Palace

[Sun Quan]

The center of the city, come here to handle all matters of state.

[Zhou Yu]

Zhou Yu had reached the hall of Shou Chun palace and he was quite tired. He had to hug 50 old folk and kiss 100 babies because of his accomplishments for Wu which included the most decisive win over Wei at Chi Bi.

"Biggy said it... Mo money, mo problems" he thought, wondering if life would be better as a lowly official.

Shou Chun was no Jian Ye, but it was still a grand city. It had the likes of Yuan Shu gracing its halls with his wonderous-ness. Also, Gongjin's own uncle had controlled the place for quite some time, long ago. Or, was that Lu Jiang? Bah.

"I am retiring to my personal quarters, only disturb me if it is important."

An attendant bowed in response to his new prefect and watched as Zhou Yu disappeared into the darkness behind the throne. The young strategist was probably going to read Cao Cao's war manual and then get some much needed rest.

[Matt Jr.]

Liang Xun sat comfortably in the private quarters of the Shou Chun palace, his feet propped up on the round table before him, and the morning sun streaming in a nearby window. Despite the fact he was an advisor to Zhou Yu, who was in turn the most trusted advisor to Sun Quan, Lord of Wu, he held little regard for formalities. He wasn’t dressed in robes suitable for court, but instead the armor of an officer of war, even though he was not.

He was a thorn in most peoples side, most definitely Zhou Yu’s; however, he was his most trusted friend and confidante all the same. They’d conspired together in countless strategies to get Wu to where it is today, and that was precisely why he’d accompanied his friend to his new home in Shou Chun. They were on a territory that bordered none other than Wei itself, and as such, strategy would be imperative in keeping the wolves at bay.

Zhou Yu finally walked into the living room, probably not expecting to find Liang Xun there, but most likely not surprised either. It would be typical behavior from the brilliant rebel. [Maroon]“I take it you had an uneventful trip, my friend? Mine was certainly dull and predictable.”[/Maroon] The young advisor ran a hand through his hair, which he also refused to put up, as a haggard breath escaped his lips. [Maroon]“I almost wanted to see a Wei soldier, you know, just to have something to play with to pass the time.”[/Maroon] He smiled a pleasant smile at his friend, but he knew it didn’t hide the sinister intentions he was implying.

[Maroon]“So, are you ready for your first day as prefect? I’m sure everyone and their great grandchildren twice removed will want to meet you.”[/Maroon]

[Zhou Yu]

Zhou Yu arrived at his private quarters to find Liang Xun sitting comfortably in a chair with feet propped up. How lovely it must have been for the advisor, to push the limits, as any other would have been castrated for being alone in Gongjin's room. There were countless military manuals and ornamental armor with weapons. Even if they were not worth much to a salesmman, they were priceless to him.

"I see you are doing what you do best, Xun" he said, removing his long cape and smirking slightly. He shook his head at the comments about a Wei soldier as he knew that his friend had not seen much action as of late. He removed his helmet and looked back toward Xun.

"You probably would have soiled yourself had you run into a Wei soldier."

Zhou Yu walked toward Xun and knocked his feet off of the small table with his hand. He then sat down in the seat opposite and leaned his head all the way back as if stretching.

Liang Xun had no idea how close he actually was with the comment about babies and what not. Yu had just been assaulted by the elderly of Shou Chun on his way in as well as countless single women who wanted to have his child. He was still pulling baby hairs from his mouth after being forced to kiss them.

"So, tell me, have you done anything useful since your arrival or have you been doing nothing? I need you to put together a scouting party for two reasons."

Zhou Yu looked toward his friend and was instantly serious, a stark change from his prior fun loving attitude.

[Matt Jr.]

Had he been any other person, perhaps even Sun Quan himself, he might have been in for the lecture of a lifetime. But, he was the same friend he’d met countless years ago, and Zhou Yu knew well enough that the lecture would fall on deaf ears. At the comment about how he’d react to a Wei soldier, the young advisor couldn’t help but laugh a hearty laugh. [Maroon]“Perhaps you’re right, I haven’t seen one in so long… Are they still wearing those hideous colors that make them look like a fish out of water?”[/Maroon]

Liang Xun rolled his eyes when Zhou Yu knocked his feet of the table. Before they hit the ground, he tucked them under the table and had them sitting comfortably on another chair around the table. He smiled brilliantly and then watched as his friend took a seat opposite him. He was so familiar with this man that before he even opened his mouth he could sense the change in conversation to come. Begrudgingly he let his feet fall to the floor without a sound.

[Maroon]“Well, I did find time between learning Wei is invading Wan and Xiang Ping to discover this place has wretched tea. Does that count as nothing?”[/Maroon] The young advisors brow furrowed at the mention of a scouting party. [Maroon]“What are your reasons?”[/Maroon] He leaned forward on the table, clasping both hands together as he waited to hear something new.

[Zhou Yu]

Again, Gongjin shook his head amazed at his friend. Liang Xun had been with Wu for quite some time, but he was not under the command of Zhou Yu until later. It was only after the loss of Sun Ce, which left a massive hole in Yu's being, that he befriended Xun. It was certainly a mix of his witty and usually sarcastic comments that Zhou Yu enjoyed. However, Xun was also extremely loyal and one of the smarter men within Wu. Had he wanted a higher position, possibly strategist, there would be no reason why he could not obtain it.

"Yes, they are, and though blue is a nice color, the fact that it covers the filth of Wei makes me naucious."

Zhou Yu still had most of his armor on, though it was made up of robes as well. He certainly knew how to fight, but it was not intelligent to risk such a precious commodity. It would be akin to sending Zhuge Liang into the thick of combat. Surely, the famed strategist would do so if necessary but only in that case.

"Tea, you say? I have not enjoyed a cup in quite some time. How bout you fetch me some, good friend?"

Oh, how Gongjin enjoyed making his comrade do things for him. It was one of the many perks of being the boss.

"A foot massage would also be quite pleasant" he said, starting to laugh a bit. That one he knew was pushing it and would certainly call for a smart remark from Xun.

"As for my plans, I have a little something drawn up here."

Zhou Yu reached into his shirt and pulled out a piece of parchment. When he arrived at Shou Chun he jotted down some notes while outside the city.

**PM Coming**

[Matt Jr.]

Liang Xun had served Sun Ce, briefly, before his untimely death, but it was long enough to gain a certain reverence for the ambitious prince. It was during this time that he was first acquainted with Zhou Yu and the rest of the advisors. He didn’t exactly hit it off with everyone, but it was a fond memory nonetheless…

~*~*~

A chair collided with the floor, bringing the emotional elder advisor into focus. Tears freely cascaded down his haggard face, tired beyond his years. “You’re father’s death still lingers within the minds of the people! Please, milord, reconsider this decision! The people of Wu couldn’t bear to lose another leader so soon!”

Sun Ce sat upon his throne, eyes glazed over, but a burning ambition not far below the surface. The young prince seemed to be lost for words knowing perfectly well the old man spoke the truth. However, the tiger inside him would not lay dormant – not now. His father had a dream, a dream to unify Jiang Dong under the banner of Wu. He died before achieving this dream, but it could still become a reality. No, it would become a reality, if it was the last thing he did. Before he could speak again, someone he wasn’t familiar with spoke up.

“Well, with that attitude, you’re right. We might as well hand over our food, homes, and wives while we’re at it.” The voice came from a young man, hardly even old enough to be called a man, but why was he present? More importantly, why was he talking?

Sitting beside Sun Ce was his chief advisor, Zhou Yu, who had noticed this newcomer earlier, but now saw an opportunity. “Then share with us what it is you would suggest we do, Liang Xun, is it?”

The young man stepped forward more, now in front so he could speak directly to Sun Ce. “To be perfectly honest, I think we should do as your father wanted.” He smiled a brilliant smile, but there was something in his eye that transcended his age. “We should unite Jiang Dong – simple as that. You all are over-glorifying everything. The people mourn, yes, but they haven’t lost hope. They have only misplaced it – and it’s time we show them where it is.”

~*~*~

Xun was brought back to the present as the piece of parchment was pushed roughly across the table. The young advisor glanced at the elegant script, reading it thoroughly but only taking a moment. He then looked up to Zhou Yu’s face, and spoke with a smile and enthusiasm. [Maroon]“What would be quite unpleasant would be having your balls chopped off in your sleep. I can have that arranged, too.”[/Maroon]

With his hand he crinkled up the parchment and threw it at Zhou Yu as he stood from the table. [Maroon]“Now, if we’re done discussing strategy,”[/Maroon] He emphasized the word ‘strategy’, [Maroon]“the general public, I’m sure, would love to know you’re anxious to meet with them some more.”[/Maroon] Without waiting for a response he was gone; his smile never dissipating.

[Zhou Yu]

An attendant scurries around the palace halls looking for Liang Xun. In his hand he has important work orders from Zhou Yu.

"Excuse me, have you seen Liang Xun anywhere?"

"Hmmm, I believe I did see him only moments ago near the palace stairs" another attendant said, pointing toward the doors in the main hall.

Quickly the message bearer ran toward the palace doors and down the stairs. He almost stumbled and fell quite a distance, but gathered himself and could finally make out Xun in the distance.

There were ladies all around the young advisor. It seemed being so close to the Prefect had it perks, though if they knew he made tea for Gongjin they would smack him across the face. He probably had his hands somewhere they should not be.

"Liang Xun! I have orders for you from Lord Zhou Yu!"

The messenger bowed and then turned to leave. He turned back though, momentarily, to catch a glimpse of the ladies.

Once the lazy Liang Xun got to opening the scroll, he would find a map with a message saying:



Meet me at the marked location. I wish to build a small encampment and I need your assistance.

Your Slave Master
Zhou Yu

[Matt Jr.]

Liang Xun, after having rested the night, was waiting outside the palace to meet the elder Shiang. The pair had agreed to go by the barracks again and see if they could round up a few more volunteers, since the elder was far more renowned in the city than the young advisor. However, shortly after arriving he was accosted by a large group of women, ranging from barely legal to grandmother status. It appeared that they had discovered his relationship with the prefect, and thought themselves sneaky in their motives to try and get acquainted with a famous figure.

While Xun was a man of morals, granted some more loosely followed than others, he wasn’t one to mix business with pleasure.

…But they needn’t know that yet.

[Maroon]“Ladies, I kid you not! Zhou Yu takes more time to get prepared for a meeting than any women I’ve ever met. He’s especially particular about his hair – always fussing with it!”[/Maroon] The congregation was laughing gratuitously, probably not even listening to a word he said. He was beginning to feel slightly uncomfortably, when hands started to wander, but he was saved by the bell…

Or at least that’s what the messenger’s voice sounded like, in that moment.

“Liang Xun! I have orders for you from Lord Zhou Yu!” The man’s eyes scrutinized the scene, before he shook his head. He handed the scroll over to the young advisor, before departing with a smirk. Liang Xun, on the other hand, looked to the heavens and breathed a silent prayer, before excusing himself from the congregation.

Once alone, he opened the scroll and read:

[Red]‘Meet me at the marked location. I wish to build a small encampment and I need your assistance.

Your Slave Master
Zhou Yu’[/Red]

Liang Xun smirked, finding his friends humor completely dry but enjoyable nonetheless. It was around this time that elder Shiang arrived. Upon explaining the situation, Xun left Shiang in charge of the construction in his absence, and promised to bring his efforts to Zhou Yu’s attention.


*Storyline continued here, if you're following: Sunny and Sexy?