Lu Su's Household

[Lu Mei]

(The home is located in Jian Ye, a rather extravagant and well cared for estate. Guards are always posted around the walls, inside and out, and at the main door. The layout of the place is centered around a garden of a courtyard with a fish pond and a few cherry blossom trees, along with traditional flowers and plants. The home is two stories, with the kitchen, dining, servants, and living rooms being on the first floor, while the family quarters are on the second. The master room, being Lu Su's bedroom has a balcony on one end overlooking the courtyard, while Lu Mei's, his daughter, has another on the opposite.)

The estate grounds were fairly quiet today, though there was always the chirping of the birds in the trees. Guards stood at their posts to protect the property of their employer, Lu Su. The sun shined brilliantly in the sky, with the exception of a few passing clouds. Spring certainly had a way of affecting the place, making it look even more glorious than usual. All the greens and other colors were vibrant and flawless, plants well tended to by the gardeners. All the servants in the household went serenely about their duties, cooking, cleaning, and attending to their master's needs.

It was on this lovely day that Lu Mei spent sitting on an elegant chair, overlooking the courtyard on her balcony. She sat dressed in a simple nightgown, having not bothered to change into her daily clothes, not yet anyway. It was still morning, at least. While she had to be proper, there were perks to being in an important and wealthy family on days like this -- she didn't need to be proper always. And while Mei felt particularly slow today, she figured if there were need to disguise herself today, then she would easily change from the night garment. The servants had long since been shooed out of her room, Mei wanted to be alone for a while. They had left her breakfast and morning tea on the table near the doorway, which started to get cold after being there for over an hour.

Still, Mei didn't really mind it much. She didn't feel hungry, just somewhat sluggish for some reason. Perhaps it was just one of those days, a 'lazy day' as her father might call it. But after a while, and with a sigh, Lu Mei rose from her chair to address the issue of her breakfast gone cold. The silky, long dress flowed behind her as Mei went over to the table and poured herself a cup of the cooling tea. She took a sip and looked back to the balcony, hearing her father's voice in the courtyard below. Curious, though it wasn't out of the ordinary, Lu Mei went over to the balcony with tea in hand. She smiled, he was safe of course, just speaking to a servant about some trivial household matter.

The main reason KanShou ever existed was for the safety of her father, the great Lu Su.

[Taishi Ci]

Taishi Ci was walking around Jian Ye, enjoying that peaceful day. He was taking a day off of his duties. As Ci was walking, he turned a corner and he saw a beautiful house."Hmph, nice house, wonde who's it is? Let's go see if I can meet the owner of this extrodinary household."

[Liu Biao]

The opulent city of Jian Ye was a place that Liu Biao governor of Jing Zhou was always welcome. The grand administrator Liu Yao was a relative of his and ruling a ajoining province they got along rather well. Many people disliked Liu Yao calling him a fool but the truth was Liu Biao knew he was a very competent fair ruler, it was just men like Sun Ce were jealous of his position. It would perhaps be the death of his relative, maybe he should step into the palace and warm him.

However his real business here was with a man called Lu Su, he had heard of his talent nd decided to pay him a visit. With his gifts he should serve Liu Yao or himself and by extension the Han dynasty. His talents might otherwise be used for evil by the traitors that massed in the darkest corners of the land and now had come out to play. However as became too the front door of the house he was greeted by a worrying sight.

Taishi Ci, a servant of Sun Ce his enemy. he pulled himself back around the corner before the man could see him. Had he come to steal Lu Su, he hoped not. He headed around to the rear doors of the house and knocked polity.

"I am Liu Jingsheng of Jing, i have to come to pay a visit, if your master or mistress has the time." He called out before stepping back. He felt a little uneasy having seen Taishi Ci he hoped he was not on guard for the house which might indicate Lu Su had already made up his mind.

[Shen Pei (Tuvlan)]

OOC: *Cracks Knuckles*

BOATS - WE NEED THEM

"Alright, so you're the Grand Strategist for the northern campaign?"

"Indeed."

"...Well. Congratulations, sir."

"Thank you. Really. It bothers me, though, we're going to basically go and kill Gongsun Zan, though I cannot deny it will provide Yuan Tan vital combat experience..."

"..."

"...Sir?"

"Boats."

"Pardon?

"We need boat designs. We're essentially going to conquer all of the region of Hei Bei and Cao Cao won't be sitting on his thumbs. Yet, our force is primarily a land-based one."

"We have little in terms of experience of naval design or naval versatility. Should the worst case scenario occur and all of Zhongyuan be united against us, we shall be stuck while Cao Cao is free to expand as he likes into southern China."

"What of the Sun family?"

"We have nothing to offer them and they would receive nothing back. Too one-sided a deal. Sun Ce should realize this and would decline---We will have wasted our time."

"Then wh---"

"No. I don't think that calling up a maelstrom for the Faeries of the netherworld would help us."

"...Sir... Sir. I was to suggest acquiring the aid of Lu Su."

"Lu Su? But is he not of the Sun Family Clan by now?

"That's just it, sir. No."

"We cannot hire anymore officers. Our kingdom's supplies and income will not allow for a larger army.

"Sir. Perhaps a meeting of mutual intellectualism? Exchange of ideas?"

"What an excellent idea! Alright, get yourself ready then, Chin Xiao."

"...Wait, WHAT!?"

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

Chin Xiao could not help himself as he hurried his horse, Qiang, with all haste to Jian Ye. Had he informed Shen Pei of the supply line he had set up for them? Yes. Had he told Shen Pei to apologize to the families of all the dead prostitutes because of him? Yes. Had he warned him of the reports of the bandits that were eying their supply line from the surrounding local areas? Yes. Yet, Chin Xiao still could not help but be worried for his commanding Officer, the apparent Grand Strategist of their northern campaign.

...Sadly, he understood why he himself was being sent in his commander's stead, but he still felt intellectually ill-equipped for such a duty. His studies had not reached a level to which Chin Xiao felt absolutely satisfactory, much to his vexation. Compared to Shen Pei, he had eighteen years gap of experience in understanding things, and had received his education late in life.

Still... boats?

For Chin Xiao, he loved the feel of the dirt being pounded beneath himself as Qiang raced with rapidity every time Chin pressed the spurs a little more. It was upon dirt he was raised and dirt he hoped to die. Still, he knew not of the dangers in all the bandits and outlaws that eyed him as he raced for days, setting up camp in the wood and depleting his food supply. His dao never felt loosened enough and he dared not take a break for more then three hours at a time, even sometimes contenting himself with a slow trot on Qiang as he ate from his feedbag.

The condition of Shen Pei's men's amiability towards him was still uncertain. Not enough time had passed for the entirety of them to forgive him. Had he to compare it to anything, it was much akin to a young man tending to his elderly, crazy father. Insane father. For that, he pitied Yuan Tan's plight.

Three days? Eight days? He knew not of the passage of time, so delirious and wanting of sleep was Chin Xiao at the end of his travels that it felt as though he'd slept the equivalent of a day in the time of a fortnight. His usually cool and composed eyes sagged with bags and his face was unusually pale. His food sack and water pouch had nearly been depleted. The multi-layered bag of refined tea had just barely made it intact during the travels. His dao was sealed with sweat and his spear hung like a pillar over his back. The light armor on his body felt now like a hundred pounds of pressure, weighing down on him, wanting him to collapse. Qiang too had his mouth slack and his tongue long and out, lashing for want of respite.

How glorious it seemed, then, at site of Lu Su's surprisingly (to Chin Xiao) magnificent estate. However, it was the backdoor. Twitching as for what Chin Xiao could make out to be strange old man (not unlike that in the way Shen Pei creeped about), Chin thought better of it, and dismounted, slowly, slowly making his way for the front door.

...Had Chin Xiao been in a better state of mind, he might have realized that he was in the presence of Liu Biao. Might have. Due to delirium, however, Chin could only assume that the well dressed gardener had come to report his day's work, for what kind of guest would approach from the back door?

Hunched over and leaning sideways towards Qiang, it took another ten minutes but Chin Xiao finally rounded his way over to the front, seeing another man, though it was uncertain if he was approaching the building or not. Regardless, Chin Xiao chose to ignore the man who turned out to be motherf***ing Taishi Ci and walked his horse straight to the front door.

To that, he collapsed onto his rear, giving Qiang and himself some rest. A few gulps of air later and the man forced himself up to his feet, loosening the scabbard and the spear from himself and attaching them to Qiang, who seemed to be content in keeping his head down in exhaustion. Resisting the urge to twitch with annoyance at his sad state, he looked up to realize that there were guards posted on the outside about the walls and the main door. More to it, it would be safe to assume that they had been witnessing what could only be assumed to be a beggar's pathetic drag to beg at Lu Su's front gate.

Shen Pei spoke for a moment in Chin Xiao's mind and the young man smiled, gritting his teeth, in spite or to spite himself as he erected himself proudly.

"I am Chin Xiong, representative of Shen Pei. Shen Pei of Ye, Ye of the force of Yuan Shao's kingdom. I have come with mutual... with intent for mutual discussion of an idea exchange. I come with a small, if parsley gift of greeting."

...The twitch came as Chin Xiao, still recovering, reached for his hip for the small bag of refined tea. Forcibly stop the twitch, he nodded and cupped his hands in respect, tea still in hands, to see to the verdict of these guards.

[Cao Cao]

Gan Ning heard rumours that his master, Liu Biao, had travelled into the land of their old enemy. He would rather his master no be attack by Wu troops so he took it into his hands to catch up with him. Gan Ning was a pirate and pirates have quick boats. He ran out of the town to his boat.
"Men, prepare the boat, we sail for Jian Ye."
It didnt take long for veteran pirates to prepare the ship and set sail. He stood next to the pilot of the boat gazing out to the vast sea.
"Just like old times 'ey"
He walked forward to the end of the of his ship and took a deep breath, embracing the fresh smell of the sea.

They had arrived at Jian Ye. He looked around taking in all the scenery he noticed a peasent walking past with a horse, he checked his pouch. He had a couple bags of gold on him. "Sir, may i borrow your horse." Gan tossed a bag of gold to him which he in turn handed him the reigns and gave him directions towards Lu Su's house upon asking the way.

He had made it to the house. He looked around from onto of his horse, "this place is immaculate" he thought to himself. He heard a familiar voice coming from the house, it must be Liu Biao. He jumped off his horse sprinting towards house. "Liu Biao! Liu Biao!" he shouted running towards the house with his bells ringing. He made it to the house and bowed to one knee in front of Liu Biao.
"Sir, you are in danger in this land. I am here to protect you sir." He stood up and smiled at Liu Biao.
"After you, sir."

[Lu Mei]

Lu Mei set down her emptied cup of tea and went over to her window, which overlooked the back doorway, having heard someone's voice. Pulling aside the silk curtains, Mei looked down to see a figure she'd heard of, and another man accompanying him. The first was Liu Biao, Mei knew that her father had spoken of him somewhat, even mentioned some of his appearance. The other man was someone Mei didn't know. Perhaps he was some bodyguard for Liu Biao, the way he carried himself. Regardless, they were new guests and would soon be greeted by the guard. It was strange, though... Why did they come to the back entrance? Mei wondered exactly what their business was here, it had to do something with her father, for certain.

Lu Mei watched a while longer as the guard posted addressed Liu Biao. He looked at the pair curiously, but shrugged off the thoughts. "What business do you have here with Master Lu Su, Liu Jingsheng of Jing?" He asked in a curious but formal tone. The guard then looked to Gan Ning, recognizing the infamous pirate, and his trademark belt of bells. "You bring a scoundrel to this household? I would hope you keep your dog on a tight leash, KanShou protects this residence and will not tolerate disrespect to master Lu Su."

Lu Mei listened carefully, figuring that the man beside Liu Biao had to be some sort of warrior with a poor reputation preceding him. She watched for a few more moments, sizing them both up and calculating what threat they might be, observing their body language and behavior for a short time. Then, she decided it was time to don her disguise. No one was allowed to see her father without KanShou present. With haste, Mei threw on her outfit and mask, equipping her blade as well.

And at the main doorway, Taishi Ci and Chin Xiong were greeted by two other guards. "You may enter, but be mindful of your words and mannerisms. Our master awaits in the courtyard down the hall." They said. Lu Su heard of all the guests' arrivals and seated himself in his favorite chair in the courtyard, ready to receive them.

[Liu Biao]

Liu Biao waited patiently for a response from those inside but soon heard the sound of bells behind him. He had heard that distinctive sound before he would know it anywhere he turned to see Gan Ning the former pirate had chosen to come with him. He was sure he needed protection here in the city of Liu Yao his kinsman but there was always the threat of assassins he was pleased to see the pirate. It was always comforting to have some of his martial skills around in case thing became unpleasant.

"Im Governor of Jing Zhou, im always in danger." He joked winking and he turned back to the door. He sense some one was there before he heard them speak. He just hoped Gan Ning would forgive there rudeness but he doubted it.

"I am hear to speak with Lu Su about an issue of personal importance to him. This man is my bodyguard Gan Xinba he is now an officer of Jing Zhou you should treat him as such." Liu Biao said gently admonishing the man while at the same time managing to keep his tone polite.

[Shen Pei (Tuvlan)]

Popularity, Thine Name Is Lu Su

"You may enter, but be mindful of your words and mannerisms. Our master awaits in the courtyard down the hall."

Chin Xiao twitched.

How strangely dubious this all was, Taishi Ci barely even making word to the guards and yet being permitted in. However, who was he to contend with the mighty intelligence of Lu Su's poor employment skills?

...To which, realizing his mental humor had come to mildly reflect that of Officer Shen Pei, is why Chin Xiao twitched. Twisting his mouth into a frown, he cupped his hands in respect and greeting, waiting for them to open the doors for them.

"My thanks."

...

Seeing that they didn't, the exhausted Chin Xiao stepped forward, opening the door himself. Assuming that it wasn't locked, he stepped forward, he turned to the right... only to find out that that wasn't the hallway. Turning left, towards the hallway, Chin Xiao casually tied the bag of refined tea to his belt while walking absentmindedly through the hall, hoping he wouldn't get blindsided by anyone.

Upon his eventual discovery of the courtyard, he saw a really fancy chair. Then, he realized it was being sat upon by an older looking fellow who had the desirable traits of a middle-aged man who looked respectable, unlike a certain Officer Shen Pei.

However, be it the exhaustion, the close contact with Shen Pei over the years, or frustration that was taking to the helm of Chin Xiao, upon actually stepping into view of who he could only assume to be Lu Su, he held up his hands in greetings, honoring his host.

"...I am Chin Xiao, servant of Shen Pei, Inspector of Yuan Shao of Ye."

"That is a really fancy chair."

Twitch.

Wait. Chin's mouth twisted at the slip of his tongue, tilting his head. Slight dehydration? Yes, that was it. Bowing his head extremely low, he waited for a chance to be acknowledged so as to correct himself.

...Of course, if Chin had just waited for a second, he would've realized that he had almost interrupted Liu Biao, so hazy was his vision and addled his hearing.

Edit: Added the last line as this was posted without knowing of Liu Biao's post. I hope it adds to the effect of Chin Xiao's current condition rather then detracts from Liu Biao. >_>;;;

[Shen Pei (Tuvlan)]

WITHOUT FURTHER ADIEU

Well. Chin Xiao was stuck, waiting there long enough for him to catch his breath, which was saying something, given his long ride.

So long, in fact, that Chin Xiao had enough time to reach for his side, pull out a brush, write, and then walk over to Lu Su while handing it to him, before walking back out, twitching all the while (OOC: If you see this, check your PMs).

However, orders were orders, and Shen Pei's second in command stayed civil and kind. If anything, he focused on viewing this more of a break of sorts. Yes, a break while Shen Pei fought in the northern campaign for Bei Ping.

...Then, he looked at his horse. And then he realized how long he would have to go, to get back to Ye.

Cursing the great, bountiful magnitude of China, Chin Xiao jumped onto his horse and began riding hard---north---once more.

...

...A cloud formed over him, in the shape of a monkey...

...