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Post by Wei Yan on Sept 5, 2008 1:40:38 GMT -5
It had merely been a day or so, but the late Lord of Glory, Wei Yan, had arrived at his destination, most likely the first of many. He rode atop his horse with an odd sense of pride, his spear strapped to the saddle while his axe was strapped to his back. The gates of Cheng Du were something most would consider great to behold, but the warrior had seen Chang An in this light, and forever it would sit in his mind as the perfect blossom of the land. A secret affair had been made with that city when he lost Lu Rai. In all honesty, it was just another way for him to cope.
The strangest of thing was what the man had worn. No doubt most would have thought him to still be wearing the battle stained garb he'd left Chang An with. The teal colors entertwined with the mud and blood, but no. He wore what looked to be peasents clothes. He had a sack clothe set of pants, simple hemp rope keeping them up. His torso was covered in nothing truly, but the strap for his axe which was made completely of leather and tiger fur. His feet were bound in cow-hide boots, the insides coated in wolf fur. His hands were covered in tight leather gloves, bits of bear fur decorating the outside rather savagely. The warrior was very... primal in his stature. Scanning the top of the Gate for guards he pulled up the headband he'd had tied around his bicep, it was made of tiger fur solely, and rather well made. Of all the pieces of the outfit, it looked to hold the most honor.
"Cheng Du, can you open your loving arms to The Beast of Chang An? Wei Yan has come to speak in your halls."
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Post by zhugeliang on Sept 5, 2008 3:38:55 GMT -5
People all around did their normal business walking, talking, working, and relaxing. Much as the guards they looked over towards the gates and saw the mighty, fearless warrior Wei Yan, at the city gates what would he supposedly want? There had been word that reached Cheng Du that the Glory had disbanded after the battle against the Qiang, which Shu it self took part it.
Hesitant they were not, they were proud warriors and would give their life for their lord and vice-versa for their lord. Not faltering they stood tall at the gates, ‘’Lord Wei Yan, it is a pleasure to see you here in Cheng Du. Master Liu Bei is in the palace attending some affairs but I believe he will take time to see you.’’ With a small breeze passing overhead.
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Post by Wei Yan on Sept 5, 2008 11:04:59 GMT -5
The warrior laughed a bit under his breath before pressing horse on, he was surprised they had not asked for his weapons, but then again who would? The Beast was known for his upright honor, morals, and above all fierceness. He'd killed armed men without weapons before, he could do it again, so what would disarming do but disrespect the warrior? It didn't matter, Cheng Du was far to massive for him to even expect to kill someone and survive to get out, well alone anyway, and he was alone right now.
The gates didn't give their full width, no. They merely swung open a bit and then, once the Beast had trotted through, shut abruptly. The King of Han Zhong thinks these walls will hold... We have all made a fatal mistake in our lifetime, I would hope he'd learn from mine. Walls... Are mere stone, they will never hold like the hearts of man, thought the warrior as he pressed on towards the palace. He saw people, people saw him, honestly he made no move to interact and likewise they made no move either. Hell, some were even seen cowering from the road. It was no longer a fable that the Beast of Chang An was blood mad on the battlefield, he'd proved this time and time again.
The palace was the sight that made the Beast react though. Dismounting his horse, the warrior tied the reins around a post and made his way inside. The halls were flamboyant to say the least and people ran about here and there. One maiden, carrying two jugs of wine and a pitcher of tea ran full on into the warrior, and to the ground she fell, drinks splashing about everywhere. The warrior barely budged but looked down at her with a sad face. He wanted to speak but he couldn't find the words.
No... People do not need helping hands, they need stern boots. Only when you've lost everything do you finally understand how to live. Failure is a constant reminder of why we strive to succeed. Get up, fair maiden. Get up and face the world on your own time, thought the warrior, but his head just bowed a bit and he continued walking.
Wei Yan, humbled in every meaning of the word, pushed open the doors to the palace halls and walked in, his spear in one hand, his axe across his back, and his pride bared upon his chest. With a nod of respect the warrior waited to be addressed, but he could only wait for so long.
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Post by Mr Jiang Wei on Sept 5, 2008 16:04:40 GMT -5
The place of Cheng Du was the product of immense wealth, an investment that spoke to the prosperity of its people. Silk, a luxury of the highest value, was something that even the poorest of citizens was able to make and thus a woman that had never even learned how to read could support her entire family for the rest of their lives.
It was not simply decadence that was on display, however. The city guard, in addition to being well-equipped and trained, was augmented by the soldiers of the officers that had been assigned there. These men acted to strengthen the connection between the kingdom of Shu and the people that it served. They were an element of vigilance, the literal manifestation of safety and security that Liu Bei had envisioned for his people and the clearest example one could find of the dedication he had to that vision.
The audience chamber of the palace was no less grand, but in all the time he had been there, Jiang Wei had never truly felt that said chamber spoke truthfully of Shu. Lord Liu Bei had begun his life weaving mats and making straw shoes, Guan Yu had served as part of a town garrison and had even been declared an outlaw, Zhang Fei had been a butcher. Wei himself had been offered the chance to claim the position his father had held, but declined out of respect for the office, believing that he was less then adequately qualified for task.
And now here I stand as the Strategist of Shu; I have exchanged a humble burden for one akin to the mountains of Yi.
It was a promotion he was not entirely comfortable with, but Jiang Wei did not wish to dishonor his lord by refusing him. In truth he felt that Pang Tong with his more extensive military experience would make a fine Strategist in the spirit of what Liu Bei seemed to intend. Furthermore, titles had a bad habit of turning the men and women who had earned them into people who could never truly be worthy of them, but if Jiang Wei could serve Shu better by accepting such responsibility, he would do so eagerly.
He doubted however, that anyone, Strategist or not, could truly be prepared to see the fierce Wei Yan in person. The air about the warrior seemed to warp and distort with a strength that was almost palpable, and only when Jiang Wei had looked into the eyes of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had he ever seen such a focused mind, such a powerful spirit. That he stood dressed in the regality of some kind of barbaric god only added to his striking presence.
Seeing that his lord had yet to address his guest, Jiang Wei stepped forward and offered the larger man a clasp-fisted salute.
“Master Wei Yan, it is a pleasure to meet you at last. I am Jiang Wei, servant of Shu and I bid you welcome to Cheng Du and our kingdom; we are honored by your presence. May we offer you some refreshments, something to eat perhaps?”
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Post by Wei Yan on Sept 5, 2008 17:28:39 GMT -5
The air had changed slightly. There was a different aroma to it. Wei Yan had been scanning the walls and observing all the fabulous artwork and such. That was until the new scent hit his nose. Before he would have never noticed, but his eyes had been opened up to a whole new world with The Fury of Ma Chao. Sighing a bit he turned with a thought, King of Han Zhong, you've come.
But the warrior was wrong. It was not the King of Han Zhong that had come, it was his strategist. This reminded Wei Yan of his own strategist, the man who'd grown sick and been unable to aid against Ma Chao. Lu Meng, I'm sorry for the all the dreams of yours I could have crushed, thought the warrior as he instinctively eyed the man over. It was an old habit that would never die. Though, with the eyeing, he gave a smile and respectful nod.
"Jiang Wei? I saw your banners from the walls of Chang An. I bit too late, but I guess the King of Han Zhong did send his blessing. I am not in need of drink or food, I will not be much longer than a conversation takes. Though I am not of great mind like the people rumor you, so my conversation will be short." stated the warrior directly, switching the weight of his body so it was mainly on his now tight calves. They were like pressed springs, constantly ready, but completely controlled. It wasn't that the warrior was going to pounce on the man, for he stood strong, honestly trying not to show his natural stance. He never liked giving light to his habits, for war was not looked politely on in civil China, and war was all Wei Yan knew. Sighing a bit, he realized how harsh he must have sounded, but honestly he didn't care now.
People do not need happy-go-lucky charm all the time. They must be submerged in the hell that is life to fully appreciate the escape that death brings and beauty that kind words hold. If there must be a devil's advocate, then why not it be the man who has nothing left to lose, he thought as he stated cooly to no one but himself, "I am the noose the makes the world appreciate the view."
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Post by Mr Jiang Wei on Sept 5, 2008 19:18:28 GMT -5
A true genius he was not, but if nothing else, Jiang Wei knew how to put a smile on his face, even when smiling was the last thing he was doing on the inside.
I would expect such curtness from a man who lost his kingdom by waging a senseless war.
Still, it was not his place to speak of such things unless prompted to do so and even then, Jiang Wei was a man who understood the value of discretion. The Qiang uprising had united the people against a common foe, but the battle between Wei Yan and Ma Chao was far more obscure, and given how plainly Yan seemed to be speaking, there was no reason to provoke him, he would state whatever granule of truth he wished to offer in his own time.
"Of course Master Wei Yan, though I would point out that I hardly consider a man who understands the importance of action in times of chaos to be less qualified to speak then I, simply because I may throw more words into a conversation. After all, the rise of Dong Zhuo was ample proof that change was needed, and I am certain that in the wake of his destruction the people of Chang An took great pleasure in your governance."
Yan almost looked as though he wanted to coil up and strike out like a snake, but Jiang Wei knew that Wei Yan would have only words for them that day. Action might come another day and Shu would be ready for it then, but for now, there was no reason to deny such a hero his words.
"I have no doubt that your words will carry far more wisdom then you believe. Perhaps I could inquire as to the reason for your visit? I am certain that my lord will be along presently."
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Post by Wei Yan on Sept 5, 2008 21:13:14 GMT -5
The eyes of Wei Yan were without question, unimpressed, and if anything annoyed beyond all reason. He had a thought, oh yes, it was a thought beyond a doubt that would either provoke the mind of Jiang Wei to rest itself and let the instinct take over or it woud provoke the mind into auditory defense. Either way, the warrior was without a filter between his thoughts and his lips.
"Master Jiang Wei, I detest the word games you begin to start. Do not try and raise me up to your level to merely shove me back down. I am not a person to be toyed with at this time. My wisdom is only my own, for only I would consider it wisdom."
The warrior paused, part of him hoped the strategist would strike out, for that part of him was the Beast of Chang An. That part only survived in war time. It had the eyes of the hawk, the heart of the bear, and the claws of the tiger. It's mind... Did not take part in the battle, for he had the instincts of the wolf. That part, was quickly subdued.
"As for why I have come. As I told the good guards of Cheng Du, I only wish to speak in it's halls. I have come, over the course of battle, to question your lord, Liu Bei, and his morals. I have learned to detest the clone that is his brother, Guan Yu, and I have learned to fear the mind that is Jiang Wei. You'd do well to remember though, before that goes to your head, that fear is the power of the undying. Fear is the breeding ground of Adrenaline, and Adrenaline is the liquid of the heavens."
The warrior let his calf muscles untighten. In all honest the adrenaline of the Beast had become the clarity of the philosopher. Above all things he repeated his cause in his head, I am the noose that makes the world appreciate the view.
After saying it in his mind though, he had to speak it to the strategist. Just how smart was this man. Could he understand what Wei Yan had become?
"Above all things, Master Jiang Wei, I have become the noose that makes the world appreciate the view. What are you?" stated the warrior, a challenge clearly on his breath. Every great man knows his place in the world, it took a martyr to tell me this. Lu Rai was a Guardian, and I... I was nothing, now I am a man, a noose, thought Wei Yan awaiting the response. Again the Beast rumbled in chest, dying for the strategist to strike out, and again Wei Yan forced it down.
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Post by Mr Jiang Wei on Sept 5, 2008 22:36:35 GMT -5
And there it was. Truth be told Jiang Wei had not expected it to be Wei Yan who first pose the questions he was now posing, but that did not make it any less fitting. If anyone had a reasonable right to be unhappy about the situation of the world, it would be Wei Yan. Still, he speaks quite bluntly, a bit too bluntly for his own good.
Nevertheless, his words spoke to the questions that Jiang Wei had often asked himself since Xing Cai had returned that fateful day from the banquet in Xi Liang. The whole situation had been quite inflammatory indeed: Ma Chao, son of an assassinated man, presented with an assassination attempt on his life. There are few ways that one could see that end well.
Of course, looking at Wei Yan now, Jiang Wei could affirm his belief that the warrior had nothing to do with the plot, a belief he had maintained since the beginning. While Yan and his...endearing rhetoric undoubtedly stirred the soldiers under his command, it also spoke to someone who had no taste for such malicious machinations.
"Of course Master Wei Yan, forgive me for my ramblings. I am too used to the petulant merchant princelings of this city; they expect every word that rolls off of the tongues of those that speak to them to be coated with honey."
Though at least they have the sense not to mock those that they do buisness with.
Even with his moderate intelligence, Jiang Wei could sense the inner message of the man he was speaking to. Wei Yan was unhappy at the role Shu had chosen to play, and he wanted them to know it. His was not the only voice of course: rumors abound from the various corners of China about the so-called ill intent of Shu and its lord. The kingdom of T'se was preparing a banquet in the city of Ye, but Wei did not expect them to be extending an invitation to Shu despite the role that its warriors played in defeating the Qiang.
His words rang harshly in the ears of the young minister, but Jiang Wei would not give Wei Yan the satisfaction he sought. His insolence was more then trying, and to have him speak so terribly about two good men, two great men within the halls of their own palace was as insulting as one could be without saying it to their faces.
And me... he speaks of me as though I were Li Ru. Bold words from a broken man, a wounded beast.
And yet, even as his own arrogance condemned the man, Jiang Wei felt that were he to voice his true sense of Wei Yan, were he to share with the tower of muscle and grim determination that stood poised for the fight, for the challenge, his true feelings, Wei Yan would probably try to kill him.
I feel sympathy him. I have nothing but sympathy for him and his loss. And he comes to speak to Liu Bei, a man who knows the power of such bonds between men and the pain that is felt when such a bond is severed... the two of them share such significant commonality and yet Wei Yan would seek to be inflammatory... a true shame.
"Such words Master Wei Yan; I believe that Lord Liu Bei will be most interested in meeting with you," Jiang Wei began, his smile broadening. His tone was urbane, without a hint of anger or pride and his eyes were soft and understanding. If Wei Yan wished to provoke Jiang Wei, he would have to try something else. The pride of one man was nothing next to the peace the land required.
"As for myself, I am but a humble servant of the people who seeks nothing other then to serve them with all of my strength and passion. To attempt to do more, to assume more would be dishonest and dishonorable. I am the man that strives to do his duty, that is honored to live his life in the service of others."
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Post by Wei Yan on Sept 6, 2008 22:11:03 GMT -5
The aura around Wei Yan went from challenging to proud, nearly overwhelming. Some of the people who had stopped to watch the two men "talk" took a few steps back, some of the maidens going so far as to retreat from the room. The warrior had a crooked snarl on his face, one of utter digust.
"A servent of the people?" nearly mocked the warrior, "A man who lives his life not knowing his own purpose, who hides his own uncertainty in the fact that he 'serves the people,' is not a man at all. I believe full well in working towards the betterment of China, oh do not question that, but you have to know become a man that China can be bettered from, not a man who knows not his true place in the world. It took a martyr to show me my fatal flaw, for I was once like you. I once thought my life was with purpose, a purpose to better all of China. A servant of the people. All I learned was that I was unable to serve them for I knew not the right way I could best serve. I hadn't explored deep enough into myself to reach my true potential. Maybe you should do as I am, and get away from the civil world to truly explore your subconscious and your inner-self. Find your niche in the world and then strive to better all of China. Or..."
The warrior paused with a sigh, shaking his head a bit.
"Think me the fool and continue living as you have been. Act as if I was never here, in all honesty, you control your own destiny, so who I am to try and lead your horse? You hold your own reins."
People who had been listening stared in awe at the warrior. No, Wei Yan was never thought to be a stupid man, but he was in no way some type of mind at all. He was a machine of war, who knew war, lived war, believed in war, and now... Who was this man!? This man who spoke like some philosopher. Some of them were so blown away they denied it to be Wei Yan and left. The warrior had stopped for a moment, letting his words sink in before he finally finished.
"Now I have changed my outlook on even Master Jiang Wei. Why should I fear the mind who is pulled in far too many questions? My friend, I hope you atleast think of the words I have said and possibly we will speak again on this. For now, I need to speak with Liu Bei, if only for a moment. Please, show me to him or him to me."
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Post by Mr Jiang Wei on Sept 7, 2008 0:25:12 GMT -5
Find my niche in the world and work to better China? Just as you have? How has China been bettered by your war? How have the lives of the people of Chang An been bettered by the Qiang? How have your neighbors, this kingdom been bettered by the slander heaped upon us by those warmongering fools you call allies? How-
Even as the small voice in the corner of his mind demanded he shout these challenges out, Jiang Wei knew that he could not. I may have a long journey through life ahead me Wei Yan, but just as a doctor does not need to contract an illness to understand how to cure it, neither do I have to learn my duty, my purpose by abstaining from it.
Know your peers and yourself. Clearly Jiang Wei had much more to learn, but unlike some men who thought themselves too high or proud to do so, he understood that his youth made him seem unpolished and inexperienced and he therefore endeavored to learn and adapt whenever he could.
"Of course, Master Wei Yan, I will send for him at once. I did not intend to keep you longer then necessary. I have no doubt you have other places you would rather be," Jiang Wei replied, his tone taking on a somber note. Whether he agreed with a man or not, he was still quite capable of respecting him. Even if his assessment could be seen as the product of a slightly distressed view of the current world.
He should have remained silent, he had resolved not to allow himself to be baited, but to hear Wei Yan be so dismissive was not something Jiang Wei wanted to have hoisted upon Liu Bei. I will speak my truth to him, draw his ire...perhaps it will spare my lord.
"You should know though, Wei Yan, that I understand things a bit better then you might think," Wei began, his voice remaining neutral. His words would not be a retort, but they would speak into the silence, give the larger man something to ponder perhaps, were he truly the philosopher he seemed to be trying to be. "My father was killed in battle with the Qiang when I was coming of age. I was given the chance to take his place, to assume his position and all it entailed. But I knew that I was not fit for such a task, I knew that such an act of nepotism would only diminish my name and the safety of Tian Shui when I found myself in a situation I would not have been able to handle.
I forced myself out of Tian Shui, forced myself away from my own family and spent time conferring with my father. He reminded me that I had an obligation to others, that just as I knew not to succumb to pride, I also needed to remember not to succumb to self-pity," Wei continued, holding his arms out as though to embrace the entire hall and those assembled there.
"My service to Shu was not born of uncertainty, it was born out of an understanding that I had a responsibility to do all I could to help others. It is not a role that earns one glory or even recognition, but then, it is a role that does not require either. I am happy to fill such a role, and should action be demanded of me... well, there is a difference between modesty and weakness, one I would gladly demonstrate to those who are unwilling to see it."
A servant approached and whispered something in his ear. Nodding, Jiang Wei dismissed the young man and returned his attention to his guest.
"It appears that Lord Liu Bei will be returning in a short while, please allow me to repeat my offer of hospitality to you while we wait."
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Post by zhugeliang on Sept 7, 2008 1:17:53 GMT -5
Aware of a visitor around the streets of Cheng Du, Liu Bei still had paperwork to get out being a ruler wasn’t hard but yet at the very same time it was very rewarding seeing the peoples smiles when you walk past it was a most joyful sight. He looked up into the window seeing the sunlight gaze across the city he lost his focus and just stared out into the sun.
Moment while gazing into the sun a young maid knocked on the door requesting entry ‘’My Lord, may I have entry you have a visitor’’ He shook his head for awhile to get himself out of this trance he had found himself in. ‘’Yes, Please come in’’ She gave him the details of the visitor stating that it was Wei Yan the leader of the former Glory kingdom.
Straightening himself out, he nodded and walked from his table and his paperwork that needed to be done but ohwell this was an important matter. Through the corridors of the palace, and a quick left there was only one more door left to open.
He breathed a sigh of relief and walked in, opening the door it creaked a little and everyone looked at the door and who would come out of it. Stepping out into the palace he did indeed see that it was Wei Yan, he smiled a little and walked towards his throne where Prime Minister Jiang Wei was already consulting him.
As he sat down ‘’’Master Wei Yan, what brings you here? I understand that you seeked an audience with me, please to go right on to business.’’ He was unaware of what action Wei Yan would take. He was capable of killing many with his bare hands but there were guards incase of that happening.
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Post by Wei Yan on Sept 7, 2008 1:34:31 GMT -5
A respectful smile took over for the disgusted snarl that the warrior had been wearing. Nodding a bit too himself, Wei Yan looked over the man before him once again. He's still not something to fear... thought the warrior as he began to reply, almost as soon as Jiang Wei had stopped speaking.
"So why did you not say this sooner when I asked What you were? You are the modesty of the world. Too humble to wage true war, but too goodly to stand by and do nothing. Liu Bei is well to have such an officer. That being said, I still hold my new thought on Jiang Wei. He is not a man to be feared as I once thougt he was. Though you see to know your place in the world, it is not a place I could ever support. I believe in time you will learn somethings about this world. I know I did. Modesty and Humble thoughts are grand things that are usually wasted upon people who need something more. People do not need helping hands, they need stern boots. When you stand someone up on their feet they learn rather quickly to rely on you. I relied on Lu Rai."
The warrior paused. It was the first time since the final resting of Lu Rai that he'd spoken his late friend's name. It was obvious on his face that the name had hit him rather hard. When he finally regained himself, he continued.
"Then when you lose the thing you rely on it becomes hard to move on, it's like a stern boot that makes you either fight or die. There are only two types of people in this world. People who rely on others and people who make their own way. I prefer to create the latter, not the former. Though, some would way my way of creation is wrong, it's what I've learned I am best at. Thus, that is the only way I can do it effectively."
The warrior nodded again to his conversation partner before addressing the rest of the thought.
"Good. I've become tired of waiting on him. It seems his officers are far more interested in his guest then he is."
Just as Wei Yan had finished Liu Bei made his way into the room. The warrior nodded his respect to Master Jiang Wei one last time before turning away from the man and walking towards the throne. Most would have stopped a certain distance away and bowed, not The Beast. He strode right up before the throne, merely a minimal five feet away, and looked over the King of Han Zhong.
Dive right in or indulged into the thoughts of this king? Do I honestly care of his thoughts? Why did I come to Cheng Du? Did I ever truly decide or did I just start riding? Hmm... Here we go...
"Ma Chao. You know the name, I hope. Do you know of what went on in Xi Liang? Did Xing Cai tell you? Did she begin by saying how honest I was with the boy? I am a blunt man, but I am not a dishonorable or disrespectful man. The boy called me a liar, threatened my very life, and then declared war against me all because he couldn't keep one of his advisors in line. Where was Shu? I sent the call for aid to Guan Yu, your own brother. Where was Shu? It was not a war that I chose. Not a battle I could have prevented. It was one boy's pride and anger misplaced that the people of Chang An! The Gaurdians! Lu Rai! Had to pay for! Where was Shu? You could not even spare a hundred men to defend Chang An. You could not spare a hundred men to defend Qi Ning Pass where many civilians were being guarded. Only when word finally reached your ears that the Barbarians owned the city did you come. Pah!"
The warrior was nearly roaring, his grip on his spear was evidently tight, but in all he was surrounded by a strong aura of control. With the final sound he spit at the feet of Liu Bie.
"You'd been better off not showing your face at all. The King of Han Zhong is not the Virtuous Liu Bei his people are force-fed to regurgitate. The Sworn Brother to King is not the God of War many believe him to be. The Strategist of Shu is the only one with any sense of true respect and even he is too lost in his own innocent modesty to understand the hell that is burning around him! I've heard the rumors and I have not come to do you harm King of Han Zhong, Lord Liu Bei the Cowardly. No, I've come to garuntee far worse. When all is said and done is China is united again, you will be without eyes to see it and without ears to hear the children's laughing. Until then, sit on your thrown and bathe in your own false virtue, but know this, coward! The Beast of Chang An has been awakened!"
The final line was roared, but then the warrior went deadly silent. Looking down at his feet he repeated his new found creed, then he looked back up the King of Han Zhong, clearly saddened.
"I am the noose that makes the world appreciate the view. Take a good look around and soke in all the beauty for soon I'll be strapped tight around your neck as well."
Then, as quickly as the warrior had came, he turned and made his way away from the King. He walked slowly, part of him waiting to hear if Liu Bei would respond, most of him just wanting to leave. Then, he caught sight of Jiang Wei again. The warrior had hoped that Wei would not think him horrid or deranged, but in all honesty, it wouldn't matter. Taking a few heavy steps towards the strategist he laid a large, soft hand upon the man's shoulder and nodded again in respect.
"When or if you ever grow tired of this place, I will be waiting to ride beside you. Do not fear, for I am not be feared. Your lord and you are not the same. I will not bring you harm. I will be in the lands of T'se if you ever need call upon me. Heaven's help you, Master Jiang Wei."
Then he continued towards the door, still walking slowly, waiting to see if the King of Han Zhong would respond.
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Post by zhugeliang on Sept 7, 2008 2:27:48 GMT -5
There was nothing Liu Bei could do in the face of such an anger man he only waited and listened to his outburst, each and everyone clear and precise; and about the battle that had just taken place, asking where was Shu? And couldn’t spare even a hundred men Liu Bei couldn’t imagine the hard ache he had to go through.
But even though this man was no less of a man for making his out burst, he had proven himself to be no more than a ruler. But with victory at the battle came bitter defeat the destruction of his kingdom no less. But why blame his entire losses on Shu? The death of Lu Rai a sad one indeed but there was nothing that Liu Bei could have done to prevent that, he wasn’t present at that fateful banquet.
He stood up, keeping his calm and virtue in tact. ‘’Well that maybe the case, but Master Wei Yan, I couldn’t prevent your friends death when word reached me I felt sadden by the whole ordeal. But when you mock me, spit on the floor I stand on. It is really another subject. Calling me a coward when I strive to do nothing but bring peace to this land. He paused for a moment already knowing the outcome and Wei Yans next move.
Guards on the otherhand looked on, they were ready to move in if things looked pearshape once again, then Liu Bei continued ‘’I only strive for what the people believe in, I maybe naive but I respect the people and think of their terms. Do not come in here and insult me and insult the people. Sure I cannot compare your loss to my life but I couldn’t do anything about it even if I could.’’ Stopping for a last moment as the beast paused just before the exit to hear of Liu Beis last comment.
‘’Though you may mock it, I will carry on fighting for the people. I will not stand aside when I get blamed for thing, I will take full responsibility of whatever comes my way. I had asking my advisors about the battle when it began, I only offered to help Ma Chao when Xing Cai pleaded to me. When that was rejected I asked my advisors of helping you, they said stay neutral, so I did just that. But im not going to pass the blame to my advisors I will take it like a man, something that you have forgotten to be’’
He didn’t wait for a response he simply watch him for awhile then walked out of the hall and back through the door he came from. Still not angry he was simply more agitated than anything else.
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Post by Wei Yan on Sept 7, 2008 2:45:05 GMT -5
The warrior stopped. This King had hit a heart string. He'd spoke of Wei Yan as if he was a child. The eyes of the Beast instinctively looked over the room as he still stood facing towards the door. He could see some of the guards preparing for the worst, and for a moment the grip he had on his spear tightened, part of him wanting to test his own strength and see if he could survive Cheng Du, but he knew better in the end.
Snarling, he turned and glared back athe King of Han Zhong. He didn't step forward. He didn't move at all after he turned a long moment. The warrior just stared at the King of Han Zhong. Finally, another snarl broke the silence and the Beast spoke. His tone was harsh, but controlled.
"Prevent the death? Do not dishonor me with the idea of saving Lu Rai. He died as a martyr for that is what he was. He was the martyr that saves the blind. I was the blind. I did not ask why you did not come to save Lu Rai from his death, I am not so childish as to wish that, Cowardly King. I asked where was Shu when his death seemed to be in Vain? When the people's saving seemed to be in vain? When the death of hundreds of allies seemed to be in vain? You stand there, defending yourself against the arguement you made yourself hear. I did not speak those words. Listen more closely and take the words as they come and answer the question as it should be answered. I did not want a pity filled response, and then the dagger in the back. I wanted some honesty. Some courage from a ruler. Sadly, but not unexpected, I did not find it."
The warrior paused, collecting his own thoughts, and re-calming himself, for he was getting a bit worked up from his own words. Looking to Jiang Wei and then back to the King he continued.
"I will always insult you. I will always belittle you. I will always do these things until you give me reason not to. Speaking is one thing, Acting is another. You are not being the man here. The man admits when he was wrong, as I did when I let the people of Chang An return to the peace they knew before Wei Yan. I was the man when I left the Guardians there to defend them. You are the coward when you continue to hide behind your own hollow words of self-respect that states you will take the blame. Do no just take the blame, boy! Do something about your flaws! If you do not think it was wrong to sit by the whole time during the Chang An battle then you are still far too naive to be entrusted with this Shu. Give it to someone who atleast understands honesty. Let Master Jiang Wei ruler. Atleast he is honest in his flaws and recognizes he needs to make himself better. You... You merely say you are without flaw, which is the lie that hides all the flaws you know you have. You do nothing to change them, and when it comes time for battle, you hide behind your brothers and your strategist. There is many reasons I deem you coward and continue to insult you. These are just a few. You are not fighting for the people, you are commanding others to fight for them! Do not say such fruitless things, Cowardly King! You'd do well to come and plead your case and reason for not being at Chang An at the banquet in Ye. Maybe then the whole of China will not swallow your wretched soul."
That was it though. Now the man was done with words. Turning and walking out, the Beast left the palace, and Cheng Du all together. If anyone moved to intercept him, he'd be blunt but respectful in telling them to move. If they presented arms, they'd lose their right to live. Wei Yan was leaving and none would stop him, though he doubted any would try.
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Post by Zhang Fei on Sept 7, 2008 11:47:01 GMT -5
"Halt! How dare you speak to the King of Han Zhong in such a way! Guards! Arrest him!"
And with the call of an eavesdropping Minister,dozens of Shu Soldiers surrounded Wei Yan with spears and swords raised and more Guards were coming to reinforce the Minister.
The Guards,who now counted to about 36,wasted no time and lept at Wei Yan.They attacked all at once and sooner or later Wei Yan would have to surrender.
"Show that filthy Barbarian what happens when you run your mouth off to the wrong people!",The Minister nearly screamed.
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