Post by Ma Chao on Aug 6, 2008 21:01:07 GMT -5
"Very well, gather the entire army and send word for aid" Ma Chao stated, looking across the war council table to his generals and officials. They all nodded and began to disperse, moving to muster the grand army of the Golden Horde.
As all of the men were leaving, Yan Xing noticed a change in his lord. Mengqi was leaning over the council table with his fists resting upon it for support. He seemed troubled which was completely opposite of his normal strong will, optimistic, self. Had the words of his new enemies sunk in?
"My lord, surely you are not second guessing your decision."
Outside the palace, the civilians were growing increasingly worried about the upcoming war. Would they lose their leader? Would the allies seek revenge and burn Xi Laing to the ground? They had heard that Wei Yan was a considerate lord, but the same could not be said for the others. Cao Cao, for example, would be one to massacre the entire family and city of an enemy if he was in the mood. The people hoped Yan was different as war tended to turn men into monsters.
"Am i the next menace, Yan Xing?" the young leader asked, looking to his second in command for advice in a time when it was needed most. Yan Xing would do what he could to aid and relieve some of the pressure upon his lord's shoulders. He had the weight of his people and that of his family legacy pressing down upon him.
"Will i be remembered as a tyrant, mentioned alongside the likes of Dong Zhuo?"
"Of course not, Mengqi. You are bold and can be rash, but the people and your officers know it comes from a good place" Xing said, raising his right hand and placing it upon his chest.
"Your heart."
Ma Chao shook his head thinking of the death to follow his orders to march, but he was becoming more certain with every word from his comrade.
"You have justification, my lord. Not only did Lord Yan insult you, numerous times during the banquet, but he could have been responsible for the attempt on your life. He claims he had no part in it, but that would be the quickest way to defeat such a powerful ruler the likes of you" Xing said, bowing slightly after the comment.
Ma Chao nodded, but deep down he knew Wei Yan had nothing to do with Fu Lan's pathetic assassination attempt. The acts of Lan, bringing Wei Yan into the scheme, had given a reason to attack Chang An so it seemed the fool had aided after all. However, if Wei Yan was not involved with Fu Lan then Ma Chao was attacking an innocent man.
"I feel that Wei Yan had no hand in such deeds at the banquet" Chao said, gazing upon a map of the northwest.
"Even if that is so, he had no qualms of fighting you. I wonder if he were not trying to drive you to attack. Either way, a showdown between the Horde and Glory is inevitable and you know to be successful in your ultimate goal, to unit China, Wei Yan must be dealt with" Xing said, summing it up in his final statement.
Ma Chao felt comforted by his comrade's words, that he was making the right decision, and also thought back to the banquet...........................................
Mengqi listened to Xing Cai's sweet voice and the raging beast within was temporarily appeased. She was an angelic looking creature and even in his rage he could not be rude or mean to her. Cai's words were encouraging and the fact she was defending his honor meant a lot to him. Chao felt that she knew he was not the bad man everyone made him out to be and that finally someone else could see the compassion, strength, and ambition burning within his eyes.
Ma Chao was about to respond when Cai stated that she would aid the Golden Horde even if her lord, Liu Bei, was against him. Yan Xing's eyes shifted, from the pretty girl, to his leader. The statement was appreciated, but the two could not put Xing Cai in the middle between the two kingdoms. Her help would be needed but flat out refused.
"You are a brave young girl, but very foolish. Why would you risk your relationship with Xuande or Yide, your father, to help me? It does not make sense, even if you respect what i am or have done."
Ma Chao was not only impressed but honored that a warrior from Shu would wish to aid him, but he was looking out for her well-being and future. Therefore, he could not accept her aid. Also, he would turn his back to her when the comment of marriage came up.
"I have nothing else to say, Xing Cai. It was my pleasure to have had you here in Xi Liang, wish your lord well for me and good luck" he said, facing the throne and hiding a small smile.
Yan Xing knew it was time and he urged the young lady to take the hint and leave. The warrior would do what he could, to mend the situation, but not in front of Ma Chao.
"Do not be insulted, Lady Cai, for I have not seen my lord so drawn to someone before. I can tell that he has feelings for you, but you must understand his position."
Yan Xing spoke of ill repercussions for both of them should she aid the Horde against Glory. Xing Cai could be expelled from Shu or killed for her treachery and Ma Chao would be making an unnecessary enemy. Though the kingdom of Shu had no current reason for war with the Horde, it was rumored that Guan Yu and Wei Yan were good friends. So, the two forces were most likely going to be fighting unless Xuande could keep the friendships of his officers out of issues concerning the kingdom.
"If you find you are without a liege, or maybe an ally of the Horde, i look forward to meeting you again" Yan Xing said, bowing and then kissing the lady's hand.
Ma Chao was at the top of his throne stairs adorned in full battle armor by the time Yan Xing entered the audience hall. Attendants moved forward and he grabbed his powerful spear, the same weapon that had previously ended the traitor Fu Lan's life. The blade was wiped clean and polished before it was handed over to Ma Chao. It was ready to taste new flesh and blood.....that of Wei Yan and Glory!
The leader descended and walked toward Yan Xing, his elite officer, before moving toward the palace doors. Outside, a large commotion could be heard and as the two moved closer to the top stair a most incredible sight was below to behold.
Golden banners of the great Horde army were spread throughout the courtyard where an ocean of people were gathered. It was the civilians and soldiers of Xi Liang!
"Ma Chao, please come back to us!" a woman yelled, she was holding an infant in one arm and waving with the other.
Elderly men were saluting the young leader as he descended the many steps to Xi Liang palace. They were remembering the days when Ma Teng did the same to protect them. He looked just like his father only the aura of strength that surrounded him was much different, more powerful one could say.
"I will fight too!"
A young boy, maybe 8, moved forward toward Mengqi with a wooden spear in his grasp. He was the future of Xi Liang and seeing him wielding a weapon was both uplifting but disturbing at the same time. Hopefully, by the time he was grown there would be no more wars to fight in.
The Golden Horde has amassed a large army and then begin to move south!