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Post by Cao Cao on Aug 6, 2008 8:46:26 GMT -5
There was the final piece to the shift Cao Cao had planned. The crumbling of the Han, the weakening of Wu, an alliance with Sun Yuan Ci, the rally of brutal warriors under his command, and now, the conception of a historical child. The bloodline of Cao and Wu had been mixed, the great family of China now was a part of one of the most contemporary influential names in the country. Politically a great victory was won at this moment, and paved the way for a more literal success, the first steps in a long road to full unification under Wei’s banner. Mengde’s heart raced with anticipation.
This was not just another child to Cao Cao, this was a true legacy that was growing before his eyes. A sinister grin crossed his lips, not one entirely of joy, but of his usual shrewd ambition. He took his princesses arm, and pulled her down to the seat next to him, caressing it keenly, his eyes filled with excitement, briefly ignoring the armoured man in the chamber with them. He now had to ensure the safety of this woman more than ever, at least for the next several months..
Quickly he changed his sinister grin to one of compassion and love, not wanting to let his other motives surface too blatantly to the mother of his future. Speaking softly, he showed his delight.
“The child will grow to be the future of this country my lady, our country! Now we must take things easy, and slowly..” His words caressed away any of the worries the young Sun girl may have had, while his hand continued to smooth down her arm, giving her the physical comfort she would soon undoubtedly require. By this time, the man known as Shredder had stormed out of the palace, damaging the walls with his fury, and even making a threat to Mengde before leaving. The Wei lord was genuinely perplexed by these actions; his questions were ones of caution, ones that would need to be asked of any such man walking into his palace. His eyebrow was raised, before again he spoke, as if for once seeking knowledge and answers from someone else.
“Such a strange and angry man.. It would be best to be careful of his future actions.” He turned his head back to the lady Sun, quickly letting the smile raise to his lips. Cao was clueless of his identity, but even with his armour, the “Shredder” could not hide his familiar voice to his own sister.
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Post by Mr Nor on Aug 6, 2008 15:37:08 GMT -5
The doors to the audience hall opened, and through them walked the ruler of Wu. A freshly bloodies sword was sheathed at his side, and his battle armor was adorned. As he walked, he and some warrior bumped shoulders. He would have been angered that he did not move for a lord, but he had more pressing issues. As he looked back at the man, there was something strangely familiar about him...
Then he saw something he truly was familiar with. Miss Sun Shang Xiang, standing near her new lord. Again, a sight that would normally anger him, but she was dead to Wu now. She, to him... was nothing. As he walked forth, he walked slowly and methodically, looked at Cao Cao, not even acknowledging the presence of SSX. When he neared the throne, he bowed low and respectfully.
"My lord Cao Cao, it is with great honor I arrive in Xu Chang, but with great displeasure about the reason. I am sure you are fully aware of the actions of an officer of yours, correct? A strange, black-lipped creature? Who attempted to raid a bordering town of mine." he said ignoring SSX very existence. After all, why acknowledge a traitor? She was lucky he didn't try and cut her down right there and then.
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Post by Xiahou Dun on Aug 6, 2008 16:40:02 GMT -5
Just after the arrival of the leader of Wu, Xiahou Dun entered behind him and approched Cao Cao. Passing by the man as he spoke and took a stance next to Cao Cao and turned to face the man speaking. He had a wish to hear what trouble his newest allied general had caused. Dun had been informed as to the army's counter movements and how they rode to Xu Chang immedaitly.
He also had a small matter he should've adressed before with Cao Cao but it was personal and could wait now untill the had some privacy.
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Post by Sun Shang Xiang on Aug 6, 2008 16:57:56 GMT -5
(She didn't, I just called you Sun Ce in the narrative.)
Xiang sat down next to Cao Cao, smiling in true happiness as her lord carressed her arm. Fate was quite often strange at the best of times, but this was off the charts. Sun Shang Xiang, daughter of the Tiger of Jiangdong, Princess of Wu had started off trying to play Cao Cao at his own game and hurt Wei from the inside, but now she was entranced by his charisma and was now bearing his child. Wu and Wei would forever be linked by blood if she had the baby.
Her mind wandered from imagining the child as it grew up and how it would turn out, to the man in front of them. He spoke and suddenly one of Xiang's eyebrows raised in curiousity. Whilst the voice would be different to hide his identity there was an obvious hint of a southern accent to it, one so similar to Ce she could only wonder, especially with him being no stranger to these halls and sneaking in. She would have called out his name but he quickly departed, perhaps seeing her reaction and how close she was to discovering his true identity.
The young Princess of Wei sighed gently, relaxing as she leant back in her chair before suddenly returning up right. Coincidence? Zhou Tai, temporary ruler of Wu had suddenly appeared only moments after who she believed may have been Sun Ce left. She didn't look too pleased as she turned her head away in slight disgust for the man she had once called her friend.
"Who attempted to raid a bordering town of mine."
The words from Zhou Tai made her growl a little, audible only to her closely positioned lord. She turned her head, putting on a smile, rivaling even her Lord's ability to be devious and fraudulent when she wanted to. She wanted to make him admit she was there before him, she wanted him to know she could go back to Wu if she liked and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it, she wanted him to know she could potentially unite the two nations together by her very name, after all he wasn't the real ruler of Wu, now was he.
"That Mortiss attacks my land!? How terrible! Besides this foul act I am sure my Lord will deal with in due time, how is my fair lands of Wu fairing under your dictatorous rule, Zhou Tai." She rose from her seat, stepping down towards her former officer knowing he would have been disarmed by the guards before he would be allowed entry... he was no true threat to her. "I wonder sometimes if you're capable of defending my lands. If you keep on showing your lack of worth I may just have to come down there and take the leadership off you. You may think you can call for my arrest, but the people will not so easily turn their back on their Princess... No they won't, so I suggest you leave before that monster returns and finishes what he started, with you the victim."
Giving a glare of annoyance and knowing her Lord did not wish for a war with Wu for the time being she resisted making anymore threats or comments and moved away. She would not sit next to her Lord until Zhou Tai left. She gave a stern look and crossed her arms, there she was the picture of her old self back in Wu, showing she was still the daughter of Sun Jian, and the Sun name would always be too great a power for the likes of Zhou Tai to contend with in the southern lands, he should well know of the danger Xiang posed if she were to return and attempt to gain the people's favour.
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Post by Mr Nor on Aug 6, 2008 17:16:41 GMT -5
"Hm...? Who are you? I don't even recognize you. Please, allow the grown-ups to talk, miss. I do believe you interupted your elders." he said, not looking at her. Then, he sniffed the air. "Wait, I... do I smell traitor? It must be Sun Shang Xiang." he said, still not looking at her. "And you know NOTHING of the people anymore. A dictatorous rule, you say...? Again, you know NOTHING. I never called for your arrest, because acknowledging you in Wu is to great an honor. your name is simply taboo. Now, were what I before I was so rudely interupted... Ah, yes. Lord Cao Cao and I were having a civil discussion over an uncivil topic." he said, nostrils flaring. He calked himself, and returned all his focus to Cao Cao, the only person, other than his cousin who just appeared, in the room who mattered.
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Post by Cao Cao on Aug 6, 2008 17:48:47 GMT -5
The daring raid of Wu by the evil and impure creature Mortiss was an idea that had not struck the ever keen ears of Xu Chang’s palace, only now were most of its inhabitants enlightened to the news, like a big wave of knowledge washing over them. Many of the servants broke out into their usual gossip, the humming buzz of whispers spreading faster than a disease, with all eyes now pointed towards Cao Cao, keenly awaiting their lords response. Mengde however had neither a look of shock or pleasure presented on his visage, he merely stared down at Wu’s de facto leader, began to scan the man with his piercing eyes.
Briefly Mengde turned his head up to his side, spotting his cousin, Xiahou Dun, standing beside the throne valiantly. It had been many weeks since the great lord and the equally great general had exchanged words upon recent matters, and Cao Cao was all too keen to discuss some private matters with him. The more prominent issue however was there as a threat in his palace, the powerful and intelligent Zhou Tai, who by now had various guards aiming their spear tips at him, though still keeping a few feet away from the man, always obeying their lords command. As Cao sat up in his chair, preparing to speak, he felt the lady Sun’s arm slip out from under his grasp, and interrupt his prepared riposte.
The girls fiery attitude shined through once again, flaring brightly like a newborn star, expressing the her fury at her old kingdom, fury that Cao Cao had created and fuelled. A sinister grin crossed the lords lips as he watched her bark threats and orders at her former kinsman; he sat for a brief moment revelling in the drama and chaos that was unfolding, only he knowing whether the raid on Wu was planned or not. After a quick thought, Cao rose from his throne, swiftly grabbing the young Sun girl by the shoulder, and pulling her back slowly to her seat. He leant in and caressed her ego with his soft whispers, almost purring everything she wanted to hear.
“Think of the baby my dear.. Don’t let this usurper of the throne get the better of you.” By then Tai had begun his own rant of insults towards Wei’s princess, going so far as to label her as nothing, and a traitor. A deep frown formed in Cao’s brow, as he pulled harder to drag lady Xiang back to her chair, to stop her from launching herself at Tai’s insults. Mengde however had far greater control over his emotions, and, taking a brief moment to collect himself, the lord lightly scuffed down his oriental robes, before shooting another piercing glare in the direction of Wu’s makeshift leader.
“You men of Wu do enjoy bursting into my palace. First I apologise for Mortiss’ actions; if they are indeed true, I shall have him lashed accordingly. I would not wish for unwanted company on my lands either.” A certain slyness formed to Cao’s visage following this comment, it was clear he was playing yet another dangerous game with the situation, but would quickly form himself back to the civilised, political matters that were being discussed. “I shall not give you any more than the promise that this black lipped creature will be tamed shortly. You’ll receive little else from me, commander, consider us even under your companions actions of bursting into my private chambers.”
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Post by Sun Shang Xiang on Aug 6, 2008 18:04:41 GMT -5
Xiang stood firm as she waited for the reply from Zhou Tai. She expected him to at least show some kind of fear or worry about her threats, and was fully surprised when he hit back at her in a most infuriating manner. Her eye turned into a deeper glare, as if insanity suddenly struck the former Wu girl, it was as if Lu Bu had somehow possessed her and was ready to strike out towards the Wu leader.
"You'll be NOTHING when you're lying dead on the floor!" She retorted and span around to the guard to the side of her, grabbing his dagger from his waist, unsheathing it in one quick motion and head towards Zhou Tai. Suddenly she felt someone stop her, amazed her Lord would get involved, usually he loved her fiery nature, then she remembered the child inside of her and dropped the dagger.
she was sat back down, her anger completely disappearing as her hormones played havoc with her head. She suddenly felt incredibly alone at remembering her former home of Wu, the knowledge that her brother and mother were firmly against her, and that she was seen as nothing but a whore to those who used to be her family and friends. It brought a tear to her eyes and she had to look away, bringing her spare hand up to shield her eyes as best she could from Zhou Tai and Cao Cao seeing it.
In some aspects it was a good thing, it would give Zhou Tai a degree of satisfaction knowing he had gotten to Xiang and made her feel some kind of sadness about the situation, in that respect he might feel he had gotten his revenge of Wei and could feel able to withdraw back to Wu with some sort of victory.
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Post by Mr Nor on Aug 6, 2008 18:53:47 GMT -5
"Please, Princess of Wei, watch where you point that thing. You'll poke an eye out, or even worse for you, I will be forced to defend myself." he said. He knew Sun Shang Xiang was aware of his prowess with a blade. He hoped she wouldn't take him up on his offer of provoking his anger further, as killing the Princess of Wei would surely not help his motion in any way.
Zhou Tai closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I meant to send you a letter, but I suppose now is as good of a time as any to sincerely apologize for my apprentices... excessively rash actions. When I asked him to retrieve Sun Shang Xiang, I was unaware of your relatonship with Wu's ex princess. I am assuming that buldge in your stomach is a baby and not lack of training, so... I wish you both luck with that. As for the troops, I was in quiet the rush to arrive here, and they all followed my position... I realize that a cavalry outside your main gate is probably not the most diplomatic thing to arrive with, and I apologize for that." he said as he opened his eyes. He used his hands when he spoke to keep them away from his blade; he did not want to seem threatening in any way right now, for the matter at hand was important. "Although the raid on Wu is not exactly a peace offering, you looked as if you genuinely had no knowledge of the attack, so I will not in any way mobilize Wu. In fact, this may sound absurd considering your officer's actions, but I would like to propose an alliance... at least for the time being." Zhou Tai said, again ignoring SSX's presence. "It seems, to me, that we have, at the present, a common enemy in Ma Chao. If all goes well, and we succeed in bringing Ma Chao to justice, I would sincerely enjoy a longer alliance with Wei.
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Post by Xiahou Dun on Aug 6, 2008 19:11:54 GMT -5
OOC: pardon the total crap quality, I was making a post but norion posted first and I had to change alot >.<
The ladies lashing out at Zhou Tai was to be expected, Zhou Tai's response was also something to be expected but when the lady Shang Xiang lunged forward Dun began to make a move to stop her but Mengde beat him to it. His hand had almost slipped onto his scimitar but it didn't, he did however watch closely the hands of Zhou Tai incase anything should ferment of the situation. Though the gaurds in the room would be a deturent for any man Dun knew of the reputation Zhou Tai grew out of the fighting done with Dong Zhou's forces.
However Zhou Tai was more relaxed then Dun thought he could be, and came back with a counter offer for a much more diplomatic and peacefull solution.
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Post by Cao Cao on Aug 7, 2008 18:07:28 GMT -5
A frown was still deeply formed in the brow of lord Cao Cao, who, slowly sitting back onto his throne, continued to eye the mighty Wu general, and analyse every word he said. Fury slowly began to bubble like a cauldron at his core, as Zhou Tai issued a snide threat to the Wei princess; whether Mengde was more offended by the damage it could do to the girl herself, or the baby she was carrying, would remain unknown, but slowly, Cao Cao began to flex his fingers, briefly eyeing several of the guards around the room. This would often be enough of a signal, but bloodshed today would be halted by the Wu generals next words.
They were soaked with apology and reverence, almost dripping in respect, a notion that Cao Cao had grown well accustomed too, and indeed, heavily enjoyed. The man spoke of Zei Fang, the brash warrior whom had stormed into the private chambers to steal away the lady Xiang. He then mentioned Mengde’s unborn child, and gave his luck to the very essence of Wei’s legacy. It may have been coated with sarcasm, but Cao would not care, even false words of respect proved to him that a man is often forced into making such comments based on the situation. Then the warrior mentioned that the raid on Wu was unplanned.. And a brief, devious smirk played across the Wei lords smile.
Soon however it changed to fear, as the name of the commander of the Golden Horde was once again uttered within the palace of Xu Chang. Mengde felt sickened that Mengqi would yet again have his presence within these walls, and a slight grimace showed to all, if only briefly, the disgust and abhorrence Cao felt about the man. It was accompanied by a strange offering of peace, and, pouncing upon the opportunity, he soon gave his response.
“An alliance against the villainous and dangerous Ma Chao would serve both of out interests for the time being, lord Tai. As for the future I make no promises, as first China’s future may be at the hands of this northern warlord. I advise you take your cavalry home, and prepare them for the worst.” Cao lowered his hand, resting both of his arms on the sides of the throne, and gave little other words for Zhou Tai to enjoy. A brief nod would be enough for the two commanders to part their ways, Mengde himself turned his head from one side to the other: first to his princess, the lady Sun, and then to his cousin, lord Dun. He had his family as strength, constantly by his side, ever projecting an image of unity and power. Cao smirked once more, and awaited Zhou Tai’s departure.
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Post by Mr Nor on Aug 8, 2008 11:49:50 GMT -5
((Need to do this fairly fast. Sorry for shortness.))
Zhou Tai nodded to Cao Cao. "Lord Cao Cao, I applaud your choice not taking my head to the block, for it shows even in times of anger, one such as you can make perfectly rational decisions, and I respect that. I wait fighting along side the great land of Wei against the devious Me Chao. Good Day to you, sir." he said, nodding to Cao Cao and then to Dun. His gaze landed on SSX, and his eyes showed no emotions. Only the Gods would know what he was thinking when he looked away. Then, he muttered five words only audible to SSX before he departed.
'Your father would be ashamed..."
Then, he took his leave of Wei, mounted his horse, and wordlessly led the Tiger Cavalry of Wu back home, to prepare them for War.
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Post by Curty Burty (Hao Zhao) on Aug 9, 2008 11:14:55 GMT -5
Hao Zhao was riding on horseback through the city, all the while taking careful note of how happy they seemed to be but at the same time he could see what seemed to be a hint of being troubled in them. When he eventually arrived at the main palace he dismounted his horse and left it under the care of one of the guards outside before proceeding up the steps and into the Audience Hall part of the Main Palace.
He took a quick glance around while proceeding to where he could see Cao Cao, who didn't seem to be in too much of a good mood going by his facial expression aswell as rather troubled just like the civillians in the city. Hao Zhao gave a bow to the man before speaking.
"It is an a honour to meet you Lord Cao Cao, I called Hao Zhao. I originally came here to see what kind of a man you are and if you are worthy enough in this time of chaos for my services, however before we get to that would you mind if I was to ask what it is that seems to have both you and your people troubled? Forgive me if i sound out of place and rude."
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Post by Cao Cao on Aug 9, 2008 19:36:16 GMT -5
The great mind of Mengde, which would so usually be filled with machiavellian thoughts of shrewd ambition, manipulation, and sinister aspiration, was at the present time wracked with anxiety and fret. The Hero of Chaos was battling his own anarchy deeply set within his mind, and the mood of the people shifted with that of their lords. As darkness loomed over his own thoughts, so too did the city of Xu Chang fall under depression and unsettlement, its darkest corners revealing themselves in this perfect moment. Ironically, the city itself was a big a schemer as its lord.
Adorning his now somewhat trademark frown, Mengde stared down at the velvety carpet before his throne, lightly taking notice of the crimson stain that Mortiss once left. His fingers rapped against the edge of the arm rest, and as the guards brought forth a new man into the audience hall, Cao did little to correct his dull posture, only let out a weak sigh at the thought of being made to talk. When the man showed his intrigue in Cao’s name however, the lord sat up somewhat, his own curious smile returning to his pierced lips, continuing to rise as this man pried into the cause of Xu Chang’s blight. Tilting his head somewhat, Mengde gave an equally intrigued response.
“The hearts of my people fall low due to the chaos we all suffer, lord Hao Zhao. They know war is imminent, and they are also fearful of constant threats; indeed, we all, as men, must deal with them. Tell me, what would you advise as a solution to the chaos?” The questioner was now the one facing the queries, as Cao turned his attention to the man’s mindset. A right mind was the key to any solution, and indeed integral to any soldier - get the head right, and the rest will follow. Mengde’s tone remained reverent through his brief speech, and seemingly wanted to accommodate Hao Zhao’s offer of servitude. The question posed was merely for Cao’s own intrigue.
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Post by Curty Burty (Hao Zhao) on Aug 10, 2008 8:48:34 GMT -5
"That is a simple answer. Before the chaos comes to the people of your great city in the form of war I would first strike that chaos of war in the hearts of those that will be the ones to bring it to your city. In this case i would say Ma Chao if i am correct in thinking he is the one that is causing you this anxiety. For a complete solution to the chaos is only one answer but that is the one that will bring the hardship and troubles onto the people. For that you would have to conquer and unify the land once again. Though i am quite sure that a man of your intelligence has already figured this out a long time ago, no?"
Hao ZHao smiled and could tell quite plainly from the simple question that Cao Cao was interested in his services although Hao Zhao was not intent on entering in to service just yet as he did have a few others he would like to meet with beforehand he did not let on about this to Cao Cao just yet. He felt it would be much better if he allowed this to continue and see if he couldn't get to know the kindof lord that Cao Cao was in a time of Chaos. One thing he could tell so far however was that this man was certainly giving the impression of being capable and worthy so far.
"So then Cao Cao answer me this. Which solution do you prefer the simple yet uncomplete solution of simply attacking threats before they attack you or the complete solution of absolute unification under your banner? I already know which i would choose but i am rather interested in hearing your opinion Lord Cao Cao or should i say Hero of Chaos?"
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Post by Cao Cao on Aug 11, 2008 9:08:14 GMT -5
Cao Cao arched his brow further as Hao Zhao gave his response to his question. It was an intriguing, thought out response, coming from a man with clear experience in battle. The man seemed aware of the biggest players in this drama that was ancient China, knowing of the threat Ma Chao posed, and more importantly to Mengde’s ego, the level of intelligence the Wei lord possessed. Cao’s fingers continued to rap against the arm of the throne, as he tilted his head with a sly smirk upon his visage. After brief contemplation, the lord gave his response.
“Absolute unification under a single banner is always necessary, lord Hao Zhao. The lesser minded scum of this Earth all turn to opposite forces whenever they feel what they believe is not supporting their ideals - I propose eradicating the choice, and creating an efficient unity. Chaos will always continue while the people are unsure of what to do; give them one choice, and we shall have stability.” His tone was succinct and direct to the point, one would almost assume it was cold and unerring, but this was soon changed by Mengde’s next, quickly added words. “The will of the people always needs to be considered.. But the safety of the people is also of paramount importance.”
The Wei lord nodded, satisfied with his response, and also satisfied that Hao Zhao may be intrigued by the answer. Only time could tell if it was the right one.
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