Post by Cao Zhi on Nov 6, 2009 8:00:06 GMT
Cao Zhi's Tale
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Raising the Morale
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~Raising the Morale
The northern light blinded Cao Zhi, the sky was painted blue - it was a perfect day for speaking. Cao Zhi strode down the palace halls, which were drenched in the euphoric light. He stopped at a door, where prefect would stay. Smashing open the door to see Gongsun Du carefully reading over the new policies that Zhi had proposed. Gongsun Du looked up at Cao Zhi with eyes that were a bit bloodshot then opened his mouth to speak.
"What is it?"
He croaked quietly, slightly disturbing Cao Zhi. Zhi doubled back in disgust of how the prefect treated himself.
"Firstly, you're disgusting. Secondly, go to bed. Thirdly, meet me in the town square in 6 hours, we need to announce the new prefect of the city, hopefully raise morale - and get some soldiers to join."
Cao Zhi replied quite bluntly, and checking his nails as if he didn't really care about what Du wanted. Gongsun Du looked very irritated at the comment, but he did as he was told, he needed to look his best if he was to be presented to the citizens of Xiang Ping. Du walked towards the door, stopping next to the droopy Cao Zhi.
"You would do best to learn how to talk to your elders."
Du whispered into Zhi's ears before heading towards his chamber, slamming the door shut behind him. Zhi paid no heed to the comment, and traipsed out of the room as casually as he entered, almost ignoring the comment the prefect said completely.
Cao Xiu had given Cao Zhi this order to get to know the prefect - he was a good man, but Zijian didn't like people like him. Cao Zhi didn't really want to stay in Xiang Ping, he was eager to get back to Xu Chang so he would be able to tell his father of his success.
6 hours later, Cao Zhi and Gongsun Du stood in the town centre, most of the residents standing there looking quite blanking, whispering to each other about Cao Zhi, thinking that he would be their next prefect. Seeing that most of the people were here, Zhi began to speak.
"Good afternoon people of Xiang Ping, I am Cao Zhi, son of Cao Cao; the Imperial Secretist. I humbly stand here before you today to give you the news you have waited for, for many long days."
He paused for a few seconds before gesturing towards Gongsun Du, who looked much more magnificent than he did before.
"I present to you, your new prefect; Gongsun Du!"
The people of Xiang Ping looked puzzled and started whispering among each other, one yelled "Is this some kind of joke?!"
"No, it isn't a joke - your new prefect, is the old prefect! Gongsun Du retains control over this city, however the city itself has been restored under the Emporer's control.
This is why I have spent many nights here, to say this to you; this isn't a prison - we haven't taken control. We have merely joined this magnificent scenery with the rest of the Han Empire. If anything, we have made your lives better. Trade routes are flourishing, you may now leave this city with peace of mind that you will be safe, and laws will be enforced, and tyranny kept out of this city.
I stand here before you as your equal, I stand here before you as your shield that protects you from pain, I stand here before you as your friend - someone that you can talk to, someone who will help you. That is why I urgently ask of you; help this city. We cannot keep this up without your assistance, your hand is invaluable to help restore this Empire of ours. Join Gongsun Du. Join Cao Cao. Join the Emporer in ridding this world of all the darkness and pain and make it the most glorious place to live in. Make it, or break it. The future is in your hands. The fates of your loved ones lies in your hands. Join the Xiang Ping guard, and help keep this place afloat, join the Wei army and bring your talent to use in the world. As I said to you before; make it, or break it. The future is in your hands, and I ask you to seize it, and give the best possible life for your loved ones.
I leave you now with a heavy heart, unfortunately I have business back in Xu Chang, and cannot remain here. So please, I beg of you on my humbled knees..."
He actually bent down onto his knees when he said that.
"... Join us. That is the only thing I ask of you. I wish you good luck in everything you do, and to have the best possible life under the clouds of the Han Empire. Remember, the clouds might be black now, but there is always a silver lining."
He then left the town centre leaving everything else to Gongsun Du, grunting to Liu Han as he approached the gate. Liu Han interpreted this as Zhi wanting to go home.
"Very well, my lord, we will return now."
