Chang Sha Palace

[Liu Bei [Ret]]

Chang Sha: the current, and temporary, capital of Liu Bei's itinerant force. Within the city, along the northern edge of the central plaza, stood the palace that afforded legitimacy and comfort to the distant cousin of the Emperor. It is a small building, but it serves its purpose well enough. Liu Bei and his wives live a rather comfortable life within the building. Flanking the building are two towers, one which faces to the east, the other with a westward facing, both of them tall enough to summit with ease the highest tower of the city walls.

Within this palace, Liu Bei sits in the audience chamber on a chair of the finest redwoods the city could procure, designs inlaid into it and accentuated with gilt gold in the recesses.

Turning, the man on this impromptu throne turned his head to one of his advisors.

"Tell me, how can we bring valuable and worthy men to our cause?" Liu Bei asked.

The advisor put his finger to his lower lip as he thought. A few moments passed.

"We must capitalise upon your greatness and your magnanity towards the people. Promise every soldier that comes to you food for a year for his family, and for every officer that comes, a title equal to his worth. That, surely, will bring men from all walks flocking to your side."

The Imperial Cousin nodded in assent to the suggestion his advisor gave. "See that it is done, and when these officers of character and virtue arrive, I'd like to meet each and every one of them."

[Liu Qi]

It had been a rough year for Liu Qi, his father had died and his younger brother had surendered to Cao Cao which had left Liu Qi without a home. With the forces that had not agreed with his brother's cowardice Liu Qi had went in search of a friend. He had in the past been helped by Liu Bei and now the time was to return the favor. Already Liu Bei had taken much of the southern Jing province and it was in Chang Sha that he had set up his capital. It was in the mind of the younger man to go see if his cousin would accept his services and those of the men who followed him.

His forces had been told to camp a few days north east of the city and it was an honor guard of ten scout cavalry that escorted the legimate hier to the Jing Province to Chang Sha. It was as he was entering the city that he learned of the offer Liu Bei was making to any would join his ranks. It gave him a laugh to know that he had come before any such enticements were offered. Once at the palace he turns over his guards and then waits to be introduced by name and relationship to Liu Biao. As he waits he wonders if it had been such a good idea to come to Chang Sha

[Zhang Fei]

There was a strong wind blowing over the river as Zhang Fei and his followers follow it along. Their destination is Chang Sha and it has been several days since the men had eaten a decent meal. The battle of Chi Bi had been quite a victory and has given Shu a breather. However, in the aftermath of the battle, chaos ruled in the Jing province, as soldiers from all three factions were determined to pillage as much loot as possible. They were not going to come back to this site in some time and so Zhang Fei had decided to take his cavalry and patrol the roads around Chang Sha to defend the people. However, with Zhang Fei not being able to plunder the villages for food, the morale and stamina of his men had dropped to zero. It was time to go home.

With the right banners and the easily recognizable Zhang Fei in the lead, the mounted force is allowed entry into the citywalls and head straight for the palace. The people on the streets seem happy, as valiant men like Zhang Fei had given their lives not too long ago to protect the city from the evil Cao Cao. And so the people start handing eatable goods to the soldiers and Zhang Fei, to show their thank to them.

Near the palace Zhang Fei calls his officers and gives them the order to fall out. They would have to report back to him tomorrow, but the soldiers were allowed to relax in the city for three days. Zhang Fei brings his steed to the stables and goes to the palace room, expecting to find his eldest brother there. And he does and starts running at his brother when they make their first eye contact. He grabs his brother tightly in his arms and pulls him out of his chair.

"BROTHER! It does me good to see you safe and sound here. I apoligize for being so late, but I feared our retreating enemy would cool their anger on the surrounding villages. So I patrolled around with my men a couple of days but failed to take any heads. But enough about me, how are you? Have you already prepared an army to take advantage of the momentum we acquired?"

[Liu Bei [Ret]]

For Liu Qi, his return to the city would prove to be fortuitous, as Xuande was always kind to his kinsmen, however distantly related they were. As the herald announced Liu Qi, Bei smiled and broke with certain rites of propriety and stood, approaching the newly arrived man. He personally escorted him towards the throne before Liu Bei stood before it, facing Liu Qi, unable to bring himself to sit upon the seat of power.

"The heavens smile upon us today. I ask you, what brings you to this city and my territory?"

He would have been polite and awaited the relative's response, and offered wine and a meal as a matter of fact, but the appearance of Zhang Fei cut all intentions short for the time being.

"Patience, Zhang Fei. We cannot allow ourselves to be overstretched. And for the time being, I must admit that I am content with Jing Province. I am well however, and was about to share wine and a meal with my honourable relative, if you'd be so kind to join us? Find Brother Guan too, if he's in the city: it would do him some good, and all know we need his company again."

[Zhang Fei]

Zhang Fei nods as his brother speaks calmly, as always. But as soon as the words 'meal' and 'wine' reached his ears, his entire body starts nodding in acknowledgment. Clapping with his hands he laughs and looks at Liu Bei.

"Haha! Yes, Brother Guan should come too. I suggest we have a large feast for us but also the soldiers. The noise we will make must certainly make our brother notice us. It would also raise morale for our soldiers, because the fighting has been long and bitter and despite our alliance's victory, our men, and with them me aswell, feel like we have captured an empty victory. With a grand feast and good food I am sure each and every one of our soldiers will have the fighting spirit of a hundred men!"

Then Zhang Fei notices the young Liu Qi who looks awkwardly like the old Liu Biao. Perhaps the last loyal servant of the old man, whereas his entire territory was handed over to Cao Cao without a fight. Off course this man could also use a good party.

"It looks to me our young friend here could also use a spiritlifter. Brother, as long as you have no intentions of going out for another campaign, allow me to order the officials of the city and staff of the palace to prepare a grand feastmeal. Perhaps we should invite Sun Quan over aswell?"

[Liu Bei [Ret]]

Food and drink always got Zhang Fei, and many other men of this world, in a good mood. With it already decided upon, clearly, Liu Bei turned to his advisers beckoning them closer. Quickly he asked several of these secretaries to see just what sort of arrangements for the meal could be made for tonight.

"It would be best we celebrate tonight, Brother, while Liu Qi is certain to still be here. There will be a campaign soon I trust, but to where, and when precisely I could not say. Please, Yide, go and find Brother Guan," Liu Bei requested his youngest brother. "And don't be late for the banquet."

The last warning was completely unnecessary, Xuande knew, Zhang Fei loved banquets far too much.

[Zhao Yun]

The streets of Chang Sha were crowded as Zhao Yun made his way towards the palace. Although there was a strong wind, the sun was shining and the sky seemed almost cloudless. Zhao Yun glanced upwards and smiled. He had always liked good weather and with the recent victory of the Shu-Wu alliance, his mood couldn't be better. As he passed a tavern, he could hear some soldiers boasting about their part at the victory achieved at Chi Bi. Judging by the loud noises and big gestures they made, he figured they were most likely Zhang Fei's men, given time to relax in the city after the battle. Zhao Yun himself preferred for his own men to be a little more modest, yet with a leader as Zhang Fei, he figured it was hard to uphold standards like that and Zhao Yun didn't mind. The men could indeed use a break and he knew how much they loved telling wild stories to each other, always trying to best one another.

Pondering in thoughts, he reached the palace sooner than he expected. Inside, he went for the throne room to find Liu Bei. As he entered, he noticed the others already present and nodded politely to them. As he came close to Liu Bei, he bowed respectfully and waited for him to finish his current conversation before speaking.

"Lord Liu Bei, how great to see you again! I too have returned from the battlefield and am eager to follow your orders. The nearby cities of our territory could use improvement, while the men here could always use more training for upcoming battles, after they've gotten time to relax of course. Please Lord, tell me what you would have me do and I will do it the best I can."

[Zhuge Liang]

Zhuge Liang smiled as he walked towards the palace. The tips of his fingers playing with the feathers of his fan while keeping an eye. Zhuge Liang looked at the people's faces, noticing their smiles. "Lord Liu Bei has done a great job by keeping the people of Chang Sha happy and safe." Zhuge Liang said to himself with a smile on his face. "Maybe he's the one who will unite the land after all." He then began to happily hum a melody as the wind played with his robes. "Thank you, Southeastern Wind..." Zhuge Liang muttered as a way to express his gratitude to one of the main factors that allowed the Shu-Wu alliance to defeat Wei at Chi Bi. "The other factor was the strength of our soldiers. Thank you." Zhuge Liang said with a low voice as he saw a group of soldiers patrolling the streets. He nodded in respect as they passed by him. "The third factor was... Fire, of course." He laughed quietly and glanced at the sky. "Gongjin... We did it. We did it..."

Eventually, Zhuge Liang reached the Palace. His fingers kept playing the feathers of his fan. "Let's do this, shall we?" Kongming said to himself as he entered the massive building. After some minutes of walking inside the Palace, he finally reached the Throne Room where Liu Bei and Zhao Yun were.

"Lord Liu Bei, Master Zhao Yun." Zhuge Liang bowed in respect. "I'm so happy to see both of you once more." He placed his fan on his chest. "I have come to lend my strength and aid you in restoring this country. I will help you with everything I can."

[Liu Bei [Ret]]

"Thank you both for coming here as well," Liu Bei replied as both Zilong and Kongming made their presence known. Just as his brothers were the foundation upon which Liu Bei had built himself up to this point, it was through Zhao Yun and Zhuge Liang that he intended to maintain his position and expand upon it. Each of them were unparalleled in their respective fields, Zhao Yun for his devotion and skill on horseback, Zhuge Liang for his insight and sound advice.

"You both are likewise the very men I had hoped to come across very soon. I'd like to discuss things of some importance with you, but not here nor now. Perhaps at the banquet we shall hold tonight? It is to celebrate our victory, welcome our returned generals, as well as welcome the new officers and gentlemen that seek to join our cause."

At this moment food was one of the only things that was on Liu Bei's mind as well. Normally he'd allow himself work, but the prospect of so many worthy and noble guests was more than he could push aside, and he couldn't help but dwell on the matter.

[Liu Bei]

Zhang Ren entered Shu territory with a sense of apprehension and anxiety. He was determined, and vowed to himself that he would never go against his Lord, Liu Zhang's will. Yet he quite uncertain when Liu Zhang insisted that two of his vassal shall go and aid Liu Bei in the war with Wei. The Liu Zhang chose happened to be Yan Yan, and Zhang Ren. At first Zhang Ren had pleaded that he not be sent, he wished to only serve one master. Liu Zhang countered saying that it was his will that two of his best generals be used to aid Liu Bei. "It would help relations," Zhang Ren's lord had explained. Though the idea didn't completely oppose Zhang Ren, he wanted so badly to get into the fight with Wei. Serving Liu Bei however, did not seem like his lord's will.

Despite this; Zhang Ren complied.

It was beyond Zhang Ren to comprehend why Ba Zeng had attached himself to Ren's entourage. Zeng only spoke in cryptic language. However, Ba Zeng was a valuable asset, Zhang Ren thought, he had proven that during the minor skirmishes with Zhang Lu. It was strange though, Zhang Ren thought, that Ba Zeng held little to none ambition. He recalled that Ba Zeng declined a superior minister position, and went along with them to Shu. Zhang Ren wasn't the only one suspicious of Ba Zeng, Yan Yan thought so as well, as they discussed this one night whilst Ba Zeng went out to relieve himself. It was a light suspicion though, and nothing came of it. It was just like Ba Zeng to keep himself, to himself.

Zhang Ren and his entourage passed through the gates of Chang Sha that morning, while the peasantry flowed through as well to work in the fields. It was hard to go against them, they were something like a wave of water. Ba Zeng had volunteered to escort their three horses to the stable, so Zhang Ren and Yan Yan proceeded on foot to the palace.

They were dressed as if they were ready to go to war, full suits of armor, weapons, and capes. It was to display to Liu Bei that they were the real deal. Perhaps it was un-court like to walk into Liu Bei's palace in full battle garb. Zhang Ren pondered how Lord Bei would receive them. They were still vassals of Liu Zhang, and they both swore fealty to Zhang. Just instructed to fight for Shu.

Yan Yan broke the silence that was brought on by apprehension and second guessing, "How do you feel Lord Liu Bei will receive us?"

Zhang Ren took his time with the retort, and when he did finally respond he stood at the base of the palace steps; they were there. "One could only hope, positively." He started up the stairs, and announced himself to one of the guards, who allowed him inside the hall.

He stepped into a celebration, he had almost forgotten that the Battle of Red Cliff was won just very recently. The demeanor of the others in the hall brought a smile to his face. He stood off to the side and Yan Yan stood beside them. They were in uniform; but it wasn't a Shu uniform. Some would recognize it as Liu Zhang's army, some wouldn't. One way or another they would get some attention. He was baffled by the congregation in the room. He named off the ones he could name in his mind: Zhang Fei, Liu Bei, Zhao Yun... There was a man there that had a wisdom about him, and a giant fan in his hand, the name was on the tip of his tongue.

It's Kongming! Zhang Ren stiffened, he had been a skeptic of Zhuge Liang's infinite military genius, but perhaps he was wrong since the complete turn around at Red Cliff. Zhuge Liang started to list the factors of the win; and Zhang Ren felt a little more enlightened. They waited to be acknowledged by Lord Liu Bei.

[Zhang Fei]

As Zhang Fei looks around, he can see the throne room is getting somewhat crowded. One of the most important ingredients for a succesfull party. State matters could wait and Zhang Fei decides to go and check out the kitchen of the palace, to make sure there is enough wine and good food for him. And some of the guests too.

[Liu Qi]

Liu Qi had been about to answer when others started to enter the throne room. He steps to the side and lets the conversations go on around him while he waited for a chance to talk with Liu Bei again. He sips a glass of wine as he wiats and looks at who all has appeared knowing that he was doing what was right. Finally seeing the chance Liu Qi approaches Liu Bei. "Cousin I know you were asking earlier about what brings me to your territory. To be honest I had come to see if you might have a use for me and the men who refused to accept my brother's surrender to Cao Cao. I know you and my father weren't on speaking terms but I think you are right in what you propose to do. We after all are related to Han so I have come to seeking to help Shu reunite the lands."

Liu Qi falls silent as he waits for a reply knowing that he was in a situation where he could possibly need to leave in a hurry. He was here on a gamble and he hoped it would pay off before to much longer as he believed that Liu Bei was the best person to unite the lands. It was good to see Zhange Fei and the others here as Liu Qi knew just what Cao Cao was capable of as he had heard what had happened after his brother had surrendered after his father's death.

[Zhuge Liang]

Humbled by the kind words of Liu Bei, Kongming bows down holding his feather fan near his chest. "You honor me with your words, milord. I will do my best to fulfill your expectations." With that, Zhuge Liang headed to the nearest table, keeping an eye on all the guests.

Zhao Yun, noble and fearless warrior who was well-known for his courage during the retreat of Chang Ban. His presence within the ranks of Shu would prove useful by raising the morale of the troops.

Zhang Fei, sworn brother of Liu Bei. A man with the strength to hold an army all by himself and win with ease. Truly an asset for Shu and a powerful figure for the upcoming campaigns.

Then there were two men wearing the uniform of Liu Zhang's forces. Zhuge Liang recognized them as Zhang Ren and Yan Yan. Kongming smiled and nodded at the two officers from his seat.

Last but not least, there was Liu Qi, relative of Liu Bei who just arrived to sworn his loyalty to Shu. "Our ranks are growing." Zhuge Liang said to himself as he continued to look around the palace.

[Mi Zhu]

Into the palace of Chang Sha walks a man, not old yet not quite young either. Middle aged was probably the best description. This man was Mi Zhu of Ju, style name Zizhong. Following the flight at Chang Ban he and his lord and brother and law, Liu Bei had been separated from one another. Following this separation Mi Zhu had terribly witnessed the death of his own sister after falling into a wall in order to save her child. Zhao Yun had rode away with ZiZhong's nephew however Mi Zhu had remained and had stripped himself of all of his finery save for his weapons in order to appear as a peasant.

Now finally he had made his way to the court of his lord and though now having nothing but his armor and weapons he had returned to serve Liu Bei. Standing immediately outside the main palace chamber, the once wealthy peasant awaits an introduction....

[Zhuge Liang]

After spending some time enjoying some food and reading a small book that he carried all times, Zhuge Liang stood up and decided to take a walk around the Palace, his fingers playing with his feather fan. Eventually Kongming reached the entrance, where he noticed a peasant in front of the Palace. He raised an eyebrow as he noticed the well-crafted hilt of a blade hiding under the peasant's clothes. "That can possibly mean one of these three things: He's a peasant who killed a wealthy man. A spy from Wei or Wu who wants to kill Lord Liu Bei. Or..." Zhuge Liang approached the newcomer with a smile in his face.

"Lord Mi Zhu, correct?" Kongming said as he descended from the stairs of the Palace. "I thought that you perished in Chang Ban. I'm so happy so see you alive and well."