A Chat Between Friends (OBJ)

[Gryffin]

”Lemme tell ya, it wasn’t easy raisin’ that peasant army of yers.”

Guo Tu rolled his eyes. Puyang Gan had proven himself to be an affable companion, and a reliable cohort. That Guo Tu had met him when he did was a stroke of luck for both of them. For all his positive traits, though, he had not stopped complaining since they had left Ye. The plan had been for Puyang Gan to raise an army from the masses and scare Ji into surrender, immediately winning them both glory for the bloodless capture of the city. Gongsun’s unexpectedly swift defeat and the sudden appointment of Liu Yu as his successor had thrown that plan out the window. Unfortunately for Guo Tu, Yuan Shao’s mandate to capture Ji still stood. With no other options, Guo had rendezvoused with Puyang, who had dismissed the peasant army.

* * * * *
(Days in the past [but not many])

The peasant army was approximately a day’s march from the border of Gongsun Zan’s territory when the messenger arrived. There was a palpable excitement in the air. Puyang had fed this excitement with tales of his own successes, rousing stories full of valor, glory, and more than a bit of exaggeration. The peasants ate it up, letting Puyang further convince them that his plan would secure them better lives. With these high expectations being set, it was a sudden shock to Puyang when an inconspicuously-dressed fellow arrived in his tent that night.

”Puyang Gan?”

”Who’s askin’?” Puyang was sprawled out on his cot, hands behind his head.

”I have a message from Guo Tu. He said it was urgent.” The man produced a letter from his shirt and handed it to Puyang. Puyang took the letter and opened his mouth only to find that the messenger had already turned and left the tent. He opened the letter and scanned its contents. He blinked, then his eyes widened. He tore up the letter, muttering silent curses to himself. Canceled? What the hell was that? They were already close to Gongsun Zan’s…well, what was formerly Gongsun Zan’s territory. What was Puyang supposed to tell everyone? “Sorry, it turns out Yuan Shao’s a lot smarter than I thought. Bye bye!” That would probably get him lynched. He had to get out of here, and fast. But before he did, Puyang Gan decided to leave one last present to inspire his “troops.” He sat up, threw his covers off the bed, and drew his dagger.

* * * * *
”Sir, we’re ready to go!”

As usual, the young, idealistic farmhand that Puyang had appointed as his page for the campaign had to wake his master up. It was getting tiring. For all the bluster and brilliance Puyang Gan seemed to have, he was a lazy bastard. The boy pulled the tent flap open and poked his head inside.

”Wake up, sir! It’s time to-“ The sound caught in the boy’s throat as his eyes fell upon Puyang’s bed. The covers were thrown off and the sheets were covered in blood. On the wall of the tent above the bed, two words could be seen, hastily written in blood.

”Kill Yuan”

In a matter of minutes the camp was in an uproar. What had happened to their leader? What was going to happen to them? The various leading men from the different villages got together and reached a conclusion. Their glorious commander, Puyang Gan, had been assassinated in the dead of night by an agent of Yuan Shao. Before he expired and his body was removed, he managed to write that last message to them. Their path was clear. They had to avenge the man whom they had followed this far. They packed up their camp and marched towards vengeance.

Unbeknownst to the farmers, brimming with righteous fury, Puyang had from the start been leading them toward Ji. He had carefully edited the maps he had brought with him and made sure no one in the army was familiar with the area. The farmers pushed forward, now little more than an angry mob. They would soon reach Liu Yu’s territory and begin assaulting and burning each village they encountered, raping the crops and burning the women.

Yes, you read that correctly.

The farmers, as mentioned, were not terribly bright.

* * * * *
”Y’know, I don’t mean t’be a nag, but have y’ever had to cut open yer own wrist? Hurts like hell, lemme tell ya.” Puyang Gan lifted his bandaged wrist for emphasis. He had quickly mended the wound after finishing his work with it, and really it barely even hurt at this point. That had been days ago. Even so, the bandage covered a scar of battle, and Puyang wanted his share of accolades.

”Yes, yes, I know. I’m so sorry for you.” Guo Tu didn’t look sorry. He looked annoyed. ”If you had gotten the job done faster, then I wouldn’t have had to recall you.”

”Well, ‘scuse me for just followin’ yer orders.”

The two were riding on horseback along a road near Ji, and had been on the road for several days now. They could just barely see the city in the distance. Behind them, the remains of a village smoldered. Neither had any knowing hand in the burning of the village (and its women), although Puyang had an inexplicable pang of guilt upon seeing the place. He couldn’t place it, but he somehow felt responsible. Not that he cared, but those might have been some fine-looking women before they had been set ablaze. And those poor crops…

”So, mind tellin’ me why we’re comin’ here now? First y’tell me to gather an army to take this place, then y’tell me to get rid of it, and now we’re headin’ to the city by ourselves. What’s on yer mind, boss?”

”I told you why we’re coming here. We’re going to discuss the terms of Liu Yu’s surrender of Ji.” Guo Tu kept his gaze aimed straight ahead. ”And we don’t need an army to simply talk.”

”Funny, I don’t recall hearin’ anything about him surrenderin’.” Puyang commented as he glanced around. Nice place, Ji. Little bit colder than Puyang liked, but it had some pretty scenery once you got over the occasional ravaged village. Puyang wasn’t even sure how you could do that to crops…

”That’s because even he doesn’t know that he’s going to yet. That is where we come in. Simply follow my lead and don’t screw this up. If this works there shall be a large reward for you.”

”Gotcha, boss. Whatever ya say.”

* * * * *
When the pair arrived at the gates of Ji, Guo Tu hailed one of the guards.

”I am Guo Tu of Ye. I am here to discuss something with your master of great importance.’

(If a a mod would so kindly handle Liu Yu, I would greatly appreciate it.)

[Emperor Feng]

The days had been a worry upon the Prefect of Ji, rushing to-and-fro on what to be done with the news given to him. Beiping had fallen and Gongsun Zan was no longer among the living..his heir?.. Him! Heavy breathing had followed such news and even that very night, he could not take to the embrace of his favoured concubine; never had he had such 'short comings' before. Pacing the recieving hall new reports surged the Palace about certain farmers merely rampaging the lands, not only this, but their target was Ji! "Governor Liu, you must act now..they are simple commoners; they shall be easy picking. Then we can continue to build up the defences." A voice of reason in the shadows of his mind, none other than his trusted officer Wei You.. Taking deep breaths, Yu could not cope with the recent events; first Dong Zhuo's idea to place him upon the throne..accusations from Gongsun, then amnesty in replace for serving him..was there no peace in his life?!

"Yes, yes! You are right. Send a small force to destroy them, a shovel is no match for a spear!" It seemed to lighten the mood, however, another blow would soon bring him to the devastating position of wanting to tear his own hair out. The youthful son, He, followed by the advisor Tian Chou, one not too generous on the mind but his plans could be cunning and ingenius at times. Their feet were rushed and soon came with a number of guards, a sight that Liu Yu wished to simply disappear. "My Lord, officers approach us. Stock from Yuan Shao, a Guo Tu." Eyes widdened..where was the hole? The dark abyss which would drag his sorry body into and devour the being; it would be heaven compared to the state of current affairs.

"Guo Tu? No, no..not him. Could they not have sent that Tan boy?.." The faithful son nodded in agreement with his crumbling father. "It's the eyes, isn't it? I'm sure that man got them from the Nether Realm.." A small chuckle from He that was met by a scornful look, Yu could not see humour anymore..these days had withered the entertainment..the joyful days of gayaties and frolicking; now..simple cattle turd after cattle turd upon their doors.. Another breath. "Send him in, but arm the city..arm everything. If he bids bad omens then I shall have his head.. That should scare away Yuan!" Liu He was not sure it would be successful, that man had placed his heart upon the hellfire for immortality he was assured, however, to the youthful man he wondered what colour Guo Tu's blood would be.. Pink? Yellow?.. No, it would be green, bright green like jade. Or black..

To the walls He went, followed by the advisor Tian Chou. To greet the two beings were an array of bowmen that towered down upon both of them; prepared for any eventuality. "You may enter, however, any wrong move and it shall be your body turned into a delightful soup." Harsh words from a man who enjoyed to dance, Liu He always stood a little way from him, once he swore that he felt an old man's hand slip across his rear. Nonetheless, Guo Tu and Puyang Gan would be met by another show of force.. Personal forces of Liu Yu who poised their weapons, they were officers of Yuan and reason to the death of their Liege; they were not to be trusted. Escorted by Tian and He, the two were brought before the Governor..who know sat upon a raised dais, stress visible on his expression and somewhat fearful of this meeting. Which was emphasised by the mass guards patrolling the area, the three men were present too; Liu He to the left, Tian Chou and Wei You to the right.

"What brings men of Yuan before me? You have insulted our lands, our people and forced the hand of suicide upon the man I served..do you bring more insult to this house?" Liu Yu attempted to be confident, setting some rage into each word and even believing himself that he could have lead the many instead of Gongsun Zan...

[Gryffin]

Puyang Gan eyed the archers and assembled men warily. His face, as always, was smiling, but his eyes flickered with the slightest hint of anxiety. There sure were a lot of men here. Guo Tu, by contrast, remained calm and composed. He smiled pleasantly at Liu Yu while the latter put forth a brave showing. A lot of bluster. I wonder how much of it is deserved?[/color] Guo thought to himself. He nodded his head as Liu Yu finished and replied with a wry smile.

”My, my. You certainly have pulled out all the stops for a simple envoy. How could I bring insults to such a gracious host? I merely wish to talk with you like civilized men.” He glanced at the assembled men before continuing with a veiled sneer.

”Although you certainly did an admirable job of making sure the two of us were outnumbered. No matter, though. I’m curious, Prefect Liu. What do you think of the current situation in the capital? The coalition to rescue the emperor? It sounds like a glorious undertaking.” Guo Tu feigned a naiveté, as though speaking with a child, as he continued.

”Surely you, being yourself of imperial stock, should be at the forefront of this grand endeavor. Yet…” Guo paused, as though achieving a sudden realization. ”…you are here. Would you please enlighten me, sir? I am a simpleton, a nobody from Nan Pi. Why are you not at the forefront of the battle to rescue your kin and emperor? I think we both know the answer, Prefect Liu.” Guo Tu’s eyes hardened as he smiled knowingly.

”It is because you fear for your safety. You are concerned with the outcome of the battle, and what would happen to you if you were to participate. That fear is apparent to me, Prefect Liu. It radiates from you, and to your subordinates, who feel they must put on a brave show in order to compensate. Why else would you gather so many armed men to respond to the arrival of two outsiders? What could I possibly do that would merit this heightened security?” Guo looked at the assembled subordinates meaningfully.

”It is not me who you fear. It’s the man I represent, and rightly so. Yuan Shao utterly crushed Gongsun Zan, leaving you with the heavy burden of command. How does it feel, Prefect Liu, to look at the people of this city knowing that their hopes and safety rest on your shoulders? Is it a heavy burden, Prefect Liu? I know it is. It is a burden that has already worn on you. You don’t believe that you can handle it. I can see it in your eyes. You wish for a way out, some way to escape the hell they call leadership.” Guo’s smile, which had been fading as he spoke, finally disappeared. His face remained hard and formal, as though what he presented were absolute facts.

”I came here to give you way out. Yuan Shao’s armies cannot be stopped. That was made apparent at Bei Ping. If you relinquish control of this city to Yuan Shao, your life and the lives of your subordinates will be spared. You will be give free passage through our territory, or may live within it free of harassment. This is your escape route, Prefect Liu. This is your chance to relieve yourself of the melancholy burden of command.” Guo Tu’s faced remained expressionless. This was the critical point of his gambit.

”You are a reasonable man, Prefect Liu. You care about your people. That is a commendable trait that is far too rare in this day and age. With this in mind, I feel compelled to warn you that if you fear some abstract sense of honor or shame enough to reject this offer, Yuan Shao’s army shall show no mercy. Not a soul shall survive, and you will have to meet with your people below the Nine Springs once the slaughter is finished. On my way here I witnessed horrors caused upon your own people by bandits. You already cannot protect them. I am giving you an opportunity to do so. Please consider this offer carefully.”

Guo Tu completed his tirade and stared hard at the prefect. He was taking a big risk, calling Liu Yu out in his place of power, and he knew it. He was relying entirely on his own bravado and Liu Yu’s poorly-hidden cowardice. Puyang Gan, unsure of what to do in light of Guo Tu’s lengthy monologue, simply continued to direct his friendly smile towards the dais. Despite being surrounded and completely outnumbered, the two men exuded confidence. Frankly, it was all they could do.

[Emperor Feng]

The Governor sat still as the guest placed a tirade of questions and information before him, all threats to place him in a corner to submit.. They insulted his being, while trying to seem as if they truely cared of his well being, Liu He demanded within to speak out and brand Guo; yet, he could not..Wei You too wished to place judgement upon the two visitors who placed insolence to their feet. It seemed the guards could sense such anger and poised their weapons, it would be a clear shot that if they acted..they would not exit alive. Something within Liu Yu snapped, too long had he been thrown to-and-fro, from side-to-side being excused out of gratitude simply because he was within the Imperial caln. Shaking his head, the fear for this man had reared and transformed into annoyance. "Your Lord proclaimed himself Emperor, a being who has turned again the Empire ruled by my houseland; and here you place amnesty before me? Do not place me as fool, lowly servant, for you know that once Yuan takes our Empire into his hands he shall crush all that pose a threat; the Imperial clan." His breathing became hastened, the heart beating as the anger within grew more and more..hand continualy gesturing towards Guo and Puyang..

"How dare you come before me to simply insult me and push me into a corner with your words. Indeed a cunning fox you maybe, but I see within you; I have met many such as you and I shall not be twisted again!" The authoratative voice burst out, even his son looked shocked upon this small purging of strength that his father was not known for. It seemed that Yu had been pushed far too much within his life and Guo was about to gain the result of such.. "Many where happy under Governor Gongsun's rule, until the greed of your Lord spilled and his honour left; if I felled you now your Lord would have one less dog to bite." A gesture made, the guards encircled the two as the Governor ascended the platform to his dais once more; Guo's plan had backfired and released something inside Liu Yu that no one knew he had..strength of confidence to place his fist and crack the earth.

"Father, we do not lack honour as Governor Yuan or those of his flock. Indeed of old one would have the envoy executed, yet, this is not one simple envoy." The innocent voice of He shot out, Wei did not wish to impede not sure of how to deal with Yu in such a mood, yet the words were taken into account. A breath was taken, eyes closed then re-opened to gesture the guards retreat. "Indeed they are not, however, I shall place them as example to that traitor that simply because he views himself higher than the Heavens, that all will be mere slaves!" Another gesture, from the fore came a guard holding a 9 tailed whip, knots at each end; one for torture and punishment. "Thank my son for convincing me to be lenient with you two, note that it is one of the Liu kinsmen to have saved you from death.. Guo Tu." There was an expression upon He's face, hope that his father would simply allow them leave..he knew of the power behind Yuan Shao and wished for them to leave and try another attempt at negotiations. But, all was lost, He could see his fate now as the punishment was given. "100 lashes; 75 lashes for Guo Tu and 25 lashes for his friend. After, dispell them from the city."

Liu He wished to leave, he knew that Guo would return angered by this..to Yuan he would exagerate and place revenge upon his list, if only there was something he could do. Wei You escorted the Governor to his private chambers, wishing to try and calm his spirits as the council adjorned; guards left to return to the patrol. Only one remained within the hall, He. "Stand down, I shall deal with them myself. Seal the doors." Before Guo and Puyang came the youthful son of the Prefect, one who not many beings knew of; in truth no one cared for such a being, as he was seen as naive and somewhat dimwitted. On the other hand, it seemed Liu He was turning the tables showing more tact than his father. "Master Guo, do not hold my father's words with malice." A gracious bow to the man and his friend. "Do not press your words onto me as you did my father, for they shall come to a wall. Speak what you truely wish for? Haste must be your method, for you know my father shall prepare the army under his control for war.. If the order is shown, then I, as his son, cannot refuse."

This would be the last chance for reason to prevail, the young Liu showing signs of diplomacy and potential as a General and leader..while, presenting the strong filial piety to which any father would be proud of...

[Gryffin]

Guo Tu raised his eyebrow as he listened to Liu Yu’s response. What had happened? This was not the spineless fellow Guo had heard about. The prefect’s words radiated pride and anger. Surely, this man was not Liu Yu. As Liu spoke, comprehension dawned on Guo. In times of great crisis leaders rise up, displaying uncharacteristic bravery in the face of adversity. Guo had come here hoping to bully Liu Yu into surrendering Ji, but now found the tables had turned. He opened his mouth to respond to the prefect, but Liu Yu was already gone. Then, as his mind raced to figure a way out of the predicament he had landed himself in, the prefect’s son approached and spoke words of reason. Guo fumbled for words for a moment, then spoke in a defeated tone.

”My goal was to come here and resolve the conflict in Youzhou without bloodshed. My lord’s ambition cannot be denied, and when he turned his sight to this province I knew conflict would arise.” Guo scowled. ”Gongsun Zan was warrior, and I knew that he would not listen to reason. The fight between him and Yuan Shao was inevitable. When I heard that your father had been placed in control of Ji I was overjoyed, because your father has a reputation as a righteous and just man. I believed he would not want to see his people suffer. That is why I came here. Yuan Shao’s goal is to control the north. Now all of it is under his control except for Ji.” Guo looked forlornly at the young man’s feet. ” I had hoped that I could persuade your father to swallow his pride and allow for a peaceful transition. I didn’t want to see another Bei Ping, with the bloodshed and loss of life.” Guo slowly sank to his knees, lips trembling. ”Is that too much to ask? The average man, I knew would react violently to such a request, but I believed that your father was different, that he placed the safety of his charges above his own pride. I meant no insult. I simply wanted peace in the north… Despite the blatant untruth, Guo managed to force some tears from his eyes as he began to quietly sob. ”I just wanted to help…” he mumbled. Puyang Gan stepped closer to him and patted him on the shoulder.

”Come on, boss. Pull yerself together.” He looked at Liu He and smiled helplessly. ”He’s a snake, but he’s a snake with a heart, I guess. I can’t say I blame yer dad fer gettin’ angry, but could ya try to talk to him about this? You seem like a good kid, the sort who’ll really make somethin’ of himself one day.” Puyang shrugged. Not that it’s my business if yer dad and Yuan Shao start fightin’. I just wanna get home in one piece. Just a simple bodyguard, y’know?”

[Emperor Feng]

Liu He was taken back by the sudden throw of mercy from the Advisor, he had heard much of this man but never had the stories portrayed him to be one to bed for his life; such things men would do when they knew they had no other option. The child within wished to settle this through peaceful means, but knew that Liu Yu would refuse anymore coersing; even from his own blood's words. "Master Guo, do not shame yourself. Rise and act as the cunning being I have been informed you are." He quickly made to help the advisor to his feet, not wishing for the respect and admiration he had for Guo Tu to be tarnished by the pleading words he showed before him..

The words of his partner were welcomed and surprised that he did not speak while in audience with his father, however, as he stated a simple bodyguard knowing his own place. Allowing a sigh to escape his lips, Liu He glanced to Puyang with a somewhat odd smirk upon his expression. "If I only I could dissuade him, I have heard much of Yuan Shao and those who follow him; to be in such a company...away from the sychophants of the Liu kinsmen." Another sigh. The young Liu was tired of the State of Han and even more tired of those who constant attempted to gain favour from those of the Imperial Clan..it drained all from him. "My father would have already put the motions of battle into its processes. Such a temper we have never seen on him, one that we do not know how to handle; thus, we must also prepare for war." It was clear that He did not wish to take a sword upon Yuan Shao, but in actual fact had aspirations to serve him; though filial piety was of greater worth than gaining rank for another..

"I shall have you withdraw from the city and returned safely to your lands. Inform your Liege to prepare for battle.." A look of hopeless fate was upon the young man's face, the words that left leaving a bitter taste on the palate. "You can go freely, for no one other than my father, Wei You and a few officials know of your punishment; I shall inform my father that it was carried out... You must leave quickly, to bring a new life for the people of Ji; when you arrive I shall escort them to the outskirts of Jinyang for safety." Gestures were now used to make sure they left as soon as possible, not wishing them both to be discovered by his father, or the advisor Wei You. They had no true Generals upon their side, though there was rumour that Gongsun Yue had made it out alive and was lingering within the city. A noble thing this boy wished to do before battle claimed his being, to save the many before his father drove the city into chaos...

[Gryffin]

Guo Tu immediately composed himself, wiping the crocodile tears from his face in a quick motion and standing up.

"I thank you for your generosity, sir. It's a pity your father doesn't have your sense." He scowled and turned to leave. As he did, Puyang winked at Liu He.

"Thanks fer that, sir. Really appreciate it. See ya around." Puyang turned to follow Guo Tu, who was mumbling angrily to himself as the pair exited the chamber. At this point Puyang had relaxed, and he nodded at the guards he passed with a grin. "Hope yer ready for a tussle, boys. Seems yer boss has some fight left in 'em. Pity people're gonna have to die, though..." He whistled to himself as they made their exit.

[Emperor Feng]

Rewards

+ Guo Tu leaves Ji without recieving the 75 lashes.

+ Puyang Gan leaves Ji without recieving the 25 lashes.



It's a pitiful reward, however, it is more than a simple 'fail'. Preparations for an eventual war no doubt.

[Gryffin]

These rewards please me greatly. Especially the part where I don't get hurt.