Chang Sha Palace

[Mi Zhu]

Handing his weapons over to a nearby guard, Mi Zhu takes a few steps forward to shake the hand of the man before him. This was the great new strategist of Liu Bei. Mi Zhu himself had been able to find his way to Chang Sha along the road from a route to the west of the Chang Ban Bridge. Sadly this path had led him far afield of the forces of Shu. Along the road he managed to avoid the forces of Wei, also because of his seperation from his lord. Within two days of his seperation from Shu, Mi Zhu had begun to retrace his path back to his lord. With his bow in hand he had survived for the weeks in the wilderness alone by hunting down deer. In the end though it had likely made him a much stronger officer for his lord.

Before him stood one of the greatest strategists in all the land, a man who he could only hope to equal in his wildest dreams. This man was rumored to be the greatest strategist in the land and the fact that he had noticed Mi Zhu's absence was truly remarkable. Whilst rubbing his small beard Mi Zhu replys:

Yes lord Zhuge Liang, on more than one occasion I thought I would perish, whether it was because of starvation, animal attack, or enemy troops, I was often on the very verge of death. However I have come back to take back my place at the beck and calll of our lord. With his great love for the people and for the Han, I could never serve another. Is there any word on the current situation my lord? As I am sure you know, I have not had any way of communicating with our people in quite a while.

[Zhuge Liang]

Zhuge Liang slowly fanned his face as he smiled to Mi Zhu and replied with a friendly voice "Your loyalty is admirable, Lord Mi Zhu. You're also a very resourceful man. In these dark times an officer like you is a valuable asset. Please, let us proceed to the Palace." Kongming motioned with his fan as he turned around and proceed to enter the massive building in front of them.

After being asked about the status of Shu, Kongming's tone of voice drastically changed into a cold one "Lord Cao Cao gathered an impressive army and built a massive navy..." He then turned to Mi Zhu and smiled once more "... But it was defeated at Chi Bi, thanks to the combined efforts of Shu and Wu." His tone of voice back to normal. The reason of this facade? To see the reaction of Mi Zhu.

[Mi Zhu]

Mi Zhu follows Zhuge Liang into the council chamber. Noticing Zhuge Liang's tone of voice at the beginning of his statement Mi Zhu begins to worry, however as soon as the smile spread across Zhuge Liang's face Mi Zhu himself sustained a grin. The question at hand however was quite a diffucult one. For a long moment Mi Zhu thinks on this question from Shu's master of strategy. After all such a question as this could quite easily be nothing more than a test. With the smile still crossing his face Mi Zhu says:

I think of course it is a great and auspicious beginning that our lord's army mananged with the aid of the army of Sun Quan in besting those dogs in Wei. I hope I can aid our lord in doing so in the future.

[Sarugaku Jouten]

The male shifted toward Zhuge Liang quickly. He was dressed in some what nice armor, the dual swords on his back. To the right of him one of his swords men, to the left of him a pike man. Both of them bowed in respect toward Zhuge Liang and then stared at the poorly dressed man. As if wondering why he made it past the gate.

Optics slowly narrowed a bit toward the peasent before shaking his head. "Sir, I would like to notify you that me and my men are ready to be deployed into battle. I have 1,535 men strong." Head shifted toward the peasent once more. "Hello..." After gesturing a friendly wave toward the male he looked at Zhuge Liang once more, waiting for a responce.

[Zhuge Liang]

"Indeed" Kongming replied to Mi Zhu with a single nod "And with you aiding us, we will restore the Han dynasty for sure." Zhuge Liang was now confident of Mi Zhu's resolve. It was natural to show surprise when mentioning Cao Cao and Huge Army in the same sentence, specially when you add the fact that they were marching south.

As both Zhuge Liang and Mi Zhu walked into the Palace, they were intercepted by a pair of warriors. One of them was Sarugaku Jouten. Kongming smiled and nodded at them. "There's no need for such formalities. 1,535 men? That's a considerable number of troops." He said with a smile. "Keep them ready, I'll suggest a military action to Lord Liu Bei soon..."

[Mi Zhu]

Turning to both Zhuge Liand and this new arrival Mi Zhu smiles. This new warrior seemed to be quite an aggresive fellow who was quite in the mood for a war some time soon. The fact was that Mi Zhu himself was feeling quite aggresive himself. After all he had been removed for the most important conflict in a long time. Speaking to both of them he says:

Lord Zhuge I hope that should lord Liu Bei send out this fellow as a general to conquer new lands for Shu-Han, I hope that he will send me along as the campaign's strategist. I already have a plan for where and what sort of strategy we should use to expand the Han's renewed control. By the way good sir, whoever you happen to be I am Mi Zhu, longheld retainer of Lord Liu Bei.

[Sarugaku Jouten]

"Pleasure to meet you. And alright I will keep them prepared. " Hands moved toward his sides, pinning them a bit taking a bow before Zhuge Liang. Head shifted toward the left, looking at the not so homeless male. " I am Sarugaku Jouten, an Officer in Liu Bei's grand army." The male spoke before shifting around completely.

Slowly the male walked away, the two guards next to him whispering about something stupid indeed. After about five steps his head shook a bit. "Zhuge Liang, make sure that this male is trained well. If I eve see him on the battle field, I don't want to protect him." The expression of his face was dull and boring. Figure shifted around once more and continued to walk deeper into the palace with his guards. Heading toward the strategy room.

[Zhuge Liang]

"Goodbye, I'm counting on you..." Zhuge Liang smiled as he watched Sarugaku go. The man gave him the impression of an aggressive individual, but that wasn't a bad thing, in fact he'd be useful for future military campaigns. "Truly an asset for Lord Liu Bei forces... I have an assignment for him later on." Zhuge Liang said to himself as he covered his mouth with his fan.

He then turned back to Mi Zhu, not covering his lips anymore. "A plan?" Kongming asked "Oh please, I'd like to hear about it..."

[Zhao Yun]

Zhao Yun leaves

(OOC: sorry, MAJOR headache, can't post anything decent at)

[Mi Zhu]

Mi Zhu smiles at lord Zhuge Liang, this was an oppurtunity to show lord Zhuge Liang his own strategic and tactical senses. However lord Mi Zhu had other ideas. Mi Zhu says:

My lord I am sure that this is not the best place to speak on such things. It may be better to not just speak about such things in front of those who are not generals of our lord. You shall see, but now I shall take my leave.

Mi Zhu departs the palace, headed towards the training fields nearby.

[Liu Bei]

As it had turned out; Liu Bei was a very busy man. He sighed as he saw his brother, Zhang Fei leave to find food, and probably receive some watery beer to get himself drunk. Liu Bei waved over Zhang Ren and Yan Yan, they were generals of Liu Zhang. Liu Bei knew deep within in heart, that they would soon be enemies, and having two enemy generals within your ranks would lead to the temptation of holding them hostage-

No, Liu Bei said to himself, I will not steep to such low levels. He took the next twenty minutes talking with Zhang Ren, small talk, asking about Liu Zhang and his father, Liu Yan. He gave a false smile, and then began to tell them why he couldn't have them in his service.

Of course, Liu Bei did not go into the details that he would soon be at war with Ren's lord. But merely he stated that he understood how loyal Ren was to his Lord Liu Yan, and that he wouldn't want Ren to be away from his master. Bei thought to himself, that was a good enough reason.

"Yes, you are dismissed, and please give Liu Yan my fondest regards." He bade Zhang Ren and Yan Yan farewell. They would soon be enemies. Bei hated the thought, but he needed to move his forces out of Jing as soon as possible. He made new friends in Wu, but Zhou Yu was a witty one, who would seek opportunity at any level. Bei wondered if Yu was angered by Shu's occupation of Jing. At this point Bei was fighting for his life, after a decade of defeats he had finally been able to win a battle alongside some much needed allies.

The image of Cao Cao's navy in flames gave him false closure. Of course it wasn't over. Cao Cao will once again consolidate his forces, and most likely pit Shu and Wu against each other.

Because of that threat; he was on the run again. It was time to move into Yi. He opened his eyes, escaping the false comfort the images of Chi Bi gave him. He smiled to the company about him, Mi Zhu, Zhuge Liang- Liu Bei thought to himself abruptly. Zhuge Liang was one of his strongest assets. Perhaps he too thought it was time to flee again. A maid approached Liu Bei with some tea, and he took it gracefully. He sipped as he watched Zhao Yun leave, he was another valuable asset.

So many strong warriors are still with me, Bei thought to himself. Even after a decade of defeats.

Xuande took solace in the fact that he must've been doing something right.

[Fai]

The clamoring hoofs of two thousand horses roared thunderously, shaking the very earth it swiftly runs through. It was if an army was approaching the city of Chang Sha, but that was not to be the case. Men garbed in leather armor and equipped with bows were atop of the stallions of various breeds. The bottom half of their faces were covered by a cloth to hide their countenance. However, their eyes still showed. Every man that rode on the swift beasts has eyes of a murderer. Each held a fierce glare that could very well send chills down the God of War’s neck. They were killers; each one holding a different burden in there hearts.

The mountainous area was not suited for cavalry, however, to these skilled riders, it was as if they were babies suckling on their mother’s breast; it was that simple. These experienced men were expert archers, and were not afraid to ‘shoot to kill’. There past was that of indignity and disrespect to the cultural teachings of the time. Tradition was cast out in favor for survival. Despite their harsh origins and peasant upbringing, they had one purpose in mind: To join the man known as Liu Bei in his cause to unite the Han.

There were various reasons as to why they chose Shu-Han. Was it perhaps that they have heard of Liu Bei as a man for the people? Or was it perhaps that they could not stand the tyranny of Cao Cao? Neither. It was not over something about morals or goals. They cared not for whom there master were, as long as they were given food and a living, and perhaps even a purpose. To say that their reason for becoming a vassal for a lord was purely selfish would be an understatement. They believed that despite their wicked past, Liu Bei would allow them to join him in his conquest of the world. At least, that’s what there leader had told them.

Xin Fai was the leader of this group of misfit bandits. He led the pack in their charge. His long, black hair flowed freely in the wind as his mouth was covered by a piece of cloth as well. Unknown to many, Xin Fai was not exactly a true Han-Chinese by blood. He was a half-breed; a man who was born of a Chinese slave and a savage man from the North of China. Ironically, it was his father that taught him how to do battle and how to shoot his bow. It was his father that taught him how to kill. However, it was his mother that taught him how to be intelligent.

The sharp-eyed hawk pulled the reigns of his horse and stopped. The rest of his troop followed suit as Xin Fai came to the end of a large cliff that overlooked the bustling city. Before him lay Chang Sha, and with his eyes, he spotted the palace. That was where he would meet the man known as Liu Bei and see if the man was truly what the rumors say he was. Nevertheless, his main objective was for him to become an officer; that was that. Whether Liu Bei was a competent man or not did not matter. With that thought in mind, Xin Fai smiled…

---

“Fai. Is it really wise for a bandit to become an officer of a lord that may go after his bounty?” Asked Xin Fai’s young companion as their steeds calmly trotted through the city gates with ease. The guards were at ease since their latest victory at…what was it…Red Cliffs? The companion was a young boy no older than fourteen or sixteen. His hair was brownish-black, but held up in a short pony-tail. He looked more like a boy, rather than a man as there were no defined features on his face. In fact, there was still a spark of innocence in his eyes that was quite rare for a bandit. Even so, he carried with him two daggers that was used for close-combat, so it should be noted that he didn’t look as helpless as his looks claim to be.

Xin Fai raised his gloved hand to his chin as he proceeded it to stroke it patiently, “Perhaps Huo. However, I’m sure he’ll be glad if we offered him two thousand of my finest cavalry archers. We were one of the best bandits around you know.” He smiled at his little protégé who proceeded to just chuckle and shrug. They were on two separate horses, and their weapons had caught the attention of several civilians. Some even went as far as to notice who Xin Fai was. They didn’t act upon on it though.

As they neared the palace grounds, Xin Fai turned once again to Lu Huo, “Scout the city. If things don’t go smoothly, we may need an escape route.” He pulled down the mask that covered his face and smiled warmly at the younger bandit. Lu Huo couldn’t help but sigh as he turned his horse the opposite direction and galloped away. Xin Fai didn’t need a hot-tempered kid like Huo to ruin a lifetime chance for them. Not again.

He entered the gates of the outer wall of the palace. The guards stopped him and Xin Fai opted to get off of his horse. He greeted the two gentlemen with a kind grin as the two just rolled their eyes at yet another visitor. “The name is Xin Fai the Sniper. Send word out to your lord that I wish to join him in the pursuit of his goal.” The guards had heard of the name of the visitor before and glared at him suspiciously. They knew he was a bandit, but it did not deter Xin Fai from his goal. The guards asked for his weapons and well…Xin Fai was glad to give it to them. Besides, he didn’t need a weapon to kill someone…

Xin Fai soon entered the palace after what seemed like a forever showcase of stairs. He looked at the elegant architecture of the building and was deeply in awe of the amount of riches it may have taken to have made all of this. It was incredible really. For a man who came from near-poverty and surviving mostly on hunting, it was clear that there was a huge different of class gap between he and Liu Bei. Aaah, this is most interesting… Xin Fai thought as he caught himself in astonishment. He continued on with his trek until he came across individuals that struck him as those that were in high positions within the government. Amazing!

With a grin of sorts, he bowed humbly before them. Although he had learned etiquette from reading and observing for others, it was difficult to actually do it for the first time. However, all things should be forgiven if he remained humble, “Forgive this poor peasant your highnesses; but I have come a long’s way along with own troops to become an officer under Lord Liu Bei. Please allow your humble servant to be placed within your ranks.” Hopefully, Lord Liu Bei would know of his exploits. Beforehand, he had taken it upon himself to have defeated any revolts that may have taken place against religious cults in Shu territory in order to gain prominence. Xin Fai hoped that months of preparation would now pay off.

[Liu Bei]

A servant approached Liu Bei casually, bowed, and came forward to whisper in his ear. The servant said in a low voice, "The Bandit, Xin Fai the Sniper is here to see you my lord."

"A bandit?!" Liu Bei blurted out foolishly, some of his minsters turned to look at him at the mention of bandit. Liu Bei gave them a casual smile, assured them it was nothing, and turned back to the servant.

"Why would a bandit seek an audience with me,"
Bei asked quizzically.

The servant continued in his low voice, "Xin Fai has quite the reputation, it is said that he revoked his outlaw ways, I think he wishes to serve you. Also, he is an incredible marksmen."

"Never heard of him," Bei answered back. As he said that a young, handsome man with unkempt hair walked in casually with a cheeky grin, as if he didn't know all eyes were on him. He's a good marksman? Bei thought to himself. The man, presumably Xin Fai, went to bow clumsily.

Xin Fai said: "Forgive this poor peasant your highnesses; but I have come a long’s way along with own troops to become an officer under Lord Liu Bei. Please allow your humble servant to be placed within your ranks."

Liu Bei nodded approvingly, "Though you have not introduced yourself to me; I know you to be Xin Fai - Greetings - I am Liu Bei styled Xuande." He paused for effect, "It is to my knowledge that you were once a bandit, correct me if I have been misinformed, please, tell me what crimes have you commited?"

Bei thought to himself, it wasn't a weird question, if I am to hire a bandit, I wish to know the extent of his crimes. "Please - do not leave out the details: rape, arson, theft, murder? I must know Xin Fai." Bei gave him a reassuring grin.

[Fai]

Ah, thank goodness he was not killed for his rudeness. Xin Fai gazed nonchalantly at the ministers that surrounded Liu Bei. Their robes were made of the finest silk and looked to be clean almost ever day. They contrasted strongly to Xin Fai's own clothing. Although he wore the finest leather armor and the best of his formal clothing, they weres till tattered and decreased in quality due to aging. However, it would not be good if he was too much focused on his clothing, a man's worth should not be judged by their clothing. After all, there were plenty of incompetent warlords alike.

He was not fazed by Liu Bei's questioning. Of course he would ask that, Xin Fai was a bandit! If he were too trusting, then what hope would he have in ruling a kingdom if there are snakes hidden in the bushes of their backyard? Xin Fai was an honest man, and although he was indirect when it comes to the manipulations of others, he would not openly lie to Liu Bei. This was a man who he wanted to serve, and so, serve he shall by being as honest as he can be.

His small lessened to a small grin as he began recounting his days of pillaging, "Yes, I was a bandit Lord Liu Bei. My men and I have committed arson, theft, and murder. We attacked many villages, and forced them to give us their food. However, we left many of their cultural belongings intact, and we dared not touch their women. My men and I are all half-breeds. Our mothers were Han who were taken from their homes to become slaves to the men of the North." The men of the north was none other than the foreign invaders that had occupied some of the northern areas.

Xin Fai noticed that he had caught the interests of some of the men in the room and proceeded, "We dare not wish to inflict upon others that have been done to our own mothers." What he said was the truth. Although they were bandits, they were also men that upheld a strict code of honor. If they were not disciplined, then how were they expected to be a functioning group? Xin Fai nodded his head to Liu Bei to indicated that he was finished.

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei listened intently to Xin Fai's story. Indeed he was a bandit, not worse then others, but still, bandit all the same, Bei concluded. He thought to himself whilst Fai was still finishing, how he could repay for the crimes he committed.

Fai said: "We dare not wish to inflict upon others that have been done to our own mothers."

"A good motto." Liu Bei nodded. He took another sip of his tea, and seeing that it was empty a maid went to pour more in his bowl-shaped cup. Bei smiled as she did so and thanked her. Instead of drinking the tea Liu Bei rose from his bed-like throne and started to walk slowly towards Xin Fai, his elaborate robes dragging behind him.

Liu Bei started, "I can not have a man with bad karma serve me.

Therefore, Xin Fai, every afternoon, you shall work in construction, building new homes, to replace the ones you burned.

Every time you eat, you shall donate half of your plate to the hungry, to replace the food you stole.

Every time you are payed, you shall donate a forth of it to the poor, to replace the gold you took."

He stopped right in front of Xin Fai:

"Sounds fair?" The ministers about them murmured in agreement.

Liu Bei walked past Xin Fai, behind him walked in the guard who had presumably took the weapons of Xin Fai, for his hands were filled with a bow, a quiver, and a sword. Bei walked towards him, and he looked the guard in the face. To his dismay he couldn't recall his name, I'm not that old, Bei thought, and he personally hired the guards of the palace.

"What is your name, soldier?" Bei asked inquisitively.

The soldier replied with a calm air: "Ba Zeng."

That name rung a bell, Bei thought, he wasn't sure where he heard it from. He concluded he must've hired he in the distant past. Perhaps he would ask him more questions later; for now he took the bow from the guard, and took one arrow from the quiver. He returned to Xin Fai's side, and handed him the bow and arrow.

"Strike the tea cup, and I will allow you to join Shu as one of my vassals." Bei smiled. The tea cup was a small bowl-shaped object, hitting an apple would've been easier. He took a step backwards from Xin Fai. Liu Bei looked at the target; it was standing still on his stand in front of his throne. A good twenty paces away.