Tu and Wen Chou were never on good standing. Where Wen Chou was chivalrous and good-hearted, never once had Guo Tu thought of someone else. Wen Chou's eyes followed the snake as he crept up on Yuan Shao, and in a deliberately hushed voice, spoke words of betrayal, deception. It was only natural of Guo Tu. Wen Chou had no idea what the snake had just spoke, but the eyes of Yuan Shao gave Guo Tu away.

Wen Chou saw it in his lord, fear, betrayal, disbelief.

The anger boiled inside Wen Chou. Guo Tu would alienate his lord just for his own gain. What could possibly be gained this time?

What was Guo Tu's scheme?

Yuan Tan stood, and Wen Chou patted the boy on the back. His father did not apologize or offer any counsel. Perhaps the lord was too struck by Guo Tu's words - whatever they may have been - it had stalled Yuan Shao's thoughts.

"It will be alright my lord." Wen Chou said in a hushed voice to Tan, offering his own comfort. The general referred to Tan as 'lord', it was not a strange thing, as Tan belonged to the Yuan family.

As Shao and Tan began on their own paths Wen Chou approached up the steps, intending to confront Guo Tu. The general would've loved to glean his sword and hold the schemer by the neck and demand answers. But in the court that was not acceptable, and it would be against Wen Chou's code of conduct.

Instead Wen Chou clasped a hand on Guo Tu's shoulder, holding him in place, the anger showed on the general's face, and his eyes burned with loyalty, something that Guo Tu knew not of. Wen Chou's grasp hardened, intent on discomforting Guo Tu.

"Listen to me you snake," Wen Chou whispered harshly to Guo Tu, as lord Yuan Shao walked out of hearing distance, "Whatever you are doing, be sure that I will stop you," Wen Chou's gaze was unmoving, glaring into the soul of Guo Tu,

"If your intent is to hurt my lord," a beat, "Your future will be bleak." Wen Chou released his grasp and patted the schemer in a good-heartedly manner to put on a show for onlookers.

Wen Chou left with a smirk.

Perhaps they were having a friendly conversation.

[Shen Pei (Tuvlan)]

Internal Conflict

"Sir... the state of the men is not to be trifled with."

"Come now, Chin Xiao... ---hehe... Come now... how proper...---It was at least mildly amusing, no?"

"Sir, I... I truly think some of the men want to kill you."

"Well, perhaps I supposed I have not shown them much love as a commander as of late..."

"Sir."

"---Quickly now, help me change. I must report to our lord."

"Sir."

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Fully armored (if you could even call it being armored) and completely unarmed (to make for a personally amusing play-on-words), Shen Pei strode on into the palace smiling, greeting, and showing respect to various advisers, officers, and guards, all with mixed results. It was at the final door that he was actually stopped (or allowed himself to be stopped) by the guard, as a security measure. The dao was left slightly loosened on the two guard's belts.

"State your business," the left one stated without warmth.

"...Our lord has certainly increased security, has he not?" Shen Pei said, taking his right hand up to his chin to stroke his beard thoughtfully.

"State your business," the man stated again, hesitating as to whether or not have actually answered that question.

"Very well. I have come to consummate marriage with our lord."

"...What---"

"---Or, failing that, I have come to report the readiness of my army and take council with my lord as to the immediate state of internal and external affairs."

The guards glared leeringly at him.

"...Very well," the guard finally concluded, reaching for the door---

"---Wait, wait. May I inquire as to who is with our lord, if any, at present? I have not seen so many people flustered, pleased, and horrified all at once in so long."

Resisting to state that a good percentage of the horror was at Shen Pei's presence, the guard folded his arms over his chest.

"Yuan Tan, son of Yuan Shao; Wen Chou, great general of Yuan Shao; and Guo Tuo, adviser of Yuan Shao are all in our lord's presence at the moment."

The smile that had stayed on Shen Pei's face flickered out of existence.

"I see," stroking his beard even more thoughtfully, resting it on his left arm he'd just wrapped around his waist, as Shen Pei's brow contorted curiously at the information.

It would be good to see general Wen Chou again (though he knew not if he would be as amiably received. Guo Tuo was... Guo Tuo, and if anything, a peer he viewed as both an equal in rank as well as intellect---He stifled his laughter for a moment.

Failing that, he stifled tears.

Failing that, he cried and laughed at the thought, much to the chagrin of the still waiting guards.

Yuan Tan and Yuan Shao being in the same room was never good. The arm-breaking incident had been successfully averted as a public outcry of their lord's current position and condition with himself, but... Staring up at the guards, he nodded promptly, as they opened the doors for him, to which he promptly stepped forward a few steps before having the doors shut, in an annoyed manner, behind him.

Promptly, the scene that had already ended continued to play out. Wen Chou was helping Yuan Tan from the floor, muttering something too quietly for himself to hear. Guo Tuo was attempting to make out with Yuan Shao's ear again. And Yuan Shao was...

...

Face serious, he spread his feet apart slightly so that they were uniform while erecting his back to simultaneously throw his hands forward in a cupped form, honoring Yuan Shao.

"Lord Yuan Shao, I have come to report my army's status and to take council with the current state of internal and external affairs of your presence."

Nodding in affirmation of his own actions, he wandered to a front-left side of the throne to kneel on the pillows, while holding hands with himself, as an adviser. (OOC Note: Think of Red Cliff Part 1, where the advisers situated themselves before Sun Quan... >.>)

He resisted talking with Yuan Tan, as Wen Chou strode out with an awful looking smirk on his face, but made mental note to talk with Tan and Wen Chou soon after his own visit's conclusion. They would need Wen Chou's continued support in the future. They would need Yan Liang's as well. And of course Chunyu Qiong's... It was apparent and easy to read of all of Yuan Shao's closer confidants and generals of the internal destruction that was brewing. In the meantime, Yuan Tan would suffer...

...

What a bitter day.

Edit: ...Edited, due to Wen Chou's post coming unexpectedly on my own part. XD

[Gryffin]

Guo Tu played along as Wen Chou quietly threatened him, smiling congenially and nodding politely. As soon as Wen turned his back, Guo's face dropped to a scowl. He waited for Wen to exit, then followed after Yuan Shao. He found his lord with his son, analyzing the map. He padded over to Yuan Shao and, giving Yuan Tan a quick look, leaned over to whisper further advice to his lord.

"Sending Tan on the campaign is a good decision. It will put him where he could do little harm. However..." he leaned in closer, "...I would also suggest that you send Wen Chou with him. That man is too close to the young lord for my taste, and I worry that if you keep him close it will cause you harm." Or, more importantly, it will cause me harm. Guo added to himself.

[Kyle]

Shortly after the arrival of the eccentric Shen Pei at the dysfunctional at best throne room, a young man dressed in ornate armor entered. He scanned the room for a moment, wondering what could be going on, as there were an awful lot of important men from the Yuan clan present. Not only that, but the tension in the room was nearly tangible. The ever crafty Guo Tu seemed to have the ear of Yuan Shao, this, Yuancai knew, was never a good thing. The senior general Wen Chou seemed to be quite upset, as did Yuancai's cousin, Yuan Xiansi. Shen Pei, in all of his strange glory, was seemingly just standing there as Benchu looked over a map.

"Uncle," Yuancai said after gathering what he could of the situation... which was essentially nil, "I have returned from the western reaches of Ye where I was sent to deal with bandits claiming affiliation to Zhang Yan and his Black Mountain Bandits. It would seem that they might intend to assist Gongsun Bogu in this battle of the the northern powers." Yuancai then took his place next to his cousin, offering a pleasant smile to the younger man. "Xiansi, I trust all is going well?" Yuancai then turned and smiled at the others present. "Greetings men of the gentry, what a pleasant surprise to meet with you all today. Might I ask what is going on? I have come to give my report and here I find so many important men gathered in one place. I would have worn my court robes had I know such a gathering was to take place."

Yuancai then turned back to his uncle, his well trained smile gone and a more serious look now upon his face. "Uncle, speaking of my report, as I have said, it seems that Zhang Yan and his bandit followers have chosen the side of that fool Gongsun Zan. What shall we do about this if it is indeed true?"

[Yuan Shao]

Yuan Shao's vision focused, as the bit of opium in his system finished running it's course. He had grown quite a tolerance to the drug, but for now he was alright, the shakes and aches wouldn't come for another few hours. For now, he must plan the battle.

Gao Gan came and took his seat, and Shao was happy for it. He did not expect the man to have finished so soon with the Zhang Yan bandits, but that was for another time. Focus must be placed on the upcoming battle.

Shen Pei's arrival also warmed Shao. He smiled at his long-time friend, and worried in the back of his head that he was going insane. Shit catapults? What the fuck man.

Guo Tu whispered into his ear about his son, and he could not help but agree, if but for a different reason. Wen Chou was an astounding general, and his attendants were just as renowned as he.

"Friends, it seems that I alone am the sole proprietor of power in the north. Bogui has failed in his duty to provide the emperor with his taxes for the year. It is our job to show that he should think twice about disparaging the emperor.

Of course, I could care less about his affiliation with this emperor. It is a sham of a court, but that is not for now.

Leading the forces shall be Yuan Tan, my son. He is a capable leader and I trust his judgment in battle as much as my own."

He looked towards his son, but no affection was there. The line he spat was nothing more than pleasantries fabricated to throw off the trail of deceit he was pulling against his own flesh and blood.

"With him shall ride Shen Pei at the column of our siege engines, and he shall be Grand Strategist of the Campaign against Bei Ping. With him I trust the planning and execution of all grand tactics. I would say there is no better choice.

For the Vanguard, I want Wen Chou to go as leader. You will command the bulk of the army, and will be responsible for actually bringing me back the head of Gongsun Zan. The Crown would prefer him alive, but I would prefer him dead. I am counting on you.

Gao Gan shall go as well. I know you just got back from a patrol, but I am trusting on you to provide the back up for Wen Chou until reinforcements arrive. You will be Commander of the Rear. I am trusting your ability, Gao Gan.

Arriving as reinforcements shall be Yan Liang and Chunyu Qiong, who are currently out on patrol. They look for Zhang Yan bandits and any messages leaving Bei Ping. Our intelligence network is second to none. There have been rumors that a cousin to Zan, one Gongsun Jieming, has been trying to rally support against us, here in the north. We can not allow that to happen. Word is that he runs with Liu Pi, the former Turban who harassed the Han many years ago. If this is true, this is open traitorous activity, and would allow us a reason to capture him.

Any chance you guys get to take him in, do so. Liu Pi is wanted dead or alive.

Go now, my officers. Prepare for battle.

We march tomorrow."

[Shen Pei (Tuvlan)]

Preparing For War

A forest was inhabited by snakes, pandas, tigers, monkeys, and many other creatures. So too was it fitting that the forest that Yuan Shao was (or smoked on a clockwork basis) to Shen Pei that Guo Tu should be present, making love to their lord's ear.

It took considerable effort for Shen Pei not to smile at his own comments. Always, Guo Tu, with the ear-sex jokes! It is not as though Shen Pei particularly viewed ear sex as a terrible atrocity to mankind, but simply a very kinky and slightly unusual one. And he could say "slightly" because of that woman from several decades ago. Yes, he could see the appeal Guo Tu had with their lord's ear. If only their lord had a sister...

Self-amusement aside, the seriousness of the situation was indeed upon them all. Shen Pei did look to his side at Gao Gan as he made his appearance and his own report, pleased at the both the rapidity as well as the dependability of his colleague. Though, word of the alliance of the bandits with...---

That is, when Yuan Shao's noble voice decided to enter the room. A different tone, a different power it always seemed to hold under this situation, under this roof. It commanded honesty of their own force's intent, of Yuan Shao's intent. Death to Gongsun Zan. Conquer the north and let no one dispute any further who its true ruler was. Yes, not even the Emperor, in all his glory, would be the same without the Yuans, and here the Yuans would adhere not only to the Emperor's command, but reward itself after many years of biding.

Too pleasing was it to see that Yuan Tan would get his taste for a more simple war then the complexities of the Anti-Dong Zhou coalition, but this too seemed shady of Yuan Shao. Still, for whatever reason, Shen Pei too agreed to their lord's will. For many reasons would it be necessary, though Shen Pei's was perhaps one of the more optimistic. A nod of recognition to Yuan Tan was all the boy garnered from Shen Pei for the time. For the time. There would be more, soon, the middle-aged man looked forward to with an inward smile.

While perhaps not too surprising to any onlooker, Yuan Shao's decision to make Shen Pei the Grand Strategist in this northern-bound campaign was amusing to say the least and a flattering honor to say what Shen Pei for himself could not verbalize. Reddening his face in gladness, he bowed his head and cupped his hand in respect for Yuan Shao's decision.

"My lord!"

Wen Chou to the front.

Gao Gan to the rear.

Chunyu Qiong and Yan Liang as reinforcements.

Doing a few calculations, Shen Pei smiled again at their lord's wisdom. Acknowledging that Gao Gan had indeed just returned from his duties, he had put the worn officer to the rear guard where they could rest themselves. And while they would not initially be in the fight, it would provide Gao Gan and his men the necessary time to recoup. There was much honor to be had in wise decision making and the vigilant defense of an army's rear, Shen Pei thought!

Cupping his hands in honoring congrulations to Gao Gan, Shen Pei then rose from his kneeling position on the floor, as he listened to the rest of their lord's briefing.

Liu Pi...

Gongsun Zan had indeed sunk very low.

Very well.

"My lord. Honor and glory to the Yuans!" Shen Pei cupped in an energizing respect for his lord.

Then, reaching into his armor, he pulled out a small parchment with his report to his current situation, extending it out and laying it on the planning table for their lord to view at his leisure.

'Rest for now...' the man would smile to himself. "I go to ready my army. 'Til we meet again!"

One final nod and cup of respect and Shen Pei would make his way for the door.

Hopefully Chin Xiao had been making use of himself.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"...Two hundred oxen? How splendid! They will make for wonderful trebuchet ammo---"

"NO, SIR, THEY ARE FOR THE SUPPLY LINES."

"Indeed. Supply of trebuchet ammo.~"

"...SIR..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"...What do you mean that, 'you're broke'? I just paid you---"

...

"Oh."

=D

[Wen Chou]

Wen Chou arrived early to the meeting (which was supposed to take place - hours later) and despite fighting the impulse to choose a standing place far, very far, away from Gup Tu, Wen Chou strategically positioned himself to one of the sides of Yuan Shao. So should the schemer Guo Tu try to whisper to Yuan Shao, no man would be so quiet that Wen Chou couldn't hear.

Wen Chou nodded and listened as Yuan Shao briefley discussed the war plan of tomorrow's battle. He bowed as his lord finished, the preparations would take the rest of the day.

"It will be done my lord."

[Kyle]

Yuancai listened intently while Benchu spoke his will to those present. It seemed the time had finally come to destroy their nuisance to the north. The choice of making Xiansi the commander of the campaign was an interesting one. Yuancai was interested to see how his cousin would perform under such pressure. The Yuan heir had already proven himself on various occasions to be a skilled man on the battlefield, but this was a large campaign to eliminate the Yuan clan's largest rival at present. This will be an interesting battle. Don't worry Xiansi, I won't let disaster befall you. Yuancai smiled as he thought this. He then shook himself of his inner musings and turned to face his Yuan Shao. "I thank you for choosing me to take part in this campaign that is so important to our family, Uncle. You know that I shall not disappoint your expectations."

Yuancai then placed his right fist into his left palm and bowed to Benchu. Once he straightened up form his bow, he turned to make his way out of the room to begin preparations for the march to Bei Ping. He took a step, and then paused, glancing over to Yuan Tan. He placed his hand on his cousin's shoulder and smiled at him. "I am excited to see your performance Xiansi. This will be quite the battle, try not to be nervous, you have the talent to accomplish many great things on the battlefield. I'll do my best in my supporting role; take the lead Xiansi, and prove your worth to all the gentry." Yuancai spoke this to his cousin is a relatively quiet manner. It was not hushed, but it was not loud enough for everyone present to clearly hear. Yuancai then took his leave from the room, his mind set on battle preparations that needed to be completed.

[Gryffin]

Guo Tu smiled at the words of his lord and fellow vassals. Although among the lot of them only Shen Pei could be considered his equal intellectually, the meatheads' enthusiasm could not be faulted. As the council dispersed Guo nodded politely at Wen Chou.

"Luck be with you, General. Leading the van is a heavy responsibility, and it would be a pity if something were to happen to you." Yes, yes. A great pity. I would mourn for weeks...Guo added to himself before turning his attention to the newly-appointed commander Yuan Tan. "And young master, please try not to fail. Our future rests with you." He smiled sickly. "But don't worry. I'm certain the pressure of command won't bother you in the slightest."

[Chunyu Qiong]

As the his liege Yuan Shao made plans to conquer Youzhou and strip the Gongsuns of their holdings, Chunyu Qiong's scout was motioned to by an attendant bearing a sealed piece of parchment.

"The lord Yuan Shao has this for your commanding general, go and give it to him post haste!"

The scout nodded and saluted, taking the parchment and then bowing to the assembly before taking leave.