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Post by Sun Yuan Ci on Sept 3, 2008 17:03:05 GMT -5
*Peace had become more then a word in these lands, these days. Peace, one mere syllable spoken from a man's mouth, was seemingly something to be afraid of. Rightly so, as it had been proven that peace was not attainable without war. There was no chance for one to hold peace in his hands, to grasp it's warm hinges and embrace it freely should he not wish to splash himself in slippery blood beforehand. The lands were daunted and cursed, cursed by the ego of many fine warriors and kings. These men, men such as Ma Chao, declared peace nothing more then something to be desired. Peace was a thing of evil. It was an idea, and all that this idea did was create battle. Would arms be raised against Mengqi should he not have threatened the idea that Zhiyun and Mengde had? The idea that peace was near at hand?*
*Could it be possible to say that Zhiyun's cries for peace were indeed making him more villainous then that of a spear-weilding madman such as Ma Chao?*
*Nevertheless, the armies of T'se returned to Xi Bei as the heroic victors. It was immediate, as well, that they were greeted as so. Zhiyun passed by on horseback, a parade was outside the walls. A mass of people flocked the gates, throwing pedals of bright flowers into the air infront of Zhiyun and his cavalier's paths, so that they landed on the ground they were approaching. They entered Ye after being embraced outside, only to be embraced inside as well. Approaching the palace, there was nothing to either side but celebration. Sun Yuan Ci understood this fully. In the eyes of the people, this was similar the fall of Dong Zhuo. The villain had fallen from grace, and now peace would reign eternal. The truth, the bitter truth, of this matter was that peace was not at hand. The land was still divided. Thus, he'd hatch what he hoped would be a final plan to save the country.*
*In the palace, he began ordering for a banquet. A victory celebration? No. It was a call for diplomacy. Riders were sent to the corners of the land, to each capital city, calling for the feudal lords to arrive in Ye. One rider to Liu Bei of Han Zhong. One to Sun Jian of Jian Ye. One to Wei Yan of Chang An. One to Cao Cao of Xu Chang. Each bore a message stating that each lord was to arrive by the week with a fellow representative to take part in the banquet and discuss the future of China, and perhaps even finally drop arms and create a country of peace with a government that could rule it's people in peace. Where the lords of the land fought invaders, not eachother. But it was not Zhiyun's decision, he simply prepared to host...*
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Post by Liu Shan on Sept 3, 2008 17:14:34 GMT -5
The destruction at Chang'An finally came to an end, with the expected betrayal of the Qiang the many armies taking place could return home. So many wives and children would find their love could not be with them any longer and fathers not being able to embrace their beloved child, for they scattered the fields near Chang'An. However, The Lord of T'se, Sun Yuan Ci; the very man who Lu Bu bowed to, fearful of the strength that he may throw upon him, finally returned to Ye. No soon were the celebrations created by the people that a messenger stood before the great T'se Lord, carrying the markings of the young Liu Shan, a man who hoped to seek solace within T'se. "Lord Sun of T'se! I come bearing news, I was sent from Lord Liu Shan, who is accompanied by Lord Huang. They have pressed upon Bei Hai, wishing to gain the city for you and T'se, trying to avoid any form of battle." The messenger was sent by the young boy, but unaware to him Huang Hao had already made secret contact to have 2 catapults be leant just incase. However, not many would truely believe that Liu Shan, of all people, were trying to take over a city.. Liu Shan?! Hah!..
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Ma Chao
Sergeant
Pride of Xi Liang
"Operation Trample Your Face"
Posts: 92
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Post by Ma Chao on Sept 8, 2008 19:26:16 GMT -5
The guards of T'se would be surprised on this day as they walked out toward a man who seemed to be from a foreign land. He was dressed in mostly gold and by his white hair it could be summed up he was quite old. After almost falling from his horse, he finally was able to navigate his course. In a voice that was almost silent, the man introduced himself as an envoy from the Golden Horde who were currently non-violent.
"Ah ha! Hello there, lads."
"Gwah!" he immediately yelled, almost keeling over after the initial hello.
The elder's cane had hit a rock and he lost his balance. Both guards started to laught a bit but quickly went back to their normal stern faces when the old man approached.
"I have come on behalf of the Golden Horde, sent by my Lord Ma Chao. Let me clear my throat for this part, one moment please."
The old man hacked up some flem and started to sneeze uncontrollably. The snot and what not was in his hand and he was now the boogey man! Wow, i am good.
Old Guy, as he was called, wiped his hands all over his attire before continuing.
"The Glorious One of Xi Liang, the Cavalry King, the Splendid, the Magnificent Face Trampler, the......the Splendid. Hmm, that could about do it" he pondered, tapping his chin a few times. However, the elder quickly looked flustered as he heard hooves approaching in the distance, from behind.
There, moving toward the city, were 3 riders bearing the golden banners of the Horde with Ma Chao's personal dragon insignia. The group comprised of an envoy and two elite dragon riders, men from Mengqi's bodyguard unit.
When the guards looked back, away from the newcomers, to see Old Guy they were confused. The elder was gone, hobbling off quickly to the west as to not be captured.
"What the hell."
One of the elites pointed and looked to his comrade. They recognized the old man as he scurried off, seeing him previously in a tree along the way toward Ye. Certainly, the man was up to no good but the messengers were unaware that he was just introducing himself as the envoy from the Golden Horde.
"Good day to you" the envoy said.
Both elites stayed upon their horses and waited for the guards to either attack or let them through. The battle of Chang An was over and the last anyone could remember the Horde had aided the allies in retaking the city. Though, obviously it was out of revenge against the Qiang and not really for the allies.
"I am here by my lord's request and i wish to speak with Sun Yuan Ci, ruler of T'se. A man that Lu Bu was said to fear must be a famous warrior, so i understand if i must wait. However, word had spread of a banquet here. May i attend this banquet?"
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Post by Wei Yan on Sept 9, 2008 12:44:03 GMT -5
The city of Ye was something that Wei Yan had always longed to marvel before. The last rumor recieved had been that it had burnt to the ground and the two T'se brothers were making good on rebuilding it. That was, when Wei Yan was still around, now The Beast rode atop his warhorse, two carriages in tow. One held the newly befriended, Liu Shan, the other, was meant to hold him. Instead, the Beast had packed it himself, with clothes for the boy, books for him to study, scrolls and ink for him to scribe his thoughts, a finely crafted bow, and a light curved blade, almost like a scimitar. It seemed the Beast had far different plans than this Yan Yu had spoke of.
"...Meaning after the banquet you must return to the Capitol."
The word etched itself into the mind of the Beast. Yan Yu had a malicious aura, not unlike the one Ma Chao had once held, and that the Qiang Champion had flaunted till his dying breath. He is the scorpion of old... It's in my nature he will say... Stabbing the back of the frog that carries him across the water... Or I could be wrong... Maybe I only see this for the boy is afraid of everything that goes bump... Could this Yan Yu actually have the good nature of the boy in mind? This is why I packed for the worst, thought the Beast, his hand instinctively grasping the haft of his spear, still strapped to the side of his horse. There was a solice in war to the Beast, and what better way to keep calm than to embrace solice?
When the carriage came to stop before the gate of Ye, the Beast didn't bother the boy with asking him to present himself. If the men of T'se, men of the great Sun Liao, didn't recognize the Beast and honor his wishes, then there was no reason to even be at the banquet. Hurrying his horse up infront of the Carriages, The Beast smiled a bit, having finally reached his destination.
"Guards of T'se. The Beast of Chang An has come to pay his respects at the banquet. The carriages are home to the second I was commanded to bring, Liu Shan. You will allow me entrance." The Beast had meant to be kind, but there was no kindness in his voice. There was a blunt respect, followed by a direct command. For a moment, the guards just stared down at the man blankly, almost questioning his sanity. He'd just commanded guards he didn't control to let him into a city that wasn't his, but when the Captain realized who'd given the command, he quickly sent for the gates to be parted, almost promptly backhanding a random guy for insolence.
The Beast trotted back to the side of the carriages, and the group made their way into the city of Ye. Once inside, his horse was dismounted and he tied it to a small tree, not worried for the horse in the least bit. He had Liu Shan readied in whatever man the boy wish to be readied, and then made for the two to go to the Banquet. The stroll up the steps of Ye to the banquet hall wasn't exactly grand in any more way than the city itself, but when the doors came before The Beast, he did something peculiar. Taking a step back, he let Liu Shan walk infront. Take the first step, boy. There will be people staring at you, people marveling at you, people shunning... Face them...
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Post by Sun Yuan Ci on Sept 9, 2008 15:03:21 GMT -5
~Outside the Gates, a Watchful Eye Wanders~
*Festivities had begun within Ye. It was evident that in Sun Yuan Ci's eyes, peace was attainable tonight. Every household was abandoned, every street filled to each square foot with a flock of civilians feasting and celebrating. Such a demeanor within the city of a man such as Zhiyun was quite odd, as not only was he a rather humble and not very out-going of a person, but he also was a man who was always darkly-poetic about his stance in the land. He never once believed that peace had arrived after Dong Zhuo was beaten, and his fears were realized and put down once more. The only difference between now and then was that now, the regional lords had grown much more powerful then when Dong Zhuo fell.*
*So why was it that now he seemed so uncharacteristic of himself? Many speculated it was that he could not find any darkness to cloud the optimism at this point. The men he warned the lords of before were either defeated or tried just. And it was true. The men he claimed to be in need of arbitration were Ma Chao; defeated, Yuan Shao; struck by illness and thus defeated, and Cao Cao; who Sun Yuan Ci himself had weighed and measured and found honorable. Were there any others who would rise against Zhiyun'sa dreams or... more realistically... he and his powerful allies?*
*In no regard to Zhiyun's uncharacteristic celebration in Ye, the man who was charged with the greatest honor of the night was Liang Xun. He was a man who matched his lord Zhiyun in wits, words, and skill with a blade. He was also the man who was charged with the defense of the homefront while both Sun Liao and Sun Yuan Ci were at war. The honor that was charged to him: to be the captain of the guards the night of the ceremony. This was a decision that was put under much question. For as it stood, only months ago Liang Xun served Dong Zhuo and even stood in battle against Zhiyun. Only after his defeat did he pledge allegiance to the man who would soon after establish the T'se Kingdom. Despite his hard work in governing the rather vast lands of the T'se Kingdom in the competent lord and general's absence, they feared a coup of some sorts. If Liang Xun had any influence over the guards, it could prove to be catastrophic considering every regional lord was invited to the city this night.*
*However, Liang Xun was an honorable man and it was doubtful that he was to betray his lord. He stood at the main gate of Ye, watching as the first caravan of the regional lords arrived. To his surprise, he was greeted by a representative of Ma Chao, a man who was not invited. Nevertheless, Master Xun did not dismiss him. He sat by, weathering the storm that was the unnecessary barrage of unproven titles of the northern rider, and was beseeched entry into the city.*[/i]
"I have not been told to deny any of the right of passage through Ye, and so I do not believe it is in my power to deny Ma Chao's audience here this night in any way. However, I find myself desiring the opposite. Why should an enemy of the land be allowed to audit a treatise of peace simply because it was by his own blade that a barbaric king fell? Would his allegiances lie the same was it not for the wavering diplomacy of the Qiang? Or was it simply their betrayal that brought Ma Chao back to our side? I cannot believe he is just... but if he raises his glass tonight in honor of the might of my lord and the vision he respects so... then he may have representatives. Sun Yuan Ci prepares for the banquet in the palace of Ye. If you wish to speak to him, then hurry before the rest arrive."
*The next caravan that arrived was that of Wei Yan's. There was no watchful eye on this man, for he was a friend of T'se and a friend of Zhiyun. Thus, his arrival was greeted with a much more friendly approach.*
"Master Wei Yan, it is an honor to meet you. I am Liang Xun, one of Lord Zhiyun's advisers, and the one to defend Ye during the awning war. My master was quite afraid that you passed during the battle due to the fact that you sped off into questionable odds, but it is obvious that the heavens grant you immortality through your honor. He shall be pleased that you have arrived. I shall join you in the palace shortly, my lord."
*Liang Xun once again ordered the guards to allow entrance of this party. This one, however, was not watched carefully as they entered the city while Ma Chao's was.*
*Inside the palace, Zhiyun prepared the banquet along with many of his officers and servants. To a possible surprise, Zhiyun was covered in rather ordinary clothing. His robe was not of silk, not shining in color, and not trimmed in gold. He was in a rush, however, seeing to it that everything was perfect for the lords in attendance. His eyes seemingly wandered constantly to the panels in the ceiling that supported the weight of the second level. A round table was brought out, so that each lord sat in equality with the next. This was to no surprise, either. It was quite obvious that Zhiyun would make no gesture that he was in any way superior to another of the men ruling the country.*
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Post by Liu Shan on Sept 9, 2008 16:32:13 GMT -5
Wei Yan had already been greeted by the man who announced himself to be an advisor of Sun Yuan Ci, but he failed to notice the young Liu.. Was this intentional? Had the Lord of T'se ordered him to be treated as some unknown being because of his leaving? A little disheartened Shan looked up at Wei Yan as if asking for some strength. The young Liu only hoped that the advisor did not see him. Looking to the floor Shan wondered if his efforts in Bei Hai had now came to nothing, perhaps it is what he deserved for placing the banners of T'se behind him. Slowly the young boy cowered away his mind running away with many ideas that were coming crashing down onto him. Now back against the carriage Shan only looked at the advisor, wondering if he was about to be barrated with insults.. Where was Yan Yu, the young Liu wanted him here, he would help him..
Seeing that his nature was becoming a little irrate, he would have to fight against his own cowardice; he did not want to annoy or offend Wei Yan- after all he was the one to name Shan's father has a coward. Closing his eyes Liu Shan fought against every worry he had... 'You took control of a city without spilling blood onto the fields, appeared in battle without order and helped these men against their foe'. It was working as Shan's posture become more confident, surely Sun Yuan Ci would not be that cruel to him, he was not like his own father. The young Liu's eyes had changed in demeanour as they looked to the advisor, the confidence that shone was compelling; especially for someone like Liu Shan. His very work gave the aura of a man of great substance and position within the world, but could anyone sense the battle that the young Liu was having in his mind?.
"Lord Liang, I-I hope that the Lord S-Sun has not forgotten me.. I have come here to g-give thanks to both Lord Sun Yuan Ci and Lord S-Sun Liao." Again standing next to Wei Yan, who was towering him some what, the young Liu respectively bowed to the advisor who seemed to be the minister of guests at the moment. But, the credentials he wore placed his position far higher than the job he was doing now. As Liu Shan waited to be greeted, knowing it could be sour or good, he prepared himself for a far heavier ordeal..facing Sun Yuan Ci and Sun Liao after leaving T'se to be detained within Luoyang.
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Post by Wei Yan on Sept 9, 2008 19:08:19 GMT -5
It was good to see the young Liu Shan out and speaking with people, even without his advisor, Yan Yu. Something about that man still made the Beast's skin crawl. Maybe it was the fact that he was so strong will that he hated seeing the boy used like that. Sighing a bit, the Beast caught the words of the guard to the messenger of Ma Chao's. This, in fact, released a bit of the beast. Ma Chao was a man he'd come to trust, hell, he'd been the man the Beast had first asked to be his second at the hall, and this guard was treating him like the Qiang King's messenger. The Beast bit on his tongue so tightly blood trickled from the corners of his mouth. He kept quiet until after the guard had spoke his piece to not only the messenger, but also to himself. It wasn't until the messenger walked on and the little Liu Shan was out and about that the Beast finally let go.
"You there! Guard! You'd do well to remember to hold your tongue in the presence of any that wear the colors of the Golden Horde. The Horselord is honorable and just. Remember that in all ways for all time. You forget again in my presence and you wont' have a tongue to curse the Horde. Understood? Good." snarled the Beast. He hadn't meant to be so brash and loud with his words infront of the boy, Liu Shan, but now he hoped it would do him some good. This was how The Beast thought a man should act, maybe the boy would learn from him. Even better yet, maybe the boy would catch all his flaws and perfect them in his own manhood. Either way, the deed was done.
Looking back to Liu Shan the Beast nodded with a respectful smile, almost as to congratulate the boy on surviving this long nearly on his own. With that he simply turned in his horse back towards the city and motioned for everyone to go in. It didn't honeslty matter if the guard had a response, unless it was an apology. If there was any type of retort the Beast thought to be anything but an apology though, all of T'se could beat they would be one less guard and the Beast's spear would be blood stained. This new person was not a man of arguements or games.
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Post by Cao Pi on Sept 10, 2008 11:37:55 GMT -5
Gongsun Zan stops by. He drops off the keys to the palace of Bei Ping.
Going on vacation for a while, mind watching my house for a bit? Thanks dude.
He rides off, army in tow.
((I don't feel like leading anymore, and hell, you're close.))
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Ma Chao
Sergeant
Pride of Xi Liang
"Operation Trample Your Face"
Posts: 92
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Post by Ma Chao on Sept 11, 2008 22:21:30 GMT -5
The Horde envoy, a man named Fu Qing, bowed to Sun Yuan Ci's men when addressed. He could tell, by their posture and tone, that they were not pleased that a representative of Ma Chao was present at the victory banquet for those that had fought against him. However, it seemed that Qing had a little back up.
"Master Wei Yan, I thank you for defending my lord. However, it is quite alright for the other rulers to say what they must. My glorious leader has now realized his folly in attempting to unite the land. We all know that it just can not be done."
Fu Qing bowed again to Yan, out of respect, and hoped that nothing bad would come of the Beast's comments. After all, Wei Yan was one of the heroes of Chang An and Qing Ni. It would be a shame to have his name dragged through the mud for commenting about Mengqi.
The Horde envoy was finally allowed to pass and was told where to find Sun Yuan Ci, inside the palace. Qing nodded and moved on, slowly making his way toward the palace. There, he spotted SYC and bowed before speaking.
"Lord Sun Yuan Ci, it is an honor to meet the man I have heard so much about. Word travels fast throughout these lands and stories of your deeds have reached Xi Liang" he said, buttering SYC up a bit before continuing.
"Now, to the real reason I am here."
Fu Qing looked around the banquet hall and did not notice many of the regional lords he thought would have been present. Where was Liu Bei? Where was that scum Cao Cao? Qing's eyes turned back to SYC and he smirked a little, wondering if the great warrior and hero had started to lose his influence over the others.
"My lord, Ma Chao the Most Splendid, has sent me to deliver a message to you as well as the other rulers. Though, I must say I do not see many present. Nonetheless, I am here to state that the Golden Horde is no more. Ma Chao made certain though, to say that this is by no means an apology. He would have come here himself, but if he laid eyes upon Cao Mengde there is no doubt his hands would be strangling the life out of the man" he said, clearly stating that Ma Chao had ended his threat to China. It was unfortunate, that one powerful lord, with a chance at taking the land, had bowed out of the race.
Now, all that remained was T'se, Shu, Wei, and Wu.
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Post by Mr Nor on Sept 12, 2008 15:16:57 GMT -5
Through the gates rode the definition of megesty and poise. Sun Jian arrived in T'se wearing his commanding aura on his cuff. His back was perfectly straight, and his head thrown back slightly. Now, instead of armor, however, he was wearing a commanding diplamatic uniform of crimson and black, and had a large ruby ring on his left ring finger. His horse was even dressed for the event, and was adorned in rubies and onyx.
Behind him rode Zhou Tai, who wore his honor on his chest. he was dressed to match his lord as an honor to show his new prestigious position in the land of Wu. Since his old horse had deserted him, he rode now atop a beautiful black stallion, easily 18 hands tall. They rode through the gates unquestioned towards the banquet hall.
As they arrived, they left their horses in the stable and walked slowly to the audience hall.
"My lord, are you sure you want to do this?"
"Why, Zhou Tai, I'm positive that this is what I want to do. True, I've only just arrived from my journey-"
"I just... I don't know. Never mind."
Sun Jian smiled at Zhou Tai's protectiveness. But what could he expect from his newly adopted son?
As they arrived at the banquet hall, they were met by a doorman who announced them.
"Now arriving are the honorable Emperor Sun Jian of the Empire of Wu, and the prestigious Imperial Field Marshall of the Army of Wu, Zhou Tai."
They walked across the floor, Sun Jian on the left, and Zhou Tai on the right. Upon Zhou Tai seeing Wei Yan, he nodded his respects to the man. Then, Sun Jian spoke.
"Fellow lords of China, I come to pay my respects. I see many different colors..." He said as he nodded to everyone. That seemed to be the way Wu bowed to people; they nodded. this banquet had attendants that could make this even either promising for peace... or the catalyst to a conflict of an even larger scale than that with Dong Zhou and Ma Chao.
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Post by Wei Yan on Sept 12, 2008 16:26:23 GMT -5
The Beast nodded his respect to the minister of the Golden Horde, as he looked around to see Sun Jian and Zhou Tai entering the city. I thought him to be lost? It's good to see stability has returned to Wu... But leaves only... Wei, Wu, Shu, and T'se. Hmmm... So few people, too many dreams, thought the Beast as looked back to Liu Shan. The boy hadn't changed his demeanor much. Shrugging, he just nodded to the boy and strode atop his horse into the city. He'd wasted enough time outside the city, the banquet hall was where he meant to be.
The steps to the banquet hall weren't anything great, but it brought back the memory of the first banquet at Luo Yang. Those steps, they were hell, but Lu Rai was there, and that made everything better. The whole image played out in his head.
"You've got to be--"
"Just think Yan, there is good food and a cool drink up those stairs. Don't run too fast."
A faint laugh coughed up from the Beast's chest as he shook his head with a smile. For a moment, there was no beast, there was the old warrior. The warrior just nodded and smiled, a tear streaming down his right cheek.
"Yes Rai, there was good food and a cool drink. Maybe I will get as lucky this time. Maybe..." admitted the warrior, but the memory faded as the doors to the banquet hall opened and the warrior looked back to Liu Shan. He was no Lu Rai. He didn't have a strong shield arm or any finesse with a blade, but he had spirit. There was an aura about the boy that the Beast could sense. With a stern nod of the head, he pressed on into the banquet hall. Looking around he found a good spot near the doorway, it had a simple rug there or tiger skin. It was an at home feeling. With his spear in hand, the warrior stood, almost like a Sentinel Statue. He was here just to hear the other men speak. If was talked to he would speak, but until then, it would be good to let the boy spread his wings and make friends. Of course, the Beast would always be within hearing distance of the boy, just incase someone decided to let their tongue slip and provoke his blade.
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Post by Sun Yuan Ci on Sept 13, 2008 18:04:14 GMT -5
"You there! Guard! You'd do well to remember to hold your tongue in the presence of any that wear the colors of the Golden Horde. The Horselord is honorable and just. Remember that in all ways for all time. You forget again in my presence and you wont' have a tongue to curse the Horde. Understood? Good."
*Indeed, this harsh attack did throw the honorable Master Liang Xun off for a second. He drifted back, eying the insulter. Wei Yan, who personally lay testament to the raging and careless might of Ma Chao's ambition, now defended him by threatening one of Zhiyun's most trusted advisers.Clearly, however, Wei Yan did not know the stature of the man. Though he was assigned to be Captain of the Guard the night of the banquet, he was also lathered in rather equaled armor for the time, which would be why Wei Yan called him a mere guard. As it was, that is how he appeared, but in truth, Liang Xun could likely rival Wei Yan himself in combat and wits. He opted out of confrontation, however, stepping forth whilst bowing his head.*[/i]
"Master Wei Yan, I bide for your forgiveness. It is by childish grudge that I speak against Ma Chao and his brigands. I hold my tongue now, against you, and I hold my tongue against the Golden Horde forever more. Should Wei Yan of Chang An deem Ma Chao honorable, so shall I. Lord T'se resides now in the palace, and Grand General Liao schedules for a timely arrival before the passing of the night mist. Both shall be glad to see your arrival. And Lord Liu Shan, I am well aware that Lord T'se acknowledges your deeds in his favor. If you meet him before the conclusions of the night, I am sure he is to reward you for your accomplishments."
*It was at this time that Liang Xun departed to the main barracks over the main gate, passing his duty of guarding the gate on to take up the role of Captain of the Guard, the honor that was bestowed upon him by Zhiyun himself only hours prior to the moment. The next time he'd be present for audit, he'd be recognized as the finest dressed man in the palace, that to be sure. Servants flocked to him, holding out an elegant black robe so stalwartly brandished in gold fur and silver trim, gowned in jewels. Each arm was covered, and the robe now lay against his back. Servants individually brought out pieces of armor now. Colored in a deep shining black, tainted in gold and laced with silver silk thread, Liang Xun would appear to be a soldier of the gods themselves this night. He was handed a sword whose blade shone so bright that it would leave men blinded had the sun shone upon it. Thank goodness the banquet took place during the hours of darkness.*
*Inside the palace, Sun Yuan Ci now found himself in audience with one of Ma Chao's representatives. Indeed it was a surprise even to Lord T'se, that Ma Chao would see to it that his words were present at a rally for peace. But the news he brought were indeed a sign of peace's coming. The Golden Horde, previous enemies to Zhiyun's dreams and harbingers of war, now broke ranks. So it was, the great cavalry of the great Ma Chao was now no more. This left Zhiyun to think, though, of Ma Chao's value to the country with the absence of his army and thus his ambition. So, as Mengqi's representative began to take his leave, Sun Yuan Ci called out.*
"And what of your master? What happens to his spear? What is to be of the horse he rides, or the armor he dons?"
*Sun Yuan Ci's attention was drifted away from Mengqi's representative momentarily with the arrival of Sun Jian and Zhou Tai, two men he knew and respected. Zhou Tai was a man he met as an ally and crossed blades with to rally the troops before battle, more then a worthy adversary. They were directed to their seats at the table, but Zhiyun could not welcome them yet, for he was delve into conversation with that of the once-great Golden Horde.*
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Post by Liu Shan on Sept 13, 2008 19:16:16 GMT -5
The words of Liang Xun put the young Liu's mind to rest as he mentioned the knews of Sun Yuan Ci's acknowledgements and even, a reward? Never had Shan ever recieved anything close enough to a reward for someone who was not employed by his family, most of them wanting the guardian to take him away; them not having anything more to do with it. Looking at Wei Yan the young bow smiled, it seemed with the Beast of Chang'An around Shan gained more and more strength within himself; perhaps the knowledge if anything went wrong he may help him, could have boosted such a feeling. The stairs to the hall was no problem for the young Liu, he didn't moan of anything as it did not get him any where. "L-Lord Wei... One day I-I shall repay the k-kindness you give me... I promise." These words were true, anything that Liu Shan had would be given to Yan if he could, all the thanks for what he was doing; bringing him as a guest, even thinking of coming to Luoyang just to see him...not even his own father had attempted an audience with him.
Climbing the stairs Shan loyally followed Yan, not entirely sure what to do, he hoped both Liao and Yuan Ci were there...to see them again would be nice, but, what if Shu did turn up? What if Liu Bei arrived, where was Yan Yu? No, Shan would have to deal with this, all the part in growing up, his ancestors were the founder of the Han, Gaozu..He was even put on a similarity with Emperor Wen, through his nature rather than mind. Taking a deep breath the young Liu prepared himself for anyone who may approach him, though he would not know what to do if it were Zhang Fei; Shan only hoped that his health would not fade like before. "I'm ready L-Lord Wei, for anything anyone may throw at me... If my father is the dragon, th-then I shall be the dragon slayer." The young Liu smiled at him as the two entered the banquet hall, forcing every piece of courage to the surface and trying to be like Wei Yan; he was a man of great strength, many adored him and stood in awe of his strength... Now it was Liu Shan's turn, 'you are the Imperial Nephew, now act like it!', a small voice protested in the simple mind of the young Liu; oddly having the voice of Yan Yu... It was time for Liu Shan to return to places in which the public were, being hidden away from anyone because of his health and then detainment in Luoyang...
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Post by Sun Liao on Sept 14, 2008 0:32:45 GMT -5
Already multiple guests have made their presence known and arrived at the banquet. Though representation from Shu, Wei and Wu are still in question a less important man is now arriving. A man who does not lead a kingdom, a man who does not hail from far away lands or carry the fate of the nation on his shoulders. The man on his way to arrive is simply a vassal of a greater man, a defender of the people, and an enemy of all that wish to plunder and murder needlessly. Some call him a hero, some call him a fake, most have no idea who he is. But this feast will introduce Sun Liao, cousin of Sun Yuan Ci, son of Sun Kang, to the lords of China, and maybe the lands will echo his name from hereon.
"At last, the great city of Ye, you know Pang De, when my cousin and I first arrived here it was burnt to the ground, abandoned by Yuan Shao and raided by his very men."
"But this city is so grand, there is no way it was a pile of rubble."
"My cousin and I rebuilt it, mostly him, but I helped in any way possible, he is a great man Pang De, you will wonder why you even follow me after you meet him, his personality resonates honor and strength, his demeanor proud yet welcoming."
"Psh! Ma Chao is ten times better! He is a fiery leader with resolve unmatched and strength rivaled by only the fiercest."
"Shut up Cheng Yi, no one cares."
Cheng Yi grumbles as the three men approach the city, now passing Liang Xun Sun Liao nods to him and carries on, a feast is to be had up ahead in the palaces of Ye.
"Prepare to be impressed boys."
(Meh, decent at best, though I do love having Cheng Yi in the group of three, makes me meaner, but in my opinion funnier).
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Post by zhugeliang on Sept 15, 2008 5:01:43 GMT -5
A time for peace? What would this banquet have in store for Shu and its leader Liu Bei, surely his son would be there but knowing from the rumors and the exploits during the main battle he would want nothing to do with Liu Bei, which in many ways was saddening to his heart but also a new means for opportunity.
No doubt in his mind that there would be some or many critics for Liu Bei as soon as he entered this banquet, the room would grow silent as he and his ‘’partner’’ would enter and discuss many things with the Lords of other Kingdoms. He would only stick to his virtues no one would dare make an attack on him nor would he dare attack another he would simply stick by his morals and leave it at that.
Riding on his horse the Hex Mark with his swords close by, his partner Xiaoli riding next to him, his men behind were only small in number and they wouldn’t enter the city. Moments like this it would be good to have a warrior and partner as Xiaoli beside him.
Jiang Wei the new prime minister of Shu and Shu strategist set by him very strict rules into how to live this banquet, and Liu Bei would do nothing but that, Master Weis words were humble but also straight to the point they would be sure to stay in his mind for awhile of for the entire course of this banquet.
Shifting his vision from the flames of the lamps and the talkative nature of the banquet which could already be heard, his guards had already left Xiaoli’s and Bei’s side. He dismounted from the horse looking at Xiaoli who he had requested accompany him he smiled at her like the first time they met ‘’Thank you once again’’ With his eyes closed and slowly walked towards the entrance of the his cape following and Xiaoli right behind him or in better terms right next to him, He could only wonder how the rest of the lords would take his arrival.
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