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Post by Gan Ning on Nov 4, 2009 7:43:16 GMT
Ning looked at Lord Cao with the utmost reverence.
"My lord, please do not mistake what I said as being rude. For, if you were a god, then the things you have accomplished would be mere child's play in comparison to what needs to be done. But, my lord. If you are but a mortal, then what you have accomplished far outshines that of your peers. I share your dreams my lord. I dream of a unified country, a place where men do not have to resort to the life of theft and pirating just to survive. This is a dream I have long felt was entirely far fetched. But, I feel that upon this day, I may have met the one man who can truly do the works of a god.
As Ning spoke he felt a bead of sweat grow upon his head. If this were a battle of might, he would feel no such bead growing. But, struggles of the mind had always caused him more tension, more strain, and they did not come to him with the same ease as the movements of battle. He moved his hand to wipe away this ill mannered bead, and as he did he bowed before Lord Cao.
"My lord today is the first day that any man can say Gan Ning has bowed before them, and my lord it shall be one of the last. But, I offer my life to you, and eventually my death. If you will accept my service I shall be loyal to you until the day that i meet my fate. If not, then I pray you lord to allow me to leave, and return to my life on the seas."
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Post by Cao Cao on Nov 5, 2009 16:21:01 GMT
Cao Cao did not smile at the words of Gan Ning, nor did he dismiss them on impulse. In the end, their conversation had enlightened him, had forced him to see matters which were real. If the people thought of him as a god – then indeed expectation would be high. But who else had saved the emperor, formed a coalition against Dong Zhuo, dispelled the tyrant of Lu Bu and had seized Hei Bei in a war that was beyond gods understanding.
Yes, that was all the doing of Cao Cao, and praised as a god he was because of it.
“Only a fool turns a general with such skill away.” He turned to his table, where in its sheath his sword sat, un-marked by the troubles of this world. “I welcome you with open arms Gan Ning, but remember – that the trials we will face will leave its mark upon history and upon our very souls.”
He clasped his sword and rose to face the general, “As a general of Wei, I ask the following, that you will serve me faithfully –uphold capital punishment and protect the land from those that seek its destruction. But, orders for you I do not have – there are troops that need to be drilled and money that has to be counted. The construction or expansion of our marketing industry is also a top priority, oversee what you can, our military expedition will begin sooner than you think.”
He clasped the man’s shoulder and then turned back to the table; he called for a scholar to come with pen and paper, and began to initiate an Imperial Edict for every corner of his empire. It was time to praise and reward his faithful servants, and what better way was there than to order an edict upon the promotion and evaluation of his key subordinates.
(I decided to keep it council based lol)
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Post by Huang Zhong on Nov 9, 2009 0:17:20 GMT
Huang Zhong rode into the city with his men behind him, his men almost ready to cheer. They were tired from the march, and ready to rest. Fei Wong, now Huang Zhong's right hand man, was keeping them in orderly ranks. It wasn't truly needed; they were respectful enough of both men to listen to what was being said. They entered the city, and were soon greeted by it's citizens, where they got settled.
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Post by Zhen Ji on Nov 13, 2009 0:33:12 GMT
Zhen Ji walked into the palace but said nothing.
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Post by Cao Pi on Nov 13, 2009 3:44:09 GMT
It had been sometime since the throne room had seen the likes of him, sheltered by his father and taught by the finest tutors Wei had to offer. It was the coming of the Wei lords son and hopefully the future Lord of Wei, Cao Pi. Everything beaming from him just yelled excellence when it came to his hair, clothing, posture, swordplay, so he could easily prove himself as a worthy successor more successful than his brother Cao Zhi, inside Cao Pi there was a burning desire to beat him and succeed his father. His cape flowed like the gentleness of rippling water along the beautiful lakes, following him seamlessly, his spiked hair occasionally getting within his view but just as easily brushed off. His vision the Wei throne..
With just a slight look to both his sides while walking towards the main area he notice the paintings of honorable generals that had served his father but they were all soldiers, serving with just the one purpose. In the end werent they all just yes men? He thought to himself as he moved his face back towards his main focus on the Wei throne. Just as he nearly made his to the entrance two elite soldiers placed themselves behind him with a serviceman speaking with his head down ''My Lord Cao Pi, A lady is here in the foyer'' With a flick of his wrist the cuffs of his majestic robes fixed themselves seeing the young lady awaiting looking around.
''Excuse me, May I ask the business of a delicate flower as yourself with my father? I am Cao Pi.''
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Post by Zhen Ji on Nov 13, 2009 3:52:39 GMT
"My name is Zhen Ji I wish to join this kingdom." Zhen bowed to Cao Pi "Your name is Cao Pi may I ask you be my husband."
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Post by Cao Cao on Nov 13, 2009 18:08:31 GMT
(Zhen Ji, how you post is up to you, but please tell me you can do proper posts as well. You wouldn’t be very good posting in a battle or doing a task with 1 liners. Try and describe/elaborate on your characters feelings and surroundings.)
Hsiang Yu had seen many empires rise and fall over the years, the first being Yuan Shao’s. He had remembered Yuan Shao’s retreat and the suppression of his two sons, Yuan Shang and Yuan Tan. At the time, he hadn’t expected Lord Cao Cao to grow to such heights in his campaigns, but after carefully plotting the land – it seemed Wei, or at least what was to become Wei had grown and solidified all of its major borders.
Twenty years ago, most of the land had been divided into 20 or so sovereign states, now only 3 armies shared the land, the most prominent being that of Wei, followed by the greater military of Wu and the vast expanding Shu to the south-west. It had been an interesting power struggle, the great expanse of Wei was thought upon to control all – but after Chi Bi Wu and Shu certainly put a stop to that belief. Hsiang himself was not surprised by that in-particular outcome, had Wei have won Cao Cao would never have learned what it was like to contend for something so hard to reach for.
He had two kingdoms to destroy, two nations firm and in order. Even if Yuan Shao was vast, Yuan Shao was too inept to offer Cao Cao a true contention; this led to the fall of Hei Bei and its later subjugation by the officials of Cao Cao’s military enterprise.
It didn’t concern him, the history. But it was something that he had often looked back on and wondered if whether or not it was actually worth it. He had only just recently joined Cao Cao, and so far he had been pleased that he did – Cao Cao was a man that rewarded based on merit, he had even witnessed Cao Cao execute friends and family for failing him, that in terms of the military conduct – was great. It was just a shame that the people were in fear because of it.
Hsiang Yu was by the throne when Cao Pi and Lady Zhen Ji entered the palace halls, they spoke briefly to one another, before Hsiang decided that it was time to go introduce himself. He found Zhen’s last words confusing, for she had only just met the man she wished to marry. Still – that too was not his concern, what Cao Pi did was his business, Hsiang had far better things to conclude in his spare time then the relations of that of his masters sons marriage arrangements.
“Greetings.” He said at last, smiling as the two turned to face him, “I am Hsiang Yu, treasurer of Xu Chang and political figure-head of the army. I have been expecting you lord Cao Pi, how has your trip been?”
He bowed his head and turned to Zhen Ji, “My master is away at the moment, trialled with the war of Chang An, maybe Cao Pi and I can be of assistance however, for between us we control the empire.”
Once he had finished, he called for maids to come and offer them drinks, “My lord will be expecting you on his return. Although I am curious Lord Cao Pi, how you have fared over the months, we have received very few reports from our neighbouring contenders, maybe you can help me – lord Cao Cao has left us orders to prepare the defences of Xu Chang, for we, or rather – he, suspects an attack at anytime.”
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Post by Zhen Ji on Nov 14, 2009 0:41:49 GMT
Zhen got back on her feet and thought for a bit. "I wish to join this kingdom your lord has. Zhen look around the Palace. She was looking at the details. The maids came and gave Zhen some wine. Zhen took sips of the wine and said "Lord Hsiang Yu can you tell me about this Cao Cao " she took sips of the wine and waited for a response.
(Is this a bit better)
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Post by Cao Cao on Nov 14, 2009 2:17:21 GMT
(Yeah, try and add compound sentences and try and elaborate on your characters development. If you need any tips just let me know, I'd be more than happy to go over how to describe or elaborate more when it comes to creative writing.)
Hsiang Yu would have been able to answer Zhen Ji once, when he was in fact in doubt of that mans prowess. Now, he was not so sure that he could. Cao Cao was not a man that could be summed up in any formal type of way, he was not easily described and huge portions of the mans psychology was still unknown to the politician. Still, he bid a bow to the woman and spoke gently in response, maybe he would not answer her in the way she would want - but he would still answer her....somehow.
"Cao Cao is a strong man. A man with a dream, an ambition."
He took another glass of wine from a maid and bid her farewell, then - casually, he strolled over to the throne, where he sat himself on the lower seat that resided to the thrones left, there were a few other high court seats which he beckoned the woman to come sit on.
"But he is hard to understand, to grasp. I often feel like he is above me, his humanity - his ideology, it is breath taking, even awe inspiring. He believes in a conduct of war, but he is also a gentle man at the same time. Heck, I even saw him try and kill himself after failing a military law he had imposed on his soldiers. He is a strange man, there is no doubt about that."
He smiled briefly, taking the warm cup to his chipper lips and taking in its murky contents, maybe Zhen Ji would categorise his master her own way, he believed that she would, maybe in good faith or in bad faith - everyone perceived his lord differently.
"But he is firm, honourable and he lives by a moral standing that I agree with. He is generous and he has been known as an able minister in times of peace. His true excellence shines in military affairs however, which is why he has given his sons a brilliant education, so that they might run the foundations in which he builds. He has a very, long term goal - something hard to achieve, and even harder to ever truly reach. His dream is not something you can pray for, or dream of. It is and will forever be beyond my simple understanding. But i follow him, because he inspires hope and honour, bravery and courage. He is a very bold, yet honourable man, just like his children."
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Post by Zhen Ji on Nov 14, 2009 2:27:11 GMT
Zhen went over and sat next to Hsiang Yu. She was thing thinking if she should join or not. "Your lord seems like a nice person" Zhen took a sip of wine "My dear friend is there any way to join him on his quest." Zhen took a long gulp of wine. "Also can I have some more wine.
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Post by Cao Cao on Nov 14, 2009 2:37:33 GMT
Hsiang Yu smiled, "My lord needs many things, ranging from politicans, warriors to speakers and visual aids. I am sure that My lord would be honoured to welcome such a prestiged Lady to his fiefdom."
He called for a maid to return with more wine, and took it upon himself to personally fill the womans glass. He had not known how long it had been since he was among the company of women, and he sort of enjoyed it. It was serene and gentle, like a cool breeze that washed away the thoughts of war.
"Have as much wine as you need my lady." He smiled again, and then turned to Cao Pi, who he beckoned to draw closer. "Although we serve the Han, Cao Cao claims the fiefdom and nation of Wei as the Han's military army and welcomes anyone to its ranks. Allow this to be a toast."
He raised his class mid-speech and smiled brightly, showing his darker gums and his aging teeth. "Let this be the start of something wonderful."
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Post by Zhen Ji on Nov 14, 2009 2:41:51 GMT
Zhen was pleased with the answer she had gotten"Agreed" as she rasied her cup waited for Cao Pi to answer.
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Post by Cao Pi on Nov 14, 2009 12:29:15 GMT
It was very straight up and at the same time putting one on the spot this isnt usually something that a person would come up and ask a prince as part of her greeting. But faze him it did not, it was rather interesting to have such a 'question' to have to start. As they say around the lands first impression do make quite an impact on someone. Simply raising his eyebrow at her, only one as he was about to speak a familiar voice spoke lowering his eyebrow he turned to see his fathers trusted vassel. Bringing his hands together in front of his chest and bowing his head in respect for the treasurer of Wei.
Yet another question was directed at him but this one was more on his level and further more it was suspicion if anything or perhaps it was more of a hunch though with the current state of the land it was perhaps a good thing that his father was onto something. For Wei had without a doubt lost the battle of Chi Bi, it was something that his father could have predicted using the very elements to defeat an enemy that vastly outnumbered the others.
Plotting was the downfall there was none other than Zhuge Liang that could possibly made the Wu\Shu campaign succeed as it did against the talented likes of the Wei soldiers. This brought along more studies to aid Cao Pi's many talents which were only brought out more by the many tutors that came to teach them as much as they knew. Seeing as there was nothing that could possibly sway his leadership at this very moment this would be no better time than to put his acquired intellect to use.
The only sound making his way towards the two was the sound of his feet hitting the floor echoing around the foyer of the palace. With a flick of his hair infront of his eyes he spoke to the two of them. ''Mistress Zhen Ji, your offer is most intriguing but I must decline at this moment, there are other matters to attend to first.'' This was to not sound rude or offensive, it was just to sound as polite as possible. With that said and done he moved over to focus at Hsiang Yu a trusted officer of his father and if he earned the trust of his father than he was instantly trusted by Cao Pi.
''Master Hsiang Yu, In our current state of affairs I do believe we should bolster defenses after my fathers loss at Chi Bi, there maybe a sense of weakness to other armies. What is your take on our situation?'' Bold question, straight to the point it was a chance to view the situation on Hsiang Yu insight.
What was Wei to do was it a chance for armies of the Wu/Shu coalition to attack Wei and defeat them or was it time for personal gain ripping the coalition apart? Many thoughts and figures appeared into his mind at this point in time but it was only for when his father got back from his success in battle. This was a time when Wei could prove just how deadly they can be and these next few months were absolutely crucial to that plan.
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Post by Jia Xu on Nov 15, 2009 2:42:05 GMT
Xu Chang. The ancient capital had sprawled out from the majestic palace that rested at its heart and now after so many years stood as a proud testimony to the power wielded by Cao Mengde and his Kingdom of Wei. The Central Plains had long been the region that men of ambition sought to claim, holding in its political boundaries some of the greatest cities in the country, not to mention being a strategically sound position to expand from provided that a would-be conqueror struck boldly.
This day, a man with the ambition and courage to strike boldly sat on the throne in the palace of Xu Chang.
Of course, such a man would need many to aid him: brave warriors to fight in his army, to lead by example and challenge the might of his enemies as well as cunning strategists, men with the leave to ponder and consider the various angles and approaches to the long-term issues facing the kingdom. The true test of the man would not be in his ability to simply lead men or postulate on the grand scheme of things, but rather, it would be centered on his ability to adapt, to respond to changes and formulate clear solutions in the heat of the direst of circumstances.
An unabashed gasp from his side turned his thoughts back to the walk to the palace, and Wenhe offered the young woman riding on his horse a smile.
”I told you it would be a big city, yes?”
She pulled the scarf around her neck up so that it covered the lower portion of her face; a gesture that Wenhe had come to interpret as surprise or perhaps, nervousness.
“[It is too much!]”
He laughed lightly which elicited a look of embarrassment from her.
“Come now, not everyone lives in herding camps. You told me you wanted to come along and meet our lord.”
“”
“He does not because Bing providence is too remote to be an effective center of power. When people live in the way that ours do, it is to the benefit of a competent leader to live in such a place.”
She had neither the means nor the willingness to debate the issue and simply wrapped her arms around herself.
“[It is too much.]”
They pressed onward, passing the markets and through grand plazas where uncountable sounds and sights swirled about in a riot of color and music. Wenhe reveled in the whirlwind of activity, and his companion seemed to want to find her own interests amongst the throngs. As soon as we are done here, you will be free to seek your fancy here.
Approaching the palace, Wenhe motioned for his companion to dismount and approached the guards with her in tow.
“I am Jia Xu, minister of the Han and I seek entry and an audience with Lord Mengde to discuss my employ with him.”
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Post by Zhen Ji on Nov 16, 2009 3:37:14 GMT
Zhen took a sip of wine "It is fine lord Pi." Zhen looked at the distance and saw a man who just spoke "Lord Cao Cao is not here right now." Zhen took another sip of wine and waited for anyone to respond.
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