Liu Ban
Private First Class
Take that, Liu Shan!
Posts: 23
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Post by Liu Ban on Sept 28, 2008 0:30:45 GMT -5
The young Liu listened to Zhang Fei's story as told by Jian Yuan. It would seem that General Zhang Fei, another uncle of Liu Ban had taken Xuande's death heavily and taken off in a fit of dark, vengeful rage.
After Yuan had concluded his statement, Ban turned to him and bowed, he then responded with the following words...
"I am equally honored to meet you, general, though you need not call me Lord. If it would not be too rude to ask, how are you coping with my Father's death, noble sir?"
Ban was hoping to make a respectable impression on one of his Father's retainers as it was important to gain the respect and support of his Father's people. It was only natural for Ban to respond with the utmost respect for his fellow speaker.
In truth, Ban was equally distressed about the fact that his father had died, yet Ban had never seen, nor met him.
With that, Ban awaited Jian Yuan's reply to Ban's question, he was also wary of any statements that Guan Yu or the Lady Qing may make.
Ban also felt slightly guilty that he had delayed the important meeting that General Guan Yu had organised. However, he also felt that the matters that Ban was attending to were equally important to the meeting.
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Post by Jian Yuan on Sept 28, 2008 0:50:25 GMT -5
Jian Yuan was astonished by the young lord's question, what will he answered about this? Jian Yuan was shocked and sad after he heard about Lord Liu Bei's death during in Yun Nan along together with Master Guan Xing.
" Lord Liu Bei was like a true ruler, and a father to me. I was in despair and furious about his death, like Master Zhang Fei did... But I know that bloodshed isn't the key to solve this problem, I've learned this during my time in School of Mo. We have to be strong, restore Shu Kingdom is the most important matter. I believed that our late Lord Liu Bei, Master Guan Yu would agree with this. After our kingdom is stronger, we can revenge our lord's death.
Jian Yuan was silence for a moment.
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Liu Ban
Private First Class
Take that, Liu Shan!
Posts: 23
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Post by Liu Ban on Sept 28, 2008 1:01:33 GMT -5
Ban nodded in approval to Jian Yuan's heartfelt answer to his personal question. Ban had felt the same way as Jian Yuan, Shu needed to be strengthened, and arriving at Cheng Du was the best thing that Ban could do to honor the memory of his Father.
"I am in complete agreement with you, Jian Yuan, the best way to honor my Father is to maintain Shu and fulfill his dreams of China's peace and the happiness of it's people."
He then looked out the window to the lifeless body of his father, tears started to form in Liu Ban's eyes and would have rolled down his cheeks if he hadn't rubbed his eye and kept it in check.
Jian Yuan's words had touched him, these were the wishes of his Father, and the Inherited Legacy that had been bestowed upon Ban. The dreams of his Father were truly generous, his Father was no ordinary, "Hero Of The People" Xuande was the real thing, the true definition of that dub.
A light had been lit in Liu Ban's heart, he would earn Guan Yu's trust and maintain his Father's battered Empire, however, for now, Ban would participate in military matters to show that he had what it takes to be a ruler from the Liu Family.
"Lord Guan Yu, may I take a seat? I wish to be present in this meeting..."
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Post by Mr Jiang Wei on Sept 28, 2008 1:08:14 GMT -5
It was something of an irony that Meng Jie had not yet entered the palace of Cheng Du. Here he had been in the service of his friend Jiang Wei for several months and never once had his duties led him to the administrative heart of the kingdom.
Not that he was complaining; Jie had spent the first half of his life as a Nanman warrior and the rest as a hermit studying the ways of the Han Chinese in the hopes of striking a balance between the two worlds that he could share with his kin in Nan Zhong.
It gladdened him to know that there was peace between the kingdom that had extended its influence to the south and the people that lived there. Only in blending together the strength and tenacity of their heritage with the civility and progressive notions of the northerners would the Nanman people be able to progress into the future.
Entering the main audience hall where Guan Yu, the sworn brother of the late Liu Bei was now preparing to assume the duties of his new station, Meng Jie waited patiently until he was addressed, not wishing to cause any more of a commotion then necessary.
After all, it was rare to find a Nanman in the palace...
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Liu Ban
Private First Class
Take that, Liu Shan!
Posts: 23
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Post by Liu Ban on Sept 28, 2008 2:03:20 GMT -5
Liu Ban noticed the number of Shu officers that seemed to be entering the room. He concluded with the fact that the meeting must be approaching quickly. Ban noticed a strange-looking officer had just entered the room, he looked like a native from the Nan Zhong tribes of Southern China.
He then gestured Jian Yuan for dismissal from their conversation. After doing so, Ban took a seat next to the Seat of Honor, that seat was reserved for Guan Yu. Ban clasped his hands on the table and silently awaited the arrival of the other Shu officers. Seating himself next to the seat of honor, he thought, may be able to help the officers to silently figure out who he was.
Once again, Ban wandered in his thoughts about the empire, how he would prove his heritage to Guan Yu and earn the respect of the other officers of Shu. There were so many things that Ban had to take in on one day.
He then acknowledged Meng Jie's existence...
"Good day sir, I am Lord Liu Ban of Xia Village, may I ask what your noble name is?"
Ban preferred not to say that he was a child of Liu Bei, because of the conflict it could cause and the confusion that could enter the people's hearts. The best thing Ban could do at this moment was to get to know the retainers of his Father.
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Post by Zhao Yun on Sept 28, 2008 8:20:07 GMT -5
Zhao Yun and Fei Yun arrived at the audience hall. He was still sad about Lord Liu Bei's death. As he continue to walk, he saw a man, quite familiar face but Zhao Yun was too sad to asked him, he just stand still and remained silent.
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Post by Mr Guan Yu on Sept 28, 2008 20:40:36 GMT -5
Guan Yu sat at the elevated back of the hall. The table was there, but the chair where the prefect sat was at the top of the small flight of stairs. When the others began to show up, Guan stood from his seat and descended the steps. He stood at the head of the table, looking to Xiaoli letting her know that she could fill in with the others, and he then looked to each officer present. Hm... where is lady Zhen Ji... Guan thought to himself. She was the only one who was not present that he did not know a reason for. It seems that Meng Jie has come in Jiang Wei's stead... and it looks like Zhang Bao has left with Fei.
Guan sighed and looked down for a moment, his eyes resting upon the oak table. He then looked back up to the men and ladies with a slight fire in his eyes. He stood straight, his chest out, and ran his hand through his beard again.
"Officers of Shu... Guest to the halls of Shu. I am sure you all have heard word of our Lord Liu Bei's assasination in Ye while attending the 'Peace' banquet held by Lord Sun of T'se. Anger and worry has spread through the lands of Shu... The people wish for an heir to our lord who can continue his dream... however... Our Lord's son, and direct heir, was the man who dealt the final blow, by slicing open his father's throat. That alone drives me to deny him any claim to the kingdom of Shu."
Guan took a minute to pause. He closed his eyes for a second and once he reopened them, he began again.
"Vengence... though truly wished for, can not be gained right now. Our numbers are few that is true, and we will need time. Allies. Supplies. I ask for you all to hold back any anger that you feel and think what is best for the people of Shu, as our lord would have..."
Now... the true controversy begins. Guan thought to himself as his eyes moved towards the boy who just recently arrived, claiming himself to be Liu Bei's son and rightful heir. Surely the boy knew that it would not be easy to do such a thing especially since such a thing happened.
"Now... the first thing... the People of Shu need a leader. We must give them one. We must discuss the heir of my brother. There is of course the prime minister... who is sick at the moment, Then.. there is my Brother Zhang Fei, or myself that will carry on his legacy.... Then... there is another. There is this boy."
Guan said as he held his hand towards the boy who sat at his right, Liu Ban.
"He claims himself to be the son of my Brother and Lord... Shall he take the title as ruler of Shu. Do any of you believe that one should take the title and calim? Speak now, tell me who you think should be the heir of Lord Liu Bei."
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Post by Mr Jiang Wei on Sept 29, 2008 0:27:45 GMT -5
It was sad and terrible news that he was all too familiar with, but Meng Jie still could not help but feel a pang in his stomach as he was reminded of the passing of Liu Bei. His grief was hardly of the same nature as that of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei... or perhaps even the lady Xiaoli Qing, but he was a servant of Shu and still mourned the passing of his lord all the same.
He had not responded to Liu Ban, but now Meng Jie found himself appraising the boy with his hazel eyes a bit more closely then before. Could it be that the young man was in fact a son? To be sure, those that carried the same family name could indeed be related to one another, but to make such an assertion seemed a bit forward.
"Forgive me, for speaking out of turn, Master Guan Yu," Jie began, clasping a fist with his hand and holding it out before his person as he bowed to the assembled crowd. Years of living amongst the Han had taught him the virtue of deference, but despite the modest tone issuing from his lips, his speech still carried the traces of an accent that would mark him as foreign for the rest of his days... that and the pronounced, bronze tint of his skin. "As a citizen of Shu I naturally have my spirit lifted at the news of a proper heir to the throne. I do fear, however, that not everyone will be as accepting as I am about such things. Perhaps if the young master would elaborate upon the circumstances of his claim, it might allow us to properly present the good news to the people so that all will join us in celebrating."
It was not the first thing he had wanted to say, but it was something that at least needed to be discussed. While the Prime Minister had no ambitions for the throne of Shu, he also had become far more wary of the supposed sons of Liu Bei. The army of Jiang Wei protected Cheng Du with strict orders to confront and repulse any envoy of T'se that did not present themselves in a respectful, proper manner at the gates and wait to be granted audience.
Of course, if he is a true son of Liu Bei, he is not the one that Jiang Wei was anticipating...
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Liu Ban
Private First Class
Take that, Liu Shan!
Posts: 23
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Post by Liu Ban on Sept 29, 2008 1:03:56 GMT -5
Ban listened thoroughly to Meng Jie's words, by the tone of his voice and the wording that he used, Liu Ban could tell that he had gained Meng's favor, he would definitely not abuse it...
He could also tell why Prime minister Jiang Wei had chosen Meng as a loyal retainer, his words carried thought and weight, and were not to be taken lightly.
In response to Meng Jie's statement, and reminding himself that this was a private meeting, Ban decided that it was now time to share his story. Ban hoped that his story would carry enough weight and logic to persuade the other officers of his legitimacy.
"If I may, Lord Guan Yu... "
Ban took a deep breath before beginning his speech, and gathered up all the thoughts of his childhood, and the facts that the kindly peasant from Xia Village had given him.
"My friends, I was born unto this world from a forgotten wife of our Lord Liu Bei..."
"Dong Zhuo, in his infinite tyranny had captured my mother and kept her as a slave..."
Ban took another deep breath before continuing with his story, he could see the interest that was in the officers' eyes... It somehow intimidated him.
"So, as fate would have it, I was born in Dong Zhuo's territory. "
"My mother feared for my life, so she organized a messenger to take the infant baby to Xia Village, where I was raised and trained..."
After concluding the story, Ban paused for a moment before continuing his statement...
"I am sorry, my friends for I may not be able to tell a story with great meaning... but I do know one, important thing..."
"My Father's last wishes were probably to keep his kingdom and it's people safe and happy. Without a leader, the people will most definitely become depressed and lonely... "
"So I, a petty figure in the midst of great generals offer myself for my Father's wishes and the good of the people...
He knew that his speech could definitely not match that of Meng Jie and Jiang Wei, and so looked down to the ground, somewhat ashamed about his weak speech.
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Post by Zhen Luo on Sept 30, 2008 3:17:28 GMT -5
Walks in "Sorry im late master Guan I has to do stuff at my home in Han Zhong"She bows then takes her seat.
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Post by Mr Jiang Wei on Oct 1, 2008 3:15:08 GMT -5
Listening obediently as the youth explain himself, Meng Jie could almost see his friend and master shaking his head. The Prime Minister would never acknowledge such a thing and the implications were harrowing. Indeed, already Liu Shan and his insanity was a great enough issue for the kingdom of Shu and Wei had been informed that while the boy was not truly sired by Liu Bei, he seemed convinced enough to cause problems.
And now this. To be a son... a hidden son would not only be hard for the other leaders of the land to accept but it would paint Liu Bei in a rather horrible light at a time when it was the last thing needed.
When no one spoke up, Meng Jie cleared his throat quietly and voiced his own concerns into the silence.
"I do not presume to speak for my Master, nor do my words carry his tact and for that I apologize to the assembled, but I am forced to wonder at the validity of such a claim. To be sure, this young man speaks in a manner reminiscent of our late Lord, but in a time when such claims would need to be supported by far more pertinent evidence then the stories told by a well-meaning but possibly misinformed woman are hardly solid foundations upon which to build a rule.
Furthermore," Jie continued, holding out his open hands in a display of his continuing yet still non-confrontational intentions. "Furthermore, such a story, if indeed true, would be used openly by our enemies to attack the perfidy of our late Lord at a time when his reputation deserves the dignity of remaining sterling."
It was a bit more... spoken then he had intended to be, but Jie could not simply allow such events to transpire without at least attempting to voice some of the concerns he hoped the others in the room were feeling. The death of their lord was tragic and saddening, and even though Liu Ban might indeed be a spirit of salvation, his ignoble birth in conjunction with his lack of presence up to this point would be used against Shu.
Of course, at the moment it seemed that Lord Guan Yu intended to at least temporarily continue his duty of service as a leader of Shu, so Jie bowed to him a second time.
"I do not intend for my words to drive the young man away from our kingdom and indeed, if he has found it within his heart to follow the path of Shu and fight to restore the Han as his supposed father did then I salute him, but at the same time I urge you, Lord Guan Yu, just as I know my master would: we must carefully consider our options."
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Liu Ban
Private First Class
Take that, Liu Shan!
Posts: 23
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Post by Liu Ban on Oct 1, 2008 4:40:17 GMT -5
The young scion of the Imperial House, before speaking bowed to both Guan Yu and Meng Jie. After Meng Jie's speech, Ban once again looked up in awe at Meng Jie's talent of persuasion... If this was merely a representative of Jiang Wei, Ban wondered what strategical talents the Shu Prime Minister had up his sleeve.
In his mind were mixed feelings about Meng Jie's opposing speech about his claims to the throne. He took Jie's words into deep consideration before deciding what he would say next. It was true, Meng's wording was not in an aggressive fashio, he simply put up an argument for fear of the weakness of Shu.
Although Ban could cope with a loss in the debate, and failing to earn the throne of Shu, he would not be able to look his honorable Father in the eye in the afterlife if he failed in his inherited mission of restoring the Han Dynasty.
He then decided that debating with Meng Jie was truly not the way to go, he stood no chance at persuading the representative of the Prime Minister especially without solid evidence of his birthrights. The only thing to do was to talk to the officers indirectly to hopefully show reflections of his Father's charisma. This would be his last attempt at a debate, but if he failed this time, he would simply go with the rule of Shu's favor and serve Shu in whatever way possible.
After a moment of thinking about his speech, Ban gave Guan Yu a glance that symbolized his intention to speak...
"Lord Meng, you put up an excellent debate as a representative of Prime Minister Jiang Wei. I must applaud you in your skill with the tongue."
Ban then turned to the other officers and spread his arms towards them. He gave a brief pause before refreshing his debate.
"My good friends, we are all aware of our Lord Liu Bei's death and share the same feelings about this misfortune."
"This injustice against our Lord leads us to war against T'se, they will surely strike during this vulnerable time."
"I do understand that our enemies, mainly the T'se Kingdom may use my legitimacy against us if you elect me as the Shu Leader. However, if a Leader of Han lineage is not appointed, then Shu will lose the claim of legitimacy and may be viewed as rebels, this may cause villagers to desert our cities, in that event, do you think that our late Lord Liu Bei will be pleased?"
"And if my history is used against us, the fact that I bear a Liu in my name will block the hatred of the world"
"However, do not let my speech obscure your decision, I am simply here to fulfill the wishes of my Father..."
With that, Ban stopped and hoped he had at least made a good impression on the other officers...
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Post by Mr Guan Yu on Oct 1, 2008 15:57:59 GMT -5
Guan Yu continued to stay silent and listen to Meng Jie and Liu Ban. The boy's story was indeed hard to believe, but there was still the biting at the back of Guan's head to give him a chance. Was it Guan Yu believing that the boy was of any relation to Liu Bei? Probably not... it was more of the Trusting heart of his brother. Guan stroked his beard as he listened to Liu Ban reply to Meng Jie's words and Yu closed his eyes. He is determined..... If brother Zhang were here it'd be much easier for me to think of this boy's lineage... Guan thought to himself as he opened his eyes and looked to Xiaoli.
Seeing the other officers staying silent, and the late arrival of Zhen Ji, Guan began to think that they were either in thought of the story, or so awestruck that they could hardly speak. In this moment Guan decided to speak himself.
"Meng Jie... Liu Ban... you two speak validly. I would have to say... that the story is.. hard to believe. My Brothers and I were nearly inseperable and if seperated we would always find our ways back to each other. This seems to make me place you in our lords shoes... when you have found your way to Shu... after being a 'hidden' son. Though, I must say that I have not seen my brother interact with a woman, aside from Liu Shan's mother, except for... Lady Xiaoli. Other than her we have seen no signs of a woman in my brother's quarters which are not too far from mine."
Guan said as he looked to Meng Jie and Liu Ban. The youths of Shu huh... heh. We are a privellaged kingdom. Guan thought as he sighed and stroked his beard. Guan Xing stepped up to Guan Yu and put his hand on his father's shoulder. When Guan stopped speaking his son must have thought he was about to have a fit as he did earlier.
"I am fine Xing... Liu Ban... I can not recall a time where the Kingdom of T'se looked too brightly on my brother. Yes we are entitled to a war against them as well... but we have not the strength yet.. Nor do we have the passage to them, we will have to travel quite a distance to reach the gates of any T'se city and wage war on them... I am planning a few trips soon and Whether they prove to be effective or not depends on this meeting. Lord Meng.. you have recommended me to lead and it is something I would willingly do to enact revenge for my brother and carry on his dream... Liu Ban you enter wishing to do the same..."
Guan paused again bringing his eyes to the young man who not only claimed, but resembled Liu Bei..
"Where do you say you have been these years? and what do you feel of this man.. Liu Shan?"
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Liu Ban
Private First Class
Take that, Liu Shan!
Posts: 23
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Post by Liu Ban on Oct 1, 2008 17:03:22 GMT -5
After listening carefully to Yunchang's words, thoughts immediately began to rush through his mind, they consisted of questions about Guan Yu's final closing statement, about this... Liu Shan...
He had heard of this Liu Shan in Xia Village, about his heritage and unforgivable crimes against his Father. So the rumors were true, and, according to Guan Yu, Liu Shan was the legitimate heir to the Shu throne. Ban closed his eyes slowly and reflected on what had just been said.
A faint image slowly begun to take shape in his mind, the body that had been outside was now in a banquet, surrounded by hooded assassins wielding small, but lethal weaponry. Screams were heard as the assassins dragged Liu Bei's battered body into the center of a large table where a young man, looking a slight bit older than Ban awaited Bei's battered body.
The figure, who Ban suspected to be Liu Shan drew his blade and, with a loud cry, slit his Father in the neck... Blood gushed out of Bei's fatal wound and his body lay there, lifeless.
With that, Ban regained consciousness, it had only been a few seconds and the officers eyes were all watching for his next statement about his, would-be brother. Rumor had it that Liu Shan had dealt the final blow to his own Father...
Ban had formed contempt for his "brother's" injustice and thought of revenge... but this was not the way to go, the officers were waiting for Ban's next speech. He immediately forced his voice into a confident tone in order to impress the officers and begun to speak.
"So it is true, Lord Guan Yu... I really do have a legitimate brother, who lost his legitimacy because of his unforgivable crime against Shu..."
"Lord Guan Yu, rumor has it that my "brother" was the person who dealt the fatal blow to my Father which proves his loss of legitimacy, he is opposite to my father and your oath brother in every way."
"Such a terrible crime strips him of the honor of being the son of the virtuous lord Liu Bei... However, I hear that Lady Qing was present when all of this happened, I bid her to speak about this matter, however, I do not wish to have anything to do with that devil of a brother I have..."
Finished with this section of his speech, Ban once again cooled down and awaited replies from anyone of the officers.
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Post by Xiaoli Qing on Oct 1, 2008 22:25:30 GMT -5
(sorry I haven't posted, been getting swamped with school and after school stuff)
Qing sat there listening to all of them speak, new officers entering every once and a while. She understood why they were late but the pit in her stomach was just growing. Knowing that at sometime someone was going to ask her about what happened and her bodyguard sat down next to her. Looking at her he whispered to her "are you sure you can talk to them" he looked at her as she sat there. "I can I just have to pull it together" Qing said taking in another deep breath as she sat there.
"I could speak for you if you want" he said looking at her waiting to see her answer to his suggestion. "No" was her immediate answer "they will want to hear it from my mouth and that is where I intend for it to come from". Qing watched the others and then they threw out the options of who to take over. All of them were choices that she could see fit at least in the tiniest bit. Guan Yu and this young man though were the ones that she thought would be the best for the new ruler.
The son though they would all have to be watchful for, and plus he did not look old enough to be able to rule a whole kingdom. Qing did not believe thought that age meant anything for the moment and right now it did not. Guan Yu though she knew had been in this force sense the beginning, along side his two brothers. Offering all the wisdom that he could to them and in a way she knew if Liu Ban took over he would do that. He was a driving part of this force and maybe he could be the head driving of the force, the ruler but she was not sure.
Hearing Liu Ban request to hear what had happened Qing bit her lip and looked at her bodyguard. Nodding her head she stood up and looked around the room at the people. "Well what do you want to hear about it?" Qing looked at Liu Ban. "Whatever any of you want to hear I will be more then willing to say, weather you want to know who he was killed by". "Just do not ask me why...because for that I have no answer" Qing looked around "only the minds of the men that meant for this to happen know". [/color]
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