Peaceful Acquisition of a Mighty City?(Continued)

[Kyle]

One of the guards had run off, likely going to ask a higher power within the city what to do, for this was no ordinary occurrence. Mancheng was sure that his request would be met with much apprehension, after all, no man liked ceding his power and authority. In any case, he would not be deterred, and either they would cede to Wei peacefully, or he would be returning with their armies. Mancheng sincerely hoped for a peaceful resolution, though.

After some time of awkward staring at the guard, waiting for the other to return, Mancheng sighed and was about to inquire of the other guard just where exactly the absent one was. Luckily for Mancheng, just as he was about to ask, he saw the missing guard running back toward the gate. Mancheng's stomach tightened as he became even more nervous, wondering what the verdict was. He was no good with these situations of suspense, he was a man who liked to get to the point, none of the other nonsensical games that people liked to play mattered to him, and only got in the way. He was unique in this way to most others, and it made his life harder, for an honest life was becoming increasingly harder to live with the world how it was.

The guard finally made his way up to Li Dian, he bowed and informed Mancheng of the situation: he was to follow the guard into the city to meet with one Yan Yu, Minister of the Militant Administration of Luo Yang. It was not the highest rank in the bureaucracy of the Han, but Mancheng figured that it would get him farther than he already was if he could reason with this man. So, Mancheng bid the man to lead on, and so he dutifully did....

After a lengthy walk, they came across a building, it was no the palace, but it was most likely an important administrative complex none-the-less. The guard stopped in front of the building and bowed to Mancheng. He then stated what was to come next. "Lord Li, Minister Yan awaits you within these doors. Please, do go in, he should be right inside. He is most eager to meet you." Mancheng nodded to the man, and spoke, "I appreciate you showing me the way. Thank you." Though, this was not necessary, Mancheng was a humble man, rank mattered not to him, and all men were worthy of respectful treatment, another way that he was somewhat of anomaly.

He walked up the stairs of the large building, its architecture beautiful, though, not nearly as grandiose as the palace of the imperial capitol. When he entered, Mancheng saw a man dressed as a minister would be, and even had the feel of one. He seemed to emit worthlessness, most ministers and court officials did. None of them could truly be trusted, and none of them truly cared for the welfare of the State, only the welfare of themselves; thus was the world of politics, as regrettable as it was.

Once he had made within speaking distance of the man, Mancheng bowed low, though, he did not wish to, he knew he'd have to play the games of politics, as disgusting as he found them. "Good day sir. I am Li Mancheng of Wei. I have come on official business of my lord, Cao Cao. Might you be Minister of the Militant Administration, Yan Yu that I have been told to meet here? If so, I am most honored to meet you, and have heard much about your merits. A minister working hard for the government, yet not appreciated enough for it. A shame really." Mancheng offered a coy smile after finishing his sycophantic statement. There was a chance that this would not be Yan Yu, but something told him that it was, it was most likely the overly eager expression the man had on his face when Mancheng entered the building.

In any case, the game was just beginning, and it was Yan Yu's move.

[Liu Shan]

When Li Dian entered the snake raised his head with a smirk upon his lips, wondering what this Wei officer truely wanted in the Capitol, perhaps take it over to proclaim Cao Cao Emperor? I think not. However, after listening to what this man had to say it was clear he knew the ways of the courts, flattery the greatest weapon for someone in Yan Yu's position. However, perhaps he underestimated the intelligence of the minister? But, it was a hard prospect to speak of, seeing as he agreed with Li Dian's work; the rank he was given was too low for the amount of work he did, but that would change soon. "Indeed that maybe the case, however, the Heavens have blessed me with the job of protecting the Imperial Nephew, in which I take great pride in." Wondering if it would be worth falling into this small game, Yan Yu couldn't help but chuckle and after all the Capitol is what he wanted to control, though the hold of Liu Shan made everything more easier for him.

"However, there are some words of yours I must agree on, we strive to further ourselves and when recognition isn't fully given." Smirking the snake looked at Li Dian and gestured to take a seat infront of him, the small table was adorned with fine wines and teas for the guest. "So what official business does Lord Cao have in the Capitol?" As he poured Li Dian both a cup of tea and wine, so he could chose, the minister then poured himself a cup of tea. Not taking a sip until his guest, the minister began to speculate what this man wanted. Cao Cao was an ambitious man, clearly believing he could take hold of the Imperial Capitol meant he was one step away from Heaven. How wrong, especially with the Imperial Nephew alive, also there was the Imperial Uncle but to Yan Yu, his life was numbered upon this earth... Or did Li Dian wish to gain the favour of the Imperial Family? Indeed that could make Cao Cao's life far more easier than trying to take over Luoyang, as not many people wanted that kind of man ruling an Empire..

[Kyle]

I have to give the man his credit, it seems that I have underestimated him. I was hoping he would have taken the bait much easier. Ah well... so it continues, sadly. Mancheng was frustrated even having to be in the presence of this Yan Yu man, but he was swallowing all of his disgust and maintaining as best he could.

When the refreshments were offered, Mancheng took the tea, he did not drink alcohol, it clouded the mind and got in the way of the thinking, the learning that sustained him. Taking the tea in his hands, he sipped it once then placed it back down on the table. He sighed lightly, a satisfied sigh, tea warmed the soul and calmed the nerves. This was the case for Mancheng anyway. He then cleared his throat and addressed the shady minister before him.

"I thank you for your hospitality, Lord Yan. I must also commend you on your great modesty, such is a characteristic that is very rare in these times. Truly an example that all of us in the Middle Kingdom could learn from. ah forgive, I am rambling about things that are beside the point. Now, for your question, Lord Cao's business in the capitol is simple; he wishes to place it under his protection. The world has grown rampant, and stability is needed, and I can think of no better man to protect the capitol of the Han than he. I know this is a bold request, but everyone knows that the Han is not what it used to be, the issue of the next Emperor is still being debated heatedly since Dong Zhuo fell.

"There needs to be someone with the ability to keep order in this city, for there are many that will come marching to take advantage of the chaos in this city. This city has been through enough and so has its people. I see no reason as to why Luo Yang, or its denizens should go through the pain of such tragedies again."

Mancheng paused, his argument made, and sipped his tea once more, thinking. The man had mentioned something about the Imperial Nephew, and that intrigued Mancheng greatly. Hmm, so that's his game is it? He has charge of an Imperial relative, and with the Han being in the chaos that it is, perhaps this man wishes to take advantage. I cannot say that he doesn't have a good idea if it is power that he wants. ...Perhaps I can play on this, because I somehow doubt that he of all people cares about my previous argument. In any case, I need to make my next move now. Mancheng placed the tea down once more, and again spoke up, trying to go on this new strategy before his opponent could get a word in.

"I believe you said something about the Imperial Nephew, Master Liu Chan. it is indeed a great honor to have him as your charge, Minister Yan. I have heard of his plight caused by his father. A terrible shame that such a kind boy was born to the treacherous and scheming Liu Bei; a man of the Han, yet he claims himself the King of Hanzhong. Ah, but I suppose you probably have plenty opinions of the man yourself, as you know more of the Imperial Nephew's woes than I or anyone else. ...As I said before, a terrible shame."

Mancheng was taking a big chance going out on this tangent, but he hoped that it would prove fruitful. It was his last hope, otherwise, the greedy minister would eventually just dismiss him, he had his self-importance to instill. Mancheng wished that he didn't have to deal with such a worthless man, he had hoped that one of the wise men in charge of the city would be who he was discussing his orders with. He knew that they would listen to reason. But he also knew that this was a bureaucracy, and that he wouldn't just be allowed an audience with anyone of actual importance.

[Liu Shan]

Li Dian's words were as if placing a piece of meat infront of a hungry dog, the snake grew a smile opne his face as he furthered into slandering the 'Imperial Uncle'. However, it was interesting that Liu Bei was claiming himself the King of Hanzhong, the perfect timing for the Imperial Nephew to rise. The Imperial Uncle turning his back on the Han, thus, turning away the Imperial Family...such a fool. "Indeed that man does not deserve the privilage of Imperial Uncle, for his manners are not acceptable. The Imperial Nephew has suffered gravely because that man, his mind is of a child and only now have we began teaching him what he should already know. The late Huang Hao did not have the credentials to give him the tutolage of the courts." Yan Yu took a sip of the warm tea, the age old traditional of most drinks being warm to create balance within the body was interesting; but to the minister, vital.

"I must confess now that the Imperial Nephew has desires of his own, however, they are halted by his father- a man he still has some respect for, always trying to play the part of a loving son. That man should not be allowed to parade as a King." The minister had to stop himself from becoming to inticed to continue, the slanders were known of from both the late Eunuch and Yan Yu; the latter having more hatred for Liu Bei as he was the obstacle of him furthering within the court. The snake allowed the path to return to the most important matter, that of Cao Cao's control over Luoyang. Majority of the Imperial Court would see this as the gratest of insults if that man took hold of this city, all striving for a puppet Emperor, all knowing that Cao Wei would not be one of them. However, this could prove fruitful if Cao Cao was to destroy the 'Imperial Uncle'.

"Interesting, and how would you persuade the Imperial court to bow to Lord Cao? Most of the ministers, court officials and staff here wish for this city to be ruled by the Han Imperial Family, the Liu. In my own opinion the King of Hanzhong, is in no right to do that, for he turns his own back against us. Only the Imperial Nephew is in line, Dong Zhuo unfortunately eradicating any heir apparent our Emperor Ling may have had." Would the minister admitt that Liu Shan himself had spoken highly of Cao Cao, even when he had never met the man. "However, the Imperial Nephew has spoken of Lord Cao" A small hint to the approval that would come from Liu Shan, even though he wanted to named Emperor. However, his reasons were very different from why Yan Yu wished Shan to be the Supreme Ruler of this land; Shan was kind hearted and his filial nature would serve the land well.. Soon his intelligence would finally blossom, which meant Yan Yu would be exposed to the poison of his own plans. The minister knew that Liu Shan was the same as Emperor Wen of Han, this would prove to be a disadvantage for those of the Imperial Court who desired power, who desired a puppet leader.

[Kyle]

It seemed that Mancheng's risk had paid off. The subject of Liu Bei struck a chord, deep within the man's heart, a dark loathing that consumed him. His manner changed quite a bit when Liu Bei was the subject, it was slightly deterring; such darkness was a dangerous thing. As Yan Yu continued on, he spoke of Liu Chan having ambitions of his own, yet he said not what they were, this struck Mancheng's interest, but he would have to leave that be for now. There were much more important matters to attend to.

"You bring up a very valid point, Minister Yan, that is if your assumption as to my being here was correct. I am not here to ask the Imperial Court to cede its power to my lord. I am simply proposing a deal that would benefit both the Court and Wei. Cao Cao protects the city, thus he protects the Court, and he has the benefit of a city such as Luo Yang, which would bolster Wei a fair deal. This seems to me to be a perfectly reasonable proposition.

"My lord is a fair man, the people of the capitol would be in good hands, and the power-hungry men of the Courts would still have their power, their drug. Seems fairly simple to myself, then again, I am young man who has had little to do with the Imperial Court, though, I do understand it's workings fairly well. Besides, the Cao and Xiahou families have served the Han loyally for the entirety of its reign, and still continue to do so. Who better than a man from a family such as those to help protect the Han. It all makes a great amount of sense, my friend."

Mancheng paused for a moment, allowing his words to register in the minister's mind. He was becoming impatient, he was parleying with a man who had not the authority to even accept the proposition. He was simply wasting Mancheng's time. Either way, Mancheng figured he's bring up the last thing the minister had said, his statement about Liu Chan having commented on Mengde. This struck Mancheng as something very interesting. Something that he couldn't be not to ask about.

"So, you say that the Imperial Nephew has spoken of Cao Cao before? Might I inquire as to what was said? If the Imperial Nephew has a good opinion of Cao Cao, perhaps things could work out between us. Who knows...."

[Liu Shan]

It seemed that the Imperial City had no option, but though the Han was dying its army would still be the strongest and a clash between them and Wei could be quite violent- meaning he'd have to vacate Luoyang until the skirmish was over. However, the minister did not have the authority to allow these proceedings to come of worth, for now, he only had grounds over the supplies for the barracks; how annoying. But nonetheless this was turning into an interesting conversation, if Cao Cao did take hold of Luoyang, that would mean he would have to bargain with the Wei Lord for Shan to remain within the rooms of the heir apparent. "Indeed such violence could come from the court's objection, but I am sure you understand that I have not yet gained the authority to allow this change to happen." A higher minister would clearly allow it to happen, though Yan Yu would be on the opposing side. Cao Cao, an ambitious man, but not as ambitious as the snake, especially with the Imperial Nephew still alive and in his power.

The subject of Liu Shan's opinion on Cao Cao? Yan Yu could merely lie about this, however, what would be the point? Soon Wei would have control of this city. "The young Imperial Nephew understand the substance of Lord Cao, in awe of such prowess the man has. It is clear to anyone that the boy wishes to be surrounded by men who give him the understanding and affection of a father; he is aware that Lord Cao has many sons of his own and has yet to treate them like he was." It was true that Liu Shan admired Cao Cao and dreamed for a father such as him, one who made his sons read literature and made sure their education was of high standars when young. Something that the Imperial Nephew did not have, and possibley will never have; stuck in his own world of things he can not comprehend like everyone else. Though fathering a Liu Shan? Not many have come to attendance in trying to create something of the boy, surprising as his likable nature and rising reputation of someone with hidden courage was spreading...and the fact that his personal army was growing quite large considering the lack of tutolage he has had.

[Dark Narrator]

A man walks up to Li Dian and looks him over real good. He quickly does the same to the man with the Wei officer, but he is concerned more with Dian.

It seemed Dian's pants were riding a little high in the back and it was making the man from Luo Yang uncomfortable.

"No...no...no...that will just not do!" he stated, flailing his hands around wildly.

The man had walked right between Li Dian and Yan Yu, not caring what could happen to him. Incredibly, the man quickly withdrew a measuring device instead of a weapon which seemed to be the more favored tool of the day. The item he had was bizarre and foreign to the two other officers. There was no doubt that Zhuge Kongming must have created it.

"Oh my! What if we just alter the seem between those two sweet cheeks and everything shall be fabulous again?"

If Li Dian was still puzzled as to just what was going on, he would be even more concerned when the man lowered to his knees and started to measure his crotchel region.

"My lord said that this city could only be handed over to one of the most dazzling officers of the time. Since me and Zhang He are no longer living together, that means i can focus on you instead! Now you know why Zhang He was so beautiful!"


The city of Luo Yang has fallen to Wei!?