Post by Xu Huang on Nov 7, 2009 4:20:07 GMT
The lighting of the room was pale despite the blazing beauty of the outside world. In truth the room could of almost been suffocating when compared to the beauty of that day. Only a cracked door granted what light entered the room. Not so much as a whisper of wind stirred through that hollow room. The stench of sweat and exertion filled the noses of men. The room was the office of Xú Huǎng and those ministers he had directed underneath him. At the moment the giant bull of a man, Xú Huǎng sat behind a wooden desk. His head cradled within his large calloused hands as he gazed down at the table, almost seeming to drowse as the man before him continued within his report.
"Sir the workers can't possibly meet your demands at this rate. Most of those who have been put to work are mere volunteers from the city's populace and you can't expect them to continue at this rate." the man before Xú Huǎng began once more in his high and nasally voice. "Out of the ordered construction, they've only managed to complete half of the northern wall! They've been at work for almost two weeks now and yet you're expecting them to be complete in only two more days? Sir, it's impossible!" the local magistrate squeaked out. A man obviously thrust into the position of real duty, and one who held a sour taste for his new responsibilities. The fat and rather portly man seemed the type who would much rather of enjoyed the company of a young serving girl, or perhaps a boy by the looks of him, as he devoured a roasted hog.
"Master Fae Xe, did you read over the newest instructions sent to you two days ago?" the Deputy General of Xu Chang softly asked as he looked up. The normally stern looking man having somehow taken a more serious turn, his features carved out of stone while his eyes dark coals which burned into the man before him. "Ne.. newest instructions, sir?" Fae Xe began to question before Xú Huǎng rose one of those large calloused hands to silence him. Slowly that sleepy shark of a man pulled himself into action, rising up from amongst the shadows of that dark room like vengeance himself. "Master Fae Xe, I was willing to overlook your behavior at first. I know you have never truly been expected to fulfill much as your capacity as a court minister, or perhaps court dandy would be a better term, thus I was willing to overlook it. However I have given you multiple chances, Master Fae Xe, and you have disappointed me each time. As Deputy General of Xu Chang, I am going to have to strip you of your duties as Magistrate." Xú Huǎng silently began as Fae Xe visibly paled. "As Deputy General, it is my duty to both secure and prepare this time for the time to come. You have failed in your sworn duties to the Prime Minister, Lord Cao Cao. You are dismissed, you should leave your symbols of office behind yet should you not turn them over my men will enter your premises and secure them."
"Wait... wait! How have I failed you or the Prime Minister, General Xú Huǎng? What have I done?" the fat little man stuttered out as cold sweat ran along his forehead. "Master Fae Xe, I shall be blunt as you've begun to test my patience. You have betrayed your duties to the man whom you sworn fealty to on numerous occasion that I know of alone since I was made Deputy General. You've made a frequent habit of skimming off of the top of collected taxes, which while expectec has been done in excess by you, and ignoring your civil duties. Two nights ago I sent a messenger to your estates. When they attempted to meet with you, they learned you was preoccupied with a serving girl so left the instructions in the care of a servant. While I do not know what has become of them since, it is obvious you have ignored your duties. Have you been in your office, as you was meant to be, you would of received them and have learned that I had requested a additional work force of five hundred men from the levied infantry." Xú Huǎng barked out.
"In fact, as Deputy General of Xu Huang I am fining you for the damages you have personally caused to the construction of the military projects. Your local treasuries will be seized and the financial records traced for the skimming of money. Any skimmed money as well what it will cost us to fix the damages you have caused will be deducted from it before being returned to you. Master Fae Xe, you are dismissed. Leave the office now, or you shall be escorted from it." the stern general of the capital began as a pale and quivering Fae Xe made his retreat from the office with two soldiers accompanying him.
Yet, rather than retire back to his chair and reading over those reports, Xú Huǎng remained risen as his hand fell to his belt. Insuring his dao lay within its proper place before moving towards the exit, motioning for two ministers to accompany him. Brushing open that door and emerging into the near blinding daylight, Xú Huǎng stood there for a moment overlooking the construction along that south wall. Underneath the command of Directing Instructor Huang Zhong, Xú Huǎng had begun a wide scale repair of the southernmost wall of the capital of Wei. Xú Huǎng was far from a full and by no means did he expect the enemy, should they come, to only focus upon that southernmost wall. Yet Xú Huǎng knew that by reinforcing its defenses, he would likely be able to blunt the major assault from attackers heading north from Wu controlled Runan.
Along the course of that wall volunteers and a small company of levied soldiers moved about with their various tasks. Replacing supports in the wall that had become old and weathered with age while reinforcing the southern gates. Ballista and catapult platforms had been constructed along that walls inner edge. Perhaps a ballista platform having been constructed every thirty foot while a catapult platform built every fifty upon a elevated height that overlooked the distant fields of Xu Chang. However, it was during this renovation of the walls, Xú Huǎng had began additional improvements of his own. While on a city wide scale, and perhaps a ambitious effort, the supporting cells of the walls had been reinforced and storage put to use or auctioned off to those who could use it. Damaged wheels found uses in their copper and iron components. Broken wagons served to be renovated and reconditioned so as to act as a movable supply train throughout that city. Catering to both the needs and wants of the work crews. Yet it was in those emptied, and reinforced, cells Xú Huǎng began to create what he had labeled as 'The Sheds'. Ropes and pulleys had been situated along the shafts of the support cells of the wall to allow a pulley system to be put into work. For arrows, mangrol ammunition, and even light ballista ammunition to be hauled up to the stations above. These 'Sheds' being filled with ammunition that could easily be accessed by those on the walls when it came time, while as well aiding in the construction of those platforms and their engines. Serving as a quick, and safe, method of transportation of wood to the constructed platforms.
Xú Huǎng had merely stood there for a moment, dazzled by the sun after so long kept within the depths of that musky room. How long had he been studying those books? Going over those texts on siege warfare? Just how much had he possibly learned within these past few days? How much more was it possible he had yet to learn? "Jin Mai? Lu Ci?" Xú Huǎng softly began as he gazed across upon the construction of those platforms. "I would like for you to send out a patrol. I want a skilled cartographer to accompany them, to sketch the lands to the east of Xu Chang. This is our territory, and we have the advantage with it. Yet there is so much more we do not yet know about it. I want this patrol to search for possible threats within the eastern lands. Men who could be turned against us or those who shall need sheltering in the times to come. Jin Mai? I expect for you to handle this. Take a squadron of fifty of the levied infantry. Put them through the ropes of riding if you can. We shall need as many experienced horsemen as we can in the coming battle to serve as messengers. Explore the rest of today and half of tomorrow, report back in by nightfall tomorrow if possible." Xú Huǎng softly ordered before turning to face his two companions. Nodding his head at the aged and wizened Jin Mai, a minister who only of late he had come to know but entrusted so much within. "Tell the cartographer I shall need the papers as soon as possible. I'll need to examine them."
"As for you Lu Ci? the general began again as he turned his gaze to rest upon the younger and more youthful minister. A man who many would of likely thought a lay about who enjoyed his mirth almost as much as the drink. Yet he was a man who had proven surprisingly sober and reliant just as Jin Mai had. "Carry through with my planned actions for Fae Xe. I'm entrusting you with handling this and I hope to learn how much money you can bring in by tonight. If you can manage? Please begin to fill out reports on those of similar virtue. Those who have abused their roles and have proven worthless. We shall cut the leech's head free and restore this stolen blood to the Kingdom of Wei." Xú Huǎng whispered out as he gazed upon the construction of those platforms. "I'll need for you to carry out the tasks of Fae Xe as well, Lu Ci. I need those additional workers by tonight. I hope to start the digging soon." he said only for the two ministers to blink .
"What do you mean, Huǎng?" Ci began as his gaze narrowed upon his commanding officer. "Yes, just whatever are you planning now Deputy Xú?" a amused Jin Mai questioned as his grin broadened. "We know that the enemy outnumbers us in both number and commander. They will be able to more effectively use their larger army on the field than we would be capable of should we be forced to stand against a major invasion. Thus I hope to slow them down. To create a high rise in which any siege weapons will have to be pushed over or navigated around. Once you've gathered those men, Ci? I shall break them in." Xú Huǎng said with a grin of his own. "Far to many of them have never had a truly day of exercise. Thus, if anything, I can attempt to get them into greater shape before a battle. A man with little skill and good health is more likely to survive than one with little skill and poor health. We shall build their endurance by making them create this road. We will begin the construction of a trading post as well that connects the southern and eastern roads to the west. Thus diverting traffic and perhaps bringing in new trade from the west. If anything? This will create poor ground for both a enemy to camp upon and to mount a attack from should we finish it. We will be able to create large killing zones by clearing out trees and debris and creating these high lows will deny them the use of mantlets for the battle and siege weaponry. Am I understood?" he asked as he shifted his gaze to the two ministers. Men who could only nod and rush off to their duties as with one last glance to the all warming sun and a sigh, Xú Huǎng condemned himself to yet another day of studying the art of siege warfare.
"Sir the workers can't possibly meet your demands at this rate. Most of those who have been put to work are mere volunteers from the city's populace and you can't expect them to continue at this rate." the man before Xú Huǎng began once more in his high and nasally voice. "Out of the ordered construction, they've only managed to complete half of the northern wall! They've been at work for almost two weeks now and yet you're expecting them to be complete in only two more days? Sir, it's impossible!" the local magistrate squeaked out. A man obviously thrust into the position of real duty, and one who held a sour taste for his new responsibilities. The fat and rather portly man seemed the type who would much rather of enjoyed the company of a young serving girl, or perhaps a boy by the looks of him, as he devoured a roasted hog.
"Master Fae Xe, did you read over the newest instructions sent to you two days ago?" the Deputy General of Xu Chang softly asked as he looked up. The normally stern looking man having somehow taken a more serious turn, his features carved out of stone while his eyes dark coals which burned into the man before him. "Ne.. newest instructions, sir?" Fae Xe began to question before Xú Huǎng rose one of those large calloused hands to silence him. Slowly that sleepy shark of a man pulled himself into action, rising up from amongst the shadows of that dark room like vengeance himself. "Master Fae Xe, I was willing to overlook your behavior at first. I know you have never truly been expected to fulfill much as your capacity as a court minister, or perhaps court dandy would be a better term, thus I was willing to overlook it. However I have given you multiple chances, Master Fae Xe, and you have disappointed me each time. As Deputy General of Xu Chang, I am going to have to strip you of your duties as Magistrate." Xú Huǎng silently began as Fae Xe visibly paled. "As Deputy General, it is my duty to both secure and prepare this time for the time to come. You have failed in your sworn duties to the Prime Minister, Lord Cao Cao. You are dismissed, you should leave your symbols of office behind yet should you not turn them over my men will enter your premises and secure them."
"Wait... wait! How have I failed you or the Prime Minister, General Xú Huǎng? What have I done?" the fat little man stuttered out as cold sweat ran along his forehead. "Master Fae Xe, I shall be blunt as you've begun to test my patience. You have betrayed your duties to the man whom you sworn fealty to on numerous occasion that I know of alone since I was made Deputy General. You've made a frequent habit of skimming off of the top of collected taxes, which while expectec has been done in excess by you, and ignoring your civil duties. Two nights ago I sent a messenger to your estates. When they attempted to meet with you, they learned you was preoccupied with a serving girl so left the instructions in the care of a servant. While I do not know what has become of them since, it is obvious you have ignored your duties. Have you been in your office, as you was meant to be, you would of received them and have learned that I had requested a additional work force of five hundred men from the levied infantry." Xú Huǎng barked out.
"In fact, as Deputy General of Xu Huang I am fining you for the damages you have personally caused to the construction of the military projects. Your local treasuries will be seized and the financial records traced for the skimming of money. Any skimmed money as well what it will cost us to fix the damages you have caused will be deducted from it before being returned to you. Master Fae Xe, you are dismissed. Leave the office now, or you shall be escorted from it." the stern general of the capital began as a pale and quivering Fae Xe made his retreat from the office with two soldiers accompanying him.
Yet, rather than retire back to his chair and reading over those reports, Xú Huǎng remained risen as his hand fell to his belt. Insuring his dao lay within its proper place before moving towards the exit, motioning for two ministers to accompany him. Brushing open that door and emerging into the near blinding daylight, Xú Huǎng stood there for a moment overlooking the construction along that south wall. Underneath the command of Directing Instructor Huang Zhong, Xú Huǎng had begun a wide scale repair of the southernmost wall of the capital of Wei. Xú Huǎng was far from a full and by no means did he expect the enemy, should they come, to only focus upon that southernmost wall. Yet Xú Huǎng knew that by reinforcing its defenses, he would likely be able to blunt the major assault from attackers heading north from Wu controlled Runan.
Along the course of that wall volunteers and a small company of levied soldiers moved about with their various tasks. Replacing supports in the wall that had become old and weathered with age while reinforcing the southern gates. Ballista and catapult platforms had been constructed along that walls inner edge. Perhaps a ballista platform having been constructed every thirty foot while a catapult platform built every fifty upon a elevated height that overlooked the distant fields of Xu Chang. However, it was during this renovation of the walls, Xú Huǎng had began additional improvements of his own. While on a city wide scale, and perhaps a ambitious effort, the supporting cells of the walls had been reinforced and storage put to use or auctioned off to those who could use it. Damaged wheels found uses in their copper and iron components. Broken wagons served to be renovated and reconditioned so as to act as a movable supply train throughout that city. Catering to both the needs and wants of the work crews. Yet it was in those emptied, and reinforced, cells Xú Huǎng began to create what he had labeled as 'The Sheds'. Ropes and pulleys had been situated along the shafts of the support cells of the wall to allow a pulley system to be put into work. For arrows, mangrol ammunition, and even light ballista ammunition to be hauled up to the stations above. These 'Sheds' being filled with ammunition that could easily be accessed by those on the walls when it came time, while as well aiding in the construction of those platforms and their engines. Serving as a quick, and safe, method of transportation of wood to the constructed platforms.
Xú Huǎng had merely stood there for a moment, dazzled by the sun after so long kept within the depths of that musky room. How long had he been studying those books? Going over those texts on siege warfare? Just how much had he possibly learned within these past few days? How much more was it possible he had yet to learn? "Jin Mai? Lu Ci?" Xú Huǎng softly began as he gazed across upon the construction of those platforms. "I would like for you to send out a patrol. I want a skilled cartographer to accompany them, to sketch the lands to the east of Xu Chang. This is our territory, and we have the advantage with it. Yet there is so much more we do not yet know about it. I want this patrol to search for possible threats within the eastern lands. Men who could be turned against us or those who shall need sheltering in the times to come. Jin Mai? I expect for you to handle this. Take a squadron of fifty of the levied infantry. Put them through the ropes of riding if you can. We shall need as many experienced horsemen as we can in the coming battle to serve as messengers. Explore the rest of today and half of tomorrow, report back in by nightfall tomorrow if possible." Xú Huǎng softly ordered before turning to face his two companions. Nodding his head at the aged and wizened Jin Mai, a minister who only of late he had come to know but entrusted so much within. "Tell the cartographer I shall need the papers as soon as possible. I'll need to examine them."
"As for you Lu Ci? the general began again as he turned his gaze to rest upon the younger and more youthful minister. A man who many would of likely thought a lay about who enjoyed his mirth almost as much as the drink. Yet he was a man who had proven surprisingly sober and reliant just as Jin Mai had. "Carry through with my planned actions for Fae Xe. I'm entrusting you with handling this and I hope to learn how much money you can bring in by tonight. If you can manage? Please begin to fill out reports on those of similar virtue. Those who have abused their roles and have proven worthless. We shall cut the leech's head free and restore this stolen blood to the Kingdom of Wei." Xú Huǎng whispered out as he gazed upon the construction of those platforms. "I'll need for you to carry out the tasks of Fae Xe as well, Lu Ci. I need those additional workers by tonight. I hope to start the digging soon." he said only for the two ministers to blink .
"What do you mean, Huǎng?" Ci began as his gaze narrowed upon his commanding officer. "Yes, just whatever are you planning now Deputy Xú?" a amused Jin Mai questioned as his grin broadened. "We know that the enemy outnumbers us in both number and commander. They will be able to more effectively use their larger army on the field than we would be capable of should we be forced to stand against a major invasion. Thus I hope to slow them down. To create a high rise in which any siege weapons will have to be pushed over or navigated around. Once you've gathered those men, Ci? I shall break them in." Xú Huǎng said with a grin of his own. "Far to many of them have never had a truly day of exercise. Thus, if anything, I can attempt to get them into greater shape before a battle. A man with little skill and good health is more likely to survive than one with little skill and poor health. We shall build their endurance by making them create this road. We will begin the construction of a trading post as well that connects the southern and eastern roads to the west. Thus diverting traffic and perhaps bringing in new trade from the west. If anything? This will create poor ground for both a enemy to camp upon and to mount a attack from should we finish it. We will be able to create large killing zones by clearing out trees and debris and creating these high lows will deny them the use of mantlets for the battle and siege weaponry. Am I understood?" he asked as he shifted his gaze to the two ministers. Men who could only nod and rush off to their duties as with one last glance to the all warming sun and a sigh, Xú Huǎng condemned himself to yet another day of studying the art of siege warfare.