The Imperial Palace

[Cao Cao]

It had been easy once, it had been simple. But as he walked slowly with Sima Yi behind him he felt that it no longer was. It had changed, everything had evolved to adapt to the circumstance that continued to arise, no event came unprecedented – nothing was new, the turmoil’s of war continued to sing its melody and men like him followed its ambitious designs.

He couldn’t tell you why, he could not justify his existence with tales of fortune. What Sima Yi thought was no different to what the regional lords thought – it was true, he didn’t have any charisma, he ruled through guile, deceit and power, but he was not an evil man. He had not shred the lives of men for nothing; he had killed to close another chapter – to continue in his story of conquest. But at what extent he would go? that even he did not know.

But did it matter? He suspected it didn’t. At the end of the day, men followed him – people believed in him and even if they did doubt him, they would still turn to him. He was no righteous spectator, he was nothing like an honourable sun family member, but he had a dream and he would seize it, the only obstacle before him in retrospect was death, for he would fight those who stood against him forever. It was not an impediment to him; instead, it was a test, a test to see whether or not he was worthy to rule.

“And I am.” He muttered.

He turned to Sima Yi and adjusted his robe, “Everything will rise and everything will fall. Just like a flower must bloom before it withers.”

He walked casually to the top of the stairs and then lent against the palace walls, overlooking the great city from his newly founded height, “In history this has been the case for centuries, from the insurgence of the Qin to the establishment of the Han, everything that has risen has fallen, it is inevitable, but...”

He paused to struggle for a word, when the words did not come he sighed loudly, “Do you know why they have fallen. All cities will give revenue and all war will result with causalities, but these are only minor factors. There is a reason this nation has crumbled, why civil strife is prominent.”

He turned back to the Palace and began to walk towards the Throne room, “In a way, the only real criminals are we politicians and rulers. Without us nothing would have rose so nothing would have fallen. But without us the land stagnates and nothing is improved. It is a vicious cycle Sima Yi, and when my time is done you would do well to remember these factors if you plan to further my reign of conquest.”

He stopped when he reached the inner rooms of the palace, where tables, food, wine and maids were stationed, “We are always faced with war, there has not been a day where war has not ravaged this land, you are too to the point, where as I am too vague. Together we could do a lot of good for this country. But, alas my time is running towards the second half of its course.”

He scooped a glass of wine within his hand and then sipped slowly at the murky contents inside, “I need you to do a speech in Ye. The people there will be worried about the rumours of our defeat at Chi Bi, we also need some fresh troops to give to replenish the veterans we have lost. I trust this to you; because you’re the only one capable of making it work the way I plan it. I have a messenger currently in Wu, but Wei Xiadi is young and rash, I fear he may have done more harm than good. But nevertheless, he will complete his task, even if faced with death – which is why he is important to me.”

He turned back to the Throne room, sighed at the awaiting reports and then moved on, “The world is a weapon.” He said as he opened the door, “and I am its holster. It is why I would rather betray the world than have the world betray me. So be ready – the war you know has only just begun.”

[Lao Xun]

"Uh... I'm Lao Xun, you don't know me, but you soon will! ... No, that doesn't work at all..."

Lao Xun scratched his head and sighed. He'd been hanging around outside the palace for a good hour now, trying to pluck up the courage to head in there and ask to speak with Cao Cao. Although he'd told himself several times that this was the best course of action, Xun hadn't yet managed to figure out an approach that seemed to 'work' for him.

If Xun knew anything, it was that you didn't offend a prospective employer while making your pitch to him.

"Salutations lord Cao Cao, I humbly offer my services to you, most... magna...magana...magananam... cool ruler... no, that's not it..."

Xun paced back and forth a few more times, then threw his hands up into the air and scowled.

"What on earth am I worrying about anyway? It's a business deal, just a deal like any other... Cao Cao may have a scary beard, but there are longer and there are bushier..."

Xun didn't care to explain precisely how his aversion to beards had come about. It involved drinking rather too much wine and passing out in a tavern. Not his finest hour.

"Oh come on... this is a chance for the big prize, I can't just let that slip away. War makes money, and the earlier you jump onto the wagon, the bigger the cut you get! That's worth even putting yourself in danger, right?" Xun hesitated for a moment. "Well, maybe a minor amount of danger," he corrected himself. "Like, 'Close enough to the fighting to look brave but far away enough that you're not actually involved and have time to run away if things get hairy' kind of danger."

With that thought to encourage him, Xun advanced on the palace, confidence ebbing with every step. Nevertheless, self-preservation and/or common sense was held in check by greed up until the point that Xun entered the throne room itself. At the entrance, he took one look inside then spun around abruptly. However, Xun soothed himself with the mantra 'It's for the big prize', and after a couple of seconds, turned around again and steadfastly walked straight in.

"Hello. I'm Lao Xun. I'd-" he swallowed. "I'd like to speak with Cao Cao."

[Cao Cao]

Cao Cao had walked into the Throne room after having spoken to his advisor; it had been a small exchange from what he had recalled – one that involved little babble and a lot of precise communiqué. It was in a way subsequent to the means in which he dealt with things in his city, ‘no bullshit, just outright talk’ - it was just one of his many rules that he happened to have followed religiously.

It would have lasted longer had the newcomer that had arrived not have mentioned such an obscene question, it was not wrong – just stupid. A man spoke to another man on a throne asking to see the ruler of the city. Now unless Lao thought anyone could sit on the throne he had already wasted a few seconds of time, seconds that would psychologically judge his opinion on the man before him.

“You are speaking to Cao Cao.” He eventually said, not rudely – but to the point. It had been an awfully long day. “Now what can I do for you Lao Xun.” He smiled the best smile he could offer and then waited for a response.

(awful i know, i'm tired and i'm doing lots of other things as well.)

[Lao Xun]

Xun blinked, realising nervousness had gotten the better of him. Of course this was going to be Cao Cao, unless this room was just some sort of ornate place for any person to sit around in, and not, in fact, the throne room.

He considered that rather unlikely.

Well... now he had ground to make up, didn't he?

"...Of course. Sorry Lord Cao Cao," Xun hesitated for the barest instant more, but then pressed on. He'd rehearsed this part, this was the easy part. Plucking up the courage to enter in the first place had been the difficult bit. "Well, I've come to offer you my services. In honesty, I'm not much of a fighter, but I am a thinker. Besides, I've always considered it a poor general who puts himself in harm's way unless absolutely necessary. After all... leadership isn't expendable."

That was Xun all over. He had his faults, but he always did his very best to conceal them, paper them over, or otherwise justify them. Heck, on certain occasions (e.g. this one), he even sought to turn them into virtues.

Another such fault of Xun was his arrogance, which was simply towering. However, even he could see that his 'pitch' wasn't the most convincing. It sounded good, for sure, but Lao Xun, whatever he claimed, was not an esteemed general. He was not famous. People didn't whisper of him in the streets or in taverns (well, apart from the taverns frequented by people he'd screwed over in trade deals, and in that case it was more of an angry mutter). He was, bluntly, a fresh, untested man.

Lao Xun wasn't sure what Cao Cao would make of that, and he didn't particularly want to guess. Other than listening to the speeches he'd made at various times in Xu Chang in the time Xun had lived there, Xun had had no contact with the man before this day. Still, it didn't take a genius to see that Cao Cao was... a little tired, worn out, frustrated maybe? His patience would be low.

Xun hoped he'd been straightforward enough to avoid annoying the Wei ruler...

[Cao Cao]

Cao Cao watched through water-logged eyes as Lao Xun declared his reason of coming. It was to join the service of Wei in a position that would both sustain leadership and, somehow conveniently keep him out of harm’s way.

He smiled.

“So you have come to serve me.” He spoke casually; the pitch was not forced, although he was tired, so it may have seemed strained. “Every empire needs a thinker, every steady foundation needs those who will oblige the laws of heavens will and stand up to the task presented to them. But, tell me.”

He stood up gingerly, wiped his face with the back of his hand and then took a steady step towards Lao Xun, “Tell me of this land, tell me of Liu Bei, Sun Quan – give me an analytical assessment of the development of this country. I accept you into my services, but I am intrigued to hear the opinion of another in relations with these very important topics. So Please.”

He flicked a hand to a nearby seat and then pulled another chair closer, “Sit, we must not discuss matters of great diplomacy in such formal ways.”

He bid for the maids to come and poured two glasses of wine, “Although your answer does dictate quite a lot.” He passed Lao Xun a cup of wine and then perched himself on the chair, “Now speak.”

[Gan Ning]

The march had been a hard one. But, if all went according to plan it would have been worth it.

Ning had been marching for days. Behind him he led a small band of cavalry, those that had been willing to join together and leave the life of pirating behind them. This was a bold move he thought, one that could and most likely would shape the rest of his life.

The sun was high in the sky as he and his men had approached the capital city of Wei. Ning turned and looked to his chief lieutenant.

"Make camp about a mile outside of town, take 10 of your men, 10 that you would trust with your life and show them about the city. I expect full scouting reports upon my return." Said Ning he began to walk away and as he did he turned once more and threw a bag of coins at his lieutenant. "Oh and get you and your men something to drink, you deserve it after this march, I may join you later. We shall see how my meeting with Lord Cao goes. Be ready to flee the city at moments notice, should things go awry."

As Ning walked through the city, he saw many sites that interested him, but none that appeared to be what he was looking for.

"I will have time for site seeing later, for now I must find Lord Cao."

He wandered about aimlessly for a while longer hoping to stumble upon someone who could point him in the right direction. As he was about to give up on his quest for the night and retire to the tavern with his men he saw a looming building in the distance. It was the most exquisite sight he had seen in years, perhaps his life.

"That must be it." thought Ning to himself. "Well than that is where I shall be off too."

Ning finally approached the palace, once inside he found someone who appeared to be a servant and asked "Is this the palace of Lord Cao? And if so may I request an Audience with him."

The servant looked apprehensively at him. Lord Ning was not the type of man you would expect to see in a palace. Covered in tattoo's with the scars to match. Wearing his twin blades at his side he knew he was an intimidating character. Finally after examining him for a long time the servant said "Yes. this is the palace of Lord Cao. I shall see if he is willing to have an audience with you, oh good lord, may i have your name?"

"Yes, I am Lord Gan Ning, I shall make myself comfortable here, while i wait for your swift return" Ning sat down in a chair, and began to twirl a coin through his fingers, an old trick he had picked up during the boring nights at sea, and he waited for the return of the servant.

[Cao Cao]

Cao Cao was talking to Lao Xun when he was interrupted by the surge of blood that toppled over his head. It had not at first bothered him, but as the gentle wave of dizziness passed and was replaced with a bursting throb of pain, he could not rationalise the need not to seek medical attention.

He had made the action smooth, a simple flick of the wrist and a click of his fingers – then, a maid came with some wine and a few herbs and concoctions.

“Thank you.” He muttered breathlessly, his mind shrouded by the pain, “Please continue.”

He turned back to Lao as the messenger appeared, speaking of a Gan Ning that had arrived and who ad sought out the service of Cao himself.

“Bring him before me.”

The messenger bowed low and then turned on his heel. As he left, he hurried to Gan Ning, dipped his head and then spoke, “My lord will see you now, however I fear he is in pain – so be quick with your business general. My Lord needs his rest.”

He turned and walked Gan Ning into the room, where Cao Cao turned, faked a smile and then decked the last of his wine.

“Greetings Gan Ning.” He began, “What brings you before me on this very day, general of the south east.”

He smiled, although his head throbbed and ached with the insuring pain. It would pass, he hoped, and smiled weakly at the man before him.

(sorry its so bad, i'm really pushed for time with my college work)

[Dian Wei]

The doors were pulled open and in the hallway stood the figure of Dian Wei, a fierce eyed intimidating man. As he came forward however, those eyes were now trained to the ground. He strode toward throne without as much as a glance in the direction of the other men. Until he was just a foot away.

“Lord Cao Cao,” He said softly, for he had been told that the lord was in pain. “I am here to give my strength to your cause.” He then got down on his hands and knees in prostration, awaiting his response.

[Cao Cao]

Cao Cao was resting his eyes as Dian Wei spoke, his fingertips dug in the side sof his temples, massaging gently in circular patterns. He tried to smile, but the pain had reached its climax and he could offer no more than a weak smirk.

“My apologies.” He muttered, turning to face Dian Wei, “If only you could protect me from the horrors of my mentality, I would not look so down this day.”

He pushed himself from his chair, facing the collection of generals who had come to stand side by side with the elder veteran. It pleased him, he had sacrificed so much and now, he felt it was finally paying off.

“Come.” He gestured a hand to the row of tables that had been set up, a small dining area as he once called it for men of importance to sit, eat and be merry. “So many able men have come to flock to my course, and it is with great pride that I welcome you all – however, let us not forget the fundamental reasoning behind why I stand here today.”

He paused for a second to close his eyes and allowed the pain to momentarily crawl along his body, he flinched, sighed and then took a deep breath, “I am at war and I am in need of men who cannot just fight a war of steel, but also a war of words and valour.”

He turned back to the table, found a glass and filled it, “Dian Wei, will you stay by my side and protect me as you have done ever since my journey began, or do you feel it is time to unleash the beast that has tamed you against those who dare oppose me.”

(I am assuming here that you've been around for a while Dian Wei, simply because of who you are playing as lol)

[Dian Wei]

"It is your choice, my lord."Dian Wei got to his feet. Making his way to the tables he sat down and poured himself some wine. Taking a sip he noticed something: Cao Cao was not just in pain. He was suffering. Dian Wei had been laying low for a while after their lose at Chi Bi and seeing the state of his lord made him regret it. In fact his regretted the lose itself but this was no time to dwell.

“Have you been fairing well since Chi Bi?” He said slowly, unsure as to what exactly was troubling him.

[Cao Cao]

“No.” He stated sternly. “I am troubled by the events of many. But they are the worries of an old man with a dream.”

He smiled as he rubbed his temple a final time; the pain had finally started to ease as night drew closer. “But this is no time to dwell Dian Wei.” He poured himself another glass of wine and sipped its murky contents. It was a sweet taste, yet it had a strange back wash effect that surprised the old man as he watched through glossy eyes the events of the day. “Soon war will be upon us.”

He moved away from the table in a single, swift motion – drawing his sword arm to his scabbard and walking over to his battle armour that sat comfortably on a pedestal “I have spent too long waiting.” He smiled now that the pain had passed, and turned an eye to the younger, yet stockier man. “Ready your armour, we’re to take back what is rightfully hours.”

He pulled the armour off of the pedestal and clipped the open bearings to his chest, then maids came and helped adorn the rest of his spectacular equipment to him. Once he was done, he turned to Dian Wei and nodded, “Join me in this upcoming fight. Even if you’re as strong as a bull, I am sure I can teach you how to be a competent warlord for when I am too old to continue my dream.”

He went back to his desk, wrote a declaration and then gave it to a minister who was waiting by the open throne doors, “Send this to the stated generals. It’s time for action, we march today.”

As he left the room he turned finally to Dian Wei, “Come, we have much to discuss and so very little time to do it in.”

Cao Cao is leaving for war.

[Dian Wei]

Dian Wei nodded, tapping his chest. His armour was already on for he seldom took it off. His downed the wine and followed Cao Cao, eager to face the coming conflict.

Dian Wei leaves for war.

[Lao Xun]

Lao Xun might have been greedy, selfish, and able to lay a claim to a rather large number of faults, but one thing he wasn't was stupid. He had suspected something of this nature would come up.

Not that he'd prepared an answer, he was just ready to answer questions, even particularly awkward ones.

"Well, it might seem to many that Wu is in the ascendency. After all, Chi Bi was a major victory for them. Men, both officers and soldiers, will want to join their banner because of that. Likely, they will attract traders and merchants. Don't they say everybody likes a winner?

However... it won't last. Chi Bi was impressive for them, but they needed a lot of assistance. Not only were Shu fighting their corner, but they had a generous helping of luck both from the weather and... well, mistakes. Not only that, but naval battles are Wu's speciality. Not every battle will be fought on their terms and to their advantage, and in time, people are going to come to see that the victory over Wei was, to be blunt, a fluke. As that happens, they'll begin to lose support. Perhaps not wholesale, but there will be a trickle, and that will most certainly be enough to affect them, especially with the period they will have enjoyed of the advantages.

Still, for now, they look powerful, and I believe enough people will buy into the illusion that for a brief while, they'll actually become so. To stay the least, confidence will be high, and so will morale. They're inspired, heady off victory. That euphoria won't last forever, but for now, anybody would do well to avoid clashing heads with them."

Xun had paused then, taking a sip of wine before continuing.

"Liu Bei is in an interesting position. He seems to enjoy popular support, but that doesn't necessarily translate into military might. His army isn't the largest around, but he knows when to act. His forces managed to conquer most of Jing opportunistically, and that puts him in an interesting position. He has scope to focus on the rebel cities to his west, but at the same time, must be wary of Wu from the east, and will soon have similar concerns to the north from us. It's tricky.

Although there is room for expansion, well, he must constantly be cautious of other forces. I'm sure that Wu will be looking on with interest to see if they can claim any part of Jing if too much of the Shu forces move away from the borders. With the size of Wu's army... it wouldn't be much of a contest.

However... if Liu Bei can stave off these problems? Shu are likely to become a force. They have the generals, if not the manpower, and if they manage to bring Southern Jing and Yi under their control? They'll be able to strengthen their economical position to a great extent."

Xun had given Cao Cao a little smile. He thought he was doing well, but he hadn't been at all sure. Still, it had sounded good, and in his mind, wasn't wholly gibberish.

"As for us, Wei? We have the opposite problem to Wu's high morale. We've suffered a major defeat, misfortune or no. I don't like to remind you about it, and won't belabour the point to much, but some of our number will lack confidence, be unsure of our abilities. After all, who defeated Lu Bu? Yuan Shao? Unified the north? Suffering such a defeat to Wu, with the numbers in our favour... well, it won't sit well with many.

It's therefore imperative that we can take some of these rebel cities. Especially those near Shou Chun and Lu Jiang. Wu won't hesitate to make a grab for Ru Nan and Jiang Xia if given the chance, and we have to get their first. Not only that, but we need to conquer them convincingly and with the least bloodshed possible. The people AND the soldiers need to be shown we're not a broken power, and victories over those regional lords will thoroughly cement that. Without this to... cut out the rot, thing are only to get more fragile.

But then... from what I've heard, I don't think you need me to tell you that."

Lao Xun hadn't been sure how his comments had been taken, but he'd followed them up with a hefty gulp when Cao Cao let him know he was to march on Xin Ye.

Maybe his advice had been too well taken...


Lao Xun heads out.

[Gan Ning]

As Ning stood before Lord Cao he felt an overwhelming sense of majesty. This was obviously the man that Ning had heard of in so many tales, this was the man who people spoke of as if he was a God. Yet, at the same time Ning could see this mans mortality. He was obviously ill at the time, and you could see the subtle signs of a man worn down by the times in which he was placed.

As he stood he realized he had been staring at Lord Cao for some time, and he had not muttered a single word. He began to question himself, no man had ever left him speechless, and any that had tried usually ended up the unfortunate victim of his blades. But not this time, war and blood was not his purpose on this day. He came with one thought in mind, he wanted to find the man who he thought could unify the country.

As he stood before Lord Cao he spoke with an air of confidence most wouldn't see fit for this first meeting, but Ning didnt care, he was a pirate after all. "Lord Cao, I came to you on this day searching for one thing, searching for the man who could unify this country, the man who could heal the wounds that have plagued us for so long."

After these words he paused, for he knew what he would say next, and he only hoped it wouldn't get him killed. But, if it did, today was as good as any a day to die. "And my lord, I am not sure I have found that man, I came here in all earnest, not really even expecting a man, but expecting more of a God. But, take not what I say as an insult for my lord, you have proven to me today two things. One, that no man shall single-handedly heal the wounds of our land not even the great Lord Cao, and two that I have in fact found the man who I would wish to fight beside in our struggle to restore our once great lands to the prosperity it one time knew."

With this he lowered his head to the man he hoped he would soon call Lord.

[Cao Cao]

(This is relating back to my conversation with Lao Xun and Gan Ning and therefore past tense lol)

---

Cao Cao did not dismiss the words of Gan Ning, nor did he look up at them with disgust. The man was right, and it was that very self-belief that brought a smile to his face, it was – primarily, the belief that had even made Gan Ning look at him in such a light that was important to his conquest. It was crucial to him, that men bestowed upon him great titles and attributes, for all knew that no god walked the earth – only mortals and mortals unfortunately died.

He did not argue his point; neither did he care about the false realisation that had forced Gan Ning to appear rude. In the end, the words were the truth; he was ill and he was aging – but he was no extinguished flame. He had a spirit and a dream and those two very things would make him soar further still.

He rose from his seat steadily and in a manner of which conformed to the social status of any ruler, gently, carefully but with a touch of power behind it, or rather – authority.

“You speak words as if they pay no heed to your mind.” He spoke as carefully and strongly as his actions, and smiled as he clasped the man’s shoulder, “The heart speaks aloud and the mind registers its calling. But I cannot be angry to you.”

He moved over to the table, watched the wine and the food and placed a hand over the small towel that had been folded by the maids, “I am no god, but I do in a way represent him.”

He turned to Gan Ning, “God is a symbol of hope, of fiery presence. Even as I age my resolution shall not falter. I am far from abstracted by the times and I know my limitations as a mortal being. But in ways i represent my kingdom, of my grand army – now that is to represent the heavens will and gods judgement. I fight not for them though, not for you even. I fight for peace, authority and the status of what we all once knew before the Eunuchs destroyed stability. If you would call me lord and bow before me, you would also see the world that I have envisioned – you would feel its grasps slipping gently from within your very grip. It is a painful experience, to lose, or to even win.”

He sat back down, cracked his neck and then rotated his shoulders, “But these headaches tell me my dreams, they remind me that life is precious and that I must act swiftly to achieve my dreams. If you, a man of honesty and skill – would follow me in this path, then I bid you a kingdom in itself, if not, the door is behind you. I will not harm a man of worth in these chambers.”

He nodded happily, and then turned back to his wine, “But the war wages on – and your decision in this life must soon be made. For if you do not, you will lose.”