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Post by Curty Burty (Hao Zhao) on Aug 11, 2008 9:52:06 GMT -5
"Hmm usually when someone recieves a compliment in reflecting them as a liege they tend to do fake modestyand brush it off as false. Yet you on the otherhand do not even make the slight remark or hint of fake modesty. RAther unusual to see from a ruler yet also rather comforting though since to deny such things can spread doubt in the lords capabilities. In your choice of answer is also wise rather than just settle for appeasing the peoples worries you do not aim just to sweep away those that are threats to you but take all the land. *
Hao Zhao wondered for a second if that should actually worry in the future since the man had such an ambition it would no doubt cause the chaos to increase rapidly but quickly decided it was nothing to be worried. Cao Cao was certainly coming across as worthy and capable which meant that chaos would naturally increase around him regardless. Serving this man would no doubts be worthwhile but first Hao Zhao had others he had to visit.
"Just your words alone make you appear to be highly capable and a worthy ruler however i am afraid i will not be requesting to be permitted into your services just yet however much you may wish for it. I still have others that i deem might be capable for me to visit before i completely make up my mind. However I am quite sure that we shall indeed meet again soon as I intend on joining the battle against Ma Chao since so many lords will be there it is an excellent oppertunity for me to see those who are worthy and those who are not. I trust i will see you there and with that i bid your farewell for the time being and thank you for taking the time to see me Lord Cao Cao."
With that Hao Zhao bowed to the man and walked out of the main palace and down the steps retrieving his horse from the Guard. With a brief nod of thanks to the man he mounted his horse and rode back through the city, out of the gates and headed west.
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Post by Sun Bofu on Aug 21, 2008 17:54:52 GMT -5
This RP: In the past
Sun Ce was once a high and noble figure within the Sun Family and indeed the country he helped found, Wu. For many years he had took up his sword and laid claim to many victims, however fate had a strange way of telling stories, and Sun Ce's was indeed one of the most perplexing...
He had no true idea what happened. One moment he was fighting for Wu, trying to expand his territory when all went blank. Was he hit by some kind of object from the enemy? Was he hit by his own forces? Or was it some kind of internal injury that had decided in the midst of battle to show itself. None could tell him the answer, his memory only starting as he wandered the central plains, dressed in his battle gear, tattered and weather-worn.
"I told you what I want." Ce began speaking, pacing around the bloodied man whom he had recently overheard speaking about his sister. This was Xu Chang after all, and news of his sister was coming thick and fast. "So, where is she? Lady Sun."
Finally Bofu stopped before the man, kneeling down and with a tilt of the head assessed whether or not the man was quite battered enough to fear for his life. A subtle sigh was all the man needed to know his fate as Ce rose and landed a strong right hook to the man's jaw, sending the unfortunate Wei soldier's head rocketing to the right.
"Ahem." Ce casually cleared his throat. With a smile that on other days could be considered pleasant he spoke, but there was certainly a tint of crazy in his voice. "Ok, I don't think you quite grasp the situation you're in... right, you see this here?" Unseathing his dagger he held it in front of the man's face who immediatly cried out in fear. "Haha, I guess you do. Well..."
Before Ce could finish the man shouted out his answer. "The palace! She's with Cao Cao! P-please, I-I have a fami-" The man couldn't finish his answer and Ce quickly plunged his blade into the throat of the man, holding his head in place with his right hand. He added to the gore by pulling the blade out and pulling the body, tied to the chair over, head first into the stone floor.
What was he thinking as he changed his clothes and had a wash? Surely he should be furious, storming over there bloody and demand his sister return to Wu. Then again he wasn't in the grandest of mindsets, he'd after all just killed a man for little more than telling the truth, how was he going to react in front of Mengde? A man well known for lying through his teeth. In truth he wasn't sure...
He handed in his weapons, he even paid respects to the guards who were so well mannered and dressed. He moved further inwards until finally he reached the audience hall. Of course going forward like he was would immediatly let Cao Cao know who he was, and in this time of war and chaos that might not be the wisest of choices... then again what could Cao Cao do? Imprison him? Kill him? No, he couldn't for he had his sister who he must wish to keep under his control. Bofu had no reason to fear Cao Cao, not right now.
He brushed his hair out of the way of his handsome facial features as he made his entrance. His armour shon, freshly polished, and the fresh clothes had the trimming of the Wu forces. There was no doubt after reviewing his handsome face, his warrior-like physique and his charasmatic aura, that this was Sun Ce, sister of Sun Shang Xiang.
"Lord Mengde." He spoke with the common courtesy of respect. He was currently unreadable, even for a master like Cao Cao, for his had no rightful idea how he would react, was he pleased? was he angry? "I have come to offer my blessing, though I cannot offer it on behalf of Wu." What was he doing? This must surely be quite the surprise to Cao Cao and even more for Sun Shang Xiang.
"In case my appearance and voice alone does not allow you to give me a name, I am Sun Ce of Wu, son of Sun Jian and brother to Sun Shang Xiang." He rose from his bowed position. "I do not wish to ask of Xiang's return, I come of my own free will. Indeed not even Zhou Tai or my mother know of my return, nor of me being in your fine palace." He turned his head to his sister who was sat next to her lord, and then back to Mengde, a smile on his face. "While I have no diplomatic business here, I would be most obliged if you grant me some few days to catch up with my sibling."
He bowed once more, hoping to catch a glimpse of Cao Cao's confusion, or whatever other expression he may show. Bofu was much like Cao Cao in many ways, especially these days.
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Post by Cao Cao on Sept 5, 2008 3:05:35 GMT -5
Mengde, Lord of Wei
Mengde was talking quietly with a few of his advisor's as a palace guard burst through the doors announcing the coming of someone, who he thought might be Sun Ce... Or Sun Quan. The man wasn't sure. With swift orders to the man, Cao ordered up fifteen of his guards to come quickly, and 'escort' the Wu noble into his court.
Sun Ce, as he so proudly declared himself, stood before him, asking for time to see his sister. Cao Cao couldn't help but think the man had only come to talk Xiang into leaving Wei, and heading back to Wu. That was one thing that Mengde would not allow. Sun Shang Xiang was a dangerous woman, better to have her at his side, than at Wu's.
"Lord Bofu, your reputation as a bold warrior is well received here. You even look part, which some of the great warriors of today fail to do." Mengde stood up form his throne and began to descend the stairs. "I must though, admit that I am skeptical that you come without order's from Wu." He began to approach Ce, Mengde was unarmed, and he himself didn't fear anything from Bofu. For one he had his guards, and second, it would cost him his sisters life if he tried anything. "I shall grant you time to see your sister. First though, allow me to take you on a small tour of Xu Chang. Seeing as how you will be staying here, it be best that you get to know how the city is layed out."
Mengde spoke to, and acted as, in front of Sun Ce, as he would a very close friend. Cao Cao hoped he could perhaps, sway Ce's loyalty's somewhat.
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Post by Kyle on Sept 6, 2008 4:42:40 GMT -5
It seems that both my father, Qian, and my brother, Zheng, have left this world. I am now in control of my family's households. I care not for such responsibility, but I must protect them, as is my duty to them. I hope that I shall find a safe place among the ranks of Lord Mengde; otherwise, we will have to move once again.
Mancheng was deep in thought as he approached the palace guards. There was still a lot to be considered, his decision to offer what little assistance he could, and to find refuge in Cao Cao's forces was one that was made rather hastily. Well, at least to someone as cautious and wary as himself. Much to Mancheng's dismay, he had not the time to think it over to the point of his own satisfaction. Mulling over things too long in the present time was not a wise move, inaction would lead to one's own misfortune, or even worse, destruction. The burden was great, considering he had been thrust into the leadership of his family, but the young scholar would try his damnedest to support them, to bring them prosperity -- no matter what the cost.
The guards were alert, ever-vigilant at their posts, waiting for Mancheng to state his business, an apprehensive expression across their faces. Mancheng sighed slightly and then cleared his throat, he didn't like dealing with men trained to kill, even over a misspoken word; the slightest of mistakes. "Greetings, I have come today to meet with the lord of this palace, Cao Cao. I have a proposition for him that he might find interesting. My name... is Li Dian, I have come with my family and the households which we posses. I seek this audience on behalf of all of them."
Mancheng sighed once more, this time more heavily than the first. He was relieved that he had gotten at least a small portion of the politics out of the way. He hoped that his words were sufficient enough to allow him to be brought into the presence of the famous Mengde. And certainly hoped that they were sufficient enough to keep his family, and himself out of danger. He waited nervously, though, this was not apparent in his expression; yet perhaps in his words, for the guards to respond.
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Post by Cao Cao on Sept 7, 2008 22:59:23 GMT -5
The palace guards looked sideways at Li Dian. For one to show up in such a manner, and to look so disheveled, had become uncommon. They ushered him through, and to the audience hall of the palace.
Lost in thought, the Wei lord was mentally startled when the arrival of Li Dian was announced. Hopefully such tidings could only bring good news. Wei was surrounded by potential enemies, and at this time, they were one of the weaker powers.
"Li Dian. I have heard much of your family. I hold them in high esteem." Cao Cao paused to look Dian over. "Why does such a family come to me in such a state?" Mengde sat back and awaited Mancheng's response.
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Post by Kyle on Sept 8, 2008 1:59:37 GMT -5
Mancheng followed the guards into the throne room where Cao Cao was located, the ambitious man sitting before and above him. Mancheng wondered what could be going through the mind of a man in a position such as his; surrounded by very powerful political states. It was a wonder that Wei was even still around. Mancheng had come to Cao Cao's lands for just that very reason: despite the fact that they were a small state in the middle of much larger, more powerful ones, they were still an independent state. This reflected well on Mengde and his few officers, and caused Mancheng to have a curious admiration for them.
Perhaps he was going out on a limb, a very thin, flimsy limb, by coming to offer his family's services to Cao-Wei. But he was too far in to turn back now. Whatever happened now, was unavoidable. Whether it be good or bad... unfortunately Mancheng was no good at that sort of thinking. He preferred things to have an outcome of definitively good, or definitively bad, at least then there was no room for second-guessing the situation.
When Lord Cao spoke, Mancheng was ashamed when the state of his family was brought up. He had failed, it seemed, in keeping his worries and stresses from being present externally. Most people in his position would, he was not even in his twenties, yet his father and brother had both departed for the afterlife, and left him in charge of the entire Li family clan. It was something that a scholarly young man would never wish for, but he had taken it in stride, and tried to pull everything together. It was the best he could do coming to Cao Cao, and even that was an uncertain decision.
Mancheng pulled himself out of his jumbled and chaotic thoughts, trying to find the words to best explain the situation to the man before him. I suppose I should start from the beginning. I hope that Cao Cao is as I remember him being. I hope he won't view my offer as more of a burden than an advantage.... No, I cannot allow him to think that; it is my duty, my only duty in the world, to lead my family to prosperity. Even in this hellish world, otherwise, I will have failed the two men I admired most in my life.
Mancheng straightened his posture, changing his expression to that of someone who felt absolute about themselves. He would have to make his facade appear to be reality, he could not show weakness in front of a man such as Cao Cao; a man who capitalized on the weakness of others. "Lord Cao, I am honored to be allowed audience with you. I am Li Mancheng, I have come to you, to both seek your assistance, and in turn assist you in your endeavors.... My family, who has served the Han, and resisted the evils of the eunuchs and Dong Zhuo in this region, have entered into a precarious situation. My father and brother, I believe you know both, had wished for our family to remain autonomous, though, they have in essence served you on several different occasions. Even I have ridden out with them to assist in battles against the various enemies of yourself, and your state..."
Mancheng paused there, trying to keep his composure, trying to make sure his voice still contained feigned confidence... trying to keep his plaintiveness at bay. Straightening up once more, he continued, "...I regret to inform you that both Qian, my father, and Zheng, my brother, have left this world. My father from age, and my brother from illness. Now I, though still young, have been put in charge of my family and the households therein. My attempts at keeping my family safe had been enough to allow us to continue to live a peaceful, prosperous life, but things have now changed. The emergence of bandits much greater in number and resources than our own forces, famine, and the recent egress of illness have turned our situation dire. It was all I could do to take us to your borders, and now I must ask if you would allow us to reside within them. I would not have come to you if I did not think you a virtuous enough man to accept, and if I did not have any other recourse.
"In exchange for your assistance, I offer you what talents I posses. I have read the Spring and Autumn Annals several times, and I am not of little learning. I admit that I have little experience on the field of battle, though. This does not mean that I am not willing to learn, to grow from experience. That is a scholar's forte, after all. And of course, my family and households will be willing to earn their keep. I am of the firm belief that my offer will bolster your forces, even if only by a lesser margin, I still believe it to be an advantage for the both of us. Lord Cao, I place my family's future in your hands, and wish to help you in achieving yours. May I ask my Lord's thoughts on my proposal?"
After he had finally finished his rather loquacious oration, Mancheng bowed low to Mengde, and once again nervously awaited the reaction of Wei.
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Post by Cao Cao on Sept 9, 2008 2:14:43 GMT -5
Aquila non capit muscam
Cao Cao sat silent for a short while after Li Dian had spoken. He pondered several things. Not the least of which was Manchang himself. The man was obviously distressed. Even his speech just now, indicated so. Finally Mengde spoke. "My condolences go to you fro your father and brother. I had met your father once or twice before, and he a just man. You brother I didn't know, but had heard of. Indeed you bring sad tidings with you Mancheng. Not all is lost however. You have come to me, and that is cause for celebration enough." Mengde stood and walked slowly toward Dian.
Cao was now about to take a chance on this man. "Come now Li Dian. Take a walk with me." Mengde motioned to the other to follow as he walked out the palace. The two men made their way through the palace gardens and all the while Mengde sat silent. Finally stopping beside a pond he looked into it. "On nearly all sides I am surrounded by large and powerful would be opponents. I have somehow managed to survive despite this. Wei has survived. Things are however, not going to remain as they have." He looked from the pond to Manchang, his face as stern as ever. "Indeed your coming does bode well for me though. My armies are currently situated in Wan, fighting since last I heard, to take the city. However, I do not wish for constant strife."
Now looking upward, the blue cloud dotted sky above,Mengde sighed. Indeed, to him it seemed as though the world were stacked against him. The other major contenders for power now had secure bases of power with which to assert their influence from, and Wei had nothing but Xu Chang. Mengde was determined to at least make himself a contender in this struggle.
HE quickly turned back on Manchang, a thought having just entered his head. "Manchang, I ask you to head north, to Luo Yang, and ask the current governor, or whomsoever may be in charge there, to surrender the city to me. Should you do so, I shall allow you to place your family within the care of Wei. Should you fail however, I ask that you return to Xu Chang, so that we may conquer the useless city." Mengde began to walk away, something about his step seemed to give off the idea that he was very excited. Perhaps this truly did signify an upswing in Wei fortune, or at least their aggressiveness.
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Post by Kyle on Sept 9, 2008 18:46:19 GMT -5
Mancheng followed after Cao Cao, his heart nearly leapt out of his chest with excitement when he heard Cao Mengde's offer. He could not wait to prove his worth to the man. His family would be saved, and he would have done his duty to his father and his brother. The young scholar did all he could to keep him excitement as contained as possible, though, the apparent stress that was upon him had obviously been lifted. Mancheng had always tried to mask his emotions, but it did not seem to work with a man as perceptive Cao Cao. this made Mancheng admire Mengde even more; a man of talent, and a man of kindness he was.
"Lord Cao, you honor me more than I deserve! I thank you immensely for your sympathies, and for your offer. I cannot explain to you how much this eases the woes of myself and my households. Long has our position been strenuous. As for Luo Yang, I would be honored to be able to visit the capitol, and even more so to be able to persuade the denizens of Luo Yang to clamor to your banner. I shall do my utmost to meet your expectations. I will leave immediately, and please ask whatever you wish or need from my family, they shall assist you in whatever ways they can."
Mancheng then bowed low to his now liege and sped off to inform those that relied on him of the good news, and to begin making preparations for his departure to Luo Yang. This was the beginning of Mancheng's rise to greatness; he could feel it.
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Post by Yu Jin on Sept 10, 2008 14:58:08 GMT -5
The Tiger finds his master
Yu Jin followed the two guards until they led him to where Cao Cao had been. The mere sight of Cao kept him in awe, a men who seemed to have come down from the Heavens themselves, he had a broad stature, a face as hardened as jade, a beard as black as raven's feathers, and a physique of the mightiest warrior.He seemed to even emanate a heavenly aura. Feeling overcome with courage he felt that now then and there he would lay down his life for the man.
Quickly he ran forward in front of the two guards and bowed heavily even going as far as placing his head on the ground. Then looking up he began speaking.
"Long Lord Cao have I heard your virtuous name spead throughout the realm, now I Yu Jin have come offering my meager self to serve a mighty warlord like yourself.
Once before I served your associate Bao Xin, under him though as kind of a man he was I felt unused. Now I come to see you and your mere prescence dwarves his and your accomplishments number far beyond his. Though my talents number few and pale in comparison to yours I wish to serve you till my last breath."
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Post by Cao Cao on Sept 10, 2008 22:01:09 GMT -5
Every Thing In Time
Of late Mengde's mood had been nearly ecstatic. Things were finally looking up for Wei. After so long of sitting the major conflicts out, not truly partaking in the expansionist attitudes of other regional lords, Wei finally ahd the chance. Men of renown and power had begun to come to Wei.
The latest being Yu Jin. To Mengde Jin looked like a warrior. A leader of man. To say the least, Cao Cao was impressed by the man's deference to himself. This one it seemed could be relied upon.
"Please stand Yu Jin. Here all officers are equal. Indeed I know of Bao Xin. I cannot say much for my accomplishments. Wei is small and weak, but with people like you at my beck and call, it shall not stay such for long." A small frown came over Mengde's face, and it left as quick as it had come. "At this time I do not have much to ask of you. Xu Changs defences however could use strengthening. So I ask of you to go out and aid the city workers in doing thier job."
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Post by Yu Jin on Sept 13, 2008 15:17:57 GMT -5
Yu Jin stood up and then bowed again. He had been given his first assignment and he knew even though it wasn't a very large mission he would still have to perform it to the best of his abilities.
"My Lord I shall do as you wish."
Yu Jin bowed once again and proceeded to leave.
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Post by Nü Wa on Sept 23, 2008 16:46:53 GMT -5
A woman of peerless beauty known as empress Nuwa, entered the room interrupting the Wei Lord Cao Cao and Yu Jin. Nuwa cat walked down the hall that had now become more of an ‘isle’. She looked to the sides to see all the Wei officers standing on the sidelines and then she looked in front of her. There, she saw her Cao Cao. Nuwa put her right hand to her hip and stared icily into Cao Cao's eyes. She waited to see what the Lord of Wei was going to say next.
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Post by Dian Wei on Oct 2, 2008 4:06:59 GMT -5
All who were in the audience hall were patiently awaiting the moment for Nu Wa to address her lord and explain him she what she was doing here. Instead of going directly to the point, she acted like a real princes and posed in quite an attractive stance. But no words rolled over her tongue and it was deadsilent in the hall. However, a light bumping could be heard coming from the palace halls, which seemed to only grow louder and louder. And before anyone could guess what was going on, the large doors of the audience hall blast open, two guards flying through the room and a large, angry looking warrior steps into the hall.
The eyes, full of anger and hatred, searched the hall until they finally met those of Cao Cao. The two guards finally fall to the ground and the unknown warrior goes to stand upright and seems to have found a way to control himself. Never had he been insulted like this before, two of such punks daring to refuse him entrance to see his future 'lord'.
"My name is Dian Wei. Cao Cao, I have come to serve you!"
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Post by Cao Pi on Oct 6, 2008 15:45:28 GMT -5
Cao Pi was not a great man. He was not to be counted amongst the Cao Cao's, the Sun Yuan Ci's, the Wei Yan's. No, not at all. if anything, he was to be counted amongst their sons, their cubs, who're were eagerly trying to live up to their father's names.
So, when news of Lord Cao's sickness reached his son's ears, who had been campaigning against barbarians in the north, he immediately returned, hoping to... 'assuage' his father's grief at not being able to rule his kingdom. Indeed, he had other intentions, but hell, why not take over a fully brimming kingdom in the mean time?
Entering the hall the first time in a long time, Cao Pi looked around. His father was not a modest man when it came to decoration, instead using a faux intimidation tactic when concerning bringing in foreign dignitaries, or even diplomats from the neighboring kingdoms. Pi himself had not seen such extravagance in many years, having been stuck in a yurt to the north for a long time.
However, Cao Pi returned bearing good news, news that the northern flanks were secure, and that he had won over the barbarians trust, even for but a small time. News had it that lord T'se of the neighboring kingdom had bandied together the entire northern lands in a bid to conquer China in his own name. Foolishly, Cao Pi's father had allowed this to happen, and had even encouraged, as had that old codger Gongsun Zan, who had taken to the field against Ma Chao.
~Stupid. He should've let the two duke it out before moving in with his own army. My father was weak.
I am strong.~
He gripped a hand on his swords, before walking completely to the throne where the ruler sat, taking his place there. His swords were laid so that one was on his right hand side, the other placed horizontally in front of him, a stance that would allow him to quick draw incase of an enemy assassin.
Around ministers went about the daily chores of preparing figures and taking estimates, all of which would need to be signed by Wei's ruler.
Cao Pi.
Dian Wei was a tank of a man. He was renowned throughout the Wei lands as being a champion, and formerly was but a regular on the field of battle. However, news had come of his recent actions within the fight against Ma Chao, where he had held his own against a dozen soldiers, managing to come out of it the only one unscathed.
He now stood in the audience hall of Wei, demanding that Cao Cao take him in. Pi merely smiled, and spoke.
"Lord Wei, I am Cao Pi, son of Cao Cao, and current ruler of Wei while my father is sick. I would be honored to have you in my stable of officers. Your duty shall be as a bodyguard, as I know your tenacity, and have heard stories of your might.
Please, take up residence in this hall, and be the first to greet any who wish to see me."
Cao Pi hoped his strong, yet supple voice would be enough to sooth the man from killing any more of Pi's guards.
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Post by Nü Wa on Oct 7, 2008 17:13:00 GMT -5
Nuwa was distracted by all of the comotion that was going on while the warrior known as Dian Wei entered the room Nuwa sensed that he would be a very valuable member to the kingdom of Wei.
As he calmed calmed down Nuwa crossed her arms and slowly walked towards Dian Wei.
"Relax Dian Wei..." Nuwa said softly. She mysteriously knew his name but will never state how. Nuwa asked the guards to release him, and then she then she smiled lightly.
"I trust you will be a great officer for the future of the Kingdom of Wei."
Nuwa ran her fingers through her hair and looked back to find Cao Cao but he was not there, instead it was his son Cao Pi, the Prince Of Wei.
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