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Post by Cao Cao on Oct 24, 2009 16:40:54 GMT
Cao Cao had been brave once, he had been majestic, strong, careful and diligent in his plans of conquest. He had achieved the unthinkable, conquered the impregnable and had even set up foundations for a much greater Han, for a greater country and people as a whole. He had done in all – and yet here he was, alone, again.
He was in no field he recognised, no city that opened their gates and greeted him. He was alone, on top of a horse that was not his own, a gift from a passing friend, a friend that he now missed bitterly.
“Again.” He began, turning to those who would still follow his path, those who still adorned his side honourably, “Again I am lost.”
“Speak not,” said his advisor beside him, “this is only an obstacle.”
“An obstacle that we wouldn’t have met had Guo Jia been here.”
The two walked in silence. Probably out of pain – every man had lost a friend today, or a relative. It was too painful for words, too saddening for cheers; they had come as an army and left as a remnant people.
“But an obstacle it still is my lord.” His advisor tried to smile through the dirt and misery, “We have overcome worse in our time.”
“True.” Cao Cao turned to his men; their heads were slumped into the pitch where the shoulders meet. They sang no songs of glory today – only waddled in pain, hunger and thirst. “But optimism changes nothing; today we mourn for tomorrow we act.”
His advisor smiled, kicked his steed and trotted off ahead. Even alone, Cao Cao could see the troops gather at the fore, he could see men clad in armour raise their heads and observe. It was such a simple motion that it nearly looked comical. He had watched everyone die – had hesitated when the orders were called for and yet still they stood beside him, still they died for him.
“This isn’t over Sun Quan.” He smiled to himself as he spoke, his voice still hoarse from the night of flight, “Just you watch.”
In Xu Chang
Cao Cao stood among the many people of his city; he stood with the poor, the rich and the adolescents. He stood and watched them cry and wallow, he watched them hurl abuse at him – not once raising an eyebrow or showing emotion. He took it all in, it didn’t concern him, he would keep saying, it didn’t matter. But the truth was, it did matter.
It mattered a lot. He had gained the support of his people and had in a way, failed them, betrayed them. He had done the one thing he hated most, he had betrayed them.
“Forgive me.” He spoke loudly, though it mattered very little with the raging crowd, “I have failed you.”
He spoke softly and it was only his battered appearance that quelled the raging crowds, quietened their voice and forced them to see the truth.
“I have done everything wrong. I have broken a law I have set, I could not return your people to me and for that I must pay the price.”
He drew his sword in a quick motion, flipped the blade and then placed it gingerly against his neck. “I will end my life as punishment and hope tha—“
The crowd suddenly jumped into a frenzy, bent their heads and begged.
“Do not end your life my lord.”
Cao Cao watched the crowd thoughtfully and they continued their pleas in random bursts of rage.
“Who will avenge our comrades if you perish now?”
“Who will protect us if you go?”
But it was one man that stood forward that grabbed the conquerors attention. “You do not deserve to die for the mistakes of others, my lord.” He bowed low, smiled and then rose. “Surely this defeat was not by your incompetence, but instead by the actions of others.”
He stepped forward and placed a hand over the sword, “Surely not my lord, for you ARE the one to bring peace to this country. How could Sun Quan ever bring justice when all he seeks is his families honour, how could Liu Bei who has fled like a sheep face the problems of the known world when there are dragons still prepared to defend its honour and virtue. This is a great defeat – but with defeat comes precedence, you must use this to your advantage and learn by the mistakes that were made. We of Zhongyuan no nothing of naval combat, tell me my lord – how was this defeat a devastating blow when we were at a disadvantage in strategy.”
Cao Cao stepped back, nodded and then adjusted his sword, “Then let this be my TRIBUTE TO YOU.” And he sliced, a lock of hair and blood spilling the floor, he dropped and the man who spoke to him rushed to his aid – accompanied by guards and his other subjects.
“If my life is worthy, then have my hair and blood.”
Cao Cao smiled, wiped the wound on his face and then rose once more, “Let this BE MY PLEA – let this be the last time I back down to the likes of Sun Quan and Liu Bei.”
The people swayed like a gentle tide, they awww’d, and cried when their lord rose, happy in the knowledge they were still safe.
“Today we mourn for tomorrow....we fight!”
He then turned to the man who had spoken to him, “Tell me your name.” He said, “For I was unaware of such a general in my city.”
The man nodded, “I am Wei Xiadi, my lord.” And the two walked together to the palace.
Come here to speak to Cao Cao.
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Post by Ma Chao on Oct 25, 2009 21:45:12 GMT
 Ma Chao
Wei General
------------------------------
Love is anterior to Life
Posterior to Death
Initial of Creation, and
The Exponent of the Earth
-------------------------------- Ma Chao made his way along the road heading for the Wei empires seat of power in Xu Chang, as Chao made his way closer to the main gates, he can see what looks like soldiers they bare the mark off Wei, looks like Chow is heading down the right road after a few more hours of mindless riding. He comes to the main steps of the palace, at which point he dismounts from his horse and walks up walking in to the Throne Room he sees to fellows walking down taking a guess that one of them was Cao Cao Chao bows and says. “Lord Cao Cao I am Ma Chao and I have come from the Liang Provence to aid you in your quest to bring the world to peace, i wish to make a peaceful land for my family to live without the worry of then being killed or worse taken as prisons so I humbly request you allow me to Serve you my spear and my skill are yours if you so wish it.
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Post by Liang Zhi on Oct 26, 2009 0:25:20 GMT
Cao Xiu riding at full gallop at the head of 20 Horsemen from Xiapi covered in perspiration from anxiety, neared the capital, as he rode over the boundary at Yingchuan crossing over to Xuchang he rode over a hilltop with his party. He adjusted his headcap and peered down the slope up the city. The rays emitting from the final minutes of the sun during the days sunset, gleamed over the battered remnants of his uncle's army returning in defeat from Jing at the hands of Sun Quan and Liu Bei.
Xiu as he looked on was overcome with remourse as he slid from the horse's saddle and to his knees, the landscape of the city was covered with soldiers, embracing, dragging along the carcases of their comrades who fell in battle. A stream of tears began to fall from young Xiu's eyes as he raised to his feet. His followers helped him back onto his saddle and the group began to slowly trot towards the city, gazing in sorrow over the defeated army.
As they approached the gates a great scream of agony emmited to the rear of the party as a soldier with a dismembered leg fell from his companions arm to the ground, Xiu hurridley dismounted shakenly, and helped the man to his feet, and back into his friends arms. Xiu commanded his own party to assist the army back into the city. While he proceeded heartbrokenly towards the Yamen. Xiu remounted and proceeded at a gallop through the gate, past the gatemen who recognising the general did not bother questioning him.
Inside the walls, Xiu witnessed the cries of the women and children as they learned of their husband's demises, Xiu and almost toppled from his steed. He proceeded slowly bearly managing to compose himself. As he approached the steps to the Yamen, Xiu dismounted, he left his horse with the gateman who simply looked down and said nothing.
Xiu hastened towards the palace mastering his tears, and tried to stay strong inside, as he was a general. He rushed passed the guard into the main chamber of the palace, he dropped brokenly to his knees, prostrating himself and the bottom of the stairs to Cao Cao's seat and said in a broken voice,
"Uncle, I have failed, this defeat, I could have helped...but..."
Xiu lowered his head and sobbed quietly. Guilt overwhelming him, his army guarding Hefei was close to the action and could have joined the fighting during the rout and spared some of the people, but he failed, he did to little, and now, of 800,000 Troops in the campaign only a thousand or so remained...
((Xiu has not noticed Ma Chao yet. Incase you are wondering why he hasn't mentioned him.))
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Post by Cao Cao on Oct 26, 2009 1:26:17 GMT
Cao Cao was playing with the gold thread of his robe as Ma Chao walked through the doors below him. It was not an uncommon sight to behold, generals often came in and out of palaces – either pleading for something or asking, it was usually the same on most accounts. But somehow, today seemed different, it seemed better.
Of course he felt the pang of old excitement same after Ma Chao hesitantly climbed the first few steps, bowing his head on the last before speaking out clearly. It was always the same, a plea, or a request. He smiled; it had always been this way, ever since the beginning of time - man moved in such a straight forward manner, each step closely followed by its counter-part, each swing perfectly guided.
“Enough.” He said at last, standing before the man with open arms, “Please say no more warrior.”
He turned to Wei Xiadi, who in response – nodded his acknowledgement and moved over to the far left side of the room.
“Come.” He gestured a hand to the seat Wei Xiadi had just moved from and beckoned Ma Chao to come closer. “I would never reject such an esteemed warrior into my services. Perhaps with able men like you by my side we will be able to further expand our dreams of peace.”
Wei returned to the thrones core as Cao Cao spoke gleefully, listening more to the shouts of men outside followed by the hastened steps of a new-comer over his lords many praises. Maybe he would one day receive such an honouree position upon initial meetings, maybe he’d be the one to be beckoned as all good servants were - but until then he’d just watch his master, closely and loyally. After all – he owed Cao Cao his life on more than one account.
“Master.” He spoke just the one word as Cao Xiu came through the steps, his composure shattered. His mind, weakened. “It seems we have another guest.”
Cao Cao was talking to Ma Chao when Cao Xiu fell to his knees and pleaded.
“Please.” He stumbled the once as he tried to move from his throne and eventually made his way to his generals side, an arm around the man’s back, “Compose yourself.”
He straightened him out as they rose and he took a step back, “There is nothing you could have done. Fate was against us, Wu won.” He turned to Ma Chao and nodded, “Come – let this be a lesson for us to remember, let this be something we will all strive towards.”
He returned to his seat with Wei Xiadi closely behind him, “Ma Chao, Cao Xiu – let us forget the moments of the past. Our comrades will forever be remembered – our hearts forever cold. But we are all here for a reason; let us not forget that reason in our pain. Where as we suffer, you Ma Chao praise – you see the opportunity of one’s reasoning and passion, let this show us the conflict of interest.”
He turned now to Cao Xiu and smiled. It was a shame his own heart had bled itself dry; otherwise he may have even wept a little over the fresh reminder of his own loss. “Be strong, the day you fail me is the day you return in a casket. Until that day – you have served me well.”
He scrunched his features and forced out a lovable grin, then – as quickly as he had spoken, he was done, his attention back again to Ma Chao.
He turned to the general, smiled and then continued. “Wu and Shu will not forget their victory, no one shall.”
He stood again and walked closer to the doors of his throne, “They will pursue us to the very gates of heaven, but we shall not falter. Even with this drawback, we shall grow and reclaim our lands and it will all start with Xiang Ping.”
Wei Xiadi nodded in agreement and turned to Cao Xiu, “But before that we must all realise something.”
Everyone turned to the young warrior, who smiled briefly from the shadowy grave he had crawled up from, “Wu cannot expand without pressing Jing and all know that Sun Quan had his eyes on Jing. With Liu Bei taking its control it will certainly dampen their progression. Liu Bei however has to move west, if he continues to harbour Southern Jing he will crumble, the land simply doesn’t offer the fruits he would need to defeat us.”
He drew closer to the crowd, gazing briefly at each man before him, “Let us not dwell on the past, my liege lord is correct in saying we must advance upon Xiang Ping, but not just there. If we are to win in this race of power – we must establish relations with Wu and force our armies to divide into three groups.”
He pointed to the small table below the throne and produced a small map of china from his inner coat pocket. Once deployed, he turned back to the others. “Cao Xiu should lead the armies of Hei Bei into Xiang Ping and take it once and for all. Ma Chao should aim towards Chang’An and reclaim the lands of Liang with others who join us and you my lord, you should move right here.”
He pointed a finger to the map and Cao Cao nodded in acknowledgement.
“Very well.” He said, “Wei Xiadi, you go to Wu, I shall deal with this matter personally.”
Wei bowed low from his waist, “As your wish my lord.”
“Ma Chao, will you be the pillar in which defines my empire, will you serve me in my grand quest.”
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Post by Ma Chao on Oct 26, 2009 2:47:15 GMT
Ma Chao
Wei General
------------------------------
Love is anterior to Life
Posterior to Death
Initial of Creation, and
The Exponent of the Earth
--------------------------------
Chao, Listened as Cao Cao spoke to him with his Wise words Chao then began to think to himself he made a good call joining the ranks of Wei, after all a world under Wei would be one hell of a place to live at that point Chao stands up and addresses Cao Cao saying. “Thank you lord I will do all in my power to become a pillar of Strength for you and for the kingdom, may the banner of Wei fly higher than the clouds themselves, Following that Chao stands and picks his spear up and glances around the room thinking what an honer it is to be standing where he is, not paying heed to his friend who just arrived.
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Post by Liang Zhi on Oct 26, 2009 13:35:20 GMT
Lifting the trim of his official robe Xiu raised to his feet steadily, composing himself at his lord's words, and bowed in appreciation, he now noticed that Ma Chao was present he stood and watched him leave, musing to himself,
"So he finally joined."
He turned back to Cao Cao and said,
"Since you are calling for an attack on Xiangping, uncle, I will not shirk from the task, and when that day comes, I will gladly lead the attack as thanks for your great kindness."
He paused for a second and then continued,
"I must haste back to Xu, Wu could strike at any moment, farewell uncle."
He bowed low then spun around and headed out the gate, collected his horse from the gateman. The drum roll announcing the first watch had just been struck in the city, and most people were settled back into their dwellings, Xiu rode to the main gate, where he gathered his original twenty followers, and left for Xiapi.
The 21 men riding through the beautiful valleys of the middle kingdom, admiring the plentiful array of stars in the sky, gradually arrived at Xiapi.
Xiu sent his twenty men to get some rest while he headed to the city Yamen and had himself a rest.
((Crap post I know.))
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Post by Huang Zhong on Oct 26, 2009 18:36:41 GMT
China was a land of war, plunged into an era of chaos and death. Following the decline of the Han, many ambitious warlords vied for supremacy. Some sought power, others sought wealth. Many had risen and fallen in their quests, and now, only three remained. They were called the greatest leaders of their time. Cao Cao, of the Kingdom of Wei. Lord Liu Bei, of the Kingdom of Shu-Han. And lastly, Sun Quan, ruler of Wu. It was almost certain one of these kingdoms would rise from the ashes of war, to reign supreme over the entire land.
Xu Chang, the Capital of the Wei Empire, was experiencing rather pleasant weather. Many of the people outside were enjoying the soft breeze of the wind, and the warm, gentle rays of the sun. An old man could be seen trudging along the beaten dirt road, marching forward with a strange glint in his eye. He was no ordinary old timer, donned from head to toe in armor, his helmet tassel blowing in the breeze. And over his armor, he wore bright green battle robes, with golden dragons weaving and turning along his sleeves. On his back was a longbow and quiver, strapped to his waist, a longsword. His hair was white as snow, and his beard reached his chest. His skin was tough and leathery, worn with age. And yet, there was a spring in his step, a flame in his eyes. This old man was more youthful then his years.
Many people on the road guessed, but did not know, who he was. The old man was none other then Huang Zhong, legendary archer and warrior. He had been in many battles in his long years of life, but had yet to find a worthy lord to serve. Hence his reason for arriving in Xu Chang; Huang Zhong was sick of wandering, fighting bandits to earn his daily bread. He wanted to make a difference, to impact the course of history. He stood before the gates of the palace, and with a deep breath, strode confidently inside, making his way to the audience hall.
"I wish to see Lord Cao Cao of Wei! Will he be so gracious as to accept a request to an audience with an old man?"
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Post by Cao Cao on Oct 26, 2009 20:35:46 GMT
The guards of Xu Chang adorned each of the cities walls and gates, two to three men posted at the front whilst a rear guard accompanied them in shifts of six or eight at the back. It had once been half that number, but the subsequence to the assassination attempt on Cao Cao’s first born son had quickly altered that security. Now there wasn’t a single gap left in his defences, no crack or cranny left for men to smuggle or hide.
It was – after all, better that way.
“So what’s the report” He started as he made his way down the palace stairs.
“Oh, just the usual sire.” The man who edged him produced a small series of documents and quickly opened each one. “Tax evasion in Luo Yang is increasing; er...the citizens of Xia Pi are restless after the return of the army. People in Ye and Nan Pi are tired of waiting for you to do them a speech on your new tax laws. The list is quite long sire.”
He began to list off the other rules that came with the reports, but, Cao Cao only bore the time to listen to a few, he heard about men in Chen Liu falling sick to a new sickness and about those in other cities feeling restless after recent activities in the south. He even listened to a small story about how a farmer wanted compensation after his payer failed for a good harvest. After that he didn’t pay much attention, he was occupied instead by the general in armour that walked up each step before him.
He recognised the man almost instantly and the assistant that had followed him up.
“Oh, your majesty, you’re walking about.” The assistant turned to the old veteran that stood beside him and nodded. “My lord.” He said back at Cao Cao, “This is Huang Zhong, he seeks an audience.”
Cao Cao smiled, turned to his own advisor and then nodded. “Very well.”
He began to walk, slow paces at first, but progressively speeding up into a casual strole by the time he’d reached the end of the stairs. “So tell me Huang Zhong, what is it I can do for such an esteemed warrior such as yourself?”
He motioned to the path that he had decided to walk amongst, a small route that surrounded the palace garden and then went deeper into the estate where the markets flourished.
“Unless you have matters elsewhere, you wouldn’t mind taking a small walk would you. I have some business to attend elsewhere and I have very little time to do it in the council chambers.”
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Post by Huang Zhong on Oct 26, 2009 22:30:54 GMT
Huang Zhong gazed upon Cao Cao, probing him with his eyes, observing him. At first, one could see nothing unusual about him; he was a welled dressed lord, with a well trimmed beard and good clothes. However, the old man saw past the surface. The man's eyes were full of shrewdness and cunning, and he carried himself with an air of confidence that no man could match. Trult, such a man was a born leader, capable of leading thousands of men, and seizing hold of his goals with an iron fist. Huang Zhong was impressed to say the least.
"Of course, Lord Cao Cao. I will walk with you."
He had walked long and hard on the road, but his legs were still fresh, and so he could easily keep up with the younger man. As they walked, Huang Zhong gazed about, admiring the view of the palace. Cao Cao knew how to impress. It must have taken much hard work and many difficult trials overcome to be able to acquire such a palace. He then turned to Cao Cao, finally speaking.
"I have been long on the road, for much of my life. I do what I can for people; hunt dangerous animals, safeguard them from raiders, even served as a bodyguard for regional lords on trips. But I feel that is not enough. I feel I can do more good under the service of a man capable of quelling this chaos."
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Post by Cao Cao on Oct 26, 2009 23:11:40 GMT
“And so here you are, walking the roads I have struggled to make safe.”
Cao Cao stopped as the pair approached the estate of the nobles. It was located just beyond the grand market place, near the eastern gate and was protected by its own mini garrison where men of riches spent hundreds of coins each month to keep their lands secure.
“But, tell me.”
He pointed a hand to the estate and then turned back to the market-place. “Which is right and which is wrong.”
He turned to Huang Zhong, smiled and then turned back, “We follow a social pattern, where we create three divisions of society. They are named nobles, peasants and the middle class. The nobles run the businesses, have high trades or are simply born with more gold and yet – on the opposite side of this grand city are those who live in small houses, who steal, rob and thrive of the suffering of others. Don’t get me wrong, not all of the common-folk are barbaric, but you speak of helping this world and yet – we all conform to the same rules of political and social ideology.”
He smiled then, breaking free his white shining teeth and his creased skin, “But it can start.”
He turned back to the market place and continued to walk. For awhile he said nothing. He enjoyed the sights of the commoners who went and praised them, he passed the markets that held out their goods in offer and then he passed the alleyways where commoners begged at his feet. Eventually, he stumbled into the central plaza, where the great barracks was stationed, high in all of its glory.
“You have spent a life trying to bring as much justice as you could and yet, in reality – you have achieved nothing.”
He spoke sternly, although he held his smile with ease. “You deserve a chance Huang Zhong, to shine.”
He turned then, gazed deep into the man’s eyes and for just a few seconds, unleashed his true feelings, his thoughts and his emotions. His eyes flared with the cunning needed to rule and with the ambition to act. “I seek only one thing Huang Zhong and that is total and utter control. I do not want the control of the people, or their policies and ideologies; I want the control to bring peace – to unify this glorious land, to bring about a new era for those who still believe in our countries traditions. I punish, I kill – but not out of spite, but out of faith and hope, hope that one day there will be no more need to kill or to defend. But, I need men for my dream to be a reality, men are of honour, pride, justice – I need men to represent me and my ideals, to be the pillars in which i build this foundations. Will you support me in this regime, will you accept service into my army and serve me faithfully and honourably. Will you stand for me, fight for me and kill for me. I seek these things General, I seek these things.”
He smiled for a second and then released the tension that built steadily in his shoulder blades, “If you wish to do something for the people and for this land. Now is your chance.”
Then he walked – far to the north, back to the palace where his ideals would be realised. It was time for war and he would bring it upon anyone who denied his claim.
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Post by Sima Yi on Oct 27, 2009 0:47:07 GMT
It had been a long ride, coming from visiting with his brothers and father after the great calamity that had befallen Cao Cao and his army. In truth, Sima Yi had played only a small part in that battle, and he cared little for the out come. He knew several things had happened there, things that would be of use to both Cao Cao and himself. For Cao Cao, he know had learned a lesson, one that would be hard to forget. His ego had been tempered, the defeat had been damning though not mortal, but now he knew how Yuan Shao had felt at his own defeat to Cao Cao. That battle was very similar to this one, and many would have thought Yuan Shao would have been the victor. Yet that had proved false.
Yet for Sima Yi, he had gained insight, he had seen the way the flow of the battle had gone. He saw the clever ploys and traps of who he suspected was Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu. It was good to see that he would have decent rivals in the coming war, and with several traitors fretted out in that conflict, who had switched sides to secure the position of Cao Cao, Sima Yi had opportunities to advance himself as well. Of course, Cao Cao's army, now the Kingdom of Wei, had lost it's footing, and it was not on the easy path it once was a part of.
Wei would need to refocus it's attention on the new Kingdoms of Shu and Wu, and to do that, it would need new leaders. Though new leaders did not always mean competent leaders, and much of that battle may have been reduced had Wei had such generals. So for now, Sima Yi would need to watch, watch and wait to see what his companions would do to prove both their loyalty and intelligence to the king of Wei, Cao Cao.
However, with the creak of the wagon carriage, and the stop of that very same carriage. Sima Yi was once again looking at the grand palace of Xu Chang. It had not changed much since he had left, and in truth, he was happy for that. Change was always needed, yet it still needed a building block for such a thing. Change must always be controlled from something. Someone moved to open the door, and once again, Sima Yi was pulled from his thoughts. Stepping out and down, he straightened his robes, which were comprised of purple cloth, and gold calligraphy. Yet he had a white overcoat over that, with a high collar. Upon his head sat a hat that was transparent, and made out of some rare cloth. It had been a gift for tutoring some noble's son. It was also a hallmark of Sima Yi. He bounced his fan off of his head, the metal of the blades cushioned by the feathers that had surrounded it.
He stopped at the steps, dropping his right hand, which held the fan down to his side and stroking his beard with his left. He casually glanced up at the palace, wondering if Cao Cao was even in the building. Yet movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention, and he caught sight of Cao Cao coming swiftly his direction, though the man gathered it was rather for the building than for he himself. Sima Yi turned that, and started a slow, methodical path toward the King of Wei.
"Greetings, King of Wei. How goes the war and the cities?" It was a friendly greeting, yet it still held certain meanings in it, an undertone that only the most intelligent could gather, and Cao Cao was indeed most intelligent.
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Post by Huang Zhong on Oct 28, 2009 3:26:24 GMT
Huang Zhong payed deep attention to Cao Cao's words. He was still unsure of the man's intentions, or his ethics. Even if the old warrior was desperate, he wanted to make the right choice. He was not as young as he used to be; he had to choose his lord carefully, for he would most likely have no second chances if he screwed up. But there was no need; Cao Cao showed genuine concerns for the people, people that many other lords overlooked. And judging from his tone of voice, he was ready to do anything it took, even if the people hated him for it.
Without warning, Huang Zhong clapped his hands together, saluting and bowing deeply to this incredible man before him. It was obvious now. His path was clear. This man had the power to carve his name into the annals of history, to make a true change. He did not notice Sima Yi as he took his bow, but once he was done with the formalities, perhaps the two could talk.
"My Lord, if you are offering me a chance to join you, I humbly accept. Please allow me to make a difference, and call upon me should you need me for anything!"
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Post by Cao Cao on Oct 28, 2009 4:21:00 GMT
Beautiful flowers lit up both sides of the path as Cao Cao made his way back to the palace. Huang Zhong, who had steadied his pace behind had come to the conclusion that Cao Cao was indeed the man to serve, an option that he – obviously agreed with.
“Please.” He spoke as quietly and peacefully as he could as he walked, strumming a finger against a series of petals that approached the small extravagant flower beds pitched by the maids of his concubine’s household. “You don’t need to bow before me.”
He turned to Huang Zhong steadily, taking in the great view and peering up at the sky. He pointed as an eagle fled across the main palace and smiled, “This will be your home general, this will be where we rebuild this shattered land and bring back its hopes and dreams. This is where we, like that eagle – shall soar”
He smiled more to himself as he started to walk, positive in the knowledge that with such a great archer with him – he would always be safe. But his time of thought was to be soon lived, as was all matters of importance; it didn’t concern him, after over 20 years of ruling he had come accustomed to the hardships of governing and had adapted to it fairly well. Sima Yi – his renowned strategist stood by the palace entrance, fluttering the fan in which he held so proudly and defiantly, a symbol – as it were, of determination and power.
“Greetings Sima Yi,” he dipped his head in respect and then moved over to the stairs leading up to the palace. He didn’t know why he bowed before those he deemed powerful, he just did – it was a mutual act of respect and acknowledgement that to him, meant more than just words, “The war has finally begun to blossom and the cities pay it well.”
He spoke casually, but turned to the more hoarse approach as he started his ascend up the stairs. “But soon they must wither and die, so that we – and those who follow us can recreate its life.”
He spoke obviously of war and had – ever so gently, commented on his next move on the map.
(4:20am, I couldn’t think of any awesome analogy to use to compare the situation with my intentions lol)
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Post by Sima Yi on Oct 28, 2009 22:37:07 GMT
((Yeah that last part is kind of confusing))
Sima Yi bowed his head not in response to Cao Cao's own show of respect, and any watching might have noticed that it seemed he was slightly quicker in his, yet nost would agree it was at the same time. Yet Sima Yi raised his head last, showing his subserviance to the older man. He knew better than to others an advantage that he thought himself mightier than Cao Cao, and in truth, he didn't. Sima Yi believed that only the strongest survived, guile and cunning were a part of that. He was aware that Cao Cao had both, and perhaps more than even himself. Yet Cao Cao had something that Sima Yi did not, he lacked charisma, it was a tool that seemed to have been misplaced by him. He could inspire men, for that was easy, yet to get men to follow his lead in running a goverment, it was something he would have to work on. Manipulation was in no way charisma.
Soon walking on the right side of his lord, yet a little behind, giving Cao Cao the lead, he listened as the man spoke. It seemed that he was missing some sleep, for somethings he said made little sense, while others were only have spoken. "Blossom my lord? Have we made war since that fated day? Or have we already started to regather our strength? Though it is good to hear that the cities are becoming useful and giving revenue. Always a bad thing when markets and taxes fail to yield anything." He nodded his head at that thought, though of course any man worth his salt already knew that to be true. Yet no money meant no war, either to defend the ground they owned, or take the ground they did not.
He was pulled out of his thoughts though as Cao Cao spoke, his voice growing harsh, unforgiving. He was speaking of something else, as though he was looking into the future. "Indeed my Lord. But is that not true with any man who cannot keep up with change? Dong Zhou and Yuan Shao are the best examples of that folly. Soon Liu Bei, who sees himself as the heir to the Han, will feel it's bite. And Sun Quan? Was he not granted his land through the efforts of his brother and father? He is not truly tested." He sniffed at the thought. True Sun Quan had defeated Cao Cao on the river, yet he had failed to kill or capture the Lord.
He had seen Huang Zhong talking to Cao Cao, and he could only wonder at the others that were joining, undoubtedly Cao Xiu would have rejoined the main force. And there were reports of another man looking for a Lord to serve. So they were slowly gaining strength, which was a good thing. Power, though, rested not in manpower, but rather in the men themselves. If they proved weak or ineffective, how long would they truly last? How long would Cao Cao let them? Yet for now, all their talents were hidden, for the last battle had yet to test the worthiness of really anyone. "Who shall we attack first? Or rather, who will attack us? Liu Bei or Sun Quan?"
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Post by Huang Zhong on Oct 29, 2009 3:26:13 GMT
"Thank you, my Lord. This old fool is grateful to have a chance to prove himself under your command."
Huang Zhong was overwhelmed by the kind words of a man said to be shrewd and cold hearted in his policies, his heart stirred by his confidence. Never, in his long and arduous life, had he felt this way. No man had ever instilled such feelings of awe and wonderment with but mere words and an aura of charisma, as well as eyes of ambition. The old man had no doubt that Cao Cao would hold much power before his time had come to an end, and if the aged archer could help it, he would strive to become a pillar of strength for his military, a sterling example of what it meant to be an officer, of what it meant to be a warrior.
"I must go and get settled in. I do not have much; only what I carry on my person."
Bowing once more, Huang Zhong turned to leave, also bowing respectfully to Sima Yi. The look on his face suggested serious matters were to be discussed, and as a new officer, Huang Zhong felt he had no place butting in. When the time was right, he would be called to the war council. He also needed to get settled into his own quarters. An advisor showed him out from the gardens, and into a small, humble abode that the old man could call his house. It did not take him long to become settled with a small flask of wine at the table.
Hours later, the advisor returned once more, bearing a note in hand. Without a word, he dropped it on Huang Zhongs's table and departed. Curiously picking up the letter, the aged archer undid the seal and read the hand writing, made out by one of Cao Cao's advisors. His eyes went wide with surprise; already, his first set of orders. He did not waste any time; he donned his armor and his weapons, and soon, he was out the door, to rally his troops and equipment, and to leave for the designated place in the letter....
[Huang Zhong leaves the Imperial City]
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